CLUB REVEALS ITS GREAT POTENTIAL
Men's 1s
19th March 2008
Cheltenham Hockey Club's men's first eleven are looking to build on a strong second half to the season in the 2008-9 campaign. They finished fourth in the N4 West of England Premier League, with 10 wins from their 22 games, netting 70 goals and conceding 52.
They had a good run in the HA Cup, making it through some early tricky ties against Devizes and Plymouth Marjons, but were eventually defeated in extra time by National League team Robinsons.
The Premier League campaign started slowly with two losses, but a win over eventual champions Cardiff showed the potential. However, this was only maintained sporadically.
The run into Christmas contained a mixed set of results, and only in the second half of the season was the true potential of the squad visible, as they lost only to the top two teams.
Excellent wins over Swansea, Cardiff Uni and Isca set high standards, and it will be the performances in these games that must be built on next season.
Highlights of the league season were the three home matches against the Welsh teams, which brought a 13-1 defeat of Swansea, a 6-0 win over Cardiff Uni, and a 1-0 victory over champions Cardiff & UWIC.
Richard Fynn hit 18 league goals, all from open play, while Giles Rooke performed superbly in goal and Jonny Bryan stepped in and led the team well.
Cheltenham Squad
Back Row L to R: J Foster, P Richardson, A Hay, B Candy, S Padley, T Cole, M Pierce, R Fynn, J Lawford, L Robson (coach).
Front Row L to R: P Duffy, T Glenister, J Bryan (VC), G Rooke, N Stewart (C), T Gower, G Lewis.
