ARCHIVE NEWS

February 2007

Two TopCats make GB inline team
Congratulations to Becci Hargreaves and Laura Merrick, who have both been selected to represent Great Britain at the forthcoming FIRS Women's World Inline Hockey Championships, to be held in Bilbao, Spain, on July the 8th till the 14th.

August 2006

All change for the new season
The new roster for the 2006-2007 season is taking shape, and there have been lots of movements both in and out of the club. The team would first of all like to welcome to the club, Becci Hargreaves, Ami Merrick, Laura Merrick and Sue Hart, who have signed from Cardiff Comets, plus Lydia Howton from Milton Keynes Falcons, and two ex-TCs, netminder Amy Johnson, who has returned after a break from hockey and Tanya Kemble (McStravick), who has returned after a break to have two children. The new players will be fabulous additions to the team and will hopefully help the TopCats back up to the Premier League this season. They will be aided by our new coach (possibly player-coach!) Jenny Armstrong. Jenny has recently passed her level 2 coaching qualification with flying colours and is looking forward to the challenge of her first position as head coach.

On the downside though, the team have to say a sad goodbye to a number of players. Captain and assistant captain Vanda Tanner and Lynn Taylor have departed for Cardiff Comets, top scorer Emma Hindmarch has joined Slough Phantoms, and Amy Hadden has moved to London Nighthawks. We wish all of them good luck with their new clubs. Vanda and Lynn will be particularly missed because of all they have done for the team over the years, in particular organising the Swindon tournament, raising funds for the club with initiatives such as the calendar, and generally being a shoulder to cry on for lots of players (and coaches!). Player of the year Vicki Benson is also taking a year out of hockey - come back soon Vixter! - and we have two TCs who will miss some or all of the season as they are pregnant (Ruth and Louise)! Finally, we would like to thank last season's coach Nick Taylor for a great year of dedicated and hard work at coaching the team and leading us to the league and playoff titles. Thanks Nick.

With all the changes there were also some new appointments within the club. Congratulations to ex-Danish international and last season's defender of the year Line Voss, who has been appointed as the new club captain. She will be assisted by new signing Becci Hargreaves, whose experience has been rewarded with an immediate call-up as assistant captain, along with Sarah-Jane Davies, who has been rewarded for years of loyal serivce to the team. Good luck in your new roles Line, Becci and SJ!

June 2006

End of season awards night
At the end of season do, held in the Prince of Wales on June 10th, defender Vicki (Vixter!) Benson (Hart!) was the big winner, coming away with the player of the year and player's player - WELL DONE VIXTER!! The other awards went to Ruth Leopold - best forward, Line Voss - best defence, and Sarah-Jane Davies - most improved. Well done to all the award winners - hopefully there will be some pictures of the night in the gallery soon.

October 2005

New signings include a trio of imports!
Swindon have boosted their squad ahead of the new campaign with the signing of three imports, one of the top forwards in Division One, and some promising youngsters. Danish defender Line Voss, Canadian forward Lyanne Diotte and Norwegian (via Oxford!) forward Gunni Paulsen have all signed, giving the TopCats an international flavour for the new season! They will be joined by Oxford City Zodiacs' top scorer Amy Hadden, who has followed coach Nick Taylor down the A420. In addition, talented young netminder, 12 year old Rachel Pullen, will be playing for the TopCats as well as her junior team this season, as will defender Becki Weston. Welcome to the TopCats Line, Lyanne, Gunni, Amy, Rachel and Becki!

September 2005

TopCats welcome new coaching line-up
The TopCats would like to officially welcome new head coach Nick Taylor, who joins the team after having been coach of the Oxford City Zodiacs for a number of years. He will be joined as assistant coach by Markus Lehmann, who currently plays for the Oxford City Stars and Swindon Panthers, and coaches the Swindon Northstars rec team. Welcome Nick and Markus!

Interview with new head coach Nick Taylor

How long have you been involved in hockey (playing or coaching)?

[Taylor, Nick] Since 1994

Which teams have you played for/coached?

[Taylor, Nick] Swindon TopCats, Oxford City Zodiacs (coached) Oxford Planets, Oxford Bulls

What have been your best and worst moments in hockey?

[Taylor, Nick] Worst moment was coaching in my first ever game when we lost 10 - 0. I'd been in the post for two days and didn't know what was what and we were playing the league leaders! I thought never again and
worked very hard to turn the team round

[Taylor, Nick] Best moment was again coaching when we played a tough away cup match against Nottingham with a short bench and won!

How do you think the TopCats will do this season?

[Taylor, Nick] They have the ability to win the league and will do so if they bring the right attitude to every training session and game

What do you think you can bring to the TopCats as coach?

[Taylor, Nick] As well as having extensive experience of Southern Division One, I have been watching the team for all of last season. I have seen the team's strengths and weaknesses and know what is required to get the team to win the league by focusing on their strengths and reducing their weaknesses

How do you think the TopCats can improve as a team?

[Taylor, Nick] They need to play more as a team and less as six individual on the ice!

Who do you think will be the main challengers in D1 South this year and why?

[Taylor, Nick] Basingstoke and Romford challenged for the title last year and should be strong again this year; Chelmsford is a strong team with a great goalie; Invicta have been developing well over the last few years and could be in with a chance too. However, every team will want to play well against the Topcats as they have come down from the Premier so I don't expect too many easy games

July 2005

Disaster as TopCats relegated for the first time in their history
The TopCats finally lost their proud Premier League place after a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Streatham Storm in the league's promotion/relegation playoff decider. After finishing second-bottom in the Premier League, and with the women's committe decision to reduce the size of the Premier League by one team, the TopCats had to win the game to stay up, but a goal from the Storm a few minutes from the end of a hard-fought game condemned the TopCats to play in Division One South for the first time in 14 years. The good news is that the TCs have retained most of their Premier League squad for the new season, and with the possibility of some new signings, the team will be hoping to come straight back up!

May 2005

End of season awards
At the end of season awards night, held on Friday May 6th at the Prince of Wales in Old Town, player of the year was won by Lynn Taylor, players' player of the year and most improved was Vicki Benson, best forward was Jenny Armstrong and best defence was Vanda Tanner. Well done to all the award winners.

TopCats on a knife edge
The TopCats will have to wait until the women's section AGM in June to find out their fate for next season. After a surprising change of rules halfway through the season, the TopCats submitted an appeal and are now waiting to hear whether they will be relegated to Division One South outright, or face a relegation playoff as the original rules stated. Relegation would bring to an end a proud 14 year uninterrupted stay in the women's Premier League.

April 2005

Cats reach the cup final!
The TopCats have reached the final of the women's knockout cup for the second time in three years, and will again face Bracknell Queen Bees, in Chelmsford on Sunday May 22nd. The team reached the final by beating Basingstoke and Telford.

Neee-naw nee-naw!
Many congratulations to TopCat Catherine Fry, who this month passed out as an Ambulance Technician after successfully passing a grueling training course. Well done Cat, let's hope we don't need your new skills during any games!! PS: Tube him and bag him (copyright: ER!)

August 2004

Farewells
The TopCats are sorry to announce that three players have left the club. Netminder Amy Johnson has left to join Bracknell, Debbie Palmer will be joining Cardiff and defender Kirsty Krater moves to Guildford. Good luck to all three players with their new teams - except when they play against the TopCats of course!

End of season awards
The end of season awards night was held on Friday August 13th at the Woodshaw Inn in Wootton Bassett. The award winners were: Player of the year - Vanda Tanner, players' player of the year - Lynn Taylor, best forward - Ruth Leopold (Aspinall!), best defence - Debbie Palmer, most improved - Sarah-Jane Davies, cheerful endeavour - Vicki Benson. Well done to all the award winners!

Triple swoop from Oxford
The TopCats are pleased to announce the signing of three top players from Division One outfit Oxford City Zodiacs. Current British Ladies Friendship player of the tournament, netminder Denise Taylor, will be joining the team for the Premier League campaign, along with ex-TopCats defender and Zodiacs captain Louise Thompson and experienced defencewoman Jae Rance. Welcome to the team Dee, and Tomo and Jae!

New coaching line-up
The TopCats are very pleased to announce Simon Anderson as new head coach for the 2004/2005 season. Simon has been head coach of the Swindon Panthers for the last few years, and during his time with them they have become one of the best rec teams in the UK. Simon will be combining his role with the TopCats with that of assistant coach of the Swindon Wildcats, and will remain as Panthers head coach. Simon will also be assisted by Panthers colleague Marco Gambi, who will be the team's assistant coach. Welcome to the team Simon and Marco!

A move upstairs for Bob! And welcome to Mike
After more than 10 years as team manager, "Mr TopCats" Bob Townsend has left the post to become club president. Bob has done an amazing job during his time as manager, not only sorting out the considerable admin that comes with running a team, but also driving the girls to most away games, and stepping in as coach when needed, amongst many many other things! Club captain Vanda Tanner summed up Bob perfectly recently, when she said, "he's been like a second Dad to most of the team over the years." The whole TopCats organisation, since the club was formed by Bob in 1990, would like to express their immense gratitude for everything he has done for the team, which without a doubt would not even exist today if it wasn't for all his work. Of course Bob will still be around in his new role as president, but he has passed over the everyday running of the club to Mike Armstrong. Mike has been acting as assistant manager for a number of years now and was instrumental in setting up the successful EIHA women's knockout cup. Welcome and good luck Mike!

Kirsty signs up!
The TopCats are very pleased to announce the signing of talented young defender Kirsty Krater from Milton Keynes Falcons. Welcome to the team Kirsty, we hope you enjoy your time with the TopCats!

2002/2003 presentation night
Stella and Pete Minett kindly hosted this year's awards night at their house on Friday August 29th. A great night was had by all, and the award winners this year were:
Player of the year: Stella Minett,
Players' player of the year: Ruth Aspinall,
Best forward: Jenny Armstrong,
Best defence: Vanda Tanner,
Most improved: Ruth Aspinall,
Best endeavour: Steph Williams.
Attendance award: Stella Minett and Ruth Aspinall.
Many congratulations to all the award winners.

New kit!
The TopCats should hopefully be looking a lot smarter this season in our new kit! Due to the fact that we cannot order any more of our popular home 'pawprint' shirts, we have decided to order a brand new strip, as modelled by rec champs the Swindon Panthers. The new kit is red, with white and black trim and white socks. We've only worn it once so far and won 19-0, so hopefully it's a lucky one!!

Welcomes and goodbyes
We are very pleased to welcome a number of new players into the TopCats' squad for the new season. Joining the team from Bracknell Queen Bees is Amanda Carr. Amanda is an excellent young prospect and we hope she will enjoy her time at Swindon. Moving up from the Swindon junior set-up we are also delighted to see Lizze Archer and Danielle White sign on. We're sure Lizzie and Danielle will also be great assets to the team - for many years to come.
We also have a number of TopCats returning after spells away. A big welcome back to ex-GB goalie Amy Johnson, who returned over the summer after spells in Canada and Scotland. Also to ex-TopCats goalie Teresa Brewer - but this time as an outfield player! And to dedicated Mums Sarah-Jane Davies and Lynn Taylor!
On the sad side, we bade a fond farewell to two TCs who are off to university. Good luck to Emma Minett and Kim Richardson, who will be sadly missed, but hopefully back with the team before too long!

20 April 2003
Debbie skates into the job!
The TopCats are very pleased to announce that former GB international and British Women's speed-skating champion Debbie Palmer is to take over the coaching reigns. Debbie has recently hung up her speed skates and is back playing hockey after a few months out with injury. She will be combining coaching with playing and is hoping to use her considerable experience to boost the TopCats next season. Good luck Debs!

19 April 2003
Sweet Aza nut!
After a couple of great years as the team's head coach, we are sad to report that Gareth 'Aza' Endicott will be stepping down. Aza has worked tirelessly for the team over the past two seasons and the girls have learnt a lot from his coaching and his attitude towards hockey. The TopCats would like to thank him for everything he's done for the club and although we will miss Aza, we're sure he'll still be around lots, especially seeing as he married our goalie!! Good luck in your next career move Aza, which will sadly be like moving on from Man Utd i.e. only a step down from here!

16 February 2003
Happy 50th Birthday Stella!
The TopCats celebrated #36 Stella Minett's 50th birthday in style, beating Peterborough Penguins 12-0 in the Knockout Cup. HAPPY BIRTHDAY STELLA!

19 January 2003
Cup draw
After a walkover in the first round, it looks like the TopCats will be playing their first cup game of the season in round two. The TopCats have been drawn to play Division One newcomers Peterborough Penguins at home and the game is scheduled to take place at the Link Centre on Sunday February 16th at 7pm. The TopCats have never played Peterborough before, but the the Penguins did kindly lend the TopCats their netminder Angela Cox at the Oxford tournament this year, so they do have a partial ex-TopCat in their ranks!

28 September 2002
Good news at last!
After two departures, there was finally some good news for the team for the new season with the signing of talented Bristol youngster Helen Cheeseman. Helen has been playing junior hockey in Bristol for a few years and was lured to the club by fellow Bristolian Donna Bradshaw. Welcome to to the team Helen!

28 September 2002
Surf's up for J9!
More sad news to announce as another TopCat veteran Janine 'J9' Townsend will be leaving too, as she's off to Falmouth to do a masters (and some surfing no doubt!) this year. Janine was one of the original TopCats in 1990 and like Lynn has been a great player and personality for the club over the past 12 years. We hope she has a great time 'down south' and that she'll come back and visit soon!

17 September 2002
Bye bye Turbo!
Sad news for the TopCats this week as Lynn 'Turbo' Taylor has decided to hang up her skates this season in order to spend more time with her daughter Lauren. Lynn has been a great player for the TopCats over the years and we will miss her on and off the ice this season.

2 August 2002
Another TC wedding?!
The awards night had a great surprise ending when Lynx and England player Andrew Shurmer got on the mic at the end of the evening and proposed to TopCat Michelle Groundwater - who accepted! CONGRATULATIONS to Mich and Shurms on your engagement. Check out the picture gallery for more photos of the awards night.

2 August 2002
Award winners
The TopCats' annual end of season awards night was held at the Hilton Hotel on Friday night. Congratulations to the award winners who were: Player of the year - Jenny Armstrong, Player's player of the year - Ruth Aspinall, Best defence - Vanda Tanner, Best forward - Ruth Aspinall, Most improved - Kim Richardson, Coach's award - Vicki Benson, Best endeavour - Michelle Groundwater.

15 July 2002
The magnificent seven
Well done to the seven TopCats who turned out and won the annual Oxford tournament held at the weekend. Due to holidays and other commitments, only Vanda Tanner, Ruth Aspinall, Janine Townsend, Debbie Palmer, Emma Hindmarch, Sarah Griffin and Danielle White could make it, and with the help of the Peterborough and Oxford goalies, beat Oxford Uni 7-1 in the semi-final and Oxford City 9-3 in the final to bring the trophy back to the Link Centre. Emma Hindmarch was the top scorer and player of the tournament for the TopCats, and Debbie Palmer made a welcome appearance after recovering from a long-term back injury.

29 June 2002
Wedding Bells!
CONGRATULATIONS to coach Gareth Endicott and netminder Lisa Gill who were married on Saturday the 29th of June in Swindon. There were plenty of TopCats and Lynx in attendance and we even got a mention during the ceremony!! Everyone connected with the TopCats wishes Gareth and Lisa a very happy future together xx.

17 June 2002
Cats lose out on penalties
The TopCats organised and hosted yet another successful British Women's Friendship Tournament at the weekend. The Swindon girls had a very shaky start on the Saturday, with a combination of sloppy play and bad luck leading to three 1-0 defeats, but after some strong words from coach Gareth Endicott the team came storming back on the Sunday and won 5 and drew 1 of their 6 games. This took them into a semifinal match-up against unbeaten table-toppers Cardiff Comets. The game was a tight and tense affair, with not much to choose between the two teams, and ended in a 0-0 tie. This meant a sudden-death penalty shoot-out which unfortunately went the way of the Comets as Helen Pugsley converted after Emma Hayman had saved Jenny Armstrong's attempt. Cardiff then went on to beat Bracknell Queen Bees, also on penalties, in the final. Swindon can be proud of the way they turned things around, however, and can hopefully take Sunday's rather than Saturday's form into next season! Special congratulations to TopCat Jenny Armstrong who was deservedly named Swindon's tournament MVP after finishing as the 2nd top scorer in the tournament, and also to youngster Lizzie Archer who was named her team's MVP in the under 15 game.

5 May 2002
Full time
The TopCats wrapped up the 2001/2002 season in style, travelling to Billingham to beat the Wildcats 7-1. The result gave Swindon a tie for 5th place in the final league table, obviously a big improvement from last season's bottom finish, but disappointingly just short of a play-off spot. The team, under the guidance of coach Gareth Endicott, will be hoping to carry this improvement through to next season and be challenging for honours this time next year.

15 February 2002
SOLD OUT!
The TopCats' Hot Ice 2002 Calendar has proved to be a massive success and all 400 calendars have now been sold. Well done to everyone for making this such a great venture, particularly Vanda, Stella, Lisa, Janine, Lynn and Fiona for selling so many, and 'postie' Bob for handling the orders. Also a massive thanks to everyone who bought one, bringing much-needed funds into the club - and brightening up your walls I bet!

29 December 2001
Amy comes home!
There was another major boost for the TopCats squad this week when Great Britain netminder Amy Johnson transferred from Premier League rivals Bracknell Queen Bees. Amy is originally from Swindon, started out her hockey career with the TopCats, and has played for the club for a number of seasons. She has recently moved back to Swindon to write up her thesis and the team are very pleased to welcome her home! Amy also plays for the Oxford City Stars in the English National League South and recently became the first female keeper to start and win in a senior men's game when she backstopped the Stars to a 7-4 victory over Telford. Amy's transfer will also be a relief to TopCats current (and previously only!) netminder Lisa Gill. Lisa is having another tremendous season between the pipes for the TopCats and now Amy has signed the pressure of being the only goalie in the squad will be lifted.

18 November 2001
Olympian signs!
Swindon received a boost at training this week when the hugely talented former TopCat, GB international and current British short-track speed skating star Debbie Palmer arrived at the Link and signed for the TopCats for the 2001/2002 season. Debbie is currently preparing to compete in the Winter Games in Salt Lake City in early 2002, and although this means she'll only be able to turn out for the TopCats occasionally, the team are delighted that she has signed and we wish her all the best for the Olympics next year. Bring us back a medal Debbie!

23 August 2001
New captain announced
The TopCats are delighted to announce that the new team captain for the 2001-2002 season will be defence-woman and current players' player of the year Vanda Tanner. Vanda has been organising the hugely successful Swindon Friendship Tournament for a number of years now, and we're all sure her enthusiasm and leadership skills will make her a great captain for the team.

16 August 2001
Super Sally hangs up the C
After nine awesome years as captain of the team, Sally Gibson has decided to step down and hang up her C. Sally has done an unbelievable amount for the TopCats over the years and the team couldn't have done without her. Everyone connected with the TopCats over the past decade would like to thank Sally for everything she's done on and off the ice, hope you have a nice relaxing year Sal!

1 August 2001
TopCats secure quality coaching line-up
The TopCats received a major boost this week when coach Gareth 'Aza' Endicott committed to the team for the 2001-2002 season. Gareth has been a fantastic coach since joining the team midway through last season, and the girls will be hoping to reward all his hard work with a bit of success this time round! More good news is that Gareth has also persuaded some of his Lynx team-mates, in particular Robin 'Gypsy' Davison and Lee 'DODO' Braithwaite, to help provide some specialist offensive and defensive training for the team.

22 July 2001
Party on!
A great night was had by all at the TopCats' end of season awards night and 10th anniversary celebrations, held at the Marsh Farm Hotel. This season's award winners were: Player of the year Lisa Gill, Players' player of the year Vanda Tanner, Best forward Ruth Aspinall, Best defence Vanda Tanner, Most improved Emma Minett, Coach's special award Lynn Taylor, Cheerful endeavour Vicki Benson.

There were also special awards given out to the current players who were founding members of the TopCats back in 1990. Congratulations to the 10-year TopCats who are: Sally Gibson, Catherine Fry, Stella Minett, Janine Townsend, Vanda Tanner, Lynn Taylor, Fiona Johnstone and Lisa Gill.

17 June 2001
TopCats celebrate as Premier League status is secured!
After a relatively successful tournament campaign, the TopCats received a further boost when it was announced that the Premier League is to expand by 1 team next season (to 9 teams in total), after Cardiff Comet's expansion proposal was passed by 7 votes to 1. The expansion means that the impending play-off series between the TopCats and the Division One champions the Billingham Wildcats will no longer need to take place, and Billingham will be promoted outright. Although it is disappointing that the TopCats can not now prove that they fully deserve a place in the Premier League, the cost saving from having to arrange the two games will be immense, and the TopCats will instead hope that their performances in the Premier League next season dispel any doubts as to which division they belong in!

17 June 2001
TopCats gain runners-up spot
The 6th British Womens Friendship Tournament was held in Swindon over the weekend and proved to be another huge success. Two days of excellent, enjoyable hockey by all 12 teams ended in victory for the Guildford Lightning. The TopCats also had a great tournament and battled all the way to the final, in what was the closest tournament ever, before losing out 2-1 to the Lightning, despite holding a one-goal lead at half-time. The TopCats showed some determined and spirited play during the weekend, especially in the two games against a talented Sheffield Shadows outfit, and will hope to take this form into next season. The TopCats' tournament MVP went to tireless defender Vanda Tanner (pictured), who not only had a great weekend on the ice, but also put in an enormous amount of work behind the scenes to ensure the tournament's success.

6 May 2001
The battle of the Cats!
The Swindon TopCats ended their 2000/2001 Premier League season with a 3-2 win at home to the Nottingham Vipers, but it was not enough to climb off the bottom of the table and the TopCats must now go into the relegation playoffs in order to retain their Premier League status. It is looking likely that the TopCats will have to face Division One North champions, the Billingham Wildcats, on a home and away basis, however a date for this meeting has yet to be confirmed by the league.

19 April 2001
End of season do
The TopCats' end of season presentation night, and 10th year celebration, has been arranged for Friday July 20th at Marsh Farm (about 3 minutes off Junction 16 of the M4). Tickets will cost £20.00 and this includes a three course meal and a disco. Guests are very welcome - for more information contact Vanda or Bob.

15 April 2001
TopCats make the playoffs!!
The TopCats' 0-3 loss to Guildford Lightning finally condemned the team to a bottom two finish and they must now compete in the end of season relegation playoffs for the first time. The dates and format of the playoffs are as yet unknown but will be posted on the Web site as soon as we know.

24 March 2001
Party time!
After what seems like an eternity, we have finally won a Premier League match!! An exciting game resulted in a 5-4 win for Swindon over the Cardiff Comets. The TopCats almost decided to throw the game away though, allowing Cardiff to come back from 5-1 down in the third period - well we always like to give Bob and Gareth a bit of excitement!!

22 March 2001
Double header
The postponed game away to Nottingham Vipers has been rescheduled for Sunday April 22nd, making it a double-header weekend with the TopCats also facing Sunderland Scorpions at Whitley Bay on Saturday April 21st. The club will be booking a coach and a hotel for what promises to be a great weekend - if any supporters would like to make the trip, which will include shopping at the Metro Centre and a night out on the town(!), please see Bob for details.

10 March 2001
Narrow defeats 'r' us!
The TopCats fought hard but again narrowly lost out in the Premier League, this time going down 2-3 to the Kingston Diamonds. The team, however, are improving every game and must surely pick up some points soon - although this definitely won't be next week at Nottingham, as the game against the Vipers has been cancelled due to a Tweenies concert!!!

4 March 2001
From top to bottom!
A narrow and unlucky loss to Premier League rivals Slough Phantoms, followed by a comprehensive Conference victory over 1st division Oxford City Zodiacs has boosted the team's confidence in the last couple of weeks, and means that the TopCats must be the 1st women's team ever to hold top position in the Conference, whilst being bottom of the Premier! The girls will be hoping to rectify that unenviable record over the next three crucial weeks as they face the three teams directly above them in the Premier.

18 Feb 2001
A winning streak!!
The TopCats kept up their mini revival with an impressive 5-2 win at Bracknell in the conference. Bracknell played a number of rookies, as well as some of their top players, but the Cats can still take heart from another improved performance. The real test, however, will come this Saturday when Slough Phantoms are the visitors in the Premier League. Lisa Gill and Ruth Aspinall will be particularly up for this match, as both are ex-Phantoms and will be looking to put one over their old team.

11 Feb 2001
Swindon beat Swindon!
The TopCats beat the Swindon Lions U14 team 4-0 in a friendly at the Link Centre on Sunday. It was a very good game, with encouraging performances from players on both sides, and the kids certainly gave the TopCats a good run for their money! The TopCats gave a debut to new player Kate Cadey, who is also the physio of the Swindon Phoenix, and she was unlucky not to score a debut goal. The TopCats goals were scored by Michelle Groundwater, Emma Hindmarch, Vicki Benson and Vanda Tanner.

10 Feb 2001
Girls v Boys
TopCats' fixture this week, at home to Solihull Vixens in the conference league, has been cancelled by Solihull as they have decided to not to travel to any away conference games this season. The Swindon Lions U14 team have stepped in as replacements, and its a battle of the sexes at the Link Centre this Sunday (11th Feb) at 5.30pm.

7 Feb 2001
Bon Voyage Liz
TopCats' number 8 Liz Murton is off to Albania for the next three months to do some charity work. Have a great time Liz, see you soon.

1 Feb 2001
Mystery player revealed!
We are pleased to be able to finally announce the signing of former TopCat and GB international Fiona Johnstone. Fiona was an original member of the TopCats back in 1990, was player of the year in 1992/1993, and gained full international honours with Great Britain. She has returned to live in Swindon after a number of years away and we are delighted to have her back.

31 Jan 2001
Bad news for star keeper 'T'
Very sad news for the team this week as Teresa Brewer, TopCats' heroic goalie for a number of years now, has been forced to quit hockey due to health reasons. Teresa has been a fantastic player over the years, often having to carry the burden of being the team's only netminder, and without her skill in goal and cheery personality off the ice, the TopCats would have been in a very bad way! Everyone connected with the team wishes her all the best for a successful and happy future.

28 Jan 2001
Comeback cats!
A win at last! The TopCats registered only their second win of the season, at home to Premier Division rivals Cardiff Comets in the Conference League. All the girls who turned up got ice time, particularly in the 1st 2 periods, and in the 3rd Swindon's top line scored 4 unanswered goals in just 7 minutes to bring the team home 4-3.

22 Jan 2001
Phoenix are the champions!
Massive congratulations to the Swindon Phoenix who clinched the English National Premier League title last night in Romford. The Phoenix won the championship in style, and did it with a large number of Swindon born and trained players, including our very own coach Gareth Endicott. Let's hope some of their success rubs off on us!

18 Jan 2001
Mystery player signs??
The TopCats are hoping to boost their season with the signing of an ex-GB international before the registration deadline at the end of January. More news later!

13 Jan 2001
Coach Aza out of action
TopCats' coach and 1st line forward for the Swindon Phoenix Gareth Endicott unluckily injures his knee whilst playing well for the Phoenix. It's likely that Gareth will miss the rest of the season for the Phoenix, but the good news is that the knee doesn't need an operation and hopefully Gareth will be back to his best soon. All the TopCats wish him a speedy recovery and are currently clubbing together to buy him a loudspeaker so he can conduct training from the sidelines!!

13 Jan 2001
The only way is up!
Despite a much improved encouraging performance, Swindon lose their 5th consecutive Premier League game, at home to top of the table Sunderland Scorpions, and remain pointless at the bottom of the table.......buggerrrr!!!

4 Jan 2001
Welcome back Mich!
The TopCats were boosted at the first training session of the new year by the return of 1999 player of the year Michelle Groundwater. Michelle has been out of hockey for the past 6 months with a broken leg and the team have missed her both on and off the ice! Welcome back Mich!

4 Jan 2001
It's behind you!
The TopCats return to training after a frustratingly long Christmas break (due to the Panto on Ice!) and are hoping to improve on their poor start to the season.