The wait is over. This weekend sees the start of Phase 1 in both the Men's and Women's English Hockey League Premier Divisions, as twelve teams in each division begin the chase for the English title.
Across the country, clubs will be looking to make a strong start to the season, with early results often setting the tone for the months ahead. Here's everything you need to know about the opening weekend.
Game of the Weekend: Men's
Surbiton v Old Georgians
Old Georgians begin the defence of their Premier Division title with a trip to Surbiton, one of the toughest openers Phase 1 could have handed them. Surbiton themselves head into the new season fresh off a strong finish last time out, making this a genuine statement fixture on day one.
Game of the Weekend: Women's
Wimbledon v Hampstead & Westminster
Last season's beaten finalists Wimbledon host Hampstead & Westminster in a repeat of one of last year's standout fixtures. With both sides looking to start strongly, expect this one to set an early marker in the race for the title.
Men's Premier Division: Opening Weekend Fixtures (Saturday 26 September)
| Fixture | PB | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon v Hampstead & Westminster | 18:00 | Raynes Park High School |
| Bowdon v East Grinstead | 18:00 | Bowdon Club (Cricket Hockey & Squash) |
| Surbiton v Old Georgians | 18:00 | Surbiton HC, Pitch 1 |
| Beeston v Cardiff & Met | 18:00 | Nottingham Hockey Centre, Pitch 1 |
| Oxted v Reading | 16:30 | Caterham School |
| University of Exeter v Holcombe | 18:00 | Exeter University, Pitch 1 |
Women's Premier Division: Opening Weekend Fixtures (Saturday 26 September)
| Fixture | PB | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon v Hampstead & Westminster | 14:15 | Raynes Park High School |
| Bowdon v East Grinstead | 15:00 | Bowdon Club (Cricket Hockey & Squash) |
| University of Birmingham v University of Nottingham | 14:30 | University of Birmingham, Pitch 1 |
| Durham University v Reading | 12:00 | University of Durham, Pitch 1 |
| Loughborough Students v Buckingham | 14:00 | Loughborough University, Pitch 1 |
| Teddington v Surbiton | 14:00 | Teddington School, Pitch 1 |
What's at Stake in Phase 1
Phase 1 sees all 12 teams in each division play one another once, with the league splitting into Top Six and Bottom Six groups based on final standings, before the season progresses toward the Finals Weekend later in the year.
With new faces in both divisions this season, including University of Exeter and Bowdon returning to the Men's top flight, and Teddington and Buckingham entering the Women's Premier Division for the first time, there's plenty of fresh intrigue to go with the usual title contenders.
Follow the Action
Whether you're heading to a match this weekend or following the scores from home, it's set to be a big one for English club hockey. Check back throughout the season for previews, results and everything else from the Premier Divisions.
