Harleston Magpies finished bottom of the Maxifuel Super Sixes Championships Women's Premier Division despite competing well against the top sides in the country.

Having lost their opening four games before Christmas, Magpies returned for the second round of matches over the weekend.

They faced eventual winners Bowdon Hightown in their opening match on Saturday and were soon 3-0 down, before pulling it back to 3-2. Bowdon pulled away with two more goals before Magpies netted again. Frances Burrell (2) and Hannah Palmer were on target for Magpies.

Against Leicester, Magpies were continually frustrated by the Leicester keeper and after a goalless first half, slipped to a 3-0 defeat.

On Sunday, Magpies almost snatched a shock result against a strong Reading side.

Magpies led 2-1 and 3-2, but two late goals saw Reading get out of jail with a 5-3 win. Goalscorers for Magpies were Sarah Brook (2) and Emma Lee-Smith.

In their final game, against Clifton, Magpies were without the injured Lee-Smith and had just three forwards to call upon.

Despite that, they led 1-0 at half-time after Charlotte Harrison scored following a good run from Sarah Brook.

Magpies could not hold on, however, and fell to a 3-1 defeat.

Squad: Frances Burrell (capt), Charlotte Harrison, Louisa Greenacre, Lisa Griffin, Katrina Warnes, Lauren Barber, Bryony Lund, Emma Lee-Smith, Sarah Brook, Hannah Palmer.