MENS SENIORS 2007/08

The Annual Boxing Day fixture v Lancashire was this year hosted by Cheshire, courtesy of Timperley HC. Their excellent hospitality resulted in a good day both on and off the field. Cheshire retained the aggregate trophy thanks to a win by the Veterans 4-2. The Seniors drew 2-2, the U21s 5-5.  The trophy being presented by Chris Todd, Deputy President.         

Timperley was also the venue for the Seniors preliminary round.  Another successful day for them and Cheshire, who won through --- played 4, won 4. Berkshire 4-2, Cambridgeshire  6-3, Lincolnshire  5-0, Nottinghamshire  8-0. Being in second place before the last game against Notts, the resounding win happily reversed the end result. 

The finals at Old Loughtonians, Essex resulted in Cheshire retaining the National title.

This year, after a hard fought semi final against Sussex, coming out on top 4-0. The final v Yorkshire 1-0 up at half time with a penalty corner. Yorkshire equalised with 5 mins left but another goal just before the end sealed the win. A superb display by the team, ably led by capt Stevie Smith and coach Russ Hornby.          

The U21s were not able to qualify for the National Finals at Brooklands.  In the preliminary round the defeated Lancs 4-3 after coming from behind each time but were soundly beaten by Yorks 3-7 the day after. Unfortunately they did not have their three senior players, who were with Bowdon at the National Cup Final. The future looks bright, however, with the new manager Mark Bateman and coach Lee Ible.

Harold Lomas