M1s enjoy runaround in the Park

On a balmy Thursday evening in Battersea Park, Cheam M1s reconvened for a nearly 11-a-side run-out against London Eds. Both sides consisted of a number of regular players from each club, a number of newbies, and a couple of very helpful friends of friends, to ensure a good quality pre-preseason knockabout.

This game was in many ways the ideal summer hockey session. Decent weather, a good crowd (on both sides), a strong standard of hockey across the board and played in a competitive but friendly spirit, with self-umpiring in vogue. Cheam and Eds have a good history and I think it's safe to say there will hopefully be a few more such games, and possibly even a few socials, between the clubs, before the summer is out.

5 things we learned from this game about Cheam M1s

1. James Gault appears to have been honing his finishing skills from Andrew Muir Wood over the summer.
2. We've got a new player - welcome William Gunn - and he looks a bit handy - Div 1 watch out ;)
3. Seb Jennings still likes to run loads.
4. Simon Higgins is a magnet for balls in his face.
5. William Lindsay still doesn't go where he is told :D

Despite not having played together for a long while and being rather out of shape, the M1s looked pretty cohesive. University finisher Ben Ogden rejoins this summer and looks like he will certainly make a contribution this season, and William Gunn made his debut in the midfield. Cheam generally had a lot of possession and showed some slick passing play. I've taken a complete guess at the score and have no idea of the scorers - Cheam won overall but this wasn't really a game about the result, both sides having a good run out and enjoying high quality hockey.

If we can continue to add to the squad over summer we should be in good nick for the season. On that note...see the Cheam M1s teaser trailer video on this page - if you like it and want to find out more then Read our Info for New Members and Get in touch!

Finally our cover photo. Charlie Lester, you may not have played against Cheam on this day, but your acts of treachery in the name of the London Eds will never be forgotten...