Over the Xmas period, our Clubhouse will be open on Christmas Eve (11am - 4pm) and on Boxing Day (11am-4pm) when we can watch a social hockey fixture (Dads & Lads Select XIs) whilst enjoying a drink or two with our hockey family, reflecting on the success of the season so far ...

M1 and M2 are second placed in their respective Leagues (3East & 6SouthWest), both with the possibility of promotion if they can sustain performances and results in 2024. Captains Tom Harrison (M1) and Adrian Plunkett (M2) have had a tough task of selection because there is currently a wide and capable pool of junior and senior talent that wants to play. Good commitment, consistent availability and regular attendance at Performance Training has helped, as has the influence and guidance of Mens Coach, Alex Holloway. With some flexibility and acceptance by all M1/M2 players that they can offer something to both teams, we expect these teams will enjoy more success in the New Year. A double promotion? It’s possible, lets go for it!

M3 (#6) and M4 (#8) have started to accumulate points after a slow start to their seasons. Both M3 and M4 especially are impacted by the desired progression and development of our junior players, expecting always to be moving upward. It often takes several weeks to achieve any team cohesion or dynamics where the team can be changing weekly, and the Club wants always to maintain a core of senior and experienced players from game to game, season to season, which is essential continuity to maintain League status (M3 / 7SW and M4 / 8SW). So far, so good and the performances of both sides have been improving as a result of more regular training and practice. Its been encouraging that when opportunities for our young players to step up into higher teams are arising, they are welcoming the challenge and showing good ability to meet expectations. Both sides should enjoy a strong second half of the season if everyone maintains Club Training and developing their game understanding.

M5 are third in League 10SouthWest - some distance off the leading teams, but with results improving. M5 is a team in transition where the results and performances indicate that we have more talent in the pipeline for the future. With a number of senior players now leading the team who have played at higher levels in the past, they are nurturing the spirit of competition and progression in a team that would like to be promoted in the near future. It’s a proving ground for our youngest players, for players learning to enjoy competitive adult hockey.

Similarly, the M6 Development side gives the Club an opportunity to offer hockey to all players young and old. The teams resilience and enthusiasm has been tested in games played in good spirit with continual learning and good performances against stronger oppositions that have proven challenging. The side will continue to enjoy hockey when the match weekends start again in 2024.

Overall, Sils hockey teams are benefitting this season from a great mix of youth, long-standing loyal players and a significant few who have recently returned to play at the Sils - from Uni, from Other Clubs, from Family-time or from Work - who are all together committing to play Saturdays and making us a stronger, more experienced and talented Club in depth. And with a super strong U16 Boys as they move closer towards Tier 1 Nationals (Good luck, lads!), we should have high expectations for the rest of the season, and the next, that all Sils teams are mojo rising.

Enjoy Christmas, enjoy Winter break, and be ready to enjoy hockey 2024.

NickO