News for 19 April 2012
Thursday, 19 April 2012 09:59 | 
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All the news for Thursday 19 April 2012
Black Sticks remain unbeaten in second round of Four Nations
The Black Sticks Women have beaten USA 3-2 today to remain unbeaten in the second series of the Four Nations tournament at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga, Auckland.
The USA put up a spirited fight against the home side and at times looked like they might upset the tournament’s top team, but the Black Sticks showed the sort of dogged determination they’ll need in three months’ time at the Olympics to hold on for the victory.
Black Sticks captain Kayla Sharland felt it was a pretty messy effort from her side today.
“Our basics let us down today - our mistraps and the way we connected - and there was probably a bit too much dribbling at the start but it was good to get the win in the end.”
“Good teams win when they’re not playing well. So to get a draw against Aussie yesterday and obviously a win today is good for us going forward.”
Sharland said the USA were more physical today than in their clash last week, and they appeared to want it more than her side did at the start.
USA opened the scoring with a penalty corner to Rachel Dawson after eight minutes but it wasn’t long before New Zealand responded with a cracking shot from Krystal Forgesson.
Despite a couple of Kiwi penalty corners, one of which Katie Glynn hit the cross bar with, it appeared the two teams would go to the break at 1-1 until Gemma Flynn slotted one in after a goal circle scramble.
After the break Glynn extended the Black Sticks lead to 3-1 with a short range shot and the Kiwis looked like they might run away with the match. But the fiesty USA had other ideas and Keli Smith-Puzo snatched one back despite some debate over the goal as it came off the umpire before going into the net.
The visitors put the Black Sticks under pressure in the final minutes, again swapping their goalkeeper for an attacking player, but were unable to grab the equaliser.
Australia convincingly beat India 5-2 in the earlier match after leading 3-1 at halftime.
The Four Nations tournament continues until Sunday with the Black Sticks playing India at 7.30pm on Saturday. To see the Four Nations match schedule go to http://www.hockeynz.co.nz/eventscalendar/?event_id=278
Hawke’s Bay is the Principal Partner of the Black Sticks Men and Women.
RESULTS
New Zealand v USA
Full time: 3-2 (New Zealand win)
Half time: 2-1 (New Zealand lead)
New Zealand goalscorers: Krystal Forgesson, Gemma Flynn, Katie Glynn
USA goalscorers: Rachel Dawson, Keli Smith-Puzo
Australia v India
Full time: 5-2 (Australia win)
Half time: 3-1
Australia goalscorers: Jodie Schulz 2, Fiona Boyce, Ashleigh Nelson, Georgia Nanscawen
India goalscorers: Rani, Poonam Rani
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks women struggle past USA
SIMON PLUMB
Photosport
The Black Sticks have beaten the United States 3-2 in Auckland this afternoon and remain on course for back-to-back Four Nations hockey titles.
And with Australia also winning today, another pre-Olympic showdown against the Hockeyroos looms large on Sunday.
In what was their sixth game in eight days, New Zealand brushed aside the Americans with relative ease.
But it was a ragged performance, way short of their best and characterised by poor basic skills.
New Zealand went behind right on the quarter-hour mark when a mix-up between Black Sticks goalkeeper Sally Rutherford and defender Emily Naylor allowed Rachel Dawson's shot to edge the Americans in front.
But the visitors' lead was soon expunged when Charlotte Harrison scored a trademark poached goal on 20 minutes.
From there the Kiwis took control of the possession stakes and were unlucky not to hit the lead when Katie Glynn's drag flick clattered against the American crossbar.
The Black Sticks did, however, break through less than 60 seconds later when Gemma Flynn swiped home a tight, waist-height shot on the turn.
Five minutes after the break the Black Sticks put their foot on the throat of their opponents when Glynn's heavy shot was too much for Kelsey Kolojejchick to handle.
A freakish turn opened the game back up with just over 20 minutes remaining, when a Keli Smith-Puzo shot went over Rutherford's line - seemingly after the ball had come into contact with the umpire.
The Black Sticks continued to push forward while the United States found it hard to break into the attacking circle. Nevertheless, some tricky goal line juggling by Naylor prevented what would have been a certain American equaliser.
The result means both New Zealand and Australia have four points with one final pool game to play, with the USA on three and India yet to register.
Earlier in the day Australia also planted a foot in Sunday's final, beating India 5-2. A draw against the United States on Saturday would be good enough to seal the Hockeyroos' place in Sunday's final.
The Black Sticks are hot favourites to reach the final, needing only a point against India on Saturday - who are yet to win a match in either Four Nations tournament over the last two weeks.
Black Sticks 3 (Gemma Flynn 2, Charlotte Harrison) USA 2 (Rachel Dawson, Keli Smith-Puzo). HT: 2-1.
Stuff
Raining Goals as Hockeyroos Dominate India
Teneal Attard in action. Image by Ben Campbell
The Hockeyroos were far too polished for their opposition downing India 5-2 in the second game of a second Four Nations Test Series in New Zealand today.
Penalty corner specialist Jodie Schulz came out of the blocks firing with a brilliant drag flick that found the top of the net at the two minute mark.
The Hockeyroos continued to control the first half and Fiona Boyce converted a field goal ten minutes later before India hit back immediately, leaving Australia with a 2-1 lead.
Schulz continued to impress and scored her second drag flick of the match at the 28 minute mark.
Hockeyroos Coach Adam Commens said he was happy with the result and felt the ball movement and conversion rate was solid.
"They were lucky to score and our work inside the attacking circle was superior and our basic skills sharper," he said.
Ashleigh Nelson continued the assault on the Indian goal keeper scoring in the second half before Georgia Nanscawen deflected on the post to take the Hockeyroos to a 4-1 lead.
Nelson had a strong game and is returning to her best form after an injury to her patella tendon last year.
India scored again late in the second half through Rani Poonam but never looked threatening at any point during the match.
Senior players Madonna Blyth, Casey Eastham, Kobie McGurk and Teneal Attard proved far too experienced for their opponents.
Hockeyroos 5 d India 2
Goals:
Jodie Schulz (AUS) PC 2m
Fiona Boyce (AUS) FG 12m
Rani (IND) FG 13m
Jodie Schulz (AUS) PC 28m
Ashleigh Nelson (AUS) FG 51m
Georgia Nanscawen (AUS) FG 60m
Rani Poonam (IND) FG 63m
Hockey Australia media release
USA beat India 3-0 in the second leg opener
Indian ladies went down 0-3 to USA in their opening match of the second 4-Nation Cup at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga, New Zealand today.
USA dominated the proceedings as India played insipidly with numerous unforced errors. The goal scorers for USA were Shannon Taylor (Penalty corner 14th minute), Paige Selenski (30th minute) and Michelle Cesan (47th minute).
India took the field without central midfielder Asunta Lakra suffering from a sprained neck which helped their rivals to maneuver their attacks into the Indian striking circle without much difficulty. There was pressure on Indian deep defenders Joydeep Kaur and Kirandeep Kaur who were unable to rise to the occasion.
India should have taken an early lead but Anuradha Thokchom who was setup after a good move by Poonam Rani and Ritu Rani failed to beat the USA goalkeeper Amy Swensen.
Shortly after Rani also missed an easy scoring opportunity as she could not beat the goalkeeper on the one to one situation.
USA took the lead in the 14th minute from a penalty corner rebound scored by Shannon Taylor.
India tried to find the equalizer and earned two penalty corners. While the first one was easily intercepted, the second one, a direct set piece by Deepika was stopped on the goal line by Michelle Dawson.
USA increased their tally in the 30th minute when the Paige Selenski beat Indian goalkeeper Yogita Bali after dogging passed the fullbacks.
As India continued to commit unforced errors USA sealed India’s fate when they scored their 3rd goal in the 47th minute through Michelle Cesan.
Now India will play its next match against Australia on Thursday.
Hockey India Media Release
Stick2Hockey.com
Tame 0-3 defeat for India against USA
NEW DELHI: India were blanked 0-3 by USA in their opening match at the second leg of the Women four-nation hockey tournament at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga, New Zealand on Wednesday.
Shannon Taylor (PC, 14th minute), Paige Selenski (30th) and Michelle Cesan (47th) were the goal scorers for the winners.
USA dominated the proceedings as India played insipidly with numerous unforced errors.
India took the field without central midfielder Asunta Lakra, who is suffering from a sprained neck which helped their rivals to maneuver their attacks into the Indian striking circle without much difficulty.
There was pressure on Indian deep defenders Joydeep Kaur and Kirandeep Kaur who were unable to rise to the occasion.
India should have taken an early lead but Anuradha Thokchom, who was setup after a good move by Poonam Rani, and Ritu Rani failed to beat the USA goalkeeper Amy Swensen.
Shortly after Rani also missed an easy scoring opportunity as she could not beat the goalkeeper on the one to one situation.
USA took the lead in the 14th minute from a penalty corner rebound scored by Shannon.
India tried to find the equaliser and earned two penalty corners. While the first one was easily intercepted, the second one, a direct set piece by Deepika was stopped on the goal line by Michelle Dawson.
USA increased their tally in the 30th minute when the Paige Selenski beat Indian goalkeeper Yogita Bali after dogging passed the fullbacks.
As India continued to commit unforced errors USA sealed India's fate when they scored their third goal in the 47th minute through Michelle Cesan.
India will play their next match against Australia on Thursday.
The Times of India
SA hockey men going big in Japan
JONATHAN COOK
SA head coach Gregg Clark. Photo: GALLO
The bulk of the South Africa men’s hockey team leave for Japan Thursday with one mission in mind, to clinch the last remaining berth available at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The final Olympic Qualifier Tournament takes place at Kakamigahara in Japan from April 26 to May 6, where head coach Gregg Clark’s side have to win the gold medal for South Africa to qualify for the July 29 to August 14 Olympic Games.
And while the contingent leaving from Johannesburg will arrive at their tournament base in Kakamigahara Friday, the overseas-based players will only arrive later as they have European club commitments to fulfil this weekend.
SA captain Austin Smith and Rhett Halkett are at Den Bosch in Holland, Justin Reid-Ross and Lloyd Madsen play for Pinoke in Amsterdam; Belgium clubs enjoy the services of Clinton Panther, Taine Paton (both Gantoise) and Jonty Robinson (Braxgata), while Ian Haley plays for Exeter in England.
Although the SA team last played in late February, when they beat Austria – one of their opponents in Japan – the home-based and overseas players have been working hard to ensure they will be in peak condition.
“We won the bronze medal at the Champions Challenge in Randburg in early December, beating higher-ranked Argentina in that play-off match, we have drawn a series against world number four Great Britain in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, beaten Austria, and beat India in India for the first time ever in the series in New Delhi earlier this year,” said Clark. “The majority of our matches have been against higher-ranked opponents and this ambitious team, which I have described as the golden generation, is ready for the challenge in Japan.”
Top-ranked South Africa (world number 12), hosts Japan (15th), China (17th), Austria (21st), Czech Republic (23rd) and Brazil (42nd) will be tussling for the last remaining ticket to London.
SA MEN’S MATCH PROGRAMME IN JAPAN
April 26: vs Brazil (11.30 am SA time); April 28: vs Czech Republic (3 am SA time); April 30: vs China (11.30 am SA time); May 2: vs Japan (9 am SA time); May 4: vs Austria (11.30 am SA time); May 6: Classification matches (5/6 places); (3/4 places); final (8 am SA time).
SA TEAM
Austin Smith (capt), Andrew Cronje, Lloyd Norris-Jones, Ian Haley (all Western Province); Wade Paton, Lloyd Madsen, Tim Drummond, Marvin Harper, Taine Paton (all KZN Coastal Raiders); Rassie Pieterse, Michael Smith, Lance Louw, Thornton McDade, Clint Panther (all Southern Gauteng); Jonty Robinson, Rhett Halkett, Justin Reid-Ross (all Northern Blues); Julian Hykes (Amatole-Border). Head coach: Gregg Clark. Assistant coach: Kurt Cerfontyne. Manager: Anton van Rooyen. Assistant manager: Mo Malebye. Physio: Kate-Lyn Temple-Jones.
SA Hockey Association media release
SA Hockey Men Maxed for Olympic Qualifier
Mr Price Sport is now the official kit sponsor
National hockey team member, Durbanite Wade Paton is in line to earn his 50th cap when he represents South Africa in the FIH Olympic Qualifier in Kakamigahara in Japan from April 26 – May 6. The South African team departs for Japan today (Thursday, April 19) and will be aiming to win the qualifying event to secure a spot in the upcoming London Olympic Games. Picture: Pierre Tostee Mr Price SPORT
A determined South African men’s hockey team jet off at 12.30 pm Thursday (today) for the Land of the Rising Sun, and will be hoping that golden rays shine brightly upon them in Japan as they look to clinch the last remaining berth available at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
From April 26 to May 6, the SA side will compete in the FIH Olympic Qualifier in Kakamigahara, where they will have to win the gold medal to qualify for the 12 team tournament at the Olympics.
It has been a long and involved qualification process thus far for the men's team, which began back in September when they won the African Olympic Qualifier in Zimbabwe, only to have their spot retracted after additional criteria was put in place.
They then narrowly missed out on securing their qualification at the Champions Challenge held in Johannesburg in November, having walked away with a bronze medal when a top two finish was required to confirm their place at the July 29 to August 14 Olympics.
It’s been a case of so near and yet so far, but there are still plenty of reasons to be positive about the team¹s prospects of securing a positive result in Japan.
Since the Champions Challenge, they have drawn a series with Great Britain (ranked fourth in the world), as well as recorded a series win over Austria, who will participate in the upcoming Qualifier.
Furthermore, the 12th-ranked SA team recently beat India in India for the first time ever, maintaining the positive win-loss ratio that they’ve enjoyed over the past year in spite of the fact that the majority of matches have been played against higher ranked opposition.
Coach Gregg Clark said he had been extremely encouraged by the form shown by the current squad.
“We have, in my opinion, the most complete group of international hockey players this country has seen for a few generations and it is our goal to make it to London and to achieve a significant result,” he enthused.
Midfielder Wade Paton, who could earn his 50th cap for South Africa if picked to participate in the team’s first game against Brazil on April 26, said preparation had been going well.
“We really have a good group of players and we're all friends, which helps quite a lot. It comes down to a trust factor because a lot of us are based around the country and world. So we might not interact on the same sort of basis as the Springboks or Proteas do when they have camps all the time. You have to trust that your teammates are putting in the hard work to know that they will deliver when it really counts. We are fortunate to have that and we have had some really good training.”
In recognition of the team’s success as well as their potential, Mr Price Sport is now the official kit sponsor of the SA men’s team, which Clark said was a major boost.
“We're really looking forward to donning our new green and gold Maxed kit for the Olympic Qualifier in Japan and clinching the qualification spot. We're confident that we'll make our new sponsors proud to be associated with not only great athletes, but great South Africans.”
It was a sentiment echoed by the President of the South African Hockey Association, Dave Carr: “We are pleased to have a premier South African brand of the stature of Mr Price Sport on board in our quest to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics. It is certainly an exciting time in our Road to London that the SA Men’s hockey team will be presented with their Mr Price Sport kit ahead of the final Olympic Qualifier to take place in Kakamigahara, Japan. The Mr Price Sport brand will be a constant reminder to the team of the support from all South Africans.”
Joint Mr Price SPORT/SA Hockey Association media release
Dharma takes a chance
Junior team may opt for only one goalkeeper as others not good enough
PREFERRED KEEPER: Hazrul in action during the Sultan of Johor Cup last year
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian National juniors coach K. Dharmaraj is in a dilemma.
He is contemplating taking just one goalkeeper to the Asian Junior Cup (AJC) in Malacca next month as the backup goalkeepers to Hazrul Faiz Ahmad are not up to mark.
Hafizuddin Othman and Shahrul Azaddin are nowhere close to Hazrul. And because of this, Dharma is asking himself if it is worth including a second goalkeeper for the sake of formality.
“I’ve discussed with the other coaches and team manager Mirnawan Nawawi,” said Dharmaraj.
“Even if we do include a second keeper, it is highly unlikely he’ll even be in the team of 16 during matches. I don’t want to take passengers to the tournament.”
Dharmaraj admitted that it might be risky not to have a second-choice goalkeeper but pointed out this was not unusual in international hockey.
“There are no longer keepers among the reserves. We may do this during the AJC.
“Keepers these days are usually well-protected and rarely suffer serious injuries. I’d still rather play Hazrul Faiz even if he’s sick,” he added.
At the Sultan of Johor Cup last year, Hafizuddin was admitted to hospital for a couple of days due to dehydration but Dharma believes the two-day break in between matches diminishes the possibility of a repeat.
Only 18 players can be registered for the AJC.
However, Dharmaraj will be taking 19 players to Malacca on Saturday and will only decide on the second goalkeeper just before registration.
The training squad of 32 players was pruned to 19 yesterday. One more player, likely a goalkeeper, will be axed for the final squad of 18.
Three players are on standby but will not travel to Malacca for their final two friendly matches against an Australian district county side next week.
The AJC also serves as a qualifier to the next year’s Junior World Cup. India are automatic hosts. The next two best teams from the AJC will move to the JWC.
Malay Mail
Junior Asia Cup spots for Dedy and Aslam
By AFTAR SINGH
KUALA LUMPUR: Forward Dedy Aryadi Junaidi and midfielder Mohd Aslam Mohd Hanafiah were heartbroken when they were dropped from the Sultan of Johor Cup team last November.
But both players did not give up and trained even harder to make the grade. Their efforts have paid off as they are almost certain of making the squad for the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca from May 3-13.
Project 2013 squad coach K. Dharmaraj named 19 players for the tournament at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. One player will be dropped after the two friendly matches against the Australian County team in Malacca on May 24 and 26.
Dharmaraj said he is impressed with the tremendous progress shown by Dedy and Aslam in training and friendly matches.
“Dedy has been playing well in attack and scored a few goals in the friendly matches. Aslam is leading the midfield well and stands a good chance of making the squad for the Junior Asia Cup,” said Dharmaraj.
The coach added that Mohd Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri, who was named the best goalkeeper in the Sultan of Johor Cup, will be the first choice for the Junior Asia Cup.
“The reserve keeper will be Shahrul Azaddin,” said Dharmaraj.
There were 32 players in the training squad and 13 were dropped yesterday.
“I have named three players as reserves but they will not be training in Malacca with the others. They will be called up if any of the 19 players are injured,” said Dharmaraj. The three are Mohd Rashid Baharom, Mohd Zulhairi Hashim and Mohd Haziq Samsul.
The squad played three friendly matches against Pakistan as part of their preparations, losing the first two 5-3 and 4-3 before winning the last 5-3.
They also played four matches with South Korea. They lost the first 1-2 last Saturday before trouncing the Koreans 9-1 on Monday. They lost the third 5-3 on Tuesday but won the final match 6-5 yesterday.
Malaysia open their Group A campaign in the Junior Asia Cup against Iran on May 3. Their other matches are against South Korea (May 5) and Japan (May 7).
Defending champions India are drawn in Group B with Pakistan, China and Sri Lanka.
The semi-finals are on May 10 and the final on May 13.
The Star of Malaysia
Amsterdam H&BC to host EHL Final Four 2011/12
Famous Wagener Stadium will be the venue
Amsterdam H&BC player Floris Evers (Photo: EHL / Frank Uijlenbroek)
Euro Hockey League (EHL) is delighted to announce that Amsterdam H&BC’s Wagener Stadium in The Netherlands will be the venue for the Semi Finals and Finals of the 2011/12 season.
The final phase of the competition features the four remaining teams. UHC Hamburg (GER), KHC Dragons (BEL), H.C. Rotterdam (NED) and host club Amsterdam H&BC will battle for the EHL crown. The Final Four will be played over the Whitsun weekend from Saturday 26th until Sunday 27th May 2012.
Jons Hensel, chairman of the EHL, said: “We are looking forward to return to Amsterdam H&BC for the Final Four. I am sure that we will witness a fantastic tournament involving UHC Hamburg, AH&BC, H.C. Rotterdam and KHC Dragons.”
The Wagener Stadium has played host to some of the biggest international events in hockey, including the 1973 Hockey World Cup, the EuroHockey Nations Championship in both 1983 and 2009, the EHL Final Four in 2010 as well as numerous FIH Champions Trophy events.
Founded in 1892, Amsterdamsche Hockey & Bandy Club is the oldest hockey club in The Netherlands. After a period which saw various relocations, the club finally settled in the ‘Amsterdamse Bos’ around the Wagener Stadium in 1938.
EHL is greatly looking forward to what is sure to be a fantastic weekend of top class hockey. Detailed information regarding the match schedule and ticket sales for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
More information is available on the EHL website.
Euro Hockey League media release
IHA Appoint Denis Pritchard as Interim Coach for Irish Women
The Irish Hockey Association have today announced Denis Pritchard as the interim National Women’s Hockey Coach an appointment which has been decided upon by the High Performance Working Group and formally approved by the Board.
Denis, an FIH Coach, has worked as Assistant Coach to the team for the last five years will step into the role with immediate effect until the end of the Champions Challenge I in early October.
Denis comes into the role with a wealth of experience, previously working successfully as Senior Munster Coach along with a successful stint as Cork C of I in which he won the All Ireland Club Championships in 2007. Denis also worked as Assistant Coach to the National Men’s team in 2005 & 2006. “Denis was the natural choice for this position given the time he has spent with the squad over the past few years. He is best placed to further develop the technical development and style of play that saw the team produce a great run of results in the lead up and to the final of the Olympic Qualifier. Having worked as the assistant coach over the past five years he has detailed knowledge of the opponents the team will face, with out much preparation to their forthcoming competitions”
Denis is keen to continue to build upon the progress already made by the team commenting ''The summer series of games gives us another opportunity to compete against some of the world's top teams. We must build on the hard work that has been done and progress the squad towards our goal of world tournament qualification. I am honoured to be asked to lead on an interim basis; working in this environment is a great challenge and working with high-performance athletes is a huge privilege. The journey continues unabated.''
Regarding other roles within the management team an interim assistant coach will be appointed over the forthcoming weeks. Current Manager Sally Ann Fanagan will stay on in her role until June whilst a long term replacement is appointed and Karen Coughlan steps down as Physio after many years of excellent service.
The full time Coaching position will be advertised in late July with a view to appointment in mid October.
Competitions:
Investec Cup 5-10th June - London
Celtic Cup 30 June-1 July - Lisnagarvey
Players then have a break for July/early August
Champions Challenge I end of September.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Irish Hockey League Round 5 Preview
The final round of the Electric Ireland and Men’s Irish Hockey League takes place this Saturday April 21st. Each Pool has its own designated time and the top two of each pool will progress through to the semi finals and finals stages taking place over the May bank holiday weekend in Lisnagarvey.
Firstly looking to the Men’s Pool A which has a start time of 4pm. The IHL is set for an exciting climax this weekend with Cookstown, Monkstown and Banbridge all vying for the two semi final spots from Pool A. Cookstown (with a 3 point advantage) look like favourites for one spot but Monkstown & Banbridge are neck and neck on 10 points with the same goal difference. Banbridge take on Glenanne in Dublin and will be keen to net plenty of goals to ensure a position in the semis while Monkstown enjoy home advantage against Cork Harlequins who sit 4th on 5 points. Monkstown will go into the match with a bit of an injury crisis but the depth of the squad is keeping them going. Internationals Gareth Watkins and Kyle Good are out for the season with broken bones while they are joined on the casualty list by Robbie McFarland (Achilles) and Bobby Mason (broken knuckle). However the two Town international David’s (Fitzgerald & Cole) look sharp following their successful trip to Germany with the international team and were both outstanding last Saturday. However, Cork Harlequins come to Rathdown with nothing to lose so their free flowing hockey will be difficult to overcome. The Blacks, Hobbs, Lombard and Eakins will all need to watched carefully by Monkstown. Hopefully a big end of season crowd will come to Rathdown to support this fixture that is down to start at 4pm.
Also in Pool A Instonians welcome top of the table Cookstown to Shawsbridge. Cookstown current Ulster Premier League Champions will again provide an exciting match and will be out to take the points as Instonians took the Premier League points both home and away against Cookstown earlier in the season. Form in this game does not mean a lot as both sides play open attractive hockey so it could another great match. Instonians and Cookstown both have their full squads available. Ian Sloan will be the man to watch in the Cookstown side with Mark Irwin and William Robinson giving goal scoring possibilities for Instonians.
Over to Pool B which kicks off at 14.00. A young Pembroke Wanderers Squad travel to the Pool's leading team Lisnagarvey. This is a "dead" game in the context of Pembroke's IHL season but may provide useful insights to the forthcoming Irish Senior Cup match, also away to 'Garvey, later in April. Some changes are anticipated in the Wanderers Squad, mainly due to injury, although Dave Williamson (GK) will doubtless relish the opportunity to face former team-mates and come away with a "clean sheet”. Garvey however will be very keen to keep their 100% record in this competition their win over Annadale last Saturday secured a place in the IHL finals weekend.
Also in Pool B Three Rock Rovers will hope to once again use Saturday's IHL game as a means to blood new players as they handed seven players their IHL tournament debuts last weekend, including Leinster U-16 duo Johnny McCormack and Ben McCrea as well as Eoin Buttanshaw. They helped Three Rock to their first win in the competition last time out against Cork C of I along with fellow teenagers Alan White, Dave McCrea, Harry Morris and Scott Williams while Luke Madeley and Paddy O'Connor could come back into contention after injury and exams ruled them out last time. Ali Haughton, though, looks set to miss out once again due to illness. The club's support will be split between Milltown and Serpentine Avenue where the fourth and fifth eleven are involved in Intermediate and Minor Cup action.
Annadale and Cork C of I make up the third game in Pool B who are neck and neck on six points, Annadale will be keen to use their home advantage to contest for the second spot but only a win and bonus point will be enough depending on how other results in the pool pan out.
Over to Pool A of the Electric Ireland Competition. Hermes head to Belfast on Saturday in the knowledge they have already qualified for the finals weekend. The last time the sides met was at Lisnagarvey at last year Electric Ireland IHL Final which Pegasus won and since then Pegasus have once again regained the Ulster league and more recently were crowned European Champions. On the other hand Hermes good form has been in the IHL where they have amassed 15 points winning their 4 games and taking 3 bonus points to secure their place in the finals. They were most affected by the absence of their International contingent and could only finish 5th in the Leinster League and now go to the wild card play off to qualify for next years IHL. A win for Hermes in Saturday’s final pool match would possibly put Pegasus out of the IHL and leave the door open for UCD to make it to the semis provided they can overcome Catholic Institute in Rosbrien.
Armagh host Old Alex and although both sides are out of contention for a place in final's weekend, this tie should see plenty of attacking action with young players aplenty. Armagh coach Niall McCool has developed a young Armagh side capable of playing entertaining hockey, with the threat of attackers Amy Stewart and Rachel Mulligan ever present. Alex also have youth and flair in abundance, including recently crowned all-Ireland school's cup winners Erika Hinkson and Emily Beatty among their ranks.
Onto Pool B and it’s very tight at the top of the table with Loreto, Railway and Ballymoney all in contention on 14; 13 and 12 points respectively. A win for Railway will ensure a third successive semi final berth. This will be the fourth clash between the teams in the past 3 years, having met at the group stage on the previous two seasons, and in the 2010 final. Railway will hope that their attacking play, which sees them as top scorers in this year's competition, will continue to bear fruit. 16 goals have been spread between 7 players, Jean McDonnell leading the way with 4. Loreto head to the Joey Dunlop centre this Saturday to play Ballymoney in what will could be a crucial decider with just two points keeping these sides apart, but they go the knowledge that a loosing bonus point would be enough to secure a semi final spot.
Lurgan complete their first IHL fixture series with a visit to Cork on Saturday 21st April to play UCC. Undoubtedly the team will face a major challenge in taking on such a seriously talented team as UCC with their Irish youth Internationals - Olivia Roycroft, Fiona O'Connell and Ali O'Connor spearheading a formidable side. Whilst Lurgan Ladies have found IHL a major learning experience this season the young team will benefit from the exposure to the highest level of hockey in terms of realising the commitment required to succeed against the very best sides.
Men’s Pool A
Saturday 21st April all at 16.00
Glenanne v Banbridge
Monkstown v Cork Harlequins
Instonians v Cookstown
Men’s Pool B
Saturday 21st April all at 14.00
Annadale v Cork C of I
Lisnagarvey v Pembroke Wanderers
YMCA v Three Rock Rovers
Electric Ireland Women’s Pool A
Saturday 21st April all at 13.00
Pegasus v Hermes
Catholic Inst v UCD
Armagh v Old Alex
Electric Ireland Women’s Pool B
Saturday 21st April all at 15.00
Cork HQ v Railway Union
Ballymoney v Loreto
UCC v Lurgan
MEN’S & ELECTRIC IRELAND IRISH JUNIOR CUP FINALS
Sunday 22nd April
The Men’s and Electric Ireland Irish Junior Cup also culminates into the finals this weekend on Sunday 22nd April.
Electric Ireland IJC FINAL
Loreto v Pembroke Wanderers 13.15 (UCD)
http://www.hockey.ie/competitions/ijc_women_draw.cfm
Men’s IJC FINAL
Corinthian v Cookstown 15.30 (UCD)
http://www.hockey.ie/competitions/ijc_men_draw.cfm
Irish Hockey Association media release
Scots under 21s at GBSL
GREAT BRITAIN SUPER LEAGUE - LILLIESHALL
The annual Great Britain Super League in Lillieshall will provide Graham Moodie, newly appointed head coach to the Scotland men`s under 21 squad, with his first chance to cast an eye over the squad in a competitive environment.
Normally the GBSL event involves part of the selection process for senior international players, but with the Olympics only a few months away GB coach Jason Lee already has his training squad well established for the London Games. Consequently this year`s GBSL event will focus on under 21 level with a view to Rio de Janeiro in four years time and beyond.
"For me the GBSL is an opportunity to see all the players in the under 21 squad, 24 players in all will play over the two weekends and this means we have two very different teams going down each weekend. I will be able to see how the players get on under pressure against some very good opposition," said Moodie.
As well as future Olympic hopefuls, Moodie is looking to groom a successful squad for the European Junior Nations Championships in Den Bosch this summer where the Scots youngsters are up against powerhouse nations like Belgium, Germany and Spain in the pool competition.
"I expect the English teams will have the majority of their under 21 squad for the Europeans, and it`ll be a good benchmark to see where we are compared to one of the top four teams in Europe."
With the GBSL`s continued fixation about big cats, the Scots will play under the name Caledonian Cougars, and on Saturday they take on English side Pennine Pumas and the following day play the Welsh outfit Celtic Panthers.
Moodie sees the GBSL as part of an ongoing selection process. "In terms of selection for the Europeans, every game, training session and fitness test is an opportunity for the players to work hard and show me how much they want to play for Scotland, and this weekend will be no different."
But there is another carrot for the Scots youngsters to impress, this time Great Britain selectors as a junior GB squad will be going to Australia in January of next year.
Some of the young Scots travelling to Lillieshall this weekend have already made their mark in the national league this season, none more so than the Grange trio of Fraser Sands, Duncan Riddell and Matt Connor, but also Inverleith`s Chris Duncan and Ross Jamieson, Craig Falconer of Grove Menzieshill along with the Clydesdale quartet of Aiden Black, Gregor Hirst, Michael McKenzie and Peter Baldwin.
The women`s junior squad also travel to the same venue to play the same teams, but coach Dave Stott does not see the results of prime importance.
"The GBSL is not about results at this stage, merely about getting our processes in place. This is the first opportunity since our training camp last October to play some competitive games and we will try to cover some aims and objectives over the two weekends," Stott said.
Stott is also preparing his charges for European competition, two years ago the Scots youngsters were relegated and the target is to achieve promotion back to Europe`s top flight.
"The GBSL will be used as a selection tool, the final European squad will bedecided in mid May," remarked Stott.
The Scots youngsters travel to Anapa in search of promotion and play hosts Russia, Czech Republic and Wales in their pool.
Some players have pulled out of the programme while another couple have long term injuries, but included are Ali Howie, Sarah Robertson, Heather Elder and Nicola Skrastin who are currently also involved with the senior squad. The majority of the squad for this weekend are drawn from top clubs, champions Grove Menzieshill, Milne Craig Western and Edinburgh University.
Caledonian Cougars
Men
Tom O'Kelly, Christian McKenna, Stuart Allan (both AAM Gordonians), Blair Fotheringham (Durham City), Aiden Black, Gregor Hurst, Michael McKenzie, Peter Baldwin, Scott Lyndsay (all Clydesdale), Ross McIntyre, Michael Bremner, Alan Forsyth (all Glynhill Hotel Kelburne), Fraser Sands, Duncan Riddell, Adam Walker (all Grange), Alistair Irvine, Craig Falconer (Grove Menzieshill), Matt McIntyre (AMN Hillhead), Ross Jamieson, Chris Duncan (both Inverleith), Gareth Davies (Exeter University), George Scott (Durham University).
Women
Nicki Cochrane, Kerry Hall, Hazel Hall, Louise Campbell (all Grove Menzieshill), Alison Howie, Nicola Skrastin (both Clydesdale Western), Sarah Robertson, Kirsty Hill, Bethan Mann (all Edinburgh University), Siobhan Cowie (Granite City Wanderers), Rachel Malcolm, Robyn Collins (both Loughborough University), Alex Wilson, Lucy Lanigan (both Giffnock), Nikki Mollison (Durham), Jenny Morris (GHK), Stephanie McInally (Glynhill Hotel Kelburne).
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Sealey hat-trick inspires thumping
Nigel Simon
Malvern’s Tariq Marcano, centre, battles for the ball with Marcus James, right, and Shane Legerton, during their T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division match at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Sunday night. Defence Force won 2-0. Photo: Anthony Harris
A hat-trick from Chesterfield Sealey inspired Paragon to a 6-0 thumping of Notre Dame in a T&T Hockey Board Men’s Trinity Division match at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, on Tuesday night. Sealey opened the scoring in the seventh minutes before he added a late double, in the 68th and 70th minutes for Paragon which led 3-0 at the half-time interval. Jemol Joseph chipped in with two for the winners’ in the 11th and 61st minute while Joel Bodkin, also netted in the 24th.
With the win, Paragon climbed to 14 points from six matches on the 11-team table, five adrift of leader Malvern which has played two matches more, while Queen’s Park is second with 16 points from two matches less as well. On Monday, Defence Force men won by default from Police to join Notre Dame and Paradise on ten points.
Also on Monday night, Notre Dame women used a goal each from Cheryl John, Patrina Brathwaite and Sheelah Inniss in a 3-0 blanking of Police to push their points tally to six points from four matches, the same as Shandy Carib Magnolias I. At the top of the table are Harvard Maritime Checkers and Ventures, both with maximum 12 points from four matches. However, Checkers has a superior goal-difference of plus-15 to Ventures, plus-nine.
The Trinidad Guardian
St John’s upset Kerugoya Girls
Mombasa side recovers to slay East and Central Africa hockey champions in championships at Maseno
By BRIAN YONGA
Everline Ooko (left) of Sinyolo girls stops the ball past opponents from St Joseph Kibwana from Eastern in their hockey preliminaries at Maseno school on April 18, 2012. Sinyolo won 5-1. Photo/JACOB OWITI
East and Central Africa schools’ hockey champions Kerugoya Girls suffered an upset on Wednesday, going down 2-1 to St. John’s Kaloleni, Mombasa, at the ongoing Brookside Kenya Secondary Schools Term One games in Maseno.
Kerugoya began the game well, knowing a win would book them a place in the semi-finals and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 33rd minute through Evelyn Njogu.
The goal inspired the champions who almost doubled their lead but were denied by good defending from St. John’s. Kerugoya were leading 1-0 at the break.
Upon resumption, St John’s returned stronger as they threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser which came in the 40th minute through Irene Miruga following a short corner.
Late winner
The goal disorganised Kerugoya who started making costly mistakes as St. John’s believed in the impossible. After a wave of attacks, the winner came in the 60th minute when Everline Mwasehe sneaked past Kerugoya defence to score past Kerugoya goalkeeper Sarah Karanja.
Kerugoya were left fuming at the manner of the defeat after dominating the game for long spells. They head to a must-win game against Butere Girls.
In another match, Asumbi girls overpowered Butere Girls 2-0.
In the boys’ category, Friends School Kamusinga rallied from two goals down to hold Lenana School 2-2 in a thrilling match. Lenana had raced to a 2-0 lead and were smelling victory after drawing their first game against Orero Boys on Tuesday.
But Kamusinga duo of Grant Wandegu and Hillary Otieno had other ideas as they scored two quick goals to level terms.
The nine-time champions returned strongly in the second-half and scored two goals in a minute through prolific striker Moses Ademba.
Both teams sought the winner in vain as the two defences were in top form as the match ended in a stalemate.
The result will suit Kamusinga, who top the pool with four points, while Lenana have two points.
In another group match, Kangaru Boys rallied from two goals down to hold Orero Boys 3-3 in a fascinating match. Lenana play Kangaru while Orero face Kamusinga, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.
Daily Nation