Haslemere Hockey Club have had one of their most successful seasons, with major league wins across both junior, senior and Masters teams.

Both the boys’ and girls’ under-ten and under-12 teams reached the South Central regional finals – which is a fantastic achievement.

It means Haslemere’s junior section was the most successful across Hampshire last season. 

The under-12 boys narrowly lost 2-1 to Reading, while the girls won the South Central finals and qualified for the national finals, where they finished in fifth place.

Both the under-14 teams were promoted mid-season to compete in Tier 1 divisions and the under-16 boys’ team reached the national quarter-finals. 

This was an outstanding achievement for our junior teams this season and credit is due to the many volunteer coaches who coach and support the junior teams throughout the year.

In the ladies’ section, the fourth team were promoted having beaten Basingstoke V, the league winners, in the last game of the season. 

This was the only game Basingstoke lost all season and secured Haslemere’s position in second place and resulted in promotion. 

Their captain Megan Ashworth was also the club’s top female goalscorer last season. 

The ladies’ third team, captained by Annie Hendry, narrowly missed out on promotion on goal difference.

The men’s first team, captained by Arthur Beaney, achieved last-minute promotion to start next season only one division below the national league.

This is the highest any Haslemere team have ever achieved.  

The men’s second team, under the lead of Grant Roberts, won their league with a perfect season of 22 wins and the men’s fifth team also won their league, while supporting the development of youngsters and introducing eligible juniors to the adult game.

Most importantly, no team across the men, ladies and junior sections was relegated. 

This is no mean feat as often staying up in a league that is above the team’s comfort zone can be as hard as winning a league. 

At the more senior end of the club, the men’s Masters team had their most successful season ever, winning their league as well as the Masters Cup.

The club can also boast some international individual success with four players selected for national Masters teams. 

Heidi Wells and Mel Redman have been selected to play for England, with both their teams – Heidi in the over-55s and Mel in the over-50s – winning the Home Nations tournament in Glasgow. 

Neil Francis is representing Wales in the over-55s and recently competed in the Home Nations at Southgate. 

Peter Williams, who has been a member at Haslemere Hockey Club for more than 43 years, has represented Wales for nine years and is now playing in the over-70s team. 

Wales are the current World Cup holders after winning the final in Tokyo last autumn.

Summer hockey is currently under way with many players keen to retain their fitness, so despite the winter leagues not running, there are still fun games being played which are open to adults and older junior players.

Haslemere Hockey Club now boast more than 600 members, but new players of all ages and abilities are welcome. 

The club are currently working with England Hockey to become a talent centre, which enables the club to run as effectively as possible for all players, young and old. 

The Back to Hockey programme is thriving and has welcomed players who just wish to get fit while playing hockey, or is for those who wish to start playing competitively again.

Mel Redman