Clacton Hockey Club celebrated a fantastic year on and off the pitch at their end of season awards ceremony last week.Clacton's first XI narrowly missed out on promotion from Division Three South East, but it was still a very successful year as they finished fourth, recording eleven wins in the process.

Clacton Hockey Club celebrated a fantastic year on and off the pitch at their end of season awards ceremony last week.

Clacton's first XI narrowly missed out on promotion from Division Three South East, but it was still a very successful year as they finished fourth, recording eleven wins in the process. Captain Carl Parkes paid tribute to his team and praised their commitment, enthusiasm and determination to finish strongly in a difficult and competitive league. Parkes took the top goalscorer award this year with ten, just ahead of his player of the season Dan Hunn who finished with eight goals.

It was also another fantastic year for the second XI who showed many positive signs for the future. Again the side finished fourth in the division and missed promotion by the narrowest of margins. A blend of youth and experience reaped rewards for a side that excelled in a league in which they will be a key challenger for promotion next season. Tom Burridge praised the efforts of his young players, but it was the experience and enthusiasm of veteran Steve Hawes that saw him take the player of the season trophy, with his young midfield partner Danny Clow winning the top goal scorer award.

Skipper Burridge was also delighted to award Daniel Pritchard with the Andy Gard Cup, a trophy for the outstanding young player of the year, commissioned in memory of Andy Gard, a talented young Clacton player who sadly passed away ten years ago. Pritchard, 17, came into the second XI this season for the first time and showed composure and flair in equal measure, quickly becoming a regular fixture in the side.