The 1980-81 season ended with the 1st XI finishing 7th in the Surrey Division One; a disappointing position after winning our first four games, but the mid-season injury to Richard Cooke (the captain), which kept him out for a considerable time, had an adverse effect on our results. We were, however, the only team to take a point off the league winners, Epsom, in a stirring match one Sunday morning.

The 2nd XI did well in their league, just failing to make the play off for the top four places. This league is starting in earnest this year and many thanks are due to Tony Loveland for re-organising our fixture list so efficiently.

As can be seen, the world of modern hockey, even at the level of the Old Cranleighan 1st and 2nd XIs, is all about promotion, relegation, points and tactics. Whilst the Committee has always been conscious of the need to protect the club's fixture list and maintain the sense of fun gained from playing fixtures against popular clubs (and not necessarily against opponents dictated by league organisers), this process has been inevitable and, indeed, is the only way to maintain any kind of status quo in our fixtures.

The 3rd, 4th and 5th Xl's, who were not involved in leagues, generally had good seasons with some eccentric results. A lot of the credit, both for organising teams and the happy spirit of the sides, must go to the team captains — Andy Loates, Chris Mitchell and Nigel Palmer, who did a good job for the OCs last year.

The Easter Festival was enjoyed almost as much this year as in the past, though the absence of Tim Cook must have made it a more expensive time for everyone. This event was again organised on our behalf by Tony Rogers, who must also take much credit for expanding the Pagans (Sunday) fixture list.

The 1st XI squad again went to Renaix in Belgium over August Bank Holiday and enjoyed the tournament although, yet again, our position did not bear justice to our play.

The 2nd Annual International Hockey extravaganza was held at TD in early September and, blessed by good weather, was again successful, giving us much needed pre-season match practice for the 1981-82 season which has just begun at the time of writing. Both 1st and 2nd XIs have four points from three games and the lower Xls are still producing high-scoring games.

The club would like to wish every success to two members of last year's 1st XI — David Knapp (Guildford) and Neil Ruthven (Tulse Hill) — in their efforts to make the grade in the London League.

As will be seen, there is a lot of hockey to be played with the Old Cranleighans and we are keen to have as many players as possible.