Back in April the section lost a much loved member of our hockey family, Rob Deane, who sadly passed away after a short and sudden illness. The Women’s section hosted a Memorial Match in tribute to Rob. This was held at Southbury Leisure Centre on Sunday 8th September 2024, 12pm Push Back. The teams consisted of past and present women’s players.
Both of the squads, featuring Pippa’s team in purple, and Sam’s team in white.
Match Report
“On Sunday 8th September the ladies section held a memorial game for Rob Deane, dad to the Deane sisters, who sadly passed away suddenly in April.
Whether it was umpiring, supporting on the side-line, coaching, managing or helping with subbing, half time talks, dog sitting, attending socials, running a quiz or getting drunk with us at the dinner. Rob gave so much to our club.
The aim of the day was to hold a fun match of hockey and to raise money for the Metropolitan Police Benevolent Fund the families charity of choice.
The sun was shining as all present circled round the centre of the pitch. Gemma Gatting read a dedication to Rob and this was followed by a minutes round of applause.
With Sam captain of one team and Pippa of the other, the game started in glorious sunshine following a storm overnight.
The game was played in great spirit with a mixture of ones and twos in each team. Sam Deane scored two cracking goals one from open play and one from a straight hit from a short corner in the 1st half. Her team were two nil up at half time. Kareen Allan scored for Pippa’s side early in the second half to make the score 1-2, but Sam’s team picked up two further goals from Karen Gray and Alice Reekie. The final result was 4-1.
It was great to see some many players of past and present spectating on the side-lines.“
Written by Gemma Gatting
The Metropolitan Police Benevolent Fund
All of the money raised on the day, and through sharing of the link, was dedicated towards the Metropolitan Police Benevolent Fund.
As a section, at the time of writing, we had managed to raise a fantastic £795.00 + £187.50 Gift Aid!
If you would like to further contribute to this, please click the link here: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/robert-stephen-deane-memorial-match
We have also created an online memorial book if you would like to wish Rob and family well wishes too: https://www.unforgettablememorials.com/memorials/62c62514-5e84-44c3-bb0e-18de2128a06b/robert-stephen-deane
Sending the biggest love to Rob, and the Deane Family ❤