GRAND MASTERS HOCKEY – EUROPEAN CUP & TROPHY
JUNE 19 – 29 2019
KHC DRAGONS Brasschaat ANTWERP
Well, what can we say?
Some of us really don’t like to leave whatever country we happen to be in at the time and “Horrid” definitely set the standard for all of us to follow. A group of us, due to meet up at St Pancras Station for the start of our exciting trip to Antwerp were all there on time waiting excitedly for the Eurostar check in. With only five minutes to go we became a little concerned about the non-appearance of Debs and as the gates started to close the concern levels rose just a little bit more. Oh well maybe Debs did not wish to leave the UK, but just in case we left her ticket with the booking office personnel. As we headed to the gates who should appear? You guessed it – so a “sprint” back to the booking office, retrieval of her ticket and a fast track through customs etc. saw us on our way. This couldn’t possibly happen again could it – well Debs really didn’t want to leave Brussels either so she left her bag on the conveyer belt and continued on her way through customs, obviously hoping for a call back. Didn’t happen though and as far as we know Debs is now safely back in the UK.
Lots of catching up with friends, old and new, as players reached Antwerp from across the UK and found their way to the Tryp Hotel and many thanks to all of those who represented us at the opening ceremony on Wednesday 19th June.
Games began the next day and both teams worked hard to get to know each other with the 60’s recording a useful 0 – 0 draw against Alliance 60’s whilst the 65’s had a hard-fought game against England 65’s losing by four goals to nil. Probably the biggest problem for the 65 players however was remembering who we were playing and when with Gill and Tess in particular and a few others repeatedly asking “Who are we playing?” I did hesitate to mention this as they probably don’t remember asking the question. Apparently, Annie and Dan were also having slight problems with their Waterstones card – for some reason it didn’t work on cash machines and failed to open the door to their room in the hotel. And, the shock Annie had when she thought the lift was overcrowded was soon overcome as she realised it was the illusion caused by a full-length mirror – or, on second thoughts that might have been me! Sorry Annie
A day off on the Friday gave everyone the chance to lose things – Horrid her phone, Ricky his credit card, Jake his Jumper and someone, OK me – lost her glasses and Annie ????? for once I don’t think Annie lost anything, or if she did, she’s definitely keeping quiet about it. The day off also gave us the opportunity to explore the area. Some visiting the museums, monuments, attractions, architecture, markets and parks of Antwerp whilst others travelled further afield to visit Brussels, Bruges or Ghent.
Saturday saw the 60’s take on the USA – according to my geography they are not in Europe?? They went one nil into the lead before the USA came back with 2 quick goals and despite one-way traffic in the last quarter they failed to equalise but played their soccer socks off!
On Sunday the 60s took on the Netherlands and a very hard-fought game ended with a well-earned 1 – 1 draw. Unfortunately, the 65’s found themselves 3 goals down at the break in their game against the Alliance 65’s but in a determined second half performance managed to pull the score back to end with a 3 – 3 draw.
Stuart and Paula decided to add more excitement to their days by running altercations with the local police. I believe a trip the wrong way down a road resulted in sirens being raised and a high-speed chase! Well maybe not very high, but the police realising they were British, soon let them off. However, it seems they were keeping a close eye on them, as Stuart faced a Breathalyser test to prove they were British. They were later accosted by a cyclist who objected to some sort of parking manoeuvre. Miranda had the best idea when dealing with authority – parking fine – what parking fine? – ignore it.
Monday saw a day off for the 60’s and apparently what happens on a day off stays on a day off so little to report here. The 65’s took on Alliance 60’s and were happy to settle for a 1 – 1 draw leaving it as usual until the final ¼ to equalise.
The following day both teams were in action with the 60’s recording a convincing win over Alliance 65’s while the 65’s fought hard but eventually lost 2 – 0 to the USA 60’s team.
Dare we mention Linda managing to forget her Astro shoes before one of our matches and Paula’s strange time management strategy which resulted in her totally missing the warm up. No – maybe not. But we should point out the CTC coverage of Titch disappearing into the woods for some reason! And Mary falling off a chair in the bar which she obviously denies.
Two days off for both teams, and the opportunity for further exploration of Belgium with our new friends. The chance to suss out new bars and restaurants and generally have fun. Stuart and Colin headed home early having had more than enough “hockey bollocks” to last a life time! But we wish to pass on our thanks to both of them for their support. And we thought you would like to know that we have just checked and Alison G was given special dispensation to stay with her husband throughout the tournament!
At last, the big day arrived- FINALS DAY!.
The 65’s were on first and with only two teams in the 65+ tournament trophy competition we were scheduled to play Alliance 65’s for the second time. 0 – 0 at full time resulted in the dreaded shuttle penalties and five very brave players stepped up to the mark. 1 – 1 after five penalties each and we were into sudden death. Unbelievable saves from Sue Bowen throughout and a well taken shuttle from Sandra Collar secured gold for the team. Granny and Sue – our two heroes of the day without any doubt whatsoever.
We returned the excellent support given to us by the 60’s team and with four teams in their section our 60’s were drawn to play against the Dutch for the bronze medal position. Excellent play saw LX with greater possession and they pushed forward creating chances with many penetrations into the Dutch “D”
With so many chances it seemed only a matter of time before a goal was scored and sure enough Lee Edmond-Ward aka Skip latched onto a great cross into the “D” and fired home giving the keeper no chance to save the shot. Good defensive work denied the Dutch the equaliser and the team came away with a well-earned Bronze medal.
Thank you doesn’t seem enough for the hard work put in by some people – I’m not sure if they realise how much we all appreciate the effort they have put in – not only during the tournament but for many months before as well.
To our captains Helen and Linda – both awesome throughout THANK YOU
To our coaches, managers and water boy Andrew Jacky Linda Ricky Ann & David – all awesome throughout THANK YOU
To our Warm up/cool down guru Helen – awesome throughout THANK YOU
To our very own “Trivago” expert Hilary – awesome throughout THANK YOU
Although rumour has it that Hilary is absolutely useless at packing !!!!!
A few things we have learnt during the trip:- 1C does not indicate the platform number – apparently stands for InterCity – won’t miss anymore trains now!
Peter- you do not need to wind your way around the passenger control lines when there is actually a straight line to the entrance.
Annie – your lost cap is in someone’s car – not sure whose but it will probably turn up.
Janet Raw has passed her probationary period with LX. Returning from the bar with 6 beers she tried to convince us she had only ordered one – really Janet a likely story. You qualify.
And finally – GK Sue is making a career change after this tournament and is moving into the fashion business – she will be starting off with Bikini outfits for Goal Keepers.
So:
35 national teams and 39 tournament trophy teams: 1500 players, coaches, managers, and officials involved in 200 matches in 10 days of competition.
A wonderful competition, and a great week with good friends.
Here’s to the next time!
LX Ladies 