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News for 18 January 2017

All the news for Wednesday 18 January 2017


Quarter-Final line-up confirmed for Round 2 in Kuala Lumpur



Malaysia's Tigress thrashed Kazakhstan 13-1 and joined Italy and Ireland in high-scoring matches in final pool matches of the women's Hockey World League Round 2 at the Tun Razak Stadium in Kuala Lumpur today.

It was the Malaysians biggest victory and Kazakhstan’s highest ever margin of defeat in the tournament following the 12-0 loss against Ireland in the Pool B opening match last Saturday.

K. Dharmaraj’s Malaysia Tigress will now play Thailand in Thursday’s Quarter-Finals while Ireland take on Singapore, Italy goes head to head against Hong Kong and Wales meets Kazakhstan.

The Malaysians took the lead in the fifth minute as Nurul Nabihah Mansur showed great skills before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Guzal Bakhavaddin but Kazakhstan surprised fans with the equaliser three minutes later.

An aerial pass from a Kazakhstan player was poorly stopped by Malaysian captain Siti Noor Amarina Ruhaini and Vera Domashneva picked it well, raced into the circle and blasted the ball through the on-rushing goalkeeper Farah Ayuni Yahya. It was Kazakhstan’s first field goal in the tournament.

But that was as far as Kazakhstan could go when the Tigress picked up the pieces and roared back with 12 more goals. Fatin Shafika Mohd Sukri scored a hat-trick, Nuraslinda Said and Fazilla Sylvester netted a double whilst Noor Hasliza Md Ali, Nuraini Rashid, Norazlin Sumantri, Hanis Nadiah Onn and Norfaiezah Md Saiuti scored a piece.

Italy lived up to its FIH Hero World ranking of 15 by registering a 9-0 victory over Singapore in their Pool A match and Ireland defeated Hong Kong 10-0 in Pool B encounter earlier in the day.

The Italians lead Pool A on nine points followed by Wales (6), Thailand (3) while Singapore sit at the bottom with no points from three matches.

In Pool B, Ireland leads the standings (9 points), Malaysia second (6), Kazakhstan third (2) and Hong Kong in fourth (1 point).

Agata Wybieralska converted a penalty corner in the 17th minute and team captain Chiara Tiddi increased the advantage in similar fashion three minutes later whilst Eugenia Mastronardi struck the third goal from open play in the 26th minute as the Italians took a comfortable 3-0 lead going into the interval.

The quick goals also punctuated any hopes of the Singaporeans had in making a comeback in the tournament following defeats against Thailand (0-4) and Wales (0-7).

Far from being contented with the score line, the Italians returned in the second half causing further damage. Valentina Braconi notched a hat-trick (40th, 44th and 59th minutes) and Agata picked her second goal of the day via a penalty corner while Dalila Mirabella and Maria Garraffo added to the Singaporeans misery with a goal each.

“It’s been a great finish for us in the pool matches. We arrived here with a positive target of finishing top of the standings and now that we have achieved that we look forward to the Quarter-Finals against Singapore,” said Italy’s captain Tiddi.

Wales and Hong Kong struggled for goals in the first half though it was the Welsh who dominated the game with six unconverted penalty corners.

The deadlock was broken when Natalie Blyth shot past Thailand goalkeeper Siraya Yimkrajang in the 28th minute from a penalty corner to give Wales the lead.

There was more fluidity in the Welsh game in the second half as they practically camped inside Thailand’s goal-scoring territory for long moments but could not find the space to put the ball into the net as the Thais were frantically busy holding their own fort with great tenacity.

Beth Bingham and Eloise Laity, however, dealt with it with a penalty corner and field goal in the 51st and 52nd minutes respectively to give Wales their second consecutive win here and a showdown against Kazakhstan in the Quarter-Finals.

“We are, without any doubt, happy with this second win after going through some tough moments picking the first goal against Thailand. Our aim is to finish high up in the pool and this has got the players all drilled up for the Quarter-Finals,” said Wales Head Coach Kevin Johnson.

Ireland’s Green Army also settled fittingly well against Hong Kong - to end their preliminary round with a bright finish by claiming a 10-0 victory after a sloppy start that saw them take a 1-0 lead through Roison Uptown’s penalty corner in the 18th minute.

Hong Kong could not find the answers to Ireland’s open and attacking game before falling apart in the second half as the Irish forwards followed up with double strikes from Kathryn Mullan and Anna O’Flanagan whilst Chloe Watkins, Rebecca Barry, Gillian Pinder, Nicola Evans and Nicola Daly duly added their names on the score list.

Report provided by the Malaysia Hockey Confederation

RESULTS
Group A: Italy 9, Singapore 0; Wales 3, Thailand 0.
Group B: Malaysia 13, Kazakhstan 1; Ireland 10, Hong Kong 0.

FIXTURES
Quarter-finals (Thursday, 19 Jan, 2017)
Ireland v Singapore (13.45); Italy v Hong Kong (16:00); Wales v Kazakhstan (18:15); Malaysia v Thailand (20.30)

FIH site



Green Army Put 10 Past Hong Kong



The Green Army solidified their position atop of Pool B with a 10-0 victory over Hong Kong.

The Irish defensive unit were again sitting high up the pitch distributing the ball at ease although with typically 9 or 10 Hong Kong players occupying the circle the opening goal was proving elusive with more than one goal-mouth scramble, and both Chloe Watkins and Naomi Carroll’s saw their shots saved. Roisin Upton, scoring her first senior international goal, broke the deadlock in the 18th minute from a PC with a strong drag to the goalkeepers right. The chances were building up for the Green Army but again the numbers behind the ball for Hong Kong left little room for anything sent goalward. Both Nicci Daly and Katie Mullan saw reverse strikes saved, while Carroll displayed enviable 3D skills to charge her way into the circle but the final shot flew wide.



The flood gates opened however in the second half with Nikki Evans’ goal in the 34th minute, created by Mullan’s reverse strike that Evans calmly deflected in at the right post behind the committed goalie, Pang. Three goals in three minutes as the third quarter wound down quickly gave the match a different feel. Watkins converted from a PC in the 41st minute, before Anna O’Flanagan managed to get on the end of a crash ball to deflect it goal-bound, while Mullan rounded her marker to hit the ball on the run to give her side a 5-0 lead. O’Flanagan got her second of the match and her 7th of the tournament as she fired home a rebound, a minute later Rebecca Barry added her name to the scoresheet as she deflected a pass from Watkins to make it 7-0. A similar barrage occurred in the 52nd minute when Gillian Pinder’s shot from the top of the D went through the keeper, a just reward on her 100th cap. Mullan got arguably the goal of the game when claiming the ball from the air in the centre of the circle before dragging the keeper right and finding the net from a near-impossible angle. Nicci Daly rounded out the scoring 2 minutes later as she darted along the baseline, forcing the oncoming Pang to commit, before chipping the ball over her and into the goal.



A patient performance with plenty of impressive goals from the Green Army leaves them top of Pool B, likely to face Singapore in the Quarter Finals on Thursday (match time tbc).


Congratulations to Gillian Pinder on earning her 100th cap.   

Ireland 10 (Upton, Evans, O’Flanagan x2, Mullan x2, Watkins, Barry, Pinder, Daly)
Hong Kong 0

Squad: McFerran, Sargent, O’Byrne, Carroll, Pinder, Upton, Watkins, O’Flanagan (Captain), Wilson, Barry, Matthews

Subs: Cassin, Daly, Colvin, Tice, McCay, Mullan, Evans,

Irish Hockey Association media release



Maybank to face first stern test against Tenaga

KUALA LUMPUR: So far, so good.

For Maybank, their first real test in the Malaysia Hockey League starts today with the Premier Division clash against Tenaga Nasional at the Bukit Serendit Hockey Stadium in Malacca.

The Tigers are second in the table behind Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) on goal difference. Both are on six points after winning their opening two games.

Maybank began with a 3-2 win over Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and then whipped Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) 4-0.

Maybank coach Shaiful Azli Abdul Rahman said that they had easier opponents in the opening weekend and were happy to come away with full points.

“This is a big week for us. We’ll be playing three big teams in a row and that will surely test our pedigree to the fullest,” said Maybank coach Shaiful Azli Abdul Rahman yesterday.

After Tenaga, the Tigers face fourth-placed Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club and third-placed Terengganu over the weekend.

KLHC clinched their first trophy of the season by winning the Charity Shield. Terengganu are the defending league and TNB Cup (overall) champions and recently clinched the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Knockout Trophy.



Said Shaiful: “Our plan is to take one match at a time and try and secure as many points as possible.

“The confidence level is high and that is good as we need to be at our best against these three teams.”

UniKL also started the season on a positive note. They whipped SSTMI 5-0 with debutant Australian Lachlan Stock scoring a hat-trick. UniKL then edged Tenaga 1-0.

And they should retain the lead as they meet seven-placed TNB Thunderbolt at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium today.

UniKL skipper Mohamed Marhan Mohamed Jalil was plea­sed with the opening two wins, but said they should be more clinical in front of goal.

“We need to more creative in attack and not let chances go to waste. Our target in the opening weekend was to take full points.

“Now we must get ready to face tougher opponents. Every point at this stage counts and we cannot afford to slow down or underestimate any team.

“We are slowly getting into momentum with the foreign signings. The sooner we gel the better it is for the team. Our hope is to be consistent and stay in the title hunt all the way,” said Marhan.

The Star of Malaysia



After Junior World Cup success, skipper Harjeet plans to get TV, new home for parents

Junior World Cup win only the beginning, promises Harjeet

Harpreet Kaur Lamba


Harjeeet Singh celebrates

Four years ago when Harjeet Singh first broke into the junior hockey team, a casual query from this correspondent had left him stumped.

"Which school do you attend?" yours truly had asked and Harjeet after pondering for almost 30 seconds, said he could not recollect.

"What do you want to ask me? Zyada mushkil sawaal to nahi puchne?" he had asked before adding, "Mujhe ye sab baat karna nahi aata. I just play hockey."

His innocence was unmistakable, and so was his focus: hockey.

Today, the 21-year-old is a well-known name, having led India to the Junior World Cup title in Lucknow last month. Remind him of the conversation and he laughs, "Asli gyan kitaabon se thode aata hai."

One would agree seeing how Harjeet has grown up gradually, both in age and maturity, and led his team to the crown admirably.

If the team were under stress, Harjeet was their shepherd. If there was a tragedy - a few players lost close ones in their journey to the World Cup - Harjeet lent a helping shoulder. If they needed motivation or stern words, the youngster reminded them of the hardships faced all this while. And if they finally needed to relax after a hard day’s work, the skipper gathered everyone in his room and made them ginger tea - every evening.

"We are one family," says Harjeet as he reflects on his journey and the World Cup title triumph. "I started playing international hockey at the age of 15 and did not know anything else other than hockey. But it is important to understand and learn new things.

"Quite a lot of players from our team belong to a poor background, we have shared and suffered a lot together and when you put such a bunch together you learn to fight.

"Ek alag hi jazba hai in sab mein... hockey ke alawa kuch hai nahi na. Isliye sab kuch yehin laga dete hain."

A night before the Junior World Cup final against Belgium, Harjeet gathered his players and reminded them of the hardships they had faced in the run-up.

"It was a very simple talk. I reminded them of the sweat, hard work, laughter and even gaaliyans that we had faced together in numerous camps in the lead up to the final.

"I told them that you can play many World Cups and Olympics at the senior level, but at the junior (Under-21) level, you can play just one World Cup and let us graduate to the senior level with a win.

"I said, this is the day we have waited for two years and we will only return from the field with a gold."

As Harjeet and his boys celebrated on the field after defeating Belgium 2-1, his village folks huddled in front of a small television in Niholka, Kurali, while the youngster’s father Rampal was away on duty.

A truck driver by profession, Rampal could not afford to skip work even on that day.

Says Harjeet, "We do not have a television at home, so my family either goes to my uncle’s place to watch me play or do not watch me at all. I think my dad was busy but he is very proud of what we have achieved. I met him in Kolkata (while playing for the Beighton Cup last week) and it was only after a gap of 4-5 months.

"All this is normal life now since we have dedicated our lives to hockey."

And what about a television set at home? Says Harjeet, "We are building a new, bigger home now. Till now, it was only one room. We will get a TV there so that they can see me play."

It is no surprise that Harjeet is now spoken in the same breath as senior midfielders Sardar Singh and Manpreet Singh, and many see him as the one for the future as the federation looks to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Says the modest midfielder, "I believe in one team so I will not speak on individual effort or goals.

"There is a lot of hockey ahead for all of us and I can promise that if this bunch stays together, you will see many highs in Indian hockey. This is the promise I can make as a skipper and a player.

"The Junior World Cup is only the beginning."

The Asian Age



Fuchs to lead Dabang Mumbai after injured Swann pulls out

Dhananjay Roy

MUMBAI: Dabang Mumbai missed out on a semifinal berth by a whisker in the fourth edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) last year. Nevertheless, they were a far superior side than some of their results suggested. This time, however, the squad coached by Australian Jason Stacy is gunning for a happier ending and have been hard at practice on their home turf - the MHA Stadium at Churchgate - over the past eight days.

Germany's star striker Florian Fuchs will lead the side in the absence of Aussie braveheart Matthew Swann, who has opted out of the tournament owing to an injury he sustained last month. "The composition of the team is good, but we are disappointed that Swann, who captained the side last year, is injured. He was inspirational for us," Stacy told TOI on Tuesday.

Mumbai have brought about five changes to the 20-member squad and Stacy feels the side is more balanced this time. "Right across the board, our level is a bit higher this season. The junior World Cup boys are evolving and players have returned from the Rio Olympics. So, we are a better team," he insisted.

Striker Niikin Thimmaiah, who missed HIL-4 due to injury, is back in place of defender Diwakar Ram, who was his replacement. A couple of Dutch players - forward Robbert Kemperman and defender Sander de Wijn - too find themselves in the squad, while goalkeeper Xavi Trenchs has been omitted. Australian forward Kieran Govers, too, is part of the side this time as is Belgium defender Emmanuel Stockbroekx.

"Fuchs is one of the best strikers in world hockey. He leads by example on the pitch. He works very hard. He has very good hockey knowledge, and can help the younger players around him, so we are very thankful that we have him on our team," insisted Stacy.

There are changes on the coaching staff as well, and Mumbai have roped in Australian Andrew McDonald as the assistant coach. Another Aussie, Greg Drake, has been brought on board as video analyst. "Andrew is a very experienced coach in Australia. He has been in the elite network for over 25 years. We know each other for a long time. He holds the same position in Tasmania as I do in Victoria. He has worked with national teams and a lot of different areas of the national program," said Stacy.

Squad: Forwards: Robbert Kemperman (Netherlands), Johan Bjorkman (Sweden), Florian Fuchs (Germany), Gurjant Singh, Roshan Minz, Affan Yousuf, Niikin Thimmaiah, Danish Mujtaba, Kieran Govers injured last (Australia); Midfielders: Manpreet, Tyron Pereira, Vikas Sharma, Nilakanta Sharma; Defenders: Emmanuel Stockbroekx (Belgium), Sander de Wijn (Netherlands), Jeremy Hayward (Australia), Harmanpreet Singh, Gurmail Singh, Goalkeepers: Krishan B Pathak, David Harte (Ireland).

The Times of India



Dabang Mumbai coach wants team to treat each game as final

MUMBAI: Former Australia mid-fielder Jay Stacy, who is the head coach of Dabang Mumbai for the upcoming season of the Hockey India League, wants his team to treat every match as final.

Stacy, who represented Australia in four Olympics, will be Mumbai's head coach for the second year in a row.

"We always play attacking hockey, that's the main way to create scoring opportunities. I am optimistic about our chances, we have obviously lost our captain from last year Matthew Swann with injury but have gained some very good international players," the Australia legend said.

"I am optimistic that we can perform well but of course this is a difficult competition, six very good teams, so it comes down to the (match) day and how we prepare for each match and how we perform in each match," he added.

Last season Mumbai had finished fifth and the coach felt that the team needed to win every match this year.

"They (all other teams) have a strong list this year. we are going to have to treat every match as final," said Stacy.

He believes that his experience of coaching the Victoria side in the Australia Premier League will come in handy while coaching Mumbai Dabang.

Asked how will his Olympic experience count, he said, "Just because I had a long playing career does not guarantee that I will be a good coach. But I have been coaching for quite some time now. Last year was my first year and I learnt a lot about Indian Hockey League, so I can pass on some experience. This year I coached Victoria in the Australia Hockey League (and) we won the championship.

"I have that experience. Hopefully I can pass on some of those structures and strategies (to the players).

"What we want to do as a defensive group, as a midfield group and as a striker group and of course our set pieces. We have to make sure our set pieces are in a good rhythm and give us an opportunity but we have some good flickers, Harmanpreet (Singh), (Jeremy) Hayward," Stacy added.

He also said that his team was balanced and comprised world's one of the best strikers in Florian Fuchs.

"We have good mid-fielders and defenders so overall (we have) balance across the field at one time and that will stand us in good state but the other teams have also got that, so we must be disciplined," Stacy insisted.

"Our training sessions have been very solid, (a lot of) hard work."

The Times of India



Kerry announces squad to build on Rio gold medal


Nic White, Lily Owsley and Giselle Ansley

After winning gold at the Rio Olympics, Danny Kerry has named a 33-woman squad to lead England and Great Britain into the next Olympic cycle.

15 of the squad are joining the central programme for the first time, marking a significant injection of new blood to an already hugely successful squad. Twelve of the 19 athletes who flew to Rio will once again strive for success under Kerry’s tutelage.

Joining the programme this month are Amy Costello, Olivia Page, Erica Sanders and Anna Toman (all University of Birmingham), Charlotte Calnan, Emily Defroand, Jo Hunter and Hannah Martin (all Surbiton), Suzy Petty and Rose Thomas (both Wimbledon), Nicola Cochrane (Clifton Robinsons), Sarah Jones (Holcombe), Ellie Rayer (Loughborough University), Takara Haines (East Grinstead) and England’s under 21 captain Kathryn Lane (Leicester).

As the elite of hockey’s youth development programme, these 15 players will aim to help Kerry achieve the squad’s stated aim of Winning After Winning, and many have come through the Player Pathway to join the elite central programme. The programme at Bisham Abbey is funded by UK Sport and the National Lottery, with huge support from lead sponsors Investec, who recently extended their partnership until after the Tokyo games in 2020.

On the back of Olympic gold and with a home World Cup in London in the summer of 2018, these are very exciting times for the squad, and indeed for the sport in this country. The first opportunity for the team to shine will come on June 11th when England host the Netherlands on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In addition, the athletes’ Olympic success will be celebrated at the upcoming Super 6s at the SSE Arena, Wembley on Sunday 29th January when a number of gold medallists will meet supporters and sign autographs.

Scotland’s Cochrane and Costello enter the programme, and join compatriot Sarah Robertson in the squad. Welsh duo Thomas and Jones also join the programme for the first time. Surbiton’s Martin joins the programme and her brother Harry is part of the men’s squad, having played in both the London and Rio Olympic games.

Head coach Danny Kerry said, “Following a number of months of assessment within our centralised programme we have selected a new initial squad for the Tokyo cycle. We have, I feel, a good depth of skilful, committed, smart, and athletic athletes who are eager to learn, develop and build on the legacy and momentum of the Rio Olympic cycle. As part of this group we have also retained an excellent core from the previous cycle, who no doubt will play a key role in passing on the values and behaviours that drive performance whilst evolving the culture for the coming cycle.

“On a personal level I am excited about the potential that this group, allied to our excellent National Lottery funded programme at Bisham Abbey, holds. With a home World Cup for England on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2018, and the prospect of GB defending an Olympic title in Tokyo 2020 the challenges of this cycle are as clear, significant and exciting as ever. I believe this new squad has what it takes to shine again and continue to inspire future generations to play our sport.”

Squad:
Giselle Ansley (Surbiton)
Grace Balsdon (Canterbury)
Sophie Bray (SC Kampong)
Charlotte Calnan (Surbiton)+
Nicola Cochrane (Clifton Robinsons)+*
Amy Costello (University of Birmingham)+*
Alex Danson (Clifton Robinsons)
Emily Defroand (Surbiton)+
Susie Gilbert (Reading)
Takara Haines (East Grinstead)+
Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton)
Sabbie Heesh (Surbiton)
Maddie Hinch (SCHC)
Jo Hunter (Surbiton)+
Sarah Jones (Holcombe)+**
Kathryn Lane (Leicester)+
Joie Leigh (Clifton Robinsons)
Hannah Martin (Surbiton)+
Shona McCallin (Holcombe)
Lily Owsley (University of Birmingham)
Olivia Paige (University of Birmingham)+
Suzy Petty (Wimbledon)+
Ellie Rayer (Loughborough Students)+
Sarah Robertson (Edinburgh University)*
Erica Sanders (University of Birmingham)+
Zoe Shipperley (Buckingham)
Rose Thomas (Wimbledon)+**
Anna Toman (University of Birmingham)+
Susannah Townsend (La Gantoise)
Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead)
Ellie Watton (Holcombe)
Hollie Webb (Surbiton)
Nic White (Holcombe)

+New addition to the central programme
*Qualifies to represent Scotland
** Qualifies to represent Wales

Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh and 2012 Olympian Emily Maguire announced their retirements since Rio, and a number of other athletes have currently chosen to take breaks from international hockey.

We would like to place on record our gratitude to all of the athletes and staff who contributed throughout the entire previous four-year cycle, they have inspired a generation and forever changed the sport in this country.

With Kate Richardson-Walsh’s retirement, the squad is looking for its first new captain in 13 years, and new leaders will continue to be developed over the coming months.

England vs Netherlands test match: England and the Netherlands continue their fierce rivalry in a one-off test match on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday 11 June 2017. Public tickets will go on sale on Sunday 19th February 2017, exactly 6 months after that momentous Rio Final between Great Britain and the Netherlands. A period of priority ticket access will made available to fans who have bought tickets to the 2015 Unibet EuroHockey Championships, 2016 Hockey Champions Trophy or 2017 Hockey World League in London.

Tickets to the World League are still available, featuring a resurgent England men’s team beginning their World Cup journey against Olympic Champions Argentina and European Champions Netherlands amongst others. Find out more about the event, a great day out for both hockey nuts and general sports fans looking to watch world class sport with their mates. Click here for tickets.

Hockey World Cup 2018: London hosts the World’s biggest hockey tournament in the summer of 2018 as our Olympic Champions fight for more gold on home soil. Tickets are certain to be in huge demand and go on sale later in the year, with priority to those who purchase for the Netherlands test match or the Hockey World League. If you want to be the first to hear about hockey ticket updates, sign up to our ticket bulletins.

About Investec, principal sponsor of the England and Great Britain women’s hockey team. Investec is an international specialist bank and asset manager that provides a diverse range of financial products and services to a select client base. The group was established in 1974 and has core activities in the UK, South Africa and Australia.

Investec focuses on delivering distinctive profitable solutions for its clients in three core areas of activity, namely Specialist Banking, Wealth & Investment and Asset Management.

Investec sponsors the Investec Derby Festival, Test Cricket in England, the England & GB Women’s Hockey teams, the Investec Rugby Championship and Investec Super Rugby in New Zealand.

England Hockey Board Media release



Sarah Robertson, Amy Costello, and Nicola Cochrane selected for GB senior programme


Sarah Robertson

Scottish Hockey is delighted to announce that Scotland’s Sarah Robertson, Amy Costello, and Nicola Cochrane have been selected for the women’s Great Britain Hockey senior programme for the new Olympic cycle working towards Tokyo 2020.

Scotland’s Cochrane and Costello enter the programme for the first time, and join compatriot Robertson in the squad. Robertson joined the programme in 2014 while Costello and Cochrane have emerged as excellent players for club and country. It is a fantastic reward for three of Scotland’s most exciting young players.

After winning gold at the Rio Olympics, Danny Kerry has named a 32-woman squad, 15 of which are joining the central programme for the first time, marking a significant injection of new blood to an already hugely successful squad.


Amy Costello

Scotland senior women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “I am delighted for Sarah, Amy and Nicki. They absolutely deserve to be in the Great Britain set up. They have shown excellent progress within the Scotland set up and I hope they can push on for selection.”

Head coach Danny Kerry said, “Following a number of months of assessment within our centralised programme we have selected a new initial squad for the Tokyo cycle. We have, I feel, a good depth of skilful, committed, smart, and athletic athletes who are eager to learn, develop and build on the legacy and momentum of the Rio Olympic cycle.

“On a personal level I am excited about the potential that this group. With the prospect of GB defending an Olympic title in Tokyo 2020 the challenges of this cycle are as clear, significant and exciting as ever. I believe this new squad has what it takes to shine again and continue to inspire future generations to play our sport.”


Nicola Cochrane

Giselle Ansley (Surbiton)
Grace Balsdon (Canterbury)
Sophie Bray (SC Kampong)
Charlotte Calnan (Surbiton)+
Nicola Cochrane (Clifton Robinsons)+*
Amy Costello (University of Birmingham)+*
Alex Danson (Clifton Robinsons)
Emily Defroand (Surbiton)+
Susie Gilbert (Reading)
Takara Haines (East Grinstead)+
Sarah Haycroft (Surbiton)
Sabbie Heesh (Surbiton)
Maddie Hinch (SCHC)
Jo Hunter (Surbiton)+
Sarah Jones (Holcombe)+**
Kathryn Lane (Leicester)+
Joie Leigh (Clifton Robinsons)
Hannah Martin (Surbiton)+
Shona McCallin (Holcombe)
Lily Owsley (University of Birmingham)
Olivia Paige (University of Birmingham)+
Suzy Petty (Wimbledon)+
Ellie Rayer (Loughborough Students)+
Sarah Robertson (Edinburgh University)*
Erica Sanders (University of Birmingham)+
Zoe Shipperley (Buckingham)
Rose Thomas (Wimbledon)+**
Anna Toman (University of Birmingham)+
Susannah Townsend (La Gantoise)
Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead)
Ellie Watton (Holcombe)
Hollie Webb (Surbiton)
Nic White (Holcombe)

+New addition to the central programme
*Qualifies to represent Scotland
** Qualifies to represent Wales

Scottish Hockey Union media release



New look for Olympic champions Britain

LONDON: Olympic women's champions Great Britain unveiled a revamped squad Tuesday, with 15 new players in a 33-strong party as they began a rebuilding process after their dramatic 2016 success in Rio.

But 12 of the squad who helped see the side clinch the gold medal in a stunning win over the Netherlands remain, including shoot-out stars Hollie Webb -- who scored the decisive penalty -- and goalkeeper Maddie Hinch.

Britain are now searching for a first new captain in 13 years following the international retirement of Kate Richardson-Walsh.

Crista Cullen, Hannah Macleod, Sam Quek, Helen Richardson-Walsh and Georgie Twigg were also missing after deciding to retire completely or take a break from international hockey.

The next major tournaments on the horizon for coach Danny Kerry's side are a home World Cup in 2018 and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

"With a home World Cup for England on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2018, and the prospect of GB defending an Olympic title in Tokyo 2020 the challenges of this cycle are as clear, significant and exciting as ever," said Kerry.

"I believe this new squad has what it takes to shine again and continue to inspire future generations to play our sport."

The Times of India



Familiar names on the U18 and U16 Super 6s Trophies


Kings Bruton Girls U16 2017

The first national champions of 2017 were decided at the weekend at the Schools Super 6s finals with four competitions coming to their conclusion - Girls’ U18s, Boys’ U18s, Girls ‘ U16s and Boys’ U16s. The finals saw a familiar name take two of the titles, a new name for one of the trophies and another take their first indoor silverware for more than ten seasons.

The Girls’ Under 16 finals were a triumph for Kings, Bruton who defeated holders Cranleigh in the final.

Kings came through their Pool as runners up with wins over Kent, Malvern and Egglescliffe and a draw against St Georges who took top spot. Pool B saw Repton qualify with maximum points, including a 2-1 win over pool runners up Cranleigh.

The semi finals saw a predictably tight all-Surrey affair between Cranleigh and St Georges which ended 2-2. Cranleigh won the stroke competition. In the other semi Kings came away with a fine 4-2 win over Repton to reach the final.

In the final Kings got off to a dream start and were two up within the first two minutes thanks to goals from Olivia Hamilton and Victoria McCabe. McCabe added a crucial third just on half time to leave Cranleigh with a mountain to climb. They were unable to make in-roads in the second period and Caroline Golland added a fourth to secure Kings first national title.

The Under 18 final saw a reverse of last season’s Under 16 final with Repton coming out on top at the expense of Cranleigh.

Repton topped Pool C but only on goal difference from Beaconsfield High who beat them 5-2. However a Beaconsfield loss against Millfield saw them drop behind Repton on goal difference. In Pool D Cranleigh won all four of their games but there was a huge battle for the runners up spot. Dean Close, Perse and Malvern were all in with a shout; all beating Queen Ethelburgas but losing to Cranleigh. The three games between the potential runners up ended as draws and Dean Close took the place on the best goal difference.

In the semi finals Repton overcame Dean Close 7-2 and Cranleigh beat Beaconsfield High 3-1. The final saw Repton take a commanding first half lead thanks to goals from Mimi Tarrant and Esme Burge (2). A late Tarrant second secured a 4-0 win for the Derbyshire side.


Repton Girls U18 2017

Repton took their second title in the Boys U16 competition where they defeated hosts Whitgift in the final.

Repton ended top of Pool A despite a loss against runners up Dean Close. Dean Close had lost to Altrincham Grammar School but the Cheshire team’s results faded on Day 2. In Pool B Whitgift were convincing leaders with four wins out of four. QEGS Wakefield performed brilliantly to secure second place with wins over Millfield and Bishops Stortford and a draw with Trent.

QEGS then pushed Repton all the way in the semi with the game ending 2-2 before Repton edged out the Wakefield team 2-1 on strokes. Whitgift were convincing 4-0 winners over Dean Close in the other semi. Two early Stuart Kentwell goals took Repton into a strong position but goals either side of half time from Spencer Wood levelled things up for Whitgift. However Kentwell went on to bag another one whilst Mackie Newton also netted to mean Repton ran out 4-2 winners.


Repton Boys U16 2017

Kingston Grammar lifted the Boys U18 trophy for the first time since 2006 after a narrow win against Whitgift, who earned their second set of runners up medals of the weekend.

Whitgift sailed through Pool C with a 100% record with Oakham taking second place on seven points. Pool D was a tighter affair. Kingston topped it with nine points but lost to Perse. However Repton pipped Perse for second place with Queens Taunton and Kings Chester also picked up points along the way.

In the semi finals Kingston drew 1-1 with Oakham to mean another stroke competition which the Surrey side won 3-2. Whitgift beat Repton 2-0 to set up a local derby with Kingston in the weekend’s concluding game. Thomas Rhodes put Whitgift ahead on 3 minutes but an Owen Williamson corner levelled things up at the break., With no further goals a stroke competition determined the result and with Kingston converting two from two and Whitgift denied by keeper Will Mackintosh with theirs it was Kingston who took the honours.

You can see all results and tables by clicking here. 


Kingston Boys U18 2017

England Hockey Board Media release



Jyoti stars for Hockey Haryana

Ramanathapuram: Jyoti’s six goals set up a thumping 19-0 win for Hockey Haryana over Bengal Hockey Association in the A division of the seventh National sub-junior hockey tournament for women here on Tuesday.

In another match, Vaishnavi Phalke netted four goals to help Hockey Maharashtra defeat Hockey Karnataka 6-1.

Hat-tricks by Yogita, Sadhana

Hat-tricks by Yogita Verma and Sadhana Sengar helped Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy thrash Hockey Madhya Pradesh 10-0.

The results:

A division: Hockey Haryana 19 (Jyoti 6, Deepika 3, Manju Chorsiya 2, Preethi 2, Simranjeet Kaur, Usha, Raveena, Mahima, Sharmila Devi, Bharathi Saroha) bt Bengal HA 0; Hockey Maharashtra 6 (Vaishnavi Phalke 4, Akshata Dhekale, Rutuja Pisal) bt Hockey Karnataka 1 (Likitha); Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu 6 (S. Malarvizhi 2, M. Nithya Sri, R. Nadhini, L. Krishna Priya, R. Nivetha) bt Chattisgarh Hockey 1 (Anjali Mahto).

SAI 1 (Akanksha Shukla) drew with Hockey Mizoram 1 (Agnes Malsawmkimi); Hockey Andhra Pradesh 3 (Roshita Pulicharla, Mary Lotla, Sandhya Balagonda) bt Delhi Hockey 1 (Neha).

Hockey Punjab 4 (Kashish 2, Rozy Bharati, Baljeet Kaur) bt Hockey Bihar 1 (Sindhu Kumari); Madhya Pradesh HA 10 (Yogita Verma 3, Sadhana Sengar 3, Sneha Singh 2, Soniya Kumari, Hritika Singh) bt Hockey Madhya Pradesh 0.

The Hindu



Annual schoolgirls’ hockey challenge timeline set


Two South African hockey legends and leaders encourage future hockey generations participating in the 7th SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge. Former SA Women’s Captain and double Olympian, Lenise Marais heads up hockey at Durban Girls’ High School and International Umpire Wanri Venter, has just returned from Chile having umpired at the Junior World Cup, is the HOD for Sport at Thomas More College. Both Durban Girls High School and Thomas More College’s teams have been involved in the tournament. Pic by Sophie Thompson

THE annual Spar KZN school girls’ hockey challenge kicks off for its seventh edition with the first of 10 regionals taking place in February.

The hockey tournament travels throughout KZN for its regionals, as close on 80 school girls’ first teams compete, with each of the regional finalists travelling to the grand finals that takes place in July at St Mary’s in Durban.

Pongola Akademie is the first school hosting the 2017 tournament, with 12 schools participating.

The Amajuba, Vryheid and part Umzinyathin regional takes place on Saturday, 25 February. Following this the two Pietermaritzburg regionals are on Saturday, 11 March, with Epworth High School for Girls hosting the Pietermaritzburg Central and Voortrekker High the Pietermaritzburg North regional at the UKZN astro.

Sunday, 12 March sees the Durban South regional take place at the Three Schools Trust field, hosted by Werda Skool.

Crawford La Lucia hosts the Durban North regional on Saturday, 25 March and Durban Girls’ High School hosts teams at the field, 3 Schools Trust for the Durban Central regional on Sunday, 26 March.

April sees only one regional take place on Saturday, 22 April at Hoërskool Suid Natal for the South Coast and Sisonke regional, with teams travelling from outlying areas Kokstad and Matatiele.

The final three regionals will take place in May. Wembley College will host the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi regional on Saturday, 13 May. Newcomers to the tournament, Curro Hillcrest who participated for the first time last year, hosts the Highway regional on Saturday, 21 May and Grantleigh in Richards Bay hosts the North Coast regional on their turf on Saturday, 28 May.

Coming on board for the second year, Varsity College generously offers a full bursary to one lucky player who impresses coaches at each regional. In the 2016 tournament, Varsity College announced at the finals that the talent was so fantastic, they rewarded two players with bursaries.

Peter Deeb, marketing executive for Spar KZN said: “We are certainly in for an exciting year sports-wise for Spar. Some fabulous sporting events on the horizon, starting off with the magnificent hockey tournament for first teams, now in its seventh year. I wish all the teams the best of luck, and hope that they enjoy themselves on the turf.”

Tournament director, Les Galloway enthused: “The KZN tournament certainly has blossomed into a fantastic, fun and fulfilling tournament. The tournament has expanded across the provincial borders to the other provinces, which is so good for the growth of the game. Being the first tournament, KZN holds a special place in my heart and I am delighted with how it has grown in the seven years, and continues to grow welcoming and encouraging new players to the game.”

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page.



The South Coast Sun



Canberra Strikers Head Coach



Hockey ACT is currently accepting applications for the Canberra Strikers Head Coach.

The Canberra Strikers are the open women's ACT field hockey side that participate in the Australian Hockey League (AHL). The head coaching position will oversee the formulation and implementation of the team's program that will align with the Hockey ACT High Performance Plan. They will work with Hockey ACT staff to ensure that all the teams' requirements and travel itineraries are in place. The head coach will be the person responsible for the team's performance in the AHL competitions.

For more information, and the job description, please click here.

Applications close on Friday February 10, 2017.

Hockey Australia media release



The Hockey Museum is looking for Trustees



With GB women and Argentina men winning hockey gold medals for the first time at the recent Rio Olympics, this is a fascinating time to be associated with the sport. Are you an experienced professional looking for an opportunity to actively contribute to the development of a young, vibrant and rapidly expanding museum?

The Hockey Museum opened in 2012 and has a rapidly growing collection of objects and archive material from England, the rest of the UK and from abroad. The Museum, based in Woking, Surrey, is primarily a volunteer lead organisation with about 20 volunteers who attend the museum regularly to undertake on-site activities and there are a further 25 around the country who work on specific activities or projects. 2016 was an exciting year for THM as we published out first Strategic plan and appointed our first Collections Manager and a Curatorial Assistant. We also submitted our Museum Accreditation application and have developed an active partnership with the International Hockey Federation to develop a framework to protect and celebrate hockey’s international heritage. 2017 will be a challenging year for the Museum as we look to consolidate our Accreditation status, shape and begin to implement our ambitious plans to develop an international heritage framework and drive through the other strategic aims outlined in our 2016-20 Forward Plan.

The current board of six Trustees is looking to expand and recruit new Trustees who will bring with them one or more of the following skills sets:

    Professional museums’ experience to assist with museum development and exhibiting
    Business acumen with demonstrable marketing/fundraising led commercial achievements
    Research knowledge to help lead and develop the current and future academic and other research initiatives
    Experience of organisation management, development & change
    A creative and entrepreneurial implementer who can lead project delivery

The Trustees are particularly interested in applications from women to enable the Board to better reflect the gender balance of the sport. If you don’t offer any of the attributes listed, but still think the Museum could benefit from your skills and experience, we would still like to hear from you.

Legal Status of THM : Independent Museum and Charitable Trust (Registration no 1149253) in the process of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Meetings : Daytime meetings quarterly plus voluntary attendance at Volunteer days, exhibitions and two regular social events/year. We are also looking for Trustees to actively contribute to the Museum development and/or running outside of these meetings.

As a small Charity, it is not possible to offer any travelling or other expenses to Trustees or volunteers.

Website: www.hockeymuseum.net

If you would like any further information, please contact Katie Dodd, Chair of Board of Trustees This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please email your expression of interest with a CV to Evelyn Somerville This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Your approach will be acknowledged early in March.

Position: Charity Trustee
Organisation: The Hockey Museum
Location: UK, Surrey, Woking
Closing date:  27th February 2017
Job Type: Voluntary

The Hockey Museum media release

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