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News for 13 May 2015

All the news for Wednesday 13 May 2015


Germany 3-2 Ireland

Ireland played the first of their two test matches against the Olympic Champions and World No. 3 Germany in Krefeld this evening as they continue their preparation on the Road to Rio.  The game, in which Ronan Gormley became the first male player to reach 200 caps for his country, was an even contest.  The first quarter saw little goal mouth action but Ireland did force their 1st corner of the game following good work by Shimmins.  The resulting drag from Cockram was saved by German keeper

Germany had more possession early on in the 2nd quarter with Irish Keeper David Fitzgerald being called into action.  Ireland 2nd corner in the 25m, won by Bruton, was taken off the line by the German defence after a good variation by Ireland.  Fitzgerald made a sequence of fine saves before Germany scored in the 29m after good build up play was finished by Ruhr to give the Germans a 1-0 lead at half time.

The game opened up, as the 3rd quarter progressed, but very few circle entries for either side.  Great skill from Eugene Magee in the 41m found Sothern in the circle and the striker finished with a tidy reverse to mark his 100th cap in style.  Ireland almost took the lead moment later this time a  Shimmins cross flashed across the face of goal.  A swift German counter attack almost punished Ireland but the shot was fired wide.  End 3rd quarter Ireland 1-1 Germany.

Germany had the first opportunity of the final quarter but Fuchs attempt was wide of target.  Ireland defence was holding strong against the Olympic Champions.  In the 55m a great crash ball from Cargo into the circle was deflected on to a German foot by Sothern to win Irelands 3rd PC of the game.   Sothern stepped up himself to convert the PC drag and give Ireland the lead with 4m to go.  Germany got their own PC 2 minutes later as the ball seemed to get stuck under Fitzgerald’s pads.  The PC was converted by Zeller, despite protests from Ireland as they considered it to be high and dangerous.  From the restart Ireland had great chance to score with Shimmins finding Carlise but his shot flew over and moments later a counter attack by Germany was finished by Fuchs with 10 seconds left on the clock.

The final score Ireland 2-3 Germany, the sides meet again at 15.30 (14.30 Irish time) tomorrow Tuesday 12th May in Krefeld.

IRELAND 2 (Sothern 2)

GERMANY 3 (Ruhr, Zeller, Fuchs)

Starting XI:  David Fitzgerald (GK), Ronan Gormley, Paul Gleghorne, Conor Harte, John Jackson, Eugene Magee, Michael Robson, Chris Cargo, Mitch Darling, Jonny Bruton, Timmy Cockram

Rolling Subs: Alan Sothern, Jonny Bell, Peter Caruth. Kirk Shimmins. Drew Carlisle, Stuart Loughrey

Did Not play: Shane O Donoghue, Stephen Dowds & Stephen West

Irish Hockey Association media release



European preparations begin with Spain for Scotland Senior Men


Kenny Bain celebrates the opening goal for Scotland against Belgium Photo Credit Duncan Gray

Scotland Senior Men will travel to Barcelona this week to play Spain in three international matches on 13/15/16 May.

With their participation in the EuroHockey Nations Championship II just over two months away, the Scots will test themselves against a nation ranked eleven in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) World Rankings.

The Spaniards will bid for qualification to the 2016 Olympic Games next month when they take part in the FIH World League 3 event in Buenos Aires, and will pose a tough test for the players to overcome.

Following a number of senior retirements after the Commonwealth Games last year, several players have been given the opportunity to press home their claims for inclusion in Forsyth’s final European squad selection.

Gordon Amour, Murray Collins, Gregor Hirst and Hamish Imrie are all in line to possibly earn their first senior international caps, while the likes of Michael Ross, Gavin Sommerville, Lee Morton and Ross McIntyre have a chance to build upon their previous appearances for the senior side.

Established names, including cap centurions William Marshall, Kenny Bain and Ross Stott, will bring tried and tested experience to the squad at this level. Captain Chris Grassick misses out due to recovery from injury while Gordon McIntyre is with the Great Britain squad.

Scotland Senior Men: Gavin Sommerville (Western Wildcats), Jamie Cachia (Beeston), Michael Ross, Gavin Byers (both Grove Menzieshill), William Marshall, Alan Forsyth (both Surbiton), Ross Stott (East Grinstead), David Forsyth, Kenny Bain (both Hurley), Nicky Parkes (Sheffield Hallam), Gordon Amour (Edinburgh University), Hamish Imrie (Grange), Wei Adams (Canterbury), Lee Morton, Ross McIntyre (both Kelburne), Murray Collins (Loughborough University), Russell Anderson (Cannock), Gregor Hirst (Clydesdale)

Date

Time

Opposition

Venue

13th May

16.00

Match 1 v Spain (2 x 35mins)

Barcelona, Spain

15th May

16.00

Match 2 v Spain (4 x 15mins)

Barcelona, Spain

16th May

11.00

Match 3 v Spain (4 x 15mins)

Barcelona, Spain

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Summer Schedule Set for U.S. Men’s National Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –  This week, the U.S. Men’s National Team is back at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. for training practices and the start of preparation for the Pan American Games, July 13-25, 2015.

A training camp will run until May 19 for members of the U.S. Men’s Developmental Squad, which consists of domestic based players from the Men’s Senior Team, development squad players and Men’s Junior Team.

The full U.S. Men’s National team will go on a European tour, traveling to Den Hague, The Netherlands and Antwerp, Belgium from June 3-18. This tour will consist of seven games against Cartouche (Dutch Club), Pakistan, China and India.

“We need the strongest competition possible on a more frequent basis, to truly test ourselves and extend our level of play allowing our program to continue improving and challenging ourselves,” said Chris Clements, U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach. “Our players will be tested against opponents who are very capable and will demand a greater level of focus and attention to not only how they play but to being able to execute our respective game plans against any opponent.”

“These matches are critical to our programs development as if you want to be at the top you have to train and compete with the top teams,” added Clements. “Being ranked where we are does not allow for that regular competition so we have created this schedule ourselves. The results will not be the main objective of the tour, but how we meet our match objectives as a team against these opponents will be our main focus.”

Upon completion of the tour, Team USA will return to Chula Vista from June 22-July 2 for the final training camp before the Pan American Games.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will travel to Boston, Mass. to train and play Argentina in two test matches at Harvard University, July 4-8. This will be the final preparatory matches before the USMNT heads to Toronto for the Pan American Games.

“This will allow the team to have some quality games in the final stage of the build up to the Pan American Games against the best team in the Americas,” said Clements. “It has been 20 years since the U.S. Men’s Program has medaled at the Pam American Games and it is something that is driving the program on a daily basis to get on the podium at this event.”

“This summer’s preparation is comprehensive and will not be an easy task, however is something that the players and staff are more than ready for,” added Clements.

USFHA media release



Amsicora leading Bra in Italian playoff race



SG Amsicora look set to top the regular season table in Italy after they won their derby game against HC Suelli last weekend 2-1, helping them build a five-point lead at the head of the table.

Nicola Carta and Gabriele Murgia were both on the mark in the victory, their 12th success from 16 outings thus far this term

HC Bra, last year’s champions, were held 2-2 by Roma de Sisti with New Zealander Priyesh Bhana, pictured, and Daniele Lanzano scoring the goals. That slip saw them drop a couple of points off the pace of Amsicora but they have a game in hand and look in good shape for the playoffs.

The next spaces are currently occupied by Pisa’s Ferrini who host Amsicora next weekend while Suelli are in the fourth will hope to advance their claims of a top four finish against basement side CUS Cagliari.

Euro Hockey League media release



Reading ace Tom Carson is upping his game after Commonwealth disappointment

By Graham Wilson


Tom Carson is upping his game. GETTY

LIKE his game, Tom Carson has moved on in the fashion business.

The onesies, he and his former Exeter University team-mate Chris Rea sold all over the country with their YoungOnes clothing brand, have hit their peak and he has set the trend in selling more “social kit” to the campus crowd.

He has also got over “a blip” in his game and after scoring two goals to help Reading on their way to a 5-1 win over Surbiton to take the England Hockey Cup.

He is well set for the international stage again when the Great Britain squad play Argentina in two capped tests this Thursday and Friday at Bisham Abbey and then face the world champions Australia at the Olympic Park, Stratford, on Saturday, June 13, followed a week later by the Olympic qualifiers in Antwerp.

“My game is going in the right direction,” said Carson, who was dropped for the Commonwealth Games after a disappointing fourth place in the World Cup with England.

They were beaten to the bronze medal by Argentina 2-0 in controversial circumstances so these internationals will be a big pointer for both countries, with Argentina ranked sixth in the world and GB five.

Carson said: “I have been playing for two and half years internationally now.

“I started really well, scored a lot of goals, had a bit of a blip, but now it’s all about doing my part to make sure the squad qualify for the Olympics in Antwerp.

“That’s the pressure and scoring some goals would be nice.”

Carson also believes the future looks promising for Reading.

He said: “Massive credit should go to our coach Andy Watts and the way he has brought on a number of our junior players who are going to play internationally this year and flourish in the future.

“I am staying with Reading and, hopefully, we will be keeping the bulk of the group so that we can fight our way back in the league and compete for a top four place next season.”

Daily Express



Holcombe ready to sign 'three or four players' - could Ashley Jackson be one of them?

Kent side Holcombe are looking to bolster squad once more ahead of inaugural season in men's hockey top flight

By Rod Gilmour
   

Club call: Holcombe have signed a raft of England senior players Photo: ADY KERRY

Newly-promoted Holcombe are currently in talks with a number of players, as East Grinstead manager Matt Jones admitted that it is a “possibility” that playmaker Ashley Jackson could be tempted to join their rivals.

Holcombe men were promoted to the Premier Division after coming through in the Play-Off Finals and will play alongside the women’s XI for the first time in the top flight next season.

David South, the Holcombe chairman, remained coy on who they were targeting, instead reiterating their stance on signings. “We do not approach anybody,” he said.

Instead, South admitted, it is the players who contact the club in the first instance.


Holcombe men and women will play in top flight for first time together (ANDY WAYMONT)

“We are in discussions with three to four players,” he said. “We are looking at a cross-section, not just established players.”

Asked whether the objective was to achieve European hockey in Holcombe's first season, South added: “Our target is to position ourselves in the Premier Division. We can’t run before we can walk.”

Holcombe will still pose a formidable proposition for already-established clubs such as East Grinstead, Beeston and champions Wimbledon, when domestic duties allow; GB goalkeeper George Pinner, defender Iain Lewers and Dan Fox and midfielder Nick Catlin having all joined captain Barry Middleton in the Medway. Last season, Holcombe finished top of Conference East with 110 goals in 18 unbeaten games.

Jackson, a long-time servant of East Grinstead, played alongside Lewers and Middleton during the trio’s stint at Dutch side HGC a few years ago and Jones admitted that “it is a possibility that he could consider Holcombe”.

Jones, who is unaware of any approaches for their star player, said: “He has left the club and returned before in Holland. That was for his own personal development as a player and it did improve his game.

“He’s been a loyal servant member for the club. He’s developed as a hockey player but also a gentleman.

“Now that Holcombe are in the Premier Division and the attraction of a financial package, you could see a centrally-contracted internationals looking at Holcombe as a serious project.

“We know that Ashley is not focused on the financial side. He is focused on how he can improve his own game."

South said that he hoped to have any new signings in place by early next week.

The Telegraph



Spar KZN regional hockey

WARTBURG-KIRCHDORF High claimed their fourth title in the Spar KZN Regional Hockey Tournament last Saturday at Hermannsburg, South Africa. The impressive team won all of their five games and, having no goals scored against them, showed great skill as they netted 17 goals in total.

Runners-up, Wembley College, gave them a run for their money in their round-robin game with Wartburg-Kirchdorf only able to score their first goal in the 11th minute of the 20-minute game.

Star of the day, Grade 11 pupil Elke Engelbrecht­, from Wartburg-Kirchdorf scored six goals out of her team’s 17, showing determination every time she set foot in the circle.

Umpire Sarah Wheeler from Greytown High, representing the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi region, will be making her fifth appearance at the finals, as part the tournament’s endeavour to further encourage and develop umpiring skills.

“We welcome back both Wartburg-Kirchdorf and umpire Sarah Wheeler to the finals in July.” says tournament director­ Les Galloway.

“This now wraps up the 10 regionals for this year, and we look forward to some inspiring school girl hockey at the grand finals.”

Results:

1 Wartburg-Kirchdorf 15pts, 2 Wembley College 12pts, 3 Greytown 7pts, 4 Hermannsburg 6pts, 5 Esctourt 2pts, 6 Domino Servite 0 pts. - Sharlene Versfeld

News24



Top-level hockey in DSG, Pearson match in SA's Eastern Cape

The DSG first hockey side may have lost 1-2 to Pearson over the weekend, but the match definitely lived up to its billing, as the crowd enjoyed a classic encounter of top-level schoolgirl hockey in Grahamstown.

Pearson dominated the early exchanges and won two penalty corners but failed to convert, while DSG grew into the game and ended the first half on top.

They put lots of pressure on the Pearson circle, however no one had opened the scoring by the break.

This was to change in the second half, and while DSG continued to pressurise the Pearson defence, it was Pearson who scored first.

DSG pressed hard for an equaliser while trying to contain the swift counter-attacks of the Pearson team.

Midway through the second half, DSG won their first penalty corner.

Drag-flicking ace, Storm Christy, made no mistake with a thunderbolt into the top left corner of the goal to level the scores.

The game then swung from end to end as both teams searched for the winner, and it was Pearson who delivered the killer blow with three minutes to play.

The game ended 2-1 to Pearson.

Grocotts Mail



MHC Congress heralds new dawn for local hockey

By S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: The election of office bearers aside, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Congress slated for Wednesday is set to herald the beginning of a new era in local hockey.

One confirmed change will be that MHC will have a new supremo in Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, who takes over from Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. Tengku Abdullah did not seek re-election.

The other is that the executive board will be smaller and leaner – just 17 members.

Besides the president and the two deputies, the executive committee will have seven vice-presidents and seven affiliates. The previous committee had 52 members.

As others jostle for positions, new president Subahan has two urgent matters to resolve.

One is the appointment of a chief executive officer now that the post of secretary general has been abolished.

The second is the appointment of the senior team coach.

Australian Neil Hawgood was appointed in January but was made a consultant. Tai Beng Hai was told to stay on as coach until the Congress convenes.

So, will Hawgood be named as coach?

With the World Hockey League Semi-Finals just a month away, Subahan will have to decide fast.

These issues are not new and Subahan would do well to tackle them when he holds the first committee meeting after the Congress.

While Subahan won the president’s post unopposed when nominations closed, Wednesday’s Congress will see a battle royale for the two deputy presidents’ posts (men and women).

Former Kuala Lumpur HA president George Koshy and incumbent senior vice-president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad will go head-to-head in the men’s side while incumbent senior vice-president Professor S. Shamala and K. Maheswari will slog it out in the women’s side.

The Star of Malaysia

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