Hockey ladies face tough start

Newark Hockey Club Ladies’ 1sts will open their league campaign at Bournville as they look to build on their first season at Midlands 2 level.

Paul Halfpenny’s side have been handed a tough start with trips to Shrewsbury and Stourport, and Edgbaston scheduled for October after their opening match on September 28.

Their first home game is against Birmingham 3rds.

Newark Mens 1sts, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season, host Nottingham Trent University in their first match on October 5, before travelling to Wootton Wand-erers the following week.

The club starts pre-season on September 7 and 8 with its annual registration day. Club Weekender is at Magnus Sports Centre from 9.30am.

Current and new players are welcome to register. Anyone interested in joining will be able to talk to members over the two days.

There will also be friendly matches for all six of Newark’s teams. The three men’s teams will play Derwent and the ladies’ teams will face Matlock.

James Middleton, chairman of Newark Hockey Club, said: “This season will be about consolidation.

“I haven’t spoken to Paul properly about this season yet, but I think the ladies’ 1sts will be aiming for a top-half finish to build on last season.

“For the men’s 1sts, it would be great if they were able to get promoted as they came close last season. It might take another year before they are ready to take the step up.”

Middleton is keen for the club to continue to develop young players, who start off in the men’s and ladies’ 3rd teams, before moving into the 2nds and 1sts.

As part of the youth policy, coach Tim Burch has been organising a primary schools league.

Middleton said: “This year will be the first time we bring girls and boys together in training. We hope that will improve the young players’ skills.

“Anyone interested in playing hockey is welcome to come along to the registration day.

“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played before.”