TAVISTOCK Hockey Club could not have asked for a better end to an already superlative season when their men’s first team netted a national award.

The men’s first team, who have been undefeated Southern League champions, were named ‘Team of the Year’ at the England Hockey Awards, held at the Madejski Stadium in Reading on Friday.

Judges chose them top from a shortlist of some excellent club teams, which included Boots, Wapping and Richmond men’s first teams.  

Former Great Britain hockey keeper Simon Mason hosted the evening and announced that Tavistock were the winners of this year’s award.

The trophy was presented by GB player Sarah Haycroft. With a number of the England ladies in attendance at the event the Tavistock players were joined on their tables by international stars Susie Gilbert and Devon born Giselle Ansley. 

Tavistock Hockey Club first team were ultimately crowned team of the year after winning all 22 of their league games and scoring 126 goals with only 21 goals conceded. They were also Devon Trophy semi finalists and were in the last 16 of the HA Vase.

Player coach Simon Fenwick said the award was a fitting end to ‘what has been a remarkable season’.

He added: ‘It’s a great achievement for the club to be recognised on the national stage thanks to the success of the men’s first team. All the shortlisted teams had a fantastic year so it’s even more special to win the award. It’s great for our lads to have their effort and committment rewarded and we are all looking forward to maintaining our high standards next season.’

The team are full of appreciation for the club directors and committee who have supported the team this season as they competed in three competitions. They would also like to thank Trewithen Dairy and Limagrain UK Ltd for their sponsorship.

Tavistock firsts are looking forward to next season following their two successive promotions which will now see them competing in Conference South.

Ross Bone, a spokesman for England Hockey congratulated the Tavistock team not only on their superb achievements on the field but also those off it - both within the club and the community.

He told the Times: ‘The standard of nominees in every category was very high this year, making it extremely difficult to choose a winner. Whilst Tavistock’s on-field achievements were exceptional, one of the things that really impressed us was their commitment to contributing to the wider club in an off-field capacity.

‘A determination by elite players to give something back to the rest of the club is something we value very highly and we commend Tavistock for their efforts both on and off the field.’

Narrow losses in both the trophy and vase for Tavistock did not deter the judges.

Mr Bone added: ‘However these de

feats did not detract from what had been a truly fantastic season, as well as the success on the pitch and giving up their time to commit to training and games many of the team have also assisted with the running of the junior teams within the club.

‘The men’s first team captain oversees the junior coaching in the club and he ensured players from the team took their turn on Friday evenings to support one of the junior teams playing either through umpiring, coaching or just being a friendly club face supporting on the side.’

To follow the latest Tavistock?Hockey Club news and to watch a video showing the team receiving their accolade at the England Hockey Awards visit www.tavistockhockeyclub.co.uk/news

To watch the video click on the latest article, ‘M1’s win England Hockey’s Team of the Year 2016’.