As the official league season draws for a close for the majority of players this weekend was an opportunity to have one last run about at the club's end of season club day and barbecue. Over 90 players turned up and were divided into six squads. Each team having a player from each of the club's teams (including women, men and juniors). Three hours of fun hockey resulted in a winner after a penalty shoot out. Club Captain, Paul Howarth's team just edging out Club goal keeping coach, Doug Woods' team.
Afterwards the players retired to the Sporting View where Club chefs, Paul Meacher and Mark Day cooked for those participating members.
It was an ideal opportunity for Club Chairman, Clive Thomson to present the Carter Cup to Paul Howarth who had been voted clubman of the year. Paul, as well as being Club Captain has run the men's second team who gain promotion and the floodlit team that won the Echo Challenge Trophy, has been a leading light in the club's social programme.
On Sunday the Ladies Vets played in the South Round of the National Competition. After losing a close match with Camberley 1 - 0 they went on to beat West Witney 3 - 0, with Skipper Fiona Jarman (2) and Annie Day getting on the score sheet. With a win necessary in their final pool game with Bracknell Southampton created several good scoring chances but could not gain the edge and the game ended in a 0 - 0. Winners of the tournament on penalty strokes was Camberley.
Hampshire under 13s lost their final game of the Championship to Berkshire 1 - 2. Hampshire justifiably took the lead when a foot on the goal line blocked Southampton's Ollie Knight's shot. Richard Smith of Portsmouth converted the resulting penalty.
Next weekend, Bank Holiday Monday (8th May) sees the annual Hampshire Day cup finals, which are to be held at HMS Temerraire in Portsmouth. Southampton will be represented by the boys' Under 14, who will play City of Portsmouth and Ladies First team, who will play Havant. Start time 13:30 SUPPORT WELCOME, DIRECTIONS, IF REQUIRED, FROM ME.
Roger Merry