Report by Dave Vernon
After a glorious Club Day on the Saturday, Bristol and West’s hockey players just had not got their fix yet.
After another successful Thornbury Mixed Summer League, this year with two teams topping the standings unbeaten, our mixed contingent was keen to regroup for some fun games at the annual Keynsham Hockey Club charity tournament. A great orange swathe of Bristol’s friendliest hockey players descended on Wellsway school on Sunday morning (some more hungover than others). Eventually making up 4 of the 8 teams in the competition, the law of averages suggested that the podium awaited at least one of the teams.
The group stages were soon underway, with two inter-club games kicking the day off. Team orange squeezed past team grey with some epic picking from Rob Hazelwood, despite some classic Si Barratt antics. The oranges went from strength to strength, topping their group and brushing aside a strong Bath side in their semi-final. Only team white could stop them in their tracks. Highlight of the day: Molly Green’s point-blank handle deflection. Golden moment of the day: Hannah Biggs forgetting to bring her stick to a match!
Team yellow fought bravely, starting without a goalkeeper and winning both of their games in the knockout stage to finish 5th overall. Highlight of the day: great team chemistry and stellar performances from some new faces. Golden moment: Hannah Sabine lying on the ground in protest at having to wear a bib.
Team grey played some beautiful hockey, and on any other day would have stormed the competition, eventually seeing off team Bath in the 3rd-place playoff. Only the presence of two other B&W teams kept them at bay. Highlight of the day: Rachel and Becca’s combining as a formidable dynamic duo upfront. Golden moment: Oli Nevin’s banterful encouragement – a great advert for Bristol’s friendliest club!
Team white were an unstoppable force for the length of the day. Breezing through the group stages, they faced a tough challenge from team grey in their semi-final, and finally pushed team orange into silver-medal position in the final, with some devastating attacking from predicted 2022/23 top goalscorer Joe John [I think he meant Dan Lusmore -- Ed.]. Highlight of the day: Showing off the silverware at the end of the day. Golden moment of the day: Dan Lusmore intercepting a goalkeeper clearance with his crotch!
A phenomenal turnout to a fantastic day, placing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th, and even taking home some raffle prizes! Big thanks to Keysham for hosting, it was great to be able to support them in raising some money for their chosen charities.
Having relaunched our mixed programme last summer, Bristol & West is firmly cementing it's place as the best place to play mixed hockey in Bristol. Our mixed teams are truly inclusive with players from across the club of all ages and abilities given the opportunity to play fun games of hockey together. Such a supportive environment provides a great entry point into the world of hockey, even if you've not picked up a stick for a long time, or ever before.
Interested in trying out some mixed hockey in Bristol?
For the 2022/23 season, Bristol & West Hockey Club is running open 'pick up a stick' sessions at Mangotsfield School every week on Thursday's 7-9pm.
This is open to all club members and is also perfect for new players to experience our club. If you're interested in joining, just drop us a quick email to CommunicationsBAWHC@outlook.com or fill out our contact form so we know to expect you.
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