Farnham Roller Hockey Club’s women’s team used the final flurry of roller hockey action before the Christmas break to go top of the Female Premier League.

They travelled to King’s Lynn for their last two matches of 2025 in their second tournament of the Female Premier League season.

Farnham won one and lost one in the first tournament, and they took to the rink hopeful they could beat Middlesbrough for a second time.

Middlesbrough are the reigning Female Premier League champions and an experienced team. Although Farnham had lots of possession they could not capitalise, and Middlesbrough took their chances to lead 3-0 at half-time.

The game was fast-paced, with plenty of accurate passes and shots on goal by both teams. Farnham were playing as if the game did not feel out of reach, and a superb close range goal from Hannah ten minutes into the second half gave them confidence.

Even though Middlesbrough had a larger squad, the Farnham team dug deep and looked like they could pull the game back. Erin scored a tap-in second goal from a cross provided by Lelani, and with five minutes left on the clock Farnham had momentum.

Middlesbrough needed to regain their composure, but Lois capitalised and only 12 seconds after the restart scored an amazing individual goal after making an interception.

Farnham had made a fantastic comeback to be level at 3-3. Middlesbrough stepped up the pace and made numerous charges at goal, but keeper Hattie made some fantastic saves to keep them at bay.

With 45 seconds of the game remaining, Erin got a steal in the opposition half and flicked the ball past the Middlesbrough keeper for the winning goal. The final score was 4-3 in a thrilling start to the day.

Playing back-to-back games at that level is tough going, but the Farnham team, buzzing with energy from their first match, started with some confidence against Colchester.

The game was full of expectation and in the sixth minute Erin scored her third goal of the day from a rebound, allowing Farnham to settle into the game.

Colchester did not let up and Farnham goalkeeper Courtney had to stay alert through many attacks.

Farnham stayed strong, and Lucy, Hannah and Erin scored further first-half goals to give them a 4-0 lead at half-time.

The second half was end-to-end stuff. Farnham tried to control the game with movement and passing, but Colchester were reading the game. It took 13 minutes before another goal, this time by Lois.

Three more followed - second goals for Lois and Lucy, and Sophie's first league strike. Colchester were still pushing hard, and scored with seven minutes left. The game finished 8-1.

Farnham were happy with their day, having secured top spot in the Female Premier League standings going into the Christmas break, with three wins out of four to start their first Female Premier League season.

Team coach and club president Adam Collis said: “I am really proud of everyone today. Great play, lots of possession and passing, and 100 per cent effort from start to finish. The results were well deserved.”

In their first year in this league, their great teamwork and consistency with passing and movement has shown just how much Farnham have improved and learned as the season has progressed.

Sarah Lloyd