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All the news for Thursday 26 October 2017

2017 African Cup of Nations Results and standings Day 3

Men
KEN v NGR 2 - 1
RSA v GHA 3 - 2

Women
GHA v EGY 6 - 0
KEN v NGR 1 - 0

Results and tables from FIH Match Centre

Ghana give SA hockey men a fight in Nations Cup

Ockert de Villiers


Nqobile Ntuli (centre) celebrates with his Proteas teammates. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ghana in their African Hockey Cup of Nations match in Egypt.

The match could easily have ended in a stalemate or even worse - a shock defeat to the West Africans.

The Ghanaians made it clear from the get go they were not to be taken lightly.

Ghana went a goal up against the powerhouses of African hockey just one minute into the match courtesy of Michael Baiden.

Scoring a brace of goals, Nqobile Ntuli got South Africa out of an early, tight spot.

Ntuli scored the equaliser halfway into the first chukka before handing the defending African champions the lead a minute later.

South Africa went onto the second quarter with a 2-1 lead, with the scores remaining unchanged after the first half. Ghana battled with their discipline but South Africa failed to capitalise on the penalty corners that came their way.

The West Africans copped their first of two yellow cards in the 35th minute with Luke Damalie earning five minutes in the bin.

South Africa failed to take advantage of Damalie’s absence and were made to pay once the Ghanaians were back to full strength.

Ernest Opoku enforced the stalemate in the 44th minute leaving the South Africans in dire straits. Ghana’s celebrations were short lived with Taine Paton swinging the match back in South Africa’s favour two minutes later.

With a penalty corner going awry, Ghana’s problems were further compounded when Stephen Asamoah was shown a yellow card with three minutes left in the match. South Africa will go up against Egypt, who will pose the biggest threat to their pursuit of an eighth straight continental title.

The winners of the tournament will be guaranteed a place in next year’s World Cup in India.

The Star

Kenyan teams finally register wins in Egypt

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

Kenya’s hockey teams finally recorded their first wins at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt on Wednesday.

The men's team came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 while the women's team recorded a 1-0 win over the same opponents on Day Four of the continental competition at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium.

After suffering two straight defeats in their opening matches, there was no room for error in yesterday's matches. With World Cup qualification hopes all but gone for both teams, the two sides battled to salvage pride.

The men's team were first up against a Nigerian team that also lost its first two matches. The West Africans were thrashed 13-1 by hosts Egypt on Sunday before been crushed 8-1 by champions South Africa on Monday.

It was therefore a surprise when they took the lead against Kenya as John Michael slotted home past the onrushing Kenyan goalkeeper Linus Sang in the 39th minute.

Kenya had been the better side up until then but failed to turn the chances to goals.

Strikers Festus Onyango, Amos Barkibir and George Mutira had all gone close but were denied by Nigerian keeper Simon Awasa. Awasa was finally beaten in the 43rd minute as Onyango converted Allan Iningu's short corner to level the scores.

Four minutes from time, Kenya once again won a short corner and Butali Sugar Warriors' Constant Wakhura sounded the board to complete the comeback and Kenya held on for the win.

Kenya lost 3-0 to Ghana on Day One before succumbing to a 4-1 loss to Egypt on Monday. Men's coach Meshack Senge praised his charges for the improved performance.

"Two opening losses had really taken the confidence from the lads but today they battled hard and I laud their tenacity and fighting spirit," Senge said.

FOURTH ON THE LOG

The win sees the side remain fourth with three points.

Kenya take on champions South Africa in their final match on Saturday.

In the women's contest, Pauline Naise scored the winning goal a minute from time to break Nigeria’s heart. The match, which had few chances, seemed to be heading for a draw before the Amira Sailors' forward popped up to sound the board.

The women's team, who lost to South Africa (5-0) and Ghana (2-1), will play Egypt in their final match on Saturday.

In another match, Ghana beat Egypt 6-0 to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Daily Nation

Scotland Take 2-1 Victory In Final Match Of Series



The third and final test was played in glorious sunshine at the Playball in Stormont. A couple of early chances fell for Ireland, particularly the effort from Sarah Torrans which went narrowly wide. Ireland won their first PC of the game in the 12th minute after great work by Jessica McMaster but unfortunately a mis-trap allowed Scotland clear the danger. Ireland conceded a PC a minute later and Scotland took the lead with an excellent routine that saw Fiona Bruce deflect from the P spot giving new cap Liz Murphy in goal no chance.

Scotland had a great chance in the 16th minute but Murphy was alert to the danger and saved well. Ireland forced their 2nd PC won by Duke but failed to convert. Scotland went two ahead after a turnover on the Irish 22 which left the goal exposed and Sarah Jameison finished nicely. Ireland got one back in the 27th minute from a penalty corner with Gillian Pinder finishing.

The third quarter was scoreless with Scottish keeper Camlin making two great saves from Ireland PC’s to prevent equaliser.

In the final quarter, it was all Ireland who drove forward but couldn’t find a way through a resolute Scottish defence with Camlin called into action on several occasions. Ireland pulled their keeper, Murphy, for the final 3 minutes chasing the equaliser but Scotland held out for victory.

Irish coach Graham Shaw said “Overall we were happy with the performances over the three games. We are looking for consistency throughout and maybe at times we let the quality and tempo drop off. We were delighted to introduce four new caps over the series and look forward to the games ahead”


Congratulations Lena Tice who earned her 50th cap today

IRELAND 1 (Gillian Pinder)
SCOTLAND 2 (Fiona Bruce, Sarah Jameison)

Ireland
Starting XI Murphy (GK), McMaster, Torrans, Tice, McLoughlin, Pinder (Capt), Roisin Upton, Zoe Wilson, Deirdre Duke, Jessica McGirr, Ellen Curran
bench: Emma Buckley (GK) Yvonne O Byrne, Kate Lloyd, Chloe Brown, Erin Getty, Alison Meeke, Rebecca Barry

Scotland
Starting XI Camlin (GK), Cruickshank, ward, Robertson, Watson, Cuthbert, Belch, Jameison, Brown, Holmes, Condie
Bench: Newlands, Dark, Mack, Bruce, Burnet, Lanigan, McMurray

Irish Hockey Association media release

Scotland win final game against Ireland


Scotland v Ireland, 6th November 2016 – Photo by John Preece

Scotland women won the final game of a three-match series against Ireland with a 2-1 victory in Belfast. The result meant both sides clocked up a win in the series with the opening encounter ending all square.

The first chance of the match came in five minutes for Ireland when a quick break set Rebecca Barry free in circle, but the Scots defence was alert and cleared the danger well.

Ireland then tested Lucy Camlin in goal when Chloe Brown shot on target, but the keeper saved well to keep the match scoreless.

Scotland’s defence was on its toes again at Ireland’s first penalty corner of the match and cleared the danger when the ball was mis-trapped in execution. Scotland then tore forward and won a penalty corner of their own when the ball bounced off a foot in the 13th minute.

The Scots used the opportunity to hit the back of the net when a deflection by Fiona Bruce gave Elizabeth Murphy in the Ireland goal no chance. 1-0.

The goal was timely and Scotland ended the quarter with their noses in front.

Early in the second quarter and Scotland was denied a second goal when Murphy blocked an effort on goal with a solid save.

The second goal for Scotland would come soon enough and it was struck by Sarah Jamieson. A turnover on the Ireland 22 set up a two-on-one opportunity and Jamieson provided a nice finish to make it 2-0.

The hosts were denied a goal in retaliation when Camlin pulled off an excellent save from a drag flick to keep her clean sheet intact.

Camlin’s clean sheet was gone a short while later when a neat penalty corner finish by Gillian Pinder pulled one back for Ireland just before half time.

Scotland came out strong after the restart and controlled the game but found Ireland defending well.

On 34 minutes a penalty corner for Scotland saw a drag flick zip wide of the target as the Scots looked to cement their lead.

Ireland was next to strike at goal from a penalty corner and the drag flick was well saved by Camlin to keep Scotland in front.

Then Emily Dark had the ball in the back of the Ireland net but the umpire chopped it off for an apparent back stick in the build-up.

A goalmouth scramble almost gave Ireland the equaliser but the danger was cleared as the quarter ended with Scotland maintaining the 2-1 lead.

Scotland’s defence looked organised and strong as the game came to a close with Ireland playing a kicking back.

A final penalty corner was padded clear by the Scotland keeper to keep Ireland at bay and claim victory for the Scots.

Scotland Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “There was a lot of character shown by the players today after a difficult defeat yesterday. The young players also showed the character needed to bounce back and put in a good performance today.

“We deserved to win the match and could have scored more goals. The forward line was looking really good and there was an even balance across the team. It’s pleasing to see the squad bounce back and get a good win to finish off the series.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Scotland square series with 2-1 win at Stormont



Ireland’s women had to settle for a shared series with Scotland as they lost 2-1 to Scotland at Stormont, ending with a win, a draw and a loss on their record.

For coach Graham Shaw, the series has been about testing his wider panel and he handed Liz Murphy her debut, the second goalkeeper to be tried out between the posts for the first time.

Indeed, 10 of Wednesday’s match day 18 at Stormont had less than 10 caps to their name with seven teenagers involved while there was no player aged over 26. Of the teens, 19-year-old Lena Tice earned her 50th cap.

The Scots took the lead 13 minutes in when Fiona Bruce’s deflection gave Murphy no chance from a penalty corner.

Sarah Jamieson made it 2-0 from a turnover on the 23-metre line to set up a well-executed two-on-one chance.

Gillian Pinder pulled one back just before half-time from an Irish corner that she won herself following Chloe Brown’s Crossfield pass.

Ireland won a series of set pieces in the second half and saw a couple of goalmouth scrambles cleared off the line as Scotland to retain their narrow lead.

Women’s Senior International test match
Ireland 1 (G Pinder)
Scotland 2 (F Bruce, S Jamieson)

Ireland: L Murphy, J McMaster, S Torrans, L Tice, H McLoughlin, G Pinder, R Upton, Z Wilson, D Duke, E Curran, J McGirr.

Subs: E Buckley, K Lloyd, C Brown, E Getty, A Meeke, R Barry, Y O’Byrne

The Hook

Great Britain upset Australia

by  Satwant Dhaliwal

Great Britain produced an astonishing performance to down defending champions Australia 4-2 in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium today.

It was Great Britain’s third consecutive win in the tournament following 1-0 and 11-0 victories over Malaysia and the United States of America respectively. It was Australia’s first defeat.

“I am very pleased to beat Australia as they are a very good team,” said Great Britain head coach Jon Bleby. “When you play Australia it’s always exciting. We have two matches to go and we need to prepare and work very hard. I think the players did a good job in the first half.”

Australian head coach Brent Livermore was disappointed with the score and blamed his players for not following the process.

“Yes I am very disappointed. We lacked discipline and did not stick to the process. In one-on-one process we are mentally and physically fitter and stronger. We also lacked the urgency and Great Britain played very much the way we had expected them to play. Unfortunately we only played 50 per cent of our capacity,” said Livermore.

The Australians and British renewed their rivalry under cloudy skies and a light drizzle with several near-miss chances in the first quarter. Both teams could not find the gaps to put the ball through due to astute defensive tactics mobilised.

However, Great Britain, champions here in 2015, went on to score first, thanks to a field goal by Nicholas Park in the 25th minute as he sneaked the ball past goalkeeper George McGeoch much to the excitement of the motley English fans.

But it was a short-lived lead as Lachlan Busiko rallied back to equalise for Australia in the very next minute and Nathan Ephraums extended the lead in the 28th minute in similar fashion. It was 18-year-old Ephraums’ seventh goal in the tournament.

The third quarter resumed with Great Britain earning its fourth penalty corner but once again drew blank when team captain Jack Waller lifted the ball over the bar.

But those tricky and anxious moments were soon kept behind as Callum Mackenzie restored parity in the 41st minute via a field goal and Edward Way showed the way from a penalty corner two minutes before end of the quarter to give Great Britain a 3-2 lead for the first time.

Duncan Scott then drummed the final nail in the 58th minute as Great Britain celebrated a marvellous 4-2 win.

Great Britain have thus amassed nine points to go top of the table standings before wrapping their preliminary round fixtures against Japan tomorrow (Oct 26) and India on Saturday. The final is on Sunday.

Official Sultan of Johor Cup site

Burras Suffer Defeat To Great Britain

Ben Somerford



Australia’s winning run at the Sultan of Johor Cup has come to an end after a 4-2 defeat to Great Britain on Wednesday.

The Burras had led 2-1 at half-time but were overwhelmed by a physical British side who responded with two third-quarter goals.

Lachlan Busiko and Nathan Ephraums scored Australia’s goals, both field goals and both late in the first half, shortly after the British had taken the lead.

Busiko was Australia’s best, while Ephraums and goalkeeper George McGeoch were also impressive.

Australia is next in action on Thursday from 7.05pm AEDT against India, who have won all three of their matches so far.

The Burras will miss the final if they lose to India, with one game to play after Thursday’s match.

You can watch Thursday’s match via this link.

Hockey Australia media release

MacKenzie scores in GB U21 men’s win over Australia

Scotland’s Callum MacKenzie scored in Great Britain U21 men’s 4-2 victory over Australia in the 2017 Sultan of Johor Cup. Strong performances by MacKenzie and fellow Scot Cameron Golden contributed to GB’s success in a highly entertaining match.

Nick Park had opened the scoring for Great Britain, before Scotland’s Mackenze equalised to make 2-2 shortly after half-time.

The win almost guarantees a top two finish needed for Jon Bleby’s side to qualify for Sunday’s final, although they still have two group fixtures against Japan and India before then.

This was one of the most anticipated ties in the tournament with both sides having won each of their opening games, although it was Australia who were heading the table courtesy of scoring 23 goals in the process.

It was they who started the game in dominant fashion as well with Isaac Farmilo and Jacob Anderson unleashing fierce shots at Chris Wyver’s goal but both failed to keep them below the crossbar.

MacKenzie scored for GB U21 men.

Great Britain grew into the game and took a deserved lead in the 25th minute as Park deflected the ball into the net after Zach Wallace made a mazy run down the right baseline.

Australia then scored two goals in two minutes through Busiko and Ephraums, the latter’s seventh goal of the tournament.

While Britain started the third quarter looking the strongest, it was Australia who nearly extended their lead through Liam Flynn, only for Jack Waller to superbly stop his effort on the line.

Waller then provided the catalyst for Britain’s equaliser, his long ball eventually falling to Mackenzie who scored his second goal in as many games in the 41st minute.

Two minutes later Britain then re-took the lead as Way unleashed an unstoppable strike beyond Australian goalkeeper Matthew Finn before Scott wrapped up the victory with his fifth goal of the tournament three minutes from time.

After the game Bleby said he was delighted with the performance against Australia and was impressed by how much they have already improved since the tournament began.

“We are really happy with the diligent and attack-minded performance the squad put in today,” he said.

“They have taken a significant amount of information on board over the last few days and delivered today against Australia.

“To have three wins from three with this young group is very pleasing but we now have to refocus for the Japan game tomorrow.”

You can watch that game against Japan from 13:35 BST tomorrow here.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Match Three Sees U-21 USMNT Fall to Junior World Cup Champions India at Sultan of Johor Cup


Image courtesy of Megat Firdaus /PMF Sports Images

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia - October 25, 2017 - Following a day off in the tournament, the U.S. U-21 Men's National Team faced Hockey Junior World Cup Champions India in game three of the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. In the end however, USA lost to India by a final of 22-0.

With SOJC favorite Australia having lost to Great Britain in an earlier match, India, who is the only other undefeated squad in the tournament, were forced to catch up in goal differential. Thus, India went full steam ahead from the first whistle against USA. Realizing the circumstances, USA responded blow for blow while fully expecting every India possession as a full fledged press. This resulted in several hurried plays, with not enough outlet options, resulting in turnovers and shots on goal. There were moments of brilliance in the second quarter where USA counter attacked an open midfield due to the continuous pressing, resulting in multiple penalty corner opportunities and shots on goal.

With two more round robin games before crossovers, the U.S. U-21 Men's National Team will take on host Malaysia tomorrow, Thursday, October 26 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
IND     2     #2 Lakra     PC     0 - 1
IND     2     #18 Antil     FG     0 - 2
IND     3     #9 Singh     FG     0 - 3
IND     7     #29 Moirangthem     FG     0 - 4
IND     25     #4 Singh     FG     0 - 5
IND     26     #4 Singh     FG     0 - 6
IND     28     #17 Abhishek     FG     0 - 7
IND     30     #18 Antil     FG     0 - 8
IND     37     #17 Abhishek     FG     0 - 9
IND     37     #7 Kumar     FG     0 - 10
IND     38     #17 Abhishek     FG     0 - 11
IND     40     #4 Singh     FG     0 - 12
IND     42     #13 Singh     FG     0 - 13
IND     43     #13 Singh     FG     0 - 14
IND     44     #18 Antil     FG     0 - 15
IND     45     #17 Abhishek     FG     0 - 16
IND     45     #4 Singh     PC     0 - 17
IND     47     #32 Lakra     FG     0 - 18
IND     48     #22 Prasad     FG     0 - 19
IND     52     #4 Singh     FG     0 - 20
IND     54     #9 Singh     FG     0 - 21
IND     59     #9 Singh     FG     0 - 22

USFHA media release

Indian junior hockey team thrashes USA 22-0

Sultan of Johor Cup: 10 different players hammer 22 goals


Junior hockey players of India celebrate a goal against USA   | Photo Credit: PTI

India’s junior men’s hockey team continued their winning streak and mauled a hapless USA 22-0 to register their third consecutive victory at the seventh Sultan of Johor Cup, here on Wednesday.

It was raining goals for India as they pumped in 22 goals from 10 different players.

The win enables India to climb to the top of the points table with nine points from three matches.

Harmanjit Singh (25th, 26th, 40th, 45th, 52nd minutes), Abhishek (28th, 37th, 38th, 45th), Vishal Antil (2nd, 30th, 44th), Dilpreet Singh (3rd, 54th, 59th), Maninder Singh (42nd, 43rd), Pratap Lakra (2nd), Rabichandra Moirangthem (7th), Raushan Kumar (37th), Shilanand Lakra (47th) and Vivek Prasad (48th) scored as India ran away with a comfortable victory.

Prior to this match, the Americans had conceded a total of 30 goals in their first two games.

While Australia thrashed USA 19-0, Great Britain won 11-0.

India will take the win as good preparation for their tough upcoming matches against the likes of Australia and Great Britain.

India will now face Australia in their fourth match on Thursday.

The Hindu

Malaysia still in the running for third spot after Japan draw

By Mohd Farhaan Shah


Charging forward: Malaysia’s Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook trying to dribble past Japan’s Takehiro Chiba during their Sultan of Johor Cup match at the Taman Daya Stadium yesterday.

JOHOR BARU: Malaysia finally get a point under their belt after a hard fought 1-1 draw against Japan in the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament.

The point is a welcome respite for the young Malaysia side, who had lost their two earlier matches – 1-0 to Britain and 2-1 to India.

Malaysia opened the scoring last night through a field goal by Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook in the 17th minute at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here.

Japan, who also lost their two previous matches, needed a good result against Malaysia as well to revive their chances in the tournament.

The visiting team should have equalised in the 23rd minute but Kyohei Ogawa shot over the bar.


United States goalkeeper Nathaniel Olari having a busy day against India. — Bernama

However, Takumi Ineyama pounced on another Malaysian defensive slip-up to score the equaliser off a penalty corner in the 32nd minute.

Coach Wallace Tan’s boys then thought they had nicked a goal four minutes from time but it was ruled out as the ball had hit one of the Malaysian players’ legs before going in.

Wallace described the outcome as positive although his players did not take their chances well.

“We are still in the running for third place in the tournament, which is good.

“We will respect the United States, who we will meet tomorrow (today). The boys must not take the Americans too lightly because anything can happen if we let our guard down,” he said.

In an earlier match, Britain scored an upset 2-1 win over defending champions Australia.

Britain’s win allowed India to move to the top of the table after they trounced the US 22-0 for the biggest victory margin in the tournament’s history.

The Star of Malaysia

No time to chill as women’s hockey team struggle with cold conditions

By Aftar Singh



KUALA LUMPUR: Chilly conditions in Kakamigahara, Japan, could affect Malaysian team’s performance in the women’s Asia Cup.

The national team arrived in Japan on Tuesday night and already 16-year-old forward Nur Syafiqah Mohd Zain (pic) is down with fever.

Malaysia played a friendly against India yesterday and lost 2-1.

National coach K. Dharmaraj expects his team to face a strong challenge from the other sides in the tournament.

“The chilly conditions could also pose a problem to the players. Today (yesterday) the weather was about 10°C-11°C but if it rains it can go down to 4°C to 5 °C,” said Dharmaraj in a telephone interview yesterday.

“If this happens, then it will definitely affect our performance as our players are not used to playing in such chilly conditions.

“I hope the weather will improve before the tournament starts on Saturday.

“To make matter worse, forward Syafiqah has been down with fever since yesterday. I hope she’ll recover in time for the opening match.”

Eight teams will feature in the Asia Cup and the winner will qualify for 2018 World Cup in England.

World No. 22 Malaysia will open their Group A campaign against China on Saturday. Malaysia’s other group matches are against Singapore (Sunday) and India (Tuesday).

Group B comprises Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan and Thailand.

Dharmaraj said that he was happy with the pitch condition.

“We will play another friendly against Japan tomorrow and I hope the players will adapt to chilly conditions fast,” said Dharmaraj.

Malaysia best-ever outing in the Asia Cup is third spot in Seoul, South Korea, in 1985.

The Star of Malaysia

New era for German women begins in Auckland


Janne Müller-Wieland is looking forward to Germany's first tournament with their new Head Coach Photo: FIH/Getty Images

Germany's Janne Müller-Wieland is an optimist and a pragmatist, both qualities that are helpful when your national coach of five years announces he is moving on to become Head Coach of the China women’s team.

Not that Janne is anything but complimentary about the departed Jamilon Mülders. “Everyone understands why Jami had to make the move and we all hope he does well,” says the German captain. “Selfishly we were thinking about what this could mean for us as players. Jami has this great skill for communicating with people and he is very empathetic. It will be interesting to see how he gets on in China…”

Janne lets the sentence trail before brightly switching to the topic of Mülders’ replacement. “Xavier Reckinger is a great appointment. I was dreading what it could mean for us because it all happened so quickly [Mülders announced his resignation after the EuroHockey Championships in August], so it was good that the DHB [German Hockey Association] was able to find someone of Reckinger’s abilities.”

Reckinger certainly has pedigree. He played for his home country Belgium more than 300 times and was a successful coach with the Belgium Under-21 team amongst others. He has also been working with the German women’s team since February and knows how the team works and how Mülders had structured coaching to get the best out of his limited time with the squad.

Janne hopes that the learning phase will be both quick and successful. Germany has form in this area. When Mülders took over in 2013, the German team instantly won EuroHockey gold and they have been picking up medals ever since – bronze at the 2015 Unibet EuroHockey Championships, bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics and a second place finish at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Johannesburg, thus securing their qualification to the 2018 Hockey Women's World Cup, London 2018.

“If you take away my caps, the average number of caps in our team would be, what, 20?”
Janne Müller-Wieland, Germany

For Janne and her team, the forthcoming Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Finals in Auckland, New Zealand will be an extra special event as it will be the first time the team has really come together under their new coach. With the Bundesliga taking priority in the autumn months, the team will leave for Auckland a week before the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final starts and those ensuing seven days will be a period of extensive team building.

The squad is missing some players through injury – Jana Teschke has torn her cruciate ligament and will be a big loss – and the new coach has also brought in some very young players. Camilla Nobis is just 18, Hannah Granitzki 20, Selin Oruz 20 and, laughs Janne, “if you take away my caps, the average number of caps in our team would be, what, 20?”

While Germany might be missing training time together, they certainly do not miss out on competition. The Bundesliga is one of the most competitive domestic leagues in the world and, when the players of the national team square up to each other, there are no holds barred. “We literally smash each other on the pitch,” says Janne. “Yes, we might be best friends on the national team but there is nothing left behind when we meet in the league.”

It is one of the reasons Janne is not disappointed that Germany does not have a centralised programme. “Sure, it would be nice to have some time together and it is hard to keep up with all the centralised teams, but our way also has advantages - for me only training with the national team all the time would not work. I like our hockey culture, the competition of club hockey and I like the balance my job and private life (in the city I want to live in) offers me.”

When it comes to the opposition awaiting the team ranked seventh in the FIH Hero World Rankings, Janne is slightly dismissive. “To be honest, I believe everyone is still in the process of change in a way. The Netherlands and Argentina, ranked one and two in the world, will probably be the favourites for the Hockey World League Final. England are working hard and will be working even harder, if that is possible, in the build up to the World Cup in London.

“Australia and New Zealand might be back on track because they have just had the Oceania Cup and their own domestic seasons, which will have sharpened them up. New Zealand, with the home crowd behind them, will try to defend their silver medal from the last Hockey World League Final. And China, well that will be an interesting one. They have a lot of potential but it is whether Jami can bring that out.”

England will be Germany’s first opponents in the Hockey World League Final, with Argentina and Mülders’ China their other pool B competitors.

Follow all the action from the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final Auckland 2017 by using #HWL2017.

FIH site

Latest FIH Hero Indoor World Rankings announced


Netherlands women will go into February's Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 in Berlin sitting at the top of the FIH Hero Indoor World Rankings. Credit: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek

Trinidad & Tobago men and USA women climb up the standings ahead of FIH Indoor World Cups 2018

The updated International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hero Indoor World Rankings have been revealed, with Germany men and Netherlands women retaining their places at the top of the standings.

The FIH Hero Indoor World Rankings were updated following the completion of the Pan American Indoor Championships 2017 in Georgetown, Guyana, where Trinidad & Tobago men and USA women claimed the respective titles and booked their tickets to next February's FIH Indoor World Cup 2018, which takes place in Berlin, Germany.

As well as the Pan American Indoor Championships 2017, the latest update also includes points earned by nations that competed at the African and Asian Indoor Continental Championships which took place earlier this year.

In the men’s FIH Hero Indoor World Rankings, the top 13 positions all remain unchanged. European champions Germany continue to top the rankings table ahead of second placed Austria, with reigning World champions Netherlands (3), Russia (4), Poland (5), Czech Republic (6), 2017 Asian continental champions Iran (7), Switzerland (8), Sweden (9) and Canada (10) making up the top ten.

Australia (11), South Africa (12) and England (13) also retain their places, although USA’s fourth place finish at the Pan American Indoor Championships 2017 has resulted in a one place drop to 15th, with Namibia - who finished second in the African Indoor Cup of Nations - moving up to 14th position. 

Trinidad & Tobago’s stunning triumph at the Pan American Indoor Championships 2017 earned them the maximum available points, something which has resulted in a quite remarkable rise up the rankings table from 41st to 18th.

On the women’s side of things, the Netherlands will go into February’s Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 sitting at top of the rankings table, with Germany (2), Czech Republic (3), Poland (4), Belarus (5), Austria (6), Ukraine (7), and Australia (8) all retaining their positions in the top eight.

Canada have dropped from ninth to 11th place, with Belgium and South Africa, the African continental champions, moving up to ninth and tenth place respectively.

Kazakhstan’s Asia Indoor Cup triumph earlier this year has helped them remain in 12th place, while USA’s victory in the Pan American Indoor Cup has sparked a dramatic eight place rise, surging from 28th to 20th.

The next update to the FIH Hero Indoor World Rankings will be published following the completion of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018. For a complete guide to the FIH Indoor Hero World Rankings, click here.

The latest FIH Rules for Indoor Hockey can be downloaded here.

FIH site

Launch of hockey league to help regain lost glory: PHF chief

Mohsin Ali



ISLAMABAD -  Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Brig (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar has said that launch of Pakistan Super League help the federation in regaining lost hockey glory.

Talking to The Nation, Brig Khokhar said the PHF has invited World XI and legends and also working day and night on launching Pakistan Hockey League. “The league will not only make our players financially strong but also provide them chance of playing alongside international players and improve their skills and techniques. Many of Pakistani players prefer to play leagues aboard to earn money, which is very important for every sport so that’s why we have decided to provide similar opportunities to our players at home by hosting Pakistan Super League at home ground.”

He said: “We have picked a number of fresh players for the 10th Hockey Asia Cup, which was played at Dhaka's Maulana Bhashani Stadium and majority of these players have never played in international events. The main reason behind green shirts finished third was lack of international exposure. All our opponents were highly experienced, invested millions on their players and playing international hockey since long.

“On the other hand, Pakistani players have hardly played handful events. The Asia Cup was a great learning experience and people must appreciate our hard work, as third place is not a bad result. Although we couldn’t excel and win the event, yet the boys gave out their best and succeeded in finishing third,” he added.

Brig Khokhar said people didn’t know much about the federation and its affairs but they didn’t waste a single chance to describe them looters. “We are only federation, which had provided our finances details on website. I always tried to ensure every single penny, which the federation receives, must be spent on players’ well being. The best way of improving results and getting players into rhythm is to start leagues, as all top hockey playing nations have long started international leagues and now they have been reaping their benefits.”

“No doubt, the government has been providing the PHF with sufficient funds, and we are also striving to take Pakistan hockey to new heights. We have been working on fresh talent and it will take some time, as we don’t have magic lamb to turn fortunes overnight. I can assure all that I am aware of the situation and there is still time left for the world cup to be held in India next year,” he added.

The PHF chief said they have hunted a bunch of fresh players and there is still room for few more players. “A lot of people want me not to send national team for the 4-nation tournament in Melbourne, Australia scheduled from November 8 to 12, where Pakistani players will play alongside New Zealand, Japan and hosts Australia but despite facing financial restrains, I have decided to send team for the event. It will help green shirts learn a lot and gain international exposure.

“The world cup is almost one year away and it is very easy to point fingers at others but it is very hard to appreciate sincere efforts. When we took over, Pakistan team was in shambles and we were running from post to pillar but we took the responsibility with the aim and goal of taking Pakistan hockey to new heights. Our performance has been improving and this team will be able to achieve gradually what is being expected from it,” he added.

About women hockey, he said: “We are also taking women hockey very seriously and we are focusing on U-16, U-18 and U-21. We have arranged tournaments and we will continue to do so in future too. We are arranging sponsorship deals for the players and providing jobs to hockey players, so that they may focus on just playing and performing.

“I once again request all stakeholders and former hockey greats to join hands with the federation for one cause, that is to help Pakistan hockey and suggest us best plans so that we may help Pakistan hockey regain past glory,” Brig Khokhar concluded.

The Nation

Former Pakistan hockey captain announces retirement



KARACHI: Former Pakistan hockey skipper Abdul Haseem Khan announced his retirement on Wednesday, holding the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) responsible for the dismal situation of the game as well as his retirement. During a press conference at his residence in Karachi, he levelled allegations of biases and presence of syndicates within the selection committee of the PHF. The former captain accused the current selection committee of mistreating him. “I have been bearing the attitude of the selection committee for long and now it is the time that I speak the truth and reveal that a lobby was active within the selection committee,” he said. “The current selection committee headed by former Olympian Hasan Sardar has been biased and unfair to the players who have been performing since long,” he added.

Haseem also complained that he was not selected in the recently held Nishan-i-Haider Tournament at home and Asia Cup in Bangladesh. “I was the captain of the team but still not selected for the tournament held last month and also for the Asia Cup and not even for the Four-Nation Hockey Tournament which is going to be held next month,” he lamented.

He refuted the impression of his poor performance and alleged that the selection committee head had always been pulling him out from the national squad on the pretext of poor performance. “You can observe my performance during last tour and other matches, if I had lacked anywhere, I wouldn’t be doing this press conference today,” he remarked. “I had been waiting that the PHF selection committee members might go on merit and select players fairly on fitness and performance,” he said, adding that his patience went in vain. “Again, they did not select me, saying that my performance is not good, so I have decided to retire from the hockey,” maintained Haseem.

“I have never demanded captaincy and have always played for Pakistan,” he said, adding that he won’t be joining the team in any circumstances under the current selection committee. “I know I will be treated the same afterwards,” he viewed. When contacted, Hasan Sardar rejected all the allegations against him, saying that Haseem was dropped of the Asia Cup simply because of his poor performance. Fuming Sardar adopted a harsh tone saying that who the hell was Haseem to level allegations against him or the selection committee. Sardar further said that he was a top scorer in the game and he knew the game very well. Responding to a question about the Haseem’s presser, he said that the discipline committee of the board could take action against Haseem.

The Daily Times

Penn field hockey seeks two wins as race for NCAA Tourney spot reaches its climax

No. 21 Field Hockey to travel to Rhode Island for final weekend doubleheader vs. Brown, Providence

By Sam Mitchell


Senior Alexa Hoover scored on an incredibly volley-shot to help Penn field hockey secure its upset win over Syracuse last weekend. Photo: Yosef Robele

Penn field hockey can handle tough competition.

With a signature win against No. 10 Syracuse last weekend, the No. 21 Quakers are in position to make it to the NCAA championship if they win out in their final three games. Two of them will come against Brown and Providence this weekend.

“We kept our heads, and obviously it worked out best for us,” senior Alexa Hoover said of the Syracuse win. “Hopefully [Saturday's game] showed everyone that our team is capable of beating a top-ten team, and we are in the same realm as them.”

Penn (8-6, 3-2 Ivy) will face Ivy-winless Brown (1-14, 0-5) on Saturday before facing stiffer competition versus Providence (10-6) on Sunday. Even if the Quakers win twice this weekend and keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive, they will still face a behemoth in Princeton next week for their season finale.

“If we can win out and hopefully other things outside of our control happen, maybe we’ll have a shot at the NCAA tournament,” Hoover said. “But, as of right now, all we can do is focus on Brown and Providence and Princeton.”

http://snworksceo.imgix.net/dpn/d41fabe0-6d0e-47ba-9310-365f30b4f6c5.sized-1000x1000.jpg
The game against Brown will be extra important for one Quaker as junior back Karen Seid will be facing off against her twin sister Ellie, who plays attack for the Bears. Photo: Davide Zhou

Junior Karen Seid, whose twin Ellie plays for Brown

While Penn has overcome a lot to get to this point, the team still feels like it has a lot to improve in the upcoming games.

“I think our biggest issues were trying to mentally overcome the fact that we’re playing with a bunch of injuries, and we tried our best to keep our focus,” Hoover said. “We knew we could beat [the top-ranked teams], and just to be that close to beating them and then not do it is frustrating, but we try not to let it bother us.”

And while the team is focused on moving onto its next games, it's clear that the win over Syracuse — which knocked the Orange down in the rankings to No. 14 in the nation — has done a lot for the players' confidence.

“It kind of helps yourself and your teammates gain perspective,” said Hoover, who hit an astonishing volley that became the game-winning goal against Syracuse. “Like, we are really good, we do deserve to be here and we're gonna just keep doing what we know how to do.”

The Daily Pennsylvanian

Field Hockey Icon Rachel Dawson to Compete in NYC Marathon With Women's Sports Foundation



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Former U.S. Women’s National Team member and three-time Olympian, legend Rachel Dawson (Berlin, N.J.), is set to etch another athletic feat on her resume as she prepares to run in the 2017 Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 5 on behalf of the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF).

Dawson, who retired from the U.S. Women’s National Team following the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with 298 international caps, will be part of an all-female athletic champion team for the Marathon. Together, the WSF team will be fundraising to further their mission of ensuring access to sports for all girls.

Established in 1974 by tennis icon, Billie Jean King, the WSF believes in the power of sports to teach confidence and teamwork to women and girls.

“My family didn’t have a lot, but what we had was enough,” says Dawson, per her donation page. “We had a backyard, big dining room table and space to play. We had sport, and sport was all we needed.”

“Sport raised me,” continued Dawson. “Competition shaped me. Without it, I wouldn’t be who I am, and my family wouldn’t be what it is. Sport opened the door to unimagined possibility. It paved the way for each of my siblings to go to college. The first generation in my family.”

Dawson is currently halfway to her fundraising goal of $4,000 for the NYC Marathon. Fundraising is set to end on Friday, November 10. If you would like to contribute to Dawson and the rest of the Women’s Sport Foundation team, click here.

Learn more about the grants that WSF gives to grassroots programs working with underserved girls, the champion athletes they support and their latest advocacy and research by visiting www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.

USA Field Hockey is proud to support all athletes and organizations who continue to contribute to improving playing opportunities for both boys and girls in all sports across the globe.

USFHA media release

Coaching E-Newsletter #5    DEVELOPING Coaches and Players

By Shiv Jagday, FIH Coach

Bridge the gap between Soft Skills and Hard Skills, to create an optimum balance of Art, Grace and Power; and make the game more appealing to the masses.

Core Themes covered in this issue

Tactical: In the CNL #4, we covered thinking Strategies to perform and maintain the possession of the ball in a confined space, under pressure and in the Right Defensive Quadrant (RDQ). In this issue we are going to go a step further, while covering “How to” pass the ball with a mini hit to a teammate, while maintaining the ball possession, as a team. Especially, when the opponents execute a full court press in the RDQ. And leave themselves vulnerable in other pockets of the field.
Technical: How to execute a short or long range hit with a short back swing in the RDQ.
Power point presentations and video clips:
Supporting the core themes of this issue.
Training Method Tips:
With detailed explanations simulated in game situations, caught on a video camera
Motivational Quotes: Calmness under pressure.

Read the full newsletter here

In case if you have not read the previous 4 CNL’s, please do so. As all these CNL’s are interlinked and interdependent, like building blocks. It will be hard, for some of you, to understand the topics covered in this issue and the ones in the future, especially the game concepts and the terminology.
 
Please visit www.coachshiv.com and click on the tab on the top right side “Coaching Newsletter”. And you will find the link to all the previous issues.

Shiv's Coaching Academy