News 13 April 2014
All the news for Sunday 13 April 2014
Roos go down 3-0
Argentina win 3-0 over the Hockeyroos at Hawke’s Bay Festival final
The Hockeyroos concluded their New Zealand campaign in the finals against Argentina walking out with their heads held high after playing a fast paced and high intensity match, but ultimately went down 3-0 to Argentina in the final.
The Hockeyroos showed good passages of play dominating the majority of the ball possession in the first half of the match. Fired up and ready to take on world number two Argentina found the Hockeyroos connecting well as a team creating themselves opportunities both in their defence and attacking circles.
Scores were deadlocked for the first 28 minutes, leaving the game open for either team to make the golden move which was quickly snapped up by Argentinian Rocio Moccia Sanchez heading into half time with a 1-0 lead.
The Hockeyroos quickly found themselves in trouble coming into the second half. Argentinian Luciana Aymar broke down the Hockeyroos structure resulting in their second goal being conceded with a quick one, two, three move. Carefully deflected into the back of the goals by Delfina Merino gave Argentina a 2-0 lead at the 41st minute mark.
The Hockeyroos defence showcased good composure and structure which limited Argentina to successfully score off the back of four penalty corners.
50 minutes into the match Luciana Aymar called for another penalty corner after the ball hit a Hockeyroos foot. Setting up what was to be a power attacking battery was quickly rejected by Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch. Argentina fighting to get the possession of the ball back quickly worked another penalty corner this time finding its way beyond Lynch in goal pushing them in front of the Hockeyroos with a 3-0 victory.
Speaking after the match Hockeyroos head coach Adam Commens said, “Today was a disappointing result for us. We came into the match fairly confident that we had improved since our first match against Argentina. The first half was good, we created some chances to score and we kept the match fairly even.”
“The second half lacked physicality that we have previously shown throughout the tournament with our basic skill decisions deserting us today.”
“Argentina are a world class team who have maintained consistency throughout their matches at this tournament.”
48 days until the 2014 World Cup commences, the Hockeyroos now prepare to head over to The Hague to compete against their pool over the duration of two weeks, Commens added,
“It’s not long now until we head into the World Cup. In three weeks’ time we will be playing a number of practices matches and a tournament in Germany in which we will iron out some of the discrepancies in our game.”
Commens will select his World Cup squad at the end of April. The team will depart for it's World Cup preparation in Europe in mid-May.
The World Cup begins 31 May.
Six Nations Tournament
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Hockeyroos: 0 (0)
Argentina 3 (1)
Rocio Moccia Sanchez 17 (FG)
Delfina Merino 41 (FG)
Carla Rebecchi 51 (PC)
* Note: Jodie Kenny (recently married) is recorded under her maiden name of Schulz and Kirstin Dwyer under her maiden name of Johnson as FIH regulations for an official Test match state that an athlete must play under the name on their passport.
Hockeyroos squad v Argentina
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals
Started
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 277/65
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 36/1
Casey Eastham (South Coast, NSW) 199/44
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 102/0
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 35/4
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 120/23
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 144/61
Jodie Schulz* (now married, Jodie Kenny) (Wamuran, QLD) 102/52
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 82/33
Jayde Taylor (Bunbury, WA) 90/2
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 72/25
Used Substitute
Mathilda Carmichael (Willoughby, NSW) 15/1
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 37/4
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 120/21
Kate Jenner (Tamowrth, NSW) 91/1
Kirstin Johnson* (now married, Kirstin Dwyer) (Mackay, QLD) 44/2
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 29/7
Not Used
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 30/0
Overall Final Rankings
1st Argentina (18 points, 6 matches)
2nd Australia (12 points, 6 matches)
3rd Korea (9 points, 6 matches)
4th China (9 points, 6 matches)
5th New Zealand (6 points, 6 matches)
6th Japan (0 points, 6 matches)
2014 Key Dates – Hockeyroos
31 May – 15 June: World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands
23 July – 3 August: Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland
29 November – 7 December: Champions Trophy, Argentina
Hockey Australia media release
Black Sticks take fourth place at Hawke’s Bay Festival
The Black Sticks Women have taken fourth place at the inaugural Hawke’s Bay Festival in Hastings while Argentina, who have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, have won the final against Australia 3-0.
The Black Sticks were narrowly defeated 2-3 in the bronze-medal match with Petrea Webster and Rose Keddell the goal scorers for New Zealand.
“The goal from China in the first minute of the game really put us on the back foot. To China’s credit they put our defence under a lot of pressure and deserved the win,” said head coach Mark Hager.
“It was a poor performance to finish the tournament, we had too many passengers in our team today. However, reflecting back on the tournament we have played well against Argentina and Australia which is a real positive.
“We now look forward to the next few weeks with good solid training sessions and selections for the World Cup,” said Hager.
The Chinese wasted no time today, with Liang Meiyu scoring in the first minute. In the 14th minute, Webster scrambled to get the equaliser and New Zealand doubled it when Keddell found space in the circle and smacked it to the backboard in the 22nd minute. China held the majority of possession in the second quarter with Xi Xiayun scoring and then Ting Huang converting a penalty stroke.
In the second half, the score remained unchanged. Captain Kayla Whitelock created some great opportunities, with several attempts skimming wide or being well blocked by the Chinese defence. The Black Sticks were awarded two penalty corners in the last ten minutes, but they couldn’t convert their chances.
The Black Sticks now have a week off the turf before they come together to train in Auckland ahead of the 2014 FIH World Cup (starting 31 May in Holland). The World Cup team will be announced early May ahead of the team departing on the 19th May.
Despite a convincing 3-0 score line, the gold medal match was closely contested between Argentina and Australia. In the first half it was Australia who applied all the pressure and had the majority of possession. At halftime Argentina was ahead 1-0 thanks to a goal from Rocio Sanchez Moccia.
After the break Argentina upped the tempo, stringing together some fluid phases of play that left Australia scrambling at times. It didn’t take long for Delfina Merino to slot one in, capping off a series of slick passes down the field.
Australia spent a good segment of the second half on attack but failed to convert their opportunities into any points. Carla Rebecchi capitalised on a lull in the Australian defence, taking the score to 3-0 with 15 minutes to play. Australia showed glimpses of brilliance throughout the match, but in the end, the Argentinian defence proved impenetrable.
The decider for 5th and 6th spot between Japan and Korea was a physical contest. Japan spent the first twenty minutes under all sorts of pressure, with goalkeeper Yuka Yoshikawa blocking a sustained series of shots at goal.
Against the run of play, Japan launched their own attack, finished off by a brilliant piece of individual skill from Akane Shibata who slotted one in from the top of the circle. At halftime the score had Japan ahead 1-0.
In the second half, Korea clawed one back scoring off a frenzied scuffle at the goal mouth, before continuing their momentum moments later with a goal to Hye Lyoung Han.
CLICK HERE for more on the Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey and to see all results.
RESULT – NZ v China
Full time: 2-3 win to China
Half time: 2-3 lead to China.
New Zealand goal scorers: Petrea Webster, Rose Keddell
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Naylor set to crack NZ test record in Aussie clash
By Daniel Richardson
Emily Naylor says she still gets nervous at tests. Photo / Christine Cornege
When Suzie Muirhead stepped away from international hockey in 2006, she made a prediction.
The former Black Sticks' defender ended her career with a New Zealand record 238 test appearances but didn't think her name would stay at the top of the tree forever, and she was right too.
Emily Naylor is due to line up in her 239th international this afternoon when the Black Sticks play Australia at the Six Nations tournament in Hastings.
"I remember saying to Emily the day I retired that I was expecting her to get the record," Muirhead said. "I thought it might be a bit sooner because they play so many test matches these days."
Naylor made her test debut in 2004 when a nervous and excited 18-year-old, fresh out of high school, lined up against England.
"I still get nervous," Naylor said. "Even 200-odd games later, I still get the same nerves."
There aren't too many pre-match routines that have endured a decade of international hockey, although the 28-year-old defender listens to music to relax and still sings the national anthem before every game.
Someone who has been there for nearly all of the ride is Naylor's good friend Kayla Whitelock (nee Sharland), who was still at Palmerston North Girls' High School when she made her first test appearance in 2003.
"We've been best friends since we were 7," Whitelock said. "So we've grown up and played together throughout most of our hockey career. So it's cool Emily can reach this milestone."
Whitelock, who was due to collect her 212th cap today, would have been a good bet to catch Muirhead's tally first but she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in 2006, which saw her spend time out of the game, leaving Naylor to take the lead.
Now Whitelock and Naylor are the backbone of New Zealand's defence and the experienced pair will be crucial during today's must-win outing against their rivals from across the Tasman.
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager, who has coached the national side since 2008, said Naylor was an integral part of what they do.
"She's been a stalwart for New Zealand for many years and she's become a really good defender for us," Hager said. "She mops up a lot behind Kayla and she's quite a good leader off the field."
There's numerous passport stamps and plenty of miles in the legs after playing international sport for so long and Naylor hinted she may take a break at the end of this year after a heavy cycle of tournaments for the Black Sticks.
Next year's schedule promises to be lighter, outside of an Olympic qualifying tournament, which could allow her to take time off, and it would be hard to see Naylor turn down a shot at Rio given the 2004 games in Athens served as one of her career highlights.
Like Muirhead, Naylor also offered a prediction on the record. "We are just playing so many games each year, so some of these young girls will catch me pretty quickly."
The New Zealand Herald
Canadian teams dominates in Montevideo
Men see off their next door neighbours and women dispatch Argentina to clean up at the Pan-American Indoor World Cup qualifiers
The Canadian men's and women's teams reigned supreme in their respective 2014 Indoor Pan American Cup campaigns and will now represent the region in the 2015 Indoor World Cup.
The northern American teams were crowned champions after two hard-fought finals in Montevideo, Uruguay. In the women's final Argentina got off to a good start, taking an early lead in the seventh minute, but the Canadian's, who were the top scoring team in both competitions, bounced back and then dominated the game to win 3-1.
The men's final saw Canada face their neighbours, the USA. Both teams went into the final with three wins and one loss under their belts, but the Canadians had already beaten the USA in the pool game and were the more confident side at the start of the match. The half-time score was 2-0 in Canada's favour and, although the USA pulled two goals back, the final score of 4-2 reflected Canada's superiority.
The four days of competition had seen some intensely-competitive games, none more so than Uruguay women's 4-2 victory in the early pool match over the eventual winners Canada, much to the delight of a vociferous home crowd. Uruguay women's subsequent appearance in the semi-finals against Argentina also raised the roof, with the host nation keeping the score at 0-0. A sole Argentinian goal during the subsequent penalty shoot-out separated the teams.
Both the 3rd/4th play-off matches went to penalty shoot-outs. Guyana's men's team finished third. They beat Argentina 2-1 in the penalty shoot-out after the match finished 2-2, while in the women's match, the USA beat Uruguay 2-1, after the match finished 1-1.
The Indoor World Cup takes place in Germany, 3-8 February, 2015.
FIH site
US Indoor Squads conclude 2014 Pan Am Cup with podium finishes
The 2014 Pan American Cup concluded with well-deserved podium finishes for the U.S. Women's and Men's National Teams in Montevideo, Uruguay.The U.S. Women solidified a bronze medal against the host nation Uruguay while the U.S. Men clinched a silver medal for their performance against Canada.
The U.S. Men's Indoor Team competed against Canada in the final medal round of the Pan Am Cup. Canada took an early lead into the start of the game. U.S. faced high pressure throughout the half and were not able to capitalize on opportunities created. Coach Andrew Thornton calmed the men down during the break and reminded them that we are still alive in this game and to keep fighting. Going into the second half, behind, Team USA was able to keep possession and gain comfort on the ball. Not even 2 minutes into the 2nd half, Sebastian Scheurer (Greenwich, Conn.) was fed a ball from the right corner to the top of the circle where he one-timed it into the net, edging the score to 2-1 and swinging the momentum USA’s way.
The next 10 minutes the fight was end to end for both teams. The intensity was kept high and at minute 32 Canada converted on a penalty corner to notch the score at 3-1. Coach Thornton called a time out with 7 minutes left to discuss pulling the goalie. Inside 5 minutes, with a kicking back on the pitch, Mo Runzi (Boston, Mass.) found the back of the net bringing the score to 3-2. USA kept high pressure up a player and missing the tying goal by only a few inches on a couple occasions. Unfortunately, Canada earned a penalty corner where they increased their lead at 4-2. Time expired and USA fell short to a quality Canadian team who has won many Pan Am titles during the years.
“I am really proud of the guys this evening, we showed character to come back from 2-0 down," said Coach Thornton. "We went for it at the end, when we pulled our goalkeeper. We had a couple of looks to tie the game but it was not to be. Canada pressed us really well an took their chances. They deserved the victory and I wish them all the best at the World Cup.”
The U.S. Women had an early wake up call Friday on their off day. The bus was picking them up at 7:00 a.m. to take them to their 2 hour practice session. The gym was dark when they arrived and mosquitoes buzzed in the air. The team looked tired but ready to play again. The result of the match the night before was disappointing but it was time to put that out of their minds and get back to work. If the bronze medal remained the best result they could achieve then that’s what they would do. By the time practice ended the spirits were up, feet were flying and the goal was clear again.
Today the team showed up at the British Schools looking determined and ready to play. The first few minutes of the match were tentative and the U.S. Women got their first scoring opportunity in the 4th minute but the Uruguayan keeper turned away the shot of Susan Ciufo (Bangor, Pa.). They quickly earned their first penalty corner in the next minute but a foul on the exchange kept the U.S. from getting a shot off. In the 8th minute forward Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) intercepted a pass and found Kim Tunell (Wilmington, Del.) on the counter attack to earn another penalty corner. Again they were unable to get a shot on net despite a second penalty corner.
In minute 11 Ciufo stole the ball away and countered to earn a free hit at Uruguay’s defensive circle. On the ensuing free hit co-captain Rachael Milne (Hatfield, Pa.) found t (DoyleAmanda Fleischustown, Pa.) at the left post for the finish and a 1-0 lead. More opportunities came when Alexa Hoover (Collegeville, Pa.) stole the ball from a Uruguayan defender but she wasn’t able to convert the chance. Pressure built and in the 16th min Matson earned a green card and the U.S. played down a man for the next minute. Uruguay took advantage and earned a penalty corner but Maria Keesling (Downingtown, Pa.) blocked the shot and the U.S. suddenly found another counter attack. They were able to earn a penalty corner of their own but on the insert the ball skipped off the floor and no shot opportunity came.
In the closing minute of the half Tunell sent a long ball down the right board and found Fleischut who earned another corner. A Uruguayan defender intercepted the option pass and flew down the court in the final seconds of the half but goalkeeper Keesling tackled her at the circle edge to preserve the lead.
Uruguay came out strong in the second half and drew a penalty corner in just the 23rd minute. This time the shot found the back on the next and the match was evened at 1-1. The U.S. women countered with a penalty corner of their own but were unable to convert again. Just a minute later Keesling came up with another big save but Uruguay was able to earn another penalty corner in the 26th minute. This time it was Tunell’s turn for the interception to deny Uruguay a shot on goal.
In the 29th minute Uruguay earned a green card for a hard foul to put the U.S. Women on a man advantage for a minute. Uruguay fought through the penalty and in the 31st minute an attacker evaded Keesling at the circle edge and found a teammate at the top of the circle shot a shot on goal that was saved by Ciufo. U.S. Coach Denise Zelenak asked for a timeout with 9 minutes left in the match to go and laid out her game plan for the remainder of the match. Play coming out of the timeout was even until the 36th minute when Uruguay drew another penalty corner. Again they were unable to convert but a second corner was awarded when the shot hit a U.S. defender. On the next corner Keesling again blocked the direct shot and sent the ball down the court. In the last minute of play both teams drew yellow cards and the last moments of the match were played short handed. Regulation ended with the match in a tie at 1-1.
After a short break each coach named their goalkeepers and three attackers for the shootout. The U.S. would defend first with Keesling taking the net. She successfully defended against Sofia Mora of Uruguay but Rachael Milne’s shot on the next chance found the post. On the second round, Keesling made a hard stick tackle on Lucia Lamberti and a second chance was awarded. This time Lamberti got her shot off but the ball missed and struck the post harmlessly. Ciufo stepped up for the U.S. women and neatly fed the ball past Uruguayan goalkeeper Rossana Passelle Decia to take a 1-0 lead.
In the final turn, Uruguayan attacker Carolina Mutilva found the back of the net to even the score. 14-year-old Matson stepped up for the U.S. Matson used just a few of the allotted six seconds and neatly slipped the ball past Paselle Decia for the win.
USFHA media release
Canterbury to face Surbiton in Final
Surbiton vs Reading
In just their second season of top flight hockey Surrey side Surbiton put in a brilliant performance against defending champions Reading to earn themselves a 4-1 victory and a place in the championship final tomorrow.
In the match before Canterbury continued their dominance in the Premier Division as they saw off Clifton in the first semi-final of the day; goals from Eliza Brett and Anna Baker gave them a 2-0 victory and guaranteed the Kent side a top two finish.
Earlier in the day Conference East side Holcombe and Premier Division Sutton Coldfield took a step towards securing top flight status next season. Holcombe were in fine form as they saw off Play-Off regulars Buckingham, while Sutton Coldfield came from behind twice to take a 3-2 victory over Conference North representatives Brooklands Poynton.
The first semi-final of the day saw Clifton take on top-of-the-table Canterbury for a place in tomorrow’s final. The match started with equal possession from both teams as they settled in to the game. In the 8th minute however, a pass from Canterbury’s Gen Masters crossed the face of the goal and was tapped in by Eliza Brett giving them a 1-0 lead over Clifton. Despite notable performances from Clifton’s Zoe Leach and Izzy Palmer, no further goals were scored in the first half.
The second half started explosively, both teams eager to score the next goal but it was Canterbury again who were successful. Thirteen minutes in to the half, Canterbury's Anna Baker struck the ball in to the top right of the net, past Clifton’s Caitlin Jeffries in goal, bringing the score to 2-0. Despite several opportunities, including a penalty corner in the final minute of the match, Clifton were unable to get on the score-sheet and the final score stood at 2-0 to send Canterbury through to tomorrow's final.
Following the game, Canterbury's Captain Grace Balsdon commented on her team's performance. "We’re really happy, the girls did an excellent job on the pitch. We’d done our homework on Caitlin [Jefferies], the Clifton goalkeeper. We know she’s a very good shot stopper and so we had to move the ball around her in the circle and get tips and touches. Credit to the girls, they did exactly that and we managed to sneak in two goals, so we're very pleased."
Canterbury 2 (1)
Eliza Brett 8 (FG)
Anna Baker 43 (FG)
Clifton 0 (0)
Surbiton booked their place in the Investec Women's Hockey League Final with a fantastic 4-1 win over Reading. The [Reading] home crowd were left disappointed, after a goalless first-half turned Surbiton's way in the second 35 minutes and with four goals to their name the Surrey side booked their place in the final against Canterbury.
The first half saw few clear chances for either team as they each searched for a way to penetrate strong defences. Sarah Haycroft and Sarah Page looked threatening for Surbiton and their pressure created the best chance of the half; a mistake by the Reading defence gifted Page the ball in danger, and she drove into the circle, but was denied by a superb save by Sarah Ellis in goal.
Surbiton quickly took the lead early in the second half from a penalty corner, as Chloe Strong's shot was saved but the rebound was put away by Jenna Woolven to make it 1-0. Reading were steadily increasing the pressure though, with Alex Danson, Becky Halle and Susie Gilbert all creating good chances. But Surbiton's defence looked imperious, especially Giselle Ansley who was rock-solid.
Surbiton's second goal came from another error by the Reading defence. This time Beckie Herbert was given the ball inside her own half and drove the length of the pitch before tucking the ball neatly underneath the on-rushing Ellis with a reverse stick shot. At 2-0, Reading were not out of it, and got themselves back in it when Susie Gilbert's mazy run and pass found Dirkie Chamberlain on the backpost, who flicked the ball past Abi Walker. At 2-1, the game was poised.
Surbiton sealed their place in tomorrow's Final with a net-busting Jenna Woolven reverse-stick shot and a late Georgie Twigg penalty stroke.
Speaking after the match birthday girl and Surbiton Captain, Sarah Haycroft, had this to say: "It was amazing to get the win but it was a complete team effort. We defended with our lives for a lot of the match because obviously Reading are a really tough opposition but we just stuck together, worked well and were rewarded in the end so we're really happy. Now we just need to get home, rest, recover and do our pre game preparations all over again; hopefully we'll finish in that top of the league spot!"
Reading 1 (0)
Dirkie Chamberlain 59 (FG)
Surbiton 4 (0)
Jenna Woolven 38, 66 (PC, FG)
Rebecca Herbert 55 (FG)
Georgie Twigg 69 (PS)
Tomorrow the losing semi-finalists Clifton and Reading will battle it out for third place at 14:15 and then the Championship battle between Canterbury and Surbiton will start at 16:45. Tickets are still available to purchase at the gate.
England Hockey Board Media release
Holcombe and Sutton on top in Play-Off battle
Sutton v Brooklands Investec Finals weekend
Sutton Coldfield gave themselves a good chance of retaining their Premier Division status after defeating a spirited Brooklands Poynton side 3-2 in the first encounter of the Investec Women's Hockey Finals Weekend.
The game started brightly for Brooklands. In the opening five minutes Helen Turner fed Cat Savage the ball who tapped it past Sutton's goalkeeper Becky Batsford, giving them a 1-0 advantage. Play was quickly turned over, however, and a rare error from Brooklands allowed Gemma Brown to score the equalizer with an easy tap-in at the back post. This brought the score to 1-1 coming in to the half time break.
Eager to regain their lead, Brooklands were quick to score in the second half. Kellie Baxter found space in the circle and put her shot neatly in to the goal, bringing the score to 2-1. Desperate not to be defeated, Sutton started to up the pressure, winning a series of penalty corners. It was Emma McCabe who scored the inevitable equaliser, lifting the ball in to the goal with ease, making the score 2-2. Quick stick work from Rosie Bailey and Jane Sixsmith allowed Sutton Coldfield to score another, bringing the final score to 3-2, giving them the win.
Speaking after the match, winning goal-scorer Jane Sixsmith had this to say; "It was a really tough match, both teams had so much to lose today but we kept fighting and believing in ourselves. We got the winning goal with about ten minutes to go so it really was all hands on pump! Looking ahead to tomorrows match, we know it's probably going to be very tough. We're just going to rest as much as we can now and just prepare ourselves as best as possible."
Sutton Coldfield 3 (1)
Gemma Brown 9 (FG)
Emma McCabe 49 (FG)
Jane Sixsmith 51 (FG)
Brooklands Poynton 2 (1)
Cat Savage 4 (FG)
Kellie Baxter 39 (FG)
The second match of the promotion and relegation battle saw Holcombe convincingly beat Buckingham 6 – 0.
Both teams were comfortable in possession in the opening period of play; however it was Holcombe who took the lead through their captain Leigh Maasdorp after six minutes. Holcombe doubled their goal tally eight minutes later after some clever build up play down the right hand side resulted in the ball being cut back for Lauren Osborne to sweep home. The last ten minutes of the first half saw a spell of sustained pressure from Buckingham and a series of penalty corners. England International Maddie Hinch was on hand to pull off some smart saves and keep the score at 2 – 0 going in half time.
Buckingham came out of the blocks quickly in the second half; however, they were unable to convert any of their chances and four quick fire goals in the space of nine minutes from Holcombe sealed the victory. Top goal scorer for Conference East, Megan Frazer, bagged herself a brace and England International Laura Unsworth also got her name on the score sheet with a fierce reverse stick strike. Nicci Daly rounded off a dominant performance for Holcombe as she got the final goal of the game and secured a 6 – 0 victory.
Speaking after the game, Holcombe’s Laura Unsworth was understandably pleased with the result. “We knew we had to come here and win today and to come away with 6-0 is going to put us in a good place for tomorrow against [Brooklands] Poynton. We worked well as a team and when we do that we know we can play some really good hockey. Tomorrow is going to be a tough match but we’re looking forward to it. We’re not going to underestimate them but we’re going to be confident after our victory today.”
Brooklands Poynton against Holcombe is the first game of the day tomorrow at 10am followed by Buckingham against Sutton Coldfield at midday in the final match of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Play Offs. Tickets are still available to purchase at the gate.
Holcombe 6 (2)
Leigh Maasdrop 6 (FG)
Lauren Osborn 14 (FG)
Megan Frazer 58, 62 (PC, PC)
Laura Unsworth 60 (PC)
Nicci Daly 67 (FG)
Buckingham 0 (0)
Team, P, W, D, L, F, A, GD, Pts
Holcombe, 2, 1, 1, 0, 7, 1, 6, 4
Sutton Coldfield, 2, 1, 1, 0, 4, 3, 1, 4
Buckingham, 2, 1, 0, 1, 4, 6, -2, 3
Brooklands Poynton, 2, 0, 0, 1, 2, 7, -5, 0
England Hockey Board Media release
India thrash Dutch club 7-0
NEW DELHI: The Indian hockey team began its European Tour on a positive note by hammering Leiden Hockey Club (Dutch National Club) 7-0 in the first build-up game played at Oegstgeest, The Netherlands.
This tour is a preparation for the FIH men's World Cup, scheduled to be held at The Hague, Netherlands from May 31 to June 15.
The match started off with both the teams defending well against each other. It was in the 18th minute when Akashdeep Singh scored the first goal for India.
Soon after, in the 21st minute Nikkin Thimmaiah scored the second goal for the team. The Indian team kept up the attack and fully dominated the first half of the game.
Leiden club tried to come back in the game but Indian goalkeeper P R Sreejesh did a good job in keeping the opposition attack at bay.
The Indians went into the break leading 2-0. In the second half, Rupinder Pal Singh scored two consecutive goals in the 38th and 39th minute of the game through penalty corners.
Even Leiden Club got a chance to score in the second half but substitute goalkeeper Harjot Singh saved an excellent penalty corner and helped India maintain the 4-0 lead.
Ramandeep Singh scored the fifth goal for India in the 43rd minute through a penalty corner.
The Indian team fully dominated the session and Leiden was not able to stop it from scoring. Soon after, Raghunath scored another goal for the team in the 45th minute by converting a penalty corner and took the lead to 6-0.
In the 53rd minute Yuvraj Walmiki came up attacking and scored a sensational seventh goal for the India team and the match ended with a score of 7-0 on the board.
India will now take on HGC (Dutch National Club) on Monday.
The Times of India
VHA All India hockey tournament in Nagpur from April 20
Suhas Nayse
NAGPUR: The first All India VHA-Nagpur Gold Cup Men's Hockey tournament, organized by the Vidarbha Hockey Association under the aegis of Hockey India, will be held from April 20 to 26.
The week-long tourney will be played at the VHA ground, Amravati Road.
"The tournament, which will be played on knock-out basis, carries a total prize money of Rs 1.75 lakh with the winners getting Rs 1 lakh and the runners-up pocketing Rs 50,000. The team finishing third will take home Rs 25,000.
The top three teams will also get glittering rolling trophies," said Vinod Gawai, VHA secretary, while addressing a press conference here on Saturday.
VHA president BC Bhartia informed that top hockey teams from all parts of the country including Signals from Jalandhar, Chennai XI, BEG from Pune, Northern Railways from Lucknow, Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy (Bhopal), Pomposh from Rourkela, South Central Railway from Secundrabad, Divakar Hockey Academy from Katni (MP), Sports Authority of India from Sundergarh (Orissa), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), from Bhilai, DHA, Akola, DHA, Jalgaon, DHA, Gondia, DHA Aurangabad, DHA Chandrapur are likely to take part in the tournament.
VHA Senior Division champions, South East Central Railway, runners-up Dhyanchand Academy, DSA Central Railway and Eagle Sporting will challenge the outstation teams.
The tournament will be inaugurated by GB Indurkar, Additional Commissioner, Sales Tax, Nagpur Zone on April 20 at 7.30 am. DC Garg, CMD, Western Coalfields Limited, Nagpur will be the guest of honour.
VHA President BC Bhartia, Secretary, Vinod Gawai, Treasurer Ghanshyam Purohit, Joint Secretary Bhaskar Naidu and all executive members of VHA will remain present.
Avinash Verma from Air India has been appointed as the tournament director, while Virendra Singh will be the umpires' manager.
"The tournament will be played as per FIH Rules and organizing committee's decision will be final and binding to all teams. The tournament will be played on knock-out basis and as per old FIH rules (70-minute match). On the opening day four matches would be played. Two in the morning session and two in the evening.
The quarterfinals will be played on April 23 and 24 while the semi-finals will be played on April 25. On April 26, hard-line final would be played at 3 pm followed by grand final at 4.30 pm.
Various committees, under the leadership of President Bhartia and Secretary Vinod Gawai, have been formed for smooth conduct of the tournament.
The Times of India
Veteran Raju fighting youngsters for hockey team spot
By Aftar Singh
S. Selvaraju (centre) during training earlier this year. He has been training hard and will have to prove his mettle in the China friendlies.
KUALA LUMPUR: Forward S. Selvaraju may have played for the country 88 times – but his last international outing was four years ago.
And he knows that past reputation will count for nothing as he seeks to earn a place in the national hockey team for the Champions Challenge I tournament in Kuantan from April 26-May 4.
No wonder the 29-year-old considers the six friendlies against China as a litmus test for him to impress national chief coach K. Dharmaraj.
The six matches, to be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, will be played on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and next weekend.
“I am physically and mentally in good shape to give my best in the friendlies,” said Selvaraju, who last played for Malaysia in the World Cup qualifier in Invercargill, New Zealand, in November 2009.
“Although there are many good forwards in the training squad, I intend to rise to the occasion in the friendlies.”
Selvaraju will be fighting against the likes of Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, Faizal Ismail, Ismail Abu, Mohd Firhan Ashaari, Mohd Shahril Saabah, Mohd Rashid Baharom, Izwan Firdaus and Hafifihafiz Hanafi for a spot in the team.
Selvaraju, who featured in the Junior World Cup in Rotterdam in 2005, made his international debut for the senior team in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup a year later. He was also a member of the Malaysian team who won the bronze medal in the Asia Cup in Chennai in 2007.
Coach Dharmaraj agreed that it was time for Selvaraju, who has been training hard the last three months, to show his true form in the friendlies.
“This is the first time all the 29 players in the training squad are looking concerned. Probably it’s because none of them are assured of their place in the team,” said Dharmaraj, who will drop nine players after the six friendlies.
“This is good as all of them will have to give their best in the friendlies if they want to be selected for the tournament in Kuantan.
“The final squad of 18 players will be named after the friendly against Poland in Kuantan on April 24.”
For the Champions Challenge I, Malaysia will open their Group B campaign against France on April 26, followed by matches against South Korea (April 27) and Canada (April 29).
Group A comprises New Zealand, Ireland, Japan and Poland.
The Star of Malaysia
Three is the magic number for Marsha
Influential South African leads her team in her third Hockey World Cup
Marsha Cox (nee Marescia) has played more than 300 times for South Africa, including three Olympic Games, three Commonwealth Games and two Hockey World Cups. She made her debut in 2001 and was part of the squad that finished ninth in the Athens Olympics of 2004. Marsha is captain of her national side.
Hockey is in her genes; her mother, the coach and former player Marian Marescia was recognised as the "best hockey player never to have played for South Africa", due to apartheid. On the pitch, Marsha is a midfielder, known for the precision of her passes and the energy and vision she brings to the game.
FIH site
A never-ending desire to win
Kath Johnson is one of many hockey players who have discovered a whole new world of competition at Masters level
Kath Johnson is one tough cookie. On the hockey pitch her style of play is unforgiving – hard hits, ferocious tackling and relentless chasing down of every ball. And her performances at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics – where Great Britain won a bronze medal – earned her a place as one of the greats of the game – as well as the nickname 'The Lion of Barcelona'.
She quit the international scene in 2000 with 100 GB caps, 79 appearances for England, and numerous club honours and two years later she stopped playing hockey altogether, choosing to throw herself into other activities and spending time with her young son, Daniel. More than a decade later, Kath returned to both the national and international stage, playing for National league side Harleston Magpies and England O45s – an experience that has been "fantastic".
That Kath can walk back into the top level of hockey after a long break is incredible in itself, but it also begs the question, why? Surely, at the age of 46, she has had her fill of training in the cold, travelling across the country, and putting her body through 70 minutes of extreme activity every weekend? Kath grins at this and her answer indicates that the competitive spirit is still very much alive and kicking.
'I just started playing for my local team, Pelicans as well as the regional Masters team. I really enjoyed it, so I thought it might be good to push myself again as I enter the twilight of my career. I just wanted give myself another chance to play the highest level of hockey available to me.'
'I have always played at a certain intensity, and nothing changes on that front even now. It is part of my make-up or my armoury. That is as important to me as playing the game itself. In my experience the will and desire to win is very hard to lose.
And the burgeoning growth of the Masters scene indicates that Kath is far from alone. The Masters competitions have grown largely from Australia and New Zealand; the International Masters Tournament has been running for more than 30 years in the Pacific Rim. It began life as a tournament for the O50s men, it has now grown to encompass other age groups for men and women.
The inclusion of a Masters Hockey World Cup, to run alongside the Rabobank Hockey World Cup as a side event, is a significant step forward for global spread of the international masters movement. Just a few miles away from the action at the Hague, an equally intense competition will be taking place at Hockey Club Rotterdam. From 5-13 June, men and women in age categories 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+ and 60+ (women only) will be battling for the title of World Cup champions in their age group.
These players, many of them former internationals with Olympic and World Cup medals to their names, have discovered what Kath already knows: "You can do other things: run road races, do swimathons, take up a hobby, but none of this quite matches the thrill of competition on the hockey pitch, or the highs and lows of the game."
FIH site