by Raj Saha
Southgate Men field three teams in the East League Divisions. These teams are the Tankards, 5As and 4As.
The Tankards play in Division 8 SW. The team consists of players ranging in age from thirteen years old to players in their eighties. It’s the ideal team for any juniors who are starting to play adult hockey. It’s also a suitable team for adults who are relatively new to the game. These younger and inexperienced players are supported by teammates with vast hockey experience from many years of playing the sport. Nigel Spencer-Knott captained the side to a respectable 7th place finish last season. The Tankards will be looking to build on that this campaign and will be looking to recruit some bright young stars from our juniors’ section of the club.
The 5As are captained by Club Chairman Neil Murphy. The side blends experienced players with juniors and adults who have progressed up from the Tankards side. Any juniors showing promise in this side are nominated to join the club’s Performance Academy Sessions coached by Men’s 1st Team Player/Coach and England assistant coach Kwan Browne. The 5As will be looking to go one better than last season, when they just missed out on promotion, finishing 4th in Division 6 SW.
The 4As play in Division 4 SW. The side consists of a mix of juniors who have been playing adult hockey for a number of seasons and adults. Welcome additions to the squad will be new club members Stephen Gwynn-Jones, Connor Wright and Richard Martins. Richard’s son Jai, who is a Junior at Southgate, will be an exciting addition to the squad. The side finished 8th in Division 4 SW last time out. Captain Jon Huddleston will hope to improve on last season’s inconsistency, which saw the side produce results against the top sides, but falter against those in the lower half of the division.
The players are chomping at the bit, as they prepare for the opening day fixtures this Saturday.
Up the Gate!
If you would like to play or are the guardian of any juniors from the boys’ section of the Club who would like to play adult hockey please contact:
Raj Saha
Men’s East League Selector
Southgate Hockey Club
southgatehc.eastleague@gmail.com