Saturday
Home:
10:15 Mixed development vs Rotherham 4
11:45 Women's 1st XI vs Didsbury Northern 1
12:00 (Meadowhead) Women's 4th XI vs Phoenix 1
13:30 Women's 5th XI vs Rotherham 2
13:30 (Meadowhead) Women's 3rd XI vs Univ Leeds 4
15:00 Men's 2nd XI vs Leeds Adel 1
16:30 Men's 5th XI vs Worksop 1

Away:
12:00 Women's 2nd XI vs Leeds Adel 2
14:00 Men's 6th XI vs Worksop 2
14:00 Men's 4th XI vs Boston Spa 1
15:00 Men's 3rd XI vs Harrogate 2

Sunday
Home:
16:30 Women's 2nd XI vs Sheffield University Bankers

The men's 1s are currently sitting in 4th position at the halfway point in the season. Their success has exceeded expectations.

The national league is restructuring next season. There will now be a Prem of 10 teams, a second tier of 2 leagues with 10 teams and a third tier of 3 leagues with 12 teams. In order for the 1s to guarantee a spot in the 2nd tier, they must finish 6th or higher. To win the league might be a step too far this season but player/coach Will Hearne says he will not be happy until we are back in the Prem.

The 1s don't play outdoors until February but move indoors for the competition in January. More on that after Christmas.

I asked the mastermind that is Hearney about this season.

When we watch the men's 1s, it is clear you are playing a different game to the rest of us. What are you trying to achieve?

We aren't quite there yet but the aim is for every player to be working as hard as possible at all times. This isn't just mindless running but giving the ball carrier as many options as possible, to offer a pass or create space. When we lose possession the whole team immediately works at 100% to win it back. Although we have some fairly set roles in the team, every player can move between lines which makes us completely fluid.

Off the pitch, what is helping you on the pitch?

Hallam Uni are key. They support our athletes in uni and also provide things like physio for the squad. InPlay game analysis helps the players improve their own game and shows areas for us to improve as a team. Beavo and Steve Hipwell make my life so much easier so I can concentrate on the hockey.

Has the squad changed much this season?

The addition of senior players like Ben Stoney really helps the balance of the team. The students bring great skill and athleticism but the older lads provide a framework of experience and maturity. Some of the boys have stepped up after a season in the 2s which is really encouraging and shows that hard work pays off.

Finally, the home support, how important is it?

It is incredibly important. Certainly one of the top five reasons for our success this year. We really appreciate people giving up their time but also how they get behind us and give us that extra bit of energy and inspiration to win games that we might not have without them. Night games have been great so far and we hope to have more next season, maybe even Friday nights!

A big thank you to Hearney for giving up his time. Good luck to all teams this week.