| HHC:
A CLUB ON THE UP
24.06.07
Five
years ago, few would have believed Harpenden were capable of playing
hockey at the top flight of the East Regional league. Surely a
small club with no pitch to call home could not be capable of
such success? But with superb work ethic throughout the club and
a super contribution from the captains and committee, it has become
a reality.
The
success in the Men’s side of the club has been spearheaded
by the 1st XI led by captain Mike Emes, with three successive
promotion seasons in a row. Performances this year saw them promoted
to the top division of the East regional league – Premier
A. They will be rubbing shoulders with a number of well established
teams including a number of ex-National League opposition such
as local rivals St Albans and Hitchin Blueharts. But it is not
just the elite team enjoying success. The Men’s 4s have
also tasted triumph being promoted as champions from their division.
With a number of promising colts from the junior section helping
them obtain promotion, this bodes extremely well for the future
of the men’s side of the club.
The
ladies’ 1st XI were also promoted this season under the
captaincy of Jacqueline Smith, breaking through from the Five-Counties
League into the East League for the first time in their history.
This has been the result of consistent strengthening of the team
over the last couple of years and the coaching provided to ladies
teams. There has also been significant success in the supporting
teams with the Ladies 2s also being promoted this season, and
promising performances from the ladies 3s featuring a number of
promising juniors.
The
achievement of the senior teams has set up a legacy for the flourishing
junior section of the club. Over this time, the efforts of a Paul
Wise and Neil Liles, ably supported by a wealth of fellow club
members and parents, have seen the junior section of the club
swell to nearly 200 members, with teams playing from under-9 to
under-15 levels. The results have been fantastic, with a number
of teams performing well and some 20 players achieving county
selection in their respective age groups. Their success is testament
to the work put in by all of the coaches, and anticipation is
high as the fruits of the junior success begin to enter the senior
teams.
Thanks
must also go to the club’s sponsors over the last couple
of seasons, Kingston Smith Chartered Accountants. Their generous
support has played an integral role in providing the funding to
develop the club and its players. In addition, thanks should also
go to all of those who have supported the club throughout the
years, whether you are having given up your time coaching, or
simply the parents for ferrying your kids to and from train. Each
of the individual contributions has added to the great success
achieved, and everyone involved should be very proud.
A
consistent challenge for the club has been the lack of a home
Astroturf pitch and clubhouse in Harpenden. Whilst this has not
stopped the momentum of the club, it will be important to consolidate
and create a base for the future, both on and off the pitch. To
date the club have had to make use of an excellent website and
alternative Harpenden-based social venues, but they will be looking
to settle roots as soon as possible. It seems that finally plans
for the new pitch and clubhouse are close to being confirmed,
and the current target is that facilities will be available in
Harpenden for the 2008/09 season.
There
is much anticipation to see what the next 5 years has to hold
for Harpenden Hockey Club. Continued success? A pitch the club
can finally call home? National League hockey? Club Captain Paul
Nash said in response to this question; ‘One step at a time.
The club has enjoyed phenomenal success in recent seasons, and
this is testament to the hard work of everyone involved. The important
thing is we now consolidate on this success, and build strong
foundations for the future.’
If
you would like to be part of the story and are interested in playing
for Harpenden next season, the club are currently looking to recruit
players at all levels to strengthen the club. If you're interested,
please contact the Men’s’ 1st XI captain Mike
Emes
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