Elected Mayor joins Hockey Club celebrations

North Shields HC celebrated another successful year in fantastic style on Saturday…….

Proceedings started at 11 am with the club’s Annual General Meeting attended by well over 40 club members. Club Chairman David Yellowley reported on the club’s second year and said:
“We have surpassed our ambitions following the successful start of the club last year. In particular, the triumph of the Second XI winning the Conference (North) division title and the newly-established Third XI and Ladies XI achieving the completion of their first full seasons of competitive hockey have shown that North Shields HC continues to demonstrate levels of excellence”.

Club and First XI Captain Kieran Conway detailed the First XI’s top four finish and said:
“Whilst over the course of the season we didn’t quite do enough to go up, we should not overlook the fact that we were involved in some exhilarating and fantastic hockey games this year, and some passages of play surpassed anything the club has seen before”.

The best quote of the day was from the Second XI Captain, Ben Sanderson, who simply reported:
“Played 15 - won 14 and drawn 1. 92 goals scored…. Division Champions!”

Ladies Captain Silena Ullah noted that the “…enthusiasm and commitment from many girls who had played little competitive hockey before was unbelievable. I love this team and can’t wait to be back next season”.

The events continued with some competitive games between the Chairman’s XI and Secretary’s XI. Midway through, John Harrison, North Tyneside’s elected mayor, came to meet the youngsters and confirm a large cheque from the Well-being Fund.

This, together with a further substantial donation from Club Sponsor Chris Wallace of Jarrow-based Neptune Enterprises, means that the club will be able to maintain its membership and match fees as the lowest in North East Hockey, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation.

The Mayor also awarded trophies to the players of the year (those who have contributed most to the success of the club on the pitch). These were:

Player of the Year 1 XI - John Douglas and Adam Lough
Player of the Year 2 XI - Richy Foster
Player of the Year 3 XI - Brain Kimber
Player of the Year Ladies XI - Nikki Ripon

Club Treasurer Paul Hill paid tribute to the support of both sponsors and also to the first-class facilities provided by John Spence Community High School.

Nearly 100 members, friends and family then retired to the Bell and Bucket for the presentation of annual trophies and a tremendous buffet organised by local landlady, Marjory Allen.

Award winners included man/woman of the match (awarded by the opposition after each game) - John Douglas (1st XI), Chris Brunton (2nd XI), Jordan Bell (3rd XI) and Haley Falla and Silena Ullah (Ladies XI). Also praised were the 2 XI front pairing of youth - Richy Foster and veteran experience - Paul Mearns, who scored 24 and 28 league goals respectively.

There was a special award to Matthew Dey for his contribution to the club. The event reflected the club’s commitment to social and community-based activities and yet again epitomised the team spirit in all areas, not just on the field of play.

The club will be continuing its hockey and social activities during the summer with friendly, mixed and training games. In addition social outings will include bowling and beach hockey. Anybody is welcome, particularly beginners. If you are interested do not hesitate to contact our Club Secretary.