Mid Season ReportAt the half way point in the season the Men's 1st Xl can look back on their campaign in the National league with satisfaction. They head the North section by 4 points over Leek and have a vastly superior goal difference. A record of Played 10, Won 8, Drawn 1, Lost 1 is enviable at this high level. Whilst the reams captain Ali Gazanfar is their leading goalsman, James Warburton with 11 open play goals proves that the
side is not a one man band. No one at any level in the National League had scored more open goals than James. Coach, Russell Hornby is a hard task master and his performances on the pitch benefit from Ali's presence. The team play with great pace and a good scoring record of 76 for and 21 against shows there is plenty to excite the crowds. National League hockey is a young man's game and Ramblers are taking the opportunity to blood some of their talented youngsters and in fact 6 permanent members of the squad are the produce of Ramblers Youth Development Program.
A good 1st Xl needs to be shored up by a good 2nd IX, and Ramblers seconds are doing that in spades. They lead their table by 8 points and have a goals tally of 76 for and 27 against. With activity like that there is always something exciting happening on the pitch and they have registered some big runs, for example beating Alderley Edge 10-2. Their most difficult win was against local rivals Chester, 3-2 with Chester putting in a spirited performance which belied their lonely league position.
The Men's 3rd Xl ably lead by Phil Winward keep up the pressure, jointly heading their league with City of Manchester 2nd Xl having played 12, won 10 and lost 2. They also are looking a good bet for promotion, again with youngsters being blooded, with Harry Dodd, Moore and Jonny Verity being outstanding
Deeside Ramblers H.C. linking in with Tarporley Community High School are providing and paying for Kwik Sticks coaching in 11 Primary Schools in their area, in an attempt to persuade youngsters to embark upon the sport. Coaching is provided on condition that the schools participate in the Club's Primary Schools Hockey Festival, held in the Autumn and Spring terms. The project is proving very successful with many youngsters deciding to joint the Club to secure regular coaching.
At the other end of the age spectrum the Club holds regular Senior Members Lunches on National League match days. At the lunch in November the Club was honoured to have three former players present who played in the very first Deeside Ramblers side in 1946. WHR "Bill" Jones, E.L. "Lego" Jones and B.S. "Bruce" Jones. Sixty three years after the very first Ramblers side took to the grass, three of that side are still around, and still involved with the Club. Some testament to the unique Ramblers ethos.
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