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News 14 September 2014

All the news for Sunday 14 September 2014


Canada remains undefeated at World League with win over Mexico

Women next face Peru on Sunday morning in Mexico

Shaheed Devji

The Canadian Women's National Team remained undefeated at World League 1 in Mexico with a 6-0 victory over the host Mexicans Saturday morning.

The game was an important one for both teams as both Canada, ranked no. 22 in the world, and Mexico, ranked no. 28, won their first games and were looking for the upper hand in the tournament.

The Canadians came out of the gates strong, led by veteran forward Thea Culley (Rossland, BC), who scored the game's first goal in the third minute and followed that up with a second in the nineteenth on a penalty corner to give Canada a quick 2-0 lead.

After a few minutes of sustained pressure, the Canadians struck again, and again it was two quick goals.

First, Karli Johansen (North Vancouver, BC) converted from a Canadian penalty corner in the twenty-third minute and then Tegan Stairs (Kitchener, ON), who scored her first international goal versus Guatemala on Thursday, netted from another penalty corner in the twenty-ninth minute.

Heading into the half, the Canadians held a comfortable 4-0 lead. But they didn't rest on their laurels as in the second half.

A goal from Brienne Stairs (Kitchener, ON) in the forty-seventh minute added to the lead before Sara McManus (Tsawwassen, BC) scored the game's final goal in the sixty-sixth minute and Canada went on to the 6-0 victory.

Canada, now 2W-0D-1L, will face Peru in their final game of the tournament on Sunday morning at 7:30am PST/10:30am EST. With a win, the Canadians will be guaranteed first place in the tournament and will advance to World League 2.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Sikh player in Canada's record 34 - 0 win against Guatemala
 


Poonan Kaur Sandhu was in Canada's team which defeated Guatemala 34 - 0 at the Women's World League 1 tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico on Thursday 11 September 2014.

Poonan also scored two goals in that match.

This is a world record for most goals scored in a Women's international match. The previous record was 26 goals.

New Zealand (Men) hold the record for most goals scored in an international hockey match when they defeated Papua & New Guinea 39 - 0 on 12 September 2007 in Buderim, Australia.
 
Sikhs in Hockey



Auckland Men and Women win Ford NHL double


Auckland Women with the K Cup, courtesy www.photosport.co.nz

It’s been a stunning day for Auckland who have come away with both the men’s and women’s Ford National Hockey League titles.

The Auckland men led from start to finish in their 3-0 win over Midlands to claim the Challenge Shield for an unprecedented fourth successive time.

Meanwhile, the Auckland women were pushed hard by a spirited Northland side but took home the K Cup after a tight 1-0 result.

Auckland also won the inaugural Ramesh Patel Shield for New Zealand’s best performing region across all three men’s and women’s Hockey New Zealand high performance tournaments (Under 18, Under 21, Ford NHL).

In the men’s final, Auckland were off to a fast start against the men in orange with Marcus Child putting his side up 1-0 in the third minute.

With key player Ryan Archibald ruled out through injury pre-game, replacement Veeran Morar made his mark with a nice goal from the top of the circle to give Auckland a two goal buffer.

Striker Jared Panchia put a nail in the coffin in the third quarter with a stunning effort to take the ball off his defender before flicking over the keeper and into the roof of goal.

The goal earned Panchia Top Goal Scorer for the tournament with seven field goals from nine games, while Midlands Australian import Tim Deavin took out top honours as Most Valuable Player.

“It was really helpful being able to go ahead on the score board early, with two goals in the first quarter we just had to hold on from there,” said Jared Panchia.

“Four in a row is huge. A lot of the guys here have played two or three years now but we also have a lot of young guys coming through and that shows our depth. Hopefully we can keep going and win again next year.”

In the women’s final, veteran Krystal Forgesson scored what proved to be the winning goal in just the sixth minute after pouncing on a loose ball to knock in past goalkeeper Nicola Howes.

In the second half Northland responded and created several sustained periods of attack, with Stacey Michelsen playing a leading role despite being heavily marked.

As time wound down the Aucklanders countered plenty pressure and held on to take home the league championship.

Auckland captain Jan Rowsell was thrilled to come away with the title against a difficult opponent.

“We always knew it was going to be a tough match. They came out today and showed they had intent to win, and certainly proved they deserved to be in the final,” she said.

“Northland are a really tough team, they have been playing some great hockey and we had to keep fighting and fighting all game to come away with the result.”

Northland’s Stacey Michelsen was awarded Most Valuable Player for the tournament, while Canterbury Cats striker Sian Fremaux took out Top Goal Scorer with seven goals from nine games.

If you missed the action from the men’s and women’s finals, you can watch replays of both games on the Hockey New Zealand website

CLICK HERE for the full results, standings and goal scorers

FORD NHL RESULTS – SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

MEN

FINAL
Auckland 3: (Marcus Child, Veeran Morar, Jared Panchia)
Midlands 0

3rd vs 4th
Canterbury Cavaliers 4: (Richard Bain, Willie Hayde, Willie Davidson, Simon Orchard)
Southern Dogs 0

5th vs 6th
North Harbour 1: (David Green)
Capital 0

7th vs 8th
Central Mavericks 6: (Steve Davison 2, Joe Hanks, Cameron Joyce, Ryan Cosgrove, Robin Smith)
Northland 1: (Harrison Lamb)

WOMEN

FINAL
Auckland 1: (Krystal Forgesson)
Northland 0

3rd vs 4th
Midlands 2: (Arnica Palmer, Renee Ashton)
Canterbury Cats 0

5th vs 6th
Central Mysticks 2: (Deanna Ritchie, Michaela Curtis)
Southern Storm 1: (Paige Lane)

7th vs 8th
North Harbour 2: (Erin Goad, Kimberley Gill)
Capital 1: (Niamh Atcheler)

Watch replays of both Ford NHL finals

Watch replays of the men's and women's Ford National Hockey League finals through the link below.

The games feature expert commentary from Bryan Waddle, who was joined by Katie Glynn for the women’s final and Dave Kosoof for the men’s final.

CLICK HERE to watch Ford NHL finals

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Auckland takes hockey league title

Auckland secured the men's and women's national hockey league titles today.

A dominant display by Auckland's men saw them batter Midlands 3-0 in the final at the North Harbour Hockey Stadium, while a sixth minute goal from Krystal Forgesson in the women's final was enough to see off Northland 1-0.

Marcus Child, Veeran Morar and Jared Panchia fired in goals for Auckland in the men's final, where both sides had to battle the horrid conditions and the opposing team.

Auckland started the match with a bang when Marcus Child opened the scoring after five minutes, and Veeran Morar doubled the lead six minutes later with a cracking strike from the edge of the circle.

The men in blue were bossing possession and camped up deep inside Midlands' half, with their swarming defence ensuring Midlands couldn't clear the ball up field.

Midlands have relied on the commanding performances of Tim Deavin and Nick Woods throughout the competition, but Auckland were shutting the midfield duo down.

Those two early goals finally woke the Midlands team up, but there was little they could do when trying to move the ball.

Auckland had their tails up, but it was a testament to Midlands' organisation at the back that they weren't down more than two goals at first quarter time.

As the weather worsened in the second quarter, with large pools forming on the North Harbour turf, Midlands found more success in possession.

One chance was created when Richard Petherick had a chance from a penalty corner, but his pass off to Deavin was deflected wide by keeper Devon Manchester.

Despite the conditions, Auckland were still forming some nice attacking moves with slick passing.

Auckland cemented their lead after halftime when Jared Panchia hammered the ball on from a tight angle.

Receiving the ball with his back to goal, Panchia turned his defender and rifled a shot across Midlands keeper Hamish McGregor and into the top left corner.

Midlands were creating few chances, and Auckland were focussing on maintaining possession and good field position inside the Midlands half.

In typical Auckland fashion, the sun came out for the final quarter, drying up some of the pools of water on the turf.

The change of weather didn't create a change in fortune, with Auckland back on attack early, and Child was denied a second goal by a good stop from McGregor.

That stop was McGregor's last moment of the match with 13 minutes remaining, pulled from the field as Midlands added a striker to try and force their way back.

Midlands didn't find any more success with an extra field player, and survived two penalty corners despite not having their keeper on the turf.

Although the ball was mainly up Auckland's end of the field for the final few moments, Auckland were taking their time with everything they did to wind down the clock.

In the women's final, Krystal Forgesson scored in the sixth minute to hand Auckland total domination of the national competitions, securing a 1-0 win over Northland.

Stuff



Auckland claim double title

By David Leggat


Krystal Forgesson. Photo / Getty Images.

Auckland fancied their chances for a rare double title triumph and got it, albeit in contrasting fashion on finals day of the national hockey league at North Harbour yesterday.

While the women had to toil hard in an even contest against Northland for a 1-0 win, the Auckland men started strongly and eased clear in wretched conditions to beat Midlands 3-0 in their Channelge Shield final.

Both Auckland teams had struggles early in the league but seemed to step up with each game from then on.

Auckland lost to Northland 3-1 in the second round; Auckland went down 2-1 in their opening game to Southern in Dunedin.

The decisive goal for the Auckland women came from retiring international Krystal Forgesson in just the sixth minute.

Auckland got on top early, Northland forced their way into the contest well before halftime and the second half see-sawed with Northland's Jess MacAlister squandering a glorious late chance in front of an open goal, just unable to reach a ball driven in from the left.

Much of Northland's best attacking work came through international Stacey Michelsen, who was named most valuable player of the league.

It wasn't the title Michelsen was hoping for, having helped carry a team unfancied by most pundits to progress to the decider, and while she was hugely disappointed at the outcome was delighted Northland had proved the naysayers wrong.

Auckland prospered through a strong attacking line, in which internationals Forgesson, Charlotte and Sam Harrison provided 16 of their 22 goals in the league.

"The key was going out to be a champion team, rather than a team of champions," Auckland captain Jan Rowsell said after clinching the province's first K Cup title since 2011.

"We had a group of players who were fantastic all over the pitch and stayed together when the pressure went on."

Rowsell doesn't expect to be around next year. Forgesson, having retired from international hockey this week, is undecided. In which case it could prove an ideal sendoff for what Rowsell quipped were a couple of the "grandmas" in the team.

The women were lucky yesterday. They got their final completed before the driving rain and wind set in.

Auckland were quickly out of the blocks, with the elements at their backs, and goals by Marcus Child and Veeran Morar inside the first seven minutes had them in charge from the start.

Midlands had impressed throughout the league, but with pools of water settling on the pitch, it was tough going to make up lost ground.

When Jared Panchia scored his seventh goal of the tournament the die was cast.

Midlands did have a couple of late chances, and the league's MVP winner, Australian midfielder Tim Deavin, was a driving influence, but Auckland were well worth the win.

"Conditions were tough which made it a little more difficult," Auckland skipper Arun Panchia said. "But we started well and knew if we played to our potential we would be able to have a good performance."

Canterbury, disappointing through the week, belted Southern 4-0 to finish third, while Central's 6-1 win over Northland ensured they would avoid the wooden spoon.

Defending women's champions Midlands, beaten 3-2 by Auckland in the semifinals on Saturday, had some satisfaction, winning the third-fourth decider 2-0 against Canterbury.

Auckland also won the inaugural Ramesh Patel Shield for New Zealand's best performing region across all three men's and women's Hockey New Zealand high performance tournaments (Under 18, Under 21, and NHL).

Final standings:
Men: Auckland 1, Midlands 2, Canterbury 3, Southern 4, North Harbour 5, Capital 6, Central 7, Northland 8.
Women: Auckland 1, Northland 2, Midlands 3, Canterbury 4, Central 5, Southern 6, North Harbour 7, Capital 8.

The New Zealand Herald



Auckland teams set sights on double glory


A brace from Charlotte Harrison proved the difference against Midlands. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland have a chance to snatch double glory in the National Hockey League finals this afternoon.

Yesterday's semifinals at North Harbour Hockey Stadium set up a showdown between Auckland and Northern in the women's K Cup, and the men will attempt to repeat last year's win when they battle Midlands in the Challenge Shield.

The province's prospects for twin victories arrived after the Auckland women defeated defending champions Midlands 3-2 and the men edged Southern by the same score.

A brace from Charlotte Harrison proved the difference against Midlands, netting the winner in the 47th minute with a terrific shot from the top of the circle. Harrison's intervention was needed after her opener and Su Arn Kwek's first-half strikes were cancelled out by Natasha FitzSimons and Kate Kernaghan.

Auckland will meet an unexpected foe in the final after Stacey Michelsen scored twice to help Northland stun Canterbury 3-1.

The midfielder opened the scoring in the 13th minute but, after a brief delay due to a flooded turf, Canterbury drew level early in the third quarter to lock up the scores.

Northland surged again ahead when Michelsen scored from a solo run, before Ella Gunson sealed Northland's spot in the final from a penalty stroke.

In the men's competition, Auckland kept alive their hopes of a fourth consecutive championship, needing a late winner from striker Jared Panchia after an even encounter. Panchia and Dwayne Rowsell had earlier given Auckland the lead and Joe Crooks twice pulled his side back into the match.

Auckland will now play Midlands after they won a shoot-out against Canterbury.

The New Zealand Herald



Champs Beeston blast past Canterbury


Beeston's Ben Arnold (10) celebrates with goalscorer Tim Whiteman (7) against Canterbury, 13th September 2014. Credit Josh Dixon

Reigning champions Beeston picked up where they left off with a 6-2 win over Canterbury on the first day of the 2014-15 NOW: Pensions Premier Division season.

It was Beeston who drew first blood with Gordon McIntyre on target but Harry Roberts drew Canterbury level soon after.

But Beeston went on to pepper the opposition goal with shots and Sam Ward, Tim Whiteman and David Ames all found the target, as did Ben Arnold with a quick-fire brace.

Last season’s runners-up East Grinstead were favourites against Cannock, but were trailing 3-1 at the break after Rob Farrington, Tom Morris and Marc Edwards had given their side the lead.

But East Grinstead hit back with Mark Pearn and David Condon pulling them level. Then, with just seven seconds remaining, Ashley Jackson popped up to score the winner.

Last season, Surbiton finished third and Reading took fourth spot. The two sides clashed on and it was Surbiton who claimed the points as Geoff McCabe, Aaron Forsyth and Matt Daly scored their goals in a 3-1 scoreline.

Newcomers Brooklands Manchester University and Southgate faced off and as expected, it was a close contest.

Peter Flanagan put Brooklands ahead after four minutes before Andrew Westbrook equalised. Dave Flanagan had the chance to restore Brooklands’ lead on 21 minutes but saw his penalty stroke saved by Allan Dick.

This spurred Southgate on and they went on to claim all three points with a goal from George Scott.

Hampstead and Westminster performed a sensational smash-and-grab to beat Wimbledon 2-1.

Wimbledon led from the fifth minute but Andy Hayward’s goal in the 68th minute levelled the scores before Will Naylor hit the winner from the restart.

NOW: Pensions Men's Conference East

Holcombe started their push for promotion with a 5-1 win over Old Loughtonians with a number of top new signings making their debuts. Gareth Andrew was in lethal form, scoring four of their goals, while Dan Coultas added the other.

Peter Dobson was the hat-trick hero for Bromley and Beckenham as they recorded a 5-2 win on the road at Teddington.

Richmond made a faultless start to their campaign, running out 5-0 winners over Oxted.

Oxted held the lead until the 41st minute after a Chris Webster goal but Richmond fought back and their comeback started with Jack Hardy’s successful conversion of a penalty stroke.

Chichester Priory Park announced their arrival to the division in some style, beating Brighton and Hove 4-1. Jack Lerwill led the scoring with a brace.

NOW: Pensions Men's Conference North

Sheffield Hallam narrowly missed out on promotion last season but sent out a clear message that they’d be pushing again this year with a 5-0 win over Leek in the NOW: Pensions Men's Conference North.

Liam Ansell was on target twice with Nicholas Parkes, David Goodfield and Lucas Ward also finding the net.

Ben White hit a brace to lead the scoring in an exciting 6-3 home win against Wakefield and Rhys Doherty also weighed in with two goals as Loughborough Students beat Doncaster 4-2.

Matthew Murphy hit a hat-trick to lead University of Durham to a 3-1 win over Belper and Chris Armstrong scored the winner for Olton and West Warwickshire in a 3-2 victory over Deeside Ramblers.

NOW: Pensions Men's Conference West

Liam Brignull, Rhys Gowman and James Carson all scored twice as Cardiff and Met raced to an 11-0 win over Whitchurch, putting them top of the table.

The reigning champions, who just missed out on promotion to the Premier Division last term, looked as dangerous as ever as they showed newcomers Whitchurch what a tough league it will be.

Two goals for Tom Whitworth helped University of Exeter to a 3-0 win over Indian Gymkhana and Team Bath Buccaneers’ Sam Hatherley scored the only goal in his side’s triumph away to Cheltenham.

Elsewhere, a Jamie Rawlings goal proved to be the difference in a 3-2 win over Barford Tigers for Fareham and Guildford drew 2-2 with University of Birmingham.

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, September 13 2014):

NOW: Pensions Premier Division: Hampstead and Westminster 2, Wimbledon 1; Beeston 6, Canterbury 2; Surbiton 3, Reading 1; Brooklands Manchester University 1, Southgate 2; Cannock 3, East Grinstead 4.

NOW: Pensions Men's Conference East: Teddington 2, Bromley and Beckenham 5; Brighton and Hove 1, Chichester Priory Park 4; Oxted 1, Richmond 5; Holcombe 5, Old Loughtonians 1.

NOW: Pensions Men's Conference North: Bowdon 6, Wakefield 3; Olton and West Warwickshire 3, Deeside Ramblers 2; University of Durham 3, Belper 1; Doncaster 2, Loughborough Students 4; Sheffield Hallam 5, Leek 0.

NOW: Pensions Men's Conference West: Cheltenham 0, Team Bath Buccaneers 1; Cardiff and Met 11, Whitchurch 0; Fareham 3, Barford Tigers 2; Guildford 2, University of Birmingham 2; University of Exeter 3, Indian Gymkhana 0.

England Hockey Board Media release



University of Birmingham edge past rivals Leicester


Olivia Chilton and Lily Owsley celebrate Univ of Birmingham's goal, Sept 13 2014 - credit Andy Smith

LILY Owsley’s second half goal was enough for University of Birmingham to beat Leicester one-nil as they made a great start to the Investec Women’s Premier Division on Saturday.

She struck on 46 minutes to give her side the lead. Leicester had the chance to equalise but Hannah Fair missed a penalty stroke in the 59th minute.

Elsewhere, last season’s runners-up Canterbury are the early leaders of the Premier Division after beating hosts Beeston 5-1.

Sarah Kerly opened the scoring for Canterbury in the ninth minute. Grace Balsdon doubled the lead on 15 minutes and Lizzie Neal added another five minutes later.

Reigning champions Surbiton beat Reading in the semi-finals of the play-offs last season but couldn’t repeat that feat, playing out a goalless draw.

Phoebe Richards pulled a goal back for Beeston but a strike from Eliza Brett and a second for Kerly put the game to bed.

After winning the Investec Women’s Conference East by a massive 14-point margin last season, Holcombe picked up where they left off when they beat Bowdon Hightown 3-0.

Nicola White scored their maiden top flight goal on eight minutes and Leigh Maasdorp added another from a penalty corner on 24 minutes. A Nicci Daly effort after the break rounded off the scoring.

Clifton came through a tight encounter against Buckingham to nick a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Claire Thomas goal.

Investec Women's Conference East

East Grinstead began their new campaign with a 3-0 victory over Sevenoaks in the Investec Women’s Conference East.

Heather Batten broke the deadlock after 33 minutes before Alicia Caillard and Lucy Brown scored two goals in as many second-half minutes to make complete the scoring.

League newcomers Maidenhead got off to a winning start as Edwina Westacott pounced from a penalty corner to secure a 1-0 result against Harleston Magpies.

The other new team to the league, Bedford, couldn’t get off the mark as they lost out to Horsham. Kate Costin was on target for Bedford but goals from Suzy Clapp and Charlotte White handed Horsham the win.

Two goals from Rose Winter saw Wimbledon beat Ipswich 2-0 and in the other game, Chelmsford and St Albans took a share of the spoils with Bryony Pipe and Natasha Humphris on target in a 1-1 draw.

Investec Women's Conference North

Sutton Coldfield started their season with all guns blazing as Emma McCabe and Jane Sixsmith both scored hat-tricks in a stunning 7-1 win over Kendal.

Last season’s champions Brooklands Poynton put their play-off loss behind them quickly to beat Ben Rhydding 3-1. A brace from Charlotte Jackson and a third goal from Amy Gavin was enough to see off their opposition.

Loughborough Students and Wakefield were both convincing winners in their games.

Ellie Tait, Jo Blunt and Claudia Moehrke were all on target for Loughborough in a 3-0 win over Liverpool Sefton and Wakefield beat Cannock 3-1 courtesy of strikes from Cat Horn, Rebecca Hutson and Hannah Norman.

In the other game in the North, University of Durham and Whitley Bay and Tynemouth played out a 1-1 draw.

Investec Women's Conference West

Bristol Firebrands came flying out of the blocks to emerge as early leaders of the Investec Women's Conference West with a 4-0 win over Olton and West Warwickshire.

Lizzie Gittens gave them the lead inside three minutes and Holly Savage made it two just five minutes later. Kathryn Bache’s goal put them three up just before the break and veteran Linda Webb’s smart finish on the hour completed the win.

Oxford Hawks and Gloucester City played out an entertaining 3-3 draw. Caro Harris scored a hat-trick for Oxford, hitting two in the last five minutes to earn a point.

Swansea City were comprehensive victors on the road to Stourport with Danielle Doherty, Natalie Blyth and Sophie Clayton on the score sheet.

Meg Crowson and Jennifer Burry were on target for Isca in their 2-0 win against Cheltenham and Nora Ilkei scored the lone goal in Slough’s 1-0 win over Trojans.

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, September 13 2014):

Investec Women's Premier Division: Clifton 1, Buckingham 0; Surbiton 0, Reading 0; Holcombe 3, Bowdon Hightown 0; Beeston 1, Canterbury 5; University of Birmingham 0, Leicester 0.

Investec Women's Conference East: Sevenoaks 0, East Grinstead 3; Bedford 1, Horsham 2; Wimbledon 2, Ipswich 0; Chelmsford 1, St Albans 1; Maidenhead 1, Harleston Magpies 0.

Investec Women's Conference North: Brooklands Poynton 3, Ben Rhydding 1; University of Durham 1, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 1; Liverpool Sefton 0, Loughborough Students 3; Wakefield 3, Cannock 1; Sutton Coldfield 7, Kendal 1.

Investec Women's Conference West: Trojans 0, Slough 1; Oxford Hawks 3, Gloucester City 3; Bristol Firebrands 4, Olton and West Warwickshire 0; Isca 2, Cheltenham 0; Stourport 0, Swansea City 3.

England Hockey Board Media release



KU win battle of varsities at City Park Stadium


Davis Wanangwe (left) of Nairobi Simba vies for the ball with Arnold Marango of KCA-U during their men’s Hockey Premier League match at City Park Stadium on March 15. Simba play Mvita XI on September 14, 2014. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |   NATION

Kenyatta University on Saturday beat Daystar University 2-0 in the National men’s hockey league at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

Goals from Kevin Baraza and Job Simiyu on either side of the game were enough to see KU win the battle of universities and move second on the standings. The margin of loss would have been bigger for Daystar were it not for KU’s wastefulness in front of goal.

Kenyatta University started brightly, putting their opponents under pressure and vying for every ball. Daystar looked uncomfortable in possession, giving the ball away easily and their defence appeared shaky.

KU created the first chance of the game in the 15th minute when Baraza’s ferocious shot came off the Daystar post to the delight of Daystar goalkeeper James Kinyua.

Two minutes later, Daystar fell behind as Baraza scored after a penalty corner to give his team a deserved lead.  KU sealed victory in the second-half when Simiyu sounded the boards in the 60th minute, finishing off a nice move.

On Sunday, Nairobi Simba will take on Mvita XI as Parklands play Mount Kenya University (MKU). In the women’s league, Sliders will face Vikings as MKU battle Mombasa Sports Club.

RIVAL FEDERATION

Elsewhere, a showdown is looming in the sport after it emerged that a rival body had written to the register seeking to be allowed to run the game locally.

The new body, known as Hockey Kenya Federation (HKF), sent a letter to the sports registrar Mary Wasike dated July 31 2014 seeking registration.

The letter included an application form, the proposed constitution, short-term strategic plan, copies of the applicant’s identification documents, proposed logo and emblem as well as list of the interim officials.

The proposed HFK interim officials include Elizabeth Ayany (chairperson), Ken Bunyasi (secretary), Roy Odhier (treasurer), George Jalang’o (vice chair), Peter Kiruma (director, operations) and Martin Milla.

Daily Nation



Two changes to women’s Asian Games hockey squad

By S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Injuries have forced the Malaysian women’s hockey team to make two changes to the side who played in the Commonwealth Games for their Asian Games campaign.

Terengganu’s Nor Hasikin Halim and Selangor’s Nurul Shafiqah Mat Isa have been called up to replace the injured duo of Surizan Awang Noh and Fatin Shapiqa Mohd Shukri respectively.

“We have basically retained the Glasgow Commonwealth Games team (who finished seventh out of 10 teams). We need an experienced line-up as the challenge in Incheon is tough. Our target is to make the semi-finals,” said team manager P. Chitra Dewi.

The semi-finals could be a tough ask for the team, who finished fifth in the last two editions of the Asian Games – in 2006 (Doha) and 2010 (Guangzhou).

Malaysia are in Group A with defending champions China, Thailand, India. Group B comprises Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Kazakhstan.

Malaysia face China on Sept 22, followed by Thailand on Sept 24 and India on Sept 26.

Assistant coach Ernawati Mohamed said that the women must finish second in their group if they are to meet the semi-final target.

China have been the champions since 2002 in Busan while South Korea and Japan are likely to challenge them for the gold medal this time.

Malaysia won the bronze medal in the 1982 Games in New Delhi when the event made its debut. They finished fourth in 1986 in Seoul and did not participate in the event again until 2006 in Doha.

Last year, the national women’s team surprised everyone by winning the bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara, Japan.

But repeating that feat in Incheon will be a tall order, indeed.

The team

Farah Ayuni Yahya, Nor Hasikin Halim, Nurul Nabiha Mansur, Norhasliza Md Ali, Raja Norsharina Raja Shabuddin, Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani, Juliani Mohd Din, Norbaini Hashim, Siti Shahida Saad, Norazlin Sumantri, Nuraini Abdul Rashid, Nadia Abdul Rahman, Nurul Shafiqah Mat Isa, Fazilla Sylvester Silin, Siti Noor Hafiza Zainordin, Rabiatul Adawiyah.

The Star of Malaysia



Give charge to an Indian only: Bovelander

Sudheendra Tripathi

MUMBAI: At 48, Dutch hockey legend Floris Jan Bovelander is remarkably well built. Yet he is very lithe. This was evident when he presented the man of the match award after Indian Oil defeated Indian Navy 5-3 in a Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd (MHAL)-conducted Mumbai Super League match. Soon after the game ended, the sprinklers suddenly came on. While many scurried for cover and still got drenched, Bovelander simply ducked and managed to stay dry.

In the city on The Netherlands government's invitation to be part of the 'Dutch Week' celebrations in the first week of November in Mumbai, Bovelander spoke about how his company (Edel Grass) intends to explore the possibilities of improving standards in the country.

"If everything goes well, we plan to install small artificial turfs across India so that children can start playing hockey on it when they are really young," Bovelander told TOI in an exclusive chat.

Bovelander elaborated why he became part of this initiative by Edel Grass: "We all know the game has changed.The infrastructure has changed. We have to come to terms with this fact as soon as possible. The idea is to introduce Indian kids to play on artificial turf in their formative years. By the time they start playing competitive hockey, they don't have to bother about making the transition from natural grass to the artificial, instead they can concentrate on other aspects like fitness, skills and other areas," he said.

The other raging debate in Indian hockey is whether a foreigner should manage the na tional team. Bovelander goes along with national sentiment. "It is a rather sensitive issue. But personally, I feel that an Indian should be at the helm of the national team. Similarly a Dutchman should be in charge of the Dutch national team.

"I am not averse to having foreign coaches. But there should be a system in place. The foreigners should be used at the grassroots level. They should also be involved in creating awareness (changing gameplans, rules, etc) among the domestic coaches."

Meanwhile, president and secretary of MHAL were delighted to have and help Bovelander achieve his objective. "Bovelander has all the support from us. After all he is doing something constructive for the sport in the country," they stressed.

The Times of India



Trials surprise officials

Zanzeer Singh

THE Lautoka Hockey Association in FIJI received an overwhelming response during the trials yesterday to select the district team for the MH Inter District Competition in Suva next month.

More than 45 players attended the day long trials which surprised the selectors.

Association official Fergus Underwood said with the big responses, they planned to field two men's and a women's team during the IDC.

Underwood said the players showed discipline coming in with proper uniform and gear.

"We did not expect so many players to turn up for the trials," he said.

"With the big number of players we can field three teams provided the IDC organisers allow us to.

"Majority of the players who attended the trials were school students. This is very good for the development of the sport."

The IDC will be held at the National Hockey Centre at Laucala Bay from October 9-13.

The Fiji Times



World's oldest female hockey player, Marie Larsen, considers hanging up her boots

By Ewan Gilbert and Clarissa Thorpe


Ms Larsen proudly holds the certificate declaring her the world's oldest competitive female hockey player. (ABC News: Clarissa Thorpe)

The world's oldest female competitive hockey player is considering hanging up her boots after playing in a semi-final match in Canberra.

Marie Larsen, 80, played in the right-wing position for the Tuggeranong Vikings hockey team during the game.

She started playing more than 65 years ago at Lismore in northern New South Wales while aged in her teens.

Over her career Ms Larsen has played in most positions and even represented the ACT at a national level.

However, the Guinness World Record holder told 666 ABC Canberra she is not feeling as light on the field as she used to be.

"The bones are getting a little bit creaky, but still I'm all right," she said.


Ms Larsen has been playing hockey for more than 65 years, starting in her teens while going to school in Lismore. (ABC News: Clarissa Thorpe)

"You just get in there and do what you have to."

Ms Larsen plays in the Women's State League 5 competition, where she joins teammates who are often less than half her age.

She started thinking about retirement after suffering a minor stroke in March this year.

"I just don't feel that I am carrying my weight enough in the team now and I don't want to jeopardise their games," she said.

"So I might just have to take a back seat next year."

Ms Larsen is still planning to turn up for umpiring duties and to pass on her tips to any juniors in need of advice.

The next oldest competitive female hockey player in the world is 76 years old.


Photo: The sprightly 80-year-old plays with some team mates who are less than half her age. (ABC News: Clarissa Thorpe)

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