Cup role a golden moment

All Blacks’ star Angus Armstrong has brought gold home to Narrogin, as the Australian men’s 35+ side were crowned champions of the inaugural 35+ Masters Hockey World Cup.

Australia sent teams to compete in 11 divisions at the Masters World Cup, held in Terrassa, Spain, from July 27 to August 5.

But it was the men’s 35+ who stole the show, going undefeated in thefirst-of-its-kind tournament.

Armstrong was WA’s only representative in the side, which was never really challenged for the title. Playing in a pool round against six other nations for a spot in the final, Australia cruised to victory in each one, defeating England 4-0, Wales 11-1, Spain 3-0, South Africa 6-0, Scotland 5-1 and Germany 5-2.

Australia then faced England again in the final, defeating them 1-0 in a tight match.

Armstrong was selected for the side after impressing at the national 35+ tournament in Hobart earlier this year, before taking part in training with the squad in Canberra and then heading to Spain.

“They (England) came out really hard, but didn’t really have a lot of presences in the forward line; we really had the game the whole time but got one goal,” he said.

“Pretty humbled to be playing (for Australia). Just think, ‘Yep, I’m there to play hockey’ but if I stop and think, it’s pretty amazing to experience.”