BonaGrass Grove Ladies Hockey Club

There is a club meeting at 7:30pm this Thursday the 10th September at DISC. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the clubs objectives for the 2009/2010 season. It would be greatly appreciated if all memebers of the 1sts, 2nds and 3rds can attend.

A BIG welcome back to hockey!  Training at DISC started last night (18th August) and it was great to see a number of new young players as well as some old faces.  The weather was kind to us and once the warm up was over and Charlotte had welcomed everyone to the Club the rain stopped....a good omen for the rest of season I hope!

The next training session is tomorrow, Thursday (20th August) at DISC starting at 8.30 on the pitch although everyone is welcome to attend physical training before the pitch session.  Just meet at the pitch at 7.45 - don't worry if you have over-indulged over the summer and you don't feel your fitness is up to scratch.  All fitness levels are catered for...and you have to start somewhere!

There is also an additional training session starting at 4pm on Saturday the 22nd. 

Training will continue regularly on a Tuesday (7-8.30) and Thursday (8.30-10).  We look forward to seeing you there.

Check out this weeks coaching video from Sportplan 

The Presentation Night celebrations were all the sweeter last Saturday after the 1s had, even the Dundee Courier admitted, "reinforced their credentials as undisputed champions of Scotland".  Although the result was closer than anticipated it was a deserved victory and put the final seal on what must have been one of the club's most successful seasons.

Grove started the match as strong favorites and had a chance to take the lead after only 4 minutes but a penalty stroke awarded after a bad tackle was not converted. The match then produced chances for both teams with the woodwork and goal line saves preventing Grove from taking the lead.  It was, however, Western who took the lead in 23 minutes with Western's Olympian Laura Bartlett giving Anna no chance with an unstoppable shot.

Although we had produced chances in the first half Charlotte's half time team talk produced results in the second half with Ali Bell's speed and skill setting up Leigh Fawcett to score with a snapshot from the top of the D (Always good to see the defenders scoring...and on reverse!!)  Grove then proceded to dominate the game and it was only a matter of time until we scored again, this time the goal coming from Ailsa. However with just seconds left on the clock Western gained and then scored from a penalty corner to send the cup to a penalty shoot out. 

Grove has won....but has also lost...Cup Finals on penalties before but with Louise Carroll, Nikki Kidd, Ali Bell and Susan Hamilton all scoring the Cup was heading to Dundee for the first time in 3 years.

Click HERE to link to see Kukri our kit sponsors' report and photos of the cup final.

1s captain Linda Clement said after the game "It was a real roller-coaster, tightly contested and credit to Western for pushing us all the way. This is what cup finals are all about."

Firstly, and most importantly, the very best of luck (not that luck is needed) to Charlotte and the 1st squad for the Cup Final against Western on Saturday.  Although not the team of a few season's ago the girls from Glasgow are bound to provide stiff opposition as only a win will get them into the Euro Play offs.  They will be desperate to secure some European competition next season and to try to regain the "second best team in Scotland" tag from local rivals Kelburne and with the Grovies having already secured the position of Scotland's only indoor representatives in Europe and also representing Scotland in Europe outdoor as league winners this is very much their last chance.  A cup final victory for the Grovies though looks likely from the league form and a clean sweep outdoors would be a great achievement for the Club - Go Grovies!  You can do it! 

Whatever the Cup Final result we will be celebrating the season's successes later on Saturday evening.....A reminder to all Club members, friends and family that the end of season Presentation Night will take place at Dundee High School "Glasshouse", Arbroath Road, Dundee on Saturday 16th May at 7.30pm.  There will be a barbeque and all the usual presentations (serious and not!) and a chance to close off another successful season in style.  To cover the cost of food and soft drinks there will be a charge of £6 per person.  (Alcohol cannot be sold but you can bring your own if you wish to do so.) Look forward to seeing as many as possible there.

The prospect of the Club having two teams at Peffermill on Finals day on 16th May evaporated yesterday (2nd May) when the 2s were beaten by Hillhead on penalties.  The 1s cruised through to the final with a comfortable 3-1 win over Kelburne and will play Western for the silverware.  Surprisingly, despite our dominance in the league in recent years this will be our first cup final for three seasons and it would be a fantastic achievement for Charlotte and the team to "do the double" and go through the whole domestic season undefeated.

It was a case of what might have been for the 2s.  Unfortunately too many of "Ron's girls" failed to perfom on the day.  This was particularly disappointing and frustrating for Ron, the team and our supporters as the 2s had played some of their best hockey of the season in last week's league gamend and should have been well capable of taking the game.  Jen Wright's well taken goal, which put the team back on even terms with Hillhead who had scored virtually from the passback, was unfortunately not enough to inspire a more spirited display from the team and, despite Mandy Robbie's best efforts in goal, Hillhead progressed following the penalty shoot out.

All coaching posts within the Club are two year contracts and are all now up for renewal.  If anyone wishes to be considered for any post please do so as soon as possible and no later than 31st May as detailed in the following advert which is also appearing in the local press etc.

Thereafter, (if not previously a coach within the Club) please submit your CV and a one page covering letter detailing your suitability for the position.  Please note that all appointments are subject to Disclosure Scotland checks.

Closing date for all posts is 31 May 2009. 

The AGM takes place TONIGHT WED 22nd APRIL at DUNDEE HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY CLUB, MAYFIELD SPORTS CENTRE, ARBROATH ROAD, DUNDEE. The meeting starts at 7.30pm prompt.  PLEASE, PLEASE try to attend so that your views can be taken into account for next season.  As we have said before - this is YOUR club and the committee needs to know what YOU think!

If there was any doubt that we would not get over the disappointment of losing so narrowly to the German team the previous day it was dispelled within the first minute of our final game in the European Cup Winners Cup in Manchester.  Playing against the Ukranian champions Borispol Louise Carroll scored in the first 40 seconds and before they knew what had hit them they were 5 nil down with 4 goals in quick succession from Ali Bell.  Has there ever been a quicker hat trick (4 minutes) at any, let alone, European level - I would doubt it - although Nikki Kidd did her best to better it with a hat trick of her own in 6 minutes!!  With Ali getting yet another goal and Jen Wright also scoring the lead (10-0) at half time was, to say the least, comfortable.  In the second half our reliable strikers Ailsa and Nikki scored again and even Kat Cameron and Linsey Glass (twice!) got their names on the scoresheet.

The club is extremely proud of the achievements of the team in Manchester.  Some fantastic free flowing and free scoring hockey was played and had we had a better start to the tournament then a medal was a possibility.  The first aim was, however, to retain A Div status for next season and this was accomplished in great style.  Huge congratulations are due to Charlotte and the whole team for their performance!

The team, management and supporters have suffered the usual range of emotions at this year's competition.  Despite having long periods of possession we conceded a goal just before half time against the Spanish champions, Club de Campo of Madrid,  in our opening match and then again in the final minute of the game.  The 2-0 scoreline did not reflect the manner in which the team played and was a disappointing start to the tournament. 

Saturday's game against the Italian team Lorenzoni was a must win game to have a chance of a European medal and although failing to score in the first half the team recaptured their scoring form from the National League in the second half with 5 goals going unanswered.  Scoring 5 goals and conceding none against any team at this level of competition is a fantastic achievement.

The team went into Sunday's final pool game against the German team of Rot Weiss Koln knowing that only a win would give them a shot at another European medal.  (Our previous A Division outdoor medal success back in season 2003/04 had been against German opposition....so we knew it was possible!)  However despite going 1-0 up with a goal from Ailsa at the back post from a corner, the team eventually lost 3-2 (Ailsa also scoring our second)....as often the case, so near and yet so far. 

From being so close to playing for a medal we now have to pick ourselves up and beat the Ukranians from Borispol tomorrow to avoid relegation to the B Division.  The way in which we have played so far indicates that this is well within our capability.  This would secure A Division European hockey for the club for next season or possibly entry to the Euro Hockey League if, as intended, the women's version of the televised and well sponsored event gets off the ground.  The difference between medal success and failure at this level is tiny but the retention of our place with the elite of Europe will still be something to be proud of even although everyone will keep thinking of what might have been.

Please note that there is NO TRAINING on TUESDAY 7TH, THURSDAY 9TH AND THURSDAY 16TH APRIL.  There will be training on Tuesday 14th April starting at 7pm as usual.  Tuesday's training is now mainly games based and anyone is invited to come along to play.

Although not at their free flowing goal scoring best the 1s beat a stuffy Dundee Wanderers side at a cold and windy DISC 2-1.  Wanderers created chances in the first half and came close to scoring when awarded a penalty stroke but Anna Schwartz saved this and all other goal bound efforts and the teams went in 0-0 at half time.  The second half produced a much better Grove performance with Ali Bell scoring twice and Grove dominating possession.  A late defensive loss of concentration cost a goal but the points, and the league title, were in the bag.  CONGRATULATIONS TO CHARLOTTE AND EVERYONE IN THE FIRST TEAM - A FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT

The A.G.M. will take place on Wednesday 22nd April.  The time and venue will be confirmed asap.  It is important that as many Club members as possible attend so that you can put your thoughts forward for next season.  The Committee wants to hear from you with ideas about how the running of the Club can be improved.

The Presentation Night will take place on Saturday 16th May.  Again, the time and venue will be confirmed asap. This is the day of the Cup Finals and we are hoping that both the 1s and 2s will be at Peffermill collecting silverware in the Cup and Plate finals earlier in the day and will then travel back to Dundee to celebrate in style with other Club members, family and friends at the Presentation Night. 

Please make sure that both of these important dates are put in your diary!! 

The team to represent the Club at the European Cup Winners Cup over Easter has been announced.  The players are Anna Schwartz, Mandy Robbie, Louise Carroll, Kat Cameron, Linsey Glass, Sophie McIntyre, Becky Merchant, Susie Roberts, Leigh Fawcett, Linda Clement, Louise Munn, Susan Hamilton, Cheryl Valentine, Nikki Kidd, Ali Bell, Ailsa Robertson and Jen Wright.

There are already lots of supporters planning to travel to Manchester to support the team.  If you have not already contacted Marion Carroll the Team Manager or viv Thomson please do so urgently so that you can be made aware of the arrangements and purchase the supporters' kit!

The 1s and 2s enjoyed great double header wins in the league and cup...although unfortunately the 3s' season ended prematurely on a disappointing note going down to Blairgowrie on the grass in the second round of the Cup and they were left thinking......if only it had been a home tie.

The 1s kept yet another clean sheet in the league with an impressive 5-0 win over perennial league title rivals Glasgow Western.  Two nil up at half time with goals by Linda and Leigh the demolition was completed in the second half with goals from Susan Hamilton, Ali Bell and Ailsa Robertson.  The local derby against Dundee Wanderers was effectively over in the first 7 minutes with Lou Carroll scoring 2 penalty corners followed by yet another Ali Bell goal.  The cricket score never materialised though but the final score of 4-2 was convincing nonetheless and put the 1s into yet another cup semi-final.

The 2s were in fine form against Grange EL A on Saturday scoring 6 without reply and then followed this with a less convincing 0-0 draw against Aberdeen Uni in the Plate quarter final.  Showing signs of tiredness from the previous day and with some new faces in the team they struggled to find their usual form and it was left to Mandy Robbie to pull off some fantastic saves in the penalty shoot out and for Debbie to hold her nerve and score the winning penalty to put them through to the semi final.

The 3s were not looking forward to the unfamiliar grass pitch at Blair and unfortunately it proved to be their undoing.  They struggled to adjust to the bumpy surface and were unable to play their usual passing game. Despite a good goal from Vicky Ransford at a well worked corner and tireless midfield running from Ciara Elwis they went down 2-1 and failed to progress to the semi final that their play during the season had deserved.

The Grovies enjoyed a great Saturday's hockey with three impressive wins allowing their oppostion a measly single goal in contrast to our 16!

The 1s were particularly impressive netting 10 without reply against Giffnock with Nikki Kidd getting yet another hat trick.  A fantastic win against one of teams that at the start of the season must have hoped to be challenging fot the league title.

The 2s generously allowed GHK A a single goal whilst putting 4 passed them and the 3s won their first round tie in the Midland Knock Out Cup 2-0 with a particularly satisfying win against local rivals Dundee Wanderers. Rumour has it that the second round Cup tie against Blairgowrie may be played on..... GRASS....only Pat, Maggie and Ali can remember playing on grass and are not looking forward to reacquainting themselves with the surface! 

Last weekend (7th/8th March) saw all three teams back in outdoor action.

The 1s returned to league action and continued their unbeaten run with an impressive 8 -0 victory over Cala Edinburgh.  Ali Bell scored her second hat trick of the season against them but was outdone this time by Nicki Kidd who scored an impressive 4 goals continuing her goal scoring spree from the indoor season.  Ailsa Robertson finished off the goal rout.  The long winter lay off from the league programme did not seem to effect the team and Coach Charlotte Jones is now able to get everyone working hard towards the retention of the league title and a winning performance in the European Cup Winners Cup over Easter.

The 2s were also undeafeated....although held to a 1-1 draw by Edinburgh University A with Cat Cross scoring.

The 3s also got back to winning ways after a couple of hard games against top of the league opposition with a convincing 2-0 victory over Kinross 2s.  The Kinross goal was under siege for most of the game with Vicki Ransford, Ali Deacon and Morgan Hutchison all coming close with shots rebounding off the post, excellent goalkeeping and saves on the line by outfield players.  Eventually the deadlock was broken by a Pat Lindsay shot from a corner and the victory sealed by a great run and shot by Ciara Elwis.

This week's Tuesday night training took the form of a training game between 2s and 3s which resulted in a narrow 1-0 victory to the 2s although Mandy Robbie in the 2s goal and Susie Roberts at the back were frequently called into action to break down the 3s attacks.  In the second half the 2s experience showed and although Fiona Allison pulled off some great saves she was eventually beaten by a Cat Cross/Jenn Wright combination.  It was great to see so many Under 18s playing - we want you to keep attending Tuesday night training sessions so you can improve even more!

 LINSEY GLASS - EUROPEAN PLAYER OF TOURNAMENT

At the end of the tournament the Bonagrass Captain, Linsey Glass was named as the Player of the Tournament. This certainly lifted the player's spirits and it was a very proud moment for the club when Linsey stepped up to be presented with her trophy. Linsey has had an outstanding season in the domestic league and has been an inspirational Captain. To be named Player of the Tournament at European level is an amazing achievement and it is a great reward for Linsey who had a fantastic European tournament.

Bonagrass Grove v Vilinus (LITH)   1 - 5   (Half Time 0 - 5)

Grove Finished top of the section B at the Euro Indoor and in the final game of the tournament played Vilinus from Lithuania who finished top of Section A. Grove had already secured promotion to the top flight but Vilinus needed a win or draw to also get promtion. A loss to Grove meant that the Italian side would gain promotion. Vilinus got off to a great start and Grove found it very difficult to get through a solid Lithuanian defence. At half time the Grove team were down 5 - 0 but in the 2nd half they came out fighting. A good run by Nikki Kidd down the right followed by a great pass to Linsey Glass led to a Grove goal. This inspired the team and although they kept pressing forward it was a difficult task after Vilinus had such a good lead.

The game finished at 1 - 5 and the silver medals went to the Bonagrass Grove Team.

Promotion League

Bonagrass Grove v Cambrai (FRA)  3 - 2   (Half Time 1 - 0) 

Grove were frustrated by the defensive tactics of the French when they started the game camped out in their own D. The French team retreated back to defend the D whenever Grove won possession and Grove had to be patient in their build up as it was very difficult to create goal scoring chances. In the 12th minute Grove broke the deadlock when Louise Carroll found Llinsey Glass in space who then picked out Jaime Lyon who, in turn, first timed the ball into the goal. A Louise Carroll strike from a penalty corner was saved on the line in the 13th minute and at the other end the ever dependable Anna Schwartz made a good save from open play.

Grove started the 2nd half in good form and kept possession well. A great passing move resulted in Nikki Kidd getting a shot off but unfortunately it was wide of the target. Nikki then showed her versatility by blocking a French penalty corner strike 3 minutes later at the other end. A move started by a great save by Anna Schwartz led to Jaime Lyon being 'hacked' down by a French defender leading to a penalty stroke. The reliable Nikki Kidd was substituted on to convert a well taken stroke. With 8 minutes left on the clock Cambrai pressed Grove and won 2 penalty corners. After saving the corner strikes the French scored from a well worked goal. With 4 minutes to go the French replaced their GK with a kicking back and 1 minute later Ali Ramsay made a great save on the line. Anna Schwartz saved another corner and the next corner proved to be crucial when they scored to make it 2 - 2. With 14 seconds left on the clock the French kicking back dived at a ball outside the D after Nikki Kidd picked it up which resulted in a penalty corner. The Grove girls kept their nerve, concentrated on their own jobs and Nikki Kidd scored from a well executed corner giving Grove 6 points in the promotion league. 

When the Lithuanian team drew 8 - 8 with the Italians Grove were then able to celebrate promotion for Scotland to the European Indoor Cup in 2010. Grove now play the Lithuania on Sunday 2pm (1pm UK time) for the Gold or Silver Medal. 

Bonagrass Grove v Slavia Praha (CZE)   3 - 2  (Half Time  0 - 1)

Praha started the game well and Anna Schwartz in the Grove goal kept them out with some good goal-keeping. It was end to end hockey and eventually in the 13th minute Praha broke through to go 1 - 0 up. Grove defended well at penalty corners to keep the score at 0 - 1 at half time.

Mandy Robbie came on for Anna Schwartz at the start of the 2nd half and was immediately called into action making a double save at a penalty corner. In the 23rd minute Linsey Glass drove the ball forward from midfield, found Jaime Lyon on the left who then fired the ball to the back post for Nikki Kidd to score.  Grove then took control of the game and Louise Carroll and Ali Ramsay, although heavily pressed, found great balls out of defence to the front three. In the 29th minute Nikki Kidd received the ball on the left and drove past 2 players and the GK at the top of the D to slot the ball home making the score 2 - 1.  With 3 minutes left on the clock Grove were awarded their first corner of the game but the ball broke free. Louise Carroll then received the ball on the left and picked out Ali Bell in the D with a great pass for Ali to deflect it into the Czech goal. In the last minute of the game Louise Carroll stopped a good strike on the line and Praha were given a penalty stroke which they scored.

With the final score 3 - 2 Bonagrass Grove finished with maximum points in the Group. They now go through to the promotion league carrying the three points from the Italian game,who were runners up in the section.  Grove now play Cambrai from France Saturday at 6pm (5pm UK time) and Vilnius from Lithuania at 2pm (1pm UK time) onSunday. 

Grovies Guaranteed Top 4 finish after two greats wins on Day 1 of European

Bonagrass v Lorenzoni   5 - 3 (Half Time 3 - 0)

Bonagrass Grove started their European Campaign against Lorenzoni from Italy. In the 4th minute Linsey Glass and Jaime Lyon combined to set up Nikki Kidd for a well executed goal. In the 8th minute Grove defended well at 2 penalty corners for Lorenzoni - Anna Schwartz making an excellent save off the first one. In the 12th minute Grove won a corner and Louise Carroll shot was saved on the line.  In the 14th minute good passing resulted in a penalty corner. Evie Durham put the ball out for Ali Ramsay to stop and Nicky Kleppang fired it home to make it 2 - 0.  In the 16th minute another corner resulted in Nicky Kleppang's shot hitting the post. In the 18th minute Nicky Kleppang produced a great tackle on the left board and found Susan Hamilton in space who then delivered to Ali Bell who scored her first European Indoor goal. This was followed by some solid defending by Kat Cameron and Anna Schwartz made a great save from a corner right on half time. 

In the second half - Grove found themselves under pressure but Anna was there again with 2 fine saves. In the 24th minute Lorenzoni scored from a corner.  Two minutes later a well played advantage by the umpire resulted in Nikki Kidd scoring from close range.  In the 28th minute the Italians scored an open play goal on the break and then another corner goal in the 35th minute. Two minutes later Jaime Lyon produced some fine skills to drive through the middle and win Bonagrass a corner that Louise Caroll finished off to make the final score 5 - 3. A great start to the European Campaign.

 Bonagrass v Parc HC   3 - 2  (Half Time 2 - 0) 

In the 2nd minute of the game Captain Linsey Glass set the scene after a good passing move, driving into the D and scoring her first goal of the tournament. One minute later Anna Schwartz produced the first of many brilliant saves. In the 4th minute Jaime Lyon received a pass from Linsey G and punished the Belgian team with a great strike. Good defensive work at penalty corners kept the opposition out but a foot on the line led to a penalty stroke which Anna Schwartz saved. Bonagrass were under pressure towards the end of the half and Parc then won 3 more corners and another penalty stroke was awarded when it hit a Grove player on the line. Anna Schwartz made a fantastic diving save with her stick to keep the score at 2 - 0 at half time. 

Linsey Glass led from the front in the 2nd half and in the 31st minute she drove through the Belgian defence and Grove were awarded a penalty stroke when she was deliberately bundled off the ball. Nikki Kidd was substituted on to score from the spot. Parc HC pushed forward and created many chances which led to them winning 6 penalty corners in the last 8 minutes of the game. Two goals were scored and at 3 - 2 Grove defended really well to keep the ball out. Kat Cameron took a ball off the line and Anna Schwartz yet again made some magnificent saves. This was a fantastic team effort and the girls were delighted to get two wins on day 1 of the European. 

At the final day of the Indoor National League Grove 1st Team finished the league in style with another 2 wins. In the first game the first team beat Grove 2nd Team 8 - 0 with goals from Linsey Glass, Pauline Stott (2), Nikki Kidd (2), Jaime Lyon (2) and Louise Carroll. Then in the final game Grove went up 1 - 0 against Glasgow Western with Kat Cameron scoring her first goal of the league. Nikki Kidd and Linsey Glass added 2 more to finish 3 - 0. It was a great team performance throughout the whole league. The 2nd team finished in 4th position and both teams now look forward to the Scottish Cup on Sunday 8th February.

10.00am   Bonagrass 1 v Bonagrass 2

Outdoor league games for the 2nd and 3rd teams start on 14th February and, although the 1st team have no league matches until into March they have the Scottish Outdoor League Title to retain.....and the European Outdoor Cup Winners Cup to work towards in a little over 10 weeks time. 

Our coaches, Charlotte and Ron, have very little time to prepare our outdoor teams for this important part of the season.  It is therefore vitally important that, although the preparation for our indoor European competition still takes priority at present, ALL players not playing indoor should attend outdoor training. Those playing indoor but not involved in the European indoor squad should also try to attend outdoor as well as indoor sessions.

The transition from indoor to outdoor is always difficult and is made more so this year with only 6 weeks between indoor and outdoor European competitions.  Please do your bit (i.e. attend training sessions) to give all of our coaches the best possible chance to prepare for the rest of the season.

OUTDOOR TRAINING IS AT DISC EVERY TUESDAY 7-8.30PM AND THURSDAY 8.30-10PM 

At long last the venue for the European Cup Winners Cup has been announced.  It is to be held at Bowdon Hightown Hockey Club, Manchester from 10th to 13th April 2009 which, although I'm sure is somewhat disappointing for those players, management and supporters who prefer more exotic locations, is a relief as far as the Club's bank balance is concerned!

With the venue being relatively close at hand there is already a lot of initial interest from supporters in travelling to watch the team in action.  It would be great to get as many supporters as possible cheering on the team.  Click HERE to link to Bowdon Hockey Club's website for the tournament. 

The initial pool of 23 players from which the final squad will be selected are: Anna Schwartz, Mandy Robbie, Debbie McLeod, Louise Carroll, Kat Cameron, Sophie McIntyre, Linsey Glass, Becky Merchant, Susie Roberts, Debbie Massie, Rachel Osbourne, Linda Clement, Louise Munn, Susan Hamilton, Leigh Fawcett, Pauline Stott, Hannah Muir, Nikki Kidd, Ali Bell, Ailsa Robertson, Aimee Clark, Cheryl Valentine and Jen Wright.

The Management Team will be: Coach-Charlotte Jones, Manager-Marian Carroll, Assistant Coach-Dave Stott, Physio-Mags Hendry and Video-Ron Muir.

Louise Munn and Nikki Kidd have been selected for a GB side to play in Spain in mid January as part of the very early stages of the build up to London 2012. We wish them both the very best of luck in what is bound to be a demanding series of matches against the host country. 

The New Year starts with the good news that the Club's hard work off the pitch (as well as on the pitch acknowledged last month in the award of the SportDundee Team of the Year) has been rewarded with confirmation that we have now completed all requirements to become a Development Level Club.  This entitles us to priority access to certain facilities (but unfortunately not DISC) at a reduced charge, improved levels of DSCS grant aid (particularly important with two European competitions this season),  free places on child protection courses and promotion of the Club on ClubDundee notice boards which should help in increasing player numbers. 

Well done to everyone involved in putting together the information needed but particularly to Alex Knight our former Vice President (that post is still currently vacant by the way!) and Club Member and who is the DSCS Club & Coach Development Officer.

A fun night was had by all at The Fort last night (Mon 1/12/08) as 19 teams (of mixed ages and specialist subjects!) competed for the honour of representing the Club at the Champion of Champions Pub Quiz next week. The winning team were the "Slow Drinkers, Fast Thinkers" who defended their title from the last Club Quiz (although the old Club members, Pat, Sue and Ali, needed considerable help from their younger team mates).  The Quiz was a great chance for Club members old and new, their friends and family to mix and chat and also raised the fantastic sum of £498 for club funds.  A big thank you to Louise and Linsey and their families for organising the event and, of course, to everyone who supported it.

The Ist team picked up the prestigious Team of the Year Award at last night's SportDundee Awards ceremony at the Invercarse Hotel.  Lou Carroll collected the award on behalf of the team and as well as thanking Bonar Yarns for their sponsorship she paid tribute to the efforts of coaches and players. 

There was also recognition for Anne McRae's umpiring achievements with her collecting the award, for the fourth time, as Official of the Year.  Anne's name was also added to the Olympic Roll of Honour which was started in 2004 by SportDundee to recognise the achievements of those who have participated in an Olympic Games.

Click here to see photos.

The Club were represented at the Awards Ceremony by Pam Brown, Lou Carroll, Ali Ramsay and Susie Roberts.