Bridgnorth hockey trio go after 148 years’ service
Three Bridgnorth Hockey Club members will retire at the end of this season after a remarkably long continuous playing career with the club adding up to 148 years.
Ian Connolly (55 years), Chris Burroughs (40 years) and Derek Jordan 53 years are hanging up their sticks.
Connolly joined the club in the 1962-63 season when there was just one team and home games were played at Broseley Cricket ground because of outfield works on the Bridgnorth cricket ground.
He played for the first team for 23 years before taking up the captaincy of the bottom team for the rest of his career, helping to bring on the youngsters.
Jordan joined two years later when there was still only one team and had an illustrious playing career throughout his 53 years playing in almost every side as the club grew and started more sides.
Most of his time he has been either the captain or vice-captain of various teams passing on his experience to the youngsters as they progressed.
Burroughs joined in the 1977-78 season and has been a major force in the club and probably one of the most prolific goalscorers Bridgnorth have seen.
As a left-handed player, he had the knack of producing brilliant goals out of nothing, surprising many a goalkeeper.
Burroughs has also been a captain and vice-captain during those 40 years.
All three confirmed they have enjoyed every minute of their playing time and hope to continue to contribute to the continued success of the club which turns out nine senior sides and many junior sides nearly every Saturday.
