Congratulations to our bronze medal winning team!

After much selection and training (ha! ha!) a group of 16 players, team manager and part-time osteopath headed to Geelong.  We believe it is the first time that a team fully comprised of members of ELHC have competed in the Masters Games. 

The entries were down this year due to the World Masters being played in Sydney later in 2009, however the competitive approach by all teams was still very strong.  We had also been placed in the 30-40s competition and with most of us much more mature than that the pace was fast.  We quickly realised that a gold medal was possibly not on the cards but were determined to come home with a medal of any colour. 

With some players commuting and others staying at the team “home” for the week in Torquay we played eight games over seven days.  On our rest day most of the team headed back to Melbourne to play in the Grand Final of the HV comp at the SNHC (which we won!). So a lot more hockey than many of us are used to.  And also in hotter conditions than we are used to!  Now we know why hockey is a winter sport.  

We're very happy to report that there were not any major injuries with many agreeing the AFL-style walking in the ocean as a cool-down helped enormously. 

Our tournament ended with the bronze medal game and we are delighted with our gritty win that was played in very hot summery conditions. 

A quote from a team member says it all: “Firstly, "thank you and congratulations" for one of the most enjoyable and memorable weeks of my life!  I'm sure you all feel the same.  We should all feel a huge sense of achievement, camaraderie and good fortune in being able to participate in such a fun and rewarding adventure”. 

Members of the team included: Rachel Aston, Jacqui Bainbridge, Di Slater, Julia Rudolph, Lesley Williams, Kim Bouchier, Cathy Manning, Sharon Breeze, Leanne Chappell, Gerry Dwyer, Lyn Griffin, Deb Osborne, Beth Gruessing, Sandy Pelzer, Faye Mason, Toni Arnott, Naomi McIntosh (Manager)