News for 18 November 2016
All the news for Friday 18 November 2016
Aussies win Trans-Tasman Double
Hockeyroos & Kookaburras win on day one
Holly MacNeil
Georgie Morgan scored from a PC. Image courtesy of Planet Hockey
Hockeyroos Kalindi Commerford and Ashlea Fey have scored goals in their debut games for Australia as the Hockeyroos went on to dominate against the Black Sticks women winning the match 6 – 0, before the Kookaburras went on to defeat the Black Sticks men 4 – 2 including a debut goal from Aaron Kleinschmidt.
The Hockeyroos match kicked off the Trans-Tasman Trophy, and within five minutes the Aussies had a chance at penalty corner but it went high at the top of the circle and they missed the chance to convert.
The Black Sticks answered minutes into the second quarter with their own chance on a penalty corner, but a mistake saw the ball fly up to the Australian half. Kathryn Slattery took the opportunity to make a smooth pass into the circle, with a tap from Kalindi Commerford seeing her score the first goal of the match in her debut game for the Hockeyroos.
In the third term the Black Sticks had a chance on goal three minutes in, with the ball working its’ way down into their circle, only for goalkeeper Ashlee Wells to knock it out of contention. It sailed back up to the Australian end, and Kathryn Slattery flicked an amazing shot that soared over goalkeeper Amelia Gibson’s head and into the top left of the net.
Australia were pushing New Zealand hard, and were rewarded with another shot on penalty corner 40 minutes into the game. Georgie Morgan nailed the drag flick with the ball flying straight into the net after a strong injection from Kathryn Slattery.
With just a minute to go in the third quarter, Gabi Nance injected the ball and Georgia Nanscawen flicked it into goal thanks to a deflection, taking Australia’s lead going into the final quarter to 4 – nil.
Three minutes into the final quarter, and Australia were up for another penalty corner – Ashlea Fey scored the corner this time making her the second debutant of the match to score their first goal for Australia, extending the lead to 5 – 0.
New Zealand had a chance to come back with a penalty corner opportunity in the seventh minute of the final quarter, with the shot sailing perfectly towards goal only to be saved by goalkeeper Audrey Smith.
With only five minutes to go, Kathryn Slattery scored her second of the match, running the ball up into the circle and flicking it into the net with ease. The Black Sticks came back fighting and a tussle went on in their circle before Audrey Smith casually knocked the ball out of danger for the Australians.
Hockeyroos interim head coach Jason Duff said: “Tonight was a good start for us, we set out to achieve and complete a few tasks that we knew would give us a chance. It took some time to break and we were a little wasteful early on.
“It was pleasing to see all three debutants perform well and compete for the entire match. It was also good to see Commerford and Fey get onto the scoreboard.
“We have some details that we need to get right – our penalty corner conversion could be better and we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. New Zealand are well coached and proud; they will be a different proposition on Saturday.”
The Kookaburras were up next against the Black Stick men, and the home team were the first to get on the board with a sneaky goal from Stephen Jenness as he worked his way past the Australian defence to flick the ball into the net. Australia were pushing, put were unable to return the favour in the first quarter.
Into the second quarter and it was debutant Aaron Kleinschmidt who was the first to score for the Kookaburras, with a field goal tapping neatly into the net to get Australia back in the game. It wasn’t long before another newcomer answered for the Black Sticks with Kim Kingstone nailing a sliding field goal after a fantastic pass from the top of the circle.
The third quarter saw both teams trying to take control of the match and after a competitive 12 minutes of play, Trent Mitton came through with the goods scoring a field goal from directly in front of the net.
With ten minutes to go in the final quarter, Aran Zalewski came through to give Australia the lead for the first time in the game with a quick field goal following on from a clever pass from Daniel Beale.
Australia sealed the victory and doubled their lead with only four minutes to go in the game - Jeremy Hayward absolutely knocking the ball into the net with a penalty corner during a final quarter which saw torrential rain pouring onto the pitch.
The Kookaburras wore black arm bands during the match to honour recently passed hockey players Dalton Casey and Ed Cranwell. To donate to a fundraising campaign in Ed’s honour please visit: http://mobro.co/danielsproule
Both the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos have a rest day tomorrow, before the competition resumes on Saturday at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland.
Hockeyroos v Black Sticks Women
HOCKEYROOS 6 (1)
Kalindi Commerford 17 (FG)
Kathryn Slattery 33, 55 (FG, FG)
Georgie Morgan 40 (PC)
Georgia Nanscawen 44 (PC)
Ashlea Fey 48 (PC)
BLACK STICKS WOMEN 0 (0)
Kookaburras v Black Sticks Men
KOOKABURRAS 4 (1)
Aaron Kleinschmidt 18 (FG)
Trent Mitton 42 (FG)
Aran Zalewski 50 (FG)
Jeremy Hayward 56 (PC)
BLACK STICKS MEN 2 (2)
Stephen Jenness 12 (FG)
Kim Kingstone 20 (FG)
Trans-Tasman Trophy Fixtures
Saturday 19 November
Kookaburras v Black Stick Men: 1.30pm AWST / 4.30pm ADST - Fox Sports 5
Hockeyroos v Black Stick Women: 3.10pm AWST / 6.10pm ADST - Fox Sports 5
Sunday 20 November
Kookaburras v Black Stick Men: 11.30am AWST / 2.30pm ADST - Fox Sports 5
Hockeyroos v Black Stick Women: 1.10pm AWST / 4.10pm ADST - Fox Sports 5
Hockeyroos’ squad v Black Sticks
Laura Barden (Kew, VIC) 16/4
Edwina Bone (Orange, NSW) *plays for ACT 122/2
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 109/10
Kalindi Commerford (Canberra, ACT) 1/1
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 115/2
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 167/34
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 53/11
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) *plays for SA 43/2
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 102/13
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 63/23
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 78/0
Used Subsitutes
Murphy Allendorf (Mount Gravatt, QLD) 1/0
Mathilda Carmichael (Willoughby, NSW) 26/1
Jacqui Day (Mountain Creek, QLD) 2/0
Ashlea Fey (Sunshine Coast, QLD) 1/1
Jordyn Holzberger (Yamanto, QLD) 34/3
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 183/36
Audrey Smith (Brisbane, QLD) 7/1
Kookaburras squad v Black Sticks
Chris Bausor (Perth, WA) 15/0
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 88/15
Robert Bell (Brisbane, QLD) 1/0
Tristan Clemons (Ferndale, WA) 27/0
Ben Craig (Lane Cove, NSW) 1/0
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Valley, NSW) 54/8
Casey Hammond (Bundoora, VIC) 1/0
Aaron Kleinschmidt (Melbourne, VIC) 1/1
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW) 35/12
Josh Pollard (Melbourne, VIC) 1/0
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) 24/6
Used Substitutes
Scott Boyde (Brisbane, QLD) 1/0
Tim Cross (South Morang, VIC) 8/1
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 61/18
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 95/36
Matthew Willis (Tamworth, NSW) 8/1
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 98/14
Unused Substitutes
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 70/0
Hockey Australia media release
Australia claim first blood at Trans-Tasman
Photo: www.photosport.nz
Australia’s Kookaburras and Hockeyroos claimed wins over the Black Sticks Men and Women on the opening day of the Ford Trans-Tasman Trophy in Auckland.
With eight players on debut in David Brydon, Harry Miskimmin, Kim Kingstone, Sam Lane, Brad Read, Dominic Newman, Robert Creffier and Martin Atkinson, the Black Sticks Men made a superb start to their clash against the world number one Kookaburras.
The Kiwis opened the scoring in the 12th minute when striker Stephen Jenness went on a solo run in the circle and flicked the ball over the head of Tristan Clemons in goal.
Australia equalised through Aaron Kleinschmidt in the 18th minute before the Black Sticks struck back less than two minutes later with Kim Kingstone getting a nice sliding touch on a cross from fellow debutant Dominic Newman.
The Kookaburras drew level once more late in the third quarter when Trent Mitton made the most of a chance in front of goal and hit home.
Australia then snatched their first lead of the game 10 minutes from fulltime with Aran Zalewski smashing an open shot into the back of the goal before Jeremy Hayward added another soon after.
Head coach Colin Batch said despite the final score it was a solid opening hit-out.
“We had eight debutants so you’re never sure what’s going to happen with that but I thought they all handled themselves really well and we led for a long part of the game which is pleasing,” he said.
“Australia had more possession than us no doubt about it, but we defended very well especially with our circle defence. It was an interesting game and I’m happy with large parts of it but disappointed with the final result.”
Earlier in the evening the Black Sticks Women suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of the Hockeyroos who were clinical in the attacking half and dominated possession.
New Zealand struggled to build any momentum against the world number four ranked side, who were able to hold the ball and earn a glut of penalty corners.
Following an even first quarter the Hockeyroos opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a defensive error allowed them to create an overlap breakaway which was finished by Kalindi Commerford.
The floodgates open for Australia in the second half with Kathryn Slattery (33rd minute), Georgina Morgan (40th) and Georgia Nanscawen (44th) finding the back of the goal before Ashlea Fey and Slattery sealed the result in the final 10 minutes.
Felicity Reidy (Capital), Kim Tanner (Midlands) and Bridget Kiddle (Canterbury) all made their Black Sticks debut in the defeat.
Teams are back in action on Saturday with the Black Sticks Men against the Kookaburras at 6:30pm before the Black Sticks Women battle the Hockeyroos at 8:10pm. Both games will be broadcast live on SKY Sport 2.
The Ford Trans-Tasman Trophy is proudly supported by Ford, Polytan, Qantas, Educare, Trillian Trust and NZCT.
BLACK STICKS MEN 2: (Stephen Jenness, Kim Kingstone)
KOOKABURRAS 4: (Aaron Kleinschmidt, Trent Mitton, Aran Zalewski, Jeremy Hayward)
Halftime: Black Sticks 2-1
BLACK STICKS WOMEN 0
HOCKEYROOS 6: (Kathryn Slattery 2, Kalindi Commerford, Georgina Morgan, Georgia Nanscawen, Ashlea Fey)
Halftime: Hockeyroos 1-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Both Black Sticks sides fall to Australia
By David Leggat
New Zealand's Kirsten Pearce fights for the ball. Photo / www.photosport.co.nz
Australia took the honours in the first of three double headers in the inaugural transtasman hockey series at Lloyd Elsmore Park tonight.
The world No 1 Australian men prevailed in a rousing contest in driving rain, 4-2, after being 2-1 down against an impressive young New Zealand outfit.
That followed the fourth-ranked Australian women dunking world No 5 New Zealand 6-0 in the curtain raiser.
The second round of matches are on Saturday with the Ford-sponsored series wrapping up on Sunday.
If you wanted a sight to gladden a coaches heart it came early in the second quarter of the men's match.
Eight players were making their debut for New Zealand and two of them, Canterbury midfielder Dominic Newman and Auckland striker Kim Kingstone, combined expertly for a fine goal.
It came on the break, Newman made ground and switched the ball from the left into Kingstone's path and he made no mistake from close range.
This is a time of development for both New Zealand teams. Men's coach Colin Batch would have been chuffed by that moment.
Stephen Jenness scored New Zealand's first goal after seven minutes, a fine individual effort, but Australia responded strongly, with goals from another new face Aaron Kleinschmidt, Trent Mitton, digging the ball out from under his feet from close range, Aran Zalewski and finally a fierce penalty corner strike from Jeremy Hayward.
Earlier, the women's Black Sticks got a serious wakeup call to provide New Zealand with plenty of hard thinking ahead of Saturday's match.
It was the Black Sticks' worst result against Australia since May 2003 when Australia won their Oceania Cup clash by the same margin, and the first meeting since New Zealand bundled the Aussies out of the Rio Olympics in the quarter-finals in August.
World No 5 New Zealand are without several top class players for the series, and they'll need to learn rapidly if the three-match rubber in Auckland isn't to turn sour.
''We know the Aussies are a really aggressive side and I think in first quarter we dealt with that," captain Liz Thompson said.
''We didn't get a lot of attacking chances and as time went on we got a bit disorganised and frantic."
Quality defender Thompson, captaining the Black Sticks for the second time, acknowledged the learning curve for the younger players.
''The girls can take away a few things and not only the new ones.
''There were lessons across the board but it's a new team and we have to learn how to gel together in the next two games."
Classy attacker Kathryn Slattery was the player of the match, scoring two fine goals, with others coming from Kalindi Commerford, Georgia Nanscawen, Georgie Morgan and Ashlea Fey.
The New Zealand Herald
Valiant Black Sticks men overcome by classy Australians to open trans-Tasman series
Clay Wilson
Experienced striker Stephen Jenness scored a classy goal for New Zealand in their loss to Australia to start the trans-Tasman series in Auckland. ANDREW CORNAGA / WWW.PHOTOSPORT.NZ
Australia have over-run a valiant young New Zealand men's hockey side in the final quarter, securing a 4-2 win to open the trans-Tasman series in Auckland.
A youthful Black Sticks side, without 13 of the 16 players who reached the quarterfinals of the Rio Olympics earlier this year, were impressive in the first half and were on track to make history as they held a 2-1 lead at the main break.
But the Kookaburras are world No 1 for a reason, and even with a squad featuring four debutants of their own and several other less-experienced players, the visitors levelled late in the third quarter and poured on the pressure in the fourth, scoring twice in the last 10 minutes to continue a 21-match unbeaten run against their Kiwi rivals.
Australia couldn't put away a good early chance and the young Kiwi players quickly settled into their work, the signs with and without the ball promising.
After defusing several Kookaburras attacks, New Zealand then caught their visitors by surprise to take the lead in the 12th minute.
Stephen Jenness, one of only two in the Black Sticks squad with more than 100 caps, showed all his class to skilfully evade three defenders before flicking past Australian goalkeeper Tristan Clemons from a very tight angle.
The confidence of the young Kiwis was visibly boosted but the visitors were always going to respond and just three minutes into the second stanza they equalised.
A probing drive from Dylan Wotherspoon set-up debutant Aaron Kleinschmidt, who got low and strong in front of his marker to knock the back pass home.
Australia bombed a golden chance to go ahead two minutes later when Daniel Beale was unable to find an all-but open goal after slick build-up play and moments later they were made to pay for that miss.
The hosts broke quickly and a superb reverse stick drive from Dominic Newman picked out fellow debutant Kim Kingstone sliding in to finish at the back post.
As after the first New Zealand goal, the visitors immediately applied the pressure in an attempt to get back on level terms and the closing stages of the half were played almost exclusively in Kiwi territory.
But the composed Black Sticks defence was up to the task, including a superb save by keeper Richard Joyce from a powerful reverse stick shot, and the home team took their one-goal buffer to the break.
More impressive New Zealand defence again denied Australia early in the third quarter, an advancing Joyce saving a high angled shot with his helmet and Brad Read scrambling the rebound clear as the Kiwis looked to have weathered a sustained period of Kookaburras control.
You can never let your guard down against the world No 1s, though, and just three minutes from three-quartertime the scores were level, Matthew Willis finding space deep in the circle and picking out Trent Mitton for a smart finish from close range.
The Black Sticks did have a good opportunity early in the final stanza, strong work and an accurate cross from Jake Smith almost touched in, but as increasingly heavy rain began to bucket down the Australians came home with an equally wet sail.
Captain Aran Zalewski knocked in the go-ahead goal in the 50th-minute, sweeping home a deft back pass from Beale, while four minutes from fulltime Jeremy Hayward wrapped things up with a powerful flick from the lone penalty corner of the contest.
It had been an opportunity lost for the young New Zealand team but there was plenty in their performance to show they could reward the home fans with a result in the final two games on Saturday and Sunday.
Australia 4 (Aaron Kleinschmidt 18, Trent Mitton 42, Aran Zalewski 50, Jeremy Hayward 56) New Zealand 2 (Stephen Jenness 12, Kim Kingstone 18). Q1: 0-1. Q2: 1-2. Q3: 2-2.
Stuff
Strugglers prepare for battle in Investec Women's Premier Division
Reading in defensive action against Clifton last weekend. Credit: Peter Smith.
Bottom of the table Reading play host to second-bottom Slough on Sunday, as both teams’ bid for top flight survival reaches a crucial stage in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division.
Slough’s only win in the league came from a 4-3 win over Bowdon Hightown, while Reading’s only point came from a draw – also against Bowdon Hightown.
“It hasn’t been a great start for us,” said Reading official Sue Newman. “We’re feeling the loss of a number of personnel, and we have a young squad. But they’re playing really well.
“We’ve had a couple of 16-year-olds playing for us as well as a 15-year-old goalkeeper in Mila Welch, and the whole squad has done well. It’s a steep learning curve for them, and they have had a couple of games where they could easily have got a result.
“They play better with a good crowd, and it’s a home game as well as a double header with the men, so they will really be up for it.”
Elsewhere, leaders Surbiton head to Clifton Robinsons on Saturday as they bid to preserve their unbeaten form, while East Grinstead could go top if they win at Leicester and Surbiton lose.
Third-placed Holcombe play host to the University of Birmingham and they too could go top of the table if other results go in their favour. And Canterbury are hosting a Bowdon Hightown side who could overtake them if they win.
After suffering their first defeat in the Investec Women’s Conference East last weekend, leaders Sevenoaks play host to Southgate on Saturday evening.
Meanwhile Wimbledon – who are level on league points with Sevenoaks – are at home, with Harleston Magpies, winners over Sevenoaks last week, providing their opposition.
Bottom plays top in the Investec Conference North, with leaders Brooklands Poynton travelling to Belper for a match crucial to both side’s campaign.
Elsewhere, second-placed Beeston could go top if they win at Wakefield and Brooklands Poynton lose.
And in the Investec Conference West, leaders Stourport – who lost their first match of the league campaign last weekend - go to Exe. The team that beat Stourport, Buckingham go to Trojans as they target the top of the table.
FIXTURES – Saturday, November 19
Investec Women’s Hockey League
Investec Premier Division
Holcombe v University of Birmingham 12:00
Clifton Robinsons v Surbiton 13:00
Canterbury v Bowdon Hightown 14:00
Leicester v East Grinstead 14:00
Investec Conference East
St Albans v Chelmsford 13:00
Hampstead and Westminster v Cambridge City 13:30
West Herts v Northampton Saints 13:30
Wimbledon v Harleston Magpies 14:00
Sevenoaks v Southgate 17:00
Investec Conference North
University of Durham v Timperley 12:00
Loughborough Students v Sutton Coldfield 12:30
Liverpool Sefton v Ben Rhydding 12:30
Wakefield v Beeston 13:30
Belper v Brooklands Poynton 14:00
Investec Conference West
Swansea City v Oxford Hawks 12:00
Trojans v Buckingham 12:00
Olton and West Warwicks v Gloucester City 12:00
Bristol Firebrands v Isca 12:30
Exe v Stourport 13:00
FIXTURES – Sunday, November 20
Investec Premier Division
Reading v Slough 12:30
England Hockey Board Media release
Holcombe head to Beeston with revenge in mind
Holcombe’s Nick Bandurak celebrating a goal. Credit: Andy Smith.
Premier Division leaders Holcombe crashed out of the Men’s Cup last weekend as Beeston beat them on penalties – but they will get an immediate chance of revenge when they travel back to Nottingham to face the Bees in the Men’s Hockey League on Sunday.
After suffering a heavy loss to Surbiton last Saturday, Beeston responded in dramatic fashion with the defeat of Holcombe. But having lost just one league match so far this season, the Kent side will be keen to take the win.
“We could’ve won the cup match in the last five minutes,” said Holcombe president and first team manager Keith Martin. “We had the chances so we were disappointed not to win in normal time, and equally disappointed not to win on penalties.
“We played a few people out of position in the cup game to mix things up a bit, and Jonty Robinson was unavailable for us. It was a game we wanted to win, but the league is more important for us.
“I don’t think this Sunday’s game will be as open for either team. We will go up there with a full strength team, and aim to come away with another win.”
Other top flight action sees last season’s champions Wimbledon entertain a Canterbury side who secured their first points of the season last weekend.
Surbiton – who moved up to fourth on the back of an emphatic win over Beeston last weekend – are at home against Brooklands MU.
Hampstead and Westminster leap-frogged East Grinstead last weekend, but the team from Saint Hill have an immediate chance to take back fifth spot when they host Hampstead on Sunday.
Finally, Reading are at home against bottom of the table Loughborough Students who are still searching for their first points of the season.
Conference East leaders Sevenoaks entertain Teddington on Saturday afternoon. Separated by three points, Teddington could overtake their hosts and take top-spot if they secure a win.
Meanwhile, second-placed Southgate go to West Herts on Sunday, while Richmond – who held Sevenoaks to a draw last weekend - could also go top if they win at Brighton and Hove.
Doncaster are at home against leaders the University of Durham in the Men’s Conference North on Sunday, while Olton and West Warwickshire – who won 3-0 at Doncaster last weekend – are at home against strugglers Cannock.
Bottom of the table Fareham face a tough task on Sunday in the Men’s Conference West – they host unbeaten leaders Cardiff and Met. Elsewhere, second-placed Team Bath Buccaneers are away to the University of Birmingham.
FIXTURES – Saturday, November 19
Men’s Conference East
Sevenoaks v Teddington 12:00
FIXTURES – Sunday, November 20
Men’s Premier Division
Surbiton v Brooklands MU 14:00
Beeston v Holcombe 14:00
East Grinstead v Hampstead and Westminster 14:00
Wimbledon v Canterbury 14:00
Reading v Loughborough Students 14:30
Men’s Conference East
Cambridge City v Wapping 12:30
Brighton and Hove v Richmond 13:00
Indian Gymkhana v Oxted 14:00
West Herts v Southgate 14:00
Men’s Conference North
Sheffield Hallam v Deeside Ramblers 13:30
Olton and West Warwicks v Cannock 13:30
Preston v Oxton 14:00
Doncaster v University of Durham 14:00
Bowdon v Leek 14:30
Men’s Conference West
University of Birmingham v Team Bath Buccaneers 12:30
University of Exeter v Old Georgians 12:30
Cheltenham v Isca 12:30
University of Bristol v Chichester 13:00
Fareham v Cardiff & Met 13:30
England Hockey Board Media release
Expect goals and great hockey this weekend in Scottish National League
Uddingston v Edinburgh University
There is much to play for this weekend in both men’s and women’s National League with many tasty encounters slated for competition.
Edinburgh University coach Graham Moodie has seen his side drop out of the top four in men’s National League 1 after back-to-back defeats at the hands of Hillhead and Grange. Getting back on the rails will require the daunting task of taking three points from champions Bromac Kelburne at Glasgow Green this weekend.
"It will be difficult, as ever, to beat Kelburne, but we are improving and moving in the right direction, so it should be a good match," said Moodie.
Moodie explained that this was a difficult part of the season for the students with weekend first division and cup matches, and also British University commitments in midweek combined with some injuries. Although Edinburgh may have slipped a little in the first division, Moodie`s charges are top of their British University League.
The former Great Britain Olympian mulled over the last two outings and concluded firstly that they "didn`t play well" against Hillhead. On the Grange game Moodie said: "We played very well against Grange but didn`t quite get the rub of the green; we created plenty of chances and won 11 penalty corners, so on another day we could have won the match."
Kelburne, striving for their 13th consecutive league title, will be a hard nut to crack. The Paisley side currently lie in second spot having only dropped three points in the seven games to date. Moodie will take some heart from the fact that last season Kelburne won the first league fixture 2-0 but the students surprised the champions with a 2-1 victory in the return encounter.
Grange`s tenure in pole position will be elongated if they overcome the challenge from Western Wildcats at Auchenhowie. Grange already gained a comfortable 2-0 win in the first round cup tie at the same venue. The Edinburgh side may have too much firepower for the young Wildcats` pups, although the recall of veteran striker Scott McCartney might cause a few palpitations in the Grange defence, should he take the field.
Hillhead will be hoping to cement their new top four status with the three points from a struggling Clydesdale outfit. New coach Mark Ralph is far from carried away by the recent success. He said, "The league table says we are in the top four but we are only focusing on one game at a time and aiming to perform in each game.
"Clydesdale is definitely not an easy game; they have the squad to push themselves up the league very quickly, but we will go into the game confident from recent results."
Even with a victory over Clydesdale, Hillhead could drop from third to fourth if Grove Menzieshill beat Watsonians and then see off Clydesdale in a catch-up fixture on Sunday. Clydesdale however, sitting in second bottom on two points, will be looking claw their way up the table by making good use of their game in hand this weekend.
The Uddingston Riva versus Gordonians encounter has a “must win” look about it for both teams. A home win here would propel the Lanarkshire side out of the drop zone. On the other hand a Gordonians triumph would put the bottom half of the table back into the melting pot.
The pack could be reshuffled at the top of women`s National League 1 with several crucial encounters in a double header weekend on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.
Table toppers Milne Craig Clydesdale Western open their weekend against Western Wildcats at Titwood on Friday night, then visit CALA Edinburgh who are in bottom spot without a point on Sunday. Wildcats, under the eye of player/coach Kareena Cuthbert, have made a promising start to the season - they currently sit in fourth place having dropped points to Edinburgh University in a 1-1 draw and then went down by the odd goal in seven to Grove Menzieshill. Irrespective of the outcome of the Western encounter, the Auchenhowie side will aim to take the three points at home against Erskine Stewart`s Melville on Sunday.
Grove Menzieshill begin their weekend against CALA Edinburgh and do so with a 100% record. They are currently level on points with Western at the top of the table but will need to take all three from their Sunday encounter with champions Edinburgh University to maintain that contact. But the match is equally important to the students; at the moment they trail the top by five points and this weekend they are up against the Tayside duo of Wanderers and Grove Menzieshill. Any further surrender of points could put their chances of retaining their crown in serious jeopardy.
Player/coach Sam Judge said: "It`s a very important weekend for us and I`m confident that we can win both games. We have been playing well in spells but need to do this for the whole match, and if we do this then we should win both games.
"We have been creating lots of chances in our other games and not always been finishing them off, which is frustrating, but with the forwards that we have I`m confident that we can score goals."
With lethal strikers like Amy Brodie, Becky Merchant, Sophie Maunder and Judge herself in the ranks, the boast may not be an idle one.
Clydesdale Western Edinburgh University
Wanderers, who finished in third place last season, have struggled to made inroads into the top four - they need to take full points from their encounters with Edinburgh and Watsonians to reduce the gap. Both Kelburne and Watsonians will hope to put some more distance between themselves and the relegation zone by taking full points from their weekend meetings with second bottom Hillhead. Hillhead are currently second bottom on three points but a couple of wins for them this weekend could see them rise up the table dramatically. There is much to play for.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Position available
ANALYTICAL COACH INDIA MEN NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAM
1. Position
Analytical Coach, Indian Men National Hockey Team
2. Term of position:
The successful applicant will be engaged by Hockey India / Sports Authority of India on a contract up to 31 December 2020 ie the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Cycle, subject to the satisfactory completion of a 6 month probation period.
3. Salary package:
An attractive salary package is available to the right candidate, dependent on experience and background
4. Reporting:
Chief Coach, India Men Hockey Team, Director High Performance Hockey India and Sports Authority of India
HOCKEY INDIA
Hockey India (HI) is the National Sports Federation for the sport of Hockey in India.
Hockey India is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation, Asian Hockey Federation and Indian Olympic Association.
Hockey India has the responsibility to develop and manage the national teams programmes and works in close coordination with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in the delivery of the national teams programmes across senior and junior hockey.
SPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is a body set up by the Government of India.
The objectives of SAI are to promote and broad-base sports in the country and to implement schemes/programmes for achieving excellence in sports in different disciplines at international level in order to establish India as a major sporting power.
It also act as an interface between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and other agencies concerned with the promotion/ development of sports in the country on the other hand, i.e., State Govt., U.T. Administration, IOA, National Sports Federations, Sports Control Boards, Industrial Houses, etc.
ROLE SUMMARY
Reporting to the High Performance Director, Hockey India and the Indian Men Hockey Team Chief Coach, the Scientific Advisor will be responsible for the Physical preparation of the Men Athletes leading the national senior men team to the Olympic Games 2020, with a view to achieving success at World Level hockey and the Olympic Games 2020.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION
This position also works closely with:
•Director High Performance
•Chief Coach, Indian Men Hockey Team
• Hockey India management team and Executive Board
• Coaches and support staff for senior and junior men
• Sports Authority of India
• Sports Authority of India Centre staff
• High Performance and Development Committee members
• Hockey India Selection Committee
The Analytical Coach will be required to submit regular reports to management on the status of the national teams and core probable programme activities plans.
2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Be responsible for the Development of the Indian National Men Squad, and individual team members.
• Coach nationally identified athletes in both a team environment and individual sessions.
•Monitor and evaluate athlete
performance and discuss your observations with the Chief Coach
• Assist in the Development of performance culture and leadership within the Squad
• Drive the provision of support services to the team, squad and individuals.
• Provide Technical and Tactical direction for the National Programs.
•Assist in high performance coaching and player development initiatives.
• Help the development of performance culture and leadership within the squad.
• Analyse the Team and Individual Players and give direction for further development
• Analyse the opponents during competition and givedirections to the Game‐plan for the different opponents
3. ADMINISTRATION
• Provide regular written reports and KPI data to the erformance Director, Chief Coach and Hockey India Managementfollowing all international events as well as providing programme reports as required.
• Conduct other duties as directed by Director High Performance, CEO, Hockey India Executive Board or Sports Authority of India.
4. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• Experience of successful performance achievements at the highest level (Olympic Level Competition) in a coaching capacity.
• High performance coaching qualifications
• Experience and proven capability in the holistic development of athletes and programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, organising and implementing a comprehensive high performance coaching programme for international teams and athletes.
• Knowledge of leading trends in coaching, including coaching science, practices and the appropriate application of leading technology tools.
• The ability to effectively leverage and manage expertise from support services and other staff to ensure team success.
• The ability to attain excellence from players, coaches, staff and all stakeholders through the establishment of a ‘winning’ culture.
• Effective management skills that reflect your ability to build and successfully implement long-term strategic plans that are supported by informed operational decisions.
•Experience of working with multiple partners to achieve success including working with public funding agencies.
5. MINIMUM SKILLS SET
• Experience of successful performance Achievements at the highest Coaching Level
•Well developed liaison, interpersonal, oral and written communication, and people management skills.
• High level of influencing skills.
• Outstanding communication skills – verbal and written.
• Sound administration skills.
• Self motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to meet competing demands through effective prioritisation in a results oriented environment.
• Efficient and organised, and strong awareness of self and self management.
• Demonstrated success in managing individual differences and group dynamics
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, observe confidentiality and use discretion and initiative.
• Excellent observational and analytical skills.
• Ability to thrive in a pressured environment of
irregular and long hours, and capacity to travel domestically and overseas for extended periods.
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Applications should be submitted via email and include a cover letter addressing the Qualifications & Experience and the Minimum Skills
Set outlined in the Position Description as well as a current resume.
Applications not addressing the Qualifications & Experience and Minimum Skills Set will not be considered.
Please forward your application to CEO, Hockey India by 24 November 2016
HOCKEY INDIA
B1/E3, Ground Floor
Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate
Mathura Road
New Delhi - 110044
India
O: +91 11 46064141
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Hockey India recruitment release
No hockey league, debt clearance despite windfall
By Nabil Tahir
KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) yesterday received the Rs200 million grant promised to them by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif two months ago, but despite the massive cash injection, the federation has no plans of returning the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) loan or organising Pakistan Hockey League (PHL).
Instead, the PHF intends to use the grant money to clear players’ dues and finance their tours abroad.
The grant was announced by Inter-Provincial Coordination Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada on the PM’s behalf after the PHF successfully organised the Pakistan-Oman Hockey series on home soil in September.
“We have received a Rs200 million cheque that was announced two months ago. It took some time but we are glad and appreciate the interest the PM is taking in the national sport,” PHF secretary Shahbaz Ahmed Senior told The Express Tribune. “We have lots of plans which were put on hold because of financial issues but now work will finally begin.”
Shahbaz further revealed the PHF has chalked out a plan to make the best use of the funds. “I am going to meet some officials in Islamabad for the execution of our plans to lift hockey,” he said. “We have to pay pending daily allowances of approximately Rs30-40 million to current players and around Rs18 million to former ones.”
The World Cup winner further said that sending the 27-member junior team to the World Cup would cost Rs300,000 per day, bringing the cost of the entire trip to between Rs20-30 million.
Shahbaz vowed they will pay back the Rs10 million they owe the PCB, eventually. “We have to pay them back but not from this grant as this is for the development of hockey. We will pay them back in instalments later.”
Shahbaz said a hockey league — like the Pakistan Super League organised by the PCB — cannot be held yet as the grant money received is not enough.
“PHL requires around Rs25 million to organise such a spectacle and that money can’t be taken out from the grant. We will instead try and finance the league through sponsors as soon as the government gives us permission to invite foreign players,” he said, adding that all the homework for the league is done and that it can be held within days of obtaining the government’s NOC.
The Express Tribune
NCAA Field Hockey Championship Final 4
Tom Robinson
The last time they met in the NCAA Division I field hockey semifinals (2013), Connecticut defeated North Carolina 2-1 in a penalty shootout -- at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. Their previous national semifinal in 2011 in Louisville was equally taut, producing a Tar Heels victory in double-overtime.
Little wonder Friday’s semifinal rematch of field hockey royalty and longtime coaching friends and rivals – UNC’s Karen Shelton, UConn's Nancy Stevens, meeting again in Norfolk -- is the main event of the season’s final weekend.
The schools with 10 national titles between them – six for UNC, four for UConn – square off Friday at 2 p.m. at ODU’s L.R. Hill Complex for a spot in Sunday’s final. Unheralded Princeton and Delaware follow at 4:45 p.m. to cap a semifinal round that features none of the tournament's top-four seeds for the first time in the event's 41 years. All four were defeated at home in last week’s first round or quarterfinals.
Shelton is in her 36th season at UNC. And Stevens, in her 37th season overall and 26th at UConn, has won more games than any other field hockey coach. As players, the women won multiple championships at West Chester, and they coached on the same staff early in their careers.
Meet the teams:
North Carolina (19-5, 3-3 ACC) is fourth-ranked. … The Tar Heels blanked Stanford and second-seeded Maryland 3-0 in College Park, Md., to advance to their eighth consecutive Final Four, ninth in 10 years and 21st in school history. … Leading scorer Lauren Moyer, a senior, has 22 goals. She had 10 in her career before this season. … Senior Julia Young was named the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year, UNC’s third in history. … The last time the Tar Heels opened the NCAA tournament on the road, in 2009, they won the national championship.
Connecticut (22-1, 7-0 Big East) is sixth-ranked. … The Huskies have lost only to Maryland, 2-1 . . . UConn leads the nation in goals per game with 5, scoring margin (3.71) and winning percentage (.957). ... UConn has won its last six games played at Old Dominion’s L.R. Hill Complex. ... Leading scorer Charlotte Veitner has 27 goals and 71 points. ... Amanda Collins has scored 22 goals. ... UConn has recorded only one shutout in its last 11 games. ... The Huskies won NCAA titles in 2013 and 2014, and last week beat defending champion Syracuse in double overtime to make it to Norfolk.
Princeton has won one national field hockey championship. It came in Norfolk, over North Carolina, 3-2, in 2012. But that was won by another group of players and another coach; Carla Tagliente came from Massachusetts to replace Kristen Holmes-Winn late last summer. That began a wild ride for the Tigers, who went 12-7 and did not win the Ivy League, yet secured an at-large bid into the NCAA.
“You go into the season with the expectation that every season is a roller coaster, and you’ve got to really manage the lows and the highs,” Tagliente said. “Down the stretch here things have really just fallen into place. I can’t put into words how happy I am for these guys.”
Delaware is riding its own magical season. The Blue Hens, who are at their best when playing “D-ho” (Delaware hockey), according to coach Rolf van de Kerkhof, won the Colonial Athletic Association for the fourth consecutive season. Then they upset top-seeded Duke 3-2 in overtime to reach the program's first Final Four since 1982.
“We are not worried about who we play, the opponent is irrelevant,” van de Kerkhof said. “We focus on ourselves and how we have to go about our business to be the best team we can be for the University of Delaware.”
Meet the teams:
Delaware (21-2, 6-0 CAA) recorded its best season in program history. ... Coach van de Kerkhof left Michigan State in 2010 to take over the Blue Hens. ... Greta Nauck leads the nation with 31goals. … The Blue Hens’ 17-game winning streak is the longest in the nation. … Delaware has six European players on its roster. … The Blue Hens rallied for two goals late in regulation to tie Duke and then won in overtime to reach the semifinals. They had never beaten Duke.
Princeton (12-7, 5-2 Ivy) won two thrillers to reach Norfolk. … A 2-1 victory over host Penn State preceded a wild 3-2 victory over Virginia at the buzzer that wasn’t decided until officials met to determine Sophia Tornetta’s shot had been launched in time. .. . The Tigers beat Delaware in September, 4-2, at home. ... Two top-20 victories in the regular season helped secure Princeton’s, and the Ivy League's, first at-large bid. ... Cat Caro leads with 17 goals scored.
NCAA
Maryland field hockey’s young team fell short of postseason expectations
By James Crabtree-Hannigan
North Carolina scores as goalkeeper Sarah Holliday attempts to block the shot during the Maryland field hockey's 3-0 loss to UNC on Nov. 13. (Sammi Silber/For The Diamondback)
As the Maryland field hockey team huddled after practice Oct. 19, midfielder Lein Holsboer stepped up and spoke to her teammates.
"Right now, I believe in this team," she said. "I believe we can win every match."
Her words struck a chord with coach Missy Meharg. It was the first time one of the team's leaders had shown that level of confidence in the group. She felt it was a sign that Maryland was in "the best preparatory" state it could be in.
After some early-season struggles, the young Terps squad appeared to find its groove. Maryland clinched a share of the Big Ten regular-season title with a road win at No. 5 Penn State. A week later, they knocked off undefeated Connecticut for a sixth consecutive victory. That stretch was the highlight of the season.
Despite some impressive wins and a Big Ten regular-season title, the team came up short of raising a trophy in November, falling in the Big Ten tournament championship and the NCAA tournament quarterfinals.
"We all know about the sting of sport," Meharg said after losing the Big Ten championship, 2-1, to Penn State.
Three games into 2016, there was reason to believe the Terps might not reach those heights.
Maryland had a big freshman class — 10 players, three of whom redshirted — and graduate transfer Grace Balsdon as a new starting center back.
That inexperience combined with a competitive early-season schedule to create growing pains. After opening the year with an easy win over Saint Joseph's, the Terps dropped consecutive games to Duke and Syracuse for their worst start since 1996.
The Terps said they never wavered.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Balsdon said after the Syracuse loss. "We're in the learning curve. We haven't peaked yet."
Plus, with that slate — Duke and Syracuse spent much of the year ranked as the top two teams in the nation — Meharg wasn't "focused on the outcome."
"The chances of being undefeated are so low," Meharg said. "Why not let everybody experience a great competitive opportunity? I'm more interested in the stats."
After the 1-2 start, the Terps rattled off six wins as Meharg began determining which newcomers could be main contributors. Freshmen Kelee Lepage and Madison Maguire came on strong on the attack alongside seasoned veterans Welma Luus and Linnea Gonzales. Even with the bevy of freshmen, the upperclassmen buoyed the team. Luus and Balsdon were the Terps' leading scorers, followed by the sophomore Gonzales and senior Emma Rissinger.
The team's defensive unit consisted of veterans, too. Anouk van Asbeck was the lone significant freshman contributor on the backline, and redshirt junior Sarah Bates split time with sophomore Sarah Holliday in net.
Meharg never named a starting goalkeeper, but that didn't prevent the Terps from hitting their stride. Maryland closed the regular season on an eight-game winning streak, including the triumphs over Penn State and UConn, another top-10 win against Virginia and a conference trophy-clinching win against Rutgers.
"It's been quite a run," Meharg said after beating Rutgers. "Personally, as a coach, I like the fact that the Big Ten has regular season champions, but to me it's about tournaments."
That's where the Terps fell short in November, Meharg's "favorite month." The team lost in the Big Ten tournament championship to Penn State and, as the No. 2-overall seed in the NCAA tournament, dropped a 3-0 game to North Carolina in the quarterfinals.
It was the third consecutive year the Terps didn't advance to the final four. Since Meharg took over in 1988, Maryland has never gone four years without advancing to a final four and hasn't had a three-year drought since 1996 to 1998.
Before the Terps began the Big Ten tournament, Meharg said her seven national championships and 11 conference tournament crowns were "not enough."
This year's Terps, while talented and promising with their regular-season success, couldn't add to those counts.
"We start at the end of January together, and we're thinking about November," Meharg said. "That's why we're here."
The Diamondback
Playing hockey in India
Last month, Pakistan’s players were deprived of the opportunity of featuring in the Kabaddi World Cup. The reason: India was hosting the event and decided to bar the Pakistan team from the event which was held in Ahmadabad. Next month, the story could be repeated with this time the victims being Pakistan’s junior hockey players. There is growing uncertainty over whether Pakistan will be able to feature in the 16-nation Junior World Cup hockey tournament penciled in from December 8-18 in the Indian city of Lucknow. Though the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has confirmed its participation in the quadrennial tournament, a final decision on whether the team will cross the border will be dependent on the will of the two governments. As far as Pakistan is concerned there seems a big likelihood that Islamabad will give its go-ahead considering that it has been advocating the idea of separating sports from politics. The problem is that New Delhi doesn’t agree. The Indians severed cricketing ties with Pakistan over issues like cross-border terrorism post the Mumbai attacks and are now targeting other sports as well in the aftermath of the Pathankot and Uri terror attacks in the recent past.
One hopes that better sense prevails and India decides against blocking Pakistan’s participation in the Junior World Cup. It will be a blow for Pakistan but in the long run it could also affect India as the Junior World Cup is an International Hockey Federation (FIH) event for which a host country makes a commitment to allow all participating nations to take part. India’s status as an international hockey destination could be in jeopardy if its bars Pakistan from taking part in the Junior World Cup. Apart from India’s aversion to allow Pakistan’s sportspersons from competing on its soil, there is also the critical issue of player safety. Narendra Modi’s India has quickly garnered the reputation for being an unsafe place because of growing extremism and intolerance. That is why it was hardly surprising when extremist groups openly warned against Pakistan playing in Lucknow. This means that the visitors will need extraordinary security measures if they do take part in the tournament. India should not only allow Pakistan to compete in Lucknow but also ensure the safety of the players and officials. Sport, as they say, can build bridges, transcend borders and cultures and turn even the fiercest conflicts temporarily irrelevant. It would be great for our region if the Indians understood this sooner rather than later.
The News International
Hockey Stars 2016 - Women's Player of the Year Shortlist
With voting now open for this year's Player, Goalkeeper and Rising Star of the Year awards, we look at the contenders.
Today we look at the achievements of the athletes shortlisted for women's Player of the Year.
Remember, you can vote right up until midnight (CET) on 2 December by clicking here.
Carla Rebecchi (ARG)
Argentina’s captain and star attacker was at her very best in 2016, guiding Argentina to a seventh Champions Trophy title at the event in London, where she finished as top scorer and named best player.
Kate Richardson-Walsh (GBR)
Captain of the Great Britain team that claimed the gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the legendary 36-year-old defender ended her stellar career in true fairytale fashion as flag bearer for Team GB.
Stacey Michelsen (NZL)
The classy Black Sticks midfielder - winner of the Rising Star of the Year Award in 2011 - made her 200th senior international appearance in 2016 at just 25 years of age, producing a string of fine performances as New Zealand finished just outside the medals at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. 
Alex Danson (GBR)
Great Britain’s dynamic striker finished joint top scorer at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where her five goals helped GB women to their first ever Olympic gold medal. 
Naomi van As (NED)
Dutch attacking ace Van As – the joint winner of the FIH Player of the Year Award in 2009 – was superb throughout 2016, producing top class performances as the Netherlands took silver medals at both the Hockey Champions Trophy in London and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
#HockeyStars2016
FIH site
Hockey Stars 2016 - Men's Player of the Year
With voting now open for this year's Player, Goalkeeper and Rising Star of the Year awards, we look at the contenders.
Today we look at the achievements of the athletes shortlisted for men's Player of the Year.
Remember, you can vote right up until midnight (CET) on 2 December by clicking here.
Gonzalo Peillat (ARG)
A top class defender and one of the finest penalty corner drag-flickers around, Gonzalo Peillat scored eleven times as Los Leones stunned the hockey world by claiming Olympic gold in Rio. 
John-John Dohmen (BEL)
Another strong year for the captain of Belgium, with the midfielder producing a string of virtually flawless displays as the Red Lions landed the silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Moritz Fürste (GER)
The Germany legend and FIH Player of the Year for 2012 was a towering presence for Die Honamas in Rio, helping his team to Olympic bronze with terrific defending and also scoring some hugely important goals. 
Tobias Hauke (GER)
Another member of Germany’s Olympic bronze medal winning team, the 2013 FIH Player of the Year continued to show why he has been considered one of the finest midfielders in the game for the best part of a decade. 
Pedro Ibarra (ARG)
Argentina’s captain and key defender was magnificent as his team claimed Olympic gold at Rio 2016, scoring in the competition final against Belgium.
#HockeyStars2016
FIH site
Hockey mourns deaths of two influential figures
Bill Colwill (right) receives the Doug Gardner Award in 2007 Photo: Hockey Museum
The hockey family is mourning the loss of two influential characters who recently passed away - Pakistan's Col Retd Nadeem Ahmed and Bill Colwill from England.
Col Retd Nadeem Ahmed passed away on the 8 November in Nigeria where he was taking part in an Olympic Solidarity Programme.
As an athlete, he was a former national team player for Pakistan and a captain of the Pakistan Army team. Once his playing days had come to an end Nadeem became a member of the Coaching Panel of the Asian Hockey Federation and a member of the Coaching and Development Committee of the Pakistan Hockey Federation. He was also Former Executive Board Member of the Pakistan Federation.
As coach he was heavily involved in the development of High Performance and Education not just in his home country, Pakistan, but also in many other countries such as Sri-Lanka, Cambodia, Qatar, Zambia and most recently Nigeria.
As part of his coaching development he became an FIH Hockey Academy Educator at the first Educator course in Asia, in Kuantan in 2015.
In England, Bill Colwill died aged 86 on 13 November 2016. Tributes have poured in from the hockey family all around the world for one of the foremost hockey journalists of the late 20th century.
In a hockey career that spanned over six decades, Bill was involved in all aspects of the game and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game that earned him the highest respect from all those who knew him.
It was as a sports journalist that he became best known, writing for the Independent Newspaper from its launch in 1986, as well as many other publications covering both domestic and international hockey.
He received the FIH Presidents Award for Hockey in 2007. For a full obituary go to The Hockey Museum website.
FIH site