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Abbotts in Argentina - 2007
Aficionados of men’s veteran hockey around the world had feared that, following their triumphant progress across the South Pacific a year or two ago, Reigate Abbots had graced the fields of the globe for the last time. There was thus much celebration amongst their fans, particularly those based in South America, that the maestros were to undertake some exhibition games in Argentina.
And so it was that the ancients assembled at Heathrow one September evening en route to Buenos Aires. Here a note for any future travellers to the region; in Argentina the currency is Argentinean Pesos, not the peso of Mexico.
The long flight and lengthy coach ride meant that the heroes had been travelling for twenty nine hours when they were received in Rosario at an impressive ceremony which was followed by an interesting cabaret comprising a dog show and some dancing.
So the team finally were able to enjoy their hotel where the autograph hunters were eventually held at bay by a steel fence. The night’s sleep was, however, disturbed by an impromptu fire drill.
The next day those high altitude training sessions proved their worth with a brace of six to nil victories against Canadian and Dutch sides. Fittingly captain Vijay Kumar got the show on the road against the Canadians with a crisp penalty corner strike before Steve Wheeler and Geoff Dennis both netted twice and Jolyon Vans Agnew added a spectacular sixth. The years continued to roll away as, against the Dutch, Geoff Dennis netted a hat trick, Steve Wheeler notched two more and Bill Stephens scored before an own goal, following a splendid run by Andy Sanders, ended the proceedings.
The following day was spent on a ranch where few could have expected such prowess from the Abbots in the areas of bronco riding and polo.
The second day of hockey brought mixed results with an only goal defeat from an uncompromising South African side was balanced by a two goal victory ( Geoff Dennis and Steve Wheeler strikes) against a German eleven.
A second rest day, marked, if anything, by cultural excesses, was followed by a final day of competition. The big crowds assembled were not to be disappointed by the performances of the maestros. Pushed ever forward by captain Kumar and with the understated presence of Phil Jones, victories were notched against the Cavaliers (thanks to late Wheeler and Jolyon Vans Agnew goals) whilst the pride of Australia were felled by another Wheeler special.
And so the team were carried from the pitch by the excited and grateful crowd. It was onward to another civic reception and a hectic departure for those heading homeward. For those spending more time spreading the word, there were to be a few more days of missionary work.
Shall we ever see their like again? Is it true that they plan an Australian adventure? No-one was available for comment as this report went to press. So we shall just have to wait and see whilst celebrating yet another magic tour from the heroes of Reigate.
Team: Nick Gane, David Jennings, Andy Sanders, Clive Gell, Vijay Kumar, Phil Jones, Hamish Vans Agnew, Jolyon Vans Agnew, Steve Wheeler, Geoffrey Dennis, Martin Seymour, Bill Stephens
Supporters: Bill Bentley, Hansa Tank, Linda Potter, Jo & Dominic Dennis, Rachel Vans Agnew, Delores Wheeler and a crowd large enough to grace a Cecil B. De Mille epic.
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