Southgate Men have enjoyed a positive start to their Premier Division campaign in spite of some mixed results. Coach Huw Stevens and his players have finished in 10th just one place above the drop zone yet are just 6 points from 6th place Oxted and 2 points from 9th placed Cardiff. Southgate also sit an important 3 points clear of 11th placed Brooklands and 7 from bottom Beeston who have amassed only a single point across the first 11 games of competition
The oddity of the Premier Division system means Southgate have a real chance of pushing for a top 8 spot which opens up an even chance of qualifying for the playoffs and with that a chance to compete for the league title…we are not even getting that far ahead of ourselves.
But realistically speaking John Sterlini and his playing group and proved a tough side to beat for teams outside the top 5. Draws to Oxted (6th) and East Grinstead (7th) and wins against Reading (8th) and Beeston (12th) show that Southgate should and could compete against any of the teams around team in phase 2. The points left out on the field against Cardiff and Brooklands frustrate as wins at both of these in games which Southgate dominated would have put Southgate in the top 6. Such are the fine margins at play.
Southgate v Beeston – EH Men’s Premier Division at Southgate Hockey Centre, Trent Park, London, UK on 26 October 2025.
Photo by Simon Parker/SP Action Images
For now the focus turns to the indoor season when the team will be looking to emulate their achievement of qualifying for the super 6’s finals last year. Yet even accounting for indoor season there is an unusually long lay off with the resumption of phase 2 still not confirmed and looking likely for mid march at the earliest. This is due to international fixtures still being settled. What it could mean is a very congested phase 2 with plenty of double headers.
Southgate v Holcombe – EH Men’s Premier Division at Southgate Hockey Centre, Trent Park, London, UK on 11 October 2025.
Photo by Simon Parker/SP Action Images
In terms of the players – new signing James Hickson who has made his first team international debut this week for New Zealand and the BlackSticks has impressed with his ability to drive through space and his drag flicking, US international Mo Gandhi made an immediate impression in the back line on his return from injury and captain John Sterlini has continued to be world class. There has been great energy brought in by the new summer signings the likes of Barney Bithel, Jimmy Clifton and Richard Swan all making an impression and new keeper Erdal Demir has pulled off some spectacular saves. It’s a much squad from last season and naturally it took a bit of time for them to settle- however settle they have and their last performance away against Hampstead & Westminster despite a loss- showcased how much the team has matured and grown in the months since September.
Southgate v Beeston – EH Men’s Premier Division at Southgate Hockey Centre, Trent Park, London, UK on 26 October 2025.
Photo by Simon Parker/SP Action Images
It all adds up to a hugely exciting and important phase 2 in which Southgate could well move further up the table and back into contention amongst the top teams of English Hockey. The performances against Reading and Hampstead & Westminster highlight the potential in the group which we hope will continue to flourish into the spring when the Premier Division continues. We will keep you abreast of match dates and times as soon as England Hockey are able to confirm.
Reading v Southgate – EH Men’s Premier Division at Sonning Lane, Reading, Berks, UK on 08 November 2025.
Photo by Simon Parker/SP Action Images