KHC wishes own player and umpire, Moira Anderson, all the best for her adventures in New Zealand with the Scotland Masters O65s team. As she jets off, Mo recounts her preparations over the last year in the lead up to the big trip....

"Being selected for the Scottish Masters Over 65s hockey team is a great honour and to play in the World Cup in Auckland New Zealand is a dream come true. It has also been a source of motivation for getting back to full fitness in time.

It has been a long, physical and emotional journey to get to this point, having had so many ups and downs nursing a knee injury. Thankfully all the hard work has paid off, making it possible to play at this level again.

Preparing for this tournament has been very intense starting in April and concluding on 20th of October at the last squad training session in Kinross.

June - it was fantastic to get back on the pitch - after 15 months of knee rehab - at the Loch Lomond Over 35s tournament. I was ecstatic at scoring a goal during this tournament. This both lifted my spirits and confidence, making me more determined to keep training. This performance secured my place in the team to play in the Home Nations tournament held in Nottingham. Three days of intense hockey was a great experience - although my knee certainly complained for a few days after.

July - a trip to Southgate for a 3 day tournament which boosted team spirits with these two results in particular - beating England 2-1 & Belgium 6-0 - 1 draw & 1 defeat. It was a much improved performance from the squad and I was happy with my contribution with goals and assists under my belt. Wales won the gold with Scotland winning a silver medal - just the icing on the cake we needed.

August - another 3 day tournament in Dundee playing with most of the Scottish Squad to make up a Scottish Thistles team. Another goal under my belt continuing to building confidence and fitness.

September- Cambridge 3 day Tournament was next on our calendar- the squad playing some attractive attacking hockey. Fitness and skills improving.

The squad is now heading to Auckland, New Zealand, to take part in the Masters World Cup O65s Tournament.

Scotland is in Pool B - opposition are Argentina, USA, Alliance & Wales.
In pool A is England, Australia, Canada, New Zealand & England LX.

Fingers crossed that Scotland get through their pool. I will keep you posted.

Apart from my own knee injury, other team mates have had their own to endure and recover from - hamstrings, broken foot, broken wrist, shoulder injury, calf strain to name a few. Thankfully all have recovered and are fighting fit, ready to play Argentina in our first game.

A big thank you to everyone at KHC for their continued support and encouragement - means a great deal to me. I will keep you updated on progress from NZ.

Thanks also must go to Live Borders for their financial support, Donald Francis, Chiropractor & Bruce Scott, Physio for their recovery treatment."

Good luck, Mo!