News for 30 November 2014
All the news for Sunday 30 November 2014
Lucha's final international gets off to perfect start
New Zealand, Netherlands, Australia and Argentina all take maximum points in opening day of action.
(Photo: Treebyimages)
NED v CHN 2-0 (0-0), NZL v JPN 2-1 (0-0), AUS v ENG 2-1 (1-0), ARG v GER 1-0 (0-0)
It was a passionate home crowd that greeted Luciana Aymar as she took to the field for her first appearance at this year's Champions Trophy. Before the match, FIH President Leandro Negre presented the Argentinian legend, who retires after this event, with a gift from the International Hockey Federation, recognising her achievements in the sport.
And Agustin Habif was the player who made sure that Lucha's night ended on a good note as she slotted home the winning goal in the 52nd minute. The match was far from one-sided as the Germans put down a stoic defence and counter-attacked time and again. Both sides admitted they needed to be sharper in front of goal as many chances went begging.
Maartje Paumen got her Champions Trophy off to the perfect start with a penalty corner double and three points to the World Champions over a battling Chinese team.
The first half of this opening match in the women's Champions Trophy was a classic case of two teams testing each other's strengths and weaknesses. While the Netherlands concentrated on forays up the right-hand side of the pitch, the Chinese focused on defence, breaking down play and then making fast counter-attacks.
Chinese 'keeper Li Dongxiao was called into action on several occasions, but she was more than up to all that the Netherlands could throw at her, including a batted shot from Maartje Paumen and a fine solo effort from Valeris Margis.
In the 41st minute Paumen broke the deadlock when she stepped up to slot the ball home with precision past the 'keeper. This was followed one minute later when Paumen scored her second – a carbon copy of the first.
In the second game, New Zealand beat Japan 2-1 as Olivia Merry (46') and Ella Gunson (51') both scored in the final quarter of the second match of the Champions Trophy to take all three points in a tight game against Japan.
Merry scored the opening goal for the Black Sticks, just minutes after she saw an earlier shot bounce off the bar. Her team's lead was cancelled out when Akiko Kato spotted that Black Sticks 'keeper Sally Rutherford had moved to the top of the circle and slipped the ball into the empty goal. Gunsen's goal put the game out of the Cherry Blossom's reach.
The third match of the day saw Australia take on England in a match that began in sombre mood with both teams sporting black armbands in remembrance of the Australian cricketer Phil Hughes.
The fast-paced game ended 2-1 in the Hockeyroo's favour when Jodie Kenny scored a goal at either end of the game, through two devastating penalty corner drag flicks. England were the equal of the Hockeyroos for large periods of the game and Ellie Watton gave her team hope when her shot slid past the Australian 'keeper Ashlee Wells. However, Australia saw the game out and took all three points.
England will be relieved that Alex Danson was given the all clear after a collision with an Australian defender that saw her stretchered off the pitch.
#BestoftheBest #CT2014
FIH site
Champions Trophy – Where to watch
All the matches, minute by minute, goal by goal, how to keep up with the action.
(Photo: FIH)
As the final international competitions of the year get under way, we will be bringing you all the action via a range of communication channels. For the millions of hockey fans worldwide who want to keep abreast of the action in Mendoza, here are the means by which you can keep up with all the matches, minute by minute, goal by goal.
Broadcasters who will be showing matches live on television.
SKY - NZ - All New Zealand games
ABC - Australia - All AUS games
Astro-Arena - Malaysia - All matches
TEN Sports - India (Final only)
Supersport - Africa - All matches
Sport 1 - Germany - German pool matches and quarter/ final. Coverage from that point will then depend on the German team's progress in the competition.
NOS - Netherlands - All Netherlands matches and final (not always live)
BSKYB - UK - All matches
C7 - Argentina - All Argentina matches
Television coverage will vary from country to country, but for any games that are not shown live on television, there are many other ways you can stay in tune with the action on the pitch.
Website
Full coverage of the events will be available via www.fih.ch with live streaming of the matches available in most territories.
You Tube
The FIH You Tube channel will be active throughout the events, with match highlights and much more being posted as soon as they become available. To visit our You Tube channel, click the link below:
www.youtube.com/fihockey
Social media
FIH will provide comprehensive coverage of the event via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Facebook: facebook.com/fihockey
Instagram: instagram.com/fihockey
Twitter: twitter.com/fih_hockey #BestOfTheBest #CT2014
FIH site
Black Sticks Women take 2-1 win
Olivia Merry opened the scoring for New Zealand.
A young and upcoming Black Sticks Women’s team have opened their FIH Champions Trophy campaign with a successful 2-1 win in Mendoza, Argentina.
The Kiwis were the dominant side throughout today’s game – they had eight shots at goal compared to Japan’s two, had twice as many circle penetrations, were awarded three penalty corners and held the majority of the possession – but it took until the fourth quarter for all their hard work to pay off with Olivia Merry and Ella Gunson scoring the goals.
“I thought we played pretty well for the majority of the game, overall I was really pleased. To win a penalty corner and put it away was good, I’m just happy to get the three points,” said head coach Mark Hager.
“It’s disappointing that we let Japan equalise, we just need to ensure that we play well for the whole game. We will get punished if we have any defensive lapses.”
Hager noted that the stand out players today were Olivia Merry, Michaela Curtis, captain Anita Punt, Sam Charlton and Pippa Hayward.
There were some good attempts from the Kiwis especially in the second quarter to break the nil-all deadlock - Merry earned a penalty corner which was well saved by Japan’s keeper Sakiyo Asano, Sophie Cocks had a shot smothered by Asano, and Michelsen and Michaela Curtis were also denied their opportunities.
All the goal scoring in the game happened in the opening moments of the fourth spell when Merry, well placed in the circle, received a pass and knocked it in to take a 1-0 lead.
Immediately, Japan bounced into action and when they found goalkeeper Sally Rutherford high in the circle and the goal open, Akiko Kato easily took the opportunity and scored the equaliser.
New Zealand’s winning goal came in the 51st minute when there was a breakdown at the penalty corner and Ella Gunson, who was waiting on the post, deflected it in to give the Kiwis a 2-1 first-up win.
The umpires handed out four green cards (two NZ, two Japan) and three yellow cards (one NZ, two Japan) throughout the game.
The Kiwis will play their second game against world number one side, the Netherlands, at 3.30am tomorrow (NZ time) before facing China at 10am (NZ time) on the 3 December in their final pool play game.
All games are live and replayed on Sky Sport.
RESULTS
Full time: 2-1 (NZ win)
Half time: 0-0
NZ goal scorers: Olivia Merry, Ella Gunson
Japan goal scorer: Akiko Kato
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks beat Japan
By David Leggat
Black Sticks striker Sophie Cocks. Photo / Getty Images
New Zealand's Champions Trophy campaign has begun on a winning note in Mendoza, Argentina today.
The Black Sticks beat Japan 2-1 is their opening game of the eight-nation tournament.
Although they had eight shots to two by the Japanese, 16 circle penetrations to eight and 57 percent of the ball in their opponents' half, world No 4 New Zealand made hard work of the win.
They did create chances in a scoreless first half. Striker Sophie Cocks had her shot in a one-on-one situation with the Japanese goalkeeper blocked; outstanding player Olivia Merry had a penalty corner shot stopped and right on half time Michaela Curtis could not quite get a touch on a drive in towards the Japanese goal.
World No 10 Japan were unable to present a serious threat to New Zealand, but defended determinedly.
The third quarter was scoreless, although Merry came desperately close. After Curtis got an initial touch in front of the Japan goal, it deflected high to Merry, whose chest high reflex job bounced off the cross bar.
The deadlock was broken a minute into the fourth quarter when Merry got a deserved reward, jabbing the ball into the Japanese net from close range after a long ball from Brooke Neal was deflected into her path by Pippa Hayward.
The loss of captain Anita Punt to a yellow card - one of three in the game to go with four green cards - was then immediately followed by an unexpected Japanese equaliser. They broke down the right through their best attacker, Mie Nakashima, and New Zealand keeper Sally Rutherford, believing a cross was coming was well off her line and caught shot when Akiko Kato drove the ball into the goal.
However 10 minutes from the end, New Zealand were back in front from a penalty corner when Ella Gunson's nudge in a hectic scramble in front of Japan's goal found its way into the net.
While Canterbury attacker Merry was the pick of the New Zealand side, there were strong contributions from attackers Stacey Michelsen, Cocks and Curtis, while Liz Thompson, Hayward and Aniwaka Roberts defended industriously.
"I thought we played pretty well for the majority of the game, overall I was really pleased," New Zealand coach Mark Hager said.
"To win a penalty corner and put it away was good, I'm just happy to get the three points.
"It's disappointing that we let Japan equalise, we just need to ensure that we play well for the whole game. We will get punished if we have any defensive lapses."
World No 1 Netherlands beat China 2-0 in the opening game, and next play the Black Sticks in a crunch game in pool A early tomorrow.
Australia were playing England and hosts Argentina faced Germany in pool B games later in the morning.
The New Zealand Herald
Women's Black Sticks score late to beat Japan
FRED WOODCOCK
LEAVING IT LATE: Ella Gunson scored the winning goal to set up the Black Sticks' 2-1 victory over Japan in Argentina. LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax NZ
The New Zealand women's hockey team has opened its Champions Trophy campaign with a 2-1 win over Japan after three goals in a frantic final stanza in Mendoza, Argentina.
The fourth-ranked Black Sticks dominated Japan, at No 10 the lowest ranked team in the eight-nation tournament, but couldn't find a breakthrough until the game burst to life in the final quarter this morning (NZ time).
All three goals came in a four-minute period, while Black Sticks skipper Anita Punt was on the sidelines after picking up a yellow card.
Olivia Merry opened the scoring after the Kiwis split the defence through the middle and Merry was on hand to deflect the final pass into the net.
But they fell asleep after the restart and Japan equalised when New Zealand goalkeeper Sally Rutherford came too far off her line and essentially handed Akiko Kato an open goal.
Then an error from the Japanese keeper gave New Zealand a penalty corner and, despite initially fluffing the move up, the ball pin-balled around before it made its way to Ella Gunson at the back post and she deflected it into the back of the net.
It wasn't textbook execution but New Zealand did deserve to win the match; they dominated possession, shots at goal (eight to two) and circle penetrations (16 to eight).
In the other pool A match, world No 1 the Netherlands eased past China 2-0.
New Zealand play the Netherlands on Monday morning (NZ time) before facing China on Wednesday.
All eight teams progress to the quarterfinals but finishing as high as possible in the pool will be vital to avoid the heavier hitters in the playoffs.
Stuff
Hockeyroos trump England
Jodie Kenny penalty corner double secures 2-1 win at Champions Trophy
Match winner Jodie Kenny. Photo: treebyimages.com.au
The Hockeyroos’ Champions Trophy campaign is up and running after Jodie Kenny’s penalty corner double earned Australia’s women a 2-1 win over England in Mendoza.
Australia came out of the blocks quickly and were ahead after just six minutes through Kenny’s drag flick, which found the back of the net via a slight deflection. However, England, runners-up to the Hockeyroos at the Commonwealth Games in August, equalised five minutes into the third quarter through Ellie Watton, who scored from the edge of the circle after finding herself in behind the Australian back line.
But just as in Glasgow, it was Kenny to the rescue as she struck again – this time five minutes from full time – with a perfectly placed low penalty corner.
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said, “It was important to get the win. England are an improving team, they played an aggressive style and competed hard for every ball. They made it difficult for us so to get the result when we played to a level that’s less than we’re capable of is satisfying.
“I was disappointed with our play in the first quarter. I didn’t think we had contributors right across the group but in the final quarter, at 1-1, I thought we deserved to get the win.”
Looking ahead to match two, against the hosts and defending champions Argentina, Commens said, “Playing against Argentina in Argentina is a fantastic experience. It will be a sell-out crowd and a good experience for our young players who are finding out about what it’s like playing at this level. I know they’ve got the talent but we’ll need them to step up.”
The match was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to England captain Alex Danson, who after an accidental collision with Anna Flanagan that left her looking dazed, was treated on the floor of the team benches before being taken to hospital in an ambulance.
Young South Australian Gabi Nance had an opportunity to add to Kenny’s early goal but found herself thwarted by England goalkeeper Kirsty Mackay, who was out quickly to block. At the other end, Australian goalkeeper Ashlee Wells dealt comfortably with England’s first corner.
Brooke Peris also saw an effort stopped by Mackay and the Hockeyroos passed up three penalty corners before Watton levelled with a miscued shot that snuck through the legs of Wells and rolled into the goal.
Australia’s women survived the opening five minutes of the final quarter a player down after Eddie Bone was yellow carded but after weathering the period, stepped up a gear and looked the more likely to steal a winner. Five minutes from time, it was Kenny again who delivered with calm precision to seal all three points.
In the other pool, Pool A, World Champions the Netherlands overcame China 2-0 and New Zealand’s Black Sticks women beat Japan 2-1. In the Hockeyroos' pool, Argentina beat Germany 1-0, a result that means the Hockeyroos lead Pool B after the first round of matches.
On Monday, the Hockeyroos face hosts and defending champions Argentina at 9am AEDT (8am AEST / 6am AWST). The match is live in AEDT states and territories on ABC and on delay elsewhere at 9am local time. The match will also be live streamed by the International Hockey Federation via YouTube.
Women's Champions Trophy
Mendoza, Argentina
Pool A
Hockeyroos: 2 (1)
Jodie Kenny 6, 55 (PC, PC)
England: 1 (0)
Ellie Watton 40 (FG)
Hockey Australia media release
England suffer Australia defeat
Ellie Watton against Australia 2014
England went down 2–1 to Australia in their opening match of the Champions Trophy at the Estadio Mendocino de Hockey, Mendoza, in a closely fought encounter. A brace from Jodie Kenny was enough for a Hockeyroos victory, despite Ellie Watton’s second half strike.
The Australian side got off to a quick start, putting early pressure on the England defence. They were soon rewarded for their efforts when Kenny’s sixth minute drag flick was fired between Kirsty Mackay and Laura Unsworth on the goal line.
England suffered a blow in the seventh minute when Alex Danson was taken to hospital after colliding with Anna Flanagan. Despite the setback of losing their captain, England soon settled into the game, with the midfielders and fowards linking well, particularly down the right hand side of the pitch. However, the Australian defence held firm and went into the half time break 1–0 up.
England enjoyed a good spell in the ascendancy in the second half and made their pressure count when Watton equalised in the 45th minute. A fantastic pass from Clifton's Joie Leigh found the St Albans striker unmakred in the Australian circle. Despite goalkeeper Ashlee Wells closing her down quickly, Watton squeezed her shot through the goalkeeper's legs to leave the score finely poised at 1 – 1.
In a tense final quarter, it was Australia who grabbed a late winner from a penalty corner. The ball was trapped by Emily Smith and yet again, Kenny stepped up to convert from the top of the circle, rifling the ball low past Mackay’s outstretched stick.
Despite losing 2–1, England’s Head Coach Danny Kerry was pleased with his team’s level of performance:
“We felt we had the balance of play in the second half but you have to credit Australia for converting their corners. I thought the young players did well and I am pleased at the progress we have made over the past three months.”
England face Germany on Sunday at 19.30 (GMT) in their second Pool B fixture.
Australia 2 (1)
Jodie Kenny 6, 55 (PC, PC)
England 1 (0)
Ellie Watton 45 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Alex Danson taken to hospital after collision with Australia's Anna Flanagan
England's talismanic forward recovers in hospital with suspected concussion during 2-1 defeat to Australia, the Commonwealth champions
By Rod Gilmour
In the wars: England forward Alex Danson Photo: FIH
Alex Danson, the England captain, was taken to hospital on Saturday night with suspected concussion after a heavy collision on the opening day of the Champions Trophy in Mendoza.
The incident occurred England's group match with Australia, who won 2-1 in a tight game, when Danson clattered into Anna Flanagan, her Australian counterpart, inside the D in the opening stages.
Danson, 29, lost her balance with Flanagan attempting to clear the danger, the England forward's head landing with force into the Australian as she turned her back.
Danson was initially led off the pitch and responded to questions in the England dug out. Minutes later she was seen flatout taking oxygen before leaving the stadium on a stretcher in a precautionary neck brace at the start of the second quarter.
Australia were leading 1-0 at the time thanks to a fourth-minute penalty corner strike from Jodie Kenny, which deflected past goalkeeper Kirsty Mackay.
Despite Australia's early pressure, it was an even half. Jo Leigh, the in-form Clifton forward, had England's best chance of the first half with an instinctive reverse stick strike which went inches wide of goal.
Momentum swung England's way after the break when Australia fluffed two consecutive penalty corner routines.
A rapid break with five minutes left in the third quarter then paved the way for England's equaliser. Leigh took advantage of a clinical aerial pass, fed to Ellie Watton, who just managed to connect with her scuffed shot before the ball found a way through Ash Wells' legs.
Mackay's England goal was rarely threatened, but Australia did manage to make ammends with a late penalty corner when Kerry hit low into the net for her brace. Drag flicking once again proved the difference between the two sides, though England were the brighter side, with impressive performances by Leigh and Lily Owsley.
Both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect following the tragic death of Phillip Hughes, the Australian cricketer.
Sunday: v Germany, 730pm
Tuesday: v Argentina, 630pm
The Telegraph
I have kept as few changes as possible
Tazeen Qureshy
A gold medal in the Incheon Asian Games, a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games and a series win against Australia – the year 2014 has been a good year for Indian hockey. But, in spite of these achievements, if anything has caught more attention than the team’s performance, it is the episode revolving around the resignation of Terry Walsh.
While the national media is busy still searching for explanations from all corners, the people who have been affected the most by this – the players themselves, have decided to leave everything behind and keep the nation first in their quest for the Champions Trophy.
So, while Sardar Singh and the players tried to dodge every question on Terry Walsh, current coach Roelant credited the team for handling the situation so well.
“I am proud of the players who have coped with the situation very well. It is not a normal situation for them, but they have gone ahead and responded well. There will always be certain kind of distractions before a tournament, this time it was much bigger. But the players have kept their focus,” Roelant said.
“It is never pleasant that your coach leaves prior to an important tournament. But, I have been close to the team as well. I knew what Terry was doing and how the team was preparing. I have my own way of training which is different. But, I have kept as few changes as possible,” he added.
On the preparations for the event which starts from December 6, he said that the team is high on confidence after a good season and will continue their fine momentum in the Champions Trophy as well.
“The boys are in good shape. They got lot of confidence during the last couple of events – right from the World cup, then the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games and the Australian tour, they have improved with every tournament, which is the important thing. We will try to carry it forward,” the Dutchman said.
“Also we have young players like Lalit and Gurjinder who are playing really well. It will be an advantage for next year as we need more young blood in the team.”
Stick2Hockey.com
‘One of the best India-Pakistan matches ever played’
Y. B. Sarangi
 Rajinder Singh. - FILE PHOTO |
 Zafar Iqbal. - FILE PHOTO |
Zafar Iqbal smiles at the suggestion that India's lone podium finish in the Champions Trophy, a bronze in the 1982 edition, be rated among the nation’s best hockey achievements.
As India hosts the 35th edition of the Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar from December 6, Zafar and Rajinder Singh (Sr.), who played prominent roles in the 1982 event, recalled the proud moment in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
After beating USSR (4-2) and West Germany (3-2), India lost to the host 5-2. However, its comeback 5-4 win against Pakistan helped India ensure a medal. Incidentally, India lost comprehensively 7-2 to Australia in the last engagement. The Netherlands lifted the trophy followed by Australia in second place.
Zafar and Rajinder agreed that the India-Pakistan encounter was the most memorable match of the tournament, where India rode on a brilliant hat-trick from the latter to come back from 0-3 and win 5-4.
“It was one of the best India-Pakistan matches ever played. Thanks to Rajinder's hat-trick, we made the turnaround. I remember scoring the winner,” said Zafar.
“It boosted our morale for the Asian Games, but we lost to Pakistan (7-1) at home. The 2-1 win against them in the Esanda Cup in Melbourne soothed our nerves.”
Rajinder, a tough defender and a proficient penalty corner expert of his time, shared some interesting tales from that epic match. “It was a good achievement considering we played on astro-turf and against the top teams of the world. A Pakistan sports goods manufacturer had given me a stick a few days before the match and I scored the hat-trick with that stick. Also, I broke my good friend Kalimullah's wrist while playing a shot.”
Zafar, a reputed left-winger, said the level of competition was higher in the Champions Trophy. “Now, some countries treat the Champions Trophy as an exposure trip for youngsters. However, in those days all the teams used to field their best players.”
Pointing out that in 13 appearances India had finished fourth six times, Rajinder said the team must sharpen its game in order to win another medal in Bhubaneswar.
“This year India may have done well in various tournaments, but this is the real test.”
The Hindu
The Terry Walsh saga
The negotiations to renew Terry Walsh's contract with Hockey India broke down when HI President Narinder Batra brought up the topic of "financial impropriety" on Walsh's behalf while he was employed by the US Field Hockey Association. The details of that "financial impropriety" are a matter of open record having been presented to the Board of USFHA and recorded in their minutes of their meeting in August 2013. Here are the details below. You decide if they were sufficient grounds for HI not to renew Terry Walsh's contract.
Exerpt from the USA Field Hockey Executive Director’s Report - 081013
Terry Walsh-Sports/Tec Software Over time, I have been keeping you abreast of the Sports/Tec situation insofar as our acquisition of Sports/Code software used by our HP Group. In review, Terry Walsh’s contracts concluded at the end of 2012. Within the first contract (one in which Walsh served as an employee) was a section dealing with the leasing of software and software upgrades from a contractually identified entity known as Terron Pty, LTD, a sport technology company. A portion of that Walsh contract included payments for software and the updates. Through the term of this first Walsh contract (between January, 2006-June, 2010) a total of $111,250 was expended for Sports/Code
software leasing and updating. The second Walsh contract (he became a contractor in the second contract) was for the period July, 2010-December, 2012. In that contract, the leasing amount was not broken out, but it can be interpolated that another $66,250 during the contract’s term was expensed using the first contract’s numbers as a guide. Therefore, a total of ~$177,500 was paid to Terron Pty, Ltd. during the time frames noted above for software leasing and updating. Had USAFH purchased the software in 2006, our costs over time would have been considerably less, even with the additional amounts for updating, and we would have owned the software.
Upon the conclusion of the Walsh contracts, USAFH researched with the owner of Sports/Code software, Sports/Tec, the costs of either leasing or purchasing the Sports/Code product. It was determined to purchase the software for $160,550 from Sports/Tec as we would then have equity and our further expenses would only be for future updates. In the process of acquisition, and while in discussions with principals of Sports/Tec including their CEO, they were questioning why we had never purchased/leased software from Sports/Tec before. They found that particularly curious as Terry Walsh was associated with USA Field Hockey and he was involved with the initial development of the Sports/Code product. The Sports/Tec principals were advised that USAFH had been leasing and updating the software through an Australian company known as Terron Pty, Ltd. This was a familiar entity to them as they have paid royalties to Walsh based upon his early input on the product. The CEO, Philip Jackson, indicated that Terron Pty,Ltd. is a retirement fund, not a sport technology company. Also, during development and after, Terry Walsh was provided with copies of the Sports/Code software under the presumption he would use it for his private use and to help further develop the product. In the end, these were the software licenses he used to lease to USAFH. While it was not an authorized use of the licenses and he was leasing property not belonging to him, Sports/Tec decided not to litigate due to the expense of litigation and because, from the outset, they had not provided Walsh limitations on the use of his licenses in writing. They thought that it was a given as their line of business is the leasing, selling and updating of these sorts of software products. We pursued from Sports/Tec a release of liability as they could have pursued us for leasing their intellectual property from an unauthorized agent and we received the release from Sports/Tec earlier this year.
Via emails, I brought the episode to Terry Walsh’s attention. In his first response to me he indicated my commentary was not accurate. In a following email I asked him what was inaccurate about the email describing the matter. He has not responded since, even though I have asked three times. The following is the thread of emails sent to Walsh:
Dear Terry,
I have not as of yet received a response to my letter that you acknowledged receipt of on April 10, and to my follow up on emails of April 10 and April 19. As I state in the original email "USA Field Hockey believes it is in your and the organization’s best interest—as well as the best interest of the sport—for us to be able to reach a mutually agreeable resolution to this matter."
Please could you respond (in writing) at your earliest convenience?
Steven M Locke
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Locke
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2013 2:24 PM
To: 'Terry Walsh'
Subject: RE: SportsCode Software
Terry
I received your VM earlier and noted that you are receiving outside guidance and I presume that means legal assistance. Please see below my earlier note. Would you please identify the inaccuracies in writing so we have clarity on what they may be from your perspective?
Steven Locke
Executive Director
USA Field Hockey
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
O: 719.866.4361 C: 719.201.9387
usafieldhockey.com | @USAFieldHockey
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Locke
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 11:19 AM
To: 'Terry Walsh'
Subject: RE: SportsCode Software
Terry
What elements are inaccurate?
Steven Locke
Executive Director
USA Field Hockey
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
O: 719.866.4361 C: 719.201.9387
usafieldhockey.com | @USAFieldHockey
-----Original Message-----
From: Terry Walsh
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 10:46 AM
To: Steve Locke
Subject: Re: SportsCode Software
Steve
The effort you made to get the document into a readable format I appreciate.
I acknowledge receipt of this correspondence.
Many elements of your commentary are inaccurate.
Terry
> April 2, 2013
> Terry Walsh
> Terron Pty., Ltd.
> Re: SportsCode Elite Software
>
> Dear Terry:
> As you know, it has recently come to our attention that the SportsCode Elite software Terron Pty., Ltd. licensed to USA Field Hockey from 2006 to 2012 was the proprietary material of Sportstec Ltd. We have also learned that Sportstec did not authorize you to license its software on behalf of the company. In fact, Sportstec had no idea that you were doing so. You were a trusted intermediary between USA Field Hockey and Sportstec, and you violated that trust for close to six years. Additionally, you, through your company, collected sums far exceeding the purchase price of the software, and now USA Field Hockey is left in a position where it must spend additional sums to purchase the software from Sportstec, a purchase that should have originally been made with Sportstec. Terry, we both know that this is not acceptable.
>
> USA Field Hockey continues to evaluate this situation, but we first wanted to provide you the opportunity to make the situation right and restore the relationship between you and USA Field Hockey. International-level field hockey is a small community, and we are all working for the betterment of the sport. USA Field Hockey believes it is in your and the organization’s best interest—as well as the best interest of the sport—for us to be able to reach a mutually agreeable resolution to this matter.
>
> I look forward to hearing from you.
>
>
> [cid:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.][cid:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]Regards,
>
> Steven M. Locke
>
>
> Steven Locke
> Executive Director
> USA Field Hockey
> 1 Olympic Plaza
> Colorado Springs, CO 80909
> O: 719.866.4361 C: 719.201.9387
> usafieldhockey.com | @USAFieldHockey
>
> [cid:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]
Finally, this is brought to your attention as we are fiducially responsible to advise membership both the good and not so good news within this organization. The public notice is through the minutes of this Board meeting of which this report will be an element. For your information, we did pursue the possibility of litigation and our attorney determined it would be expensive; even though we were harmed, our case would be less impactful as Sports/Tec was not litigating; and, even if we were successful, the possibility of collecting due funds was unlikely as Terry Walsh’s location is in Australia.
Shahnaz gives SOS call to PM to save hockey
Mohsin Ali
RAWALPINDI - Pakistan hockey team head coach and manager Shahnaz Sheikh has requested Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is also the patron of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to have mercy on hockey players and order Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to immediately start renovation and maintenance work on Naseer Bunda International Hockey Stadium at Pakistan Sports Complex.
Shahnaz expressed these views during an exclusive interview with The Nation on Saturday. He said there was absolutely no comparison when it comes to facilities and other related stuff at PSB but pathetic condition of astroturf of Naseer Bunda Stadium prevented federation from conducting training camp at Islamabad.
“I would also request to Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada to look into this matter of grave importance for the hockey team. We had to participate in the Champions Trophy. We had conducted training camp at National Hockey Stadium Karachi, where astroturf is in excellent shape, but we had faced lot of difficulties when it comes to facilities. We were honoured first by MQM leader Altaf Hussain. He announced Rs 5million for the team, which proved to be the first drop. We are also grateful to Malik Riaz for announcing Rs 5million for federation but we are expecting substantial grant form government. I request PM Nawaz Sharif to spare some time and listen to genuine complains of federation and players. It would go a long way in helping players come out of desperation and perform well for the country. I hope PM would give time very soon.”
Shahnaz said team would depart for India on December 2 through Wagah Border and would play practice match against Argentina on December 3. “We are trying to arrange more practice matches before the Champions Trophy starts on December 6. I am quite hopeful we would get at least two more practice matches before going into mega the event.” Pakistan will play first match against Belgium on 6th, second match against England on 7th and last pool match against mighty Australians on 9th.
“The most interesting thing in the entire event is every team must have to play quarterfinals, it would be a great test of our boy's and we are hoping to at least finish in top 4, if we managed to attain that goal. It would be a great achievement, considering the fact we had not played against any European or top international team for the past one year or so. Playing against Asian teams is a different thing, while facing the heavyweights of international hockey is completely different altogether.”
He said he along with his supporting staff had worked very hard with the players for the last five months and had managed to remove major flaws from the basic techniques of the players, which was quite evident during the Asian Games. “We still believe there is always room for improvement, Boy's had responded beyond my expectations and I hope they would give a real fight to all the opponents in Champions Trophy and would not disappoint me and masses. I request people to keep on supporting and praying for the green shirts. The time is not far when we would regain lost glory days, but for that we need unconditional support both from government and private sector as without funds we can't even think about training.” Shahnaz concluded.
The Nation
No one does it better than Orange Telkom, is there?
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Terry Juma [left] of Telkom Orange out--runs Maureen Odero of Nairobi University during 5th Agnelo de Souza hockey festival tournament played at Goan institute in Mombasa. 19th October 2014. Picture by Omondi Onyango
Africa Hockey Women’s Cup of Club championships defending champions Orange Telkom defeated Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) 2-1 to cruise to the finals at Khumalo Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
They are now a match away from retaining the title they have held since 2012, when they won it at the same venue. Only hosts Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) stand in their way.
Hosts BAC denied Kenyans what could have been a perfect sister-act in the final, after they defeated Strathmore 2-1 in the second semi.
The Kenyan girls remain unbeaten in the tournament and have scored 25 goals and conceded two.
Head coach Jos Openda lauded his players saying they were getting better by the day. “I am impressed with their work.
They have been improving with each match and I am confident they will even play better in the finals.”
Openda added that much work had been done already and all they needed was victory in the finals to achieve their main objective.
“We have come a long way, fought a good fight and all we need is a win to maintain the status quo.
The trophy is now within reach and we cannot let it go that easily.”
The match began with much pace from the first minute with both teams playing on the offensive and defending in equal measure.
Barbara Simiyu sounded the boards after four minutes, when she converted a penalty corner to give Orange an early lead.
Ghanaian lethal striker Elizabeth Opuku ensured parity seven minutes later after she scored a fantastic field goal thanks to a priceless pass from vice captain Gertrude Inkoom.
Veteran Jacqueline Mwangi, who has been gaining her form with every match, put the reigning queens two up in the 16th minute.
Opuku threatened the Kenyan defense again in the 18th minute, but international Terry Juma was up to task and keept the Ghanaian at bay.
The Standard Online
Orange tackle Zimbabweans in Cup final
By BRIAN YONGA
Jane Ofula (left) of Telkom Orange tackles Racheal Wangui of USIU during their women’s National League match against USIU at City Park Stadium on November 1. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Champions champions Telkom Orange will play Bulawayo Athletics Club (BAC) in the final of the Africa Hockey Cup of Club Championship from 2pm at the Khumalo Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The men’s final will be contested between Egyptian clubs, Egypt Police and Sharkia at 5 pm.
The home side beat Kenya’s Strathmore 2-1 in the second semifinal to kill the dreams of an all Kenyan final. Orange had sealed their place earlier after a hard fought 2-1 win over Ghana Revenue Authority.
Melissa Sibanda scored the winner nine minutes from the end to settle the tight contest and break the hearts of the Kenyan team who has been tipped to face off with Orange in a successive final.
Nicola Watson had given the home team the lead in the 41st minute after firing past Strathmore keeper Truphy Oriwa. However, the Kenyan side were leveled five minutes later through Gilly Okumu’s third goal of the event.
With the game headed for penalty strokes, Sibanda popped up to score the winner after weaving past the Strathmore defence and shoot past Oriwa.
“It is a disappointing result, we played well and did not finish the chances we got, they were more clinical and at the end of the day you get punished for not taking your chances,” Strathmore coach Meshack Senge said.
Telkom Orange dug deep for their 2-1 win against Ghana Revenue Authority in a hard fought game. Both teams were guilty of missing chances as Orange held on to reach another final. All the goals were scored in the first 16 minutes.
Daily Nation
Clifton march on after Holcombe win
Clifton's Els Mansell celebrates a goal v Leicester, Sept 27 2014. credit Andrew Smith
CLAIRE Thomas fired home a brace to help Clifton beat Holcombe for the second time this month in the Investec Women’s Hockey Premier Division.
Liz Sinton and Els Mansell (pictured) also scored in the 4-1 win which saw them go into Saturday night equal on points with leaders Surbiton who play on Sunday. Lucy Wood pulled one back for Holcombe with nine minutes left.
Dirkie Chamberlain missed out on a hat-trick but still managed to help guide Canterbury to a 4-0 defeat of Beeston.
Sarah Kerly opened the scoring after ten minutes and Eliza Brett added a second on 25 minutes. Despite having a stroke saved by Natalie Robson in the Beeston goal, Chamberlain still completed her brace. Canterbury hold on to third place whilst Beeston are still in search of their first win.
Hannah Martin and Faye Curran both grabbed a brace of goals as the University of Birmingham powered to a 4-1 win away to Bowdon Hightown.
The visitors raced into a four-goal lead before the break with Martin and Curran scoring all their goals in the opening 30 minutes. Holly Hunt struck a consolation for Bowdon just after the restart.
Nikki Laybourne scored the only goal of the game as Leicester beat Buckingham 1-0 at home.
Investec Conference West
Slough strengthened their place at the top of the Investec Conference West with three points against Isca. Jess Brooker and Laura Bailey scored the goals in a 2-0 win.
Swansea are now eight points behind the leaders after being held to a goalless draw away to Oxford Hawks.
Gloucester City moved ahead of Trojans and after beating them 2-0. The win, secured a Zoe Burford brace, sees them go third.
Bristol Firebrands also won 2-0 as Pippa Barnes scored twice in their match against bottom club Cheltenham.
Stourport managed to take a 2-1 win against Olton and West Warwickshire despite having Erin Preece sent off after 42 minutes. Katie Miller scored their winner in the final minute of the game.
Investec Conference North
Wakefield are the new leaders of the Investec Conference North after beating Liverpool Sefton 4-0 and overhauling Brooklands Poynton on goal difference. Sally Walton led the scoring with two goals.
Brooklands also took three points as goals from Kate Harris and Jess Berry saw them win 2-0 at Cannock.
Ellie Tait scored twice and missed a penalty stroke as Loughborough Students beat Kendal 3-1 on the road. It was a great turnaround for the visitors who trailed 1-0 at the break.
Sarah Bell struck the winning goal to seal Ben Rhydding’s 2-1 win against Whitley Bay and Tynemouth and Emma McCabe found the target twice in Sutton Coldfield’s 3-1 defeat of University of Durham.
Investec Conference East
East Grinstead hold on to the lead in the Investec Conference East despite only securing a point with a 1-1 draw with Chelmsford.
Ruth Gordon had given East Grinstead the lead on 23 minutes but Katie Taylor stunned the visitors with a late equaliser.
In second place, St Albans also dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Maidenhead. Goals from Amy Kee and Donna Pringle had given them the lead but a Shona Young strike from a penalty corner levelled the scores after Vicky Goodacre’s early goal on 11 minutes.
Sevenoaks beat Bedford 2-1 and Ipswich beat Horsham by the same score for only their second win of the season. Wimbledon were the other victors of the day, beating Harleston Magpies 2-0.
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, November 29 2014):
Investec Women's Premier Division: Canterbury 4, Beeston 0; Bowdon Hightown 1, University of Birmingham 4; Holcombe 1, Clifton 4; Leicester 1, Buckingham 0.
Investec Women's Conference West: Oxford Hawks 0, Swansea City 0; Bristol Firebrands 2, Cheltenham 0; Gloucester City 2, Trojans 0; Slough 2, Isca 0; Stourport 2, Olton and West Warwickshire 1.
Investec Women's Conference North: Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 1, Ben Rhydding 2; Kendal 1, Loughborough Students 3; Wakefield 4, Liverpool Sefton 0; Cannock 0, Brooklands Poynton 2; Sutton Coldfield 3, University of Durham 1.
Investec Women's Conference East: Bedford 1, Sevenoaks 2; Maidenhead 2, St Albans 2; Chelmsford 1, East Grinstead 1; Wimbledon 2, Harleston Magpies 0; Ipswich 2, Horsham 1.
England Hockey Board Media release
THT just a step away
By Jugjet Singh
KLHC's Razie Abduk Rahim (right) is stopped by Sapura's Farizul Afiq (left) in Malaysia Hockey League match in Bukit Jalil on Friday. Pic by Hasri yasyah Sabudin.
TERENGGANU Hockey Team (THT) have poured in millions into their outfit, and are staring at their first silverware in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League.
THT thrashed double champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club 5-1 on Friday to finally arrive after finishing fifth in their debut season.
With a nine-goal advantage, THT only need to beat Sapura toay to claim the title, having beaten them 8-4 in the first round.
KLHC play UniKL for three points, while keeping their fingers crossed that THT crumble, or draw against Sapura.
UniKL have shown progress in the second round by beating Tenaga and then holding Maybank to a draw but were soundly beaten 4-0 by KLHC in the corresponding fixture.
“UniKL will continue with their league progress and improvement as a team and will not focus too much on the league position. What is important tomorrow (today) is for the team to continue to play better and reverse the 4-0 loss to KLHC in order to face the knock-out challenge in high spirits,” said UniKL Hockey Club president Amir Azhar Ibrahim.
THT, meanwhile, are bent on winning the title.
“Our only blemish was the 2-1 defeat to KLHC in Round One, and when we went back to our home turf in Kuala Terengganu, the target was to win maximum 15 points.
“We have overcome the biggest challenge by beating KLHC, and will play a simple game to win three points againstSapura and claim the league title,”said THT coach Sarjit Singh.
THT’s No 1 fan Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif was present for the KLHC clash in Kuala Lumpur, where his side were edged 2-1.
“We have solid backing from the state government as well as the fans in Kuala Terengganu, who have turned up at the stadium by the thousands in pouring rain.
“The team will give their best against Sapura, as we are just a step away from rewarding our loyal fans,” said Sarjit.
While acknowledging that they face an uphill task against KLHC, Sapura assistant manager S. Kuhan said: “We will be entering the pitch, like always, looking for a win and will not throw in the towel until the four quarters are over. We have nothing to lose and if we win, we will be assured of finishing fourth in the league.”
TODAY: KLHC v UniKL (6pm, National Stadium Pitch I); Maybank v Tenaga (6pm, National Stadium Pitch II); Terengganu v Sapura (5pm, Kuala Terengganu).
New Straits Times
Terengganu aim to wrap up title in style
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: The Premier Division title is Terengganu Hockey Team’s to lose.
The east coast team are just one win away from clinching the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) title in just their second appearance.
Two wins in their last two matches – and netting 11 goals in the process – have put them in the driver’s seat for the title.
Trailing defending champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) by three points for most of the season, it all began to come together with the 6-1 whipping of Maybank on Nov 23.
Then, on Friday, the tide finally turned in their favour when they thumped KLHC 5-1 at their home ground – the Kuala Terengganu Hockey Stadium.
That has seen Terengganu overtake KLHC at the top of the six-team standings with 24 points, the same as KLHC. But Terengganu have a better goal difference – +9.
Now, all that stands between Terengganu and the title are Sapura.
Beat them, and the title’s theirs ... unless, by some miracle, KLHC go on a goal rush against Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), their final-day opponents today.
KLHC, of course, are not giving up yet. They are quietly praying that Sapura can somehow help them: either by holding Terengganu to a draw or even go on and beat the east coast team.
But KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj is a pragmatic man. He knows the score – that his team are looking at a second placing.
“Whichever way you look at it, Terengganu have the edge. They just need to win,” he said. “Let’s say they beat Sapura by just 1-0, we will need at least 10 goals to pip them to the crown! Yes, we can hope for a miracle ... like Sapura winning or holding drawing with Terengganu. But that’s like clutching at straws!”
Terengganu team manager Mohamed Sabri Salleh is happy “'to see the pieces of jigsaw coming together” after a slow start in the MHL.
“The team are finally playing as a unit, with the players complementing each other. We have spent a lot of money to put up the best available team and the players are beginning to prove their pedigree.
“The players are now more relentless in their approach and that’s why we are scoring more goals.
“I just can’t see us failing to get the job done against Sapura.”
The Star of Malaysia
Hockey World Cup lands FIH top award
The FIH has been named the winner of the ‘International Creative Organisation Award’ at the sixth edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards. The prestigious awards are the first of their kind to be devoted entirely to creativity in sport, and this year was the largest ever edition in terms of the number of nominations and awards.
23 International Sports Federations were nominated for the international prize, with FIH recognised for its efforts in putting on the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands.
Both the men’s and women’s tournaments were played simultaneously, and there was also a masters, youth and beach hockey tournament, all coming together in a festival of celebration of the sport. Innovative coverage on television, online and social media ensured that the tournament was the most followed and successful in history.
Over 260,000 people attended the tournaments
120 hours of coverage was streamed in 190 countries
550,000 fans joined in on facebook, meaning hockey is the third most followed Olympic sport on facebook
Leandro Negre, President of FIH, said “We are delighted that the Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards has recognised our work on this year’s World Cup. It was a phenomenal effort from everyone involved in the organisation of the competitions, which led to a fantastic two weeks of hockey.”
Euro Hockey League media release