News 30 April 2014
All the news for Wednesday 30 April 2014
Quarter finals are confirmed at the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1
Host nation Malaysia will face tournament favourites New Zealand in Kuantan
Malaysia defeated Canada 4-3 in Kuantan's Stadium Wisma Belia. (Photo: FIH )
New Zealand finished first of pool A after grabbing their third successive win at the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan. A 3-2 win over France was enough for Korea to win pool B as Canada lost 4-3 to Malaysia. The quarter finals now see New Zealand facing Malaysia, Korea clashing with Japan, Ireland taking on France with Canada facing Poland.
In pool A the Black Sticks were too strong for Poland defeating them 8-3. Earlier, Ireland’s Green Machine had taken their first victory in this tournament after winning 1-0 against Japan’s Samurais. Ireland, Poland and Japan finished on three points each. Because of goal difference Ireland become second, Poland third and Japan fourth.
“We showed good improvement today” said Ireland coach Craig Fulton. “I hoped that we would score in the last quarter because my team worked so hard.” The Green Machine got the better end of Japan thanks to a late Alan Sothern strike. New Zealand showed why they are considered as favourites to win the tournament. The Black Sticks defeated Poland 8-3 with Simon Child, selected as the Man of the Match, contributing three goals.
Pool B sees Korea on top followed by Canada, France and Malaysia. The host nation achieved their first win in this tournament by defeating Canada 4-3. The winning goal was scored by Ahmad Jalil much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd in the Stadium Wisma Belia. However, Malaysia remain bottom of pool B due to goal difference.
“If we had scored one more goal we would have avoided playing New Zealand in the quarter finals”, said Malaysia’s coach Muhammad Dhaarma Raj. “Today we played so much better than in our two previous matches.”
“We give full credit to Malaysia, they were too good today”, said Canada’s coach Anthony Farry. “They needed to win and this is what they did.”
Goals from Nam Hyun , Jang Jong Hyun and Kim Seong Kyu secured Korea’s narrow victory over France. While Korea will face their Asian rivals Japan in the quarter final, France will be taking on their European rivals Ireland.
For more information about the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan, please visit our official tournament event page by clicking here. The microsite will bring you all of the news coming from the event, including written match reports, action photos, official match documents, goal scoring statistics and much more.
FIH site
Black Sticks win pool A - Green Machine gets the better end of Samurais
Ireland finish second, Poland are third, Japan became fourth
New Zealand finished on top of pool A. (Photo: FIH)
New Zealand finished first of pool A after grabbing their third successive win at the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan. The Black Sticks were too strong for Poland defeating them 8-3. Earlier, Ireland’s Green Machine had taken their first victory in this tournament after winning 1-0 against Japan’s Samurais. Ireland, Poland and Japan finished on three points each. Because of goal difference Ireland become second, Poland third and Japan fourth.
Ireland v Japan 1-0 (0-0)
Alan Sothern struck late to secure Ireland’s first victory at the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan as the Green Machine defeated Japan’s Samurais 1-0 in pool A.
The match started slowly as both teams created very few chances in the first half. Japan’s most promising scoring opportunity came from a penalty corner which was parried well by the Irish goalkeeper, David Harte.
The second half showed more action as both teams tried to get on the scoreboard first. The Green Machine forced a penalty corner on 41 minutes but Japan’s goalkeeper Katsuya Takase was able to save Stephen Dowds’ attempt.
Urged on by their fans, Ireland were the better side, creating better chances and enjoying more ball possession. However, the Japanese defence stood firm. The Samurais were close to scoring when the umpires awarded a penalty stroke after Tomonori Ono (55’) was tackled in front of goal by an Irish defender.
Kei Kawakami took the stroke but the Green Machine’s keeper Harte was there to save the ball with his glove. The young Irish team remained the dominant side for the rest of the match, eventually scoring the winner thanks to Alan Sothern.
“We showed good improvement today” said Ireland coach Craig Fulton. “I hoped that we would score in the last quarter because my team worked so hard. Now we will wait and see who we will meet in the quarter finals.”
New Zealand v Poland 8-3 (4-0)
New Zealand finished first of pool A after grabbing their third successive win at the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan. The Black Sticks were too strong for Poland defeating them 8-3.
Simon Child (4’) opened the scoring by putting New Zealand’s first penalty corner in the back of the net. Andy Hayward (8’) doubled the lead a few minutes later when his penalty corner shot found its way into the bottom of the Polish goal. The Black Sticks kept on dominating the match. Stephen Jenness (31’) scored from open play extending the lead to 3-0 before Hayward (33’) added another penalty corner goal to lift the score to 4-0.
The second half saw Poland forcing two penalty corners which they dismissed. Then, Simon Child (45’) added his second goal with a beautiful reverse-stick shot. The 6-0 was provided by Blair Hilton (51’) before Simon Child (56’) contributed his third goal of the match to lift the score to 7-0.
Poland eventually got on the scoreboard thanks to Tomasz Gorny (57’). Hugo Inglis (63’) put his name on the score sheet to extend the lead to 8-1 before Poland struck back with two goals from Krystian Makowski (68’/70’).
FIH site
Korea top pool B – Malaysia finish last despite win
New Zealand will now face Malaysia in the quarter final
Korea defeated France 3-2 to top pool B. (Photo: FIH)
Korea remain unbeaten after the pool stage while Canada suffered their first defeat when losing 4-3 to Malaysia at the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan. A 3-2 win over France was enough for Korea to win pool B as Canada lost their match later tonight. The quarter finals now see New Zealand facing Malaysia, Korea playing Japan, Ireland taking on France with Canada clashing with Poland.
Korea v France 3-2 (2-0)
Korea walked away with a narrow 3-2 win over France in today’s first match of the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan. Korea are on seven points now but their final pool placing will depend on the result of Canada’s match against Malaysia later tonight.
The match started with a slow first quarter as the hot weather conditions in Kuantan obviously challenged both teams. Until today, neither team had experienced playing in the 15:00 match. France created two promising scoring opportunities within the first 17.5 minutes but Lucas Sevestre’s penalty corner flick went wide and Jean-Laurent Kieffer missed from a close range.
The second quarter burst into life with the umpires awarding an early penalty stroke to France. However, the stroke was poorly taken by Valentin Migneau (22’) making it easy for the Korean goalie Lee Myung Ho to save the ball. Just a couple of minutes later Korea’s You Hyo Sik was tackled in the French circle which resulted in a penalty stroke for Korea. Nam Hyun took responsibility and converted without problems to give Korea the lead.
France failed to strike back after four Koreans, including goalkeeper Lee (green), had been sent off with penalty cards for various reasons within two minutes. Despite having more men on the pitch, the Tricolores were unable to score. However, it was Korea who doubled their lead against the run of play when Jang Jong Hyun (35’) converted his team’s second penalty corner.
The Tricolores eventually struck back in the third quarter thanks to a field goal from Tom Genestet (43’). However, Korea extended their lead to 3-1 when Kim Seong Kyu (56’) scored from open play. Then Kieffer (63’) managed to deflect the ball into the net to get France on the scoreboard again. France worked hard to get back into the match but the equalizer did not come.
Canada v Malaysia 3-4 (2-2)
Malaysia achieved their first win in this tournament by defeating Canada 4-3. However, they remain bottom of pool B due to goal difference. “If we had scored one more goal we would have avoided playing New Zealand in the quarter finals”, said Malaysia’s coach Muhammad Dhaarma Raj. “Today we played so much better than in our two previous matches.”
The match started at high pace with Canada being quick to force a penalty corner. The penalty corner resulted in a penalty stroke which was duly converted by team captain Scott Tupper (4’). However, Malaysia bounced back immediately when Ahmad Jalil (5’) fired the ball home. The host nation took the lead midway through the first half when Muhammad Saabah’s (19’) attempt found its way into the net. Canada equalized just before halftime through Gabriel Ho-Garcia (30’).
The second half was also an entertaining affair with both sides having several opportunities to score. Another penalty corner goal from Muhammad Saabah (40’) brought Malaysia up 3-2 before Tupper (54’) converted another penalty stroke to level the score. The stroke had come off a penalty corner. Again, the hosts responded directly with another goal from Jalil (55’) much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd in the Stadium Wisma Belia. Canada fought hard to equalize but couldn’t break through the Malaysian defense.
“We give full credit to Malaysia, they were too good today”, said Canada’s coach Anthony Farry. “They needed to win and this is what they did.”
FIH site
Finally a victory
By Jugjet Singh
Malaysia’s S. Kumar fails to stop Canada’s Scott Tupper’s penalty stroke in Kuantan yesterday. Pic by Zulkepli Osman
MALAYSIA won their first match when they beat Canada 4-3 but still finished last in Group B and will meet tournament favourites New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan tomorrow.
Malaysia needed three clear goals to avoid the Kiwis in the cross-over, and they started attacking Canada from the first whistle, but were instead hit by the Canadians.
The clock only showed three minutes when Canada won their first penalty corner, which was turned into a penalty stroke when the ball hit a defender's leg.
Canadian skipper Scott Tupper stepped up and beat goalkeeper S. Kumar from the spot in the fourth minute.
The fans went silent, but only for a minute as a full charge in the fifth minute saw Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin getting the equaliser.
Shahril Saabah then gave Malaysia the lead off their first penalty corner in the 19th minute with a powerful drive. But Canadian Gabriel Ho-Garcia slapped home the equaliser in the 30th minute.
Shahril then delivered again off a penalty corner attempt in the 40th minute but Tupper levelled in the 54th minute to make it 3-3. Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin then made it 4-3 in the 55th minute.
New Straits Times
Malaysia bag first win at Champions Challenge
By S. Ramaguru
Malaysian players celebrate after beating Canada 4-3 in their Champions Challenge I Group B match.
KUANTAN: Malaysia came out tops in a seven-goal thriller against Canada but still finished last in Group B of the Champions Challenge I hockey tournament at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium.
Despite winning 4-3 – their first victory in three outings – Malaysia face a Herculean task as they square up against favourites New Zealand in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
France, who finished ahead of Malaysia in third place with a better goal difference, will take on Ireland.
Group B winners South Korea will meet Japan while second-placed Canada will play Poland.
On Tuesday, Malaysia finally came good – after two dismal performances earlier – as they transformed themselves into a well-knit fighting unit.
They went into the match knowing that only a three-goal win would take them into third place in the group as South Korea had earlier downed France 3-2.
Canada also went into the match knowing that if they could beat Malaysia by three goals, they could top the group.
But there was no danger of that happening as the Malaysians played with more purpose – defending and attacking in numbers.
Despite their strong start, it was Canada who took the lead in the fourth minute through skipper Scot Tupper’s penalty stroke conversion.
Their joy, however, lasted just a minute as Malaysia equalised through Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
Malaysia then took the lead for the first time in the 19th minute through their first penalty corner, with Mohd Saharil Saabah scoring with a hefty drag flick.
A silly mistake in the 30th minute allowed Canada to draw level through Gabriel Ho-Garcia.
Malaysia regained the lead in the 40th minute off another Shahril penalty corner effort but Canada were back on level terms through another penalty stroke conversion by Tupper in the 52nd minute.
With the score tied at 3-3, Tengku Ahmad swung into action and made it 4-3 three minutes later.
Although both teams continued to attack, it was Malaysia who looked more dangerous. However, time ran out for them in their attempt to get the two extra goals they needed to finish third.
In the other match, South Korea got their goals through Nam Hyun-woo (24th minute), Jang Jong-hyun (35th) and Kim Seong-kyu (56th) while France replied through Tom Genestet (43rd) and Jean-Laurent Kieffer (63rd).
The Star of Malaysia
Canadian men drop final pool match to host Malaysia at CC1
Malaysia produced an exciting performance after four days of action in the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1 to beat Canada 4-3 at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium tonight.
Malaysia went into the last of the Group B preliminary round match with a herculean task of having to beat Canada by a three-goal difference.
Team captain Azlan Misron and his band of ‘fighting soldiers’ had a mission and that was to avoid finishing at the base, at any cost, stay one rung above France in the table standings as the French have just three points to show while the Malaysians were still searching for their first win.
Anything short of this target would pit the Malaysians against tournament favourites New Zealand in Thursday’s quarterfinals after South Korea did the hosts a big favour by edging France 3-2 earlier in the day. The Koreans had already topped Group B with seven points, followed by Canada with four points.
Though the Malaysians, ranked World No 13, failed to get the desired result of a three-goal difference victory over the Canadians and now face the daunting task of meeting New Zealand in the quarterfinals (2.45pm) it was nevertheless a night to remember.
In other quarterfinals matches, Korea play Japan, Canada take on Poland, and Ireland entertain France.
Their commitment, fighting spirit and bravery spoke for itself. The Malaysians played their hearts out and truly deserve lots of accolades.
Canada picked off pace with a strong display of speed and cohesion. Within the first minute of play they had camped inside the Malaysian semicircle, got their act right and were rewarded with a penalty flick. Captain Scott Tupper sealed it with a powerful shot past goalkeeper S.Kumar much to the dismay of the estimated 3,000 Malaysian fans.
But the Malaysians were quick to transform their own game and upped the tempo four minutes later to equalise. This time through the ever-reliable Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin who let fly a powerful flick into the top of the Canadian net, leaving no room for goalkeeper Antoni Kindler of saving it.
The fans erupted into jubilation once again when Shahril Saabah put Malaysia 2-1 ahead with a drag-flick goal from a penalty corner in the 19th minute. The celebrations, however, did not last long as Canada clawed back into the game in search for the equaliser through Gabriel Ho-Garcia from an open goal. The score stood 2-2 at the interval.
The Malaysians never lost faith despite the Canadian equaliser and Shahril was once again the toast of the fans which included the support-group ‘Elephant Army’ when he packed the ball into goal five minutes after play resumed to give the hosts a 3-2 lead for the first time.
Canada created several more chances after this and were back in the groove with another polished performance, penetrating through a shaky defence with ease. They got their second penalty stroke in the 54th minute and Tupper made it count once again to draw level 3-3.
But Dharmaraj’s Malaysia was not to be outdone and outshined. Tengku Ahmad struck again a minute later to give his side a 4-3 lead, giving hope of their first win in the tournament but arguably still not enough to see them avoid meeting New Zealand in the quarterfinals.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Kiwis top group with big win over Poland
By S. Ramaguru
New Zealand's Blair Tarrant goes down while making a cross in the match against Poland in the Champions Challenge I tournament in Kuantan on Tuesday. The Kiwis won 8-3. - BERNAMA
KUANTAN: It was Child’s play for Champions Challenge I top seeds New Zealand as they ended their Group A campaign in style – with an 8-3 thrashing of Poland.
Simon Child bagged a hat-trick to make sure the Kiwis top the group unbeaten and set them up for a quarter-final clash against Malaysia on Thursday.
Poland, who finished third in the group, will face Canada in the last eight.
Poland were actually heading for a bottom-placed finish in the group when a Krystian Markowski penalty in the 70th minute allowed them to nudge above Japan on goals scored.
The New Zealand-Poland match at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium here was a mis-match right from the start.
Child opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Andy Hayward chipped in with a brace in the eighth and 33rd minutes. Stephen Jenness’ 27th-minute field goal made sure New Zealand trooped off with a 4-0 half-time lead.
Child went on to complete the first hat-trick of the tournament when he struck again in the 45th and 56th minutes.
New Zealand’s other scorers were Blair Hilton (51st) and Hugo Inglis (63rd).
Poland got their goals through Tomas Gorny (57th minute) and Markowski (68th).
In the other Group B match, Ireland notched their first win by edging Japan 1-0.
Ireland, Poland and Japan all finished with three points each but Ireland finished second with a better goal difference.
Ireland will take on France in the last eight while Japan will face South Korea.
Japan had a good chance to open the scoring against Ireland but Kei Kawakami sent his penalty stroke flick wide in the first half.
Ireland finally came alive in the 66th minute to score through Alan Sothern.
Ireland coach Craig Fulton said that his team will be ready to face anyone in the last eight.
“We showed improvement in the match against Japan. I was hoping that we would score in the last quarter because my team worked so hard,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Black Sticks roll into quarter finals unbeaten
The Black Sticks Men have defeated Poland 8-3 to progress unbeaten into the quarter finals at the Champions Challenge in Malaysia.
With previous wins over Ireland (2-1) and Japan (6-1), the result over Poland saw the Kiwis finish atop Pool A with three wins from three games.
The Black Sticks now face a quarter final clash against hosts Malaysia, who finished last in Pool B, at 6.45pm on Thursday (NZ time).
Striker Simon Child earned himself man of the match honours against Poland thanks to a hat-trick of goals with two field goals and one penalty corner conversion.
The Black Sticks were in control from the opening whistle against a tired Polish side, and led 4-0 at halftime with goals from Child, Stephen Jenness and a double from Andy Hayward.
New Zealand poured on another four goals in the second half thanks to another two strikes from Child, Blair Hilton and Hugo Inglis.
Head coach Colin Batch said it was important to go into a tough quarter final game against Malaysia with some momentum.
“It was a good performance from the team. We led 8-0 until late in the game and lost a bit of concentration but on the whole a good effort,” he said.
“Malaysia will be tough opponent, they have been playing below their normal level at this tournament but have shown signs of improvement.
“They won their last game but finished bottom of their pool so they will be dangerous. They are a World Cup team so that is good preparation for us as well.”
The other quarter final matches are Ireland vs France, Korea vs Japan and Canada vs Poland.
The Champions Challenge doubles as a qualifier for the 2016 Champions Trophy with the winner earning an automatic berth, and is also important preparation for the Hockey World Cup from 31 May – 15 June in The Hague, Netherlands.
BLACK STICKS 8: (Simon Child 3, Andy Hayward 2, Stephen Jenness, Blair Hilton, Hugo Inglis)
POLAND 3: (Tomasz Gorny, Krystian Makowski 2)
Halftime: Black Sticks 4-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks' big Champions Challenge win
HAT-TRICK: Black Sticks veteran Simon Child led the way against Poland at the Champions Challenge. JOEL FORD/ Getty
The New Zealand men's hockey team has breezed into the quarterfinals of the Champions Challenge in Malaysia.
The Black Sticks thrashed Poland 8-3 to preserve their unbeaten record at the tournament, topping their group with three successive wins.
They had previously beaten Ireland 2-1 and Japan 6-1.
The Black Sticks will face hosts Malaysia, who finished last in Pool B, tomorrow night (NZT).
Striker Simon Child earned himself man of the match honours against Poland thanks to a hat-trick of goals with two field goals and one penalty corner conversion.
The Black Sticks were in control from the opening whistle against a tired Polish side, and led 4-0 at halftime with goals from Child, Stephen Jenness and a double from Andy Hayward.
New Zealand poured in another four goals in the second half thanks to another two strikes from Child, and one each to Blair Hilton and Hugo Inglis.
"It was a good performance from the team. We led 8-0 until late in the game and lost a bit of concentration but on the whole a good effort," coach Colin Batch said.
"Malaysia will be a tough opponent, they have been playing below their normal level at this tournament but have shown signs of improvement.
"They won their last game but finished bottom of their pool so they will be dangerous. They are a World Cup team so that is good preparation for us as well."
The other quarter final matches were Ireland v France, Korea v Japan and Canada v Poland.
The Champions Challenge doubled as a qualifier for the 2016 Champions Trophy with the winner earning an automatic berth. It was also important preparation for the World Cup from May 31 - June 15 in The Hague, Netherlands.
SCOREBOARD
NZ 8 (Simon Child 3, Andy Hayward 2, Stephen Jenness, Blair Hilton, Hugo Inglis) Poland 3 (Tomasz Gorny, Krystian Makowski 2). HT: 4-0.
Stuff
CC1 Match 3 Ireland 1-0 Japan
Ireland secured an important 1-0 win over Japan today in their final Champions Challenge I pool match taking place in Kuantan, Malaysia.
After a quiet affair in the first half where teams cancelled each other out with little goal scoring opportunity it was all drama in the second half - where Ireland's net keeper David Harte was called into action to save a penalty stroke in the 55th minute which would have given the Japanese a 1-0 lead but Harte gets his stick to defelect Kei Kawakami’s shot to keep the sides at nil all.
Despite securing three penalty corners it was Alan Sothern's open play skill that netted Ireland the only goal of the day in the 66th minute.
Japan fought to the end with Ippei Fujimoto almost causing an Irish upset in the last minute of the match but world class keeper David Harte was once again in impressive form keeping the sheet clean and Ireland closed out the match with an important 1-0 win.
Ireland's final pool standing which will determine who they meet in the quarter finals will be known when Pool A completes the rounds stages with New Zealand against Poland which is up next.
Commenting Coach Fulton was pleased his team secured the three points. “I am very proud of the team’s performance, we stuck to the game plan in what was a tough match, we created important chances and in the end we were able to execute to secure what was an important goal. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked but we are a young team up front and this achieves our goal of finishing in the top 3 in the pool stages” (Ireland finish in 3rd place in the pool stages with the potential to move into 2nd depending on the result of NZ v Poland in the next match – to determine who they meet in the quarter final stages).
Fulton went on to commend keeper Harte “David Harte got man of the match, he wasn’t overly busy during the match but the two saves he had to make were huge including a penalty stroke.”
Ireland 1 (0) Alan Sothern op 66m
Japan 0 (0)
Ireland Starting XI:
David Harte GK; John Jackson; Johnathan Bell; Maurice Elliott; Alan Sothern; Stephen Dowds; Eugene Magee; Kirk Shimmins; Drew Carlisle; Philip Brown, Paul Gleghorne
Reserves:
Chris Cargo; Matthew Bell; Bruce McCandless; Michael Robson; Richard Shaw; Peter Brown; David Fitzgerald
Irish Hockey Association media release
Investec South Africa hockey women hope to reign over Spain
JONATHAN COOK in Glasgow
Dirkie Chamberlain and Nicolene Terblanche getting the timing right. Photo: RODRIGO JARAMILLO
There is much to play for when the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team meet world number 14 Spain in their final Pool B match in the Champions Challenge Wednesday at 10.30am SA time.
Top of Pool B, victory will ensure that SA stay that way and probably meet India in Thursday’s quarter-finals, an India side that has performed poorly so far. Even defeat against Spain should leave SA second in Pool B and a last-eight date likely with a much-improved Scotland Thursday.
SA coach Giles Bonnet was impressed with SA’s 2-1 win over world number 10 the USA Monday, which followed a 2-2 draw with world 15 Ireland Sunday.
“The USA got good results recently against [world number three] England, who took out a big squad. The USA are a tough team, yet we should have scored more in the second half,” said Bonnet.
Spain lost 3-1 to the USA and then drew 2-2 with Ireland after leading 2-0 earlier, but are a mercurial side who can turn it on when in the mood.
Bonnet is not primarily concerned with opponents, though, he is focusing on his own team’s level of performance.
“Against Ireland we drew 2-2 yet we created 11 goalshots to their three from field play so clearly once we can convert those, it will mean more goals. It will come; we are working on it and getting closer.
“It’s the quality of our goalshots created, one versus two in the nine-yard area, that is what we are doing so well now, and that is the mark of a world-class team, we are learning how to convert those, I am confident we will get it right and then the prospect of medalling at the Commonwealth Games [for the first time in history] and coming closer to a world top eight position is very real.
The quality of the SA goalkeeping has improved markedly over recent years under keeper coach Sheldon Rostron.
Sanani [Mangisa] is back from injury, Phume Mbande has played some good games in recent Tests while Anelle van Deventer, the player of the match against the USA, is starting to deliver consistent performances.
While the number of penalty corners being conceded remains a concern, the better goalscoring opportunities, improved stopping at the back and competitiveness in defence and midfield are signs that all the hard work is beginning to pay off - and with the quality forward Jade Mayne and world record goalscorer Pietie Coetzee injured and unavailable, there is an indication that competition for places in the team - and even the starting line-up - is bringing out the best in players.
Investec SA team in Glasgow: Anelle van Deventer, Sanani Mangisa, Lisa Deetlefs, Lenise Marais, Marcelle Manson, Quanita Bobbs, Nicolene Terblanche, Illse Davids, Marsha Cox (capt), Tarryn Bright, Shelley Russell, Kelly Madsen, Bernie Coston, Dirkie Chamberlain, Sulette Damons, Kathleen Taylor, Celia Evans, Lilian du Plessis.
SA Hockey Association media release
Q&A with New US Women’s Assistant Coach Janneke Schopman
It has been numerous years since a woman was part of the U.S. National Team coaching staff, and former Dutch National star Janneke Schopman intends to make her presence known. Champions Challenge marks the first opportunity for Schopman to meet and coach Team USA alongside Craig Parnham. Her next test will come in the 2014 World Cup, where both her and Parnham will be coaching against their home countries.
USA Field Hockey: What is a little bit of your background beyond hockey?
JS: I have a sister Simone and brother Bas, both younger and we grew up in Hoogvliet near Rotterdam. My childhood was quite normal. As a kid I liked playing outside, for example playing football with my brother. School wasn’t too hard and I always had time to do sports (tennis, hockey) or meet friends. Studying was the same, I studied civil engineering in Delft and lived in Rotterdam. My study was boy dominated so I had mostly male friends, a good counterpart for my friends from hockey.
USA Field Hockey: What is one of your favorite field hockey memories?
JS: There are many, one of my favorite memories is the last 10 seconds of the Olympic final in Beijing knowing that you have won!
USA Field Hockey: What was your lifestyle growing up playing field hockey and how does having field hockey a part of the culture make it part of your life?
JS: At first I played at a small club where the rest of my family also played. So Saturday I played hockey and Sunday I went to the club to play with my friends and watch hockey. When I was 16 I went to play for Rotterdam and that changed lots. We trained 3 times a week and I brought my training clothes to school, going from school to the club using public transport and made my homework there before training. From that moment on I had to make conscious decisions about hockey and the importance of it. It played a central part in my life and school, study and social life all evolved around that.
USA Field Hockey: How do you hope to use your own experiences to help the team?
JS: I think because you know how the players feel and act because you have been in the same situation you are able to understand them better and help them using that experience.
USA Field Hockey: What are you most excited about coming into the US program?
JS: I think there is a lot of potential in the team and I am excited to get a chance to help the team develop and grow towards a steady place in the top of women’s hockey.
USA Field Hockey: You are picking up and moving to Lancaster, Pa. after the tournament. Is there anything you are particularly excited to discover or try in the US?
JS: I like to learn more about how things go and work in the USA and see if there are big differences.
USA Field Hockey: What is one item from home that you can’t live without?
JS: Photos from my family and friends, especially my nephew and nieces.
USA Field Hockey: Off the turf, what are a few of your hobbies?
JS: I like to go outside, cycle or go for a run. If I have time I like to read a good book and whenever I can I go into town and relax with friends over dinner or lunch.
USA Field Hockey: What attracted you to civil engineering and can you expand a little on your work in the field?
JS: Civil engineering intrigued me because if you look outside a lot of the things you see are connected to civil engineering. Infrastructure always interested me like how can we develop a better transport system for example. Bridges fascinate me and the last big project at Heijmans was the renovation of a large steel bridge.
USFHA media release
Belgium in dramatic 4 Nations win while Scotland lost out to England
Belgium celebrate their Men's 4 Nations success in Glasgow. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Belgium were crowned the winners of the Men’s 4 Nations competition in Glasgow today after a dramatic final against Argentina went to running penalties following a 2-2 draw between the two sides at full-time.
First half goals from Loick Luypaert (6’) and Tom Boon (22’) had given Belgium a 2-0 lead early on, but Gonazlo Peillet pulled one back for the Argentinians on the stroke of half time (35’). An equalising goal from Augustin Mazzilli in the 44th minute ensured the contest would go to the sudden death shoot-out.
Belgium star Tom Boon sets off towards goal against Argentina. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
The Belgians then held their nerve to run out 3-0 winners in the shoot-out, the Argentines missing all their three efforts on goal.
Belgium ran out 3-0 winners over Argentina on running penalties. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Meanwhile, Scotland were soundly beaten 5-1 by England in the second international match of the day.
Scotland's Chris Duncan in action against England today. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Ashley Jackson gave the away side an early lead, scoring with a trademark drag-flick high into the roof of the net in the seventh minute.
Scotland goalkeeper Jamie Cachia was then called upon to make a series of saves to keep the home side’s interest in the match; the first to deny Mark Gleghorne from a penalty corner, before denying Simon Mantell’s effort after great play from Alistair Brogdon.
Scotland striker Kenny Bain fends off the attentions of an English attacker. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Tom Carson’s penalty corner was then blocked by the Scotland shot-stopper, with Brogdon thwarted yet again by Cachia after a good combination with Nick Catlin.
England were not denied for much longer though; an excellent counter-attack involving passes between Jackson and Iain Lewers led to Tom Condon diving low to claim the visitors’ second goal in the 22nd minute.
Phil Roper went close to extending England's lead three minutes later after a good cross from Gleghorne, but Condon was on the mark again in the 27th minute, stealing in behind the Scottish defence to turn home a third English goal after Cachia had blocked Catlin’s shot on target.
Six minutes before half-time, Mantell’s excellent surge and subsequent pass into the circle deflected back off a Scottish defender’s stick back into the Reading midfielder’s path for him to slide in and slot the fourth goal into the net.
The early stages of the second half featured little chances in front of goal, but Lee Morton finally worked James Bailey in the England goal, his reverse stick shot beaten away by the Reading stopper.
Midway through the half, Cachia pulled off another good stop from a Gleghorne attempt from a penalty corner.
Scotland finally registered on the scoresheet two minutes from time, Wei Adams flicking home Iain Scholefield’s pass to give the home support something to cheer.
However, it was England who rounded off the scoring only sixty seconds later, Brogdon breaking into the circle to send a reverse stick shot past Cachia to make the final score 5-1.
Following the match Scotland captain Chris Grassick said, “It was a difficult match, we were four or five players down from the previous matches. It was a really good effort from the guys who came into the team, it was our fifth match in seven days as well so it was a decent effort.
“We just said at half-time that it’s 0-0, we needed to go out and give a good account of ourselves. We’re a bit disappointed with the last goal but we showed good fight in the second half.
“We only started our programme three weeks ago while the teams here have been in preparation for the World Cup for months. I’m sure there will be a real confidence about the group after three months training before the Commonwealth Games.”
Scotland Senior Men: Jamie Cachia (Sheffield), Michael Bremner (Kelburne), Alan Forsyth (Surbiton), Chris Grassick (Surbiton), Ian Moodie (Edinburgh University), Ross Stott (East Grinstead), Chris Nelson (Kelburne), Kenny Bain (Hurley), William Marshall (Sheffield), Iain Scholefield (Qui Vive), Chris Duncan (Edinburgh University), Wei Adams (Canterbury), Nick Parkes (Surbiton), Gavin Byers (Sheffield), Gavin Sommerville (Western Wildcats), Ross McIntyre (Kelburne), Lee Morton (Kelburne).
England Senior Men: James Bailey (Reading) Alastair Brogdon (Wimbledon) Tom Carson (Reading) Nick Catlin (Reading) David Condon (East Grinstead) Dan Fox (Holcombe) Mark Gleghorne (East Grinstead) Michael Hoare (Wimbledon) Ashley Jackson (East Grinstead) Iain Lewers (East Grinstead) Simon Mantell (Reading) Harry Martin (Beeston) Barry Middleton (Holcombe) George Pinner (Beeston) Phil Roper (Wimbledon) Dan Shingles (Reading) Tim Whiteman (Beeston) Ollie Willars (Beeston).
Men’s 4 Nations Results, Glasgow National Hockey Centre, Scotland
Belgium (Loick Luypert 6', Tom Boon 22') 2-2 Argentina (Gonzalo Peillat 35', Augstin Mazzilli 44') – Belgium win 3-0 on running penalties.
Scotland (Wei Adams 68’) 1-5 England (Ashley Jackson 7', Tom Condon 22', 27', Simon Mantell 29', Alistair Brogdon 69’)
Pool Standings
BEL P3 W3 D0 L0 GF8 GA5 GD +2 Pts 9
ARG P3 W1 D1 L1 GF8 GA6 GD +2 Pts 4
ENG P3 W1 D1 L1 GF6 GA5 GD +1 Pts 4
SCO P3 W0 D0 L3 GF6 GA12 GD -6 Pts 0
Final Rankings
1st Place - Belgium
2nd Place - Argentina
3rd Place - England
4th Place - Scotland
Scottish Hockey Union media release
England finish with victory over Scotland
Alastair Brogdon celebrates with captain Barry Middleton after scoring the final goal in today's game against Scotland
Crutchley’s side rounds off Four Nations tournament with 5-1 victory to take third. East Grinstead duo of Ashley Jackson & David Condon contributed three goals after Scotland made several squad changes following significant injuries.
The last match of the Four Nations was turned into a test match to allow Scotland to bring in extra players after seven of their original squad of 18 players suffered injuries. The changes meant that the hosts had to field an inexperienced side and England were able to take full advantage of this as they put in a dominant display at the National Hockey Centre in Glasgow to beat Scotland 5-1.
The goals came from East Grinstead duo Ashley Jackson and David Condon (2), Reading’s Simon Mantell and Wimbledon’s Alastair Brogdon.
Speaking after the game, man of the match, Ashley Jackson said, “We’re delighted with the first half today, though we dropped off a bit in the second and we’re annoyed that we conceded that one goal. On the whole we’re happy with our performance over the course of the week – we’re improving every time we play, and our performances are getting better. We’ve played a couple of teams that we could potentially face at the World Cup, so it’s important to play them and to make sure that we’re in a better position when we finally meet them in The Hague.”
After an early push by Scotland for England’s circle, the rest of the half was characterised by a defensive home side as England were relentless in their attacks. Once they won their first penalty corner eight minutes in, Ashley Jackson opened the scoring with a drag-flick straight into the top right-hand corner.
It was nearly fifteen minutes before England added to the score line again via David Condon, diving in to the circle to deflect the ball through Jamie Cachia’s legs. He followed that up five minutes later by taking advantage of the keeper losing sight of the ball, after an initial save, to send the ball round him and bring the score up to 3-0.
With barely five minutes of the first half left Simon Mantell added to the tally, with a pass to Nick Catlin coming straight back and requiring him to slide on his knees to lift the ball over the keeper. In the last few minutes Scotland were pushing to try and gain back some ground, but they were unable to make anything of it before the break.
As the sun came out briefly for the second half, Scotland continued to try and make something of the game. A more attacking approach saw several breaks from their own half, but the hosts were unable to get enough players up in attack and there were only a handful of shots on goal which James Bailey in England’s goal was able to deal with.
It took until the 69th minute for Scotland to get on the score-sheet – as Willie Marshall fired a shot at goal, it was deflected off the post to Wei Adams, who was able to put it past Bailey to make it 4-1. From the restart Alastair Brogdon was straight out of the gates, running up the pitch to get the ball in the circle, and an accurate reverse-stick shot meant England got back their four goal lead and a 5-1 victory.
Up next in the England men’s squad calendar they’re travelling to The Hague for a series of games against the Netherlands in preparation for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup. The match on Saturday 3 May will be capped and a press release will be issued following the game.
ENGLAND 5 (4)
Ashley Jackson 8 (PC)
David Condon 22, 27 (FG, FG)
Simon Mantell 29 (FG)
Alastair Brogdon 69 (FG)
SCOTLAND 1 (0)
Wei Adams 69 (FG)
Four Nations Final Standings
1. Belgium
2. Argentina
3. England
4. Scotland
Four Nations match schedule & results
Friday 25 April
1700 - England v Argentina 2-2 (1-1)
1900 - Belgium v Scotland 4-3 (2-1)
Saturday 26 April
1500 - England v Scotland 3-1 (1-1)
1700 - Argentina v Belgium 1-2 (1-1)
Monday 28 April
0900 - Scotland v Argentina 2-5 (1-2)
1100 - Belgium v England 2-1 (1-0)
Tuesday 29 April
0900 - Belgium v Argentina (1st v 2nd) 2-2 (1-0) (3-0 shoot out)
1100 - England v Scotland (3rd v 4th) 5-1 (4-0)
England Hockey Board Media release
Six weeks and counting to the European Club Championship Trophy
European Hockey at Leicester HC
In just under six weeks time Leicester Ladies play host to the European Clubs Championship Trophy.
This will be the largest event run by the club on home soil and takes place at Loughborough University from 6-9 June 2014. Staging such an event is no mean feat and the ground at Loughborough will undergo various enhancements to make it able to manage the numbers expected on site.
The club will have a variety of refreshment and catering options available to visitors to the event as well as club merchandise. It'll be streamed live over YouTube and it's hoped that some very famous names from the hockey world will be on hand to commentate and support post match reviews. For a preview of the event, click here.
For general tournament and ticket information, please see the official club tournament website. Various group and school trip discounts have been set-up, and the club is keen to promote the event to as many schools and clubs as possible.
England Hockey Board Media release
Hockey participation in Asian Games still on hold
By Nabil Tahir
After failing to enter the team’s names for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Pakistan are in danger of missing the Asian Games. PHOTO: FILE EXPRESS
KARACHI: Participation of Pakistan’s national hockey team in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games is still in doubt as the Arif Hasan-led Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has not yet received the documentations required for participation as the deadline comes to an end on Wednesday.
Although the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is focused on building its team for the mega event, it has yet to contact the International Olympic Committee-recognised POA to ensure participation.
When contacted by The Express Tribune, Hasan said his organisation received a letter by the PHF on Tuesday evening, which mentioned only the names of 25 players.
He further said that the accreditation system will be closed on April 30, after which they will not be allowed to participate in the Asian Games.
“We cannot process any further with just the names,” said Arif. “We immediately sent a reply to the PHF, explaining that we need passports and two high-resolution pictures of each of the players. I hope they comply soon as we don’t want our hockey team to miss a chance to defend their title in the Asian Games.
“We don’t have much time. The information in the documents needs to be cross-checked and that isn’t something we can rush through.”
Earlier, the PHF was not able to enter its team in the 2014 Commonwealth Games being held in Glasgow due to the same stalemate.
When contacted, PHF’s Secretary General Rana Mujahid said that that they have done the needful and have sent the passports and requisite to the government for further processing.
The Express Tribune
Pakistan set for Asian Games title defence
Mohammad Yaqoob
LAHORE: After a two-year gap, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) finally made its first contact with the Arif Hasan-led Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) on Tuesday to send the entry of the national team for this year’s Asian Games.
In a media briefing, PHF secretary Rana Mujahid said that the federation had contacted the POA and completed the process of sending the entry of the team for the Games set to be held in the South Korean city of Incheon from Sept 19 to Oct 4.
Rana, however, was cautious in his answers with the PHF having taken a U-turn after receiving instructions from the Inter-provincial ministry which also changed its stance on the Arif-led Olympic body, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The change in stance was necessary as the national team’s participation at the Asiad was at risk after having missed its entry to the Commonwealth Games which are set be held in Glasgow in July.
“We have sent the names of 25 players to the POA and we’re also holding a training camp from May 6 from which the final line-up will be selected for the Games,” Rana said.
His reply though was diplomatic when asked whether the PHF will be attending POA’s future meetings having made contact with the body.
“It is premature to comment at this moment,” Rana said. “We have sent the entries of the national team in the larger national interest, following the instructions of the inter-provincial ministry.”
However, Dawn has learnt that the PHF has failed to send all the documents required by the POA to send the entries.
“First, the PHF sent the list of 25 players but when it was reminded that the POA also needs the passport numbers and the photographs of all the officials and players, we received only 15 of them so far,” sources within the POA told Dawn.
“They [PHF] have promised to send the documents of the remaining players and officials by Wednesday, which is the last date for sending the entries.”
Sources further disclosed that the documents of the players were sent through the PHF secretariat as Rana did not sign it.
Rana has been banned by the POA for being a part of a parallel interim POA body led by former Pakistan Badminton Federation president Asif Bajwa which was formed by the inter-provincial ministry two years ago against the instructions of the IOC.
The PHF secretary didn’t give a clear reply about the ban but added that Pakistan will also field a team in the second Youth Olympic Games, set be held in Nanjing, China in August this year, through Arif’s body.
Rana was tight-lipped when asked about Pakistan’s chances of defending their Asian Games title, which they won at the 2010 edition in China.
“All the questions regarding medal chances should be asked from head coach Shahnaz Sheikh and chief selector Islah-ud-Din as they are the ones responsible for setting the targets for any tournament,” he said.
“The PHF will only monitor the activities of the national team and its management without any interruption.”
He rebuffed claims made by former PHF secretary Asif Bajwa on Monday that the newly-inducted Executive board members were PHF defaulters, saying it was “a matter between individuals”.
Bajwa also advised Rana and PHF president Akhtar Rasool to wear safety jackets as the new inductees were back-stabbers and a smiling PHF secretary said: “We will try to follow the advice.”
Dawn
PHF trials aim to find new faces, says Islah
PESHAWAR: The newly-appointed hockey chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the ongoing trials in different cities across the country including Peshawar and termed it a very positive step in the right direction.
Islah and the newly-appointed head coach Shahnaz Sheikh besides members of the newly-formed selection committee have been here at the Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium as part of a Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) campaign to find a pool of new players through conduct of trials in various cities.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Association chairman Mohammad Saeed Khan and secretary Syed Zahir Shah were also present during the trials which also witnessed different match sessions.
Islah said that after shortlisting players they would be kept in camp under qualified coaches for a longer duration so that formidable teams in different age groups be formed.
On the occasion, Shahnaz said the PHF had launched serious efforts to find fresh talent and holding of the nation-wide open trials showed the federation’s resolve to put the national game on the right track.
“I hope we will be able to make a pool of strong players which will increase bench strength of the senior and the junior teams in two to three years”, he said.
Also, chief selector Islah said the national game was passing through a difficult phase and he and his team had accepted the challenge in the best interest of the game.
“Physical fitness is our priority. We are also observing players’ interest as well as involvement in the game,” claimed Islah, adding that objective of the trials was to provide equal opportunities to talented players who were previously ignored for various reasons.
Dawn
Hockey event reaches semis stage
LAHORE: PIA, National Bank of Pakistan, Wapda and Army Reds on Tuesday qualified for the semi-finals of the 9th Nishan-e-Haider Hockey Tournament in Bahawalpur on Tuesday.
PIA will take on NBP while Wapda face Army Reds in the pre-final to be played on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in their last matches Navy beat Police 3-1 and Port Qasim defeated Railways 5-1.
Asif Ali (6th minute), Mohammad Rashid (61st) and Mohammad Sabir (7th) shared the scoring honour for Navy with Sherjeel (33rd) hitting the solitary goal for the losing side.
Rizwan Khan (21st and 70th minutes), Rizwan (16th), Talah Tanveer (42nd) and Mohammad Atif (61st) slammed goals for Port Qasim while Zeeshan Bukhari reduced the lead for Railways in the 59th minute.
Dawn
Helen Richardson-Walsh faces a race against time
The England midfielder is on the road to recovery, but will she be in time for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup
Sarah Juggins
"Whenever I go on Twitter I will often see one of the FIH’s (International Hockey Federation) tweets counting down the days to the World Cup. The excitement for the tournament is building, but in all honesty whenever I catch a glimpse of it I get a sickening tug in the pit of my stomach." So says England star midfielder Helen Richardson-Walsh.
The reason for Helen's angst is a back problem. Not just any old back problem but the reoccurrence of a disc problem. Helen describes it: "Just 11 months ago the disc that sits between L4 and L5 in the vertebrae decided to finally give up after having been prolapsed since 2006. By giving up I mean it ruptured, and the exploding fragments started causing havoc by floating around my spinal cord and pressing on the nerves going down my legs. The pain was just excruciating, a dull ache lingered constantly all the way down to my calf. A sharp pain intermittently made it impossible to get comfortable, leaving me tired, drained and often brought to tears."
"After four months I successfully made it back to playing hockey, but now it seems the same thing has happened. When the doctor called me with the results I completely and utterly lost it. I was in physio and I don’t think she knew what to make of me. With tears streaming down my face all I was thinking was, that’s it, my career’s over, I’ll never play again!'
As it turned out Helen does still have a chance of making it to The Hague, but the process relies on great physio, a patient approach from Helen herself and a complete adherence to, and trust in, the rehabilitation process.
If Helen is looking for a sign that rehabilitation can be successful, she need look no further than another England player, the men's goal keeper George Pinner. George was diagnosed with a tear in his medial cruciate ligament and the first assessment prepared him for the worst. George says: "I was told that best case scenario I had torn my MCL and would be out for 10 weeks; worst case, I would need a reconstruction and would be out of action for three to six months. I just thought that I had wasted two years of my life because I wouldn't get to play in the World Cup."
However, through hard work by George and the support of the England physiotherapy team George was back playing in just six weeks, giving him vital preparation time before the World Cup. He played club hockey in the England Hockey League Finals before taking his place between the sticks for the Four Nations tournament in Glasgow. His coach Bobby Crutchley even saw a silver lining to his injury: "I don't think an enforced break has done George any harm at all. He has played a lot of hockey and this has given him a break."
FIH site
Hockeyroos’ WC Squad Announced
Emily Hurtz to play in The Hague; Attard and Parker back from injury
The Hockeyroos’ squad for next month’s women’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup has been announced by Hockey Australia. The 18 athlete squad named by National Coach Adam Commens and the selection panel contains just seven of the squad that finished fifth at the 2010 World Cup and nine of those that represented Australia at the 2012 Olympic Games.
While for many of the squad the World Cup will be the biggest tournament of their young careers so far, the Hockeyroos go into the competition on the back of impressive progress over the past 12 months. Gold medal victories at the Oceania Cup and World League Semi Final tournaments, and a silver medal finish at the World League Finals in Argentina last November have helped the Australian women to rise to fourth in the world rankings.
Speaking about the squad, Adam Commens said: “We feel this is our strongest squad based on current form. While a couple of our group – Teneal Attard and Georgie Parker – were unavailable to us during the recent Hawkes Bay tournament in New Zealand due to injury, their strong past performances warranted their inclusion.”
Attard, a two-time Olympian, is one of only two members of the side to have played at the 2006 World Cup in Madrid where the Hockeyroos won silver. Captain Madonna Blyth is the other. She should pass Rechelle Hawkes’ tally of 279 games to become Australia’s second most capped woman during the Hockeyroos’ European preparation fixtures ahead of the World Cup.
Also included is Emily Hurtz. The 24 year old was a member of the side that qualified for the World Cup by winning the World League Semi Final tournament in London last June. Primarily based in the Netherlands, she plays for Amsterdam H&BC under the guidance of Hockeyroos great and Sport Australia Hall of Famer Alyson Annan.
Commens added: “Emily Hurtz is selected on the back of a strong showing on tour with us in South Africa in January and having performed well during the World League Semi Final. That form has been backed up by a good training block here in Perth over the past couple of weeks.”
Speaking about his hopes for the World Cup, Commens said: “We’re a team that has shown it can match it with the top sides in the world. There’s a misconception that we’ve been together for a long time but we’ve had significant turnover since the Olympic Games. There’s a lot of talent in our squad though, we performed well in 2013 and we’re aiming to reach the semi-finals. We’re more than capable of reaching that stage and performing well against the top nations. From there, anything can happen.
“The Dutch are the clear number one and they’re in our pool. We’ll get a good indication from that match of where we’re at but I certainly don’t believe we fear anyone in the other side of the draw.”
In addition to Attard and Blyth, 2009 World Young Player of the Year Casey Eastham, Kate Jenner, goalkeeper Rachael Lynch, Georgia Nanscawen and Ashleigh Nelson were all part of the Hockeyroos’ 2010 World Cup squad. 2012 World Young Player of the Year Anna Flanagan, Jodie Kenny and Emily Smith were London 2012 Olympians while Emily Hurtz and goalkeeper Ashlee Wells were reserve athletes for the Olympic Games.
Smith is joined in the forward line by her Crookwell (NSW) childhood friend Kellie White, and there is also a Berri (SA) double with Georgie Parker and Karri McMahon selected. There are call-ups, too, for three athletes that made their senior débuts early last year with Edwina Bone, Jane Claxton and Kirsten Dwyer all included.
Acknowledging the difficultly faced in selecting the squad, Commens added: “Of those that weren’t selected, Brooke Peris, Jordyn Holzberger and Mathilda Carmichael are all very talented junior athletes with bright futures who were just outside our top 18. Jayde Taylor has come back after a long rehabilitation from foot surgery and has performed very well this year. She can consider herself very unlucky but I’m confident she can play a part in the coming months.”
The Hockeyroos have won a medal at the World Cup on five previous occasions, including back-to-back gold medal victories at the 1994 and 1998 tournaments.
Both the Hockeyroos’ campaign, and the men’s World Cup being held at the same time in The Hague, will be broadcast in Australia by the ABC.
The Hockeyroos will depart for Europe on 12 May, where they will first play in a four nations tournament against England, Japan and Germany in Bremen. A match against Belgium in Antwerp will provide a last official warm-up game before arriving in The Hague for final preparations, including three unofficial practice matches against Argentina, China and USA.
The Hockeyroos’ opening match of the World Cup is against Korea at 10:30pm AEST / 8:30pm AWST on Saturday 31 May.
Hockeyroos’ squad for the Rabobank World Cup
31 May – 15 June 2014
The Hague, Netherlands
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals [Age]
Teneal Attard (Mackay, QLD) 189/10 [29]
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 277/65 [28]
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 36/1 [26]
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 37/3 [21]
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 44/2 [25]
Casey Eastham (South Coast, NSW) 199/44 [25]
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 120/20 [22]
Emily Hurtz (Camden, NSW) 74/28 [24]
Kate Jenner (Tamworth, NSW) 91/1 [23]
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 102/50 [26]
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 102/0 [27]
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 35/4 [22]
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 120/22 [21]
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 144/61 [27]
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 52/13 [25]
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 82/32 [21]
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 30/0 [24]
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 72/24 [22]
Hockeyroos’ record at the World Cup
1974 – Mandelieu, FRA – Did not compete
1976 – West Berlin, FRG – Did not compete
1978 – Madrid, ESP – Did not compete
1981 – Buenos Aires, ARG – 4th
1983 – Kuala Lumpur, MAS – Bronze
1986 – Amstelveen, NED – 6th
1990 – Sydney, AUS – Silver
1994 – Dublin, IRE – Gold
1998 – Utrecht, NED – Gold
2002 – Perth, AUS – 4th
2006 – Madrid, ESP – Silver
2010 – Rosario, ARG – 5th
World Cup arrangements & match schedule
12 May – Depart for Europe
15 May – Four nations tournament: match 1 v England, Bremen (GER)
17 May – Four nations tournament: match 2 v Japan, Bremen (GER)
18 May – Four nations tournament: match 3 v Germany, Bremen (GER)
20 May – Hockeyroos v Belgium, Test match, Antwerp (BEL)
25-28 May – Unofficial practice matches v Argentina, China and USA
31 May – Hockeyroos v Korea, 10:30pm AEST / 8:30pm AWST
2 June – Hockeyroos v Japan, 6:30pm AWST / 4:30pm AWST
5 June – Hockeyroos v Belgium, 6:30pm AWST / 4:30pm AWST
7 June – Hockeyroos v Netherlands, 3:45am AEST (8 June) / 1:45am AWST (8 June)
9 June – Hockeyroos v New Zealand, 6:30pm AEST / 4:30pm AWST
12 June – TBC – Semi Finals
13 June – TBC – Classification Matches
14 June – TBC – Medal matches & classification matches
Hockey Australia media release
The sky is the limit
Emma Cairnduff excels as an umpire and role model for the hearing impaired
Photo Credit: Alan Delaney sportsonline.net.au
At just 25 years of age Emma Cairnduff from New South Wales is conquering not only the umpiring world but the hearing impaired world.
Like many a hockey tragic Emma has lived and breathed hockey as a player, coach and umpire since she was young, however, she has done so with the difficulty of a hearing disability.
Diagnosed with profound hearing loss at birth, Emma has learnt over the past 25 years to deal with its day-to-day difficulties. At 17 months old Emma was fitted with hearing aids as well as attending early intervention at the Shepherd Centre for deaf children.
Knowing that she may always struggle in noisy environments Emma said, “Hearing loss is a disability which makes parts of life harder, however, it’s also part of what makes me who I am today and I’m okay with this.”
She began her umpiring journey at the age of 12 after the President of Campbelltown City Women’s Hockey Association, John Robinson, suggested that Emma attend the association’s umpiring class. It was at this class Emma found her love for umpiring and has never looked back.
Emma’s hard work and dedication towards umpiring is well and truly paying dividends. She was recently selected for the under 21 women’s Australian Championships in Perth, Western Australia in July.
As you might expect, the decisions that Emma makes during a game are based purely on what she sees, not what she hears.
“I rely on my vision to follow the game and I often don’t hear the clash of sticks or the different sounds between a ball hitting a stick and a shin pad. I follow the ball very closely and make my decision based on its direction from the outcome of the tackle or deflection.”
Kirsty Reiter, Victoria’s umpire manager, was amazed by Emma’s motivation and drive. She said, “I met Emma for the first time when she was appointed to the umpire panel for the under 18 women’s national championships in 2014. I didn’t know that Emma had a hearing impairment prior to the tournament and I admit that I had apprehensions about how that might affect her umpiring.
“After watching Emma umpire her first game I was blown away by her umpiring ability. Emma controls the game beautifully. She really impressed me with the way she handled herself both on and off the field. She has proven that her impairment is no obstacle and she is a very capable and promising hockey umpire.”
Aspiring to reach higher level championships and the Australian Hockey League, Emma offers advice to others - with or without a disability - that ‘the sky is the limit’.
“Umpiring has made me a better player and has given me a better understanding of the game. In order to keep improving and learning always listen to other umpires and take on board their suggestions and advice,” she says.
Embracing her disability, Emma assists others with disabilities in finding a career path with Nova Employment. Working with adults aged between 18-20 years old she helps prepare them for the workforce over a two year period in a program called ‘transition to work’.
“Doing what I love and achieving more than I ever expected is a way for me to show these young adults with a disability that they can do anything, just as I did with my umpiring. There are no limits and you will never know what you can achieve until you try.”
If you would like to feature a story from your club in our next newsletters ‘Club of the Month’ send us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Hockey Australia media release
Indigenous program grows
Hockey NSW to benefit from funding as part of the Fortescue Indigenous Program.
A new partnership between Hockey Australia and Hockey New South Wales will see the state become the latest to benefit from funding as part of the Fortescue National Indigenous Hockey Program.
Tony Meldrum, the recently appointed Hockey NSW regional coaching coordinator based out of Lismore, will begin working with aboriginal agencies and key stakeholders to expose young indigenous people to hockey with a view to recruiting them to teams in the region.
Hockey New South Wales coaching director and Hockey Australia Hall of Famer Warren Birmingham is excited by the opportunities that the funding will provide for the recruitment and development of indigenous players in Northern New South Wales.
He said, “The Indigenous program is a tremendous step forward for Hockey Australia in building strong links with the Indigenous community. In the far north coast of NSW this program will have significant positive repercussions well beyond the Hockey pitch. The program will facilitate a more cohesive community with greater tolerances as well as welcoming indigenous athletes into the sport.”
The Lismore program will add to the growth of the Fortescue National Indigenous Hockey Program that is operational in three other states and territories across Australia.
For over ten years, Hockey Queensland has developed and delivered programs that lead and grow participation, pathways and positive social changes in remote and indigenous communities through their Remote and Indigenous Hockey Program. Julie McNeil, the manager of the program, has led all sports in the development and implementation of programs that have been acknowledged by world sporting bodies. This work has culminated in indigenous youth teams, the Rubies and Blaze, representing Australia at international competitions in Singapore.
Hockey Western Australia and Hockey Northern Territory also deliver programs for young indigenous people. In the past four years, through financial support from Fortescue Metals Group and Hockey Australia, Hockey WA and Hockey NT established programs in the Pilbara and Alice Springs. The aim of the programs is not just to raise awareness but rather to encourage young indigenous people to join teams and associations and to, hopefully, begin a lifelong love affair with hockey.
While the likes of Des Abbott, Joel Carroll and Brooke Peris – all indigenous athletes – have represented the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos at the very highest level in recent years, the Lismore program will aim to encourage participation and enjoyment in hockey at any level. But who knows? Perhaps the next Des, Joel or Brooke will emerge from the program.
Hockey Australia media release
Jay Stacy believes hockey needs to chase TV time
By Jack Paynter
Field hockey needs to be attractive to television audiences to compete with other winter codes, says Australian games record holder Jay Stacy.
Hockey Australia’s Australian Hockey League (AHL) is an interstate competition that is not well known to the Australian sporting public. It lacks funding to be able to compete with other sports.
“It does come up well,” Stacy said.
“But Hockey Australia can’t get anyone to put five or six cameras at a ground.”
Stacy thinks the best way to infiltrate the television market is to show highlights programs, similar to that of the English Premier League on Fox Sports.
“Not everybody watches EPL matches in full but a lot of people watch the highlights,” Stacy said.
Field hockey has strong participation numbers in Australia, with 106,623 players in 2005, but payment to professional athletes has always been down compared to other sports.
Jamie Dwyer’s Hockey Australia contract is reportedly $39,000 compared to Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke, who is worth over $2 million.
State players that compete in the AHL, hockey’s equivalent to Shield cricket, receive nothing, while state cricketers’ contracts begin at $50,000.
The introduction last year of the Hockey India League, similar to that of cricket’s Indian Premier League, has seen top players earning upwards of $50,000 for the four-week competition.
“It’s just reward because it’s not only those five or six weeks but the other 42 weeks that they’re performing,” Stacy said.
“They certainly don’t get paid back home like they should.”
In India however, there are 14.6 million people watching on television and the teams represent cities, helping to increase financial support and interest in hockey.
“There is a lot of advertising and huge TV rights, and players are getting a slice of that,” Stacy said.
Stacy thinks that once hockey starts getting on Australian television and generating money in advertising, the value of players’ contracts will start to increase.
He said hockey has always been successful around Olympic time but there is not enough money for it to compete against AFL, NRL, cricket or football.
Stacy played 321 games for the Australian Kookaburras between 1987 and 2000, scored 160 goals and was voted world player of the year in 1999.
This year’s AHL will run in Adelaide from October 4.
THe Roar
Australian masters help youths
Arin Kumar
Leilani Ravatu tussles with Chris Cannon of the Australia Masters at the National Hockey Centre in Suva on Monday night. Australian Masters beat Fiji High Performance 3-0. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
THE Australian women's hockey masters over 45 side is in Fiji for a week-long tour.
The side has returned after a lapse of two years and team manager Gretchen Gamble said the visit was to help with the development of the sport in the country.
"We want to help develop and bring the sport back up because Fiji used to be very strong in the hockey some time back," she said.
"We are happy we have built a good relationship with Tai Smith (Fiji Hockey Federation development officer) and the main idea is to develop the juniors to come up."
The side will run a clinic today with the Fiji U18 team that has qualified for the Youth Olympic Games that will be held in Nanjing, China in August.
"We had a bit of a game with them as practise on Monday and they are looking very promising.
"You (Fiji) are going to have a top national team in the years to come."
Gamble said the side would also present hockey gear to Fiji to help with development among the youth.
The Fiji Times