DEESIDE Ramblers have paid the ultimate tribute to a man who has served the club for more than 50 years.

The Tarporley outfit’s home ground has been renamed the John Heath Sports Centre in honour of their much-loved president.

John Heath, from Christleton, joined the Ramblers in 1960.

In his 52 years with the club he has played a major role in transforming the Ramblers into one of the leading hockey clubs in the country.

He spent 22 years as Ramblers chairman before taking up the role of president and he was still playing for the club’s veterans team – which he helped form – until last year.

John said: “It is a huge honour given it comes from my friends.

“I have spent a long time piloting a group of good people. To be awarded this makes me feel honoured, flattered and a little embarrassed.”

The name change was unveiled before Sunday’s first team game at home to University of Durham.

Relegation-threatened Ramblers went down 5-3 despite two goals from the in-form Ibrar Latif – one of which was a sensational solo strike which left five Durham defenders trailing in his wake – and one from Ali Ghazanfar..

Phil Johnson (2), Jack Hardman and Hedley Pollard goals could not stop Ramblers 2nds from losing 5-4 at home to Wrexham on Saturday.

Ramblers 3rds (Max Ankers) lost 5-1 at home to Knutsford but the 7ths ran out 6-3 winners at home to Chester 6ths thanks to young centre-forward Jack Saunders (4), Nick Greenwood and Ian Turley.

Chester Ladies enjoyed an excellent 5-2 victory at home to high-flying Wigton on Saturday.

Chester Ladies 2nds were beaten 6-1 at Northop Hall Ladies, the 3rds won 1-0 at Winnington Park Ladies 2nds, and the 4ths earned a hard-fought 3-3 draw at home to top-of-the-table Bowdon Ladies 5ths.

The Chester men’s first team let a one-goal lead slip as they lost 2-1 at home to Stockton to remain deep in relegation trouble.

The 2nds went down 2-0 at Bowdon 3rds but the 3rds won 5-0 at home to Bolton 2nds and the 4ths made it back-to-back wins with an impressive 7-1 success at home to Tameside 2nds.

The 5ths lost an entertaining game at Bowdon 5ths 5-3 while the 7ths were on the end of a 7-1 home reverse by Sale 3rds.