A group of St Albans Hockey Club players helped England to World Cup glory in the Netherlands.

While England’s men’s hockey team, managed by former St Albans and England player Andy Halliday, now the club’s men’s first team coach, were competing with the world’s elite at the the Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands, England Masters and Grand Masters teams were taking part in international tournaments at Rotterdam and The Hague.

England’s men won two age groups at over 70 and over 55 beating their hosts, the Netherlands, in both finals.

St Albans’ Adrian Stephenson won gold with the over 70s and Stephane Port was successful in the younger age group.

Stephenson said: “The final whistle was a massive moment.

“Standing on the podium at the medal ceremony was one of the proudest moments of my sporting life.

“We regained the over 65s cup four years ago in South Africa and winning the World Championship is always very special.

“It is a feeling I would like to repeat so I shall be fighting for a place in the Over 70 squad for the Grand Masters European Cup which will be held at St Albans next year.”

The over 70s finished top of their group after wins over the Netherlands, South Africa, Japan and Germany alongside a draw with holders Australia.

This earned them a final against the Netherlands and a late goal fired them to a 2-1 win.

In the B team competition for Grand Masters (over 70) there were gold medals for three more St Albans players.

Nigel Strofton, Chris Parker and Graham George all played their part while there was silver for David Sheridan in the over 60 group.

The new season for St Albans Hockey Club starts at the beginning of September.

For more information log on to www.stalbanshc.co.uk.