Super 6s Preview: Repton v Buckingham

Repton’s women are making their Super 6s Finals Day debut this weekend when they take on defending champions Buckingham in the second women’s semi-final.

You can read the full preview ahead of what is set to be a cracking encounter below.

Road to the Copper Box

In their first season in the Premier Division, Repton put in an impressive showing as they finished second in the table. They won six of their eight games, reaching double figures against Wimbledon and Holcombe, and finished as top scorers in the competition.

Buckingham began the defence of the title they won in 2020 with wins over Wimbledon and Holcombe in their opening two games, while they went on claim victory in two more matches before finishing with a pair of draws to sit third in the group.

Super 6s history

Buckingham have appeared at two Super 6s Finals Days in recent history, reaching the final on both occasions. They beat Bowdon in the semi-finals via a shootout in 2019 before being defeated in the final by East Grinstead. They went one better the following year though, gaining revenge on East Grinstead in the semis before beating Bowdon once again to lift the trophy.

Having only formed an indoor team in 2016, Repton have rapidly risen through the leagues, appearing in the Premier Division for the first time this season before reaching their maiden Finals Day. Will they pull off a remarkable victory?

Head-to-head

The two met for the first time in the Premier Division earlier this month, playing out a thrilling 6-6 draw. Here’s hoping there will be plenty more goals and excitement on Sunday.

Players to watch

Six of Buckingham’s title winners from 2020 could feature once again this weekend, including Abbie Brant, who scored the winner in the final and found the net five times during qualification. Rebecca van Arrowsmith will once again provide a big threat from set pieces, while Lottie Porter scored three times last Finals Day and will be hoping to repeat the feat. Maddie Newlyn scored five goals in the Premier Division, with Natasha James finding the net on four occasions – both also played in Buckingham’s victory two years ago.

There’s plenty of experience in the Repton team, who are captained by Olympic bronze medallist and indoor legend Sally Walton. She was on fire during qualification, topping the goalscoring charts with 19 strikes in total. She’s joined by fellow England and GB international Ellie Watton, with Germany’s Janne Müller-Wieland also set to feature. There’s plenty of youth in their squad too, with England U21 international Claudia Swain scoring 11 goals during qualification and a number of other teenagers also set to play.