Havant MP Alan Mak scored on his debut for Havant Hockey Club in last Saturday’s fixture versus League leaders Poole. Mak, a keen hockey enthusiast, played his first game for the club following his award of an Honorary Membership in January. The local MP also picked up the “Man of the Match” award following a vote by his new team mates.
Mak played in the Saturday fixture versus Poole at the HMS Dryad ground in Portsmouth, a 7-4 loss for Havant in a tightly contested match. Mak started Saturday’s match in defence, before moving up to play on the wing in an attacking role.
Having played hockey at school and university (he was club captain at Oxford Law School), the Havant MP was keen to join his local club in Havant.
Last year he joined the Havant Hockey Club 1st XI for their evening training sessions at Havant Sixth Form College, and in January Mak was awarded his membership at the Havant Park clubhouse by club captain Dr Raj Laly and chairman Bill Jones following their win over Staines.
Speaking after his debut, Mak said: “Supporting local sports clubs on and off the field is an important priority for me as local MP. It was a great experience taking part in my first game for Havant Hockey Club. It was a bonous that I scored, and my new teammates were very generous to give me the Man of the Match Award, which was totally unexpected.”
The Havant MP added: “The game got quite competitive as the rain fell and thankfully I’ve managed to escape with only a few scratches and bruises! The atmosphere around the team is fantastic and, despite the relaxed environment, the standard of hockey is very high."
Ben Bream, team captain, who works on Hayling Island said: “It was great to see Alan play for Havant Hockey Club. He has been a strong supporter of the Club during the election campaign and following his election in May 2015. Against League leaders Poole, he worked hard on the field, scored a good goal, and fitted in very well with all the other players.”
Mr Bream added: “Alan is a good team player, and we’re delighted to have his support in the team as a player and as our local MP! We look forward to seeing Alan in the Clubhouse and at future matches!”
Mak is keen to promote sports teams in Havant as a key source of social interaction in the area. He has lent his support to various events and organisations such as the Havant Borough Sports Awards, and gives regular backing to the popular sailing clubs in Langstone, Emsworth and Hayling. Mak was made a Vice-President of Havant Rugby Club in November 2015.
The historic Havant Hockey Club has been a fixture of the local sporting community since its establishment in 1905. It was one of the first clubs in England to introduce the idea of mini hockey, and continues to maintain a strong, active, and friendly club atmosphere that encourages local residents of all ages and abilities to take up the game.