Adam Burrows

Adam Burrows (born August 31, 1972, Birmingham) is a British hockey player.

Early days

Burrows' hockey career started at the age of 15 for Olton & West Warwickshire H.C. in Solihull. Moved up through the ranks until reached the 2nd XI towards the end of his 18th year. After two consecutive years as the player of the year for the "2's" he found the coach 'Trevor Clarke' unsympathetic to his cause. After contact with the then Warwickshire under 21 coach Malcolm Kemble, he made the controversial decision to switch to [http://www.edgbastonhc.co.uk/ Edgbaston Hockey Club] .

A fresh start

Joining them at the start of the 1992/93 season he made only a handful of first team appearances as the team went on to win the Midlands Premier League but was selected in the squad to play in the Inter League Play-offs ironically held at Olton & West Warwicks. He came off the bench in their first game versus Brean H.C as E.H.C won 3-1.

Edgbaston H.C. went on to qualify for the National League Division 2 for the season 1993/94 and following David Straw's dismissal versus Gloucester City in the first game of the season, Burrows made his National League debut. Edgbaston went on to finish 7th in their debut season. Burrows took some part in each game.

He went on to be the only player to play in E.H.C's first 50 consecutive games. The team finished 5th 1994/95 and 3rd 1995/96.

Edgbaston were eventually relegated from the National League at the end of the 1996/97 season via the dreaded 'play-offs' after losing to Loughborough Students.

Time abroad

Burrows missed the play-offs due to his commitment to join [http://www.centralhockey.co.za/home.htm Central Hockey Club] in Cape Town as their Player coach where he guided them to the Town Challenge Title.

He returned to play for his beloved Edgbaston Hockey club where he continued to play, captaining the side to the Midland League Title in 1999/2000 season only to lose out on promotion back to the National League via those dreaded play-offs, his most successful goal tally came this season with 27 goals in all league and cup competitions. In 2000/01 he was a member of the first Warwickshire team to win the [http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/competitions.asp?competition=00010006000500010004&section=000100010008&id=252 County Championship] , scoring in the Semi final and playing a solid role in the final versus Cheshire. He left Edgbaston for [Lewes Hockey Club [http://southdownsportsclub.co.uk/hockey/] , Sussex for family reasons at the end of 2002/03 season.

Playing days drawing to a close

After surgery to his left knee [http://www.stoneclinic.com/oats_knee_surgery_failure.htm] his playing career took a back stage role. He had the misfortune of being the first team coach of Lewes H.C when they were relegated from the National League. A reflection of the size of the squad is that he had to play himself (although some way away from full recuperation!) in 7 of their fixtures. Although this disappointment would have knocked many a lesser person he strived to play again and was a key member and vice captain of Ross Bone's "Super 2's".

Touring

He was also a member of one of the most revered touring teams. The Undesirables. Founded in 1973, they were dubbed the "BaBa's" of the hockey world. Winning tournaments all over Europe. Other famous players over the years include Malcolm Kemble, Billy Beard, Kevin Murphy (England Indoor), Howard [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Bentham] Bentham (BBC), Rob Turner (GB), Anthony Reynolds (GB' Partner) and the famously, ever angry, Jeremy Lee. Burrows was best known for his vocal participation in the infamous AGM. Never one to be shy of adding the occasional quip or gentle put down.

Persistent knee injuries brought a close to his playing career at the end of the 2006/7 season. He will continue to offer his experience as a coach and has not ruled out the occasional appearance on the pitch.

Happy event

On 5 May 2007 he married his wife Vicky at Holy Trinity Church, High Hurstwood. The reception was held at The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells. Followed by the honeymoon to Borneo.

Playing C.V.

*Position : Central/Right/Left Sided Defender/Midfielder
*Representative Honours : Warwickshire U/18, U/21, Senior. Midlands U/18, U/21, Western Province Senior
*Achievements : Senior County Champions (Warwickshire) 2000/01, Midland Premier League 1992/3, 1999/2000, 5 times Warwickshire County Club Champions (Edgbaston H.C.), Town Challenge Champions 1997 (Central H.C, Cape Town)