News for 23 October 2017
All the news for Monday 23 October 2017
India edge Malaysia to claim men’s Hero Asia Cup 2017
India - winners of the men's Hero Asia Cup 2017. Credit: Asia Hockey Federation
The men’s Hero Asia Cup 2017 has been won by India, who claimed their third Asian Continental Championship thanks to victory over fellow finalists Malaysia at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Goals from Ramandeep Singh and Lalit Upadhyay put tournament favourites India firmly in charge of the contest going into half time, but a strike from Sharil Saabah ten minutes from the end of the contest made the score 2-1 and boosted Malaysia’s hopes of securing a first ever Asia Cup success. Although Malaysia pressed hard for an equaliser, their efforts were thwarted by an outstanding defensive display as India held on to win a trophy that they last lifted in 2007, an event played on home soil in Chennai.
On winning the title, India captain Manpreet Singh said: “It is a great honour to captain this team. Hockey is a team game and we are a family and this victory was possible because of the team work we put in. We are enjoying this victory.”
India Head Coach Sjoerd Marijne admitted feeling nervous in the latter stages of the match before his team emerged victorious. “I was a bit worried when the score was 2-1, strange goals can happen in last four or five minutes”, said Dutchman Marijne, who enjoys title success in his first major competition since taking up the position of Head Coach in last month. “I am really happy how they [his players] played, they changed the way we defend in the end and that helped us clinch the final.”
Despite the disappointment of defeat in the final, the silver medal represents Malaysia’s finest achievement on the Asia Cup stage. “India is a tough opponent ranked much higher than us”, said Malaysia Head Coach Stephen van Huizen, reflecting on an extremely positive week for his team. “This was our first ever Asia Cup final and I am really happy with the way the boys performed. It was a close contest and I am happy how they played.”
Earlier in the day, Pakistan claimed the bronze medal with a 6-3 victory over Korea. Both teams came into the contest on the back of disappointing results on Saturday (21 October), with Pakistan being denied a place in the final when they were defeated 4-0 by India before Korea’s draw with Malaysia ended both the final hopes and also their dream of qualifying for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2017.
The Green Shirts of Pakistan produced one of their best performances of the competition to claim their place on the podium, with Ajaz Ahmad scoring a hat trick to help his team to their second successive Asia Cup bronze medal.
To catch up on of all the action from the men's Hero Asia Cup 2017, please visit the competition event webpage or follow the Asia Hockey social media channels on the links below.
Twitter: @asia_hockey
Facebook: Asian Hockey Federation
Men's Hero Asia Cup 2017 - Final standings
1: India
2: Malaysia
3: Pakistan
4: Korea
5: Japan
6: Bangladesh
7: China
8: Oman
#HeroAsiaCup
FIH site
India complete continental domination, but have tougher tests to pass in future
Sundeep Misra
India hockey team celebrate after winning the Hockey Asia Cup 2017 in Dhaka. Twityter/@HockeyIndia
In the end the 2-1 victory for India over Malaysia to clinch the Asia Cup for the third time in ten editions was more of a relief than anything else. The Indian captain Manpreet Singh with both fists clenched was screaming with joy and probably at some inner rage while the rest of the team-mates' faces were all lit up like thousand watt bulbs. With the tr-colour fluttering behind them, it was some sight.
In the 60-minute clash every nerve was tested, every muscle stretched and every sinew brought to breaking point. In an earlier Super 4 match, India had thrashed Malaysia 6-2. And when Ramandeep Singh scored in the 3rd minute, visions of a big score appeared. But, sometimes India play like sitting on a giant Ferris wheel. If they dominated certain bits of the quarters, rotating and keeping possession, there were moments when it appeared they would give it all up. The Indians hit some wonderful highs and a few lows too. And in there Malaysia was allowed to sneak in.
Trapping in the midfield and defence was perfect. But upfront when in the Malaysian striking circle, the forwards handled the ball like it was a viper out to get them. Chances came and were gone. Malaysia kept itself alive.
But they didn’t just defend. It was for a reason they had beaten India twice this year — at the Azlan Shah and then at the HWL in London — as they knew India's weaknesses. If they probed through the middle and used their speed on the flanks, chances would come for Malaysians. The Indian defence marshalled well by Sardar Singh would break at some point or give an opportunity for them to try and deflect or hit off the Indian goalkeeper’s pads.
But if the Malaysians lacked somewhere on Sunday, it was in the play of Saari Fitri, normally the lynchpin around which most of the attack revolves. A rampant Fitri on his day can be a pain for any midfield and defence. Combined with his defensive skills on top of the circle, he ensures Malaysia keep fighting and stay in a match. but on Sunday he was slightly off colour.
India took advantage of that and powered on. Chinglensana had an opportunity but his reverse shot was wide. It was hasty. And all it needed was turn in the striking circle. But shots on the run are always difficult.
Malaysia and India both had penalty corners; but couldn’t score. India was keeping possession. India lost the ball through SV Sunil and Akashdeep Singh and failed to build up speed in the midfield. In the 2nd quarter, errors were visible and Malaysia pounced on them.
Once again it was a stellar display from Sumit. Time and again, he tore through the Malaysian midfield setting up passes and when blocked by Malaysian sticks, turning around and giving it to the Indian defence. Harmanpreet was denied a penalty corner. And then Akashdeep saw his shot saved by Subramiam, the Malaysian goalkeeper. With just a minute left for the break, Sumit went on one of his many runs and reverse hit a shot perfectly for Lalit Upadhyay to deflect in for India’s second goal. India taking a 2-0 lead at the break was hugely demoralising for the Malaysians. And it did seem at that stage that India would run them over in the 3rd quarter.
India, in a way, played their best hockey in the 3rd quarter. It reminded of the times in the early seventies when play was not about dominating but also of dissecting the field with inch perfect passes. Sunil, Akashdeep, Ramandeep, Lalit, all of them tore apart the Malaysian defence. But like in the 70s, India dominated but didn’t score many.
It happened in Dhaka as well. Lalit had the best opportunity when the entire defence was on the left with the Malaysian goalkeeper stranded at the edge of the circle. The ball rose up and landed perfectly for Lalit who seeing an empty goalmouth did use power but overdid it. The ball rose and went sailing over the bar. A goal at that stage would have killed the Malaysians. But it gave them hope. Stephen, the Malaysian coach, knew that cutting back a goal would put pressure on India. Like what they did against South Korea before snatching a draw and bundling the Koreans out of the final.
After Lalit, Ramandeep in combination with Akashdeep raced in but couldn’t control the ball in front of the goalkeeper. India was throwing away chances while the clock ticked. It’s weird but the team that leads 2-0 in the 4th quarter comes under pressure. It looks for a third and at the same time is afraid of letting in one that would reduce the deficit.
Malaysia’s 2nd penalty corner was defended. But Saabah scored when the Indian defence didn’t close the space down and let a loose ball reach the Malaysian. At 1-2, India suddenly back-pedaled. Indian coach Sjoerd Marijne admitted after the match, that there was a moment of panic. It was a period of uncertainty. Malaysia powered ahead, using the flanks and also threw a few high balls into the Indian defence. One of the high balls was an easy picking for Varun who had a Malaysian forward behind him. But after trapping the ball perfectly, he let it hit his leg and Malaysia had a penalty corner; their third. India showed courage here throwing themselves at the ball to clear it. The team brought numbers back, each with his stick laid down. No way, were they giving away easy balls to Malaysia.
Stephen Van Huizen pulled off the Malaysian goalkeeper in a last ditch effort to force an equaliser. There were close calls but the defence kept the Malaysian forwards away. So much was the intensity at the end that the players took a few moments to realise that the match had ended.
A ten-year drought was over. A Cup last won in 2007 was now theirs. Manpreet Singh’s scream of joy with his team was visceral. A lot had happened in the last six months — the loss to Malaysia at the Azlan Shah and then the twin defeats in London to Canada and Malaysia again. The team also saw a change in coach. People were hopeful of a good performance but not many would have put their money on the team. “When we came here, we knew we had to win,” said Manpreet. “And we promised ourselves that we would do it whatever happens.” he added.
Marijne spoke about a break; and hinted towards more work. “There is a nucleus here,” he said. “And if we try and build that, we would do good in the future.” History also sat on the ramparts of this stadium and watched the final. A hundred metres away, some 32 years back, an Indian team had lost a very controversial Asia Cup final 2-3 against Pakistan. Somewhere in Hyderabad, Mohammed Naeem who scored that day would have smiled on Sunday and finally slept peacefully. Up there, Mohammed Shahid, who played that final and whose tales of artistry are still narrated in Dhaka, would appreciate what he saw.
India’s domination in the tournament was complete. But the distance between the World Cup and the Asia Cup is a fair one. However, the pattern of play points to something more significant, compelling. There is a definitive style when India has the ball which is eloquent and expressive. The road ahead can only get tougher. Manpreet and his boys need to practice that counter punch more effectively.
Firstpost
India are the Asia Champions again
s2h team
India lived upto its image of Continental Champions once again, as it overcame fighting Malaysia 2-1 in the tense Asia Cup final today at the Maulana Bhasini stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. India won the Asia Cup for the third time in eight final entries.
Thus India adds Asia Cup to its collection of Asian crowns. India are now Asian Games champions (2014), Asian Champions Trophy(2016) winners, gold medallist in Sub-Jr Asia Cup (2016) and have now clinched the 10th Asia Cup, its third in ten attempts and in eight final entry.
India got off to scoring business in the very third minute itself. As a shot kept usually alert Malaysian goalie busy a bit outside the cage, Ramandeep Singh utilized the lacuna to India's benefit, as he connected Sunil's minus though it first ricocheted off from near post first, but had all time in the world to again scoop it into the right side of cage (1-0).
A minute before half time, India enhanced the lead. Akashdeep Singh found Sumit in an advance position with a long pass and the latter then found Lalit Upadhyay inside the circle, who then calmly tapped in the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-0 (29th Min) in India’s favour.
India had huge advantage in the third quarter. It created chances aplenty, but either harried their shots or off target. They missed their chances, lending credit to Malaysian defence.
Renewed Malaysia smelt its chances in the very start of fourth quarter. Many chances came it way. Indian defence was a bit disarray, even Sardar Singh of calibre committing error in trapping.
A Malaysian forward moved into D dodging both Sardar Singh and Surender Singh to set Sahril Sabaah a threatening goal (2-1) in the 50th minute.
Malaysia came up with creative moves that constantly kept Indian midfield and defence on tender hooks. India conceded easy penalty corners, but however Akash Chikte and others on dutyh managed to keep clean slate till the final whistle.
India had two penalty corners in the first half against solitary one by Malaysia. First Harmanpreet Singh flicked wide and the second was wasted after Rohidoss's grounder was spotted in time by Kumar Subramaniam. Rebound shot was taken, but again Kumar was alert.
India comfortably led 2-0 at half time.
AWARDS
Best goal: Harmanpreet Singh (India)
Most Promising Player: Assad Qureshi (Bangladesh)
Best Goalkeeper: Akash Chikte (India)
Top Scorer: Faizal Saari (Malaysia) & Harmanpreet Singh (India). 7 goals
Best Player of the Tournament: Faizal Saari (Malaysia)
Stick2Hockey.com
Fruitful voyage for Marijne and his men
Everyone contributed, says skipper Manpreet
Uthra Ganesan
Sjoerd Marijne.
India hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne and captain Manpreet Singh were much in demand after winning the Asia Cup in Dhaka on Sunday.
India remained unbeaten in the competition, its only draw coming against a tricky South Korea. The last time India won the title was in 2007, in Chennai, and had remained unbeaten back then as well.
Coach Marijne, in his first outing with the side, was satisfied. “It feels great and I am really happy. The expectations are always high, but we concentrated on our game,” Marijne told The Hindu.
The win was equally sweet for Manpreet, who won his first title as designated captain. With his maturity and calmness under pressure in a side comprising several youngsters, it needs to be remembered that Manpreet himself is just 25 years old.
“Every time there was pressure, the players stood up as a unit. That is why we had so many field goals from different players. And Harmanpreet (Singh) and Varun (Kumar) came good whenever they got chances. I had complete support from everyone, everyone contributed,” Manpreet said, even as he was being pestered for interviews.
Marijne, who took charge only a month ago, admitted it was not easy to be relaxed, especially after Malaysia pulled one back in the last 10 minutes.
“I wouldn't say I was nervous, because with the scoreline 2-1 in the last 5-6 minutes anything can happen. It was nervous excitement,” he laughed.
The bigger challenge, however, will come in December when India plays the Hockey World League Finals at home. The field will be vastly different and both Manpreet and Marijne are aware of it.
“As the highest ranked side in the tournament, we were expected to win here and so this result is in keeping with our position in Asia. That it came without some senior players is a good thing because the internal competition we have now is always good,” the coach said and was seconded by the captain.
“We know the HWL will be different and we are prepared for it. This win is great but now we will get back and regroup after a short break and get going for the next tournament. We hope to keep the momentum going and keep improving, especially since the next one year is going to be tough,” Manpreet signed off.
The Hindu
India beat Malaysia to clinch Asia Cup
This is India's third Asia Cup title
The Indian players celebrate their first Asia Cup title in ten years . Photo Credit: PTI
India on Sunday ended its 10-year wait for continental triumph when it defeated a gutsy Malaysia 2-1 in a close final to clinch its third Asia Cup hockey title here.
India, which won the Asia Cup in 2003 (Kuala Lumpur) and 2007 (Chennai), scored off field goals through Ramandeep Singh (third minute) and Lalit Upadhyay (29th). The ever-improving Malaysia, however, fought valiantly. Its efforts bore fruit in the 50th minute when Shahril Saabah pulled a goal back.
India, ranked sixth in the world, was in for a nervous final 10 minutes but the defence did enough to hold on.
Bronze for Pakistan
Pakistan won the bronze after edging out Korea 6-3 in the third-fourth place play-off match earlier in the day.
It was a perfect start for India’s new chief coach Marijne Sjoerd as this was his maiden tournament in charge of the senior national side.
The top-ranked India finished unbeaten in the tournament, having won all its matches except for the 1-1 draw against Korea in the Super 4 stage.
Sunday’s win was India’s second victory over Malaysia in the tournament after a 6-2 verdict in the Super 4 stage.
On the other hand, it was Malaysia’s best result in the tournament. It had won the bronze in the 2007 edition in Chennai.
India came out all guns blazing and took the lead in the third minute through Ramandeep, who scored from a rebound after his initial deflection from a S.V. Sunil cross hit the post.
Chinglensana Singh’s reverse hit from close range then went wide as India wasted a golden chance.
Malaysia secured its first penalty corner in the 13th minute but it was wasted.
Harmanpreet Singh was then denied by Razie Rahim as he made a goalline save to keep out the former’s flick from India’s first penalty corner.
Minutes later, Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam made double save — first he kept out Akashdeep Sinh’s shot and then denied Amit Rohidas from the resultant set piece.
A minute before half-time, Upadhyay doubled India’s lead when he beautifully deflected home Sumit’s reverse hit cross from the left flank.
After the change of ends, Lalit and Ramandeep came tantalisingly close to extending India’s tally but their shots from inside the ‘D’ were off target.
Down by two goals, Malaysia came out all guns blazing in the fourth and final quarter and gave the Indian defence a run for their money.
After wasting its second penalty corner, Malaysia came back into the match when Saabah scored from close range in the 50th minute as the Indian defence wilted under pressure.
During the last 10 minutes, Malaysia mounted attack after attack in search of an equaliser. It had a golden opportunity to take the match into shoot-out after it got its third penalty corner, but the Indian defence stood tall.
With three minutes remaining for the final hooter, Malaysia withdrew goalkeeper for an extra player but the move failed to yield the desired result.
The result (final): India 2 (Ramandeep Singh 3, Lalit Upadhyay 29) bt Malaysia 1 (Shahril Saabah 50).
Third place: Pakistan 6 bt Korea 3.
The Hindu
India is just one step ahead
By Jugjet Singh
MALAYSIA gave their best, but still it was not enough to deny India the Asia Cup gold medal in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday.
After reaching the final for the first time in 35 years, India denied glory with a 2-1 victory.
The national players were placed in a tight spot in the third minute itself, when Ramandeep Singh scored the opening goal, and the 6-2 drubbing in the round robin came to mind.
Midfield was completely missing, like in the first three quarters against South Korea, and India players had a field day breaking into the semicircle to take pot shots at goalkeeper S. Kumar.
Kumar brought off a handful of super saves, before India took a 2-0 lead off Lalit Upadhyay in the 29th and the score remained until the half-time break.
Shahril Saabah ignited the fight-back with a field goal in the 50th minute, and India protested, but lost their video referral as well.
And with three minutes left in the match, coach Stephen van Huizen took out goalkeeper S. Kumar for an extra outfield player in a last gasp attempt to draw the match and take it to penalty shoot out.
The tactic worked in Malaysia's famous 1-1 draw against South Korea, but even though it pinned India in their own semi-circle, Malaysia failed to score.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Malaysia unable to get the better of India in final
By S. Ramaguru
Joy and despair: India players celebrating after scoring a goal against Malaysia in the final of the Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia were forced to play second fiddle to India again in the Asia Cup hockey tournament.
In the final at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Malaysia came up short to lose 2-1 to India.
Still, the second-place finish was Malaysia’s best showing in the tournament. For India, it was their third continental title. They were also champions in 2003 and 2007.
Malaysia, whose previous best finish was third in 2007, went into the final after an exhausting Super Four clash against South Korea on Saturday. Coach Stephen van Huizen’s side earned a last-minute 1-1 draw to make the final.
But Malaysia still managed to put up a strong fight, especially in the second half to keep India on tenterhooks. The Indians had a perfect start, taking the lead after only three minutes when Ramandeep Singh scored from close range after connecting Sunil Sowmarpret’s free hit.
India scored their second goal in the 29th minute through a same move. From a cross by forward Akashdeep Singh, an unmarked Lalit Upadhyay slotted the ball home.
In the second half, the Malaysians were more co-ordinated with their moves and had the Indians pinned in their own half.
Mohamed Shahril Saabah managed to reduce the deficit in the 50th minute when he netted a field goal. Malaysia continued to attack, but India held on to secure the crown. It was India’s second win over Malaysia, having won 6-2 in their earlier Super League clash.
Malaysian team manager Mohamed Nasihin Nubli praised the players for giving India a run for their money.
“It’s always difficult to come back when you are trailing 0-2, especially against a top team like India. But we are proud of the players as they did not let the pressure get to them.
“There were some mistakes initially but they grew stronger as the match progressed,” said Mohamed Nasihin.
Earlier in the third-placing match, Pakistan scored an emphatic 6-3 win over South Korea to take the bronze medal
Ajaz Ahmad scored a hattrick for Pakistan in the 10th, 30th and 36th minutes. Rashid Mehmood (26th), Abu Mahmood (32nd) and Mohamed Yaqoob (56th) were the other scorers.
The South Korean scorers were Cho Suk-hoon (20th), Lee Nam-yong (43rd) and Seo In-woo (55th).
The Star of Malaysia
Befitting bronze for Pakistan at Dhaka
s2h team
A vastly subdued and dispirited South Korea came in handy for Pakistan to retrieve huge consolation in the 10th Men's Asia Cup. With the aid of hat-trick by Ajaz Mahmood, thrice title winners Pakistan posted six goals against South Korea while taking in three to obtain bronze, third for them in the Asia Cup history.
It was a hattrick of goals by Ajaz Ahmad (10', 30', 36'), Rashid Mehmood (26') and Abu Mahmood (32') that clinched a winner for Pakistan.
South Koreans were anything but impressive today.
Perhaps they were exhausted after drawing their all important Super 4s last match against Malaysia. Despite trailing for large part, Malaysia equalized just 1 minute 46 secs left in the clock. This draw took them to second spot in the Super 4s points table, while relegating four-time champions South Korea to fight for the bronze.
South Korea converted two goals through Suk Hoon Cho (20') and Namyong Lee (43'), but it all came too late and too less to dent Pakistan’s hopes of a win.
Korea missed out on two back-to-back PCs in the final quarter but finally converted one with an improvised set piece that saw Inwoo Seo in the 55th minute to narrow the lead to 3-5. But it didn’t last long enough as Muhammad Yaqoob scored in the 56th minute to ensure a convincing 6-3 win.
Elated skipper Muhammad Irfan said, “If you see every match, there were a lot of chances that we were missing. But this match we ensured that didn’t happen. It was really good work put in by the boys. This is not the end of results for us. It is a new team and we will continue to strive for success.”
This is a mighty fall for four-time winners Koreans.
They were a threat to India-Pak monopoly in the last two decades. And are returning without a medal after 1985 Dhaka in which they made their maiden Asia Cup appearance.
2018 World Cup will be missing the Koreans, its place going to unfancied China.
Stick2Hockey.com
Ajaz strikes as Pakistan down South Korea 6-3 to clinch bronze
KARACHI: Ajaz Ahmed scored three goals to help Pakistan win bronze medal in the 2017 Asia Cup after they outplayed South Korea 6-3 at Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday. The tempo wasn’t very fast in the first quarter and there were only a few circle penetrations and shots on the goal. In the 10th minute, Ajaz showing superb opportunism, cashed in on a crush ball sent from the Korean side by skipper Mohammad Irfan, deflecting into the goal with a soft touch. The pace picked up. Korea equalised in the 15th minute courtesy Azfar Yaqoob’s blunder, who inexplicably lost the ball just inside Pakistan’s circle. Cho Sook Hun capitalised with a strong hit. Soon, Pakistan had their first penalty corner. Misunderstanding at top led to the ball go out of the circle. But Ali Shan’s pass from left was well received by veteran Rashid Mehmood at the circle’s top. His powerful flat reverse hander struck the left corner of the goal and Pakistan were back in the front.
Very next minute, goalkeeper Mohammad Amjad made a spectacular diving save off a ferocious Korean back hander. In the last minute of the first half, Ajaz extended Pakistan’s advantage. The youngster sprinted into the circle. After beating the goalkeeper and the last defender with a lovely 1-2 with Atiq Arshad, Ajaz pushed the ball in to make it 3-1. The green shirts didn’t take the foot of the gas after the resumption. Abubakr converted the second PC with a flick past the Korea net minder’s left shoulder into the top netting. In the 36th minute, it was 5-1 and irrepressible Ajaz had completed his hat-trick.
Receiving a good pass from Tasawwar Ahmad in his own half, Ajaz ran like a hare. On entering the circle, he beautifully side stepped the defender who had caught up with him. Then he wrong footed the goal keeper and sent the ball into the goal, both in a single action; later declared goal of the match. Undaunted by the scoreline of 1-5, the Koreans opted for an offensive approach. After missing a couple of chances, they managed to get their second goal. A measured pass from just outside the circle reached Lee Namyong, surprisingly left unmarked in the middle of the scoring zone. Lee deflected the ball into the cage with a deft touch.
With a three-goal cushion, Pakistan began the last quarter with good possession hockey. They made circle penetrations and also had a couple of attempts. However, Korea again came back well applying good pressure. Having wasted two back to back penalty corners, they availed the third PC via a good two-touch drill. Ball was pushed to Soo Inwoo in the middle of left side of circle, who deflected in with a flat sick. It was 3-5 but only five minutes left. Now, Pakistan went on attack. Abubakr blasted a PC over the bar and Atiq, after a good solo run, made a poor attempt. They managed to make it a tennis score. Rashid, burst inside from left. His attempt after a 1-2 came off the right pole. Off the rebound, Azfar Yaqoob easily flicked in. Koreans had two PCs in the last minute but couldn’t go past the rock solid goalkeeper.
After the match, Pakistan captain Muhammad Irfan said: “We wanted to finish at least on the third place when we came to play the tournament and beating South Korea in the third-place match with this margin is an achievement for the team. The boys did overcome their mistakes and helped the team finish third.” Irfan added that they got a lot of positives out of the event and if they continue to perform like this, they would soon be able to vie for the top spot in Asia. “India and Malaysia are two of the top teams in Asia, but if we keep on putting in the hard yards then soon we will be the top team in Asia,” he said.
The Daily Times
India win Asia Cup hockey, Pakistan clinch third spot
Indian Men’s Hockey Team were crowned Asia Cup 2017 Champions after they beat Malaysia 2-1 in the final of the tournament at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium on Sunday, Asian Hockey Federation reported.
Goals from Ramandeep Singh (3′) and Lalit Upadhyay (29′) secured the title for India as Malaysia failed to make an impact on the game in the early stages but came back with a solitary goal through Shahril Saabah (50′).
This is the third time that India have won the Asia Cup title and after a gap of 10 years.
Earlier, Pakistan team was in their true elements as they clinically demolished the Korean side 6-3 to end their Asia Cup 2017 campaign with a Bronze Medal.
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It was a hattrick of goals by Ajaz Ahmad (10′, 30′, 36′), Rashid Mehmood (26′) and Abu Mahmood (32′) that clinched a win for Pakistan.
Koreans, unlike their previous Super 4s matches, were not their usual defensive best and Pakistan took complete advantage of that as they attacked them hooter to hooter, showcasing exemplary skill work to make space in the Korean circle.
It was a pleasure to watch this Pakistani side who played with renewed spirit, determined to return home with a win.
Dawn
Incompetent PHF behind humiliating results: Samiullah
Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD - Olympian Samiullah has lashed out Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), holding them responsible for taking Pakistan hockey to new lows.
Talking to The Nation, Samiullah, known as flying horse, said: “All the tall claims made by the PHF have nothing to do with reality. Ever since the current president and secretary have taken over the reins of the federation, they lack direction and have no clear-cut plans and vision, how to regain lost hockey glory. They are just passing time by giving statements and taking all the opponents onboard by giving them different roles. I request all the former greats to have mercy on hockey and instead of selling themselves for small benefits and accepting roles, they must raise their voce for hockey and for the players.
“The way Pakistan team is playing for the last two years under these incompetent persons, my heart is bleeding. They have time and again offered me different lucrative deals, wanting me to become part of their setup, but I always refused, as this country and hockey have given me so much name and fame and I feel it is my and all others duty to save the sinking ship of Pakistan hockey. They must raise their voice, as Pakistan hockey is at its lowest ebb and any further delay in this regard can spell disaster on Pakistan hockey and inflict heavy damages on it,” he added.
Samiullah said green shirts managed only two victories in the 10th Hockey Asia Cup, which was played in Dhaka. “The way they lost to the team like Malaysia, it was not only shocking but also alarming. I am highly surprised that why the government is keeping mum on poor state of hockey affairs and on what grounds government has been splash out grant without keeping a close check on PHF? No one is bothered form top level to seek explanation from these super flops. The performance of national hockey team is highly pathetic and it is losing against even weak opponents, which was never witnessed in the past.
“We need to adopt highly aggressive approach. I once again request the government and Prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbassi to take serious note of the failures of the current management and send them packing and immediately appoint those persons, who know how to run hockey and how to take it to new heights. We have never played 7-aside and 9-aside formats, and there is absolutely no future of this format. They are not only wasting huge national kitty on such pathetic formats, but also destroying Pakistan hockey,” he added.
He said: “We don’t have a single quality short corner expert and quality goalkeepers. For the past two years or so, what the current PHF top brass has done, how many players they have produced, how many events they have won and how many training camps they have established for U-16 and U-18 players? They would surely have no answers. I believe they don’t know the actual problem that’s why they are wasting too much time on self-projection and taking all their critics onboard to ensure nobody raise voice against them. It is not the way to solve problems. If they have any plans or direction, they must implement or at least start work on that, but their failures are more than enough to prove their failures.
“Shahbaz was a great hockey player, but he has no experience whatsoever regarding leading the federation. It is very easy to give statements, but it is too difficult to work in grounds. I sincerely advise Brig Khokhar and Shahbaz to have mercy on hockey and let those handle, who can lead hockey team back to old glory days,” Samiullah concluded.
The Nation
We defended well during the final phase, says coach Marijne
India edged past Malaysia 2-1 to claim their first continental championship triumph in a decade.
Sjoerd Marijne interacts with players during a training session. Photo Credit: V Sreenivasa Murthy
Conceding last minute goals has been the bane of Indian hockey but recently-appointed coach Sjoerd Marijne says the team improvised its defensive tactics quite well in its triumph over Malaysia in the Asia Cup final here.
“I was a bit worried when the score was 2-1 and strange goals can happen in last four or five minutes. I am really happy how they (the India players) played, they changed the way we defend in the end and that helped us clinch the final,” Marijne said after guiding the team to title triumph in his maiden assignment.
On winning the title, India captain Manpreet Singh said: “It is a great honour to captain this team. Hockey is a team game and we are a family and this victory was possible because of the team work we put in. We are enjoying this victory.”
Despite the disappointment of defeat in the final, the silver medal represents Malaysia’s finest achievement on the Asia Cup stage.
“India are tough opponents and ranked much higher than us,” said Malaysia head coach Stephen van Huizen, reflecting on an extremely positive week for his team.
“This was our first ever Asia Cup final and I am really happy with the way the boys performed. It was a close contest and I am happy how they played.”
The Hindu
Training with Sreejesh helped me a lot, says Akash Chikte
Tushar Dutt
PUNE: Akash Chikte had to pinch himself hard when his name was announced for the Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the presentation ceremony of Asia Cup hockey in Dhaka on Sunday.
This was Chikte's, 24, first international award and, it was obviously 'special'.
"This has come as a big morale booster. I was under some pressure after our average show in the World League Semi-Finals in London earlier this year. Before the tournament, I had some really good goalkeeping sessions in Bangalore and it paid well I guess," Chikte told TOI from Dhaka.
The Yavatmal-born player credited India No. 1 goalkeeper PR Sreejesh for his success in Dhaka.
"Since we didn't have a goalkeeping coach ahead of this tournament, I trained with Sree bhai. He trained us so well that I could feel the difference when I played the matches. We had trained a lot for penalty corner defense and during the tournament, I conceded only one PC goal out of the 14 that I had faced," he said.
The Bombay Engineer Group (BEG), Pune, recruit had played all seven games for India, sharing the halves with another BEG player, Suraj Karkera. "Since we both had to get match experience, it was necessary to play every opponent," Chikte said.
The goalie, who had made his India debut two years ago in Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia, said playing against Pakistan in the league round was a pressure moment.
"I was under pressure against Pakistan. They were playing well and there was a lot of hype created around the match. But we did well in the end," he said.
The Times of India
USA women and Trinidad & Tobago men are on their way to Indoor Hockey World Cup
USA celebrate victory at PAHF Indoor Hockey Championships. Pic courtesy: Yan Huckendubler/PAHF
USA women and Trinidad and Tobago men will be representing the Pan American Hockey Federation at the Indoor World Cup in Germany in February.
It is the first time that either side has won this event and the fact that both teams are low in the world rankings (28th and 41st respectively) makes their achievement all the more special. Both teams will now represent the Pan American Hockey Federation at the Indoor Hockey World Cup, lending an element of surprise and the potential for some giant-killing exploits at the blue riband event.
“It was amazing,” said captain of Trinidad and Tobago, Solomon Eccles, after his team beat Argentina 7-0 in the final of the Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships to book a place at the Hockey Indoor World Cup in Berlin in February 2018.
“We came here knowing exactly what our game plan was and we stuck to it. We are unbelievably excited, we are like brothers, we have been training hard and at this point in time it doesn’t get any better.”
No less excited was Ali Campbell, player of the tournament and the tournament’s leading goal scorer. “It was incredible,” she said. “We have put in hard work, time and passion, this is overwhelming. Argentina is a brilliant team and it is always going to be a battle with them.
“Now we are going to celebrate and take our minds off hockey for a while, then we will come back ready to perform at the World Cup,” she said.
Trinidad and Tobago have been irresistible at this tournament as they maintained a 100 per cent win rate throughout. The form continued as they faced Argentina in the final. Mickell Pierre launched TTO into an early lead and Akim Toussaint doubled this a few minutes later after the TTO goalkeeper, Ron Alexander, pulled off two good saves to deny Argentina.
Pierre doubled his own tally just before half-time to give the TTO side a 3-0 lead at the break. Soloman Eccles was next to score, from a penalty corner and Marcus James made it 5-0. Argentina had a mountain to climb to get back into the game, and their attacking play meant gaps opened up which TTO were able to exploit ruthlessly. Akim Toussaint scored his second and Aiden de Gannes made it 7-0.
In the bronze medal match, Canada beat the host nation Guyana 4-2 to claim a bronze medal. This was a bitter-sweet ending for Canada as they came to the tournament with high hopes of a gold medal. In every edition of this event that Canada has entered, they have gone on to take the winner’s podium.
As the match got under way, the home crowd were momentarily exuberant as their team took a quick lead through Robert France but Canada were back in the match soon after with a blistering shot from Jonathan Roberts. The game see-sawed for much of the first half and finished 2-2.
In the second half, Canada really took a hold of the game and, despite some Guyana forays into the circle, goals from Gurtej Dhaliwal and Roberts saw Canada take a 4-2 lead and ultimately, the bronze medal.
The women’s final was a resumption of battle between the two Pan Am giants, USA and Argentina. United States started the match with a slight edge haven beaten Argentina 4-2 earlier in pool play but it was Argentina who came closet in the opening exchanges. However, this was a tight defensive match and at half-time neither side had broken through.
In the second half, it was USA who finally got onto the score-sheet. Katie Gerzabek slapped the ball home after some pretty passing play for the first goal of the match. Argentina struck back quickly, a seemingly innocent pass found its way to Emma Yanzi who sent a screaming shot past Samantha Carlino to equalise.
The USA wasted no time and drove up the field on the push back and were awarded a penalty stroke, which Ali Campbell stepped up to bury in the top of the goal to put the USA ahead. Despite USA being down a player for the final minutes of the game, there was no way the north Americans were letting go of their grip on the trophy.
The bronze medal match saw Canada lose to a determined Uruguay side. The final score 3-2 was reflective of just how hard-fought this game was. The score was 2-2 at half time but Uruguay took the lead early in the second half and then defended with everything to withstand a Canadian onslaught.
Final placings
Men’s event:
Trinidad and Tobago
Argentina
Canada
Guyana
Barbados
Mexico
Women's event:
USA
Argentina
Uruguay
Canada
Trinidad and Tobago
Guyana
Awards:
Men’s event
Player of the Tournament: Jonathan Roberts (CAN)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Medroy Scotland (GUY)
Leading Goalscorer: Jonathan Roberts (CAN)
Junior Player of the Tournament: Juan Eleicegui (ARG)
Women's event:
Player of the Tournament: Ali Campbell (USA)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Kathryn Williams (CAN)
Leading Goalscorer: Ali Campbell (USA)
Junior Player of the Tournament: Sammy Popper (USA)
FIH site
Rampant start for SA hockey women at Africa Cup
Ockert de Villiers
Dirkie Chamberlain was back among the goals for the South African hockey team on Sunday. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
JOHANNESBURG – The South African women’s team romped to a 5-0 victory in their African Hockey Cup of Nations opener against Kenya in Egypt on Sunday.
While the women opened their account on a winning note, the men had a false start after Zambia did not pitch for the encounter.
Chasing their eighth consecutive title, the men need to win the tournament to book their place for next year’s World Cup in India.
The women’s side has already qualified for their 2018 World Cup in London, and they will be looking to claim their seventh continental title on the trot.
Their runaway victory over the Kenyans represented some sort of improvement for Kenya compared to their previous meeting two years ago.
In their last encounter at the 2015 edition of the biennial continental championships, South Africa thrashed the East Africans by 12 goals.
It was a dream return for stalwart Dirkie Chamberlain on Sunday as she scored a brace of goals, along with Candice Manuel, with Tarryn Glasby making it a handful of points also making it on to the score-sheet.
Egypt pose the biggest threat to the men’s hopes of reaching the World Cup, and holds a slight edge after beating them 2-1 at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals event in South Africa in July.
Fixtures will be reshuffled for both the men and the women’s tournaments after Zambia withdrew their teams.
The SA women were set to face Zambia on Wednesday, and are likely to have an extra day’s rest, while both teams will cross sticks with Nigeria on Monday.
Independent Online
Horror start for Kenya in Ismailia
By BRIAN YONGA
Kenya's forward Audrey Omaido drives forward during a training session at City Park Stadium on October 17, 2017 in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nation tournament to be held in Egypt. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The national men and women’s hockey teams on Sunday suffered opening day defeats as the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations got underway in Ismailia, Egypt.
The men’s team lost 3-0 to Ghana, while their female counterparts were thrashed 5-0 by champions South Africa at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium.
It was a poor start for the teams, which are seeking to win their maiden continental titles, as well as qualifying for next year’s World Cup.
The men’s team were first up in action but were undone by goals from Luke Damalie, Elikem Akaba and Michael Akuamoh-Boateng as Ghana claimed a deserved win and three precious points in the round-robin tourney which is also a 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Ghana, winners of the competition in 1974, needed only four minutes to go ahead after a well worked move.
Damaile weaved past the Kenyan defence before firing past goalkeeper Linus Sang. The goal stung Kenya to action but they lacked the killing touch in their opponents circle.
Kenya lacked any ideas going upfront and forwards George Mutira and Amos Barkibir struggled to impose themselves in the match.
They wasted the four short corners they got in the match as the Ghanaian defence comfortably dealt with them.
“We had a poor start to the match and were unable to deal with the pace of our opponents. Hopefully we can learn from our mistakes and improve in the coming matches,” Kenya coach Meshack Senge said on Sunday.
Kenya men face a baptism of fire on Monday when they take on hosts Egypt in a must win tie on day two of the competition.
The hosts thrashed Nigeria 13-1 in their opening match with Ahmed Elganaini and Houssam Ghobran bagging hat-tricks.
A brace each from Candice Manuel and Dirkie Chamberlain saw South Africa tear Kenya apart in their match.
Substitute Tarryn Glasby added the fifth in the final quarter as the champions launched their defence on a high.
Kenya take on Ghana on Monday in what is a must-win encounter for them.
Ghana’s match with Zambia failed to take place after the latter’s no show at the tournament as hosts Egypt drew 1-1 with Nigeria.
Daily Nation
Kenyan men falter as hunt for continental glory begins
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Chase Sailors George Mutira with the ball as Kenya Police Felix Okoth blocks. PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Kenya’s men national hockey team launched their quest for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-0 loss to Ghana yesterday at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
Goals from Luke Damalie, Elikem Akaba and Michael Akuamoah were enough to give Ghana a well-deserved win. With the continental cup and a ticket to the 2018 World Cup at stake, Ghana fought to gain dominance over the Kenyans and called the shots from the onset.
Their efforts paid off after four minutes of play as Damalie outwitted the Kenyan defence to blast past goalkeeper Linus Sang.
The early goal awakened the Kenyans who swung into action in hunt of an equaliser but could not break the Ghanaian defence. Despite Kenya’s intensified search for a goal, it was Ghana who looked stronger and likely to extend their lead before the end of the first quarter as Ernest Opoku and Samuel Afari combined to set up George Asiedu, whose shot was cleared by Sang.
The West Africans added their second at the beginning of the second quarter when as Akaba got behind the Kenyan defence to tap in Opoku’s well delivered pass in the 33rd minute. Kenya lacked any ideas going upfront and forwards George Mutira and Amos Barkibir, who had started on bench, struggled to impose themselves in the match.
Kenya failed to successfully convert any of the four short corners in the match as their opponents cleared their attempts with ease.
ALSO READ: Hockey: Women’s national team chase World Cup ticket
Ghana were home and dry in the 45th minute as they put the game beyond Kenya when Akuamoh-Boateng finished off Stephen Asamoah’s penalty corner. Kenya, who were looking to avenge last year’s 1-0 loss during the World League One Series, faded in the final quarter and Ghana comfortably secured victory.
Kenya face an acid test today when they take on hosts Egypt in a must-win tie on Day Two of the competition.
National team coach Meshack Senge preferred to start Festus Onyango Strathmore University Gladiators and Mutira of Chase Sailors upfront over Barkibir, who has been brilliant for his club, Kenya Police.
Kennedy Munialo also made his debut for the national team as Willis Okeyo was named skipper, with Maxwell Fuchaka, of Butali Sugar Warriors, starting on the bench.
The Standard Online
Scott the hero as Great Britain wins Featured
by Satwant Dhaliwal
Great Britain registered a 1-0 win over Malaysia in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium tonight.
Duncan Scott came to Great Britain’s defence in the 51st minute by slotting the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Muhammad Zaimi Mat Deris in a goalmouth melee after both teams failed to make any breakthrough in three quarters.
Malaysian head coach Wallace Tan attributes the defeat to the many missed chances and failure of searching penalty corners.
“Overall it was a good game the players played. They are only 17 and 18 years old and lack the experience. WE only kept pressure on the British in the last two quarters.”
Great Britain assistant coach Colin Clarke, said: “It was a really tough match. We started off strongly and played till the end although we could have scored early. Malaysia was really good and kept us under a lot of pressure.”
“At the end of the day it was going to be anybody’s match and we had a chance which Scott put through. We now look towards our next match against the United States (USA) and we respect them.”
It was the British who were far more adventurous, going on early counter attacks by earning two penalty corners within a space of three minutes in the first quarter but failed to score as Muhammad Zaimi stood his ground.
Play was then mostly confined to the middle of the field as Great Britain, champions in 2015, and Malaysia, winners of the 2011 inaugural edition but finished fifth last year, carried their battle into the next stage.
The Malaysians, however, earned the first penalty corner of the match in the 23rdminute. Team captain Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi’s low drag flick was cleared by goalkeeper Chris Wyver, one of three GB members who featured in the 2015 winning team.
Great Britain went on to earn their fourth penalty corner with 44 seconds of the second quarter remaining but Gareth Griffiths failed to make a clean stop as both teams trooped out of the field masking disappointments.
The host, however, posted the first real threat to the British in 47th minute. As the match flowed freely Nik Muhammad Aiman latched onto a loose ball straight into the path of an on rushing Wyver but unfortunately the ball sailed over the bar.
However, in a sudden counter attack in the 51st minute, the British went ahead when Scott blasted the ball through the legs of Muhammad Zaimi.
The Malaysians will take on tomorrow (8.30pm) and will need to raise their gam e against the two-time champions. The Indians have earned three points following a narrow 3-2 win over Japan in an earlier match.
Official Sultan of Johor Cup site
Ephraums slams five goals to humble United States Featured
by Satwant Dhaliwal
Defending champions Australia warmed-up to the defence of the Sultan of Johor Cup with a 19-0 drubbing of debutants United States of America at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium today.
Nathan Ephraums scored five goals; Isaac Farmilo four, Joel Rintala fired a hat-trick, Andrew Scanlon and Damon Steffens scored two, Coby Green, Liam Flynn Jacob Anderson scored a piece.
“It is a learning process for us too as we have only been together for four days,” said Australian head coach Brent Livermore, touching on the big margin victory over the Americans. “They (players) need to get as many matches to understand the structure we have worked on. We just went out and played our game plan.”
The Australians dominated the first half with three penalty corners goals from five attempts and added two more via field goals as the Americans, especially goalkeeper Nathaniel P’Lari, struggled to keep the marauding attacking machinery at bay.
On the opposite end, the United States forward line led by Jack Gallucci, failed to get past the 25-yard line in the first quarter, leaving Australian goalkeeper George McGeoch in a comfortable zone.
Scanlon stepped on the gear with a sixth minute penalty corner goal, Steffens extended the lead four minutes later in similar fashion, Ephraums was on target in the 10th and 12th minutes whilst Rintala sneaked in the fifth goal seconds before the end of the first quarter.
There was no stopping the Australians as they mounted continuous challenges into the American territory by the third quarter and were rewarded with penalty corner goals from Green (21st minute) and Scanlon scored his second goal of the night a minute later as the Australians led 7-0 in the second quarter and 11-0 by the end of the third quarter.
The Americans suffered further blow to their confidence as Australia carved a 19-0 victory over the blue-shirted Americans. It was the first high score ever recorded in the history of the SOJC since its inception
Official Sultan of Johor Cup site
Dilpreet double saves India the blushes Featured
by Satwant Dhaliwal
Reigning Junior World Cup champions India came back from two goals down to defeat Japan 3-2 in the opening match of the 7th Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru today.
SOJC champion in 2013 and 2014, the Indians arrived here with a new set of players – none of whom had competed in the 2016 Junior World Cup back home in Lucknow or were involved in last year’s edition of SOJC.
“It was nerves. This is the first time the players are playing out of India and we will get better in the remaining matches. But I am disappointed with our penalty corner conversions. We had eight and could only score two,” said India’s head coach Jude Felix Sebastian.
“One of the reasons for the poor conversion rate in penalty corner is our poor stopping of the ball. This has to improve and I believe we can do much well as the tournament goes on.”
Japan’s head coach Kyoichi Nagaya says his boys could have snatched victory but blew this chance by allowing India to dictate in the last quarter.
“Overall I am happy with our performance and we hope to rise from this match. I believe the players are highly motivated after today’s game and its good for Japan.”
Dilpreet Singh opened score for India in the 11stthminute following confusion in front of the goalmouth which left goalkeeper Yuri Arnold out of position.
The first quarter was equally contested with India and Japan earning only one penalty corner. The Japanese, who are making their second appearance in the SOJC after claiming bronze medal last year, however came back with goals in the second and third quarters to take the lead for the first time.
Midfielder Kyohei Ogawa equalised in the 23rd minute via a penalty corner and came back eight minutes later to knock home the second goal off a field goal as Japan grabbed a 2- 1 lead in the early stages of the third quarter.
However, Japan’s reign did not last long as Jude Felix Sebastian’s India bounced back through midfielder Sukhjeet Singh to level score 2-2 in the 41st minute with a reverse stick shot off a penalty corner rebound. Dilpreet scored the winning goal in the 53rdminute via field goal and was aptly adjudged man of the match.
The Indians will go into the second match of the tournament on Monday (Oct 23)against Malaysia while Japan
Official Sultan of Johor Cup site
Malaysia start Sultan of Johor Cup challenge on the back foot
By Mohd Farhaan Shah
Nowhere to go: Malaysia’s Nik Mohamed Aiman Nik Rozemi trying to get past Britain’s James Sutcliffe during their Sultan of Johor Cup match at the Taman Daya Stadium yesterday. — ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG / The Star
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia started on the wrong note in their bid to win the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament.
Yesterday, Malaysia went down 1-0 to Britain in their opening match at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru.
Malaysia, the inaugural champions in 2011, did not create many chances and had only one penalty corner compared to six for Britain.
Britain, the 2015 winners, grabbed all three points when Duncan Scott scored a field goal in the 49th minute.
The homesters had a great opportunity to equalise in the 54th minute but Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook could not get the better of Britain goalkeeper Chris Wyver.
Malaysia now need to beat two-time champions India today to keep their hopes of making the final alive. India kicked off their campaign by edging Japan 3-2.
Malaysia coach Wallace Tan said his players had a slow start but played much better in the third quarter.
“We need to be accurate in front of goal. We must improve our performance against India as they have a lot of skilful players,” said Wallace.
In yesterday’s other match, defending champions Australia demolished debutants the United States 19-0.
The Star of Malaysia
Big Win Opens Burras’ Sultan Of Johor Cup Defence
Ben Somerford.jpg)
Australia’s Under-21’s side have commenced their 2017 Sultan of Johor Cup title defence with a comprehensive 19-0 win over the United States in Malaysia on Sunday.
Nathan Ephraums scored five goals, while Isaac Farmilo hit four in the big victory, ahead of Australia’s second match against Japan from 7.05pm AEDT on Monday.
Joel Rintala also netted a hat-trick and Andrew Scanlon hit a brace, helping Australia to a 7-0 half-time lead.
Damon Steffens also scored a double, while Coby Green, Liam Flynn and Jacob Anderson were on the scoresheet too.
Ephraums’ performance was a standout, while Jonathon Bretherton and Ben Staines were impressive too, with the Burras displaying a disciplined approach despite the circumstances.
Upcoming opponents Japan lost to India 3-2 on Sunday, while Great Britain edged hosts Malaysia 1-0.
You can watch Monday’s match via this link
Hockey Australia media release
USA Drops Opening Sultan of Johor Cup Game to Defending Champions
Image courtesy of Megat Firdaus /PMF Sports Images
JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia - The U.S. U-21 Men's National Team stumbled in their first game of the 2017 Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) in Malaysia losing to defending champions Australia by a final of 19-0.
Fighting the effects of jet lag, the squad also faced a well rounded Australia team that made their scoring chances count early and often.The level of hockey was first class with USA keeping Australia scoreless in the opening 5 minutes of play. The Australia penalty corner unit did not remain quiet for long however, earning five penalty corners in the first half alone, and converting three of them into goals. While USA battled in defensive struggle, the relentless pace reflected on offense as well, failing to reach the 25-yard line in the first quarter. By the end of the opening frame, it was 5-0 Australia.
At halftime the score was 7-0 as Australia maintained control of the game and slowly ate away at USA's defensive unit. They would add on four more scores in the third quarter as the setting sun marked a tough conclusion in the opening game for the red, white and blue.
In a David vs. Goliath-esque match, the young U-21 team battled through a tough game where possession was not their ally. The relentless pace and attack by Australia quickly wore USA down on both sides. USA witnessed the speed, physicality and aggressive movement to the ball and will use it as a valuable learning tool against the remaining field hockey nations that are on display at SOJC.
The U.S. U-21 Men's National Team will regroup as they prepare to take on Great Britain on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 6:05 a.m. ET. For all the latest scores, information and livestream schedule, check the SOJC Event Page by clicking here.
Goal Scoring Summary:
Team Minute Player Action Score
AUS 6 #15 Scanlon PC 1 - 0
AUS 10 #2 Steffens PC 2 - 0
AUS 10 #16 Ephramus FG 3 - 0
AUS 12 #16 Ephramus PC 4 - 0
AUS 15 #30 Rintala FG 5 - 0
AUS 21 #23 Green PC 6 - 0
AUS 22 #15 Scanlon PC 7 - 0
AUS 33 #30 Rintala FG 8 - 0
AUS 34 #30 Rintala FG 9 - 0
AUS 42 #16 Ephramus PC 10 - 0
AUS 44 #24 Farmilo PC 11 - 0
AUS 46 #16 Ephramus FG 12 - 0
AUS 48 #24 Farmilo FG 13 - 0
AUS 49 #16 Ephramus FG 14 - 0
AUS 50 #17 Flynn FG 15 - 0
AUS 53 #2 Steffens PC 16 - 0
AUS 55 #24 Farmilo FG 17 - 0
AUS 57 #24 Farmilo FG 18 - 0
AUS 57 #12 Anderson FG 19 - 0
USFHA media release
Sultan of Johor Cup: India rallies to victory
Dilpreet Singh struck twice while Sukhjeet Singh also found the target as India’s junior men’s hockey team pipped Japan 3-2 in their opening round encounter of the Sultan of Johor Cup, here on Sunday.
It was a come-from-behind victory after trailing 1-2 for the better part of the third quarter.
India started on a bright note, attacking constantly in the first quarter. In the 11th minute its efforts were rewarded with Dilpreet capitalising on a defensive lapse.
In the second quarter, Japan fought back enjoying better possession. It was awarded a penalty corner in the 23rd from which Kyohei Ogawa converted to bring the teams level.
The Japanese maintained a good rhythm going into half-time. Soon Ogawa scored his second to give Japan a 2-1 lead in the 31st.
However, the young Indian team showed its character in the latter part of the third quarter when it restored parity through a penalty corner converted by Sukhjeet in the 41st minute.
The dominant performance in the last quarter was rewarded when Dilpreet scored the winner in the 53rd minute.
India will now face Malaysia in its second match on Monday.
The result: India 3 (Dilpreet 11, 53; Sukhjeet 41) bt Japan 2 (Kyohei Ogawa 23, 31).
The Hindu
Ireland Draw With Scotland In Match 1 Of Series
Ireland’s women shared a 1-1 draw in their first of three test matches against Scotland this week as Jessica McMaster’s eighth-minute goal cancelled out a Charlotte Watson effort a minute earlier at Stormont.
It was Ireland’s first international tie on home soil of 2017 with coach Graham Shaw using a much-changed side from the one that played in the summer, earning World Cup qualification and retained their top tier European status.
He handed debuts to teenagers Sarah Torrans and Hannah McLoughlin while there were ten changes from the side that played in August’s Europeans. Given all the changes, the coach was reasonably content with the performance for a side with an average age of 21.
“All in all, we are quite happy,” Shaw said of the tie. “We tried a few different things, a few different shapes, different people in new positions.
“We’ve got to look at the World Cup but we also have to look even further, beyond that to Tokyo. We have to make sure we have a squad full of different generations. We need to give the younger players, give them the opportunity and see if we can make a really competitive squad.”
As for the debutantes specifically, he added: “Hannah showed a lot of composure. She has a good physical presence and is calm on the ball. She needs to play a bit more but I was happy with how she went.
“Sarah was a real constant threat up there. When you have that speed, it’s really exciting to see her use it. We feel her skill-set and the physicality she has is so suited to international hockey.”
The tie got off to a flying start with Watson racing onto Lucy Lanigan’s clever through ball to guide past Clodagh Cassin with an early shot. Within a minute, Ireland were level with Torrans getting in between two defenders to get her first international goal.
Sinead Loughran’s swivel and shot drew a top save from Lucy Camlin as Ireland finished the first quarter well. Scotland replied in the second quarter with the better chances, Laura Swanson hitting the bar on her backhand while a couple of corners also had to be dealt with.
The third quarter got scrappy with both sides trying to find cohesion with their new look sides. Again, Torrans went closest when she intercepted and fired just wide.
She also showed beautiful three-dimensional trickery in the closing minutes to beat a couple of players with her slipped shot going agonisingly wide of the left post. Scotland saw a third corner saved on the line by Lena Tice, leaving the honours even.
The two sides meet again on Tuesday evening at Banbridge at 7pm before returning to Stormont on Wednesday at 12.30pm.
Ireland 1 (S Torrans)
Scotland 1 (C Watson)
Ireland: C Cassin, J McMaster, Y O’Byrne, K Mullan, E Getty, G Pinder, S Loughran, R Upton, L Colvin, D Duke, R Barry
Subs: L Murphy, S Torrans, L Tice, N Carroll, H McLoughlin, Z Wilson, E Curran
Scotland: L Camlin, B Ward, K Robertson, L Swanson, K Cuthbert, K Belch, S Jamieson, M Brown, F Bruce, K Holmes, R Condie
Subs: L Cruickshank, E Newlands, E Dark, C Watson, R Mack, L Lanigan, D McMurray
Irish Hockey Association media release
Scotland women held to a draw in Belfast
Charlotte Watson against Ireland in Glasgow last year. Photo by John Preece
Scotland women were held to a 1-1 draw in Belfast in the first of a three-match series against Ireland. Charlotte Watson scored Scotland’s goal in a game that brought a very positive Scotland performance.
Scotland started the game well and looked confident and dangerous in possession against the talented Ireland side.
It didn’t take long for Scotland to take the lead and it was Charlotte Watson who showed some killer instinct when she scored for Scotland. A slick through pass by Lucy Lanigan found Watson tearing into the D and she slid the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0.
Scotland’s lead was short-lived as Ireland equalised within a minute of Watson’s strike when Jessica McMaster netted to level the score.
Scotland still looked strong despite the setback with goalkeeper Lucy Camlin only called into action to save a swivel and shot by Sinead Loughran.
The Scots were nearly back in front when debutant Laura Swanson hit the crossbar in the 25th minute before Erin Getty managed to clear the danger.
Just before half time Scotland came close again to striking a second goal when Bex Condie had a penalty corner well saved by the goalkeeper before it was cleared by Elena Tice.
Into the second half and Scotland continued to threaten in an exciting and entertaining contest. A penalty corner saw the Scots go for a deflection but the ball went wide and the score remained level.
As the game came to a close Emily Dark, who became Scotland’s youngest recorded cap in this game, had a penalty corner denied amid claims of an illegal stop on the line but nothing was given.
Ireland nearly nicked it at the death when Sarah Torrans showed some lovely skill but her shot zipped inches wide and the game finished in a draw.
Scotland women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “It was an excellent display and I’m particularly delighted with the four players making their debut – Laura Swanson, Emily Dark, Lorna Cruickshank and Rachael Mack were all impressive.
“I’m very happy at the level of performance especially considering all the players played for their clubs yesterday and travelled to Ireland today for the match.
“I’ll be looking for the players to continue the level of performance into the next game, improve in a couple of areas, and hopefully get the result we want.”
The two sides meet again on Tuesday evening at Banbridge at 7pm before returning to Stormont on Wednesday at 12.30pm.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Hockeyroos Teams Named For IFoH & Adelaide Series
Ben Somerford
Hockey Australia today announces the Hockeyroos teams for next month’s International Festival of Hockey (IFoH) in Bendigo and Melbourne and the Test Match Series against Japan in Adelaide.
Australia will play world number one and Rio Olympics silver medallists Netherlands, World League Semi-Final winners USA and world number 11 Japan at the International Festival of Hockey from 6-12 November.
The Hockeyroos will follow that tournament with a three-Test series against the Japanese in Adelaide from 15-18 November.
Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said: “This is a great opportunity to play against high quality teams and also explore our playing group so we can make better decisions in regards to our selections for next year.
“We’re wanting to give people opportunity and exposure. Performances in the Australian Hockey League (AHL) have allowed us to look at a few other people.”
Earlier this month, Australia won the Oceania Cup in Sydney after defeating New Zealand 2-0 in the final.
From the Oceania Cup team, Victorian trio Laura Barden, Lily Brazel and Emily Hurtz along with Queensland's Savannah Fitzpatrick all come in for the IFoH.
Kate Hanna, Gabi Nance, Kathryn Slattery and Grace Stewart are the players to make way from the 18-member team for the IFoH.
Brazel is uncapped at senior level, while 22-year-old Fitzpatrick, the sister of current Hockeyroos defender Maddie, has six caps from 2015 and 2016.
Hurtz hasn’t played for the Hockeyroos since the 2014 World Cup but has 85 caps and 30 international goals to her name.
“Emily has been very impressive,” Gaudoin said. “She had an outstanding AHL. She’s been the top scorer for the last three AHLs, so she’s shown consistently that she can play.
“She’s keen to be involved. She’s a very good striker and we want to give her the opportunity.”
Gaudoin added: “Lily has impressed during the camp at the start of the year. She had a very strong Development Tour of Japan and backed up with her performances with the winning Victorian team at the AHL in Perth.
“Savannah is not too dissimilar to Lily. She had impressive performances at the camp in March and also the Japan Development Tour and also AHL.”
The selectors have made further changes for the Japan Series, with WA goalkeeper Aleisha Power and NSW midfielder Mikaela Patterson in line for international debuts.
NSW duo Georgina Morgan and Mariah Williams return after injury, while Ashlee Wells and Jacqui Day are also recalled.
Hanna, Nance, Slattery and Stewart have been named for the Japan matches, with Barden, Jocelyn Bartram, Kristina Bates, Kirstin Dwyer, Stephanie Kershaw, Rachael Lynch, Brooke Peris, Renee Taylor, Georgia Wilson and captain Emily Smith left out.
“Aleisha Power was Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Junior World Cup last year,” Gaudoin said.
“She’s a very athletic and strong goalkeeper and we think she’s someone to keep an eye on for the future.
“Mikaela Patterson was impressive at the Junior World Cup last year. At our national camp at the start of the year and the AHL she was impressive. She played very well in the National Under-21s in a winning team.
“She’s a fleet footed defensive midfielder and we give her an opportunity.”
Hockeyroos team for International Festival of Hockey:
Laura Barden (VIC)
Jocelyn Bartram (NSW)
Kristina Bates (VIC)
Lily Brazel (VIC)
Jane Claxton (SA)
Kirstin Dwyer (QLD)
Ashlea Fey (QLD)
Madison Fitzpatrick (QLD)
Savannah Fitzpatrick (QLD)
Emily Hurtz (VIC)
Stephanie Kershaw (QLD)
Rachael Lynch (VIC)
Kaitlin Nobbs (NSW)
Brooke Peris (NT)
Madi Ratcliffe (VIC)
Emily Smith (NSW)
Renee Taylor (QLD)
Georgia Wilson (WA)
Hockeyroos team for Japan Test Match Series:
Lily Brazel (VIC)
Jane Claxton (SA)
Jacqui Day (QLD)
Ashlea Fey (QLD)
Madison Fitzpatrick (QLD)
Savannah Fitzpatrick (QLD)
Kate Hanna (NSW)
Emily Hurtz (VIC)
Georgina Morgan (NSW)
Gabi Nance (SA)
Kaitlin Nobbs (NSW)
Mikaela Patterson (NSW)
Aleisha Power (WA)
Madi Ratcliffe (VIC)
Kathryn Slattery (WA)
Grace Stewart (NSW)
Ashlee Wells (VIC)
Mariah Williams (NSW)
Hockey Australia media release
Scottish Cup continues with goals
Scottish Cup tie – GHK v Stirling Wanderers – Photo by Duncan Gray
In the women`s Scottish Cup competition holders Edinburgh University were 5-2 winners over Erskine Stewart`s Melville to stride into the next round. Hanna McKie scored a hat-trick while Louise Campbell and Zara Malseed bagged the other strikes.
Grove Menzieshill also made their way into the quarter-finals with a 4-0 over Watsonians but city rivals Dundee Wanderers were the victims of a big 3-1 defeat to Glasgow University.
A 3-0 win over Stirling Wanderers put Glasgow High Kelvinside into the next round while Hillhead clocked up a 2-0 victory over Merlins Gordonians to progress.
Grove Menzieshill`s interest in the men’s Scottish Cup almost took a nose dive against Uddingston, but the Taysiders finally progressed into round three on the back of a successful penalty shoot-out.
Paul Martin put Grove Menzieshill into the lead but the advantage evaporated as the Lanarkshire side marched into a 4-1 lead, Bradley Hughes notched a hat-trick while Shazini Rani got the other.
The Dundonians were given a lifeline when Aidan McQuade converted a double from the penalty spot. Parity was achieved before full time with an equaliser from Jamie Golden to take the tie to penalties. Grove Menzieshill finally progressed in the competition with a 3-2 win in the shoot-out with Albert Rowling, McQuade and Jamie Carnegie the successful takers.
In the other all-National League 1 confrontation Western Wildcats saw off a plucky Hillhead in an entertaining 3-2 win at Old Anniesland.
It was an easier passage for the other first division sides, Edinburgh University beat their Glasgow counterparts 3-1, Davyn Keuter scored twice while Matthew White got the other
Grange beat FMGM Monarchs 22-1 while Clydesdale were given a walkover by Falkirk.
22 October 2017 at Old Anniesland. Scottish Cup tie – Hillhead v Western Wildcats Photo by Duncan Gray
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Irish Men EYHL Weekend Round Up
Lisnagarvey are the last side remaining with a perfect record as they beat Three Rock Rovers 2-1 at Grange Road while Glenanne drew 3-3 at Pembroke and Banbridge fell 3-1 at Monkstown.
For Garvey, they were indebted to their corner defensive unit that kept out nine Rovers’ corners while they struck in the first two minutes of each half to land the spoils.
Daniel Buser slipped home the first before Peter Blakeney levelled for the Dubliners. Daniel Nelson restored the lead early in the second half before James Milliken made a series of saves to retain the narrow lead to the final whistle.
Glenanne led 2-0 and 3-1 against Pembroke but eventually found themselves clinging on to a point as Shane O’Donoghue saved off the line with one of the last acts.
Eddie O’Malley had the Glens two up inside 15 minutes and – after Jack Ryan and Richard Couse exchanged goals – they were 3-1 up going into the last 20 minutes. But Cian Murphy started the comeback before Kirk Shimmins scored the leveller with 11 minutes to go.
Monkstown scored twice in the closing quarter to beat Banbridge 3-1, coming from a goal down to do so. Zach McClelland scored amid a scramble to give the Co Down side the lead but a Guy Sarratt drag-flick tied up the game.
Then Karl Smith got the final touch for the lead in the final quarter and Davy Carson scored into an open goal to complete the win.
Annadale got their first win of the campaign when they disposed of Cookstown 4-1 at Steelweld Park. Rhiley Carr and David Tremlett put them 2-0 up in the third quarter before Stu Smyth gave Cookstown a lifeline.
But Peter Caruth gleefully grasped a present early in the fourth quarter to restore the two-goal gap before Carr completed the victory.
Cork C of I’s date with Railway Union was postponed due to the inclement weather conditions associated with Storm Brian in Cork.
Men's EY Hockey League: Cookstown 1 (S Smyth) Annadale 4 (R Carr 2, D Tremlett, P Caruth); Cork C of I v Railway Union – postponed; Monkstown 3 (G Sarratt, K Smith, D Carson) Banbridge 1 (Z McClelland); Pembroke 3 (J Ryan, C Murphy, K Shimmins) Glenanne 3 (E O’Malley 2, R Couse); Three Rock Rovers 1 (P Blakeney) Lisnagarvey 2 (D Buser, D Nelson)
Day four – extended match reports
Three Rock Rovers 1 (P Blakeney) Lisnagarvey 2 (D Buser, D Nelson)
Lisnagarvey ended the weekend as the sole side with a perfect record as they scored in the first two minutes of each half to beat Three Rock Rovers who fell to a second league defeat of the season – more than last term already.
It owed a lot to a brilliant James Milliken performance in goal for Garvey, keeping out nine penalty corners as Rovers missed their set-piece specialist Luke Madeley. Sean Murray, meanwhile, drove the Ulster side on from midfield to cause plenty of danger on the counter.
They were ahead inside 75 seconds as Daniel Buser intercepted on halfway, burst forward, traded passes and entered the circle unmarked to slot home a fine effort.
Rovers replied with a couple of corners before a Murray burst led to a Matthew Nelson shot that was deflected and floated inches wide. The hosts were level at the end of the first quarter via a direct Peter Blakeney drag-flick.
Milliken made a number of good saves in the second quarter, denying Richard Pautz and, brilliantly, Harry Morris’s deflected shot at close quarters. Andy Williamson went very close with a sharp, first time shot just before the break.
The second half followed the same pattern to the first, Garvey opening the scoring within two minutes when Daniel Nelson reacted quickest to a Conor Quinn save and punched home a shot.
From there, Rovers held the vast majority of the play as they had to chase a further goal. Six more corners, though, were either denied by Milliken or touched just wide. One was turned in by James Walker but only after another corner had been awarded for a face-mask being discarded in the direction of the ball.
Garvey had three big chances to strengthen their lead on the break with Neal Glassey breaking at pace while Jody Hosking touched wide from one last corner.
Cookstown 1 (S Smyth) Annadale 4 (R Carr 2, D Tremlett, P Caruth)
Annadale landed their first win of the season at the expense of the other promoted club at Steelweld Park as Cookstown remain in waiting for their first points of the campaign.
In a lively opening, the Carryduff men were off the mark fast from the start and forced a short corner inside 90 seconds after good work down the right by David Tremlett. Josh McCabe was equal to Rhiley Carr's flick, however.
Greg Allen went close on 12 minutes, beating two defenders to open up the chance, and Michael Kerr twice got into good positions without troubling Johnny Moore in the Annadale goal.
With the end of the quarter approaching, Annadale took the lead after David Tremlett nicked the ball and drove into the circle to win a penalty corner. Carr, Dale’s Australian, sent the ball high into the net to make it 1-0.
Another two Annadale corners came and went early in the second quarter while McCabe made a great stop as former Reds player Troy Chambers ran clear.
Cookstown were three times down to ten men as Paul Thompson, Stuart Smyth and Dan Crooks were sinbinned but they also started to come back into the game; Michael Kerr volleyed the ball over the barr while Ryan Millar was also left disappointed after a brilliant Keith Black pass.
Tremlett extended Annadale's lead after good work down the bye-line by Connor Roberts for 2-0 in the third quarter. Cookstown had a good phase after this as Greg Allen – before limping off injured – hit the side-netting while Smyth saw a drag saved on the line. Jon Ames deflected just wide and they got one back when Smyth won and converted a corner for 2-.
But 30 seconds into the final quarter, Annadale got a gift-wrapped third as Peter Caruth intercepted a ball around the back and his shot, despite the best efforts of McCabe, dribbled over the line.
With time running out, Annadale made the points secure with three minutes remaining with Carr nailing his second corner.
Monkstown 3 (G Sarratt, K Smith, D Carson) Banbridge 1 (L Witherow)
Monkstown came from a goal down to beat Banbridge 3-1 at the Merrion Fleet Arena to move up to third place in the table, ending Bann’s winning start to the campaign.
The first quarter ended scoreless as Guy Sarratt’s drag was blocked by Gareth Lennox while Eugene Magee broke in from the left but Aaron Bailey made a key tackle. In the 19th minute, Magee fed Philip Brown on the overlap down the right, working the ball into the circle and Zach McClelland finished off after a scramble.
They had a big chance to make it two but David Fitzgerald made a crucial save from a two-on-one chance soon after. Monkstown replied with Karl Smith’s diagonal run ending with a Lennox save. They were level on the half housr when Davy Carson was felled and Sarratt dragged home the corner.
Andrew Ward had the pick of the third quarter chances but his reverse bobbled wide, setting up a tense final quarter packed with cards. Bruce McCandless’s yellow while Town took a green.
When it was ten-a-side, Smith pounced on the ball in a melee the circle to put Town in front for the first time. Fraser Mills had a golden chance to level the game after an excellent Bann move but could not get the key touch at the back post.
Stephen Cole and Philip Brown both got yellows in the closing five minutes while Bann took off Lennox to go all-outfield. It backfired as Karl Lynch’s long ball found Carson as the only man in the 23 and he walked into an empty net for 3-1.
Pembroke 3 (J Ryan, C Murphy, K Shimmins) Glenanne 3 (E O’Malley 2, R Couse)
Pembroke came from 2-0 and 3-1 down to grab a 3-3 draw with table-topping Glenanne, going within inches of snatching a victory on the final whistle from a corner.
The Glens – with three wins from three under their belt going into the tie – started perfectly with Eddie O’Malley netting twice in the first 15 minutes. Jack Ryan pulled one back before half-time but Richard Couse’s second goal in a week put Glenanne 3-1 clear early in the second half.
St Andrew’s schoolboy Cian Murphy gave Pembroke a lifeline just before the third-quarter break and Kirk Shimmins made the game level with 11 minutes to go. And Pembroke went closest to winning it at the end from that corner but Shane O’Donoghue saved off the line to leave the sides sharing the spoils.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Garvey keep perfect record as Glens and Bann lose theirs
Rhiley Carr celebrates one of his goals (click image for more from the game). Pic: Annadale HC
Lisnagarvey are the last side remaining with a perfect record as they beat Three Rock Rovers 2-1 at Grange Road while Glenanne drew 3-3 at Pembroke and Banbridge fell 3-1 at Monkstown.
Men’s EY Hockey League – day four round-up
Three Rock Rovers 1 (P Blakeney) Lisnagarvey 2 (D Buser, D Nelson)
Lisnagarvey ended the weekend as the sole side with a perfect record as they scored in the first two minutes of each half to beat Three Rock Rovers who fell to a second league defeat of the season – more than last term already.
It owed a lot to a brilliant James Milliken performance in goal for Garvey, keeping out nine penalty corners as Rovers missed their set-piece specialist Luke Madeley. Sean Murray, meanwhile, drove the Ulster side on from midfield to cause plenty of danger on the counter.
They were ahead inside 75 seconds as Daniel Buser intercepted on halfway, burst forward, traded passes and entered the circle unmarked to slot home a fine effort.
Rovers replied with a couple of corners before a Murray burst led to a Matthew Nelson shot that was deflected and floated inches wide. The hosts were level at the end of the first quarter via a direct Peter Blakeney drag-flick.
Milliken made a number of good saves in the second quarter, denying Richard Pautz and, brilliantly, Harry Morris’s deflected shot at close quarters. Andy Williamson went very close with a sharp, first time shot just before the break.
The second half followed the same pattern to the first, Garvey opening the scoring within two minutes when Daniel Nelson reacted quickest to a Conor Quinn save and punched home a shot.
From there, Rovers held the vast majority of the play as they had to chase a further goal. Six more corners, though, were either denied by Milliken or touched just wide. One was turned in by James Walker but only after another corner had been awarded for a face-mask being discarded in the direction of the ball.
Garvey had three big chances to strengthen their lead on the break with Neal Glassey breaking at pace while Jody Hosking touched wide from one last corner.
Cookstown 1 (S Smyth) Annadale 4 (R Carr 2, D Tremlett, P Caruth)
Annadale landed their first win of the season at the expense of the other promoted club at Steelweld Park as Cookstown remain in waiting for their first points of the campaign.
In a lively opening, the Carryduff men were off the mark fast from the start and forced a short corner inside 90 seconds after good work down the right by David Tremlett. Josh McCabe was equal to Rhiley Carr’s flick, however.
Greg Allen went close on 12 minutes, beating two defenders to open up the chance, and Michael Kerr twice got into good positions without troubling Johnny Moore in the Annadale goal.
With the end of the quarter approaching, Annadale took the lead after David Tremlett nicked the ball and drove into the circle to win a penalty corner. Carr, Dale’s Australian, sent the ball high into the net to make it 1-0.
Another two Annadale corners came and went early in the second quarter while McCabe made a great stop as former Reds player Troy Chambers ran clear.
Cookstown were three times down to ten men as Paul Thompson, Stuart Smyth and Dan Crooks were sin-binned but they also started to come back into the game; Michael Kerr volleyed the ball over the bar while Ryan Millar was also left disappointed after a brilliant Keith Black pass.
Tremlett extended Annadale’s lead after good work down the bye-line by Connor Roberts for 2-0 in the third quarter. Cookstown had a good phase after this as Greg Allen – before limping off injured – hit the side-netting while Smyth saw a drag saved on the line. Jon Ames deflected just wide and they got one back when Smyth won and converted a corner for 2-.
But 30 seconds into the final quarter, Annadale got a gift-wrapped third as Peter Caruth intercepted a ball around the back and his shot, despite the best efforts of McCabe, dribbled over the line.
With time running out, Annadale made the points secure with three minutes remaining with Carr nailing his second corner.
Monkstown 3 (G Sarratt, K Smith, D Carson) Banbridge 1 (L Witherow)
Monkstown came from a goal down to beat Banbridge 3-1 at the Merrion Fleet Arena to move up to third place in the table, ending Bann’s winning start to the campaign.
The first quarter ended scoreless as Guy Sarratt’s drag was blocked by Gareth Lennox while Eugene Magee broke in from the left but Aaron Bailey made a key tackle. In the 19th minute, Magee fed Philip Brown on the overlap down the right, working the ball into the circle and Zach McClelland finished off after a scramble.
They had a big chance to make it two but David Fitzgerald made a crucial save from a two-on-one chance soon after. Monkstown replied with Karl Smith’s diagonal run ending with a Lennox save. They were level on the half hour when Davy Carson was felled and Sarratt dragged home the corner.
Andrew Ward had the pick of the third quarter chances but his reverse bobbled wide, setting up a tense final quarter packed with cards. Bruce McCandless’s yellow while Town took a green.
When it was ten-a-side, Smith pounced on the ball in a melee the circle to put Town in front for the first time. Fraser Mills had a golden chance to level the game after an excellent Bann move but could not get the key touch at the back post.
Stephen Cole and Philip Brown both got yellows in the closing five minutes while Bann took off Lennox to go all-outfield. It backfired as Karl Lynch’s long ball found Carson as the only man in the 23 and he walked into an empty net for 3-1.
Pembroke 3 (J Ryan, C Murphy, K Shimmins) Glenanne 3 (E O’Malley 2, R Couse)
Pembroke came from 2-0 and 3-1 down to grab a 3-3 draw with table-topping Glenanne, going within inches of snatching a victory on the final whistle from a corner.
The Glens – with three wins from three under their belt going into the tie – started perfectly with Eddie O’Malley netting twice in the first 15 minutes. Jack Ryan pulled one back before half-time but Richard Couse’s second goal in a week put Glenanne 3-1 clear early in the second half.
St Andrew’s schoolboy Cian Murphy gave Pembroke a lifeline just before the third-quarter break and Kirk Shimmins made the game level with 11 minutes to go. And Pembroke went closest to winning it at the end from that corner but Shane O’Donoghue saved off the line to leave the sides sharing the spoils.
Cork C of I vs Railway Union – postponed due to Storm Brian
The Hook
Leinster and Ulster Take Interpros Titles
Ulster’s Under-18s and Leinster’s Under-16s took the provincial laurels at Stormont as they both won their Sunday games, getting the result they needed to see off their rivals.
At Under-18 level, the competition was right in the mix going into the last day with Ulster, Leinster and the South East all in with a shout of the title.
Indeed, the South East – seeking their first title since 1983/84 – set the pace when Rachel Kely scored four times in two games, beating Leinster 2-1 and Connacht 4-1 to see them lead the way after two series of games.
Ulster, though, bounced back from a 2-2 draw against Munster on Saturday morning to beat the South East 1-0 on Saturday evening with captain Rebecca McCullough scoring the only goal of the game.
In conjunction with a single goal win on Friday against Connacht – Olivia Berry on the mark – the result saw Ulster move into pole-position.
It meant a win over Leinster on Sunday would give them a 34th title. The blues, though, had won against both Munster and Connacht, meaning if they could beat Ulster, they would be in title contention.
In a very cagey tie, it was scoreless at half-time. Again, McCullough settled the game with a single goal, firing home a low penalty corner. Leinster thre everything forward, forcing a couple of corners but Ulster’s defence held firm to secure the win and the title.
Munster beat South East in the tournament’s final game to move up to second overall with South East finished third and Leinster fourth.
Irish Hockey Photographers
The Under-16 tournament was more clear-cut with Leinster winning all four of their games, holding off nearest challengers Munster with something to spare.
They started in confident mood, Nicola Torrans, Emma Paul and Aisling Murray scoring a 3-0 win over Connacht before Martha McCready netted a double in a 4-0 win over South East.
India Cotter, Zoe Watterson and Orna Bools added a 3-0 win over Ulster for three wins from three. Going into Sunday’s final games, only Munster could catch them and they made a good start of their double-series of games, beating the South East 2-0.
That result kept Leinster’s final game live, requiring a draw or better to get over the line. They had the best of the first half but it took until three minutes into the second half to break the deadlock when Martha McCready finished off following an excellent Isabella Dunlop interception and assist.
Isabelle Maleady then set up Murray for 2-0 with 17 minutes to go. Emer O’Keeffe pulled one back in the closing four minutes, becoming the first player to breach the Leinster defence, but it was too late to affect the outcome.
It meant Leinster won the title for the fourth time in five years while Munster recorded double silvers from the competition with Ulster in third place at this level.
Girls Under-18 interprovincials
Friday: Leinster 1 (C Sherin) South East 2 (R Kelly, Gardiner); Connacht 0 Ulster 1 (O Berry); Munster 0 Leinster 1 (C Hamill)
Saturday: Connacht 0 South East 4 (R Kelly 3, M Ryan); Ulster 2 (A Burns, R Houston) Munster 2 (A Buttimer, A Hickey); Connacht 1 (F Kelly) Leinster 4 (S O’Brien, C Hamill, N Twomey, L Mulcahy); Ulster 1 (McCullough) South East 0
Sunday: Connacht 1 (E McDermott) Munster 4 (R Leahy 2, A Hickey, A Buttimer); Leinster 0 Ulster 1 (R McCullough); Munster 2 (L Ryan 2) South East 1 (H Balding)
Standings: 1. Ulster 10pts (+3) 2. Munster 7pts (+3) 3. South East 6pts (+3) 3. Leinster 6pts (+2) 5. Connacht 0pts (-8)
Under-16 interprovincials
Friday: Ulster 0 South East 0; Connacht 0 Leinster 3 (N Torrans, E Paul, A Murray); Munster 1 (E O’Keeffe) Ulster 1 (McNeill)
Saturday: Leinster 4 (M McCready 2, Z Watterson, I Maleady) South East 0; Connacht 2 (J Lanagan 2) Munster 3 (R Foley, N Barry, E O’Sullivan); Ulster 0 Leinster 3 (I Cotter, Z Watterson, O Bools); Connacht 1 (Hennessy) South East 4 (Finlay 2, Ogilivie, Kelly)
Sunday: South East 0 Munster 2 (N Barry, E O’Keeffe); Connacht 0 Ulster 6 (A McNeill 3, N McIvor, J McCarlie, E Armstrong); Leinster 2 (M McCready, A Murray) Munster 1 (E O’Keeffe)
Standings: 1. Leinster 12pts (+11) 2. Munster 7pts (+2) 4. Ulster 5pts (+3) 3. South East 4pts (-3) 5. Connacht 0pts (-13)
Irish Hockey Association media release
Maryland field hockey finishes the regular season on a six-game win streak
By Scott Gelman
Midfielder Madison Maguire looks upfield for a pass in Maryland's 4-2 win over Rutgers at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex on October 29, 2016. (Reid Poluhovich / The Diamondback)
Minutes after helping goalkeeper Sarah Holliday defend a Rutgers penalty corner attempt, Madison Maguire clenched her right fist in the air and jumped in celebration. The Maryland field hockey midfielder deposited the ball into the lower-left corner of the net to give the Terps a 3-0 lead late in the first half of their 6-0 rout of No. 21 Rutgers on Sunday.
In the 47th minute, Maguire found herself open and scored her second. In the 48th, she earned a hat trick. The celebration was much less extravagant. It appeared as if an offensive outburst was expected.
There is something about the last portion of a season that resonates well with Missy Meharg-coached teams. The Terps carried an eight game winning streak into the Big Ten Tournament last season.
The win in Piscataway, New Jersey, extended Maryland's streak to six games to end the regular season. Ahead of Sunday's first Big Ten Tournament matchup, Maryland's last four wins came against ranked opponents.
Since losing to then-No. 6 Michigan on a last second score on Sept. 29, the Terps offense has found its stride. The backline has shut down opposing attacking units. The Scarlet Knights offense was its most recent victim.
Seven minutes into the game, defender Melissa Wilken emerged as Maryland's most recent offensive threat. She deposited the ball into the lower-left corner of the net to give the Terps an early one-goal lead.
Wilken entered play Sunday with two goals in 14 games. She matched that total with about 10 minutes remaining in the first, when midfielder Brooke DeBerdine's speed helped the Terps advance the ball into their offensive zone. The ball reached Wilken, who scored again.
Maryland carried a three-goal lead and 9-4 shooting advantage into the intermission but remained aggressive in the second half. Wilken earned a hat trick — Maryland's first this season — with her score eight minutes into the second half.
Still, the Scarlet Knights had opportunities to score. While Maryland secured three penalty corner attempts, Rutgers earned five. However, the Terps put the game out of reach early and didn't look back.
Throughout their winning streak, the Terps have been adamant little has changed. Shots are finding the net, and their aggressive press defensive style has exposed the weaknesses of opposing attacks.
But Sunday, the Terps played like the top-10 team opposing coaches felt they were in August. It was the defense's third shutout and the second time Maryland scored at least six goals.
The Diamondback