News 09 July 2014
All the news for Wednesday 9 July 2014
SA men and women looking to start well in London
JONATHAN COOK in London
Both the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team and the SA men’s national side will be looking to build on their successful end to the World Cup when they take on Scotland and Ireland at 12 noon (SA time) and 6.15pm SA time respectively in the first round of the Investec Cup at London’s national hockey stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Wednesday.
The SA teams have a great opportunity to fine-tune things before the Commonwealth Games that start in Glasgow from July 23 by their participation in the Investec Cup in London, which also celebrates the opening of the new London Olympics 2012 legacy venue, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. The new world-class venue is now England hockey’s national stadium.
The four competing men’s teams in London are Commonwealth Games countries England, Scotland and South Africa, as well as Ireland. The four competing women’s teams are Commonwealth Games countries England, Scotland, Wales and South Africa.
“Will only have one training here before the Scotland match so we be looking at getting our processes right in that game,” SA women’s captain Marsha Cox said on the bus to the venue Wednesday afternoon. World number 11 SA beat Japan, the world’s ninth-ranked team, to finish ninth at the World Cup and if they get can back into the groove quickly it will stand them in good stead.
Double Olympian defender Lenise Marais, so cruelly denied a World Cup experience after serious injury forced her out at the 11th hour, comes back into the side.
SA men’s captain Austin Smith said after arriving at the team’s accommodation at East London University (ELU) that the Irish punch above their weight.
“The last time we met, before the Olympics in 2012 they beat us, and we will only have had one training session (Wednesday night) so we will be focussing more on getting ourselves familiar with the game plan and carrying on where we left off during the 6-2 win over Malaysia at the World Cup in June,” said Smith, who added that former SA men’s assistant coach Craig Fulton, now head of the Ireland coaching staff, will be familiar with the SA style of play.
SA’s Investec Cup fixtures (SA time)
9 July: vs SA women vs Scotland (12 noon); SA men vs Ireland 6.15pm.
10 July: SA women vs England 2.15pm; SA men vs England 8.30pm.
12 July: SA men vs Scotland 10.45am; SA women vs Wales 6.15pm.
13 July: Playoffs for final placings.
SA Hockey Association media release
SA hockey men resume glory quest
Clint Panther is congratulated by Julian Hykes, after scoring a brilliant goal against Argentina. FILE PHOTO: STANISLAS BROCHIER
Johannesburg - In preparation for the Commonwealth Games, the South African men’s hockey team will make full use of the Investec London Cup starting on Wednesday, captain Austin Smith said on Tuesday.
“It's a great chance for us to get some much-needed game time together before the Commonwealth Games,” Smith said in a statement.
“We haven't had any training camps or any other practice matches so this will be all the preparation we have so we need to make it count.”
South Africa would play against Ireland, England and Scotland before the finals on Sunday.
England, in fifth place, were the highest-ranked team in the London tournament. South Africa were ranked 12th followed by Ireland (15th) and Scotland (25th).
Smith, who played for Den Bosch in the Dutch Hoofdklasse, said he hoped his side could take some positives from the tournament ahead of the Games in Glasgow, taking place from July 23 to August 3.
The South Africans would also be looking to improve on their fifth place finish at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.
SA team: Andrew Cronje, Jean-Pierre De Voux, Timothy Drummond, Jethro Eustice, Rhett Halkett, Julian Hykes, Lloyd Norris-Jones, Robin Jones, Ignatius Malgraff, Clinton Panther, Taine Paton, Wade Paton, Erasmus Pieterse, Jonathan Robinson, Austin Smith (captain), Lungile Tsolekile.
Schedule: Wednesday, 5.15pm: Ireland v South Africa; Thursday, 7.30pm: England v South Africa; Saturday, 9.45am: South Africa v Scotland; Sunday, playoff (9.45am) and final (2.45pm).
Independent Online
Previews of the mens & womens matches of this weeks Investec Cup in London
Senior women
First match of the day sees Scotland women take on 12th place South Africa. South Africa recently competed in the World Cup finishing an overall 9th and also came third in the recent Champions Challenge held in Glasgow. Last time these two sides met the South Africans a got an early goal when Scotland were on the back foot but the Scots re grouped and really competed thereafter. That was two months ago and after all the full time training programme is in full swing the Scots will fancy the chances to take the first win of the tournament.
Aileen Davis in this years FIH Champions Challenge at Glasgow Green
Second match of the round robin the Scots go up against Wales who are the only team ranked lower than Scotland. The women will be very confident going into this match after earlier on in the year beating them 8-0. However that was early on and Wales have been training hard in preparation for the games and will want to go out to redeem themselves this time around.
Final match sees the women play old rivals England. England did not live up to expectations at the recent World Cup but that is not a reason to doubt them. Both sides will thrive on the old rivalries and in the Europeans last summer it was a nail biting match with the 6th ranked side snatching a win. A few changes from that England side but an exciting end to end match is defiantly on the cards.
Senior men
The senior men start their Investec Cup campaign against old rivals England on Wednesday evening. England won their most recent encounter earlier on in the year from men's Four Nations event held in Glasgow. However that was Scotland at the beginning of their part time training help funded by Glynhill hotel. This now nearing the end of their programme and with the Scots adopting the new nickname 'ScotaRica' the men will be eager to snatch a win and outperform the home nation side.
Iain Scholefield agianst England men at the 4 Nations tournament at Glasgow Green
Thursdays match sees the senior men face Ireland who have had some good results recently beating fifth in the world England. They are the only team not preparing for Glasgow 2014 but that doesn’t mean they have not been training hard, ranked 15th in the world Scotland will fancy their chances but they know it will be a tough match.
Final game the Scots face South Africa who finished 11th in the recent hockey World Cup. They face each other in two weeks’ time in the opening match at Glasgow 2014 so both sides will not want to give away much.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Raw kids for Glasgow
By Jugjet Singh
MALAYSIAN chief coach K. Dharmaraj believes his men were not a total flop in the World Cup, and is ready to step down if the ongoing enquiries find them to be “a disaster”.
Malaysia finished at the bottom of the 12-team tournament without a win or a draw at the Hague, Netherlands.
“If the inquiry (headed by R. Yogeswaran) finds that Malaysia were a total disaster in the World Cup, they should also recommend to remove the chief coach, and I will gladly step down,” said Dharmaraj after naming a raw side for the Commonwealth Games.
Dharmaraj came about the conclusion because “we qualified after 12 years (Malaysia last played in 2002 Kuala Lumpur World Cup) and that itself was an achievement”.
And the players found it very tough, as after two matches they realised that the rest of the world has left them far behind.
“Yes we struggled, and did set a 10th place finish as target, but in reality, qualifying itself was a big milestone and now we should think about playing regularly in the World Cup, and move up the ranks slowly.
“Don’t demoralise the players further, as many of them are very young and after losing six matches (and letting in 26 goals) I am finding it very difficult to motivate them for the next two tournaments,” said Dharmaraj.
Sixteen players were named for the Commonwealth Games, with Baljit Singh and S. Selvaraju making a comeback. Baljit did not play in the Azlan Shah Cup, the Champions Challenge 1 and also the World Cup this year.
“I have left out regulars as they are tired (while skipper Azlan Misron has quit) after playing in the World Cup, and fielded many from the training pool for the Commonwealth Games to test them ahead of the Asian Games selection.
“Scotland does not offer any ranking points, but the Asian Games does and there is also the ticket to the Olympics if we win it.”
German-born Kevin Lim, who pulled a hamstring in a friendly match at the Hague before the World Cup, has not fully recovered but was also given the nod for the Commonwealth Games.
“We need to test him and see if he will be ready for the Asian Games,” said Dharmaraj.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation is still pondering over the selection of the assistant coach as well as manager.
At the Commonwealth Games, Malaysia will open their Group B campaign against Canada on July 26 followed by England (July 27), Trinidad and Tobago (July 29) and New Zealand (July 31).
Defending champions Australia, India, Wales, South Africa and Scotland are in Group A.
The women’s team, who became champions in the World League Round 1 in Singapore by fielding youths, have picked their best for the Commonwealth Games with an eye to prepare for the Asian Games.
The teams: MEN: Baljit Singh, Izwan Firdaus, Firhan Ashaari, Rashid Baharom, Razie Rahim, Ahmad Kazamirul, Faiz Helmi, Hafizuddin Othman (GK), Fitri Saari, Ramadhan Rosli, S. Selvaraju, Kevin Lim, Meor Azuan, Azri Hassan, Shazril Irwan Nazli, Shahril Saabah.
WOMEN: Nadia Abdul Rahman, Nuraini Rashid, Surizan Awang Noh, Norbaini Hashim, Fatin Shafika, Nurul Nabihah, Noor Hasliza Ali, Juliani Din, Robiatul Adawiyah, Raja Norsharina, Siti Noor Amarina, Siti Shahida, Norazlin Sumantri, Fazilla Sylvester Silin, Farah Ayuni, Siti Noor Hafiza.
New Straits Times
MHC retain only six World Cuppers for CWG
By S. Ramaguru
Experienced Mohd Razie Rahim (left) is one of six World Cuppers to be retained for the Commonwealth Games - filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have retained only six World Cuppers for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Of the 16 members in the World Cup squad, only Mohamed Razie Rahim, Mohamed Firhan Azhaari, Faiz Helmi Jali, Mohamed Ramadan Rosli, Mohamed Rashid Baharom and Mohamed Shahril Saabah were included in the final 16-man squad for the July 23-Aug 3 Games.
Malaysian-born defender Kevin Lim, who previously played for Germany, also made the team. He was included for the World Cup but was replaced at the 11th hour due to a hamstring injury in training in The Hague, Holland, last month. Malaysia finished last in the 12-team World Cup.
National coach K. Dharmaraj also included two seniors — Baljit Singh and S. Selvaraju — in the team to give them a chance to prove their worth for the Incheon Asian Games challenge in September.
“There is no target set for the team, but we will try our best to get a good result. The main objective is to expose the younger players and give the other seniors a chance to get into the Asiad squad,” he said.
Baljit, a defender, did not play in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, the Champions Challenge 1 and the World Cup this year despite being a regular in previous years.
“I have left out many regulars as some of them are tired after playing in the World Cup. Our priority is the Asiad and the Glasgow outing is merely an opportunity for the players to learn,” said Dharmaraj.
At the Commonwealth Games, Malaysia will open their campaign in Group B against Canada (July 26) followed by England (July 27), Trinidad and Tobago (July 29) and New Zealand (July 31).
Australia, the defending champions, are in Group A with India, Wales, South Africa and Scotland.
On Tuesday, the MHC also named a 16-woman team for the Glasgow challenge. All the players who helped Malaysia win the recent World League Round 1 in Singapore were retained.
The Teams
Men: Baljit Singh, Izwan Firdaus, Firhan Ashaari, Rashid Baharom, Razie Rahim, Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin, Faiz Helmi, Hafizuddin Othman, Fitri Saari, Ramadhan Rosli, S. Selvaraju, Kevin Lim, Meor Azuan, Azri Hassan, Shazril Irwan Nazli, Shahril Saabah
Women: Nadia Abdul Rahman, Nuraini Rashid, Surizan Awang Noh, Norbaini Hashim, Fatin Shafika, Nurul Nabihah, Noor Hasliza Ali, Juliani Din, Robiatul Adawiyah, Raja Norsharina, Siti Noor Amarina, Siti Shahida, Norazlin Sumantri, Fazilla Sylvester Silin, Farah Ayuni, Siti Noor Hafiza
The Star of Malaysia
Sack me if you want, challenges Dharma
By S. Ramaguru
National coach K. Dharmaraj has challenged the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to sack him if the World Cup campaign was deemed a failure. - filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: Sack me if the World Cup outing had been a failure. That is the challenge issued by national hockey chief coach K. Dharmaraj to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
Last week, the MHC named a seven-man panel to investigate Malaysia’s performance at last month’s World Cup in The Hague, Holland. Malaysia finished last in the 12-team Finals.
Dharmaraj vehemently denied that it was a disastrous outing for the team, saying the World Cup proved that Malaysia’s gap in standard against the “top teams was just too wide”.
“We qualified for the World Cup after a 12-year hiatus. There is no way we could have competed with the other top teams. Our standard was way below par. It is already an achievement that we made the top 12,” he said.
“The challenge for Malaysia is to be a regular at the World Cup and Olympics. Then, we can aim for better positions after that. Right now, we are struggling just to qualify for top-level events. Yet, there are fierce criticisms on our showing as if the team were expected to win or make the podium,” he added.
Dharmaraj called on the critics or the MHC to point out where the team had failed.
“It is the prerogative of the MHC to appoint the coach. I have no issue with that,” he said.
MHC vice-president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmadm revealed on Tuesday that R. Yogesweran, a former national coach, would head the World Cup performance review committee.
The other members of the committee are National Sports Institute (NSI) CEO Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz, National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkples Embong, Datuk Poon Fook Loke, Datuk Ow Soon Kooi, R. Ramakrishnan, M.P. Haridass and Ariffin Ghani. Azmi, who also heads the national team management committee, will also sit in the panel.
Dharmaraj also questioned why the MHC set up the committee when there was no such move in the past when the teams had also failed to shine.
“If the committee find that Malaysia were a total disaster in the World Cup, they can also recommend to remove me as the coach. I will gladly step down. But tell me where we went wrong and what this fuss is all about,” he said.
“It has been tough on the players this year as they have five major assignments and all of them are back-to-back.
“There was no doubt that we struggled in The Hague, although our target was just to finish 10th.
“The players are demoralised with the constant barrage of criticisms that is being thrown at them daily. How do we motivate them for the coming two tournaments? I am sure people have their own opinions, but what is important is that these players are doing their best and sometimes the best is just not enough,” added Dharmaraj.
The next stop for Dharmaraj’s team is the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this month. And then, they will proceed to the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, in September.
The Star of Malaysia
It's getting tougher at the top for players and selector
By David Leggat
The in-form Simon Child - shown in action against Japan - will lead the Black Sticks' attack at the Commonwealth Games. Photo / Getty Images
A deepening talent pool made selection of the Commonwealth Games hockey team difficult for national men's coach Colin Batch.
But he's not complaining - Batch sees that as a healthy problem.
The 16 named yesterday provided good news for returning pair Bradley Shaw and Shay Neal, in Neal's case after a lengthy layoff to recover from hip surgery last November.
The downside was the omission of four players who were in the recent World Cup squad.
Auckland's Devon Manchester got the one goalkeeping spot ahead of Hamish McGregor, and Steven Jenness, Jared Panchia and Kane Russell missed in the outfield selections.
"We're getting more depth in our squad therefore selection is becoming critical," Batch said. "The bar keeps getting higher as the players' performances get higher."
Northlander Neal is in after a solid effort at last year's world league 3 tournament, and Shaw got the nod through, among other skills, his ability to perform well under pressure.
"I'm now just enjoying hockey again, being back with the boys and being able to play pain-free," law graduate Neal said.
The Black Sticks' attack will be led by in-form Simon Child, scorer of two spectacular goals at the World Cup.
"We've now got a really focused and very fit player," Batch said of the Auckland attacker.
"He's got great elimination skills and can certainly score a goal."
New Zealand are ranked No 6, but third in the Commonwealth behind world No 1 Australia and No 5 England. They won the bronze medal in New Delhi four years ago.
A couple of warmup games against Wales and India have been pencilled in before pool play, in which they face Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, England and Malaysia.
Australia would seem to have a lock on one spot in the final, but Child has no doubt the Black Sticks can have a big say in the final outcome.
"If we can avoid Australia until the final then I think we've got a huge opportunity to win."
The Black Sticks leave for Glasgow on July 16.
Yesterday's announcement completed the naming of the New Zealand games team. The final number of athletes is 233, with the late addition of national criterium champion Mike Northey to the road cycling team.
Off to Glasgow
New Zealand men's team for the Commonwealth Games:
Goalkeeper: Devon Manchester (Auckland)
Defenders: Dean Couzins (c, Auckland), Andy Hayward (Midlands), Bradley Shaw (Canterbury), Blair Tarrant (Southern), Alex Shaw (Capital).
Midfielders: Nick Haig (Canterbury), Phil Burrows (Capital), Shay Neal (Northland), Arun Panchia (Auckland), Shea McAleese (Central), Steve Edwards (North Harbour).
Strikers: Marcus Child, Simon Child (Auckland), Hugo Inglis (Southern), Blair Hilton (Capital).
The New Zealand Herald
Shaw’s determination rewarded with NZ recall
MATT RICHENS
EXPERIENCED CAMPAIGNER: Brad Shaw has played 150 times for New Zealand. NZPA
Brad Shaw might be the freshest athlete at the Commonwealth Games.
The Christchurch hockey player was so desperate to keep his Black Sticks dream alive that he got used to five hours sleep a night and turned his life into a juggling act of family, work, coaching, playing and training.
The train, sleep, play life of the Games might seem like a comparative relaxing break for the 31-year-old.
Shaw's non-stop lifestyle was all made worthwhile yesterday when he was recalled to the New Zealand men's team for this month's Commonwealth Games, nearly two years since he played the last of his 150 tests.
A father to four-year-old Jordae and 18-month-old Marnia, Shaw's busy lifestyle includes as much family time as possible, a teaching job at St Andrew's College, coaching the school's first XI girl's team as well as helping out with five other sides, training with the Canterbury men's team, training and playing for club side Selwyn as well as early morning and late night fitness sessions.
"I'm pretty much go, go, go from about 6am until 10pm and sometimes midnight," he said.
"I've got pretty used to five hours sleep a night and I don't really have a lunch break or anything. But that's my choice, I want to play for New Zealand again."
Shaw's recall is a major boost for the side eas he adds a physical presence and strong tackling ability to an already strong defensive line.
"He's experienced and tough to get around," coach Colin Batch said.
"Hopefully, that inspires others a bit too."
Shaw's commitments at home had trumped his hockey so the Black Sticks' final game at the 2012 Olympics was Shaw's last.
This year he has worked hard to prove he can balance his busy life and still be as good as he can be for the national side.
"You always feel like you could do a little bit more, but I've worked hard, I'm fit and hopefully I can make a real impact," he said.
"There would be nothing worse than going to a tournament like this and not being at your best.
"But I'm excited, too. I feel like I'm debuting again. There's lots to pick up and to learn about the systems. I can't wait."
Shaw isn't the only new face in the 16-strong squad despite it dropping from the 18 players who finished seventh at last month's World Cup.
Northland midfielder Shay Neal comes into the squad after a hip injury.
Jared Panchia, Stephen Jenness, Kane Russell and goalkeeper Hamish McGregor were all left out.
With more than 200 caps between them, it would appear a big chunk of experience to leave at home, but Batch's 16 boast 2406 international caps, an average of more than 150.
Russell was used as Andy Hayward's backup at penalty corner time, but has been left out to make room for Shaw.
Batch remained confident his side had enough ammunition and options for short corners.
"Andy is really developing into a top penalty corner taker and we still have Nick Haig and Shea McAleese," he said.
The New Zealand team will play warmup fixtures against Wales and India before their first pool game against Canada on July 25.
New Zealand: Dean Couzins (c), Nick Haig, Andy Hayward, Simon Child, Blair Hilton, Brad Shaw, Marcus Child, Phil Burrows, Alex Shaw, Devon Manchester, Blair Tarrant, Shay Neal, Arun Panchia, Shea McAleese, Hugo Inglis, Steve Edwards.
Stuff
Get to know...the debutantes
McMahon, Claxton, Peris & Bone ready for first Commonwealth Games experience5.jpg)
With Glasgow 2014 rapidly approaching Karri McMahon, Jane Claxton, Brooke Peris and Eddie Bone prepare themselves both physically and mentally for their journey ahead for what will be their first Commonwealth Games experience in the green and gold.
They're four of the team's nine Commonwealth Games débutantes and as some of the team’s newest and youngest into the program, these girls approach the Commonwealth Games fully equipped having each secured international caps and goals alongside standout tournaments previously this year.
Don’t be fooled by their age and tournament history. Combine these four together and they are unstoppable, offering the team diversity with a mix of skills, positions and tricks of the trade.
Karri McMahon #11
Caps: 46
Goals: 4
Debut: 23/09/2012
Date of Birth: 27/02/1992
Hometown: Berri, SA
Position: Defender
Twitter: @KarriMcMahon
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 2nd
2013 - World League Finals, Tucuman, Argentina, 2nd
2013 - World League Semi-Final, London, England, 1st
2013 - Junior World Cup, Monchengladbach, Germany, 6th
2012 - Champions Challenge, Dublin, Ireland, 1st
After a snap decision in year 12, Karri chose to study paramedics at Flinders in Adelaide. Amid the circus act of juggling studies and hockey she’s always had a keen interest in the medical field.
Karri’s inspirational mother passed down the prized hockey genes and at age six Karri set eyes on hockey for the first time. It wasn’t until the age of 15 that Karri found her love for hockey.
Born and bred into a sporting family, talents are weaved among water polo, swimming, hockey and baseball. Karri’s 13 year old sister mimics and maps her older sister’s hockey movements, while playing local club hockey. Who knows? One day she may be playing alongside Karri as a future Hockeyroo.
One of the newer members of the squad, Karri has nevertheless suffered a few of what she calls ‘minor’ injuries; a broken foot and hand. Ouch!
Soaking up Perth’s warm weather, Karri enjoys a lazy day couped up on the couch catching up on box set favourites.
Jane Claxton #18
Caps: 48
Goals: 5
Debut: 24/04/2013
Date of Birth: 26/10/1992
Hometown: Adelaide, SA
Position: Midfielder
Twitter: @janeclax
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 2nd
2013 - World League Finals, Tucuman, Argentina, 2nd
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2013 - World League Semi-Final, London, England, 1st
2013 - Junior World Cup, Monchengladbach, Germany, 6th
Jane credits her father Bob, current Secretary of the Oceania Hockey Federation, and brother for her entry into hockey when at the age of six she began playing in a mixed gender competition, although the rough and tumble of playing with the boys nearly put her off.
An occupational therapy student at Curtin University in Perth, Jane is looking forward to completing her course and using her qualification to help others in the future.
Since she was young, Jane has looked up to former Hockeyroo Melanie Twitt – who played at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games – and former Olympic speed skater Stephen Bradbury for their dedication and success in overcoming challenges, and for sending out the message that you don’t need to be the perfect athlete to achieve your goals.
A keen cook, Jane’s a whizz with a slow cooker, frequently cooking up healthy recipes to keep her going after training and studying.
Brooke Peris #3
Caps: 29
Goals: 7
Debut: 24/04/2013
Date of Birth: 06/01/1993
Hometown: Darwin, NT
Position: Forward
Instagram: @chookieperis3
Tournament History:
2013 - World League Finals, Tucuman, Argentina, 2nd
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2013 - Junior World Cup, Monchengladbach, Germany, 6th
If there’s something left behind after training you can almost guarantee it will belong to Brooke Peris. Forgetful Brooke often turns up to training sessions or matches having forgotten or misplaced sticks, hockey bags, shin pads, you name it! If hockey gear is found, Brooke is likely to be seen crawling up to captain Madonna Blyth, head down to claim her missing items.
A Darwin girl, Brooke has a supportive family and community fan base behind her, including boyfriend Jeremy Hayward, a member of the Kookaburras team who sadly will miss the Games through injury. The cousin of former Olympic hockey player and athlete Nova Peris, now a senator in the Australian parliament, Brooke took up hockey aged four. Initially unaware of where hockey could lead her, she credits the Tiger girls in the Northern Territory for where she is today.
Having always had a love and passion for children, Brooke studies a teaching course specialising in primary school education. A keen fan of ‘Brooke time’, she enjoys going to the movies and catching up with her girlfriends outside of hockey.
Eddie Bone #13
Caps: 47
Goals: 2
Debut: 25/04/2013
Date of Birth: 29/04/1988
Hometown: Evatt, ACT
Position: Defender
Twitter: @EdwinaClaire
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 2nd
2013 - World League Finals, Tucuman, Argentina, 2nd
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2013 - World League Semi-Final, London, England, 1st
Edwina ‘Eddie’ Bone broke through to the senior squad after two years in Hockey Australia’s women’s development program. An identical twin, Eddie progressed through the junior ranks with the Canberra Strikers alongside fellow Hockeyroo Anna Flanagan.
Nominated as the Hockeyroos’ backup DJ, Eddie steps into the spot light playing the 90s classic hits if teammate Anna Flanagan’s phone battery croaks.
Busy training schedules limit time spent with partner Josh, labelled ‘boyfriend of the year’ for making the move from Canberra to Perth with Eddie to join the squad. Planning great escapes on weekends, the pair enjoy heading down to watch local sporting events of all kinds.
Having studied a bachelor of sports management at the University of Canberra, Eddie is hoping to commence a secondary teaching course in 2015, combining the two studies in order to become a sport coordinator/coach.
A pet lover with no pets of her own (yet), she has adopted her housemate’s American Staffy ‘Franklin’ claiming him as her own.
Hockey Australia media release
Vigorous players capable to defend title: Shahnaz
Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan hockey team head coach and former Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh has expressed satisfaction over players’ fitness levels and hoped they will defend the Asian Games title.
Talking to The Nation, Shahnaz said: “The second phase of the training camp starts here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium and 36 boys reported in the camp. We have started training in two sessions and we are practicing while observing fast. I have introduced a schedule in which players are very comfortable and can play while fasting. The second phase will continue till July 18, then there will be a break till August 2 and then players will report on August 3 for the third phase of the training camp which will also be held here at Islamabad instead of Sialkot.”
“The trials for team selection will be held on August 13 and 14. I have suggested the PHF to provide the team foreign tours. According to my suggestion, the team will either play matches with Asian counterparts like Korea, Malaysia and India or embark on European tour to play against top European teams. If the teams will not be available then we will prefer to play against top European clubs, which will benefit a great deal to our players. Pakistan hockey team has not played any international match for the last nine months or so, while on the other hand, our rivals India, Malaysia and Korea have played in World Cup and now they are also getting much-needed practice from the Commonwealth Games,” he added.
“We have invited 10 players for the second phase out of which seven players are new inductions. We have also invited senior most player Waqas Sharif in the camp to give players much-needed exposure against the best in the lot. Fresh inductees are Aleem Bilal (full back), Zohaib Ashraf (half back), Kashif Ali (center forward), Hafiz Rizwan (forward), Asad Bashir (forward), Ishaq Bhatti (forward), while Abdul Haseem Khan also joined camp after returning from Germany. We have three injuries as well, Rizwan Senior is still nursing his ankle injury. He has recovered almost 80 percent and likely to join camp in next 3 to 4 days. M Fareed is also struggling with hamstring injury, while M Tauseeq is having pain in chest. We have sent him to Lahore on Monday to visit specialist/surgeon for complete check up, all the other players are completely fit. We have taken their cooper tests and their fitness levels are in perfect shape,” Shahnaz stated.
“In the late night session, we focus on physical training, while in the evening session, our main focus is on technical and set pieces and how to defend/strike short corners. During the video analysis, I have noticed one major flaw in the techniques of the forward line, their build up speed while attacking is relatively slow. I am concentrating hard on removing that flaw and help players in speeding up the attacking options,” he added.
“When I took over, I don’t want to put team in unwanted pressure. I wanted to first examine the strength and weaknesses of the players and now after eight weeks of training, I feel my boys are ready for the challenge of playing competitive hockey. Although the time is very short before the Asian Games, but with the positive frame of mind, comprehensive planning, boys abilities and hunger to excel, I am quite confident they will not let down the country and try to defend their title, Shahnaz concluded.
It is pertinent to mention here that despite the lapse of almost three months, coaching staff, selection committees both senior junior has yet to receive any contract from the federation despite several promises being made to them. Coaches have yet to get a single penny, only dailies have been provided to the players and the team management. Senior players have yet to get central contracts from the federation thinking about juniors is a day dreaming. The PHF is blaming poor funds situation for fulfilling promises, while on the other hand, PHF president and secretary are busy in foreign tours. If they have money for foreign tours, they must also pay some attention towards players and coaching staff and also try to clear their dues.
The Nation
Smith Announces Ireland 18 for Electric Ireland 4 Nations
National Women’s Ireland Coach Darren Smith has today announced his 18 to compete in the Electric Ireland 4 Nations taking place from July 12th -16th at the National Hockey Stadium, UCD. Ireland will compete in the tournament against New Zealand, Canada and Chile.
Talking this morning about his selection Coach Smith said “We are looking forward to matching up against three quality opponents in Canada, Chile and New Zealand over the coming week”
“New Zealand and Canada are in full preparation for the Commonwealth Games and bring exciting squads who are striving to win medals in Glasgow. Chile are beginning their preparation for the 2015 Olympic qualifying campaign and will play matches in Dublin / Glasgow over the next few weeks.”
“The squad was selected out of 21 of the national squad. Four players are with the U21’s who head to European Championship in Austria this week. Audrey O’Flynn has had a hockey break and we wanted to give her an opportunity to get back to some hard hockey training before playing internationals. Aine Connery is completing some personal commitments over the 4 Nations so we decided to let her focus on that. The 18th player will be decided once we have more information on Vanessa Surgeoner’s foot injury from the weekend training camp.”
“We have been playing some tests over the past few weeks but this tournament will be a step up in terms of quality. It will give us a snapshot of where we are at so that our development towards 2015 and beyond can continue.”
Ireland Team – Electric Ireland 4 Nations
12th – 16th July 2014
Nicci Daly (Holcombe HC)
Kate Dillon (Railway Union)
Deidre Duke (UCD)
Nikki Evans (UCD)
Megan Frazer (Capt) (Holcombe HC)
Emma Gray (Hermes)
Hannah Matthews (Loreto)
Stella Davis (Pembroke Wanderers)
Ali Meeke (Loreto)
Shirley McCay (Old Alex)
Yvonne O’Byrne (Cork Harlequins)
Anna O’Flanagan (UCD)
Gillian Pinder (UCD)
Cliodhna Sargent (V Capt / Cork Harlequins)
Emma Smyth (Railway Union)
Alex Speers (Railway Union)
Chloe Watkins (Club De Campo / UCD)
Naomi Carroll (Catholic Institute)
Saturday 12th July
13.00 Canada v Chile
15.15 Ireland v New Zealand
Sunday 13th July
13.00 New Zealand v Chile
15.15 Ireland v Canada
Tuesday 15th July
17.00 New Zealand v Canada
19.15 Ireland v Chile
Wednesday 16th July
17.00 3rd / 4th
19.30 1st / 2nd
Irish Hockey Association media release
U21 National Women's Team Announced For Europeans
Ireland's U21 women will compete in the Europeans in Vienna Austria from Monday 14th July - Sunday 30th July.
The squad of 18 to represent Ireland is listed below. Coach Passmore commented on his squad "This squad has a good balance of senior players and young talent with depth. The preparation period has been a challenging one with exams, players out of the country or involved in the senior squad resulting in the whole squad only coming together for the first time this week. The squad has benefited from a number of excellent coaches and current international players contributing to our training camps and regional training. Competition for places was stiff with several players being unlucky to miss out. We now have six days together before the tournament starts to build on the preparation to date and fine tune our set pieces. The new tournament format represents a challenge given there are no room for errors and we will need to hit the tournament running’
TOURNAMENT WEBSITE
Monday 14th 15.00 Ireland v Scotland
Wednesday 16th 17.00 Ireland v Austria
Thursday 17th 15.00 Ireland v Belarus
Saturday 19th TBC Classification
Sunday 20th TBC Classification
U21 Irish Training Panel (25 Athletes)
Rachel Barnett - Railway Union / Leinster
Emily Beatty - UCD / Leinster
Chloe Brown - Ards / Ulster
Elaine Carey - UCD / Connacht
Amy Cooke - University of Richmond, USA / Ulster
Leah Ewart - UCD / Ulster (Co Capt)
Hannah Grieve - Pegasus / Ulster
Erika Hinkson - Old Alex / Leinster
Kate Lloyd - Railway Union / Leinster
Hayley Mulcahy - Loreto / Leinster
Kerri McDonald - Queens University / Ulster (Vice Capt)
Ayeisha McFerran - Larne Grammar/Randalstown (GK)
Lucy McKee - Clifton Ladies / Ulster
Katie Mullan - UCD / Ulster
Emma Russell - Syracuse University, USA / Leinster
Sarah Twomey - Hermes / Leinster
Roisin Upton - University of Connecticut, USA / Munster (Co Capt)
Zoe Wilson - Randalstown / Ulster
Non traveling reserves: Robyn Chambers (Pegasus / Ulster); Jenna Holmes (GK) (Loughborough / Ulster); Anna Mae Whelan (Trinity / Leinster)
Management Team:
Head Coach - David Passmore
Manager - Gemma Menaul
Coach - Peter Caruth
Physio - Miriam Downey
Performance Analysis - Keith Crawford
Irish Hockey Association media release