BUDE Hockey Club celebrated their 2024/25 season with a presentation and awards ceremony at the Brendon Arms on Saturday, May 3.

It recognised the hard work by its members both on and off the pitch which has led to a highly-successful season for both the women’s and men’s sides.

The ladies competed in the West Hockey League Women’s Trelawney Division One and had a mixed bag of results consisting off eight wins, three draws and nine losses which saw them finish eighth and comfortably ahead of the relegation battle. Not bad given the squad is very much in transition.

With some key players missing through injuries and work commitments it was always going to be a tough ask to find consistency and places were filled mostly by the emerging youth players who bravely stepped up in numbers to give it their best shot which meant they did struggle at points against the stronger sides.

In the long-term there is real hope and solid foundations on which to build and grow from as they will undoubtedly be stronger and more confident next year as they will look to climb higher up the league.

The ladies award winners were: Player of the Season – Hannah Maloney; Young Player – Willow Du Plessis; Most Improved – EJ Biggadike; Players’ Player – Caroline Hockridge.

After numerous seasons bumbling along and a couple of recent close calls, the men were finally promoted and crowned champions of the West Hockey League Men’s Piran Division One which was a fitting end to their commitment and hard work over the last few months.

They finished with 20 wins, one draw and just the one loss and scored over 100 goals whilst letting in just 20.

The fact they conceded on average less than one a game was a credit to their determination and consistency at both ends of the pitch and proves it really is a team game.

It has been a number of seasons in the making but everything finally fell into place, however the next challenge is on the horizon as they will look to cement their new league status next season whilst also bringing in a new development side.

That may make it difficult in the short-term, but should benefit both the players and the club as they continue to develop and grow to an ever brighter future.

The men’s award winners were: Player of Season – Henry Gwynn-Thomas; Young Player – Zack Davis; Most Improved – Saul Barraclough and Drew Bardsley; Players’ Player – Andy Davis.

Finally, the committee would like to thank the local businesses that have supported the club through kit, match and ball sponsorship as without their vital support it is very hard to keep the club financially viable for the community.

Also we’d like to say a huge thank you to all players, club members, coaches and officials as without them the games would not go ahead.

To our loyal spectators who have shown such fantastic support and made a superb atmosphere at both home and away games this year, thank you, it makes such a difference!

The committee are working hard to put plans and actions in place for the whole club to continue to grow and be even more successful, so we excitedly look forward to next season with huge optimism.