Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club is the official men's field hockey club for The University of Edinburgh. It currently comprises seven men's teams, which makes it the largest men's university field hockey and sports club in the United Kingdom, with over 160 active members. It also represents the largest adult male membership for a hockey club in Scotland. Founded in 1901, it is one of the oldest university hockey clubs in the United Kingdom.
Each team plays in regional Saturday league matches across eastern districts of Scotland and the top teams play in the national leagues and central leagues. The 1XI - 7XI teams participate in extra leagues on a Wednesday afternoon, where they participate in their respective British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) league, playing other universities in Scotland and across the UK.[1][2]
Home games are played at Peffermill Playing Fields (also known as The Cauldron, Peffs, and The VK Peffermill Arena), which are water-based pitches located in southern Edinburgh. Training takes place at Peffermill on Monday and Thursday evenings for all teams. These pitches are of an international standard, giving players of all abilities within the club an opportunity to play their best hockey.[3]
The hockey club has a vast range of abilities within the club from international players to people who have just started to play the sport. All are welcome and the aim of the club is to not only improve players' abilities within the sport but to also provide a worthwhile and competitive sport for players to play throughout their university experience.
The club is sponsored by Gibson & Kerr, and LPA_.[4][5][6] The 1st XI are also sponsored exclusively by Artemis, and the 2nd XI are sponsored by Aldi.
The club's mottos are "Bleed Green" and "We are the Gamblers".
History
Origins and early history (1901–2000)
The first mention of hockey at the university was in 1899, when a notice was published in the Student, which read "Would those in favour of starting a Hockey Club in connection with the University kindly forward their names and addresses to the Secretary, Hockey Club, University PO?" One of these founding members was G.M. Melville who although was born in Ireland he was schooled in England and attended university in Scotland.
There is no further mention of the club until 1901 when pitches were secured at Craiglockhart and play commenced. On 18 November that year the University Hockey Club as represented that year at the meeting of clubs in Scotland when it was agreed to form a Scottish Hockey Association, making the club a founding member of the modern association. The first match was played against Dumbarton and it was lost with the rest of the season recording 11 played, won 4, lost 5 and drawn 2. By the end of the season a second XI was started and so the sport must have proved a success.
The club was admitted to the University Athletic Club (now the Sports Union) in 1902 when W. Sibbald Robertson was the captain and in that year no less than 5 University players were recorded internationalists. T.P Caverhill was one of these 5 and must have been especially good given his numerous mentions and was subsequently awarded blues. The 1905–1906 season was especially good when of the sixteen matches played, twelve were won, three drawn and only one lost. One member of this team was especially of note. Frank Fasson was a former internationalist rugby player and must have brought all his speed and fiery temperament to the Hockey pitch which he demonstrated one match when he took a dislike to his opposing number and slashed his stick against the man's shins. The next week Frank had a tooth ache and went to the dentist and much to his dismay found that his dentist consultant was none other than his previous opposing player. However the great sportsman Dr N.L. Stevenson took neither advantage nor a fee. It was Fasson who was playing later that season when Scotland secured the first Scottish victory when playing against the Welsh; the result was 3–1.
The best season in the club was recorded in 1908–1909 when the first XI was unbeaten and six of the squad were chosen to represent Scotland. It was around this time that toy rabbits first appeared in the team photos presumably as mascots of the club.
Like most sports, the First World War halted hockey matches although the club was re-established for the 1919–1920 season. The remarkable growth in the Sport meant that in the following season, five teams were fielded for the university. For the 1922/23 season, the first-ever Blues officially recognised by Edinburgh University Sports Union was awarded to J J B Martin.
The club suffered a dry spell for victories until 1930-1931 when the competition for places on the teams was so great that inter-society matches were organised. This successful season saw the first touring side to go down to English Universities and victories were recorded against both Durham and Manchester. It is also in this season that the Scottish Inter University Championship was first recorded which Edinburgh won which was followed the next season with the first successful tour to Ireland. This successful vein continued with the Scottish Championships residing with Edinburgh University until the 1938–1939 season, the last before the Second World War.
There was no shortage of matches to be found during the war this time with 20 matches recorded each season. It is the 1942–1943 season which saw the first incarnation of the Scottish university teams play the United Services with no less than six Edinburgh men in the team. Much of the success gained by the team was attributed to the brilliant Emmanuel Evans-Anfom as club captain.
In the history up to 1959, the club recorded a total of 32 full internationalists and one (Stephen Theobald) who represented Great Britain and between these players they recorded 183 international caps.[7]
1980s (The Golden Years)
In the 1980s, club won 16 collective and individual awards from the Edinburgh University Sports Union (5 of which were collective awards, 11 individual awards) include 3 back-to-back Club of the Year awards. With so many awards won by the club during this era, it is speculated that growth, development, the number of titles won, and club culture changed fundamentally during this period. The impact of the 1980s is still seen within and around the club to this day.
As early as the 1990s, the club began singing 'The Gambler' by Kenny Rogers at club socials and at games. It is a tradition that is still upheld to this day, and the club and its members are known widely as 'The Gamblers'.
Recent history (2000–present)
During the 2004/05 season, the club's socials took place at The Crags bar near Pollock Halls of Residence. This continued until 2012.
In the 2011/12 season, the 1st XI finished in 8th place. Whilst in the 2012/13 season they finished 7th [8] In the British Universities & Colleges Sport the 1st XI compete in Scottish 1A, which they won in the 2011/12 season.[9]
In the British Universities & Colleges Sport the 2nd XI won Scottish 2A during the 2011/12 season and so won promotion for the first time to Scottish 1A since the leagues were re-organised in 2003. They finished the 2012/13 BUCS 1A season in 3rd place.[10]
2012/13 season
The 2012/13 season was a pivotal season for the club. Then player-coach Graham Moodie stepped up to coach the 1XI full time, becoming the club's Head of Performance. During his near decade spell at the club, he led the team several Scottish Cup Finals, winning BUCS leagues, cups, and promotions, and professionalised the higher end of the club as one of the most dominating sides, not just within Scottish university hockey, but Scottish hockey as a whole. Moodie stepped down from his position in August 2021, Scottish International Hamish Imrie has since taken up the role as Head of Performance.[11]
The club moved its bi-weekly socials to Malones Bar (later McSorleys) on Forrest Road, Edinburgh, and is widely recognised as the modern home of the EUHC socials scene, with hundreds of match teas and official socials taking place there.
It was also in the 2012/13 season that saw the beginning of Edinburgh Fives and Exeter Fives. Members of the club welcomed a first year student from University of Exeter Hockey Club to Edinburgh in December 2012 as part of Edinburgh Fives. The return journey (Exeter Fives) was held the following February, so forth starting the long social tradition that is still upheld to this day. Exeter University Men's Hockey Club and Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club maintain close ties to this day alongside Edinburgh Fives and Exeter Fives. Both clubs are the largest men's university hockey clubs in their respective home nations (Edinburgh in Scotland; Exeter in England), both play in green at home, both share the motto "Bleed Green", and both club names can be abbreviated to "EUMHC".
2019/20 season
At the end of the 2019/20 season, then Director of Hockey at Edinburgh University, Eugene Connolly, who spent many years at the club developing coaches, umpires, and growing the size and image of the club, retired. Along with Dennis Hay, Connolly is often regarded as a mentor and father of hockey at Edinburgh University. The Director of Hockey position was removed and replace with Head of Hockey Development, a role which has since been taken up by Scotland Women's over 55s coach, Janice Hudson-Windsor. The season ended prematurely in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic which cancelled annual events on and off the pitch such as Varsity, Exeter Fives, Hockey Ball, and Tour.
2020/21 season
The 2020/21 Season was effectively cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Training in a limited capacity took place from September 2020 until December 2020. The Scottish and UK Government's second lockdown enforcement in January 2021 cancelled all forms of indoor and outdoor play until the end of March 2021. The club's social scene was rendered non-existent for the entire season, again cancelling major traditions such as Exeter Fives, Hockey Ball, and the club Tour that weren't hosted during the previous season either. The club maintained its administrative and committee structure during the pandemic
As of the beginning of the 2021/22 season, the club bolstered a membership number of over 190, making it the largest men's university sports club in the United Kingdom. The 1XI, with the support of Edinburgh University's Performance Sport Programme, continued to dominate Scottish Hockey. With high finishes in both the Scottish Hockey Premiership and the Scottish Cup, the 1XI continued to be one of the only men's university hockey club in the UK to actively compete for EHL qualification.
Scottish Internationalist Hamish Imrie joined the club as the 1st XI's player-coach and Head of Performance.
In the first half of the season, the 1st XI developed and honed a new field hockey strategy known as 'The Lobster Theory', which draws the comparison of specific defensive and offensive plays, as well as player mentality, with that of the cooking and preparation of lobster for consumption. The expanded details of the strategy are a closely guarded secret within the club, and was used sparingly throughout the season. Unconfirmed reports suggest that 'The Lobster Theory' has a 100% win efficiency, and is attributed to the many successes of the 1st XI during the 21/22 Season.
In the 2021/22, the club secured several titles after a return to play due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In March 2022, the 2nd XI (Bill's Angels) led by captain Jack Cahalin won BUCS Scotland 1 in their final BUCS game of the season against Glasgow University, 3–1, in which they needed to win their game to win the league.
EUMHC 2nd XI of the 2021/22 Golden Season - BUCS Scotland 1 Champions, Scottish Hockey Regional League Champions, Scottish Hockey District Cup Champions
The 3rd XI led by captain Ted Porter made history after winning the BUCS Scottish Conference Cup, 3-3 (3-2), against Edinburgh Napier in St Andrews. The 3rd XI were down 3–1 with 6 minutes remaining in the final quarter. Former captain Harry Heap lobbed a ball past the keeper with 4 minutes remaining. In the final minute of the game, a head height 'Brexit ball' was hit into the circle which was deflected mid-air by the club's Social Secretary, Sonny Erskine, into the roof of the net which ended the game at 3-3. The goal has been described by spectators from both sides as 'the greatest goal ever scored in a game of hockey'. The game was won by club Treasurer and incoming President, Alex Johnson, who saved the final penalty flick to win the Scottish Cup and BUCS Championship. A club quote surrounding the win goes, "Ewen Mackie had a dream, but Ben Pearson and Matt White made that dream come true", in reference to 3rd XI's former and current coaches.
EUMHC 3rd XI of the 2021/22 Golden Season - BUCS Scottish Cup Champions, BUCS Scotland 2 Champions, Scottish Reserve Cup Champions
Later on in March 2022, the 1st XI won the BUCS National Vase at BUCS Big Wednesday in the final against University of Birmingham Hockey Club Men's 1st XI, with the full time score at 1–0.[12] 1st XI Captain Robbie Croll scored the single goal of the match. It ended the 1st XI's silverware drought which had persisted since they won the BUCS Hockey Trophy during the 17/18 season. The day is often described as, "it's a dangerous day to be a pint".
On the same day, the 3rd XI won BUCS Scotland 2 in their final BUCS game of the season.
In April 2022, the 5th XI won East District 1. This was an incredible achievement for the team and the club as they team was almost completely new and restructured at the start of the season, and the team had been new promoted to the league.
In February 2022, the 1st XI finished 2nd place in BUCS Premier North, behind University of Nottingham Hockey Club Men's 2nd XI. Due to the BUCS Regulations on promotion within the Premier leagues, the 1st XI were entered into the BUCS Premier National Playoffs in order to contest promotion. BUCS Premier National, since the formation of BUCS in 2008, is the highest competitive league for men's hockey in the United Kingdom. There has never been a Scottish men's side qualify for BUCS Premier National. In April 2022, the 1st XI lost their first opportunity at promotion when they lost 2-2 (1-4) against University of Oxford Men's 1st XI. Their final chance at promotion was left to their last playoff game against Oxford Brookes University Men's 1st XI at Peffermill. The 1st XI secured the victory, winning 4–1, and securing promotion to the top flight of BUCS Men's Hockey for the first time as a Scottish men's team.[13][14]At the end of April 2022, the 2nd XI (Bill's Angels) won the Scottish Men's Regional League, the highest competitive men's league in Scotland for non-first teams. Their title win came down to their final game of the season that was left in a tight tie breaker between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The 2nd XI and 3rd XI finished off the season with two club trebles, when the 2nd XI won the Scottish Men's District Cup and the 3rd XI won the Scottish Men's Reserve Cup.[15] These games ended the club's golden season with three confirmed promotions and eight titles for the club.
2nd XI Coach, Bill Robson, retired from his role as the most decorated coach in club history, with 5 trophies over the course of 5 seasons, 2 of which were disregarded due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
To date, the 2021/22 season is the most successful season the club, as a whole, has ever had.
2022/23 season
Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club Committee 2022/23
The club expanded its number of teams from seven to eight.
The 3rd XI were promoted to BUCS Scotland 1 from the previous season, marking the first time a third team has competed at that level. They also secured a place in the Scottish Hockey Regional 1 league after a strong league placement the previous season and restructuring the league systems. This placement made them the highest competing 3rd XI team in Scottish men's hockey.
The 7th XI were entered into the BUCS system for the 2022/23 Season. Their entry made the club the joint largest men's university sports club in the United Kingdom by their number of competitive BUCS teams - along with the University of Nottingham Hockey Club and the University of Exeter Hockey Club, both of whom enter their 7th XI's in the same season.
The club moved its bi-weekly social scene to Dropkick Murphy's.
As the season began, Peffermill was coined with the nickname, "The Cauldron", by Scotland Internationalist and former 1st XI Captain Robbie Croll.
In early October 2022, the 1st XI drew 2–2 against the reigning BUCS Premier National winners and BUCS Championship champions, Loughborough Students Hockey Club 1st XI at The Cauldron in BUCS Premier National.
The club was shortlisted for a record 4 awards at the Edinburgh University Sports Union Sports Ball 2023. These awards were based on the previous season and included Club of the Year, Team of the Year (3rd XI), Male Athlete of the Year (Robbie Croll), and best Club Publicity Record of the Year. Despite the successes of the previous season, the club failed to win any awards in one of the biggest upsets in club history.
Bill's Angels successfully defended their BUCS Scotland 1 title after a decisive victory against Strathclyde 1s at The Cauldron.
The 1st XI successfully achieved back-to-back BUCS Big Wednesday appearances after winning against Exeter University Hockey Club 2nd XI at The Nandos in Exeter. The full-time score was 2-2 after Robbie Croll and Alex Wilson both scored. The game was won in a series of penalty strokes after goalkeeper Charlie Gates saved a penalty to allow the 1st XI to win 5–3 on penalties. They progressed to BUCS Big Wednesday at Nottingham Hockey Centre – their second appearance in two seasons – where they played University of Nottingham Hockey Club 2nd XI in the BUCS National Vase. EUMHC were 2–0 with 9 minutes remaining but brought it back to 2–2 in the final minutes, courtesy of an Alex Wilson deflection and an Iain McFadden drag-flick. With the game going to penalty strokes, Edinburgh won the game after 1st XI goalkeeper, Charlie Gates, saved two penalties. At back-to-back BUCS Big Wednesdays, "it was, yet again, a dangerous day to be a pint". In a post-match interview, 1st XI vice-captain and Scottish junior internationalist, John Stephen officially referenced The Lobster Theory, which was developed in the previous season as the reason for their eventual success.
In early April, Edinburgh University Sports Union announced that the first ever Blue - awarded to students for outstanding university sports performance - was awarded to a member of Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club in 1922. The Blues Award in question went to J J B Martin.
The 2nd XI narrowly missed promotion to BUCS Premier North at the beginning of May 2023 for the first time as a Scottish Men's 2nd XI, after a defeat at Peffermill to Newcastle 1st XI in penalties. Remarkably, despite the high-stakes nature of the game coinciding with the demanding university exam diet, the team experienced an overwhelming display of support from their fellow club members with over 200 members from the Men's and Women's clubs in the stands of Peffermill.
Club President Alex "AJ" Johnson, distinguished himself as a notable figure in the club's history. After serving as a committee member for an impressive four consecutive years, he departed, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Johnson's exceptional contributions spanned both on and off the field, earning him the distinction of being the club's most decorated member. Over the course of six years as an active player, he secured an impressive tally of ten prestigious trophies and titles. AJ's remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the club's history, cementing his status as a legendary figure.
2023/24 season
The club moved its bi-weekly social scene to Ballie Ballerson on Forest Road, Edinburgh - the same venue as the recently closed McSorleys.
The 3rd XI won the BUCS Scottish Conference Cup, and the Scottish Hockey Reserve Cup.
The 2nd XI won the Scottish District Cup.
Famed clubman, Ritchie McCluskey, was known for being a badger.
Current situation
For the 2023/24 season:
The 1st XI are currently coached by Scotland International and Player-coach Hamish Imrie. They currently compete in the Scottish Hockey Premiership, and BUCS Premier North.
The 2nd XI are currently coached by former clubman and Player-coach Ewen Mackie, and play in the Scottish Regional League 1, and BUCS Scotland 1.
The 3rd XI play in the Scottish Regional League 1, and BUCS Scotland 1. They are coached by 1st XI player, Jamie Croll and 3rd XI playercoach, Florian Garland Hoff.
The 4th XI play in the Scottish Regional League 2, and BUCS Scotland 3. They are coached by 2nd XI player, Fin Herbert.
The 5th XI play in the Scottish Hockey East District 1, and BUCS Scotland 3. They are coached by 1st XI player, James Pitchford.
The 6th XI play in the Scottish Hockey East District 2, and BUCS Scotland 4. They are coached by 1st XI player, Michael Trimble and 6th XI playercoach, Stuart Head.
The 7th XI play in the Scottish Hockey East District 3, and BUCS Scotland 4. They are coached by 2nd XI players, Flo Garland Hoff and Ali Heading
Committee
The club is run by the committee, which is elected every year from existing members. The day-to-day operations are handled by the committee with the support of persistent staff members employed by the club and the university.
Each year, the committee elect three people from the original committee into an executive committee that includes by default the President, Vice President, Treasurer of the club, and Secretary. The executive committee are allowed to manage the affairs of the club and make day-to-day decisions without prior consultation with the Full Committee. The Executive Committee is answerable to the Full Committee.
Fixtures was split into two roles from the 2019/20 season – National League & BUCS Fixtures and East District Fixtures.
Website and Publicity were combined into one role from the 2019/20 season. In the 2022/23 season, the role was split again to accommodate the growing demands of the role and the club.
The 2022/23 Season saw three new positions – Welfare, Scholar Representative, and Goalkeeper Representative – added to the committee as well as the introduction of an 8XI captain to take over the newly formed 8th XI team.
After two extremely tough seasons for Vice Presidents, Jack Mead and Callum Alexander, following the COVID-19 Pandemic, it was decided the role's responsibilities were to be reviewed. The full responsibility for umpire assignments and development was passed to a new Head of Umpiring position created for the 2023/24 season, allowing future Vice Presidents to focus more on general club management.
For the 2024/25 Season onward, the Executive Committee was restructured to include the Social Secretary and the Welfare Secretary as well as the President, Vice President, Treasurer of the club, and Secretary by default, leaving a single voted position open from the general committee. The Executive Committee size remains at 7.
Season
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Sponsorship
Head of Umpiring
National League & BUCS Fixtures
East District Fixtures
Kit
Publicity
Website
Charity
Social
Intramural & Alumni
Tour
Welfare
Diversity
Goalkeeper Representative
Scholar Representative
1XI Captain
2XI Captain
3XI Captain
4XI Captain
5XI Captain
6XI Captain
7XI Captain
8XI Captain
2004/05
Joe McHenry
Position did not exist
Chris Annan
Keith Reid
Adam Rudd
Position did not exist
Tom Crill
Niall Carter
Gareth McLorn
Frank Pillukeit
Position did not exist
Simon Johnston
Position did not exist
Mike Arkley
Position did not exist
Position did not exist
Position did not exist
Position did not exist
Rob Kinder
Jamie Latimer
Andrew Emerson
Tom Hamilton
Matt Smith
Nick Brown
Position did not exist
Position did not exist
2005/06
Mike Arkley
Henry Wyld
Matt Smith
Andy Emerson
Tom Hamilton
Nicky Brown
Rupert Barker
Iain Robb
Joe Gray
Gareth McLorn
Paddy Thorburn
Chris Annan
Charlie Crouther
2006/07
Simon Johnston
Henry Middleton
Matt McCluckie
Tom Hamilton
James Maurice
Niall Carter
Nick Dawnay
Andy Emerson
Richard “Titch” Hughes
Ed Lines
JP Campbell
Joe Gray
“Staples” Smith
Alan Pedgrift
James Cook
Derek Thomas
2007/08
Patrick Thorburn
Thomas Hamilton
Thomas Pritchard
Niall Carter
Graeme Stapleton
Dereck Thomas
George Holdstock
Simon Sampson
Barry Carmichael
Rupert Barker
Peter Ghosh
Joe Gray
Richard McCorkell
Rory Mackenzie
Titch Hughes
Michael Smailes
Jasper Mogg
Tim Evans
2008/09
Graeme Stapelton
Dereck Thomas
Craig Thurtell
Andrew Wiersum
George Holdstock
Duncan Birse
Kylan Pathmanathan
Sam Trett
Will Butler
David Munn
Dan Finch-Race
Will Butler
Simon Sampson
Alan Robb
Tom Auden
Tom Prichard
Harry Eustace
Sam Hamspon
Chris Fabien
2009/10
2010/11
Sam Trett
Michael Henderson-Sowerby
Tom Nevill
Kylan Pathmanathan
Peter Rutherford
Tom Bodeker
Michael Fenelon
Sam Hampson
Nick Brown
Rob Hill & Will O'Brien
Fraser Murphey
Dave Munn
David Forrester
Ben Tracey
Calum Deas
Jonnie Davies
Josh Robinson
Alex Fiennes
Ewan Frost-Pennington
2011/12
Michael Henderson-Sowerby
David Forrester
Blair Paul
Tom Nevill
Tom Swarbrick
Scott Duncan
Johnny Davis
Adam Banks
Chris Barrett
Archie Burt
Hamish Kinnea
Stuart Fraser
Calum Duke
Conor Bond
Rob Hill
Stevie Sedgwick
Matt Holroyd
Peter Rutherford
Gavin Peebles
2012/13
Conor Bond
Tom King
Will Eden
Scott Duncan
Jack McGowan
Alex Fiennes
Aswin Nair
Ben Walker
Mark Portnell
Matt Holroyd
Vijay Trivedy & Stevie Sedgwick
Jacob Quibell
Tom Swarbrick
Stuart Fraser
Ben Brooks
Adam Banks
Calum MacRae
Calum Adamson
Euan Craig
2013/14
Scott Duncan
Ben Brooks
Peter Bottomley
Calum Adamson
Piers Wates
Ruairi Gillespie
Ewan Craig
Will Eden
Aedan McCrossan
Tom Fishley
Jazim Sohail
George Adams
Craig McCrossan
Jack McGowan
Ben Tombling
Fraser MacLeod
Andy Brown
Robert Taylor
Dan Sethi
2014/15
Ben Brooks
Ewan Craig
Calum Adamson
Ruairi Gillespie
Matthew Linley-Adams
Will Needham
Jonathan Lamb
George Adams
Charlie Murray
Edward Fyson
Andrew Sadler
Finlay Walker
Tom Kemsley
Sam Hayes
Dan Thurman
Felix Claridge
Thomas Ralston
Henry Melville
Chris O'Bryan
2015/16
Calum Adamson
Ruairi Gillespie
Jonathan Lamb
Edward Fyson
George Adams
Tom Mourant
Guy Allen
Freddie Armston-Clark
Jakim Berndsen
Henry Melville
Harry Scott
Aedan Mccrossan
Euan Christie
Ross Morrison
Oscar Allitt
Tom Marchant
James Bromley
Floris Balm
2016/17
Jonathan Lamb
Euan Christie
Tom Marchant
Ross Morrison
Harry Scott
Liam Geach
Ruaraidh Campbell
George Simmonds
Angus Sandison
Harrison Kirby
Joe Taylor
Angus Rogers
Henry Melville
Gordon Amour
Charlie Cook
Jack Preece
Luke Perkins
Gavin Minty
Roshan Das
Ed Harris
2017/18
Harry Scott
Tom Marchant
Ruaraidh Campbell
Roshan Das
George Simonds
Angus Rogers
Sam Robertson
Matthew Taylor
Jack Friend
Gavin Minty
Jack Preece
Connor Overstone
Paul de Melliac
Alan Oldham
Monty Kilpatrick
Freddie Filor
Adam Montgomery
Zubin Roy
George Tuckwell
Henry Cugley
2018/19
George Simonds
Ruaraidh Campbell
Roshan Das
Zubin Roy
Matthew Taylor
Sam Mallace
Murdo Lunn
Peter McKnight
Henry Cugley
Connor Overstone
Freddie Baker
George Tuckwell
Jack Preece
Sam Robertson
Ben Carrington
Rory Cadbury
Alex Tear
Joseph Demetrios
Daniel Gallant
Jacques Taylor
2019/20
Zubin Roy
Joseph Demetrios
Murdo Lunn
Peter McKnight
Ali Burnett
Sam Mallace
Tobias Loeff
George Tuckwell
Jamie Fosker
Rob Hewett
Alex Tear
Alex Johnson
Matt White
David Mawhinney
Angus Muir
Harry Heap
Jack Mead
Charlie Clague
Stephen Demery
Andy Hulmes
2020/21
Joseph Demetrios
Jamie Fosker
Charlie Clague
Tobias Loeff
Stephen Demery
Alex Johnson
Benedict King
Sam MacLellan
Angus Muir
Jonty Park
Sonny Erskine
Jack Mead
Alex Tear
Jack Jamieson
Archie Trevor
Sam Reid
Patrick Boyle
Zak Mansuri
Tom Kitchen
Robert Zhan
2021/22
(The Golden Season)
Tobias Loeff
Jack Mead
Martin Rose
Alex Johnson
Hamish Walker
Callum Groeger
Robert Zhan
Sam Kelso
Callum Alexander
Joe Woodhead
Sonny Erskine (e)
Joe Hutcheson
Ben Pearson (e)
Robbie Croll
Jack Cahalin
Ted Porter
Patrick Boyle
Hugh Davidson
Fraser Robertson / Stuart Head
Alex Watson (e)
2022/23
Alex Johnson
Callum Alexander
Joe Hutcheson
Robert Zhan
Ben Wilson
Florian Garland-Hoff
Ed Bury
Ross Fleming
Ethan Law
Jack Cahalin
Ted Porter
Freddie Coghill
Alistair Heading (e)
James Taylor
Stuart Head
Aazim Mur
Charlie Gates
Robbie Croll (e)
Iain McFadden
Hamish Walker (e)
Josh Wiggins
Peter Sinclair
Ed Ramsden
Harry Sherwin
Dax Triall
Patrick Wither
2023/24
Ted Porter
Florian Garland-Hoff
Dax Traill
Hamish Walker
Clemens Probst
Ed Bury (e)
Max Hamilton
Archie Jackson
Harry Sherwin
Ethan Law
Morgan Daniel
Toby Hofer
Cameron Robson (e)
Jamie Law
James Woods (e)
Tom Cahalin
Kyran Pender
George Strevens
Jamie Croll
Keir Robb
Finn Herbert
Louis Vanlint
Asher Petit1 /Tadhg Jones
Seb Garnet
Sam Bakshalian
George Penny
No position
2024/25
Florian Garland-Hoff
Seb Garnett
Freddie Kelly-Greaves
Morgan Daniel
George Paine
Ben Burton
Tom Anderson
Rupert Hutton
Charlie Cowan
Tom Annen
Alex Jones
Ali Yaqoob
Archie Cockburn
Aghassi McClellan
Andrea Agostini
Ethan Law
Cameron Patterson
Tom Crawford
Jamie Croll
Declan Bradley
Tom Steingold
Julien Aglionby
Edmund Hartley
Henry Wheeler
Gregor MacKay
Toby Logan
No position
Voted Executive Committee members denoted with (e)
1 Asher Petit stood down from 4th XI captaincy early in the season due to long term injury. Was replaced by Tadhg Jones as 4th XI Captain.
Notable clubmen
Current and former international representatives
The following list are players who have represented their country and level during their time as members of Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club, or represented shortly after leaving the club.
Jamie Croll , - Scotland (U21), Great Britain (U23 Elite Development Program)
Alex Wilson - Scotland (U21)
Johnny Bradley - Scotland (U18)
Sam Hunt - Scotland (U18)
Rory Steedman - Scotland (U18)
Callum Douglas , - Scotland (Senior), Great Britain (U23 Elite Development Program)
Alexander Marsland - Scotland (U18)
Andrew Lobb - Scotland (U18)
Henry Porter - Scotland (U18)
Matthew Taylor - Scotland (Senior)
Blues recipients
Awarded by the Edinburgh University Sports Union to the university's top sportsmen and those who have performed to a consistently high level for Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club.[18]
Season
Clubman
Awarded
Notable Achievements
1922/23
J J B Martin
Blue
1931/32
G L Carson
Blue
1933
H Ferguson
Blue
1937/38
G C Brander
Blue
1944/45
E Evans-Anfom
Blue
J Quenly
Blue
P Jackson
Blue
J Tompson
Blue
N Powell
Blue
P Rushforth
Half Blue
D A Smith
Half Blue
J Stanley
Half Blue
1945
T H Park
Half Blue
1945/46
E Evans-Anfom
Blue
J M Quantey
Blue
J Thompson
Blue
M E Dickenson
Half Blue
1946/47
E Evans-Anfom
Blue
J Quantey
Blue
M E Dickenson
Blue
T L Allan
Blue
J Smith
Half Blue
W S Allan
Half Blue
1947/48
J M Quartey
Blue
E Evans-Anfom
Blue
M E S Dickenson
Blue
T L Allan
Blue
D J L Dix-Perkins
Blue
J Park
Blue
A A Akiwuni
Blue
J A Smith
Blue
J C Cameron
Half Blue
G D Hill
Half Blue
1948/49
A A Akiwuni
Blue
T L Allan
Blue
D J L Dix-Perkins
Blue
J N Park
Blue
P L Kapur
Blue
S Theobald
Blue
J D Young
Blue
J A Smith
Blue
R McCadam
Blue
P A Day
Half Blue
H G MacIntosh
Half Blue
1949/50
R J Munro
Blue
G D Hiel
Blue
D J L Dix-Perkins
Blue
J R Taylor
Blue
S J Theobald
Blue
A A Akiwuni
Blue
P L Kafur
Blue
H G Macintosh
Blue
W T M Luff
Half Blue
D W Cameron
Half Blue
J L Eaton
Half Blue
1950/51
P L Kapur
Blue
H G Macintosh
Blue
R J Munro
Blue
W T M Luff
Blue
D C Oliver
Blue
J C Cameron
Blue
J L Eaton
Half Blue
D B Eaton
Half Blue
I S McRobbie
Half Blue
W G H Hyles
Half Blue
1951/52
I S McRobbie
Blue
D C Oliver
Blue
G G Moore
Half Blue
G G Journeaux
Half Blue
R Singh
Half Blue
1952/53
R J Munro
Blue
D C Oliver
Blue
G G Moore
Blue
G G Journeaux
Blue
R L Grant
Blue
R Seed
Half Blue
D S Lowe
Half Blue
H S Arbuthnott
Half Blue
J M McArdle
Half Blue
1953/54
Coffrey
Blue
D S Lowe
Half Blue
A Francorb
Half Blue
1954/55
D S Lowe
Blue
R Seed
Blue
J H Francois
Blue
J M McArdle
Blue
W J Conn
Half Blue
B H R Stack
Half Blue
J Johnston
Half Blue
S Davidson
Half Blue
1955/56
G Davidson
Blue
J Francois
Blue
W J C Conn
Blue
D Lowe
Blue
J M McArdle
Blue
T Barrow
Half Blue
K Mangot
Half Blue
J Black
Half Blue
M Gwythen
Half Blue
M Moule
Half Blue
1956/57
C P Mayers
Blue
W J C Conn
Blue
B H R Stack
Blue
D R Hiss
Blue
J Black
Blue
J McAndle
Half Blue
R Frazer
Half Blue
P Middlemas
Half Blue
1957/58
J McArdle
Blue
J Asnmang
Blue
K S Mangat
Blue
W J C Conn
Blue
B H R Stack
Blue
H W Hamilton
Half Blue
J J Black
Half Blue
I Forrest
Half Blue
M Xiberras
Half Blue
R W Fraser
Half Blue
1958/59
A Webber
Blue
B H R Stack
Blue
H Hamilton
Blue
J Asnmang
Blue
F Barnes
Blue
K Mangat
Blue
C Mayers
Blue
D A Roxburgh
Half Blue
S W Heywood
Half Blue
A Dykes
Half Blue
1959/60
B Stack
Blue
M Webber
Blue
M D Xibarras
Blue
F H Barnes
Blue
A A Dykes
Blue
S N Haywood
Blue
J Andrews
Half Blue
D A Roxburgh
Half Blue
K S Mangat
Half Blue
C P Mayers
Half Blue
1960/61
J A Hunter
Blue
D A Roxburgh
Blue
J N Andrews
Blue
D Irwin
Blue
A J Webber
Blue
F Barnes
Half Blue
J M W Stewart
Half Blue
N Leefe
Half Blue
1961/62
D A Roxburgh
Blue
J A A Hunter
Blue
F Barnes
Blue
A Cowburn
Blue
M Stewart
Blue
D Irwin
Blue
D I Newble
Half Blue
J A Andrews
Half Blue
N Leefe
Half Blue
J Humphries
Half Blue
J Monaghan
Half Blue
2002/03
Roland Hilling-Smith
Blue
Tom Verson
Blue
Keith Reid
Half Blue
2003/04
James Peter Campbell
Blue
Rob Kinder
Blue
Hugh De Winton
Blue
Paul Maciocia
Half Blue
2005/06
Duncan McRae
Blue
James Hughes
Half Blue
2006/07
Patrick Thorburn
Blue
John Watson
Half Blue
2007/08
Simon Sampson
Half Blue
2008/09
Duncan Birse
Half Blue
2009/10
Duncan Birse
Blue
Will Butler
Half Blue
Michael Witchell
Half Blue
2010/11
Callum Duke
Blue
David Forrester
Blue
Neil Fulton
Blue
2014/15
Aedan McCrossan
Blue
2015/16
Jamie Wong
Blue
2016/17
Daniel Coultas
Blue
Alan Oldham
Half Blue
2017/18
Gordon Amour
Blue
Antonis Efthymiou
Blue
2018/19
Jack Jamieson
Half Blue
David Mawhinney
Half Blue
Ben Pearson
Half Blue
2019/20
Ben Pearson
Blue
David Mawhinney
Blue
Ewen Mackie
Blue
Jack Jamieson
Blue
Martin Rose
Half Blue
Robbie Croll
Half Blue
2021/22
John Stephen
Blue
Scotland (U21 & Indoor Senior).
Martin Rose
Blue
Robbie Croll
Blue
Iain McFadden
Half Blue
1st XI Captain 2022/23. Scotland (U21).
Keir Robb
Half Blue
1st XI Captain 2023/24. Scotland (Senior & U21).
Ritchie McCluskey
Half Blue
Scotland (U18 & U21).
2022/23
Iain McFadden
Blue
1st XI Captain 2022/23. Scotland (U21).
Keir Robb
Blue
1st XI Captain 2023/24. Scotland (Senior & U21).
Ritchie McCluskey
Blue
Scotland (U18 & U21).
2023/24
Alex Wilson
Half Blue
Scotland (U21).
Jamie Croll
Blue
Scotland (U21).
Colours recipients
Clubmen awarded Sporting Colours by the Edinburgh University Sports Union for outstanding service to Edinburgh University Men's Hockey Club.[19] Note from the 2022/23 season onwards, Sports Union criteria for Colours focused heavily on exceptional performance in service roles rather than length or position of service, making reception of Colours more difficult.
Season
Clubman
Notable Achievements
1988/89
Kenneth Nisbet
1990/91
David Milne
1991/92
Nick Johnson
Tom McCallum
1992/93
Graeme Lillywhite
1993/94
Alistair Fergus
1994/95
Gavin Speers
1995/96
Alastair MacEwen
1996/97
Philip Steward
Huw Thomas
1997/98
Simon Bennett
1998/99
Richard Davies
James Langley
David Walmsley
1999/00
George Ornbo
Matthew Tate
2000/01
Norval Scott
Dave Todd
2001/02
Andrew Carlisle
David Ryan
Michael Clements
2002/03
Martin Kelly
Gareth Tenner
Lloyd Thomas
2004/05
Philip Cramp
Joseph McHenry
Adam Rudd
2005/06
Mike Arkley
Thomas Hamilton
2006/07
Niall Carter
Simon Johnston
Matthew McLuckei
Patrick Thorburn
2007/08
Rupert Barker
Known as "The One"
Joseph Gray
Richard Hughes
Graeme Stapleton
2008/09
George Holdstock
Simon Sampson
2009/10
Duncan Birse
Will Butler
Craig Thurtell
2010/11
Nick Brown
David Munn
Sam Trett
2011/12
David Forrester
Kylan Pathmanathan
Michael Henderson-Sowerby
Tom Nevill
2012/13
Alex Fiennes
Conor Bond
2013/14
Ben Brooks
Scott Duncan
2015/16
Calum Adamson
Edward Fyson
Ruairi Gillespie
Aedan McCrosson
2016/17
Euan Christie
Jonathan Lamb
Henry Melville
2017/18
George Adams
Will Harper-Lawrence
Tom Marchant
Harry Scott
2018/19
Ruaraidh Campbell
Vice President of EUMHC in 2018/19
Club Secretary of EUMHC in 2017/18. Kit Secretary 2016/17
Roshan Das
Club Secretary of EUMHC in 2018/19
Treasurer of EUMHC in 2017/18. 6th XI Captain 2016/17
Jack Preece
Tour Secretary 2018/19.
Social Secretary 2017/18. 3rd XI Captain 2016/17
Sam Robertson
1st XI Captain 2018/19.
Kit Secretary in 2017/18.
George Simonds
President of EUMHC in 2018/19.
Sponsorship Secretary in 2017/18. Winner of the EUSU Executive Committee Award to individuals for major services to their Club and/or to University sports in 2018/19.
2019/20
Murdo Lunn
Club Secretary of EUMHC in 2019/20.
Kit Secretary of EUMHC in 2018/19.
Peter McKnight
Treasurer of EUMHC in 2019/20.
Publicity Secretary in 2018/19. Performance Squad Player.
Zubin Roy
President of EUMHC in 2019/20.
Treasurer of EUMHC in 2018/19. EUMHC 5th XI Captain in 2017/18.
2020/21
Alex Tear
Tour Secretary in 2020/21.
Social Secretary in 2019/20. EUMHC 4th XI Captain in 2018/19.
Charlie Clague
Club Secretary of EUMHC in 2020/21.
EUMHC 5th XI Captain in 2019/20.
Jamie Fosker
Vice President of EUMHC in 2020/21.
Website & Publicity Secretary in 2019/20.
Stephen Demery
Sponsorship Secretary in 2020/21.
EUMHC 6th XI Captain in 2019/20.
2021/22
(The Golden Season)
Jack Mead
Vice President of EUMHC during the club's Golden Season, allowing the club to return to play after the COVID-19 Pandemic and win a record-breaking 8 titles during the regular season.
Intramural & Alumni Secretary in 2020/21. EUMHC 4th XI Captain in 2019/20. Has the club's Umpire of the Year Award named after him. Vice Presidential GOAT.
Joseph Demetrios
President of EUMHC in 2020/21.
Vice President of EUMHC in 2019/20. EUMHC 5th XI Captain in 2018/20. Held the position of Vice President in his 3rd Academic Year. Scottish Hockey Lead The Way representative for EUMHC.
Ben Pearson
Head Coach of the EUMHC 3rd XI during the club's Golden Season in which the 3rd XI won a treble of titles.
Tour Secretary 2021/22. Performance Squad Player. Scotland U21 Player during his club tenure. Winner of the EUMHC Coach of the Year 2021/22. Shortlist for the EUSU Student Coach of the Year award in 2022. The Best on Earth.
Tobias Loeff
President of EUMHC during the club's Golden Season, allowing the club to return to play after the COVID-19 Pandemic and win a record-breaking eight titles during the regular season.
Club Treasurer 2020/21. NL & BUCS Fixtures Secretary 2019/20. The Le OOF. Presidential GOAT.
2022/23
Alex Johnson
President of EUMHC in 2022/23.
Treasurer of EUMHC during the club's Golden Season. NL & BUCS Fixtures Secretary in 2020/21. Intramural & Alumni Secretary in 2019/20. EUMHC Goalkeeper of the Year 2021/22. Longest serving consecutive committee member with 4 years on the committee. Most decorated club member with 12 total individual and collective awards.
Callum Alexander
Vice President of EUMHC in 2022/23.
Website & Publicity Secretary during the club's Golden Season. EUMHC Outstanding Contribution to the Club Winner 2021/23. Colour awarded before his final year at the club. Scottish Hockey Lead The Way representative for EUMHC. Scottish Student Sport Hockey Group Student Representative 2022–Present.
2023/24
Dax Traill
Secretary of EUMHC in 2023/24.
EUMHC 7th XI Captain in 2022/23. Won/lost Bristol Fives.
Hamish Walker
Treasurer of EUMHC in 2023/24.
EUMHC 2nd XI Captain in 2022/23. Sponsorship Secretary in 2021/22. Sole award winner of the Slowest Pint Award.
Ed Bury
Head of Umpiring in 2023/24.
East District Fixtures Secretary in 2022/23. Namesake for the BuzzBot umpiring assignment system. 6s Head Coach 2022/23. EUWHC 3s Joint Head Coach 2023/24 (although we all secretly know Cammie was the head Head Coach). Called Buzz.
Club Award winners
The Club Awards are awarded internally to distinguished clubmen at the club's annual end-of-season Hockey Ball.
The Kenny Rogers 1901 Trophy is the interclub trophy awarded to the winner of EUMHC's annual Leavers vs Returners match, which was introduced in the 2022/23 season. Leavers are classified as current clubmen not returning to the club the following season due to university graduation; Returners are classified as current clubmen returning to the club the following season.
The trophy fixture was introduced as a replacement for the Edinburgh Varsity fixture that used to be played with Heriot-Watt, until the fixture's popularity dropped. The EUMHC Leavers play in the club's away kit (red); the EUMHC Returners play in the club's home kit (green).
The Kenny Rogers 1901 Trophy match in May 2024. EUMHC Leavers in red kits, EUMHC Returners in green kits. Team managers and umpires included. Ritchie McCluskey, as usual, featured front and centre.
The Trophy is named after the widely known singer of the club's unofficial anthem (The Gambler (song)) - "Kenny Rogers", and the date, 1901, marks the calendar year the club was founded. A Game of Fives between the two captains is used to decide who will take pushback, with the Leavers deciding the shotgun call. Running penalties/shuttles replace penalty corners in-game.
Exeter Fives cancelled in the 19/20 and 20/21 season due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, end destination was Bristol instead of Exeter and played between 2nd & 3rd year club members who missed the opportunity to participate in their first years at the club. Event named 'Bristol Fives'.
2022
March
Harvey Homer v Tadhg Jones
Harvey Homer
Five
2023
January
Tomas Turjanica v Alex Findlay
Tomas Turjanica
Five
10th Anniversary event
2024
February 14
Oscar Rudd v Ollie Hobdell
Ollie Hobdell
Spuds
Rudd successfully came back from having four hands to winning on Spuds.
Heriot-Watt University Football Club is a football club based at Riccarton Campus, on the western fringes of Edinburgh. The club's first team plays in the East of Scotland League First Division. Home matches are played on a 3G synthetic pitch within the John Brydson Arena on the university campus at Riccarton. In weekend competition, the club also enters a team into the Lowlands Under-20 Development League; and another into Lothian & Edinburgh Amateur Football Association competition.
Graham Thomas Moodie is a Scottish field hockey player, who was a member of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland squad that finished ninth at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Graham has amassed 56 Great Britain senior caps and 148 Scotland Senior caps representing Scotland at 2 Commonwealth Games and 6 European Championships.
Edinburgh University Rugby Football Club is a leading rugby union side based in Edinburgh, Scotland which currently plays its fixtures in the Edinburgh Regional Shield competition and the British Universities Premiership. It is one of the eight founder members of the Scottish Rugby Union. In the years prior to the SRU's introduction of club leagues in 1973 and the advent of professionalism in the 1990s, EURFC was a major club power and it won the 'unofficial' Scottish Club championship several times. It remains a club with an all-student committee, and is only open to students of the University of Edinburgh. The club runs a men's team and a women's team; both playing in the university leagues.
Team Durham is a student-run organisation responsible for sport at Durham University. Durham University's sports programme, run by Team Durham, has produced more professional sports people than any other UK university and has twice seen Durham named Times and Sunday Times Sports University of the Year. It has ranked in the top three institutions in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) every season since 2011–12. Eight Team Durham alumni or current athletes have won nine Olympic and Paralympic medals since 1996.
Belfast Harlequins is a multi-sports club located off the Malone Road in south Belfast, Northern Ireland. The club name provides the overall umbrella for rugby union, men's and ladies' hockey, and squash. The club is associated on and off the field with Methodist College Belfast (MCB).
The University of St Andrews Football Club was formed in the late 19th century at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. The club currently has seven men's and three women's teams participating in the Kingdom of Fife AFA and the BUCS Leagues while also boasting two developmental teams.
Grange Hockey Club is one of four sections of The Grange Club situated at Portgower Place in Edinburgh. The three other sports that can be enjoyed through the parent club are Cricket, Squash and Tennis.
Exeter University Rugby Football Club (EURFC) is the University of Exeter's rugby club. The men's side boasts nine sides competing in BUCS competitions, as well as a Saturday XV, currently playing in National League 2 West – a level 4 league in the English rugby union system – following their promotion from South West Premier as champions in 2021–22. The University 1st XV compete in BUCS Super Rugby, the flagship university rugby league in the United Kingdom.
The University of St Andrews Rugby Football Club is an affiliated member of the University of St Andrews Athletic Union in Fife, Scotland. The club runs four men's and two women's teams, which play in the university leagues.
The Western Wildcats Hockey Club is the oldest field hockey club in Scotland, based in Milngavie.
The University of Exeter Hockey Club is a field hockey club based in Exeter, Devon, England.
Surbiton Hockey Club is a professional field hockey club based in Long Ditton, Surrey, England. The club is one of the oldest hockey clubs in the world, being established in 1874. The home ground is based in Long Ditton, at Sugden Road. The women's team have been champions of England on nine occasions and the men's team have been champions of England three times.
Loughborough Students' Hockey Club is the field hockey club of Loughborough University.
The University of Birmingham Hockey Club is a field hockey club based at the University of Birmingham.
Will Carter Keall is an English field hockey player and player for Men's England Hockey League side Old Georgians.
Samuel George Skinner is a professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for United Rugby Championship club Edinburgh. Born in England, he represents Scotland at international level after qualifying on ancestry grounds.
Scottish Volleyball is the national governing body for volleyball, beach volleyball and sitting volleyball in Scotland. It is responsible for the development, promotion and delivery of district, national and international volleyball in Scotland. Legally, it is a private company limited by guarantee, with its members acting as its guarantors.
Edinburgh South Community Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Inch district of south-eastern Edinburgh. Formed as a youth club in the 1960s, they successfully applied to have a senior team enter the East of Scotland Football League for the 2020–21 season as Edinburgh South FC.
Strathclyde University RFC is a rugby union club based in Glasgow, Scotland. The club operates a men's team and a women's team. Both currently play in the university leagues
Queen Margaret University RFC is a rugby union club based in Musselburgh, Scotland. The club operates a men's team and a women's team. Both currently play in the university leagues.
References
The story of Edinburgh University Athletic Club edited by Colonel C.M.Usher. Published in 1966.
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