Teams Review & Aims

Record after 21 games: W14 D4 L3– F 47 A 24 Points 46 Position: 2nd

Looking back to September, I did not expect to be writing this, many thanks to Charlotte!

So the season began and we were determined to hit the ground running form the start. We were delighted to welcome Ellie and Frankie up into the team and knew they were going to have a great season. We also couldn’t wait to welcome Shobannah, also known as Sav, into the team. We were prepared and ready to give the league everything we had!

With the opening game securing a win, and may I add a goal from myself- let me put this into context, I have played in the 1st team for 9 years and have never EVER scored until that day!

We then continued with grit and determination, turning up the following week gaining a 6-0 win. However, the second game of the season we did not expect to be playing without our captain… especially not due to her newly appointed husband shutting her fingers in the door of their car.

We continued demonstrating some excellent hockey and getting great results. Emma securing a hattrick just 4 games into the season, we knew this was going to be a good one!

5 games in now and we are 4 wins from 5, but unfortunately our skipper was still on the side of the pitch, to which we then found out the re-enactment of her fingers being slammed shut in the door was a cover up! Massive congratulations to Charl and Mase, we are so excited for you both!

So I then found myself in this position when Natalie Boden decided to go to group decision on who would be captain for the rest of the season. Thanks Nat!

We then had 4 games until the Christmas break, and we knew what we needed to turn up and do. Everyone worked incredibly hard and we were seeing different goal scorers every week, Hannah, Jess, Vicky, Leanne, Frankie, Emma continuing to get their names on the score sheet. With our solid defence ensuring that we could continue securing 3 points each week.

Introducing Ellie into our back line was seamless, she was accompanied with Dolly and Jane that were always solid making game changing tackles and ensuring the conceded goals were minimal. They would ensure that Zoey had minimal work to do. But my word when Zoey was put to the test she was incredible as always, you will always be our hero!

I couldn’t ask more from our midfield, Nelly, Sav, Hannah, Vicky, Leanne working tirelessly up and down the pitch, supporting the attack and always back to support the defence. Leanne’s weekly game of the bleep test!

Frankie, Emma, Jess constantly being ruthless in front of goal and ensuring we were getting outcomes within the D and the ball in the back of the net.

So Christmas break arrives and we are 7 wins, 1 draw, and 1 narrow loss. I was extremely proud of my team!

We return from Christmas knowing that we were in an excellent position, and we were going to continue pushing for 3 points every week!

Unfortunately we had another suspicious injury, leading to no Katie Greensil on our pitch, however not as creative as Charlotte, as Nelly had rolled her ankle!

At this point in the season we gladfully welcomed in Kiera who was ready to support the defence with excellence and the ability to attack the wing with class.

The second half of the season began, with a couple of tough fixtures. But in true style we dug deep and continued picking up points in the right places. Seeing results of 3-0 win against Shrewsbury, 4-1 win against Ashbourne , 4-2 win against WATS, demonstrates how ruthless we were willing to be!

It’s now mid-February and I am continuing to be extremely proud of my team and the character they were showing week in week out. Sitting comfortably towards the top of the table I had a good feeling.

However, we still had no Nelly, joining us back on the pitch and I started to question, either I’m really bad at my job, and the exercises I was giving her weren’t helping her ankle, or there was something else going on here. Congratulations Nelly, we are so happy for you and can’t wait to have you back.

The results have continued to come for the ladies 1s, only having 1 loss in the last 10 games and only 3 losses across the whole season. That has only happened because every single player within the team has trained hard every week, turned up with the best attitude every Saturday, and worked tirelessly for each other for 70 minutes week in week out.

This now brings me to the 7 days prior to you reading this 70 minutes. 3 matches in 8 days from the ladies 1s, determining their finishing position on the table and whether promotion is secured. Unfortunately we fell to a loss, to unbeaten Stone and league champions. Nevertheless the ladies battled incredibly hard against Stone and retained near 80% of possession and unfortunately could not convert and were unlucky not to gain points from this fixture. This then brought us to our rearranged fixture against Leek, at 8.15pm on a Monday evening, battling an exciting 0-0 draw.

I had all intentions of this 70 minutes to have been wrapped up on the Monday evening as a win would have secured that promotion slot. So I finish writing this with the final game of the season against Cannock on Saturday, with the ladies eager to gain that 3 points they thoroughly deserve.

Come on ladies we have got this!

- Sophie

Record after 21 games: W7 D3 L11 – F 40 A 43 Points 24 Position: 7th

Well, they say admitting you have a problem is the first step, and I can now confirm, after a season as 1s Captain, that my drinking problem is very real. Volunteering for the role should’ve been the first red flag, but here we are…

Taking over from Eddie Morrocco after his 30year tenure was always going to be a daunting task, the man is basically BHC but was keen to remind myself I had other attributes to offer the teams as Captain and was keen to make a difference, introduction of mandatory pub stops for away games was a solid starting point to build from.

I have been pleased with of a couple of innovations introduced this year, firstly, the wheel of teas ensuring that those less forthcoming with post-match refreshments had their chance to represent the club.

Secondly, during contract negotiations a key clause was securing Mincher Mincher as vice captain aka CAPTAIN ADMIN – still some improvements to be found but also appreciated so thank you Richard.

The restructure of the league this year presented a far more challenging but enjoyable division to complete in and at stages have seen some great application and progression with the style of our play and understanding of the game which has meant we have been able to complete in all games of the season but unfortunately with inconsistency we have seen that whilst performing at our best, we demonstrated we could beat anyone ……… flip side to this is when we performed at our worst, we demonstrated we could also lose to anyone…. but with this comes growth and we will look to build on this going into next season.

We have had substantial change in the team this year and have looked to support the club with development of our fantastic youth potential so a special mention to Kian, Liam, Harry and Franklin who have halved the average age of the team but also integrated superbly and now operating at the level with ease.

A special thanks as always to Coach Mallows, a man who never holds back with feedback (constructive or otherwise) but behind that scary exterior is someone who really cares for his players and the direction of the club. Looking forward to 25/26 season.

- Matt

Record after 21 games: W12 D2 L7 – F 53 A 27 Points 38 Position: 5th

What a difference a season makes..

I'm super proud of the way we bounced back this season, which has seen us battling for a third place finish, but this will depend on the last fixture. It's all so close between 3rd and 5th position, I would have happily taken our finish at the start of the season.

After a few games in, we decided to change the formation we played and it really started paying off for us. As the season has gone on we have worked really hard on passing the ball around and working together around the pitch, seeing us play some of the best hockey we have ever played. Who knows what it may have been like if we could have had the same team out each week?

We need to continue to build on what we have achieved this season, with this in mind I will be looking for a top 2 finish next season.

What an amazing team of ladies I have and I'd like to thank you all for your continued support and efforts. You all play your part in the ladies 2s and I think you all have had amazing seasons, which in turn made selecting the awards this year very very difficult.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank some special people.

- Jo Langley, my vice captain for your constant support and wise words of wisdom.

- Kate Yeoman, for keeping me on the straight and narrow.

- Grace Lockley for writing weekly match reports (the job no on else ever wants)

- Everyone in my team that helps with all the jobs, this helps make my role a little easier.

- Mr Hinton for helping me with subs and his weekly Hinton Highlights.

- All the supporters who come and shout us on.

- Dave Middleton for organising umpires.

- Everyone who has umpired for us, without you there wouldn't be any games.

- Last but no mean least, Alex for his weekly coaching and support.

Here's to an amazing season and to a promotion chasing 2025/26 season …..

- Hayley

Record after 21 games: W10 D3 L8 – F 51 A 50 Points 33 Position: 5th

Well this rollercoaster of a season is nearing its end!

I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has supported me this season and last as captain for the men’s second team. I have been very proud of what we have achieved as a group and as a club over my time as captain. Whether this has been captaining a great bunch of guys to some memorable wins, to championing youth development in the club. I have also been able to help with coaching on a Friday and its great to see so many youngsters getting involved and playing which can only bode well for the club as a whole.

I would like to thank Kelton for his continued guidance and support in the role and backing me up, as well as his consistent votes to me for “donkey” of the day! I would also like to thank Ad for his continued guidance and support as well (and of course regaining the Baldwin cup!). Also thanks to Kate, Mincher and the other captains who have helped during the season as well as all the umpires who have helped control “the rabble” that is the 2nd team! We really appreciate you all!

I will always finish on finally thanking my wife Susie who has and always will be my rock. Being captain is hard and I have always wanted to make sure I represent at all the games, and always supporting the team. This has meant a lot of juggling around with the kids, where we are (which is like a military operation sometimes!) but Susie has been so understanding and supportive and can’t begin to know what it would be like if she wasn’t there to support me and my fantastic 4 kids. I genuinely can’t thank (and love) you enough.

So our aim of the season was to originally finish top 2 in the league, considering the season we had, the youngsters we had coming through and the way we ended last season. Unfortunately, during our pre-season preparations, we unfortunately had the news that one of our biggest supporters Sue Palmer passed away unexpectedly. Despite the shock and awful situation, the spirit of Bloxwich Hockey Club shone in that we rallied round the team but especially Jason, for which she is such a big loss to us all. However the way to club supported Jason, his father and teammates just shows what Bloxwich is all about. I can’t thank those enough who did help support Jason both emotionally and with donations, and not long afterwards due to travel he moved to Cannock and we all wish him the best and is a big loss to our club.

We must also recognise as well that inevitably as the 2’s, we will have some players who will be selected for our 1’s, as well as our 3’s. As such we have had some players who have done exactly this, and I wish to thank them also whether playing at the higher level or working within the 3’s to continue gaining confidence and developing as part of the club. We have had 3 youth players who have gone onto play for our 1’s team and that shows great success as a club and what we are achieving as a collective, and very proud to have played any part in their hockey career. Of course though it does mean movement of players which will obviously be difficult to manage, but of course, all part of the learning and development of the team and ultimately the club.

In spite of this, we tried to push through and start our season well – however the reality is that we hit a rampant North Staffs side, losing 8-0. Despite this, one thing I will say about our team is in the face of adversity we always bounce back, demonstrating this a few times through the season. We got some great results, which included a 4-1 win against Telford away, a great 4-0 win against Bridgenorth, and a 2-0 win against a promotion chasing Beacon. We have also had questionable results as well, more so in the 1st half of the season including a loss to Old Wulfs,

Finchfield away and also an 8-2 loss to Sutton 3’s which appears to be the last game played on fortress Sneyd!

Despite some challenging results, one thing as captain I can say is that the players have always given me 100%. Yes there has been difficult moments this seasons, but the team spirit and endeavour has always shone through. I would love to thank those who have played for me this season, whether it was 1 game or 22, or whether you joined our team mid-way through the season, or if you were injured and still popped to support us. You have all been fantastic and I cannot begin to mention you all, but please know it has been a pleasure to help captain and sort the side out. I also want to thank those who came to watch our games whether home or away - we appreciate you all!

I love Bloxwich Hockey club, whether that’s our team, supporters, all the members of the club and the rest. I only ever wish to help in any way I can to support the club, whether that’s driving players to games or being ridiculed! But I genuinely know a club is only what it is due to the people in it, so I am ever grateful for you all and thanks to all of you for the effort and time you all do however big or small. Here’s to a great dinner dance and to a cracking summer. I will 110% be behind whoever takes over the captaincy and lets work together to be where we belong, which is winning the league title next season!

- Jon

Record after 20 games: W14 D6 L0 – F 57 A 9 Points 43 Position: 1st (Champions)

What a season!

When we finished last season 5th in the league and team of the season the pressure was on even before our first game but It’s safe to say we have delivered ! We go into our last game already having been promoted, finishing at least 6 points clear of second and hoping to finish the season undefeated.

This season could not have happened without the amazing players we have had. We started the season with alot of new young players. Izzy, Ruby, Bea, Liv, Daisy and the help of Charlie and Aimee. They have all grown so much during this season not only in skill but in confidence.

We welcomed Rianne and Ellie into the team alongside loz and Susie who turned up each week giving 110%. Kate (the legend ) Smith, Kempo, Joy, Steph S and Steph O have also worked so hard this season to ensure we kept winning ! A thank you to all other players that have also stepped into help when needed.

This season we have truly been a team, from our passing, communication and positive attitude on the pitch to the laughs we have shared off the pitch. Next season will be tough but I have no doubt if we carry on as we have done, we will have just as much fun !

A massive thank you to all over captains who give up so much time to do this job and Kate Yeoman who just does an amazing job. Lucy and Anna who have been stood on the side the pitch each week doing the subs. Minch who has been supporting through out and answered all the stupid questions he’s had thrown at him. A massive thank you to the coaches especially Emma who has been amazing every week and supported us and lastly to Dave Middleton and every other umpire who we couldn’t do this without.

Next season will be hard but I have no doubt we can do it !

- Chloe

Record after 21 games: W10 D0 L11 – F 61 A 61 Points 30 Position: 8th

I would like to commence by thanking my good friend Lunny for his tenure as 3rd team skipper, and let’s not forget those cold Sunday mornings that he trained our juniors too !

The plan for the men’s 3’s this season was to introduce several of our juniors to senior hockey for the first time, mixed with experience and hopefully stay up/compete.

I am glad to say we have fielded nineteen juniors this season, four U18’s, seven U16’s and eight U14’s so mission accomplished, albeit at times as they say ‘it’s been emotional’ for the senior players !

Father and son Gary and Aadam have played every game, closely followed by Jack who missed only one due to a school trip.

With one to go we have won 10 and lost 11, scoring 61 and conceding 61, which indicates our potential but also highlights how we need to mature as a side. No issues with the latter as this season was about transitioning into adult hockey for many players.

The juniors have gained valuable experience playing Saturday league hockey for the first time, a huge step up from what they are used to which will stand them in good stead.

They have shown their ability consistently which is promising and their ‘game maturity’ will come, so to get ten wins and consistent compliments from opposition is awesome. As one opposition player said ‘I’m not looking forward to playing those lads this time next year’.

I am certainly hoping to see them continue to improve their skills over the Summer whilst gaining physicality in readiness for next season which I have high hopes for.

There are many thanks to make, starting with Stephanie who has supported me in the background with some of the organising and managing on the sideline, as has Becky when Finn has played.

Dave and his team of umpires have been fantastic, as have Simon and Jonny from the sides above and below during our countless hours of weekly selection, thank you Whatsapp !

Thanks also to Steve, Matt, Gary and Jake for coaching and the junior parents for getting their players to the games, despite us having the carbon footprint of a small nation with the number of cars utilised.

My final thanks must go to my senior players who allowed us to field so many juniors this season as it’s been a real shift on the pitch. Firstly to the ‘occasional’ players that have played up and down the sides to support this project and secondly to my regulars Gary, Cordie and latterly Phil who have been awesome.

I sign off by giving a fond farewell to Aadam Oates, who leaves us for Uni next season, you will be sorely missed bud and it’s been a privilege to see you grow as a player and gentleman. Good luck and if you’re going to Brum in Sept we’ll see you around.

Enjoy your evening and Summer everyone

- Martin

Record from 22 games: W2 D6 L14 – F 8 A 66 Points 6 Position: 9th

With the change of league structure, the 4s have had a rather challenging year, having to play teams that were previously in higher divisions. Week in and week out, we faced tough competition, but that didn’t stop us from giving it everything we had. We might have been underdogs, but we showed resilience, grit, and an unshakable team spirit that made every game a battle worth fighting.

Let’s be honest—we didn’t score many and only managed a handful of wins, but this season was about growth, teamwork, and proving that enthusiasm and commitment count just as much as points on the table.

Each game, win or lose, it has provided valuable learning experiences, with all the new and aspiring players improving their individual skills and understanding of the game that will serve as a foundation for the growth and development of the ladies section.

But in the 4s it’s not all about winning, the 4s are fundamental to the growth of the ladies section as a whole. It’s fantastic to see the other ladies teams being so successful and this is down in no small part to the 4s bringing through so many young and up and coming players. A huge shout out to all the more experienced ladies who without their guidance, knowledge and support the through flow of players to the 3s,2s and even 1s wouldn’t happen. In the last 3 seasons there have been an incredible 18 of these such players the 4s have supported and guided.

This year was special because we had some brand-new players join us—some of who had never picked up a hockey stick before but jumped in with both feet (sometimes literally). The levels of energy, enthusiasm, and sheer determination that you have brought to the team is inspiring. You may have started out asking, which way do we run? but by the end, you were out there playing like pros.

To our more experienced players—thank you for being the best mix of competitive and supportive. You’ve been mentors, motivators and the way you embraced our new teammates and cheered for their every little victory just goes to show what kind of team we are.

This is the third season where the success of the youth development section is paying dividends, and dare I say, the young players coming through this season have been the strongest yet. Their speed and tenacity and never give up attitude is inspiring even when us older ones are expecting them to be all over the pitch at the same time - seriously, where do they get their energy from?!

And of course, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the weekly Sunday welfare checks, because, let’s face it, between all our bumps, tumbles, and dodgy knees, it’s a miracle some of us are still standing!

This mix of young, old, experienced and inexperienced is what makes hockey and the Ladies 4s great, the team wouldn’t be the same without you all.

- Helen

Record after 17 games: W8 D7 L2 – F 32 A 8 Points 21 Position: 3rd

Well what a season it’s been!

After travelling and watching the 4s last season a certain Mr Hill accosted me asking if I would be able to help Captain Tom run the team this season. Aided by Coach Rick Powell, his knowledge and sense of calm has been an extraordinary help and so 17 games later we’re on the verge of taking this fantastic band of players to promotion!!

Undefeated in our first 4 games scoring 16 goals including a last minute winner against Lichfield Development by the awe inspiring, one handed wonder Sir Richard Bessey doing the Airplane celebration back to our own half, we thought this was going to be a league run away…. Unfortunately for us this is where we had a few bad games.

With senior availability quite low and the loss of our Influential and popular player Craig Williams we fell to 2 straight losses against Barford Tigers who thumped us 3 nil followed by a stinging 1 nil loss to City of Birmingham.

Undeterred we carried on with regulars in the line up including the ever present Ade Riley, Oli and Michael even enjoying a game in goal when his younger brother Nat, who I must say has been an absolute rock for us in goal when tasked with the job. Hopefully next season he can get more games for us when he turns 13 so thank you Nat.

Other players that need a shoutout for this season are Zac, Jake, Joe, George (Sniper) Wells, (Bulls*it)Brian, Joel, Callum, Tyler, (Action) Stan, Charlie, Wooty, Kai, (fox in the box) Sam, Liam and Anton for their cameos in goal and Jon G for taking time out watching his own kids play to be an absolute diamond in goal for us.

Thank you all for making this team a family and a place where everyone can enjoy their hockey, I wouldn’t have been able to do this job without all your help so from the bottom of my heart, thank you!!

After those couple of setbacks we very much welcomed Shabba and Lunny into the team and what a masterstroke it was getting these 2 legends on board. In their first game we beat Tamworth Development team 4-1 although due to a bit of underwhelming umpiring the game got abandoned with Shabba scoring all 4 goals.The next game also got abandoned at halftime due to the horrible weather with us being 4 nil to the good with Lunny wondering if he’ll ever play a whole match again. Luckily for us he did going on to beat 2 Sutton teams in one weekend then drawing in our local derby to Wednesbury's Development team then doing the double against Lichfield.

Returning to league action we welcomed back Craig with great delight with a thrashing of Old Wulfs 6 nil with Oli scoring his first ever goal, 2 for Shabba, 1 each for Craig and Brian and a debut goal for young Jaiden. Next up with us sitting in 3rd place was top of the shop, undefeated Barford Tigers away. A tense affair ended in us winning 2 nil with goals from father and son Shabba and Zac. With hugs all round at full time. Feeling confident our next game was against 2nd place City of Birmingham, eventually winning with a flattering 5-1 scoreline with goals from Tyler, Oli and Michael and a brace for Zac.

Moving us into 2nd place we travelled to Aston Rec to take on Beacons 6th team last weekend knowing that nothing but a win will do and that’s what we did thrashing them 6-1 and another hat trick for Shabba, 2 for Zac and 1 for our returning hero Craig.

As you’re reading this our destiny is in our own hands, with any luck I’m sat there with a massive grin, feeling smug that we’ve won the league in my first ever managers job and hopefully not my last!!!

A few people I’d like to thank for all the help throughout the season are Steph, Minch, Kate, Martin for all the headaches I’ve given him and he’s definitely given me. All the players I’ve pestered, the parents that have been on the ball marking down their kids availability on Teamo. My P.A. Alison for all the printing and support. Grace for the timekeeping and photos. Social media guru Lucy, The umpires we’ve had, the coaches at training and our amazing mascot and Ball boy Oliver.

It’s been an honour and a privilege to see this team grow as a group, it’s been one of the highlights of my life managing this team.

Thank you for the memories!

- Simon

The Mixed team have had another successful year in the EH Mixed competitions

The first game of the season in the Cup saw an unlucky shootout loss to local rivals Lichfield after a 3-3 draw

However, in the Plate this has been followed up with a 3-2 win over Solihull Blossomfield and a thrilling 3-2 win on shuffles against Edgbaston after another hard fought draw

These results see Bloxwich into the last 32, with a tough draw against Midlands Premier side Khalsa Lemington. This game takes place on the 13th April, 12pm Start at E Act and we hope to see as many people as possible supporting the team!