Neston South Wirral Hockey Club are finally to return home this weekend - after an absence of 20 years

Jul 8 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

THE dawn of a new era at Neston South Wirral Hockey Club starts this weekend, when their new Astroturf pitch is officially opened.

Having been forced to play away from their Parkgate home for 20 years, it is something of a homecoming for the former Champions of England, and fitting reward for the tireless work of a dedicated group of members.

Proceedings start at 1pm on Saturday, with games for both men’s and women’s sides, with the main game at 4.30pm when Neston ‘All Stars’ take on a Cheshire Invitation XI.

This game will feature many of Neston’s former greats, including internationals Chris Ashcroft, Bobby Crutchley, Justin Pidcock, Paul Edwards, Mal Wilkinson, Robbie Smith and Olympic gold medallist Martyn Grimley.

A Grand dinner takes place on Saturday evening in the extensively refurbished clubhouse, before Neston’s current crop of talented juniors take part in a junior tournament on Sunday morning, with an Invitational game rounding things off on Sunday afternoon. Spectators are welcome.