Perthshire Hockey Club president Noelle Duncan has returned from a memorable and enjoyable trip to the Masters World Cup.
Noelle was this month representing Scotland women’s 65 squad at the event held in Cape Town, South Africa.
Running from October 1-10, she revelled in the experience both on and off the pitch alongside fellow team-mates old and new.
The team managed to work their way to the final – narrowly defeating the USA to seal their place - before then being edged out in the showdown match 2-0 by favourites England.
“It was a good standard and the big thing for us was being able to beat the USA and get into the final against England,” explained Noelle, who is from the Wolfhill area of Perthshire.
“The USA were a bit of an unknown quantity because we had never really played them before. We felt we did really well getting into the final.
“And that is the best result we’ve had against England in all the Masters teams I’ve been in. We had gone through long periods where they were beating us by a lot more. One of their goals was a penalty corner and they took their chances well. We had a couple as well but weren’t able to put them away.”
Noelle revealed the event was meant to happen two years ago but Covid-19 put paid to that.
Excitement at finally getting to compete had been building, coupled with having the chance to explore the attractions of Cape Town.
“We were waiting and waiting until we knew it was going to happen,” Noelle smiled. “There were a couple of get-togethers and sessions, some of them games. Then it was working towards the World Cup. So it was an ongoing process.”
The playing environment and the community feel of Masters hockey is one Noelle thrives in.
“The trouble with playing club hockey is that you are coming up against a lot of younger people,” she explained.
“But this is at a level where you can compete well without feeling someone is running rings around you all the time!
“You feel you can get into the game and do something useful.
“I enjoy the Masters games, the people you meet and it’s just good fun. It’s serious because people want to do well but you are there to enjoy it too.
“I never played much at school, never got into any district squads or anything like that. I was never a top-class player but always turned up. And I like playing with people better than me because they are there to help you out.”
Aged 68, Noelle hopes to remain involved with the Scottish Masters moving forward. Hockey has very much become a passion through the years.
She said: “I came over to St Andrews University, played during my four years, then came to Perthshire and have been involved ever since.
“I like to get out and get some fresh air at the weekend. I do enjoy it and feel a lot better for it than if I was just sitting about. And I need the exercise!”
Fellow Perthshire Hockey Club player Mandy New was also selected for the Masters World Cup in Cape Town and was with the W60 squad.
