FIVE roller hockey players from Herne Bay United were given a torrid time on and off the rink when they travelled to Argentina to represent England in the World Group A Championships. England were back in the elite group for the first time in 15 years, but they were gven anything but a warm welcome by the partisan Argentinian supporters.

Goalkeeper Dan Barton was joined in the 10-strong national squad by Herne Bay United teammates, Chris Espejo, Brendan Barker, Simon Hoskin and Philip McVey, who was captain. Neil Austin was also selected to go but had to pull out.

Each member of the squad forked out around £1,100 to make the trip, and had to endure a 40-hour journey just to reach their destination, San Juan. But Barton said the Argentinians made their hostility known right from the opening ceremony when a packed crowd of around 8,000 gave the English team a distinctly unsporting reception.

He believes the Argentinians stil bear a grudge over the Falklans conflict.

Barton, a 29-year-old IT consultant, explained: "They were very hostile to say the least. The arena was packed and as we skated out onto the rink for the opening ceremony they were booing, and hissing and shouting all kinds of abuse.

"It surprised me because the Falklands War was nearly 20 years ago and half of the team don't even remember it. I was only 12 or 13 at the time and I was surprised that they could still bore a grudge. It was the same for the closing ceremony and during the games we had hardly anyone cheering for us."

Barton revealed that the squad had the services of a bodyguard throughout the trip, but added that not all the natives were unfriendly. "After the problems at the opening cermeony a dear old lady came to our hotel and apologised for the reception we had been given, which was really touching."

England had qualified for Group A by winning the Group B championships at Buckmore Park, Chatham, but with two members of that squad unavailable, they failed to sparkle in San Juan.

Group defeats against Italy (8-0), Brazil (6-0) and the USA (2-0) were then followed by a 7-2 reverse against Germany.

But a walkover against Canada meant that if England overcame Holland in the ir final play-off they would retain their place in the elite 16 for the next championships.

England had beaten Holland 2-0 in the Group B finals at Buckmore, but they were unable to repeat the performnce, losing 4-2 to once again slip out of the world's top 16.

Barton said: "The chance to perform on a world stage for possibly the only time in our career was the motivating factor for most of us to find the money but our results were disappointing. We should have beaten the USA in the group stages, but just could not get the ball into the net. We seemed to raise our game against the better sides, but our main problems were fitness and a lack of preparation.

"In some cases we were up against professionals who get thousands of pounds a month in pocket money alone."

Spain won the title, defeating Argentina after a penalty shoot-out in the final.