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All the news for Sunday 11 March 2018

27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (M) - Finals
Ipoh (MAS)

AUS - ENG Final 2 - 1
ARG - MAS 3rd/4th Place 3 - 2   
IND - IRL 5th/6th Place 4 - 1

Final Placings

Team	World Ranking	Standing
Australia	1	1
England	7	2
Argentina	2	3
Malaysia	12	4
India	6	5
Ireland	10	6

FIH Match Centre

Kookaburras Crowned 2018 Azlan Shah Cup Winners

Ben Somerford



The Kookaburras have won the 2018 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with youngster Lachlan Sharp netting a last quarter goal to secure a 2-1 win over England in Saturday night’s final in Ipoh, Malaysia.

The result secures Australia their 10th Azlan Shah Cup title and provides the side with the perfect preparation ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast next month.

After a cagey first-half, the Kookaburras hit the lead in the 38th minute when Blake Govers fired home from a penalty corner.

Lithgow youngster Sharp doubled Australia’s lead in the 53rd minute, scrambling the ball home from close range after skipper Mark Knowles’ initial effort was saved.

England ensured the game went down to the wire, when Sam Ward shot past Andrew Charter in the 54th minute but Australia held on.

Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said: “It was a very cautious first half. We got an edge in front of England. They kept on coming and we held on in the end.”

Australia won the circles entries count 16-10 along with the shots count seven to four, but the decisive factor was the Kookas’ conversion from penalty corners taking two from three.

The Kookaburras finished the tournament, which included Commonwealth Games opponents England, Malaysia and India, with six wins from six games.

Batch added: “It’s not often a team goes through in that capacity because of the quality of the tournament.

“We’re very pleased with that. It was a typical final, very tough, we’re pleased with the win.”

The first half offered few chances, as Daniel Beale shot wide in the first 15.

Govers broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, before Christopher Griffiths shot marginally wide for England prior to the final break.

Sharp made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute from Australia’s third penalty corner of the evening but England pushed hard with Ward scoring to pile the pressure on.

Australia held on for the victory, which holds the world number one side in good stead ahead of the Comonwealth Games.

Australia 2 (Govers 38’, Sharp 53’)
England 1 (Ward 54’)

Hockey Australia media release

England just fall short in gripping Sultan Azlan Shah final


England v Australia SAS 2018 Final

A wonderful late strike from Sam Ward was not enough to stop England falling to a narrow defeat to Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final.

The Beeston forward’s well taken 54th minute goal - his fifth of the tournament - set up a grandstand finish in front of a packed, noisy and colourful Malaysian crowd.

But it was not enough to fully overturn the two goal advantage Australia had given themselves seconds before as Lachlan Sharp added to Blake Govers’ early second half effort.

Yet while it may not have been the result they wanted, the performance was certainly an encouraging one from England - ranked six places below the Australians and missing two players - as they prepare for next month’s Commonwealth Games.

Unlike England’s routing of Malaysia the day before, the final began rather sedately as both sides tried to establish an early rhythm in the stifling heat and humidity.

The game’s first chance fell to Daniel Beale in the seventh minute, his snapshot flashing just wide of Harry Gibson’s post before the ‘keeper smothered a Govers effort after Sharp brilliantly charged down Harry Martin’s shot.

England then had the game’s first corner shortly before the end of the opening quarter but Sharp was on hand again, sprinting off the goal-line to ensure Mark Gleghorne’s flick did not trouble Tyler Lovell’s goal.

Chances were even fewer and further between in the second quarter as both teams threatened but could not break each other down, Ollie Willars and Sharp in particular putting in some crucial tackles, while a clean 21st minute strike from Ansell was well saved by Lovell’s left foot.

The attritional pattern continued in the third quarter until Govers smashed his penalty corner into the bottom left corner after winning the set piece himself as his shot just brushed an England foot.

Bobby Crutchley’s team then enjoyed a prolonged spell of possession as they tried to force an equaliser and it almost came in the 44th minute as Chris Griffiths did well to control a terrific Mark Gleghorne pass, but his bullet strike rippled the netting on the wrong side of the post.

Australia then thought they had won the game with seven minutes left as Sharp lifted the ball over George Pinner after his deflection on a Mark Knowles corner flick was saved by the ‘keeper, but Ward rifled in a brilliant shot seconds later after a great pass by Ansell to set up a grandstand finish.

England then had to scramble to keep out Beale and Flynn Ogilvie in the 55th minute before another Gleghorne was well charged down seconds later.

And, despite England piling on the pressure in the dying moments, the Kookaburras held firm to take their 10th Sultan Azlan Shah title.

Australia 2 (0)
Govers (PC, 38); Sharp (PC, 53)

England 1 (0)
Ward (FG, 54)

England Starting XI: Gibson (GK), Willars, Weir, Martin, Griffiths, Gleghorne, Roper, Middleton, Creed, Goofdield, Condon

Subs: Pinner (GK, C), Ward, Dixon, Ansell, Gall

England Hockey Board Media release

Malaysia end fourth

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia lost the Azlan Shah Cup bronze medal by a whisker when they were beaten by Olympic champions Argentina 3-2 in a pulsating encounter Saturday.

Argentina took a 2-0 lead off Juan Lopez (first minute), and Gonzalo Peillat (22nd), but Joel van Huizen (24th) and Faizal Shaari (27th) drew level for Malaysia.

Pedro Ibarra nailed the winner off a 49th minute penalty corner attempt.

There was drama until the final seconds, as Malaysia removed goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman and replaced him with an extra defender, and almost scored but luck was not with them.

With five seconds on the clock, Azri Hassan and Faizal Shaari failed to touch a bouncing ball, hit from outside the semi-circle, which went sailing in.

The video referal cooled down edgy Argentina nerves, as it cleary showed Asri missing the bouncing ball by centimetres, followed by another centimetre miss by Faizal.

The Argentinians emerged champions in Ipoh in 2008 and runners-up four years later while Malaysians have yet to win the title since the inception of the tournament in 1983.

RESULTS: Final -- Australia 2 England 1, Third-Fourth: Argentina 3 Malaysia 2; Fifth-Sixth: India 4 Ireland 1.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Malaysia go down fighting against Argentina

By Aftar Singh


Deserving champions: The Australian team celebrating after winning the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday. They beat England 2-1 in the final. — SAIFUL BAHARI / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia restored some pride on the final day of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

They put up a better show before going down 2-3 to reigning Olympic champions Argentina in the third-placing playoff at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh yesterday.

Stephen van Huizen’s men showed great promise when they stunned world No. 2 Argentina 2-1 in the round-robin match on Tuesday but their joy was short-lived as they went on to lose 5-1 to India and 7-2 to England.

Yesterday, it looked like Malaysia were heading for another drubbing when they started off on the wrong foot by conceding a goal after just 38 seconds. Isidoro Ibarra’s cross inside the semi circle from left was well connected into goal by Juan Lopez.

The South American champions doubled the score in the 11th minute off their first penalty corner when Gonzalo Peillat scored his eighth goal of the tournament with a low drag flick that sailed past goalkeeper Hairi Abdul Rahman.

Hairi was replaced by Muhd Hafizuddin Othman in the second quarter and the tempo changed as the homesters showed more determination by netting two goals in the space of three minutes.

Stephen’s son Joel connected the ball into goal off a through pass by defender Faiz Helmi Jali in the 24th minute and forward Faizal Saari equalised off a penalty corner in the 27th.

Unfortunately, Faiz gave away a penalty corner and it was converted by captain Pedro Ibarra for Argentina’s winning goal in the 49th.

Stephen commended Malaysia for their fighting spirit.

“I’m proud of the players and the way they played today. They gave everything in the match,” said Stephen.

“We kept it more tight in our defence and played more compact in the midfield and took a chance to level it 2-2.

“It has been tough playing six games in eight days but it has been a wonderful experience for the boys,” he added.

World champions Australia edged England 2-1 in the final to lift their 10th title in the tournament through penalty corner goals from Blake Govers (38th minute) and Lachlan Sharp (53rd).

England scored through Sam Ward off a field goal in the 54th minute.

RESULTS

Final: Australia 2 England 1
3rd-4th: Argentina 3 Malaysia 2
5th-6th: India 4 Ireland 1

The Star of Malaysia

India restrict the flash, cut out errors to rout Ireland, finish respectable fifth

Sundeep Misra


Action between India and Ireland in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Twitter/ @TheHockeyIndia

Scrambling to deal with what was a mini crisis; India restricted the flash, kept the play simple, and was ambitious without the errors to finally ease through the tournament with a 4-1 victory over Ireland. India finished fifth with the Irish ending up last in what was their debut Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. On Friday, there were many hung heads; the defeat to Ireland had played on their minds, especially for a team in which 10 players had already done their bit for the senior team. In fact, the quality was there, the intensity was missing.

Indian coach Sjoerd Marijne referred to the intensity after the match. “I just told them to keep the errors away and press hard,” said the coach. “There was some soft play in the first quarter but later they settled down and took up the challenge.”

For India, the scorers were Varun Kumar (5th and 22nd minutes), Shilanand Lakra (32nd minute) and Gurjant Singh (37th minute). Ireland pulled one back late in the fourth quarter when Julian Dale scored in the 48th minute.

It couldn’t have been a better start for a team that needed to make a comeback. Momentum was important because Ireland had the confidence and India the talent. So when Varun fired in the penalty corner off India’s second attempt in the fifth minute, it seemed the roller coaster ride would eventually end. It was good to see Varun get the goal. From India’s 26th penalty corner of the tournament, the Jalandhar lad had finally got on the scoresheet. Marijne's smile showed his relief.

“There have been some good flicks in the earlier matches but even the other team’s defences have held up. I am glad he (Varun) got the goals,” Marijne said.

But surprisingly, the errors came back to haunt the Indian team. They had the possession, but the forwards, especially Lakra and Sumit Kumar, tended to showcase their solo skills more than trying to put together a team effort. In the first quarter, India led 1-0 and they came back with some more intensity in the second quarter. With India’s possession of 69 percent, Ireland hardly saw the ball. India played up and pressed, ensuring that the turn-overs didn’t happen.

With the Irish getting very little of the ball, control remained with India. A lovely move from the right flank saw Nilam Xess with a cross. Ireland didn’t follow up and Lakra standing right next to goalkeeper Jamie Carr flashed at it. The shot deflected off the goalkeeper and into the net as India got their second goal. Xess’s runs are wonderful and with a bit more muscle this boy from Odisha’s Bargarh district can make the defender-right half’s position his own. At the break, India led 2-0 with promises of more goals to come.

Two minutes into the third quarter, India had their third penalty corner after Sumit dribbling his way in from the flank. After asking for a referral, India had the penalty corner. Varun was spot on as his flick entered the Irish goal. It was Varun’s second goal of the match. With nothing to show before, the Indian full back now had two goals. Meanwhile, India showing more intent in the Irish striking circle, had Ramandeep Singh with a through from Simranjeet Singh who had a good game. Ramandeep, sprinting into the circle tried to create space but the Irish defence didn’t let him take a snap shot.

India had a fourth penalty corner but Mark Ingram who had come in place of Carr saved the flick. Leading 3-0 and showing more enterprise, India was creating sharp chances. Suddenly when Ireland thought they had cleared a ball, Simranjeet picked it up and gave it to Talwinder Singh, who in his customary style, dribbled in from the circle and squared to Gurjant whose powerful run ensured the tap beat the advancing goalkeeper. India were 4-0 up. Ireland were looking for space, but not finding it, and were overly defensive. By the end of the third quarter, Simranjeet had created two more opportunities but Ingram was coming to Ireland's rescue.

With the balls hardly being given to Ireland, India had the control of the game. Then Talwinder got a green card. It reduced India down to 10 men, and they conceded space for the first time in the match. Ireland used that opportunity and got their first goal of the match. It was Shane O’Donoghue’s cross and Dale was in the right spot to bang it in. Krishan Pathak who had replaced Suraj Karkera didn’t have the time to react.

India had two more penalty corners but both were wasted. Off one, the umpire had pointed to a stroke but Ireland went and successfully appealed to the video umpire. Towards the end, with energies slacking, Ireland earned their only penalty corner of the match, but the push was too slow. By the last minute, Ireland couldn't penetrate any further as India saw off the late challenge. It was a tough match in the circumstances, and the defeat on Friday ensured that India rose to the challenge.

For the fifth time, in their 21 appearances at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, India had finished in fifth spot. Their worst finish has been seventh in 2004. Marijne was happy about the team’s response.

“We were much better and kept the passes low. With the trapping better, Ireland couldn’t intercept and that was the crucial aspect about the play,” he said. However, the India coach said he did compliment the team about Saturday's performance. “I really cannot take away (sic) what happened in the first match against Ireland. That was a big disappointment and we as a team were just not ourselves.”

On being asked what he told the team after going back to the hotel after the 2-3 defeat on Friday, Marijne said, “I showed them the clips from the match and explained the mistakes. We didn’t reach the levels expected and the staff helped them to cope with it.”

India captain Sardar Singh, disappointed with the fifth spot, said, “A lot of credit goes to the coach for making us understand where the team went wrong in the first match against Ireland. The boys are young and they will learn. It is hugely disappointing to lose like that. But a lot of credit to the team for coming back and winning the play-off.”

Amidst all the conjecture of what the core team will be for the major tournaments – Commonwealth Games, Champions Trophy, Asian Games and World Cup – it does not really require a degree in psychology to understand where Marijne will be focusing. The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup team has had the benefit of playing world champions Australia and Olympic gold medallists Argentina, and in the long run, Indian hockey would hope to benefit from the exposure and experimentation and reap the benefits.

Firstpost

India hammer Ireland 4-1 to finish fifth in Azlan Shah Cup

Sundeep Misra


Indian players celebrate a goal against Ireland on Saturday

Defensive lines were kept tight, the midfield showed spunk and Varun Kumar arrived in the tournament with two goals as India rose to the challenge to beat Ireland 4-1 to finish fifth in the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament.

Friday's 2-3 defeat to the Irish was swept away as a bad day as Indian coach Sjoerd Marijne said, "We spoke to the team and explained the mistakes and I am happy that they responded with a win." For India, the scorers were Varun Kumar (5th, 22nd), Shilanand Lakra (32nd) and Gurjant Singh (37th).

Ireland pulled one back late in the 4th quarter when Julian Dale scored in the 48th minute. The Indian coach was happy with the way the team responded. "We cannot do anything about the first match against Ireland," he said. "But I am glad they kept the errors down and played strongly."

Mid-Day

Last Word: Ipoh investment will yield dividends

K. Arumugam



Australia asserted its class. England established its enterprise and energy. Argentina is still on ascending trajectory. This is the message of medal winners of the World Cup year’s Azlan Shah edition that went into recess of history this week. What does one read from the performance of the young Indians?

It’s a half class full or half class empty kind of thing. Or something beyond this?

Diehard followers decry fifth finish. Seasoned watchers sense a good augury for future.

Recall of Sardar Singh after a long spell of resting was watched with curiosity, if not anxiously as much as the debutantes did.

Malaysia media observed that India has sent a second team. Indians would not agree fully but at the same time will concede many stars were rested keeping Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in mind.

Indians who did duty at Ipoh is definitely a young and raw team. Stalwart stars like Akashdeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh were not part of the team. They will be integral part of the team any day.

Only five players – Sardar Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Talwinder Singh, SK Uthappa and Surender Singh – were from the chip of the settled Indian cream, the experienced lot.

Therefore, any analysis of Ipoh outcome should keep this mind. Even such a team consisting of debutantes and recent Jr World Cup faces could stretch full strength England to a fighting draw, fight back against Australia when chips were down, and give a run for their money for Rio goldies Argentina.

On the other hand, there is an icing on the cake, 5-1 victory over the hosts. Beating Malaysia in Malaysia had been a worrisome thing for India in the last three decades. 1998 CWG, 2002 World Cup and many such defeats in Sultan Azlan Shah Cups come to one’s mind.

But it was another day. Even a second string Indian team can beat such a rising outfit as Malaysia 5-1, is more than what one asked for from this team.



Certainly, the loss India suffered against Ireland in the last league match when stakes were high, drew lot of ire. It is basically a feeling of pity that the team lets itself down rather than a proper outlook. Die-hards were angry, but their anger is not justified beyond a point. Yes, it was crucial, a win would have given the team a chance to play at least for the bronze, which the team deserved it. But it did not happen. India went down 2-3. It had 18 minutes to level the score but all efforts met with failure. At the same time, we should concede the fact that no European team is going to let their chances down when the other team misfires as does India that evening.

India in fact lost the medal race not on this Ireland day but when failed to convert eight penalty corners against England!

The second string team lost to World No.2 team Argentina narrowly, stood upto the might of England (1-1), beat Malaysia comprehensively, lost to Australia with a decent scoreline (2-4) speak for themselves. Sardar Singh’s boys also avenged their league loss to Ireland in the play off.

By and large, the team inspires future. There are many takeaways.

Not often does one encounter a top notch forward from the area that is known for producing defenders: Dilip to Dipsan. We are talking about Shilanand Lakra. He is surely a potential prospect, who can shape up better than the likes of Talwinders and Satbirs if not Mandeep Singhs. His goals had a rare stamp of aesthetics, accuracy and acumen. The one scoop that he effected after collecting a short rebound from goalkeeper, who was covering with hawkish the acute angle, that hit the top corner of the sidenetting in the Malaysian match is a delight to put it simply.

We will hear more about him in the near future.

Young Simranjeet Singh may not have got enough time on the field, but when got chances he definitely grabbed them with both hands. The way he got two penalty corners against Ireland when India needed a goal to level the score, warrants special mention.



Ramandeep Singh can walk with pride after Ipoh. He played as a feeder in the first two matches before switching back to his usual striker role. On both roles, he came out colourfully. He has proved his worth beyond doubt, and can be a match winner in the crucial year 2018 where stakes are high.

Ramandeep Singh is the Indian hero in Ipho. Next comes Surender Kumar. He is going strong, and asserts. His tackles are eye-openers, and his all round capabilities reflect his high energy and top fitness level. Sumit unfortunately was off colour in crucial junctures and Sumit Kumar is not a push over. He has in him many things to shine in future.

Suraj Karkera is far superior to Krishan Pathak under the cage.

Then comes the crucial question of Sardar Singh. At his patented midfield position, he is perfect. He is not a match winner but not a spoiler too. Its his game that helped India maul Malaysia. This reinforces this writer’s oft repeated view that Sardar Singh is a must for India maintaining its present Asian supremacy. Without Sardar Singh in the line up we would not have accomplished what we did in the last Asian Games and Asian Champions Trophy. He rescued India on crucial junctures, leading to ultimate success. Sardar Singh is needed for our quest to retain Asian Games this year.

The solid game of Ramandeep Singh and Surender Singh augurs well for India. This cannot be said of SK Uthappa, another senior player who did duty in Ipoh.

Its chief coach Sjoerd Marinje’s decision to send such a team to Ipoh. His decision should be respected. This is an investment which has definite gestation period before yielding dividends. Ipoh gave India many moments of joy. Positives outweigh some hiccups the team suffered.

Stick2Hockey.com

Youngsters impress despite lapses but same can’t be said about Sardar

Marijne has focused on giving youngsters are chance so that he has a rich bank of players to choose from.


Megat Firdaus

It was never about winning the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for India men’s hockey team. It was never about finishing in the top three. It was never about defending their bronze medal.

Coach Sjoerd Marijne landed in Malaysia with a young, inexperienced team to face the likes of Olympic champions Argentina, World Champions Australia, England, Malaysia and Ireland, who arrived with their full strength.

Since he took over in September, Marijne has focused on giving youngsters as many chances so that he has a rich bank of players to choose from. Remember that 2018 has at least four major tournaments in store for India. Hence, it did not come as a surprise as Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh were rested as Mandeep Mor, Sumit Kumar and Shilanand Lakra were called in.

Sure, the ending could have been better had this Indian team played to their potential at key points (especially against Ireland) but as we analyse the team’s fifth place finish it’s worth keeping in mind the objective of the think-tank: improve bench strength.

Did Marijne and Co achieve that?

Young guns make it count

At the end of six games, Marijne should be proud of the effort the youngsters put in. The likes of Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess had a brilliant outing and have made a strong case for the upcoming Commonwealth and Asian Games.

Yes, their lack of experience of playing against the best teams in the world was evident. Conceding fouls and penalty corners at inopportune times was a feature of the Indian defence and midfield in this tournament/ But that did not deter them from going all out and giving everything on the pitch.

Young forward Shailanand Lakra had a brilliant tournament as he scored three goals to be the second highest goal scorer for India. Sumit Kumar also was brilliant up front as he assisted in crucial goals against Australia and other teams. He even got on the scoresheet by scoring a goal against Malaysia.

Mandeep was brilliant at defence along with Tirkey and Xess. The onus was on them to perform as Harmanpreet and Rupinder were rested.

Even though they had their defensive lapses - the lack of experience was clear against the likes of Argentina - credit to Marijne for backing the youngsters when it mattered.

Ramandeep overshadows Sardar

This was Sardar Singh’s moment of truth. After missing out on the HWL Final and the tour of New Zealand, Sardar was handed the captain’s armband and also reinstated in the midfield after playing a defensive role in the Asia Cup in October. He has been under pressure to perform since Marijne took over. However, Sardar had an average outing in Malaysia.

He played exceptional hockey in phases (as someone of his talent should) and was seen doing a defender’s job whenever required.

Truth be told, he was unable to rally his troops whenever required. When the team’s performance was dipping against Ireland in a must-win game, the youngsters would have wanted their talisman to organise the defence and choreograph the attacks. That was Sardar’s opportunity to make a statement, alas it didn’t happen.

With Sardar’s form ebbing and flowing, Ramandeep Singh stepped up for India and had a brilliant outing. He scored four goals including two against Australia. He assisted in a couple of goals and played the injectors role during penalty corners. He was India’s go to moment during crisis. In the absence of senior players, the 24-year-old grew in stature at this tournament into perhaps India’s most crucial attacking player.

Up next, Commonwealth Games

With India finishing fifth at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Marijne will now definitely set the standard high going into the Commonwealth Games. A number of players have made a strong case of making the squad for Australia.

Suraj Karkera had a brilliant spell as goalkeeper in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He can be an able partner for Sreejesh. In defence, provided Harmanpreet and Rupinder return, Varun, Tirkey and Rohidas and Surendra Kumar will give them depth and four penalty corner specialists. Varun scored converted twice against Ireland on Saturday and Rohidas was brilliant against Argentina in their opener, scoring twice. But the percentage of conversion remains an Achilles Heel - it has to be top of Marijne’s to-do list, to improve India’s drag-flicking and competition for that spot is one way to effect improvement.

Midfield will be an area of concern as no one had an exceptional tournament. SK Uthappa injured his hamstring and was not at his usual best. With captain Manpreet bound to be back in the midst of things, Marijne will be looking to inject pace in the midfield so that they score on the counter when required.

India’s forward seems to be under control with Ramandeep, Gurjant Singh, SV Sunil, Lalit Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Lakra and Sumit Kumar in the ranks, Marijne has a good headache up his sleeve when it comes to the CWG squad.

The India squad will be announced on March 16 in Bangalore. Time will tell who makes the cut and misses it.

Scroll.in

India beat Ireland 4-1 to finish at fifth spot

NEW DELHI: India put up a vastly improved performance to recover from an upset a day earlier to beat Ireland 4-1 in a fifth-sixth classification match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018 in Ipoh, Malaysia on Saturday.

India slumped to a shocking 2-3 defeat on Friday against Ireland to exit the medal contention. However, the team, led by veteran midfielder Sardar Singh, bossed over a tired Irish team which was missing two players because of health issues. India ended the tournament on a high, sealing a fifth spot in the standings.

Varun Kumar (5th and 32nd minute), Shilanand Lakra (28') and Gurjant Singh (37') scored for India while Ireland managed to hit back late in the final quarter through Julian Dale (48').

India hit the ground running in the opening quarter when Ireland goalkeeper Jamie Carr was forced to make a good save in the fourth minute when Talwinder Singh forced his way inside the circle. But they didn't have to wait for long after winning their first penalty corner in the fifth minute. And Varun Kumar finally managed to convert a PC for the first time in the tournament – his flick crashing inside the cage after a deflection from an Irish defender. Ireland searched for an equaliser but India finished the first quarter holding on to their lead.

With the second quarter ending, Ireland ended up committing a grave error when they left Shilanand Lakra unmarked inside the circle. Lakra controlled a high cross from Nilam Xess and tapped the ball as it dribbled inside the cage. India had taken control of the contest with 2-0 lead when the half-time hooter was blown.

India continued their search for goals in the second half too and tripled their lead through Varun who scored his second goal through penalty corner. Five minutes later, 3-0 became 4-0 thanks to Talwinder's presence of mind who delayed his pass a second after entering the Irish D, allowing Gurjant Singh to get into a perfect position before putting the ball inside the goal.

Ireland, though, managed to pull one back in the final quarter when Dale sneaked inside the Indian circle after the forwards had split Indian defence allowing him space and time to score his team's lone goal.

The Times of India

Resilient India finishes fifth

Ends campaign beating Ireland to avenge Friday’s loss


Hey, that’s mine! Sumit reaches the ball ahead of Ireland’s Kirk Shimmins.   | Photo Credit: MANAN VATSYAYANA

A resilient India defeated Ireland 4-1 to finish fifth at the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Saturday.

The win enabled India to avenge a 3-2 loss against the same opponent in the last round robin match on Friday.

For India, Varun Kumar scored a brace (fifth and 32nd), while Shilanand Lakra (28th) and Gurjant Singh (37th) found the target once each. Ireland’s lone goal came from Julian Dale in the 48th minute.

India began strongly and earned back-to-back penalty corners in the fifth minute. Though the first attempt was saved, Varun sounded the board from the second chance to hand his side the lead.

India continued its attacking game in the second quarter and achieved success in the 28th minute when striker Shilanand beat Ireland goalkeeper Jamie Carr from close range after being fed by Nilam Sanjeep Xess’s fierce pass from right side of the circle.

India continued in the same vein and won another penalty corner in the 32nd minute and Varun scored with a fierce dragflick past Carr to help India tale a comfortable 3-0 lead.

India’s next goal came off Gurjant’s sticks in the 37th minute. It was brilliant play by Talwinder Singh, who received a good pass from Simranjeet Singh who laid it to Gurjant and the young striker from Punjab made no mistake in slotting the ball home.

Though India conceded a goal in the 48th minute, the team’s defence remained resolute throughout the match restricting Ireland’s number of circle entries.

India earned another penalty corner in the 50th minute and another one towards the dying minutes of the match, but it failed to make use of both the opportunities.

The result: India 4 (Varun Kumar 5, 32, Shilanand Lakra 28, Gurjant Singh 37) bt Ireland 1 (Julian Dale 48).

The Hindu

Tough Conditions For Green Machine In Final Azlan Shah Match

The heat and humidity again played a big role in today’s fixture in Malaysia, with Eugene Magee, Sean Murray and Stephen Cole all suffering illness after yesterday’s encounter. The sides were given 4-minute breaks between each quarter instead of the standard 2 but it still proved a challenge for an undermanned Green Machine. Varun Kumar got India’s first goal in the 5th minute from a penalty corner strike that took an unlucky deflection of the first runner to take it past Jamie Carr. India had much of the possession in the opening quarter as Ireland looked to conserve energy. The pick of the Irish chances in the opening half saw Paul Gleghorne send a pin point sweep into the circle but Alan Sothern’s goal-bound deflection was cleared just in time. Ireland were unlucky to go into half time 2-0 down as Shilanand Lakra got his goal in the 28th minute. Nilam Xess sent a bouncy ball into the circle, evading the Irish defence, which found Lakra free to slip the ball under Carr’s pads.

Both teams switched their goalkeepers at half time and Mark Ingram was faced with a PC within 2 minutes of taking to the pitch. Kumar repeated his earlier effort and send the shot into the net. Stuart Loughrey made several important tackles throughout but none more so than when he poked the ball out of the path of Ramandeep as he swung back for the close-range shot. India made it 4 goals in the 37th minute as they broke at pace and Talwinder Singh’s pass found Gurjant Singh at the back post for the tap in. But the Green Machine somehow found more reserves in the energy sapping heat and built some nice counter attacks in the final quarter. Julian Dale got the tap in for Ireland’s deserved goal after an Alan Sothern pass found Shane O’Donoghue who sent the ball across the circle for the waiting Dale. India notched up a few further PC’s but Johnny Bell cleared a shot off the line and Ingram made another good save. The tie finished up 4-1 to India as they claimed 5th spot but it was a determined effort throughout from the undermanned Green Machine in very tough conditions.  

Speaking about the tournament, head coach Craig Fulton said “It has been a fantastic opportunity to play in this year’s Azlan Shah Cup. Playing 6 games in 8 days has been a real test but we feel we have learnt some lessons, and have also made considerable progress in the tournament which will help us in our build up to the World Cup”.

Azlan Shah Cup

Ireland 1 (Dale)
India 4 (Varun Kumar x2, Lakra, Gurjant Singh)

Starting: J Carr, J Bell (Captain), C Cargo, A Sothern, K Shimmins, S O’Donoghue, J McKee, M Robson, P Gleghorne, L Cole, S Loughrey

Subs: M Bell, S O’Connor, E Magee, S Murray, J Dale, M Ingram, S Cole

Ireland Schedule (all times listed are local):

March 3rd at 20:30 Ireland 1 vs 4 Malaysia
March 4th at 18:00 Ireland 3 vs 5 Argentina
March 6th 16:00 Ireland1 vs 4 England
March 7th 16:05 Ireland 1 vs 4 Australia
March 9th 18:05 Ireland 3 vs 2 India
March 10th 5th/6th Place Ireland 1 vs 4 India

Irish Hockey Association media release

Short-handed Ireland end Sultan Azlan Shah in sixth place

In the Ipoh sweatbox, an Irish side working off a much shorter bench were unable to summon another big result against India, closing out their maiden Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in sixth place.

Eugene Magee and Sean Murray were unable to play due to illness while Stephen Cole only made a fleeting appearance. With Julian Dale playing with six stitches in his hand, it meant a lot of longer shifts in the heat – particularly in midfield – while the use of Sam O’Connor as a makeshift forward in the rotation showed some of the travails.

India went ahead in the fifth minute when Varun Kumar’s drag-flick took a wicked deflection off number one runner Michael Robson.

After that – and for much of the first half – Ireland were content to sit deep, conserve energy with a potential view to upping the second half tempo.

It led to something of a stalemate with India holding a decent amount of ball but struggled to do too much of note with it. Ireland, meanwhile, had just one circle entry before the break but their plan was rocked when a Nilam Xess bounced through to Shilanand Lakra who poked home for 2-0 in the 28th minute.

Kumar’s direct drag-flick in the second half was a killer blow to any Irish intentions and the win was complete when Talwinder Singh delayed his pass for Gurjant Singh to run in the fourth.

Julian Dale – bizarrely referred to as the “jolly green giant” by commentator Ashley Morrison – got one back 12 minutes from the end, flipping in from a lovely move via Shane O’Donoghue, Alan Sothern and Chris Cargo.

A corner was won but the injection was fumbled and so a 4-1 final score closed the curtain on the week in Malaysia, giving Craig Fulon plenty to ponder.

In the grand scheme of things, with on world ranking points on the line, how the newer faces got on and how the side adapted to the conditions were chief among the tournament targets in an event packed with sides bound for the Commonwealth Games.

Next on the agenda is a series against Germany at Pembroke in May.

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Fifth/sixth playoff:
Ireland 1 (J Dale)
India 4 (V Kumar 2, S Lakra, G Singh)

Ireland: J Carr, J Bell, C Cargo, A Sothern, K Shimmins, S O’Donoghue, J McKee, M Robson, P Gleghorne, L Cole, S Loughrey
Subs: M Bell, S O’Connor, J Dale, M Ingram, S Cole

India: S Karkera, S Kumar, Sardar Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Sumit, T Singh, V Kumar, N Xess, S Kumar, A Rohidas, R Singh
Subs: M Mor, G Singh, D Tirkey, N Sharma, K Pathak, S Lakra

The Hook

Men's Asian Games Qualifier 2018 - Day 3
Muscat (OMA)

SRI - OMA     Pool B     1 - 5
TPE - KAZ     Pool B     8 - 3

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

2018 Test Matches: KOR v IND (W) - 5th Test
Seoul (KOR)

KOR - IND 1 - 1

India win the series 3-1

FIH Match Centre

Stats Speak: Indian ladies achieves maiden test series win against Korea

B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

To date Indian women have played 53 test series against 25 countries. However this was their first versus South Korea.

India has won 11 Away series out of 37 series played abroad so far.

In Aug ’81 during Kyoto (Japan) Asian Ladies Hockey Association (ALHA) Cup India defeated Korea 4-0, this was the first match ever played between these two teams. Since then in 45 matches India won 13.

During heydays of Lim Gae Sook, Koreans had an upper hand against India .Lim holds the record of scoring 25 goals in a single Asian Games; she scored the 25 goals in Seoul (1986). Here are statistical highlights:

India versus South Korea in International Hockey

 Fieldhockey.com

Herakles incredible family spirit the major inspiration for homegrown de Kerpel



Herakles sharp-shooter Nico de Kerpel says the club’s incredible family spirit is a crucial part of their success as the Lier-club takes on their very first EHL match against Atletic Terrassa on March 30.

They were the fairytale story of the Belgian league last season, finishing second in the regular season and backing that up with victory over Racing Club de Bruxelles in the playoff semi-finals.

De Kerpel is the side’s top scorer and rising star, lining out with the Belgian Red Lions at the World League final in Bhubaneswar and also on their recent tour to New Zealand.

He started playing with Herakles at the age of four, making this his 21st season in blue and white. In the side, Marco and Victor Donck are brothers whiled Cedric Struyf is their cousin. Louis Hottlet is a brother of de Kerpel while Amaury and Fabian Timmermans are also brothers.

And de Kerpel says this is the reason the club’s fans are among the most noisy in the Belgian league, telling the EHL website: “This is the reason why our fans are so involved with our team. It’s really amazing to play in a club like this one!”

“It means a lot to play in the EHL! I’m in love with my club but every year when we are watching the EHL, people told me I needed to change club if I ever want to play in it.

“Being able to play it this year with all my best friends and with Herakles is a dream come true. Sharing this with our crowd makes it even better!”

Looking back on their road to EHL qualification, he says that it was not something that was a direct target before the closing weeks of the campaign when they realised how close they were to the playoffs.

“Throughout the season, we honestly didn’t think about playing the final four but, with six games to go we were still in the running for it.

“At that moment, we started to dream about it. We finished second which is really amazing for a squad where only three players didn’t grow up at Herakles.

“I have a couple of favourite memories from last year: The game where we qualified for the play-offs. We won away against our direct opponent with a winner from Jerome Legrand five minutes before the end.

“Then the semi finals against Racing. In the first leg, we were winning 4-1 at half time and we honestly didn’t know what was happening. Thanks to our amazing crowd we managed to keep a bonus of two goals for the return game.

“In the second leg, we were nowhere in the first half but thanks to Alexis Leclef we scored just before half time (2-1). In the second half, we had eight corners against us but our defensive pc did a terrific job and then Cedric Struyf finished a counter. This must be the best moment of the season. At that time we knew that we were qualified for the final.”

Since then, there have been a number of changes with Xavier Reckinger moving to coach Racing this season. Adding to their homegrown talents are the likes of New Zealand’s Nick Haig and Jacob Smith – recently back from injury – Ireland’s Jeremy Duncan and Spaniard Tanasu Perez. European silver medalist Amaury Keusters is a central figure.

De Kerpel admits that his side has not hit the same heights this season so far; they currently sit eighth in the Belgian Honour Division, 10 points off the playoff places.
Nonetheless, it gives de Kerpel extra motivation for the KO16 to show what the side is about.

“I’m really keen for this second round of the competition because I think we didn’t do great in the first half. We want to show the outside world that last season wasn’t an exception.

“Being able to participate at the EHL is a great reward for our 2016-2017 season so now we want to focus towards this. Even if this our first ever EHL experience, we believe that we have chances to go through the next round.”

Euro Hockey League media release

Battling Canterbury beat Birmingham


Beeston celebrate winning the Investec Women's Conference North. Credit Andrew Smith

Four first half goals helped battling Canterbury beat former leaders University of Birmingham as the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division provided some big results.

Previously bottom of the table, Canterbury’s recent form has seen them climb to seventh with just one loss in their last seven matches.

Erica Sanders gave the University of Birmingham an early lead with a field goal in the fourth minute. But Canterbury’s Aussie ace Penny Squibb levelled a minute later, and other strikes from Elizabeth Jenkins (2) and Mark Flint put the Kent side 4-1 ahead at half time.

Holly Munro added another for Birmingham after the break, but they couldn’t battle back and slip to fourth in the table.

East Grinstead climbed to second in the table thanks to a 3-1 win over Buckingham. Chloe Palmer scored twice and Ruth Gordon once, while Buckingham’s goal came late in the match from Abbie Brant.

Bottom of the table Leicester battled to a 1-1 draw with title-chasing Holcombe, who drop to third after the draw. Katie Long put Leicester into the lead after four minutes, only for Philippa Lewis to salvage a point for Holcombe with 11 minutes left.

Leaders Surbiton continued their free-scoring ways, beating hosts Slough 8-1. Beckie Middleton and Giselle Ansley both scored hat-tricks, while Emily Defroand and Hannah Martin added the others.

Bowdon and Clifton Robinson fought out a 2-2 draw, with Rosie Bailey and Charlene Mason scoring for the home side, while Vicky McCabe and Claire Thomas scored for Clifton Robinsons.

Investec Women’s Conference West

Stourport took over at the top of the Investec Conference West, beating former leaders Trojans 2-0 to leapfrog them. First half goals from Sarah Parkinson-Mills and Claire Pearson were enough for the visitors to take the win.

Meanwhile, third-placed Reading are level on points with Trojans following their 3-2 comeback win over Olton & West Warwicks.

Olton led 2-1 at half time with Harriet Payne and Alice Conquest their scorers, but Reading hit back as Sophie Shakespeare scored twice and Emma Royce once to take the win.

Elsewhere Swansea City and Team Bath Buccaneers drew 2-2, while Gloucester and Isca also shared the spoils with the same scoreline. Oxford Hawks boosted their hopes of avoiding the drop with a 2-1 win over Cannock.

Investec Women’s Conference North

Leaders Beeston had to battle hard for their latest win, beating Loughborough Students 2-1 in the Investec Women’s Conference North to secure their place in the promotion play-offs.

Goalless at half time, the match sprang into life with Sophie Robinson scoring from open play on 50 minutes. But that lead lasted a matter of seconds as Loughborough pulled back level with Madeleine Pearce scoring for the visitors.

However, Robinson struck again on 55 minutes, and it proved enough to take a win and maintain their 100% record.

Ben Rhydding were 8-1 winners over Wakefield with Serena Barr scoring a hat-trick, while the University of Durham won 6-2 at Liverpool Sefton with Lorna Jane Cruickshank scoring twice.

Two goals from Amanda Neurock helped Timperley to a 3-0 win over Fylde, Sarah Chancellor scoring the other. And in the other North match Brooklands-Poynton and Sutton Coldfield drew 3-3.

Investec Women’s Conference East

Two goals each from Kate McCaw and Amy Askew helped leaders Hampstead & Westminster continue their unbeaten run with a 5-0 win at Harleston Magpies in the Investec Women’s Conference East.

Melanie Wilkinson also scored in the match which leaves Hampstead six points clear of second-placed Wimbledon, who were 2-1 winners at Chelmsford with Anna Toman scoring both goals.

Second half goals from Jen Wilson and Sophie Crosley helped Sevenoaks win 2-0 at home against St Albans, while in other action Cambridge were 2-1 winners over Bedford and Barnes won 2-0 against Southgate.

England Hockey Board Media release

No change at the top of National League 1


Edinburgh University earlier this season – photo by Andy Lovat

There was no change at the top of the Scottish National league 1 tables after today`s contests, Edinburgh University are still in pole position in the women`s league while Grange`s lead in the men`s division had been reduced to one point by Bromac Kelburne.

Women’s National League 1 leaders Edinburgh University may have dominated proceedings and created several chances, but they were still held to a 0-0 draw by rivals Grove Menzieshill.

The result leaves the students in pole position but Milne Craig Clydesdale Western move to within two points of the champions at the top end of the tabel after a comfortable 4-0 win over GHK.

Western`s goals came from Susie Gillman, Bronwyn Shields, Emma McGregor and Zara Mason.

Watsonians created the upset of the day with a 2-0 win over fourth placed Western Wildcats. The goals were struck by Heather Tait and Mairi Shaw.

Dundee Wanderers are now threatening a top four spot after beating Grange 5-2, Amy Snelle and Emily Dark both scored twice.

Bromac Kelburne moved to within a single point of Men’s National League 1 leaders Grange at the top of the men’s table with a 4-1 win over Hillhead. It was a fairly even first half, the champions finally took the lead five minutes before the interval, Cairns’ fourth penalty corner attempt was partially blocked by the Hillhead keeper but he could only divert the ball into the roof of the net.

Kelburne stepped it up in the second half and the Hillhead goal lived a charmed life as several scoring opportunities came and went. The Paisley side finally doubled their tally when Adam Bain`s initial shot was blocked, the ball fell kindly to Iain Scholefield who promptly rolled it into the empty net.

The three points were sealed with a third goal from the champions, Craig Morton created the opening and Michael Christie converted from close range. The fourth came from a great inter-passing move from Johnny and Michael Christie which left Gary Maitles with a simple tap in. Hillhead finally got on the scoresheet when Ewan Campbell`s shot was diverted into his own net by Morton, but it was little more than a consolation.


Western Wildcats v Grove Menzieshill – photo by Duncan Gray

Western Wildcats got back into winning ways with a 4-1 win over bottom side Inverleith, they have now consolidated their fourth place in the division. Wildcats clawed their way into a two goal lead at half-time through an open play double by Andrew McConnell. In the second half McConnell completed his hat-trick at a penalty corner to advance the score to three.

Although Magnus Ferrier pulled one back for Inverleith at a penalty corner, Wildcats` three points were confirmed when Rob Harwood converted from the spot.

Grove Menzieshill confirmed their third place in the table with a 4-0 win at Edinburgh University. The scorers were Albert Rowling, Gavin Tomlinson, Cameron Golden and Gavin Byers.

In the other match of the day Clydesdale moved out of the relegation zone and into sixth place in the table with a 3-2 win at Uddingston. The Titwood-based side were a goal up at the interval with Andrew Allan converting from the spot. With eight minutes to go the score had advanced to 2-2, Steven Percy and Brad Hughes scored for the home side while Patrick Lonergan got one for Clydesdale. But it was left to teenager Struan Walker to take the points to Clydesdale with a late strike.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Menengai, Nakuru Boys brave challenging duel:

By Ben Ahenda and Elizabeth Mburugu


Hilcrest School's Dorris Mucyo (left) and Irene Adhiambo of Buru Buru during regional games at Nairobi School on Friday March 9, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Upper Hill hammer Strathmore School as Dagoretti shock Lang’ata in Nairobi region showdown.

Menengai High School won rugby 15’s title at the Nakuru County Secondary Schools Term One Games at Kabarak University yesterday.

Menengai, who played with pride and confidence, stormed off the blocks with gusto, running rings around woeful Kirobon Secondary School to chalk up 31-0 victory in the lop-sided match. They earned their ticket to Rift Valley Region Secondary Schools Games set for Kitale later this month.

Austin Sikutwa and Roy Nandwa each touched down twice and Davies Ochieng once with Sikutwa returning the three conversions.

En route to the finals, Menengai secured a 21-3 victory over Gilgil's Utumishi Academy from three tries and three conversions while the losers replied through a drop goal as Kirobon dismissed Molo Secondary 10-7 in the other semi-final match.

In the play-offs, Utumishi Academy clobbered Molo Secondary 15-0 after both teams fell in the semi-finals.

In the boys hockey, Nakuru Boys and Utumishi Academy were squaring it out in the finals by our press time.

Nakuru Boys had earlier defeated Kirobon 3-2 after a 2-2 deadlock at the regulation time in a tough semifinal encounter, which forced the umpires to extend the match to extra time.

In the second semi-final match, Utumishi Academy walloped Jomo Kenyatta Secondary 5-1. In their first attempt at the championships, St Andrews Turi reached the finals of the girls hockey when they walloped Kirobon 11-0 and were facing Njoro Girls by our press time in the finals. Njoro Girls had earlier secured a 2-0 victory over Nakuru Girls in the second semi-final encounter.

The Standard Online

Ailing hockey Olympian Mansoor awaits financial help



ISLAMABAD: The family of former Olympian and 1994 hockey World Cup winning goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed, who is undergoing treatment for heart ailment in a local hospital here is in dire straits and is unable to meet the medical expenses due to financial constrains. “Mansoor’s condition deteriorated again on Friday and the doctors shifted him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” family sources were quoted as saying Saturday.

They added that the doctors had advised cardiac transplant of the patient. “We’ve not yet received a single penny from the government or the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and finding it difficult to continue with the treatment,” the sources quoted his family members as saying. Sindh Governor Zubair Ahmed also visited the hospital and enquired about the health of the former Olympian goalkeeper and ex-Pakistan captain. Besides, some former Olympians, internationals, local players and well wishers have visited the hospital as well to enquire about Mansoor’s health. “The hospital expenses have way over crossed the figure of Rs 500,000/- already,” the sources added. Meanwhile, the PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, in a communication to the Sindh Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs, had requested him to sanction a special grant-in-aid of Rs one million for Mansoor’s treatment.

The Daily Times

PAHF Umpiring Workshop in Kingston, Jamaica


PAHF Umpiring Workshop - Kingston, Jamaica with Roger St. Rose. Photo :Richard Shaw   

The Pan American Hockey Federation Umpiring Committee (PAHF UC) based on its ongoing mandate to develop the umpiring potential within the Continent by developing its human resources  facilitated an Umpiring workshop within Kingston, Jamaica during the period February 14-19, 2018 with its facilitator being Roger St Rose.  Strategically the emphasis was on four main areas:

1.       Start the process of developing a cadre of Umpire Coaches within the country and equipping them with the up to date knowledge in training and mentoring new and up and coming Umpires in what is required for the Umpires for the Hockey Revolution as espoused by the FIH;

2.      Assisting the Jamaican Hockey Federation (JHF) with developing  the PAHF Accreditation National Umpires Badge program;

3.      Facilitating a two-day practical workshop with the Jamaican National U-18 boys and Girls, the support staff and Umpires on the concept of the Hockey 5s rules and game;

4.      Finally having a two-day critical thinking umpiring workshop with all national and FIH Umpires with a practical game included to demonstrate the practical application of what was discussed at the workshop.

At the conclusion of the 5 days of intensive discussions and practical application of what was being discussed, both umpires coaches and the new promising club umpires and existing umpires indicate that the issues discussed were well received and very impactful.  Everyone left the workshop motivated to embrace either a career in umpiring or discovered a new appreciation of the sport of hockey in terms of where the sport is heading and the role of the umpires play as a stakeholder in the game in the whole Hockey Revolution.

Some of the quotes were as follows:

"Roger delivered with passion and commitment and he challenged the participants to always think and to continually see k the information which is now readily available for self improvement"  Audrey Gaynor

"I found the course to be very professional, clear and concise in regards to the key points to what being an umpire is about ... realizing its not limited to just knowing the Rules of the game and applying them but to develop critical thinking on the field of play ..." Howard Bingham

"The course was fun and engaging and I learnt a lot from the workshop." Shari -Ann Osbourne

"Roger simplified what seemed like a difficult task" Collin Morrison

"He engaged everyone, provided clarity for all and was very patient in ensuring the information was understood by all....he used various tools when he presented ...assessment of the game was done in groups which I found to be very engaging and good..." Marlon Smith.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release