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All the news for Sunday 28 October 2018

Men's Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018 - Day 10
Muscat (OMA)



Results 27 October

KOR v OMA (5th/6th Place)     3 - 1
PAK v MAS (SF 1)     4 - 4 (3 - 1 SO)
IND v JPN (SF 2)     3 - 2

Fixtures 28 October (GMT +4)

18:55     MAS v JPN (3rd/4th Place)
21:10     PAK v IND (Final)

FIH Match Centre

India prevail 3-2 in hard-fought semi-final against Japan

Face Pakistan in the Final of Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 on Sunday


Harmanpreet takes a drag against Japan

MUSCAT: Defending champions India had to work hard for a 3-2 victory over Japan in the semi-finals of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex here on Saturday.

In the final on Sunday, India will meet former champions Pakistan, who prevailed 3-1 in the shootout after being level 4-4 against Malaysia in the other semi-final.

Field goals from Gurjant Singh and Dilpreet Singh and a set-piece penalty corner strike by Chinglensana helped India overcome the hard-working Japan.

After losing their preliminary league encounter to India 9-0, Japan had promised to give India a tough game if the teams met again in the tournament.

Asian Games gold medallists Japan, who have inducted several young players for this tournament, lived up to their promise.

After a goalless first quarter, Gurjant Singh gave India the initial lead in the 19th minute by sending a fine reverse flick on target.

Japan equalised with a set-piece penalty corner attempt that saw Hirotaka Wakuri deflecting the penalty corner drive into the boards in the 22nd minute.

Finding Japan crowding their territory, India were not able to find solutions to breach the defence again until the 44th minute when Varun Kumar’s penalty corner shot was deflected into the net by Chinglensana Singh.

Dilpreet Singh increased the lead in the 55th minute by shooting on target in a crowded circle, but only to see Japan bounce back with another penalty corner conversion from Hirotaka Zendana in the next minute.

The Indian defence then held its ground for the last four minute to secure entry into the final.

Indian captain Manpreet Singh said he was pleased to be in the final.

“Japan are tough opponents and we knew we could not take them lightly,” said Manpreet. “We created many chances, but there was some missing and it put us under pressure.”

“Our opponents in the final, Pakistan are a tough side. We have to produce our best game. We must take care of Pakistan’s counter-attacks.” said Manpreet.

Japan’s coach, Siegfried Aikman said his boys went out looking to turn the tables on India. “I’m sad that we lost, but happy with our performance,” said Aikman.

“India had defeated us by big margins in our last two encounters. We had promised ourselves this won’t happen in the semi-final,” said Aikman.

Asian Hockey Federation media release

Korea claim fifth position with 3-1 win over Oman

LAHORE: Two late goals from Cho Suk-Hoon and Yoo Han-Young helped South Korea claim the fifth position in the six-nation Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament with a 2-1 victory over hosts Oman at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman on Friday. The playoff between Korea and Oman was to decide the last two positions between teams that did not make the semi-finals. Korea opened the scoring through a field goal by Hwang Tae-Il in the 14th minute, but Oman equalised within a minute with a penalty corner goal from Ahmed Al Nofali. Despite injuries suffered by three of their strikers, Oman stayed on level terms until the 53rd minute when a goal in open play from Cho got Korea the lead, which was consolidated two minutes later by Yoo to clinch victory. Korea had defeated Oman 4-2 in their previous encounter during the preliminary league of this tournament on Tuesday.

Korean coach Shin Seok-Kyo said the young players had benefited immensely from the tournament. “The young players got extensive exposure to international hockey and improved with every outing. Our focus is on building the team for next year’s competitions leading to Olympic qualification,” Shin said. Oman’s coach Tahir Zaman said the tournament provided his team the best possible exposure against several world class many teams on home turf. “Ours is an amateur team and we allowed some matches to slip away after playing well. You could attribute it to the team occasionally losing structure, but this tournament has provided tremendous exposure against top teams,” Zaman said. “It should do them a world of good in future.”

The Daily Times

Malaysia shot down in Muscat shot-out

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia clawed back from the jaws of death to force a draw, but a disappointing shoot-out saw them lost 3-1 to Pakistan in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat, Oman.

In the other semi-finals, India edged a fighting Japan 3-2.

Malaysia will now play for bronze with the Asian Games champions, while India and Pakistan battle for gold.

Losing 1-4 at one point, a super third quarter saw Malaysia fight back and end regulation time at 4-4, but in the shoot-out only Nik Aiman Rozemi was able to score, while Firhan Ashari, Faizal Shaari and Shahril Saabah faltered.

In regulation time Faizal Shaari (second, 56th), Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (37th) and Nik Aiman Rozemi (44th) delivered.

Malaysian coach Roelant Oltmans said: "Indeed the boys had a great comeback and to be honest the score at half time (losing 1-4) was not flattering as we conceded some unecessary goals and missed a couple of chances ourselves."

The Dutch national them encouraged his charges: "I told them (at the half-time break) the game was not over and that we would get our chances again.

"In regulation time we could have finished the match but unfortunately we lost on shoot-out. Nevertheless I'm proud of the performance but disappointed with the final outcome."

The coach was barely appointed when he had to take his charges to Oman for the ACT.

"Of course we didn’t prepare much. But we need to do better than scoring just one goal (in shoot out) while our goalkeeper Hairi (Rahman) saved two, which is good."

And on Oltmans take on the bronze battle: "Japan, who lost just 3-2 to India will be another interesting encounter again. We beat them 3-0 (in the pool) and we will fight for the bronze medal for sure." 

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Malaysia fall to Pakistan in shootout

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia went down 3-1 in a shootout to Pakistan in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat, Oman, yesterday.

Malaysia clawed back from trailing 4-1 to equalise at 4-4 and drag the match into penalties.

But Malaysia failed at this stage to crack Pakistan, and will now have to play for the bronze medal.

The defeat came at the back of a 1-0 loss to Pakistan in a pool match, and this spells trouble for coach Roelant Oltmans’ World Cup campaign.

Malaysia are in Group D with Pakistan, Germany and the Netherlands in the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India on Nov 28-Dec 16.

And the national team need to brush up their tactics, if they hope to beat Pakistan in the World Cup and advance to the next stage, as the fourth placed team in each group will go home early.

Faizal Saari gave Malaysia a second minute lead, but it was all Pakistan after that.

Goals from Muhammad Irfan (sixth), Aleem Bilal (12th), Abu Bakar Mahmood (15th) and Aleem Bilal (20th) made it 4-1 for Pakistan.

Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (37th) and Nik Aiman Rozemi (44th) narrowed the deficit while Faizal's 56th minute goal took the match into a shootout, but Malaysia failed at the final hurdle.

New Straits Times

Pakistan win shootout against Malaysia to enter final



LAHORE: Two-time winners Pakistan entered the final of the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament by overcoming Malaysia 3-1 in the shootout after a 4-4 draw in regulation period at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman on Saturday. Leading 4-1 at half-time, Pakistan faced a late rally from Malaysia, who equalised with four minutes from the end to take the issue into the shootout. Pakistan scored thrice in their five chances, while Malaysia could only shoot on target once in four attempts. The fifth Malaysian shot was not required to be taken as Pakistan had gained a winning lead. Penalty corner flicker Aleem Bilal (12th and 20th minutes) twice sent soaring drag-flicks into the net, while Muhammad Irfan Jr. (sixth minute) and Abu Mahmood (15th minute) scored a goal each in open play go give Pakistan a big lead at half-time.

Some defensive lapses by Pakistan against the fast-moving Malaysian allowed space for Malaysia to score two field goals in the space of one minute. Tengku Tajuddin capitalised on a rebound in the 43rd minute and Aiman Nik Rozemi was on target off a short pass within a minute. Faizal Saari, who had given Malaysia the initial lead in the second minute, came back to convert a penalty corner in the 56th minute to make it 4-4. Saari had opened the scoring in the second minute when he capped his fine solo run with a flick that beat onrushing goalkeeper Imran Butt to sound the boards. Muhammad Irfan Jr. equalised for Pakistan in the sixth minute when he received a fine cross from Ajaz Ahmad in the goalmouth and made no mistake in deflecting it into the goal.

Aleem Bilal converted Pakistan’s first penalty corner with a rasping drag flick into the net in the 12th minute and Abu Mehmood beat the goalkeeper with a powerful reverse shot from top of the circle in the 15th minute to make it 3-1 in the first quarter. Bilal got into goal-scoring action again in the 20th minute with a penalty corner flick into the net to boost Pakistan’s lead, but drama was to unfold when Malaysia came back strongly in the second half. In the shootout, Toseeq Abbas and Ammad Butt scored with their shots, while Abu Mahmood was obstructed by the Malaysian goalkeeper and led to a penalty stroke that was converted by Bilal. Ajaz Ahmad and Muhammad Irfan Jr missed on their attempts. For Malaysia, only Aiman Nik Rozemi was able to score, but Firhan Ashari, Faizal Saari and Shahril Saabah faltered in the shootout.

Pakistan’s manager Hasan Sardar praised the team for keeping their nerves in the shootout. “It was a good game as we played attacking hockey and opened a big lead. But we conceded some goals that should not have been there, which put the boys under pressure,” said,” said Pakistan manager Hasan Sardar. “The players then held their nerves and performed well to win the shootout,” Sardar said. Roelant Oltmans, coach of the Malaysian team, said his team deserved to be in the final, but squandered the opportunities. “We played well to create enough chances to win the match in regulation period, but we did not capitalise on the opportunities in the first half,” said Oltmans. “Under pressure, we played better in the second half.” “We were below par in the shootout. That’s why we did not make the semi-finals,” Oltmans said.

The Daily Times

Pakistan, India to battle it out for crown



MUSCAT   -  Pakistan beat Malaysia 3-1 on penalties while India saw off a spirited Japan 3-2 in the two semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat. India now take on Pakistan in humdinger of a match on Sunday for the crown.

 It was Malaysia who took the lead when Faisal Saari scored inside two minutes, only for M Irfan Jr to level the scores five minutes later.

Pakistan did well to block back to back Malaysian penalty corners before earning one of their own after 10 minutes of the first quarter.

Both teams had faced each other on Thursday in the group stages, when the South Asian side had prevailed thanks to a 1-0 win. Malaysia’s profligacy in front of goal came back to hurt them when their opponents went in front through Bilal Aleem’s penalty corner in the 13th minute. Abu Mohammed then doubled his side’s lead as the first quarter free to a close.

Bilal picked up where he left off when he doubled his personal tally five minutes into the second half, and his side did well to clear a penalty corner after a goalmouth scramble. Goalkeeper Imran Butt then preserved his side’s lead with a spectacular save before the halfway mark.

The game stayed that way until midway through the third corner, when Tajuddin Tengku pulled one back for the South East Asians. Amman Rozemi made it 4-3 immediately after, and Faisal Saari tucked home the equaliser just four minutes before the end.

With Pakistan taking their penalty strokes first, Toseeq Arshad, Abu Mohammed and Ammad Butt all converted to send their nation through to the finals.

Meanwhile, India began on a cautious note against Japan in the second semi-final, without any team taking the initiative to get on the scoreboard in the first quarter, but in the second quarter India found the back of the net through Gujrant Singh in the 19th minute to take a 1-0 lead, then Japan came back to level the score at 1-1 with Hirotake Wakuri scoring through a penalty corner in the 22nd minute to go into the half time break.

It seems that India had their work cut out in the third quarter with Japan mounting the pressure on India to take the lead, but India fought back and was awarded a penalty corner in the 44th minute which was converted by Varun Kumar who made it 2-1.

With 5 minutes left for the final buzzer India found the back of the net once again to extend their lead thorough Dilpreet Singh who scored from a field goal to go 3-1 up, but a spirited Japan with 10 men counter-attacked and managed to make it 3-2 when Hirotaka Zendana scored of a penalty corner closing out the 4th quarter in favour of India.

The Nation

Japan wins the heart, India the match

s2h Team



Showcasing one of the best defence tactics, continental champions Japan matched every Indian move in a precision that can evoke awe in any top hockey nation, in the Asian Champions Trophy encounter in Muscat before going down valiantly 3-2 in the second semi-final. Similarly, fluent and gritty, Malaysia stretched dominant Pakistan into a cruelling shoot out where it went down 1-3. The end result is, another India-Pakistan encounter that can bring full stands once again in the desert destination. The short story is the teams that fought for gold in Jakarta a month ago will now play for bronze while the third place contenders there will now lock horns for top honours. Both India and Pak will pitch in for their third title win, indicating return of traditional equation in Asian hockey.

Its straight fifth final for Pakistan in the annals of ACT.

Before the semi-final, the gift of the gab Siegfried Aikman said that he is always very confident looking at the future-games and consigned 9-0 rout at the hands of India in the league a history. "Tomorrow is the future", he thundered. And also let us believe that India can beat them 9 out of ten times but the next game could be the one where we can beat them. We will play to win".

He was true to his words.

Japan put up a stellar show today and was a whisker away from doing a Malaysia on India, though unable to take the game to shoot out.

"I have a different team from the one at Asian Games. The young-guys are less-disciplined, too eager to get the ball, showcase their dribbling skills, instead of being deadly effective".

Again, Siegried's words matched his players' action on the turf today in the semi-final.

India did not get enough elbow room anywhere in the field to repeat what they did in the past two encouters (8-0, 9-0).

As he would further elaborate, and as young side would execute, Japan did not allow Indians to 'feel free'.

Despite extraordinarily superb first quarter in which it held its territorial supremacy -- 76 percent ball possession in rival half -- India could not puncture the iron looking Japan citadel. Mandeep Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Dilpreet Singh were those who hurried their shots in the spell, to give psychological boost to their rivals.

However, once scoring started in the second quarter, Japan did not panic. They made their moves like on chess board.

India scored twice but each time they came out with a reply within 2,3 minutes to keep their hopes alive.

They entered the striking circle of India once twice but got on both occasion a penalty corner. It was Surender's foot in the first and then Gurjinder unnecessarily bodily tackled to concede the other.

Had only Harmanpreet Singh placed his first strike off the first penalty corner in right direction, things would not have turned the way it did for the Japanese.

Goalless first quarter in which India made at least half a dozen shots at goal, and holding the proceedings on their way, did not end in moving the scoreboard.

It seems Indians have given up patient game which was their hall marker over a last decade, a grain that foreign coaches could infuse. Its on the decline, which should worry India irrespective of what would transpire in the final.

Stick2Hockey.com

India beat Japan 3-2, face Pakistan in ACT final


Dilpreet Singh scored the third goal for India in the 55th minute against Japan in the Asian Champions Trophy.

Defending champions India eked out a close 3-2 win over Asian Games gold medallist Japan to enter the final of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament.

 It turned out to be a tough task for the world No. 5 Indians to get past Japan against whom they had registered a convincing 9-0 win in the league stages. Striker Gurjant Singh gave India the lead in the 19th minute with a fine reverse-hit before Japan equalised through Wakuri three minutes later from a penalty corner.
After the change of ends, India restored their lead when Chinglensana Singh deflected in from a penalty corner in the 44th minute. Five minutes from the final whistle, Dilpreet Singh extended India's lead with a superb field strike in the 55th minute. But India's joy was short-lived as Japan reduced the margin a minute later when Zendana scored from a penalty corner to pose a serious threat to the Indians. Thereafter, the Indians defended well in numbers to thwart Japan's challenge in the final few minutes to register a hard-fought win and a place in tomorrow's final against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Earlier, two-time champions Pakistan defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the shootout after a 4-4 draw in regulation time of the first semifinal.

The Tribune

Stats Speak: Today is India-Pakistan’s 30th summit clash

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)


In IND-JPN semifinal, Man of the match Akashdeep Singh (no 27) celebrating India’s goal vs.  Japan with Chinglensana (scored the goal), Varun Kumar and Sumit (photo-courtesy Hockey India).

Arch rivals India-Pakistan will play their 30th title match today in Sutan Qaboos Complex, Muscat (Oman).Match will be live on Star Sports 2 from 10:30 pm IST.
India won 13 and Pakistan became victorious on 16 occasions in Gold medals matches played between them so far.

All   the matches of India-Pakistan have tradition of zeal, enthusiasm with best ever performance of both side players. Here are the highlights:

 *In2011 India won in tie breaker
India-Pakistan in summit clash

 Fieldhockey.com

Hosts Queensland To Face NSW In Last-Ever AHL Deciders

Ben Somerford



NSW’s Waratahs and Arrows will play hosts Queensland’s Blades and Scorchers in the last-ever Australian Hockey League men’s and women’s gold medal matches on Sunday at Gold Coast Hockey Centre.

The gold medal matches will be played at 3:30pm AEST and 5pm AEST, with tickets via ticketbooth.com.au and live streaming at www.epicentre.tv.

In the women’s competition, the Arrows defeated reigning champions Victoria 4-3 in a thrilling match on Saturday afternoon, while Queensland got past Canberra Strikers 2-1 to book their spot.

In the men’s competition, the Waratahs got past Canberra Lakers 10-1 with Blake Govers netting five goals, while Queensland knocked off Tassie Tigers 9-3 to book their spot.

Queensland are nine-time champions in the men’s and five-time champions in the women’s, while NSW have three men’s titles and six women’s titles.

The defeated sides will play in the bronze medal matches, with the Lakers playing the Tigers from 12:30pm AEST, followed by the Vipers-Strikers from 2pm AEST.

This year’s AHL is the last-ever competition in its current format, before a revamped league is launched next year.

The 2018 AHL Finals are made possible thanks to the support of the Tourism and Events Queensland and City of Gold Coast.

Semi-Finals

Canberra Lakers 1 (Hawke 39’) NSW Waratahs 10 (B. Govers 3’, 3’, 8’, 52’, 52’, Brand 25’, 25’, Hayes 35’, Lovett 57’, 57’)

The NSW Waratahs have secured their place in Sunday’s gold medal match for the last ever AHL after defeating the Canberra Lakers 10-1 on Saturday night.

The victory means that New South Wales will play Queensland in both the men’s and women’s gold medal matches at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre on Sunday afternoon.

A barrage of Blake Govers goals in the opening minutes of the match set the Waratahs up for a convincing victory. Govers put the Lakers defence on notice early, rocketing a shot into the backboard. He was able to score on the conversion, beating fellow Kookaburra Andrew Charter in their one-on-one battle.

Blake Govers added another goal to his tally moments later, forcing a ball through congestion from the right side of the goals. Charter learnt his lesson from the initial conversion opportunity, defending the chance with his pads.

Glenn Turner did his best to lead from the front but a lack of delivery limited his chances in attack.

Tim Brand scored a field goal and conversion in the 25th minute of the match bringing his total for the tournament to six. Brand showed some flair in his conversion opportunity, scoring and extending the Waratahs lead 6-0.

Jack Hayes added to Canberra’s misery, scoring his first field goal of the game in the 35th minute.

The Canberra Lakers were able to answer through Jamie Hawke when he found some space in front of goal. Hawke wasn’t able to make the conversion, getting a shot of in his one-on-one but firing wide of the goal.

Blake Govers wanted some more, he was able to create some breathing room in the D and nailed a field goal in the 52nd minute. A successful conversion brought his tally for the game up to five.

Waratah Kurt Lovett hit the scoreboard in the dying minutes of the match, sliding a shot into the backboard before scoring with the conversion and bringing New South Wales’ total into double digits.

Andrew Charter showed why he’s in the Australian team during the last play of the game, blocking three consecutive shot attempts in a row in an impressive display of athleticism.

Tassie Tigers 3 (McCambridge 55’, 55’, Welch 57’) Queensland Blades 9 (Weyer 2’, 2’, 48’, Rintala 18’, 45’ 45’, Taylor 19’, 19’ 52’)

The Queensland Blades have secured their spot in Sunday’s gold medal match at the Australian Hockey League (AHL) Finals after knocking out the previously undefeated Tassie Tigers.

Multiple goals to Corey Weyer, Joel Rintala and Jared Taylor led to an emphatic victory for the Blades on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Queensland will now face the winner of Canberra Lakers vs New South Wales Waratahs from 5pm on Sunday at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre

Despite losing spearhead Dylan Wotherspoon to suspension, Queensland were able to ruin Tasmania’s perfect 2018 AHL record. Weyer, Jake Whetton and veteran Matthew Swann led the way, setting the tempo early on.

It didn’t take long for Queensland to hit the scoreboard, the Blades earned a penalty stroke in the 2nd minute of the match and crowd favourite Weyer found the net with ease. The Kookaburra followed up in his conversion opportunity, showing off his ball handling before finding the backboard.

Rintala got his first for the day early in the second term, finding the gap from a penalty corner.

A minute later Taylor got on the end of a counter-strike, pushing forward and slamming a congested shot home. With the crowd on his side Taylor sent the conversion into the net at chest height.

The Tigers tried to impose themselves on the game through veterans Eddie Ockenden and Tim Deavin but it was young gun Jack Welch who looked like he might bring his team back into the game with some impressive field running and intercept possessions.

Rintala hit the scoreboard again in the second half, after receiving an impressive assist from the baseline he struck true. His stop-start approach to the conversion chance created enough space for him to add another goal to his sides total.

Weyer brought up his hattrick a few minutes later, scoring from a penalty corner with a powerful flick.

An amazing reaction time from Matthew Swann saw him take possession of a ball at the top of the D in the 52nd minute. He fired a shot which was deflected into the path of Taylor who sent the field goal past Tigers keeper Grant Woodcock.

Trailing 9-0, the Tigers finally hit the scoreboard by way of Sam McCambridge in the 55th minute. McCambridge was able to find a gap in the Queensland defence and send a shot into the net. He followed up in the one-on-one opportunity, smashing the ball through Blades keeper Matthew Flynn’s legs.

Welch forced his way into attack late in the game, blowing past his man to deliver a wonderful field goal. His conversion chance was denied by Flynn.

Despite a slight momentum shift the Blades were able to keep a buoyed Tigers side at bay long enough to secure the victory.

NSW Arrows 4 (Smith 30’ PP, Williams 36’, 36’) Victorian Vipers 3 (Hurtz 47’, 47’ 55’)

A tight contest at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre on Saturday afternoon saw New South Wales defeat Victoria 4-3 in their semi-final thriller, earning a spot in Sunday's AHL decider.

Standout performances from New South Wales captain Emily Smith and Victorian Vipers captain Emily Hurtz ensured for an exciting matchup in front of a bumper crowd.

The first term was tightly contested but an open shot in the D from Smith threatened to break the game open in the Arrows favour.

New South Wales were looking dangerous in the second period, Kate Jenner had a chance to open the scoring from a penalty corner but her shot was smothered by the Victorian defence.

Victorian co-captain Hurtz had her chance to open the Vipers scoring, running the ball into the D from the halfway line, unfortunately the experienced forward was unable to connect.

On the halftime hooter Victoria’s Rachael Lynch allowed her first field goal for the tournament when fellow Hockeyroo Emily Smith smashed one home during the Queensland PumpPlay. An engaged Lynch was able to defend the conversion opportunity with a diving stick save to end the quarter.

Victoria entered the second half ready to attack, creating back-to-back penalty corner opportunities, but were unable to reduce the deficit.

Having recently returned from a serious injury, Arrows player Mariah Williams made a splash, finding the backboard with a strong strike from within the D. Williams made no mistake with the follow up, scoring the first conversion goal against Vipers keeper Lynch for the tournament.

In the 47th minute of the match Hurtz found herself in an attacking position once again, this time she was able to score through traffic from the field before securing the conversion point with some serious stick work.

Two New South Wales cards in as many minutes saw Georgina Morgan and Arrows co-captain Tamsin Bunt sent off the pitch.

Trailing 4-2, the numerical advantage led to successive Victorian attacks and a penalty corner opportunity in the 55th minute. Aisling Utri took advantage of the opportunity and scored the drag flick.

A last second penalty corner gave the Vipers a chance to tie the game but some solid Arrows defence saw them hold onto the victory.

Queensland Scorchers 2 (Holzberger 14’, Kenny 25’) Canberra Strikers 1 (Bailey-Price 48’)

Thanks to some heroics from Hockeyroos Jodie Kenny and Jordyn Holzberger the Queensland Scorchers have defeated the Canberra Strikers 2-1 in the first semi-final of the AHL Finals on Saturday at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.

Rosie Malone, Stephanie Kershaw, and Kenny were amongst the best for the Scorchers, creating a number of attacking opportunities throughout the match. A goal from Catriona Bailey-Price kept the Canberra within striking distance but the visitors were unable to overcome Queensland in front of an energetic home crowd.

The first term was an arm wrestle with both sides having their chances in front of goals. It was the Scorchers who hit the scoreboard first when Rosie Malone stormed into the D off a penalty corner, her shot was deflected by Jordyn Holzberger who sneaked the ball into the back of the net.

A stick chop went in favour of Savannah Fitzpatrick in the 25th minute which saw Jodie Kenny line up for a penalty stroke. The veteran goal scorer powered the shot past Strikers keeper Rene Hunter to increase Queensland’s lead to two. Hunter stood her ground for the penalty conversion, defending the shot with her pads and denying the score.

There was no change to the scoreboard in the third term despite Queenslander Stephanie Kershaw’s best effort.

Bailey-Price delivered the breakthrough that Canberra desperately needed in the 48th minute. Bailey-Price found herself open with the ball on the edge of the D and made it count, rocketing the ball into the backboard for the Strikers first goal. Scorchers keeper Hannah Astbury skilfully defended two chances in the subsequent conversion opportunity.

Using the momentum of Bailey-Price’s field goal, Jessica Smith found herself storming down the pitch into the D before her attack was cut off, while Maddy Fitzpatrick had a drag flick saved for the Scorchers.

With just a minute remaining the Strikers pulled their keeper in an attempt to save the match but a series of defensive possessions from Queensland kept them in control until the final hooter.

Classification Matches

SA Suns 5 (Talbot 17', 17', Spano 26', Grist 53', 54') NT Pearls 0

The Suns will play for fifth spot on Sunday after cruising past the NT Pearls in the first game of Saturday morning's classification matches.

Lucy Talbot opened the scoring two minutes into the second quarter, before wrong-footing NT keeper Elizabeth Duguid with the conversion to make it 2-0.

Karri McMahon peppered the NT goal with a series of short corners, but it was Miki Spano who added the third with a powerful low drive from a PC in the 26th minute.

NT created few genuine goal opportunities although Duguid impressed with some sharp saves, including two conversion blocks.

Emily Grist's 53rd minute shot dribbled past Duguid after taking a deflection off an NT defender, but the keeper saved well from the field goal conversion.

Grist grabbed another a minute later when SA reset a penalty corner and she fired home, but was again denied by Duguid with the conversion.

NT Stingers 0 Victorian Vikings 11 (Philpott 4’,4’, Kleinschmidt 29’, 29’, Arunasalam 44’, 44’, Pollard 47’, Ephraums 56’, 58’ PP, 58’)

Day two of the AHL Finals started with a fast paced classification match between the Victoria and the Northern Territory which saw the Vikings defeat the Stingers 11-0.

With multiple goals to Andrew Philpott, Aaron Kleinschmidt, Kiran Arunasalam and Nathan Ephraums the Vikings emphatically secured their first win of the weekend and will now play for fifth.

Victoria had most of the play throughout the match and were dominant in attack. Some flashes of brilliance from the Northern Territory threatened the Vikings defence on occasion but ultimately the Stingers failed to hit the scoreboard

Philpott opened the scoring with a clever field goal that had Stingers keeper Adam Luck guessing. The subsequent conversion opportunity was just as effective with Philpott wrongfooting Luck for the bonus point

Kookaburra forward Kleinschmidt hit the scoreboard next with a powerful shot from inside the D, he too was able to send the conversion home.

Arunasalam made his mark late in the third term, finding a gap in the Stingers defence and scoring an impressive field goal. The talented forward went back for his conversion chance and successfully increased the Victorian lead.

Josh Pollard showed off his stuff sending a field goal into the back of the net but Luck was able to deflect the conversion.

Ephraums hit the scoreboard late, scoring from a penalty corner in the 56th minute of the match. He then nailed a three-point-play, scoring a double pointer during the Victorian PumpPlay and the conversion to boot.

WA Diamonds 10 (Slattery 4', 46', 46', Broek 11', 59', 59', Squibb 20', Bestall 27', 27') Tassie Van Demons 0

The WA Diamonds have bounced back from Thursday’s loss, defeating Tassie Van Demons 10-0 at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre on Saturday to book their spot in the fifth place final.

The Diamonds held the lead for the duration of the match thanks to strong performances from Hockeyroo Kathryn Slattery, Danielle Bestall and keeper Aleisha Power.

Penny Squibb, Roos Broek, Slattery and Bestall all found the goals for Western Australia while Ashleigh Arthur looked dangerous at times for Tasmania.

The Diamonds set the tone early through Slattery with a fourth minute goal from a penalty corner.

Broek hit the scoreboard next, slamming a penalty corner shot home in the 11th minute.

Diamonds fans didn’t have to wait long to celebrate, Squibb scored through congestion from a penalty corner in the 20th minute.

Thanks to a field goal and conversion from Bestall, the Diamond went into halftime leading 5-0.

The story didn’t change in the second half, Tassie tried to create some offensive pressure but were cut off by the Diamonds defence on a number of occasions.

Slattery imposed herself again in the 46th minute, bustling her way into the D and nailing the field goal. She backed it up with some clever stick work and scored the penalty conversion.

Broek came away with a three-point-play, scoring from the field during the Diamond’s PumpPlay and sending the conversion by Tasmanian keeper Ruby-Rose Haywood’s pads.

WA Thundersticks 3 (Robertson 41', Gabriel 41', 41') SA Hotshots 4 (Hetem 27' PP, Larwood 54', 54')

The SA Hotshots have won their way into the fifth place final after edging the Thundersticks in a seven-goal thriller.

Luke Larwood scored a dramatic 54th minute field goal and conversion to win it after WA had fought back from 2-0 down.

Frazer Gerrard was denied by SA keeper James Richardson from a fifth minute drag flick.

Down the other end, WA keeper Tyler Lovell had to be alert after a wayward pass, blocking Alastair Oliver who was in on goal.

Ross Hetem put the Hotshots ahead in the 27th minute, during SA's PumpPlay, although he was unable to make it a triple play with Lovell denying his conversion.

The game burst into life in the 40th minute when Richardson again denied Gerrard from a PC, before Daniel Robertson pulled one back for WA.

Robertson missed his conversion attempt, blocked initially before his follow-up hit the side-netting.

Barely seconds later, Jason Gabriel fired into the backboard to level the match. Gabriel emphatically slid his conversion attempt under Richardson to make it 3-2.

Kurtis Willson shot high in the 51st minute before Larwood's dramatic winner and conversion in the 54th minute won it for the Hotshots.

Head to www.hockeyaustralia.altiusrt.com or follow @HockeyAustralia on Twitter for game updates.

Hockey Australia media release

Day Three provides the Final Four



After three days of indoor hockey at the Belville Velodrome we are left with the top four in both the Mens and Women’s tournament. The tournament structures meant that the men had four quarter finals to decide the final four while the women completed their group stage and the top two from each group progressed to the trophy matches.

Mens Indoor Hockey IPT 2018 | Quarter Finals

Namibia 13-0 Mpumalanga
Northern Blues 3-6 Southern Gauteng
KZN Raiders 7-4 Psi WP Invitational
WP Peninsula *7-7 Western Province

It was business as usual for the superbly coached Namibian side as Trevor Cormack’s boys burst the Mpumalanga bubble with ease in a massive dismantling of the Hockey Farm alumni. They were joined in the Semi-Finals by Southern Gauteng, a team inspired by their four-goal scoring captain Chad Futcher in victory against their Northern neighbours the Blues. A three-goal burst in three minutes in the second half were the major differentiator between the two sides.

The defending champions, the KZN Raiders, were never trailing in their game against the PSI WP Invitational side, but they were well tested. Keegan Hezlett was the hero for the Raiders with four goals, but Jarryd Jones was the star of the show, regularly showing why he is so highly regarded in indoor hockey circles.

The final quarter final was a classic A vs. B team grudge match that lived up to expectation remarkably. WP Pens surprised no one with their intensity but it was enough to earn a half time lead of 4-3 with Ryan Byrne scoring the pick of the goals. The second half had the exact same score line but the other way meaning that despite the best efforts of Dale Isaac and Dayaan Cassiem, the WP men were held to a 7-7 draw with Pens and the winner decided on a shootout.

To the joy of the couple of hundred supporters and to Devin Stanton, Pens were victorious in the shootout winning 2-1 and progressing to the final four to the shock of their “A” team.

Mens Indoor Hockey IPT 2018 | Semi-Final Fixtures

Namibia vs. Southern Gauteng
KZN Raiders vs. Western Province Peninsula

Women’s Indoor Hockey IPT 2018 | Group A

Pool A was ultimately decided in the morning game when SPAR KZN Raiders and Southern Gauteng played out a tremendous match to the delight of the crowd. Newly capped South African indoor player Lilian du Plessis missed an early penalty stroke but Southerns would earn the lead through Gabriella Terblanche, but national captain Cindy Hack and former national team mate Shelley Higgo turned a deficit into a lead. Du Plessis made amends with a bullet from the pc on the verge of half-time.

Petro Stoffberg was in sensational form for Southerns in goals denying Raiders with some superb saves, but she could not stop Higgo and Hack from getting their seconds and denying them a win.

The KZN Mynahs managed to seal third spot in the group, meaning they will play for position 5-8, while Free State missed out on that bracket by one goal to the WP Disa’s. Eastern Gauteng finished bottom of pool A.

Women’s Indoor Hockey IPT 2018 | Group B

Although the top two were decided before the last game, the final game did decide the order of the two when Western Province took on KZN Inland. It was Western Province who produced the most professional performance to snatch top spot with a business like 3-1 win. The highly impressive Nidia Vermeulen got a goal either side of half-time, pushing forward a little more than usual and catching the Inlands by surprise and when Robyn Pinder made it 3-0 it was game over. Inlands did get a superb team goal back through Taryn Turner, but it was a merely a consolation and they would have to settle for a semi-final encounter with SPAR KZN Raiders.

WP Pens secured third spot in the group with 2-1 win over SG Witsies, while Mpumalanga got into the top 8 courtesy of a defensive masterclass in a 1-1 draw with Northern Blues.

Women’s Indoor Hockey IPT 2018 | Semi-Final Fixtures

SPAR KZN Raiders vs. KZN Inland
Southern Gauteng vs. Namibia

SA Hockey Association media release

ROUND-UP: Investec English Women's Hockey League

Slough secured their first win of the season at the expense of high-flying Holcombe, holding on to an early lead to win 2-1 in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.

Slough went 2-0 up inside the first 15 minutes thanks to a double from Emma Onien, both from penalty corners.

They held on into the second period, but saw their lead halved when Steph Elliott scored for the visitors on 44 minutes and set up a tense final 25 minutes.

But Slough held on, and jumped up to seventh in the table while Holcombe drop to fourth.

Leaders Surbiton went five points clear with a 3-1 triumph over Beeston.

The game saw all four goals scored inside the first 20 minutes with Jenna Woolven scoring two in quick succession to get the visitors off to a quick start.

Lauren Burrell pulled one back only three minutes later with a field goal for Beeston before Olivia Chilton restored the two-goal cushion for Surbiton.

Buckingham secured a convincing 4-0 win over a struggling Canterbury side to jump into second spot with other results going their way.

First half goals from Eloise Laity and Zoe Shipperley were added to in the second period by Natasha James and Phoebe Richards for the travelling side.

East Grinstead beat Clifton Robinsons with Lucy Holder’s 25th minute goal being the only score of the game.

Elsewhere, bottom of the table Bowdon Hightown took a point from a 2-2 draw with the University of Birmingham. Amelia Andrew gave the visitors an early lead before Rosie Bailey restored parity. Amy Costello put the University of Birmingham back in front, before Aine Curran found the goal in the 41st minute for the home side.

Investec Women’s Conference East

Cambridge City got back to winning ways in the Investec Women’s Conference East, beating Hampstead & Westminster 3-2.

Megan Crowson scored all three of the Cambridge goals, including a last minute strike to help her side leapfrog Hampstead & Westminster into top spot.

Harleston Magpies continued their good form as they beat hosts Sevenoaks 2-1. Lauren Rowe slotted home two early penalty corners before half time as the Magpies go second, level with Cambridge City.

Wimbledon edged their way into the top three with an away win over the struggling Horsham whilst a brace from Maddie Axford led Bedford to a 3-1 win over St Albans.

Elsewhere, Southgate prevailed in a bottom-two clash against Ipswich, winning by a solitary goal.

Investec Women’s Conference North

Loughborough Students remained top of the Investec Conference North after securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Brooklands-Poynton.

Jen Park netted on 11 minutes before Alice Rolfe and Lucy Millington both hit the back of the net after the half, denying University of Durham the chance to overtake them in the evening fixture.

Fylde got the largest victory of the day as they ran out 6-1 winners away from home to Timperley with Leanne Sharples and Jenny Key both bagging a brace.

Leicester weren’t far off however with a 4-1 victory over Sutton Coldfield. Liz George scored twice with Lauren England and Chloe Rogers also on hand.

Elsewhere Ben Rhydding overcame Belper with only nine minutes to spare in a 2-1 victory, while Leeds held the University of Durham to a 1-1 draw.

Investec Women’s Conference West

Stourport remained unbeaten in the Investec Conference West by beating Gloucester City 2-0 in a clash of second and third. First half goals from the prolific Lottie Atkinson and Bethan Merriman gave them the victory.

Their away win sent them top of the table after Olton & West Warwicks failed to beat Oxford Hawks with a 2-2 draw.

Katie Lowe and Becky Odlin gave the hosts Oxford a 2-0 lead but couldn’t make it last in the second period with Alice Conquest and Jenny Pritchard drew Olton level.

The crowd at Exe versus Trojans got their money’s worth with a seven goal affair taking place, with Trojans coming out on top.

Amy Sheehan scored a hat-trick of field goals with her final one coming on the 58th minute to see the visitors go home 4-3 winners.

Reading leapfrogged Barnes into seventh with a 3-2 home victory with a double from Sophie Shakespeare whilst Swansea City beat Isca 1-0.

RESULTS

Investec Women’s Hockey League

Investec Women’s Premier Division: Beeston 1, Surbiton 3; Bowdon Hightown 2, Univ of Birmingham 2; Canterbury 0, Buckingham 4; East Grinstead 1, Clifton Robinsons 0; Slough 2, Holcombe 1.

Investec Women’s Conference East: Bedford 3, St Albans 1; Cambridge City 3, Hampstead & Westminster 2; Horsham 1, Wimbledon 3; Ipswich 0, Southgate 1; Sevenoaks 1, Harleston magpies 2.

Investec Women’s Conference North: Belper 1, Ben Rhydding 2; Leeds 1, Univ of Durham 1; Leicester 4, Sutton Coldfield 1; Loughborough Students 3, Brooklands Poynton 0; Timperley 1, Fylde 6.

Investec Women’s Conference West: Exe 3, Trojans 4; Gloucester City 0, Stourport 2; Oxford Hawks 2, Olton & West Warwicks 2; Reading 3, Barnes 2; Swansea City 1, Isca 0.

England Hockey Board Media release

Perak, Terengganu share the spoils

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Perak were held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited Terengganu in a Razak Cup Division One match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

Perak scored first off a field attempt from Haziq Samsul in the 27th minute before Terengganu equalised through Najmi Farizal Jazlan in the 37th minute.

Both goalkeepers also played pivotal roles for their respective teams.

Perak goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin, a former national player, made several brilliant saves, and at the other end, former Junior World Cup custodian Hazrul Faiz Sobri saved more than five point-blank shots.

National player Fitri Saari who opted out of the Asian Champions Trophy to attend his convocation at Universiti Malaya did a brilliant job to motivate his Terengganu teammates until the final whistle.

Fitri, however, said he was disappointed with the draw.

"Disappointing... a really disappointing draw. We had a few clean shots at goal but our forwards could not convert them.

"We can't afford to drop anymore points. We need to minimise mistakes and be sharper in our remaining matches,” said Fitri.

Results

Men’s Division One: Perak 1 Terengganu 1,

Division Two: Police 4 Singapore 2, Kelantan 1 Armed Forces 4, Selangor 1 Pahang 5.

Women's Group A: Selangor 3 Police 3, Kuala Lumpur 5 Singapore 1.

FIXTURES: SUNDAY

Men's Division One: Johor v Kuala Lumpur (4pm, Pitch I), Perak v Malacca (4pm, Pitch II), Penang v Terengganu (6pm, Pitch I).

Women's Group A: Kuala Lumpur v Police (9.30am, Pitch II), Malacca v Selangor (9.30am, Pitch I);

Group B: Pahang v Armed Forces (7.30am, Pitch II), Penang v Terengganu (7,30am, Pitch I).

* matches at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil

New Straits Times

Women’s hockey coach mulls training in Holland

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian women’s hockey coach K. Dharmaraj wants his players to be based in Holland to prepare for the FIH World Series in Ireland from June 8-16 next year.

Malaysia are ranked 22nd in the world and they will face a tough task against higher-ranked teams in the tournament.

The other teams in fray are world No. 8 Ireland – runners-up to champions Holland in the World Cup in London in June, world No. 10 South Korea, Scotland (No. 18), the Czech Republic (No. 19), Ukraine (No. 27), France (No. 32) and another team yet to be confirmed.

Dharmaraj, who guided Malaysia to qualify for the first time in the World League Semi-finals in Belgium last year, said they will face a strong challenge in Ireland as only the top two teams will qualify for the next round of the World Series.

“Out of the eight teams that will feature in the World Series, five are from Europe.

“Teams like Ireland, Scotland and the Czech Republic are all ranked higher than us and we need to train and play against the European teams for exposure.

“The best place to train and play matches in Europe is in Holland as they are the world champions.

“We need to be based in Holland for three months to improve every aspect of the game and the weather there is similar to the weather in Ireland,” said Dharmaraj.

“We need to play against the Dutch Division One teams and also with some top Division Two teams to learn the European style of play.

“We hope one of the Dutch clubs will allow us to use their grounds for training,” said Dharmaraj, who has discussed the idea of training in Holland with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal.

“We need to get the approval from Datuk Seri Subahan and also from MHC technical director Terry Walsh to allow us to train and play matches in Holland.

“We have eight national players who are currently playing in four European leagues.”

Goalkeeper Farah Ayuni Yahya is playing for East Grindstead club in England. Nuraini Rashid and Fatin Syafika Sukri are playing for Butterfly Roma club in Italy while Hanis Nadiah Onn and Wan Norfaiezah Saiuti are with German club Wespen Zehlendorfer.

Three players Raja Norsharina Raja Shahbuddin, Surizan Awang Noh and Noraslinda Said are playing for Uddingston Club in the Scottish League.

The Star of Malaysia

Akhimullah wants to take Malaysia to Junior World Cup

By Aftar Singh



KUALA LUMPUR: Prolific forward Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook (pic) is looking forward for better achievement in hockey competitions next year.

The 18-year-old player from Terengganu played a pivotal role in helping Malaysia win their first ever gold in the Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, two weeks ago.

Malaysia defeated India 4-2 in the final and Akhimullah was the top scorer in Buenos Aires with 22 goals.

He now wants to help Malaysia qualify for 2020 Junior World Cup.

To qualify for the Junior World Cup, Malaysia must finish in the top three in next year’s Asian Junior Championships.

Akhimullah, who is pursuing a pre-university course at Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) in Bandar Penawar, said this year has been an excellent one for him.

“I helped SSTMI bag the double – league and overall in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) in May by winning the top scorer award (17 goals).

“And it feels really good to help Malaysia finish in the top two in the Asian Youth Olympics Games in Bangkok in May by netting 17 goals,” said Akhimullah.

“I now want to help Malaysia win more honours in competitions next year. The most important tournament is the Asian Junior Championships.

“We have a good set of players, who can give a good fight to other teams in Asia to book our place in the 2020 Junior World Cup,” said Akhimullah, who now wants to help Terengganu to do well in the Razak Cup.

Terengganu, who lost to Perak 3-2 in the final, drew 1-1 with the silver state 1-1 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Muhd Haziq Samsul gave Perak the lead in the 27th minute off a field goal before the East Coast team equalised through Muhd Najmi Farizal Jazlan from a penalty corner in the 37th minute.

The Star of Malaysia

Greene hails “unbelievable” Newtown story as Waterford school go from Munster B to All-Ireland champs

All-Ireland Schoolboys Championships final


Newtown celebrate their success. Pic: Billy Pollock

“It’s just unbelievable.” Over the course of a 90-second interview in the moments after victory, Newtown coach Stuart Greene – tears drying on his cheeks – repeats the phrase seven times.

It is a measure of the seismic shock as the Waterford school produced probably the biggest surprise win in the 36-year history of the Tasmanian Shield. In so doing, they became just the fifth school to win both the boys and girls titles, emulating their 1981 Kate Russell winners.

Isaac Johnson’s sweetly timed volley 30 seconds before half-time did the damage, allowing them to lay the base with a teak-tough defensive performance to land the crown.

In the end, Banbridge Academy could not summon yet another amazing comeback having somehow twice gone almost into overtime to stay in the competition.

It proved a game too far as Newtown offered up scarcely a chance while, on the counter, they looked more likely to grab a second. Given their history in the competition, it was a remarkably composed performance.

Newtown had never emerged from the group stages before and had been a B division school in Munster up until just a few years ago.

Two years ago, they were tonked 8-0 and 7-0 in the All-Ireland group stages but they have grown into a powerful unit under coach Stuart Greene.

But such a success was beyond any of his wildest dreams, particularly against an Academy side who have shared the All-Ireland crown with St Andrew’s for the past eight years and were searching for their sixth title.

“When I started eight years ago in Newtown, we were a B school in Munster. To come from where we have to where we are now is just unbelievable.

We have some unbelievable players in the school and you saw it there today, a really good core and a really good work ethic. To be All-Ireland champions is just unbelievable.

“In 2016, we qualified for the first time in ten years. We got beaten 8-0 by St Andrew’s, 7-0 by Wallace. To come back last year, beating Sullivan was a big one, knowing we would have the full team back again this year. It was a big stepping stone.”

In Ben Johnson, Newtown had the tournament’s outstanding talent in midfield with glorious individual skills and a wide array of passes. Harry McCarthy, the McInerney brothers, Ian Balding and Sam Johnson – twin of Isaac, younger brother of Ben – were also outstanding, taming an Academy side driven by Eddie Rowe.

Bann had the best of the first 10 minutes but, as the half developed, the Munster side started having the better of the exchanges.

And they went in front from their third corner in the dying embers of the first half. The ball was switched right and then back into the middle, a defensive stick chipping the ball into Isaac Johnson’s path where he clipped it low into the backboard.

In the second half, Bann spent most of the time with the ball, skirting around the edges of the circle but unable to find more than one set piece for Rowe to produce one of his specials.

On Thursday, the powerful midfielder scored twice in the last six minutes to see Academy through ahead of Wesley 2-1. In the semi-final against St Andrew’s, he summoned an equaliser with the last play to earn a 2-2 draw and a shoot-out chance.

“Banbridge didn’t really have that clear-cut chance,” Greene added. “They had a couple of corners but our defence there against Friends yesterday, against High School this one against Banbridge was unbelievable.

“They put their bodies on the line, defended hard, and created plenty ourselves. We maybe should have scored one or two more but that goal was perfect just before half-time to be able to sit back and counter.”


Picture: Billy Pollock

Indeed, McCarthy, Isaac and Ben Johnson’s runs from midfield at the heart of the Bann defence almost made for a more comfortable last five minutes. It stayed tense but soon the tears of joy were allowed to flow.

Newtown: L Drayton, L Allen, S Johnson, E McInerney, D Gahan, I Balding, B McInerney, H McCarthy, B Johnson, I Johnson, R Treacy
Subs: M Laura, S O’Neill, T Delaney, P Cooke, H Belton

Banbridge Academy: S Dale, P Campbell, M Cowan, L McConnell, E Rowe, M Barlow, C Rowe, H Lockhart, L Bingham, L Rowe, H Farson
Subs: R Simms, L Groves, C Curry, A Jordan, M Anderson

All-Ireland Schoolboys Championships
Final: Newtown School, Waterford 1 (I Johnson) Banbridge Academy 0
Semi-final: Newtown School 4 High School 3; St Andrew’s 2 Banbridge Academy 2, Banbridge win shoot-out 3-1

The Hook

No. 6 Field Hockey Clinches Fifth Ivy Title in Program History

By Ben Stern


The Crimson's 6-0 shutout win over Dartmouth guarantees itself a share of the title no matter the results of the final weekend of play. Photo: Timothy R. O'Meara

The No. 6 Harvard field hockey team added to its ledger of achievements on Saturday, notching a 6-0 win over Dartmouth to earn at least a share of the 2018 Ivy League title. Extending a program-record win streak to 12, the Crimson also clinched a berth in the NCAA tournament. The postseason appearance will be the program’s second in the last three years and sixth all-time.

“It feels amazing,” sophomore midfielder Tessel Huibregtsen said. “We have such a strong team and even under these conditions — away game, bad weather, and the pressure of being to secure the share of a championship — we can execute our plans.”

Harvard (15-1, 6-0 Ivy) dominated the entire game despite the frigid, rainy conditions, putting 21 shots on goal. The Big Green (6-9, 2-4) managed only one, which was handled easily by freshman goalkeeper Ellie Shahbo. Shahbo has now won her last nine starts and conceded only three goals in that stretch.

“My defense makes it very easy for me,” Shahbo said with a laugh. “I don’t actually have to do that much. I was just sitting around getting cold today.”

Junior midfielder Casey Allen opened the scoring at 22:15 with a quick finish at the end of a penalty corner sequence, and junior forward Maddie Earle followed with a goal of her own a few minutes later.

The Crimson entered the locker room at half nursing a 2-0 lead and looking for insurance. It got it from Allen, who found the net again at 39:49 to put Harvard up 3-0 and later tallied an assist to finish with a career-high five points.

Senior back Olivia Allin whipped a shot into the top shelf shortly after, and Earle then scored again to put the game essentially out of reach. Earle’s pair pushed her season total to 14 goals, and she now sits atop the Ivy League leaderboard in the category.

Junior midfielder Bente van Vlijmen put the cherry on top of the win with a turnaround flick into the cage at 66:41. The Dutch native was on the prowl all afternoon, pacing the team with eight shots, all on goal.

“One of our big mottoes this year is ‘next five minutes’ and just stay focused,” van Vlijmen said. “We were all super happy.”

Clearly, she took that message to heart on Saturday, when neither sleet nor the efforts of Big Green senior goalkeeper Hailey Valerio could prevent her from eventually breaking through for a goal.

For the team’s leadership, the moment was even more special. The program won a banner in 2016, but after a disappointing 2017 season, the seniors are thrilled to be back on top.

“The growth over the past four years has been fantastic, and it has been an honor to be a part of it with my senior classmates,” co-captain Kathleen Young said. “This season we’ve seen success because our goals have been process-based. Our team goal is to improve every game and . . . see what the outcome is at the end of the game.”

Head coach Tjerk van Herwaarden was proud of his squad.

“We knew what [this game] was going to be, and we mentally prepared for it,” van Herwaarden said. “This team is on a mission. We did a good job of being able to control the controllables.”

As excited as they are, the players acknowledge that their work is not done yet. The Crimson will honor its seniors as it takes on Columbia on Nov. 3 on its home turf, where it is undefeated this season. Harvard spoiled Dartmouth’s senior game, and it will try to ensure that the Lions can’t return the favor. With a win, the Crimson will gain sole possession of the Ivy League throne, and the whole program is hungry.

“We didn’t celebrate too much today,” van Herwaarden said. “We want to win outright on our home field. We don’t want to share this title with anyone.”

The Crimson