AFTER a fairly quiet and well-deserved summer break, Bude Hockey Club are gearing up towards the new season with great anticipation and hope as after steady performances by all teams last season, they will be looking to aim higher and really push on in the 2019/20 campaign, which gets underway this Saturday.

The Junior section was well attended even late into the summer months and the club are hoping for more of the same this year, with training already underway.

However, there is a real shortage of under 12 players and the club would welcome anyone interested to come along and have a go, no experience or specialist kit is needed as enthusiastic coaches will guide them through the basics and the sessions are all about having fun.

Senior training began on September 4, and again all players new and old are extremely welcome to come and train.

Due to an unforeseen change in family circumstances, men’s captain Henry Gwynn-Thomas has had to step down this season and the club wish him and his family all the best and thank him for doing a super job last season.

He hands the team over to Jordan Cunningham in great shape, as unlike previous seasons, no-one is leaving for pastures new. In reality, the team is hoping to get bigger as last season’s ladies coach Dave Pipe is dusting off his stick and making a return to playing.

Once again they will compete in Southern Two of the Verde Recreo Hockey League, where they’ll look to improve on last year’s sixth-placed finish.

They open on Saturday with a tough away trip to Camborne School of Mines who only lost three of their 11 home games last term.

Duchy A are the visitors to Budehaven Sports Centre for their first home game a week later (1pm).

The ladies also have changes afoot as Claire Pipe is passing her captaincy onto the youthful and energetic goalkeeper, Amy Gear.

They will be without Charlotte Prime as she heads off to Cardiff University, but they have the benefit of a number of very promising junior players including Ruby Bryant that will hopefully fill the gaps and play regularly.

After just staying up in the South Division of the West Clubs Women’s Hockey League last year, they will hope to make sure there are no final day dramas and enjoy a season in mid-table.

The ladies are also on the road on the opening day this Saturday as they make the trip to West Devon to tackle Okehampton before hosting Plymouth Marjon 2 on October 5 (2.30pm).

Being a club out on a limb, there is always room for new players of any level/standard to join either for fun or competitive games. Anyone interested can contact the club via the website www.budehockey.org.uk or Andy Davis on 07729029561 or [email protected].