News 13 July 2014
All the news for Sunday 13 July 2014
England impressive in victory over Ireland
Harry Martin celebrates his goal
Played out in front of a strong and noisy crowd in the Stratford sunshine, England, who were already assured of a place in Sunday’s final, put in another strong performance resulting in the team finishing at the top of the table.
It took the home side just 11 minutes to make their mark on the game. Harry Martin put in a great shot on target which was brilliantly saved by Ireland’s goalkeeper, David Harte. Moments later Barry Middleton managed to get England on the scoreboard with a clever finish over the Irish keeper.
On 31 minutes, Alastair Brogdon gave England a well-deserved 2-0 lead and with just one minute remaining in the first half, Martin, who had a great first half, hit a blistering reverse stick shot into the back of the net, bringing the score to 3-0 at half time.
The second half saw England concede their first goal of the tournament, on 42 minutes, when a powerful Ronan Gormley shot found the back of Pinner’s net. England responded just four minutes later with Henry Weir, scoring his second goal for England, and assuring England a comfortable victory.
George Pinner was interviewed after the game and said: "I don't think we played as well today as we have in our previous two games, but we've only given away one goal in three games so I can't complain. I think we've been defensively pretty solid for the best part of a year now and after the recent World Cup we've been focusing on goal scoring, so the guys firing up front really gives us a boost at the back."
England will meet Ireland in Sunday’s final at 14.45 at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. Live coverage on Sky Sports 1 from 2.30pm and tickets will be available to purchase on the door.
England 4 (3)
Barry Middleton 11 (FG)
Alastair Brogdon 31 (FG)
Harry Martin 34 (FG)
Henry Weir 46 (FG)
Ireland 1 (0)
Ronan Gormley 42 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
England edge out Scotland
Nicola White
England held off a determined Scotland team to make it three wins from three at the Investec London Cup
England kept their 100% record and secured a place in Sunday's final of the Investec London Cup with a narrow 2-1 victory over Scotland. Goals from Alex Danson and Ellie Watton made the difference in a closely-fought encounter.
The opening ten minutes of the game saw England with the best of the possession, but Scotland were effective in disrupting any possession that England had. England pressed on and started to make their mark up front, with Lily Owsley, Sophie Bray and Alex Danson giving the Scotland defence persistent trouble.
This hard work paid off when Bray attacked the baseline and pulled the ball back to Danson, who hammered her shot into the Scotland goal to give England a 1-0 half time lead. Danson was also at the heart of the second England goal, this time creating a chance with her pace and timing her pass perfectly to Ellie Watton, on hand at exactly the right moment to slot the ball home and extend their lead.
England were able to exert persistent pressure during the open exchanges of the second half, Bray with 2 half-chances, and Lucy Wood with a shot on goal that was smartly saved by Amy Gibson in the Scotland goal. Scotland were never out of the game though, and proved that by getting on the scoreboard through Nikki Kidd, making the score 2-1 with 20 minutes left on the clock. They frustrated England and created chances through Kidd, Ailsa Wyllie and Nikki Lloyd, but were unable to find an equaliser. The nervous crowd were happy to see England maintain their unbeaten run and set up a showdown with South Africa in Sunday's Final, which is live on Sky Sports 1 at 17:15.
Alex Danson spoke after the game: "It's always a close game against Scotland, so it's good to come out on top and we're looking forward to playing again at the Commonwealth Games."
Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh added: "We dominated possession, and overall we're happy. We're feeling good, we're fit, and there's a buzz and positive energy throughout the squad."
England 2 (1)
Alex Danson 23 (FG)
Ellie Watton 37 (FG)
Scotland 1 (0)
Nikki Kidd 49 (PC)
England Hockey Board Media release
Investec London Cup - South Africa v Wales
In the penultimate pool game of the women’s side of the tournament, South Africa took on a Welsh side looking for their first points of the tournament.
Wales started the first half on the front foot creating some chances in the opening few minutes, but South Africa opened the scoring through Shelley Russell who capitalised on a South Africa break. South Africa then doubled their lead within six minutes through Celia Evans from a penalty corner breakdown. Despite several more chances it took just over ten minutes for South Africa to score again, this time through Jade Mayne from a set play. The southern hemisphere side were on the front foot, attacking at every opportunity and testing the Welsh defence frequently. In the 26th minute Illse Davids slotted another strike into the Welsh net to take her side in with four goal advantage at the break.
In the second half, South Africa showed no signs of slowing down, scoring from their first penalty corner of the half through Tarryn Bright and just four minutes later Kathleen Taylor made it 6-0. Despite the scoreline, Wales continued to hunt for their first goal of the tournament and their persistence paid off in the 45th minute when Emma Batten deflected the ball into the goal from a deserved penalty corner. Wales created more chances, but after some great penalty corner defending were unable to clear and South Africa made it 7-1 through Dirkie Chamberlain. Tarryn Bright then got her second goal of the game to make it 8-1 after some great attacking pressure from South Africa. Goalkeeper Ella Jackson made her first appearance for Wales in the last five minutes of the game, but had little to do as Wales made it 8-2 through Eloise Laity from the last penalty corner of the game.
Dirkie Chamberlain said of the South Africa performance: "We're happy with the win, we said before the game that we wanted to score lots of goals and we worked hard to do that. Tomorrow's final is definitely a big game for us and the it's where we wanted to be - I think there are things we can take out of today's performance and look to improve, hopefully we can do that and have a strong performance in the final."
South Africa 8 (4)
Shelley Russell 4 (FG)
Celia Evans 10 (PC)
Jade Mayne 21 (FG)
Illse Davids 26 (FG)
Tarryn Bright 38, 58 (PC, FG)
Kathleen Taylor 42 (FG)
Dirkie Chamberlain 52 (PC)
Wales 2 (0)
Emma Batten 45 (PC)
Eloise Laity 70 (PC)
England Hockey Board Media release
Investec London Cup - South Africa v Scotland
South Africa took their first win of the tournament with a narrow victory over Scotland
The final game in the round robin for these two teams saw South Africa and Scotland each searching for their first win of the tournament. Scotland had the added incentive of a win today giving them a chance of making Sunday's final.
Scotland started the brighter as Nicky Parkes found space to shoot in the sixth minute, his effort striking the post. Scotland continued to have the better attacking possession during the early exchanges, but it was South Africa that broke the deadlock through a fine Austin Smith drag-flick from a penalty corner. They doubled their lead soon after through Wade Paton, and had further chances including Jean-Pierre De Voux hitting the post of Scotland's goal.
De Voux eventually found the back of the net with a simple tap-in in the second half, which seemed to have put the game beyond Scotland, but when Dan Coultas fired home from the penalty spot and three minutes later Wei Adams added to Scotland's tally with a stunning effort, it looked as though Scotland would push on to equalise. However, South Africa, led by Captain Austin Smith in defence, stood strong in the final 20 minutes and held on for the win to take their first three points.
Jean-Pierre de Voux said after the game: “We’re glad to get the win. Winning is something we always look forward to. I think we’ve picked up a few things from playing Scotland. It’s nice to play them before the Commonwealth Games because they’re our opening game, so we can figure each other out a little bit.”
South Africa 3 (2)
Austin Smith 17 (PC)
Wade Paton 19 (FG)
Jean-Pierre de Voux 43 (FG)
Scotland 2 (0)
Dan Coultas 45 (PS)
Wei Adams 48 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
8 of best put Investec SA into Investec Cup final vs old enemies England
JONATHAN COOK in London
After a tentative start, unforced errors a fault, the Investec South Africa women's hockey team got back on track in beating Wales 8-2 on the final day of round-robin action during the Investec Cup at London’s national hockey stadium late Saturday afternoon after leading 4-0 at half-time.
SA needed an emphatic win to ensure a place in Sunday's 6.15 pm SA time gold medal match against world number six England. And so it shall be, barring the most unlikely defeat by rank underdogs Scotland of title favourites England by four clear goals in the late-night game.
SA’s shaky start was put right in the sixth minute when the in-form attacking midfielder Shelley Russell embarked on a left-to-right diagonal run into the strike zone before a clinical backhand finish set her team 1-0 to the good.
A Celia Evans goal in the 10th after a rebound off goalkeeper Ria Male's leg guards following a Lisa Deetlefs' penalty corner slap shot put SA 2-0 ahead before first Bernie Coston and then Wales' Joanne Westwood showed enormous commitment to clear off their respective goal-lines.
Then in the 21st the inspired Russell skinned the Welsh defence around the outside before flipping a pass to the perfectly placed Jade Mayne who tapped in on the reverse stick for 3-0.
In the 25th the on song Illse Davids found time and space to rifle the sweetest of backhands into the back of the net and SA had established a comfy four-goal cushion.
Davids was struck a fearful blow three seconds from half-time and had to limp off but the Capetonian and her team- mates had done enough to set up Sunday’s 6.15pm SA time date for gold with old foes England.
A brace of second-half goals by Tarryn Bright – a 38th minute PC and a 58th minute strike from field play – added to Kathleen Taylor’s goalshot in the 42nd and fellow forward Dirkie Chamberlain’s success following a PC in the 52nd put the issue beyond doubt, although two Welsh goals via the PC route from Emma Batten in the 45th and Eloise Laity in the 70th and final minute might have unsettled the SA camp a touch as the final countdown to the battle with the English began in earnest.
The final of the men's event sees England against Ireland at 3.45pm SA time. The SA men play Scotland for the bronze medal at 10.45am SA time. Wales' women face Scotland in the 1.15pm third/fourth place showdown.
SA Hockey Association media release
SA hockey men shade Scotland in Investec Cup thriller
JONATHAN COOK in London
The South Africa men's hockey team won an absolute thriller 3-2 against a feisty Scotland in the teams' Investec Cup men's event's final round-robin match at London's national hockey stadium Saturday after leading 2-0 at half-time, and three-duck with 17 minutes left.
SA's goals in a match-up that was chock-a-block-full of delight at both ends came from Capetonian and captain Austin Smith's drag-flick from his side's second penalty corner, and field goals by fellow Capetonians Wade Paton - arguably the most consistent, valuable player in the team in recent times - and Pierre de Voux in the 19th and 43rd minutes respectively.
Scotland came back in stunning fashion with two goals inside four minutes thanks to a textbook Dan Coultas bullet flick from the penalty spot in the 45th and the net-buster of the Investec Cup event so far, a breathtaking deflection goal by Wei (correct spelling) Adams in the 48th. Both Scotland goals left Johannesburg-based SA keeper Rassie "Rasta" Pieterse with absolutely no chance.
Durban's combative Taine Paton was in killer form up front, leaving the beleaguered Scotland defenders chasing shadows more often than not, while there were influential performances by older brother Wade and fellow Capetonians Rhett Halkett and Lloyd "Chuck" Norris-Jones, as well as Johannesburg's Lance Louw and Taylor Dart, plus the London-based Northern Blues maestro Jonty Robinson.
The arrival of the last of SA's Commonwealth Games players, Langa, Cape Town resident Lungi Tsolekile, meant that three matches into the tournament the African champions finally had the full complement of 18 players - and most importantly seven rolling subs.
The non-professional SA team - a rarity amongst the world's top nations - has been beset by players' unavoidable work and study commitments, leaving them with no chance of adequate time together prior to the Investec Cup event, in stark contrast to opponents England (especially), Ireland and Scotland.
Scotland will kick themselves for missing two of the most golden of chances in the first 15 minutes that were created through the sublime stickwork, layoffs and elusive running of the long-time Dutch-based Hoofdklasse forward Kenny Bain, who exploited the left- and right-hand baselines and channels to great effect until SA got wise to the threat and plugged the holes.
Had Niall Stott's venomous first-time blast not smashed into the upright - and Gordon McIntyre's attempted goalshot a little later not been scuffed - SA might have been on the back foot almost from the get-go. That said, the lads in green and gold had more than their fair share of PCs and goalscoring opportunities from field play.
The teams meet again in Sunday's Investec Cup men's tournament bronze medal match at 10.45am SA time. SA have earned a slender psychological advantage but the third/fourth place playoff is anyone's game.
To add further spice, the teams will meet on July 25 in their opening matches of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
SA Hockey Association media release
Scotland men make a great come back but just miss out on a draw
Dan Coultas in action today against South Africa. Taken by Ady Kerry
Scotland made a surging come back against South Africa today but just fell short to secure that first win, losing 3-2 to the 11th ranked side.
The Scots started strong with Nicky Parkes being unfortunate not to take the lead as he found himself unmarked in the D but his strike shattering the top post.
Scotland dominated for the first 15 minutes but South Africa’s first attack in the Scottish D they were awarded with a penalty corner, captain Aiden Smith drag flick put it past Jamie Cachia for South Africa to take the lead 1-0. This knocked Scotland and South Africa found a new energy and then went on to score their second. At the half time whistle went Scotland were 2-0 down.
In the second half Scotland came out eager for their first goal, Dan Coultas placing some fantastic balls through the middle for the Scotland forwards to run at the South African defence.
It was end to end play and on the 43rd minute South Africa furthered their lead with a field goal from Jean-Pierre de Voux. However this didn’t dampen spirts as the crowd got behind the Scots, the men kept pushing and after dangerous play on Niall Stott in the D Scotland were rewarded with a penalty strike. Coultas neatly slotted Scotland’s first goal away into the top corner. Two minutes later Gordon McIntrye put a brilliant ball in to Wei Adams who made a great dive for the ball over the keeper to get Scotlands second goal.
The Scottish come back was on. Some fantastic play from McIntrye and Bain down the right hand side and some great runs along the back line from Michael Bremner were made but the Scots couldn’t quite get that final finish on the ball to snatch a draw.
Captain Chris Nelson is pleased with progression of the team’s performance throughout the tournament; ‘There were a lot of positives from today. The first game against England really gave us a lesson, they showed what a full time team can do and their work rate and they played outstanding but we lifted our performance against Ireland and again today.
‘We are building well in every tournament ahead of the games. This weekend is about performance as we have had quite a lot of time between this and our last tournament so it was always going to be a shock to the system to get back into it. These four games are not about the results but nailing the performance.’
Head coach Derek Forsyth was frustrated with the score line but was happier about the performance;
‘We put ourselves on the back foot after the first goal went in, which made it difficult for the lads after how well we started. However the second half I cannot fault the boys as we performed much better.
‘We were very confident of getting a result off South Africa but overall it may have been down to our final touch in the D that we need to improve on to get that result.
‘It is unfortunate that we are playing them again so quickly but equally the boys will be really looking forward to get a good result and another strong performance off them tomorrow.’
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Narrow loss for the Scots against England
Morag McLellan & Becky Ward putting in the strong performance today against England. Photo by Ady Kerry
Scotland faced a narrow defeat of 2-1 to England this evening in the Investec London Cup.
Both sides opened the game very cautiously with a lot of turn over play in the middle of the pitch. Scotland looked nervous but after an England goal from Alex Danson Scotland turned it on and started attack the English defence but couldn’t quite get the finish.
The second half started with a bang as England netted their second by Watton tapping it in at the far post. This didn’t stop Scotland though, they worked harder and were soon dominating play with some fab skill from Beck Ward down the wing. Scotland pressed and soon they were rewarded for their hard work with a penalty corner, a standard Nikki Kidd drag flick secured the Scots their first goal. This put England on the back foot and with Vikki Bunce intercepting as many England passes as she could Scotland pressed on but were unfortunate not to get an equaliser.
Goal scorer Nikki Kidd is really pleased how the tournament is preparing them for Glasgow 2014;
‘We came here looking for performances and looking to improve and bring everything together for the CWG, we’ve done well and worked hard and it’s all starting to come together. We’ve had bits of good hockey and bits that we need to improve in this competition and we’re definitely heading in the right direction. We want to peak at the Commonwealth Games. We are focused on the process and working together and it’ll be great to pick up results in Glasgow. The things we’ve done well and the learning points we’ve picked up here should stand us in good stead come Glasgow and we’re looking forward to it.’
Gordon Shepherd the head coach of the womens squad was over the moon how his team have performed.
‘It was a brilliant performance today and very happy. We were a little bit nervous and hesitant in the first half but from the point that they scored I am very happy how the girls took the game to England. The girls proved to themselves that they have nothing to fear and I am confident when we get to the Commonwealth Games and off the back of that result it will be a different score line in a few weeks’ time.’
Congratulations to Nicky Skrastin who got her 50th cap for Scotland today.
Catch all the highlights of the game on the England Hockey TV youtube channel.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
England teams unbeaten going into London Cup finals
England's men beat Ireland 4-1, while the women edged out Scotland 2-1.
By Rod Gilmour, Lee Valley
Surrounded: Alastair Brogdon takes on the Irish defence during the Investec London Cup gam Photo: PA
There may be a lack of quality opposition in the four-team Investec London Cup this year, but England men’s and women’s teams have at least started life at their new £30million stadium headquarters by heading into today’s finals unbeaten.
England men continued to rack up the goals on Saturday as they ran out 4-1 winners against Ireland in what was a dress rehearsal for the men’s final. Meanwhile, England women struggled to beat Scotland 2-1.
Inspired by the driving force of Ashley Jackson in midfield, goals from captain Barry Middleton, Alastair Brogdon, Harry Martin and Henry Weir’s second international goal sealed their third pool stage win in a row.
The only blip for England came when Ronan Gormley drove one home for Ireland in the second half as goalkeeper George Pinner conceded his first goal of the tournament. However, England have garnered 17 goals thus far and looked ruthless inside the last quarter.
“We want to make sure that we are only conceding goals with an outstanding bit of skill,” said defender Michael Hoare. “The final will be a clean slate.”
Further up the pitch, Hoare admits that his team-mates now have “a mind set for goal” when they are inside the D. The fact that more players in Bobby Crutchley’s side are getting experience on the world stage bodes well, too.
Harry Martin, still only 21 but closing in on 100 international caps, is one such player. It was Jackson who set Martin free with an exemplary pass through the middle before the Beeston midfielder, currently studying economics at Nottingham University, struck home brilliantly past David Harte.
Meanwhile, England women will play South Africa in the women’s final. Under the helm of interim coach Danny Kerry, they will look to avenge their disastrous 4-1 defeat against South Africa in last month’s World Cup.
The Telegraph
Ireland 2-9 New Zealand
As the game started the Irish defence were called in to action making strong tackles inside the 25 as the Blacksticks came out of the blocks sprinting. They scored their first of 6 first half goals in the 8minute – a PC turned in by Webster. Katie Glynn chipped the crossbar on the 12 minutes. Anita Punt converted from their 2nd PC with a high drag flick. Ireland earned their first PC on 17 minutes but failed to convert. The NZ third came from open play Gemma Flynn with a fine finish. Sophie Cocks converted their 3rd PC with a neat deflection. Punt was on the score sheet again in the 26m, from open play. The pace of the Blacksticks attack was proving too strong for the Irish defence as they scored their 6th goal from their 4th PC from the stick of Krystal Forgesson. Megan Frazer converted PC No. 2 for Ireland with a straight strike on 32 minutes to leave the half time score 6-1.
Ireland were first to score in the second half with Cliodhna Sargent PC strike, on her 149th cap, finding the back board in the 40m. NZ struck again in the 43m when Olivia Merry scored from a PC and 12m later she got her second from open play. The final goal of the came a minute later when Gemma Flynn finished in the 56m. Ireland had a great chance in the 68m as Nicola Evans found Watkins in the circle but her touch was just wide. The Green Army worked hard but were outclassed by World Number 4 New Zealand who were clinical with their finish.
Irish Coach Smith said after the game ‘Credit to NZ they are a top quality opposition who scored some really nice goals and had some excellent passages of play. As a group we are disappointed as we gave NZ too much space and thought, as a defence, we have had better performances in the past. Canada will be a tough opponent tomorrow but we look forward to the challenge”
Ireland 2 (Frazer, Sargent)
New Zealand 9 (Punt 2, Forgesson , Flynn 2, Webster, Merry 2, Cocks)
IRELAND
Starting XI Gray (GK), Sargent, Smyth, Speers, McCay, Frazer (Capt), Carroll, Matthews, O Flanagan, Pinder, Meeke.
Subs All used: Davis (GK), Evans, Watkins, Daly, Duke, Dillon, O Byrne
Result
Saturday 12 July
Canada 0-2 Chile (Lagos, Garcia)
Ireland 2 (Frazer, Sargent) New Zealand 9 (Punt 2, Forgesson , Flynn 2, Webster, Merry 2, Cocks)
Sunday 13 July
13.00 Chile v New Zealand
15.15 Ireland v Canada
Irish Hockey Association media release
Black Sticks Women trounce Ireland 9-2
The Black Sticks Women have had a massive 9-2 win against hosts Ireland in their opening game of the Four Nations Tournament in Dublin.
The tournament, which also includes Chile and Canada, is an opportunity for the Black Sticks to get some game time ahead of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games starting on the 24 July.
In last night's game, the Kiwis had the best of the first half applying good pressure on Ireland's midfield and defence and showing speed on attack.
Petrea Webster, Anita Punt, Sophie Cocks and Krystal Forgesson notched up a penalty corner each in the first half and there were field goals from Gemma Flynn, Punt and also Ireland's Megan Frazer.
In the second half, Ireland created some better opportunities and were first to score through Cliodhna Sargent's penalty corner strike.
But New Zealand were too strong for the 15th ranked side and this time it was Canterbury's Olivia Merry who found the backboard twice, converting a penalty corner and then 12 minutes later scoring from open play to take the score to 8-1.
The final goal came from Flynn, scoring her second field goal of the game.
They play their next game against Chile at midnight tonight (NZ time) before playing Canada on Wednesday (4am) and the final/play-off game on Thursday (5am/6.30am).
Results
Full time: 9-2 Black Sticks win
Half time: 6-1
Ireland's goal scorers: Megan Frazer, Cliodhna Sargent
New Zealand's goal scorers: Anita Punt x2, Krystal Forgesson, Gemma Flynn x2, Petrea Webster, Olivia Merry x2, Sophie Cocks
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks trounce Ireland in Games warmup
IN CONTROL: Anita Punt, right, is challenged by Ireland's Nicola Daly during the Black Sticks' 9-2 win in Dublin. Photosport
The New Zealand women's hockey team has hammered hosts Ireland 9-2 in their opening game of the Four Nations tournament in Dublin.
The Kiwis applied pressure on Ireland's midfield and defence and showed good speed on attack as they racked up six first half goals.
Petrea Webster, Anita Punt, Sophie Cocks and Krystal Forgesson each notched goals from penalty corners in the first half and there were field goals from Gemma Flynn and Punt.
New Zealand were simply too strong for the 15th-ranked side and Canterbury's Olivia Merry found the backboard twice in the second half, converting a penalty corner and then 12 minutes later scoring from open play. The final goal came from Flynn, scoring her second field goal.
The Commonwealth Games warmup tournament also includes Chile and Canada.
New Zealand play Chile at midnight tonight (NZ time) before playing Canada on Wednesday morning. The final is on Thursday.
New Zealand 9 (Anita Punt 2, Olivia Merry 2, Gemma Flynn 2, Krystal Forgesson, Petrea Webster, Sophie Cocks) Ireland 2 (Megan Frazer, Cliodhna Sargent). HT: 6-1.
Stuff
Canada falls to Chile in first game of Irish Four Nations
Shaheed Devji
In the first game of the 2014 Four Nations Invitiational Tournament in Dublin, Ireland the Canadian Women's National Field Hockey Team faced a tough test in twenteith ranked and fellow Pan American Hockey Federation member Chile on Saturday in Dublin.
In the game versus Chile, the Canadian women played their first of three straight matches against teams ranked higher than them in the world ranking. But the rankings didn't show early in the first half as the Canadians mounted pressure in the first twenty minutes, forcing Chilean goalkeeper Claudia Schuler to make several saves, many off penalty corners. Schuler, though, was equal to the task shutting out Canada and keeping the score at 0-0.
In the twenty-third minute, the Chileans began to turn the table as Catalina Salas beat Canadian keeper Kaitlyn Williams (White Rock, B.C.) but was thwarted by the goal post. The first half ended with no score.
In the second, Canada had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring in the forty-sixth minute when Holly Stewart (North Vancouver, B.C.) faced a wide open Chilean goal, but was not able to convert. That stage the stage for Chile to break the deadlock.
Four mintues later, in the fifteith minute, Marian Lagos beat Williams for the first goal of the game to give Chile the 1-0 lead. In the sixty-fourth minute, Carolina Garcia added to the lead beating Williams on a one-on-one challenge, giving Chile the two goal advantage.
That's all the South Americans would need, taking the first match of the tournament 2-0.
Canada will take on world number fifteen and tournament host, Ireland, on Sunday. Game time is 3:15pm (local). Live match updates can be found @IrishHockey.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Seniors lead the way
Knowles, Orchard, Ockenden & Kavanagh look to relive 2010 history2.jpg)
Bringing a valuable mix of experience and knowledge to the Australian men’s team for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, today’s focus is on four of the senior players who will help guide their teammates through their journey during Glasgow 2014.
Mark Knowles, Simon Orchard, Eddie Ockenden and Fergus Kavanagh have represented Australia in over 750 appearances throughout their playing careers combined.
This wise bunch share history with the iconic world class tournament, having all represented Australia as part of the gold medal winning team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Captain Mark Knowles will raise the bar one notch higher as he is set to play his third Commonwealth Games tournament in the upcoming weeks.
Mark Knowles #9
Caps: 239
Goals: 20
Debut: 10/01/2004
Date of Birth: 10/03/1984
Hometown: Rockhampton, QLD
Position: Defender
Twitter: @knowlesy09
Instagram: @Knowlesy09
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 1st
2014 - World League Finals, Delhi, India, 4th
2013 - World League Semi-Final, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2nd
2012 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 3rd
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 1st
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Delhi, India, 1st
2009 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2009 - Oceania Cup, Invercargill, New Zealand, 1st
2008 - Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 3rd
2008 - Champions Trophy, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1st
2007 - Champions Trophy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2nd
2006 - World Cup, Monchengladbach, Germany, 2nd
2006 - Champions Trophy, Terassa, Spain, 4th
2006 - Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2005 - Champions Trophy, Chennai, India, 1st
2005 - Oceania Cup, Suva, Fiji, 1st
2005 - Junior World Cup, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2nd
2004 - Olympic Games, Athens, Greece, 1st
Having been one of a number of co-captains in the Kookaburras’ ranks over the years Mark Knowles was handed solitary responsibility for the captaincy in January 2014, leading the Kookaburras to World Cup gold six months later.
Married to the sister of fellow Rockhampton product Jamie Dwyer, the couple have a young son, Flynn. With family time spent at playgrounds, parks and beaches, Flynn’s his dad’s number one fan. Sneaking onto the field behind dad after a Saturday morning match, Knowles says Flynn’s favourite part is watching the singing of the national anthem at the international matches.
Opting to remain in the hockey circle, Knowles steered away from studying at university. In 2007 he and Jamie Dwyer started up their own coaching business, 1&9 coaching.
A longing passion for cafes and freshly ground coffee, the long macchiato is his drink of choice. He hopes to venture into the hospitality industry in the future.
Most young kids grow up wanting to follow the footsteps of their parents. As a child he would sit on the sideline of the hockey field supporting and watching his parents Ryan and Barbara play hockey. Now having swapped roles, Mark’s parents are big supporters of their son and are often seen cheering him on in the crowd.
Simon Orchard #3
Caps: 150
Goals: 46
Debut: 20/01/2008
Date of Birth: 09/07/1986
Hometown: Maitland, NSW
Position: Midfielder
Twitter: @orch2
Instagram: @orchthekid
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 1st
2014 - World League Finals, Delhi, India, 4th
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2013 - World League Semi-Final, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2nd
2012 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 3rd
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 1st
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - Champions Trophy, Monchengladbach, Germany, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Delhi, India, 1st
2009 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2009 - Oceania Cup, Invercargill, New Zealand, 1st
2008 - Champions Trophy, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1st
Since the age of ten, hockey’s always been a part of Simon Orchard’s life, however, the hockey bug didn’t fully catch on until Orchard made his first state team appearance at age 17.
With strong interests in the broadcasting industry, Orchard studies a bachelor of commerce with PR and journalism majors. Having had worked around local radio stations in Perth, Orchard hopes to continue with broadcasting after hockey.
One of the Kookaburras’ keenest golfers with an unofficial handicap of 10, ‘Orch’ also enjoys winding down to live music around Perth. Attending local gigs and watching live musicians, enjoying variety of genres, Orchard steers away from heavy metal.
Lights, camera and action! He is handy with a Go-Pro and video camera. Self-taught and with the help of fellow teammates, he edits footage, often capturing behind the scenes moments while on tour.
Eddie Ockenden #11
Caps: 215
Goals: 54
Debut: 19/06/2006
Date of Birth: 03/04/1987
Hometown: Hobart, TAS
Position: Midfielder
Twitter: @eddieockenden
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 1st
2014 - World League Finals, Delhi, India, 4th
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2013 - World League Semi-Final, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2nd
2012 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 3rd
2011 - Champions Trophy, Auckland, New Zealand, 1st
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 1st
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - Champions Trophy, Monchengladbach, Germany, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Delhi, India, 1st
2009 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2009 - Oceania Cup, Invercargill, New Zealand, 1st
2008 - Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 3rd
2008 - Champions Trophy, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1st
2007 - Champions Trophy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2nd
2007 - Oceania Cup, Buderim, Australia, 1st
2005 - Junior World Cup, Rotterdam, Australia, 2nd
A nature enthusiast, Eddie Ockenden embraces the outdoors as much as possible. Heading home to Tasmania, he spends his spare time traveling to the country, walking upstream and enjoying fly-fishing and tuna fishing during season.
Prior to joining the Kookaburras, Ockenden worked in his local bakery while also helping his father’s agricultural business on farms in Tasmania’s countryside. Not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty, Ockenden would plant seedlings, harvest produce and fix fences as part of his daily duties.
Crazy about sport as a youngster, cricket, basketball, tennis and hockey were only a few of the sports he enjoyed. Finding a strong connection to hockey, Ockenden enjoyed its strong team spirit as well as it being an Olympic sport.
Following the footsteps of his mother Angela the pair played at the North-West Graduates Hockey Club. Reflecting on a painful hockey memory, Ockenden ruptured his kidney as the age of 15 after experiencing a knee in his back from another player.
Fergus Kavanagh #31
Caps: 185
Goals: 14
Debut: 05/05/2007
Date of Birth: 21/05/1985
Hometown: Geraldton, WA
Position: Defender
Twitter: @FergyKav31
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 1st
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2013 - World League Semi-Final, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2nd
2012 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 3rd
2011 - Champions Trophy, Auckland, New Zealand, 1st
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 1st
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - Champions Trophy, Monchengladbach, India, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Delhi, India, 1st
2009 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2009 - Oceania Cup, Invercargill, New Zealand, 1st
2008 - Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 3rd
2008 - Champions Trophy, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1st
The Kookaburras’ very own Beyoncé, Fergus Kavanagh laughs off the squad’s inside joke of him having a big ‘butt’, simply replying “big is beautiful!”
Away from the hockey pitch, the Western Australian enjoys repairing vintage bikes - something he shares in common with teammate George Bazeley. Kavanagh insists his bikes are better and nicer!
His first connection with hockey was at the age of eight in his primary school in Geraldton, WA. Tom, Fergus’s older brother paved the way for Fergus's hockey career. Aspiring to be like his older brother Fergus set his sights on making state teams and the Perth Thunder Sticks in Western Australia.
A graduate in a double degree of Engineering and Commerce from the University of Western Australia, Kavanagh's field of interest lies in harnessing the ocean’s power as a source of renewable energy.
He has a passion for music, playing both guitar and piano and states his favourite genre as alternate music, but likes anything that gets his butt shaking.
Hockey Australia media release
Squads assembling for Euro Under-21 championships
Belgium's European Under-21 championships side will feature five players who shone in last season's Euro Hockey League playoff stages with four Dragons and one Waterloo Duck eyeing up glory on home soil.
Jerome Saeys, Matthew Cobbaert, Louis Rombouts and Robert Rubens are among a set of five players from semi-finalists, Dragons - Loic van Doren is the other - who have been named in Philippe Goldberg's selection for the tournament which gets under way on July 20 at Waterloo.
From the Ducks, Maxime Capelle was part of their side that reached the KO8 and he is joined in the Belgian panel by club mate Antoine Kina. They have been struck by a late blow, though, as Doran Thiéry - who played in the recent World Cup - misses out through injury.
In the Dutch panel, Kampong's Thierry Brinkman and Lars Balk are the two players from the EHL of last season to be included in Sjoerd Marijne's panel while there are three Bloemendaal players who could be involved in next season's competition.
France have two St Germain players in the panel, Blaise Rogeau and Francois Goyet while Lille's Ludovic Fourcroy has also got the nod having helped the French side to silver in the 2013 Under-21 World Cup. He is one of six players from the World Cup side to be still involved at this age group.
Euro Hockey League media release
SA Hockey Internationals bag top Gauteng Sports Awards
Julian Hykes (l) congratulates Clinton Panther (r) on his goal against Argentina in the World Cup and Pietie Coetzee celebrates taking the World goal scoring record against USA in Ireland at CC1
South African Hockey players Clinton Panther and recently retired Pietie Coetzee were declared the Gauteng Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year in a ceremony held at Montecasino in Sandton on Friday night.
Pietie Coetzee, holder of the most number of goals world record, was nominated with Rower Kirsten McCann and Gymnast Kirsten Beckett (who will be going to the Commonwealth Games as part of Team SA). This recognition by her home Province puts a cap on her stellar career in Hockey after she retired at the end of the World Cup in The Hague last month.
Clinton Panther was nominated alongside SA Cricket captain AB de Villiers and Wits rugby player Jacques Erasmus. So sure he had no chance, it was only on the insistence of his Dad that he prepared an acceptance speech on Wednesday night! At 22 he is no stranger to awards having been awarded both SA U18 and U21 Player of the Year. Clinton is establishing himself as an indispensable midfielder in the South African Men's team and his absence from the Investec London Cup team due to University exams is being felt. He will be back in action for SA at the Commonwealth Games at the end of July.