MANGOTSFIELD School played host to a visiting American hockey side on tour.
Bristol & West Hockey Club’s women’s 1st team, which is based at the school, took on the Bulldogs from Dean College, Massachusetts, for a pre-season fixture in August.
The Bulldogs arrived with considerable numbers both on and off the field.
After what started out as a tight game, B&W pulled ahead, eventually bringing in a 4-0 win in their first friendly of the season, and first international ever!
Head coach Joe John said: “This is exactly how we want to be playing so early in pre-season.”
The game was played in fantastic spirits with great fun had by all involved – B&W look forward to continuing their relations with all past, current and future international sides, and thank the Bulldogs for visiting.
Two days later Bristol & West men’s 1st team hosted Horsham Hockey Club 1sts in a competitive pre-season friendly on Mangotsfield School’s 2G pitch.
The lads-on-tour left West Sussex in the early morning and arrived in Bristol ready for their first game against B&W, with another one scheduled for 2.30pm the same day against another local club!
B&W started quickly, with an early conversion from a penalty corner. Horsham replied soon after with a PC of their own that was batted into the roof of the net on the rebound.
The rest of the game was more than fiercely contested, but B&W added another three goals to seal a 4-1 victory.
The 1st team have multiple friendlies lined up before the season starts in late September.
They will once again be looking to claim promotion into the West Premiership, after narrowly missing out last time round.
Bristol & West HC is hosting an open club day on September 5 at Mangotsfield School, which is free to new members.
The event will include friendly games, a BBQ and a bake sale.
A junior tournament will run from 10-11.45am, followed by an adult tournament from 11.45am-3pm.
Everyone, including interested players, families and supporters, is invited to play in a friendly and social tournament, meeting players, coaches, and volunteers, to find out more about our club.
For more information on club day, training, membership and the upcoming season, please visit www.bandwhc.org.uk.
Harry Bryant