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All the news for Tuesday 20 September 2011

USA Men face barrage by Australia A Team

Ashley Meunier

There was less than 30 seconds left to go in the first half and the match between the USA Men’s National Team and the Australia A Team was tied 2-2. Both teams collected two goals in the first thirty-five minutes of play, with USA tallying the first one. Australia had one final scoring opportunity and one last chance to take the lead before the second half and they were successful in doing so. Australia sent the ball to the left and skillfully redirected it to the right corner of the cage.

Head Coach Nick Conway stated after Saturday’s match that this match was “going to be interesting. We expect them to come out like a barrage.”

Australia did exactly that, earning the first penalty corner of the match and continuing to apply pressure to the US Men. Despite getting on the boards first, USA faced a disappointing 2-7 loss.

The only two goals scored by USA were by striker Will Holt (Camarillo, CA). Holt’s first goal was on a beautifully executed penalty corner early after the start of the match. USA held the lead for ten minutes before Australia also successfully converted a corner opportunity into a goal.

USA’s second goal was directed on cage and tipped in by a Holt who was patiently waiting at the post. USA applied heavy pressure in the final five minutes of the match, but unfortunately let Australia get a final short corner before the half.

With Australia hungry for a win, USA struggled to match their pressure entering the second stanza. Australia repeatedly fired shots at Andrew Zayac (Columbia, MD) in goal and recorded four additional goals before the end of the match.

“We are obviously disappointed with the final score-line, but in many areas the performance was extremely positive,” said Conway. “Clearly there are some areas to work on with respect to our ability to compete late in the second half of the second match over the weekend but overall I was pleased with much of the play that we were able to produce and we’re really looking forward to the continued challenge that this series presents.”

The series will continue on Tuesday, September 20 and conclude on Wednesday, September 21. The final two matches will be played in Moorpark, CA.

USFHA media release

Investec Women's Hockey League




Investec Women's Hockey League: Canterbury's Lucy Stewart (L) challenges with Reading's Becky Halle during their Investec Women's Premier Division match at Polo Farm, Canterbury, Kent, 17th September 2011.

The Investec Women’s Hockey League began on Saturday with a few surprise results throughout the divisions. It’s not often, if ever, that a Leicester team can be seen in the lower reaches of the Women’s Premier Division, though if you do it’s most likely at the beginning of a season than the end.

Clifton, then, recorded a shock opening day 5-1 victory over last season’s Premier Division runners-up, Leicester. Els Mansell struck twice in the first 15 minutes to put Clifton up by two at half time and though Kim Hicklin pulled a goal back for Leicester, Mansell scored her third with eight minutes remaining closely followed by Joanna Leigh and Emily Kirkham’s late strikes that condemned Leicester to defeat. The East Midlands side conceded just twelve goals last season in topping the table at the end of the regular season, so, conceding nearly half that in their first game will have been a shock for their normally resolute defence. Clifton will be delighted with the result having flirted with the relegation play-offs before finishing five points clear of safety last season. Reading’s new Australian import, Meredith Bone, opened her account for the reigning champions on Saturday. Her goal followed Rebecca Halle’s (below) seventh minute opener to earn a victory for the Berkshire side away at EuroCanterbury.

Local rivals Olton & WW and University of Birmingham ended their game in parity following Olton & WW’s last minute equaliser during their 2-2 draw. Liz George had put University of Birmingham into a strong position by scoring her side’s second in the 42nd minute; however, Emma McCabe drew Olton within a goal in the 62nd minute allowing former international Denise Marston-Smith to salvage a point with her last gasp 70th minute equaliser. Bowdon Hightown’s Tina Cullen showed no signs of a declining instinct for goals after netting a hat-trick at Sutton Coldfield as her side ran out 4-1 winners against the newly promoted side. In the last game of the division Slough travelled to Cannock and secured a well earned victory. Hannah Bowe scored twice for the away side as they scored two unanswered goals in the second half to see off Cannock 3-1.

Last season’s Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East champions, Sevenoaks, also suffered defeat on day one. They were dealt the blow by Surbiton’s Abi Robinson whose 41st minute goal was enough to earn the three points for her side. Newly promoted Maidstone earned a draw thanks, largely, to a Jenny Vincent penalty stroke save which kept the scores level at 1-1 against Old Loughtonians.

Durham University showed no signs of mercy to newcomers Northampton Saints in Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference North. Saints returned to the division after a year’s absence and were subjected to a 7-0 thrashing by Durham in which Harriet Moore netted three times, four of her team mates also made the score sheet. Loughborough Students scored in either half during their 2-0 victory over Springfields whilst Beeston’s Nikki Ward scored twice for her side to run out 2-1 winners over Whitley Bay & Tynemouth.

Reigning champions, Buckingham, restarted their campaign in Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference West with aplomb by notching a 4-1 triumph over Swansea. They had missed out on promotion through the Promotion Tournament at Cannock last season and will hope to build another promotion campaign this season. Gloucester City, promoted this season, were seconds away from a first day win over Firebrands, but Kathryn Bache’s second goal in the dying seconds earned a point for the Bristol based side.  Exe recorded a 3-0 win over Team Bath Buccaneers to join Barnes HE and Buckingham as winners on the first day, Barnes HE had recorded a 1-0 victory over Staines.

England Hockey Board Media release

Men's England Hockey League


Adam Dixon in action for Beeston in the Men's England Hockey League (EHL)

There were some big wins on the opening day of the Men’s EHL which saw teams signal their intent for the coming season, whilst others fell short of expectation.

In the Premier Division, champions Beeston started their campaign with a convincing victory over Surbiton at Highfields Sports Club. After a busy summer with England, Adam Dixon (right) opened the scoring for the Bees in the second minute to earn his side a one goal lead at the half. David Ames and Carl Smith added goals for the home side before James Tindall pulled a goal back for Surbiton. Smith’s second rounded the scoring in the closing minutes for a 4-1 win. East Grinstead, eager to regain the champions’ title, saw off newly promoted Southgate 3-0, with two in the last five minutes from Darren Cheesman and Rick Gay. Danny Hall had opened the scoring shortly before half-time to set the Sussex side on their way to victory.

A revamped Hampstead & Westminster side hosted Cannock but the Londoners suffered defeat. David Harris and Arjan Drayton Chana’s second half goals for Cannock earned their side the points. University of Exeter, who returned to the Premier Division after a season in the Conference West, caused – perhaps – the greatest upset on the first day by securing three points in a 3-2 triumph over Reading. John Sterlini’s goals bookended Jame’s Royce’s 27th minute strike for Exeter which put them into a 3-1 lead shortly before the end. Reading’s Richard Mantell added his second in the 68th minute to create a grandstand finish, but his side were unable to score that vital goal.  Loughborough Students travelled to Bowdon and had new recruit Sam Ward’s two goals to thank for the win after George Torry had opened the scoring for the visitors. Simon Egerton’s last minute finish, which added to Mark Daniel’s goal, fell short of earning Bowdon a share of the spoils as the score ended 3-2.

Doncaster’s 7-2 victory over Belper, in Conference North, would arguably have been the highest scoring fixture in any other week, but the fixture was outscored by Sheffield Hallam’s 7-4 win over Deeside Ramblers. Sheffield’s goals came from six different scorers which included Phil Roper’s brace. Doncaster equalled that feat with David Brogden netting twice, the score could have included a further goal had Joe Morrison not missed his penalty stroke. Brooklands MU began their campaign to earn promotion back to the Premier Division with a 3-0 win over Preston, player/coach John Bell opening the scoring.

Local rivals Fareham and Havant both got off to 5-0 starts in Conference West against Bournville and Cheltenham respectively. Fareham’s James Seager scored twice in the first ten minutes to set up their victory whilst Havant’s new arrival Sumeet Singh scored two goals in three minutes, shortly before half-time, in their win. Lichfield’s Martin Webb grabbed a brace beat as they beat local rivals University of Birmingham 3-1 in their first game back in the EHL. Though Tim Davenport gave Team Bath Buccaneers the lead in the 6th minute, Joe Naughalty and Simon Miles’ goals secured the three points for Whitchurch as Team Bath Buccaneers suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat. Cardiff & UWIC’s first game back in the EHL ended with a 2-0 win over Guildford.

Canterbury made their case as early season contenders with a 6-2 win over newly promoted City of Peterborough in Conference East; Michael Farrer led his side’s scoring with three. Teddington’s re-introduction to the EHL resulted in defeat at the hands of Indian Gymkhana, 3-2, with Harjeet Singh scoring twice for the victors. Holcombe’s newly assembled squad faltered at Harleston Magpies where Ben Wright’s hat-trick earned a 3-2 victory for the Norfolk club. Wimbledon was held to a 2-2 draw by Bromley and Beckenham where Harrison Sellers’ 69th minute equaliser for Bromley & Beckenham cancelled out England & GB international Ben Hawes potential winner. On Saturday, Oxted lost 4-2 at home against Old Loughtonians with Paul Nicholls scoring twice for the visitors.

England Hockey Board Media release

Bees look "special"

By Graham Wilson


Adam Dixon sent a warning to the rest of the English League clubs

ADAM DIXON sent out a warning to the rest of the English League clubs on the opening day of the season after leading his Beeston champions to a 4-1 victory over Surbition.

Dixon, returning as captain after helping England to a European bronze medal last month, showed the way by converting a low penalty corner drag-flick in the second minute. With the EuroLeague beckoning next month and rivals Reading at Sonning on Sunday, Dixon said: “We have moved on from last season. The strength in depth is awesome. This is the start of something special.”

With their internationals resting, Leicester women lost 5-1 to Clifton in the Investec League, while champions Reading beat Canterbury 2-0.

Daily Express

YNS to show true colours

Jugjet Singh

YAYASAN Negri Sembilan (YNS) will know if they are championship material when they play Tenaga and Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) back-to-back this weekend.

YNS, who scraped past a fighting Nur Insafi 2-1 on Sunday, should have no problem beating UniKL tomorrow before their big weekend.

"My Pakistan players (six of them) were a little too eager to attack in the first half as they were playing to the style which was taught to them.

"However, I told them to slow down the pace in the second half, and we managed to beat Nur Insafi," said YNS coach K. Rajan.

With the opening weekend out of the way, Rajan is confident his team will be ready for Tenaga and KLHC.

"By then, I would have had enough time to train the foreign players to play as a team with the locals and be ready to give Tenaga and KLHC a tough time as we are looking to upset the form book this season."

Rajan, a former Tenaga and national juniors coach, feels the tournament is still open and the front runners must not take any team lightly.

"Nur Insafi were the whipping boys last season, but I believe they will trouble even KLHC and Tenaga as well as Sapura," said the experienced coach.

YNS were saved the blushes by their Pakistan penalty corner flicker Ihsan Ullah Khan, who scored both their goals off penalty corners.

"Ihsan is a former international and he has the power, and I need to work a little on the direction. I believe he will be an asset. When he was playing for Pakistan, he never got a chance to flick during penalty corners as Sohail (Abbas) was at his best then," said Rajan.

New Straits Times

Tenaga vow to bounce back after defeat in opening match

By S. RAMAGURU

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional have vowed to bounce back after losing their opening Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) match to double champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) on Saturday.

Tenaga, who lost 2-1 to KLHC, are aware that with just seven matches to go, the race to the title would be fiercely contested.

Both KLHC and Tenaga have three matches lined up this week, beginning tomorrow.

KLHC will play against UiTM tomorrow, Maybank on Friday and Yayasan Negri Sembilan (YNS) on Sunday.

Tenaga will meet Nur Insafi tomorrow, YNS on Friday and and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) on Sunday.

Having already lost one game, Tenaga are not bent on winning the remaining seven matches to keep their hopes of bagging the title alive.

Tenaga team manager Samsul Ariffin Zainuddin said that “is the only way we can keep out title ambitions alive”.

“There are seven more matches and we just have to win them all,” he said.

“Losing to KLHC is not the end but, with each team playing only eight matches, we will just try and win our remaining matches and see where they take us.”

Sapura are the current leaders on goal difference after their 4-0 opening match romp over the Armed Forces on Sunday.

They will take on Maybank tomorrow and UniKL on Friday.

Sapura coach I. Vicknesweran admitted that despite the big opening win, “we have to continue to bag full points to stay at the top”.

“We can’t afford to drop any points. We will not underestimate any of our opponents,” he said.

“Maybank did not play in the opening weekend and will be fresh on Wednesday. We must make sure we do not let our guards down. It will be tough as Maybank have a better side than last year’s and they are also well prepared for the challenge.”

Another team expected to mount a serious challenge for the title and who also got off to a winning start were YNS, who had to come from behind to edge Nur Insafi 2-1.

YNS failed to impress against Nur Insafi despite having six Pakistani players in their ranks.

But, then again, it was only the opening weekend and the matches this week are the ones that will separate the title contenders from the also-rans.

By Sunday, a clearer picture will emerge before the preliminary round ends on Oct 9.

The Star of Malaysia

Goalies to train with wider goal

BANGALORE: The Indian team will soon start practicing with a set of goals which are one metre wider to get its custodians ready for the four-nation 9-a-side Super Series in Perth, Australia in October.

Chief coach Michael Nobbs has already got down to brass tacks and has been promised by Sports Authority of India that a new set of goals would be made as soon as possible. "I am trying to get the new goals made," Nobbs confirmed. "I have been told that a carpenter would come down tonight and look at how we can get a set of goals made. I hope it happens quickly. One metre is substantial in terms of width for the goalkeepers to cover and requires a big change in approach." The FIH specification for goal width is 3.66 metres.

Nobbs also has his task cut out as he sets about changing his players' mindset during penalty corners and penalty strokes. The strokes are similar to the new penalty shootout (one-on-one with the goalkeeper) rules that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) specifies but the penalty corners present a totally refreshing picture - that of a set-piece situation without the drag-flick.

According to Hockey Australia website, penalty corners are a face-off between four attackers and three defenders, including the goalkeeper, with a 25-second timeframe for each such situation to be completed.

Meanwhile, players began trooping in at the South Centre for the camp which begins on Tuesday. In all, 48 players have been asked to join. Thirty of them ought to be checking in by Monday night while the 18 players who represented India at the Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos, China, will be in by this weekend.

Selection trials have been scheduled for September 26.

The Times of India

Mumbai Hockey Association felicitates Yuvraj Walmiki

MUMBAI: Emerging hockey star Yuvraj Walmiki was on Monday felicitated by Mumbai Hockey Association (MHA) for his exploits in the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy, won by India.

The state body also presented him a cheque for Rs one lakh, a media release said.

The award was presented by his mentor Merzaban Patel, popularly known as 'Bawa', whose contribution has been acknowledged by the 21-year-old Mumbai player himself.

Yuvraj played a role in India's title triumph as he scored in the penalty shootout against Pakistan in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy in China.

"It was the help and encouragement from the MHA which was largely responsible in shaping my career. I will strive to earn more laurels for the country," Yuvraj said on the occasion.

Bawa said Yuvraj's achievements were due his sheer mental strength.

The Times of India

No Obstruction Rule

By Shiv Jagday

INTRODUCTION

During the early 1990s, the No Obstruction rule came in to play. This had a huge impact on the way the game was played, especially the way forwards/midfielders received the ball, compared to the era before this rule was introduced.

First let's look at the positive changes that the No Obstruction rule has enabled:

• Fewer turnovers by the forwards or midfielders, while receiving short range or long range passes
• More possession passes linked together by the teams, which is a beauty to see
• Block receiving, while being marked tightly, and laying off the ball to the overlapping teammate (give-and-go)
• Even in the defensive zones, players can block receive a pass, spin in a circle and make a possession pass or clear the ball

Now let's look at the negative, though unintentional, changes enabled by the No Obstruction rule. The following technical and tactical skills have diminished to a large extent:

• Receiving the ball on the run, and exposing it, to have a better view / vision even when being marked tightly
• Mini-step-footwork: Classic runs off the ball in a small, tightly marked space, in order to receive a pass on the run
• Eliminating the defender completely while receiving the ball, and maintaining a full, unobstructed view of the offensive field
• A delicate first touch in the form of a controlled deflection, resulting in eliminating / neutralizing a defender
• Receiving the ball with a reverse stick or on the open stick at the right time, and then having the ball control skills to make offensive plays

CAUSE AND EFFECT

The main reason for the gradual decline of the above mentioned skills is that the passer / distributor / midfielder/ play maker, often times does not receive the ball with an open body, in an attacking position. As a result, 'open offensive game situations' are not available to be exploited.

In other words, when midfielder's / play makers receive the ball with their backs towards the attacking goal and spin in a circle, they lose the instant offensive view in front of them, and this also gives enough time for the defending players to re adjust their positional play, recover and regroup.

Please note that the moment one receives the ball with a open body and eliminates one's immediate marker, the opponent's defence is vulnerable for a few split seconds, and which can be exploited with a deft pass or two. The very top players of the world, like Jamie Dwyer and Teun de Nooijer, burn their markers most of the time, as did the former greats Manzoor Jr. and Shahbaz Ahmed of Pakistan.

Over time, the play making skills of the midfielders have become rusty, as most of the time they receive the ball with their back towards the attacking goal. Thanks to the No Obstruction rule! As the saying goes, use it or lose it.

Disorienting a defender, on the run, to make a defence splitting through pass is becoming a lost art. And we need to bring it back and employ it more often. This is what fans on the ground would like to see, and what viewers on television would like to see.

Incidentally, the women's game features more play making passes than the men's game, making their game exciting to watch.

SOME EXAMPLES

Our hockey students don't do what you say, as much as, do what they see. Here are some examples for budding hockey players:

2011 EuroHockey Nations Championship

2011 EuroHockey final between Germany and Netherlands, 16:09 of the first half

Teun de Nooijer of Netherlands received the ball, which he tipped softly to completely eliminate his marker, leaving him crawling. This gave him a free way to the baseline and make a negative pass to his teammate to score the equaliser.

When I look back to the ball receiving techniques of Teun de Nooijer playing in the 2003 Champions Trophy and in the 2011 EuroHockey Championship, my observation is that Teun de Nooijer has greatly reduced receiving the ball with his back towards the attacking goal, or with his face facing the left sideline, while playing as a Left inner or Left winger. This is good for the player and good for the game.

2011 EuroHockey Nations Championship

2011 EuroHockey final between Germany and Netherlands, 33:09 of the second half

The German left-in / midfielder received a block pass from his left full back, while being marked tightly by a opponent, near their opponents 23 meters line. He first half curls clockwise and then full curls anti-clockwise to outsmart his opponent, and ends up making a blind through pass to his teammate near the opponent's circle. This naturally results in a turnover, and a counter attack by Teun de Nooijer. This was an example on how not to receive the ball.

FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández

Some comparative analysis from another sport. When I observe the current Barcelona football team midfielder Xavi Hernandez distributing the ball, it reminds me of the pinpoint accurate passes of Akhtar Rasool (Pakistan), Trevor Smith (Australia) and Richard Dodds (Britain) - all centre-halves of the 1980s.

Their passes had a ripple effect. The receipient of their pass were their inners - Manzoor Jr. (Pakistan), Ric Charlesworth (Australia) and Norman Hughes (Britain), who in turn passed the ball to their dashing centre-forwards on the run to score breathtaking field goals. No wonder, Hassan Sardar (Pakistan), Terry Walsh (Australia) and Sean Kerly (Britain) were high field goal scorers.

Sadly, we don't see this type of play making passes and goals, as much as we should, partly due to the introduction of the No Obstruction rule. In my opinion we - coaches and athletes - have gone full circle the other way around, literally spinning in circles.

Please don't think and say, "Shiv you are day dreaming, the game has passed by you, wake up"

You be the judge, Have we not thrown out the baby with the bath water? 

COACHING TIPS

Here is a quote from Cesar Luis Menotti back in 1977, when he was coach of the Argentinean national football team.

"During practice, when I see my forward receiving the ball with his back towards the goal he is attacking, I immediately stop the practice and tell the player - You are wasting your time and that of your fellow teammates. Receive the ball forward facing, with a tilted body, preferably on the run."

Doesn't this make sense? The higher the risks, the higher the rewards. Menotti went on to coach Argentina to the 1978 World Cup Football title.

Here are some coaching tips on proper receiving of the ball, in order to enable offensive plays and goals.

Split Step Footwork with the Ball

Teams and players spend so much time on this during physical training and warm up - hopping through step ladders and loops. However, they do not employ it where it is needed the most - on the field - to escape the net of the tight game situations. Strangely, this has slowly gone out of fashion. Please practice with ball and stick, and encourage the players to employ it more in the game situations, to gain confidence.

Strike an Optimal Balance

A majority of the players and even respected coaches are not aware of what they have discarded - receiving the ball on the run, while facing the opponent's goal - and are missing an opportunity to make their game more effective.

The message being conveyed here is to avoid receiving the ball with one's back towards the attacking goal, especially when there is no need of it. Yes, we are slaves of our habits, which may sometimes pull us back. Our hockey community as a whole needs to realize this and strike an optimal balance.

Teach our Juniors the Right Skills

Here is a suggestion. During our practice sessions, especially for the junior players, we should make a rule that forwards and midfield players cannot receive the ball with their back towards the opponent's goal, and cannot spin in a circle.

Prima facie you may not agree with me, but think about this suggestion and the positive habits this will inculcate in our juniors.

CONCLUSION

To change, and to change for the better, are two different things
- Old German proverb

There is nothing wrong in receiving the ball with one's back towards the opponent's attacking goal, especially when the primary objective is to maintain ball possession, individually and as a team. While receiving the ball, optimal balance is the key. Of late, the shift has been towards the negative type of receiving the ball, with one's back towards the opponent's goal. Make it a positive one, taking calculated risks along the way, similar to how the Australian and Dutch hockey teams play.

Yes, possession is nine-tenths of the law. As a team, one has to maintain the possession, but in a positive way, and keeping an offensive frame of mind. The way the football teams of Brazil, Spain and Germany played during the 2010 Football World Cup. Of these three teams, Brazil reached the quarter-finals, Germany reached the semi-finals, and Spain reached, and won, the World Cup Football final. Remember, the higher the risks, the higher the rewards.

Please visit my web site www.coachshiv.com and email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for any questions or feedback.

Fieldhockey.com Exclusive

Christopher Newport Field Hockey Team headed to London

Kaitlan Mitchell

It is the sound every field hockey fan longs to hear.

Click.

And with the small but powerful touch of a mouse, a sound as sweet as a ball crashing against the backboard, the entire Christopher Newport University Field Hockey Team was on their way to the 2012 London Olympic games.

Every four years CNU head coach Carrie Moura plans an international team tour, affording each player the opportunity to travel and compete to a foreign destination Three years prior, CNU ventured to the Dominican Republic to play and educate a younger generation about the sport. The 2012 trip fell perfectly inline with the biggest worldwide display of athleticism, a checkbox on the bucket list for any sports enthusiast.  The team is booked to depart July 27 and return August 6.

“Providing the players with this experience and sharing in a once in a lifetime opportunity,” coach Moura says. “It would really be epic if we get to see the US team compete and support them.”

Former CNU assistant coach Natalie Barrett’s nationality gave the program a step in front of other American fans biding on tickets.

“My family are British citizens and they had the opportunity to submit an application before I was able to over here in the States,” coach Barrett says. “So I had my mum and my brother at home apply at 6 a.m. exactly when the ticket lines opened.  I had my mum apply for 20 tickets and my brother apply for the other 15.”

Although the team applied immediately, CNU had to wait for another three months to find out whether or not their application was successful.  Not hesitating to wait for the go ahead, CNU partnered with a tour company to arrange all the logistics regarding travel and accommodations.  But the preparation checklist did not stop at beds and buses. Barrett reached out to her field hockey mates abroad and organized with other university teams and clubs to schedule games – two in Scotland and one in England. With everything in order, the team was just waiting on one minute detail – the tickets. Their early tactics and patience paid off. In June, the team found out all 35 ticket requests were successful.

Chasing a substantial dream of this magnitude requires a substantial amount of money.

Every January CNU hosts an indoor tournament to raise funds for their abroad trips. This year, 85 teams participated in the tournament weekend. Coach Moura explains the tournament as a ‘fun yet competitive atmosphere where the CNU girls love watching the U19’s battle it out but are equally impressed with the skill level of the U10's and U12's.’ Along with the indoor tournament, clinics and Spring events continued CNU’s fundraising efforts. 

“The players also deserve a lot of credit as they have worked very hard to help in any way possible with the events,” coach Barrett, now an assistant coach for Syracuse University, says. “They all helped with the umpiring, setting up, scorekeeping and really they all have all contributed in every way possible.”

The tight-knit group of the CNU field hockey community has much to look forward to. Besides visiting London’s main attractions, Edinburgh and Loch Lomond, the team has a must travel to stop being the City of Glasgow – Barrett’s hometown.  Coach Moura described the chemistry her players as ‘open, candid, humorous yet fiercely competitive’ – making the trip more even enjoyable.

“On August 2nd at 8:30 a.m., Christopher Newport University’s field hockey team will be in the stands to watch two Olympic Field Hockey Games,” coach Barrett says. “It is very special that CNU will be the only college field hockey team in the country to be at the Olympic Games.  We are obviously hoping that the USA team continue their success and qualify for the Olympics.  We are looking forward to being there to cheer them on!”

From that single click of a mouse, CNU prepares to embark to Europe where they hope to watch the US National Team show the world everything thing they have on the blue pitch.

USFHA media release

Hockey India announces 25,000 reward in post dated cheques for Dravid

Gursimran Khamba

Hockey India, the governing body for field hockey in India today announced a 25,000 Rs reward for Rahul Dravid for his service to the nation, to be paid through two post dated cheques of 12,500 each. A top HI official who refused to be named said, "Rahul Dravid has given a lot to the sport of cricket and indeed to the nation. Till date we use his example in coaching camps to train our lads in the virtues of patience and proper technique. Besides, footage of him batting in test matches was the only thing that put our boys to sleep despite them not having a bed, fans or mosquito repellant. It is only fair then that we honour him to the best of our ability."

On being asked if Dravid might get offended at being rewarded with such a paltry amount, he said "No I don't think the amount should be a problem. Rahul is used to being mistreated and undervalued by the BCCI, cricket team and the public at large. If anything he will appreciate the gesture behind the reward because that's just how classy he is - not like one of these new 21 year old hot shots who think they're gods gift to brands."

KPS Gill, advisor to the IHF however, ridiculed this announcement. "First they offered 25,000 cash reward to each member of the hockey team despite them winning the Asia Cup. Now they're offering this to Dravid? It is obvious they are only doing this to get tax concessions. Hum bhi apne time pe bahut karte the."

Despite repeated attempts Rahul Dravid could not be reached for comments. His representatives said he was still recovering from the trauma of having to share a dressing room on his final ODI series with Ravindra Jadeja.

Hindustan Times