NEWENT held their traditional club day at the town’s community school ahead of the new season.

The day started with a women’s first XI friendly with higher-ranked Yate, which Newent won 2-1.

After the game, the registration of players began before they held a tournament.

There were eight teams of mixed ability from experienced players to a seven-year-old and newcomers to the sport.

Organiser Tony Sutcliffe said: “This tournament is a traditional one and great fun.

“We have a round-robin league of eight teams, all of very mixed ability.

“The top four teams enter a knock-out stage to find the winner.

“The games are seven minutes per half and a great opportunity for new members to try the sport out.”

Newent men’s first XI play in the Davis Wood Hockey League Conference North, while the women are in West Clubs Women’s League Premier Division ‘2A’.

The second and third teams play in various lower divisions in the same leagues.

The youngsters, the Badgers and Vixens, play in the Gloucestershire League and the mixed, veterans and super vets play mainly friendlies.

Hockey in Newent has been going for more than 80 years and the club boasts over 100 members.

Anyone wishing to join can visit newenthockeyclub.co.uk or contact the club secretary by e-mailing uabirch@btinternet.com or calling 01531 820575.