A Cumbrian team are closing in on a place in the final of the England Hockey Championships.
Keswick Hockey Club’s men’s second team, based in Cockermouth, have reached the semi-final of the section for Tier Three clubs and face a trek to London for their semi-final.
There are four tiers in total and all four finals will be played at the Lee Valley Olympic Park, London Stadium on Sunday, April 30.
In the semi-final on Saturday, April 15, Keswick will play London Edwardians who are based in Blockley.
It means that Keswick are having to find £4,000 to make an overnight stay to prepare for a 1.30pm start against their London hosts.
So far Keswick have won three games to take them this far against club first teams – and have yet to concede a goal.
They beat Lancaster University 5-0; Garstang 6-0 and Bebington 5-0.
Captain Paul Sloan said: “To get to a semi-final in this national tournament is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a great achievement for Keswick Hockey Club, one which the whole club are immensely proud of.
“There are four tiers and teams are allocated where they play according to their abilities.
“Although we have beaten three first teams our semi-final opponents are London Edwardians fourth team.
“It is difficult to judge how good they are. Although currently bottom of their League there is so much competition with more teams down in London we don’t know what standard they play.
“We are looking forward to the experience. We are taking a coach down on the Friday and staying overnight ahead of the game.
“There is no financial assistance for the cost of travel which in this case is £4,000. The players will pay but fortunately we have had help from the club, former players and supporters with kind donations to the cost.”
Although Keswick Men’s first team have been relegated from the NW Premier League following just one season there, the club is thriving.
“At Keswick we have three men’s team and two ladies teams as well as minis and juniors.
“The club has recently introduced walking hockey to encourage former players, or even anybody who wants to give it a try, to play the game. Numbers are increasing all the time,” said Paul.
