UWMHC 1st XI

Last year was all about rejuvenation. A blank canvas for the UWMHC 1st XI to make its mark and make a mark it did. As predicted by my predecessor it was a year peppered with moments of Champagne hockey but, it was also marred by some akin to the great table collapse of 2013. Unfortunately just 2 or 3 of these moments were enough to keep us from the dream season; but coming second in BUCS behind a Cambridge team riddled with international players, 1 point adrift from promotion in MRHA and a cup semi final run leaves us in a strong position this year.

Unlike this time last year a large number of the 1st XI remains which, for the first time in years gives us the perfect platform to attempt the Treble. “What’s that?” I hear you ask, “the Treble?” Define the Treble: Win BUCS league to be promoted into Midlands 1A, Win newly restructured MRHA league on debut reaching MRHA Midlands 1 and win the Cup. This is our aim, an ambitious task indeed but one that we feel we can attain. For the first time in UWMHC history we are upping the intensity for the 1st XI: extra week of preseason, weekly fitness sessions with Warwick Sport, video analysis and team reviews with the coaches.

This is a team that is bubbling with ambition and with the strong cohort of freshers that landed on our doorstep last year we are in the most competitive position for years. However, do not mistake me and think this will be an easy ride. Though our losses to the real world were minimal they were core members of the team and when picturing the team it looks like the Grand Canyon has been placed somewhere between our 25 and halfway. But never fear as long as Plumber keeps hassling, Paul keeps tomma-ing, Pup keeps running, Tricker’s touch is up to scratch, Barnesy keeps talking and we don’t let them through the middle, the old boys will accomodate. But with a number of 2s players knocking on the door, hoping to be a part of the top flight, and with no doubt a number of talented freshers making their way to Fortress Westwood places are going to be fiercely contended.

It’s our year boys. Anything but promotion will be deemed as a failure.