News for 14 February 2015
All the news for Saturday 14 February 2015
Montevideo welcomes Hockey World League
Women’s Round 2 event gets underway in Uruguayan capital this weekend
(Photo: FIH)
Last week may have been dominated by the thrills and spills under the roof at the Indoor Hockey World Cup in Leipzig, but this weekend the focus switches back outdoors and the dream of qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as the Hockey World League rolls into Uruguay.
The sparkling South American city of Montevideo plays host to the second of six Round 2 events that will take place over the coming months, following January's men’s competition in Singapore where Malaysia won the event.
The tournament, which takes place between Saturday 14th and Sunday 22nd of February, features eight women’s teams fighting for a top two finish that would guarantee a place in the semi-final of the competition, where the coveted berths at the 2016 Olympic Games are on offer.
Like all of the upcoming Round 2 events, the competition in Montevideo will witness a clash between teams that came through the first phase of the competition against sides that were automatically given a bye through to Round 2 due to their higher placement in the FIH World Rankings. The highest ranked teams enter the tournament at the semi-final stage.
At 17th in the current FIH World Rankings, Italy are the top ranked team in the tournament and are considered to the front-runners for the title in Montevideo. Italy have a fine reputation in the Hockey World League following their brilliant performance in the 2012-13 edition, qualifying from the first two rounds to reach the semi-final phase.
Italy play in Pool A where they will face Mexico (WR: 28), home favourites Uruguay (WR: 31) and Dominican Republic (WR: 52). Mexico secured their place in Round 2 courtesy of a second place finish on home turf at the Round 1 tournament in Guadalajara (MEX), while Dominican Republic were also successful in the first phase, finishing second behind Trinidad & Tobago at the Round 1 event in Kingston (JAM).
Azerbaijan (WR: 19) are the second highest ranked team in the competition and look likely to be Italy’s biggest threat to the title in Montevideo. However, France’s (WR: 24) first place finish at the HWL R1 event in Hradec Kralove (CZE) is clear evidence that they are more than capable of causing an upset.
Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) (WR: 29) and Kenya (WR: 37) complete the line-up in Pool B, and will be determined to make their mark on Round 2 in the same way that they did in Round 1. T&T claimed the HWL R1 title in Kingston, Jamaica with a 100% win record, while Kenya secured their place in Round 2 by topping the table at their HWL R1 event on home soil in Nairobi.
You can keep track of the tournament in Montevideo on the official tournament microsite.
FIH site
Hockeywomen face Azerbaijan in opener
Nigel Simon
T&T’s senior women’s hockey team begins Pool B action today in the FIH World Hockey League Round Two qualifiers in Montevideo, Uruguay.
The “Calypso Stickwomen”, which is coached by Anthony Marcano, meets world 19th ranked team Azerbaijan in its opening match. Tomorrow, the local squad will face 37th-ranked Kenya and 24th-ranked France on Tuesday to end round-robin play.
Pool A will feature, Dominican Republic (52), Italy (17), Mexico (28) and Uruguay (31)
With the tournament being an eight-team affair, all participants have already qualified for the cross-over quarterfinals from which the winners will advance to the semifinals, and then the championship and bronze medal encounters.
Leading the team will be Krizia Layne, Oire Trotman, Aime Olton, Kayla Brathwaite, Blair Wynne and Patricia Wright-Aleixis while the rest of the team will comprise members of the national Under-21 squad who are preparing for the Pan American Junior Championship next year.
Matches
Today
Azerbaijan vs T&T, 9am
France vs Kenya, 3pm
Mexico vs Dominican Republic, 5.30pm
Italy vs Uruguay, 8pm
Tomorrow
T&T vs Kenya, 5pm
France vs Azerbaijan, 7.30pm
Monday
Mexico vs Italy, 5pm
Uruguay vs Dominican Republic, 7.30pm
Tuesday
T&T vs France, 9am
Azerbaijan vs Kenya, 3pm
Italy vs Dominican Republic, 5.30pm
Uruguay vs Mexico, 8pm
The Trinidad Guardian
GB take series win as Owsley & Bray bag maiden goals
Great Britain's Lily Owsley in action
Great Britain claimed a series win against European rivals Spain as Head Coach Danny Kerry’s side finished with a 2-0 victory in their final match out in Valencia.
The goals came in the third and fourth quarters as University of Birmingham’s Lily Owsley and East Grinstead’s Sophie Bray converted chances to seal the win.
Great Britain had the best of the chances in the first quarter, going close when Laura Unsworth’s near post deflection went agonisingly wide after a well-worked penalty corner routine. Despite continuing to dominate play in the second quarter, Spain’s defence stood strong and the sides went in goalless at half time.
Kerry’s side got their reward for persistence mid way through the third quarter as Lily Owsley found the target with her first goal in a Great Britain shirt. The University of Birmingham forward made a strong run into the circle and turned quickly to fire off a shot on the reverse which blazed past the Spanish keeper to make it 1-0. Sensing their second defeat of the week the hosts turned up the pressure in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Amy Gibson and Great Britain’s defence did well to keep out penalty corners and open play chances. With five minutes to go Sophie Bray celebrated with teammates after scoring her first GB goal with a simple tap in at the far post to give her side the victory.
Speaking after the game Great Britain Head Coach Danny Kerry said: “It wasn’t a pretty game, it was very feisty and physical and I was impressed with our resolve. Lily [Owsley] scored a well taken individual goal and Sophie [Bray] finished off a good team move at the back post.”
Reflecting on the series overall: “It’s great to only concede one goal across 180 minutes of hockey. Spain had very few chances against us and we generated good opportunities. I believe their world ranking of 15 doesn’t reflect their current status and think they will be a big threat in the summer when they are on home turf. Given the wide number of players we’ve used across these three matches I’m happy with the strength in depth we are creating and it’s been a really valuable trip for the whole squad.”
SPAIN 0 (0)
GREAT BRITAIN 2 (0)
Lily Owsley 35 (FG)
Sophie Bray 55 (FG)
Great Britain Women v Spain – fixture information
Tuesday 10 February - 1530 - Spain 0 v 1 Great Britain
Wednesday 11 February - 1530 - Spain 1 v 1 Great Britain
Friday 13 February - 1030 - Spain 0 v 2 Great Britain
England Hockey Board Media release
Great Britain women's hockey seal Test series win over Spain as Danny Kerry goes for depth
Head coach Danny Kerry uses full breadth of GB squad in two-month period as key tournaments loom
By Rod Gilmour
On the mark: Sophie Bray sealed GB's win in Valencia Photo: ADY KERRY
Danny Kerry, the GB women’s hockey coach, reflected on a “valuable trip” to Valencia after his side sealed a three-Test series win over Spain, in a week that saw only one goal conceded.
Great Britain finished their third and final match with a 2-0 victory in Valencia on Friday. University of Birmingham’s Lily Owsley and East Grinstead’s Sophie Bray converted second-half chances to complete the win, with an individual and team goal respectively.
Earlier in the week, GB won the first Test 1-0 before drawing 1-1 in the second match. Both goals were scored by nominated captain Alex Danson, the forward, with Kate Richardson-Walsh marking her comeback to the national side in Valencia.
With the culmination of a successful week, it means that Kerry has now used 29 girls from the centralised system since their campaign at the Champions Trophy in Mendoza two months' ago.
Only Ashleigh Ball and Helen Richardson-Walsh failed to feature due to long-term injuries, the latter in a race against time to be picked this summer.
Kerry said: “It’s great to only concede one goal across 180 minutes of hockey. Spain had very few chances against us and we generated good opportunities.
“I believe their world ranking of 15 doesn’t reflect their current status and think they will be a big threat in the summer when they are on home turf.
“Given the wide number of players we’ve used across these three matches I’m happy with the strength in depth we are creating and it’s been a really valuable trip for the whole squad.”
On Friday, Owsley found the target with her first goal in a GB shirt, making a strong run into the circle and firing home on the turn. A resolute Spain side then turned on the pressure before Bray tapped home with five minutes left.
Meanwhile, Great Britain men will play Germany, the Olympic champions, in a one-off Test for the Nations Cup at Lee Valley.
The match will take place on April 14 and form part of GB men’s build-up towards Olympic qualifiers and the EuroHockey Championships, which will be played at the same venue in August.
The Telegraph
Kolojejchick Earns 50th Cap, USA ties Argentina 1-1 in First Series Match
LANCASTER, Pa. – American flags waved in the stands as a full house of 800 cheered throughout the Spooky Nook Sports Dome Arena. Signs for favorite athletes were held high in the air and cameras flashed in anticipation of the U.S. Women’s National Team vs Argentina match. The final score of the first game of a four match series was knotted at USA 1, Argentina 1.
Kat Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) had the first shot on goal of the night against the Argentina goalie Maria Laura Aldro. From the opposite end of the pitch in the 11th minute, USA keeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) echoed a goal denial making a save for the red, white and blue. A minute later, Argentina was awarded a stroke due to obstruction. Argentina’s Noel Barrionuevo ripped a shot to light up the scoreboard with the first. Argentina’s Agistina Habif took a corner at the start of the second half but the shot on goal was high. USA’s attack was relentless as they continued to send crisp crosses in front of the mouth of the cage.
In the 55th minute, USA rimmed the outside of their attack circle of a penalty corner. A ball directly from the top of the circle sailed to Lauren Pfeiffer (Mt. Laurel, N.J.) perfectly positioned at the left post to guide the direction of the ball into the goal creating a final score of USA 1, Argentina 1.
Kelsey Kolojejehick (Larksville, Pa.) was proud to celebrate her 50th cap with a tie over Argentina. “I just love that we were able to come back and get a goal,” said Kolojejchick. “I’m proud of my team. I can’t wait to reach more caps with this team in the future. They are the ones that continue to push me to work really hard and help me get where I am today.”
Join Team USA tomorrow as the crowd reds out the stands with the same color the national team is sporting on the pitch! Wear all of your red gear to the game. Action picks up at 4:00 p.m. EST at Spooky Nook Sports.
Go to usafieldhockey.com watch the entire series live. #UN1TED
USFHA media release
Spooky start for Argentina
Team USA's new home of hockey prepares to welcome Las Leonas
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
The Road to Rio is becoming a hockey highway as international teams start travelling all over the globe to play test events and begin the process of qualification and preparation.
No teams will be viewing the next few months with more anticipation than two of the Pan-American Hockey Federation heavy weights – Argentina and USA. And in preparation for the challenge of qualifying, over the next six days Team USA will be hosting four test matches against the Champions Trophy winners, Argentina.
At present Team USA is ranked eighth in the world, while Argentina is ranked third, just 10 points behind Australia. But, while Argentina has been used to sitting in the top echelons of international hockey for some time, for Team USA, the past 12 months has seen a steady upwards movement. The team defied all expectations at the World Cup, when they finished fourth, losing out on a bronze medal to none other than Argentina. They also won the Hockey World League Round One competition, held at Glasgow in May 2014. Subsequently, they moved three places up the world rankings.
Since the 2012 Olympics, the USA team has undergone some serious transformation. A new coaching team, led by former Great Britain assistant coach Craig Parnham and Dutch international Janneke Schopman, has added an intensity and purpose to their training, and the team has a new home.
The home of women’s hockey in the USA is now at Spooky Nook, in Lancaster Pennsylvania - an area recognised as the heartland of the hockey-playing region in the States. Previously the training camp was at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, but following new investment and a new vision for the sport, a $50m sports complex has been built, with Team USA as the ‘anchor tenant’.
The venue will host up to 20 international matches a year, but all eyes will be on the opening fixtures as a post-Luciana Aymar Las Leonas arrives to put Team USA to the test.
And the appetite for the game is huge. Tickets sold out for all the matches against Argentina within two weeks of going on sale.
For anyone wishing to watch the action it is being broadcast by Blue Ridge Cable on its network, as well as Fox43 in Pennsylvania, and streamed live on www.teamusa.org and live via satellite to ESPN Deportes in Argentina.
The games are:
Fri, 13 Feb 6.30pm
Sat, 14 Feb 4:00pm
Mon, 16 Feb 6.30pm
Weds, 18 Feb 6.30pm
FIH site
Ireland 2-3 France (Men) 
Ireland and France shared their three-match series in Grange Road as the visitors claimed the laurels 3-2 in a lively final game in front of a bumper crowd.
Earlier this week, the two sides drew on Tuesday before Ireland came from a goal down on Thursday nightto win 3-1.
In game three, the French were much the sharper in the opening half as they sat deep before counter-attacking at pace. This allowed them to hit the front when Jean-Laurent Kieffer raced onto a loose ball before drawing Mark Ingram.
The goalkeeper saved initially but it fell invitingly for Gaspard Baumgarten to sweep into an empty net from the top of the circle.
He also touched in the second from Charles Masson’s lovely run and backhand shot to the right post, making it 2-0 at half-time.
In reply, Ireland started the second half brilliantly with a trio of good attacks and got on the board from their first penalty corner, Shane O’Donoghue on the mark for the second time this week.
Stephen Dowds and Mitch Darling’s baseline runs also caused problems but the final pass went just off course. France hit the mark, though, from their only corner with Victor Charlet’s low push sneaking home to make it 3-1 in the closing quarter.
A concerted push in the last ten minutes eventually saw Alan Sothern whip home a great reverse-stick finish from an improvised penalty corner with a few minutes left but the equaliser just eluded the Irish side.
Ireland 2 (Shane O’Donoghue, Alan Sothern) France 3 (Gaspard Baumgarten 2, Victor Charlet)
Ireland: M Ingram, J Bell, L Cole, M Darling, C Cargo, A Sothern, S Dowds, E Magee, K Shimmins, B McCandless, P Gleghorne
Subs: J Jackson, S West, R Gormley, P Caruth, D Carlisle, J Bruton, S O’Donoghue
France: E Reynaud, C Peters-Deutz, J-L Kieffer, T Genestet, H Genestet, G Baumgarten, G Deront, C Masson, F Scheefer, V Charlet, A Coisne
Subs: F Goyet, S Martin-Brisac, O Sanchez, J-B Forgues, R Lyon, G Samson, C Saunier
Umpires: M Dowds, M Coombes
Irish Hockey Association media release
East Grinstead in Europe
Niall Stott in action during the Hockey 5s 2015
Having won their seventh consecutive Hockey 5s title just 3 weeks ago, East Grinstead now turn their attentions to the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup.
They will face competition from HTC Uhlenhorst Mulheim, C.H. SPV Complutense and HC Rotweiss Wettingen in what looks to be a tough group, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals.
The majority of the squad from the group that triumphed in the Hockey 5s finals have travelled and Coach Scott Ashdown knows his group is determined to compete for silverware:
"Having missed out on challenging for a medal by a whisker last year, the squad are more determined than ever to seize the opportunity and be the first English club to medal in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup division.”
“Glenn Kirkham, Mark Pearn and Niall Stott bring a wealth of both international and indoor hockey experience to the squad having formed the backbone of the team for a large part of the last decade. The squad is bolstered by the recent additions of Andy Bull, Chris Griffiths, Patrick Smith & David Condon, all of whom are currently in the senior England & GB programme.”
You can keep an eye on East Grinstead's progress by visiting the EuroHockey website, or by visiting the dedicated results pages.
England Hockey Board Media release
Inverleith have promotion pool opportunity in their grasp
Stephen Dick and Derek Salmond were in amongst the goals as Inverleith Hockey Club beat HC Valenciennes 5-2 and lost out 4-2 to WKS Grunwald Poznan in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy.
They currently sit second in Pool B and a win against SC Stroitel Brest tomorrow morning will seal a promotional pool spot.
Two first half goals Stephen Dick ensured his side were level at 2-2 come half-time against WKS Grunwald Poznan, the goals for the Polish side coming from Tomasz Dutkiewicz.
Michael Polaszewski made it 3-2 in the 27th minute before Dutkiewicw completed his hat-trick right on full-time.
Nevertheless, Stuart Neave's side hit back to beat HC Valenciennes in their second match this afternoon.
Sullivan El Ghezzi opened the scoring for the French side before Dick levelled in the 17th minute. However, Maxime Danghin put his side in front a minute later for a 2-1 advantage at half-time.
Two second half goals from Derek Salmond, another from Dick and Andrew Malcolm ensured a vital victory for the Purple Robes though, with Ghezzi's second goal not proving insurmountable for the capital outfit.
For more information please visit the EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy website
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Gurjinder's brace takes Kalinga Lancers home against Dabang Mumbai
BHUBANESWAR: Gurjinder Singh struck twice through penalty corners to give Kalinga Lancers a 2-1 win over Dabang Mumbai in the battle of bottom-placed teams in the Hockey India League on Friday.
Gurjinder scored in the 11th and 20th minute, helping Lancers to their second win in nine games. He also scored the 100th goal of the 2015 edition.
Mumbai's Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 36th minute for a consolation goal.
Lancers are struggling with 16 points from nine games while Mumbai have 13 from eight games with only one win to show.
Mumbai travel to Lucknow for Sunday's game against Uttar Pradesh Wizards while Lancers head to Delhi to take on the Waveriders.
Dabang Mumbai coach Anil Aldrin said: "We are very disappointed with the performance today. We were unable to overcome them irrespective of making changes during the game. We will play for winning our next match".
Kalinga Lancers Jude Felix said: "We made some mistakes and we will come back strong in our next match. Gonazalo Peillat is not performing as per his capabilities and which effects our game on the field".
The Times of India
Ranchi look to continue winning run, eye top spot in table
NEW DELHI: Having secured a berth in the semifinals of the Hockey India League, Ranchi Rays will look to continue their winning run when they take on Delhi Waveriders on Saturday.
Placed second in the table, Ranchi Rays will aim for a win on Saturday with an intention to ascend to the top of the chart, while Delhi Waveriders, fourth in the list, would be looking to strengthen their position in the league with nothing less than a victory.
Last time Ranchi and Delhi met, the match was drawn 2-2. While it was the Waveriders, who had opened the game well, but the Rays came back strongly.
The Ranchi outfit has dished out some brilliant and consistent performance in the previous games and it intends to carry on with similar energy and zeal.
The captain of Ranchi Rays, Ashley Jackson is currently the joint top scorer of the League, with a total of eight goals. He will be aiming to add a few more to his tally and continue to inspire his boys.
Delhi Waveriders, on the other hand, posted only a couple of wins from seven matches and will play the next game with an objective to improve their standing and gain the additional five points.
Led by Indian skipper Sardar Singh, Delhi will be banking on playing on their home turf.
The team has worked on their attacking strategies and circle penetration, which was evident in their last match against the Kalinga Lancers at Bhubaneswar, and are a better, improved side in the League now.
The Times of India
NBP shock PIA to lift Gold Cup
Anwar Zuberi
KARACHI: Members of NBP hockey squad pose for a photo after winning the Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup at the Customs Sports Complex on Friday.—Anis Hamdani/White Star
KARACHI: Star-studded National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) stunned national champions PIA Whites 3-1 to land the prestigious Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup and maintain their ascendancy as top team at the Customs Preventive Service Club and Sports Complex on Friday.
Picking up from where they have left at Rawalpindi’s Army Hockey Stadium on Feb 1, the eventual champions did their department proud for the second time in a fortnight and proved that their earlier 2-0 victory over the airlines in the Chief of Army Staff Challenge Hockey Cup was not flash in the pan.
It is pertinent to mention that the two finalists — NBP and Wapda — were declared joint champions and shared trophy for six months apiece as the final of the fourth Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup could not take place due to Air Blue crash in 2010.
On the run of play, the bankers enjoyed an edge over their opponents right from the word go and kept possession of the ball most of the time.
After a couple of exchanges, they succeed to earn first penalty corner in the 10th minute and an indirect shot by Kashif Shah off Tauseeq Arshad beat custodian Imran Butt under the bar.
Umpire Munir Ahmed signalled for the goal but later on protest from PIA and after consulting another umpire Kamran Hussain, he disallowed it. Under the new rules, only scoop is allowed and not the hit and slab, he told Dawn after the match.
After the barren first quarter, Arsalan Qadir’s goal in 25th minute brought some life in the match. The NBP entered third quarter with a vigour and a brace of goals by Sibtain Raza in quick succession in the 37th and 41st minutes consolidated their position.
After conceding three goals, PIA put their act together and availed one of the five penalty corners that they earned through Kashif Ali in the 54th minute to avert the humiliation of straight defeat.
NBP’s Tariq Aziz and PIA’s Atif Mushtaq and Rana Sohail were shown green cards.
Captain of the victorious team Tauseeq received keys of the brand new Toyota GLI car from the chief guest, President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Chaudhry Akhtar Rasool amidst applause from the crowd.
He together with Collector of Customs (preventive) S M Tariq Huda, Commander Karachi Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini, former Collector and one of the pioneers of Customs Sports Complex, Khalil Masood, presented the glittering trophy and gold medals to the members of the NBP team.
One of the major sponsors, Dr Junaid Ali Shah, awarded a cheque of Rs 500,000 to the runner-up PIA outfit, besides the trophy and silver medals.
Arsalan Qadir of NBP received Man of the Match award of Rs 50,000. He was also declared top scorer of the tournament with a tally of 10 goals.
The Best Player of the Tournament award went to PIA’s Kashif Ali while Best goalkeeper award was clinched by Amjad Ali of NBP. Railways team was awarded the Fair Play trophy.
Former Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui conducted the presentation ceremony which was attended among others by PHF secretary Rana Mujahid, Chief Collector M. Nazim Saleem, Additional Collector Shafqat Niazi, Dr Asma Shah, Samiullah, Hasan Sardar, Hanif Khan, Waseem Feroz, Iftikhar Syed, Mansoor Ahmed, Shahid Ali Khan, KHA secretary Farooq Khan, Shafiq and Masood-ur-Rehman.
In his breef speech, the PHF chief called upon the government and commercial organisations to follow suit of the Chief of the Army Staff Challenge Hockey Cup and Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup.
“A collective effort is required from all spheres of life in the bid to regain World Cup and glorious past,” he added. “It’s time the nation woke up to join hands with the PHF and bring the game out of the present crisis.”
Tariq Huda expressed his optimism that the Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup instituted by Customs in 1955, which has been revived, will be an annual feature now.
Dawn
Sibtain sparkles as NBP down PIA 3-1 in final to lift crown
KARACHI: Pakistan forward Sibtain Raza blasted a pair of field goals as National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) defeated Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) 3-1 in the final to win the 5th Customs Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup Hockey Tournament at the Customs Sports Complex Ground here on Friday. The final turned out to be a thrilling encounter between the two top teams of the country, who besides demonstrating aggression, skill and speed in the middle also showed excellent sportsmanship which made it a superb contest. The crowd also enjoyed every moment of the match and cheered the players.
NBP exerted pressure soon after the game started in the first quarter. They made fine moves amid excellent demonstration of ball possession. Goalkeeper Mazhar Abbas was brilliant throughout the match who effectively guarded his fort. Frequent efforts made by the bankers’ forwards rewarded them a penalty corner in the 9th minute but the field umpire disallowed the goal after consultation with the third umpire. In the 25th minute Tousiq Arshad took the ball from his area and carried it brilliantly where he passed the ball to Arslan Qadir who made no mistake to hit the board. In the 37th minute Tousiq, Rizwan junior and Dilber Hassan launched an attack from the right where Sibtain Raza joined them in the D to score a beautiful goal. Sibtain against showed his brilliance dodging two defenders to score the third goal, his second, in the 41st minute.
PIA tried hard to come back in the second quarter showing significant aggression in their moves. Shafqat Rasool’s sole effort earned a penalty corner but goalkeeper Mazhar bravely stopped it. He stopped Kashif Ali’s strong hit which was cleared by Tousiq on rebound. Trailing by three goals, the PIA forwards showed more aggression in their attacks in the last quarter but luck was not their side. They got six penalty corners in the match and could convert only one, in the 54th minute through their captain Kashif Ali. Kamran Shareef and Muneer supervised the match.
At the end, chief guest Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Akhtar Rasool Chaudhry handed over the trophy and the key of prized car to the winning captain Tousiq Arshad of NBP. Runners-up PIA received a cash prize of Rs.500, 000. Arslan Qadir (NBP) was declared best scorer, PIA’s Kashif Ali was declared best player and Amjad Ali was declared best goalkeeper of the tournament. They all received a cash award of Rs.50,000 each. Chief Collector Customs Tariq Huda, PHF secretary Rana Mujahid Ali, Olympians Hasan Sardar, Islahuddin Siddiqui, Wasim Feroze and other former players also present on the occasion.
The Daily Times
Quaid-e-Azam Cup: NBP retain title after beating PIA
KARACHI: Two goals by Sibtain Raza helped NBP successfully defend their Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup Hockey Tournament title, defeating PIA 3-1 in the final match of the event’s fifth edition at the Customs Preventive Service Club and Sports Complex Karachi on Friday.
The Bankers took control of the game right from the start, with Arslan Qadir opening NBP’s account in the 25th minute and Raza completing the winning team’s scoring in the 37th and 41st minutes.
PIA’s lone goal came courtesy of captain Kashif Ali, who successfully converted a penalty corner in the 54th minute.
“We availed all chances presented to us and were able to thwart PIA’s attack,” Tousiq told The Express Tribune. “This tournament was valuable in terms of gaining experience; the final especially was a good opportunity to pit our wits against a strong team.”
The Express Tribune
UniKL fail to stop Thunderbolts
DOUBLE champions Thunderbolts reaffirmed their pedigree when they beat UniKL Young Guns 4-2 to keep their grip on the Division One title in the MHC-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League.
They have one more match against their juniors next week, where three points are assured, and the match will come with the League title as well.
Playing at home at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru, Thunderbolts were given an early scare when UniKL's Badrul Amin scored a field goal in the 16th minute.
However, the champions equalsied off a penalty stroke converted by Danial Asyraf in the 22nd minute and then took the lead off a Shello Silverius field goal in the 34th minute.
UniKL drew level in the 45th minute off a S. Deveandren penalty stroke, but Thunderbolts scored two more off Danial (52nd) and Firdaus Omar 64th to seal the match.
Thunderbolts coach Wan Roslan Wan Rahman said: “I didn’t know what to expect from my players today (yesterday) after a poor performance last week. My message to them was to get out there and take the game to UniKL and they did it perfectly,”
“We still have one more game before we can confirm the title so I will have to ensure that my players remain focused on what needs to be done.”
RESULTS -- Division One: Thunderbolts 4 UniKL Young Guns 2, Olak PKT Tigers 2 PJCC 5, BJSS 1 SSP/MSP/Thunderbolt 2.
Division Two: Sek Tunku Abdul Rahman 5 1MAS Pahang 1, KLSS 1 MSNT-PHT 1, 1MAS Penang 1 SM Agama Matri 3, SMK Tun Hussein Onn 3 1MAS TBBS Tampin 3, SMK Datuk Taha 1 SMKDBL 9.
TODAY -- Division One: PJCC v KLHC (National Stadium I), Olak PKT Tigers v Politeknik (National Stadium II).
Division Two Group A: SM Sains v 1MAS Pahang (Azlan Shah Stadium), BJSS Jnrs v MSNT-THT (Ministry of Education).
Group B: MSS Kedah v ISMO PHA (Padang Serai), Nur Insafi PHA v 1Mas Perlis (Sungai Petani), Larut matang v 1Mas Penang (Kuala Kangsar).
Group C: Datuk Taha v 1Mas Malacca (Seremban II), SMSJ Kinghts v 1Mas TBSS Tampin (Batu Pahat).
Note: All matches at 4.45pm.
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
THUNDERBOLTS 7 6 1 0 29 9 19
PJCC 6 5 1 0 21 6 16
UNIKL 6 5 0 1 27 9 15
PSS T'DERBOLTS 6 3 0 3 14 13 9
KLSS-KHC 5 2 1 2 8 9 7
POLITEKNIK 5 1 1 3 6 14 4
BJSS 5 1 0 4 5 16 3
OLAK 7 1 0 6 9 27 3
SSTMI JNR 5 0 0 5 2 18 0
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Defending champs SSTMI-Thunderbolt on track for another title
By S. Ramaguru
UniKL Muhammad Firdaus (in yellow) had a tumble with SSTMI-Thunderbolt's Muhammad Azmi (in red) during during the match at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru. SSTMI-Thunderbolt win 4-2. – ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG/The Star.
KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions SSTMI-Thunderbolt are back on track for the Division One title after a 4-2 win over Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysia Junior Hockey League at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru.
With just a match to go, SSTMI have 19 points and play Pahang SS-Thunderbolt on Feb 27 at home to wrap up their preliminary round fixtures.
Their main threat will come from Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) who are also unbeaten. MBPJ defeated Olak-PKT Tigers 5-2 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
If MBPJ win both their two remaining matches they will also end up with the same number of points with SSTMI.
Then goal difference will decide the winner. SSTMI currently have a goal difference of 20 while MBPJ have 15.
In Johor Baru, UniKL took the lead in the 16th minute off a field goal by Mohamed Badrul Amin. The champions replied in the 22nd minute through Danial Ashraf from a penalty stroke conversion and he added another in the 52nd minute.
Shelito Silverious (54th) and Mohamed Firdaus Omar (65th) also added their names to the scoresheet. UniKL managed another goal through S. Devendran in the 45th minute.
Team manager Adam Izamry Idrus said his boys played their best game to date.
“The turnaround in their performance could not have come at a better time. UniKL played well but we were better in taking our chances and we kept our errors to a minimum.
MBPJ also had little trouble taking full points off Olak as they strived to stay in the title race.
Huzaini Abu Bakar gave the PJ side the lead in the eighth minute with a field goal while Faiq Razin Zariq scored a brace in the 32nd and 65th minutes. The other scorers were Mohamed Haikal Zamri (43) and Mohamed farhan Danial (67)
Olak scored through Mohamed Zabadi Rosli and Amirul Hafiz Rashid in the 13th and 61st minutes respectively.
The Star of Malaysia
FumingMHC president calls off AGM
By Jugjet Singh
A FUMING Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah took only six minutes to call off the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kuala Lumpur Friday.
The delegates, as well as Sports Commissioner Datuk Zaiton Othman were all suited up, but Tengku Abdullah did not wear the MHC blazer as he was ashamed of it.
He also gave a new name the MHC -- Malaysian Hockey Confrontation.
"As you can see I did not wear the MHC blazer as I'm ashamed of all that has been happening leading to the AGM and elections, we should now call it the MHC Malaysian Hockey Confrontation.
"The AGM is postponed and we will start again by holding a council meeting in the first week of March to set the date for a re-look at the constitution as well as other matters," said Tengku Abdullah.
He also warned the delegates not to bring disrepute to the MHC, which indirectly affects him: "I'm going to contest in FIFA (for Executive Board member) and don't bring disrepute to the MHC any more."
One delegate summed it up when he said: :I drove for six hours and attended a six minute meeting."
The mess was created after a hap-hazard EOGM in Johor Baru last October, where delegates voted to amend their constitution, but most of the proposed amendments were against the governing body's Statutes
"When I took over the Confederation, I did not know anybody except for the Pahang HA secretary, but slowly I got to know everybody and had a comfortable stay. But recently, I am shocked with the tenacity of some members and am on a peace mission today (yesterday).
"Malaysian hockey is ranked 12th in the world and not over 20. So lets behave like professionals and not behave like children. We need to uphold the dignity of the Confederation in the eyes of the world and towards that lets start by holding a council meeting.
"This will be followed by amendments to the constitution, and from what I read the FIH wants gender equity not equality, so we need the same number from the women and men. If agreed, we can have two deputy presidents' so solve the issue.
"We have a world class team, so lets behave like a world class organisation and resolve all issues amicably.
"And with tomorrow (today) being Valentines Day, I propose that all of us holds hands and forgive and forget what happened.
"This will be my last speech for hockey, as I expect everything to be sorted out with the FIH and also the Sports Commissioner by May.
"I hereby declare that there will be no AGM today (yesterday) simply because some stakeholders are in dispute."
Meanwhile, Tai Beng Hai will remain chief coach for the Azlan Shah Cup on May 5-12, while Neil Hawgood will continue as consultant.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
MHC to hold AGM after discussing constitution in EGM
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: The much delayed and anticipated Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Annual General Meeting lasted just 15 minutes.
MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah in his opening address talked about his disappointment at the turn of events in recent weeks which had become acrimonious and asked for the AGM to be called off.
“I am truly shocked and sad at what has happened in recent weeks where the image of the MHC have been tarnished,” said Tengku Abdullah.
“I did not expect this to happen when I took over. So if the delegates agree with me I would like to propose that this AGM to be postponed.”
All those were present then gave the nod for the president to call off the meeting. Also present at the meeting was Sports Commissioner Datuk Zaiton Othman.
Tengku Abdullah said he would like to propose for an executive council meeting as soon as possible and discuss the new constitution which is the root problem.
“During this meeting we will review all the clauses and also look at what are the problem areas that we are not satisfied with.
“Once everything is agreed on we will forward the constitution to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for ratification.
“The next step is we will hold an extraordinary general meeting for the constitution to be approved and then seek the Sports Commissioner’s approval. Only then will we hold the AGM,” he added.
Tengku Abdullah also said that the FIH had earlier given their views on the constitution which called for gender equity and not just equality.
“That basically means giving due diligence to the gender issue which not necessarily means equal number of men and women in the line-up. But adjustments can be made and we can even have two deputy presidents. This matter will be cleared up at the council meeting,” he said.
The president agreed that the present line-up will remain status quo and called on all parties to put aside their differences and work as a team. He said nobody should make any statements as it will not solve anything.
Tengku Abdullah reiterated that he will not be seeking re-election and has given an assurance that he will not hand over a dysfunctional and debt-ridden association.
The Star of Malaysia
Moi Girls keen to maintain unbeaten streak
By BRIAN YONGA
Daisy Akhoko from Moi Girls High School (right) vies with June Njeri from Pangani Girls during the finals of Nairobi County Secondary School Hockey games on March 16, 2014 at Highway Secondary School. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Defending champions Moi Girls will be seeking to extend their unbeaten streak when they take on arch-rival State House Girls in the Nairobi Secondary School Sports Association Girls Hockey League at home this weekend.
The champions - who are the hosts - will also face Starehe Girls, Parklands Arya in their fourth and fifth matches of Pool A. Last weekend, they beat Loreto Msongari and Parklands Arya to get their title defence off to a winning start to move top of the group with six points.
Victory in Saturday's games will move them to 12 points and a step closer to the quarter-finals as they seek to defend the county crown.
Moi Girls thumped Parklands Arya 3-0 in the first leg last weekend. Strikers Sarah Bahati and Mercy Cherono are against expected to lead the attack having impressed during the opening round.
WARNED OPPONENTS
Moi Girls coach Amai Oluba has warned their opponents his charges are yet to hit top gear despite easing past their two opponents last weekend.
The tactician has however warned his charges against complacency saying they respect the opposition and will approach the game seriously.
“We started off well this season and we want to keep the momentum going into the next round of matches. We have a lot of games ahead and it is important that we remain focused and maintain our sharpness,” Oluba told Saturday Nation Sport.
Starehe Girls, who made a late entry into the league, will take to the pitch against Loreto Msongari before taking on champions Moi Girls before an afternoon clash with Parklands Arya who are second in the pool with six points.
The highlight of the day will be the top-of-the-table clash between former champions Pangani Girls and Hillcrest in a Pool C which will be the opening game of the day. Both teams are tied on top of the Pool with nine points after collecting maximum points last weekend.
The top two teams in each pool after the preliminaries will proceed to the last eight along with two teams among the three third-placed teams. These two teams will be determined through a round robin playoff among them.
The winner and runner-up in the Nairobi County games will represent Nairobi at the Metropolitan region games next month.
Daily Nation
Paul scores hat-trick in Saints win
Jarryon Paul netted a hat-trick to hand St Mary’s College its first win of the season, a convincing 4-0 win over South-East Port-of-Spain (SEPOS) in the boys premiership division of the T&T Secondary Schools Hockey League on Wednesday.
St Mary’s now lies in second position in the standings behind arch-rivals Queen’s Royal College (QRC), which has won both of its matches thus far.
Paul opened the scoring in the fourth minute to give the Saints the early lead. Paul then scored twice in the space of two minutes (22nd, 24th) to put St Mary’s 3-0 up. Jordi O’Brien also got his name on the scoresheet with a goal in the 40th minute.
In the girls premiership on Tuesday, St Joesph’s Convent Port-of-Spain edged Providence 1-0 after Lauryn Pounder’s item in the 16th minute. In another girls premiership match, Woodbrook Secondary and South-East battled to 0-0 draw on Wednesday.
Results
Monday
Boys North Championship
Diego Martin Central 3 vs Mucurapo East 0 (Diego won by default)
Trinity Moka 2 (Kenny Brathwaite 11th,18th) vs St. Anthony's 0
Belmont Boys 0 vs St. Georges College 4 (Isaac Khellawan 19th, 33rd, 34th, 40th)
Tuesday
Girls Premiership
Providence 0 vs St. Joseph's Convent POS 1 (Lauryn Pounder 16th)
Girls East Championship
Lakshmi 0 vs St. Joseph's Convent SJ 2 (Hannah Barrow 3rd, Shannon Sagan 16th)
SAGHS 8 (Tiffany Seales 4th, 11th, 18th, 24th, 38th Shania Gajadhar 7th, 34th Selena Hodge 39th) vs St. Joseph's College 0
Boys South Championship
Pleasantville 7 (Raymond Pennie x 2, Michael Stewart x 2, Devante Stewart x 2, Isiah Wylie) vs Marabella North 3 (Clinton Young, Jahkeel Johnson, Kemp Orosco)
Wednesday
Girls Premiership
Woodbrook 0 vs SEPoS 0
Boys Premiership
St Mary's College 4 (Jarryon Paul 4th, 22nd, 24th Jordi O'Brien 40th) vs SEPoS 0
PREMIERSHIP STANDINGS
Boys
School P W D L GF GA Pts
QRC 2 2 0 0 3 1 6
CIC 2 1 0 1 4 1 3
Fatima 2 1 0 1 4 3 3
SEPOS 3 1 0 2 3 7 3
Debe 1 0 0 1 1 3 0
Girls
School P W D L GF GA Pts
St Joseph’s Convent 2 2 0 0 7 0 6
Holy Name 3 2 0 1 6 6 6
SEPOS 3 0 2 1 1 5 2
Providence 2 0 1 1 1 2 1
Woodbrook 2 0 1 1 0 2 1
The Trinidad Guardian