Vets' Volume

Ladies’ Over 45s

Ashford Antiques entered a team in the inaugural south masters, London Over 45s league for the 2022/23 season. Although there were only four clubs in it, the games were very competitive. Despite having to give Southgate Flutes a walk over for the game at Trent Park before Christmas and losing to Teddington Flamingos in the rain at their place, we won our other four games beating Old Cranleighans twice and Southgate/Teddington once, we remained unbeaten at home and won the league!

Our full playing record was: played 6, won 4, draw 0, lost 2; goals for 10; goals against 9; goal difference 1, total points 12.

Credit must go to Tina Clarke, Gillian Clegg, Jo Lawton, Lynne Morgan, Jackie Parsons and Kelly Roberts who played in all five games and the goal scorers; Jackie, Kelly and Nicky Davis who scored two each. Also, Claire Brant, Lenny Petrakova, Nicky Benedict and Lynne Morgan who scored one a piece. It was a team effort though with a squad of sixteen.

Thanks, are also due to Lesley Mitchell, who helped to officiate at four games and David Brant three. Our key supporters were Julian Clegg and Lee Davis, along with Analise Lawton who helped record several key incidents during the matches, plus everyone else who cheered us along at some stage. We hope to maintain our league title next season and have as much fun as we did on and off the pitch this season. Reports from each game can be found on the club website.

Representing Area Masters

Kudos to the three AHC players who played for their respective London Area age groups in the England Hockey Area Masters Tournaments during the off season.

Pride of place goes to Paul Neyton (Shar) as he once again played for the London O55s team who won the tournament held at Wakefield HC. Shar’s London Area team won three out of their six games and drew two games. Paul can be seen proudly wearing his gold medal – great stuff, Shar!

Claire Brant (Barbie) was also representing London for a second year, playing for the O55s at Bedford HC. Barbie was kept busy with a lot of pitch time in their six games, but unfortunately, they suffered four defeats and secured only two draws ending the tournament bottom of the table.

Lynne Morgan was making her debut for the newly formed London and South East O65s team at Oxford Hawks HC. The ladies managed three draws in their five games and gained a creditable fourth place in their league.

Congratulations to each of you – great dedication to your hockey; inspiring stuff!

Representing International Masters

Congratulations are again due to Lynne Morgan for the bronze medal she won with the Wales Over 65s Masters team at the Women’s Hockey Masters European Championship in Valencia, Spain in July. Lynne also won the Welsh team’s award for the Management Player of the Tournament.