Blog Post

Welcome Back! - 2024/25 gets underway

Sep 12, 2024

Captains are optimistic for the new season!

Preparations are well underway across both the ladies and mens squads in readiness for the start of 2024/25. Mid-week training sessions are well attended and practice games are lined up in September ahead of the first competitive matches.

All the teams have been given tough away matches to get their season started. With the exception of the Mens 1s who play on Saturday 21 September, the season officially gets underway for all the other teams on Saturday 28 September.

Ladies 1s are away to Ballynahinch in Senior 3 - Sat 28 Sept

New Ladies Captain Becky Murdock said "The Ladies 1s team will be competing in Senior League 3 again this year. After a tough season last year, the girls are hoping for a mid-table result this season."

Becky continued "We’ve got loads of new players this year who have all been great additions to the team. We also have new coach Mark Barlow who has been working with us for pre-season. Last season we definitely saw an improvement in our performance thanks to our coaches Brian Lockhart and Norman Toombs, and this year we want to keep that momentum going."

She added "I’m really looking forward to my first season as captain for the Ladies 1s, and I’m excited to get back on the field."

Ladies 2s are away to Dromore 7s in Junior League 11 - Sat 28 Sept

After a great first season in Junior League 9A, the Ladies 2s are looking forward to new challenges in a restructured league format playing in Junior League 11 against Dromore, South Antrim, Castle, Enniskillen, Dungannon, Saintfield, Bangor & CI in Belfast.

Taking on the Captain's role once again is Laverne Inns. Laverne has 18 years experience as Captain of both the NOHC Ladies 1st XI and the 2nd XI.

Laverne told us "I'm enjoying working again with coach Norman Toombs & Vice-Captain Chrissie Macauley in order to build upon the challenges of the previous season and to raise the profile of the team for this year."

"Chrissie and I are both experienced in trialling for Ulster Masters and off-season we're also members of the social side 'Wicked Hockey Club' in Belfast, which helps us bring back new experience and a wealth of skills to share with the team."

On her priorities for the season, Laverne said "The NOHC 2nd XI is aiming to improve on fitness and working as a team on new skills such as 3D and our set pieces."

She added "We've a number of members from our youth hockey now breaking through to the squad which is fantastic. We're also always looking for new players to join the 2nd XI, for the fun and the social aspect. We welcome players from all over the local area; eg Newry, Banbridge, Lurgan, Lisburn, Markethill, Kilkeel, Rathfriland and Dundalk. Here's wishing everyone all the best for the new season!"

Mens 1s are away to CIYMS in the Linden Cup - Sat 21 Sept

The Mens 1s had a great season last year, just missing out on promotion back to the Premier League, finishing in third place in the Intermediate League.

Josh Porter is the 1s Captain once again. He told us "This year we aim to challenge again for promotion. With two teams coming down into the league and only one going up, it should be a more competitive league this year as there will be four strong teams fighting for the top two spots."

"We also will be looking to progress further in the Linden Cup and the Irish Challenge Cup than last year. Hopefully we'll bring some silverware back to the club!"

Josh continued "We're back to training two nights a week to help with fitness and reduce injuries. We’ve no new players yet but there's still time to hopefully get some new boys in. We're also looking to bring through some of our own players from the youth team."

"Last season was a change for everyone after being relegated from the Premier League and it was the first year as captain for myself. Now we know what the Intermediate league is like and I’ve settled into the captain's role now, so we'll see what this season brings."

Josh added "Myself and the squad would like to wish Noah Lutton all the best as he moves to Queens this season, but we hope to see him back at the club in the future!"

Mens 2s are away to Bangor 4s in the Junior League Cup - Sat 28 Sept

The Mens 2s first three games are in the Junior League Cup. They start with a tough match away to Bangor.

Captained again by Simon McCafferty, the team are confident they'll be challenging for honours in both the league and the cup competitions in 2024/25.