Press Release - 04/08/1996

East Antrim Hockey Club
04 August 1996

For further information, contact:
Stephen Swann
Press Release Officer - East Antrim Hockey Club
34 Carnmoney Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 6HP
078 0316 7731
stephen@eastantrim.co.uk

EAST ANTRIM AIM FOR SENIOR 2 RETURN

Club captain, Stephen Swann, unhappy with the club's fitness level last season, has acquired a fitness coach for the coming season. Robert Gibson, who will also take on the role of 2nd XI captain, has agreed to co-ordinate the club's training sessions in order to get the club fit.

"The fitness of some of the players within the club is a disgrace, but I have mapped out a two night a week, 6 week program which will improve the situation no-end." said Gibson.

Stephen Swann added: "We employed a fitness coach a few seasons ago, and we found that even against top opposition, we coped very well. Last season, however, we managed to lose too many games by the odd goal near the end of the match. Hopefully that will not happen this season."

The pitch at Ballyclare Road, Glengormley, will be used almost exclusively for fitness training during the month of August, with the club moving to the newly laid Astroturf pitch at Ballysillan Leisure Centre to work on skills training in September.

Anyone interested in attending the training sessions will be more than welcome at the above venues, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30.

Meanwhile the club have had mixed fortunes in the recent Bangor Six-A-Side tournament. Although unbeaten in their four matches with the added bonus of not conceding any goals on the night, the team were denied a place in the final of the competition on goal difference.

Wins were recorded against Cliftonville and Crossgar with draws against Larne and Queens University Old Boys. Aaron McDonald ended the tournament as the club's top marksman.

"This has been our best performance at this tournament in recent years and something upon which we can build the rest of the season." said goalkeeper, Johnny Hamill.

Certainly if the club's ambitions of returning to Senior League hockey are to be realised, repeat performances will be necessary right throughout the season.