Shields celebrate another victorious hockey season in style

Proceedings started at 11am with the club’s Annual General Meeting attended by well over 40 club members. Club Chairman David Yellowley reported on the club’s fifth year and said: “Our continued focus on free junior development is paying dividends and with the help of coaching we have achieved a momentous success in promotions through the leagues with all the men’s and ladies teams contributing to that achievement”.

First XI Captain Mick Riding detailed the First XI’s promotion and said: “the great natural ability of a talented and focused group of young men meant that some of the hockey has been a delight to watch and why North Shields Hockey Club can now boast a team in next seasons North East Hockey League Division 1”.

The events continued with a very competitive mixed game between the Chairman’s XI and Secretary’s XI and members then retired to the Bell and Bucket for the presentation of annual trophies. Award winners included players of the season Chris Brunton (1st XI), Kieran Conway and Ben Sanderson (2nd XI), Andrew Crozier (3rd XI) and Mo Wright-Whyte (Ladies XI). Beth Priestley picked up a deserved Chairman’s trophy for her efforts on the pitch and also praised were a number of newcomers including Joe Bell, Andrew Tait and Joanna Carnell. A tremendous buffet was then supplied by local landlady, Marjory Allen.

Lifetime award winner, Steve Smith said “I love this club and have watched it grow from nothing, its great to see skilful young kids coming through, yet still opportunities for competitive hockey for the elder members”.

Meanwhile a joint North Shields and Tynedale team remain unbeaten in their first fixtures of the summer Masters league with draws against Tynemouth, Gateshead and Morpeth. A programme of summer hockey and events has been lined up to maintain the momentum. Anybody is welcome, particularly beginners. If you are interested do not hesitate to contact our Club Secretary.