As previously, Jim and Derek have consistently umpired (Derek has covered many Ladies games). The club have relied heavily on them over the years. In Simon Spencer we boast (in my opinion) the best umpire in the East as demonstrated when he took charge for the England Mixed v Broxbourne Mixed exhibition match last year.

When players get injured, they usually spend their weekends at home with the family but not Liam, Tom or Martin! They kindly agreed to continue umpiring. Other playing umpires like me, Josh, Jonny, Ian, Kim and Ollie have fitted in games around our own where possible. Availability from Stu Kopsis was limited due to university commitments but as an umpire, player and goal keeper, he remains one of the most versatile members of the club.
Alan Pilgrim and Michelle Chapman have both stepped forward on occasions when we were desperately short of cover. Alan umpired opposite Ian for an early morning start and Michelle covered a Mens 2’s game when it was looking like I was going to miss out on playing.

Finally, Colin Meadows and Tim Eyton-Jones deserve an extra special mention for the often overlooked task of umpiring Pool fixtures, usually at away grounds. Their contribution is fundamental to our Mens and Ladies first teams.

We are all more comfortable umpire at home. Fortunately, we have many arrangements with opposition clubs for a double home appointment. I hope to continue running these in the future.
Our disciplinary record remains satisfactory with cards rarely issued.

A BIG thank you to the team below (figures are Mens League only):
Jim McCubbine 15
Simon Spencer 11
Derek Henley 10
Mark Degaute 10
Liam Booles 6
Josh Chapman 5
Martin Williams 4
Jonny Briggs 3
Ian Vickers 3
Tom Castley 3
Colin Meadows 2
Kim Harvey 2
Ollie Price 2
Alan Pilgrim 1
Michele Chapman 1
Stuart Kopsis 1

In terms of training attendance, the U10’s have increased from last year to between 20 and 30 children per week, with the split 50% for boys and girls. In the under 12’s, attendances have remained at last year’s levels with 25 to 30 per week. For this season the number of boys became worryingly low to the extent we were unable to field a 7 aside team. Under 14’s attendance grew this year to numbers as high as 25! This is particularly pleasing considering numbers were as low as 6 just three years ago. The split for this section was 40%boys , to 60% girls. Numbers in both U12 and U14 did fluctuate due to our success in players making both JDC (county training) and JAC (county squads). It should also be noted we had 31 juniors across all age groups representing Herts County Hockey.  Our registered membership for the year was 125, with subscriptions and match day takings totalling £8230.00

In addition to training, we entered two U10’s and two U12’s teams in a Herts County mixed league. The league was somewhat delayed in issuing fixtures and has failed to update the league tables this season. As a result we plan to arrange a few club fixtures for early next season and write to the county with our concerns. Results were favourable, but the coaches were focused on technique and teamwork to a far greater extent. Feedback from parents suggested they were in favour of our approach.

The U10’s and U12’s also attended end of season county tournaments.

The U10’s girls didn’t fare so well this year, and missed out on what has become an annual trip to the regional finals. However, they went on to Old Loughtonians Hockey Festival and finished as runners up in the tournament, missing out on victory by one point. Highlights included thrashing Old Loughtonians 6-0 and beating our old rival Hertford.

The U10’s boys were county champions! and qualified for the regionals at Harleston Magpies where, unfortunately, they came last in their group. Hope is high for next year’s tournament with all of the boys graduating to U12’s and being joined by two or three strong players already in the age group.

Similarly to last year, we took up the offer of hosting the U10’s county tournament and can confirm that the event was a great success. Some thirteen teams attended with bar and kitchen takings healthy.

In the U12’s tournament the boys joined forces with Welwyn HC to create a team that drew 2 games and lost 2 in the qualifying group. We thought this an encouraging performance given the boys from respective clubs had never met before. The girls have had a magnificent season. They won the county championship and went on to take runners up spot at the Eastern regional’s, thus qualifying for the National finals, a feat that has never been previously achieved. The ninth place they attained at Cannock belayed the fact that they were never outplayed, but quite simply, they were unable to find the net.

At U14’s, for the first time we entered the England in2hockey league with 11 aside teams playing full size pitches. The boys had a respectable season, beating all clubs we would consider to be at ‘our level’ such as Hertford and Harpenden. Unfortunately the gap is vast when we meet clubs like Southgate, St Albans or even Blueharts and defeats were heavy. In contrast, the girls had a successful season against local clubs and results in the in2hockey league were close, however, despite their encouraging performances, they were unable to progress beyond the qualifying league fixtures.

At U16’s and U18’s, we weren’t able to run any matches due to low numbers for both age groups. We had approximately 8 boys and girls in the U16 age group, all of whom now play senior hockey on a Saturday and represent the Whippersnappers in the Broxbourne Summer League. The older U18 boys trained with senior men and the U18 girls trained with senior ladies, either on Monday’s or Tuesday’s, dependant on ability.

We are hopeful to add a number of current U14 boys and girls to bulk out the Academy Training.

We opened up the training to other youngsters in the local area aged 14 – 25, who wanted to give Hockey a “go “. This was done through a local government initiative and we received funding for such.

Despite the atrocious weather we have coached through this season, we feel we have some quality players coming through that will play 1st team hockey in the future.

The Mo Bealby Trust continues to help build our goal keeping supplies. We now have complete kits for all age groups and genders, bar u14’s boys. However with the help of various junior goal keeper parents we are very close to plugging the final gaps.

We finished the season with an inter age group fun day, bar-b-q and awards ceremony. The event was received well by players and parent’s alike and general feedback suggested all were looking forward to the new season in September.

Well, let’s just say that our season didn’t go quite so well….

After a slightly quiet trials session, the season got off to a pretty good start, we welcomed some new players in, but also saw a few depart from injuries, work commitments and old age.

The 1st XI seemed well in control of a mid-table finish, but in the second half of the season they really suffered from numerous injuries which in the end cost them dearly, and unfortunately dropped into the relegation zone on the last game, and were relegated on goal difference.

The 2nd XI for once, thrived throughout the whole season, battering almost everyone who dared stand in their path, well almost. On match days the Captain’s battle cry could be heard from as far as the bar…

Finishing in 3rd place just 3 points off promotion, I reckon that captain deserves a medal…

The 3rd XI unfortunately didn’t have the same outcome and were beaten on 17 of the 22 matches. But, in every game, no matter how difficult the opposition, the whole 3rd team put in so much effort and never once did their heads go down. They battled on and in truth, even though they lost, they very rarely lost by more than 1 goal.

The 4th XI had a very up and down season, they started very much down losing many of the games up till xmas, but after that picked up and were soon heading up the table. With a handful of very good youngsters and a few shall we say older heads, battled on but again were pipped at the post and relegated. With one more win and they would have finished mid table.

The 5th XI unfortunately were the victims of the clubs dreaded ‘unavailability virus’, and had to be disbanded after 8 games. This was such a shame as every game they were able to play; they never lost and were sitting happily in mid table even though they had to concede 3 of the 8 games.

On a lighter note, the men’s vets team did extremely well and got to the semi-finals of the cup but lost out to Bournemouth. Steve Page was voted Vets player of the season.

So……

1st XI – Captain: Rob Dyer (Div 1)

• Relegated

• Player of the season – Alex Brown

2nd XI – Captain: Hayden Adams (SW4)

• 3rd Place

• Player of the season – Steve Haywood (new left back)

3rd XI – Captain: Rhys Wyman (SW4)

• Relegated

• Player of the season -

4th XI – Captain Andy Bourke/Ian Vickers (SW7)

• Relegated

• Player of the season – Stan Mason

5th XI – Captain Andy Bourke (SW8) disbanded.

A big thanks must go a number of people who without them we wouldn’t have a season.

Andy Bourke for sorting out the fixtures and choosing to answer the phone when I call…..

Digger for doing such a good job in sorting the umpires each week, and for all the umpires who have been good enough to give up their time to allow all the games to go ahead.

Simon Spencer, for his huge efforts in improving our skills on a Wednesday night.

And the captains of course, who work so hard just to get a team on the pitch. Dazzler, Browny, Will, Geezer, Jonny, Bourkey and Ian.

And lastly, Ian, who works so hard to make everything run as smoothly as it does.

Thank you all.

And lastly good luck to those who will be leaving us to head to university, enjoy, improve and remember us when you come back.

Cheers

Hayden

It has been an extremely successful season for the Ladies section with 2 of our teams gaining promotion as ‘Champions’.

The 1st X1 were 5 points clear at the top of their league and will play in the Premier league next season for the first time in the club’s history. The 4th X1 only lost one game all season and finished comfortably 6 points ahead of nearest rivals West Herts 4s.  At times it has been difficult to find players for our 5th team; however, they admirably kept their place in Division 4. The 2nd and 3rd X1 finished comfortably in their respective leagues.

Competition for places in the Vets team becomes greater as each season passes. In March, Broxbourne hosted the Vets County tournament, ably led and organised by Katie Naylor. Broxbourne played well but unfortunately finished 2nd on goal difference to Bishop’s Stortford.

On the social front, around 50 Ladies enjoyed a “lively” Christmas do at Sally B’s and at the beginning of April our end of season awards evening and meal was well-supported.

Season summary:

1st XI – Captain: Ali Hutchin  (East Division 1S)

• Champions East Div 1S.

• Promoted to East Women’s Premier league

• Player of the year – Sarah Goodwin

• Top Goal scorer – Emily Wilkins

2nd XI – Captain: Kirsty Hillcoat (5 Counties Premier Division)

• 4th place 5 Counties Premier Division

• Player of the Season – Liz Cobb

• Top Goal scorer – Liz Cobb

3rd XI – Captain: Jane Fixter (5 Counties Division 2)

• 3rd place 5 Counties Division 2

• Player of the Season – Emma Grainger

• Top Goal scorer – Emma Grainger

4th XI – Captain: Bryony Smith (5 Counties Division 4)

• Champions 5 Counties Div 4

• Promoted to 5 counties Div 3

• Player of the Season – Alex Campbell

• Top Goal scorer – Milly Shand

5th XI – Captain: Lorraine Ellis/Michelle Chater (5 Counties Div 4)

• 7th Place 5 Counties Division 4

• Player of the Season – Rebecca Ellis

• Most Improved – Carys Eyton-Jones

Ladies’ Club Captain Award: Lucy Hoskin

The Ladies section has been extremely fortunate to be served by 2 great coaches. Thank you to Simon Spencer and Dave Messham for their hard work and commitment throughout the season.

Needless to say, the Captains, along with key volunteers, have done a fantastic job this season. I would like to extend my thanks to Kay Finch, Janine Nottage and Kirsty Hillcoat for their roles as Secretary, Fixtures Sec and Player Rep respectively. Kathryn Bond bravely took on the ULO role and has done a superb job in finding/persuading umpires throughout the season.  Thank you to everyone who has blown a whistle for us this season; your time and efforts have been much appreciated. Umpires are becoming a rare commodity and we desperately need more people to qualify.

This is where I sign off after my 2 year sentence! Thank you for all your support over the past 2 years and good luck to my successor.

Jo Shrimpton
Ladies Club Captain

Congratulations have to go to the ladies 1s, promoted into EWHL Premier League, first time in Brox history. Congratulations to Jo Shrimpton who has led the ladies section to the highest division we have ever been in, along with the 4th XI who have also been promoted.

The junior section continues to thrive. Congratulations to the under 12 junior team who reached the national finals of the England Hockey In2Hockey competition for the first time ever, competing against some of the biggest clubs in the country, came ninth overall. A remarkable achievement. My thanks go to all of the coaches and parents who support the junior section.

I extend my thanks and that of the club to all of the committee and members who volunteer in positions to administer and support the club. A lot of work done in the background to keep the club functioning and achieving great things. It goes without saying that the more members that help out in this way the more we can achieve, on the pitch.

Ian Vickers
Broxbourne HC Chairman

Click images to view larger size

We are part of a multi-sport club offering Tennis, Squash, Cricket, a Fitness Suite and, Physiotherapist

We offer:

• A great hockey family atmosphere,
• Coaching & fitness training throughout the week
• Excellent social facilities and tours
• 1/2 price membership to new hockey members.
• 1/2 membership to all other sports at club

Juniors
If your son or daughter enjoyed “Beat the Goalie”, why not join us in September when hockey training starts?

First couple of sessions are free and then there is an annual membership subscription.

Training is on Sunday mornings 9:45 to 11:00 with sessions for U8/U10/U12s and then 11:15 to 12:30 for U14s.
Training is on Wednesday evenings 19:00 to 20:00 for U16/U18s.

Please send an email to juniors@broxbournehc.co.uk with details of your son or daughter and we can advise you when training starts for them, or just send an email if you have any other questions.

Seniors
We run five ladies and four mens’s teams catering for all abilities. New members will benefit from half-price annual subscription

Men’s training for all teams is on a Wednesday evening from 8:30 to 9:30

Ladies 1′s and 2′s train on a Tuesday evening 7:30 to 9:00, 3′s, 4′s & 5′s Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8:30.

We also hope to run some more Back to Hockey’ sessions in September for women who may have played in the past but gave up and who would like to give the sport anothe go.

Email newmembers@broxbournehc.co.uk for more information and to be kept up to date with training sessions.

Broxbourne Ladies 1′s were East Division 1S Champions for 2012/13 and will be playing in East Premier for the coming season where they intend to be a competitive and successful side. The Ladies 2′s train alongside the 1st XI and after several seasons in Five Counties Premier are looking to push on and achieve promotion into the East League.

Training is currently on Tuesdays from 7.30pm-9pm.

Our players are friendly, committed and enthusiastic and we are looking to recruit a motivated coach that will take both teams forward and help  them to progress and achieve their aspirations.

Salary: Negotiable based on experience

Location: Broxbourne, Hertfordshire

It is fantastic to see the 1st team promoted to EWHL Premier League for the first time in the clubs history and the 3′s and 4′s promoted too.  A lot of hard work has gone into the season from players, captains and coaches and you have all reaped the rewards.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Jo Shrimpton for her leadership of the section and extend our best wishes to her for next season as she stands down as captain.

Ian Vickers

Broxbourne HC Chairman

The Girls Under 12 team are through to represent the Eastern region at next month’s U12 Clubs In2Hockey Championships in Cannock.  The girls finished as runners up in the East competition to Phoenix with both teams qualifying for the finals on May 11th.

More details soon…