Cheshire Men’s Cup/Plate 2005-06

 

In the words of a former lecturer of mine, “understanding breeds brevity”.  Both competitions ran smoothly with 12 entries to the Cup and 8 entries to the Plate, umpires were provided by the NWHUA, all matches were played (more-or-less) on time and no club caused a significant problem.  Thank you one-and-all, please may this continue.  The finals were held at Oxton on a very cold Sunday 26^th February; the results were:

 

Cup:  Alderley Edge 2  Bowdon 3  (losing semi-finalists Brooklands and Timperley)

 

Plate:  Bramhall 0  Neston SW 1 (losing semi-finalists Tameside and Triton)

 

This coming season’s competition will follow exactly the same format with a probable entry to the Plate of 10 clubs.

 

David Billington

 

 

Cheshire Men’s Veteran Tournament 2005-6

 

This event had experienced a hiatus for several years so an attempt at revival was made this season. Clubs were consulted at the start of the season about possible timing, format, rules and venue. 10 clubs indicated positive interest so it was fixed for Chester on 2^nd April. Changes were made to the previous formats to stimulate entries: more players aged 38-40 were permitted and smaller clubs were allowed to combine if their own squads were too small. Two new shields were bought and the original trophy - the J. P. Connolly Cup – made ready. £30 was charged for entry. In the end only 5 entries were made (with one as a combination) but two clubs withdrew in the preceding week, both owing to lack of players. This clearly made the tournament unviable and it was cancelled. Fortunately, at the time of writing no charge has been made for pitch hire, so a loss of some £200 has been avoided. It is proposed to refund the entry fees of the 3 clubs left in at the last. It is very doubtful if it is worth attempting to revive this tournament in 2006-7. There is just not sufficient interest.

 

Chris Robinson

 

 

Cheshire Men’s U21 Tournament 2005-6

 

The Clubs U21 Tournament took place on a beautiful, sunny 25^th September at Deeside HC.  10 teams participated – a great day and some good hockey from talented players.

 

The final was closely contested between Alderley Edge and Deeside culminating in a sudden death penalty stroke ending won by Alderley Edge but both teams deserve plaudits for their fair but competitive play.

 

Julia Harries