Boots Hockey Club’s Men’s Over 35 Squad made history beating Sittingbourne 1-0 to win the England Hockey Trophy at the National Hockey Club Championships this Early May Bank Holiday, claiming the club’s first national title in 120 years.
The Final of the Trophy Competition saw Boots Hockey Club’s Men’s Over 35s face returning finalists Sittingbourne at Surbiton Hockey Club, a prestigious venue that regularly hosts many of the country’s top teams.
Arriving fresh off the team bus, the Nottingham side quickly showed their intent despite a delayed pushback. The opening quarter ended goalless as both teams settled into the rhythm of the game, but ten minutes into the second quarter came the breakthrough: a composed run from David Ebbage from halfway opened a pass to Adam Innocent at the top of the opposition D, whose perfectly timed ball to the back post found Matt Parry for a deflection into the Sittingbourne net. The goal allowed Boots to take control, pressing forward with waves of attacking play and short corners while maintaining defensive discipline. Goalkeeper Jon Short and his back line stood firm under pressure, denying Sittingbourne any chance of an equaliser. Boots continued to threaten, finding the backboard again late in the final quarter only for the effort to be disallowed. As the clock ran down, the squad closed out the match with composure and confidence to secure a memorable 1–0 victory — a performance defined by teamwork, resilience, and the poise befitting national champions.
Team Captain, Phil Bowerman said: “This result is historic for Boots Hockey Club. It’s a testament to the whole squad which has progressed over the past couple of years culminating in this fantastic victory. The first national title for the club of which we are all very proud”.
The squad secured their landmark place in the final after a resilient and high-scoring campaign. Their journey began in the Cup Tier, where a tough early loss saw them move into the Trophy Tier – a setback that only strengthened their resolve. A defining away performance in Newcastle set the tone, followed by a dominant 4-1 win over Deeside Ramblers and a crucial 3-1 victory against local rivals, Beeston. Their semi-final at their home ground of Lady Bay against Marlow proved one of their most impressive displays, with Boots showing quality and composure to edge a close contest and book their place in the final. With a blend of attacking sharpness and defensive solidarity, they headed to Surbiton, aiming to bring national silverware back to Nottingham and cement their place in club history and they have done just that!
Boots Hockey Club is one of the oldest hockey clubs in Nottingham and we celebrated our 120th Anniversary in 2024. Over the years, we have experienced great success in the sport and have fostered an open and inclusive environment for players of all ages, abilities and experience to enjoy field hockey at grass-roots level. 2026 marks the first year that one of their teams has progressed through to the Finals Weekend in
the National Club Championships and they look forward to building
on the achievement.