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All the news for Tuesday 31 October 2017

Women's Asia Cup 2017 Day 2

29 Oct
Pool A MAS v SIN 8 - 0
30 Oct
Pool A  IND v CHN 4 - 1
Pool B  THA v KAZ 1 - 0
Pool B  JPN v KOR 0 - 4

(Day 2 on 29 October was abandoned before the 4th quarter between MAS and SIN due to rain and completed on 30 October)

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Indian eves beat China 4-1 in hockey

KAKAMIGAHARA (Japan): Indian eves dished out an all-round performance to stun China 4-1 and register their second consecutive victory at the women's Asia Cup hockey tournament, here on Monday.

Goals from Gurjit Kaur (19th minute), Navjot Kaur (32nd), Neha Goyal (49th) and skipper Rani Rampal (58th) enabled the Indians to keep their winning momentum in Pool A at Kakamigahara Kawasaki Stadium.

India had earlier defeated Singapore 10-0 in their tournament opener.

The Indians were quick to get off the blocks as they won a penalty corner in the first 15 minutes of the match to put China on the back foot.

The first quarter ended in a stalemate after India wasted the chance.

But four minutes into the second quarter dragflick specialist Gurjit Kaur convert a splendid goal to give India a 1-the lead.

Two minutes after the change of ends, India doubled their through Navjot Kaur's field strike.

But a defensive error in the circle saw India concede a penalty corner in the 38th minute and the Chinese were quick to capitalise on the opportunity and pulled one goal back through Qiuxia Cui's successful conversion.

Down by a goal, China pushed hard in search of the equaliser in the final quarter but failed to break the resolute Indian defence.

The Indians made life more difficult for their opponents when Neha Goyal found the back of the Chinese net with a variation from a set piece to make the scoreline 3-1.

In the last 10 minutes of the match, both the teams traded penalty corners.

While India won two penalty corners and China secured one but both the sides failed to utilise the chances.

The action, however, didn't end there as skipper Rani scored a sensational field goal in the 58th minute to secure a commanding 4-1 win for India.

India will next play Malaysia in their last pool match on Tuesday.

The Times of India

Goalie Savita's glorious 150 feat

K. Arumugam



Eight years ago at Bangkok, Savita Punia was a greenhorn. The up and coming goalie was an under study of Kavita Purthy, India's first choice goalie. Coach MK Kaushik used to play her in matches where India was comfortably placed in the pool stages. This was Savita's early stages, and her first Asia Cup.

Now in 2017, Savita has seen everything, a high of Indian women hockey when they qualified for the Rio Olympics and then at the same summit unable to do anything.

But her game was on ascend.

The Hissar's wonder girl, now in her mid 20s, achieved an important milestone in her hockey career. Today's India's match which it won against higher ranked China is her 150th international appearance.

Not just numbers today. She did everything to mark the occasion end in a joy, an eluding win over China in the league.

"I am happy I could contribute to the team's success today. This counts me more than my personal achievement," Savita said shortly after India decimated China 4-1 in a chilling windy day at Kawasaki Stadium, Gifu, Japan. "My wish is to contribute to the team. I would even like to play another 5,6 years and add on to my caps count", she said with a child like enthusiasm.

To mark the occasion, goal-keeper captain Bharat Chetri presented her a bouque before start of the match.

Stick2Hockey.com

Malaysian Coach: A draw will be a good result Vs India

K. Arumugam



Malaysian coach Dharamaraj was realistic when he spoke about his team’s prospects against India in their last pool match scheduled for Tuesday.

Quoting the Malaysian team’s rank in both FIH and AHF, Dharma wants a descent performance against India which will satisfy him the most.

"Good performance against India is my first priority. If we will force the powerful Indian team to a draw, that will be satisfying”, said Dharama who took over the reins of Malaysian women’s hockey team a year ago.

When pointed out that Malaysia played very well against India last year in the Singapore Champions Trophy, he was again seen keeping his feet on the ground.

“Yes I agree we did well. We lost by just two goal margin. But however I lost two leading players in the team since then".

“Midfielder Hashiza Ali is on family way. Her presence is ruled out. She has played for Malaysia almost 15 years, and it will take years and years to find a replacement for her".

"Secondly, Fadzik Sylvester. She was a terrific flicker and a solid player. She has recently joined Fire Brigade, undergoing traineeship. Her employer wont release her for the tournament. Yes, there was hue and cry in the social media etc, but at the end of the day she is not with the team".

"Their absence affect the team, but as a coach I look forward to find replacement and go further."

"My aim here is to finish second in the pool, and thus able to meet either Kazakhstan or Thailand in the quarterfinal. Let’s see how things work out here".

In fact India did a favour to Malaysia with a surprising 4-1 win over China on day 2. This has pushed China to third position in the points table. With a win over Singapore, it has +7 goal difference, while with same three points China’s goal difference is minus 2.

Its worthwhile here to mention that on the opening day Malaysia lost to China 5-4 after leading 4-3 till last two minutes.

Dharma is one of the leading contemporary coaches in Malaysia. Under his coaching, Malaysian boys reached the Junior World Cup in Delhi four years ago.

Stick2Hockey.com

Harendra: World Cup Ok, but I want to earn it

s2h team



Indian women's chief coach Harendra Singh received the news of Indian women's team qualifying for the London World Cup with characteristic calm. He was neither unhappy or elated. His reasons are obvious.

Indian girls qualified by virtue of being first standby for the London number. South African girls have won the African Cup on Sunday. It means a vacancy has risen on account of an already qualified team winning the African Cup.

Indian camp is yet to get the official communication in this respect. However, the news is talk of the team here in Kakamigahara.

Coach Harendra Singh said on this count: "We want to earn a World Cup berth. Its not sporting or expectation that a national team qualify simply because some other team did a favour. Its not in my gene. OK now that we have qualified we will prepare for the London World Cup, but at the same time won't lag in our efforts here to win the Asia Cup".

"We are here to win the Asia Cup, and will achieve that. World Cup is next year's target".

It is worthwhile to mention that information with regard to India's qualification for the London is yet to come from the FIH, which is expected anytime.

Stick2Hockey.com

Double gold for SA hockey coach Sheldon Rostron

Ockert de Villiers


The South African women's hockey team celebrate with their medals after winning the Africn Cup of Nations final on Sunday. Photo: Quanita Bobs (Twitter: @Quanita_Bobs)

JOHANNESBURG: Running between fields to attend to both the South African men’s and women’s teams was not easy, but Sheldon Rostron managed to pull it off bagging double titles at the African Hockey Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Rostron accomplished a rare feat leading the sides to African titles in the land of the Pharaohs reaffirming the country’s dominance on the continent.

The men didn't just claim their eighth consecutive continental title but also secured their place in next year’s World Cup in India.

Rostron has been the head coach of the women’s team since Giles Bonnet resigned in 2014 and in August took up the reins for the men’s side on an interim basis.

“I am extremely happy about the performances of both teams and quite happy that we helped the men’s team qualify for the World Cup which I think was the most important point,” Rostron said.

“I am very proud of what my staff, myself and the two teams have achieved.”

The women’s team have already earned their place for the 2018 World Cup tournament in London after finishing fifth at the World Hockey League Semi-Finals that was hosted in South Africa.

They turned in a dominant performance in Egypt where they scored a total of 28 goals while they managed to keep a clean sheet against all opposition.

They claimed a 4-0 victory over Ghana in the final to claim their seventh-consecutive African title

Cape Times

England women announce squad for World League Final


England women Euros

England have announced their 18-woman squad that will travel to New Zealand to contest the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final.

The tournament in Auckland runs from the 17 to the 26 November at the North Harbour Hockey Stadium where the world’s best will battle for the crown.

There are four changes from the squad that travelled to the European Championships in August as Erica Sanders, Olivia Paige, Grace Balsdon and Suzy Petty are included in the eighteen.

The World League Finals provide another test for England as they build towards hosting the Hockey Women's World Cup in London next summer.

Head coach Danny Kerry MBE returned to work in September and will lead the campaign in Auckland after missing the European Champions in Amsterdam.

Ahead of the tournament, Kerry said: "Our selection for this World League represents a growing depth within our squad and the form and intent over the recent training block. The application of all of the athletes has been first rate and we look forward to the competition coming up.

"We have a core of experience and leadership qualities running through the team including, but not limited to Pearne-Webb, Unsworth, Bray and Danson forming a spine of the team. We know that all of the teams have similar strengths and it will be a sensational opportunity to enjoy what we do best; competing."

After winning bronze at the Euros with a 2-0 victory over Germany and bronze also at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals with a 5-2 win over Argentina the squad will enter the tournament full of confidence.

England face world number seven side Germany, world number three Argentina and China in pool B while hosts New Zealand, the Netherlands, Korea and the United States make up the four sides in pool A.

Matches from the women’s Hockey World League Final will be shown between the 17 and 26 November from Auckland live on BT Sport with full listings and timings to follow.

Squad:

Ansley, Giselle (Surbiton)
Balsdon, Grace (Canterbury)
Bray, Sophie (Kampong)
Danson, Alex (c) (Clifton Robinsons)
Defroand, Emily (Surbiton)
Haycroft, Sarah (Surbiton)
Hinch, Maddie (Stichtse)
Martin, Hannah (Surbiton)
McCallin, Shona (Holcombe)
Owsley, Lily (Uni of Birmingham)
Paige, Olivia (Uni of Birmingham)
Pearne-Webb, Hollie (Surbiton)
Petty, Suzy (Wimbledon)
Rayer, Ellie (East Grinstead)
Sanders, Erica (Uni of Birmingham)
Tennant, Amy (East Grinstead)
Toman, Anna (Wimbledon)
Unsworth, Laura (East Grinstead)

Fixtures:

Friday 17 November - Germany 11pm UK Time
Sunday 19 November - Argentina 7am UK Time
Tuesday 21 November - China 7am UK Time
Wednesday 22 November - Quarter-Final
Thursday 23 November - Quarter-Final
Friday 24 November - Semi-Final
Saturday 25 November - Semi-Final
Sunday 26 November - Final

England Hockey Board Media release

Punjab Police to clash with ONGC for the title


ONGC beat Punjab & Sind Bank (in yellow) in the semifinals in Jalandhar on Monday. Tribune Photo: Malkiat Singh

Jalandhar: Punjab Police and ONGC eased past their opponents to set up the title clash in the men’s section of the 34th Surjit Hockey Tournament.

Punjab Police beat Indian Oil 5-3 to enter their 10th final at the tournament, though it will be their first final appearance since 2004. On the other hand, ONGC entered their first final after a 2-0 win over Punjab & Sind Bank.

ONGC struck first as Nilam Xess converted a penalty corner in the 14th minute. Punjab & Sind Bank wasted three penalty corners in the first half. ONGC doubled their lead in the 55th minute when Suman Kujur scored from a Jarmanpreet Singh assist.

In the second semifinal, Punjab Police dominated from the word go. In the 5th minute, they got the lead when Gurvinder Singh Chandi scored after being set up by Akashdeep Singh. Three minutes later, Jasjit Singh Kular converted Punjab Police’s first penalty corner. Akashdeep’s 41st-minute goal seemed to have put the match out of Indian Oil’s reach. However, two goals in the span of four minutes — from captain Deepak Thakur (43rd) and Affan Yousuf (47th) — brought Indian Oil back into the game. In the 55th minute, Ramandeep Singh gave Punjab Police a two-goal cushion, with Akashdeep making another assist. Indian Oil again reduced the margin when VR Raghunath converted a penalty corner in the 62nd minute. But two minutes later, Kullar restored Punjab Police’s two-goal lead with a penalty-corner conversion.

The Tribune

Rotterdam still searching for full rhythm as Kampong shine


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

SV Kampong produced a statement win over HC Rotterdam in the battle of two EHL sides in a repeat of last year’s Dutch national final, winning out 3-2.

The Utrecht side got off to a cracking start, Tier Ceulemans popping in a corner rebound at the right post. Philip Meulebroek applied a lovely touch in mid-circle to a long ball to make it 2-0 in the 20th minute. Bjorn Kellerman went within inches of a brilliant third before half-time.

Milan van Baal was credited with the first Rotterdam goal early in the second half, the ball going in off a defender diving to stop the ball but proceeding only to flip the ball over David Harte.

Boet Phijffer flicked in from close range to restore the two-goal gap with seven minutes to go; Jeroen Hertzberger completed the scoring but too late to change the outcome.

"We were not ourselves in the first half. That's why we are so angry, "said coach Albert Kees Manenschijn (pictured) afterwards to hockey.nl. “We are not yet the team of last year. We are still searching for that.”

The result leaves Rotterdam in sixth place while Kampong are top of the rankings. AH&BC Amsterdam are second, a point off the top, while Bloemendaal are third.

That trio have five points to spare over Oranje-Rood and HGC with Rotterdam a point back from them.

Bloemendaal beat Oranje-Rood 3-2, going 3-0 up in the first half through Florian Fuchs, Jasper Brinkman and Xavi Lleonart. Amsterdam hammered SCHC 6-1 with a Mirco Pruyser hat trick.

Euro Hockey League media release

Polo and Campo move clear at top of Spanish league


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Real Club de Polo won “El Partizado” in Spain last weekend as they beat Atlètic Terrassa 3-1 to keep up the pressure on league leaders Club de Campo after six rounds of matches.

Lluis Mele gave Atlèti the lead in the 29th minute but a Javi Cabot goal just before half-time meant they went in at the break level at 1-1.

A Borja Llorens penalty corner with 17 minutes to go and a David Alegre goal earned Polo their fifth win from six games so far with Atlètic remaining in fourth place.

Campo continued their impressive start to the season with a 5-2 win over FC Barcelona with Gonzalo Lasso and Alvaro Iglesias in the first four minutes putting the Madrid side in flying form. Andres Mir got the third before half-time and they stayed out of range from there on.

Junior FC continued their excellent form with Sergi Enrique’s goal nine minutes from time earning a 2-2 draw at Club Egara.

In an intense start, Pau Quemada fired home a penalty corner but Nil Marí made it level at the break. Marc Recasens restored the Egara lead but Enrique’s stroke secured a point for Roger Pallarols’ side, keeping Junior in third place.

The top five have forged a four-point gap between the five sides in the lower half of the table. Campo have a chance to extend their lead on Wednesday night when they play a derby match against Complutense while Club Egara make the short trip to CD Terrassa.

Euro Hockey League media release

KL hope to regain Razak Cup with young team

By S. Ramaguru



KUALA LUMPUR: For three decades, Kuala Lumpur were the team to beat in the Razak Cup hockey competition.

But in recent years, they have become just another team trying to make the final.

KL’s last title was in 2010 and since then their best finish was runners-up in 2013 and third in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015. Last year they were fifth.

The 19-time champions have found the going tough since the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) changed the eligibility ruling to allow the states to use only players born in the state.

Although the bulk of the national players and other young stars work in the capital and play for the clubs in the state league, they are not allowed to play for KL. This has prompted the KL side to groom their own players.

Like in recent years, KL will again field a young side for the tournament which begins at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh on Saturday.

Coach I. Vickneswaran (pic) has four national players – Mohamed Ramadan Rosli, Joel van Huizen, Mohamed Shahril Saabah and Mohamed Aideed – and two ex-internationals – Baljit Singh and Hizzat Sumantri – as the core of his team.

He also has national Under-21 player Syafiq Sumantri in the side.

“Of course we want to regain the title. But the target is to make the semi-finals and take it from there,” said Vickneswaran.

To prepare for the tournament, KL will play two friendlies against Police before they leave for Ipoh on Friday.

Playing in Division One, KL are in Group A with defending champions Terengganu, Penang and Melaka. Group B has Police, Perak, Johor and Negri Sembilan.

“We only started training two weeks ago. It’s not ideal and the national players only joined us on Sunday.

“We are in a tough group with all the team having been champions before. But we will do the best we can.

“We play Melaka in our first match on Saturday. The aim is to go for a winning start and use each game to improve our performance. Teamwork will be a key factor,” said Vickneswaran.

The Star of Malaysia

Janice Moir wins Lifetime Achievement Award


Janice with her brother Calum Moir and the award

Janice Moir of Merlins Gordonians has won the Aberdeen Sports Awards 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. It is tremendous recognition for her fantastic dedication to hockey.

Janice is fully deserving the award having put so much time and effort into Merlins Gordonians Hockey club, where she has been involved since joining in 1974. Janice was president for over 20 years and led Merlins Hockey Club into joining up with Gordonians Hockey club in 1980.

Janice has played for all the teams in the club and takes an active role in developing the youngsters by coaching at youth training every week. She recently retired from umpiring National League Hockey- a role she took to make sure the younger members of the club could play for the first team rather than umpire.

An integral member of the Scotland Masters Hockey team Janice recently played in Glasgow at the European Grand Masters for the over-60s Scotland team, winning bronze in the process.

Jocelyn Roberts of Merlins Godonians said, “Janice is determined to get the right ethos within the club and always makes sure children shake hands at the end of the game, thank the umpire and officials, and supporters. She is often seen at the side of the pitch with a hot flask of orange or tea, dishing out biscuits and hot drinks to the supporters.

“Every club needs a Janice. Her commitment, passion and enjoyment of the game is infectious and everyone who has either played alongside her, or who has been coached by her, will have been touched by her fair but competitive spirit. An absolute star!”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

How hockey has helped my recovery from cancer


Tanya Ruffles beat breast cancer

A hockey player from Felixstowe claims the sport helped her recover from cancer returned to the pitch this weekend for her first competitive game since finishing treatment.

Tanya Ruffles, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in November last year, was selected for the Felixstowe Hockey Club Ladies 2nd team for their first game of the season at the start of October, and marked her return with a goal.

The match – which comes exactly a year after she first found a lump – also involved a host of fundraising activities for Breast Cancer Care in her honour, including her team mates wearing pink socks.

The 37-year-old said: “I first started to play hockey so I could improve my fitness and be part of a team. But it has given me so much more.

“My teammates have been so supportive of me during my illness and they have gently encouraged me not to give up.

“When my chemotherapy and radiotherapy finished in July I started training again and I know this was instrumental in helping me recover and get stronger.”



Tanya, who runs RB Agency in Felixstowe, is married to Civil Engineer Merrick and is mother to five-year-old Leo, has been part of Felixstowe Hockey Club for three years.

“My teammates are like family,” she said. “They have seen me at my best and at my worst. They have helped me keep a positive mental attitude and to remember how good it feels to win.

“It means the world to me that a year after my cancer story began, I am stood with them all at my side for a battle which is a little more fun to fight.”

Tanya’s team were promoted to the Suffolk premier league in the summer after finishing second in division one last season.

To find out more about the club, including the youth and senior sections, visit www.felixstowehockeyclub.co.uk

England Hockey Board Media release

Staff Introduction: Kevin Underhill – Communications Manager



Field Hockey Canada is excited to introduce Kevin Underhill as the organization’s new Communications Manager. A rookie to field hockey but a veteran in the Canadian sports environment, Underhill is excited to join to the Field Hockey Canada team.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the staff at Field Hockey Canada,” he said. “I am a huge fan of Canadian sports and I love working with dedicated athletes, coaches and support staff.”

Underhill is a University of Victoria graduate where he studied journalism and communications. He then went on to complete the post-grad journalism certificate program at Langara College in Vancouver. Underhill comes to Field Hockey Canada with five years of experience as the Communications Manager for Ultimate Canada.

Underhill has a multisport background competing both recreationally and competitively in ice hockey, soccer, baseball and golf. He also has international competition experience playing for Canada’s National Ultimate team. His knowledge of the amateur sports world and his technical background make him a natural fit for the role.

Field Hockey Canada CEO, Jeff Sauvé, said he thinks Underhill will slot seamlessly in with the team at Field Hockey Canada.

“Kevin has already shown that he is eager to learn the ins and outs of the sport. We are excited to bring aboard a professional with such a diverse sporting background.” Sauvé said. “I have no doubt he will continue the momentum created in storytelling, while enhancing our community engagement strategy.”

Underhill values the community sport feeling at Field Hockey Canada and is eager to dive headfirst into the role.

“The field hockey community has been extremely welcoming to me so far. I think it’s a testament to the amazing people working hard to promote an amazing sport within Canada and globally,” Underhill said.

Contact Kevin Underhill
Communications Manager | Gestionnaire des Communications
Field Hockey Canada | Hockey Sur Gazon Canada
Phone: 604.868.7189 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3800 Wesbrook Mall | Vancouver BC | V6S 2L9
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Field Hockey Canada media release