Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 01 May 2016

All the news for Sunday 1 May 2016


Ruthless Southern Gauteng claim title in emphatic fashion


Clinton Panther of Southern Gauteng in full flight. Photo Reg Cawcutt

Southern Gauteng claimed the South African Greenfields Senior Interprovincial Nationals men’s title in the most emphatic manner with a ruthlessly efficient 5-1 victory over the SA U21s in the final at the Randburg Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

The greater experience of the Southern Gauteng team was shown by their tremendous composure in defence, the SA U21s certainly threatening more than the scoreline would suggest. Up front, the home team were clinical, with Stuart Spooner and Julian Hykes taking full advantage of what were no more than half-chances for their goals.

Both teams took a while to settle down in a nervy first quarter, that finished goalless, with just one short-corner to Southern Gauteng.

Spooner opened the scoring in the 21st minute with an impressive reverse-sticks shot from an angle, but there is such talent in this SA U21 side that it was not much of a surprise when they equalised moments later, the hard-working Matthew de Sousa setting up a short-corner and then managing to get the ball past the daunting frame of national goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse with a clever deflection.

But Southern Gauteng were extremely dangerous on the break and less than a minute had passed when they were back in front, Clinton Panther rounding the defence and flipping the ball back for Brad Venter to pop it into goal.

When Hykes was gifted the ball at the top of the SA U21 circle by a foolish mistake but blasted his shot over the goal, it went down as a potentially crucial moment as Southern Gauteng went into halftime 2-1 up.

But the mark of a champion team has often been described as the ability to lift their performance by a notch under pressure and Southern Gauteng did just that as they came out for the third quarter and blew the SA U21s away with three goals.

A strong run by Brandon Panther set up a short-corner, from which Gareth Heyns gave a perfect example of a drag-flick into the top right of the net.

Southern Gauteng then gave a masterclass in exerting pressure as they squeezed the SA U21s into the left corner, eventually forcing the defence to gift possession away. Clinton Panther pounced, found Hykes, who crossed for Brynn Cleak to slot the fourth goal.

A pinpoint, perfectly-struck reverse-sticks shot by Hykes in the 42nd minute brought the fifth and final goal.

Southern Gauteng, patient and composed, structurally aware and able to read the game so well, were the worthiest of champions.

Results

Men’s final: Southern Gauteng 5 (Stuart Spooner, Brad Venter, Gareth Heyns, Brynn Cleak, Julian Hykes) SA U21 1 (Matthew de Sousa).

Women’s final: Northerns Blues 1 (Celia Evans) Southern Gauteng 1 (Catherine McNulty), Sudden-death shootout – Northerns Blues 3 Southern Gauteng 2.

Men’s bronze medal: KZN Raiders 5 (Damien Kimfly, Keagan Robinson, Greg Last, Jethro Eustice, Cameron McKay) Northerns Blues 2 (Grant Glutz, Mark Holliday).

Women’s bronze medal: KZN Raiders 3 (Kerry Pearton, Courtney du Preez, Kylie Oosthuizen) North-West 1 (Danielle de Wet).

Men’s playoffs:
5th-6th
Western Province 4 (Keenan Horne [2], Pierre de Voux, Austin Smith) Eastern Province 3 (Dalan Phillips, Chad Cairncross, Lyall Meyer);
7th-8th Wits 3 (Chad Futcha, Brandon James, Nicolas Gonsalves) Free State 3 (Lyndon Fredericks [3]), Shootout – Wits 4 Free State 1.

Women’s playoffs:
5th-6th
SA U21 5 (Sandisiwe Tabata, Marizen Marais, Carmen Smith, Cheneal Raubenheimer, Tarryn Glasby) Western Province 0;
7th-8th Wits 1 (Luche Klaasen) Free State 0.

Final standings

Men: 1 Southern Gauteng; 2 SA U21; 3 KZN Raiders; 4 Northerns Blues; 5 Western Province; 6 Eastern Province; 7 Wits; 8 Free State.

Women: 1 Northerns Blues; 2 Southern Gauteng; 3 KZN Raiders; 4 North-West; 5 SA U21; 6 Western Province; 7 Wits; 8 Free State.

Excellent quality archived video replays of the last two days play can be found here

SA Hockey Association media release



Northerns win women's A-section after thrilling shootout

For the second time in three years the Northerns Blues laid claim to the women’s A-section title at the Greenfields Senior Interprovincial Nationals, surviving a tense shootout against Southern Gauteng at the Randburg Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

After the game ended locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation time the sides immediately had to pick their best five options for the shootout with neither side able to capitalise in the situation which forced the shootout into sudden death.

Southerns would have first go in the sudden death shootout and when Lisa Deetlefs slapped her effort straight at Mmatshepo Modipane it fell to Celia Evans to take it home for Northerns.

Evans promptly rounded Southerns shot-stopper Sanani Mangisa and slotted home to hand Northerns victory in the derby between the two Gauteng sides.

It was appropriate that Evans would have the final say given that she played a major role in the final, not only proving instrumental in setting up a number of attacking opportunities but also providing vital cover on defence.

Southerns had, however, come out the stronger of the two sides and managed to take the lead in the 11th minute as Shelley Russell fed the ball to Catherine McNulty in the middle of the D and a good finish under pressure made it 1-0.

But Northerns weren’t going to sit back and let Southerns make the play and had it not been for a last-gasp clearance by Ashleigh-Jean Datnow, who cleared off the line after Jessica Dollar slipped her defender, the scores would have been level sooner.

Dollar would again play a vital part in setting up a clear opportunity for Northerns as she found Jubb in the circle and a short-corner followed.

The set up suggested that Jubb would have the shot but instead Northerns opted for the slip and the ball found Evans and she unleashed a powerful shot to level the scores in the 33rd minute.

Excellent quality archived video replays of the last two days play can be found here

SA Hockey Association media release



KZN Raiders end their tournament on a high

It was easy as you like for the KZN Raiders men as they ran out comfortable 5-2 winners against Northern Blues in the bronze medal match at the Greenfields Senior Interprovincial Nationals at the Randburg Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

In the space of two hours both Raiders outfits were able to pick up third-place finishes at the country’s marquee hockey tournament and provided a positive ending to their respective campaigns. Both sides played good hockey throughout the week but just not doing enough to reach the A-section finals both knocked out by hosts Southern Gauteng in the semfinals.

But the Kwa-Zulu Natal outfits made a return to winning ways, the men cruising against their opposition while the women’s side ended up 3-1 winners. The scoreline suggests a comfortable victory they were put under pressure at times by a plucky North West outfit.

The Raiders women were able to open the scoring in the sixth minute through Kerry Pearton but North West closed the gap soon after as Danielle de Wet pegged back the deficit. But Raiders managed to score on the stroke of halftime, Courtney du Preez converting from a short corner, to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Although they managed to test the North West defence on a number of occasions, with Kate Koenig proving to be a particular headache, but they were unable to convert their chances but a Kylie Oosthuizen goal four minutes from time secured them a well-deserved victory.

It was a different story for the Raiders men’s side as they ran riot against Northerns Blues scoring in the fourth minute as Damien Kimfly found himself unmarked in the circle. The advantage was doubled as Keagan Robinson tapped in after brilliant passing between Raiders sticks.

Nine minutes later and a Greg Last penalty stroke, the captain just beating the keeper who got stick on it, ensuring his took a 3-0 lead into the break.

It was more of the same after the changeover as Jethro Eustice got on the scoresheet before Cameron Mackay added a goal of his own.

It wasn’t so much a fightback as a chance to restore some parity for Northerns as they added two late goals, one by Grant Glutz and another from Mark Halliday, to make it 5-2 but the reality was that they were comprehensively outplayed.

In other A-section results, the Witises men managed to fight back and force a three all draw against Free State and then winning the ensuing shootout to make sure they avoided the wooden spoon.

In the women’s draw, the South Africa Under-21 side ran Western Province off their feet, scoring twice in the first half before adding three more after the break for a 5-0 win to claim fifth spot.

Excellent quality archived video replays of the last two days play can be found here

SA Hockey Association media release



WP Peninsula men claim B-section crown

Western Province Peninsula ensured that they will move back into the hockey IPT A Section should there be promotion as they clinched the men’s B Section title with a convincing 5-1 victory over KZN Mynahs in the final in Randburg on Saturday.

Peninsula went into a 2-0 lead at halftime through a penalty stroke by Reece Arendse and a field goal by Warren McEwan and, although Mynahs pulled a goal back through Kovin Moodley four minutes after the break, the WP B side made their move early in the final quarter as McEwan completed his hat-trick with two impressive field goals in two minutes.

Kyle Lottering added the finishing touches to an impressive week for Peninsula, who won the A IPT in 2014 in one of the most sensational results in SA hockey history, as he added the fifth goal three minutes from time.

North-West enjoyed a small consolation for their semifinal defeat in a shootout at the hands of the Mynahs as they won the bronze medal with a 6-3 win over Zimbabwe, dominating the second half with Francois Cilliers scoring a brace.

B Section results

Men’s B Section final: WP Peninsula 5 (Reece Arendse, Warren McEwan [3], Kyle Lottering) KZN Mynahs 1 (Kovin Moodley).

Women’s B Section final: WP Peninsula 2 (Kayde Miller, Robyn Pinder) KZN Mynahs 1 (Stacey Hiron).

Men’s B Section bronze medal: North-West 6 (Francois Cilliers [2], Killian Ludick, Mitesh Makan, Neil van Onselen, Pierre Bothma) Zimbabwe 3 (Luckson Sikisa, Edwin Tholanah, Arnold Mpofu).

Women’s B Section bronze medal: Zimbabwe 4 (Michelle Williams [2], Michelle Mollins [2]) KZN Inland 0.

Men’s B Section: 5th-6th SA Country Districts 2 (Ryan Innes, Etienne Blatt) Northerns B 1 (Reece Mowatt); 7th-8th Eastern Gauteng 3 (Kyle Cameron, Darren Ellis, Bradley Nunn) KZN Inland 0.

Women’s B Section: 5th-6th Mpumalanga 2 (Jeanri Naude, Linze Liversage) Southern Gauteng Nuggets 1 (Jerri Dennyschen); 7th-8th SA Country Districts 5 (Robyn Morgan, Anel Beukes, Marelie Devereux  [2], Andri van Heerden) Northerns B 3 (Chanel Dippenaar, Hanlie Podd, Ane Luus).

Final placings

Men: 1 WP Peninsula; 2 KZN Mynahs; 3 North-West; 4 Zimbabwe; 5 SA Country Districts; 6 Northerns B; 7 Eastern Gauteng; 8 KZN Inland.

Women: 1 WP Peninsula; 2 KZN Mynahs; 3 Zimbabwe; 4 KZN Inland; 5 Mpumalanga; 6 Southern Gauteng Nuggets; 7 SA Country Districts; 8 Northerns B.

Excellent quality archived video replays of the last two days play can be found here

SA Hockey Association media release



WP Pens maintain hold onto B-section title

Things may not have gone to plan for Western Province hockey in the A-section at this year’s Greenfields Senior Interprovincial Nationals there was some reason for the Cape teams to cheer as WP Peninsula claimed gold in the women’s B-section of the tournament on Saturday.

As expected, the draw worked out in such a way that Pens met KZN Mynahs in the final - played at an alternate venue given the tournament’s expansion to include both men’s and women’s tournaments for the first time - and the result went the Cape side’s way.

The Pens would eventually claim the B-section title with a 2-1 win in a fixture that only really came to life after the halftime break.

The scores remained locked at nil all at the changeover but a Kayde Miller strike from a short corner in the 40th corner handed Pens the lead but the advantage only lasted nine minutes as Mynahs hit back through Stacey Hiron.

But the game was sealed with eight minutes to play as Robyn Pinder converted from a short corner and Pens were able to hang onto their advantage to claim the B-section crown for another year.

That victory made up for the misgivings of the Western Province side assembled for the A-section of the tournament after they failed to progress past the quarterfinal stages.

As far as the rest of the placing in the women’s B-section went, Zimbabwe rounded off a very good tournament with a 4-0 win over KZN Inland to finish third in the B-section. Two goals in the first quarter, one by Michelle Williams and the other by Michelle Mollins, set the tone for Zimbabwe.

Williams added a second in the 33rd minute before Mollins completed her brace, the result leaving Inland to finish in fourth in the B-section.

As far as the play-off for fifth and sixth went, Mpumalanga made sure that they did enough to finish ahead of the Southern Gauteng Nuggets, coming back from a goal down to eventually end on top at 2-1.

The South Africa Country Districts side were excellent in their quest to avoid the wooden spoon in the women’s B-section by claiming a 5-3 win over Northerns Blues B with two goals inside the first minute of the game setting the tone.

Excellent quality archived video replays of the last two days play can be found here

SA Hockey Association media release



Hockey’s junior stars are talented & transformed

The South African men’s U21 team are playing the final of the Greenfields Senior Interprovincial Nationals in Randburg on Saturday, showing that there is plenty of young talent coming through the ranks. But they are also thoroughly transformed with eight players of colour in the squad, including six Black Africans, showing that hockey is heading away from the representivity frustrations that have dogged them in the past.

And while “quotas” is a word bandied about by the older generation, it is not a hip word when it comes to hockey’s rising young talent.

“It hasn’t been difficult at all to find players of colour for the team because these guys have come through the age-groups, they’ve played together in the U16s and U18s, where there is a heck of a lot of good quality. The core of this side have played Tests together for the SA U18s and made the Junior Olympics semi-finals with the SA U17s, both under Neville Rothman, my assistant coach.

“So there are no quota (I hate that word) players in the team. They were all born after 1995 and have played in every national team together, so there is no baggage. They say it themselves in team meetings that the colour of your skin makes no difference. There’s a very positive feeling in this squad, there’s such a positive culture,” SA U21 coach Garreth Ewing said.

The players of colour in the current squad that is beating seasoned professionals at the senior IPT are composed midfielder Tyson Dlungwana, defender Nduduza Lembethe, Ryan Julius, an elusive runner with the ball, forward Khumo Mokale, the skilful Nqobile Ntuli, pacy Tevin Kok, solid Amkelwa Letuka and goalkeeper Siyavuya Nolutshungu, and they would comfortably be playing in this IPT for their provincial sides were they not on national duty.

“Obviously we do pay close attention to the players of colour, but a lot of them are our best players. Some of them are going to be superstars. They have a long way to go, but their ability and decision-making under pressure is already so good. I can’t wait to see where they all go, six of them already have full national caps,” Ewing said.

Ewing, who has considerable experience coaching both locally and internationally, clearly likes the emphasis on bringing through players of colour that has to be there if South African hockey are to get back to where they want to be – in the upper echelons of the world game.

“What is coming through underneath shows that there is so much potential. We’re not afraid of targets, we embrace them. Things don’t happen overnight, but we’re getting there. The guys play with such joy and style, their hockey is so attractive,” Ewing said.

Most encouragingly, Black coaches are also starting to come through. The losing semi-finalists, KZN Raiders and the Northerns Blues, are coached by Sihle Ntuli and Krinesan Moodley respectively. WP Peninsula are coached by Denzil Dolley and the team they played in the B Section final, KZN Mynahs, are mentored by Sharmin Naidoo

Patrick Tshutshani is Ewing’s counterpart with the junior women, Ryan Pillay coached the Western Province women’s team and even the Mpumalanga women’s team have a Black African coach in Brighty Mshaba.

Numerous other players of colour have shone with Jermaine Johnson and Julian Hykes both playing key roles in getting Southern Gauteng into the men’s final, while Pierre de Voux of Western Province and KZN’s Mohamed Mea are two newer players that are going to have the national selectors’ eyes on them.

Excellent quality archived video replays of the last two days play can be found here

SA Hockey Association media release



Punjab to fight it out with Railways

Uthra Ganesan

It is Punjab’s game to lose when it takes on Railways in the title clash of the fifth National men’s hockey championships at the Chandgiram Sports Complex here on Sunday.

Having justified its ‘favourite’ tag by steamrolling past every opposition with ease, Punjab is expected to continue in the same vein in the final. The only team to have won every game so far, Punjab has relied on its all-round superiority, exerting little effort in its campaign.

The defence of Gurjinder Singh and Baljinder Singh is solid and captain Gurbaj has often pulled back to shore it up further. Parvinder, Varun Kumar and Gurvinder Chandi have combined well upfront and the presence of Gurbaj all over the ground has pulled up the team both in performance and morale. The semifinal against Association of Indian Universities (AIU) was proof of the ease with which Punjab has dominated the opposition here. The players hardly broke sweat in their 5-0 win and this when the main strikers didn’t give their 100 per cent on field. That complacency would be the only concern for Punjab and avoiding it against Railways will be important for Gurbaj’s team. The opposition may not be big on names but it has the firepower to surprise Punjab if the latter takes its foot off the pedal. Railways has had a revival of sorts in the last one year. The defending champion won a handful of tournaments across the country against some of the big names on the domestic circuit and reached the finals in others. The team has some experience, five of its players have international exposure and, more than individual brilliance, it has relied on a combined effort to get to the final and it will be hoping to continue the same. The team’s strength has been its penalty corners and Amit Rohidas will look to bring his ‘A’ game to the final while Affan Yousuf, among the top-scorers here, and Malak Singh, both part of the national core group, will look to send a reminder about themselves to the selectors.

In the playoff for third place on Saturday, Odisha beat AIU 4-0. Clearly the better team and with more structure in its game, Odisha was slow off the block while AIU pushed hard and aggressively early on. But the lack of cohesion meant it was restricted to the occasional individual attempt to get the goal which never materialised.

Odisha, on the other hand, built up with precision, opening up both flanks continuously and taking time to settle its midfield. The first two quarters were used to seize the opposition and once that was done, the team simply swamped AIU. Kunjan Topno opened the scoring, lifting the ball gently above three defenders and the goalkeeper into the roof of the goal in the 35th minute, and Dipsan Tirkey made it 2-0, slotting in a rebound after his first shot was blocked by the AIU goalkeeper.

Suddenly, it seemed there were far more Odisha players around than the opposition. AIU brought back some urgency in its game in the final quarter and earned a couple of penalty corners but there was no plan. Odisha got two more to round off its tally and stamp its dominance.

The results (third place play-off): Odisha 4 (Kunjan Topno 2, Disan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeeb Xess) bt AIU 0.

The Hindu



Mansell magic captures crown for Clifton


Clifton celebrate lifting the Investec Women's Cup 2016

A first half goal from Clifton striker Els Mansell was enough to give her side a 1-0 win over Buckingham, capturing the Investec Women’s Cup for the third time in their history. A year on from the heartbreak of their final defeat to Surbiton in the same competition Steve Rixon’s side were all smiles thanks to their Dutch striker’s game deciding goal.

Clifton started the game well, putting Buckingham on the back foot from the outset with a high intensity press and some quick attacking breaks. Chances were hard to come by, despite their fast start, with a Harriet Pearce penalty corner flashing just wide the closest they came in the opening quarter. At the other end Buckingham’s Alex Naughalty drew a fine save out of Caitlin Jeffries in the Clifton goal from a penalty corner, but the first goal was soon to arrive.

On 17 minutes, Mansell showed terrific awareness and technique, engineering some space in the circle before spinning and firing a powerful backhand past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Buckingham’s Phoebe Richards used her pace to threaten the Clifton defence as she sought to drag her team abck into the contest but from a mazy run she could only shoot narrowly wide, ensuring it remained 1-0 at the break.

The second half was a cagey affair with Clifton sitting slightly deeper as Buckingham threw bodies forwards for an equaliser. Steve Rixon’s team almost scored a second from a penalty corner but Nicki Moss could only find the side netting from close range. Another Pearce thunderbolt was deflected over the bar as the game entered the final stages. Zak Jones’ team threw caution to the wind and forced a late penalty corner but despite a well worked move Amie Hone’s shot was blocked and Clifton were home and dry, ensuring skipper Aileen Davis lifted the trophy this time.

Having stood on the same pitch 12 months ago watching someone else lift the title, today, Clifton’s redemption was complete.

Buckingham 0 (0)

Clifton 1 (0)
Els Mansell 17 (FG)

England Hockey Board Media release



Redemption for Amersham & Chalfont. Glory for Alderley Edge


Alderley Edge celebrate winning the shootout

Investec Women’s Vase Final. Sweet redemption for Amersham and Chalfont

Amersham and Chalfont exorcised the demons of their finals defeat 12 months ago with a dramatic 2-1 win over Formby in the Investec Women’s Vase Final. Alexandra Vine had given Formby the lead in the first half but strikes form Alice Keddy and a late penalty corner from Lissy Humphris ensured the trophy went back with Shay O’Connell’s side.

The opening goal came from Formby skipper Vine. Her bullet strike from the penalty corner found the net via a defender’s stick. Chances were hard to come by as both sides grappled for control of the midfield. Olivia Tomlinson had the best chance of the half for Amersham and Chalfont, breaking free with just the goalkeeper to beat but Jasmine Price was out like lightning to make the save. Alice Keddy also had a chance just before half time but her improvised shot flashed just wide, meaning Formby led at the break.

Amersham spent the opening exchanges of the second period camped in the Formby half but the Blues’ defence and in particular the outstanding Becky Dunne were in resolute form. Formby went close from a penalty corner but then Amersham re-asserted control. Their pressure paid off with 16 minutes to go as Keddy broke free down the right, cut in and kept her cool to slot home.

With the game going into the final ten minutes deadlocked it was getting tense. Amersham forced another penalty corner and despite the move breaking down, Lissy Humphris kept the move alive and slotted home, sending the noisy A&C fans wild. Some late pressure came from Formby came to nothing and Amersham were not to be denied.

Amersham and Chalfont 2 (0)
Alice Keddy 54 (FG)
Lissy Humphris 62 (PC)

Formby 1 (1)
Alexandra Vine 19 (PC)

Women's Investec Trophy Final: Alderley have the Edge over Harrogate in shootout.

Harrogate were edged out in the final of the Investec Women's Trophy with Alderley Edge after a dramatic shoot out sent the title home with the Cheshire side.  

Alderley Edge started strongly with their forwards immediately testing keeper Carolyn Hurst. Amanda Bennison went close, connecting with a pass from Jen Park only for it to rocket over the goal. Harrogate were slow to get started and the Edge pressed on the defence forcing Hurst to make some all important saves.

The Yorkshire side found momentum and after the Cheshire team left their defence open Harrogate took full advantage on the counter attack seeing Eleanor Start beat the keeper one-on-one to get the first goal of the game. As half time approached Alderley Edge were creating chances but were struggling to finish leaving them 1-0 at the half-time mark.

The second half saw Alderley Edge dictating the play. Park was doing everythign she could in the circle to find the equaliser. Harrogate Captain Lucy Wood saw yellow and the black shirts took full advantage winning a penalty stroke after a Harrogate foot on the line.Sarah Hopkin coolly stepped up and slotted it away to give the Edge the goal they deserved making it level 1-1.

Both teams pressed on as the clock went down but it wasn’t enough drawing 1-1 at full time. This resulted in a shoot out.

Harrogate missed their first two with Alderley Edge scoring theirs, putting them on the verge of clinching the title. Harrogate’s goalkeeper saved the next two, and Wood and Hall scored leaving it all level. The atmosphere was tense as the shoot out went to sudden death. The teams traded goals until Edge's Izzy Reyonold-Duff scored leaving it down to Sagar from Harrogate but Harriet Whittaker was not to be beaten and saved, clinching the title for her team.

Harrogate 1
Eleanor Start 18 (FG)

Alderley Edge 1
Sarah Hopkin 58 (PS)

Alderley Edge win 5-4 after shootout

England Hockey Board Media release



Men's Cup Final: Can the Bees sting the giant killers?


Chichester

The Magic of the Cup is often an overused phrase in sporting circles, but you try telling Chichester Priory Park that it doesn’t exist. Tomorrow, the Sussex outfit face off against Premier Division giants Beeston, hoping to add a third top flight scalp to their collection and to bring home the trophy in the process.

Chichester spent the season struggling at the foot of the West Conference, facing the dreaded relegation playoffs, where they stayed up thanks to two wins from two. In the cup they were a different proposition taking in wins over Fareham, Bath Buccs, Hampstead and Westminster and then Surbiton in the semi-final. Captain Kieran Henn was understandably buoyant in the wake of their semi-final triumph:

“Surbiton are one of the best sides in the country at the moment so we were massive underdogs, but we really wanted to prove to people that getting this far wasn’t a fluke.” said Henn. “We defended really well as we knew we’d have to. They had a lot of chances and a lot of penalty corners but we produced an outstanding team display.”

A 24th minute goal from Tom McCarthy, a beautiful backhand strike after a turnover in midfield made the difference between the two sides, but as well as McCarthy’s thunderbolt, Henn reserved special praise for the defence and goalkeeper Macieja “Magic” Pacanowskiego.

“Magic is an outstanding goalkeeper. Whenever we concede a penalty corner he lights up because he knows it’s a chance for him to excel. We all rally round him and his performance definitely spurred us on. Our post men picked some as well, I think they had about 16 penalty corners but we saw them off.”

“No one expected us to get this far and now we get to play against another great side in a great stadium. We're not getting carried away. Of course we're enjoying this achievement but we'll be focused on getting the job done.”


Beeston 2016 Cup Final

Waiting for Chichester in the final are Premier Division outfit Beeston. The Bees, who have won the competition four times, saw off a spirited display from City of Peterborough in the other semi final. A double from Richard Lawrence in the space of two second-half minutes as well as goals from Mohan Gandhi, Mark Wadsley and Hamish Imrie gave Beeston a 5-1 win. Peterborough’s consolation came from Robbie Muir in the 69th minute.

Beeston have a proud history in the competition. After a disappointing league campaign by their own very high standards, the cup represents a real carrot for a talented group of players. The last of the Bees’ cup final wins came in the 2011-12 season and they will be hoping to make it a fifth cup win this time around.

Chichester however will be raring to go and claim another Premier Division scalp, their third of this magical cup run. Will David slay Goliath or will the Bees sting Chichester? Not long till we find out!

England Hockey Board Media release



Investec Women's Masters Finals Round-up


O45s Final Kettering vs Cambridge

Investec Women’s O45s Cup Final: Captain Courageous Shadrack the difference.

Kettering 1 (1)
Shez Coe 18 (PC)

Cambridge 2 (1)
Liane Shadrack 15, 41 (FG FG)

A captain's performance from Cambridge City's Liane Shadrack gave the Reds the O45s Cup and redemption for their final defeat 12 months ago. The Skipper netted a goal in each half and despite a leveller from Kettering Captain Shez Coe, Cambridge were not to be denied. 

The first half was an even encounter as both sides committed players forwards in search of the opening goal. Mary Starsmore-Young had a gilt-edged opportunity for Kettering but was denied by superb stop by Pippa Hall. Cambridge skipper Shadrack almost gave her side a lead after a lovely pierce of skill but a splendid save from Michele Collins kept her out. The Cambridge No8 did break the deadlock minutes later, turning in Rebecca Younger’s cross. The lead was short lived and the equaliser was a stunning goal from Kettering captain Coe. She lofted a lovely shot over the goalkeeper, dropping into the far corner.

In the second half, Shadrack, who was a constant thorn in the side of Kettering, put her team back in front with a precise finish. Kettering mounted some strong attacks in a bid to get back on terms but despite some prolonged pressure they could not break through and the cup went to Cambridge.

Investec Womens O35 Trophy: Late winner proves all White for Epsom.

Jersey 0 (0)

Epsom 1 (0)
Sarah White 69 (PC)

A last minute goal from Epsom brought heart ache to Jersey in the Investec Women’s O35 Trophy Final. As the sun came out over Lee Valley hockey and Tennis centre so did Epsom, dominating the game from the first whistle. Paula Winsor and her silky moves gave the Surrey outfit hope of getting on the score sheet first but it wasn’t to be. As half-time approached Jersey came alive with chances from Lisa Grant but unfortunately for the travelling fans she could not find the net.

Jersey came out the second half strong but Epsom were quick on the counter attack forcing Katie Ridley to get a left glove to deny Sarah White a goal. Both teams were applying the pressure and it could have gone either way but with a penalty corner to Epsom and a chant from the crowd, White scored the match winner from a neatly executed penalty corner routine.

Penny Woods captain of Epsom HC

'It has been such a great squad performance throughout the competition and we have enjoyed every game this is just fantastic to win. We had our chances throughout the game and we couldn’t put them away but all we needed was that one last goal in the dieing minutes to come away winners. We have two other teams in the final tomorrow so hopefully we can claim some more silver ware which will be brilliant for the club.'

This competition and finals weekend has been great so thank you England hockey. To watch the Great Britain team at the Olympics then to come back and see the legacy it has left for community sport is just fantastic.'


O35s Trophy Final - Jersey vs Epsom

Investec Women's O35s Shield: Optimism well placed for Folkestone.

Bretforton 1 (0)
Sophie Hamilton 37 (PS)

Folkestone Optimist 5 (3)
Emmeline Pullen 4, (PC)
Livy Cheap 6, 64 (FG, PC)
Nicki Ball 28, 42 (PC, FG)

Folkestone produced a fine display to take home the Investec Women's O35s Shield with a 3-0 win over Bretforton.

Folkestone started brightly with Lisa Banks slotting in the first goal of the game early on. This took the Midlands outfit by surprise and with them still reeling Livy Cheap took on the defence and drove home the second of the game. Nicki Ball tapped in the third just before half time to put daylight between the sides.

The Pinks came out in the second half determined to pull a goal back and that is exactly what they did. After a foot on the line from the Folkestone defence, Sophie Hamilton stepped up and converted the penalty stroke to get them on the score sheet.

Vicky Watkins was forced to make some brilliant saves but sadly for the Pinks, Ball got her second of match netting to make it 4-1. Cheap finished off the match by securing her second to confirm Folkestone Optimist as O35s Investec Shield winners.

Janet Fuller captain of Folkestone Optimist HC

'Every player has given their all in this and we have had such good fun in this tournament along the way. It has been absolutely brilliant to play in the Olympic Park, how have we managed to end up here?! Thank you to the supporters who have come with us from the lead up and today!'

Investec Women’s O35s Cup Final. Classic game of two halves for Bowdon and Canterbury

Canterbury 2 (0)
Sue Spight 67 (FG)
Mel Clewlow 70 (PC)

Bowdon Hightown 5 (0)
Vicky Currie 38 (FG)
Tina Cullen 40 (PC)
Sally Walton 42, 68  (FG, FG)
Sally-Anne Kurton-Matthews 57 (PS)

A classic game of two halves handed Bowdon Hightown the Investec Women’s O35s title at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. Canterbury dominated the first 35 minutes, creating a number of chances, only to be kept at bay Sam Leckey in the Hightown goal, ensuring the sides went in level at the break. The second 35 minutes was all about Bowdon’s clinical finishing as goals from Vicky Currie, Tina Cullen Sally-Anne Kurton-Matthews and a Sally Walton brace gave them a 5-2 win and the trophy.

Mel Clewlow dictated proceedings in the first half, marauding forwards from the back and picking passes at will. Moira Clewes was unlucky not to score as twice Leckey excelled to deny the No6 and despite a glut of penalty corners the Kent side could not break through and it was 0-0 at the break. 

The second half was a different story. Bowdon took the lead thanks to a lovely goal. Tina Cullen threaded the pass into the circle; Lisa Garbutt squared to Vicky Currie who slotted home. It was 2-0 shortly after as Walton set up Cullen from a penalty corner before the provider turned scorer, Walton making it 3-0. A penalty stroke from Hightown’s Sally-Anne Kurton-Matthews made it 4-0 despite Sue Spight pulling one back Walton nabbed a second to make it 5-1. Clewlow smashed in a goal on the final whistle but Canterbury were left heartbroken whilst Hightown toasted their win.

Diane Bellin captain of Bowdon HC

'We are over the moon to have won, as we were here last year and we came second so we didn’t want to go back with silver again. It was a very good game, we were obviously conscious about their corners and they had about ten in the first half but didn’t convert any. We changed our formation in the second half which I think put us ahead but we had players from our first team to our sixth team where we just believed in everybody. Those 16 girls out there did tremendously. We were disappointed last year as we thought we could have won. There man of the match was there goalie so sometimes it doesn’t happen; we just wanted to go that one step further this time.'


O45s Plate Final - Redland UWE vs Canterbury

Investec Women’s O45s Plate Final: The Future's Bright, the Future's Redland. 

Canterbury 2
Kellie Litchfield 17 (FG)
Sue Spight 27 (FG)

Redland UWE 4
Sally Coleman 8 (PC)
Elaine Batersfield 29 (PC)
Sarah Thomson 36 (FG)
Cath Coombs 68 (PC)

Redland UWE captured the Investec Women’s O45s Plate with a clinical display of finishing to see off Canterbury 4-2.

A Sally Coleman penalty corner opened teh scoring in the first half in an entertaining game which flowed from end to end.

Canterbury hit back when Wendy Cameron’s run and cross was acrobatically converted by Kellie Litchfield and then Sue Spight showed her poacher’s instinct to put the Kent side ahead. Moments before the break, it was all square again as Elaine Batersfield scooped in the equaliser.

After the half time break, Redland got their noses in front almost immediately. Sarah Thomson stabbed home from close range after the ball fell kindly to her in the circle. Redland put the pressure on Canterbury who were still dangerous on the counter attack. With time running out, Redland struck a killer blow. A well-worked penalty corner set up Cath Coombs who made it 4-2 and settled the final.

Cath Coombs captain of Redland UWE HC

'We are absolutely delighted to be the O45 champions. We have played ever so well all throughout the season where we have had some great results leading up to this. This game was for our ex-president, Chris Bradley who sadly passed away earlier this year so this win was for her. We have had a couple of tough games, we always take a half to get going but I felt the second half we dominated.'

England Hockey Board Media release



Lisnagarvey to face Banbridge & Hermes to face Pegasus



Hermes somewhat cruised to a 6-3 victory over Ulster Elks in today’s semi final, with 2 late goals from Elks, to accompany Frazer's opener, as they mounted an all-too late resurgence. Hermes will face Pegasus in tomorrows final (2:45pm at Havelock Park) after Railway came undone late on. 2 goals from Pegasus, Doherty and Thompson, was enough to book their spot in the final against the EY Hockey League winners Hermes.

Lisnagarvey have set the stage to give themselves a chance of picking up another trophy this season as they beat Pembroke 3-1 in todays EY Champions Trophy semi final to book their spot in the final on Sunday at 5pm. There they will meet Banbridge who stunned Monkstown with 2 Bruce McCandless goals before Town came roaring back to life. The sides couldn't be separated in normal time so shuttles followed and from there Gareth Lennox proved an impenetrable wall in the Banbridge goal.

Both finals will be streamed on Hockey Ireland’s Youtube, links will be provided tomorrow.

EY Champions Trophy Semi Finals

Railway Union 0
Pegasus 2(Doherty, Thompson)

Hermes 6 (N Carroll 2, A O’Flanagan 2, R Carrigan, C Watkins)
Elks 3 (M Frazer, E O’Leary, A Kozniuk)

Lisnagarvey 3 (A Williamson, T Cockram, D Buser)
Pembroke 1 (J Ryan)

Monkstown 2 (R Sykes, L Cole)
Banbridge 2 (B McCandless 2)
Banbridge win 2-0 in a shoot-out

EY Champions Trophy Finals

2:45pm Hermes vs Pegasus
5pm Lisnagarvey vs Banbridge

Irish Hockey Association media release



Sailors join top-tier league

Chase Sailors on Saturday sealed their place in next season’s Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Men’s Premier League.


Kisumu Young Stars' Brian Ajuk (left) vies for the ball with Dennis Jumba of Chase Sailors (centre) during their National Premier League match at City Park Stadium on April 30, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |   NATION MEDIA GROUP

Chase Sailors on Saturday sealed their place in next season’s Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Men’s Premier League after coming from behind to beat Kisumu Youngstars 2-1 in a men’s National League play-off match at City Park Stadium.

Two goals in one minute from captain George Mutira and Francis Esikuri saw the Sailors recover after falling behind to a seventh minute strike by Youngstars’ striker Joe Oyombe.

Sailors, who made their debut in the second-tier this season, can now start planning for life in the top-flight after an impressive season.

Mutira praised his teammates for their fighting spirit, noting that it would help them in their Premier League when they come up against tougher opposition.

NEW TEAM

“It feels so nice to have achieved this feat. This is a new team and no one thought we could achieve this,” Mutira told Sunday Nation Sport on Saturday.

“We got punished for a slow start but once we settled we began creating chances and had to wait to get the goals. Our team spirit we help us in the Premier League,” he added.

The match, which was meant to begin at noon had to be delayed after heavy downpour flooded the artificial turf.

The game eventually got off a few minutes after 3pm and it is the Kisumu-based side who hit top gear dominating early proceedings against their highly favoured opponents.

Their dominance was rewarded in the seventh minute when a sweeping move from the lakeside team was finished off by Oyombe whose shot beat Sailors keeper Collins Asimba at his near post.

The goal stunned Sailors into action, and they went in search of the equaliser after a rather lethargic start to the match.

Mutira, who joined from Premier League side Sikh Union Nairobi, spurned a great chance to level the match after he was set up by Esikuri, but his shot was brilliantly saved by opposing keeper Brian Ajuk.

Youngstars rarely attacked after the goal and sat back, taking the slim lead into the half-time break.

Sailors intensified their attacks in the second half and had to wait until the 54th minute for them to level the scores.

Mutira, the team’s leading scorer with 11 goals superbly flicked Ammon Esesse’s shot past Ajuk to level the scores.

A minute later, former Kenya Police player Esikuri sounded the boards with a brilliant field goal to give Sailors the lead.

The Kisumu-based side went in search of an equaliser, but were thwarted by the opponents’ defence.

They missed a great chance in injury time when Oyare failed to score with only Asimba to beat and Sailors survived to seal their place in the Premier League.

Daily Nation



Dar Hockey Academy beat Aitcheson College



LAHORE - Dar Hockey Academy boys edged out Aitcheson College by 3-0 in a friendly hockey fixture played here at the Aitcheson College ground on Saturday.

The academy players didn’t allow the college’s players to score a single goal and totally dominated the friendly fixture.

The DHA boys scored two goals in the first half and one in the second to win the match 3-0.

The Dar Hockey Academy team was invited by Aitcheson College Principal Michael, who keenly witnessed the hockey match.

Dar Hockey Academy president Tauqeer Ahmad Dar, secretary Urfan Zia, coach Ijaz Ahmad, Sultan and Salman were also present on the occasion.

Tauqeer Dar offered the Aitcheson principal to visit Dar Hockey Academy along with their hockey team to witness the setup and quality of hockey there.

He also suggested the Principal to lay an astroturf at their ground which would help a lot in promoting hockey at grassroots level.

The Principal showed his keenness in Tauqeer Dar’s suggestion and also promised to visit the Dar Hockey Academy.

The Nation



Scotland host Japan in two match series

As the Scottish domestic season draws to a close, attention now turns to the international scene with Scotland Senior Women welcoming Japan to the Glasgow National Hockey Centre on 2 & 3 May.

While there is no international competition for Gordon Shepherd's side in 2016, thoughts are already focussing on preparations for the World League campaign and European Championship next year.

Japan, meanwhile, have the prospect of participation in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games later this summer, and will provide the Scots with a real test of their credentials.

Scotland Senior Women

No.

Surname

Forename

Club

Caps

2

Cochrane

Nicki

Edinburgh University

33

32

Camlin

Lucy

Edinburgh University

1

14

Marshall

Kareena

Western Wildcats

96

18

McGilveray

Susan

Clydesdale Western

91

26

Collins

Robyn

Surbiton

13

4

Newlands

Emily

Watsonians

5

8

Costello

Amy

CALA Edinburgh

3

17

Belch

Karin

Grove Menzieshill

5

5

Howie

Heather

Clydesdale Western

3

17

Lloyd

Nikki

Wimbledon

79

22

Skrastin

Nicki

Mannheimmer

82

21

Howie

Ali

Clydesdale Western

55

25

Holmes

Kate

Clifton

3

9

Robertson

Katie

Grove Menzieshill

6

31

McGregor

Emma

CALA Edinburgh

9

20

Brown

Millie

Clydesdale Western

10

12

Watson

Charlotte

Dundee Wanderers

2

1

Eadie

Jennifer

Clydesdale Western

16

4

Lang

Heather

Clydesdale Western

3

7

Brodie

Amy

Edinburgh University

35

Match Schedule

2 May
Scotland Senior Women v Japan, 19.30, Glasgow National Hockey Centre

3 May
Scotland Senior Women v Japan, 19.30, Glasgow National Hockey Centre

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Field Hockey Players Attempt to Break Guinness World Record

By Cristen Drummond

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- It’s game on in the Triad as a group attempts to break the Guinness world record for longest field hockey game played this weekend.

The match kicked off Friday at 5:03 p.m. at Forsyth Country Day School. The goal is to play 51 hours straight and break the current 40 hour record held by a club in England. Recently that club attempted 50 hours but evidence is still pending with Guinness.

"This is just a cool opportunity. I mean it's amazing I’m going to be a part of it," said player, Karly Bronk.

Two teams consisting of 16 players each are participating in the game with more than 100 volunteers assisting the event. Cameras will capture every second of the game. 

"We have computers with webcams, we have GoPros, we have iPhones, iPads, any of that can work and we can piece the game together which we'll have to send to Guinness to get approval as evidence that we did this."

Melissa Martin worked since October organizing the game. The former wake forest university field hockey player said she was inspired by a co-worker who broke a world record and decided to go for it.

"One day I just went on Guinness world record website and just submitted an application to break it."

Most players hail from the triad but a few flew in from Texas. They range in age but are all over 16 which is a Guinness rule.

"It’s good to see a lot of young people, we need some young people," said player, Anon Qaisar.

Field hockey is similar to the game of soccer. The field is 100 yards long and eleven players on each team play at once including the goal keeper. Games are normally an hour long. However, for this world record breaking event, martin says there is no minimum of players required to be on the field except for one.

On the far end of the field, players set up tents to sleep and eat when they're subbed out of the game because they're not allowed to leave the facility.

"So at night we're going to drop down significantly so players can get rest, get a good meal and be able to sleep and hang out for a little bit before they start playing again."

Fans are encouraged to come out at all hours to support the players.

If the players succeed in breaking the record, the game will end Sunday at 8:03 p.m.

Time Warner Cable News

Fieldhockey.com uses cookies to assist with navigating between pages. Please leave the site if you disagree with this policy.
Copyright remains with the credited source or author