This weekend we host Beeston HC in the IWHL as the Ladies 1's get back to league business after the mid season break. Beeston are one of the most progressive and biggest hockey club's in the county and its fixtures like this that make playing at National League special.

The Ladies 1's have been working hard over the mid season break to really take stock on what we learnt from our first 10 games playing at an elite level - we always knew this was going to be a steep learning curve and its one we're absolutely determined to crack and retain Timperley in the top level of English hockey. We've invested in changes to training ad coaching and Albert Marcano is working with Mike Power and Danny Higgin to restart our league campaign and turn the hard work into league points over the next eight weekend's. The girls have responded really well and are up to bounce into the second half of the season with a clear focus on whats required.

We also have a massive six pointer home game on Saturday 11th February v Liverpool Sefton at 12.30 so we need all the blue army support we can get down as our 12th player ! With the Men's 1;s having their best season in the North Premier Division for a number of year's keeping Timperley's name on the hockey map at all levels is key to help us attract and retain players - The Ladies 1 keeping National League Hockey at Stockport Road is a key part of this, along with progress in a range of EH competitions. This all helps us becoming a club the players of all levels want to be involved with - so do come along and support the girls in their remaining five home league games

Back to back wins

We've also a number of team on great runs at the moment clocking up back to back wins - the Men's 1's are on three on the bounce (and they'll also mind you its 7 out of 8!) their best run for many seasons. The guys have a two double header weekend's ahead and will also be finding tome to slot in the rearranged Cheshire Cup game v Brooklands.

Mens 2's are also on a great run of four back to back wins and pressing the league leaders sitting nicely in 3rd place ready for a final charge and hopefully promotion. The Men's 4's romp on only having dropped 3 points all season and sit second in their division with a clear gap opening up from third place. The Ladies 2's are also on a roll with six wins on the bounce and racking up some great results home and away. The Ladies 5's under new manager Rob Pates have also notched up four back to back wins.

The mighty Beavers also continued their great run with a win in Blackpool last weekend followed by a fish and chip super and trip to the arcades ! This is clearly early training for our #homegrown talent to be ready to hit Whitley Bay away trips in a few years time !

England Hockey Competitions Update

Congratulations to the Men's Over 50's who edge that bit closer to a trip to Lee Valley following another 'smash and grab' trip to Yorkshire - this time returning with a 5 - 0 win from Huddersfield Dragons and a home tie in the Quarter Finals on Sunday 19th February at 12.30

Our Mighty Mixed team also romped through to the next round of the Mixed Trophy - again with a home tie on 19th February v Stourport. Sadly the Ladies Over 45's couldn't stop a determined Chester side and lost 4-3.

The Ladies Over 35's have their sights on a Quarter Final place too and just have the small task to beat Leeds Adel at home on 5th February at 2.30pm, when the Girls Under 18's will also be playing Deeside in the Plate. The Men's 2's hit the road in the Plate on 12th February

The Under 18 Boys had a really good weekend down in Telford at the National Indoor Finals did the club proud as a squad of pretty much rookie indoor players http://www.timperleyhockeyclub.com/news/england-hockey-national-indoor-finals-1750193.html

Supporting THC - banner, donations and match day sponsors

Fund-raising is a major any community based sports club and as we continue to extend the range of hockey activities we provide to for all ages and abilities we need to continue to fund raise to supplement the income from match fees and other activities.

This week you'll see two more pitch side banners from our latest local business to sign up as Club Supporter from Turret Orthodontics and Manor Dental Care - http://www.turretortho.co.uk/ - see news feature for more information. We're delighted to have the team at Turret on board and thank them for their support - so if you're looking a local dentist or orthodontist look them up and remember to mention THC!

The reach of the hockey family and life long passion for the game was also the trigger for John Jordan who captained THC Men's 4's in the 1960's to make a generous donation to the club to support youth development. John joined the THC army of supporters down at the National Indoor Finals and was so impressed with what he saw that he made contact to make a donation to help us further develop youth hockey at the club. Through support like this we can do even more to develop hockey at the club - John shared the following thoughts with his donation.

"it's a pleasure to support the Timperley boys and girls and I hope the boys feel they got recognition for their efforts; I thought they showed appropriate aggression and resilience as well as excellent technical skills. I hope they can find local pitch facilities and opponents to develop rapidly"

John is a regular at our Old Boys Lunches travelling up from the Midlands and we'll be keeping him updated on plans for his donation. If any current or former members would like to support what we do with a donation or to support a specific activity please contact timperleyhc@gmail.com

Thanks also to this week's match sponsor - Rob Pates - Rob has been working behind the scenes supporting the section and Ladies Club Captain to get us IWHL ready this season including building the goals and helping spruce up the clubhouse and on match days. We're delighted Rob has sponsored today's matches but as he's also now got the bug for managing he'll be with the Ladies 5 away earlier in the day and back to the club later for a well earned pint !

Half Term Hockey Camps

We've also places left on out Half Term Hockey Camps 13th - 15th February 2017 - places must be booked by 7th February. We're also delighted to have 18 people signed up for our Quick Sticks Leaders course on Monday 13th February, If you want more information please see news items on the website site, posters in the club or talk to Caroline Small. We will also be running Hockey Camps in the Easter holidays too

DATE FOR THE DIARY: END OF SEASON DINNER DANCE - Saturday 1st April 7pm at the Club - tickets on sale soon £30