DARRYN Marjoram revelled in his first international tournament as he was named players’ player for Australia when they claimed silver at the International Masters Hockey tournament in Hong Kong.

Marjoram returned to Orange this week proud of his and the team’s achievements at the over-40s tournament, which featured some quality hockey.

“It was fantastic. It was unbelievable,” Marjoram said.

“I still can’t believe that we were playing for Australia.

“Even though it was in the 40s, it was still a good standard.”

Marjoram made his international debut in front of his mother and two children, Tanner and Mia, and the forward helped Australia remain undefeated after their six games.

They defeated Ireland (3-0), Hong Kong (4-0), Singapore (5-0), England (4-1) and Scotland (4-0).

Australia also fought out a 2-all draw against New Zealand in what was a physical encounter.

The Kiwis ended up taking out the title thanks to a superior goal difference, as they too recorded five wins and a draw.

The defence of Australia was superb in the opening three games of the tournament, with Marjoram impressed with how they kept their opponents out of their goal circle for the first two-and-a-half games.

“Even in juniors you might see a really good team against a new team ... but I had seen nothing like that before,” he said.

The Bloomfield Premier League Hockey forward was surprised by how well he played during the tournament, especially as he was overcoming a hand injury.

But it didn’t hold him back as Marjoram finished equal top goal scorer for Australia, which helped him also earn players’ player honours.

Marjoram found the back of the net against Ireland, Singapore, England and Scotland (twice) to cap a memorable debut in the green and gold.

“The hand was in the back of my mind and the group I was with picked you up and supported you and made you want to perform. I still can’t believe it actually,” Marjoram said of receiving the players’ player award.