England Grand Masters (Over 60) are on top of the world after defeating Australia 4-1 in the World Grand Masters Association (WGMA) World Cup final at the Hong Kong Football Club on Sunday. Previous holders Germany were the Bronze medalists beating hosts Hong Kong in the 3rd/4th play-off.
England Great Grand Masters (Over 65) just failed to make it a double. After finishing the final 0-0 with Australia after extra time, they were still level after the first series of penalties but eventually lost in the second series to relinquish the crown which they had won in Leverkusen in 2006.
There was, however, further success for England when the LX Club side won the Tournament Trophy for non-national teams. In a league competition they finished ahead of Germany B on goal difference.
With two Gold medals and one Silver, it was a highly successful tournament for English Masters hockey. England are now a formidable power at this senior level and national teams are already being shaped to contest the Masters World Cup tournament – for Over 40, Over 45, Over 50 and Over 55 – to be held at the same venue in Hong Kong next year.
Grand Masters organizer Adrian Stephenson said “Their success is a credit to the dedication and fitness of the players and a great tribute to England Hockey's active support for the development of Masters hockey at all age levels.”
Source: England Hockey
