Before selection on the 20th, June was split into four parts.  A weeks training in Terrasa (Spain), the Setanta Trophy in Dublin, Test matches v New Zealand in Holland and finally training at Bisham Abbey.

We left for Spain on June 2nd and were instantly put to the test with fitness testing on the first day and a gruelling schedule of 10 training sessions and two test matches over the 6-day camp.  With the volume of training being so high it was very encouraging to record two draws (1-1 and 2-2) in the test games against World number 4 Spain.  Although we didn’t play at our best we again proved hard to beat and competed with a topside.  On a personal note I was very proud to gain my 50th GB cap in the first test v Spain.

To say we were a little tired going into the Setanta Trophy would be an understatement, we had one day off in which we travelled to Ireland and were back out on the training pitch the day before the tournament.   Although at times (normally during the first half) we performed well in the tournament we seemed to inevitably give into fatigue and our results were not as good as we expected.  This was most evident against Pakistan were we lead 3-0 at halftime but ended up drawing 3-3.  In the other matches we recorded a disappointing lost to Canada and two victories over Ireland, meaning a 3rd place finish.

Before heading to Holland we had one night at home and although we were travelling we had two days off.  The match v New Zealand was another tired showing but we managed to take the lead and defended well enough to claim a 1-0 win.  One hockey and one weights session at Bisham completed the training before selection.

Having played in all the matches and training sessions (21 in 18 days) I felt I had dismissed all concerns about my fitness, it was just whether I had played well enough to get picked.

Unfortunately I had not, and I have been chosen as a travelling reserve.  Although I was absolutely gutted not to be picked, overall I am proud of how I have performed, I have had a number of set backs along this year but have still come very close to Olympic selection, and if someone gets injured who knows.  I honestly feel I could not have given anymore, and have no regrets about the year.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this year especially my fiancée, my family and my friends.  I would also like to congratulate all the players who were selected, especially Stephen Dick and Ally McGregor (the two Scots).

June Results
Spain 1 v 1 GB (50th GB Cap)
Spain 2 v 2 GB
GB 0 v 1 Canada
GB 3 v 3 Pakistan
Ireland 2 v 3 GB
Ireland 1 v 2 GB
GB 1 v 0 New Zealand