The 1979-80 season finished with a good record for each of the five sides. Indeed the First XI finished its League programme in 4th position — the highest ever and only three points behind Woking who were promoted. Many congratulations and thanks are due to Richard Cooke and Richard Nash for their hard work in running the side.

The 2nd and 3rd Xls both had good seasons, particularly as the loss of no less than 13 players from the club before the season made regular selection, and therefore consistency, very difficult. The two Captains, Robert Fell and Chris Barnes, both retired at the end of the season. The hard work done by these two over the years, both as captains and committee members (let alone on the pitch), has been considerable and they leave their successors a splendid example to follow. Good luck to Julian Bishop and Andy Loates (if he can spare the time from ski jumping). Chris Mitchell and Nigel Palmer, captaining the 4th and 5th Xls respectively, carried out their jobs with great efficiency and, most importantly, good humour. Both teams were happy, if somewhat unpredictable, winning with eight men or scoring seven goals etc.

Perhaps the highest accolade of the season was made in one of our social Sunday fixtures, when Chris dribbled past the opposition who were heard to murmur "not another 1st XI player".

The summer months might be considered a rest period for the Hockey Club, and particularly the Committee. However, 1980 proved quite different for some of us. The 1st XI squad had its annual trip to Renaix in Belgium. Thanks are due here to Richard Cooke for organising this weekend — despite thinking that passports were unnecessary! More importantly, we ourselves organised an "International Festival" at Thames Ditton. Renaix and nine other teams took part on Saturday 6 September 1980 in senior and junior competitions. After a fine day's entertainment (the weather was the only thing we had no control over), our President Vivian Cox awarded the prizes of Pennants and Champagne Magnums to the winners: Worthing and the HAC.

The whole day was enjoyed not only by ourselves but also by all our guests, which is a fair reward for all the hard work put in to organise this event. The OCs themselves finished 3rd and 4th in their respective groups — very diplomatic — though we did beat Renaix on the Sunday.

The Surrey Second XI League was formed during the summer and will start this season on a percentage basis with the top four clubs playing off against each other at the end of the season. Next year it will be more formal when appropriate fixtures have been arranged.

At the time of writing the new season is only three weeks old, and both the 1st and 2nd Xls have won their first league matches 4-0 and 6-0. Maybe the 1st XI can win promotion this season. We are optimistic.

New players welcomed to the Club this season include David Knapp, Russ Bennett, Gordon Platfoot and Derek Shanks. We hope they enjoy their hockey and the Club benefits from their youth and talent.