FOUR Barry women recently returned from sunny Barcelona after being selected to represent Wales in the Exin Masters Hockey World Cup.

Sam Pascoe was in the Over 50 age group and Ceri Cole, Dawn Dobbs and Claire Salisbury in Over 40 squad.

It was the largest ever World Cup event, with 25 countries, 135 teams and over 430 matches in 10 days.

They were selected back in January and endured many weekends of hockey training and pre-tournament matches.

This was alongside working full time and running their family home.

During the 10 days in Terrassa, near Barcelona, extreme high temperatures were recorded but matches went on regardless of the heat.

The 40s team played six games in eight days against Argentina, USA, Zimbabwe, Scotland, France and Belarus.

They enjoyed mixed fortunes with 3 wins and 3 losses.

The 50s team also faced many fantastic teams. They played Italy, Germany, New Zealand, England, Argentina and Netherlands. They had some amazing wins and scored some fabulous goals and were the most successful Welsh team.

They reached the quarter-finals and are now ranked 6th.

It was an wonderful experience to play for Wales at a World Cup but made so much more special after achieving it with their closest friends.

They have all been friends and played hockey together for over 25 years.

The ladies are currently enjoying a two-week hockey rest before pre-season training begins for their club, Howardian Ladies Hockey.