End of season wrap up

As we approach the end of April the league season is at last at an end. In various ways and overall the season has been a resounding success.

Uppermost in the achievements we have had the second XI winning their league and the reintroduction of the school match into the calendar, the latter being an extremely important part of our future. Following the difficulties the seconds experienced last season Rob Merry has done an exceptional job in leading his team to the league title with their snapping at the first XIs heels in the league below. Players coming into the club will now play a very good standard of hockey throughout the club ensuring keen competition for places.

Other than the legaue winning game on the 18th a Cranleigh "associates" school side helped open and christen the Westcott astro at the prep school on the 17th with the team comprising current school boys and girls, female and male OCs of various ages. The spread of ages and talents was a first and we rose to the occasion defeating a strong assembled opposition.

The summer leagues will be shortly underway with mens, ladies and mixed leagues all fully subscribed.

As we therefore break off for what I hope is a relaxed summer for all of you we as a club can be proud of our achievements both on and off the field with there being a perceptable buzz taking us towards our aim of becoming an all embracing and friendly club.

The work does not stop here though as we all need to encourage friends and fellow hockey players to join and to convince anyone we hear who may be thinking of leaving to think again.

Thank you all for making the 2008/9 season one to remember

Knappy.

Family day - 18th April

Happy Easter one and all

One last weekend coming up on the 18th April at TD with the 2s playing a league deciding game against Surbiton 6ths at 10.00 - win the game and they win the league - followed by the 1s v UCL and then a ladies or mixed against UCL. Along side this there are 2 rugby games against a New Zealand touring side and a BBQ.

So, come along and bring your children so we can say good bye in a fitting style to what has in the main a very successful season.

Knappy.

Apologies

Firstly and most importantly of all I must aoplogise if I offended anyone at last Saturday's dinner when appearing not to give anyone else the chance to speak. This was not an intentional affront with my assuming that anyone wishing to speak would step up and grab the microphone as in previous years. My whole aim when taking over the post of captain was to try and engender a real club spirit with that being the prime intention rather than success on the pitch. A thriving social club however will translate into better pitch performances.

On the field we approach what should have been the first weekend of the season break but as it is there are games to be played. The 1s and 2s can both secure promotion this weekend with the 2s having one more game after Easter with a win possibly winning them the title - a remarkable change around in fortunes from 12 months ago. This was one of the reasons for Rob Merry being awarded the club captain's award for 2009 with Eds winning the inauagural Loveland club member of the year award for his unstinting work through thick and thin over the last 6 years.

One season ends and another will shortly start as the summer leagues are being finalised - more details to follow.

For those of you who have now finished your hockey until September have a good summer and see you in 6 months time.

Knappy