GRAND MASTERS HOCKEY EUROPEAN CUP

Neuss, Germany– August 21/25 2011

After three trials the squad for the England Great Grand Masters team (over 65’s) was selected, and I managed to keep my place. I had to play in a new position, as the right half from the previous season’s over 60’s team had moved up an age group, so I was moved to centre back.

During the summer we had several training/practice sessions, plus the home internationals at Durham. In our age group the home internationals consisted of one game against Scotland – Wales are not yet ready to field a side at over 65 level. Scotland put up some stern resistance, and although we scored early on it was not until into the second half that we got our second (a Tranter follow-up at a short corner). Scotland then surprised us by attacking, and got one back, but the match ended 2-1 to England.

We knew that it was likely to be a difficult European campaign. Germany on their home soil, Holland always likely to be dangerous, a round robin format with only four matches. No room for mistakes.

Our first match was against Holland. The Dutch were quick and physical, we were below par. In the end I think we were glad to come away with a 0-0 draw. It was certainly a good test for our defence, and I think that we were quietly pleased that we didn’t concede.

That first result meant that goal difference was likely to be crucial, and we woke up with a vengeance against Scotland on day 2. England 9, Scotland 0. Sorry, Scotland, but we had to do the business – and we did. Meanwhile, Holland beat Italy 5-0.

Day 3 was a day off for us. Holland beat Scotland 7-1.

On day 4 we played Germany, always likely to be interesting! The first half was a coach’s dream. Our short corner practice through the summer paid off. Four short corners in the first half, half time score 4-0. We had even conceded a stroke (goal-line stick save by me at a German corner, onto a German foot; whistle; penalty stroke – what for?

Stopping the ball backstick … I still don’t know how I could have done that).However, goalkeeper Paddy saved the day, and the stroke. After half time we went 5-0 up, then conceded two goals fairly quickly. I had a bit of aggro with a German forward – I took the ball off him so he trampled me – resulting in my missing the last ten minutes or so (my first time on the bench). However we recovered our composure and scored again. Final score 6-2. Rest day for Holland.

One advantage of a slight back injury was the opportunity to visit the tournament physio – German, tall, blonde, female, very attractive, very friendly (and very efficient). In fact she was so efficient that I felt that I had to see her again the following morning.

Final day – our goal difference two better than Holland. They play Germany, we play Italy at the same time – it’s ours to lose. Italy were pretty feeble, in all honesty. Holland beat Germany 3-0 but we put 12 past Italy, so were comfortable winners in the end. I got the last goal – another short corner move.

The tournament was another clean sweep for England at over 60, over 65 and over 70 levels. England are now World and European champions at all over 60 levels.

We also had the chance to go and watch England in the ‘real’ Eoropean Championships at Monchengladbach. I watched them beat France 8-0, and saw the semi-final against Germany, until the suspension of play with 20 minutes to go because the pitch was flooded (missed the last 20 minutes – England eventually lost 3-0).

All in all, it was another great experience. I still find it difficult to believe how lucky I am to be able to play at that level at my age. My message to all club members – keep on playing; the more you play the more fun and friendship you can have.