News for 08 May 2017
All the news for Monday 8 May 2017
Dominik double delights Racing in French grand final
Dylan Dominik’s pair of goals saw Racing Club de France claim the French title for a third successive season, beating Saint Germain 2-0 for their 22nd national crown.
The opening phases saw few chances for either side. Racing goalkeeper Corentin Saunier kept out the only corner for Saint Ger as both sides played a low-risk set-up.
Racing started to come more into the game as time wore on and they won their first corner in the 30th minute which Dominik fired home low to the bottom corner for 1-0.
The second half saw a marked rise in intensity with Saint Ger straightaway drawing a big stop from Saunier while they won a couple of corners.
Racing countered with another set-piece and their greater efficiency from corners served them well as Dominik scored the crucial second goal.
The closing stages were fast and furious wih chances at both ends but Racing stayed two goals clear to land their 22nd title.
It means they will be France’s top seed in the Euro Hockey League next season and will play in the KO16 while Saint Germain will, once again, play in ROUND1.
Euro Hockey League media release
Havenga sends Kampong through and Oranje-Rood out of reckoning
Martijn Havenga scored a crucial penalty stroke to send SV Kampong into the Dutch Hoofdklasse playoffs ahead of HC Oranje-Rood, the crucial goal coming with the timer on zero seconds.
Going into the tie, the Utrecht side needed a draw or better while Oranje-Rood had to win. With everything on the line, the two teams played out a thrilling encounter.
For Kampong, it completed a remarkable run of results that has seen them rise from seventh place in the table to get back into the playoffs with five wins in a row, including a marquee win over regular season champions Bloemendaal.
Speaking afterwards to hockey.nl, Kampong’s Quirijn Caspers said: "Six weeks ago, we were almost dead. We were in seventh but we've just hit form just in time."
Agustin Mazzilli had given Oranje Rood a 33rd minute lead for a half-time 1-0 scoreline. The first equaliser came from masked man Jasper Luijkx, back after a facial injury, as he shot in for 1-1 with 20 minutes to go.
Muhammad Rizwan, though, dribbled into the circle and fired home a hard shot beyond David Harte for what was the potentially decisive goal for the Eindhove side, making it 2-1.
It stayed that way as Harte kept out a van der Weerden drag-flick while Kampong did not make use of a series of corners as time ticked down. With 100 seconds to go, Pirmin Blaack denied Jip Janssen but Kampong just kept fighting.
"We kept going,” Caspers added. “We just kept going. Even at the penultimate corner we said to each other: ‘Come on!’ Even if it didn’t go in, we had to make sure we get another corner and another chance. That's what we said to each other in the circle."
And so it came on the final hooter that they won their sixth corner of the game. This time, Havenga dragged toward goal and, after a Blaak save and goalmouth scramble, umpire Jasper Nagtzaam gave a stroke for a foul and the chance at a dramatic winner.
As thousands of spectators watched on, Havenga took it quickly, allowing little time for nerves to build up, and duly nailed it.
Caspers concluded: "It was tough. This is a game I will always remember.”
It means that the reigning champions are out of the Hoofdklasse reckoning with Kampong set to play Bloemendaal while Rotterdam will face AH&BC Amsterdam in the playoffs.
For Oranje-Rood, they must now focus on the Euro Hockey League FINAL4 on June 3 where they will meet Wimbledon in the semi-final in Brasschaat, Belgium.
Euro Hockey League media release
Kelburne the top Euro seed from Scotland once again
Bromac Kelburne claimed the Scottish top European seed for next season as they grabbed a late equaliser out of the fire to draw 3-3 with Grange before winning a shoot-out 2-1.
Grange led for much of the second half after initially falling behind, however, the league champions once again emerged on top.
Kelburne started strongly, with Lee Morton sending them into a 1-0 lead early in the game. The danger man picked up the ball outside the area, dribbled inside, and finished off a fantastic move with a magnificent goal.
Unwilling to succumb to defeat against their rivals so easily, Grange were back level when Calum Milne slotted the ball to John McCluskey, who quickly passed it back to him. Milne then rocketed the ball into the net, levelling the game with just under 20 minutes played.
The goal buoyed Grange, and shortly afterward Dom Wild sent them into a 2-1 lead with a goal from a penalty corner.
Shocked at falling behind, Kelburne searched for an equaliser. Johnny Christie missed a gilt-edged chance to level up the game, however immediately made up for his error by then scoring to make it 2-2.
Early in the second half, Grange once again went ahead as Joe Waterstone took advantage of Milne’s spilled effort, making it 3-2.
Once again the league and cup winners found themselves in search of an equaliser. Lee Morton found his way through yet his effort went over the bar.
But, with just minutes remaining, Grange’s Frank Ryan was given a yellow card. Kelburne used this to push forward and forced their opponents to defend incredibly deep.
Moments after coming close from a penalty corner, Josh Cairns levelled from a penalty stroke with two minutes to go, making it 3-3, ensure it would go to a shootout.
Craig and Lee Morton both scored for Kelburne for a 2-1 lead in the third round and no further goals meant the Paisley club were national champions once more with a trip to EHL ROUND1 in the offing next October.
Euro Hockey League media release
Big drama at the Scottish Grand Finals
by Justin Bowie
Bromac Kelburne men and Edinburgh University women claimed the top European spots while Grange women and Inverleith men gained promotion at the Grand Finals at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre in Glasgow.
Bromac Kelburne 3-3 (2-1) Grange
Kelburne sealed a place in the EHL next season after a dramatic 3-3 draw which saw them once again defeat Grange 2-1 in running penalties.
Grange lead for much of the second half after initially falling behind, however the league champions once again emerged on top.
Kelburne started strongly, with Lee Morton sending them into a 1-0 lead early in the game. The danger man picked up the ball outside the area, dribbled inside, and finished off a fantastic move with a magnificent goal.
Unwilling to succumb to defeat against their rivals so easily though, Grange soon struck back. Luke Cranney had the ball out on the left, and passed it to Calum Milne.
Milne slotted the ball to John McCluskey, who quickly passed it back to him. Milne then rocketed the ball into the net, sealing off a fantastic move and levelling the game with just under 20 minutes played.
The goal buoyed Grange, and shortly afterwards Dom Wild sent them into a 2-1 lead with a goal from a penalty corner.
Shocked at falling behind, Kelburne searched for an equaliser. Johnny Christie missed a guilt-edged chance to level up the game, however immediately made up for his error by then scoring to make it 2-2.
With both sides producing some excellent hockey in what was an intense tie, tempers began to flare and the game became increasingly feisty.
Always a threat, Lee Morton dribbled into the box, and felt he had a claim for being fouled when he tumbled over the keeper. Shortly before half-time it was Grange’s turn to be aggrieved, as they were denied what looked a likely foul near their own box.
Not too long after the second half began, Grange once again turned the game on its head as Joe Waterstone took advantage of Calum Milne’s spilled effort, making it 3-2.
Once again the league and cup winners found themselves in search of an equaliser. Lee Morton found his way through again, yet his effort went over the bar. Christie looked to add to his goals tally, but was unsuccessful in doing so.
As the second half progressed, Grange seemed to become more and more comfortable with their lead. They were successfully limiting Kelburne’s number of chances in front of goal, and doing a good job at isolating Lee Morton.
With just minutes remaining, Grange’s Frank Ryan was given a yellow card. Kelburne used this to push forward, and forced their opponents to defend incredibly deep.
Moments after coming close from a penalty corner, Josh Cairns levelled an already intense game at 3-3, ensure it would go to a shootout.
Both sides were unable to convert their first running penalties, before Craig Morton then sent Kelburne into the lead. Young James Nairn then equalised for Grange, as it began to look like the shootout was going to be as tight as the main contest.
Lee Morton once again showed his class as he sent his side back into the lead, and Kelburne were handed a massive advantage when Todd Mills missed for Grange.
It was to be heartbreak for Grange, as they never quite recovered from their deficit. Cameron Fraser missed their final penalty, and once again Kelburne managed to emerge on top after a superb contest.
European University 5-1 Milne Craig Clydesdale Western
Edinburgh University put in a top-class performance to beat rivals Milne Craig Clydesdale Western and claim the top European spot for next season.
The game got off to a rip-roaring start with an early goal for Edinburgh University. Sarah Robertson absolutely hammered the ball against the backboard in the second phase of a penalty corner to make it 1-0.
The students had hardly caught their breath before Heather Howie fired it into the D and Lucy Lanigan deflected the ball into the net for a quick-fire equaliser.
Edinburgh University didn’t have to wait long before regaining their lead. Susan Graham was fouled in the D and Becky Dru dispatched the resulting penalty stroke into the right corner of the net. 2-1.
Ali Howie then converted for Clydesdale from a scramble but it was chopped off for striking her knee on the way in.
The students put some daylight between the teams with just over five minutes remaining of the first half. Maisie Morris went charging into the D, the ball eventually found its way to Kirsten Peters arriving at the far post to tap home. 3-1.
Clydesdale nearly pulled one back right away when Lanigan threw herself at a ball zipped across goal, but she couldn’t connect her stick to score.
Into the second half and Edinburgh University began to show their true quality. In the first five minutes of the second half they scored two goals to put the game to bed.
Amy Brodie made it 4-1 when she got on the end of a cross from the right after some excellent play by Laura Swanson, and scored through a reverse stick tap in.
Moments later and Zara Malseed made it 5-1. She picked up the ball in the circle, went past a Clydesdale defender, and smashed the ball into the net.
Clydesdale valiantly battled back into the game and created some good opportunities for goals. Heather Lang and both of the Howie sisters had chances but found Susan Al Haddad on top form in the Edinburgh University goal.
Edinburgh Uni’s Louise Campbell’s lightning pace on the break was a continual threat as Clydesdale continued to press, and it was on one of the these breaks that Campbell set up Zara Malseed at the top of the D, but her effort zipped wide of the target.
In the end it was a comfortable win for Edinburgh University, claiming the European top spot for next season.
Inverleith 2-2 (2-1) Watsonians
Inverleith men secured promotion to the top fight after a dramatic 2-1 penalty shootout win against Watsonians.
The game finished 2-2 in normal time, with the winners managing an impressive comeback against their opponents after falling 2-0 behind in the first half.
Watsonians made a confident start to the game, and it paid off when they took the lead after just five minutes. Michael Madison was the scorer, capitalising on a rebound after a penalty corner.
While Inverleith occasionally threatened on the counter, the goal had clearly put Watsonians into the ascendancy, and they pushed for a second.
As half-time approached Watsonians took advantage from a penalty corner again, with Fraser Sands doubling their lead and making it 2-0.
The game seemed to be turning into a disaster for Inverleith. Moments after conceding their second, Rory MacDougall was given a green card, and their opponents found themselves with another penalty corner.
Watsonians tried the same routine again which brought them their second goal. While they failed to score, they headed into half-time after an incredibly strong performance, and knowing that a third goal in the second half would potentially kill of all hopes of a comeback from their opponents.
The interval rejuvenated Inverleith though, and they came out much stronger in the second half.
They missed a penalty corner early on, and afterwards no one was able to capitalise on Derek Salmond’s excellent through ball.
Nevertheless, a goal soon came, as Magnus Ferrier made it 2-1 and brought his side right back into the game.
Inverleith then pushed for an equaliser. Derek Salmond’s strike from distance spilled through and hit the post, however no one was able to take advantage and poke it into the net.
While they had been in a defensive mode for much of the second half, Watsonians again started to find their way back into the game, with some attacks of their own.
It was ultimately to be the side seeking promotion who found the equaliser. Ewen Mackie picked up the ball outside the box, and dribbled into it impressively. His effort then found its way into the net with just minutes of normal play remaining, and the game was level.
Another Inverleith player may have secured a final touch before the goal was scored, but Inverleith were unconcerned by that, and simply delighted to be back in the match.
They world then secure a decisive win in the shootout. Ferrier’s impressive effort sent them into the lead, and Watsonians were unable to recover despite Tom Swarbick scoring for them, with Salmond scoring a second for Inverleith and ensuring their promotion back to National League One.
Grange EL 1-1 (1-0) ESM
Grange EL won promotion to women’s National League 1 after a dramatic running penalties victory over Erskine Stewart’s Melville FP.
A tentative opening to the match with ESM perhaps edging the early play in the early morning sun at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre. An early scramble in the Grange D saw goalkeeper Chantal Guillot kick the ball into the air and pad over the bar under pressure.
Grange came close to opening the scoring when Beth Dodds had a shot blocked from a penalty corner.
The opening goal came soon after. ESM’s Tutu Osifodunrin went on a tremendous solo run from the half way line and fired the ball across the goalkeeper into the far corner to make it 1-0.
Grange were right back in it through a goal by Emma Helm. The found its way to Helm at the top of the D and she slammed the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-1.
Grange Captain Dodds went on a solo run but shot wide of the left post in a great individual effort. Then Sophie Harris shot wide for Grange from an improvised penalty corner routine with just the goalkeeper to beat.
ESM were piling on the pressure and were awarded a penalty corner early in the second half amid claims for a stroke, but it was defended well.
Then a scramble in the ESM D saw Grange press for the lead but Lee Macnamara couldn’t force the ball over the line.
Up the other end of the pitch and Gemma Maxwell unleashed an effort in the Grange D but was denied by a great save and the danger was cleared.
The match raged from end-to-end with both sides looking to take the advantage. In the end it took running penalties to separate the sides.
Both goalkeepers were on top form throughout the shootout with the first four efforts from both sides resulting in no goals. For Grange’s fifth running penalty Krista Hopkinson was quick into the D and slipped the ball low against the backboard.
The goal meant Clare Andrews had the pressure of needing to score to keep her team in the league. Chantal Guillot was the hero for Grange, saving to secure promotion for Grange in the shootout.
Photos by Mark Pugh and Andy Lovat
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Wits hang on for 1-0 victory against Kovsies
By Reginald Hufkie
Nicky Veto of Wits during the 2017 VARSITY HOCKEY, Sunday 07 May 2017, Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Photo by: LUIGI BENNETT/SASPA
In what could have been a high-scoring game, Wits managed to beat Kovsies 1-0, to earn their second victory of the weekend in Stellenbosch on Sunday afternoon.
Overcast weather conditions welcomed Wits and Kovsies, who kick-started day three of the Varsity Hockey competition in the picturesque Stellenbosch.
The Sunday blues were evident in the first chukka as both teams struggled to keep possession of the ball, thus making it a 50-50 game in the early stages. In spite of Nicky Veto and Ash Redhead’s incredible skills in Kovsies’ half, it took Vicky Jonker’s expertise to bag the first goal of the game from a penalty corner in the dying stages of the first half. It was 1-0 in favour of Wits heading into the break.
Discipline was an issue for Kovsies with two players sent off, hampering their attempts to score a goal. The ladies in yellow, however, ensured they kept their composure whilst in search of goal number two.
But it was Kovsies who took advantage of their Powerplay when Wits’ Lelethu Ndakisa was sidelined for foul play, leaving the Witsies with only eight players on the field. But despite this, the Bloemfontein side could still not capitalise.
Even though Wits spent most of the second half playing around with the ball in Kovsies’ half, the scored remained 1-0.
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Candice Calder (Kovsies)
FNB Player of the match: Nicky Veto (Wits)
Scores
Wits: 1
Goals: Vicky Jonker
Kovsies: 0
Teams
Wits: 1 Petro Stofberg, 5 Gillian Robertson, 8 Ash Redhead, 9 Londeka Dlamini, 10 Nompilo Thenjwayo, 12 Nicole Smith, 13 Amber Dry, 14 Kelly Wrensch, 15 Robyn Fyrie, 17 Lezaan Janse van Vuuren, 18 Vicky Jonker
Subs: 2 Jureya Dildar, 3 Nolwazi Ngubane, 4 Lelethu Ndakisa, 6 Sissy Pieterse, 7 Nicky Veto, 16 Mandisa Sigudla, 19 Tamsin Copeland
Kovsies:, 2 Chane Hartel, 3 Lisa Alberts, 5 Antonet Louw, 7 Shindre-Lee Simmons, 8 Nisa Van Zyl, 11 Candice Calder, 12 Heraldine Olin, 13 Casey-Jean Botha, 16 Este Van Schalkwyk, 21 Janke Kotze, 22 Nicole Kruger
Subs: 1 Alri Vorster, 4 Jessica Elizabeth Louw, 9 Nadia Van Staden, 10 Pricilla Esterhuyze, 15 Refilwe Ralikontsane, 17 Shanay Solomon, 20 S’Thabile Motsa
Varsity Sports media release
Pukke end Tuks’ winning streak in nail-biting battle
By Reginald Hufkie 
Anel Luus of UP Tuks and Jessica de Bruyn Smith of Pukke during the 2017 VARSITY HOCKEY, Sunday 07 May 2017, Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Photo by: LUIGI BENNETT/SASPA
Tuks conceded their first goal of the tournament and we unable to reply as Pukke beat them 1-0 in Stellenbosch on Sunday afternoon.
Tuks looked to stamp their authority by scoring a goal in the early stages of the first chukka, but Pukke’s defence was perfectly set up to prevent the Pretoria side, who had scored 21 goals in only two games before the encounter.
Both sides were unbeaten heading into the match, so it was a fixture that would end one team’s streak while extending the others’.
Looking to make a much needed goal-scoring break, Tuks found themselves spending most of the second chukka on Pukke’s side of the field. Pukke, on the other hand, had Charne Maddocks perfectly placed when it was their turn for an onslaught. An onslaught that paid dividends when Captain Jessica De Bruyn scored a goal from a penalty corner in the 43rd minute of the game, giving the Potchefstroom outfit an advantage heading into the final chukka.
Coming from the two-minute strategic break guns blazing, Pukke clearly had plans of ending Tuks’ high-scoring run before the clock struck 60 minutes. Despite a fighting comeback attempt from Tuks, Pukke stood their ground even when two of their players were sent off when coach Maboea made use of the Powerplay with three minutes left on the clock.
Tuks’ run came to an end at the final whistle as Pukke moved to the top of the table, undefeated in 2017.
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Marine Kock (Pukke)
FNB Player of the match: Jessica De Bruyn (Pukke)
Scores
Pukke: 1
Goals: Jessica De Bruyn
Tuks: 0
Teams
Pukke: 1 Marine Kock, 2 Jocelle Deysel, 5 Jessica De Bruyn, 8 Lindi Anker, 10 Lerato Mahlangu, 11 Lori Hyde, 12 Carli Rheeder, 13 Courtney Du Preez, 15 Dunelle Van Taak, 17 Ekmien Marais, 19 Charne Maddock
Subs: 3 Hope Nkosi, 7 Miecke Flemming, 9 Carli Pretorius, 16 Jamie Flowers, 18 Kerrin Klaaste, 20 Meeghan Klomp, 21 Anneke Beukman
Tuks: 1 Marlise Van Tonder, 4 Marissa Poolman, 6 Chane Hill, 10 Anel Luus, 11 Catherine Morris, 14 Izelle Verster, 15 Natalie Esteves, 19 Claire Gibbins, 21 Amy Etherington, 27 Thandokazi Chithi, 32 Mabongi Nyalungu
Subs: 2 Melicia Van Tonder, 8 Jenica Da Encarnacao, 12 Meeghan Scheffer, 18 Levolwethu Nkole, 22 Amone Mouton, 23 Ayanga Balni, 28 Kelsey Langley
Varsity Sports media release
UJ too strong for UKZN
By Andre Huisamen
Demi Harmse and Zeena Martin of UJ celebrate after opening the scoring against UKZN during the 2017 VARSITY HOCKEY, Sunday 07 May 2017, Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Photo by: LUIGI BENNETTE/SASPA
UJ got their campaign back on track with a strong performance over newcomers, UKZN, on Saturday evening in Stellenbosch. They won the encounter 8-2 through four field goals.
UJ started strong when Zeena Martin scored their first goal of the match as early as the third minute. UKZN hit straight back and piled on some pressure through a goal by Tiffany Jones. The rest of the half remained goalless, although UJ always looked the stronger side.
The flood gates opened in the second half as UJ ran away with the match. First Phia Gerber scored an excellent field goal in the 40th minute to make it 4-2. UJ proved too strong for UKZN in the final chukka as two more goals by Lanne Rossouw and Jenevieve Taljaard took the total to 8-2.
Despite UKZN going down for the third time this weekend, they had some inspiration to draw from the game. Nolwazi Mkize were awarded the Mugg & Bean Star Saver of the match, while Tiffany Jones got FNB Player of the match for her superb goal and excellent all-round play.
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Nolwazi Mkize (UKZN)
FNB Player of the Match: Tiffany Jones (UJ)
Scores
UJ: 8
Goals: Zeena Martin (Field Goal), Phia Gerber (Field Goal), Lanne Rossouw (Field Goal), Jenevieve Taljaard (Field Goal)
UKZN: 2
Goals: Tiffany Jones (Field Goal)
Teams
UJ: 1 Robyn Ormond (GK) ©, 5 Phia Gerber, 7 Ashleigh Datnow, 8 Kirsten Paton, 9 Lisa Hawker, 12 Zeena Martin, 14 Alex Kavanagh, 15 Kerry Trebble, 16 Carmen Smith, 17 Demi Harmse, 18 Chabeal Raubenheimer
Subs:2 Yonela Dishi, 3 Isabella Da Rocha, 4 Jenevieve Taljaard, 6 Lanne Rossouw, 10 Jivanka Kruger, 13 Bernice Brink, 24 Nadia Mattana (GK)
UKZN: 4 Jamie Chisholm, 5 Sinethemba Zungu, 6 Chardinay Penniston, 7 Chiree Coetzee, 8 Nolwazi Mkize, 9 Noxolo Manele (GK), 10 Tiffany Jones, 11 Hqobile Shange, 12 Nomzamo Zulu, 14 Anessa Patel, 16 Tanner van den Bergh
Subs: 1 Robyn Ashton (GK), 2 Nonqaba Bengu, 3 Janine Ndlovu, 13 Vanesa Atkinson, 17 Megan Hargreaves, 21 Nonthando Mlabo, 22 Thandazile Mnguni
Varsity Sports media release
Maties make it three from three against Madibaz
By Andre Huisamen
Heather McEwan of Maties after scoring against Madibaz during the 2017 VARSITY HOCKEY, Sunday 07 May 2017, Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Photo by: LUIGI BENNETTE/SASPA
Maties continued their unbeaten run on Sunday evening when they defeated Madibaz 13-2 in the final match of the third day of Varsity Hockey in Stellenbosch.
Madibaz were always going to find it tough against the home side, who have played some excellent hockey over the course of the weekend.
Aimee Pote opened the scoring for Maties in the 13th minute, despite her side spilling a couple of chances in the first chukka, through a field goal.
Four minutes later Georgia Grobler doubled Maties’ lead through a brilliant field goal herself. Maties were relentless in the first half and challenged the Madibaz defence on every break. Minke van Heerden added to the home side’s tally in the 23rd minute when she also scored a field goal to make it 6-0 at the break for Maties.
The second half started a bit tighter for Maties as no goals were scored in the third chukka. The last chukka got off to a brilliant start for Maties when Georgia Grobler scored her second field goal of the match to increase her side’s lead.
Captain Heather McEwan and two quick goals by Stephanie Botha added to Maties’ gigantic lead. Madibaz got on the scoreboard at the end with a goal by Malikah Potgieter.
Maties completely put Madibaz to the sword as they moved to the top of the log with one round remaining in the first weekend of Varsity Hockey.
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Kerryn Frost (Madibaz)
FNB Player of the Match: Tarryn Glasby (Maties)
Scores
Maties: 13
Goals: Aimee Pote (Field Goal), Georgia Grobler (Field Goal) 2, Minke van Heerden (Field Goal), Heather McEwan (Field Goal), Stephanie Botha (Penalty Field Goal), Stephanie Botha (Field Goal)
Madibas: 2
Goals: Malikah Potgieter (Field Goal)
Teams
Maties: 1 Nicole Le Fleur (GK), 2 Lenta Cullinan, 4 Stephanie Botha, 6 Heather McEwan ©, 8 Paige Phillips, 9 Sandiswe Tabata, 10 Tarryn Glasby, 11 Danielle Cairns, 12 Natasha Rootenberg, 17 Page Alcock, 20 Minke van Heerden
Subs: 5 Simone Strydom, 7 Lida Kotze, 14 Georgia Grobler, 16 Aimee Pote, 19 Alegra Dijkstra, 21 Polly Mashau, 24 Kirsten Block (GK)
Madibaz: 1 Kerryn Frost (GK), 3 Hannah Knott-Craig, 4 Lauren Nina ©, 6 Kiona van Niekerk, 7 Caitlin Gouws, 8 Kanyisa Gwata, 12 Aimee Pohlmann, 14 Simone Dolley, 16 Malikah Potgieter, 17 Carly Redcliffe, 21 Luzaan Potgieter
Subs: 10 Jenna-Lee Meyer, 13 Jamie-Leigh Banks, 15 Kirsty Tonks, 18 Meri Janse van Rensburg (GK), 20 Robyn Thomson, 22 Lindre van den Berg, 24 Cassandra Lister
Varsity Sports media release
Warriors slay Wazalendo at City Park, Vultures soar
By BRIAN YONGA
Mathew Mutiso (left) of Wazalendo pursues Barnabas Odhiambo of Butali Sugar Warriors during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match at City Park Stadium on May 7, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
International Brian Musasia on Sunday hit the winner as Butali Sugar Warriors came from behind to beat Wazalendo 2-1 in a Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match played at the City Park Stadium.
Wazalendo had taken a shock lead in the second minute through Stanley Chege’s field strike, but Butali levelled proceedings in the 24th minute through Seth Oburu.
With both teams chasing the winner, Musasia settled the tight contest as he sliced home from a neat penalty corner in the 40th minute and the 2016 league winners held out to secure their third win of the season.
Earlier, Kenyatta University Vultures piled more misery on newcomers Technical University of Kenya with a 1-0 win courtesy of skipper Lawrence Makhasa’s eighth minute goal.
In the women’s Premier league, Strathmore University Scorpions recorded a 3-0 win over KU Titans. Butali coach Godfrey Wakachunga admitted that his team were abit lucky to get the three points.
“We have not had a match in close to three weeks and that showed in our performance especially in the last two quarters. Hopefully, we will gel well in the coming matches,” the tactician told Nation Sport.
Butali, who came into the match a massive 15 points behind leaders Kenya Police, had the worst possible start as Wazalendo picked them out with their first attack.
Emmnauel Simiyu lost possession in midfield for Butali and Wazalendo broke quickly with Sam Wekesa setting up a nice through ball to Chege who lifted the ball past the onrushing Butali keeper Evanson Ngoya.
Butali, who beat champions Strathmore University 3-1 in their last encounter, took time to settle as Wazalendo haggled bossed proceedings in midfield. Butali did improve in the second quarter and began to create chances.
They won two successive short corners but were unable to make them count as Musasia and Frank Wanangwe all failed to beat Wazalendo keeper Bright Kezengwa.
The Kisumu-based team did eventually draw level in the 24th minute through a well worked move.
Zack Aura exchanged passes with Wanangwe before the latter teed up Oburu who fired past Kezengwa. Wazalendo went in search of more goals but were undone by poor finishing from their forwards.
They were made to rue the misses as Musasia scored the winning strike, blasting home an Aura penalty corner.
“Our performance was encouraging despite the loss. We have shown that we can compete with the big boys and the lads have truly come of age,” Wazalendo coach Fidhelis Kimanzi said.
Ruth Odhiambo, captain Yvonne Karanja and Denise Odongo were on target for the Scorpions against the Titans.
Daily Nation
Butali rally from behind to beat Wazalendo at City Park
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Kenya Butali players celebrate their 4-2 win against Ghana Police during the Africa Cup Championship at City Park, Nairobi on 08/01/2017 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Goals from Seth Oburu and Brian Musasia guide former champions fight from goal down to shock Wazalendo.
Former champions Butali Sugar Warriors survived an early scare to beat Wazalendo 2-1 in a Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match yesterday at City Park.
The win saw the 2015 winners, who are seeking to reclaim the title they lost to Strathmore University Gladiators last year, make three wins out three.
Butali, who have been calling the shots in the league for the last three years, found themselves trailing two minutes into play, but fought on to snatch the victory.
Butali coach Godfrey Wakachungwa said they were lucky to have collected the maximum points.
“We are very lucky to have won because we were not at our usual best. They had better chances than us,” Wakachungwa said.
“A team needs more play time to gel, but lack of consistency in our fixtures has had negative impact on us.”
He added that his charges will improve and become better, once they play more frequently.
“I’m hopeful we will have a better show in our next tie because we intend to have impressive results. We will have a good time, no doubt.”
Wazalendo dictated play from the onset and two minutes into play, Stanley Chege beat Butali defence to slot in past goalkeeper Evanson Ngoya. Stunned, Butali composed themselves as they tried to contain the victory-hungry Wazalendo.
They intensified their hunt for an equaliser as they played offensively, surging deep into Wazalendo’s territory. Frank Wanangwe could have leveled matters in the 17th minute from a Zack Aura pass, but his shot was saved by Wazalendo custodian, Bright Kezengwa.
Seth Oburu, who came off the bench, restored parity in the 25th minute for a one-all-draw at the breather. Oburu coordinated well with Aura to give Butali the much needed goal.
Aura was undoubtedly Butali’s man-of-the-match as his input once again proved crucial as he assisted Brian Musasia’s 40th minute penalty corner conversion for the winning goal.
In the women’s title chase, Strathmore University defeated Kenyatta University 3-0 to register their third victory of the season.
The Standard Online
MBPJ emerge Division One champs
by Aftar Singh
Sweet taste of success: MBPJ players celebrate after beating BJSS-Thunderbolt for the MJHL Division One title at the MBPJ Hockey Stadium yesterday. — M. Azhar Arif/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) are finally the Division One champions of the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
Coach Mohd Harfizi Baharom’s side played their hearts out to hold defending overall champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS)-Thunderbolt to a 2-2 draw at the MBPJ Hockey Stadium yesterday.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, MBPJ picked up another point by winning 7-6. Muhd Faisol Roziham scored for MBPJ while BJSS Thunderbolt’s Faiq Razin Zariq was off the mark in the sudden-death shootout.
MBPJ finished with 23 points, two clear of four-time double champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI)-Thunderbolt.
SSTMI blew their chances of retaining the title after they could only manage a 1-1 draw with SMKD Bentara Luar in Batu Pahat. In the penalty shootout, SSTMI triumphed 4-2.
BJSS-Thunderbolt were third with 19 points.
MBPJ started off well with Muhd Syafiq Izzuddin on target in the 19th minute. Muhd Nur Asyraf Ishak then doubled the lead by converting a penalty corner in the 37th minute.
But BJSS Thunderbolt stormed back with two quick penalty corner strikes by Muhd Ramdan Ariffin in the 38th and 39th minutes.
Despite pressure from BJSS Thunderbolt, MBPJ held on to win the league crown for the first time since the MJHL’s inception in 1995.
Said Harfizi: “I just can’t describe how happy I’m. It’s unbelievable to finally clinch the league title. I must thank my players for a job well done. We are now a new force in the MJHL.”
The Star of Malaysia
India’s inability to cope with pressure worries coach
India found wanting when challenged with the demand of a two-goal victory over a resilient lower-pranked opponent.
Indian hockey team train under the watchful eyes of chief coach Roelant Oltmans. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
The Indian hockey team may have climbed up to No.6 in the world rankings but its ability to cope with pressure remains suspect, feels coach Roelant Oltmans.
Not only do they come under pressure in the closing stages of international encounters, during the past week, India were also found wanting when challenged with the demand of a two-goal victory over a resilient lower-pranked opponent during the 26th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament.
“We can play fantastic hockey and we have shown that often, but you need to prove your ability when there is real pressure,” says Oltmans.
In the last league match against Malaysia, the Indian team seemed to wilt under the pressure coming from the requirement of a two-goal victory that would have placed them in the final.
“I don’t know, but I feel you have to be able to cope with that kind of pressure. If you really want to become a team that can compete with the best in the world, then you should have known how to score those two goals,” says Oltmans.
“We are not there yet. I am sure if Germany would have been playing that situation, they would have scored two or maybe three goals.
“That India still doesn’t do it marks the difference between us and the top sides in the world. That’s where work needs to be done,” he added.
Oltmans said there were a lot of positives from India’s campaign in the Azlan Shah Cup, where India slipped one notch below their silver medal of last year to end with a bronze.
“I never take anything negative out of a tournament, I look at what we can improve as a team, which is different from being negative,” said Oltmans. “In any team, there is always room for improvement.”
“This is not the World Cup or the Olympic Games. This is the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which was a good test for the young players,” the coach asserted.
“We came to Ipoh with several youngsters and a new combination. This was a very good learning experience for them and they do need some time to settle down at this level,” he said.
“We want to test ourselves in certain areas. If that means the results dropping down a bit at this moment, it is okay with me.” said Oltmans, who saw his sixth-ranked team in the world struggle to overcome No. 16 Japan in the league fixture and two days later succumb to No. 14 Malaysia.
“A couple of players are not yet able to perform up to our expectations when the intensity of the encounter increases, but luckily we have enough time to improve that,” he said.
“There are some important tournaments coming up during this year. We must look at the bigger picture.”
For India, the bigger picture would include the Asia Cup in Dhaka scheduled from September 30 to October 8 and the World League Finals in Bhubaneswar in December.
Thereafter, India will look forward to four major outings in 2018 — the Commonwealth Games, the Champions Trophy, the Asian Games and the biggest one of them, the World Cup that will be played in Bhubaneswar.
“Out here, we tested quite a few different combinations. The observations from the tournament are very important for me,” said Oltmans, stressing on the significance of looking forward and grooming the next generation of international players.
“If we look at the statistics, by far we have had more circle penetrations than our opponents in almost every match.
We’ve got a lot of goal-scoring opportunities, but the way we converted them is not good enough. We’ve got to work on it,” he said.
“If we keep our defensive structure and create some more opportunities, I think the team’s future is bright,” Oltmans added.
Bracing for the World League Semifinals in London in June, the Indian team will take a 10—day break before reassembling for a training camp.
The Hindu
Umpire Vijayanathan nails Islahuddin lies about 1975 Hockey World Cup final goal
IPOH (Malaysia): Malaysian umpire G Vijayanathan has flayed former Pakistan captain Islahuddin Siddiqui for claiming that India's match-winning goal in the final of the 1975 World Cup was not clean.
India won the World Cup defeating Pakistan 2-1 in the final in Kuala Lumpur but Islahuddin has claimed in his recent autobiography that umpire Vijayanathan blew for a goal when striker Ashok Kumar's shot had rebounded off the post.
Ishahuddin repeated Pakistan's long-silenced claim in his book, which drew Vijayanathan's attention to an issue which he thought had been settled with pictures and video footage of the goal in public domain for years.
"It's amazing that Islahuddin has repeated this false theory after so many years even after the entire world has seen videos of the 1975 final that clearly show the Indian goal," Vijayanathan said in an interview.
"The video of the 1975 final has been in public domain for years and and it's freely available even on Youtube. Unless one wants to live a lie, the proof is available for anyone to see," said Vijayanathan, clearly hurt with what Islahuddin has written in his book.
In Islahuddin's book, what caught Vijayanathan's attention was a chapter "A Goal That Wasn't" which claims that the umpire had wrongly awarded India the goal.
Besides, Islahuddin has claimed he was the closest to the action and saw exactly what had happened.
"I am disgusted and disappointed that a man of his calibre and that too the captain of the Pakistan team can make such a down-graded statement," said Vijayanathan, who has maintained silence on the issue and allowed the pictures to speak for themselves.
"Islahuddin has probably written all this just for a certain audience, but he has forgotten then there is no law against speaking the truth," he said.
"I umpired this final match of the 1975 Hockey World Cup in Kuala Lumpur with Alan Renaud of France. India won this exciting encounter with Ashok Kumar scoring the winning goal."
"In pictures of Ashok Kumar's goal, you can see nine players and myself, but Islahuddin is nowhere to be seen. While I am watching the action from close to the striker and the goalkeeper, Islahuddin isn't even visible in the zone.
"Yet, he continues to make a false claim that he was closest to the action," said Vijayanathan. "Photographs and videos do not lie. It makes me wonder why Islahuddin is saying all this."
Vijiyanathan says his conscience was absolutely clear.
Amid Pakistan's claims about that goal, Vijayanathan accompanied the Late Sultan Azlan Shah to a studio the very next day to see the film of the final. The Late Sultan was a top organising official of that World Cup.
"We saw the action slide by slide and the Late Sultan too clearly saw that it was a goal and I had signalled correctly," Vijayanathan said.
"I cannot understand why some people refer to it as a disputed goal. In my opinion, a goal can only be termed disputed if an official protest - in writing - is made to the technical delegate after the game," said Vijayanathan. "Pakistan made no official protest."
Islahuddin also writes that Pakistan had reservations about Vijiyanathan umpiring the final "because of his Indian roots."
"He seems to have forgotten the number of India-Pakistan matches I had officiated in the past, including the finals of two Asian Games in 1970 and 1974, both of which were won by Pakistan." said Vijayanathan.
"Let me tell you that I am a full-bloodied Malaysian, born and bred in Malaysia for the last 80 years, My parents were born in Sri Lanka and had made Malaysia their home since 1924," Vijayanathan said.
"The Pakistan players, officials and their hockey federation obviously knew the truth about India's World Cup winning goal. That is why, despite several threatening calls directed at me after the 1975 final, I was invited to officiate in the 1976 Qaid-e-Azam Centenary International Hockey Tournament and also in the Islahuddin Benefit Match in 1982," says Vijayanathan.
Vijayanathan recalled how Pakistan insisted on him being the referee for its bronze medal play-off in the 1976 Olympics.
"In the 1976 Olympics, none of the Asian teams had qualified for the final, so I thought my dream of officiating in the title encounter would come true," said Vijayanathan.
"The irony of it all was that Pakistan insisted that I must be an umpire in the bronze medal match in which they were playing, and because of this I was nominated as an umpire for the bronze medal match instead of the final."
Islahuddin has claimed in his book that Pakistan deserved to be the champions because they were the stronger team and it was evident from the scores of the semifinal.
"Has you heard of such absurd logic that a team should have won the World Cup because they were stronger on paper and had won the semi-final with a bigger margin?" wonders Vijayanathan.
"Pakistan would not have liked losing the final, but for winning any match, the team has to deliver on the ground," Vijayanathan added.
The Times of India
Judge for yourself on YouTube
Top class hockey turf now open
The new hockey turf was officially opened at Nicholson Field on Saturday. Photo / Andrew Warner
Tauranga Boys' College First XI's chances of winning a first Rankin Cup title later this year have been enhanced by a new world-class turf pitch.
The iconic blue surface was officially opened on Saturday at the school with some past players and teachers testing themselves against the First XI.
It is a complete transformation from the old, worn out turf that had been used since 2004.
Having hundreds of boys playing on it during lunch breaks and PE classes, as well as hockey matches, finally took its toll.
Tauranga Boys' First XI captain Ryan Forlong says it is great to have a world class turf to play on to add to the quality facilities at the Tauranga Hockey Centre at Blake Park.
"The old turf was slippery and worn right down and not up to standard to play good hockey on," he said.
"(New turf) enables us to get better and enables us to play those teams that are able to train on the same surfaces, like King's College and Westlake Boys', some of the best teams in the country.
"I think it will be an advantage for us going into nationals and Rankin Cup."
Hockey is already booming at Tauranga Boys' College with the school fielding a record nine teams this year with 140 players involved.
Forlong says the new turf will only enhance playing numbers in the years to come.
"It is looking good for hockey and obviously this turf will help develop those players."
Tauranga Boys' College business development manager Delwynne Hahunga was in charge of the project from initial concept to the end.
She says it was a process that began around the middle of last year and came in under budget.
"It is guaranteed for 10 years but obviously it depends on how much use it gets. It is a school asset so gets a lot use," she said.
"It is hugely important for the school considering the state of the old turf that was just so old it was just dangerous when it was wet. We might have considered it our home advantage when other schools came to play here but honestly it was so slippery for the speed they were playing at."
The new turf was laid over the summer holidays with painstaking precision by Tauranga Boys' students, including several members of the hockey squad.
"A whole lot were involved with the lifting of the turf and there were about eight of the hockey boys involved in the laying of the turf," Hahunga said.
"It is just wonderful and now they have ownership of the turf, these boys. They are so proud and they worked so hard on those really hot, windy summer days. They were amazing."
Bay of Plenty Times
PAHF Umpires Managers Seminar
Philadelphia, USA - 2-3 March 2017
Umpires Managers Seminar attendees - Philadelphia, March 2017
Prior to the Big Apple Tournament Yolande Brada (NED) delivered a seminar for a variety of PAHF umpires managers, from local US umpires managers to international umpires managers. The programme was all about the competences for umpires managers and Yolande introduced and emphasized the role and importancy of the other role: the umpires coach.
A few of the topics:
- role and responsibilities
- umpires manager versus umpires coach
- coaching and education styles
- reflection
- feedback versus feed forward
- the art of asking questions
- assessing
- feedback reports.
This was written by one of the participants:
“I have discovered that I have so much more to offer to every umpire and person. I am going to interact within a capacity as umpires manager or even as an umpires coach because of my interaction in this seminar with the participants and with Yolande Brada. It has been resourceful and invokes so much abilities and sensitivity I may not have been aware of.”
ATTENDEES
Moderator: Yolande Brada, FIH (Holland)
Junior Premier Hockey:
- Wenrich, Dean
- Bair, Ridge
- McHenry, Sue
- Maccariella, Tracy
- Baxter, Amy
- Dudek, Aaron
USA FH Representatives:
- Horgan, Steve
- Boyer, Nora
- Godfrey, Lucy
- Wachowiak,.Barb
- Moore, Tom
- Pinhey, Val
Canada FH:
- Stewart, Wendy
- Williamson, Vanessa
- Leung, Deric
- Dunn, Keely
Other PAHF Representatives:
- Gomes, Susie (Trinidad & Tobago)
- Hopper, Devin (Guyana)
FIH Tournament Directors:
- Lurah Hess (USA)
- Cameron Burke (Barbados)
JPH/BAHF Representatives:
- Rachael Bloemker
- Nigel Traverso
Pan American Hockey Federation media release