News for 30 January 2017
All the news for Monday 30 January 2017
SA men battled well against Dutch
The South African men’s hockey team lost the third and final test match against Holland in the Cape Town Summer Series, but the players will do themselves a favour if they rather just focus on the first 30 minutes because it was in this half that the team showed what they are capable of.
Holland won 5-1. For the first 30 minutes the South Africans did exactly what their captain Tim Drummond wanted from them though – they defended strong and was much more aggressive on the attack.
The local team’s radar was a bit off, with many shots at goal going wide. The positive aspect is that they created chances and played positive hockey. In the second half Drummond and his men mostly defended after the visitors scored with 30 seconds left before halftime.
The Dutch goals were scored by captain Bob de Voogd, Glenn Schuurman, Rik van Kan, Jip Janssen and Thierry Brinkman.
South Africa’s goal came late in the match courtesy of a penalty corner converted by Daniel Bell.
Holland is 3rd on the world rankings and South Africa 15th. It was Jonty Robinson’s 100th game for his country while youngster Siyavuya Nolutshungu made his debut for South Africa.
The next matches in the series are on Monday when both South African teams take on Belgium. The women will get the action going at 18:00 and the men will play at 20:00. The series comes to an end on Friday.
SA Hockey Association media release
Victory for SA over China
The South African Women’s hockey team delivered one of its best performances ever to beat China 4-2 in the Cape Town Summer Series.
Goals from Lisa-Marie Deetlefs (2), Bernadette Coston and Candice Manuel secured a convincing win for the South Africans. The team really needed a good result after the disappointing performance against Chile last week and losing 2-5 in the second match against China.
South Africa started the match like a house on fire with a goal by Deetlefs in the first minute. The score was tied at 1-1 after the first quarter and at halftime. With the start of the last quarter the scores was still tied with two goals a piece after another goal from a penalty corner by Deetlefs.
When Coston got a goal with 8 minutes left the crowd started to believe that they are going to see an upset. China kept the pressure on the South African defence, but captain Nicolene Terblanche lead by example to keep China a begging. Local player Manuel had the supporters out of their seats when she got the goal with one minute left that made sure South Africa wins the match.
This was the performance local supporters were looking for since the start of the Summer Series. Fans got to see glimpses in the first week, but except for the first match against Chile – who is 23rd on the world rankings – the results haven’t been going the South Africans way. This time around the players did not only create chances, but converted the aggressive play into penalty corners and goals. Three of the four goals came from penalty corners.
The defence was also strong and no silly mistakes were made or easy goals conceded. The fact that the team has been training together for a few weeks now showed.
China’s goals were both scored by the captain Qianqain Boa. China is 8th on the world rankings and SA 14th.
The next matches in the series are on Monday when both South African teams take on Belgium. The women will get the action going at 18:00 and the men will play at 20:00. The series comes to an end on Friday.
SA Hockey Association media release
'SA can win hockey medal at Durban 2022 Games'
Allan Isaacs
Lilian du Plessis, left, played her 100th game for South Africa this past week, while Jonty Robinson, right, is expected to reach the milestone on Sunday. Photo: Gavin Withers
Fine-tuning selection and tactics have been the key aspects worked on by South Africa during the ongoing Summer Series of hockey internationals in Cape Town, says men’s coach Fabian Gregory.
The national mentor believes that, despite hefty defeats against the Netherlands last week, there is much to be optimistic about, looking at long-term goals.
The 2022 Durban CommonwealthGames and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are on the to-do list, and the Proteas will definitely look to be medal contenders at the Durban showpiece in five years’ time.
The Summer Series has presented the selectors and the squad with the perfect opportunity to begin the preparations in earnest. SA hockey has their most important challenge ahead in June andJuly with the hosting of the World Hockey league semi-finals in Johannesburg.
Gregory said this week: “The two important areas that we are concentrating on are getting our selections right and tactical play.
“On selection, player combinations are extremely important and making sure that we have the players that can play to the system that we are looking to play.
“In the area of tactics, we have been trying to make sure that the players have adaptability. We have been concentrating on two specific presses in the two games thus far and experimenting with a few options.”
In the first encounter against the Dutch, the hosts were in the game most of the way, but two silly yellow cards at 3-2 cost them dearly and they eventually lost 5-2.
“The Dutch were simply sublime in the second game and we stood no chance,” said Gregory.
“SA has not played an international match for more than 10 months. The players were involved in the PHL tournament in September and it was a step in the right direction. The World Hockey League semi-finals in Johannesburg are a massive indication of the hockey revolution being advocated by the FIH.
“Our teams are in a building phase and there will be many rivers to cross,” added Gregory. “We have to invest in our youth and stick by them for the next two years and longer. We definitely have the skills to challenge any nation. Our showing at the U21 junior World Cup showed us that we can compete with the best.”
The Summer Series, meanwhile, has allowed two home players to record their 100th caps at top level.
Jonty Robinson will be playing in his 100th international on Sunday against the Netherlands, while in the women’s teams Lillian du Plessis clocked her 100th match against China on Thursday evening.
Robinson, a Wynberg Boys’ High old boy, debuted in March 2009 against Germany and has been a fixture in the SA team since then. He represented SA at the 2012 Beijing Olympics, at three consecutive Africa Cups and two consecutive World Cups. He has also had the distinction of captaining SA, in the 2015 series against Austria.
Robinson was part of a superb Wynberg Boys’ quartet including Rhett Halkett, Vaughn Erasmus and Lloyd Norris-Jones, all of whom have represented the national team..
Jonty currently plays and coaches for Holcombe Hockey club in England.
Du Plessis made her senior debut as a 19-year-old at the Champions Challenge in Ireland in 2012 and since then has donned the green and gold at high-profile events such as the Hockey World Cup and Commonwealth Games. She first grabbed the national selectors’ attention as a Grade 12 learner at St Mary’s School, Waverley, where she was coached by the likes of hockey legend Ros Howell.
Sunday
Women
Belgium v Chile 2pm; SA v China 4pm
Men
SA v Netherlands 6pm
Monday
Women
Belgium v SA 6pm
Men
Belgium v SA 8pm
Sunday Independent
Double goals by Ramandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh earns Uttar Pradesh Wizards their first win 
Bhubaneswar: Uttar Pradesh Wizards were unstoppable as they scored a sensational 10-0 win against Kalinga Lancers denying the hosts an opportunity to top the points table again. It was Agustin Mazzilli (1′), Ramandeep Singh (4′ and 23′), Akashdeep Singh (27′ and 48′) who starred in Uttar Pradesh Wizards’s maiden win.
Ahead of their clash against Kalinga Lancers, who had earlier scored two back-to-back wins in front of their home crowd, Uttar Pradesh Wizards skipper VR Raghunath had insisted on converting the chances they earn and that is exactly what his team did as they got off to a pulsating start here on Sunday in the eighth game of the fifth edition of the Coal India Hockey India League.
Playing in front of a packed Kalinga Stadium, Uttar Pradesh Wizards struck their first goal, only seconds into the game, through Argentine Agustin Mazzilli. The young forward who was leading the visitors’ attack was inch perfect in putting the ball past Kalinga Lancers’ keeper Abhinav Kumar Pandey, after he was brilliantly assisted by Arthur Van Doren in the 1st minute of the match. This was perhaps the quickest goal in the League so far and it certainly set the momentum for an exciting encounter.
Forward Ramandeep Singh, who had scored a fierce 59th minute goal for Uttar Pradesh Wizards in their first game of the League, further enhanced their lead to 4-0 with a stunning goal from the left flank in the 4th minute. It was a quick-thinking Akashdeep Singh who did a brilliant job by setting up the goal, thus silencing the boisterous home crowd. As per the new Regulations, a field goal counts as two goals and the visitors took complete advantage of this.
Uttar Pradesh Wizards, who dominated the first quarter, had a chance to take their lead to 5-0 when they earned their first PC of the match but a poor injection by Akashdeep Singh denied them the luxury.
The second quarter saw the home team play an attacking game, often making forays into the circle trying desperately to find the gap for a field goal but in vain. Uttar Pradesh Wizards, meanwhile, launched a lethal counter attack and they found success almost immediately with Ramandeep Singh scoring the team’s third goal in the 23rd minute. A skillful dribble into the circle by Seve Van Ass, beating the Kalinga Lancers’ defender Amit Rohidas, to find Ramandeep Singh who had fashioned himself in front of the post made no mistake in putting the ball past Pandey.
Later, Akashdeep Singh pumped yet another goal into the Kalinga Lancers’ post in the 27th minute taking their lead to a swashbuckling 8-0 and thus earning the tag of becoming the milestone man as this was the 50th goal at the fifth edition of the Coal India Hockey India League.
Marching into the third quarter after a formidable start, the Uttar Pradesh Wizards were patient, playing a sensible game and denying much of the ball possession to their opponents. In the 34th minute, they earned their second PC of the game, thanks to Akashdeep Singh but they couldn’t convert the chance as Kalinga Lancers keeper Andrew Charter did well in padding away the strike by VR Raghunath.
Kalinga Lancers’ dangerous forward Glenn Turner was strangely off the mark today. He missed a good chance at converting a goal in the 42nd minute when Lalit Upadhyay set him up rather seamlessly but Turner couldn’t quite convert it, thanks to the efforts of Uttar Pradesh Wizards’ celebrated keeper PR Sreejesh. Thus, ending the quarter without a goal.
The visitors continued their rampaging form into the fourth quarter as Akashdeep Singh put another one past a hapless goal keeper Charter after racing into the circle with little threat from Kalinga Lancers’ defenders and making a successful attempt in the 48th minute. This effort earned the Uttar Pradesh Wizards a 10-0 lead and five points from the match. They also became the first team in the league to win an away-from-home match.
Uttar Pradesh Wizards Agustin Mazzilli was awarded with a prize money of Rs 50,000 for scoring the Coal India Goal of the Match from Mr Ramesh Kumar Jha, General Manager (Welfare), Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd.
Anand Lakra of Kalinga Lancers won the prize of Rs 25,000 for being the Hero Young Achiever of the Match from Olympian and Member of Parliament Dr. Dilip Tirkey.
The Most Entertaining Player of the Match was awarded to Ramandeep Singh of Uttar Pradesh Wizards that came with a prize money of Rs 25,000 and presented by Mr. Pratap Satpathy, General Secretary, Hockey Odisha.
Akashdeep Singh of Uttar Pradesh Wizards was declared the Man of the Match and was awarded a prize money of Rs 50,000 by Mr. LN Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary, MSME Department, Govt of Odisha.
On 30 January 2017, Dabang Mumbai will take on Delhi Waveriders in Mumbai.
Official HIL site
Uttar Pradesh Wizards earn first win, outclass Kalinga Lancers 10-0
Bhubaneshwar: Strikers Ramadeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh scored a brace each as Uttar Pradesh Wizards produced a stellar performance to beat Kalinga Lancers 10-0 and register their first win in the fifth Hockey India League on Sunday.
Ramandeep and Akashdeep were stars for Uttar Pradesh Wizards. Image Credit: Twitter: @HockeyIndiaLeag
Playing in front of a packed Kalinga Stadium, Uttar Pradesh Wizards struck their first goal, only seconds into the game, through Argentine Agustin Mazzilli's field strike to go 2-0 up as according to the rules of the tournament one field goal is counted as two.
The young forward, who was leading the visitors' attack was inch perfect in putting the ball past Kalinga Lancers' keeper Abhinav Kumar Pandey, after he was brilliantly assisted by Arthur Van Doren in the first minute of the match.
Ramandeep, who had scored a fierce 59th-minute goal for Uttar Pradesh Wizards in their first game this season, further enhanced their lead to 4-0 with a stunning goal from the left flank in the fourth minute.
It was a quick-thinking Akashdeep who did a brilliant job by setting up the goal, thus silencing the boisterous home crowd.
Uttar Pradesh Wizards, who dominated the first quarter, had a chance to take their lead to 5-0 when they earned their first penalty corner but a poor injection by Akashdeep denied them the luxury.
The second quarter saw the home team play an attacking game, often making forays into the circle trying desperately to find the gap for a field goal but in vain.
Uttar Pradesh Wizards, meanwhile, launched a lethal counter attack and found success almost immediately with Ramandeep scoring the team's third field goal in the 23rd minute.
A skillful dribble into the circle by Seve Van Ass beat Kalinga Lancers' defender Amit Rohidas to find Ramandeep who had fashioned himself in front of the post and made no mistake in putting the ball past Pandey.
Later, Akashdeep pumped yet another goal into the Kalinga Lancers' post in the 27th minute taking their lead to a swashbuckling 8-0.
Marching into the third quarter after a formidable start, the Uttar Pradesh Wizards were patient, playing a sensible game and denied much of the ball possession to their opponents.
In the 34th minute, they earned their second penalty corner of the game, thanks to Akashdeep but failed to convert the chance as Kalinga Lancers keeper Andrew Charter did well in padding away the drag flick ball by skipper VR Raghunath.
Kalinga Lancers' dangerous forward Glenn Turner was strangely off the mark today. He missed a good chance in the 42nd minute when Lalit Upadhyay set him up rather seamlessly.
The visitors continued their rampaging form into the fourth quarter as Akashdeep put another one past a hapless Lancers goalkeeper Charter after racing into the circle with little threat from the rival defenders in the 48th minute.
This effort earned the Uttar Pradesh Wizards a 10-0 lead and five points from the match. They also became the first team in the league to win an away match.
Dabang Mumbai will take on Delhi Waveriders in Mumbai on Monday.
Firstpost
Surbiton scoop streak-breaking Super 6s title
Alan Forsyth in action
Surbiton ended East Grinstead’s indoor dominance in emphatic style with a 12-5 victory in the Super 6s Final. East Grinstead were going for their ninth consecutive title but four goals from Alan Forsyth plus a hat-trick from David Beckett fired Mark Pearn's side to an historic win.
Surbiton started the stronger of the two sides and found themselves 2-0 up within five minutes. A through ball found Johnny Gall at the top of the circle and the No7 made no mistake, breaking the deadlock with a smart reverse finish. Two minutes later it was Beckett’s turn to celebrate as he converted a well-worked penalty corner routine for the Sugden Road side.
East Grinstead stemmed the flow of Surbiton’s attacking threat and soon forced some chances of their own through a succession of penalty corners. Harry Gibson was on hand though to save with his pads and maintain his side’s clean sheet. The Surbiton No1 was called into action moments later when East Grinstead broke but Lukas Kilpper’s shot from the left was charged down by an onrushing Gibson.
East Grinstead’s missed opportunities proved costly as two goals for Surbiton in the space of a minute sent them into the break with a four goal lead. Firstly, Mark Pearn played in Rob Farrington who slipped the ball through the legs of Patrick Smith before Forsyth added the fourth. The Scottish international used the rebound boards smartly to play himself a pass, before finishing superbly from the tightest of angles.
Surbiton continued as they’d left off in the second half with Farrington turning provider for Surbiton’s fifth as he slipped the ball inside for William Marshall to find the roof of the net. Beckett added the sixth before East Grinstead switched to six outfield players to see if they could break down a resilient Surbiton defence. It worked almost instantaneously when Nick Catlin linked up with Ben Allberry who slipped the ball through Gibson’s legs to make it 6-1.
The goals continued to flow for Surbiton with Beckett netting his hat-trick in the 26th minute. Adam Seccull pulled another back for Richard Organ’s side but with East Grinstead trying to make up the five goal deficit, they were understandably left exposed at the back. A penalty stroke for Forsyth followed by an open play goal seconds later gave the No17 his hat-trick and his side a 9-2 lead.
Josep Farres-Palet added a third for Reading before Brendan Creed decided to get in on the goal scoring action for Surbiton to take it into double figures. A minute later Farrington got his second as Surbiton broke from the back to convert from the right into an empty goal – 11-3 with four minutes left to play.
It was then East Grinstead’s turn to grab two goals in quick succession, firstly through Lukas Kilpper before Farres Palet netted his brace with a fantastic reverse stick scoop past Gibson. It was Forsyth who had the last laugh though, as the striker swivelled in the circle to beat his defender and smash home, sealing an emphatic 12-5 victory and Surbiton’s first indoor title.
Mark Pearn, the former East Grinstead star spoke to England Hockey afterwards about breaking his old club's eight year winning streak.
Surbiton 12 (4)
Jonny Gall, 2, (FG)
David Beckett, 4, 26, 31 (PC, FG, FG)
Rob Farrington, 18, 36 (FG, FG)
Alan Forsyth, 19, 32, 33, 38 (FG, PS, FG, FG)
William Marshall, 23 (FG)
Brendan Creed, 35 (FG)
East Grinstead 5 (0)
Ben Allberry, 30 (FG)
Adam Seccull, 32 (PC)
Josep Farres-Palet, 35, 37 (PC, FG)
Lukas Kilpper, 36 (FG)
Semi-final match reports
Last gasp Grinstead remain on course for cloud nine
David Condon celebrates for EG
East Grinstead left it late to keep their hopes of a ninth straight indoor title alive. In an end to end thriller, they overturned a courageous Reading 6-5, scoring the winner with just seven seconds left.
Reading opted to start the game with six outfield players, leaving Tommy Alexander on the bench. The Sussex outfit were able to capitalise within the opening minute as Ross Stott drilled home into an empty goal.
East Grinstead doubled their lead in the tenth minute. Josep Farres-Palet was able to squeeze through two Reading defenders, showing good strength before converting. Not deterred by the blistering start, Reading didn’t panic and soon found themselves on the scoresheet. Paddy Smith saved the initial strike in the East Grinstead goal but Dan Shingles pounced on the rebound and fired into the roof of the net.
It wasn’t long before Richard Springham’s side were back on level terms, with Shingles bagging his second. A through ball from Richard Mantell found the No10 at the top of the circle and the midfielder made no mistake in turning his defender and slotting low into the corner. It remained 2-2 heading into the break.
Tom Carson carved through the East Grinstead defence in the opening minutes of the second half but his pass was unable to find a team mate to convert. However, his brother James soon ensured that Reading took the lead for the first time in the match when he slapped home an Andy Watts cross on 27 minutes.
Trailing by 3-2, East Grinstead chose to match their counterparts' tactics and substituted goalkeeper Smith. Having an extra outfield player immediately paid dividends as David Condon dribbled through the Reading defence to slot home and draw the scores level.
With little time to draw breath, Reading soon restored their lead. Tom Carson ran the length of the pitch and despite losing his balance, still managed to poke the ball over the line for a stunning goal. East Grinstead weren’t done yet though. With two minutes left on the clock Adam Seccull drew Richard Organ’s side level before Ben Allberry broke Reading hearts in the dying seconds. Lukas Klipper won the ball, before finding an unmarked Allberry who fired under an onrushing Alexander to seal a 5-4 victory.
East Grinstead 5 (2)
Ross Stott 1 (FG)
Josep Farres-Palet 9 (FG)
David Condon 29 (FG)
Adam Seccull 39 (FG)
Ben Allberry 40 (FG)
Reading 4 (2)
Dan Shingles 11, 14 (FG, FG)
James Carson 27 (FG)
Tom Carson 31 (FG)
Beckett treble helps Surbiton to the final
Alan Forsyth celebrates netting for Surbiton
A hat-trick from Surbiton’s David Beckett booked his side’s place in the Super 6s final after a dominant display against Sevenoaks in the first of the men’s semi-finals.
Richard Potton had pulled off a series of incredible saves in the early going, keeping the scores level. Once William Marshall found the net with a wonderful backhand scoop the floodgates opened, with David Beckett scoring twice in a minute before Alan Forsyth made it 4-0 on the stroke of half time. Jack Valentine pulled one back in the second half but Beckett completed his treble as Surbiton went marching on.
Potton had already beaten away a Beckett backhand and save well from Forsyth before he was called upon to repel a thunderous flick from Marshall.
Potton was starting to look unbeatable but then Scotland star Marshall produced a piece of magic to fire the ball into the roof of the net to break the deadlock. Sevenoaks were reeling and Beckett plundered two goals in a minute to make it 3-0 before Forsyth netted a fourth after a good advantage from umpire Tim Benford.
Sevenoaks reduced the arrears early in the second half with a Jack Valentine goal but just moments later Beckett completed his hat-trick to make it 5-1.
Sevenoaks withdrew their goalkeeper in a bid to get back into the contest but Surbiton capitalised and Forsyth nabbed his second into an empty net for the sixth goal and then Brendan Creed got in on the act with two goals in the last minute to put the gloss on the score line and make it 8-1.
Surbiton 8 (4)
William Marshall 16 (FG)
David Beckett 18, 18, 29 (FG, FG, FG)
Alan Forsyth 20, 37 (FG)
Brendan Creed 39, 39, (FG, FG)
Sevenoaks 1 (0)
Jack Valentine 28 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Slough take home glorious Super 6s title
Harriet Ward on the attack
Slough captured their 14th Super 6s title and their first since 2008 with a hard earned 2-0 win over Canterbury in the final. The Pink and blacks struck through Dilly Newton and Georgie Whittaker to take home the title and spark glorious scenes at the end.
Slough scored early thanks to a well taken penalty corner from Newton who found the net with unerring accuracy.
Canterbury hit back and Sarah Kerly’s mazy run and shot almost gave the crowd a wonderful goal but it flashed just wide. The Kent side continued to press and had a gilt-edged opportunity when Van Kemmel was brought down resulting in a penalty stroke. Grace Balsdon stepped up but Asha Tranquille-Day was her side’s hero, saving low to her right.
Before the break Slough doubled their lead when Whittaker seized on a loose ball, spun and slotted home making it 2-0 at the break.
Canterbury came out strongly in the second half. Balsdon had a penalty corner cleared off the line by Ash Bhogal. Canterbury began to exert pressure, building the play from the back with Balsdon dictating the tempo. Despite a couple of mazy runs from Kerly and some nice play from Nina Steikowski the Kent side could not find a way through. At the other end, Slough’s Charly Brydon made a brave run down the boards but her shot flashed wide of the post. With time running out Canterbury forced a penalty corner. With the ball slipped to Kerly it looked certain they’d score but Harriet Ward appeared from nowhere and made a great block. There was still time for Tranquille-Day to see off a penalty corner from Balsdon and with the clock running out Slough toasted their victory and another title.
Slough 2 (2)
Dilly Newton 6 (PC)
Georgie Whittaker 19 (FG)
Canterbury 0 (0)
Semi-final match reports
Brilliant Balsdon secures finals berth
Canterbury celebrate
A hat-trick of penalty corners from Grace Balsdon secured Canterbury’s spot in the Super 6s Final, despite a valiant effort from Bowdon Hightown.
Canterbury controlled the game in the opening stages, dominating possession. However, it was Bowdon Hightown who had the first attempt on goal. Tina Cullen rounded goalkeeper Helen Fagg and forced a penalty corner but it was comfortably cleared by the Green and Whites.
Canterbury continued to bide their time and were soon rewarded for their efforts in the ninth minute. Balsdon fired an unstoppable drag flick into the top corner, leaving Amanda Ferebee with no chance.
Sarah Kerly almost doubled her side’s lead when she caught the defence napping, stealing possession in the circle, only for her shot to cannon off the post. Ed Welch’s team didn’t have to wait long for their second though. Balsdon produced a carbon copy of the previous penalty corner routine, much to the despair of the Hightown fans.
Canterbury's No4 was inches from completing her hat-trick just before the break but this time Ferebee came out on top, deflecting the powerful drag flick onto the crossbar.
Bowdon Hightown restarted the second half quickly and immediately halved the deficit through Cullen. Sian French picked out the unmarked No10 in the circle and she made no mistake in converting first time. Within two minutes the two goal cushion was restored though as Canterbury attacked in numbers, with the resultant loose ball falling to Eliza Brett who slammed home.
The Seahorses came close through a succession of penalty corners, most notably when Sally Walton had her shot picked off the line. A resilient Canterbury defence stood firm though and when they earned their own penalty corner, the game was made safe as Balsdon completed her hat-trick. The No4 this time went low to the keeper’s right to leave the score at 4-1 with six minutes left on the clock.
In a last ditch attempt to make the final, Bowdon Highdown switched to six outfield players. Walton grabbed a late consolation goal from a penalty corner but it was too little too late and Canterbury joined Slough in the Super 6s final at 16.00 this afternoon.
Bowdon Hightown 2 (0)
Tina Cullen 23 (FG)
Sally Walton 40 (PC)
Canterbury 4 (2)
Grace Balsdon 9, 17, 34 (PC, PC, PC)
Eliza Brett 25 (FG)
Puddle sends Slough to the finals
Harriet Ward celebrates her goal at the Super6s
Laura Puddle’s brace for Slough inspired the Pink and Blacks to a famous win and secured their spot in this afternoon’s Super 6s final. Puddle netted twice in the first half to put Slough in command and despite a brave display from Sutton Coldfield, Kat McGonigle’s team never looked back.
Slough settled the quicker of the two sides and took the lead on three minutes. Puddle slid the ball inside the near post after a good run and pass from Mel Ball. The goal provider almost turned goal scorer moments later as Ball broke free but Becky Batsford was out quickly to make a smart save.
At the other end Asha Tranquille-Day was alert and alive to see off two good chances for Sutton skipper Vicky Woolford.
Woolford managed to get the ball past the Slough goalkeeper from a penalty corner but Ash Bhogal produced a splendid goal line clearance to preserve the lead.
Beth Peers had a great chance to reduce the arrears after a turnover inside the Slough circle but once again Tranquille-Day came to the rescue.
Just before the break Puddle doubled the advantage. Initially Slough had a goal disallowed but from the restart they won the ball straight back and Puddle did the rest.
After the break the No14 almost completed her hat-trick but her shot flashed just wide.
Sutton got themselves on the board thanks to Beth Merriman’s shot which squirmed through the goalkeeper’s pads and crept over the line.
The two goal cushion was restored almost straight away. Harriet Ward found space inside the circle and located the bottom corner with a precise finish.
Julie Stowe pulled off a good goal line clearance from another Slough penalty corner as the clocked ticked down on Sutton’s chances. They took off their goalkeeper as a last throw of the dice, but Slough stood firm and booked their place in the final.
Slough 3 (2)
Laura Puddle 3, 18 (FG, FG)
Harriet Ward 26 (FG)
Sutton Coldfield 1 (0)
Beth Merriman 25 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Dundee Wanderers and Grove Menzieshill to meet in Scottish women’s indoor final
This season`s women’s indoor first division championship will be an all-Tayside affair between champions Dundee Wanderers and Grove Menzieshill.
Edinburgh University failed to make their first women`s championship final after going down 4-3 to Grove Menzieshill in a pulsating end-to-end semi-final contest.
In the early exchanges Susan Hamilton opened the scoring for the Taysiders but a snap shot by Edinburgh`s Ellie Hutchison levelled the score. Grove Menzieshill finished the first half 2-1 ahead through a well-taken open play strike by Sarah Jamieson.
The second half was only four minutes old when Louise Campbell equalised for the students. The turning point in the contest came with two goals in as many minutes by Katie Stott which gave the Taysiders a crucial two goal cushion. The first was a strike from open play which seemed to deceive the goalkeeper, but Stott followed up with direct strike at Grove Menzieshill`s fifth penalty corner.
With seven minutes left a well-worked penalty corner routine was finished off by Kirsty Abraham to pull one back for Edinburgh. Despite substituting their goalkeeper for another outfield player the students failed to save the tie.
In the other tie Wanderers` playmaker Vikki Bunce stole the show with a double hat-trick in the 8-2 defeat of Milne Craig Western.
Bunce opened in only three minutes but quickly Margery Justice levelled from a direct shot at a penalty corner. It was perhaps a touch of deja vu with a repeat, Bunce put Wanderers ahead from the spot only for Justice to level from a breakaway to tie the scores at 2-2.
Bunce seemed to get the last laugh before the interval when she put the Taysiders 3-2 ahead with a snap shot to complete her hat-trick.
Western had the chance to equalise early in the second half but Fiona Bruce`s spot effort was saved by Carmin Dow.
The Wanderers goals then flowed, Bunce scored another three goals and the others came from Ruth Blaikie and Julie Bryce for a solid victory in the end.
In the earlier pool matches Wanderers and Grove Menzieshill saw off Wildcats and Inverleith respectively 6-0. In the other pool Edinburgh University saw off Bon-Accord 6-1, there were two goals each for Kirsty Abraham and Susan Graham.
Meanwhile, Western did well to gain a 4-4 draw with CALA Edinburgh, only an overtime penalty corner conversion by Laura Mann prevented a CALA victory. CALA then went on to claim fifth place after seeing off Wildcats 3-1.
Bon-Accord were relegated to the second division for next season after losing 4-2 to Inverleith in the play-off. It was only 2-2 at the interval, Sarah McKay and Ella Watt scored for Inverleith only for Nicola Davidson to reply with a double for the Aberdonians. The Edinburgh side added two more after the interval, McKay scored again along with Lucy Jamieson.
Scottish Hockey Union media release