TAUNTON Vale had no less than three ladies representing England at the Masters Hockey World Cup in Holland.

Clare Hayes, who plays for the Over-40s team, picked up a bronze medal, while Jill Hansford and Angela Warnes won silver with the Over-60s.

Club chairman Harry Riste said: “We are very proud of Clare, Jill and Angela.

“This complements the strength and depth of Taunton Vale as we have already had recent representation in the full England men’s side with Tom Carson who began his junior playing days here at the club as well.”

Hansford, a 62-year-old retired teacher, and Warnes, a 60-year-old local government officer, were part of the team that drew 0-0 with Australia and beat the Netherlands 1-0 before losing 3-0 to Australia in the gold medal play-off match.

Hansford has played hockey for 51 years and has been a member at Taunton Vale for the past 27.

She said: “Standing on the pitch in the final, seeing the English flag flying, was a very proud moment.

“We didn’t take our medals off all the way home. It was an incredible experience from beginning to end.”

Warnes added: “The experience made me feel very proud and being presented the medals at the final was a great honour.”

Hayes, who is 42 and head of hockey at King’s College in Taunton, said: “The process from selection to playing has been long and drawn-out and I had to compete in three trials before making it into the squad for the tournament.”

England played four group games, beating Ireland 3-1, New Zealand 5-2 and the Netherlands 2-0 and Wales 4-0.

Unfortunately they lost 2-0 to Australia in the semi-finals but beat Russia in the play-off for the bronze medal.

Hayes added: “The best moment of the tournament was beating the Dutch on their home soil.”

Hayes has played at Taunton Vale for a number of years and says she is delighted with the new developments at the club which includes a new surface along with LED lighting throughout the site.

She said: “The improvements will have a massive impact on the whole club.

“It will allow every to train and compete at a higher level.”

The official opening of the new facilities will be on September 6.