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All the news for Monday 18 May 2015

Black Sticks call on experience for World League



Black Sticks Men’s head coach Colin Batch has named an experienced side for the FIH World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

New Zealand will be led by Phil Burrows (336 tests), Ryan Archibald (284), Simon Child (230) and Shea McAleese (214) at the tournament which runs from 3-14 June.

The Black Sticks are among 10 sides competing for a place in the World League Final, while the event also doubles as an opportunity to automatically qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics with a top three placing.

Veteran Archibald returns to the side after missing the recent International Challenge in Hobart, adding strength to a youthful and talented midfield including Arun Panchia, George Muir and Nic Woods.

Southern defender and drag flicking option Kane Russell also returns for the first time this year after being rewarded for a strong period of training.

Head coach Colin Batch said despite several injuries within the squad it was pleasing to have strong players ready to step up.

“We have some injuries at present with Nick Wilson, Shay Neal and James Coughlan all sidelined, but have created good depth and are still able to put out a very good side for Argentina,” he said.

That depth has led to a few role changes in this team with Phil Burrows moving back up to striker and Shea McAleese pushing back into defence.

“Steve Edwards will also move into the attacking line. He is a very talented player with great attacking skills and we think he can be genuine goal scoring threat.”

New Zealand is joined in Pool A at the tournament by Netherlands, Korea, Japan and Egypt while Pool B consists of Germany, Argentina, Spain, Canada and Austria.

The World League format sees the Kiwis play four pool games ahead of a crucial sudden-death quarter final against a Pool B opponent.

North Harbour’s Edwards said he was looking forward to suiting up for the Black Sticks again.

“It’s very exciting to be back in the team at such an important time for us,” the 29-year-old said.

“We’ve got a well balanced team with experience and some really good young guys. We want to finish as high as possible at the tournament, and qualify now so we can focus on Rio.”

The Black Sticks fly out of Auckland on 25 May and head to Buenos Aires where they face Egypt first up on Thursday 4 June at 5am (NZ time).

CLICK HERE for full match schedule and results

BLACK STICKS MEN
World League Semi-Final, Argentina

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Ryan Archibald and Kane Russell in Black Sticks squad for World League semifinal


Kane Russell, right, has been named in the Black Sticks squad for the World League semifinal. Getty Images

Ryan Archibald and Kane Russell are notable returnees to the men's Black Sticks team to contest the World League semifinal in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in June.

New Zealand coach Colin Batch has named an experienced lineup for the June 3-14 tournament, which doubles as a Rio Olympics qualifier.

Archibald, a veteran of 284 internationals, returns to the side after missing the International Challenge in Hobart, adding strength to a youthful and talented midfield including Arun Panchia, George Muir and Nic Woods.

Southern defender and drag flicking option Russell also returns for the first time this year after being rewarded for a strong period of training.

New Zealand will be led by Phil Burrows (336 tests), Archibald, Simon Child (230) and Shea McAleese (214) and present an experienced lineup despite missing several players through injury.

"We have some injuries at present with Nick Wilson, Shay Neal and James Coughlan all sidelined, but have created good depth and are still able to put out a very good side for Argentina," Batch said.

That depth has led to a few role changes in this team with Burrows moving back up to striker and McAleese pushing back into defence.

"Steve Edwards will also move into the attacking line. He is a very talented player with great attacking skills and we think he can be genuine goal scoring threat," Batch added.

The Black Sticks are among 10 sides competing for a place in the World League final, while the Buenos Aires event also doubles as an opportunity to automatically qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics with a top-three placing.

New Zealand is joined in Pool A at the tournament by Netherlands, Korea, Japan and Egypt while Pool B consists of Germany, Argentina, Spain, Canada and Austria.

The World League format sees the Kiwis play four pool games ahead of a crucial sudden-death quarterfinal against a Pool B opponent.
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The Black Sticks fly out of Auckland on May 25 and head to Buenos Aires where they face Egypt first up on June 4 (NZ time).

Stuff

OZ win third Hoofdklasse title



Oranje Zwart claimed the Dutch title for the second successive season as  they won the first two ties of their playoff series against Kampong, ending with 2-1 wins on both occasions.

On Thursday, Bob de Voogd scored twice to secure the result with Loick Luypaert getting one back for the Utrecht side. And they repeated the trick, albeit after extra time, on Saturday afternoon away from home to become national champions once again.

OZ started in the ascendancy with Muhammad Rizwan hitting the bar via David Harte’s pads. They hit the front when Mink van der Weerden scored a penalty corner in the 22nd minute and they kept that lead until the latest stages.

Kampong swapped out their goalkeeper for the closing minutes – with both sides also reduced to nine players for yellow card offences – and they got their reward with a Constantijn Jonker equaliser.

Kampong almost won it on the final whistle when they earned a penalty corner but Martijn Havenga saw his shot saved away, meaning extra time.

There, Rashid Mehmood made the crucial incision with a quickly taken free, reaching the baseline and then picking out Gabriel Dabanch who touched the ball home for OZ’s third national title.

It completed an EHL/Hoofdklasse double for OZ and captain Rob van der Horst was delighted with it.

"On Thursday, we deserved to win," said Van der Horst."Today, it was not really the case.The second half, we did not actually play hockeybut we stayed calm and did not get stressed.And that paid off in the victory."

Euro Hockey League media release

Amsterdam land third place in Hoofdklasse

Amsterdam secured third place in the Dutch Hoofdklasse and a ticket to the EHL next season as they won their vital third rubber with Bloemendaal 4-1 on Sunday.

The two clubs shared the first two legs, Amsterdam winning the opening tie 3-2 before the sparrows landed the second game on Saturday afternoon to send the series to a third tie.

But Amsterdam proved to have the last burst of energy to win the tie. Jan-Willem Buissant and Rogier Hofman shared goals before Mirco Pruyser put Amsterdam 2-1 up at half-time.

And it stayed that way all the way until the 66th minute when Billy Bakker fired home. Santi Freixa then killed off the game in the final minute to send them through to Europe with Oranje Zwart and Kampong.

Euro Hockey League media release

Rot Weiss still in control in Germany



Rot Weiss Köln go into the second break of the German season with a three point lead over the chasing Harvestehuder THC thanks to their 5-1 win over BW Berlin.

They cruised to the win with Tom Grambusch and Marco Miltkau giving them a 2-0 lead before Marian Klink got one back. But further strikes from Christopher Zeller, Joshua Delarber and Mats Grambusch saw them whip into their powerful lead with 20 minutes remaining.

Harvestehuder THC nicked a 3-2 win against Munich SC to stay within three points of the league leaders.

UHC Hamburg, though, dropped back a couple of points as they drew 2-2 with the in-form Krefeld who have now gone eight games unbeaten.

Max Kapaun and Oskar Deecke shared goals to leave the game at 1-1 going into the final minute of the game when Florian Fuchs returned the lead to UHC.

But Ronan Gormley – in the week he hit 200 caps for Ireland – latched onto a rebound to tie the game up once again with three seconds remaining.

Berliner HC moved into fourth thanks to a 1-0 win over Mannheim while Uhlenhorst Mülheim drew with Club an der Alster to drop to fifth place. Uhlenhorst have no win in four games.

The season now goes on a break until June 20 after World League Round 3. That weekend brings a double set of fixtures while there are further games on June 27 and 28 to complete the regular season.

Euro Hockey League media release

Coaches hail tournament platform



It’s been quite a ride for the University of the Free State (Kovsies) in South Africa's Varsity Sports this year. In April, they claimed their maiden Varsity Cup title and followed it up with the Varsity Sevens title.

Now they are in yet another final with the Kovsies hockey ladies hosting the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the Varsity Hockey final on Monday.

For some, this would add to the pressure of winning the title but for Kovsies hockey coach Braam van Wyk, it simply underscores the team’s goal.

“I don’t think there is extra pressure. The only pressure we experience is the pressure of our own goals that we set in the beginning of the year and that is to be the best that we can be,” van Wyk said.

Kovsies have gone unbeaten through the group and semifinal stages of the competition and hammered UJ 5-1 when the sides met in the group stages, something Van Wyk thinks will add to the occasion and certainly does not make the hosts favourites.

“On the contrary, I believe the fact that we beat UJ earlier during the competition will serve as extra motivation. Also the fact that we realise that reputations count for nothing. We believe that when we run onto the park, we run onto the park with a 50/50 chance to win. It is the team who wants it the most who will win on the day,” he added.

UJ won five of their seven group games, finishing third on the log behind Tuks. They came back strong in the semifinal, beating Tuks 2-0. Coach Robin van Ginkel admits his side is keen to improve on their previous showing.

“If we look at the tournament, we played Kovsies on day four and had some injuries.  We are definitely aiming to win, we’ve done our prep and will be trying to give them a really great final,” Van Ginkel said.

Varsity Hockey had its inaugural season in 2013 and van Wyk believes there has been a big improvement since then and that the tournament is an important stepping stone in the careers of many of the players.

“It is always a wonderful experience for hockey players who always have to pay through their ears for everything.

“I also believe the standard of hockey has improved since the first year as everybody knows what to expect. This tournament is very important. It gives the opportunity to so many younger players to play high quality hockey against top players. If you look at the number of players in the SA Under-21 squad, as well as national players, you will realise why the standard is so high and the tournament is so important,” Van Wyk explains.

UJ’s Van Ginkel concurs. It’s his second tournament, but first as head coach and he believes it’s a great platform for young talent.

“It has been brilliant. It’s been a superb tournament. The schedule is tough with eight games in 12 days but from an organisational perspective it’s been a great event, allowing the students to have the opportunity to compete in a professional event,” Van Ginkel sstated.

With the prep done off the field, it’s all about who will shine on it and the coaches have picked their players to watch.

“Watch out for Izelle Lategan, Tanya Britz, Line Malan, Nicole Walraven and Cornelle Botha who won three FNB Player of the Match awards between them and have all been great. Also our two key defenders Jonelke Swanepoel and Jacqui Ras,” Van Wyks said.

While UJ’s Van Ginkel picks “Lilian du Plessis, she is a very important player with over 80 caps for South Africa, she is very influential. Kaila Flemming also has lots of international experience. Taryn Mallet won the inaugural season with Maties, so she is familiar with the system and has played in a final before, her experience will be valuable.”

Varsity Sports media release

Strathmore storm league summit after Sliders win

By AYUMBA AYODI


Victor Mwashi in action for Karate Axion against Thika Rovers in their National League match on May 16, 2015 at City Park. Rovers won 2-1. PHOTO | CORRESPONDENT |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Yvonne Karanja’s second half goal was all Strathmore University required to beat Sliders 1-0 and move to the top of the women’s National League table at City Park on Sunday.

Karanja drove the ball past Sliders keeper Flavian Amuhaya from a short corner in the 54th minute to send the varsity girls to the top of the table with seven points from two wins and a draw.

Sliders, who lost 0-9 to champions Telkom Orange the previous weekend, stayed third on three points with Orange dropping one place to second with six points.

Strathmore, who had previously beaten Daystar 7-0 before being held 1-1 by Vikings, squandered several opportunities including 10 short corners. Seven came in the first half.

Strathmore coach Meshak Senge rued the missed chances, acknowledging that he had work to do on his finishing power especially in short corner taking.

“Our build up and movements are superb after working on our structures but something isn’t clicking up front,” said Senge. “We have got good players upfront but I think they need to gel pretty fast.”

It was Sliders keeper Flavian Amuhaya who helped keep the scoreline low with daring saves as she kept the likes of Margaret Rotich and Rachel Ousa at bay.

Sliders also had their share of missed opportunities with June Otieno and Njeri Kariuki failing in their final delivery especially in the second half.

Kariuki would have grabbed the equaliser just seconds before full time but placed his short wide.

Sliders coach Nixon Nyaganga said the match could have gone either way but also regretted missed opportunities.

“I will have to work on my striking force since many chances went begging,” said Nyaganga. “I am now back with the team and I hope they shall improve going forward.”

Sliders beat USIU 1-0 before losing to Orange and Strathmore.

GREENSHARKS STRIKE TWICE

In the men’s Premier League, Greensharks scored in each half to stun Strathmore University 2-0 at City Park on Sunday. Sharks, who had the previous weekend drawn 0-0 with Mombasa Sports Club had their act in place.

Skipper Samuel Mucheke set up Leon Magomere, who dummied Strathmore keeper Simon Odhiambo before placing the ball home in the 19th minute for the lead.

Mucheke sounded the board in the 56th minute after latching on a deflected delivery.

Daily Nation

Dames get a lift

Nigel Simon


Gabriela Xavier, right of Georgetown CC and Paragon’s Racquel Kirton go after a loose ball in their T&T Hockey Board Women’s Championship Division match at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Saturday. The match ended 3-3. Photo: Anthony Harris

Three different men were on target as defending champions Notre Dame whipped Queen’s Park 3-1 in the T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Saturday.

The win, only their second from six matches, lifted the Dames to eight points, the same as Defence Force, but behind on goal-difference and seven adrift of Petrotrin which has maximum 15 points from five matches.

Chad Pedro fired the Dames ahead as early as the fourth minute, but Guyana international Jerezano Bell drew the Parkites level in the tenth.

National midfielder Shaquille Daniel restored Notre Dame’s lead in the 34th while Keith De Peza added an insurance item in the 55th to seal all three points.

In the Women’s Championship, Shandy Carib Magnolias had four players scoring a 4-2 spanking of Georgetown CC to improve to six points, the same as Notre Dame.

Shaniah De Freitas (14th), T&T international Brianna Govia (16th) and former national standout Stacey Siu Butt (26th) all scored inside the first 30-minutes for Magnolias to lead 3-0.

However, Kerensa Fernandes and Sonia Jardine, who were both on target in a 3-3 draw with table leaders Paragon on Saturday morning, scored again, in the 38th and 45th minutes respectively to get GCC within one at 3-2.

That was as close as it got though as national forward Brittney Hingh found the back of the net in the 54th minute to dash any hopes of a come-back.

At the top of the table, Paragon has 11 points from five matches, three more than Harvard Checkers which has a match in hand while GCC stayed on seven.

In the Under-19 Boys’ Division, Fatima ended the six-match perfect run of Queen’s Park with a 2-1 win of its own while Roshane Hamilton, Lyndell Byer and Sheldon De Lisle scored for Shape in a 3-0 shut-out of Carib, and its second win on the trot in the Trinity Division.

RESULTS

Saturday
Women

    SC Magnolias 4 (Shaniah De Freitas 14th, Brianna Govia 16th, Stacey Siu Butt 26th, Brittney Hingh 54th) vs GCC 2 (Kerensa Fernandes 38th, Sonia Jardine 45th)

Men

    Notre Dame 3 (Chad Pedro 4th, Shaquille Daniel 34th, Keith De Peza 55th) vs QPCC 1 (Jerezano Bell 10th)

Under-19 Boys

    Fatima 2 (Che Modeste 40th, Chad Luk Piat 56th) vs QPCC 1 (Jarryon Paul 66th)

Trinity Men

    Shape 3 (Roshane Hamilton 17th, Lyndell Byer 42nd, Sheldon De Lisle 57th) vs Carib 0

Upcoming matches
Today

    Mixed Veterans: Courts Malvern vs Police, 8 pm

Wednesday

    Mixed Veterans: Carib vs Fatima, 8 pm

Thursday

    Mixed Veterans: Courts Malvern vs D/Force, 8 pm

The Trinidad Guardian

West District success at U14 Girls Inter-District event



West District were the winners of the U14 Girls Inter-District event at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre today.

The final was a close run affair between West and East, requiring a penalty shoot-out to seperate the two sides. In the end it was only a solitary goal during the shoot-out that saw West claim the trophy.



Results:

Pool A

Midland 2-0 North
Midland 3-0 South West
Midland 0-0 Mid/East/West Combined
North 0-2 Mid/East/West Combined
South West 2-0 Mid/East/West Combined

Pool A Standings

1. Midland
2. South West
3. Mid/East/West Combined
4. North

Pool B

West 11-0 Highland
West 2-0 South
East 10-0 Highland
East 4-0 South
West 1-0 East
South 3-0 Highland

Pool B Standings

1. West
2. East
3. South
4. Highland

Semi-Finals

West 3-0 South West
Midland 1-2 East

7th/8th Place

Mid/East/West Combined 1-0 South

5th/6th Place

North 5-0 Highland

3rd/4th Place

South West 0-3 Midland

Final

East 0-0 West (West win 1-0 on penalty shoot-out)

Scottish Hockey Union media release