Alderley Edge Hockey Club has real reason to celebrate with one of the most successful seasons in many years.
The Men’s 1s finished level on points in second place with the best goal difference in North One, but missed out on promotion due to head-to-head records taking precedence, but plans are already a foot to go better next season.
Men’s 2s had a dramatic finish to the season. Trailing Rhyl on goal difference going into the last match they thumped Neston 9-0 to leapfrog the Welsh outfit. Goals from Ollie Jones (3), Chris Hardy (2), Alex Morgan, Sam Baker, Andrew Jackson and skipper Kieren Hall secured promotion to North West Division 2.
The 3s had a solid season finishing in mid table, losing 2-1 to promoted Deeside on the last day with young players promising much for next year.
The 4s had a fantastic second half of the season winning 10 consecutive games and only dropping points to champions Chester, they finished 3rd overall.
The fifth team, who were late entrants to the league, finished 4th in a highly enjoyable season and will be joined next year by a 6th Men’s league team.
The Ladies section added to the success with the Ladies 1s winning their league by 12 points and with a whopping 47 goal advantage, they will be going into the North league for the first time. They have crowned their season by beating Vikings of the Isle of Man 5-1 in the Semi Final of the National Vase knockout competition and have a final in April to look forward to.
The Ladies 2s had a perfect season winning every game, topping the league by 20 points and 96 goals. They finished off with a 15-0 win over Oxton.
The ladies of the 3rd team also had a great year and beat Bollington 1-0 in their final league game to secure promotion ahead of their local rivals.
Ladies 4s have also been promoted coming 2nd in a tight tussle they defeated their promotion rivals Chester 6-1 in the last game of the season.
Ladies 5s and 6s had many players experiencing league hockey for the first time and had enjoyable seasons, bedding in youngsters for future success.
Coupled with the achievements of the thriving junior section, in which both the Boys U10 and Girls U12 recently became Cheshire Champions, this has been an historic year for Alderley Edge Hockey Club.
With exciting plans for next season it is a case of the more the merrier in a club which is growing in membership and stature - now is a truly exciting time to be part of the hockey section at Alderley Edge.
New members of all ages and abilities, including beginners, are always welcome.
