MORE than 20 families turned out to take part in Tynedale Hockey Club’s annual family shield competition in Hexham.

Taking place at Queen Elizabeth High School, teams included a mix of parents, some making their debuts or playing for the first time since school, and juniors.

After six matches in a round robin format, two finalists were left to battle it out for the top prize.

The final winners included only one adult who had played hockey regularly since school. He was ably supported by a new recruit to men’s Back to Hockey, John Kirkpatrick, and Brian Bird, who, although he started playing 40 years ago, won his first medal at the event.

They were joined by Oliver Bruce, Michael and Ben Williams, Sonja and Lily Star, Eli Cann and Rachel Hindmarch. It was an even final eventually ending 1-0, with Alex Kirkpatrick scoring the vital goal.

The cup competition was an international affair. Mark Friswell, who jointly founded the junior section six years ago, returned to Tynedale after moving to Australia in 2017.

Maggie Coombe, from Tynedale Hockey Club, said: “It was wonderful that he could time his visit so that he could play in the tournament with his sons David and Jonathan.

“They played with some of their friends and family and also some juniors who were encouraged by him to start playing hockey.”

The family progressed through the afternoon undefeated, despite being held to a draw by the blue team.

Youngsters Sam Smith, Barry Hextall and Calum Thomas all impressed as they made their Tynedale hockey debuts at the event. In the final, the orange team took the lead after Tom Russell cleverly converted a sublime pass from Ali Burton.

The pink team, who named themselves “G’day pet” to indicate their international make-up, came back strongly. Their equalising goal came from Jonathan Friswell. His brother David also got on the scoresheet by scoring the winner.

At the annual prize giving, Tynedale U12 girls hockey team were commended after representing the region at the northern hockey finals in Leeds. In the club’s annual awards, junior category winners were Robert Conley and Rachel Hindmarch with Harvey Timms and Hettie Reynolds runners-up.

In the older category, Hugh Holmes and Robyn Franklin were stand out performers with Magnus Hextall and Lucy Stith highly commended as runners-up.

The club also awarded the overall club junior of the year to Naomi Garner, who was presented with the Friswell Trophy.