England Over 70s squad v Scotland "Over 70s" Durham

Scotland Over 70s (and some Over 65s) took part in a training fixture against the England Over 70s squad at Durham University on Thursday 31 May 2012. The twelve man squad, bolstered by guest stars Chris Parker and Gerry Toner, dressed in Alan Auld's shirt, put up a great performance against a very strong England squad, restricting and harrying their opponents so that the first half ended 0-0. Unfortunately, just before half time, centre back Philip picked up a leg injury and this was to prove fatal in the end.

All the good work was undone within a few seconds of the restart. Two defenders went to cover the same player and Tony Henman was left unmarked to put England ahead. The Scots didn't give up and, though often pressed back, coped well with the England build up, and played some decent, passing hockey to relieve pressure, even winning a penalty corner. Toner, playing a cameo role, did not let the side down and contributed to a good passing move down the right before England snufffed out the attack. However, with no opportunity for Scotland to substitute the now tiring midfield, England took advantage in the last ten minutes, pushing numbers up into the circle without effective cover for the defence. Three goals followed, all a consequence of tired players losing their man, and the match ended in a score of 4-0 to England.

Scotland can be proud of their performance but in the end could not raise a squad for the World Cup in Oxford, the majority of the players aged over 70 joining Northstars in the Tournament Trophy.

Squad: Black (GK), Cassell (Capt), Morrice, C. Parker, Paterson, Philip, Robertson, Sangster, Toner. Downie, McIntosh, Margerison and Weir from the Over 65s filled the spaces and Norrie Springford umpired.