News for 13 October 2015
All the news for Tuesday 13 October 2015
Malaysia 2 Argentina 2
by Satwant Dhaliwal
Thomas Domene broke Malaysia's heart as Argentina came back twice to deny the host full points in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey last night.
Just when victory appeared in sight for the Malaysians, in came the lanky Domene, with two sweetly struck penalty corners, rescue the South Americans from the jaw of defeat.
In the end the one point earned for Malaysia after the loss to Great Britain, was small consolation given the fact that they had played so hard, raised their game to the desired heights but in the end it was still not enough.
Argentina down 1-2 and with sixteen minutes left on the clock never gave up and in Domene they found a penalty corner hitter who is capable of destroying an defensive wall.
A flurry of activities in the Argentinian half right from the very first whistle meant that the Malaysians, after their opening 2-4 loss to Great Britain on Sunday evening, meant business this time.
And two penalty corners in the opening three minutes is a clear indication from Arul Selvaraj's men are determined to make amends because deep down they know unless victory against the South Americans is achieved, a place in the final of the six-team tournament looks a distant dream.
But Shahril Saabah missed his two attempts until the third penalty corner which came Malaysia's way in the fifth minute.
This time there was no mistake and Malaysia are in the lead.
But the Argentinians 1-0 winner over Australia on Sunday, did very little to threathen Malaysia's goal but until the 27thmin when they won their first penalty corrner they struck gold.
Thomas Domene, so powerful and accurate, put his team on level terms.
It was a period when the warning bells sounded loud and clear for Malaysia but to their credit they held firm and went on to win their fifth penalty corner in the 32nd min.
Again Shahril made no mistake and Malaysia went into dressing room wtith a 2-1 lead.Argentina to their credit never look rattled and they came coming at the Malaysian defence and won their second PC in the 59th min.
Again Domene was their hero and the Malaysians were left heart broken.
"Argentina proved to be tough competition but I really believe our players put up a tough battle." said the coach for team Malaysia, Arul Selvaraj.
"Despite the rather disappointing outcome, I do think that today's match was better than yesterday's simply due to the fact that the players decided to give their all."
"I want to quickly get back up and prove that we can do better." added team captain, Najib Hassan.
Argentina echoes Malaysia's sentiments in still feeling proud of their team performance in the match despite the draw.
"We were surprised with how fast the Malaysia team was but I feel like my team managed to pull through and show that we are not to be underestimated." said Mariano Ronconi, coach for Argentina.
"Our next opponent will be India, a very formidable team but I have faith that my players will be able to put on a good fight."
Official Sultan of Johor Cup site
Aussies hit Pakistan for six
by Satwant Dhaliwal
Australia bounced back from their opening match defeat to demolish Pakistan 6-2 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium. It was a clinical display of attacking hockey by the Aussies in the first half as they raised to a 4-0 lead in the opening 30 minutes.
Though Pakistan did put up some resistance in the second half, their lack of experience clearly showed as they fell to another big defeat for the second day running, having lost 5-1 to India the previous day.
Australian coach Ben Bishop was pleased with the win but believes there is still a long way to go for his team.
“Every team here has the capacity to win a game so we always have to be prepared.” said Ben.
“We’re going to take it one match at a time and just hope to continuously improve our performance.”
“Our goal for today was to do better than we did yesterday and that’s exactly what we did so we’re satisfied.”
“It was a hard fought win but we managed to take opportunities and place the ball well to score when we had to.” added Joshua Bretherton, the Australian team captain.
Both the teams have lost their opening matches on Sunday. Australia losing 1-0 to Argentina while Pakistan were hammered 5-1 by India.
The Aussies threw caution into the wind and attacked from the first whistle and were duly rewarded with 2 penalty corner conversions by Andrew Scanlon in the 8th and 12th minutes.
Though Pakistan tried to come back into the game, the Australians were far too formidable. Hayden Beltz scored the 3rd for Australia in the 27th minute while Max Hendry made it 4-0 in the 29th minute.
Pakistan reduced the deficit through a penalty corner converted by Ali Mubashar 4 minutes from halftime.
Ali Mubashar made it 4-2 via another penalty corner in the 41st minute and Pakistan were gaining in confidence.
Australia could have punished Pakistan in the 48th minute when they were ordered a penalty stroke, but Matthew Bird’s attempt hit the upright.
Australia were not to be denied their 5th goal when Jack Welch scored in the 63rd minute and Max Hendry made it 6-2 in the last minute.
Official Sultan of Johor Cup site
Champs Bite The Dust
by Satwant Dhaliwal
Great Britain came back from being two goals down to defeat India 4-3 in the 2nd day of the Sultan of Johor Cup.
It was a determined performance from last year’s losing finalist who lost via a final minute goal.
And the script was reversed this time around as it was Great Britain who scored the winner two minutes from time to deny India a draw.
Great Britain coach was naturally pleased with the hard fought win.
“We mentioned at half time that we should just keep it really tight defensively and keep building the pressure against them.” said Jon Bleby, coach for Great Britain.
“I’m proud of the players today because I thought they played really well, especially in the 2nd half.”
“This match really showcased the different playing styles between Asia and Europe which was very exciting to see.”
India had a winning advantage against Pakistan as they scored 5-1 while Great Britain also faced an opening match against Malaysia with a 4-2 win.
Great Britain were first to draw blood in the 6th minute when James Simpson ghosted in between the two Indian defenders to deflect the ball into the goal.
India redoubled their efforts and were duly rewarded when Sumit Kumar lifted the ball past the on rushing Great Britain’s goalkeeper, Chris Wyver, in the 17th minute.
The tides turned when India scored two quick goals through the efforts of Sumit Kumar in the 26th minute and Manpreet (Jnr) in the 29th minute to give India a 3-1 lead.
Luke Taylor finally made it count from Great Britain’s 4th penalty corner in the 30th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-2 in favour of India.
Upon resumption, Great Britain laid siege on the India semi-circle but could not find the equalizer.
It finally came in the 46th minute when Luke Taylor’s penalty corner attempt was padded away by the goalkeeper, Suraj Karkera into the path of Jack Clee who tucked away the rebound.
Luke Taylor gave Great Britain all 3 points by scoring the winning goal in the 68th minute.
India coach, Harendra Singh mentioned that penalty corners should be earned rather than been given when asked regarding the major flaws of his team’s playing in the match.
“I think the main lesson the players learned today is not to give the opponent the opportunities for penalty corners.”
“If you give them the advantage of penalty corners, you will be penalized.”
“However, we’re a young team so there’s bound to be mistakes.”
“We lost this match but the tournament isn’t over yet, this is not a setback.” said India captain, Harjeet Singh.
Official Sultan of Johor Cup site
Malaysia hold Argentina 2-2
IT WAS a penalty corner contest, when Malaysia stole a point off Argentina in a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday.
After losing 2-4 to Britain on Sunday, Malaysia were more composed as Shahril Saabah scored a penalty corner brace, while Tomas Domene replied the favour for the first draw of the tournament.
"Credit is due to all my players who bounced back after losing to Britain," said coach Arul Selvaraj.
After a day's break, Malaysia play Australia: "The break is a welcome relief after we played two back-to-back tough matches. It will be used to motivate my players for another good performance against Australia," said Arul.
Australian coach Ben Bishop said his boys are looking forward to the Malaysian match.
"Malaysia are a hard-working side and we expect them to give us a tough time. Backed by a very vocal crowd, I believe it is going to be a very challenging time for us," said Bishop.
Malaysia were a more composed side as they pinned Argentina for long periods and kept winning penalty corers. And this time, Shahril Saabah did not disappoint his fans.
Shahril gave Malaysia the lead off a sixth minute penalty corner, but Argentina equalised also off a penalty corner when Tomas Domene scored in the 26th minute.
Shahril, who played with the senior side in the World League Semi-finals in Belgium, re-took the lead in the 31st minute and Malaysia walked into the dressing room with a slim lead.
The national juniors were in their element in the second half, but bungled too many chances and Domene punished them with a penalty corner attempt in the 61st minute.
In another match, Silver medallists Britain edged gold medallists India 4-3 in a pulsating match, with Luke Taylor taking the starring role again.
Taylor, who hit a hat-trick against Malaysia, scored a brace with the second match-winner coming two minutes from time.
The Britain goals were scored by James Simpson (ninth), Luke Taylor (30th, 68th) and Jack Clee (47th). India's goals were scored by Sumit Kumar (17th, 26th), Manpreet Singh (29th).
Australia bounced back in style when they hammered Pakistan 6-2, after losing their opening match 1-0 to Argentina.
The Australian goals were scored by Andrew Scanlon (8th, 12th), Hayden Beltz (27th), Jack Welch (63rd) and Max Hendry (29th, 69th).
Pakistan got their goals off Ali Mubashar in the 31st and 41st minutes.
RESULTS: Australia 6 Pakistan 2, Britain 4 India 3, Malaysia 2 Argentina 2.
TODAY: REST DAY.
TOMORROW: Britain v Pakistan (4.35pm), Argentina v India (6.3pm), Malaysia v Australia (8.35pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
BRITAIN 2 2 0 0 8 5 6
ARGENTINA 2 1 1 0 3 2 4
INDIA 2 1 0 1 8 5 3
AUSTRALIA 2 1 0 1 6 3 3
MALAYSIA 2 0 1 1 4 6 1
PAKISTAN 2 0 0 2 3 11 0
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Malaysia held by Argentina in Sultan of Johor Cup
by S. Ramaguru
Malaysia's Muhammad Shamsul lining up a shot in the Sultan of Johor Cup match at the Taman Daya Stadium, Johor Baru. - ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG / The Star
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia led twice but allowed Argentina to fight back for a 2-2 draw in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
It was Malaysia’s first point in the tournament after losing 4-2 to Britain in their opening match on Sunday. Argentina, who stunned Australia 1-0 in their opener, are second on four points.
Mohamed Shahril Saabah scored both goals for Malaysia. Argentina’s Thomas Domene also scored a brace.
Mohamed Ridzwan Azmi was maintained as the goalkeeper although he was widely blamed for the loss to Britain.
Malaysia were the early aggressors, earning two penalty corners in the first five minutes. But they failed to make the attempts count.
In the sixth minute, Malaysia received another penalty corner and Mohamed Shahril scored with a high flick to the right.
After a series of raids, Argentina finally drew level through Domene’s flick from a penalty corner in the 27th minute.
Meor Mohamed Azuan Hassan was yellow carded in the 29th minute. Despite being down to 10 men, Malaysia were able to snatch the lead in the 32nd minute when Shahril converted a penalty corner.
In the second half, Malaysia struggled to contain the South Americans’ robust play.
Argentina finally found the equaliser in the 61st minute when Domene fired home a penalty corner.
Malaysia coach A. Arulselvaraj said there was a marked improvement in performance compared to their first match against Britain.
“We had our chances today and the players did much better. This is what we want to see – improvement in each match.
“We’re glad to hold out for at least a point although at one stage we could have won. We have a rest day tomorrow before taking on Australia on Wednesday. They are always a tough team to play,” said Arulselvaraj.
In another match, Britain edged defending champions India 4-3 to head the standings with six points while Australia put their title ambitions back on track with a 6-2 win over winless Pakistan.
The Star of Malaysia
Last gasp British pain for India
Johor Bahru (Malaysia): Even before the joy of thrashing traditional rival Pakistan which India registered yesterday, died down, British nailed a last gasp goal on them to snatch a thrilling victory from from the jaws of draw on day two of the 5th Sultan of Johor Cup at Johar Bahru, Malaysia.
Previous edition finalists Great Britain struck a penalty corner goal two minutes before the hooter to collect all important full points after both team stood 3-3 for most part of second half.
James Simpson scored a field beauty to give Great Britain the lead (1-0) in the sixth minute.
After thwarting a penalty corner, India equalized in the 17th minute. Energetic Varun Kumar from the right flank set up the goal for Sumit Kumar (1-1).
This got the Indians to increase their tempo of the game and Sumit Kumar scored yet another superb field goal in the 26th minute taking the lead and scorecard to 2-1.
In the 29th minute India enlarged the lead (3-1) through the blade of Manpreet who beat the Great Britain goalkeeper to put the ball into the cage.
The very next minute Great Britain had a chance with a penalty corner, Luke Taylor did not miss that (2-3).
Right into the second half India had a go through a penalty corner but was saved by the opponents goalkeeper. This was followed by Great Britain being given a penalty corner and Jack Clee did the rest bouncing on to a the rebound off Luke Taylor (3-3).
India again missed a penalty corner. When the match looked like getting drawn, Great Britain in the 68th minute scored through a penalty corner and went on to win the game 4-3.
India will face Argentina in the next first match of the 5th Sultan of Johor Cup on 14th October 2015 at 16.05 IST.
Stick2Hockey.com
Great Britain beat India 4-3 in Sultan of Johor Cup
JOHOR BAHRU (Malaysia): India failed to continue their winning momentum, going down to Great Britain 3-4 in their second match of the 5th Sultan of Johor Cup junior hockey tournament here on Monday.
India had started their campaign with a convincing win against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday but on Tuesday they conceded the initial advantage to go down in the end.
With this win, Great Britain have avenged their finale loss to India last year. Great Britain were trailing 2-3 at the end of the first half but managed to keep their nerves to come back strongly from behind and register a victory.
Both the teams started with great speed, keen to stamp the first goal in their name.
In the 6th minute, James Simpson scored through a field effort to give Great Britain an early lead. In the 10th minute, they were awarded a penalty corner but this time it was saved by the Indian goalie.
India continued to attack and in the 17th minute, Varun Kumar from the right flank entered the D and with Sumit Kumar standing right in front of goal box, he passed the ball to him. But Great Britain captain Luke Taylor intervened the pass. He, however, failed to stop it cleanly and Sumit immediately pounced on the chance again and flicked the ball into the nets to score the equaliser.
India further increased their tempo and Sumit yet again scored a field goal in the 26th minute to take the lead 2-1.
Not wanting to lose the advantage, India started attacking the opponents D, and in 29th minute, Manpreet beat the rival goalkeeper to net the ball and extended the lead 3-1.
But Great Britain got a penalty corner in the very next minute and this time Taylor was on target.
With just two minutes left in the first half, Great Britain were desperately looking for the equaliser and earned another penalty corner, but a vigilant Indian defence yet again thwarted the opponents' attempt to score.
At half-time, India were leading 3-2.
Into the second half, India got a penalty corner but it was saved by the rival goalkeeper, while Great Britain's penalty corner was also cleared by the Indian goalie, but they scored the equaliser on the rebound through Jack Clee in the 47th minute.
Half way into the session, India had another chance to go one up through a penalty corner but the ball was hit wide of the goal box.
When the match looked like heading for a draw, Great Britain, in the 68th minute, scored through a penalty corner and sealed the match in their favour.
India will next face Argentina on October 14.
The Times of India
Two wins from two for Great Britain
Junior International Jack Clee in action
Great Britain’s Under 21s made it two wins from two in the Sultan of Johor Cup, coming from behind to see off India, 4-3.
Luke Taylor continued his blistering form in front of goal, scoring twice to add to the hat-trick he bagged in the opening game against Malaysia.
Great Britain drew first blood in the 6th minute when James Simpson ghosted in between the two Indian defenders to deflect the ball into the goal. India hit back and their efforts and were duly rewarded when Sumit Kumar lifted the ball past the on rushing goalkeeper, Chris Wyver, in the 17th minute. India then scored two quick goals through Sumit Kumar again in the 26th minute and Manpreet (Jnr) in the 29th minute to take a 3-1 lead.
Taylor reduced the arrears in the 30th minute from a penalty corner and then 16 minutes later Jack Clee was in the wide awake club to tuck away a penalty corner rebound to level it up. Taylor gave Great Britain all 3 points by scoring the winning goal in the 68th minute, grabbing his fifth in two games.
Great Britain coach Jon Bleby said afterwards:
“We mentioned at half time that we should just keep it really tight defensively and keep building the pressure against them.” I’m proud of the players today because I thought they played really well, especially in the 2nd half. This match really showcased the different playing styles between Asia and Europe which was very exciting to see.”
Great Britain’s next match is on 14 October against Pakistan at 16:35 local time.
England Hockey Board Media release
Australia thump junior Pakistan side 6-2
KARACHI: Pakistan junior hockey team fell to their second consecutive loss at the 5th Sultan of Johor Cup, after being comprehensively beaten 6-2 by the Australia juniors side.
Chief coach Tahir Zaman said the players are just there to improve their skills and gain vital experience for the Asia Junior Cup beginning next month.
“The boys have been gaining experience and are getting used to the techniques of the top teams,” Zaman told The Express Tribune from Johor Bahru. “Playing here is a different experience; one that they need before the next event starts.”
Zaman feels the difference can already be seen in the side. “The players have improved. Their game play was better today and they are getting more confident with each passing game,” he said.
Pakistan were especially poor in the first half, conceding four goals. Andrew Scanlon wreaked havoc early on, scoring in the eighth and 12th minutes to virtually end the contest early on. The junior Kookaburras then scored two in quick succession near the half hour mark as Hayden Beltz and Max Hendry got on the scoresheet in the 27th and 29th minutes respectively.
The second half saw a much improved performance from Pakistan as they pulled two goals back in the 31st and 41st minutes, but any outside hopes of a dramatic comeback were squashed in the 53rd and 60th minutes to end the game 6-2 in Australia’s favour.
The Express Tribune
Africa Olympic Qualifier hockey set to rock Randburg
Lilian du Plessis © Action Images
Wales know about guts and glory and it was epitomised by Australia in Sunday’s epic Rugby World Cup match at Twickenham, London.
Like rugby, playing attacking hockey and pleasing your fans takes risk. You have to be prepared to lose the ball at times - and you have to be proactive in getting the ball back to counter-punch.
This play could be the flavour of many matches at the upcoming Africa Olympic Qualifier Tournament, set to take place at the Randburg Hockey Stadium from October 23 to 31.
History gives us great stories: in September 2013 the Ghana women were inches away from the upset of the African hockey decade when they took the diluted SA team down to the last two minutes at a rowdy, pressure-cooker City Park Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Risking the fates without the likes of superstars Marsha Cox and Pietie Coetzee, SA - the green and gold champions of Africa - were shocked by the deadly intent of the Ghana team and nearly got bushwhacked.
SA were overwhelmingly dominant on goal shots but the dogged Ghana defence and fleet-footed strikers nearly upset the most assured of form books.
The Ghana brains trust had crafted the most inspirational of game plans, played to their strengths and let the South Africans come at them in droves – and nearly pulled off the most amazing qualifier-earning berth to the 2014 Hockey World Cup.
The Egypt men's team nearly did the same in September 2011 at Bulawayo’s hockey stadium in the Africa Olympic Qualifier final for London 2012. A 1-0 win to SA was a nail-biting outcome off the back of a magnificent Egyptian effort and a steely resolve on the part of the men in green and gold, who were missing kingpin captain Austin Smith through injury.
And Egypt, looking better than ever, did the business in holding off SA before winning a dramatic shootout at a stunned Hartleyvale Hockey Stadium as early as March this year, to deny the South Africans a place in the next round of World League action.
Now is the time, it’s just two weeks away, and the SA teams are readying themselves for the fight of their lives, praying all the time that it’s not going to be Fright Night City in the financial capital of the continent.
A quietly confident SA women’s head coach, Sheldon Rostron, told Jon Gericke in an interview on SAFM Sports Special that the SA women will enter camp for two weeks from Monday and prep for the threats that lie ahead:
“We have got a competitive pool of players in the SA mix and some, like Kelly Madsen and Sulette Damons, were not considered and had to be left out due to injury, and other very good players missed the cut due to position-specific requirements we [the selection panel of Rostron, convenor Mickey Gordon and Jo Morley-Jepson] identified,” said Rostron.
“The Olympic Games and World Cup are pinnacles and if we succeed at Randburg some of the senior players will be encouraged to carry on.”
Not related, but in answer to the enthusiastic Gericke question about a player the consummate broadcaster identifies with, UK-based SA striker Dirkie Chamberlain, Rostron said the valuable asset with 10 years of experience in the national team was hungry for goals for the quality SA forward line.
“A new cap like Cornelle Botha is another I am looking forward to seeing in action and there are plenty others in the SA side who are sure to bring in the supporters.”
Rostron said SA would be up against [the two Z’s], Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as Tanzania in their group.
There will not be a moment where the girls in green and gold are not aware they are in a contest.
SA are set to open their match account on October 25, so will have two days to soak up the challenge ahead, as the first matches will be in the October 23/24 period.
The SA men's squad are quietly prepping at home and offshore for the AOQ and meet on October 17 to train before the fortunate final 18 will be named on the 21st.
There are many questions about who will make the cut but one man who is putting his hand up right now is Amsterdam defender and drag-flick king Justin Reid-Ross, who is slotting goals in the European Hockey League’s EHL with the same fire he displayed in taking the goal scoring acclaim last season in the Dutch Hoofdklasse.
Just a sample of the SA men's and women's players who have been busy sharpening their skills in Belgium, the UK, Germany, and at home are strikers Lilian du Plessis and Jade Mayne, goalkeeper Sanani Mangisa and playmakers Clint Panther and Austin Smith, striker Taine Paton, and defenders Matt Guise-Brown and Rhett Halkett.
Whatever the outcome of the various permutations, the next month promises to be the most electrifying yet in Africa Olympic Qualifier history and the news that Ghana men and women, as well as Tanzania ladies and Egypt men, are preparing for their reach for an Olympic dream like never before, tells us that the result of the title challenge is very far from a done deal for SA.
Supersport
Green Machine to Face Argentina in 3 Match Dublin Series
Following on from Eurohockey Championships bronze medal success the Green Machine are continuing their preparation on the Road to Rio as they take on Argentina in a 3 match series in Dublin this October. Argentina are ranked 6th in the world and are the current Pan Am champions, as well as World Cup bronze medallists. The series will be the first time the men’s squad will have played a test match on home soil since winning the bronze medal in London and offers hockey fans the chance to see the highest standard international hockey.
The Green Machine will learn their Olympic fate by October 25th and will secure that all important ticket to Rio if Australia win the Oceania Championships. Argentina will prove stiff competition for the Green Machine who will be looking to maintain an impressive level of consistency against higher ranked opposition. Speaking about the upcoming series, Coach Ned Fulton said “We are looking forward to playing Argentina in a 3 match series next week. It comes at just the right time as the new EY Hockey League has started and we start training again as a National squad. We will be using a bigger squad of players so plenty of opportunity for all to compete for places in the training squad. Argentina will be really tough opposition and we look forward to challenging ourselves once again against another top 6 team in world hockey”.
Match Information
October 14th at 7:30pm National Hockey Stadium, UCD
October 16th at 7:45pm at Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club
October 17th at 6pm at Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club
Squad
Irish Hockey Association media release
Euro Hockey League knock-out 16 confirmed in Hamburg
Photo: Euro Hockey League/Frank Uijlenbroek
Some of Europe's top hockey clubs came together in Hamburg, Germany last weekend, as teams battled it out in fierce and intense hockey action in the race to make it to the knock-out (KO) 16 stages of the Euro Hockey League.
Four groups, each comprising three teams, were chasing top of the pool finishes in order to progress to the showcase finals next year.
Belgium side Royal Leopold, Club Egara from Spain, Amsterdam from the Netherlands and the German giants, 2013/14 Euro Hockey League champions Harvestehuder THC, all claimed their tickets to the Euro Hockey League KO16 taking place next Easter, again in Hamburg, the home of Harvestehuder THC.
Now in its eighth year, the appeal of the Euro Hockey League, as a high quality continental league, means it attracts some of the best players in the world.
Argentina’s Agustin Mazzilli was among the sharp-shooters who helped Royal Leopold confirm their place with a 3-0 win over Dinamo Elektrostal.
Speaking about this competition, South Africa’s Justin Reid-Ross, who is playing for Amsterdam, said: “Playing in the EHL has been a dream for me for a long time,” before going on to score a hat-trick in his team's opening match of the tournament.
The closest encounter on the last day of play took place in Pool D, as Club Egara got the 3-3 draw they required to advance, despite an incredible comeback from Irish representatives Monkstown. It was scoreless until 16 minutes from the end before a crazy blitz of goals saw the game swing quickly one way and then the next.
Edi Tubau’s two goals, adding to Lluis Mercade’s strike, had the Spanish side 3-0 ahead but Kyle Good, Gareth Watkins and Peter Caruth gave Egara a real scare. However, it was not enough to nick the win the Irish team needed to advance.
A packed house saw Michael Korper score four goals as home side Harvestehuder THC blitzed the Austrian team HC Wien 6-1. Tobias Hauke and Leon Willemsen joined Korper on the score-sheet but the loudest cheer of the day came for Simon Landsteiner’s goal for Wien, a special moment for the Austrian club in one of the biggest games in their history.
The record for the highest ever score in the competition was smashed in the middle day of competition, when Amsterdam defeated Polish side KS Pomorzanin Torun 19-2. This overshadowed Bloemendaal’s 14-2 win over the same opposition last year.
The weekend’s action means 16 teams are confirmed for the EHL KO16, which takes place next Easter.
The quartet join last year’s champions, Netherlands’ Oranje Zwart, and Germany's UHC Hamburg – the team who has won the trophy the most times (three). They will also face Dutch side SV Kampong, Germany’s Rot-Weiss Koln, Spain’s RC de Polo and Atletic Terrassa, England’s Wimbledon, Poland’s WKS Grunwald Poznan, France’s Racing Club and Russia’s Dinamo Kazan.
For more information about the Euro Hockey League, visit: http://www.ehlhockey.tv
FIH site
Hauke hails HTHC's "special club" ethos
Tobias Hauke believes that his home club’s strength on the pitch is reflective of the togetherness Harvestehuder feel off the pitch after they played the supreme EHL hosts in Hamburg.
Driven by the dedicated work of an army of volunteers, led by club president Cito Aufenacker, HTHC welcomed sides from 11 other countries to battle it out over 12 games and three days of Round 1 action in the world's premier club competition.
The picturesque Vosburg welcomed lively crowds, none more so than Sunday's finale between HTHC and a boisterous contingent from HC Wien who also enjoyed busy after-parties on Friday and Sunday evening.
And Hauke said that his side felt that energy on the pitch, something which he – as someone who has been with the club since he was a child – was proud to be a part of.
“The club has done a really good job. I think every club would say they have been really welcome here over the three days with some really good hockey. This was our goal as a club. It was pretty cool, especially for us who got to play.
“I have been here about 25 years now and I know our club is a big family. We have a great feeling of togetherness across hockey, lacrosse and tennis.
“We are all really close and that’s why we are a special club. With that feeling, it’s probably why we have been so successful over the last few years.”
He says that the HTHC’s performances on the pitch match perfectly with the support they receive off it. As a result, the players in the first team also look to be strong role models for the club.
“As the first men’s team, we are probably the flagship for the club and we are, on the pitch, the same as we are off it which is why we have worked so well in the past few years.”
HTHC qualified for next Easter’s EHL KO16 with 6-1 wins against Scotland’s Grange and Austria’s HC Wien. Looking back on the performances, Hauke was pleased to get back into the winning mode in the competition.
“We won two games in the EHL which is pretty cool. Our last win in the competition was the final in 2014; last year we only played one game and lost it.
“HC Wien were playing for the first time in the EHL and I think they found it pretty hard to play the full 60 minutes at this high level. We could play a little bit better but it was fine; we won both games 6-1 and everything is good!”
Euro Hockey League media release
Paragon women start defence with win
Nigel Simon
Raphael Govia of Queen’s Park, left, and David Lee of Fatima battle for the ball in their T&T Hockey Board National Indoor Championship Mixed Veterans Division match at the Woodbrook Youth Facility, Hamilton-Holder Street, Woodbrook, yesterday. Queen's Park won 5-3. Photo: Anthony HarriS
National defender Avion Ashton got the decisive goal as Paragon flicked off the defence of its T&T Hockey Board National Indoor Championship Women’s Open Division title with a 2-1 defeat of Ventures on Sunday.
Playing in the opening match of Women’s Open competition, Paragon took the lead through T&T forward Kristin Thompson’s 16th minute item to lead 1-0 at the half, at the Woodbrook Youth Centre, Hamilton-Holder Street, Woodbrook.
However, two minutes into the second-half, Lindsay Williams got Ventures level, but with eight minutes left in the match, Ashton netted what turned out to be the match winner for Paragon, which spanked Shandy Carib Magnolias 4-1 in last year’s decider.
In the Men’s Open, Paragon, beaten in last year’s final by Queen’s Park, 5-2 also made a winning start to this year’s campaign, 4-2 over Defence Force led by a double from national forward Cogie Butler. However, it was the Teteron men who struck first via Keshon Johnson in the 18th minute, only for Ryan Cowie to get Paragon level on the stroke of half-time.
Butler then got his first in the 29th for Paragon to lead 2-1, but national forward Mickel Pierre replied for Defence Force to tie up the score at 2-2 in the 36th. Defence Force’s joy was shortlived though as T&T international Akim Toussaint, who recently returned from a pro-stint in Australia regained the lead for Paragon a minute later while Butler added another in the 39th to seal the win.
Also in winners row was former champions, Petrotrin which came from behind to defeat Fatima 6-3 inspired by a hat trick from former England-based Evan Farrell. Vieira-brothers, Jordan (fourth) and Andrew (sixth), fired Fatima into an early 2-0 lead, but Farrell replied with a quick double in the seventh and eight minutes while Arielle Bowen also found the target for Petrotrin to hold a 3-2 advantage inside the tenth minute.
In the second-half, discarded T&T international Wayne Legerton (27th) and Bowen (28th) extended the advantage to 5-2, but Jordan kept Fatima in the match, with his second of the match in the 32nd minute to trail 5-3. But, that was as close Fatima would get as Farrell then completed his hat trick in the 38th to put the seal on a 6-3 triumph.
In the six-team Mixed Veterans Division, Defence Force and Notre Dame won both their matches to lead with maximum six points each.
RESULTS
Women’s Open
Paragon 2 (Kristin Thompson 16th, Avion Ashton 32nd) vs Ventures 1 (Lindsay Williams 22nd)
Men’s Open
Petrotrin 6 (Evan Farrell 7th, 8th, 38th, Arielle Bowen 10th, 28th, Wayne Legerton 27th) vs Fatima 3 (Jordan Vieira 4th, 32nd, Andrew Vieira 6th)
Paragon 4 (Cogie Butler 29th, 39th, Ryan Cowie 20th, Akim Toussaint 37th ) vs Defence Force 2 (Keshon Johnson 18th, Mickel Pierre 36th)
Mixed Veterans
Notre Dame 5 (Carol Whiteman 5th, 9th, 19th, Cheryl John 14th) vs Fatima 2 (Cristina Abreu 20th, Shawn Tang 29th)
Defence Force 5 (Nicholas Wren 7th, 17th, 23rd, Anthony Morales 14th, Gary Griffith 16th) vs Police 3 (Fernando Beatrice 21st, 25th, Glennon Foncette 6th)
Malvern 4 (Damian Gordon 13th, 25th, Cecile Wren 16th, 19th) vs QPCC 4 (Raphael Govia 3rd, 12th, Jerry Bell 15th, 24th)
QPCC 5 (Raphael Govia 5th, 23rd, Gary Chin 14th, Jerry Bell 22nd, Andre Attale 29th) vs Fatima 3 (Neil Pichery 11th, 30th, Brian Garcia 9th)
Defence Force 6 (Nicholas Wren 14th, 15th, 23rd, 29th, Anthony Morales 4th, Gary Griffith 15th) vs Malvern 4 (Anthony Marcano 13th, 17th, Darius Nathaniel 12th, Deryck Alexander 19th)
Notre Dame 7 (Keith De Peza 6th, 9th, Selwyn King 12th, 30th, Carol Whiteman 11th, Akil Nancoo 22nd, Sean Olton 29th) vs Police 2 (Roger Chin 10th, 28th)
The Trinidad Guardian
Surbiton too strong for battling Cannock
Surbiton's Alan Forsyth during the 2015-16 season. Credit Tim Reder
SURBITON came through a tough eight-goal battle against Cannock to keep a four-point lead at the top of the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division.
The leaders took a 5-3 win against the team in eighth spot, but were made to work hard for the points.
Andy Hayward, Chris Grassick and Robbie Marx helped them to a 3-2 lead by the break and Michael Watt and Alan Forsyth found the net in the second half. Peter Jackson, Louie Morris and Rhys Linnell were all on target for Cannock.
Brooklands Manchester University took their first win of their campaign with a 5-0 drubbing of Canterbury. Sam Perrin led the scoring with a double as Stefan Ray-Hills, John Crossley and Peter Friend also notched.
With Reading and Holcombe both enjoying a positive start to the season, the two sides met and had to settle for a point apiece after drawing 2-2.
Gareth Andrew gave Holcombe the lead just three minutes in, slamming home from a penalty corner. But goals from Simon Mantell and Jonty Clarke put Reading in the driving seat before Nick Bandurak levelled for Holcombe.
In the game on Saturday, Wimbledon took a 3-0 win over Beeston with goals from Phillip Ball, Johnny Kinder and James Jewell.
Conference West
The University of Exeter were in top form as they beat Guildford 6-1 in the Conference East on Sunday with Ben Francis and Tom Whitworth both hitting a brace.
Cardiff and Met are still top with a 100 per cent record although they had an early scare when John Wright gave opponents Isca a lead inside the first minute. It wasn’t until the second half when Cardiff responded and two goals in two minutes won them the game.
Indian Gymkhana are up to second in the table after a 3-2 defeat of Chichester Priory Park, largely thanks to a brace from Tejinder Hanspal.
Team Bath Buccaneers beat the University of Birmingham 2-1 and in Saturday’s match, Fareham drew 1-1 with Cheltenham.
Conference North
Loughborough Students continued their perfect start to the season on Sunday by chalking up their fifth win, this time beating Doncaster with goals from James Hamlyn, Stephen Hunter and Luke Cornish.
The University of Durham won 4-2 against Preston and in the other game on Sunday, Sheffield Hallam played out a 2-2 draw with Olton and West Warwicks.
Bowdon were in action against Lichfield on Saturday and they held on to second spot in the table with a 3-1 win. In Saturday’s other game, third placed Deeside Ramblers beat second from bottom Wakefield 3-0.
Conference East
A Robert Schenk hat-trick inspired Oxted to a thrilling 8-4 victory over Bromley and Beckenham in the Conference East on Saturday.
Also playing on Saturday, Richmond dropped their first points of the season after drawing 4-4 with West Herts. Charlie Ellison’s treble wasn’t enough to secure all three points but they remain top of the table.
Two teams without a win in Harleston Magpies and Brighton and Hove clashed on Saturday and it was Brighton who managed to get their season underway with a 4-0 win. Mike Burney was their hat-trick hero.
There were more goals in the other game on Saturday with Cambridge City beating Sevenoaks 4-2 and on Sunday, Teddington and Southgate battled to a 3-3 draw.
Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, October 10 2015):
Premier Division: Wimbledon 3, Beeston 0.
Conference West: Fareham 1, Cheltenham 1.
Conference North: Wakefield 0, Deeside Ramblers 3; Lichfield 1, Bowdon 3.
Conference East: Harleston Magpies 0, Brighton and Hove 4; Sevenoaks 2, Cambridge City 4; Bromley and Beckenham 4, Oxted 8; Richmond 4, West Herts 4.
Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, October 11 2015):
Premier Division: Brooklands Manchester University 5, Canterbury 0; Surbiton 5, Cannock 3; Reading 2, Holcombe 2.
Conference West: Isca 1, Cardiff and Met 2; Team Bath Buccaneers 2, University of Birmingham 1; Guildford 1, University of Exeter 6; Indian Gymkhana 3, Chichester Priory Park 2.
Conference North: Sheffield Hallam 2, Olton and West Warwicks 2; Loughborough Students 3, Doncaster 0; Preston 2, University of Durham 4.
Conference East: Teddington 3, Southgate 3
England Hockey Board Media release
PNB lifts the 120th Beighton cup
s2h Team
Delhi based crack outfit Punjab National Bank lifted the 120th Oushali All India Beighton Cup Hockey Tournament 2015 in Kolkata today at the SAI sports Complex.
Last year Punjab National Bank lost the final to India Oil Corporation but this year they beat Indian Oil Corporation by 5-3, via penalty Shoot-out regulation
Satpal Gulia of Punjab National Bank scored 1st goal at 30th minutes through a penalty corner but in the second half at 38th minutes a brilliant goal by Deepak Thakur of Indian Oil Corporation helped IOC to draw 1-1.
In the penalty shoot-out PNB's Arjun Artil scored twice, Hardeep Singh and Naveen Antil scored one goal each while Shivdeep Singh missed the chance, for the Indian Oil Gagandeep Singh and Vikram Kanth scored one goal each, while Roshan Minz and Imran Khan missed with their quota.
Best player of the match award were given to Jasbir Singh Goal keeper of Punjab National Bank,
Fair play Trophy was given to Army XI.
Ramesh Parmeswaran where honoured with a memento, for his contribution to develop the hockey as a coach in the country. .
Stick2Hockey.com
Spotlight on: India
Eight time Olympic champions India (FIH World Ranking: 8) have, in recent years, been showing signs that a return to the glory days of old might be just around the corner.
Following a ninth place finish at last year’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup, the team produced a string of high quality performances to claim the Silver medal behind World Champions Australia at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
That success was a sign of even greater things to come, with India storming to glory at the 2014 Asian Games and sealing their place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by defeating eternal rivals Pakistan in the tournament final before landing a fourth place finish at the end of year Hero Hockey Champions Trophy on home soil in Bhubaneswar.
The team have been in fine form again this year, securing a fourth place finish at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Antwerp, Belgium early in July.
Midfielder Sardar Singh is the captain of the India team, although he is far from being the only exceptional talent available for selection for the event in Raipur.
P.R. Sreejesh is one of the most gifted and charismatic goalkeepers around, while drag-flicking defenders V.R. Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh are a constant threat at penalty corners.
The forward line is also impressive, with lively attackers S.V. Sunil, Yuvraj Walmiki and Akashdeep Singh all being capable of making a big impact if selected by Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, the hugely successful coach who guided the Netherlands men to Olympic and World Cup glory in 1996 and 1998 respectively.
Key player: Sardar Singh. India’s captain is a talismanic midfielder who is rated as one of the very best players in the game. The 29-year-old has been involved with the international set-up since 2003, and in that time has grown into one
of hockey’s brightest stars. He has played in excess of 200 times for India, and looks set to feature on many more occasions in the years ahead.
Notable honours
8x Olympic Gold medallists (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1980)
Olympic Silver medallists (1960)
2x Olympic Bronze medallists (1968, 1972),
World champions (1975),
3x Asian Games champions (1966, 1998, 2014)
2x Asia Cup champions (2003, 2007)
Additional information: Hockey is one of the most popular sports in India both in terms of players and spectators, with the Indian national teams being passionately followed by fans that number in their millions. It is the home of the Hockey India League, the elite professional league that draws a huge global audience and attracts the finest players on the planet on an annual basis. Hockey India’s High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans was confirmed as the Head Coach in July following the departure of fellow Dutchman Paul van Ass shortly after India’s creditable fourth place finish at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final. 61-year-old Oltmans, who also guided the Netherlands women to a World Cup title in 1990, will oversee the side until the completion of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
FIH site
FIH Athletes Committee participates in IOC Athletes’ Forum
FIH Athletes Committee Chairman Michael Green (left) and Committee Member Marsha Cox with IOC President Thomas Bach
The seventh International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Forum came to a close in Lausanne, Switzerland yesterday, with FIH Athletes Committee Chairman Michael Green and Committee member Marsha Cox helping contribute to the IOC’s decision to approve a set of recommendations aimed at empowering Athletes’ Commissions at all levels.
The Forum welcomed Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, and particularly the athlete-related recommendations, which included:
Empowering athletes through better communication and provision of information.
Fully integrating all athletes’ communications into the Olympic Channel.
To make all International Federations establish athletes’ commissions in accordance with the relevant IOC guidelines.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport to develop and educate athlete arbitrators.
Michael Green and Marsha Cox played an important role in representing hockey, offering valued support and input during the three day Forum.
Speaking of his experiences at the Forum, Michael Green said: “Such meetings are very important for hockey to be part of and learn from other Federations. It was particularly interesting to discuss with colleagues from different sports some common opportunities and challenges across different topics addressed during the Forum, in particular how the athlete-related recommendations will have an impact on team sports.”
FIH Athletes Committee Member Marsha Cox was also inspired by what she learned in Lausanne. She said: “The Forum was a huge success and we had great opportunities to interact, share our experiences and learn from other Athletes’ Committees. We also had the opportunity to learn more about new media and communication and the launch of the Olympic Channel which will become a very useful tool for the development of sports.”
Taking place every two years, this year’s Forum saw the participation of over 100 athletes from 40 countries, with 100 Olympic medals and 200 Olympic appearances between them – Michael and Marsha with five Olympic Games appearances in total.
They included Athletes’ Commission representatives from the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), International Federations, Continental Associations and the Organising Committees for the Olympic Games.
The Forum covered a number of topics concerning athletes – from effective leadership and Athletes’ Commission management best practices to athletes’ services and welfare, communication and experiences during Games time and beyond. Many of these topics are also being addressed by the FIH Athletes Committee within the sport of hockey.
The Forum also included practical sessions on the IOC’s latest initiatives for athletes, including the Olympic Athletes’ Hub and Integrity e-learning programme. The participants were given the opportunity to provide feedback on these athlete-centred platforms prior to their launch in early 2016 ahead of the Rio Olympic Games.
IOC President Thomas Bach joined the Athletes’ Forum, taking part in Q&A sessions with the athletes on Friday and Saturday. In his closing remarks, he praised those present for their hard work and welcomed their recommendations. He said: “These are a great set of recommendations that underline the commitment of the IOC to put athletes at the heart of the Olympic Movement. Many of the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020 were proposed by the IOC Athletes’ Commission, and will further strengthen their role. As one of the founding members of the IOC Athletes’ Commission in 1981 it is great for me to see the progress made from those first steps until today, where the athletes play a fundamental role in decision-making.”
The full set of recommendations resulting from these discussions will be presented to the IOC Executive Board in December.
FIH site
Dhanraj Pillay wants Pakistanis to participate in Hockey India League
Dhanraj Pillay
Former India captain Dhanraj Pillay on Monday batted for the participation of Pakistani players in Hockey India League and suggested the league authorities to earmark an amount money for setting up academies to develop and improve the quality of the sport in India
Former India captain Dhanraj Pillay on Monday batted for the participation of Pakistani players in Hockey India League and suggested the league authorities to earmark an amount money for setting up academies to develop and improve the quality of the sport in India.
Pillay said Hockey India should have taken permission from the politicians to allow Pakistani players to participate in Hockey India League. "Hockey India should have taken permission from the politicians to allow Pakistani players to participate in the HIL. I don't think they would have any issues with that," he stated.
Pillay is in the city for the second edition of Bengaluru Cup which is being played at the Hockey Stadium in Bengaluru. Pillay is guiding Air India team.
The crux of the matter is that Pakistanis refused to tender apology for their misconduct and hence they have banned them from playing in the HIL, Pillay said. "The problem is they have not apologized for their misconduct ... that happens. However, things could have been sorted if the federations would have approached the politicians," he said.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on December 14 last year banned two Pakistani players for one match each in the aftermath of Pakistan's victory over India in the Champions Trophy semifinal. After winning the game 4-3 in a thrilling battle, several Pakistani players had removed their shirts, danced in jubilation, and raised obscene gestures towards the crowd.
Replying to a query on development of academies in the country to boost hockey, Pillay said Hockey India League authorities should siphon off some money for setting up of academies to breed young talented players. "The HIL authorities should give some money for setting up of academies to breed young talents and bring them onto the world stage," he said.
"We had appointed Roelant Oltmans as the High Performance Director, but did not give any grassroot programme for developing and improving the sport in India. Oltman was aiming only at the established players whether they were playing for a junior, sub-junior, Under-21 or senior team. He slowly spread his wings, came closer to Hockey India official, and now he is been appointed as India Hockey Coach," he said.
On the issue of foreign coach, Pillay said the country does not require them because the country has enough quality coaches. "Moreover Dhyanchand, Daljeet Singh Dhillon, Jugaraj Singh and myself are products of Indian coaches, not foreign," Pillay argued.
"Foreign coaches also does not give hundred per cent to different countries and language is the biggest barrier as Indian players do not understand English," Pillay said.
Asked if he would follow in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni to buy a Hockey India League team, Pillay said he has no wherewithal to buy one, but could start a league spending Rs 20 lakh in Maharashtra. "I don't think. I am not in a position to buy a team, but I can start something like a Pune and Mumbai League by spending Rs 20 lakh. I cannot spend Rs six crore on buying team," he said.
Replying to yet another query, Pillay said the Hockey India League has raised money in the sport and now the players are getting huge money which is good. "When I started my career in 1992, I was earning Rs 1.25 lakh, but now players are earning almost Rs 70 lakh. Yes, the league has not only brought lot of money to players but also to federations," he said.
DNA