Thank you to you all for your contributions to what has been a very enjoyable season. Despite its untimely finish, the season was one in which the ladies section played some excellent hockey across all levels. Final league positions are given elsewhere in the newsletter. Particular congratulations go to the Ladies 2’s. Having finished 2nd in their league, they will contest for promotion into Division 2 of the South League. The play offs for this will be held in September against Old Georgians. (Date and venue TBC). As I said on the post in Spond, we will all be there supporting you in September as you compete for promotion. I am sure you are all keeping yourselves fit in lockdown!! Congratulations also go to the ladies 4’s and all those players who have joined you this season to help with the effort to avoid relegation.
The team awards are all listed in the newsletter and on this LINK.
I would however like to recognise some other achievements this season.
Top scorers in each team were as follows:-
Ladies 1’s – Frankie Cox and Katie Hopkisson
Ladies 2’s – Gabby Murray – Panayioutou
Ladies 3’s – Caroline O’Brien (COB)
Ladies 4’s – Sophia Sellick
Ladies 5’s – Lynn Bryden and Olive James
Overall most improved player – Laura Faherty – Laura has had a brilliant, successful season in goal for the ladies 5’s. All the consistent training from Paul has really paid dividends.
Southgate is a club which prides itself on the way in which our adults teams work with the junior section to develop our young players. This season has seen a fine bunch of U14 girls join the ladies 5’s. They have been committed, eager to learn and great fun to play alongside. Our U16’s and U18’s continue to be integral to our ladies teams and are progressing well. A number of our most experienced juniors are hoping to move on this summer to pastures new. Despite the uncertain times, we send you all our best wishes and thanks for all that you have done to support Southgate over your time in the junior section especially those of you that have gone the extra mile to take on junior coaching roles, vice captain roles and umpiring duties. Hopefully in a few years time we will be able to welcome you all back as experienced players ready to drive the club in the future.
In the absence of our usual end of season celebrations, I would like to thank the captains, vice captains and managers for all their hard work. I have seen at first hand how much effort and care they put in to running the teams. I would also like to pay tribute to the way that the captains have worked together as a team to support each other in what can be a lonely job. I have been extremely grateful for the knowledgeable support that I have received from the captains. We set out this season to ensure that our policies, principles of selection and support for players were fair, consistent and transparent. Our broad aim was to ensure that all players in all teams felt valued and supported. Cob, Helen, Cat, Emma, Lynn and Lucy have all supported this process and ensured that our season was a happy one. They have been supported by Alice, Holly, Lynn, Sarah and Jennie in their role as vice captains. Another big thank you goes to our coaches. Drew, Mark, Carla, Paul and Charles. All have worked tirelessly on our behalf. I will be thanking the umpires separately on behalf of the ladies section – they have done so much work for us during the season. The ladies 1’s and ladies 3’s have had the privilege of having a manager – Jim and Janice have done a magnificent job – thank you both very much.
Finally – although we have had to put our plans for Back to Hockey and Summer League on hold, many of us have kept connected to the club via Wednesday quiz nights. A great idea from Clarissa and Michelle – thank you.
Last September seems an age away, so much has happened since then. I now realise that I took for granted the certainty of pre – season training and September hockey. Absence certainly does make you appreciate things even more. I am sure we are all looking forward to the time when we can get back to playing and training together again. In the meantime, stay well, keep fit and encourage all your friends to come and join us next season.
Annette