Women’s Over 35s Regional Master’s Hockey Tournament

Bedford Hockey Club hosted the inaugural Women’s Over 35s Regional Master’s Hockey Tournament over the weekend of the 14-15 May 2022, at their Chester Road home ground with teams travelling from across the country. 

The tournament, arranged by East Region Masters Hockey and saw an incredibly high standard of performance from the seven competing regions, all played in great spirit.  

Teams from the North West, South Central, Yorkshire & North East, London, Midlands and West, as well as the East squad, which included 4 of Bedford’s own players, participated in the event.

The success of the tournament, was thanks to a real team effort, with umpires from the region officiating, and Bedford Hockey Club members supporting pitch-side and in the clubhouse, and the atmosphere was vibrant, thanks to all those who played and supported.

After 2 full days of play, the competition came down to a thrilling final between the East and the North West. The East had shown dominance in many of its early round matches but the North West weren’t going to submit without a fight, despite the East opening the scoring early on.

The North West had arrived at the tournament with their target being to score a goal during the weekend. Having achieved that ambition, they upped their aspiration to win a game. Not only was that accomplished but, after a semi-final that ended in penalty flicks, they had advanced into the finals, and they resolved to give it their all. Drawing level visibly renewed the northern team’s energy and charged them with fresh determination. Whilst there were chances to take the lead at both ends, it was the North West who broke the deadlock, going a goal ahead, and they dared start believing they had a possibility of securing the win.

Their dream became a reality when a break away run, followed by a clinical finish, from one of North West’s forwards secured the 3-1 victory, and the gold medal, the East having to settle for a commendable silver.