WOTTON-under-Edge Hockey Club step into the big time on Saturday when their men’s first team begin life in the GoCrea8 Championship.

The competition is only one step below the highest level in the sport in South West England and Wales, and, after great promotions in previous seasons, they may hope that they can do it again and reach the top flight.

The club’s first team play Isca A at Katherine Lady Berkeley School at 1.30pm on Saturday and with big clubs, including relegated Premiership side City of Bath, to play, the second tier will test the mettle of Wotton under captain Alistair Hammond.

Chairman Stuart Emms said: “It promises to be another exciting season ahead for the men’s section.

“Last season, both the men’s first XI and men’s third XI were promoted as champions in their respective divisions and this year the expansion of the club’s membership has meant the club will be fielding a men’s fifth XI for the first time in the GoCRea8 League.

“The men’s first XI have been promoted twice in the last two seasons and the club has retained the services of player-coach and former National League player Matt Fairburn. The squad retains a similar look, while the club continue to look to promote home grown talent.

“Following their successful cup run last year, when they were beaten in the quarter finals by eventual runners-up Blackheath HC, the first XI have again been entered in the England Hockey Mens Trophy. “They face a tricky first round tie against City of Bath – also plying their trade in the Championship this year – on Sunday October 16.”

And it is an exciting season all the way through Wotton-under-Edge Hockey Club.

Emms added: “Neil Forsyth takes the reins of the second XI, whose focus will be promotion out of De Cymru and The Marches Division Two, after falling just short of the promotion mix last year, with healthy competition for places aiming to drive standards higher across the board.

“The men’s fourth and fifth XIs allow the club to provide playing opportunities to experienced players, promising youngsters and adults.”