Leading lawyer helps England to a third place finish in the Masters Hockey World Cup 2022

A leading lawyer from the North East has helped England to a third place finish in the Masters Hockey World Cup 2022.

Keith Land played throughout the over 45s tournament, held in Cape Town, South Africa, with England beating the hosts 4-2 in a third-place play off.

England lost their semi-final 1-0 to the Netherlands, who then went on to win the World Cup by beating Germany 3-0.

Highlights from the tournament for England included a 12-0 win against Zimbabwe and 4-0 win against the USA in the group stages.

Keith, head of employment at Sintons, was representing England again at World Cup level, having previously played in the 2017 indoor Masters World Cup. Most recently, he represented his country in England’s victory in the Home Nations tournament in June.

The impressive England performance in the World Cup 2022 marks another significant achievement for Keith in hockey, which he has played since he was 12 years old, following the lead of his father who represented England in the sport at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Keith also represents Morpeth Hockey Club and – in addition to his work as one of the leading employment lawyers in the North of England, as again confirmed by Legal 500 2023 – Keith travels the country to train with his England teammates, including at the national sports centre Bisham Abbey.

“We’re delighted with our third place finish, to finish third in the World Cup is really fantastic. The team played so well, and while it was disappointing to lose in the semi final, we did lose to the eventual winners and I was very happy with how we did overall. It was a fantastic experience and one I certainly won’t forget,” says Keith.

Christopher Welch, managing partner of Sintons, adds: “To represent England is an enormous achievement, and to play in a team that finishes third in the World Cup is phenomenal.

“Keith combines his commitment to hockey and his country with his outstanding work as a leading employment lawyer, advising businesses and organisations nationally and being the trusted advisor to clients across the country.

“I know his clients will share the pride in Keith’s achievements that we have as his colleagues, and we all send our biggest congratulations to him.”