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Squads

Squads

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zzka03nuv6gxrx3/IMG_20180428_180429.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fv38dn5zz0t2ahonw5y5r/AADItjDIZVCRBvj-AWV9gwqva?dl=0&oref=e&r=AAruEFWheEF5bOqws6KAXmbQZJ7vtFKsDmZe5qvFJjIp-q7i-WaerlpmcitF5-zMuMAEH9DqRPfllTxhF35Jxea1PcM7NAkaOQHr6ZNElCmy1xZRjwoZBANhCnqK-5RCgr2twGwgZS838k4VTgm7WSctLss0SDObHb2cDOGcORbwBGfaLdXnHeLq14cSdnBndn7PAhy4cdVeRJ-AwfF9MhNb&sm=1

Link to the article is here http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=43366&itemTitle=Timperley+and+Holcombe+Men%27s+Masters+Champions&section=22 – Not quite certain what game they were watching. “end-to-end”? Suppose so, but that was 22 mins us at their end, then 1 min them at our end. “thriller”? mmmm, the main intrigue was if we were going to hit their keeper on the left foot, right foot, or on his body.

Sarah said Mrs Luther was taking a few, so have e-mailed Aide Luther’s dad to see if any of those are any good.  And I am also told that Mrs Stokes might have some of the ceremony and Mrs Knill was taking some of the game.

Andy – I suggest sticking in a folder of any of the storage providers and then linking to it as required.  As per Aardvark web site.  And FYI story of last year’s run and this year’s run are both on that web site – http://aardvarkland.net/calendar-of-events/  and click on links as appropriate.

Cheers, Tol.

To – Participating Teams Mens Masters Championships Finals, 28 April 2018
Dear Colleague. Please find attached a sports presentation briefing for matches this Saturday. Accreditation for players/officials on your teamsheet will be made available to teams on arrival at the entry point to the pitches at the venue. This will be in the form of a hand stamp. If you have any additional queries please let me know. I hope you enjoy your final! Thanks Stephen Barlow

Play Offs – Walkout Presentation Procedure 2018

Please find attached some bits and pieces for the game on Saturday and in particular the Short Corners. I will be going through other elements of the game in the changing room along with the starting line up but i wanted you to have a view of the short corners and the potential of the players that will be needed in those routines both attacking and defensive. If you have any questions or queries then please let me know.
Thanks, Jamie

Firstly, I’ve spoken to the hotel and they will try and get all of our rooms ready by 13.00 … so you should be able to check in from then.  I’ve been sent 4 or 5 car park passes for the Bournebrook car park next to the pitches.  So I’m suggesting we meet at the Hotel 13.45ish … then pile into cars and leave for the ground. Most of the cars can then be left at the Hotel.  Alternatively you can travel direct to the ground and we’ll meet at the ‘yellow star’ on the pitch layout that I sent previously. Could you let me know what your plans are … just so we don’t end up leaving someone behind.

Secondly, and with ref to the email I sent previously about being restricted to a squad of 16, Kev has reluctantly decided to withdraw due to his ongoing knee injury. You’ll know he missed the Taunton match because of the same injury and although gave it go at last weeks training match, it has not recovered in time.  Everyone one will appreciate what a tough call this was for Kev to make – we all want to play in the final – the rest of us now have to make sure we get over the finishing line. He is coming along and will be on the bench as ‘Team Manager’.

So let’s stay clear of injury this week, go easy on the wine, and be ready to put in a big shift next Saturday.
Col

The postcode of the event venue is B15 2TT
The Postcode for the Hotel is B16 9NZ

As you might expect. Car parking is limited and there doesn’t seem any point in having 16/17 cars at the venue. So I’m going to speak to the hotel about check in time. It might be a good idea to go there first, check in and the double up in cars to travel the 2 miles to the pitch. Can we meet at the entrance to the pitches (at the Yellow star marked on the pitch layout) at 2.30pm in plenty of time. We can sort ourselves out, savour the atmosphere and then all change together … Jamie can work his magic with diagrams, maps, compasses and fit us all with GPS tracking systems before we go out for a warm up together. If on the day you are running late … call me.

Also at the end of the match, as we are the last game of the day, I suspect they will be in ‘closing up mode’… and whilst I know there will be some kind of ‘pitchside de-brief’ and chat to supporters etc, a bar (that’s is both open and selling anything drinkable ) might be a little more scarce to find … so unless we bring our own, it might be best not to hang around at the pitch for too long and get back to the hotel anyway. So if we are all checked in then that’s another scrum avoided. I’ll come back to you on that when I’ve spoken to the hotel. This is the hotel. http://www.cobdenhotel.com/en-gb

Two doors down from the hotel there is the Garden House pub, which when get back to the Hotel, might offer itself as a convenient watering hole? https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs/west-midlands/garden-house/

Here’s the stuff I received from Eng Hockey.. below…

VENUE
Car Parking
The event will be held at University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2TT. This is the address/postcode for the main entry point to the University. Please see attached a map outlining the layout of the venue for the event and also details of car parking at the venue. Teams and officials park accredited car parking is in the Bournbrook Car Park. This car park will be stewarded to ensure all teams can access this car park throughout the day. There is free spectator car parking in the other car parks at the University, except the Sport & Fitness car park. There is an hourly charge for the Sport & Fitness car park however it can be reduced to £5 per day by presentation of your parking ticket and a ticket for the hockey event at reception at the Sport & Fitness Centre.

Facilities
Team and officials changing is in the new pavilion adjacent to the Grange Road car park. Teams may park here too but this is on a first come first served basis. There are four team changing rooms which will be made available to teams on a rota. Teams will need to take kit out of the changing rooms during matches. There is only one officials changing rooms in the pavilion. The Tournament Office, including the TD Office and Event Office is situated in Terrace Huts, In addition there will be a pitchside technical office based in a technical dugout between the two pitches.

Field of Play
There are two identical blue Tiger Turf, Wett Pro TTUK pitches.

SCHEDULE
Saturday 28 April
1200 University of Exeter (West) v Sevenoaks (Prem), MHL Play off 3 (Pitch 1) &
Oxted (East) v University of Nottingham (North), MHL Play off 4 (Pitch 2)
1415 Slough (Prem) v Stourport (West) IWHL Play offs 3 (Pitch 1) &
Beeston (North) v Hampstead & Westminster (East) IWHL Play off (Pitch 2)
1630 Men’s 50s T3 final: Timperley vs Marden Russets (Pitch 1) &
Men’s 40s T3 final: Holcombe vs Amersham & Chalfont (Pitch 2)

ADMISSION TO THE GROUND
Spectators
We trust that clubs will encourage their members to attend and ensure that the weekend is a showpiece spectacle for the domestic game. Details of tickets can be found here
http://englandhockey.seetickets.com/promoter/englandhockey/1617/

Teams & Officials

Teams and officials should gain entry to the pitches through the access point as shown on the venue plan. This is the entry point for teams and officials, as well as spectators. Teams and officials will receive a wristband or handstamp at the event to allow movement around the venue.

GROUND ARRANGEMENTS
Balls
England Hockey will provide yellow Kookaburra Dimple hockey balls for use during the matches. Teams are responsible for providing their own practice balls. A ball patrol will be provided.

Benches
Benches on either side of the centre line will be provided for use of team officials and substitutes. Only those whose names appear on the team sheet may occupy the bench – i.e. a maximum of 16 players plus three officials – one of whom must be a manager. A doctor may also sit on the bench but if you do not have a doctor this place cannot be taken by another team official. Chairs will be provided at the officials’ table for any suspended players.

FOOD
A bar and public catering is available in the Pavilion close to Grange Road car park. Public catering is also available in the Sports & Fitness Centre.

Rules
As per existing competition rules. If the score is level at full time the game is decided by a shootout

That’s about it. Separate email coming out later when I’ve spoken to the hotel. Col

In addition, we’ve asked Hodge (Richard Hodgeson) from Timperley 4s to join us for the games. Partly because he graduates into the 50 age group for next season and partly because it gives us an extra sub on Sunday so we can continue to rotate. He’s obviously not involved in the final itself. Please bring a blue-ish and a white shirt. Jamie and I will plan on that basis. Please let me know if you have a problem. The North team are then going to continue after we’ve finished. There will be sandwiches and cake (!) in the club afterwards…

Final Match details -28th April
I’ve still heard nothing more from Eng Hockey about the final itself – I have chased them today and will circulate when I do. Therefore I am still assuming we will meet at 14.30 somewhere pitch-side. Where I don’t know, but hopefully EH will send me some stuff soon and we can be more precise. I understand that some people are travelling form the club on the day to watch, but because of that they are not going to arrange a coach, as such. If your partner, family or friends are planning to travel down independently, then let me know because there maybe some spaces in cars etc …

Practice session / match
Sunday 15th April. Meet 12 noon 12.15 ish. Pitch access from 12.30pm Warm up, pc’s and other training stuff. Followed by a practice match at 13.30 (possibly 3 x 20mins) vs a team made up of North 50s players who are themselves having a session at Timperley.
Final – Match details – 28th April. I’ve heard nothing more from Eng Hockey about the final itself – will circulate when I do.

Overnight
Now confirmed and reserved with my credit card. Happily at this stage, there is nothing to pay. Each room will be responsible for their own bill on the day. http://www.cobdenhotel.com/en-gb. 9 x Double rooms (Towno, Tim, Rich k, Andy Ent, Dick, Kev, Mags, Stokesey, and Col) £73 inc B&B. 4 x Twin rooms (Gaz, Nige, Dunc, Mike C,Stu, Will, Nick and Jamie (8) £73 inc B&B. 1 x Family room double plus 2 singles for Albert en famile £114 inc B&B all in.
Col

Practice session / match
Most people would seem to be available for a practice session on Sunday 15th April and after speaking to Jamie, we think the best time would be at 12.30pm immediately following the junior academy training finishes. It would be for about 60-75 mins, active rather than full-on. Focusing on pcs and also how we build from 16s and conversely try to press / defend them. Nothing heavy. According to the emails received, the following can attend; Nigel, Dunc, Tim, Rich K, Andy Ent, Carson, Tolley, McGuire, Albert, Will and myself (11), & possibly Kev. Jamie and I will plan on that basis. Please let me know if a problems arises …

Match details
I’ve heard nothing more from Eng Hockey about the final itself – will circulate when I do.

Supporters coach
The club is currently looking into costs for this. But would depart at around 11am and then leave Birmingham at around 19.30 / 20.00 after the match. BUT… that is only a guide at this stage.

Overnight
I have made reservations at The Cobden Hotel on Hagley Road, Birmingham. It is 1.4 miles from the pitch and about as close as I can get. http://www.cobdenhotel.com/en-gb. All formula stuff, but there is a chef brewer, Ask Italian and others all close by. I’m assuming that there will not be much happening after our game, as it’s the last of the day, and things will start to pack up … so we get back to the hotel dump the car and hit the pub and its burgers! I have a rate for rooms which is actually a bit better than anticipated.

9 x Double rooms (Towno, Tim, Rich k, Andy Ent, Dick, Kev, Mags, Stokesey, and Col) £73 inc B&B
4 x Twin rooms (Gaz, Nige, Dunc, Mike C,Stu, Will, Nick and Jamie (8) £73 inc B&B
1 x Family room double plus 2 singles for Albert en famile £114 inc B&B all in.

Tolley – you have not given me any clue about what you’re doing and so I’ve not included you in the above.

IF YOU ARE NOT ON THE LIST, OR YOUR REQUIREMENTS ARE INCORRECTLY LISTED – SHOUT UP NOW!

I’ll be confirming the booking on Tues 3rd April at which time I’m guessing hey will want payment. I’ll let you know what I need after Tues – but f you have a problem – shout now.
Have a good weekend. Col

Event: Men’s Over 50s Tier 3 Championships Final
Date: Saturday 28 April 2018
Time: 16:30
Venue: University of Birmingham
Match: Timperley vs Marden Russetts

At this stage, that all I know about the final itself, other than to say that there Mens Hockey League play-offs are happening earlier in the day. They have 2 x water pitches there and the O40s final is being played on the adjacent pitch at the same time. I have no info about the facilities for spectators and after match. I’m kind of assuming there will be some kind of food provided, although I doubt it will be up to much. Bar? I guess there will be something but where and what I don’t know. However we need to get ourselves organised and with such a large group, I’ll need your speedy input …

Practice session / match
Firstly … you views and availability on whether we should try and arrange a practice session or match between now and then. It is 6 weeks away and I realise that some of us might not anticipate picking up a hockey stick in the intervening period. I realise also, that the chance of getting all of to be available on the same day and in the same place is about as likely as Dick Allott to get the male lead in Rambo VII … But I’ll ask the question and if it seems possible we can herd most of us onto a pitch it might be worth thinking about.

So a series of questions?
Are you interested in a match, or if Jamie is available (and I havn’t asked him), a coaching session ?
Are you available on any of the following dates: April Sat 7th, Sun 8th, Sat 14th or Sun 15th ?
The venue, will depend on who is available, but given that most of us are around Timperley, this seems more likely.
Not making a big thing about this, but thought it might be useful to keep the wheels moving along …

Travel on the day
Thinking that we should aim to meet there at 14.30 latest. I’ll have sussed out the changing rooms etc by then but just wanted to give you the heads up on timing. There could be a supporters coach travelling down from Timperley on the day and returning that eve. No details about this yet, but I know the THC committee are going to look into it. More later …

Overnight
The general feeling back at Taunton was that we should sort out a nearby hotel for players and partners for the Sat night. The game will be done at around 6.30pm and depending on what bar facilities they have at the ground – which as we are the last match, might not be much – But I’m planning on dumping the kit back at the hotel and then having a few. I’m happy to try and get a hotel sorted out for us all. It won’t be anything special just standard formula. Given the number, I doubt we will be able to hold the rooms for very long, if at all, so are you happy for me to sort out? … I presume we will be looking at £80-£100 per room – might be less, but assume that for now. So … I need your confirmation asap, for me to go ahead and whether you require 1 bed or 2?

If you could let me know, I can try to move on this in the next couple of days …
Col

3 – Marcano
3 – Nicholson
2 – Reynolds
1 – Allott
1 – Carson
1 – Edwards
1 – Taylor

Not quite the goal rush of last year but 7 different scorers is pretty good.

Just as a thought Col, could leaving Albert as umpire be just the edge we are looking for in the final?  Surely nobody, least of all Marden Russets, could have a problem with that?

Cheers and, to echo Col, it really was impressive the effort (planning, desire, structure, work rate, concentration, clarity, playing for your mate, and everything else) shown by everybody (on and off the pitch) on Sunday. A real team performance … but let’s better it on the 28th April.

Tol.

Really well done guys. Excellent news. Will promptly inform the relevant authorities of my unavailability as I was carded to umpire the final as part of an umpiring course I am doing there that weekend. – Cheers Albert

12/03/18 – Col

The relatively easy wins at home that we’ve enjoyed in the last couple of years are great to play in, but this was quite the opposite against a good solid team playing on their patch who clearly expected to win. Everyone, everyone put in a big shift throughout, none more so than in the second half when they tried to throw the kitchen sink at us. For a bunch of old gits, the collective defensive effort particularly when we started to tire was outstanding and we all fed off each other’s effort. None more so than Jamie’s contribution from the side, which yesterday was such a decisive factor. If we forgot or thought we couldn’t get to where we needed to be, we were politely reminded, and it made the difference.

So on to the final …

Sat 28th April at 16.30pm at Birmingham University.

It seems we will be playing Marden Russets (from Kent), who I’m told beat Kettering 1-0.  This is their website http://www.mardenrussets.com/default.aspx?id=1

Obviously no details at this stage … so watch this space.  Clear your diaries and do what you need to do to be there. The general consensus yesterday was to find a hotel nearby and stay over on the Sat evening and have a few. Col.

06/03/18 – Col

OK gents. These are the final arrangements for Sunday.

The match starts at 13.00. Its being played at Kings College Taunton South Rd TA1 3LA. Changing rooms should be open. http://www.kings-taunton.co.uk/

Travel arrangements are all sorted. 9 of us in a Sat pm advance party are staying at Gloucester, with everyone else arriving on Sunday. CAN WE MEET AT KINGS COLLEGE AT 11.30AM please. Dave McGuire will be bringing the blue shirts. Taunton play in white. We will shower and have teas back at TV club on Gypsy Lane TA2 6LL. Its about 10 mins away I believe.

We have a playing squad of 13. Gaz, Nige, Tim, Dunc, Rich Knill, Tolley, Allott, Stu Nich, Andy Ent, Mike Carson, Mags, Stokesey and myself. Nick Burnett will be umpiring. Will is on the side moaning about umpires. Jamie will be coaching & rotating subs as usual. Absentees: Towno (skiing), Kev & Will (injured) & Albert is coaching Timp U18s who themselves are in the QF of the national cup. So … we are a couple down on numbers which means the rest of us will have more work to do. TV are going to be a very similar side to ourselves and its going to be hard work … but if we play like we did in the last round and like we have done for most of the matches over the last two seasons, we will win. Let’s make sure we’re on time, ready to go and ready to put in a shift.

Any other questions, I’m on 07990 971190. Col

The rest of us will be travelling from Alty and so I need you to think about your travel arrangements … if you let me know, I can circulate intentions and options and we can start to pair up cars etc.

So three obvious options:
Travel down Sunday am. Given the above, this means if you are thinking of travelling down on Sunday morning you need to be looking to leave Alty at around 07.00-ish.
Travel down Sat eve. Leave Alty around say 16.00 – 17.00 and look for a travel lodge around Gloucs for the eve.
After the game … stay over at a travel lodge around Gloucs and let Dick guide us to an alcoholic nirvana
I’ve spoken to a few people over the weekend and I don’t think there will be a consensus, but if you email your preferences asap, I can try to sort something out centrally. Col

Taunton Vale (away)
A trip and a half !! But it’s a national competition and this is the semi final. Obviously no idea of start time yet and will get back to you. At this stage all I need to know is if anyone CANNOT play.
Col

Well done all for what was a well-controlled 5-0 win yesterday. There were two result we do know of. Taunton Vale beat Lichfield 8-0 and Kettering beat Chesterfield 4-0. Both home wins.
The other game with no result is Marden V Broxbourne. The semis are on Sun 11th March and we’ll know the opposition and venue in a couple of days. Col

Should we prevail then the SF is on Sun 11th March – no change there.

However, because of the pitches at Lee Valley are being ripped up and replaced in time or the Womens World Cup in July, it seems there has been changes to the schedule of this competition.  I don’t want to be presumptuous in anyway, but thought it best to let everyone know asap, as you might need to take another look at your diary and change stuff.

The full story is here …

http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/news.asp?itemid=43017&itemTitle=Where+and+when+our+finals+events+will+take+place+this+year%21&section=22&sectionTitle=News

but the summary news is that the final of the competition we’re currently in – M50 T3 – has now been changed and will take place on

Sat 28th April at 16.30 at the University of Birmingham.

That’s all we need to know at this stage.  Clear the date in your diary and then lets re-focus on Sundays game.  We know Wakefield wanted a date change, but we don’t know what team they will turn out.  It’s a game to be won and we need to be ready for that – all the above is irrelevant unless we win on Sunday.  See you around 11.30. Col

Update on the update …
As, perhaps, expected Wakefield won 2-0 so we will play them at Timperley on the 18th.  I will now sort pitch times – we are just checking what else may be on that day as have mixed and boys U18 teams still in EH cups but not sure where drawn or if playing that day!  If I have a choice is there a time people would prefer or want to avoid?? If a free choice I was assuming something like a 2pm start makes sense for those travelling.
Andy

OK some progress at least although not many results on EH website but they have made the draw for next round:

Timperley vs Durham City or Wakefield

So a home draw – I am attempting to find out which of the 2 it is against.  We will see how many other games are at home that day and sort a pitch time etc. and I will let you know asap. But at least for now we know we are at Timperley.
Andy

Right then … following Sundays day of rest I had intended to confirm the results and likely oppo for the QF. But weather over in Yorks and NE seemed quite bad and so I doubt anything got played. Added to that, there are no results at all on the England Hockey website and I’d have thought that some of the games further south got away with it … maybe in a day or two.

Stoksey, Mags, and I are away undertaking feats of daring do in Chile from today – back on Weds 14th in time for the next game.  Andy Ent has very kindly agreed to step in with the arrangements for this and keep us all up to speed. He like me, will assume everyone is available unless notified otherwise.

I sort of think we’ll play the winner of Durham v Wakefield or Doncaster v Chesterfield … but that’s only a guess. Ordinarily, we’d know the draw this coming Friday, but with the postponements, no idea what & when they’ll do it. Andy will let us all know.
Col

1!  2 games played – Formby and Bowdon – so 100% increase on your estimate so we are all close to exhaustion!

Col … Blimey … EH will be paying us just to turn up at the Finals soon!!  I presume I’m not required again to umpire now … QF onwards, umps are appointed if it’s the same as last year ?  I note that Col thanked me for doing the previous 4 games last year at this time … but this season, I’ve only done 1!  You all must be quite exhausted.

We’ve been here before … Huddersfield have pulled out of the game on the 21st as they can’t raise a team.  It seems half of their over 50s are also in their over 40s team who also have a match that day, and I guess they’ve decided that they have more of a chance to win that.

Anyway they’re out. England Hockey have been informed and we march on into the quarter final on Sunday 18th February. As ever I am assuming you are available unless you tell me otherwise.  The draw will be made around the 25th/26th Jan and as usual we’ll let you know who we’re playing then.  Andy Ent will be doing the sorting out for this game as I’m away for a couple of weeks and only back in the week of the match itself.

So enjoy your extra Sunday off, get the injuries sorted out. Its QF now and has to be serious stuff from here on.

Col
PS: if we are fortunate to prevail on 18th Feb, the next rounds are 11 Mar & 5/6 May

Gents, I have contacted Huddersfield to ask about start time etc … but as yet no response. For now, assume it will be around 13.00 as it was last season.  As with previous matches, we use the ‘opt out’ principle and so I am assuming that you are available unless you tell me otherwise.

Will be in contact again when I know the actual start time.

Have a good Christmas!
Col

Confirmed.  Match starts at 16.30pm on Sunday 3rd Dec vs Bowdon on their water-based pitch.  Meet 15.15 there.  Directions for those who don’t know South Downs Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 3DT.

We’ll be in the blue shirts.  I am not anticipating any change to the start time / venue … but just keep an eye on weather. I will contact you if there is any doubt / change, otherwise meet 15.15 there.  It will be a competitive match as all games vs Bowdon are.  They are at home and won this comp at Lee Valley last season.  They have a number of good players and will be very motivated.  Lets be early and ready.

Col

Bowdon (A)
More details later

Oki doki …
Next Sunday 12th Nov – all confirmed.
Our women have an IWHL match vs Ben Rhydding starting at 12.40 and which is the warm-up to the main event.  We are officially meeting at 13.00 in advance of a start at 14.15. We can warm up on the green pitch.  We’ll be playing in the usual blue home vets shirts.  Again, unless you tell me I am assuming you are available – I know that Rob and Nige are injured.  Nige will be running the line, and managing substitutions throughout the game.
After match nosh is sorted inc cheese and plonk so lets not rush off straight after… The Black Sheep Brewery have very kindly left a couple of barrels behind the bar.
I think that’s about it … have I missed anything?
Col

Just a quick email as I’m chasing the clock this morning.  We’ve fixed the time for a 14.15 start on Sun 12 Nov.  Our Women have a national league match beforehand and so we’ll be knocking up on the green pitch.  Meet time is 13.00.  Apart from those who I know about, I’m assuming everyone else is available. If not, please let me know.  More details to follow in the next few days.
Cheers, Col

Gents, we have a home draw v Formby!
Col

The future rounds are as follows … please arrange shopping, childcare and injuries around these dates.
2nd Dec
21st Jan
18th Feb
11th Mar
5th or 6th May.

Mr Burnett are you ok to ump?

After-match activity. Tradition requires a full nosh-up with lashings of wine and so I’ll get that sorted, just bring a full wallet and arrange for a pass out. Not sure there is much else to say … you all know the drill from last season. It’s hopefully a long road, but no doubt some tough games ahead.
Any problems / queries, give me a ring.
Col Taylor – 07990 971190

Noel has departed to a new life in Limoges and so he won’t be around to be pitch-side coach/organiser/subs rotation this coming season. I still believe that the further you go in the tournament, the more essential it is to have someone to fulfil this rule. Its perfectly possible as we did last year to be reasonably organised amongst ourselves in the early rounds and then find someone to bring in when things get a bit more serious. That’s seems OK as long as we avoid the stronger teams, and I think in that regard, we were quite fortunate. In an ideal world I’d like someone who is going to do it from the start of the season, although I don’t have a name in the frame for this.

Partly because the concept of county and regional masters hockey is growing, there is more direct contact with payers at this level now and so I suspect that when the new season arrives, a player or two from other clubs, might well approach us to join the Timperley over 50s squad- how do we feel about that? … they may not, but its something we should bear in mind. The players who were not playing regular Sat league Hockey (Tolley, Dick, Stokesy), were registered as Timperley players and apart from them we are limited anyway to a max of five players from other clubs. We had a relatively stable squad last season, and generally all were available for most of the games – that made things easy. But that might not be the case this year – again food for thought?

On the subject of food, and although this might not seem a priority, over the course of the season we received a lot of compliments for our post-match hospitality at Timps, both in terms of catering and wines supplied and I’m very keen for this to continue. But this might necessitate an increase in what we collect to make sure we can indulge ourselves in a similar fashion. But more of that nearer the time.

A few of us are meeting up in Edinburgh this weekend as the Aardvarks join the debate on Scottish independence and so no doubt we’ll discuss most of the above over a number of beers and then forget what we’ve said … but if you have any thoughts, please let me know – its better if we can reach some common ground upon which to base decision for next season.

I’d like to arrange a warm-up social practice match one Sunday in Sept if possible.

Finally, the dates are set in the England Hockey diary – so please make a note in your own diary. They are:

15th Oct – first match.
12th Nov
2nd Dec
21st Jan
18th Feb
11th Mar
5th or 6th May

Ok so that’s about it for now, please have a think and please let me know if you have a view on anything. Silence will be taken as to mean … ‘I’m fine, happy to play in all or some as/when, and I have am open wallet when it comes to food & wine’.
Thanks
Col – 07990 971190