JUBILANT Woodbridge Amazons will be just two steps from Premiership rugby next season after lifting the WRUFC National Challenge South East 1 League.

The Amazons have gone the whole season unbeaten and claimed the title on Saturday after their opponents, Portsmouth Valkyries, pulled out of the match late last week.

This meant the all-conquering girls could not be caught, much to the delight of team captain EJ Stearn who said: “The team has been fantastic and turned out in all conditions to train and build upon last season’s performance to achieve this promotion.

“I’d like to thank coach Roger Coombs. Without his persistence, discipline and dedication we wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Despite the last minute no-show from their South Coast opponents, a record crowd still turned up at Hatchley Barn to see the Amazons play a Barbarians team – thanks in no small part to some frantic phone calls by Stearn and some stoic volunteering to ensure a game went ahead.

The sunshine added to a festival atmosphere as the Amazons took on their plucky opponents with a predictable outcome which showcased some of the high class scrummaging and three-quarters running style that has earned the Woodbridge ladies team league honours this season.

Looking ahead to what will be a difficult challenge next season, Stearn said: “Team spirit has been key to going up a league and it will be critical to staying up. We have one or two changes with retirements and our challenge will be to give new players the spirit that has got us here.”