Combes helps England to silver medal

Hockey player Lynn Combes helped England Ladies over-40s secure a silver medal at the Masters World Cup.

The 41-year-old, of Balderton, was a pivotal member of the squad that came through the group stages before losing 4-1 to Australia in the final on Wednesday.

England started the tournament with an opening 2-0 victory over the US.

In the next game, Combes stole in and grabbed a late goal in the 4-0 win over Wales.

Their form took a dip with a 1-1 draw against Wattles, an Australian-based team, which was followed by a narrow 1-0 loss against Australia.

However, they were successful in their winner-takes-all match against New Zealand, winning 5-0, to make the final.

Combes said there had been a terrific atmosphere at the tournament and she was pleased to be a part of the experience.

“We had three England ladies teams in the competition at different age groups — 40s, 55s and 60s — all staying in the same hotel so there was a good and supportive atmosphere,” she said.

“The tournament has had so many highlights. Memories, apart from being in the final, will be scoring in our match against the Welsh as well as playing alongside some fantastic team-mates and players.

“Off the pitch we are all one big hockey family — men and women being brought together from all over the world by sport.”

After the defeat in the final, Combes said she was proud of the way the team had battled in tough conditions.

"It's not the medal we all dreamed of, but we played in our first World Cup final on Australia's home turf in 31 degree heat and unfortunately lost," she said.

"The result doesn't take anything away from a fantastic team effort by everyone -players, managers and supporters all doing their best to make everyone both here in Australia and at home proud.

"We wouldn't have got here without everyone's kind words and support."

Combes was grateful to her sponsors who helped her raise the money to compete in the tournament.

"My family, friends, Andrew Ward, Ian Andrews, Kurio Performance, Flowserve Sports & Social club, Rob Palframan and Duncan & Toplis have all helped me live out a dream," she said.