News for 1 March 2009
Sunday, 01 March 2009 09:53 | 
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All the news for Sunday 1 March 2009
India take out series against black Sticks Men
India took out the four test series against the Black Sticks Men, at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium, Pakuranga, today with a well deserved 2 – 0 victory.
The Indians stepped up once again in the second half after a controversial finish to the first half during which neither side could break the 0 – 0 deadlock.
New Zealand was awarded a stroke with two minutes to play after the ball hit an Indian body, stopping a certain goal. The Indians successfully appealed on the grounds that the ball had hit a New Zealand foot earlier.
A 16 yard hit was awarded to the Indians much to the consternation of the parochial New Zealand crowd.
India played a little one dimensionally in the first half, and New Zealand’s cover defence was equal to their attacks. Stephen Graham once again made some crucial saves in goal.
The second half was a different story however with India picking up the pressure. Dilip Tirkey nailed a penalty corner strike in the 43rd minute as the umpire calls continued to go against the Black Sticks.
From there the Indians opened up the game and were spectacular on the counter attack. Expert drag flicker Sandeep Singh scored the match sealer in the 67th minute finding the top left of the goal with apparent ease.
Inexperience showed at times in the New Zealand side, with too many players guilty of turnovers which the polished Indians capitalized from.
Young keeper Stephen Graham continued to develop for New Zealand in goal and made some excellent saves. Brad Shaw was reliable at left half and Wellington striker Joel Baker had a good game up front.
New Zealand v India match report Auckland 1 March
Full time: India 2 New Zealand 0
Half time: 0 - 0
Goal scorers : India – Sandeep Singh, Dilip Tirkey
Hockey New Zealand Media release
India win last hockey test to secure series
India deservedly won the fourth men's hockey test 2-0 against New Zealand in Auckland today to secure the series by the same margin.
Second-half strikes by Sandeep Singh and Dilip Tirkey settled the issue a day after the teams fought out a 1-1 draw at the same venue in the third international.
They were perhaps fortunate not to be behind at halftime after the New Zealanders felt they should have had a goal two minutes before the interval.
New Zealand were instead awarded a stroke after the ball hit an Indian body, stopping a certain goal.
The Indians successfully appealed on the grounds that the ball had hit a New Zealand foot earlier.
A 16-yard hit was awarded to the Indians, much to the consternation of a parochial crowd.
India played a little one dimensionally in the first half and New Zealand's cover defence was equal to their attacks, with Stephen Graham making some crucial saves in goal.
The second half was a different story altogether with India picking up the pressure.
Dilip Tirkey nailed a penalty corner strike in the 43rd minute as the umpiring calls continued to go against the Black Sticks.
From there the Indians opened up and were spectacular on the counter attack.
Expert drag flicker Sandeep Singh scored the matchwinner in the 67th minute after finding the top left of the goal with apparent ease.
Inexperience showed at times in the New Zealand side, with too many players guilty of turnovers which the polished Indians capitalised on.
Graham continued to develop for in goal for the home side and made some excellent saves while Brad Shaw was reliable at left half and striker Joel Baker had a good game up front.
Stuff
India win fourth Test, series with New Zealand
AUCKLAND: A double strike in the second half gave India a 2-0 win in the fourth and final men's field hockey Test against New Zealand On Sunday, giving them a series win by the same margin.
India's Dilip Tirkey and Sandeep Singh stepped up after a scoreless first half.
Tirkey nailed a penalty corner strike in the 43rd minute and Singh followed suit in the 67th minute, flicking the ball into the top left of the goal.
New Zealand felt they should have been ahead just before the interval when the ball hit an Indian body, stopping a certain goal, but India successfully appealed on the grounds that the ball first hit a New Zealand player's foot.
The Indians were then spectacular on the counter-attack in the second half, exposing the inexperience of the New Zealanders who were frequently punished for turnovers.
India won the second Test 2-1, while the first and third Tests were drawn 1-1.
The Times of India
Couzins strikes as New Zealand draw India
AUCKLAND: Skipper Sandeep Singh-led Indian defense faltered in the dying moments to allow New Zealand vice-captain Dean Couzins sound the boards and help the hosts draw the third and penultimate hockey test between the two sides 1-1 on Saturday.
With this draw, the Black Sticks kept alive the series with India going into Sunday's series decider with a 1-0 lead after winning the second test 2-1.
The visitors had drawn the opening test against the hosts 1-1 in Wellington last week.
India started the proceedings on Saturday on a confident note and dominated the match for the most part of the opening half.
India opened the scoring against the run of play in the 13th minute when a lapse from New Zealand defense allowed India centre forward Shivendra Singh into the circle and he made no mistake in nailing home a waist-high shot.
Soon after taking 1-0 lead, a confident Indian players employed a series of fast breaking counter attacks, but to no avail.
India survived a scare just before halftime when Nick Wilson went close to equalising after picking up an aerial pass from Joel Baker.
Wilson got stick to the ball but could not gain control of the difficult pass and pushed it over the top of the post.
However, New Zealand came out rejuvenated after the change of ends and responded well to their coach Shane McLeod's call for increased ball speed and tempo.
The Black Sticks worked hard to get back on level terms after conceding the early goal. They earned as many as three penalty corners in the second half against the visitors' none, but every time Indian custodian Bajit Singh came to his side's rescue.
Baljit was as usual outstanding in front of the goal, making several crucial saves, including a strong Richard Petherick drag flick and cracking reverse follow up shot on the rebound by Simon Child.
However, Baljit's heroics went in vain as Couzins found his target with just seconds from the hooter when he skilfully picked up a free hit from Phil Burrows to push home from close range.
Last match of the tour will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
The Times of India
Australian Hockey League Women - Round 1 Update
Results from Saturday 28th February
NSW Arrows 4 OAMPS Queensland Scorchers 1
Goals
NSW - Rivers 54m FG, Barber 61m FG, Hurtz 65m FG/ 67m FG
QLD - Korner 69m FG
The NSW Arrows have launched their 2009 Australian Hockey League campaign with a 4-1 victory over the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers at the Barrie Smith Hockey Stadium at Tweed Border this afternoon.
The nil all draw score until the closing 16 minutes of the match was indicative of the depth of talent displayed by both teams.
All field goals, NSW Arrows’ Megan Rivers and Ebony Barber scored in the 54th and 61st minutes respectively and team mate Emily Hurtz scored in both the 65th and 67th minute.
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers striker Amy Korner scored a field goal in the 69th minute which reflected Queensland’s untiring competitiveness.
NSW Arrows’ coach Brenda Baker said she was pleased with her team’s increased urgency with working the ball into the circle in the second half but the team will need to work on minimising unforced errors in upcoming matches.
Baker said midfielder Casey Eastham and strikers Ebony Barber and Emily Hurtz were NSW’s stand-out performers.
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers’ manager Sue Brough said Queensland remained competitive throughout the match and the team will draw experience from the loss.
Brough said captain Madonna Blyth and vice captain Jane Bennett led the team well and Jodie Schulz was a stand-out performer in defense.
The OAMPS Queensland Scorchers will seek to avenge their defeat tomorrow when again challenging the NSW Arrows in their second round one match to be played at the Barrie Smith Stadium at Tweed Border at 1.00pm (AEDT).
NSW Arrows’ quest to improve on last year’s 4th AHL placing will be led by an impressive line-up including Beijing Olympians Casey Eastham, Kate Hollywood and Megan Rivers, Australia’s number one goal keeper Toni Cronk and former Hockeyroo Rebecca Sanders.
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers have placed 2nd for three consecutive years and will anticipate the return of injured captain and Hockeyroos’ veteran Nikki Hudson to lead the young squad which includes eight AHL debutants.
Victorian Vipers 3 Canberra Labor Club Strikers 0
Goals
VIC -Burns 19m FG; Peake 25m FG; Nanscawen 36m PC
The Victorian Vipers have made the most of their opening weekend, securing the full points on offer in Canberra, defeating the Canberra Labor Club Strikers 3-0 in their second match.
The Strikers held most of the possession in the first half, having a number of opportunities, but like the day before, failed to take the advantage and put the ball into the back of the net.
Victoria found themselves playing mostly defensive hockey, however like the first game were able to make the most of their chances when they appeared.
On their first circle penetration in the 19th minute, the Vipers got their first goal, although controversially, when a stray ball found its way through the legs of the Strikers defence and over the line.
Six minutes later the Vipers’ second goal came from number 19, Hana Peake, after a breakaway down the right hand side, found Peake just inside the circle, who struck the ball cleanly to find the far side of the goal.
Towards the end of the half the Strikers defence were made to work, as Victoria worked more of the ball into their attacking half.
With four minutes left in the half, the Strikers looked ominous when Peta Gallagher found herself one on one with the keeper, but good defence from Victorian goal keeper Rachael Lynch denied the Strikers a chance to get one back.
The score line remained 2-0 to the away side at half time.
In the second half, the Vipers stung their opposition early opening with a goal in the first minute through a penalty corner variation to number 1, Georgia Nanscawen.
Both teams had their chances, and with 25 minutes to go Victoria looked like moving further in front, however failed to connect with a ball that floated across the front of the goal mouth.
The Strikers continued to hustle both in attack and defence however weren’t able to gain any advantage as the basics of the gam appeared to fail them, while Victoria for the greater part of the game were able to maintain their control, all over the field.
The number of penalty corners began to add up for both teams, in addition to alternative chances being created in the circles, but neither team were able to make it count.
With seven minutes remaining a glimmer of hope for the Strikers appeared, when Maria de la Paz Hernandez made a break down the right hand side of the field, but was meet by the blanket defence of the Victorians in the circle.
At the other end Anna Flanagan did her part in ensuring the Vipers remained at three goals, by clearly removing an on target shot, at an open goal, when keeper Megan Staunton was dragged by a Viper attack.
While seconds later, at the other end, Peta Gallagher ran through the middle while being double teamed, made a diving pass to Hernandez, only to be denied once again by Lynch in goals.
Southern Suns 4 Tasmanian Van Demons 3
Goals
Tas – Eloise Duay 4m PC, Lottie White FG 8m FG, Nicole Geeves 44m PC
SA – Margaret Coleiro 24m PC, Janelle Pisani FG 25m FG, Piki Te Ora Hamahona 64m PC/ 82m PC
In a close contest the Southern suns defeated the Tasmanian Van Demons 4 – 3 in the opening match of Australian Hockey League at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre in Hobart this afternoon.
Van Demon Eloise Duay opened the scoring for Tasmania within 3 minutes pouncing on a penalty corner rebound. The Van Demons extended their lead a few minutes later with some skilful work into the circle by Lottie White, taking the score to 2 - 0.
After these early goals the Southern Suns settled and began to apply their own pressure eventually earning their first penalty corner despite the strong defence of Van Demons rookie Emily Lawson. The Suns finally scored from the next penalty corner with a strong rebound from Margaret Coleiro high into the net. The Suns then assumed the dominant role and soon after equalised with a field goal from Janelle Pisani.
With the score locked at 2 – 2 at half time, both teams came out strongly but neither were able to assume control despite some fast breakaways from the Suns Melody Rowe.
The Van Demons managed to take the lead again with a powerful penalty corner strike from Nicole Geeves but again the Suns were able to match it just minutes later with a goal from Piki Te Ora Hamahona.
Both teams played out the remainder of regular time in a lacklustre fashion, taking the game to extra time at 3 goals apiece.
The Van Demons meant business when they returned for extra time but missed a golden opportunity to seal the game despite the Suns being a player down, the result of a yellow card. The Suns made better use of their opportunities in the second period of extra time breaking the deadlock, scored the winning golden goal from a penalty corner.
SmokeFree WA Diamonds 2 Northern Territory Pearls 0
Goals
WA - Ciallella 16th m FG, Buckley 45m FG
In drizzly condition the Northern Territory Pearls took on the defending champions, the SmokeFree WA Diamonds.
Scores were locked at nil all well into the first half, with NT keeper, American import Barbara Weinberg, doing well to stop two WA penalty corners.
NT had a chance to score, with a Heather Langham flick off a penalty corner being stopped by a defenders stick. A goal by WA’s Chantelle Ciallella in the 16th minute the only thing separating the sides at half time.
The West Australian team found it hard to score all match due to the NT team’s harassing tactics, but Jemma Buckley found a way through in the 45th minute to make the score 2-0. Both teams found it hard going in the rain and warm temperatures, and both sides looked to get some cobwebs out of their system.
A final 2-nil scoreline was possibly a fitting finish, considering the tenacity of the NT players and the WA players looking to find some touch.
Remaining Round 1 matches:
Tasmanian Van Demons
vs
Southern Suns
12.00PM
Sunday 1 Mar
Hobart
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers
vs
NSW Arrows
1.00PM
Sunday 1 Mar
Tweed
NT Pearls
vs
Smokefree WA Diamonds
7.00pm
Sunday 1 Mar
Darwin
Hockey Australia media release
Bowdon crowned Champions with 4 games in hand
By Patrick Rowley
English women’s indoor champions Bowdon Hightown also claimed the outdoor title after a 3-0 home win over Clifton.
They took the title with four games in hand and a 100 percent record from their 14 games.
Olton, the only club that could have caught them were held to a 1-1 draw by third placed Leicester.
Jo Ellis, Bowdon’s Olympic striker, confirmed she has regained her touch, by scoring her second hat-trick in three matches. She gave Bowdon the lead after 20 minutes, quickly added a second, and scored her third early in the second half.
Olton went a goal down just before half-time at Leicester when Britain’s Chloe Rogers scored. Abigail Fitzgerald replied for Olton to keep them a point ahead of Leicester in second place.
New men’s league leaders Reading, playing a re-arranged game, failed to extend their one point lead over Cannock. They suffered only their second defeat of the season, being beaten 3-0 at Beeston. Ben Arnold, Pakistani Mohammed Nadeem and Wayne Rowland were the marksmen for fourth placed Beeston.
Sunday Express
Slazenger England Hockey League
All the results from 28 February
Men's Premier
Women's Premier
Women's Conference East
Women's Conference North
Women's Conference West
England Hockey Media release
Kelburne ditch Inverleith
An insipid Inverleith came to a cold Bellahouston and got a hot reception from Azzurri Kelburne in Saturday’s disappointingly one-sided catch-up match left over from the first half of the Subway men’s national outdoor league. Kelburne racked up a seven-goal lead before Inverleith responded midway through the second period, and the game ended limply at 8-3.
The home side set the pattern in the seventh minute, when Chris Nelson switched the first penaty corner for Jonny Chrstie to roof it into the Inverleith goal. A couple more opportunities went begging, and Mark Fulton saved a penalty corner effort by Olympian Stephen Dick, before Raymond Wrightson executed a deft lob for the second goal.
And the ubiquitous Kenny Bain combined well with Michael Christie, whose cross returned the ball for Bain to ram home for a 3-0 lead at half-time.
The younger Christie leaid it on for Kelburne skipper Gareth Hall to stretch the lead soon after the restart, and a failure to clear by Inverleith gifted the ball to Chris Nelson, who found the net on the reverse angle. Nelson was again on hand for a tap-in after Jonny Christie busied himself along the byline, and Alan Forsyth scored the seventh in the 47th minute.
By now, Inverleith were well and truly beaten, but Kelburne allowed some sloppiness to intrude into their total domination, and this enabled Dick to convert a penalty corner rebound, and John Martin to make the most of a breakaway from a Kelburne penalty corner.
And when Bain’s next penalty corner shot deflected into the net off an Inverleith foot, the visitors must have cursed their ill fortune, although Adam McKenzie netted a third goal for Inverleith with seven minutes remaining.
The result took the defending champions to the top of the league table, overtaking both Inverleith and Western Wildcats, whose players had melted away from the spectating crowd long before the end.
Meanwhile the six contenders in the first-division relegation/promotion pool were in their third week of the home-and-away round-robin, with WebEnergy Hillhead recording their thrid successive victory. This time, it was the prize scalp of VWS Wanderers, for whom Steven Glass was the only scorer, while Michael Dorman, Andy Maclaine, Ray Shirad, Andrew Hilton and Alan Meikle found the net for Hillhead.
Edinburgh University defeated struggling CALA Edinburgh 8-4 to keep them firmly at the bottom of the heap. Simon Samson and Fraser Hirst got two each for the students, while Richard McCorkill, Will Butler, Joe Gray and Michael Mitchell also put their names on the scoresheet.
And Watsonians edged their match with Aberdeen Asset Management by 3-2, leaving the latter also worryingly pointless and joint bottom with CALA.
Edinburgh University also won their game in the women’s relegation pool, dumping pointless Dunfermline 4-0, while Watsonians and Grange, who had also to gain a point, both did so on Saturday in a 1-1 draw that took them marginally above Dunfermline.
At the top of the women’s relegation table are GHK, for whom sports journalist Katy Still scored the first-half goal in their 1-0 derby victory over Hillhead.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Favourites but BJSS not safe yet
By Jugjet Singh
BUKIT Jalil Sports School (BJSS) have re-claimed the favourites tag after beating Tenaga Nasional, but they still have at least four more hurdles to overcome before it is smooth sailing for them in Division Two of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
For starters, BJSS have Anderson School of Ipoh to contend with today.
"I am glad that my team showed some mettle in the win against Tenaga, but we still have many more matches to play in the MHL.
"It was a bruising encounter (against Tenaga) and after a day's rest, the boys will need to return to form against Anderson, who I believe will be looking to erase the defeat against Olak," said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) found it difficult to subdue a fighting Anderson, and lost three players to injury, before beating Anderson 2-1 on Friday.
"Anderson this year are very robust, and three of my players had to be taken out and received stitches on their faces.
"I believe Anderson will be difficult to beat after this, and should trouble BJSS tomorrow (today)," said Olak team manager Joseph de Silva.
Setapak High School, whose only poor result thus far is the 0-0 draw against Kijang Mas of Kelantan, Bandar Penawar Sports School, and Olak are among the other teams BJSS need to tame before they can start dreaming of standing at the top of the podium again.
BJSS, double champions last year, have a collection of 10 titles under their belt -- six League and four Overall -- and are looking for more silverware even though they have fielded Under-17 boys in the Under-19 MHL.
TODAY -- Division One: Bukit Jalil Sports School v Anderson (Tun Razak Stadium, 5pm), Kijang Mas v Petaling Jaya CC (Kuala Terengganu, 5pm), Malacca v Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors (Malacca, 5pm), Bandar Penawar SS v Batu Pahat (Bandar Penawar, 5pm).
Division Three: Nur Insafi v TBSS-Tampin (Sungai Petani, 5pm), Penang v Perlis (USM, 5pm), Datuk Taha v Temerloh (Tampin, 5pm), Selangor v English College (Pandamaran , 3pm), Kuala Selangor v Matri (Pandamaran, 5pm).
New Straits Times
Olak eager to get back on the winning track again
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) have been regulars in the Junior Hockey League since its inception in 1995.
They also boast of having won six titles — second only to Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), who have 10 titles to their name.
Olak were also overall champions from 1997 to 2000 and won two league titles in 1998 and 1999.
Since 2000, however, it has been downhill all the way, with Olak unable to even qualify for the semi-finals.
But they are hoping that this year will see a change in their fortunes, especially as they have a reasonably experienced line-up capable of challenging the top teams in Division Two of the new Malaysia Hockey League (Under-19 category).
Olak began their campaign with am impressive 3-1 win over Bandar Penawar SS Juniors before their second match against JSC-Batu Pahat was washed out due to rain. It will now be played on April 8.
On Friday, they notched their second straight win, beating Anderson 2-1 at the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium.
This has whetted their appetite and they are looking forward to extending their winning run next week before the MHL takes a two-week break for the National Under-16 tournament in Seremban.
Olak assistant team manager Joseph De Silva said yesterday that they were glad to have recruited experienced players into the team.
Two were former BJSS players while eight others were from Anderson. They also have two former Penang Free School players.
“So, expectations are higher. We also have a top coach in S. Sivabalan. The players are responding well to his ideas and this can be seen in our matches thus far. It is still too early to talk about a tilt at the title. We will have better idea after the match against Bandar Penawar SS on March 8,” said De Silva.
He is, however, more concerned with the injuries to his players in their win over Anderson on Friday.
Three of their players were hurt in an off-the-ball incidents. Mohd Heiry Pami has two stitches on his mouth while Mohd Hafiz Idrus and Azrai Mohd Azizan had to seek out-patient treatment for bruises after the match.
“We are lucky that we do not have a match tomorrow (today). This will give my players time to recover for the matches against Petaling Jaya City Council (March 6) and BPSS. For us, that weekend will be pivotal to our title ambitions,” said De Silva.
“Wins over the two teams will put us on the right road. We are confident that we will do well this year. But it is important that we take it one match at a time.”
The Star of Malaysia
Women hockey team join Punjab meet to prepare for Asia Cup tourney
KUALA LUMPUR: The national women’s hockey team have been invited to play in the Punjab Gold Cup, which will be held in Chandigarh from April 21-May 2.
The tournament will be part of the team’s preparation for the more important Asia Cup, which will be held in Bangkok in November.
National women’s coach Yahya Atan said yesterday that the team would also compete in a quadrangular when they go on a playing tour of South Korea next month.
He said the dates for the Korean tour had not been finalised.
“We could go next month or even in May. It depends on what other commitments we have. We are also pleased to note that our rankings has gone up a rung to 24.
“We are also the first reserves for the Champions Challenge II tournament, which will be held in Kazan, Russia, from June 21-17.
Yahya said their target this year would be to do well in the Asia Cup.
The winner of the Asia Cup are guaranteed a spot in the 2010 World Cup in Argentina while others will have to go play in the qualifiers to earn their berths.
“We have a mountain to climb in the Asia Cup as China, South Korea and Japan are world class teams and India are also there,” said Yahya.
“But our players are improving too.”
There are 30 players currently in training and most of them are aged below 25.
He added that their long-term target would be to make the cut for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
“Basically, the tournaments this year offer us a chance to expose and allow our players to improve without any pressure. Hockey does not feature in the Laos SEA Games and, as such, the Asia Cup remains our priority,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
'POA, federations will only follow Olympic charter'
From Abdul Mohi Shah
ISLAMABAD: NWFP Sports Minister Aqil Shah has taken the controversial 1962 Sports Ordinance amendment matter with the federal government, saying that the federations and Olympic Association would not budge to the pressure and would only follow the rules and regulations of the international bodies.
Talking to 'The News' on Saturday, Aqil Shah who is also the president of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PRF) made it clear that federation was not a government controlled department as it functions totally independently.
"We work under the international bodies and Olympic charter and as such our every act is guided and governed by the Olympic charter and international sports bodies laid down rules."
The NWFP Sports Minister confirmed that he had taken up the matter with the Federal Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani. "I have taken up the matter with the Federal Minister and he has insured me that no step would be taken by the government without taking the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the federations in confidence."
He also demanded an inquiry as who was responsible for the manoeuvring the amendment without even taking the federations and POA in confidence.
"It is nothing less than a conspiracy against sports promotion in the country.
"Whosoever has tried to enforce the amendment without taking the federations and POA in confidence should be made answerable."
Aqil Shah hoped that the federal government would review the controversial amendment.
"There is a danger that Pakistan may not be able to compete in any international sporting event, if it was established that the federation working is being ruled by the government of Pakistan. The amendment has got very dangerous implications," he said.
"Pir Aftab Shah Jilani promised to invite federation and POA officials and listen to their grievances on the matter. We would definitely try to settle the matter here and would first try to convince the government to abolish any amendment in the sports act that has been made without taking the federations official in confidence."
He did not rule out requesting the POA to convene federations meeting for a joint strategy in case the federal government fails to solve the issue.
The News International
Sundargarh Finally Gets the Synthetic Hockey Turf
By Satish Sharma
SUNDARGARH: The long wait for the new synthetic hockey turf at Sundargarh is finally over. A new synthetic (poligrass) hockey turf has been laid at the SAI Sports Complex, Sankra –Sundrargarh. The two representatives of Jubilee Sports Technology company completed the work of laying of the turf on Friday (27th February), This is the third synthetic hockey turf in hockey’s home Sundargarh. The other turfs are at Panposh Hockey Hostel, Rourkela and another at Biju Patnaik Hockey stadium, Rourkela.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) had approved the Rs.2.25 crore project in 2007. The base work for the turf began in 2007 and completed by May, 2008. Then began the wait for synthetic turf, which arrived only November, 2008. A tournament proposed for June 2008 could not be conducted due to this delay.
However, the laying of the turf has brought smiles on the faces of inmates of SAI hockey hostel and trainees of State hockey hostel, coaches and officials of these two institutions.
P.K.Sarangi, the chief of SAI hostel seemed happy with new turf. He said this would help in raising the standard and would add confidence among the inmates of the hostels.’ Till today the trainees of Panposh and SAIL hockey Academy, Rourkela were enjoying advantage over Sundargarh trainees because of synthetic turf. Now onwards our boys and girls will also get opportunity to practice on the synthetic turf’’ Mr.Sarangi said. He hopes trainees would soon will soon start practice on the new turf.
It is to noted here that SAI has chalked up a programme to turn the SAI’s Special Games centre, Sundargarh into a full fledged sports complex with modern facilities at an investment of Rs.18 crores in future.
Stick2Hockey.com
India take out series against black Sticks Men
India took out the four test series against the Black Sticks Men, at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium, Pakuranga, today with a well deserved 2 – 0 victory.
The Indians stepped up once again in the second half after a controversial finish to the first half during which neither side could break the 0 – 0 deadlock.
New Zealand was awarded a stroke with two minutes to play after the ball hit an Indian body, stopping a certain goal. The Indians successfully appealed on the grounds that the ball had hit a New Zealand foot earlier.
A 16 yard hit was awarded to the Indians much to the consternation of the parochial New Zealand crowd.
India played a little one dimensionally in the first half, and New Zealand’s cover defence was equal to their attacks. Stephen Graham once again made some crucial saves in goal.
The second half was a different story however with India picking up the pressure. Dilip Tirkey nailed a penalty corner strike in the 43rd minute as the umpire calls continued to go against the Black Sticks.
From there the Indians opened up the game and were spectacular on the counter attack. Expert drag flicker Sandeep Singh scored the match sealer in the 67th minute finding the top left of the goal with apparent ease.
Inexperience showed at times in the New Zealand side, with too many players guilty of turnovers which the polished Indians capitalized from.
Young keeper Stephen Graham continued to develop for New Zealand in goal and made some excellent saves. Brad Shaw was reliable at left half and Wellington striker Joel Baker had a good game up front.
New Zealand v India match report Auckland 1 March
Full time: India 2 New Zealand 0
Half time: 0 - 0
Goal scorers : India – Sandeep Singh, Dilip Tirkey
Hockey New Zealand Media release
India win last hockey test to secure series
India deservedly won the fourth men's hockey test 2-0 against New Zealand in Auckland today to secure the series by the same margin.
Second-half strikes by Sandeep Singh and Dilip Tirkey settled the issue a day after the teams fought out a 1-1 draw at the same venue in the third international.
They were perhaps fortunate not to be behind at halftime after the New Zealanders felt they should have had a goal two minutes before the interval.
New Zealand were instead awarded a stroke after the ball hit an Indian body, stopping a certain goal.
The Indians successfully appealed on the grounds that the ball had hit a New Zealand foot earlier.
A 16-yard hit was awarded to the Indians, much to the consternation of a parochial crowd.
India played a little one dimensionally in the first half and New Zealand's cover defence was equal to their attacks, with Stephen Graham making some crucial saves in goal.
The second half was a different story altogether with India picking up the pressure.
Dilip Tirkey nailed a penalty corner strike in the 43rd minute as the umpiring calls continued to go against the Black Sticks.
From there the Indians opened up and were spectacular on the counter attack.
Expert drag flicker Sandeep Singh scored the matchwinner in the 67th minute after finding the top left of the goal with apparent ease.
Inexperience showed at times in the New Zealand side, with too many players guilty of turnovers which the polished Indians capitalised on.
Graham continued to develop for in goal for the home side and made some excellent saves while Brad Shaw was reliable at left half and striker Joel Baker had a good game up front.
Stuff
India win fourth Test, series with New Zealand
AUCKLAND: A double strike in the second half gave India a 2-0 win in the fourth and final men's field hockey Test against New Zealand On Sunday, giving them a series win by the same margin.
India's Dilip Tirkey and Sandeep Singh stepped up after a scoreless first half.
Tirkey nailed a penalty corner strike in the 43rd minute and Singh followed suit in the 67th minute, flicking the ball into the top left of the goal.
New Zealand felt they should have been ahead just before the interval when the ball hit an Indian body, stopping a certain goal, but India successfully appealed on the grounds that the ball first hit a New Zealand player's foot.
The Indians were then spectacular on the counter-attack in the second half, exposing the inexperience of the New Zealanders who were frequently punished for turnovers.
India won the second Test 2-1, while the first and third Tests were drawn 1-1.
The Times of India
Couzins strikes as New Zealand draw India
AUCKLAND: Skipper Sandeep Singh-led Indian defense faltered in the dying moments to allow New Zealand vice-captain Dean Couzins sound the boards and help the hosts draw the third and penultimate hockey test between the two sides 1-1 on Saturday.
With this draw, the Black Sticks kept alive the series with India going into Sunday's series decider with a 1-0 lead after winning the second test 2-1.
The visitors had drawn the opening test against the hosts 1-1 in Wellington last week.
India started the proceedings on Saturday on a confident note and dominated the match for the most part of the opening half.
India opened the scoring against the run of play in the 13th minute when a lapse from New Zealand defense allowed India centre forward Shivendra Singh into the circle and he made no mistake in nailing home a waist-high shot.
Soon after taking 1-0 lead, a confident Indian players employed a series of fast breaking counter attacks, but to no avail.
India survived a scare just before halftime when Nick Wilson went close to equalising after picking up an aerial pass from Joel Baker.
Wilson got stick to the ball but could not gain control of the difficult pass and pushed it over the top of the post.
However, New Zealand came out rejuvenated after the change of ends and responded well to their coach Shane McLeod's call for increased ball speed and tempo.
The Black Sticks worked hard to get back on level terms after conceding the early goal. They earned as many as three penalty corners in the second half against the visitors' none, but every time Indian custodian Bajit Singh came to his side's rescue.
Baljit was as usual outstanding in front of the goal, making several crucial saves, including a strong Richard Petherick drag flick and cracking reverse follow up shot on the rebound by Simon Child.
However, Baljit's heroics went in vain as Couzins found his target with just seconds from the hooter when he skilfully picked up a free hit from Phil Burrows to push home from close range.
Last match of the tour will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
The Times of India
Australian Hockey League Women - Round 1 Update
Results from Saturday 28th February
NSW Arrows 4 OAMPS Queensland Scorchers 1
Goals
NSW - Rivers 54m FG, Barber 61m FG, Hurtz 65m FG/ 67m FG
QLD - Korner 69m FG
The NSW Arrows have launched their 2009 Australian Hockey League campaign with a 4-1 victory over the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers at the Barrie Smith Hockey Stadium at Tweed Border this afternoon.
The nil all draw score until the closing 16 minutes of the match was indicative of the depth of talent displayed by both teams.
All field goals, NSW Arrows’ Megan Rivers and Ebony Barber scored in the 54th and 61st minutes respectively and team mate Emily Hurtz scored in both the 65th and 67th minute.
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers striker Amy Korner scored a field goal in the 69th minute which reflected Queensland’s untiring competitiveness.
NSW Arrows’ coach Brenda Baker said she was pleased with her team’s increased urgency with working the ball into the circle in the second half but the team will need to work on minimising unforced errors in upcoming matches.
Baker said midfielder Casey Eastham and strikers Ebony Barber and Emily Hurtz were NSW’s stand-out performers.
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers’ manager Sue Brough said Queensland remained competitive throughout the match and the team will draw experience from the loss.
Brough said captain Madonna Blyth and vice captain Jane Bennett led the team well and Jodie Schulz was a stand-out performer in defense.
The OAMPS Queensland Scorchers will seek to avenge their defeat tomorrow when again challenging the NSW Arrows in their second round one match to be played at the Barrie Smith Stadium at Tweed Border at 1.00pm (AEDT).
NSW Arrows’ quest to improve on last year’s 4th AHL placing will be led by an impressive line-up including Beijing Olympians Casey Eastham, Kate Hollywood and Megan Rivers, Australia’s number one goal keeper Toni Cronk and former Hockeyroo Rebecca Sanders.
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers have placed 2nd for three consecutive years and will anticipate the return of injured captain and Hockeyroos’ veteran Nikki Hudson to lead the young squad which includes eight AHL debutants.
Victorian Vipers 3 Canberra Labor Club Strikers 0
Goals
VIC -Burns 19m FG; Peake 25m FG; Nanscawen 36m PC
The Victorian Vipers have made the most of their opening weekend, securing the full points on offer in Canberra, defeating the Canberra Labor Club Strikers 3-0 in their second match.
The Strikers held most of the possession in the first half, having a number of opportunities, but like the day before, failed to take the advantage and put the ball into the back of the net.
Victoria found themselves playing mostly defensive hockey, however like the first game were able to make the most of their chances when they appeared.
On their first circle penetration in the 19th minute, the Vipers got their first goal, although controversially, when a stray ball found its way through the legs of the Strikers defence and over the line.
Six minutes later the Vipers’ second goal came from number 19, Hana Peake, after a breakaway down the right hand side, found Peake just inside the circle, who struck the ball cleanly to find the far side of the goal.
Towards the end of the half the Strikers defence were made to work, as Victoria worked more of the ball into their attacking half.
With four minutes left in the half, the Strikers looked ominous when Peta Gallagher found herself one on one with the keeper, but good defence from Victorian goal keeper Rachael Lynch denied the Strikers a chance to get one back.
The score line remained 2-0 to the away side at half time.
In the second half, the Vipers stung their opposition early opening with a goal in the first minute through a penalty corner variation to number 1, Georgia Nanscawen.
Both teams had their chances, and with 25 minutes to go Victoria looked like moving further in front, however failed to connect with a ball that floated across the front of the goal mouth.
The Strikers continued to hustle both in attack and defence however weren’t able to gain any advantage as the basics of the gam appeared to fail them, while Victoria for the greater part of the game were able to maintain their control, all over the field.
The number of penalty corners began to add up for both teams, in addition to alternative chances being created in the circles, but neither team were able to make it count.
With seven minutes remaining a glimmer of hope for the Strikers appeared, when Maria de la Paz Hernandez made a break down the right hand side of the field, but was meet by the blanket defence of the Victorians in the circle.
At the other end Anna Flanagan did her part in ensuring the Vipers remained at three goals, by clearly removing an on target shot, at an open goal, when keeper Megan Staunton was dragged by a Viper attack.
While seconds later, at the other end, Peta Gallagher ran through the middle while being double teamed, made a diving pass to Hernandez, only to be denied once again by Lynch in goals.
Southern Suns 4 Tasmanian Van Demons 3
Goals
Tas – Eloise Duay 4m PC, Lottie White FG 8m FG, Nicole Geeves 44m PC
SA – Margaret Coleiro 24m PC, Janelle Pisani FG 25m FG, Piki Te Ora Hamahona 64m PC/ 82m PC
In a close contest the Southern suns defeated the Tasmanian Van Demons 4 – 3 in the opening match of Australian Hockey League at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre in Hobart this afternoon.
Van Demon Eloise Duay opened the scoring for Tasmania within 3 minutes pouncing on a penalty corner rebound. The Van Demons extended their lead a few minutes later with some skilful work into the circle by Lottie White, taking the score to 2 - 0.
After these early goals the Southern Suns settled and began to apply their own pressure eventually earning their first penalty corner despite the strong defence of Van Demons rookie Emily Lawson. The Suns finally scored from the next penalty corner with a strong rebound from Margaret Coleiro high into the net. The Suns then assumed the dominant role and soon after equalised with a field goal from Janelle Pisani.
With the score locked at 2 – 2 at half time, both teams came out strongly but neither were able to assume control despite some fast breakaways from the Suns Melody Rowe.
The Van Demons managed to take the lead again with a powerful penalty corner strike from Nicole Geeves but again the Suns were able to match it just minutes later with a goal from Piki Te Ora Hamahona.
Both teams played out the remainder of regular time in a lacklustre fashion, taking the game to extra time at 3 goals apiece.
The Van Demons meant business when they returned for extra time but missed a golden opportunity to seal the game despite the Suns being a player down, the result of a yellow card. The Suns made better use of their opportunities in the second period of extra time breaking the deadlock, scored the winning golden goal from a penalty corner.
SmokeFree WA Diamonds 2 Northern Territory Pearls 0
Goals
WA - Ciallella 16th m FG, Buckley 45m FG
In drizzly condition the Northern Territory Pearls took on the defending champions, the SmokeFree WA Diamonds.
Scores were locked at nil all well into the first half, with NT keeper, American import Barbara Weinberg, doing well to stop two WA penalty corners.
NT had a chance to score, with a Heather Langham flick off a penalty corner being stopped by a defenders stick. A goal by WA’s Chantelle Ciallella in the 16th minute the only thing separating the sides at half time.
The West Australian team found it hard to score all match due to the NT team’s harassing tactics, but Jemma Buckley found a way through in the 45th minute to make the score 2-0. Both teams found it hard going in the rain and warm temperatures, and both sides looked to get some cobwebs out of their system.
A final 2-nil scoreline was possibly a fitting finish, considering the tenacity of the NT players and the WA players looking to find some touch.
Remaining Round 1 matches:
Tasmanian Van Demons
vs
Southern Suns
12.00PM
Sunday 1 Mar
Hobart
OAMPS Queensland Scorchers
vs
NSW Arrows
1.00PM
Sunday 1 Mar
Tweed
NT Pearls
vs
Smokefree WA Diamonds
7.00pm
Sunday 1 Mar
Darwin
Hockey Australia media release
Bowdon crowned Champions with 4 games in hand
By Patrick Rowley
English women’s indoor champions Bowdon Hightown also claimed the outdoor title after a 3-0 home win over Clifton.
They took the title with four games in hand and a 100 percent record from their 14 games.
Olton, the only club that could have caught them were held to a 1-1 draw by third placed Leicester.
Jo Ellis, Bowdon’s Olympic striker, confirmed she has regained her touch, by scoring her second hat-trick in three matches. She gave Bowdon the lead after 20 minutes, quickly added a second, and scored her third early in the second half.
Olton went a goal down just before half-time at Leicester when Britain’s Chloe Rogers scored. Abigail Fitzgerald replied for Olton to keep them a point ahead of Leicester in second place.
New men’s league leaders Reading, playing a re-arranged game, failed to extend their one point lead over Cannock. They suffered only their second defeat of the season, being beaten 3-0 at Beeston. Ben Arnold, Pakistani Mohammed Nadeem and Wayne Rowland were the marksmen for fourth placed Beeston.
Sunday Express
Slazenger England Hockey League
All the results from 28 February
Men's Premier
| Beeston |
| (0) |
| 3 | - | 0 |
| (0) |
| Reading |
| Ben Arnold 41 - F |
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| East Grinstead |
| (2) |
| 5 | - | 4 |
| (1) |
| Loughborough Students |
| Martin Häner 8 22 47 57 - PC PC PC PC |
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| Richard Smith 18 50 - PC PS | |
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| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Reading | 13 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 38 | 16 | 22 | 29 |
| 2 | Cannock | 13 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 42 | 21 | 21 | 28 |
| 3 | East Grinstead | 13 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 39 | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| 4 | Beeston | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 38 | 24 | 14 | 25 |
| 5 | Surbiton | 13 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 41 | 31 | 10 | 22 |
| 6 | Bowdon | 13 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 24 | 35 | -11 | 14 |
| 7 | Loughborough Students | 13 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 33 | 39 | -6 | 12 |
| 8 | Hampstead and Westminster | 13 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 26 | 40 | -14 | 10* |
| 9 | Havant | 13 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 21 | 43 | -22 | 6 |
| 10 | Southgate | 13 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 15 | 46 | -31 | 5 |
Women's Premier
| Bowdon |
| (2) |
| 3 | - | 0 |
| (0) |
| Clifton |
| Jo Ellis 20 25 41 - F F F |
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| Canterbury |
| (0) |
| 1 | - | 2 |
| (1) |
| Poynton |
| Susie Rowe 58 - PS |
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| Helen Armishaw 3 - F | |
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| Leicester |
| (1) |
| 1 | - | 1 |
| (0) |
| Olton & West Warwicks |
| Chloe Rogers 34 - F |
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| Abigail Fitzgerald 42 - F | |
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| Slough |
| (2) |
| 3 | - | 1 |
| (0) |
| Chelmsford |
| Alex Scott 21 - PC |
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| Libby Knifton 44 - F | |
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| Trojans |
| (1) |
| 2 | - | 1 |
| (1) |
| Ipswich |
| Pia Grambusch 7 - F |
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| Lizzy Aldous 34 - PS | |
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| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Bowdon | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 7 | 42 | 42 |
| 2 | Olton & West Warwicks | 14 | 9 | 1 | 4 | 55 | 25 | 30 | 28 |
| 3 | Leicester | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 33 | 12 | 21 | 27 |
| 4 | Slough | 12 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 17 | 15 | 22 |
| 5 | Canterbury | 13 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 35 | 21 | 14 | 22 |
| 6 | Clifton | 14 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 30 | 32 | -2 | 22 |
| 7 | Poynton | 13 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 17 | 32 | -15 | 13 |
| 8 | Trojans | 14 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 13 | 22 | -9 | 11 |
| 9 | Ipswich | 14 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 13 | 46 | -33 | 5 |
| 10 | Chelmsford | 14 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 4 | 67 | -63 | 4 |
Women's Conference East
| Barnes |
| (0) |
| 0 | - | 2 |
| (1) |
| Reading |
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| Vicky Bryant 22 - F | ||
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| Horsham |
| (1) |
| 4 | - | 1 |
| (1) |
| Maidstone |
| Zeph Fisher 10 42 - F PC |
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| Suzanne Leaning 13 - PC | |
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| Old Loughtonians |
| (1) |
| 3 | - | 1 |
| (0) |
| Sevenoaks |
| Georgina Zumeris 15 - F |
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| Kathryn Barnett 48 - F | |
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| St. Albans |
| (0) |
| 2 | - | 0 |
| (0) |
| Southgate |
| Eleanor Bevan 47 - PC |
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| Staines |
| (1) |
| 2 | - | 2 |
| (2) |
| Harleston Magpies |
| Alex Stacey 5 - F |
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| Anna Toulson 1 - PC | |
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| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Reading | 14 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 53 | 10 | 43 | 40 |
| 2 | Barnes | 14 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 29 | 18 | 11 | 31 |
| 3 | Southgate | 14 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 16 | 9 | 25 |
| 4 | Old Loughtonians | 14 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 26 | 4 | 23 |
| 5 | Harleston Magpies | 14 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 26 | -2 | 19 |
| 6 | Horsham | 14 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 22 | 24 | -2 | 19 |
| 7 | St. Albans | 14 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 18 | 23 | -5 | 17 |
| 8 | Sevenoaks | 14 | 4 | 0 | 10 | 17 | 37 | -20 | 12 |
| 9 | Staines | 14 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 28 | 43 | -15 | 11 |
| 10 | Maidstone | 14 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 19 | 42 | -23 | 5 |
Women's Conference North
| Beeston |
| (1) |
| 1 | - | 3 |
| (1) |
| Sunderland Ladies |
| Natalie Hardwicke 7 - F |
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| Joss Plummer 19 - F | |
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| Ben Rhydding |
| (1) |
| 2 | - | 2 |
| (1) |
| Belper |
| Sarah Clarke 21 - PC |
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| Gillian Boddy 1 - F | |
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| Liverpool Sefton |
| (1) |
| 2 | - | 1 |
| (0) |
| Bradford |
| Amy Mcgowan 28 - F |
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| Katy Blyth 47 - F | |
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| Loughborough Students |
| (0) |
| 4 | - | 0 |
| (0) |
| Doncaster |
| Amy Turnbull 43 57 - F PC |
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| Whitley Bay and Tynemouth |
| (0) |
| 0 | - | 4 |
| (4) |
| University of Durham |
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| Gabrielle Foster 3 13 20 - F F F | ||
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| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Loughborough Students | 14 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 47 | 10 | 37 | 38 |
| 2 | University of Durham | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 46 | 12 | 34 | 34 |
| 3 | Belper | 14 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 30 | 19 | 11 | 26 |
| 4 | Doncaster | 14 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 33 | 37 | -4 | 20 |
| 5 | Bradford | 14 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 21 | 28 | -7 | 19 |
| 6 | Liverpool Sefton | 14 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 25 | 34 | -9 | 16 |
| 7 | Beeston | 14 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 25 | 32 | -7 | 14 |
| 8 | Sunderland Ladies | 14 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 19 | 30 | -11 | 11 |
| 9 | Whitley Bay and Tynemouth | 14 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 16 | 36 | -20 | 10 |
| 10 | Ben Rhydding | 14 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 21 | 45 | -24 | 7 |
Women's Conference West
| Aldridge |
| (2) |
| 2 | - | 6 |
| (3) |
| Firebrands |
| Joanne Walker 2 - F |
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| Heidi Baber 6 - F | |
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| Bournemouth |
| (1) |
| 1 | - | 1 |
| (1) |
| Rover Oxford |
| Lara Kent 31 - PC |
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| Rebecca Hibbert 2 - F | |
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| Exe |
| (2) |
| 4 | - | 2 |
| (1) |
| St. Austell |
| Claire Thomas 23 - F |
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| Helen Stubbs 5 - F | |
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| Swansea |
| (0) |
| 0 | - | 1 |
| (0) |
| Cannock |
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| Hayley Turner 68 - F | ||
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| University of Birmingham |
| (1) |
| 4 | - | 1 |
| (0) |
| Sutton Coldfield |
| Sophie Bray 10 - F |
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| Charlotte Cross 61 - F | |
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| P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | University of Birmingham | 14 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 85 | 9 | 76 | 38 |
| 2 | Sutton Coldfield | 14 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 46 | 23 | 23 | 31 |
| 3 | Cannock | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 32 | 17 | 15 | 28 |
| 4 | Exe | 14 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 31 | -7 | 19 |
| 5 | Firebrands | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 32 | 37 | -5 | 18 |
| 6 | Bournemouth | 14 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 21 | -5 | 18 |
| 7 | Swansea | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 15 | 23 | -8 | 18 |
| 8 | Aldridge | 14 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 20 | 44 | -24 | 11 |
England Hockey Media release
Kelburne ditch Inverleith
An insipid Inverleith came to a cold Bellahouston and got a hot reception from Azzurri Kelburne in Saturday’s disappointingly one-sided catch-up match left over from the first half of the Subway men’s national outdoor league. Kelburne racked up a seven-goal lead before Inverleith responded midway through the second period, and the game ended limply at 8-3.
The home side set the pattern in the seventh minute, when Chris Nelson switched the first penaty corner for Jonny Chrstie to roof it into the Inverleith goal. A couple more opportunities went begging, and Mark Fulton saved a penalty corner effort by Olympian Stephen Dick, before Raymond Wrightson executed a deft lob for the second goal.
And the ubiquitous Kenny Bain combined well with Michael Christie, whose cross returned the ball for Bain to ram home for a 3-0 lead at half-time.
The younger Christie leaid it on for Kelburne skipper Gareth Hall to stretch the lead soon after the restart, and a failure to clear by Inverleith gifted the ball to Chris Nelson, who found the net on the reverse angle. Nelson was again on hand for a tap-in after Jonny Christie busied himself along the byline, and Alan Forsyth scored the seventh in the 47th minute.
By now, Inverleith were well and truly beaten, but Kelburne allowed some sloppiness to intrude into their total domination, and this enabled Dick to convert a penalty corner rebound, and John Martin to make the most of a breakaway from a Kelburne penalty corner.
And when Bain’s next penalty corner shot deflected into the net off an Inverleith foot, the visitors must have cursed their ill fortune, although Adam McKenzie netted a third goal for Inverleith with seven minutes remaining.
The result took the defending champions to the top of the league table, overtaking both Inverleith and Western Wildcats, whose players had melted away from the spectating crowd long before the end.
Meanwhile the six contenders in the first-division relegation/promotion pool were in their third week of the home-and-away round-robin, with WebEnergy Hillhead recording their thrid successive victory. This time, it was the prize scalp of VWS Wanderers, for whom Steven Glass was the only scorer, while Michael Dorman, Andy Maclaine, Ray Shirad, Andrew Hilton and Alan Meikle found the net for Hillhead.
Edinburgh University defeated struggling CALA Edinburgh 8-4 to keep them firmly at the bottom of the heap. Simon Samson and Fraser Hirst got two each for the students, while Richard McCorkill, Will Butler, Joe Gray and Michael Mitchell also put their names on the scoresheet.
And Watsonians edged their match with Aberdeen Asset Management by 3-2, leaving the latter also worryingly pointless and joint bottom with CALA.
Edinburgh University also won their game in the women’s relegation pool, dumping pointless Dunfermline 4-0, while Watsonians and Grange, who had also to gain a point, both did so on Saturday in a 1-1 draw that took them marginally above Dunfermline.
At the top of the women’s relegation table are GHK, for whom sports journalist Katy Still scored the first-half goal in their 1-0 derby victory over Hillhead.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Favourites but BJSS not safe yet
By Jugjet Singh
BUKIT Jalil Sports School (BJSS) have re-claimed the favourites tag after beating Tenaga Nasional, but they still have at least four more hurdles to overcome before it is smooth sailing for them in Division Two of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
For starters, BJSS have Anderson School of Ipoh to contend with today.
"I am glad that my team showed some mettle in the win against Tenaga, but we still have many more matches to play in the MHL.
"It was a bruising encounter (against Tenaga) and after a day's rest, the boys will need to return to form against Anderson, who I believe will be looking to erase the defeat against Olak," said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) found it difficult to subdue a fighting Anderson, and lost three players to injury, before beating Anderson 2-1 on Friday.
"Anderson this year are very robust, and three of my players had to be taken out and received stitches on their faces.
"I believe Anderson will be difficult to beat after this, and should trouble BJSS tomorrow (today)," said Olak team manager Joseph de Silva.
Setapak High School, whose only poor result thus far is the 0-0 draw against Kijang Mas of Kelantan, Bandar Penawar Sports School, and Olak are among the other teams BJSS need to tame before they can start dreaming of standing at the top of the podium again.
BJSS, double champions last year, have a collection of 10 titles under their belt -- six League and four Overall -- and are looking for more silverware even though they have fielded Under-17 boys in the Under-19 MHL.
TODAY -- Division One: Bukit Jalil Sports School v Anderson (Tun Razak Stadium, 5pm), Kijang Mas v Petaling Jaya CC (Kuala Terengganu, 5pm), Malacca v Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors (Malacca, 5pm), Bandar Penawar SS v Batu Pahat (Bandar Penawar, 5pm).
Division Three: Nur Insafi v TBSS-Tampin (Sungai Petani, 5pm), Penang v Perlis (USM, 5pm), Datuk Taha v Temerloh (Tampin, 5pm), Selangor v English College (Pandamaran , 3pm), Kuala Selangor v Matri (Pandamaran, 5pm).
New Straits Times
Olak eager to get back on the winning track again
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) have been regulars in the Junior Hockey League since its inception in 1995.
They also boast of having won six titles — second only to Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), who have 10 titles to their name.
Olak were also overall champions from 1997 to 2000 and won two league titles in 1998 and 1999.
Since 2000, however, it has been downhill all the way, with Olak unable to even qualify for the semi-finals.
But they are hoping that this year will see a change in their fortunes, especially as they have a reasonably experienced line-up capable of challenging the top teams in Division Two of the new Malaysia Hockey League (Under-19 category).
Olak began their campaign with am impressive 3-1 win over Bandar Penawar SS Juniors before their second match against JSC-Batu Pahat was washed out due to rain. It will now be played on April 8.
On Friday, they notched their second straight win, beating Anderson 2-1 at the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium.
This has whetted their appetite and they are looking forward to extending their winning run next week before the MHL takes a two-week break for the National Under-16 tournament in Seremban.
Olak assistant team manager Joseph De Silva said yesterday that they were glad to have recruited experienced players into the team.
Two were former BJSS players while eight others were from Anderson. They also have two former Penang Free School players.
“So, expectations are higher. We also have a top coach in S. Sivabalan. The players are responding well to his ideas and this can be seen in our matches thus far. It is still too early to talk about a tilt at the title. We will have better idea after the match against Bandar Penawar SS on March 8,” said De Silva.
He is, however, more concerned with the injuries to his players in their win over Anderson on Friday.
Three of their players were hurt in an off-the-ball incidents. Mohd Heiry Pami has two stitches on his mouth while Mohd Hafiz Idrus and Azrai Mohd Azizan had to seek out-patient treatment for bruises after the match.
“We are lucky that we do not have a match tomorrow (today). This will give my players time to recover for the matches against Petaling Jaya City Council (March 6) and BPSS. For us, that weekend will be pivotal to our title ambitions,” said De Silva.
“Wins over the two teams will put us on the right road. We are confident that we will do well this year. But it is important that we take it one match at a time.”
The Star of Malaysia
Women hockey team join Punjab meet to prepare for Asia Cup tourney
KUALA LUMPUR: The national women’s hockey team have been invited to play in the Punjab Gold Cup, which will be held in Chandigarh from April 21-May 2.
The tournament will be part of the team’s preparation for the more important Asia Cup, which will be held in Bangkok in November.
National women’s coach Yahya Atan said yesterday that the team would also compete in a quadrangular when they go on a playing tour of South Korea next month.
He said the dates for the Korean tour had not been finalised.
“We could go next month or even in May. It depends on what other commitments we have. We are also pleased to note that our rankings has gone up a rung to 24.
“We are also the first reserves for the Champions Challenge II tournament, which will be held in Kazan, Russia, from June 21-17.
Yahya said their target this year would be to do well in the Asia Cup.
The winner of the Asia Cup are guaranteed a spot in the 2010 World Cup in Argentina while others will have to go play in the qualifiers to earn their berths.
“We have a mountain to climb in the Asia Cup as China, South Korea and Japan are world class teams and India are also there,” said Yahya.
“But our players are improving too.”
There are 30 players currently in training and most of them are aged below 25.
He added that their long-term target would be to make the cut for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
“Basically, the tournaments this year offer us a chance to expose and allow our players to improve without any pressure. Hockey does not feature in the Laos SEA Games and, as such, the Asia Cup remains our priority,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
'POA, federations will only follow Olympic charter'
From Abdul Mohi Shah
ISLAMABAD: NWFP Sports Minister Aqil Shah has taken the controversial 1962 Sports Ordinance amendment matter with the federal government, saying that the federations and Olympic Association would not budge to the pressure and would only follow the rules and regulations of the international bodies.
Talking to 'The News' on Saturday, Aqil Shah who is also the president of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PRF) made it clear that federation was not a government controlled department as it functions totally independently.
"We work under the international bodies and Olympic charter and as such our every act is guided and governed by the Olympic charter and international sports bodies laid down rules."
The NWFP Sports Minister confirmed that he had taken up the matter with the Federal Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani. "I have taken up the matter with the Federal Minister and he has insured me that no step would be taken by the government without taking the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the federations in confidence."
He also demanded an inquiry as who was responsible for the manoeuvring the amendment without even taking the federations and POA in confidence.
"It is nothing less than a conspiracy against sports promotion in the country.
"Whosoever has tried to enforce the amendment without taking the federations and POA in confidence should be made answerable."
Aqil Shah hoped that the federal government would review the controversial amendment.
"There is a danger that Pakistan may not be able to compete in any international sporting event, if it was established that the federation working is being ruled by the government of Pakistan. The amendment has got very dangerous implications," he said.
"Pir Aftab Shah Jilani promised to invite federation and POA officials and listen to their grievances on the matter. We would definitely try to settle the matter here and would first try to convince the government to abolish any amendment in the sports act that has been made without taking the federations official in confidence."
He did not rule out requesting the POA to convene federations meeting for a joint strategy in case the federal government fails to solve the issue.
The News International
Sundargarh Finally Gets the Synthetic Hockey Turf
By Satish Sharma
SUNDARGARH: The long wait for the new synthetic hockey turf at Sundargarh is finally over. A new synthetic (poligrass) hockey turf has been laid at the SAI Sports Complex, Sankra –Sundrargarh. The two representatives of Jubilee Sports Technology company completed the work of laying of the turf on Friday (27th February), This is the third synthetic hockey turf in hockey’s home Sundargarh. The other turfs are at Panposh Hockey Hostel, Rourkela and another at Biju Patnaik Hockey stadium, Rourkela.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) had approved the Rs.2.25 crore project in 2007. The base work for the turf began in 2007 and completed by May, 2008. Then began the wait for synthetic turf, which arrived only November, 2008. A tournament proposed for June 2008 could not be conducted due to this delay.
However, the laying of the turf has brought smiles on the faces of inmates of SAI hockey hostel and trainees of State hockey hostel, coaches and officials of these two institutions.
P.K.Sarangi, the chief of SAI hostel seemed happy with new turf. He said this would help in raising the standard and would add confidence among the inmates of the hostels.’ Till today the trainees of Panposh and SAIL hockey Academy, Rourkela were enjoying advantage over Sundargarh trainees because of synthetic turf. Now onwards our boys and girls will also get opportunity to practice on the synthetic turf’’ Mr.Sarangi said. He hopes trainees would soon will soon start practice on the new turf.
It is to noted here that SAI has chalked up a programme to turn the SAI’s Special Games centre, Sundargarh into a full fledged sports complex with modern facilities at an investment of Rs.18 crores in future.
Stick2Hockey.com