CHESHIRE WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE

2007-2008 was yet another very successful season for the Cheshire Women’s League.   This season we had 25 Cheshire clubs and a further 6 who affiliated to other counties – 60 teams in all.  As last season Divisions 1 and 2 played with teams of ten and Division 3 to 7 with teams of eight.

League winners:

Division 1 was closely fought for most of the season with the greatest obstacle being non-registration of Level 1 umpires. This meant that where several teams were penalised others gained points.   Chester and Oswestry finished with the same points but because of a better goal difference Chester are Cheshire’s new representative in the North Women's Hockey League Division 2 West.

Division 2 Marple 1

Division 3 Alderley Edge 1

Division 4 Bowdon 4

Division 5 Sale 2

Division 6 Lymm  1

Division 7 Alderley Edge 2 - who were unbeaten all season, scoring a      

                    magnificent total of 54 goals.

Two proposals for amendments to League Rules went to clubs for consultation and were then discussed and voted on at the AGM.

League Championship Rule 6.1

At the end of the season the Division 1 winning team shall be identified for promotion to the North Women's Hockey League Division 2 West (previously known as North West Feeder League) provided that their Club is wholly affiliated to Cheshire Hockey Association and that they provide a written guarantee that all their home matches in the North Leagues will be played within the 2008 North geographical boundary. Failure to comply will result in the 2nd placed team being identified for promotion with the same provision and thereafter 3rd team etc. Ratification of this rule change is subject to the North Hockey Association making a change to the North Women’s League Regulations (regulation 3 membership) however if the North Hockey Association do not agree then the current league championship rule 6.1 will stand. 

This proposal was defeated.

League Regulations Rule 3.3

Where a club has a team playing in the National or Territorial League then that club must identify 7 (seven) of its squad who will be ineligible to play in any Cheshire League Team.

This proposal was passed.

The Colts Tournaments were very successful again this season – this format will continue next season.

Fixtures Live has continued to be a great success – saving Divisional Secretaries hours of work. Thanks to Lucy Hargreaves who has taken over from Nicky Gray and ensured the smooth running of it all.

Rita Hesford is standing down from the League committee and has been nominated as a Vice President for her many years of service to Cheshire.

Sue Laister has completed her three years in office as Chairman and Maxine Rowlands will be taking over from her.

Finally we, as a committee, would like to thank Elaine Beech for all her hard work as Chairman of Cheshire.