Mayor crowns winners of 2015 Eurohockey Masters Championships
A week of fiercely-contested hockey matches culminated in St Albans Mayor’s presentation of medals at the EuroHockey Men’s Masters Championships on Friday 28 August at Oaklands College.
Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, Mayor of St Albans City and District, was invited to present the trophies by St Albans Hockey Club (SAHC), first-time hosts of this prestigious event. Cllr Gill Clark, St Albans’ Deputy Mayor, had welcomed the competitors to the tournament when it began on Friday 21 August.
The presentations marked the end of an enthralling week of competition in the biggest hockey event in SAHC’s history.
Around 500 players in teams from England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain and Wales competed in the tournament.
The Masters Championship is part of the EuroHockey Championships that took place from 21 August to 28 August.
The Masters tournaments were held at three separate venues. The men’s aged 40+ matches took place at Oaklands College, SAHC’s home; men’s aged 60+ at Southgate Hockey Club; women’s aged 40+ at Old Loughtonians Hockey Club.
The group-winners for the events hosted by SAHC were:
Men's Over 40's
• Gold - Netherlands
• Silver - England
• Bronze - Ireland
Men's O45's
• Gold - Germany
• Silver - Netherlands
• Bronze - Spain
Men's O50's
• Gold - Germany
• Silver - England
• Bronze - Netherlands
Men's O55's
• Gold - England
• Silver - Netherlands
• Bronze - Scotland
Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, Mayor of St Albans City and District, said: “I offer my heartiest congratulations to the players who have competed in this international tournament. They are an example to us all in their athletic prowess and sportsmanship. I also want to thank St Albans Hockey Club and Oaklands College for making this tournament such a success.”
Matt Leedham, of the SAHC delivery committee for the EuroHockey Masters 2015, welcomed the Mayor to the championships.
Presenting medals alongside the Mayor were Andy Forshaw, SAHC’s CEO; and Glenn Paton, President of the International Masters Hockey Association, Deb Wilkes, Chair Eurohockey Masters Working group. The Mayor was joined by Oaklands College Principal and CEO, Zoe Hancock and Kirsty Steer , Deputy Principal, for the presentation of medals of the 50+finals.
Andy Forshaw, SAHC’s CEO, said: “It has been a privilege for our club to host the European Masters Hockey Championships 2015 and wonderful to see such exciting matches from world-class players. The Masters is all about showcasing that you can still play competitively whatever age you are. I want to thank the Mayor for presenting the medals and all the many volunteers who have worked so hard to make the tournament a success.”
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Salih Gaygusuz
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544
Email: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the press:
Ruth Boyer, Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819316
E-mail: ruth.boyer@stalbans.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StAlbansCouncil
Notes:
More information about the Euro Hockey Champions 2015 can be found on their website.
More information about St Albans Hockey Club can be found on their website.
Picture:
Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, St Albans Mayor (centre), with the England 055’s team who are the O55's European Champions 2015, with their Dutch opponents who they beat in the final. On the Mayor’s right, holding the trophy cup aloft, is the England captain, Mark Precious.