Two members of Brighton & Hove HC's men's 8s - Jon Beale and Phil Withers - played in the World Masters European Championship in Valencia, Spain from June 23 to July 2. Jon played centre forward for England LX Over-75 and scored two goals in the tournament while Phil represented Wales Over-70s in six games over nine days in searing heat.

Despite an unbeaten run in the group stage England LX lost to the Netherlands ( the gold medallists) in the semi-final on penalty flicks and then lost the bronze medal playoff with Australia 2-1. Jon had a tough competition with five full games in eight days which were all played in 32 C temperatures.

An earlier group game with Australia finished in a 1-1 draw and 11 cards were issued. "Old men behaving disgracefully - but it was great fun in the bar afterwards," said Jon.

Despite the lack of a medal and weary legs, it was a great tournament. Apart from Jon’s LX Over 75s team, England and England LX finished up as gold medallists in all the other grand masters age groups.

Wales Over-70 had punishing tournament, beating Ireland, Belgium and France, drawing with a tough Spanish team but well beaten by England and Germany. Wales had four critical players injured during the tournament.

"Great tournament in a superb city," said Phil. "Valencia is a place to spend time."

Wales Over-70s did win a superb team paella from the organisers. "This trophy was for the team that drank the most beer over nine days - Wales 70+ were first ," said Phil proudly.

Jon also played in the England Hockey 0ver-75 Area Masters Championship in Solihull last weekend, winning a gold medal with South of England. South were undefeated in the tournament beating North, West, East and Midlands.

Four games were played in two days with a wonderful social BBQ on the Saturday night. There is a real fraternity within Masters hockey with most of the country’s top 75-year-olds playing in this tournament.

"After all these years we all know each other well, and it is wonderful to meet up with old friends from all corners of the country," said Jon, pictured above in action at Solihull. "Once on the pitch however, this all goes out of the window and we become very competitive 18-year-olds again!”