Weston Hockey Club chairman CJ Neate said it is 'fantastic to be heading back to league hockey after a long wait' with men and women's sides in action this Saturday.

The men host Westbury & United Banks Hockey Club, led by captain Rob Mount, at Priory Community School at 1:30pm, while the two ladies sides take on Nailsea. The firsts, captained by Aimee Grimes, are away at 9:30am and the seconds at home two hours later.

“It’s fantastic to be heading back to league hockey, it’s been a long wait," said Neate.

“Starting last season only to immediately stop again was hard but understandable but it will be good to get going and hopefully push for promotion again.

“Men should be in a good place, we have a blend of experience and youth. With the women we want to be pushing, challenging the top sides but we do have a very youthful side.

“It’s important to get going to put our new tactics into use and get everyone back playing again.”

Despite all sides having played in friendlies throughout the year, including last weekend as the men thumped Bridgwater and ladies fell lost to North Somerset, the return to league action has brought anticipation.

It has been some wait, as sides have had to encounter two lockdowns and postponements of training sessions before being allowed to train again in March.

However, after a very successful summer league and friendlies, Neate confirmed the club will go into Saturday full of excitement.

“It was frustrating considering we won our only league game of the 2020/21 season (6-0 against Bridgwater) and the ladies had a few draws with a young side, so we thought the season was looking positive but that came to a stop obviously. It will be nice to get back to it," he added.

“I think after our friendlies we’re eager to put in some good performances.”

Weston are also on the hunt for new players to join their “very welcoming social club.”

Weston Mercury: All smiles for the ladies of Weston Hockey Club as they pose for the camera.All smiles for the ladies of Weston Hockey Club as they pose for the camera. (Image: Weston Hockey Club)

Both sections train on Wednesday nights, the ladies between 6:30pm-8pm, with the men from 8pm-9:30pm. Sessions are on the AstroTurf at Priory Community School.

“The club is one of the oldest in the area being founded in 1905, with high-level coaching and a very welcoming social club for new players,” said Neate.

For more information please email contact@wsmhc.co.uk.

Neate also passed his gratitude to their ongoing sponsors, adding: “We’d like to thank our new sponsors First Class Comms and existing sponsors The Curry Garden and Redrow for their continued support of the Hockey Club.”

If anyone would like to sponsor the club email Stuart Westcott at president@wsmhc.co.uk.