Surbiton’s women won their 18th league match of the season to finish top of the third successive phase of the English competition as they beat East Grinstead 2-1.

Both sides had already assured their passage through to next weekend’s finals weekend which Surbiton will host at Sugden Road. It means a busy end to their season with the EHL FINAL8 coming a week later.

As such, this one was just to determine who took the top seeding. It started at a fast and furious pace; EG took the lead in the seventh minute with a Liv Breed field goal, but Surbiton equalised from a penalty corner routine three minutes later, Leah Wilkinson deflecting home a delivery from Giselle Ansley.

The winner came before half-time with Sophie Hamilton smashing into the roof of the net following a smart one-two along the baseline with Alice Sharp.

Surbiton captain Steph Elliott said after the game in the club’s match report by Tony Jones: “Playing a competitive game against EG has really added to the momentum we needed going into the Finals Weekend. 

“I was really pleased with the girls’ performance – we showed composure, discipline and still learnt some important lessons. We’re really looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd at Sugden Road next weekend and celebrating the success of the club and the legacy we have created.”

Hamilton’s goal took her to 16 for the season, ensuring that she tops the league’s goalscoring charts just ahead of EG’s Tess Howard and Sophie Bray. 

At the other end of the pitch, L1 goalkeeper Sabbie Heesh wins the Golden Gloves award after marshalling her defence to nine clean sheets across the league season.

Surbiton will play Hampstead & Westminster – 2-1 winners over Wimbledon – in their semi-final next weekend while East Grinstead come up against Clifton Robinsons who beat University of Nottingham 4-3.