The Men’s 1st XI have been promoted to the English Hockey League (EHL) for next season, which is the first time in the club’s history a team has played in this league.
The official release from the MRHA is shown below, and then a joint statement from Men’s Club Captain Matt Parry and Men’s 1st XI Captain Nick Morris.
The MRHA Men’s League Committee has consistently maintained that it is essential that any competition for promotion to the EHL should be subject to a level playing field for all competing teams. This includes pitch, changing facilities, toilets and player availability, as well as the end of the ban on car sharing.
However, with no imminent update on Government restrictions the Committee are of the opinion that it is unlikely that any knockout competition could be completed until after 17 May.
The Committee has therefore decided that, in line with EH recommendations (also adopted by many other regional Leagues) the two teams that finished in 2nd and 3rd place at the end of the 2019/20 will be put forward to join the expanding EHL.
As a final act of the Midland Region Hockey Association Men’s League for the 2020/21 season – we thus commend Beeston 2 and Loughborough Town 1 to the EHL for the 2021/22 season. We wish them both every success in their new home …
Nick Haynes, Honorary Secretary MRHA Men’s League, 9 April 2021
Although different in circumstances, this promotion like any other, is only achieved through an extended period of effort by a dedicated team. I would like to thank our current coach Paul Willars, former coach Jez Clarke, the club committee and of course, the players for their collective effort and commitment to the success of the Loughborough Town Hockey Club.
We’d also like to extend our congratulations to Beeston men’s 2nd XI who will be joining us next year.
Matt Parry (Club Captain) and Nick Morris (Men’s 1st XI Captain)
