How Worthing Hockey Club has flourished in stop-start year

When Worthing Hockey Club opened its new clubhouse less than 18 months ago, no-one could have predicted the journey that has been 2020 so far.
Worthing's ladies in actionWorthing's ladies in action
Worthing's ladies in action

But as we pause for breath in this latest lockdown, it is a good time reflect on how, despite the stop-start nature of grassroots sport at present, the club is flourishing at its new Angmering School home.

When the hockey season resumed in September, WHC’s six men’s and two ladies’ teams along with a thriving junior section swung into action. Since then results have been hugely encouraging.

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The men’s first XI are only three points from top spot in the Kent Sussex Regional League one with a game in hand. Losing just once in the league so far this season, the team went into the break with a 5-3 victory over table toppers Horsham, leaving the rest of the season with all to play for when hockey resumes.

Junior action at Worthing HCJunior action at Worthing HC
Junior action at Worthing HC

Similarly the men’s second XI have enjoyed a flying start to the season, also losing just once to sit second in the Sussex League one behind Brighton & Hove, the unbeaten leaders.

The men’s third and fourth XIs enjoy an intra-club rivalry in the Sussex League two with the fourth XI remaining undefeated at the top of the league and the thirds not far behind winning three of their league matches so far this season. Enjoying an early season win, the men’s fifth XI compete in Sussex League three with the sixth XI picking up points in Sussex League four.

In addition to the leagues, there are cup competitions including the Veterans’ Over 40s and 50s to look forward to.

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For the ladies’ first XI, an unbeaten run of a win against South Saxons, followed by draws against Burgess Hill and Brighton & Hove saw the team move up the Sussex Ladies’ League Division one in October.

The team was strengthened by the addition of new and returning club players which gives huge optimism for the good form to continue when the league gets under way again.

Also in the Sussex Ladies’ League, the ladies’ second XI have gained points in division three in a series of close matches before the enforced break in league action.

The ladies’ teams also have cup competitions to look forward to.

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Men’s club captain Ian Penny said: “It was an excellent start to the season and it’s great to see the men’s teams in strong positions across the various leagues.

“The extra coaching including a dedicated first team coach is clearly helping across the club. I am also pleased to welcome many new and returning players to the club this season, who have further strengthened our squads.”

Ladies’ club captain Michaela Stevens said: “The ladies first and second XIs are going from strength to strength with the help of increased coaching sessions and a dedicated ladies first XI coach.

“Given the current pandemic, the ladies section spirits remain high and we are looking forward to continued improvement in training and during games once lockdown ends.

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“There has been such an uplift within the section recently and we can only hope to continue this over the coming seasons. Having the new clubhouse pitch side is also increasing club togetherness with more support from other club members at our home matches.”

The boys’ and girls’ under-16 teams compete on the Sussex Development League West, which kicked off in the week before the break.

The Wolves secured a highly impressive win against last year’s Boys’ Development League winners Brighton, and are joint top in the early league standings.

With the Girls’ Development League also in its early stages, the Llamas are looking to build on excellent results in friendly matches and turn this into league points when the league resumes.

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The ladies and men’s teams all have their home matches at Worthing Hockey Club’s Angmering School base, with training on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings respectively.

The club is happy to welcome new members, so if you are new to hockey, returning to itfor the social life after a break or looking for a new club for competitive league matches, go along to a training session – you will be very welcome.

As they look forward to the new year and the gradual easing of restrictions, the pitchside clubhouse will really come into its own – hosting after match social events, parties, barbecues and team dinners.

For full club information, see www.worthinghockey.co.uk - which features a contact form.

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