Details now confirmed for our upcoming trials day! Please sign up if you’re keen to continue or get back into playing hockey with a friendly but competitive club in Battersea.
We’ll be hosting trials for both our women’s and men’s sides on Saturday 2nd August 2025, from 12 noon until 2pm, at Battersea Park. Please arrive from 11:30-11:45am to register and get kitted up. We’ll go to the pub afterwards for a cool down drink, for those around.
Please register your interest and details on the form below, and we’ll share full details with you nearer the time!
As you look forwards, don’t forget to look back on how far you’ve come.
Richard, aged 28 and a half
Let’s begin with Coach Garth, who (with absolutely no software assistance) has written a little jingle to take you through the first half of the M6 season. Then we’ll look at our new signings, our reporters’ best photo submissions, our results so far, key dates to come, and watch a carefully curated video montage.
Twas the Night Before Half-Season
Twas the night before half-season, the turf shining bright,
The team was all geared up, ready to fight (literally).
The sticks were all polished, the balls neatly stacked,
In hopes that our winning ways would soon be back.
The players were nestled, their warm-ups complete,
While visions of goals danced in their cleats.
Coach Garth was there, but not for long—
A Team GB star would soon lead us on.
It started in Cambridge, with a pub crawl to roam,
Lee scouting the talent, while others called it home.
The team laughed and drank, spirits soaring so high,
But the next day, they woke up, hungover and dry.
But back on the turf, it was time to get real,
We faced the M5s—our season’s first steal!
With swift passing and plays that were neat,
We left them all stunned, retreating in defeat.
But off the field, drama took a sharp turn,
Duncan betrayed Richard—oh, how the tables would churn!
A season’s start, and their bond was undone,
Like a messy divorce, no way to outrun.
A curry night followed, with spice in the air.
The heat wasn’t just in the food, but the banter laid bare.
Laughter and chilis, the group filled with cheer,
But who’d have thought it’d end in a food-induced fear?
The Christmas party came, with Hot Fuzz in tow,
Nick Angel and Danny, putting on a show.
One swan in the corner, and garden shears near,
As the team embraced chaos with festive cheer.
A Japanese peace lily, perfectly placed,
As we “policed” the night, with no time to waste.
And now as we pause, halfway through the race,
We reflect on the moments, the joy, and the chase.
From pub crawls to curry, from drama to cheer,
This half-season's been wild, but we’re still in the clear.
So here’s to the future, the games still to win,
To teamwork and laughter, and the battles within.
With hockey ahead and the holidays near,
The next half-season’s waiting—let’s give them a cheer!
M6 Summer Signings:
We’d like to quickly pay tribute to our 3 new joiners this season. Quietly proud of the back channel negotiations used to secure these throughout the summer. Of course, as well as the new joiners, we are lucky to have a great squad and would like to thank our players for sticking with the team in the face of impressive financial packages offered by competing teams within the club.
Joris
Joe
Martin
Just so Joe doesn’t feel too bad, here is one of Joris’ best goals: a penalty flick very nearly saved by their left back (their goalie was still stuck in traffic).
Captain’s Diary:
At the end of the first half of season, it’s always an interesting moment to reflect. Having received no cards in the mens competitions so far this season, I’ve been pleased to see that others have stepped up to fill the void, and I felt the presence of previous captains on my shoulder when trying to bail players (*cough*, Garth) out of confrontations. It’s a sign of just how seriously this team take their hockey, and also the cyclical nature of a team and the various responsibilities therein.
Having lost only 3 times across friendlies and comps so far, the team should be proud of their efforts on and off the pitch so far. But crucially, they should be excited about both league and plate, where they sit in strong positions, alongside their unique opportunity to display their skills against Division 5 (East) top table rivals on a Friday night at the national stadium at Lee Valley in front of 3000 seats (at least 30 filled). Details of this event to be found below and match day programmes distributed nearer the time.
Thanks to the volunteer efforts of the club (especially Alanna and last minute pitch requests), our coaching team (including those kindly sent down from the GB/England set up to help get us back on track) and club umpires.
Happy new year and good luck in the second half scrap!
Reporters’ Snaps:
Sneak Peak of the Documentary:
Results So Far and Fixtures to Come:
2024-25 league fixtures
Knockout campaign underway, after purchasing a second franchise name
M6 come back to win their first men’s plate game in the knockout penalty shoot-out. After one loss and one win, they now stand one match away from a national quarter final, showing just how small margins can at this high level.
The League Table at the Halfway Stage:
For Your Attention:
Save the date: Friday 28th March, 7pm
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre – Main Stadium Pitch.
Under the lights on a Friday night, on hallowed ground.
Wanderers M6 take on East London M6 in what is already being described as the ‘most anticipated Wanderers game this decade’.
We’d love to welcome down all Wanderers, friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and more.
On the final and beautiful weekend of August, a carefully curated team of wonderers and guests of honour descended on Cambridge for a pre-season camp, to learn more about each other and what makes them tick. There were also rumours that some hockey might be played.
Friday afternoon began with checking into Ben’s old college, before a token walk around and then a customary lie down at the Millpond. Quite an athletic squad we’d assembled. Pizza and the Eagle courtyard then beckoned.
Saturday began with cooked breakfasts and stash handouts before most players napped. Once players had napped and Max had finally perfected his hair, we boarded the team bus to the game, full of anticipation. Would our ringer Harry turn up? Would the opposition also be wearing purple kit? Would even fielding a Wales U-18 goalkeeper be enough to save us from humiliation at the hands of a 3rd team?
The first game was against Cambridge South at Long Road 6th Form. Regular supporters would have been shocked to see our first team stretch and jog since our chaotic first game of 2023. Our star midfielder being unable to touch his knees let alone his toes suggested that there was some room for improvement, and hinted a little at underlying causes behind some ongoing hamstring injuries. However, practice makes perfect. Which was exactly why our only on-pitch warmup is a shot box. In said shot box, two of our players scored against an international keeper and immediately decided they had achieved all they could on the pitch. With 5% of shots being effortlessly saved, the other 95% were suitably topped or knocked well wide, possibly in a bid not to reveal all our cards too early. In perfect temperate conditions, we then had a very good game of hockey against a great South oppo and we were lucky to come away with a 4-0 win. Someone scored a hattrick but I can’t quite remember who.
After such a successful warmup, what better warm-down than a punt up the serene River Cam. However, despite being sent to the bathroom before the trip, some members appeared quite pained by the halfway point, at which point it was decided on our boat that Mattie would take over the helm and really begin to master his 360s. Worse than the desire for the toilet though was two men’s desire for food, a recurring feature of the trip. I think watching James struggle for hunger was even slightly more enjoyable for spectators than watching him sit on the central line for an hour after a jug last December.
The Beechings had kindly organised a curry at the Tiffin Truck and this was superb. Highlights include the alpha males powerfully describing the mildness of their curries as the other half sweltered, closely followed by Duncan ordering his 4th curry and naan as the squad’s desperation to reach spoons grew exponentially.
A remarkable last minute diversion from spoons to the pleasant Petersfield’s CAMRA heartland was achieved and went well until the final barman and one player were locked in a battle over whether they could order a full pint, given last orders were going to be called soon. His street smarts eventually came through, as he ordered two half pints instead. The team never cease to impress.
Somehow the Vengabus song began it’s new life imploring players to try their drink. Jealous of Duncan’s multiple curries, one player decided to enjoy his a second time at the Regal. Mentioning no names, but his name does rhyme with Hattie. Sometime around now, at least 5 separate members of the team asked if ‘ringer’ Harry was playing the next day and each soon let out a sigh of relief.
The coach in healthier times
A discotheque was visited and the various E numbers of the Wkd catalogue sampled. A polite local told the team that she also sometimes went out with her dad and it was sweet that we had taken ours out.
At 3am, I watched James ask the Trailer of Life server to pour all of 8 different condiments onto his chips, before then enquiring about HP sauce and garlic mayo. Speaking only in Anchorman quotes and eating extremely slowly as he soaked up the views on King’s Parade, I began to suspect he was buying time and simply didn’t yet want to have to go back to his room conjoined onto a certain player’s.
Sunday morning began with the team waking to a shocking message. Our player-coach Garth had awoken only to discover that he had slightly lost his voice. Presumably pretty worried for his health, the wounded trooper had decided to depart Cambridge right away and recuperate in London. Our thoughts are with you as you continue to recuperate from your slightly lost voice. For James, his morning began with strange noises and a strange garlicky smell from the chips he’d saved for breakfast. For his next door neighbour, it began with an urgent visit to the GP practice downstairs.
Lost without their coach, the team decided to replace the planned whiteboard sessions with a team meditation (read nap) on the pretty Jesus Green. This was broadly peaceful, even with Tony’s youtube adverts interrupting Taylor Swift every 90 seconds.
A warmup much closer to our hearts on day 2
Sunday’s game was hoped to be a gentler affair but we were jolted awake by an athletic and youthful opposition appearing through the haze. Cambridge City M5 had arranged some rather unforgiving weather conditions, but they did kindly agreed to play quarters, to the relief of all the 14 players who’d not gone home due to a croaky voice.
It was a close game, with an early lead being drawn back by City. As our fitness and coordination rapidly deteriorated with each passing quarter, we were lucky that Lucian’s goalkeeping heroics kept us in the game. With barely 60 seconds to go, Richard pushes the ball away after a foul, and is punished with a short corner that leads to a goal, delivering City a 2-1 victory. Rumours of match fixing are still swirling. Team highlights were watching Harry’s iconic left-right drag(The BeechingTM) being picked by his brother in each of their 28 one-on-one encounters. Harsh brotherly love.
The Top Tourist trophy was presented to Tony, who covered all our meals and hopefully isn’t expecting any payment.
The rail network then proceeded, right on cue, to cancel and delay everyone’s trains home.
Thanks to the oppos for hosting us, and thanks to each and every athlete for coming and committing your weekend, especially those coming from far and wide. The coach will be in touch to let you know if any of you have been selected for a place in the team this coming year. That is, of course, when he has recovered sufficiently from his tickly throat.
As we recover from 2023’s final weekend of hockey, we reflect upon the fantastic first half of the M6 season. We have collected some key highlights, stats and quotes from the team, as well as some favourite photos.
We hope you enjoy; have a merry Christmas and see you in the new year!
This is the bottomhardest trainingmost stylishbestmens team in Wanderers Hockey Club
With the restructure of the lower mens teams over the summer, the secret recipe for an incredible 6s squad was deemed to be precisely: 26% heritage-M4, 31% heritage-M6 and 43% newbie. The new-look M6 were baptised in the fires of a 35 degree Barnes friendly, before being hardened in two tough early games, where subs were few due to extreme pitch locations, still outstanding red card suspensions and even some resurgent Covid.
Leaked footage from early planning meetings: the M6 realise the unbeaten season may have been a one-off…
With some secretive late-night poaching of players from the website, we bounced back with a 4-1 victory vs the league leaders at the time, the widely-feared Tulse Hill and Dulwich HC M5s. This enabled us to aim high and target further victories throughout the season, with a special weight placed upon the big scalps.
We followed this up with some gritty 1 goal victories and valiant efforts to throw away victories at the last minute, before we decided to place our sights even higher. Could we fight our way to become the highest team in our division with the smallest goal difference? Having landed in 6th place at Christmas with a -1GD, the game is well and truly afoot.
Our motivational hero Richard has kindly written in to provide an inspiring quote for us to reflect on other the winter break before attacking the second half of the season with this lofty target in our minds:
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity”.
Richard, aged 27
Other on-field highlights so far have been a 1-1 draw at BP against leaders King’s and Alleyn’s M2 and a 1-0 win in the late afternoon rain away against East London M4. Off-field, we’ve managed a near-full match tea sweep, a successful curry and some great chocolate bar costumes last weekend.
Favourite Photos:
Key Statistics:
Golden Stick StandingsTipper’s Grundy Run Line-Up
Player
Goals Scored
Lee Moir
6
Gareth Brinn
3
Floris Dobber
3
Richard Shelly
2
Gabriel Barnett
2
Oscar Newlove
2
Max Lowther
1
Milo Walker
1
Mitchell Vieira
1
Jacob Harvey
1
Mattie Price
1
Max Stevensen
1
Players on track for Tipper’s Grundy Run (Apr-2024)*
Garth
Sam
James
Derek
Tony
Charlie
Ben
Sanjay
Alex
Henry
Chris
Jake
Duncan
Will
*Surnames redacted for privacy reasons
11 Games
5 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses. 11 rounds of names. Goal Difference of -1.
50 Short Corners Won
0 Goals Scored
5
Never-before-seen Richard socials that we’re still waiting for
Favourite Drop Out Messages:
Hey mate 50/50 if I can make the game at this stage. Will let you know sorry
Lee, Saturday, 04:53 hours
F*** have just woke up
Think I am going to be really poor form and bale
Don’t feel very fresh
Do you still have 15?
Chris, Saturday, 50mins before PB
Given the healthy subs bench was wondering if I could sit this out as it’s over 2 hours by bus at least each way. I don’t know how I missed that.
Sanjay, Saturday, 01:06 hours
Hey mate, I’ve been caught up in demonstrations today and am struggling to get out, so I’m going to miss the game sorry. Sorry for the late notice, I’ve only just been able to get any reception on my phone.
Henry, Saturday, 1 minute after pushback
If you have that spare player, please bring them along today. Wish I could say it was a hangover but literally can’t stop vomiting and shitting myself today (tmi)
On Sunday 19th November 2023, at 4:30pm, Wanderers HC’s Mixed Cup team will be playing its first knock-out round within England Hockey’s Mixed Championships, with the lofty ambition of kick-starting their campaign to become national mixed champions.
We will be facing up against Spencer HC, who have the unenviable pressure of having to defend their title from last year. Luckily, free from such mental baggage, Wanderers expect to be able to express themselves freely with some innovative passages of play on the day.
It should be a fun game to watch, and we’d welcome any and all support down at our home pitch in Battersea Park!
Squad details:
After extensive scouting across the 2022-23 mixed season and various mixed seasons over summer, these 16 stars have been selected to represent the best of the club on the national stage and offered a place on our breakthrough Future National Champions Pathway Programme.
There are many up-and-coming players here, who the club truly believe could be generational talents. And therefore, whilst the primary aim is to target silverware here, we also hope that the squad can take back useful experiences and skills back to their respective Saturday and Sunday teams across the club.
The club would love to see this ambitious and courageous squad supported on the big day, and what easier than a home match, so please pop down and see the big match under the lights. Probably one to wrap up for! Vuvuzelas welcome.
Post-game, we expect to visit a nearby pub for some food and drink; everyone very welcome!
Match-day details:
Date
Sunday 19th November
Time
16:30
Venue
Battersea Park
Opposition
Spencer HC Mixed
Competition
England Hockey Mixed Championship (knock-out*)
Format
5 female/5 male outfield players
*though unlikely, if knocked out in Round 1, we’ll be entered into the Plate, where we’ll have a second shot at re-stocking the trophy cabinet
Given summer mixed hockey has very sadly come to an end, we thought we’d quickly post an update about the upcoming season.
First of all, the training schedule for the first half of the season looks like the below. There’s a filterable table below too to see your team’s specific training sessions only.
Second, the league fixtures are broadly out, and the first weekend of league games (23rd September) looks like this:
Third, if you’re very excited for hockey, you can even see the club’s (and your team’s) full fixture list for this upcoming 2023-24 season.
When the season begins, you can also use it to check out your team’s results and latest position in your league table. To make it easier, we’ve popped the relevant fixtures/results/league-table on each team’s tab within our ‘Teams’ page, so you can find everything automatically showing for you there.
The info is pulling from England Hockey via a very handy little tool, courtesy of Matthew Treherne at Old Kingstonian Hockey Club – so a big thank you to him, including for his help troubleshooting and adding some excellent features!
We had the final Sunday mixed session this past weekend, and have our final Wednesday night mixed session this week.
Please come along (Wed 26th July, 8-9pm on Battersea Park’ astro pitch) – whether you’re a veteran Wanderer, looking to join the club this year, or want to have a one-off hit of the hockey ball after some time out. Don’t miss out on this last chance to enjoy summer hockey! We hope to see you there.
A big thank you from everyone to Harry Wilson for organising a great few months of weekly Sunday hockey – it’s been a blast.
Despite requests, we’ve failed to acquire a single team photo across all 30 games. However, we have these special treats to remember these early summer days by:
Two young athletes are lured in by the ice cream van.
Players toast the successful 2023 summer hockey season
If you are sad at the thought of mixed hockey ending for a while (back in late September), please consider the option of joining a men’s or ladies team. We have trials coming up on Saturday 5th August (11am-1pm) at Battersea Park. If you can’t make that date, don’t worry, you can instead come along to a training session in August (the captains will send you the details and timings etc). Please fill out this form if you’d like to join one of the Saturday teams.
We are running summer social hockey (both Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons) from May until early August), so please come along! On Wednesdays, we play at Battersea Park from 8pm to 9pm. On Sundays, we play in a combined social hockey group/league (across a few clubs, including us and Barnes), with games held at Battersea Park Astro, usually at 1:30pm and 3pm. If you’re interested in coming along, please drop us a message here and we’ll come back to you. Please also fill in the join-us form, if you want to trial for a Saturday team next season!
We should be having a club day/Cup of Nations (friendly mixed hockey intra-club tournament) this July/August, with details to follow!
Trials!
We will be running trials for another enthusiastic intake of players this August. It will be at Battersea Park Astro on Saturday the 5th August 2023, between 11am and 1pm. If you can sign up via the link here, that would really help us manage trials! We’ll come back in due course with further details about trials and exact timings for each part of the club.
Lockddown is over and our legendary events are kicking off again!
Our new social committee has a 2021/22 line up coming in hot 🔥 We’re starting big with Club Day and the Start of Season Black Tie Dinner in September. Here’s all the details…
Club Day 🏑🍻
Club Day is our annual celebration of the season starting and a chance to see your mates and meet some new ones! This is a must attend for any newbies who want to get to know the club and become part of the Wanderers family.
Club Day is an afternoon of social mixed hockey competition starting at 1pm at Battersea Park and followed by a few (or more than a few) bevvies at South West Eleven, the new club house!
We’ll continue the competitions with boat races and beer pong! ⛵🍺🏓
To get involved email [email protected] with your name and team you play for!
We’ll put you into a team on the day.
Start of Season Dinner 🥂
Since lockdown put the brakes on our usual End of Season Prizegiving, we decided to have the best start of season ever and make it a black tie dinner!
The SoS Dinner is on Saturday 25th of September at the Clayton Hotel in Chiswick.
This is a snazzy black tie event with dinner, drinks and dancing so some dressed to the nines and ready to boogie 🥂💃🏽
The ticket cost is £50, the club will contribute the rest of the ticket price.
If you played last season, your fees refund is the same price as the ticket. You can use this refund to pay for your ticket – this will be arranged with your team treasurer and they’ll be in touch with you. If you didn’t pay last season, you can pay for your ticket with your team treasurer.
Your captain or social sec will make sure you’ve got all the details you need.
