Delight after hockey pals help conquer the world
TWO friends have become world champions after starring in the same national hockey team.
Bex Ward, from Macclesfield, and Sarah Hopkin, from Broken Cross, were members of the England side at the World Masters Hockey.
The competition featured the world’s 12 best teams with players 35 and over and other countries taking part included India, Germany, the Netherlands, USA and Australia.
England came our on top, beating Ireland 2-1 in the final.
Both Bex and Sarah, 36 and 35, featured throughout the tournament and know each other well having played together for years at Alderley Edge.
Bex said: “It was my first ever time playing for England. I never thought I’d be good enough but as soon as you put on the kit that’s when it starts to hit home.
“I found myself beaming with pride and it was great to have family and friends supporting on the sidelines.”
Sarah, who plays in defence and has performed at national level previously, is also head hockey coach at the King’s School while Bex works as a travel manager at Alderley Park.
England topped their pool of six at the tournament, which took place in Nottingham, to qualify for the final.
In the final the team went a goal down but came back strongly to take the title.
Following celebrations Bex and Sarah will now have to switch their focus to club matters as Alderley Edge’s season begins later this month.
Bex, who is a forward, said: “Playing for England alongside Sarah was amazing.
“We could look out for each other and have down time with someone you know.
“We worked really hard and it paid off.”
“As soon as you put on the kit that’s when it starts to hit home.”