News 15 November 2014
All the news for Saturday 15 November 2014
Black Sticks Women draw in opener against Australia
Pictured: Captain Stacey Michelsen celebrating with goal scorer Pippa Hayward during today’s game.
The Black Sticks Women have drawn 2-2 against Australia in the opening game of the three-test series at the National Hockey Stadium in Wellington.
It was an impressive start from the Black Sticks with Pippa Hayward and Sophie Cocks giving the Kiwis a 2-0 lead, but it was Hockeyroo Karri McMahon who converted two penalty corners in the second half to keep the world’s number-two ranked side very much in the series.
Head coach Mark Hager said that although the return of star player Stacey Michelsen made a real difference, there’s lots to improve if the Kiwis are to claim a series win.
“We probably had some chances when we were 2-0 up to make it 3-0 or even 4-0, but that has been our problem, we are just needing to get better and practice our goal shooting more. Ultimately, we conceded too many corners and gave them too many chances, and I know our defence will be disappointed about that,” said Hager.
In the first half, a nice piece of play from Michaela Curtis and captain Stacey Michelsen set up a goal for Canterbury’s Pippa Hayward who made it count in the fifth minute. Black Stick goalkeeper Sally Rutherford kept New Zealand in the game early on with some impressive saves while up front Olivia Merry and Michelsen both had some great shots at goal.
In the second half, Canterbury’s Sophie Cocks scored in the opening moments with a direct hit from the top of the circle. But the tables turned in the 35th minute when Hockeyroo Karri McMahon got the final touch on a penalty corner deflection and then doubled the lead in the 58th minute.
Hager commented on the impact that Michelsen made today setting up both goals for the Kiwis.
“Stacey has the ability to eliminate the opposition and that then frees someone else up in the circle. She has the vision and skill to set up other players, and probably that is something that has been lacking a little bit up front, she does make a real difference,” said Hager.
For tomorrow’s game, Capital’s Anita Punt is hoped to give the Kiwis some extra fire power and will take on the captaincy role.
“She will give us a bit more venom in the midfield and provide some more options with our corners, we just need to make sure we are being awarded a few more,” said Hager.
The teams face each other again tomorrow at 3pm at the National Hockey Stadium in Wellington before their final game at 7pm this Tuesday. It’s a big week of hockey in the Capital with the Black Sticks Men arriving tomorrow to play Japan at 5pm on Tuesday and 7pm on Wednesday, before heading to the Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf where they play their final two games of the series at 7pm on Friday and 6pm on Saturday.
RESULTS
Full time: 2-2
Half time: 1-0
NZ goal scorers: Pippa Hayward, Sophie Cocks
Australia goal scorers: Karri McMahon x2
Hockey New Zealand Media release
McMahon at the double
Defender Karri strikes twice as Hockeyroos draw 2-2 with Black Sticks
Photo: Masanori Udagawa www.photowellington.photoshelter.com
A double penalty corner strike from South Australian Karri McMahon, and what the 22 year-old called “the Australian way”, helped the Hockeyroos hit back from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with rivals the New Zealand Black Sticks in the first of three Tests in Wellington.
Defender McMahon, who had scored just four goals in her previous 52 appearances, struck with a deflection just a minute after the Hockeyroos had fallen 2-0 behind at the start of the second period. And she bagged her brace with two minutes remaining, flicking a late penalty corner low into the bottom left corner.
The Hockeyroos fielded four debutants – Georgie Morgan, Gabi Nance, Kathryn Slattery and Amelia Spence – and welcomed back Rebecca Reuter and Kate Denning after a period away, along with the experienced Teneal Attard, returning from injury.
Forward Emily Smith celebrated her 100th appearance for the Hockeyroos in the match.
National Coach Adam Commens was pleased with the outcome, saying afterwards, “I thought it was a promising performance for a young and inexperienced team and many of our debutants did well.
“We were a bit loose in the first half but we tidied it up and were the better team in the second half.
“We haven’t played any games together as a unit, although we’ve had some practice games in Perth with the whole Champions Trophy squad, rather than the team, which we’ve brought here.
“Overall, it was a promising performance and one we can build on in the next two games.”
The Hockeyroos found themselves on the back foot early on and were grateful to goalkeeper Ashlee Wells for a series of smart saves, the first from a low penalty corner. Her goal was breached in the sixth minute by Pippa Hayward’s strike but Wells followed up to deny Olivia Merry soon after.
Debutant Kathyrn Slattery created the best moments of hope for the Australian women, first thwarted by Kiwi goalkeeper Sally Rutherford before winning a penalty corner, which Rutherford also kept out from stand-in captain Jodie Kenny.
Two minutes after half time Australia fell further behind as Sophie Cocks struck but McMahon halved he deficit just 60 seconds later with a deflection from a penalty corner at the other end. It was to be the catalyst for the Hockeyroos, who grew in confidence to dominate the third and fourth quarters.
Kenny saw the Black Sticks defence keep out another three penalty corners before McMahon stepped up to slot home late on and seal the draw.
Speaking after the match, McMahon said, “We’ve got a fairly new group. It was a bit of a scrappy match to start with but I think in the end we found our feet and started to play some good hockey.
“It’s always a good contest with the Kiwis. It’s always a very tight game regardless of where we are and what tournament. They had us a bit in the first quarter, we strung a few connections together and played much better in the second half.
“Three minutes to go you know it’s never over until the siren’s over. It’s a bit of the Australian way – fight until it’s over – and it was a good fight back from us.”
The two sides meet again at 1pm AEDT on Sunday. The match is live streamed via the Hockey New Zealand website at hockeynz.co.nz.
Match 1 of 3, Wellington (NZL)
HOCKEYROOS: 2 (0)
Karri McMahon 33, 58 (PC, PC)
NEW ZEALAND BLACK STICKS: 2 (1)
Pippa Hayward 6 (FG)
Sophie Cocks 32 (FG)
Hockeyroos squad v New Zealand
Name (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals
Started
Teneal Attard (Mackay, QLD) 190/10
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 54/2
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 56/2
Rebecca Dwyer (née Reuter) (Toowoomba, QLD) 6/0
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 120/67
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 53/6
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 138/27
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 161/62
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 36/8
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 100/41
Ashlee Wells (GK) (Morwell, VIC) 35/0
Used Substitute
Mathilda Carmichael (Willoughby, NSW) 16/1
Kate Denning (South Perth, WA) 2/0
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 1/0
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) 1/0
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 1/0
Amelia Spence (Hobart, TAS) 1/0
Unused Substitute
Audrey Smith (GK) (Wynnum, QLD) 0/0
Hockey Australia media release
Blacks Sticks blow opportunity in draw with Australia
IMPACT: NZ coach Mark Hager said the return of star player Stacey Michelsen made a real difference, but his side still had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Australia in Wellington today. Photosport
The women's Black Sticks have blown a sought-after win over Australia today, letting a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 in Wellington.
In the first match of a three-test series, Pippa Hayward put New Zealand ahead in just the fifth minute and shortly after halftime, Sophie Cocks doubled the advantage.
But straight-talking Black Sticks coach Mark Hager was left frustrated by his side, who conceded two Kerri McMahon goals from penalty corners - salvaging the game for Australia.
Hager said that although the return of star player Stacey Michelsen made a real difference, there's still lots to improve if the Kiwis are to claim the series – specifically, their clinical edge in front of goal.
"We probably had some chances when we were 2-0 up to make it 3-0 or even 4-0, but that has been our problem, we are just needing to get better and practice our goal shooting more," Hager said.
"Ultimately, we conceded too many corners and gave them too many chances, and I know our defence will be disappointed about that."
In the first half, a nice piece of play from Michaela Curtis and stand-in captain Michelsen set up a goal for Canterbury's Hayward who made it count in the fifth minute.
Black Stick goalkeeper Sally Rutherford kept New Zealand in the game early on with some impressive saves while up front Olivia Merry and Michelsen both had some good shots at goal.
In the second half, Canterbury's Sophie Cocks scored in the opening moments with a direct hit from the top of the circle. But the tables turned in the 35th minute when McMahon got the final touch on a penalty corner deflection and did similar in the 58th minute.
The team's return tomorrow for the second test and where the speed of Anita Punt is hoped to give the Kiwis some extra options. Punt will also take on the captaincy role.
"She will give us a bit more venom in the midfield and provide some more options with our corners, we just need to make sure we are being awarded a few more," Hager said.
Stuff
Black Sticks attacker to lead up front as Child named captain
By David Leggat
Photo / Greg Bowker
Simon Child's playing credentials aren't in doubt; now he gets the chance to show his captaincy skills as the Black Sticks prepare to face Japan next week.
The two national teams are in the same leadership boat.
Both Dean Couzins and Kayla Whitelock, long-term and respected leaders of the teams, have gone - Couzins retired after this year's Commonwealth Games, and Whitelock is taking time out from the game to start a family but is eyeing a possible return in time for the Rio Olympics in 2016.
The Black Sticks women's coach, Mark Hager, has talked of a shared responsibility plan featuring players like Anita Punt, Sam Charlton and Stacey Michelsen for their upcoming assignments, starting against Australia in Wellington today.
A similar situation is likely to apply with the men.
In the case of Child, New Zealand's best player and among the finest attackers in the game, there are no guarantees for the future.
The likelihood is that coach Colin Batch will give other influential figures, such as Nick Haig and Arun Panchia, their chance in the months ahead.
However Child, 26, and with 212 international appearances, is relishing the prospect. In a sense it's a logical next step for someone who made his debut nine years ago.
"I think I've had enough experience to get a really clear understanding of what's happening in the game," he said.
Child will lead from an attacking role up the park.
Hockey is similar to football in one respect - captains tend to come from the defensive end or in the hurly-burly of the midfield.
Conventional wisdom says defenders have a better perspective looking forward at the action unfolding; midfielders are stuck in the heart of the game and can get a sense of trends in the game.
However Child is confident his playing role won't hinder his ability to do the job. He knows he has good eyes further back in the park, such as Haig, Panchia and Steve Edwards.
"It is a little more challenging to organise and direct from up front but I certainly think we've got the players in the team who will bring leadership in midfield and defensive roles," he said.
Child is no stranger to captaincy.
He led the Junior Black Sticks to the semifinals of their World Cup five years ago. That squad included a host of players who have now graduated to the senior national team such as goalkeeper Devon Manchester, Hugo Inglis, Blair Hilton, Stephen Jenness, Panchia, Shay Neal and Blair Tarrant.
They know his voice and his likely approach to captaincy.
With Couzins gone and overseas-based players like Phil Burrows, Shea McAleese and Andy Hayward missing for now, Child believes it's a chance for the next group of players to make significant leadership contributions.
Child expects world No14 Japan to be fast and fit.
"There's quite a lot of money in their programme as they're preparing for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, and certainly they're a team on the build and one to watch."
World No 6 New Zealand won two and drew one international against them in March in Tauranga.
The New Zealand Herald
Spain setback for Great Britain squad
Scotland captain Chris Grassick was included in a Great Britain men's squad for a two match series against Spain in Terressa earlier this week.
Unfortunately, the side suffered two defeats against the Spanish, going down 1-0 and 4-1.
Following the matches, Great Britain Head Coach Bobby Crutchley said, “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."
“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.
A 49th minute penalty stroke from Spain’s Marc Salles was enough to give the home side a 1-0 win in the first match during 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 eleven 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.
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 in the second game.
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.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
KLHC stay unbeaten
By Jugjet Singh
KUALA LUMPUR Hockey Club (KLHC) kept a perfect record entering into the second round when they beat UniKL 4-0 in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League yesterday.
KLHC, with a maximum 15 points, got their goals through Syamim Yusof (seventh minute), Razie Rahim (ninth, 50th) and Akhtar Ali (31st).
In another match, Tenaga Nasional beat Maybank 2-1.
Hafifi Hafiz gave the lead to Maybank in the 43rd minute, but Tenaga replied two minutes later through Azammi Adabi and Amin Rahim provided the winner with a powerful penalty corner drive in the 47th minute.
Tenaga skipper Madzli Ikmar said converting chances into goals is their main problem as their strikers are inexperienced.
“We have Shahril (Saabah) upfront and he does most of the damage, but when he is rested, the young forwardline is still not ready to make sure when presented with a chance.
“Overall, I believe the team has done well (with three wins) and we are looking forward to a better performance in the second round starting Sunday,” said Madzli.
RESULTS: UniKL 0 KLHC 4; Tenaga 2 Maybank 1; Sapura 4 Terengganu HT 8.
New Straits Times
KLHC roll on unopposed in Malaysia Hockey League
By S. Ramaguru
Tenaga's Marhan Mohd Jalil (left) fights for the ball with Maybank's Muhammad Hafiz Zainol during their Malaysia Hockey League match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday. Tenaga won 2-1. - GLENN GUAN/ The STAR
KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions KL Hockey Club ended the first half of the Premier Division perched atop the standings after an unbeaten run in the Malaysia Hockey League.
They defeated Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) 4-0 on Friday at the National Hockey Stadium to win their fifth straight match.
They have a three-point advantage over second-placed Terengganu. The second round matches will start on Sunday.
Against UniKL the champions had no problem collecting all three points.
Mohamed Noor Faeez Ibrahim started the scoring in the seventh minute off a field attempt while Mohamed Razie Rahim added the second two minutes later for a comfortable start.
Akhtar Ali was on target in the 31st minute off another field goal before Razie wrapped things up in the 50th minute for his eighth goal of the tournament.
Second-placed Terengganu also had little trouble dispatching Sapura with an 8-4 win.
Fitri Saari started the ball rolling in the third minute and this was followed up by Mohamed Firhan Azhaari (fifth) and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (11th minute).
Sapura reduced the deficit in the 14th minute through Izwan Firdaus but it was futile.
In a space of four minutes, Terengganu tore them apart with three well-taken goals in the 19th, 20th and 22nd minutes through Jan Jong-hyun, Ismail Abu and Faizal Saari respectively.
Tengku Ahmad and S. Baljit Singh completed Terengganu’s scoring in the 36th and 42nd minutes respectively while Joel van Huizen (39th), Mohamed Zubair (44th) and Waqas Akhbar (60th) got the other goals for Sapura.
Terengganu will now play all their next five matches at home in Kuala Terengganu.
It was slow and drab start to the Tenaga-Maybank match and it only came alive with the goals coming in the last two quarters of the game.
Maybank took the lead in the 43rd minute off a penalty corner deflection by skipper Hafifihafiz Hanafi.
Two minutes later Tenaga equalised with a field attempt by Mohamed Azammi Adabi before veteran defender Mohamed Amin Rahim’s penalty corner drag flick in the 47th minute completed Tenaga’s comeback win.
Tenaga stay third on nine points.
Tenaga skipper Mohamed Madzli Ikmr was glad their gameplan worked.
“We started off slow and it was expected as we wanted to draw Maybank out so that we can counter attack.
“Basically our plan worked and in the third and fourth quarters we were able to get the goals,” he said.
Tenaga will play table toppers KLHC in their next match on Sunday.
The Star of Malaysia
Chief coach Shahnaz Shaikh praises facilities at Islah-Dr Shah Academy
Anwar Zuberi
KARACHI: Manager-cum-chief-coach of Pakistan hockey team Shahnaz Shaikh has said that the players were elated after witnessing the facilities at the Islahuddin-Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah Hockey Academy in North Nazimabad during their visit on Friday.
“Playing on the blue turf also provided an opportunity to players to acquaint themselves with the facility as the upcoming Champions Trophy will be played on a similar pitch,” he told a select gathering after conducting a training session at the academy on Friday.
The Incheon Asian Games silver medalists together with other camp trainees and officials visited the academy at an invitation of chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui who imparts training to youth there. The players had a two-hour workout besides playing one quarter against the academy team followed by penalty shootout drills from 11.00am to 1.00pm. Later, the players and officials offered Friday prayers in a nearby mosque
Pakistan players visit impressive venue at Islahuddin’s invitation
Terming the academy as the ‘best’ in the country, Shahnaz said its status can be elevated among the best in Asia provided a gymnasium and a swimming pool is added to it.
Perturbed over the prevailing atmosphere in the country, he identified terrorism and internet/video games as the two key factors behind the deteriorating sports and healthy activities in the country. “The average height of a Pakistani used to be approximately 5’11” at the time of the Partition, but it has now come down to 5’6” and 5’7”,” observed Shahnaz.
He regretted that the lack of interest shown in sports and physical activities by the youth has paved the way for land mafia to encroach the play grounds. The former Olympian also disclosed that his academy was under construction in Rawalpindi and hopefully will be completed by April next year. Appreciating the provincial government for constructing the academy, he advised them to build another such facility with a residential block attached to it.
Shahnaz commended the untiring efforts of late Dr Mohammad Ali Shah who during his tenure as the Sindh Sports Minister and president of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA) made his mark in the sports arena by provision of infrastructure and supporting sportspersons whole-heartedly.
He thanked Islah for inviting the national team and officials and the family of the Orthopaedic surgeon – his wife Dr Asma Shah and sons Imran and Junaid – for carrying the legacy of the deceased.
Speaking on the occasion, Islahuddin thanked Shahnaz and his team for visiting the academy. The ceremony was also attended amongst others by provincial Sports and Youth Affairs secretary Laeeq Ahmed, secretary PHF Rana Mujahid, Dr Asma Shah, Dr Imran Ali Shah and Dr Junaid Ali Shah.
Dawn
Panel on Walsh issue to meet again on November 17
NEW DELHI: The three-member panel formed to look into the demands of Terry Walsh to stay on as the chief coach of the national hockey team could not arrive at a decision on the issue on Friday and fixed another meeting on Monday.
The panel comprising former hockey captains Ajit Pal Singh, Ashok Kumar and Zafar Iqbal met Walsh, Hockey India Performance Director Roelant Oltmans and Sports Authority of India officials for over three hours but could not take a final decision.
HI officials were not present at the meeting. Panel chairman Ajit Pal said that there was a discussion on the demands raised by Walsh but decided to meet again.
"We had a positive discussion on every issue. We told Terry our point of view and heard his point of view. We told him our problems and heard his. Since we met for the first time today to discuss the issue, we decided to meet again on November 17 where Hockey India and sports ministry officials will be present and I expect a decision on that day," Ajit Pal said.
Ashok Kumar said Walsh was adamant on some issues, including 120-day paid leave.
"We have told him that this is not in our system. He also has time to think about this before a final decision is taken. The discussion was positive," Ashok said.
SAI director (teams) Sudhir Setia said since the main party Hockey India was absent, no decision could be taken.
"They (HI) were pre-occupied with their programme, so we have fixed the next meeting on November 17," Setia said.
Sports secretary Ajit Sharan also could not be present at the meeting as he was out of the capital.
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 does not have his way in running of the team.
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 Australian agreed to continue in his role, provided his conditions were fulfilled.
Besides asking for more decision-making powers for himself and Oltmans, Walsh wants handpicked personnel as his support staff and more time with family in Australia.
It has been reported that Walsh has asked for 120 days of paid leave, during which, he will keep in touch with the team through video conferencing.
The Times of India
'Coach' Tushar upset with 3-3 draw against CAG
Sudheendra Tripathi
MUMBAI: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) players wore a rather demoralized look after they were held to a 3-3 draw against Comptroller & Auditors General (CAG) in a Bombay Gold Cup match at MHAL stadium on Thursday.
Veteran, Tushar Khandkar, who also doubles up as the team's coach these days, looked absolutely gutted. The former India striker was seen sitting in the stands with his head down, perhaps contemplating what went wrong in the match.
Even his teammates, most of whom have played along with him for years, chose to stay at a distance for the fear of rubbing him the wrong way.
"We played bad hockey today," was his one-line reaction on the match. But a few moments later, Khandkar explained why he was so hurt after splitting a point when his team could have walked away with all the three points up for grab.
"As a player, sometimes you tend to get over a bad day in office easily or maybe after a few hours. But when you have a dual responsibility of a senior member of the team and also managing it, then the proposition is entirely different," he told TOI.
"It is very difficult to both manage and play. But I am enjoying the responsibility. Perhaps that is the reason why I got so upset with our performance today," he added.
Khandkar who was a reliable India striker a few years ago, was handed the rein of the team recently. The 28-yearold feels that he is about to add a new chapter to his career.
"While I am enjoying the responsibility, I must say it is a challenging job. As players, we tend to make mistakes and a coach's job is to rectify those mistakes. But I manage with the help of some of my colleagues who are on the bench while I am on the field. They keep telling me where the team is falling short... or where the players are leaving a gap for the rivals to manipulate. So yeah, I am coping up with situations," he explained.
Meanwhile, last year's runners-up Air India facing elimination and requiring a win at all cost, rose to the challenge scoring a 6-2 victory over Central Railway .
Results: Air India 6 (Gaganpreet Singh 9th, Aiyappa B.K. 25th, Sameer Dad 31st, 54th, Armaan Qureshi 47th, Shivendra Singh 60th) beat Central Railway 2 (Deepak Lakra 16th, Ruben Kedari 35th); Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited 3 (Manpreet Singh 8th, SV Sunil 42nd, Amir Khan 62nd) drew with CAG 3 (Imran Khan 20th, DS Darshan 55th, Azam Baig 56th); ONGC 2 (Preetinder Singh15th, Mandeep Singh 60th) beat Western Railway 1 (Jaykaran 69th).
The Times of India
Ventures to defend title
Zanzeer Singh
VENTURES will defend the men's title during the annual Mates Hockey Tournament which starts at the Nadovu ground in Lautoka, Fiji today.
The defending champions are grouped in Pool A with Seals, Rebels and Naidrodro. Pool B includes Stingers, Marist, Rockefellers and General Machinery Mates. The women's competition which has attracted The Marist, Stingers, Rebels, Tokalau and Naidrodro will be played on a round robin basis. Tournament director Fergus Underwood said a new winner would be crowned in the women's competition.
Underwood said teams from Suva, Nadi, Lautoka and Ba had entered the two day event.
"The sponsors are Medica Pacifica, Kadar Buksh Limited and the Mates Hockey Club, we are grateful to their kind assistance to allow us to stage another successful tournament." The matches will start at 8am.
The Fiji Times