It is the definition of pressure – watching your clubmates win two national veterans hockey finals and then realising your own team has the chance to make it an unprecedented hat-trick, but that is what faced Epsom over-50s skipper Mark Sydenham.

The club’s ladies over-35s started Epsom’s domination of the England Hockey National Finals at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

However, they left it late until Sarah White converted a penalty corner in the final minute to see off the challenge of Jersey 1-0.

It was then the turn of the men’s over-40s, called the Epsom Embers, who beat neighbours Purley Walcountians 2-1 thanks to an Ali Murrell penalty corner and a Matt Peaty strike.

Finally came the over-50s, knowing a win over Ipswich would seal a third trophy and complete a clean-sweep for the Woodcote Road-based club.

But they held their nerve, and penalty corners from Richard Skinner and Ruddy Wheeler, as well as a Chris Mitchell goal, sealed a 3-2 win to set Champagne corks popping for the third time.

Sydenham said: “Having won two trophies already, there was tremendous pressure on us not to be the only bridesmaids.

Surrey Comet:

Epsom Hockey Club over-50s             Picture: SP Action Images

“But we have played well as a team all season and it showed in the final, although maybe not in the last five minutes when we got a bit tired.”

He added: “We have had a great tournament and to play on this sort of top-quality surface is just a dream.”

Penny Woods, the victorious ladies’ captain, said: “It has been such a great squad performance throughout the competition and we have enjoyed every game – it is just fantastic to win.

“We had our chances throughout the game and we couldn’t put them away, but all we needed was that one last goal in the dying minutes to come away winners.”

Surrey Comet:

Epsom Hockey Club ladies over-35s                Picture: RSKG Photography

Murrell, who guided the Epsom Embers to victory, added: “It was a long journey to get to the finals having been drawn away from home in each round.

“We’ve travelled more than 1,500 miles – so it really has been an epic journey, albeit ultimately successful.

“It was a fantastic weekend and gave our team a new lease of life. It is a beautiful pitch to play on and we had a great crowd.”

He added: “We will come back and defend our title next year.”