City of Peterborough Hockey Club over 45s reach a National competition final, and local ups and downs in the East League

City based Bristol Firebrands 7-2 in a more comfortable National Vase semi-final than expected at Bretton Gate on Sunday.

Gareth Andrew led the way with a hat-trick with Darren Norman scoring twice. Gary Hales and Ian Dunnett were also on target.

The final against Old Williamsonians from Rochester, Kent who beat Deeside Ramblers 5-2 in their semi-final, will be played over the first May Bank Holiday weekend (May, 2, 3 or 4) at Lee Valley or in Nottingham.

It will be a decent way for City stalwart Wayne Humphreys to end his hockey career. Humphreys, a free-scoring forward with the promotion-winning City sixth team, is also retiring from a trophy-laden tennis career to protect his wonky knees.

The final will be a strong climax to a decent season for the City club who run eight men’s team and five ladies teams in competitive hockey.

City of Peterborough Ladies 1sts won the East Division One title and City men’s sixths claimed the East Division Five North West crown. None of the 12 City teams suffered a relegation, unless there is some late re-structuring of the divisions.

The male first team consolidated at National Midlands Conference level, finishing sixth in their first season back at that level. They expect to re-sign a couple of top players for the 2026-27 season.

City boast over 450 playing members and are based at Bretton Gate, a facility which also offers, tennis, cricket, squash, bowls and racquet ball. An application form to join the hockey club can be found at https://www.cityofpeterboroughhockeyclub.co.uk/join-the-club/ .

Many of the club’s senior players will be off representing England in Masters hockey over the summer.

Oundle Ladies won the East Division Five North West title, with Spalding 3rds promoted in second place.

Spalding 1sts won the men’s East Division Two title, while Bourne Deeping seconds won Division Four North West.