The FIH has now introduced a new mandatory experimental rule to hockey to be applied at all levels in the forthcoming season (Branch & Irish competitions & International).
 
Coaches, players and relevant club administrators are to become aware of this rule, full details of which can be found on the FIH website (13.2 or page 30).

The Irish Hockey Association are running Summer Hockey Camps at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club from 27th - 31st July 2009.

Boys and Girls aged between 8 and 14 years can attend at a cost of 160 euro.

Please download this flier for more information.

Double Trouble 

Mark Elliott won the Senior Two Cup for Down with a last gasp winner in last weekend's thrilling final at Deramore.

The game was heading for penalty strokes when Elliott grabbed his 31st and most important goal of the season to send his team mates and the travelling supporters wild with raptures of delight.

The cup win follows the Malone Park's side success in winning the Senior Two title and now attention switches to the battle for Senior One survival come September. But it's a battle the locals have every chance of winning.

As the hockey season comes to an end, we will now be taking a short break from Junior Club coaching.

The last winter coaching session will be held on Saturday 4th April 2009.

Down seconds produced one of their best performances of the season at The Glade last weekend in this Junior 3 clash.

The locals needed the win and they produced a superb performance to record what was their first away win of the season. Indeed, the margin of victory could have been greater had it not been for a number of fine saves by the home 'keeper.

Down had heroes all over the park with Peter Simpson, Philip Brown and Trevor McClurg, outstanding in defence, not conceding one short corner during the entire 70 minutes.

Down thirds bowed out of the Strabane Cup last weekend, losing 6-2 at the hands of the PSNI.

The locals were on level terms at 2-2 within minutes of the restart, but they couldn't hang on and were disappointed that a number of umpiring decisions did not go their way, particularly in the second half.

The PSNI led 2-0 with goals from play, with forwards shooting past David Moreland to give the home side an early advantage in the cup tie.

Aaron Minnis is selling his flights to and from Duffy and Fergie's Stag Weekend.

The flights (with Flybe) are detailed below:
Outgoing - Belfast City to Newcastle at 16:45 on Friday 24th July 2009
Incoming - Newcastle to Belfast City at 17:30 on Sunday 26th July 2009

The flights are priced at £104.  Anyone wanting to buy them should contact Aaron on 07748804461.  He will pay for the name change.

We have recently been in contact with a hockey stick manufacturer in Pakistan.

As you can see from the prices below (click on "Read more...") we have an opportunity to buy sticks at incredibly low prices (a 100% carbon composite stick is £18).

There is a delivery charge of £80 applicable to the order, so it would be to our benefit to make one large order and distribute the delivery charge evenly.  Anyone interesting in placing an order should contact Gavin Ringland as soon as possible.

I haven't physically seen or used any of the sticks, and they will come with no warranty, but at such low costs, I feel, it is definitely worth purchasing one or two to try them.

Membership Subscriptions are now due.  Costs are £75 for Senior Playing Members or £20 for those aged 18 or under or in full time education.

Memberships not paid by the end of November 2008 will incur a levy of £20.

Membership Subscriptions should be paid to the relevant captains or a member of the committee.

Fixtures for Junior League 7 in the 2008/2009 season have been released and are available from the main menu.

Down 3rd XI's first game will take place on Saturday 4th October 2008, at home to South Antrim 5th XI.