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All the news  for Thursday 2 November 2017

Argentina name team for World League Final

Courtesy of CAH


Argentina are set to defend their title in Auckland Photo: Courtesy Clarín/CAH

Argentina Technical Director Agustín Corradini has confirmed the athletes that will play the final phase of the Hockey World League in Auckland, New Zealand between 17 to 26 November.

Amongst the squad of 18 atletes there will be three newcomers: Milagros Fernández Ladra, Bianca Donati and Victoria Sauze, while seven of the 18 will play their third World League final: Martina Cavallero, Delfina Merino, Rocío Sánchez Moccia, Agustina Albertarrio, Noel Barrionuevo, Belén Succi and Julia Gomes Fantasia.

Argentina's Las Leonas will compete in Group B along with China (FIH Hero World Ranking 8), England (2) and Germany (7). Group A meanwhile will be made up of Netherlands - number one in the rankings, Korea (9), USA (4) and hosts New Zealand (6).

Their first game is on Friday 17 November against China, starting at 22:00 (all times Argentina Time). On Sunday 19, Las Leonas take on England (04:00). After a rest day they then face Germany on Tuesday 21 November at 02:00.

In Auckland, Las Leonas will seek to defend the title won in their homeland, in Rosario in 2015 where they beat New Zealand in the grand final.

Team:
1. Belén Succi
2. Florencia Mutio
3. Julia Gomes Fantasia
4. Noel Barrionuevo
5. Agustina Habif
6. Bianca Donati
7. Lucina Von der Heyde
8. Agostina Alonso
9. Paula Ortiz
10. Rocío Sánchez Moccia
11. Magdalena Fernández Ladra
12. Victoria Sauze
13. Delfina Merino
14. María José Granatto
15. Eugenia Trinchinetti
16. Martina Cavallero
17. Milagros Fernández Ladra
18. Agustina Albertarrio

FIH site

Gemma McCaw reveals new career path after walking away from Black Sticks

Dale Budge


Gemma and Richie McCaw on the red carpet in Auckland in August 2016. Photo / Photosport

Former Black Sticks star Gemma McCaw will be back in the public eye this month - as an expert television commentator at the Hockey World League Final in Auckland.

McCaw, who has not played for New Zealand since last year's Olympic Games, will join the Sky Sport team covering the sport's biggest tournament.

In September she confirmed an "indefinite break" from the international game to focus on her career.

McCaw, who is married to former All Black captain Richie, is the third most capped women's player. She is also a weekly columnist for Woman's Day magazine and a health coach.

"It [the new role] was an opportunity that was presented to me and I thought it was something that I would really like to do," the 27-year-old told the Herald.

"This is a really exciting opportunity to be part of SKY Sport's coverage of this great tournament," she said.

"When this opportunity presented itself after recently retiring, I jumped at the chance to be involved and I can't wait to get stuck in with this awesome team."

McCaw will be part of a 33-strong crew involved in televising the 10-day long tournament.

She will act as an expert presenter alongside former teammate Katie Glynn and respected broadcaster Bernadine Oliver-Kerby.

Long-time Radio Sport broadcaster Rikki Swannell and former Black Stick Sandy Hitchcock will feature as the commentators.

"I have been in meetings today with Katie and Bernadine planning everything and seeing how it is going to work," McCaw said.

"Obviously I will spend some time familiarizing myself with the teams as we get closer to the tournament starting.

"I will be acting as an expert commentator and helping present the coverage. There is a commentary team that will call the games but I will be helping provide some analysis around the coverage."

Having made 246 appearances for the Black Sticks McCaw certainly knows what her former teammates will be going through.

"I will see how this experience goes and will work hard to do the best I can and see how it goes," she added.

And McCaw is tipping her former side to at least make the semifinals.

"From there it will be about who gets it right on the day. They are a young and talented side but they have some good experience in Stacey Michelsen and Sam Charlton.

"I think they will do very well.

"The Netherlands and Argentina will be tough and will play with plenty of flair."

The New Zealand Herald

Midlands midfielder Aidan Sarikaya earns Black Sticks call-up


Midland's Aidan Sarikaya has been rewarded for his good form with a call-up to the Black Sticks. HEATH JOHNSON/PHOTOSPORT

Midlands midfielder Aidan Sarikaya has earned a Black Sticks call-up for tests against Australia, Pakistan and Japan.

Four players have been added to the squad to play Australia this weekend and in the four-nation International Festival of Hockey next week.

Capital defender Dane Lett has been recalled, having last played for New Zealand in 2014, while goalkeeper George Enersen and striker Kim Kingstone also come back into the side, along with new cap Sarikaya.

Coach Darren Smith said Sarikaya earned his debut thanks to his good form over the past two years.

"Our debutant Aidan has been developing very well through the talent system and with Midlands for some time," he said.

"He gets his chance after a strong junior world cup late last year and has carried that momentum into his hockey this year."

The Black Sticks face the world No 2 Kookaburras on the Sunday and Monday in Bendigo before heading to the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne from 8-12 November where they will take on Australia, Japan and Pakistan.

The 2017 season has seen the Black Sticks lose a series to Pakistan, finish 4th at the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, which included a draw with Australia, finish 6th at the world league semifinal in Johannesburg - including a loss to second-rate side Ireland, followed by second place at the Oceania Cup.

Midfielder Arun Panchia will again wear the captain's arm band and provide the bulk of experience for his side having played 230 tests. Many senior players are still unavailable through European club hockey commitments and injuries.

Smith said the tournament would help him pick his Commonwealth Games squad early next year.

Australia have won all five Commonwealth Games gold medals since hockey was added to the programme in 1998. New Zealand won a silver medal at Manchester in 2002 and bronze at Delhi in 2010.

The Black Sticks finished fourth at Glasgow in 2014 behind Australia, India and England after losing a penalty shootout in the bronze medal match.

AT A GLANCE:
Four Nations tournament draw
Sunday 5 November 2017, Bendigo
Australia v New Zealand

Monday 6 November 2017, Bendigo
Australia v New Zealand

Wednesday 8 November 2017, Melbourne
New Zealand v Japan

Thursday 9 November 2017, Melbourne
Pakistan v Japan
Australia v New Zealand

Saturday 11 November 2017, Melbourne
 New Zealand v Pakistan

Sunday 12 November 2017, Melbourne
Finals

Black Sticks squad:
Cory Bennett, David Brydon, Marcus Child, James Coughlan, Nick Elder, George Enerson, Daniel Harris, Richard Joyce, Kim Kingstone, Dane Lett, Harry Miskimmin, Leo Mitai-Wells, George Muir, Arun Panchia (c), Jared Panchia, Hayden Phillips, Brad Read, Nick Ross, Aidan Sarikaya, Mac Wilcox.

Stuff

Schedule confirmed for EHL KO16/KO8 in Rotterdam



The Euro Hockey League (EHL) and the European Hockey Federation (EHF) are pleased to confirm the fixture schedule for next Easter’s KO16/KO8 competition in HC Rotterdam as the knock-out phase of the world’s premier club hockey tournament kicks in.

It promises to be a spectacular event with 16 of the continent’s best club sides going in full pursuit of the Alain Danet Trophy with a series of mouth-watering ties on the cards.

Friday 30 March sees English club Holcombe and Spanish side Real Club de Polo open the weekend’s action at 12.45h (CET) before Belgian newcomers Herakles make their debut against Atlètic Terrassa (15.00h).

Royal Racing Club de Bruxelles face recently crowned Russian champions Dinamo Kazan at 17.15h before the marquee tie of the day features a rematch between 2016 champions SV Kampong and 2017 winners KTHC Rot Weiss Köln at 19.30h.

Saturday’s action begins with the return of Ireland’s Three Rock Rovers to the competition after a nine-year absence to face the ROUND1 surprise package Saint Germain at 11.30h.

Racing Club de France take on Uhlenhorst Mülheim in the next tie at 13.45h before hosts HC Rotterdam take on German champions Mannheimer HC at 16.00h.

The KO16 closes out with a battle between EHL royalty with KHC Dragons facing two-time champions HC Bloemendaal at 18.15h.

In addition to top class hockey, the fan experience promises to be one a special one following sold out dates last year for the KO16 in Eindhoven. To that end, tickets for the KO16/KO8 will go on sale on Thursday 2 November at 12.00h (CET) via the EHL website, www.ehlhockey.tv.

Online prices for adults will be €20 per day and €65 for a four day “Passepartout” which offers access to all four days of the KO16/KO8. These prices will be discounted if bought before February 1 2018 with daily tickets €17 and a Passepartout €55. Tickets will be more expensive when purchased at the gate on match days.

Youth tickets for age five to 16 will be available online for €12.50 (discounted to €10 until February 1 2018) and €40 for a Passepartout (€32.50 on the early bird offer).

Fans can find out more about their trip to Rotterdam via the host club's specially designed website: https://hcrotterdam.club/ehl2018/

EHL 2017-2018 KO16 and KO8 match schedule
30 March-2 April 2018 at HC Rotterdam, Rotterdam (NED)

Friday 30 March
M1     12.45h         KO16 Holcombe HC vs Real Club de Polo
M2     15.00h         KO16 Royal Herakles HC vs Atlètic Terrassa HC
M3     17.15h         KO16 Royal Racing Club de Bruxelles vs Dinamo Kazan
M4     19.30h         KO16 SV Kampong vs KTHC Rot Weiss Köln

Saturday 31 March
M5     11.30h         KO16 Saint Germain HC vs Three Rock Rovers
M6     13.45h         KO16 RC de France vs HTC Uhlenhorst Mülheim
M7     16.00h         KO16 HC Rotterdam vs Mannheimer HC
M8     18.15h         KO16 KHC Dragons vs HC Bloemendaal

Sunday 1 April
M9     10.30h         KO8 ranking match – Loser M1 vs Loser M2
M10    12.45h         KO8 ranking match – Loser M4 vs Loser M3
M11    15.00h         KO8 Winner M4 vs Winner M3
M12    17.15h         KO8 Winner M1 vs Winner M2

Monday 2 April
M13    09.15h         KO8 ranking match – Loser M8 vs Loser M5
M14    11.30h         KO8 ranking match – Loser M6 vs Loser M7
M15    13.45h         KO8 Winner M8 vs Winner M5
M16    16.00h         KO8 Winner M6 vs Winner M7

Note: Match times and schedule subject to change due to the requirements of television or other factors as determined by EHL.

KO16 = KNOCK OUT 16 (ROUND 2)
KO8 = KNOCK OUT 8 (ROUND 3 / QUARTER FINALS)
KO8 ranking match = losing teams of KO16 matches

Euro Hockey League media release

Eustice books South Africa’s spot at 2018 Hockey World Cup with late drag flick goal

When the chips are down and you need someone to step up for the sake of the nation you can trust a Benonian.

Logan Green


Jethro Eustice (left) holds the African Cup for Nations trophy with teammate Dan Bell.

Just use 28-year-old South African men’s hockey player Jethro Eustice as an example.

With two minutes remaining and the score 1-1 in the final of the African Cup for Nations between South Africa and Egypt on October 29 and a qualification berth at the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India up for grabs, the former Benoni Northerns Junior Hockey (BNJH) player performed for his country when they needed it most.

The former Arbor Primary School and Jeppe High School for Boys learner fired home a drag flick to give the South African men a tremendous win at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt to book the golden ticket to the sub-continent.

Speaking about the  tournament and that winning goal, Eustice said: “The tournament went off as expected.

“It was a tough challenge with many curve balls and unstructured plays from some of the teams involved.

“The conditions weren’t easy.

“It was seriously hot and there were mosquitos and flies aplenty.

“The Egyptians were our toughest opponents during the competition.

“We drew with them in the pool stage and then beat them in the final by a single goal.

 “For me, scoring in the final was an unbelievable feeling and making it count with only a few minutes left in the game made it that much more amazing.

“I love contributing to this team and I was glad that I had the final say.

“I get goosebumps watching the video of that goal.

“There have been many amazing moments in my hockey career, but this was definitely one of the most important games and performances.

“I was fortunate that I had a really good rhythm going into the final having scored from two penalty corners in previous games.

“Captain Tim Drummond said to me, ‘flick the ball to your strongest side, and we will score’, so I did exactly that.

“The flick came off well and felt amazing because I knew if it went past the defensive runner it would be a goal.”

The national team star just came off the back of the South African Indoor Hockey Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) in Durban where he won the coveted Player of the Tournament Award for the third consecutive year.

“I really enjoy my indoor hockey,” said Eustice.

“I am glad to be doing well in both my indoor and outdoor careers.”

“2017 has been an amazing year for me, winning both the men’s indoor and outdoor IPTs as well as being the Player of the Tournament for both these tournaments.”

Benoni City Times

Hockey no longer at crossroads after sponsor’s extension

David Isaacson


Tim Drummond. Picture: GALLO IMAGES

The South African Hockey Association on Wednesday announced its sponsor‚ Crossroads‚ had extended its deal.

"Crossroads sponsorship extension will see them take on the mantle of associate sponsor of the South African men’s national team and in addition will become the headline sponsor of the Premier Hockey League team‚ the Maropeng Cavemen, for the 2017 edition," the association said.

The men’s team‚ already benefiting from the Crossroads sponsorship‚ won the African Cup for the eighth consecutive time‚ beating the hosts 2-1 in the final in Egypt at the weekend to qualify for the World Cup in India in 2018.

"Travelling to Egypt to qualify for any major international hockey event is a tough task‚" said skipper Tim Drummond.

"Our national men’s hockey programme has suffered for many years from a lack of funding‚ but with the support of Crossroads and other … sponsors‚ our latest journey into Africa was fully funded. To receive this type of support from Crossroads provides a massive boost to the national team and [its] positive mind-set."

Crossroads MD Arend du Preez said: "We are very pleased to extend our partnership … as we are delighted to be part of the #SAHockeyRevolution with the incredible growth of the game at youth level and the sport’s strong gender equality positioning."

Business Day

Greg Nicol extends role with Hockey NZ


Photo: www.photosport.nz

Hockey New Zealand is pleased to announce Greg Nicol has extended his role as National Athlete Pathway Manager for the next three years.

Nicol recently oversaw a successful six-month pilot of the newly created role, which will lead Hockey New Zealand’s approach to identifying and developing high potential players.

The purpose of the role is to ensure that future players of international quality are progressed through to the Vantage Black Sticks Men’s and Women’s squads.

Nicol will lead the development and implementation of an overarching High Performance Athlete Development plan at regional and national levels, including Vantage Under 18s and Vantage Under 21s.

Hockey New Zealand High Performance Director Paul MacKinnon said it was great to have a person of such high calibre in the role.

“Greg’s role is focused on identifying and developing high potential players to progress players of the right quality and support the Vantage Black Sticks teams on the world stage,” he said.

“He has initially been busy connecting with regions at national tournaments and development programmes to begin setting up a sustainable talent identification and talent development system for hockey in New Zealand.

“After a successful six months we are very pleased to have Greg stay on for at least the next three years and look forward to the continuation of his work.”

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Meet the NZ hockey player who makes marmalade with his nana to support his sporting dreams

Black Sticks players could be in for a financial boost thanks to New Zealand Hockey’s efforts to improve the status of its players.

Michelle Prendiville

New Zealand players are currently amateur, but the national body is working towards getting their stars semi-pro.

Being a Black Stick is a privilege but it also comes as a financial strain for many players due to the amateur status currently in New Zealand, but 1 NEWS understands that could change with NZ Hockey currently working towards getting their players to a semi-professional level.

The move could significantly help players like junior Black Stick Hamish McGeorge who currently pays for his hockey ambitions with the help of his grandma.

The 21-year-old and Nana Rae have been selling homemade marmalade to help him pay his way in the Junior Black Sticks as well as attend a Black Sticks camp.

"It’s obviously every young kid in New Zealand’s dream to represent your country and put the silver fern on your chest," he said.

"But with this, it just gives me a bit of a booster to get there."

It's a common problem for most of New Zealand’s top hockey players who have to try hold down jobs and train full time.

But hope is on the horizon.

Hockey NZ and the players association are currently working through renewing their memorandum of understanding with one of the key topics getting the Black Sticks onto semi-professional contracts.

NZ Hockey players association executive manager Glen Sulzberger says it’s not just an issue here.

"The challenge is that the sport is going through a bit of a transition from amateur to professional and it's trying to work through those issues."

One of those issues being that players are competing in tournaments all around the world for most of the year which is a difficult situation while trying to keep employers happy.

Black Sticks midfielder Pippa Hayward is in her tenth year of study but has seen the struggles for those who work and play.

"It definitely does takes its toll on the players," said Hayward.

"You're constantly having to ask for time off, time and time again and you are missing out on that income because you obviously have to take time off without pay."

Sulzberger says as long as Hockey NZ continues moving forward, the outcome will be positive.

"I think as long as there is an intent to try and make sure there's good support around the players in a semi-professional way, then that would be a really positive outcome for the sport."

TVNZ

The goal-getter

Punjab’s Dilpreet was top-scorer at Sultan of Johor Cup, his U-21 international debut

Indervir Grewal


Dilpreet Singh scored nine goals, including a brace against eventual champions Australia. File

Chandigarh: Dilpreet Singh turns 18 on November 12. There are no big plans for his birthday, he said, but the teenager has already given himself the best present. Dilpreet’s performance at the Sultan of Johor Cup has created a buzz in the hockey circles, garnering praise from all quarters. The junior India striker is already being considered as the next big thing.

In his first international tournament in the U-21 age group, Dilpreet scored nine goals in six matches — a hat-trick and three braces — to end up as the tournament’s top-scorer and help India win the bronze medal.

“No, I didn’t feel any nervousness or pressure (about first U-21 international tournament). I was just excited,” said Dilpreet. He added that playing in last year’s U-18 Asia Cup, which India won, helped with his confidence.

But the Sultan of Johor Cup had Australia and Great Britain? “I wasn’t nervous. It was a different experience, though. I had only watched these teams on television earlier. I enjoyed the challenge,” he said.

‘Magic’

Dilpreet scored some breathtaking goals, including the two against eventual champions Australia. He created the goals out of nothing, even taking the commentator by surprise. “He cannot stop scoring,” was the commentator’s reaction after the first goal. The second — a deft reverse-stick chip over the goalkeeper from a narrow angle — got the commentator saying, “That is just some of the magic that is Dilpreet Singh! This young man has a very bright future.”

Dilpreet started playing hockey on the grass field in his village Butala in Amritsar district when he was seven years old. He was inspired by his father Balwinder Singh, who played for the Army. When he was 11, Dilpreet was sent to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Academy in Amritsar, but after two-three years, he shifted to Surjit Academy in Jalandhar.

“He was always good at scoring,” said Avtar Singh, coach at Surjit Academy. “But in the last two years, he has seen phenomenal growth — physical and mental. His game sense has improved, so has his all-round game.”

In Johor Bahru, Dilpreet was not just the top-scorer, but had many assists, including two in the bronze-medal playoff against Malaysia. But that was not the case when he was younger. “When he came to us, he was a selfish player. I guess it can happen with players with such talent. He was always good with the ball, great in one-on-one situations,” said Avtar.

“We had to work on making him a team player. We started using him as a midfielder on occasions. It helps your playmaking and defensive skills. The modern game requires all-rounders.”

Dilpreet has come a long way, said Avtar. He is no longer the scrawny boy who came to the Surjit Academy. Dilpreet credits the regimen at the national camps, of which he has been a part for two years, for his improved strength. “He is maturing as a forward and has the potential to become another Akashdeep Singh, if not better,” Avtar said.

Who is Dilpreet’s favourite player? “Akashdeep Singh,” said the soon-to-be 18-year-old as if there could be no other choice.

The Tribune

Hockey clinic by German coach Rozwadowski begins

MUMBAI: A hockey clinic organised by India players Yuvraj Walmiki and his brother Devinder Walmiki kicked off on Wednesday at the Mumbai Hockey Association.

German coach Fabian Rozwadowski, who currently coaches the men's team in Germany for Alster Club in Hamburg, will be imparting lessons to youth at the training camp, which is set to conclude on November 10.

There are around 40 players in the camp from various categories like sub-juniors, juniors and seniors.

Devinder, an attacking mid-fielder, said it was Fabian who groomed his talent and made him a better player.

"I have played in the German League, Bundesliga. Even my brother (Yuvraj Walmiki) has played in the league. We wanted to impart the latest generation training to the boys in Maharashtra and so we have got Fabian here to give the lessons to boys," the 25-year-old player said.

He said it was former India hockey player Dhananjay Mahadik, who first played in the German League and showed them the way how to play in Bundesliga.

According to Devinder, the pace of the game has changed over a period of time and the German coach will also impart lessons on it to the players.

"Dhanraj Sir (Dhanraj Pillay) has backed us throughout and is expected to also guide the players during the clinic," he said.

The clinic will conclude with a friendly match between India stars and the players who attended the camp, sources said, adding that they have planned a grand closing ceremony.

The Times of India

Brooke DeBerdine adds another threat to Maryland field hockey’s attack

By Scott Gelman


Midfielder Brooke DeBerdine reaches for the ball in Maryland Field Hockey's game against Northwestern at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex on Sep. 24, 2017. (Matt Regan/The Diamondback)

Each time freshman Brooke DeBerdine enters the circle during the Maryland field hockey team's practice, the rest of the team screams, "Shoot!" As she dribbles the ball toward the Terps' offensive zone, the midfielder instinctively looks to pass. That's been her tendency since she was in high school.

But assistant coach Katie Bam has worked with DeBerdine on being more aggressive. Her speed has been valuable for Maryland's defense. Now, the coaches wants to see consistent production.

DeBerdine responded to the staff's challenge in the Terps' 3-0 win against Michigan State on Sunday, scoring her first career goal. As Maryland prepares for its matchup with Penn State in the Big Ten tournament semifinals, coach Missy Meharg anticipates the Millersville, Pennsylvania, native will contribute to the team's offensive output.

"We keep telling her, 'Take the shots.'" Meharg said. "She'll get more [goals] in the [Big Ten tournament]."

Because she found herself in an unusual situation, DeBerdine was surprised after scoring. By the time the game ended, she had forgotten the sequence that preceded it.

In the third minute, DeBerdine advanced the ball toward the circle and fired a shot that landed in the net. After the score, Michigan State called a timeout. The Terps celebrated on their way to the bench.

DeBerdine put her head down and smirked. The shot ended an 0-for-14 shooting skid through Maryland's first 17 games.

"Everyone else was more excited that she was," defender Carrie Hanks said. "She wants to just get the job done and not always take it herself. We always get excited in practice when she has these great goals."

Though DeBerdine often defaults to passing, she also has experience scoring. She recorded 54 goals and 63 assists during her time at Penn Manor High School. But her mindset at that time was different — she sought to connect with an attacker unless she found "the perfect shot."

During practices, Bam helps DeBerdine approach one-on-one situations. She sets up cones and advises DeBerdine to hit each one. Bam doesn't move the cone until DeBerdine does so.

The drill helped DeBerdine not hesitate against the Spartans.

"In a game, it's more staying calm," DeBerdine said, "and if you see it, just go."

Beyond midfielder Lein Holsboer, defender Bodil Keus and forward Linnea Gonzales, who have scored 11, nine and seven goals, respectively, Maryland's attack has been balanced. With a potential NCAA tournament bid looming, Bam and Meharg are hoping they can add DeBerdine into the mix.

"It'll be different," DeBerdine said, "but I like it."

The Diamondback

U18 National Club Cup takes place this weekend


Photo by Mark Pugh

The Scottish U18 National Club Cup will take place this Sunday 5 November at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre. An exciting day of youth hockey is on the cards as the top sides in Scotland compete for final placings.

In the boys’ competition, a round of fixtures took place on 8 October and saw pool matches being played to determine the pools on finals day.

The teams who finished first in each pool in October form a group to play for placings 1, 2 and 3 on finals day. The second placed teams form a pool to play for positions 4, 5 and 6. And the third placed teams compete for positions 7, 8 and 9 in the final pool.

In the boys competition in October Clydesdale finished top of Pool A with Uddingston in second place and Grove Menzieshill in third. Pool B had Grange in first place, Western Wildcats in second, and Aberdeen Grammar in third. Pool C ended with Perthshire in top spot, Watsonians in second, and Inverleith in third.

This means Sunday’s pools will consist of Clydesdale, Grange and Perthshire playing for the top three placings, while Uddingston, Western Wildcats and Watsonians play for 4-6, and Grove Menzieshill, Aberdeen Grammar and Inverleith play for 7-9 placings.


Photo by Mark Pugh

Teams in the girls’ competition also completed pool matches in October. On Sunday there will be top two crossover semi-final matches, featuring Clydesdale versus Inverleith and Fjordhus Reivers versus Watsonians, followed by a final and 3rd/4th play-off. Granite City Wanderers will play Uddingston as the two third-placed teams in the October group phase.

Results from the first round of pool matches can be found by clicking links for the Boys’ and Girls‘ competitions.

The U18 Club Cup 2017 will take place at Glasgow National Hockey Centre. Please note the Glasgow National Hockey Centre car park will be restricted access and will be monitored by security staff. The best place to park is on Kings Drive.

Matches will be 20 minutes each way with five minutes for half time.

Pitch 1

09:00 – Boys – Watsonians v Uddingston
10:00 – Boys – Inverleith v Grove Menzieshill
11:00 – Boys – Western Wildcats v Watsonians
12:00 – Boys – Perthshire v Clydesdale
13:15 – Girls – Clydesdale v Inverleith
14:15 – Boys – Clydesdale v Grange
15:15 – Girls – Loser (Clydesdale v Inverleith) v Loser (Fjordhus Reivers v Watsonians)
16:15 – Girls – Winner (Clydesdale v Inverleith) v Winner (Fjordhus Reivers v Watsonians)
17:00 – Presentations

Pitch 2

11:00 – Girls – Granite City Wanderers v Uddingston
12:00 – Boys – Aberdeen Grammar v Inverleith
13:15 – Girls – Fjordhus Reivers v Watsonians
14:15 – Boys – Uddingston v Western Wildcats
15:15 – Boys – Aberdeen Grammar v Grove Menzieshill
16:15 – Boys – Perthshire v Grange

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Vale Margaret Baker AM

Ben Somerford



Hockey Australia is saddened to learn of the passing of Margaret Baker AM on Friday, 27 October 2017.

Marg was inducted as a Life Member of the Australian Women’s Hockey Association in 1976 and was a Hockey South Australia Life Member for more than 50 years.

She was a dedicated supporter of South Australian hockey, taking up roles as a player, administrator and umpire.

She also umpired at Australian level for 20 years until 1979, having earned her national umpiring badge in 1957.

Marg was a distinguished Vice Patron of the Woodville Hockey Club in Adelaide and spent numerous years volunteering her time to promote and support the game and on the Woodville Management Committee.

She played for Sans Souci Club from 1941 to 1979, but was involved as an official, becoming the third South Australian to receive a national umpiring badge.

Hockey SA’s Annual Awards Night includes a Margaret Baker Umpiring Medal to an umpire for continued improvement, such is her regard.

On behalf of the entire hockey community, Hockey Australia offers our sincere condolences to the family of Margaret Baker AM.

For those who would like to attend the Funeral Service of the late Margaret Baker AM, please see details below:

Date: Friday, November 10 2017 10:30am

Place: St. Richard of Chichester Anglican Church, Brooklyn Park

Hockey Australia media release