News for 17 July 2011
Sunday, 17 July 2011 12:24 | 
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All the news for Sunday 17 July 2011
Korea take inaugural London Cup title
Hot on form and riding on Nam Yong Lee’s second hat-trick of the tournament, Asia’s number one side Korea overpowered New Zealand's Black Sticks 4-3 in a thrilling match to win the inaugural London Cup in front of a full house at the University of Westminster Sports Ground in Chiswick.
Korea celebrate winning The London Cup in Chiswick
Moon Ki Yoo’s side went into half time with their noses in front and Player of the Tournament Nam Yong Lee ensured there was no slip-up as the fiery Koreans bagged the trophy in a goal fest.
The first half began on a slippery note as both teams tried to adjust to the wet conditions and it was New Zealand that drew the first blood in the seventh minute as Simon Child’s quick strike gave them the lead. Despite going behind, Korea controlled the first half from thereon, playing attacking hockey as the Kiwis struggled to match pace.
Nam Yong Lee celebrates scoring a goal for Korea against New Zealand at The London Cup, Chiswick
It was tournament’s leading scorer Nam Yong Lee (pictured) who opened the scoring for the Koreans in the 22nd minute deflecting the ball into the net from a pass. And in the space of a minute, Korea were ahead; Suk Hoon Chu scoring through a quick strike from open play.
Both teams failed to convert the penalty corners that came their way during the first 35 minutes. While the Kiwis wasted two opportunities, the Koreans failed to find the net on three occasions. The second half began with New Zealand upping their pace in pursuit of an equaliser but Nam Yong Lee scored again in the 48th minute to put the Koreans ahead by two goals.
A comedy of errors in the Korean circle saw their defenders failing to clear the ball after the Korean goalkeeper Jae Hyeon Kim had saved the first shot which gave New Zealand player Stephen Jenness the opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 55th minute. The goal inspired the pumped up Kiwis as they pressed hard for an equaliser, which came through penalty corner strike from Shea McAleese eight minutes before the final hooter.
Nam Yong Lee runs away in celebration at scoring his hat-trick against New Zealand at the London Cup, Chiswick
It then looked as if the grand finale was headed for penalties but the tournament’s star player Nam Yong Lee was in no mood for that lottery. Returning from a green card suspension, he stole in unmarked by the New Zealand defence and netted a spectacular goal from open play in the 65th minute to seal a well-deserved victory for the Koreans. Korea coach Moon Ki Yoo was a happy man at the press conference and said the team did a spectacular job after the opening day loss. He said, "The first loss to New Zealand was obviously a dent to our confidence but overall I was pleased with team form and how they had progressed through the tournament."
Man of the match Nam Yong Lee felt the tournament was an ideal preparation for the Olympics and thanked the English crowd for supporting the Asian side. “In preparation for the Olympics I will try my best and if they get to the Olympics I will hopefully score a lot of goals.... I would like to add that I was very pleased that a lot of the English supporters were cheering for Korea!"
Korea 4
Nam Yong Lee 22,48,65 (F,F,F)
Suk Hoon Cho 23 (F)
New Zealand 3
Simon Child 7 (F)
Stephen Jenness 55 (F)
Shea McAleese 62 (PC)
England Hockey Board Media release
Black Sticks narrowly beaten in London Cup final
The Black Sticks Men were narrowly beaten in the final of the inaugural London Cup, losing 4-3 to Korea in Chiswick this morning (NZ time). A hat-trick from Player of the Tournament and the cup’s top goal-scorer, Nam Yong Lee, sealed the fate of the Black Sticks, who had been industrious through the rain-soaked 70-minutes in London.
The game was a repeat of the Black Stick’s first fixture in the cup, where they took the honours 2-0. But it was a different Korean side that came onto the turf tonight, they made the most of their scoring opportunities and kept the pressure on throughout the game.
“We have learned a lot from this tournament and played some excellent hockey throughout. In a final however, there are critical moments when you are under pressure and the team that is the most clinical in the circle and makes the most of their opportunities is going to win the game,” says Black Sticks Men’s coach Shane McLeod.
“We had the opportunities to score, but didn’t make the most of it. The last 15 minutes of the game was ours for the taking, we had numerous shots on goal but just could not convert,” says McLeod.
New Zealand started well, taking the lion’s share of possession in the opening few minutes. And it wasn’t long before it paid off. Steve Edwards passed the ball into the Korean circle and found Simon Child in space, who finished sweetly into the roof of the net in the seventh minute.
The game developed an end-to-end feel, with constant turnovers. The Black Sticks got a break when they won three successive short corners, the first two hitting Korean feet in the circle. On the third, Andy Hayward scuffed his drag flick on the top of the circle, which was sodden with rain, and Korea cleared with ease.
Korea equalised soon after, with Lee popping up to deflect from close range. A second was added soon after when Suk Hoon Cho found the backboard from a tight angle.
Towards the end of the half, the Black Sticks continued to attack but failed to get any headway and frustration began to get the better them. Going into the half-time break, it was Korea leading 2-1.
Six minutes into the second half, New Zealand won a penalty corner, but Jae Hyeon Kim in the Korean goal tipped Hayward’s flick to safety.
As the half ticked away, the Koreans began to apply more pressure, one penalty corner flick from Jang batted away by Kyle Pontifex. However, the sideline ball was taken quickly and it was back in the Black Sticks circle in the blink of an eye. Lee latched onto it to net his second goal of the game and the score was stretched to 3-1.
However, moments later the Black Sticks were back in the game. Lee cleverly worked an opening, moving the ball onto a foot in the circle, but umpire Diego Estebanez did not see it. New Zealand capitalised on the confusion breaking into the Korean circle with ease, where Jenness slotted home his side’s second goal with fifteen minutes left on the clock.
Steve Edwards turned the Korean defence on its head just four minutes later to earn his side a penalty corner. Hayward’s faked drag flick was stopped on a plate for Shea McAleese, who slung the ball home, to bring his side level.
But with seven minutes remaining, a moment of Korean genius left the Black Sticks unstuck. Pressed deep in their own half, the ball was slung 70 yards where Lee, fresh on after having been green carded, latched onto it on the bounce in acres of space. Bouncing the ball twice on his stick as he ran, he moved Pontifex off balance before slotting the ball home to clinch his second hat-trick of the tournament.
“We had some great chances, perhaps just one extra pass and we would have found the goal. We did well to get back to 3-3, but we got caught out with Lee coming onto the pitch after a green card, so we have to be much more aware of things like that,” says Black Sticks captain Phil Burrows.
The Black Sticks Men play two practice matches against The Netherlands this week before returning to New Zealand.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks pipped in London Cup final
KEVIN TUTTY
CONSOLATION: Simon Child's goal was not enough to prevent the Black Sticks losing the London Cup final. LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax Media
It was a case of close but no cigar for the Black Sticks men's hockey team who lost 4-3 to South Korea in the final of the London Cup.
Korean hero Nam Yong Lee completed a hat-trick five minutes from full-time to give Korea the lead for the final time in a free-flowing game in which the Black Sticks had their chances.
After taking the lead through Simon Child after seven minutes, the wheels fell off midway through the half.
Key central defender Blair Hopping pulled a hamstring and had to leave the field and the reorganised defence took time to settle. Twice in two minutes soft turnovers resulted in goals to Nam Young Lee and Suk Hoon Cho.
From that point the Black Sticks had to fight to get some ascendency and although they fought back from 3-1 down to level at 3-3 with eight minutes left, Nam's hat-trick sank their hopes.
New Zealand coach, Shane McLeod, said the 10-minute period after Hopping left the field was costly.
"We struggled without Blair and didn't deal well with the changes and the two goals in that time came from poor decision making carrying the ball out of defence.''
The Black Sticks had a chance to get to the break 2-2 but missed a clear-cut opportunity in front of goal with 30 seconds left.
McLeod said the message to his team at the break was to step up the pace and apply more pressure to the Korean defence, but the quick counterattacks of the Koreans caught the defence out again leaving the Black Sticks 3-1 down.
To their credit they got the game level with goals to Stephen Jenness after 55 minutes and a penalty corner from Shea McAlesse, but there was to be no miracle win.
"We created a lot of chances in that last quarter and put a lot of pressure on but with five minutes to go they got a counterattack and scored,'' said McLeod.
Again with 30 seconds left the Black Sticks had another chance with the ball rebounding around in front of goal but were unable to convert.
"It was a frustrating end,'' said McLeod.
"Some of the habits under pressure of trying to chase a game, that we had been trying to avoid started to occur again. But I do think the team has moved on during the trip. They've worked hard and improved as we work towards next year.
"The way we played in a couple of the games was quite impressive so we have made improvements. Two of the teams in the tournament are ranked ahead of us (England 5th, Korea 6th) and we matched those teams,'' said McLeod.
The team has two friendly games early in the week against the Netherlands before returning home.
Stuff
England sign off with London Cup victory
Richard Smith shoots from a penalty corner against Belgium as his opponent wears a face mask at The London Cup, Chiswick
England rounded of their London Cup campaign with a victory over Belgium at the University of Westminster Sports Ground in Chiswick.
The final day of The London Cup in Chiswick saw a sell out crowd watch England take on Belgium in the battle. The hosts were hoping to reverse Tuesday’s 4-2 defeat in the group stage and to build upon Friday’s excellent performance against New Zealand.
A frustrating first half saw England create chances but two Belgian goals from Renaud Pangrazio and Tom Boon left the English support fearing the worst. However, a resurgent second half performance saw England net five times without reply. Loughborough Students’ Iain Lewers swept home his first goal for England before James Tindall twice, Barry Middleton and Mark Pearn all netted to give England a 5-2 win.
England started strongly and good running from Tindall forced a longer corner in the first attack of the game, but the ball was cleared long for Thomas Briels to juggle the ball along the baseline. A clash of sticks led to a strong appeal from the Belgian forwards but play was waved on and England were able to clear.
A lax moment in the English midfield allowed Belgium to capitalise when Alexander De Paeuw pounced upon a loose pass and played the ball in for Renaud Pangrazio to deflect over James Fair and give Belgium the lead.
Belgium were looking the stronger of the two sides, but against the run of play Reading’s Jonty Clarke forged two opportunities in quick succession. Having shot from the first he then fed Surbiton’s James Tindall who dropped his shoulder and struck a firm shot that narrowly missed to the left.
Tindall’s clubmate Richard Alexander then displayed the energy and passion that makes him such a fans favourite, winning a strong 50/ 50 before bursting past several challenges and crossing for Richard Smith who was just unable to angle his deflection goalwards.
In what was proving to be a real example of end to end hockey, Thomas Briels again found himself in a shooting position on the baseline and this time crashed in a cross-come-shot but the ball evaded everyone.
England then won the first of their eight penalty corners after Tindall was fouled inside the circle, but Richard Mantell’s flick to the bottom right was lacking in power and easily saved.
Rob Moore in action for England against Belgium at The London Cup, Chiswick
Belgium set up quickly and a long ball saw them create their own goal scoring opportunity. Tom Boon should arguably have done better as he smashed the ball over James Fair’s crossbar.
A further England penalty corner went begging as Smith was unable to convert and Belgium responded moments later earning their own set piece. Belgium’s set piece expert Tom Boon made no mistake and flicked the ball with venom, low to Fair’s stick side to make the score 2- 0.
The scoreline did not reflect the amount of possession which England were enjoying, but they could not find the finishing touches in front of goal.
The final play of the first half saw Mantell opt to dummy the drag flick and play the ball back towards the injector spot, but Wimbledon’s Rob Moore saw his slapped effort sail high over the bar.
Jason Lee’s half time team talk must have worked as England came out of the blocks flying; Jonty Clarke crashed a ball into the circle which bobbled up and earned England their fourth penalty corner of the game. Mantell again opted for the slip to the injector and this time Ian Lewers was on hand to score his first goal for England and give the home side a route back into the game.
James Tindall in action for England against Belgium at The London Cup, Chiswick
No sooner had England halved the deficit than they were level. The England penalty corner machine had finally come good one minute later Tindall scored his first of the tournament, flicking from the left of the circle.
Incredibly, England then took the lead with their third goal in the space of five minutes. A quick move through the midfield ended with Glenn Kirkham squaring the ball to captain Barry Middleton, who slid in to make it 3-2.
With the crowd behind them England kicked on and silky skills from Beeston’s Ali Wilson saw the ball played across to Mark Pearn (below) who was able to drill the ball home unmarked for his 50th goal for England.
Mark Pearn celebrates scoring his 50th goal for England at The London Cup, Chiswick
The ever impressive Tindall was forced to spend a spell on the sidelines for a rash challenge but came back on to tip in a Jonty Clarke cross high past the Belgian goalkeeper David Van Rysselberghe to secure the points. Tindall was later voted man of the match for his two goal haul.
After the match, England Head Coach Jason Lee stressed that despite finishing third, in his eyes England were the strongest side over the course of the tournament. “Obviously we haven’t played to our full potential, but the Olympics is so close now that it feels just over horizon. In all seriousness we really could win the Europeans back to back and that would be a phenomenal achievement; one that we could build upon and go on to be a genuine gold medal chance.”
England 5
Iain Lewers 38 (PC)
James Tindall 39, 61 (PC, F)
Barry Middleton 42 (F)
Mark Pearn 47 (F)
Belgium 2
Renaud Pangrazio 4 (F)
Tom Boon 32 (PC)
England Hockey Board Media release
England Hockey men salvage third place in London Cup as defence of Euro title looms
Back of the net: James Tindall scored twice for England in their 5-2 victory over Belgium Photo: PA
England salvaged third place from a disappointing London Cup with a 5-2 win over Belgium in Chiswick.
Their opening-day defeat to their fellow Europeans was a major factor in the side failing to make the final of the four-nations tournament but they restored some pride in front of a sell-out crowd.
Renaud Pangrazio and Tom Boon put Belgium 2-0 up just after the half-hour but only 12 minutes into the second half the hosts had turned things around in impressive style.
Loughborough Students' Iain Lewers scored his first England goal from a penalty corner move and Surbiton forward James Tindall soon equalised from another set-piece.
Captain Barry Middleton added a third goal in five minutes and East Grinstead's Mark Pearn registered his 50th for England in the 47th minute.
Man of the match Tindall rounded off the scoring by deflecting Reading winger Jonty Clarke's cross high past goalkeeper David Van Rysselberghe nine minutes from time.
"Obviously we haven't played to our full potential," said coach Jason Lee. "But the Olympics is so close now that it feels just over horizon. In all seriousness we really could win the Europeans back to back and that would be a phenomenal achievement; one that we could build upon and go on to be a genuine gold medal chance.”
South Korea beat New Zealand 4-3 in the final.
The Telegraph
Kookaburras second half blitz too much for Spain
The Kookaburras have continued their good form in game two of their month long tour of Europe, scoring three second half goals to defeat Spain 3-0 overnight in Terrassa, Spain.
The win is particularly satisfying for the Kookaburras given how young the current team is with so many key players sidelined through injury.
After a fairly even first half when neither team was able to score, the Kookaburras demonstrated exactly why they are the number one team in the world, dominating the second half.
Trent Mitton opened the scoring for the Kookaburras at the 55 minute mark, tipping the ball in after a firm reverse shot from Simon Orchard.
The Kookaburras scored twice more in quick succession to goals to Glenn Turner and Eddie Ockenden to put the game beyond result.
Best players for Australia included Matthew Swann, Simon Orchard, Eddie Ockenden and Fergus Kavanagh.
The team will now travel to Germany to compete in a four nations tournament.
Kookaburras 3 Spain 0 (0-0 half time)
Goals - Mitton, Turner, Orchard
Hockey Australia media release
Men – Canada vs. Trinidad & Tobago: 2-0 (1-0)
Canada opened their triple confrontation with Chile and Trinidad & Tobago, in Vancouver, with a hard fought win over a Trinidadian team that is always a tough opponent, with talented young players and the experienced stewardship of the ever green Kwan BROWNE.
The game was played at an unrelenting pace from the start, with action flowing back and forth and opportunities at both ends. Canada enjoyed more ball possession but Trinidad was holding strong in defense and dashing forward in sudden pushes that sometimes put the Canadian defenders in hot waters.
Canada was finally rewarded of their domination in the 29th minute, when Iain SMYTHE was well positioned to slot the ball in goal after a penalty-corner.
Trinidad & Tobago started the second period at full speed and pushed the Canadian defense on their heels, calling Canadian goal-keeper David CARTER into action. They had two narrow misses, and forced two successive penalty-corners, but to no avail.
Canada slowly regained control of play and created some impressive counter-attacks by Philip WRIGHT, Mark PEARSON, Iain SMYTHE and Gabbar SINGH, but could not beat Karlos STEPHEN in the Trinidadian goal. Scott TUPPER had a strong attempt on a penalty-corner, well saved by the Trinidadian goal-keeper, but it was finally Mark PEARSON who secured the precious second goal on a decisive push that confused the defenders.
With rain starting to fall, the pace abated somewhat and the score did not evolve more, despite a late series of penalty-corners where Canada tried various options.
Canada had a strong start to their summer preparation towards the Pan American Games. It is interesting to note that they were lining-up 4 players returning from successful European campaigns: Mark PEARSON and Scott TUPPER, German Champions, Phil WRIGHT, French Champion, and Ken PEREIRA, European Champion. Rob SHORT, also European Champion and EHL (European Hockey League) MVP was rested today.
Canada: Philip WRIGHT, Scott TUPPER, Gordon JOHNSTON, Jesse WATSON, Richard HILDRETH, Ken PEREIRA, Mark PEARSON, Keegan PEREIRA, Gabbar SINGH, Adam FROESE, David CARTER (GK)
Substitutes: David JAMESON, Connor MEAKIN, Iain SMYTHE, Hudson STEWART
DNP: Rob SHORT, Devonhn TEXEIRA, Antoni KINDLER
Field Hockey Canada media release
Women – Canada vs. Trinidad & Tobago: 6-0 (2-0)
The Canadian Women opened the 4 Nation Classic competition in Vancouver with a decisive win over Trinidad & Tobago, a team they will face in pool play at the upcoming Pan American Games in Guadalajara.
In the attendance of the Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the game started on a slow momentum. Canada had most of the ball possession and was clearly dominating play, but could not break through the regrouped Trinidadian defense. Trinidad even had a chance on a penalty-corner, the only opportunity for Canadian goal-keeper Azelia LIU to see the ball in the whole game.
There was however only so much pressure that Trinidad could sustain unscathed, and Nathalie SOURISSEAU finally opened the scoring in the 18 minute, followed shortly after by Thea CULLEY, left with an easy tap-in on the far post on a cross from the right.
Canada sealed the game early in second period, with goals from Jessalyn WALKEY and Kate GILLIS. They were never really in danger, Trinidad hardly crossing the centre line and the pace slowed down for a while. Hannah HAUGHN had a spectacular solitary run, beating a few defenders with her speed, but her shot went marginally wide. It is only in the final ten minutes that Canada picked up the pace again, with goals from Kristine WISHART in the 59th minute, picking up the rebound on a penalty-corner initially shot by Diana ROEMER after a swift combination, then an opportunistic goal by Kate GILLIS, her second of the game.
The Canadian women looked fit and sharp, played with authority, and have opened their summer campaign on a positive note.
Canada: Kate GILLIS, Samantha SMITH, Stephanie JAMESON, Thea CULLEY, Katie BAKER, Abigail RAYE, Diana ROEMER, Tyla FLEXMAN, Kristine WISHART, Jessalyn WALKEY, Azelia LIU (GK)
Substitutes: Danielle HENNIG, Poonam SANDHU, Hannah HAUGHN, Natalie SOURISSEAU
Field Hockey Canada media release
Women - Canada A vs Chile: 2 – 4
The 4 Nation Classic began yesterday as Canada's development team, Canada A, played Chile at 2:00pm for the first match. Despite the gloomy forecasts, the rainy weather held off for what would be a perfect afternoon for field hockey. Thanks to numerous volunteers, Wright Field was dressed to impress and ready to host a world-class tournament.
A young Canadian backfield was put under pressure early in the first half by Chile. After re-gaining their grounds, play resumed between the 25s. The nil score line was finally broke in the 17th minute when Chile's Manuela URROZ capitalized after a defensive scramble that lead to a loose ball in the circle. Soon after, in the 23rd minute, Javiera VILLAGRA put Chile up 2-0 off a Chilean fast break that lead to a give and go free play situation. Canada's development side did well to bounce back, earning their first corner in the 29th minute of the game. Delta's Sara MCMANUS stepped up to smash the ball low and hard inside the far post.
With the score only 2-1 for Chile at the half, Canada was looking to re-gain structure in the midfield and catch up on the scoreboard. It was the experienced Chilean side, however, that took the scoreboard first with a penalty corner goal that came off a Christine FINGERHUTH’s drag flick into the mesh in the 53rd minute. Only one minute later, Canada responded with a pretty passing play down the right side initiated by Ontario's Amanda WOODCROFT and finished on her back hand by Alberta's Marian DICKINSON. Chile disputed the goal but umpires Catalina Montesino WENZEL (of Chile) and Amy HASSICK (of the USA) agreed to award the goal. The third goal in three minutes came off a Canada turn over in the backfield that led to a reverse stick cross through the circle that was tipped up by a Canadian defender and batted in to the mesh by Denise INFANTE. This left the score settled at 4-2 for Chile.
The Canada A side, now with first game jitters off their back, look to re-group and compete hard against their Canadian rivals on Saturday at 4pm at UBC, Wright Field.
Starting Line-up: K. WILLIAMS, K. COLLISON, A. LEE, M. SECCO, E. PLATERAS, R. DONOHOE, M. DICKINSON, K. THOMPSON, S. ELMITT, S. MCMANUS, A. MCCAWLEY
Subs: M. NIELSON, K. SCRAPER, M. WEBER, B. STAIRS, A. WOODCROFT,
DNP: B. FRANCISCO
Field Hockey Canada media release
Hon. Bal Gosal meets Team Canada
The 4 Nation Classic was very pleased to host the Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on Friday, July 15. He had the opportunity to meet Team Canada and watch the women's match between Canada and Trinidad & Tobago. Prior to the match, he announced the Government of Canada's support of Field Hockey Canada and the 4 Nation Classic.
Visit facebook.com/fhcanada for more photos.
Photographer: Yan Huckendubler
Photographer: Yan Huckendubler
Photographer: Yan Huckendubler
Field Hockey Canada media release
Dutch hit sixer against Malaysia Juniors
MALAYSIAN Juniors received another thumping from Netherlands Juniors when they were outclassed 6-0 in the second test at the SCHC Utrecth Stadium yesterday.
In the first Test, Malaysia lost 5-1, and will now travel to England to play four Test matches against the English Juniors.
Malaysia were down 2-0 by 35 minutes, and could not sustain the fast pace and let in another four goals after the breather.
The Dutch scored off one penalty stroke, three penalty corners and two field goals.
The Tour is part of the team’s training schedule leading up to the World Cup Qualifier (Junior Asia Cup) which will be held in Malacca next May.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Peterson double earns Scotland U18M gold medal and Euro title
Two goals from Greaves Clydesdale`s Ben Peterson have secured the Scotland U18M side the gold medal in the European U18 Championship II, following a 2-1 victory over Austria in tpday`s final.
As a result, the Scots are also promoted to Europe`s top flight in two years time, where they fill face big hitters such as Holland, Germany and England.
After a cautious start, Scotland took the lead following a move up the left by Ross McIntyre and the cross was converted by Peterson for the opening goal. Further chances fell to Peterson and Johnathon Roy, but unfortunately for Graham Dunlop's side, the Austrians equalised through Bartosz Schmidt before the interval.
The Scots then conceded a penalty five minutes into the second half, but CALA Edinburgh`s Sean Hadfield produced a good save from the spot to keep the scores level at 1-1.
The winner came from Peterson, his seventh of the tournament, when he scored from a penalty corner after a slip right by McIntyre. The Austrians had a chance in the final minute but their penalty corner effort was saved by Hadfield, sparking jubilant celebrations at the full time whistle.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Scotland U18W defeat Spain in Utrecht
Scotland U18W won their first match of the European Nations Championships in Utrecht with a fighting 2-1 win over Spain in Pool C of the tournament.
The Scots dominated the early exchanges with a number of penalty corners but the Spanish goalkeeper was always up to the task. Against the run of play, the Spanish were awarded a penalty corner on the counter attack and took an undeserved lead.
However, just on the interval, Sarah Robertson stole the ball off a Spanish defender, moved along the right base-line and her cut-back was stroked home by Heather Lang for the equaliser.
Scotland continued to press in the second half and CALA Edinburgh`s Kirsty Hill put her side 2-1 up with a direct shot at a penalty corner. Lucy Lanigan had a great chance to put the result beyond doubt, but her effort was kept out by a combination of keeper and post. The Spanish pressed for the equaliser in the final five minutes, but the Scots` defence held out.
"This was an excellent display by the girls but France`s surprise win over Belgium put a spanner in the works. We now have to beat the French by three goals in the final game to guarantee our safety in the top level, otherwise we will have to hope for a favourable result in the other game between Belgium and Spain," said Colin Clarke, Scotland`s coach.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
U18 boys secure final place after Poland win
Greaves Clydesdale striker Ben Peterson was the hero of the hour, as his single goal midway through the second half was sufficient to give Scotland U18M a well-earned 1-0 victory over Poland in the semi-finals of the European U18 Championship II in Cernusco, Italy.
The result ensure the Scots have met their pre-tournament target of promotion to Europe`s top flight in two years time and also a place in tomorrow`s final.
The Scots kept their cool throughout with no cards at all during the contest, while the Poles had several bouts of indiscipline which collected two green cards along with four yellows, and at one time they had only eight players on the pitch.
After a slow start in the opening 15 minutes with no chances at all to either side, the Scots created the first opportunity but Corey Hastings` shot was saved by the Polish goalkeeper.
The Poles then took the initiative with four penalty corners, but they were either blocked by Blair Fotheringham or went wide of the target. Scotland`s only effort came with a run up the right by Aidan Black, but the chance came to nothing.
The Scots almost took the lead in the opening minutes of the second half, a cross from the right by Peterson was deflected goalwards by a diving Hastings but was blocked by a Polish defender on the line. Poland then shot themselves in the foot by having three players sent to the sin bin in rapid succession.
The match-winning goal was only delayed a few minutes; a Polish hit out only went as far as Scott Lindsay, he passed the ball on to Duncan Riddell who proceeded to waltz past two defenders, his shot was blocked by the keeper but Peterson pounced on the rebound to volley home.
Meanwhile, in Utrecht, Scotland U18W came up agains the might of favourites Holland in the European U18 Championships. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they lost 11-1 to the Dutch in their final pool match to finish bottom of their group.
Despite the heavy scoreline, the Scots youngsters were the first side to score a goal against the powerful hosts; at 7-0 CALA Edinburgh`s Kirsty Hill stroked home a penalty corner. Despite the one-sided nature of the contest, coach Colin Clarke marked out Laura Page and Bethan Mann as being outstanding.
The Scots now face Spain tomorrow and then France on Sunday, and they must beat both to guarantee avoiding the drop. Belgium also join the relegation dog-fight after losing 1-0 to Ireland, but the points gained by Belgium in the opening day 3-0 victory over the Scots will be carried into the relegation pool.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Day 4 U18 EuroHockey Youth Nations
U18 GIRLS IRELAND 1-4 GERMANY (1-3 HT)
Ireland (Katie Mullan 13m)
Germany
Ireland got off to a great start almost score from push back from a long aerial from Froeling reaching Beatty who's cross narrowly misses Mullan. Germany score from first pc in 4th min but whistle had gone buy they made no mistake with the retake flicking high above Holmes. In the10th min a Pc to Irl Upton combining with Gorman through the middle. Froelings high flick saved by the German keeper. In the 13 min Ireland equalise through Katie Mullan from open play she pounced on a loose ball an pushed pass the stranded keeper. In the 22m Ireland escape after fast break through middle sees ball deflect down off cross bar before it's cleared. Germany 4th pc on 28m is scored with flick low to keepers stick side and just before half time Germany made it 1-3 from open play. Half Time 1-3 to Germany but Ireland still very much in this game even though Germany dominated the final part of the half.
A defensive turnover leaves Germany a free run at circle and cross in the 38 min to extend their lead to 4-1. In the 51m Ireland win their first pc of second half through Ewart no shot but retake but this time Upton run down in second attempt. On the final whistle Emma Russell had a chance for but German goalie smothered well.
Ireland play England tomorrow at 12.15 with the winners taking the bronze medal.
U18 BOYS IRELAND 3-3 FRANCE (2-1 HT)
Ireland (Ian Sloan 7m, Jamie Wright 9m, Peter Brown 38m)
France 3
Ireland took the lead from their first pc on 7m won by Brown which Sloan converted home to keepers right to put Ireland 1 up. Ireland 2-0 on 9m well worked down the right laid back from Wright who places perfect slot bottom right. Ireland playing with confidence and after 14m France reduced to ten men and Ireland immediately respond with a pc that Sloan puts just wide. Ireland continue with patient build up with good movement up front and in midfield and Shimmons puts one over the bar. France win 1st pc on 21m which is followed by a second which leads to a controversial stroke which is scored to reduce irelands lead to 1. Half Time 2-1 Ireland.
Ireland 3-1 38min counter attack down the left which was moved back into the middle and Brown finished with a sweet low strike. Canning puts another fast break just over the bar on 41m before. Ingram makes a smother save from an attack down left in 43min. In the 45min France win their first pc of half which sails over bar but Ingram had it covered.Ireland concede a further pc on 47m which they vary to the right but no shot is made. France break down the right scoring on the far post 2-3 55m. Ireland almost restore the two goal advantage through Wright. Irl win pc through Wright on 58 mins. The ball is moved left to Cole who looks for a deflection but its saved. Irish Captain Sloan gets yellow as France move up the other end and win a pc which is well defended by Rollins the no 1 runner. Ireland survive the period with ten and 5min to play win a pc. The first is run down as is the 2nd. In the 69 min France draw level.
Ireland now play England tomorrow tomorrow Sunday at 10am. A victory would mean ireland finish in 5th position.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Nobbs asked me retire, says Baljit Singh
BANGALORE: Former Indian goalkeeper Baljit Singh, hurt by his omission from the list of probables for the Asian Champions Trophy in September, said he would not retire from international hockey and would fight on to regain his place in the national team.
Baljit, who spent two uncertain years in the wilderness after a freak injury during a golf-ball training routine in Pune in 2009 threatened to blind him, broke down at a press conference in the city on Saturday after his name did not figure in the pruned list of 48 players following Hockey India's three-day trials.
"I was picked based on my performance in the National Games at Ranchi," said Baljit of his gold medal-winning showing with Punjab. "However, I have been dropped because of poor vision in my right eye and nobody has taken responsibility for the decision," he said.
Calling his coaches 'heartless', Baljit said he was asked to undergo an eye examination just a day before the trials began even though HI had all his reports from previous check-ups. "My sentiments were not taken into account and I have been unjustly treated. Why call me for trials if I am not good enough in the first place?" a teary-eyed Baljit asked reporters.
"Some seniors were asked to take medical tests and then attend the camp. I was not asked to undergo any such test. I did well in the practice sessions and trials. But then I was asked to undergo an eye test. After the test, they told me I had problems with my peripheral vision. My vision had not got any worse at all. In fact, it has been improving. I had even requested the authorities to test my vision after the trials. If they had obliged, there would have been no need for a test had I failed to make the cut."
Baljit said he was shocked by chief coach Michael Nobbs' suggestion on Thursday that he should retire from international hockey. "He called me to his room as early as Thursday and openly advised me to retire. He even offered to throw a farewell bash for me. When I refused, he suggested that I join the coaching team as a goalkeeping coach which is something I haven't thought about as I still want to represent India. I haven't fought this hard to pass time," he said, adding he was not disappointed that he was leaving the camp but because his determination was not recognized.
Chief coach Michael Nobbs, who left for Australia on Saturday to get his work permit before returning to India, said he was saddened by the turn of events.
"From the time I have come here I have been very appreciative of Baljit, because it is very tough to make it back to a national camp after such a grave injury. I'm surprised if he thought conducting tests was humiliating. While watching him in action I noticed that he had a problem while saving the ball. Like any other medical test conducted for players who are not match fit, he went through a vision test and unfortunately his vision is low and he wasn't medically fit to make the cut.
"I told Baljit to think about retiring from international hockey since his eye sight will not improve further. He is a very talented player and we could utilize his service in grooming youngsters," Nobbs said, while stressing he had no ill-will towards the goalkeeper when he made the suggestion.
There is no other prominent omission as the selection committee comprising Col Balbir Singh, BP Govinda, Thoiba Singh, Subbaiah and government observer Dilip Tirkey finalized the list after the three-day selection trials.
The probables: Goalkeepers: Bharat Chetri, Adrian D'Souza, PR Sreejesh, Kamaldeep Singh.
Defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, Sandeep Singh, William Xalxo, VR Raghunath, Harpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Diwakar Ram.
Midfielders: Sardar Singh, Gurbaj Singh, Vikram Pillay, Arjun Halappa, Vikas Sharma, Vikramkanth, Bharat Chhikara, Danish Mujtaba, Prabodh Tirkey, Vikas Pillay, Birender Lakra Jr, Ravi Pal, Ignace Tirkey, Manjit Kullu, Kothajit, Manpreet Singh, Ajitesh Roy.
Forwards: Rajpal Singh, SV Sunil, Tushar Khandker, Amar Aiyamma, Mandip Antil, Shivendra Singh, Bikas Toppo, Sarvanjit Singh, Roshan Minz, Nithin Thimmaiah, Prabhdeep Singh, Banmali Xess, Akashdeep Singh, Gurvinder Singh Chandi, Pradhan Somanna, Prabhjot Singh, Yuvraj Valmiki, Dharamvir Singh, Chinglinsana, Ramandeep Singh.
The probables are for the inaugural edition of the Asian Champions Trophy at Ordos, China, from September 3-13. Participating nations are India, Pakistan, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and China. The first phase of the camp will end on July 31. The second begins on August 8 and will go on till the team leaves for China on August 28.
The Times of India
Baljit excluded from core group for poor eyesight
Saurabh Duggal
There are many examples of sportspersons coming back form injuries and succeeding in international arena. But Indian hockey goalkeeper Baljit Singh, who lost vision in his right eye in a freak accident at a camp in Pune two years back, has been denied that chance as he was excluded from the core group, on medical grounds, for the upcoming international matches.
It seems, Baljit's fate was decided even before the conclusion of the three-day trials at Bangalore to prune the probable list from 90-odd to 48. He was not allowed to take part in the trials after the first day with chief coach Michael Knobbs claiming that he can't play because of poor vision.
The selectors and team management seems to have conveniently forgotten that it was with the same blurred eyesight that Baljit helped Punjab bag the National Games gold medal in February this year. He was called to the camp on the basis of that performance.
Baljit is understandably livid with the "humiliating" treatment meted out to him.
"Everybody knew about my vision beforehand so why did HI call me for the camp? Just to humiliate me?" a dejected Baljit told HT from Banglore on Saturday. Baljit, who went out of contention after injuring his eye during the World Cup camp in July 2009, made a comeback to the domestic circuit last year.
His vision in the right eye is very poor and can't see objects beyond 15 yards. But with the same eyesight he guarded the goal for his team (Indian Oil), helping them win three out of the five major domestic tournaments he played in the last one year. And was also adjudged the best goalkeeper in two of those events.
"My only request to coaches was to don't go by the reports about my eyesight and judge me on the basis of my performance. But it seems they had already decided that they don't want me in the camp any more," said Baljit, claiming he had done better than other goalkeeper in the trials.
Hindustan Times
Baljit laments the injustice
Special Correspondent
Baljit Singh, former India hockey goalkeeper, who suffered a career-threatening injury in the right eye during practice, two years ago, is a hurt man.
The 30-year-old who was voted the ‘best goalkeeper' at the Ranchi National Games wherein he represented the Gold medal-winning Punjab side was coerced out of his home to attend the ongoing trials.
However, he was omitted from the selected list of 48 after the three-day trial at SAI South Centre here that featured an initial group of 80 probables.
“I was not mentally prepared for this selection camp… although I always nursed hopes of wearing the India colours again. I was only preparing for the domestic games before doing duty for India again. But then when the Hockey India officials promised a fair trial, I turned up and put my best foot forward.
Vision problem
“I would not have been so disturbed if I was being dropped for lack of performance during the trials… but I am being told that it's because of my handicap in sighting (peripheral vision) the ball from the right. This is gross injustice,” said Baljit, who broke down while talking to the media here in a hurriedly called press briefing.
“The selectors and coaches (chief coach — Nobbs and goalkeeping coach — A.B. Subbaiah) decided to keep me away, not for my lack of performance (which he kept repeating)… and this shabby treatment is hurting me,” he concluded.
The Hindu
Hurt Baljit lashes out at HI
Goalkeeper Baljit Singh on Saturday lashed out at Hockey India for axing him from the national camp probables’ shortlist, saying he was extremely hurt.
“I am extremely hurt at the injustice done to me,” said Baljit at a press conference at the KSHA stadium on Saturday evening. “I think the HI selectors have failed to respect players’ sentiments.
“I would not have been bothered had they dropped me on the basis of performance. But the reason they gave me is my poor vision,” said the 30-year-old, on a comeback trail after sustaining a serious right eye injury during training almost two years back to the day, on July 17, 2009, in Pune.
“The selectors were completely aware that the vision on my right eye was not 100 percent. I was called for the probables’ camp purely based on my good performances in the National Games and the National championships. Why should I be dropped after just 15 days? I am not saying I did better than the other goalkeepers in the camp, but I definitely was not the worst,” he added.
Hockey India selectors AB Subbaiah, BP Govinda, Col Balbir Singh and Thoiba Singh -- the quartet was accompanied by government observer and former captain Dilip Tirkey -- pruned the long list of 90 probables to a more manageable 48 after a three-day selection process at SAI.
“Just a day before the trials -- on July 12 -- I was asked by Subbaiah to undergo an eye examination. I asked him what the need was now since everyone knew about the handicap in my vision. It is my performance on the field that should matter. I also told him, let the trials go on and if I am shortlisted, I will undergo the tests. But I was instructed to take them. “I spent the entire day at the hospital undergoing various tests.
How can you expect me to prepare for the trials sitting in the hospital? Despite that, I participated the trials. And now, after working so hard since my injury and for the last 15 days in particular, they drop me citing improper vision. How can it be justified?” questioned Baljit.
Baljit said the selectors kept passing the buck when he approached them. “When I went to the selectors, they told me talk to goalkeeping coach Subbaiah. When I approached Subbaiah, he told me to talk to (coach Michael) Nobbs. And when I spoke to Nobbs, he cited my vision as the reason for my exclusion. I clearly asked him if he found anything wrong with my game, but he had nothing to say.”
Nobbs, Baljit added, had asked him to hang up his boots and take up a coaching stint instead. “On July 14, the coach told me to retire and take up a coaching job, and said the players wanted to give me a farewell. I felt very disappointed.”
Deccan Herald
HI prunes probables
Hockey India has shortlisted 48 players in the core group for the first Asian Champions Trophy, to be held in Ordos, China, from September 3 to 12. The three-day selection trials were held at the South Centre of the Sports Authority of India in Bangalore, to prune the probables from 91 to 48.
The selections trials were witnessed by Hockey India selectors Col. Balbir Singh, B.P. Govinda, Thoiba Singh and A.B. Subbaiah, besides Government observer Dilip Tirkey. According to Hockey India, the 48 shortlisted players would be the core for future tournaments. The second phase of the camp will begin at the SAI Centre from August 8, till the departure of the team for the Asian Championship on August 28.
The final 18 players will be selected at the end of the second phase of the camp. The first six finishers in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games will participate in the inaugural Asian Championship. They are: India, Pakistan, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and hosts China.
The probables: Goalkeepers: Bharat Chhetri, Adrian D’Souza, P.R. Sreejesh and Kamaldeep Singh; Defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, Sandeep Singh, William Xalxo, V.R. Raghunath, Harpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh and Diwakar Ram; Mid-fielders: Sardar Singh, Gurbaj Singh, Vikram Pillay, Arjun Halappa, Vikas Sharma, Vikram Kanth, Bharat Chikara, Danish Mujtaba, Prabodh Tirkey, Vikas Pillay, Birender Lakra Jr., Ravi Pal, Ignace Tirkey, Manjit Kullu, Kothajit, Manpreet Singh and Ajitesh
Roy; Forwards: Rajpal Singh, S.V. Sunil, Tushar Khandker, Amar Aiyamma, Mandip Antil, Shivendra Singh, Bikas Toppo, Sarvanjit Singh, Roshan Minz, Nithin Thimmaiah, Prabhdeep Singh, Banmali Xess, Akashdeep Singh, Gurvinder Singh Chandi, Pradhan Somanna, Prabhjot Singh, Yuvraj Valmiki, Dharamvir Singh, Chinglinsana and Ramandeep Singh.
The Tribune
Complete list of pruned probables
s2h team
The three day Selection Trials to prune the Men Hockey Probables for the 1st Asian Champions Trophy concluded at SAI Centre, Bengaluru last evening.
Hockey India Selectors Col. Balbir Singh, BP Govinda, Thoiba Singh and AB Subbaiah besides Government Observer Dilip Tirkey witnessed the trials.
The Asian Champions Trophy shall be played at Ordos, China from 03-12 September where the first six of the 2010 Guangzhou Asiad shall participate. The teams are Pakistan, Malaysia, India, South Korea, Japan and China.
The Selection Committee shortlisted the 91 campers to the core group of 48 probables for future tournaments. The coaching camp had commenced on 01 July and will conclude on 31 July. The second phase of the camp shall also be held at Bengaluru from 08 August till departure to China on 28 August with 18 players.
The following are the Probables :
GOALKEEPERS
Bharat Chetri
Adrian D'Souza PR Sreejesh
Kamaldeep Singh
DEFENDERS
Rupinder Pal Singh
Sandeep Singh
William Xalxo
VR Raghunath
Harpreet Singh
Gurjinder Singh
Diwakar Ram
MIDFIELDERS
Sardar Singh
Gurbaj Singh
Vikram Pillay
Arjun Halappa
Vikas Sharma
Vikram Kanth
Bharat Chikara
Danish Mujtaba
Prabodh Tirkey
Vikas Pillay
Birender Lakra J
r. Ravi Pal
Ignace Tirkey
Manjit Kullu
Kothajit
Manpreet Singh
Ajitesh Roy
FORWARDS
Rajpal Singh
SV Sunil
Tushar Khandker
Amar Aiyamma
Mandip Antil
Shivendra Singh
Bikas Toppo
Sarvanjit Singh
Roshan Minz
Nithin Thimmaiah
Prabhdeep Singh
Banmali Xess
Akashdeep Singh
Gurvinder Singh Chandi
Pradhan Somanna
Prabhjot Singh
Yuvraj Valmiki
Dharamvir Singh
Chinglinsana
Ramandeep Singh
Stick2Hockey.com
Tirkey pitches for experience
Sidney Kiran
Former full-back stresses on the need for a solid development team
Dilip Tirkey’s carpet-hugging passes and tireless work in defence were the bright spots in Indian hockey as it passed through turbulent times. A veteran of 412 international matches, including three Olympic Games, the affable full-back and former India captain has broken several barriers in a career spanning 15 years.
The first-ever tribal to win the Padma Shree and a recipient of the Arjuna and Ekalavya awards, the 33-year-old from Orissa looks very much in comfort zone in his new role as a government observer for the sport.
In a chat with reporters in Bangalore during the selection trials to prune the list of national probables, Tirkey talks about the new crop, the need for experience, his post-retirement life and his foray into movies. Excerpts...
What is your analysis of the three-day selection trials?
Main focus is in getting a competitive team. For that, we need to have experienced players like Prabhjot (Singh), Ignace (Tirkey), William (Xalxo) and Prabhod (Tirkey) extremely fit. Currently they are not and we are focussing on trying to get them fit ahead of a very busy and challenging season. We are also very particular in setting up a development team because earlier the junior players were directly inducted into the senior squad and they struggled to perform during the initial part. The main problem is that the standard of our domestic junior tournaments is vastly different from senior international ones. Moreover, some of the top countries have a very competitive and challenging domestic circuit while we have very limited events. The youngsters there play a lot of top-class tournaments before breaking into the senior squad. That’s why we need a very solid development team and we are focusing on that too.
Some of the senior players seem well past their prime and are found wanting. Do you think it is necessary to retain them or time has come to hand the torch over to the juniors?
We definitely need them (seniors). As I said earlier, the younger lot is good. They do really well in the domestic circuit but struggle at the international level. The squad needs 2-3 years to settle down. Blooding just youngsters won’t help. We need the experienced legs to play an active role in shaping the squad. Most important is fitness and if the experienced players are agile enough we need to retain them.
Do you plan to start an academy or get into coaching?
Lazarus Barla (former Indian defender) and I are in process of setting up an academy in Bhubaneshwar. We are seeking government help and they have been very obliging so far. It will be a residential one which will initially cater to U-13, 14 and 15 age groups and gradually grow up to U-21 level. That plan is to find a really young talent and make sure he spends enough time before he graduates. It’s all in the early stages though.
How is life post retirement?
Life has become boring! Earlier, the first thing I used to do in the morning was practice. As a player, you always keep thinking about your fitness and you had to stick to it. But now, I miss them. I am slowly getting used to it. However, I keep myself busy in trying to organise tournaments and do various stuff related to hockey. I just can’t leave the game nor can you take it out of me.
Tell us something about your soon to be released Oriya movie Toro Moro Katha Heba Chup Chap?
Post retirement, I had nothing much to do. I was approached for a role and I told myself why not give it a try. I never played an actor in my life until this happened. It was a completely new venture and I enjoyed it. We have done with the shooting and it is in the production stage. It’s a story of a poor boy who gets hit by my car and how I help him and later mentor him.
You have played with many of the players sweating it out at the trials here. Now you are in a position to decide their careers. How does it feel?
It’s a huge responsibility. That’s exactly why I am pitching for experience. I’ve played with many of them and I know the value they can bring to the country. I’ve spoken to the selectors -- AB Subbaiah, BP Govinda and Col Balbir Singh -- and they seem to understand my point of view.
Deccan Herald
And the winners are...
The EHB Annual Awards 2011 have been handed out, celebrating all that is great about the people that make hockey what it is.
The 2011 Annual Awards winners are:
Performance Player of the Season (Male): James Fair, Cannock HC
Performance Player of the Season (Female): Beth Storry, Reading HC
Young Performance Player of the Season (Male): Harry Martin, Old Loughtonians HC
Young Performance Player of the Season (Female): Georgie Twigg, Clifton HC
Performance Coach of the Season: Charlie Bannister, England U16 Boys
Performance Umpire of the Season: Frances Block
Young Performance Umpire of the Season: Nick Bennett
Harvester Club of the Season: Alderley Edge HC
Club Team of the Season (Male): West Hampstead Men's 1st XI
Club Team of the Season (Female): Sutton Coldfield Women's 1st XI
Club Member of the Season: Matthew Dean, London Wayfarers HC
Club Coach of the Season (Male), sponsored by Perkins Slade: Alan Gormley, Bromsgrove HC
Club Coach of the Season (Female), sponsored by Perkins Slade: Helen Jelley, Leicester Ladies HC
Club Umpire of the Season: Ken Buckley, Bromsgrove HC
League, County or Association Volunteer of the Season: Tony Moffatt, North Hockey Association
Champion Volunteer: Sheila Plant, Southern Counties Hockey Association
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Gawley, Havant HC
The Annual Awards 2011
The best of hockey in England was showcased and celebrated superbly on Saturday afternoon as 17 award winners and countless others were recognised for their contributions to hockey over the past season.
The EHB Annual Awards 2011 took place in VIP surroundings on the final day of The London Cup at the University of Westminster Sports Ground in Chiswick.
Among the award winners, Cheshire club Alderley Edge won the Harvester Club of the Season Award, while Bromsgrove’s Alan Gormley and Leicester’s Helen Jelley scooped the Club Coach of the Year Awards, which were sponsored by Perkins Slade.
John Gawley with his Lifetime Achievement Award 2011 from the EHB Annual Awards
Two very special awards were presented to Sheila Plant, the 2011 Champion Volunteer, and to John Gawley (pictured), who picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award. Between them, it is conservatively estimated that they have dedicated more than 68,000 hours of their time to hockey voluntarily over the past 60 years.
With the guests seated, the awards began with the Performance Awards, for the athletes, coaches and officials at the very height of the sport.
Goalkeepers swept the board in the Performance Player of the Year Awards as England and Great Britain pair James Fair and Beth Storry walked away with the men’s and women’s awards respectively. Both had outstanding seasons between the posts for their country last season and were named in the International Hockey Federation’s men’s and women’s World All Stars Team of the Year.
In the Young Performance Player of the Year category, 18 year old Harry Martin, who plays his club hockey for Old Loughtonians, was rewarded for an excellent debut international season in which he played for England at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Georgie Twigg with her Annual Award 2011
Clifton’s Georgie Twigg (pictured) won the women’s award, having been a part of the England team that won three bronze medals last season, at the World Cup, Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games.
In coaching, Charlie Bannister, the coach of the England under 16 boys, picked up the Performance Coach of the Year Award after guiding England to success at the UK School Games. Bannister is recognised for his ability to provide a solid and realistic introduction to young athletes who have not been previously exposed to the international game; a fact demonstrated by eight of his team making the transition to the under 18 squad.
There were two winners in the umpires’ Performance category with Frances Block picking up the Performance Umpire of the Season and Nick Bennett awarded the Young Performance Umpire of the Season. In the past season, Block was selected for the ‘2012 Road to London Group’ and umpired the finals of the Women’s Champions Trophy, the Commonwealth Games and of the Women’s Indoor World Cup. Having been on the National Young Umpire Promising List since the age of 14, 20 year old Nick Bennett is seen as a fantastic role model for budding young umpires and is a very popular member of his peer group. He has already umpired 22 junior internationals and is highly respected by players, National Coaches and Performance staff.
In the first year of Harvester’s sponsorship of Grow Your Own, it was fitting that the Club of the Season Award that carries the salad and grill restaurant chain’s name went to a club that has really begun to grow its own. The club has worked extremely hard to raise the funds required to build a new hockey pitch and in an impressive season on the pitch, its Women’s 1st XI won the EHB Women’s Vase and become Champions of Cheshire Division 1. The Women’s 2nd XI also took the top spot in Division 4 and both the third and fourth teams were promoted along with the Men’s 2nd XI. The club’s girls’ Under 12 and boys’ U10 sides were also champions of Cheshire mini hockey.
In the men’s and women’s Team of the Season, West Hampstead men’s 1st XI and Sutton Coldfield women’s 1st XI were recognised for their outstanding form. West Hampstea completed a unique league and cup double in the 2010/2011 season. They won the MBBO Regional League, unbeaten while amassing 133 goals. In their first year of entering a national competition, they also won the EHB Men’s Trophy. Sutton Coldfield maintained their position in the Premier Division of the Indoor EHL and won promotion back to the outdoor Women’s EHL Premier Division by winning the North Conference. They were the highest scoring women’s team in the whole of the England Hockey League.
Club Member of the Season went to Matthew Dean, who has driven the development of the London Wayfarers Hockey Club, helping to take it from eight teams to 14. The club had seven men’s and seven ladies teams entered into leagues last year and a lot of their recent success is down to the work that Matthew has put in.
Two coaches were recognised for their outstanding contributions to their respective clubs and to hockey. Both of the awards were sponsored by Perkins Slade. From Bromsgrove Hockey Club, Alan Gormley won the Club Coach of the Year (Male) Award. Gormley has provided hundreds of hours of coaching to local schools, helping to double the number of junior members at the club to over 130. As the coach of the club’s ladies section, he has overseen promotions for the 1st and 2nd XI teams in recent reason and has been responsible for running a very successful ‘Get Back Into’ scheme.The Club Coach of the Year (Female) Award went to Helen Jelley, the coach of the Leicester Ladies under 16 girls team. Jelley was recognised for her work with the team, which she took to the Under 16 Girls Club Finals, where she was the youngest coach and only female coach. Her dedication to the club sees her travel from Cardiff to Leicester each week.
Ken Buckley made it a double success for Bromsgrove as he won the Club Umpire of the Season Award. Last season he mentored and developed 12 new umpires for the club, providing them with ongoing support once they qualified.
Tony Moffatt from the North Hockey Association won the County Volunteer of the Season Award and received his award from EHB Chief Executive Sally Munday. Moffatt has been a volunteer in the North of England for a considerable time and has held the role of North Secretary role 20 years. He will be standing down this year. He is also Yorkshire HA Secretary.
Sheila Plant with her Champion Volunteer Award 2011 at the Annual awards 2011
At the end of the ceremony two very special award winners were announced. Sheila Plant (pictured) was named Champions Volunteer while John Gawley was given a Lifetime Achievement Award. Sheila is President of the Southern Counties Hockey Association and has been volunteering in the sport for over 60 years. Sheila has also been a top level coach, an umpire and selector and assessor for Southern Counties Hockey Association and a conservative estimate puts her commitment to volunteering in hockey at more than 34,000 hours over the past 60 years.
At 80 years old John has also provided an incredible service to hockey for over 60 years, with a similar amount of volunteering time. He is a Level 3 umpire and a member of a large number of associations and committees including, Hon. Secretary of the Constitution and Regulations Committee of the EHB. President of the Islanders Festival Hockey XI for nearly 20 years, Vice President of the Combined Services Hockey and Umpires Association, Royal Navy Hockey Association, Southern Counties Hockey Umpires Association, Hampshire Hockey Association and Hampshire Hockey Umpires Association.
Congratulations to all of the award winners from everyone at the EHB.
England Hockey Board Media release