BASINGSTOKE Hockey Club’s Sarah Mainprise took World Cup gold when the England Over 55 Masters team beat New Zealand 2-0 in the final of the FIH Masters tournament.

Two goals before half time by Bishop Stortford's Pippa Bull and Bridlington's Di Levitt and a resolute defence with Mainprise a cornerstone was enough to secure top step on the podium in Canberra, Australia.

Basingstoke player Mainprise said: “It was physically and mentally tough out there but we’ve come half way across the world for this.

“After a couple of hard games against them in the pool stages we knew we’d need to be at the top of our game to pull it off. We had to play some very good hockey to win the gold and I’m delighted.”

England had come through to the final top of the pool stage, winning twice against Wales (3-0 and 5-0), and Australia (4-0 and 1-0).

The had not, however, beaten their final opponents New Zealand in the earlier games, recording a 1-1 draw where Mainprise scored the critical goal.

They then lost 2-1, so knew they needed to up their game to take home the title.

Mainprise added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to play with such an amazing bunch of people.

"Madrid is in two year’s time so a very good reason to keep playing and staying fit, so I’m not planning on retiring yet.”

Basingstoke Hockey Club chairman Miranda Smith said: “I’m delighted for Sarah and proud to be representing Basingstoke Hockey Club with her and a few others playing and supporting out here in Australia.”

“We want to be known as a family club in our community where age is no barrier, and we’ll certainly be celebrating this amongst a range of successes across the club at our end of season dinner in May.

“It’s been a tremendous year and we’ll have a short break then press on with summer festivals, social activities, and Back to Hockey before pre-season begins in earnest later in the summer.”