Barnes Hockey Club women were just pipped for a place in the national play-offs despite beating Staines 5-2 in their final game of the season, writes Mike Thomas.

They finished level on points with Cannock, but could not match their superior goal difference.

However, a sixth straight win means Barnes finished 17 points clear of third place.

Barnes had to come from behind last weekend with goals from skipper Sarah Cornwell, Gemma Dunnett, Liz Fox, Michelle Stone and Triona Doyle.

Cornwell's said: “We have had a successful season, a great run with an unfortunate blip or two but we've all enjoyed it.

“Only one team from each of the four Conferences gets a shot at the play-offs and we crossed our fingers that Cannock might slip up against Bristol Firebrands.

“In the event I guess their 9-1 victory shows we were a tad optimistic.”

Meanwhile in the Southern Premier Barnes men who had been in one of the two promotion slots all season crashed 4-1 at Eastbourne to finish third.

Over the season the Lonsdale Road club ended with the second highest goal tally in the league but the goals against column is the most telling statistic with the Lonsdale Road side conceding as many as they scored and more than any other team except relegated Havant.

“No one can accuse us of not entertaining,” said captain Mark Broad.