JENNIFER FLEMING netted five times as Swindon TopCats thrashed Milton Keynes Falcons 14-2 to seal the British Women's Division One South League title, writes DAVE EATON.
They moved into an unassailable position six points clear at the top of the table of nearest rivals Chelmsford Cobras who have 24 points but only three games remaining.
Swindon still have two games left - Oxford University away for double points and Basingstoke Bison Ladies at home on May 4.
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This is the third year in a row that TopCats have won the south crown.
This latest success was their 15th straight win, which has seen them notch 160 goals and only concede 18.
Laura Merrick was close behind Fleming in the scoring stakes with four goals, while the club's top scorer Ruth Leopold bagged a brace as TopCats went on another scoring spree.
Swindon dominated a one-sided affair, outshooting MK Falcons 61-9, with both Amy Woodward and Sue Hart in the Swindon net virtual spectators.
Goals from Laura Merrick (2), Leopold and Fleming gave TopCats a 4-1 lead at the first break.
Further strikes from Leopold, Fleming and a powerplay effort from Lyanne Diotte increased the advantage to 7-2.
The final session was one-way traffic as Swindon fired in seven unanswered goals. Fleming netted three times to take her tally to five while Merrick struck a brace to take her total to four.
Diotte added a single strike while the final goal came at 55.34 from defender Vicki Hart.
TopCats next league match is away on Saturday, April 26, to Oxford University.
The final league game is home to Basingstoke Bison Ladies.
TopCats can then turn their attentions to the Division One play-off final against the northern winners (Telford or Sheffield) in Sheffield on May 24 or 25.
If successful, TopCats would then have a chance of making the promotional play-offs in Coventry the following weekend and achieving their goal, which they have missed out on the last two years - a place back in the Women's Premier League.
TopCats scorers: Fleming 5goals + 1assist; Merrick 4+3; Leopold 2+3; Diotte 2+1; V Hart 1+0; Becci Hargreaves and Sarah Bennett both 0+2; Lynn Taylor 0+1.
Period scores: 4-1; 3-1; 7-0.
Shots on goal: TopCats 61; Falcons 9.
Penalty mins: TopCats 10; Falcons 8.
Are you interested in playing ladies ice hockey? TopCats will be holding an open session at the Link Centre on Thursday, April 24, from 8.15-9.30pm and everyone is welcome. Check their website for more details www.swindontopcats.org.uk
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