BRETFORTON moved into the Investec Plate National Women’s Over 45s final at London’s Lee Valley Stadium.

They beat St Albans on penalty flicks in the semis after a breathtaking 2-2 draw.

Bret’s strong team spirit helped them produce one of their best performances to beat a side who were potentially stronger on paper.

The hosts, coached by Julie Stowe, made a confident start and Julie Hall’s blistering run down the right and pull-back was finished off by Danni Cox at the second attempt following a block from the keeper.

St Albans equalised from a smart short-corner routine and had a potential second late in the first half disallowed for an infringement.

But Hall repeated the trick at the other end for Bret and this time Andrea Cole applied a clinical finish to make it 2-1.

Captain Lisa Workman raced through the centre with Ness Dufty and Tess Lewinton unfortunate not to capitalise on chances.

Blanche Surman defended well for Bret and cleared the ball off the line while keeper Vicky Watkins made a string of saves.

Despite Watkins’ efforts, St Albans levelled with 10 minutes left.

Bret went close to a late winner but Cox could not get her shot away after Workman’s snaking run.

The Vale side won the toss for the penalty flicks and opted to take first.

Lucy Wilkes eventually gave them the victory in sudden death with her second successful flick after Lewinton had two efforts saved.

Sylvia Thomas and Hall were also denied by saves while Cox hit the post but Watkins evened things up with some stops of her own.

The final is on April 29 (11am) and support is welcome.

Anyone interested can visit @brethockey on Facebook or go to bretfortonladieshockey.com.