Veterans Hockey players are the lifeblood of the game

VETERANS Hockey not only increases longevity by prolonging playing careers by many decades.

DRIVING FORCE: Tournament organiser Alf Groves and captain of the over-63 team Ken Davison get ready for the over-55 and the over-63 hockey tournamnet in Grafton this weekend. Photo: Adam Hourigan / The Daily Examiner. Picture: Adam Hourigan

VETERANS Hockey not only increases longevity by prolonging playing careers by many decades.

It could also be deemed the very lifeblood of the game itself.

Heroes of yesteryear emerge from the woodwork every 12 months to relive glory days year after year ... after year.

As a consequence, a huge population - including 24 teams' worth playing in Grafton this weekend - are never too far away from the game. Many keep playing regular competition and, by association, their children are more likely to take an interest in the sport.

"Players used to stop in their late-20s," NSW Veterans Over-55/63 tournament organiser Alf Groves said.

"Now they keep going and going."

Groves and Grafton Over-63s captain Ken Davison is the driving force who first bent over backwards to ensure Grafton hosted the event and now organises the tournament.

"It's competitive, but social as well," Davison said.

"A lot of former Australian players will be here this weekend and a lot of people come out of retirement each year for Vets."

Groves and Davison's involvement in Vets Hockey dates back 22 years when the concept was in its infancy. Now it's a major part of the hockey calendar.

"Everyone gets on exceptionally well off the field and on the field is some of the most competitive hockey you'll see," Groves said.

"People will be surprised by how good they are at this age division."

Ten teams will contest Over-55 A Grade, eight in B Grade and six in Over-63. The tournament runs from 8am this morning through to the A Grade grand final at 1pm on Sunday.

Grafton has twice won B Grade gaining subsequent promotion. After surviving A Grade last year, the host team is looking to establish itself as a mainstay in the top division.

"Grafton stayed in 'A' last year, but it's one thing to win B Grade and it's another to survive in 'A'," Davison said.

Former NSW Over-50 goalkeeper Brett Condie strengthens the side as a new addition to the over-55 division, while Dennis Greensill and Brian Napper will be key players in the outfield.

For the over-63s look out for Kerry Wilsmore and David Bell to lead the charge.

Davison assured all Grafton's players lived locally - there are no ring-ins.

"We've got Grafton on our back and that's how we want it. We're a very parochial lot."

Grafton plays its opening match in both divisions at 10am today on the adjacent synthetic turf fields.

Originally published as Veterans Hockey players are the lifeblood of the game