Whitchurch are on the road this weekend when they take on Stourport at Bromsgrove School tomorrow.  They will be out to prove they can still take points in the England Hockey League without their four international players.

Captain and goalkeeper Iwan Williams, defender Jonny Gordon and attacking players Joe Naughalty and Ben Croxall are all with Wales at the World Cup Qualifiers in Invercargill New Zealand, which begins today.  Whitchurch will be without the four next week also when they entertain Bournville at Sophia Gardens.

Having destroyed Swansea University last weekend in the Welsh Cup, Whitchurch will be keen to demonstrate the strength in depth, within the squad.  Extra responsibility will fall upon the senior players such as Jon Collis, Neil Potter and Alex Keating.  Mark Whalting has been in excellent form so far this campaign and coach Tyrone Moore will look to him for more of the same.

Stourport have themselves had squad availability problems – in the last few weeks they have had eight first choice players unavailable through injury.  They have also lost Ben Carless to Team Bath Buccaneers and David Griffiths to Loughborough Students, since last season.

Stourport have not had a good start to the season, as a result.  With only a win and a draw to show for their troubles they currently lie one off the bottom.  Whilst they play some attractive hockey they are simply not scoring enough goals.

 This fixture is usually an entertaining one that normally goes to the wire.  Find out details of the result on the Whitchurch website www.whitchurch-hc.com

Three points in the bag was certainly order of the day last weekend against Old Georgians and it should be “same again” from Coach Tyrone Moore.  Whitchurch travel to Plymouth to take on Marjons – newly promoted as champions of the West regional division.

Marjons were convincing winners in their region last term, but have taken on a different dynamic this season with the arrival of former GB international Calum Giles, from Havant.  They blooded eight new players on the opening day and managed to secure a well-earned point against Guildford and their own former GB stalwart Simon Mason.  Last weekend they went down 4-1 at an impressive University of Birmingham and will need to do more than sit back and hope to catch teams on the break, if they are going to secure their place in the league for next season.

Despite Marjons strong home support, Whitchurch will eye this as a good chance of three away points, especially as last weekend’s performance saw many of the new players beginning to gel and play some effective hockey.

However, the Plymouth ground holds painful memories for Coach Moore – last time he and his team was here Moore was playing and fractured his leg in the process.  Though the team did go on to completely outperform their hosts and come away with the spoils.  Let’s hope there is a repeat of the latter and not the former.

On the back of an excellent start to the season and sitting at the lofty heights of second place in the table, Whitchurch travel to University of Birmingham today to fend off their nearest rivals.

The students started their campaign well, but were on the wrong side of a 5-4 defeat to Havant three games in.  They looked to have righted their defensive lapses with a 3-1 victory over Guildford, but last week managed to lose 2-1 at the hands of struggling Stourport.  They seem to be suffering a case of the Jekyll & Hydes that have previously dogged Whitchurch.

Conversely Whitchurch have not only played some stylish hockey they have also showed the determination to battle and grind out wins where necessary – taking their chances and limiting the opposition.  If it wasn’t for the heroics of former GB international goalkeeper Simon Mason, Whitchurch would have run out comfortable winners against Guildford, last weekend.

The combinations are working well around the pitch – some dependable goalkeeping from captain Iwan Williams, an organised and stubborn back line, with probing runs in midfield by Whatling and Naughalty and expansive distribution from Collis. Furthermore, the goals are being shared around, with regular contributions from Westerman, Croxall and Naughalty.

What makes this run of performances and results even more encouraging is that Whitchurch are doing this without Head Coach Tyrone Moore, who is recovering from an operation.  Manager Nazir Mohamed has stepped into the breach and the squad are doing him proud.

Whitchurch will take a full squad of 16 to the West Midlands, including youngster James Kyriakides, who was on the score sheet last weekend for the 2nd XI against Firebrands.

After a disappointing opening game to the England Hockey League season, Whitchurch have bucked the trend of recent years by winning three games on the bounce.  Whitchurch currently sit in fourth place, level on points with Fareham and University of Birmingham, but having scored fewer goals.  All three have lost one and won three.  Team Bath Buccaneers are still setting the pace at the top with four wins, but they are still susceptible to conceding goals.

Today Whitchurch travel to fifth place Guildford who have enjoyed a mixed start to the season.  Stalwart goalkeeper Simon Mason is still a formidable target to beat, but the dynamic way Whitchurch have started this season, they would expect to be a match for any side in this Conference.  The international form of Ben Croxall, Joe Naughalty and Jonny Gordon over the summer has been evident at the beginning of this domestic campaign, in all three areas of the pitch.

The size and quality of the players available to Coach Tyrone Moore has enabled Whitchurch to put out a fairly settled and consistent squad each week.  The competition for places is greater than previous years and with the 2nd XI playing in the N4 South Wales & West Premier Division, the quality of hockey the squad is exposed to is better.

Last week, experienced campaigner Neil Potter made a successful return from a hand injury, with some probing runs from midfield.  Richard John’s appearance in defence alongside Gordon was also a stabilising factor.  Keen to avoid injuries, Whitchurch will be looking to keep up the momentum they have built and target a further three points on the road.

Three points in the bag was certainly order of the day last weekend against Old Georgians and it should be “same again” from Coach Tyrone Moore.  Whitchurch travel to Plymouth to take on Marjons – newly promoted as champions of the West regional division.

Marjons were convincing winners in their region last term, but have taken on a different dynamic this season with the arrival of former GB international Calum Giles, from Havant.  They blooded eight new players on the opening day and managed to secure a well-earned point against Guildford and their own former GB stalwart Simon Mason.  Last weekend they went down 4-1 at an impressive University of Birmingham and will need to do more than sit back and hope to catch teams on the break, if they are going to secure their place in the league for next season.

Despite Marjons strong home support, Whitchurch will eye this as a good chance of three away points, especially as last weekend’s performance saw many of the new players beginning to gel and play some effective hockey.

However, the Plymouth ground holds painful memories for Coach Moore – last time he and his team was here Moore was playing and fractured his leg in the process.  Though the team did go on to completely outperform their hosts and come away with the spoils.  Let’s hope there is a repeat of the latter and not the former.

Following last weekend’s disappointing loss at Fareham, Whitchurch will be keen to make amends at home to surrey-based Old Georgians, today at Sophia Gardens.

Whitchurch surrendered to sloppy goals last weekend and failed to capitalise on their own chances – something of a repeat of previous campaigns and areas the squad will be keen to improve upon.

Further additions to the Whitchurch squad for today’s match will be former player Gareth Thomas along with Adam Barker and Kyle Stubley – giving Coach Tyrone Moore options in all three areas of the pitch.  Wales youngsters James Kyriakides and Rhys Gowman keep their places in the squad.  Doug Young and Neil Potter are missing from the squad.

Old Georgians have also had some changes in their ranks over the summer – influential defender and drag flick expert Gareth Carr has made the step up to East Grinstead in the Premier Division.  Nicky Thompson is still Head Coach – so Whitchurch will be guaranteed a tough test.  They also have a point to prove, after an excellent start to last season they fell away in the bid for promotion and this campaign has not started well having lost 6-1 at home to University of Birmingham, whom themselves have lost their penalty corner expert, Alex Penney to Cannock.

This fixture last season was a closely fought affair, with Old Georgians taking the points, primarily because Whitchurch could not force their chances home and Gareth Carr despatching his opportunities.  Both teams will be keen to get their first three points and gain some confidence for what will be a very competitive season.

Sunday sees the start of a new England Hockey League season.  Whitchurch travel to newcomers Fareham winners of the South region last season.

Whitchurch have strengthened their squad for this campaign with new recruits and returning old boys.  James Kyriakides joins from Swansea Bay, having played an influential part in the Wales team that won the UK Schools Games earlier this month, in Cardiff.  Kyriakides is set to make his debut this weekend at Fareham. Tom Vinney has also joined from Swansea Bay.

Returning former players include defender Kam Yin-Boey who has been travelling; Martyn White has now graduated from Cardiff University and Wales international Joe Naughalty returns from an enforced exile at Cardiff & UWIC.  Gareth Thomas has completed his studies in Chester and returned home to Cardiff, but is not included in the squad for this weekend.

The summer has been a fruitful one for Whitchurch – beginning with winning the EuroHockey Club Challenge in Prague.  The reward was promotion to the Trophy tournament next Easter, which the European Hockey Federation (EHF) has just awarded hosting to Whitchurch. Vice Chair Jaime Hindle commented on being awarded the tournament; ”We are naturally delighted to have the opportunity to host such an important tournament – it will be eight years since we lasted hosted a European club tournament and that was the old C Division.”

A number of Whitchurch players and coaches have been in international action over the summer.  Rhys Gowman captained the Wales side to UK Schools Games success, alongside Kyriakides.  Ben Croxall, Joe Naughalty, Jonny Gordon, Nazir Mohamed and Tyrone Moore all earned bronze medals in the EuroHockey Nations Trophy in Wrexham.  Wales finished behind Russia and Ireland, but ahead of fifth-placed Scotland.

This weekend Whitchurch will be without experienced midfielder Neil Potter due to a broken hand.  Potter is expected to be out for another month.

Following last weekend’s dramatic final minute win against Stourport – tomorrow’s away trip to University of Birmingham, holds little meaning in determining the Slazenger England Hockey League, West Conference.  With the students also claiming a somewhat unexpected win over city rivals Bournville, their safety is assured and as such both sides can play without any pressure.

Mixed fortunes elsewhere for other sides from the West region – last week University of Exeter were crowned champions, for the second successive season.  They will play off against the other Conference winners for one of two places in the Premier Division next season. 

At the other end of the table Firebrands and Cardiff & UWIC face the drop.  The best either can hope for is a fighting chance at the relegation play-offs, with the bottom side automatically losing their EHL status and returning to the West & South Wales Premier regional division – much like Robinsons last season.    This would be a bitter blow for the Bristol side, who have been national league stalwarts for many years.  The same fate faced Teddington (the Worlds oldest hockey club) last season – so nobody is immune.

Whitchurch will be looking to finish their season on a positive note, having been extremely inconsistent once again.  The end of the league campaign sees the beginning of the European qualification activity.  This starts with the defence of the Welsh Cup at Sophia Gardens next weekend, against Cardiff & UWIC.

Whitchurch may well be without skipper Iwan Williams in goal and defender Richard John, but other than that have a full squad of outfield players, for the trip to the West Midlands.

All games in the EHL start tomorrow at 2pm.

Last weekend’s final minute defeat at Guildford was once again symptomatic of the Whitchurch season – showing much promise in patches, against another of the top sides, but eventually not able to garner any points out of the match.  The fact that both Firebrands and Cardiff & UWIC lost meant all three remain where they began the weekend in the table.

On Sunday Whitchurch host Stourport, who sit more comfortably in mid table, but they are not mathematically out of it if results go against them.  The previous match between these two was full of goals – nine in total, with the Worcestershire side coming out on top.  Stourport finish their season at home to league leaders University of Exeter, so there is still a good deal riding on the next two games.  Whitchurch travel to the students of Birmingham next week and must essentially do better than their two West rivals, to ensure their Slazenger EHL status for next season.

There were signs of real promise last weekend for Whitchurch – twice pegging back their more experienced opponents from Guildford.  However, concentration and stout defending will be key for them this weekend against Stourport.  The Midlands side have some promising youngsters who can inflict some punishing blows if allowed.  Conversely if things go against them early on then the momentum will be with the Welsh side and the game will be their for the taking.

Cardiff & UWIC have a tough fixture away to Old Georgians, with Firebrands taking on fellow West side Team Bath Buccs.  Theoretically Whitchurch have a more straightforward run in to the climax of the season, but as recent weeks have shown, this means very little with so much at stake.

Whitchurch welcome back skipper Iwan Williams in goal and have a full squad of outfield players.

Sunday’s game is at Sophia Gardens, starting at 13:30 – your support is welcomed.

This is the first big weekend of many for both Whitchurch and Cardiff & UWIC.  On Saturday they pit their wits against each other as they bid not only for local bragging rights, but also Slazenger England Hockey League survival.  Cardiff & UWIC are still occupying the trapdoor spot, but with them gaining three vital points last weekend and Whitchurch losing to other relegation contenders Firebrands, it is all to play for.

Whitchurch, who haven’t drawn a single game all season, were very disappointed after last Sunday’s loss to Bristol side Firebrands.  “We just didn’t turn up”; commented Neil Beasley, Club President, who was in the crowd.  “Having made good progress over the last few weeks, beating arguably the better sides in the table, we then go and play very poorly”; said Beasley.

It could be claimed Whitchurch have a more “straightforward” run-in to the end of the season – Guildford away next week, followed by Stourport at home and University of Birmingham away on the final day.  Conversely, Cardiff & UWIC welcome table-topping Exeter University next week, followed by Old Georgians and Team Bath Buccs.   Firebrands also need to play Old Georgians and Team Bath Buccs, but finish with second place Bournville at home on the last day.

A win tomorrow for Whitchurch should see them pull clear and leave Firebrands and Cardiff & UWIC to fight things out between them.  However, this division has been unpredictable of late and throw in the added derby spice and we could end up with a whole host of outcomes.

Both Whitchurch and Cardiff & UWIC are involved in Welsh Cup Semi-Final action on Sunday.  Current holders Whitchurch take on Cardiff University at Talybont with Cardiff & UWIC playing Bridgend. 

Saturday’s derby game is at Sophia Gardens, starting at 13:30.  Sunday’s Cup game at Talybont, starting at 12:00.

This season is once again proving competitive and full of surprises in the Slazenger England Hockey League West Conference.  Following last weekend’s round of unexpected results, there is still everything to play for – especially at the bottom end of the table.

Having taken all three points from high-flying Old Georgians in Surrey, Whitchurch will have renewed confidence in their quest to climb the table.  However, it must have been a glum weekend for the OG’s.  Having lost to Whitchurch at home on Saturday they travelled to University of Birmingham, who inflicted their second defeat in two days – the students second win over the weekend!  Not really the result Whitchurch wanted, as they still see themselves in eighth place, ahead of Firebrands and Cardiff & UWIC.

Tomorrow Whitchurch entertain Team Bath Buccs, who themselves had mixed fortunes last weekend – a win and a loss.  Due to the recent wintry weather Team Bath have had a number of postponements, so their backlog of fixtures and subsequent double-headers could test the fitness of the squad. 

Wales international Lewis Prosser is a creative influence in the Team Bath midfield.  He has just returned from the Youth Olympics in Sydney, where he helped Team GB secure a bronze.  Jonny Gordon and Jamie Westerman return to strengthen the Whitchurch squad, who will be keen to avenge the 9-0 rout at Bath last autumn.

Tomorrow’s game is at Sophia Gardens (WIS), starting at 13:30

University of Exeter and Old Georgians are certainly the two strongest sides in the division. Whitchurch have proven tough opposition for both of these sides and should have beaten Old Georgians in Cardiff back in October. The inability to convert any of the nine penalty corners won in that game was their ultimate downfall.

The Surrey side have some quality players in their ranks - none more so than former GB international Nick Thompson, who is at the centre of most of their creative moves. Thompson was responsible for getting Old Georgians back in the Stourport game, with his first on 61 minutes and what proved to be the equaliser in the last minute. South African Gareth Carr is another danger man at penalty corners.

The Surrey side don't appear to start games very well, but certainly finish them strongly if recent form is anything to go by. Whitchurch will have to be mindful of this. The Cardiff side will be without influential midfielder Jamie Westerman and defender Jonny Gordon for this road trip.

Having given league leaders’ University of Exeter a close run last weekend, Whitchurch will be confident they can make a good account of themselves in Surrey as they take on second place Old Georgians.  The OGs have a strong home record and always feel they should secure maximum points.  However, Stourport took them all the way in the first game of the season – the game ending 4-4 after the West Midlands side were 0-4 up!

University of Exeter and Old Georgians are certainly the two strongest sides in the division.  Whitchurch have proven tough opposition for both of these sides and should have beaten Old Georgians in Cardiff back in October.  The inability to convert any of the nine penalty corners won in that game was their ultimate downfall.

The Surrey side have some quality players in their ranks – none more so than former GB international Nick Thompson, who is at the centre of most of their creative moves.  Thompson was responsible for getting Old Georgians back in the Stourport game, with his first on 61 minutes and what proved to be the equaliser in the last minute.  South African Gareth Carr is another danger man at penalty corners.

The Surrey side don’t appear to start games very well, but certainly finish them strongly if recent form is anything to go by.  Whitchurch will have to be mindful of this.  The Cardiff side will be without influential midfielder Jamie Westerman and defender Jonny Gordon for this road trip.

This weekend sees the final game of the Slazenger England Hockley League before a two month lay-off for the mid season break.  Those involved in the indoor version of the game take centre stage in December and January.  For Whitchurch it will be an opportunity to take stock of what has gone wrong during the first half of the season and what can be done to turn an increasingly drastic situation around.

On Sunday Whitchurch will host University of Birmingham, who are also struggling at the wrong end of the table.  The West Conference is divided into three – Whitchurch, Firebrands, Cardiff & UWIC and the students appear to be battling it out in a mini league of their own to avoid the automatic drop to regional hockey and the play-offs against the promoted regional winners.  In mid table and out of real danger is a tranche of four sides – Stourport, Team Bath Buccaneers, Guildford and Bournville.  Leaving University of Exeter adn Old Georgians to slug it out for the top spot and a coveted place in the Premier Division next season.

The good news for Whitchurch is, even though still rooted to the foot of the table, the three sides above them are not winning games and pulling away from the danger area.  This makes tomorrow’s game against the students even more vital for Whitchurch to gain some points.

Firebrands are currently crippled with injuries to key players and take on an in-form Bournville side this weekend.  So any points gained this weekend by Whitchurch will see them make strides and go into the winter break with a glimmer of confidence.

Whitchurch could really have done without Rhyl conceding their Welsh Cup tie last weekend.  It could have provided a confidence building performance and the chance for the forwards to practice their finishing.

Whitchurch will still be without experienced midfielder Jon Collis, who is still recovering from a knee injury.

Whilst currently occupying the “trapdoor” position at the foot of the Slazenger England Hockey League West Conference, the mood in the Whitchurch camp remains extremely confident.  Having played the top three sides in the first three weeks of the campaign – they may not have secured any points, but Whitchurch more than competed in every game and created plenty of chances.

Whitchurch Manager, Naz Mohamed commented; “We’re operating at about 60% at the moment, so still lots to improve on.  We’ve had some changes to the squad, with a couple of experienced players moving on and some of the younger guys like Rhys Gowman, Chris Fido and Louis Jones making an impact.  Our first three games were very tough, but that’s how it goes.  We now have a run of very winnable games, both home and away.  This time last season was quite similar – playing some nice hockey but not able to capitalise on the chances created.  Then after Christmas we were the form team, only losing one game.  We are very confident things will click very soon.”

The first of those winnable games is this weekend at West rivals Team Bath Buccannears, who have also faltered this term, with a win, a draw and a loss.  GB Assistant Coach Bobby Crutchley is Head Coach at Team Bath. He has brought on Welshman Lewis Prosser, who recently made his Wales Senior debut and has been selected for the GB Youth Squad.

Team Bath are a young side who look to attack, much like Whitchurch, so the game should be an open one.  Team Bath currently lie in fifth place in the table, having come back from two down to go 4-2 up against University of Birmingham last weekend, they went on to concede twice to the students in the last six minutes, resulting a 4-4 draw.

This weekend Whitchurch are without seasoned campaigners Neil Potter and Alex Keating.  However, Owen Brotherton, Laith El Khatib and Richard John all return to strengthen the squad.

As predicted the game at Exeter last weekend was entertaining, incident packed and not short of goals.  But this doesn’t guarantee wins and points on the board.  Both league performances have been positive, but chances have been missed and points have been lost.

The Whitchurch task does not get any easier this weekend, when they welcome Old Georgians to Whitchurch High School on Sunday.  Having won both of their opening league games, Old Georgians currently lie second in the table, behind Bournville and ahead of University of Exeter -  Whitchurch’s previous two opponents.

Former GB international Nicky Thompson is a stalwart at Old Georgians and still a regular on the score sheet.  Added to that are a group of talented South Africa players who combined are a real threat in this division, hence their current lofty position.  Last weekend they demolished University of Birmingham, last season’s EHL North champions, 6-1!

Whitchurch welcome back Captain Iwan Williams in goal.  Tony Gough, Chris Banning and Chris Fido look set to add strength to the squad, giving coach Tyrone Moore options across the pitch.

As per last season Whitchurch appear to be more than competing with their opponents.  But a failure to convert chances and some sloppy defending is costing valuable points in a very competitive league.

Despite losing their opening Slazenger England Hockey League game at Bournville last weekend, Whitchurch were not too disheartened and remain in a positive frame of mind ahead of their second away trip on the bounce to the University of Exeter.

Matches between these two teams are always entertaining and not short of goals.  Typically the home side takes the spoils.  The Students having secured last season’s EHL South title travelled to Cardiff on the last day of the season and met Whitchurch at their finest – playing some free-flowing and penetrative hockey.  Nevertheless, the students from Exeter were clearly the form side last season and with a settled squad should pose another tough challenge this term.

The students have some Wales internationals in their ranks – Ben Edge, Robert Mugridge & Ed Jones were all in action for Wales U21s in Italy over the summer.  Jones is also a former Whitchurch Squad member.  Furthermore, Rufus McNaught-Barrington was leading scorer for much of last season, predominantly via a dangerous drag flick.  Whitchurch goal keeper Chris Gierak steps in for Captain Iwan Williams for this week – he will oook to pit his wits against Mcnaught-Barrington.

Louis Jones makes his debut for Whitchurch on Saturday – he too was inthe Wales U21 squad in action this summer.  So there will be a number of on-pitch rivalries to be meted out.  Simon Geeves also comes in to make his EHL debut for Whitchurch, with youngster Rhys Gowman keeping his place, after a solid performance last weekend.

Last weekend’s opposition Bournville travel to Cardiff today to play Cardiff & UWIC, whcih should prove to be a far sterner test for the newly promoted capital-based side.

The new Slazenger England Hockey League is upon us for 2008-09.  Competition in the city has increased – incumbents Whitchurch now find themselves joined by last season’s West regional winners Cardiff & UWIC – increasing the Wlesh representation in the English national league to three (including Swansea Ladies).

Whitchurch & Wales Coach Tyrone Moore commented; “This is really positive for Welsh hockey – to have two men’s teams competing in the national league can only help raise the overall standard , in South Wales particularly.  Having two Cardiff Clubs in the Slazenger EHL will help attract new players to the city from far and wide.  The challenge will now be maintain EHL status and progress from here.”

With the reorganisation of the national league structure there is now the Premier Division as the top tier and three regional Conferences – North, East and West.  Last season underneath Premier was Division One and then a North and a South Division.  This season will see some sides who were previously competing in the upper echelons of Division One, pitted against newly promoted sides such as Cardiff & UWIC from the regional leagues.  So there could be some fairly one-sided games.

On Sunday Whitchurch travel to Birmingham to face Bournville – a former Division One side.  Having enjoyed a productive pre-season Whitchurch will be confident of giving a good account of themselves.  Wales U18 playmaker Rhys Gowman is included in the squad and will be keen to continue his pre-season form and cement a place in the side.  Experienced players Owen Brotherton and Laith El Khatib are both unavaialble due to returning from honeymoon and actually getting married respectively.  Wales U21 player Louis Jones is going through the registration process and should be available for next week.  Midfielder Tom Fisher will be turning out for Firebrands this season, due to reloacting to Bristol for work and Joe Naughalty is transferring to Cardiff & UWIC  as a result of their student selection policy.

Cardiff 4 October 2007 - After a weekend off, Whitchurch again face another double-header weekend in the Slazenger English Hockey League. Tomorrow they welcome local rivals and current league leaders, Firebrands to Sophia Gardens. On Sunday they travel to South West London to take on recently relegated Teddington.

Whitchurch were convincing 4-2 winners in pre-season against Bristol side Firebrands – but it’s the Bristolians that have hit the ground running this campaign with three wins out of three. James Hudson is their main goal threat from penalty corners, having already bagged four this season. Tim Laing is another creative threat in midfield.

Teddington have fallen from grace in recent seasons, with consecutive relegations and an apparent exodus of players. The Middlesex side, believed to be the oldest hockey club in the world, dating back to 1871, were unable to fulfil their first league fixture, owing to a shortage of registered players. They currently sit bottom of the league without a point. In the North Division Harrogate also had to concede their first match due to lack of players. Having been thrashed 13-0 by Birmingham University the following week, Harrogate have opted to pull out of the English Hockey League.

Whitchurch Coach Tyrone Moore spent many successful seasons as a Teddington player – winning numerous Welsh caps and gaining vital GB experience. “To see Teddington struggling is very disappointing, but I’m sure they will come good. It will be good to see a few familiar faces again.”

This weekend Whitchurch will be looking to get six points and more importantly their first win of the season. They will be without newcomer Jonny Gordon who suffered a broken finger at Holcombe, two weeks ago. Neil Potter and Owen Brotherton are not available this weekend, but another newcomer Andrew Cavendish, formerly of Stourport, is available for the Welsh side. Team Manager Nazir Mohammed commented; “The squad seem to be settling in quite nicely, creating lots of chances going forward, but still conceding a few sloppy goals.”

Saturday’s game is a 13:30 start at the Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens.

Cardiff 20 September 2006 – Whitchurch face their first double-header weekend in the Slazenger English Hockey League, when they travel to Kent to face Holcombe tomorrow and welcome new boys Robinsons to Sophia Gardens on Sunday.

Holcombe were relegated from Division One, but have recruited well over the summer. South Africa international Denzil Dolley is still a free-running threat down the right flank and new recruit, former England international, Dave Mathews has a proven goal scoring pedigree at national league level. Holcombe’s pre-season programme has brought victories against higher placed opposition, but they did lose convincingly to local rivals Bromley & Beckenham recently – the side that Whitchurch largely outplayed last weekend. It is risky to base league form on the results of pre-season friendlies, but does show this is an open division this season.

This weekend will be the first big test of the new resources available to Whitchurch. The South Wales & West of England regional league commences this weekend, so the Whitchurch 2nd XI is also in action. Thankfully the recruitment drive over the summer has been profitable, but new boys Jonny Gordon, Tony Gough and Kyle Stubley, making their EHL debuts, will have to hit the ground running. Experienced defender Richard John also returns to the squad, having just completed a charity walk along the Pembroke Coastal Path, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research.

On Sunday newly promoted Robinsons of Bristol will aim to kick-start their season in the EHL. Robinsons were promoted instead of Cardiff Hockey Club, who were deemed to have broken player eligibility regulations last season. Sunday’s game will see a father and son duel unfold, between Rod of Robinsons and Joe of Whitchurch. Joe grew up playing for Robinsons until commencing his studies at UWIC and joining Whitchurch. Joe has recently broken into the England U21 team and father Rod is still playing international hockey at veteran level. There is never any love lost between these two sides, so the umpires Stephen Cox and Ian Johns could have a testing afternoon.

Sunday’s game is a 13:30 start at the Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens.

Cardiff 13 September 2007 – The Slazenger England Hockey League kicks of the 2007-08 season tomorrow, with Cardiff side Whitchurch entertaining Bromley & Beckenham at Whitchurch High School.

Whitchurch were set to be joined in the EHL by fellow Welsh side Cardiff Hockey Club, who won the South West regional premier league for 2006-07. However, England Hockey put a halt on Cardiff’s progress, citing they had fielded too many non-eligible overseas players during the season. After a good deal of wrangling Cardiff’s place was awarded to Robinsons of Bristol, who were runners-up in the league to Cardiff. This still leaves Whitchurch flying the flag for Wales in the EHL.

As expected, there have been changes in personnel at Whitchurch. Tyrone Moore remains as Head Coach and has recruited former international player Andy Gowman and former WHU Head of Performance Dave Griffiths, to strengthen the coaching team. On the playing front, James Bainbridge has relocated to Devon for professional reasons.

New recruits are aplenty – Jonny Gordon joins from Swansea Bay, Tony Gough from Cardiff University, Gareth Cosker from Firebrands and Mark Whatling from Belper. Unfortunately only Whatling will be able to make his league debut this weekend, as Cosker is injured and both Gordon and Gough’s registrations are still being processed by England Hockey.

Manager Naz Mohammed commented; “We are certainly looking to build on our fifth place finish last time. We’ve got some really talented young guys in the squad, but we need the players to gel now, so we can get a good start to the season. The Bromley game is a bit unpredictable – they turned us over twice last year in games we should have won. We need to be more consistent this season.”

Whitchurch this week named stalwart goalkeeper Iwan Williams as their new Captain and hope he can perform the same heroics again this campaign. Chris Fido has forced his way into the squad after a strong finish to last season and some impressive performances for Wales U18s in the summer. Joe Naughalty also enjoyed international honours in the summer, breaking into the England U21 squad. Whitchurch will be without senior pro Graeme Egan this weekend, as he is on international duty with Wales in Lisbon.