Hockey: Alderley Edge end season on a high

SGregoryvsWB

Alderley Edge Hockey Club started the season on a high, winning the England Hockey Club of the Season award and opening their new playing facility. Now they have finished on a high as they celebrated unrivalled success on the pitch.

Of the twelve league teams Alderley Edge run each week, five won promotion, with no teams relegated. It is a record that cannot be matched by any other club.

In the men's section the 1st team will play in the highest league in the North Hockey structure, the seconds will play in the top division in the North West. The 6th team won their league going the full season undefeated.

The other teams all had mid-table finishes and with a restructure next season can all look forward to playing a higher standard next season.

The ladies' had similar success, with the 1st ensuring they will continue in the North league next year and the 2s and 5s winning promotion.

The last league game of the season saw already promoted Alderley Edge 1s host Whitley Bay. On a very hot afternoon the pace and intensity of the game was lower than usual.

Alderley took a two goal lead when Sam Gregory finished from close range after good work by Sawas at a broken down penalty corner, then Danny Butterworth burst forward from midfield and beat the 'keeper for his first of the season.

Alderley were looking comfortable until Whitley Bay increased the pressure and in quick succession won and converted two penalty corners at the very end of the first half. The second half was similar to the first with Alderley having more possession but unable to create any gilt edged chances and wasting several penalty corner opportunities. Whitley Bay snatched victory when a mix up at the back left allowed two forwards break clear on goal and they were able to make the most of the opportunity.

Alderley Edge welcome any new or returning player to get in touch to be part of next season which they hope will be as successful and enjoyable as this year.

This is a member post by James Riley.

Photo: Sam Gregory.

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Hockey
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Clive Elliott
Tuesday 27th March 2012 at 7:30 pm
A brilliant effort and fantastic result. Congratulations to all concerned, especially the players and the outstanding management team. Also great to see how much the new facility is being used, including during holiday times, underpinning the faith placed in this progressive initiative by AECC, the Alderley Edge Institute Trust, and the EHB. Keep up the good work everyone.