News for 17 April 2016
All the news for Sunday 17 April 2016
Australia champs for the ninth time
Australia emerged champions of the 25th edition of the Azlan Shah Cup by defeating India 4-0 in the final.
It was a commanding display of tactical hockey as the Aussies waited for the right opportunity to strike.
And the Aussies did it without fielding Jacob Whetton and Jamie Dwyer.
This was the 9th title for the Aussies at this tournament having last won it in 2014.
India started off well, using the flanks to try prise open the defence.
And the Indians were also quick to pounce on the player having possession of the ball.
Australia opened scoring in the 25th minute as Thomas Craig scored after a defence splitting pass by Flynn Ogilvie.
Though the Aussies had two penalty corners in the first two quarters, they failed to make them count.
And that's how it remained until halftime.
India were awarded a penalty corner in the 33rd minute but the attempt by Hermanpreet Singh was well saved by Aussie custodian Andrew Charter.
Australia doubled their advantage in the 35th minute as Thomas Craig was on hand to deflect a cross by Mathew Dawson.
Matt Ghodes made it 3-0 in the 43rd minute and India were a beaten side.
And Ghodes put the icing on the cake by scoring the fourth in the 57th minute.
Unofficial Sultan Azlan Shah Cup site
Kiwis take bronze
Malaysia were heartbroken as they went down via a penalty shootout to New Zealand in the bronze medal match of the Azlan Shah Cup.
It was Fitri Saari who missed the crucial fifth shoot out and that gave the Kiwis a 5-4 win after the match in regulation time had ended 3-3.
It was a remarkable performance from the 13tj ranked team defied odds to hold the 8th ranked team to a 3-3 draw.
Malaysia took the lead in the 7th minute through a brilliant individual effort by Ramadhan Rosli.
Ramadhan dribbled past Arun Penchea before drawing out keeper Devon Manchester to slot home from an acute angle.
After messing their first penalty corner, Malaysia struck again in the 11th minute.
This time the hard work was done by Firhan Ashaari who eliminated three defenders before laying a pass to Fitri Saari for a world class finish into the roof of the net.
But New Zealand took control of the match and Hayden Phillips pulled one back with a stunning reverse hit in the 27th minute.
The Kiwis drew level in the 43rd minute through a penalty corner by Kane Russel.
However within seconds Malaysia regained the lead through Shahril Saabah.
A minute before full time Kane scored the third to make it 3-3.
Although the Kiwis had chances to score, it was a tale of missed chances and the shootout decided the outcome.
Unofficial Sultan Azlan Shah Cup site
Pakistan finish fifth
Pakistan finished in fifth spot when they defeated Canada 3-1 in the classification match.
Pakistan took the lead in the 11th minute as Fareed Ahmad picked up the ball from a botched penalty corner stop to drill the ball home.
Ajaz Ahmad then made it more comfortable for Pakistan by scoring the second goal in the 27th minute.
Canada reduced the deficit in the 51st minute through Iain Smyrhe .
But Muhammad Arshad put the issue beyond doubt by converting a penalty corner in the 57th minute.
Unofficial Sultan Azlan Shah Cup site
Kookaburras victorious at the Azlan Shah Cup
Australia defeats India 4 - 0
Holly MacNeil
The Kookaburras have been victorious over India in the final of the Azlan Shah Cup tonight in Ipoh, Malaysia. The Australian team dominated the series, winning every match they played and showing that they are a force to be reckoned with.
The game kicked off with a relatively quiet first quarter, with both teams failing to convert opportunities to goals. Twenty-five minutes into the second quarter and Tom Craig managed to collect a ball inside the circle, netting it into the goal.
At the beginning of the third quarter, India were straight of the mark with Ramandeep Singh attempting a goal to equalise the match, however goalkeeper Andrew Charter quickly thwarted the attempt. Tom Craig was quick to get the ball back for the Kookaburras, knocking in his second field goal of the match.
Matt Swann made an attempt on goal at the 43rd minute of the match that was quickly rebutted by Akash Chikte, however Matt Gohdes celebrating his 150th cap was quick to slam the loose rebound back into the net.
With nine minutes left of the game, Mandeep Singh missed a crucial opportunity to get India into the game, after he mistimed his flick with only the Kookaburras keeper in his way.
With only four minutes to go, Matt Gohdes sealed the victory for Australia in the Azlan Shah Cup final, trapping an overhead pass from centre field and using a reverse stick hit to fly the ball into goal.
Kookaburras Head Coach, Graham Reid said: “It was a really first class performance for the boys today. Good to see some of the things we’ve worked on a lot this tour being put into action.
“It was a really good defensive effort, one particularly in the third quarter and one towards the end of the game. The boys really worked hard throughout the game. It was great to see a couple of nice goals in there from Tom as well.
“There’s a long way to go to Rio, so it’s important to celebrate these milestones, but we’ll be back into training next week.”
Earlier in the evening New Zealand defeated Malaysia to take out third place at the cup, by means of a shoot-out after the score was tied at 3 – 3 at the full time siren.
KOOKABURRAS 4 (1)
Tom Craig 25, 35 (FG, FG)
Matt Gohdes 43, 57 (FG, FG)
INDIA 0 (0)
Results & Fixtures, today
PAK 3 – 1 CAN
NZL 3 – 3 MAS (5 – 4 SO)
AUS 4 - 0 IND
Kookaburras’ squad v India
Started
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 184/114
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT) 108/0
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW) 23/19
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW) 39/6
Matthew Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 150/50
Fergus Kavanagh (Gerladton, WA) 223/15
Mark Knowles (Rockhampton, QLD) 282/23
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 269/64
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW) 26/11
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 73/3
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 84/10
Used Substitute
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 24/20
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 52/17
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 64/0
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 194/55
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD) 133/6
Unused Substitute
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 357/238
Jacob Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 102/44
Hockey Australia media release
Black Sticks take out bronze at Azlan Shah Cup
The Black Sticks Men surged to a 5-4 shoot-out win over hosts Malaysia to secure the bronze medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Trailing by two goals in the first quarter, the Black Sticks mounted a strong comeback to take the game to a deciding shoot-out after a 3-3 draw at the end of regulation time.
Kane Russell scored a second half double of penalty corner flicks while Hayden Phillips recorded his first international goal in stunning fashion.
The Black Sticks were successful with all five shots in the shoot-out before goalkeeper Devon Manchester proved the hero after padding away Malaysia’s fifth attempt to win the game.
It was a result made even sweeter for striker Stephen Jenness in his 150th test and captain Simon Child on his 28th birthday.
Head coach Colin Batch said despite a slow start it was a gutsy effort to hang tough and come back to force a result in shoot-out.
“It wasn’t such a good start from us tonight, we were well below our level and it was disappointing to allow them two quick goals,” he said.
“Full credit to our team though to put together a mature and calm performance playing from behind.
“We have grown significantly during the tournament and we are creating a belief within this group that we can handle these high pressure situations.”
The hosts opened the scoring in the seventh minute after Ramadan Rosli made the most of some loose defensive coverage to slip a shot past Manchester.
Four minutes later Malaysia doubled the lead when Fitri Saari found himself in the circle with plenty of clear space to flick over the diving keeper.
Finally the Black Sticks got things rolling in the 27th minute when Phillips scored his first international goal by putting a screamer into the top of the net off his reverse stick.
The Kiwis earned their first penalty corner of the match in the 43rd minute and capitalised on the opportunity with Russell putting his flick over the goalkeeper’s head to level the score at 2-2.
But from the restart the Malaysians immediately responded and grabbed the lead back once more thanks to a nice finish from Sharil Saabah at close range.
With two minutes on the clock the Black Sticks won a penalty corner which saw Russell pick up his double with flick that was too strong to keep out.
New Zealand had two more penalty corners in the final minute but were unable to find the game winner, sending the match to a shoot-out.
BLACK STICKS 3: (Kane Russell 2, Hayden Phillips)
MALAYSIA 3: (Ramadan Rosli, Fitri Saari, Sharil Saabah)
Black Sticks won the shoot-out 5-4
Halftime: Malaysia 2-1
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Canada finishes 6th at Azlan Shah Cup after loss to Pakistan in final match
Shaheed Devji
Canada’s men’s field hockey team dropped its final game of the 2016 Azlan Shah Cup, a 3-1 loss in a re-match with Pakistan, Saturday in Ipoh, Malaysia.
With the loss, Canada places 6th – in line with where it was ranked among the teams in the tournament – but likely below expectations from the coaches and players, who have proved in recent history they are capable of punching above their weight.
Having played earlier in the tournament, when Pakistan won 3-1, the teams were familiar with each other heading into Saturday’s match and with p5th place on the line, the game was very calculated to start.
Neither team was able to get past the other’s strong defensive shape early in the first quarter.
The first real chance of the game came on a Pakistani set piece in the eleventh minute after Ajaz Ahmad went for a run down the right side and into the circle before playing the ball into a Canadian foot for the game’s first penalty corner.
The corner seemed to be misplayed, with the stopper having the ball go through his legs, but the ball was quickly moved to the outside to Fareed Ahmed, who turned and let go of a hard hit that beat Antoni Kindler – who started in goal for Canada – to give Pakistan the all important first goal.
Kindler was tested again at the end of the quarter, but made a strong save on a deflection in the final minute.
Canada had a positive start to the second quarter, with strong spells of possession through the midfield led by captain Scott Tupper who stepped up to distribute the ball.
In the 18th minute, Tupper found Sukhi Panesar at the top of the Pakistani circle. Panesar turned and fired but the shot was blocked.
Pakistan added to its lead in the 27th minute, when a seemingly harmless play up the field turned dangerous as Ahmad was fed a great ball across the Canadian goal and redirected by Kindler for the 2-0 lead.
With their backs against the wall, the Canadians came alive in the final few minutes of the first half.
First, in the 28th minute, Devohn Noronha-Teixeira took advantage of some time and space in the middle of the pitch and hammered a low, hard sweep into the Pakistani circle. The ball bounced to Richard Hildreth who tried to put it across Pakistani keeper Imran Butt’s body, but the veteran netminder made the save.
Then, in the final minute of the half, Tupper delivered a backhand pass from midfield to Mark Pearson at the top of the Pakistan circle. Pearson, who had scored on his backhand earlier in the tournament, let go of another attempt but was also stopped by Butt.
The momentum was nearly stopped at the start of the second half, but David Carter – who came in to play the second half in goal for Canada – made a reflex save on tournament leading goal-scorer Muhammad Qadir, who was at the end of a nice passing play in the Canadian circle in the 48th minute.
A few minutes later, Canada finally got on the board when, after moving the ball quickly up the field, Gabriel Ho-Garcia found Taylor Curran at the top of the Pakistani circle. Curran quickly unleashed a back hand shot to the near post which was deflected in by Iain Smythe to bring Canada within one in the 51st minute.
Canada kept pressing for the next several minutes, but Pakistan stayed composed defensively and eventually went back on the offensive earning a corner in the 57th minute. Mummad Arshad flicked the ball to Carter’s stick-side and past the Canadian keeper to restore the two-goal lead on the way to the 3-1 win.
GAME NOTES:
Playing in his 229th international match for Canada, captain Scott Tupper took sole possession of 8th place in all-time men’s games played for Canada
Matthew Guest missed his second straight game with a lower body injury sustained in Canada’s tie with Malaysia on April 12
The Canadian men will now head back to Vancouver to continue training, before a European tour which sees them visit Ireland and England in June
Field Hockey Canada media release
Australia thrash India to lift Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
by S. Ramaguru and T. Avineshwaran
IPOH: World champions Australia overwhelmed India 4-0 to lift their ninth Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title on Saturday.
Braces from Thomas Craig and Matt Ghodes ensure victory and maintained Australia’s unbeaten streak at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
Playing to a packed stadium, India initially tried to take the game to the Australians who plodded on to stamp their class in an entertaining match.
The statistics showed the Aussies’ class as they scored a total of 26 goals and conceded only three. Australia were winners in 1982, 1996, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011,2013, 2014 while India were champions in 1985, 1991, 1995, 2009, 2010.
The first quarter produced no goals although Australia had more possession. It was a similar story in the second quarter except the Aussies had a goal to show for their efforts with Craig sounding the board in the 25th minute.
The Australians were relentless in their attack in the third quarter and were rewarded with their second goal when Craig connected Blake Govers’ cross into the D to deflect the ball in for his fourth goal of the tournament. His all-round performance earned him the Man-of-the-Match award in the final.
A happy Craig said after receiving the award: “Whenever we play India, it is always a tense affair. It feels good to get two goals. My team-mates were brilliant in this tournament but we all know this is just the first step.
“There are lots of tournaments before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and we will surely work hard to make sure we win the gold medal,” said Craig.
India mounted a fightback but Ghodes, playing his 150th international made sure the Aussies return home with the Cup with goals in the 43rd and 57th minutes.
An elated Australian captain Mark Knowles said it was sweet to regain the trophy they lost to New Zealand last year.
“Australians are highly competitive in every tournament as we want to win all the time. India were great opponents, kudos to them.
“This is a good start for our Olympics preparation. We played against top class sides and we now know our strengths and weaknesses,” said Knowles.
The Star of Malaysia
Malaysia denied podium spot in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
By S. Ramaguru
Hayden Phillips of New Zealand (right) celebrates after scoring a goal against Malaysia during their third-placing match in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup — AFP
IPOH: Malaysia were two minutes away from a fairy-tale ending before it was cruelly snatched away by New Zealand in their third-placing match in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament.
With Malaysia leading 3-2 and time fast fading, Kane Russel fired home a last-gasp equaliser to make it 3-3 and take the game into a shootout, which the Kiwis won 5-4.
Malaysia got their goals in regulation time through Mohd Ramadan Rosli (seventh minute), Fitri Saari (11th, 44th) while Phillip Hayden (27th) and Russel (43rd, 58th) scored for New Zealand.
In the shootout, Mohd Firhan Ashaari, Mohd Faiz Helmi, Mohd Shahril Saabah and Haziq Shamsul found the target while Fitri missed the fifth flick.
For the Kiwis, the scorers were Hugo Inglis, Nick Wilson, Shay Neal, James Coughlan and George Muir.
National coach Stephen van Huizen was disappointed for the boys as “they had given their best in front of the home crowd”.
“After a hard game against India, we actually showed character against New Zealand. I’m actually very disappointed for the boys, we deserved the third spot,” he said.
Earlier, Pakistan finished fifth after defeating Canada 3-1 in the classification match.
Goals from Fareed Ahmed (11th minute), Ajaz Ahmad (27th) and Mohamed Arshad (57th) were enough to sink the Canadians.
Although Canada came to life in the fourth quarter, Iain Smythe’s 51st-minute goal proved too little, too late.
The Star of Malaysia
Another Malaysian sob story
by Jugjet Singh
NEW Zealand beat Malaysia to the bronze in the 25th Edition of the Azlan Shah Cup in a tensed shoot-out, after the match ended 3-3 in Ipoh Saturday.
The Kwis scored all five, while Fitri Shaari missed the last shoot-out to bow out 5-4.
Coach Stephen van Huizen's men, who finished at the bottom last year, had plenty of time to kill off the match after taking a 2-0 lead by the 11th minute.
But they toyed around with New Zealand who came back strongly to draw level at 2-2. Malaysia again took the lead, only to be taken into a shoot-out with one minute remaining.
Ramadan Rosli (4th) and Fitri Shaari (11th) made it 2-0, Hayden Phillips (27th) and Kane Russell (43rd) made it 2-2.
Shahril Saabah (43rd) brought momentary cheers to the Malaysian side, but Russel (59th) had the last laugh.
"I'am extremely disappointed for the boys to finish they way they did because they played some good hockey against higher ranked teams in this tournament.
"We held (world no 8) New Zealand 3-3 in the pool, and again 3-3 today (yesterday) but in a shoot-out there is no more guarantee," said Van Huizen.
Malaysia used both their goalkeepers yesterday -- Hafizuddin Othman for four quarters and Hairi Rahman for the shoot-out.
Both of them displayed moments of brilliance, followed by moments of madness.
"We tried both the goalkeepers equally in this tournament and I believe they will become better players by facing more experienced opponents in the long run."
For the record, Malaysia's No 1 goalkeeper S. Kumar was left out of this tournament due to injury.
New Zealand coach Colin Batch lauded his players self-believe.
"We were 0-2 down, but my players kept believing in themselves and the end result is very pleasing as we prepare for the Olympics," said Batch.
RESULTS Final: Australia x India x; Third-Fourth: Malaysia 3 New Zealand 3 (New Zealand win 5-4 in shoot-out); Fifth-Sixth: Canada 1 Pakistan 3.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Australia thrash India to lift Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
IPOH - Reigning world champions Australia clobbered India 4-0 to clinch the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Saturday, as the powerhouse eyes the top-spot on the podium at the Rio Games this summer.
The Kookaburras kicked off the final against seventh-ranked India with fast attacks and strong defence to the delight of the spectators in Malayia's Ipoh. Both teams rallied for an early goal but failed to earn a shot at the back of the net. However, as the game progressed, there was no doubt the Kookaburras were the dominant squad as India failed to defend against the skills and speed of the Australians.
The Kookaburras put pressure on the Indian defence and secured an inaccessible 3-0 lead by the end of the third-quarter break. Just before half-time, 20-year-old Thomas Craig put Australia ahead, by taking a crack at the left side of the Indian net leaving goalie Akash Chitke helpless. Craig was in action again in the 35th minute when he slid on his stomach to hit the ball past Akash. Matt Ghodes scored the other two goals including one on the reverse stick which saw the ball sail past the leg of the Indian goalkeeper.
India cruised into the final after defeating Malaysia 6-1 earlier in the week and edging out New Zealand. However, Australia's dominant performance on Saturday proved a wide gap remains between the two rivals. Australia ended the tournament with the maximum 18 points from six matches, while India earned 12 points and New Zealand finished with 11. Australia has won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup a record nine times.
A happy Craig said after receiving the award: “Whenever we play India, it is always a tense affair. It feels good to get two goals. My team-mates were brilliant in this tournament but we all know this is just the first step. “There are lots of tournaments before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and we will surely work hard to make sure we win the gold medal,” said Craig.
An elated Australian captain Mark Knowles said it was sweet to regain the trophy they lost to New Zealand last year. “Australians are highly competitive in every tournament as we want to win all the time. India were great opponents, kudos to them. “This is a good start for our Olympics preparation. We played against top class sides and we now know our strengths and weaknesses,” said Knowles.
Meanwhile, defending champions New Zealand defeated hosts Malaysia for the bronze medal in a 5-4 penalty shootout. In the day's other action, Pakistan finished fifth after outpacing Canada 3-1 in the classification match. Goals from Fareed Ahmed (11th minute), Ajaz Ahmad (27th) and Mohamed Arshad (57th) were enough to sink the Canadians. Although Canada came to life in the fourth quarter, Iain Smythe’s 51st-minute goal proved too little, too late.
Australia, India, New Zealand and Canada are among the 12 teams that are potentially set to square off in Rio in August. The Australian men's team has won nine medals, including one gold in 2004, at the Olympic Games.
The Nation
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Australia crowned champions
Australia players pose after defeating India to win the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Austalia were the only team to go undefeated in the tournament. PHOTO COURTESY: MALAYSIAN HOCKEY CONFEDERATION
KARACHI: Australia defeated India 4-0 to be crowned the champions of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, being played in Ipoh, Malaysia, yesterday.
Thomas Graig and Matt Gohdes both scored two field goals apiece to guide Australia to their ninth title. India, the five-time champions, were left ruing bad defending as Australia gave them no time to breathe during the hour played on the Azlan Shah Stadium AstroTurf.
Meanwhile in the fifth-place match, Pakistan defeated Canada 3-1 to finish fifth, out of seven teams, in the tournament.
Fareed Ahmed scored the opening goal in the 11th minute, while Ajaz Ahmad doubled the lead in the 27th minute of the match.
Canada managed to halve the deficit through Ian Smyth in the 51st minute, but Mohammad Arshad ensured Pakistan end their campaign third-last in the tournament when he scored the winner in the 57th minute.
Pakistan managed to win only two matches from a total of six in the competition.
Former captain Mohammad Imran, who was a part of the team that played the Azlan Shah final in 2011 when they lost 3-2 to Australia, believes it was playing individually rather than as a unit which cost the Greenshirts a chance to win the trophy.
“It wasn’t a good performance,” Imran told The Express Tribune. “I can say that Pakistan could’ve been in the final if they played as a team. It was individual play and individual mistakes that affected the performance.”
The 37-year-old further added that despite champions Australia, no other team was difficult to play against.
“Australia were the best side in the tournament and deserved to win but we could’ve defeated India, New Zealand and Malaysia,” he added. “We really need to improve on our defending as we gave the opposition a lot of opportunities in our half of the field. The goalkeeping must improve as well.”
The Express Tribune
Australia drubs India; lifts Azlan Shah trophy
The result meant Australia lifted the trophy with an all-win record. India finished third in the last edition.
Australian hockey players. File photo . Getty Images
A dominant Australia notched up a thumping 4-0 victory over India in the summit showdown to win the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh on Saturday.
Thomas William Craig (25th, 35th) scored twice while Matt Ghodes (43rd, 57th) too found the net two times for Australia as the in-form Kookaburras won the tournament for a record ninth time.
The result meant Australia lifted the trophy with an all-win record.
For the reigning world champion and world number one, Craig opened the scoring in the 25th minute when he dribbled past a couple of Indian defenders and dragged goalkeeper Akash Chikte out before putting the ball into an empty net.
Craig doubled the lead when he lunged into a cross in the 35th minute for his fourth goal of the tournament.
It was the turn of Ghodes then to join the party as he scored two more goals to complete a convincing win against an opponent which was making its seventh appearance in the final of the event. Ghodes was playing in his 150th match.
Ghodes scored his first goal through a volley, while the second one came barely three minute before the final hooter, as the script refused to change with Australia continuing their denomination over seventh ranked India, who won the tournament five times in the past.
India finished third in the last edition.
India started well as the first quarter ended goal-less, but conceded once in the second quarter. The Aussies though were way ahead of their opponents when play resumed after the first half.
The Hindu
Australia thrash India 4-0 to win Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
(AFP Photo)
IPOH (Malaysia): India suffered a 0-4 drubbing at the hands of world champions Australia to settle for a silver medal, their best finish in six years, in the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Saturday.
This was Australia's ninth title win as they continued their stranglehold over the tournament. India last won the tournament in 2010, their fifth title, when they were jointly declared winners with South Korea. In 2012 and 2015 they were the bronze medallists.
Thomas Craig and Matt Gohdes scored two goals each in open field play for Australia to overwhelm India after a stout defence in the first quarter had denied the world's top-ranked team a good shot at the Indian citadel.
Australia took off though Craig's field goals in the 25th and 35th minutes, but the Indians seemed to be tiring when Gohdes scored struck twice in the 43rd and 57th minutes.
Australia, who won all their seven matches in style, had thumped India 5-1 in the round-robin league encounter.
Australia's triumph earned them their ninth title in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. For India, this was the second time they finished with the silver medal in seven final appearances.
Playing to a plan at the beginning, India managed to keep the Australians away from their citadel in the first quarter and even managed to break into the rival circle on two occasions. Australia forced one penalty corner that was fired wide of the mark by Jeremy Hayward.
At the other end, a cross from Chinglensana Singh on the right was deflected wide off the mark by Chandana Thimmaiah.
Frustrated for 25 minutes, Australia broke the deadlock when Craig picked up a diagonal ball in the goalmouth and moved sidewards before slamming the ball into the boards.
Australia earned another penalty corner before Indian striker Ramandeep Singh featured in the last move before half-time. Ramandeep's shy from the top of the circle in a crowded scoring zone was easily deflected out.
Thimmaiah had another shot at the goal from close range in the first minute of the second half, but sent the feeble push straight to goalkeeper Andrew Charter.
India were awarded their first penalty corner in the 32nd minute when striker SV Sunil was obstructed on top of the circle, but Harmanpreet Singh's shot posed little threat as the custodian blocked it with his pads.
Craig increased Australia's lead with an outstanding goal in the 35th minute when he dived to deflect a cross from Blake Govers into the right corner of the goal.
India came close to pulling a goal back in the 40th minute during a goalmouth scrimmage, but Chris Ciriello pulled the ball pack from the goalline after it had gone past the goalkeeper.
This was followed by two successive penalty corners for India, but Rupinder Pal Singh was not able to shoot past Charter, the Australian custodian.
Gohdes put the game out of India's reach by scoring the third Australian goal in a goalmouth melee in the 43rd minute when goalkeeper Akash Chikte palmed a ball from the left, but it deflected to Gohdes.
Mandeep Singh could have entered his name in the scoresheet, but his try off Talwinder Singh's pass went wide of the right post.
Last year's champions New Zealand claimed the bronze medal by overcoming the challenge from hosts Malaysia 5-4 in the penalty shootout after the two teams were tied 3-3 in regulation period.
It was a 59th-minute equaliser that revived New Zealand, who had trailed from the seventh minute when Ramadan Rosli scored a field goal.
Fitri Saari increased the lead with another open play strike in the 11th minute. The Black Sticks pulled a goal back in open field play three minutes before half-time when Hayden Phillips found the target.
New Zealand drew 2-2 parity in the 43rd minute on kane Russell's penalty corner conversion, but Shahril Saabah's flash strike against put Malaysia ahead within a minute.
Malaysia enjoyed the lead until the 59th minute, but going all out to score another goal allowed New Zealand a counter-attack that resulted in a penalty corner.
Russell scored his second penalty corner goal by sending the ball into the net in the penultimate minute, shattering the hopes of the home side.
In the penalty shootout Australia converted all the attempts, while Fitri Saari faltered with the last try for Malaysia.
Earlier, Pakistan prevailed 3-1 over Canada, repeating the score-line of their round-robin league encounter on the opening day, to take the fifth spot.
Final standings: Australia 1, India 2, New Zealand 3, Malaysia 4, Pakistan 5, Canada 6, Japan 7.
The Times of India
Sardar praises young players for credible show
IPOH (Malaysia): India's campaign in the 25th Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament finished with a 0-4 loss to Australia in the final, but captain Sardar Singh gave credit to the young players in the team for putting up a gritty display against the world's top side on Saturday.
"We put up a gritty display in the final, but there were some errors in our circle and that caused the 4-0 scoreline," Sardar said after the medal ceremony.
"Australia are among the toughest opponents one can take on in contemporary hockey, but we have had a successful tournament," said Sardar.
"We came here with a team comprising several young players with an eye on the future," said the Indian captain, reflecting on this outing.
"That purpose has been accomplished. These youngsters have gained tremendous experience against some top international teams," he said.
Coach Roelant Oltmans had decided to include junior players from the core group in this squad with his focus on picking the squad for the Olympic Games.
Despite putting up a gritty performance, India were outplayed in the second half when the reigning world champions scored three goals by catching the Indian defence on the wrong foot.
"We need to sort out the minor mistakes that lead to goals being conceded," said the Indian skipper.
Thomas Craig and Matt Gohdes scored two goals each in open field play as Australia overwhelmed India after a stout defence denied them a good crack at the goal in the first quarter.
Australia got into the goal-scoring act through Craig's field goals in the 25th and 35th minutes. The Indians seemed to be tiring when Gohdes got his goals in the 43rd and 57th minutes.
The triumph clinched Australia their ninth title in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. For India, this was the second time they finished with the silver medal in seven final appearances.
The Times of India
Beating top teams still remain a challenge
Sanjeev Singh
The 25th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament had a familiar ending on Saturday night, world champions Australia beat India with a resounding 4-0 margin. It’s been a mixed bag for India in the tournament, though one must give them credit for making a strong comeback to finish second ahead of New Zealand.
The first two quarters in the final were evenly contested with possession being marginally in favour of the Aussies. But a lapse in defence was pounced upon by Australia, they had the psychological advantage when they took the lead towards the end of the second quarter. The third quarter, also known as the Kokaburra quarter in which Australia score their most goals proved to be India’s undoing as they pumped in two more goals, eventually winning 4-0.
Before the final, Indian coach Roelant Oltmans had no misgivings about the result and wanted his team to give a good fight to the Aussies. Australia had won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1983, they have won the trophy a maximum of nine times with this win. India has won it five times. Australia and New Zealand have kept others out from the winning podium since 2011, as Asian teams have struggled to match their speed, stamina and power.
Nikkin Thimmaiah seems to have recovered well after his shoulder injury, he along with SV Sunil remain India’s best bet in the forward line. Chinglensana Singh looked good playing his 100th game for India, while skipper Sardar Singh remains solid as ever in the middle. But the positives in the tournament have been the coming of age of the younger lot. The find of the tournament could easily be Harmanpreet Singh, while Harjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Talwinder Singh have shown promise that they can handle the pressure of playing top international teams.
Even though India’s best goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was rested, newcomer Akash Chikte did reasonable well. Harjot Singh was found wanting on a few occasions as goalkeeper, but there is reason to cheer that over dependence on senior players is now a thing of the past. Star defender Rupinder Pal Singh could be seen coordinating well with Harmanpreet, that augurs well for the defence department.
But the downside of India’s performance has been the huge gap between them and teams like Australia and New Zealand –both will compete in Olympics. India rarely managed to be on the offensive, lack of any strategy in attacking their 25-yard line was missing. In contrast, the top teams could be seen playing in perfect practised rhythm during their repeated attacks inside our defence. India heads for the Olympics with a wider talent pool in their team, but coach Oltmans knows that this team is still work in progress.
The Times of India
Rampaging Aussies lift Azlan Shah Cup, Pakistan finish fifth
IPOH: Australia clinched the Azlan Shah Cup in style, hammering India 4-0 in the final on Saturday while Pakistan finished in fifth spot after they cruised past Canada 3-1.
New Zealand’s title defence ended with a bronze medal after they beat hosts Malaysia 5-4 in a shootout following an exciting 3-3 draw.
Thomas William Craig (25th, 35th) scored twice while Matt Ghodes (43rd, 57th) too found the net two times for Australia as the in-form Kookaburras won the tournament for a record ninth time.
The result meant Australia lifted the trophy with an all-win record.
For the reigning world champion and world number one, Craig opened the scoring in the 25th minute when he dribbled past a couple of Indian defenders and dragged goalkeeper Akash Chikte out before putting the ball into an empty net.
Craig doubled the lead when he lunged into a cross in the 35th minute for his fourth goal of the tournament.
It was the turn of Ghodes then to join the party as he scored two more goals to complete a convincing win against an opponent which was making its seventh appearance in the final of the event. Ghodes was playing in his 150th match.
Ghodes scored his first goal through a volley, while the second one came barely three minute before the final hooter, as the script refused to change with Australia continuing their denomination over seventh ranked India.
POSITIVE NOTE
In the playoff for fifth spot, Pakistan took the lead in the 11th minute as Fareed Ahmad picked up the ball from a botched penalty corner stop to drill the ball home.
Ajaz Ahmad then made it more comfortable for Pakistan by scoring the second goal in the 27th minute, diving in to deflect a cross team-mate Tasawar Abbas.
Canada reduced the deficit in the 51st minute through Iain Smyrhe but Mohammad Arshad put the issue beyond doubt by converting a penalty corner in the 57th minute.
After a disappointing campaign which saw just two wins in the round-robin stage, Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt said the tournament was good preparation for his team before the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
“It was nice to finish on a positive note and we will now go back home and improve on our weaknesses,” said Imran as Pakistan look to make it to the quadrennial showpiece after major disappointments over recent years as they failed to make it to the 2014 World Cup and the Olympics later this year.
MALAYSIAN HEARTBREAK
Malaysia were two minutes away from a fairy-tale ending before it was cruelly snatched away by New Zealand in their match for third place.
With Malaysia leading 3-2 and time fast fading, Kane Russel fired home a last-gasp equaliser to make it 3-3 and take the game into a shootout.
Malaysia got their goals in regulation time through Mohd Ramadan Rosli (seventh minute), Fitri Saari (11th, 44th) while Phillip Hayden (27th) and Russel (43rd, 58th) scored for New Zealand.
In the shootout, Mohd Firhan Ashaari, Mohd Faiz Helmi, Mohd Shahril Saabah and Haziq Shamsul found the target while Fitri missed the fifth flick.
For the Kiwis, the scorers were Hugo Inglis, Nick Wilson, Shay Neal, James Coughlan and George Muir.
National coach Stephen van Huizen was disappointed for the boys as “they had given their best in front of the home crowd”.
“After a hard game against India [6-1 defeat on Friday], we actually showed character against New Zealand. I’m actually very disappointed for the boys, we deserved the third spot,” he said.
Dawn
Pakistan hockey in a shambles
Malaysia edged out the Greenshirts by a solitary goal, with Pakistan’s forwards missing nearly half a dozen goal-scoring opportunities. PHOTO COURTESY: MALAYSIAN HOCKEY CONFEDERATION
The Azlan Shah Hockey tournament recounted a tale of woes for the national team as it plummeted to new lows in what can only be described as a second-tier tournament. The annual hockey carnival in Malaysia generally doesn’t attract top European teams and this edition was no different with only world champions Australia and defending champions New Zealand representing the leading nations.
While defeats to the teams from Down Under were not unexpected, Pakistan’s tame surrender to the hosts and the massive drubbing at the hands of archrivals India was a painful experience for hockey fans. Malaysia edged out the Greenshirts by a solitary goal, with Pakistan’s forwards missing nearly half a dozen goal-scoring opportunities. India handed Pakistan a 5-1 drubbing where the high-flying rivals drowned the national team in a deluge of goals. This was one of the heaviest defeats that Pakistan suffered in the marquee rivalry between the two countries.
It was clear from the onset that the players were plagued by fitness concerns, the penetration by the forwards in the opposition’s circle was entirely absent in most games and the defence was shoddy to say the least. Players like Rashid Mahmood, Mohammad Waqas, Rizwan senior, Ammad Butt, Umar Bhutta and goal-keeper Imran Butt have been playing top-class hockey for a considerable time now but are still found wanting when confronted with pressure situations.
Amid the depressing performances, the goal-scoring form of Arsalan Qadeer was an encouraging sign, with the youngster netting six goals in the group stage — the most for any player in the tournament before the playoffs. It is clear that Pakistan hockey has been in a shambolic state for a long time. Serious financial problems and subversive politics within the PHF have not made things easy, while outdated coaching methods and the seeming lack of will to find and hone fresh talent have compounded problems. The PHF needs to pull up its socks and start a major restructuring exercise of the sport in the country if Pakistan is to get out of this morass.
The Express Tribune
Classy Chamberlain batters Birmingham
Dirkie Chamberlain vs Birmingham
Dirkie Chamberlain helped herself to a hat-trick as Canterbury ran riot to beat University of Birmingham 6-0, setting up a repeat of the last two finals in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Championships. The South African striker’s trebled added to goals from Jen Wilson, Mel Clewlow, and Susannah Townsend to cap a miserable day for Phil Gooderham’s Birmingham side.
Canterbury had the better of the opening exchanges and pushed Birmingham back from the first whistle. Jen Wilson’s early snap shot was well saved by Katherine Somerville, who snaked out a right leg to divert the ball to safety. Somerville quickly became a pivotal player, making a fine stop to keep out a Mel Clewlow blockbuster from a penalty corner and then plunging well to her right to get a stick to a Grace Balsdon drag flick to keep it level at quarter time.
Canterbury continued to press in the second quarter and took the lead in the 18th minute. Chamberlain hit the ball early on the turn and seemed to take Somerville by surprise, beating the goalkeeper for pace to make it 1-0. The Polo Farm side doubled their money in the 22nd minute. A beautifully worked penalty corner pulled Birmingham from one side to the other before Wilson slotted home to make it 2-0. Just before the quarter time break it was 3-0. A driving run from Susannah Townsend carved the defence apart and she laid the ball off for Chamberlain to grab her second of the match and Canterbury’s third. Birmingham countered and won a penalty corner but Emily Defroand’s pass was well cut out by the Canterbury defence and the three goal cushion remained intact at the half way point.
After the break Canterbury extended their lead through a lovely backhand strike from Townsend and then it went from bad to worse for a demoralised University of Birmingham as a fierce straight strike from Clewlow was too strong for the goalkeeper who could not keep it out. Canterbury showed no signs of letting up and with five minutes left in the quarter they made it 6-0. Another run from Townsend split the defence and her cross-shot was turned in via the post by a sliding Chamberlain to complete her hat-trick. The woodwork spared Phil Gooderham’s side conceding a seventh. Clewlow’s deflected penalty corner came back off the bar with Chamberlain’s volley on the rebound flying over the top. Birmingham almost got one back through a bullet strike from a Tina Evans penalty corner but Clewlow was on hand to tip it away from goal on the post, summing up Birmingham’s luck on the day.
The Students continued to push for a consolation goal in the final quarter and Erica Sanders forced Rebecca Smith, who had replaced Helen Fagg in goal, into a smart stop from a penalty corner. Undeterred the Students forced another corner but again found Smith in imperious form as she effected a superb block to preserve the clean sheet. Chamberlain was still hunting goals and was denied twice in the last two minutes by fine saves from Somerville but it mattered not as the Kent side roared into the final.
Canterbury now take on Surbiton in tomorrow’s final.
England Hockey Board Media release
Surbiton stand firm in quest for three in a row
Olivia Chilton celebrates scoring the second for Surbiton.
Surbiton continued their incredible unbeaten run and marched on to tomorrow's final with a controlled display against Holcombe. Goals from Giselle Ansley and Olivia Chilton handed them a 2-0 win and kept them on course for a third consecutive title.
Holcombe started brightly and forced two penalty corners in the opening moments. First Abi Walker in the Surbiton goal did well to make the save and then Sam Quek was unable to deflect Leah Wilkinson’s slapped pass into the net. Good link up play from Leigh Maasdorp and Nicola White opened some space down the left but Giselle Ansley defended well and mopped up the danger. Ten minutes in Surbiton forced their first penalty corner. Although the move broke down, Ansley was still able to get a shot away, finding the bottom corner with a precise strike to make it 1-0. At the other end Shona McCallin showed good strength and determination to break through into the circle but her backhand strike hit the outside of the goal ensuring it stayed 1-0 at quarter time.
Holcombe built up the pressure in the second quarter and could have levelled through Sarah Jones. Steph Elliot found the Welsh international inside the circle but her backhand strike flew wide of the near post. Walker was called upon once again to block at the near post from Kim Leiper after good approach play from Quek but despite the pressure Surbiton’s defence stood firm. Just before half time Bret Garrard’s side won a penalty corner. This time they tried a more complicated routine but it broke down and the ball was cleared, keeping it 1-0 at half time.
Holcombe continued to search for a leveller, pushing Surbiton onto the back foot. McCallin took up a good position inside the circle but the pace of the ball beat her and she was unable to get the shot away. The third quarter became a war of attrition with most of the game played out in midfield. Surbiton seemed content to keep Holcombe at arm’s length whilst the Kent side searched for a way through to no avail going into the final quarter.
Holcombe were reduced to ten players with a yellow card shown to Harriet Pittard at the start of the final quarter. Immediately Surbiton capitalised on the advantage winning a penalty corner. A well worked move set up Jo Hunter but her deflection flew over the bar. With ten minutes left in the match Surbiton punished Holcombe and doubled their lead. Chilton robbed the defender and found the far corner with a precise backhand to the delight of the Surbiton fans. It was almost 3-0 minutes later but Naomi Evans’ delicate deflection came back off the post and away to safety. With five minutes remaining Holcombe took off their goalkeeper and went to a kicking back as a last throw of the dice. It was to no avail and Surbiton held on to take the win.
Surbiton now await the winner of the second semi-final between Canterbury and University of Birmingham.
England Hockey Board Media release
Rampant Reading reach final with clincial display
Reading's Clarke scores stroke
Reading took their place in tomorrow’s final against Wimbledon with a devastating display of finishing to down Surbiton 4-2 in an absorbing game. Goals from Richard Mantell, Andy Watts, Jonty Clarke and Tom Carson did the damage with Gareth Furlong and David Beckett netting what turned out to be a consolation goals.
The first quarter was a cagey affair with both sides keen to retain possession and size each other up. Clear chances were at a premium and it wasn’t until the 13th minute that a good sight of goal was created. It came from a penalty corner to Reading. Mantell stepped up and made no mistake with a low flick into the corner via a slight deflection. From the restart, the Sonning Lane outfit won the ball back and Peter Kelly’s through ball set up Carson whose shot was well saved by David Kettle. Surbiton won a penalty corner on the stroke of quarter time but the defence held firm and it remained 1-0 at the break.
In the second quarter a superb run by Ben Boon almost set up a second for Reading but Kettle managed to get a stick on it and clear the danger. Boon looked the most likely to unlock the Surbiton defence with a series of darting runs but there were no further goals and it was 1-0 at the half time interval.
In the third quarter Surbiton had a chance to draw level via a penalty corner. The ball was slipped to William Marshall but Dan Shingles read the danger and made the block before John Jackson cleared. Todd Williams’ side restored parity in the 39th minute however with the same routine. Jonny Gall slipped the ball behind his back to Furlong who fired home a bullet strike. They almost took the lead just seconds later. Alan Forsyth escaped his marker and slid the ball to Matt Daly but with the goal gaping the former England man’s shot went just wide. Surbiton were in the ascendancy and but for some smart goalkeeping by Tommy Alexander they could have scored more goals. Despite the pressure from Surbiton, Reading got their noses in front on the stroke of quarter time. From a rehearsed set piece, Richard Mantell moved wide to receive the ball. His slapped pass was initially repelled by Surbiton but Watts reacted quickest and slotted in the rebound.
The fourth quarter opened up with a penalty corner awarded to Surbiton and a yellow card to John Jackson. Shingles defended superbly again to charge down from Furlong but another corner was awarded. Furlong went for goal again but Alexander defied him with an excellent stop.
Surbiton’s Geoff McCabe was sent to the sin bin for a foul on Jack Smart which resulted in a penalty stroke. Up stepped Jonty Clarke to fire the ball into the roof of the net to make it 3-1 giving Reading one foot in the final. With Surbiton throwing men forward in attempt to get back into the game Reading stung them on the counter. A sweeping move resulted in Watts sliding the ball through to Carson who unleashed a rocket backhand strike into the far corner to make it 4-1.
With little over a minute left Surbiton forced another corner. Furlong went for goal again but was denied by Chris Wyver, who had just replaced Alexander in the Reading goal. They won another corner and despite it breaking down, Grassick found space to find David Beckett to touch home, but it was too little, too late.
Reading now take on Wimbledon in tomorrow’s final.
England Hockey Board Media release
Jewell in the crown for Wimbledon in Semi-Final
Mikey Hoare celebrates Wimbledon getting to the final
Wimbledon remained on course to retain the title they won last year with a dramatic 3-2 win over Kent side Holcombe. It was the clash of the titans as the reigning champions took on this season’s table toppers and the drama did not disappoint. Goals from Johnny Kinder, Phil Roper and James Jewell did the damage despite a brace from Holcombe's Ashley Jackson.
Wimbledon started brightly and caught their opponents cold, taking the lead on three minutes. Kinder found space on the right of the circle and ripped an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net giving George Pinner no chance. Just three minutes later they doubled their lead. Phil Roper peeled away intelligently in the circle and rounded Pinner before firing a backhand into the net for 2-0.
Holcombe enjoyed a good spell of possession as they tried to build into the game but it was the reigning champions who created the better chances. Phil Ball’s backhand strike from tight angle stung Pinner’s gloves and then Caspar Phijffer did likewise from a better angle as the quarter drew to a close.
Ball went close at the start of the second quarter with a deflection flashing just wide but then the Kent side hauled themselves back into the match. Jackson showed terrific coolness to slot home and halve the arrears. Wimbledon hit back. Steven Ebbers was denied at the near post by Pinner before the Holcombe goalkeeper produced a miraculous save to keep out a deflection. It remained finely balanced at the break.
Julian Halls' team started the second half with a renewed intensity. Richard Lane was well shackled by Peter Wiegman as he tried to get a shot in whilst Mikey Hoare showed his quality with a series of excellent tackles. Jackson went close with a backhand that was beaten away by Bailey as the pressure increased. At the other end, Wimbledon forced a penalty corner. From a well-worked routine Ian Sloan had a sight of goal but his effort fizzed wide of the far post. The game was end to end as both sides knew the next goal would be crucial. Martin Robbins’ diagonal pass was touched goalwards by James Stedman but Bailey excelled making a superb save to preserve the lead. With two minutes left in the quarter Holcombe won a penalty corner. Jackson took the honours but his international team mate Bailey snaked out a left leg to once again make the save.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Alastair Brogdon carved open the Holcombe defence to feed Sloan who was denied by a jet-heeled Pinner, dashing from his line to block well. Despite the near miss, on 49 minutes Wimbledon seemed to have killed the game off thanks to Jewell. His penalty corner strike was charged down but the ball broke kindly for the No3 who made no mistake with an unerring finish.
Bailey continued to deny Holcombe, pulling off another superb save to keep out a Sam Ward penalty corner and then making an even better stop to deny Jackson. Just as it was looking like Bailey could not be beaten, Jackson came up trumps with a thunderbolt from a penalty corner to set up a nervy last four minutes. Holcombe went to a kicking back with just over two minutes remaining as a last throw of the dice. It almost paid off as the ball fell to Barry Middleton inside the circle but Bailey made another great block to put Wimbledon through to the final.
Wimbledon now await the winner of Reading vs Surbiton which takes place this afternoon.
England Hockey Board Media release
Champion team beats team of champions
By Patrick Rowley
Defending champions Wimbledon, only 4th in the England League this winter, for the second year running provided the first day surprise at the England League Championship, held at the Olympic stadium at Stratford. They beat league winners Holcombe 3-2 in their semi-final.
They scored twice in the first six minutes against the new club in the premiership whose multi-talented side had gone through the season
unbeaten. They were stunning strikes by Johnny Kinder and Phil Roper provided stunning strikes for Wimbledon to beat GB goalkeeper George Pinner.
Wimbledon’s defence was sound and though GB star Ashley Jackson did give Holcombe hope with two goals in between James Jewell put away a corner for Wimbledon.
Reading, 4-2 winners over Surbiton, will Wimbledon’s opponents in today’s final at Lee Valley. Reading will have the confidence of winning both their league encounters in the winter.
Stalwarts Richard Mantell, Andy Watts, and Jonty Clarke and Gb forward Tom Carson saw Reading into A 3-0 And 4-1 lead. Gareth Furlong (PC) and David Beckett, in the last minute, replied for Surbiton.
The women’s final today (Sunday) will be between Surbiton and Canterbury, the top two in the Investec England League.
Canterbury beat Birmingham University 6-0 with South Africans, Dirkie Chamberlain (3) and Jen Wilson scoring along with Susannah Townsend and stalwart Mel Clewlow.
Loughborough Students and Slough (women) are favourites in the premier promotion play-offs, both recording their second victories.
Fieldhockey.com
Wins for Inverleith and Erskine Stewart's Melville in Play-Off first legs
Inverleith and Erskine Stewart's Melville FP hold the advantage going into tomorrow's second legs of the Men's and Women's Division 1 Play-Offs.
Two entertaining first legs were played out at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre, and the second legs are sure to be hotly contested tomorrow.
Inverleith v Hillhead
Goals from Richard Jess and Ross Jamieson provided Inverleith with a narrow 2-1 win over Hillhead in the first leg of the Men's Division 1 Play-Off.
Callum Duke scored from a penalty corner for Hillhead.
It was Inverleith who opened the scoring in the 18th minute from a penalty corner opportunity, Richard Jess' shot inadvertently turned in off a defender's stick to give the Purple Robes a 1-0 lead.
However, Hillhead hit back on the stroke of half-time when a very well executed penalty corner led to Scotland international Callum Duke striking the ball low and hard past Inverleith 'keeper Cameron Pitcairn.
The second half was strewn with a number of near misses and opportunities for both sides but it was the Edinburgh team who found the net eventually, Ross Jamieson's shot from close range beating the Hillhead rearguard.
The Glasgow outfit had a number of penalty corner opportunities towards full-time but it was Inverleith who retain a narrow advantage going into tomorrow's second leg.
Erskine Stewart's Melville FP v Grange EL
A hat-trick from Tutu Osifodunrin in a 5-2 win over Grange EL has put Erskine Stewart's Melville FP in charge of the Women's Division 1 play-off after the first leg in Glasgow.
Grange EL took an early lead in the second minute when Laura Protheroe was afforded space inside the circle to finish from close range.
However, their city rivals responded after sixteen minutes when a well-worked penalty corner set-play led to Tutu Osifodunrin neatly deflecting the ball past Grange EL goalkeeper Chantal Guillot to put Erskine Stewart's Melville FP back on level terms.
Grange EL looked the more threatening side in the first half and had a number of penalty corner opportunities shortly after, but couldn't conjour up a means to beat opposition goalkeeper Vikki Hansen.
Yet, the match turned on its head in the 28th minute when Guillot was awarded a yellow card for making a rash foul outside the circle, leaving Grange EL without a goalkeeper for the subsequent penalty corner.
Lyndsay Gowans took full advantage of the absent shot-stopper, her penalty corner strike taking a deflection on the way to finding the back of the goal to give Erskine Stewart's Melville FP a 2-1 lead.
The yellow card was to cost Grange EL further shortly before half-time, Katie Connor keeping her composure to make it 3-1 in the 34th minute.
A wonderful counter-attacking move led to the formers pupils' fourth goal in the 42nd minute, Osifodunrin finishing off from close range to claim her second goal of the encounter.
Nevertheless, Grange pulled one back in the 59th minute, Beth Dodds' cross being diverted by a defender past Hansen to reduce the deficit to two goals.
Three minutes from time, Osifodunrin completed her hat-trick after an almighty goal-mouth stramash led to the striker getting the last touch from a couple of yards out to put her side 5-2 to the good.
It could have been a tougher prospect in tomorrow's second leg for Grange, but two disallowed goals for Erskine Stewart's Melville FP left their capital foes with a small chance of salvaging the tie when they meet again to determine the winner of the tie.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Racing and St Germain battle for Euro spot
Potential EHL places will be confirmed in a number of leagues across Europe with the French league among those where a European representative will be decided.
Racing Club de France meet St Germain in Versailles in their classico on Sunday with the winner taking the first European spot as champions of the Top 8 – a draw will see Racing take first place, too.
But RCF have struggled in recent weeks, taking the foot off the pedal with a 1-1 draw against seventh place Le Touquet and a 4-3 loss against Lille.
It has allowed St Germain get back into the title race with a 3-2 win over Lille and a 7-3 success against FC Lyon to get within two points of the reigning champions.
There is added layer of controversy, though, as a result of confusion about the rules, something that was only clarified in midweek with the Federation FFH confirming who will win the two European spots.
The French season is broken in to two phases; an initial Top 8 league from which sides qualify for the Top 4 end of season semi-final and final playoffs.
The official rules initially stated that “first place in the Top 4 along with the French champion” would take the European places – if these are the same, the finalists take the second ticket.
But, on Wednesday, the Federation realised the wrong rules had been sent to the clubs, confirming that it should have read the “first place in the Top 8” would take one of the European spots.
This ups the ante significantly for this final game of the season with a European place now on the line between two sides who had already been assured a place in the top four, the suggestion being they may have used the game more as a preparation for the playoffs.
There is also a battle for the last remaining Top 4 place. Lyon are in fourth place and need a win against CA Montrouge to hold off the challenge of Paris Jean Bouin who need to win against Lille on Saturday evening to advance.
Euro Hockey League media release
Martin to take over from Pallarols at Atletic
Former Spanish national coach Dani Martin will return as coach of Atlètic Terrassa’s first team, taking on the role after seven seasons in which Roger Pallarols has been at the helm.
Martin led the team as a golden age, between 2001-02 and 2008-09, when the team won five league titles and two Copa del Rey crowns before he took on the Spanish side, coaching them at the 2012 Olympics.
This was his third Olympics having previously served as assistant coach of the Spanish coach Maurits Hendriks at Athens and Beijing.
Pallarols voluntarily stepped away from the Atlètic role after seven fine years, twice refreshing the side heavily, primarily with players who have come through the youth system.
He was initially the assistant coach to Martin and, in the top job, Pallarols has helped the team win three league titles and two cups, the last of which was won at Can Salas last season.
And his tenure could end with his biggest ever achievement with Atlètic set to play in the EHL FINAL4 in Barcelona on May 14 and 15 thanks to their memorable wins over KHC Dragons and KHC Leuven in Amsterdam in March. It is their first ever FINAL4 place for the club.
Pallarols steps back for personal reasons but will continue to be linked with the club in other roles as well as part of the Technical Committee of Atlètic.
Euro Hockey League media release
India pull out of Sultan of Johor Cup
by Jugjet Singh
INDIA yesterday withdrew from the Sultan Johor Cup, even though they had confirmed to play in the tournament on Oct 31-Nov 6 in Johor Baru.
Tournament organisers Johor HA, perplexed with the sudden withdrawal. have invited Japan instead.
"It is surprising that India withdrew from tournament after confirming their entry. They have been regulars since its inception in 2011," said JHA deputy president Manjit Singh is also the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) vice-president.
"I have no idea why they withdrew, its a decision only known to Hockey India."
The tournament will be a six-team affair again this year and those who have confirmed are Japan, England, New Zealand, Pakistan Australia and Malaysia.
For the record Britain beat India in a shoot-out in last years final.
Malaysia are expected to field a development squad coached by Wallace Tan since the junior team was disbanded after failing to qualify for the Junior World Cup.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
MHC to impose sanction fees for Azlan Shah Cup and Sultan of Johor Cup...
By Jugjet Singh
THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Executive Board has decided to impose sanction fees to states which organise international tournaments.
The Azlan Shah Cup hosted by Perak, and the Sultan of Johor Cup hosted by Johor will have to pay MHC sanction fees in the next editions.
"This is inline with what the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Asian Hockey Comfederation (AHF) have been imposing on MHC for organising tournaments," said MHC CEO K. Logan Raj.
"These fees, however, will not burden the organisers. The amount is still being wrked out, but I would like to say again, it will not be exorbitant. The quantum acquired from each host will then be used for the development of the game," said Logan.
The mHC have also cleared their RM2.9 million in owing, assumed when the new MHC Executive Board was announced as administrators of the sport on May 13 2015.
"MHC president Datuk Sri Subahan Kamal had pledged to settle this enormous debt within 12 months of his administration. True to his words, this feat has been achieved after 11 months.
"According to the MHC Strategic Plan, fiscal governance remains one of the key milestones in our pursuit for overall excellence both on and off the field.
"We have announced that financially, we aspire to reduce Accounts Payable (AP) aging to a maximum of 30 days. We are now 91% compliant," said Logan.
The MHC also endorsed Japan Tours for the men and women's national teams.
"The men will play six matches from June 6-16 of which four will be will be practice and two official Test matches.
"The senior women will play five matches on May 2-10, against the Japan national juniors."
"The MHC has also initiated the TNB State League. As it stands, three States have kick-started their League, namely Malacca, Pahang and Kelantan. Each state will be granted RM 50,000 to run their League this year.
"An initial funding of RM 10,000, which makes 20% of the total RM50,000 granted, has been provided to the State HAs. The balance of which will be provided at a later date."
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
May the Force be with with them...
By Jugjet Singh
Four Malaysian national players will serve the country in a different uniform soon.
National skipper Razie Rahim and midfielder Nabil Fiqri; and national women's players Farah Ayuni Yahya and Noor Hasliza Ali will be reporting or Police Inspectors training with the Royal Malaysian Police on May 8.
MHC vice president and coaching committee chairman Datuk Ow Soon Kooi was instrumental in convincing the players to join the Force.
Being a former police inspector himself, having donned national colours for 11 years and captaining the team for four years, Soon Kooi is well aware of the fact that having a good career will help the players develop their game.
"This will give them a professional career and life after their playing days are over," said Soon Kooi.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Sinyolo, Kamusinga reclaim schools hockey titles
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Hockey Champios Girls Sinyolo during the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Term 1 Games at Friends Kamusinga Boys High School, Nzoia region in Bungoma County on Saturday, April 16, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]
Sinyolo Girls and Friends School Kamusinga reclaimed the girls and boys national hockey titles as the national school games ended yesterday.
Sinyolo and Kamusinga who won the national titles in 2013 triumphed over Tigoi and Upper Hill.
Sinyolo lost their title in 2014 to St John’s Kaloleni while Narok snatched Kamusinga’s crown the same year.
Sinyolo edged Tigoi 1-0 while Kamusinga beat city boys Uppah 2-1 in an exciting final match to win their second and 12th national titles, respectively.
Sinyolo coach Alloise Owino lauded his players saying they made him proud by shaking off their first match disappointment and going all the way to win the title.
“When we lost the first match we were heartbroken and at some point I thought we will not rise again. I must admit Tigoi are a very strong side and if they had beaten my girls they would have been worthy of the trophy,” Owino said.
Sinyolo put up a spirited fight against home girls Tigoi who had the support of the host region, fighting to a goalless draw in the first half.
The second half was also charged with both sides seeking to score and better their chances of winning their title.
However, it was Sinyolo’s Janet Awuor who beat Tigoi defence to score the all-important goal in the 58th minute.
In the boy’s contest, the most successful side in the history of schools hockey Kamusinga added a 12th silverware in their trophy cabinet.
Kamusinga, enjoying home support, dominated the match and terrorised the Upper Hill defence in their hunt for an early goal.
However Upper Hill were not ready to let Kamusinga have it easy as they tightened their defence.
The Standard Online