Hockey club celebrates ‘epic’ win for England

Maidenhead Hockey Club celebrated England women's ‘epic’ victory over Australia in the hockey final at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday, with a couple of former players having a key role to play.

England secured a historic first Commonwealth Games gold in the event, while the men’s team featuring Maidenhead Ladies 1sts coach Phil Roper - won bronze after a 6-3 win over South Africa.

Reflecting on the two teams’ successes, David Joshua, director of hockey at Maidenhead Hockey Club, said: “We are absolutely thrilled for the ladies hockey team, after their epic win over Australia at the weekend.

“To see a couple of our ‘own’ within the squad, made it even more special.

“Shona McCallin who has previously coached for us at the club and Ellie Rayer, who was nurtured through the ranks at Maidenhead Hockey both did us and themselves proud. It was a fantastic achievement, and we are delighted for the whole team.

“For the men to then follow this with a bronze medal is fantastic. Especially with our former Ladies 1sts coach Phil Roper making it onto the score board.”

Phil intends to continue coaching the Ladies' 1sts this season.

Visit www.maidenheadhc.org.uk or email: academy@maidenheadhc.org.uk