Scotland LX - Over 60s and Over 65s

Scotland LX was formed in 2002 as a result of an invitation for a Scottish team to participate in the European Superveterans Championships in Paris in October 2002. Since that date, the team has competed in the event annually, from 2003 in Hannover as the national team of Scotland. In 2005 in Rotterdam, countries participating were England, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Scotland (Italy for the first time). A team for Japan also played in the tournament. Scotland LX won the bronze medal at the 2006 event in Bra, Italy in June, and for the first time entered teams in the Masters World Challenge Series in Leverkusen, Germany in September 2006. Scotland finished in sixth place in the World Grand Masters tournament with wins over Netherlands and Egypt, while Scottish Thistles just missed out on a top three finish, coming fourth in the Tournament Trophy. In 2007, Scotland Over 60s finished fourth out of 5 teams in the Grand Masters European Cup held at Canterbury, with a 6-1 win over Italy the highlight of the weekend. Scotland Over 65s, competing for the first time in a major competition, finished bottom of their very strong group. The 2008 European Superveterans Trophy at Sant Cugat, Spain was the most unsuccessful tournament in which Scotland has participated so far. The Over 60s squad, riddled with injury and illness, posted only a 1-1 draw with Italy to go alongside heavy defeats in all the other games. The Over 65s put up a better show but inability to find the net cost them dear, their only positive result being a 0-0 draw with England. Both teams finished at the bottom of their leagues.

Scotland had more success in the World Grand Masters championships held in Hong Kong in September 2008, finishing in fifth place in both the Over 60s (Grand Masters) and Over 65s (Great Grand Masters) events.

There are also social fixtures at invitation tournaments and an annual, international series with Wales as well as fixtures against the Auld Enemy, England. To give everyone an opportunity to play, fixtures against district and club sides in the North of England are being planned.

Membership for 2009 is open to all players aged 59 or over on 1 January 2009, with Junior Membership available to those approaching the big date. WGMA rules allow international sides to apply to field up to two players who are not more than two years below the minimum age. Non playing members are welcome too and many players take their wives on tour. There are opportunities for players of all levels, from those like George Black and David Cassell who have many full international caps to those who have taken up the game later in life.

If you are interested in joining, or simply finding out more about Over 60s hockey in Scotland, contact Secretary Ian Downie by email at:

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Scotland Over 60s Fixtures

Over60sMembers

The European Superveterans Tournament at Sant Cugat, Spain over the Easter weekend was overshadowed by the death of Jim White a week before the tournament began. Jim, who had just turned 75, had been selected for the Over 65 squad in Spain and his wife Kath insisted on the team travelling to compete as Jim had loved his hockey so much. A kind and gentle man, Jim will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.