Weather and travel difficulties fail to disrupt hockey day
A series of events including delayed ferry sailings and inclement weather failed to disrupt the Arran Junior Hockey Club’s spring hockey tournament at the Ormidale astroturf last Sunday.
The tournament, between mainland visitors Ayr and Ardrossan hockey teams, and hosts Arran Junior Hockey Club, faced uncertainty but following a delayed start and a determined effort from all parties, the event still went ahead.
Open to children aged between eight and 12 years old, the tournament saw the three groups playing against each other in various age categories with coaches umpiring the games and providing useful advice to the young players. The relaxed and friendly afternoon was enjoyed by all with the visiting teams thanking Arran Hockey Club for their hospitality.
Ladies’ club captain Jenny Crockett said: ‘All of the coaches are incredibly proud of all of the participants.
‘You were the ultimate representatives for Arran Hockey Club, playing with determination, pure grit and great sportsmanship.
‘A special thanks to all who supported the kids, ran the tuck shop, and a massive dose of appreciation to all of the coaches involved and a special thanks to Lorraine Hewie for her logistics and super-organisation skills and to Marie Craig for organising the tuckshop.’
At the end of the afternoon an informal prize-giving was held where overall winners, Arran under-14s, were awarded with a yellow duck trophy. The trophy follows a tradition of frivolity and humour and comes after Ardrossan awarding the Arran side with pumpkin trophies during their visit to Ardrossan last year.