Hockey masters turn on the style

Bedford Hockey Club were privileged to be able to host a national master’s hockey tournament over the weekend.
Bedford HC hosted a successful masters tournament.Bedford HC hosted a successful masters tournament.
Bedford HC hosted a successful masters tournament.

Their Chester Road home ground welcomed teams who had travelling from across the country.

The tournament, arranged by East Region Masters Hockey, was a Women’s Over 35s Regional competition.

A total of seven teams competied.

The standard of play was incredibly high, teams participating from the North West, South Central, Yorkshire & North East, London, Midlands and West, as well as the East squad, which included four of Bedford’s own players.

The success of the tournament, hosted at the Sports & Hockey Centre, was thanks to a real team effort, with umpires from the region officiating and Bedford Hockey Club members supporting pitch-side and also in the clubhouse.

After two full days of play, the competition came down to a thrilling final between the East and the North West.

The East had shown dominance in many of its early round matches but the North West weren’t going to submit without a fight.

This despite the East opening the scoring early on.

Drawing level visibly renewed the northern team’s energy and charged them with fresh determination.

Whilst there were chances to take the lead at both ends, it was the North West who broke the deadlock, going a goal ahead, and they began to believe they had a possibility of securing the win.

Their dream became a reality when a break away run, followed by a clinical finish, from one of North West’s forwards secured the 3-1 victory, and the gold medal, the East having to settle for a commendable silver.

Bedford Hockey Club will be running four Back to Hockey sessions, for women, through June.

These will encourage those who have played in the past to pick up their sticks again.

But is is also a chance to welcome women who have never played before.

Visit the Club’s website for further details, and to register an interest.

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