Mill Hill hockey club begins the 2008/9 season with a new ground, a new kit and in a new division following a hard-fought promotion.

The men's first team will now face the likes of Milton Keynes, Slough and Rover Oxford in the top tier of the Middlesex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire league.

Only a tense 2-0 victory against promotion rivals Bracknell in their final game secured Mill Hill's return to top flight status, but their Captain Pete Lazlett is confident that his team's battling qualities and never-say-die attitude will serve them well in the higher paced games to come.

Scoring goals shouldn't be a problem - Mill Hill's prolific centre forward Ryan Sclanders is looking to improve on a record haul of 35 goals.

But a leaky defence, which undermined a number of otherwise excellent performances last time round, could be more of a concern against the clinical finishers of the first division.

Last time they climbed to the top regional league two years ago, Mill Hill registered some notable victories but just lacked the consistency to avoid the drop.

However, with pre-season fitness training well under way the team approaches the new season better prepared and more experienced.

Whatever the outcome, the future looks bright after a summer takeover deal that will finance the construction of a purpose built astroturf pitch at their Grahame Park Way clubhouse.

In the meantime both men's and women's teams will play home games at Mill Hill School.

If you're interested in playing, or want to find out more about the club, visit Mill Hill Hockey club online.