News for 10 May 2011
Tuesday, 10 May 2011 08:17 | 
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All the news for Tuesday 10 May 2011
Malaysia - off the mark
India gained revenge for their Asian Games semifinal defeat at the hands of Malaysia by defeating the hosts 5-2 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
It was indeed a note worthy performance by the Indians who raced to a 3-0 lead within the first 22 minutes.
And although Malaysia lifted their game in the second half, their failure to convert the chances created put paid to their hopes of salvaging at least a draw.
India took the lead against the run of play. Skipper Arjun Halappa went on a jinxing run on the left and played the ball square.
Though Malaysian defender Bajlit Singh got a stick to it, he failed to trap the ball thus allowing Roshan Minz to tap into an unguarded goal to put India 1-0 ahead.
India weathered the Malaysian onslaught and hit back with deadly precision.
Ravipal sent in a long pass towards the Malaysian goal and though S. Kumar stopped the initial attempt by Mandeep Antil, he failed to stop the Indian player from scoring off the rebound. And India was in the driving seat, 2-0 up after 18 minutes.
http://www.azlanshahcup.com/images/stories/mas%20vs%20ind-4.jpg
And it got worse for the Malaysians when India was awarded their first penalty corner in the 22nd minute. Up stepped Rupinder Pal Singh to send his flick sailing high into the Malaysian goal. It was his fifth goal of the tournament and the hosts were 3-0 down in the opening 22 minutes.
Muhammad Azammi Adabi reduced the deficit to 3-1 in the 34th minute but no sooner had the cheers from the home fans died down that India struck for the fourth time as Sunil Sowmarpet scored in the 35th minute. India led 4-1 at halftime.
Malaysia went on the offensive early in the second half and were duly rewarded as Mohd Shahrun Nabil scored their second in the 43rd minute to reduce the deficit to 4-2.
Izwan Firdaus was the culprit in the 46th minute as he made a fine run down the right flank but opted to try for goal when the better option was to square the ball to Faisal Saari who was unmarked.
India was then reduced to 10 men as Saravanjit Singh saw yellow in the 48th minute.
Izwan was then presented with another goal scoring opportunity after being put through by Faisal Saari in the 52nd minute but could nt get the better of Indian custodian Bharat Kumar Chetri.
Malaysia was dealt a blow in the 57th minute as Mohd Razie Rahim was shown the yellow card for a rash tackle.
The hosts were awarded two penalty corners in the 63rd and 65th minutes, but Bharat denied Razie on both occasions.
Antil scored in the dying seconds to give India a comprehensive 5-2 win.
Official Sultan Azlan Shah Cup site
Great Britian defeat New Zealand
Great Britain moved to the top of the table in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup when they defeated New Zealand 3-1 in Ipoh this evening.
It was a masterful display from the Great Britain side that is now on nine points after four matches. They had defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the opening match last Thursday but were beaten 1-3 by India. And yesterday they got the better of Pakistan 3-2.
Great Britain was the more patient team in the match, opting to attack when openings were presented instead of moving upfield.
With skipper Glenn Kirkham and fellow defender Alastair Wislon holding the fort, chances were few in between for the Kiwis.
New Zealand was awarded a penalty corner in the 10th minute but Andrew Hayward failed to find the target.
Great Britain took the lead in the 14th minute as his flick found its way past the despairing dive of New Zealand keeper Kyle Pontifex.
The second goal was cleverly worked out by Great Britain. Off their second penalty corner in the 51st minute, Mantell played a relatively slow shot into the diving Pontifex and pusher Jonathan Clarke had the easy task of picking up the rebound and slotting it into the empty net.
Four minutes later Great Britain was 3-0 up, courtesy of a thunderous hit by Richard Alexander from the top of the semi circle.
New Zealand reduced the deficit in the 60th minute when Shay Neal scored to make it 3-1. But they ran out time to rescue anything from the match as Great Britain netted the crucial three points.
Official Sultan Azlan Shah Cup site
Australia show class in win
Australia defeated Pakistan 5-1 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match played in Ipoh on Monday.
The defeat, Pakistan’s second in successive days, having been beaten 3-2 by Great Britain on Sunday, meant that they lost their top spot in the standings.
It was a high paced match with both teams opting to play open hockey. And Australia did well to take their chances, registering a comprehensive 5-1 win
Australia almost drew first blood when Jason Wilson was put through by Glenn Turner in the third minute only to see keeper Imran Shah denying him of a goal.
Next it was the turn of Jacob Whetton to be denied by Imran after he was put though by Simon Orchard in the 6th minute.
Australia took the lead through a questionable penalty stroke awarded by umpire Martin Madden of Great Britain in the 23rd minute. Simon Orchard sent Imran the wrong way to give Australia a 1-0 lead.
Pakistan drew level in the 28th minute when Sohail converted a penalty corner.
But poor defending by Pakistan allowed Jason Wilson to collect the ball at the top of the circle and pick his spot to send the ball crashing past Imran to give Australia a 2-1 lead a minute before the halftime hooter.
Pakistan forced a penalty corner a minute upon the resumption of the match but this time Bazeley denied Sohail.
But it was Australia who found the net as Orchard ghosted into the semi circle and unleashed an unstoppable shot that had Imran beaten all the way in the 41st minute. Australia 3 Pakistan 1.
And by the time Christopher Ciriello converted a penalty corner in the 51st minute, Pakistan were truly beaten.
Wilson made in 5-1 in the 55th minute tapping in after being given the simplest of the task by Turner who squared the ball to him with the defence caught flatfooted.
Official Sultan Azlan Shah Cup site
India proves too good for Malaysia
S. Thyagarajan
Misron Azlan of Malaysia (right) and Minz Roshan of India compete for the ball during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup men's field hockey tournament on Monday. AFP
India recorded yet another stunning performance, outclassing Malaysia 5-2 in the Azlan Shah hockey tournament here on Monday.
The margin not only mirrors the dominance of India's victory but proves the loss in the last Asian Games when the team went down to a golden goal in the semifinal in Guangzhou to the same opponent was an aberration.
On a day when everything worked to a nicety, with Arjun Halappa clearly playing the captain's role, the home team lost the match within 22 minutes. Yes, India had scored three goals in that period and added one more before the break.
Clinical in execution and almost symphonic in weaving the patterns, the Indians bewildered the Malaysian defenders as much as they did their goalkeeper Kumar.
Graceful run
It was a graceful run by Arjun Halappa that set up the first goal. Roshan Minz provided the finishing touches with a delicate deflection. Then mid-fielder Ravipal sprinted down to provide Mandeep Antil a perfect pass. A quick finish by Antil rebounded off Kumar's pads, but he was quick enough to tap in the rebound. A scorcher of a penalty corner hit by Rupinder that sent the ball soaring to the roof of the net gave India the third. Close to half-time, Sunil netted off a Shivendra pass.
Truly, the Indians were riding the crest of a wave that the nonplussed Malaysians watched in awe, as the raids came in a cascade. Halappa received excellent support from Vikas Pillay, who played brilliantly on the left, and from the seasoned Vikram. In the deep, both Mahadik and Rupinderpal ensured that the Malaysians made no progress beyond a point.
Clearly embarrassed by the developments before the home crowd, headed by Sultan Azlan Shah, the Malaysians had no clue about the contest until Md. Azami broke through to pick up a goal.
Shortly after the break, Sharun Nabil scored to put pressure on the Indians. Green cards for Rupinderpal and Roshan Minz, and a yellow for Sarwanjit only raised tension in the Indian camp. But the Indians managed to regain the initiative when Antil sounded the boards a minute remained for the hooter.
India has seven points from four matches while Malaysia is yet to open its account after three matches. Harendra was delighted that the team put into play the strategy programmed before the encounter.
Big win for Aussies
An admirable blend of athleticism, approach-work and adeptness enabled Australia inflict a devastating 5-1 defeat on Pakistan. The Aussies underlined, rather emphatically, why they are rated World No. 1.
While Matthew Swann controlled the mid-field with authority, the frontline functioned with methodical efficiency under the leadership of Glenn Turner and Jason Wilson.
True, a debatable penalty stroke in the early minutes propelled the Aussies to an advantageous slot. Simon Orchard flicked in the lead. But thereafter the Aussies had everything rolling for them despite the equaliser by Sohail Abbas close on half-time. Two splendid goals by Wilson and another by Simon Orchard had class engraved on them.
Great Britain moved a step closer to the final spot with a convincing 3-1 victory over New Zealand. With nine points, Great Britain not only leads the table but looks the most accomplished side in the competition.
Tuesday is a rest day
The results: Australia 5 (Simon Orchard 2, Christopher Cirello, Jason Wilson 2) bt Pakistan 1 (Sohail Abbas); Great Britain 3 (Richard Mantell, Jonathan Clarke, Richard Alexander) bt New Zealand 1 (Shay Neal); India 5 (Roshan Minz, Mandeep Antil 2, Rupinderpal Singh, S.V. Sunil) bt Malaysia 2 (Md. Azami, Sharun Nabil).
The Hindu
When did India last score fie goals against Malaysia?
India today steamrolled the hosts Malaysia at the Stadium Azlan Shah with an astounding 5-2 score in its fourth match of the 20th Azlan Shah Cup.
Though in the no off side era, scoring five goals is a routine among the top six teams, which India is not, after a long time did India score pull off five goals against Malaysia.
Last year in the same tournament, it’s the hosts who scored five goals, while India managed just two.
This 5-2 win this year is not only the reverse of that match, but also a heartwarming one if one goes by the statistics.
Its way back in 2006 that India scored give goals against Malaysia. Since then it has been a roller coaster ride for both team, often India losing the crucial matches to the Peninsular team.
In the last Asian Games, a golden goal stole India of a chance to reach the finals and thus make a genuine claim to the Olympic spot that comes with the Asian Gold.
Its in the 2006 Azlan Shah Cup, which was led by Rajinder Singh Jr, that India scored five goals against Malaysia. Almost five years and five editions later, after meeting Malaysia in almost 15 meets, India could repeat the feat.
Coming against the home crowd, which was sizeable, the victory is sweet one.
Stick2Hockey.com
Classy India avenge Asiad loss to Malaysia
Double-defending champions India came up with a spirited display to outclass hosts Malaysia 5-2 and returned back in medal contention in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh on Monday. With this win, India have also avenged their shock Asian Games semifinal loss to Malaysia. Despite starting their campaign with a 2-3 loss to South Korea, India are back in the medal hunt with their second victory from four matches beside the draw against World champions Australia.
Britain surged to the top of the round-robin league standings with a 3-1 win over New Zealand, which took their tally to nine points from four outings.
Oz thrash Pak
Australia, meanwhile, hammered Pakistan 5-1 to take their points tally to seven from three matches and have a slightly better goal-difference compared to India, who are in third position.
India will play Pakistan in their next round-robin league match on Wednesday.
Against Malaysia, Mandeep Antil scored two goals (18th and 69th min), while Roshan Minz (8th), Rupinder Pal Singh (22nd) and SV Sunil (35th) found the net once each for India. Malaysia’s goals came through Azammi Adabi (34th) and Nabil Abdullah (43rd).
India are seeking to complete a hat-trick after winning the Cup in the past two editions.
Minz strikes
India took an early lead as Minz capitalised on a pass from captain Arjun Halappa, who moved in from the left to send a defence-splitting ball that found Minz in the goalmouth.
Antil made it 2-0 in the 18th minute by picking up a diagonal cross from Ravipal Singh and shot in from hand-shaking distance. Rupinder continued his brilliant goal-scoring spree by converting the first penalty corner India got in the 22nd minute, sending the ball into the cage with a powerful drag-flick to register his fifth goal of the tournament.
Malaysia pierced the Indian defence for their first goal through Adabi in the 34th minute. The move was initiated by a through pass from Firhan Asharri that got defelected by Izwan Firdaus towards Adabi, who flicked the ball past a diving Indian goalkeeper Bharat Chhetri. http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/HTEditImages/Images/10_05_pg18b.jpg
On a rampage
Within a minute, India scored again through Sunil, who capitalised on Shivendra Singh’s square-pass to place the ball in the goal and give India a 4-1 lead at half-time. After the change of ends, Malaysia produced a more determined effort, spurred by Nabil Abdullah who snatched the ball from an Indian defender and shot home from top of the box past a crowded scoring zone in the 43rd minute.
Lifted by the second goal, Malaysia’s strikers gave Indian defence a torrid time for the next 10 minutes. India survived two close shaves and on both the occasion Chhetri stepped in to ward off the danger.
Chhetri saved two penalty-corner shots in the last seven minutes to deny Malaysia before Antil got a touch to a firm goal-bound drive from Gurwinder Singh Chandi in the dying stages of the match. Fifteen members of this Malaysian team are from the silver-medal winning Asian Games squad of 18 that upset India.
Hindustan Times
Campaign over for hosts
Jugjet Singh
Malaysia’s Shahrun Nabil Abdullah controls the ball against India in Ipoh yesterday. — Picture by Ikhwan Munir
MALAYSIA'S campaign in the Azlan Shah Cup came to a stuttering halt when they were outclassed 5-2 by India in Ipoh yesterday.
A pathetic first half display left the national side with a mountain to climb after the breather.
Malaysia played in patches and allowed India to score at will in the first half, and it looked like they were in for a hiding from the start itself.
It was only eight minutes into the match when Roshan Minz sounded the board from close range, after defender Baljit Singh mis-trapped the ball.
It was the signal for India to push forward, and in the 18th minute, Malaysia fell behind 2-0 when India's Mandeep Antil caught the hosts' entire defence napping.
The third India strike was a classic flick to the roof of the goalmouth by Rupinder Singh in the 21st minute. It was the fifth goal of the tournament for the penalty corner replacement for regular Sandeep Singh.
Malaysia injected some hope into their game when Azammi Adabi scored in the 34th minute, only to be back in the rut when Sunil Sowmarpet scored India's fourth with seven seconds remaining to the half-time hooter.
With a heavy burden on their shoulders, Malaysia came out of the dressing room charging like a bull in a China shop, and Shahrun Nabil beat three defenders before pushing in the ball in the 43rd minute for Malaysia's second goal.
But with 12 minutes remaining, penalty corner flicker Radzi Rahim was flashed the yellow card, and Malaysia's chances of a comeback were further dented.
Gurwinder Singh scored India's fifth goal in the 69th minute, and Malaysia's humiliation was complete.
"We paid the price of giving India too much space in the first 20 minutes of the match, after which it became difficult to chase them.
"Defender Madzli's (Ikmar) absence was sorely felt at the backline (he fractured his cheekbone in the match against Australia) as I juggled players.
"We are here to learn, and build a side for the Olympics Qualifier, and we will learn from this defeat," said Malaysia coach Tai Beng Hai.
New Straits Times
Indians hit five goals past lacklustre Malaysians
By S. RAMAGURU
No way through: Malaysia’s Saari Faizal trying to get past India’s Halappa Ajun during their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match Monday. —RONNIE CHIN / The Star
IPOH: Malaysia played a shambolic game and went down 2-5 to India in a Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament match here last night.
It was a far cry from the effort they put in last Friday when the played against Australia at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium.
Malaysia were a total mess and there was hardly any concerted effort against India . And the match was as good as over for them when they trailed 1-4 in the first half.
Malaysia started off well, keeping possession of the ball. But it lasted for about eight minute before India broke through in a quick counter attack with Roshan Mirz scoring a field goal.
From then, the Malaysians were casual in their play and 10 minutes later, Mandeep Antil was on target with another field attempt.
And as India stepped up the pressure, Malaysia conceded the first penalty corner in the 22nd minute and Rupinderpal Singh made the conversion.
The Malaysians indulged in individual play and hardly showed any teamwork. But in the 34th minute, a well-taken hit by Mohamed Shahrun Nabi saw Azammi Adabi collecting in the D to slam the ball past goalkeeper Bharat Chetri to reduce the deficit.
But the good for Malaysia went undone as Sunil Sowmarpet regained a three-goal cushion for India with a 35th-minute field goal.
In the second half, Mohamed Shahrun Nabil scored a field goal in the 43rd minute and it raised hope of an improved effort from the team. Malaysia had several chances to score but Bharat was in good form to deny them.
In the 69th minute, Mandeep was again on target with the fifth goal as India cruised for a win to earn three points more while Malaysia remained on a duck in the standings.
Malaysia coach Tai Beng Hai said that his players only pulled themselves together in the second half but the deficit was too wide to make up.
“Had it been 1-3, we would have the better chance to salvage the match. But that is no excuse as the players have to realise that they need to concentrate fully from the start,” he said.
“We had several good chance but the players fumbled with the shots. We have to get back on our feet and try to do better in the next three matches.
“Generally, we also missed three of our regular fullbacks – Mohamed Amin (Rahim), Azreen (Rizal) and the injured Mohamed Madzli (Ikmar).”
The Star of Malaysia
India down Malaysia, Pak suffer big loss
Despite India registering a 5-2 victory over Malaysia in the Azlan Shah Cup today, Indian captain Arjun Halappa said that there was a period during the match where the team's performance was below par and it needs to work on some aspects.
“There is nothing like a comfortable lead in modern-day hockey even when you are ahead 4-1 at half-time,” Halappa said after India managed to ward off a determined second-half rally from Malaysia. India led 4-1 at half-time, but saw Malaysia pull back another goal soon after the interval and goalkeeper Bharat Chetri had to ward off four shots at the goal before India registered their second victory in four outings of the ongoing tournament.
India have drawn one after starting with a loss in the opening game.
“We played poorly in the first 15 minutes of the second half. There are areas on which we need to work harder,” said Halappa.
He, however, expressed satisfaction at the turn of events in the competition, after their defeat at the hands of South Korea in the first match where India squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 2-3.
India's victory today was sweet avenge for the twice defending champions in the tournament, where their only defeat in last year's event was against hosts Malaysia in a league encounter.
The jinx
Their next game will be against arch-rivals India. Pakistan, who lost 1-5 to Australia on Monday, are hoping to exploit absence of drag-flicker Sandeep Singh in the Indian team to end their four-match losing streak against the traditional rivals, when they clash on Wednesday.
After recording two victories, Pakistan's suffered back-to-back defeats against Britain and Australia and are hoping to bring their campaign back on track with win against India.
Pakistan skipper Muhammad Imran said his side is determined to see that they do not suffer fifth consecutive defeat against India. “We are fully confident of breaking the jinx against India this time. Tomorrow is the rest day and we will assess our mistakes and will do the best against them,” Imran said.
India had defeated Pakistan in the World cup, Delhi CWG, Azlan Shah and Guangzhou Asian games last year. Pakistan, though, clinched the Asian games gold and ticket to London Olympic 2012 whereas India had a bronze medal finish.
Indian Express
Kookaburras find form against Pakistan
The Kookaburras have found their best form at the Azlan Shah Cup, scoring three unanswered second half goals to defeat Pakistan in Malaysia tonight.
Pakistan, who have been one of the form teams to date at the tournament, stuck with the Kookaburras in the first half, with the game played at a fast pace which suited the Kookaburras.
However after failing to make the most of their chances in their opening two games, the Kookaburras demonstrated why they are reigning world champions by stepping it up in the second half to seal the win and give the young Kookaburra players plenty of confidence for the remainder of the tournament.
Australia almost drew first blood when Jason Wilson received a great pass from Glenn Turner in the third minute only to see keeper Imran Shah denying him of a goal.
However after several more chances the Kookaburras finally broke through when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 23rd minute that was converted by Simon Orchard. Pakistan drew level in the 28th minute when they converted a penalty corner to bring them back in the game.
But poor defending by Pakistan allowed Jason Wilson to collect the ball at the top of the circle and pick his spot to send the ball crashing past the Pakistan goalkeeper to give Australia a 2-1 lead a minute before halftime.
The Kookaburras continued their good form early in the second half when Simon Orchard scored their third goal at the 41 minute mark to give Australia a 3-1 lead.
Another goal by Chris Ciriello only ten minutes later gave the Kookaburras an unbeatable lead, and when Wilson scored his second at the 55 minute half the match was over. The win sees the Kookaburras remain in contention to finish in the top two on the points table and give them a chance to play in the final.
Their next match will be against Korea on Wednesday 11 May at 8.05pm.
Kookaburras 5 Pakistan 1 (2-1 half time)
Goals – Aus Orchard 23m PS/ 41m FG, Pak Abbas Sohail 28m PC, Aus Jason Wilson 34m FG/ 55m FG, Aus Ciriello 51m PC
POINTS TABLE
Hockey Australia media release
Aussies on rampage
WORLD No 1 Australia shed their rust and whipped Pakistan 5-1 to start their journey to a possible slot in the final of the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.
And if the Aussies continue their form, they are likely to battle early leaders Britain, who beat New Zealand 3-1, for top spot in the standings.
After a slow start to the tournament where they edged Malaysia 2-1 and drew 1-1 with India, the Australians made sure the third match belonged to them with deft goals.
"We started rusty, but are picking up momentum as the new players in the team are getting adjusted to the tournament conditions," said Australia coach Ric Charlesworth.
"As I said before, we are trying out many new players and against Pakistan today (yesterday), we had a team with an average of 40 caps, while Pakistan's average was 108, so it is a good result."
Even with six players missing, the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy holders are starting to show awesome form and they have a formidable reserve bench too.
The Australian goals were scored by Simon Orchard (23rd, 41st), Jason Wilson (35th, 55th) and Christopher Ciriello (51st), Pakistan replied through Sohail Abbas (28th).
Australia skipper Orchard said: "I am glad our new players have started to get a grip on the tournament, which resulted in us playing well today (yesterday), but we can play much better.
"We have three more matches after the rest (today) and we will work for a good Sunday finish."
In the second match, Britain were great in every department as they outclassed the Kiwis with goals from Richard Mantell (14th), Jonathan Clarke (51st) and Richard Alexander (55th).
Shay Neal scored the consolation for New Zealand in the 60th minute.
New Straits Times
Classy Australia outplay Pakistan
World champions Australia showed their class with a 5-1 thrashing of Pakistan to maintain their unbeaten streak in the Azlan Shah hockey tournament here today. For Australia, Simon Orchard (23rd and 41st minutes) and Jason Wilson (31st and 55th) struck twice each while Christopher Ciriello found the target in the 51st minute.
Sohail Abbas scored the lone goal for Pakistan in the 27th minute. In another round robin match, Britain defeated New Zealand 3-1 to move to the top of the table. Britain's three victories in four outings gave them nine points while Australia are on second spot with seven points from three matches, having won two and drawing the game against India.
Pakistan, who started with wins in their first two matches, have now suffered two successive defeats and now have six points from four matches. Australia's speedy strikers exerted enormous pressure on Pakistan defence, which crumbled in the second session to concede three soft goals.
After both teams forced a penalty corner each, Australia took the lead through a penalty stroke that seemed harsh. Simon Orchard duly converted the stroke in the 23rd minute. Pakistan bounced back with an equaliser in the 27th minute from a penalty corner conversion by Sohail Abbas, who sent a soaring drag-flick into the roof of the net. Pakistan's joy was short-lived as Australia took the lead once again one minute before half-time through an outstanding goal by Jason Wilson, who was unmarked when he got the ball on top of the circle and left the goalkeeper stunned with his stinging shot.
The second half saw Australia lay a virtual seize on the Pakistan territory, scoring goals through Orchard, Christopher Ciriello and Jason Wilson as the Pakistan defence wilted under pressure. Orchard's flash strike, after getting a diagonal pass inside the scoring zone, produced his second goal of the game in the 41st minute, while Ciriello got Australia their only goal from five penalty corners when he swept the ball into the net in the 50th minute.
The Tribune
Australia thrash Pakistan, Britain go top
India crush hosts Malaysia 5-2
KUALA LUMPUR: World champions Australia thrashed Pakistan 5-1 Monday to boost their chances of reaching the final at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, while Great Britain surged to the top of the table. For Pakistan, the heavy defeat – their second loss in successive days after they went down 3-2 to Great Britain on Sunday – saw them overtaken in the standings by Australia, who are on seven points having played a game less.
Great Britain went top of the table with an easy 3-1 win over New Zealand. Pakistan, who have six points after four matches, suffered in the humid conditions and it was the Australians who took their chances, forcing errors from their opponents in a fast-paced and open match. Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said the win was a welcome relief after his side laboured to a draw against India, adding that his players were coming into better form.
“No doubt that this performance was an improvement form the previous day but we are still not there yet. The Pakistanis did play well but our attempts at goal was much better and paid off,” he said. The Australians looked dangerous from the start with Glenn Turner, Jason Wilson and Simon Orchard testing Pakistan’s goalkeeper Imran Shah early in the first half.
Australia took the lead through a disputed penalty in the 23rd minute with Orchard finally finding a way beyond Shah to give Australia a 1-0 lead. Pakistan drew level in the 28th minute when Sohail Abbas converted a penalty corner, but they were unable to find further momentum. Poor defending by Pakistan allowed Jason Wilson to collect the ball at the top of the circle and send it crashing beyond Shah in the 34th minute to give Australia a 2-1 first-half lead.
Australia continued to dominate in the second-half, with goals from Orchard, Christopher Ciriello and Wilson handing them full points as the Asian champions continued to make mistakes. Pakistan had their chances, with a couple of penalty corners offering a way back into the game, but they lacked ideas to convert opportunities into goals. Britain have nine points from four matches and hold a two-point advantage over second-placed Australia.
New Zealand have only one point after three matches and their chances of a top-three finish are fading fast. Great Britain coach Jason Lee was surprised at finding his team top of the standings. “I hope we can keep up the good work. The players are still coming to grips with the humidity and today they played much better structurally,” he said. India turned up the heat to beat hosts Malaysia 5-2 to keep their hopes of a final berth wide open.
The Indians lost in the semi-finals of the Asian Games in November to Malaysia and the win here was sweet revenge for that defeat. Indian coach Harinder Singh was not a happy man despite the big win.
“We did well in the first-half and played badly in the second-half. You cannot lose your concentration in a match or play well for 50 or 25 minutes. It must be for 70 minutes and we didn’t do that,” he said. Tuesday is a rest day for all the teams.
The Daily Times
Pakistan suffer second loss with 5-1 Aussie thrashing
KARACHI: Pakistan were left reeling in the Azlan Shah Cup, when they were handed a 5-1 thrashing by world champions Australia on Monday.
A day after suffering their first defeat of the tournament against Great Britain, Pakistan were dealt another blow by the pre-tournament favourites at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Pakistan will face arch rivals India in their next match, on Wednesday, before playing their last league match against hosts Malaysia on Friday.
The world champions boosted their chances of reaching the final, while Great Britain surged to the top of the table with a win over New Zealand.
Pakistan, who have six points after four matches, suffered in the humid conditions and it was the Australians who took their chances, forcing errors from their opponents in a fast-paced and open match.
Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said the win was a welcome relief after his side laboured to a draw against India, adding that his players were coming into better form.
“No doubt that this performance was an improvement form the previous day but we are still not there yet. The Pakistanis did play well but our attempts at goal was much better and paid off,” he said.
The Australians looked dangerous from the start with Glenn Turner, Jason Wilson and Simon Orchard testing Pakistan’s goalkeeper Imran Shah early in the first half.
Australia took the lead through a disputed penalty in the 23rd minute with Orchard finally finding a way beyond Shah to give Australia a 1-0 lead.
Pakistan drew level in the 28th minute when Sohail Abbas converted a penalty corner, but they were unable to find further momentum.
Poor defending by Pakistan allowed Jason Wilson to collect the ball at the top of the circle and send it crashing beyond Shah in the 34th minute to give Australia a 2-1 first-half lead.
Australia continued to dominate in the second-half, with goals from Orchard, Christopher Ciriello and Wilson handing them full points as the Asian champions continued to make mistakes.
Pakistan had their chances, with a couple of penalty corners offering a way back into the game, but they lacked ideas to convert opportunities into goals.
Meanwhile, Britain who beat New Zealand 3-1, have nine points from four matches and hold a two-point advantage over second-placed Australia.
New Zealand have only one point after three matches and their chances of a top-three finish are fading fast.
Great Britain coach Jason Lee was surprised at finding his team top of the standings.
“I hope we can keep up the good work. The players are still coming to grips with the humidity and today they played much better structurally,” he said.
India turned up the heat to beat hosts Malaysia 5-2 to keep their hopes of a final berth wide open.
The Indians lost in the semi-finals of the Asian Games in November to Malaysia and the win here was sweet revenge for that defeat.
Indian coach Harinder Singh was not a happy man despite the big win.
“We did well in the first-half and played badly in the second-half. You cannot lose your concentration in a match or play well for 50 or 25 minutes. It must be for 70 minutes and we didn’t do that,” he said.
Tuesday is a rest day for all the teams.
Dawn
Samiullah blames fatigue for consecutive losses
After losing against Australia, Pakistan have a rest day before resuming their Azlan Shah Cup campaign against India and playing their last league match against Malaysia. —Photo by AFP
KARACHI: Fatigue caused by two back-to-back wins against New Zealand and South Korea may have resulted in Pakistan’s losses against Britain and Australia, hockey legend Samiullah said on Monday.
Pakistan started their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup campaign on an impressive note when they beat New Zealand and South Korea with a similar score-line (4-2) in the first two days of the tournament.
The team then had a day’s break before resuming their campaign against Great Britain on Sunday, a match they lost 3-2. In their fourth match, Pakistan were mauled by world champions Australia by five goals to one.
Former winger Samiullah believes that while the loss against Australia was not unexpected, the losing margin is inexcusable.
“The score-line is very alarming and federation should analyse the team’s performance against Australia.”
“After their impressive performances against New Zealand and South Korea, our players might have been exhausted because this (Azlan Shah Cup) is a very physically demanding tournament,” Samiullah said.
Several members of the squad are approaching the twilight of their careers and the former captain has put the blame on lower fitness levels for the consecutive defeats.
“If exhaustion is the reason then the players have to improve their fitness ahead of key tournaments like the Champions Trophy and the Olympics, which are much more demanding in terms of physical stamina.”
Pakistan have two round-robin phase games to go and wins in the matches against India and Malaysia could take the Asian Games champions to the semi-finals.
“They can still bounce back, because if they could beat South Korea and New Zealand, they can certainly beat India and Malaysia.”
Dawn
Great Britain go top of Azlan Shah table
Great Britain recorded their third victory in four matches as they beat New Zealand at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh. The result takes GB to the top of the table with nine points, although the Australians, two points behind, have a game in hand.
A 14th minute penalty corner from Reading and England's Richard Mantell put GB in front, although they had to survive a couple of Blacksticks penalty corners before half time.
And Mantell was involved again in Great Britain's second after younger brother Simon found a Kiwi foot in the circle. Richard's penalty corner low to the left was saved but clubmate Jonty Clarke picked up the rebound to make it 2-0.
And it was 3-0 in a matter of minutes when Surbiton's Richard Alexander smashed home his fifth goal in the colours of Great Britain; the 29 year old took full advantage as New Zealand failed to clear their lines.
Shay Neil pulled one back for the Commonwealth Games bronze medalists, tipping home on the back post with an hour played.
Great Britain's next fixture is against World and Commonwealth Games Champions Australia at 09:05 BST on Thursday.
Great Britain Hockey media release
Britain go top with win over New Zealand
Outclassed: Sohail Abbas scored Pakistan’s only goal in their 1-5 loss to Australia Monday.
IPOH: Britain moved to the top of the standings in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament after a 3-1 win over New Zealand yesterday.
They have nine points after four matches from three wins and a loss.
In a match that was a letdown as the Kiwis failed to make a fight of it, Britain took a 1-0 lead at half time with a penalty corner goal by Richard Mantell in the 14th minute.
And in the second half, Britain gained from two mistakes by New Zealand with Jonathan Clarke converting a penalty corner in the 51st minute and Alexander Richard going on target four minutes later. New Zealand pulled a goal back in the 60th minute through Shay Neal.
Britain coach Jason Neal was pleasantly surprise that his team were sitting on top of the standings.
“I think the players are getting used to conditions here and slowly improving. We are happy with the current standings and hope to play much better in the remaining matches,” he said.
“Our objectives remain the same in that we want to test our players and this tournament offers good opportunities.”
Britain have a two-day break before they play against Australia on Thursday.
World champions Australian regained their winning edge, chalking up a 5-1 win over Pakistan in their third outing in the tournament. The win took them to seven points and set them on course to get into the final.
Australia went on the offensive from the start with Glen Turner, Jason Wilson and Simon Orchard all missing chances to beat goalkeeper Imran Shah.
And it took a penalty stroke conversion by Orchard to break the deadlock in the 23rd minute. But six minutes later, Pakistan earned a penalty corner and Sohail Abbas put it away for the equaliser.
In the second half, the Asian Games champions played well below par and gave away goals to the Australians.
Orchard was on target in the 41st minute and Christopher Ciriello flicked home a penalty corner in the 51st minute to put Australia on easy street.
Wilson added the fifth goal in the 55th minute and only some desperate defending by Pakistan prevented Australia from running up a higher score.
Pakistan manager K.M. Junaid said that Australian caught them on an off day.
“There are times when you don’t play well and this is one of those occasions for us. But then again when you up against Australia, you pay a heavy price. That is why they are the world champions,” he said.
“We take this as a lesson and will see to it that we don’t repeat those mistakes. We have to work harder now and make sure we collect enough points to stay on course for a podium finish.”
For Australia coach Ric Charlesworth, the win vindicated his faith in the team as he felt they can only get better with more matches under their belts.
“Like I said much earlier, we were a little rusty. But the players are getting better,” he said.
“Today, we improved on our performance and made better use of the chances. But there is still some way to go. We look forward to winning the next matches well.”
The Star of Malaysia
Black Sticks lose 3-1 to Great Britain
Despite an opportunist goal from North Harbour’s Shay Neal, the Black Sticks slipped to a 3-1 defeat against a strong Great Britain side in their third match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia on Monday 9 May 2011. The Black Sticks fought hard but could not convert their chances into goals, whilst the British proved more clinical in the circle, converting both of its penalty corners.
For the Black Sticks, Palmerston North’s Nick Wilson turned in an excellent display to show he is making a welcome return to form after his long injury lay-off, whilst North Harbour’s David Green and Wellington’s Blair Hilton also produced encouraging displays.
The Black Sticks were rocked in only the seventh minute when Gareth Brooks, returning to the international arena for the first time since the Beijing Olympics, pulled up with a hamstring injury that is likely to rule him out for the rest of the tournament.
In a fiercely-competitive match, both sides threw everything into the game and both sides created half-chances in the opening ten minutes. The Black Sticks won the first penalty corner of the match in the 9th minute but Andy Hayward’s flick was well saved by the British goalkeeper James Fair.
Great Britain opened the scoring in the 14th minute from their first penalty corner, with drag flick specialist Richard Mantell flicking the ball past the despairing dive of Kyle Pontifex in the Black Sticks goal.
In the 29th minute, the Black Sticks went close to equalising when Blair Hilton’s dribble and excellent reverse stick pass just eluded the full-length dive of Nick Wilson and the Black Sticks went into the interval trailing by one goal.
In the second half, Britain added to their lead shortly after the break. From Britain’s second penalty corner in the 51st minute, Kyle Pontifex pulled off a good save from Richard Mantell’s drag flick but Jonathan Clarke was on hand to fire home the rebound and put the British 2-0 up.
Britain sealed victory with their third goal four minutes later when Richard Alexander punished uncertainty in the Black Sticks defence and fired a quick shot low past Pontifex.
In the 60th minute, the Black Sticks reduced the deficit with a well-worked team goal that saw Dean Couzins, Steve Edwards, Arun Panchia and Ben Collier all involved before Nick Wilson’s sharp shot was deflected by Shay Neal into the net.
The game taught the Black Sticks the harsh reality of taking your chances. Great Britain scored from both its penalty corners whilst the Black Sticks squandered all three of its chances from the set-piece. The Black Sticks will need to be more productive in the final third in their next match on Wednesday 11 May 2011 as they take on Malaysia in their fourth round match at 1605 (Malaysian time).
On Thursday 12 May (1805, Malaysian time), the Black Sticks plays India and on Saturday 14 May the Black Sticks plays Australia at 2005 with the classification matches taking place on Sunday 15 May.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
British too strong for NZ men’s hockey team
The New Zealand men's hockey team has gone down 1-3 to Great Britain at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.
It was a masterful display from the Great Britain side, which was the more patient team in the match, opting to attack when openings were presented instead of moving up-field.
Chances were few in between for New Zealand, and when they were awarded a penalty corner in the 10th minute Andrew Hayward failed to find the target.
Great Britain took the lead in the 14th minute as a Richard Mantell flick found its way past the despairing dive of New Zealand keeper Kyle Pontifex.
The second goal was cleverly worked out by Great Britain. Off their second penalty corner in the 51st minute, Mantell played a relatively slow shot into the diving Pontifex and pusher Jonathan Clarke had the easy task of picking up the rebound and slotting it into the empty net.
Four minutes later Great Britain was 3-0 up, courtesy of a thunderous hit by Richard Alexander from the top of the semi circle.
New Zealand reduced the deficit in the 60th minute when Shay Neal scored to make it 3-1. But they ran out time to rescue anything from the match as Great Britain netted the crucial three points.
After earlier losing to 2-4 to Pakistan and drawing 1-1 with South Korea, New Zealand are now rooted at the bottom of the table, sixth in the seven-team competition.
Tomorrow they face hosts Malaysia, the only team below them with two losses from two matches.
Results:
Great Britain 3 (Richard Mantell 14, Jonathan Clarke 51, Richard Alexander 55) New Zealand 1 (Shay Neal 60). Halftime: 1-0
Australia 5 (Simon Orchard 23, 41, Jason Wilson 34, 55, Christopher Ciriello 51) Pakistan 1 (Sohail Abbas 29).
Halftime: 2-1
Stuff
Harendra eyes on proper support staff structure
s2h Team
The Indian team won 5-2 against Malaysia, and while most people would see it as revenge for the Asian Games semifinal loss, coach Harendra Singh is concerned more about his team’s improvement and eyeing the long term benefits than staying in the past.
“For me, any match that has happened is gone. No point talking about stuff like revenge and past history. We can also say that way that yesterday’s draw against Australia was also a payback for the CWG final loss. I don’t see it that way and I don’t ever talk to my boys about the past matches. I only talk about opponents and upcoming matches,” he said.
But despite the visible improvement in most areas in this team – most importantly, their fitness – there still remains a question mark over this team’s long-term future. The reason being, there is no clarity on the future of the team management.
When Spaniard Jose Brasa left after his contract expired post Asiad, there were apprehensions that the team structure will completely break down in his absence. It is credit to Harendra that, having been with Brasa throughout his tenure, he did not try to bring about drastic changes and more or less continued with the existing system
However, with repeated calls for a foreign coach, there is no clarity whether this might not be the last assignment for Harendra. What is his take on this: “Till now things are on an ad-hoc basis. But after this tournament, everything will become clear. What happens of me, what happens of the team management and the support staff, everything. There has to be a system in place. I have already given my request for the entire nine-member support staff that I need. I have also identified two foreign experts for specialized coaching whose services I want. Let us see what happens after we return,” he says, adding that without such system, expecting to beat top teams will remain a dream.
Talking about the team fitness, Harendra says it has more to do with a change in mindset than anything else. “If a player runs with the ball for 30 yards and then gives a pass, you cannot expect him to again be in a position to receive it back. What we are trying to do is to make sure the ball travels a lot of distance, not the players. That helps keep the legs fresh and the difference in fitness is there for all to see,” he says.
All the current staff – the trainer, physio, masseur and assistant coaches -- are still working on ad-hoc basis with no proper contract from either the Sports Authority of India or Hockey India.
Probably a good outing here will bring many things to its logical conclusion. One can be hopeful of that given the fact that India played well against Malaysia
Stick2Hockey.com
India's Sports Minister follows us on Twitter
Ajay Maken
Minister Of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) Government of India. Tweets are personal and RT does not mean endorsement http://www.ajaymaken.in
@azlancup Excellent narration of Hockey matches. Those interested in Hockey should follow it. India to play Malaysia today later in the day!
Official Sultan Azlan Shah Cup site
AHF-MHC Hockey Academy inaugurated
Hockey Correspondent
Amidst fanfare and in brilliant ambience the AHF-MHC Hockey Academy was inaugurated on Monday by Sultan Azlan Shah, President, Asian Hockey Federation.
The Academy, situated adjacent to the hockey fields at the Azlan Shah Stadium here, can accommodate 100 trainees from the continent when completed. It will train coaches, umpires, management personnel and technical officials.
“It's a historic day for Asian hockey,” P.Alagendra, Secretary-General, said in his speech and paid rich tributes to the President, Azlan Shah for his role in getting this dream into a reality. "The Academy is now ready, able and more than capable to serve the needs of Asian hockey. And the 32 graduates of the first course held here is testimony to that fact," Alagendra added.
The 32 trainees were awarded certificates by Sultan Azlan Shah. The 32 included one from India, Virender Singh of Meerut.
The Hindu
Sultan Azlan Shah launches academy
THE Asian Hockey Federation-Malaysian Hockey Confederation Academy was launched by Sultan Azlan Shah yesterday when he presented certificates to 32 umpires who were the first batch to be trained in Ipoh.
The academy will be based at the State Sports Council building adjacent to the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium.
It is the first of its kind in the world as it caters to the development of hockey in a region.
"It was at the Azlan Shah Cup last year that Tuanku mooted the idea of having an institution where knowledge of the game could be distributed to hockey officials for their improvement and benefit," said AHF secretary general Tan Sri P. Alagendra in Ipoh yesterday.
"Today (yesterday) is a proud day for Asian hockey, for under the guidance and inspiration of His Highness, the dream has come true.
"The academy is now ready and will serve the needs of Asian hockey.
"The 32 graduates from 12 Asian countries at the first course held here, is testimony to that."
A committee under the chairmanship of MHC vice president-cum-Perak hockey president Datuk Rahim Ariff was established and it met 12 times over the past year to meet the deadline of having the academy up and running before the 20th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
"The academy will assist 32 national associations of Asia to improve the quality and increase the number of hockey officials in Asia," added Alagendra.
"It will cater to coaches, technical officials, umpires and management officials. Experts in these important segments of hockey will be brought to the academy to assist Asia in achieving greater heights."
After renovation, which will cost RM890,000, the academy will be able to house 100 people at any one time, and have cooking, dining, Internet, recreation and laundry facilities.
New Straits Times
Tanvir Dar Hockey Academy Boy Declared the Best Player at the Junior Super Hockey League
By Ijaz Chaudhry
Best player Bilal Qadir
A commendable step of the present set up of PHF is initiation of the Junior Super Hockey League. Its third edition recently concluded in Lahore. Faisalabad were the worthy winners defeating Lahore in the final.
Faisalabad’s captain, the brilliant left side forward Bilal Qadir, who netted nine goals, was declared the best player of the tournament. This is yet another feather in the cap for the boy from a small village near Peer Mahal, district Toba Tek Singh. Last year, he had led the Tanvir Dar Hockey Academy’s under 16 side on its highly successful tour of Holland, Germany and Belgium. The academy team played 17 matches, winning 16 and drawing one. The highlight of the tour was the international MOP tournament in Holland competed by eight teams from four countries. Bilal not only captained the victorious Tanvir Dar Hockey Academy side but was also named the player of the tournament.
Bilal who has already played for Pakistan under 18 side really appreciates the role of Tanvir Dar Hockey Academy in his hockey career.
“ I am at the academy for last four years. The academy not only provides top class training but also takes care of everything including diet, sticks, shoes, etc.
Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me given my humble back ground.”
Next, Bilal would be attending the national junior camp in a few days time for the forthcoming under 18 Asia Cup.
The manner in which Bilal is making rapid strides, the day is not far off when he would be a national star.
Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey and other sports. For more about him and his published work, visit www.sportscorrespondent.info
Fieldhockey.com exclusive
Bombay Gymkhana decides to revive All-India Aga Khan tournament
By Mihir Vasavda
Bombay Gymkhana has decided to revive the world’s second oldest hockey event, the All-India Aga Khan tournament. It will be held here from May 15 to 21.
In an era when hockey is played on artificial turfs with emphasis on fitness and speed, how many teams in India would be willing to take part in the tournament? “It wasn’t difficult to coax the teams. It’s all about tradition,” says Rahul Raichand, honorary secretary — hockey and football — of Bombay Gymkhana. “It is the second oldest competition in the world and we hope to make it a huge success.” The tournament was first played in 1896.
However, Air India, who won the tournament’s last edition in 2002, won’t be participating. “I don’t think it is an ideal preparation for the Nationals (to be held next month). It (Aga Khan) is no doubt a prestigious tournament but to play on grass is an issue,” says Air India manager Vernon Lobo.
Ex India captain Dhanraj Pillay adds another dimension to this debate. “The fact that Mumbai does not have an artificial turf is a concern. How can you conduct a tournament on a turf if you don’t have one! So if we look at it from that angle, it is good that at least we are having a domestic tournament in the city after such a long time, although on grass,” he says.
The tournament promises to be a throwback to the time when 's' in hockey stood for skills and not speed. “So, it will be very interesting to see how the players will adjust to it,” Pillay concludes.
DNA
Trotman blasts Malvern to top
Nigel Simon
Harvard Maritime Checkers’ Kecia Jone is fullstretched on the turf in an attempt to win the ball from Paragon’s Zene Henry, left, in their T&T Hockey Board Women’s Championship Division encounter at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Saturday. Checkers won 1-0. (Inset: Oire Trotman). Photo: Anthony Harris
National forward Oire Trotman notched a hat-trick to lead Stag Malvern to a comfortable 7-1 thrashing of Ventures and top spot in the Women’s Championship Division of the T&T Hockey Board at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Sunday. Former national defender Brigid Poon-Lewis opened the scoring for the Malvernites in the seventh minute, while Trotman got her first eight minutes later for a 2-0 lead.
Another former T&T international Penelope Sharpe extended the lead to 3-0 in the 21st minute but within the blink of an eye, ex-national captain Cristina Abreu pulled one back for Ventures from the penalty-spot for a 3-1 deficit.
Six minutes before the half, Trotman added another for Malvern to lead 4-1 and in the second-half she completed her treble in the 43rd minute, while Cheryl Hinds (64th) and Joy Alexander (70th) were also on target to complete the 7-1 triumph. With the win, Malvern, remained the lone unbeaten team with 13 points from five matches, one ahead of defending champion Shandy Carib Magnolias, which it edged 1-0 last week with Trotman on target. On Saturday, Harvard Maritime Checkers (eight points) leapfrogged Notre Dame (seven points) into third spot with a 1-0 victory over Paragon via a 39th minute Patrice Padmore field goal.
...Parkites blow out Defence Force
Dominic Young also found the back of the net three times as Queen’s Park regained pole possession in the Men’s Championship Division with a 4-0 blow out of Defence Force on Saturday. Young, got his first in the 22nd minute while Shawn Lee Quay made it 2-0 three minutes later for a 2-0 advantage at the interval. On the resumption, the Parkites who were without the injured trio of Azard Ali, Raphael Govia and Jerazeno Bell got two more items, off the stick of Young in the 43rd and 52nd minute to push their points tally to 16 from seven matches, the same as Paragon which has a match in hand. The inconsistent “Teteron Boys” had much better luck on Sunday as they battled to a 1-1 draw with reigning treble crown champions, Petrotrin 1-1. After a goalless first-half, Triston Grant fired the Oil-men ahead but his former team-mate, Marcus James earned a point for Defence Force with a 59th minute reply.
T&THB Results
Friday
Trinity Men Division: Notre Dame 3 (Tobias Ottley 3rd, Jose Gonsalves 47th, Edrich Francois 45th) vs Fatima 1 (Gregory Garraway 65th).
Defence Force 3 (Aaron McKenzie 17th, 25th, Neil Lashley 20th) vs Malvern 1 (Tariq Marcano 30th).
Saturday
Girls’ Under-19: Magnolias 3 vs Ventures 0 - by default
Trinity Women: Magnolias 3 (Brianna Govia 27th, 58th pen, Elise Olton 34th pen) vs Ventures 2 (Kristine Jardine 67th, 69th).
Trinity Men: QPCC 3 vs Petrotrin 0 - by default
Championship Women: Checkers 1 (Patrice Padmore 39th) vs Paragon 0.
Championship Men: QPCC 4 (Dominic Young 22nd, 43rd, 52nd, Shawn Lee Quay 25th) vs Defence Force 0.
Sunday
Trinity Men: Police 3 vs Petrotrin 0 - by default
Trinity Women: Magnolias 7 (Brianna Govia 3rd, 33rd, 66th, Kristy-Ann Chin 17th, 70th, Elise Olton 41st, 46th) vs Checkers 0
Championship Women: Malvern 7 (Oire Trotman 13th, 29th, 43rd, Brigid Poon-Lewis 7th, Penelope Sharpe 21st, Cheryl Hinds 64th, Joy Alexander 70th) vs Ventures 1 (Cristina Abreu 21st)
Championship Men: Petrotrin 1 (Triston Grant 40th) vs Defence Force Marcus James 56th).
The Trinidad Guardian
Legerton reaches 32-goal mark
T&T international Wayne Legerton pushed his goal tally to 32 after he netted a double to help g Hattem to a 4-2 victory over Enschedesche in the Holland Field Hockey League on Sunday. With the win, the 26-year-old Legerton, who plays locally for 2010 national double crowned champion Petrotrin and his Hattem clubmates improved to 40 points from 19 matches, three behind second placed Tempo ‘41 which was upstaged by GCHC 3-2. Leaders Huizen climbed to 55 points following a 6-2 whipping of QZ 6-2. Hattem now go into its next match against Temp’41 on Sunday needing a win to move into second spot and playoff contention.
The Trinidad Guardian
Navy SEALs Training
Ashley Meunier
The US Women's National Team has been training with the Navy SEALs at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA in hopes to adopt some of their team building techniques and coping strategies.
Read More
USFHA media release
20 questions with Helen Richardson
Interview by Nick Pearce
Focus: Helen Richardson believes Team GB have plenty of time to improve before the Olympics
Team GB's hockey centre half Helen Richardson talks to Telegraph Sport about superstitions, working hard and keeping healthy.
Telegraph Sport: Tell us who you are
Helen Richardson: I'm Helen Richardson. I play for England and Great Britain as a centre half.
TS: What's your present state of mind?
HR: It's focused. The GB team have set themselves a tough goal for the Olympics. We want to be on that podium and at the moment every day is about trying to make ourselves our better when the Games come around.
TS: Is your London 2012 build-up on track?
HR: Yes, definitely. Last year we took a decision to become centralised as a group. The England team who went to the tournaments last year did really well. We won our first ever medal at a World Cup which is a fantastic achievement for everybody and I think that shows that we are on the right track and we have made massive improvements. We recognise that we've still got some way to go but we've got plenty of time to make those necessary gains that we need to.
TS: When did you last skip training?
HR: I never skip training but I didn't train last week because I had a cold. I would never skip it for no reason.
TS: Have you ever lied to get out of training?
HR: No, never.
TS: Is sporting success down to luck, talent or hard work?
HR: Good question. I really believe the majority of it is down to hard work. I think talent inevitably plays a part but if you don't work hard you can't make it at the top level. You certainly can't win medals at major competitions because you can't compete with those people who really want it. In hockey if you don't work hard you're nowhere near. Working hard and going for something you believe in can get you really far.
TS: Is winning silver, losing gold?
HR: In our sport winning silver is when you win the semi-final so in that respect you've already won your silver and then you go into the final to try and win gold. We're all striving to be the best we can be and hopefully performances can allow us to win that gold medal. If silver is what you end up with and you've done all you can then that's fine.
TS: How do you celebrate?
HR: After a tournament is the best time to get away on a holiday. I think it's really important in a team sport to celebrate together so after a tournament we'll tend to have some team time with a meal and maybe a few drinks. Then after that it's a really good time to recover, go on holiday and have a bit of time away from everybody.
TS: What is your idea of happiness?
HR: I think in general just being healthy and enjoying what you do day-to-day. So for me being able to do the job I do is what makes me happy. I consider myself to be extremely lucky as not many people are able to do this.
TS: What is your idea of misery?
HR: If you're not enjoying something you're doing that's got to be pretty miserable. In terms of sport if you're not winning that's never a good thing. But if you're enjoying what you're doing, you're giving everything and still not winning then you can still have a sense of pride.
TS: What one thing do you regret?
HR: I don't know... No regrets.
TS: What's the most expensive thing you've ever bought?
HR: It would have to be a laptop. I got it a few years ago and didn't think to get a MacBook so maybe that will be my next purchase.
TS: When did you last clean your toilet?
HR: I actually did it two days ago but that was the first time in a quite a while. Desperate measures.....
TS: How much is a pint of milk?
HR: I never buy a pint, always a four-pinter. About 70p? [Too high – it's 45p].
TS: McDonalds or Burger King?
HR: McDonalds. It just tastes better. I actually can't remember the last time I had one. But I definitely remember when I was younger it was always McDonalds over Burger King.
TS: iPad or newspaper?
HR: iPad.
TS: You see someone kick a dog. What do you do?
HR: I think I'd go over there and say 'What do you think you're doing?' But it would depend on what the character looked like. I wouldn't want to get beaten up. But then if they're a kicking a dog they probably wouldn't care about kicking me..
TS: Do you believe in UFOs?
HR: No. But I can't expand on that.
TS: Do you have a lucky item of clothing or a superstition?
HR: No clothes but I do like to be the last person in the line-up when we come on the pitch.
TS: What would you like written on your gravestone?
HR: I think I'll be cremated but if I had to it would read: "Helen Richardson. Olympic gold medallist who lived life to the full."
The Telegraph