News for 3 March 2009
Tuesday, 03 March 2009 08:16 | 
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All the news for Tuesday 3 March 2009
Schedule for the Johar Bahru 4-Nation Cup
K. Arumugam
India will take on the hosts Malaysia in the opener of the Genting 4-Nation Invitational tournament to be held next week at Johar Bahru in Malaysia.
The Indian team has been undergoing training at Bhopal, the selection trails were held on Saturday and Sunday. The team is likely to be announced in the coming days.
Besides India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Singapore are in the fray.
The five-day tournament will kick start on 11th March with a match between Singapore and Pakistan.
The classification matches will be played on 15th, after rest on Saturday. The complete schedule
Wednesday, 11th March 2009
1 SINGAPORE vs PAKISTAN
2 INDIA vs MALAYSIA THURSDAY, 12 MARCH 2009
3 INDIA vs SINGAPORE
4 MALAYSIA vs PAKISTAN
FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 2009
5 PAKISTAN vs INDIA(br> 6 MALAYSIA vs SINGAPORE
SATURDAY, 14 MARCH 2009 REST
SUNDAY, 15 MARCH 2009
7 1700 3RD PLACING & 4TH PLACING
8 1930 1ST PLACING & 2ND PLACING
Source: Malaysian Hockey Federation
Stick2Hockey.com
Black Sticks Men for 2009 Azlan Shah
Black Sticks Men’s coach, Shane McLeod is continuing with his talent development programme by naming two more debutants in the team to play in the Azlan Shah Tournament in April in Malaysia. NZ will face Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan and India in the 5 nation’s tournament and although a number of front line players will still be missing – the team will be keen to progress from the disappointing series loss to India last week.
The Black Sticks will be bolstered by the return of Olympians Kyle Pontifex, Blair Hopping, Dave Kosoof and Ben Collier – Hopping in particular will add some much needed steel and direction to the Black Sticks defence.
The two debutants are Arun Panchia from Auckland and Isaac Staples from Canterbury – both members of the recently named Junior Black Sticks team.
A number of high profile players will miss the trip including Ryan Archibald, Hayden Shaw, Phil Burrows, Simon Child, Brad Shaw and Shea McAleese.
Three players who were part of the team who went down 2-0 to India on the weekend – David Green and Shay Neal of North Harbour and James Nation of Auckland – have been left out of the team. Nation is being rested.
The Black Sticks Men to play in the Azlan Shah:
Ben Collier North Harbour
David Kosoof North Harbour
Blair Hopping North Harbour
Steve Edwards North Harbour
Bryce Collins North Harbour
Priyesh Bhana North Harbour
Dean Couzins Auckland
Arun Panchia Auckland
Richard Petherick Midlands
Lloyd Stephenson Midlands
Casey Henwood Midlands
Stephen Graham Midlands
Nick Wilson Central
Kyle Pontifex Wellington
Joel Baker Wellington
Andy Hayward Canterbury
Nick Haig Canterbury
Isaac Staples Canterbury
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks Women for 2009 India Tour
New Black Sticks Women’s Coach, Mark Hager has selected 18 players to travel to India in April for a four nation’s tournament. All 18 players come from the 31 trialists named last week.
Of note is the selection of five new caps, Stacey Brannigan, Ella Gunson and Katie Glynn of Auckland, Anita Punt of Wellington and Anna Thorpe of Northland. Thorpe becomes the latest in a very long line of Northland-bred Black Sticks Women’s players.
Beth Jurgeleit, Kate Saunders, Sheree Horvath, Emily Naylor, Stacey Carr, Kayla Sharland, Gemma Flynn and Krystal Forgesson, all Beijing Black Sticks, have been given the chance to reclaim their spots after a disappointing Olympic campaign.
Four players have made their way back into the team having missed the Olympic campaign – Clarissa Eshuis, Kate Mahon, Charlotte Harrison and Honor Dillon.
The women leave for India on April 22nd and compete against India, Canada and Azherbaijan from April 25th to May 2nd.
The Black Sticks Women for India are:
Anna Thorpe Northland
Charlotte Harrison Northland
Bianca Russell North Harbour
Stacey Brannigan Auckland
Katie Glynn Auckland
Ella Gunson Auckland
Krystal Forgesson Auckland
Honor Dillon Auckland
Gemma Flynn Midlands
Clarissa Eshuis Midlands
Kate Mahon Midlands
Emily Naylor Central
Sheree Horvath Central
Kayla Sharland Central
Anita Punt Wellington
Beth Jurgeleit Wellington
Stacey Carr Canterbury
Kate Saunders Canterbury
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Weekend success for Bowdon
By Patrick Rowley
Bowdon Hightown won the Slazengers English League title to add to their recent indoor success. The Cheshire club beat Clifton 3-0 for their 14th league win in 14 games.
All three of their goals were scored by British striker Jo Ellis.
Olton, the only club with a chance of catching runaway leaders Bowdon, were held to a 1-1 draw by third placed Leicester.
Bowdon also reached the semi-finals of the English Cup, the only premier league side to do so,. They beat Sutton Coldfield 6-3 with a hat-trick by player/coach Tina Cullen.
The men’s premier league became a five horse race when the top two sides both lost. Leaders Reading were beaten by Beeston 3-0 and Surbiton 3-1 while Cannock went down 2-1 at home to Loughborough Students.
Reading now lead the table on a goal difference of one from East Grinstead, with Cannock and Beeston one point behind and Surbiton handily placed.
Rocked Reading on the title rack
By Graham Wilson
READING lost both their Slazenger League matches in a double-header at the weekend and the defending champions threw their title wide open to the hunting pack of East Grinstead, Cannock and Beeston, with Surbiton also in the mix.
East Grinstead host Reading on Saturday and after the 3-0 defeat away at Beeston and the 3-1 loss against Surbiton, their Beijing Olympian, Richard Mantell, said: “It is a big game coming up. Anyone can win the title.”
And while Cannock also stutter, it is Beeston who are scoring the goals. Their striker, David Griffiths, said: “We are taking our chances - and going for the Double.”
East Grinstead player-coach Mark Pearn said: “We are in a fantastic position and we have the momentum as well. Reading have to come back at us.”
The women of Bowdon Hightown are already celebrating their England title, with Olympian Jo Ellis scoring all the goals in a 3-0 win against Clifton.
Daily Express
Ontario sweeps Senior Indoors
Men's Final
The Ontario Men and the Alberta South Men provided the spectators a fantastic and exciting final game to this great championship. The Ontario team took a commanding lead early on and were up by three goals by the end of the half. The Alberta South team fought back and pulled within one goal of Ontario in the second half carrying the momentum for a majority of the half. In the end Ontario was the stronger team and finished off the game with a fantastic penalty corner conversion with just five minutes left to go. Thank you to all the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators for an amazing event. We are proud to of the progress of the tournament and the exciting action.
Women's Final
The women's final showcased the Ontario Women and the University of Calgary Dinos. The Ontario team took a commanding lead that the Dinos could not overcome. The keeper for Ontario played well and kept the Dinos off the scoreboard early to give Ontario the momentum in the first half. Pulling the goal keeper with time left on the clock in the second half by the Dinos was not enough to close the gap on the scoreboard. The Ontario women were composed, skilled and consistent in winning this year's Senior Indoor National Championship.
Congratulations to the gold medalists from Ontario for both the men and women, this year's event was a great weekend, the competition was great and playoffs were exciting. Thank you to all of the sponsors and volunteers for all they committed to this event.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Midlands and North West win indoor hockey titles
by Jon Cook
IT was celebrations all round for the KZN Midlands men and North West women on the final day of the three-day KZN Midlands senior indoor hockey festival at the YMCA in Pietermaritzburg Saturday.
KZN Midlands I beat KZN Coastal Raiders by an impressive 9-1 in the men’s final after leading 4-1 at half-time.
A Darryn Gallagher hat-trick plus goals from Justin Domleo, Gavin Jelley, Karl Oftebro (2), Jethro Eustice and Stuart Gower-Jackson did the trick – and with six goalscorers, the performance was a mark of Midlands’ all-round effectiveness.
Another feature was the absence of green, red or yellow cards from the umpires as players got on with winning the game and ignored the sideshows.
The men’s semi-finals saw the Raiders beat Western Province 4-3 and Midlands account for Northern Gauteng Tuks 5-2 in a tourney in which the host province’s SA indoor hockey international Gower-Jackson was leading goalscorer.
The young North West side from Potchefstroom pulled off an upset 2-1 victory over KZN Raiders in the women’s final after the teams changed over with the score 0-0.
The final was a turnaround from the round-robin clash, which the Raiders won 5-3.
Loreen Irvine and Inge Kemp got North West’s goals in the title showdown with Raider replying through Terri-Lee Chelin.
Kerry Pearton of KZN Coastals Raiders matched her feat in the U21 tournament by again earning the leading goalscorer tag with a dozen over the three days.
It was a day of pride and disappointment for the KZN Coastal Raiders from Durban, as both senior sides, men and women, made the final but bowed out at the final hurdle. It could well have been a “double double” of titles for Raiders after they won the U21 tournament the week before.
RESULTS
(Classification matches):
Men – (positions 7 and 8) North West 12 KZN Midlands III 0; (5/6) Mid II 9 Eastern Gauteng 1; (3/4) Western Province 10 Northern Gauteng Tuks 6; (final) KZN Midlands I 9 KZN Raiders 1).
Women – (5/6) E Gauteng 7 Midlands Egrets 0; (3/4) Midlands A 5 Southern Gauteng Invitation 6; (final) North West 2 KZN Raiders 1).
The Witness - © www.witness.co.za 2002. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Alarming lack of talent in MHL
By Jugjet Singh
THE Under-19 Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) has yet to reach its half-way mark, but warning bells are already being heard as the disparity in standard among teams is simply shocking.
While the senior sides of Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar sports schools are enjoying a good run in Division Two, the second-liners are firmly entrenched at the bottom.
Both BJSS and BPSS Juniors have yet to win a single point, and have let in 18 and 10 goals respectively.
Their standard of play is a far cry from the performance of players their age and this is a shock considering they have the benefit of being housed in the country's premier sporting schools.
A Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) official said the quality is a far cry from the past.
"I have watched some of the top teams playing and their players seem to be running around wildly. There is no format of play and and the pool of strikers is also not impressive this time around," said the official, who declined to be identified. The Division Two title is all but sealed by BJSS, as the chasing pack lack class and clout.
The standard in Division Three is even worse, as Penang-based Nur Insfi are having a field day thumping their opponents.
Early indications are that the Malaysian Hockey Federation will find it difficult to select 22 quality players from the 22 teams in the MHL.
New Straits Times
Bandar Penawar cautious despite being on top of standings
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) are not going to get carried away by their standing at the top of Division Two (Under-19) of the Malaysia Hockey League.
Coach Wan Mohamed Roslan said yesterday that it was too early for them to think that they were the top contenders because they have yet to play against the stronger teams.
“It is good to be in the lead but it is not where we really stand. Two matches were postponed and we have yet to play the front-runners for the title. I would be very happy if we are in this position two weeks from now,” he said.
The matches involving Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) versus JSC-Batu Pahat and Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) against Anderson were abandoned because of heavy rain.
BPSS have played four matches thus far and 10 points from a draw and three wins. And Wan Mohamed said that the opening match draw with MSN Malacca was a blow for them as this could prove decisive in the final count.
BPSS’ next match is against BJSS Juniors on Friday after which comes the crucial matches, starting with Olak on Sunday. Their other matches are against Tenaga Nasional (March 29), Kijang Mas (April 3), Setapak High School (April 5), BJSS (April 10) and Anderson (April 12).
“Our target is to keep up the winning run. There are several strong contenders for the title and dropping points will allow the other teams to move ahead of us,” said Wan Mohamed.
Defending double champions BJSS were the previous leaders. They were leading Anderson 1-0 when rain halted play.
BJSS coach S. Prakash said that having to replay the match would add pressure on his players.
“We understand the situation and realise that it is nobody’s fault. But it is an unwanted addition to our schedule,” he said.
The two sports schools are the unbeaten sides in the league together with Olak and Setapak High School. But Tenaga, Anderson and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) are still very much in the title hunt.
The league will take a two-week break after Sunday’s matches to allow the players to compete in the national Under-16 tournament in Seremban from March 14-26.
The Star of Malaysia
MHF and LTAM may lose free access to Jalan Duta stadiums
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) may no longer enjoy free use of stadiums in Jalan Duta for their development purposes from March 1.
The National Sports Council (NSC) have handed the management of the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium and the National Tennis Centre to the National Sports Complex Stadium Board and they may have to pay booking fees levied for use of the two facilities.
The NSC director general, Datuk Zolkples Embong, said yesterday that the decision for the Board to take over the facilities was made by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last year.
“They were the only two sports facilities under our charge but as of March 1, we will no longer be responsible for the management and administration of these facilities,” said Zolkples.
He added that the MHF and the LTAM could make a request for continued free use of the facilities.
“We had informed the Stadium Board of what the two associations had enjoyed before and it is for them to make a decision,” he said.
“The MHF and LTAM can write to the Board to seek discounted rates for the use of the facilities or try and keep it free. I’m sure that something could be worked out in the interest of these two sports.”
The MHF use the Tun Razak Stadium to stage junior league matches. It is the first hockey stadium in the country with artificial turf and it was built in 1982.
The other facilities managed by the Stadium Board are those in the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil and those in Bukit Kiara.
The Star of Malaysia
Mixed signals from Court in Batra's case
K. Arumugam
Hon'ble Justice Gita Mittal delivered the judgment in the case filed by Indian Hockey Federation vice-President Narinder Batra.
The judgment is about 150 pages, the lawyers are going through them. However, a brief interaction of this writer with one of the lawyers who handled the case, 'the court has taken a middle path'.
The court seemed to have accepted the view that tenure of the Sports Federations is a serious issue, and also held that the government has the powers to make guidelines on this score.
Government of India, a party to the case, seemed to have argued in the lines that it has no powers to make and execute guidelines to the National Sports Federations.
The court has directed Batra to approach Register of Societies for some the prayers he made in his case. While accepting some of the arguments put forth by Batra, Hon'ble judge gave six weeks for the Government of India to address the concerns articulated by Batra in the case.
On a pointed clarification from one of the lawyers, she ordered the envelope containing the result of the IHF election held in Kolkata in 2005. can be opened.
Batra filed a case in the court against the then IHF headed by KPS Gill for advancing the IHF election in 2005. Refusing to give a stay for the election, the court ordered the election result should be kept in a envelope.
Another case between KPS Gill and the Indian Olympic Association -- this was against dissolution of IHF by the latter -- in which JB Roy faction was supposed to intervene, was listed for hearing, but did not come up for hearing as time ran out. It is learnt the hearing is now listed for 31st March.
Stick2Hockey.com
HC defers hockey hearing
By OUR CORRESPONDENT
New Delhi March 2: The Delhi high court on Monday deferred the hearing in the legal battle between the Indian Olympic Association and suspended Indian Hockey Federation chief K.P.S. Gill to March 31.
With as many as 58 cases lined up, the IHF-IOA matter could not come up for hearing on the day. Gill had challenged the IOA’s decision, after the latter dissolved the national federation in May last year.
The hearing was crucial after 28 state units led by Bengal Hockey Association president J.B. Roy had pressed for early elections last week.
Meanwhile, the court also gave its ruling in the Narinder Batra-Gill case. Jammu and Kashmir Hockey Association president Batra had challenged the heads of various national federations, who continued to hold office even after completing two terms. He also contested the 2005 IHF elections held under K.P.S. Gill.
The court, it was learnt, upheld Batra’s concerns and said the government guidelines were vaild and enforceable. They gave the Centre six weeks time to address the issue, and also directed Batra to approach the Register of Societies.
The Asian Age
FIH welcomes Fernando Riba as new treasurer
During the Executive Board meeting of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Lausanne last weekend, Fernando Riba was welcomed as new treasurer. The 66 years old Spaniard takes over from Swiss Jean-Pierre Strebel, who recently resigned.
Riba is a well known person in the world of sports and had many prestigious functions such as Secretary General of FC Barcelona, representative of the Barcelona Olympic Games for the IOC, financial advisor of the IOC and commission member for the construction of the Olympic Museum.
FIH President Leandro Negre is pleased with having Riba as new treasurer. ‘He will be an additional value to the FIH’, Negre stated. ‘Mr. Riba is well known in the Olympic Movement and a personal friend for many years. I am happy that he is willing to help the FIH.’
One of the important topics of the Executive Board meeting was the status reports of the 2009 and 2010 FIH World Level Events, including the 2010 FIH World Cup in New Delhi, India. The Executive Board stated that it will monitor the progress of all the events carefully.
The Executive Board approved the start of a World Club Competition. It is the aim of the FIH to have the first edition of this new event early 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. The FIH Competitions and Marketing Committees will now develop this new FIH World Level Event.
The Executive Board also approved the start of the process to regain a place in the IOC as one of the most important Olympic sports. It will bring President Leandro Negre forward at the earliest opportunity to try to get him elected as IOC member.
The new directions for the strategic plan have been presented, discussed and approved by the Executive Board. In essence, the main objective is to raise the profile of the sport and simplify the strategic process and identify a couple of key objectives every stakeholder can contribute to.
Furthermore, the Executive Board reviewed and approved the 2009 budget to take into account the difficult situation of the financial crisis worldwide.
The next FIH Executive Board meeting will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland in July 2009. The wish of FIH President Leandro Negre to extend the number of FIH Executive Board meetings from two to four per year has been accepted, starting from 2010.
WorldHockey
FIH recognizes IMHA
The International Masters Hockey Association (IMHA) has been formally recognized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). This recognition was sought and approved at the recent FIH Executive Board meeting in Los Angeles, USA in November 2008. The recognition allows for IMHA to organize Men’s and Women’s International tournaments for players between the ages of 35 and 60.
The IMHA was initially formed in 1982 to organize International Competition for teams in the Pacific Rim region. Annual tournaments have been organized by this body with many extra nations and teams being invited to the 27 tournaments run so far. In 2007 the tournament was held in Birmingham England where a new and more comprehensive Constitution was adopted to allow further development of the game globally.
Along with the new constitution and Memorandum of Understanding, a submission for recognition was made to FIH. A new set of rules has been adopted for tournament and in the future may be used for any masters competition in the world.
The elected members of the IMHA are as follows:
* Chairman: Ben Rea - U K
* European Vice President: John Stuart - England
* Asian Vice President: Amarjit Singh - Singapore
* Treasurer: David Peebles - Australia
* Technical Officer: Peri Buckley - Australia
* Administration Manager: Neil Greene - New Zealand
2009 International Masters Tournament
The IMHA in conjunction with the Hong Masters Hockey Association will host an International tournament for Men’s teams in the +40, +45, +50 and +55 age groups and for Women’s teams in +35, +40, +45 and +50 age groups.
The tournament will be held at the Hong Kong Football Club from 24 October till 1 November 2009
Registration of Interest is now being called for. Any teams requiring more information should contact in the first instance: Neil Greene – Administration Manager by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The tournament encourages National teams to enter as this is an elite tournament. In cases where true National Teams are not yet established provision is available to allow either club or regional teams to represent their respective national body until internal national structures are in place.
WorldHockey
Schedule for the Johar Bahru 4-Nation Cup
K. Arumugam
India will take on the hosts Malaysia in the opener of the Genting 4-Nation Invitational tournament to be held next week at Johar Bahru in Malaysia.
The Indian team has been undergoing training at Bhopal, the selection trails were held on Saturday and Sunday. The team is likely to be announced in the coming days.
Besides India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Singapore are in the fray.
The five-day tournament will kick start on 11th March with a match between Singapore and Pakistan.
The classification matches will be played on 15th, after rest on Saturday. The complete schedule
Wednesday, 11th March 2009
1 SINGAPORE vs PAKISTAN
2 INDIA vs MALAYSIA THURSDAY, 12 MARCH 2009
3 INDIA vs SINGAPORE
4 MALAYSIA vs PAKISTAN
FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 2009
5 PAKISTAN vs INDIA(br> 6 MALAYSIA vs SINGAPORE
SATURDAY, 14 MARCH 2009 REST
SUNDAY, 15 MARCH 2009
7 1700 3RD PLACING & 4TH PLACING
8 1930 1ST PLACING & 2ND PLACING
Source: Malaysian Hockey Federation
Stick2Hockey.com
Black Sticks Men for 2009 Azlan Shah
Black Sticks Men’s coach, Shane McLeod is continuing with his talent development programme by naming two more debutants in the team to play in the Azlan Shah Tournament in April in Malaysia. NZ will face Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan and India in the 5 nation’s tournament and although a number of front line players will still be missing – the team will be keen to progress from the disappointing series loss to India last week.
The Black Sticks will be bolstered by the return of Olympians Kyle Pontifex, Blair Hopping, Dave Kosoof and Ben Collier – Hopping in particular will add some much needed steel and direction to the Black Sticks defence.
The two debutants are Arun Panchia from Auckland and Isaac Staples from Canterbury – both members of the recently named Junior Black Sticks team.
A number of high profile players will miss the trip including Ryan Archibald, Hayden Shaw, Phil Burrows, Simon Child, Brad Shaw and Shea McAleese.
Three players who were part of the team who went down 2-0 to India on the weekend – David Green and Shay Neal of North Harbour and James Nation of Auckland – have been left out of the team. Nation is being rested.
The Black Sticks Men to play in the Azlan Shah:
Ben Collier North Harbour
David Kosoof North Harbour
Blair Hopping North Harbour
Steve Edwards North Harbour
Bryce Collins North Harbour
Priyesh Bhana North Harbour
Dean Couzins Auckland
Arun Panchia Auckland
Richard Petherick Midlands
Lloyd Stephenson Midlands
Casey Henwood Midlands
Stephen Graham Midlands
Nick Wilson Central
Kyle Pontifex Wellington
Joel Baker Wellington
Andy Hayward Canterbury
Nick Haig Canterbury
Isaac Staples Canterbury
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks Women for 2009 India Tour
New Black Sticks Women’s Coach, Mark Hager has selected 18 players to travel to India in April for a four nation’s tournament. All 18 players come from the 31 trialists named last week.
Of note is the selection of five new caps, Stacey Brannigan, Ella Gunson and Katie Glynn of Auckland, Anita Punt of Wellington and Anna Thorpe of Northland. Thorpe becomes the latest in a very long line of Northland-bred Black Sticks Women’s players.
Beth Jurgeleit, Kate Saunders, Sheree Horvath, Emily Naylor, Stacey Carr, Kayla Sharland, Gemma Flynn and Krystal Forgesson, all Beijing Black Sticks, have been given the chance to reclaim their spots after a disappointing Olympic campaign.
Four players have made their way back into the team having missed the Olympic campaign – Clarissa Eshuis, Kate Mahon, Charlotte Harrison and Honor Dillon.
The women leave for India on April 22nd and compete against India, Canada and Azherbaijan from April 25th to May 2nd.
The Black Sticks Women for India are:
Anna Thorpe Northland
Charlotte Harrison Northland
Bianca Russell North Harbour
Stacey Brannigan Auckland
Katie Glynn Auckland
Ella Gunson Auckland
Krystal Forgesson Auckland
Honor Dillon Auckland
Gemma Flynn Midlands
Clarissa Eshuis Midlands
Kate Mahon Midlands
Emily Naylor Central
Sheree Horvath Central
Kayla Sharland Central
Anita Punt Wellington
Beth Jurgeleit Wellington
Stacey Carr Canterbury
Kate Saunders Canterbury
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Weekend success for Bowdon
By Patrick Rowley
Bowdon Hightown won the Slazengers English League title to add to their recent indoor success. The Cheshire club beat Clifton 3-0 for their 14th league win in 14 games.
All three of their goals were scored by British striker Jo Ellis.
Olton, the only club with a chance of catching runaway leaders Bowdon, were held to a 1-1 draw by third placed Leicester.
Bowdon also reached the semi-finals of the English Cup, the only premier league side to do so,. They beat Sutton Coldfield 6-3 with a hat-trick by player/coach Tina Cullen.
The men’s premier league became a five horse race when the top two sides both lost. Leaders Reading were beaten by Beeston 3-0 and Surbiton 3-1 while Cannock went down 2-1 at home to Loughborough Students.
Reading now lead the table on a goal difference of one from East Grinstead, with Cannock and Beeston one point behind and Surbiton handily placed.
Rocked Reading on the title rack
By Graham Wilson
READING lost both their Slazenger League matches in a double-header at the weekend and the defending champions threw their title wide open to the hunting pack of East Grinstead, Cannock and Beeston, with Surbiton also in the mix.
East Grinstead host Reading on Saturday and after the 3-0 defeat away at Beeston and the 3-1 loss against Surbiton, their Beijing Olympian, Richard Mantell, said: “It is a big game coming up. Anyone can win the title.”
And while Cannock also stutter, it is Beeston who are scoring the goals. Their striker, David Griffiths, said: “We are taking our chances - and going for the Double.”
East Grinstead player-coach Mark Pearn said: “We are in a fantastic position and we have the momentum as well. Reading have to come back at us.”
The women of Bowdon Hightown are already celebrating their England title, with Olympian Jo Ellis scoring all the goals in a 3-0 win against Clifton.
Daily Express
Ontario sweeps Senior Indoors
Men's Final
The Ontario Men and the Alberta South Men provided the spectators a fantastic and exciting final game to this great championship. The Ontario team took a commanding lead early on and were up by three goals by the end of the half. The Alberta South team fought back and pulled within one goal of Ontario in the second half carrying the momentum for a majority of the half. In the end Ontario was the stronger team and finished off the game with a fantastic penalty corner conversion with just five minutes left to go. Thank you to all the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators for an amazing event. We are proud to of the progress of the tournament and the exciting action.
Women's Final
The women's final showcased the Ontario Women and the University of Calgary Dinos. The Ontario team took a commanding lead that the Dinos could not overcome. The keeper for Ontario played well and kept the Dinos off the scoreboard early to give Ontario the momentum in the first half. Pulling the goal keeper with time left on the clock in the second half by the Dinos was not enough to close the gap on the scoreboard. The Ontario women were composed, skilled and consistent in winning this year's Senior Indoor National Championship.
Congratulations to the gold medalists from Ontario for both the men and women, this year's event was a great weekend, the competition was great and playoffs were exciting. Thank you to all of the sponsors and volunteers for all they committed to this event.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Midlands and North West win indoor hockey titles
by Jon Cook
IT was celebrations all round for the KZN Midlands men and North West women on the final day of the three-day KZN Midlands senior indoor hockey festival at the YMCA in Pietermaritzburg Saturday.
KZN Midlands I beat KZN Coastal Raiders by an impressive 9-1 in the men’s final after leading 4-1 at half-time.
A Darryn Gallagher hat-trick plus goals from Justin Domleo, Gavin Jelley, Karl Oftebro (2), Jethro Eustice and Stuart Gower-Jackson did the trick – and with six goalscorers, the performance was a mark of Midlands’ all-round effectiveness.
Another feature was the absence of green, red or yellow cards from the umpires as players got on with winning the game and ignored the sideshows.
The men’s semi-finals saw the Raiders beat Western Province 4-3 and Midlands account for Northern Gauteng Tuks 5-2 in a tourney in which the host province’s SA indoor hockey international Gower-Jackson was leading goalscorer.
The young North West side from Potchefstroom pulled off an upset 2-1 victory over KZN Raiders in the women’s final after the teams changed over with the score 0-0.
The final was a turnaround from the round-robin clash, which the Raiders won 5-3.
Loreen Irvine and Inge Kemp got North West’s goals in the title showdown with Raider replying through Terri-Lee Chelin.
Kerry Pearton of KZN Coastals Raiders matched her feat in the U21 tournament by again earning the leading goalscorer tag with a dozen over the three days.
It was a day of pride and disappointment for the KZN Coastal Raiders from Durban, as both senior sides, men and women, made the final but bowed out at the final hurdle. It could well have been a “double double” of titles for Raiders after they won the U21 tournament the week before.
RESULTS
(Classification matches):
Men – (positions 7 and 8) North West 12 KZN Midlands III 0; (5/6) Mid II 9 Eastern Gauteng 1; (3/4) Western Province 10 Northern Gauteng Tuks 6; (final) KZN Midlands I 9 KZN Raiders 1).
Women – (5/6) E Gauteng 7 Midlands Egrets 0; (3/4) Midlands A 5 Southern Gauteng Invitation 6; (final) North West 2 KZN Raiders 1).
The Witness - © www.witness.co.za 2002. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Alarming lack of talent in MHL
By Jugjet Singh
THE Under-19 Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) has yet to reach its half-way mark, but warning bells are already being heard as the disparity in standard among teams is simply shocking.
While the senior sides of Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar sports schools are enjoying a good run in Division Two, the second-liners are firmly entrenched at the bottom.
Both BJSS and BPSS Juniors have yet to win a single point, and have let in 18 and 10 goals respectively.
Their standard of play is a far cry from the performance of players their age and this is a shock considering they have the benefit of being housed in the country's premier sporting schools.
A Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) official said the quality is a far cry from the past.
"I have watched some of the top teams playing and their players seem to be running around wildly. There is no format of play and and the pool of strikers is also not impressive this time around," said the official, who declined to be identified. The Division Two title is all but sealed by BJSS, as the chasing pack lack class and clout.
The standard in Division Three is even worse, as Penang-based Nur Insfi are having a field day thumping their opponents.
Early indications are that the Malaysian Hockey Federation will find it difficult to select 22 quality players from the 22 teams in the MHL.
New Straits Times
Bandar Penawar cautious despite being on top of standings
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS) are not going to get carried away by their standing at the top of Division Two (Under-19) of the Malaysia Hockey League.
Coach Wan Mohamed Roslan said yesterday that it was too early for them to think that they were the top contenders because they have yet to play against the stronger teams.
“It is good to be in the lead but it is not where we really stand. Two matches were postponed and we have yet to play the front-runners for the title. I would be very happy if we are in this position two weeks from now,” he said.
The matches involving Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak) versus JSC-Batu Pahat and Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) against Anderson were abandoned because of heavy rain.
BPSS have played four matches thus far and 10 points from a draw and three wins. And Wan Mohamed said that the opening match draw with MSN Malacca was a blow for them as this could prove decisive in the final count.
BPSS’ next match is against BJSS Juniors on Friday after which comes the crucial matches, starting with Olak on Sunday. Their other matches are against Tenaga Nasional (March 29), Kijang Mas (April 3), Setapak High School (April 5), BJSS (April 10) and Anderson (April 12).
“Our target is to keep up the winning run. There are several strong contenders for the title and dropping points will allow the other teams to move ahead of us,” said Wan Mohamed.
Defending double champions BJSS were the previous leaders. They were leading Anderson 1-0 when rain halted play.
BJSS coach S. Prakash said that having to replay the match would add pressure on his players.
“We understand the situation and realise that it is nobody’s fault. But it is an unwanted addition to our schedule,” he said.
The two sports schools are the unbeaten sides in the league together with Olak and Setapak High School. But Tenaga, Anderson and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) are still very much in the title hunt.
The league will take a two-week break after Sunday’s matches to allow the players to compete in the national Under-16 tournament in Seremban from March 14-26.
The Star of Malaysia
MHF and LTAM may lose free access to Jalan Duta stadiums
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) may no longer enjoy free use of stadiums in Jalan Duta for their development purposes from March 1.
The National Sports Council (NSC) have handed the management of the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium and the National Tennis Centre to the National Sports Complex Stadium Board and they may have to pay booking fees levied for use of the two facilities.
The NSC director general, Datuk Zolkples Embong, said yesterday that the decision for the Board to take over the facilities was made by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last year.
“They were the only two sports facilities under our charge but as of March 1, we will no longer be responsible for the management and administration of these facilities,” said Zolkples.
He added that the MHF and the LTAM could make a request for continued free use of the facilities.
“We had informed the Stadium Board of what the two associations had enjoyed before and it is for them to make a decision,” he said.
“The MHF and LTAM can write to the Board to seek discounted rates for the use of the facilities or try and keep it free. I’m sure that something could be worked out in the interest of these two sports.”
The MHF use the Tun Razak Stadium to stage junior league matches. It is the first hockey stadium in the country with artificial turf and it was built in 1982.
The other facilities managed by the Stadium Board are those in the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil and those in Bukit Kiara.
The Star of Malaysia
Mixed signals from Court in Batra's case
K. Arumugam
Hon'ble Justice Gita Mittal delivered the judgment in the case filed by Indian Hockey Federation vice-President Narinder Batra.
The judgment is about 150 pages, the lawyers are going through them. However, a brief interaction of this writer with one of the lawyers who handled the case, 'the court has taken a middle path'.
The court seemed to have accepted the view that tenure of the Sports Federations is a serious issue, and also held that the government has the powers to make guidelines on this score.
Government of India, a party to the case, seemed to have argued in the lines that it has no powers to make and execute guidelines to the National Sports Federations.
The court has directed Batra to approach Register of Societies for some the prayers he made in his case. While accepting some of the arguments put forth by Batra, Hon'ble judge gave six weeks for the Government of India to address the concerns articulated by Batra in the case.
On a pointed clarification from one of the lawyers, she ordered the envelope containing the result of the IHF election held in Kolkata in 2005. can be opened.
Batra filed a case in the court against the then IHF headed by KPS Gill for advancing the IHF election in 2005. Refusing to give a stay for the election, the court ordered the election result should be kept in a envelope.
Another case between KPS Gill and the Indian Olympic Association -- this was against dissolution of IHF by the latter -- in which JB Roy faction was supposed to intervene, was listed for hearing, but did not come up for hearing as time ran out. It is learnt the hearing is now listed for 31st March.
Stick2Hockey.com
HC defers hockey hearing
By OUR CORRESPONDENT
New Delhi March 2: The Delhi high court on Monday deferred the hearing in the legal battle between the Indian Olympic Association and suspended Indian Hockey Federation chief K.P.S. Gill to March 31.
With as many as 58 cases lined up, the IHF-IOA matter could not come up for hearing on the day. Gill had challenged the IOA’s decision, after the latter dissolved the national federation in May last year.
The hearing was crucial after 28 state units led by Bengal Hockey Association president J.B. Roy had pressed for early elections last week.
Meanwhile, the court also gave its ruling in the Narinder Batra-Gill case. Jammu and Kashmir Hockey Association president Batra had challenged the heads of various national federations, who continued to hold office even after completing two terms. He also contested the 2005 IHF elections held under K.P.S. Gill.
The court, it was learnt, upheld Batra’s concerns and said the government guidelines were vaild and enforceable. They gave the Centre six weeks time to address the issue, and also directed Batra to approach the Register of Societies.
The Asian Age
FIH welcomes Fernando Riba as new treasurer
During the Executive Board meeting of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in Lausanne last weekend, Fernando Riba was welcomed as new treasurer. The 66 years old Spaniard takes over from Swiss Jean-Pierre Strebel, who recently resigned.
Riba is a well known person in the world of sports and had many prestigious functions such as Secretary General of FC Barcelona, representative of the Barcelona Olympic Games for the IOC, financial advisor of the IOC and commission member for the construction of the Olympic Museum.
FIH President Leandro Negre is pleased with having Riba as new treasurer. ‘He will be an additional value to the FIH’, Negre stated. ‘Mr. Riba is well known in the Olympic Movement and a personal friend for many years. I am happy that he is willing to help the FIH.’
One of the important topics of the Executive Board meeting was the status reports of the 2009 and 2010 FIH World Level Events, including the 2010 FIH World Cup in New Delhi, India. The Executive Board stated that it will monitor the progress of all the events carefully.
The Executive Board approved the start of a World Club Competition. It is the aim of the FIH to have the first edition of this new event early 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. The FIH Competitions and Marketing Committees will now develop this new FIH World Level Event.
The Executive Board also approved the start of the process to regain a place in the IOC as one of the most important Olympic sports. It will bring President Leandro Negre forward at the earliest opportunity to try to get him elected as IOC member.
The new directions for the strategic plan have been presented, discussed and approved by the Executive Board. In essence, the main objective is to raise the profile of the sport and simplify the strategic process and identify a couple of key objectives every stakeholder can contribute to.
Furthermore, the Executive Board reviewed and approved the 2009 budget to take into account the difficult situation of the financial crisis worldwide.
The next FIH Executive Board meeting will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland in July 2009. The wish of FIH President Leandro Negre to extend the number of FIH Executive Board meetings from two to four per year has been accepted, starting from 2010.
WorldHockey
FIH recognizes IMHA
The International Masters Hockey Association (IMHA) has been formally recognized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). This recognition was sought and approved at the recent FIH Executive Board meeting in Los Angeles, USA in November 2008. The recognition allows for IMHA to organize Men’s and Women’s International tournaments for players between the ages of 35 and 60.
The IMHA was initially formed in 1982 to organize International Competition for teams in the Pacific Rim region. Annual tournaments have been organized by this body with many extra nations and teams being invited to the 27 tournaments run so far. In 2007 the tournament was held in Birmingham England where a new and more comprehensive Constitution was adopted to allow further development of the game globally.
Along with the new constitution and Memorandum of Understanding, a submission for recognition was made to FIH. A new set of rules has been adopted for tournament and in the future may be used for any masters competition in the world.
The elected members of the IMHA are as follows:
* Chairman: Ben Rea - U K
* European Vice President: John Stuart - England
* Asian Vice President: Amarjit Singh - Singapore
* Treasurer: David Peebles - Australia
* Technical Officer: Peri Buckley - Australia
* Administration Manager: Neil Greene - New Zealand
2009 International Masters Tournament
The IMHA in conjunction with the Hong Masters Hockey Association will host an International tournament for Men’s teams in the +40, +45, +50 and +55 age groups and for Women’s teams in +35, +40, +45 and +50 age groups.
The tournament will be held at the Hong Kong Football Club from 24 October till 1 November 2009
Registration of Interest is now being called for. Any teams requiring more information should contact in the first instance: Neil Greene – Administration Manager by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The tournament encourages National teams to enter as this is an elite tournament. In cases where true National Teams are not yet established provision is available to allow either club or regional teams to represent their respective national body until internal national structures are in place.
WorldHockey