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News 14 November 2014

All the news for Friday 14 November 2014


Great Britain defeated in Spain tests


England and GB captain Barry Middleton in action

• Great Britain men lose both games in two-match series.
• Spain win first game 1-0 and second 4-1
• Iain Lewers wins 100th combined Great Britain and England cap
• Ollie Willars wins 50th combined Great Britain and England cap
• Squad used the same as the England squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, plus Ollie Willars and Scotland’s Chris Grassick.

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Great Britain 0    

Spain 1
Marc Salles 47 (PS)

A 49th minute penalty stroke from Spain’s Marc Salles was enough to give the home side a win in atrocious conditions at Atlétic Terrassa Hockey Club, Barcelona. It was a match of few chances, settled when Salles held his nerve to slot home from the spot 11 minutes from full time after Henry Weir had conceded a penalty stroke for a foul in the circle. Great Britain were unable to break the Redsticks down and though neither side were able to force a penalty corner, it was Bobby Crutchley’s men who went home empty handed.

The game marked Iain Lewers’ 100th combined England and Great Britain cap.

Thursday 13 November 2014

Great Britain 1      
Ashley Jackson 59 (PC)    

Spain 4
Xavi Lleonart 14 (F)
Alex Casasayas 15 (F)
Marc Salles PC (39)
Albert Beltran Mir 53 (FG)
                                                                                            
Great Britain slipped to their second defeat in as many games as Spain swept into a four goal lead at Real Club de Polo, Barcelona. Two goals in the first quarter did the damage as Spain took advantage of the visitors’ mistakes. The pick of the goals as far as the Redsticks were concerned came from Albert Beltran Mir who evaded a number of tackles before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Paddy Smith’s shoulder and into the roof of the net. Ashley Jackson struck a late consolation goal but it was too little, too late.

The game marked Ollie Willars’ 50th combined England and Great Britain cap.

Quotes – England Head Coach Bobby Crutchley

“We looked a bit rusty and although there were some good moments, there were too many occasions we were poor in key areas. We made too many defensive errors and simply weren’t clinical enough in their circle. It’s been a frustrating couple of games and a few players looked off the pace but we will be able to take some positives from the trip.

It’s been a good exercise in getting back to playing international hockey against a tough opponent. It’s shown us the standards we need to set and the levels we need to reach when we go to the Champions Trophy as England."

Squad

Name – Club – Hometown, Region

Alastair Brogdon – Wimbledon – Hale, Manchester
Tom Carson – Reading – Wellington, Somerset
Nick Catlin – Holcombe – Marlow, Buckinghamshire
David Condon – East Grinstead – Leicester, Leicestershire
Adam Dixon – Beeston – Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Dan Fox – Holcombe – Godalming, Surrey
Mark Gleghorne – East Grinstead – Antrim, Northern Ireland
Chris Griffiths – East Grinstead – Birmingham, West Midlands
Michael Hoare – Wimbledon – Liverpool, Merseyside
Ashley Jackson – East Grinstead – Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Iain Lewers – Holcombe – Belfast, Northern Ireland
Harry Martin – Beeston – Ipswich, Suffolk
Barry Middleton – Holcombe – Doncaster, South Yorkshire
George Pinner (GK) – Holcombe – Ipswich, Suffolk
Phil Roper – Wimbledon – Chester, Cheshire
Patrick Smith (GK) – East Grinstead – Harlow, Essex
Henry Weir – Wimbledon – Nantwich, Cheshire
Tim Whiteman – Beeston – Bungay, Suffolk
Chris Grassick – Surbiton – Edinburgh, Scotland
Ollie Willars – Beeston – Leicester, Leicestershire

Spain are one of the sides in action when Eurohockey 2015 comes to London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. England will face Netherlands, Spain and Russia.

England Hockey Board Media release



Wimbledon face leaders Surbiton


Surbiton's Scott Evans (left) in action against Beeston. Credit www.hockeyimages.co.uk

IN-form Wimbledon make the short trip to leaders Surbiton in a crucial match in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.

Both sides have won four out of their last five matches and have each conceded just 14 goals this season and making them jointly the best defences in the division, but Surbiton boast the best attack with 32 goals.

Wimbledon have already beaten East Grinstead this season, and only narrowly lost by a single goal in a pre-season clash with Surbiton.

“We’re looking forward to the game,” said Surbiton captain Ben Tibble. “Wimbledon will be difficult opponents. We will need to play as well as we have been doing over the last few weeks to beat them, but we’re pretty confident going into the game.

“If we want to stay at the top of the table we have to strive to consistently produce performances of the highest standard. We will be looking at them in training this week, but we prepare largely the same for all our matches.”

Elsewhere, East Grinstead – who dropped to second in the table on goal difference despite beating Beeston last weekend, entertain bottom side Canterbury on Saturday evening.

In other Premier Division action, former leaders Beeston will want to keep pace with the top two teams with a win at Southgate.

Brooklands Manchester University – who secured a stunning 5-4 comeback win over Reading last weekend – will be aiming for their second league win of the season when they head to Hampstead and Westminster.

And Reading, who have won only two of their last five league matches, play host to Cannock in the other top-flight match. Both Hampstead and Reading need a win to stay in touch with the top four.

Currently second in the table, Cardiff and Met welcome third-placed Fareham in the NOW: Pensions Conference West on Saturday, bidding to keep pace with leaders Team Bath Buccaneers who host Barford Tigers.

The league committee have considered the issue of the Olton versus Trojans match that was abandoned in the 65th minute last Saturday due to a flooded pitch. The committee agreed that the game will not be replayed and the score at the time, 1-1, will be recorded as the result. Goals and yellow cards will stand.

The top two are preparing to meet on Saturday in the NOW: Pensions Conference North, with leaders Bowdon visiting Olton and West Warwicks. Sheffield Hallam moved up to third after beating Loughborough Students last weekend, and they could climb to second if they win their Yorkshire derby and Olton lose.

In the NOW: Pensions Conference East, runaway leaders Holcombe face Brighton and Hove, while Chichester Priory Park – who lost to Holcombe last weekend – aim to get back to winning ways against Oxted.

NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, November 15 2014)

NOW: Pensions Premier Division
Hampstead & Westminster v Brooklands Manchester Univ 14:00
Southgate v Beeston 14:30
Reading v Cannock 16:30
Surbiton v Wimbledon 16:30
East Grinstead v Canterbury 18:00

NOW: Pensions Conference West
Cheltenham v Univ of Exeter 12:30
Univ of Birmingham v Whitchurch 12:30
Team Bath Buccaneers v Barford Tigers 13:00
Guildford v Indian Gymkhana 14:00
Cardiff & Met v Fareham 14:30

NOW: Pensions Conference North
Sheffield Hallam v Wakefield 13:30
Olton & West Warwicks v Bowdon 13:30
Leek v Belper 14:00
Doncaster v Univ of Durham 14:00
Loughborough Students v Deeside Ramblers 14:00

NOW: Pensions Conference East
Chichester Priory Park v Oxted 13:30
Bromley & Beckenham v Richmond 14:00
West Herts v Teddington 14:00
Old Loughtonians v Cambridge City 16:30
Holcombe v Brighton and Hove 18:00

England Hockey Board Media release



Holcombe head to Clifton


Clifton’s Joie Leigh challenged by Surbiton’s Georgie Twigg - Credit Peter Smith

Clifton play host to Holcombe in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday, in a match that could prove crucial to both sides’ play-off hopes this season.

Currently third in the table, Clifton scraped a one-nil win over Bowdon Hightown last weekend, while Holcombe – who are unbeaten so far in the league, and boast a line-up littered with international stars – beat Reading 4-1.

“It will be a very interesting match, that’s for sure,” said Clifton Coach Stephen Rixon. “We haven’t played each other before, so neither side will know what to expect.

“We’re always respectful of our opponents, especially when they have a lot of current internationals playing. But there’s not a lot we can do about it, so we will prepare the best we can and focus on delivering the quality play we know we can produce at the tempo we want to play at.”

In other Premier Division action, leaders Surbiton host Bowdon Hightown, while second-placed Canterbury head to Leicester to take on a side who are unbeaten in four games and moved up to sixth on the back of a win at Beeston last weekend.

Reading host the University of Birmingham as they bid to bounce back from last weekend’s home defeat at the hands of Holcombe, while the bottom two meet as Beeston head to Buckingham in a relegation six-pointer.

Second-placed Wakefield head to third-placed Sutton Coldfield in a mouth-watering clash in the Investec Conference North on Sunday, while leaders Brooklands Poynton are at Liverpool Sefton.

Leaders East Grinstead host Wimbledon in the Investec Conference East, while St Albans – who have conceded just one goal in the last five games and are second only on goal difference – entertain Harleston Magpies.

In-form Slough head to Gloucester City as they bid to make it nine wins out of nine league matches so far, while second-placed Swansea City – who lost to Slough last week – go to Isca.

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Sunday, November 16 2014)

Investec Premier Division
Buckingham v Beeston 12:00
Clifton v Holcombe 13:00
Reading v University of Birmingham 13:30
Surbiton v Bowdon Hightown 14:00
Leicester v Canterbury 14:00

Investec Conference West
Isca v Swansea City 12:00
Stourport v Oxford Hawks 12:00
Bristol Firebrands v Trojans 12:00
Cheltenham v Olton and West Warwickshire 12:30
Gloucester City v Slough 12:30

Investec Conference North
Kendal v Ben Rhydding 12:30
Liverpool Sefton v Brooklands Poynton 12:30
Whitley Bay and Tynemouth v Cannock 12:30
Sutton Coldfield v Wakefield 13:30
University of Durham v Loughborough University 14:00

Investec Conference East
East Grinstead v Wimbledon 13:00
Maidenhead v Bedford 13:30
Sevenoaks v Ipswich 14:00
St Albans v Harleston Magpies 14:00
Chelmsford v Horsham 14:00

England Hockey Board Media release



Indian junior eves draw 2-2 with NZ, lose series 0-3

NEW DELHI: India's junior women's hockey team played out a 2-2 draw against hosts New Zealand but lost the six-match Test series 0-3 at the TET Multisports Centre in Stratford, New Zealand.

According to information received, there was plenty of action right from the beginning as both the teams adopted an attacking approach.

Both India and New Zealand made desperate efforts and gave each other a tough fight to score the opening goal until Felicity Reidy of the home team made the breakthrough to give her side a 1-0 lead.

India's Lilima Minz immediately responded and drew parity with a field goal.

The Indian girls then snatched a 2-1 lead through Navjot Kaur.

But two yellow cards and a green card proved costly for India as Deanna Ritchie managed to level the scores for New Zealand through a penalty corner conversion New Zealand.

India played out three draws and lost three matches in the series.

The Times of India



Ticket sale for Champions Trophy hockey begins

BHUBANESWAR: Hockey India on Thursday announced the beginning of ticket sales for the FIH Champions Trophy which starts from December 6.

A total of 20 outlets will be selling the tickets across Bhubaneswar, which includes six Cafe Coffee Day outlets, six outlets of The Moblie Store and eight individual stores spread out across the city to ensure that the tickets are easily available to the fans.

The price of the tickets ranges from Rs 20 to Rs 1000. The tournament will be played at the Kalinga Stadium, the home ground of the Hero Hockey India League's franchisee Kalinga Lancers and it has a seating capacity for approximately 7000 spectators.

The tournament is divided into two Pools -- A and B. India are placed in Pool B, along with the Netherlands, Germany and Argentina.

India play their first match against Germany on December 6 at 1930 IST.

The Times of India



Revamped Mumbai HIL franchise ropes in Viren Rasquinha as mentor


(From left) Dabang Mumbai coach Anil Aldrin, mentor Viren Rasquinha and goalkeeping coach Edger Mascarenhas in Mumbai on Thursday

The Mumbai franchise of the Hockey India League (HIL) have roped in former India captain Viren Rasquinha as their strategic advisor and mentor for the upcoming season.

HIL had run into troubled waters after Dabur Group-owned Mumbai Magicians pulled out of the third edition of the tournament. The new owners – DoIT Sports Management that also owns Pro Kabaddi League's Dabang Delhi – came to HIL's rescue in September and now it seems they want to start afresh.

Firstly, the Mumbai franchise, which was earlier called Mumbai Magicians, will now be called Dabang Mumbai. Secondly, they have completely changed their support staff and have decided not to retain any players from the previous team.

"I don't want to comment on what the previous franchise did and how they went about things," Rasquinha said during the launch of the franchise on Thursday. "For us, it's a fresh start and that's why we have decided not to retain any player from the previous squad. We might bid for some players in the auction in New Delhi on Saturday, and our priority right now is selecting a good team."

Rasquinha added that the players in the upcoming auctions will be bought only on a one-year contract. Players from all other six franchises will go into the pool for the year after that.

Apart from Rasquinha, Dabang Mumbai have hired Valentin Altenburg, who is the head coach of German junior men's team, as their chief coach, former India skipper Anil Aldrin as coach, former India goalkeeper Edger Mascarenhas as their goalkeeping coach and Germany's Jens Hillmann as their performance analyst.

DNA



Panel to look into Walsh’s demands


Sports Ministry on Thursday appointed a three-member panel comprising former India hockey captains Ajit Pal Singh, Ashok Kumar and Zafar Iqbal to assess the demands made by Terry Walsh (in picture) to stay on as the chief coach of the national team.   

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has formed a six-member committee, including well-known hockey players Ajitpal Singh, Ashok Kumar and Zafar Iqbal, to look into the demands of National team chief coach Terry Walsh.

According to a SAI release on Thursday, High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans, SAI Executive Director (Teams) Sudhir Setia and a representative of Hockey India would also be part of the committee.The committee will meet here on Friday to examine Walsh's demands and provide its inputs.

“The Government has asked us to meet tomorrow and give our suggestions about Walsh's demands. But there is hardly any time left,” said Ajitpal.

The Hindu



Walsh's issues to be discussed today

Rutvick Mehta

The all-important meeting between head coach Terry Walsh, Sports Authority of India and Hockey India to resolve the Australian's issues will be held in New Delhi on Friday.

Walsh had threatened to resign from the post last month after differences over functional autonomy and leave emerged between the three bodies.

"I'm solidly prepared to leave if things do not turn for the good before November 19. That is when my contract expires and if there are no concrete decisions before that, there is no contract and I will pack my bags and leave. As simple as that," Walsh told dna on Thursday.

Walsh said it might take a series of meetings to resolve the issues. "For me, there are elements that need to alter and they are very important. If they don't change, I don't see any point hanging around because those are not enough to develop this team. I'm not doing this just for nothing," he added.

DNA



Ministry appoints Ajit Pal, Iqbal to look into Walsh's demands

NEW DELHI: The sports ministry appointed a three-member panel comprising former India hockey captains Ajit Pal Singh, Ashok Kumar and Zafar Iqbal to assess the demands made by Terry Walsh to stay on as the chief coach of the national team.

The panel has little time to decide on the future of Walsh, who has categorically said that he won't continue after his contract expires on November 19, if he doesn't have his way in running of the team.

Sports secretary Ajit Sharan said the ministry wants Walsh to carry on. "I have constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Ajit Pal Singh, also comprising Ashok Kumar and Zafar Iqbal.

"This committee along with representatives from Hockey India and High Performance Director (Roelant Oltmans), will see to what extent Walsh's demands are reasonable, to what extent we can go along and so on. We would obviously like to retain him if possible," Sharan said adding that the panel most likely will give their opinion to the ministry in a day or two.

Walsh's sudden resignation last month came as a surprise to many after he guided India to their first Asian Games gold in 16 years. A day later however the the Australian agreed to continue in his role provided his conditions were fulfilled.

Last week, India stunned World Champions Australia in Perth under Walsh's guidance. Besides asking for more decision-making powers for himself and Oltmans, Walsh wants handpicked personel as his support staff and more time with family in Australia.

It has been reported that Walsh has asked for 120 days of of paid leave, during which, he will keep in touch with the team through video conferencing.

When Sharan was asked about Walsh's demand for paid leave: "Walsh has said that there won't be a compromise on training of players, when he is away. Anyway, I am not an expert to say anything on the subject and that is why I have got these experts (three-member panel) to take a view on the matter.

"Their main job will be to study the demands put forth by Walsh and see what is in the best interest of the team," addded Sharan.

The uncertainty in India hockey comes at a time, when the team is showing progress and weeks before the prestigious Champions Trophy begins in Bhubaneswar from December 6.

The Times of India



Rich Junior fare await this weekend

s2h Team



A rich fare in the form of competition among junior talents await Delhi hockey fans this weekend, as inter alia traditionally popular Junior Nehru hockey tournament reaching crucial stages, with the final billed for today.

The 43rd Steelbird International Nehru Junior Cup final between Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Ladowali Road, Jalandhar and Birsa Munda Vidhyapith, Rourkela, will be played 14.30 hrs at Shivaji Stadium.

Currently, the 43rd Steel Bird International Nehru Junior Tournament and the third Dualat Ram Memorial Cup competitions are going on in Delhi, with both closing this week end.

The prestigious Nehru Cup that started with the opening match on October 30th between One Thousand Hockey Legs and Gujarat, played first time in three-tier format against two-tier since then, witnessed two great semi-finals on Friday.



While the semifinals of the Daulat Ram will be held today in the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, the final of the Nehru Cup, telecast Live by the national telecaster DD Sports, offer a grand spectacle at the spectator friendly Shivaji stadium.

Yesterday, in the e 43rd Steelbird International Nehru Junior Cup semifnals, Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Ladowali Road, Jalandhar beat Haryana's CRZ School, Sonepat on tie break after both teams tie 3-3 at the end of regulation time.

In the other semis, Birsa Munda Vidhyapith, Rourkela, outwitted Indira Priyadarshani Higher Secondary School, Bhopal in a fighting score of 3-2.

Nehru Cup is the truly all India championship for juniors, as each state and other oganizations such as NCC, Sainik Schools send their championship teams, and in the process organize Pre-Nehru tournaments.

Stick2Hockey.com



Initial squad for Champions Trophy announced

KARACHI - The selectors have picked seven new faces in the 20-member Pakistan squad for next month’s 35th edition of Hockey Champions Trophy being staged in Indian city of Bhubaneshawar from December 6 to 14.

The team was named by chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui at Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium Thursday after two-day trials. Full-back M Imran was retained as the captain. Chief coach and co-opted member of the selection committee Shahnaz Shaikh with selectors Ayaz Mahmood, Arshad Chaudhry, Khalid Bashir and Mussidiq Hussain were also present on the occasion.

Islah said another round of trials would be held on November 26-27 after which squad would be curtailed to an 18-member. He said two players Rashid Mehmood and Rizwan Senior, who could not appear in the trials, will take part in the final trials. “After watching them in action and on the basis of their form and fitness their selection will be decided,” Islahuddin said.

Fresh faces picked in the team included Amjad Ali, Arsalan Khan, Ali Azfar, Ali Shan, Tasawwar Abbas, Yaqoob Azfar and Zuhaib Ashraf. New faces got into the team after three seniors players forward Shakeel Abbasi and Abdul Haseem Khan and half back Fareed Ahmed have been rested for the Champions Trophy.

PAKISTAN SQUAD:
Imran Butt, Amjad Ali (goalkeeper), M Imran (capt), M Irfan, Kashif Shah (full-back), Ammad Butt, M Tousiq, Rashid Mahmood, M Rizwan Junior, Zuhaib Ashraf, Tasawwar Abbas (half-back), Waqas Sharif, Umar Bhutta, M Dilber, M Rizwan Senior, Ali Shan, Arsalan Khan, Yaqsoob Azfar and Rizwan Ali (forwards).

PHF secretary Rana Mujahid also announced the cancellation of the team’s South Korean tour due to a lack of funds and visa issues.

“We have asked Korea if the series can be arranged after the Champions Trophy,” said Mujahid.

Meanwhile, Rizwan Jr was fined Rs100,000 for failing to bring his team jersey in the Asian Games final against India, while Tasawwar has been directed to pay Rs15,000 for his late arrival to the training camp.

The Nation



PHF decides to skip South Korean trip

Anwar Zuberi

KARACHI: The journalists were taken aback when the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) out of a blue announced to skip the much-talked about South Korean trip while short-listing 20 players for the prestigious Champions Trophy.

“Visa and some financial constraints compelled us to do away with the Nov 20-28 build up tour of South Korea,” the PHF secretary Rana Mujahid told newsmen at the end of two-day trials at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Thursday.

He regretted that the team will not go to South Korea as Champions Trophy was our priority. “We might rearrange the trip with mutual consent after the Indian assignment,” he added.

Shortlists 20 players for Champions Trophy

The PHF secretary said the camp will continue at the HCP Stadium and the team is due to fly to Bhubaneswar, India, from here on Dec 2 where the event is slated to take place from Dec 6 to 14.

Asked about the PHF and Pakistan hockey team’s scheduled meeting with the prime minister in Islamabad on Nov 19 he said: “It was on”.

Later, selectors chief Islahuddin Siddiqui announced names of 20 players including two absentees – Rashid Mahmood and Rizwan senior – from which 18 will be picked.

Both Rashid and Rizwan, who are due to arrive here on Nov 23 after playing professional league in Holland, will have to prove their fitness in one-day trials that takes place on Nov 26 or 27, he remarked.

The chief selector added that he in consultation with other selectors, chief coach and PHF secretary, imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on Rizwan junior and Rs15,000 on Tassawar Abbas for violating discipline.

Rizwan forget to carry his match shirt to the stadium from games village on the final day while Tassawar did not report in camp on time without informing the camp commandant.

Islah said Rizwan has tendered an apology to the PHF citing it an “unintentional act”.

Team:

Goal keepers: Imran Butt, Amjad Ali.

Backs: Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Irfan, Kashif Shah.

Halves: Ammad Butt, Mohammad Tousiq, Rashid Mahmood, Rizwan junior, Zohaib Ashraf, Tassawar Abbas.

Forwards: Waqas Sharif, Shafqat Rasool, Umer Bhutta, Mohammad Dilber, Rizwan senior, Ali Shan, Arsalan Qadir, Yaqoob Azfar, Rizwan Ali.

Stand byes: Mazhar Abbas (goalkeeper), Mubashir Ali, Atif Mushtaq, (full backs), Abu Bakar (half back), Rana Umair, Nohaiz Zahid Malik, Shan Irshad, Naveed, Mohammad Atiq junior (forwards).

Dawn



Kelburne's Nelson steps down from Scottish setup



Bromac Kelburne's Chris Nelson announced his retirement today from the Scottish senior men's team.

Nelson, a long-standing member of the ten in-a-row winning Scottish champions Kelburne, will hang up his stick after ten years of playing for Scotland to focus on inspiring the next generation of players at the club.

“Playing for Scotland means we have to fund ourselves and take holidays from work for tournaments. So it is a big commitment and I have been really lucky that my work have supported me through my international career, giving me extra holidays. It is a lot of time you spend in training, so it has to come to an end at some point.

“Over the last four to five years, I have had a few injuries; I had shin splints which were really quite bad after the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, meaning I had to take a year out of the sport including lots of rehab. A year ago, I injured my left hamstring twice. It never felt quite right so I was just glad to get through the summer.

“We have a lot of kids coming through at Kelburne, with many who have got ambitions to play for Scotland. It is nice to know I can be a role model to them. Hopefully, from the exposure hockey had in the Commonwealth Games, plus seeing us at training and playing to Scotland it will inspire the next generation."

Euro Hockey League media release



Scotland players retire from international duty


Cat Ralph

In the months after the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, four of Team Scotland’s hockey stars have announced their retirement from international duty.

Chris Nelson of the Senior Men’s team, plus Senior Women stalwarts Cat Ralph, Ali Bell and Ailsa Wyllie, and Sam Judge will step down from their international commitments.

Nelson, a long-standing member of Scottish champions Bromac Kelburne, will hang up his boots after ten years of playing for Scotland to focus on inspiring the next generation of players at the club.

“Playing for Scotland means we have to fund ourselves and take holidays from work for tournaments. So it is a big commitment and I have been really lucky that my work have supported me through my international career, giving me extra holidays. It is a lot of time you spend in training, so it has to come to end at some point.

“Over the last four to five years I have had a few injuries; I had shin splints which were really quite bad after Delhi, meaning I had to take a year out of the sport including lots of rehab. A year ago I injured my left hammy twice. It never felt quite right so I was just glad to get through the summer.

“We have a lot of kids coming through at Kelburne, with many who have got ambitions to play for Scotland. It is nice to know I can be a role model to them. Hopefully from the exposure hockey had in the Commonwealth Gamed plus seeing us at training and playing for Scotland it will inspire the next generation."

Meanwhile, Senior Women vice-captain Ralph, whose career included playing in Amsterdam for two years with some of the best hockey players in the world, regards Glasgow 2014 as the zenith of a long international career,

“I wanted to finish on a high, Glasgow was always going to be a pinnacle for any Scottish athlete. Finishing at Glasgow Green in front of a 5000 crowd was amazing, we didn’t finish the way we hoped and it is still taking me a while to get over that loss against England.

“A Commonwealth Games is always massive and I suppose more recently the Europeans have become special, as any A division we had competed in before, we always got relegated. But that summer competing in Boom was amazing. We competed and stayed up, we played so well and had so many other top countries turn an eye and really make an impact which was really positive.”

Indeed the defender, who has completely stepped back from all hockey since the games states she has enjoyed her free time a lot more than she expected.

“I am enjoying having a break, I actually surprised myself that I wanted to take a complete break. If you asked me a few years ago I definitely would have said I would still play club hockey. However, I am just enjoying spending time with family and friends and my free weekends. I’ve joined the gym and attending classes six times a week and I trained for the recent Glasgow half marathon.”

Grove Menzieshill player Ali Bell, who recently got married has also decided to step back from international hockey,

“It has been a really difficult decision to make but I think the time is right.  I feel proud and lucky to have been involved in such an amazing and successful squad, and it is going to be strange not being part of it all.  I have a lot of great memories from my time within the squad and I will definitely miss the banter!”


Ali Bell

Club team mate Ailsa Wyllie has also stepped back from international and club hockey and the sportscotland partnership manager focussing on inspiring the next generation of sporting heroes and heroines

Edinburgh University player-coach Sam Judge, who won a massive 199 caps for Scotland over a 15 year international career has also retired.

The former Milne Craig Clydesdale Western forward and Edinburgh University Hall of Fame member played in three Commonwealth Games, five European competitions, a World Cup and much more during a stellar time up front for the national side.

Now with the university side, she led them to their first ever Scottish Cup win last season and with the students unbeaten at the top of the Women's National League Division 1, there is every chance of them claiming a first ever league title under Judge's leadership.


Sam Judge

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Hawgood for senior team?

By Jugjet Singh

THE Malaysian hockey team are set to receive an Australian coach, as soon as Neil Hawgood gets a release from the Hockey India.

Hawgood, 52, is a former Australian player who played in the 1988 Olympics. He played seven matches, scoring five goals, as the Australian team finished fourth.

Hawgood is currently coaching the Indian women’s team but he is expected to sort out his contract and be in Malaysia before the World League Round Two in Singapore on Jan 17-25. The Australian’s contract is till 2016.

In the World League Round Two, top seeds Malaysia will play Bangladesh, Japan, Poland, Singapore, Oman and Ukraine. One more team will be the winners of the last Round One tournament which will be played in Suva, Fiji on Dec 6-13. The teams involved are Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

After Hawgood retired as a player, he had coaching stints in London, Scotland, Queensland, Western Australia and now India.

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has been on the hunt for a foreign coach since South African Paul Revington left early in the year, and has been playing musical chairs with K. Dharmaraj, Arul Selvaraj and now Tai Beng Hai to lead the Singapore charge.

If Malaysia finish in the top three in Singapore, they will play in the semi-finals of the World League, either in Argentina or Belgium, for a shot at the 2016 Olympics.

MHC officials declined to comment on the latest development, as president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has imposed a gag order.

New Straits Times



KLHC down former champs Sapura in MHL

By Aftar Singh


Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club’s Harvinder Singh controlling the ball past Sapura’s Azreen Rizal Nasir (right) during their Malaysia Hockey League match at the National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. — M. Azhar Arif / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) are just unstoppable.

On Wednesday, they turned on the heat in the third quarter to outplay former champions Sapura 4-0 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil to register their fourth straight win to top the Malaysia Hockey League’s (MHL) Premier League standings.

Defender Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim gave KLHC the lead off their third penalty corner in the 34th minute for his fifth goal in the league.

Mohd Rashid Baharom (35th), Akhtar Ali (39th) and Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin (41st) contributed the other goals.

Both KLHC and Sapura played below par in the first two quarters. KLHC, however, came alive in the third quarter and they shocked Sapura by scoring four quick goals in a seven-minute spell.

After missing his earlier two penalty corners, Razie finally hit the target in the 34th minute.

From then onwards, KLHC were unstoppable as they scored three field goals.

KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj was more than pleased with his team’s performance.

“It was a bonus to score four goals in seven minutes against a strong team like Sapura,” said Dharmaraj.

Sapura coach Tai Beng Hai, who was recently appointed as the national coach, was disappointed that his side conceded three field goals.

“My players struggled as they’re still trying to get used to the four-quarter format (which is used for the first time in the MHL). It will take us time to get used to the format,” said Beng Hai.

The Star of Malaysia



KLHC face huge hurdle to continue unbeaten run

By Aftar Singh


KLHC’s top scorer Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim (right) is one of the injured players.

KUALA LUMPUR: Table toppers Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) want to continue their winning streak in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

But KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj is concerned injuries to a number of key players could jeopardise their four-match unbeaten run.

“I have six players who are carrying injuries and it will be tough for us to maintain our good form if they further aggravated their injuries.

“We have done exceptionally well by winning the first four matches. The pressure is now on us to stay unbeaten,” said Dharmaraj.

Penalty corner specialist and top scorer Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim, who has scored five goals, is one of the injured players. He is down with a calf injury.

Forwards Mohd Rashid Baharom and Mohd Syamim Yusof are nursing calf and hamstring injuries while defender S. Shanker is bothered by a back injury.

KLHC’s two Australian imports – Harrison Page and Matthew Mallinson – are also suffering from calf injuries.

Defending champions KLHC are on maximum 12 points and lead the six-team league by three points. They will take on winless Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) on Friday before facing former champions Tenaga Nasional on Sunday.

Dharmaraj said that they would not take bottom side UniKL lightly.

“UniKL have some good local and foreign players. We will treat every team with respect. The challenge will be on us to continue our winning ways as every team will be out to beat us,” said Dharmaraj.

The Star of Malaysia



German jaunt helps Richard Bain breakthrough

BRENDON EGAN


MY BALL: Canterbury striker Richard Bain, right, is set to make his national debut against Japan on Tuesday. Photosport

Three years of semi-professional field hockey in Germany helped catapult Canterbury's Richard Bain into the Black Sticks.

He is set to debut for his country, along with provincial team-mate George Enersen, in next week's series against Japan in the Wellington region.

The first of the four tests will be played on Tuesday.

After he missed selection for the Youth World Cup with the Junior Black Sticks in 2009, Bain, a striker, headed to Germany a year later to further his hockey.

He spent three seasons in Monchengladbach, playing for the Rheydter Spielverein (RSV) club with fellow Cantabrians Chris Goldsbury and George Connell.

Bain's game developed significantly training alongside German players and opposing talented opponents each week.

New Zealand men's coach Colin Batch recently remarked Bain's style of play had a strong German flavour about it.

"I learned a different style of play there. They really value [keeping] the ball and are real technical. It was good learning a different country's style of play," Bain said.

"If you can incorporate that into your game, as well as the fast paced style New Zealand is into, it will be good."

Bain forced his way into the Black Sticks for the Japanese series after another consistent national league campaign.

He rated his form this season as his best yet for Canterbury, who finished third.

At 25 years, he is a relative latecomer to international hockey, by modern standards.

Bain racked up close to 50 games for the red-and-blacks since his debut in 2008.

He was rewarded for his national league performances with inclusion in New Zealand's development squad for the first time.

After standing out at a trial camp last week, he gained a Black Sticks' call-up from Batch.

Bain was excited about the chance to partner former Junior Black Sticks team-mate Simon Child up front, who will captain New Zealand against Japan.

"He's a legend. He's been there for 10 years now. It's going to be good to see him as captain."

Bain, who has played for Harewood since he was four, will be eager to make an impression during the Japanese series.

International hockey will return to Christchurch for the first time since 2011 next month.

New Zealand take on Canada in two tests over December 13-14 at Marist Park at St Bede's College.

Bain said it would be fantastic to represent his country in front of his home fans.

The Black Sticks will have six players making their debut against Japan.

The others are North Harbour goalkeeper Richard Joyce, Capital's Dane Lett, Auckland's Dwayne Rowsell and Midlands' Nic Woods.

Stuff



Police, Warriors pull out of Africa Club tournament

By BRIAN YONGA


Kenya Police celebrate a goal against USIU-A during their premier league hockey match at City park stadium on November 1, 2014. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |   NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya will be represented by only two clubs in the Africa Hockey Club Championships set for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, later this month after champions Kenya Police and runners-up Butali Sugar Warriors withdrew from the event.

Women’s champions Telkom Orange, who are also the continental champions, and Strathmore Scorpions will now be Kenya’s only representatives at the continental event.

Kenya Police and Butali Sugar Warriors’ names are missing from the final list of teams released by the Hockey Association of Zimbabwe, with only Orange and Strathmore appearing under the Kenyan column.

The African Hockey Federation (AHF) had set October 31 as the deadline for teams to confirm participation for the event but allowed the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) a one-week extension.

PREPARED WELL

Kenya Police withdrew from the event early this week after they were informed that the Government had no funds to sponsor them for the event. Police team manager Tom Ondeng broke the news to the players on Wednesday after a training session.

“It is really sad, because we had prepared well for the event and the boys were looking forward for the event but I guess we shall plan for next time,” Ondeng told Daily Nation Sport.

Warriors, on the other hand, cited ill-preparation for their withdrawal saying their focus is to clinch a play-off berth in the current season.

“We felt that we would not play to our best in a tournament of such a magnitude having just started playing competitively recently,” Warriors coach Cliffe Okello said.

He said the team will be fighting to win the league this season and make it to next year’s club championship.

KHU Nashon Randiek revealed that the union had extended the invitation to Nairobi Simba following the withdrawal of the two clubs but the 2012 champions failed to respond to the request.

KEY PLAYERS

However, Simba team manager Kalpesh Solanki clarified that his team was unable to commit to any decision due to the unavailability of two key players.

Randiek revealed that the union had to plead with the AHF to allow the registration of the two women’s clubs after confirmation participation after the deadline.

Orange won their sixth continental title early this year after beating Strathmore in Kampala. Sharkia of Egypt are the men’s defending champions.

Daily Nation



Three members of inaugural Hall of Fame class inducted in Vancouver ceremony

Remaining five to be inducted in Toronto ceremony next summer

Shaheed Devji

Three of the eight inaugural Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame inductees were honoured in a ceremony Wednesday night in Vancouver.

Sumesh Putra, Paul Chohan and Dr. Harry Warren, were the first of the inaugural class to be inducted. The three honourees were joined by family, friends, current National athletes and Field Hockey Canada alumni to celebrate their successes, passion and dedication to the sport of field hockey in Canada.

Representing the late Dr. Harry Warren were both his daughter Charlotte and son Victor, who was a long-time member of the Canadian Men's National Team.

Due to a family emergency, Nancy Mollenhauer's induction will now happen alongside fellow first class inductees Patrick Burrows, Sharon Creelman, Dr. Sue Neill and Marina van der Merwe in an Eastern Canadian ceremony next summer in Toronto, to be held in conjunction with the 2015 Pan American Games.

The event was emceed by Women's National Team veteran and current active cap leader, Thea Culley. Also in attedance were Canadian Minister of Sport Bal Gosal, and British Columbia's Minister of Technology Andrew Wilkinson.

Former Vancouver Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis, who is also the father of current Women's Natoinal Team captain Kate Gillis, hosted a hotstove panel featuring several of the guests including Chohan Putra, Gosal, current Women's National Team alternate-captain Dani Hennig and head coach Ian Rutledge.

Also making an appearance at the event were several members of the 2014 silver medal-winning Canadian Youth Olympic Games Hockey 5s team, making the event a true celebration of the past, present and future of field hockey in Canada.

Each inductee was honoured with a special video highlighting their careers and contributons to field hockey. The videos along with photos of the event can be seen below.

The Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame was made possible through support from the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Sport Canada. We thank our partners for their continued and tireless support.

Visit the Field Hockey Canada digital Hall of Fame for the entire first class, inductee backgrounds and videos.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Women’s Hockey in Guyana makes a comeback

Philip Fernandes


Guyana players pose with Argentina after their match at the 2013 Pan American Cup in Mendoza   

After enjoying international success in the 1960s through the early 80s, Guyana women’s hockey died off in the 90s due mainly to the migration of many of its key personnel.  In 2000 however, ladies hockey re-emerged on the local calendar.  Aside from a squad of players travelling to Trinidad for a weekend of matches in 2001 where they lost all of their matches against second division Trinidadian club sides, it would take until 2006 for Guyana to return to genuine international competition.

An invitation from Venezuela to participate in a Tri-nation tournament between the hosts, Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana was just the catalyst to re-introduce the Guyana ladies, many of whom had never even seen an artificial pitch, to regional competition.  Brazil played unbeaten in the series and though Guyana and Venezuela competed in very close matches, Guyana edged the hosts to finish in second place.  While none of these teams were ranked highly in PAHF rankings, Guyana would have been the least experience with none of its players having played in international competition.

Encouraged by their first outing, the Guyana ladies competed the following year in the PAHF Caribbean Cup 2007 in Trinidad against Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica.  The unfamiliar artificial pitch continued to be their most difficult challenge and the team performed increasingly better as the tournament progressed; a theme that would repeat itself many times in competitions to come.  Guyana finished at the bottom of the standings and, despite encouraging results toward the end of the tournament, the absence of an artificial pitch in Guyana on which the team could train became increasingly evident as an impediment to success.

Despite being ranked as first reserve for the Central American and Caribbean games 2010, the circumstances of a withdrawal earned the Guyanese ladies their first ever opportunity to participate in the games.  Guyana entered the competition of the CAC Games as the lowest ranked team and emerged in 6th place out of 8 teams.  This was considered a huge success for a team expected to finish at the bottom.

After failing to qualify for the Pan American Games, which would have required a top three finish in the CAC Games, Guyana set its sights on the PAHF Challenge in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2011.  The PAHF Challenge is a qualifier for the PAHF Cup, the other major regional tournament on the PAHF calendar.  To qualify for the PAHF Cup, the team would have to finish in one of the top two spots.  While Guyana had begun to climb in the PAHF rankings, they would still remain at the bottom of the pool of teams at the PAHF Challenge.  The five-team tournament featuring Guyana, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bermuda and hosts Brazil would see Guyana edge Brazil for a spot in the final against Uruguay.  While it was clear that Guyana were no match for Uruguay, the result of the PAHF Challenge was a victory in itself as it earned Guyana a place to compete among the elite regional teams in the PAHF Cup in Mendoza, Argentina 2013.

With their sights firmly set on the PAHF Cup, the Guyanese ladies capitalized on the Hockey World League first round being staged in neighbouring Trinidad in 2012.  Guyana placed 5th out of 6 teams in keeping with the teams’ rankings.

Despite some severe losses in the PAHF Cup including a crushing defeat by then reigning World Champions Argentina, Guyana showed that they were competitive with the teams in the lower half of the competition.  The top teams were clearly at a different level and Guyana struggled against them.  Guyanese goalkeeper Alysa Xavier was the team’s standout player at the tournament and became the first player from the country to be listed on a PAHF Elite team.  The highlight of this tournament was for the Guyanese ladies to share the same pitch with superstar Luciana Aymar and Las Leonas.

This brought Guyana to the end of a cycle as the next step for the team is to participate in the CAC Games 2014 in Vera Cruz, Mexico.  During this past cycle Guyana can boast of being the biggest climber on the FIH world rankings, moving from #58 in 2011 up to #38 by the end of 2013.  The most notable aspect of this achievement is that the country remains one of very few who compete internationally without an artificial pitch on which to train.

Team Guyana continues to pursue its goals by training on natural grass cricket fields.  This is often done by night as cricket is the nation’s number one sport and so field time is difficult to reserve during the daytime.  Despite their inability to participate in both the World League and the CAC games in the same year, Guyana is no longer an unknown entity whom other teams take lightly.  It has been more than a year since the Guyanese ladies have competed on the regional stage and the team is keen to match its skills against others in the upcoming Games.

The members of the Guyanese Federation are quick to mention that Guyana is grateful for the cooperation of some of its fellow regional nations in helping its women’s hockey team achieve their success.  Firstly Venezuela and then Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Canada have all been welcoming to the South American minnows along the way, affording them much needed training and practice matches on artificial pitches.  Guyana’s success continues to defy the odds as the ladies hockey team continues to make every effort in their current conditions with the hope of one day securing the opportunity of having a field hockey pitch installed in Guyana.

PAHF media release



HA President Announced

Board member David Hatt becomes new President of Hockey Australia



The Board of Hockey Australia is pleased to announce David Hatt as its new President, succeeding Stuart Grimshaw, who relinquished the position in September to move overseas.

Hatt (pictured), a Hockey Australia board member since 2011, will assume the role with immediate effect, leading what is often hailed as one of the best gender-balanced boards in Australian sport.

Paying tribute to Grimshaw and commenting on his own appointment, Hatt said, “Stuart was an exceptionally good strategic leader who has assembled a well-balanced and high quality board.
 
“During my time on the board I have enjoyed discussing the challenges that face our game and look forward to continuing to find answers to the strategic complexities Australian hockey faces over the next three years.”

A former hockey player, coach and manager with Western Australia, Hatt is a consultant in town planning and sports administration. He previously served as Executive Director and Chief Policy Advisor in the Western Australian Government’s Department of Premier and Cabinet from 2003 to 2008, and as Chief Executive of the Fremantle Football Club from 1994 until 2001.

He is a former Commissioner of the Australian Sports Commission - a role he held from 1988 until 1996 - and was Deputy Chairman of the Western Australian Institute of Sport for a decade from 1983. Over the past 25 years, he has held a range of Chairmanships in industries including land development, town planning and professional sport.

In hockey, in addition to his involvement in nine national championship winning Western Australian teams, Hatt has represented Australia at Masters level and has served as Team Manager for the senior Australian men’s national team, the Kookaburras.

His first board meeting as President takes place next Thursday, 20 November, in Adelaide.

For more information about Hockey Australia's strategic plan, Hockey's Winning Edge: 2014-2018, visit the page on our website here. For the list of board members, click here.

Hockey Australia media release

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