Three exceptional hockey players from Stratford have been selected to represent New Zealand in the forthcoming Masters’ World Cup. Grant Boyde, Adrian Lobb, and Alex Yule will be demonstrating their talents in their respective age groups on the global stage.
According to Grant Boyde, the selection process was extremely competitive, with 96 teams vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament. “It is an honour to once again be playing in the Masters,” he stated. The selection also included other players with ties to Stratford, such as Alan Bunning and Zoe Fugilstaller, in their respective age groups. This serves as evidence of the town’s outstanding talent in the field of hockey.
The Masters’ World Cup will be held in North Harbour, Auckland, and Cape Town, South Africa. Grant and Adrian will be representing their country in Auckland in November, where 130 teams from around the world will be competing in their respective age divisions. Both players are no strangers to the hockey turf, having been teammates since their primary school days and representing Taranaki together.
For Alex Yule, who has been chosen for the men’s 40s team, the journey to his playing ground in Cape Town, South Africa, will be lengthier. His matches will occur in October, and he is eagerly anticipating this new experience. “It’s exciting to go to a place I’ve never been while representing Stratford and New Zealand on an international hockey turf,” Alex remarked. This will be his first time participating in the Masters, and he is looking forward to the upcoming hockey season as preparation for the event.
On the other hand, Adrian Lobb is no stranger to the Masters’ World Cup, having been a regular participant for 12 years. “You’re playing alongside like-minded individuals who have played the sport at a representative level for years,” he stated. According to him, the camaraderie and competitive aspect of the tournament with ex-international players involved makes the experience quite special. With an impressive 14 appearances at the Masters, Grant Boyde reflects on the success he and his team have attained in previous tournaments, triumphing in several locations around the world and showcasing his extensive experience in the sport.
The players’ passion for hockey extends beyond the realm of competition – most are actively engaged in their local hockey associations as umpires or members of turf trusts. This deep-rooted connection to the sport only serves to further reinforce their love for the game.
The forthcoming Masters’ World Cup promises to be an exhilarating event, and these Stratford representatives are eager to display their skills on the international stage. With their wealth of experience and dedication to the sport, they are undoubtedly poised to make New Zealand proud on the global hockey platform.