Bob Adlard

Educated at Marlborough College, Bob Adlard played hockey for the Old Malburians before gaining representative honours with Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and The West. He made his England début at centre-forward against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park in 1938, and scored in a 5-0 win. He followed that with a hat-trick against Scotland in England’s next match. An injured wrist in an England trail in 1939 ended his season, and with the War looming, his competitive hockey career was effectively put on hold.

Adlard served in the Middle-East during World War II as a lieutenant with the Yeomanry Hussars, whcih were part of the Royal Armoured Tank Corps, and was captured in 1941. After the War, Adlard returned to his old hockey form, but a further injury in an England trial meant he missed the 1948 International season. He was, however, selected for the Great Britain team at the London Olympics, where he scored five goals, including both goals in the 2-0 semi-final win over Pakistan, which put Britain into their first final since 1920.

Away from hockey, Adlard was the fourth-generation member of his family to run the local paper mill. He was also a fine all-round sportsman, and was captain and honorary secretary of the Winchcombe Cricket Club.