A COMPREHENSIVE 3-0 win for England Over-55s against Germany earlier this month in the final of the Exin Masters World Hockey Cup in Spain saw Ben Rhydding hockey player Andy Locke complete a clean sweep of medals.

That success means that he has secured National Cup, Divisional, Home Nations and World titles in one year, with Ben Rhydding, the North and the England sides respectively.

The England Over-55s side scored 26 goals and conceded only once on their way to the world title, during a tough 1-1 draw against Australia in which Locke sustained a broken nose.

Their shut outs included beating Wales 7-0, France 3-0, New Zealand 1-0, the USA 7-0 and Holland 3-0 on their way to the final win against Germany.

World Cup success with England completed an intensive period for Locke, which started with Ben Rhydding Men’s Over-50s team beating Isca in May at Lee Valley, to secure their third national title in the last five years.

Referring to the World Cup win, Locke enthused: “It was a really tough competition, playing many of the games in over 40 degrees of heat.

“Exin and Club Egara organised an amazing event with men’s and women’s teams aged 35 to 60 coming together from all over the world for the world’s largest ever international hockey event.

“Despite getting my nose smashed by a ball in the Australia game, some terrific care from the Spanish hospital in Terrassa meant I was able to play in the final.

“The win topped off an incredible year, but the overriding feeling I have is one of huge gratitude for the amazing friends I’ve made through the sport of hockey.”

Locke was not the only successful Ben Rhydding player in Spain. Rachel Doherty and Abigail Box, along with Issy MacDonald (team coach), were representing England at the Exin World Masters event in Terrassa.

The trio won bronze with the England Women’s Over 40s team, while Jo Ellis won gold with the England Women’s Over-35s team, who beat Australia 1-0 in the final.

Ben Rhydding’s over 50s team travelled to the Olympic Park Lee Valley Stadium to face Isca (Exeter) Hockey Club. Having won in 2014 and 2016 and losing in the final last year, it was a great achievement to make the final again. However, every member of the team felt that winning would be the only satisfying outcome.

On a baking hot day, the self induced pressure on captain Neill Moore and his team was immense. Isca had put the mighty Reading HC out of the competition to reach the final and were always going to be tough opponents.

The first half saw both teams struggle with the heat and the newly laid pitch. Ben Rhydding were uncharacteristically making mistakes that overturned possession. Fortunately the defence held firm with a series of vital last moment tackles from Andy Locke and sprightly goalkeeping from Paddy Hagan (cheered on by 15 specially clad Hagan fans). Neill Moore kept England’s Andy Bachelor contained and Neil Horsman and Hugh Lambert provided vital control and release points from defence.

Manager Richard “Butch” Terry kept the team as fresh as possible by use of the strong bench and in the second half Ben Rhydding got a better grip on the game. The quality that Ben Rhydding were able to deploy up front (Rob Ward, Billy Marwaha, Ian Cussons, Howard Pickard and Jonathan Till) meant that they were always in with a chance of scoring and the goal duly came from Ward after some slick passing and a finish that the keeper was never able to predict.

The last 15 minutes were naturally very tense but Isca were restricted to one shot on goal which hit the post. The fitness of Fraser Priestley and the sensible use of the bench meant that the midfield combinations of Brian Kempson, Jon Bray, Richard Pughe and Mark French maintained enough control and the clock was run down to secure a 1-0 victory.

Winning a third national title in 5 years by a club from modest sized town in the north of England is a massive achievement. Probably 3 massive achievements! The title isn’t just about the final, all the rounds matter as there are no second chances, so everyone who played in the competition this season made a key contribution. These players are: Paddy Hagan, Neill Moore, Andy Locke, Neil Horsman, Hugh Lambert, Fraser Priestley, Brian Kempson, Jon Bray, Richard Pughe, Billy Marwaha, Ian Cussons, Howard Pickard, Jonathan Till, Mark Westwood, Rob Ward, Mark French, David Cutter and David Habin.