A MAJOR hockey tournament held in Dawlish has been declared a big success.

The Sandy Lane sports ground played host to England Over 70s versus Wales Over 70s.

Andrew Goodridge, of England Hockey, said: ‘It was a brilliant few days and couldn’t have gone better.

‘It was great to see the youngsters’ enthusiasm for the game

The games were well contested in very sunny conditions in front of the pupils of Dawlish College who cheered, cheered and cheered as they watched players older than their great grandparents play.

‘At the end all the players went over and talked to the pupils and I am sure many will want to play and enjoy the games as we have over the years.

‘The college want us back as an annual fixture which is just reward for the players who came from all over England and Wales.’

He also thanked mayor of Dawlish Cllr Val Mawhood for her ‘brilliant’ performance and contribution to the tournament.

Cllr Mawhood welcomed the teams to the town and was then presented with a number 7 shirt, a hockey stick and a pennant to hang in the council chambers.

She played the first few minutes for the England All Stars, scoring a goal past the West Over 65s goalkeeper.

Thanking the organisers, Cllr Mawhood said: ‘I was astonished by the energy of the players, some of whom are even older than me.

‘Numbers of pupils from the college watched play during their breaks and they seemed to realise the effort and stamina of those playing and became engaged as spectators.

‘I think they were also impressed by the fact that the England All Stars team was comprised of ex-England team players.

‘I believe that sport of any kind is so important especially for our youngsters and if started in youth it is more likely to continue in later years and to lead to a more fit and enjoyable old age.

The 130 plus contingent stayed at the nearby Langstone Cliff Hotel.

Competitors raised £1,000 was for Derriford Hospital to be put towards the Braunton Trust Fund and the Hearts Together Relatives Lodge with £500 raised to be spent on hockey equipment and £320 was raised by the Welsh team to be spent on all sports in the college.

Results

England Over 70’s 5 : Wales Over 70’s 0

England All stars (Age range 70 to 80+) 2 : West Over 65’s 4

England All stars 1 : Wales 1

England Over 70’s 2 : West Over 65’s 0