Staines host International Match
As the hockey season draws nearer it was time to go and watch a bit
of hockey and to meet an aspiring club.
This Sunday it was off to Staines who were hosting the mixed International
game between England and Wales.
A full car park greeted me as I drove in and I was shunted off far
away from the club but a hop away from the brand spanking new astro that
has been laid down at Worple Rd.
Staines is near Heathrow airport so near that on any day you can hear the hum of a plane taking off and see the under carriage being tucked away before the plane moves out of your sight.
About 250 people were milling around the ground and there were a few stragglers in the bar. In front of the clubhouse Staines were taking on their local rivals Ashford at cricket.
Today the action was very much on the Astro. Earlier a 4 way mini mixed tournament had brought the families in and most had stayed to watch the big match.
The match itself was an easy looking victory for England, 2-0, but for me Wales came to play the hockey. England got it right tactically by defending as a unit and looking to catch Wales with a breakaway via the aerial. Wales had decided to press hard and choke the supply lines but were found wanting against a quick counter attack.
The first half ended with England leading by two goals which seemed an unjust score line. Wales , as an attacking force were pretty tame. Alyn Meredith was moved up from midfield in the last ten minutes and Wales started looking menacing and even hit the post. The change in tactics was far too late. For all the pretty possession they lacked a cutting edge and they paid the price by loosing this annual match for the first time in three years.
Local boy Mike Farmer had a day he can be proud of. He skippered the side that won and lifted the cup at his own home ground.
Staines HC was founded 111 years ago. Over the years the reputation has been one of a sociable and friendly club. What the club have lacked in ambition they have made up with by developing a warm , open and welcoming club.
"We will not sacrifice the traditions of the club for ambition. Yes we are ambitious and we see our short to medium goal as consolidating in South league premier division but we want to ensure our reputation is sustained", said Edward Scott of Staines.
Alison Austin, England's Manager for the mixed side said "We've really been looked after here. Staines have been superb". Nick Fuller, Wales coach echoed those sentiments.
Last season the Men's team were languishing at the bottom after 7 games before the arrival of Mashood from Pakistan brought some belief in the side and they climbed up the table. The change in gear made them outsiders for promotion at one stage.
The ladies had a mega successful season by getting into the playoffs and finally finishing third. In the spirit of Staines they weren't downhearted at failing at the final hurdle but instead celebrated their success. Maybe next season with a bit of luck they could go all the way.
The Men's team have a new South African player coach running the side for next season and the signing of a couple of new players may help the team to go that extra yard to promotion. This coming season they will play two matches against their newly promoted rivals, Ashford. These local Derby's are sure to be more competitive then any match they will be playing next season.
The new astro seemed to play very well and both teams playing there today were impressed with the surface. The pitch now complements the club but one criticism I would have is that another astro has been laid without consideration for spectators. People do not understand that by not putting on spectator facilities the message that is being sent out is that hockey doesn't expect an audience. How the hell will that help sell hockey to the media who will only consider broadcasting sport if there is some interest from the public- nuff said!
Getting the pitch has been an uphill struggle. Five years of trying and two applications from the lottery fund, both turned down, £70,000 raised by the club, money borrowed from various bodies , including Spelthorne council, and finally in May 2001 Staines have their own astro.
Most of the loans are over 10 years and with the bookings for hire of the pitch a main revenue earner, projections are that they will meet the repayment schedule quite comfortably.
"We know that by stretching ourselves for the astro we will have to forgo other luxuries for the club but we think its worthwhile to grow the club" said Edward Scott.
The membership is predicted to grow from the present 150 and that too will help funds but a shot in the arm of sponsors for the club would be a welcome boost. Any company sponsoring the club will genuinely find that the club will do more than most to ensure that there is a return on a sponsors investment.
John Hardman, President of Staines HC and Edward Scott spoke about their plans for the future and agreed that taking hockey into the local community, especially those unfamiliar with the sport, was key in growing the club. They are reluctant to buy short term success by employing four or five overseas mercenaries. Instead they believe that by discovering and nurturing local junior talent they can take the club forward from a sound base.
Things are looking up for Staines, 16 acres of land, a nice clubhouse, a brand new astro pitch, lots of local interest, at least two matches against Ashford , what better sign is there that things are looking up?
Then as if by magic news filters that out on the cricket pitch Staines have beaten Ashford!
This article
is reproduced with the permission of Hockey Heaven 