ST ALBANS hockey club's season finally gets underway this weekend with a tough National League Division One opener against Chelmsford at Clarence park on Sunday, October 14.

After two months of training and friendlies, the Saints are ready for the start of what could be an excellent season.

With financial backing from the Daily Express and the possibility of a new surface at Clarence Park, the Hertfordshire side will be looking to build on last season's promotion and edge closer to a place in Hockey's premiership.

On the field, games will not come any harder than Sundays challenge against Essex rivals, Chelmsford. A team also high on confidence following their

narrow play off defeat at the hands of Teddington last season.

That defeat cost them a place in the Premier League, but they have risen from regional league hockey over the last five years.

October 10, 2001 19:31