News 01 February 2014
All the news for Saturday 1 February 2014
Investec SA women's hockey team outplay Belgium in 4-0 fourth Test whitewash
JONATHAN COOK in Cape Town
Investec SA hockey players celebrate a goal. Photo: GAVIN WITHERS (Action Pix)
They came to Hartleyvale with a mission and at the end of 70 minutes in the fourth Test Friday night it was mission accomplished for the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team as they romped to a 4-0 victory over Belgium after leading 3-0 at half-time.
SA scored through Pietie Coetzee (third minute), Lisa Deetlefs (14th), Bernie Coston (29th) and Celia Evans (61st) to take a 2-1 lead in the six-Test series with two to play.
The South Africans were quicker to the ball, more inventive in their attack construction and alert to the unforeseen, reacting quickly to clean up mistakes.
In the second minute Coston’s pace and control set up the first penalty corner. Goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghe glove-saved Coetzee’s fierce effort to her right. A minute later Dirkie Chamberlain, strong on the ball, won the second PC and this time Coetzee went low to the keeper’s right and the ball clattered into the backboard (1-0).
It was the world record goalscorer’s 278th goal in her 279th Test match.
A stunning move down the right instigated by the strong-running Coston, who brushed off several tackles, was carried on by Shelley Russell, in her 200th Test, and the double Olympian’s cross from the right floated tantalisingly across the goals with no-one able to get a stick on it.
Marcelle Manson and Nicolene Terblanche made two critical tackles during the match, while SA goalkeeper Phume Mbande made telling saves from Jill Boon and Louise Versavel and made pulled off timely interventions to snuff out dangerous Belgian incursions into the strike zone.
In the 13th SA put together an eight-pass attack that almost led to a goal but it did produce the girls in green and gold’s third PC and Lisa Deetlefs volleyed in the rebound off keeper D’Hooghe after Lilian du Plessis had forced the initial save (2-0).
Coston struck in the 29th minute after Coetzee had layed off the pass and SA turned around 3-0 to the good.
In the 47th captain Marsha Cox intercepted in midfield and drove forward before laying off to Kathleen Taylor, whose shot resulted in SA’s fifth PC, Du Plessis’ conventional strike steaming just outside the near post.
Midway through a topsy-turvy second half Belgium’s Axelle Wouters found space on the left, but her strike cannoned into the sideboard.
In the 61sth Tarryn Bright freed up Sulette Damons, who raced upfield before smashing an early diagonal ball from the right to a lurking Celia Evans, who finished off the move and extinguished any hopes Belgium had of making a comeback
The fifth Test is at 4pm Sunday with the sixth and final Test at 7pm Monday.
SA Hockey Association media release
Get Your Diaries Ready!
Rabobank Hockey World Cup Schedule Announced
Today we announced the competition schedule for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup for both men and women.
This epic tournament, consisting of 76 matches, will be the second time that both the men’s and women’s World Cups have been held at the same time and at the same location. The schedule will see six matches take place a day in the pool phase running until 10th June, reducing to four during the knock-out phases.
Held at the Kyocera Stadium, this awesome event will kick-off on the 31st May with the women’s final on Saturday 14th June followed by the men’s on Sunday 15th June.
http://webshop.seetickets.nl/shows/show.aspx?sh=HOCKEY2014&langpref=en
The Rabobank Hockey World Cup continues to be one of the biggest prizes in hockey, combining extraordinary talent with unrivalled prestige to serve as the climax of the world hockey calendar. We can’t wait. Ticket sales are flying so get in quick and BUY NOW
See full schedule here
FIH site
India to play Belgium in 2014 Hockey WC campaign opener
NEW DELHI: India will open their campaign against Belgium in the men's Rabobank Hockey World Cup to be held at The Hague, Netherlands from May 31 to June 15.
According to the competition schedule announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) today, India are placed in a tough Pool A and will face Belgium on May 31, followed by matches against England (June 2), Spain (June 5), Malaysia (June 7) and reigning world champions Australia (June 9).
It will only be the second time that both the men's and women's World Cups will be held at the same time and at the same location.
The tournament, consisting of 76 matches, will see six games take place a day in the pool phase running until June 10, and reducing to four during the knock-out phases.
The semifinals of the men's competition are scheduled for June 13 at the Kyocera Stadium. The women's final will be held on June 14 followed by the men's on June 15.
"Today is a very exciting day for hockey. After a fantastic Hockey World League Final in Delhi, we are here in Holland, a massive hockey nation to announce the schedule of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup," FIH CEO Kelly Fairweather said.
"With 120 days to go, the tournament really starts to come alive. Hockey fans all over the world can plan their diaries whilst players and coaches focus their minds. This World Cup promises to be our biggest yet," he added.
The Times of India
Punjab Warriors beats Delhi Waveriders to top table
Y. B. Sarangi
Delhi Waveriders’ Matt Ghodes (left) battles with Punjab Warriors’ Sandeep Singh and Jamie Dwyer during the HIL match on Friday. Photo: R.V. Moorthy
It was sweet revenge for Jaypee Punjab Warriors, which recorded a 3-1 away win over Delhi Waveriders at the National Stadium here on Friday to top the table in the Hockey India League season two. After four matches, Warriors have 16 points.
Having suffered a 3-1 loss in the league opener to Waveriders at home, Warriors were cautious of not giving away any easy chances to their rival.
In the company of Mark Knowles, Rob Hammond and Christopher Ciriello, Sandeep Singh improved his performance a few notches and executed some good clearances. The seasoned drag-flicker delivered a low and accurate shot to the left corner to convert Warriors’ first penalty corner in the eighth minute.
With the help of the swiftly moving Matt Ghodes and Talwinder Singh, Waveriders conducted some surprise raids from the left. Right-half Gurbaj Singh also initiated some fine moves from the right.
The host earned three short corners in the first 35 minutes, but Jaap Stockmann shone with his brilliant reflexes and superb athleticism to blunt Rupinderpal Singh’s precise flicks.
Waveriders could have equalised before the change of ends had a sliding Ghodes not failed to connect a measured cross from Rajpal Singh from the right.
Warriors maintained pressure and crafted some dangerous plots in the third quarter. However, their strikers could not extend the lead as the home defence was successful in protecting its citadel.
Waveriders relied on their trusted linkmen Sardar Singh and Arjun Halappa to try out some variations in distribution. However, Warriors not only presented a stubborn face, but also retaliated strongly.
An unmarked Satbir Singh slotted home the crucial second goal in the 64th minute. Rupinderpal reduced the margin a minute later, but Warriors held their nerve to make it 3-1 through Shivendra Singh.
The result: Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3 (Sandeep Singh 8, Satbir Singh 64, Shivendra Singh 65) bt Delhi Waveriders 1 (Rupinderpal Singh 65).
The Hindu
Punjab Warriors ride the wave
Biswajyoti Brahma
NEW DELHI: A late fightback was not enough for the Delhi Waveriders as Jaypee Punjab Warriors won the battle between the title favourites 3-1 in their Hero Hockey India League match on Friday.
Punjab went into the last minutes of the match with a comfortable 2-0 lead but Delhi threatened to spoil their party by scoring in the 65th minute to reduce the lead.
Some smart work under the bar by Jaap Stockmann and a goal by Shivendra Singh in the dying seconds helped Punjab get full points. This was Delhi's second loss of the tournament.
The win, the Warriors' first against Delhi in HIL since its launch last year, put Punjab on top of the table with 16 points. Delhi, who got a bonus point despite the defeat, are second with 12 points.
There was not much difference in the way the two played on Friday night. In fact, Delhi enjoyed ball possession but Punjab created more chances and their attacks looked more threatening. They took control over the proceedings when Sandeep Singh scored early.
Putting pressure on the Delhi defenders, Punjab earned a penalty corner in the 8th minute and the lanky drag-flicker - who was the highest score in the last edition - had no problem in putting it across the experienced goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi.
Delhi had their chance when they too forced a penalty corner towards the end of the first quarter but Rupinderpal Singh's drag-flick was stopped by Punjab goalkeeper Stockmann.
While Delhi tried hard for the equalizer, Satbir boosted Punjab's chances with an opportunist goal in the 64th minute. Rupinderpal raised Delhi's hopes of getting away with a draw with a goal in the next minute but Shivendra increased the lead to 3-1 with a field goal a few seconds later. Delhi forced two more penalty corners, but failed to score.
The Times of India
Mumbai want magic against Kalinga Lancers
Sambuddha Chakraborty
BHUBANESWAR: With both teams languishing at the bottom of the table after two successive defeats, the encounter between Kalinga Lancers and Mumbai Magicians at Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Saturday is a battle of equals.
The visitors, who had a disastrous first season, are enduring another horror run in Hockey India League (HIL), courtesy appalling defending. With India discard Sandeep Singh shifting loyalties to Punjab Warriors, the going has been all the more tough for P R Sreejesh and his young side.
Despite the presence of an experienced campaigner like Prabhjot Singh in their ranks, Mumbai Magicians have time and again failed to deliver at crucial moments; a fact highlighted by the match against Uttar Pradesh Wizards on Wednesday, when they squandered the lead to go down 3-5.
Defensive co-ordination has been a major cause for concern for the Magicians and on Friday, the team had an arduous practice session under the watchful eyes of coach MK Kaushik, with special attention given to defending against penalty corners.
Talking about their abysmal start in the league, Kaushik said, "Undoubtedly there were lapses on our part. The defence has not worked the way we want it to. The ball should not have reached the goalkeeper so many times let alone going into the goal. We have to be more careful. The covering needs to be there." The former India captain, though, did not hesitate to give credit where it's due. "The goals we conceded were brilliantly scored. Full marks to our opposition."
Kalinga Lancers, who already have had defensive problems galore, conceding 12 goals in their first two matches, can draw some inspiration from Kaushik's words. "Terry Walsh is a great coach. He has got loads of experience. They are a very good side and are extremely dangerous on counter-attacks. I am sure they will come good," he said.
The Olympian, though, hoped his side would be the first to break the losing streak. "We would like to win over here and get our campaign off the mark." he remarked.
The Times of India
India coach Walsh defends HIL role
Harpreet Kaur Lamba
National hockey coach Terry Walsh is under fire for taking up coaching responsibilities of one of the franchise teams in the ongoing Hockey India League.
The Sports Authority of India, Walsh’s employer, was critical of the Australian’s “dual role”, saying he needed to devote time to hunt future talent and prepare a structure for Indian hockey, rather than be a coach in the city-based league. Walsh is involved with the Kalinga Lancers, the debutants this year.
Walsh, however, defended his stand saying “being inside the HIL structure” provided him a better opportunity to gauge Indian players.
“I do not call it conflict of interest. The concept of the HIL is to provide the players a platform and expose them on the big stage.
“And as coach of Kalinga Lancers, I have the youngest squad and am testing them every day. Being a part of the league and playing every other team twice means, I am noticing all of them quite closely.
“From the outside you can just watch on TV, or may be just visit a few venues. But now I am involved with the players and am engaged at the ground level. I believe it’s a positive thing.”
Asked if the hectic pace of things in the league with back-to-back matches and travel left him with enough time to assess all the players, Walsh said, “When I arrived in India, I was not familiar with each and every player of this country. Through the league I am getting to know and evaluate them.
“And I have my eye on all the teams, not just mine,” he said.
The Asian Age
Reading's European hockey aspirations under threat as club appeals for support after paying price for success
By Rod Gilmour
United: Reading women's and men's sides could be forced to withdraw from European tournaments Photo: ADY KERRY
Reading's European aspirations are under threat after becoming victims of own success and qualifying for unprecedented number of leading European tournaments
Reading, one of the leading club sides in English hockey, have admitted to a “deep concern” over their European aspirations and could be forced to withdraw from leading tournaments on the continent next season after hitting a financial wall.
The reason is simply down to Reading being a victim of their own success at national level. This season the men’s side qualified for the Euro Hockey League, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, while the women’s team, which includes six members of the Team GB squad, have competed in the EuroHockey Club Champions Cup and Indoor Trophy.
Never before has an English club enjoyed such continental luxuries. But with Reading looking to invest heavily in a new pitch at Sonning Lane, coupled with the £30,000 needed to compete in Europe, the club have been forced “to open up” to the hockey family and beyond for financial help in order to cover travel costs.
“It is an unusual territory to be in [for an English club],” admitted Steve Bayer, Reading women’s coach. “We have a performance environment at Reading with a number of world-class players, so for us not to expect or want to achieve those things isn’t on our radar.
“We want to grow and be a real force in Europe, but success comes at a cost and it has been difficult. It is a deep concern.”
Currently, only Kent side Holcombe have a professional set-up in the English game, with a number of players on contracts – a strategy described as “unsustainable” by rivals Canterbury last year. It is a far cry from some of Europe’s leading clubs, who enjoy financial stability thanks to passionate investors.
“When we play against the Dutch, Germans and Belgium sides, some are big financial entities and more established,” said Bayer. “Their funding model is entirely different and for us to go over and compete with them is pretty challenging.
“It is really troubling and we are at the beginning of a financial journey where we want to come out in a sustainable position.”
For next month’s European Indoor Championships in Lithuania, the women’s side have been forced to dip into their own pockets to cover travel expenses. The club are expected to take a trimmed-down squad and support staff.
Angus Kirkland, European Hockey Federation’s director general, told The Daily Telegraph: “It is a concern for any of the nations to be struggling financially [to compete] and unfortunately I don’t have a solution in terms of it.
“We provide the competition and structure that we think is meaningful for clubs to want to participate in, but we don’t like to see clubs forced to withdraw.”
#getreadingtoeurope is the club's appeal to the hockey family in a bid to raise £30,000 for travel costs.
The Telegraph
Anne Panter & Natalie Seymour announce international retirement
Natalie Seymour in action for England against New Zealand at the 2010 Champions Trophy where England won bronze
182 international caps between them, two England and GB hockey players announce their retirement
Anne Panter #7 – England and Great Britain – 108 international caps
Anne Panter in action for Great Britain against Korea at the London 2012 Olympics where GB won bronze
Anne Panter has been playing senior international hockey since the age of 18, making her England debut in August 2002 against China in the Champions Trophy. For the following decade Panter won 108 caps for England and Great Britain and became a familiar sight in the defensive line, competing in two Olympic Games, European Championships, Champions Trophies and a World Cup.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Danny Kerry and Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh she was an integral part of the team, winning two European Championship bronze medals, silver at the 2012 Champions Trophy in Argentina and Olympic bronze at London 2012.
Speaking about her decision to retire from the international scene, Panter said: “It’s been an incredible journey and one which has tested me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I feel I’ve given my all to being the best I could be and to be able to finish my career on the high of winning an Olympic medal in London, with a very special squad, makes me extremely proud, and fortunate.”
“As much as I will always miss competing, the time is right for me to move on and do other things. I have recently started a career as a trader at Goldman Sachs and am looking forward to the new challenges ahead.”
Despite Panter being such a familiar name with hockey fans, both at an international level and for her club side Leicester, there was a time she thought she would never play hockey again after undergoing a pioneering double operation that involved the reconstruction of the post cruciate ligament in her left knee and a patella tendon debridement. The injury and rehabilitation kept her sidelined for two and a half years between Beijing and London, but against the odds she battled back in time to help England to three more major championship medals.
Speaking about Panter's contribution to the game GB & England Hockey's Performance Director and head coach throughout the time Panter was involved in the programme, Danny Kerry, said: "Anne has been the very embodiment of resilience in the face of adversity and I think she has proved that this quality, perhaps above all others, is the defining variable that leads to success. Overcoming numerous set-backs, Anne's single-minded determination has seen her rewarded with an Olympic medal at London 2012.
Kerry added: “Anne was a fantastic reader of the game, technically accomplished and blessed with an ability to run all day. Always one with a witty quip Anne could provide a timely sense of fun and keep the coaching staff on their toes. I am sure Anne will tear up the financial world as she embarks on a new path in the City of London."
Natalie Seymour #9 – England and Great Britain – 74 international caps
Natalie Seymour made her international debut in November 2006 against the Netherlands and between 2006 and 2012 she played 74 times for England and Great Britain winning no fewer than six international medals across all the major championships.
Seymour cites her proudest moment as winning England’s [women] first medal at a World Cup after they claimed bronze in 2010 in Argentina. Alongside that medal, Seymour also has four other bronzes in her collection from the 2009 and 2011 European Championships, the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2010 Champions Trophy. Her sixth medal is a silver one, won at the 2012 Champions Trophy in Rosario.
Speaking about her decision to retire from the international scene, Seymour said: It was a huge honour to be part of the England and Great Britain hockey squads. I feel so lucky to have been part of the sport at such an exciting time. Having the opportunity to train full time on the centralised programme was a huge privilege. I learnt a huge amount, taking my hockey further than I ever thought I could. It was an incredible experience and allowed the squad to fulfil their potential and climb the world rankings and it’s great to see that success continuing on.”
She added: “I have so many amazing memories and great friendships, from the international team and my former club teams of Maidstone and Canterbury. It is always tough to make big changes and retiring from hockey is no exception.
Since taking the step back from hockey Seymour is completing a clinical psychology doctorate at Royal Holloway, University of London and is also training and competing in Triathlon at the very top level.
GB & England Hockey Performance Director Danny Kerry was Seymour’s coach throughout her time in the programme. He said: "Natalie is an athlete who I feel was an inspiration to staff and squad alike. Her attitude, commitment and integrity was quite simply an exemplar to all. Natalie took these qualities onto the pitch and was a true warrior, one admired by all her peers.”
Kerry added: “These qualities have led, and I'm sure will continue to lead Natalie to maximise her potential in all walks of life. I wish Natalie the very best in her pursuit of professional success in the field of clinical psychology and as she embarks on competing internationally in her new chosen sport of triathlon."
Presentation to Panter, Seymour and Glenn Kirkham
Both Panter and Seymour will be watching the Maxinutrition Hockey 5s Final at Wembley Arena this Sunday where they, alongside Glenn Kirkham who announced his retirement from international hockey last year, will be recognised for their outstanding contributions to hockey.
Kirkham is still as active as ever in the domestic game and he will be hoping to captain his East Grinstead side to a record sixth consecutive indoor title.
England Hockey Board Media release
Pakistan may not play Azlan Shah Cup: Mujahid
Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid says Friday Pakistan’s participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup starting from March 13th to 23rd in Malaysia is in doubt due to non-availability of funds.
While talking with The Nation, Mujahid said he had sent confirmation to the organisers but the federation didn't have money to send the team as the PF even cannot pay salaries to PHF employees. Rana termed his meeting with Inter Provincial Coordination secretary Chaudhry Ejaz as very conducive and hoped the IPC secretary will fulfill his commitment of releasing the PHF annual grant, amounting to RS 4.5 million in couple of days.
Rana said Ch Ejaz had fixed meeting with him on 3rd and assured the PHF would be given grant on top most priority but even if the PSB releases entire amount it would not enough for traveling purposes. “We need minimum Rs 20million to participate in Azlan Shah Cup.”
He said hockey camp for players must start from 10th of this month to help players get back into shape and gain physical and mental fitness. “Another important aspect of taking this event very seriously is Pakistan enjoy very cordial relations with Malaysia. We can't even think about missing the event and neither can afford any strains in relations with our Malaysian counterparts, who always remained very supportive when it comes to dealing with the PHF.”
Rana said IPC had promised to bore all the expenses required to host hockey series with India. “They had given verbal approval and now we had sent the details of the required expenses which would be approved soon. Another good news for the PHF is PSO MD has given approval for sponsorship and theorders would be issued by the end of this month.” He said Nadra had also promised to continue their sponsorship for Pakistan hockey team. “Interior Secretary Shahid Ali is out of the country. As soon as he returns all the formalities would be completed and Nadra would continue sponsorship like past.”
He said PHF president Chaudhry Akhtar Rasool had very fruitful meetings with top government officials and soon very positive announcements in this regard would be made. “We are the defending champions of Asian Games and things are not looking good at the moment as funds are required to prepare and participate in Asian Games and any wastage of time is sabotaging Pakistan chances. It is my request to the IPC and the PSB to immediately release PHF grant and also humble request to PM Nawaz Sharif to bail out PHF and Pakistan Hockey from financial crunch.”
The Nation
US Women’s National Team verifies Chula Vista series schedule
The Women’s National Team is laying the groundwork for their 2014 Champions Challenge and World Cup performances by starting the New Year with an international series against Great Britain and New Zealand in Chula Vista, Cali. February 5-17. The six week training block for Team USA will be capped with a series of matches against both teams. Great Britain is currently World Ranked No. 3 and New Zealand holds the No. 5 position. The matchups will provide Team USA with a solid base to work off of as they dive into 2014 competition.
"This is an exciting opportunity for our squad,” said Craig Parnham, Women’s National Team Head Coach. “These games provide high caliber opposition and the chance for us to return to international competition following the Pan Am Cup last September. The team has been training throughout the winter and we are looking forward to some match play as we build towards the summer tournaments."
*The series schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, February 5: USA vs GBR 2:00 p.m.
Friday, February 7: USA vs GBR 2:00 p.m.
Sat Feb 8th: NZL vs GBR 2:00 p.m.
Sunday February 9: USA vs NZL 2:00 p.m.
Monday February 10: USA vs GBR 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday Feb 11: NZL vs GBR 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 12: USA vs NZL 2:00 p.m.
Thursday February 13: USA vs GBR 2:00 p.m.
Friday February 14: NZL vs GBR 2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 15: USA vs NZL 2:00 p.m.
Monday February 17: NZL vs USA 11:30 p.m.
*Bolded matches are capped.
*The game days and times are subject to change.
USFHA media release
PA Teacher Looks to Build Hockey Program at School from Ground up
Growing up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Braidyn Womer is no stranger to the game of field hockey. Devastatingly cut from her high school team after not making tryouts, Womer worked tirelessly to join the Cedar Crest College Field Hockey squad her junior year, played every game and was voted captain her senior year. After a year of teaching in Washington, D.C., Womer has returned to her stomping grounds as an English as a Second Language teacher at Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School in Allentown, Pa.
Athletics in charter schools are founded mainly due to teacher interest and survive through fundraising efforts of staff and students.With field hockey being a predominant sport in the area, there is no shortage of fields, but kick starting a new school program is no small feat.
Having reaped numerous benefits from the sport of field hockey herself, Womer’s mission is to do just that: begin a field hockey program at Lincoln Leadership and give young girls the opportunity to fall in love with the sport.
USA Field Hockey: What inspired you to build a field hockey program from the ground up?
BW: Field hockey changed my life. It made me healthy and feel like a valuable girl in a large school where I could have easily gone unnoticed. I got such pride from wearing my uniform and pouring my heart and sweat into each practice and game. I learned my limits physically, and how to push my limits further and further, surpassing what I thought I could achieve.
USA Field Hockey: What do you hope to instill in the athletes participating in the program?
BW: Above all else, self-confidence and self-motivation. Field hockey lifted my spirits about health and body. I was not the best player, but I gave all that I had. I dream for my students to have the ability to love themselves and push themselves, regardless of what others think or say.
USA Field Hockey: What is your vision for the program?
BW: I plan on introducing field hockey as an afterschool program to students in grades 6-8 this upcoming spring. I hope to do a summer camp and clinics, so that in the fall, students in grades 7-9 will be able to play against local schools as a team. As time goes on, I would ideally like to develop Middle, Junior Varsity and Varsity teams for our school.
USA Field Hockey: Why would you like to target the athletes in grades 6-8?
BW: These students are roughly 11-13 years, a pivotal age in which children learn a lot about themselves. I’d like to have some assistance in their learning and growing process, to help them become strong, healthy young adults.
USA Field Hockey: Have you been able to host any play days or clinics so far?
BW: We have not done any play days or clinics just yet because we only have about three hockey balls, five sticks, and one pair of shin guards, which are all mine, but I have been collaborating with local contacts, former teammates, and even the high school coach who cut me from the team to round up old equipment and gather donations.
For more information or ways to get involved with Womer’s mission, email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
USFHA media release