Dan takes Gold in World Masters hockey

Henley resident, Dan Herbert, has had a busy summer out in Belgium, where, along with his England compatriots, he competed in the International Masters World Cup hockey tournament, eventually finishing winners and bringing the trophy, and their gold medals, home.

Dan first started playing hockey at school in Dorset around the age of 10. He fell in love with the sport and went on to play for his local team (Blandford Hockey Club) as well as representing Dorset County. After more hockey whilst at University, he eventually moved to Henley with work and naturally joined Henley Hockey Club – where he is now starting his 30th season with the club! “Hockey has always been a great way to make friends for me. Playing in a team bonds you together, it’s so much more than just playing sport – it really helped me settle in to the town. In fact, within a year of joining I had met Rachel (we both played in the respective first teams!) – and 4 years later we were married, producing 2 hockey playing children since!” Dan explained.

Whilst the rest of us were sitting in the shade hiding from the August heatwave, Masters teams from across the world descended on Antwerp. There were 9 teams in the Men’s Over 55 IMC competition, with 4 games in the initial group stages, in which England were undefeated. After 3 rest days, they faced Alliance B in the Semi-finals – an 8:30am start time ensured they were all up and out of bed rather early! After a resounding 8-0 win, the England boys faced Southern Cross in the final, an experienced Australian side.

“We started a bit cagily but soon got into our stride – however, despite many shots on goal, we just couldn’t break the deadlock…the Southern Cross goalkeeper was everywhere!” Dan explained. “In hockey, you just have to be patient, keep working away and keep the faith that eventually you will make the breakthrough – which we did.” On the stroke of half time the scorebook was opened by former Henley player, Terry Pollard, easing the tension slightly for the supporters. In quarter 3, the continued dominance paid off and a second goal was put in. However, Southern Cross were not done and fought back in the final quarter, scoring a penalty corner. England remained composed and a third goal was added by Dan (his third of the tournament) and a 4th shortly after, once again by Pollard, capped off a strong victory – albeit with Southern Cross scoring a consolation 2nd on the final whistle.

Dan was called into the England set up at late notice, after a strong performance in the regional tournament in May, where he was representing South Central. “I’ve been playing masters hockey for a few seasons now and it’s really nice playing with your own peer group – it certainly makes a nice change from having to compete against youngsters on a Saturday in the normal league season! The whole experience was great. To play abroad, representing your country is a great honour.”

Dan’s son Adam was very complimentary about his Dad’s performance: “It was great to watch him play in Belgium, I was a very proud son! And the standard in the Over 55s was actually quite impressive to watch! I was really excited when he scored – especially the vital goal in the final. I’ve taken on my parent’s love of the sport and play as much as I can, and to see people still playing…some of the older teams were O70s!…is brilliant – maybe that will be me one day!”

Dan’s focus is now on securing a place in the squad for the Home Nations and European tournaments over the next year’s cycle.