HOCKLEY have enjoyed home comforts in their quest to become just the third club to win the Hampshire Sevens five times.
But if Alan Carpenter’s team are to lift the trophy for the first time since they hosted the final back in 2009, they will have to end Liphook’s dreams of winning the Hampshire Inter-Club Knockout for the first time in the Sevens’ 59-year history, by beating them in the morning semi-final.
Victory would set up a final clash against either three-time winners Royal Jersey, or minnows Southwick Park, who are through to the final for the first time in their club’s 48-year history.
Ironically, Royal Jersey last lifted the trophy back in 2013 when they beat Hockley in the final at Weybrook Park, on a miserable afternoon which saw the final played in torrential rain.
Hockley’s vice-captain Andy Dunne said: “Having lost in the first round last season away at Alton, all of our fixtures have been at home this season.
“That helps massively in this competition, especially at a uniquely tough course like Hockley – where conditions can change from moment-to-moment, let alone day-to-day.”
The run to the last four was almost stopped in its track when they were beaten by last year’s beaten finalists New Forest in the first round. But the visitors were found to have fielded an ineligible player and Hockley were awarded the tie by organisers Hampshire Golf.
Having knocked out Alresford, they faced the 2022 winners Bramshott Hill on the slopes overlooking the M3 in the third round, winning 6-1.
The Hockley County Sevens team after their win over Brokenhurst Manor last month
The quarter-final saw Brokenhurst Manor – another club with a strong category one membership like Liphook and Stoneham – who have yet to win the County Sevens.
The New Forest club fielded a strong team including former Barton-on-Sea pro Ryan Trussell, who now plays off two, but were beaten 4½-2½ as Hockley booked their semi-final place at Rowlands Castle.
Dunne said: “Our team has chopped and changed through the rounds with availability, albeit with a stalwart core of players playing every round. But for finals day we are having to make three changes.
“Team captain Alan Carpenter, John Fisher, and Kev Stansfield aren’t available – who have been some of our best performers.
“I am playing with James Atterbury, who played in one of the earlier rounds, and Mark Rookyard – who will make his first appearance of the season – coming into the team.”
Carpenter, a past club captain, plays off three and has been unbeaten in the run to Rowlands, but booked a holiday which clashes with the final.
The losing Hockley team beaten by Royal Jersey at the 2013 County Sevens final. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES
Current Hockley captain Martin Gill is a left-hander, who plays off 15, and will face a different challenge on the final venue’s dog-leg holes, while his deputy Dunne, who is off seven, will be under pressure to produce his best golf as the competition reaches its climax.
Big-hitter James Atterbury – a seven-handicapper – is another player drafted in for the Liphook clash while Rookyard, who is off nine, reached the semi finals of the club’s Summer Knockout Matchplay competition.
Dave Hampton-Trim has been at Hockley since his junior days. He even worked in the pro shop and behind the club’s bar, so will be hoping to be on the other side celebrating at the 19th come Sunday evening.
The seven-man line-up is completed by another past captain in Peter Robbins, described by Dunne as “Mr Steady.”
Team manager Andy added: “It’s a shame Kev is unavailable for the final along with John Fisher, who is in his mid-70s and plays every day. He recently shot his age.
“Alan, Kev and John are all great matchplay competitors who we will miss. But we are confident we have a strong side ready for the challenges on Sunday.
“To get another win and join Army GC on five victories would be really something.”
Hockley beat Corhampton in the 2008 final after beating Test Valley in the semi-finals. They were the third-ever winners in 1968, and triumphed again in 1978 when the finals were played at Lee-on-the-Solent.
Win number three came in 1991 but with none of the 2008 still playing, Dunne – in Carpenter’s absence – will find out if the current crop can join the club’s honours board for matchplay champions.
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The Hockley team that won the Hampshire Sevens in 2008 when the finals were held at the Twyford Down club. Holding the trophy is captain Stephen Moore