The Grand Masters Jacky Murray Tournament - Wellingborough 7s – 6th and 7th April 2024
The Thistles Ladies were delighted to participate in this Grand Masters 7s fun festival for Over 58s, named forever in memory of Jacky Murray, a stalwart of Masters Hockey in the North of England and England LX. Organised by Ladies England LX, it lived up to our expectations of being ‘fun’ but competitive, with teams from the local club Kettering with mixed age group teams (some super wee players), senior ladies teams from Wales and Bedford, and a Mens England LX social side. Played at the lovely facilities at Wrenn School in Wellingborough, there was a social gathering at the Kettering Hockey and Cricket Club; a chance to catch up with old friends.
Six 7s matches over 2 days was tough (thankfully half pitch!), so we were glad to have our token Over 55 in Pip Graham in our small squad, the rest of us being Over 65 (some by more than others!). Losing narrowly on Day 1, Day 2 we were in the lower pool and pulled off a couple of wins – "Yes we can do this", we cried! Respectable AND enjoyable!
The tournament is planned to be an annual event in Jacky’s memory.