Woody’s wise words Photo c/o David Kissman
The ‘Beeston Story’ continued last Sunday as the FHP Bees travelled to London to face Wimbledon HC. Wimbledon are the reigning Premier League champions and their Clubhouse is based at The Wimbledon Club, nextdoor to the world famous tennis centre. They play their hockey at nearby King’s College School and are the only Premier League side not to play on a Waterbase pitch.
“Someone’s poisoned the water hole!” Woody commented, “It’s unusual for top hockey to be played on a surface other than Waterbase pitches [the Olympic standard] nowadays. We found it tricky to play our style of hockey on the sand-dressed pitch at King’s College School. I remember joining Beeston back in 1991 and playing on the old sand based pitch. I found this picture in my toy box the other day of Nottingham Hockey Centre (formerly Highfields Sports Club) in 1999 which shows you just how far we’ve come developing the ground.”
Nottingham Hockey Centre in 1999!
“I’ve watched the game change drastically over my playing, and now, coaching career. The innovation from players and coaches alike, to introduce new skills and techniques to the game, such as the ‘Argentinian back-hand’ and the ‘drag-flick’ has meant the facilities have had to develop at the same speed.”
As part of the new NET tram development that passes Nottingham Hockey Centre a new 6 metre high fence (8 metres behind the goals) has been constructed behind all of the pitches between the Centre and the new tramway to protect the passing trams. Just look at the photo above where the fence is only 1 metre tall and up to 3 metres behind the goal!
The Bees managed to come away from the English Champions with a point last Sunday having lead twice in the game.
Woody commented, “To come away from London feeling disappointed for not collecting 3 points is very positive for me. Wimbledon are a very good team and fully deserved to scoop the championship trophy last season. We spent a lot of time studying videos of their recent games last week so we knew exactly what to expect. We are unbeaten after 4 games and there is a good, positive mood in the camp.”
The Bees will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record this season as they face Canterbury this Sunday at Nottingham Hockey Centre at 2pm so come on down to the Club and be part of the Beeston story.
