News for 04 June 2017
All the news for Sunday 4 June 2017
India settle for 2-2 draw against Germany
DUSSELDORF (Germany): Indian men's hockey team came from a goal down to settle for a 2-2 draw against Germany in a high-voltage match of the three-nation Invitational Tournament, here on Saturday.
Niklas Wellen (13th minute) gave Germany the lead before Mandeep Singh (45th) and talismanic Sardar Singh (45th) struck the board in quick time to hand India the lead.
But experienced Tobias Hauke came to the home team's rescue and scored the equaliser in the 52nd minute.
With both India and Germany losing their first match against Belgium, there was no doubt that this was going to be a closely contested match and neither teams disappointed.
Both India and Germany raced out of their blocks at a frenetic pace, attacking each other constantly from the word go.
Indian goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya was kept busy by the mighty Germans in the first quarter.
The hosts earned their first penalty corner in the fourth minute but Dahiya did well to come up with an impressive save and deny an early lead to the Germans.
In the 12th minute of the match, India came close to taking the lead when forwards SV Sunil and Ramandeep Singh worked in tandem in the striking circle to take a shot on goal but Ramandeep's deflection went just wide.
Soon after, though, Germany found success when Wellen perfectly deflected the ball into the Indian goal.
In the second quarter, an in-form Wellen came close to scoring his second goal of the match. It was an open goal with no Indian defender posing a threat but his flick was off target with the ball going over the post.
Even as Germany pressed hard, Ramandeep found another chance to take a shot on goal with a good assist from Pardeep Mor but his deflection was off the mark.
Germany were constantly attacking and the pressure was evident on Indian defence as they made unwarranted error which resulted in Germany winning their second penalty corner of the match.
But India's vice-captain Chinglensana Singh made a brave save to deny the Germans.
The third quarter, however, belonged to India as they made great amends to get ahead of Germany.
First it was India's young sensation Mandeep who scored with an impressive strike to equalise for India in the 45th minute.
Soon after, Sardar wielded magic with his inspiring dribbling abilities to carry the ball into the circle and successfully take a shot on goal.
With a crucial 2-1 lead, India pushed hard to stay ahead of Germany but seven minutes into the fourth quarter the hosts equalised through Hauke's strike.
With just five minutes left for the final hooter, both teams pressed hard for the winner and India's reserve goalkeeper Akash Chikte made a great save in the dying minutes of the match to save the day for his side.
India will play their next match against Belgium on Monday.
The Times of India
Ireland score late to take honours v Pakistan
Photo courtesy of Adrian Boehm
Ireland won a high-tempo match this afternoon to take a 1-0 lead in the three test series being played at Lisnagarvey HC, Comber Road. This game was in marked contrast to the defence dominated battle on Thursday night that ended in a draw.
Ireland scored the opener midway through the first quarter through a Sean Murray screamer with a first time strike as the ball came across the top of the circle that fairly flew past the stranded Pakistan keeper into the roof of the net. Pakistan made a few good chances of their own in response and Ingram needed to make some fine interceptions in the Ireland goal to keep Ireland’s noses ahead. Ireland debutant Luke Madeley had a strong performance in the Ireland defence.
Pakistan got their equaliser somewhat fortuitously from the penalty spot after a goal bound shot caught a defenders body on route to goal. Ireland appealed that the goalkeeper was still to be beaten but the award stood and was despatched with some aplomb by Muhammad Umar Bhutta for 1-1 at half time.
The fourth quarter was quiet quite until Pakistan conjured up an equaliser from a bit of slick passing around the Ireland defence. Ali Shan found himself unmarked at the far post for the simplest of tap-ins to a ball driven hard across the Irish circle. All to play for with 8 minutes left.
Ireland won a final short corner and although set-piece did not go quite to plan some great improvisation from O’Donoghue saw him score the winner after dancing around a couple of Pakistan defenders for a late 3-2 lead.
Ireland saw the game out without any further scares for the win that puts them in a good position to win the series with the final match tomorrow afternoon at 2:00pm (also at Comber Road).
Ireland 3 – 2 Pakistan
Irish Hockey Association media release
Rot-Weiss’ second quarter volley lands their first ever EHL final spot
Rot-Weiss Köln produced a brilliant second quarter performance to beat KHC Dragons 5-3 and guarantee their first ever medal from the EHL.
Indeed, it was a magical four minute spell in the second quarter, scoring three times in succession. Florian Adrians got the first, touching in at the right post after a blistering pass from Matthias Müller from 35 metres out.
The second was a Jonas Gomoll thunderbolt from the top of the circle and he snapped up the ball from a defensive slip for 2-0. Then, from their third corner of the period, Müller swept in – despite Loic van Doren’s best efforts – from the injection spot for a 3-0 half-time lead.
They kept it that way in the third quarter, keeping out the best Dragons could throw at them with Florent van Aubel’s effort the pick of them.
Rot-Weiss, though, killed off the game entirely when Marco Miltkau guided in the fourth goal, ramping the ball into the roof of the net. Florian Scholten intercepted a loose clearance and returned the ball back to Moritz Trompertz who cleverly fired his shot to the right of goal where Miltkau was waiting to score.
Tom Grambusch added a late corner to make it 5-3. Dragons produced an incredible run of three goals in three minutes with Alex Hendrickx’s corner, Florent van Aubel’s crackers and another from Timothy Luyten to reduce the gap.
But they could not deny Rot-Weiss their first ever berth in the EHL GRAND FINAL.
Rot-Weiss Köln 5 (F Adrians, J Gomoll, M Müller, M Miltkau, T Grambusch) KHC Dragons 3 (A Hendrickx, F van Aubel, T Luyten)
Euro Hockey League media release
Oranje Rood in cruise control to ease into EHL GRAND FINAL
HC Oranje-Rood cruised into the GRAND FINAL of the EHL as they brushed aside England’s Wimbledon with plenty to spare, setting up a Sunday date at 3.30pm with Rot-Weiss Köln.
The signs were ominous from very early on as Jelle Galema’s spin-pass on the ground found its way to Benjamin Stanzl on the left post where his shot made it through the cover of James Bailey.
Agustin Mazzilli’s reverse-stick cross picked out Milan van Baal at the back post for 2-0 in the eighth minute. Mink van der Weerden’s top corner rocket added the third before Jelle Galema thumped home the fourth goal from the right side of the circle for a 4-0 advantage by the quarter-time hooter.
Van der Weerden added the fifth goal with a carbon copy corner in the 20th minute. Joep de Mol’s cross then took a heavy deflection to find it’s way in off Gordon McIntyre for a massive six-goal half-time lead.
The third quarter saw the scoring slow with Oranje-Rood having two efforts initially awarded before being cancelled out on video referral. Simon Mantell’s solo run saw Wimbledon go close with their best chance of the tie to date.
Van der Weerden saw his penalty saved by James Bailey in the final quarter to limit the damage but the seventh goal did arrive via Teun Beins from a penalty corner in the 53rd minute and Niek van der Schoot closed out the victory.
Wimbledon go into the BRONZE MATCH on Sunday at 1pm against KHC Dragons.
HC Oranje-Rood 8 (M van der Weerden 2, B Stanzl, M van Baal, J Galema, J de Mol, T Beins, N van der Schoot) Wimbledon 0
Euro Hockey League media release
Wimbledon defeated in Euro Hockey League semi-final
Oranje-Rood
Wimbledon will face Belgian side KHC Dragons in the EuroHockey League bronze medal match after losing out to Oranje-Rood in the semi-finals.
Goals from Mink Van Der Weerden, Benjami Stanzl, Milan Van Baal, Jelle Galema, Joep De Mol, Teun Beins and Niek Van Der Schoot completed the comprehensive win.
Oranje-Rood put in a stunning first half performance which saw them run into a 6-0 lead before further goals late on completed the 8-0 victory.
The English side will now face KHC Dragons tomorrow as they battle for third place live on BT Sport 3 and EHL TV from 12pm.
Oranje-Rood flew out of the blocks and were ahead inside just two minutes of the start. A break down the left saw the ball break for Stanzl, his strike creeping past James Bailey in the Wimbledon goal.
The Dutch side continued to dominate the early proceedings and doubled the lead after 10 minutes. Breaking again down the left a cross was flashes across goal and Van Baal made no mistake at the back post to deflect home.
Two further goals in the 13th minute saw Oranje-Rood pull even further ahead, a stunning drag flick from Van Der Weeren before a strike from Galema seeing their side take a 4-0 lead into the first break.
Wimbledon responded by winning a penalty corner of their own but Simon Mantell’s effort was well saved. However Oranje-Rood notched up their fifth immediately after as Van Der Weeren sent another drag flick into the top corner before De Moel made it six seconds before the half-time break.
The third quarter was more tightly contested with Wimbledon continuing to battle hard and improving to enjoy their best spell of the game. Oranje-Rood did twice find the back of the net but both were chalked off after video reviews.
Wimbledon continued to show resilience and character in the final 15 minutes but they couldn’t prevent the dutch side from moving further ahead. After Bailey had denied Van Der Weeren from a penalty stroke it was Beins who got on the score sheet from a penalty corner.
Oranje-Rood continued to press to the final whistle and Van Der Schoot’s effort flew into the top corner in the final minute to finish off a dominant performance.
England Hockey Board Media release
EHL FINAL4 – by the numbers
4,400: the available tickets each day in Antwerp
119: goals scored in the EHL so far this season
68: clubs have played in the EHL's 10-year history
60: minutes in an EHL game
33: EHL goals scored by Rot-Weiss Köln’s Marco Miltkau, two off the current record held by Rotterdam’s Jeroen Hertzberger
24: teams battled it out for the EHL title this season
13: different nationalities involved in the FINAL4 - England, Spain, South Africa, Scotland, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago, Netherlands, Argentina, Austria, Pakistan, Germany, Belgium, France
13: players to have won an EHL GRAND FINAL involved this weekend: Rashid Mehmood, Muhammad Rizwan, Joep de Mol, Jelle Galema, Mink van der Weerden, Niek van der Schoot, Thijs Bams, Bob de Voogd, Rob van der Horst, Bram Huijbregts (all won with Oranje Zwart, now with Oranje-Rood), Thomas Briels (with OZ, now with Dragons), Benjamin Stanzl (with Harvestehuder THC, now with Oranje-Rood), Marco Miltkau (with UHC Hamburg, now with Rot-Weiss Köln)
12: countries with clubs represented in the EHL this season
10: seasons since the EHL has been introduced
7: international broadcasters showing the EHL on their platforms – Eleven Sports Network (Belgium), NOS (Netherlands), Sport1 (Germany), SuperSport (South Africa), BeIn (Australia), BT Sport (United Kingdom), esport3 (Spain)
4: clubs from different countries represented in the FINAL4
4: Belgian Olympic silver medalists in the Dragons team: Arthur van Doren, Florent van Aubel, Thomas Briels, Felix Denayer; Jeffrey Thys and Alexander Hendrickx were also reserves for the squad.
2: Olympic gold medalists on display – Agustin Mazzilli (Argentina, 2016), Christopher Zeller (Germany, 2012)
1: new name will be engraved on the Alain Danet Trophy following this weekend
Euro Hockey League media release
Butali Sugar Warriors hit Parkroad Badgers at City Park
By BRIAN YONGA
Butali Sugar players celebrates their first goal against Parkroad Badgers during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match on June 3, 2017 at City Park Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Butali Sugar Warriors on Saturday beat Parkroad Badgers 3-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match at City Park Stadium, Nairobi.
A late brace from Vincent Odhiambo and an early strike by Hanningtone Otieno secured three points for Butali.
Butali skipper Kennedy Nyongesa was pleased with the three points.
"We dropped two points last week and it was important to bounce back today," Nyongesa said.
Butali, who had drawn 1-1 with Nakuru Athletic Club in Nakuru last weekend, took the lead in the 13th minute as Otieno finished off a well worked move.
Butali struggled to add more goals before finally making the points safe in the final quarter as Odhiambo hit a brace in the space of three minutes.
At the same venue, United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans stunned Amira Sailors 2-0 in a cagey women's Premier League match.
Two goals in the last quarter from Ruth Wangeci and Sandra Vodoti gave Spartans the deserved win which cemented their second spot in the standings after their sixth win in seven matches.
They are now on 18 points, three behind leaders Telkom Orange who play Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on Sunday from 9am.
Spartans captain Beatrice Mbugua said her team won due to hard work and their relentless fighting spirit.
"Our ambition is to secure a club championship place and this result confirmed that we are serious about that. We were able to neutralise their attacks and this allowed us to control the match," Mbugua told Nation Sport.
The two teams battled for the opener in the opening three quarters, where few chances were created.
OPENED THE SCORING
Spartans finally broke the deadlock in the last quarter. Mbugua's well worked short corner found Rhoda Nyambura but her shot was initially blocked falling in Wangeci's path and the forward slammed the ball home in the 53rd minute.
Three minutes later, the points were sealed after Spartans doubled their lead through another short corner. Nyambura teed up Vodoti, who slotted the ball past Amira keeper Rachel Kerubo.
Amira struggled to create chances in the match with their star player Pauline Naise lacking supply upfront. She did manage to create two chances for her teammates but fellow striker Susan Oketch was unable to finish.
They also had two short corners which they failed to utilise condemning them to a second defeat of the season.
Naise was hit with the ball late on to compound more misery for Amira.
"I think we showed no fighting spirit today and gave up too easily. We need to show improvement in our remaining first leg matches," Amira coach Linet Onyango said.
Earlier, Vikings beat Multimedia University 1-0 at the same venue. A last minute winner by Jacinta Nthenya secured the win for Vikings.
Daily Nation
Warriors thump Parkroad: Hockey Former champions bounce back with crucial win
Amira go down to USIU in another league encounter.
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Africa Cup Championship at City Park. Kenya Butali Sugar celebrate after beating Eastern 2-0 when they played Africa Cup Championship at City Park. ON 11/01/2017 PHOTO; JENIPHER WACHIE
Former champions Butali Sugar Warriors yesterday bounced back from last weekend's 1-1 draw against Nakuru to beat Parkroad Badgers 3-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union men's Premeir League match at City Park Stadium, Nairobi.
A brace from Vincent Odhiambo and and a goal by Hanningtone Odhiambo secured three points for Butali. A delighted Butali captain Kenneth Nyongesa said that they fought hard because they really needed the win.
"We really needed to win because we wanted to avoid dropping more points. We fought from the onset and I'm glad our efforts paid off," Nyongesa said.
Butali took the lead on the 13th minute as Otieno finished off a well worked move. Butali struggled to add more goals before finally making the points safe in the final quarter as Odhiambo hit a brace in the space of three minutes.
Elsewhere, United States International University of Africa Spartans thrashed Amira Sailors 2-0 in a women's encounter. Two second half goals from Ruth Wangeci and Sandra Vodoti were enough to give Spartans their sixth victory of the season.
The win saw the students consolidate second spot on the log. Spartans captain Beatrice Mbugua said that hard work and fighting spirit won the match for them.
"Our aim is to secure a club championship place and this result confirmed that we are serious. We neutralised their attacks and this allowed us to control the match hence the encouraging result," Mbugua said.
The two sides engaged in a goalless battle for the better part of the match as they both tried to in vain to take the lead. Wangeci broke the deadlock with a successful penalty corner in the 43rd minute to give the students a 1-0 lead at the break of the third quarter.
Amira struggled to create chances in the match with star player Pauline Naise lacking supply upfront. She did manage to create two chances for her teammates, but Susan Oketch was unable to complete the job.
Earlier, Vikings beat Multimedia University 1-0 at the same venue. A last minute winner by Jacinta Nthenya secured the win for Vikings.
The Standard Online
English Mixed Finals line-up confirmed
Glorious sunshine and great hockey action lit up the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on day one of the Mixed Finals. Today’s objective was to qualify for tomorrow’s finals, with two semi-finals in both the plate and trophy competition taking place.
The first match of the day was a plate semi-final between Repton and St Albans. Repton built up a commanding lead and went into the half-time interval 4-0 in front. Two field goals from Chris Beastall and Christina Jowett within the first three minutes of the second period put an end to the tie and with it St Albans hopes of a final appearance. Jakob Plant did strike a consolation goal on 63 minutes, before Chris Beastall rounded off a good mornings work, including his hat-trick, with just 5 minutes to play. The final scoreline, a resounding 7-1 victory for Repton.
Battling it out for the right to face Repton in the final were Lindum and defending plate champions Sevenoaks. The match followed a similar pattern to the first semi-final, with the Kent side racing into a 4-0 lead by half-time. Early into the second half, Lindum gave themselves a great chance of a comeback, Jo Siddans with the goal. Sadly for the Lincoln based outfit, this was as good as it got and the dream faded away. A fifth for Sevenoaks came courtesy of David Smith, before captain fantastic Duncan Parnis got the teams sixth and his fourth.
In the afternoon it was the turn of the trophy semi-finals with Harleston Magpies first up against Spencer. The two sides exchanged blows early on and were a goal a piece after 10 minutes. A goal just seconds from the end of the half, courtesy of Maria Andrews, gave the Magpies a slight advantage going into the break. For 20 minutes the score line didn’t change, but a quick fire double for Harleston ensured a 4-1 victory and a place in the final.
In the final match of the day, Khalsa delivered a second half comeback to be proud of as they beat Stourport 3-2. The latter lead 2-0 thanks to a penalty corner from Andrew Cavendish and a field goal from Abbie Yapp, however, this didn’t deter their opponents. An Amie Hone penalty corner brought Khalsa within touching distance before a penalty stroke levelled the scores and ensured a nervy finish. Jas Khakh’s penalty corner a minute from time sealed the win and Khalsa’s place in tomorrow’s trophy final.
Results (3rd June 2017)
Plate semi-final: Repton 7-1 St Albans
Plate semi-final: Lindum 1-6 Sevenoaks
Trophy semi-final: Harleston Magpies 4-1 Spencer
Trophy semi-final: Stourport 2-3 Khalsa
Fixtures (4th June 2017)
Plate 3rd/4th play-off: St Albans vs Lindum
Plate final: Repton vs Sevenoaks
Trophy 3rd/4th play-off: Spencer vs Storurport
Trophy final: Harleston Magpies vs Khalsa
England Hockey Board Media release
New Hockey Australia boss Matt Favier hopes Hockeyroos star Anna Flanagan returns to sport
David Polkinghorne
New Hockey Australia boss Matt Favier hopes Anna Flanagan returns to the sport. Photo: Melissa Adams
She was the Hockeyroos' golden girl and incoming Hockey Australia boss Matt Favier hopes Anna Flanagan returns to the sport.
The outgoing AIS chief executive will meet with high performance director Toni Cumpston and Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin to talk about players, but he hopes the Canberra product pulls on a Hockeyroos jersey again in the future.
Favier announced on Friday he'd be leaving his post at the AIS at the end of June, where he oversaw the introduction of the controversial Winning Edge program, and he'll take up his new role with Hockey Australia in July.
Flanagan missed out on last year's Rio Olympic Games after a drink-driving charge and she's since stepped away from the sport due to personal issues.
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The former world junior player of the year has won two Commonwealth Games gold medals, but has yet to taste success on the Olympic stage.
She told Fairfax Media she wanted to earn a spot back with the Hockeyroos by the end of the year, ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
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"I'm very aware of Anna Flanagan's performance profile and her potential. I think that's something I'll need to talk to the performance team about," Favier said.
"Somebody of her obvious talent it's not always the case where exciting young talent achieves the same level of success internationally at the senior levels, but I would imagine somebody of her pedigree does warrant further consideration.
New Hockey Australia boss Matt Favier hopes Anna Flanagan returns to the sport. Photo: Getty Images
"But a large part of this would come down to her and her motivations as well.
"I can't really comment other than she's somebody who's highly regarded by the sport who has achieved a lot ... she's obviously a very talented girl."
Even if Flanagan doesn't make her comeback, Favier said it was important hockey helps in her life post sport.
He was pleased the 25-year-old had started a career with Fox Sports, which would help her with her transition in the long run.
Life away from the bubble of professional sport has become a hot topic this year, with former athletes opening up about the difficulties they face in retirement - further highlighted by the tragic death of former ACT Brumby Dan Vickerman.
"That sounds like she's certainly pursuing a parallel career that leaves something she can pursue after hockey - I hope that's not now," Favier said.
"But either way that's great to see her find a way in another area that almost certainly with someone like her and her profile will position her well into the future.
"As athletes transition out of sport and have challenges from time to time, every sport is concerned for their welfare.
"I'll certainly be looking to play my part in the hockey domain to do that as well."
Favier's Winning Edge implementation could ironically affect the level of funding he now receives from the Australian Sports Commission in his new job.
Both the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras underperformed at the Rio Olympics, with neither team bringing home a medal despite going in as the No.3 and No.1 ranked teams in the world respectively.
The model of Winning Edge provides funding to sports depending on performance and medal prospects, meaning ongoing underperformance could lead to funding cuts.
But Favier was confident hockey would continue to be an important sport on the world and Olympic stages.
"The minister [Greg Hunt] confirmed there was funding through to the Commonwealth Games and probably would've been supported either way, despite the fact Rio was an underperformance by the teams," he said.
"I think that's been well acknowledged by the sport. There's always a funding risk if things don't go well.
"From an AIS point of view we would look at the number of factors around the sport and determine if an ongoing level of support either at the same [level], increased or decreased was warranted depending an assessment of their future potential.
"We still consider hockey to be an important sport and on both the men's and the women's side has the potential to achieve medals."
The Canberra Times