Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 17 June 2019

All the news for Monday 17 June 2019


FIH Women's Series Finals Banbridge 2019
Banbridge (IRL)

16 Jun 2019     FRA v SCO (5 / 6)     0 - 6
16 Jun 2019     CZE v MAS (3 / 4)     0 - 3
16 Jun 2019     IRL v KOR (Final)     1 - 3

Final standings

1. Korea
2. Ireland
3. Malaysia
4. Czech Republic
5. Scotland
6. France
7. Ukraine
8. Singapore

FIH Match Centre



Irish Women Runners-up to Korea in FIH Final in Banbridge.


Irish Women Runners-up to Korea in FIH Final in Banbridge, but Olympic qualifier in Autumn Secured. Ireland 1 – 3 Korea.

A tight opening half had the two teams 0-0 at half time despite both sides having a few chances to score. A brilliant pass by Roisin Upton in the first quarter gave Chloe Watkins a shot at the Korean goal, but Korean goalkeeper Soo Ji Jang managed to get her foot to the ball preventing Ireland getting on the scoreboard. Yuri Lee from Korea also found a chance for herself at the opposite end of the pitch, although McFerran was on hand to keep the match nil all. The Green Army seemed to progress as the quarter advanced but the Korean defence remained strong throughout.

The second quarter saw a lovely chance for O’Flanagan, provided by a pass from Deirdre Duke, however Korea’s Jang saved it well. A Penalty Corner for Korea and Hyoju An managed to shoot for the goal but McFerran saved and sent it out wide. Brown provided an excellent pass to Upton who’s drag flick saw the ball in the back of the goal, however an obstruction caused the goal to be disallowed.

Shirley McCay and Zoe Wilson provided noticeable interceptions in the lead up to half time. While McFerran was more active throughout this match than any other over the tournament in Banbridge and her skills were put to good use.

Ireland really applied the pressure in the opening minutes of the third quarter but a robust defence by Korea kept them at bay. As the quarter progressed Korea seemed to up the tempo and Hannah Matthews and Roisin Upton became instrumental in Ireland’s play.

The final quarter provided goals from Hyunji Kim and Eunbi Cheon before Nicola Daly managed to get one over the line in a third attempt in an Ireland Penalty Corner. Although Ireland’s decision to pull the goalkeeper to increase their outfield numbers proved un-advantageous as Korea’s Kang managed to put the ball in an empty net to seal the win.

Despite the result the Irish Women’s Olympic qualification ambitions remain unscathed with the squad safely through to a direct qualifier in the Autumn.

Speaking on the match, Interim Head Coach Gareth Grundie said, “Overall we played well. I felt like we were the better side for the first three quarters. Korea started very well and were very strong in the final quarter. It wasn’t to be today.”

In terms of what’s to come and how he’s found his time as Head Coach, Gareth said “I’ve really enjoyed the last few months. We’ve made lots of progress and the girls have been great, as have the staff, so we’re in a good position moving forwards.

I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do in the coming months and working with Sean [Dancer]. We’ve Europeans and an Olympic qualifier to look forward to so the focus will now move to those.”

The FIH Series Finals individual player awards were awarded as follows:

    Hero Top Scorer - Anna O’Flanagan (6 Goals), IRL, #26
    Best Player - Anna O’Flanagan, IRL, #26
    Best Junior Player - Yohanna Lhopital, FRA, #8
    Best Goalkeeper - Mathilde Petriaux, FRA, #31

Ireland 1 (N Daly)
Korea 3 (H Kim, E Cheon, J Kang)

Ireland: A McFerran, R Upton, K Mullan, S McCay, B Barr, C Watkins, L Colvin, N Daly, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson
Subs: C Brown, L Tice, G Pinder, S Hawkshaw, D Duke, A Meeke, E Buckley.

Korea: S J Jang, Y Lee, H An, E Cheon, J Kang, E Cho, Y Lee, H Jang, H Cho, H Shin, S Lee
Subs: J Seo, S J Choi, S Kim, E Yu, H Kim, S Kang, Y Choi.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Korea defeat Ireland 3-1 in final

Korea stun Ireland with 3-1 win in FIH Series final in Banbridge

Ireland's FIH Hockey Series ended in disappointment with a 3-1 defeat by an impressive Korea in Sunday's final.

After a tight opening half, Kim Hyunji made the breakthrough on 46 minutes before Cheon Eunbi doubled the lead.

Nicci Daly's late goal ensured a tense finish before Kang Jina sealed the win at Ireland pushed forward.

The defeat has no bearing on Ireland's Olympic ambitions, with the World Cup finalists having already secured their place in the qualifiers.

The stars of the first half were Korean goalkeeper Jang Soo Ji and her opposite number Ayeisha McFerran, both of whom sprung into action when required to frustrate attacks from the opposition.

Deirdre Duke, Chloe Watkins and Ann O'Flanagan all had goal-bound efforts stopped while McFerran dived low to her right to keep out Eunji Cho's strike.

O'Flanagan, who was named player of the tournament, thought she had added a seventh goal to her competition tally when she fired home from a penalty corner only for the referee to disallow the effort for obstruction in the build-up.

In the second period it was Korea who looked the more likely to break the deadlock, with Kim finally finding a way through after a sweeping move down the right.

With five minutes to go Cheon drilled a low effort into the corner to seemingly put the game out of Ireland reach, but when Daly prodded home a rebound from close range the home crowd lifted sensing an unlikely late comeback.

However Korea held their nerve an took advantage of Ireland's decision to pull their goalkeeper in favour of another outfield player as Kang finished into an empty net.

BBC Sport



Malaysian women bag FIH Series Finals bronze

By Jugjet Singh


The Malaysian women’s hockey team celebrating their win over the Czech Republic in Banbridge, Ireland, on June 16, 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian women's hockey team bagged the bronze medal at the FIH Series Finals in Banbridge, Ireland, today when they beat the Czech Republic 3-0.

However, the bronze was not good enough to take coach K. Dharmaraj's team to the second round of the Olympics Qualifier in November.

Only the finalists move to the next round, and due to Malaysia's low 22nd world ranking, their Olympics dream will have to wait for another four years.

After a heartbreaking 3-0 defeat to South Korea in the semi-finals, Malaysia bounced back with goals from Hanis Nadiah Onn (11th), Fazilla Sylvester (34th) and Nuramirah Zulkifli (60th).

All three goals were from field attempts. For the record, Malaysia had beaten the Czech Republic 3-1 in Group A earlier.

Since women's hockey was introduced at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, the Malaysian women have yet to qualify for the big stage.

New Straits Times



Malaysian women's hockey team finishes third in the FIH Series Finals

By K. Rajan

PETALING JAYA: The national women's hockey team ended their campaign at the FIH Series Finals on a high after beating the Czech Republic 3-0 in the third-fourth playoff.

Field goals from Hanis Nadia Onn (11th minute), Fazilla Sylvester Silin (34th) and Nuramirah Zulkifli (60th) ensured the win the Czech team, ranked 19th in the world, in Banbridge, Ireland, Sunday (June 16).

22nd-ranked Malaysia had on Saturday (June 15) been knocked out of the semi-finals, suffering a 0-3 loss to world #11 South Korea.

South Korea's goals, all field goals, came through Cho Hye-jin (12th minute), Kim Hyun-ji (17th) and Cheon Eun-bi (48th) at the same venue.

The loss to South Korea put Malaysia's hopes of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics next year in tatters.

The Star of Malaysia



Scotland women strike six in win over France



Scotland women put in a tremendous goal scoring performance to win their last match of the FIH Series Finals in Banbridge 6-0 against France. The result means Scotland finished fifth in the tournament.

There was an early onslaught on the French goal by the Scots who came out the traps at pace. Charlotte Watson was looking dangerous as frantic French defending prevented Scotland having a clean shot at goal.

It was a game played at pace with Scotland dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Sarah Jamieson nearly put Scotland ahead as the first quarter neared a conclusion; she powered into the D and smashed the ball just wide of the post.

Scotland then took the lead in the second quarter. Bex Condie picked out Louise Campbell with for a lovely deflected shot to make it 1-0.

Then came a second for Scotland. Condie’s penalty corner was directed towards Fiona Semple who deflected a looping ball over the goalkeeper for 2-0.

Watson created a great chance for Lucy Lanigan when she turned on the afterburners to zoom past the French defence and cut back for the diving Lanigan, but the effort went wide.

Scotland’s relentless pressure and dominance continued into the second half and they went 3-0 up at a penalty corner. Robyn Collins scored a lovely drag flick into the top right corner as they went 3-0 ahead against France.

Scotland women then went 4-0 ahead. Kaz Cuthbert blasted from the top of the D, Semple got a touch and the ball flew past the goalkeeper for the goal.

Scotland’s fifth was a piece of individual genius. Jamieson went on a great run and finish through the keeper’s legs to put Scotland 5-0 ahead.

Cuthbert scored Scotland’s last goal when she smashed home from a penalty corner rebound to make it 6-0 for Scotland.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



FIH Men's Series Finals Le Touquet-Paris Plage 2019 - Day 3
Le Touquet (FRA)

Results and Fixtures (GMT +2)

16 Jun 2019     SCO v SGP (Pool A)     5 - 0
16 Jun 2019     EGY v IRL (Pool A)       2 - 1
16 Jun 2019     UKR v CHI (Pool B)       2 - 2
16 Jun 2019     KOR v FRA (Pool B)     1 - 1

17 June is a rest day

18 Jun 2019 11:15     UKR v KOR (Pool B)
18 Jun 2019 13:30     SCO v EGY (Pool A)
18 Jun 2019 15:45     IRL v SGP (Pool A)
18 Jun 2019 18:00     FRA v CHI (Pool B)

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Egypt 2 2 0 0 5 1 4 6
2 Scotland 2 1 0 1 7 4 3 3
3 Ireland 2 1 0 1 5 4 1 3
4 Singapore 2 0 0 2 0 8 -8 0

Pool B

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 France 2 1 1 0 10 2 8 4
2 Korea 2 1 1 0 4 2 2 4
3 Chile 2 0 1 1 3 5 -2 1
4 Ukraine 2 0 1 1 3 11 -8 1

FIH Match Centre



Five star Scotland men win against Singapore



Scotland men were on top form when the racked up the goals in a superb 5-0 win over Singapore at the FIH Series Finals in Le Touquet.

It was a good start to the match for Scotland, attacking from the first whistle. The early pressure was rewarded with a goal. A Kenny Bain penalty corner rebounded off the goalkeeper and Cammy Golden was there to follow up on the rebound to open the scoring. Scotland 1-0 Singapore.

An excellent save denied Golden his second soon after. The Blue Sticks carved Singapore open down the right and the ball was switched for Golden to blast on the reverse, but the keeper was a match to it.

As the first half came to a close the Scots were camped in the Singapore half; a lovely fleeting move down the right created a chance for Rob Harwood but his shot on the return just evaded the far corner.

Then Golden bagged his and Scotland’s second goal right at the end of Q1. Some good running down the left by Harwood set up Golden and he fired the ball into the roof of the net to make it Scotland 2-0 Singapore.

Scotland’s dominance continued as the pegged Singapore back.

Ed Greaves added his name to the scoresheet before half time as the Blue Sticks went 3-0 ahead, and cruised through the contest.

Scotland went 4-0 ahead in the third quarter when Bain added his name to the score sheet as Scotland continued to press for goals.

The final quarter saw a first Scotland goal by Andy Bull when he fired home from a penalty corner to give Scotland a 5-0 lead in Le Touquet.

It was a great win for the Scots who play Egypt next as they bid to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Irish Men defeated by Egypt in FIH Series Finals Pool Match.



After a solid performance against Scotland in their opening game, the Irish men had hoped to build on that performance against Egypt in their second match of the World Series Finals. The first quarter saw Ireland dominate possession with the stubborn Egyptian defence frustrating the Irish attack until the 13th minute when Ireland won their first penalty corner through Ben Walker. The resulting drag flick was saved, and the sides remained level at the end of Q1.

Egypt began the 2nd quarter brightly with some good attacking play but it was Ireland who took the lead after 19 minutes when Shane O’Donoghue’s reverse side shot was deflected in by John Jackson after Ireland’s second corner broke down. However, Egypt were back on level terms just 4 minutes later when Mohamed Adel beat the Irish penalty corner defence with a drag flick. Egypt forced another corner in the 27th minute which was saved leaving the sides level at half time 1-1.

Ireland began the 3rd quarter well and created a good chance in the 34th minute when Shane O’Donoghue’s reverse side cross was narrowly deflected wide. Both sides traded attacking opportunities and Egypt won a penalty corner 2 minutes before the end of the quarter which was saved by the David Harte leaving the score 1-1 with 15 minutes to go.

In the 48th minute, Egypt took the lead through Ahmed Abd Elkahim when a free outside the Irish circle was taken quickly and the Egyptian beat several Irish defenders to slip the ball past Harte.

Ireland increased the pressure on Egypt in the remaining 10 minutes in search of an -equaliser winning a penalty corner in the 51st minute. O’Donoghue’s flick was saved by Sayed in the Egyptian goal before the rebound was hit wide. Ireland had a further opportunity in the 56th minute with another penalty corner but the ball was not stopped properly and Egypt were able to defend the resulting shot.

After the game, Ireland head coach Alexander Cox commented “We didn’t show up in the first half and that can’t happen.

We improved in the second half and tried everything to break them. We had enough chances to score more than one, but we didn’t. Credit to Egypt.

We’re massively disappointed but we are still in the tournament.”

Ireland’s final pool game is on Tuesday at 14.45 when they take on Singapore. All matches are being streamed on the FIH website at: //fih.live/view/event/48364

Ireland 1 (J Jackson) Egypt 2 (M Adel, A Abd Elhakim)

Ireland: D Harte, J Jackson, J Bell, E Magee, S O’Donoghue, S Murray, B walker, D Walsh, C Harte, L Cole, S Cole
Subs: J Carr, M Bell, L Madeley, N Glassey, M Robson, P Gleghorne

Egypt: M Sayed, M Edris, M Mansour, A Ibrahim, A Ezz, A Sayed, A Said, A Abd Elhakim, M Ragab, A Elganaini, M Adel
Subs: K Atef, A Gamal, A Mohsen, M Ragab, A Elhady, W Metwalli.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Egypt come from behind to beat Ireland 2-1


John Jackson put Ireland ahead in the second quarter

Ireland's bid to advance to the next stage of Olympic qualification faltered with a 2-1 defeat by Egypt at the FIH International Series in France.

Chasing their second win of the tournament Ireland went ahead in the second quarter through John Jackson.

But having restored parity within four minutes of going behind, Egypt found a winner early in the final quarter.

Ireland can still qualify for the semi-finals with a win over Singapore on Tuesday.

Ireland, the tournament's highest-ranked side, will advance to an Olympic play-off later this year if they reach the final of the tournament but will likely need to beat Singapore in order to secure a place in the final four.

Alexander Cox's side had got their tournament off to a good start on Saturday with a 4-2 win over Scotland.

After a bright start on Sunday the Irish eventually found the breakthrough when Jackson deflected Shane O'Donoghue's reverse into the net.

However the goal seemed to kick Egypt into gear, and just minutes later Mohamad Adel levelled the score with a drag flick.

As both sides pushed for a winner, Abd Elhakim took full advantage of some quick Egyptian thinking as they caught Ireland off-guard from a free to score what proved to be the decisive goal.

Scotland meet Singapore later on Sunday in the other Pool A encounter.

BBC Sport



FIH Women's Series Finals Hiroshima 2019 - Day 3
Hiroshima (JPN)

Results and fixtures (GMT +9)

16 Jun 2019 12:00     RUS v MEX (Pool B)     6 - 0
16 Jun 2019 14:00     CHI v JPN (Pool B)         3 - 1
16 Jun 2019 16:00     URU v FIJ (Pool A)         4 - 0
16 Jun 2019 18:00     POL v IND (Pool A)         0 - 5

17 June is a rest day

18 Jun 2019 12:00     URU v POL (Pool A)
18 Jun 2019 14:00     IND v FIJ (Pool A)
18 Jun 2019 16:00     JPN v MEX (Pool B
18 Jun 2019 18:00     RUS v CHI (Pool B)

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 India 2 2 0 0 9 1 8 6
2 Poland 2 1 0 1 6 5 1 3
3 Uruguay 2 1 0 1 5 4 1 3
4 Fiji 2 0 0 2 0 10 -10 0

Pool B

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Chile 2 2 0 0 10 1 9 6
2 Russia 2 1 0 1 7 2 5 3
3 Japan 2 1 0 1 3 4 -1 3
4 Mexico 2 0 0 2 0 13 -13 0

FIH Match Centre



Gurjit powers India to victory over Poland
 
Her brace helps the team register a 5-0 result


On target: Gurjit struck twice, once off a penalty corner and the other off a penalty stroke.

Gurjit scored a brace to lead the Indian women’s hockey team to a dominant 5-0 victory over Poland at the FIH Women’s Series Finals here on Sunday.

Right from the outset, India was on the attack, the left flank causing problems for Poland’s defence time and time again.

Though Poland enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, India’s speedy attacks put it on the backfoot.

Put under pressure by Sunita Lakra, Poland faltered in playing out from the back, and the ball fell to Navjot Kaur on the left. Her cross was inch perfect, directed towards the far post, found Jyoti who deflected it home.

Flurry

India won a flurry of PCs in the final five minutes of the quarter. From one of them, Vandana Katariya pounced on a loose ball — after Gurjit’s dragflick had been saved by Gabara — to score India’s second. Off another, Gurjit slotted home into the bottom left-corner to give India a 3-0 lead at half-time.

India won a penalty stroke in the 35th minute, and Gurjit duly dispatched it to score her second and India’s fourth goal.

The final quarter was an ill-tempered affair, with both teams reduced to 10 at times, after a few players earned cards.

India was in firm control, though, and its regular circle penetrations kept Poland on the defensive.

Brilliant effort

India’s fifth and final goal came through a brilliant effort from Navneet Kaur in the 56th minute.

She took the ball with her back to the goal, turned away from her marker and unleashed a shot into the bottom corner.

Gabara got a hand to it, but the power of the shot proved too much for her.

The result: India 5 (Gurjit 2, Jyoti, Vandana, Navneet) bt Poland 0.

The Hindu



2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - 17 June

14 Jun 2019     ESP v NZL (RR)      3 - 2    Club De Campos Villa, Madrid
14 Jun 2019     GBR v NED (RR)    2 - 2 (Shootout 3 - 4    Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London

16 Jun 2019     ESP v ARG (RR)     2 - 3    Club De Campos Villa, Madrid
16 Jun 2019     GER v AUS (RR)     1 - 2    Crefelder Hockey Club, Krefeld
16 Jun 2019     BEL v NZL (RR)      4 - 0     Wilrijkse Plein Antwerp, Antwerp

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Unofficial Pool Standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Australia 12 8 0 2 2 34 25 9 26 72.2
2 Belgium 12 7 1 2 2 48 26 22 25 69.4
3 Netherlands 12 5 3 1 3 34 26 8 22 61.1
4 Argentina* 12 6 0 1 4 28 30 -2 20 55.6
5 Germany* 14 4 3 1 5 30 38 -8 20 47.6
6 Great Britain 13 5 1 2 5 33 31 2 19 48.7
7 Spain 14 2 5 0 7 33 45 -12 16 38.1
8 New Zealand 13 0 0 4 9 26 45 -19 4 10.3

 * A cancelled match contributes 1 point to each team's results that is not shown in the tables as a cancelled match
The FIH inexplicably and confusingly use a system not used in any other sports League in the World, of making the Percentage more important than Points until the end of the League when they will revert to Points only. Fieldhockey.com prefers to use the conventional Points and so the Unofficial Pool Standings on this site are reflected in this manner.

FIH Match Centre

 



2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - 17 June

15 Jun 2019     CHN v USA (RR)     4 - 0    Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou    
15 Jun 2019     GBR v NED (RR)     0 - 1     Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London

16 Jun 2019     GER v AUS (RR)     1 - 3    Crefelder Hockey Club, Krefeld
16 Jun 2019     BEL v NZL (RR)     0 - 3    Wilrijkse Plein Antwerp, Antwerp

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Unofficial Pool Standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Netherlands 14 13 0 0 1 36 8 28 39 92.9
2 Argentina 14 9 4 0 1 28 12 16 35 83.3
3 Australia 14 9 1 1 3 34 19 15 30 69.2
4 Germany 15 8 0 2 5 31 22 13 26 61.9
5 New Zealand 15 6 0 0 9 28 29 -1 18 35.7
6 Belgium 14 5 1 1 7 19 25 -6 18 46.2
7 China 17 5 0 2 10 31 40 -9 17 29.2
8 Great Britain 15 2 2 1 10 19 36 -17 11 24.4
9 United States 16 1 1 2 12 13 48 -35 7 15.6

The FIH inexplicably and confusingly use a system not used in any other sports League in the World, of making the Percentage more important than Points until the end of the League when they will revert to Points only. Fieldhockey.com prefers to use the conventional Points and so the Unofficial Pool Standings on this site are reflected in this manner.

FIH Match Centre



Women’s Grand Final line-up confirmed; Australia & Belgium men book tickets to Amstelveen showpiece



Australia and Germany have completed the line-up for the women’s competition at the FIH Pro League Grand Final, joining the Netherlands and Argentina at the showpiece event in Amstelveen following results on a fascinating day of action on Sunday (16 June).

An early double strike from Jane Claxton helped the Hockeyroos beat Germany 3-1 in Krefeld to guarantee a top four finish, earning tickets to this month's FIH Pro League Grand Final in Amsterdam and also the FIH Olympic qualifiers, which take place later this year. Despite defeat, Germany’s berth in the Grand Final was confirmed when Belgium - the only team mathematically capable of overtaking them in the standings - suffered a 3-0 home loss against New Zealand in Antwerp, with Black Sticks striker Olivia Merry scoring a hat-trick.

In the men’s competition, Australia and Belgium booked their tickets to the FIH Pro League Grand Final thanks to victories over Germany and New Zealand respectively. Goals from Tom Craig and Blake Govers helped the Kookaburras to a 2-1 away triumph over Die Honamas in Krefeld to guarantee a top four finish and effectively end Germany’s qualification hopes, while Red Lions captain Thomas Briels scored twice as Belgium beat the Black Sticks 4-0 in Antwerp. Australia ended the day sitting top of the FIH Pro League standings with 26 points, with Belgium in second place with 25 points.

A last-gasp penalty corner from Leandro Tolini earned Argentina a dramatic 3-2 win over Spain in Madrid, a result which sees them sitting fourth in the table, just behind third-placed Netherlands. The Oranje (22 points) and Los Leones (20 points) are looking good to join Australia and Belgium in the Grand Final, although with the Dutch and the Argentines facing each other on Wednesday (19 June) in Utrecht, Great Britain (19 points) know that their qualification hopes are still alive ahead of their final match against New Zealand next weekend. 


Germany v Australia (women & men) - Crefelder Hockey Club, Krefeld (GER)

In the women’s match, Germany (FIH World Ranking: 5) made a slow start to their clash with Australia (WR:3) and were duly punished when Jane Claxton scored twice from open play inside the opening three minutes. Things went from bad to worse for Die Danas when they lost star attacker Charlotte Stapenhorst to a nasty looking knee injury towards the end of the first quarter, with Emily Chalker’s close range finish putting Australia 3-0 ahead midway through the second period. Germany were much improved after half time and scored early thanks to Hannah Gablac’s cool finish, giving the home favourites a foothold in the match. However, Australia were excellent in defence, denying any further goals as they sealed their place in the FIH Pro League Grand Final.

On reaching the showpiece Grand Final event in Amstelveen, Player of the Match Jane Claxton said: “We are pretty excited about it. Going into this game we knew that Germany had played a succession of really quality games, so we knew we had to put it to them early today. I’m not a huge goalscorer, so I was a bit shocked, as you saw from [ the celebration for] the second goal. We’ve got two really tough games [against Belgium and Netherlands] leading up to the Finals, but I think that will give us great preparation for the Final series.” 

Despite defeat, it was a special day for Germany women’s captain Janne Müller-Wieland, who made her 300th appearances for Die Danas.

The men’s fixture between Germany (WR:6) and Australia (WR:2) saw both sides looking to recover from defeats. Die Honamas were aiming to bounce back from their painful 8-0 home loss against Belgium, while the Kookaburras were targeting their first FIH Pro League win in Europe following a shoot-out loss to Great Britain and a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spain in Madrid. Following very even first and second quarters, the Australians made the breakthrough in the this period when Tom Craig smashed a backhand strike into the top right corner of the German goal after excellent approach play from Corey Weyer. Niklas Bosserhoff missed a good chance to equalise for Germany before Blake Govers scored from a penalty corner at the second attempt, firing his reverse stick shot into the goal after his initial drag-flick had been charged down. Marco Miltkau’s clever volley from the pass of Niklas Wellen gave Germany a glimmer of hope in the final moments, but Australia did enough to claim all three points and qualify for the showpiece Grand Final on the occasion of Eddie Ockenden’s 350th senior international match.

Australia’s Daniel Beale, named Player of the Match, said: “We knew that a point today was going to put us in the final, so we are happy with the win but we came her looking for just that one point. We knew it was Eddie Ockenden’s 350th game. He’s only the second ever Kookaburra to achieve that, so we wanted to put on a big performance for him. We know Germany is never an easy beat, and today was no exception.”


Spain v Argentina (men) - Club de Campos Villa, Madrid (ESP)

Spain (WR:9) produced an outstanding first half performance to establish a richly deserved 2-0 lead against Olympic champions Argentina (WR:4), as the Red Sticks aimed to make it three FIH Pro League wins in succession at Madrid’s Club de Campos Villa. A superb backhand strike from Ignacio Rodriguez put the hosts in front after two minutes before Pau Quemada scored his tenth goal of the FIH Pro League with a deflected shot to double Spain’s lead just before half time.

Argentina, inspired by the vision and creativity of the attacking star Lucas Vila, were in sparkling form in the third period, levelling the scores thanks to goals from Player of the Match Leandro Tolini and Juan Lopez. Tolini produced an unstoppable penalty corner drag-flick that clipped the bottom of the left post before crossing the goal-line, with Lopez guiding home a pass from Pedro Ibarra with deftest of touches to wrong-foot Spanish goalkeeper Quico Cortes. Spain almost scored in the final minute when Xavi Lleonart forced veteran goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi into a brilliant reaction save, but a penalty corner won by the tireless Vila with just four seconds remaining would prove decisive. Tolini made no mistake with his drag-flick, slamming into the bottom left corner to give Argentina a dramatic win that keeps their top four ambitions very much on track.



Belgium v New Zealand (men and women) - Wilrijkse Plein, Antwerp (BEL)

In Antwerp, Belgium’s men (WR:1) knew that victory over New Zealand (WR:8) would be enough for them to secure a place in the FIH Pro League Grand Final, but they were frustrated by their opponents for long periods of the match. The Red Lions scored the opening goal in the seventh minute when Maxime Plennavaux and Nicolas de Kerpel exchanged passes to brilliantly cut through the Black Sticks defence and allow Sebastian Dockier to tap the ball into an open goal. The visiting side showed great resilience against the world champions and did not concede again until the third quarter, when a loose pass from Black Sticks defender Corey Bennett was punished by Plennavaux, who drilled powerfully into the bottom left corner from the top of the circle. Belgium captain Thomas Briels sealed the victory with two goals in the 56th minute, slotting his first from a tight angle before producing a diving deflection to complete the match scoring at 4-0, sealing his team’s place at the Grand Final later this month.

Player of the Match Maxime Plennavaux said: “It wasn’t easy at all. We had a good game but it took us time to get into it and create chances, and at the end of it physically we were a bit better than them and that is why we made the difference today. It’s been a while [since I scored], so I’m feeling really good. It’s always a good feeling to score, but it’s all about the work of the whole team.”

Belgium’s women (WR:13) knew that they needed to beat New Zealand (WR:6) to have any chance of securing a top four finish. Having defeated the Black Sticks 1-0 in the February’s away fixture, it was something that they were clearly capable of doing and certainly had their chances in this match. Teenage attacker Ambre Ballenghein was a real threat for the Red Panthers, but it was the visitors who were first to make a mark on the score-board. Olivia Merry scored the first of her three goals in the match from the penalty spot, clinically despatching her effort moments after a goal-bound strike hit the foot of a Belgium defender.

Belgium reacted impressively and were denied a certain goal thanks to some incredible defending from New Zealand, with Brooke Neale clearing off the goal-line following two saved shots from a penalty corner situation. Merry netted a second with a brave diving deflection at the end of the third period and completed her hat-trick in the final minute of the fourth, tapping in from close range for her 14th goal of the FIH Pro League campaign.


“I think it is a case of ‘right place, right time’”, said Player of the Match Olivia Merry on her remarkable scoring feats in this year’s competition, before commenting on her team’s performance. “We continued to build on the things that we worked on playing against the Netherlands [in our last match], as we haven’t really pressed teams the way we did against the Netherlands so we are looking to carry that forward into our match against GB [next weekend]."

FIH Pro League - 16 June 2019

Crefelder Hockey Club, Krefeld (GER)

Result: Women’s Match 65

Germany 1, Australia 3 

Player of the Match: Jane Claxton (AUS)
Umpires: Celine Martin-Schmets (BEL), Sarah Wilson (SCO) and Jonas van ’t Hek (NED - video)

Result: Men’s Match 49

Germany 1, Australia 2 

Player of the Match: Daniel Beale (AUS)
Umpires: Jonas van ’t Hek (NED), Francisco Vazquez (ESP) and Sarah Wilson (SCO - video)


Club de Campos Villa, Madrid (ESP)

Result: Men’s Match 50

Spain 2, Argentina 3 

Player of the Match: Leandro Tolini (ARG)
Umpires: David Tomlinson (NZL), Martin Madden (SCO) and Coen van Bunge (NED - video)


Wilrijkse Plein, Antwerp (BEL)


Result: Men’s Match 51

Belgium 4, New Zealand 0

Player of the Match: Maxime Plennevaux (BEL)
Umpires: Ben Goentgen (GER), Javed Shaikh (IND) and Michelle Meister (GER - video)


Result: Women’s Match 66

Belgium 0, New Zealand 3

Player of the Match: Olivia Merry (NZL)
Umpires: Michelle Meister (GER), Alison Keogh (IRL) and Ben Goentgen (GER - video)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



Kookaburras Claim Victory & Qualify For FIH Pro League Final

Mitch Wynd



In Eddie Ockenden’s momentous 350th match, the team battled through a difficult first half before goals to Tom Craig and Blake Govers secured the win.

The opening quarter of the match was closely fought, with neither team making major attacking moves, save for an early penalty corner for Australia that forced a good save from Tobias Walter in goal.

A brilliant display of build-up play set Daniel Beale sprinting into a one-on-one with the German goalkeeper in the 21st minute, however the shot was denied by Walter.

In the second quarter, Germany began to provide some dashing runs through the middle and looked to have the Australian defence in trouble, but they were unable to hit the target when it counted.

Tyler Lovell stood up and made some brilliant low saves under pressure, keeping the scores locked in a stalemate.

Johannes Grosse received a ten-minute yellow card for Germany in the 28th minute but Australia were unable to make the most of the numerical advantage in the remainder of the first half, going into the main break with the scores locked at 0-0.

The beginning of the third quarter saw both teams continue to create opportunities to break the game open without making it count on the scoreboard. Australia continued to have the numbers advantage with Grosse off until the 38th minute.

Germany won a penalty corner, but a mis-trap enabled the Kookaburras to clear the ball. A low cross from Australia at the other end left the German goalkeeper stranded but no-one was able to get a touch at the far post.

Finally, in the 42nd minute, Tom Craig rifled in a powerful reverse stick shot in to the roof of the net that was too good for the second German keeper Aly following some great lead up play from Corey Weyer.

A 52nd minute penalty corner was well taken by the Australians, whilst Blake Govers’ first shot was blocked he was able to follow up and made sure with his second shot to put the Australians 2-0 up.

Germany replaced their goalkeeper with a field player for the last six minutes of the match looking to capitalise on having an extra field player. They managed to strike late with a goal to Marco Miltkau in the 59th minute, but by then the chances of a comeback were limited by the clock and a determined Kookaburras defence.

The Kookaburras next play on Wednesday in Antwerp against world number one team Belgium.

Australia 2 (Craig 42’, Govers 52’)
Germany 1 (Miltkau 59’)

Hockey Australia media release



Flying Start Secures FIH Pro League Finals Place For Hockeyroos

Mitch Wynd



The Hockeyroos have secured a place in the 2019 FIH Pro League Final in Amsterdam later this month after a 3-1 victory over Germany in Krefeld on Sunday.

Australia could not have gotten off to a better start, with Jane Claxton scoring twice in the opening three minutes of the match, played in the opponents’ home country of Germany.

Her first was the result of a crash ball in that collected a touch from a German defender and landed in her path for a regulation trap and back foot shot to the opposite corner of the goal.

Less than a minute later, she scored her second from a diving effort to tap the ball in after a long-range aerial ball from midfield caught the hosts off guard.

After the chaotic opening minutes, the hosts settled into the game and started to generate attacks, however an innocuous knee injury to Germany’s Charlotte Stapenhorst brought the match to a halt in the 12th minute.

Australia scored their third goal in the 21st minute after a goalmouth scramble - Emily Chalker looked to have scored, however Germany reviewed believing there was body contact with the ball.

After a lengthy review, the goal stood and Germany were allowed to keep their referral as there was no advice possible from upstairs.

Half time came with Australia holding a comfortable 3-0 lead, and confidence running high.

However, Germany came out of the break with renewed fight - and a green card to Savannah Fitzpatrick gave the hosts the opening they needed.

Hannah Gablac made the most of the numerical advantage and scored immediately to get her team back in the contest.

Australia forced several penalty corners in the third quarter, however they were not able to effectively finish their chances, and went into the final quarter with a two-goal advantage.

The final term started with a brilliant double stop from Jocelyn Bartram, getting down low to stop the initial shot and then following up to deny a possible goal off the rebound.

Germany pushed for a second goal to try and set up a nervous finish for the Australians, but their slow start proved to be costly as the Hockeyroos finished 3-1 winners.

The Hockeyroos’ next match is on Wednesday against Belgium in Antwerp.

Australia 3 (Claxton 2’, Claxton 3’, Chalker 21’)
Germany 1 (Gablac 32’)

Hockey Australia media release



Belgium clinical in win over the Black Sticks Men



A clinical Belgium Men have beaten the Vantage Black Sticks 4-0, the New Zealand side had their chances in the match, however it was the Belgium team that made the most of their opportunities in the match. Belgium dominated the match from the start to finish and had the majority of the attacking play with 15 shots on goal compared to the Black Sticks 6.

Kane Russell commented “Belgium when they get momentum are hard to stop. It was difficult to compete after playing only two days ago against Spain”

Belgium opened the score midway through the first quarter when some sensational passing in the New Zealand attacking third led to an easy touch in for Sebastien Dockier. Belgium continued to apply significant pressure on the New Zealand side as the quarter wore on, the Red Lions passing was looking incredibly slick and they were starving the kiwis of the ball as shown by Belgium holding a 60% to 40% possession advantage in the first quarter.

The Belgium team continued to play at a frenetic pace at the start of the second quarter and were creating several scoring opportunities. Midway through the second quarter Shea McAleese found an open Stephen Jenness on a long pass from deep in the New Zealand half, unfortunately his shot sailed just wide of the goal. As the second quarter wore on the New Zealand side looked more composed and managed to have three circle entries and two shots on goal as they looked to build their way back into the match.

Belgium begun the second half looking clinical on the attacking end of the field. Midway through the third quarter Belgium earned their second penalty corner of the match, the sweep to the goal went just wide of the post keeping the score at 1-0. Late in the third quarter the New Zealand side were unable to clear their defensive zone, Belgium jumped on the turnover and powered the shot into the bottom corner of the goal.

The New Zealand team started the final quarter in a positive fashion earning their second penalty corner of the match, this time Vincent Vanasch pulled off a series of outstanding saves to keep the Black Sticks off the score sheet. Belgium looked to have sealed the result with 5 minutes to go as Thomas Briels powered home the shot after some slick passing, moments later Briels had his second goal of the match when a diving deflection put Belgium up 4-0 in the match.

Vantage Black Sticks Men 0
Belgium Men 4 (Sebastien Dockier 7 min, Maxime Plennevaux 43 min, Thomas Briels 56, 57 min)

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Olivia Merry hat trick seals win for the Black Sticks Women over Belgium



The Black Sticks Women have earned their first win in Europe in the FIH Pro League as they have comfortable beaten the Belgium Women 3-0 in Antwerp. The two sides entered the second half tied at nil all, however an Olivia Merry second half hattrick ensured that the Black Sticks Women would take the three competition points.

Olivia Merry commented after the match “We were able to continue to build on things from the Netherlands and will look to build on this again when we take on Great Britain”

The Black Sticks started the match in a positive fashion and were rewarded with an early penalty corner, the shot from the penalty corner was run down and the score remained 0-0. The first quarter was an even contest between the two sides with the Black Sticks having five circle entries and one shot and Belgium having four circle entries and two shots.

Early in the second quarter the Belgium team started to apply pressure on the New Zealand defence, despite the large amounts of territory and possession the Belgium side was struggling to convert this to scoreboard pressure. Overall Belgium had the majority of possession in the second quarter with 66% of the ball, they weren’t able to translate that into any shots on goal however.

The Vantage Black Sticks were looking to play with some increased speed in the second half of the match. They earned their first penalty corner of the second half when Sam Charlton’s shot came off a Belgium player and into a dangerous position, off the subsequent penalty corner Olivia Merrys shot hit a Belgium foot on the line resulting in a penalty stroke. Merry then calmly stepped up to the spot and converted the stroke. Belgium then stormed down the other end of the field and had some great scoring opportunities, however some insane goal line defence by the Black Sticks denied the Belgium team. Late in the third quarter Olivia Merry had her second goal of the match when her diving deflection in the circle found its way past the Belgium goalkeeper.

The Black Sticks ramped up the pressure on the Belgium defence as the fourth quarter began. With one minute to go in the match Olivia Merry completed her hat trick for the match as she sealed the comfortable win for the New Zealand side. 

Vantage Black Sticks Women 3 (Olivia Merry 36, 44, 59 min)
Belgium Women 0

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks score first win in Europe after Olivia Merry's hat-trick


Black Sticks hat-trick hero Olivia Merry (R) is congratulated by teammate Holly Pearson after netting against Belgium. Jorge Luis Alvarez Pupo

Olivia Merry's hat-trick fired the Black Sticks' women's hockey team to their first win in Europe in the FIH Pro League - but the men suffered another convincing defeat.

Merry took her goals tally to a league-high 14 with her treble in a 3-0 win over Belgium in Antwerp on Sunday (Monday NZ time).

The Black Sticks men - bottom of the table and still searching for their first win - crashed 4-0 to their Belgian opposites.

The day belonged to Merry, who struck three second-half goals.

She has now netted 50 per cent of the Black Sticks' 28 goals.


Olivia Merry fires home a penalty stroke. Jorge Luis Alvarez Pupo

New Zealand and Belgium were deadlocked at 0-0 at halftime before Merry changed the momentum.

The 27-year-old Canterbury forward has scored five goals in her last two games after a set-piece double in a 3-2 loss to the table-topping Netherlands last Friday.

Merry now has a six-goal lead on the tournament top scorers' chart, from Frederique Matla, who has eight goals for the Netherlands.

She claimed her hat-trick against Belgium was "a case of 'right place, right time'".

"We were able to continue to build on things from the Netherlands and will look to build on this again when we take on Great Britain."
 
The first quarter was an even contest with the Black Sticks having five circle entries and one shot and Belgium four circle entries and two shots.


Black Stick Stacey Michelsen controls the ball against Belgium. Jorge Luis Alvarez Pupo

Early in the second quarter Belgium started to apply pressure on the New Zealand defence. They had 66 per cent of the ball, but weren't able to translate that into any shots on goal however.
 
New Zealand earned their first penalty corner of the second half when Sam Charlton's shot came off a Belgium player. Merry's penalty corner shot hit a Belgium foot on the line resulting in a penalty stroke, which she calmly converted.

Desperate goalline defence by the Black Sticks denied the Belgium an equaliser.

Merry scored her second goal when her diving deflection in the circle found its way past the Belgium goalkeeper.
 
With one minute to go in the match Merry completed her hat trick to seal a comfortable win.

The Black Sticks remain in sixth place - on spot behind Belgium - after six wins and nine losses from 15 games.

Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and Argentina have qualified for the women's grand final series.


Simon Gougnard (L) Arthur de Sloover (c) of Belgium and Shea McAleese of New Zealand dispute possession in Antwerp. Jorge Luis Alvarez Pupo

Meanwhile, a clinical Belgium men's team had too much finishing power for the Black Sticks.

New Zealand had their chances, but second-placed Belgium made the most of theirs.

Thomas Briels scored a final-quarter double for Belgium after a seventh-minute strike by Sebastien Dockier and a goal by Maxime Plennevaux in the 43rd minute.

Belgium dominated from start to finish with 15 shots on goal compared to the Black Sticks 6.
 
"Belgium when they get momentum are hard to stop," Black Sticks defender Kane Russell said.

"It was difficult to compete after playing only two days ago against Spain," he said, referring to a 3-2 loss in Madrid on Friday (Saturday NZ time).

Belgium's win booked them a place in the men's grand final series with competition leaders Australia.

The Netherlands and Argentina are poised to join them, although Great Britain - who play the Black Sticks in their final game next Sunday (Monday NZ time) in London - are still technically in contention.

AT A GLANCE

FIH Pro League results on Sunday (Monday NZ time)

Women

Black Sticks 3 (Olivia Merry 3) Belgium 0.

Men

Belgium 4 (Thomas Briels 2, Sebastien Dockier, Maxime Plennevaux) Black Sticks 0.

Stuff



2019 8 Nations Invitational Tournament (U 21) M - Finals
Madrid

Results

16 Jun 2019     GBR v IND (5-6)     2 - 1
16 Jun 2019     BEL v AUS (3-4)     2 - 2 (4 - 3 SO)
16 Jun 2019     NED v AUT (7-8)     11 - 0
16 Jun 2019     ESP v GER (Final)     1 - 2

FIH Match Centre



Indian men’s junior hockey team loses 1-2 to Great Britain

India was looking to finish the tournament on a winning note and grab the fifth place. It went into the game with a positive approach and was intent on holding as much of the possession as possible while maintaining a tight defensive structure.

The Indian men’s junior hockey team lost 1-2 to Great Britain in its 5th-6th place classification match of the eight-nations U-21 invitational tournament on Sunday.

India was looking to finish the tournament on a winning note and grab the 5th place. It went into the game with a positive approach and was intent on holding as much of the possession as possible while maintaining a tight defensive structure.

It was the better side in the earlier exchanges and reaped the reward at the end of the quarter as Maninder Singh finished off a superb move to score the opener in the 15th minute.

Knowing that it held the advantage, India was intent on keeping Great Britain at bay in the second quarter. The side held its line brilliantly while looking to attack on the counter.

But, in the 29th minute, Great Britain had its breakthrough from a Penalty Corner. Daniel West slotted home his drag-flick to drag the side level as the two teams went into half-time at 1-1.

In the first minute of the restart, India found itself at an advantage, with Samuel Hooper earning a green card and leaving Great Britain a player down.

India pressed forward but was unable to convert its advantage into a goal.

In the 37th minute, Great Britain’s Andrew McConnell scored the side's second to give it the lead as it went into the final break.

India ramped up the pressure in the final quarter. Despite a lot of possession and attacking play, its inability to break Great Britain down in the final third cost the side as the match finished 2-1 in favour of Great Britain.

Sportstar



Strathmore Gladiators break hockey league duck

By AYUMBA AYODI


Diana Akinyi (left) of Strathmore Scorpions tussles with Agriphina Misoi of USIU Spartans during their Premier League match at City Park in Nairobi on June 16, 2019. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Former champions Strathmore University Gladiators finally managed their first win of the season when they outlasted Greensharks 4-2 in a pulsating men’s Premier League hockey duel Sunday at City Park Stadium in Nairobi.

Earlier, Strathmore University Scorpions and United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) Spartans battled to a goalless draw in a women’s Premier League fixture at the same venue.

However, Gladiators still remained in the relegation zone having only climbed one place from the bottom of the 10-team table to ninth with four points while Greensharks stayed fifth with nine points.

The previous day, Wazalendo had forced champions Butali Sugar Warriors to a 1-1 draw, a results that still saw the Western Kenya sugar men go one point clear at the top with 13 points.

Wazalendo, who had previous lost to Western Jaguars 2-0, stayed third but with an improved tally of 13 points, similar with Jaguars, who are second with a superior goal difference.

Gladiators skipper Festus Onyango scored in the opening minute from field play as second quarter field goals from Jerry Ogaso (23rd) and Edgar Makete (30th) put Strathmore ahead 3-0 at the break.

Then Chris Wokila’s brace of goals in including a penalty shot in 37th and 39th minute’s brought Greensharks back in the game, training 3-2.

However, Onyango would complete his double a minute to full time to hand Gladiators, the two-time champions three points and their first win in six outings this season.

“We made some tactical switch from what we have been doing and it worked well the first half,” said Gladiators coach Meshak Senge, adding that the victory has given his boys confidence and self-belief.

“The victory it means a lot and it shows we are growing in confidence and have something to build on.”

Senge, who is also handling Scorpions, rued the many missed scoring opportunities. “Sometimes you need luck to win some matches,” said Senge.

Daily Nation



Mark Knowles ready for hockey coaching clinics

Derek Barry


Australian hockey captain Mark Knowles will be in town for the Great Western Games and coaching clinics.

Registrations close on Thursday for the Mount Isa coaching sessions with Olympic gold medal great Mark Knowles.

Knowles will be in town on Friday for the launch of the Glencore Great Western Games at 5.45pm at the hockey grounds. Then on Saturday he hosts one-and-nine coaching clinics.

To register for the clinics and the Mount Isa hockey Great Western Games go to https://entergwg.com and register as an individual competitor and select sport hockey.

Then select your age group for the clinic and make your payment.

On Saturday June 22 the under 8s clinic is on 9-10am, the under 12s 10.30am to 12.30pm and the hockey competition from 1pm.

Then Sunday the U16s clinic is 8.30-10.30am followed by seniors from 11am-1pm, finishing with a free Q&A session at 2.30pm.

Knowles said it would be a fun, interactive and skills-based coaching session.

"Not too hard but plenty of competition against me, yourselves and all your other friends," Knowles said.

The North West Star



Ex-top cop, hockey icon '90 not out'

By Adrian David


Tan Sri P. Alagendra showing the sign of the road named after him at the entrance to Plaza Kajang recently. PIX BY MUHD ZAABA ZAKERIA

KUALA LUMPUR: HE is the last surviving member of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics’ national hockey team.

And he survived at least four assassination attempts at the height of the Emergency (1948-1960) and Communist insurgency (1968-1989).

He eventually became Selangor’s top cop in 1977. He not only has a street named after him, but a hockey tournament too.

These are some of the dazzling chapters in the book of Tan Sri P. Alagendra’s life, who turns 90 on July 23, that he has yet to pen.

The soon-to-be nonagenarian recounted the trying times in his career as a police officer, where he had to be vigilant at all times.

“So much so, my wife bundled my four daughters off to study at a convent in India to ensure their safety,” said Alagendra, fondly referred to as Aly by his close friends.

One of them was the late sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, with whom Alagendra shared a special liaison that lasted seven decades.

LIFE IN THE POLICE FORCE

Alagendra’s career as a crimebuster began soon after he joined the police force on July 1, 1950, as a Probationary Asian Inspector.

“The British administration had created the post to differentiate us from their officers and others, like the police lieutenants in Palestine,” said Alagendra, the third child in a family of four to schoolteacher K. Ponnudurai and housewife K. Tangapakiam.

Alagendra recalled how, as an assistant district police chief in Malacca, he was summoned to accompany British high commissioner and operations director General Sir Gerald Templer and first MCA president Tun Tan Cheng Lock in 1953.

“All three of us sat in a tightly escorted Rolls Royce and headed to Alor Gajah to declare the first ‘White Area’ (cleared of insurgents),” said Alagendra, when met at his home in Taman Titiwangsa here.

Alagendra is the only Malaysian to have won the “Baton of Honour” as the most outstanding student from the Hendon Police College in England in 1963.

He was given a two-week attachment with Sussex police before sailing home on the MS Oranje (later renamed Angelina Lauro), a Dutch passenger liner.

“I felt very much at home during my three-week voyage.

“All the crew were Indonesians, so we could easily communicate in Malay. Furthermore, their food was similar to ours,” he said.

ENCOUNTER WITH CRIMINALS

Alagendra was tasked with heading many special assignments against crime, including nabbing the most-wanted robber Wong Swee Chin aka Botak Chin.

Wong was not bald (botak) and was referred to as Bo Tak Chin because he was unemployed (jobless in Hokkien).

“I remember during one of the many encounters, we had cornered six robbers at a goldsmith shop in Jalan Ipoh.

“Realising they could not escape, the robbers holed themselves up in a bedroom on the first storey of the shophouse.

“They literally sat in a circle, with their loot atop the mattress, and waited for our ambush.

“They simply wanted to die ‘gloriously’, surrounded by the jewellery. They eventually shot each other dead,” he added.

Alagendra also recounted a harrowing attempt on his life as the Police Field Force (now General Operations Force) central brigade commander.

“I had just arrived in my official car for morning duty at the brigade headquarters in Jalan Pekeliling.

“Some of my men had gathered for a quick chat with me at the entrance when suddenly I was alerted by my orderly to an important phone call.

“As I rushed into the office, a hand grenade was tossed into our compound from outside the fence (by a hidden communist terrorist). I escaped in the nick of time, but five of my men were killed,” he said.

BONDS WITH LUMINARIES

Alagendra’s friendship with the late Sultan Azlan Shah began at Ipoh Padang in Perak during a friendly hockey match.

Alagendra, who was studying at King George V secondary school in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, was one of three students selected to play for the state against Perak.

Sultan Azlan Shah, then studying at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar, was playing with the host team.

He said just before bully-off, a very stylish opposing centre-forward approached him with an extended hand, saying: “Hi, I am Lan.”

Alagendra responded by shaking his opponent’s hand and said: “I am Aly.”

”Only much later I learnt who he was and it was the start of a very long friendship which I cherished,” he said.

Alagendra also shared great moments with the late Sultan of Selangor Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, the country’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman and current Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He revealed that Sultan Salahuddin had a personal liking for him when he was the state police chief, and often invited him to all his official functions.

He added that he also shared a special bond with Tunku.

One day, Alagendra said Tunku had asked him if he could accompany him somewhere, and he immediately replied in the affirmative.


Tan Sri P. Alagendra in ‘Aly’s Gallery’, which contains his police and sports paraphernalia.

Alagendra said Tunku then ticked him off by saying: “I have not even told you where and you have already said ‘yes’!”

It turned out that Tunku had wanted him as a personal escort to the 1966 World Cup in London.

FOND OF HIS DRIVER

Alagendra also shared a close relationship with his personal driver, who, during breakfast one day, confided that he was very happy working for the former.

“He told me that not only I was concerned about his welfare, but I also did not hammer his head with my commander’s baton if I did not like his driving — unlike what his previous bosses did!” Alagendra chuckled.

He said he was proud to see his driver’s son graduate as a doctor, who now runs Kajang Plaza Medical Centre with his wife.

LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT

Looking back, Alagendra, who retired as a deputy commissioner on July 23, 1984, said he had enjoyed a colourful life for almost nine decades.

“I have always wanted to record my experiences in a book, but just haven’t put the thoughts into action.”

After retiring as the Selangor police chief, Alagendra continued to be a hockey official until the death of Sultan Azlan Shah in 2005.

“I figured that the time had come for me to take a back seat, especially so without the able leadership of his majesty.

“Also, there were many younger and capable officials with newer ideas,” said Alagendra, who still finds the energy to pop into his office in Jalan Sultan Ismail here.

Alagendra shares an office with his wife, prominent criminal lawyer Puan Sri N. Saraswathy Devi, and their daughters, Raja Rajesvari, Anna Poorani and Venkateswari, who are also all lawyers.

His youngest daughter, Datuk Shyamala Devi, serves as a defence lawyer at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, and is based with the United Nations in Kenya.

To commemorate his legacy, Alagendra has set up a personal museum at the 36-unit Kajang Plaza shophouses in Jalan Dato’ Seri P. Alagendra, a street named after him in his hometown of Kajang, Selangor.

Named “Aly’s Gallery”, it showcases his police and sports paraphernalia.

ALY’S HOCKEY WORLD

Alagendra was thankful to former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Sir Claude Harry Fenner for firmly supporting his hockey dreams.

He eventually made it to Malaya’s team for his inaugural appearance in the Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, in 1956.

“But the icing on the cake came when I was chosen by Dr Mahathir during his first premiership as chef-de-mission of the Malaysian contingent to the 2000 Sydney Olympics in Australia.

“That was 44 years after I first represented Malaysia as a sportsman in the same host country (the 1956 Melbourne Olympics),” said Alagendra.

New Straits Times



Running world class events requires world class volunteers



The FIH Pro League launched in early 2019 and was designed to be a revolutionary league that would take international hockey to the next level. The global competition would see nine of the top Women’s Hockey Nations and eight of the top Men’s Hockey Nations from around the world take part in a home and away league.

New Zealand were one of the earliest hosts for the Pro League matches and the league went to Christchurch and North Harbour to host the Black Sticks home matches for the 2019 competition. While this event was hugely successful it couldn’t have happened without the help of our wonderful volunteers. In total Hockey New Zealand had 148 volunteers throughout the FIH Pro League. This was made up of 43 at Christchurch and 105 at North Harbour. These people took on a range of tasks from parking coordinators to seat ushers to team liaisons. These incredible people allowed the FIH Pro League New Zealand presented by Sentinel Homes to become a World Class event. Volunteers like this over the years have helped to increase the average number of spectators attending international hockey matches in New Zealand from 400 spectators to over 2,300 for the FIH Pro League.

Hockey New Zealand Events Manager Richard Palmer said of the volunteer help “Volunteers are vital to the success of events such as Pro League. They provide manpower for parking, ticket checking and scanning, gate control, ushering, dugout duties, activation assistance, team liaison and in other areas as required. More importantly they are the face of an event and the first point of contact for the teams and the public. The manner in which our volunteers interface with people is friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and caring and enhances the event experience of all who attend. Some of the tasks they undertake involve spending significant amounts of time standing or sitting in the same place and this is done willingly and effectively.

Without volunteers of this calibre it would be more difficult to run large events and would lack the genuine feelings outlined above amongst other things”.

Rod Templeton from Canterbury Hockey understands the important role that volunteers play in the running of an Association and big events like the FIH Pro League. “Without quality volunteers we cannot deliver our sport. Volunteers give up their time which often comes at the expense of their work and family demands. Volunteers in our community get stuck in with our clubs and schools as well as on our advisory committees, our governance and representative programs.

For us to be able to bring international hockey back to Christchurch and deliver a World Class Event on our brand new World Class Facility at Ngā Puna Wai, was only possible because of our team of volunteers. They approached their duties with a sense of fun as well as responsibility resulting in a great experience for everyone.”

Hockey New Zealand Media release

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