Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 24 November 2014

All the news for Monday 24 November 2014

 

Toussaint lifts T&T ‘stickmen’ into gold match

 

Opportunities for medal at the CAC Games in Veracruz, Mexico, were at a premium for T&T, yesterday, but Christopher George came up big when the chance came, securing bronze in the men’s judo 100kg weight division. He, however, was one of few athletes who were in the final stages of competitions.

 

Others such as those from the men’s boxing team were only at the quarterfinal stage, while the women’s basketball team, although already out of medal contention, made positive movement. But, making the most progress was the men’s hockey team, which moved straight into gold medal contention with a shock win.

 

A second half goal from Akim Toussaint gave T&T’s men’s hockey team a massive 1-0 win over host team, Mexico, in the semifinal at the High Performance Center. Toussaint’s scored on the hour mark to lift coach Raphael Govia’s team closer to T&T’s second gold medal from all competitions. The men’s team will contest the final, which guarantees at least a silver medal, on Monday against Cuba, from 5.30pm.

 

Cuba trounced Barbados 6-0 in the first semifinal. T&T and Cuba already met on Tuesday with the “Calypso Stickmen” blowing a two-goal lead to then succumb to a 3-2 defeat. Two days later, however, T&T regrouped to demolish Guatemala 11-0. In the team’s first match, Tariq Marcano scored a hat-trick leading T&T to a 4-3 win over the Dominican Republic.

 

The Trinidad Guardian

 


 

T&T stickwomen narrowly fail to get bronze medal

 

T&T senior hockey women were left without a medal at the 22nd Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games after losing 2-1 to host Mexico in their bronze medal contest at the High Performance Centre, Veracruz, Mexico, yesterday.

 

Gold medal winners in 2002 and 2010, both in Puerto Rico, the “Calypso Stickwomen” went ahead as early as the second minute through co-captain Alanna Lewis, to lead 1-0 at the half.

 

However, within a minute of the restart, the Mexican backed by their home crowd drew level thanks to Michel Navarro while Ana Juarez got the go-ahead item in the 48th which turned out to be the winner for her team.

 

Today, the men’s national team will go after a first gold medal since 2002 when they meet Cuba in their gold medal contest from 5.30pm, in a repeat of their round-robin encounter, the Raphael Govia locals surrendered 2-3 after leading 2-0 midway through the second-half.

 

In the semifinals, T&T edged Mexico 1-0 on a 60th minute goal from Akim Toussaint to avenge a loss in the 2010 final while Cuba thrashed Barbados 6-0.The meeting between T&T and Cuba will be a repeat of the 2006 final which the latter won 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 

 

Included on the T&T team back then, and in the current team are Toussaint, Mickell Pierre, Kiel Murray, captain Darren Cowie and goalkeeper Andrey Rocke, who will all be out to exact revenge.

 

The Trinidad Guardian

 


 

Mandeep Singh left out of India's 18-man Champions Trophy squad

 

Mandeep was among the three men left out of the squad that toured for the bilateral series in Australia, which India won. Midfielder Satbir Singh and defender Harbin Singh were the two other men who won't be playing the Champions Trophy to be held in Bangalore from Dec 6 to 14.

 

New Delhi: Young forward Mandeep Singh was the notable omission from India's 18-man squad for the Champions Trophy announced by Hockey India on Monday.

 

With eight top teams of the world vying for the title, Hockey India selectors announced the squad hoping that it will continue India's winning form of late. The team was picked on the basis of selection trials conducted at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on 18th November 2014.

 

Mandeep was among the three men left out of the squad that toured for the bilateral series in Australia, with Satbir and Harbir being the other two absentees. (Hockey India)

 

#champions trophy hockey 2014 #champions trophy #mandeep singh #hockey india

 

Sardar Singh (200 caps) was yet again given the onus of leading the team and will be supported by star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as vice-captain of the team.

 

The selection trials were lined for 26 senior probables but because of a minor injury, Akashdeep Singh was unable to attend the same; however, he retained his place in the squad.

 

India will be seen playing their first match against Germany on 6th December 2014, which will be followed by clashes against Argentina on 7th December and against Netherlands on 9th December.

 

Speaking on the team structure and current form, High Performance director Roelant Oltmans said, "Team India is in superb form and after a remarkable performance in 2014 Asian Games and Test Series in Australia, we are more than confident of doing well in this tournament. The team selected has the right combination and will give a tough time to the opponents".

 

Squad:

Goalkeepers

1. PR Sreejesh-Vice Captain (115 Caps)

2. Harjot Singh (6 Caps)

Defenders

3. Rupinder Pal Singh (101 Caps)

4. VR Raghunath (176 Caps)

5. Birendra Lakra (87 Caps)

6. Kothajit Singh (87 Caps)

7. Gurbaj Singh (180 Caps)

8. Gurjinder Singh (19 Caps)

Midfielders

9. Manpreet Singh (112 Caps)

10. Sardar Singh - Captain (200 Caps)

11. Dharamvir Singh (90 caps)

12. Danish Mujtaba (127 Caps)

13. SK Uthappa (58 Caps)

Forwards

14. Ramandeep Singh (26 Caps)

15. SV Sunil (153 Caps)

16. Akashdeep Singh (56 Caps)

17. Nikkin Thimmaiah (27 Caps)

18. Lalit Upadhyay (9 Caps)

 

IBNLive Sports

 


 

Ritu Rani to lead Indian eves in Italy tour

 

NEW DELHI: Ritu Rani will lead a 18-member Indian hockey team for the five-match Test tour of Italy to be played in Rome from December 1 to 12. 

 

The tour, seen as a preparation for the World Hockey League Round 2, was selected by Hockey India selectors Surinder Kaur, Harbinder Singh, Mamta Kharab, High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans, chief coach Neil Hawgood, and coach N S Saini, after a selection trial conducted at SAI centre, Bhopal on November 19 and 20. 

 

The 18-member team is looking forward to repeat the success of the Incheon Asian Games 2014 where the team clinched a bronze medal. 

 

While the team will be captained by midfielder Ritu Rani, midfielder Deepika has been named as the vice-captain. 

 

Speaking on the team structure, chief coach Hawgood said, "The team has been continuously improving with each tournament. With Italy Tour coming their way, the players are expected to continue their good form and raise. We have selected some new players in the squad and this Italy Tour will provide them international exposure as well as an opportunity to polish their skills." 

 

The first Test of the series will be played on December 4 followed by games December 6, 7, 9 and 11. 

 

Squad: 

 

Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Jaspreet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, M N Ponnamma, Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, Manjit Kaur 

 

Midfielders: Deepika (vc), Lilima Minz, Ritu Rani (c), Lily Chanu, Navjot Kaur, Amandeep Kaur 

 

Forwards: Poonam Rani, Vandana Katariya, Soundarya Yendala. 

 

The Times of India

 


 

Superb Strath thrash Sharkia

 

By BRIAN YONGA

 

Strathmore’s Angela Mayaka in a past league match at City Park. Strathmore thrashed Egypt’s Sharkia 5-0 in Bulawayo on November 23, 2014. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

 

On Saturday, defending champions Orange thrashed Shams 7-0 in their Pool A match to take an early advantage of the group. Orange will take to the pitch at 5pm this evening in their second game against hosts Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) while Strathmore’s next match is against Genetrix of Malawi Tuesday.

 

Strathmore Scorpions continued Kenya’s fine start at the Africa Cup of Club Championship in Bulawayo after a convincing 5-0 win over Egyptian outfit Sharkia at the Khumalo Stadium Sunday.

 

Gilly Okumu and Carol Njoki ensured last year’s silver medalists got their campaign off with a victory as they each bagged braces with Pauline Amutebi also scoring.

 

Scorpions withered an early storm from their opponents before settling down in the match.

 

Truphy Oriwa had to be alert early on as Sharkia piled the pressure with a series of penalty corners but Oriwa saved brilliantly to keep her team in the match as the Egyptians threatened to run away with the game.

 

The Kenyan girls eventually survived the early onslaught and started threatening, taking the game to their opponents.

 

They created their first chance in the 37t minute when Gilly Okumu found space in the Sharkia defence but was let down by a poor finish.

 

Two minutes later they went ahead through a penalty corner that was finished off brilliantly by Gilly Okumu for her first goal at the championships. Carolyn Njoki made it two a minute later as her  ferocious shot found its way into the Sharkia board.

 

Scorpions continued to attack in the second half buoyed by the lead pinning back their opponents who appeared stunned after falling behind.

 

Njoki added her second  10 minutes from time after sounding the board following a penalty corner from Laura Gichau to ensure a Kenyan domination over Egyptian sides. Okumu and Amutebi added further goals late on to confirm victory.

 

ORANGE CRUSHED SHAMS

 

On Saturday, defending champions Orange thrashed Shams 7-0 in their Pool A match to take an early advantage of the group. Orange will take to the pitch at 5pm this evening in their second game against hosts Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) while Strathmore’s next match is against Genetrix of Malawi Tuesday.

 

Nigeria’s Heartlands continued their fine form in the event after thrashing Shams from Egypt 12-0 to inch closer to a semifinal berth. Shams who lost 7-0 to defending champions Telkom Orange on Saturday face a huge task of reaching the last four after suffering two heavy defeats.

 

In another match Sharkia men’s hockey club from Egypt were 8 -0 winners over home side Eradicators in one sided match.

 

In Nairobi, Nakuru Sikh Union yesterday beat Bay Club 2-1 at the City Park Stadium in a Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) seeding match to determine the 13th and 14th place finishers in the league.

 

Daily Nation

 


 

Scorpions dismiss Sharkia 5-0 in hockey

 

By ELIZABETH MBURUGU in Bulawayo

 

Strathmore University Scorpions thrashed Sharkia Ladies of Egypt 5-0 in their opening match of the Africa Hockey Cup championships here at the Khumalo Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

 

The students' side, who are eyeing their first-ever continental title, dominated the entire match and could have scored more goals, but became complacent in the final delivery to miss several chances.

 

Head coach Meshack Senge told Feverpitch the girls deserved the win as they had worked very hard to earn it.

 

"The pitch was new to them but they played well. We will up our game for a more convincing victory in our next encounter," he said.

 

Strathmore will play Ghana Revenue Authority tomorrow.

 

Scorpions started the match in high spirits, attacking and pinning the Egyptians in their own half. Gilly Okumu put Sharkia goalkeeper Elshahat Aya to the test in the ninth minute but she was a up to the task. The Kenyan girls continued with the attacks but failed to break the Egyptian defence for the better part of the match.

 

Pauline Amutebi came close to giving the students their first goal in the 13th minute but the shot went wide.

 

Luck still favoured the Egyptians as Scorpions' Laura Gichau beat the entire Sharkia defence but shot straight to Aya, who cleared it easily in the 17th minute.

 

However, there was no stopping last tournaments' top scorer Yvonne Wanjiku, who broke the deadlock in the 28th minute to give the students the lead. Okumu added a second in the 35th minute to give Scorpions a 2-0 advantage by the breather.

 

Doreen Barasa put her name on the score sheet in the 41st minute, making it three for the students. Caroline Njuguna (63rd minute) and Lucy Wanjiku (69th minute) also scored.

 

The Standard Online

 


 

Champs Orange lock horns with hosts BAC in Africa Cup

 

By ELIZABETH MBURUGU in Bulawayo

 

Telkom Orange player Hellen Chemutai controls the ball during their match against Strathmore at City Park Stadium. [PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE]

 

Orange Telkom target a dominant play against hosts Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) in their second match of women’s pool A in the ongoing Africa hockey Cup of Club Championships here at Khumalo Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

 

Orange are in a quest to defend the title they have held since 2012 when they won it at the same venue and retained it early in the year in Kampala, Uganda. They began their campaign on a high with a 7-0 victory against Shams of Egypt.

 

Orange captain Betsy Ommalla told Feverpitch BAC was a very tough side and they will need to put in more effort to grab the win.

 

“They are a very solid side. The last time we played them we won but the victory did not come easy, we fought hard and we expect a tougher encounter today,” she said.

 

Ommalla added that BAC had an upper hand because they are playing at home.

 

“They have home support, which is an added advantage but we will not be intimidated, we will play our hearts out to achieve our objectives.”

 

This will be the second time the two clubs meet, Orange beat BAC 4-1 in 2012 on their way to winning the title. Chantelle Dexter of BAC said they will play better so they can improve on their past performance.

 

Shams of Egypt and Twende of Tanzania will be eyeing their first victories as they battle each other in another pool A match. Group B will see Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) take on Sharkia of Egypt. GRA hammered Gentrix of Malawi 16-0 in their opening match.

 

Former champions Sharkia of Egypt will play Gentrix in the men’s group A tie. The Malawians will be seeking their first victory after suffering a humiliating 17-0 defeat in the hands of defending champions Egypt Police.

 

Trustees of Ghana will tackle home boys Eradicators who were subjected to a 9-0 beating by Sharkia at their own backyard, while Police Machines of Nigeria plot to arrest hosts Hippo Valley.

 

The Standard Online

 


 

Padros guides Polo to Campo win

 

RC Polo de Barcelona moved a further point clear at the head of the Spanish Honour Division thanks to a 2-1 win over Club de Campo.

 

After a scoreless first half, Borja Llorens gave Polo the lead from a penalty corner only for Campo to tie things up via the same method.

 

Roger Padros won it, though, in the 46th minute when he got on the end of a great centre from Ramon Alegre. The striker turned on the ball and thumped home from mid-circle.

 

It was their seventh win from eight games and they profited from Atletic Terrassa’s 3-3 draw at SPV Complutense, leaving two points between the top two.

 

Campo are tied for third with Club Egara after they beat CD Terrassa 3-0. Next week’s marquee game sees Campo host Egara.

 

Euro Hockey League media release

 


 

Reading get the best of Beeston

 

Reading survived a thrilling closing ten minutes to record a 3-2 win at Beeston in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division.

 

Reading had taken the lead through Peter Scott just before half time, but Sam Ward levelled for Beeston on 60 minutes before Reading made it 3-1 through Jack Whalen and Tom Carson. There was just enough time for Ward to score his second but he couldn’t stop Reading winning 3-2.

 

East Grinstead had to work hard for their ninth win of the season, eventually overcoming Wimbledon 5-3. Mark Pearn scored twice to help keep them three points clear of Surbiton at the top.

 

Canterbury, struggling at the bottom of the table, made an electric start to the game against Surbiton on Saturday night, scoring twice in the opening seven minutes through Kwan Browne and Ben Hare.

 

But second-placed Surbiton battled back and ended up winning 6-2 with Alan Forsyth and Matt Daly scoring twice each.

 

Cannock moved ahead of Hampstead and Westminster in the table after beating them 5-2. Hampstead had taken a two-goal lead only for Cannock to come from behind to win. Peter Jackson bagged a brace for the winners.

 

Brooklands Manchester University, having not won any of their first seven matches, have now won three on the bounce. Their latest was a 4-2 victory over Southgate.

 

Euro Hockey League media release

 


 

Reading win after late goal fest

 

Beeston’s Stephen Lawrence clashing with Reading goalscorer Peter Scott. Credit: www.davidkissman.co.uk

 

Winning one-nil with ten minutes remaining, Reading battled to a thrilling 3-2 win at Beeston in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday.

 

Reading had taken the lead through Peter Scott just before half time, but Sam Ward levelled for Beeston on 60 minutes before Reading made it 3-1 through Jack Whalen and Tom Carson. There was just enough time for Ward to score his second but he couldn’t stop Reading winning 3-2.

 

East Grinstead had to work hard for their ninth win of the season, eventually overcoming Wimbledon 5-3. Mark Pearn scored twice to help keep them three points clear at the top.

 

Canterbury, struggling at the bottom of the table, made an electric start to the game against Surbiton on Saturday night, scoring twice in the opening seven minutes through Kwan Browne and Ben Hare.

 

But second-placed Surbiton battled back and ended up winning 6-2 with Alan Forsyth and Matt Daly scoring twice each.

 

Cannock moved ahead of Hampstead and Westminster in the table after beating them 5-2. Hampstead had taken a two-goal lead only for Cannock to come from behind to win. Peter Jackson bagged a brace for the winners.

 

Brooklands Manchester University, having not won any of their first seven matches, have now won three on the bounce. Their latest was a 4-2 victory over Southgate.

 

NOW: Pensions Conference West

 

Cardiff and Met still lead the NOW: Pensions Conference West on goal difference, although they have a 23-goal advantage over second-placed Team Bath Buccaneers.

 

Their rich vein of goal-scoring form continued in their 3-1 win over Whitchurch with Mark Whatling scoring a brace.

 

Ciaran O’Connell hit a hat-trick to guide University of Birmingham to a 4-0 defeat of Guildford and Team Bath Buccaneers beat Indian Gymkhana 3-2.

 

Daniel Sampey also scored three goals for Fareham as they beat Cheltenham 5-2 and University of Exeter beat Barford Tigers 2-0 with goals from Alex Robey and Jamie Sones.

 

NOW: Pensions Conference North

 

The top two teams met in the NOW: Pensions Conference North and it was leaders Bowdon who got the better of Sheffield Hallam with a comprehensive 5-1 win. Simon Egerton scored twice.

 

Doncaster moved up to third place after beating Deeside Ramblers in an 11-goal thriller. Ibrar Latif hit a hat-trick for Deeside but was still on the losing side as the Ramblers lost 6-5.

 

Loughborough Students are another team on the up, Ed Horler’s three-goal haul saw them beat Olton and West Warwickshire 6-2.

 

Wakefield beat Leek 3-2 and University of Durham won away to Belper by the same score.

 

NOW: Pensions Conference East

 

Holcombe continued to dominate the NOW: Pensions Conference East as a 4-0 defeat of Richmond made it ten wins from ten. They’re now 12 points ahead of Bromley and Beckenham.

 

Chichester Priory Park have been going well since their promotion but they had a day to forget as Old Loughtonians beat them 6-1 and climbed out of the relegation zone.

 

Cambridge City are up to third after a 5-4 victory over Exeter and on Saturday, Brighton and Hove beat Teddington 3-2.

 

The other game, Oxted versus Bromley and Beckenham was postponed because of a flooded pitch.

 

England Hockey Board Media release

 


 

Buckingham in bloom as Holcombe feel force of international exodus

 

By Rod Gilmour

 

On the mark: Surbiton’s Matt Daly celebrates 16th goal of the season Photo: SIMON PARKER

 

Buckingham recorded a morale-boosting 4-1 win against Holcombe on Saturday, leapfrogging out of a relegation play-off spot at the expense of Bowdon Hightown.

 

Buckingham were missing inspirational captain Zoe Shipperley to England duty, but Holcombe also saw three of their stars travel to Argentina for the Champions Trophy on Friday and felt the full impact of the exodus.

 

A second defeat of the season for the well-funded side was realised in the first minute when Alexandra Naughalty scored the first of Buckingham’s three penalty corner strikes.

 

Jessica Bloom’s 56th-minute strike goal sealed a fine away victory, Nicola White’s last-ditch strike scant consolation for Holcombe.

 

“It has been a frustrating season,” said Zak Jones, Buckingham’s coach. “But a game went our way for a change and we’re making progress.”

 

Moreover, Buckingham’s second win of the season saw them overturn a 6-0 thumping earlier in the season to the Kent side.

 

Jones added that Holcombe’s missing internationals “definitely help”, but admitted that Maddie Hinch, England’s goalkeeper, wouldn’t have coped with their three corner goals.

 

In the top of the table clash, Natalie Maclean’s second-half goal against Canterbury saw Surbiton go three points clear.

 

Georgie Blackwood smashed home a hat-trick on her debut for Reading as they beat Beeston 5-0. Captain Emma Thomas also notched a brace, with Beeston yet to muster their first win of the campaign.

 

Full focus: Buckingham’s Kirsty Freshwater, 15, halts Holcombe (CHRIS HOBSON)

 

East Grinstead continue to be the season’s great entertainers in the NOW: Pensions men’s top flight; the Sussex side plundering their 41st goal of the season in a 5-3 win at high-flying Wimbledon.

 

Despite shipping 19 goals - they do have the league’s best defence –Wimbledon were clearly buoyed by their recent 4-1 win at East Grinstead last month and went into the break at 2-2.

 

However, two penalty corner strikes from Andy Bull and Ashley Jackson bagged the points despite Ben Hawes’ 65th-minute goal keeping the last few moments interesting.

 

Wimbledon’s defeat kept Beeston in third, despite the Midlands’ side losing 3-2 to Reading in a frenetic finish.

 

Peter Scott’s goal on 32 minutes gave Reading the lead until the 60th minute when the game turned with four goals in seven minutes. Sam Ward’s brace for Beeston wasn’t enough though as Jack Whalen, then England forward Tom Carson won a highly entertaining game.

 

On Saturday, Surbiton’s strike duo, Alan Forsyth and Matt Daly, kept up their majestic form, contributing four goals in a 6-2 win over Canterbury. Daly now has 16 goals this season, with Forsyth recording his eighth.

 

Brooklands Manchester University won their third successive match, a 4-2 win at Southgate, with Dave and Peter Flanagan contributing goals for a side who hadn’t won their first seven games.

 

Meanwhile, Cannock scored a pivotal 5-2 win at home to Hampstead and Westminster, Peter Jackson scoring a brace.

 

The Telegraph

 


 

Battle heats up

 

BY JUGJET SINGH

 

KLHC's Razie Rahim (left) scores against Sapura in their MHL match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. Pic by Hasriyasyah Sabudin

 

KUALA Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) and Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) kept their date for a Nov 28 showdown after winning their respective Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division matches yesterday.

 

KLHC beat Sapura 2-1 while THT slammed Maybank 6-1.

 

Both the teams meet in Kuala Terengganu next Friday, and the stakes are high.

 

If KLHC beat THT, they will claim their ninth League title, but if THT win, they have a chance to claim their first title.

 

Yesterday, Faizal Saari scored a hat-trick in the third, sixth and eighth minutes, while the other THT goals were scored by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (ninth), Seo Jong Ho (28th) and Kang Moon Kweon (41st).

 

The Maybank consolation goal was scored by Haseem Khan in the 2nd minute.

 

“We have done our part by winning big against Maybank and now we are ready to give our best against KLHC on Nov 28 to try and win our first league title.

 

“All our players are free from injury and suspension, and I expect a cracker next Friday to decide who lifts the League title,” said THT coach Sarjit Singh.

 

KLHC had beaten THT 2-1 in Round One, and that was the only blemish in the Terengganu side after eight matches.

 

As for KLHC, Razie Rahim scored in the 18th minute to give them the lead while the other goal was scored by Harrison Page (36th). The Sapura goal was scored by Izwan Firdaus in the 48th minute.

 

New Straits Times

 


 

KLHC still in the driver’s seat… just

 

BY S. RAMAGURU

 

Harivinder Singh of KLHC (right ) shielding the ball in the match against Sapura in the Malaysia Hockey League in Bukit Jalil on Sunday, - BRIAN MOH/ The STAR.

  

KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) did exactly as they were told.

 

Coach K. Dharmaraj had ordered his men to just get a win – and the points on board – and not bother about piling up the goals.

 

And on Sunday, at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, KLHC scored a narrow 2-1 win over Sapura to stay in the driver’s seat for the Premier Division title in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

 

Mohd Razie Rahim got KLHC off to a great start by scoring in the 18th minute off a penalty corner attempt. Australian Harrison Page’s doubled their lead in the 36th minute with a field goal.

 

But Sapura ensured a nervy end when Izwan Fordaus scored off a penalty corner setpiece in the 43rd minute.

 

Staying hot on their heels are Terengganu, who hammered Maybank 6-1 at the Terengganu Hockey Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.

 

KLHC lead the six-team standings with 24 points – three more than Terengganu. These two sides will meet on Friday in what will surely be the title-decider.

 

Dharmaraj was a relieved man after the match, especially as it only began to rain after the match.

 

“Yes, the three points are the crucial thing for us. We are lucky that it only began to rain after the match. The rain could have disrupted our rhythm. Sapura also did well to keep the score down,” he said.

 

In Kuala Terengganu, national forward Faizal Saari returned from a two-match suspension with a vengeance – scoring a hat-trick in Terengganu’s 6-1 win over Maybank.

 

His goals in the third, sixth and eighth minutes took his tally in the tournament to 10. Terengganu’s other goals came from Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (ninth minute) and South Koreans Seo Jong-ho (28th) and Kang Moon-kweon (41st).

 

The Tigers had earlier shocked everyone by taking a second-minute lead through Pakistani import Abdul Haseem Khan.

 

Terengganu coach Sarjit Singh was happy with the performance and felt that his players are beginning to hit form.

 

“We will now wait for the KLHC game (on Friday) ... this is the game that will decide the title. We want to win the match because that is the only way for us to get our hands on the title ... although we both have another game to go after that. It could all boil down to goal difference as well,” said Sarjit.

 

The Star of Malaysia

 


 

Same faces expected in Olympic hockey qualifier squad

 

BY S. RAMAGURU

 

KUALA LUMPUR: There is unlikely to be any new faces when the national senior training squad is named.

 

National coach Tai Beng Hai said he needed more time to pick the training squad as there are still some questions about the fringe players.

 

He said that the squad of 25 players will be named after the end of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) preliminary round on Nov 30.

 

He added that those picked will come from the previous senior training squad and the national junior teams (Project 2013 and Project 2016).

 

“We need a bit more time to look at the players and select the training squad,” said Beng Hai.

 

“There isn’t much time left for training as we cannot start until the MHL is over on Dec 14.

 

“I have the core players in mind but am still undecided about the fringe guys. It will be sorted out soon, though.”

 

The team are preparing for the World Hockey League Round Two, which will be held in Singapore from Jan 17-25.

 

The teams competing are Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Bangladesh, Oman, Ukraine and Poland. One more country will join the line-up after the Round One tournament in Suva, Fiji, from Dec 6-13.

 

The Word Hockey League is an Olympic qualifying tournament. The winners in Singapore will qualify for the semi-finals (Round Three) in July.

 

Interestingly, Bangladesh will have a Malaysian charting their fortunes in the World Hockey League Round Two.

 

Former national defender and assistant coach K. Gobinathan has been appointed to handle the team for a two-month period.

 

Gobinathan was assistant to K. Dharmaraj for the Project 2013 team and then, in January this year, he was an assistant in the senior team. He was also part of the senior team until the World Cup in The Hague.

 

The Star of Malaysia

 


 

UConn repeats as national champion with 1-0 win against Syracuse

 

UConn Athletics

 

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- For the second consecutive season UConn finished as the nation's top team, defeating Syracuse 1-0 in the 2014 NCAA National Championship game on Sunday afternoon at the Maryland Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex. The Huskies conclude their historic campaign with a 20-2 record, winning both the conference regular season and tournament crown to go along with the national title, while the Orange round out the season at 18-6.

 

The 2014 national championship in field hockey is the 19th NCAA title in UConn history and the 20th overall national championship. The other NCAA Championships are in field hockey (1981, 1985, 2013), men's basketball (1999, 2004, 2011, 2014), women's basketball (1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014) and men's soccer (1981, 2000). The 1948 UConn men's soccer team was named the national champions by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America before there was an NCAA tournament in men's soccer.

 

The Huskies scored on their first shot of the game, taking advantage of the game's first corner. Charlotte Veitner inserted the ball to Chrissy Davidson, who executed the stick stop and fed the ball to Anna Middendorf. Middendorf blasted a shot towards the keeper and allowed Mckenzie Townsend a chance to redirect the ball into the upper right of the net. It marked Townsend's fourth goal of the season.

 

The Huskies were playing in their sixth NCAA Final and now sport a 4-2 record in such contests. Connecticut also improves to 28-11-1 all-time against the Orange.

 

Redshirt-freshman Nina Klein posted her second consecutive and ninth overall shutout, turning away four Syracuse attempts. Her counterpart Jess Jecko finished with a pair of saves.

 

Syracuse had the game's first offensive opportunity bringing the ball to the endline and throwing a centering pass into the middle of the circle, but Klein rushed out and kicked the ball away from danger. The Huskies had a chance in the final two minutes of the first half when Davidson slapped a shot on goal that popped straight up into the air and was knocked away by the Orange keeper.

 

The Huskies earned a corner with 13 minutes left but Middendorf's blast was blocked away by the defense. The Orange had an excellent look with 300 ticks remaining but Emma Russell's shot skipped just wide right of the cage.

 

Roisin Upton, Middendorf, Davidson and Klein were named to the All-Tournament team following the win.

 

NCAA

 


 

‘We just play our hearts out’

 

Behind Veitner's lead, the Huskies repeat as national champions

 

Michael Smith

 

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Late in the first half, Connecticut’s star freshman Charlotte Veitner leaned forward and corralled the ball on her stick. She controlled it in the corner for several seconds before deciding on her next move.

 

As she drove along the baseline, Syracuse defender Lies Lagerweij planted her 6-foot-1 body in front of Vietner’s path and knocked her off balance. The referee, standing only a few feet away, blew his whistle and pointed to the front of the net for a penalty corner.

 

And has been the case all year long, first-year phenom Vietner played a large role in her team’s success -- even if she didn’t appear on the game’s score sheet.

 

“She’s a gifted attacker for us,” UConn head coach Nancy Stevens said. “She is very crafty. She had a nice deceptive move and the defender went for it.”

 

Drawing that penalty corner proved to be decisive for the Huskies, who were held to only four shots -- the lowest number for any winner of a semifinal or final game in NCAA history.

 

“We’re very judicious with our attack,” Stevens quipped with a grin. Stevens called Lagerweij Syracuse’s “lock on the door” and said that she knew UConn’s goals were probably going to have to come from corners.

 

“I tried to go along the baseline and she just fouled me,” Veitner said of the play. “We have so much confidence in our penalty corners because they’ve been good throughout the whole season. I was just really confident that it could be a goal.”

 

Veitner, a native of Dusseldorf, Germany, committed to play for Connecticut only a couple months before the academic year started. Recruited by more than two dozen schools, Veitner says she’s glad she chose to enroll at UConn.

 

“It’s unbelievable,” she said. “I’m so glad I’m came here and get to play with all of these players. It’s so much fun and I’m just grateful to be here.

 

“Whenever we go out on the pitch, we just play for each other and we just play our hearts out.”

 

Veitner said she told her father earlier in the season that if she makes it to the final four, he had to come. He agreed and flew nearly 4,000 miles to see his daughter play this weekend. “It’s obviously very exciting [for him to be here],” she said.

 

“We’ve been working since August to get here,” UConn goalie Nina Klein said.

 

Klein shut out Albany on Friday before duplicating that feat again against the Orange on Sunday.

 

“This is what we play for,” Townsend said. “It’s a dream to even come to a Division I school. And then your dreams get bigger and you want to win the national title. And then you’re here one time and you’re like, ‘I can’t get better than this.’ To be back here again feels great.”

 

The Huskies may have repeated as champions, but there's no consideration of any future title defense or three-peat.

 

”I’m not thinking about next year or whatever comes in the future,” Veitner said, while donning her new national champion T-shirt and hat. “We’re just enjoying this moment. We don’t know if it will happen again. We shouldn’t take it for granted.”

 

NCAA

 


 

UConn Makes a Habit of NCAA DI National Championships

 

For the second year in a row, the University of Connecticut’s field hockey squad closed out the season holding the highly sought after NCAA DI National Championship trophy high above their heads. The defending 2013 champions took to the pitch earlier today in College Park, Md. against the Syracuse Orange.

 

The Huskies found the back of the net off of a deflection during the first corner of the match. Their first shot of the game turned out to be the most important as the score remained 1-0 in favor of UConn for the duration of the match. Although Syracuse battled to earn several scoring opportunities, they were unable to capitalize and even the score.

 

The 2014 crown marks UConn’s fourth national title and second under Head Coach Nancy Stevens. Congratulations to the 2014 NCAA DI National Champions, the UConn Huskies!

 

USFHA media release

 


 

Syracuse field hockey loses to Connecticut in national championship game

 

By Jacob Klinger

 

College Park, Md. — As Syracuse walked off the field at about 2:55 p.m. Sunday afternoon a UConn player turned to her teammates and shouted, "Hey, we have to get our sticks."

 

The Huskies had thrown them in the far end of the field at the University of Maryland's Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex. They had spent nearly the entire second half of Sunday's national championship there, throwing those sticks in front of a near-constant stream of Syracuse attacks, crosses and shots.

 

They got in front of most of them. The ones they didn't, skimmed out of bounds, inches wide of Orange teammates or the goal they were intended for. And in a championship game fourth-seeded Syracuse dominated, the third-seeded Huskies prevailed off a 26th minute McKenzie Townsend penalty corner goal for a 1-0 victory.

 

"Time ran out on us today," SU head coach Ange Bradley said. "I think if we had been able to play them in overtime, have another 30 minutes the outcome — could've should've would've, but it wasn't."

 

After the game, Bradley said she thought she had the fastest team in the country. Her Orange had rolled a downhill attack at the defending champion Huskies all game long.

 

In the second half, it blew right past her half of the sideline toward Connecticut goalie Nina Klein.

 

"They were constantly down our throats," Klein said.

 

At the end of more than an hour-long stream of chances, senior forward Lauren Brooks crashed into and over Klein, leaving the ball to Russell just above the left end line. But as so many Syracuse chances did on Saturday, her shot skimmed just past the goal post and out of bounds.

 

Bradley pushed wave after wave of Orange players forward. Freshman defender Lies Lagerweij dribbled through Huskies defenders with ease, but there was always a lingering UConn stick or an errant shot stopping SU from tying the game it owned.

 

"They had every player behind the ball," Bradley said, "and it's definitely a style to deal with managing speed we knew it was going to come."

 

With 21 seconds left, the Orange earned a penalty corner, leaving a line of Syracuse attackers atop the penalty area to hammer home Lieke Visser's cross.

 

The 6-foot-1 Lies Lagerweij faked a shot, only for senior forward Lauren Brooks to hammer it. But like so many Orange opportunities, it bounced off a stick, up in the air and away from goal, leaving Klein to ditch her gloves and join her teammates' ensuing celebrations.

 

In setting a Division I record for the least goals recorded by a winning team in the final two rounds of the NCAA tournament, the Huskies could jump and scream in front of the Syracuse cheering section, then their own.

 

Said Bradley: "Unfortunately time just got away from us."

 

Syracuse.com

 


 

76 players given international opportunity

 

 

Hockey New Zealand is focused on growing the depth of hockey players and support staff throughout the country and is aiming to expose a wider group of players to international touring, competition and training.

 

As part of Hockey New Zealand’s continuing high performance strategy, a tournament in the Gold Coast in December is giving 76 young players the chance to step up and test themselves against invited international sides.

 

In the women’s tournament, there are three teams from Australia as well as a side from Japan. In the men’s tournament, there are three teams from Australia as well as a side from India and Japan.

 

“As part of our strategy to grow the base, for this tournament we have selected two men’s and women’s teams and both will be entered in the tournament to ensure they are given maximum game time,” said Hockey New Zealand high performance manager Terry Evans.

 

Evans said the strategy is not only about exposing players, but offering up development opportunities for support and coaching staff as well.

 

To help ensure the pool of players is as wide as possible, Hockey New Zealand has made changes to its high performance pathway which from October 2015 will see a Junior Black Sticks Squad and Future Black Sticks Squad named.

 

“We want to ensure that up and coming players are given regular training and competition throughout a calendar year, so that when they are selected into the National Squad there are no surprises – it’s all about preparing players to be a Black Stick,” said Evans.

 

From 2015, instead of squads being age-based like in previous years, players selected into the Junior Black Sticks Squad will have been identified as having the potential to be a Black Stick within 3-5 years. While those selected into the Future Black Sticks, have potential to be a Black Stick within 1-2 years. 

 

There is also the Development Squad (10 men, 10 women), which sits directly below the National Squad with those athletes receiving support from High Performance Sport New Zealand.

 

“It’s important that we are providing opportunities that are appropriate to a players’ ability, regardless of their age, and ensuring that everything we do is getting them a step closer to becoming a Black Stick,” said Evans.

 

For age-based international tournaments, Hockey New Zealand will select players from any of the high performance squads – Junior, Future, Development or National. 

 

All four squads will be named each year following the Ford National Hockey League. Selection tournaments include the Ford National Hockey League, Under-18 and Under-21 National Tournament.

 

For any training camps or competition opportunities for age-group players between now and when the 2015/2016 squads are named in October, selection will be made by high performance managers from the regional network and national selectors based on current form.


Gold Coast, 13-19 December 2014

Women – team one
 

NAME

REGION

POSITION

AGE

Arnica PALMER

Midlands

Striker

19

Pippa NORMAN

Central

Defender

19

Kirsten NATION

Canterbury

Goal Keeper

18

Ginny WILSON

Southern

Goal Keeper

19

Frances DAVIES

Midlands

Midfielder

18

Casey-Mae WADDELL

Central

Midfielder

17

Tayla WHITE

Auckland

Defender

17

Megan HULL

Midlands

Defender

18

Sarah WALCOTT

Canterbury

Defender

19

Nicola McDONNELL

Auckland

Striker

19

Sophie RIDER

Capital

Defender

18

Jackie EDEN

Canterbury

Defender

18

Polly INGLIS

Southern

Midfielder

18

Amelia MARLOW

Auckland

Midfielder

16

Freya HAWES

Capital

Striker

18

Mikayla HAZELWOOD

Midlands

Striker

18

Amy ROBINSON

Midlands

Striker

18

Maddison DOWE

Auckland

Defender

17

Charlotte ARTHUR

Canterbury

Striker

17

Lulu TUILOTOLAVA

Auckland

Striker

18

 

Gold Coast, 13-19 December 2014

Women – team two

NAME

REGION

POSITION

AGE

Isla BINT

Auckland

Goal Keeper

16

Tegan MURAAHI

Central

Goal Keeper

17

Neve McLEAN

Midlands

Striker

17

Catherine TINNING

Canterbury

Midfielder

18

Ella HYATT-BROWN

Harbour

Defender

17

Hannah OSTICK

Harbour

Defender

18

Stephanie DONNELLY

Northland

Defender

18

Hayley GOODYER

Central

Defender

17

Johanna AVERY

Central

Midfielder

18

Isabella FORBES

Canterbury

Midfielder

18

Alex LUKIN

Midlands

Midfielder

16

Charlotte SYMES

Central

Midfielder

18

Tarryn DAVEY

Midlands

Midfielder

18

Rose TYNAN

Auckland

Striker

17

Anna WILLOCKS

Central

Striker

17

Lara WILLIAMS

Central

Striker

18

Phoebe STEELE

Southern

Striker

18

Mattea HARRIS

Harbour

Striker

16

Samantha POLOVNIKOFF

Northland

Striker

16

Georgia GARDEN-BACHOP

Capital

Striker

17

 

 Gold Coast, 6-12 December 2014

 Men – team one

NAME

REGION

AGE

Greg BATES

Central

17

Te Hiraka CHASE

Midlands

17

Dominic DIXON

Central

18

Benji EDWARDS

North Harbour

16

Jesse FORSYTH

Capital

18

Zander FRASER

Auckland

16

Jack GILBERT

Southern

19

Hugh HENDRICKSON

Capital

17

Jonty KEANEY

Auckland

19

Sam LANE

Canterbury

17

Richmond LUM

Auckland

18

Joseph LYONS

Midlands

18

Hamish MCGEORGE

Midlands

18

Rhys MCLACHLAN

Midlands

18

Vincent O’CONNOR

Auckland

18

Bryan SCHOFIELD

Canterbury

18

Alexander SUMENKO-BUCKNELL

Capital

19

John THORN

Southern

19

 

 Gold Coast, 6-12 December 2014

 Men – team two

 NAME

REGION

AGE

Mike BALLE

Midlands

18

Sam BAXTER

Capital

17

Ruan BEZUIDENHOUT

Auckland

19

Lawrence DARLING

Canterbury

17

Hamish FINLAYSON

Capital

18

Daniel GUTHRIE

Southern

18

Daniel HARRIS

Capital

18

Ethan MARTIN

Midlands

17

Dominic NEWMAN

Canterbury

18

Hayden PHILLIPS

Central

16

John PREECE

Midlands

18

Ryan PURDIE

Capital

18

Joseph ROBERTSON

Capital

18

Daniel SCANLON

Midlands

17

Dylan THOMAS

Central

18

Dane VICKERS

Midlands

19

Jack WADDELL

Southern

18

Mackenzie WILCOX

Central

18

 

Hockey New Zealand Media release

 


 

Robert Adams: St Helens man, 84, plays full hockey match

 

Robert Adams said he was "elated he was still alive"

 

A man from Merseyside believes he may have set a world record for the oldest hockey player.

 

Robert Adams, 84, played a full 70 minutes for West Derby Hockey Club's third team against Golborne in the North West Hockey League on Saturday.

 

The record is currently held by 83-year-old Roger Jones from New Zealand.

 

The retired teacher from St Helens said it was "a relief" and he was "elated I'm still alive" after completing his first full game for a year.

 

He said: "There was always the danger I wouldn't be the oldest player on the pitch; I might be the oldest player to die on the pitch."

 

The full back, who was playing alongside a 16-year-old, said he was delighted to play his part in a 4-1 win over Golborne.

 

Told to retire

 

West Derby's head coach Mathew Gotts said: "He is absolutely amazing and he had a good game.

 

"I think he will be pleased with that performance."

 

Mr Adams said he has a long wait to find out if he is the world record holder.

 

"I've been told it could take between six and eight weeks to find out from Guinness Book of Records if I have done it," he said.

 

Mr Adams has played for the West Derby team since he was 14.

 

Apart from a five-year stint between 1965 and 1970, when he played for teams at college and in London where he was teaching, he has always played for West Derby.

 

He said the secret to his longevity was to "keep going" although he said he had been lucky with his health.

 

However, he is not so sure he will be allowed to play beyond this season.

 

He said: "I'll have to see what happens at the end of the season because my wife keeps telling me to retire."

 

BBC 

Fieldhockey.com uses cookies to assist with navigating between pages. Please leave the site if you disagree with this policy.
Copyright remains with the credited source or author