News for 03 May 2015
All the news for Sunday 3 May 2015
Kookas win opener
Kookaburras defeat Pakistan 6-0 in first match of the Hobart Challenge
Image: Tony McKendrick - Photomakers
The Kookaburras took to the field in their opening match of the men’s Hobart International Challenge against Pakistan on Saturday afternoon, defeating their opponents 6-0.
It was teamwork that paid dividends for Kookaburras’ forwards Glenn Simpson and Jake Whetton, who opened up the scoring four minutes after the starting whistle. Working together, Simpson fed the ball through to Whetton, who quickly slotted it behind Pakistan’s goalkeeper Imran Butt, pushing the Kookaburras in front with a 1-0 lead.
After playing at the 2014 Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, Flynn Ogilvie returned to the field, getting a last second touch on Jake Whetton’s reverse stick shot in the 11th minute and adding to the Kookaburras' score, 2-0.
Awarded their first penalty corner, Pakistan’s chance to half the deficit came at the 24th minute mark, however, the Kookaburras’ defence was too strong and denied them of their opportunity. Quickly turning the ball around, Trent Mitton, well-positioned, hit the ball from the top of Australia’s attacking circle, netting their third goal of the night.
Unable to convert their attacking opportunities in the third quarter, the Kookaburras kicked into gear in the final 15 minutes of play, scoring three goals in nine minutes. Making his debut for the green and gold, Blake Govers, the younger brother of Kieran Govers, topped his debut match off with an on-target shot at the 49th minute mark.
“Making my debut was an amazing experience and I got to top it off with a goal. I had support on my side tonight, Mum, Dad and Kieran made the trip down here to cheer me on. Scoring the goal was a huge relief, I had a couple of opportunities earlier on in the match which were saved by the keeper."
Hungry for more, Ogilvie quickly added to the Kookaburras’ tally five minutes after Govers’ goal, pushing them in front with a comfortable 5-0 lead. Two minutes before the final siren, Kiel Brown showed off his skills by hitting his target and securing the Kookaburras a 6-0 victory over Pakistan.
Speaking to Kookaburras head coach Graham Reid, he said, “There were some great performances out on the field today. We’re not going to get too carried away with tonight’s result, keeping in mind that Pakistan only arrived a few days ago and they will become a lot stronger as the event progresses. We got a few of the cobwebs out in today’s match and some great skill was shown by our players.
“Today we focused on our passes, in which we made good movement of the ball throughout the match and overlapping, however, we didn't convert all of our opportunities. Australia ‘A’ did a great job at keeping the pressure on Korea earlier today, also showing some great potential within the team.”
Returning to home soil, Eddie Ockenden - one of the six Tasmanian representatives at the event - was happy to be back home playing in front of a home crowd.
“It’s great to come home, I love playing hockey here. For the rest of the team, it’s good to come somewhere different to play. We all love to play hockey across Australia, so it’s a great opportunity to experience new places.”
Prior to the match commencing, Kookaburras Captain Mark Knowles was awarded a memorabilia piece for his outstanding achievement of winning the 2014 FIH International Player of the Year Award.
The Kookaburras’ second test match will be against Korea on Sunday 3 May, at 3pm AEST. Australia ‘A’ will also take on Pakistan at 1pm AEST.
Australia ‘A’ Summary
It was a great start for the Australia ‘A’ squad, defeating Korea 3-1 in their first test match of the Challenge. Australian goals were scored by Justin Douglas (2) and Aran Zalewski.
Please note: There will be no live streaming of the matches at this event. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
Match One - Men's Hobart International Challenge
KOOKABURRAS: 6 (2)
Jake Whetton 4 (FG)
Flynn Ogilvie 11, 54 (FG) (FG)
Trent Mitton 35 (FG)
Blake Govers 49 (FG)
Kiel Brown 58 (FG)
PAKISTAN: 0 (0)
Kookaburras squad v Pakistan
Name (Hometown/State) Caps/Goals
Started
Christopher Bausor (Perth, WA) 14/0
Kiel Brown (Toowoomba, QLD) 155/5
Christopher Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 156/99
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 328/214
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 101/4
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 1/1
Mark Knowles (C) (Rockhampton, QLD) 252/22
Tyler Lovell (GK) (Perth, WA) 37/0
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 69/21
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 238/60
Glenn Simpson (Melbourne, VIC) 125/22
Used Substitute
Nick Budgeon (Hobart, TAS) 35/12
Andrew Charter (GK) (Canberra, ACT) 85/0
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 117/33
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW) 11/3
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 164/50
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 85/35
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 51/3
Australia 'A' squad v Korea
Name (Hometown/State)
Started
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Robert Bell (Brisbane, QLD)
Graham Begbie (Perth, WA)
Tristan Clemons (GK) (Ferndale, WA)
Tim Cross (Eaglemont, VIC)
Justin Douglas (Townsville, QLD)
Casey Hammond (Bundoora, VIC)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Matthew Willis (Victoria Park, NSW)
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, QLD)
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA)
Used Substitute
Kiran Arunasalam (Doncaster, East VIC)
Simon Borger (Brisbane, QLD)
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW)
Jeremy Edwards (Howrah, TAS)
Leon Hayward (GK) (Darwin, NT)
Jack Hayes (Albion Park, NSW)
Kurt Mackey (Lauderdale, TAS)
Saturday 2 May Results
Australia 'A' v Korea (3-1)
Kookaburras v Pakistan (6-0)
Match Schedule
Sunday 3 May
Australia A v Pakistan [1pm AEST], Kookaburras v Korea [3pm AEST]
Tuesday 5 May
Pakistan v Korea [5pm AEST], Kookaburras v New Zealand Black Sticks [7pm AEST]
Thursday 7 May
New Zealand Black Sticks v Pakistan [5pm AEST], Kookaburras v Korea [7pm AEST]
Saturday 9 May
Pakistan v Korea [4pm AEST], Kookaburras v New Zealand Black Sticks [6pm AEST]
Sunday 10 May
New Zealand Black Sticks v Korea [3pm AEST], Kookaburras v Pakistan [5pm AEST]
Hockey Australia media release
Malaysia lose to Dutch team in hockey friendly
KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team went down 2-1 to a Dutch team in the first friendly match of their European Tour on Friday.
National assistant coach Stephen van Huizen, who is acting team manager for the tour, said the Dutch team comprised a mix of national juniors, development team players and senior players.
The national team are on a seven-match tour of Holland and Belgium as part of their preparations for the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in Belgium next month.
The Dutch team took an eighth-minute lead through Van der Linden off a field attempt before forward Ramadan Rosli equalised in the 19th minute.
Forward Jeroen Herztberger got the winner for Holland with a field goal in the 50th minute.
The Star of Malaysia
India-Japan Test Series kicks off tomorrow
Bhubaneswar: As the FIH Hockey World League Semi-Final (Men) 2015 proves to be a crucial tournament for all the hockey national teams in the world, India and Japan have started their preparation with the India-Japan Test Series in Bhubaneswar, to be contested at Kalinga Stadium on 3rd – 9th May 2015 in front of the hockey-crazy crowd.
After finishing 3rd at the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup recently, the Indian team is looking to continue their form and will try-out new strategies in the Series. With a 24-member squad, Chief Coach Paul van Ass aims to utilise all the players on the field and use new team-combinations in preparation for the World League Semi-Final Round. Knowing the fact that Japan has a strong forward line and their players very skilful with speed, Indian players have started analysing their previous games and working on various strategies to tackle them. FIH Rank # 9, India has more strength than FIH Rank 16 Japan, but the host team is not taking any chance and they will utilise their full strength of the squad against the visitors. Last time the two teams met in the 2013 AHF Asian Champions Trophy in Japan, the host team defeated India by 2-1 in the tournament. The team management has called back a few young players, such as forward player Lalit Upadhyay, defender Yuvraj Walmiki and midfielder Pardeep Mor, in the senior team and have included them in their key game-plans against Japan.
On the other hand, Japan has arrived with full strength and all the senior players in their 19-member squad for the India-Japan Test Series. After finishing in the 6th position in the Incheon Asian Games 2014, the Japanese team is taking the series very seriously as they are also preparing for the FIH Hockey World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Japan will face the toughest teams of the word there and this series against India will give the ample opportunities to improve the skills of their players. However, they have not played matches against India in the last few years and due to that, they don’t know much about the Indian players and their individual styles. Japan’s first match will be the most crucial for them as they have to understand the Indian’s in a very short period of time and strategise their style according to their opponent.
Speaking after the Practice Session, India Chief Coach Paul van Ass stated: “In the present day International Hockey, you can’t take any team lightly. Once The Netherlands team lost a match against Japan, just because they took them lightly and didn’t utilise their full strength. Though they are ranked below us, the Japan team is a good team and they have been improving in the right direction. They have a very strong forward line-up and speed is their key strength. With the new South Korean coach Mr. Keonwook Kang, the Japan team has improved a lot in all areas. Being an Asian team, they are playing European style of hockey, which make them a tough opponent. We are glad that they are here to play with us and we will play competitive hockey. I am hoping for a good start against them.”
Speaking at the Practice Session at Kalinga Stadium, Japan Coach Keonwook Kang said: “This will be an important Test Series for us as we are preparing for the FIH Hockey World League Semi-Final and this series will give us good opportunities. We haven’t played against India in the last few years and we don’t know how they will play tomorrow. We have to read their game as early as possible in tomorrow’s match and draw our strategies according to that. We will start with our natural game and play with full force. India is a strong team and they have been playing good hockey in the last few years. It will be a tough contest between us and we are looking forward to it.”
The four-match Test Series between the two Asian teams will start on 3rd May 2015 at 07.00 pm, which will be telecasted LIVE on DD Sports.
Stick2Hockey.com
India hockey team takes on Japan in first Test
The Indian hockey team is all geared up to take on Japan in what would be the first of the four-match Test series at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday, which is preparation for the upcoming World League semifinal to be held at Antwerp in June.
Following their third place finish in the recently concluded Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in April, India are looking to maintain their form and will try out new strategies in the bilateral series.
With an augmented 24-member squad, chief coach Paul van Ass will aim to utilise all the players and use new team combinations in preparation for the big tournament next month.
“In present day in international hockey, you can’t take any team lightly. Once the Netherlands team lost a match against Japan, just because they took them lightly and didn’t utilise their full strength,” said van Ass.
“Though they are ranked below us, Japan are a good team and they have been improving in the right direction. They have a very strong forward line-up and speed is their key strength. With new South Korean coach Keonwook Kang, Japan have improved a lot in all areas.”
Knowing that Japan have a strong forward line and their players are skilful to add to their pace, India have started analysing and are working on various strategies to tackle them.
Ranked World No.9, India have more bench strength than their 16th ranked Asian opponents but the hosts are not taking any chances and will try and utilise their full squad.
The last time the two teams met was in the 2013 Asian Champions Trophy in Japan when the hosts defeated India 2—1.
The Indian team management has called back a few young players, such as forward Lalit Upadhyay, defender Yuvraj Walmiki and midfielder Pardeep Mor. On the other hand, Japan have come with their full strength in a 19—member squad.
“Being an Asian team, they are playing European style of hockey, which makes them a tough opponent. We are glad they are here to play with us. We will play competitive hockey. I am hoping for a good start against them,” added van Ass.
After finishing sixth at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Japan are also taking the series seriously as they are also preparing for their World League Semi—Final to be held in Buenos Aires.
Japan will face the toughest teams of the world there and this series will give them ample opportunities to test their skills. However, they have not played against India too much in the last few years and, hence, don’t know much about the Indian team and their style of play.
“This will be an important Test series for us as we are preparing for the World League Semi—Final; this series will give us good opportunities. We haven’t played against India in the last few years and we don’t know how they will play. We have to read their game as early as possible and draw our strategies according to that,” Kang said.
“We will start with our natural game and play with full force. India is a strong team and they have been playing good hockey in the last few years. It will be a tough contest between us and we are looking forward to it.”
The Hindu
India start HWL semis preparation with Japan Test series
BHUBANESWAR: With the FIH Hockey World League Semifinal (Men) 2015 around the corner, India's preparation for the tournament will start with the first Test of the four-match series against Japan at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday.
India would be looking to keep up its momentum after having finished third at the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia last month.
With a 24-member squad at his disposal, India's chief coach Paul van Ass would look to try out new strategies and use new team combinations ahead of the Hockey World League Semifinal to be held in Antwerp, Belgium from June 20 to July 5.
Going by the world rankings, India (9) will definitely start as favourites against 16th ranked Japan.
But the hosts are not willing to take any chances and would look to utilize their full strength against the visitors.
The last time these two teams met was in the 2013 AHF Asian Champions Trophy in Japan, where India lost 1-2 against the hosts.
India has recalled a few young players, such as forwards Lalit Upadhyay and Yuvraj Walmiki and midfielder Pardeep Mor, in the team.
Even though the two teams are miles apart in world rankings, India's chief coach Van Ass warned his wards against complacency.
"In the present day international hockey, you cannot take any team lightly. Once The Netherlands team lost a match against Japan, just because they took them lightly and did not utilize their full strength," Van Ass said on the eve of the series opener.
"Though they are ranked below us, Japan is a good team and they have been improving in the right direction. They have a very strong forward line-up and speed is their key strength," the Dutchman added.
Japan, on the other hand, had arrived here with a full strength squad of 19 members.
After finishing sixth in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Japan will look to make the most of the upcoming Test series ahead of their FIH Hockey World League Semifinal to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from June 3-14.
Japan has been grouped alongside The Netherlands, Spain and South Korea in the HWL Semifinal and the Test series against India will give them ample opportunities to get into rhythm.
Japan coach Keonwook Kang too is taking the upcoming Test series very seriously.
"This will be an important Test Series for us as we are preparing for the FIH Hockey World League Semifinal and this series will give us good opportunities.
"We haven't played against India in the last few years and we don't know how they will play tomorrow. We have to read their game as early as possible tomorrow and draw our strategies according to that," he said.
The Times of India
India look to plug weak defence
Arnab Lall Seal
BHUBANESWAR: Sardar Singh & Co will play the first of a four-match series against Japan at Kalinga Stadium on Sunday as they look to prepare for the World League semifinals to be played in Antwerp, Belgium, in June.
This will be Dutchman Paul van Ass's second assignment after being appointed coach of the national hockey team early this year. On his first assignment, India came third at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup held in Malaysia last month. This time around, Japan are not expected to pose a tough challenge.
Though Japan (16th) are currently ranked seven places below India (9th), the Dutchman has named a full-strength 24-man squad that includes all the 18 players who won bronze in Malaysia.
Among the remaining six, there are a number of promising youngsters including Harmanpreet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay and Yuvraj Walmiki.
It will be interesting to see how the 19-year-old Harmanpreet performs at the international level after he helped the India under-21 side retain the Sultan of Johor Bahru Cup in 2014. The drag-flicker also earned a lot of praise in the third edition of the Hockey India League, where he scored five goals for Dabang Mumbai.
The Times of India
Stats Speak: India-Japan (Men) Hockey, At a glance
By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)
Here's a quick look at the stats between India and Japan.
Total Matches: 69, India wins: 62, Japan Wins: 4, Drawn: 3, India’s Goals: 253, Japan’s Goals: 52.
India had played 132 test series versus 30 teams. India wins 85 test series, lost 30.
India played 5 test series versus Japan, won all 5.
Out of 5 test series played vs. Japan, only once India played on Japanese soil in 1966, rest 4 series played in India.
Results of test series are :
|
Year |
MP |
W |
L |
GF |
GA |
|
1951 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
25 |
1 |
|
1964 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
11 |
1 |
|
1965 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
07 |
5 |
|
1966 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
09 |
5 |
|
1986 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
08 |
3 |
|
Total |
22 |
19 |
3 |
60 |
15 |
Fieldhockey.com
Koch inspires Racing to French national title
Racing Club de France won the French national title this evening with Jean-David Koch’s pair of goals and one from Jean-Laurent Kieffer seeing them beat St Germain 3-1.
They hit the front in the first half with two goals from Koch in the lead-up to half-time, the first from a penalty corner and the second from a penalty stroke.
St Germain got one back, also from the penalty spot, via Jean-Baptiste Pauchet early in the second half. But eight minutes before the end, Kieffer made sure of the title when he scored a fine reverse stick effort to put Racing 3-1 ahead.
It means Racing will be France's number one European representative next season while St Germain will be the second seed.
Euro Hockey League media release
Rampant Reading blow Surbiton away
Reading celebrate their cup win
A stunning attacking display from Reading blew Surbiton away and won the cup for the Sonning Lane outfit. A double for Tom Carson, one for Richard Mantell and further strikes for John Jackson and Peter Scott did the damage after Will Calnan had given Surbiton the lead.
Reading came out of the blocks at a lightning pace. Jack Clee was extremely lively early on, buzzing around and causing the Surbiton defence problems and it was the No10 who almost gave Reading the lead as his flicked effort flew just wide.
Surbiton took the lead after five minutes. David Beckett’s excellent run forced a good block from goalkeeper Tommy Alexander but Calnan fired in the rebound.
Before the 20 minute mark Reading levelled it up with a precise penalty corner from Tom Carson. Ten minutes later Reading struck again from another penalty corner. Mantell moved out to the left of the circle for a short pass and fizzed the ball across goal from the angle to make it 2-1.
Alan Forsyth went close to evening the scores up just before the break but he was denied by Alexander and Reading kept the lead.
After the break, Reading’s onslaught continued and from another Mantell corner they made it 3-1. The No6’s shot was saved by David Kettle but Jackson lifted the rebound in.
Surbiton had the chance to force their way back into the contest from the penalty spot. Up stepped the normally reliable Forsyth but Alexander denied him brilliantly. Carson notched another penalty corner to make it 4-1 as Reading’s movement and pace cut open the Surbiton defence. With seven minutes remaining the gloss was put on the performance with a terrific individual goal. Scott weaved his way through the defence before firing a searing backhand shot high into the net giving the goalkeeper no chance.
The final whistle went, sparking joyous scenes from the Reading players and fans as they won their first Men’s Cup since 2008-09.
READING (2) 5 - 1 (1) SURBITON
Tom Carson 20,54 (PC,PC) Will Calnan 23 (F)
Richard Mantell 28 (PC)
John Jackson (PC)
Peter Scott 62 (F)
England Hockey Board Media release
Reading romp to English Cup title
A stunning attacking display from Reading blew Surbiton away to win the English cup final with a 5-1 win at Lee Valley. A double for Tom Carson, one for Richard Mantell and further strikes for John Jackson and Peter Scott did the damage after Will Calnan had given Surbiton the lead.
Surbiton took the lead after five minutes. David Beckett’s excellent run forced a good block from goalkeeper Tommy Alexander but Calnan fired in the rebound.
Before the 20 minute mark Reading levelled it up with a precise penalty corner from Tom Carson. Ten minutes later Reading struck again from another penalty corner. Mantell moved out to the left of the circle for a short pass and fizzed the ball across goal from the angle to make it 2-1.
Alan Forsyth went close to evening the scores up just before the break but he was denied by Alexander and Reading kept the lead.
After the break, Reading’s onslaught continued and from another Mantell corner they made it 3-1. The No6’s shot was saved by David Kettle but Jackson lifted the rebound in.
Surbiton had the chance to force their way back into the contest from the penalty spot. Up stepped the normally reliable Forsyth but Alexander denied him brilliantly. Carson notched another penalty corner to make it 4-1 as Reading’s movement and pace cut open the Surbiton defence.
With seven minutes remaining the gloss was put on the performance with a terrific individual goal. Scott weaved his way through the defence before firing a searing backhand shot high into the net giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Euro Hockey League media release
The Road to Lee Valley: Finals Reports
Coalville Town Celebrate their Vase Win
The Road to Lee Valley reaches its exciting conclusion as five trophies are up fro grabs on day one of the Men's Knockout Finals. See below for all the match reports.
2nd XI Plate Final:
LEWES (1) 1 - 1 (2) BEESTON
Seb Daniels 19 (PC) Alex Bell 5 (F)
Elliot Knight 57 (PC)
Beeston saw off a spirited challenge from Lewes to hold on to win the 2nd XI Plate Final in an absorbing game. Goals from Alex Bell and Elliot Knight were enough to capture the trophy but it was far from a walk in the park.
Lewes were on the front foot throughout the early stages moving the ball well and forcing Beeston back but after five minutes Beeston showed their class with Bell pouncing on a loose ball after a cross from the left to stab home and make it 1-0.
Beeston grew in influence but after 17 minutes a good run from Lewes’ Will Wycherley won them a penalty corner. The initial move broke down but the ball popped up to skipper Seb Daniels who volleyed brilliantly into the bottom corner to level it up. Moments later Josh Pewter was forced to dash from the Lewes goal to effect a fine save from Sam Apoola before making a good block from an Alex Bell penalty corner.
Beeston came out strongly in the second half and on 42 minutes Bell stung the goalkeeper’s pads with a strong backhand strike from an acute angle. With 13 minutes left, Daniels was shown a yellow card and from the resultant penalty corner Beeston took the lead. Pewter saved the first effort but the rebound broke to Knight who kept his composure to fire in an unstoppable strike. Jack Pogson almost made it 3-1 as Lewes legs started to tire but he couldn't keep his shot down. The Sussex side removed their goalkeeper as a last throw of the dice but it was to no avail and Beeston took home the title.
Beeston captain Dave Henderson told England Hockey afterwards: “It’s great to be here and to get the win. We didn’t play our best but it’s great to get over the line and I’m proud of the boys. We’re a hard working team and we relish the chance to play against a different side. They gave us a good test but we were ready and we did the club proud today.”
Men’s Vase Final:
COALVILLE TOWN (1) 2 - 2 (1) CRAWLEY
Calum Slaney 6 (F) Seb Watson 28 (F)
Jack Baker 52 (PC) Carl Wright 46 (PC)
Coalville Town completed the second leg of a league and cup double after holding their nerve to see off Crawley in a penalty shootout. The two sides treated the partisan crowd to an exciting game as they threw everything at each other over the 70 minutes, drawing 2-2 before Coalville won the penalty shootout.
The first half started at an incredible pace with both sides determined to put their mark on the game. It was Coalville who settled the better of the two with Calum Slaney pulling the strings from midfield. On six minutes Crawley were unlucky not to go ahead as Steve Innes was in the clear only for his shot to thump the woodwork and bounce to safety.
It was the influential Slaney who broke the deadlock after a good advantage from the umpire he slammed home an unstoppable backhand strike. Crawley went close through a Brendan Maccaolite penalty corner but Paul Glover saved well. On 28 minutes it was all square as Seb Watson showed great instinct to fire home from a tight angle.
At the start of the second half the teams traded chances as Jack Baker struck the woodwork and Crawley’s Hasah Yousaf showed good strength to create the chance before firing over the top. With 14 minutes of the second half gone, Carl Wright nudged the Sussex side in front, calmly picking his spot in a crowded circle to find the target and make it 2-1.
The lead lasted just six minutes however as Baker slotted home a penalty corner to level it up again. With six minutes remaining Crawley’s Rob Gate had a glorious chance to win it but with the goal the gaping Glover made a quite miraculous save to deny him.
The game went to shootout and Glover continued his fine form, saving Crawley’s first. With all the Coalville players scoring and Crawley missing another it was down to skipper Phil Sign to seal the win, which he duly to did to spark wild celebrations.
A delighted Sign, the Coalville captain told England Hockey: “We felt we did enough during the game to win. They were a good team but our momentum from winning our league seemed to carry over. The atmosphere is incredible and this place is bouncing. A lot of us have played a long time but never experienced anything like this before. We wanted to make the most of it and obviously it came together. I just wanted to make a decent contact on the last stroke, and luckily it went in!”
SHEFFIELD UNIV BANKERS (1) 2 - 2 (1) GUERNSEY
James Osbourne 27 (F) Steve Waldrom 8 (F)
Nick Fletcher 60 (F) Matt Stokes 52 (F)
Sheffield University Bankers Goalkeeper Simon Hibbert was the hero for his team with two stunning saves in the penalty shootout to hand the Yorkshire side the Trophy and break Guernsey hearts in dramatic fashion.
The two sides had played out a 2-2 draw over 70 minutes with Guernsey striking through Steve Waldrom and Matt Stokes whilst Sheffield hit back through James Osbourne and Nick Fletcher, but with Guernsey going into a shootout for the second year running, Hibbert stepped up to deny the Islanders.
Sheffields Hibbert takes the plaudits
The game was a cagey affair with both sides seemingly sizing each other up in the opening exchanges. Waldrom broke the deadlock with a deft tip in to make it 1-0 to Guernsey.
Jack Culmer flashed a deflection over the bar as Bankers searched for an equaliser before Jack Coulson lifted the ball over the goalkeeper but also the goal. With 25 minutes gone the equaliser came. Some neat approach play in the circle from Sheffield was finished off by Osbourne with the ball creeping over the line.
The second half opened up a little and a nice move down the right for Guernsey resulted in a sliding Matt Stokes guiding the ball home at the far post to give his side the lead.
Captain Matt Godden went close with a penalty corner but with 25 minutes on the clock Sheffield had their equaliser as a cross from the right found its way to Fletcher who made no mistake.
With no further score it went to a shootout and Simon Hibbert stepped up brilliantly for the Yorkshire side, saving once in the first barrage of five and then again in sudden death to give his team a dramatic 6-5 win and the title.
Matthew Godden, the Sheffield captain could not hide his delight at winning the title telling England Hockey:
"It feels fantastic, we’ve had a great season and this caps it off nicely. We wanted to get the job done; we’ve had to battle York all the way to win our league so it’s felt like we’ve had a cup final every week for a while. Today we just took at as all the other games and the boys handled it really well. Our goalkeeper has been outstanding all year. He’s been our player of the season so to see him pull off those saves and get us the trophy is brilliant."
2nd XI Cup Final
CANNOCK (2) 3 - 1 (1) SURBITON
Louie Morris 5 (F) Adam Jolly 7 (PC)
Aaron Wilkes 29 (PS)
Callum Swinnerton-Ions 44 (F)
Cannock held off the challenge of Surbiton to win the 2nd XI Cup Final. Goals from Louie Morris, Aaron Wilkes and Tom Morris were enough to get the silverware back to Chase Park and send the travelling fans wild.
Cannock drew first blood with an excellent move down the right hand side setting up Louie Morris to apply the finish and break the deadlock. The lead didn’t last long however as Adam Jolly’s rocket penalty corner hit the roof of the net to make it 1-1. The game flowed from end to end and on 20 minutes Reece Jecketts found some space in the Surbiton circle but his shot flew over the bar. Ore Ogunlana made a fine double save and at the other end Alex Penney lobbed Fair only for his effort to go over the bar. With six minutes till the break Cannock took the lead from the penalty spot thanks to a powerful penalty stroke from Aaron Wilkes, nudging them in front at the break.
Cannock extended their lead ten minutes after the break, a long weaving run by Swinneton-Ions caused havoc in the Surbiton defence and Tom Morris slotted in the third. Callum Stacey and Chris Beck both tested Ogunlana’s reflexes from penalty corners but the young goalkeeper was up to the job and kept his side in the hunt, but there were to be no more goals and Cannock took the trophy.
Captain Will Fleet told England Hockey “It’s a fantastic feeling. These lads have had a tough year so to come back and win today has been brilliant. Surbiton are very strong and we knew they’d give us a test; they’re a great side and on another day could have won. Great to see such a vocal Cannock crowd and we’ll enjoy the celebrations tonight."
Tomorrow it is the turn of the Masters teams to take centre stage as their finals take place at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
England Hockey Board Media release
Still all to play for after Play-Off first legs in Glasgow
Kelburne's Mark Ralph in action during the Men's Grand Final. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
It's still all to play for in all four of Scottish Hockey's National League Play-Offs after today's first legs at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre today.
In the Men's National League Grand Final, an entire seventy minutes were not able to seperate both Bromac Kelburne and Grange as both sides played out a 0-0 draw.
Clear-cut chances fell to both sides throughout the duration of the match but neither side were able to register on the scoresheet in what was a tense, close affair with the league winners shading the contest.
Edinburgh University will have to overcome a two goal deficit in the second leg of the Women's National League Grand Final after losing 2-0 to Grove Menzieshill.
Grove Menzieshill have the advantage after a 2-0 win over Edinburgh Uni. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
After a goalless first half, it was Grove Menzieshill who seized the ascendency two minutes into the second period. University defender Becky Merchant was dispossessed immediately in front of her own scoring circle and Ali Bell was on hand to collect the loose ball and strike the ball low into the bottom left corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.
In the 57th minute, the Taysiders extended their advantage to two goals when Amy Brodie's speculative reverse stick pass into the scoring circle was cutely deflected home by Sarah Jamieson, who had stolen in front of the defending Merchant to make the crucial intervention.
Dundee Wanderers will carry a slender one goal advantage into tomorrow's Men's National League Relegation Play-Off after a 2-1 win over Inverleith.
Wanderers got off to the best possible start in the second minute when Paul Dailly's cross from the right hand side was inadvertently turned home off Andy Malcolm's stick to give them a 1-0 lead.
Wanderers' first leg triumph puts them in pole position. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
On the stroke of half-time, a cross from Inverleith's Patrick Christie reached Magnus Ferrier, whose shot was half-blocked by Wanderers' goalkeeper Lewis Beer, but Josh McLean was on hand to touch the ball over the line to leave the two teams level at 1-1 come the interval.
In the 52nd minute, a speculative pass from outside the circle by Wanderers' Bruce Rowan was kicked out by Inverleith goalkeeper Greg McKenzie, only for Frank Mulgrew to control the ball a unleash an unstoppable reverse stick shot past McKenzie to give his side the lead again at 2-1.
A scrappy contest concluded with Wanderers taking the one goal advantage in tomorrow's second leg.
Inverleith are still in the hunt to retain their Division 1 status despite narrow defeat. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
The Women's National League Promotion / Relegation Play-Off will go down a deciding second leg match after Inverleith Ladies and Kelburne Ladies played out a tense 1-1 draw in today's first leg.
Kelburne will rue a number of opportunities throughout the match, but the opening goal did not come until as late as the 66th minute when Laura Carlton's strike into the circle was deflected by Stevie McInally into the path of Molly Godfrey who dispatched the ball past Inverleith's goalkeeper Nikki Monaghan.
However, Inverleith struck back almost with the last play of the game, Amy Costello winding up to power the ball past Lauren Grant from a penalty corner to equalise in the 69th minute.
Inverleith are still in the hunt to retain their Division 1 status despite narrow defeat. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
The Women's National League Promotion / Relegation Play-Off will go down a deciding second leg match after Inverleith Ladies and Kelburne Ladies played out a tense 1-1 draw in today's first leg.
Kelburne will rue a number of missed opportunities throughout the match, and the opening goal did not come until as late as the 63rd minute when Laura Carlton's strike into the circle was deflected by Stevie McInally into the path of Molly Godfrey, who cooly dispatched the ball past Inverleith's goalkeeper Nikki Monaghan.
Kelburne's Molly Godfrey celebrates the opening goal. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
However, Inverleith struck back almost with the last play of the game, Amy Costello winding up to power the ball past Lauren Grant from a penalty corner to equalise in the 69th minute.
Amy Costello's last minute equaliser means it's all to play for in tomorrow's second leg. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray
Entry to tomorrow's National League Grand Finals and Play-Offs at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre is FREE of charge for all spectators for what will be a great day of hockey.
Sunday 3 May
11.00 Kelburne Ladies (1) v (1) Inverleith Ladies
13.00 Inverleith (1) v (2) Dundee Wanderers
15.00 Edinburgh University (0) v (2) Grove Menzieshill
17.00 Bromac Kelburne (0) v (0) Grange
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Punjab women enter semifinals of Indian National Hockey Championship
Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Kerala 10-2 to enter the semifinals of the 5th Senior Women National Division A Championship at Saifai in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.
In other matches, Hockey Jharkhand defeated Assam Hockey 10-1 to book berth in the semifinals, while Hockey Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh Hockey played a 1-1 draw. In the last match, The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd outplayed Hockey Bhopal 6-2.
Punjab’s Navpreet Kaur scored the first goal in the third minute of the game. Five minutes later Gurjit Kaur scored the second goal to double the lead 2-0. Pooja Rani trebled the lead with a penalty stroke conversion in the 17th minute of the game. Thereafter Gurjit Kaur struck two consecutive field goals in the 20th and 25th minute to swell the lead 5-0.
Ramandeep Kaur (27th min), Gurjit Kaur (28th min) added to the goal glut as Kerala defense was left in tatters. Just before half time Kerala Hockey managed to open its account with a goal from Anjali Abraham in the 29th minute of the match. In the second half Navpreet Kaur added the eighth goal for Punjab in the 36th minute through a penalty corner conversion. Kerala Hockey reduced the margin in the 47th minute through Vismaya A, but Punjab pumped in two more goals to seal the match.
Hindustan Times
Warriors stay clear of the fighting pack
By BRIAN YONGA
Butali Sugar Warriors’ Barnebus Odhiambo drives forward with the ball during their Kenya Hockey Union Premier League against Park Road at City Park Stadium on May 2, 2015. Warriors won 3-0. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO
Champions Butali Sugar Warriors made it three wins out of three after beating Park Road 3-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match played on Saturday at the City Park Stadium.
The win sees the lake side team move three points clear at the top of the table.
Warriors have nine points and will be aiming to continue their winning streak when they take on Western Jaguars on Sunday.
Goals from Brian Musasia, Maxwell Fuchaka and Seth Oburu gave the champions the win in a charged match that saw both Oburu and Barnebus Odhiambo sin binned towards the end of the match.
Warriors captain Kenneth Nyongesa said his team was aiming to go on an unbeaten run this season as they chase honours on both the local and continental front.
“It was a charged match but we kept our coop and managed to bag the three points. We are ready for the next match against Jaguars,” Nyongesa told Nation Sport.
Western Jaguars made it two wins out of two after beating Mvita XI 3-2 in a pulsating match. Amos Kibichi was the hero for Jaguars scoring the winner with seven minutes to go.
On Friday, the western region side beat Parklands 1-0. Mvita lost to Strathmore 0-1 on Friday evening.
Jaguars took the lead after 14 minutes through Ken Ashimosi’s penalty stroke after James Juma was brought down inside the Mvita box.
The coastal team equalised at the stroke of halftime through Farhah Khan, who finished off a penalty corner pushed by Sammy Webo.
REGAINED THE LEAD
Jaguars began the second half on a high and regained the lead on 49 minutes after Amos Kibichi’s shot found its way into the net beating Mvita keeper Ratan Pius.
Mvita however were not beaten and rallied again to equalise through Sammy Webo, who converted his team’s second penalty stroke.
Kibichi exchanged passes with Juma before firing past Pius to give his team the three points.
Jaguars coach Sammy Mushira praised his team for playing according to instructions and pressing their opponents hard.
“We have gotten six points from two games and that is a good return so far. We will build on this wins for our next assignments,” Mushira said.
In other results, Nakuru Hockey Club got a walkover after their opponents Mombasa Sports Club failed to show up for the game.
Daily Nation