2008 – 2009

Men’s and Mixed Hockey

After finding itself on the losing end of a relegation battle last year, Queen’s men started the season in the second division expecting a much easier ride. However, with several key figures leaving the side with poor excuses such as “working for examinations”, this turned out not to be the case. Miss N. Palmer was persuaded to continue to perform, despite suffering an unfortunate blow to the head with a hockey ball at an early season practice. After receiving a negligible amount of help from the fresher intake, the team was strengthened by several graduates. The first part of the season saw two victories, two defeats, and one draw, leaving the team in a mid-table position. Unfortunately, because of a lack of available players, Hilary Term turned out to be disastrous, with Queen’s losing every game. Cuppers also turned out to be disappointing, with Queen’s losing on penalty flicks to a useful Pembroke side.

However, revenge was reaped in Mixed Cuppers, the team winning 3-0 in the first round. St. Hilda’s conceded in the second round, thereby propelling Queen’s into a quarter-final match with the Men’s Cuppers winners, New College. At full time the match was tied and the game was decided by alternating men’s and women’s penalty flicks. After five tense normal penalty flicks each the scores were level at three all, and the game was to be decided by sudden-death flicks. Since Queen’s has not won a such a contest in living memory, it came as a great surprise that after fourteen saves by goalkeeper Mr G.T. Dalton, Miss R. Mackintosh scored and put Queen’s into the semi-finals. Sadly, the semi-final took place on the day before the Final Examination of several key members of the team, and a weakened team suffered a narrow defeat by eventual winners Lady Margaret Hall.

Although the season has produced mixed performances, a thoroughly good time has been enjoyed by all those who have participated. Sadly, the Club sees the graduation of many key players, Mr E. Norman, ex-captain and top scorer, Mr R. Kennedy, Mr S. Drury, and Mr. D. Shepherd. The search for new players next season will be lead by Mr H. Lazenby.

Women’s Hockey

Women’s hockey has had a quiet season. After a positive and enthusiastic start, results did not live up to the Club’s high expectations. Unfortunately, the team was knocked out of the first round of Cuppers, despite a brave performance. The highlight of the season was a hard-fought draw against much-favoured Magdalen, which ensured that Queen’s finished third in the League. The Club looks forward to a new season hoping to fulfil its potential.