Supervets

We concluded our season with a very good game against Spencer.  As expected they were strong opposition (they have not lost all season) but whilst we came away with a creditable result, I think there was more to be had from the game with the chances created and slightly tighter defending.  This is, however, very encouraging for next season.

Despite our position in Division 1 (and not knowing exactly how the promotion/relegation will work) we have made good progress this season.  We have played some very good hockey and had a number of very enjoyable games.

The position in the league is slightly misleading in that if we had collected another two points against Chelmsford (after dominating the game), we would have actually ended up 5th.  Only two points separate four teams in the division.

Whilst Colin was nominated ‘player of the season’ and Tim ‘most improved player’ there were very good performances all round and I can think of at least three other players who pushed Colin very hard.

The key to next season will be getting a settled side together, continuing to develop the structure, with players in their most effective positions and continuing to develop the passing game.

Now some points for the summer and next season, so please read on.

During the summer we will be having some meetings in order to confirm arrangements for next season. There will continue to be incentives for new members and introductions so I hope that we will be able to encourage new members to join very early on in the season.  We are also hoping for significant concessions for over 60’s and over 65’s subject to management committee approval.

The club will be running low intensity hockey training during the summer.  The format will be skills and game based and will be on Tuesday evenings commencing 9th May.  This format has been adopted from the Back to Hockey arrangements and from my own experience, is very enjoyable.  The idea is that this will not be intensive training, but is designed to be enjoyable and keep skills and fitness going through the summer.  In simple terms, it is much better than going to the gym!  It would be good to see as many of you as possible coming along during the course of the summer.

Kam and Jas are organising a summer hockey tournament at the club which will be on Saturday 8th July.  We have been asked to enter a seven a side team in the vets (over 50’s) age group.  This will be a nice (hopefully warm) summer tournament so please let me know whether you can play.

We also have the Fun in the Forest tournament at the club on the May Bank Holiday weekend.  This is a good opportunity to play with some younger players and, again, it was an extremely enjoyable tournament last year.  Please let Simon Beckley know if you are interested in playing.  Whilst Fun in the Forest is over two days, you do not have to play on both days so please let Simon know which you prefer.

Other than that, have a great summer.  Naturally I am sure you will all be at peak fitness for the beginning of next season.

Phillip

Minis Festival – Thank you

Firstly, I hope everyone has recovered and had a well-deserved rest.

Thank you all for the various roles and jobs you carried out. With over 50 volunteers from the Mini's it was a great turn out.

There were so many lovely comments from the opposition about the nature of our club and the warm atmosphere.

It wouldn't be possible without you all.

Thanks again.

Sam

Festival Invite – Braintree Hockey Mixed 7’s Tournament

Once again Braintree are hosting a Mixed 7's tournament - only this year there are two tournaments.

Details are:

Teams made up of 3 ladies, 3 men and 1 goalkeeper, usual mixed rules apply. Games will be between 15 and 20 minutes in length.

Friday July 14th 2017 - 7pm until 10pm - A maximum of 10 teams with a min of 4 games per team cost £40 per team

Saturday July 15th 2017 - 11am until 6pm - A maximum of 16 teams with a min of 7 games per team cost is £60 per team.

Both Friday and Saturday cost is £80 per team.

To enter please go to our website and complete the online form http://www.braintreehc.co.uk/mixed-7s-2017.

England Hockey Ball Patrol – Mens Hockey World League @ Lee Valley from 15th to 25th June

England Hockey are looking for groups of a minimum of four young people between the ages of 14-18 to act as ball patrol at the Mens Hockey World League event at Lee Valley. Groups can come from a club, school or another team.  They should have good knowledge of hockey and will be required to undertake training.  They will also have to commit to 50% of the matches at the tournament including midweek dates.

To register interest please complete a short survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ballpatrol

 

Coming Up………

Fun in the Forest 26th to 28th May

Hockey4Heroes Saturday 3rd June @ Old Loughtonians Hockey Club

 

Items for HH to office by Monday 10 am please.