Lynn Combes helps England to silver medal

Hockey star Lynn Combes said she was proud of her efforts after helping England earn a silver medal at the Masters European Championships.

She was one of the key figures in the England over-40s squad, playing in all the games, including the 5-3 final defeat to Holland.

Combes, of Balderton, featured in the squad for the first time last year, when she won a bronze medal at the Masters World Championships.

She said: “We wanted to get the gold but, despite that, we put in some really good performances throughout the week as a team.

“I am getting closer to a gold. It was bronze the first time and silver now so we are not far off.”

England started the competition in style, winning all three pool matches without conceding a goal.

An 11-0 success over Italy was followed by 5-0 and 6-0 wins against Spain and Wales respectively.

They faced Ireland in the semi-finals, which they won with ease, 4-1.

However, the final was one match too many as Holland claimed a 5-1 victory to deny England.

Combes said one of the highlights of the competition was playing at the Lee Valley stadium in the pool match against Wales.

“To play in a stadium of that size and in front of quite a few people was a fantastic feeling,” she said.

Combes said one of the main challenges involved with competing for her country was the costs incurred.

“Unlike the main team and the likes of Shona McCallin we don’t have any funding, which a shame,” she said.

“Last week probably cost me around £600. The accommodation and travelling expenses in particular hit me hard.

“It is a fantastic feeling though to be able to represent your country in a game you love playing.”

To help support Combes, contact her on lcombes@hot mail.co.uk

p Newark Hockey Club will hold its annual club day at the Magnus Academy on Saturday.

The event is designed to attract more adults and juniors to join the club.

Academy and junior training will run in the morning, from 9am to noon, followed by a barbecue and registrations.

There will also be a chairman’s tournament, which invites adults to play in a mixed competition, from 2pm.

Games, stalls and a raffle will take place throughout the day.

For more information visit newarkhockeyclub.com