Durham University Hockey Club

Currently the Men’s 2’s are heading into Christmas in a very good position in all competitions. In the North hockey Men’s Premier Division, it was clear from the very outset of the season that it was going to be an extremely competitive league. We were conscious that last season’s relegated sides had been replaced by teams who were much stronger and that there would certainly be no easy games. However we had not lost too many senior players and were confident that the fresh intake of 1st years would be more than capable to replace the veterans. The season started brilliantly and it was clear from that very first victory against Formby 1’s that this squad was very strong, perhaps even stronger than the 2’s squad last season. Our first real test of the season came in the shape of Wakefield 1’s, a long rival of DUHC. They are perennially tough as last year’s results proved; a 3-3 draw at home last season was our best performance as a team. This time around we found ourselves dominating both possession and the flow of the game and were very unlucky to come away with a draw. What was encouraging was the manner in which the team carried themselves against a notoriously verbal team; they were not drawn into any petty verbal battle nor did they ever impolitely question the umpire’s decision. This was followed by our stunning victory against Bowdon 2’s at their ground. Struggling at 2-0 against a very well drilled and organised side, it seemed that were heading to our first defeat of the season. However that second half proved to be one of the best performances that I have witnessed in a palatinate shirt, winning 3-2. Last season’s contests with the top teams of our league were more a matter of damage limitation however this year as a team we began to realise that we could not only compete with sides like Bowdon and Wakefield, but dominate and even beat them. We have dipped at times in the league but I, along with the coaches, am confident that, as the season draws to a close, we will challenging the top side and could make a push to win the league. In our BUCS league we were unfortunately relegated last season and found ourselves in a league that I expect us to win. We have been able to win “ugly” at times against sides that are physical and tough to beat. The newer additions to the squad, those promoted from the 3’s, have been able to prove themselves and cement their places in the 2’s squad by showing their ability on Wednesdays. I have been really impressed how well the team has trained and I have inherited a squad which is very hardworking and which is constantly improving. We are a team that is very close and I have been especially impressed with how well the 1st years have integrated into the squad and with how well the senior players have accepted and really mentored the younger players. This is a squad that is easy to captain, I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge so far and I am excited by the potential that I see in each and every player that could push us to victory in all our leagues.