York think big

Despite a spluttering end to the premier division of the North Hockey League, the club is to redouble its promotion efforts next season.

York are looking to bring in two players with National League experience together with the possible introduction of overseas players with the club's contacts in both Germany and Australia.

Team manager Mike Couttie said: "It is hoped that these additional resources will provide the extra strength in depth to the North League squads to allow positive progression towards gaining National League status within the next couple of seasons.

"It is hoped that the introduction of experienced high quality players will also allow the current crop of young talented players to reach their full potential."

Results since the turn of the year have been a far cry from the early optimism generated by good results achieved in September and October but they finished well clear of relegated Southport.

Couttie feels playing standards have improved throughout the club since the appointment of coach Gawaine Hogg, who started his playing career with York Trojans.

He went on to play for Doncaster and earned international representative honours with English Universities.

He also boats a top-drawer coaching pedigree having looked after the Yorkshire Under-21 side for a number of seasons and was recently appointed as coach to the English University squad.

"Gawaine's pre-season work resulted in an excellent start to the season which included a good performance in the Champions Trophy against the eventual winners Doncaster which ended in a 1-1 draw after Doncaster had scored with five minutes to go," said Couttie.

The league programme also started well, gaining results against many of the top sides, but eventually injuries to a number of key players took their toll. Among them was Welsh Under-21 international Peter Evans who joined York from Chester last season.

Evans, who regained full fitness from injury in time to play for York in their last three matches, is in his second year as an ecology student at Scarborough and will be back in York's ranks for next season. During the summer he will be turning out for the Welsh U21s in a Test series against Scotland arranged to compensate for the loss of the Celtic Cup international competition. There is also the possibility of a friendly clash with England.

Other young players to make a big impression were top goalscorer Ben Foster, who has been selected by the British Universities U21 side, North U21 goalkeeper Ashley Watson, Jon Jenkins, Luke Ramli and the Couttie brothers who are all hoping for higher honours this season by being selected for either the County, the North.

Couttie said: "The club has benefited from its investment in its youth policy and the success of the youth section, with the majority of the current firstt team coming through the club's development structure. These players have had the good fortune of training and playing with a group of talented and committed senior players who have led the way."

The junior section continues to thrive with the Under-15 Girls reaching the semi-finals of their National Cup, the U11 girls getting through to the national finals of the mini-hockey tournament and both U14 and U16 girls qualifying for the Yorkshire League play-offs.

Nelson see off Ladies in mad spell

CITY of York Ladies ended their North League season with a 3-2 defeat at second-placed Nelson.

York took a first-half lead through Mandy Nesbit and also had a 'goal' allowed then disallowed after a consultation between the umpires.

But, Nelson turned the game after the break when, in a mad-cap five minute spell, York conceded three goals.

Karen Howells' strike from a penalty corner provided late consolation.

Having introduced several promising juniors over the season, York's mid-table finish represents a reasonable achievement, while champions Whitley Bay are promoted to the National League.

City of York Ladies II completed their Yorkshire League division one fixtures with a 0-0 draw at home to Halifax, who looked quick and stronger in the first-half.

'Keeper April Watson kept York in the game and, with Julie Routledge working hard in attack, York saw off the visitors' second-half challenge for a deserved share of the points.

Although York have finished in a relegation position there is hope of reprieve in the event of league re-organisation.

York Ladies fourth team earned promotion from division five and will join their third team in division four next season.

Trophies were presented by Ladies' chairman Paula Clough, club chairman Nigel Herd and club president Clive Marshall at the club's annual awards night.

City of York Hockey Club 2004/05 Award winners

Ladies section - Dawn Hopkins (1st XI Player of the Season), April Watson (2nd XI), Christa Siddall (3rd XI) and Heather Stafford (4th XI), Helen Taylor (John Jessop Trophy - Club Lady of the Season), Ruth Chapman (Life Member Award - long service to the club) and the Young Player of the Season Trophy went to Amelia Smalley.

Men's Section - James Gilbert (1st XI Player of the Season), Matt Fletcher (2nd XI), Graham Cook (3rd XI), Andy Wilson (4th XI), Tony Neave (5th XI), Ben Milson (6th XI), Bob Chelton (7th XI) and Andy Dent (8th XI), Alex Cockram (Young Player of the Season), Simon Casterton (Young Clubman of the Season), John Peet (Senior Clubman of the Season), Alan Carter (Peter Feasby Trophy - Overall Service) and Les Reed (Leading goalscorer - 49 goals).

The Harry Kee Trophy, awarded for long standing service as player and club member, went to Ann Robinson.

Updated: 08:37 Tuesday, April 12, 2005