News For 28 August 2009
Friday, 28 August 2009 08:58 | 
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All the news for Friday 28 August 2009
Rabo EuroNations Championship 2009
Friday 28 August 2009
All times local (GMT +2)
12:00 AUT v FRA
14:00 BEL v POL
16:00 Semi 1 ENG v NED
19:00 Semi 2 GER v ESP
Thursday 27 August 2009
Women
RUS 1 ECO 1
AZE 1 IRE 2
Semi 1 NED 5 ESP 5
Semi 2 ENG 1 GER 2 (Golden goal)
Full Tables
| Men Pool A | Match | Wo | Dr | Lo | Gls s | Gls a | Pnt | Men Pool B | Match | Wo | Dr | Lo | Gls s | Gls a | Pnt | |
| England | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 6 | 7 | Spain | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 9 | |
| Germany | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 4 | Netherlands | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 6 | |
| Belgium | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 3 | France | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 3 | |
| Austria | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 0 | Poland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 18 | 0 |
| Women Pool A | Match | Wo | Dr | Lo | Gls s | Gls a | Pnt | Women Pool B | Match | Wo | Dr | Lo | Gls s | Gls a | Pnt | |
| Netherlands | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 9 | Germany | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 9 | |
| England | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 6 | Spain | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 6 | |
| Azerbaijan | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 1 | Scotland | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 1 | |
| Russia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 1 | Ireland | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 1 |
| Men Pool C | Wed | Wo | Dr | Lo | Gls s | Gls a | Pnts | Women Pool C | Wed | Wo | Dr | Lo | Gls s | Gls a | Pnts |
| Belgium | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Ireland | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 3 | Russia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Austria | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Schotland | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Poland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | Azerbaijan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
England Women in Bronze playoff on Golden Goal
In a rematch of the 2007 bronze medal match, England’s women will play Spain for the European bronze medal in Amstelveen after going down 2-1 to a German golden goal in the second semi final at the EuroHockey Nations Championships.
Jo Ellis had earlier equalised Natascha Keller’s 27th minute opener and after a goalless second period the game went to extra time. England weathered an early storm in the golden goal first half but Maike Stockel’s flick over Becky Duggan six minutes into extra time sealed Germany’s place in the final.
With that place in the final against the hosts, the Netherlands, at stake both sides were keen not to make any mistakes early on, with the result that the opening quarter of the match was played at a measured pace with both teams enjoying possession but few clear opportunities.
Germany were awarded an 11th minute penalty for an obstruction but Helen Richardson comfortably dealt with the pass towards the post and at the other end Alex Danson was unlucky not to connect with a Kate Walsh corner, which Danson had done well to win coming from the right.
Becky Duggan was the first of the goalkeepers to be called into action, diving low to her right to produce a stick save to keep out a swept effort but two minutes later she was picking the ball out of the net after Natascha Keller’s strike. A mistake by Chloe Strong in the middle of the park allowed Maike Stockel to pounce and after breaking into the top of the circle her shot was saved by Duggan. Unfortunately though, the clearance went straight to Keller five metres out and she fired the ball back past the Trojans goalkeeper to give Germany the lead.
Another German penalty corner came and went and with three minutes of the half remaining England’s positive response won them a series of three consecutive set pieces. Chloe Rogers won the first off the foot of a defender and Sally Walton won the second, putting the German defence on the back foot as they looked to clear the first corner. At the third attempt Chloe Rogers’ strike was deflected into the goal by the diving Jo Ellis and the England bench was on its feet in celebration.
England found themselves under pressure early in the second period when Keller won a penalty corner off Reading’s Helen Richardson but Becky Duggan blocked well from the shot from the left.
There then followed a short period of scrappy play with England missing out on a number of 50:50 challenges but they put that behind them to win two more penalty corners, both of which resulted in the loose ball bobbling around in front of Barbara Vogel’s goal but the score remained 1-1.
Soon England were forcing Germany into mistakes all across the field and Sally Walton had England’s next chance with 58 minutes on the clock. Receiving the ball at the top of the circle the Bowdon Hightown player shaped to unleash a rocket shot beyond Vogel but a last ditch challenge took the ball high and wide, much to the relief of the German defence.
With five minutes remaining England came under more pressure at another German corner but captain Fanny Rinne fluffed her lines and England breathed a little easier.
England’s own captain Kate Walsh was in inspired form, leading by example with a number of solid, well-timed challenges late in the game.
In the dying minutes Germany piled on the pressure and Duggan was again called into action to save a shot at chest height before the real ‘hearts in mouths’ moment with less than 20 seconds of normal time remaining. A long aerial ball from the left of the German midfield landed deep inside the English circle and Duggan pulled off another good save low in the centre of the goal from the shot on the turn. When the ball was brought back into the circle by Maike Stockel there seemed to be acres of space for the number 24 to pick her shot but she inexplicably missed Duggan’s left post by inches. As the ball ran past the post the hooter sounded, signalling the end of 70 minutes and golden goal extra time.
As the first extra time period began England survived several flash balls across the circle and having weathered the storm they began to probe through the German midfield in search of the golden goal. They might have had a penalty corner when the ball appeared to be deliberately put off the back line by the German defender but the umpire awarded a long corner and Germany cleared their lines.
With 90 seconds of the half remaining a ball down the right inside channel split the English defence and a diving German forward deflected the ball into the path of Maike Stockel in front of goal. With Duggan advancing Stockel did well to chip the ball over her and as it hit the net just above the backboard England’s players knew their shot at the final was over.
Afterward Coach Danny Kerry was disappointed with how things had panned out. “We’re obviously a bit down. I think we let ourselves down with poor basic skills, which can be worked on, and when we do we will be beating teams like Germany.
“We were the second best team out there tonight and we’ve come out of a great game as losers. But we know what we need to do to improve and we will be doing that. The girls will pick themselves up for Saturday’s game against Spain though; after all, there’s a bronze medal at stake.”
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands beat Spain 5-1 in the first semi final in Amstelveen to go through to Saturday’s final where they will meet Germany. England will play Spain in the bronze medal match at 13:00 local time (12:00 BST).
ENGLAND 1 (1)
Jo Ellis 35 (PC)
GERMANY 2* (1)
Natascha Keller 27 (F)
Maike Stockel 76 (F) *Golden Goal
ENGLAND SQUAD v GERMANY
Started
Becky Duggan (Trojans) Goalkeeper
Natalie Seymour (Canterbury) Defender
Chloe Strong (Pinoke) Defender
Kate Walsh (C) (Reading) Defender
Sally Walton (Bowdon Hightown) Defender
Susie Gilbert (University of Birmingham) Midfielder
Helen Richardson (Reading) Midfielder
Chloe Rogers (Leicester) Midfielder
Kerry Williams (Leicester) Midfielder/Forward
Alex Danson (Klein Switzerland) Forward
Rebecca Herbert (Leicester) Forward
Substitutes Used
Laura Unsworth (Loughborough Students) Defender
Ashleigh Ball (Slough) Midfielder
Jo Ellis (Bowdon Hightown) Forward
Katie Long (Leicester) Forward
Nicola White (Loughborough Students) Forward
Did Not Play
Beth Storry (Reading) Goalkeeper
Hannah Macleod (Leicester) Forward
England Hockey Media release
Ireland win first game in relegation pool
Ireland closed out a 2-1 win against Azerbaijan with just six tense minutes to spare. These three points puts them on top of Pool C ahead of Scotland, Russia and Azerbaijan before they play in their final pool game against Russia this Saturday, where a draw (1 point) will be enough to ensure they remain in the A division of European Hockey.
Ireland opened the match dominating and controlling the play and got their first clear chance in the 17th minute, but Nikki Symmons drag went high over the cross bar. Six minutes later Symmons got a second crack of the whip and made no mistake when she fired home low to the left of the post to take the lead into half time.
Azerbaijan were more steady after the break and more confident defending Irelands attacking style play. Their patience paid of in the 50th minute when Zhun Mammadova picked up a pass at the top right of the circle for a fierce shot high into the net leaving Goode in goals with no chance. Both sides began to look a little frantic as they searched for the winner with just twenty minutes to go.
Azerbaijan looked liked they were about to cause the girls in green a major upset when Marina Aliyeva pounced on a loose ball scooping it onto her reverse towards the goal but Symmons was on hand to save it off the line.
Ireland then made the play of the game with a great four on two attack; displaying great skill as Emma Smyth fed the ball into Alex Speers who laid off for Megan Frazer's strike which Alex Speers slid in to deflect the ball over the keeper's head and fall over the line for the winning goal.
Speaking after the game Muller was clearly delighted "Obviously I am just delighted with the win which was a very important win for us. It was a difficult match to play but I was really happy with how we handled ourselves. Azerbaijan are an experienced and technically very good side and we had to be at our best today."
When asked about his impending match against Russia this Saturday it was clear that their last encounter, which Ireland won 4-0, was far from his mind "We will take nothing from our last encounter with Russia, this is a totally separate game and situation. Russia are under pressure to stay in the top tier of European hockey and they will be as hard to beat as Azerbaijan were today."
Commenting on the final goal which game in the 64th minute Muller said "This was a fantastically worked goal today, Emma Smyth, Megan Frazer and Alex Speers combined for a fantastic goal"
Ireland now sit top of Pool C on 4 points followed by Russia and Scotland on 2 and Azerbaijan on 1. A draw on Saturday will be enough to guarantee Ireland remains in the top division of Europe.
Ireland play Russia at 7.30am IRISH TIME (8.30am Local Time).
Ireland Starting XI: Mary Goode in goal, Roisin Flinn, Eimear Cregan, Emma Clarke, Emma Stewart, Bridget Cleland, Shirley McCay, Nicola Symmons, Emma Smyth, Lisa Jacob and Michelle Harvey.
Azerbaijan Starting XI: Seda Kheyirova, Feruza Makayeva, Lyudmila Chegurko, Dilfuza Mirzaliyeva, Khatira Aliyeva, Marina Aliyeva, Lyubov Druzhinina, Seon Yeong Rustamova, Bo Kyung Alizada, Inoyathon Jafarova and Zhun Mammadova.
Ireland 2 (1)
Nikki Symmons 27m;
Alex Speers 64m
Azerbaijan 1 (0)
Zhun Mammadova 50 m.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Scotland dominate but are held by Russia
Scotland’s Senior Women dominated their EuroHockey Nations Championship match against Russia, but were left frustrated as the game ended in a 1-1 draw in Amstelveen.
Grove Ladie’s HC midfielder Linda Clement put Scotland ahead, before Orina Osipova equalised for Russia.
Senior Women’s coach Keith Joss said:
“It’s a disappointing result. We probably had 80 or 90% of the possession, but we weren’t able to finish them off. We didn’t convert our chances, and we’re all kicking ourselves a bit.”
The Scots had previously finished third in Pool B, drawing 0-0 with Ireland and losing to Spain (3-1) and Germany (4-0). They now face Azerbaijan on Saturday in their final match, knowing defeat would mean relegation from the top division.
Today’s other Pool C match saw Ireland beat Azerbaijan to go top of the table. The Irish take on Russia next, just before Scotland’s game, meaning the Scots will know exactly what is required of them by the time they take on Azerbaijan.
“We will spend Friday going over today’s game and putting that to bed before we move on to Saturday’s game,” said Joss. “We will be looking to see how we can get forward more, but the most important thing is that we stay together and remain positive as a group.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Interesting 1st round for France
The French National team concluded the first round of the European Championships with one win (Poland: 3-2) and two defeats (Spain: 3-0, Netherlands: 6-0).
On Saturday last week, in their first match of this tournament, the Blues made a strong start against 2008 Olympic silver medalist Spain, much to the encouragement of the many French supporters cheering for the team in Amsterdam.
“We played well. Defensively speaking, it was a very good match with no penalty corners for Spain, and some really positive chances for France. Three skill mistakes gave Spain three goals, which was frustrating, especially since we didn’t finish our chances at the other end,” said the French coach, Scott GOODHEART.
Two days later, France defeated the in-form Polish 3-2, an highly significant win which allowed them to stay in the race for direct World Cup qualification. The French dominated the match from the opening whistle, with numerous opportunities just missing their target, and a 3-1 lead with 3 minutes to play gave an element of comfort for the young French team.
A late penalty corner conversion by Poland gave the French a scare with the score suddenly 3-2, and subsequent increased pressure from the Poles for the final two minutes leading to some nervous moments for the French defence.
On the downside, the win was shaded slightly by the serious hand injury to team co-captain and penalty corner specialist Fred SOYEZ. A dislocated thumb saw the 178 capped player leave the pitch immediately, and is now out for the rest of the tournament.
The French then went into their final Pool B match against the hosts Netherlands. With the knowledge that the winner would make the semi-finals and also directly qualify for the 2010 World Cup, the 9,000 crowd was expecting a great battle.
France started well, creating numerous opportunities in attack, including one Seb JEAN JEAN shot that missed the goal by an inch. However it was Netherlands that soon found their rhythm, scoring two goals throughout the half. A late penalty corner just before the siren gave Netherlands a 3-0 lead at half time, a score split they repeated in the second half, scoring two early goals, and adding a sixth in the last two minutes. The final score was 6-0, with Netherlands scoring five goals from their five penalty corners.
“We were clearly out-classed by a much more skillful and experienced team. This said, it was a wonderful learning experience for all the players. It is important to reflect that the Dutch have 10 players with more than 100 caps, three of which have more than 200, whereas France has just one player with more than 100 games. This is not intended as an excuse, but a reality. We are still building as a group, and games like these are important for us”, said GOODHEART.
At the end of the round, France goes into the non-medal rounds with three points.
“The first round has been largely positive. One of the main objectives for us was to achieve some consistency, and this was largely OK. A second objective was if we could not make the semi-finals, then we would go to the second round with three points. We achieved this which was not easy given Poland was playing the match like a Final”, said GOODHEART.
The remaining matches against Austria (28 Aug) and Belgium (30 Aug) are also very important. Only the top 6 teams in the Championship remain in the A-Division in 2011. The bottom two are relegated to the B-Division, which is not an Olympic Qualification event.
“We must win tomorrow to give ourselves the best chance of finishing in the top six. Austria is a very competitive team and they played well against Germany and Belgium. This is not going to be an easy game”, stated team captain Matthieu DURCHON.
Next matches:
France vs Austria (Friday, 12pm)
France vs Belgium (Sunday, 10.30am)
FFH media release
Meet Charlotte Harrison, NZ's latest hockey hottie
By BRENDON EGAN
HANDLE ON IT: Mandy Smith's look-alike Charlotte Harrison tries to control the ball during yesterday's match against Samoa in Invercargill. Harrison scored two goals in New Zealand's 17-nil rout. Photo ROBYN EDIE
Charlotte Harrison has all the ingredients to be New Zealand hockey's next Mandy Smith.
She's a quick, agile, blonde bombshell with a thunderous strike that sends shivers up the spine of opposition goalies.
Three years ago, Harrison became the youngest player to suit up for the Black Sticks women's hockey team when she made her debut against Australia, while she was only 16 years and at Whangarei Girls' High School. Last year, however, she learnt the harsh lessons of life at the top in sport when she missed out on New Zealand's squad for the Beijing Olympics.
Harrison said she was gutted not to be included. "I was pretty disappointed. I trained really hard for it. It was quite tough when they said 'you're not going'."
The confident 19-year-old refused to let the news get her down and headed to Belgium to play for first- division side Braxgata, along with her Northland team-mate Rhonda Rowsell. She said the break had done her a world of good.
"It was good fun just to get out of it and go travelling. I had an awesome time. We finished mid-table and stayed in the top division."
Harrison's spell in Belgium has obviously been a good thing. She shone for the Black Sticks in their recent series against China and Argentina, and has been a constant menace for New Zealand up front in their Oceania Cup games against Australia and Samoa this week in Invercargill scoring three goals.
Despite her age, Harrison already has 62 international caps to her name. She was part of New Zealand's squad when they stunned Australia in the Oceania Cup final in Buderim, Queensland, two years ago, and hopes to repeat the feat in tomorrow's final.
"It was awesome feeling over there when we did that. Hopefully we can do it again."
New Zealand got off to a horror start against the Hockeyroos in Wednesday's game, conceding two goals in the first four minutes. They eventually fought back, but lost 2-1. Harrison said her side could not afford that kind of meltdown in the final. "Our warmup was pretty slack. Everyone was a bit flat really. We want to focus on our warmup (tomorrow) so everyone is raring to go."
Harrison said growing up she modelled her game on former New Zealand women's star Mandy Smith. Her playing style shares many similarities to Smith's and the youngster admitted she got the Smith comparisons on a regular basis.
"I do get that a little bit. It's quite funny ... I've always liked Mandy Smith. She was one of my idols."
Harrison looks set to be a cornerstone of the New Zealand side for many years to come and could end up forming a long-term striking combination in the Black Sticks with her youngster sister Samantha. The younger Harrison was impressive in her Black Sticks debut earlier this year, but narrowly missed out on selection for the Oceania Cup.
Stuff
Western Province out of semi-final reckoning
Pretoria – Three time defending champions Western Province will not play in this year's SPAR Women's Interprovincial Hockey Tournament semi-finals.
The Tshwane University of Technology stadium was treated to a thrilling Pool A match Thursday between WP and KZN Coastal Raiders. Captain Kate Woods's side had to win; Raiders had nothing to lose as they had already qualified for the semi-finals. But, one side looking on was desperate for Raiders to do them a huge favour. Northerns Blues needed the match to end drawn at least, as they were almost certain to beat, or at least draw with, Witwatersrand in their last Pool A match.
And Raiders did them the favour. In one of the most gutsy performances in SPAR IPT history – mirrored the day before when Northerns shocked WP 1-0, the Durban girls opened the scoring through captain and England and Great Britain central defender Crista Cullen before playing their hearts out to allow Province just one goal, through Anche Nortje, and the final score read 1-1.
Northerns duly did the business with a hard-fought 4-0 win over the brave Wits girls – and the semi-finalists were set.
Earlier, Southern Gauteng had beaten fellow Pool B contenders North West 4-3 in an exciting encounter to finish top of Pool B with the Potch girls second.
Thursday sees Southerns meet Northerns in a Gauteng derby semi-final at 3.40 pm with Raiders tackling Captain Lesley-Ann George's North West combination at 5.20 pm in the second semi.
It was a day for the historians. The last time Western Province were not in the final was 10 years ago – no-one knows when last they were not in the semis.
The Raiders' stats are even more mindboggling. They last won IPT 22 years ago; they were finalists last in 2001.
The late match between strugglers in Pool B, Western Province Peninsula and KZN Inland, saw the score 0-0 at half-time before ending deadlocked 1-1 at the end.
In the B Section President's Shield, the outstanding Eastern Province line-up - with captain and Athens 2004 Olympic Games player Liesel Dorothy leading from the front and doyenne of EP women's hockey coaching Linda Bedford providing the tactical know-how – are already through to the final.
Also through to the final with a round of pool matches to spare are Border – and the prospect of a B Section Eastern Cape derby final on Saturday is one to savour.
RESULTS
A Section: Southern Gauteng 4 North West 3; KZN Coastal 1 WP 1; Northerns 4 Wits 0; KZN Inland 1 WP Peninsula 1.
B Section: Border 3 Mpumalanga 2; Namibia 4 Northern Cape 2; EP 5 Southern Cape 2; Northerns B 7 Boland 0.
FIXTURES
A Section: WP vs WP Pens (12.20 pm); Wits vs KZN Inland (2 pm); Northerns Blues vs Southern Gauteng (3.40 pm); KZN Coastal Raiders vs North West (5.20 pm).
B Section: Mpumalanga vs Namibia (9 am); Boland vs EP (Tuks 9 am); Free State vs Border (10.40 am); SA Country Districts vs Northerns B (Tuks 10.40 am).
SA Hockey Association media release
Three-time champs Western Province knocked out
JONATHAN COOK
REIGNING champions Western Province will not play in this year's SPAR Women's Interprovincial Hockey Tournament semi-finals and have lost their chance to make it four SPAR IPT Trophy titles in a row.
The Tshwane University of Technology Hockey Stadium in Pretoria was treated to a thrilling Pool A match Thursday between WP and KZN Coastal Raiders.
Captain Kate Woods's side had to win; Raiders captain Crista Cullen's superb side had nothing to lose as they had already qualified for the semi-finals. But one side looking on from the practice turf behind the one goalmouth were desperate for Raiders to do them a huge favour. Northerns Blues needed the match to end drawn at least, as they were almost certain to beat, or at least draw with, Witwatersrand in their last Pool A match, which followed directly after.
And Raiders did them the favour. In one of the most gutsy performances in Spar IPT history – mirrored the day before when Northerns shocked WP 1-0, the Durban girls opened the scoring through England and Great Britain central defender Crista Cullen before playing their hearts out to allow Province just one goal, through Anche Nortje, and the final score read 1-1.
Northerns duly did the business with a hard-fought 4-0 win over the brave Wits girls – and the semi-finalists were set.
Earlier, Southern Gauteng had beaten fellow Pool B contenders North West 4-3 in an exciting encounter to finish top of Pool B with the Potch girls second.
Thursday sees Southerns meet Northerns in a Gauteng derby semi-final at 3.40 pm with Raiders tackling captain Lesley-Ann George's North West combination at 5.20 pm in the second semi.
Saturday's SPAR Trophy A Section final takes place at 3.50 pm with the playoff for third and fourth place at 2 pm.
It was a day for the historians. The last time Western Province were not in the final was 10 years ago – no-one knows when last they were not in the semis.
The Raiders' stats are even more mindboggling. They last won IPT 22 years ago; they were women's provincial hockey finalists last in 2001.
The late match between strugglers in Pool B, Western Province Peninsula and KZN Inland, saw the score 0-0 at half-time before ending deadlocked 1-1 at the end.
In the B Section President's Shield, the outstanding Eastern Province women's hockey line-up - with captain and Athens 2004 Olympic Games player Liesel Dorothy leading from the front and doyenne of EP women's hockey coaching Linda Bedford providing the tactical know-how – are already through to the final.
Also through to the final with a round of pool matches to spare are Border – and the prospect of a B Section Eastern Cape derby final at 12.10 pm on Saturday is one to savour.
DAY 4 RESULTS
A Section SPAR Trophy: Southern Gauteng 4 North West 3; KZN Coastal 1 WP 1; Northerns 4 Wits 0; KZN Inland 1 WP Peninsula 1.
B Section President's Cup: Border 3 Mpumalanga 2; Namibia 4 Northern Cape 2; EP 5 Southern Cape 2; Northerns B 7 Boland 0.
DAY 5 FIXTURES
A Section SPAR Trophy: WP vs WP Pens (12.20 pm); Wits vs KZN Inland (2 pm); Northerns Blues vs Southern Gauteng (3.40 pm); KZN Coastal Raiders vs North West (5.20 pm).
B Section President's Cup: Mpumalanga vs Namibia (9 am); Boland vs EP (Tuks 9 am); Free State vs Border (10.40 am); SA Country Districts vs Northerns B (Tuks 10.40 am).
SA Hockey World
Women’s provincial hockey sees champs Western Province knocked out
Jonathan Cook
THERE will be a new champion at the Spar Women’s Interprovincial Hockey Tournament this year.
Reigning three-time champions Western Province were knocked out of the title reckoning when they drew 1-1 with KZN Coastal Raiders, who were already through to the semi-finals with a round of pool matches to spare. And Wednesday’s giant-killers, Northern Gauteng Blues, who had handed WP their first loss in 23 matches — they had won all 22, not even one draw — benefited mightily.
All they had to do was draw with strugglers Witwatersrand and they duly did the business by winning 4-0.
Yesterday’s late match between strugglers in Pool B, Western Province Peninsula and KZN Inland, saw the score 0-0 at half-time, with neither side dominating. The Western Province second stringers opened the scoring in the second half through Candice Botha off a penalty corner that beat goalkeeper Patricia Marsh, before Inland replied just three minutes later with another penalty corner goal. Outstanding Inland captain Robyn Pearson, who has led the side with courage and by example, was the player who drilled in that PC equaliser for the match to end 1-1. Pearson is a great asset to her new province and played for Peninsula up until last year while studying in the Western Cape.
Inland just avoided the wooden spoon in Pool B and play Wits today in the round that decides who will finish in positions five to eight at the end of tomorrow’s matches.
It was a day for the historians. The last time Western Province were not in the final was 10 years ago — no one knows when last they were not in the semis.
The Raiders’ stats are even more mind boggling. They last won IPT 22 years ago; they were finalists last in 2001.
Earlier, Southern Gauteng had beaten fellow Pool B contenders North West 4-3 in an exciting encounter to finish top of Pool B, with the Potch girls second.
Today sees Southerns meet Northerns in a Gauteng derby semi-final at 3.40?pm, with Raiders tackling captain Lesley-Ann George’s North West combination at 5.20?pm in the second semi.
In the B Section President’s Shield, the outstanding Eastern Province line-up — with Athens 2004 Olympic Games player Liesel Dorothy leading from the front and doyenne of EP women’s hockey coaching Linda Bedford providing the tactical know-how — are already through to the final.
Also through to the final with a round of pool matches to spare are Border and the prospect of a B Section Eastern Cape derby final on Saturday is one to savour.
SA Country Districts, which contains a majority of players from KZN Inland and KZN Coastal — just like the men’s a sign that CD hockey is very strong in KwaZulu-Natal — are in the running to finish second in B Section Pool B behind EP. Their match against Northerns B today will decide who gets to play off for third and fourth place tomorrow.
RESULTS
A Section: S. Gauteng 4 North West 3; Coastal 1 WP 1; Northerns 4 Wits 0; Inland 1 WP Peninsula 1.
B Section: Border 3 Mpumalanga 2; Namibia 4 N. Cape 2; EP 5 Southern Cape 2; Northerns B 7 Boland 0.
FIXTURES
A Section: WP vs WP Peninsula (12.20?pm); Wits vs Inland (2?pm); Northerns Blues vs Southern Gauteng (3.40?pm); KZN Coastal Raiders vs North West (5.20?pm).
B Section: Mpumalanga vs Namibia (9?am); Boland vs EP (Tuks 9?am); Free State vs Border (10.40?am); SA Country Districts vs Northerns B (Tuks 10.40?am).
The Witness - © www.witness.co.za 2002. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
South African Men's Hockey National Training Squad named after IPT 2009
JONATHAN COOK
NATIONAL convenor of selectors Mike Bechet and his panel of coach Gregg Clark, Robbie Pullen and Mo Malatji named the SA men's training squad Thursday. This follows the National Men's Interprovincial Hockey Tournament that concluded at the AB Jackson Greenfields Turf in Pietermaritzburg last Saturday with KZN Coastal Raiders beating Southern Gauteng 2-1 in the final.
Six players from Western Province, including captain Austin Smith, are in the squad of 26 with another eight from KZN Coastal Raiders, two from Eastern Province, one from North West, two from Northerns Blues, five from Southern Gauteng and one more apiece from KZN Inland and Border.
From this writer's perspective it is exciting to see the two KZN Raiders midfielders Tim Drummond and Taine Paton in the squad.
The two SA U21 Junior World Cup hockey players have huge talent and they were easily in the top 10 players at IPT in the KZN capital.
The skilful Taine Paton has incredible energy and drive in the engine room and often does the unglamorous "hard yards" that are so vital to a hockey team's end result. Alongside older brother and outstanding KZN Raiders captain Wade Paton, the combative Taine covered acres of ground on the Greenfields Turf in what was, to me, midfield dynamism of the very best quality. Taine is the sort of hard man every team needs, the kind of guy who gets in the opposition's faces and annoys the socks off them.
Tim Drummond is an interesting sportsman. One of the most exciting wicketkeeper/batsman in the country, and incredibly unlucky not to have been recognised by the KZN Dolphins franchise with a cap last season – even in a friendly game – he is coolness personified on a hockey field, doing the job with a minimum of wasted energy – and doing it so very, very well. It is no wonder that SA U21 men's head coach Kurt Cerfontyne said the highly skilled Drummond was rated by the other Junior World Cup hockey coaches as one of the best players of that tournament.
SA MEN'S HOCKEY TRAINING SQUAD
Rassie Pieterse (Western Province), Brenden Botes (Eastern Province), Gareth Carr (KwaZulu-Natal Coastals), Justin Reid-Ross (North West), Rhett Halkett (Northerns Blues), Lloyd Madsen (KwaZulu-Natal Coastals), Paul Blake (Western Province), Lance Louw (Southern Gauteng), Shanyl Balwanth (KwaZulu-Natal Coastals), Kevan Demartinis (KwaZulu-Natal Coastals), Austin Smith (Western Province), Tommy Hammond (KwaZulu-Natal Inland), Wade Paton (KwaZulu-Natal Coastals), Lungi Tsolekile (Western Province), Tim Drummond (KwaZulu-Natal Coastals), Taine Paton (KwaZulu-Natal Coastals), Shaun Davenhill (Southern Gauteng), Jonty Robinson (Northerns Blues), Marvin Harper (KwaZulu-Natal Coastals), Julian Hykes (Border), Geowynne Gamiet (Eastern Province), Thornton McDade (Southern Gauteng), Ian Haley (Western Province), Lloyd Norris-Jones (Southern Gauteng), Miguel da Graca (Southern Gauteng), Craig Haley (Western Province).
SA Hockey World
South African Men’s Hockey National Training Squad Announced
The following players have been included in the National Training squad selected at the conclusion of the Annual Inter Provincial tournament held recently in Pietermaritzburg.
R. Pieterse (Western Province), B. Botes (Eastern Province), G. Carr (KwaZulu Natal Coastals), J. Reid-Ross (North West), R. Halkett (Northerns Blues), L. Madsen (KwaZulu Natal Coastals), P. Blake (Western Province), L. Louw (Southern Gauteng), S. Balwanth (KwaZulu Natal Coastals), K. Demartinis (KwaZulu Natal Coastals), A. Smith (Western Province), T. Hammond (Kwa Zulu Natal Indland), W. Paton (KwaZulu Natal Coastals), L. Tsolekile (Western Province), T. Drummond (KwaZulu Natal Coastals), T. Paton (KwaZulu Natal Coastals), S. Davenhill (Southern Gauteng), J. Robinson (Northerns Blues), M. Harper (KwaZulu Natal Coastals), J. Hykes (Amathole), G. Gamiet (Eastern Province), T. McDade (Southern Gauteng), I. Haley (Western Province), L. Norris-Jones (Southern Gauteng), M. da Graca (Southern Gauteng), C. Haley (Western Province)
SA Hockey Association media release
India will be force to reckon with in WC: Sandeep
NEW DELHI: Brimming with confidence after the team's recent four-nation Europe tour, captain Sandeep Singh said India would be a force to reckon with in next year's hockey World Cup scheduled in the capital.
Indian hockey slumped to its lowest ebb last year when, for the first time in history, the eight-time Olympic champions failed to qualify for the Beijing Games.
Subsequently, Spaniard Jose Brasa was appointed the coach of the national team, which recently returned after a four-nation tour of Europe.
"The team is shaping up well for the World Cup. I feel we will give a tough fight to top hockey playing nations in the World Cup," Sandeep said.
"Both (chief coach) Brasa and (coach) Harendra Singh have been working hard with us to prepare the team for the World Cup and Commonwealth Games and the boys too are learning fast," he said.
Brasa's first assignment with the team, however, was far from rosy as India lost three of the four Test series in Europe. Sandeep claimed they lost despite playing better hockey than their opponents.
"If you watched the matches, you'd know we played better hockey than our opponents in all the four series," he said.
More than the outcome, Sandeep said the idea behind the 25-day tour was to get as much practice as possible.
"Our main target was to practise. We didn't go there thinking we would win every match. On match days also, we practiced in the morning and played in the evening.
"As coach sir (Brasa) told before leaving, we considered this tour as a learning curve and we did learn many things. We specifically focused on man-to-man marking and European style of hockey and it was great to see the boys adapting fast," Sandeep said.
Ranked 12th in the world, India started their Europe tour with 1-2 loss against seventh ranked England but came back strongly to beat world number nine Belgium 2-1 in the three-Test series.
Brasa's boys also displayed a strong performance against Beijing Olympic runners-up Spain and world number four Holland although they lost both the series 1-2 and 0-1 respectively.
Sandeep was disappointed that the hockey nationals, scheduled for Pune next month, was postponed due to swine flu.
"It was unfortunate but the organisers took the decision keeping in mind players' safety. The nationals would have given those boys, who are not part of the national camp, the chance to show their potential and earn a place in the national team," the ace drag-flicker said.
Talking about his career, Sandeep did not rule the possibility of playing in foreign leagues in future but said national duty would always top his priority list.
"Right now I am busy with the national team. Representing India comes first before anything but in future if I get good offers, I might consider them," Sandeep said.
The Times of India
I can see objects within two metres: Baljit
NEW DELHI: Injured India hockey goalkeeper Baljit Singh on Thursday said he can see objects within two metres after the successful surgery on his damaged right eye in the US.
Baljit, however, said he will have to wait for two-three months more to know the quantum of his complete recovery.
"I had a meeting with Dr Robert Morris yesterday. He tested my eyes. I was asked to see natural light with the sun glasses on. I was then tested with equipments for pressure in each eye," Baljit said.
"Now, I am able to see things at about two metres. Before operation, I was not able to see anything with my right eye but now I am able to see something, like a shadow. Dr Morris told me that there has been improvement but the process will be slow.
"He (Dr Morris) said by another two or three months, it will improve to a great extent and I will be able to view better and even I can identify colours," he said.
"But it will take some more time to know whether my vision will be hundred per cent or less," he added.
Baljit, who went to the US to get a second opinion on his damaged right eye, was operated upon at a private hospital at Alabama earlier this month under the watchful eyes of renowned ophthalmologist Dr Robert Morris after Baltimore's John Hopkins hospital could not guarantee him full vision.
"I am slightly relieved and feel happy now. As of now, I must say that the decision to get it operated by Dr Morris was right.
"Dr Morris will advise me, possibly tomorrow, as to how long I should stay in Alabama. I have been asked to meet him tomorrow," he said.
He also thanked the government for funding his treatment in the US.
"I am now able to see light at the end of the tunnel. I thank the Government of India, the Sports Ministry and IOA for their financial support," the hockey custodian said.
Baljit was injured in a freak incident when a golf ball, he was practising with, sneaked through the visor of his helmet and damaged his right eye.
He then had to be airlifted to the capital where doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Ssciences conducted a marathon emergency surgery but could not promise him full vision.
The Times of India
Truth is stranger than fiction - Part two
Having talked about the preparation of the team, national coach Tai Beng Hai bares his soul on matters affecting the team as a whole, right down to his unassuming nature that has been misinterpreted by many. Beng Hai was a “reluctant” candidate for the post of national coach when MHF appointed him in December 2008, yet he took up the appointment, as he believed in the players and their ability. His confidence till today is unraveled, as he believes that Malaysian hockey has what it takes to be among the “big” boys once again. Such is Beng Hai’s believe in the ability of the team that he is confident the team, given the right preparation can deliver a gold medal at the Asian Games next year.
(Note: This interview was done before MHF President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah made the statement that Beng Hai must take the team to the World Cup or risk being replaced incase of failure)
MH: Your appointment is till the World Cup Qualifiers, after which you could well be out of a job if Malaysia does not qualify. Do you think it is fair to assess a person’s ability as a Coach after just a year on the job?
BH: When I was appointed I was the Interim Coach, a position that I have held since day one. So in reality I have come to accept that my services could be done away with at any time the MHF wishes to do so. Normally coaches are given a time frame to deliver and ideally it should be over a two-year period. Next year there is the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games to think about, and not to mention the World Cup. So really it is 2010 that we should be working on right now but since I have been told to deliver by November, I shall do my level best. This team has what it takes to win gold at the 2010 Asian Games and in the process an automatic place in the 2012 London Olympics, but the planning should start early.
One must always remember that I am the interim coach so planning beyond November is something I cannot do.
MH: What has been the turn over of players in your squad ever since you have taken over? Have you chopped or made significant changes to the team since January and are there plans to add on more players?
BH: I took over the team in January and basically it has been the same team with exception to three players (Zulkifli, Suffian, Sasidharan) dropping out due to retirement or long-term injuries. And we have roped in some promising youngsters after Junior World Cup, so basically there have been minimum changes. However the team management has made a request to NSC via MHF to increase the squad to 35 players and a decision is expected next week when the Joint Committee meets.
MH: There have been unconfirmed reports that several players are thinking of quitting the national team. Have you been informed of any such withdrawals or intentions? Two of the players said to be considering early retirement are Azlan Misron and Chua Boon Huat as they were peeved at statements made by certain quarters as to why they were left out of the team for the Australia and New Zealand tours. Any truth to this?
BH: As far as I am concerned no players have quit the team and I expect to see Chua and Azlan at training next week. I was told of the intention of Azlan by the Team manager when the team was overseas and intend to meet Azlan to clarify certain things. I also will be having a heart to heart with Chua to find out what his problems are. Frankly leaving them out of the tours was to give others a chance and allow these two to recuperate. At no time did I say that the two are not part of my plans for the qualifiers. I cannot be responsible for what others might have said or was reported in the press, as it did not come from me. Ultimately it is my decision and my intention to talk to these two players is to get to the bottom of the matter, so lets just wait and see what happens.
MH: Is there a problem within the team since most of the players come from a club formerly managed by the Team Manager (George Koshy). Is there any form of compromise over discipline for these players?
BH: The coaches are responsible towards training the players and deciding on the team for tournament and matches and George does not interfere at all. On the question of discipline it is our joint responsibility and there is no question of favoring any player from a particular club. In the national set-up there is no division of players by clubs as they represent Malaysia and not their clubs nor employers. The coaching staffs share a cordial yet professional relationship with the Manager and we standby all decisions made by the management as it is done collectively.
MH: You have often been accused of standing in the way of players intending to play in the foreign leagues. What is your reaction to this?
BH: I have no problems with players wanting to play in foreign leagues so long as it will serve national interest. There are two criteria that I will look at before deciding to release a player to play overseas, firstly is the player disciplined enough to train on his own and secondly will his commitments affect the call of national duty. If the player can deliver on both aspects, then why should I stop them? For example we have Selvarajoo who will be playing in the NZ League and I am happy for him, and at the same time I hope youngsters like Faizal (Saari) will try to get stints with foreign clubs, as ultimately this will help Malaysian hockey.
MH: Some have labeled you difficult to communicate with while others feel that you are at times too reserved. What is your take on this?
BH: Ever since I was a player I shunned publicity and I am just the same person I was during my playing days as well as when coaching the clubs. I am reserved by nature but that should not be seen as being unfriendly. I have had some run-ins with certain personalities but it was just a case of miscommunication or a difference of opinion. To be honest I have no qualms of talking to anyone and have an open door policy for my players and I intend to get my players to open up. A two-way communication is vital to the success of any team.
MH: The European Championships are on, yet you are not there spying on our possible opponents? Why is that so?
BH: I made a request to go but it was denied so what I can do about it. After all I am the interim coach.
Malaysian Hockey blogspot
Who is the real coward, Azmi?
After having a two parter interview with Tai Beng Hai, which was picked up in totality by The Malay Mail and in bits by Harian Metro, the Deputy President of MHF Nur Azmi Ahmad responded with a stinging attack on Beng Hai, calling him a coward.
It's either Azmi does not comprehend English well or did not read the articles and responded in a manner totally unbecoming of a person entrusted with the position of being Malaysian hockey's number two man.
The interviews Azmi, were done prior to the MHF President giving the ultimatum to deliver at the qualifiers or risk being replaced. So get your facts right before you decide to open your mouth and accuse someone of Beng Hai's stature.
Now as so far as coward is concerned, why is it that Azmi refused at the MHF Council meeting in July, a suggestion put forward that he resign should the team fail to qualify? Azmi for the record is the Chairman of the National Team Management Committee, a body formed after the "new" MHF was elected into office last November.
And at that Council meeting Azmi had proposed to do away with the Selection Committee with its powers handed over to the Team Management Committee. Just imagine this, a proposal to do away with a legally constituted sub-committee that falls in the ambit of the MHF Constitution and replace it with a committee that was formed under the powers granted to the MHF President.
So really Azmi, go get your facts right and read the article as a whole. You should be proud to have a coach that is honest and one that does not fear to voice his opinions. Just how many times has your committee met or listened to the coach.
If there is anyone who should be a coward, then it has to be you Azmi and if heads are to roll, then yours has to be the first. Period.
Malaysian Hockey blogspot
PHF to organise Junior League even without sponsors
Staff Report
LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will organise the Junior Super Hockey League even without sponsors. “We will be organising this event even if we do not get sponsors for our teams,” PHF general secretary Mohammad Asif Bajwa told reporters Thursday. The Junior League is starting next month at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium in Karachi. Bajwa dispelled the impression that the PHF was facing hardship in organising the Junior League due to sponsors’ lack of interest. “We are not disappointed with the situation. We are not going to give it up, we are still trying to lure sponsors for this event which is going to revive hockey in the country,” he maintained. The PHF official said the Junior League would help in infusing a new life in hockey in which Pakistan was struggling to regain lost glory.
“This League is for the junior teams and its involves the selected teams from all over the country.” Bajwa said PHF president Qasim Zia and he himself were trying to get the attention of sponsors and they were optimistic in this regard. “Roughly we need around Rs 10 million to stage this event.” Bajwa said the talent identified from the Junior League would be closely observed and most outstanding players would be invited to attend a training camp. “In this way a pool of promising players will reinforce junior and senior teams,” he concluded.
The Daily Times
FRB orders inquiry against Customs sports authorities
Staff Report
LAHORE: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman has ordered an inquiry against the Customs sports authorities for not sending their hockey team in the National Hockey Championship and Gold Cup Hockey Tournament this year.
“FBR chief Muhammad Sohail Ahmad gave the orders after a meeting with Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Qasim Zia and general secretary Muhammad Asif Bajwa in Islamabad,” said a spokesman for the PHF on Thursday.
The spokesman added the FBR chairman also ordered the Customs sports authorities to form their hockey team and to ensure its participation in All Pakistan Gold Cup Hockey Tournament to be played from October 14-21 in the federal capital.
“He also assured the PHF officials that from now onwards the Customs hockey team will definitely take part in every national level tournament,” said the PHF spokesman.
The Daily Times
Jillani orders renovation of stadium ahead of Bhutto Gold Cup
ISLAMABAD: A high official meeting to review the arrangements of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Gold Cup Hockey Tournament was held under the chairmanship of Federal Sports Minister and Patron in Chief of the tournament Pir Aftab Shah Jillani here on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by President Pakistan Hockey Federation Qasim Zia, Secretary Muhammad Asif Bajwa, Secretary Sports Anis Ul Hassnain, Director General Sports Ameer Hamza Gillani, Organizing Secretary of the tournament Mustafeen Kazmi and tournament coordinator Irfan Khokhar.
Pir Aftab Shah Jillani ordered of renovation of Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium Islamabad for the tournament.
The house also took the necessary measurements for organizing the tournament in befitting manner. Federal Minister for Sports also ordered to all concerned departments to take part in the tournament, which will be played from 14th to 21st October at Islamabad.
President PHF Qasim Zia and Secretary Muhammad Asif Bajwa also had meetings with Federal Minister for Labor and Manpower Khursheed Shah, Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal and Federal Minister for Textiles Industries Rana Farooq Saeed.
All the three Federal Ministers gave assurance of cooperation to hold the tournament in a smooth way.
The News International
Hanif Khan skips tourney in protest against KHA
KARACHI: Former Olympian Hanif Khan who had regularly been organizing Ramazan Hockey Tournament for the last 16 years suspended the tournament this year in protest against the Karachi Hockey Association (KHA).
Hanif Khan accused secretary and president of KHA for not serving the association properly and said that was the reason the national game is struggling in Karachi.
He said Karachi had formerly been the power-house of the game in Pakistan.
He said he dismantled the regular tournament which had been organized regularly for the last 16 years in the month of Ramazan in protest against KHA.
“They are incompetent people and are not running the association properly and because of their improper policies — young players are running away from hockey,” he said.
However, President KHA Farooq Khan denied the allegations saying that Hanif Khan was up to some personal vendetta.
“His club (Hanif Khan Hockey Club) fought in the tournaments many times so we banned the club but on PHF’s request we reduced the ban to only a warning. “However, if they again fall in another controversy than we are going to ban them for life.”
The News International
Local body needs sh200m
The Uganda Hockey Federation is looking for over sh200m to enable them host the Intercontinental club championships at Lugogo in November. The international hockey body gave Uganda the go-ahead to host the week-long games event early this month. The federation secretary Emmauel Ewachi welcomed the offer but said lack of funds could hamper them from making the competion as colourful as they wished.
New Vision
Clubs call to dissolve BHF
GS defends activities of the federation
Sports Reporter
Most of the senior division hockey clubs called on State Minister for Youth and Sports Ahad Ali Sarkar on Wednesday with an appeal to form a new committee of Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) dissolving the existing one.
The club representatives put on facts to the minister about the recent scenario of hockey.
The representatives underlined that hockey is now in a vulnerable condition as there is no competition at all which eventually degrades performance of a number of players.
Former BHF joint secretary Khawja Rahmatullah, who was among the delegation to meet the minister, told The Independent that the languish situation persists in hockey is a result of inefficiency of the present committee.
"No way it is healthy for the game which is happening at this moment.
There is no competition… nothing. Do you think it will develop the game?," Rahmatullah questioned.
Besides, former general secretary Sajed Adel said this committee is doing everything but development of hockey.
"Members of this committee are busy with their own interest. I would say this committee is completely failed," Sajed Adel said.
BHF General Secretary Khondokar Jamiluddin said he was not officially informed of the matter.
He in reply to a query said, "If any one complains that there is no league than it is not true.
We have already declared schedule of premier division hockey league on their (clubs) approval. And at the same time the federation gives effort to prepare a formidable team for the upcoming SA Games.
We have to think about our national image simultaneously."
"If anyone says that hockey stands still then it is also not true.
Those who raise voice against the committee should look at the recent activities.
We have sent our team to Malaysia, Russia, Neheru Cup and now our players are playing in Germany.
Don't you want to take this as achievements? Jamiluddin questioned.
Independent