News 10 July 2014
All the news for Thursday 10 July 2014
England men defeat Scotland 6-0
The men’s first game of the Investec London Cup started explosively. A penalty corner in the first minute allowed East Grinstead’s Ashley Jackson to score with his trademark drag flick, giving England an early 1-0 lead. Dominant in possession, it wasn’t long before England doubled their goals, this time through Henry Weir who tapped the ball in to the back of the net after a goal-line scramble, bringing the score to 2-0.
An impressive run along the baseline by Phil Roper set up England’s third goal which was rifled home by Mark Gleghorne; 3-0. With just minutes left in the first half, England scored a further goal; an excellent team effort finished off by Reading’s Simon Mantell for the fourth goal. Despite the best efforts of Kenny Bain and Chris Grassick, Scotland were unable to capitalise and the score remained 4-0 to England at half time.
England continued to press the Scottish defence in the second half with notable attempts at goal from Nick Catlin and Ollie Willars but it was not until the 60th minute that another goal was scored. Roper was again involved, this time getting his name on the score sheet; rifling a shot past Scotland goalkeeper Gavin Sommerville and giving England a 5-0 lead. A well-practiced penalty corner routine enabled England to increase their lead further and with another goal to his name, Jackson brought the final score to 6-0.
England captain Barry Middleton said after the game; “We’ve been looking at trying to score goals, so it was nice to get a few today. Some were scrappy goals, obviously they’re not great to watch but they’re the goals we’re looking to score because they win tournaments.”
England v Scotland
England 6 (4)
Ashley Jackson 2, 67 (PC, PC)
Henry Weir 11 (FG)
Mark Gleghorne 27 (FG)
Simon Mantell 31 (FG)
Phil Roper 60 (FG)
Scotland 0 (0)
England Hockey Board Media release
England women victorious in first game
England women put eight goals past Wales on the opening day of the Investec London Cup. The match was the teams' first ever game at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre and ended 8-0.
England’s first match at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre sees them soundly defeat Wales with four goals either side of the break.
In front of the enthusiastic support of local schools and clubs, there was a vibrant atmosphere for England, with the bright blue pitch bringing back memories of the 2012 Olympics, on England’s return to the Olympic Park.
Within the first two minutes England opened the scoring thanks to a goal from Alex Danson, scored after England piled on immediate pressure with shots from Nicola White and Susannah Townsend. Less than ten minutes later England increased their lead as Lily Owsley ran the ball along the baseline to find Sophie Bray waiting at the goal for an easy tap in.
England remained the stronger side throughout the half. Wales’ best opportunity came from a series of four penalty corners just over 20 minutes in, as the ball continued to find England’s onrushing defenders’ feet, but the final hit was well saved by Maddie Hinch and the ball was in England’s possession again. A few minutes later and a mis-trapped aerial reached Susannah Townsend at the top of the Welsh circle, who sent it straight into the right corner out of reach of the Welsh goalkeeper Ria Male. England were able to add one more to their first-half tally through a deflection by Laura Unsworth, and though two penalty corners followed for England the score stayed 4-0 going into the break.
It took just eight minutes for England to start scoring again in the second half, as Bray fired in a shot which found Ellie Watton for the deflection. A minute later and England won their own series of four penalty corners in a row, ending with England Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh’s drag flick bounced over the Welsh keeper and into the goal.
Danson scored her second with ten minutes left on the clock as she caught an aerial down the side of the pitch, beating three Welsh defenders as she made her way across their circle, to finish with a reverse-stick shot to the keeper’s right. England’s eighth and final goal came from the last penalty corner of the game, as Giselle Ansley’s accurate drag-flick was sent low and to the keeper’s left.
A last-minute green card for Nicola White wasn’t enough to slow England down, and the final whistle blew giving them an 8-0 victory and a fantastic start to their Investec London Cup campaign.
England captain Kate Richardson-Walsh spoke after the match; "I don't remember the last time we scored 8 goals. We're really pleased - it's been a tough few weeks so we were keen to show we have fight and we've done that."
Debutante Lucy Wood added; "It's an honour to make my debut here, the stadium and the support is amazing."
England 8 (0)
Alex Danson 2 60 (FG FG)
Sophie Bray 10 (FG)
Susannah Townsend 25 (FG)
Laura Unsworth 29 (FG)
Ellie Watton 53 (FG)
Kate Richardson-Walsh 57 (PC)
Giselle Ansley 67 (PC)
Wales 0 (0)
England Hockey Board Media release
Investec London Cup - Scotland v South Africa
The opening day of the Investec London Cup started with South Africa taking on Scotland in what was the first international fixture at our new London 2012 legacy venue.
South Africa took the first victory at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre with only 16 players on the team and just 14 fielded in the game today. South Africa Women's Head Coach Giles Bonnet was also unable to make the tournament for personal reasons, but South Africa still proved to be an unstoppable force.
South Africa required just fifteen minutes to break the deadlock, with Kathleen Taylor scoring the first ever international goal at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, capitalising on a rebound from teammate Du Plessis’ attempt on goal. Du Plessis’ shot was saved by Scotland Goalkeeper Amy Gibson however Taylor made no mistake with the rebound, evading Gibson with a great volley into the back of the net.
Just ten minutes later, Scotland responded with a goal of their own through Ali Bell, however the shot was deemed to have come off the back of her stick and was disallowed. In what was a first half dominated by South Africa, the first half ended 1-0.
The second half started much in the same manner as the first with South Africa maintaining the majority of possession. It was Scotland however who perhaps had the best chance to score with Ailsa Wyllie coming close to an equaliser, but a foot in the circle meant the goal was again disallowed. Seconds later on 65 minutes, South Africa responded with a second goal, courtesy of Taylor who hit home her second of the match, rounding off South Africa’s opening game with a 2-0 victory.
South African captain Marsha Cox stated after the game, ‘We’re really happy with the three points but I don’t think it was close to our best performance. We’re here as preparation for the Commonwealth Games and to start off with a win given the short space of time we’ve had to prepare we’re very happy.’
Scotland 0 (0)
South Africa 2 (1)
Kathleen Taylor 15 65 (FG, FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Investec London Cup - Ireland v South Africa
Ireland started their Investec London Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over South Africa, helped by a brace from Ireland's Alan Sothern.
The first of the men's matches in the Investec London Cup saw Ireland face South Africa in warm sunshine at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. The sides looked evenly matched, each creating good chances in the first 10 minutes. But it was Ireland who broke the deadlock when Shane O'Donoghue scored from a penalty corner, his low drag-flick sneaking beneath Erasmus Pieterse in the South Africa goal. Taine Paton equalised from an opportunist strike, but Michael Darling restored the Ireland lead going into halftime.
Ireland continued to create chances and put South Africa under further pressure, and two Alan Sothern goals early in the second half gave them a dominant 4-1 lead. But this was far from one-way traffic, with South Africa looking particularly dangerous on the counter-attack. When Conor Harte received a yellow card in the 47th minute, Lance Louw scored from the resulting penalty corner to keep South Africa in with a chance. However, Ireland kept good possession for the remainder of the game, and almost scored with a beautiful flowing move in the final minute.
Double goal-scorer Alan Sothern commented after the match: "The boys worked very hard today. We're feeling strong and looking forward to our next couple of games - hopefully we'll finish well at the weekend."
Ireland 4 (2)
Shane O'Donoghue 19 (PC)
Michael Darling 29 (FG)
Alan Sothern 41, 45 (FG, FG)
South Africa 2 (1)
Taine Paton 25 (FG)
Lance Louw 47 (PC)
England Hockey Board Media release
Brave SA hockey men give Ireland a run for their money at Investec Cup
JONATHAN COOK in London
Playing with two players short, which meant little recovery time on the rolling subs’ bench, the courageous South Africa men’s hockey team went down 4-2 to a well-honed, in-form Ireland after trailing 2-1 at half-time in the Investec Cup men’s event at England’s national hockey stadium in London Wednesday night.
Ireland, under head coach Craig Fulton, who was the SA assistant coach as recently as December last year, beat world number five England in Dublin last Saturday and the men from the emerald isle went 1-0 ahead in the 19th minute when Shane O’Donoghue steered his side’s third penalty corner into the backboard.
But SA, in typical fashion, came back hard and the in-form Taine Paton equalised in the 25th when he made the most of fellow striker Pierre de Voux’s great steal to drill the ball on the bounce past Irish keeper David Harte, who is arguably amongst the top three stoppers in the world today (1-1).
Yet SA’s joy was short-lived as four minutes later (29th) Michael Darling restored Ireland’s lead with a great finish after displaying excellent close control under pressure (2-1). However, there were several highly contestable decisions in this match and an objective assessment would suggest that more often than not SA were on the receiving end.
In the midst of the flurry of first-half activity, SA keeper Rassie Pieterse had intervened with success on a number of occasions while the men in green and gold also had their fair slice of goalshot opportunities.
SA came out strongly after the changeover and four good opportunities went without reward, and cruelly the Irish increased their winning margin to three when Alan Sothern’s brace in the 41st and 45th minutes – the latter a sublime deflection goal after a cross had been accurately fired in from the right – gave Fulton’s men the cushion they needed (4-1).
Despite the disparity in player numbers and team prep going into the clash, SA found the energy to conjure up their second goal in the 47th minute when penalty corner injector Lance Louw followed up a rebound off Harte’s leg guards and volleyed the ball into the back of the net (4-2).
SA skipper Austin Smith, senior player Rhett Halkett and the rest of the team can hold their heads up high after putting in an enormous effort.
SA’s remaining Investec Cup fixtures (SA time)
Thurs, 10 July: SA women vs England 2.15pm; SA men vs England 8.30pm.
Sat, 12 July: SA men vs Scotland 10.45am; SA women vs Wales 6.15pm.
Sun, 13 July: Playoffs for final placings.
SA Hockey Association media release
Great start for Investec SA hockey women at Investec Cup in London
JONATHAN COOK in London
The Investec South Africa women's hockey team opened their account in the Investec Cup with a 2-0 defeat of Scotland at England's new national hockey stadium in London Wednesday.
SA striker Kathleen Taylor was in irresistible form, scoring a brace, her first goal came in the 15th minute and the second at the 65-minute mark in the second half.
SA goalkeeper Anelle van Deventer was instrumental in the win, keeping her team in the game with a number of world-class saves during periods of dominant Scotland play at stages in both halves.
Great Britain squad Scottish keeper Amy Gibson was also in superb form and denied the rampant SA strikeforce both before and after the changeover, including three gilt-edged chances inside three minutes soon after the re-start following the half-time break.
SA also had a series of penalty corner attempts that might have increased the scoreline had the roll of the ball gone their way and were well-deserved winners against a well-prepped Scotland line-up.
Investec SA skipper Marsha Cox has remarkable energy and was all over the park in driving her team onwards while Jade Mayne, after three months' out with serious injury, plus the returning double Olympian defender Lenise Marais, were also superb, along with Bernie Coston and Tarryn Bright.
Lisa Deetlefs, Illse Davids, Shelley Russell, Kelly Madsen, Dirkie Chamberlain, Lilian du Plessis and Nicolene Terblanche all played a positive role at key moments during a highly entertaining match.
SA's win was made even more remarkable in that it was achieved with just 14 players while Scotland had the full complement of their 11 starting line-up players plus seven rolling subs.
Due to their late arrival, because of prior, unavoidable commitments, several Investec SA players have still to play in London while important study commitments at home have counted out others.
Investec SA's world-class striker Sulette Damons and the highly regarded young SA defender Quanita Bobbs are not available for this tournament at all, due to exams, but will be back for the Commonwealth Games later this month.
Marcelle Manson and Celia Evans only arrived in England on Wednesday and did not play.
SA Hockey Association media release
Scotland men face defeat agianst a strong England side
Scotland men caught off guard losing 6-0 to a strong England in their first match at the Investec London Cup this evening.
It’s the first time the men have played since the Four Nations held in Glasgow earlier this year in April and were certainly a bit rusty. With under a minute gone England were awarded a penalty corner for drag flick expert Ashley Jackson to put it past Gavin Sommerville.
This caught Scotland off guard and this followed by three more goals in the first half, some fine saves from Sommerville and great counter attacks with Kenny Bain unlucky not to get a tap on the ball at the near post just before half time.
The Scots were 4-0 down at half time but they came out much stronger in the second half with some end to end play. The Scottish defence denied every chance England threw at them with outstanding saves from Sommerville, denying many England drag flicks on target.
On the 60th minute England put their fifth past Sommerville with a reverse hit at the top of the D, this was shortly followed by a sixth goal. Scotland held and moved the ball well and intercepted the strong English midfield throughout the second half and were unlucky not to pull back a hard earned goal.
Gordon McIntyre who has been out for over 15 months due to injury pulled back on the Scotland jersey and despite the loss enjoyed representing his country again;
‘Loved getting back in to the Scotland shirt, yes it’s unfortunate to have lost but we came up against a very good team. We played well and much stronger in the second half, it took time for us to get up to speed and it’s the first time we have had to play together in a couple of months.
‘The pitch is nice and it’s good to be involved with these sort of tournaments as we don’t normally get many opportunities in these, so this is great!’
Head coach Derek Forsyth was frustrated at how his team played at the start but pleased how they showed great improvement as the game went on;
‘Disappointed with the start to lose a first goal as early as we did which put us on a back foot. England obviously smelt blood and then came after us. We caused a lot of our own problems which is disappointing but the second half was much better. We got used to the pace and after not playing any matches for two months may have had an effect as you can train as hard as you like but you don’t get your game legs.
‘Disappointed first half performance but a pleasing second half and we will move forward from that tomorrow. We were undoubtedly rusty and that showed. We can play better and everyone said that at the end but the boys understand that and we can certainly move forward.’
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Scottish women unlucky not to score against South Africa
Emily Maguire rewarded for her 100th cap for Scotland presented by head coach Gordon Shepherd & Team manager Susie Elms. Photo taken by Ady Kerry
Heartache for Scotland Senior Women who lost 2-0 to South Africa in the opening match of the Investec Cup in London.
Both sides started strong, with Scotland taking the edge and was awarded a penalty corner in the first five minutes of play. A classic Nikki Kidd drag flick was denied by the South African keeper. Sarah Robertson made a fine run down the left to pass the ball in the D only to be unlucky in the ball not finding a player on the other end.
Aileen Davis awarded her 50th cap for Scotland presented by head coach Gordon Shepherd and Team Manager Susie Elms. Photo taken by Ady Kerry
Twenty minutes gone and South African Kathleen Taylor takes the lead after Amy Gibson making a fine save but not fully clearing the ball, Taylor knock it over Gibsons head to take the lead, 1-0.
End to end play right up until the half time whistle with Scotland unlucky not to convert any goal chances. Second half South Africa started the stronger side pushing the Scottish defence however the Scots didn’t tire and cleared the ball well with Gibson making some fantastic saves.
It wasn’t long until Scotland came back onto the ball with Becky Ward playing well in the defence, after many chances on goal Scotland finally got the ball into the back of the net. However the goal was disallowed due to the whistle being blown beforehand. South Africa were straight back on the counter attack with Taylor netting her second to give South Africa the lead.
It was a thrilling game with a great performance from the Scotland women, head coach Gordon Shepherd couldn’t be more pleased with his team; ‘It was a good performance for most of the game, there were areas of the game where we should have influenced more and we backed off slightly. We had a slight problem in getting the ball out for a small period of the game but ultimately happy with the performance. The performance was the most important not the result, yes it is not nice to lose.
‘Frustrating the two goal disallowed but it’s great we created them and many others, over all it was a good performance. Looking ahead of tomorrow we will prepare like any other game, Wales are a tough opposition and we won’t underestimate them. Our biggest focus is to just focus on us not anyone else.’
Scottish Hockey Union media release
IRELAND 4 -2 SOUTH AFRICA (Men's Hockey Investec London Cup)
Ireland's men, the Green Machine, opened their first game in the Investec London Cup 4 Nations today in winning style securing a good 4-2 win over opponents South Africa.
Ireland broke the deadlock off their third penalty corner thanks to the striking power of Shane O'Donoghue before the higher ranked South Africa leveled thanks to Taine Paton. Ireland edged ahead again before half time with Mitch Darling claiming the honours this time to make it 2-1 at the break. Ireland extended their lead after a super Kirk Shimmins run was converted by striker Alan Sothern making it 3-1 before he put the game beyond South Africa's reach to make it 4-1 to score his brace.
South Africa got one back in the 50th minute thanks to Lance Louw but Ireland were pleased to close out game one of this tournament with a 4-2 win. Coach Fulton commented "I am happy with today's result, but we have plenty of room for improvement. We took our chances well against a physical South African team in what was a tough contest. We look forward to our match tomorrow against Scotland."
IRELAND 4 (2) Shane O'Donoghue 15m pc; Mitch Darling 30m op; Alan Sothern x 2 op
SOUTH AFRICA 2 (1) Taine Paton op; Lance Louw
IRELAND TEAM – Investec 4 Nations, London.
David Harte (GK) (SV Kampong (Holland)
David Fitzgerald (Monkstown)
John Jackson (Reading)
Conor Harte (Royal Club de Racing Bruxells)
Paul Gleghorne (Instonians)
Jonny Bell (Lisnagarvey)
Ronan Gormley ( Krefeld HC (Germany)
Stuart Loughrey (Cannock)
Shane O’Donoghue (UCD)
Kirk Shimmins (UCD)
Michael Robson (Annadale)
Eugene Magee (Banbridge)
Stephen Cole (Monkstown)
Mikie Watt (Surbiton)
Timmy Cockram (Lisnagarvey)
Mitch Darling (Three Rock Rovers)
Mossie Elliott (Pembroke Wanderers)
Alan Sothern (Pembroke Wanderers)
Match Schedule:
Wednesday July 9th – Sunday July 13th
Men’s Investec London Cup (Olympic Park – London)
· Thursday July 10th 17.15 Ireland v Scotland
· Saturday July 12th 12.00 Ireland v England
· Sunday July 13th 9.45 / 14.45 Cross over match
Irish Hockey Association media release
SA women beat Scotland 2-0
The South African women’s hockey team opened their account in the Investec London Cup with a 2-0 win over Scotland in London on Wednesday.
South African striker Kathleen Taylor was in good form, scoring a brace, her first goal in the 15th minute and the second at the 65-minute mark.
Goalkeeper Anelle van Deventer was instrumental in the win, keeping her team in the game with a number of saves during periods of dominant Scotland play at stages in both halves.
Scottish keeper Amy Gibson was also in good form and denied the South African strikeforce both before and after the changeover, but in particular three gilt-edged chances soon after half-time.
South Africa’s win was achieved with just 14 players while Scotland had the full complement of their 11 starting line-up players and seven rolling subs.
Several South African players have still to play in London due to unavoidable work and study commitments.
Striker Sulette Damons is not available for this tournament at all, but will be back for the Commonwealth Games later this month.
The Citizen
Ireland beat SA hockey men 4-2
The South African men’s hockey team lost 4-2 to Ireland in the Investec London Cup in London on Wednesday.
The South Africans trailed 2-1 at the interval, but suffered the same scoreline in the second stanza.
The Irish went 1-0 ahead in the 19th minute when Shane O’Donoghue steered his side’s third penalty corner into the backboard.
South Africa replied six minutes later with an equaliser. Taine Paton drilled the ball on the bounce past Irish keeper David Harte to make it 1-1.
South Africa’s joy was short-lived as Michael Darling restored Ireland’s lead with a good finish to put his side 2-1 in front just on the half hour mark.
The Irish increased their advantage to three with Alan Sothern’s brace in the 41st and 45th minutes, as the South Africans found themselves 4-1 behind.
South Africa were able to respond in the 47th minute, through a Lance Louw score, but could not find any further reward in the match.
The Citizen
England defender Giselle Ansley reveals World Cup torment after Commonwealth Games selection
Ahead of the Investec London Cup, Giselle Ansley says England players are remaining postive after World Cup fall-out
By Rod Gilmour
All smiles: Giselle Ansley celebrates with captain Kate Richardson-Walsh Photo: ADY KERRY
Giselle Ansley, the Surbiton defender, admits she was left “absolutely gutted” over her World Cup omission last month.
Ansley, 22, looked to be heading for the Hague after helping to guide Surbiton to the league title last season. However, she was overlooked, in favour of Zoe Shipperley, before returning to the side after being selected for the Commonwealth Games later this month.
Ahead of the Investec London Cup, which starts on Wednesday at Lee Valley, a defiant Ansley said: “You can treat it [not being selected] one of two ways. I used it to make myself stronger and attack training while the girls were away.
“I came back as fit as possible and kept very positive. It has given me a good platform before the Commonwealth Games.”
Ansley remained at Bisham Abbey during the World Cup for England development squad training. However, she also spent five days in the Hague as England women experienced an abject tournament.
Asked if Ansley could pinpoint England’s weaknesses, she said: “There were a number of things, no one single point. The girls have gone back to training with a positive mind set.”
“The girls didn’t play badly. The stats in the games were quite positive, it was the chances that we didn’t take. Training has been really intense and the last few weeks we have really pushed on.
“We have been ruthless in our goal scoring and that’s the main thing we will take forward, as well as keeping strong as a squad. It can make you or break you, but we have pushed on and continue to be a tight squad.”
Another crucial factor in Ansley’s return to the England squad is her ability at short corner routines. England were badly let down by their drag flicking in the Hague and Ansley could provide that extra fire power in front of goal.
“I’ve been working hard on the pitch,” said Ansley, who made her debut last February. “You can always be better at it and I’m hoping I can help in a crucial side of the game.
“Lots of teams celebrate as if they have scored when they win a penalty corner, and that’s where we want to be.”
Along with Ansley's return, Holcombe’s Lucy Wood will make her international debut against Wales on Wednesday.
England will then face South Africa and Scotland in the women's competition. England men will play Scotland, South Africa and Ireland. The finals will be played on Sunday.
The Telegraph
CWG a ‘litmus test’ for hockey girls
New Delhi - Indian women’s hockey team chief coach Neil Hawgood considers the Glasgow Commonwealth Games a “litmus test” for his young and inexperienced side. For the 50-year-old Australian, the CWG bears great significance for India ahead of the “much tougher” Incheon Asian Games, which will serve as a direct chance to qualify for the Rio Olympics in 2016.
“Yes, it is (a litmus test). The CWG is part of our preparation for the Asian Games. We have to rank the Asian Games as most important to us. It will secure us a direct berth for Olympics. The Commonwealth Games are also pretty special to us. Not many countries can say that they have a CWG medal,” Hawgood said.
Hawgood, who guided India to a historic bronze medal in the junior women’s hockey World Cup in 2013, said the Malaysian tour helped the Indian eves prepare better for the CWG. The women’s team blanked Malaysia 6-0 in an away Test series. “That was an important tour for us. We just wanted to go and play some quality hockey and not look at the world rankings. The girls played pressure-free hockey which showed in their performance,” he said.
Hawgood, who has served as assistant coach of the Australian women’s team at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and at the 2008 Olympics, said the team would look to better its fifth-place finish in the last edition of the Games held in Delhi. “Our target is a top-4 finish. We would look to qualify for the semifinals,” he said. “Two players (Chanchan Devi and Binita Lakra) are injured right now. We will miss them.”
The Tribune
Asian Games result will determine Walsh, Oltmans' future: SAI
NEW DELHI: Sports Authority of India (SAI) director general Jiji Thomson made it clear that if Indian men's hockey team fares poorly at the Asian Games, it may spell ouster for its chief coach Terry Walsh as well as high performance director Roelant Oltmans.
"It would be a knee-jerk reaction if we decided to replace them now. We will be patient till the Asian Games and based on how the team performs, will take a call on their (Walsh and Oltmans) future," Thomson said.
India finished a disappointing ninth in the World Cup last month, fuelling speculation that the highly-paid Walsh and Oltmans might be on their way out.
Walsh draws around $12,500 a month and Oltmans $15,000.
Thomson, who saw India's matches at the World Cup in The Hague, said they will in get in touch with Hockey India (HI) once the Asian Games are over.
"I could not attend Hockey India's review meeting last week as I was away. I will soon find out about HI's assessment. But as I said, there is no point in taking any decision now. We know that Commonwealth Games will be tough as it will have higher-ranked teams like Australia, England and New Zealand. We are more hopeful of a medal from the Asian Games," said Thomson.
"Penalty corner conversion has been one of India's main concern. I am confident the team will fix that problem in the upcoming tournaments," he added.
Walsh was named the chief coach in October while Oltmans was appointed in January.
The Times of India
Youth Olympic coach expects team to shine
By Nabil Tahir
KARACHI: Pakistan junior hockey coach for Youth Olympics Tahir Zaman is banking on the team’s ability to control the game by utilising their improved maturity levels to help them shine at the August Summer Youth Olympics in China.
“Our hopes are high and it is an honour for the team to participate in Youth Olympics,” Zaman told The Express Tribune.
“But it will be crucial to ensure that we make as few mistakes as possible and keep good control on the game. The players are young, and they are very unpredictable at this age.”
Zaman said that the training schedule features short sessions as the competition will have five-a-side matches with shorter halves.
“It will be possible for us to complete our training in a short time,” said Zaman.
He also informed that the first phase of training is starting from Thursday. Due to Ramazan, the players will be doing physical training early in the morning for one hour and then field training will be done in floodlights followed by physical and video training.
He added that the purpose of showing videos is to make the players aware of their mistakes.
“The last phase of training will start after a four-day Eid rest, which will be the last week of the training camp,” added Zaman.
The U16 hockey team squad from Pakistan has qualified for the tournament, which will take place from August 16-28 in Nanjing, China, and will feature 172 events in 30 disciplines.
The Express Tribune
USA Field Hockey Recognizes Service of U.S. Men's National Team Athletes
Three Men's National Team athletes announce their program departure
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey Celebrates the Careers of U.S Men’s National Team athletes Jon Ginolfi (Moorpark, Calif.), Sean Harris (Moorpark, Calif.) and Ian Scally (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) as they announce their decision to pursue other interests.
"The service that any member of the national team is unquestionable let alone for 10 years plus," said Head Coach Chris Clements. "For those who have put on the jersey there is not much else in life that is more rewarding than representing your country. We have three players who have given their utmost to the program over the years and their commitment, passion and drive have set a fine example for the current squad to follow. They have given opportunity to new players to take on a greater role within the team and we look forward to seeing the youthful experience within our squad be as successful as these three were."
Sean Harris
The Harris family is well renowned in the field hockey community for their involvement and dedication. Harris has proved to be no different in his time with the U.S. Men’s National Squad. After more than a decade with the program, Harris is setting down his stick and pursuing other professional interests.
Harris’ stick skills and defense have been a mainstay in Team USA’s defensive line up. Harris assisted in the positioning of the team to be top contenders at Pan American Games and continues to push the team to pursue excellence during every match. Over the course of his career, Harris accumulated 85 international caps with the U.S.
Harris was selected to the 2011 Pan American Elite Team, which recognizes the top players in the Pan American region. In addition, Harris earned “Player of the Year,” an award given out to the U.S. Men’s National Team athlete that earns the most “Man of the Match” awards throughout the calendar year.
Ian Scally
After over a decade of dedication, U.S. Men’s National Team veteran Scally is stepping away from the game, hanging up his turfs and passing the torch to the next generation of players. The scrappy midfielder has accrued 106 international caps throughout his impressive career, playing in several Pan American Games and World League tournaments and capturing a gold medal at the 2012 World League Round 1 in Chula Vista, Calif.
"It has been with great pleasure and honor to be able to represent the U.S. Men's National Team,” said Scally. “After 14 years of being involved with the program, there is a tremendous amount of people that I need to express my gratitude. My career would have not been possible without them. Shiv Jagday, Nick Conway and Chris Clements, a combined plethora of hockey knowledge and memories. USA Field Hockey, assistant coaches, managers, medical staff, Dita Field Hockey, family and friends, without your support none of it would have been possible.”
Scally’s hard work and dedication to the U.S. Men’s National Team is shadowed only by his loyalty to his teammates throughout the years.
“I want to give a special thank you to each and every team mate,” said Scally. “I had the pleasure of sharing great memories with all of you, and look forward for the next generation to continue the effort and commitment necessary to strive and achieve. I will continue to support, follow and cheer all of you! Thank you!"
Scally debuted for Team USA in August 2003, earning his first cap against Chile at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Scally is only one of two athletes from current the men’s squad to reach 100 caps.
Jon Ginolfi
The U.S. Men’s National Team number one jersey has been proudly worn by Ginolfi for the last 9 years. An able-footed striker, Ginolfi has been a crucial part of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s offensive attack. Throughout his career, Ginolfi has accumulated 103 international caps and helped the national team record a first place finish in 2012 at World League Round I and a second place finish at the Pan American Cup in 2009. After 18 years in the sport, Ginolfi is taking a break from the game and pursuing other professional interests.
“There is no greater honor than representing your country,” said Ginolfi. “I would like to thank USA Field Hockey for giving me this privilege and will forever be in debt to the boys who have played along beside me. I was fortunate enough to begin my career at age 11 and now 14 years later, USA field hockey has provided me with some of the best memories and friendships that will last a life time.”
Ginolfi debuted his career with the national team in 2007 against North American rival, Mexico.
“I would like to personally thank Ian Scally, Shawn Nakamura, Pat Cota, Jarred Martin and the Harris brothers for being there with me from the beginning,” said Ginolfi. “To Nick Conway, Ben Maruquin and Chris Clements, on and off the field you have played an instrumental part in my life. Thank you for showing me what dedication, desire and commitment can accomplish. I look forward to following the team’s new aspirations and wish them nothing but success. Go USA!”
"We wish Jon, Sean and Ian all the best in their new adventures, and know they are still representing the USA just like the many men who have worn the red, white and blue of the Men's program throughout the years," said Clements. "Thank you to all who have represented and we will continue to represent you with pride!"
USFHA media release