Welcome to the new hockey season. Can the club surpass last season's successes ? Doubt is not an option. We will need the training (Mondays 7pm-9pm from Sept 9th ) currently being schemed by Jack Chalk and our expert coaches (thanks again chaps for committing to CSouth once again), a few pre-season fixtures (thanks to fixtures secretary George Wych), and the inspiration of our cadre of captains. Here are their recipes for glory for 2013 - 2014:
Ladies 1sts - East League 3NW(S) (last season....4th in Camb Prem)
The L1s would like win more matches, finish higher in the league table and maybe even go for promotion..We're going to play some beautiful hockey, with lots of passing and movement.We will support Cath and the L2s and hope to get two good, strong teams out every week (Kylie Beasley / Louise Tonkin)
Ladies 2nds - East League 4NW(S) (last season ...8th in Camb Div 1)
The 2s would like to build on last season. We want to enjoy playing (on and off the pitch), score plenty of goals and most importantly, aim to beat City - again! We will be considering formations such as the 'Flying V' and other Mighty Ducks tactics so watch this space… (Cath Anthony / Louise Gutteridge)
Mens 1sts - Eastern League 3NW (last season... 3rd in East 3NW)
The obvious target for the men's 1st team is to top last season's 'best ever' year, if we can achieve that, promotion may be the likely reward! The focus week to week however will be much shorter term, win the game! Pass the ball and be decisive when in possession and when the other fellas have it, get it back! There's a great team spirit and nothing to fear, this could be our year!. (Mark Williams)
Mens 2nds - Eastern League 3NW (last season...10th in East 3NW)
2s' aim is to improve our best ever result in Div 3, gain 28 points and hit 6th place. More importantly, we will aim to enjoy ourselves every week and play the best hockey we can during each game. (Ron Oren / Nick Venner)
Mens 3rd Team - Eastern League 4W (last season...3rd in East 5NW)
Cambridge South 3s, aka "The Cambridge Globetrotters", will be looking to consolidate on back to back promotions with a solid mid table finish this season. We have an extensive tour of thrilling Lincolnshire towns and attractions planned, taking in such thrills as one of the tallest TV masts in Europe (Louth), the famous bulb museum (Spalding) and who can forget the Little Chef near Boston (although we will only be passing through this year(3 times)). We will be looking to play the same flowing attacking hockey combined with hard tackling and structured defence that has been the trademark of the 3s for the last 2 years. (Alistair Edge / John Benedikz)
Mens 4th Team - Eastern League 6NW(s) (Last season...6th in 6NW(s))
The targets are:
- To get a team out each week, and have fun in the process.
- Get good attendance at CSHC events from the 4’s.
- Win the league (as long as City don't field a ridiculously strong team which is highly likely)
The Team will play..hopefully together, playing hockey similar to how the Brazilians play football – glorious and angelic with a pinch of flair. Although a Dave ‘super-smash’ 16 down the middle from defence will suffice for now. We will be for being the most successful team and the most ‘fun/friendly’ team. The team which people one day will go “damn…..I wish I had played for that team” (Joe Whittaker / Boris Lossy)
Mens 5th Team - Eastern League 6NW(s)
For the inaugural season, the M5s aims are to put out a full 11 each week and keep the number of double-ups to a minimum. We also want to provide a platform for players new to the club (and possibly the game) to get a taste of competitive hockey in Cambridge and progress to other teams within the club, while also giving a run out to those players who enjoy spending their saturday's chasing grown men with a stick without fear of falling foul of the local constabulary (dodgy tackles notwithstanding). (Simon Frampton)
..in addition there is a rumour that the CSouth Mixed team will be re-invented, under the leadership of Alice Hug and Nick Venner. Watch this space
The Leagues start on Saturday September 21st (M1,2,3), and October 5th (L1, L2, M4, M5)
And don't forget the key ingredients of success.......
- The smartest hockey-related kit in the region, accessible at unbeatable prices through SneadeEnterprises - an unbeatable social programme, led by our new lifestyle gurus Chris Pearson and Liz Dunsby, starting with...
Pizza and Drinks Social
Saturday, 14th September 2013. The Cow, Guildhall Street. The plan is to meet at The Cow from 7.30pm for some food, some drinks and a few more drinks before hitting the bright lights of Cambridge. Friends, guests, partners welcome. Your ticket includes your choice of food as well as a beer, cider, house wine or soft drink. Purchase tickets via the about to be even more amazing Club Website
I wish all teams and players a successful, injury-free, enjoyable 2013-2014 season
John Greaves
Chairman CSHC