8th Underwater Hockey Home International Tournament.
Ponds Forge Sports Complex Sheffield July 5th 2008.

Until this year the Underwater Hockey Home Internationals have always been  ‘women and girls only’ events; However,  from this year onward it has been opened to include men and boys as well. In consequence ‘Underwater Hockey Wales’ has been formed to coach and select players to represent us at this competition and indeed at any other international event for which we may be eligible.

At this, our first ever event we fielded just the three teams shown. The tournament
Included established teams from England, Scotland, Ireland and Jersey. In effect two separate competitions were held, one for men’s teams and under nineteen’s boys, the other for the Women’s and under nineteen’s girls. The older teams in both events being given handicaps to reduce the unavoidable inequality when oldies faced the youngsters!
Divers will appreciate the fitness of these teams as the whole tournament was played in a depth of three metres, each match lasting a full 30 minutes.

As for the results, both the men’s and women’s England Elite teams were winners.
The Wales Elite team  showed great individual skills, often matching and outmanoeuvring their rivals, but their overall organisation was not equal to that of the more established teams.  Our Masters team (over 35 years old) fared better, being noticeably more organised, winning one of their matches and running the competition very close in two others. While our ‘very young’ under nineteen’s girls team defended their goal valiantly throughout the day. Noticeably improving their safety play as the day progressed, however they were outplayed by stronger, more experienced and fitter teams. 

All in all our squads and their supporters had a most enjoyable day.

For the players the experience has proved memorable. Ian Williams, Wales Masters Team captain remarked “It was a challenging competition where the 3 metres depth was tough on the masters team, but old age and cunning gave us the opportunity to score a few goals past the English Elite team, it was good to be up there putting Wales on the map smartly turned out in our matching kit.  Armed with this valuable top-level experience our teams will be better prepared for next year’s challenges. 

The squads owe thanks to their sponsors, Texaco Chevron Pembroke Refinery.

Colin Deller

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