News 09 March 2014
All the news for Sunday 9 March 2014
SA hockey lads and Germany in eight-goal thriller at Hartleyvale
Olympic Games men’s hockey champs Germany beat South Africa 5-3 in the third and final Test at Hartleyvale in Cape Town Saturday after leading 3-2 at half-time.
The result gives the world’s second-ranked Germans a 3-0 series win over world number 11 SA.
Eight goals, including four in the first 15 minutes, was the story - and Martin Zwicker opened the scoring in the third minute with a field goal.
SA took a 2-1 lead after penalty corners from captain Wade Paton and Andrew Cronje in the seventh and ninth minutes but Germany equalised in the 15th through Thilo Stralkowski’s field goal.
Two minutes before half-time (33rd) a Lukas Winfelder penalty corner took Germany into a 3-2 lead at the changeover before Marco Miltkau’s field goal 13 minutes into the second half (48th) gave the Germans a two-goal cushion.
SA pulled one back when Dan Sibbald netted a field goal in the 53rd minute. Trailing 4-3 with 17 minutes left, the South Africans had much to play for.
But another Winfelder penalty corner in the 57th re-established Germany’s two-goal cushion and served to make the 5-3 victory.
SA umpires Riaan Osman and Erik Etsebeth only saw fit to give two green cards (two-minute sin-bins) while for SA it was another exemplary clean sheet.
SA Hockey Association media release
SA men's hockey team named for Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia
The South Africa men’s hockey team has been named to compete in the 23rd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup international tournament at Ipoh, Perak in Malaysia from Thursday, March 13 to Sunday, March 23.
World number 11 South Africa will play in a round-robin format against world number one Australia, world number seven Korea, world number 13 Malaysia, world number 16 Canada and world number 25 China, the tournament ending with playoffs for final classification on March 23.
SOUTH AFRICA
Rassie Pieterse, Jacques le Roux, Francois Pretorius, Robin Jones, Dylan Swanepoel, Jethro Eustice, Rhett Halkett, Wade Paton, Clint Panther, Jonty Robinson, Tim Drummond, Taylor Dart, Owen Mvimbi, Pierre de Voux, Lungi Tsolekile, Brandon Panther, Ignatuis Malgraff, Julian Hykes.
SA Hockey Association media release
SA teams named for Indoor Hockey World Cup Africa Qualifier
The SA Hockey Association has named the national teams to represent South Africa at the Indoor Hockey World Cup Africa Qualifier tournament in Windhoek, Namibia from April 9 to 13.
SA INDOOR HOCKEY TEAMS
Men: Richard Curtis, Matt Fairweather, Jarred Jones, Geoff Abbott, Shaun Davenhill (all KZN Coastal); Chris McCathie, Justin Domleo, Gavin Jelley (all KZN Inland); PG Geldenhuys, Keagan Kieck (all Southern Gauteng); Andrew Cronje, Dale Isaac (both WP).
Women: Amy Greaves, Eloise Walters, Taryn de Winnaar, Tracy Bestall, Tracy Martens (all KZN Inland); Faye Cooper (KZN Inland B); Jessica O’Connor, Kara Stella, Kim Pretorius, Shelley Freyer (all KZN Coastal); Tsoanelo Pholo, Jeanine Granger (both Southern Gauteng).
SA Hockey Association media release
Canada down Malaysia in hockey friendly
MALACCA: Canada snatched a hard-earned 5-4 victory over Malaysia in their second of three international hockey match series at the Bukit Serendit staduim.
The national side, 6-2 winners in the first encounter, found the hard-working Canadians tough opposition throughout Saturday’s clash.
Canada got their goals through Kirkpatrick James (13th), Guest Matt (30th), Gabriel Ho Garcia (33rd), Ian Smythe (46th) and Curran Taylor (50th).
Malaysia replied through Faisal Saari (21st), Mohd Aizral Jamaluddin (27th), Jalil Marhan (31st) and Ahmad Kazamirul Nazaruddin.
The Star of Malaysia
Under 18 boys draw topsy turvy contest 5-5 with dramatic late equaliser
A topsy turvy 5-5 draw against New Zealand on Sunday afternoon meant that Australia’s Under 18 boys will have to wait another day in their attempt to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games. In a contest that demonstrated all that is exciting about the new Hockey5s format, Australia’s youngsters put in a composed performance that on another day would have seen them emerge with all three points.
A win for either side at the Youth Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament would have sealed a place in Tuesday’s final and with it a berth at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, in August.
Competitive throughout, the contest swung dramatically in a frantic final few minutes. 4-3 up with four minutes remaining, Australia found themselves reduced to four players following a yellow card and New Zealand took full advantage. After first wiping out the Aussie lead, the Kiwis went ahead with just two minutes left on the clock but there was still time for another dramatic swing. Restored to their full playing compliment, Australia hit back almost immediately through Queenslander Tim Howard to level with just a minute remaining and earn a share of the spoils.
Australian Head Coach David Guest said afterwards, “It was a good game. We had some really definitive plans in place going into the game and we stuck to them, which was pleasing. After going behind early we fought back well and we unpicked their defence on numerous occasions.
“We controlled the majority of the game and that showed when we were 4-2 up although we were a little wasteful at times. If it hadn’t been for the yellow card I think we’d have come away with the win.”
Guest was particularly pleased with how his side responded to setbacks in the match, adding: “To come from behind twice, particularly in the last few minutes, showed real grit. I was really pleased. Hayden Walker in goal played a big role in a pretty hectic period towards the end making some crucial saves in the final few minutes.”
The tournament in Vanuatu is the first time that an Australian national team has competed in an official Hockey5s competition and the Head Coach admits he’s a big fan of the format.
“I said to the team last night I wish this had been around when I was playing as a 16, 17 year old,” said Guest. “There are lots of goal shots, it’s a great format, and I can definitely see it sticking around. As a coach in this you really feel part of the game.”
After leading through Corey Weyer, Australia found themselves 2-1 down at the end of the first period but fought back to lead 4-2 through strikes from Kurt Lovett and two goals from Isaac Farmillo. Three goals in a row put New Zealand in front late on before Howard’s dramatic equaliser with just over a minute remaining.
The draw means both teams have four points from a possible six and sit one point ahead of Vanuatu who have three points. Vanuatu’s win over Fiji earlier in the day means that they can still qualify for the final with one round of pool matches still to play. Fiji are fourth with two defeats in their opening two matches. Australia plays Fiji at 2:30pm AEDT on Monday. The top two progress to the final and automatically qualify for the Youth Olympic Games.
Match 2 - Sunday
AUSTRALIA 5
Corey Weyer 4 (F)
Kurt Lovett 16 (F)
Isaac Farmillo 22,24 (F,F)
Tim Howard 35 (F)
NEW ZEALAND 5
5 (F)
9 (F)
24 (F)
33 (F)
34 (F)
1. Australia (4 points)
2. New Zealand (4 points)
3. Vanuatu (3 points)
4. Fiji (0 points)
Hockey Australia media release
Team USA to Host First Test Series against Canada
USA Field Hockey is pleased to confirm that the U.S. Women’s National Squad will be taking on the Canadian Women’s National Team in a capped, four-game series next week at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. The matches on Monday, March 10, Tuesday, March 11, Thursday, March 13, Friday, March 14 will be a final step in the squad’s preparation for the upcoming Champions Challenge in April and the 2014 World Cup. Matches will start at 6.00 p.m. EST
To be a spectator at the first-ever series under the Dome, field hockey enthusiasts will be able to attend on a first-come, first-service basis, attendance will be limited to 500 attendees. Tickets are complementary but require preregistration through this link. Tickets will be available online until 12:00 p.m. EST on each game day and will not be available on site. To redeem tickets, print off the confirmation sheet after confirming your attendance online and bring to will-call located at the Spooky Nook Sports reception. The Dome will open at 5:00 p.m. EST.
"This is an exciting time for us and we are looking forward to welcoming Canada down to play the first games in the facility,” said Head U.S. Coach Craig Parnham. “We are still in a selection phase and the games provide further opportunity for the players to be selected for the summer tournaments."
Canada, led by Ian Rutledge, is currently ranked 23 in the FIH Women’s World Rankings, while Team USA sits at number 10.
The series marks the first international matches to be held under the new Dome at the Spooky Nook Sports facility. The Dome is only one of two such domes in the entire world, with the other being located in Mannheim, Germany. The Dome is also climate controlled, allowing for ideal playing conditions regardless of weather conditions.
USA vs CAN match schedule:
Monday, March 10 at 6 p.m. EST
Tuesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. EST
Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m. EST
Friday, March 14 at 6 p.m. EST
USFHA media release
Surbiton clinch play-off spot
Surbiton's Sarah Page
THREE goals in the last 12 minutes helped Surbiton clinch their place in the end of season play-offs, and ensured they inflicted a 4-1 defeat on leaders Canterbury in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division.
Two goals in the final four minutes from Abi Robinson helped them clinch the win, with others coming from Sarah Page (pictured) and Sophie Fisher-Norton. Meanwhile, Canterbury were left to rue only their second defeat of the outdoor campaign.
Elsewhere, the race for the fourth and final play-off position remains wide open after Leicester and Bowdon Hightown both won but Clifton lost.
Leicester kept their hopes alive by beating Beeston 2-1, a win which sees them move to within a point of fourth-placed Clifton.
It was Beeston who started the brightest and Sophie Robinson smashed home from a penalty corner after just three minutes to put them ahead.
Then on 24 minutes Nicola White missed the chance to draw Leicester level as she missed a penalty stroke. However, they quickly put that behind them and goals from Hannah Fair and Katie Long sealed the three points.
Bowdon Hightown beat Sutton Coldfield 2-1 with Nat Wray and Tina Cullen goals giving them the win. They are sixth but could still reach the play-off spots.
Having already secured a play-off berth, Reading moved to within a point of Canterbury after beating Clifton 3-1 courtesy of goals from Susie Gilbert, Alex Danson and Emma Thomas.
In the other game of the day, University of Birmingham all but guaranteed safety by beating relegated Olton and West Warwickshire 4-1. Sutton Coldfield could draw level on points with them but would have to turn around a goal difference deficit of -19 to avoid the relegation play-offs.
Holcombe underlined their superiority in the Investec Conference East as they beat their closest rivals East Grinstead 3-0 to ensure they will finish top and go into the promotion play-offs. Two goals from Megan Frazer and one from Laura Unsworth gave them the win.
Wakefield are just two points behind leaders Brooklands Poynton in the Investec Conference North and they sent out a clear signal of intent with an 11-0 win over Boots. Sally Walton scored five goals to take her tally for the season to 12.
Amelia Andrew hit two goals as Bristol Firebrands beat Barnes 3-1 in the Investec Conference West - a result which guarantees their safety, while Barnes now face the relegation play-offs.
League Finals Weekend
The winners of the Investec Women’s Hockey League and the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League will be crowned over two action-packed weekends at Reading Hockey Club in April. The top four Premier Division teams qualify for their respective finals weekends, laying off against each other to be crowned league champions.
The men’s finals will take place on the 5-6 April while the women will battle it out a week later from 12-13 April. Tickets are now available to purchase for both weekends, please visit www.englandhockey.co.uk/tickets
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, March 8 2014):
Investec Women's Premier Division: Olton & West Warwickshire 1, University of Birmingham 4; Reading 3, Clifton 1; Bowdon Hightown 2, Sutton Coldfield 1; Surbiton 4, Canterbury 1; Leicester 2, Beeston 1.
Investec Women's Conference East: Sevenoaks 2, Ipswich 3; East Grinstead 0, Holcombe 3; Horsham 2, Wimbledon 1; Chelmsford 3, St Albans 0; Old Loughtonians 4, Harleston Magpies 2.
Investec Women's Conference North: Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 0, Brooklands Poynton 2; Boots 0, Wakefield 11; Loughborough Students 1, Doncaster 1; Kendal 3, University of Durham 4; Ben Rhydding 0, Stourport 2.
Investec Women's Conference West: Trojans 2, Gloucester City 1; Buckingham 2, Swansea City 1; Bristol Firebrands 3, Barnes 1; Exe 1, Isca 2; Oxford Hawks 1, Slough 4.
England Hockey Board Media release
Enough is enough
MILO CUP: UniKL captain Nor Azrul seeks revenge against Thunderbolts
By JUGJET SINGH
UNIKL skipper Nor Azrul Rahman has lost five titles to SSTMI Thunderbolts in three seasons, and he is not about to hand them their third consecutive Milo Cup double when the teams square off today at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Thunderbolts won the double in 2012 and 2013, as well as the League title this season and look set to claim their third consecutive double today.
The Division One title tussle has been between UniKL and Thunderbolts since 2010 when UniKL won the Milo Cup, and shared the League title with Thunderbolts.
And in 2011, Thunderbolts won the Milo Cup, but UniKL won the League title.
However, the last two seasons have seen Thunderbolts grab both titles, and they even beat UniKL 4-1 for the League title this season.
"I have been on the receiving end in the last five finals, but aim to turn the tables on Thunderbolts by rallying my men to give their best as records don't guarantee that a team is unbeatable," said Nor Azrul.
The Jalan Peel schoolboy was also selected into National Juniors training on Friday, and two hours later he scored off a penalty stroke to beat Petaling Jaya City Council 2-1 in the return leg of the semi-finals.
"Everything is looking rosy for me at this moment, but I have one more mission to accomplish and together with strong determination from my teammates, I believe we can achieve it tomorrow," said Nor Azrul.
Thunderbolts scored a massive 22-2 aggregate win over MSP Pahang in the quarter-finals, and routed Olak-PKT 14-1 on aggegate in the semi-finals.
Comparatively, UniKL Young Guns beat Politeknik- KPM 5-2 on aggregate in the quarters, and in the semis, beat Petaling Jaya City Council 7-2 on aggregate.
"We will be counting on our penalty corners to do the damage again as we have two experts in Aminuddin (Zain) and Najmi (Farizal)," said Thunderbolts coach Wan Roslan Wan Rahman.
"It has been a team effort so far with the forwards winning the penalty corners and the duo tucking them away."
Ten Thunderbolts players were selected for National Juniors training on Friday, with seven still with the outfit, while three other players who were also groomed by the Johor Sports School, now play for UniKL and Politeknik-KPM.
TODAY -- Final: UniKL Young Guns v SSTMI Thunderbolts (6pm); Third-Fourth: Olak-PKT v Petaling Jaya City Council (4pm).
Both matches at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
New Straits Times
Record-chasing Thunderbolt look unstoppable
By S. Ramaguru
SSTMI-Thunderbolt won the MJHL Division One title last month without losing a match. They are now aiming to do the double by winning the Overall title against UniKL on Sunday. - Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: SSTMI-Thunderbolt are looking at equalling a unique record set by another sports school – Bukit Jalil – in the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
The Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) won three consecutive doubles (league and overall titles) from 2007.
Thunderbolt, who have won two doubles since 2012, can do the same if they can overcome Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in the overall final on Sunday.
This will be the fifth time in a row that these two teams are meeting in the final.
UniKL were overall winners in 2010 while Thunderbolt have won it since 2011.
If they win, it will be Thunderbolt’s eighth title in the MJHL – still four behind BJSS, who won 12 titles from 2003 to 2009.
BJSS also hold the record of having won the most number of doubles – five. They achieved the other two doubles in 2004 and 2005.
Thunderbolt team manager Adam Izamry Idrus admitted that they have been eyeing a third double since the 2014 MJHL season began.
“That’s always been our target and now we’re just one match away from it. Based on our form, we can do it,” he said.
“But, then again, UniKL are not a second rate team. They have good players and have improved since the knockout stage started. So, it won’t be an easy final for either team.”
Adam also feels that his boys are motivated to do well in the final as “we have five players who have a chance to achieve a unique record of their own”.
The five, who have been with Thunderbolt since they did the first double in 2012, are Mohd Hanif Azemi, Mohd Najmi Farizal Jazman, Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Zain, Mohd Sufi Ismat Rohulamin and Mohd Aminol Aideed.
On top of that, four of them – Najmi, Aminuddin, Sufi and Aminol – will want to lift the title to celebrate their inclusion in the Project 2016 team.
Thunderbolt also have three other players – Mohd Najib Abu Hassan, Azril Misron and Mohd Firdaus Oman – in the Project team.
Another factor favouring Thunderbolt is their strike rate.
While Thunderbolt have plundered 77 goals since the league began while UniKL have only scored 30.
Thunderbolt also have a top-class poacher in Aminuddin, who is set to be crowned as the tournament’s top scorer with 17 goals, thus far.
But Adam knows it’s what you do on the pitch that matters, not past records.
“We have worked very hard to reach the final, so we are not about to relax in the next 70 minutes,” he said.
“We will go for the jugular right from the start. That has always been our style.”
So, can UniKL stop the Thunderbolt juggernaut?
We’ll know soon.
The Star of Malaysia
MJHL: UniKL believe an upset is possible
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) skipper Nor Azrul Abdul Rahman has had enough of playing bridesmaid in the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
He has been with the team since 2012 – and each time he has been forced to play second fiddle to SSTMI-Thunderbolt for both the league and overall titles.
So, when UniKL meet Thunderbolt in Sunday’s overall final, Nor Azrul is hoping to be third time lucky.
More so since he is already 19 years old and will be playing in his last MJHL.
He also wants to mark his inclusion in the Project 2016 team with a victory over favourites Thunderbolt.
“We haven’t played well this year but still managed to retain the runners-up spot in the league and made the overall final.
“I believe we have the material to win the final tomorrow (today). Thunderbolt are the favourites, no doubt but I want the overall title,” he said after a light workout at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
UniKL will also be counting on two players – Zizi Azwan Hassan Basri and Ahmad Ashraf Alias – who had won the overall titles with Thunderbolt in 2012 and 2013.
Team manager Mohd Faiz Isa is quietly confident of an upset win as he will also have eight players from last year’s team.
“So, there’s a bit of experience in the team. The players just have to stay calm and play their normal game. I’m aware that we’ll be up against a team who are definitely a shade better than us,” he said.
It will now be up to coach Mohd Rodhanizam Radzi to come up with a game plan to outwit his Thunderbolt counterpart Wan Mohd Roslan.
One aspect Rodhanizam has been working on is their penalty corner conversion.
“Our penalty corner conversion rate has been poor. We’ve worked extra hard in training and hope to get it right in the final,” said Rodhanizam, who is coaching the team for the first time.
“We must not give Thunderbolt too much space and concede unnecessary penalty corners. They are a top team ... unless you are at the top of your game, it will be tough.”
The Star of Malaysia
Rajasthan post first win in Sr men national championship
LUCKNOW: Rajasthan got the better of Gujarat 3-2 to register their first victory in Division A of the 4th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship at Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
Vijay Thapa of Gujarat scored the first goal of the match in the 14th minute. Gujarat then displayed some great defense to prevent Rajasthan from scoring in the first half.
Going into the break, Gujarat were leading 1-0. But in the second half, Rajasthan started with great speed and they continued to attack to score the equaliser in the 49th minute. It was Ankit Kishwah, who helped Rajasthan open their account.
In the 60th minute, Purshotam Bagdi netted ball to give Rajasthan a lead.
Gujarat tried coming back in the game but within two minutes of their previous goal, Paramveer Singh Rathore added another one to Rajasthan's kitty.
In the 66th minute, Gujarat got a penalty strike, which was successfully converted by Vijay Thapa, who scored his second goal of the match. In the final few minutes, Gujarat kept their attack on with the hope of levelling the scores but could not breach the strong defense of Rajasthan.
Gujarat are yet to win a match in the ongoing tournament. In another Pool A match, Namdhari XI beat Sashastra Seema Bal 1-0 in a close encounter. The lone goal was scored by Gurmukh Singh in the 24th minute.
In the second half, both the teams kept attacking but none were successful in converting their chances.
In a Pool B match, Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd played with a clear intention of winning, and that's what they ensured by outplaying Himachal Pradesh 4-0.
Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd played an attacking game and in the 19th minute scored their first goal through captain Victo Singh. Manprit Singh Chahal scored the second goal by converting a penalty corner in the 28th minute to give Mumbai an edge going into the half time at 2-0.
In the second session, Himachal Pradesh fought hard but couldn't convert the chances they got, while Mumbai scored two more goals.
Another Pool B tie saw Jammu & Kashmir thrash Goa 5-0.
The Times of India
Namdhari XI register second win
Lucknow - Namdhari XI beat Sashastra Seema Bal 1-0 to win their second consecutive match in the 4th Hockey India senior men’s National Championship at Major Dhyan Chand hockey stadium here today.
The lone goal in this close Pool A encounter was scored by Gurmukh Singh in the 24th minute. In a lively second half, both teams attacked constantly but none could convert their chances.
In a Pool B match, Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd. outplayed Himachal Pradesh 4-0. The Mumbai team played an attacking game and in the 19th minute scored its first goal through captain Victo Singh. Manprit Singh Chahal scored the second goal by converting a penalty corner in the 28th minute.
In the second half, Himachal Pradesh fought hard but couldn’t convert their chances, while Mumbai scored two more goals.
In another Pool B tie, Jammu & Kashmir thrashed Goa 5-0. Rajasthan got the better of Gujarat 3-2 to register their first victory in Pool A.
Assam beat J&K 7-0 in junior women’s Nationals
Mysore: Maxima Xalcxo and Phulwari Kandulana scored a hat-trick each as Assam registered a 7-0 win over Jammu and Kashmir in their first league match of the 4th Hockey India junior women’s National Championship here today.
In the other matches, Gujarat defeated Puducherry 4-0 in Pool D, while Hockey Gangpur Odisha beat Andhra Pradesh 4-0.
The Tribune
HI jr. National from March 24
The Hockey India (HI) junior National championship for men (under-19) will be held in the city from March 24 to April 6. In all, 35 State hockey units will be in the fray with 68 matches scheduled.
The tournament will be played in accordance with the latest restructuring carried out by HI to cut down on the matches between unequally matched teams. Starting this year, teams will be divided into two divisions — A and B.
Sixteen teams, with the likes of Punjab, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and SAI among others, are placed in Group A while 19, including Bengal, Kerala, Bihar, Rajasthan and Gujarat, are in Group B.
The top two from the B division will be promoted to A for next year’s edition while the bottom two in A will find themselves relegated.
The B division matches start on March 24 with the final scheduled on March 31. A division matches will begin from March 29 and end with the final on April 6. Matches will be played at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium and YMCA, Nandanam.
The Hindu
Memorial Hockey Tournament from today
LAHORE - The first edition of the Brig Manzoor Hussain Atif Memorial Hockey Tournament will start at the Sargodha Hockey Stadium today (Sunday) with top 10 teams to feature in the event to be continued till March 19. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said here on Saturday that the tournament was aimed at to pay tribute to Manzoor Hussain Atif who rendered great services in the promotion of sports especially hockey. He said the teams had been divided into two groups and two matches would be played on the opening day. “Pool-A comprising teams of PIA, Army, Railways, Wapda (B), Punjab while in pool-B NBP, Wapda (A), Police, Navy, PAF will vie for the top honors,” he added. District Coordination Officer (DCO) Tariq Mahmood will be the chief guest on the opening day.
The Nation