In the East Region Women's Veterans Tournament, reigning champions Chelmsford Highway were unable to hang onto their title as they finished runners-up to Ipswich at their Tuddenham Road ground on Sunday.

Despite having lost three key players in the week leading up to the tournament, Chelmsford got off to a good start by winning the first of six games.

A Chris Thomas strike two minutes from time was enough for victory over Cambridge City, in a game that Chelmsford had dominated.

The same scoreline brought success in their second game, Margeritte Gill netting the all important goal to see off St Albans.

Then came the crunch match against the host team, Ipswich.

Both sides created chances but it was the Suffolk outfit who made the most of theirs, scoring twice, and Chelmsford were unable to reply.

Disappointed by this defeat, they found it difficult to lift themselves for their next game against Kent champions Sevenoaks, and in what was their poorest performance of the day, Chelmsford lost 1-0 and fell out of the running for top spot.

Eager to secure second place however, Chelmsford picked themselves up for their final two matches.

Gill and Helen Bastian scored a goal each to secure a 2-0 win over Harleston Magpies, and the same two players were on target again in their final game against Yellowbellies, with Thomas and captain Lynn Bollington completing the scoring in a 4-0 rout.

Chelmsford were obviously disappointed to have missed out on the opportunity of defending their National title with winners Ipswich going through to represent the East this year.

Chelmsford however, will be back again next season to try to win back the title.

n Chelmsford Highway face the biggest game of their season tomorrow (Saturday) as they take on Clifton in the semi-final of the H.A. Cup at the National Stadium in Milton Keynes.

Chelmsford have reached this stage for the second successive year, and will hope to go one better this time as they lost to Slough in last season's fixture.

Their record against Clifton in the league this year of one win and a draw is encouraging for Chelmsford but they won't be complacent, knowing that those results count for nothing on the day.

Captain Jo Green summed up the feeling in the Chelmsford camp, saying ''it's exciting still being involved in such a prestigious competition at this stage.

''We know we have a chance but it's going to be a difficult game. We will have to work hard but we're ready for it."

Chelmsford's two main injury worries are Tracy Wilmore (shoulder) and Julie Parrott (back) but both are hoping to be fit to take their place in the line up on Saturday.

If Chelmsford are successful in the semi-final they will face either Loughborough students or Sutton Coldfield in the final the next day, also at Milton Keynes.

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