Simon Thomson (Hips), John Sanders (umpire) and Bob Bowyer (Knees).
Camera IconSimon Thomson (Hips), John Sanders (umpire) and Bob Bowyer (Knees). Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

Hockey: ex-players relish masters competition with no Knee-d to be Hip

Pia van StraalenCanning Gazette

A HOCKEY club of 150 men, aged in their 50s, 60s and 70s, has established two 11-man teams; one made up of those with hip replacements, the other of knee replacements to compete in a hockey competition to see which bionic side can win.

Every Wednesday of the year, the group of Masters Games athletes and ex-hockey stars meet to play hockey at the Perth Hockey Stadium.

However, earlier this year, the group discovered there were enough players with hip and knee replacements to establish two full sides.

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Club member Howard Herbert said the club were inspired to establish a competition to see which side would win if they were to compete against each other.

“It’s not like these guys are old crocks, they have been athletes all their lives and as a result recover from their operations remarkably well,” he said.

“Some are ex-Olympians or have played for Australia, many ex state players. A few may have a different gait and some get about better than guys with no disabilities.”

Mr Herbert said he believed the play off could be the first of its kind in Australia.

“Our sleuths believe this particular game is an Australian first and quite possibly a world first. Maybe for the Guinness book of records?” he said.

The game will take place on December 14 at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Bentley from 3:30pm.