Double glory for Exeter in inaugural London Hockey Varsity

First teams from the men’s and women’s hockey clubs took on their Durham counterparts in two closely contested matches, hosted by Richmond Hockey Club at the University of Westminster’s Quintin Hogg Memorial Sports Ground in Chiswick.

University of Exeter and Durham alumni attended the event which was used as pre-season training by the Exeter sides, who took the opportunity to assess the latest intake of student hockey players. An impressive performance saw both teams take victory, the men’s side coming through 4-1 and the women 3-1.

Exeter’s Director of Hockey, Chris McInroy, was delighted by the level of support and the standard of hockey on display. He said: “It’s great to see so many former members come together to catch up with old friends and support Exeter. We simply couldn’t perform at the level we do without the support of our alumni and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing input.

“We’re still in the early stages of pre-season but already it looks like we have the makings of fantastic squads for both men and women. We thank Richmond Hockey Club for their hospitality and putting on a great weekend of hockey.”

These results come at the end of a very successful season of Hockey at the University of Exeter. Currently ranked number one in the UK for the sport, the women’s first team won the Southern Premier League whilst the men’s team reached the quarter finals of the National University Championships.

University of Exeter Alumni have also continued to show their prowess on the international hockey stage. 2012 graduate Tom Carson (Marketing and Management), travelled to the European Championships in August with the England senior Hockey squad. The former Hockey Club captain scored two crucial goals against Ireland to see the side through to the semi-finals.

Tom is the latest in a number of Exeter alumni who have joined the international hockey ranks. Former scholar Sarah Thomas made history with Team GB who won a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Ian Hayley and Chris Rae have also competed for their native South African and USA sides respectively.

One of the University of Exeter’s 10 , hockey receives specialist support, with both men’s and women’s teams competing at national levels. Exeter’s Sports Park has also enjoyed a myriad of new hockey facilities over the past 12 months, including a newly resurfaced water-based hockey pitch and dedicated eight team changing pavilion.