The Hague 2024 over 70s report

Players: Paul Finch, Steve Laux, Tony Walker, Martin Petty, Ian Pett, Tim Lorimer, Rob Campbell, Mick Christopher, Derrick Reid, Alan Parker, John Smith, Duncan Mitchell, Satnam Khela, Dobbin Dunbar, Donald Dunbar, Phil Bell

The tournament in the Hague was one of the two selected tournaments that Thistles take part in.  However, sometimes, because of the cost and commitment required to take part sometimes means that we just get a team together.  Our average age group was quite high and included one over 80 and some middle to late 70's.  That doesn't mean a lack of commitment, quite the opposite, but we do have to recognise that stamina and speed is affected by age.  When also the temperature during the games was around the 30 degree mark then this is emphasised.

I mention all of this because our first game was against Spanish Sixtiberians, basically, a full on 70's national 70's team with some very young looking 70 year olds.  Luckily, we played them first, so had a bit of fitness to respond with.   Two players,  Alan Parker and  Paul Finch (the goal keeper couldn't play because of injury.  Paul didn't manage to shake off his injury and Parker got physio and strapped to play the next couple of games.  Somehow we held on, with a large amount of effort and held them to two nil.   The team organisation came from captain Rob Campbell and Ian Pett.  This organisation helped stop a bit of a possible large defeat.  A big thanks to Phil Bell for stepping into goal for the team after the injury to Paul finch.  Nice to have a youngster in the team.

The second game was against The Hague United Dutch team on Tuesday morning.  The game was well matched and both sides had chances.  The result would have been a draw if it were not for an umpire misunderstanding regarding a pass before a hit was taken.  The umpire thought that the hit was taken, whereupon one of the Dutch players took the ball to the 'd'  where the goalkeeper and defender were surprised and fell over, leaving an empty goal.   An objection was made, but the result stood.  The Dutch team offered their commiserations.

The third  game (Wednesday) was a very hard pressed by a very strong and physical Alliance side. They scored in the first quarter. Our inroads into their d were few and we had two short corners. We were slow to start but improved by the second quarter. They sneaked a goal in the last ten minutes of the game. The strongest Alliance team we have played for quite a while. Team still in good heart and working hard.

Game four on Thursday was against L.X.White.  Partly because we had played late the previous day and then, this early morning game. Also, because LX had a day off previously, we were not upto taking on this very good team.  This game is always tough and you need a good fit team to give them a good game.  We did our best and only ended up 5 nil down.  It could have been a lot worse.

Friday was the 'playoffs' 70s. played two half hour games in the morning. All our tournament training paid off. We played really well, passing and building together. We had the major  part of the play and our first draw.  Again against Hague United we were very strong. We went down one nil but came off knowing that we had rattled them and marked them out most of the game.  Saturday our last game is v Belgium Old Lions. Bring it on.

The final full game was against Old Lions, a team that we normally win against and indeed, we had most of the game.  By this time four of our team had injuries and only one sub.  Unfortunately, we still didn't manage to get that all important goal and in the end we had a penalty shoot out.  The result was 4: 3 to them.   Wooden spoon well and truly earned with pride.

Despite this lack of goals and outcomes, the team gelled well together and improved quite a bit during the competition.   The WGMA tournament will be held in Nottingham next year, so we should be well prepared next time.  Thanks to Rob and Ian for guiding the team and Phil Bell for doubling up goalkeeping for us.  A great tournament and grat weather.  A good time had by all.