Hockey Report 05 (1971-72)

Played 9: Won 3: Lost 6.

Colours: C. Gowers and K. Knight.
Half colours: N. Wade: I Powell: T. Robinson.

Hockey is no girls' game! It is hard fought and demands courage and stamina as well as skill with the stick. An even, dry surface is essential for play, which makes it a rather unsuitable game as a winter (or summer?) sport in this country. This season was interrupted from December to mid-February by frequent rain, and no less than seven matches had to be cancelled during this period.

Although the season's record was not outstanding it was on a par with previous years' performances and it is fair to say that some of the cancelled fixtures were the "easier"' ones.

Progress was made during the season but was unfortunately limited by the scant opportunities for practice. A solid school playground and a soft, bumpy quagmire of a school field do not provide adequate practice conditions for hockey. So, as usual, experience and skill had to be gained in the matches themselves. There is a world of difference between playing friendly practice matches and facing other school teams in what are always fierce contests. Players who have suffered from the crack of a hockey ball (a white version of a cricket ball) on their shin or ankle, or a rap from a hockey stick on their knuckles, will bear this out. It thus takes a newcomer to the hockey team some time to settle down and get used to battle conditions.

Hockey is above all a team game, and success depends upon a well integrated, skilled team. The attack revolved around C. Gowers, whose strong running at the opposition combined with skilful close control of the ball left many defences crumpled. The forwards were always well supplied and the defence staunchly supported by the captain (K. Knight) playing in the pivot position, centre-half. The boost over the whole field of play was always provided by N. Wade (next season's captain) whose stamina and courage enabled him to cover a remarkable amount of ground, win the ball, in midfield and defence alike, and initiate many an attack. Mention must also be made of I. Powell, whose tenacity halted many attacks. The "find" of the season was undoubtedly T. Robinson, the goalie. His determination to keep the opposition out was best illustrated by a remarkable penalty save, diving full length to the left, in only his second game for the 1st XI.

Opposition is always very strong, many of our opponents are county players and the team deserves full marks for determination, if not for skill.

Out of this year's 1st XI squad of about 15 players only three will not be returning next year, so there is every promise of a successful team emerging.