News 16 October 2014
All the news for Thursday 16 October 2014
Ireland 1-0 Belgium (w)
Ireland make it two wins from two in their test series against Belgium with a 1-0 win today.
The Green Army's sole goal came from Chloe Brown who scored a following a flowing attacking movement in the 10th minute. Ireland created several clear opportunities but did not convert.
Commenting Coach Smith "Great to get two wins against Belgium. The girls played some very good hockey. Now we look forward to Scotland in November and three tough games"
Irish Hockey Association media release
Burras defeat New Zealand
U21 Australian men walk away victors after a winning goal from Max Hendry
After a fast-paced and exciting match at the Sultan Johor Cup in Malaysia Wednesday night, the Australian U21 men’s hockey team turned their luck around after half time, walking away with a 4-3 victory over New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Nick Woods started the match strongly, scoring inside the first three minutes of the match starting. New Zealand continued with another penalty corner and field goal at the 35th and 41st minute by Daniel Panchia and Kim Kingstone.
Australia struggling to convert their opportunities in their attacking circle, quickly found themselves under pressure. Having turned their luck around in previous matches, Australia’s moment under the spotlight was minutes away.
In the space of 10 minutes, Australia made their comeback with support from the crowd. Showcasing two penalty corners and two field goals, the Burras were back on target.
Andrew Scanlon and Joshua Bretherton were on fire with their penalty corners in the 51st and 54th minute, leaving New Zealand with a 3-2 lead. Three minutes after Bretherton’s goal, Oliver Crane showcased an exceptional field goal levelling scores 3-3.
It was Max Hendry’s golden goal at the 61st minute that carried Australia over the line to secure a 4-3 victory over New Zealand. Hendry was awarded for his outstanding performance on the field, and was named player of the match.
The Australian U21 men’s Head Coach Ben Bishop commented on the Burras’ performance last night.
“It was a pleasing second half, with the Burras stepping up their performance after not executing the first half to a high enough standard, which unfortunately resulted in 2 goals scored against us.”
Talking about the competition and the opportunities it provides our younger Australian athletes, Bishop added, “This tournament is about providing and exposing our younger generation of athletes with an experience of International hockey, and tonight the Burras showed a lot of character and potential in a tough situation.”
Australia in second place with seven points in the pool standings, will take on first placed Great Britain Thursday night, in what will be one of Australia’s toughest matches in the competition so far.
You can watch tonight's showdown between Australia and Great Britain live on EuroSport (Foxtel, Ch 511) at 23:00 AEDT/20:00 AWST.
AUSTRALIA: 4 (0)
Andrew Scanlon 51 (PC)
Joshua Bretherton 54 (PC)
Oliver Crane 57 (FG)
Max Hendry 61 (FG)
NEW ZEALAND: 3 (2)
Nic Woods 3 (PC)
Daniel Panchia 35 (PC)
Kim Kingstone 41 (FG)
Australia Under 21 Squad v New Zealand
Started
James Benetti (WA)
Simon Benetti (WA)
Joshua Bretherton (VIC)
Benjamin Craig (NSW)
Frazer Gerrard (WA)
William Gilmour (VIC)
Timothy Howard (QLD)
Brandan Horner (NSW)
Alec Rasmussen (WA)
Andrew Scanlon (VIC)
Hayden Walker (WA)
Used substitute
Benjamin Austin (TAS)
Oliver Crane (QLD)
Maximilian Hendry (VIC)
Samuel Liles (NSW)
Ryan Proctor (NSW)
Nathanael Stewart (NSW)
Ashleigh Thomas (NSW)
Australia Fixtures, Sultan of Johor Cup
16 October - Australia vs Great Britain 23:00 AEDT/20:00 AWST
18 October - Australia vs India 19:00 AEDT/16:00 AWST
19 October - Final
Sultan of Johor Cup Pool Standings
1 - Great Britain (9 Points)
2 - Australia (7 Points)
3 - India (6 Points)
4 - New Zealand (1 Point)
5 - Malaysia (1 Point)
6 - Pakistan (1 Point)
*Please note, the pool standings reflect the current score after round three.
Hockey Australia media release
Future Black Sticks edged 3-4 by Australia
The Future Black Sticks Men (Under 21s) were unable to hold onto a 3-0 lead against Australia after the trans-Tasman rivals staged a magnificent come-back to win 4-3 at the Sultan of Johor Cup last night.
The New Zealanders were hoping to bag the win to keep their hopes of making the finals alive, following a loss and draw in their two earlier games.
“It was a tough one to stomach tonight, not often do New Zealand sides find themselves 3-0 up against Australia but you have to admire their [Australia’s] resolve to hang in there and fight their way back into a contest,” said coach Bryce Collins.
“There were certainly some tough lessons and some real disappointment in not closing out the game. However, there were plenty of positives and we will pick ourselves up and approach the Pakistan game very positively.
“While making the final is unlikely, it is mathematically still possible. Importantly, we want to consolidate our position in the top four and play off for a medal on Sunday.
The Kiwis were in control in the first half with Nic Woods coolly completing a well worked penalty corner after just two minutes of play.
Despite Australia stepping up the pressure and being awarded three penalty corners, they could not convert. Just before half time, Daniel Panchia’s drag flick sailed into goal to give Kiwis the 2-0 and Auckland’s Kim Kingstone added one more in the 41st minute.
“I was pleased with our start, creating a penalty corner that we scored off within the opening minute of play set the tone from the word go. I think we are creating more chances each game and that showed by winning eight penalty corners, seven in the first half alone. We also executed the fundamentals much better, resulting in seven of eight attempts being saved – an area we have struggled with in the two earlier games,” said Collins.
The Aussie come-back began in the 51st minute with Andrew Scanlon, Joshua Brethern, Oliver Crane and Max Hendry securing the win.
The Kiwis now have a must win clash against Pakistan at 9pm tonight (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport 2.
“Pakistan present a differently challenge, counter attack hockey that we will need to control. It’s a game we need to win to achieve our goal,” said Collins.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Aussies comeback to defeat NZ under-21s
New Zealand were unable to hold onto a 3-0 lead against Australia after the trans-Tasman rivals staged a magnificent comeback to win 4-3 at the under 21 men's hockey Sultan of Johor Cup tournament last night.
The New Zealanders were hoping to bag the first win to keep their hopes of making the finals alive, following a loss and draw in their two earlier games.
"It was a tough one to stomach tonight, not often do New Zealand sides find themselves 3-0 up against Australia but you have to admire their [Australia's] resolve to hang in there and fight their way back into a contest," said coach Bryce Collins.
"There were certainly some tough lessons and some real disappointment in not closing out the game. However, there were plenty of positives and we will pick ourselves up and approach the Pakistan game very positively.
"While making the final is unlikely, it is mathematically still possible. Importantly, we want to consolidate our position in the top four and play off for a medal on Sunday.
The Kiwis were in control in the first half with Nic Woods coolly completing a well worked penalty corner after just two minutes of play.
Despite Australia stepping up the pressure and being awarded three penalty corners, they could not convert. Just before halftime, Daniel Panchia's drag flick sailed into goal to give Kiwis the 2-0 and Auckland's Kim Kingstone added one more in the 41st minute.
"I was pleased with our start, creating a penalty corner that we scored off within the opening minute of play set the tone from the word go. I think we are creating more chances each game and that showed by winning eight penalty corners, seven in the first half alone. We also executed the fundamentals much better, resulting in seven of eight attempts being saved - an area we have struggled with in the two earlier games," said Collins.
The Aussie come-back began in the 51st minute with Andrew Scanlon, Joshua Brethern, Oliver Crane and Max Hendry securing the win.
The Kiwis now have a must win clash against Pakistan at 9pm tonight (NZ time).
"Pakistan present a differently challenge, counter attack hockey that we will need to control. It's a game we need to win to achieve our goal," said Collins.
The New Zealand Herald
Third straight win for GB U21 Men
GREAT Britain Under-21 Men are sitting pretty at the top of the table after securing their third straight win in the Sultan of Johor Cup, this time winning 3-2 over hosts Malaysia on Wednesday.
Early goals from Sheffield Hallam’s David Goodfield and Reading’s Ben Boon – his third in three matches – helped Great Britain get off to a great start, but they then had to soak up periods of intense pressure from their hosts before wrapping up the win with a late Luke Taylor goal.
Afterwards, Assistant Coach Graham Moodie said: “Although the performance didn’t reach the heights of the two previous matches the guys showed great character, and continued intensity led to an all-important win in the end.”
A break down the left saw David Goodfield feed through to Sam French, and a good ball into the circle led to Boon firing home the opening goal after just four minutes.
Just two minutes later GB had doubled their lead. French broke down the right side, and passed to David Goodfield, who fired home from shoulder height at close range.
However, their dominance was put on hold by a period of sustained Malaysian pressure, and a green card and three yellows saw GB with their backs against the wall.
Half time came with no further score, but shortly after play resumed Malaysia pulled one back when Sufi Ismat Rohulmin broke down the middle.
Great Britain got back into their stride and enjoyed a good spell of dominance, and on 62 minutes Luke Taylor scored their third. Jonny Gall was fouled in the circle to win a penalty corner, and Taylor scored with a low flick straight under the goalkeeper.
Malaysia had the final word with Shahril Saabah scoring from a penalty corner five minutes from time, but it wasn’t enough to challenge for the win.
England Hockey Board Media release
Paying price for ‘sleeping’
By Jugjet Singh
Malaysia's Luqman Shukran (right) goes past Britain's James Benjamin yesterday. Pic by Hairul Anuar ABD Rahim
MALAYSIA were caught napping in the first five minutes of the match, and went down 3-2 to Britain in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday.
Now, they must beat India and Pakistan in their next matches to secure a third-fourth classification match, the least.
“A good fightback but individual mistakes crept in and we let in two early goals. However, I am proud of my players as they tried to make a comeback, but time was not on their side," said Malaysia coach Arul Selvaraj.
“Against India tomorrow (today) my personal target is to gain another set of experience, and try and reduce the cards as we need the numbers on the field consistently.”
Britain were so great that they never let Malaysia settle down by scoring two quick field goals in the first five minutes of play.
The damage was inflicted by James Boon in the third minute, and it was followed by another field goal by David Goodfield in the fifth minute.
It was supposed to be an uphill battle against the tournament favourites, but Malaysia crumbled too early and only started playing hockey 10 minutes into the match.
The same old mistakes that the players committed against New Zealand crept into the Malaysian game, and the score was 2-0 at the breather.
Skipper Haziq Samsul injected some hope into his team-mates with a darting run in the first minute of the second half, and his pass saw Mohamed Rohulamin slapping in past Britain goalkeeper Harry Gibson, who was beaten for the first time in this tournament.
However, the fire was doused by Luke Taylor in a 63rd minute penalty corner attempt which made the score 3-1.
Shahril Saabah re-ignited the fire a minute later when he scored a sizzling penalty corner drag flick to narrow the gap to 2-3 in the 64th minute, but the Britons ran down the clock and walked away with full points.
India hit a sixer past Pakistan, and coach Harindra is now looking for a similar performance against Malaysia today.
“This is a junior tournament and my players have been improving slowly in some of the departments, and we hope to carry this momentum into our next match (against Malaysia)," said India coach Harendra Singh.
And his take on the hosts thus far? “Malaysia are a good side and with home support, I think it will be an exciting match. However, as these are junior players, they need to be let loose to show their identity and there should not be rigid play," said Harendra.
Australia staged a super fightback when they came back from three goals down to beat New Zealand 4-3 to take a step closer to playing in the final.
It was a display of clinical finishing and tremendous team spirit that saw the Aussies come back from the dead: "We had to make changes in strategy to save the match and more importantly, a situation like this will help boost the players’ development, which is what we are here for," said Australia coach Ben Bishop.
After clawing back to 3-3, the match winner was delivered by 16-year-old Max Hendry from an acute angle.
New Straits Times
Malaysia punished again for leaky defence
by Aftar Singh
Great Britain's Robert Farrington (right) tussles with Malaysia's Azuan Hasan during their Sultan of Johor Cup 2014 match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru on Wednesday. - Abdul Rahman Embong/The Star
JOHOR BARU: The back pain never seems to go away.
Another leaky performance at the back has seen Malaysia’s dreams of making the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup dashed after they lost 3-2 to Britain at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Wedneday.
Two quick goals in the first six minutes was all it took to snuff out Malaysia’s challenge as Benjamin Boon put Britain ahead in the fifth minute before David Goodfield made it 2-0 a minute later.
Although forward Mohd Sufi Ismat Rohulamin narrowed the deficit in the 36th minute, Britain restored their two-goal cushion when Luke Taylor scored off a penalty corner drag flick in the 62nd minute.
National forward Mohd Shahril Saabah, who fired blanks in the first two matches, finally got his name on the score sheet in the 65th minute off a penalty corner.
The defeat leaves Malaysia with just one point from two defeats and a draw. Malaysia, who lost 2-1 to Australia and drew 1-1 with New Zealand, have two matches left – against India on Thursday and Pakistan on Saturday.
Britain top the standings with the maximum nine points from three matches, having beaten Pakistan 5-0 and India 2-0.
National Juniors coach S. Arulselvaraj was disappointed with the individual errors committed in the match.
“They lacked concentration ... we need to get a mental trainer in to help the players,” said Arulselvaraj.
“I’m proud of the players for fighting back in the second-half but I wish we had more time to get the equaliser.
“I hope the players will give their best against India tomorrow (Thursday).”
Britain coach Jon Bleby labelled it as “the toughest game we’ve played so far”.
“We did well to take an early a 2-0 lead. But the Malaysian players came back strongly after the breather.
“It was not one of our best performances in the tournament. But we did well to collect full points.
“We can expect another tough match against the unbeaten Australia tomorrow,” said Bleby.
The Star of Malaysia
India hit Pakistan for six
by Aftar Singh
JOHOR BARU: The India versus Pakistan match was supposed to be a closely-fought affair.
Instead, it was India all the way as they hammered Pakistan 6-0 in their Sultan of Johor Cup match at the Taman Daya Stadium here on Wednesday.
Armann Qureshi scored a brace in the 49th and 69th minutes while Imran Khan (22nd), Parvinder Singh (34th), Harmanpreet Singh (53rd) and Varun Kumar (67th) netted one apiece against their arch-rivals.
India now have six points from two wins and a loss. They have two matches left – against Malaysia on Thursday and Australia on Saturday.
India coach Harendra Singh was full of praise for his boys.
“We won because my boys controlled their emotions and played a fast attacking hockey,” said the former international.
“It is the biggest margin of victory over Pakistan ... but we still have room for improvement.
There was more excitement in an earlier match when Australia scored four goals in the last 19 minutes to edge New Zealand 4-3 at the same venue.
The Australians have seven points from three matches. They had defeated Malaysia 2-1 and drawn 1-1 with Pakistan.
The Kiwis, like Pakistan, have only one point in the bag. But, judging by yesterday’s performance, the Kiwis certainly didn’t look like a team struggling for form.
Nick Woods gave the Kiwis the lead in the third minute off a penalty corner and they doubled the score with another penalty corner goal, this time by Danial Panchia, in the 35th minute.
The Kiwis continued to press and made it 3-0 with a field goal by Kim Kingstone in 41st minute.
But kudos to Australia for not giving up.
Four goals in 10 minutes – courtesy of Andrew Scanlon (51st), Joshua Bretherton (54th), Oliver Crane (57th) and Max Hendry (61st) – did the trick for the Aussies.
Australian coach Ben Bishop was delighted with the fighting spirit shown by his boys.
“Both teams played well. We had to make some changes to our strategy to save the match we did just that,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
India outplays Pak 6-0
s2h Team
Pic Courtesy: www.sultanjohorcup.com.my
Displaying clinical hockey with meticulous ball possession and matching ball rotation, Harjeet Singh's India outplayed Pakistan for a fluent 6-0 win in the 4th Sultan of Johor Cup today. Arman Qureshi struck a brace in the Indian team's heartwarming feat.
Imran Khan bounces off to a penalty corner rebound to give India 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute against sedate Pakistan in their third match of the Sultan of Johor Cup for Under-21 boys in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
India dominated the first 20,25 minutes with neat ball possession technique, and frequent entry into the circle.
Gurinder reverse slap push gave Parvinder Singh, standing in front of substitute goalie, a perfect chance to deflect the ball into the other corner of the net (2-0) a minute before the half time.
It was India's third penalty corner.
Captain Harjeet unleashed a good pass to Neelakanata Sharma in a triangle parting, which Arman Qureshi deflected past goalie Khalid (3-) in the 49th min to give India the unassailable lead. Jarmanpreet Singh deflected the rebound of fourth Indian penalty corner to give Pakistan another blow (4-0). Penalty corner specialist in the team Varun Kumar struck the last nail in the coffin with a straight conversion (5-0) three minutes left before the hooter. To continue the woes, Arman Qureshi dived infront to deflect a penalty corner push to axe another goal on the hapless Pakistan a minute before the hooter (6-0). Despite missing first two penalty corners, India converted next four for a great 6-4 record while Pak wasted all the three they got. India, in the beginning however, committed unforced errors too to concede two quick Penalty Corners but Pak could not make use of them, as Abhinav Pandey, Indian goalie was in his elements.
Talal, the rival goalie, also did a tremendous job under the bar to deny India a goal in its first penalty corner, but had to be taken off play field after taking a hit on the chest during the defence of second penalty corner, of which India took the lead.
India's second goal came after it took some nasty shots at goal, with Abhinav deflecting the ball in the nick of time.
Except in the opening few minutes and last spell of first half, Pak was subdued with meticulous ball possession and rotation of Indian colts, whose patience paid off twice.
Pakistan on the other hand relied on breakaways but did not many.
One major lacuna of India team seemed to be getting cards aplenty.
Stick2Hockey.com
India outclass Pakistan 6-0 in Sultan of Johor Cup
JOHOR BAHRU (Malaysia): Defending champions India bounced back from their loss to Great Britain in style with a 6-0 thrashing of arch-rivals Pakistan in their third match of the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Stadium on Wednesday.
The two teams played traditional hockey in the first 15 minutes but the Harjeet Singh-led side started its dominance soon after and the aggression paid off with a penalty-corner conversion by forward Imran Khan in the 22nd minute.
The vice-captain's powerful strike was defended by Pakistan goalkeeper Muhammad Khalid but he had no answer to Imran's rebound, which gave India the lead.
The Indian team soon doubled its score through Parvinder Singh from open play in the 34th minute.
Armaan Qureshi continued India's surge with another field goal in the 49th minute.
India struck again four minutes later, this time through Harmanpreet Singh from a penalty corner. Varun Kumar converted another penalty corner in the 67th minute.
Still hungry for more, Armaan netted his second goal of the match via a penalty corner to make it six-nil for India and coach Harendra Singh was sure satisfied with the performance.
"It's good win but there's still lot of areas to improve," said Harendra.
"I'm happy we didn't lose our emotions. The input given to the players were well executed by them.
"I have to give credit to my players. They switch from fast play to holding the ball very well. It was a display of maturity," he added.
India, who beat New Zealand in their first league game, will take on hosts Malaysia on Friday.
In another interesting game, the Australian U-21 side came from three goals down to edge past New Zealand 4-3 and stay atop the league table in the six-nation tournament.
The Times of India
India inflict humiliating 6-0 defeat on Pakistan
India now have six points from three games, while Pakistan remain at the bottom of the points table with just one point from three matches. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Pakistan’s national junior hockey team lost 6-0 to arch-rivals India on Wednesday in their third match of the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Johor Baru Stadium, Malaysia.
With the win, India now have six points from three games, while Pakistan remain at the bottom of the points table with just one point from three matches.
India successfully converted one of their numerous penalty corners early on in the match, and scored again to end the first half 2-0.
The second half started with Pakistan desperately attempting to reduce India’s lead, but it was their arch-rivals who secured a goal again to make the score 3-0.
India’s forward Harmanpeet Singh then took a penalty corner successfully to give India their fourth goal of the match. Two more penalty-corner goals followed in the last six minutes of the game.
India ended the match with six goals from nine shots at the goal, while Pakistan failed to score any goal from their four attempts.
“We missed each and every chance and also failed to stop India’s onslaught,” said Pakistan head coach Manzoorul Hassan while talking to The Express Tribune. “We need to work on our finishing as well as penalty corners.”
The Express Tribune
Do England have the bounce-back factor to hit gold?
(Photo: Grant Treeby)
Both England men and England women have been through trials and tribulations in the past two years. Will the Champions Trophy prove a happy hunting ground?
Sally Munday has been Chief Executive Officer for England Hockey since 2009. In that time, among the numerous international fixtures played by either Great Britain or England teams, she has overseen Great Britain’s women win bronze at the 2012 Olympics; England women win silver in the European Championships; Great Britain men narrowly miss out on a medal at the 2012 Olympics; England men win silver in the Hero Hockey League Finals; and both the men and the women win medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“Yes”, muses Munday, “It has been an interesting time since London 2012”. This statement refers to the disappointing performance by the England women at this year’s World Cup. Ranked third going into the competition, the women’s team, whether competing as England or Great Britain, had won a medal at every tournament they had played in since 2009. In The Hague, they found themselves in the position of playing off for 11th/12th place.
The men’s team, by contrast, had a good World Cup. They made the semi-finals, losing out to Argentina in the bronze medal match. They followed up with a bronze in the Commonwealth Games and, says Munday, are a team to watch over the coming years.
With the Champions Trophy just two months away, observers will wonder how the women’s team can possibly bounce back? Munday is both open and upbeat about all that has transpired since The Hague.
“The women’s team had a fantastic year straight after 2012, they won silver at the European Championships, bronze at World League Four. We lost some players who were integral to the team, but a lot of youngsters came into the group itching to make their mark. It was really positive from an outcome point of view - lots of medals. But the group was transitioning. When we got to the World Cup, the wheels fell off quite spectacularly”.
“We thought we would make the semi-finals, and it was extremely painful for the players and the management team. When we got back to England, we closed the front door and had some really honest conversations”.
The key message that both the players and the whole team at England Hockey’s headquarters in Bisham Abbey were keen to send out was that this was a ‘blip’. ‘You don’t become a bad team overnight’, was the mantra, and sure enough, just a few weeks later England were 18 seconds away from beating Australia in the gold medal match at the Commonwealth Games.
The Champions Trophy will mean different things to England men and women. As Munday says: “Both groups are at different stages – the men have been on a steady upward climb, while the women have had a crash, they are still in recovery stage. The Champions Trophy might have come too soon for both groups, but I can tell you one thing, if I was another country I would not want to come up against us in a couple of years. The women are currently a team of wounded tigers, while the men want to overcome a series of ‘nearlies’ and move into the top medal positions. Right now, everything is coalescing around a really exciting future for England Hockey”.
FIH site
US joker keeps team-mates on their toes
MURRAY HILLS
FUNNY ONE: Melissa Gonzalez was all smiles and laughs at the Stratford hockey turf yesterday. ANDY JACKSON/Fairfax NZ
She's the prankster on the team, the one who loves playing tricks on her mates.
Melissa Gonzalez, who is in Stratford with the United States women's hockey team for two matches this weekend, is always looking for a laugh.
"Me, no," was her reaction when asked if she was the team joker. "If I admit that, it's reality. But it's true, I enjoy fun. You've got to keep it light."
Gonzalez, 25, wouldn't say exactly what tricks she had played on her unsuspecting teammates, apart from the simple things like holding a teddy beer for ransom.
"I can't give away all my secrets, otherwise they'd be prepared," she said.
But team manager Kelly Knapp revealed "Gonzo", as she is affectionately known by her teammates, was always playing jokes.
"She likes to be loud and laughs a lot. She likes to have fun with her teammates," she said.
"The other day she kept asking me to ask all the players for their passports for safe keeping. Turns out, one of the girls, Rayell Heistand, had accidentally put her passport in Gonzo's backpack.
"I asked the girls for their passports on Monday when we arrived in Stratford and on Tuesday Rayell came to me saying she couldn't find hers. I told her to go and see Gonzo."
Knapp said Gonzalez had discovered the passport and wanted to see Heistand's reaction to having misplaced it.
Gonzalez said Heistand wasn't happy when she found out who had her passport.
"I told her it was a good place to lose your passport. You could easily stay a couple of extra days here."
It's not the midfielder's first trip to New Zealand to play hockey. She was with the United States team that toured New Zealand and Australia as part of their buildup to the 2012 Olympics in London and again last year for the Four Nations tournament involving Korea, Argentina, New Zealand and the United States.
"I've played hockey since I was seven. My older sisters played and I was lucky enough to experience the game early," she said.
She made the national team in 2010.
"We're fulltime now. All the team lives in Pennsylvania, where we train."
Hockey wasn't strong in the US, she said. "We're trying to grow the game for both men and women. It's stronger for women, but there's no actual league."
As for the six-test series against the Black Sticks, which involves matches in Stratford, Palmerston North and Carterton, Gonzalez was looking forward to the challenge. The tests in Stratford on Saturday and Sunday both start at 2pm.
Stuff
Heberle stands down
High Performance Director Tricia Heberle is to leave Hockey Australia
Hockey Australia High Performance Director Tricia Heberle has announced her decision to resign from the role. Heberle (pictured above, second from left) informed Chief Executive Cam Vale of her decision on Monday.
Speaking about her decision, Tricia Heberle said, “It is difficult to leave a sport and role that gives you so much enjoyment and satisfaction. But it is the right decision for me and something that allows me to get some life balance back, and when ready, to pursue some other interests.
“As an organisation Hockey Australia is in a great place and I am proud to have worked with such a high integrity sport, and with a range of people who have provided me with both mentorship and support across the years. I can never thank all those who have assisted me, though I will in time, but in particular I would like to acknowledge former Chief Executive Mark Anderson, Board member Clare Prideaux, long-standing hockey stalwart John Mowat and current Chief Executive Cam Vale.
“I have been so honoured to lead our national programs and high performance system. To be surrounded by such a talented and driven group of staff and athletes as we have, not just in Perth but across the SIS/SAS network, has been inspirational and probably what has kept me going over the last six months or so. It is ironic that I started my experience of elite hockey as an inaugural AIS scholarship athlete in 1984, 30 years ago. What a great journey with such wonderful memories, but no wonder I'm ready for a break.”
Commenting, Cam Vale said, “This is a huge disappointment to me both professionally and personally, as Tricia has been outstanding in her role as HPD.
“However, I respect her decision and she leaves with the best wishes of the organisation and our gratitude for the enormous contribution she has made. She exemplifies our core value of integrity, and I owe her a personal thank you for the support she has provided me as Chief Executive.”
The former Hockeyroo joined Hockey Australia in 2009 as High Performance Network Manager before becoming High Performance Director in 2012. As High Performance Director she has overseen the women’s and men’s national high performance programs, the junior performance programs and hockey’s national performance pathways.
A World Cup bronze medallist, she was a member of the Hockeyroos’ side that competed at the 1983 and 1986 World Cups and the Australian team that narrowly missed out on a medal at the 1984 Olympic Games.
From 1990-1996 Heberle was South Australia Sports Institute women’s hockey Head Coach before joining Ric Charlesworth’s backroom team as Assistant Coach for performance analysis for the Sydney Olympic campaign from 1997-2000. In 2001 she was appointed Head Coach of the England and Great Britain women’s team, leading England to silver at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
After leaving England in 2004 she spent four years as a senior consultant in high performance with the Western Australian Department of Sport and Recreation before returning to hockey in 2009 with Hockey Australia.
Heberle will leave her post at the end of November.
Tricia Heberle career
International playing career: 1983-1986
International coaching career: 1994-2004
High Performance Administrator: 2005-2014
International playing career
1986 World Cup Amstelveen, NED - 6th
1984 Olympic Games Los Angeles, USA - 4th
1983 World Cup Kuala Lumpur, MAS - bronze medal
International coaching career
2003 Champions Trophy (ENG women) Sydney, AUS - 5th
2002 Commonwealth Games (ENG women) Manchester, ENG - silver medal
2002 World Cup (ENG women) Perth, AUS - 5th
2002 Champions Trophy (ENG women) Macau, CHN - 6th
2002 Champions Challenge (ENG women) Randburg, RSA - gold medal
2001 World Cup Qualifier (ENG women) Amiens, FRA - gold medal
2000 Olympic Games (AUS women) Sydney, AUS - gold medal
2000 Champions Trophy (AUS women) Amstelveen, NED - bronze medal
1999 Oceania Cup (AUS women) Sydney, AUS - gold medal
1999 Champions Trophy (AUS women) Brisbane, AUS - gold medal
1998 Commonwealth Games (AUS women) Kuala Lumpur, MAS - gold medal
1998 World Cup (AUS women) Utrecht, NED - gold medal
1997 Champions Trophy (AUS women) Berlin, GER - gold medal
1996 Olympic Games (AUS women) Atlanta, USA - gold medal
1995 Champions Trophy (AUS women) Mar del Plata, ARG - gold medal
1994 World Cup (AUS women) Dublin, IRE - gold medal
Hockey Australia media release
Top two teams prepare for battle
Canterbury's Mel Clewlow v Buckingham, Oct 11 2014, credit Peter Savage
CANTERBURY travel to Surbiton’s Sugden Road base as the top two meet in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.
Both sides are unbeaten heading into the match, and both have displayed impressive form so far this season.
They last met in the league final back in April, when Surbiton ran out 3-0 winners, but Canterbury will want to erase that memory and take top spot away from their rivals.
“Surbiton are our big rivals, having missed out in the final to them,” said Canterbury captain Grace Balsdon. “We want to win the title and we’ll have to beat them to do that. But as last year, we’re taking it one game at a time and seeing where we end up.”
Elsewhere, third-placed Clifton , who lost for the first time this season at Surbiton last weekend, will be looking to get their season back on track when they visit the University of Birmingham. However Birmingham lie fifth after a good start to the campaign and a win for them would see them go above Clifton.
Holcombe are unbeaten so far, and go to Buckingham in a bid to preserve that record and stay in the top four.
Reading could move into the top four if they beat visitors Beeston and other results go in their favour, while Bowdon Hightown host Leicester in the day’s other match in the top flight.
Investec Conference West leaders Slough play host to Oxford Hawks on Saturday. The two teams are the only unbeaten sides left in the table, although Slough have won all five of their matches so far, while the Hawks have drawn three times and lie fourth.
Sutton Coldfield play host to Loughborough Students in the Investec Conference North, with both sides targeting top spot. Meanwhile, current leaders Wakefield bid to keep hold of their narrow lead with a trip to Liverpool Sefton.
Leaders East Grinstead are at home against Ipswich in the Investec Conference East, while St Albans – the only other unbeaten team left - could go top if they win at Sevenoaks.
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, October 18 2014)
Investec Premier Division
Buckingham v Holcombe 12:00
Univ of Birmingham v Clifton 12:30
Reading v Beeston 13:30
Bowdon Hightown v Leicester 13:45
Surbiton v Canterbury 14:00
Investec Conference West
Trojans v Gloucester City 12:00
Swansea City v Olton & West Warwicks 12:00
Cheltenham v Bristol Firebrands 12:30
Slough v Oxford Hawks 13:00
Stourport v Isca 14:30
Investec Conference North
Liverpool Sefton v Wakefield 12:30
Whitley Bay and Tynemouth v Brooklands Poynton 12:30
Ben Rhydding v Univ of Durham 13:30
Sutton Coldfield v Loughborough Students 14:00
Kendal v Cannock 14:30
Investec Conference East
Sevenoaks v St Albans 12:00
Bedford v Harleston Magpies 13:00
East Grinstead v Ipswich 13:30
Chelmsford v Maidenhead 14:00
Horsham v Wimbledon 14:00
England Hockey Board Media release
Rachwalski's Arminen go on emotional rollercoaster
The fairytale story of Round One of the Euro Hockey League in Barcelona was undoubtedly the performance of SV Arminen.
Prior to last Friday, no Austria had ever won an EHL game in eight previous games. Come Sunday evening and Dariusz Rachwalski’s team were celebrating a golden ticket to the KO16.
They started with an impressive 5-2 win over Scottish champions Kelburne before drawing 2-2 with Atlètic Terrassa on Saturday. They were within minutes of winning that game only for the Spanish side to equalise late in the day.
It meant a nervous Sunday as they had to wait and see if the Spanish side could win by four goals against Kelburne. Atlètic went three ahead and were awarded another goal only for a video review to annul the score that would have put them through and Arminen out.
Nowhere was the video more celebrated than the pocket of Arminen players in the far corner of the ground. It was a special moment for Rachwalski who said he has rarely experienced such a swing in feelings.
“You cannot describe the emotions with all the ups and downs,” he told the EHL website but was quick to add that while they just about crossed the line, their performances were no fluke.
“What I do think is all the pieces of the puzzle have come together; all we did in our preparation, dedicated to this goal. We believed all the way even though we are a club from Austria.
“Atlètic Terrassa were the favourite but I believed in my team and know they are really strong hockey players. This didn’t just happen over this weekend and now all that hard work has paid off.”
He pointed to the recent improvements in standard in Austrian hockey with a trio of players winning the EHL last season – Michael Korper, Benjamin Stanzl and Xaver Husan – with Harvestehuder.
And his side want to push the agenda and improve their standard, something that was helped by some high quality preseason preparation.
“We have an ambitious club and want to go higher. If you dedicate to it, anything is possible. We invited Bloemendaal to our club – big thanks to Russell Garcia for coming – which was something big for us.
“The boys believed from then that they could play against top European teams. That was the key for playing against the likes of Atlètic.
“It may be easy to say it now but I really believed in my team. First off, we wanted to perform well, play good in every game. I was kind of calm when we played, even though my heart might have been going 170, because I know that we did everything we could in those games. If you believe, then it can happen.”
Finally, he paid tribute to Kelburne whose fight and personal pride in their performance helped hand Arminen this special moment.
“I think Kelburne played a really strong game. It is a beautiful thing that these athletes keep on fighting until the end, showing the spirit and who they are as people. They fought to the last minute and never broke down.”
Euro Hockey League media release
‘We had studied the Pak goalkeeper’
Indervir Grewal
Manpreet Singh and Akashdeep Singh, both former trainees of the Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar, have become key players in the current team. file photo
Chandigarh - The Indian hockey team witnessed a rare high moment when it won the Asian Games. Becoming the Asian champions after 16 years brought the oft-criticised team much needed praise. It wasn’t an outstanding show by the team but it was a performance which surely deserved gold. What stood out was the composure the team showed throughout the tournament. The team shed the ill repute of crumbling in pressure situations. If the fightback against Pakistan in the final after falling a goal behind showed the growth of this relatively young team, the calm finishing in the high-pressure penalty shootout showcased the character of the next generation players. The five players who took the penalties are all less than 25 years old. Manpreet Singh and Akashdeep Singh, the youngest of the five, spoke to The Tribune about handling the pressure of expectations, preparation for the shootout etc.
Excerpts:
In the final, you fell behind very early in game. It was a start similar to the pool match against Pakistan, which you had lost. What was going on in your mind?
Manpreet: We had a bad start to the game and it shook us a little. We were under pressure to score but we didn’t change our strategy. We played our normal game. We had confidence in our ability to find an equaliser. Even after scoring we didn’t change our game. In the pool game we had gone on the offensive after finding the equaliser, which had backfired. We didn’t want to risk a repeat.
What was your strategy for the penalty shootout? All of you followed a pattern — turning your back to the goalkeeper, then feigning right and going left. It turned out to be very successful.
Manpreet: We had studied the videos of the semifinal between Pakistan and Malaysia. In that shootout, we noticed that the Pakistan goalkeeper was weaker on his left side. The Malaysians shook him to his right and he was slow in turning left.
Akashdeep, you went first in the shootout. What was the pressure like?
Akashdeep: There was a lot of pressure. But we had practised a lot for a shootout scenario. After every training session we would practise the penalties. And we had done our research about Pakistan. The pressure was there but I tried not to over-think. Once I was moving, the training kicked in, I guess.
It was high-percentage finishing. But Manpreet, you missed because the umpire penalised you for a contentious foul.
Manpreet: I still don’t understand why I was penalised. The umpire said that I blocked the keeper. But the ball was always in front of me.
Did you feel that maybe it wasn’t going to be your day?
Manpreet: Yes, for a moment I did. I was so confident going into the penalties. In practice I rarely missed. I was really disappointed. But my teammates reassured me that we still had our most experienced players, Birendra Lakra and Dharamvir Singh, to go. I had a lot of confidence in PR Sreejesh as well.
And when Dharamvir scored the winning goal?
Akashdeep: It was an unmatched feeling. The joy was overwhelming. I guess it showed in our wild on-field celebrations.
Manpreet: I remember everyone rushing in to hug Dharamvir. It was joyous relief. It was all pent up emotions that came out on the ground that day. We had worked really hard over the last one year. This was a huge goal, to become Asian champions and more importantly qualify for the 2016 Olympics. The expectations were really high. We needed this win.
What did Terry Walsh say after the victory?
Manpreet: The first thing he said was that we have qualified for the Olympics and we should really be proud of ourselves.
Did he discuss the final?
Manpreet: No, we will do that when the camp starts on Thursday. He just told everyone, individually, that we played well.
You now have time to rest after long. Have you had time to go home, and how was the reception?
Manpreet: I haven’t had the time to go home; I had to go to Malaysia because my fiancée’s mother was unwell and had to be admitted in hospital. We have been in Delhi for the last two days for the felicitation ceremonies. Now the camp for the Australia series will start.
Akashdeep: It was good to spend some time at home after so many months in training. And it was gratifying how everyone congratulated me and told me how proud they were of us.
The Tribune
'Hero' rewards Indian hockey team with cash prizes
NEW DELHI: With awards and rewards continuing to flow in for the Asiad gold-winning Indian hockey team, Hero Motocorp Ltd also felicitated the Sardar Singh-led side and gave away cash prizes for their supreme showing at Incheon, at a glittering event, on Wednesday.
India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asiad hockey final to earn a direct entry into the the Rio Olympics 2016 and the two-wheeler manufacturer rewarded each member of the team with Rupees 2, 00,000 and a 225cc Hero ZMR bike.
The company also rewarded each support staff of the team with Rs 1, 00,000.
Narinder Batra, president Hockey India, who was also present at the event, said "It's a matter of great pride to be here as we celebrate our Hockey heroes. I am sure this would encourage our sportsmen to live up to the expectations of the entire nation and would inspire them to continue playing with the same commitment and zeal that they displayed during the Asian Games at Incheon.
"We thank our title partner of Hockey India League Hero MotoCorp and Pawan Munjal in particular for their immense contribution towards the promotion of hockey, and I am sure his efforts at nurturing the game will certainly bring back the glorious years of Indian hockey."
The Times of India
National hockey camp for Champions Trophy to be held in Karachi
LAHORE: Pakistan hockey team’s training camp will be held in Karachi. However, seniors Shakeel Abbasi, Haseem Khan and Fareed Ahmed have been excluded from the list of probables. Talking to media here the other day, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary general Rana Mujahid Ali said that the training camp for the Champions Trophy, to be held in India from December 6-14, would commence from October 25 in Karachi, for which 37 probables have been announced. He further said that Shakeel Abbasi, Haseem Khan and Fareed Ahmed would be rested in the Champions Trophy. “Hence their names had been excluded from the camp.” Mujahid said the players who had signed contracts with overseas leagues would not get NOCs because of this camp and the players who were already playing in any overseas leagues had signed an affidavit that they would join the camp on its commencement.
The Nation
Ex-Olympians cleared in gambling case
LAHORE - Former Olympians have been exonerated from the gambling case which had been registered against them by the local police in August this year. Announcing their exoneration in a press conference at the National Hockey Stadium here on Wednesday, former Olympians Anjum Saeed and Danish Kaleem said that they were considering taking action after seeking advice from their lawyers. They opined that the case against them not only defamed their integrity but also damaged the image of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) which is the custodian of the national game in Pakistan. “We would submit the fresh development to the PHF inquiry committee which was already formed to ascertain the facts. The committee in consultation with the lawyers would decide to proceed further on the issue,” they added.
The Nation
Hockey star awarded at the Dundee Sportsman's Dinner
Katie Robertson awarded Young Athlete of the Year at thee Dundee Sportsman’s dinner in September with the likes of Laura Muir (athletics) and Bradley Neil (golf) both previous winners.
Katie captained the young Scotland side to Gold at the Sainsbury’s School games beating two strong English sides and Ulster in the final to be crowned champions.
‘It was a great honour to be presented with the award, but at the end of the day it is a team sport and I wouldn’t have been recognised if it wasn’t for the rest of the team and the coaches.
‘There was such a great atmosphere at the School games and we really came together as a team. Winning the gold medal was a testament to all of the hard work the team put in during the months leading up to the event which showed in the final against Ulster. After moving up to U21s this year, I’m hoping that I will continue on to playing for the Scotland senior women.’
Mother Lynne couldn’t be prouder of her daughters achievements representing Scotland; ‘It was great for all of the parents to watch the girls bring home the gold medal.’
Well done Katie for this great achievement a true hockey star in the making!
Scottish Hockey Union media release
FUNdamental Field Hockey helps to Grow the Game in New Hampshire
This summer, USA Field Hockey’s FUNdamental Field Hockey program helped to bring field hockey to young players at three small New Hampshire community youth clinics. The program is headed by Rick Deschaine, who along with his wife Patty, sponsor the youth clinics in Claremont, NH.
"When we got approval and the equipment arrived, I knew this would be a great boost to an area where most girls don’t get an opportunity to play organized hockey until middle school," said Rick. “The effects of the program were immediate. Our clinic participation went from 11 last year to 20 girls this year, and sharing the material to other local areas such as Windsor and Mascoma, the program helped to reach roughly 60 young players in our area.”
From here Rick and Patty plan on creating Claremont’s first youth field hockey program which in Rick’s words, ”Would be huge for our school programs and hopefully provide a boost for our area club teams as well.”
News and photos from these clinics as well as other news about field hockey in New Hampshire area can be found here.
FUNdamental Field Hockey, sponsored by Harrow Sports, is a youth development initiative to expose the sport to thousands of children nationwide by providing free equipment and emphasizing fun physical activity. Since 2012, USA Field Hockey has committed to launching programs across the U.S. in an effort to inspire participation and introduce the sport to boys and girls, ages 7-11. The program teaches the game in its basic form, the FUNdamentals, and has a heavy focus on exciting game play on any smooth surface. Visit the FUNdamental Field Hockey page for more information on ways to get involved and to submit an equipment application today!
USFHA media release
Canadian club Outaouais FHC stalwart Stephen DeRosenroll dies
A very sad day for our club. Stephen DeRosenroll passed away last night. The older members of our club will need no reminders of what Steve meant to Outaouais FHC. He was the longest continuously active member of OFHC, having started playing in 1972.
The youngsters in our club may remember Steve from our Summer Solstice night in June, when he came out and played his last game, and joined us for pizza afterwards.
After representing Canada internationally while attending UBC, Steven returned to Ottawa to build a career and a family (Caitlyn and Roy) with Carolyn Broadhurst, also a member of the OFHC family. Steve patrolled centre-midfield for the powerhouse OFHC touring teams of the 80s and 90s. He was our anchor, and our guiding light. Never too high, never too low, he taught us to play hard within the rules, and respect our opponents and the officials.
We loved him and will miss him dearly. A service will be held next week. we will post the details here.
Comment
Outaouais Field Hockey Club So many good ways to describe this gentleman. Solid, dependable, reliable and true. Led by example he was a man of few words, A great teammate. Such is our loss. Condolences to Carolyn, his kids, family and friends. Paul
Outaouais Field Hockey Club