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News for 20 June 2019

All the news for Thursday 20 June 2019


FIH Men's Series Finals Le Touquet-Paris Plage 2019 - Day 6
Le Touquet (FRA)

Fixtures (GMT +2)

20 Jun 2019 15:30     SCO v CHI (QF)
20 Jun 2019 18:00     KOR v EGY (QF)

FIH Match Centre



FIH Women's Series Finals Hiroshima 2019 - Day 6
Hiroshima (JPN)

Fixtures (GMT +9)

20 Jun 2019     POL v JPN (QF)     0 - 5
20 Jun 2019     CHI v URU (QF)     5 - 2

FIH Match Centre



FIH Women's Series Finals Valencia 2019 - Day 2
Valencia (ESP)

Results and Fixtures (GMT +2)

19 Jun 2019     BLR v NAM (Pool A)     7 - 0
19 Jun 2019     ITA v THA (Pool B)         7 - 0
19 Jun 2019     RSA v WAL (Pool B)     2 - 2
19 Jun 2019     ESP v CAN (Pool A)     1 - 1

20 Jun 2019 17:00     WAL v THA (Pool B)
20 Jun 2019 19:00     ITA v RSA (Pool B)

Pool standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Belarus 1 1 0 0 7 0 7 3
2 Canada 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
2 Spain 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
4 Namibia 1 0 0 1 0 7 -7 0

Pool B

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Italy 1 1 0 0 7 0 7 3
2 South Africa 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
2 Wales 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
4 Thailand 1 0 0 1 0 7 -7 0

FIH Match Centre



Supergroup South Africa open Spanish Series Final with draw


PICTURES - FHCV

The South African women started their FIH Hockey Series Final with a stutter as they drew 2-2 with Wales in their opening pool game. The South Africans, featuring four new caps, started the game somewhat apprehensively, while the Welsh, who can’t qualify for the Olympics due to England being selected as Great Britain’s qualifying applicant, started a little more positively.

The first quarter was a typical opening quarter of a tournament as both teams were tentative in their approach and created few chances and circle entries. It was hardly surprising that the score was 0-0 at the end of the quarter.

The game exploded into life in the second quarter as Wales raised the tempo and won a penalty corner which Sian French unceremoniously slapped into the bottom left corner, leaving an unsighted Phumi Mbande with no chance. Supergroup South Africa were stunned and frustrated as they dominated the possession for the remainder of the half with little to show for their efforts.

What will please Robin van Ginkel and his coaching staff is the third quarter performance. Supergroup South Africa came out from the break with a renewed vigour and determination and after creating three penalty corners Lilian du Plessis fired in a superb drag flick to level the score. South Africa with the bit between the teeth pushed for the go-ahead goal which duly arrived later in the quarter. South Africa won another penalty corner and Lisa Deetlefs slap was brilliantly diverted in by Quanita Bobbs.

What will disappoint van Ginkel was the team not finishing off the victory from there as they allowed Wales back into the game in a dominant quarter for the Europeans. They levelled from a slip penalty corner variation and a Leah Wilkinson slap.

That was the last of the goal scoring as both teams repelled any last chances for their oppositions and ultimately settled for one point in their Pool B opener, sharing second spot behind Italy who beat Thailand 7-0 in the other pool game.

South Africa next take on the Italians tomorrow night at 19:00 with the game streamed live on FIH.Live.

South Africa 2 (du Plessis 33’ & Bobbs 41’)
Wales 2 (French 19’ & Wilkinson 49’)

SA Hockey Association media release



Leah Wilkinson rescues draw for Wales


Sian French scored Wales' first goal against South Africa

Wales began their FIH Women's Series Finals campaign with a draw against South Africa in Valencia, Spain.

Sian French gave Wales the lead, only for South Africa to hit back through Lilian de Plessis and Quanita Bobbs.

But Wales' record cap-holder Leah Wilkinson equalised with 11 minutes remaining to rescue a point.

Wales' other Pool B opponents are Thailand, who they play on Thursday, 20 June (16:00 BST) and Italy, with that match on Saturday 22 June (12:00 BST).

Hosts Spain, Belarus, Canada and Namibia make up Pool A.

The pool games will be followed by crossover games between the second and third-placed teams.

The winners of those matches will advance to the semi-finals, while the pool winners qualify directly for the semi-finals.

Fourth-placed teams in each pool will contest the seventh-place play-off.

The event is a pathway to qualification for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

While they cannot qualify because England are the nominated country for Great Britain's Olympic pathway, Wales are seeking to gain world ranking points.

BBC Sport



Canada draw first game against Spain


Natalie Sourisseau gets away from Carlota Petchame of Spain. Photo: Yan Huckendubler

Canada’s first test at the 2019 FIH Series Finals was a big one: taking on the hosts, world number-7, Spain. It wasn’t the start Canada had hoped for as Spain showed their energy right off the push back by blasting a long ball into the circle, collected and finished nicely by Carola Salvatella. Canada responded well by controlling the ball and making scattered forays into the Spanish zone.

With five minutes remaining in the first quarter, Brie Stairs collected the ball outside the circle, dashed into the area and smashed a beautiful backhand shot past the Spanish keeper. With the goal, Stairs now has 90 international goals in her career. She is already the most prolific goal scorer in Canadian history and added to her total today.

“We got off to a bit of a slow start but I thought we responded really well,” said Stairs. “For me, it’s always nice to contribute, whether it’s earning a PC, scoring, getting an assist. Especially nice in a major competition against a good team like Spain.”

Canada came out firing in the second half, threatening with early chances but couldn’t break the deadlock. Spain attempted long passes attempting to breach Canada’s defense several times during the first and second half, but Canada defended well and largely kept the ball in the Spanish half. Canada dominated the possession in the third and fourth quarters, but the Spanish defense held strong. Despite a flurry of late chances from the Canadians, the game finished as a 1-1 tie.

“I thought we controlled and played really well in the second half, it’s too bad we couldn’t finish any of our chances in the second half,” Stairs said. “Even though we didn’t get the result we wanted, we still got a point and now it’s about getting prepared for our next game and keep working towards our goal.”

Field Hockey Canada media release



Canadian women's field hockey team ties favoured Spain in tourney opener


Elise Wong steals the ball from Lucia Jimenez. Photo: Yan Huckendubler

VALENCIA, Spain — The Canadian women's field hockey team tied host Spain 1-1 in the opener for both teams on Wednesday at the FIH Hockey Series Finals.

Brienne Stairs of Kitchener, Ont., tied the game for Canada, ranked 21st in the world.

Carola Salvatella opened the scoring for world No. 7 Spain just 41 seconds into the game.

"We have been building for this for the past six months so we were a little shaky at the start and Spain were able to capitalize straight away," Canada’s captain Kate Wright told the event website. "But this group is constantly re-setting and rallying to get the ball and we were able to start again and go forward.

"We got a lot more comfortable and in the final quarter, I thought we outplayed Spain. We made ample opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net."

Stairs just missed a chance to win it in the dying seconds when her shot flew over the bar.

Canada is aiming for a top-two finish at the eight-country tournament.

That will lead to a playoff later this year, almost certainly in hostile territory, with Olympic qualification on the line.

Canada's women have sat out the last six Olympics, last competing in 1992 when they finished seventh in Barcelona.

Canada, ranked 21st in the world, is in Pool A at the FIH Hockey Series with Spain, No. 20 Belarus and No. 42 Namibia.

Canada returns to action Friday against Namibia.

The loss of Own The Podium funding plus Field Hockey Canada's financial problems meant that the Canadian women had to turn to a crowdfunding campaign to get to Spain. The fundraising produced some $81,000.

A private donor paid for the team's week-long camp in Victoria ahead of the Spain tournament.

The Times Colonist



2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - 20 June

19 Jun 2019   NED v ARG (RR)     2 - 2 (Shoot out  2/4  - 4/ 5)    SV Kampong, Utrech
19 Jun 2019    BEL v AUS (RR)     0 - 2    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 13 9 0 2 2 36 25 11 29 74.4
2 Belgium 13 7 1 2 3 48 28 20 25 64.1
3 Netherlands 13 5 3 2 3 36 28 8 23 59.0
4 Argentina* 13 6 1 1 4 30 32 -2 22 56.4
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) - 20 June

19 Jun 2019     BEL v AUS (RR)     1 - 0     Wilrijkse Plein Antwerp, Antwerp
20 Jun 2019 19:30 (GMT +2)    NED v ARG (RR)     SV Kampong, Utrecht

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 15 9 1 1 4 34 20 14 30 66.7
4 Germany 15 8 0 2 5 31 22 9 26 57.8
5 Belgium 15 6 1 1 7 20 25 -5 21 46.7
6 New Zealand 15 6 0 0 9 28 29 -1 18 40.0
7 China 16 4 0 2 10 27 40 -13 14 29.2
8 Great Britain 15 2 2 1 10 19 36 -17 11 24.4
9 United States 15 1 1 2 11 13 44 -31 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



Belgium women beat Hockeyroos; Belgium men fall to Australia, Netherlands men reach FIH Pro League Grand Final



The top four teams in the men’s FIH Pro League all went head to head on Wednesday (19 June), with Australia triumphing against world champions Belgium and the Netherlands claiming a point against Argentina to book their ticket to the FIH Pro League Grand Final, which takes place next week in Amsterdam.

Blake Govers scored twice as the Kookaburras defeated the Red Lions 2-0 in Antwerp, a result which seals Australia’s place at the top of the standings even before they play their final ‘league’ match against the Netherlands on Saturday. At the Grand Final event, Australia will face the team that finishes the league phase in fourth position, which will be determined in the coming days.

The Netherlands came into their match against Argentina knowing a point would be enough to seal a top four finish and subsequently booked their ticket to the Grand Finals. A 2-2 draw in regular time did the job, but the bonus point that fourth placed Argentina picked up by winning the shoot-out also came with significance, leaving Los Leones needing one point from this Sunday’s meeting with Belgium to reach the Amsterdam showpiece. A loss would open the door for Great Britain, who need to beat New Zealand in their clash on Sunday and hope that the goal-difference has swung in their favour.

In the women’s competition, Belgium ended a five match losing streak be recording a 1-0 victory over FIH Pro League Grand Final qualifiers Australia, with Ambre Ballenghein’s fourth quarter penalty corner proving the difference between the two sides. The Red Panthers’ victory in Antwerp means that the lowest ranked team in the competition have sealed a remarkable double FIH Pro League success over the Hockeyroos, adding to their 2-1 win in Melbourne earlier this year.



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


The double-header between the national teams of Belgium and Australia began with the women’s teams taking to the field. Australia’s Hockeyroos (FIH World Ranking: 3) came into the contest on a four-match winning streak and safe in the knowledge that their place in the FIH Pro League Grand Final was already assured. However, it was Belgium’s Red Panthers (WR:13) who were arguably the better side in the first half, and certainly looked the more threatening as Hockeyroos goalkeepers Jocelyn Bartram and Rachael Lynch - the latter coming on at the start of the second quarter for her 208th international appearance, making her the highest capped Hockeyroos goalkeeper of all time - were both called into action. Belgium goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghe made a good save to deny Savannah Fitzpatrick in the first period before Australia had a goal ruled out in the second quarter as there was no attacking touch in the scoring circle, with the teams going into half time with the scores locked at 0-0.

Australia’s Bartram made a fine save to deny Louise Versavel in the third quarter, while Renee Taylor firing wide for the Hockeyroos ahead of an entertaining final quarter that was largely dominated by the visitors but did not go their way. Australia saw two penalty corner chances go begging before Belgium scored against the run of play through their only penalty corner of the game, with Ambre Ballenghein guiding her deflection inside the right post. Rachael Lynch was removed in the final stages as Australia ramped up the pressure to eventually win a penalty corner with just 13 seconds of the match remaining, but Belgium’s defence held firm to finally end a five match losing streak whilst also sealing an impressive FIH Pro League double over a team ranked third in the world.

“I think they are a very skilful team and I don’t think we started as well as we would have hoped for”, said Australia’s Savannah Fitzpatrick. “They took their chances where we didn’t, so it is a bit disappointing to have that loss going into the Finals. I don’t think it will affect our confidence [for the FIH Pro League Grand Final], we’ll go back and look at the video to see how we can improve and move forward before our next game against the Dutch [on Sunday].”

Belgium captain and Player of the Match Barbara Nelen said: “I think we defended really well today, we fought until the end. We get the [penalty] corner, we take it and win the game so it is an amazing feeling. We had a lot of stressful moments, but we did it and it’s most important that we got the three points. I’m very proud of this team. It was really difficult, the last games, but now we have won again so it is good feeling.”

With the two highest ranked teams in the world in action, the men’s meeting between world champions Belgium (WR:1) and FIH Pro League table-toppers Australia (WR:2) was always likely to be a fascinating encounter, and so it proved to be. The visiting Australians - beaten 4-1 by Belgium in the reverse fixture in Melbourne earlier this year - applied some serious pressure on the Belgian goal in the first period, with Red Lions goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch producing two sensational stick saves from penalty corner situations to deny Kookaburras attacker Blake Govers. The hosts almost took the lead against the run of play when Tanguy Cosyns seemed certain to score from close range, only for Australia goalkeeper Andrew Charter to make a superb reaction save to keep the scores level.

Australia took the lead in the second period thanks to a well worked open play goal from Govers, who escaped his marker to score from close range after slick interchange of passes down the right between Trent Mitton and Josh Simmonds. That lead was almost doubled when Jeremy Hayward rattled the post from a penalty corner before Tim Brand forced Vanasch into another brilliant block after a mistake from Belgian defender Gauthier Boccard.

Belgium forced their opponents onto the back foot for large periods of the third quarter but could not find a way past the inspired Charter, who made some wonderful saves before Cosyns was denied was again thanks to a perfectly timed challenge from Simmonds.

A rain-affected fourth quarter saw chances at both ends before Belgium replaced Vanasch with an outfield player in a bid to salvage the contest. However, it was the Australians who capitalised when Govers tapped into an open goal after solid work from Daniel Beale and Brand, giving the Kookaburras a 2-0 away victory over the world champions.

Australia’s Joshua Simmonds, who was named Player of the Match, said: “We’ve had a big training week here, putting a lot of emphasis on this game, so it’s just reward for our effort. Big game, big night so very happy.”

Belgium’s Felix Denayer, who made his 300th appearance for the Red Lions, said: “Like always, Australia started very fast. They got one up, we got some chances to get back into the game and then we got the rain pouring out of the sky. We battled until the end, but I think it was a deserved win for them.”

Netherlands v Argentina (men) - SV Kampong, Utrecht (NED)

The rain that proved a disruptive force in the Antwerp also caused problems across the border in the Netherlands, as a heavy downpour forced the start of the men’s FIH Pro League meeting between third-placed Netherlands (WR:3) and fourth-placed Argentina (WR:4) to be delayed by over 90 minutes. That did not stop a huge crowd packing into SV Kampong for an exciting encounter that had huge implications for two teams both needing points in the race to qualify for the FIH Pro League Grand Final.

Following a scoreless opening quarter, the Netherlands opened the scoring thanks to a striker’s goal from Mirco Pruijser, who guided his first-time deflection inside the left post. It was a lead that lasted just six minutes, with Leandro Tolini scoring his third goal in two games with a superb penalty corner drag-flick into the bottom left corner of the Netherlands net.

Pruijser stuck again in the third quarter, re-establishing the Dutch lead when he fired past Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi after a perfect assist from Bjorn Kellerman. However, Los Leones were not done, and tied the match at 2-2 when Agustin Mazzilli brilliantly touched home a defence-splitting pass Argentina captain Pedro Ibarra, a goal that was confirmed after a check with the video umpire.

The 2-2 draw saw both teams take a point from the contest, something that in itself was good enough for the Netherlands to be absolutely certain of a place in the FIH Pro League Grand Final. However, the shoot-out for the bonus point went the way of Argentina, with Vivaldi making denying Jonas de Geus and Seve van Ass before Ignacio Ortiz gave the visitors what could be a hugely valuable bonus point in their own race for a top four berth.

Speaking after the match, Argentina star Lucas Vila said: “It was difficult to start after an hour waiting for the rain to stop, but I think that the team played a really good first half. We were always in the game, in the second half also. We kept it intense and we had more chances than them, so I think we deserved a bit more. It is important that we collect [as many] points as we can, and I think we need one more, but it was very good to win two points, also for our confidence, to win a shoot-out is good for the team.”

The FIH Pro League continues on Thursday 20th June as the top two teams in the women’s standings go head to head in Utrecht, with the Netherlands welcoming Argentina to SV Kampong.

FIH Pro League - 19 June 2019


Wilrijkse Plein, Antwerp (BEL)


Result: Women’s Match 67
Belgium 1, Australia 0

Player of the Match:
Barbara Nelen (BEL)
Umpires: Alison Keogh (IRL), Michelle Meister (GER) and Bruce Bale (ENG - video)


Result: Men’s Match 53

Belgium 0, Australia 2

Player of the Match: Joshua Simmonds (AUS)
Umpires: Bruce Bale (ENG), Javed Shaikh (IND) and Michelle Meister (GER - video)



SV Kampong, Utrecht (NED)

Result: Men’s Match 52

Netherlands 2, Argentina 2 (2-4 after shoot-out)

Player of the Match: Ignacio Ortiz (ARG)
Umpires: Francisco Vazquez (ESP), Ben Goentgen (GER) and Laurine Delforge (BEL - video)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



Kookaburras Claim Gutsy Win Over No. 1 Belgium

Mitch Wynd



The Kookaburras battled through awful weather late in the game to secure a 2-0 win over world number one Belgium, and cement a first-place finish on the FIH Pro League standings.

A double for Blake Govers won the match that in the early stages was dominated by the two goalkeepers at each end.

Australia got off to an attacking start, and a series of early penalty corners put Belgium on the defensive.

Some athletic saves from Vincent Vanasch denied Blake Govers twice from the penalty corner, getting down very low to his right.

Not to be outdone, Andrew Charter made an incredible save to prevent an almost certain Belgian goal - the cross was set up perfectly for the forward, Charter anticipated the shot beautifully.

The attacking momentum finally paid off for Australia with some brilliant buildup play allowing Blake Govers to score once again.

Another pair of penalty corners forced another save from Vanasch - and a scorching Jeremy Hayward flick had the keeper beaten but not the left post.

After the half time break, Australia continued to attack, comfortably dominating the circle entries (25-7) and shots (7-2).

Belgium were able to win a number of penalty corners, however Australia’s desperate defending frustrated the Belgian forwards who found themselves in dangerous positions but unable to get the equaliser.

Shortly into the final quarter, the rain that had been threatening all night finally made an appearance. A torrential downpour forced the umpires to put a halt to the match.

After a 15-minute delay, the match resumed despite the conditions hardly improving a great deal. Lightning was even visible to the amazement of the crowd.

Both teams found the slippery conditions to be very tricky, but were determined to play out the match in any case.

Belgium unsuccessfully challenged for a penalty corner in the dying minutes, and on the counterattack it was Govers who scored again after Belgium removed their goalkeeper.

The win confirms a top spot finish for the Kookaburras, ahead of their final home-and-away match against the Netherlands on Saturday.

Australia 2 (Govers 19’, 60’)
Belgium 0

Hockey Australia media release



Late Goal Ends Hockeyroos’ Winning Run

Mitch Wynd



A 54th minute goal to Ambre Ballenghein has given the Hockeyroos their first defeat of the European leg in Antwerp.

In Savannah Fitzpatrick’s 50th appearance, it was a match for defenders as neither team was really able to take a hold of the contest one way or the other.

The first quarter saw Australia force Belgium into holding possession in the corner at times, with the major moment being Jocelyn Bartram’s goal-line clearance after the ball had taken a deflection between her legs.

Belgium went on the front foot in the second quarter, making a series of attacks that were well repelled by the Australian defenders - and Rachael Lynch made an impressive double save in her record 208th appearance for an Australian goalkeeper.

Australia looked to have scored in the 22nd minute, however after a lengthy umpire’s referral which originally saw the goal stand, it was determined that there had been no attacking touch from Australia inside the circle.

Belgium continued to build chances as the second half started, with a shot across goal from Sophie Limauge very nearly falling directly in the path of Louise Versavel with an empty net in front of her.

Both defences continued to hold firm, and Australia looked to make use of a referral to maybe force a penalty corner. The referral was unsuccessful, and the deadlock continued into three-quarter time.

Australia went on the attack in the final quarter, winning a series of penalty corners but failing to score from any of them.

The hosts then won their first penalty corner of the match, and after the initial shot was made, Ambre Ballenghein found space and deflected the ball in for a 54th minute goal.

Australia then decided to roll the dice by bringing Lynch off and playing with 11 outfielders, and some desperate tackles prevented Belgium from walking in a second goal.

Australia play their final home-and-away match against the Netherlands on Sunday in Amstelveen.

Australia 0
Belgium 1 (Ballenghein 54’)

Hockey Australia media release



Hinch, Smith and Hoare back for historic Stoop matches


Maddie Hinch of Great Britain

Maddie Hinch, Mikey Hoare and Rhys Smith have returned to the Great Britain team for this Sunday's historic games against Great Britain at the Twickenham Stoop.

Three-time FIH World Goalkeeper of the Year Hinch is set to play her third game in the FIH Pro League, and replaces Amy Tennant in the 18-strong team.

For the men, Wimbledon's experienced defender Mikey Hoare returns in place of Ollie Willars, while exciting youngster Rhys Smith is recalled with David Condon missing out. Chris Grassick and Ashley Jackson retain their places, having returned from lengthy absences in our last game. Danny Kerry's side will still be aiming for a top four finish and a place in the Grand Final going into the final weekend's play.

With almost 11,000 tickets already sold, these matches will be the biggest games of hockey on these shores since the London 2012 Olympics. Tickets remain on sale from only £11.50 Under 18s and £34 adults.

The revolutionary pitch technology is now in place and the teams will train on the surface this week.

Timings
Sun 23 June, Twickenham Stoop
Great Britain men vs New Zealand 2pm
Great Britain women vs New Zealand 4:30pm

Men's squad:
David Ames (Holcombe) (ENG)
Brendan Creed (Surbiton) (ENG)
Adam Dixon (Beeston) (ENG) (C)
Alan Forsyth (Surbiton) (SCO)
James Gall (Surbiton) (ENG)
Harry Gibson (Surbiton) (ENG) (GK)
Chris Grassick (Surbiton) (SCO)
Chris Griffiths (East Grinstead) (ENG)
Mikey Hoare (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Ashley Jackson (Old Georgians) (ENG)
Harry Martin (Hampstead & Westminster) (ENG)
George Pinner (Old Georgians) (ENG) (GK)
Phil Roper (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Ian Sloan (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Rhys Smith (East Grinstead) (ENG)
Tom Sorsby (Surbiton) (ENG)
Zach Wallace (Surbiton) (ENG)
Jack Waller (Wimbledon) (ENG)

Women's squad:
Giselle Ansley (Surbiton) (ENG)
Grace Balsdon (Canterbury) (ENG)
Esme Burge (University of Nottingham) (ENG)
Sarah Evans (Surbiton) (ENG)
Sabbie Heesh (Surbiton) (ENG) (GK)
Maddie Hinch (SCHC) (ENG) (GK)
Tess Howard (Durham University) (ENG)
Jo Hunter (Surbiton) (ENG)
Sarah Jones (Holcombe) (WAL)
Hannah Martin (Surbiton) (ENG)
Lizzie Neal (Loughborough Students) (ENG)
Lily Owsley (University of Birmingham) (ENG)
Hollie Pearne-Webb (Surbiton) (ENG) (C)
Izzy Petter (Surbiton) (ENG)
Sarah Robertson (Hampstead & Westminster) (SCO)
Anna Toman (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Susannah Townsend (Canterbury) (ENG)
Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead) (ENG)

Permutations
The men's team remain in with a chance of making the Grand Final of the FIH Pro League by finishing in the top four. The simplest route to qualification is for us to win our final game, and for either Argentina to take no more than two points from their final two games or for the Netherlands to lose both their last two.
Games in the FIH Pro League must end with a winner, so if a game is drawn in normal time, a shootout will follow.

Tickets
Seats remain on sale now, as follows:
Category A (limited availability): Adult £45, Under 18 £15
Category B: Adult: £34, Under 18 £11.50
Please note that a ticket includes entry to both the men's and women's games.

Premium Experiences
We have one remaining hospitality box - contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

Matchday
We have complete matchday and travel info available here; please take particular note of key train information.

TV coverage
Both matches are live on BT Sport.

Great Britain Hockey media release



Great Britain women ready to finish on high at The Stoop

By The Hockey Paper


Kelly Jonker’s late goal denied Great Britain PIC:WORLDSPORTPICS

Defender Giselle Ansley says New Zealand are in for a rough ride at Twickenham Stoop after GB women’s cruel defeat to the Dutch.

Ansley flicked a wonderful penalty corner strike, only to be denied by the video umpire with the ball failing to go fully over the circle as Holland won with a late goal.

“I think that’s the best flick I’ve ever done, hence the most embarrassing celebration, even more embarrassing by the fact it was disallowed,” said Ansley.

Great Britain put in one of their best Pro League performances under coach Mark Hager – you could say both Dutch matches, including their 2-0 away defeat, have showcased their best – ahead of their final Pro League match on Sunday.

Ansley added: “We are improving and that’s absolutely vital for what’s coming up for the rest of the summer. New Zealand are going to get it I think!”

“We’ve not had the results we’ve wanted in this Pro League and our performances haven’t been good enough.

“We showed to ourselves more than anything that it is then there and we have a long way to go.”

The Stoop match will be Great Britain’s last home encounter of the summer before they revert to England ahead of the EuroHockey Championships in August.

Subscribe to The Hockey Paper to stay in touch with our unrivalled coverage over the summer.

Don’t miss our Stoop review! Subscribe by June 24 to receive your copy!

The Hockey Paper




Hockey India sacks Jude Felix

Advertises for new junior men’s hockey coach


Jude Felix. Photo Credit: TH

Hockey India on Wednesday sacked the junior men’s hockey team coach Jude Felix after the National side finished a disappointing sixth in the just-concluded eight-nation tournament in Madrid.

The development came to light after HI advertised for the position on its official website on Wednesday.

A source in HI said the decision to remove Jude was on expected lines following a series of below-par performances by the reigning junior world champions.

“It was expected, especially after India’s below-par performance in the recent eight-nation tournament in Madrid,” the HI source told PTI.

In that tournament earlier this month, the Indian colts lost 0-4 to Australia, 2-3 to Netherlands, 1-3 to Spain and 1-2 to Great Britain. India’s only win in the event was against Austria (4-2).

Jude, who took over the reins in August 2017, confirmed the development. “Yes, I am no longer the coach of the junior team. I was conveyed the decision 2-3 days via an email,” he said.

According to the advertisement published by HI on its website, the new coach will be given a contract till December 31, 2021 i.e. till the Junior World Cup, subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probation period. The last date for the submission of applications is July 5.

Our Special Correspondent adds from Bengaluru:

Felix felt the Indian team had come a long way during his tenure, a period in which the side also won a silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games.

“The team has improved a lot in the last two years,” he said. “I was 100% sure we were going to win the Junior World Cup (in 2020). But I was never sure of my own position; I was just working from camp to camp.

“The teams that we played (in Madrid) all fielded a lot of older players who won’t be featuring in the Junior World Cup, whereas we had the same bunch that we intended to take to the tournament next year.”

The Hindu



Tracey Fuchs to be Inducted in National High School Hall of Fame



INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - June 19, 2019 - Tracey Fuchs, one of the top field hockey players at all levels in the United States in the past 40 years, is among 12 individuals who will be inducted in the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) National High School Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 30 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Ind. The 37th Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on the third day of the 100th annual NFHS Summer Meeting.

Fuchs is the first field hockey athlete to be inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame. She set season (82) and career (171) records for goals scored at Centereach (New York) High School in the early 1980s and is still second and third, respectively, in the NFHS’ National High School Sports Record Book 35 years later.

Fuchs, who helped Centereach claim the 1983 New York State Public High School Athletic Association state title, scored a goal in a national-record 51 consecutive games. She scored 3.3 goals per game in one season and 1.92 goals per game for her entire career. Fuchs honed her skills on Long Island by competing in street hockey games against boys as well as her three sisters who also played the sport.

At Centereach High School, Fuchs played for the late Coach Nancy Cole, one of the leading field hockey coaches in the nation who was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame in 2006.

While Fuchs was undoubtedly one of the top field hockey players in the country when she graduated from Centereach in 1984, by the time her active playing days concluded almost 20 years later, she was referred to as the “Michael Jordan of Field Hockey.”

At the University of Connecticut, Fuchs was a three-time All-American and helped the Huskies to the 1985 NCAA Field Hockey Championship. She was named Player of the Year, broke seven school scoring records and was presented the Honda Broderick Award as the best player in the nation.

As amazing as her performances were in Centereach and Storrs, the best was yet to come. Fuchs was selected to the U.S. Women's National Team at the age of 20 and became an icon in the sport as a 17-year member of the national squad, including 14 years as captain.

Fuchs participated in four World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002) and helped the United States to the bronze medal in 1994. She was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1988 and 1996, and she played in five Pan American Games with four silver medals and one bronze medal. Fuchs was selected Player of the Year two times and played in more international matches (268) than any player in USA Field Hockey history.

Since her playing days concluded, Fuchs has directed her energies to coaching and has enjoyed equal success. Fuchs coached the Junior U.S. Women's National Team and was a member of the coaching staff for the 2006 World Cup in Madrid. From 1996 to 2008, Fuchs was an assistant coach at the University of Michigan, helping the Wolverines to four Big Ten Conference titles and one NCAA championship.

Fuchs was named head field hockey coach at Northwestern University in 2009 and has revitalized the program at the Evanston, Ill., school the past 10 years. She led her team to the 2013 Big Ten Conference title, 2014 Big Ten Conference Tournament championship and NCAA Elite Eight in 2017.

The National High School Hall of Fame was started in 1982 by the NFHS to honor high school athletes, coaches, contest officials, administrators, fine arts coaches/directors and others for their extraordinary achievements and accomplishments in high school sports and activity programs. This year’s class increases the number in the Hall of Fame to 482.

The 12 individuals were chosen after a two-level selection process involving a screening committee composed of active high school state association administrators, coaches and officials, and a final selection committee composed of coaches, former athletes, state association officials, media representatives and education leaders. Nominations were made through NFHS member associations.

Other inductees in the 2019 class:

ATHLETES: Derrick Brooks, football, Pensacola (Florida) Washington High School; Dusty Baker, football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, Sacramento (California) Del Campo High School; Damon Bailey, basketball, Bedford (Indiana) North Lawrence High School; and Seimone Augustus, basketball, Baton Rouge (Louisiana) Capitol High School.

COACHES: D.W. Rutledge, football, Converse (Texas) Judson High School; Jerry Boatner, baseball, Collinsville (Mississippi) West Lauderdale High School; and Joe Gilbert, multi-sport coach, Barnsdall (Oklahoma) High School.

ADMINISTRATORS: Bob Gardner, executive director, National Federation of State High School Associations, Indianapolis, Indiana; and Charles W. Whitten (D), chief executive officer, National Federation of State High School Associations, Chicago, Illinois.

OFFICIAL: Ralph Stout (D), football, basketball, Mountain City, Tennessee.

CONTRIBUTOR: Ginny Honomichl, state and national coaching leader, Baldwin City (Kansas) High School, Baldwin City, Kansas.

This press release was written by Luke Modrovsky, a 2019 summer intern in the NFHS Publications/Communications Department. He is a senior sports management and communication studies student at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

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About the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
The NFHS, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and performing arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS sets direction for the future by building awareness and support, improving the participation experience, establishing consistent standards and rules for competition, and helping those who oversee high school sports and activities. The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 19,500 high schools and 12 million participants in high school activity programs, including more than 7.9 million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanctions interstate events; offers online publications and services for high school coaches and officials; sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, speech and debate coaches, and music adjudicators; serves as the national source for interscholastic coach training; and serves as a national information resource of interscholastic athletics and activities. For more information, visit the NFHS website at nfhs.org.

Content Courtesy of National Federation of State High School Association

USFHA media release



Caitlin King, a volunteer umpire on the rise



We have volunteers in our community that cover many different roles. One of those roles that some may forget about is umpiring. Yes, those hardworking umpires that show up to make sure your games happen are volunteers. Caitlin King is one them.

In 2018 the Marlborough based player/umpire was awarded the Chica Gilmer Scholarship – a scholarship given out annually to talented Under 19 female hockey players or umpires to help them develop their talent. King is a goalkeeper who will be attending the 2019 National Under 18 Association Tournament where she will be playing for Tasman. She is also an up and coming umpire. Over the past four years Caitlin has been appointed as an official at Hockey New Zealand’s National Tournaments, giving her opportunities to development in that area of hockey too. All of this has been on a voluntary basis.

Mike Treloar said of Caitlin’s “Her commitment to umpiring has been immense over the past five years. This has been evident with the high rankings she achieved at previous Hockey New Zealand National Tournaments. In Marlborough Caitlin gave her time to the game without hesitation and became a key mentor within her peers for younger officials coming through”.

We spoke with Caitlin about what she wants to achieve and the opportunities volunteering as an umpire has given her.

Q – What do you hope to be able to achieve through umpiring?

Caitlin – Through my umpiring I hope to be able to develop how I play and my understanding of the game through the different viewpoints gained from umpiring.

Q – What role does an umpire play in the game?

Caitlin – I feel that the role umpires play in the modern game is much smaller than it used to be, however it is more important as we enable the game to flow and be played at a fast pace.

Q – What do you enjoy about umpiring?

Caitlin – I enjoy being able to help develop players understandings of the game and being able to watch and learn new styles of play. I also enjoy that it enables me to give back to my association.

Q – What opportunities have you been provided through your umpiring?

Caitlin – Umpiring has provided me with opportunities to go to tournaments which enables me to make new friends from around the country and further develop my umpiring.

Q – What challenges have you found when umpiring?

Caitlin – One of the main challenges I have found while umpiring is controlling my emotions and not letting things get in my head. Overcoming these challenges has not only helped me become a better umpire but has also helped me in life.

Q – What has the support of the Chica Gilmer Scholarship meant?

Caitlin – The support of the Chica Gilmer scholarship has meant that there is much less financial strain from my tertiary costs, and has also meant I am able to complete my first year of study student loan free.

Q – How does being a player and an umpire give you a good appreciation towards the other?

Caitlin – Being both a player and an umpire has been blessing and a curse. It has given me the perspectives that enable me to understand and react justly to players opinions and has taught me how easy it is for an umpire to miss little calls.

The 2019 National Volunteer Week runs from June 16-22 to celebrate the collective contribution of the 1.2 million volunteers who enrich New Zealand every year. We have hundreds of volunteers throughout the hockey community from those that help out at events to the many volunteer umpires, coaches, managers, administrators and board members. We appreciate everything that they do to make Hockey the sport that it is in New Zealand.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

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