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All the news for Wednesday 3 December 2014

Las Leonas and Black Sticks top pools going into quarter-finals

England concede four against Argentina, while Japan hold out until last minute against Oranje.


(Photo: FIH)

AUS v GER 3-1 (2-0), ARG v ENG 4-1 (1-1), NZL v CHN 2-0 (2-0), NED V JPN 1-0 (0-0)

The first match of Day Three in Mendoza saw Australia storm to the top of Pool B after beating Germany 3-1. The Hockeyroos spell at the top of the table was short-lived as Argentina beat England 4-1 to replace Australia at the top of Pool B.

New Zealand topped Pool A after a 2-0 win over China, with Japan's heroic defence holding the Netherlands at bay until the 59th minute. In Pool B, Argentina took top spot after beating England 4-1, while Australia beat Germany 3-0 in the first match of the day.

The first match of Day Three in Mendoza saw Australia storm to the top of Pool B after beating Germany 3-1. The Hockeyroos spell at the top of the table was short-lived as Argentina beat England 4-1 to replace Australia at the top of Pool B.

The goalscorers for Australia were Georgia Nanscawen, Jodie Kenny and Emily Smith, while Franzisca Hauke scored the consolation German goal.

In the second match, England were the first to get on the scoresheet as Sophie Bray found the net after a quick break by the England team. Las Leonas were quick to counter, and Carla Rebecchi was on hand to slot home after a penalty corner was awarded.

The game was finely balanced until a penalty corner to Las Leonas saw the excellent Silvinia D'Elia score with a tip in. The nails were driven into the England coffin when first Rosario Luchetti and then Delfino Merino scored to make it 4-1.

New Zealand crafted a workmanlike 2-0 win over China, with Anita Punt scoring both goals. Her team took their foot off the gas in the second half, but the goals were enough to secure the Black Sticks top spot.

In the final game, the Netherlands pressured the Japanese goal for the majority of the game, but a Japanese defensive wall kept the Oranje team at bay until just 17 seconds were left on the clock. Maartje Paumen showed a cool head to slot a penalty corner home and deliver three points.

The quarter final line up will be published tomorrow.

#CT2014 #BestofTheBest

FIH site

’Roos turn up the heat

Hockeyroos overcome Germany in race for quarter-finals


Georgia Nanscawen celebrates her goal.

A dominant performance saw the Hockeyroos run out 3-1 winners over European gold medallists Germany in their Champions Trophy match in Mendoza, with the Australian women finishing second in Pool B after Argentina went on to beat England 4-1.

The Hockeyroos will face Japan in the quarter-finals after the Japanese finished third in Pool A after going down narrowly 1-0 to world champions, the Netherlands.

Clinical finishing in the final third of the pitch saw Georgia Nanscawen, Jodie Kenny and Emily Smith all find the target to maintain the Hockeyroos’ unbeaten run, with Germany’s Franzisca Hauke netting a late consolation.

The margin of victory might have been greater had Emily Smith’s snap shot not cannoned off the crossbar and German goalkeeper Yvonne Frank not made a string of saves to deny the likes of Kathryn Slattery and Gabi Nance.

The result kept the Hockeyroos top of Pool B ahead of Argentina's game but the late concession of a goal to Germany ultimately proved costly in the race for number one spot as Argentina took top position on goal difference.

The Hockeyroos will face the team finishing third in Pool A - either Japan or China - in Friday morning's (Australian time) quarter-finals.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said, “It was a pretty good performance. I thought we played a good 55 minutes and our objective was to play four quarters of fantastic hockey, which is why I was disappointed with the last five minutes. We took our foot off the throttle and let Germany have opportunities. That’s not what we’re about, it doesn’t fit with our values.

“The German goalkeeper played well very well and there could have quite easily been more goals, which is pleasing.”

Despite their form going into the quarter-finals, the one-off nature of the next match means the Hockeyroos’ unbeaten record counts for nothing with all eight teams qualifying for the quarter-finals regardless of pool results.

Commens admitted that the format doesn’t sit comfortably with him, adding, “I’m not a huge supporter of the quarter-finals in an eight team tournament. Teams that play well in the rounds are not rewarded with the one-off nature of the match. But we’ve set ourselves up in a good position to top the pool. It could come down to goal difference, which is why I was disappointed with losing the goal in the last five minutes.”

Tasmanian Amelia Spence finally made her first Champions Trophy debut after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined her for the matches against England and Argentina and Commens added, “I thought Amelia was a great contributor today, it’s not always easy coming off an injury.”

After keeping out an early German penalty corner, the Hockeyroos took charge, controlling play and enjoying much the better of the chances. Jodie Kenny had a first quarter penalty corner saved by the strong right foot of goalkeeper Yvonne Frank, who was then left helpless as Georgia Nanscawen rolled the ball into an empty net to open the scoring shortly after the quarter-time break. A quick passing move saw Emily Smith find Brooke Peris in the German circle and Peris’s pinpoint square pass eliminated the goalkeeper, finding Nanscawen charging in unabated to make it 1-0.

Soon after, Frank kept out Gabi Nance’s powerful reverse stick shot from a narrow angle.

Two minutes into the second half and it was 2-0. Jodie Kenny once against demonstrated her prowess from the penalty corner, opting for a powerful low flick to the right hand side that deflected up off the goalkeeper’s pads and into the roof of the net. And moments later only the width of the crossbar denied the Hockeyroos a third goal as Smith’s snap shot rebounded to safety.

On the stroke of three-quarter time, a quick Australian breakaway found Smith inside the German half. The forward’s excellent close control took her beyond her opponent before she played a one-two with Ashleigh Nelson at the top of the circle. Receiving the ball back under pressure, Smith stretched to control it before rolling it into the unguarded net with Brooke Peris in close attendance to shepherd it home. 

Kathryn Slattery was denied by Yvonne Frank in the final quarter while Kenny had a penalty corner run down by the German defence before a late rally saw the Europeans force a series of penalty corners. The previously untested Australian goalkeeper Ashlee Wells produced a double save from a corner but in the final minute Franzisca Hauke latched onto a loose ball to sweep home a late consolation from the edge of the circle for 3-1.

The Hockeyroos will wait for the remaining three games of the day to find out their quarter-final opposition with the schedule to be confirmed upon completion of round three.

Other results on day three saw New Zealand beat China 2-0 to finish top of Pool A, ahead of the Dutch who could only manage a 1-0 win over Japan. In Pool B, Argentina beat England 4-1.

Women's Champions Trophy
Mendoza, Argentina
Pool B

HOCKEYROOS: 3 (1)
Georgia Nanscawen 17 (FG)
Jodie Kenny 32 (PC)
Emily Smith 45 (FG)
 
​GERMANY: 1 (0)
​Franzisca Hauke 60 (FG)

Quarter Final Schedule [subject to change by FIH & broadcasters)
Friday 5 December
QF1: New Zealand v England (3:00am AEDT / 2:00am AEST / 11:00pm* AWST)
QF2: Australia v Japan (5:30am AEDT / 4:30am AEST / 2:30am AWST)
QF3: Netherlands v Germany (8:00am AEDT / 7:00am AEST / 5:00am AWST)
QF4: Argentina v China (10:30am AEDT / 9:30am AEST / 7:30am AWST)
*refers to Thursday 4 December in Western Australia.

Hockeyroos Squad
Athlete (Hometown, State) caps/goals
Started
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 59/2
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 61/2
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 140/32
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 125/71
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 58/6
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 166/63
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 41/8
Casey Sablowski (née Eastham) (capt) (South Coast, NSW) 219/44
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 6/2
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 105/45
Ashlee Wells (GK) (Morwell, VIC) 39/0

Used Substitute
Teneal Attard (Mackay, QLD) 195/10
Mathilda Carmichael (Willoughby, NSW) 21/1
Rebecca Dwyer (née Reuter) (Toowoomba, QLD) 11/0
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) 6/0
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 143/28
Amelia Spence (Hobart, TAS) 4/0
      
Unused Substitute
Audrey Smith (GK) (Wynnum, QLD) 1/0

Hockey Australia media release

England undone by Argentina in final pool game


Sophie Bray against Argentina CT 2014

Three goals in the last nine minutes saw England lose 4 – 1 to hosts Argentina at the Champions Trophy. England opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Sophie Bray, however, goals from Carla Rebecchi, Silvina D’Elia, Rosario Luchetti and Delfina Merino secured the victory for Las Leonas.

Speaking after game, captain Sam Quek commented:

“We started well and were doing the right things. At the end it’s about concentration and the last five or 10 minutes showed that. We’re a young side though and we’ll have to learn from that in future.”

Head Coach Danny Kerry added: “We started well, but after taking the lead we did lose our shape and allowed Argentina to come back at us. I thought the final score line was harsh and we had some really good chances at the start of the final quarter when the score was still 1-1 to take the lead. But after going a goal down and then losing a player it was game over for us today against an experienced Argentina side who showed great consistency and executed their chances well.”

“I believe we have gained a lot from the tournament so far and it’s been a great learning curve for the less experienced players to compete at this level. We are starting to create genuine depth in the squad and this will stand us in good stead leading into the Olympic Qualifier [World League Semi Final] next summer.”

England started positively, forcing the Argentinean players deep into their own half and an explosive run from Susannah Townsend created the opening goal of the game. The Canterbury midfielder split the Argentinean defence and her through ball found an unmarked Sophie Bray in the circle. The England forward held her nerve, striking the ball low past Belen Succi.

Argentina began to up the tempo and equalised 11 minutes later. Luciana Aymar, at her 15th Champions Trophy tournament, skilfully slipped her way through England’s defence, forcing a penalty corner. An expertly converted drag flick from Rebecchi left Kirsty Mackay with no chance in the England goal. England continued to soak up pressure and the score remained at 1 – 1 heading into half time.

England created some strong chances at the start of the third quarter but were unable to convert. Townsend’s reverse stick cross was skilfully touched goal wards by Lily Owsley but Succi reacted quickly, saving low to her left.

It was a flurry of late goals from Argentina that sealed their win and a first place finish in Pool B. They went 2 – 1 up through D’Elia, when a well worked penalty corner routine deflected unfortunately off Hannah Macleod’s stick, over a diving Mackay. Moments later, a foul on Aymar from Townsend saw England reduced to 10 players and Argentina were able to capitalise on their player advantage. D'Elia the goal scorer turned provider, smashing the ball into the circle for Luchetti to expertly deflect past a helpless Mackay. Two minutes from time, D’Elia was on hand yet again, this time to fire the ball across the circle for an unmarked Merino to lift into the England net.
   
This result means that England finish fourth in their group and will now face the winners of Pool A in the Quarter Finals on Thursday 4th December at 13.00 GMT  (subject to change).

ENGLAND 1 (1)
Sophie Bray 7 (FG)

ARGENTINA 4 (1)
Carla Rebecchi 18 (PC)
Silvina D'Elia 51 (PC)
Rosario Luchetti 56 (FG)
Delfina Merino 58 (FG)

England Hockey Board Media release

Argentina fight back as England suffer 4-1 defeat in Mendoza

England women lose 4-1 to hosts Argentina to leave Danny Kerry's side facing likely last eight with world champions Netherlands

By Rod Gilmour


Bright moment: Sophie Bray struck England's opener before Argentina fought back Photo: FRANK UIJLENBROEK

England women endured a torrid afternoon at the Champions Trophy when Argentina came from a goal down to beat Danny Kerry’s youthful side 4-1 in Mendoza.

Sophie Bray scored England’s opener in the first half, before Argentina scored three goals in the last nine minutes to seal a convincing victory.

England initially had to avoid a 2-0 defeat against the hosts and return to an empty stadium on Wednesday to face a shoot-out with Germany, who had scored in the last five seconds against Argentina, to set up the predicament of who would finish bottom of the group.

As the game wore on and space developed, England were then left sweating to avoid a 4-1 defeat, which became a reality when Delfina Merino was left unmarked at the back post and flicked high past Kirsty Mackay, who impressed in England’s goal.

“We lost our concentration in the last 10 minutes which cost us,” admitted Sam Quek afterwards.

Before the deluge in England’s circle at the death, there had been bright moments, with England mustering a wealth of chances of their own.

Clifton’s Jo Leigh was bright on the right with two early runs into the circle, though both shots were off target. The best offerings came from Susie Gilbert, whose low dragged shot was well saved, while Lily Owsley nearly doubled England’s lead with an instinctive flick.

Susannah Townsend was again instrumental in midfield – until a needless yellow-card late on – and it was her drive which handed England the lead. Her direct pass found Bray, on crutches after England’s 1-1 draw with Germany on Sunday, who turned and cut low from the top of the circle.

Argentina’s equaliser was structured by Luciana Aymar. Her run to the baseline resulted in a fierce aerial flick into the circle as Laura Unsworth was forced into conceding a penalty corner. The resulting drag flick from Carla Rebecchi was clinical.

The hosts kept on pressing in the final stages and their persistence paid off. Rosario Luchetti scored with an exquisite flick with her back to goal, Silvina D'Elia’s corner strike came off Hannah Macleod for Argentina’s third before Merino stroked high from a low cross.

The Telegraph

Unbeaten Black Sticks progress to quarter-finals


Pictured: Anita Punt celebrates after scoring one of two penalty corners from today's game. Credit: Grant Treeby

The Black Sticks Women have continued their unbeaten record at the FIH Champions Trophy, beating China 2-0 in their final pool game in Argentina today.

Head coach Mark Hager said it wasn’t a pretty game but the win, thanks to two penalty corner goals from captain Anita Punt, gives his side confidence ahead of a critical quarter-final game, where New Zealand will face England.

“We are pleased to be converting penalty corners, we could have scored some field goals today but missed our chances. When you convert penalty corners though you give yourself a chance of winning games, which is what happened today,” said Hager.

“It’s pleasing that players have stepped up so far during this tournament. However, the pool play games mean nothing moving forward, we have to now win the quarter-final to make it all worthwhile.”

China were the better side early on in today’s game but New Zealand improved as the half progressed with all the statistics favouring the Kiwis by half time. The goal scoring action didn’t begin until the second quarter, and it was all good news for the Kiwis.

In the 18th minute, a poor tackle from China gave the Black Sticks their first penalty corner of the game. Punt’s drag flick was saved by the keeper and after a goalmouth scramble the Kiwis were awarded a second penalty corner which Punt brilliantly drag flicked, giving New Zealand a 1-0 lead.

Six minutes later, Punt doubled the lead through another penalty corner drag flick, the deflection coming off a Chinese defender and going high into the net.

The second half was end-to-end play but it was New Zealand who had the better chances with China only having one clear shot on target throughout the game.

With six minutes to play, China was awarded two penalty corners in quick succession – their first of the game. Goal keeper Sally Rutherford knocked away both attempts, keeping China scoreless and securing their second win of the tournament.  

All games are live and replayed on Sky Sport – click here for the schedule.  Today’s game is replayed at 1pm and 6pm today.

Quarter-final one (NZ vs England) will be played at 5am this Friday and quarter-final two (Netherlands vs Germany) will be played at 10am this Friday (NZ time).

RESULTS
Full time: 2-0 (NZ win)
Half time: 2-0 (NZ lead)
NZ goal scorers: Anita Punt x2

Hockey New Zealand Media release

NZ women's hockey team down China ahead of quarterfinals

BRENDON EGAN

 
KEY ROLE: Captain Anita Punt scored both goals as the Black Sticks overcame China 2-0 in their final pool match at the women's Champions Trophy tournament in Argentina. WARWICK SMITH/ Fairfax NZ

Skipper Anita Punt struck two penalty corner goals as the Black Sticks women completed Champions Trophy pool play with a 2-0 victory over China.

New Zealand will likely face Germany, who finished third in the other group, in the quarterfinal stage of the tournament in Mendoza, Argentina, on Friday (NZ Time).

Both New Zealand goals came through Punt off penalty corners in the second quarter.

Her first effort was excellently struck into the right of the goal in the 18th minute giving Chinese goalkeeper Li Dongxiao little chance.

Six minutes later, Punt was again in the thick of the action. Her penalty corner flick was deflected off a Chinese defender into the goal to make it 2-0.

China made a lively start to the game, testing New Zealand goalkeeper Sally Rutherford. The experienced Rutherford was restored to the New Zealand goal having been dropped for the Netherlands game after a bad misread in their opening game against Japan.

New Zealand coach Mark Hager would have been disappointed with the way the side went away from their structures during the second half, having led 2-0 at halftime.

Punt was satisfied with the win, but said they were disjointed with their play in the second half.

"We did really well in the first half, but we let ourselves down in the second two quarters."

The Black Sticks went close in the first quarter with Sophie Cocks' attempt at goal well saved by the Chinese goalkeeper. Pippa Hayward also fired over the bar from close range.

China finished the game the stronger of the two sides, but were unable to score an all-important goal to haul themselves back into the contest.

Stuff

Black Sticks beat China

By David Leggat


New Zealand Black Sticks Sophie Cocks. Photo / Greg Bowker

New Zealand kept up their strong run of results with a 2-0 win over China at the women's hockey Champions Trophy in Mendoza, Argentina today.

The Black Sticks will now face England in their quarter-final on Friday.

Both teams could have scored within the first three minutes today. Xi Xiayun had two chances on goal requiring good work from goalkeeper Sally Rutherford, surprisingly recalled after Georgia Barnett's fine game against the Netherlands two days ago.

Striker Sophie Cocks had an early opportunity for the Black Sticks while Petrea Webster, one of several players to put in an industrious performance, had a great chance but mishit her shot.

Cocks had a hand in the opening goal two minutes into the second quarter when she won a penalty corner. The first was blocked, but a second penalty corner ensured, from which midfielder Anita Punt slammed the ball high into China's net.

Seven minutes before halftime, the Black Sticks increased their lead when Punt's penalty corner shot was deflected by a Chinese defender into the goal.

China finally got chances from penalty corners in the final quarter but Rutherford produced a couple of tidy saves to keep a clean sheet.

Good defensive work from Brooke Neal and Ella Gunson helped keep China at bay, while Stacey Michelson, usually among the key attackers, played a more defensive role on the right side against China, to good effect.

The New Zealand Herald

Sticks to tackle England

New Zealand will play England in their quarter-final of the women's hockey Champions Trophy in Mendoza, Argentina on Friday morning.

The Black Sticks, ranked fourth in the world, finished top of their pool after beating China 2-0 and with world No 1 the Netherlands only edging past Japan 1-0 with a penalty corner goal inside the last 20 seconds, that left the Dutch second in the group.

The Netherlands will play Germany, while Argentina face China and Australia meet Japan.
In final pool B games today, Australia beat Germany 3-1 and hosts Argentina toppled England 4-1.

The New Zealand Herald

Sardar hopes to face arch-rivals Pakistan in knock-outs


The Netherlands’ players honing their skills during a practice session on Tuesday. Hockey India

Bhubaneswar - India captain Sardar Singh feels arch-rivals Pakistan could progress to the next stage of the FIH Champions Trophy to be held here from December 6-14.

Pakistan are placed in Pool A alongside world champions Australia, Belgium and England, while Pool B consists of hosts India, Netherlands, Germany and Argentina.

While welcoming Pakistan, who arrived here on Tuesday, Sardar hoped to face the neighbours, whom they defeated in the final of the Asia Cup to win the gold medal, in the knockout stages of the tournament.

“I welcome Pakistan team to India. I will take this opportunity to wish them all the best and I hope we have a clash against them in the next stage of the tournament.

“They are a strong team and they have ability to beat the rivals in their pool and advance to the next stage,” Sardar said.

India and Pakistan, the only Asian teams to win the Champions Trophy title, last played in the Asian Games final where Sardar and Co. won in the penalty shoot-out.

However, Pakistan skipper Imran Muhammad is eyeing at least a last-four finish.

“I have been to India before and it's a great feeling to be back. While preparing for the Champions Trophy back home, we have been working on our weaknesses that we discovered during the 17th Asian Games. Reaching the semifinals is our main target at the moment. We are also focussed on improving our world ranking,” he said.

Pakistan will face Belgium in their tournament opener on December 6.

The Tribune

Delmee’s India dreams

Y. B. Sarangi


Jeroen Delmee.

With 12 Champions Trophy medals, Jeroen Delmee is the second-most successful player in the history of the event.

The Dutchman, who won his first gold and a silver when the tournament was played in Chennai in 1996 and 2005 respectively, wants to guide Belgium to its first-ever Champions Trophy podium in Bhubaneswar and hopes the “beautiful memories” of India continue.

“Where we can grow is in the consistency of what we are doing during a game. The best teams play with quality in every minute of the 60. During a game, we should play the same way all the time. We miss opportunities because we think, ‘Ok, now I should do something different’,” Delmee, who replaced fellow Dutchman Marc Lammers as Belgium’s head coach this year, told The Hindu on Tuesday.

Delmee said he hoped his boys would give their best in front of a packed stadium.

“I have beautiful memories of playing in India before big crowds,” he said.

“We hope we will meet another big crowd in Bhubaneswar and it will help the team rise above itself.”

The Hindu

Pakistan hockey team off to India for FIH Champions Trophy

LAHORE: Pakistan hockey team coach Shahnaz Sheikh and captain Mohammad Imran were full of confidence of putting up a good show in the FIH Champions Trophy before their departure to India here on Tuesday. An 18-member national squad departed for India via Wagah border and will play their opening match of the Champions Trophy against Belgium in Bhubneshwar on December 6. Talking to media before the departure of the team, coach Shahnaz said the boys had worked hard to prepare for the big event and would look to rectify the shortcomings of the Incheon Asian Games. He said they would try their level best to win the tournament and bring consistency in their performances.

After five gruelling months of training and preparations, the Pakistan team are ready to face the top sides from around the world in the Champions Trophy, which will be taking place at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar “I, along with my support staff, have worked extremely hard with the players for the past five months, trying to fix their techniques. We believe that this has led to improvements, as was evident at the Asian Games.” He said that the players had responded beyond his expectations and his only hope was that they put their training to work against their opponents to avoid disappointing the nation. “We are trying to arrange some practice matches before the Champions Trophy starts on December 6,” he said. Shahnaz further stated that if the team managed to fulfil their goal, it would be a great achievement considering Pakistan had not played any European or top international side for the past 12 months. “Playing against the Asian teams is one thing, while facing the heavyweights of international hockey from other continents is a whole different experience altogether,” he added.

Skipper Imran said the team would try and win the tournament and improve their world rankings. “I am optimistic of our chances at the Champions Trophy since we have trained well. We will try our best to compete against the top teams from around the world and at least finish in the top four to make our way back among the best,” said Imran. Pakistan will play second match against England on December 7, while their last pool match will be against Australia on December 9. Interestingly, all teams will play the quarter-finals, with the lowest side from one group facing the top one from the other and vice versa.

The Daily Times

Skipper Imran optimistic ahead of Champions Trophy

Mohammad Yaqoob

LAHORE: The Pakistan team has left on Tuesday for India via Wagah Border to feature in the Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from Dec 6 to 14.

“I firmly believe that my team is in a good frame of mind to put an improved performance after winning silver medal in Asian Games,” he said before leaving for Bhubaneswar, India, for the eight-nation event.

The hockey captain said they had left their financial problems behind to fully focus on achieving best position, adding that the event will be a good opportunity in terms of testing skills of some the youngsters who will be up against some of the best players.

Stating his team definitely lack international exposure which will be badly felt while competing against European teams, the skipper said: “Yet the coach and the players intend to finish among the top four.”

He said boys really worked hard during the training camp in Karachi and it was time for them to deliver their best for the revival of the national game.

Imran further said performances of youngsters inducted for the first time into the national squad would set future trends for Pakistan hockey

To a question he said though Shakeel Abbasi was not in the team, his team was well balanced to give tough time to any other country.

He said Australia were main rivals in group A but Pakistan would try their level best to attain top position in the group to set a quarter-final clash with a low-ranked team.

Belgium and England are two other teams of group A besides Pakistan and Australia with group B comprising Netherlands, Germany, Argentina and India.

Meanwhile, head coach Shahnaz Sheikh said that their top priority would be to play attacking hockey as in the modern-day game it was the best weapon to earn favourable results, adding that efforts were made during the training camp at Karachi to avoid squandering goal-scoring chances.

Shahnaz also admitted that unlike Asian Games, the Champions Trophy was the most tough contest.

According to draws, all the group matches will be warm-ups followed by quarter-finals.

Dawn

Tickets selling like hot cakes for Champions Trophy

The most-awaited Hero Men’s Champions Trophy 2014, beginning on December 6 here, has witnessed an overwhelming response from the hockey fans in the city with the match tickets selling like hot cakes.

The sale of tickets, which kick-started online on October 20, has been on a rise with the fans excited to see world’s best teams competing for the title. Most of the matches are likely to be sold-out prior to the commencement of the tournament.

The price of session tickets starts at Rs. 20, entitling the spectator to watch two matches.

Speaking on the ongoing successful ticket sales, Elena Norman, CEO, Hockey India (HI) said, “We have received a tremendous response in terms of ticket sales and we are expecting most of the matches will be sold-out prior to the commencement of the tournament. The audience turn out is expected to be excellent.”

Odisha has provided a number of talented hockey players to the country and has a huge fan base for the sport.

The Kalinga Stadium, where the matches will take place, has a seating capacity of 7,000 spectators.

The tickets can also be booked online, with the official ticketing partner of the event TicketGenie (www.ticketgenie.in).

HI, meanwhile, is offering complimentary tickets to the former hockey Olympians and International players.

The tournament will also be aired live on Ten Sports.

The Hindu

Home crowd set to lift Canterbury’s Brad Shaw


Image courtesy www.photosport.co.nz

Black Sticks defender Brad Shaw is looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd in Christchurch next weekend.

Shaw (156 tests caps), is one of four Cantabrians named in the team to take on Canada in a four test series at Saxton Field in Nelson and Marist Park at St Bede's College in Christchurch from 9-14 December.

It's the first time a New Zealand men's team has played in Nelson since 1952, while the Black Sticks haven't taken to the turf in Christchurch since before the devastating 2011 earthquakes.

Along with Shaw, goalkeeper George Enersen and strikers Richard Bain and Willy Davidson will represent Canterbury in the series.

Shaw, who works as a teacher in Christchurch, said the series will be a great spectacle for hockey players and fans in the South Island.

“Playing in Christchurch means many people that I know, some that have never seen a hockey game in person, have an opportunity to come and watch,” he said.

“Being a teacher, a lot of students I am involved with are keen to come down and importantly my family, wife and two children get to be there and watch which is very rare.”

Seven players made their Black Sticks debuts during the recent series win over Japan and many of those fresh faces will play against Canada alongside some added experienced.

Along with Shaw, the team boasts several other returning big names with Ryan Archibald and Nick Wilson suiting up for New Zealand for the first time in two years.

“It’s great to see them both back. It’s nice that with Ryan back I’m still not the oldest joker in the team! They both have talents beyond what some players can comprehend and I wish I could do what those guys are capable of.”

The Black Sticks have an impressive record against the Canadians with 33 wins, eight draws and just two losses across a total of 43 tests.

Shaw knows that while Canada are ranked 16th in the world, they are a team on the rise and will put up a solid challenge against the Kiwis.

“They are building some new elements into their game like aerial balls, faster attacks and free-man defence. They are becoming a solid all around team.

“They are hard working, strong on the ball and smart hockey players. They will know that our team has changed and they will look to find gaps and weaknesses of ours so they will be hard to beat regardless of their world ranking.”

The Black Sticks play in Nelson on the 9th and 10th of December at 6.30pm before travelling to Christchurch for games on the 13th and 14th at 3.00pm.

Tickets are selling fast and available now through www.dashtickets.co.nz and are cheaper to buy online than at the gate.

CLICK HERE to buy tickets now!

Hockey New Zealand Media release

US Women's National Indoor Team to attend 4 Nations Canada Indoor Invitational

The U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team will be competing in an invitational tournament in Toronto, Canada December 5-7. The tournament will be held at Hershey Sports Zone, Mississauga, Ontario. The event will host Canada, Argentina, South Africa and USA.

Interim Senior Women’s Head Coach Rennie Milne has selected a young team for the tour along with two experienced serving seniors Maria Keesling and Rachael Milne.

“The tour will be an ideal opportunity for our younger athletes moving up from the U19 program to experience play at a senior level and on an international stage,” said Rennie. “It will be a good test for our athletes and one in which I am sure they will relish.”

The 4 Nations tournament is a FIH sanctioned event. Six traveling athletes will have the opportunity to receive their first international cap on the tour.

“Our younger athletes are excited for this opportunity and are looking forward to the challenges it possess,” said Rennie. 

Senior Team

Name                                     Home town

Jennifer Bleakney               Columbia, MD

Maeve Doherty                     Millersville, MD

Caroline Hanks                    Niskayuna, NY

Alexa Hoover                        Collegeville, PA

Maria Keesling                     Downingtown, PA

Elizabeth Mata                     Severna Park, PA

Rachael Milne                      Hatfield, PA

Meghan Plank                      Glen Mills, PA

Meredith Shoulder               Fleetwood, PA

Thalia Williamson                Oley, PA

 Head Coach: Rennie Milne

Manager: Matt Jobson

USA Match Schedule:

To follow all the action from the 4 Nations Invitational please click here for match reports and updates on FIH Competitions Page.

USFHA media release

Test series will prepare us for World League Round 2: Ritu Rani

NEW DELHI: The Indian Women's Hockey Team on Tuesday left for Italy to play a series of tests against the hosts, in preparation for the World League Round 2 scheduled to be held in March next year.

The series against Italy is scheduled for December 3-12 with the opening match to get underway on Thursday.

Stressing on the importance of the series, captain Ritu Rani said: "We are confident of this series, but more important is the challenge of the World League Round 2 as that will decide if we qualify for World League Round 3 and an opportunity for the Rio Olympics.

"Hence this series is important as it gives the entire team an opportunity to work on team coordination on the field and work on the loopholes before March next year," she said.

Before leaving for Italy, chief coach, Neil Hawgood said, "This series against Italy is an important series for the team as this will help them understand their flaws and work on it before they enter the World League Round 2 next year.

"I am sure this team will put up a good show in Italy and I hope they continue this in their upcoming tournaments too in the coming future. I am happy the way this team has shaped up in the last two and a half years and I see them growing from here," he said.

India will be seen playing their first match on December 4 followed by matches on December 6, 7, 9 and 11.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: 1. Savita 2. Rajani Etimarpu

Defenders: 3. Deep Grace Ekka 4. Jaspreet Kaur 5. Sushila Chanu 6. M N Ponnamma 7. Sunita Lakra 8. Namita Toppo 9. Manjit Kaur

Midfielders: 10. Deepika - Vice Captain 11. Lilima Minz 12. Ritu Rani- Captain 13. Lily Chanu 14. Navjot Kaur 15. Amandeep Kaur

Forwards: 16. Poonam Rani 17. Vandana Katariya 18. Soundarya Yendala.

The Times of India

NSW sweep up indoors

New South Wales named men's and women's U21 indoor Australian Champs


Photos: Bob Givens / www.classicaction.com.au

New South Wales took a clean sweep of the U21 Indoor Australian Championships in Canberra on Tuesday as their U21 men overcame Western Australia 4-1 and their U21 women beat ACT 5-0.

Two goals from Blake Govers and one each from Blake’s brother Scott, and Nick Hills, sealed victory while Jordan Edmonds netted WA’s consolation.

In the bronze medal match, Queensland beat hosts ACT 4-2 thanks to doubles from Lachlan Sinclair and Dylan Plumber. Niranjan Gupte and Brendan Laidley hit the scoreboard for the hosts.



In the women’s competition, Tahlia McKenzie and Ashleigh Mayo gave New South Wales the best possible start in the final before Estelle Hughes and Amelia Leard (2) rounded off proceedings in the 5-0 win over ACT.

In the women’s bronze medal match, Natasha Hyde and Jessica Bestall’s goals in the opening five minutes did the damage against Queensland, who pulled one back through Eden Jackat but were unable to find the equaliser.

Final scores
U21 Men’s Indoor Australian Championships
Final: NSW 4-1 WA
Bronze: QLD 4-2 ACT

U21 Women’s Indoor Australian Championships
Final: NSW 5-0 ACT
Bronze: QLD 1-2 WA

The Open Indoor Australian Championships gets underway in Canberra on Thursday 4 December and runs until Sunday.

Hockey Australia media release

I know Namaste, says USD 103k worth HIL star Tom Boon

Tazeen Qureshy


Tom Boon in action when he played in India last time in January this year

Belgian striker Tom Boon’s last minute goal during the qualifiers of the 2012 Champions Trophy had cost India a direct entry into the tournament.

But the India team had the last laugh as they defeated Belgium in the quarter-finals of the same tournament in Melbourne after getting a wild card entry. Two years later, Tom Boon wants to take revenge as he aims to play India in the quarter-final in this edition and defeat them in their own home turf.

Talking to stick2hockey.com while stretching out after a hard day’s practice, Tom pauses for a second to recollect the whole episode and says, “India has improved a lot since then and it will be good to face them in their home turf and in front of their home crowd which I am sure will come in large numbers.”

India and Belgium are tied in different pools. So, the only way the two teams can face each other will be after the group matches. “It will be great if we can meet India in the quarter-finals. Hopefully we can settle the score of 2012 loss,” Tom says with a smile.

Coming from a hockey family as his grandmother, mother, sister and uncle have played professional hockey, the 24-year old striker however refuses to reveal the team’s target for the tournament.

“It is simple for us. We are going step by step. So, the best way is to play our first match and win and then think about the second.

"All the 8 teams here are competing for winning and so every game of the tournament is going to be very tough. We will keep going game by game, starting with Pakistan in the first match, performing well against them and then moving forward to the next match.”

On a query about being roped by Dabang Mumbai as the costliest player in the Hockey India League has added any pressure to his game, he is quick to change the topic.

“No pressure,” he says nodding his head. “But, now I am a part of the Belgium team and I am here to play Champions trophy. I am not thinking about Mumbai now,” he says.

But, he is quick to add to the humour when he is asked whether he knows any Hindi word or if he loves Indian food, “I know Namaste,” he says and looks around for somebody to explain him the actual meaning.

“About food, we eat Indian food here. It is very spicy,” he concludes.

Stick2Hockey.com

St Germain top of pops for Christmas



Saint Germain lead the way in the French Top Six as they go into the four-month winter break following their hard fought 2-1 win over Lille last weekend.

Goals from William Jeammot and Guillaume Samson saw them get the better of one of their closest rivals. They had been tying for first spot with Lille as well as Racing Club but, in tandem with their own win, they got a favour from Le Touquet who beat RCF2-1.

It means St Germain have built a three-point lead after four rounds of matches with the league set to return on March 22. The French indoor season gets underway on December 14.

Euro Hockey League media release

Seeded teams get break

By Jugjet Singh

THE Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division knock-out draw yesterday was kind to seeded teams Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) and Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) who have both been given a 10-day break.

While the top two unwind and recover from the bruising league, four other teams will be involved to decide who will face THT and KLHC in the semi-finals.

Maybank and UniKL drew lots to play each other, while Sapura will meet Tenaga Nasional in the two-leg deciders on Friday and Sunday. The final is on Dec 14.

The winners of the Maybank-UniKL tie will face THT, while either Sapura or Tenaga will play KLHC in the semi-finals.

UniKL were pleased to face winless Maybank, who only had five draws to show from 10 matches.

“We are fortunate to face Maybank as we believe that we have a fighting chance of beating them," said UniKL manager Mohamed Faiz Isa.

They met twice in the league with the ties ending 1-1 and 0-0.

Faiz said they would not have the services of forward Jonas Weinhardt and midfielder Nor Azrul for the knockout stage.

“”Jonas is down with an ankle injury while Azrul is recovering from a hamstring problem,”” said Faiz.

Fixtures — Friday: UniKL v Maybank (6pm, National Hockey Stadium, Pitch II ); Tenaga v Sapura (8pm, Pitch II).

New Straits Times

UniKL happy to face winless Maybank in quarter-final

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) are more than pleased to face winless Maybank in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) TNB Cup quarter-finals.

The first leg will be played on Friday at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil while the return leg is on Sunday at the same venue.

Tenaga Nasional, who finished third in the Premier League, will take on Sapura in the other quarter-finals match.

The draw for the quarter-final matches was held at Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.

The winners of the match between UniKL and Maybank will face newly crowned Premier League champions Terengganu in the semi-finals.

Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC), who finished runners-up in the league, will face the winner of the match between Sapura-Tenaga Nasional in the other semi-final match.

The first leg semi-finals will be played on Dec 10 while the return leg will be held on Dec 12. The final is on Dec 14.

Terengganu and KLHC, who finished top two in the Premier League, advanced straight into the semi-finals.

UniKL team manager Mohd Faiz Isa said after the draw that they have a good chance of reaching the semi-finals.

“We are fortunate to face Maybank as we believe that we have a fighting chance of beating them in the two-leg quarter-finals,” said Faiz.

Both the teams have met twice in the league and drew (1-1 and 0-0) on both occasions.

UniKL finished fourth in the league with two wins, three draws and five defeats from 10 matches while the Tigers finished bottom of the table with five draws and five defeats.

Faiz, however, warned his players not to take the Tigers lightly as they have some good foreign players.

“Besides that, they are former champions and will be determined to bounce back to reach the last four,” said Faiz.

Faiz said that they would not have the services of two key players, forward Jonas Weinhardt and midfielder Mohd Nor Azrul Abdul Rahman, for the knockout stage.

“Jonas is down with ankle injury while Azrul is recovering from a hamstring injury,” said Faiz.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competition committee chairman M. Gobinathan said they received complaints from teams regarding the umpiring.

“I assured the teams that only quality umpires will officiate for the knockout stage,” said Gobinathan.

The Star of Malaysia

Sublime Telkom shift focus to league race after African conquest

By BRIAN YONGA


Telkom Orange players celebrate with the trophy upon arrival from Zimbabwe where they retained the African Club Championships title. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANU |   NATION MEDIA GROUP

African Hockey queens Telkom Orange have vowed to continue with their domination of the sport both locally and continentally.

The African champions jetted back on Monday evening from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, after winning their seventh African Club Championship after beating hosts Bulawayo Athletic Club in the final.

Led by coach Jos Openda, Orange will be looking to complete a double by retaining the league title this weekend. The 16-time league winners are set to take on Sliders in the first semi-final match on Saturday as they chase a final slot. Strathmore Scorpions will play USIU-A’s Spartans in the other semi-final.

Speaking upon arrival from Zimbabwe at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Openda told journalists that his team prevailed due to early preparations and a blend of team work and disciplined.

KEEP THE MOMENTUM

“The girls played well in every game and were rewarded by the victory, we want to keep this momentum going into the league decider and also future events,” Openda said.

Openda who is also the national women’s team, coach promised to help the team qualify for its first ever Olympic games when they take part in the second round of qualifiers next year in Uruguay.

The tactician also said that his team would have won the final by the same margin regardless of the team they faced in the final, warning that his team is set to dominate the scene for many years to come. Orange will now keep the African trophy after winning it for a third time in a row, a first for a Kenyan club.

Skipper Betsy Ommala urged her team mates to carry their winning mentality to this weekend’s matches and prove their worth by retaining their title.

“It will be a good end to a remarkable season if we can win the league crown. We are only two matches from achieving that goal,” Ommala added. Kenya’s other representatives in Zimbabwe, Strathmore Scorpions who finished fourth, were expected to arrive back late last night.

Daily Nation

Canada’s present and future form bond at Women’s Under-16 Development Camp

Shaheed Devji


Thea Culley   

As a young athlete, being invited to a National Identification Camp can be occasion enough to be nervous.

With a potential spot on the Canadian Junior Development Squad on the line, the pressure of performing might have felt immense for many of the Under-16 girls who attended November’s U16 Junior Development Camp.

But just as quickly as the camp began, the weight of being on the National stage - possibly for the first time - was lifted by the presence of four guest-coaches.

Veteran Senior Women’s National Team members Danielle Hennig, Kate Gillis, Kristine Wishart, and Thea Culley took time out of their busy schedules to attend the four-day camp.

“It was really fun,” Hennig says. “It was a good experience to get to know some of the younger girls who are going to be coming up through our program.”

Going from coaches to mentors

The senior women began their roles as coaches in a skills session but before they would know it, they were seen as mentors by the junior girls, who – within a stick’s length - had four examples of what they could become with the right attitude and work-ethic.

“I think that’s kind of more what we were there for, to give them an idea of what the National Program is about,” Hennig adds. “As we went along there was a players meeting that all four senior athletes ran, and we told them our stories to get to the National Team and I think that really helped them relate with us.”

When faced with decisions that can seemingly have such a large impact on the future of an athlete, many may feel lost or conflicted.

Coach, parents, friends all have opinions, but none may be as valuable as those from the athletes who have gone through the process and are proof of what works.

“That was a good lesson on decision making and thinking about our future and what we want to do and how much work it will take to get there,” says Margaret Pham, a fifteen year-old from Mississauga, Ontario, who was at her second National Camp after attending another Junior Development Camp this past summer.

“That’s one of the things that I like about going to camp,” she adds. “Whenever I go there I feel more inspired to keep working on it.”

Becoming a part of the Canadian National Team

In the short term, how that hard work might pay off for Pham and the rest of the Under-16 girls who attended camp is in being named to the Junior Development Squad (JDS).

The JDS is a group of athletes who will receive the opportunity to continue training with and possibly competing for Canada throughout 2015 and into 2016, a year in which Canada will be attempting to qualify for the Junior World Cup.

But it’s a long process between attending a junior camp and playing an international match for Canada.

Duncan’s Sara Goodman, who was also at her second junior camp with Canada, knows that and is grateful to have had the chance to learn from the Senior players.

“I learned that they went through this kind of experience in different ways and they experienced let downs during their pathway to making the team,” says Goodman. “It was really cool to hear their stories and know that all their hard work paid off.”

Words of wisdom from the wise

The best piece of advice Goodman took from the camp and the Seniors was simple: “Keep working at it, even if you don’t make it the first time it’s never over.”

For Goodman, Pham and their campmates, hearing that from a fellow athlete is worth its weight in gold.

Having gone through the process, Canadian Women’s National Team’s active cap leader, Thea Culley (118), knows the importance of her words and actions.

“It’s think that’s really valuable to have that player to player conversation because we share the same desire to play for Canada,” she says. “That’s what we have in common."

“We talked a lot about our team values, what we look for as teammates, and what we strive for ourselves. I think that’s really important a junior camp because a lot of the kids just don’t know.”

But after this past camp, they know. The message, in Pham’s opinion, is clear: “That we could be on Canada one day if we keep training and working hard.”

Field Hockey Canada media release

Meet South African Hockey superstar Shelley Russell

by Tyron Barnard in SPORT


South Africa's Shelley Russel powers past England's Susie Gilbert during the 2014 World Cup.

We have spoken about her numerous times over on All Things Jabu and rightfully so. Shelley Russell is arguably one of the finest talents we have in South African Hockey.

Shelley has now played in the FIH World Cup, the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth games and with each tournament she lifts her name even higher on everyone’s list of favourite hockey players. With an incredible speed to lead the break and close control that would make most hockey players jealous, it is the tackling ability that stands out from the 206-capped superstar. We chatted to Shelley about all things Hockey.

We have actually interviewed your brother in the past; what did the Russell parents feed you guys?

Ha ha! That sounds like a question that was asked of my brother, Brent, and Craig Davidson after a test match against Wales at Newlands in 2002. He and Craig were roommates for the test, and were the only two try-scorers in the match.

If anything, I would have to say that my brothers and I were fed on a diet of a love for sport, as part of our family lifestyle. In the early days, we would be plonked on the side of a cricket or rugby field, or hockey pitch or tennis courts, watching our parents enjoying their sport. I also spent too many hours waiting for my Dad to come past during his Comrades runs. Those were long days for me, let alone for him! The roles soon reversed, however, and they spent many an hour supporting us in our sporting activities.

You have recently passed 200 caps for the SA Hockey Ladies, any specific cap that sticks out in your memory?

Naturally, one’s debut game is always memorable. I can remember the event clearly, back in 2006, coming off the bench at Stellenbosch against the touring Indian side and being announced over the speaker system, in front of so many of my university friends and acquaintances, who were quite vociferous in their support. I say “memorable,” but I can remember very little of my actual time on the pitch. I suppose that I was concentrating so hard on not messing up too badly.

The big tournaments were also very special; I have been to three Hockey World Cups and both the Beijing and London Olympics, but if one particular game sticks out in my memory, that would be the final of the Olympic qualifying tournament against India in Delhi. It was a “winner takes all” type of game. I managed to get onto the scoresheet early on, which helped to set up a good win. We were so excited with our win, that we celebrated almost all the way back home to SA.

Although hockey is not in the same media stream as the big three in South Africa, do you ever get recognised in public by any fans? And how does this make you feel?

I have been living overseas for the past five or six years, so haven’t really been on the “local” scene very much. I do get the odd person recognizing me and it is always good when there is a time for a quick chat. I was quite surprised the other day, when taking part in the JUMA Mountain Bike race through the green belts of Johannesburg. The route took us under every bridge, and along every drainage canal that the organisers could find. I was covered in mud, (I had already been over the handle-bars!) I had unfamiliar cycling kit on, I had a cycling helmet on, and was behind some large sunglasses.   While riding through the drainage canal in the Parkhurst Golf Club, I had quite a few spectators call out my name, so I suppose my face is getting “out there.”

Quite a few people have come up to me, and told me that they do their gym training under my watchful eye – there is a largish wall mural of me in quite a few of the gyms around town.

As a player who is sponsored by Grays Hockey, which Grays stick do you use and why?

I have been playing with a GX9000 and player pro sticks over the last few months but I am in the process of making my own Grays stick. It is a player’s series stick that will be bright pink with teal patterns on it. I have always wanted a bright pink stick and finally I will get one! Yay! The stick will be out in the shops end of the year for all to buy so look out for the SR10 stick!

We will make sure we do a giveaway here on All Things Jabu. What can we do in South Africa to bridge the gap between our hockey and that of the top nations?

First and foremost, our hockey has to become a professional sport. This will allow the girls coming through the system to be rewarded for the considerable time spent being dedicated to the sport, and they can pursue hockey as a career, and importantly afford to stay playing for longer. At all the major hockey tournaments that we attend, we are the only teams (SA Men and Women) whose players do not earn a salary for playing. In a way, you could say that we are the World’s top amateur teams.

Having said that, I firmly believe that the gap is closing, and the margins between us and the top teams is narrowing considerably. Unfortunately, after big tournaments, such as the Olympics, World Cups or Commonwealth Games, there is inevitably a drain of top players retiring from the game, because of the career problems mentioned above, and we have to start the re-building process all over again. At the moment, we don’t have a coach – Giles Bonnet having finished his stint as our National Coach, and his replacement not having been announced as yet. So, there is a lot of uncertainty in the squad, and we haven’t been training together for months, while the majority of our opposition countries have been pressing on regardless.

Our SA Women’s Hockey sponsor, (backer) Investec, have identified a problem of a lack of an academy structure, whereby good talent is identified, and developed in a series of intensive training programmes. Being the good partners that they are, they are backing this ideal, and have put up some considerable resources to get this off the ground. We should see the first training camps coming through in early 2015.

This is an absolutely epic story to hear and I am sure this will help us close the gap as well. How do you feel about Giles leaving the team?

Giles has been such a huge part of getting us to the point where we believe that we can compete with the “big dogs” in World Hockey. Our results have not always borne this out, but the “gap” has definitely narrowed, and he has definitely brought a degree of “professionalism” into our effectively amateur team. Getting most of the squad overseas to play in the European (Belgian, Dutch and English) leagues has raised the bar somewhat, and provided good exposure for the girls.

Since he has left, there has been a bit of a vacuum, with no replacement coach being announced as yet, and I feel that we have lost a lot of ground through this, with no continuity of training squads or programmes being run. I hope that this doesn’t cost us too much!

Having played in Beijing and London, will you be looking to add the hat-trick by competing in Rio?

I would love to go to another Olympic Games, and will be going all out to prepare myself for that eventuality. For amateur sportsmen, taking part in such events is very often the principal reason for slogging away for season after season, in a way the reward for personal sacrifices. There are always hurdles to cross, however, such as the issue of qualifying for the tournament, and further qualifying criteria imposed by sporting bodies such as SASCOC.

And how does the Olympics compare to the recently completed Hockey World Cup?

I think that the Olympics stand alone as the ultimate sporting event to take part in. It is the coming together of the finest sportsmen and women in the world, across all the Olympic participation sports. Staying together in the Olympic Village is quite special – you get to rub shoulders at canteen food counter with huge names in sport, such as Usain Bolt, Roger Federer, etc.

What other sports did you play while you were at school?

I took part in anything that was going, from swimming, netball, (in Prep School) tennis, athletics, cross-country, squash, and of course, there was always hockey. I somehow managed to win the school tennis championship in my Matric year.

That is so impressive and makes me doubt my own abilities. You have managed to travel to a few different countries, have you got a favourite destination?

I just love touring, and seeing new countries, new places, and meeting people of different cultures. I think I drive my teammates mad, as I usually pick up a few local phrases, and mimic the local accent. Even when not on tours, I like to travel to new destinations, and after the Hockey World Cup in The Hague, I got in a trip to Northern Italy, which was awesome. My experience of visiting Cinque Terre for the first time blew me away – it is just so quaint and unique. I first saw the town on Stresa on Lake Maggiore when passing through the Alps on a train a few years ago, and just knew that I had to get back there. I was fortunate enough to tick that one off my bucket list, and also enjoyed touring around Lake Como. Such beautiful scenery – like Hartebeespoort Dam on steroids, with the snow-capped Alps surrounding it, instead of the Magaliesberge!

You are not generally known as a goal-scorer, but of the goals you have scored, which one stands out for you?

Too true, my role in the team usually being to set up the strikers, and to attack into the circle to win penalty corners. I have, however, scored a few over the years, and I was even the top goal-scorer at one of the African Games tournaments some years ago!! Earlier this year I got onto the end of a crossed ball against England in the Investec Series in London, and slid the ball past Maddie Hinch, the England keeper, who was also my club teammate at Holcombe in Kent.

Probably my most important goal, was the goal early on in the final of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Delhi, against the Indian side. Getting an early goal galvanised our team, and we managed to get on top, and control the game thereafter. Winning that match, and the ultimate prize of competing at the London Olympics, made it an important and special goal.

And who is the team joker?

Oh, we have had a few over the years, and all of the girls have their moments of humour. I would have to say Marcelle Manson (Keet) can always be relied on for something zany. When I was appointed as the team’s entertainment manager, the first person I seconded onto the committee was Marcelle. Our role is to create some excitement and entertainment off the field, to assist with the team-building aspect. I think we do alright!

What about youngsters, is there anyone pushing into the team that you think will have an epic career?

There are many talented youngsters coming through. Our Goalkeeper at the Commonwealth games is only 19 years old and now has quite a bit of International experience at big tournaments. I think she will only get better and has a long career ahead of her!

Away from hockey, who else do you support?

I always support any of our National teams whenever they are involved in Internationals. I support the Sharks, and think that the vibe at Growthpoint Kings Park is quite unique. Growing up, my brothers were avid Liverpool FC supporters, so I take an interest in what they are doing.

And lastly where can our readers interact with you?

Shelley:
Facebook: Shelley Russell SA hockey
Twitter: @shells_bells_
Instagram: shelleyrussell10
Website: www.shelleyrussell.co.za

What a legend! Give Shelley some love and help support our SA Women as they continue to defy the odds.

The South African