Over 80s roll back the years at Cambridge

On a glorious Spring afternoon England O80 took on their old adversaries from the Netherlands in the sixth annual match between the two countries at this advanced age level. This year Cambridge had been chosen as a suitable venue at which to entertain the Dutch guests and the University Sports Ground proved an ideal choice.

With a crew from Anglia TV and a reporter from Radio Cambridge the game was given plenty of attention by the local media. Not only were England European Champions from the tournament in Germany in 2025 but they also included in their number Bill Greenwood, their most senior player who will celebrate his 90th birthday in June.  Double Olympian John Elffers (1964 and 1968) captained the Dutch side which contained two fast and skilful players upfront who looked dangerous from the start and in the 9th minute confusion in the England goalmouth led to a penalty stroke which was slotted past keeper John Ingram-Marriott by Dutch flick specialist Robert Schreve. England came back into the game after half time and in the 35th minute a first-time shot by Ken Wilcock from the top of the D left the Dutch keeper Paul Verhey wrong-footed and levelled the score.

Despite more pressure by the Netherlands in the final quarter, England held out with some resolute defence from Over 80 debutant Mike Green from Canterbury and some timely tackling on the back line by Over 80s stalwart Andy Holden.

Manager David Gill was very happy the result: ’They were probably the better side, faster and more skilful but we put in a real team performance and in the end we might even have won!”

In the B team match that preceded the main event England B also recorded a 1-1 draw with the Dutch B side. A goal in the 20th minute from Harm Rasterhoff put the Dutch ahead but the lead lasted only a minute before Adrian Stephenson scored an equaliser for the hosts. The second half was hard fought but goalless with solid defences on both sides snuffing out any threats from the forwards. 

As is the custom after these encounters an excellent dinner was held at a Cambridge restaurant and trophies were exchanged. It is the tradition that these ‘friendship’ trophies record the results of the games but are always presented to the visiting team to take home to keep until they host the following year.

England team: John Ingram-Marriott (Warlocks, GK), Brian Murrill (Folkestone), Bill Greenwood (Yeovil & Sherborne), Andrew Holden (South Lakes), Michael Green (Canterbury), Brian Perryman (Trojans, Capt), Ken Wilcock (Bowdon), John Maylam (Canterbury), Vincent Smith (Worcester), Hugh Mason (Bromsgrove), Stephen Stowell (Sevenoaks), John Peirce (Woking), David Woodward (Norwich City), Tony Jones (Canterbury), Brian Tubb (Trojans)

England B team: John Young (Havant, GK), Douglas Barnes (LX Club), Brian Nichols (Westbury & United Banks), David Smith (Stratford-upon-Avon), Garry Adams (Isca), Eric Evans (LX Club), Chris Parker (St Albans), Manu Kokri (LX Club), Martin Kavanagh (St Albans), Ted Frost (North Staffs), Peter Danson (Belper), Nigel Spencer-Knott (Southgate), Jim Mason (Southgate), Adrian Stephenson (St Albans, Capt), Roland Mear (South Berks)

Captions
England captain Brian Perryman keeps a watchful eye on Dutch danger man Robert Schreve (16)
Rob Struik (20), a constant threat, is denied this time by John Ingram-Marriott
Both teams enjoy a group photo after the game