News for 03 April 2016
All the news for Sunday 3 April 2016
Black Sticks too strong for China
The Black Sticks Women remain undefeated at the Hawke’s Bay Cup after defeating China 3-1 this afternoon.
With the game locked up 1-1 at halftime, the hosts took control in the second half with a further two unanswered goals.
Striker Gemma Flynn scored a well-earned double while Sophie Cocks added a third for New Zealand.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was a better performance all around for his side after yesterday’s tight 1-0 win over India.
“I thought we were better in the circle today but we they fought hard and we had to stick it out. It was one of those games which was always going to be tight and they’re always a good opponent,” he said.
“We go away and reassess tomorrow and need to continue to improve in our next game against Ireland. It will be an exciting game and they are getting a lot better so we definitely can’t underestimate them.”
China drew first blood late in the first quarter after Xiaoxue Zhang capitalised from a counter attack, firing the ball past goalkeeper Sally Rutherford.
The Black Sticks equalised in the 16th minute when Cocks put a hard pass across goal for Flynn to deflect in from the right post.
New Zealand had the opportunity to extend the lead just minutes later after Stacey Michelsen’s length of the field run set up a stroke when Olivia Merry was taken out by the keeper, however Anita Punt’s attempt was well defended.
Strikers Cocks and Flynn combined again in the 42nd minute, this time roles reversed with Flynn sending a ball into the circle for Cocks who got a deft touch into the back of the net.
The Black Sticks opened a two goal buffer in the first minute of the fourth quarter thanks to another counter attack, Flynn once again in the right spot to hit home the final shot at goal.
The Black Sticks have a rest day tomorrow at the Hawke’s Bay Cup before meeting Ireland on Tuesday at 6pm, with the game live streamed at hockeynz.co.nz/Video
In earlier results today Japan defeated Canada 6-2 and defending champions Australia recorded their first win with a 2-0 result over Korea.
BLACK STICKS 3: (Gemma Flynn 2, Sophie Cocks)
CHINA 1: (Xiaoxue Zhang)
Halftime: 1-1
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Dominant Hockeyroos win again
Grace Stewart & Georgie Parker strike in 2-0 win
Georgie Parker’s second goal in as many games and a strike from youngster Grace Stewart earned the Hockeyroos a 2-0 victory over Korea in a much improved performance at the Hawke’s Bay Cup in Hastings.
A dominant performance saw Australia’s women create 17 shots on goal and earn seven penalty corners, and they were rewarded with all three points thanks to Parker’s strike shortly after half time and Stewart’s goal – her third in nine senior international appearances – soon after. While Korea rallied late in the game, the Hockeyroos' defence held firm.
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens called it a “much improved performance”, adding “we had a lot of opportunities and I’d have liked to score more goals but it was good to get two field goals and to limit Korea to only a few chances.
“We need to tidy up our goal scoring, we need more composure and to get a higher quality of shot on goal but for two games in I’m really pleased with where we are.”
The Australian women remain second in Pool A following Japan’s 6-2 win over Canada. They face the Canadians in their third and final pool match on Tuesday (12pm AEST).
Hawke's Bay Cup - Pool A
HOCKEYROOS: 2 (0)
Georgie Parker 33 (FG)
Grace Stewart 38 (FG)
KOREA: 0 (0)
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Results & Fixtures, today
Japan 6-2 Canada
Australia 2-0 Korea
New Zealand - China
India - Ireland
Standings, Hawke's Bay Cup
Pool A
1. Japan (4 points)
2. Australia (4 points)
3. Canada (3 points)
4. Korea (0 points)
Pool B
1. China (3 points)
2. New Zealand (3 points)
3. India (0 points)
4. Ireland (0 points)
Hockeyroos’ squad v Korea, Hawke's Bay Cup
Started
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 326/70
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 166/93
Rachael Lynch (Melbourne, VIC) 143/0
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 90/9
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 32/5
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 93/29
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 81/13
Casey Sablowski (South Coast, NSW) 238/44
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 42/11
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 144/59
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW) 40/5
Used Substitute
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 101/2
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 88/9
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 162/34
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) [SASI] 26/2
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW) 9/3
Unused Substitute
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 201/68
Ashlee Wells (Moe, VIC) 70/0
Hockeryroos’ Hawke’s Bay Cup fixtures
Tuesday 5 April – Hockeyroos v Canada – 12pm AEST / 10am AWST
Thursday 7 April – Quarter Finals
Saturday 9 April – Semi Finals
Sunday 10 April - Finals
Hockey Australia media release
Another win for the Black Sticks at Hawke's Bay Cup
Sophie Cocks of New Zealand runs with the ball against Argentina. Photo / Getty Images
he Black Sticks Women remain undefeated at the Hawke's Bay Cup after defeating China 3-1 this afternoon.
With the game locked up 1-1 at halftime, the hosts took control in the second half with a further two unanswered goals.
Striker Gemma Flynn scored a well-earned double while Sophie Cocks added a third for New Zealand.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was a better performance all around for his side after yesterday's tight 1-0 win over India.
"I thought we were better in the circle today but we they fought hard and we had to stick it out. It was one of those games which was always going to be tight and they're always a good opponent," he said.
"We go away and reassess tomorrow and need to continue to improve in our next game against Ireland. It will be an exciting game and they are getting a lot better so we definitely can't underestimate them."
China drew first blood late in the first quarter after Xiaoxue Zhang capitalised from a counter attack, firing the ball past goalkeeper Sally Rutherford.
The Black Sticks equalised in the 16th minute when Cocks put a hard pass across goal for Flynn to deflect in from the right post.
New Zealand had the opportunity to extend the lead just minutes later after Stacey Michelsen's length of the field run set up a stroke when Olivia Merry was taken out by the keeper, however Anita Punt's attempt was well defended.
Strikers Cocks and Flynn combined again in the 42nd minute, this time roles reversed with Flynn sending a ball into the circle for Cocks who got a deft touch into the back of the net.
The Black Sticks opened a two goal buffer in the first minute of the fourth quarter thanks to another counter attack, Flynn once again in the right spot to hit home the final shot at goal.
The Black Sticks have a rest day tomorrow at the Hawke's Bay Cup before meeting Ireland on Tuesday at 6pm.
In earlier results today Japan defeated Canada 6-2 and defending champions Australia recorded their first win with a 2-0 result over Korea.
The New Zealand Herald
Gemma Flynn double sees Black Sticks go back to back with victory over China
Goalscorer Sophie Cocks has clear air to take a shot for New Zealand, during their 3-1 win over China on Sunday. John Cowpland/Photosport
A Gemma Flynn double helped the women's Black Sticks go two from two at the Hawke's Bay Cup, with victory over world No 5 China.
Having beaten India 1-0 to open their account, New Zealand downed China 3-1 in Hastings on Sunday for an unbeaten opening weekend in the eight-nation tournament. Flynn's two goals and another from Sophie Cocks got New Zealand home against tough opponents.
Coach Mark Hager was happy his fourth-ranked side improved from their opening win.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/a/q/o/l/b/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1aqjrn.png/1459666829574.jpg
New Zealand's Gemma Flynn is congratulated on her goal, as the Black Sticks beat China 3-1 in Hastings, day two of the Hawke's Bay Cup John Cowpland/Photosport.
"I thought we were better in the circle today but we they fought hard and we had to stick it out. It was one of those games which was always going to be tight and they're always a good opponent," he said.
"We go away and reassess tomorrow and need to continue to improve in our next game against Ireland. It will be an exciting game and they are getting a lot better so we definitely can't underestimate them."
China drew first blood late after 12 minutes when Xiaoxue Zhang capitalised from a counter attack, firing the ball past goalkeeper Sally Rutherford.
The Black Sticks equalised in the 16th minute when Cocks put a hard pass across goal for Flynn to deflect in from the right post. New Zealand had the opportunity to extend the lead just minutes later after Stacey Michelsen's length of the field run set up a stroke when Olivia Merry was taken out by the keeper, however Anita Punt's attempt was well defended.
It was 1-1 at halftime before New Zealand benefited from China being two women down for yellow cards when Jiaqi Li and Qiong Wu each got five minutes off the turf. In that period the Black Sticks finished the job with two quick goals.
Strikers Cocks and Flynn combined again in the 42nd minute, this time roles reversed with Flynn sending a ball into the circle for Cocks who got a deft touch into the back of the net.
They had the game won five minutes later thanks to another counter attack, Flynn once again in the right spot to hit home the final shot at goal.
The Black Sticks top pool B and have a rest day before meeting Ireland on Tuesday in their final pool match.
World No 3 Australia backed up a 1-1 draw with Japan, dispatching South Korea 2-0 on Sunday thanks to goals from Georgie Parker and Grace Stewart.
Stuff
Green Army Secure Impressive Victory Over India
Congratulations to Deirdre Duke who earned her 50th cap for the Green Army!
The Green Army looked a different side today as impressive pressure and clinical penalty corners saw them run out 4-0 victors over India.
The intensity of the game was hinted at early on as Beatty was the first to bolt down the right wing and along the base line only to cross the ball behind the waiting Duke on the penalty spot. Moments later Frazer, instrumental throughout, glided down the middle through 3 defenders only for the final pass to go astray. This was the theme of the opening quarter for Ireland; creating numerous chances but just lacking that final touch.
The pressure constantly inflicted on India meant that McFerran only had 2 simple saves to make in the opening half. As Q2 started Ireland grew into the game and their patience was rewarded with the first penalty corner in the 24th minute; Watkins sweep from the top crept just wide but it was a sign of things to come. 2 minutes later Ireland were perhaps fortunate to win their second PC after it was deemed an Indian player had purposely hit the ball over the end line. But the Green Army made no mistake as O’Flanagan got in front of her marker and slotted home the loose ball. The girls in green had found their rhythm by this stage and in the 28th minute they earned their third PC. The ever-reliable Sargent swept the ball down the centre at the keeper and Daly pounced on the rebound and fired it home. HT 2-0
Ireland’s high press didn’t relent and they started the third quarter with the same intensity that had given them a grip on the game in the opening 30 minutes. Daly, coming to life in the second half, darted into the circle with ease and punished Indian indiscipline as she earned another PC. Watkins swept the ball with pin-point accuracy low and hard into the right corner to give her side a comfortable 3-0 lead in the 37th minute. Daly was the instigator of another corner just 4 minutes later as her cross found a foot and Captain Megan Frazer dragged the ball low into the left corner to seal with victory. The pace slowed only slightly but the Irish were a constant threat and won a further 5 penalty corners as the quarter wound down.
After the match Coach Graham Shaw said “We’re very happy with the performance. The team really stuck to the game plan and created a lot of opportunities, winning a lot of penalty corners but also scoring from them which is particularly pleasing”.
Their next match should prove a tougher est as they face world number 4 New Zealand on Tuesday at 7am (GMT). Watch live here!
Hawkes Bay Cup
Ireland 4 (O’Flanagan, Daly, Watkins, Frazer)
India 0
Squad:
McFerran (GK), O’Byrne, Watkins, Daly, Frazer (Captain), Sargent, Wilson, O’Flanagan, Duke, Evans, Smithwick (GK), Matthews, Tice, Pinder, Loughran, Carroll, Beatty, Mullan
Irish Hockey Association media release
India eves go down to New Zealand
India goalkeeper Savita Punia wards off an attack. HI
Hastings (New Zealand): India goalkeeper Savita Punia gave an outstanding performance in the opening match of the Hawke's Bay Cup but the Indian women's hockey team lost (0-1) to New Zealand.
India walked away from the first quarter with a clean sheet courtesy a smart save from Hisar goalkeeper Savita Punia off a penalty stroke. But New Zealand took the lead through an Olivia Merry field goal at the beginning of the second quarter.
New Zealand kept India pressed back in its own half for a large portion of the first half and went into the break trailing the hosts 0-1. In the last quarter, Punia’s saves from six New Zealand attempts put the pressure on the hosts to close the match out but the scoreline remained unchanged. India chief coach Neil Hawgood applauded his goalkeeper's performance. “In such pressure games, against higher-ranked opponents, it is important that your goalkeepers plays a world-class game.”
Another Hisar girl Poonam Rani achieved the distinction of playing 150 games for the country.
The Tribune
Black Sticks field hockey players told to fundraise their own Olympic dream
CLAY WILSON AND TONY WALL
Gemma Flynn and Kayla Sharland celebrate a win at the London Olympics. LAWRENCE SMITH/FAIRFAX NZ
Hockey New Zealand asked its Black Sticks players to personally plead with potential sponsors for money to fund their countdown to the Rio Olympics.
The enforced fundraising was described as "disgraceful" by a multi-millionaire backer of the sport, which is a medal contender at the Rio Olympics.
Several players were unhappy about the approach and especially its timing, months out from the Olympic Games in Rio, when they should have been concentrating on their preparations.
Sir Owen Glenn says funding of the New Zealand hockey teams is a "disgrace". MICHAEL BRADLEY / FAIRFAX NZ
The revelation comes as Sport NZ, which funds high-performance athletes, discloses a $4 million cut to its lotteries grants.
Both the women's and men's squads of 25 were asked to individually seek out $12,000 sponsorship packages, where sponsors would sign up to a "Black Sticks Club Membership", according to a document seen by Stuff.
The appeal, if successful, would have raised $600,000 which was to be spent on "additional" support for the players as they gathered in Auckland ahead of the August games.
Information in the document states each player would "personally receive 50% of your membership fee" to help them when they were in camp in Auckland and away from work and home.
Promotional documents which players were to give to potential sponsors said memberships could be paid in one lump sum of $12,000 or $1000 a month for a year, with a "small percentage" going towards "marketing costs".
It is understood many of the Black Sticks baulked at the request and struggled to find a sponsor for that amount.
Black Sticks midfielder Kayla Whitelock, who has played her 238th test on Saturday, said the plan for the women's 12-week camp in Auckland was given to players too late.
"Centralisation is great and it is where we make our biggest gains in terms of training as a team and getting the most development out of everyone... but everyone in general would like it to be set in stone a bit earlier."
Players were asked to secure a sponsor by the end of January, later extended to the end of February, before interim boss Ian Francis put an end to the plan.
"We wanted our athletes preparing and focusing on winning medals [at Rio]," Francis said. "That needs to be their sole focus and we didn't want the distraction of them going out having to seek funding as well as competing, performing and training to the best of their ability."
Francis said feedback from the players about the programme was "mixed" and although some had success in finding support, others felt it was an unnecessary distraction.
Former chief executive Malcolm Harris defended the sponsorship initiative he oversaw prior to his resignation in December.
"You're travelling around the world three or four times a year, it's a big hit on your budget, so we've got to look at all avenues and financial opportunities and if the players can contribute through their networks we thought that was a reasonable idea."
He said hockey was an expensive sport to manage because of "crippling" travel costs.
Expatriate philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn, who has contributed significant sums to New Zealand hockey, said it was a "disgrace" that unlike other countries, New Zealand did not properly fund its Olympic teams.
"The bottom line is the Government doesn't support them. Their excuse is, if you do it for hockey you've got to do it for rugby, soccer, but if you want to compete at the Olympics we have to fund it."
But Sports Minister Jonathan Coleman said New Zealand's high performance system was "world class". The Government invested $62m in High Performance Sport NZ (HPSNZ), which made funding decisions using a targeted performance approach.
"It's not unusual for sports organisations to look for other sources of funding," he said.
Women's hockey gets $1.3 million in High Performance Sport NZ funding this year, while the players get between $9000 and $20,000 in performance enhancement grant payments.
The men's programme will get $700,000 from HPSNZ – a $300,000 drop from their previous level of $1m in 2014.
This week the Lottery Grants Board announced funding for sports groups would fall due to reduced lotto profits In 2015/16 Sport NZ's funding from Lotto fell $4m to just over $38m.
That money and a contribution from Hockey NZ will fund both teams' Rio preparations.
Harris said many sports organisations were short of funds.
Francis acknowledged the sacrifices players made, with some resigning from their jobs, and there was a long-term plan to find more funding support.
Other sports on tier three of HPSNZ's funding model, Canoe Racing NZ and Triathlon NZ, both confirmed they did not request their highest level athletes to source individual sponsorship, but did allow and encourage it.
Tier one organisation Rowing NZ said their elite athlete's tour and training costs were fully funded by their HSPNZ money, with performance enhancement grants providing additional support."
New Zealand hockey teams play more than 100 tests in a four yearly Olympic cycle.
Between 2008 and 2012, the women's Black Sticks played 107 tests and toured 16 countries, and in the past four years they've played 131 tests.
The men's team have also played more than 100 tests in the past Olympic cycle, and been on more than a dozen tours.
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Sunday Star Times
Junior Pan American Championship (W) - Day 2
Damian Gordon
Uruguay obtained wide victory 9-2 over Barbados, Argentina surprised Chile with a 10-nill, USA beat Canada 5-1 and the host team defeated Mexico with a confortable 4-nill at the second day in the Junior Pan American Championship at the National Hockey Stadium in Tacarigua.
Match 1 URU vs BAR
A cloudy morning with a nice refreshing breeze created a much more comfortable environment for hockey. Both teams came off of difficult opening match losses. Uruguay, ranked 23 places above Barbados, clear favourites to win.
Uruguay came out the stronger of the teams pushing Barbados right into their 25-yard area. Barbados struggled early to maintain possession, but were compact in defence and did not give up any clear goal scoring opportunities. Uruguay continued to press high, with only CB Diaz near the halfline. Barbados slowly gained in confidence, spreading the field and attempting to pass the ball out of the press. Uruguay continued to dominate possession and looked more likely to open the scoring. In the 7th minute Barbados worked the ball down their right wing to Krysten Mayers who made a strong solo run to slot the ball past Sanchez in the Uruguay goal for a shock 1-0 lead. Uruguay responded well and immediately went back on the attack, but again Barbados showed good discipline in defending their circle. In the 14th minute though a long ball into the circle rebounded off of the post to Tatton who made no mistake with the reverse stick shot to equalise for Uruguay. Two minutes later Chewitt from Barbados played a dangerous ball into the Uruguay circle eventually earning a PC. Barbados then worked a lovely option play forcing a save from Sanchez. Wilson was first to the rebound slapping it in to the goal for Barbados to lead again 2-1. Uruguay were again forced to play from behind, but met a Barbados team growing more confident as the half progressed. The Uruguay pressure forced a series of PCs that were well defended by Barbados. In the 29th minute Uruguay’s 4th PC was flicked by Petrik Vidal and the rebound off of GK Alleyne was volleyed in by Vega. Uruguay continued to press, but could not breach a Barbados defense well organised by captain Edwards. With the halftime score 2-2 Barbados would be thinking that they could force an upset.
Uruguay started the second half as they did the first pushing Barbados right back into their 25-yard area. Uruguay were less forgiving forcing an early PC, which was well defended again by the Barbados defense. Uruguay would not be denied and in the 40th minute Amadeo pushed the ball past Alleyne for their first lead of the game. Two minutes later a Petrik Vidal flick was deflected in by Algorta to extend their lead. Barbados continued to fight, but they started to wilt under Uruguay’s pressure game and gaps started to open up. Curci, Castro and Algorta found themselves with more space to play and they attacked relentlessly. Their persistence paid off earning them a PC in the 53rd minute, which was firmly flicked to the GK’s left by Algorta for a 5-2 lead. With Barbados captain Edwards serving a 5-minute suspension Uruguay took advantage to work the ball nicely into the circle for a Curci tap in on the last post in the 55th minutes. Uruguay focused their attacks down their left wing, and with Barbados fading, took advantage of tired legs to earn a series of PCs. In the 64th minute Algorta scored one of them to extend the lead to 7-2. Domingo showed her versatility to score her team’s next PC with a low flick to the GK’s right. Diaz completed the scoring in the 68th minute with a well taken shot. Barbados made one final push to score, but the final horn sounded to end a comprehensive, if hard earned Uruguay win.
Match 2 ARG vs CHI
The second match featured fierce South American rivals Chile v. Argentina. The teams completed energetic warm ups in what remained comfortable conditions under cloudy skies.
The game got started at a fast pace. Argentina very quickly established territorial and possession advantage using the high press and a compact defense to force Chile into what is becoming a familiar pattern of the dominant team playing almost exclusively in their attacking 25-yard area. It only took Granatto 3 minutes to give Argentina the lead when her skillful left side attack and shot leaving no chance for Abuselme in goal. Two minutes later another left side circle penetration by Jankunas ended in a spectacular reverse stick shot goal. Chile tried to press more aggressively, but this failed to close the gaps and it took good work by Krimerman and Cambiaso to keep Las Leoncitas out. Argentina earned their first PC in the 15th minute and Toccalino flicked powerfully past Abuselme’s right for a 3-0 lead. A few minutes later another Toccalino effort from the PC was well saved by Cambiaso on the left post. In the 22nd minute a wonderful passing move found Trinchinetti in the circle and her one touch layoff for Granatto was beautifully finished with a powerful shot for a 4-0 lead. Chile continued to work hard on defense and eventually created a couple circle penetrations, but Argentina remained patient and were able to keep their clean sheet going. In the 34th minute a skillful Ladra run on the right baseline created a rebound that Jardel Mateos slapped in for a 5-0 lead. The halftime horn sounded a minute later and Argentina went in 5-0 up at the break.
The second half saw a more balanced start with Chile getting the ball into the Argentine half. Argentina soon recovered their control and earned an early PC which was well saved by the Chile defense. Granatto and Trinchinetti tried to unlock a much more determined Chilean defense, but were unable to score. Chile continued to enjoy more possession in the Argentina half of the field, even enjoying sustained play near the 25-yard line. In the 46th minute Jankunas received the ball in space on top of the circle and made no mistake with her shot to increase Argentina’s lead to 6-0. This opened the floodgates after a quiet period for goals. Jardel Mateos made it 7-0 four minutes later. In the 53rd minute Toccalino flicked her PC to the right of Lopez to make it 8-0. Granatto demonstrated a magnificent piece of lifted skill that got the crowd into the game and earned her team a PC that went wide. Then in the 59th minute von der Heyde took a quick restart near the top of the circle and ran 5 yards to the right side of the circle and her shot went in off of Lopez. In the 63rd minute Chile created their best opportunity when Krimerman passed to Valdivia at the half and her pass put Peragallo through with a 1-on-1 with GK Gutierrez, but her shot from the acute angle hit the side board. Trinchinetti got free in the circle a couple minutes later, but her reverse stick shot went wide. In the final minute Jankunas tapped in a high rebound to complete a dominant 10-0 win. The result set up an interesting tussle for 2nd place in the group going into the last round of matches.
Match 3 CAN vs USA
The third match of the day featured another big rivalry, this time North American neighbours Canada and USA. The two also fighting for top spot in the Pool B.
The game began with USA the more energetic, pressing with 3 or 4 players. Canada managed well, using aerial passes from Dearmond into spaces behind the high press. This helped create room for them to pass the ball stick to stick. On 10 minutes USA created the first clear chance when a left side solo run by Sophia Tornetta led to a cross that Paolino just failed to get a touch on. Goodman and Angus kept good composure to break the high press and lead to Canada’s first dangerous moment, but USA’s Helgeson tackled well to keep Randhawah out. Canada earned a PC corner in the 16th minute, but the injection missed the tower top circle and the resulting counter attacking move ended in a pass from Woods to Major for a simple tap in. In the very next minute Canada earned a side line restart in the American 25-yard area which went to Pereira, who slipped it to Faiczak who took a shot destined to miss the far post when captain Woodcroft turned up to deflect in for the equaliser. The teams then fought a midfield battle in which neither team was able to break down the other. USA looked more threatening, earning a couple PCs, but were unable to convert. In the 33rd minute, Major deflected a shot past Logush to regain USA’s lead. The halftime score was 2-1, with all still to play for.
The second half started off with a lot of passing errors and neither team able to gain control of the match. USA settled down first and created a PC in the 39th minute. Hoffman’s flick went in off of Logush’s pads as the GK seemed to anticipate a wider shot. The goal seemed to take the fight out of Canada while energising the Americans to push to kill off the game. Paolino, Caro and Moyer found a lot of room to work, but Canada defended deep and with skill. Eventually the American pressure paid off when Caro’s shot was deflected past the GK by defender Dearmond for a 4-1 lead in the 56th minute. USA continued to push Canada back, with few clear chances. As the Canadians got tired mistakes crept into their defending and the Americans started to exploit gaps appearing behind the wingbacks. In the 66th minute Vittese got free in the circle and her shot went in to complete USA’s dominance over their North American rivals, who for the first 35 minutes of the game threatened to upset the distance in rankings between the teams. The final horn signalled the end of another convincing USA win, this time by a 5-1 score line.
Match 4 MEX vs TTO
The final match of the day featured the host nation Trinidad and Tobago (TTO) taking on Mexico. The hosts were still smarting from a hammering at the hands of USA in their first game while Mexico would have felt that they managed the score line better in their opening match loss to Canada. The winner of the match will be a step closer to avoiding a quarterfinal match against Argentina.
TTO made a bright start attempting to establish control by attacking down the right hand side. It was easily dealt with by Mexico. TTO continued to be the more aggressive earning a PC in the 2nd minute of the game. The injection was poor and Mexico cleared. TTO again attacking down the right got the ball into Dey who pushed it past Inguanzo for a goal to send the home crowd into a delighted roar. TTO earned a PC in the 9th minute and Abreu’s low flick went in under Inguanzo for a 2-0 lead. Mexico tried to get back into the game and Oviedo earned a PC after some good skill. TTO defence handled it well deflecting the shot over the goal. King then got a 1-on-1 with the Mexican GK who stood tall to prevent a goal. The resulting PC was well saved by Delgado on the line. In the 26th minute Whiteman turned over the ball at the top of her circle and it took a last ditch tackle from captain Brathwaite to prevent Garcia from scoring when a goal seemed likely. Inguanzo stopped another Abreu PC in the 31st minute. In the 33rd minute Oviedo stole the ball from Lee and passed to Estrada who looked dangerous until another intervention by Whiteman again prevented a Mexico goal. The horn sounded 2 minutes later sending the teams in at the break with TTO leading 2-0.
Mexico’s coach had words of inspiration for his team as they came out and for the next 12 minutes the game was played exclusively in the TTO half. Oviedo and Estrada looked dangerous and created a few shots that went wide and a series of PC opportunities. Rosainz had a strong flick saved by Escayg in goal for TTO. Finally, TTO settled and had a good attack end with a weak shot by Benjamin, easily saved by Inguanzo. Encouraged the TTO girls started to string passes together and King looked dangerous, but was well tackled by Delgado. King was sent through on a 1-on-1 against the GK, but Rosainz made a brave challenge to prevent the shot. In the 58th minute Abreu took a long corner restart 5 yards before passing to King in the circle. Her shot was blocked and the rebound went to Govia who settled herself before slotting her reverse stick shot into the goal to make the game more comfortable for TTO. Mexico tried again to get themselves into the game, but Whiteman, Lee and Shania de Freitas prevented them from entering the 25-yard area. In the 67th minute Martin earned TTO a PC and Abreu’s flick was deflected cheekily over Inguanzo’s dive by Saraah Olton to give TTO a 4-0 win. Three minutes later the horn sounded to complete a good bounce back victory for TTO.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
T&T Jr hockey women blank Mexico 4-0
Nigel Simon
BALL BATTLE: T&T’s Amanda Tang Nian, right, tackles Mexico’s Belen Valenzuela for the ball while team-mate Brianna Govia, centre, looks on in their Junior (Under-21) Women’s Pan American Hockey Championship Group B match at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, yesterday. T&T won 4-0. Photo: Anthony Harris
The quartet of Chelsea Dey, USA-based pair Kristin Abreu and Brianna Govia as well as Saarah Olton were all on target as T&T junior hockey women blanked Mexico 2-0 for their first win of the Junior (Under-21) Women’s Pan American Hockey Championship hosted by the T&T Hockey Board resumed at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, yesterday.
Following a 10-0 loss to world seventh ranked USA on Thursday, the Kayla Brathwaite-captained T&T squad was desperate to put up a better showing against the Mexicans, which were also beaten, 4-0 by Canada in their opener.
Playing in blistering sunshine, Dey got T&T off to the perfect start when she netted from field goal play in the fifth minute to give coach Brian Garcia team a 1-0 lead.
Four minutes later USA-based Kristin Abreu of North Eastern University doubled the advantage from a penalty-corner conversion for the host which it took into the half-time interval at 2-0.
With 12 minutes left in the contest, Saint Francis University player, Brianna Govia made certain of victory for the host by making it 3-0 with another field goal before Saarah Olton got the fourth item, three minutes from the final whistle to the delight of the home crowd.
In the first Pool B match on the day, USA led by a double from Gabrielle Major crushed neighbours Canada 5-1 to push its points tally to maximum six points. Despite the loss, Canada with three points is second ahead of T&T due to a better goal-difference ahead of their meeting today from 4pm.
Also yesterday, six-time tournament winners, Argentina slammed neighbours Chile 10-0 led by a treble from Julieta Jankunas to climb to maximum six points, and Uruguay twice came from behind to punish Barbados 9-2 inspired by yet another hat-trick in the tournament from Milagros Algorta.
To join Chile on three points. Also today, Argentina goes after its third straight win when it meets Barbados from 10am followed by Uruguay and Chile at 12 noon, both in Pool A, followed by USA and Mexico at 2pm in Pool B.
At the end of the round-robin phase the teams will have a rest day tomorrow (Monday) to be followed by the cross-over quarterfinals on Tuesday.
The quarterfinals winners will then advance main draw semifinals and the right to contest for a place in the final and a spot at the FIH Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, from November 26 to December 4.
RESULTS
• YESTERDAY: Group A Uruguay 9 (Milagros Algorta 42nd, 53rd, 64th, Sophie Tatton 14th, Carolina Vega 29th, Sol Amadeo 40th, Josefina Curci 55th, Augustina Domingo 66th, Natalia Diaz 68th) vs Barbados 2 (Krysten Mayers 7th, Ayanna Wilson 16th)
Argentina 10 (Julieta Jankunas 5th, 46th, 70th, Maria Granatto 3rd, 15th, Sofia Toccalino 15th, 53rd, Priscila Jardel Mateos 34th, 50th, Lucina Von der Heyde 59th) vs Chile 0
Group B: USA 5 (Gabrielle Major 17th, 33rd, Ashley Hoffman 39th, Cat Caro 56th, Tara Vittese 66th) vs Canada 1 (Nikki Woodcroft 18th)
T&T 4 (Chelsea Dey 5th, Kristin Abreu 9 th, Brianna Govia 58th, Saarah Olton 67th)) vs Mexico 0
• Today: Argentina vs Barbados, 10am
Uruguay vs Chile, 12 noon • USA vs Mexico, 2pm
T&T vs Canada, 4pm
• Tuesday (Quarterfinals)
Thursday April 7: Main Draw & Losers Draw semifinals
Saturday April 9: Final playoffs
The Trinidad Guardian
U-21 USWNT Defeats Canada in Second Match of Pan Am Championship
TACARIGUA, Trinidad - On a warm, sunny and breezy day at the Hockey Centre in Trinidad, the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team took on North American rival Canada in their second pool play match of the Junior Women’s Pan American Championship.
From the starting whistle, Canada put the U-21 USWNT under some pressure which they were not used to.
“I thought we had a nervous start, couldn’t really take care of the ball and Canada put a lot of pressure on us,” said Janneke Shopman, U-21 USWNT Head Coach.
Play started going in favor of the U-21 USWNT and in the 17th minute Gab Major (Royersford, Pa.) scored a goal off a cross from Nicole Woods (Beverly, Mass.). Team USA wouldn’t hold the lead for long as Canada was quick to respond just a minute later as captain Nikki Woodcroft scored the equalizer to make the score USA 1, CAN 1.
Team USA responded with real energy and generated some good midfield eliminations and super-efficient tackling in the backfield. Two minutes before the half, Major scored her second goal, fifth of the tournament, tipping in a strong backhand shot by Tara Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.).
The attack only increased into the second half as Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) opened up the scoring just four minutes in making the score USA 3, CAN 1.
Julianna Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), Vittese and Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) made their presence known in the middle of the field, coming up with key interceptions that lead to a dynamic attack. In the 56th minute of play, Catherine Caro (Martinsville, N.J.) used some 3D skills to grab another goal for Team USA.
The final goal for Team USA came after a textbook combination between Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) and Sophia Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.) down the right sideline lead to a crossed ball to Vittese who put the ball away on a hard forehand shot making the final score USA 5, CAN 1.
“We were able to put a lot of pressure on them in the second half and really step it up," commented Shopman. “I thought overall it was a good game for us in the tournament, we did a lot of learning and growing today”.
USFHA media release
Men's Scottish, District, Reserve Cup & Plate Finals Round-Up
All photography by Duncan Gray
No less than six cup and plate finals were contested at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre today, with a fantastic feast of hockey enjoyed by over 900 spectators across the day.
We round up the day's action below.
Scottish Cup Final
Bromac Kelburne have achieved an impressive league and cup double after defeating Edinburgh University in today's Scottish Cup Final.
The league winners took an early lead in the sixth minute as Ben Peterson's flashing drive accross goal was turned in off a University defender's stick.
Six minutes later, it was 2-0, Ross McPherson turning just inside the circle to fire the ball past University goalkeeper Jakim Berndsen.
Peterson's second goal in the 25th minute further pressed home Kelburne's advantage, his shot too hot for Berndsen to handle.
Lee Morton's shot cannoned off the post shortly before half-time as the Paisley side looked to kill the match off before the interval, but they had to settle for a 3-0 score.
However, Morton was not to be denied ten minutes into the second period, registering on the scoresheet with a great finish to make it 4-0.
With University needing a lifeline, Dan Coultas' expert drag-flick found the top corner of the net sixty seconds after the re-start, leaving the students trailing at 4-1.
But despite a more spirited second half showing from the capital outfit, it was Kelburne who closed the game out to record a Scottish Cup and League double to the delight of their supporters.
Scottish Plate Final
Falkirk GHG won the Scottish Plate, but only after a nail-biting penalty shoot-out against Granite City Wanderers.
Falkirk's goalkeeper Jamie Ballentine can be largely thanked for keeping the first half scoreline deadlocked at 0-0, pulling off a number of key saves to deny Wanderers.
However, Steven Beattie was the man to register the opening salvo, firing a drag-flick into the corner to put the Aberdonians 1-0 up.
Falkirk drew level in the 55th minute, scoring at the second attempt after Wanderers' goalkeeper Aaron White repelled his initial shot on goal.
Meldrum MacKenzie put Granite City back in front with only ten minutes left, finishing from close range, only for David Norris to put Falkirk back on level terms in the 64th minute, rounding off a penalty corner set-play with a flick into the bottom corner.
With the two sides unable to be seperated by the seventy minutes, the match went to a penalty shoot-out.
And it was Falkirk who kept their nerve, scoring three of their penalties, while Wanderers were unable to convert any of their opportunities.
District Cup Final
Q-Bikes Kelburne II sealed the District Cup silverware with a hard-fought 3-0 win over Grove Menzieshill II.
It was Kelburne who broke the deadlock, Ewan Carmichael diving in front of goal to divert an excellent cross past Grove Menzieshill 'keeper Andrew Duncan in the 23rd minute.
With the Paisley side retaining a slender advantage at half-time, a tense second half ensued, with chances for both teams.
Andrew Duff eventually made one of those chances count, swivelling inside the circle to fire the ball past Duncan in the 54th minute to double the lead for Kelburne.
Duff rounded off the scoring in the 70th minute, collecting a brace for himself with a penalty stroke.
District Plate Final
An epic District Plate Final was eventually won by Inverleith II, defeating Anchor 2-1 on penalties after the match finished 4-4 inside regulation time.
Rory MacDougall gave Inverleith the lead in the third minute, only for Anchor's Chris Caldwell to equalise in the 11th minute.
Paul Taylor restored the Edinburgh side's lead three minutes later, but they were pegged back by Andrew McCrystal's field goal sixty seconds after the half-time interval.
A 56th minute field goal from Hanru Weymeyer put the Nomads back in front at 3-2 but Stephen Berry levelled the match once again at 3-3 four minutes later.
Alan Walker put Anchor in front for the first time with only six minutes remaining, only for a remarkable match to finish 4-4 when MacDougall bookended the contest with his second goal.
Messrs Taylor and MacDougall were the saviours for Inverleith in the shoot-out, Anchor's Robert Martin the only success for his side.
Reserve Cup Final
Grange V were the winners of the Reserve Cup Final, beating their club colleagues from the fifth team by a 4-1 scoreline.
In a first half littered with missed chances, it was eventually Grange III who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, Gordon Allan finishing from close range after eluding the defensive cover.
Sixty seconds later, the Stags' third string doubled their advantage, Harry Templeton poking the ball through goalkeeper Richard Miller's legs to make it 2-0.
A penalty corner award in the 43rd minute produced the third goal for Grange III, Steve Swanton finishing off a set-play with a low shot into the left corner.
Nevertheless, Grange V found the target for the first time in the 56th minute to put themselves back in contention at 3-1. Mike White slammed the ball past 'keeper Tario Ahlers with a low drive from just inside the top of the circle.
Alas, a second Swanton goal on the stroke of full-time extinguished any lingering hopes of a comeback, wrapping up the win for Grange III with a carbon copy penalty corner move to claim the trophy.
Reserve Plate Final
Edinburgh University III defeated Pro-Life Fitness Kelburne III to triumph in the Reserve Plate final.
Early first half goals from Will Baker and Hugo Howarth put the students into a 2-0, only for Billy Anderson to pull Kelburne back into the match nine minutes from half-time.
However, second half goals from Harvey Wood (49') and Henry Allen (67') ensured a fairly comfortable win for University in the end.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Lisnagarvey Win Inaugural EY Hockey League
Men's EY Hockey League - day 15 round-up
Lisnagarvey’s imperious form in the EY Hockey League saw them race over the winning line in brilliant fashion, winning out 7-2 against near neighbours Annadale, claiming the inaugural regular season crown and a European spot to boot.
They tore into a 7-0 lead before bottom-placed side Dale got a couple of goals back but Garvey were already well into party mood at that stage after doubles from Timmy Cockram and Sean Murray.
It was their 13th successive victory in the league, putting them 13 points clear of the chasers with three games to go, ensuring they have a major piece of silverware after they missed out on the Irish Senior Cup two weeks ago.
Monkstown are all but over the line in terms of claiming a Champions Trophy place after they shared a 0-0 draw with Glenanne in Tallaght. The sky-blues made most of the early running and saw two chances cleared off the line, one by Clive Kennedy, one by Stu Ronan. The point may yet prove a useful one for the Glens as they sit in fifth place.
Banbridge significantly strengthened their hold of a playoff place with a 5-0 mauling of Cookstown at Steelweld Park with Stephen Dowds netting a hat trick. He scored the first three, all from corners, before Matthew Bell and Ross Beattie completed the rout.
Three Rock Rovers clung on to fourth place despite giving up a 2-0 lead in the second half against Cork C of I. Fred Morris and Daragh Walsh both scored corner rebounds only for John Jermyn, recently recalled to the Irish team, to strike twice late on. The result moves Cork out of the relegation playoff place on goal difference.
Pembroke, meanwhile, inched up to sixth place ahead of Railway Union with a 3-2 win with Alan Sothern doing the damage. Railway led early through James Dick but Harry Spain and Sothern scored from corners to swap the lead.
Sothern and Kirk Shimmins then combined for the clinching goal with the former finishing off, rendering Dick’s second goal a mere consolation.
Men’s EY Hockey League: Glenanne 0 Monkstown 0; Annadale 2 (M Allister, M Robson) Lisnagarvey 7 (T Cockram 2, S Murray 2, N Glassey, A Williamson, D Buser); Cookstown 0 Banbridge 5 (S Dowds 3, R Beattie 2); Cork C of I 2 (J Jermyn 2) Three Rock Rovers 2 (F Morris, D Walsh); Railway Union 2 (J Dick 2) Pembroke 3 (A Sothern 2, H Spain)
Day 15 extended reports
Glenanne 0 Monkstown 0
Monkstown edged ever closer to a confirmed EY Champions Trophy spot as they shared the spoils at Glenanne Park with the hosts remaining in fifth place. Monkstown made the early initiative with Stephen Cole pulling the strings but the Glens’ defence was well organised by Joe Brennan and Stephen Brownlow – even with the absence of Sam O’Connor and Philip Byrne – to limit the visitors’ openings.
They were under pressure, however, and did require Clive Kennedy to clear off the line while Shannon Boucher charged down a corner with Lukasz Domachowski keeping out the second set piece.
The second half proved more even with Glenanne looking to counter and they won a corner which gave them hope, especially as Boucher had netted three times before this season against Town. The trap was incomplete but the follow-up chance fell to Boucher whose reverse-stick shot flashed across the face of goal.
Jonny Bruton went close while Domachowski kept out another chance or two before Stu Ronan took another Town chance off the line. The fourth quarter was intense but had little in the way of chances. Gary Shaw’s cross evaded his team mates from the pick of them but it was, nonetheless, a useful point for Glenanne in their playoff pursuit.
Annadale 2 (M Allister, M Robson) Lisnagarvey 7 (T Cockram 2, S Murray 2, N Glassey, A Williamson, D Buser)
Lisnagarvey’s imperious form in the EY Hockey League saw them race over the winning line in brilliant fashion, winning out 7-2 against near neighbours Annadale, claiming the inaugural regular season crown and a European spot to boot.
They tore into a 7-0 lead before bottom-placed side Dale got a couple of goals back but Garvey were already well into party mood at that stage. Daniel Buser opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a smart deflection to a crashed ball into the circle. Sean Murray added a second in the 29th minute with a strong reverse stick finish, capitalising on a mistake in the Dale defence.
And the results was all but sealed in the third quarter. Timmy Cockram scored the third goal from short range and Andy Williamson scored from a corner against his former club in the 45th minute. The final quarter was frantic with Neal Glassey scoring the goal of the game with a reverse-stick effort into the roof of the net. Sean Murray’s fortunate sixth goal was added to by Cockram’s converted penalty stroke.
Matthew Allister knocked in a late corner rebound before Michael Robson added a brilliant reverse-stick shot but it was scant consolation for the Carryduff outfit. Garvey, meanwhile, take the title and will hope to add further to their trophy cabinet in a month’s time at the Champions Trophy playoffs.
Cookstown 0 Banbridge 5 (S Dowds 3, R Beattie, M Bell)
Stephen Dowds’ hat trick moved Banbridge a big step closer to a place in the EY Champions Trophy playoffs, needing just one win from their three remaining games to assure their passage to the end of season finale where they will be hosts.
Dowds set them on their way in the fifth minute from a corner after a long airborne clearance picked out Josh Moffett’s excellent run to win the set piece. Early in the second quarter, he slotted another corner flick into the bottom right for 2-0. Cookstown grew more into the game as time went on with Stuart Smyth drawing a good save from Gareth Lennox while Mark Crooks rode a few tackles but, with the goal begging, his ball hit a Cookstown foot.
But the game was done and dusted in the third quarter. Matthew Bell had one disallowed in favour of a corner but the Co Down side were three up when Dowds, once again, nailed a drag-flick low to the keeper’s left. Soon after, Bell flicked in yet another set-piece for 4-0 in the 43rd minute.
Ross Beattie completed the rout after tight skills from Frazer Mills out wide led to a dink from the forward which somehow made it into the corner. Ryan Millar hit the upright for Cookstown in the closing stages, denying the Co Tyrone side a late goal but they were well beaten at that stage. Indeed, they conceded a late penalty stroke but Jonny McKee’s effort was denied by Ian Hughes.
Cork C of I 2 (J Jermyn 2) Three Rock Rovers 2 (F Morris, D Walsh)
Three Rock Rovers and Cork C of I played out an entertaining draw at a grey but dry Garryduff. Four short corner goals were shared – two rebounds for Three Rock and two low John Jermyn drag flicks for C of I. The result keeps Rovers just about in the top four while C of I moved out of the relegation playoff place.
Three Rock opened the brighter and had three good chances in the first three minutes but Harry Morris and Ross Canning failed to capitalise. C of I forced their first corners in the 17th minute but the first was blocked by the first runner and the second was saved by Jamie Carr, leaving the scoreboard blank at half-time.
The game came alight in the second minute of the second half when Three Rock won their first corner. The flick was saved by Billy Lynch but Fred Morris was on hand to slap in a rebound from the right. Three minutes later, Rovers got another corner, another rebound and another goal - this time from Daragh Walsh in the centre.
C of I then, energised with John Jermyn and Andrew Daunt setting up a number of spurned chances, got back on terms. An overhead from Jermyn found Julian Dale who won a corner for Jermyn to drag low and hard past Carr.
C of I raised the intensity again in the fourth quarter and kept Three Rock pinned back in their own half for long periods. A fine move led to a chance for Simon Wolfe but Carr smothered it wide. Pressure led to a series of long corners and, with three minutes remaining, Dale won another corner for John Jermyn to score low and hard again.
Railway Union 2 (J Dick 2) Pembroke 3 (A Sothern 2, H Spain)
Pembroke continue to creep up the table, moving into sixth place and within range of the playoff places for the first time this season as Alan Sothern’s double turned the tie in their favour. Railway raced out of the blocks as Richard Forrest and Donal O’Mearain combined to square for James Dick to deflect home.
Both sides had corner chances in a lively opening while Railway had a stroke originally awarded before it was downgraded to a corner. Mark Ingram denied the drag-flick from Mark English. In quarter two, Pembroke pushed on but wasted two corners before their third was nicely converted by Harry Spain after a nice behind the back slip pass by Sothern, making it 1-1 at half-time.
The third quarter was mad-cap but only yielded one more goal. David McCarthy took an audacious lob effort from Eric Foy off the line before Sothern made it 2-1 from Pembroke’s fifth corner. Dick and English went close while Railway could not convert from four more corner chances.
The sucker punch came in the closing quarter when Kirk Shimmins and Sothern combined with some sublime hockey with the latter coolly rounding off the move, rounding Stephen O’Keeffe. Mateusz Nowakowski rounded Ingram but could only shoot into the side-board but Dick did give Railway a chance when swept home a slick move. He then fired over as Pembroke held on for the win
Irish Hockey Association media release
England U16 Club Finals - Day 1 Report
Neston South Wirral U16 Finals 2016
Surbiton & Marlow Boy's and Surbiton & Southgate Girl's lead the way after day 1 of the U16 Club Finals at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
In Boy’s Pool A, Surbiton lead the way after two impressive displays which saw them ship a total of ten goals past Leicester and Havant, four of which coming from Zach Wallace. Neston South Wirral started the day well with a 5-1 victory over Havant, Tom Russell with a hat trick. Leicester bounced back strong after their earlier defeat to Surbiton to beat Neston South Wirral 3-1 thanks to a double from Rohan Bhuhi. That means Leicester and Neston both have three points going into tomorrow, with Surbiton leading the way.
Marlow head up Pool B after a last minute goal from Cameron Beazley-Clarke to edge ahead in a close game versus Leek, who trail in the pool just one point behind after a good win earlier against Canterbury, Joe Knott with a brace. In a closely fought pool throughout, Guildford and Canterbury are only separated by one point also levelling at a 1-1 draw in their clash. This is a pool to watch going into tomorrow and all is to gain from those all important wins.
In Girl’s Pool C, Surbiton lead after day one, with two high scoring games, 5-0 against Cannock and an impressive 8-0 against Leicester, Isabelle Petter getting eight of the goals. Reading are close behind, matching on 6 points after similar goal-fest games. A closer first game saw them win 3-1 against Leicester, which was followed up with an 8-0 win against Cannock, Hannah Gilmore leading their goal scoring with four goals and Anna Gutierrez with two. Leicester and Cannock go head to head tomorrow fighting for their first points on the board.
Southgate sealed an early win against Isca to get an important 3 points on the board thanks to 2 goals from Milly Davis, with Beeston also taking their points with a 4-2 win against Stourport. In their 2nd games of the day it was hard to separate Stourport and Isca who had a closely fought match to finish the day on a 2-2 draw. Southgate edged a 3-2 win against Beeston to compete their day putting them into the lead for the final day tomorrow with Beeston closely fighting at their heels for the first place spot.
To view all the latest tables and results in full, click on the relevant links below.
Boy's Pool A Table & Results
Boy's Pool B Table & Results
Girl's Pool C Table & Results
Girl's Pool D Table & Results
Tickets are still available for Sunday which you can purchase at the venue, £8 for adults and £4 for U18s.
Stay in touch with the event and keep tweeting us your good luck messages! @EnglandHockey #U16Champs
England Hockey Board Media release
Rookie Najib prepares for baptism of fire in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
by Aftar Singh
Muhd Najib (right) will be replacing Baljit Singh Charun in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Ipoh, which starts on Wednesday.
KUALA LUMPUR: Rookie Muhd Najib Abu Hassan has big shoes to fill when he makes his debut in the seven-nation Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh on Wednesday.
The defender has been selected to replace the experienced Baljit Singh Charun after proving himself in the playing tour to New Zealand last month.
He played in six matches – four against New Zealand and two against South Korea.
The 21-year-old Najib has mixed feelings about making his national senior team debut in his home state Perak.
“It feels nice to play in a big tournament, like the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, as it’s been my childhood dream to play for the senior team,” he said.
“I’m also feeling nervous about playing in front of my family, who will be at stadium.”
“I hope I can fit in well into the national team as the tournament is crucial for my hockey career. I need to play well to win a regular place in the national team.”
Najib is hoping that his maiden outing with the senior team will not suffer the same fate as that of the National Juniors in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan last November.
“Our target was to finish in the top four and qualify for the Junior World Cup (in New Delhi in December), but we failed and finished fifth.
“I hope we will not finish last in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup like last year,” said Najib.
Malaysia will open their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup campaign against defending champions New Zealand on Wednesday and Najib admitted that they can expect a torrid time from the Kiwis, who beat them twice (4-1) and (4-2) in first and third Test matches last month.
Malaysia won the second Test match 3-2 and drew the fourth 0-0.
“It will also be challenge for me to play well in defence against stronger teams like world No. 1 Australia, India and Pakistan,” said Najib.
The other defenders in the national team are Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim, Mohd Sukri Abdul Mutalib, Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin and Faiz Helmi Jali.
Japan and Canada are the other two teams in the tournament.
The Star of Malaysia
Former Malaysian greats give back
By Jugjet Singh
UNIKL development players with former Malaysian greats
FORMER national players from the batch of 1990-1993 held a coaching clinic and then a friendly match with University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) Under-16 development players at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium Saturday.
And on the stands watching them were their former team manager Tan Sri Nordin Hassan, chief coach C. Paramalingam, assistant coach Malek Kiew, goalkeeper coach Khairuddin Zainal and team Doctor Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz.
Khairuddin is best remembered for keeping goal when Malaysia finished fourth in the 1975 Kuala Lumpur World Cup -- Malaysia's best achievement ever.
UniKL development coach R. Vivekanandan and goalkeepers coach M. Nadarajan organised the fun-filled event for children as young as five-years-old.
"This coaching clinic as well as match was held with former Malaysian national players, some of whom played in the Olympics and World Cups, to inspire our youth to reach for the sky," said Vivekanandan.
Pic: from left -- Khairuddin, Ramlan, Paramalingam and Satwant Singh.
Some household names from the batch who turned up were three-time Olympian Mirnawan Nawawi, two-time Olympian Maninderjit Singh, Dr Calvin Fernandez , Suhairi Saidi, Lam Mun Fatt and Arul Selvaraj.
Maninderjit said: "We had coaches who literally made us sweat blood but in the end, we had the pleasure of representing the country at the highest level."
Two which Khairuddin replied: "It is better to cry during hard training, that cry after losing a match. Those who train really hard, are the ones who achieve something in their lives."
The free UniKL coaching clinic for players and goalkeepers is held every Sunday at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Former hockey greats give back to future generation
by Aftar Singh
The former national juniors hockey players of batch of 1991-1993 conducted coaching clinic for 30 children age between 10-15 at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium in Lembah Pantai. – BRIAN MOH/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: There’s nothing like giving and sharing.
And that’s exactly what number of players from the 1991-1993 batch of the national junior hockey team did at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
Players like – I. Vickneswaran, Maninderjit Singh, Mirnawan Nawawi, A. Arulselvaraj, Lum Man Fatt, Lailin Abu Hassan, Suhairi Saidi, M. Jayamaran and K. Thinakaran – got together to conduct a coaching clinic for 30 boys and girls – aged between 10 and 15 – from the Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) development programme.
“It’s good to see some parents were at the stadium to support their children at the coaching clinic,” said Vickneswaran, who coaches the UniKL team in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
“We (the players) will continue to do our part in helping to develop hockey in the country.”
The former players also honoured the team manager, coaches and team doctor who were in charge of the National Juniors from 1991 to 1993.
“We (the players) want to thank the team manager, coaches and team doctor for guiding and helping us to finish runners-up to Pakistan in the Junior Asia Cup in Ipoh in 1992 and to qualify for the Junior World Cup in Terrassa, Spain, in 1993,” said Vickneswaran.
The officials during that period were Tan Sri Noordin Hassan (team manager); C. Paramalingam (coach); Malek Khiew and Khairuddin Zainal (assistant coaches); and Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz (team doctor). They each received a memento.
Coach Paramalingam, 81, said that he was honoured to receive the memento from the players he trained 25 years ago.
The Star of Malaysia
Early World Cup preps for Zim hockey team
DON MAKAMYANGA
The Zimbabwe women Under-21 hockey national team have flown the national flag high, qualifying for the Hockey Junior World Cup set for Chile from November 24 to December 4 this year.
This came at a time when the country was still celebrating the qualification of the Mighty Warriors for this year’s edition of the Olympics Games.
The hockey team qualified for the tournament automatically after coming below in the qualifiers which were held in Namibia last week, finishing second to South Africa in a group comprising four teams.
The qualifiers were played in a round robin format.
In an interview with Standardsport, Hockey Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) president, Humphrey Chigwedere said his executive was delighted with the feat the women had achieved and plans were underway for the preparations. He said the team sought to emulate the 1980 form of the Golden Girls, who won a gold at the Olympics.
“We are very delighted that we managed to qualify for the World Cup and our main aim is to improve on our last outing in 2005, but our very main target is that we emulate the Golden Girls’ form of 1980 and we believe with the team that we have, nothing can stop us,” said the HAZ boss.
After having narrowly qualified for the World Cup, Chigwedere said there was need to improve on preparations, hence he would be meeting with key stakeholders to map a way forward on how the team would prepare.
“It was not the kind of preparation that we would have wanted when we went to Namibia, but now we have eight months before the tournament so we have to start preparing now,” he said.
We have given the girls one week off and they will regroup this week. We will be meeting with the technical team, management and the players with the hope of coming up with a programme that will be used leading up to the tournament.”
After being elected to lead the association last year, Chigwedere said with the recent achievement by the ladies, it was his wish that the game of hockey be spread across the country, with his main target being to have a member from each province.
“We can’t say that the team we have is the best Zimbabwe can provide. We need to spread the sport across the country and unearth talent and give opportunity to every Zimbabwean. My dream is to have all provinces contributing at least a player to the national team,” said Chigwedere.
The Standard, Zimbabwe