September brings out the Marlborough Hockey Club socks and shirts…did they all go into the wash at the end of last season? Did they need to? This season brings a fresh gear supplier to the Club in the shape of Silver FX.
The new hockey season’s first major fixture is the Club’s #HockeyFest on Friday, September 8 – 6.30-8.30pm at the College astro-pitches. This is a club get-together with mixed six-aside games for all current and new senior team players.
It is part of the nationwide #HockeyFest organised by England Hockey as a way to get communities playing hockey – and for clubs to welcome new players. (New players able to attend Marlborough’s #HockeyFest event are asked to email mhcsecretary2016@gmail.com )
The women’s first team have a new coach – Mark Ramage. A former New Zealand international, Mark Ramage joined the College as Head of Hockey from Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen. He played national league hockey for Cardiff and UWIC and is now a Wales Masters player.
At the College Ramage has replaced Ireland international John Jackson – who is returning to international duties. Matt Way will continue to coach the men’s first team.
Having gained promotion with last season’s sterling performance, the men’s first team will be playing in the GoCrea8 Conference North league – playing against Swansea City, Bristol University A, Devizes, Swindon Bristol & West – among others. Their first league fixture is a home game against Cardiff University A squad on Saturday, September 30.
The men’s second team will be playing in the GoCrea8 Central 2 league and the third team in the East Central 2 league.
On September 16 the Wiltshire men’s Cup competition will be played in Marlborough with teams from across the county.
The ladies first team will once again go into the new season under the joint captaincy of Penny Bowen and Vicky Moxham. They will be playuing in the West Clubs Women’s Hockey League’s East Division. The seconds play in Wessex Division 1 and the thirds in Wessex Division 2.
The first team will be taking part in the Wiltshire Ladies Shield on Saturday, September 9 at the Dorcan Centre in Swindon. It’s open to all ladies clubs in Wiltshire, but this year only three teams have entered: Corsham, Nnorth Wilts and Marlborough.
On September 16 the ladies first team have a home friendly against Wootton Bassett – then they go straight into league games with a handful of home fixtures on the bounce.
The Club’s very active junior section begins its weekly training session at the College pitches on Sunday, 10 September.
And senior players should note that after the #HockeyFest they can put back some of that energy with a £7 curry at The Lamb.
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