News for 03 June 2017
All the news for Saturday 3 June 2017
India begin their three-nation hockey tournament campaign with defeat against Belgium
File image of the Indian hockey team in action. AP
Dusseldorf: Indian men's hockey team conceded a one-goal lead to go down 1-2 to Belgium in their opening match of the three-nation invitational tournament in Germany.
Despite taking a 1-0 lead in the third quarter through a splendid penalty corner (PC) conversion by Harmanpreet Singh, India conceded two goals in the final quarter to lose the match on Friday.
For Belgium, Cedric Charlier (52nd minute) and Tom Boon (55th minute) netted the ball.
Riding high on an impressive 5-2 win against Germany in their first match on Thursday, Belgium got off the blocks against India with vigour.
However, the Indian defence led by Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and Surender Kumar, who played his 50th international match, prevented them from taking an early lead.
After ending the first quarter in a stalemate, India were quick to earn their first PC in the 19th minute. Though drag-flicker Harmanpreet's attempt was well-struck and fierce, it was blocked by the Belgian defender's stick.
But soon Indian forward Ramandeep Singh, who is back in action after an injury break, did well to win the team their second PC. He was tactical with his dribble to find the foot of a Belgian defender inside the striking circle.
However, Belgium goalkeeper Jeremy Gucassoff denied India an early celebration as he came up with an impressive save to keep Harmanpreet from converting the goal.
The 10-minute break saw some vital strategic changes brought in by chief coach Roelant Oltmans and India came up with an improvised attack.
It paid off as the team won its fourth PC of the match only minutes into the third quarter but Harmanpreet was unlucky yet again as his fiercely-struck flick was blocked away by the Belgian defenders.
Though he was quick to get the rebound and attempted a reverse hit on goal, he was slightly off target with the ball hitting the crossbar.
However, the lost attempts did little to dent his spirit and he scored in India's fifth attempt at PC, earning the much-needed 1-0 lead in the 38th minute.
Harmanpreet beautifully struck the ball to the bottom right of the Belgium keeper giving him no chance to defend.
There was plenty of action in the fourth quarter with Belgium coming back into the game by earning their first PC of the match. Though India's defence denied them a goal, Charlier succeeded in winning an equaliser for his team in the 52nd minute with a field goal.
Though Belgium won back-to-back PCs soon after, Surender Kumar was impressive in his defence to deny them the opportunity. But India ended up conceding their second goal when Boon converted a PC in the 55th minute.
India is playing an invitational tournament in Germany against the hosts and Belgium just a week ahead of the Hockey World League semi-final.
Firstpost
Canadian men ready to renew rivalry with France in World League Semi-Final prep series
Shaheed Devji
Canada’s Iain Smythe celebrates a goal against France in the 2012 Olympic Qualifier in New Delhi, India.
They have met in their fair share of big games. So it’s safe to say, Canada and France could be considered rivals.
Most recently, Canada beat the French 3-2 at the 2014 Champions Challenge in Malaysia. But just a year before, in Saint-Germain, France, the fate was different.
For Canadian forward Matthew Sarmento, that 2013 World League Round 2 in Saint-Germain was a big deal.
Sarmento was fresh on the Senior National Level and was playing in his first international competition.
“It was really special to be there and I was really excited,” says the 25 year-old native of Vancouver, British Columbia. “I didn’t really know much about international hockey at the time.”
And boy was it ever an introduction.
World League Round 2 that year was part of the qualification process for the 2014 World Cup in the Netherlands. Canada had to finish in the top two in France in order to advance to Round 3 and have a chance at qualification.
In the final game of the competition, the Canadians faced the host French in a one game, winner moves on scenario, were up 2-0 and had their sights set on a spot in the next round, before things went south.
“When you go up 2-0, you expect to win the games,” Sarmento explains. “And then eventually it’s 2-1, 2-2 and we lost 3-2. It was pretty heartbreaking.”
Canada did not advance to World League Round 3, and later that year fell short at the Pan Am Cup, meaning they would not have a spot at the World Cup the following year.
It was part of a learning curve for a team that, despite having a handful of veterans, was still fairly young with an average age of 24.4 years old.
And after tying France in a game which they needed to win to continue their Olympic qualification hopes in 2012, it was another less than desired result at the hands of the French.
“It definitely left a bit of a sour (taste) in our mouth when we left France,” says veteran Iain Smythe. “We were hoping to continue and go forward into World League Round 3.”
Fast forward four years and 11th ranked Canada is back in France, set to take on the 17th ranked French in a three-game exhibition series ahead of the World League Semi-Final in London, a qualifier for the next World Cup in 2018.
This year, Canada advanced through World League Round 2 fairly easily, a testament to the maturity of a team that features 11 players from the 2013 roster, but now has an average age of 26.1, has advanced through two World League Round 2’s, and has competed in an Olympic Games (2016 in Brazil).
“Now we have a team that is well rounded,” adds Smythe, who has been around for the entire journey since 2012 match against France at the Olympic Qualification tournament in New Delhi India.
“They’re a competitive team, they’re a very good team. I think this is great opportunity for them to play us, and it’s a great opportunity for us as well because we are two equal teams.”
And while the visit to France this year does not carry any serious implications, aside from getting game ready for London, there is pride on the line.
And the chance for a little bit of payback for 2013 will likely add an intensity to the matches which may have been lacking without the history between the two teams.
“Looking to get some retribution for sure,” says Sarmento. “I think we’re definitely a stronger side than we were back then.”
Canada and France play the first of the three-game set on Sunday, June 4th at 6:30pm local time.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Stephen picks Izad to beef up defence for London challenge
by Aftar Singh
Just what we need: Muhd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin (right) returns to the national side for the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in London from June 15-25.
KUALA LUMPUR: Experienced defender Muhd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin is back in the national team for their challenge in the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in London from June 15-25.
The 25-year-old Perak player did not feature in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in April due to dengue fever.
National chief coach Stephen van Huizen dropped five players from the 23-man training squad. They were Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan, goalkeeper Hairi Abdul Rahman, Mohd Ramadan Rosli, Mohd Rashid Baharom and Joel van Huizen.
Stephen made just one change to the squad that featured in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, with Izad replacing the dropped Syed Mohd Syafiq.
Stephen, who named the 18-man team yesterday, said that he decided to include Izad “to beef up the defence”.
“I have named the best available players for the tournament in London. They were selected based on their performance in training and in the two friendlies we played against the national development squad,” said Stephen.
The national squad won both the friendlies – 6-1 on Tuesday and 1-0 on Thursday.
Ten teams will feature in London and world No. 14 Malaysia will begin their Group A campaign against world No. 1 and Olympic champions Argentina on June 16.
Malaysia’s other matches are against world No. 7 England on June 17, South Korea (June 19) and China (June 20). Group B has Holland, India, Pakistan, Canada and Scotland.
The quarter-finals will be on June 22, semi-finals on June 24 and final on June 25.
The World League Semi-Finals is a qualifying tournament for next year’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India.
Stephen said that their target in London is to finish in the top four in the group and qualify for the quarter-finals.
“We know that it’s not going be easy as all the teams will be fighting to reach the quarter-finals. Our first two matches against Argentina and England will be really tough.”
The national team will leave for London on June 7 and will play three friendlies against England’s development squad (June 9), Wales (June 11) and Canada (June 13).
The Star of Malaysia
Townsend: Back from injury and ready to go again
Townsend in action
Renowned as a fierce and tenacious competitor, these traits have been just as important off the field of play for Susannah Townsend since Great Britain’s historic campaign in Rio.
Two months on from the unrivalled joy of helping guide GB to Olympic Gold on that famous night on the 19 August, Townsend was left facing an agonising nine month injury layoff.
But using all of her grit and determination, Townsend has battled through the lonely gym sessions, the rehab classes and tackled the watt bike to return to the England team in late May.
On the injury, Townsend said: “It was actually an injury I picked up before Rio and we made the decision to manage it and we did a great job of that. With how Rio went and obviously winning gold when I did require surgery it was a lot easier to take.
“The analogy I use to explain it is like taking a divot in golf. I had a hole in my cartilage and like a divot you can replace the grass but it’ll never be the same.”
The 27-year-old admits to some tough times along the way but also great joy at finally making her return: “When you are injured you do spend a lot of time by yourself but I’ve had amazing support from everyone around me and I owe so much to the support staff for helping me get back on the pitch.
“My first game back was an evening fixture so I had some time to reflect by myself before the match on all the people who had helped me to get back. When we headed out I did get quite emotional and hugged and thanked our physio who has done so much for me.”
Now her sights are firmly set on making a mark at the start of this new four year cycle, firstly against the toughest of opposition in Argentina and the Netherlands this summer in the Investec Internationals at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Townsend is excited about the potential of the squad and the challenges ahead: “These games are great for English hockey, to have the world number one and three here on home turf on the back of the Olympics is massive.
“We are a force to be reckoned with following Rio and teams will definitely be scared to play us. Lee Valley is a ground we have many happy memories of and to host these teams in front of a big home crowd will be very special.
“It’ll also be a brilliant experience for the new members of our team. You can’t recreate the atmosphere at Lee Valley with the tension, the extra nerves, it really takes it out of you but it’ll be of great benefit to our younger players.
“It’s a really exciting squad of young talent and we have a few older heads now of which I can probably include myself!”
England Hockey Board Media release
Hawes hopeful Wimbledon can hit ground running in EHL FINAL4
Wimbledon coach Ben Hawes is hoping his side can hit the ground running against Oranje-Rood as the English club make their first appearance in the EHL FINAL4.
It continues their incredible rise through the English hockey landscape, moving up through four regional divisions and the eastern conference in the space of six years.
From there, they took little time to boss the English Premier League, winning the playoffs on two occasions before topping the regular season table in 2016/17.
Throw in this EHL run, beating German sides UHC Hamburg and Mannheimer HC and its safe to call their rise meteoric. That English season, though, finished in April, meaning that Hawes has had a long time to prepare for the single purpose of meeting Oranje-Rood.
“Our major unknown is how our guys pick up from training into top match level for what is essentially international level hockey,” the coach said on the eve of the FINAL4 in Brasschaat. “Our five internationals can do that and if the rest of the squad can come with them, we will have a very competitive game.
“Our league finished five weeks ago and we then lost our internationals to the Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia which is good for them, playing a tough tournament in hot weather.
“But it means we only managed one practice game because all the other teams have stopped. So it's been a challenge but we have kept the group together as much as possible and, hopefully, we're in a good place physically tomorrow and the hockey will come.”
He will be without key defender Michael Hoare through injury while busy midfielder Ben Arnold has an exam this weekend which curtails his involvement.
“It’s disappointing but we have good backup and there is strength in our squad. We are not relying on those two but they could have made a difference.”
Hawes has been hailed for his tactical insight in unpicking the German opponents in the KO16 and KO8. This time around, he has a decent amount of insight into the opposition’s philosophy from his time with AH&BC Amsterdam as a player in addition to the video work that has been done.
Speaking about what his side need to do to succeed, he adds: “I played Oranje Zwart in Holland and in European competitions; they are always a tough team to play and probably don’t have as much of the Dutch characteristics that you stereotype.
“They are a very hard team, very physical but also have the X factor of a world class corner flicker and one of the best players in the world of the last 10 years in Robert van der Horst. They have an international flavour and an Australian coach which brings a different culture.
“I’m a relatively new coach and you can have all the tactics that you want but it's up to the guys to go out and do it. We’ve obviously looked at a lot of Oranje-Rood games. We know the players but when you get to this international class, they have another gear to go up to.
“Tomorrow will be a battle for us to stop their best players and then tactically see how we can challenge them beyond that.
“We have to be willing to put our bodies on the line and hope that technically, our men can match them in areas that matter which is essentially in both circles. “
Euro Hockey League media release
Surbiton women's success in Europe
By Mike Haymonds
HOLLIE WEBB sealed Surbiton’s 2-1 win over the Spanish side SPV Complutense in their EuroHockey Club Cup quarter-final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
Australian Naomi Evans’ 33rd-minute strike was equalised by Begona Garcia three minutes later before the Spaniards had the chance to take the lead in the 47th- minute. But the Spanish skipper Lola Riera Zuzuarregui fired a penalty stroke off target and Rio Olympian Webb’s penalty corner strike three minutes later won the day.
In their third successive appearance in Europe it was the first time Surbiton had reached the semi-final where they will meet the host Dutch club Den Bosch, the defending champions, today (Saturday).
England’s second representative Canterbury, also in their third appearance in a row, lost 5-0 to UHC Hamburg and face the Russians CSP Krylatskoye for the minor placings tomorrow (Sunday).
Daily Express
JKUAT next in line for Telkom Orange's firing squad
By BRIAN YONGA
Elizabeth Okama of JKUAT ladies drives the ball during their Kenya Hockey Union women's league match against Sliders at City Park Stadium on April 29, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | MEDIA MEDIA GROUP
A youthful Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) side will be eyeing an upset when they face leaders Telkom Orange in a Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League match on Sunday at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.
There are 12 matches on the cards this weekend across the country as the league nears its half way stage.
In the men’s Premier League, Greensharks and Butali Sugar Warriors have the chance to cut down runaway leaders Kenya Police’s lead in the league.
Sharks play USIU Saturday evening as third-placed Butali tackle Parkroad Badgers at City Park. Amira Sailors face USIU on Saturday in what should be an interesting match, while Mombasa Sports Club welcome Strathmore University Scorpions in another women’s tie.
JKUAT coach Sammy Oungo is targeting champions Orange’s scalp as they look to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to USIU last week. The Juja-based side are enjoying a decent season, losing only once in the last seven matches and lie fifth in the log.
“It is a tough match because Orange are a very good side with top players. We need to stay disciplined and avoid making mistakes. But we are not afraid and promise to give them the match of their lives,” the coach said day.
Emma Aroni will start in goal for the students with Ivy Kinyua leading the attack alongside Mariam Ngugi. Orange, who are chasing a record 20th league crown, are on a roll this season. They have won their opening seven matches, scoring 44 goals and are yet to concede.
They hit Sliders 8-0 in their last match on Wednesday and Orange coach Jos Openda will be aiming for a repeat performance against JKUAT.
We do not want to underrate them but we always remain confident of beating any team. We are still on course to finish this season without conceding a goal,” Openda said.
Evergreen forward Jackline Mwangi, who scored thrice against Sliders, will lead Orange’s attack supported by internationals Audrey Omaido and Maureen Okumu.
In the men’s Premier League, third-placed Butali Sugar will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 1-1 draw away to Nakuru. The result left the lakeside club 11 points adrift of Police. The Godfrey Wakachunga coached side will however need to be wary of a tricky Badgers side.
“We were not clinical against Nakuru and that cost us two points. We cannot afford to drop more points this season,” Wakachunga said.
Butali will be without the influential Zack Aura, who misses out due work commitment, while forward Emmanuel Simiyu is still suspended. Badgers are eyeing successive wins after last weekend’s 2-0 win over bottom placed Technical University of Kenya.
FIXTURES (All matches at City Park unless stated)
Saturday
Premier Women: Vikings v Multimedia University (12pm), Chase Amira v USIU-A (2 pm), Mombasa Sports Club v Strathmore University (3pm, Mombasa)
National Men: Youngstars v UON (3pm, Kisumu)
Premier Men: Nakuru v Sikh Union, Nairobi (2.30pm, Nakuru), Western Jaguars v Kenyatta University (2.30pm, Kakamega), Butali Warriors v Park Road Badgers (4pm), Green Sharks v USIU-A (6pm)
Sunday:
National Men: Bay Club v UoN (9am, Kisumu), Wazalendo Youth v Multimedia University (5pm)
Premier Women: Orange v JKUAT (9am), Kenyatta University v Sliders (11am)
Premier Men: Sikh Union v Parklands Sports Club (1pm), KCA-U v Wazalendo (3pm).
Daily Nation
Butali Warriors seek to regain form
Hockey Former champions hope to return to winning ways. Win against Badgers today will increase their chances of reclaiming the title
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Africa Cup Championship at City Park. Kenya Butali Sugar Zack Aura(l) with the ball as Niger Fliger Manman give chase when they played Africa Cup Championship at City Park. ON 11/01/2017 PHOTO; JENIPHER WACHIE
Former Kenya Hockey Union men Premier League champions Butali Sugar Warriors will be hoping to rediscover their form today when they take on Parkroad Badgers at City Park Stadium.
Having dropped two crucial points in the 1-1 draw away to Nakuru last weekend, Butali will go full throttle in a quest to secure their seventh victory of the season.
A win against Badgers will increase their chances of reclaiming the title they lost to Strathmore University Gladiators last year.
They are currently third on the log with 19 points from seven matches, 11 less than top of the log Kenya Police who have had ten successful outings.
Butali captain Kenneth Nyongesa said they will be going for maximum points.
“It’s unfortunate we drew last weekend, but we are not ready to drop more points because it will hurt our campaign. We just have to fight harder because winning is the only option we have,” Nyongesa said.
Elsewhere, Greensharks will face United States International University of Africa men. A victory will see them maintain a firm grip on second spot which they occupy with 20 points from nine matches.
Nakuru will host 2012 winners Nairobi Sikh Union in Nakuru while Western Jaguars will entertain Kenyatta University Vultures in Kakamega today.
In Mombasa, Mombasa Sports Club will host Strathmore Scorpions. The Coast-based ladies will be chasing a second win of the season while Strathmore will be eying their fifth.
Defending champions Telkom Orange will take on Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology tomorrow. Orange have dominated the league and are at the summit of the standings with 21 points from seven matches.
On the other hand, Sliders will be hoping to bounce back from their humiliating defeat when they play Kenyatta University Titans.
The Standard Online
Inspired by the Best
Young Journalists Interview Members of USWNT at Ireland Series
Philafieldhockey.com hosted a contest offering two athletes the chance to watch the U.S. Women's National Team in action against Ireland on Friday, May 26 as part of the media.They interviewed players after the game, recapped their experiences and had their articles published on Philafieldhockey.com. Both contest winners, one under the age of 14 and the other under the age of 19, have shared their experiences below.
Philafieldhockey.com Young Journalists’ Essays about their experience of interviewing USA Field Hockey players
By Katie Liebeskind | Click here for Leibeskind's Full Article
This month, I won the opportunity to watch Team USA in action during their series against Ireland and interview Team USA players through PhilaFieldHockey’s Young Journalists Contest. I entered the contest to combine two things that I love: writing and field hockey. Since I would like to become a Sports Journalist after college, this could not have been a timelier win. When I received the news that I won the contest, it was actually two days after my AP exams finished, so I saw it as a reward for all of the hard work that I put into my studies.
I had seen Team USA play before when I attended the High Intensity Team Camp with my team from Academy of Notre Dame, held at Spooky Nook last year and watched them play India during the Road to Rio. But it didn’t really seem as surreal to me as last Friday’s game was. Ever since I was eleven years old, when I first picked up a field hockey still (and my first set of goalie gear), I’ve always looked up to the players on the national team. Some of them I have even seen as my heroes. As I watched the game, I couldn’t contain my excitement as I watched the players jab, dribble, and drive like it was effortless. It was always, and still is, a dream of mine to be on that field with them, playing my heart out.
It was even more exciting to interview two players from the team: Ali Campbell and Loren Shealy. I admittedly felt a little nervous interviewing them, but they were just normal people talking to me about a game. I even got a chance to talk to Erin Matson, who not only is a junior in high school like myself but also played with some of my teammates from school at WC Eagles. I felt so at home with people who loved the sport I love with just as much emotion as I possess. Overall, this experience was one of a kind. I absolutely enjoyed every second of it, and I would like to thank Kathleen Simone for selecting me as the Under-19 winner for the contest. It was an amazing opportunity to practice my skills as a journalist by writing an article, and I will keep this memory close as I begin my senior year and eventual preparation for college, where I will study Journalism and Sports Management at Ursinus College.
Liebeskind is the starting goalkeeper at the Academy of Notre Dame, which clinched the PAISAA State Title this fall; she earned All-InterAc First Team honors. She is also a member of Philly Hockey Club. Earlier this month, Liebeskind committed to Division III powerhouse, Ursinus College.
By Madison Waldspurger | Click Here for Waldspurger's Full Article
I entered the Philafieldhockey.com contest where I had to answer questions about why I wanted to interview and write about USA Field Hockey players. I ended up winning the contest by saying that it would be my very first time seeing the USA Women’s National Team and also celebrating my thirteen birthday. On May 26, two days after my birthday, I went to Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to watch the National Team play. The game was a lot of fun to watch. The USA National Team played Ireland and won 2-0. During the game, there was good passing and a lot of opportunities to score even though Team USA only scored 2 goals. I was excited to interview the players after the game and I had a lot of questions to ask them. During the interview, I was able to record it and play it back when I was writing the article. I interviewed three players: Erin Matson (who is still in high school), Michelle Vittese (who played her 173 international cap), and Taylor West (who scored one of goals in game). These three girls have inspired me to be the best I can be! This this whole experience has been amazing and I dream of one day playing on the National Team, and to one day say I was inspired to be the best by these players.
Waldspurger is a seventh grader at Pennfield Middle School. She not only earned a spot on the middle school varsity team in her first year, but also garnered co-MVP honors. Waldspurger has also been a member of the Souderton Strikers FHC since age six and has been involved with USA Field Hockey Futures Program for two years.
Philafieldhockey.com's Young Journalists: Waldspurger & Liebeskind
Content and Images Courtesy of Philafieldhockey.com
USFHA media release