Sophie Bray's summer arrival was a statement of intent by East Grinstead ladies.

The current England international joined Grinstead from MOP in Holland in May and is one of five new signings as Grinstead embark on a second season of national league hockey.

Grinstead’s women’s section have been on a remarkable rise – outdoors and indoors – in recent years as they strive to match the achievements of the men’s first team.

Reaching the top level of the domestic game is the next step and, having finished runners-up in Women’s Concerence East last season, promotion is the clear goal this time around.

The capture of Bray – who joins fellow England and Great Britain international Kirsty Mackay at Saint Hill – is a major coup by head coach Mary Booth, who worked with the player previously at Trojans.

Booth said: “We are really excited. We have some great signings, we have had a very good pre-season and I’m hoping that continues.

“Is promotion a realistic goal? Absolutely. We have got to go for it. Although we don’t have a big squad they are very talented.

“You always need a bit of luck and hope you don’t get too many injuries but we are getting better and better each week. We have got a good team spirit and all the squad has the same aim that this is the year we have to do it.”

Among the other new faces are England A international Lucy Brown from Leicester, Maddie Row from Old Loughtonians and England under-18s player Maddie Tait who has taken a job in the area, although she will not be available every week.

In addition, Czech forward Bara Kavanova has joined from Brighton and Hove while England under-16 player Megan Batchelor has been added to the squad.

Megan’s sister, Katy Batchelor, has gone to Birmingham University along with Tabitha Worsley.

Horsham, who open their campaign away to Bedford, have signed Steph Baggett from East Grinstead.

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