ACHC Senior Grand Masters have had a very successful summer, culminating with a win over current World and European Champions England Over 75s at Amersham on 6th August. Throughout the season, fortnightly events took place on Thursdays for players Over 70 to meet up with old friends and enjoy competitive games of hockey, followed by a meal and liquid refreshments. This year, 108 different players have turned out, including one some 88 years young, to play round robins with up to six sides. Anyone young enough is welcome to join us next season – please contact info@achc.org.uk for more details.
A select side drawn from the Senior Grand Masters and other Thursday regulars, playing in green as “Chiltern” beat England Over 75s 3-2. With several Chiltern players young enough to play for the Over 75s, it was a closely fought match. A very strong England side soon went ahead 1-0 but Chiltern persevered and equalised not long after with a fine strike by Andy Fraser.
Shortly before half time England restored their lead but Max Jason brought Chiltern back level in the third quarter. Very soon, Max scored again to put Chiltern 3-2 ahead and, in a close contest, despite the award of an England short corner seconds before the final whistle, Chiltern held out for the narrow win.
Many other Thursday regulars were on the losing side, but we wish them all the best against Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and Wales in their quest to retain their gold medal at the European Cup in Ludwigsburg later this month.
Immediately before the Chiltern match, England O80s A lost 0-3 to England O75s B in their final warm-up match before the European Cup.
Once again, a number of Thursday regulars played in both teams and we wish the over 80s all the best in Ludwigsburg against Germany, Netherlands and Southern Cross in their quest for the gold medal and the over 75s all the best against Alliance A, Alliance B, Southern Cross and Southern Cross Over 80 for their gold medal.
In July Chiltern played in the International Grand Masters Hockey Festival as one of 46 teams from around the world.
Captain Graham Lee proudly led the squad at the opening ceremony, marching behind the Union Flag in our green shirts.
In our opening match we drew with the Dutch Lions but then lost to the three England LX teams on successive days. In the play off matches we drew with Buenos Aires Masters then beat the Dutch Lions to finish seventh.
The Senior Grand Masters begin next season in Amersham on Thursday 18th September and welcome any players young enough who would like to join us.
