Mason bows out (From Stroud News and Journal)

Mason bows out

FORMER Stroud hockey ace Simon Mason has announced his retirement from the international game after 12 years at the top.

Mason, 31, (pictured) has decided to call time on his illustrious career after clocking up almost 200 international matches and three Olympic Games tournaments.

Mason, who is originally from Berkeley, established himself as Great Britain's number one goalkeeper during the 1990s and last year became the nation's most capped stopper of all time.

He informed national head coach Jason Lee of his decision at the end of last week, triggering an avalanche of tributes and best wishes on the official England Hockey website as well as several glowing endorsements from coaches and managers alike.

England team manager David Whittle said in his statement: "Simon, apart from his imposing 6'5" frame between the posts, has been a giant in many ambassadorial roles within sport in general.

"He participated in the last three Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games, three World Cups and three European Cups, giving him vast experience which I am sure will continue in the game in some capacity in the future."

In a highly impressive career, Mason won 120 England caps and 74 Great Britain caps. A veteran of the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics, he also has the rare distinction of being a two-time UK Hockey Player of the Year award winner, receiving the accolade in 1994 and 2003.

His career began at KLB School, where he played hockey alongside fellow future international player Mark Pearn, and later took in Stroud Hockey Club, Gloucester City and former European club champions Reading.

During a Great Britain tour of New Zealand in 2003, Mason finally overtook legendary keeper and Olympic Gold medal winner from 1988 Ian Taylor's record number of caps for a British keeper as he won his 174th cap to cement his place as one of the all-time greats.

* Stroud hockey reports and picture page 68.