Cambridge: England over 80s hockey team hold practice match

The England over 80s side will face the Netherlands in an international match in April

A group of octogenarian hockey players gathered in Cambridge for a practice game ahead of their next international match.

The England over-80s side claims to be the oldest group of athletes ever selected by a national body to represent the country.

On Wednesday, they met at the Cambridge University sports centre ahead of their match with the Netherlands on 17 April.

Midfield player Vinny Smith, 80, said it was "awesome" to play for the team.

"It [hockey] is a fantastic game. It's great to be out with these guys, who are all good mates... it's just a hoot," he said.

Midfield player Vinny Smith said it was a "hoot" to be part of the England over-80s side

The side, who represent England Hockey, range in age from 80 to 87.

Team manager Adrian Stephenson said the side featured "England's most durable hockey players from all around the country".

"Such is the enthusiasm of these 'older' hockey players that this year there will be an additional B team international against the Netherlands with several players over 85," he said.In the same fixture last year, England beat the Netherlands 1-0.

The side held a practice match at Cambridge University sport centre on Wednesday