Area Masters Tournament Report 2024

17 Area Masters tournaments a hit with over 120 teams competing

Every year the Area masters tournaments grow in team and player numbers. This year was no exception with every Area hosting at least one tournament. Approximately 2,000 players and 200 officials took part. All venues had excellent facilities and were very well delivered by the TOs, TDs and their umpire, GMS and match official teams. The hockey was of a high standard at all levels with a mixture of very well contested matches and a few unexpected results, all sent live to the results service on GMS.

It all began in early May with the WO70, WO35, WO40 and the MO35.

The WO70 kicked things off with a super fun day at Hampton in Arden HC. A 7 a-side friendly tournament to get the age group going. 6 team competing with a joint North team and London and the South East teaming up. No official  medals to be won but bags of sweets and afternoon tea enjoyed by all.

Marden Russets HC hosted the WO35 on behalf of the South East, in rural Kent with perfect weather. A slick tournament with very competitive matches played with great spirit. The Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday evening could not compete with the entertainment showcased by the teams who stayed for the dinner. The hockey went down to the last game between Yorkshire & North East and the South East. The East were winners with Yorkshire & North East runners up after sneaking a win in their last game, with the South East third.

A weekend by the sea at Bournemouth in South Central was fun for the WO45 and saw London as the overnight leaders with the East in hot pursuit. There were plenty of close scoring games all weekend. London ran out winners in the big game with the East on the Sunday and so were winners overall with one more win than the East and unbeaten all weekend, with Yorkshire & the North East coming in third.

In the MO45 at Wakefield HC in Yorkshire and the North East, the home Area side  won out with a very professional display, being unbeaten and only dropping points in their draw with Midlands. Of the 21 games there were only 3 draws, only one of which was 0 - 0. 57 goals were scored. The West beating the Midlands 3-2 in an end-to-end game took 3 points off one of the top contenders on the first day which ended with YNE top with Midlands, West and South East close behind. There was a nail-biting finish with both last games of the weekend featuring Midlands and West; with West needing a one goal higher winning margin more than Midlands to take the silver medal deciding factor to the game between the sides. Both London and North West though proved plucky opponents with London going close a number of times before succumbing 2-1 to Midlands. Meanwhile 10-man North West (unluckiest side of the weekend with 5 injuries) held West to the same score line and ensured that midlands got silver by the one goal margin.

The following weekend saw a further 5 tournaments. The WO40, WO50, WO65, MO45 and the MO55.

The WO40 was hosted by Folkestone Optimist HC on behalf of the South East was fun and enjoyed by all.  The rain stayed away, and the supporters were treated to some fast-paced hockey with 31 goals throughout the weekend from 18 different players.  Kat Hales (East) with 3 goals, Jo Day (Yorkshire & North East) 3 and the top scorer Sian Craze (London) with 4 goals.  London finished day 1 on top having played 4 games with 4 wins.  Their 2 games on Sunday were against the West and Yorkshire & North East who were both unbeaten after 3 games. The first game of Sunday morning was very close with London beating Yorkshire & NE 2 - 1.  The West beat both South Central and Midlands by 1 goal to 0 and the tournament went down to the very last game of the day.  The West needed to win having already drawn with Yorkshire and NE.  After a very tight game London came out on top with by single goal.  

“It was a pleasure to compete in such a fantastic event. Bravo to all involved!” 

The WO50 was hosted by Surbiton HC for London. The weekend started overcast but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the players, with up-beat music accompanying the various warm-up routines.  The hockey was played at a high tempo with great sportspersonship and camaraderie.  At the end of day 1, West were in the lead on 10pts followed by Midlands on 9pts and South East on 8pts. All to play for going into day 2 but first the matter of the BBQ. SHC were delighted to host a BBQ, attended by 6 of the 8 teams, embodying the spirit of Masters hockey; meeting old friends, making new ones and with a bit of hockey thrown in for good measure!

Day 2 proved to be even more of a spectacle. Tired legs didn’t slow the tempo of the games but with the temperature rising the water cannons were used to provide some cooling relief. As the day progressed it became apparent that the scheduler had got it right; South-East would play West in what had effectively become a final! A draw would see South-East crowned champions due to +1 better goal difference going into the final game. It was great to see support for both teams in the match from the teams that had already finished their final games. With tiring legs, both teams were spurred on with the prospect of a gold medal. The match ended 1-1 - South East were crowned 2024 champions. It was great to see some many players sticking around after their final games to watch the trophy presentation.

Sunny Bristol University on behalf of the West, hosted 108 players from 7 Areas in the WO65 tournament, which included many O70s. The tournament saw the silky skills and super shots of South Central eventually prevailing over the tenacity and team-work of Yorkshire & North East. Both were unbeaten with a goal difference of 10, They drew their match against each other and there were only 2 points between them. The Midlands came a worthy 3^rd, East and West followed in mid table.  Huge respect to the South East who played with only 12 players of which 3 were injured. They played all their matches in great spirit, and it was lovely to welcome London as an Area in this age group for the first time. We look forward to having North West as well in future years. The well-attended dinner was equally lively with entertainment led by some of the West O70s.

The MO45 tournament was hosted by the East and played at Bedford HC. An outstanding performance by the Midlands saw them as clear winners with 7 wins, 19 goals for and only 2 against. They didn’t have it all their own way though as they were hotly pursued by London who only lost to the Midlands, and the East who had 4 wins and an extra draw against the West. Some fantastic hockey was played over a strongly contested weekend.

Southgate HC were hosts for the MO55 in London. A very exciting tournament with five of the teams leading at some point and 6 teams in with a chance of a medal right up until the last two matches. There was some great play from all the teams and some splendid ‘almosts’ were seen from the clubhouse balcony that could have led to a deluge of further goals. Five 0-0 draws - reflected the flowing and tightly contested nature of the play.

West came away undefeated and reflecting on how to up their scoring rate in future to avoid ‘runners up’ ‘disappointment’. A win for London in their last match would have given them the winner’s spot but defeat by South East saw them overtaken. In the last round of matches, a win for South Central and Midlands could have made either of them medallists - with East also in with an outside chance (landslide victory needed over South Central)! With 3 teams tied on 11pts there was a risk of a shuttle shoot-out being required to separate out medallists.

To the relief of the officials, those with a long trip home and most of those watching, South Central made silver medal position their own. Midlands made a Mysteron (0-0) of their last game and so South East were the winners with the West pipping London for third by a goal difference of 1. A super tournament where Hockey won!!

And so, to the next round of tournaments played in June. The WO60, MO40, MO50, MO70, and MO65, MO75.

Guildford HC hosted the WO60 for the first time in the South East. A somewhat chilly morning greeted the 8 Areas as they gathered but the air was full of fun and friendship as old acquaintances bumped into each other, and lurking under the surface the competitive tension was starting to build. The matches started and it was nip and tuck. Friendships forgotten; it was down to the serious business of winning. Hard fought games, no quarter given, but played in just the right spirit. By the end of the day 1 West had established a clear lead on the points board and were the team to beat. The East were in touching distance with South East, and Yorkshire and North East, close behind and chasing hard. In the evening Guildford HC managed to cram in all 130 players, a few umpires, and some of the management into their club for a wonderful evening’s meal and entertainment. It wasn’t a ‘dry’ affair!

Sunday arrived and with it, lovely warm weather to help ease some of the stiff, aching limbs. The masseuse was rather busy! The matches resumed, with the umpires doing a fabulous job of allowing the ladies to play flowing hockey. Mid-afternoon saw the top of the table clash of West v East. A narrow win to West gave them an unassailable lead and so they became the deserved tournament winners, scoring 11 goals and letting in just 4. Other notable achievements were London going undefeated throughout (the only team), and the North-West claiming a famous victory over West. It was a fantastic weekend of hockey, with fun had by all.

The Men’s O40 tournament was hosted at Timperley HC for the North West. A very close fought competition with the Midlands just beating the North West into second with an undefeated weekend. Several draws at the start then gave way to wins as teams began to find their scoring touches. Played on their newly laid pitch the tournament opened up. Wins for the East, North West and South Central pushed them up the table and after 2 draws the Midlands won 2. Overnight the East, Midlands, North West and South East were the teams to beat. With 2 wins on Sunday morning for both the Midlands and the North West the match between the two became crucial with the Midlands running out winners. Fantastic to see all 8 Areas competing in an excellent tournament.

The MO50 hosted at Wakefield HC for the Yorkshire & North East was another weekend of high class hockey with London winning gold with a very professional display ending with 18 points and only losing to West. London looked good in the warm ups and started strongly beating South East (their only loss on the first day) and then East. West though mugged them in their third game of the day taking all 3 points with a 1-0 win. West however slipped up themselves against South East as they saw a 1-0 lead become a 3-1 deficit in a mad 5 minutes. They pulled back one goal but the last 3 minutes of pressing failed to secure the draw and they lost 3-2. Midlands meanwhile were unbeaten at the end of the first day with 2 wins and 2 draws. A first day of very close games and almost everyone taking points off each other, saw London and South East locked on 9pts each at the top; with West and Midlands chasing on 8pts and 7pts respectively. North West still not out of it with 6pts – 2 wins and 2 losses.

The second day started with a revitalised looking East inflicting a se-back on South East with a 1-0 victory, while West effectively put Midlands out of the running with a 1-0 win. As West drew games and South East lost them, London moved on serenely winning all 3 games on the second day to be clear champions. West only needed a draw in the last game of the day to secure silver. Midlands took bronze.

The MO60 was hosted by the Midlands at Sourport HC and it was the home Area that retained their title with a super unbeaten weekend of 6 wins and a draw. South Central were a close second with 5 wins and 2 losses moving up from 4^th last year but, only 1pt ahead of the East in third who moved up from 6^th place last year. There was a lot of camaraderie and catching up between the players as so many knew each other well. This made for a fun but keenly competitive tournament with lots of banter flying around. A great weekend was had by all.

The MO70 was hosted by the East at Cambridge City HC for the first time. It was won by London who just beat South Central into second place with a slightly better goal difference. Both teams had 13pts from 6 wins a draw and a loss. The Midlands were third and the East fourth. Another fun and very competitive tournament. It was great to see 7 teams at this age group. Next year we hope the North will be able to split to make it the full compliment. The TO reported that he really enjoyed the experience, especially as they had a lot of high-level umpires. This was noted by all the teams, who said that it was the best standard of umpiring they have had for the over 70s. The facilities and good size bar/cafe area was well received, and there was very good support from those working at the venue. Most teams enjoyed the local curry house on the Saturday night and had a good night and tournament was enjoyed by all.

The MO65 was held at Richmond HC for the first time in their 150^th year on behalf of London. After a few weeks of logistical nightmares, it was a wonderful feeling when players started to appear on Saturday morning and, with a biblical weather forecast, gazebos, event shelters and marquees started to be erected behind the pitches. Saturday was pretty wet but we had some sun in between the showers. A coffee van kept everyone refreshed and after a long day of matches we had a really good tournament BBQ together and drank the bar dry! Overnight the South East had a commanding lead at the top of the table with 4 wins, but the Midlands had improved as the day had gone by. It was very sporting of the host Area to allow other teams to win!

Sunday was a nicer day and the South East drew their first match while the Midlands were winning on the adjacent pitch. It felt like it could be exciting! London got into their stride with 2 wins and a draw but by the end of the competition, despite the Midlands winning their 3 matches, the South East managed to secure a nervous draw with London and secured the trophy by 1pt. As always, it was wonderful to see friendships and rivalries rekindled, with competitive hockey played in a fantastic spirit.

Finally, the MO75 was held at Sheffield HC at Abbeydale Park in Yorkshire & the North East. It was a typical Northern summer with cold monsoon weather interspersed with glorious sunshine. Sometimes simultaneously. There were only 5 teams as the North West & Yorkshire & North East merged into the North and London, South Central and South East were also merged.

The second match eventually turned out to be the tournament decider as the North beat a jet-lagged South side. At the end of day 1, there was a single point separating 4 teams and much to discuss at the celebration dinner that evening.

The competitive nature continued into day 2 and as at the penultimate game, all league positions were up for grabs. In their last game, the North could come first with a win, second with a draw and third with a defeat. A 2-0 win gave them the title which left the South needing to win the last game to finish as runners-up, which they duly did. A successful weekend.

The Area Masters committee and England Hockey would like to give a huge thank you to the tournament host venues, particularly the 6 new ones for this year and the numerous umpires, umpire managers and officials that delivered them all. They were very professionally run and a big learning curve for all. They were played in a very competitive but sportsmanlike spirit by the players with a best v best attitude.

Congratulations to all the competing teams and the worthy winners. We look forward to 2025.