It was a fantastic turn-out for the Grand Masters Hockey World Cup as a total of 41 teams took part in the nine day event between 2-13 May in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Two events ran side-by-side, with the World Cup being contested by the over 60, over 65s and over 70s and a corresponding Trophy competition being played out in the same age categories.
The Netherlands and Australia were the big winners. The Dutch secured gold in the 060s age group, while Australia broke English hearts in both the o65s and o70s. In the Trophy competitions, England took gold in the o60s, while the Australia team Southern Cross Blue, took gold in the 065s and o70s.
As the players made their way back to their home countries after a nine day period of top quality grand masters hockey, there was a feeling that this is an event that will grow and grow.
Supporting the event was FIH President Leandro Negre who was also attending the World Grand Masters Association Congress. Leandro applauded the development of Grand Masters hockey and stressed what an important role Grand Masters and Masters hockey now plays in the 'hockey family’.
In the men’s o60s final, a tight first half saw Australia and the Netherlands battle towards a 0-0 scoreline. However, the Dutch showed their class and stamina in the second half when first Leo van Bogerijen and then Clemens Vehmeijer took advantage of some holes in the Australian defence to give their team a 2-0 lead and the gold medal.
Earlier in the day, England had beaten Germany 1-0 to win bronze, again another fiercely contested match, with Andrew Haigh popping up to score the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute of the game. Despite Wales finishing in 10th place, Arain Zahid was top scorer in that age group with nine goals to his name.
The o65 final was a 1-0 win to the host nation over England. Noel French, who was top scorer in the competition, scoring the winner early on in the game. Despite England’s best efforts, this was a lead the experienced Australia side were not going to let slip.
The bronze medal went to New Zealand who scored three goals past the Netherlands – two from Denis Slade and one for Kenneth Isaac. The Dutch consolation goal was scored by Jan Schonk.
The final World Cup competition was the o70s and here Australia’s players proved able to hold their nerve as they ran out 2-1 winners in the penalty shoot-out after the match had finished all square at 1-1.
During the match, England took an early lead through Robert McCombe, but this was wiped out 10 minutes later when Chris Dempsey squeezed the ball past John Ingam-Marriot in the England goal. The hero at the shoot out was Australia’s Barry Paice, who scored after his team’s previous three attempts had all been saved.
With teams coming from as far afield as Japan, Malaysia, Germany, South Africa, Wales and Ireland, the World Grand Masters Hockey scene is proving that elite hockey is a sport for all ages. And with more teams getting involved in Masters and Grand Masters events, this is yet another way in which the Hockey Revolution is succeeding in achieving its goals of generating more followers around the world.
To find out more about the Grand Masters Hockey World Cup, visit the official website here.
For more information on the Hockey Revolution, click here.
