THREE seasons ago, Haslemere Hockey Club established a development side (4th XI) to bridge the gap between the men’s adult teams and the huge junior section.

This proved an outstanding success and many of the youngsters have progressed into the upper eschelons of the club.

This season, the club is replicating that initiative with the establishment in Hants Div 10 of a 5th XI – again under the excellent management of Ollie Green and with the input, as mentors, on and off the field, of experienced players such as former international Dhiren Patel, Tony Richards (an inspiring captain), David Mayson, Kevin Macdonald and others.

After a 1-0 victory in a friendly at Romsey, the ‘New Developers’ followed up with the traditional match at Woolmer Hill against the President’s XI – largely composed of skilful and sporting ladies led by the president herself, Heidi Wells.

The 5th XI prevailed 3-0 in a tight match. The crisp passing on show augured well for both teams and the game was expertly umpired by Ollie Green.

5th XI squad: Richards, Mayson, Macdonald, Max Drover, Charlie Tuffin, Jacob Hall, Zach Rodber, Harry Stokes, Alex Knight, Dominic Knight, Finton Wood, Rory Wood, Stan James.