Season Review 2024/25
As the 2024/25 season draws to a close, it’s safe to say it’s been another year to remember for Edinburgh University Men’s Hockey Club. From history-making cup victories to away days in Durham that tested even the most committed members of the club, this season has seen our squads rise to new heights and battle against adversity.
1XI – Champions, Cup Winners, and History Makers
This season, our First XI cemented their legacy as one of the most formidable university hockey teams in the country.
After a consistently dominant campaign, they were crowned BUCS Premier North champions, earning a playoff showdown away to Cardiff Met, the winners of BUCS Premier South. A tough test awaited, but our boys in green delivered a clinical performance to secure promotion to the BUCS Premier National League for next season, a true landmark for the club.
They were not finished yet. In a sensational finale to the BUCS calendar, the 1s lifted the BUCS National Vase during Big BUCS Wednesday, after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the final. With nerves of steel and a George Aspden masterclass in goal during the shootout, they emerged victorious. It was a moment truly glazed across social media, and rightly so.
On the domestic front, the 1s also had a strong showing in the Scottish Premiership, finishing 4th and earning a place in the Grand Finals to fight for European qualification. Although they fell short against Western Wildcats in the semi-final, they had already made history. Just one week earlier, the squad lifted the Men’s Scottish Cup, becoming the first Men’s University side to ever win the competition. A historic moment not just for EUMHC, but for university hockey in Scotland.
To top it all off, five members of the squad, Iain McFadden, Jamie Croll, Keir Robb, Matt Taylor and Jamie Golden, represented Scotland at senior international level. Their talent and dedication have been nothing short of inspirational.
2XI – Regional Kings and Road Trip Casualties
The 2s enjoyed yet another successful season, overcoming a turbulent second half of the year to win Scottish Hockey Regional League 2.
In BUCS, they finished 3rd in Scottish Tier 1, just behind St Andrews and Stirling, and showed promise in cup competitions despite a bit of misfortune. They were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by a strong ESM 2s side, and in the BUCS National Trophy suffered the infamous “Freeze-gate” incident, where a tie was abandoned midway through the third quarter just minutes before it could be declared a complete match.
The result was a rearranged fixture away in Durham on a damp Tuesday night, of course. After a heroic travel effort, the 2s unfortunately bowed out of the competition, but not without a few stories for the archives.
3XI – Solid Steel and Semi-Final Runs
The 3s provided one of the most consistent campaigns in recent memory, finishing 4th in Scottish Hockey Regional 2 and 2nd in BUCS Tier 2. These were impressive placings that reflect their reliability and strong performances across both formats.
They also enjoyed decent cup runs, reaching the semi-finals of both the BUCS Cup, losing to a quality Strathclyde 1s side, and the Scottish Hockey Reserve Cup, where they narrowly lost to eventual champions Watsonians. Tough exits, but signs of a squad with grit and cohesion.
4XI
Where to begin with the 4s?
Despite a season of struggles in Scottish Hockey Regional 2, finishing with just 2 points and a goal difference of -73, the 4s remain one of the most cherished teams in the club and possibly the most character-building.
They did, however, finish 2nd in BUCS Tier 3, just behind our very own 5s, though the rivalry was settled with two defeats at the hands of their clubmates. As for cup performances, legends say the lads turned up in spirit, if not in person.
5XI – The Invincibles (Almost)
One of the brightest lights of the season, the 5s stormed their BUCS campaign, going unbeaten to claim the BUCS Scottish Tier 3 title. The squad was powered by the prolific Tristan Anderson, who bagged a club-leading 39 goals across all competitions.
Their Scottish League campaign was less successful, derailed by the saga now known as “Hutton-Gate” which involved a string of forfeits due to admin errors that ultimately led to their removal from the league. Justice for the 5s? Maybe next season.
6XI – Aberdeen Away and Kitless Catastrophes
The 6s had a relatively stable season, finishing 4th in both the East District League and BUCS. A feat of near-comical consistency that could only be admired.
Their highlight was a legendary away day to Aberdeen to face Shetland in the Scottish District Cup. The result, a 2-0 loss, might have been different had they been provided with a goalkeeper kit. Ben Burton, named and blamed.
Despite the defeat, the journey itself goes down in club folklore. Equal parts heroic and hapless.
7XI
Our mighty 7s wrapped up the season with a 6th-place finish in BUCS and 7th in the East District League, despite battling week-to-week availability and a squad increasingly distracted by dissertations and the occasional existential crisis.
All things considered, a fantastic result for the most mature squad in the club and proof that experience and a strong group chat can carry you a long way.
Performance Umpires and Officials
A special shoutout goes to Ben Burton and Hamish Kinloch, who were welcomed onto the Scottish Hockey Performance Umpire Panel this season. This is a huge achievement in recognition of their exceptional officiating.
Their appointment to the EHL U19 in Amsterdam, appearances in the Scottish National Leagues and even umpiring matches involving the Scotland Men’s national team all speak volumes about the quality and respect they have earned in the game. The club is proud to support officials as well as players in the performance space.
Hockey Ball 2025 – Celebrating in Style
The season came to a close at the Hockey Ball 2025, hosted in partnership with our esteemed and very well-funded Women’s Club. We danced our way to Tynecastle, enjoyed fine dining and finer wine, and celebrated a club that continues to grow both on and off the pitch.
The evening was a brilliant opportunity to honour the individuals who made this season so special. Congratulations to all the award winners:
Player of the Year – Sam Potter (5s)
Most Improved Player of the Year – Tristan Anderson (5s)
Goalkeeper of the Year – George Aspden (1s)
Club Top Goalscorer – Tristan Anderson (39 goals)
Dick of the Year – Tom Annen (6s)
Jack Mead Umpire of the Year Award – Hamish Kinloch (3s)
First Year of the Year – Ben Burton (4s)
Sports Personality of the Year – Julien Aglionby
The Eugene Connolly Lifetime Achievement Award – Florian Garland Hoff (3s)
Outstanding Contribution to the Club – Freddie Kelly-Greaves (4s)
Coach of the Year – Neil Allan (1s)
Team of the Year – 1XI
To all those nominated, shortlisted or simply present and vibing, thank you for making this club what it is.
Farewell to Our Leavers
To all the legends who are graduating or moving on this year, we owe you so much. Your commitment, leadership and undeniable presence on and off the pitch have shaped the club into what it is today.
We wish each of you the very best in your next chapters and remind you that once you have worn the green, you are always part of EUMHC.
Toby Logan, Alex Findlay, Patrick Wither, Aghassi McLellan, Florian Garland Hoff, Ritchie McCluskey, Clemens Probst, Tom Cahalin, Iain McFadden, Toby Hofer, Finn Herbert, Aazim Fur, Tadhg Jones, Archie Cockburn, Pete Sinclair, Finn Trevor, Seb Garnett, Sam Potter, James Bradley, Mathew Philips, Sam Bakhshalian, Andrea Agostini, Harvey Homer, James Bateman, Louis Vissiere, Tom Proctor, Ethan Law
Looking Ahead
With silverware in the cabinet, history made and promotion to the national stage secured, EUMHC heads into the summer with confidence, pride and just a little bit of chaos (the good kind).
See you all next season. Fresh legs, tighter admin and hopefully admin related scandals.
Pre-season and next year’s committee to follow shortly.