MINEHEAD and West Somerset Hockey Club have been enjoying a busy time since the end of playing season a few weeks ago.

The successful joint end of season dinner and presentation of awards was held at Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club saw the winners from both men’s and ladies clubs in a number of categories and general Minehead-style celebration of another enjoyable 12 months of the sport.

The two annual general meetings were then held and both clubs have announced that they have successfully merged into a single entity, calling itself Minehead & West Somerset Hockey Club. They will field the usual three men’s sides and the one ladies team, with the intention of adding social mixed hockey matches as the new 2025-26 hockey season progresses.

The men’s winners included the following: First team player of the season - Shane Heale; Second team player of the season - Simon Strong; Third team player of the season - Scott Fewings; Clubman of the Year - Arian Bagg; Collins Cup - Joe Bolton; Turner Trophy, Under 18 player of the season - Albert Vickery; Henry Bissell goalscorer fo the season - Rob Speed; Committee Cup - Ash Tisshaw; Most improved player - Morris Burrough; Ancient mariner - Lee Fairbrother.

The ladies winners included the following: Foy award - Jess Koppa; Gliddon Cup - Saphie Haddon; Webber Cup - Tracey Bailey; Captain’s player of the season - Jess Koppa; Jo Harding most promising Under 21 player - Amy Wickens.

The summer hockey fun will commence on Tuesday, the 22nd of July, on the West Somerset Sports Centre Astroturf pitch starting at 7p.m. as coach Andrew Speed’s pre-season charity seven-a-side mixed hockey league kicks off, with action taking place on Tuesday evenings until the end of next month (August) before league action for both the men and women gets underway with the prospect of some good hockey.

Ashley Tisshaw