News 26 October 2014
All the news for Sunday 26 October 2014
USA snatch 3-2 series win against Black Sticks Women
Olivia Merry takes on the US Keeper
The Black Sticks Women were defeated 3-1 against the USA at the Trust House Hockey Wairarapa Complex in Clareville today, giving the Americans a 3-2 series win.
The crowd of 1,300 were celebrating when Midlands’ Gemma Flynn gave the Kiwis the lead in the second quarter, but the game changed after the half time break when the experienced USA side scored three times in five minutes.
“I thought we had some really good chances throughout this game, we just aren’t putting it away. We didn’t get in good enough position to finish, our decision making wasn’t always good, and we aren’t desperate enough – we need to be scoring more than one goal in a game,” said head coach Mark Hager.
“It’s great competition for us, they are a quality side. I thought Sam Charlton was a stand-out player for this tournament, we have exposed a lot of players during this series and I’m sure they will go away and realise that it’s really tough to get wins against a side like this,” said Hager.
Yesterday was the first time an international hockey test had been held in the Wairarapa and both teams have been very appreciative of the support from the community.
“You can’t beat it - the crowds, the support, it’s fantastic and it’s exactly what we are after. It’s places like Wairarapa, Palmerston North and Stratford that give us the support, we are just really disappointed that we couldn’t win the game today,” said Hager.
Flynn had only the goalkeeper to get it passed in the 18th minute and composed on the ball, she took her time and smacked it to the back of the net.
The Black Sticks piled the pressure on and held their lead for the remainder of the half, but in the third quarter it all went the visitor’s way with Paige Selenski, Lauren Pfeiffer and Melissa Gonzalez all scoring within a five minute window.
The Kiwis threw everything at it in the fourth quarter, but the American’s lead was too great with goalkeeper Alesha Widdall making some great saves.
It was a big game for Canterbury’s Sophie Cocks who played her 50th test. “It has been a huge year, I have only been in the team one year, but have learnt heaps. It was just disappointing not come away with a win today,” said Cocks.
Both teams were wearing pink ribbons and pink socks today to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Black Sticks Women will play trans-Tasman rivals Australia next month from 15-18 November in Wellington. During the same week, the Black Sticks Men are in Wellington and Kapiti playing against Japan from 18-22 November. Tickets are available now on www.dashtickets.co.nz.
All games from the series can be watched live on the Hockey NZ website - http://bit.ly/1qLD3LR
RESULT
Full time: 1-3 (USA win)
Half time: 1-0 (lead to NZ)
NZ goal scorers: Gemma Flynn
USA goal scorers: Paige Selenski, Lauren Pfeiffer, Melissa Gonzalez
Results from the series – USA win series 3-2
18 October, Stratford: 1-1 draw
19 October, Stratford: 2-1 win to Black Sticks
21 October, Palmerston North: 2-1 win to USA
23 October, Palmerston North: 2-0 win to USA
25 October, Wairarapa: 1-0 win to Black Sticks
26 October, Wairarapa: 3-1 win to the USA
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Five-minute blitz wins series for United States
GAVE IT A GO: The Blacks Sticks players walk from the field after their loss to the USA. Photosport
The Black Sticks women's hockey team were beaten 3-1 against by United States at the Wairarapa complex in Clareville today, giving the Americans a 3-2 series win.
The crowd of 1,300 were celebrating when Midlands' Gemma Flynn gave the Kiwis the lead in the second quarter, but the game changed after the half time break when the experienced USA side scored three times in five minutes.
"I thought we had some really good chances throughout this game, we just aren't putting it away," said New Zealand head coach Mark Hager.
"We didn't get in good enough position to finish, our decision making wasn't always good, and we aren't desperate enough - we need to be scoring more than one goal in a game.
"It's great competition for us, they are a quality side. I thought Sam Charlton was a stand-out player for this tournament, we have exposed a lot of players during this series and I'm sure they will go away and realise that it's really tough to get wins against a side like this."
Today was the first time an international hockey test had been held in the Wairarapa.
Flynn had only the goalkeeper to beat in the 18th minute and was composed on the ball, taking her time before smacking it into the back of the net.
The Black Sticks piled on the pressure and held their lead for the remainder of the half, but in the third quarter it all went the visitors' way with Paige Selenski, Lauren Pfeiffer and Melissa Gonzalez all scoring within five minutes.
The Kiwis threw everything at the Americans in the fourth quarter, but the visitors' lead was too great with goalkeeper Alesha Widdall making some great saves.
It was a big game for Canterbury's Sophie Cocks who played her 50th test.
Stuff
Black Sticks Slip Past Team USA in Match Five
U.S. Women’s National Team striker Michelle Kasold (Chapel Hill, N.C.) rehashes match five of the squad’s series against New Zealand.
Photo courtesy of Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.).
On a warm, sunny day in Wairarapa, the Black Sticks grabbed a 1-0 win to tie the series up against Team USA. In front of a packed crowd, the first half started with some quick back and forth chances for both sides, with neither finding the back of the cage. Much of the first quarter followed in this suit. New Zealand increased their pressure during the second quarter, but the visiting side weathered the storm to keep the contest scoreless at halftime. Goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer-Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) played a key role in organizing the defense and coming up with some vital saves.
The Yanks turned it around in the third, pressing out and applying more force, but still could find no return for their efforts. Then, just a minute into the fourth quarter, after a turnover deep in the Americans defensive end, the Black Sticks were able to capitalize on a goal by Anita Punt. Chasing the game, the U.S. team continued to attack, but misconnected on the offensive opportunities that they were able to create.
Although the American team feels they have been building on each game, the pulse of this game felt a little bit flat. Despite having some great passages of play, overall the team felt they fell short in a game of inches. Nonetheless, there is a massive amount of positive energy in the camp heading into the final game tomorrow, to finish the series off strong and take yet another step forward.
Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.) adds, “The main things we want to bring to the game tomorrow are really attacking the game, having a front foot mentality and bringing the energy from the get-go. We have grown a lot throughout this tournament with a new group of players and we look forward to ending on a high note tomorrow. We know New Zealand is ready for a fight, and we are ready to battle it out for the series.”
Once again the teams faced off in a shootout upon conclusion of the game. Although Kintzer-Briggs made it difficult for the Kiwis, they managed to knock in three goals, while the Americans walked away with only two. Katie O’Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.) and Katelyn Falgowski (Landenburg, Pa.) finished their chances for the U.S. side.
Tomorrow, the sixth game series concludes with a ‘Pink Game’ to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Both teams will be participating and donning various pink attire.
Don’t miss out on Team USA’s last international match of 2014! Catch us live on the web stream at 9 p.m. EST.
USFHA media release
Dhoni buys Ranchi franchise of Hockey India League
Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Photo: Akhilesh Kumar
India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sahara Adventure Sports Limited are co—owners of new Ranchi—franchise of Hockey Indian League (HIL), Ranchi Rays, which was unveiled on Saturday.
Ranchi Rhinos, who were the inaugural champions of HIL, was scrapped following distrust between owners (Patel—PS Group and Uniexcel Group) and Hockey India (HI).
The Hindu
Mahendra Singh Dhoni new owner of Hockey India League's Ranchi franchise
After motorsports and football, Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has now lent his support to Indian hockey by becoming the owner of the Ranchi franchise of the Hero Hockey India League (HHIL).
Dhoni bought the team along with Sahara India Pariwar, who already is the owner of the Uttar Pradesh Wizards side in the HHIL. The new Ranchi franchise will be known as 'Ranchi Rays' from third edition of HHIL to be held in January-February next year.
Dhoni, a proud son of the city, himself was present on the occasion and unveiled the team logo and jersey at a posh city hotel here. The previous Ranchi franchise known as Ranchi Rhinos, who were the inaugural champions of HHIL, was scrapped following a distrust between previous owners Patel-PS Group and Uniexcel Group and league organisers Hockey India (HI). As part of the arrangement, Dhoni is the principal owner of the new Ranchi franchise and Sahara are expected to provide logistical support to the team.
Besides cricket, Dhoni already has invested in two other sports -- Mahi Racing and recently became the co-owner of Indian Super League side Chennayin FC. Talking about his association with hockey, Dhoni said being a sportsperson it was natural for him to promote the national game. "It is a special day for me, the reason being today I became associated with hockey and own the Ranchi team," Dhoni told reporters at the unveiling of the Ranchi Rays team. "It is a real pleasure to be associated with hockey. My first and foremost responsibility is to play cricket, but being a sportsperson my natural inclination is to promote sports," he added.
DNA
Terry Walsh will stay on as head coach
Head coach Terry Walsh will stay on. He has some unfinished business with the Indian hockey team.
The Australian has a very good horoscope, with Pluto and Saturn are in exaltation. Saturn rewards you in the latter stages of life. While Walsh's record as a player isn't exceptional, he has been phenomenal as a coach. He has coached Australia and The Netherlands to silverware. Why, he even guided India to glory at the Asian Games recently.
Walsh's personal planets are in Libra, Scorpio and Aries. Scorpio makes him a passionate coach. He definitely has no issues with compensation. He submitted his resignation because the fiery Aries can never cow down to bureaucracy. But his Libran mind was weighing all the pros and cons and he eventually withdrew his resignation.
Expect his contract to be renewed. After all, he is destined to steer Indian hockey to a much better position. Walsh's meeting with top officials will be smooth. His demands will be met.
DNA
If Terry Walsh thinks India is a milking cow, he is wrong: Narinder Batra
Rutvick Mehta
Hockey India president Narinder Batra hits back at head coach for demanding, among other things, opportunity to work from Australia for a whopping 120 days a year
The impasse between head coach Terry Walsh, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Hockey India (HI) refuses to end. In fact, things are only getting worse.
A day after the Australian told dna that several issues need addressing, both SAI and HI seem to have had enough.
Walsh had said on Thursday that even if he were granted functional autonomy, he wouldn't necessarily stay back because it would require him to spend time away from home.
Walsh's main demand is that he be allowed to work from home 120 days a year. The 60-year-old highlighted many other issues, and said there will have to be a series of meetings to arrive at a consensus.
HI president Narinder Batra hit back at Walsh on Saturday, saying "issues can't be cropping up every day".
"He wants to stay at home for 120 days and get paid for it! How is that acceptable? He is blackmailing us, and the country. I've had enough," Batra told dna. "I think he should decide what he wants to do. If he wants to spend time with his family, he can very well do that and leave. We won't stop him. There are many other foreign coaches who we can get," Batra added.
On Wednesday, sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted '#TerryWalsh is back'. Even SAI director-general Jiji Thomson said Walsh will stay on as India's coach. But the former Olympian denied it.
Thomson said Walsh can't have his way entirely. "How can we pay him for all these months if he is staying at home? We have 30-32 foreign coaches under us, and we can't make an exception just for Walsh. It will have to be applicable to others too," Thomson told this paper on Saturday. "We will look into all his issues, but we can't give him everything he wants. Even he will have to compromise on some things," Thomson added.
Walsh said there will have to be a series of meetings between the three parties before November 19, which is the end of his one-month notice period, to decide which is the best direction to take.
Batra, on his part, said he will now take a different route. "Look, if he is doing some honest reasoning, I will listen. But if it's blackmailing, I certainly will not," he said.
Thomson said, "Even one meeting can be enough to solve everything. I have asked him to give all his issues to us in writing, and we will call HI and him and try and solve them."
Another aspect that seems to have irked Batra is Walsh's demand of having three other Australians — David Hatt for greater sports network, Steve Smith for political interface and Bruce Elliott for sports science/sports medicine — on board.
"If he thinks India is a milking cow, he is wrong," Batra said. "Also, it has been one year since he has taken over, and the problems in the team, like finishing, still exist."
Dhoni takes over HIL's Ranchi franchise
MS Dhoni on Saturday became the new owner of the Ranchi franchise of the Hockey India League (HIL). Dhoni took over the team along with Sahara India Pariwar after the previous owners, Patel-PS Group and Uniexcel Group, backed out. The franchise, which was known Ranchi Rhinos, will now be known as Ranchi Rays. "I was always interested in doing something for this region, and I want to also see hockey being uplifted...," Dhoni said in a statement. However, the third edition of HIL, which is slated to held in January-February next year, will continue to be a six-team affair. The Pune franchise, which was bought by Deccan Water Treatment in September and was supposed to be the seventh team, has been done away with for now. "The Pune franchise was very slow-moving in its affairs, and so we decided to put them on the back burner," HIL chairman Narinder Batra told dna.
DNA
‘Trials for Champions Trophy squad will be held on Nov 20’
KARACHI: Pakistan chief coach Shahnaz Shaikh said on Friday players will be shortlisted on Nov 8 while trials will be held on Nov 20 to finalise an 18-member Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy.
Overall 38 players will be attending the first phase of training at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium from Oct 28.
He said three senior players forwards Shakeel Abbasi and Abdul Haseem Khan and half back Fareed Ahmed have been rested for the Champions Trophy.
“We are looking to test some new boys as we have called up 10 boys of Pakistan junior team for the training camp,” former Olympian said.
He said team will fly to Bhubaneshwar, India on Dec 2 where the event will be held from Dec 6-14.
“We are targeting to finish among the top four teams in Champions Trophy which will be big boost for us,” he commented.
Shahnaz said Argentina had confirmed to play a practice match against Pakistan on Dec 3 and they are in touch with the Netherlands for another practice game on Dec 20.
He said with the members of the selection committee headed by Islahuddin Siddiqui, they are looking to select a team which would be blend of youth and experience.
Shahnaz said he had submitted a request with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for holding month-long training in Europe before the qualifying league semi-finals being held in Antwerp, Belgium, from June 20 to July 5.
“This will be the most important event as top six teams will qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics,” he said.
He said during their stay in Europe, they would be playing practice matches against England, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
“It was very important for Pakistan hockey to play more and more matches against European teams to improve their game,” he said.
He added European standard of hockey was far ahead of Asian teams and Pakistan can only raise their game by playing against them.
Dawn
Wimbledon beat East Grinstead 4-1
Phil Roper of Wimbledon makes a break against Brooklands. Credit Mark Henderson
THREE second half goals helped Wimbledon beat hosts East Grinstead 4-1 in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday evening.
Jack Waller had given Wimbledon the lead on 19 minutes, only for Tony Wilson to cancel it out three minutes later.
But second half goals from Phil Roper, Ali Brogdon and Henry Weir gave the visitors the victory which
Matt Daly and Chris Grassick hit two goals each as Surbiton swept Brooklands Manchester University aside with an electrifying 7-1 win.
Brooklands are yet to win this season and made the worst possible start by giving away a penalty stroke after 11 minutes. Alan Forsyth was on hand to coolly place the ball in the net before Rupert Shipperley added a second from the restart to open the floodgates.
Matt Guise Brown also scored a double as he helped Southgate come from behind to take a 4-1 win on the road against Canterbury. Canterbury have lost six of their seven matches now and will be looking to turn things around quickly.
Richard Mantell made sure Reading took three points in their game against Hampstead and Westminster, sweeping home from a penalty corner in the 64th minute to make it 3-2.
Sam Ward scored a hat-trick for Beeston as they beat Cannock 4-2 on the road.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference West
Tim Davenport hit a hat-trick as Team Bath Buccaneers beat Indian Gymkhana 6-4 in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference West.
Davenport has now scored 13 goals for the side that have won all of their games so far.
University of Birmingham came from behind to beat Barford Tigers 3-2. They trailed 2-1 with five minutes remaining but an equaliser from Adam Harriman and a last gasp strike from Josh Kelly saw them steal the win.
Fareham beat University of Exeter 3-2 and Guildford enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Whitchurch.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference North
Liam Ansell was in irresistible form as he scored five goals in Sheffield Hallams’ 6-1 win over bottom club Belper.
David Smith opened the scoring for Hallam before Ansell took up the gauntlet and proved to be too much for the opposition to handle.
Loughborough Students had a hat-trick hero of their own in Adam Clark who hit three of their goals in a 5-1 defeat of Wakefield.
Ben White was another man in form, the Bowdon player scoring twice in his side’s 6-2 defeat of Doncaster. The result keeps Bowdon top.
Olton and West Warwicks also won, beating Leek 5-2 and University of Durham drew 2-2 with Deeside Ramblers.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference East
Holcombe reached double figures as they beat Richmond 10-1 on Saturday evening with Iain Lewers and Dan Coultas both scoring twice.
Gerald Cox hit a brace as Chichester Priory Park edged Cambridge City out in a 3-2 win.
There was another tight game as Brighton and Hove visited West Herts and it was the visitors who left happier with a 4-3 win. Bromley and Beckenham beat Oxted 3-1 and Teddington were also 3-1 winners, beating Old Loughtonians.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, October 25 2014):
NOW: Pensions Men's Premier Division: Brooklands Manchester University 1, Surbiton 7; Canterbury 1, Southgate 4; Reading 3, Hampstead and Westminster 2; East Grinstead 1, Wimbledon 4; Cannock 2, Beeston 4.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference West: Team Bath Buccaneers 6, Indian Gymkhana 4; Fareham 3, University of Exeter 2; Guildford 3, Whitchurch 0; Barford Tigers 2, University of Birmingham 3; Cardiff and Met L, Cheltenham L.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference North: University of Durham 2, Deeside Ramblers 2; Olton and West Warwickshire 5, Leek 2; Sheffield Hallam 6, Belper 1; Bowdon 6, Doncaster 2; Wakefield 1, Loughborough Students 5.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference East: Cambridge City 2, Chichester Priory Park 3; Bromley and Beckenham 3, Oxted 1; West Herts 3, Brighton and Hove 4; Old Loughtonians 1, Teddington 3; Holcombe 10, Richmond 1.
England Hockey Board Media release
Canterbury go second after Bowdon victory
Canterbury's Sarah Kerly is watched by Sofi Walbaum of Bowdon. Credit Simon Parker
Canterbury charged to second place in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division after a 3-0 win against Bowdon Hightown on Saturday.
Sarah Kerly gave the home side the advantage after 20 minutes, and in the second half Dirkie Chamberlain and Anna Baker added to the score. They are now just three points behind Surbiton.
Josie Rixon was on target twice as Clifton won a nine-goal thriller against Beeston.
Erica Sanders got Beeston off to the ideal start, lashing home on four minutes but Clifton replied through Rixon twice before Emily Kirkham, Harriet Pearce and Isabel Palmer put them 5-1 up.
Leaders Surbiton lost their perfect record after drawing 1-1 with Holcombe. Nicci Daly gave Holcome the lead after 31 minutes but Rebecca Herbert equalised ten minutes later.
Phoebe Richards and Hannah Wraith sought to get Beeston back in the game but a late Els Mansell strike made it 6-3 to Clifton and killed the game off.
Leicester claimed only their second win of the campaign with a comprehensive victory over Reading. Rachel Mack scored twice and Katie Long also found the net as they won 3-0.
University of Birmingham shaded a tight game away to Buckingham, running out 3-2 winners. A double from Alexandra Naughalty had given Buckingham a 2-1 lead after Olivia Chilton’s opener for the visitors. But a 38th minute goal from Xenna Hughes and Chilton’s second of the match clinched the points for the university side.
Investec Women’s Hockey Conference West
Slough are on a great run in the Investec Women’s Hockey Conference West and they made it seven wins from seven games as goals from Philipa Newton and Shona McCallin led them to a 2-0 victory over Bristol Firebrands.
Swansea City are doing their best to keep the pressure on the leaders and they also won 2-0, beating Oxford Hawks.
Gloucester City beat Cheltenham 2-0 away from home and Isca took their third win of the season with a 3-1 win over Olton and West Warwickshire as Megan Crowson scored twice. Trojans were the other winners of the day, beating Stourport 2-1.
Investec Women’s Hockey Conference North
There was a top of the table face-off in the Investec Women’s Hockey Conference North as top side Brooklands Poynton played third-placed Wakefield. The two sides exchanged goals throughout and it looked as though Brooklands might take the win when they went 4-2 up with five minutes remaining.
But two late goals from Sally Walton and Rosie Tootell earned a share of the spoils for Wakefield. They move up to second but Brooklands stay top on goal difference.
Loughborough beat Cannock 1-0, Liverpool Sefton lost 2-0 at home to Ben Rhydding and University of Durham climbed towards safety with a 1-0 win against Sutton Coldfield. The Whitley Bay and Tynemouth game against Kendal ended 1-1.
Investec Women’s Hockey Conference East
East Grinstead still top the Investec Women’s Hockey Conference East after beating Maidenhead 4-2. Goals from Sophie Bray, Heather Batten, Bara Karanova and Zoe Burrell saw them maintain their unbeaten streak.
Two goals from Susan Wessels saw her side Harleston Magpies to a 3-0 defeat of Horsham and a single Kate Axford strike was the difference in Bedford’s 1-0 win against Ipswich.
It was honours even in the game between Chelmsford and Sevenoaks, ending 1-1.
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, October 25 2014):
Investec Women's Premier Division: Canterbury 3, Bowdon Hightown 0; Buckingham 2, University of Birmingham 3; Clifton 6, Beeston 3; Leicester 3, Reading 0; Holcombe 1, Surbiton 1.
Investec Women's Conference West: Bristol Firebrands 0, Slough 2; Isca 3, Olton and West Warwicks 1; Swansea City 2, Oxford Hawks 0; Trojans 2, Stouport 1; Cheltenham 0, Gloucester City 2.
Investec Women's Conference North: Cannock 0, Loughborough Students 1; Liverpool Sefton 0, Ben Rhydding 2; Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 1, Kendal 1; Wakefield 4, Brooklands Poynton 4; University of Durham 1, Sutton Coldfield 0.
Investec Women's Conference East: Maidenhead 2, East Grinstead 4; Chelmsford 1, Sevenoaks 1; Harleston Magpies 3, Horsham 0; Ipswich 0, Bedford 1; St Albans 2, Wimbledon 0.
England Hockey Board Media release
KLHC take low key approach
By Jugjet Singh
WITH several teams on a buying spree, shoring up their teams with stars akin to football clubs Chelsea and Manchester City in the English Premier League, KL Hockey Club have opted for a low key approach.
The defending champions, as a matter of fact, only finalised their team and coaching staff last week for the Malaysia Hockey League that gets underway onWednesday.
I. Vikneswaran will team up with former national coach K. Dharmaraj to handle the team as coaches with former Indian international Len Aiyappa overseeing the penalty corner department.
With the MHL planned on dates that clash with the Champions Trophy, KLHC are severely hindered in terms of getting the services of top internationals to add colour to the MHL.
They have lost the services of Australia’s Tim Deavin as well as Pakistan’s national skipper Muhammad Imran.
But the evergreen Waserm Ahmad will once again don KLHC colours and they can also count on the services of two young Australian players — Harrison Page and Mathew Mallinson, both who are 20 years old.
Also donning KLHC colours are Pakistanis Muhammad Imran and the ace scorer Akhtar Ali.
“We have nothing to lose but all to gain as there is no pressure on us this time,” said team manager George Koshy.
“We will be more then happy to finish mid table and in the knock out stages it will depend on getting a positive performance out of the players that will be rewarded with just rewards.
“Terengganu are the favourites to bag all the titles as they have a stellar cast of players and I expect TNB, Maybank and UniKL to pose as title threats.”
KLHC has had a phenomenal record in the MHL and it has been largely due to the untiring efforts of Koshy who built a formidable squad over the years, starting as Arthur Anderson before being known as Ernst&Young and finally as KL Hockey Club.
Despite the exodus of players like Baljit Singh, Azril Misron, KLHC have managed to sign some talented players in the likes of Mohd Noor Faeez Ibrahim, Mohd Rashid Baharom and his younger brother Mohd Rahimi Baharom. Another youngster is talented Asri Hassan who can be developed into a world-class player.
“We will blood talented youngsters who are striving for success and hope to play alongside experienced players which will help develop them,” added George.
“With the format of all six teams making the knockout there is really no losers in the league stage and hence there will not be any form of pressure.”
One player that will sorely be missed in the MHL is the late Chua Boon Huat who passed away in a tragic accident on August last year.
New Straits Times
Hot Greensharks cruise past Sikh Union into premier league semis
By BRIAN YONGA
Dennis Obata (left) of Park Road team is challenged by Geoffrey Nyagaga and Edwin Otieno of Greensharks during their Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) premier league match at City Park Stadium on October 12, 2014. Greensharks have booked their place in this season’s Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) play-offs. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
Greensharks on Saturday became the first team to book their place in this season’s Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) play-offs following their convincing 4-0 victory over hosts Nakuru Sikh Union at the Nakuru Sikh Temple hockey grounds.
Two goals by Kenya international Leon Magomere and further strikes from Kevin Simiyu and Samuel Mucheke confirmed the law enforcers a place in the premier league semi-final, capping a wonderful performance so far this season.
Simiyu got Sharks going in the fifth minute when he finished off a lovely move from after nice work from Kark Labieny. Magomere made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark, sounding the board after his team was awarded a short corner.
Nakuru got a chance to get back into the game just before the break after they were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute. However, Barnabas Odhiambo’s flick went wide, to the disgust of the home fans.
It got worse for the home team in the second half with the visitors adding two more goals to underline their dominance in the game.
Magomere finished off another short corner in the 55th minute to grab his brace before setting up Samuel Mucheke to score the fourth goal and condemn the home side to their worst defeat this season.
The result sees Sharks move to the top of Pool ‘A’ with 11 points, having completed their league matches this season unbeaten.
“It was a brilliant performance from the lads; we were dominant from start to finish,” said Greensharks coach Nixon Nyangaga. “We worked hard, fought for every ball and we have been rewarded with a play-off spot.
“We will rest and then resume training on Tuesday to prepare for the semi-finals.”
FAILED TO TURN UP
His counterpart Tony Agesa of Nakuru said his team simply failed to turn up for the game and were punished by a more clinical side.
At the City Park Stadium, University of Nairobi thrashed National Youth Service (NYS) 6-1 in a national league match to record their first win of the season.
Two goals each from Derick Ouma and Stephan Ochieng’ helped UoN to the huge victory over a poor NYS side. Other UoN players who got their names in the score sheet were James Ogachi and Norman Gabula.
The victory takes the university side to fourth place in Pool ‘B’ on four points from four games.
In another game, Karate were handed a walkover after their opponents Kimathi University failed to show up for their match.
Daily Nation