BASINGSTOKE Hockey’s ever youthful Grand Master Ladies and Men were in action last week at the World Grand Masters Competition in Barcelona, and for the first time in Ladies hockey history a National Over 65 side took part in the competition.
England’s Ladies trials saw Miranda Smith and Sue Pett included in the squad, taking part in some tough training in the build-up to the tournament. With all other Nations fielding O60’s teams, and only the LX Hockey Club bringing an O65s LX side, the Ladies had at least five years on almost everyone, yet travelled to the competition quietly confident.
They faced tough opposition, however won all of their matches, conceding only one goal in the final against Netherlands, with Sue Pett scoring the winner to take the gold.
England Men’s side included Richard Slator, whilst Scotland included Ian Pett in their line-up.
The Men had a difficult draw, but narrowly took a feisty semi-final on penalties against Wales to face Australia in the final.
Beating Australia a convincing 4-1, they also took home gold.
There was even more success for England from the trip, as the LX Hockey Club O65’s won gold in the Men’s Tournament Trophy, with a number of Basingstoke faces in their squad Gavin Stones, Geoff Furneaux, Ian Burnham and Eric Evans.
Finally, we cannot omit the services of our own Roy Woolley who gave up his week to umpire in the sunshine, whilst both Slator, as club captain, and his wife led the LX Hockey Club team management.
The LX Hockey Club is a nationwide club for players of 60 years with over 300 members with some over 80 years young.
Miranda Smith said she found it amazing to see so many sides of over 60 age players still actively enjoying hockey, and for Basingstoke to be represented so well among them.
If you want to try hockey for the first time, or get back to holding a stick, Basingstoke’s Back to Hockey sessions for both Men and Ladies, are still running on Wednesday’s until the end of July from 7pm to 8pm, just turn up and have a go.
Training starts up in August, check out our website and get in touch if you are interested in joining us.
The Youth Section welcome Jackson7 coaching and will be running coaching sessions from the 20-22 August for seven to 18 year old.
Go to jackson7coaching.com for more information and to sign up.
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