Banbury Hockey Club win Men's Super 6s Division 2

Banbury’s journey was by no means straightforward. In the grey depths of December Banbury travelled to Southampton, needing to win the whole competition to even qualify for England Hockey's Super 6s. Banbury performed well, scoring 25 goals in 5 games and making swift work of multiple National League sides.

The only stumbling block was a 2-2 draw with Havant, meaning an appearance in the final game versus Oxford Hawks came down to goal difference. The team watched nervously as Havant fell one goal short of the team's total in the final group game. In the final, Hawks were soundly put away with a 6-2 win, and Banbury were headed for Division 2.

Banbury arrived at a frosty Manchester Grammar School in early January, having been placed in Division 2 North, here they needed a place in the top 3 of 6 to stay on to the next weekend. Banbury had mixed results on the Saturday, losing to Beeston 5-3 and besting City of York 8-4 on the first day. On the Sunday, after losing to Brooklands MU 8-2 in the morning, Banbury rallied and beat Didsbury Northern resoundingly 10-3. A result against University of Nottingham would put Banbury through, and they played their best game so far, winning 5-2.

With further training in the bank Banbury knew going into the final weekend hosted at Repton Sports Centre that the top two places would earn them Division 1 next year, 3rd or 4th a place in Div 2, and anything less would mean another nail biting journey to requalify in December. Banbury were quick out of the blocks with a 7-3 win against Ipswich, but all the while knowing the matches were becoming increasingly demanding. Banbury then had a rematch with Beeston and found themselves down 5-2 with a quarter to go. Banbury pushed hard to fight back and found 4 goals in ten minutes to win the game 6-5 in incredible fashion!

The Sunday started on a low note as Banbury fell to Epsom 7-4 and were forced to reckon with the idea of having to requalify in December, let alone stay in Division 2. Banbury faced Clifton Robinsons next, a side yet to gain a point but brimming with quality, knowing this game may well determine their fate. The game started nervily and after Clifton took the initial lead Banbury took control, winning with confidence 4-2.

After this a two surprise results went Banbury’s way, as Beeston drew with Brooklands and Clifton drew with Epsom, taking points off the leaders, and leaving the door open for Banbury in their final game versus Brooklands to do the unthinkable. During the previous weekend Banbury had lost convincingly to Brooklands. Banbury were determined to turn the result around and started well, taking an early lead and found themselves up 4-2 with some exceptional play and only minutes on the clock.

Brooklands scored a goal with one minute remaining that led to a tense finish, but as the seconds trickled down Banbury could celebrate and recognise just what an upset they had caused, not only against Brooklands but in the Super 6s to win Division 2.

Banbury had put in a magnificent series of performances to finish atop England Hockey's Super6s Division 2, taking down some very highly established clubs in the process. Banbury will play in Division 1 next January, facing off against yet more big-name sides and even with the dream of a promotion to the Premier Division a possibility. Banbury Men’s Head Coach, Ben Mackey, reflected with the team that ‘sport is often a very cruel mistress, and things do not always go your way, so it’s important to take a moment to savour the moment and enjoy it when things do’.

A crucial thanks to Banbury HC key sponsorship The DCS Group. Another huge thanks goes to the whole club, and all the family and friends for their support throughout the Super 6s campaign. Now, focus turns back to the outdoor campaign, as Banbury Men’s 1st XI take on Norwich City on Saturday 31st January at their home fortress, North Oxfordshire Academy.