THE saying goes that age is only a number, and for 77-year-old hockey star Bill Warrender that certainly rings true.

Warrender, from Levens, has added another medal to his growing collection after helping England overcome the Netherlands in the final of the over 75 category in the European Masters Tournament in Southgate, north London.

With one 80-year-old in the fifteen-man squad, Warrender and his teammates brushed aside the Dutch 3-0 and 1-0 in a two-legged final.

"The objective is always to win," said Warrender, who began playing hockey at the age of 14 and is a former Netherfield Hockey Club captain. "I have never been on the losing side against the Dutch at any age level. So I was always confident, but you never know until the final whistle.

"It is always a great feeling to represent your country and collect a gold medal."

Warrender, who has played all over the world including in Malaysia, Hong Kong, South America and Europe, has no immediate plans to give up.

"Currently my wife and GP are still encouraging me to carry on," he said. "I don’t know how long that will continue.

"Next year’s World Cup is in Australia. But because we have no financial support from England Hockey and no sponsorship I cannot see myself participating in that because of the expense. I’ve been very fortunate with health and avoiding injuries. I’ll just take it 12 months at a time now.

"Playing a team game is just great for keeping fit. There is competition for places in the England Masters teams. It is also very therapeutic.

"You don’t have any worries about life when you are in the middle of a game. And you make lots of friends wherever you go.

"You see in the press how the older age group are being encouraged to play walking football or walking rugby. They need to have a go at running hockey.

"Team sport also means you have like minded people around giving you encouragement. I have also been lucky enough to get around the world whilst playing."