It is frightening to think that the hockey season is almost on us again.

Last season was eventful to say the least and having to win the last 3 games to avoid relegation was exciting although I do not want to go through it again! Why we were in that position is another question. No team overran us and we competed in every match. However, an inability to hold onto the ball and retain possession for periods during the game was a major factor. The other problem was a lack of forward power, especially when John Pearson moved up into the 1st XI and Richard Isherwood retired (again!). We never put out the same team for two weeks running, and selected over 25 players during the season.

Practice was poor and if the numbers don’t show at training, there is little we can do although work on short corners can and will be done. It is interesting that when teams are winning, there is an excellent turn out to training, but when they are struggling for points, the opposite happens, whereas this is the most crucial time for training.

Next season will be tough, especially as JP is injured at present and may be doubtful. I hope some of the youngsters have matured and the Currie boys, Sam Ashworth and Danny Cottier Brown all produce what they are capable of. I am also hopeful that Mike Hall will continue to improve and Mark Lees will become a regular in the team, so a strong defence led by Dougie Green can be maintained and a mid to top place in the League can be obtained.