The Fieldhockey.com Archives

All the news for Monday 25 July 2011

Investec South Africa Women draw second test

JONATHAN COOK in Antwerp


Investec South Africa captain Marsha Marescia (left) congratulates Nicolene Terblanche on her goal. (PHOTO: JOEP LEENEN)

The Investec South Africa women’s hockey team drew the exciting second Test against Belgium 2-2 at Royal Beerschot Hockey Centre in Antwerp on Sunday.

Belgium scored first through Morgane Vouche before Nicolene Terblanche leveled the scores from a penalty corner for the half-time score. After the break Belgium went back in front when Vouche got her second field goal. The hardworking Dirkie Chamberlain pulled SA back to the 2-2 final score with 13 minutes left.

SA won the first Test 4-1 on Saturday and the third and final Test is at 11 am Monday, which gives Belgium the chance to square the series and for the tourists it’s a chance to clinch a 2-0 series victory.

There were chances aplenty at both ends and in the first half SA striker Kathleen Taylor flashed two reverse-stick shots over the crossbar. Captain Marsha Marescia cracked a rising shot that brought a glove save from Nadine Khouzam in goal. The fast surface was a little bumpy but both sides will reflect on the number of first touches that got away. Emile Sania brought a comfortable save from SA keeper Hanli Hattingh before Belgium’s employment of the aerial pass brought dividends when Vouche put the finishing touches to a sweet move.

Taylor won SA’s first penalty corner and after Sulette Damons had her scrambled goal unfairly disallowed, there was justice when Terblanche’s shot-pass for the far post from the third consecutive set-piece deflected in off a Belgian stick.

Terblanche was outstanding at right half while unflustered centre backs Marais and Kim Hubach, together with centre midfielder Tarryn Bright made crucial tackles.

After the break Belgium’s movement was most impressive at times and a sweeping attack to the right culminated with a Charlotte Vos interchange with Vouche for the latter to score.

SA fought back and Taylor and Chamberlain came close before the latter nailed in the equaliser. Damons had an effort pulled off the line by a Belgian defender and Chamberlain brought out another Khouzam save, while Anouk Raes’s shot was wide at the other end.

It was a good effort by the world’s 12th ranked SA who had key players Lenise Marais and Shelley Russell not 100% fit but playing. It is particularly impressive considering world number 19 Belgium beat world number three Germany last weekend.

After Monday’s match, the Investec SA team move across the border to Ede in Holland and two Tests against world number one the Netherlands on Wednesday and Thursday, both at 4 pm.

The whistle-stop tour that includes an incredible eight Test matches in nine days then moves across to Dublin, Ireland where three Tests will be played against Scotland on neutral territory.

SA Hockey Association media release

Strong finish at 4NC, looking toward Pan Ams

Team Canada finishes strong a tthe 4 Nation Classic, looks toward Pan American Games

Team Canada Men end the 4 Nation Classic in first place with a 5 – 2 win over Chile, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. The Women’s National Team came out strong against Trinidad and Tobago in their final match, winning 6 – 1 and earning a third place finish.

“Our victory over Chile is a great way to end the tournament,” said Mark Pearson (Tsawwassen, BC), who reached 100 international caps for Canada today. “We had a rough first half, but after a good team talk at half-time we were able to finish strong. After this series, we are looking forward to our European tour where we will encounter some good competition.”

When asked about Pearson’s 100 cap milestone, Robin D’Abreo, Men’s Head Coach explained, “Mark is just finding out exactly what he is capable of at the international level. He is an athlete that represents the kind of dedication and talent that we hope to see more of in the years to come. He is developing as a leader, and I know he is going to continue to do really good things for us.”

The women also tasted victory today, lead by Team Captain Katie Baker (Argyle Shore, PEI), who played her 100th international cap for Canada.

“Today’s victory was a solid team effort,” said Brienne Stairs, (Kitchener, ON) who scored two goals today. “We were able to bounce back after yesterday’s tough loss by working together and communicating.”

“It was really important to come out strong today, and we did,” said Baker. “But we still have a lot to work on before the Pan Ams. Next week’s test series against Japan will be a great opportunity to prepare.”

“Katie’s dedication and work ethic have not only made her the best player on our team,but one of the best players in Pan America,” said Head Coach Louis Mendonca. “Katie has done a tremendous job with the team. Her leadership has brought the team together and helped create a positive atmosphere. This will take us far in the Pan Ams”

“I am proud to have played 100 matches for Canada,” said Baker. “I’m proud to be on this team, to be a part of something special.”

The 4 Nation Classic was an opportunity for Team Canada to experience elite level competition in preparation for the upcoming Pan American Games in October. A victory in Guadalajara would mean an automatic berth to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Browne lifts T&T past Chile

Nigel Simon


T&T’s Kwandwane Browne, during his team’s match against Canada in their men’s match at the Four-Nation Classic hosted by Field Hockey Canada at Wright Field, University of British Columbia, Vancouver on Thursday. Canada won 9–1. Photo: Courtesy Wilfred Lach

Kwandwane Browne scored on two penalty corners as T&T senior men’s hockey team ended the Four-Nation Classic, hosted by Field Hockey Canada in celebration of its 20th anniversary, with a come-from behind 4–3 win over Chile on Saturday. T&T, coming off a 9–1 loss to host Canada on Friday was eager to end its tour on a high, however, it was Chile who took an early 2–0 lead at Wright Field, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, with Thomas Kannegiesser and Jaime Zarhi on target in the sixth and 17th minute, respectively. Mickell Pierre pulled a goal back for T&T in the 25th minute from a penalty corner, and five minutes later Browne scored from a similar set play to tie up the score. But T&T’s joy was short-lived as on the stroke of half-time Kannegiesser scored again for the South Americans to go in 3–2 ahead.

T&T drew level for the second time in the match, in 59th minute via Akim Toussaint and with six minutes left in the match, Browne netted the decisive item to seal a third win in as many matches against Chile. The locals won the first two matches, 4–3 and 3–1 to end with nine points and second spot. T&T was also beaten in its two other matches against Canada, 2–0 and 4–2 as it continues preparations for the Pan American Games in Mexico carded for October. However, the local women, playing with Belgium-based Blair Wynne and Avion Ashton, ended their tour on a disappointing note as they suffered a 14–0 drubbing form Japan, a third defeat in double-digits after 10–0 and 11–0 losses against Chile. For Japan, Rika Komazawa scored a hat-trick while Akane Shibata, Ai Murakami, Toshie Tsuki and Yukari Yamamoto added two goals each.

The Trinidad Guardian

Kookaburras falter against Spain

The Kookaburras have finished off their 4 Nations tournament with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Spain in Monchengladbach, Germany tonight.

The loss comes despite the Kookaburras, missing many of their senior players due to injury, controlling much of the game and generating far more circle penetrations and shots on goal, however they were unable to convert.

The Kookaburras got off to the perfect start when Matthew Butturini opened the scoring only minutes into the game. They continued to control the game and did all of the attacking in the first half, however despite some close calls they were unable to add to their score.

Glenn Turner was again a focal point for the Kookaburras in attack and Australia seemed likely to take their one goal lead into half time. However Spain managed to work their way onto the scoreboard thanks to a well executed penalty corner in the dying minutes of the half and levelled the score.

Spain continued their momentum into the second half and scored early to take the lead for the first time in the match.

The Kookaburras, who were playing well but couldn’t manage to finish off around goal, continued to create chances.

They were also made to work hard in defence and at one stage successfully defended four successive penalty corner attempts.

They received their final chance when they were awarded a penalty corner with only one minute remaining, however the shot was defended well and Spain were able to hang on for the win.

The Kookaburras will now travel to France to compete in a 5 Nations Challenge to complete their tour of Europe.

Spain 2 Kookaburras 1 (1-1 half time)

Goal – Matthew Butturini

Hockey Australia media release

Australian U21 National Championships - Finals Day

WA are the 2011 U21 Women National Champions after defeating NSW in the last minute of golden goal extra time.

WA score in last minute of golden goal extra time to defeat NSW

WA 1 defeat NSW 0 (0-0 half time)

Goals: WA Kathryn Slattery 84m FG

The Grand Final of the U21 Women’s National Championships in Canberra was fought out between WA and NSW this afternoon. WA had the momentum coming into this match as they were the only team to have defeated NSW during the round matches, but it was NSW who started the match strong.

NSW were dominating possession and cutting WA out of play with some great defensive work from Georgina Morgan. Morgan was also giving NSW a chance in attack with a drag flick on a penalty corner narrowly missing the goal.

WA appeared cornered by the NSW attack and were struggling to transfer the ball with any purpose. NSW were cutting off their passes and quickly pushing forward in attack with plenty of pressure placed on the WA defence. NSW captain Emily Smith was outstanding up front and found herself alone in the circle with only the goal keeper to beat, unfortunately for NSW she was unable to capitalise on the chance.

The half time break rolled around with neither team putting a goal on the score board, however with NSW dominating play it seemed inevitable that they would come out firing from the break. It wasn’t to be for NSW as WA picked up momentum and began to put together some nice passages of play in attack.

As the clock slowly ran out of time WA was awarded a penalty corner and hopes of a last minute win became possible. What looked to be a sure goal was stopped by a diving NSW goal keeper, Jocelyn Bartram and she gave her team the chance to play for the win in extra time.

The crowd were on the edge of their seats for the first seven minute period of extra time as play went from end to end. WA seemed to have the upper hand throughout this period and narrowly missed a few opportunities in front of the NSW goal.

A brilliant piece of play from WA’s Kathryn Slattery saw her eliminate four NSW players as she made her way into the circle. With two minutes remaining on the clock WA held their breath in anticipation until Slattery hammered the ball into the goal with a clean back stick shot. The WA girls took to the field in celebration. Kathryn Slattery sealing the win for her team and also taking out the championships equal highest goal scorer with Kandice Oliveri from QLD, both having scored 8 goals.

Final Placing’s:

1st: WA
2nd: NSW
3rd: QLD
4th: VIC
5th: ACT
6th: TAS
7th: SA
8th: NT

Player of the Tournament: Alyssa Kerr, QLD

Leading Goal Scorers: 8 goals - Kathryn Slattery WA, Kandice Oliveri QLD

Play the Whistle Award: NSW

Early goal gives QLD advantage over VIC

QLD 1 defeat VIC 0 (1-0 half time)

Goals: QLD Kandice Oliveri 22m FG

An early goal for QLD was all that was needed to give them the advantage over VIC in the 3rd v 4th playoff today at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham. With both teams suffering disappointing losses yesterday they were eager to put a better result on the board and take 3rd place.

QLD had the upper hand for the majority of the first half. Their strength and agility helping them counter attack and create opportunities by overpowering the VIC defence. Despite the early push from QLD, VIC wasn’t left out completely with their own chances in attack. The crowd were on the edge of their seat as VIC threatened the QLD goal through standout player Michelle Tuhan, they were unlucky not to convert their chances.

Kandice Oliveri was to score the only goal for the match in the 22nd minute when she pounced on the ball following some scrappy play in defence. In true Oliveri style she put her body on the line to put her team in the lead.

The second half saw more even possession for both teams, with VIC settling into their own rhythm and QLD continuing their good form from the first half. The match was played out in the midfield, with plenty of fiery encounters between players from both teams, the desire to place 3rd was evident as the clock ran out of time.

QLD had a late opportunity to increase their lead when a shot from Tammy Eiser looked good, unfortunately it wasn’t to be as it soared above the crossbars. QLD continued to push forward in attack but it wasn’t needed as the full time buzzer sounded and they took 3rd place from VIC.

ACT fight back to claim 5th place

ACT 1 draw TAS 1 (0-1 half time)

Goals: TAS Tegan Risk 6m PC, ACT Kelsey Davis 56m FG

On a sunny Canberra morning the 5th and 6th playoff was fought out between the ACT and TAS. With TAS coming off a high after defeating the higher ranked SA yesterday the ACT knew they would have a tough challenge on their hands.

TAS didn’t disappoint in continuing their good form from yesterday when they took only 6 minutes to penetrate the ACT defence and put a goal on the score board. A fantastic deflection from TAS’s Tegan Risk from a penalty corner gave her team the early lead and put them in a comfortable situation.

ACT gained and maintained the majority of possession for the rest of the second half. A good passage of play between Naomi Evans and Juanita McDonald gave the ACT one of their closest opportunities but McDonalds shot went just wide of the goal. TAS went to the break with a 1-0 lead, knowing however, that the ACT would come out firing in the second half.

ACT started the second half with obvious energy and purpose, they were concentrating in defence and making their passes stick. A stand out performance by Jenna Cartwright in attack helped to create chances for the ACT up front, however TAS stayed strong in defence and looked as though they would keep ACT scoreless.

Jenna Cartwright put a skilful passage of play together and linked with Kelsey Davis in the attacking circle, Davis was able to back stick the ball into the goal just out of reach of the TAS goal keeper. ACT had levelled the score and began to play to their potential.

ACT goal keeper Peta Sutherland put in another fantastic performance and was integral in keeping her team in the match despite TAS having a barrage of shots towards the end of the match. With less than a minute remaining ACT forced a turnover from TAS with one of their shots on goal hitting the cross bar and narrowly missing the goal. The ACT were hopeful of recording a win when they were awarded a penalty corner in the last thirty seconds of the match, but it wasn’t to be with the TAS goal keeper saving the first shot and clearing the ball to end the match.

Assistant coach Peter McNally commented that is was “a little disappointing not to finish with a win but I’m happy with the result. I think we deserved 5th place and we fought hard today to get level with TAS and put them under pressure. We probably had more chances than TAS but to their credit they kept us out and really made us work for that goal”.

McNally was happy with the overall performance of the girls commenting that “we didn’t get off to the best start, we have all the potential but minor mistakes really cost us against the higher ranked teams. We have a good group going forward and we know where we stand against the best so we know what to work on and where to improve for the future. Overall it’s been a good learning experience for the girls and we’re happy with the way things have turned out and finishing in 5th.”

SA finish on a high against NT

SA 4 defeat NT 0 (2-0 half time)

Goals: SA Tess Reynolds 19m FG, 57m FG, SA Alison Pennington 22m FG, SA Amy Watters 53m PC

The classification match for 7th and 8th place saw a disappointed SA taking on NT. SA had some fantastic early form in the championships but were defeated by TAS in yesterday’s classification match which meant they were left to fight it out for 7th place this morning.

They were determined not to make the same mistake as yesterday and started the match strong against NT. They used their fitness and speed to cut off NT in defence which meant that NT were unable to transfer to their attack with any purpose. SA were rewarded for their perseverance when Tess Reynolds was able to deflect the ball behind the goal keeper from a long pass up field.

Alison Pennington followed not long after Reynolds and put a second goal on the board in a similar fashion to her teammate. SA held off a late surge by NT to go into the half time break with a 2-0 lead.

The second half saw SA dominate possession and field position. NT had few chances in attack and only troubled the SA defence when Brooke Peris got a touch on the ball. SA were able to shut down the NT attack and continue to transfer well into attack.

Amy Watters put the result firmly in SA’s favour when she got the last touch on the ball on a penalty corner. A lapse in concentration from NT goal keeper Audrey Smith meant that Watters’ ball slowly dribbled across the goal line. Tess Reynolds put away her second goal for the match in the 57th minute, she received the ball on the top of the circle and was able to put her shot just past the goal keeper.

SA have now finished in 7th place with NT taking out 8th place.

Hockey Australia media release

Perak outclass hosts Malacca

Perak put themselves back in the running for a place in the semi finals of the Division One when they defeated hosts Malacca 4-1 at the MPMBB Stadium Bukit Serindit in Malacca.

Still smarting from their 4-2 defeat at the hands of Terengganu the previous day, Perak turned on their power to score three goals in the second half to out a dent the aspirations of Malacca, who now have to defeat Terengganu in their final preliminary round match on Tuesday.

Perak have three points while Malacca have one point, courtesy of their 2-2 draw against Pahang on Saturday night.

And all eyes will be on the final match of the day where Pahang take on Terengganu in the east coast derby. A win for Terengganu will assure them of a spot with Perak, Malacca and Pahang battling it out for the final berth.

Perak opened scoring in the 3rd minute through Hafifihafiz Hanafi and held on to the lead until the 44th minute when Khairul Nizam Mohd Rani equalised.

But that goal awoke Perak from their slumber and in the 53rd minute Hafifihafiz was on target once again to give his team a 2-1 lead.

Two goals by Mohammad Sabri Mohamed in the 62nd and 68th minutes, both via penalty corners gave Perak all three points and made the task of Malacca to qualify almost impossible.

"We played much better then we did against Pahang but I suppose that late match took the toll on the players as we collapsed in the final stages of the match," said Malacca coach K. Balakrishnan.

"It will be difficult to make the semis looking at our current position but so as long as we have a chance we will give it our best shot.

"Perak played well today and deserve the three points but we created enough chances midway through the match but failed to capitalise.

Malaysian Hockey blogspot

KL held and Group A wide open

Defending champions Kuala Lumpur were held to a scoreless draw by Johor in the Group A match of the Tun Razak Cup at the MPMBB Stadium in Bukit Serindit thus evening.

The result throws the group wide open as all four teams, KL, Johor, ATM and Penang can make the cut for the semis.

This us due to the fact that Armed Forces were held to a 2-2 draw by a fighting Penang side.

KL hold the edge as they have 4 points, the same as ATM while Johor and Penang have a point each.

Johor adopted a defensive strategy, having almost the entire team behind the ball for most part of the match.

But KL could not even find a way through via penalty corners despite having the nations two top strikers from that department in the likes of Mohd Amin Rahim and Mohd Razie.

And KL were guilty of being too hasty thus muffing several good build ups that fizzled in the last quarter of the pitch.

The draw however was not good for both teams as ATM could have booked a spot in the semis had they won while it made the task more difficult for Penang to qualify for the semis as they have to depend on the outcome of other matches.

ATM took the lead twice in the match but Penang fought back on both occasions to draw level thus leaving both teams still with a chance to make the semis.

Mohd Zulkifli Abdullah gave ATM the lead in the 6th minute but the islanders were on level terms four minutes later through the effort of Izwan Firdaus Tajuddin. It was Izwan's third goal in two matches.

ATM went 2-1 ahead in the 46th minute when Muhammad Azri Hassan slipped the ball through the pads of the onrushing Penang keeper Mohd Nazih Nawang.

But the constant pressure by Penang paid dividends as they netted the equalizer in the 60gh minute via Mohd Rashid Bahrom.

Penang needs to defeat Johor in their final match on Tuesday to make the semis and hope that Armed Forces fail to beat KL.

Malaysian Hockey blogspot

NS has one foot in Semis

Negeri Sembilan inched closer to a place in the semis for Division Two of the revived Razak Cup when they defeated Sarawak 4-1 at the MPMBB Stadium in Bukit Serindit in Malacca.

And on the adjacent pitch, Projek 2017 put themselves back in contention for a last four place when they held fancied Selangor to a 2-2 draw in a match the youngsters really should have won.

With six points from the two wins registered thus far, NS had defeated Kedah 4-1 in their opening match on Saturday, they need a draw in their final group match against Sabah on Tuesday to seal their spot.

Had it not been for a last minute goal by Kedah in their 3-2 win over Sabah earlier, NS would have already qualified.

But with a healthy goal difference of plus 6, NS can afford to lose their last preliminary round match and still make the last four.

NS scored their goals through Ganeisha Tamil Chelvam ( 8th and 60th minutes), Azraie Mohd Azizan ( 18th minute) and M. Rageshsawaran ( 33rd minute) while Sarawak hot their consolation through the efforts of Jadiel Saidi ( 50th minute).

The Selangor v Projek 2017 match was a thriller as both teams created enough chances to win the match.

But hasty finishing coupled with the heat denied both teams in a match that the youngsters showed why their future was bright as they matched their more fancied opponents.

Selangor took the lead against the run of play when Noor Mohammad Othman converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute.

But within a space of two minutes the tide turned against Selangor as the young Projek side not only drew level but took the lead.

In the 33rd minute skipper Nor Azrul Abdul Rahman scored off a penalty corner and a minute later Muhd Azwar Abdul Rahman put his team ahead.

Selangor were spared the blushes when Faridzul Afiq Mohammad scored ten minutes from time.

Selangor will now have to defeat Perlis for a place in the semis. A Selangor defeat coupled with a Projek 2017 win by six goals or more against Kelantan will send the youngsters into the semis.

The last preliminary round matches will be played on Tuesday as Monday is a rest day.

Malaysian Hockey blogspot

Johor goalkeeper turns hero against KL

JUGJET SINGH

JOHOR managed to hold Razak Cup defending champions Kuala Lumpur to a 0-0 draw in a Division One Group A tie at the Bukit Serindit Stadium in Malacca yesterday.

In another Group A match, Armed Forces were held 2-2 by Penang, and the semi-finalists in this group will only be decided on Tuesday.

In Group B, Perak placed themselves in contention for a spot in the last four when they outclassed hosts Malacca 4-1.

"Against Armed Forces (where Johor lost 2-0), my players were overconfident and paid the price. But against KL today (yesterday) they played to their true form and now we have a slim chance of playing in the semi-finals," said Johor coach Gurmit Singh.

Johor's toast was their goalkeeper Hairi Rahman, who saved five penalty corners from the country's top two flickers Amin Rahim and Razie Rahim.

"Johor played a solid defensive game and that's why we ended up sharing points. Their player of the day was goalkeeper Hairi who made some crucial saves during play and penalty corners.

"Now, we will have to wait for the Johor-Penang match at 6pm on Tuesday, as we play at 8pm against Armed Forces. It will be a difficult match against the Army men, who have proven that they are a fit bunch," said KL coach I. Vickneswaran.

In the Penang-Forces match, the Army men took a sixth minute lead when Zulkifli Abdullah scored, but the Islanders drew level four minutes later through Izwan Firdaus.

Forces regained their lead in the 46th minute when Azri Hassan slipped the ball between the pads of the onrushing Penang keeper Nazih Nawang.

However, Penang never gave up and in the 60th minute Rashid Bahrom scored to share the spoils.

In Division Two, Perlis were the only team from the division who have qualified for the semi-finals after beating Kelantan 6-2 in Group A.

RESULTS -- Div 1 (Group A): Armed Forces 2 Penang 2, Kuala Lumpur 0 Johor 0; Group B: Malacca 1 Perak 4, Terengganu 1 Pahang 1.

Div 2 (Group A): Perlis 6 Kelantan 2, Selangor 2 Project 2017 2; Group B: Sabah 2 Kedah 3, Negri 4 Sarawak 1.

TOMORROW -- Div 1 (Group A): Johor v Penang (6pm, Pitch I), Armed Forces v Kuala Lumpur (8pm, Pitch I); Group B: Pahang v Perak (4pm, Pitch I), Malacca v Terengganu (5pm, Pitch II).

Div 2 (Group A): Project 2017 v Kelantan (7.30am, Pitch I), Perlis v Selangor (9am, Pitch I); Group B: Sarawak v Kedah (7.30am, Pitch II), Sabah v Negri Sembilan (9am, Pitch II).

New Straits Times

Perak back in contention after win over Malacca

By AFTAR SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: Perak bounced back from their defeat on the first day to chalk up a convincing 4-1 win over hosts Malacca in the Group B match at the Bukit Serendit Stadium to stay in contention for the semi-finals in the Razak Cup hockey tournament yesterday.

The silver state, who were upset 2-4 by Terengganu on Saturday, now have three points and they need to beat Pahang tomorrow to book a place in the last four in Division One.

Malacca, after their 2-2 draw against Pahang in their opening match, have a very slim chance of reaching the semi-finals. They will wrap up their fixtures against Terengganu tomorrow.

National forward Hafifihafiz Hanafi (8th, 53rd) and Mohd Sabri Mohamed (62nd, 68th) each scored a brace for Perak.

Malacca’s consolation goal was scored by Khairul Nizam Mohd Rani in the 44th minute.

Perak coach Manjit Singh was happy with his players’ commitment and performance against Malacca.

“It was a good win for us as my players made full use of the chances. However, we have to collect full points against Pahang to confirm our place in the semi-finals,” said Manjit.

Defending champions Kuala Lumpur were lucky to escape with a 0-0 draw against Johor in a Group A match.

KL, who defeated Penang 6-3 in their opening match, have four points and will wrap up the group fixtures against Armed Forces today.

Forces, who beat Johor 2-0 in the first match, only managed a 2-2 draw against Penang yesterday.

Mohd Zulkifli Abdullah gave Forces the lead in the sixth minute but Penang equalised eight minutes later through national forward Izwan Firdaus.

Forces regained the lead through Anuyari Mohamed in the 47th minute but Penang were back on level terms in the 60th minute through Mohd Rashid Baharom’s goal.

Perlis and Negri Sembilan are the first two teams from Division Two to qualify for semi-finals after both teams registered their second consecutive wins.

Perlis, who beat Project 2017 2-1 in the opening match, outplayed Kelantan 6-2 in a Group A match yesterday.

Negri, who defeated Kedah 4-1 on Saturday, beat Sarawak with the similar scoreline.

·DIVISION 1

Group A: Armed Forces 2 Penang 2, K. Lumpur 0 Johor 0.

Group B: Malacca 1 Perak 4, Terengganu 1 Pahang 1.

·DIVISION 2

Group A: Perlis 6 Kelantan 2, Selangor 2 Project 2017 2.

Group B: Sabah 2 Kedah 3, N. Sembilan 4 Sarawak 1

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES

·DIVISION 1

Group A: Johor vs Penang (6pm), Armed Forces vs K. Lumpur (8pm)

Group B: Pahang vs Perak (4pm), Malacca vs Terengganu (5pm).

·DIVISION 2

Group A: Project 2017 vs Kelantan (7.30am), Perlis vs Selangor (9am)

Group B: Sarawak vs Kedah (7.30am), Sabah vs N. Sembilan (9am).

The Star of Malaysia

Sabah coach Velappan mulling over Borneo challenge

By PERCY D’CRUZ

MALACCA: Former National Under-16 coach S. Velappan is certainly going places.

After handling the Sabah team for two weeks and now taking them to the ongoing Razak Cup tournament, the 47-year-old Velappan has been offered a long term contract to handle the team until the Borneo Cup tournament in November.

But his first priority is to help Sabah win the Division Two title in the tournament.

“At this time I am only concentrating on guiding Sabah to the Division Two title. The offer by the Sabah HA is tempting but I am still pondering over matters before I enter into final discussions. Furthermore, the Borneo Cup challenge is still a long way off and I have time on my side before making a decision,” said Velappan.

His credentials are impressive. After his long playing tenure with Malacca from 1981 to 1990, Velappan took over as coach and steered the state to Razak Cup victory in 2005.

The following year, he join Johor and they beat Malacca 5-1 in the final to win the Razak Cup.

“The target set by the state association in the current Razak Cup tournament to make the semis in Division Two.”

The Star of Malaysia

An encounter with TBH in Malacca

It was an interesting debate with Malasian coach Tai Beng Hai when our paths crossed in Malacca and stay tuned today as I will share it with followers of this blog. Things were pretty heated at one stage and one thing is certain though, the pressure of delivering an Olympic berth is getting to TBH.

Suffice to say that while he is entitled to his opinion, I stand by mine, that is the squad of the current 25 national players does not comprise of the best hockey talent in the country, there is no such thing as meritocracy be in careers, studies or sports in the country.

Engaging with media has never been TBH strong points as evident in the encounter at Bukit Serindit. But I have given him the benefit of doubt before he tries to reason when our paths cross.

But in this case you got it wrong TBH.

Malaysian Hockey blogspot

KPS Gill alleges FIH, IOA and HI nexus

NEW DELHI: A day before the "final" merger meeting between Hockey India and Indian Hockey Federation, former IHF president KPS Gill on Sunday alleged a "nexus between world governing body FIH, IOA and HI" which he said is detrimental for the game in the country.

Sports minister Ajay Maken has given an ultimatum to the HI and IHF to agree to the merger of the two bodies in their meeting on Monday or else the government would take a decision on its own. But Gill said some crucial issues remained to be sorted out first.

"I am not against merger but whenever we meet the sports ministry officials tell us to forget about the past. How can you forget the past and take corrective measures about the future?" Gill asked.

"But everythings needs to be sorted out first. There has been a lot of mistrust and it's not from our end," said Gill, the current IHF Advisor.

Predictably, Gill was miffed with International Hockey Federation stance of not giving official sanction to World Series Hockey and launched an attack on the FIH for getting into a nexus with IOA in promoting HI.

"Nimbus has promised to pump in something to the tune of Rs 180 crore which is more than our sports budget. And don't forget the bulk of sports budget is spent on paying the SAI employees. For WSH, the players will at least be getting a good remuneration," Gill said.

"There is a nexus bewteen FIH and IOA to promote HI," he added.

He also attacked HI secretary Narinder Batra, calling him "two-vote Batra" and alleged that he is enjoying power without mandate.

Asked whether IHF is ready for an election, he said, "Why not? Let's have election for secretary and treasurer's post."

However, Gill was on the defensive when asked whether the likes of Arjun Halappa, Adrian D'Souza, Sandeep Singh, Sardar Singh and Prabhjot Singh did the right thing by skipping national camp to be present at the WSH function.

"They did seek permission from Grewal (camp co-ordinator SS Grewal) and he told the players that he would get back after speaking to Batra which he never did," he said.

Gill was also critical of former India captain ande HI Development Committee chairman Pargat Singh demanding life bans for the players for skipping the national camp.

"Why did Pargat speak to the media about banning the players rather than speaking to the players. And about Grewal, all I know is that during his playing career, he used to be so unfit that I would beat him easily during our badminton matches," said Gill in a typical response.

The Times of India

Hockey merger on our terms: KPS Gill

M.S.Unnikrishnan

Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) today said it was ready for merger with Hockey India (HI) but with certain conditions. It said the new body should have a fresh constitution and provision for rotation of office of the secretary general and treasurer.

“We have no problem with Sunil Mital as president of the new body because we initiated the move to make him head of the new set up, but it is imperative to have power-sharing for the secretary general and treasurer”, said former IHF president K.P.S.Gill at a media interaction here today.

Gill said he was aware of the ultimatum given by Sports Minister Ajay Maken, asking IHF and HI to merge by July 25. “We are willing to do that and we will go to the meeting tomorrow with an open mind”. Maken has called a meeting of the rival hockey bodies at his chamber tomorrow to hammer out a final solution.

Gill, presently the chief adviser of the IHF, insisted that the IOA and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) had not been fair to the IHF. “We are an aggrieved party, we cannot be ignored just like that. We cannot be forced to accept patiently illegal things.

“We are all for the improvement of the game in the country but cannot surrender our rights to the IOA and the FIH” he added. Gill also lashed out at the FIH for what he called was “Its continuous dabbling in Indian hockey.”

“The dubious acts of FIH and IOA in formation of Hockey India and its affiliation with FIH well before Hockey India was registered in India and recognized by IOA and Govt of India are now well known. FIH does not want IHF to organise the World Series Hockey (WSH) league”, he said.

“Now when the IHF has come out with a plan to promote and popularize the game and market it so that the players could get the money, the FIH is creating all sorts of hurdles. A proactive FIH in its zeal to make money for itself is not only protecting illegally formed Hockey India, an altar ego of the IOA, but also running the HI with remote control in their hands. FIH quickly reacts to the activities of IHF with regard to WSH without realising the fact that the IHF is the sole governing body for the game in the country as per court orders and IOA and Ministry of Sports also do not dispute this fact”, Gill noted.

He disclosed that IHF had sent a notice to FIH for arbitrary breach of contract regarding the conduct of the World Cup, which was allotted to IHC/IHF and in reply it said: “It is impossible to reply within the timeframe you have specified. Your letter contains very serious allegations, which require careful examination and consideration and require the Federation to consult with its legal advisers and others who have knowledge of the matters you have raised in your letter. These people are spread throughout the world and it will take time to conduct the process of consultation and to instruct the Federation’s legal advisers.You will be provided with a reply as soon as the Federation is able to do so.”

“A reply to the notice sent to the FIH has not been received even after 15 months. It is surprising that FIH reacts with unusual alacrity to any activity announced by IHF but either they do not respond to communication of the IHF and even if they do, it is in the manner as quoted above. We caution FIH to desist from interfering for the good of Hockey in India and for the World Hockey at large,” Gill summed up.

The Tribune

Won't participate in WSH till it gets FIH sanction: Rehan Butt

LAHORE: They might have signed up with the franchises but Pakistan hockey star Rehan Butt has made it clear that he and his teammates will participate in the proposed World Series of Hockey in India only after it is sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation.

Butt, while confirming that he had inked a contract with a franchise to captain them in the proposed series, said he would only play if the WSH was given clearance by the FIH and Pakistan Hockey Federation.

"Let me tell you this that Rehan Butt will only play in the series if it is recognised by the authorities," he said.

Butt indicated that other players who had signed up for the proposed series were also clear about only playing if the WSH was given clearance.

"We would love to play in such a high profile event as it is financially also very rewarding but I would not risk my Pakistan career for it," Butt added.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has refused to recognise the proposed World Series as it is being organised by the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).

In a recent statement, the FIH declared the IHF an unrecognised body in India with only Hockey India (HI) authorised to hold official tournaments being the sole national governing body for the sport in India.

"The FIH would like to restate that it has not changed its position on World Series Hockey," read the FIH statement.

"It remains an unsanctioned event as per FIH Statutes and Bye-Laws."

The eight-team franchise-based World Series is a joint venture of the IHF and Nimbus Sport. But the IHF and HI are currently locked in a bitter tussle to run the game within India.

The Times of India