IMHT - Hong Kong October 2009

 The Field Hockey Forum is the resource for players, coaches and umpires of Field Hockey. Join FHF now to have full access to all that we have to offer! Don't be satisfied with lurking when you can interact with thousands of other FHF’rs, take part in Competitions, win Prizes, download Coaching Papers, discover our vast Photo library and get rid of this message - Register Now!

[Feral]

The ankle ligaments are giving me too much grief to contemplate playing more than once a week at the moment... 

Pity about the ankle ligaments 

I had a similar problem for a long time but then I went to see a podiatrist and had orthotic shoe inserts made and fully fitted for me. Problem is now solved.  Didn't come cheaply though  but it's given me many more miles of running 

Hope you can  make it.  Cheers, Feral

[Ireland40Vets]

Hi Feral / Gedda

I have our first squad session coming up on the 29th and afterwards I want to give the guys a better feel with regards to the level of competition they can expect in Hong Kong. Can you give me any more details on the teams expected to compete? The playing standard? Are there any vids on the various websites of Aussie Vets hockey at 40+ level? Anything would be a help.

Cheers

Sam

[gedda]

The level of play particularly from us and the kiwis will be rather good.  There are hints that England are also coming, and I know that they are trying to get other European sides to attend.  The reason that they may now be more interested is that Vets are now officially under the FIH banner and as a result, now recognised as offically sanctioned international competitions.  Obvioulsy we would expect that there will also be a couple of asian sides also attending.  As far as any video related info, unfortunately there isn't anything around that I'm aware of.  Good luck with the preps.

[otss]

Ireland Vets - I think the Aussie's moved a good step ahead of us at the last Trans Tasman. The first test in which they spanked us was recorded (poor quality though) and I think if you saw the way they played in that game you might be scared off !! The intensity of the games is very high (at least up with top club level in NZ), the skill level is there and fitness if not speed.

I guess you can't really compare till you get there and see

[Ireland40Vets]

Thanks guys

I have just sent out the email to all of the potential squad members advising them of the training dates for the next three months and that they all need to send me deposit cheques to hold their flights. Now the serious fundraising starts...

 

[Feral]

Well done!

My flights and hotel are already booked. Stay safe and healthy and we'll see you there. 

[Ireland40Vets]

Anyone going to let me have a look at the Aussie squad for Hong Kong yet?

[otss]

If you want to look at the squad for famililar names from the past i wouldn't worry. You'll find International Masters is more about guys whose bodies are still holding up, ie they played a resonable standard of hockey when young and still going rather than ex greats. A lot of players International Masters is the high point of their career as opposed to someone who has won Olympic medals etc and treats it more as a wind down. The Aussies normally have a few ex's in their squad but no big names though last year they were talking it up as to all the ex's they were bringing back - doubt it wll happen and to be honest doubt it will add to their team as currently they pay so well as a team

[Pesty jnr]

Just found this forum and thread. I am very pleased at otss respect for the 40s Aust team.  They were especially strong in Hamilton and will always be good. They had a very strong list of strikers and an overall strong team who played very well.
Just to explain a query in an earlier post the Aussie teams are picked each National titles. The last series was held early in Darwin. I am certianly looking forward to Hong Kong as a 50s and to have a crack at the Kiwis then and at the next Trans Tasman. Unfortunately the Aust 40s and 45s both beat NZ but my Aust 50s lost out so am very keen to rewrite that story.
Didnt go to Birmingham as had to pull out but certainly otss is right in his judgement of the quality of players in Aust. and NZ.
As for my mate Feral trying to broker players: do you need a license for hockey trading! See you on Wednesday.

[Feral]

..... As for my mate Feral trying to broker players: do you need a license for hockey trading! See you on Wednesday.

I'm not sure you have been given the freedom to go public with our relationship! I promise not to hit you too hard and I'll pass the ball to you. Well maybe one day... and only one day

[Feral]

............... Now the serious fundraising starts...

Ireland40Vets, How's the fund raising going?

Managed to get major sponsorship from Guiness? 

[Feral]

Just in case some of you are interested and don't know who the competition will be. HKHA have posted a news item with possible teams attending. Extract below;

Hong Kong will be hosting the International Masters Hockey Tournament on 24 - 31 Oct 2009 at Happy Valley Ground and Hong Kong Football Club.  The following teams are expected to take part:


Over 40s - Australia; Brunei; England; Hong Kong; Ireland; New Zealand; Scotland; Singapore

Over 45s - Australia; England; Germany; Scotland; Hong Kong

Over 50s - Australia; Brunei; England; Hong Kong; Malaysia; Scotland; Singapore

Over 55s - Australia; England

[otss]

NZ picked a 50's team as well

Interesting list in the 40's be good to play some new teams

[Feral]

It's good to see so many teams competing, especially in the 40's and 50's grades.
It's a pity the Koreans or Japanese don't seem to be coming.
Perhaps the location of HK has attracted more players than the event in Birmingham UK 2007.

[otss]

I'm sure it will be better run - Interesting if the Irish can make it to HK when they couldn't manage Birmingham

Pity no Germans , Dutch etc still (German 45's excepted)