News 16 July 2014
All the news for Wednesday 16 July 2014
Ireland secure spot in Electric Ireland 4 Nations Finals
Ireland beat Chile 1-0 today in the final pool game of the Electric Ireland 4 Nations currently taking place at UCD securing them a spot in tomorrow's final against World Number 4's New Zealand.
In a match that saw young Chloe Watkins aged 22 securing her 100th cap Ireland secured a narrow win over Chile with a goal late into the second half thanks to striker Alex Speers.
Ireland started strong with numerous chances being created with a string of passes through midfield but the closing shot evaded the girls in green, including a penalty stroke opportunity in the 24th minute which was saved well by Schuler in goals for Chile. Ireland were forced to soak up a period of pressure deep into the first half but a well organised Irish defence marshaled by Cliodhna Sargent and Emma Gray at the back ensured Ireland's clean sheet at the break.
Ireland finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Gillian Pinder burst through from midfield on a great run picking out the experienced Alex Speers who finished to give Ireland the much needed 1-0 lead. Ireland ramped up the pace looking for a second to ensure their place in the final and had to cope for a period of three minutes with eleven outfield players as Chile swapped out their keeper for an extra outfield player but Ireland held strong seeing the match out until the end keeping the 1-0 lead in tact.
Commenting after the match Coach Darren Smith said "It was a tough tight match, both teams knowing that a place against New Zealand was at stake in tomorrow's final. I felt we had more opportunities, territory and possession deserving the victory but it was a closer match than we would have liked, this was because the Chilean team competed well looking for a win."
"The girls are looking forward to the opportunity to play against one of the best teams in the world for the second time in five days, we'll need to contain their pace and direct approach. We need to play with our own confidence and we need to enjoy the occasion."
Starting XI: Emma Gray; Cliodhna Sargent; Nikki Evans; Shirley McCay; Megan Frazer Capt; Chloe Watkins; Nicci Daly; Anna O'Flanagan; Gillian Pinder; Deirdre Duke; Ali Meeke
Reserves: Stella David; Emma Smyth; Alex Speers; Naomi Carroll; Hannah Matthews; Kate Dillon; Yvonne O'Byrne
Finals Day
Wednesday 16th July
17.00 3rd / 4th Play off Canada v Chile
19.30 FINAL New Zealand v Ireland.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Black Sticks dominance continues against Canada
Photo courtesy www.photosport.co.nz
The Black Sticks have followed up one-sided wins over Ireland and Chile, with a 7-0 result over Canada at the Four Nations in Dublin.
Krystal Forgesson scored a double to guide the Kiwis to a 2-0 halftime lead before Anita Punt raised the tempo in the second half, scoring three field goals within the space of five minutes before Olivia Merry closed out the game with two more of her own.
Defender Rhiannon Dennison brought up her 50th test in the win, which sees the Black Sticks carry momentum into tomorrow’s final against hosts Ireland at 6.30am tomorrow (NZ time).
Head coach Mark Hager said despite the score line, there are areas the team still needs to improve on before the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
“Although 7-0 is a great score, we feel that some areas of our attack could certainly have been better today,” he said.
“To Canada’s credit they certainly did a good job at blocking up the defensive third and making it hard for us to play our free flowing style of play.
"We are all looking forward to the challenge of the final and are certain Ireland will be a tough opponent in front of their home crowd.
"It’s important we keep the winning feeling going, especially in what will be an important milestone with Emily Naylor playing her 250th game.”
The Four Nations serves as the New Zealand Women's final warm-up tournament before heading to the Commonwealth Games.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks thrash Canada
Black Sticks midfielder Anita Punt scored three field goals in five minutes. Photo / Getty Images.
The Black Sticks have made it three big wins on the trot after beating Canada 7-0 in their Four Nations tournament in Dublin.
The win follows 9-2 and 10-0 wins over hosts Ireland and Chile respectively.
Striker Krystal Forgesson scored twice in the first half to give New Zealand a 2-0 halftime lead.
Midfielder Anita Punt scored three field goals in five minutes after the restart, with Olivia Merry getting two to round off the scoring.
New Zealand will play Ireland in the tournament final early tomorrow (NZT).
"Although 7-0 is a great score, we feel that some areas of our attack could certainly have been better today," coach Mark Hager.
"To Canada's credit they certainly did a good job at blocking up the defensive third and making it hard for us to play our free flowing style of play.
"We are all looking forward to the challenge of the final and are certain Ireland will be a tough opponent in front of their home crowd.
"It's important we keep the winning feeling going, especially in what will be an important milestone with Emily Naylor playing her 250th game."
The Four Nations serves as New Zealand's final warmup event before heading to the Commonwealth Games.
The New Zealand Herald
Canadians find positives in round-robin stage of Irish Four Nations
Shaheed Devji
It was always going to be the toughest match of the tournament when the Canadian Women's National Field Hockey Team faced World No.4 New Zealand in the final match of the round robin stage at the Irish Four Nations Tournament.
Coming off defeats in each of the first two round robin games, the Canadians were hoping to bounce back against the Blacksticks, who are a perenial field hockey powerhouse. And while the Canadian women held their own in the first half for the third straight game, in the end the New Zealand was too strong, winning 7-0.
"We've got to look at all the positives we can take out of the fisrt sixty-three minutes where we were doing well and the girls stuck to the plan and we were on target for a good performance," says Women's National Team Head Coach Ian Rutledge. "The last seven minutes, if we're not careful, can take away from the performance in the first sixty three minutes."
In the first half, the Canadians defended well and with the help of a great performance from keeper Kaitlyn Williams (White Rock, B.C.) kept the Blacksticks to only two goals, both coming from the stick of Krystal Forgesson, the first in the ninth minute and the second in the twenty-seventh.
In the second half New Zealand netted two early goals from Olivia Merry in the forty-first and fifty-first minutes.
With the game at 4-0, an impressive natural hat-trick late in the match from Anita Punt put things out of reach and capped off the win for the Blacksticks.
The Canadians finished the round-robin stage of the tournament with three losses, but are encouraged by their performance in each outing.
"Every game although the scorelines haven't been great, especially late in the games, we've gotten better and better with our performances," adds Rutledge. "We've made progress and adjustments each game. While I'm not happy with the scorelines, I'm happy with the progress we're making at this stage ahead of the Commonwealth Games."
Canada's particiaption in the Four Nations Invitational Tournament in Dublin was to give the sixteen athletes named to the Commonwealth Games team an opportunity to compete together prior to the Games opening on July 23.
Despite being winless in the first three games, the tournament has served its purpose according to Rutledge.
"It's all part of the refinement," says Rutledge. "We play every game to win, but more important at this stage of them game is that our performance is good. Even if we're winning, we've got to make sure we separte performance and result and look at both independently."
Canada will be looking for a positive resultin the final game of the tournament when they will face either Ireland or Chile in the 3rd place match on Wednesday at 5:00pm (local). Live updates can be found @IrishHockey.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Ireland Secure 6-1 Win over Ukraine - Men U21
Ireland's U21 men secured a convincing 6-1 win over Ukraine in the second match of their Europeans taking place in Portugal, building on their 5-2 win over Russia the previous day. Ireland extended their 2-1 half time score by a further 4 goals including one on the final hooter. Ireland will play hosts Portugal tomorrow in their final pool game. Goals came from Simon Wolfe, Lee Cole, Neal Glassey, Nick Burns, Jeremy Duncan and Matthew Bell with Ukraine's lone goal coming from B Kovalenko.
Ireland 6 (S Wolfe, L Cole, N Glassey, N Burns, J Duncan, M Bell)
Ukraine 1 (BKovalenko)
Starting XI: Jamie Carr; Lee Cole; Sean Murray; Owen Magee; James Lorimer; Harry Spain; Ben Cosgrove; Mark Loughrey; Jeremy Duncan; Jamie Wright; Nick Burns;
Reserves: Mark Ingram; Simon Wolfe; Darragh Walsh; Neal Glassey; Jonny McKee; Matthew Bell; Peter Brown
Match Schedule Europeans (all local times)
Monday 14th July Ireland 5-2 Russia (16.00)
Tuesday 15th July Ireland 5-1 Ukraine (16.00)
Wednesday 16th July Ireland v Portugal (18.00)
Friday 18th Classification
Irish Hockey Association media release
U21 Ireland 7-0 Lithuania (w) Europeans
Ireland put in a convincing 7-0 win over Lithuania today in their first game of the U21 Europeans, teeing them up nicely for a big match against Scotland tomorrow.
Three first half goals set Ireland up nicely heading into the break Emily Beatty & Lucy McKee both converting from open play before Zoe Wilson made it 3 on the half time hooter from a set piece.
Ireland came out guns blazing in the second half putting four past their opponents. Chloe Brown scored twice within four minutes converting in the 54th and 58th minute, before Zoe Wilson made it 6-0 with five to go. Chloe Brown had a taste for scoring and secured her hattrick and her countries seventh in the 67th minute from set play.
Ireland now top of the table will play Scotland tomorrow.
Commenting after the match Dave Passmore said "This was a tough game to play in very hot conditions with a Lithuanian team playing very deep. After a good start we dropped the tempo and our basics weren't where we would expect them to be. We were much better in the second half passing it well and playing simple hockey. We made countless circle penetrations but weren't clinical enough from play. We will need to be better for the second and final pool match against a strong Scottish side."
Starting XI: Emma Russell; Chloe Brown; Amy Cooke; Kathyrn Mullan; Emily Beatty; Roisin Upton; Kerri McDonald; Leah Ewart; Zoe WIlson; Lucy McKee; Ayeisha McFerran (GK)
Reserves: Rachel Barnett (GK); Sara Twomey; Kate Lloyd; Elaine Carey; Erika Hinkson; Hannah Grieve; Hayley Mulcahy
Irish Hockey Association media release
England U18 Boys beat the Dutch
England U18 Boys, Santander, July 2014
A goal in each half was enough for England Under-18 Boys to record a deserved 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the Four Nations Tournament in Spain on Tuesday.
A much-improved display all-round helped the team draw praise from Head Coach Jody Paul, who said: “I’m very pleased with the performance, especially after the Spanish performance the day before. There were improvements across the pitch in defence and attack.
“The lads seem to have clicked, taken on board everything we have been working on in training and dramatically improved.”
A hefty tackle in the circle at a penalty corner earned England a 13th minute penalty stroke which Mat Ming took very well, and they held that lead to the break.
The Netherlands levelled on 44 minutes through Jente Van Deursen with a slight deflection, but England pulled ahead again 11 minutes later with Max Ansell getting a deflection following some good circle play by Will Calnan.
England Under-16 Boys are back in action on Thursday against Belgium at 12noon (11am UK time).
England Under-16s
HEAD Coach Charlie Bannister hailed the performance of England Under-16 Boys, who led for much of the first half before losing out narrowly 2-1 to the Netherlands in their second match of the Four Nations Tournament in Santander, Spain, on Tuesday morning.
Ollie Rogerson’s 10th minute goal gave England the lead, and they battled superbly to hold off the Dutch until shortly before the break. Dutch goals came on 30 and 60 minutes, but England’s play continued to please Bannister.
“I’m very proud of the way the lads went about the task in very warm conditions,” he said. “The circle defence was outstanding and could’ve equalised with more rub of the green.”
Beeston ace Rogerson gave England the lead with a well-placed lob when the Dutch defence were expecting a cross, and they held off an increasing Dutch threat with strong defence.
Tony Van Veen pulled his side level with a penalty corner on 30 minutes, but the match was still hanging in the balance into the second half. However, the Dutch clinched the win with a goal from open play from Coen Verdoorn on the hour mark.
After a rest day on Wednesday, England Under-16 Boys are back in action on Thursday against Belgium at 10am (9am UK time).
England Hockey Board Media release
Winning start for England U16 Girls
A powerful strike from Oxford Hawks’ Lucy Millington just before half time was enough for England Under-16 Girls to record a 1-0 victory over Belgium as they began their Five Nations Tournament campaign at Beeston HC on Tuesday.
The team worked hard to create a lot of possession in the middle of the pitch, and although they sometimes struggled to convert this into goals, their defence held firm and enabled them to seal the win.
“We didn’t create enough chances and we need to work on that,” said Head Coach Marc Bourhill. “But we won the ball well in the middle and defended superbly, so overall deserved the victory.
“Looking ahead to Wednesday’s match against Germany, Bourhill added: “They are an unknown quantity for us, but we know we need to create more chances in the D and maintain our good defence.”
England won a lot of ball through the first half, but they had to wait until the 34th minute before taking the lead, with Millington scoring with a hard strike after the initial strike had rebounded off the Belgian goalkeeper.
Their next match is against Germany at 12noon on Wednesday.
England Under-18 Girls
England Under-18 Girls battled back from behind to share the spoils with Belgium 1-1 in their opening match of the Five Nations Tournament at Beeston on Tuesday.
St Albans’ ace Meg Crowson scored the crucial goal which pulled England back level, but they just ran out of time in search of a winning goal.
“Overall the girls showed good character,” said Head Coach Andy Bradshaw. “To raise their game in the second half and come out fighting, and get a goal back to be in a position to win the game is great.
“We created enough opportunities to score more than one goal, and we will be working on that. It was a close contest throughout, but Germany should be a tougher game tomorrow so we will have to sharpen up.”
The Belgians took the lead from a 24th minute penalty corner, and England left it until seven minutes from the end before hitting back.
They are next in action on Wednesday afternoon (2pm) against Germany.
England Hockey Board Media release
CWG: a podium finish again?
S. Thyagarajan
Sardar Singh. File photo: R.V. Moorthy
A podium finish is a realistic estimate for India in the hockey competition at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. As the silver medallist in the last edition in Delhi, the players should strive to provide the followers with some hope that the sport is not fading away from memory.
Coming as the CWG does within weeks after the World Cup it should help the team maintain the spirit and the modicum of rhythm displayed.
The 16-member squad is stronger than it was at The Hague. There is consensus that the Indians were on the threshold of victory in at least two matches but unlucky to be winkled out in the final seconds.
In modern sport, the eventual result cannot be explained away convincingly with such consolations, of course.
Before departure for Glasgow, skipper Sardar Singh said: “We showcased at the World Cup that we have the capabilities to give any team a tough time.”
He is right, but that is history.
Root cause of fiasco
The failure to function as a homogenous unit was the root cause of the fiasco at World Cup. Everything centred around Sardar and goal-keeper Sreejesh.
The rest were mediocre and inconsistent. Unless everyone peaks in putting up a collective effort, the result is bound to be negative.
Individually assessed, every player in the current team is capable of a decent show. The return of Danish Mujtaba, Ramandeep and Nikkin Thimmiah is confidence enhancing.
The pillar of strength remains the midfield, managed always by the super fit Sardar, assisted by Kothajit and Gurbaj Singh.
In attack, the team will have to depend heavily on the finishing abilities of Akashdeep. However, his task may be made easier by Guruvinder Singh Chandi, and Nikkin. The big question again is how effectively the attack can combine to pose a threat.
Another area that demands greater proficiency is penalty corners. Acknowledged as the best available, the duo of Rupinderpal and Raghunath neither measured up to the expectations, nor did credit to their reputations at the World Cup. Both must now succeed to add value to the team.
Predictably, the side will face a stiff challenge from Australia, the defending champion, on July 29. The 8-0 drubbing the team received in the summit clash of the last edition is still fresh in memory.
The other two in the pool, Scotland and South Africa, cannot also be taken lightly in a high-voltage competition.
India meets Wales in the opening match on July 25 in Pool A. A big win against Wales will set the team into positive rhythm.
The onus to accomplish this is on the coach, Terry Walsh. The Aussie genuinely believes that the team is on the path to recovery and will emerge as a force in contemporary hockey.
“The preparatory camp was productive as it helped to work on the areas that the team was lacking in. The team is all pepped up and confident of performing well in the Games ahead. We are sure that we will end the tournament on a high note and take the form onto the Asian Games,” Walsh said before departure.
Rhetoric apart, Terry Walsh’s statement underlines an appeal to the players to lift them for a show to square up to the expectations of the huge supporters.
The pools: A: Australia, India, Wales, South Africa and Scotland.
B: Canada, England, Malaysia, New Zealand and Trinidad & Tobago.
India’s fixtures: July 25: vs Wales (1:30 p.m. IST); July 26: vs Scotland (8:30 p.m.); July 29: vs Australia (6:30 p.m.); July 31: vs South Africa (8:30 p.m.).
The Hindu
Coach Terry Walsh hopes Chandi will strengthen India's attack
File picture of Gurwinder Singh Chandi. AFP
After a dismal performance in the World Cup, India hockey coach Terry Walsh's priority now is to strengthen his forward line for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which run July 23-August 23.
The Australian hopes that the addition of Gurwinder Singh Chandi, who returns to the squad after one and a half years, would bolster the attack that looked jaded in the World Cup where the 1975 champions finished a disappointing ninth.
The forward line now boasts of S.V. Sunil, Akashdeep, Ramandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Chandi. Altogether they have 297 caps among them. Walsh has hoped that Chandi's experience will be a benefit for the team against the opponents.
Chandi said he was happy to be back in the Indian team and that too for a big ticket event like the Commonwealth Games.
"I am happy that I am back in the Indian team and that too for a big tournament, the Commonwealth Games. Although the comeback took me one and a half years, but I utilised this period to work on my game which I will be using to my strength during the Commonwealth Games," said Chandi.
Chandi said the team is working hard on the attacking positions.
"The team is working hard on the forward position wherein our chief coach Terry Walsh is pushing us to give our best during these sessions and this has helped us to get closely weaved with each other's style of game on the field," he said.
Chandi said that India will have to be wary of Australia, who thrashed India 8-0 in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Besides Australia, the other teams in India's group are Wales, Scotland and South Africa.
"Australia is a pretty tough team in our pool to compete with but we will perform at our best against every team that we play against according to the strategies prepared by our coaches. I am sure that we will be able to deliver and live up to the expectations of our fans," he said.
Walsh said India have one of the best forward line-up as compared to the tournaments in the recent past.
"The two young players, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Ramandeep Singh who got injured before the start of the World Cup, are set to make their comeback along with an experienced senior player Gurwinder Singh Chandi. It's a sign of added power to the our forward line. Gurwinder has good knowledge about tackling the ball in the circle and will play a key role in bringing positive results for the team," he said.
Walsh said that the experience of Sunil and Chandi will be the key.
"I am confident that by combining the experience of these senior players Sunil and Chandi, along with the opportunities created by our midfield will prove beneficial in increasing the conversion rate of the team and will produce excellent results."
"We still have more than a week ahead of our first game against Wales before which there are two practice games, scheduled against England and New Zealand this week, which will prove helpful in preparing the team better before commencing with matches in the tournament," Walsh said.
Firstpost
Firepower of the team
Mitton, Whetton, Ciriello & Govers lethal in the attacking circle3.jpg)
These four players may showcase various ages, debuts, positions and tournament history however, they fall under one specific category, firepower.
This group combines three forwards and one defender. Trent Mitton, Jake Whetton, Chris Ciriello and Kieran Govers aim for one similar outcome, to successfully hit the back on the net.
Lethal in their attacking circle, these four have scored over 170 goals between them. Known by fans for their trademark celebratory moves, each game would not be the same without incorporating a fist pump from either Ciriello or Govers.
Trent Mitton #25
Caps: 56
Goals: 17
Debut: 07/05/2010
Date of Birth: 26/11/1990
Hometown: Perth, WA
Position: Forward
Twitter: @mitton_1
Instagram: @trentmit
Tournament History:
2013 - World League Semi-Final, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2nd
2012 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
A chef at heart, Trent Mitton or ‘Mitts’ enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking Mexican fiestas (one of his many specialities) for his housemates.
A member of the Royal Perth golf club, Mitton enjoys anything revolving around sport. Completing a sport traineeship, he worked at a high school for four years teaching a variety of sports.
Each week, Wednesday nights are dedicated to his social basketball team - a chance for Mitton and his school friends to catch up playing in their local men’s division.
With no real choice hockey became Mitton's sport at the age of five. A sporty family with three generations of Kookaburra, his grandfather Don Mitton and his father Grant both played for Australia. Trent’s father played at the 1984 Olympic Games and the 1986 World Cup gold medal team while Don played in the green and gold in 1958.
Playing alongside his older brother Joel at Wesley South in Perth has always been a highlight. Joel also played for many Western Australian state teams through his junior hockey.
Jake Whetton #12
Caps: 62
Goals: 25
Debut: 06/05/2011
Date of Birth: 05/06/1991
Hometown: Brisbane, QLD
Position: Forward
Twitter: @Whetty12
Instagram: @Whetty12
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup Finals ,The Hague, Netherlands, 1st
2014 - World League Finals, Delhi, India , 4th
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2012 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2009 - Junior World Cup, Johor Baharu, Malaysia & Singapore, 3rd
Health and fitness fanatic Jake Whetton began playing hockey aged four, following in the footsteps of his parents in joining local club Eastern Suburbs Tigers in Brisbane.
Whetton credits 1976 Olympic silver medal winner Greg Browning as one of those to have had the strongest influence on his career. Encouraging him to attend training sessions with the likes of former Kookaburras Dean Butler and Stephen Lambert back in his hometown in Queensland gave Whetton the training and confidence needed to rise to the top.
Supporting himself throughout his hockey playing career, Whetton worked in Raptis & Sons seafood factory as a fish monger back in Brisbane.
With one eye already on the future, he has ambitions to take up hockey coaching and to travel extensively around Europe. Fond family memories of fun on the beaches of the Gold Coast mean Whetton can still often be found beachside now that he is based in Perth.
Chris Ciriello #5
Caps: 140
Goals: 85
Debut: 20/01/2008
Date of Birth: 01/10/1985
Hometown: Melbourne, VIC
Position: Defender
Twitter: @thebigdog_5
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
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - Champions Trophy, Monchengladbach, Germany, 1st
2005 - Junior World Cup , Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1st
Chris Ciriello, otherwise known as the Italian Stallion or Big Dog by fellow Kookaburras, has had a long family history in hockey. Sparking the hockey bug under the Ciriello name before moving to Australia, Chris’s grandfather played in the Indian squad.
An effective drag flicker, Ciriello has previously been highest goal scorer for the Kookaburras and the Australia Hockey League. In 2012/2013 he also won the European Hockey League playing with Dutch hockey club Bloemendaal. At the 2014 World Cup, he finished second top in the scoring charts, netting seven times in seven games.
With a passion for health and fitness, Chris developed a personal training business after completing a PT course. Willing to put in the hard yards, Chris spends his time designing programs and managing the business in and around his hockey commitments.
The Big Dog, the nickname given to his by Ric Charlesworth, Chris is still unaware of how he got stuck with such a great name.
Having met his wife Heidi who is an environmental scientist, zoologist and science teacher in Western Australia, Victorian Chris has made himself at home in Perth with a relaxing lifestyle of riding his bike down to their local beach for a swim and coffee, weekly.
Kieran Govers #27
Caps: 93
Goals: 48
Debut: 28/01/2010
Date of Birth: 09/02/1988
Hometown: Wollongong, NSW
Position: Forward
Twitter: @wizza27
Instagram: @kierangovers
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 - Champions Trophy, Auckland, New Zealand, 1st
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 1st
2010 - Champions Trophy, Monchengladbach, Germany, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Delhi, India, 1st
2009 - Junior World Cup, Johor Baharu, Malaysia & Singapore, 3rd
Inked for more than 18 hours (10 hours in one sitting), Kieran, Kizza or Goves is known for his standout trademark, his sleeve of tattoos. A combination of ideas he and his artist have generated, Govers confirms his arm is completed, however, he is not completely done with tattoos just yet.
Unable to miss him in his bright green SS Ute, Kieran’s car is his pride and joy. A car fanatic, he is often seen under the bonnet of his ‘baby’, fixing parts. Away from his love of cars, he also enjoys a round of golf with the hockey boys.
Watching his father and older brother play at local hockey fields, Kieran first picked up a hockey stick at the age of four. With a flair for hockey, Kieran played alongside his oldest brother in older age groups up until his selection. Making his debut in early 2010, Govers was a key player in the team at the Champions Trophy in 2012 taking home the gold medal.
Following the family trend of his older brother Hayden and younger brothers Scott and Blake joining the police force, Kieran has his heart set on joining the police ‘swat tech’ team after hockey. Having completed a cert two in hospitality management, and cert three in fitness, Kieran applies his fitness knowledge to his everyday life, making sure he is fresh going into matches and playing his best hockey at the right times.
Hockey Australia media release
NSW representatives for CG
Eastham, Smith, Jenner and White make NSW a proud state3.jpg)
With four athletes, New South Wales will be the best represented state in the Australian women’s team at the Commonwealth Games. In Casey Eastham, Emily Smith, Kate Jenner and Kellie White the country’s most populous state is one athlete ahead of South Australia in the list.
Having previously played in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Eastham and Jenner will be a valuable support to their younger teammates Smith and White, both of whom hail from Crookwell and who will be making their Commonwealth Games debuts.
All four were members of the World Cup silver medal winning Hockeyroos team and they’ll be hoping the NSW connection pays dividends as they link up across the midfield and forward lines in Glasgow. 
Casey Eastham #4
Caps: 210
Goals: 44
Debut: 17/08/2006
Date of Birth: 19/03/1989
Hometown: South Coast, NSW
Position: Midfield
Twitter: @CaseyEastham
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-Finals, London, England, 1st
2012 - Champions Challenge, Dublin, Ireland, 1st
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 5th
2011 - Champions Trophy, Amstelveen, Netherlands, 6th
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 2nd
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Rosario, Argentina, 5th
2009 - Champions Trophy, Sydney, Australia, 2nd
2009 - Oceania Cup, Invercargill, New Zealand, 2nd
2009 - Junior World Cup, Boston, USA, 6th
2008 - Champions Trophy, Monchengladbach, Germany, 5th
2008 - Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 5th
2007 - Oceania Cup, Buderim, Australia, 2nd
Highly creative, Casey’s childhood dream was to become a famous actress but that all changed when becoming a Hockeyroo became a realistic prospect.
Regarded as one of the best midfielders in world hockey, Eastham’s idol growing up was Hockeyroos legend and Sport Australia Hall of Famer Alyson Annan, who like Eastham wore number four. Having had watched Annan play at the Sydney 2000 Olympics on television, it was Annan’s hard work, skills and drive to succeed that so greatly inspired the youngster from Albion Park.
A sporting all-rounder since a young age - she also took part in Little Athletics and touch football - Eastham followed her parents and brother into hockey. She cherishes memories of running around the back yard holding a hockey stick. Despite her exceptional fitness and strength, Eastham has suffered a mix of 20 hamstring tears and strains in her career.
Her 200th appearance for Australia came in a 4-2 win over England during a World Cup warm-up tournament in Bremen in May 2014.
Mid-way through her primary school teaching course, Eastham enjoys spending her free time riding her bike with her fiancé.
Emily Smith #26
Caps: 93
Goals: 37
Debut: 06/10/2011
Date of Birth: 28/07/1992
Hometown: Crookwell, NSW
Position: Forward
Twitter: @Emilyjsmith26
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-Finals, London, England, 1st
2013 - Junior World Cup , Monchengladbach, Germany, 6th
2012 - Champions Challenge, Dublin, Ireland, 1st
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 5th
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 2nd
Known by her Hockeyroos teammates for her electric laugh, Emily started Minkey (now Hookin2Hockey) at the age of five.
Growing up in New South Wales country town Crookwell alongside fellow Hockeyroo Kellie White, Emily’s family first introduced her to the game. Reflecting on her childhood, Emily believes her parents gave her the determination and motivation to succeed.
A whiz with numbers, Emily’s always been an A-grade maths student, contributing to her decision to enrol in a Bachelor of Commerce at Curtin University.
Away from the hockey pitch Emily has an adventurous outdoor nature, often going camping, fishing and jet skiing with family and friends.
In mid-2013, Emily suffered a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury. Fortunately, she was able to manage the injury with little impact on her training or game performances.
Kate Jenner #22
Caps: 102
Goals: 1
Debut: 08/04/2011
Date of Birth: 05/05/1990
Hometown: Tamworth, NSW
Position: Defender
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 2nd
2013 - World League Finals, Tucuman, Argentina, 2nd
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2012 - Champions Challenge, Dublin, Ireland, 1st
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 6th
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Rosario, Argentina, 5th
2009 - Junior World Cup , Boston, USA, 6th
Filling in for a family friend’s hockey team as a youngster, Kate or ‘KJ’, decided to stick with the sport. After committing herself to various sports, each year she would give one away, ultimately finding herself unable to part with hockey.
The one and only hockey player in the family, Kate also has a keen eye for marketing. Enjoying business, Kate’s studying a degree in Business Management majoring in marketing.
A soldier within the team, Kate has played with a fractured thumb and has previously fractured her foot, as well as overcoming quad injuries.
The Tamworth defender’s only international goal came in a series against India in October 2014. She made her 100th appearance for Australia in a 0-0 draw with New Zealand at the 2014 World Cup. 
Kellie White #16
Caps: 83
Goals: 26
Debut: 09/02/2011
Date of Birth: 15/07/1991
Hometown: Crookwell, NSW
Position: Forward
Twitter: @Kellwhite16
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
2011 - Champions Trophy, Amstelveen, Netherlands, 6th
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 2nd
One of two members of the Hockeyroos squad to hail from Crookwell – a town of just 2000 people – Kellie first picked up a stick at the age of four. With strong hockey genetics in the family - her uncle Desmond Spackman represented Australia at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics - the game, skills and technique came to her naturally.
In pursuit of her non-hockey dream of opening up a café with her partner, Kellie studies a Business Management course part time. Growing up, she had her heart set on becoming a hairdresser, commencing a hairdressing apprenticeship in her teens before deferring her studies to focus on hockey.
As a youngster, Kellie looked up to former Hockeyroos player and Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medallist Nikki Hudson, who will be commentating on the Commonwealth Games for Channel Ten.
Despite her youth she’s no stranger to injuries. After rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in 2012 she missed out playing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London while she has previously battled an ankle injury. She now uses the experience to spur her on, reflecting on her injuries as a steep learning curve and ‘character building’.
Offering advice to aspiring hockey players, Kellie believes hockey is a choice not a sacrifice; enjoying your hockey is the main aspect to keep you going through the good times and the bad.
Hockey Australia media release
There’s hope for the future
Malaysia should give K. Dharmaraj time to assert his authority. — Picture by Razak Ghazali
DISASTROUS. Failure. A waste of tax-payers money.
These are the more ludicrous words used to describe our national hockey team post-Rotterdam.
I have played hockey for the country a good number of years. With the experience garnered, I believe it is only right I express my views as an ex World Cupper.
I do not wish to offend, but if my words strike a negative chord somewhere and to someone, expect no apologies.
There is a simple fact why we finished last in the recently concluded World Cup – WE WEREN’T GOOD ENOUGH.
We were always a step or sprint behind. Bar the game against India, every other match played were at levels beyond us.
Many have called the performance the worst ever and have begun ad-hoc initiatives to stem “the inevitable drop back into the chasm of obscurity”.
Things, in all honesty, are not as bad as they seem. Here are my reasons why we finished last because that’s exactly where we stand. We were ranked 13th in the world prior to the start of the tournament. We were seeded last. We ended up the tournament last. A tragedy? I think not.
Could we have done better? I honestly don’t think so. We last played in a World Cup 12 years ago. A kid would be sitting for UPSR right now if he was born the last time we played in the World Cup. A disgustingly long period of absence, but one we have overcome, thanks largely in part to the current batch of players and administrators.
Many have approached me and expressively declared their disdain over the direction of the team, oft times comparing them to days when my teammates and I wore the Jalur Gemilang on our chests. I wish to explain something.
The game is no longer similar. It is A LOT quicker and so much more technical. While we were successful in some tournaments, we also missed the cut for two World Cups and an Olympics. Shower the team from days before with lavish praises. It makes us feel good. But we know we weren’t as awesome as you make us out to be. At least in my opinion.
I watched the live matches as often as I could. Watching the boys get ripped apart tore me to pieces. But there were moments of hope from these defeats.
In Fitri Saari, we have one of the most promising ball players in the world. S. Kumar was easily the goalkeeper of the tournament. Firhan Ashari has all the makings to be a top notch forward, provided the right attention is accorded.
We cannot judge a team by one ‘disastrous outing’. You would argue this point. It is the World Cup, and we should be at our peak.
Realistically, if all teams played to best of their respective levels, we would still be last. But was I hopeful? Of course. We all were.
I believe, we should do away with players who have taken their position in the national team for granted.
Get rid of those who have overstayed their welcome. Keep the ones who play the game because it means something to them.
It’s easy to spot the fools from the fighters. Watch the games. You’d spot them in a heartbeat.
Focus on the young; the new batch of players who finished an impressive fourth in the Junior World Cup. That is the way forward.
I believe the administrators should back the coach at least till the 2016 Olympics qualifiers. Imposing ideas on to someone, questioning every decision made, with little knowledge or know-how, just to exert some semblance of power is quite honestly, deplorable and often practiced by the weak.
A good number of them exist within the fraternity. The idea is to educate them with sufficient information to know that the game is not nearly as simple as a movie with a plot you can bitch about over stale beer and overcooked fries.
No building was ever completed in a day. And, for the most part, it is often disagreements between individuals or groups of individuals, during said development process that impedes progress.
Keep to the plan, don’t jump the gun and be resolute and faithful in our overall pursuit for international glory.
Malay Mail
How England hockey players' rated at Investec London Cup as Commonwealth Games looms
By Rod Gilmour
In at the deep end: England women needed a solid showing following poor World Cup Photo: ADY KERRY
After clinching respective Investec Cup finals at the weekend, Telegraph Sport casts an eye of both England men’s and women’s teams ahead of medal pursuits at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
ENGLAND WOMEN
1 Maddie Hinch
Shared keeping duties evenly with Kirsty Mackay. Not tested a great deal and not culpable for the goals conceded. Solid enough. 6
2 Kirsty Mackay
The East Grinstead stopper has played second fiddle to Hinch in the last year but finally got a game. Wasn’t extended a great deal but did well enough when called upon. 6
4 Laura Unsworth
Her usual combative self was needed when some of the games became scrappy and physical. Chipped in with a rare goal too, dependable as ever. 7
5 Sarah Haycroft
No eye-catching performances, but that is not her job. Solid enough but would have to raise her game against better opponents. 5
7 Georgie Twigg
Starting to show flashes of her old self after a disappointing World Cup. Not at her best just yet but headed the right way. 6
9 Susannah Townsend
Determined, strong and powerful. Showed good composure in front of goal and was unlucky not to add to her tally, denied by the woodwork in the final. 7
Future leader? Susannah Townsend makes her point
10 Susie Gilbert
Continues to treat us to moments of dazzling skill, while establishing herself as a key performer in the side. Looked excellent in flashes over the week. 7
11 Kate Richardson-Walsh, captain
Typically dominant in the back line but not extended to her fullest due to the quality of the opposition. 6
13 Samantha Quek
Showed that she can be a useful option on penalty corners, scoring the winner in the final. Distribution wayward at times, but overall pretty solid. 6
15 Alex Danson
A constant threat, she was the standout with some incredible 3D skills. Wonderful goals, finished top scorer and player of the tournament. When on song there are few more dangerous. If only this was the Hague … 9
Alex Danson celebrates another goal
18 Giselle Ansley
Solid, dependable and offered a useful option on penalty corners. The more you see Ansley play the more you wonder why she was omitted from the World Cup squad. 7
19 Sophie Bray
Along with Danson, Bray terrorised the opposition defences. Her ability to win the ball high up the pitch and her elimination skills came to the fore. An exciting talent. 8
20 Hollie Webb
Distribution was reliable enough at the back. She may need to show a bit more against better teams. 6
21 Ellie Watton
Worked hard and showed plenty of willing. Chipped in with a couple of goals and is improving all the time. 7
26 Lily Owsley
Pace and close skills are excellent but often took the ball into tight areas when another option may have been better. Unquestionably an exciting player. 5
27 Zoe Shipperley
Has a range of powerful passing that few in the women’s game can match. Showed glimpses of those skills but has work to do to establish herself as international class. 6
28 Nicola White
Lots of effort and industry and even popped up on the scoresheet. Exactly what you’d expect from White. 6
30 Lucy Wood
Bursting with pride on debut. Hard-working and determined, showed decent pace and skill in tight situations. The Holcombe forward is a bit of a rough diamond, but showed great potential. 7
ENGLAND MEN
1 George Pinner
As ever, came to the fore with excellent saves to win the shootout in the final and was in resolute form when called upon. 7
2 James Bailey
Kept a clean sheet in the game with Scotland, but not extended a great deal. 6
4 Ollie Willars
Picked up a few knocks which hindered his performance. Overall solid enough at the back and proved he is a useful squad member. 6
6 Henry Weir
Struck his second ever international goal and took up some good positions in a more advanced role. Starting to get back to good form after injury setback. 7
7 Ashley Jackson
Player of the tournament, the East Grinstead man showcased some outstanding skills, finding the net four times. Unquestionably still one of the best around, he dominated the competition with real swagger. 9
8 Simon Mantell
Kept his cool to slot in the winner in the shootout against Ireland. Was typically inventive in the final third as England created plenty of chances. 7
England men, like the women's side, went unbeaten at Lee Valley
9 Harry Martin
Has struggled with niggling injuries of late, but seemed to be fully fit and showed some delicate touches around the pitch. 6
11 Alastair Brogdon
Caused plenty of problems with his pace and direct, hunched style. Showed composure in front of goal and a sound tournament in all. 7
12 Mikey Hoare
Solid, reliable and defensively sound. His partnership with Iain Lewers at the back is one of England’s key components and he was characteristically consistent throughout. 7
14 Mark Gleghorne
Scored a couple of goals, but seemed to let the occasion get the better of him against Ireland where he got involved in some silliness resulting in a spell in the sin bin. 6
15 Phil Roper
A rising star who has just broken into the side, Roper showed plenty of invention and creativity. Has some superb skills and scored a lovely strike on the reverse to cap an impressive tournament. 8
16 Adam Dixon
The usual reliability and did the simple things well. Does not catch the eye like some of his teammates but still effective in his role. 6
18 Barry Middleton
Along with Jackson, the skipper produced some wonderful skills to get the crowd off their seats on more than one occasion. Chipped in with some goals and maintained a high level. Peerless. 8
21 Tim Whiteman
Still finding his feet after a spell out injured, Whiteman (above) played within himself at times but looks to be improving in time for Glasgow. 6
22 David Condon
Worked hard and created some inventive openings in the final third as well as scoring against Ireland. Needs to be more confident in front of goal if he is to kick on from this. 6
24 Iain Lewers
Part of an excellent defensive partnership with Hoare and was strong at the back. Walked a disciplinary tightrope on occasion, particularly against Ireland, but overall few complaints. 7
26 Nick Catlin
Missed the last game with a hamstring tweak, but was typically forward-thinking in the games he played. Picked up his 100th cap and scored twice to mark the occasion. 7
27 Dan Fox
One of England’s most consistent performers, never wasted a pass, tackled well and didn’t put a foot wrong. 7
The Telegraph
Clubhouse: Life in a Hockey House - The Boys
Hockey Summer - Life In a Hockey House
Many of you out there will know what it’s like to live in a household that’s obsessed with hockey, but imagine four international hockey players all living under one roof…
The decision to centralise training of both the men’s and women’s squads at Bisham Abbey has without a doubt hugely benefitted England Hockey, but it does also mean that England’s stars ideally need to live nearby. Realising this, a number of players have made the decision to live together, with Beeston teammates Ben Arnold, Adam Dixon, Ollie Willars and Tim Whiteman occupying one house (with Harry Martin stopping in several nights a week in between completing his studies at Nottingham University). We caught up with some of them and asked them about life in a real hockey house and if living, training and playing together ever becomes a little bit too much…
THE BOYS
BEN ARNOLD “We’ve all known each other for years – I’ve known Dixy [Adam Dixon] since I was nine – and we’re all good mates, so we just looked at the schedules and decided it made sense to get a house together. We ended up getting a place in High Wycombe about 10 minutes from Bisham, which is ideal. It’s quite suburban really, it’s got a garden, dining room – it’s quite civilised…”
OLLIE WILLARS "It’s been a great arrangement. I do think it’s helped that we’ve all known each other for such a long time, I’ve played hockey with Ben since I was 11. We’re all pretty understanding of one another; we can empathise when we’re going through the ups and downs of training and injury. And we’re professional about living together, we eat properly, we train hard we go to bed early, but it’s definitely fun – we can be like big kids at times…”
TIM WHITEMAN "Moving in to the house I reckon we were maybe a bit nervous –would we just wind the clock back and end up living like students? But actually, it’s been brilliant. It’s helped that we know each other very well from club hockey –Beeston’s a really tight-knit community. We don’t actually talk about hockey that much, we spend too much time taking the mick out of each other for that…”
BA “Monday to Thursday we cook for each other, it’s quite competitive actually – no one wants to be the person who cooks the bad meal. I’ve probably never even better to be honest with you…”
BA “There are definitely pranks. Last April Fools’ they made me think we’d been burgled. They came clean when I went and asked the neighbours if they’d seen anything…”
OW “Inevitably, pranks happen. The running one on me is making me jump as I walk down the stairs…”
BA “We have a constant FIFA competition on the X-Box, which revolves around a form hat that you earn by beating the other guys. Dixy’s probably been the most prominent owner of the form hat, although Mark Gleghorne recently came round, won it and took it out of the house…”
TW “The form hat is never far away from me. Don’t listen to what anyone else says, they’re lying. Well, at least I’ve had it more times than Ollie and Ben. I think it comes down to the fact that those who train the most get the most rewards. If we all spent as many hours playing it as Dixy then I’m sure he’d be way down the list. We’ve just not racked up those hours yet…”
OW "I’ve had the form hat once. Adam was the standout player when we started living together, but I think the gap’s been closed. We just need to get the hat back off Mark; him having it is a real issue. I don’t know how he got it in the first place. He’s an average FIFA player. Please quote that.”
MARK GLEGHORNE [when asked specifically about this]: “They’re not winning it back, no way. Although saying that, I can’t turn down a challenge so they’ll probably goad me into playing at some point.”
OW “Cricket in the garden’s a big one. I’m the Sachin Tendulkar of the house. Tim mows the lawn – he’s in charge of that kind of stuff. The wicket’s starting to take shape actually so there might be a few games in the next few weeks.”
BA “Tim’s the green-fingered one. He lives on a farm back home so he’s pretty much the only one of us who knows what he’s talking about when it comes to plants.”
OW “He’s a film buff too, and he’ll put a record from the 60s on his turntable while he’s working. He’s the odd one…”
[Hockey subsequently asks Tim to cast his housemates in films that are particular favourites of the house]
TW “Adam’s into his extreme sports and surfing, so maybe someone out of Point Break. Ollie’s probably Mrs Doubtfire [we assume there’s a reason for this but we’re too nervous to ask] and Ben’s abet of a nerd, we’ll go with McLovin’ out of Superbad.”
OW “Can I just say again that we think the house works really well? It might not come across in what we say…”
BA “There are definitely no shirkers, although if I’m the one saying that maybe that means I’m the shirker…”
You can read the full interview, with the girls and boys, by clicking here. If you want to read more articles like this, check out Hockey Magazine, our quarterly publication sent out to all England Hockey Members and subscribers!
England Hockey Board Media release
Clubhouse: Life in a Hockey House - The Girls
Life In a Hockey House - Girls
Many of you out there will know what it’s like to live in a household that’s obsessed with hockey, but imagine four international hockey players all living under one roof…
The decision to centralise training of both the men’s and women’s squads at Bisham Abbey has without a doubt hugely benefitted England Hockey, but it does also mean that England’s stars ideally need to live nearby. Realising this, a number of players have made the decision to live together, with teammates Maddie Hinch, Sam Quek, Laura Unsworth and Lily Owsley all occupying one house. We caught up with some of them and asked them about life in a real hockey house and if living, training and playing together ever becomes a little bit too much…
THE GIRLS
LILY OWSLEY “It’s been great – I spend more time there than I do at my family’s house now so it is what I think of when I say ‘home’ now. It’s been ideal for me because I didn’t actually know many people when I first came into the squad, that’s not the case now! They like to say they’ve taken me under their wing, in fact they’ll say that to anyone who’ll listen…”
MADDIE HINCH “It just happened by chance, the four of us needed to sort something out so we decided to live together – there’s normally one house with a few people living together.”
LO “It’s been really good, although a few random things have happened – we’ve actually been burgled once. But one of my favourite things about it is one of neighbours likes to bring round cake…”
MH "It’s worked really well because while we can talk hockey and relate to what each other is going through, often we don’t even think about training – we just chill out and enjoy each other’s company which I think is important. We’re pretty close to Bisham so it’s ideal – we end up getting a lot of the rest of the squad round to visit as we’re so close.”
LO “Sam’s the diva. Unsie’s [Laura Unsworth] the princess – she has a massive pink bed – and Maddie’s crazy – she has so much energy. She’s also a big eater which earns her a lot of respect from me!”
MH “I’m the neat one! I’m the one who does all the cleaning. To be honest, we’re not a messy house, I’m just a bit anal! I try and stop cleaning but I just can’t help myself…”
LO “We’re lucky in that we all have pretty similar interests, we watch all the same stuff on TV. Stuff you might politely call rubbish. We’re big on Made In Chelsea – I’m a massive Spencer fan but they all hate him.”
MH “Sam’s probably the biggest cook – I don’t think she wants to do the washing-up! She does a very good Chinese, so we just leave her to it! She’ll take charge of the music when she’s cooking too…”
LO “Sam’s quite into Beyoncé, which I can handle, but I’ll get Eminem on whenever I can – when I’m driving it’s my choice of music!”
You can read the full interview, with the girls and boys, by clicking here. If you want to read more articles like this, check out Hockey Magazine, our quarterly publication sent out to all England Hockey Members and subscribers!
England Hockey Board Media release
Australian Craig Keegan emerges as leading candidate for England women’s hockey head coach ... when he applies
Tasmanian has lived in UK for last 20 years and risen through the ranks of England Hockey set-up
By Rod Gilmour
In the frame? Craig Keegan, England women's assistant coach Photo: ADY KERRY
Craig Keegan, the England women’s assistant coach, looks set to emerge as one of the favourites to step up as national coach following Jason Lee’s departure last month.
Keegan, a Tasmanian who has lived in the UK for the last 20 years, has yet to formerly apply for the job after taking on a more prominent role pitch side since the Hockey World Cup, with interim coach Danny Kerry watching from the stands.
“I haven’t had time to consider it, but it would be remiss of me not to show ambition,” said Keegan. “England Hockey appointed me as an assistant coach and they would want me to go beyond that after seven years.”
Keegan has been tasked with geeing up the players following their poor World Cup performance last month. He was a vocal presence in the England dug out as the women’s side clinched the Investec Cup at Lee Valley at the weekend.
As a player for Beeston and Belper he was prone to time in the sin bin, while Keegan would be seen as just the type of straight-talking coach to lift the side back to the world’s top 3, after England dropped three places in the rankings this month.
England Hockey initially appointed Keegan in 2008 as head coach of the National Performance Centre in Loughborough.
Having coached both the men’s and women’s National Age Groups Squads as an assistant and head coach, Keegan then led the under-21 women’s side to bronze at the 2012 European Championships. He was appointed assistant women’s coach to the senior side last year.
If Keegan is rewarded for his rise through England Hockey’s set up, then he will oversee a side which has introduced a raft of younger talent into the side.
“There are a lot of young players who will want to be there for a very long time,” Keegan added.
Some insiders have suggested that Kerry could also apply for the role – he was women’s coach until 2013 – but that would be seen as a backward step for England Hockey.
The Telegraph
Canadian Youth Olympics field hockey team selection camp kicks off in Vancouver
Shaheed Devji
The chance to compete at an Olympics Games is not something that many athletes will ever have the opportunity to do, let alone by the age of eighteen.
But that rare and unique opportunity has presented itself for twenty-five young Canadian men who are in Vancouver this week vying for a spot on Canada’s Under-18 Men’s Field Hockey Team that will be headed Nanjing, China in just over a month for the Youth Olympic Games.
The selection camp got underway in Vancouver on Monday and will continue through next week, before nine athletes are named to the final roster on June 25th.
“In this group, you’ve got a lot of athletes, guys who play more than one sport,” says Canadian Under-18 Head Coach Inderpal Sehmbi. “That will be big for us because the game is almost like street hockey or basketball, things that are more continuous transition games.”
The team will be competing in a recently introduced adaptation of field hockey called Hockey 5s. Instead of the typical eleven players on the field, there are five. The pitch is smaller, enclosed by boards, and the game is meant to be fast, physical, and exciting.
“This is a real good chance for us to show we can play this game,” adds Sehmbi. “We want to be the best hockey 5s nation at this Olympics.”
Athletes taking part in the National Selection Camp have been a part of regional identification camps, however, this will likely be the first exposure to a daily training environment for many of them.
Training will be daily and the players will take part in a special United Brothers Hockey 5s tournament at Tamanawis Park in Surrey on July 19th and 20th.
“These guys are very good athletes, they were picked to fit 5s,” says Sehmbi. “We want to see that they’re physically fit and ready to go. They’re going to be in a very difficult environment with the heat (in China).”
The camp will serve as an opportunity to bring athletes from different teams and parts of the country together, as well as refine the tactics around the Hockey 5s version of the game.
“In terms of the actual camp itself, a lot of game play, a lot of different types of small games,” adds Sehmbi. “The guys from out west aren’t familiar with playing with boards, and the guys out east aren’t familiar with playing such a large pitch and playing indoor rules on an outdoor surface.”
The Youth Olympic Games begin on August 16 and run until August 28 in Nanjing, China.
Field Hockey Canada media release
World class officials panel for Ford NHL
A top quality panel of officials has been named for this year's Ford NHL to be held across late August/early September.
Hockey New Zealand Technical Manager Craig Gribble is particularly pleased with the caliber of officials involved in the sport.
“The 2014 NHL panel is the most experienced panel of recent times including 10 international umpires all currently operating at FIH tournaments. There are five new umpires in the NHL including one who has just umpired the World Masters final in Rotterdam," he said.
The panel features a number of officials who have been appointed to top class FIH events this year, including Simon Taylor (North Harbour) fresh off his semi final appointment (England vs Belgium men) at the recent World Cup in the Hague. Karen Bennett (Canterbury) also featured at the World Cup on the women's side.
Other high profile appointments for the panel this year include:
- Aleesha Unka (Auckland), Gareth Greenfield (Canterbury) - Commonwealth Games, Glasgow
- Gavin Hawke (North Harbour) - Technical Official, Commonwealth Games, Glasgow
- Amber Church (Poverty Bay) - Women's Champions Challenge, Glasgow
- David Tomlinson (Manawatu) - Men's Champions Challenge, Kuantan, Malaysia
- Kelly Hudson (Tauranga) - Women's Champions Trophy, Mendoza, Argentina
- Gareth Greenfield - Men's Champions Trophy, Bhubaneswar, India
- Tim Bond (Auckland) - FIH World League Round 1, Suva, Fiji
- Gavin Hawke and Colin French (North Harbour) - Technical officials, FIH World League Round 1, Suva
The Ford NHL will begin on August 30th and 31st with the Round 1 & 2 double header weekend at various venues around New Zealand.
Rounds 3 – 7 and Finals weekend will be held at North Harbour Hockey Stadium in Rosedale, Auckland from September 6-14.
The National Senior Tournament will once again run alongside the NHL at the same venue from September 7th – 12th.
CLICK HERE to see the Ford NHL panel
Hockey New Zealand Media release
KPK women hockey team leaves for Lahore
PESHAWAR: A 16-member team of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa left for Lahore to participate in the forthcoming PSB Inter-Provincial Women Hockey Championship to be commencing from May 24, at National Hockey Stadium.
Ms. Najma Qazi, the manager of the team while talking to APP, disclosed that the team had a 20-day camp at Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium under the supervision of coach Olympian Qazi Salahuddin and assistant coach Shafqatullah.
She said that the selection committee thoroughly monitored the performance of the players before finalizing the team.
She also appreciated the Director Women Sports Board Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rashid Ghaznavi for her decision of holding 20-day camp on the astro-turf.
She said Faqhra, who recently attended national camp at Lahore, will lead the team as skipper while Gul Pari will be her deputy. She said girls from Abbottabad, Mardan, Nowshera and Peshawar took part in the camp.
She said an Inter-Regional Women Hockey Championship was organized by the Directorate of Sports Women in April, last among them best players were short-listed for the camp.
The other team members comprising Rabia Gul (goal-keeper), Hina Nawaz, Shabana Khan and Asma (full-backs), Mehvish, Hina Qasim, Mohsina, Nosheen (half-backs), Fozia, Arwa, Gul Pari, Faqhra, Sabiha, Anila, Romi and Nazia Khan.
The News International
KPK Sports Minister gives 0.2 million to ailing Hockey Olympian
PESHAWAR: Adviser to the Chief Minister on Sports Tourism and Archeology Amjad Khan Afridi visited ailing former hockey Olympian Qazi Salahuddin residence here and handed him a checque of Rs. 0.2 million on Tuesday.
Amjad Khan Afridi remained there for some time with the former hockey Olympian and enquired after his health. He also extended his good wishes on behalf of the Chief Minister KP Pervez Khattak and legendary cricketer Imran Khan for his early recovery.
Speaking on this occasion Amjad Khan who was accompanied with newly appointed Director General Aimal Shah and Director Development Arshad Hussain said that all out efforts have been taken for the promotion of sports in the province.
He assured that lying of turfs would ensure to different districts in order to enhance hockey activities. He said Imran Khan clearly instructed us to expedite sports activities. Qazi Salahuddin who retired from PAF represented Pakistan in the 1968 Mexico Olympic where Pakistan won gold medal.
Qazi Salahuddin on this occasion discussed ways and means for the promotion of hockey in KP. He said there is no dearth of talent and if proper steps would be taken for the promotion of hockey in particular and other games in general.
Qazi Salahuddin recalled that when he was in the school he played against the national team that indicated the talent we have. He said non-availability of playing turf was somehow a reason of the down fall of hockey in KP and the rest of Pakistan.
Qazi Salahuddin suggested the Minister to involve schools the best sources for of hockey and other games in particular. He requested the Minister for laying artificial turf in Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Swat, Mardan and Buner where great talent of hockey existed.
Qazi Salahuddin when recalled the old glories of the game said that Tariq Aziz was the flag bearer in the 1968 Mexico Olympic where 20 members contingent Pakistan only participated in two games hockey and wrestling.
Qazi Salahuddin was a former Pakistani Olympian in field hockey player from Pakistan. He played for Pakistan s National Field Hockey Team from 1967 69. He was part of Pakistan National Team in 1968 Summer Olympics where Pakistan team took the Gold medal after defeated Australia in the final by 2-1 in Mexico City Mexico. Pakistan competed at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City Mexico. The only medal won was a gold medal in men’s field hockey.
The contingent included only 20 sports persons --- 18 hockey players and two wrestlers. Pakistan took part in only two disciplines at the Olympiad.
Qazi Salahudin said that the team placed in the group B defeated Netherlands (6-0), France (1 0) Australia (3 2) Argentina (5 0) Great Britain (2 1) Malaysia (4 0) Kenya (2 1) and West Germany (1 0) after extra time while outclassed Australia (2 1) for the gold medal.
The team comprising Tariq Aziz (captain) Mohammad Asad Malik (vice captain) Zakir Hussain (gk) Qazi Salahuddin (gk) Tanvir Dar Riazuddin Saeed Anwar Riaz Ahmed Gulraiz Akhtar Fazalur Rehman Anwar Shah Khalid Mahmood Mohammad Ashfaq Abdul Rasheed Jr Jahangir Butt Farooq Khan Laeeq Ahmed Tariq Niazi.
The choice of Mexico City to host the 1968 Olympics was a controversial one because of the city s high altitude 2 300m which meant that the air contained 30% less oxygen than at sea level but team gave stunning performance.
He said 112 nations of the world took part including 5,516 athletes (781 women 4.735 men) in 172 events. The top three winners were United States of America USSR and Japan.
The News International
Ben Hartung to join HA
Former Hockey Victoria CEO to join as General Manager - Hockey
Hockey Australia is pleased to announce that Ben Hartung will join the organisation as General Manager - Hockey next week following Grant Weir’s departure after four years as Game Development Manager.
Hartung joins Hockey Australia as it embarks on its new strategic plan, Hockey’s Winning Edge: 2014-2018, a key focus of which is to increase participation from 125,000 to 250,000.
The newly created senior executive role has oversight of all areas of participation, incorporating game development, coaches, officials and umpires, facilities, competitions and Hookin2Hockey.
Hartung, who served as Chief Executive of Hockey Victoria between April 2008 and May 2014, will play a key role in further linking participation with high performance through Hockey Australia’s development pathways, and will support a broad range of stakeholders including State Associations and the Australian Sports Commission.
The role reports to Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale with Hartung also joining the organisation’s five person executive team, led by Vale.
Announcing the appointment, Cam Vale said, “It is a great development for Hockey Australia to secure someone of Ben’s high standing, both in sports administration and from within the sport of hockey itself. The legacy of our sport is in the people that participate in it at all levels across the country. Ben is the right appointment for our sport to ensure this grows and remains an underlying strength.”
Ben Hartung said, “I am thrilled to join the Hockey Australia team in this exciting new leadership position designed to engage with key stakeholders to deliver on the participation, development, competition, commercial and governance objectives outlined in Hockey Australia’s 2014-2018 strategic plan. Through those quality partnerships I look forward to contributing to the growth of hockey in Australia.”
Hartung will be based in Hockey Australia’s head office in Melbourne and will begin on Monday, 21 July.
Hockey Australia also wishes to thank Grant Weir for his four years with the organisation during which time he oversaw the development of Hookin2Hockey, which now recruits around 10,000 young people every year; significantly increased funding for indigenous programs; and the creation of a model enabling Hockey Australia to help fund State Associations.
Hockey Australia media release