Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

All the news for Saturday 18 November 2017

Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final 2017 - Day 2

Pool B ENG v GER 0 - 2
Pool B ARG v CHN 3 - 0
Pool A NZL v KOR 1 - 2
Pool A  USA v NED 0 - 2

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Netherlands defeat hosts on day 1 of Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final 2017


Netherlands defeated hosts New Zealand on the opening day Photo: FIH/WSP

Netherlands defeated hosts New Zealand whilst USA and Korea drew on the opening day of the Sentinel Homes Women's Hockey World League Final 2017 being held at Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.

It was the second game of the day that offered the most goals as Netherlands showed why they are the number one ranked women's team in the world with a 4-0 win against New Zealand.

In front of a sell-out crowd, the Netherlands scored two goals inside the first quarter to quieten over 3,000 fans cheering on host’s New Zealand.

Kelly Jonker stunned New Zealand with a brilliant field goal reverse strike across the face on an acute angle to take the lead. Maartje Krekelaar made it two for the Dutch after she nipped the ball past New Zealand ‘keeper Sally Rutherford just before the end of the quarter.

“New Zealand were the better team in the first quarter. I was really happy that I scored when I did because my goal opened up the game.”
Kelly Jonker, Netherlands

Throughout, Netherlands were clinical in their play, regularly dispossessing the home side of the ball and making their chances count. Frederique Matla and then Kelly Jonker went on to double Netherlands lead, scoring in the 39th and 48th minute, all through field goals, to give the reigning World Cup champions the perfect start to this year’s Final.

Speaking after the game, two-goal star Kelly Jonker said: “New Zealand were the better team in the first quarter. I was really happy that I scored when I did because my goal opened up the game.” Her Coach Alyson Annan added: “The game started close. Stacey Michelsen is an extremely good player but in the end we played the game we wanted to play against New Zealand and we should be happy with the result.”

New Zealand Coach Mark Hager was however upset by his team’s opening account. He said: “We’re pretty disappointed. We played almost a quarter without a player - we had too many cards and we let in two soft goals.”

In the earlier match, USA scored from their first penalty corner. They applied early pressure on their opponents, with Korean goalkeeper Soo Ji Jang expertly blocking Ali Froede’s shot in the 20th minute. But seconds later she couldn’t stop 18 year-old Erin Matson’s skilful strike from a Lauren Moyer rebound.

Korea’s Mi Hyun Park expertly set up what should have been the equaliser in the 43rd minute but Seunga Park’s finish was wide. Korea then poured on the pressure, forced three penalty corners and with two minutes left on the clock they tied the match through a Yesol Cha rebound.

Afterwards, Korea striker Park Mi Hyun said: “It was a very challenging match and it was very unfortunate we missed the chances on the attack but with USA ranked higher than us we are very happy.”

Speaking about the game, USA captain Melissa Gonzalez said: “It is what it is - Korea were super threatening. We have to move on.“

Tomorrow marks the only four match day of the event with England starting their campaign against Germany at 12:00 and Argentina playing China at 14:00. Hosts New Zealand will then look to get back on track against Korea at 18:00 before both Hockey World League Semi-Final winners, USA and Netherlands, collide at 20:00.

#HWL2017

FIH site

Tough start for Vantage Black Sticks Women


Pictured: Kelly Jonker, courtesy www.photosport.nz

It’s been a rough opening match for the Vantage Black Sticks, beaten 4-0 by the Netherlands at the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final in Auckland.

The world number one ranked Dutch showed their class and were clinical inside the attacking circle scoring two goals in each half to secure top spot in Pool A.

Netherlands opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Kelly Jonker scoring an impressive field goal before her side doubled their lead four minutes from a crashing Maartje Krekelaar reverse shot.

New Zealand battled hard throughout the remainder of the half and created several very close chances but weren’t able to convert them into goals.

Midway through the third quarter Netherlands opened a three goal buffer from a Frederique Matla strike before Jonker netted her second of the match in the 48th minute.

Head coach Mark Hager said it was a disappointing way to start the tournament despite a strong opening period of play.

“I thought we started well and up until they scored we were creating chances and broke away a couple of times,” he said.

“What really hurt us was the softness of their second goal – we weren’t in good positions defensively and there were big holes for us across the field so we need to look at what went wrong there.

“Netherlands moved the ball really well and you can’t take that away from them, but the frustrating thing for us is the inconsistency in that we started well but couldn’t stay with them.”

The Vantage Black Sticks are back in action against Korea at 6:00pm tomorrow night (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport.

Event tickets can be purchased along with full transport information through www.ticketek.co.nz

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS: 0
NETHERLANDS: 4 (Kelly Jonker 11’ 48’, Maartje Krekelaar 15’, Frederique Matla 39’)
Halftime: Netherlands 2-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks outclassed by Netherlands

By David Leggat


Samantha Charlton of New Zealand challenges Lidewij Welten of the Netherlands at the Senteniel Homes Hockey World League Final. Photo / www.photosport.co.nz

The Netherlands demonstrated why they are the world's No 1-ranked team by thumping New Zealand 4-0 in their opening match at the women's World Hockey League final in Auckland tonight.

They began strongly, with two goals in the opening quarter, classy efforts from Kelly Jonker and Maartje Krekelaar.

World No 5 New Zealand had chances throughout but the Dutch became stronger on the ball as the game progressed and the skill level was high as they put on a master class of creating and taking opportunities.

The Netherlands added further goals to Frederique Matla and a second from Jonker in the third and fourth quarters to ram home their dominance.

"We're very happy with the result," Dutch captain Marloes Keetels said.

"We had a very high efficiency and I thought we defended very well."

New Zealand co-captain Sam Charlton admitted the Blacks Sticks discipline let them down, three green cards proving costly as they reduced them to 10 players each time.

"That's not how we planned it to go. We lacked a bit of discipline but I don't think the effort can be faulted," Charlton said.

The United States and South Korea drew the opening match of the tournament 1-1, with Erin Matson putting the US ahead. However Cha Yesol equalized two minutes from the end to give the Koreans an encouraging start.

A full round of four games will be played at the North Harbour Hockey Stadium tomorrow. In Pool B, Rio Olympic champions England will play bronze medallists Germany and Argentina face China, before New Zealand play Korea and the US face the Dutch.

Charlton said New Zealand would be confident going into the game against ninth-ranked Korea, given their good record against them.

"We know they are a team we can beat but we're looking for an improved performance."

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks women thumped by world No 1 Netherlands in World League final opener


Kelly Jonker scored twice as the Netherlands beat the Black Sticks on Friday. (File Photo). SERGIO MORAES/REUTERS

The Black Sticks women have been thumped by the Netherlands in their opening match at the Hockey World League final.

They lost 4-0 to the world No 1 team at North Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland on Friday night.

Kelly Jonker and Maartje Krekelaar put the Dutch 2-0 up by the end of the first quarter with field goals, and Frederique Matla and Jonker, again, doubled the margin in the second half.

In the other match on the opening night, the United States and South Korea had a 1-1 draw.

Erin Matson put the US up 1-0 from a penalty corner five minutes into the second quarter, but Yesol Cha equalised two minutes from the final whistle, also from a penalty corner.

The World League final continues on Saturday, with four matches, beginning at 12pm when England take on Germany. Argentina then play China at 2pm before the Black Sticks and South Korea back up at 6pm, with the United States and the Netherlands meeting at 8pm.

No matter their results in pool play, all eight teams advance to the quarterfinals, which start on Wednesday.

AT A GLANCE

Netherlands 4 (Kelly Jonker 2, Maartje Krekelaar, Frederique Matla) Black Sticks 0. HT: 2-0.

United States 1 (Erin Matson) South Korea 1 (Yesol Cha). HT: 1-0

Stuff

Germany, Argentina, Korea and Netherlands win on day 2 of Hockey World League Final


Argentina began their campaign with a win against China Photo: FIH/WSP

Germany, Argentina, Korea and Netherlands all secured important wins on day two of the Sentinel Homes Women’s Hockey World League Final 2017 being held at Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.

Argentina ignited their first match with a brace of goals in the first half. The match was only three minutes in when their defender Noel Barrionuevo, playing in her 294th match, converted a penalty corner. Then in the 18th minute Martina Cavallero mesmerised the Chinese defence as she cleverly jinked her way under pressure in the circle and slipped it passed Chinese keeper Dongxiao Li.

"We scored a lot of goals, which is always great for the first game, but we have many improvements to make."
Delfina Merino, Argentina

China were denied possession throughout the first two quarters, with Argentina captain Delfina Merino in particular continually challenging the Chinese defenders with her close ball control and near perfect passing, whilst Cavellero also delivered a stellar performance.

The third quarter started as the first half finished with Argentina hot on attack, their continued superiority rewarded in the 34th minute as the tenacious Maria Granatto pounced on a rebound to smash the ball high to goalkeeper Li’s outstretched right hand.

After their win, Argentina’s captain Delfina Merino said: “We had a really good game today. We scored a lot of goals, which is always great for the first game, but we have many improvements to make ahead of our upcoming matches.”

In the other game in Pool B, a devastating final quarter by Germany saw them score two goals to defeat England.

The deadlock was broken in the 51st minute when Charlotte Stapenhorst’s shot flew past the right of England goalkeeper Amy Tennant from a penalty corner.

Germany followed that up with another penalty corner conversion. Nike Lorenz, who was powerful in the defence all match, strode up and sealed the victory with four minutes left on the clock.

Speaking afterwards, Stapenhorst said: “It was a great start - winning 2-0 against England. We have a new coach and a new team so it was really nice to get off to a good start against a strong team, but we missed a lot of chances.”

In the third game of the day, Korea produced a stunning comeback to defeat hosts New Zealand in front of another packed house.

Despite the wet and windy conditions both teams started and maintained a frantic pace which made for spectacular hockey.

The first two quarters were littered with goal scoring chances. New Zealand were frustrated by their inability to convert from a multitude of opportunities. 29 year-old Korean goalkeeper Soo Ji Jang dominated her circle with a wide array of excellent blocks and aerial saves, those in the 22nd minute her best effort in repelling a New Zealand barrage.

The Black Sticks warmed the spirits of the wet home fans as they opened the scoring in the 36thminute following a Stacey Michelson drive right to left from just inside the attacking quarter. Ella Gunson pounced on the Korean missed trap mid circle and did well to get the shot away at goal but only for a diving Erin Goad to tap in.

Despite New Zealand dominating large parts of the game, Korea scored two goals in two minutes to dramatically take the win over the host nation.

A stunningly accurate pass in the 51st minute from Youngran Kim found Cho Hyejin high in the circle who made no mistake as she drove the ball into the New Zealand net.

Two minutes later, Korea took the lead with an almost identical piece of play. With the ever-dangerous Seunga Park tucked in behind the New Zealand defence, she received the ball inside the circle with only the goalkeeper to beat and expertly rammed home her chance.

Following their victory, Korea’s Hyejin Cho said: “We were nervous at the start of this match but it felt amazing to take the win. Our first goal came just at the right time as we were feeling down. But it goes to show that by trying hard we got ourselves back into the game and came out with a win.”

In the final match of the day, the Netherlands put on an exhibition of seamless stick to stick passing whilst USA took what possession they could during challenging weather conditions.

Despite strong defence, USA failed to repel Maartje Krekelaar’s accurate shot into the top of the net in the 18th minute after a scramble in their defensive circle.

22 year-old Krekelaar, in only her 24th international match, added to her growing reputation as a quality and consistent striker as she scored her second goal in the 37th minute. Hovering again to the left of the penalty spot, she flicked the ball into the goal in a snap to double her side’s lead.

The Netherlands went on to see out their 2-0 win, showing all the attributes of a world champion side – efficient, fluent, fast-paced, accurate and athletic.

Speaking about their win, Krekelaar said: “The first half was very tough with USA. They’re a very hard working team but in the second half we found our rhythm.”

Tomorrow, Germany play China at 18:00 and Argentina take on England at 20:00.

#HWL2017

FIH site

Late goals condemn England to opening game loss


Hannah Martin v Germany HWL Final 2017

Two late penalty corner strikes saw Germany fight off a battling England side in the opening game of Pool B at the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final.

Despite the less than favourable Auckland conditions, the game was played at a fast and intense pace throughout, with both sides creating a number of chances they were unable to convert.

Sarah Haycroft and Alex Danson both came close with sliding efforts for England while Lily Owsley also mishit a golden opportunity over the bar.

But it was to be their opponents who would exact revenge for losing in the summer’s EuroHockey Championships bronze medal match as final quarter flicks from Charlotte Stapenhorst and Nike Lorenz ensured their team started the tournament in the best possible fashion.

Germany started on the front foot but took nine minutes to force the game’s first chance as Amelie Wortmann’s deflection on an Elisa Grave cross looped just wide of Maddie Hinch’s goal.

Danny Kerry’s side then hit back on the counter almost immediately but Haycroft could not quite divert Erica Sanders’ wicked cross on target, before Sophie Bray saw a shot well blocked by a defender at the start of the second quarter.

Amy Tennant was the busier goalkeeper for the rest of the first half thereafter, being forced into a number of good saves, before England almost opened the scoring against the run of play in the 29th minute as an impressive Sanders was denied by Julia Ciupka after a neat exchange with Bray.

Germany continued to press in the second half, winning a penalty corner after 40 seconds that required Hinch to be at her best to keep out Annika Sprink with help from Shona McCallin.

A 37th minute yellow card for Stapenhorst gave England an opportunity but it was not until the Germans were back up to their full quota that they created their next chance with Owsley unable to keep her effort below the crossbar.

A moment of genius from Hannah Martin almost gave her side the lead shortly into the fourth quarter but the clever flick through her legs was another opportunity that narrowly failed to find the target.

Danson then just failed to convert a cross from Ellie Rayer after an impressive run from the 19-year-old in the 51st minute before Xavier Reckinger’s team then made them pay for the missed opportunities moments as Stapenhorst slammed a penalty corner past Tennant after an unsuccessful England review.

That lead doubled five minutes later as Lorenz smashed another corner past an unfortunate Tennant, while England thought they had got a goal back in the 59th minute after Owsley turned the ball home after a stunning Martin run only for it to be ruled out for danger.

England (0) 0

Germany (0) 2
PC - Stapenhorst (PC, 51), Lorenz (PC, 56)

Starting XI: Hinch, Unsworth, Martin, Paige, Danson, Ansley, Bray, Pearne-Webb, McCallin, Owsley, Balsdon

Subs (Used): Haycroft, Toman, Petty, Sanders, Rayer, Defroand, Tennant

England Hockey Board Media release

England lose to Germany in Auckland


England also play Argentina and China in Pool B

England lost their opening Pool B game at the Hockey World League Final as two late penalty corner goals gave Germany a 2-0 victory in Auckland.

Charlotte Stapenhorst grabbed the first in the 51st minute when she slammed the ball past keeper Amy Tennant before Nike Lorenz doubled the lead.

England went close through Sarah Haycroft, while Lily Owsley a goal but ruled out for danger.

England's next match is against Argentina on Sunday at 07:00 GMT.

The eight-team Hockey World League Final event will be replaced by the 'Hockey Pro League' from 2019.

Eight of the 18-strong England squad in New Zealand won Olympic gold with Great Britain last year.

BBC Sport

England fall to Germany in Auckland World League tournament

By David Leggat


Alex Danson in action for England against Germany's Hanna Granitzki. Photo / Getty Images.

Olympic champions England's ambitions to lift the World League trophy at its final tournament took an early dent in Auckland today.

They went down 2-0 to a committed Germany, both goals coming in the final nine minutes, and both from penalty corners.

''England are a strong side and it's not easy to score goals against them," German captain and defensive rock Janne Muller-Wieland said.

''We had to be patient and luckily we were."

World No 3 Argentina easily beat ninth-ranked China in the second pool B game 3-0 on the back of an overwhelming statistical advantage.

But in the England-Germany game there wasn't much in the stats, although one key number had the Germans with eight penalty corner chances to England's three, and that proved a decisive factor.

Possession in the opposition half was split 50-50 and there was nothing between the two circle penetration numbers.

However the Olympic bronze medallists in Rio last year prospered through fine penalty corner strikes by Charlotte Stapenhorst and Nike Lorenz.

''It was a tough old game but credit the Germans. Their two goals were very well executed," England captain Alex Danson said.

Argentina, who won the 2015 edition of the World League final, were far too good for China.

Noel Barrionuevo, Martina Cavallero and Maria Granatto got the goals in a game in which Argentina racked up 19 shots on goal while conceding none, and allowed China only one entry into their defensive circle.

Those early results on day two of the tournament leave Argentina and Germany on three points, with England and the Chinese on 0.

Hosts New Zealand play South Korea, and the world No 1 Netherlands face the United States in the two games from pool A later tonight.

The World League is being replaced in 2019 by the Pro League, featuring the top nine men's and women's countries in a six-month-long competition around the globe.

The New Zealand Herald

Korea snatch result over Vantage Black Sticks


Photo: www.photosport.nz

Korea have secured a 2-1 come from behind victory over the Vantage Black Sticks at the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final in Auckland.

New Zealand mounted huge pressure on the Koreans throughout the first half but despite a raft of opportunities, couldn’t find the finishing touches.

The Kiwis finally lit up the scoreboard in the 36th minute thanks to a great effort by Erin Goad with a full length dive onto a great ball through from Ella Gunson.

With the game looking all one way traffic for the Black Sticks, Korea mounted a stunning comeback and scored twice within the space of three minutes through Hyejin Cho and Seunga Park.

The hosts lifted the tempo over the dying five minutes as they hunted for an equalising goal but Korea hung tough in defence to take three tournament points.

Assistant coach Sean Dancer said it was frustrating to surrender the game after going ahead in the second half.

“Korea are a very tough team to break down in defence, which is the cornerstone of their game. We certainly created a lot of chances but unfortunately weren’t good enough to put them away tonight,” he said.

“The disappointing thing for us was we had enough opportunities to win the game so to lose from the position we were in was not good and we need to be a lot better.”

The Vantage Black Sticks have a rest day tomorrow ahead of their final pool match against USA at 8:00pm on Monday night (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport.

Event tickets can be purchased along with a full rundown of transport information through www.ticketek.co.nz

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS: 1 (Erin Goad 36’)
KOREA: 2 (Hyejin Cho 51’, Seunga Park 53’)
Halftime: 0-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks fall late to South Korea

By David Leggat


Brooke Neal (L) and Ella Gunson leave the field after a 2-1 loss to Korea. Photo / Photosport

South Korea are proving themselves heavily imbued with never say die defiance at the World Hockey League at North Harbour.

Having scored in the last two minutes to get a 1-1 draw with the United States on Friday night, they grabbed two goals in three minutes inside the final 10 tonight to topple New Zealand 2-1, leaving the hosts pointless going into their final pool A game against the US on Monday.

If they finish bottom, they'll face the top finishers in pool B in the quarter-finals, most likely Olympic champions England, world No 3 Argentina or Olympic bronze medallists Germany.

The world No 5 Black Sticks, who had won the last four encounters with the eighth-ranked Koreans, went ahead just after halftime through Erin Goad, sprawling forward to tap in after persistence and a fine cross from Ella Gunson.

But New Zealand paid for wasting a pile of chances in the first half.

Hyejin Cho equalised when unmarked at the far post in the 51st minute, and Seunga Park got the winner with a spectacular reverse stick shot after a long ball forward had eluded two defenders.

New Zealand had 57 percent possession and a 12-7 shot advantage but lacked the finishing class.

Co-captain Stacey Michelsen, who had some fine individual moments, was critical of New Zealand's defence.

"Our marking, and knowing where their players were, was terrible. We need to rectify that and there was a lack of discipline on our part," she said.

However at the other end of the pitch, the failure to grab more than one of many openings cost the Black Sticks dearly.

Olympic champions England's ambitions to lift the trophy took an early dent today.

They went down 2-0 to a committed Germany, both goals coming in the final nine minutes, and both from penalty corners.

There wasn't much in the statistics, although one key number had Germany with eight penalty corner chances to three for England.

The Olympic bronze medallists in Rio last year got the win through quality strikes by Charlotte Stapenhorst and Nike Lorenz.

World No 3 and defending title holders Argentina were far too good for eighth-ranked China, winning 3-0 in blustery conditions with goals from Noel Barrionuevo, Martina Cavallero and Maria Granatto.

They restricted China to just one circle entry in the match and no shots on goal.

World No 1 the Netherlands made it two wins from as many games with a convincing 2-0 win over the US in driving rain tonight, both goals coming from impressive attacker Maartje Krekelaar in the 18th and 37th minutes.

The Dutch dominated the match. They had 22 shots on goal to three by the world No 7 US; 30 to four circle penetrations and a 70-30 possession advantage.

Points after two days:
Pool A: Netherlands 6, Korea 4, US 1, New Zealand 0.
Pool B: Argentina 3, Germany 3, England 0, China 0.

The New Zealand Herald

South Korea score twice late to edge Black Sticks at Hockey World League final


Erin Goad scored for the Black Sticks in their loss to South Korea. (File Photo). PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES

The Black Sticks women have been beaten for the second time in two days at the Hockey World League final in Auckland.

Two goals to South Korea in the final 10 minutes have consigned the Kiwis to a 2-1 loss at North Harbour Hockey Stadium, on the second day of action.

Erin Goad had put the hosts 1-0 up six minutes into the third quarter, with a field goal, as they backed up from their opening night loss to the Netherlands.

They held that lead into the final break, but Hyejin Cho and Seunga Park struck in quick succession, in the 51st and 53rd minutes, to give South Korea the win.

Saturday brought the first games for the teams in pool B, with Germany beating England 2-0 and Argentina beating China 3-0.

The Netherlands were set to face the United States in the final game of the day at 8pm.

All eight teams advance to the quarterfinals, but their seeding is determined by how they fare in pool play.

The Black Sticks' final pool game is against the US on Monday at 8pm.

The quarterfinals begin on Wednesday, with the final to follow on Sunday.

Stuff

Hockeyroos Finish 2017 With Clean Sweep Over Japan

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos have emphatically defeated Japan 8-1 to seal a clean sweep of their Test series in front of a healthy Adelaide crowd on Saturday afternoon.

Australia clinched the 3-0 series win with Madi Ratcliffe scoring a double, the first and last goals of the game, ending the side’s year full of positivity.

Emily Hurtz, Gabi Nance, Maddy Fitzpatrick, Renee Taylor, Savannah Fitzpatrick and Kathryn Slattery were all on the scoresheet too.

The triumph ends the Hockeyroos’ 2017, ahead of a huge year where they will compete at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and the World Cup in London.

Ratcliffe said: “it was pretty good to put eight goals in the back of the net. It’s a great way to finish 2017 with the girls.

“It’s been a really successful Test series here in Adelaide, especially on the back of the International Festival of Hockey where they got the better of us.

“It’s a good way to finish off the year.”

Australia won all three of the Tests, with 5-1, 2-1 and 8-1 wins, scoring 15 goals across the series.

Saturday’s win was impressive, with Ratcliffe opening the scoring after four minutes when her cutback deflected in off Japanese defender Mami Ichitani.

Hockeyroos keeper Ashlee Wells saved well from Ayane Hirahara’s deflection from a penalty corner.

Hurtz doubled Australia’s lead after 10 minutes, finishing off a sweeping move after a good release from Kathryn Slattery.

The second period was full of chances, with local girl Gabi Nance powering home the third from close range, before Japan hit back through Yukari Mano after Aleisha Power had been forced into a pair of saves.

The Hockeyroos executed a perfect penalty corner with Maddy Fitzpatrick shooting into the backboard in the 25th minute.

Australia won the first short corner of the second half, with Renee Taylor firing high into the corner to make it 5-1.

The chances dried up in the third period after that, although Japan should’ve pulled one back early in the last when Minami Shimizu centred for the unmarked Shoko Kanefuji who pushed her shot wide.

Australia piled on three goals in the final four minutes, with Savannah Fitzpatrick and Kathryn Slattery finishing off swift moves, before Ratcliffe fired in a rebound after Jane Claxton’s shot was parried into her path.

Speaking about the healthy crowd, Ratcliffe added: “I’m so stoked everyone came out. It’s amazing playing here in Adelaide the atmosphere is so nice. I love playing in Australia.”

Australia 8 (Ratcliffe 4’, 59’, Hurtz 10’, Nance 16’, M. Fitzpatrick 25’, Taylor 36’, S. Fitzpatrick 57’, Slattery 57’) def Japan 1 (Mano 19’)

Hockey Australia media release

2017 Test Matches: RSA v ZIM (W) - Day 3

17 Nov 2017
RSA v ZIM 8 - 2 (2 - 2)

18 Nov 2017
RSA v ZIM  5 - 0 (2 - 0)

FIH Match Centre

Sardar Singh's exclusion surprising, but exemplifies Sjoerd Marijne's stress on youth

Sundeep Misra


File photo of Sjoerd Marijne. Twitter/@TheHockeyIndia

Sjoerd Marijne had a brilliant and enviable start as national hockey coach when India won the Asia Cup recently in Dhaka for the third time in their history. There were no clouds of uncertainty hanging around the Indian team in the Bangladesh capital. They went unbeaten; the 1-1 draw against South Korea did ruffle feathers. But now the Dutchman wants to consolidate. Marijne comes across as realistic and does believe in the knowledge that this Indian team is yet to break into the top three. So when the Indian team for the Hockey World League Final was announced on Friday, a few names which were not on the list caught the eye – former Indian captain and the team's talisman for long, Sardar Singh, the ever-dependable Surender Kumar as right back, Ramandeep Singh as the centre-forward and in the half-line, Satbir Singh.

The word ‘drop’ has multiple implications when it comes to team sport. In this case, Marijne clearly says the players not included in the national team for the Hockey World League Finals are still a part of the core group of 25-26 players and Bhubaneshwar would be a testing ground to try out various combinations to get the best balance in the team.

Importantly, coming into the team are players like Birender Lakra, Rupinder Pal Singh and Mandeep Singh, the first two from injuries. Lakra’s comeback gives the team solidity at the back simply because he is one of the safest players when it comes to using skills with game awareness. Marijne’s response to bringing in a new set of players for a tournament as important as the Hockey World League Finals was: “Yes, there is always a reason. I wanted to see the balance between Harmanpreet Singh and Lakra and also Rupinder.”

On Surender’s exclusion, considered by many as one of the best defenders in the country, Marijne says, “He needs to perform better and improve.” There wouldn’t have been a deadlock on Satbir as Kothajit Singh eases himself into the midfield position. It does come with a rider though from the national coach: “The midfield needs to be more consistent.”

Sjoerd also argues against the word ‘drop’. “They are getting rest but also remain inside the group as there is tremendous competition now for spots in the team. Players are showing more consistency and you can see the quality also improve. Players need to consistently improve.” Probably that’s where Sardar not making it to the national team should come as a warning that the former star and Indian captain should tie his laces a little more tightly and accept the fact that juniors are gaining ground at the same pace as the sport.

Bringing back Lakra after a prolonged lay-off straight into a high-intensity World League where the pace would be killing is asking for trouble. Lakra could have been eased into the low-key Asia Cup where he could have found his feet and not get saddled with the psychological baggage of an injury that may impel him to not take extra risks or push himself. It could also be a reason for the team to go into the tournament with six defenders instead of midfielders and forwards. Usually, you would pick a midfielder with defending skills to fall back upon in case the need arises for an extra man in defence.

Or maybe, Marijne is not too confident about his defence with promoted juniors like Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas. Varun did play solidly in Dhaka except for a few errors that happened because of inexperience when he got rattled with a few high balls, giving away a crucial penalty corner in the final. Malaysia didn’t punish the Indians. But Australia, Germany and England would. Tirkey had a foil in Sardar during the Asia Cup where if he was bereft of channels to pass the ball, he slid it towards Sardar. Now, of course, he would have statemate Lakra to fall back upon if space and position are squeezed. Not to say Tirkey doesn’t have the poise and balance. But there is always a difference between the attacks of South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan and Bangladesh when compared to Germany and Australia. Sitting in Bengaluru while the team played the Asia Cup couldn’t have dramatically improved Lakra’s recovery. But historically, in Indian team selections, questions do remain.

Marijne is clear that as a coach he would invest in the future. In 2018, India play the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the World Cup (in Bhubaneshwar). It’s important to win the Asian Games as that qualifies the national team directly for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Not that performing in the Hockey World League Finals is not required. A semi-final spot here would push India’s ranking and ultimately give easier groups when the World Cup comes around. It’s also important to perform in front of home fans. Besides, television audiences would be bigger and sponsors looking for a sport on the rise would look at the podium and how high India finished in a tournament being played at home.

Responsibilities increase when you play at home. The Indian coach is, however, confident. “The players take responsibility, the quality of knowledge has improved, there is a high quality of technical skills and it gives me a feeling in my stomach that there is a huge amount of potential in this team,” says Marijne. The Dutchman believes that India played at 60 percent to win the Asia Cup, and there is a clear road map to increase work load and skill factor to break into the top four or top three. “Whenever a nation wins the Junior World Cup, it usually takes three-four years for the players to settle into their senior roles and now we have a nice mix of seniors and juniors with good penalty corner convertors and good goalkeepers.”

Back in Dhaka, Marijne had said, “I hate losing.” And today, he said, “I didn’t come here to stay at No 6. The team has to grow.”

With Kothajit back in the side, the midfield will also get more pace, plus the Manipuri also has good skills in snatching the ball away, apart from attacking down the flanks. Mandeep, after a disastrous Hockey World League Semi-finals in London, where honestly the entire team didn’t do well, will try and cement a place here. He has the balance but also needs to understand the difference between being subtle, looking good and scoring off the first touch or first hit. In London, he was caught out a few times trying to be cute inside the opposition striking circle, especially against Canada and Malaysia, which saw Indian hockey being stung by losses.

Hockey India’s high performance director, David John, believes this team is in the top two when it comes to fitness. “The camp was all about recovery,” he explained. “After the Asia Cup, the players were at the Surjit Memorial Tournament, when we needed to help them recoup at the camp.” John says there is no more an issue with fitness as the team is now pushing itself on skill efficiency. “We can’t go into the striking circle 30 times and only score once,” he says. According to the Australian, players are pushing forward trying to keep the ball in the front 25.

With seven tournaments next year, India’s focus will be on the Commonwealth Gamnes, Asian Games and World Cup, and hence the necessity to form a core group. “You cannot have the same group of players playing everywhere,” says John. “There is high internal competition and in the future hard decisions will be taken on players.” John believes the depth of the team is increasing and he cites Lakra as an example. “He is not very fast compared to Sumit who is probably the fastest in the team. But Lakra’s control is extraordinary.”

There is no doubt that there is a surfeit of talent. Mixing them up to find the right combination for the bigger tournaments is what a coach’s expertise is all about. Even though Marijne believes the Hockey World League Finals is not the litmus test, “but a test”, India need to maintain an upward trajectory. Even the players seem to relish the challenge. Absorbing tactical ideas, being inventive, creating a team that plays with ‘togetherness’ will ensure consistency, which will help it graduate from being a stop-start World No 6 team.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Akash Anil Chikte, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Rupinderpal Singh, Birendra Lakra

Midfielders: Manpreet Singh (C), Chinglensana Singh (VC), SK Uthappa, Sumit, Kothajit Singh

Forwards: SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh

Firstpost

 HWL final: Sardar left out

Philosophy is to give younger players a chance, says David John


Sardar Singh. 

Sardar Singh has been left out of India’s team for next month’s Hockey World League Final, while Rupinderpal Singh and Birendra Lakra have returned from lengthy injury breaks. Hockey India’s High Performance Director, David John, would not say Sardar had been dropped, but exclusion from such a high-profile competition does not augur well for the veteran midfielder. The 31-year-old played in defence as a sweeper in last month’s Asia Cup; he now finds himself out of the side.

“He’s not selected for this tournament because we are trying another combination. As simple as that,” John said at the SAI here on Friday.

“Sjoerd (Marijne, the head coach) is new to the group and it’s important he sees all combinations. We saw Sardar, Harmanpreet Singh and Dipsan Tirkey play in the Asia Cup. Now we are looking at Birendra Lakra and Rupinderpal and how their combination works. This is all geared towards the Asian Games and the World Cup next year. Our philosophy is to keep giving younger players a chance and exposure.”

John insisted the door was not shut on Sardar. “No. He has not been given that information or impression. He’s like Surender, Ramandeep and Satbir; they’ve missed out on this tournament. It’s just not Sardar who’s missing,” the Australian said.

Rupinderpal last played for India in the three-nation tournament in Germany in June, following which he suffered a combination of muscular injuries. Lakra last turned out for the National team a year ago.

The team: Goalkeepers: Akash Chikte, Suraj Karkera; Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Rupinderpal Singh, Birendra Lakra; Midfielders: Manpreet Singh (capt.), Chinglensana Singh, S.K. Uthappa, Sumit, Kothajit Singh; Forwards: S.V. Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, and Gurjant Singh.

The Hindu

'Rested', 'replaced' Sardar Singh finds himself out of the team

Rutvick Mehta


Sardar Singh was moved to defensive role in the Asia Cup, which was India’s previous tournament (Reuters)

Former captain’s future in balance as management goes for new combinations

As Hockey India (HI) announced an 18-member squad on Friday for the Hockey World League Final starting from December 1 in Bhubaneswar, a subtraction of one name overshadowed the addition of two key players in Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra.

Sardar Singh's exclusion from the team for the season-ending tournament raised a few eyebrows, more so since the decision seems to have confusion written all over it.

While chairman of the HI selection committee Harbinder Singh told DNA that the former India captain has been "rested", HI high performance director John David – who is also part of the selection panel – told this paper that "replaced" would be the right word to describe the move, not rested.

The reason for the move, though, was common: trying out different combinations ahead of the busy 2018 season, which has crucial events in Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Cup.

"We're trying out a new combination," John said on Friday. "We saw him work in combination with Harmanpreet (Singh) in the previous tournament. Now, we want to see someone else in that role."

The 31-year-old experienced midfielder was switched as a free man in the defence during the Asia Cup last month, which India won.

It was a move by new coach Sjoerd Marijne, who told this paper after the tournament that, "We always look as to how we can use the full potential of the players, and where they can best contribute to the team. That was our feeling behind Sardar at that position in this tournament."

The Dutchman now wants to see how the other defenders picked in this team – Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Rupinder Pal and Lakra – play that role, and if they can do it better than Sardar.

"Sjoerd has only been with this squad for a month, and so he wants to have a good look at different set of players to start making strong selections next year, starting with Commonwealth Games," John said.

The key words are "strong selections". It means that Sardar is neither guaranteed to make a comeback into the team, nor is he being rested.

His fate, quite simply, depends on how well the players who have replaced him in the defence perform in the HWL Final.

John also confirmed that Sardar will not be taken back into the team as a midfielder, if and when he makes a return.

"He'll stay in defence. He expressed his opinion himself. He wanted to go back to where he started his career, as a defender and as a free man. So we've put him back in that position to allow him to play his best hockey," the Australian said.

Harbinder, meanwhile, said Sardar was being rested for the tournament because the think-tank wanted to try out younger and fresher players keeping the workload of 2018 in mind.

"We have a big year coming up in 2018, and the team management did not want long-term injuries like the ones PR Sreejesh, Rupinder Pal and Lakra suffered. Hence, we have rested Sardar, Ramandeep Singh, Surender Kumar and Satbir Singh. It also gives the coach an opportunity to try out new combinations," Harbinder said.

Whether Sardar is rested or dropped, one thing is for certain: his playing future no longer lies in his hands alone.
Squad

Goalkeepers: Akash Anil Chikte, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra

Midfielders: Manpreet Singh (C), Chinglensana Singh (VC), SK Uthappa, Sumit, Kothajit Singh

Forwards: SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh

DNA

165-day long wait ends for Rupinder Pal Singh

Rutvick Mehta


Rupinder Pal Singh

"165 long days..."

That was Rupinder Pal Singh's tweet hours after making a comeback into the Indian team for the Hockey World League Final in India starting from December 1.

The senior dragflicker remembers the exact number of days for which he had to be sidelined from the team, a hamstring injury in his right leg before the Hockey World League Semifinal in June this year being the culprit.

Every single of those 165 "long" recovery days was a challenge for the 27-year-old from Faridkot, Punjab.

"When you are used to playing continuously, when you enjoy it, and then when you miss out for a prolonged period due to injury, it is frustrating," Singh told DNA from Bengaluru on Friday.

"You're out of the team, you're injured, and you're not able to do the one thing you love: play hockey. I enjoy playing the sport, and I never get tired of it no matter how much I play. So yes, the phase was really challenging," he added.

For a man who prides himself on his fitness as much as skills, the injury came as a setback, for it made the lanky defender miss a few crucial tournaments along with goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

And by his own admission, there were days when he felt the pain would get the better of his grit in his comeback quest.

"Honestly, you feel demotivated sometimes. It happened to me during my initial days of the injury. When I was in the rehab camp during my early days of recovery, for the first three days, I felt the improvement. But on the fourth day, I felt the pain again.

"That day when I again started experiencing pain, I didn't know what the future would hold for me. That was the most testing day for me in my recovering. That day, I was getting all kinds of thoughts in my mind: when will I be fine, whether I will be completely fine at all, whether I will be able to play hockey again.

"But I kept myself busy. Whenever I started getting self-doubts, I just tried to neglect them. I would spend time with my friends and do stuff outside hockey that would help me get rid of those negative thoughts. That's the time you need to stay positive, and ensure that you do not take a step back," he added.

He didn't, and here he is back in the mix, pressing the reset button.

"This is a refresh button for me. Moreover, this will be my first tournament under the new coach (Sjoerd Marijne). So, this is a fresh start for me," he said.

Singh is now the most senior dragflicker in the team leading a pack of five, and will have to carry the burden of converting penalty corners, an area the team has been struggling in recent times.

"We now have five dragflickers in the team. So, it's a good help for me. If we want to improve our penalty corner conversion, everybody should take responsibility and not just the dragflicker. From the person who delivers the ball to the one who stops to the ones who do the variation. Everybody needs to put their 100 per cent in the penalty corner area," he said.

DNA

Rupinder eager to start second innings after injury lay-off

Rupinder Pal Singh's inclusion will add sheen to India's already potent penalty corner area (Getty Images)Rupinder Pal Singh's inclusion will add sheen to India's already potent penalty corner area (Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: Back into the national fold after overcoming the "toughest phase of his career", fit-again dragflicker Rupinder Pal Singh says his comeback will be difficult as he has to stave off stiff competition from juniors to cement his place in the side.

A hamstring injury in his right leg just before the Hockey World League Semifinal in London earlier this year had almost jeopardised Rupinder's fledging career. But Rupinder, who last played for India in the Azlan Shah Cup in April-May this year, kept faith in himself and worked extensively during the lay-off period in his bid to make a successful return.

"It was difficult (to sit out of the team). It was frustrating as the injury didn't seem to heal. It began with pain in the adductor muscle and it spread to the hamstring. There was pain in the quadriceps as well," Rupinder told PTI after being named in Indian squad for the season-ending Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar.

"I can say it was the toughest phase of my career. The injury was not healing and it was frustrating to sit out. But I was confident I could overcome this. In such situations one needs to be patient. I had the support of my family, friends and teammates and that helped me immensely."

The lanky defender from Faridkot in Punjab, however, has no regrets as he gears up for the second innings of his career.

"I was always positive (during injury). I have no complaints because whatever has happened is God's wish and I am a God-fearing person," Rupinder said. "The road ahead is obviously difficult because I have to start from scratch. It's a new beginning for me. I know I will face stiff competition but only competition can make you better. One can improve more if pushed hard," added the 27-year-old, who had never experienced this sort of an injury lay-off before.

In Rupinder's absence one man who has benefitted the most is young defender Harmanpreet Singh, who not only plies his trade in the same position but also excels in the same art - drag-flicking.

"Harman and I share a very good relation. We share our thoughts, our views on the field. So it was always motivating for me to see him excel when I was not in the team," Rupinder said.

Rupinder's inclusion in the HWL Final squad will add sheen to India's already potent penalty corner area which also has the likes of Harmanpreet, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas. But for Rupinder, converting penalty corners is not his priority even though dragflicking is an intergral part of his game.

"Penalty corner is my second priority. My first priority is my normal game which is in the defence. In a game you always don't get penalty corners but as a player you are always required to play your normal game," Rupinder concluded.

The Times of India

No permanent place for any player: Shahbaz

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Shahbaz Ahmed has admitted the Green-shirts played poorly in the four-nation tournament in Australia, but claimed that the solution lay in giving them opportunities to play tough international matches regularly.

“Only in this way will they be able to overcome their shortcomings,” he said while talking to ‘The News’ on Friday. He said that Pakistani players had not played much international hockey for about a couple of years because of which they were failing. “They need to play maximum international matches to gain experience and confidence.

“They are not accustomed to international matches’ pressure, especially near the end of match. That’s why they have lost matches despite taking lead. We will try to remove this weakness during their training camps and by giving them maximum matches. But during that preparation period ups and downs will come,” Shahbaz said.

He said PHF had identified the players’ weaknesses such as missing of goal scoring chances, failure to sustain pressure during the last phase of matches as they lost at least four matches after taking lead. “They come under pressure when experienced rivals attack aggressively,” he said.

Shahbaz said the team was also very poor in penalty corners. Ahmed said categorically that there was no permanent place for any player in the team. “They have to improve their skills, form, fitness. They must have hunger for success,” said the former captain.

This year the national championship would be held in Sukkur in December, he said. “It will be an important event as far as selection in the senior team for coming international events is concerned.

“The players who perform well and show their form, fitness and skills will definitely be called up to the national team’s camp,” said the PHF secretary. “We have formed a pool of around 45 players during the last two years through domestic competitions,” he said.

He said that 2018 would be a crucial year when doors of international hockey would be opened in the country. “A World XI will visit Pakistan to play three matches in January. The Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Champions Trophy, Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tournament, and World Cup, are all significant events,” he said.

He said that when the current management of PHF took charge, there was chaos. “First we concentrated on developing infrastructure for domestic hockey so that our national game which had been restricted to a few departmental teams and a few tournaments could attract young blood.

“But now the situation is far better. The national game is being played continuously in all its units. There are competitions of various age categories and number of ranking tournaments are being regularly organised. A number of players are coming to play hockey. There are now scores of district associations holding hockey activities. This is a turnaround as there was a time when hockey had been confined to a few cities of the country.

“The national championship will be organised in Sukkur in December. PHF’s first-ever national school championship will be played in Khairpur,” Ahmed mentioned. The PHF secretary mentioned that PHF had sent the under-18 team to participate in Australia’s national under-18 championship to fill the gap between Pakistan and strong hockey-playing countries. The team managed to win the championship.

“Those boys will be the future of Pakistan. We have to be patient. But we will not just wait for them. We are working with the seniors as well,” he said. He said that preparation for World XI’s visit to Pakistan and for the Hall of Fame ceremony would be finalised by the end of this month. He said the PHF would go for bilateral series after the World XI’s visit. PHF would soon invite other countries to play series with Pakistan, Shahbaz said.

The News International

Top five face bottom five in men’s EY Hockey League day seven


Sam O’Connor on the attack for Glenanne last week. Pic: Adrian Boehm

The top half face the bottom half of the men’s EY Hockey League with the majority of the lower ranked hoping they can use home comforts to good effect on week seven of the competition.

Banbridge and Glenanne’s roles in all this is a surprise with the former – regular season champions last term – languishing in seventh while the Glens have three points to spare at the top.

Three of the last four ties between the clubs have been draws since the inception of the EYHL with Bann edging the other tie 3-2. Momentum, though, is with Glenannne who have recorded six wins from seven.

They travel north with Richie Shaw managing an injury while Rowland Rixon-Fuller will likely miss out due to his coaching duties with North Kildare, something that ruled him out last Saturday. As such, they were working off a panel of 14 for the most part against Railway but two third-quarter corners got them by.

For Bann, their run of form has been compounded by the continued absence of Owen Magee and Jonny McKee while Eugene Magee could be out until February following a broken finger which required an operation.

“We are where we are, but things can’t get any worse,” Mark Tumilty told the Belfast Telegraph. “The loss of quality players during the close season, followed by a spate of long-term injuries hasn’t helped our cause.

“But the players coming in are fast getting used to our system and better days surely lie ahead.”

The Glens good start continued in midweek when they beat Pembroke in the Mills Cup first round. Shannon Boucher got his first goal of the season in normal time with a drag while Greg Chambers scored for Pembroke in a 1-1 game.

The tie was decided by strokes which the Glens won 4-2; they will play Clontarf next.

While Cork C of I are the only Munster side in the men’s EY Hockey League, the Garryduff outfit are viewing their Saturday game with Dublin’s Pembroke as their main derby for the season.

Indeed, on social media they are pitching it as the “battle of Cork C of I v Dublin C of I” with “both teams playing at home” given the proliferation of players who have made the move north in recent times.

Nick Burns, Stephen Sweetnam, Richard Sweetnam, Wesley Brownlow, Greg Chambers and Richard Lynch could all feature for Pembroke against their former club while former Bandon men Scott Sullivan and Patrick Shanahan are also at the Ballsbridge club.

The two Sweetnams and Lynch joined from C of I during the summer while Burns, Sullivan and Shanahan returned to Pembroke after time away. Throw in Waterford man David Quinn and roughly half the Pembroke panel hail from Munster.

Such an influx goes a long way to explaining the Dublin club’s rise into the top half of the table, Alan Sothern’s 12 goals in seven games the other key factor.

For C of I, there is a much lower chance of recruiting new faces and so their panel is significantly trimmed this season, perhaps explaining a slightly mixed start to the campaign.

Nonetheless, the club is famed for developing from within and teenager Kevin O’Dea is the latest to be inducted into the first team following a star turn for the Munster Under-16s.

Saturday’s match at Garryduff will also mark the seventh anniversary since the passing of Andy Chambers with a bring and buy cake sale fundraiser in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation taking place throughout the day.

Railway showed enough in their tie against Glenanne to suggest they can cause problems for opponents with Stephen O’Keeffe in strong form, Kenny Carroll tenacious as always and Mark English a touch of class.

They beat Dublin University in the Mills Cup with Rob Devlin scoring twice, setting up a date with either Monkstown or YMCA in round two.


Richard Lynch is one of a number of Cork C of I old boys facing their former club. Pic: Adrian Boehm

But they need to make more of the chances that come their way against Lisnagarvey on Saturday. Seven corners went unconverted against the Glens along with a couple of strong chances.

For Garvey, Paul Gleghorne is back after a lengthy injury but Jonny Bell sustained a facial injury against Cookstown so could lead to a straight swap in personnel.

Annadale player-coach Peter Caruth travels to his former club, Monkstown, with whom he won the IHL in years gone by. Town have a strong record on home turf so far this season but the missing trio of Gareth Watkins, Geoff Cole and Davy Carson in the forward line means they will look more to midfield for goals.

To that end, Guy Sarratt’s eight goals, primarily from set plays, make him the second most prolific marksman so far this season.

Cookstown, buoyed by a brilliant last few weeks, welcome Three Rock Rovers to Steelweld Park. Rovers were without a number of key players last week with Jody Hosking, David Kane and Richard Pautz all out, meaning the likes of Rob McCollum and Matthew Walker are enjoying runs in the panel.

Jamie Carr’s return from injury, though, is a big addition between the posts for the Grange Road club. It is the first of two meetings between the clubs in a week with an Irish Senior Cup date seven days later.

Cookstown are riding high after wins over Railway and Instonians, capping it with an away draw at Lisnagarvey with the McCabe twins Scott – up front – and Josh in goal having a dream day out.

Greg Allen, Stu Smyth – with seven league goals already – and Jon Ames have also been leading the way and will look to match the tempo of a week before to keep their series of results going.

In Leinster, leaders Corinthian face a Dublin University side in good form with 10 points out of 12 from their last four games in a big test of the students’ mettle for the long haul.


Guy Sarratt has scored eight times this season for Monkstown. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Kilkenny, meanwhile, will be keen to back up their away win at Clontarf when they face a defensively sound Avoca. Tarf will look to get back on the winning trail when they go to Weston while UCD and YMCA are favourites against Dublin North and Rathgar, respectively.

Men’s fixtures (all Saturday)
EY Hockey League: Banbridge v Glenanne, 2.45pm, Havelock Park; Cookstown v Three Rock Rovers, 2.30pm, Steelweld Park; Cork Church of Ireland v Pembroke Wanderers, 2.30pm, Garryduff; Monkstown v Annadale, 2.30pm, Merrion Fleet Arena; Railway Union v Lisnagarvey, 3pm, Park Avenue

Leinster Division 1: Kilkenny v Avoca, 3pm, Kilkenny College; Corinthian v Dublin University, 12pm, Whitechurch Park; Rathgar v YMCA, 12.30pm, High School; Weston v Clontarf, 1pm, Griffeen Valley Park; Dublin North v UCD, 1.30pm, NSC

Munster Division 1: Bandon v Cork Church of Ireland B, 1.15pm, Bandon GS; Cork Harlequins v Limerick, 1pm, Farmers’ Cross

Mills Cup, first round: Dublin University 0 Railway Union 2 (R Devlin 2); Pembroke 1 (G Chambers) Glenanne 1 (S Boucher), Glenanne win 4-2 on strokes

The Hook

Early season roller-coaster sees five sides jockeying for top


Belfast Harlequins’ Gemma Frazer gets away from Kate Lloyd. Pic: Adrian Boehm

The early season roller-coaster in the women’s EYHL enters day seven after two changes in leadership last weekend and five teams still covered by just three points.

On the agenda this week, Park Avenue on Sunday offers up a potential cracker between two sides who like to play the game at a swift tempo as unbeaten Railway Union host UCD who returned to the top of the table last Sunday.

UCD played some breathtaking stuff at times last weekend against Pegasus and Loreto with Deirdre Duke’s glorious goal against the latter a thing of beauty. In working the ball through the back four platform until the space opened up, UCD turned on the after-burners when the chance presented itself and they worked the overload perfectly, leading to a brilliant 3D finish.

The sides that have prospered against the students have defended compact and deep, frustrating their line-up. It means Railway will hope Orla Fox continues her excellent start to the campaign in the centre of defence beside Emer Lucey.

Indeed, Railway’s back four is packed with experience with Holly Jenkinson and Sarah Canning down the channels. Michelle Carey’s driving runs propel them forward with Kate Lloyd showing a ruthless streak in front of goal.

All-Ireland ladies football champion Kate McKenna lined out for the club for the first time this season in the win over Belfast Harlequins, adding to Colm Blennerhassett’s options.

Belfast Harlequins, for their part, have one of the league’s most dynamic midfields with Zoe Wilson in the centre a star performer. With Lizzie Colvin, Gemma Frazer, Robyn Chambers and Jenny McAuley all rotating in and out, it is an exciting line-up.

“Lizzie and Zoe have brought so much experience and they are raising the tempo both in training and on the pitch,” McAuley said to the Belfast Telegraph. “The double-header at the weekend was tough and we were disappointed to come out with just one point.

“Sunday’s game against Trinity is a great opportunity for us to get three more points on the board and maintain our unbeaten home record. However, we cannot underestimate them.”

Indeed, Trinity led twice against Railway with the strength of Sally Campbell and Niamh Sweeney in the forward line is supported by the diminutive Ellie Noone pulling the strings.

Pembroke play Cork Harlequins at Serpentine Avenue looking to end a frustrating start to the campaign, losing four out of six games by a single goal as competitive performances have yet to yield points on the board.

Harlequins are on the road for the sixth time in seven league matches – and seventh away day in total when the Senior Cup is factored in. Along with Railway, they are unbeaten with three draws already, keeping that record thanks to Roisin Upton’s late equaliser at Deramore Park.

Monkstown’s new look side’s difficult start to the season continues as they host a free-scoring Pegasus with Alex Speers, Hannah Grieve and Lucy McKee combining for 15 goals already this term.

Gareth Watkins’ team have not scored since the opening day but their performance against Ards last weekend – despite the absence of Sinead Loughran – suggested they are adjusting to the level required with many in their debut seasons in the EYHL.

Loreto are looking to find some consistency after a run of swapping wins and losses since the start of October. They go up to Londonderry Park, looking to break down one of the tightest defences in the league as Ards have made a fine start to the season.

In Leinster, Corinthian will look to preserve their narrow lead at the top of the Division, facing title rivals Muckross in their second big tie in seven days,

With Hannah McKay and Sarah Coleman shining in defence and Rebecca Murtagh in good form between the posts last week against the previously free-scoring Alex, they broke the Milltown club’s winning streak.

Lauren and Jessica McGrane and Amber Kinlan give them firepower to put Sarah Scott’s charged on full notice. Muckross lost their perfect record in midweek but have the arrival of Emma Mathews to look forward to following her move back from UCD.


Pembroke’s Jilly Ringwood and Pegasus’s Shirley McCay tangle. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Fourth plays fifth with Our Lady’s up against Genesis in a potentially tight encounter while the bottom four meet each other, looking for points to get away from the bottom of the table.

The Irish Hockey Challenge gets under way with seven matches on the agenda.

Women’s fixtures
EY Hockey League
Saturday: Pembroke Wanderers v Cork Harlequins, 2.30pm, Serpentine Avenue
Sunday: Ards v Loreto, 2pm, Londonderry Park; Belfast Harlequins v Trinity, 2pm, Deramore Park; Monkstown v Pegasus, 2.30pm, Merrion Fleet Arena; Railway Union v UCD, 2.40pm, Park Avenue

Leinster Division 1 (all Saturday): Our Lady’s v Genesis, 12.30pm, Terenure; Glenanne v Clontarf, 1pm, Glenanne Park; Avoca v Old Alex, 1.30pm, Newpark; Corinthian v Muckross, 1.45pm, Whitechurch Park; North Kildare v Rathgar, 2pm, The Maws

Munster Division 1 (all Saturday): Ashton v Bandon, 12.30pm, Ashton School; Belvedere v Catholic Institute, 1pm, Ballincollig CS; Cork Church of Ireland v UCC, 12pm, Garryduff; Limerick v Waterford, Villiers, 12pm, Newtown

Irish Hockey Challenge, round one
Saturday: NICS v Portrane, 1pm, Stormont; Mullingar v Kilkeel, 1.30pm, Loreto Mullingar; Athlone v Wexford, 2pm, The Bower; Cork Wanderers v NUIG, 2.30pm, Garryduff; Enniskillen v Greenfields, 2.30pm, Derg Valley; Weston v Blackrock, 3pm, Griffeen Valley Park
Sunday: Clonakilty v Botanic, 3pm, Clonakilty

The Hook

Eight teams missing, but tournament won’t lose its pizzazz

By S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: The absence of eight affiliates of the Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) from the women’s Razak Cup hockey tournament should not detract the value or competitiveness of the event.

Debutants Indonesia will vie with eight other local teams – defending champions Pahang, last year’s runners-up Armed Forces, Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu, Perak, Johor, Selangor and Melaka – for the Cup.

The eight absentees are Police, Sarawak, Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Sabah and Negri Sembilan.

Most of the teams had cited the ongoing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations as a reason for not sending a team this year.

But KLHA vice-president and organising chairperson K. Mahes-wari said that efforts should have been made to include senior players in their squads.

“It all boils down to proper planning and having a league within their states to find talented players.

“We are grateful to the teams who have agreed to participate and the show must go on. Those who have opted not to compete are only depriving their players of an opportunity to excel at the highest level of competition for women,” she said.

Maheswari also explained that all matches would be moved forward by an hour due to the unpredictable weather conditions.

“This will ensure we have enough time to complete the matches should it rain,” she said.

The champions will receive RM5,000, the runners-up RM3,000 and third-placed team RM2,000.

Pahang will start as odds-on favourites to retain the title.

They have been boosted by the presence of national players such as Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani, midfielder Wan Norfaiezah Saiuti, drag-flick specialist Nuraini Rashid, Rabiatul Adawiyah Moha-med, S. Priyangga, Siti Zaidah, Fatin Naimah and former international Nadia Abdul Rahman.

Coached by former international Benedict Arrias, Pahang probably pack too much power for their opponents.

Johor are another team aiming to make the semi-finals after finishing eighth last year.

They have national assistant coach Lailin Abu Hassan as coach and can rely on the experience of players such as Norafiza Sulaiman, Marlia Mohamed, Noor Hayati Sirkam, Nurul Nadia Aziz and Fatin Nabilah Husna Mansor.

With the inclusion of national goalkeeper Farah Ayuni Yahya, Johor will prove to be a tough nut to crack.

The Star of Malaysia

Terengganu have faith in Sukma squad for women’s Razak Cup challenge

KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu are ready to put their faith in their juniors for the women’s Razak Cup hockey tournament, which begins at the KL Hockey Stadium today.

All 18 players in the Terengganu team will be from their Malaysia Games (Sukma) squad, including six who are studying at the Bandar Penawar-based Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI).

Terengganu coach Mohd Harun Al Rashid said that the Razak Cup outing would help provide valuable experience for the players in their bid to retain the Sukma title next year.

“These players need all the exposure they can get and the Razak Cup will be an ideal platform to start our journey,” said Harun, who was only recently appointed as coach.

“About six players competed in the first edition of the Razak Cup last year. This team is far different from the team who competed in the National League last year.

“My objective is to give the youngsters a chance to play against fancied teams and learn from this adventure.

“My focus is different. I want the players to be brave when facing tougher opponents.

“Be brave, take the knocks and learn from mistakes. That’s the only way we can improve and move forward.

“My decision has been well-received by the Terengganu Sports Council and Terengganu HA. We need to expose the youngsters as much as possible. It will only serve the state well in the future,” added the former Singaporean national player, who coached the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club for the 2016 MHL season.

Terengganu are in Group A with defending champions Pahang, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Indonesia. The east coast side will take on Perak in today’s opening match.

Terengganu are so serious about giving their youngsters a chance that they even decided to exclude two national players – Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohamed and Fatin Naimah – from their team.

Rabiatul and Fatin will instead feature for Pahang in the Razak Cup.

The Star of Malaysia

Daggers drawn as nemeses Telkom, Scorpions clash

By BRIAN YONGA


Meris Akoth of Strathmore University Scorpions (left) vies for the ball with Telkom's Maureen Okumu during their Kenya Hockey Union Premier League match at City Park Stadium on July 24, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Women’s champions Telkom battle arch-rivals Strathmore University Scorpions Sunday at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi in the pick of this weekend’s Kenya Hockey Union league matches.

Sixteen matches will be played this weekend in Nairobi, Kisumu and Kabarak.

Men’s Premier League leaders Kenya Police could move 15 points clear with a win against Parkroad Badgers Sunday, while former champions Butali Sugar Warriors will be aiming to make ground on the leaders with wins against Sikh Union Nairobi (Saturday) and Chase Sailors (Sunday).

Focus will however be on the clash between leaders Telkom and fourth placed Scorpions. Scorpions have been Telkom’s main challengers for years and this match promises to be another top draw.

It is three years since Scorpions last beat Telkom and the students will be hoping to end that losing streak and maintain their slim hopes of winning a maiden title.

The Madaraka-based side are on 30 points, nine behind the leaders and know that defeat will end their title ambitions with seven matches to go this season.

With that in mind, Scorpions coach Meshack Senge has termed it a ‘must win’ encounter for his charges.

“We badly need the win to show that we have the pedigree of becoming champions. It is a top match between two teams that know each other well and fans should expect a thriller,” Senge said on Friday.

Scorpions will rely on top scorer Gilly Okumu, Captain Yvonne Karanja and the experience Carol Njoki to get them the victory.

Okumu, who is on eight goals, hit a brace in last weekend’s 5-0 win against JKUAT. A win will move them to third place with 33 points.

Leaders Telkom are in red hot form winning all the 13 matches they have played so far this season without conceding a goal. They have also scored an impressive 84 goals- the best attack in the division.

However, Telkom coach Jos Openda is fully aware that Scorpions are more than capable of stopping his charges march to a record breaking 20th title.

“They (Scorpions) have been the side that always give us problems in the league and we expect another top match on Sunday. Our unbeaten run is on the line and we therefore have no room for error,” Openda noted.

Telkom’s attack will be led by the league’s top scorer Audrey Omaido (18 goals) and Jackline Mwangi (16 goals). Omaido will be hoping to sound the boards after failing to score in the last two matches.

Telkom won the first leg fixture 2-0 on April 15 this year.

On Sunday, leaders Kenya Police could move to within touching distance of the title should they beat the Badgers in the 5pm encounter.

FIXTURES- All matches at City Park Stadium unless stated

Saturday

Premier Women: KU Ttians v UON – 10am

National Men: UON v Multimedia -12noon, Kabarak University v Karate Axiom – Kabrak (2pm), Kisumu Youngstars v Wazalendo Youth – 3pm (Kisumu), Thika Rovers v Mombasa West – 6pm

Premier Men: KCA-U v KU Vultures – 2pm, Butali v Sikh – 4pm

Sunday

National Men: Bay Club v Wazalendo Youth – 8.30am (Kisumu), Kisumu Youngstars v Multimedia-10am (Kisumu), Daystar University v Mombasa West -9am

Premier Women: Sliders v Vikings -11am, Strathmore v Telkom-1pm

Premier Men: Butali v Chase – 3pm, Parkroad v Kenya Police -5pm

Daily Nation

Undefeated Connecticut survives extended scare, Maryland rolls into field hockey title game

By Vicki L. Friedman


After two overtimes and a shootout, Connecticut emerged with a 2-1 victory over North Carolina to advance to the championship game against Maryland. Courtesy Adam Creech

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Connecticut field hockey team survived a thriller Friday, and Maryland rolled in a rout. Now two of the sport's most decorated programs, with 12 NCAA titles between them, will clash on Sunday in a national championship game at the University of Louisville's Trager Stadium.

UConn (22-0) will try for a perfect ending. Maryland (16-6), which started the season 6-5, has another twist in mind after advancing to its first national championship since 2011.

The Terrapins dismantled fellow Big Ten semifinalist Michigan 5-1, and UConn finished off North Carolina 2-1 in a penalty shootout that was exhilarating for the Huskies and excruciating for the Tar Heels.

"We figured it was going to be close," UConn coach Nancy Stevens said. "And it was."

After two scoreless overtime periods, UConn's shooters scored on all three of their attempts in the one-on-one shootout against North Carolina freshman goalie Amanda Hendry. The Tar Heels were denied on each of theirs, unable to solve goalie Nina Klein, a fifth-year senior who hasn't missed a start in her career.

Up until then, the Tar Heels dominated everything but the scoreboard. They outshot UConn 20-6 and held a 15-2 advantage in penalty corners, 14 of those after halftime.

Klein finished with a career-high 13 saves.

"For goalkeepers, you get into a groove and it starts to pile on -- save after save," said Klein, greeted with a "Neeena!" chant from a hearty Huskies contingent. "Adrenaline definitely helped. My teammates in front of me, our defense, I think they're phenomenal."


Nina Klein, center, kept Connecticut's undefeated season alive with a career-high 13 saves. Courtesy Adam Creech

This one will sting for a while for North Carolina (18-5), which has won six national titles, most recently in 2009.

"Our kids are heartbroken," North Carolina coach Karen Shelton said. "We're incredibly disappointed."

UConn's Charlotte Veitner was the only one to score in the first 68 minutes, adding to a legacy that makes her a first-ballot UConn Hall of Famer in addition to one of the all-time greats in the game.

The senior from Germany is the Huskies' all-time leader in goals, assists and points, and her 32nd goal of the season gave UConn a 1-0 advantage. It appeared Eva van't Hoog's goal with 10:28 to play had drawn the Tar Heels even, but a video review decided the ball had hit her leg before going into the cage and the goal was disallowed.

Shelton gambled during the review and pulled her goalie, an attempt to beef up an offensive attack that pummeled Klein from every direction. And until the waning minutes of regulation, it looked like another shutout for Klein, who has 13 this season.

But North Carolina evened it with 1:51 to play after its ninth penalty corner with van't Hoog sending it just inside the right post.

Then the Tar Heels earned a penalty stroke. Only Ashley Hoffman's shot to the right of the cage met Klein's stick, and again the Tar Heels were denied.


Charlotte Veitner, low-key star has UConn on brink of national title

"Unless you have scouting footage of it, it's hard to figure out where they're going to place it," Klein said. "Her drag flick had gone to the right side that we had scouted, so I went with it and left it all out there."

Said Stevens: "Probably her most important save today was on the penalty stroke, and that was brilliant. And, of course, the other 12, we'll take, too. Then we go into the shootout and she's flawless in the shootout."

Michigan (21-3) was making its first final four appearance since 2003, but the Wolverines were no match for Maryland and an offense that has scored 39 goals in its past 11 games. Maryland's five goals tied for the most in any national semifinal.

"It's a disappointing loss," coach Marcia Pankratz said. "They outplayed us and they deserve to go to the final. They were all over us and they played great defense and just beat us to every ball."

Maryland led 3-0 behind two goals by Madison Maguire and one by Bodil Keus. Carly Bennett trimmed the deficit to two after a cross from Kayla Reed, but the Terps responded quickly when Linnea Gonzales tapped in a loose ball before Keus added another.

"I couldn't be happier for the program than to be back to the final four after four years and playing for a national championship," Terrapins coach Missy Meharg said. "I couldn't be happier for how we played hockey and how we evolved."

UConn is seeking the program's fifth NCAA championship and third in five years. Maryland has won it all eight times, the last time in 2011.

ESPN

DII Field Hockey Championship: Shippensburg, LIU Post advance to finals for 2016 rematch

Wayne Cavadi

Friday's semifinals action from Owsley B. Frazier Stadium in Louisville, Ky. set up a rematch from the 2016 DII Field Hockey Championship title game. Shippensburg was able to top its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference rival East Stroudsburg by the score of 2-1. The second game featured the lone non-PSAC team remaining against a team that is quickly becoming a field hockey perennial power. LIU Post's experience proved too much for Millersville, as Emily Miller's hat trick helped the Pioneers advance 3-0.

The stage is set. Last season Shippensburg walked away victorious 2-1. How will this season's title game go? Tune in right here Sunday, November 19 for the latest news, scores and updates from the 2017 Division II Field Hockey Championship.

Schedule:

Friday, Nov. 17: Semifinals
FINAL: No. 3 Shippensburg 2, No. 2 East Stroudsburg 1
FINALS: No. 1 LIU Post 3, No. 5 Millersville 0

Sunday, Nov. 19: Final
No. 3 Shippensburg vs. No. 1 LIU Post | 11 a.m. ET

LIU Post advances behind Emily Miller's hat trick.

The rematch between Shippensburg and LIU Post is set for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 19 live from Trager Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.

We'll see you then!

NCAA

DIII Field Hockey Championship: Messiah, Middlebury to play for national championship

Wayne Cavadi

Messiah, making its 16th NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship this weekend, will get to defend its 2016 national title against Middlebury. A goal by Kristin Donohue was all the Falcons needed to get past No. 3 The College of New Jersey.

Game 2 of the night saw the Cinderella Franklin & Marshall Diplomats back in the semifinals for the first time since 1983. After going down early to Middlebury, they came back to tie the game in the second half. The Diplomats' dream season would come to an end less than one minute into overtime, as Annie Leonard's golden goal helped Middlebury advance to Sunday's title game.

Messiah looks to defend its title Sunday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. ET from Trager Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. Be sure to check back here for live scores, updates and all the action from the championship game.

Schedule:

Friday, November 17: Semifinals

Final: No. 1 Messiah 1, No. 3 TCNJ 0

Final: Middlebury 2, Franklin & Marshall 1 (OT)

Sunday, November 19: Finals

5 p.m. ET: Messiah vs. Middlebury

NCAA

Pakistani Hockey Olympian Afzal Manna Passes Away

Celebrated Olympian Afzal Manna breathed his last in Lahore, Saturday morning.

An inside left of repute, he played for Pakistan in 1964 Olympics (silver medal) and Asian Games 1958 (gold medal) & 1962 (gold medal).
An international umpire, he also remained coach of Pakistan's national team.

President Pakistan Hockey Federation, Brig (Rtd) Khalid Khokhar and Secretary Shahbaz Ahmad have expressed great grief over passing away of Afzal Manna.

PHF Media release