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News for 22 September 2018

All the news for Saturday 22 September 2018


2018 Darwin International Hockey Open (M) - Day 3
Darwin (AUS)

Results for 21 September

MAS v ARG (RR)     2 - 3
AUS v JPN (RR)     3 - 0

Final Pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Argentina 3 3 0 0 7 3 4 9
2 Australia 3 2 0 1 8 4 4 6
3 Malaysia 3 0 1 2 7 11 -4 1
4 Japan 3 0 1 2 4 8 -4 1

FIH Match Centre



Defensive woes haunt hockey team again

By Naqib Nor Said


Amin Rahim. NSTP FILE PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: National caretaker coach Amin Rahim hopes to fix his team’s defence after they again conceded late goals in the 3-2 defeat to Argentina at the Darwin International Open on Friday.

Amin said his team committed similar mistakes like they did in the 3-3 draw with Japan in an earlier match.

"We missed out again, we could have beaten Argentina," said Amin.

"We need to make some changes.”

Malaysia led twice in the match against Argentina through goals by Haziq Samsul (ninth minute) and Fitri Saari (51st).

Argentina, however, fought back with strikes from Tomas Domene (33rd), Martin Ferreiro (52nd) and Pedro Ibarra (59th).

New Straits Times



Wotherspoon Hat-Trick Has Kookas Flying Into Darwin Final

Ben Somerford



Dylan Wotherspoon scored a hat-trick as the Kookaburras qualified for Saturday night’s Darwin International Hockey Open (DIHO) final against world number two Argentina after a 3-0 win over Japan on Friday evening.

Tom Craig set up both of Murwillumbah product Wotherspoon’s first-half goals which arrived in the ninth and 30 minutes, the latter with three seconds left in the half.

Craig laid off for Kieran Govers to set up Wotherspoon’s third to complete his hat-trick early in the final quarter in a dominant display by the Kookas at the Marrara Hockey Centre.

The result means world number one Australia will play world number two Argentina in Saturday’s final from 7pm local time.

Argentina defeated the Kookaburras 2-0 on Wednesday night, although Australia won a DIHO warm-up clash 1-0 on Sunday at the same venue.

Meanwhile, Japan will play Malaysia in the third place match from 5pm local time. Malaysia lost 3-2 to Argentina earlier on Friday.

Wotherspoon said: “It was a step-up from last game so were pretty happy with that but we’ve still got to step up a few levels against Argentina tomorrow.”

In the third minute, Craig shot wide after being released by Daniel Beale before Wotherspoon broke the deadlock.

The pacey Craig burst out of midfield again after a steal, firing a pass to Wotherspoon which he coolly deflected beyond committed Japan keeper Yuri Arnould.

Arnould denied Craig minutes later, while Wotherspoon hooked a chance over the bar from Flynn Ogilvie’s cutback as Australia dominated the opening 15.

Tim Brand shot high early in the second before chaos inside the D when Arnould saved Wotherspoon’s 28th minute deflection as well as Beale’s angled follow-up.

The Japan keeper kept the margin to one goal again, with some more fine blocks to deny Jeremy Hayward and Wotherspoon from a penalty corner, but Australia added a second right on the buzzer.

Craig was the provider again with Wotherspoon finishing in carbon copy style.

Australia goalkeeper Tyler Lovell was brought into the game in the 34th minute when Kazuma Murata fired an angled shot at him.

Wotherspoon teed up Craig for a tough chance from a volley which went wide while Seren Tanaka went on an elusive which ended with another Lovell save.

Japanese substitute keeper Takashi Yoshikawa produced a triple save from a penalty corner in the 43rd minute, including saving from fourth-gamer Josh Simmonds.

Gold Coast-based Wotherspoon got his third and Australia’s third early in the last quarter, capping off a wonderful move which involved Govers and Craig.

Corey Weyer tested Yoshikawa again while Japan had a series of penalty corners to put Australia under pressure but it ended 3-0.

Australia 3 (Wotherspoon 9’, 30’, 47’)
Japan 0

Hockey Australia media release



Feel the fear and enjoy it: golden words from Olympic champ


Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist Helen Richardson-Walsh has some top advice for YOG athletes Photo: FIH/Getty

As the 288 young hockey players and their coaching staff line up for the opening ceremony of the third Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires on the 6 October there will be a plethora of mixed emotions spiralling around the minds of the young athletes.

Nerves – definitely; excitement – undoubtedly; anticipation – probably; fear – most likely.

One hockey player who has faced all those emotions over her long and successful career is gold medallist and four times Olympian Helen Richardson-Walsh, who won gold at the Rio 2016 Games.

“When we were training for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, we were all handed a red folder with tactics and such like in it,” says Richardson-Walsh. “Within the folder was a quote that I cut out and stuck on the front of the folder and it remains as relevant today as it did back then – ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’, That’s a perfect piece of advice. Everyone will feel afraid at some point, that is normal. Just don’t let it stop you.”

Richardson-Walsh is one of the elite athletes who are YOG Athlete Role Models and, with an international career spanning two decades, she has empathy with the young players and their coaches as many of them face their biggest competition to date.

“There is always a temptation to change things at a big event. You really shouldn’t. Whether you are the coach or a player, trust in the processes you have followed so far.”

She also emphasises the importance of preparation. “Don’t have a last minute panic. Make lists, think about what you might need – spare trainers, extra protein bars, things that you might not be able to get while you are at an event. People go to an event like the Olympics and think everything will be perfect. You quickly learn that is not always the case. You need to get into the habit of planning down to the finest detail.”

"Feel the fear and do it anyway. That’s a perfect piece of advice. Everyone will feel afraid at some point, that is normal. Just don’t let it stop you.”
Helen Richardson-Walsh, Rio 2016 Olympic Gold Medallist, Great Britain

Another strong messages from the Olympic gold and bronze medallist is that the Youth Olympic Games is part of a life-long learning curve. “You will make mistakes and you will learn what works and what doesn’t. But there is nothing to get stressed about, you are starting out on a career and learning is all part of that process.”

One skill that doesn’t appear in coaching manuals is the ability to take things in and enjoy the experience. It is a point that Richardson-Walsh emphasises: “Stay in the moment, don’t try to shut it out. Be mindful. Take a moment to soak everything up. All too often athletes finish an event and they haven't really appreciated the enormity of what they have been part of.”

To that end she suggests spending the first few days in the athletes’ village exploring and getting to know where everything is. Getting the inevitable early excitement out of the system will clear the way for a focused performance once competition starts.

For Richardson-Walsh, the past 20 years at the very top of the game have seen her change in many ways but, she says: “The core of what I was has remained. The fight and the passion for the game has remained consistent. What has changed is my awareness that people bring different things to the team. I think I have realised that a team is actually full of individuals all bringing their own perspectives and viewpoints; all of which are equally valuable.”

Fans wanting to attend the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games can now apply for free access to all events via the official website. For more information, click here.

For more information about the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, visit the official website.

#YOG2018

FIH site



Coaches Corner: Singh stays strong under pressure


India will be looking for the home fans to inspire them to glory Photo: FIH/WSP

Harendra Singh has the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders. The Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 is the moment that hockey fans in India hope to see their nation topping the hockey world once more.

And as Head Coach, Singh is the man responsible for leading his squad of talented and mercurial players to the podium.

It is a challenge the experienced Indian seems to be relishing: “I think when any coach is appointed as a national coach, it’s bound to put pressure on him or her. But most important for me is living in the present and not thinking too much ahead. For me, I always enjoy the pressure because when we take the toughest decision, it’s always taken in the best interest of the team.”

"Coaching in front of your home crowd will always add masala (spice) to the occasion"
Harendra Singh, Head Coach, India

Just two months ago, India were firm favourites to win the Asian Games but the team fell foul of an inspired Malaysian performance in the semi-finals, losing on shoot-out. India took bronze, beating rivals Pakistan 2-1, but would have been disappointed not to have contested the gold medal.

“What happened at the Asian Games was unfortunate,” says Singh, adding “We are hurt that we could not finish with a gold medal. Nonetheless, the tournament was a big learning curve for all of us. Losing the match (against Malaysia) in the final few minutes after holding on to the lead, should not be repeated in coming tournament and we are working on it as a team and as individuals.”

The pressure that the team will come under as they enter the stadium for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 will be immense. While it means a cauldron for their opposition, for the India players, there is a huge weight of expectation. How will they cope?

“I think the most important thing is to enjoy the home advantage and show the players’ calibre and skill in front of the home crowd. Not many players get this opportunity and they are aware that they must earn their place in the World Cup squad to be able to experience the feeling of playing in front of the home crowd. In terms of preparations, we need to stick to our basics and stick to the simple hockey philosophy which suits our playing style.

“We have all discussed this issue and decided as a team that we will be taking the best available options rather than going for spectacular passes and or skill. We need to know how to enjoy the crowd support while keeping emotions in check. I have also impressed upon the players the need to focus on the present and not the outcome.”

This is Singh’s third world cup in a coaching capacity but as he says: “Coaching in front of your home crowd will always add masala (spice) to the occasion.”

India (FIH Hero World Ranking:5) open their Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup campaign with a Pool C clash against South Africa (WR:15) on the first day of competition. Also in their pool are Belgium (WR:3) and Canada (WR:11). For further information on the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, click here.

BUY TICKETS NOW!

#HWC2018

FIH site



Siti’s goal gives Selangor hockey gold medal after 24 years

SITI Nur Aliah Amnuruddin became the toast of Selangor after steering them to a hard fought 1-0 win over Sabah in the girls’ hockey final.

She scored the all important goal in the 23rd minute at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh yesterday.

Sabah who qualified for the final for the first time in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) pushed their forwards in search of the equaliser but Selangor defended well in numbers to deny the East Malaysian team.

Siti Nur was clearly delighted with Selangor’s victory.

image: https://content.thestar.com.my/smg/settag/name=lotame/tags=all,Int_Sports

“Two years ago, we were beaten by Melaka (2-1) in the final in Sarawak.

“But this time we made sure we win the gold. I am happy to score the solitary goal to help Selangor win the Sukma title, which we last won 24 years ago,” said Siti.

Selangor girls’ hockey team won their first title in Ipoh in 1994.

“I was not even born when Selangor won the hockey gold in 1994,” said the 20-year-old Siti.

Selangor team manager Norazizah Mukijan said that Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) gave RM5,000 to the Selangor team for winning the gold.

“The Selangor State Sports Council gave each player RM400 today for winning the title and they have promised more incentives later,” said Nor Azizah.

Sabah team manager Avtar Singh Bal said he was satisfied with his team’s performance.

“My girls gave everything in the game but it was unfortunate that we just could not score,” said Avtar.

The Star of Malaysia



Fijian Hockey Players Excel In NZ

by KARALAINI TAVI SUVA

The Geotech Drilling Marist Hockey Club has successfully developed local players by providing scholarship over the past four years.

Zane Ah Yuk, Owen Smith, Liam Bentley, Dale Johansen and Douglas Havea are beneficiaries and are playing and studying in New Zealand.

Club’s spokesman Paul Fraser said three of the five players have reached exceptional heights making the Auckland age group team with the other two playing premier and reserve grades for their respective clubs.

“Over the past four years, five layers from the club have secured scholarships and contracts in Auckland,” Fraser said.

“This is part of the development programme for the club.

“They have performed well in both the aca­demic and hockey fields. Their families and the Marist Hockey are so honored to have these young men in our ranks.”

Fraser added Ah Yuk and Smith have made the Auckland National Hockey League team which is the highest honors for any player to achieve at district level.

“Ah Yuk is currently in Wellington playing alongside his former neighbor and childhood friend Alexander Fraser who resides in Auck­land,” he said.

“Unfortunately through injury Smith had to withdraw from the team.”

Ah Yuk, Smith, Bentley, Johansen and Havea arrive next week to take part in the Geotech Drilling International Marist Eastgate Memo­rial Tournament next weekend.

The Fiji Sun



U.S. O-40 Women's Masters Team Announced for 2019 WMH Indoor World Cup



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -The U.S. Women's Masters Committee is pleased to announce the U.S. O-40 Women’s Masters Team that will compete at the World Masters Hockey Indoor World Cup from February 14-17, 2019 in Hong Kong. The USA team selected includes three players who have been part of the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team, participating in numerous tours and Indoor Pan American Championships throughout their careers. Those athletes are Nicky Hitchens (Philadelphia, Pa.) (2004-05), Maria Keesling (Downingtown, Pa.) (2004-08) and Denise Zelenak (Wilmington, Del.) (2012-15), who was captain from 2004-10 and head coach from 2012-14.

Having participated in four prior Masters World Cups in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (2014), Canberra, Australia (2016), Krefeld, Germany (2017) and Terrassa, Spain (2018), this will be the fifth Masters World Cup event for Susan Elliott (Fountainville, Pa.), Hitchens, Keesling and Zelenak.

Sophie Etienne (Belmont, Mass.) is making her fourth and Christina Sommerfield (Rumford, R.I.) is making her third Masters World Cup appearance, while Jen Anderson (Owings Mills, Md.) and Carol Gulija (Flemington, N.J.) are notching their second appearance after recently playing in Terrassa, Spain.

Kelly Goodsell (Harrisburg, Pa.) and Elzeth Hetzler (Woodland Park. Colo.) will bring their experience from the inaugural Masters Indoor World Cup in Krefeld, Germany.

That leaves special congratulations to those making their first Masters World Cup team, Rachel Barger (Sydney, Australia) and Bridgett Wealand (Stevens, Pa.).

The U.S. Women's Masters Committee is pleased to also announce that Debbie Phillips (West Chester, Pa.) will serve as the head coach and Rachael Bloemker (Philadelphia, Pa.) will serve as the assistant coach. Both are past members of the U.S. Women's National Indoor Team, and their knowledge of indoor strategies is extensive. Kelley Shea (West Chester, Pa.) will be the team manager.

2019 U.S. O-40 Women's Masters World Masters Hockey Indoor World Cup Roster

Jen Anderson (Owings Mills, Md.), Rachel Barger (Sydney, Australia), Susan Elliott (Fountainville, Pa.), Sophie Etienne (Belmont, Mass.), Kelly Goodsell (Harrisburg, Pa.), Carol Gulija (Flemington, N.J.), Elzeth Hetzler (Woodland Park, Colo.), Nicky Hitchens (Philadelphia, Pa.), Maria Keesling (Downingtown, Pa.), Christina Sommerfield (Rumford, R.I.), Bridgett Wealand (Stevens, Pa.), Denise Zelenak (Wilmington, Del.)

Alternates in alphabetical order: Suzanne Bourgault (Windham, Maine), Melissa Emery (Big Sky, Mont.), Kelly Hoffman (Portland, Maine), Kelly Mackinnon (Glen Cove, N.Y.), Rael Otieno (Boonton, N.J.), Tina Rusiecki (Maynard, Mass.), Denise Sheehan (Glenmoore,  Pa.)

For more information regarding the WMH Indoor World Cup, check out the official event page by clicking here.

USFHA media release



Massive Numbers To Compete At 2018 Men’s Masters

Ben Somerford



The 2018 Men’s Masters Australian Championships get underway in Lismore and Ballina on Saturday across 14 divisions in Hockey’s biggest domestic participation event.

The event, which was secured for the region by the New South Wales (NSW) Government as part of their partnership between Destination NSW and Hockey Australia, runs from Saturday 22 September to Saturday 6 October.

The Men’s Masters Australian Championships bring together 85 teams and more than 1,800 participants from across the country, including athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials, with in excess of 300 games of Hockey over the course of two weeks.

Lismore’s Far North Coast Regional Hockey Centre in Goonellabah will host approximately 200 matches on their two pitches, with Ballina Hockey Club and Turf Complex to host around 100 matches.

Along with Destination NSW, HA wishes to thank the Far North Coast Hockey Incorporated, Lismore City Council and Ballina Shire Council for their support in facilitating the competition.

The Men’s Masters Australian Championships come only a few months after the 2018 Masters World Cup in Terrassa, Spain, where five Australian Men’s teams represented the nation proudly, with two of those teams taking home world titles; being the Men’s 35+ and Men’s 50+ sides.

This year’s Men’s Masters includes nine age divisions, from 35+ to 75+, and 14 separate divisions, with all participants enjoying the positive physical, social and mental health benefits of being actively involved in Hockey.

The 35+, 40+/1, 40+/2, 45+/1 and 45+/2 divisions all commence on Saturday running through Sunday 30 September.

The 50+ through to 75+ divisions run from Monday 24 September to Saturday 6 October.

You can follow the Championships via the @HockeyAustralia updates on Twitter or this link: https://hockeyaustralia.altiusrt.com/competitions.

Hockey Australia media release



Wimbledon start year with potential firecracker against Surbiton


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Wimbledon and Surbiton – this season’s two EHL entrants from England – meet on Saturday evening in a cracking opening game to start their club season at 6pm on Saturday evening.

For Wimbledon, it is one of two league games for them ahead of their EHL trip to Barcelona in October where they will face a tough group with Mannheimer HC and Dinamo Elektrostal at the Pau Negre Stadium from October 5-7.

Last year, they also had a tough group in Barcelona in ROUND1, falling to two field goals from HC Bloemendaal who went on to win the whole competition.

This year, they enter the fray with a number of changes to their line-up. Johnny Kinder has moved to Madrid, Simon Mantell retired from playing; Gareth Hall has moved into an assistant coach role while Phil Ball – who scored a famous shoot-out against Mannheim – has moved on, too.

Coming in are Jack Waller, a member of the Great Britain development panel, Alvaro Portual Munoz from Club de Campo, Adam Price from Canterbury while Belgian player Loic Cerulus is back from injury.

Looking forward to the EHL grouping, defensive stalwart Michael Hoare said: “I was excited to find out who we faced, expecting to face at least one tough opponent. I'd say it wasn't the worst draw we could have had but we are definitely playing two tough teams with plenty of experience in the EHL.

“Two years ago we beat Mannheimer to reach the KO4, it was a really good match to play in and not much between the two teams that day.

“Both teams will have changed a little bit since then and I'm sure they will want their revenge and be looking to progress through to the KO16.

“Dinamo Elektrostal I don't know too much about; we will have to research their style of play and try to learn from the way they played against Mulheim. I'd expect them to be strong defensively, well organised and a physical team; it is definitely not a team we'll be under-estimating.”

Off the field, the club bid farwell to Ben Marsden as Director of Hockey, a role he presided over for an incredible 10 years, transforming Wimbledon from a strong local hockey club to a national contender.

He has taken up a role as Director of Sport at Cheltenham College and will be replaced by Simon Organ.

A club statement about Marsden’s impact said: “We wish Ben lots of success in his new role and we know we have lost someone very special, someone who over the last 10 years has transformed the Wimbledon Hockey club from a good local hockey club to a great hockey club that contends at the top level of National and European hockey.

“Ben has worked tirelessly to turn around our elite performance teams and the junior structure of the club; a look back over the last five years is where Ben's legacy is truly evident.

“However, Ben did not leave us without first seeking out a worthy successor and we are absolutely delighted to have secured the talents of Simon Organ to be our new Director of Hockey.

“Simon recently relocated to the UK after a 14 year period coaching and playing at the highest level in South Africa, Belgium and Holland. Simon has been head coach and assistant coach to men and women in the top leagues of Belgium, the Dutch Hoofdklasse and Dutch Overgangsklasse, which has given him world class technical and tactical experience.

“In addition to the adult side of hockey, Simon has also previously overseen the Hockey Education Plan for the youth section (6 to 18 year olds) as the Technical Director at HC Klein Zwitserland.

“Simon brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge and is ideally equipped to continue building on the success we have enjoyed over the last decade with the necessary confidence and sustained ambition that has continued to see us thrive as a hockey club.”

Euro Hockey League media release



Champions Police begin catch up game

By AYUMBA AYODI


Kenya Police's Oliver Echenje (left) dribbles past Parklands' Boniface Ndombi during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match at City Park Stadium on August 12, 2018. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Champions Kenya Police resume their men’s hockey Premier League title defence after a seven-week break with crucial matches against Western Jaguars and United States International University (USIU) this weekend at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

Police, who had requested to be exempted from the early stages of the second leg, have an arduous of bridging up a 12 points gap between them and leaders Butali Sugar Warriors.

Police take on Jaguars at 6pm Saturday, before confronting USIU-A on Sunday at 5pm.

Butali Sugar Warriors top with 42 points from 14 wins and a loss and are followed by Police with 30 points from 10 wins and one loss.

In the women’s Premier League, holders Telkom, who are undefeated in eight outings, hope to extend their lead when they take on Jomo Kenyatta University of Africa and Technology (JKUAT) Saturday also at City Park.

Telkom have 24 points, while second-placed Strathmore University’s Scorpions are six points adrift, having won six matches and losing one.

The Scorpions are pitted against Vikings in the only other women’s Premier League outing on Sunday.

Police coach Patrick Mugambi has his fingers crossed over the fitness of midfielder Willis “Awilo” Okeyo, who is nursing a groin injury.

“It’s good to be back and our goal of defending the title is well on course,” said Mugambi. “The long break won’t distract us.”

Police skipper Oliver Echenje also warned their rivals to be prepared for a more refined and explosive display from his team.

“We haven’t taken a break since our last 3-1 win against Parklands seven weeks ago,” said Echenje, who was fast to dismiss the 12 points gap established by Butali Sugar.

“In fact, it’s easy for us since we know what we are chasing. We are taking a match at ago.”

Police’s only loss (4-3) this season was against Greensharks in the first leg. They will be out to stamp their authority against Jaguars and USIU whom they beat 4-0 and 3-2 respectively in the first leg.

In other men’s Premier League matches, Kenya College of Accountancy- University (KCA-U) take on Wazalendo Saturday, while Parkroad Badgers face 2012 champions Nairobi Simba on Sunday.

Wazalendo hope to win and consolidate their third place in the league, where they have 25 points from eight wins, a draw and six losses.

KCA-U are out to keep on winning and pull away from the relegation zone. The students are placed eighth in the 12-team league with 18 points. Three teams will be relegated at the end of this season.

Nairobi Simba are perched at the middle of the table with 19 points, while Parkroad are 10th with 13 points and in danger of been relegated.

FIXTURES

Saturday

Premier League-women: JKUAT v Telkom (12pm)-City Park

National league-men: UON v. Thika Rovers (2pm)-City Park

Super League-men: Mvita XI v. Kimathi University (2pm)-Mombasa; MSC v. KU – Men (4pm) Mombasa

Super League-women: Lakers v. MMU (3pm)-Kisumu

Premier League-men: KCA-U v. Wazalendo (4pm)-City Park; Kenya Police v Western Jaguars (6pm)-City Park

Sunday

Super League-Men: Kisumu Youngstars v. MMU (9am)-Kisumu; Mvita XI v. KU (9am)-Mombasa

National League-men: Parkroad Tigers v. Thika Rovers (9am)-City Park

Super League-men: MSC v. Kimathi University (11am)-Mombasa

Super League-women: Wolverines v. KU (11am)-City Park

Premier League-women: Vikings v. Strathmore (1pm)-City Park

Premier League-men: Parkroad Badgers v. Sikh Union (3pm); USIU v. Kenya Police (5pm)- City Park

Daily Nation



Police target double victories: Defending champions long to narrow 12-point gap with league leaders Butali Sugar Warriors

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Technical University of Kenya Amos Ochieng(l) and Kenya Police Willis Okeyo fight for the ball. Jenipher Wachie,Standard

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League champions Kenya Police return to action today after a long break.

Police long seek maximum points against Western Jaguars and United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) students at City Park. The two clashes are among 16 matches on the cards in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu this weekend.

Double victories for Police will see them reduce point difference between them and former champions Butali Sugar Warriors, who are currently at the summit of the league standings with a six-point gap. Police are second on the log with 30 points from 11 matches whereas Butali, who seek to reclaim the title they last won in 2015, are first with 42 from 15 outings.

Police take on Western Jaguars today before facing off with USIU-A students tomorrow. Captain Oliver Echenje said they will strive for the best because they need to keep their title defence bid on track. “We must win to enhance our chances of defending the title. We need to be at our best to recover from the long break because we have not been playing competitively for a long time,” Echenje said.

In other men’s Premier League encounters, Wazalendo are be out to fight for the top three slot against Kenya College of Accountancy (KCAU) today while fourth-placed Greensharks are away in Nakuru. Wazalendo will be looking to build on last weekend’s 2-0 win over 2016 champions Strathmore University Gladiators.

Parkroad Badgers are seeking to move away from the relegation zone as they tackle 2012 winners Nairobi Sikh Union tomorrow. Badgers have had a lukewarm season and have only won three out of 14 matches. They are tenth with 13 points from three wins, four draws and seven losses.

In women’s premier league, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) take on title holders Telkom in hunt for their second victory of the season today before Strathmore University Scorpions, second on the standings, will tackle struggling Vikings tomorrow.

Vikings, who have stagnated at the bottom of the standings, risk relegation to the women’s Super League. Bottom-placed Vikings, who bask in one point from eight matches, must win their remaining four matches to escape the chop from the women’s top tier league.

The battle for promotion in the men’s premier league will take centre stage in Mombasa as Mvita XI and Mombasa Sports Club (MSC), who are seeking to return to the top league, take on Kimathi University and Kenyatta University (KU) students. Mvita XI will take on Kimathi today while MSC will play KU Vultures while tomorrow Mvita tackle the Vultures while MSC will entertain Kimathi. In Kisumu newcomers Lakers will host Multimedia University ladies today.

The Standard Online



No. 3 Maryland field hockey outlasts No. 23 Ohio State for 1-0 win to improve to 10-0

By Lila Bromberg


Defender Kelee Lepage runs with the ball during Maryland field hockey's match against Ohio State at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex on Sept. 21, 2018. (Andi Wenck/The Diamondback)

When defender Bodil Keus scored on a penalty corner in just the third minute of No. 3 Maryland field hockey's contest against No. 23 Ohio State on Friday, it seemed like a high-scoring game was in store.

The Terps didn't find the net again after that, but they clearly had the dominant hand in the matchup, controlling possession throughout the game and locking down on defense en route to a 1-0 win over the Buckeyes at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex.

"Maryland's been pretty accustomed to getting a lot of goals … so it feels funny when we don't," coach Missy Meharg said. "We just got to stay at it."

Much of the Terps' advantage in possession came from 50-50 balls. After struggling at times to secure loose balls in its last contest against Princeton, Maryland (10-0, 2-0 Big Ten) fought harder for every ball to force against Ohio State (4-5, 0-2) and keep possession on both ends of the field.

"The biggest thing was just knowing how we felt when we were down 4-1 to Princeton and just not wanting to feel like that, so [we tried to be] the first person to those 50-50 balls," midfielder Madison Maguire said.

Keus added that the team focused a lot on getting those balls in practice this week, with a specific emphasis on intercepts and aerials.

But the Terps couldn't capitalize on such opportunities and struggled with shooting all night as they faced heavy defensive pressure from Ohio State. Only 11 of Maryland's 21 shots made it on goal.

The Terps' two leading scorers, defender Nike Lorenz and forward Linnea Gonzales, repeatedly sent balls wide of the net on chances they would normally score on. Lorenz had five shots but only two made on net, while Gonzales whiffed on all three of her shots.

"I just think we were off our mark in our timing," Meharg said. "You have to have better reaction time and you have to have more precise movement with each other, and we were just a little bit off."

Meharg also said her team wasn't waiting in the right spots to get easy chances to score.

While the victory didn't feature a strong performance from Maryland offensively, its defense starred. The Terps held the Buckeyes to three shots — all in the first 22 minutes — with only one on net, and didn't allow a single penalty corner opportunity.

Despite the offensive hiccups, Meharg was impressed with the team's communication.

"Our goaltending and our combination between Sarah Holliday and Bodil Keus as our center back was exceptional," Meharg said. "Our defensive structure was excellent."

Maryland picked up its sixth win over a ranked opponent this season as it continues its best start since 2013. The team also maintains its spot at the top of the conference standings.

"The women don't feel great for some reason about this game, [but] I feel awesome," Meharg said. "Ohio State is a great team, and I'm just really happy with our defensive performance."

The Diamondback



Five Sikhs in India’s first overseas tour to New Zealand in 1926

The Indian Hockey Pioneers

by Dil Bahra


The Indian Army Hockey Team that toured New Zealand in 1926. Standing 1st  left: Jaginder Singh; 1st right: Sangara Singh. Sitting 4th left Lal Singh; 5th left Thakur Singh; 6th left Dhian Singh

The Indian Army Hockey Team toured New Zealand from May to July 1926. The team of 17, led by Captain David Tenant Cowan had four English Officers, one Sikh Officer and twelve Indian soldiers.

Five Sikhs were in this touring team. Jemadar Lal Singh of 2/8 Punjab (Jhelum); Naik Thakur Singh of 1/4 P W O Gurkhas (Bakloh); Lance Naik Dhian Singh of 2/8 Punjab (Jhelum); Sepoy Jaginder Singh of 2/8 Punjab (Jhelum) and Sepoy Sangara Singh of 2/13 Frontier Force Rifles (Delhi).
Sepoy Dhyan Chand of 4/1 Punjab (Jhansi), standing 3rd left in above picture, was also on this tour.  Captain A. J. Alexander is the player missing in the team photo above.

The team played three Test matches against New Zealand on this tour. According to Indian hockey historian K. Arumugam and Indian hockey statistician B. G. Joshi, these matches against New Zealand were international matches. 

India played her first international hockey match against New Zealand on Saturday 26 June 1926 at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. That team included two Sikhs, Dhian Singh playing as left back and right winger Sangara Singh.

The first Test match, between the Indian Army and New Zealand was played before a crowd estimated to surpass over 12,000 spectators. Special trains were arranged just for this match. The weather was mild, and there was an entire absence of wind. The ground had been specially prepared, and was in good order for a clever exhibition of stick work. The band of the Fourth Battalion Cadets was in attendance, and as the All Blacks filed on to the ground, the band played "God Defend New Zealand."

The Indian Army team, playing in red shirts, white shorts and red socks, was: Goal keeper K. Ghulan Ali; Right back Kishena Singh; Left back Dhian Singh; Right half D. T. Cowan (captain); Centre half H. Francis; Left half A. J. Alexander; Right wing Sangara Singh; Right inner E. A. Belchamber; Centre forward Dhyan Chand; Left inner H. V. Cox; Left wing Susai Nathan.

The Indian team won by 5 goals to 2 after leading 4 – 1 at half time. Centre forward Dhyan scored three goals, E. A. Belchamber and Sasai Nathan scoring one goal each. C. Watts and S. Bell scored for New Zealand.

New Zealand replaced N. Jacobson (injury) with D. Woodfield mid way through the second half. Two players were shown as “Emergencies” (Substitutes) on the New Zealand Team sheet.

W. H. Down and H. Throp, both Canterbury, were the referees (umpires) for this match.

The 2nd Test match, played on 10 July 1926 in Auckland was won by New Zealand by 4 goals to 3. E. A. Belchamber scoring all three goals for India and the Watts brothers from Auckland, Eric and Clive scoring two goals each for New Zealand. Dhian Singh (left back); Jaginder Singh (left half) and Sangara Singh were the Sikh players in the 2nd Test match.

The 3rd Test match, played on 17 July 1926 at Auckland ended in a 1 – 1 draw. Dhyan Chand scored for India and S. Bell for New Zealand.  Dhian Singh (left back); Jaginder Singh (left half) and Sangara Singh (right wing) were the Sikh players in the 3rd test match.

Crystal Jordan of Australian Indian Historical Society, who has been a great help in assisting with the names in the photographs and associated information on the tour stated “The colour and flamboyance of the Indians cladded in their scarlet turbans, navy blue blazers with the star of India emblazoned on the pockets, white trousers, and scarlet stockings excited the public imagination, as it did in 1901, when the 100 soldiers of the Indian Contingent arrived in Australia wearing their colourful turbans and army uniforms, to celebrate the Federation of Australia".

"The Indian Army Hockey Team was welcomed in Australia because Australia is a sporting country, and any team that visited or visits our shore is welcomed. By competing with the 1926 Indian Army team and subsequent Indian Hockey Teams, Hockey in Australia developed, and this tour laid the foundation for Australia becoming an internationally competitive Hockey playing country”.

Thakur Singh’s son, Gurdev Singh, played for India at Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games and captained India at the Jakarta 1962 Asian Games.

Dhyan Chand’s son, Ashok Kumar, played for India at Munich 1972 & Montreal 1976 Olympic Games and 1st, 2nd & 3rd World Cups.

Dhyan Chand was the only player from this tour who went on to represent India at Olympic Games.  
 
Sikhs in Hockey

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