Three goals not enough
Marden Russets
After being relegated from Kent Women’s League Premier Division last season, Marden Russets ladies’ 1sts started life in Kent Division 1 with a defeat last Saturday. Penny Webb, Helen Vesma and Charlotte Morrison scored but opponents Sevenoaks Acorns replied with four strikes in a seven-goal thriller. The ladies’ 2nds drew their Kent Open Division 5 opener 2-2 at Gillingham Anchorians 3rds. The men’s teams, meanwhile, start their league campaigns on October 3. Sutton Valence played their part in raising money for the Hockey for Heroes charity while hosting their annual open day. The event was held in conjunction with England Hockey’s HockeyFest 2015 project. The aim is to attract newcomers to the game and encourage former players to return to the fold. An early estimate of monies raised is between £80£100, and the day went well according to Valence spokesman Bob Bartlett. He said: “We had 58 junior players, aged from five to 15 attend, 15 of whom were new to the club so that should help us build on a strong junior section performance last season. “There were also three new ladies signing up, which is great as we are looking to build up that side of club.” Age is no limit to anyone keen on taking up the sport as far as Bartlett is concerned. He said: “We have players ranging from seven to 70 – it really is a lifetime sport.” Anyone interested in joining can visit the club’s website at www.suttonvalencehockey.com Alternatively, you can attend training sessions, held on the artificial pitch at Sutton Valence Prep School, every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9pm. Ladies’ training starts on Thursday.