AFTER a wet summer, it always seems strange to start off the a season in lovely warm sunshine, but hockey is a game for all weathers. Bolton Hockey Club returned to action this weekend, hoping to build on the team and individual success of the past two years.

The 1st XI finished last season in the highest league position in the history of the club, having achieved promotion in two of the previous three years; the 3rd XI romped to their first ever league title; the 4th XI secured a deserved promotion; the juniors in the men's section won a host of representative honours with both Lancashire and the North of England teams; the Ladies 1st XI dominated all their opposition in winning a league and cup double in only their second season of existence, with many of their players also joining Greater Manchester representative teams.

On the back of all this success, the most impressive individual achievement was richly deserved by Peter Flanagan. His first full season with the 1st XI was last year as a 14-year-old and yet he spent the summer building on his Lancashire and North of England caps by being included in several England training camps and being selected in the final squad of 40 in his age group.

The continued success of the club goes hand in hand with the sponsors. After two successful years, Warings Accountants of Chorley New Road will again by the primary name on the club shirts, as their investment continues to pay off.

It is good to know that the teams can live up to this level of expectation as the opening friendly matches against local rivals Blackburn ended in comprehensive wins for the 1st and 2nd teams. The 1sts never really hit top gear, but were never seriously challenged in running out 6-1 victors, two goals each for a lively forward duo of Craig Cooke and Chris Aitken, with John Woods adding a penalty corner and Scott Tobutt guiding home the sixth, his first goal in 18 months.

The 2nds were even more in command with an 8-1 win. Having opened the scoring in the first minute, goals came from all quarters with Owen Evans grabbing the glory with 4, together with others from Richard Moore, Richard Turner and Richard Hall.

New this season will be a Ladies 2nd XI and their first taste of action also resulted in a 3-0 win against Didsbury Northern. The glory of their first goal went to Helen Clayworth, to be followed by goals from Lauren Hickman and Debbie Green, though it was skipper Cath Jama in the heart of defence, who ensured their first league win.

Can the club, teams and individuals keep up this success? They cannot wait to find out.