Masters earn World Cup medals

Two veteran Albany hockey players have reached the pinnacle of their careers, returning from the Masters World Cup in England with medals around their neck.

Paul Murray and Ian Evans arrived home in Albany last week having been part of Australia’s impressive performance at the Masters and Grand Masters World Cups.

Spencer Park’s Murray represented Australia in the over-55s squad, which claimed the gold medal following a tense extra-time win over England 2-1, while Evans and the over-60s just fell short in their final to claim silver.

Australia’s 55s turned the tables on the hosts having lost narrowly in the pool group matches, clinching the thrilling extra-time win to the delight of Murray, who played centre forward throughout the tournament.

Having gone through the tournament undefeated, the Australia over-60s succumbed 2-1 to the Netherlands in the final.

Evans, who was a late call up to the over-60s squad two days before the tournament began, played predominantly through the midfield and helped lead Australia to the final.

“We played our worst game of the tournament in the final,” Evans said.

Both players regarded the experience as the highlight of their time in the game. “It gives us incentive to keep fit,” Murray said.

The inaugural Masters World Cup for players over 40 to over 55s and the sixth Grand Masters World Cup for over 60s were staged between the London Olympics and 2012 Paralympics.

tim.edmunds@albanyadvertiser.com