With the hockey season having come to an abrupt end, Okehampton Hockey club celebrated with a ‘Virtual End of Season awards evening’ on Saturday. Ladies Chairperson Sandy Houston introduced the evening, reflecting on the Club’s successes in their Centenary year, and thanking all those involved with the Club for effort and support in what has been a memorable season. Sandy then passed on to fourth team captain Lorna StLouis. Playing in the P&D league the development side has introduced a number of new players to hockey, some of whom have progressed on to the higher sides. Rachael Luxton, a ‘Back to Hockey’ player won the Player of the season, and junior player Gabby Gee was awarded the most improved player. 

Third team captain Alex Collins reported on a successful season, with the side finishing 7th in the league. Ligaya Coatham was named Player of the season and Emma Pike the most improved player. A rousing speech from second team captain Amanda Sim spoke of the spirit within the side that had helped blend youthful and experienced players together and the determination that the team had shown to avoid relegation to secure their position in Sedgemoor division 1 next season. Annie Strawbridge was awarded the Player of the season and the most improved player was awarded to Maddie Davison.

Nicky Pedrick, ladies first team captain, thanked the coaches and umpires who had done so much to help the ladies sides during the season. After a difficult start to their campaign, results had improved as the season progressed, and a run of good results saw them move up from bottom of the table to finish in seventh place. The side will play in South division again next season. Emilia Bazeley, who had moved up from the second team at the start of the season was named their most improved player and Lucy Wiseman the Player of the season for her play making in midfield.

Sandy Houston then presented the Club person of the year award to Jennie Humphry as reward for the enthusiasm, and adaptability she has shown during the season being involved with junior coaching, Back to Hockey and then stepping up to play in goal for the first team after Christmas. The Joan Pauley memorial award for outstanding achievement was deservedly awarded to Nicky Pedrick in recognition for her contribution to the Club in its centenary season.

The club’s Umpiring award was presented to Anna Luxton, a young umpire who had started her umpiring career with the club and has continued to blow her whistle whilst at University, recently passing her Level one assessment.

DHUA were thanked for the support that they had given the Club during the season with Umpiring appointments and also for running a Junior Umpires academy at the club

The Men’s Chairman John Jarvis took over the ceremony and congratulated the Ladies on their successful centenary season, and also thanked Club officers, umpires and coaches for their contributions. John reflected on an enjoyable season and passed over to Jimmy L-Humbert, the second team captain. The second team, consisting of young talent and the experience of older players like Players player of the season Neil Rowlands, have developed during the season and missed out on promotion by the narrowest of margins. Benjamin Rodgers was named as the most improved player and the ever adaptable Ben Yelland the Player of the season. The progress that the team has made this season certainly bodes well for next season.

First team captain Luke Liversidge told the virtual audience how his side had travelled to Southampton in the third round of the EH national cup, were into the semi-final of the Devon Trophy and had finished second in their league Southern division 1. Promotion is yet to be officially confirmed by the league administration. Luke named Ed Howard as the most improved player, vice-captain Luke Miller as the Player of the season, and Nick Luxton was voted the Players player. Luke Liversidge was then awarded the Clubman of the season award as a fitting tribute for leading a side who played exciting attacking hockey and guiding his team to such a high level.

The Christine Marsh award was given to Richard Jones, for his significant contribution to the club in terms of junior development, umpiring and coaching.

The evening ended with the final‘100 club’ draw and Sandy Houston looking forward to the start of the new season, whenever that might be!