News for 03 May 2016
All the news for Tuesday 3 May 2016
Lloyd on the mark to give Scotland narrow win over Japan.
Nikki Lloyd makes a break in a game against South Africa
A first half goal from Nikki Lloyd gave Scotland Senior Women a 1-0 win over Japan at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre this evening.
As a result, the Scots take a 1-0 lead in the two match series.
The visitors were presented with a penalty corner opportunity in the fifth minute; Hazuki Nagai's initial strike was blocked by the home defence, before Scotland goalkeeper Nicki Cochrane dived low to her left to save the forward's follow-up attempt.
The opening goal came for the Scots in the 12th minute, Karin Belch and Charlotte Watson combining on the right of the goal to set-up a close range opportunity for Nikki Lloyd, who made no mistake from a couple of yards out.
A minute from the end of the first quarter, Nagai was again foiled following a penalty corner set-play, her shot saved by Cochrane before an aimless pass from Akiko Kato went harmlessly out of play to relieve pressure on the Scottish defence.
Motomi Kawamura came close to bringing Japan level in the 18th minute, but her reverse stick shot was easily dealt with by Cochrane.
Kana Nomura thought she had equalised shortly after, her drag-flick finding the bottom left hand corner, but umpire Katie Howie correctly disallowed the goal for a Japanese attacker entering the scoring circle before the ball was struck.
Japan started the second half with intent, Mie Nakashima finding space in front of goal only for her snap-shot to be kicked to safety by Cochrane.
Excellent inter-play between Heather Howie, Millie Brown and Lloyd almost engineered a second goal for the hosts, but Japanese shot-stopper Sakiyo Asano was alert enough to beat the ball out of the dangerzone.
Seconds before the end of the third quarter, a combination of Cochrane and desperate Scottish defending repelled two Japanese shots on goal.
Excellent play from Lloyd gave Heather Lang a great opportunity in the 48th minute, but resulting shot on goal was scuffed, leaving the away side's defence an easy clearance.
Nagai's penalty corner shot fizzed past Cochrane's right hand upright four minutes from time, again the Scottish goal leading a charmed existence.
With no further chances, it was Scotland who succeeded with a narrow 1-0 win, putting the home side one up in the two match series.
The two sides meet again tomorrow evening (19.30) at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
2016 Grand Masters World Cup
The 2016 World Grand Masters tournament will be one of the largest ever held, with more than 1,200 players, 45 umpires, 25 officials, 70 medical personnel, 70 managers, and up to 1,500 partners and thousands of proud supporters from over 30 countries. The tournament will see competition in the men's Over 60, Over 65, Over 70 and Over 75 age groups for both the official FIH World Grand Masters World Cup and the Tournament Trophies.
Key Dates:
Teams Arrive: 30th April 2016
Training: 30th April - 1st May 2016
Matches: 2nd May - 12th May 2016
Opening Ceremony: 3rd May, 12:30pm
Closing Ceremony: 12th May, 4:15pm
Event Competition Pages (external links):
Use the links below to follow the results, fixtures, standings, stats and more on our competition portal.
Main competition site
Ov60 World Cup
Ov65 World Cup
Ov70 World Cup
Ov60 Tournament Trophy
Ov65 Tournament Trophy
Ov70 Tournament Trophy
Training Schedule:
The training schedule has now been finalised and confirmed with all team managers.
Hockey Australia media release
Southgate and Banbury taste victory in 2nd XI finals
Mens 2nd XI Cup Final: Chau bella for Southgate 2nd XI.
Southgate claimed the Men’s 2nd XI Cup after winning a dramatic shoot out against Brooklands MU. The two sides could not be separated during 70 minutes as goals from Matt Lakin-Hall and Lum Chau cancelled each other out. Southgate scored all five in the shootout meaning Brooklands' one miss proved costly.
The first real chance of the game came to Brooklands. Captain Darius Virabi;s drag flick was well saved by Chris Baker. Thomas Lush was inches wide moment later as Brooklands created chances but could not take them. With ten minutes to go to half time their pressure paid off. Lakin-Hall deflected the ball into the back of the net for the Northern side to take the lead. Adam Simpson and Liam Dudley worked the ball round the Southgate defence for a chance of a second but Baker made sure he got a glove to clear the ball from danger.
A chance for Southgate came to Sean Comley his reverse stick hit at the top of the circle just failed to find the target. The last play before the interval saw Southgate awarded their first penalty corner of the game but they were unable to capitalise leaving Brooklands to lead at the halfway mark.
The second half started in blistering pace with Captain Andy Fell clearing the ball on the near post from a Brooklands penalty corner. Southgate found their rhythm and in the dying minutes were awarded a penalty corner. Lum Chau equalised with a drag flick flying into the roof of the net. This lead to a shoot out Southgate scored all five but Lakin-Hall was denied meaning Southgate took the cup.
Andy Fell captain of Southgate
'I think we were all pretty fatigued in that second half but great come back and effort from all the boys. Feel a bit sorry for Brooklands coming all this way but great effort from Darius and the Brooklands team. We have practiced the running penalties briefly on Wednesday so I am amazed that came off! England hockey has done a great job putting the competition together and we really enjoy playing in it.'
Brooklands MU 1 (1)
Matt Lakin-Hall 25 (FG)
Southgate HC (0) 1
Lum Chau 57 (PC)
Men’s 2nd XI Plate: Cool Clark fires Banbury to glory
A classic game of two halves sent the Men’s 2nd XI Plate home with Banbury after a stirring comeback took the game into a shootout, which they held their nerve to win.
Bedford started the game well and after 14 minutes took the lead through Adam Knibbs. They enjoyed the better of the territory and possession and added to their tally thanks to a lovely finish from Rich Hamilton. Banbury mounted some offence but a sweeping counterattack from Bedford left them with a four-on-one and Adam Seward was on hand to apply the finish.
Banbury came out after the break and immediately reduced the arrears thanks to a penalty corner from Matthew Bull. The momentum had shifted and now it was all Banbury in attack. A well worked penalty corner set up Dave Clark who made no mistake to make it 3-2. With four minutes remaining Clark repeated the trick with the same corner and made it 3-3.
Banbury went first but the Bedford’s Pete Fannon made a great save from Adrian Simons. Steve Adams took Bedford’s first but it went over the bar. Fannon saved again from Tyson Nunneley but Bedford missed again. Finally Laverick broke the deadlock for Banbury and Hamilton missed for Bedford. Clark, the two-goal hero coolly slotted his home and with Wilson’s lofted effort saved by the Banbury keeper, the Oxfordshire outfit took the win.
Simon West captain Banbury HC
'Credit to Bedford really put us under the pressure, 3-0 down but we kept going. We took our time to adjust to the water based as we are normally used to sand dressed. I am really pleased with the guys today after having a great season. At halftime I told the lads to just get the next goal and see where that goes to generate a bit of momentum and try to put them under the pressure. Thankfully we have some good experience players to get back into it. Dave has been doing that for years, the same thing he is just a lot slower doing the same thing. This means a lot for the club as we are building the juniors as you saw some of the guys there and in a few years hopefully in a first team final.'
Banbury 3 (0)
Matthew Bull 37 (PC)
Dave Clark 60, 65 (PC, PC)
Bedford 3 (3)
Adam Knibbs 13 (FG)
Rich Hamilton 20 (PC)
Garry Newman 29 (FG)
Banbury win 2-0 after shootout
England Hockey Board Media release
Delight for Reading and University of Birmingham in 2nd XI Final
UOB celebrate scoring in the 2nd XI Cup
University of Birmingham clinched the Women’s 2nd XI Cup with a hard fought 2-0 win over Clifton in a pulsating encounter. Both sides threw everything they had at each other with Clifton being kept out on more than one occasion by Birmingham goalkeeper Katherine Somerville. In the end goals from Naomi Bennett and Sade Gerald were enough to capture the trophy for Phi Gooderham’s team.
The first half took a while to get going. Rebecca Law tested out Clifton goalkeeper Emily Munsey who was equal to the task whilst at the other end Somerville was on hand to repel and early Clifton penalty corner. 20 minutes were on the clock when the deadlock was broken. Bennett reacted quickest at a penalty corner to slot in a rebound for the lead.
Clifton came out after the break with renewed intensity. Emily France went close with a penalty corner and then Vonnie Bentley’s shot was well saved by Somerville. At the other end UOB were unlucky not to go 2-0 up when Katie Mason’s blockbuster hit the woodwork. Somerville excelled once again with a stunning glove save to deny Zoe Cullum but Clifton were getting closer. At the other end Munsey made a splendid double save from Bennett as both sides put everything into finding the next goal. With a minute left, the lead was doubled. Munsey made another good save but Gerald slammed in the rebound to send the Birmingham fans wild.
Katie Mason captain of University of Birmingham
'We have worked so hard all season, we won the league by 13 points so we really wanted to come out today and win this. She is amazing (Katherine Sommerville), when we know she is behind us it fills the rest of us with confidence and she was an absolute hero today. Our defence worked hard, we just battled today and they could have scored at any time. We were prepared, we were surprised they didn’t score a goal which they rightly deserved but we held out ground and got the win. It is amazing for the club; we have just made a bit of history for the club as the first 2nd team to make the final.'
University of Birmingham 2 (1)
Naomi Bennett 20 (PC)
Sade Gerald 69 (FG)
Clifton 0 (0)
Women’s 2nd XI Plate Final: Double delight for Reading women.
Reading women inspired by their U18's triumph earlier in the day went on to win 6-0 against Chelmsford to be crowned the Women’s 2nd XI Plate Winners.
A looping ball into the circle saw Emma Thomas catch the keeper's deflection to give the 'Ding the lead. Reading's attack worked the Chelmsford keeper Jenai Chenoi but she kept them at bay for a while after the opener. On the 21st minute captain Alys Richards secured the rebound off Chenois' pads to fire home Reading's second. They soon added to their lead as Rachel Muncey got on the score sheet.
Reading started the second half strong and after a missed chance from Hannah Knott it wasn’t long until Muncey got her second; neatly flicking the ball over the keeper to make it 4-0. A fifth goal soon followed through a well-executed penalty corner, Fen Holland being the player with the final touch on the ball. Chelmsford were close to getting on the score sheet but Reading were a well oiled team and scored their sixth; another from Holland.
Womens 2nd XI plate - Reading vs Chelmsford-10
Alys Richards captain of Reading HC
'We were so nervous coming in to today, they are a top quality team with top quality players so we were really nervous about it. We saw our U18 play earlier and they put in a solid performance so we thought lets go out and see what happens. It was absolutely wonderful to play here, as a second team it was just great to have this chance and have the wonderful coverage and experience from the weekend.'
Reading (3) 6
Emma Thomas FG 13’
Alys Richards PC 21’
Rachel Muncey FG 25’
Rachel Muncey PC 39’
Fen Holland FG 45’
Fen Holland FG 61’
Chelmsford (0) 0
England Hockey Board Media release
Surbiton and Taunton Vale win big on dramatic day
Taunton Vale U18
Boys’ U18 Cup Final: Surbiton's steady nerves seals shootout win.
A hat-trick from Ben Rhydding’s Matt Ramshaw was in vain as Surbiton edged out Ben Rhydding 2-1 on shootout after an incredible game had finished 4-4. Ramshaw bagged a treble of penalty corners to haul the Yorkshire outfit back from a 4-1 deficit to take the game to a shootout. Surbiton recovered and held their nerve to see out the shootout and clinch a 2-1 win.
Surbiton came out all guns blazing and raced into a 2-0 lead within five minutes. Dan Boden and Owen Williamson converted penalty corners to get their side off and running.
Both sides attacked at will in a surprisingly open game and on 26 minutes Ramshaw halved the deficit. Undeterred, Surbiton struck twice more before the break through Tom Dodwell’s fine finish and Noah Darlington’s strike.
Ben Rhydding had a mountain to climb but they came out for the second half with renewed vigour. Ramshaw fired in his second and then, four minutes later completed his hat-trick to make it 4-3. Surbiton were wobbling and it seemed only a matter of time before the equaliser would come. Five more minutes was all it took. Ramshaw was denied by Mitchison but Sam Stewart smuggled in the rebound for 4-4.
There was still time for Surbiton to grab a winner via Ben Park in the dying seconds but his shot flew wide and it went to shootout.
Ben Rhydding and Surbiton both missed their first before Ramshaw netted to make it 1-0 to the Yorkshire side. Surbiton missed their next two with Ben Rhydding also unsuccessful leaving it 1-0 with two to go. Owen Williamson levelled and then when Cutter missed for Ben Rhydding Ben Park slotted home. The pressure was on Charlie Smith but his effort was saved and Surbiton were the winners.
Surbiton 4 (4)
Dan Boden 2 (PC)
Owen Williamson 5 (PC)
Tom Dodwell 30 (FG)
Noah Darlington 33 (FG)
Ben Rhydding 4 (1)
Matt Ramshaw 26, 46, 50 (PC, PC, PC)
Sam Stewart 55 (PC)
Surbiton win 2-1 after shootout.
Boys' U18 Plate Final: Taunton Vale's dreams realised.
Captain Jordan Symes spoke beforehand of Taunton Vale daring to dream ahead of their final and with a last ditch strike their dreams were realised. Mike Nicholson's late, late strike handed them a 3-2 win in a nail-biting close game over Stourport in the Boys' U18 Plate Final.
A fantastic solo effort from Stourport's Daniel Petrie got the game started as he drilled the ball into the circle for a team mate to get the touch on it however Captain Jordon Symes tennis-esque save on line denied them.
With ten minutes to go till the half-time interval Petrie picked up the ball at the half way line and made a solo run to into the circle striking it on his reverse to give Stourport the lead.
In the 32 second minute captain Symes threw himself at the near post to tap the ball over the line to level things for Vale. They then won a penalty stroke which Sam Whitefield put away putting the Somerset side in the lead for the first time.
The second half began with Vale pushing for a third but it was Stouport who scored next. Callum Stanley hit it on his reverse to make it 2-2. Speed merchant Tom Hawthorne worked the left side but Stouport's defence kept the him and his Taunton teammates at bay. The last action of the game saw Vale awarded a penalty corner. Nicholson's drag flick found the net and realised their dreams.
Jordan Symes captain of Taunton Vale:
"There are no words to describe how we are feeling, as a team we have worked so hard for this. I am ecstatic, the whole team are ecstatic! Vale have great team spirit and that came through which is why we won it in the end. It has been brilliant playing here, it is something that we will all take with us for a very long time, and it has been an amazing experience."
Taunton Vale (2) 3
Jordan Symes FG 32’
Sam Whitefield PS 34’
Mike Nicholson PC 70’
Stourport (1) 2
Daniel Petrie FG 25’
Callum Stanley FG 42’
England Hockey Board Media release
Beeston and Reading take home U18 Girls' titles
U18 Reading
U18 Girls' Cup Final: Huddleston, Pearce and Burge are the Bees' knees in U18 final.
Goals from Alice Huddlestone, Maddie Pearce and Esme Burge stung Wakefield as the Bees U18s retained the Girls' U18 Cup.
Beeston started the game in confident mood. Huddlestone used her pace to cause the Wakefield defence problems early on. Huddlestone was rewarded for her hard work and beat Becky Hague to give Beeston the lead inside nine minutes. The Beeston forwards were pressing the Wakefield defence forcing keeper Hauge into action a number of times. The goalkeeper excelled pulling off a string of fine saves to keep the score to 1-0 at the break.
The second half opened with a goal in the 40th minute, Pearce slotted in Beeston's second after a well-worked team attack into the circle. The Wakefield defence were putting bodies on the line with a brave save from Vivi Way standing her ground on the near post to deny Beeston a third.
With ten minutes to go Megan Davis was forced to make a diving save to deny McGrath a goal for Wakefield. After a Wakefield penalty corner Beeston went straight back on the counter attack with Burge launching the ball over the keeper's left shoulder to extend the Bees' lead to 3-0.
Wakefield pressed on searching to get on the score sheet but the Beeston defence worked hard to deny them. Wakefield threw everything at the reigning cup holders but Davis made outstanding saves to deny any chances of a goal and the title was theirs.
Wakefield (0) 0
Beeston (1) 3
Alice Huddlestone FG 9’
Maddie Pearce FG 40’
Esme Burge FG 62’
Girls’ U18 Plate Final: Reading’s Great Wall hands them the title
Reading lifted the U18 Girls’ Plate with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Alderley Edge. The Sonning Lane outfit led through Hannah Collier’s goal before Beth Wall grabbed a second. Although Edge hit back via Jessica Clitheroe, Wall’s intervention was the decider.
The game took a while to get going with both sides sizing each other up. Clitheroe had the first real chance but Katie Goddard made a superb block to deny her. At the other end Harriet Whittaker performed heroics making a stunning stick save to keep out Frankie Hogge.
Edge forced a series of penalty corners but both Imogen Walker and Julia Tennant were left frustrated by Goddard. Just before the break the deadlock was broken. Whittaker made a fine save from a corner but Collier was on hand to slot in the rebound.
Reading went close from a second half penalty corner before Wall’s mazy run and smart finish doubled their lead. Clitheroe stabbed in from close range to halve the deficit but despite a flurry of late pressure from Edge the ‘Ding held on and took the honours.
Sophie Lui captain for Reading U18 Girls:
'It feels amazing, we have come so close each year and so this is really nice to get some silverware. Playing here is amazing, when we came in everyone was running and cycling around as it is such a sporting venue so everyone was quite in awe to play on such a cool pitch. All of us were really nervous but we managed to hold our own.'
Reading 2 (1)
Hannah Collier 28 (FG)
Beth Wall 46 (FG)
Alderley Edge 1 (0)
Jessica Clitheroe 53 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Mitai-Wells eager for more with Black Sticks
Photo: www.photosport.nz
Midlands star Leo Mitai-Wells is on the hunt for a title at this week’s National Under 21 Tournament in Dunedin.
Mitai-Wells is no stranger to pressure, having made his debut for the Black Sticks at last year’s Oceania Cup against trans-Tasman rivals Australia for a chance to qualify for the Rio Olympics.
The final result didn’t go the Black Sticks’ way, but the men were given a lifeline to compete at Rio after the South African Olympic Committee decided not to send their teams.
“The Olympic qualifying added pressure, but at the same time you have to block it out so you can play your normal game, if you are thinking about it too much you might go away from what you normally do,” he said.
“I was excited but at the same time I was pretty nervous because I was coming up against the number one side Australia, but I was more eager to get out there and see what international hockey has to offer.
“Mum was real happy – she was telling my brothers and the rest of my family!”
Now he has had a taste of international hockey at senior level, Mitai-Wells is keen to push for more.
“Definitely – I have to keep training and working on things that aren’t my strength. Training with the boys week in, week out helps a lot, it’s always at a high standard with our trainings.”
One of those opportunities is the Junior World Cup in India in December – a side Mitai-Wells shapes up to be a key figure with.
“I consider myself another player there, but with a little bit more experience. I can bring a high intensity and higher level to the team. I feel I can give guidance to the younger players.”
After a tough tournament last year, the Midlands U21 side are still in with a chance this year, but according to Mitai-Wells there is one key area they must improve in.
“The main area is not having mental lapses – we have short little lapses at times. If we can push that out of our game we have a real good shot at winning our next few games."
Unfortunately for Mitai-Wells and Midlands, Monday’s action brought 4-3 loss to Canterbury, a see-sawing affair which was settled by a Sam Lane drag flick five minutes from time.
In Monday’s other results, Central secured a 3-2 victory over previously unbeaten North Harbour and Auckland defeated Southern in a shoot-out after scores were tied 3-3 at fulltime.
DAILY RESULTS – MEN
Monday 2nd May
Central 3: (Thomas Schaare, Mac Wilcox, Aaron Purser)
North Harbour 2: (Ken Hendricks, Robbie Capizzi)
Auckland 3: (Jonty Keaney 2, Kalyan Jeram)
Southern 3: (Lawson Davison, Caleb Booth, Josh Smith)
Auckland won shoot-out 3-2
Canterbury 4: (Sam Lane 2, Dominic Newman, Ari Barrow)
Midlands 3: (Reuben Andrews, Ricky Hayward, Rhys McLachlan)
CLICK HERE for all scores, standings and stats from the National U21 Tournament
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Rapid rise for North Harbour’s Reed
Photo: Planet Hockey
This time last year Kayla Reed was getting ready for a week at school, starting to get her head around representing North Harbour at the U18 Regional tournament and getting some game time for her Takapuna club side.
Fast forward a year and Reed is not only representing and starring for her region’s U21 side, but she can add to her list of achievements a Regional U18 national title, and selection in the New Zealand Under 21 team for the World Cup qualifiers at the start of the year.
“It happened so quick, I didn’t expect it this time last year – I didn’t look to the New Zealand sides particularly the futures but it’s always a goal when playing in these tournaments.”
For Reed, a school student at Rangitoto College on Auckland’s North Shore, being the youngest in that squad didn’t faze her at all (Reed turns 17 in June).
“I’ve been lucky I have played up quite a bit in both hockey and touch so it wasn’t as scary, but I didn’t play U21s last year so being in that Junior World Cup qualifier it was quite nerve-wracking those first couple of games but you definitely warm up to it.”
Reed’s rapid rise has led to the possibility of her being selected for the Junior World Cup in December.
“It’s a bit daunting being the youngest, but age shouldn’t be a barrier so if I keep going hard we will see what happens.”
Whilst Reed did not play in last year’s Harbour U21 side, she is well aware of the heartbreak the team suffered in losing the final 1-0 to Auckland and is keen to go one step better this year.
“We were stoked once we beat Auckland who we lost to in the final last year, but in the last two games with have had two draws. We haven’t played to our potential yet so hopefully we see that as we get closer to crunch time.”
Renowned for her hard working style, hustle and fitness, Reed credits her background in touch for helping her in hockey (Reed is a NZ U17 touch representative and was selected in the New Zealand Open Women’s squad this year).
“Especially my position as a striker it [playing touch] helps with being more mobile and stepping in front of players at the last minute. Also diving – if you ever see me play I quite often throw myself on the ground.”
Reed was on form again for North Harbour yesterday, throwing herself around as they defeated Central in another shoot-out after scores were tied 2-2 at fulltime. In other games, Midlands defeated Canterbury 3-2 and Auckland beat Southern 3-2.
RESULTS – WOMEN
Monday 2nd May
North Harbour 2: (Courtney Winterbottom, Stephanie Dickins)
Central 2: (Olivia Ward, Petra Hall)
North Harbour won shoot-out 5-4
Midlands 3: (Acacia Kelsen, Tori Robinson, Tarryn Davey)
Canterbury 2: (Catherine Tinning, Phoebe Steele)
Auckland 3: (Su Arn Kwek 2, Deanna Ritchie)
Southern 2: (Annabel Girvan, Maddi McLean)
CLICK HERE for all scores, standings and stats from the National U21 Tournament
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Top umpires confirmed for EHL FINAL4
The Euro Hockey League always has a commitment to bringing together the very best officials to make sure the world’s premier club competition runs as smoothly as possible.
This is shown in full effect in the FINAL4 with FIH Umpire of the Year Nathan Stagno chief among the umpires to blow the whistle in Barcelona.
The Gibraltar man is among a series of umpires involved this week either with prior Olympic experience or on the list to officiate at Rio in August this year.
Poland’s Marcin Grochal, Scotland’s Martin Madden and Spain’s Marcelo Servetto are all on the Olympic list along with England’s Dan Barstow as part of an impressive team.
In the video booth, Andy Mair has umpired at the top level on the field and have elite level experience when it comes to referrals. He is one of the Olympic video umpires.
They are overseen by the hugely experienced umpires manager Henrik Ehlers. The Dane umpired in four Olympic Games and three World Cups and was among the umpires managers at the 2014 World Cup.
With such a team of officials, it shows a commitment to displaying the game in the best possible light, a top quality team of officials to match club teams featuring some of the world’s best players.
Euro Hockey League media release
Arminen build nine point lead in Austria
SV Arminen top the Austrian league’s regular season table with nine points to spare over nearest rivals NAVAX AHTC, going through the first 10 games undefeated.
They closed out the second set of matches in the campaign with a 5-0 win over Post SV in their most recent game with Patrick Schmidt scoring twice with Manuel Grandits, Michael Minar and Alistair Stenfert.
It puts them in range of potentially winning the title in the next fortnight, crucially meeting NAVAX AHTC for the third and final time on Sunday. AHTC, though, are in great form following a crazy 14-4 win over HC Wels with Dominik Monghy scoring four times.
Verifone WAC are in third while reigning champions HC Wien in fourth place. The season runs until June 5 with five rounds of matches still to play.
For Arminen, 22-year-old Dominic Uher has been one of their key players but he is set to move in the summer to Royal Daring ahead of the 2016/17 season.
Euro Hockey League media release
A good start is vital to team's success in Rio: Sreejesh
PR Sreejesh. (Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh feels a good start in the Rio Olympics is pivotal to the success of the eight-time champions in the quadrennial event.
India are scheduled to play Ireland in their opening match of the Olympics.
"Our focus will be to take one match at a time. The key is to win as many matches in the pool stage to be in a good position amongst the top four teams to play in the quarter-final," Sreejesh said.
"Playing Ireland in the first match will be tough as we haven't played against them since the 2014 Commonwealth Games. However, the way we are preparing, I am optimistic we will be in top shape for Rio," says the 29-year-old goalkeeper who made his international debut with the senior men's team in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo.
Talking about the team's preparations, Sreejesh said that they are focused on fine tuning their game in the camp, held at SAI Centre in Bengaluru.
"Earlier, we would make visible mistakes but now that has been rectified and we have been paying a lot of attention to details, how to create situations, making set pieces and also trying out new tactics that we will try in the following tournaments," he says further adding that the team has been sweating it out in the sweltering conditions in Bengaluru where the temperature has touched 39.5 degrees in the past week, a record high since 1931.
"We train twice everyday and the goalkeepers clock three sessions under the tutelage of Dave (Staniforth). We go in early before the morning session along with penalty corner specialists and train with them. We have psychology sessions thrice a week at noon and regular training in the evening. We are giving it our all," he said.
Being part of squad during the London Olympics where India finished a lowly 12th, Sreejesh said, "We know what it means to do well in the Olympics. Winning a medal is a dream. We tell the juniors what it's like being in the Olympics and we can't let ourselves get distracted by the presence of elite athletes or being overwhelmed by meeting a sporting icon in the dining room. It is about our performance and that should be our focus."
The Times of India
Sreejesh eyes good opening in Rio
s2h Team
Sreejesh eyes good opening at Rio Considering the history of slow and sluggish opening matches that India used to have in lead tournaments, Indian goalie PR Sreejesh feels India should eye good opening in Rio, meaning a good performance against surprise element Ireland.
Sree expectedly feels getting a good start in the pool stage will be the team's main focus at Rio Games
Sreejesh emphasized on getting a good start in Rio where they begin their Olympic campaign against Ireland.
"Our focus will be to take one match at a time. The key is to win as many matches in the pool stage so we find ourselves in a good position amongst the top four teams to play in the quarterfinal. Playing Ireland in the first match will be tough as we haven't played against them since the 2014 Commonwealth Games".
"However, the way we are preparing, I am optimistic we will be in top shape for Rio," says the 29-year-old goalkeeper who made his international debut with the senior men's team in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo.
On preparation he said: "Earlier, we would make visible mistakes but now that has been rectified and we have been paying a lot of attention to details, how to create situations, making set pieces and also trying out new tactics that we will try in the following tournaments," he says further adding that the team has been sweating it out in the sweltering conditions in Bengaluru where the temperature has touched 39.5 degrees in the past week, a record high since 1931. "We train twice everyday and the goalkeepers clock three sessions under the tutelage of Dave who is an Olympian from South Africa. We go in early before the morning session along with PC specialists and train with them".
"We have psychology sessions thrice a week at noon and regular training in the evening. We are giving it our all".
Being part of the bitter loss during the London Olympics where the team finished 12th, Sreejesh said, "We know what it means to do well in the Olympics. Winning a medal is a dream. We tell the juniors what it's like being in the Olympics and we can't let ourselves get distracted by the presence of elite athletes or being overwhelmed by meeting a sporting icon in the dining room. It is about our performance and that should be our focus."
Stick2Hockey.com
`Optimistic` Sreejesh believes India will be in top shape for Rio Games
New Delhi, May.2 (ANI): Indian men's hockey team star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has said he is optimistic that his side will be in top shape for the upcoming Rio Games, insisting that a good start is essential for winning a record ninth Olympic gold medal.
"Our focus will be to take one match at a time. The key is to win as many matches in the pool stage so we find ourselves in a good position amongst the top four teams to play in the quarterfinal. Playing Ireland in the first match will be tough as we haven't played against them since the 2014 Commonwealth Games," said the 29-year-old goalkeeper who made his international debut with the senior men's team in 2006 at the South Asian Games in Colombo.
Speaking about the team's preparations, Sreejesh said that the team was focused on fine tuning their game in the camp, held at SAI Centre in Bengaluru.
"Earlier, we would make visible mistakes but now that has been rectified and we have been paying a lot of attention to details, how to create situations, making set pieces and also trying out new tactics that we will try in the following tournaments," he said while adding that the team has been sweating it out in the sweltering conditions in Bengaluru where the temperature has touched 39.5 degrees in the past week, a record high since 1931.
"We train twice everyday and the goalkeepers clock three sessions under the tutelage of Dave who is an Olympian from South Africa. We go in early before the morning session along with Penalty Corner specialists and train with them. We have psychology sessions thrice a week at noon and regular training in the evening. We are giving it our all," he said.
Being part of the bitter loss during the London Olympics where the team finished 12th, Sreejesh said, "We know what it means to do well in the Olympics. Winning a medal is a dream. We tell the juniors what it's like being in the Olympics and we can't let ourselves get distracted by the presence of elite athletes or being overwhelmed by meeting a sporting icon in the dining room. It is about our performance and that should be our focus." (ANI)
The Times of India
Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan Oct 20-30
By Jugjet Singh
KUANTAN is set to host the Fourth Edition of the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) on Oct 20-30 after negotiations resolved the hefty sanction fee issue.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) had asked for a US40,000 (RM156,000) sanction fee to host the tournament, but after the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) refused to meet their demand -- the AHF met them half-way.
"The AHF had asked for US40,000 sanction fee to host the ACT, but the MHC felt it was too steep and they were willing to let go of the host job, but negotiations managed to half the sanction fee to US20,000 (RM78,000) and Kuantan will host it in October," said a hockey official who wanted to remain anonymous.
It looks like October is going to be a hectic month for hockey as right after the ACT the Sultan Of JOhor Cup will be held on Oct 31-Nov 6 in Johor Baru.
And right smack in the middle of both tournaments is Deevapali on Oct 29.
The First Edition was held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, in 2011 followed by Doha, Qatar, in 2012 and Kakamigahara, Japan, in 2013.
Malaysia finished third in all three ACT's, which does not offer any ranking points but is just a tournament for the top-six Asian Games teams to spar.
The top-six in the 2014 Incheon, South Korea Games in finishing order are India, Pakistan, South Korea, Malaysia, China and Japan.
"But by halving the sanction fee, the tournament will lose video referral and also full live telecast of matches," said the official.
The president of the AHF is Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who was a former MHC president, and is also an International Hockey Federation elected Executive Board member.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Malaysian National hockey team will miss two key players until next year
By S. Ramaguru
Razie Rahim (right) will attend police training for the next nine months and is set to miss the national team training.
KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team will resume their training on Tuesday without two key players.
Skipper Mohamed Razie Rahim and Nabil Fiqri Mohamed Nor will be missing as both have joined the police force and will begin their mandatory training over the next nine months.
Another player from the list of 25 who will not show up is veteran goalkeeper S. Kumar who is recovering from an injury.
The team will train for 10 days before breaking camp to join their respective states for the Razak Cup tournament from May 21-29.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) chief executive officer K. Logan Raj confirmed that Razie and Nabil will not attend training.
“They have joined the police. But the rest except for those injured will continue their training. The next assignment for the national team is the six-match tour to Kakamigahara, Japan next month,” he said.
“All the players will be released to play in the Razak Cup and they will go through a review which is normal. It is up to the team management to make any changes to the squad based on the review,” he added.
The other major assignment for the national team is the Asian Champions Trophy in October where Malaysia has made a bid to host the tournament.
“There have been reports that we are the hosts but we have not received anything official from the Asian Hockey Federation. We hope to get some word soon,” he said.
The national team’s immediate target is to retain their place in the World Cup Finals in 2018. The qualifying process started last month with the World Hockey League First Round. Malaysia will play in Round Two which is slated for next year.
The national team and the development squad will play in the Australian Hockey League in September. Malaysia will also take part in two four-nation tournaments in Australia in October.
The Star of Malaysia
Young lion is putting on the style
Sarah Juggins
Santiago Tarazona (Argentina)
Santiago Tarazona is an up and coming star with the Argentina men’s hockey team, as well as a budding entrepreneur in the fashion industry, with his own line of sportswear about to be launched.
Already selected as part of the senior training squad by the national head coach Carlos Retegui, in little less than a month Tarazona will be part of the U21 squad coached by Mariano Ronconi, contesting the Junior Pan American Championship in Toronto, Canada. We caught up with Tarazona and Ronconi to find out how the player and coach were feeling ahead of the challenge.
“I first started playing with the U21 team two years ago. My first game was in 2015 in the Sultan Cup in Malaysia against Australia,” says Tarazona. It was a match that Argentina won 1-0 and in that tournament, Argentina finished a creditable fourth, losing out 3-2 in the bronze medal match to Malaysia.
For Ronconi, the 2015 Sultan of Johor Cup played an important role in seeing how Argentina’s young side compared to the rivals they will potentially meet at the Junior World Cup. For some, this presumption that Argentina will be in India for the JWC later in the year may be a little immodest, but with Argentina yet to be beaten in the continental qualifiers in any past edition, Ronconi’s confidence seems well placed.
"We saw the level we are at compared to the other top teams in the world. We are very pleased with our performance because we believe that no team beat us by too great a margin and we played some very good games. We know that if we improve some aspects, we will be a very tough team in the World Cup and I do not think we will be easy to beat.”
The main improvements that Ronconi wants from his players is a greater level of focus on their own strengths and less concern about the opposition. “When we have the ball, I want us to play our game. When our opponents have the ball, we want to stop them playing their game.”
And Ronconi and his team are working their charges hard to prepare them for the next few months. Since he joined the U21 squad, Tarazona has seen his life change to revolve around hockey. He trains with the U21 squad from Monday to Thursday, but within that time he also fits in a club training session. Then it is with the club again on Fridays before matches at the weekend.
“Coming up to the tournament in Toronto, the workouts are definitely becoming more intense and specific,” he says. “As well as our everyday training routines, we have to start preparing ourselves mentally for what’s coming.”
And yet, Tarazona nearly didn’t become a hockey player. He initially went to the local sports club with his sister to play football (soccer), while she trained with the hockey team. However, one day, when Tarazona was just eight years old, one of his sister’s friends suggested he pick up a hockey stick and the young player hasn’t looked back since. He says that his one ambition is to play hockey for the senior squad and, if that doesn’t work out, he would like to travel to Europe and play the game professionally there.
He is very conscious that hockey remains a very poor relation when compared to football, but he is also aware that the recent success of the senior men’s team, including a bronze in the 2014 World Cup, has meant hockey is raising its profile among the sports-mad public.
As the U21 squad spend a lot of their time training with the senior players, the younger members of the Argentina international hockey community are very conscious of their status as role models to players of the future and the influence they could have. But, while women hockey players in the country have superstar status, the men still have a way to go. Tarazona believes that is gradually changing. “Some clubs are beginning to install water pitches, so that makes the sport grow a lot, for men and women. It becomes more of a spectacle. But it is also thanks to the men’s senior team. As they move up the FIH rankings and win more games, they are gaining a much bigger international profile.”
Apart from his burgeoning career as an international hockey player, Tarazona is also doing his bit in the world of fashion to raise awareness of the game. With two friends he is releasing his own brand of sportswear – a project he is “very excited about.”
Fashion empire aside, Tarazona’s passion for his sport and his country is clear and he emphasises just how much putting on the blue and white shirt means to him: “To be honest it´s a feeling like no other, when you’re singing the anthem with your team, listening to the crowd, it´s a very unique experience. You get that feeling in every match you play, it doesn’t ever go away.
“And when I get on the pitch, I believe I’m the type of player that runs the pitch and the game a lot. I am always trying to make the whole team play as one. And of course, we all try and try make things simple. I think we have a great team with a fierce defence, armed with explosive and skilful players.”
His words will be a joy to his coach’s ears. Ronconi asks for, demands even, passion from his players. “All this time, all this sacrifice and training over the years, we are trying to instill professionalism, effort, desire. I want to see 18 players running for the team and not stopping.”
If you ask the Argentina coach what makes his team so successful, his answer is simple. It is all about good preparation. “We play a lot of high level tournaments so the players are used to the pressure; and for this tournament, we have been working in a systematic way for the past two years doing concentrated training sessions each month. This has ramped up to a higher degree now and we will keep this intensity up throughout the whole year.”
The U21 squad also benefits hugely from training alongside their senior team colleagues. “Today we have a lot of interaction between the senior and the junior squads,” says the coach. “We try to train the same and play the same and sometimes train together. This means that young players who move to the senior team can make a smooth and gentle transition between teams. For the juniors, you can see the difference in their play as soon as they start mixing with the seniors.”
So with Argentina ready and confident about the challenge ahead, who does Tarazona think might run them close for the gold medal?
“I believe that all of our matches will be difficult, but I think that the USA and Canada will be the strongest ones to play against.”
Argentina’s opening match at the Junior Pan American Championships is against Trinidad and Tobago on 20 May.
Pan American Hockey federation media release