OKEHAMPTON Men?s Hockey Club recently held their 14th annual meeting, at Betty Cottles Restaurant. Twenty-five members heard chairman Richard Jones report on a successful season. He expressed thanks to all who had worked hard for the club including David Dennis the fixture secretary, Andy Harvey for his help with the youth. Special mention was given to the umpires John Stephens, Andy Finley, John Jarvis and Keith Webber. The first XI scored an impressive 51 goals in the South Western District League 1, sponsored by Gerrard and finished a respectable fifth. Captain Colin Lethbridge was keen to emphasise how well the club had played by beating the teams who finished higher in the league. Unfortunately the undoing of the club?s push for promotion was the lack of consistency in team availability. Colin was also glad to report on the increase of new players. It was agreed by the club to re-establish the 2nd XI, providing opportunity for new and young players to play competitive hockey. The club will be continuing to train on Tuesdays from 8.15pm at the Astro Turf. The successful youth development programme has come to the end of its second year with more than 30 youngsters regularly attending the Saturday morning sessions. Thanks were expressed to the Manor House Hotel for their financial support through their Community Grant scheme. Following the meeting, re-elected chairman Richard Jones presented the annual awards: Player of the season, John Jarvis; club man of the year, Andy Harvey; most improved player. Stuart Jarvis.
