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All the news for Sunday 2 February 2020

2020 FIH Pro League (Men) - 2 February

31 Jan 2020    ESP v NED (RR)     3 - 4
1 Feb 2020      ESP v NED (RR)      2 - 4
1 Feb 2020     AUS v GBR (RR)     4 - 4 (3 - 1 SO)
1 Feb 2020     NZL v BEL (RR)     2 - 6
2 Feb 2020     AUS v GBR (RR)     5 - 1
2 Feb 202      NZL v BEL (RR)     1 - 3

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool Standings

FIH Match Centre

2020 FIH Pro League (Women) - 2 February

1 Feb 2020      NZL v BEL (RR)     1 - 2
1 Feb 2020)     AUS v GBR (RR)     2 - 1
2 Feb 2020     NZL v BEL (RR)     4 -1
2 Feb 2020     AUS v GBR (RR)     0 - 1 (HT - Match abandoned due to heavy rain)

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool Standings

FIH Match Centre

Note: there is a bit of confusion over the points awarded for the AUS - GB Women's game that was abandoned due to heavy persistent rain. In Post match interviews the GB players indicated they had been told Australia would be getting 3 points and GB 0 despite leading at half time. THe FIH Match Centre Tables have given the win to GB and awarded them 3 Points and Australia 0. At the end of commentary on the FIH.Live streaming of the Game the commentators announced the match as drawn with 1 point awarded to each side. This is the version we have gone with until there is formal notification of what is happening. None of the three permutations changes the Pool positions for either team for this weekend.

Olivia Merry becomes Black Sticks' leading goalscorer with four in win over Belgium

Andrew Voerman


Olivia Merry is now the Black Sticks women's all-time leading goalscorer. (File Photo) MARTIN HUNTER/GETTY IMAGES

Olivia Merry has become the all-time leading goalscorer for the Black Sticks women, netting four times in their win over Belgium on Sunday.

Her prolific afternoon at the National Hockey Centre on Auckland's North Shore ensured the two teams split their pair of fixtures over the weekend.

It also means the Black Sticks are on the board in this year's FIH Pro League, where they are looking to improve on last year's sixth-place finish.

Belgium took an early lead when Abi Raye scored a field goal midway through the opening quarter, but there was no further action before the end of the second quarter.

Merry drew the Black Sticks level within a minute of the restart with a field goal, then put them in front from a penalty corner four minutes later.

Another penalty corner goal came with nine minutes to play to give the home team some breathing space, then set a new national record when she added another field goal with five minutes to play.

Merry has now 106 goals for the Black Sticks, pipping Anita McLaren's mark of 105.

The win would have come as a relief, after the Black Sticks lost 2-1 to Belgium in the first match of the weekend on Saturday, with Gemma McCaw scoring on her return to the black singlet.

The Black Sticks men's search for a first Pro League win remains ongoing, after they followed up Saturday's 6-2 loss to Belgium with a 3-1 defeat on Sunday.

Alexander Hendrickx and Sébastien Dockier scored in the second quarter to give the visitors a 2-0 halftime lead. Blair Tarrant pulled one back in the third quarter for the hosts, but Tanguy Cosyns sealed the win late on.

Both Black Sticks teams will face Great Britain in a pair of double-headers back at the National Hockey Centre next weekend.

Black Sticks women 4 (Olivia Merry 31, 35, 51, 55) Belgium 1 (Abi Raye 7').

Belgium 3 (Alexander Hendrickx 19, Sébastien Dockier 24', Tanguy Cosyns 53') Black Sticks men 1 (Blair Tarrant 35')

Stuff

History is made in Auckland and Dutch complete double over Spain

By Sarah Juggins



Hockey history was made in Saturday’s games in Auckland, which became the first top tier international hockey matches to have mixed gender umpires on the field of play. Australia’s Steve Rogers and Wanri Venter of South Africa took charge of the women’s clash between New Zealand and Belgium, while the men’s fixture was umpired by the Australian pairing of Adam Kearns and Aleisha Neumann.

In Auckland, New Zealand’s women fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of visiting Belgium thanks largely to a sensational goalkeeping performance from Aisling D’Hooghe, who was named player of the match. Ambre Ballenghien’s speculative backhand strike from an acute angle put the Red Panthers ahead inside the opening three minutes before Gemma McCaw, playing her first international match since the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, levelled early in the second quarter. D’Hooghe made a string of wonderful saves to keep deny the Black Sticks from moving ahead before Anne-Sophie Weyns gave Belgium victory with a penalty corner slap-shot nine minutes from time. It was a second successive victory for Belgium on Kiwi soil, having also beaten the Black Sticks away from home in the 2019 edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League.

On her team’s impressive defensive performance, particularly from penalty corners, shot-stopper D’Hooghe said: “I think it is a big focus point for us. We did a good penalty corner defence last year, and we have to do the same this year. We will keep working on it.”

More information about the match can be found on the live reporting page by clicking here.

The Red Lions ensured it was a day of double Belgian celebration in Auckland, with the world number one ranked team storming to a 6-2 victory against the Black Sticks. The reigning World and European champions exploded out of the blocks, establishing a 3-0 lead inside the first ten minutes thanks to two superb Felix Denayer field goals and a penalty corner from Tom Boon. George Muir pulled a goal back early in the second quarter, but Sebastien Dockier and Nicolas de Kerpel took the score to 5-2 before Muir struck again to re-ignite New Zealand’s interest in the contest. However, a stunning high deflection from Player of the Match Boon eight minutes from time completed a resounding and deserved victory for Belgium.

“I think we are in a good way, we keep the ball for long moments and we see that when we do that teams struggle [against us], said Boon post-match. “All in all, we had a pretty good game.”

For more information, click here.

In Sydney, Australia men found themselves on the brink of defeat before eventually claiming two points from a possible three by winning a shoot-out against Great Britain after regular time finished with the scores locked at 4-4. The match - played in searing temperatures that triggered FIH’s inclement weather procedure to give players additional rest during the game – was a thriller, with Great Britain turing a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead thanks to strikes from Zach Wallace, Rupert Shipperley and Liam Ansell before late goals from Aran Zalewski and Trent Mitton sent the game into a shoot-out. Alan Forsyth was the only scorer for GB, with Jake Whetton, Flynn Ogilvie and Jake Harvie on target as the Kookaburras nicked the bonus point.

“It was pretty close in the end”, said Australia’s Lachlan Sharp, who was named Player of the Match. “We train for this every day. It’s pretty hot here at the moment, but luckily we were fit enough to come through in the end.”

For more information, click here.

Grace Stewart scored a dramatic late winner as Australia’s Hockeyroos defeated reigning Olympic champions Great Britain 2-1 in Sydney. GB - who like their men, were playing their first match in the 2020 FIH Hockey Pro League – took a 1-0 lead early in the second quarter thanks to Sarah Robertson’s field goal, with Australia needing just eight minutes to restore parity when Stephanie Kershaw found the back of the net. The hosts withstood intense pressure from the visitors in the third and fourth quarter, with Australia goalkeeper and Player of the Match Jocelyn Bartram producing numerous excellent blocks to keep the scores level. Australia emerged with all three points when Stewart clinically dispatch a backhand strike with just 12 seconds of the contest remaining.

Speaking after the match, Jocelyn Bartram said: “The girls played the full 60 minutes to be able to get the win at the end. I’m really proud of our defensive efforts today, particularly on PCs [penalty corners]. We couldn’t have done it without the girls running it down, so we are really excited to get the win today.”

For more information click here.

It was another goal-fest in Valencia as Spain and the Netherlands played out a highly competitive 2-4 encounter, with the Dutch proving themselves more adept at turning pressure into goals.

The Spanish players couldn't have given any more as they moved the ball rapidly during some beautiful build-up play but they could find no way through a staunch Dutch defence.

For their part, the Netherlands soaked up the rpessure and then hit the Red Sticks on the counter attack. Goals from player of the match Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, Mink van der Weerden and Bjorn Kellerman were enough to quell the Spanish attacking instincts. Spain struck back through Marc Miralles and, in the final minute of the game, Ricardo Sanchez.

The day was bitter-sweet for Spain's Quico Cortes. The goalkeeper was playing his 300th game for his country and pulled off a strng of fabulous saves during the match.

Speaking after the game, Jip Janssen said: "It [the match]was very much like yesterday. Both teams played with a very high intensity. Our defending was very good and we were very fast with our counter-attacks."

Miguel Delas, the defeated captain, said: "Today we have to be realistic. We didn't play at our level and we made some mistakes. Holland were very efficient. To win at this level, we have to be at the top of our game."

The result means the Netherlands move to second in the league table, one point behind European neighbours, Belgium. Spain sit in seventh position, ahead of Argentina who are yet to play, and New Zealand.

For more information click here.

The FIH Hockey Pro League continues on Sunday (2 February), with the second matches of the New Zealand versus Belgium and Australia versus Great Britain double-headers taking place in Auckland and Sydney respectively.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  

FIH Hockey Pro League 

Match Day 9 – Saturday 01 February 2020

North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland (NZL)

Women’s result: New Zealand 1, Belgium 2 (Match 1 of 2)
Player of the Match: Aisling D’Hooghe (GK - BEL)
Umpires: Steve Rogers (AUS), Wanri Venter (RSA) & Aleisha Neumann (AUS - video)

Men’s result: New Zealand 2, Belgium 6 (Match 1 of 2)
Player of the Match: Tom Boon (BEL)
Umpires: Adam Kearns (AUS), Aleisha Neumann (AUS) & Steve Rogers (AUS - video)

Sydney Olympic Park (AUS)

Men’s result: Australia 4, Great Britain 4 – 3-1 After Shoot-Out (Match 1 of 2)
Player of the Match: Lachlan Sharp (AUS)
Umpires: David Tomlinson (NZL), Javed Shaikh (IND) & Emi Yamada (JPN - video)

Women’s result: Australia 2, Great Britain 1 (Match 1 of 2)
Player of the Match: Jocelyn Bartram (GK - AUS)
Umpires: Kelly Hudson (NZL), Emi Yamada (JPN) & Javed Shaikh (IND - video)

Estadio Betero, Valencia (ESP)

Men’s result: Spain 2, Netherlands 4 (Match 2 of 2)
Player of the Match: Jip Janssen (NED)
Umpires: Ben Goentgen (GER), Christian Blasch (GER) & Sean Rapaport (RSA - video)

Upcoming fixtures

Match Day 10 – Sunday 02 February 2020

Auckland (NZL) – Women: New Zealand v Belgium (Match 2 of 2)
Time: 1500 (GMT/UTC +13)

Sydney (AUS) – Men: Australia v Great Britain (Match 2 of 2)
Time: 1500 (GMT/UTC +11)

Auckland (NZL) – Men: New Zealand v Belgium (Match 2 of 2)
Time: 1730 (GMT/UTC +13)

Sydney (AUS) – Women: Australia v Great Britain (Match 2 of 2)
Time: 1730 (GMT/UTC +11)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site

Australia strike late to beat Britain in women's FIH Pro League

By Liam Morgan


Australia's women beat reigning Olympic champions Britain in Sydney ©FIH

Hosts Australia fought back from a goal down to beat reigning Olympic champions Britain in the women's International Hockey Federation Pro League in Sydney.

Grace Stewart scored a dramatic late winner to give the home side maximum points at Sydney Olympic Park.

Sarah Robertson opened the scoring for Britain, playing in their first Pro League match of the season, in the second quarter before Stephanie Kershaw equalised eight minutes later.

That was how it stayed until 12 seconds from time as Stewart fired home a backhand strike to hand Australia their first victory of the 2020 campaign.

"The girls played the full 60 minutes to be able to get the win at the end," said Australia's goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram.

"I’m really proud of our defensive efforts today, particularly on penalty corners.

"We couldn’t have done it without the girls running it down, so we are really excited to get the win today."

Australia's men were held to a 4-4 draw by Britain before triumphing 3-1 in a shoot-out.

https://www.insidethegames.biz/media/image/168966/o/belgium.jpg
Belgium's men completed a double for the European side over hosts New Zealand in Auckland ©FIH

Britain turned a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 advantage thanks to goals from Zach Wallace, Rupert Shipperley and Liam Ansell, but late strikes by Aran Zalewski and Trent Mitton sent the game into a shoot-out.

Jake Whetton, Flynn Ogilvie and Jake Harvie were all on target for Australia, while Alan Forsyth was the only scorer for the visitors.

Belgium moved top of the men's standings with a thumping 6-2 win over New Zealand at the North Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland.

The world and European champions, ranked number one in the world, were 3-0 up in the first 10 minutes and went on to complete a dominant victory.

Tom Boon and Felix Denayer scored twice, while Sébastien Dockier and Nicolas de Kerpel also found the net in a convincing attacking performance from the Belgian team.

Belgium's women had earlier beaten New Zealand 2-1 thanks to goals from Ambre Ballenghien and Anne-Sophie Weyns.

Inside the Games

Kookaburras’ character comes to the fore in shootout win over GB


Trent Mitton celebrates levelling the scores to force a shootout

The Kookaburras have fought back from two goals down to secure an incredible 3-1 penalty shootout win against Great Britain after scores were locked 4-4 at full time in their FIH Pro League encounter at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre.

With the thermometer reaching a sweltering 45 degrees Celsius at pushback, the Kookaburras’ never say die attitude was on full display as the defending champions came from two goals down in the last quarter to celebrate the milestones of Jake Whetton (200 games) and Tom Craig (100 games) with their first win of the 2020 FIH Pro League campaign.

“It was a big improvement from last week so I’m happy with the way we took the game on,” said Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch.

“Our third quarter wasn’t good…they had three shots for three goals so there is some tidy up to do around that but I’m very pleased with our ability to come back from that situation and put a lot of pressure on Great Britain.”

“We’re not happy to be in the position we found ourselves in but it certainly wasn’t panic stations, there was still a quarter to get through and I thought we handled the situation very well.

“We are always learning and there were some big ticks out of the game, so I feel like we’re making some progress but there is always something to improve on.”

The Kookaburras had looked in complete control throughout the first half, with debutant Nathan Ephraums lively in attack.

The 20 year old fashioned three decent early chances, one an impressive reverse stick effort that tested the reflexes of Great Britain goalkeeper Harry Gibson.

But it would take a veteran to break the deadlock for the home side, a diving Eddie Ockenden knocking the ball home in a close-range scramble after Tim Brand’s sharp rebound work from a penalty corner.

The Kookaburras’ advantage lasted barely 60 seconds as Great Britain star Ashley Jackson saw his initial drag flick blocked but followed up and struck it past goalkeeper Tyler Lovell at the second time of asking.

Minutes before the main break the Kookaburras restored their lead courtesy of a beautifully worked team goal that started with Corey Weyer followed by Ephraums to Craig and finished with Tom Wickham who was perfectly positioned to tuck the ball past Gibson.

However, the game was turned on its head in the third quarter as Great Britain struck three times to turn a one deficit into a two goal advantage with a quarter to play.

A superb solo effort from Great Britain speedster Zac Wallace sparked the visitors, before Welshman Rupert Shipperley and Liam Ansell capitalised on defensive mistakes to make it 4-2.

The Kookaburras’ best chance of the third quarter saw Matthew Swann find Trent Mitton unmarked, but the West Australian’s deflection ricocheted off the upright.

With it all to do in the final 15 minutes, Craig was doing his best to inspire a comeback in his 100th game, and after string of penalty corners, the Kookaburras were suddenly within one with four minutes to go.

After an initial drag flick was blocked, the ball came to Matt Dawson who passed to an unmarked Aran Zalewski and the Kookaburras captain calmly steered the ball in from a tight angle.

With Lovell replaced by a field player in the dying minutes, the Kookaburras’ patience and persistence was rewarded when Mitton knocked home the 59th minute equaliser to make it 4-4 and send the game to a shootout.



Swann’s opening effort of the shootout was well saved and Great Britain took advantage through Alan Forsyth’s conversion from the penalty spot.

Milestone man Whetton levelled the scores up at 1-1 before Lovell made three consecutive saves to guide the Kookaburras home, in conjunction with conversions to Jake Harvie and Flynn Ogilvie.

“At the end of the third quarter Batchy just calmed us down a little bit, and especially having four minutes in between the quarters because of the heat, it gives you a bit more time to settle down and reset so that was probably something we needed,” said Whetton post match.

“We were creating a lot of chances so we knew we didn’t have anything to lose and we just went from there.”

“To be able to respond like that early in the year is pretty special…we obviously won’t be trying to put ourselves in positions like that.

“But to be able to come back and finish off in the shootout, which is such an important part of our game now and you never know the Olympic Games could come down to a shootout, so I’m really happy that we got the win and we move on.”

The teams will be back at it tomorrow from 3pm AEDT. Tickets are available from Ticketek and the match will be broadcast LIVE on Kayo and/or Fox Sports.

Match Details
Kookaburras 4 (Ockenden 19’, Wickham 29’, Zalewski 56’, Mitton 59’)
Great Britain 4 (Jackson 20’, Wallace 31’, Shipperley 44’, Ansell 45’)
Kookaburras win 3-1 on penalties
@ Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre

Kookaburras: 1.Lachlan Sharp, 2.Tom Craig, 3.Corey Weyer, 4.Jake Harvie, 5.Tom Wickham, 6.Matthew Dawson, 7.Nathan Ephraums, 11.Eddie Ockenden, 12.Jake Whetton, 16.Tim Howard, 17.Aran Zalewski (c), 20.Matthew Swann, 22.Flynn Ogilvie, 24.Tyler Lovell (Gk), 25.Trent Mitton, 29.Tim Brand, 32.Jeremy Hayward
Unused Substitute: 30.Andrew Charter (gk)

Great Britain: 3.Luke Taylor, 7.Alan Forsyth, 8.Rupert Shipperley, 9.Harry Martin, 10.Chris Griffiths, 11.Ian Sloan, 15.Phil Roper, 16.Adam Dixon (c), 17.Ashley Jackson, 21.Liam Ansell, 23.Harry Gibson (gk), 25.Jack Waller, 26.James Gall, 27.Liam Sanford, 29.Tom Sorsby, 32.Zach Wallace, 33.Jacob Draper
Unused substitute: 1.George Pinner (gk)

FIH Pro League 2020 matches – Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre

Saturday 25 January
Kookaburras 2 (Hayward 49’, Craig 51’)
Belgium 2 (Briels 18’, Denayer 59’)
Belgium wins 4-2 on penalties

Sunday 26 January
Kookaburras 2 (Sharp 42’, Hayward 60’)
Belgium 4 (Hendrickx 13’/25’, Plennevaux 56’, Stockbroekx 58’)

Saturday 1 February
Kookaburras 4 (Ockenden 19’, Wickham 29’, Zalewski 56’, Mitton 59’)
Great Britain 4 (Jackson 20’, Wallace 31’, Shipperley 44’, Ansell 45’)
Kookaburras win 3-1 on penalties

Sunday 2 February
Kookaburras v Great Britain (3:00pm local)

Hockey Australia media release

GB's men secure point in thrilling FIH Pro League opener


Rupert Shipperley

Great Britain’s men earned themselves a point in their opening FIH Pro League game of 2020.

Zach Wallace’s incredible individual goal began a three-goal comeback from GB to lead 4-2 in the final quarter, only for the world number ones to strike back and force a shootout.

Ashley Jackson and Liam Ansell were also on the scoresheet, as was Rupert Shipperley on his GB debut.

Alan Forsyth also scored in the shootout but despite the best efforts of Harry Gibson, it was the hosts who claimed the bonus point.

The Kookaburras started the brightest under the blistering Sydney sun, with Gibson making a string of crucial saves in the first quarter while Liam Sanford also produced two fine blocks.

Gibson then produced two great saves in a row from an Australian corner but there was nothing he could do to prevent Eddie Ockenden giving the Kookaburras the lead.

GB levelled immediately though through Jackson, having almost taken the lead themselves at the end of the first quarter through Alan Forsyth and Chris Griffiths.

The latter nearly scored again in the 25th minute but his diving attempt flashed wide before Tom Wickham converted a neat team move to give Australia the half-time lead.

Wallace made the already blistering heat rise even further in the second half with his outstanding goal that brought even the home fans to their feet.

Shipperley then converted for the first time in GB colours after another brilliant save from Gibson before less than a minute later Ansell raced through and slammed the ball into the top corner.

Australia added an 11th outfielder for the final ten minutes and made it pay as Aran Zalewski turned in after they won four corners in quick succession.

Trent Mitton then swept home an equaliser with just a minute remaining before the Australians took the extra point by winning the shootout.

Speaking after the game, Wallace said: "It was a tough game, tough opposition and coming our here in 40C. So getting out here and putting in a good performance obviously we're very happy with, but we're gutted not to get all three points.

"The goal was great. I picked it up, started running and the next thing I knew I was in the circle. It was a great feeling to score it though.

"We're going to come back harder tomorrow to secure all three points."

Australia 4 (2)
Ockenden (19’, PC); Wickham (20’, FG); Zalewski (56’, PC); Mitton (59’, FG)

Great Britain 4 (1)
Jackson (20’, PC); Wallace (31’, FG); Shipperley (44’, FG); Ansell (45’, FG)

Aus win shootout 3-1

Starting XI: Taylor, Forsyth, Martin, Roper, Dixon (C), Jackson, Ansell, Gibson (GK), Waller, Gall, Sanford
Subs (Used): Shipperley, Griffiths, Sloan, Sorsby, Wallace, Draper
Subs (Unused): Pinner, Ames, Gleghorne, Calnan

Great Britain Hockey media release

Stewart strikes late to snatch gritty Hockeyroos win



A brilliant tomahawk goal from Grace Stewart at the death has earned the Hockeyroos a nail biting 2-1 victory against Olympic title holders Great Britain in their FIH Pro League match in Sydney tonight.

The result also ensured defenders Edwina Bone (200 games), Karri McMahon (150) and goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram (50) celebrated their milestone games on a winning note.

With the Australian backline holding firm under mounting pressure and the clock ticking down towards a third straight Hockeyroos match being decided by a penalty shootout, Steph Kershaw was able to thread a pass through to Stewart to bury home the winner with just 12 seconds remaining.

While pleased to snatch maximum points, Hockeyroos Coach Paul Gaudoin admitted his team was somewhat fortunate to be in front when it counted, although he praised the players’ ability to fight it out to the end and be rewarded.

“It was pleasing to get the win in the end but I would imagine Great Britain would be disappointed with the outcome,” said Gaudoin.

“We were quite messy with the ball and we need to get better with our execution of skill. If you don’t have that then it’s hard to do any tactics, so we’ve got be cleaner on the ball to give our front group a chance to do something of quality.”

“If we’re scratching out a win with the performance we put out tonight, when we start getting it together it will be great.”

A seesawing first quarter saw both sides trade penalty corner opportunities without success, before Great Britain opened the scoring through Sarah Robinson in the 18th minute.

Fourth time was a charm for the visitors after Australia were unable to clear their lines despite Bartram making three saves in quick succession.

Rosie Malone was unable to guide a diving follow up attempt on target, but it mattered little when Greta Hayes assisted Kershaw for the Hockeyroos’ equaliser in the 26th minute.

Great Britain got themselves firmly on top with their midfield swarming the home side’s outlet options and forcing them to play longer passes.

Australia were forced to nullify eight penalty corner opportunities and required Sophie Taylor and Jodie Kenny to courageously block shots before finishing strong in the final minutes.

A brilliant counter attacking move led by Brooke Peris saw two set pieces build pressure on Great Britain before Stewart stole the headlines late on with a reverse stick strike deserving of settling an engrossing encounter.

Bartram was awarded the Player of the Match in her 50th appearance for her role in keeping Great Britain to one goal despite Australia trailing 11-33 in the circle penetrations count.

“I’m really proud of our defensive efforts, particularly on penalty corners where we couldn’t have done it without the girls running it down, so it’s really exciting to get the win today,” said Bartram.

“I just tried to do my job for the team. If we all do our job, then hopefully we get the result and it has dropped our way today so I’m really pleased with that.”

“You dream of playing one cap and then to be standing here having played 50, it just means a whole lot to me and I hope I get to play a bit more for my country.”

Tickets for tomorrow’s match are available through Ticketek, with the matches shown LIVE on Kayo and/or Fox Sports.

Match Details
Hockeyroos 2 (Kershaw 26’, Stewart 60’)
Great Britain 1 (Robertson 18’)
@ Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre

Hockeyroos: 1.Sophie Taylor, 2.Rosie Malone, 3.Brooke Peris, 7.Jodie Kenny (c), 8.Georgia Wilson, 11.Karri Mcmahon, 12.Greta Hayes, 13.Edwina Bone, 14.Stephanie Kershaw, 15.Kaitlin Nobbs, 16.Gabi Nance, 18.Jane Claxton, 19.Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 22.Kate Jenner, 23.Kalindi Commerford, 26.Emily Chalker, 30.Grace Stewart
Unused Substitute: 27.Rachael Lynch (gk)

Great Britain: 1.Maddie Hinch (gk), 4.Laura Unsworth, 6.Anna Toman, 7.Hannah Martin, 9.Susannah Townsend, 10.Sarah Robertson, 14.Tessa Howard, 17.Sarah Jones, 20.Hollie Pearne-Webb (c), 22.Elizabeth Neal, 24.Shona McCallin, 26.Lily Owsley, 29.Esme Burge, 31.Grace Balsdon, 33.Izzy Petter, 34.Charlotte Watson, 35.Leah Wilkinson
Unused substitute: 25.Sabbie Heesh (gk)

FIH Pro League 2020 matches – Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre

Saturday 25 January
Hockeyroos 3 (Malone 21’, Bone 59’, Commerford 60’)
Belgium 3 (Versavel 33’, Englebert 45’, Nelen 55’)
Hockeyroos win 4-2 on penalties

Sunday 26 January
Hockeyroos 1 (Nance 45’)
Belgium 1 (Duquesne 47’)
Belgium wins 3-1 on penalties

Saturday 1 February
Hockeyroos 2 (Kershaw 26’, Stewart 60’)
Great Britain 1 (Robertson 18’)

Sunday 2 February
Hockeyroos v Great Britain (5:30pm local)

Hockey Australia media release

Heartbreak for GB's women in FIH Pro League opener


Maddie Hinch  and Susannah Townsend

A goal just 12 seconds from denied Great Britain’s at least a point in their opening FIH Pro League encounter against Australia.

Grace Stewart found herself in space in the circle in the dying moments and her powerful shot beat Maddie Hinch, who had produced several vital saves throughout the game.

Sarah Robertson’s second goal for Great Britain had given them an early advantage, only for Steph Kershaw to equalise three minutes before half-time.

There were plenty of chances for GB too but they couldn’t find the net again, ultimately to their cost.

Rosie Malone had the game’s first clear chance in the sixth minute, seeing her effort deflected wide of the target before Hinch saved the game’s first corner just before the end of the first quarter.

Great Britain then won three corners of their own in quick succession and took the momentum into the second period as Robertson lifted the ball into the net after a goalmouth scramble.

Hannah Martin then hit the post in the 23rd minute and another corner was blocked shortly before Maddie Hinch produced an outstanding save to deny Malone again.

She could do nothing to stop Kershaw’s cute deflection a minute later though as the hosts ensured proceedings were level at half-time.

GB continued to press in the third quarter, with Laura Unsworth and Grace Balsdon coming close to finding the target.

Hinch then produced a great double save with just seven minutes remaining to keep the scores level before Izzy Petter had an effort blocked shortly after.

There was nothing the ‘keeper could do to prevent Stewart from scoring the winner though.

After the game, Robertson said: "The team are gutted to be honest. We shouldn't have left it to the last 12 seconds, we should have turned the screw earlier and put two or three goals past them. I think we were much better than them to be honest.

"It was a brilliant setting tonight. It was a good game to play in and it was a good performance. Tomorrow we'll be ready to come back."

The two will meet again at 6:30am GMT tomorrow morning live on BT Sport.

Australia 2 (1)
Kershaw (27’, FG); Stewart (60’, FG)

Great Britain 1 (1)
Robertson (18’, FG)

Starting XI: Hinch (GK), Unsworth, Toman, Martin, Townsend, Robertson, Pearne-Webb (C), Neal, McCallin, Owsley, Petter
Subs (Used): Howard, Jones, Balsdon, Watson, Wilkinson
Subs (Unused): Rayer, Ansley, Hunter, Heesh, Burge

Great Britain Hockey media release

Great Britain surrender in Sydney heat

By The Hockey Paper


Great Britain go on the attack in Sydney PIC: WORLDSPORTPICS

Great Britain’s teams were denied in their opening FIH Pro League matches after an Australia late assault in sweltering Sydney on Saturday.

GB men shipped two goals in the final four minutes as the Kookaburras levelled and then won a shoot-out while GB women surrendered a goal 12 seconds from time to lose out to the Hockeyroos.

The men earned a point against the world No 1 outfit but would have hoped for more having led 4-2 at the start of the final quarter.

This after searing temperatures triggered the FIH’s inclement weather procedure to give players additional rest during the game, and breaks midway through the first and second quarter.

Zach Wallace scored a brilliant individual goal for Danny Kerry’s side while Rupert Shipperley swept home on his debut.

Ashley Jackson and Liam Ansell also found the back of the net, while Harry Gibson made several fine saves in goal.

A goal 12 seconds from the end denied the women the same result having dominated for large swathes of the match against the Hockeyroos.

Sarah Robertson had given her team the lead in the 18th minute before Steph Kershaw equalised shortly before half-time.


Picture: WORLDSPORTPICS COPYRIGHT ANJ MARINER

Both teams had chances to win in the closing stages but it was Grace Stewart who struck to give the hosts all three points.

Lily Owsley said: “Looking at where we’ve come from since last year, I’m really proud of where we’ve got to. It’s been a tough year and we’ve really come out of it. I think we deserved to win that, we created a lot of chances.”

Hockeyroos goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram was named player of the match.

Australia men found themselves on the brink of defeat before eventually claiming two points from a possible three by winning a shoot-out against Great Britain after regular time finished with the scores locked at 4-4.

Great Britain turing a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead before late goals from Aran Zalewski and Trent Mitton sent the game into a shoot-out.

Alan Forsyth was the only scorer for GB, with Jake Whetton, Flynn Ogilvie and Jake Harvie on target as the Kookaburras nicked the bonus point.

The teams lock horns again on Sunday.

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The Hockey Paper

Great Britain's men draw as women lose to Australia


Sarah Robertson scored Great Britain's only goal in their loss to Australia. Getty images.

Great Britain's men took a point from their opening Pro League match against Australia in Sydney.

The match ended 4-4 at full-time before the hosts won the shootout, gaining them a bonus point.

Ashley Jackson, Zach Wallace, Rupert Shipperley and Liam Ansell all scored for Britain, while goalkeeper Harry Gibson made a string of saves.

Britain's women lost 2-1 to Australia, the hosts scoring the winner with 12 seconds to play.

Sarah Robertson opened the scoring before Australia levelled through a Stephanie Kershaw strike and Grace Stewart then netted at the death to deny Britain a point.

Both British teams face Australia again on Sunday, 2 February at 04:00 GMT and 06:30 respectively.

The annual Pro League competition sees the world's top nine teams compete for the overall title and takes place between January and June multiple cities, including London, Auckland and Valencia.

BBC Sport

Gemma McCaw scores for Black Sticks against Belgium in her international return

Kevin Norquay


Gemma McCaw scored in her international return. BRETT PHIBBS/PHOTOSPORT

After three years away, Gemma McCaw found the net in her first international match back, as Belgium beat the Black Sticks 2-1 in Auckland on Saturday night.

Despite a significant weight of possession in favour of the Black Sticks as well as several scoring opportunities, it was Belgium that came out on the right side of the ledger.
 
Belgium came into the contest full of confidence after impressive results the previous weekend against Australia, and slipped a reverse stick shot past the New Zealand goalkeeper in the 2nd minute.
 
New Zealand fought back to earn several penalty corners as the quarter wore on, without creating any clear scoring opportunities.
 

Megan Hull in action against Belgium, in the FIH Hockey Pro League hockey match at North Harbour Hockey Stadium on Saturday. BRETT PHIBBS/PHOTOSPORT

But - watched by husband Richie and daughter Charlotte - McCaw scored to tie the game up at one apiece, as the Kiwis ramped up the pressure on the Belgium defence.

New Zealand went close to hitting the lead on several occasions just before the half time.

New Zealand suffered a setback when Olivia Shannon was sent from the field in the second half, forcing the Black Sticks to play with only 10 for the next five minutes.
 
With 10 minutes left the match, Belgium earned their second penalty corner, and took advantage to sweep shot past the New Zealand defence.

 With time winding down, the Kiwis pulled their goalkeeper off in search for the equalising goal.

McCaw shot just wide of the outside post as the Belgium held on for dear life. The teams return to the turf tomorrow for their second match of the weekend.
 
 Black Sticks Women 1 (Gemma McCaw 17 min), Belgium 2 (Ambre Ballenghien 2 min, Anne-Sophie Weyns 51 min)

Stuff

Gemma McCaw wants to show daughter Charlotte what following a dream looks like

Andrew Voerman


Gemma McCaw scored in her return for the Black Sticks against Belgium on Saturday. BRETT PHIBBS/PHOTOSPORT

Two words in an Instagram caption last November said plenty.

Next to a photo of herself and daughter Charlotte, Gemma McCaw wrote: "My why."

The Black Sticks veteran took to the turf for the first time since the Rio Olympics in 2016 on Saturday, making her 247th appearance for her country against Belgium as the FIH Pro League got underway.

Since her last outing – a loss to Germany in the bronze medal match – she has married former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, and they've been joined by Charlotte, who turned one in December.

Saturday's match was her first as Gemma McCaw, rather than Gemma Flynn, and her new name connects her not only with her husband, but with her daughter, who, as she noted in that caption, is why she has made this comeback.

As she first told Woman's Day, McCaw was struck with inspiration when she happened across a quote about the relationship between parents and their children, and children and their parents.

"It's not only children who grow," it began.

"Parents do too.

"While we're watching to see what they do with their lives, they're watching us."

Charlotte was set to be watching from the stands as her mum made her return – and being able to share these next six months or so with her daughter is a big motivator for McCaw, who is eyeing a place at the Tokyo Olympics, having been to Beijing in 2008, London in 2012, and Rio four years ago.

"If I'm going to say to her, 'Follow your dreams and work hard to do whatever you want in life,' I want to show her that myself rather than just tell her," McCaw said on the eve of her comeback.

"This is a nice opportunity for me to look back on with her, even tough she probably won't remember much.

"It's going to be quite special. When you become a parent you wear your heart on the outside of your body and there will be a few emotions just seeing her up there.

"The first year's gone by so quickly, but it will be nice to be able to look back and know she was here in the stands."

McCaw's first taste of hockey in almost two years came early in 2019, when she played a club game in Christchurch while Charlotte was only four months old, and she admitted it was a bit of a challenge.

"I went out there and the body wasn't quite up to what the mind was hoping to do, but I just thought I'd take it step by step, one foot in front of the other."

When she decided to give a return to the international arena a try, McCaw had work to do to get back to where she had been between 2008 and 2006, while playing, but with some help from husband.

"It's always a challenge – you can ask any parent about it – fitting in exercise around having a child.

"But I've [played for the Black Sticks] before, so I know what it takes to get there. It does take hard work and there were moments there where I had to push through.

"I was lucky enough having Rich be able to help to tag-team some of the exercise. He would be with Charlotte while I would go out and train."


Richie McCaw with daughter Charlotte, watching the Blacks Sticks play Belgium. BRETT PHIBBS/PHOTOSPORT

Help from family has played a big part in allowing McCaw to return to the Black Sticks, who have another pair of matches in Auckland next weekend, then spend four weeks in Christchurch, before heading to Europe for the remainder of the Pro League season.

"You need good support around you," she said.

"You need family who are willing to help with those moments and I've been lucky to have my mum – she's taken this year off work, to help with Charlotte – and Rich as well – the full days where we've been training, he's been with her.

"It's really nice that she's got one of us to be with her, so that I know she's in really good hands.

"It's about setting those small goals and if it's something that you really love, it's about problem-solving and finding a way you can do that. For any mother it's definitely hard, because you've got the emotional pull, but if you've got the right support around you, you can do anything you want to."

McCaw acknowledged it had been tough at times, making a return to top-level hockey while starting to raise her daughter, but said it would ultimately be beneficial for both of them.

"Any mother will know – you're working through having a baby, then feeding a baby, and the sleeping schedule, and travelling, and then I'm trying to fit hockey in around her naps and those kinds of things.


Black Stick Gemma McCawat full stretch at North Harbour Hockey Stadium against Belgium. BRETT PHIBBS

"We've had to be quite adaptable but we've kept a nice routine.

"I still find it hard when I go to leave each morning, but I know she's in really good hands.

"The hardest thing is just keeping your identity. You want to put all your time and energy into helping [Charlotte] but I think if you look after your own health and wellbeing first, it helps you be the best mother you can be as well."

Stuff

2020 Test matches ARG v JPN (W) - 1st Test
Mar del Plata (ARG)

1 Feb 2020     ARG v JPN     3 - 1

FIH Match Centre

National Championships A Division: Air India stuns PSPB 5-2 in semis

It has been a while since Air India competed for the title in a major domestic tournament, with it not having been able to strike the right combination.

Uthra Ganesan


PSPB (in white), boasting a star-studded squad, couldn't do much to avoid a 5-2 thrashing against underdog Air India.   -  Special Arrangement

If names could win matches, PSPB should have strolled into the final of the Men’s Hockey National Championship (A Division) in Jhansi. As it were, the star-studded side displayed none of the immense international experience it boasts in its ranks, dishing out a pedestrian game to go down 2-5 against underdog Air India on Saturday.

It has been a while since Air India competed for the title in any major domestic tournament. With ageing warhorses leading and youngsters on contract taking the first flight out for a permanent job, the team hasn’t been able to find either the right combination or the stability required to perform consistently.

PSPB started well and got two goals in as many minutes for a 2-0 lead in the 7th minute itself. But once things settled down, the chinks came to the fore. Air India regrouped, patiently building its attacks from either flank with Amir Ali and Somjeet taking responsibility of setting up Mohd. Raheel and Sourabh Kushwaha upfront. Raheel finally tapped one in in a goalmouth melee.

Post half time, however, there was hardly anything from PSPB. Harjeet Singh and Tushar Khandker managed to hold the midfield together but with the defence unable to keep pace with the Air India attack and its own forwards messing up easy chances, it was of little use. Players like Armaan Qureshi, Talwinder Singh and SK Uthappa, all having been part of title-winning India sides until recently, could not control or tap the ball in.

At the back, Raheel, Ajay Yadav and Kushwaha kept running circles around Devinder Walmiki and Diwakar Ram. Raheel, who struck four times, was left unmarked despite being a constant threat and when someone did come up on him, managed to dodge him away with ease. When PSPB did manage a gap or PC, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh foiled them. For a team given little chance of winning, Air India coach Rajnish Mishra was visibly proud.

The other semifinal saw Services walking away with a deserved 2-0 win against Punjab & Sind Bank for its maiden final. With several new recruits across its various wings, Services played attacking hockey and dominated the proceedings for a large part of the game. PSB defence was tested repeatedly but the Punjab side, true to its nature, managed to foil them but did not fall back, instead trying to get a goal of its own.

It made for exciting end-to-end action. Though Services had the upper hand, PSB had its chances, specially on counters, but could not capitalise on them.
 
The results: Semifinals: SSCB 2 (Jugraj Singh, Ajinkya Jadhav) bt PSB 0; Air India 5 (Mohd. Raheel Mouseen 4, Mohd. Faraz) bt PSPB 2 (Diwakar Ram, Armaan Qureshi).

Sportstar

SSB wins B division title at Senior National Women's Hockey championship

In the final, SSB prevailed over Steel Plant Sports Board (SPSB) 4-2 in the penalty shoot out after the teams were locked 1-1 after regular time.

M.R. Praveen Chandran


Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) which won the B division title in the 10th National Senior Women's Hockey tournament in Kollam on Saturday.   -  C. Suresh Kumar

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) was crowned the champion of the B division in the 10th Senior National Women's Hockey championship at the National Games Hockey stadium here on Saturday.

In the final, SSB prevailed over Steel Plant Sports Board (SPSB) 4-2 in the penalty shoot out after the teams were locked 1-1 after regular time. In the shootout, SPSB was successful in converting only one attempt while SSB converted three.

SPSB's initial strategy to blunt the effectiveness of SSB's prolific strikers Preeti Simran and Manisha Rathi paid off. Both the strikers found it difficult to find space inside the rival box and SSB's initial forays fizzled out. SPSB had more of procession in the midfield and the side looked dangerous in the counter attacks.

SPSB went ahead in the 18th minute as Shailja Kumari Gautham weaved her way into the D and drilled a low shot from an acute angle for the opening goal. SPSB continued its offensive game and came close to increasing the lead at least twice in the second quarter.

SSB regrouped after the break and displayed the cohesiveness - which was missing in the first half -  in the midfield. The threatening moves came from both flanks and SSB earned a succession of penalty corners and equaliser came through one of them.

The SPSB goalkeeper Nisha Yadav did well to repel the  first shot from Babita but Ranjita Minj pounced on the rebound and tapped it in for the equaliser in the 38th minute. SPSB showed more intent in the fourth quarter but SSB defended well to push the match into shootout.

In the shootout, Manisha, Preeti and Kanika Raj converted their attempts for SSB while Manisha Dhawal was successful for SPSB. Both SSB and SPSB qualified for the A division championship for next year. Earlier, UCO Bank WHA hammered Bengaluru 10-0 to take the third place. Priya struck four goals including a hat-trick while Pooja and Chanchal struck a brace each.

THE RESULTS:

A division (league): Punjab 2 (Baljeet Kaur 10, Arshdeep Kaur 36 drew with Chandigarh 2 (Devi Dhapa 28, Shalu Mann 41);

Himachal 3 (Anita 3, Ritu 24, Nidhi 36) beat Kerala 1 (V.H.Sarigha 25);

SAI 1(Dung Dung 39) by Karnataka 0;

CRPF 1 (Puja Yadav 46) drew  Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy 1 (Karishma Yadav 34);

Jharkhand 7 (Beauty 3, 39, Sangita Kumari 12, 42, Reshma Soreng 41, 51, Rajni 56) beat Chhattisgarh 1(Anjali Mahto 21).

B division (Final): SSB 4 (Ranjita Minj 38, Manisha, Preeti, Kanika Raj) beatt SPSB 2 ( Shailja Kumari Gautam 18, Manisha Dhawal).

Loser's final: UCO Bank WHA 10 (Priya 16, 34, 37, 57, Pooja 3, 7, Chanchal 21, 43, Monisha 13, Kajal 54) beat Bengaluru 0.

Sportstar

THT's Dharma challenges UniKL to beat his team again

By Jugjet Singh


That is what Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) coach K. Dharmaraj had to say ahead of today’s match against Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in Kuala Terengganu even though the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) still has seven rounds left. - STR/OWEE AH CHUN.

BEAT us again today, and you will become worthy champions.

That is what Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) coach K. Dharmaraj had to say ahead of today’s match against Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in Kuala Terengganu even though the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) still has seven rounds left.

UniKL lead the standings with seven straight wins (21 points), while Tenaga Nasional are a distant second on 16, followed by THT (15).

“We were edged 3-2 by UniKL in the curtain-raiser Charity Shield match. If UniKL can beat us again tomorrow at the Batu Buruk Stadium, they will become worthy winners.

“Only Tenaga will be left to challenge them if we lose,” said Dharmaraj.

THT have been blowing hot and cold this season, but if their two top scorers arrive hot and sizzling, UniKL can expect a tough time at Batu Buruk.

South Korean Jang Jong Hyun is currently the MHL’s top scorer with 12 goals while teammate Faizal Saari has netted nine times.

“I hope our fans will show up to watch this match as we need their support to beat UniKL.

“When I was coaching Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club, it was always tough to play THT at their den as it would be filled to the brim with screaming fans.

“So I hope the fans will turn up in droves, and help us stop UniKL from claiming an early league title,” Dharmaraj added.

RESULTS

Women: Sabah 0 Police Blue Warriors 6, UniTen 1 Terengganu Ladies 1, Mutiara Impian 0 HockAdemy 11.

TODAY

Men: HockAdemy v Maybank (National Stadium II), THT v UniKL (Batu Buruk Stadium), TNB Thunderbolts v Tenaga Nasional (National Stadium), UiTM v NurInsafi (Tun Razak Stadium).

New Straits Times

Nor Saiful: We’ll bounce back, there’s still time

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional are not ready to throw in the towel yet in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) although they have lost five valuable points in the last two matches.

The seasoned campaigners came back from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against minnows Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) on Wednesday and their hope of winning the league title took a jolt after they went down 1-0 to league champions Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in Bangi on Friday.

Tenaga, who squandered a penalty stroke against UniKL in the 36th minutes, have 16 points from seven matches and are five points adrift of UniKL, who have won all their seven first-round matches.

Tenaga coach Nor Saiful Zaini said they still harbour hopes of winning the league title as they have seven more matches to play.

“Anything can happen in the next seven matches, there is no guarantee for any team,” said Nor Saiful.

“There’s still time and we’ll bounce back.”

Although they have 13 national players, they have yet to play to their true form.

“Only five national players are playing well while others are rather lost in their game,” he said.

“They need to buck up if they still have the desire to win the league. We also need to improve on our finishing.”Goalkeeper S. Kumar, defenders Faiz Helmi Jali, Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan and Mohd Aminudin Mohd Zain and forward Mohd Shahril Saabah have played well in the league.

Tenaga, who last won the league title in 2003, will play against bottom of the table TNB Thunderbolt today at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

In the first round match, Tenaga beat them 3-1.

The Star of Malaysia

Faridzul is far from pleased with his display



KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) forward Faridzul Afiq Mohamed (pic) is a hard man to please.

The national indoor player is not satisfied with his performance despite scoring the solitary goal to help his team edge Tenaga Nasional 1-0 on Friday to register their seventh consecutive win in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

The 28-year-old from Selangor, who has been playing for UniKL for four years now, has now scored four goals.

But Faridzul believes that he has not played to his true form since.

“I am not pleased although I scored the winning goal. I should have done much better by scoring a goal in every match, ” said Faridzul.

“I’ve not done that in the first round of seven matches but I’ve thrown a challenge to myself to achieve it in the next seven.

“It’ll be a challenge but it’s not an impossible.”

UniKL lead the standings with maximum points from seven wins and have a five-point lead over second-placed Tenaga, who have 16 points while Terengganu are third with 15 points.

Faridzul said their biggest challenge would be against Terengganu. The east coast side lost 2-3 to UniKl in the Charity Shield tie on Jan 10.

“They’ll be out for a revenge. It’s always tough to play away matches and I hope my teammates can rise to the occasion, ” he said.

“We have to watch out for their two main penalty corner drag flickers – Jang (Jong-hyun of South Korea) and Faizal (Saari).”

Jong-hyun and Faizal are the league’s top scorers with 12 and nine goals respectively.

The Star of Malaysia

Osagi, Omwantho voted Kenya's finest hockey players

By LOKEDER NATIOM


University of Nairobi's Pauline Ochieng poses for photos after she was named the 2019 Super League Player of the Year during the HockeyKE awards ceremony at Hillcrest International School on February 1, 2020. PHOTO | COURTESY | 

Wazalendo's Sutcliffe Osagi is the 2019 Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League Player of the Year.

Amira Sailors' Leah Omwantho was also voted the women Premier League's top player in the inaugural HockeyKE Awards ceremony at the Hillcrest International School on Saturday.

Mount Kenya University's Christian Nabie, voted the national league player of the year, has said that their performance last season is a motivation for them to work harder this year.

"Getting this award is proof that hockey fans are watching and we can't disappoint them anymore. I am happy that HockeyKE has organised such an event which will motivate us to continue promoting the sport," said Nabie.

Former Butali Sugar Warriors coach Denis Owoka said the event provided a great platform for growing the sport and he urged more fans to show up for the league matches. Owoka quit Butali at the end of last season after leading the sugar millers to a successful title defence without losing a match.

"It was hard for me to leave Butali but I did my part and it was also time for me to seek a fresh challenge with the youngsters through the Tunza Sport initiative," said the two-time premier league winning coach.

"We dedicate the award to the late former Butali coach Cliff Okello," said Owoka.

The event was organised by HockeyKE.

Premier League Player of the Year (women)

Leah Omwantho (Amira Sailors)- winner
Beatrice Mbugua (USIU)
Pauline Naise (Amira Sailors)

Premier League Player of the Year (men)

Sutcliffe Osagi (Wazalendo)- winner
Festus Onyango (Strathmore)
Chris Wokila (Green sharks)

Coach of the Year

Dennis Owoka (Butali)- winner
Ian Orunga (Daystar Falcons)
Thomas Muchemi (Amira Sailors)

National League player of the year (men)

Christian Nabie (MKU) - winner
Paul Barasa (JKUAT)
Edwin Eshapaya (Thika Rovers)

Super League Player of the Year (women)

Pauline Ochieng (UoN)- winner
Agnes Maina (UoN)
Seline Ouma (Wolverines)

Super League Player of the Year (men)

Mariano Amadao (MSC)- winner
Arnold Marango (KCA)
Arnold Abedie (KSMY)

Daily Nation