LYDNEY'S hockey players have stumbled on a new and successful training regime – a full blown Christmas roast!

Having lost to a late goal on Saturday, the team celebrated Christmas at a local inn and improved significantly, putting on a much better performance to draw Sunday's game against Bristol University. The double header weekend was brought about by cancelled matches.

"We should do it more often. We certainly played better on Sunday so perhaps we have found the recipe for success – a good bash the night before a game!" said club official Martin Saunders.

Now in his 25th year as a player, Saunders says hockey in Lydney is again on the up.

"Hopefully I can put my stick away as some of our younger players improve and become good enough to take over . The signs are there and this season will give us an ideal opportunity to let them gain experience," he said.

Currently fifth but with no realistic chance of promotion or relegation, Lydney's present team is a mix of experienced players such Martin Saunders, Steve Lewis and Gary James, and an emerging bunch of promising youngsters led by James Grey and Kieran Ousell.

These days the club has to promote its own young players, running teams at under 12 and 13 levels. Both squads have done well in tournaments.

"There's very little sport played at school these days and, sadly, no hockey at Whitecross or Wyedean. but we have a strong junior section and we are very hopeful for the future," says Saunders.

"We struggled a bit last season but this time it has been much better. Overall, the club is doing well with a strong ladies' section and some promising young players like James Grey and Jordan Bishop. The future looks bright," he says.

For Lydney, Saturday's goals were scored by Gary James and Tom Cetterall.