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News for 20 January 2017

All the news for Friday 20 January 2017


Malaysia, Italy, Ireland and Wales reach Semi-Finals at HWL Round 2 in Kuala Lumpur

Hosts Malaysia to face Italy while Ireland meet Wales after Quarter-Final victories



The line-up for Saturday’s Semi-Finals at the women’s Hockey World League Round 2 event in Kuala Lumpur has been decided following another exciting day of action on Thursday (19 January).

The first of Saturday’s Semi-Finals will see Ireland playing Celtic rivals Wales, with home favourites Malaysia taking on Italy in the second Semi-Final.

Malaysia firmly booked their place in the Semi-Finals and also moved one step closer to qualifying for Hockey World League Round 3 following a 3-0 win over Thailand at Kuala Lumpur's Tun Razak Stadium. Malaysia Tigress Head Coach K. Dharmaraj watched his side struggle to break down their opponents before scoring three goals after half time to settle the contest.

“When we could not score from the many opportunities it got us under pressure as we needed to win this tie badly, even a single goal would do,” said Dharmaraj in the post-match press conference. “It is a knock-out stage and we have to move forward. The girls played a great game but we just could not get the early goals and that was the only problem.”

After a scoreless first half, Tigress team captain Siti Noor Amarina Ruhaini lifted Malaysian spirits with a 38th minute penalty corner effort before Norazlin Sumantri and Nuraini Rashid added to the score-line ahead of full time.

Competition favourites Italy were in fine form in their Quarter-Final, cruising to a 7-0 win over Hong Kong, with Valentina Braconi scoring a hat-trick. Braconi scored twice inside the first 12 minutes with Francesca Bendinelli and Chiara Tiddi making it 4-0 ahead of half time. Dalia Mirabella and Eugenia Mastronardi were both on target before Braconi completed her hat-trick and the scoring in the 56th minute.

Ireland confidently strolled into the Semi-Finals with an emphatic 10-0 win over Singapore. It was the Green Army’s second 10-0 scoreline in successive matches, having also achieved the feat in their Pool B contest against Hong Kong on Tuesday. Anna O’Flanagan and Roisin Upton both scored hat-tricks in the game, with Naomi Carroll, Rebecca Barry, Nicola Daly and Kathryn Mullan also on target.

Speaking after today’s victory, Ireland Head Coach Graham Shaw, said: “Today was all about getting the result. It’s very difficult to play hockey against a team with all 11 players inside the circle. We’re looking forward to the Semi-Final now.”

In the last Quarter-Final of the day, Wales survived a late charge from Kazakhstan to prevail 2-1 winners. Joanne Westwood fired Wales ahead in the 19th minute via a penalty corner but the Kazakhs, who lost 13-1 to Malaysia in a Pool B match on Tuesday, equalised through Syambat Sabazova’s 41st minute penalty corner effort. With a shoot-out looming on the horizon, Wales dug deep to earn a penalty corner with four minutes remaining, a chance that Leah Wilkinson took full advantage of to give her side a crucial victory.

Singapore, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and Thailand will now play in the 5-8th classification matches on Friday. The Singaporeans go head to head against Kazakhstan with Hong Kong playing Thailand.

Results – Quarter-Finals
Malaysia 3, Thailand 0; Ireland 10, Singapore 0; Italy 7, Hong Kong 0; Wales 2 Kazakhstan 1

Friday (20 January, 2017) – 5-8th Placing:
Hong Kong v Thailand (6.15pm); Kazakhstan v Singapore (8.30pm)

Saturday (21 January, 2017) – Semi-finals:
Ireland v Wales (6.15pm); Malaysia v Italy (8.30pm).

FIH site



Green Army Book Their Place In Semi Finals



The Green Army confidently booked their place in the semi-finals of World League 2 with another high scoring victory.

As per their first 3 matches of the tournament the Irish defence was the engine room and instigator of attacking momentum, allowing the midfield to pull defenders out to the wings while the forward line caused havoc in a crowded circle. Lena Tice and Zoe Wilson were content to sweep the ball around the backline on a pendulum until space opened up, at which point it was instantly exploited. It was only a matter of time before the first goal came and Naomi Carroll gave her side the lead in the 7th minute. Hannah Matthews was sending passes through the eye of a needle from the halfway line throughout the match and Nikki Evans got on the end of more than one but was quickly swarmed by several Singapore defenders. Ireland got a deserved second goal in the 14th minute from a simple penalty corner routine; Chloe Watkins saw her initial drag saved but Rebecca Barry was quickest off the mark to slot home the loose ball. Similar to previous fixtures the Green Army unleashed a barrage of goals in the space of 3 minutes to give themselves a very comfortable 5-0 lead at half time. Anna O’Flanagan appeared to glide through 5 defenders from the edge of the circle to then fire home from close range in the 22nd minute, while drag-flick specialist Roisin Upton made no mistake with her low shots out of Liu’s reach.

Ireland rarely took their foot off the gas and dominated possession with 92% throughout, while forcing no fewer than 14 turnovers in the opening 30 minutes alone. Shirley McCay put Singapore under instant pressure as the second half got underway, charging toward the 23 and firing balls into the circle at will. O’Flanagan got her second of the game in the 43rd minute courtesy of a penalty corner, the goal also marked O’Flanagan’s 50th senior international goal to firmly put her amongst Ireland’s top goalscorers. Two minutes later Upton completed her impressive hat trick from another penalty corner. O’Flanagan rounded out her own hat trick in the 4th quarter, while Nicci Daly and Katie Mullan again added their names to the scoresheet further solidifying their positions amongst the top goalscorers of the tournament so far, a list dominated by the Green Army.

Ireland will face the winner of Wales vs Kazakhstan on Saturday (Jan 21st, time TBC) in the semi-finals of World League 2. Ireland met Kazakhstan in their opening Pool B match and notched up a 12-0 victory, the Kazaks have since lost 13-1 to Malaysia and recorded a 2-0 victory over Hong Kong on penalty strokes. Wales finished second in Pool A as they rallied from a 3-0 loss to Italy to record a 7-0 win over Singapore and 3-0 win over Thailand.



Speaking after today’s victory, head coach Graham Shaw said “Today was all about getting the result. It’s very difficult to play hockey against a team with all 11 players inside the circle. We’re looking forward to the semi-final now”.

Ireland 10 (Carroll, Barry, Upton x3, O’Flanagan x3, Daly, Mullan)
Singapore 0

Squad: McFerran, Sargent, Evans, Mullan (Captain), McCay, Watkins, Colvin, Daly, Matthews, O’Flanagan, Wilson

Subs: Cassin, O’Byrne, Tice, Carroll, Pinder, Upton, Barry

Irish Hockey Association media release



Malaysia beat Thailand in q-finals

by Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia turned on the heat in the last two quarters to beat Thailand 3-0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s World League Round Two.

Skipper Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani gave Malaysia the lead off a penalty corner in the 38th minute at the Tun Razak Stadium yesterday.

Norazlin Sumantri then made it 2-0 when she netted a field goal in the 56th minute. Four minutes later Nuraini Abdul put her name on the score sheet by converting a penalty corner.

This is Malaysia’s first ever semi-final appearance in the World League.

Malaysia face Italy tomorrow for a place in the final. The other semi-final is between Ireland and Wales.

National coach K. Dharmaraj was relieved with the win, saying the pressure was on them to beat Thailand.

“Thailand defended very well and they were waiting for us to make a mistake. But our players played well and fought for every ball,” said Dharmaraj.

“The Thais also created many chances. And when we failed to score in the first two quarters, we became desperate. Fortunately, our players didn’t panic. I’m glad we managed to score three goals in the last two quarters,” said Dharmaraj.

The Star of Malaysia



To play in World Cup -Uphill task for Malaysian Eves

B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

5th in Asia and 21st in World Ranking Malaysian eves had never played in World Cup. It is an uphill task for them to get berth in 14th edition of Women World Cup (London, July 7-21, 2018). Tomorrow (Jan 21) they have to beat Italy for entry in World Cup Qualifiers (Hockey World League Semifinals). Here are statistical highlights of Italy and Malaysia:

Particulars

Italy

Malaysia

World Ranking

15

21

World Cup-Appearances

1

0

 Final Rank in Hockey World League (2014 WC season)

12

17

Final Rank in Hockey World League (2016 OG season)

16

22

Continental Championships-Appearances

11*

13 #

Best Finish in Continental Championships

1G*,2S*

3B #

 

*Italian ladies had played Euro Cup 8 times and 3 times Euro Trophy (Euro Hockey Championship II), they won Trophy in 2013(Cambrai-France) and runners-up twice in 2005(Baku-Azerbaijan) and 2009(Rome-Italy).
#Malaysian ladies had played Asian Games 5 times, Asia Cup 6 times and Asian Champions Trophy 2 times. They won bronze in 1982 New Delhi Asian Games, 1985 Seoul Asia Cup and 2013 Kakamigahara Asian Champions trophy.

Fieldhockey.com



Fiji hockey targets ranking improvement

Pravin Narain

THE Fiji hockey men's team needs to improve on their Commonwealth Games ranking to qualify for the event next year in Gold Coast, Australia.

Fiji after playing in the Hockey World League Round 1 (HWLR1) hosted in Suva improved their ranking from 63 to 51. The side was ranked 18th in the Commonwealth Games.

Fiji has been provided with the opportunity to better their ranking as the side will compete in the Hockey World League 2 in Bangladesh in March.

Head coach Hector Smith said they had named a strong squad for the competition last Sunday.

"We have selected the players based on their performance at training.

"There were three people in the selection panel which included myself, manager Jone Tuipelehaki and former player Harry Heritage," he said.

"We have been involved with the players throughout the year and we have worked together.

"We had minimum criteria set for these players which included skill and strength test together with their attendance at training and discipline on and off the field."

Smith said they did their utmost best.

"It is a good opportunity for us to improve our ranking to qualify for the Commonwealth Games," he said.

"Some of the teams who are ranked above us in the world would also compete in round two so it is a chance for us to do well against these countries.

"The countries which will compete in the competition are hosts Bangladesh, Egypt, Sri Lanka and Oman."

The competition will be held from March 4-12.

Squad:

Beniamino Lutua, Richard Eyre, Amenatave Veitamana, David Ledua, Kyle Kava, Sean Patrick, Adrian Smith, Ovini Drasuna, Triston Tora, Rick Bently, Hector Smith, Jerome Edwards, Richard Sekiguchi, Rupeni Fabiano, James Saqacala, Martin Fong, Leevan Dutta, Krisstoffer Mock. The captain is Hector Smith and two vice-captains are Leevan Dutta and Jerome Edwards. The non travelling reserves are Darrion Queet, Jerokee Mock, Cecil Leger and Colton Pleass.

The Fiji Times



Maybank coach Shaiful doesn’t mind a draw with KLHC

PETALING JAYA: Maybank have lost their bite. Despite being awarded 17 penalty corners in their three Malaysia Hockey League’s (MHL) Premier Division matches, the Tigers could only convert three.

In their opening match against Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)-KPT, Maybank earned five but managed to score one in the 3-2 win.

Then against Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI), they converted three out of six in the 4-0 triumph.

On Wednesday, the Tigers muffed all six against Tenaga Nasional to lose 2-1. As a result of the loss, they dropped from second to fifth with six points in the eight-team league.

Said Maybank coach Shaiful Azli Abdul Rahman: “Our main penalty corner flicker Nam (Hyun-woo of South Korea) is suffering from poor form and inconsistency. I hope he will recover his form soon.”

Maybank certainly need to be at their best as they play fancied Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) at the Bukit Serendit Hockey Stadium in Malacca today.

KLHC are third with seven points from three matches.

Shaiful added: “We certainly cannot afford to waste any goal-scoring chances.

“KLHC are a solid team with good players in every department. And they have the ability to score both field and penalty corner goals. I don’t mind a draw tomorrow,” said Shaiful.

KLHC are on a three-match unbeaten run and team manager Ahmad Anuar Sham Kamar wants it to stay that way until the end of the season.

“Our team is progressing well, improving in every match. Our mission is to win the league title. To achieve that we need to stay unbeaten in every match,” said Ahmad.

The Star of Malaysia



Hockey India League’s 5th edition a chance for juniors to establish credentials

Hockey India League has contributed to the overall resurgence of the game but now is the time to think ahead and allow the younger players get more exposure

B Shrikant


Hockey India League’s fifth edition starts with a match between Dabang Mumbai and Ranchi Rays in Mumbai on Saturday. (Getty Images)

As the clock ticks down on the fifth edition of the Hockey India League (HIL) that starts on Saturday with a match between Dabang Mumbai and former champions Ranchi Rays, one can feel a certain buzz that hasn’t been seen in hockey since its glory days.

The league has certainly given impetus to the sport in the country, with the first four editions helping HIL establish itself as a unique brand. Some of the innovations introduced have even been picked by the international federation to be implemented at the top level.

At the same time, it’s important to take stock of the league’s contribution to the recent success of Indian hockey. Five years is good enough time to judge the accomplishments of any venture and thus the fifth edition of HIL should give crucial pointers towards the overall scope and possibilities for what is now becoming the premier hockey league in the world.

There is no doubt that the league has contributed to the overall resurgence in Indian hockey as indicated in the recent good performances of the national team.

There has been success in the Hockey World League (bronze medal), Champions Trophy (silver medal), the Rio Olympics and finally the triumph at the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup in Lucknow last month.

League looks stagnated

However, it’s also true that the league looks stagnated as it has not been able to increase the number of participating teams. HIL started in 2013 with five teams and added just one team in 2014.

Leagues in hockey nations like Australia, England, Spain and Holland have between eight to 12 teams in their top division league. One reason why HIL has not been to expand is the limited pool of Indian players at its disposal.

With no FIH global event scheduled till the World Cup in Bhubaneswar in 2018, the major teams will be rebuilding their squads. For India, the process starts with the HIL as it will be a good chance for junior players to make their way into the senior team.

Most of the junior players were involved in the last edition of the HIL but did not get enough chances to play. Following India’s triumph in the Junior World Cup, these players are nudging established stars and HIL is a good chance for them to establish their credentials.

Ranchi could reclaim title

Six teams will again vie for the title this season and the winner will be determined after a double round-robin preliminary league played on home and away basis followed by semifinals (Feb 25) and final (Feb 26).

On paper, former champions Ranchi Rays look a well-balanced side and a favourite to reclaim their title.

Defending champions Jaypee Punjab Warriors have picked some young players to bolster their side while Delhi Waveriders look short on star power and are banking on youth to propel them towards their second title.

Hindustan Times



Delhi Waveriders name Rupinder as captain for HIL 2017

NEW DELHI: Ace dragflicker Rupinder Pal Singh will lead Delhi Waveriders in the upcoming fifth edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), starting January 21.

Rupinder will take charge of the tam from New Zealand's Simon Child, who has been named as the vice-captain.

Rupinder, who was part of the 2014 Asian Games gold medal-winning Indian team, will lead a young squad, which includes some new faces in Austin Smith of South Africa, Argentina's Manuel Brunet, Vincent Vanasch of Belgium and Indian goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya, Mandip Antil and Pardeep Singh.

The Waveriders also has in its disposal two promising Indian players, Junior World Cup-winning side captain Harjeet Singh and 19-year-old Mandeep Singh.

New international faces of Waveridrs include Manuel, who was part of the 2016 Rio Olympics gold winning Argentina team, Austin, competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, the 2010 and 2014 Hockey World Cups, and at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games and Belgian goalkeeper Vincent, who represented his national side at the 2012 London Olympics.

Commenting on the new-look side, Waveriders coach Ced ric D'Souza said: "With some of the players from last year's team unavailable, we have done our best to fill the gaps with top quality players."

"Training has gone on really well and we definitely are a well-rounded and balanced team. Needless to say, we will do our best to continue and maintain our past record of a podium finish with, of course, the target being the top place. We can expect some high-octane action in the 2017 Hockey India League." he added.

Delhi Waveriders Squad: Rupinder Pal Singh (Captain), Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Antil, Surender Kumar, Pardeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Vikram Kanth, Parvinder Singh, Vikas Dahiya, Santa Singh, Prabhdeep Singh, Harjeet Singh, Simon Child (Vice-Captain), Tristan White, Manuel Brunet, Iain Wallace Lewers, Benjamin Stanzl, Vanasch Vincent Francois Bernard, Justin Neil Reid - Ross, Austin Charles Smith.

The Times of India



Waveriders sack Harjot, player alleges foul play

Jaspreet Sahni

CHANDIGARH: Considered PR Sreejesh's backup and India's No. 2 goalkeeper not too long ago, custodian Harjot Singh has been expelled by his Hockey India League franchise, the Delhi Waveriders, in controversial circumstances.

Harjot, who was recently appointed a sub-inspector in the Punjab Police, claims that despite repeated reminders, the franchise did not request his employer to relieve him for the training camp and the HIL that begins on Saturday.

As a result, Harjot was unable to report for the camp that commenced on January 12, and Delhi Waveriders then shot him a mail informing about the termination of his contract with immediate effect. Interestingly, Hockey India (HI) did send a letter to Punjab Police for relieving Harjot and other players, but the department wanted a letter from the franchises as well.

"The DGP told me to ask the franchise to send a similar letter (as HI), but despite me calling them for the same several times, they did not send it, and instead sacked me.

"All they sent me was a train ticket to report for the camp on January 12, but the DGP never received any request from them," the man from Hathoor in district Moga, Punjab, rued. In the mail sent by Delhi Waveriders' management, the franchise, which will be led by Rupinder Pal Singh said: "As you are aware, we have no time left with us to do the preparations for the season and therefore, we cannot tolerate any such absence. In view of this, we hereby cancel your contract with immediate effect."

Harjot then mailed his response: "At the outset, I am really shocked... I would like to inform you that as per my mobile calls made to you on the 11th and 12th January , you had directed me to get in touch with Mr. Abhishek in your office, which I readily did...in spite of my repeated calls to Abhishek, I was told by him that he would call me back, which he didn't.

"I had also informed that since I have joined Punjab Police, my letter of release should be sent to the department as was done by other team franchises with regard to the release of other players from Punjab Police," he wrote. On January 4, along with Harjot, Manpreet Singh, Dharamvir Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Sarvanjit Singh and Ramandeep Singh were al so appointed by Punjab Police.

When TOI tried to contact Delhi coach Cedric D'souza, he remained unavailable. However, the media wing of the franchise sent an official response of the coach via whatsapp, without mentioning the reason for not requesting Punjab Police to relieve Harjot. "As Harjot Singh did not report for the training sessions, we could not include him in the team. At this point of time, when the tournament is just about to begin, our focus is on training of the players. It is not possible for a player to directly take the field without training," the statement said.

But Harjot believes there is more to it than what meets the eye since he already conveyed what was required for him to join the camp on time.

"It seems they already had some other goalkeeper in mind," Harjot alleged. Otherwise, why would all other franchises send letters to request the release of other players employed with Punjab Police, but not Delhi Waveriders!"

The Times of India



IOC comes on board as partner for HIL

NEW DELHI: Stated-owned Indian Oil Corporation was on Thursday named as a partner for the upcoming fifth edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), starting in Mumbai on January 21.

Hockey India stated that having support from such a prestigious corporate partner will go a long way to ensure the success of this edition of HIL.

Speaking on the occasion, HIL chairman Md Mushtaque Ahmad said, "We are honored to receive the support of Indian Oil Corporation for the Coal India Hockey India League 2017. This kind of support to the sport will go a long way to ensure we can bring together the best talent in the world and have a highly successful tournament."

Subodh Dakwale, Executive Director (Corporate Communications & Branding) of IOC added: "Indian Oil has been promoting sports in a big way over the past decades, including hockey. Indian Oil has 15 national level hockey players on its rolls out of which three players are currently representing India as part of the national team.

"Besides, Indian Oil has over 100 sports persons, both men and women, in different categories of sports on its rolls. We recognise the commendable efforts of the Coal India Hockey India League to bring world class hockey to millions of fans in India. We are happy to partner with this initiative and wish the league a grand success."

The Times of India



Super 6s Final Four: Bowdon Hightown


Tina Cullen celebrates after scoring in the indoor final

It's time to introduce you to another of the contenders for the Women’s Super 6s title. Today we run the rule over the Seahorses of Bowdon Hightown.

A side with plenty of titles under their belts in this competition, (11 so far) Bowdon Hightown last triumphed in the Wembley showpiece in the 2014-15 season so they will know what it’s all about.

This season they were the first team to book their place at finals day. After a strong showing in the first weekend they got the points they needed on the Saturday of week two, allowing them to coast home on the Sunday and secure second spot and a semi-final clash with Canterbury.

Hightown play a good brand of indoor hockey and in the qualifiers they scored the most goals in the competition (39) and conceded the second fewest (25).

 “We’re really proud to make it Wembley it’s a big achievement. Although we’ve been a few times we want to get there every year. The competitions been really tough his time out so it’s very pleasing to be one of the final teams left standing.” beamed Captain Michelle Liptrot. 


Bowdon Hightown Super 6s SemiFinalists 2017

The pool stage clash with their semi-final opponents Canterbury ended in a 5-3 win for the Kent side but Bowdon will still head to finals day brimming with confidence. The fact they have been there before is a big advantage:

“The previous experience does stand you in good stead.” says Liptrot. “Knowing what to expect of a big event is always key but we never underestimate the other teams and we’ll do our best.”

With Sally Walton, the competition’s top scorer last season bagging 13 goals this time out, ably supported by the irrepressible Tina Cullen (nine goals) Hightown have the firepower to live with anyone on their day. 

Seven other players have also found the net for the Seahorses, showing they are a threat all over the court.

Having tasted victory in recent memory, Bowdon will be keen to get their hands on the trophy once more. Can they do it?

England Hockey Board Media release



Veteran defender David Jameson retires from international play, ending 14 year career

Shaheed Devji


David Jameson celebrates a goal against Trinidad and Tobago at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Scotland. Photo by Yan Huckendubler.

After a career that spanned 14 years and included 232 senior international matches, Vancouver’s David Jameson has retired from international play.

The veteran defender began his senior career in 2002 with on a tour in Brussels, Belgium. After all is said and done, Jameson’s career goes down as one of the most accomplished in Canadian field hockey history and includes his participation in  4 Pan American Games, 3 Commonwealth Games, and 1 World Cup.

“I have taken a couple of months to reflect since the Olympics, and am now confident that it’s time for me to look forward to new challenges and experiences in my life,” he says. “It has truly been an honour and something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Jameson grew up in a hockey family, with his mother playing on the Women’s National Team in the seventies and his sister Stephanie becoming the most capped Women’s National Team player – an honour she stills holds until this day.

David currently sits in 9th all-time in games played for the Men’s National Team.

“There are a great number of people who have had an incredible influence on me both as a player and as a person throughout my career, and I am thankful for each and every one of them,” he adds. “In particular I would like to thank my coaches for their guidance, my teammates for making this the most incredible experience, and my family and friends for their never ending support.”

Among the proudest moments of his career was winning the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The gold medal sent the Canadian men to the Olympics Games in 2008. And while Jameson missed out on those Olympics, he will forever cherish the part he played in getting the team there. Something he also did for the the team’s return to the Games in 2016.

“The blood, sweat, and tears I have shed, and the nicknames I have gained have all been worth it,” says the 32 year-old who was aptly nicknamed Beaver. “I am grateful to have had the chance to play the sport I love for so long while representing my country.”

Field Hockey Canada media release

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