Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club Explained

Clubname:Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club
Fullname:Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club
Nickname:The Gamblers, The Students, The Unay, Uni
Ground:The Cauldron, Peffermill Playing Fields, Edinburgh, Scotland
Capacity:2120+1
Coach:Hamish Imrie (1st XI PlayerCoach), Janice Hudson-Windsor (Head of Development)
Chairman:Florian Garland Hoff
Manager:Sebastiano Garnett
League:Scottish Hockey Scottish Premiership, Scottish Regional League, Scottish East District 1, 2, 4. BUCS Premier North, Scottish 1, 2, 3, 4.
Pattern La1:_blueborder
Pattern So1:_whitestripe
Leftarm1:003e1e
Body1:003e1e
Rightarm1:003e1e
Shorts1:000e39
Socks1:000e39
Pattern La2:_blueborder
Pattern So2:_navystripe
Leftarm2:D20700
Body2:D20700
Rightarm2:D20700
Shorts2:000e39
Socks2:FFFFFF
University:The University of Edinburgh
Members:167
Colors:Green (Home), Red (Away)
Short Name:EUMHC
Chrtitle:President
Mgrtitle:Vice President
Stadium:The Cauldron

Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club is the official men's field hockey club for The University of Edinburgh. It currently comprises seven men's teams, which makes it the largest men's university field hockey and sports club in the United Kingdom, with over 160 active members. It also represents the largest adult male membership for a hockey club in Scotland. Founded in 1901, it is one of the oldest university hockey clubs in the United Kingdom.

Each team plays in regional Saturday league matches across eastern districts of Scotland and the top teams play in the national leagues and central leagues. The 1XI - 7XI teams participate in extra leagues on a Wednesday afternoon, where they participate in their respective British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) league, playing other universities in Scotland and across the UK.[1] [2]

Home games are played at Peffermill Playing Fields (also known as The Cauldron, Peffs, and The VK Peffermill Arena), which are water-based pitches located in southern Edinburgh. Training takes place at Peffermill on Monday and Thursday evenings for all teams. These pitches are of an international standard, giving players of all abilities within the club an opportunity to play their best hockey.[3]

The hockey club has a vast range of abilities within the club from international players to people who have just started to play the sport. All are welcome and the aim of the club is to not only improve players' abilities within the sport but to also provide a worthwhile and competitive sport for players to play throughout their university experience.

The club is sponsored by Gibson & Kerr, and LPA_.[4] [5] [6] The 1st XI are also sponsored exclusively by Artemis, and the 2nd XI are sponsored by Aldi.

The club's mottos are "Bleed Green" and "We are the Gamblers".

History

Origins and early history (1901–2000)

The first mention of hockey at the university was in 1899, when a notice was published in the Student, which read "Would those in favour of starting a Hockey Club in connection with the University kindly forward their names and addresses to the Secretary, Hockey Club, University PO?" One of these founding members was G.M. Melville who although was born in Ireland he was schooled in England and attended university in Scotland.

There is no further mention of the club until 1901 when pitches were secured at Craiglockhart and play commenced. On 18 November that year the University Hockey Club as represented that year at the meeting of clubs in Scotland when it was agreed to form a Scottish Hockey Association, making the club a founding member of the modern association. The first match was played against Dumbarton and it was lost with the rest of the season recording 11 played, won 4, lost 5 and drawn 2. By the end of the season a second XI was started and so the sport must have proved a success.

The club was admitted to the University Athletic Club (now the Sports Union) in 1902 when W. Sibbald Robertson was the captain and in that year no less than 5 University players were recorded internationalists. T.P Caverhill was one of these 5 and must have been especially good given his numerous mentions and was subsequently awarded blues. The 1905–1906 season was especially good when of the sixteen matches played, twelve were won, three drawn and only one lost. One member of this team was especially of note. Frank Fasson was a former internationalist rugby player and must have brought all his speed and fiery temperament to the Hockey pitch which he demonstrated one match when he took a dislike to his opposing number and slashed his stick against the man's shins. The next week Frank had a tooth ache and went to the dentist and much to his dismay found that his dentist consultant was none other than his previous opposing player. However the great sportsman Dr N.L. Stevenson took neither advantage nor a fee. It was Fasson who was playing later that season when Scotland secured the first Scottish victory when playing against the Welsh; the result was 3–1.

The best season in the club was recorded in 1908–1909 when the first XI was unbeaten and six of the squad were chosen to represent Scotland. It was around this time that toy rabbits first appeared in the team photos presumably as mascots of the club.

Like most sports, the First World War halted hockey matches although the club was re-established for the 1919–1920 season. The remarkable growth in the Sport meant that in the following season, five teams were fielded for the university. For the 1922/23 season, the first-ever Blues officially recognised by Edinburgh University Sports Union was awarded to J J B Martin.

The club suffered a dry spell for victories until 1930-1931 when the competition for places on the teams was so great that inter-society matches were organised. This successful season saw the first touring side to go down to English Universities and victories were recorded against both Durham and Manchester. It is also in this season that the Scottish Inter University Championship was first recorded which Edinburgh won which was followed the next season with the first successful tour to Ireland. This successful vein continued with the Scottish Championships residing with Edinburgh University until the 1938–1939 season, the last before the Second World War.

There was no shortage of matches to be found during the war this time with 20 matches recorded each season. It is the 1942–1943 season which saw the first incarnation of the Scottish university teams play the United Services with no less than six Edinburgh men in the team. Much of the success gained by the team was attributed to the brilliant Emmanuel Evans-Anfom as club captain.

In the history up to 1959, the club recorded a total of 32 full internationalists and one (Stephen Theobald) who represented Great Britain and between these players they recorded 183 international caps.[7]

1980s (The Golden Years)

In the 1980s, club won 16 collective and individual awards from the Edinburgh University Sports Union (5 of which were collective awards, 11 individual awards) include 3 back-to-back Club of the Year awards. With so many awards won by the club during this era, it is speculated that growth, development, the number of titles won, and club culture changed fundamentally during this period. The impact of the 1980s is still seen within and around the club to this day.

As early as the 1990s, the club began singing 'The Gambler' by Kenny Rogers at club socials and at games. It is a tradition that is still upheld to this day, and the club and its members are known widely as 'The Gamblers'.

Recent history (2000–present)

During the 2004/05 season, the club's socials took place at The Crags bar near Pollock Halls of Residence. This continued until 2012.

In the 2011/12 season, the 1st XI finished in 8th place. Whilst in the 2012/13 season they finished 7th [8] In the British Universities & Colleges Sport the 1st XI compete in Scottish 1A, which they won in the 2011/12 season.[9]

In the British Universities & Colleges Sport the 2nd XI won Scottish 2A during the 2011/12 season and so won promotion for the first time to Scottish 1A since the leagues were re-organised in 2003. They finished the 2012/13 BUCS 1A season in 3rd place.[10]

2012/13 season

The 2012/13 season was a pivotal season for the club. Then player-coach Graham Moodie stepped up to coach the 1XI full time, becoming the club's Head of Performance. During his near decade spell at the club, he led the team several Scottish Cup Finals, winning BUCS leagues, cups, and promotions, and professionalised the higher end of the club as one of the most dominating sides, not just within Scottish university hockey, but Scottish hockey as a whole. Moodie stepped down from his position in August 2021, Scottish International Hamish Imrie has since taken up the role as Head of Performance.[11]

The club moved its bi-weekly socials to Malones Bar (later McSorleys) on Forrest Road, Edinburgh, and is widely recognised as the modern home of the EUHC socials scene, with hundreds of match teas and official socials taking place there.

It was also in the 2012/13 season that saw the beginning of Edinburgh Fives and Exeter Fives. Members of the club welcomed a first year student from University of Exeter Hockey Club to Edinburgh in December 2012 as part of Edinburgh Fives. The return journey (Exeter Fives) was held the following February, so forth starting the long social tradition that is still upheld to this day. Exeter University Men's Hockey Club and Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club maintain close ties to this day alongside Edinburgh Fives and Exeter Fives. Both clubs are the largest men's university hockey clubs in their respective home nations (Edinburgh in Scotland; Exeter in England), both play in green at home, both share the motto "Bleed Green", and both club names can be abbreviated to "EUMHC".

2019/20 season

At the end of the 2019/20 season, then Director of Hockey at Edinburgh University, Eugene Connolly, who spent many years at the club developing coaches, umpires, and growing the size and image of the club, retired. Along with Dennis Hay, Connolly is often regarded as a mentor and father of hockey at Edinburgh University. The Director of Hockey position was removed and replace with Head of Hockey Development, a role which has since been taken up by Scotland Women's over 55s coach, Janice Hudson-Windsor. The season ended prematurely in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic which cancelled annual events on and off the pitch such as Varsity, Exeter Fives, Hockey Ball, and Tour.

2020/21 season

The 2020/21 Season was effectively cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Training in a limited capacity took place from September 2020 until December 2020. The Scottish and UK Government's second lockdown enforcement in January 2021 cancelled all forms of indoor and outdoor play until the end of March 2021. The club's social scene was rendered non-existent for the entire season, again cancelling major traditions such as Exeter Fives, Hockey Ball, and the club Tour that weren't hosted during the previous season either. The club maintained its administrative and committee structure during the pandemic

2021/22 season (The Golden Season)

As of the beginning of the 2021/22 season, the club bolstered a membership number of over 190, making it the largest men's university sports club in the United Kingdom. The 1XI, with the support of Edinburgh University's Performance Sport Programme, continued to dominate Scottish Hockey. With high finishes in both the Scottish Hockey Premiership and the Scottish Cup, the 1XI continued to be one of the only men's university hockey club in the UK to actively compete for EHL qualification.

Scottish Internationalist Hamish Imrie joined the club as the 1st XI's player-coach and Head of Performance.

In the first half of the season, the 1st XI developed and honed a new field hockey strategy known as 'The Lobster Theory', which draws the comparison of specific defensive and offensive plays, as well as player mentality, with that of the cooking and preparation of lobster for consumption. The expanded details of the strategy are a closely guarded secret within the club, and was used sparingly throughout the season. Unconfirmed reports suggest that 'The Lobster Theory' has a 100% win efficiency, and is attributed to the many successes of the 1st XI during the 21/22 Season.

In the 2021/22, the club secured several titles after a return to play due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In March 2022, the 2nd XI (Bill's Angels) led by captain Jack Cahalin won BUCS Scotland 1 in their final BUCS game of the season against Glasgow University, 3–1, in which they needed to win their game to win the league.

The 3rd XI led by captain Ted Porter made history after winning the BUCS Scottish Conference Cup, 3-3 (3-2), against Edinburgh Napier in St Andrews. The 3rd XI were down 3–1 with 6 minutes remaining in the final quarter. Former captain Harry Heap lobbed a ball past the keeper with 4 minutes remaining. In the final minute of the game, a head height 'Brexit ball' was hit into the circle which was deflected mid-air by the club's Social Secretary, Sonny Erskine, into the roof of the net which ended the game at 3-3. The goal has been described by spectators from both sides as 'the greatest goal ever scored in a game of hockey'. The game was won by club Treasurer and incoming President, Alex Johnson, who saved the final penalty flick to win the Scottish Cup and BUCS Championship. A club quote surrounding the win goes, "Ewen Mackie had a dream, but Ben Pearson and Matt White made that dream come true", in reference to 3rd XI's former and current coaches.

Later on in March 2022, the 1st XI won the BUCS National Vase at BUCS Big Wednesday in the final against University of Birmingham Hockey Club Men's 1st XI, with the full time score at 1–0.[12] 1st XI Captain Robbie Croll scored the single goal of the match. It ended the 1st XI's silverware drought which had persisted since they won the BUCS Hockey Trophy during the 17/18 season. The day is often described as, "it's a dangerous day to be a pint".

On the same day, the 3rd XI won BUCS Scotland 2 in their final BUCS game of the season.

In April 2022, the 5th XI won East District 1. This was an incredible achievement for the team and the club as they team was almost completely new and restructured at the start of the season, and the team had been new promoted to the league.

In February 2022, the 1st XI finished 2nd place in BUCS Premier North, behind University of Nottingham Hockey Club Men's 2nd XI. Due to the BUCS Regulations on promotion within the Premier leagues, the 1st XI were entered into the BUCS Premier National Playoffs in order to contest promotion. BUCS Premier National, since the formation of BUCS in 2008, is the highest competitive league for men's hockey in the United Kingdom. There has never been a Scottish men's side qualify for BUCS Premier National. In April 2022, the 1st XI lost their first opportunity at promotion when they lost 2-2 (1-4) against University of Oxford Men's 1st XI. Their final chance at promotion was left to their last playoff game against Oxford Brookes University Men's 1st XI at Peffermill. The 1st XI secured the victory, winning 4–1, and securing promotion to the top flight of BUCS Men's Hockey for the first time as a Scottish men's team.[13] [14] At the end of April 2022, the 2nd XI (Bill's Angels) won the Scottish Men's Regional League, the highest competitive men's league in Scotland for non-first teams. Their title win came down to their final game of the season that was left in a tight tie breaker between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The 2nd XI and 3rd XI finished off the season with two club trebles, when the 2nd XI won the Scottish Men's District Cup and the 3rd XI won the Scottish Men's Reserve Cup.[15] These games ended the club's golden season with three confirmed promotions and eight titles for the club.

2nd XI Coach, Bill Robson, retired from his role as the most decorated coach in club history, with 5 trophies over the course of 5 seasons, 2 of which were disregarded due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To date, the 2021/22 season is the most successful season the club, as a whole, has ever had.

2022/23 season

The club expanded its number of teams from seven to eight.

The 3rd XI were promoted to BUCS Scotland 1 from the previous season, marking the first time a third team has competed at that level. They also secured a place in the Scottish Hockey Regional 1 league after a strong league placement the previous season and restructuring the league systems. This placement made them the highest competing 3rd XI team in Scottish men's hockey.

The 7th XI were entered into the BUCS system for the 2022/23 Season. Their entry made the club the joint largest men's university sports club in the United Kingdom by their number of competitive BUCS teams - along with the University of Nottingham Hockey Club and the University of Exeter Hockey Club, both of whom enter their 7th XI's in the same season.

The club moved its bi-weekly social scene to Dropkick Murphy's.

As the season began, Peffermill was coined with the nickname, "The Cauldron", by Scotland Internationalist and former 1st XI Captain Robbie Croll.

In early October 2022, the 1st XI drew 2–2 against the reigning BUCS Premier National winners and BUCS Championship champions, Loughborough Students Hockey Club 1st XI at The Cauldron in BUCS Premier National.

The club was shortlisted for a record 4 awards at the Edinburgh University Sports Union Sports Ball 2023. These awards were based on the previous season and included Club of the Year, Team of the Year (3rd XI), Male Athlete of the Year (Robbie Croll), and best Club Publicity Record of the Year. Despite the successes of the previous season, the club failed to win any awards in one of the biggest upsets in club history.

Bill's Angels successfully defended their BUCS Scotland 1 title after a decisive victory against Strathclyde 1s at The Cauldron.

The 1st XI successfully achieved back-to-back BUCS Big Wednesday appearances after winning against Exeter University Hockey Club 2nd XI at The Nandos in Exeter. The full-time score was 2-2 after Robbie Croll and Alex Wilson both scored. The game was won in a series of penalty strokes after goalkeeper Charlie Gates saved a penalty to allow the 1st XI to win 5–3 on penalties. They progressed to BUCS Big Wednesday at Nottingham Hockey Centre – their second appearance in two seasons – where they played University of Nottingham Hockey Club 2nd XI in the BUCS National Vase. EUMHC were 2–0 with 9 minutes remaining but brought it back to 2–2 in the final minutes, courtesy of an Alex Wilson deflection and an Iain McFadden drag-flick. With the game going to penalty strokes, Edinburgh won the game after 1st XI goalkeeper, Charlie Gates, saved two penalties. At back-to-back BUCS Big Wednesdays, "it was, yet again, a dangerous day to be a pint". In a post-match interview, 1st XI vice-captain and Scottish junior internationalist, John Stephen officially referenced The Lobster Theory, which was developed in the previous season as the reason for their eventual success.

In early April, Edinburgh University Sports Union announced that the first ever Blue - awarded to students for outstanding university sports performance - was awarded to a member of Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club in 1922. The Blues Award in question went to J J B Martin.

The 2nd XI narrowly missed promotion to BUCS Premier North at the beginning of May 2023 for the first time as a Scottish Men's 2nd XI, after a defeat at Peffermill to Newcastle 1st XI in penalties. Remarkably, despite the high-stakes nature of the game coinciding with the demanding university exam diet, the team experienced an overwhelming display of support from their fellow club members with over 200 members from the Men's and Women's clubs in the stands of Peffermill.

Club President Alex "AJ" Johnson, distinguished himself as a notable figure in the club's history. After serving as a committee member for an impressive four consecutive years, he departed, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Johnson's exceptional contributions spanned both on and off the field, earning him the distinction of being the club's most decorated member. Over the course of six years as an active player, he secured an impressive tally of ten prestigious trophies and titles. AJ's remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the club's history, cementing his status as a legendary figure.

2023/24 season

The club moved its bi-weekly social scene to Ballie Ballerson on Forest Road, Edinburgh - the same venue as the recently closed McSorleys.

The 3rd XI won the BUCS Scottish Conference Cup, and the Scottish Hockey Reserve Cup.

The 2nd XI won the Scottish District Cup.

Famed clubman, Ritchie McCluskey, was known for being a badger.

Current situation

For the 2023/24 season:

Committee

The club is run by the committee, which is elected every year from existing members. The day-to-day operations are handled by the committee with the support of persistent staff members employed by the club and the university.

Each year, the committee elect three people from the original committee into an executive committee that includes by default the President, Vice President, Treasurer of the club, and Secretary. The executive committee are allowed to manage the affairs of the club and make day-to-day decisions without prior consultation with the Full Committee. The Executive Committee is answerable to the Full Committee.

Fixtures was split into two roles from the 2019/20 season – National League & BUCS Fixtures and East District Fixtures.

Website and Publicity were combined into one role from the 2019/20 season. In the 2022/23 season, the role was split again to accommodate the growing demands of the role and the club.

The 2022/23 Season saw three new positions – Welfare, Scholar Representative, and Goalkeeper Representative – added to the committee as well as the introduction of an 8XI captain to take over the newly formed 8th XI team.

After two extremely tough seasons for Vice Presidents, Jack Mead and Callum Alexander, following the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was decided the role's responsibilities were to be reviewed. The full responsibility for umpire assignments and development was passed to a new Head of Umpiring position created for the 2023/24 season, allowing future Vice Presidents to focus more on general club management.

For the 2024/25 Season onward, the Executive Committee was restructured to include the Social Secretary and the Welfare Secretary as well as the President, Vice President, Treasurer of the club, and Secretary by default, leaving a single voted position open from the general committee. The Executive Committee size remains at 7.

!Season!President!Vice President!Secretary!Treasurer!Sponsorship !Head of Umpiring!National League & BUCS Fixtures!East District Fixtures!Kit!Publicity!Website!Charity!Social!Intramural & Alumni!Tour!Welfare!Diversity!Goalkeeper Representative!Scholar Representative!1XI Captain!2XI Captain!3XI Captain!4XI Captain!5XI Captain!6XI Captain!7XI Captain!8XI Captain
2004/05Joe McHenryChris AnnanKeith ReidAdam RuddTom CrillNiall CarterGareth McLornFrank PillukeitSimon JohnstonMike ArkleyRob KinderJamie LatimerAndrew EmersonTom HamiltonMatt SmithNick Brownrowspan="18"
2005/06Mike ArkleyHenry WyldMatt SmithAndy EmersonTom HamiltonNicky BrownRupert BarkerIain RobbJoe GrayGareth McLornPaddy ThorburnChris AnnanCharlie Crouther
2006/07Simon JohnstonHenry MiddletonMatt McCluckieTom HamiltonJames MauriceNiall CarterNick DawnayAndy EmersonRichard “Titch” HughesEd LinesJP CampbellJoe Gray“Staples” SmithAlan PedgriftJames CookDerek Thomas
2007/08Patrick ThorburnThomas HamiltonThomas PritchardNiall CarterGraeme StapletonDereck ThomasGeorge HoldstockSimon SampsonBarry CarmichaelRupert BarkerPeter GhoshJoe GrayRichard McCorkellRory MackenzieTitch HughesMichael SmailesJasper MoggTim Evans
2008/09Graeme Stapelton Dereck ThomasCraig ThurtellAndrew WiersumGeorge HoldstockDuncan Birse Kylan PathmanathanSam TrettWill ButlerDavid MunnDan Finch-RaceWill ButlerSimon SampsonAlan RobbTom AudenTom PrichardHarry EustaceSam HamsponChris Fabien
2009/10
2010/11Sam TrettMichael Henderson-SowerbyTom NevillKylan PathmanathanPeter Rutherford Tom BodekerMichael FenelonSam HampsonNick Brown Rob Hill & Will O'BrienFraser MurpheyDave MunnDavid ForresterBen TraceyCalum DeasJonnie DaviesJosh RobinsonAlex FiennesEwan Frost-Pennington
2011/12Michael Henderson-SowerbyDavid ForresterBlair PaulTom NevillTom SwarbrickScott DuncanJohnny DavisAdam BanksChris BarrettArchie BurtHamish KinneaStuart FraserCalum DukeConor BondRob HillStevie SedgwickMatt Holroyd Peter Rutherford Gavin Peebles
2012/13Conor BondTom KingWill EdenScott DuncanJack McGowanAlex FiennesAswin NairBen WalkerMark PortnellMatt HolroydVijay Trivedy & Stevie SedgwickJacob QuibellTom SwarbrickStuart FraserBen BrooksAdam BanksCalum MacRae Calum AdamsonEuan Craig
2013/14Scott DuncanBen BrooksPeter BottomleyCalum AdamsonPiers WatesRuairi GillespieEwan CraigWill EdenAedan McCrossanTom FishleyJazim SohailGeorge AdamsCraig McCrossanJack McGowanBen TomblingFraser MacLeodAndy BrownRobert TaylorDan Sethi
2014/15Ben BrooksEwan CraigCalum AdamsonRuairi GillespieMatthew Linley-AdamsWill NeedhamJonathan LambGeorge AdamsCharlie MurrayEdward FysonAndrew SadlerFinlay WalkerTom KemsleySam HayesDan ThurmanFelix ClaridgeThomas RalstonHenry MelvilleChris O'Bryan
2015/16Calum AdamsonRuairi GillespieJonathan LambEdward FysonGeorge Adams Tom MourantGuy AllenFreddie Armston-ClarkJakim BerndsenHenry MelvilleHarry ScottAedan MccrossanEuan ChristieRoss MorrisonOscar AllittTom MarchantJames BromleyFloris Balm
2016/17Jonathan LambEuan ChristieTom MarchantRoss MorrisonHarry ScottLiam GeachRuaraidh CampbellGeorge SimmondsAngus SandisonHarrison KirbyJoe TaylorAngus RogersHenry MelvilleGordon Amour Charlie CookJack PreeceLuke PerkinsGavin MintyRoshan DasEd Harris
2017/18Harry ScottTom MarchantRuaraidh CampbellRoshan DasGeorge SimondsAngus RogersSam RobertsonMatthew TaylorJack FriendGavin MintyJack PreeceConnor OverstonePaul de MelliacAlan OldhamMonty KilpatrickFreddie FilorAdam MontgomeryZubin RoyGeorge TuckwellHenry Cugley
2018/19George SimondsRuaraidh CampbellRoshan DasZubin RoyMatthew TaylorSam MallaceMurdo LunnPeter McKnight Henry Cugley Connor OverstoneFreddie BakerGeorge TuckwellJack PreeceSam RobertsonBen CarringtonRory CadburyAlex TearJoseph DemetriosDaniel GallantJacques Taylor
2019/20Zubin RoyJoseph DemetriosMurdo LunnPeter McKnightAli BurnettSam MallaceTobias LoeffGeorge TuckwellJamie FoskerRob HewettAlex TearAlex JohnsonMatt WhiteDavid MawhinneyAngus MuirHarry HeapJack MeadCharlie ClagueStephen DemeryAndy Hulmes
2020/21Joseph DemetriosJamie FoskerCharlie ClagueTobias LoeffStephen DemeryAlex JohnsonBenedict KingSam MacLellanAngus MuirJonty ParkSonny ErskineJack MeadAlex TearJack JamiesonArchie TrevorSam ReidPatrick BoyleZak MansuriTom KitchenRobert Zhan
2021/22(The Golden Season)Tobias LoeffJack MeadMartin RoseAlex JohnsonHamish WalkerCallum GroegerRobert ZhanSam KelsoCallum AlexanderJoe WoodheadSonny Erskine (e)Joe HutchesonBen Pearson (e)Robbie CrollJack CahalinTed PorterPatrick BoyleHugh DavidsonFraser Robertson / Stuart HeadAlex Watson (e)
2022/23Alex JohnsonCallum AlexanderJoe HutchesonRobert ZhanBen WilsonFlorian Garland-HoffEd BuryRoss FlemingEthan LawJack CahalinTed PorterFreddie CoghillAlistair Heading (e)James TaylorStuart HeadAazim MurCharlie GatesRobbie Croll (e)Iain McFaddenHamish Walker (e)Josh WigginsPeter SinclairEd RamsdenHarry SherwinDax TriallPatrick Wither
2023/24Ted PorterFlorian Garland-HoffDax TraillHamish WalkerClemens ProbstEd Bury (e)Max HamiltonArchie JacksonHarry SherwinEthan LawMorgan DanielToby HoferCameron Robson (e)Jamie LawJames Woods (e)Tom CahalinKyran PenderGeorge StrevensJamie CrollKeir RobbFinn HerbertLouis VanlintAsher Petit1 /Tadhg Jones Seb GarnetSam Bakshalian George Penny
2024/25Florian Garland-HoffSeb GarnettFreddie "Kilo" Kelly-GreavesMorgan DanielGeorge PaineCharlie CowanVincentAlex JonesArchie CockburnHenry BuryEthan LawCameron PattersonTom CrawfordJamie CrollDeclan BradleyHenry WheelerToby Logan

Notable clubmen

Current and former international representatives

The following list are players who have represented their country and level during their time as members of Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club, or represented shortly after leaving the club.

Blues recipients

Awarded by the Edinburgh University Sports Union to the university's top sportsmen and those who have performed to a consistently high level for Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club.[16]

!Season!Clubman!Awarded!Notable Achievements
1922/23J J B MartinBlue
1931/32G L CarsonBlue
1933H FergusonBlue
1937/38G C BranderBlue
1944/45E Evans-AnfomBlue
J QuenlyBlue
P JacksonBlue
J TompsonBlue
N PowellBlue
P RushforthHalf Blue
D A SmithHalf Blue
J StanleyHalf Blue
1945T H ParkHalf Blue
1945/46E Evans-AnfomBlue
J M QuanteyBlue
J ThompsonBlue
M E DickensonHalf Blue
1946/47E Evans-AnfomBlue
J QuanteyBlue
M E DickensonBlue
T L AllanBlue
J SmithHalf Blue
W S AllanHalf Blue
1947/48J M QuarteyBlue
E Evans-Anfom Blue
M E S DickensonBlue
T L Allan Blue
D J L Dix-PerkinsBlue
J ParkBlue
A A Akiwuni Blue
J A SmithBlue
J C CameronHalf Blue
G D HillHalf Blue
1948/49A A AkiwuniBlue
T L AllanBlue
D J L Dix-PerkinsBlue
J N Park Blue
P L KapurBlue
S TheobaldBlue
J D YoungBlue
J A SmithBlue
R McCadamBlue
P A DayHalf Blue
H G MacIntoshHalf Blue
1949/50R J MunroBlue
G D HielBlue
D J L Dix-PerkinsBlue
J R TaylorBlue
S J TheobaldBlue
A A AkiwuniBlue
P L Kafur Blue
H G MacintoshBlue
W T M LuffHalf Blue
D W Cameron Half Blue
J L EatonHalf Blue
1950/51P L KapurBlue
H G MacintoshBlue
R J MunroBlue
W T M LuffBlue
D C OliverBlue
J C CameronBlue
J L EatonHalf Blue
D B EatonHalf Blue
I S McRobbieHalf Blue
W G H HylesHalf Blue
1951/52I S McRobbieBlue
D C OliverBlue
G G MooreHalf Blue
G G JourneauxHalf Blue
R SinghHalf Blue
1952/53R J MunroBlue
D C Oliver Blue
G G MooreBlue
G G JourneauxBlue
R L GrantBlue
R SeedHalf Blue
D S LoweHalf Blue
H S ArbuthnottHalf Blue
J M McArdleHalf Blue
1953/54CoffreyBlue
D S LoweHalf Blue
A FrancorbHalf Blue
1954/55D S LoweBlue
R SeedBlue
J H FrancoisBlue
J M McArdleBlue
W J ConnHalf Blue
B H R StackHalf Blue
J JohnstonHalf Blue
S DavidsonHalf Blue
1955/56G DavidsonBlue
J FrancoisBlue
W J C ConnBlue
D LoweBlue
J M McArdleBlue
T BarrowHalf Blue
K MangotHalf Blue
J Black Half Blue
M GwythenHalf Blue
M MouleHalf Blue
1956/57C P MayersBlue
W J C ConnBlue
B H R StackBlue
D R HissBlue
J BlackBlue
J McAndleHalf Blue
R Frazer Half Blue
P MiddlemasHalf Blue
1957/58J McArdleBlue
J AsnmangBlue
K S MangatBlue
W J C ConnBlue
B H R StackBlue
H W HamiltonHalf Blue
J J BlackHalf Blue
I ForrestHalf Blue
M XiberrasHalf Blue
R W FraserHalf Blue
1958/59A WebberBlue
B H R Stack Blue
H Hamilton Blue
J AsnmangBlue
F BarnesBlue
K Mangat Blue
C MayersBlue
D A Roxburgh Half Blue
S W HeywoodHalf Blue
A DykesHalf Blue
1959/60B StackBlue
M WebberBlue
M D XibarrasBlue
F H BarnesBlue
A A DykesBlue
S N HaywoodBlue
J Andrews Half Blue
D A Roxburgh Half Blue
K S MangatHalf Blue
C P MayersHalf Blue
1960/61J A HunterBlue
D A RoxburghBlue
J N Andrews Blue
D IrwinBlue
A J WebberBlue
F BarnesHalf Blue
J M W Stewart Half Blue
N LeefeHalf Blue
1961/62D A RoxburghBlue
J A A HunterBlue
F Barnes Blue
A CowburnBlue
M Stewart Blue
D IrwinBlue
D I NewbleHalf Blue
J A AndrewsHalf Blue
N LeefeHalf Blue
J HumphriesHalf Blue
J MonaghanHalf Blue
2002/03Roland Hilling-SmithBlue
Tom Verson Blue
Keith ReidHalf Blue
2003/04James Peter CampbellBlue
Rob Kinder Blue
Hugh De WintonBlue
Paul MaciociaHalf Blue
2005/06Duncan McRaeBlue
James HughesHalf Blue
2006/07Patrick ThorburnBlue
John WatsonHalf Blue
2007/08Simon SampsonHalf Blue
2008/09Duncan BirseHalf Blue
2009/10Duncan BirseBlue
Will ButlerHalf Blue
Michael Witchell Half Blue
2010/11Callum Duke Blue
David Forrester Blue
Neil Fulton Blue
2014/15Aedan McCrossan Blue
2015/16Jamie Wong Blue
2016/17Daniel Coultas Blue
Alan Oldham Half Blue
2017/18Gordon Amour Blue
Antonis Efthymiou Blue
2018/19Jack Jamieson Half Blue
David Mawhinney Half Blue
Ben Pearson Half Blue
2019/20Ben Pearson Blue
David Mawhinney Blue
Ewen Mackie Blue
Jack Jamieson Blue
Martin Rose Half Blue
Robbie Croll Half Blue
2021/22John Stephen BlueScotland (U21 & Indoor Senior). Founding theorist of The Lobster Theory
Martin Rose Blue
Robbie Croll Blue
Iain McFadden Half Blue1st XI Captain 2022/23. Scotland (U21). Can ride a unicycle.
Keir Robb Half Blue1st XI Captain 2023/24. Scotland (Senior & U21).
Ritchie McCluskey Half BlueScotland (U18 & U21). Cannot swim.
2022/23Iain McFadden Blue1st XI Captain 2022/23. Scotland (U21). Can ride a unicycle.
Keir Robb Blue1st XI Captain 2023/24. Scotland (Senior & U21).
Ritchie McCluskey BlueScotland (U18 & U21). Cannot swim.
2023/24Alex WilsonHalf BlueScotland (U21). Rizzler
Jamie CrollBlueScotland (U21).

Colours recipients

Clubmen awarded Sporting Colours by the Edinburgh University Sports Union for outstanding service to Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club.[17] Note from the 2022/23 season onwards, Sports Union criteria for Colours focused heavily on exceptional performance in service roles rather than length or position of service, making reception of Colours more difficult.

!Season!Clubman!Notable Achievements
1988/89Kenneth Nisbet
1990/91David Milne
1991/92Nick Johnson
Tom McCallum
1992/93Graeme Lillywhite
1993/94Alistair Fergus
1994/95Gavin Speers
1995/96Alastair MacEwen
1996/97Philip Steward
Huw Thomas
1997/98Simon Bennett
1998/99Richard Davies
James Langley
David Walmsley
1999/00George Ornbo
Matthew Tate
2000/01Norval Scott
Dave Todd
2001/02Andrew Carlisle
David Ryan
Michael Clements
2002/03Martin Kelly
Gareth Tenner
Lloyd Thomas
2004/05Philip Cramp
Joseph McHenry
Adam Rudd
2005/06Mike Arkley
Thomas Hamilton
2006/07Niall Carter
Simon Johnston
Matthew McLuckei
Patrick Thorburn
2007/08Rupert BarkerKnown as "The One"
Joseph Gray
Richard Hughes
Graeme Stapleton
2008/09George Holdstock
Simon Sampson
2009/10Duncan Birse
Will Butler
Craig Thurtell
2010/11Nick Brown
David Munn
Sam Trett
2011/12David Forrester
Kylan Pathmanathan
Michael Henderson-Sowerby
Tom Nevill
2012/13Alex Fiennes
Conor Bond
2013/14Ben Brooks
Scott Duncan
2015/16Calum Adamson
Edward Fyson
Ruairi Gillespie
Aedan McCrosson
2016/17Euan Christie
Jonathan Lamb
Henry Melville
2017/18George Adams
Will Harper-Lawrence
Tom Marchant
Harry Scott
2018/19Ruaraidh CampbellVice President of EUMHC in 2018/19Club Secretary of EUMHC in 2017/18. Kit Secretary 2016/17
Roshan DasClub Secretary of EUMHC in 2018/19Treasurer of EUMHC in 2017/18. 6th XI Captain 2016/17
Jack PreeceTour Secretary 2018/19.Social Secretary 2017/18. 3rd XI Captain 2016/17
Sam Robertson1st XI Captain 2018/19.Kit Secretary in 2017/18.
George SimondsPresident of EUMHC in 2018/19.Sponsorship Secretary in 2017/18.Winner of the EUSU Executive Committee Award to individuals for major services to their Club and/or to University sports in 2018/19.
2019/20Murdo Lunn Club Secretary of EUMHC in 2019/20.Kit Secretary of EUMHC in 2018/19.
Peter McKnight Treasurer of EUMHC in 2019/20.Publicity Secretary in 2018/19. Performance Squad Player.
Zubin Roy President of EUMHC in 2019/20.Treasurer of EUMHC in 2018/19. EUMHC 5th XI Captain in 2017/18.
2020/21Alex Tear Tour Secretary in 2020/21.Social Secretary in 2019/20.EUMHC 4th XI Captain in 2018/19.
Charlie Clague Club Secretary of EUMHC in 2020/21.EUMHC 5th XI Captain in 2019/20.
Jamie Fosker Vice President of EUMHC in 2020/21.Website & Publicity Secretary in 2019/20.
Stephen Demery Sponsorship Secretary in 2020/21.EUMHC 6th XI Captain in 2019/20.
2021/22(The Golden Season)Jack Mead Vice President of EUMHC during the club's Golden Season, allowing the club to return to play after the COVID-19 Pandemic and win a record-breaking 8 titles during the regular season.Intramural & Alumni Secretary in 2020/21. EUMHC 4th XI Captain in 2019/20. Has the club's Umpire of the Year Award named after him. Vice Presidential GOAT.
Joseph Demetrios President of EUMHC in 2020/21.Vice President of EUMHC in 2019/20. EUMHC 5th XI Captain in 2018/20. Held the position of Vice President in his 3rd Academic Year. Scottish Hockey Lead The Way representative for EUMHC.
Ben Pearson Head Coach of the EUMHC 3rd XI during the club's Golden Season in which the 3rd XI won a treble of titles.Tour Secretary 2021/22. Performance Squad Player. Scotland U21 Player during his club tenure. Winner of the EUMHC Coach of the Year 2021/22. Shortlist for the EUSU Student Coach of the Year award in 2022. The Best on Earth.
Tobias Loeff President of EUMHC during the club's Golden Season, allowing the club to return to play after the COVID-19 Pandemic and win a record-breaking eight titles during the regular season.Club Treasurer 2020/21. NL & BUCS Fixtures Secretary 2019/20. The Le OOF. Presidential GOAT.
2022/23Alex Johnson President of EUMHC in 2022/23.Treasurer of EUMHC during the club's Golden Season. NL & BUCS Fixtures Secretary in 2020/21. Intramural & Alumni Secretary in 2019/20. EUMHC Goalkeeper of the Year 2021/22. Longest serving consecutive committee member with 4 years on the committee. Most decorated club member with 12 total individual and collective awards.
Callum Alexander Vice President of EUMHC in 2022/23.Website & Publicity Secretary during the club's Golden Season. EUMHC Outstanding Contribution to the Club Winner 2021/23. Colour awarded before his final year at the club. Scottish Hockey Lead The Way representative for EUMHC. Scottish Student Sport Hockey Group Student Representative 2022–Present.
2023/24Dax Traill Secretary of EUMHC in 2023/24. EUMHC 7th XI Captain in 2022/23. Won/lost Bristol Fives.
Hamish Walker Treasurer of EUMHC in 2023/24.EUMHC 2nd XI Captain in 2022/23. Sponsorship Secretary in 2021/22. Sole award winner of the Slowest Pint Award.
Ed Bury Head of Umpiring in 2023/24.East District Fixtures Secretary in 2022/23. Namesake for the BuzzBot umpiring assignment system. 6s Head Coach 2022/23. EUWHC 3s Joint Head Coach 2023/24 (although we all secretly know Cammie was the head Head Coach). Called Buzz.

Club Award winners

The Club Awards are awarded internally to distinguished clubmen at the club's annual end-of-season Hockey Ball.

SeasonPlayer of the YearMost Improved Player of the YearGoalkeeper of the YearClub Top Goalscorer of the yearDick of the YearThe Jack Mead Umpire of the Year AwardFirst-Year of the YearSports Personality of the YearThe Eugene Connolly Lifetime Achievement AwardOutstanding Contribution to the Club Coach of the YearTeam of the YearSlowest Pint Award
2019/20Adam Shiret (3s)Andrew George (2s/3s)Ralph Hubbard (6s)Jazim Sohail (3s)[23 goals]Matt White (1s)Adam Stevenson (4s)Jonty Park (6s)Hugh Davidson (5s)Eugene Connolly (Director of Hockey)Alistair Burnett (6s) [Sponsorship]Matt White & Ewen Mackie (3s Coaches)3rd XI
2020/21align=center colspan="13"
2021/22(The Golden Season)Will Warner (2s)Ross Fleming (1s/2s)Alex Johnson (2s/3s)Kyran Pender (5s)[50 goals]Tom Wheeler (2s)Jim van der Slujis (3s)James Taylor (3s)Ted Porter (3s)Jazim Sohail (3s)Callum Alexander (7s) [Website & Publicity]Matt White & Ben Pearson (3s Coaches)3rd XIHamish Walker (2s)
2022/23Newman Caddies (2s)Daniel Aje (7s)Charlie Gates (1s)Keir Robb (1s) [26 goals]Jamie Croll (1s)Peter Sinclair (4s)Archie Jackson (2s)James Wood (7s)Robert Zhan (6s)Joe Hutcheson (6s) [Secretary]Ewen Mackie (2s coach)2nd XI
2023/24align=center colspan="13"

Player Records

!Record!Clubman!Details
Top Goalscorer(All-time)Jazim Sohail152 goals(2012/13 - 2021/22)
Top Goalscorer(single season)Kyran Pender50 goals(2021/22)
Longest serving memberJazim Sohail2012/13 - 2021/22; 9 seasons at the club (single season break)
Longest serving committee memberAlex Johnson4 years(2019/20 - 2022/23)
Most decorated club memberAlex Johnson10 playing titles, 2 individual awards (Goalkeeper of the Year 2021/22 & EUSU Colours) - 12 Total(2017/18 - 2022/23)
Most decorated coachBill Robson5 titles(2017/18 - 2021/22)
Most clean sheets as a goalkeeper(single season)Alex Johnson
Most clean sheets as a goalkeeper(All-time)Alex Johnson
Most games umpired on behalf of the club(single season)Asher Petit35 games(2023/24)
Most games umpired on behalf of the club(All-time)Callum Alexander58 games(2019/20 - 2023/24)
Fastest pint(All-time)Jaro OstenLess than 2 seconds
All statistics are correct as of record collection beginning January 2022.

The Kenny Rogers 1901 Trophy

The Kenny Rogers 1901 Trophy Match
Team1:Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club Leavers
Team2:Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club Returners
Other Names:EUMHC Leavers vs Returners Match
Firstmeeting:29 March 2023; ago
Nextmeeting:March 2025
Trophy:The Kenny Rogers 1901 Trophy, and a single 275ml VK to be shared amongst the winning side.

The Kenny Rogers 1901 Trophy is the interclub trophy awarded to the winner of EUMHC's annual Leavers vs Returners match, which was introduced in the 2022/23 season. Leavers are classified as current clubmen not returning to the club the following season due to university graduation; Returners are classified as current clubmen returning to the club the following season.

The trophy fixture was introduced as a replacement for the Edinburgh Varsity fixture that used to be played with Heriot-Watt, until the fixture's popularity dropped. The EUMHC Leavers play in the club's away kit (red); the EUMHC Returners play in the club's home kit (green).The Trophy is named after the widely known singer of the club's unofficial anthem (The Gambler (song)) - "Kenny Rogers", and the date, 1901, marks the calendar year the club was founded. A Game of Fives between the two captains is used to decide who will take pushback, with the Leavers deciding the shotgun call. Running penalties/shuttles replace penalty corners in-game.

Results summary

Trophy wins/holds
Team
EUMHC Leavers 2
EUMHC Returners 0
Match wins
TeamWins
EUMHC Leavers 2
EUMHC Returners 0
!Year!Date!Winner!Score!Stadium and location! Leavers Captain ! Returners Captain !Holder (aggregate times held)!Match Comments
202329 March EUMHC Leavers7-5The Cauldron, Peffermill Playing Fields, EdinburghAlex Johnson(Outgoing President)Hamish Walker(Incoming Treasurer) EUMHC Leavers (2)
20241 May EUMHC Leavers7-6The Cauldron, Peffermill Playing Fields, EdinburghTed Porter(Outgoing President)Freddie Kelly-Greaves(Incoming Secretary)The Returners were spotted with 15 players on the field at one instance. They still lost.

Exeter Fives

!Year!Date!Final Matchup!Winner-loser!Winning Call!Notes
2013FebruaryMax Abbot v Stuart BroadMax AbbotTenFirst Exeter Fives
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018MarchFergus Clarke
2019MarchJack Amsden v James AllenJames AllenSpuds
2020colspan="5"
2021OctoberLuc Crompton v Dax TraillDax TrailFiveExeter Fives cancelled in the 19/20 and 20/21 season due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, end destination was Bristol instead of Exeter and played between 2nd & 3rd year club members who missed the opportunity to participate in their first years at the club. Event named 'Bristol Fives'.
2022MarchHarvey Homer v Tadhg JonesHarvey HomerFive
2023JanuaryTomas Turjanica v Alex FindlayTomas TurjanicaFive10th Anniversary event
2024February 14Oscar Rudd v Ollie HobdellOllie HobdellSpudsRudd successfully came back from having four hands to winning on Spuds.

Club songs and chants

"The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers [18]

See main article: The Gambler (song). Baywatch Theme [18]

See main article: I'm Always Here. "Stay Another Day" by East 17 [18]

See main article: Stay Another Day. "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey[18]

See main article: Don't Stop Believing. "Angels" by Robbie Williams

See main article: Angels (Robbie Williams song). Country Roads

See main article: Take Me Home, Country Roads. Ben Pearson is the best on Earth (2022) - Heaven is a place on Earth

Oh uni, do you know what it's worth,

Ben Pearson is the best on Earth,

The silky Scotsman is just who we need,

He won BUCS Gold for Edinburgh Threes,

Na na na na, na na na na na,

na na na na, na na na na na

See also

References

The story of Edinburgh University Athletic Club edited by Colonel C.M.Usher. Published in 1966.

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.euhc.co.uk/men/about.php About- EUHC - Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club
  2. http://www.euhc.co.uk/men/contact.php Contact - EUMHC - Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club
  3. http://www.euhc.co.uk/men/about.php About- EUHC - Edinburgh University Hockey Club
  4. http://www.euhc.co.uk/men/sponsors.php?s=1{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Club Sponsors - Edinburgh University Hockey Club
  5. Web site: Hunter . Morag . 2022-09-13 . Gibson Kerr sponsors UK's largest men's university sports club . 2022-09-18 . Gibson Kerr . en-GB.
  6. Web site: 2022-09-13 . Law firm Gibson Kerr on the case with sponsorship of major hockey club . 2022-09-18 . www.scotsman.com . en.
  7. Book: Usher, C.M . The Story of Edinburgh University Athletic Club . 1966 . The Athletic Club--> . UK .
  8. http://www.scottish-hockey.org.uk/competitions/league-competitions/subway-eat-fresh-men-nl-division-1.aspx?leaguename=SUBWAY%20Eat%20Fresh%20Men%20NL%20Division%201&poolname=&location=0 Final Standings - Scottish Hockey
  9. http://www.bucs.org.uk/bucscore/TeamProfile.aspx?id=2151&sport=Hockey&institution=Edinburgh Final Standings - British Universities & Colleges Sport
  10. http://www.bucs.org.uk/bucscore/TeamProfile.aspx?id=2152&sport=Hockey&institution=Edinburgh Final Standings 2A - British Universities & Colleges Sport
  11. Web site: Fond farewells and new beginnings. 2021-12-08. The University of Edinburgh. en.
  12. Web site: 2022-03-24 . Edinburgh University men claim BUCS Vase title . 2022-05-15 . Scottish Hockey . en-GB.
  13. Web site: EUMHC 1s promoted to BUCS Premier National for the first time ever! - The Lobster Theory is proven . 2022-04-23 . Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club . en-GB.
  14. Web site: 2022-04-13 . Edinburgh join university elite . 2022-05-15 . Scottish Hockey . en-GB.
  15. Web site: 2022-05-14 . Western Wildcats secure an incredible treble by lifting the Men's Scottish Cup . 2022-05-15 . Scottish Hockey . en-GB.
  16. Web site: Men's Hockey . 2023-12-30 . www.eusu.ed.ac.uk.
  17. Web site: Men's Hockey . 2023-12-30 . www.eusu.ed.ac.uk.
  18. Web site: Edinburgh University Hockey Club - Mens. 23 January 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130123092644/http://www.euhc.co.uk/men/socials.php5?s=3 . 23 January 2013 .