News for 12 January 2020
All the news for Sunday 12 January 2020
2020 FIH Pro League (Women) - 12 January
11 Jan 2020 CHN v NED (RR) 0 - 3
12 Jan 2020 CHN v NED (RR) 2 - 4
Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)
FIH Match Centre
Zerbo stars as Netherlands overpower China in FIH Hockey Pro League opener
Ginella Zerbo was the star of the show as reigning champions the Netherlands kick-started season two of the FIH Hockey Pro League in winning fashion, cruising to a 3-0 away victory over hosts China at the Wujin Hockey Stadium in Changzhou on Saturday (11 January).
Whilst the home favourites had their moments, the Netherlands were deserving winners of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 curtain-raiser, with 22-year-old Zerbo instrumental in giving the World and European champions the winning start expected by head coach Alyson Annan.
Zerbo hit the opener just eight minutes into the contest, coolly firing into an unguarded goal on the backhand after China’s defence were caught napping in a first quarter totally dominated by the European giants.
China were much improved in the second quarter but found themselves two goals down within seconds of the start of the third period, with Laurien Leurink passing into an empty net after Xan de Waard brilliantly eliminated China goalkeeper Li Dongxiao with a perfect pass for her team-mate to score.
The Netherlands extended their advantage to 3-0 before the end of the third quarter, with Zerbo scoring her second of the match from close range after the impressive Li – who also saved a fourth quarter penalty stroke from 2018 FIH Player of the Year Eva de Goede – had made two fine penalty corner blocks before being eventually beaten for the third and final time.
Speaking after the match, Dutch ace Zerbo said: "It was our first match in a while, but we worked very hard for each other and I'm very happy with the three points."
China captain Cui Quixia said: "We played a good team, but it is 'part one'. Our defence was not very good so I hope next match we do much better."
Complete information on the match can be found on the live reporting page by clicking here.
The two teams will meet for a second time on Sunday (12 January), with the match starting at 1400 local time (GMT/UTC +8). To see the complete match schedule, click here.
The opening fixtures in Changzhou are the first of 144 matches that will be contested between January and June 2020, with the world’s finest men’s and women’s international teams fighting for the chance to win the respective titles.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
FIH Hockey Pro League result – 11 January 2020
Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou (CHN)
Result: Women’s Match 1
China 0, Netherlands 3
Player of the Match: Ginella Zerbo (NED)
Umpires: Kang Hyun Young (KOR), Junko Wagatsuma (JPN) and Amber Church (NZL – video)
Upcoming fixtures
Match Day 2 - Sunday 12 January 2020
Changzhou (CHN) – Women: China v Netherlands (Match 2 of 2)
Time: 1400 (GMT/UTC +8)
Match Day 3 - Saturday 18 January 2020
Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Netherlands (Match 1 of 2)
Time: 1900 (GMT/UTC +5.30)
Match Day 4 - Sunday 19 January 2020
Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Netherlands (Match 2 of 2)
Time: 1700 (GMT/UTC +5.30)
#FIHProLeague
Official FIH Pro League Site
Netherlands complete double away victory over FIH Hockey Pro League rivals China
Reigning champions the Netherlands women made it two wins from their opening two FIH Hockey Pro League matches on Sunday by claiming a 4-2 victory over hosts China at the Wujin Hockey Stadium in Changzhou. Following on from their 3-0 success against the home favourites on Saturday (11 January), today's result means that the Dutch will leave China having claimed a maximum six points from their opening two games of the competition.
China made a lively start to the match but quickly found themselves behind, with Laura Nunnink's speculative backhand strike somehow squeezing between the legs of China goalkeeper Ye Jiao just five minutes in.
Marloes Keetels took the Dutch lead to 2-0 midway through the second quarter before China's Peng Yang reduced the deficit on the stroke of half time, rifling home a wonderful backhand strike to give her team hope. However, close range finishes from Lidewij Welten and Frederique Matla put the result beyond all doubt before China's Chen Ye netted a late consolation goal.
Speaking after the match, Netherlands star Frederique Matla, who was named Player of the Match, said: "I'm really happy because we haven't had the longest preparation. We are really glad that we started this year with two wins. We still have to sharpen it up because we have to show that we are the best - we want to show that to the world."
China captain Cui Quixia said: "In the first match we didn't score, but this match we scored two goals, so I'm very happy that we got those two goals. Our defence has big problems, so we need to change a lot. We need to learn [from these matches against the Netherlands]."
Complete information on the match can be found on the live reporting page by clicking here.
The FIH Hockey Pro League continues next weekend when the men's competition gets underway, with debutants India facing matches against the Netherlands at Bhubaneswar's magnificent Kalinga Stadium on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 January 2020. To see the complete match schedule, click here.
This weekend's opening fixtures in Changzhou were the first of 144 matches that will be contested between January and June 2020, with the world’s finest men’s and women’s international teams fighting for the chance to win the respective titles.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
FIH Hockey Pro League result – 12 January 2020
Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou (CHN)
Result: Women’s Match 2
China 2, Netherlands 4 (Match 2 of 2)
Player of the Match: Frederique Matla (NED)
Umpires: Amber Church (NZL), Kang Hyun Young (KOR) and Junko Wagatsuma (JPN – video)
Upcoming fixtures
Match Day 3 - Saturday 18 January 2020
Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Netherlands (Match 1 of 2)
Time: 1900 (GMT/UTC +5.30)
Match Day 4 - Sunday 19 January 2020
Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Netherlands (Match 2 of 2)
Time: 1700 (GMT/UTC +5.30)
#FIHProLeague
Official FIH Pro League Site
Playing India in India is always challenging: Netherlands hockey coach Caldas
Head coach Max Caldas (C) discussing tactics with his Netherlands national team players. - Twitter
Netherlands chief coach Max Caldas is expecting a tough fight from the Indian hockey team at the second edition of the FIH Pro League, saying playing the eight-time Olympic champion in its own den is always challenging.
After skipping the inaugural edition of the Pro League, India is set to make its debut in the event against the Netherlands on January 18 and 19 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Caldas emphasised on the importance of getting off to a good start in the Pro League, where it finished third last year behind winner Australia and runner-up Belgium.
“The matches against India are very important. Playing against India at their home ground is no doubt challenging, but it is also very exciting because we love playing in Bhubaneswar,” Caldas said.
The matches between India and the Netherlands have always been competitive, and the two upcoming games are also expected to be closely contested. In their last meeting, the Dutch side came out victorious 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup in Bhubaneswar. Caldas and India's chief coach Graham Reid know each other’s style, having worked together previously.
“Graham is a very experienced coach and he is very clear about the process and the kind of hockey he expects from his players. I expect India to be as competitive as always,” said Caldas, who is from Argentina.
Like many other teams taking part in the Pro League, Caldas also believes that competing here is a good preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.
“The players and combinations we wanted to test were experimented during the previous edition of Pro League. This edition we will have our most competitive team as this will be a stepping stone ahead of Tokyo,” he said.
He, however, added that they need to be cautious in planning the next six months to ensure their players are in the best shape.
“It is very difficult for us as we will need to plan club hockey as well which is very important. Some of the players may not be with us during that time, so we need to make sure we utilise their time. At the same time we also have to make sure they are fresh for club matches as the matches there will be high-level too,” Caldas said.
“In that sense, we will be planning cautiously and managing players load. We will monitor the players in the right way physically and mentally so that they are at their best shape,” he concluded.
Sportstar
We’ve got your Australia Day weekend sorted!
In the Sydney vicinity and not sure how to spend your Australia Day weekend? Don’t despair, we have your full itinerary planned and promise it won’t disappoint.
The big ticket item on the Australia Day weekend is seeing the world #1 ranked Kookaburras and #2 ranked Hockeyroos open their FIH Pro League 2020 campaigns against Belgium with double headers on 25/26 January at the Sydney Olympic Perk Hockey Centre (Note: Belgium are the team the Kookaburras beat in the 2019 Pro League Grand Final, while the Hockeyroos will be out for revenge after losing to the Belgians both times last year so it is sure to be on for young and old).
So before you read on, purchase your tickets for both days now through Ticketek and follow the itinerary below.
Saturday 25 January 2020
8am Wake up and have a bowl of Sultana Bran, toast with Vegemite and cold Milo for breakfast while you check out the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras social accounts for the previews and latest on the big games coming up.
8:45am Dig out your Australian or Boxing Kangaroo flag and green and gold Aussie attire including your proud Aussie hat (you can’t beat the wide brim hat with the corks on string hanging off it). And don’t forget to slip, slop, slap (zinc recommended).
10:30am Head to a friend’s place or invite friends/family around for an early barbie (snags, bread and tomato sauce mandatory).
Approx 1:30pm Ensuring you’ve got your Opal Card in hand, head to the closest train station and get off at Central Station to catch the T1 train. Once you’re on board, tuck into the meat pie with sauce you bought on the way in (as Aussie as it gets) and get off at Lidcombe Station. Then proceed to Platform 0 and get on the connecting T7 train to Sydney Olympic Park.
Alternatively, hop in the car and convoy to the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre.
For all transport options to Sydney Olympic Park visit https://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/transport or https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/using-public-transport/getting-to-major-event-venues/getting-to-sydney-olympic-park
2:45pm Whether walking to the stadium from the train station or from your car, reminisce about how good it was when the Hockeyroos won gold at the same venue at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
3pm Gates open so get in early, make a gold coin donation to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal, settle in and soak up the atmosphere as it builds ahead of the Hockeyroos game.
4pm Hockeyroos match starts – get up and about and make some noise!
5:30pm Get down to the fence near the field and get the front of your Australian shirt signed by the Hockeyroos and a selfie with your favourite player.
6:30pm Kookaburras match starts – get up and about and make some more noise!
8pm Get down to the fence near the field and get the back of your Australian shirt signed by the Kookaburras and a selfie with your favourite player.
8:30pm Head back to Central Station on the train humming Waltzing Matilda and check out the match reports and post match reaction on the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras social media channels.
10:30pm Tucked up at home reflecting on how good a day it has been and the excitement and anticipation that you are doing it all again tomorrow!
Sunday 26 January 2020
Repeat steps above but make it all an hour earlier (first match starts at 3pm) and don’t worry about the signatures because you will already have them ?.
Hockeyroos v Belgium 3pm
Kookaburras v Belgium 5:30pm
Hockey Australia media release
2020 Test matches POL v RSA (W) - 4th Test
11 Jan 2020 POL v RSA 1 - 3
FIH Match Centre
Sensational Scotland on top form against Canada in indoor series
Photo by Duncan Gray
Scotland men were in sensational form with a high-scoring victory and dramatic comeback in their two games against Canada at Bells Sports Centre. It was the first two in their three-match indoor series. The opening contest was a dramatic 5-5 draw, with Scotland fighting back from 4-0 down, before the second contest that saw Scotland soar to a sublime 10-2 victory.
Game 1: Scotland 5-5 Canada
The first match between the two was something of a classic. An exciting contest saw Scotland battle back from 4-0 down to draw 5-5 at Bells Sports Centre.
Scotland get match underway and looked sharp. It was the Scots who fashioned the first chance of the match; a great turn and shot by Dan Coultas, after nice play by Stephen Dick, was saved before Jamie Golden struck the rebound, which was well saved again on the ground.
Canada then took the lead after a slick break down the right found Shue Rjaraman, who slipped a back hand shot low against the backboard for 1-0. The goal against was against the run of play, Scotland had started well.
The advantage for Canada was widened after a penalty corner by Macall Texeira somehow ended up in the back of the net via a couple of deflections and the crossbar. 2-0.
It went to 3-0 when Lyle Fernandez for Canada cut in from the left and managed to squeeze the ball home at the near post. 3-0.
Coultas was very unlucky on the turn early in Q2; his shot nearly slid under the keeper but was eventually saved. Then Coultas would be denied again from a Scotland penalty corner – his effort blocked well.
Up the other end and Teixeyund Devoun sent a lovely strike from a penalty corner in to the bottom left corner made it 4-0 for Canada.
11 January 2020 at Bells Sports Centre, Perth. Indoor Hockey Test Match – Scotland v Canada. Photo by Duncan Gray
Scotland continued to attack and Cammy Golden was very unlucky; he pounced on a mistake but flicked his effort over the bar. Moments later Andrew McConnell had an effort well saved from close range, before McConnell again was denied by a solid save from his shot on the turn in front of goal.
Then another Coultas penalty corner effort was denied by an exceptional diving save right on the half time buzzer.
Despite the effort the ball just wouldn’t go in for Scotland.
Finally Scotland got the goal they deserved. Elliott Sandison scored for Scotland – a very quick and measured attack down the left found him diving in to finish. 4-1.
The goal energised Scotland and soon after they had another. Jamie Golden tapped home at the far post as Scotland thundered back into the match 4-2.
The Scots went searching for a third as McConnell was denied after his twisting effort was saved; and then Scotland had a penalty corner zip just past the right post.
Early in the final quarter Canada found the bottom left corner through Ken Peiriera to make it 5-2.
Still, Scotland kept fighting. Dick was denied at near post before Coultas smashed a drag flick off the bar.
The Scots dragged themselves back into the contest when Jamie Golden found the bottom right corner from the penalty spot for 5-3.
Scotland hammered at the Canadian door; some brilliant play on the press but Jamie Golden couldn’t find the finish with the goal begging.
Then Cammy Golden slotted the ball home with three minutes remaining for 5-4. There was a strong feeling that there was a chance of an equaliser.
Then it came. With one second left to play Scotland equalised. A full throttle but calculated attack down the left found Joe McConnell arriving at the far post to level the score right before full time. It was a dramatic end to a fantastic match to kick start the three-match series.
Match 2: Scotland 10-2 Canada
The second match of the Scotland v Canada indoor series at Bells Sports Centre saw Scotland on superb form as they won 10-2 in a great performance.
Canada started the contest and quickly the Scots were on them. They won the ball, broke down the left and Dan Coultas picked out Jamie Golden arriving at the far post to make it 1-0 for Scotland.
It was very nearly two nil after some nice individual play by Gordon Amour but his shot went just wide.
Next, Jamie Golden nearly scored his second of the match but his deflection looped over the bar.
The second goal came soon enough for Scotland courtesy of a power drag flick by Coultas, thundering against the backboard. 2-0.
Scotland were cutting the Canadians open at will as the quarter progressed and had opportunities for a third goal.
The third goal did come for Scotland seconds before the end of first quarter buzzer, Andy McConnell took the ball, turned and slotted it low into the far corner for 3-0.
Scotland picked up where they left off in the second quarter. Jamie Golden powered down the right and slammed the ball into the back of the net for 4-0 to Scotland.
Cammy Golden then got his name on the scoresheet when he slammed the ball into the bottom right corner from a penalty corner for 5-0.
11 January 2020 at Bells Sports Centre, Perth. Indoor Hockey Test Match – Scotland v Canada. Photo by Duncan Gray
Scotland went a man down after a yellow card for Sean Stewart but it didn’t seem to halt their progress. Coultas made it 6-0 early in the third quarter, the goalkeeper couldn’t keep the powerful shot out.
It went 7-0 after some mesmeric skill by Stephen Dick to spin and flick the ball into the top left corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Canada pulled one back with a delightful flick into the roof of the net to pull it back to 7-1.
The seven goal advantage was restored when Cammy Golden powered the ball against the backboard from a penalty corner to make it 8-1.
Coultas made it 9-1 early in the final quarter with an unstoppable drag flick off the crossbar and in, bagging his hat-trick in the process. Coultas struck again soon after his third to make it 10-1 with a close range finish, and give Scotland double figures.
The Canadians struck a consolation right at the end but the match belonged to Scotland with the final meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 5:45pm in Bells.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
HockAdemy coach fumes despite win in opener
By Jugjet Singh
Kuala Lumpur HA president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman with the HockAdemy players at a press conference recently.
HockAdemy coach K. Gobinathan did not mince his words when he said his players were scrappy, poor and heavy-footed.
And their team manager Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman also felt the heat and was stressed out after four quarters.
These were the reactions of HockAdemy even though they edged Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UniTen) 1-0 in their opening Malaysia Women’s Hockey League (MWHL) match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
National player Fatin Shafika Sukri delivered the winner off a penalty corner attempt in the 31st minute.
The last quarter witnessed players from both teams struggling to stay on their feet.
“I’m not happy at all with the performances of my players. They can play better. Today (yesterday) they dished out a scrappy game.
“The win is welcome, but my players need to improve if they want to finish top two,” said Gobinathan.
Megat, who is also the Kuala Lumpur HA president, said: “It was really stressful sitting on the bench.
“I was stressed out in my first sitting as a manager. There was just too much pressure watching them play. I would rather sit with the spectators.”
UniTen coach Lailin Abu Hassan was cooler in defeat.
“Although HockAdemy are a new MWHL outfit, their players are no strangers to hockey. They have six national players and two Australian imports, so, even in defeat, I believe my players gave a good account of themselves,” said Lailin.
Meanwhile, double champions Terengganu Ladies defeated Sabah 3-0 at the Likas Hockey Stadium.
Juliani Din (37th), Noor Amarina Ruhani (38th) and Fatin Naimah Zaki (49th) netted for the visitors.
RESULTS — Women: Sabah 0 Terengganu Ladies 3, Police Blue Warriors 7 Mutiara Impian 0, UniTen 0 HockAdemy 1.
FIXTURES: TODAY — Men: TNB Thunderbolts v THT (Pitch 1, 5pm), HockAdemy v UniKL (Pitch I, 7.30pm), NurInsafi v Tenaga Nasional (Sungai Petani, 5pm), Maybank v UiTM (Pitch II, 5pm). Matches at National Hockey Stadium unless stated.
New Straits Times
Coach Nor Saiful urges Tenaga to play smart in Nur Insafi tie
PETALING JAYA: Tenaga Nasional players have been reminded to play smart against Nur Insafi in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) in Sungai Petani today.
Even though they started the season well by beating their junior side Thunderbolts 3-1 on Friday at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, coach Nor Saiful Zaini was far from happy as his players were made to work hard to get the result.
Tenaga were made to sweat for the win as they only came alive in the fourth quarter. Tenaga first took the lead through Norsyafiq Sumantri in the 26th minute, but Mohd Fahmi Khalid equalised for the Thunderbolts in the 43rd minute.
They could not find the net after that but their resolves were finally broken in the fourth quarter when Mohd Akhimullah Anuar Esook and Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Zain scored in the 48th and 51st minutes respectively.
“The Bolts really brought their A game. My boys struggled in some parts of the game, so it is a learning process for them, ” said Nor Saiful.
“This situation could happen again when we face Nur Insafi. Right now, we have to be smart with our game and make sure we do not lose points or get injured.
“I will analyse what needs to be fixed. For now, we need to be a little bit more clinical upfront.”
Nur Insafi started their campaign by losing 1-4 to UiTM in Sungai Petani but Nor Saiful has warned his side not to underestimate their opponents.
“I assume they are not as strong as UniKL and Terengganu. However, they have import players (Pakistanis Syed Sibtain Raza Naqvi, Imran Abbas, Syed Sibtain Raza Naqvi and Waseem Ahmad), ” he said.
“They also have the home ground advantage and our travel time is long too. So, we have to see these factors as well. But, my boys are ready for any challenge.”
Tenaga this year comprise many young players who came from the Thunderbolts as Nor Saiful looks to groom the next generation of national players.
“The core of the national team are here, so the youngsters can learn a great deal.
“Right now, I’m telling them to stop the silly mistakes and follow the instructions of the coaches.
“Young players will only benefit if they play in a team system. They must be disciplined to take on the responsibilities and have a good understanding of each other on the field.
“They are young, so I expect them to only get better in every game.”
The Star of Malaysia
Over 65 years of hockey isn't enough for 80 year old Patricia Bird
Birdy in action
In December 2019 we received a lovely email from Phaedra Casey from Iver and Burham HC.
Patricia Bird aka Birdy could possibly be the Guinness world record holder for the oldest women playing Hockey.
The current record for 'The oldest hockey player (female)' is Anne Graves (UK, b. 5 March 1935) who played a full match aged 80 years and 9 days, in Stevenage, UK, on 14 March 2015.
On Saturday 14 December 2019 Pat Bird played a full match at Aylesbury, at the age of 80 years and 65 days, beating the previous record by a couple of months.
We are waiting to hear if the record has been broken.
Patricia's Story
At 80 years young, Patricia Bird aka “Birdy” still picks up her hockey stick every weekend.
Patricia first starting play at the age of 13 in 1953 at Slough Technical School.
It was in 1972 that Patricia joined the High Duty Alloys Mixed team where she met the love of her life (after Hockey), her husband Paul, with the pair now married for 57 years. 
Birdy and her Burnham Ladies team in the late 1980s
Patricia was the founding member of Burnham Ladies team in 1992. The team played friendlies again Division 3 opponents which, when Burham amalgamated with Iver in 2015, they became a part of Try Sports 3 Counties League and could play competitive hockey against them. 
Founding of Burnham team by Birdy cutting
Nothing has stopped Patricia playing hockey, not even her three children or previously broken wrist. When she fell pregnant, she stopped for just four months and started playing again after just six weeks. She parked the buggy on the side-line, which quickly turned into a double buggy and then a double and a single buggy giving them the best view and later leading to them all playing hockey alongside their mum.
In December 2018, Patricia was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery in December and January, radio therapy in March and was back on the pitch in no time.
Her Captain, Phaedra, said “I was the captain at this time [December 2018], and I found it very hard to keep Pat off the pitch. In the end I said she could come and do half a match after the oncologist said she could try, and I made her husband come along to the pitch side to make sure I could get her to go off if she looked tired or unwell. Pat played the whole match and has played a full or 3/4 of nearly every match since”. 
Patricia Bird (Green) Iver and Burnham V Holly Harris (Red) Newbury and Thatcham March 2019
Patricia has been playing hockey for over 65 years and has a few highlights from her career so far.
In 2018 she was invited to a tournament in Wellingborough to play for LX Ladies, a touring team of ex England Ladies. With the success of winning a medal in 2018, Patricia was invited back in 2019 where she played for three men's teams; Wales, England and the local Kettering team. This led to her proudest hockey moment, as she recalled: “My proudest moments were receiving a medal with the three England Lions on it at the Wellingborough Festival for two years running.”
But it doesn’t stop there, being a part of the Hockey Family has led to a series of wonderful memories including two surprise birthday parties with her teammates for her 70th and 80th birthdays, she said: “They really were surprises as I don’t broadcast the fact about having a birthday.” 
Birdy 80th birthday Oct 2019
Patricia ended with “Hockey has always been a huge part of my life and I can’t quite figure out how to stop!”
England Hockey Board Media release