Congratulations to Robin Sampson who has just returned from Barcelona with a Silver Medal for England at The Grand Masters Hockey World Cup.
The tournament was held at Real Club de Polo and Castelldefels in Barcelona and ran from the 20th June to the 1st July. 77 teams took part with 1,700 players in total. Age groups started at 60+ and ranged to 75+. Robin travelled with a squad of 18 players from all over the country, team manager, two coaches, physio and a loyal band of supporters. The conditions were extremely hot (30+), eased slightly by playing 17.5 minute quarters and having buckets of iced water and towels to cool down!
England topped the group beating Belgium 4-0 , New Zealand 6-0 and Argentina 11-0. In the Semi-Final, England beat Germany 3-0 but sadly lost to Holland 1-0 in the Final. Holland scored a soft goal early on and hung on relying on quick counter attacks. Although England had 70% of the play over all, 12 short corners and a couple of easy chances, it just wasn’t to be their day.
Robin, who has just completed his 30th and final year at the Prep School, is now proud owner of a Bronze in Australia in 2016, this Silver in Barcelona in 2018 and hopefully going one better in Japan in 2020 (if selected)!
Trials for next seasons England team starts in October!
