News for 16 March 2009
Monday, 16 March 2009 07:57 | 
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All the news for Monday 16 March 2009
Canada wins Men’s Pan American Cup
Canada defeats USA, qualifies for World Cup
The Canadian men’s field hockey team defeated the United States 2-1 in overtime Sunday afternoon to win the 2009 Pan American Cup in Santiago, Chile. The victory qualifies Canada for the 2010 World Cup of Hockey.
North Vancouver’s Paul Wettlaufer scored the game winning goal four minutes into extra time to send the Canadian men’s team to its first World Cup since 1998 where they finished in eighth-place. It was Wettlaufer’s first goal of the tournament.
The United States started the game strong with American Patrick Harris scoring within the first two minutes to take an early lead. Scott Tupper of Vancouver finally tied the game in the 61st minute forcing overtime.
Canada’s Rob Short of Victoria, British Columbia was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Vancouver’s David Carter was named Best Goalkeeper.
The International Hockey Federation’s World Cup will take place 7 – 20 March 2010 in New Delhi, India.
Field Hockey Canada media release
USA falls to Canadian Golden Goal
The USA Field Hockey Men’s National Team fell to Canada, 2-1 in overtime, in the finals of the 2009 Pan Am Cup. Canada automatically qualifies for the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi, India. The USA qualifies for one of three World Cup qualifying tournaments to be held in November or December.
Canada’s Paul Wetlaufer scored the golden goal four minutes into extra time, off a penalty corner. U.S. goalkeeper Tom Sheridan stopped the initial shot, but Wetlaufer was able to collect the rebound and score the game winner.
The USA scored quickly to open the contest, with a field goal from Pat Harris (Moorpark, CA) in the fifth minute. Harris led the Americans with six goals in the tournament.
Canada controlled the possession in the first half, with frequent scoring opportunities and breakaways that the strikers failed to convert.
In the second half, some strong American attacks were countered by an outstanding performance by Canadian goalkeeper David Carter. Carter was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Canadian Scott Tupper tied the contest with a penalty corner goal in the 61st minute. Canada was then able to push the game in extra time and score the golden goal.
Canada finally captured the Pan Am Cup championship after finishing second in the previous two tournaments.
The second place finish is the best Pan Am Cup result for the Americans. In the two previous tournaments, the highest previous finish by the United States was fifth in the inaugural competition in 2000. In 2004, the USA finished seventh. Cuba claimed the first Cup in 2000, followed by Argentina in 2004.
USFHA media release
India loses final to PAK
K. Arumugam
India lost the final to Pakistan, conceding golden goal in the third minute of the extra time. Both teams shared four goals in the regualtion time.
Within three minutes from the start of the extra time, after India made a valiant attempt to score, Pakistan captain Haseem connected a midfield pass to post the all important golden goal.
undefined The 3-2 verdict is a sweet revenge for Pakistan, who lost 1-3 48 hours ago in the league
India first scored through Mandeep Antil, who otherwise did not have a great game today.
India changed the sides with a goal advantage. It was neutralized within three minutes by Md. Zubair, who tapped in a rebound off goalie Mrinal Choubey.
Mandeep Antil it was who again gave the lead. Diwakar's penatly corner was ably met by Imran Butt, the goalie, but Mandeep again did not let the rebound go.
India was almost in the grip of the situation even as Pakistan was pressing hard.
Thankfully, the match intensified where no quarter was given or taken. Haseem made use of a right flank attack to again equalize the Indian lead to take the match to extra time. India conceded this goal six minutes from the end.
Haseem was declared the Man of the Match for his brace of goals including the golden one
The stadium erupted in joy, as Pakistani supporters outnumbered others
Stick2Hockey.com
Pakistan beat India 3-2 in hockey final
JOHOR BAHRU: Indian colts' habit of faltering at the final hurdle continued as they allowed arch-rivals Pakistan two late goals to concede a 2-3 defeat in the final of the Genting four-nation Under-21 hockey tournament on Sunday.
In a high-voltage encounter at the Taman Daya Stadium here, Pakistan skipper Haseem Abdul Khan fired home the golden goal in the 73rd minute - three minutes into extra time, much to the disappointment of Indian fans.
However, it was the Indians who struck the opening blood from their their first penalty corner in the 22nd minute when striker Pramod Kumar was brought down by Pakistan defender Mohd Irfan.
Diwakar flicked home in characteristic style past custodian Imran Shah, but the Pakistanis protested saying they were not ready.
After a consultation between the umpires the penalty corner was ordered to be retaken and this time Mandip deflected in an indirect shot to give India the lead.
It was all the opening half produced as India colts went into the breather with a 1-0 lead.
After the change of ends, Pakistan applied pressure for the equaliser and they were soon rewarded when Haseem broke past Innocent Kullu and shot past Chaubey to draw parity in the 37th minute.
India again took the lead against the run of the play in the 48th minute from their third penalty corner after Jay Karan was fouled. The Indians repeated the indirect drill with Mandip once again getting the magic touch.
The Indians, however, were unlucky to be denied a penalty stroke shortly when forward Victo Singh was tripped inside the striking circle by Usman Tariq.
In the hunt of the equaliser, Pakistan turned on the heat in the final minutes of the regulation time and it resulted in numerous errors from Indian defenders, who were guilty of faulty trapping and miscued passing.
Zubair intercepted a Belsajar Horo clearance inside India's 23 meter area and after dodging past Kullu and Diwakar found the target in the 67th minute to take the match into extra time.
Hassem then broke the Indians' heart when he found the net just three minutes into the extra time to register a thrilling victory for his side.
The Times of India
Haseem helps colts win title in Malaysia
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Pakistan gave their preparations for this summer’s Junior World Cup a boost by beating India 3-2 in the final of a four-nation junior hockey tournament in the Malaysian city of Johor Bahru on Tuesday.
The national junior team bounced back from a defeat at the hands of India in a league game earlier in the tournament by achieving a narrow victory in extra-time over their biggest rivals in the finale.
Pakistan’s title-winning triumph is important because it comes less than three months before the 2009 Junior World Cup to be co-hosted by Malaysia and Singapore this June. The result came at Johor Bahru where the Malaysians plan to host their share of the World Cup games this summer.
Pakistan captain Haseem Khan was his team’s hero with a double strike that sank India — the title favourites. Haseem’s first strike came in the 37th minute and then he also scored the winning goal in extra-time to give his team the title. Muhammad Zubair, who also represents the national senior team, also scored for Pakistan.
Mandeep Patel scored both the goals for India, first giving them the lead in the 22nd minute and then taking them 2-1 ahead with a short corner in the 46th minute.
Khawaja Junaid, the Pakistan junior team coach, was delighted with the victory, saying that the title will help boost his players’ confidence ahead of the Junior World Cup.
“We played brilliantly today,” said Junaid, a former Olympian. “This is the good sign for Pakistan team because winning this title will help us boost our confidence for the World Cup in June.”
Junaid hoped that boys will go on to win a five-nation tournament getting underway in Egypt from March 21. Meanwhile, hosts Malaysia beat Singapore to claim the third position in the tournament.
The News International
Pakistan down India in final to lift title
By Khurrum Shahzad
JOHAR BAHRU: Pakistan defeated India 3-2 in the final to win the Four-Nation Junior Invitational Hockey Tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium here on Sunday. With the victory, the green shirts not only took revenge of their league match defeat but also lifted the coveted title in style. Pakistan’s triumph came in extra time when skipper Abdul Haseem Khan scored the golden goal in the third minute of extra time to help his team grab an international title in three years. India were leading 1-0 at lemon break while the score was tied at 2-2 after the regulation time.
Haseem’s goals came in 37th and 72nd minutes while Muhammad Zubair scored his goal in 71st minute. India scored both their goals in 22nd and 46th minutes through Mandeep Patel. Pakistan played an attacking game right from the start and kept control of their nerves that helped them level the match twice and later won it.
Earlier, hosts Malaysia thrashed Singapore 6-1 for the third position. Pakistan head coach Khawaja Muhammad Junaid told reporters that the green shirts played a brilliant game. “God is great that we won today,” he added. He said the victory came through the strategy to attack the opponent and by controlling the mistakes made in the last match. “The boys worked hard and kept their cool. This is a good sign for Pakistan team to win their first international tournament before the Junior World Cup to be held in June this year.” Junaid hoped that Pakistan team would also win a Five-Nation Tournament in Egypt starting from March 21.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Qasim Zia, general secretary Muhammad Asif Bajwa, Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali and chief selector Hassan Sardar have congratulated the Pakistan junior team for winning the tournament. They said after this win the morale of the players would get a boost for the Junior World Cup.
The Daily Times
Malaysia takes bronze, defeating Singapore 6-0
K. Arumugam in Johor Bahru
The hosts Malaysia defeated Singapore 6-0 to take the bronze in the Genting 4-Nation Cup in Johor Bahru.
Malaysia in fact took 4-0 lead within 25 minutes.
Saidin Mohd Jamil scored a brace, a goal apiece in the 11th and 20th minutes. Third goal for Malaysia came with a comibed effort of Adabi Md. Azammi and Tajuddin Firdaus. The former set up for the Firdaus to giving a finishing touch, much to the appreciation of the crowd. Only today some crowd turned up.
The fourth goal for Malaysia was a self-goal as the ball went in after Singpore's Salim Haseef's effort to stop it boomeranged, the ball slipped throu his stick into the cage. Harvinder Singh was the proud owner of the goal, officially speaking.
In the second half, Tajuddin sscored in the 45th mintes, two minutes later Jalil Marshan added another one, to round off the scoring part of the match.
Late in the proceedings, Singapore got a couple of penalty corners, but could not see of Adnan Abdul Hakim, the rival's goalie. In the last league match, Malaysia struggled to defeat Singapore 2-1.
Stick2Hockey.com
Juniors show composure in big win over Singapore
JOHOR BARU: The National Juniors finally played with confidence to thump Singapore 6-0 to finish third in a four-nation international junior championship at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here yesterday.
Malaysia have had difficulties in beating their Singapore counterparts in recent years. And they went into the match with an unconvincing 2-1 win over the same rivals in the round-robin match on Friday.
Coach K. Rajan was glad the boys played with determination and better composure yesterday.
Mohamed Jamil Saidin put Malaysia ahead with a penalty corner goal in the 12th minute and followed up with a field attempt in the 20th minute.
The two goals injected more confidence into the team and Malaysia led 4-0 at half-time with two more goals coming within a space of one minute from Mohamed Azammi Adabi (23rd) and Harvinder Singh.
Izwan Firdaus and Mohamed Marhan Jalil put their names on the score sheet in the second half with efforts in the 45th and 47th minutes respectively.
Rajan added that the players had learnt to minimise their mistakes and they did much better with their scoring opportunities.
“There was greater confidence in their moves and the players stuck to the game plan well. This is what we have been telling them from the start of the tournament,” he said.
“It is important to keep to the structure even when you are under pressure. They kept the mistakes down and the goals came.
“It was a very relaxed performance and the players, for the first time, did not feel pressured during a match.”
The tournament is part of the team’s preparations for the Junior World Cup Finals, which Malaysia will co-host with Singapore from June 7-21. It was also a test run of the facilities at the new stadium which will be the venue for matches in the Finals.
Rajan added that the team would take a few days’ break after their return to Kuala Lumpur.
In the final, Pakistan stunned India 3-2 with Abdul Haseem Khan scoring a 73rd minute golden goal.
India, who had beaten the same opponents 3-1 in the round-robin match on Friday, twice went ahead through Mandeep Antil in the 22nd and 47th minutes only for Pakistan to level through Abdul Haseem (37th minute) and Muhammad Zubair (67th) to force extra-time.
The Star of Malaysia
National Juniors finally show class
THE National Juniors finally impressed when they hammered Singapore 6-0 in the placing match of the Four-Nation Invitational tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday.
In the pool match, Malaysia could only edge Singapore 2-1.
Malaysia's goals yesterday came via Jamil Saidin (sixth, 20th), Azammi Adabi (23rd), Harvinder Singh (24th), Izwan Firdaus (45th) and Marhan Jalil (47th).
"Today (yesterday) my boys showed urgency and speed and totally blanked out Singapore," said Juniors coach K. Rajan.
"I see this as a good sign as they showed a good comeback after a poor display in the pool match (against Singapore).
"Now, they will have to up the tempo in the remaining friendly matches before the Junior World Cup."
Malaysia and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21.
Meanwhile, in yesterday's final, Pakistan beat India 3-2 in sudden death after the teams were 2-2 at full time.
New Straits Times
Pakistani umpire becomes international referee
Staff Report
JOHAR BAHRU: Pakistan hockey umpire Asif Khan has been awarded the status of international referee by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Asif, who officiated the Malaysia and Singapore matches here in the Four-Nation Tournament, was given the certificate by the FIH representatives soon after the third position match between Malaysia and Singapore on Sunday.
Asif, who hails from Kohat, will be the 8th international referee from Pakistan.
He is officiating national matches since 2006.
The Daily Times
Indian Sikh held for abusing Pakistan
Staff Report
JOHAR BAHRU: The Malaysian police took an Indian Sikh into custody for disturbing peace during the final of the Four-Nation Junior Invitational Hockey Tournament between Pakistan and India here on Sunday.
The Sikh, who was under the influence of alcohol, was earlier beaten by a group of Pakistani spectators when he abused Pakistan after India scored their first goal.
The incident caused hullabaloo in the stadium and the authorities had to call the police.
The police officials initially held all who were involved in the brawl but then released the Pakistani spectators when they came to know the double offence of the Indian.
He was later shifted to a local police station.
The Daily Times
East Grinstead go two points clear at the top of the English League after Havant victory
By Patrick Rowley
East Grinstead's sixth consecutive win, a 7-4 victory at Havant, moved them two points clear with two matches to play in the English League.
Victory in their final matches, against Bowdon (at home) and Surbiton (away), will bring them their first ever national league title.
Sunday they were at least two goals ahead after the first minute of the second half with David de Prez completing his first hat-trick of the season for them.
Grinstead's title hopes were helped when Cannock who were only a point behind them, lost 5-3 at Beeston.
Out of form Cannock dropped to 4th place and they are now in danger of not securing one of three places at stake for next season's European League as five clubs are still in contention.
Grinstead have 35 points, Beeston (34), champions Reading (32), and Cannock and Surbiton (31).
In the women's Premier, Olton Ladies strengthened their prospects of joining already crowned champions Bowdon in Europe next season with a 5-4 win over 2008 champions Slough.
The Telegraph
Now Kelburne drop points
Men’s Subway eat Fresh National League Division 1, Championship Pool
Grange 1 Azzurri Kelburne 1, at Peffermill
In high winds at Peffermill, Grange and Azzurri Kelburne fought the elements as well as each other before settling for a 1-1 draw in the men’s Subway national league, and the dropped points allowed Inverleith and Western Wildcats, both winners, to gain a couple of points on the defending champions.
In truth, Kelburne played poorly in the conditions, while Grange were always under pressure though sticking to their task. The home side were caught on the hop in the third minute when a Raymond Wrightson cross was met by a Jonny Christie reverse stick to open the scoring.
Chances from penalty corners fell to both sides, but it wasn’t until early in the second half that the reply goal was sprung, a Duncan Batchelor cross sharply deflected by Martin Kelly past goalkeeper Mark Fulton.
Both sides became increasingly frantic and desperate in their attacks, and three yellow cards were handed out to high-profile players. But it was Kelburne who rued the day most as a Kenny Bain rocket gave them a clear late chance of a winning goal, which was brilliantly saved on the line by Chris Boyce.
Menzieshill 1 Inverleith 3, at DISC
At DISC, Inverleith attacked in force to get the better of the 2-0 first half, though it would have been lots more but for the numerous fantastic saves of Menzieshill keeper Dave Beattie.
Adam McKenzie opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and Callum Milne tapped in the second. After the interval, Milne added another goal, and a late Chris Wilson effort gave the home side a crumb of comfort.
Greaves Clydesdale 4 Western Wildcats 8, at Titwood
Meanwhile at Titwood, there was a legendary game of two halves between Greaves Clydesdale and Western Wildcats. There was stalemate until the 24th minute, when Dougie Simpson ran in Western’s first goal. The second, just before half-time, resulted from a gross error by a home defender, which allowed Ian Moodie to finish good work by Scott McCartney.
After the interval, it seemed both sides had left their defences on the bench, and ten goals resulted, only one of them from the three penalty strokes awarded. After Adam Bain’s effort from the spot had been saved by Western keeper Kris Kane, the goalfest began. In the space of ten minutes, six were scored, one by David Mitchell and three by the Simpson brothers for the Wildcats, and two for Clydesdale by Bain and, from the spot, Tomec Kotulski.
McCartney’s penalty stroke was high and glanced off the bar, and Andrew Allen pulled one back at a Clydesdale corner with a rare moment of composure at the post, to make it 6-3. Western stretched their lead again through Joe Simpson’s second and Dougie’s fourth, and Clydesdale teenager Stuart Coghlan made the final score 8-4.
Relegation / Promotion Pool
Aberdeen Asset Management 1 VWS Wanderers 2, at Countesswells
Aberdeen Asset Management remained pointless after conceding their home game to VWS Wanderers by just a one-goal margin. Alan Law and, with ten minutes remaining, Stephen Glass were the winning goal-scorers.
Watsonians did themselves a big favour by taking Edinburgh University by surprise with a 3-1 victory that leaves them more-or-less safe from relegation with nine points, while the students retain their 12-point tally.
But CALA Edinburgh’s prospects did not improve after losing their home game against relegation pool leaders Hillhead by 4-1.
Women’s Subway Eat Fresh National League Division 1
The chasm between Bonagrass Grove and the rest was re-emphasised at DISC when the home side ran in ten goals without reply from Giffnock in the Championship Pool. Ailsa Robertson, Nikki Kidd and Ali Bell got them off to a confident first half. Kidd achieved her hat-trick in the second period, while Louise Munn and Linda Clement notched two each, and Bell also got her second of the game.
Porcelanosa Kelburne remain in second place after defeating Dundee Wanderers 2-1 at DISC. Adele Dastey scored in the tenth minute following a pass from Amy Hislop, and Nicky Martin equalised for Wanderers. But a great move initiated by Julia Wilson through Julie Bryce found Hilsop in place to fire in the winner.
At Bellahouston, third-placed Milne Craig Western eased themselves out of recent goal-scoring crises with a 3-1 victory over CALA Edinburgh. Holly Cram found the net twice, while Olympian Laura Bartlett also stepped up to score.
In the Relegation / Promotion Pool, Grange sprung a surprisingly comfortable 4-0 win over Hillhead. Alison McIntyre netted twice, while Kim Christison and Gemma Watt also climbed onto the scoresheet.
At Peffermill, visitors GHK edged the contest with Edinburgh University 3-2, the winning scores coming from Jenny Morris, Fiona Donald and Lauran Palmer.
And in Fife, Dunfermline and Watsonians settles for a 1-1 draw.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
AHL Women's Round 3 Summary
Results from Sunday 15th March
SmokeFree WA Diamonds 3 vs Canberra Labor Club Strikers 0 (3-0 Half Time)
Goals: Kobie McGurk 16m PC, Sian Smithson 30m FG, Sam Gale 34m FG
The second game for ACT and WA saw determined action in extraordinary conditions as temperatures soared. The game started evenly however a penalty corner conversion and two field goals to WA in the first half forced ACT to wilt.
Nic Arrold, Peta Gallagher and Maria de la Paz Hernandez for ACT were solid in the midfield but needed more support.
15 minutes into the game ACT had a penalty corner awarded and the deflection by Hubble created a turnover and a return corner for WA. The Kobie McGurk hit whizzed straight passed the goalie a few inches from the ground for WA’s first.
With five minutes to go, in another foray by WA, Chantelle Ciallella attempted a shot that was saved by the goalie only to be picked up and shot home by Sian Smithson.
Kobie McGurk dominated in the back line and regularly fed the forwards perfect passes. Goal three was one such pass to Sam Gale sitting unmarked at the top of the circle who cracked the ball into the bottom corner.
The second half was very even and ACT put the pressure on in the first minutes when one shot hit the post and the rebound was saved by Hubble.
WA used the right side well and the quick innate passes from back to wing were hard to intercept. Shelly Liddelow was strong on the wing and Ashleigh Nelson and Hope Munro were in the action regularly.
The game see-sawed between ends with no reward for either team. ACT had a few opportunities and a penalty corner set up by Peta Gallagher was saved in front of goals by McGurk at waist height.
The hot day affected all players. WA came away undefeated after six games and look like the team to beat at finals week.
Victoria Vipers 2 Southern Suns 1 (0-0 Half Time)
Goals:
VIC – Riordan 56 FG, Schubach 61 PC.
SA – Hamahona 41 FG.
A rebound win capped-off a fruitful weekend for the Victoria Vipers who beat the Southern Suns 2-1 in game 2 of round 3 of the Australian Hockey League (AHL) at the State Netball Hockey Centre (SNHC).
The win made up for yesterday’s 2-1 loss in which head coach Toni Cumpston revealed that structurally she was happy with the team but it was their finishing that let them down. While the Vipers still struggled to convert goals with the ease shown in the opening two rounds they did enough to get over the line on a freezing Melbourne day.
High winds complicated proceedings and the match remained scoreless for the first half only to be broken by Southern’s Piki Te Ora Hamahona early in the half. The goal spurred the Vics on and the momentum swung back to their side eventually levelling the scores through a Stephanie Riordan field goal in the 56th minute.
Not intent on finishing it there the Vipers dug deep and finally unearthed the deciding penalty corner through the rapidly rising Danni Schubach ten minutes from the end.
Structurally the Vipers held firm and the results have followed but now they face their biggest test yet as they travel to Sydney for a showdown against NSW.
NSW Arrows 3 DEF Northern Territory Pearls 0 (2-0 half time)
Goals
NSW – Close 13m PC, Eastham 23m FG, Brooks 65m FG
Luckily the wild and windy storm cleared before the start of the Pearls and Arrows game in Darwin tonight. But the rain did little to dampen the spirits of the NT players who were looking for revenge after last night’s thrashing at the hands of the NSW Arrows.
The NT defense was excellent in the opening minutes, defusing several attacking raids by the star studded NSW forward line. It took a great set move off a penalty corner in the 13th minute for Jade Close to put the Arrows on the board.
A fitter and faster team was the difference in the next goal being scored with Casey Eastham finally capitalising on some sustained forward pressure to put the Arrows two – nil up in the 23rd minute. It was at this point the Pearls rallied, and with some good team work, and harassing tactics, kept the NSW forwards at bay and even made some chances of their own. With the score at 2-0 at half, the Pearls knew with a good second half they were still in the match.
NT continued with their improved form in the second half making continuing forays into the NSW circle, but unfortunately they were unable to convert. A trend of great attacking moves and missed opportunities continued for both teams until, with 5 minutes to go, Belinda Brooks finally put the third goal in the net for the Arrows.
A scoreline of 3-0 did not quite reflect how close this match was, and leaves the NT with some improved form on the pitch coming into the Queensland away round next weekend.
NSW Head Coach Brenda Baker said “Again it was pleasing to win both halves. The second half was much more competitive with the NT side playing much stronger and picking some holes in our defense. We didn’t take advantage of the amount of ball we had in the match, and we will certainly be working on captilising on possession during the week.”
NT Head Coach Melissa Hall said “It was a spirited effort from a much improved team. I am very happy with the work rate of all the players.”
Hockey Australia media release
AHL Men's Round 2 Summary
Results from Sunday 15th March
Victoria Vikings 6 Southern Hotshots 2 (1-2 Half Time)
Goals:
VIC – Ford 3 FG, Smyth 45 FG, Ciriello 48 PC/68 FG, Mackinnon 55 FG, Pollard 58 FG.
SA – Petherik 16 PC, Peris 29 FG.
The Vikings broke a half time deficit to win comfortably against a determined Southern Hotshots side and claim their fourth win out of four matches in the Australian Hockey League (AHL) at the State Netball Hockey Centre (SNHC) in Melbourne.
Intense spurts of rain made conditions on the pitch very difficult and the match lacked finesse, but what was missing in fluidity both teams made up with determination.
Victorian Kookaburra Russell Ford opened up the scoring for the home side but the lead was annulled by Richard Petherik and then bested by Jonathon Peris to give the visitors and encouraging lead at half time.
The situation did not look good for the Vikings, which had beaten the Hotshots by five goals the previous day, but then the cracks started appearing in the Southern defene. Unable to match the speed of the Victorian forward line, the Southern defenders caved in and the floodgates opened.
In the matter of 10 minutes the Vikings had managed to ram four goals past Kent Haigh who was helpless in goals. Josh Pollard added the icing on the cake with a 68 minute field goal to finish-off the match.
The Vikings will now face off against the Waratahs on their home turf when they travel to Sydney in round three of the AHL.
SmokeFree WA Thundersticks 3 def Canberra Labor Club Lakers 0 (2-0 Half Time)
Goals: Jonathon Charlesworth 8m FG, Andrew Smith 30m FG/56m FG
WA came out firing in the second game against ACT this evening at Perth Hockey Stadium. The ACT backs were busy defending a barrage of WA forward thrusts built through the midfield. Alistair Park and Jonathon Charlesworth were persistent in the middle and Brent Dancer played some dazzling hockey.
Both teams kept the pressure on the backs trying to dispose of the ball which sped up the game. Kenji Hinde and Michael Saddler put pressure on for ACT and Charlesworth and Smith badgered the ACT backs.
In the eighth minute Ian Burcher burst through the midfield pack and crisply passed to Charlesworth who scored with a diving tomahawk goal.
In the 30th minute Travis Taylor crossed to Andrew Smith who hit the top left corner with a reverse stick tomahawk.
In the second half ACT penetrated effectively and two penalty corners went unrewarded. The new rule where players can take off with the ball on a free hit was used extensively and backs had to get used to waiting five yards before the tackle, as Chris Bausor found out when he gave away a penalty to ACT. Still no score resulted.
Trent Mitton had some strong runs down the right wing and on one occasion took the ball to the back line, passed to Smith who identically tomahawked for goal three.
A series of shots to WA were saved magnificently by Nathan Burgers who kept the score much lower than it might have been.
NSW Waratahs 5 DEF Northern Territory Stingers 0 (2-0 half time)
Goals
NSW – Kelly 12m FG/64m FG, Wark 26m PC, Miller 56m FG, Butturini 69m PS
After last nights firey encounter both teams were looking for a more disciplined display on the pitch. The Waratahs began strongly with solid work from their midfield keeping the Stingers players on their toes. This pressure lead to an early field goal to Peter Kelly in the 12 minute.
Great keeping by Leon Hayward, and good work by the Stingers backline, prevented several other shots over the next 40 minutes, except for a penalty corner conversion by Matthew Wark in the 26th minute. Without this great work by the Stingers defense, the score could have been much higher.
Good discipline by the Stingers kept the score to 2-nil at the break and this continued in the second half until Josh Miller found his way through to score in the 56th minute. While this put the game out of reach, the Northern Territorians never gave up and made NSW work hard for their next goal, a second to Peter Kelly, in the 64th minute.
With the game all but over, NSW were awarded a penalty stroke and Australian player Matthew Butturini slotted a perfectly place shot past an always trying Leon Hayward.
While the score might have indicated a thrashing, the two sides played out a hard fought game and the Stingers will be hoping to improve against last year’s champions Queensland when they head to Brisbane next weekend.
NSW Head Coach Larry MacIntosh said “It was pleasing to come away from the weekend with two wins. Today’s performance was particularly pleasing for the discipline we showed and that we are working towards the patterns of play that we need to succeed.”
NT Co-Coach Bob Bulasch said “We had a difficult time with injuries tonight. We played with a lot more discipline, but unfortunately the score didn’t reflect this. I am happy that is was an improved performance across the field.”
Hockey Australia media release
Haryana enters last four
CHANDIGARH: Dinesh Kumar scored the match-winner in the 11th minute of extra-time to guide dark horse Haryana to a 3-2 victory over Maharashtra in the quarterfinals of the 57th all-India Police hockey championship at the Sector 42 Stadium here on Sunday.
The commendable performance by the Haryana team resulted in an instant cash award announcement of Rs. two lakh to the team by the DGP, R.S. Dalal. It was further announced that the incentive would be doubled if the team managed to win the title.
Clawing back
Haryana was sitting pretty with a 2-0 lead following goals by Pardeep Kumar and Nitin Kumar. However, Vinod Mangude converted a penalty corner in the last minute of the first half to keep Maharashtra in contention. On resumption, Vijay Jatale struck the equaliser in the 46th minute, to eventually force extra-time.
In the semifinals, Haryana will be challenged by Border Security Force (BSF). The other semifinal will be between Punjab Police and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Jugraj scores a brace
Jugraj Singh struck twice with his patented drag flick in the penalty corner drills to guide defending champion Punjab Police into the semifinals with a 2-1 win over Karnataka. He scored the goals in the ninth and 31st minutes. K.S. Paramesh responded for Karnataka by converting a penalty corner in the 12th minute, but the team was unable to build on it.
Ravinder shines
Ravinder Singh scored two goals to fashion a 3-1 victory for CISF against Jammu and Kashmir. Mangra Munda was the other scorer for the winner. Onkar Singh scored the only goal for the loser.
Border Security Force proved too good for Central Reserve Police Force by racing to a 3-0 triumph, following goals from M. Lakra, Parkash Kerketta and Varinderjit Singh.
The Hindu
Malaysia plan three-match Test series with Kiwis after Azlan Shah Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia are seeking to play three Test matches against New Zealand after the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament which will be held in Ipoh from April 5-12.
New Zealand are featuring in the tournament together with Malaysia, India, Pakistan and Egypt. And team manager George Koshy said that they were waiting for a reply to their request from the New Zealand Hockey Federation.
“We are looking at playing two or three matches. We have five matches in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and it will be cost effective for us to get one of the teams to stay back for the extra matches,” he said.
Malaysia are preparing for the Asia Cup in Dubai in May and they have arranged to play a match each against India and Pakistan prior to the tournament in Ipoh.
“We will select our final squad of 18 next week and will go to Ipoh on April 1. We will play the two warm-up matches on April 2 and 3,” said George.
Earlier this month, the national team went on a tour of South Korea and had seven matches against club sides — winning three, losing two and drawing the other two.
Coach Tai Beng Hai said that it was clear from the tour that the fitness level of the players had improved.
“We now have specific areas to work on and this will help me to prepare the programme a little differently for the next two weeks.
“Physical workouts at the gym will continue while we will also start more work on the tactical aspect,” he said.
The team resume training today after a four-day break. The first order is to check on the state of injuries in the team.
“We had 18 players for the Korean tour and any changes I make for the Azlan Shan Cup tournament will also depend on the fitness of those who stayed home,” said Beng Hai.
The Star of Malaysia
Fresh controversy hits Pakistan hockey
KARACHI: Fresh crisis has hit Pakistan hockey with Olympians, Islahuddin Siddique and Mudassar Asghar openly criticising the national federation (PHF) for withdrawing their nominations from important positions of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Islahuddin, a former captain, coach, manager and chief selector, said he was appalled to learn that present Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Asif Bajwa had lied to him and kept him in the dark about his re-nomination for the prestigious FIH Rules Board.
"I have been a member of the Rules board for over a decade and the PHF secretary withdraw my nomination this year and sent that of Rana Mujahid, who is years junior to me. It was an insult for Pakistan hockey that Mujahid's nomination for the Rules board was rejected by the FIH," he said.
Mudassar, a former PHF secretary, also found his nomination withdrawn from a FIH committee.
Islahuddin said he was appalled that a junior player like Asif Bajwa could treat senior Olympians in this manner.
"I went to attend the Rules board meeting under the impression as Bajwa told me that the PHF had again sent my nomination but it was embarrassing to learn there they had not sent my nomination," he stated.
Questions are also being raised at the present management of the PHF, headed by President Qasim Zia, on the way funds were being spent on various projects.
"Bajwa and company have spent around 8 million rupees on making a song for the PHF. Is this not a waste of money when the federation is already facing a financial crunch?" Islahuddin questioned.
"They are spending unchecked money on other development projects," he added.
Hockey has lost its position in Pakistan over the years due to internal politics and national team's failure to give any creditable performance in the international circuit.
Pakistan, once a powerhouse in world hockey, last won a major title -- the World Cup in 1994.
The Times of India
Namesh lands killer blow
By Jugjet Singh
DEFENDING champions Kuala Lumpur suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Selangor in the National Under-16 tournament curtain raiser at the Seremban II Stadium yesterday.
Selangor's hero was Namesh Singh who scored a field goal in the 13th minute which was enough to upset Kuala Lumpur in the Group A match.
In another Group A match, Perak, who finished fourth last year, hammered Pahang 5-1 to make their intentions clear.
"Namesh plays for Petaling Jaya City Council in the Malaysia Hockey League and he delivered when it mattered as we were looking for a good start," said Selangor coach Paul Raj.
Selangor meet Perak today and Raj added: "Perak are the early favourites because this set of boys were the Under-14 champions, and they have shown great understanding against Pahang today (yesterday).
"It will be a difficult match, but if the boys follow instructions like they did today, we have a good chance."
Perak's Dzahiruddin Ilyas scored in the seventh, ninth, and 34th minutes to complete a hat-trick and put his side in a commanding position.
Perak's other goals were scored by Hanif Saidin (57th) and Shazli Irwan (61st).
Pahang's consolation goal was scored by Hafiz Zainol in the 39th minute.
In a Group B match, Kedah could only muster a 2-2 draw against Singapore. Kedah took a 2-0 lead with goals from Farid Zuki (eighth) and Afdazanizam Nazian (56th) but could not hold onto their advantage and allowed Singapore to score through their skipper Azahari Osman in the 68th and 70th minutes.
RESULTS -- Group A: Kelantan 3 Perlis 2, Pahang 1 Perak 5, Kuala Lumpur 0 Selangor 1; Group B: Johor 1 Terengganu 3, Kedah 2 Singapore 2, Negri Sembilan 2 Penang 5.
TODAY -- Group A: Selangor v Perak, Kuala Lumpur v Perlis, Kelantan v Pahang.
Group B: Terengganu v Penang, Johor v Singapore, Negri Sembilan v Kedah.
New Straits Times
Champs KL suffer shock loss in opening Under-16 match
By S. RAMAGURU
SEREMBAN: Defending champions Kuala Lumpur found the going tough in the national Under-16 hockey tournament and were beaten 0-1 by Selangor in their opening Group A match at the Seremban II Hockey Stadium yesterday.
The goal for Selangor was a field attempt by Narmesh Singh in the 13th minute.
Last year’s runners-up Singapore almost got off to a losing note as well but two late goals saved them from an embarrassing defeat by Kedah.
The Kedahans had led 2-0 until the 68th minute in the Group B match with goals by Mohamed Farid Zuki (18th) and Afdazanizam Nazlan (56th).
They then conceded a penalty stroke and Singapore skipper Mohd Azahari Othman made the conversion to narrow the deficit.
And in the last minute, Azahari flicked home from a penalty corner to give Singapore the equaliser.
Perak romped home for an easy 5-1 winner over Pahang in another Group A match with Mohd Dzahinuddin Ilyas recording the first hat-tirck of the tournament. The Bandar Penawar Sports School Juniors player was on target in the seventh, ninth and 34th minutes.
The other scorers for Perak, who won the title in 2007, were Mohd Hanif Saidin and Shazril Irwan Nazli in the 57th and 61st minutes respectively. Pahang replied through Mohd Hafiz Zainol in the 39th minute.
Terengganu opened their campaign in Group A with a 3-1 win over Johor. The scorers for the east coast side were Mohd Zulhairi (13th), Mohd Fiorhan Ashari (19th) and Mohd Rasul Mohamed Yusof (51st). Johor’s consolation goal came from Mohd Raseede in the 70th minute.
Another east coast side, Kelantan, also got off to a winning start — beating Perlis 3-2 in Group B.
The scorers for Kelantan were Wan Mohamed Afiq (28th, 48th) and Mohd Fitri Saari (40th). Perlis got their goals through Mohd Zaki Azman (25th) and Mohd Hafiz Mansor (31st).
Group A: Kelantan 3 Perlis 2, Perak 5 Pahang 1, K. Lumpur 0 Selangor 1.
Group B: Terengganu 3 Johor 1, Singapore 2 Kedah 2, Penang 5 N. Sembilan 2.
Group A: Selangor vs Perak (8am), K. Lumpur vs Perlis (3pm), Kelantan vs Pahang (5pm).
Group B: Terengganu vs Penang (8am), Johor vs Singapore (3pm), N. Sembilan vs Kedah (5pm).
The Star of Malaysia
Big test for hockey champs
By Oscar Pilipli
National and Nairobi schools hockey champions Pangani are among four teams that have qualified for the provincial semi-finals at Jamhuri High today and on Tuesday.
Pangani advanced in great style without dropping a point and conceded one goal in their nine matches at the end of the league phase at Hillcrest Secondary.
They topped the league with 27 points and 60 goals. The other semi-finalists are former champions Hillcrest who finished runners-up with 22 points, St George’s (20) and State House (16).
Nairobi hockey co-ordinator, James Akweri said on Sunday the top two teams after the semi-finals qualify for the provincial championships at Hillcrest Secondary on Saturday.
"The round robin format of play is to ensure Nairobi is represented by a strong team at the national championships," he said.
The national games will be held at Kangaru during the first week of April.
On Saturday, St George’s settled for a barren draw with Hillcrest and Moi Nairobi, Hillcrest beat State House 2-0 while Moi Nairobi drew 0-0 with Precious Blood.
Barren draw
Four walkovers were recorded with Kenya High being the main beneficiaries after they were awarded nine easy points against Buru Buru, State House and Parklands Arya. Pangani also got three free points from Hillcrest.
Lenana beat Pumwani 2-0 while Nairobi School edged out former champions Lenana 4-3 on post-match penalties to qualify for the boys’ final.
Meanwhile, Regina Mwangi is tipped to break her provincial top scorers’ record of 18 goals she netted in the league last year.
Mwangi has already matched the record having sounded the boards 18 times with four more matches to go.
Mwangi’s team-mate Laura Gichau second with 14 goals followed by St George’s Laura Gichau (11), Florence Maritim of Moi Nairobi (nine), Naomi Kyalo of Pangani (nine) and Kandeel Butt of Hillcrest (six).
Champions St Austin’s Academy play Nairobi International School in the boys’ basketball final as Lang’ata face St George’s in the girls’.
The term one games are featuring hockey, rugby sevens, basketball, cross-country, decathlon and heptathlon.
The Standard Online
Canada wins Men’s Pan American Cup
At the Men’s Pan American Cup in Santiago, Chile, Canada struggled to take the best over the USA and earn an automatic berth for the 2010 World Cup in India. Argentina salvaged some pride by winning the Bronze Medal over Chile.
1st-2nd place – Canada vs. USA: 2 - 1 (half-time: 0-1 – full time: 1-1)
Very few observers would have predicted before the semi-finals that both Canada and USA would pull major upsets against Argentina and Chile, and then meet in the Final for the Gold Medal of this Pan American Cup and a berth in the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi.
Canada was the logical favorite, a position that they don’t like. On the other side, the USA , totally unexpected at this level and with nothing to lose, started the game at high speed and forced a Canadian defensive error, promptly exploited by Patrick HARRIS to open the scoring within two minutes of play! Canada immediately reacted and though that they had tied the game on a penalty-corner, but the goal was ruled out by the umpire. They had another massive opportunity when Connor GRIMES attracted the whole defense to one side of the circle, but his cross rolling in front of the empty goal was missed by two diving Canadians.
Canada had most of the ball control but were consistently pushed back by a composed and very tightly regrouped American defense. Canada had another golden opportunity to come back on a penalty-stroke; American goal-keeper Thomas SHERIDAN went the wrong way but was saved by his left post. He had to rely on luck a few minutes later with 3 Canadians left alone in front of him, but, luck on one side or lack of realism on the other, the score didn’t evolve and the Canadian started to become desperate to close the gap before half-time. It didn’t happen and the break came with the Americans ahead by one early goal.
Canada pushed forward from the start of the second period but were again deficient in their finishing. The Americans on the other end forced a penalty-corner on a rare incursion in the Canadian camp and earned a penalty-stroke of their own. They were nevertheless denied to make the break by a superb glove save by David CARTER in the Canadian goal. CARTER was called again in action shortly after to stop an American high forward arriving alone in front of him, then on a series of three penalty-corners. As was the case against Argentina, rookie goal-keeper David CARTER kept his team in a game, but the Canadian forwards could not solve the problem of a much disciplined American defense.
With time passing, Canada were exactly in the shoes of Chile in semi-final, forced to score quickly to stay in the game, while the USA could use long aerial balls to stretch the Canadian defense and try and find their high forwards in ambush. The Canadians were nevertheless rewarded of their relentless efforts by a penalty-corner goal by Scott TUPPER in the 61st minute.
The game totally opened up in the last minute of play, both teams wanting to force a decision before overtime. But the match had to go into overtime, with Golden Goal rule in effect.
Once again, it was down to a roll of the dice. But Canada had been there before, at the Pan American Games in Rio and in semi-final against Argentina, and they didn’t miss their first opportunity: on a penalty-corner, Scott TUPPER’s flick was saved but veteran Paul WETLAUFER was on hand to collect the rebound and shoot it high in the roof of the net, sending his teammates and all the Canadian fans in seventh heaven, and on their way to India for the 2010 World Cup.
3rd-4th place – Argentina vs. Chile: 4 - 0 (half-time: 1-0)
The Bronze medal match was played in front of a subdued attendance, very far from the warm popular support for the home team since the beginning of the competition. Both teams were obviously disheartened to play in this game, when they were most certainly expecting to be in the final. The pace of play initially suffered from this state of mind, with both teams missing passes and opportunities.
Argentina drew first blood with a goal on penalty-corner by Lucas VILA and the game suddenly found its pace, flowing back and forth in entertaining manner, but with nobody taking clear control. Argentina was missing the imposing presence of Pedro IBARRA in front (suspended after the semi-final against Canada) and were far less dominant than in the early stage of the competition. Chile was doing a good job keeping the Argentinean attackers out of the circle and were well backed by Mathias ANWANDTER in goal, so half time was reached with a meager one-goal lead for Argentina.
The crowd came to life when Chile had an opportunity at the beginning of the second period, but the Chileans were surprised by a swift counter-attack that found Rodrigo VILA in the circle. He didn’t miss the chance to increase the score and Argentina suddenly breathed easier with a two-goal cushion. Their relief was short-lived when Lucas ARGENTO received a yellow card, giving some to the Chilean team and crowd. Nevertheless, with time ticking down and fatigue settling in, Chile could not close the gap and Argentina added two more goals.
Chile had a late penalty-stroke to pad the gap but could not convert it, so Argentina cruised to a Bronze Medal that certainly didn’t satisfy their ambition at the start of this competition.
5th-6th place – Trinidad & Tobago vs. Mexico: 5 - 3 (half-time: 0-3)
Trinidad & Tobago seemed to take the upper hand in the early stage of the match, building some solid chances but wasted them by carelessness. As was the case in their previous games, the Mexicans showed some great resilience in defense and weathered the initial storm. They then proceeded to push forward and scored two goals in quick succession by Roberto GARCIA then Francisco AGUILAR.
With Kwan BROWNE somewhat absent of the game, the Trinidadians seemed to have trouble getting organized and missed a few penalty-corners. At the other end, the Mexicans did not waste any chance and scored another goal by Francisco AGUILAR to establish a strong 3-goal lead at half-time!
After no doubt a strong halt-time talk, Trinidad & Tobago immediately rushed to the offense in second period and didn’t waste any time to level the game, scoring three penalty-corners by Kwan BROWNE in six minutes! Wren NICHOLAS added a forth one in the 51st minute and the game suddenly had a different momentum. The second period was an entertaining affair flowing back and forth and chances at both ends, but Trinidad & Tobago stayed on top, even adding a fifth goal by Wayne LEGERTON, to earn the fifth place in the competition.
7th-8th place – Brazil vs. Uruguay: 3 - 1 (half-time: 2-1)
This match, played early in the morning between two enthusiastic teams, was balanced and entertaining. Brazil opened the score on penalty-stroke by Afonso FRANCISCO and promptly double their tally by Igor FIGUTI on field goal. Uruguay reacted well and controlled the end of the period. They were rewarded by a goal on penalty-corner by Maximiliano TIXE, their first of the competition, celebrated in style!
Play became untidy in second period and a few yellow cards needed to be handed out. Uruguay kept pushing and had a golden opportunity to tie the game on penalty-stroke but it was shot directly on Daniel TATARA in the Brazilian goal. This was the wake-up call the Brazilians needed and they became more entrepreneurial, building some dangerous attacks and finally scoring their third goal by Luis Felipe REUS after a decisive individual effort.
This concludes the 2009 Pan American Cup in Santiago, adding Canada to the list of countries qualified for the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi.
Final Standings: 1) Canada 2) USA 3) Argentina 4) Chile 5) Trinidad & Tobago 6) Mexico 7) Brazil 8) Uruguay
Player of the Tournament: Rob SHORT, Canada
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: David CARTER, Canada
Top Scorer: Kwan BROWNE, Trinidad & Tobago, 11 goals
Fair Play: Mexico
Canada defeats USA, qualifies for World Cup
The Canadian men’s field hockey team defeated the United States 2-1 in overtime Sunday afternoon to win the 2009 Pan American Cup in Santiago, Chile. The victory qualifies Canada for the 2010 World Cup of Hockey.
North Vancouver’s Paul Wettlaufer scored the game winning goal four minutes into extra time to send the Canadian men’s team to its first World Cup since 1998 where they finished in eighth-place. It was Wettlaufer’s first goal of the tournament.
The United States started the game strong with American Patrick Harris scoring within the first two minutes to take an early lead. Scott Tupper of Vancouver finally tied the game in the 61st minute forcing overtime.
Canada’s Rob Short of Victoria, British Columbia was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Vancouver’s David Carter was named Best Goalkeeper.
The International Hockey Federation’s World Cup will take place 7 – 20 March 2010 in New Delhi, India.
Field Hockey Canada media release
USA falls to Canadian Golden Goal
The USA Field Hockey Men’s National Team fell to Canada, 2-1 in overtime, in the finals of the 2009 Pan Am Cup. Canada automatically qualifies for the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi, India. The USA qualifies for one of three World Cup qualifying tournaments to be held in November or December.
Canada’s Paul Wetlaufer scored the golden goal four minutes into extra time, off a penalty corner. U.S. goalkeeper Tom Sheridan stopped the initial shot, but Wetlaufer was able to collect the rebound and score the game winner.
The USA scored quickly to open the contest, with a field goal from Pat Harris (Moorpark, CA) in the fifth minute. Harris led the Americans with six goals in the tournament.
Canada controlled the possession in the first half, with frequent scoring opportunities and breakaways that the strikers failed to convert.
In the second half, some strong American attacks were countered by an outstanding performance by Canadian goalkeeper David Carter. Carter was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Canadian Scott Tupper tied the contest with a penalty corner goal in the 61st minute. Canada was then able to push the game in extra time and score the golden goal.
Canada finally captured the Pan Am Cup championship after finishing second in the previous two tournaments.
The second place finish is the best Pan Am Cup result for the Americans. In the two previous tournaments, the highest previous finish by the United States was fifth in the inaugural competition in 2000. In 2004, the USA finished seventh. Cuba claimed the first Cup in 2000, followed by Argentina in 2004.
USFHA media release
India loses final to PAK
K. Arumugam
India lost the final to Pakistan, conceding golden goal in the third minute of the extra time. Both teams shared four goals in the regualtion time.
Within three minutes from the start of the extra time, after India made a valiant attempt to score, Pakistan captain Haseem connected a midfield pass to post the all important golden goal.
undefined The 3-2 verdict is a sweet revenge for Pakistan, who lost 1-3 48 hours ago in the league
India first scored through Mandeep Antil, who otherwise did not have a great game today.
India changed the sides with a goal advantage. It was neutralized within three minutes by Md. Zubair, who tapped in a rebound off goalie Mrinal Choubey.
Mandeep Antil it was who again gave the lead. Diwakar's penatly corner was ably met by Imran Butt, the goalie, but Mandeep again did not let the rebound go.
India was almost in the grip of the situation even as Pakistan was pressing hard.
Thankfully, the match intensified where no quarter was given or taken. Haseem made use of a right flank attack to again equalize the Indian lead to take the match to extra time. India conceded this goal six minutes from the end.
Haseem was declared the Man of the Match for his brace of goals including the golden one
The stadium erupted in joy, as Pakistani supporters outnumbered others
Stick2Hockey.com
Pakistan beat India 3-2 in hockey final
JOHOR BAHRU: Indian colts' habit of faltering at the final hurdle continued as they allowed arch-rivals Pakistan two late goals to concede a 2-3 defeat in the final of the Genting four-nation Under-21 hockey tournament on Sunday.
In a high-voltage encounter at the Taman Daya Stadium here, Pakistan skipper Haseem Abdul Khan fired home the golden goal in the 73rd minute - three minutes into extra time, much to the disappointment of Indian fans.
However, it was the Indians who struck the opening blood from their their first penalty corner in the 22nd minute when striker Pramod Kumar was brought down by Pakistan defender Mohd Irfan.
Diwakar flicked home in characteristic style past custodian Imran Shah, but the Pakistanis protested saying they were not ready.
After a consultation between the umpires the penalty corner was ordered to be retaken and this time Mandip deflected in an indirect shot to give India the lead.
It was all the opening half produced as India colts went into the breather with a 1-0 lead.
After the change of ends, Pakistan applied pressure for the equaliser and they were soon rewarded when Haseem broke past Innocent Kullu and shot past Chaubey to draw parity in the 37th minute.
India again took the lead against the run of the play in the 48th minute from their third penalty corner after Jay Karan was fouled. The Indians repeated the indirect drill with Mandip once again getting the magic touch.
The Indians, however, were unlucky to be denied a penalty stroke shortly when forward Victo Singh was tripped inside the striking circle by Usman Tariq.
In the hunt of the equaliser, Pakistan turned on the heat in the final minutes of the regulation time and it resulted in numerous errors from Indian defenders, who were guilty of faulty trapping and miscued passing.
Zubair intercepted a Belsajar Horo clearance inside India's 23 meter area and after dodging past Kullu and Diwakar found the target in the 67th minute to take the match into extra time.
Hassem then broke the Indians' heart when he found the net just three minutes into the extra time to register a thrilling victory for his side.
The Times of India
Haseem helps colts win title in Malaysia
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Pakistan gave their preparations for this summer’s Junior World Cup a boost by beating India 3-2 in the final of a four-nation junior hockey tournament in the Malaysian city of Johor Bahru on Tuesday.
The national junior team bounced back from a defeat at the hands of India in a league game earlier in the tournament by achieving a narrow victory in extra-time over their biggest rivals in the finale.
Pakistan’s title-winning triumph is important because it comes less than three months before the 2009 Junior World Cup to be co-hosted by Malaysia and Singapore this June. The result came at Johor Bahru where the Malaysians plan to host their share of the World Cup games this summer.
Pakistan captain Haseem Khan was his team’s hero with a double strike that sank India — the title favourites. Haseem’s first strike came in the 37th minute and then he also scored the winning goal in extra-time to give his team the title. Muhammad Zubair, who also represents the national senior team, also scored for Pakistan.
Mandeep Patel scored both the goals for India, first giving them the lead in the 22nd minute and then taking them 2-1 ahead with a short corner in the 46th minute.
Khawaja Junaid, the Pakistan junior team coach, was delighted with the victory, saying that the title will help boost his players’ confidence ahead of the Junior World Cup.
“We played brilliantly today,” said Junaid, a former Olympian. “This is the good sign for Pakistan team because winning this title will help us boost our confidence for the World Cup in June.”
Junaid hoped that boys will go on to win a five-nation tournament getting underway in Egypt from March 21. Meanwhile, hosts Malaysia beat Singapore to claim the third position in the tournament.
The News International
Pakistan down India in final to lift title
By Khurrum Shahzad
JOHAR BAHRU: Pakistan defeated India 3-2 in the final to win the Four-Nation Junior Invitational Hockey Tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium here on Sunday. With the victory, the green shirts not only took revenge of their league match defeat but also lifted the coveted title in style. Pakistan’s triumph came in extra time when skipper Abdul Haseem Khan scored the golden goal in the third minute of extra time to help his team grab an international title in three years. India were leading 1-0 at lemon break while the score was tied at 2-2 after the regulation time.
Haseem’s goals came in 37th and 72nd minutes while Muhammad Zubair scored his goal in 71st minute. India scored both their goals in 22nd and 46th minutes through Mandeep Patel. Pakistan played an attacking game right from the start and kept control of their nerves that helped them level the match twice and later won it.
Earlier, hosts Malaysia thrashed Singapore 6-1 for the third position. Pakistan head coach Khawaja Muhammad Junaid told reporters that the green shirts played a brilliant game. “God is great that we won today,” he added. He said the victory came through the strategy to attack the opponent and by controlling the mistakes made in the last match. “The boys worked hard and kept their cool. This is a good sign for Pakistan team to win their first international tournament before the Junior World Cup to be held in June this year.” Junaid hoped that Pakistan team would also win a Five-Nation Tournament in Egypt starting from March 21.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Qasim Zia, general secretary Muhammad Asif Bajwa, Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali and chief selector Hassan Sardar have congratulated the Pakistan junior team for winning the tournament. They said after this win the morale of the players would get a boost for the Junior World Cup.
The Daily Times
Malaysia takes bronze, defeating Singapore 6-0
K. Arumugam in Johor Bahru
The hosts Malaysia defeated Singapore 6-0 to take the bronze in the Genting 4-Nation Cup in Johor Bahru.
Malaysia in fact took 4-0 lead within 25 minutes.
Saidin Mohd Jamil scored a brace, a goal apiece in the 11th and 20th minutes. Third goal for Malaysia came with a comibed effort of Adabi Md. Azammi and Tajuddin Firdaus. The former set up for the Firdaus to giving a finishing touch, much to the appreciation of the crowd. Only today some crowd turned up.
The fourth goal for Malaysia was a self-goal as the ball went in after Singpore's Salim Haseef's effort to stop it boomeranged, the ball slipped throu his stick into the cage. Harvinder Singh was the proud owner of the goal, officially speaking.
In the second half, Tajuddin sscored in the 45th mintes, two minutes later Jalil Marshan added another one, to round off the scoring part of the match.
Late in the proceedings, Singapore got a couple of penalty corners, but could not see of Adnan Abdul Hakim, the rival's goalie. In the last league match, Malaysia struggled to defeat Singapore 2-1.
Stick2Hockey.com
Juniors show composure in big win over Singapore
JOHOR BARU: The National Juniors finally played with confidence to thump Singapore 6-0 to finish third in a four-nation international junior championship at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here yesterday.
Malaysia have had difficulties in beating their Singapore counterparts in recent years. And they went into the match with an unconvincing 2-1 win over the same rivals in the round-robin match on Friday.
Coach K. Rajan was glad the boys played with determination and better composure yesterday.
Mohamed Jamil Saidin put Malaysia ahead with a penalty corner goal in the 12th minute and followed up with a field attempt in the 20th minute.
The two goals injected more confidence into the team and Malaysia led 4-0 at half-time with two more goals coming within a space of one minute from Mohamed Azammi Adabi (23rd) and Harvinder Singh.
Izwan Firdaus and Mohamed Marhan Jalil put their names on the score sheet in the second half with efforts in the 45th and 47th minutes respectively.
Rajan added that the players had learnt to minimise their mistakes and they did much better with their scoring opportunities.
“There was greater confidence in their moves and the players stuck to the game plan well. This is what we have been telling them from the start of the tournament,” he said.
“It is important to keep to the structure even when you are under pressure. They kept the mistakes down and the goals came.
“It was a very relaxed performance and the players, for the first time, did not feel pressured during a match.”
The tournament is part of the team’s preparations for the Junior World Cup Finals, which Malaysia will co-host with Singapore from June 7-21. It was also a test run of the facilities at the new stadium which will be the venue for matches in the Finals.
Rajan added that the team would take a few days’ break after their return to Kuala Lumpur.
In the final, Pakistan stunned India 3-2 with Abdul Haseem Khan scoring a 73rd minute golden goal.
India, who had beaten the same opponents 3-1 in the round-robin match on Friday, twice went ahead through Mandeep Antil in the 22nd and 47th minutes only for Pakistan to level through Abdul Haseem (37th minute) and Muhammad Zubair (67th) to force extra-time.
The Star of Malaysia
National Juniors finally show class
THE National Juniors finally impressed when they hammered Singapore 6-0 in the placing match of the Four-Nation Invitational tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday.
In the pool match, Malaysia could only edge Singapore 2-1.
Malaysia's goals yesterday came via Jamil Saidin (sixth, 20th), Azammi Adabi (23rd), Harvinder Singh (24th), Izwan Firdaus (45th) and Marhan Jalil (47th).
"Today (yesterday) my boys showed urgency and speed and totally blanked out Singapore," said Juniors coach K. Rajan.
"I see this as a good sign as they showed a good comeback after a poor display in the pool match (against Singapore).
"Now, they will have to up the tempo in the remaining friendly matches before the Junior World Cup."
Malaysia and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21.
Meanwhile, in yesterday's final, Pakistan beat India 3-2 in sudden death after the teams were 2-2 at full time.
New Straits Times
Pakistani umpire becomes international referee
Staff Report
JOHAR BAHRU: Pakistan hockey umpire Asif Khan has been awarded the status of international referee by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Asif, who officiated the Malaysia and Singapore matches here in the Four-Nation Tournament, was given the certificate by the FIH representatives soon after the third position match between Malaysia and Singapore on Sunday.
Asif, who hails from Kohat, will be the 8th international referee from Pakistan.
He is officiating national matches since 2006.
The Daily Times
Indian Sikh held for abusing Pakistan
Staff Report
JOHAR BAHRU: The Malaysian police took an Indian Sikh into custody for disturbing peace during the final of the Four-Nation Junior Invitational Hockey Tournament between Pakistan and India here on Sunday.
The Sikh, who was under the influence of alcohol, was earlier beaten by a group of Pakistani spectators when he abused Pakistan after India scored their first goal.
The incident caused hullabaloo in the stadium and the authorities had to call the police.
The police officials initially held all who were involved in the brawl but then released the Pakistani spectators when they came to know the double offence of the Indian.
He was later shifted to a local police station.
The Daily Times
East Grinstead go two points clear at the top of the English League after Havant victory
By Patrick Rowley
East Grinstead's sixth consecutive win, a 7-4 victory at Havant, moved them two points clear with two matches to play in the English League.
Victory in their final matches, against Bowdon (at home) and Surbiton (away), will bring them their first ever national league title.
Sunday they were at least two goals ahead after the first minute of the second half with David de Prez completing his first hat-trick of the season for them.
Grinstead's title hopes were helped when Cannock who were only a point behind them, lost 5-3 at Beeston.
Out of form Cannock dropped to 4th place and they are now in danger of not securing one of three places at stake for next season's European League as five clubs are still in contention.
Grinstead have 35 points, Beeston (34), champions Reading (32), and Cannock and Surbiton (31).
In the women's Premier, Olton Ladies strengthened their prospects of joining already crowned champions Bowdon in Europe next season with a 5-4 win over 2008 champions Slough.
The Telegraph
Now Kelburne drop points
Men’s Subway eat Fresh National League Division 1, Championship Pool
Grange 1 Azzurri Kelburne 1, at Peffermill
In high winds at Peffermill, Grange and Azzurri Kelburne fought the elements as well as each other before settling for a 1-1 draw in the men’s Subway national league, and the dropped points allowed Inverleith and Western Wildcats, both winners, to gain a couple of points on the defending champions.
In truth, Kelburne played poorly in the conditions, while Grange were always under pressure though sticking to their task. The home side were caught on the hop in the third minute when a Raymond Wrightson cross was met by a Jonny Christie reverse stick to open the scoring.
Chances from penalty corners fell to both sides, but it wasn’t until early in the second half that the reply goal was sprung, a Duncan Batchelor cross sharply deflected by Martin Kelly past goalkeeper Mark Fulton.
Both sides became increasingly frantic and desperate in their attacks, and three yellow cards were handed out to high-profile players. But it was Kelburne who rued the day most as a Kenny Bain rocket gave them a clear late chance of a winning goal, which was brilliantly saved on the line by Chris Boyce.
Menzieshill 1 Inverleith 3, at DISC
At DISC, Inverleith attacked in force to get the better of the 2-0 first half, though it would have been lots more but for the numerous fantastic saves of Menzieshill keeper Dave Beattie.
Adam McKenzie opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and Callum Milne tapped in the second. After the interval, Milne added another goal, and a late Chris Wilson effort gave the home side a crumb of comfort.
Greaves Clydesdale 4 Western Wildcats 8, at Titwood
Meanwhile at Titwood, there was a legendary game of two halves between Greaves Clydesdale and Western Wildcats. There was stalemate until the 24th minute, when Dougie Simpson ran in Western’s first goal. The second, just before half-time, resulted from a gross error by a home defender, which allowed Ian Moodie to finish good work by Scott McCartney.
After the interval, it seemed both sides had left their defences on the bench, and ten goals resulted, only one of them from the three penalty strokes awarded. After Adam Bain’s effort from the spot had been saved by Western keeper Kris Kane, the goalfest began. In the space of ten minutes, six were scored, one by David Mitchell and three by the Simpson brothers for the Wildcats, and two for Clydesdale by Bain and, from the spot, Tomec Kotulski.
McCartney’s penalty stroke was high and glanced off the bar, and Andrew Allen pulled one back at a Clydesdale corner with a rare moment of composure at the post, to make it 6-3. Western stretched their lead again through Joe Simpson’s second and Dougie’s fourth, and Clydesdale teenager Stuart Coghlan made the final score 8-4.
Relegation / Promotion Pool
Aberdeen Asset Management 1 VWS Wanderers 2, at Countesswells
Aberdeen Asset Management remained pointless after conceding their home game to VWS Wanderers by just a one-goal margin. Alan Law and, with ten minutes remaining, Stephen Glass were the winning goal-scorers.
Watsonians did themselves a big favour by taking Edinburgh University by surprise with a 3-1 victory that leaves them more-or-less safe from relegation with nine points, while the students retain their 12-point tally.
But CALA Edinburgh’s prospects did not improve after losing their home game against relegation pool leaders Hillhead by 4-1.
Women’s Subway Eat Fresh National League Division 1
The chasm between Bonagrass Grove and the rest was re-emphasised at DISC when the home side ran in ten goals without reply from Giffnock in the Championship Pool. Ailsa Robertson, Nikki Kidd and Ali Bell got them off to a confident first half. Kidd achieved her hat-trick in the second period, while Louise Munn and Linda Clement notched two each, and Bell also got her second of the game.
Porcelanosa Kelburne remain in second place after defeating Dundee Wanderers 2-1 at DISC. Adele Dastey scored in the tenth minute following a pass from Amy Hislop, and Nicky Martin equalised for Wanderers. But a great move initiated by Julia Wilson through Julie Bryce found Hilsop in place to fire in the winner.
At Bellahouston, third-placed Milne Craig Western eased themselves out of recent goal-scoring crises with a 3-1 victory over CALA Edinburgh. Holly Cram found the net twice, while Olympian Laura Bartlett also stepped up to score.
In the Relegation / Promotion Pool, Grange sprung a surprisingly comfortable 4-0 win over Hillhead. Alison McIntyre netted twice, while Kim Christison and Gemma Watt also climbed onto the scoresheet.
At Peffermill, visitors GHK edged the contest with Edinburgh University 3-2, the winning scores coming from Jenny Morris, Fiona Donald and Lauran Palmer.
And in Fife, Dunfermline and Watsonians settles for a 1-1 draw.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
AHL Women's Round 3 Summary
Results from Sunday 15th March
SmokeFree WA Diamonds 3 vs Canberra Labor Club Strikers 0 (3-0 Half Time)
Goals: Kobie McGurk 16m PC, Sian Smithson 30m FG, Sam Gale 34m FG
The second game for ACT and WA saw determined action in extraordinary conditions as temperatures soared. The game started evenly however a penalty corner conversion and two field goals to WA in the first half forced ACT to wilt.
Nic Arrold, Peta Gallagher and Maria de la Paz Hernandez for ACT were solid in the midfield but needed more support.
15 minutes into the game ACT had a penalty corner awarded and the deflection by Hubble created a turnover and a return corner for WA. The Kobie McGurk hit whizzed straight passed the goalie a few inches from the ground for WA’s first.
With five minutes to go, in another foray by WA, Chantelle Ciallella attempted a shot that was saved by the goalie only to be picked up and shot home by Sian Smithson.
Kobie McGurk dominated in the back line and regularly fed the forwards perfect passes. Goal three was one such pass to Sam Gale sitting unmarked at the top of the circle who cracked the ball into the bottom corner.
The second half was very even and ACT put the pressure on in the first minutes when one shot hit the post and the rebound was saved by Hubble.
WA used the right side well and the quick innate passes from back to wing were hard to intercept. Shelly Liddelow was strong on the wing and Ashleigh Nelson and Hope Munro were in the action regularly.
The game see-sawed between ends with no reward for either team. ACT had a few opportunities and a penalty corner set up by Peta Gallagher was saved in front of goals by McGurk at waist height.
The hot day affected all players. WA came away undefeated after six games and look like the team to beat at finals week.
Victoria Vipers 2 Southern Suns 1 (0-0 Half Time)
Goals:
VIC – Riordan 56 FG, Schubach 61 PC.
SA – Hamahona 41 FG.
A rebound win capped-off a fruitful weekend for the Victoria Vipers who beat the Southern Suns 2-1 in game 2 of round 3 of the Australian Hockey League (AHL) at the State Netball Hockey Centre (SNHC).
The win made up for yesterday’s 2-1 loss in which head coach Toni Cumpston revealed that structurally she was happy with the team but it was their finishing that let them down. While the Vipers still struggled to convert goals with the ease shown in the opening two rounds they did enough to get over the line on a freezing Melbourne day.
High winds complicated proceedings and the match remained scoreless for the first half only to be broken by Southern’s Piki Te Ora Hamahona early in the half. The goal spurred the Vics on and the momentum swung back to their side eventually levelling the scores through a Stephanie Riordan field goal in the 56th minute.
Not intent on finishing it there the Vipers dug deep and finally unearthed the deciding penalty corner through the rapidly rising Danni Schubach ten minutes from the end.
Structurally the Vipers held firm and the results have followed but now they face their biggest test yet as they travel to Sydney for a showdown against NSW.
NSW Arrows 3 DEF Northern Territory Pearls 0 (2-0 half time)
Goals
NSW – Close 13m PC, Eastham 23m FG, Brooks 65m FG
Luckily the wild and windy storm cleared before the start of the Pearls and Arrows game in Darwin tonight. But the rain did little to dampen the spirits of the NT players who were looking for revenge after last night’s thrashing at the hands of the NSW Arrows.
The NT defense was excellent in the opening minutes, defusing several attacking raids by the star studded NSW forward line. It took a great set move off a penalty corner in the 13th minute for Jade Close to put the Arrows on the board.
A fitter and faster team was the difference in the next goal being scored with Casey Eastham finally capitalising on some sustained forward pressure to put the Arrows two – nil up in the 23rd minute. It was at this point the Pearls rallied, and with some good team work, and harassing tactics, kept the NSW forwards at bay and even made some chances of their own. With the score at 2-0 at half, the Pearls knew with a good second half they were still in the match.
NT continued with their improved form in the second half making continuing forays into the NSW circle, but unfortunately they were unable to convert. A trend of great attacking moves and missed opportunities continued for both teams until, with 5 minutes to go, Belinda Brooks finally put the third goal in the net for the Arrows.
A scoreline of 3-0 did not quite reflect how close this match was, and leaves the NT with some improved form on the pitch coming into the Queensland away round next weekend.
NSW Head Coach Brenda Baker said “Again it was pleasing to win both halves. The second half was much more competitive with the NT side playing much stronger and picking some holes in our defense. We didn’t take advantage of the amount of ball we had in the match, and we will certainly be working on captilising on possession during the week.”
NT Head Coach Melissa Hall said “It was a spirited effort from a much improved team. I am very happy with the work rate of all the players.”
Hockey Australia media release
AHL Men's Round 2 Summary
Results from Sunday 15th March
Victoria Vikings 6 Southern Hotshots 2 (1-2 Half Time)
Goals:
VIC – Ford 3 FG, Smyth 45 FG, Ciriello 48 PC/68 FG, Mackinnon 55 FG, Pollard 58 FG.
SA – Petherik 16 PC, Peris 29 FG.
The Vikings broke a half time deficit to win comfortably against a determined Southern Hotshots side and claim their fourth win out of four matches in the Australian Hockey League (AHL) at the State Netball Hockey Centre (SNHC) in Melbourne.
Intense spurts of rain made conditions on the pitch very difficult and the match lacked finesse, but what was missing in fluidity both teams made up with determination.
Victorian Kookaburra Russell Ford opened up the scoring for the home side but the lead was annulled by Richard Petherik and then bested by Jonathon Peris to give the visitors and encouraging lead at half time.
The situation did not look good for the Vikings, which had beaten the Hotshots by five goals the previous day, but then the cracks started appearing in the Southern defene. Unable to match the speed of the Victorian forward line, the Southern defenders caved in and the floodgates opened.
In the matter of 10 minutes the Vikings had managed to ram four goals past Kent Haigh who was helpless in goals. Josh Pollard added the icing on the cake with a 68 minute field goal to finish-off the match.
The Vikings will now face off against the Waratahs on their home turf when they travel to Sydney in round three of the AHL.
SmokeFree WA Thundersticks 3 def Canberra Labor Club Lakers 0 (2-0 Half Time)
Goals: Jonathon Charlesworth 8m FG, Andrew Smith 30m FG/56m FG
WA came out firing in the second game against ACT this evening at Perth Hockey Stadium. The ACT backs were busy defending a barrage of WA forward thrusts built through the midfield. Alistair Park and Jonathon Charlesworth were persistent in the middle and Brent Dancer played some dazzling hockey.
Both teams kept the pressure on the backs trying to dispose of the ball which sped up the game. Kenji Hinde and Michael Saddler put pressure on for ACT and Charlesworth and Smith badgered the ACT backs.
In the eighth minute Ian Burcher burst through the midfield pack and crisply passed to Charlesworth who scored with a diving tomahawk goal.
In the 30th minute Travis Taylor crossed to Andrew Smith who hit the top left corner with a reverse stick tomahawk.
In the second half ACT penetrated effectively and two penalty corners went unrewarded. The new rule where players can take off with the ball on a free hit was used extensively and backs had to get used to waiting five yards before the tackle, as Chris Bausor found out when he gave away a penalty to ACT. Still no score resulted.
Trent Mitton had some strong runs down the right wing and on one occasion took the ball to the back line, passed to Smith who identically tomahawked for goal three.
A series of shots to WA were saved magnificently by Nathan Burgers who kept the score much lower than it might have been.
NSW Waratahs 5 DEF Northern Territory Stingers 0 (2-0 half time)
Goals
NSW – Kelly 12m FG/64m FG, Wark 26m PC, Miller 56m FG, Butturini 69m PS
After last nights firey encounter both teams were looking for a more disciplined display on the pitch. The Waratahs began strongly with solid work from their midfield keeping the Stingers players on their toes. This pressure lead to an early field goal to Peter Kelly in the 12 minute.
Great keeping by Leon Hayward, and good work by the Stingers backline, prevented several other shots over the next 40 minutes, except for a penalty corner conversion by Matthew Wark in the 26th minute. Without this great work by the Stingers defense, the score could have been much higher.
Good discipline by the Stingers kept the score to 2-nil at the break and this continued in the second half until Josh Miller found his way through to score in the 56th minute. While this put the game out of reach, the Northern Territorians never gave up and made NSW work hard for their next goal, a second to Peter Kelly, in the 64th minute.
With the game all but over, NSW were awarded a penalty stroke and Australian player Matthew Butturini slotted a perfectly place shot past an always trying Leon Hayward.
While the score might have indicated a thrashing, the two sides played out a hard fought game and the Stingers will be hoping to improve against last year’s champions Queensland when they head to Brisbane next weekend.
NSW Head Coach Larry MacIntosh said “It was pleasing to come away from the weekend with two wins. Today’s performance was particularly pleasing for the discipline we showed and that we are working towards the patterns of play that we need to succeed.”
NT Co-Coach Bob Bulasch said “We had a difficult time with injuries tonight. We played with a lot more discipline, but unfortunately the score didn’t reflect this. I am happy that is was an improved performance across the field.”
Hockey Australia media release
Haryana enters last four
CHANDIGARH: Dinesh Kumar scored the match-winner in the 11th minute of extra-time to guide dark horse Haryana to a 3-2 victory over Maharashtra in the quarterfinals of the 57th all-India Police hockey championship at the Sector 42 Stadium here on Sunday.
The commendable performance by the Haryana team resulted in an instant cash award announcement of Rs. two lakh to the team by the DGP, R.S. Dalal. It was further announced that the incentive would be doubled if the team managed to win the title.
Clawing back
Haryana was sitting pretty with a 2-0 lead following goals by Pardeep Kumar and Nitin Kumar. However, Vinod Mangude converted a penalty corner in the last minute of the first half to keep Maharashtra in contention. On resumption, Vijay Jatale struck the equaliser in the 46th minute, to eventually force extra-time.
In the semifinals, Haryana will be challenged by Border Security Force (BSF). The other semifinal will be between Punjab Police and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Jugraj scores a brace
Jugraj Singh struck twice with his patented drag flick in the penalty corner drills to guide defending champion Punjab Police into the semifinals with a 2-1 win over Karnataka. He scored the goals in the ninth and 31st minutes. K.S. Paramesh responded for Karnataka by converting a penalty corner in the 12th minute, but the team was unable to build on it.
Ravinder shines
Ravinder Singh scored two goals to fashion a 3-1 victory for CISF against Jammu and Kashmir. Mangra Munda was the other scorer for the winner. Onkar Singh scored the only goal for the loser.
Border Security Force proved too good for Central Reserve Police Force by racing to a 3-0 triumph, following goals from M. Lakra, Parkash Kerketta and Varinderjit Singh.
The Hindu
Malaysia plan three-match Test series with Kiwis after Azlan Shah Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia are seeking to play three Test matches against New Zealand after the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament which will be held in Ipoh from April 5-12.
New Zealand are featuring in the tournament together with Malaysia, India, Pakistan and Egypt. And team manager George Koshy said that they were waiting for a reply to their request from the New Zealand Hockey Federation.
“We are looking at playing two or three matches. We have five matches in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and it will be cost effective for us to get one of the teams to stay back for the extra matches,” he said.
Malaysia are preparing for the Asia Cup in Dubai in May and they have arranged to play a match each against India and Pakistan prior to the tournament in Ipoh.
“We will select our final squad of 18 next week and will go to Ipoh on April 1. We will play the two warm-up matches on April 2 and 3,” said George.
Earlier this month, the national team went on a tour of South Korea and had seven matches against club sides — winning three, losing two and drawing the other two.
Coach Tai Beng Hai said that it was clear from the tour that the fitness level of the players had improved.
“We now have specific areas to work on and this will help me to prepare the programme a little differently for the next two weeks.
“Physical workouts at the gym will continue while we will also start more work on the tactical aspect,” he said.
The team resume training today after a four-day break. The first order is to check on the state of injuries in the team.
“We had 18 players for the Korean tour and any changes I make for the Azlan Shan Cup tournament will also depend on the fitness of those who stayed home,” said Beng Hai.
The Star of Malaysia
Fresh controversy hits Pakistan hockey
KARACHI: Fresh crisis has hit Pakistan hockey with Olympians, Islahuddin Siddique and Mudassar Asghar openly criticising the national federation (PHF) for withdrawing their nominations from important positions of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Islahuddin, a former captain, coach, manager and chief selector, said he was appalled to learn that present Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Asif Bajwa had lied to him and kept him in the dark about his re-nomination for the prestigious FIH Rules Board.
"I have been a member of the Rules board for over a decade and the PHF secretary withdraw my nomination this year and sent that of Rana Mujahid, who is years junior to me. It was an insult for Pakistan hockey that Mujahid's nomination for the Rules board was rejected by the FIH," he said.
Mudassar, a former PHF secretary, also found his nomination withdrawn from a FIH committee.
Islahuddin said he was appalled that a junior player like Asif Bajwa could treat senior Olympians in this manner.
"I went to attend the Rules board meeting under the impression as Bajwa told me that the PHF had again sent my nomination but it was embarrassing to learn there they had not sent my nomination," he stated.
Questions are also being raised at the present management of the PHF, headed by President Qasim Zia, on the way funds were being spent on various projects.
"Bajwa and company have spent around 8 million rupees on making a song for the PHF. Is this not a waste of money when the federation is already facing a financial crunch?" Islahuddin questioned.
"They are spending unchecked money on other development projects," he added.
Hockey has lost its position in Pakistan over the years due to internal politics and national team's failure to give any creditable performance in the international circuit.
Pakistan, once a powerhouse in world hockey, last won a major title -- the World Cup in 1994.
The Times of India
Namesh lands killer blow
By Jugjet Singh
DEFENDING champions Kuala Lumpur suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Selangor in the National Under-16 tournament curtain raiser at the Seremban II Stadium yesterday.
Selangor's hero was Namesh Singh who scored a field goal in the 13th minute which was enough to upset Kuala Lumpur in the Group A match.
In another Group A match, Perak, who finished fourth last year, hammered Pahang 5-1 to make their intentions clear.
"Namesh plays for Petaling Jaya City Council in the Malaysia Hockey League and he delivered when it mattered as we were looking for a good start," said Selangor coach Paul Raj.
Selangor meet Perak today and Raj added: "Perak are the early favourites because this set of boys were the Under-14 champions, and they have shown great understanding against Pahang today (yesterday).
"It will be a difficult match, but if the boys follow instructions like they did today, we have a good chance."
Perak's Dzahiruddin Ilyas scored in the seventh, ninth, and 34th minutes to complete a hat-trick and put his side in a commanding position.
Perak's other goals were scored by Hanif Saidin (57th) and Shazli Irwan (61st).
Pahang's consolation goal was scored by Hafiz Zainol in the 39th minute.
In a Group B match, Kedah could only muster a 2-2 draw against Singapore. Kedah took a 2-0 lead with goals from Farid Zuki (eighth) and Afdazanizam Nazian (56th) but could not hold onto their advantage and allowed Singapore to score through their skipper Azahari Osman in the 68th and 70th minutes.
RESULTS -- Group A: Kelantan 3 Perlis 2, Pahang 1 Perak 5, Kuala Lumpur 0 Selangor 1; Group B: Johor 1 Terengganu 3, Kedah 2 Singapore 2, Negri Sembilan 2 Penang 5.
TODAY -- Group A: Selangor v Perak, Kuala Lumpur v Perlis, Kelantan v Pahang.
Group B: Terengganu v Penang, Johor v Singapore, Negri Sembilan v Kedah.
New Straits Times
Champs KL suffer shock loss in opening Under-16 match
By S. RAMAGURU
SEREMBAN: Defending champions Kuala Lumpur found the going tough in the national Under-16 hockey tournament and were beaten 0-1 by Selangor in their opening Group A match at the Seremban II Hockey Stadium yesterday.
The goal for Selangor was a field attempt by Narmesh Singh in the 13th minute.
Last year’s runners-up Singapore almost got off to a losing note as well but two late goals saved them from an embarrassing defeat by Kedah.
The Kedahans had led 2-0 until the 68th minute in the Group B match with goals by Mohamed Farid Zuki (18th) and Afdazanizam Nazlan (56th).
They then conceded a penalty stroke and Singapore skipper Mohd Azahari Othman made the conversion to narrow the deficit.
And in the last minute, Azahari flicked home from a penalty corner to give Singapore the equaliser.
Perak romped home for an easy 5-1 winner over Pahang in another Group A match with Mohd Dzahinuddin Ilyas recording the first hat-tirck of the tournament. The Bandar Penawar Sports School Juniors player was on target in the seventh, ninth and 34th minutes.
The other scorers for Perak, who won the title in 2007, were Mohd Hanif Saidin and Shazril Irwan Nazli in the 57th and 61st minutes respectively. Pahang replied through Mohd Hafiz Zainol in the 39th minute.
Terengganu opened their campaign in Group A with a 3-1 win over Johor. The scorers for the east coast side were Mohd Zulhairi (13th), Mohd Fiorhan Ashari (19th) and Mohd Rasul Mohamed Yusof (51st). Johor’s consolation goal came from Mohd Raseede in the 70th minute.
Another east coast side, Kelantan, also got off to a winning start — beating Perlis 3-2 in Group B.
The scorers for Kelantan were Wan Mohamed Afiq (28th, 48th) and Mohd Fitri Saari (40th). Perlis got their goals through Mohd Zaki Azman (25th) and Mohd Hafiz Mansor (31st).
Group A: Kelantan 3 Perlis 2, Perak 5 Pahang 1, K. Lumpur 0 Selangor 1.
Group B: Terengganu 3 Johor 1, Singapore 2 Kedah 2, Penang 5 N. Sembilan 2.
Group A: Selangor vs Perak (8am), K. Lumpur vs Perlis (3pm), Kelantan vs Pahang (5pm).
Group B: Terengganu vs Penang (8am), Johor vs Singapore (3pm), N. Sembilan vs Kedah (5pm).
The Star of Malaysia
Big test for hockey champs
By Oscar Pilipli
National and Nairobi schools hockey champions Pangani are among four teams that have qualified for the provincial semi-finals at Jamhuri High today and on Tuesday.
Pangani advanced in great style without dropping a point and conceded one goal in their nine matches at the end of the league phase at Hillcrest Secondary.
They topped the league with 27 points and 60 goals. The other semi-finalists are former champions Hillcrest who finished runners-up with 22 points, St George’s (20) and State House (16).
Nairobi hockey co-ordinator, James Akweri said on Sunday the top two teams after the semi-finals qualify for the provincial championships at Hillcrest Secondary on Saturday.
"The round robin format of play is to ensure Nairobi is represented by a strong team at the national championships," he said.
The national games will be held at Kangaru during the first week of April.
On Saturday, St George’s settled for a barren draw with Hillcrest and Moi Nairobi, Hillcrest beat State House 2-0 while Moi Nairobi drew 0-0 with Precious Blood.
Barren draw
Four walkovers were recorded with Kenya High being the main beneficiaries after they were awarded nine easy points against Buru Buru, State House and Parklands Arya. Pangani also got three free points from Hillcrest.
Lenana beat Pumwani 2-0 while Nairobi School edged out former champions Lenana 4-3 on post-match penalties to qualify for the boys’ final.
Meanwhile, Regina Mwangi is tipped to break her provincial top scorers’ record of 18 goals she netted in the league last year.
Mwangi has already matched the record having sounded the boards 18 times with four more matches to go.
Mwangi’s team-mate Laura Gichau second with 14 goals followed by St George’s Laura Gichau (11), Florence Maritim of Moi Nairobi (nine), Naomi Kyalo of Pangani (nine) and Kandeel Butt of Hillcrest (six).
Champions St Austin’s Academy play Nairobi International School in the boys’ basketball final as Lang’ata face St George’s in the girls’.
The term one games are featuring hockey, rugby sevens, basketball, cross-country, decathlon and heptathlon.
The Standard Online