Leicester Hockey Club

Leicester Hockey club celebrated its first awards night at our new venue on Saturday 13th June. After Trem's Presidential address it was over to managers or coaches for a season's report and the awards.

Hazel reported on a very promising season in which the 5ths finished in the top half of Leicestershire One. Abi Williams won Most Improved Player for her consistent performances in defence and Charlotte Willis was voted Players' Player of the Year. There was a double celebration for Charlotte as she also won Leicestershire One Player of the Year, as voted by all the other teams.

Gaynor was able to highlight a season in which the very young 4th team had come close to surprising a lot of other sides before settling for a mid-table position. High point was a 9-0 demolition of Charnby late on and low point was a 6-1 loss to Lutterworth. Most Improved Player was Becky Hutchinson who developed a mean approach to left halves and a very humble Players' Player was tigerish defender Maddy Smith.

The 3rds had a disappointing season according to Phil's report although there were times when they showed great promise. The season ended in relegation back to Leicestershire Premier when they lost the last match of the season 1-0 at Kettering to a dodgy decision by an umpire who announced before the game that he was partially sighted! Most Improved Player was cool young defender Emily Burgwin and Players' Player was the outstanding U18s keeper, Caitlin Jeffries.

Caitlin received an honourable mention from Andy in his summary of the 2nds' season. The side eventually finished 9th in the League but avoided relegation as no Midlands side was relegated from the National League. Several players were picked out as having improved but Most Improved Player was the very versatile Vaila Ormiston who we all hope will carry on playing next season despite A levels and the great honour of being chosen as LGS Head Girl. Well done, Vaila. Gemma Blewett, whose excellent goal keeping kept even Caitlin out, was chosen as Players' Player.

The first team had a mixed season but Chris Mayer felt that the side under-achieved in finishing fourth in the Premier division of the EHL and missing out again on Europe. Once again the club supplied a steady stream of internationals but lost Helen Richardson and Beckie Herbert to Holland, Crista Cullen to a season out with injury and there was a long lay off for Ann Panter and towards the end of the year for Abi Harper. Nonetheless, Chris felt she had shown the greatest improvement and so Abi Harper was Most Improved Player.

Players' Player was won by a club newcomer who has made a big impression, Chloe Rogers joined from Chelmsford and was a huge success. She played right from the start despite her endeavours in Beijing and often held the young side together. To top it all she has even agreed to become Club Secretary!

Chris became a little emotional when he reported to the group that club captain and stalwart of the side, Julia Sawkings, will have to stand aside next season as she is struggling with a wrist injury that needs prolonged rest in order to heal. He paid a glowing tribute to Jules and it was clear it was from the heart.

Club awards:

The Gaynor Nash Young Player of the Year was Holly Payne. Holly starred in the club's U18 side and has been a regular for England U18s this year. She was pushed all the way by Caitlin Jeffries.

The Jo Dyer award is given in memory of a former Leicester youngster, Jo Dyer, who was killed on active duty in Iraq. It is awarded to a young player, who, like Jo, goes beyond the call of duty. The award went to Helen Jelley, U18 captain, who led by example as the U18s reached the National finals for the second year running.

The Dawn Smith award is in memory of the club's former President who died last year after a battle against cancer. Dawn was a hard working and determined player and the award goes to a player who always gives 100% without necessarily being the star. This year's very deserved winner was Sandy Yeates. Sandy will play for whichever side she is asked to play for in whatever position and never stops trying. Occasionally spectacular, often scary, Sandy is a great asset to the club.

The Kath Johnson award was presented to us by former player and Olympic star, Kath Johnson. Kath used to travel over two hours from Kings Lynn to get to training and her award is to those who show the same attitude of Endeavour. This year's recipient is Dennis Allum, second team manager, butterer up of umpires and officials and ClubsFirst expert. Dennis is leaving us after several years of working immensely hard for the club. We wish him well in Tiger watching and following Annie's umpiring/playing exploits at Uni. Thank you, Dennis and your great support, Wendy.

Finally, the Club Person of the Year award, perhaps the most prestigious award that the club can bestow. This year's winners are Lawson and Julie Williams who have provided huge support to the club through provision of dugouts on both pitches and later in the season through the purchase for club use of a 17 seater deluxe mini bus. Lawson and Julie should also be thanked for giving us their daughter Kerry, an excellent player and ambassador for the club and a credit to them. Thanks Lawson and Julie, your support this year has been invaluable.

A big thank you too to Trem who worked very hard to plan and organise the event, ably supported by Katie.