News for 02 May 2011
Monday, 02 May 2011 08:32 | 
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All the news for Monday 2 May 2011
World Class fare
With seven of the top 15 ranked countries in the fray, the 20th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is expected to showcase world-class fare.
To be staged at the renowned Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, the tournament will commence of May 5 with the final scheduled for May 15.
Australia are the world number one ranked team and are followed by Great Britain who are in fourth position in the International Hockey Federation world rankings. South Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan and India are ranked 6,7,8 and 9 respectively while hosts Malaysia are in the 15th position.
With the Olympic Qualifiers in their mind, most of the teams will be looking towards giving their players the much-needed exposure and this will ultimately bring the best out of the players.
Since its inception in 1983 until last year, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has seen a total of 18 countries participating. Besides hosts Malaysia who have played in every edition, Pakistan lead the cast with 16 appearances followed by India nd South Korea with 14 each.
Australia and New Zealand have each played in 10 editions. The other countries are Germany (8),England (5), Canada (5), Spain (3), Argentina (2), Netherlands (2), Egypt (2) and China (2). Those who have made a single appearance are Japan, Soviet Union, South Africa and Belgium.
In terms of titles won, Australia and India lead the way with five each, Pakistan (3), South Korea (2), Germany (2), Argentina (1), Netherlands (1), England (1). The 2010 edition was the only time in the history of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where India and South Korea were declared joint champions.
A sponsorship handing ceremony was held in Kuala Lumpur today and was graced by His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah.
Among those who made contributions towards the staging of the 20th edition are: Astro Arena (RM250, 000) Perak State Government (RM200, 000), Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (RM100, 000), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (RM100, 000), Tenby International Schools (RM100, 000), Sapura Group of Companies (RM50, 000), Ngan Yin Groundnut Factory Sdn Bhd (RM50, 000), YNH Property Bhd (RM30, 000), Husaida Enterprise Sdn Bhd (RM25, 000), Ladang Perbadanan Fima Berhad (RM20, 000) and Ipoh City Council (RM20, 000).
In his speech, Tan Sri Dato Seri Alagendra, who is the Secretary General of the Asian Hockey Federation and an advisor to the Organising Committee, said that the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has grown in stature since its inception in 1983.
“We are privileged that the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup continues to draw top teams and it is no different this year,” said Tan Sri Dato Seri Alagendra.
“The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has grown in stature over the years and continues to be well supported both in terms of sponsors and participating teams.
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup official site
National hockey team’s defence to see changes at Azlan Shah tourney
By S. RAMAGURU
Crossing sticks: A Malaysian player (left) tussling for the ball with a New Zealand player during their friendly match yesterday in preparation for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament. The teams drew 2-2. — SAIFUL BAHRI / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian national hockey team’s defensive make-up is likely to see some changes when the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup starts in Ipoh on Thursday.
The backline at the Guangzhou Asian Games last year was marshalled by Mohd Amin Rahim, Mohd Madzli Ikmar, Baljit Singh and Mohd Razie Rahim.
But with Mohd Amin and Mohd Madzli now in the twilight of their careers, a younger set of players are ready to step in.
Hence, the chance for Mohd Izzat Mohd Rahim (Sapura), Mohd Fitri Abu Bakar (YNS) and Shahrin Mohd (Maybank) to stake their claims.
The Ipoh meet is their best chance to show that they can hold their own at the international level and, at the same time, try to forge an understanding with the established players.
This is their first call-up to the senior team after being part of the 2009 National Juniors.
National coach Tai Beng Hai admitted yesterday that the defensive structure would come under scrutiny at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup “as we try to look at new faces to take over from the aging stars”.
“We know that at some point Amin and Madzli will retire and it could be at the qualifiers or the London Olympics. So, the time has come to look at other players who can step into their shoes,” he said.
Beng Hai said the three players were picked based on their performances with their respective teams in the recently-concluded Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
The Ipoh meet will also feature world and Olympic champions Australia, England, Pakistan, New Zealand, India and South Korea.
For Malaysia, the tournament marks the beginning of their preparations for the Olympic qualifiers next year. The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have set a top-four target for the team in the Ipoh tournament.
The Star of Malaysia
Kelvinder could be back in the frame
By Jugjet Singh
KELVINDER Singh might just make the cut for the Azlan Shah Cup on May 5-15 in Ipoh.
The player was sidelined by an injury in the run-up to the Asian Games and was left in the cold to recover, but in the process, gained some weight.
"Kelvinder missed the Asian Games because he was injured and was also a little overweight. However, I have been watching him in training for the past month and he has returned to his old form," said national coaching coordinator Stephen van Huizen.
"It's up to chief coach Tai Beng Hai, as he has his plans for the team, to decide if Kelvinder is ready to return to national duty."
Van Huizen pointed out that the 16 players who won silver for Malaysia in the Asian Games have an advantage over the other trainees.
"The Asian Games rules only allow 16 players to be registered, while we can register 18 for the Azlan Shah. I believe the Asian Games players, with the exception of Amin Rahim, are all primed to play in the Azlan Shah Cup," said Van Huizen.
"That means we have to select the 18 from the 24 players in training and it will be done after the first friendly on Monday (today)."
Malaysia play New Zealand in a friendly today after which the 18 players will be named.
Amin, the No 1 penalty corner flicker, pulled a hamstring during the Malaysia Hockey League and Beng Hai is likely to rest him for the Ipoh tournament but he is expected to be ready for the Champions Challenge I in South Africa at the end of the year.
In his absence, Faizal Saari and Radzi Rahim will be trying to score from penalty corners in Ipoh.
The other teams in the Azlan Shah Cup are Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, India, South Korea and Britain.
New Straits Times
Pak hockey team to leave for Malaysia
LAHORE: The Pakistan hockey team will depart from Islamabad to Karachi en route to Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to participate in the 20th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup being played from May 5 at Ipoh.
The national team will play their first match of the tournament against New Zealand on May 5.
The News International
Pakistan determined to win Azlan Shah Cup, says Imran
KARACHI: Pakistan's new hockey captain Muhammad Imran said the team was determined to win the Azlan Shah Cup to be played in the Malaysian city of Ipoh May 5-15.
Imran, who replaced veteran Zeeshan Ashraf, said the team was on a high since winning the Asian Games gold last year. In Ipoh, it would like to continue the winning streak. Ashraf has opted out of the tournament.
"As a team we are improving and I am confident of doing well in Ipoh," said the young defender before leaving for Malaysia.
Pakistan will play its first match against New Zealand May 5 followed by games against South Korea (May 6), Britain (May 8), Australia (May 9), India (May 11) and Malaysia (May 14) before the classification matches on the final day.
Last week, Pakistan picked a trio with suspected links to a rebel hockey league in India for the Ipoh assignment.
Shakeel Abbasi, who was appointed the team's vice-captain, together with the experienced duo of Rehan Butt and Waseem Ahmed was facing the axe following reports that they were roped in by the unofficial league.
But Asif Bajwa, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary, said the trio were cleared for national duty after the players assured the PHF that they will stay away from the lucrative league.
Also selected was short corner specialist Sohail Abbas. But the experienced defender wasn't considered for national captaincy which was up for grabs after Ashraf opted to skip the Azlan Shah Cup.
Pakistan squad: Muhammad Imran (captain), Shakeel Abbasi (vice-captain), Imran Shah, Sohail Abbas, Fareed Ahmed, Kashif Shah, Mohammad Tauseeq, Rehan Butt, Waqas Akber, Mohammad Zubair, Umer Bhutta, Mohammad Rashid, Haseem Khan, Muhammad Imran Junior, Kashif Javed, Waseem Ahmed, Rizwan Junior, Mohammad Rashid, Waqas Sharif.
The Times of India
Indian hockey team in Azlan Shah sans doctor!
Satya Rath
MUMBAI: When Jose Brasa took charge of the Indian hockey team in May 2009, one of the first things he did was to scout for a doctor who could be with the team full time.
He zeroed in on Bibhu Kalyan Nayak of the Army Sports Institute - who besides being a medical professional is also an expert in sports physiology - to help improve the players' fitness.
The results showed. Frequent breakdowns reduced drastically, the recovery time was faster, the overall fitness of the players improved.
Brasa was unceremoniously dumped as coach after last December's Guangzhou Asian Games, but he did leave behind something which not many coaches had managed before: an injury-free squad.
How things can change in a matter of three-four months! Three key players - strikers Rajpal Singh and Tushar Khandekar, and midfielder Bharat Chikara - are nursing injuries and had to be excluded from the squad for the Azlan Shah tournament.
There are also murmurs on the fitness of a few other players, who are currently in Malaysia for the Azlan Shah event. What's strange is that there is no doctor with the team this time to nurse the players back to peak fitness.
While most of the support staff of Brasa's regime have been retained for the Azlan Shah campaign, one name's missing from the list - that of Nayak. And for a change, neither Hockey India, nor the sports ministry, can be blamed for his omission.
The Times of India
HI imposes code of conduct
By Mihir Vasavda
Following the recent incidents of ‘player misconduct’, Hockey India (HI) has formed a code of conduct for the national team members based on the guidelines set by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
The new code of conduct prohibits the players and officials from participating in a tournament without availing a no objection certificate (NOC) from HI. It also bars players from taking part in unauthorised tournaments. The players were made to sign the code of conduct during the national camp in New Delhi before the team left for Malaysia to participate in the Azlan Shah Cup.
HI has had some serious issues with the players in the past. The national team went on strike in January 2010 because of non-payment of dues and incentives. Then it was the controversial World Series Hockey that further strained HI relationship with the players. Most of the national team players signed up for the tournament, which was deemed illegal by HI and FIH. More recently, Sandeep Singh and Sardara Singh were pulled up by the HI for playing in the league in Belgium without procuring a NOC.
Executive director of HI Anupam Ghulati said, “It is mandatory. The FIH has introduced a new set of guidelines and we have ensured that the code of conduct is based on those them.” Various points have been touched upon in the new code of conduct. Emphasis is on the behaviour of players and officials on and off the field. It also covers their behaviour towards their teammates and officials. Consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited during camps and tournaments.
The code warns players against making personal attack against teammates and officials. It also states that public statements should be made in a fair and constructive manner. These categories are considered minor and the first-time offender will be let off with a fine. Repeated offences may result in suspension of the player as well. It makes the topics related to doping clear. The players have been briefed on doping related offences and warned them against skipping the dope tests. It also warns them against betting.
DNA
India, Pakistan to play hockey series this year: Rehman Malik
ISLAMABAD: Bilateral hockey ties between India and Pakistan are almost certain to be revived this year with both the countries playing three matches apiece on either side of the border, Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik has said.
"Good news for hockey lovers. As patron of Hockey, we have agreed in principle to have 3 matches in India and 3 matches in Pak, within this year," he wrote on his Twitter account.
"Hockey matches between India and Pakistan will be great sporting activity," Malik added.
India and Pakistan are already working to resume bilateral cricket ties this year with a three-match ODI series. The Cricket Boards of both countries are trying to find a window in their tight international schedule in the wake of the resumption of the bilateral peace process.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who visited Mohali last month to watch the India-Pakistan World Cup semifinal, had earlier said the Boards of the two countries are holding negotiations for renewing cricket ties.
The Times of India
Banbridge 2010 IHL Champions
Banbridge claimed their first All-Ireland club title since 1991 as Owen Magee’s penalty shoot-out goal denied their Lisnagarvey hosts the men’s Irish Hockey League title on the Comber Road.
The teenager repeated the feat of Saturday afternoon when he again held his nerve to score the decisive penalty after Bann had been pegged back just two minutes from the end of normal time.
Indeed, Sunday’s final narrative bore a striking resemblance to Saturday’s win over Glenanne. They never trailed but were caught late in the day when the hard yards seemed to have put them in a prime position.
Again, they were without forward threats Josh Moffett and Stephen Dowds, leaving Colin Dowds to plough a lone furrow up front with the energy of Dane Ward, Drew Carlisle and Bruce McCandless to join from deep.
That the final itself took a while to ignite suited their game-plan just fine as Ross McCandless’ block-busting drag-flick was the sole divider between the teams for a long time.
That was until Timmy Cockram’s amazing reverse-stick effort, picking out the top left corner to level matters with 15 minutes to go.
Banbridge re-emerged from their shell to ensure a fascinating closing period. Bann got back on top, winning a penalty corner six minutes from time which Ross McCandless again slotted home to put his side in the driving seat at 2-1.
They were not able to hold out, though, as an attempt to block Mark Raphael’s flow by Scott McCandless coughed up a corner and a green card suspension.
’Garvey switched right and then into the centre where Cockram nudged over the line from six yards, forcing extra-time.
And his side might have had a winner when Lennox let a ball run only for Greg Thompson to dive in behind him. He got a hefty touch but umpire Colin Hutchinson deemed the ball fractionally over the line before the intervention.
It was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock but Bann had Saturday’s experience against Glenanne showed as they approached each penalty with more confidence.
Dane Ward and Bruce McCandless put them clear while Lennox kept three out, offering the teenage Magee the chance to win it.
His approach was smooth and his finish slick to bring the highest club honour back to Ulster for the first time since 2005.
Banbridge 2-2 Lisnagarvey AET
Banbridge win 3/1 in Penalty Shoot Out
Banbridge (Ross McCandless 2)
Lisnagarvey (Timmy Cockram 2)
Lisnagarvey: Alex McRoberts, Brian Waring, Johnny Bell, Richard Arneill, Jason Lynch, Mark Raphael, Mark Daniel, Timmy Cockram, Stephen Arbuthnot, Daniel Buser, John Gray (c)
Subs: Patrick Martin, Glen Whitten, Andrew Forrest, Greg Thompson, Michael Harte
Banbridge: Gareth Lennox, Stephen Forbes, Scott Forbes, Dermy Reay, Bruce McCandless, Colin Dowds (c), Philip Brown, Ross McCandless, Scott McCandless, Dane Ward, Drew Carlisle
Subs: Matthew Bell, Peter Brown, Simon Magowan, Owen Magee, Hugh McShane
Irish Hockey Association media release
Pegasus Champions of the ESB Electric Ireland Women's Irish Hockey League 2011
Pegasus completed the first national double since 2007 as Suzanne Beaney’s sparkling hat-trick took home the ESB Electric Women’s Irish Hockey League, repeating the dose over Hermes whom they beat in the Irish Senior Cup final, too.
Beaney crashed home three times from the top of the circle, each with razor-sharp accuracy and masses of horsepower to give Emma Gray no chance on each occasion.
Her side dominated for the most part, suffering just a brief blip at the start of the second half when Hermes threatened to make a game of it, Sinead McCarthy nicking back a goal.
But Pegasus were already 2-0 up at that point, both coming from defensive errors from free outs.
Beaney profited for the first, a Vanessa Surgeoner steal on the left-wing. She bounded and bounced past two defenders before throttling the airborne ball into the corner at pace.
And then Michelle Harvey took up Kate McConnell’s easily earned free and the latter was not tracked as ran into the circle and picked up a return pass, finishing neatly at the near post.
By way of response, Hermes got back into the game at the same stage which saw them prosper against Railway in the semi-final.
Lisa Jacob was the taliswoman while McCarthy burst out of the back in the 44th minute, fed left for Anna O’Flanagan who returned the favour to McCarthy who followed up well to touch in first time.
It was their purple patch but it was cut rudely short by yellow card suspensions to Eimear Horan (dissent) and Kerry McComish (playing the ball over shoulder-height).
They did not concede while down to nine players but their momentum was stalled and Pegasus reasserted their will.
Beaney restored the two-goal lead in the 59th minute, again a virtuoso effort, emerging from a group of three markers, rounding the circle to the right and striking across Gray’s bows.
And she completed the victory with another stunning effort, Kirsty McCollum’s left-wing free bobbling her way and Beaney promptly smacked it in.
Pegasus 4-1 Hermes
Pegasus
Susanne Beaney 3 (10th, 59th, 61st minute)
Kate McConnell (15th minute)
Hermes
Sinead McCarthy (44th minute)
Hermes: Emma Gray, Lisa Jacob (capt), Sarah Greene, Sinead McCarthy, Kerry McComish, Audrey O'Flynn, Jenny Burke, Sinead Connery, Christine Quinlan, Aine Connery, Anna O'Flanagan
Subs: Eimear Horan, Emma Russell, Aoife McCarthy, Katie Codyre, Laura Pinder
Pegasus: Sharon Moffett, Kirsty McCollum, Claire McMahon, Suzanne Beaney, Kate McConnell, Arlene Boyles (capt), Grace Irwin, Michelle Harvey, Pamela Glass, Stephanie Quinn, Vanessa
Subs: Jessica Perry (GK), Shelley Sloan, Ellen Hood, Amy Cooke, Kerry Harvey
Irish Hockey Association media release
Day Two of the EHL Promotion Tournament
In the first game on day 2 Sutton beat Sevenoaks 3-0 and the subsequent Olton-Buckingham result meant that it was enough to guarantee Sutton their place in the EHL Premier Division whilst Sevenoaks will need to win tomorrow to join them. The first twenty minutes were evenly matched with both teams having their chances but it was Sutton who broke the deadlock when Captain Vicky Woolford crashed home a dipping corner over Sevenoaks keeper Thomson on 24 minutes. Sutton extended their lead early in the second half when ageless international legend Jane Sixsmith picked up a loose ball in the D to fire home. On 47 minutes Celia Butler made the game safe for Sutton on 47 minutes scoring after good advantage from umpire Lia Waine. However Sevenoaks still pressed forwards knowing that goal difference may be crucial to them come tomorrow but when they were denied by two goalline saves from a corner they knew it wasn’t going to be their day.
Match Two saw Saturday’s losers meet up with Olton playing Buckingham and it was Premier Division Olton who ran out convincing winners 6-1 to leave them needing a draw to retain their top flight status . Captain Rachel Clift gave Olton the lead on minutes when her corner shot eluded the Buckingham defence. Fiona Davies made it 2-0 just before half time with a close range open play goal and in the second half Olton’s experience showed with Clift’s former England teammates Lucilla Parkes and Denise Marston-Smith getting on the scoresheet along with a second for Davies and one for Emma McCabe. Samantha Sandham netted a last minute consolation goal for Buckingham who now cannot qualify and will return to the Conference for 2011-12.
Canterbury and Southgate served up a cracker in the first men’s game of the day with Southgate edging out the Kent side in a nine goal thriller 5-4. Mickell Pierre drew first blood for Canterbury with a low drag flick on 8 minutes but by 8 minutes later Southgate had advanced to a 3-1 lead with open play goals from Westbrook and Terwin and powerful shot from captain Shingles following a corner breakdown. Michael Farrer pulled a goal back for Canterbury on 27 minutes but a Johannes Kloess thunderbolt corner on the stroke of half time restored Southgate’s two goal lead. The second half also proved eventful with Canterbury pulling level as Farrer completed his hat-trick with corners in the 43rd and 46th minute and Southgate hanging on as their yellow card tally rose from 2 at half time through to 7 by the 58th minute. With four minutes to go Kloess clanged the Canterbury bar from a corner but two minute later Terwin finished off a flowing move to earn Southgate a dramatic 5-4 win.
It didn’t seem possible that the last match of the day could live up to the previous one – but it did as Durham beat Exeter 5-4 in the University Challenge to keep their (and all other teams’) hopes of qualifying alive. Durham raced into a two goal lead within 10 minutes when Paddy Harman netted with a close range deflection and George Scott scored from a narrow angle. John Sterlini hit back for Exeter on 30 minutes and with the half time hooter having sounded James Royce scrambled the ball home from a corner to make it 2-2. If Exeter thought that the game was turning their way they were soon proved wrong as Dan Coultas scored from a stroke then converted a corner via the post and Exeter keeper Millington’s helmet to put Durham 4-2 up on 52 minutes. They held a two goal advantage until nine minutes were left when Royce scored his second from a corner and three minutes later Carson levelled things up also from a set piece. Exeter looked the more likely winners but Durham dug deep and when they earned a corner in the last minute Coultas powered it home to seal an epic win and mean any of the four the mens teams, including Canterbury who have lost twice, could still qualify on Monday.
England Hockey Board Media release
Cougars on backfoot
Caledonian Cougar`s aspirations to take the Great Britain Super League title ended with a 6-0 defeat by the Saxon Tigers, a side composed mostly of senior England/GB players, in today`s final at Lilleshall.
In a blistering display of attacking hockey the Tigers opened the scoring in four minutes and by twenty minutes were four ahead which effectively knocked the stuffing out of the Cougars. There was no further scoring in the first half, but Scottish keeper Amy Gibson was called upon to make several saves.
The Scots did create a couple of chances after the interval, Kareena Marshall`s shot at the only penalty corner was blocked by the keeper while late on Sam Judge had three consecutive shots but again the English keeper was equal to the task, meanwhile the English added two more at the other end.
The male Cougars finished by losing 3-0 to the Welsh side Celtic Panthers, all three goals came either side of half time.
In the District Cup semi-finals Orkney, a regular in the latter stages of this tournament in the past, fell at the penultimate hurdle losing 1-0 Milne Craig Western Blue Sox. The winning goal came following a goalmouth scramble and Fi Reid was the last player to touch the ball in for the winner. In the other tie Giffnock 11 beat CALA Edinburgh 3-1. In the men`s semis Gordonians beat Fidra Lions 7-1 while Grange won 4-2 against Western Wildcats.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
WP and Kaspersky Southerns looking good
The powerhouse Kaspersky Southerns line-up scored the IPT opener when eventual hat-trick man Dean Symons netted after great build-up that went through several players in the SA U21 Men's Interprovincial Hockey Tournament 2011 at Queensmead in Durban.
POOLS – Pool A: WP, SA U19, Pens, KZN Coastals, Kaspersky Wits.
Pool B: Free State, Kaspersky Southerns, Northern Blues, EP, North West, KZN Inland.
Sunday, 1 May - Day 1
Game 1 – Umpires: Stu Tarr and Dutchy Olivier.
Kaspersky Southern Gauteng (4) 10 (Dean Symons 3, Lloyd Nicholson, Clint Panther, Greg Gandy 2, Vic Gasparis 2, Ryan Roberts) North West 0.
The powerhouse Kaspersky Southerns line-up scored the IPT opener when eventual hat-trick man Dean Symons netted after great build-up that went through several players.
Thereafter Southerns succumbed to goal fever and lost their width, but 15 minutes from half-time Lloyd Nicholson netted before North West keeper Jean du Toit saved four times in three minutes from the sticks of Greg Gandy, Vic Gasparis, and twice from Clint Panther.
Southerns rediscovered their structure and playing down the line and into the corners worked wonders with further field goals from the ever-present Panther and Gandy, while Du Toit saved a dozen more.
Turning around 4-0 up Southerns were, talent-wise and player-for player, in a class of their own and ran rampant with another half-dozen action goals by Gasparis (2), Gandy, Symons (2) and Ryan Roberts for the 10-0 final score.
Monday, Southerns meet Gauteng neighbours Northerns Blues at 2.30 pm while North West will tackle Eastern Province at 12.30 pm.
Game 2 – Umpires: Ewald le Roux and AJ Spieringshoek.
South Africa U19 (3) 7 (Matt Brown, James Drummond, Grant Glutz 4, Marc Fourie) Kaspersky Wits (0) 2 (Alex Sfarnas 2).
An intriguing match-up between the cream of SA's youth and the second-string of a powerful province, this national squad was selected after a five-day camp at Queensmead in February that included the top 50 age-group players and which was run by Darryn Gallagher, the assistant coach to BC Carolan, who returns from his season in Ireland for Monday's game.
It was a perfect day for hockey, and the powerful SA corner flickers of Matt Brown and Grant Glutz were always going to be a handful, the former opening the scoring on the quarter-hour.
A good while later, James Drummond made it 2-0 with a stunning reverse-stick effort before a good combination goal brought striker Grant Glutz the first of four on the day.
Glutz nailed in SA's fourth a minute after the changeover, but Kaspersky Wits kept going and Alex Sfarnas rocked the SA side with a brace inside two minutes.
At 4-2 up with 20 minutes to go and Wits coming back hard, SA realised it was far from over. Captain Marc Fourie slashed a reverse-stick strike against the crossbar before making no mistake with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Thereafter the ace goalscorer that is Grant Glutz let rip a rocket penalty corner drag-flick before grabbing his fourth from a metre out for the final 7-2 scoreline.
Monday, SA U19 meet Western Province Peninsula at 8.30 am and Wits face KZN Coastals at 4.30 pm.
Game 3 – Umpires: Gary Simmons and Mpho Morletsele
Eastern Province (0) 3 (Josh August, Richard Lawrie, Jason Doherty-Bigara) KZN Inland (0) 1 (Matt Redmead).
An evenly-matched affair, both sides gave as good as they got but EP arguably had the better opportunities in the strike zone.
Inland skipper Robin Jones was prominent in launching his side's attacking forays from his central defence position while Olympic Games umpire Gary Simmons brooked no nonsense with the at times over-robust challenges.
Turning around goalless, EP were first to get on the scoresheet when Josh August netted three minutes after half-time with a well-struck field goal.
Shortly after, Inland keeper Rohn Barron made a fine block coming off his line, but an error by a key defender soon after let in Richard Lawrie for a soft goal.
Two goals down, Inland pulled one back when Matt Redmead reacted quickly after a botched penalty corner to slot home, but EP restored the two-goal safety net via Jason Doherty-Bigara's stick for the 3-1 final score.
Monday, EP meet North West at 12.30 pm and Inland tackle Free State at 10.30 am.
Game 4 – Umpires: Gareth Mason and Michael Pitt.
Free State (1) 1 (Jarryd Patrick) Northern Blues (0).
Last year's finalists Free State were under the guidance of coach Des Donald, in his 34th year as first a player and for decades a mentor of Free State sides at U16, U18 and senior level and now in the region of 400 games in service of Free State hockey.
In the eighth Northerns keeper Rene de la Peyre pulled off a great save from Luke Sanan's stick and then the Bloem lads found the net with Jarryd Patrick providing the finishing touch to Sanan's final assist in what was a well-worked move.
Before the break Northerns Blues drag-flick kingpin Matt Guise-Brown had an opportunity but Jaco Gerber was good enough in the Free State goal.
Turning around 1-0 up, Free State were relieved to see Gilbert de Villiers' shot go high and wide and disappointed when De la Peyre parried Sanan's sizzling shot.
With 25 left the Bloem boys had the perfect chance to go two goals up but De la Peyre saved the penalty stroke and the keeper was again in place to deny Sanan after a well-weighted CJ van Wyk pass had set up the goal-hungry striker.
At the other end Gerber was again in place to parry a Guise-Brown rocket and the final score read Free State 1 Northerns 0.
Monday, Free State face KZN Inland at 10.30 am and Northerns tackle Kaspersky Southerns in the Battle of Gauteng at 2.30 pm.
Game 5 – Umpires: Calum Crichton and Kirk Mendoza.
Western Province (1) 4 (Mickey Crawford, Mike Day 2, Hugh Savage) WP Peninsula 0.
The Western Cape derby was closer than the score suggests.
After five minutes Pens earned the first penalty corner of the match and then two more, signalling their intent not to lie down and die against the "A" side, the final effort bringing out a solid save from keeper Mark Turner.
In the 15th a right-left cross from Taylor Dart to Grant Robertson saw the captain's neat deflection come close.
With 12 to half-time Niel Roode set up Zachery Titus for what appeared to be a goal but after consultation the umpires changed the decision to a PC and after the initial save from Pens keeper Brent Samuals, Mickey Crawford slammed in the rebound from the edge of the circle.
Eight into the second half the 1-0 half-time score became 2-0 as Mike Day finished smartly, and two great goals in the last three minutes by Hugh Savage and the on-song Day gave the champions a somewhat flattering 4-0 final scoreline.
Monday, WP have a bye and Pens meet SA U19 at 8.30 pm.
SA Hockey World
KZN Coastals down hosts WP, Free State formidable
KZN Coastals earned a huge result when they beat Western Province in the SA U21 Women's Interprovincial Hockey Tournament 2011 at Hartleyvale in Cape Town
POOLS – Pool A: Free State, Northern Blues, North West, WP Disas, KZN Inland, WP Peninsula.
Pool B: Kaspersky Southern Gauteng, KZN Coastals, Western Province, Kaspersky Wits, Eastern Province, Namibia.
Sunday, 1 May - Day 1
Game 1 – Umpires: Dalene Ferreira and Janet Thompson.
Namibia (1) 1 (Marcia Venter) Eastern Province 0.
The IPT opener was a match that saw four players sent to the sin bin, three yellow cards going to Namibia (two stick tackles and one verbal dissent) and one to EP (stick height).
This tempestuous match saw Namibia deliver something of an upset, the lone goal of the encounter going to their captain Marcia Venter from a penalty corner
Monday, Namibia tackle Western Province at 3.30 pm and EP face Kaspersky Wits at 3.30 pm.
Game 2 – Umpires: Mariana Putter and Carryn Maart.
Kaspersky Southern Gauteng (1) 3 (Kirsten Simone, Lilian du Plessis, Cindi Tregoning) Kaspersky Wits 0.
Kaspersky Southerns made certain there wasn't going to be yet another upset, as Kirsten Simone netted a field goal three minutes into the match and six minutes after the changeover Lilian du Plessis grabbed an action goal before Cindi Tregoning hammered the final nail in Witsies' coffin with a penalty corner strike 13 minutes from the end.
Monday, Southerns play KZN Coastal in a potential thriller at 5.30 pm while Wits tackle EP at 1.30 pm
Game 3 – Umpires: Tessa van der Sandt and Juanita Louw.
Free State (4) 5 (Izelle Lategan, Tanya Britz 2, Line Malan, Shevaun Botha) Western Province Peninsula 0.
SA senior player Izelle Lategan set the tone against the Western Province second-string side with a penalty corner in the 10th minute and Free State scored three more before half-time through field goals from Tanya Britz, Line Malan and Shevaun Botha before Britz bagged her brace for the match four minutes from full-time.
Monday, Free State face Northerns Blues at 1 pm while Pens tackle KZN Inland at 5 pm.
Game 4 – Umpires: Sarie Viljoen and Claire Cowan.
Western Province Disas (1) 1 (Laurette Cumming) KZN Inland 0.
The WP third-string side pulled off a meritorious win with the lone goal of the match going to Laurette Cumming eight minutes from half-time via the field goal route.
Disas meet North West at 3 pm Monday while Inland face Pens at 5 pm.
Game 5 – Umpires: Andrea Nicholson and Carry-Anne Gissing.
Northern Blues (1) 2 (Omari Pienaar, Simone Barratt) North West (0) 2 (Celia Evans, Anna Bosman).
A topsy-turvy encounter saw Blues skipper Omari Pienaar open the scoring with a penalty corner in the sixth minute. Turning around 1-0 down, North West drew level early in the second half through senior national player Celia Evans, the Potchefstroom girls' captain also netting from a PC.
Two minutes later her team-mate Anna Bosman got in on the PC act and Northerns were forced to play catch-up hockey. The Pretoria girls finally drew level with yet another PC, this time from Simone Barrett six minutes from the end.
Monday, Northerns face Free State at 1 pm and North West tackle WP Disas at 3 pm.
Game 6 – Umpires: Kathleen Faling and Tanya Pepler.
KZN Coastals (1) 2 (Nikita Cryer, Jacinta Jubb) Western Province (1) 1 (Danielle Crouse).
KZN Coastals earned a huge result when they beat Western Province 2-1 after the sides had been locked 1-1 at half-time.
Nikita Cryer got onto the scoreboard in the fourth minute via the field goal route but eight minutes later Danielle Crouse equalised for WP from a penalty corner.
KZN Coastals' all-important winner came from a Jacinta Jubb field goal in the 52nd minute.
The outcome leaves hosts WP with some work to do and they will be determined to get back on track against giantkillers Namibia at 3.30 pm Monday, while the buoyant East Coast girls have another big hurdle to negotiate when they face up to Kaspersky Southerns at 5.30 pm.
SA Hockey World
Multan, Lahore and Peshawar register victories
Staff Report
LAHORE: Multan, Lahore and Peshawar won their respective matches of the 3rd PHF Junior Super Hockey League at National Hockey Stadium here on Sunday. The match between Faisalabad and Sialkot ended in a 1-1 draw.
In the first match of the day, Mulatan beat Karachi 4-3. The losers were leading the first half 1-0. Scorers for Multan: Mohammad Faisal (42nd and 45th minutes, Khurram Shahzad (60th minute) and Adnan (70th minute). Karachi: Ahmed Zubair (12th, 64th and 66th minutes). Lahore beat PHF Academy 2-1 in the second contest. The second half remained goalless. Scorers for Lahore: Hafiz Sardar (33rd minute) and Arslan Sherazi (34th minute). PHF Academy: Mohammad Naveed (9th minute).
In the third tie, Peshawar routed Quetta 6-2 after leading the first half 3-1. Scorers for Peshawar: Zahid Khan (13th and 19th minutes), Samiullah Sadiq (29th, 62nd and 68th minutes) and Anis-ur-Rehman (54th minute). Quetta: Mohammad Jamal (23rd minute) and Ashraf Ali (52nd minute). Faisalabad played 1-1 drawn game with Sialkot. Scorer for Faisalabad: Ali Hassan Faraz (39th minute). Sialkot: Muhammad Suleman (12th minute).
Matches for today
1: Sialkot vs Peshawar
2: Quetta vs Faisalabad
3: Lahore vs Multan
4: Karachi vs PHF Academy
The Daily Times
Pune's Balewadi Sports Complex plagued by water shortage
By Joe Williams
With the swanky Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi reeling under water scarcity, the Indian Hockey Federation shifted its national camp to Delhi a few months ago.
Although the sports complex’s daily requirement of water is about five lakh litres a day, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is able to supply about 3.5 lakh litres daily.
Water is required for watering the polygrass hockey surface, housekeeping, hostel, staff quarters, swimming pools and other facilities.
The hockey authorities decided to shift the camp to New Delhi as the supply of water needed to be sprayed on the astroturf surface for practising was erratic. It is mandatory to water the turf before the practice and during the intervals while the practice session is on.
“The sports complex is facing problems on the water front,’’ the state joint director of sports and youth affairs, Narendra Sopal, admitted to DNA.
However, he denied that the national hockey camp was shifted out of Pune due to water problem at the sports complex.
“We could have met the water requirement for spraying the surface with water tankers,’’ Sopal claimed.
Interestingly, in 2009 too, the national hockey camp had to be stalled for few days as there was no water for spraying the astroturf surface. More recently, the hockey coaching camps had to be cancelled for two days as the surface went dry and there was no water for spraying the surface.
The water shortage problem aggravates during summer when the number of sports activities increase at the complex.
“The national shooting camp is underway and four sports academies have started their activities in Balewadi,’’ sports officials said.
According to incharge of the sports complex Sanjay Sabnis, Nikhil Kanetkar’s badminton academy, along with table tennis, tennis and shooting academies are conducting camps at present. These camps have evoked a good response.
DNA
Focus on grassroots to revive hockey: Dhyan Chand junior
Development from the grassroot level is key to reviving the game of hockey in India, said Ashok Kumar Dhyanchand, son of legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand, here today.
Ashok Kumar Dhyanchand, who represented India in the 1972 Munich Olympics and 1976 Montreal Olympics, was in the city to inaugurate the Vadodara Hockey League organised by the Baroda District Hockey Association.
“If the government really wants to see the game developing, it must first start from the city and district levels instead of directly holding selection-cum-election of national-level office-bearers. Those who are developing the game at the grassroots level should be concerned about the game rather than just holding posts. Unless office-bearers are emotionally attached, they will never be able to understand the players,” Ashok Kumar told The Indian Express.
He admitted that association functionaries were largely to be blamed for deterioration of the game. “I just pray that the situation improves once the legal dispute between Hockey India and the Indian Hockey Federation ends. It is high time that officials and the government realise that merely sending players to play outside India will not change the situation. At home they are given just Rs 100 for food for a day while they play national-level tournaments,” he said.
Indian Express
Jamie Dwyer recovering well after knee surgery
The Kookaburras were dealt an injury blow 15 months out from the 2012 London Olympics, when 4 time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer was struck down with a knee injury while playing for his Netherlands club team a month ago.
However we are happy to report that Jamie is recovering well after his surgery in Perth. While he cannot start running for another two months, his recovery to date has been very encouraging and he is hopeful of returning to the pitch by Finals Week of the AHL in August.
"I think I will be back for the finals of the AHL if there are no set back which there hasn't been any so far. I'm hoping to be back up and running by early July but if there is still some soreness I will assess it from there," said Dwyer.
Don't forget, you can give Jamie your best wishes by visiting his Facebook page (just type 'Jamie Dwyer' into the search) or his Twitter account - www.twitter.com/JamieDwyer01
Hockey Australia media release
Hockey leaders recognised at Awards Dinner
Twenty one leaders were recognised at last night’s Hockey New Zealand Gala Dinner in Auckland for the commitment and long term service they have given to the sport.
Former Hockey New Zealand chief executive, Ramesh Patel, was the inaugural recipient of the Noelene Stafford Award and Penny Simmonds from Hockey Southland received the Pakistan Trophy.
Seventeen other leaders from local hockey associations throughout the country were presented with either bronze awards (15-19 years of service), silver awards (20-24 years of service) or gold awards (25 years or more service).
“It is these leaders that make hockey happen in our communities. It was fantastic last night to recognise and thank them for their ongoing work and the massive contribution they make to the development of the sport,” says Hockey New Zealand chief executive Hilary Poole.
The Noelene Stafford Award was developed in memory of the former Hockey New Zealand president who tragically lost her battle with cancer last year.
Aged 60, Stafford was a committed and passionate volunteer. Her contribution was evident as a foundation director on the Midland’s Hockey Board, on the National Youth Council and in the work she did for Tauranga Hockey Association.
The award, which may not be presented every year, is for someone who has given exceptional service to Hockey New Zealand and contributes to the advancement of the sport.
Last night, Noelene’s husband David, presented the award to Patel who was at the helm of Hockey New Zealand for more than two decades and is held in high regard as a sports administrator, player and coach. Patel retired from Hockey New Zealand at the end of 2010.
Appointed Chair of Hockey Southland in 2007, Simmonds collected the other major award – the Pakistan Trophy - which is awarded to the person who has made the most outstanding contribution to the administration of hockey within their region.
Simmonds achievements include the instrumental work she did in the development of three water turfs in the southern region as well as securing significant funding for international test matches.
Hockey New Zealand 2010 Service Award recipients
NOELENE STAFFORD AWARD
Ramesh Patel (Hockey New Zealand)
PAKISTAN TROPHY
Penny Simmonds (Hockey Southland)
GOLD AWARDS (25 years or more service to hockey)
- Name and Regional Hockey Association listed below
Mike Ward, Waikato
Vaughan Hilton, Waikato
Merv Huxford, North Harbour
Brent Miller, North Harbour
Doug Lloyd, North Harbour
Denis Gribble, Nelson Hockey
Lorraine Renwick, Nelson Hockey
Gary Wilson, Nelson Hockey
Craig Brett, Nelson Hockey
Paul Jones ,Nelson Hockey
Karen Smith, Northland
Jenny Riddick, Northland
Pauline Weir, Eastern Southland
Stuart Ashby, Hawkes Bay
SILVER AWARDS (20-24 years of service to hockey)
Vicki Gribble, Northland
Bridget Daldy, Waikato
BRONZE AWARDS (15-19 years of service to hockey)
Shirley Blake, Northland
Hayden Campbell, Hawkes Bay
Alan Blewett, Hawkes Bay
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Melville Pearce Vale
Hockey Australia wishes to pay tribe to former Olympian Melville Pearce who passed away on April 27.
Born in 1928, Mel emigrated with his family from India to Perth in 1947 and first reprented Hockey WA in 1949 and retired from the state team in 1965.
Aged 28, he represented Australia along with his brothers Eric and Gordon and the historic 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
Hockey Australia extends its deepest sympathies to Mel’s family and friends.
Hockey Australia media release