Four
years ago in Portland, USA a group of 4 Cumbrian over 60 players were the
basis of a team that had just won the Gold Medal in the World Masters Games.
(the equivalent of the veterans Olympics) They made a promise that they
would defend their title in the next games. So it was that earlier this year
Graham Dixon, who had captained the team, set about adding to the squad that
would head for
Melbourne in October to
take part in the 5th World Masters Games.
Graham
Dixon, his wife Marian McFegan, Doreen Mattinson and John Oliver who all
play in the Cumbrian over 60s National Championship team were joined by
fellow Cumbrian, Harry Shadwick – Ann Murray from Yorkshire – Brenda Andrew
of Cheshire and Mike Coley of Surrey. This was possibly the strongest
English team that could be assembled and despite the advancing years of the
original four there was a feeling of optimism as they flew out to
Australia. Most of the team arrived early to overcome any travel fatigue
and to get well acclimatised.
Having
completed registration and armed with their competitor passes, backpacks and
ponchos, all of the team attended the impressive opening ceremony and trod
the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Club along with the other 23.000
competitors from over 90 countries, watched by 18.000 spectators.
The
largest sporting event ever began when John Landy, winner of several Olympic
medals and now Governor of
Victoria,
took the torch from the oldest competitor (99) and lit the flame to open the
games.
The
badminton with 1.200 entries was also the largest badminton tournament in
the world.
The team
hired a court at the Melbourne Aquatic and Sports Centre (the venue for the
badminton and four other sports) prior to the start of the games to
loosen-up and get the feel of the unusual court conditions.
Looking
smart in their Van Heusen supplied shirts, the team got off to a great start
when, in their first match, Ann Murray and Brenda Andrew overcame the
European ladies doubles champions from Germany. This proved to be a tough
match that eventually went their way 7 – 5.
The team
that stood between them and a second Gold Medal had been assembled from many
of the best players in the world (including Canadian, German and Australian
champions). A turning point in the match was the win of second ladies
Marian Mcfegan and Doreen Mattinson but the success was based on the superb
play of Harry Shadwick leading up to a match clinching performance from Mike
Coley and Ann Murray to win the match 7-5 and secure Gold.
The team
joined the Silver medallists to celebrate with a meal in the Casino that
evening.
Medals
were presented at an expansive dinner dance on the following evening.
In the
individual events that followed later that week, the success continued. John
Oliver getting Bronze in the over 65 singles (Division 2) and Graham Dixon a
Silver in over 60s singles (Division 3) Harry had the misfortune to be drawn
against Richard Purser in his singles.
Possibly
the finest performance was from Harry and Mike Coley when the beet the
holders to take Gold in the over 60s mens doubles.
The mixed
doubles produced a Bronze medal for Brenda Andrew and Harry Shadwick
(Division 1), Silver for Marian McFegan and Graham Dixon and Bronze for
Doreen Mattinson and John Oliver (Division 2). A total of 18 medals for the
English over 60s.
Stewart
Cummings (Lancs) and Bill Houghton (Notts) also took part in the over 60s
individual events.
The next
games are in Alberta, Canada in 2005
Veterans Badminton