Mansfield Hockey Club 4th XI are celebrating a terrific season after finishing champions.

They topped England Hockey Division 10 North East after a thrilling end to the campaign.

After a tough season going head-to-head against Beeston 9s at the top of the table, Mansfield trailed their rivals with three matches remaining.

They had lost at Highfields in the first half of the season, and that result was all that separated the two teams. But when the reverse fixture came in March, Mansfield gained revenge with a vital 3-1 victory at their Kingsway Park home in Kirkby.

That meant they needed to avoid defeat against Belper 8s the following week to win the league — and they did it in style.

With a strong squad for the crunch match — and a lot of support on the sidelines for the 5pm start any concerns that Mansfield would fall apart under the pressure were quickly dispelled with a 14-0 success — the highest scoring game in the division all season.

Captain Louis Brown said: “It has been an absolute honour to captain, coach, and play with these lads for the season. Every single game has been played with nothing but smiles and dedication.

“I couldn’t have done any of it without my vice-captain, Neil Goddard, an absolute legend of the sport!”

Mansfield Hockey Club, which includes a junior section, masters team, and an England over-70s international, welcomes new players. Training is in Kirkby on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For information go to mansfieldhc.co.uk or the club’s Facebook page.