For almost 20 years, the annual Boxing Day hockey match between the cricketer’s and North Down Hockey Club has been a festive highlight, bringing together fierce (but friendly) rivalry, questionable fitness levels, and a shared commitment to raising funds for charity. The event has raised somewhere in the region of £7,000–£8,000, with all proceeds in recent years going to Marie Curie in memory of Brian Davis—a great friend to both clubs.
With historians now investigating the exact origins of the match, plans are underway to ensure that the confirmed 20th anniversary will be suitably celebrated in style.
2024: The Hockey Club Turns the Tables
While this was far from the hockey club’s first victory in the fixture, it remains one worth celebrating. After all, the fact that the cricket club ever win this match is little short of miraculous. Faced with seasoned hockey players who often bring near-first elevens to the pitch, the cricketers typically rely on tactical ingenuity, questionable officiating, and a level of fitness that could charitably be described as “nostalgic.”
This year, however, the cricketers’ usual formula fell flat. Deprived of their traditional pre-game pint—a key ingredient in their Boxing Day preparation—they stumbled to a 5-1 defeat, most likely their heaviest in the history of the fixture.
Hockey Glory and Veteran Redemption
Hockey veterans such as Ross and Mark Linter, Sam Pyper, and Gareth Bailie, who have endured quite a few agonizing defeats at the hands of the cricketers, finally had their moment in the sun. Such was the rarity of the occasion that they nearly embarked on a victory lap!!
Bright Spots for the Cricketers
Despite the scoreline, the cricket team had their moments. Peter Gray delivered an exceptional performance between the posts, pulling off a string of brilliant saves to keep the hockey club at bay. His heroics gave his teammates hope, though lapses in defense (and festive indulgences) ultimately proved costly.
The cricket team’s solitary goal came courtesy of Jaxon Dines, who calmly slotted home after an assist from Adam Gardner. Gardner, a recent recruit to the hockey club, kindly guested for the cricket team on the day, qualifying by virtue of his playing for Holywood CC, and no doubt much arm-twisting around a transfer to The Green for the bat and ball sport will ensue in January.
Post-Match Reflections
Veteran match organiser Peter Shields, speaking after finally getting his breath back, wasted no time pointing out the real reason for defeat: poor pre-match preparation. “The clubhouse bar wasn’t open in time,” he explained. “We were deprived of our pre-match pint(s), which have clearly given us super powers in the past. Rest assured, we won’t make that mistake next year!”
Planning for 2025
As the sun set on The Green, post-match drinks were shared, congratulations were offered, and the cricket team’s veterans began hatching their plan for revenge. By the time a few more pints had been consumed, victory in 2025 seemed not only plausible but inevitable!
And after many years of threatening, perhaps 2025 will finally be the year we introduce a cricket match to the calendar, ensuring the rivalry truly works both ways.
Another Successful Day
All in all, it was another great day of sport, laughs, and fundraising for Marie Curie. This event not only supports a charity that means so much to both clubs but also keeps alive a tradition that embodies the best of Boxing Day camaraderie.
Here’s to the hockey club finding their stride in the New Year and, of course, to next Boxing Day—when the cricketers will be ready, refreshed, and undoubtedly rearmed with a better game plan and a stronger pre-match ritual!
- Peter Gray
- James Shields
- Tom Crothers
- Luke Crothers
- Josh Gilmore
- Harry McLaughlin
- Gavin Rogers
- Thomas Barr
- Marty Johnston
- Hugo Harrison
- Dan Johnston
- Peter Shields
- Jaxon Dines
- Caitlin Shields
- Adam Gardner
Our youngest ever team!
