Preparations for the new season are well underway at Mendip Hockey Club. With the recent loss of the sand-dressed all weather pitch at Norton Hill School, Fixtures Secretary, Karen Inns, has had a near-impossible job, ensuring that all five senior teams and the junior section have pitches booked for matches and training sessions. Happily for the 100+ club members, Karen and the club committee have secured the use of facilities across four different sites, and all systems are “Go!”
The three Ladies teams will recommence training at The Blue School, Wells, on Monday, 3rd September from 6.30–8 p.m. James Callow resumes his role as Head Coach, ably supported by Max Spalton and Liam Young.
After the first training session of the year, Ladies First Team Captain, April Callow, was in a confident mood. She says: “Going into the 2018/19 season, the main aim of the Ladies’ First Team is to score more goals and look to finish top three in the WCWHL Central Division.”
Meanwhile, Ladies’ Second Team Captain, Jackie Browning, is also aiming to end high in the league. She says: “We will be honing skills and having fun, keeping fit with matches to be won!” The Ladies’ Third Team will continue to field its usual combination of new starters and experienced players, and will be pitting their wits against some tough opposition in Brunel 2.
The Men’s sides have already begun training on Wednesday evenings at Chew Valley School, with Max Spalton, Giles Denning and Adam Forsyth taking on the lion’s share of coaching duties.
The First Team, captained once again by Max Spalton, will be competing in Central 2, while the Men’s Second Team will be under the stewardship of Mike Bristowe and Toby Green. Mike is anticipating: “A very exciting season ahead for the Men’s Seconds, combining much-needed experience and and a group of very exciting youngsters to push for as high a league position as possible.”
The Junior Section will be using the all-weather pitch at Downside School on Sunday mornings for their regular weekly training sessions, with Cherilyn Carey and Karen Holliwell at the helm. Training starts on Sunday, 9th September, with new players always welcome.
All Senior club members are invited to celebrate the start of the new hockey season at the annual Mendip Hockey Club Day, which takes place this year at Saint Gregory’s School, Bath, the new home of Mendip’s Saturday fixtures. The event will include friendly and fun-filled mini games, and begins at 2 p.m. Players are requested to arrive at 1.30 p.m. for a pre-match warm-up.
For further information about joining or supporting Mendip Hockey Club, visit: www.mendiphockey.org.uk or email: [email protected]
Carrie Tiley