News 29 March 2014
All the news for Saturday 29 March 2014
Hockeyroos’ clean sweep
5-2 win over Japan; strikes from Nanscawen, Schulz, Blyth, Peris & Nelson
Wrapping up a busy past week the Hockeyroos marched into their fifth and final match of the Test series against Japan winning 5-2 on home turf in Perth.
Georgia Nanscawen broke the ice three minutes into the first half with a field goal giving Australia a quick 1-0 lead over Japan.
Rapidly followed by a penalty corner in the 14th minute saw Hockeyroos Jodie Schulz complete a powerful drag flick past Japanese goalkeeper Ryoko Oie leaving Australia 2-0 up.
Australian captain, Madonna Blyth and Brooke Peris kicked into gear giving the Hockeyroos breathing space after the pair scored at the 18th and 29th minute mark. Japan’s striker, Shiho Otsuka pulled Japan back into contention at the 32nd minute with 4-1 half time.
After a tentative start to the second half Japan came back blazing 11 minutes in. Akika Ota scored Japan’s first penalty corner of the match leaving the hockeyroos still in danger with only two goals in front of their visitors.
Midway through the second half the Hockeyroos earned its final goal to seal their fifth consecutive win by Ashleigh Nelson who brought Australia’s victory to 5-2 over Japan.
Speaking after the match Hockeyroos head coach Adam Commens said, “It was a really promising first half, we had efficient goal scoring which lead us to 4-0 up and 4-1 coming into the break which was really pleasing”
“The second half became a little inconsistent in which we passed too many opportunities to Japan however, once again we held control of the game and it was a solid effort.”
Discussing Jodie Schulz's 50th International goal for Australia which was conceived off the back of a penalty corner in the 14th minute Commens noted, “Jodie is one of the most dangerous drag flickers in the world and it’s a great achievement for her to reach 50 international goals for the Hockeyroos while it’s also pleasing to see the other four field goals come out on top as well.”
Commenting on the Hockeyroos preparation coming into the six nations tournament held in New Zealand next week Commens added, “We are still trying to work out our best combinations as we head into the World Cup. New Zealand will give us a good chance to develop our game and experiment with players and positions, ultimately it will give our team balance and preparation before extending our tour in Europe.”
The Hockeyroos maintained their 100% win record against Japan over the course of the Western Australian five Test series. The team will now head to Hawkes Bay, New Zealand to play in the six nation’s tournament April 5 – 13 where the Hockeyroos will face Argentina day one of the tournament 12:00 pm AEDT (9:00 am AWST).
Test 5 of 5
Perth, Western Australia
Hockeyroos: 5 (4)
Georgia Nanscawen 3 (FG)
Jodie Schulz 14 (PC)
Madonna Blyth 18 (FG)
Brooke Peris 29 (FG)
Ashleigh Nelson 51 (FG)
Japan: 2 (1)
Shiho Otsuka 32 (FG)
Akiko Ota 46 (PC)
* Note: Jodie Kenny (recently married) is recorded under her maiden name of Schulz and Kirstin Dwyer under her maiden name of Johnson as FIH regulations for an official Test match state that an athlete must play under the name on their passport.
Hockeyroos squad v Japan Athlete
(Hometown, State) Caps/GoalsStarted
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 271/65
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 30/1
Casey Eastham (South Coast, NSW) 193/44
Kate Jenner (Tamowrth, NSW) 85/1
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 114/21
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 138/61
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 52/13
Jodie Schulz* (now married, Jodie Kenny) (Wamuran, QLD) 96/50
Jayde Taylor (Bunbury, WA) 84/1
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 27/0
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 66/22
Used Substitute
Mathilda Carmichael (Willoughby, NSW) 10/0
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 31/3
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 114/20
Kirstin Johnson* (now married, Kirstin Dwyer) (Mackay, QLD) 38/2
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 99/0
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 23/6
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 77/31
Jordyn Holzberger (Ipswich, QLS) 31/3
2014 Key Dates – Hockeyroos
5-13 April: Six nations tournament in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Korea, China, Japan)
31 May – 15 June: World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands
23 July – 3 August: Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland
29 November – 7 December: Champions Trophy, Argentina
Hockey Australia media release
Black Sticks Women go down 3-4 to Korea in thriller
Gemma Flynn in action in the test today against Korea at the Fuji Xerox Hockey Centre at Auckland Grammar School.
The Black Sticks Women have lost 3-4 in their first game of a two test series at the Fuji Xerox Hockey Centre at Auckland Grammar School in Mt Eden.
Head coach Mark Hager says it was disappointing to concede so many goals and although there were some good signs from younger players, the team missed the defensive experience from captain Kayla Sharland.
“We deliberately didn’t have Kayla playing these games because we want to test out other players and give them a chance ahead of World Cup – but it goes to show that we really miss Kayla’s tenacity and leadership in defence,” says Hager.
“We are looking at what other players within the squad can play in that deep defensive position,” said Hager.
Neither head coach would have been happy with the opening 20 minutes of the game - a lot of turnover ball and scrappy play resulted in both sides rueing missed opportunities. The first goal went to the visitors when a defensive lapse from the Kiwis lead to Mi Hyun Park receiving a high pass and knocking one home in front of the goal.
During the second quarter the Black Sticks showed more composure and created chances. A goalmouth scramble ended well for the Kiwis when Sophie Cocks tapped it to Gemma Flynn who evened up the scoreboard.
One minute before half time the Black Sticks were awarded a penalty corner and Anita Punt fired a superbly executed drag flick to the very top right hand corner of the net to give the Kiwis a welcomed 2-1 lead.
The second half was a see-saw affair. It started when Yun Kyoung Cho scored, then the Kiwis snatched back the lead when Sian Fremaux found the back of the net following a penalty corner breakdown, and then the Koreans equalised when Mi Hyun Park scored her second. However, with seven minutes remaining captain Jong Eun Kim scored a field goal and secured the win for her side.
A vocal crowd helped the Kiwis stay in the game with the best opportunity coming in the last minute when Petrea Webster was free at the top of the circle but her attempt at goal was well blocked by the Koreans.
The next game for the Black Sticks is at 4.30pm tomorrow at the Fuji Xerox Hockey Centre, Auckland Grammar School (Mt Eden, Auckland). Tickets are available at Ticket Direct. Gate sales are also available. The Black Sticks Women then head to Taupo where they play two games against China at Hickling Park (gate sales only). The tests against Korea and China are build-up games ahead of the Hawke’s Bay Festival from the 5-13 April where they will take on Australia, Argentina, Korea, Japan and China.
RESULTS
Full time: 3-4 to Korea
Half time: 2-1 to New Zealand
NZ goal scorers: Gemma Flynn, Anita Punt, Sian Fremaux
Korean goal scorers: Mi Hyun Park x2, Yun Kyoung Cho, Jong Eun Kim
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Better performance but same score line
The Black Sticks Women have lost 3-4 to Korea in their second test at the Fuji Xerox Hockey Centre at Auckland Grammar School in Mt Eden. The games have given the national selectors a chance to pick a team ahead of the Hawke’s Bay Festival starting next weekend in Napier.
“At the moment we aren’t treasuring each instance on the field and making the most of it. At times today, we struggled to put sequences of passes together and we just need to improve the basics, it was frustrating to concede so many goals again and some of the younger players lacked consistency,” said Black Sticks head coach Mark Hager.
It was an improved start for the Kiwis compared to their opening spell in last night’s game. They were tighter on defence and much more composed up front, however despite best efforts, the Koreans were the first to score through Han Hye Lyoung.
The work paid off for the Black Sticks when Canterbury’s Sophie Cocks got New Zealand back in the game and then Olivia Merry put New Zealand in the lead six minutes later.
Following a similar fashion to last night’s match, it became tit-for-tat and Hye Lyoung scored her second to tie it up just before half time.
The second half remained a close contest, the Black Sticks created some great opportunities helped by a few trademark Gemma Flynn sprints through the midfield. But Korea remained relentless in defence, and worked well to turn over ball and earn penalty corners that Park Ki Ju converted in the 55th minute.
Merry gave the Kiwis real hope for a win when she found the back of the net in the 67th minute but despite the Black Sticks rallying to find the winning goal, a last minute penalty corner conversion from Cheon Seul gave the visitors the win.
Anita Punt injured her knee and left the field just before half time, ruling her out of the upcoming games against China this week.
Hager will tomorrow announce a team of 18 for the Hawke’s Bay Festival from the 5-13 April. The team heads to Taupo where they play two warm-up games against China at Hickling Park on Monday and Tuesday this week at 6pm. Gate sales only.
The Hawke’s Bay Festival will see the Black Sticks take on Australia, Argentina, Korea, Japan and China. Tickets for the Hawke’s Bay Festival can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.nz
Both games in Taupo and all the Black Sticks games during the Hawke’s Bay Festival will be LIVE STREAMED on www.hockeynz.co.nz.
RESULTS
Full time: 3-4 win to Korea
Half time: 2-2
NZ goal scorers: Sophie Cocks, Olivia Merry x2
Korean goal scorers: Han Hye Lyoung x2, Park Ki Ju, Cheon Seul
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks miss skipper's experience in defeat to Korea
New Zealand women's hockey coach Mark Hager wanted to find out a little more about his side in the two-test series against Korea and concluded they rely heavily on captain Kayla Sharland during a 4-3 defeat in Auckland tonight.
Sharland didn't play in the first test and it showed as the Black Sticks missed her experience and allowed four goals to be scored against them.
"We deliberately didn't have Kayla playing these games because we want to test out other players and give them a chance ahead of World Cup,'' Hager said. "But it goes to show that we really miss Kayla's tenacity and leadership in defence.
"We are looking at what other players within the squad can play in that deep defensive position.''
Neither coach would have been happy with the opening 20 minutes of the game as both sides turned over possession and missed a handful of good opportunities.
Korea finally took advantage of a defensive lapse, scoring through Mi Hyun Park.
The Black Sticks showed more composure and created chances in the second quarter and Gemma Flynn levelled the scores after a goalmouth scramble. Things seemed to be on track when Anita Punt fired a penalty corner into the top right-hand corner one minute before halftime.
The second half was a see-saw affair as both sides traded goals.
It started when Yun Kyoung Cho scored, then the Kiwis snatched back the lead through Sian Fremaux. The Koreans equalised when Mi Hyun Park scored her second, however, Korea captain Jong Eun Kim scored the winner seven minutes from time.
Petrea Webster had a chance to grab a draw in the final minute but her shot from the top of the circle was well blocked.
The Black Sticks will meet Korea in the second test in Auckland tomorrow before heading to Taupo for two games against China.
They are using the games as preparation for next month's Haweks Bay Festival, when they take on Australia, Argentina, Korea, Japan and China.
New Zealand 3 (Gemma Flynn, Anita Punt, Sian Fremaux), Korea Mi Hyun Park 2, Yun Kyoung Cho, Jong Eun Kim). HT: 2-1.
The New Zealand Herald
Better performance but same result
Olivia Merry's two goals were unable to prevent the Black Sticks from falling to a 4-3 defeat against Korea. Photo / Getty
The New Zealand women's hockey side have lost 4-3 to Korea for the second day in a row at Auckland Grammar School in Mt Eden.
After dropping the first test last night by the same scoreline, the Black Sticks put on a better display but couldn't avoid being swept 2-0 in the series.
While they will be upset with the losses, the games have given the national selectors a chance to pick a team ahead of the Hawke's Bay Festival, starting next weekend in Napier.
"At the moment we aren't treasuring each instance on the field and making the most of it," said coach Mark Hager. "At times today, we struggled to put sequences of passes together and we just need to improve the basics.
"It was frustrating to concede so many goals again and some of the younger players lacked consistency."
It was an improved start for the Kiwis compared to their opening spell in last night's game. They were tighter on defence and much more composed up front, but the Koreans were the first to score through Han Hye Lyoung.
The home side's work paid off when Canterbury's Sophie Cocks got New Zealand back in the game, before Olivia Merry put New Zealand in the lead six minutes later. Following a similar fashion to last night's match, it became tit-for-tat and Hye Lyoung scored her second to tie it up just before halftime.
The second half remained a close contest, with the Black Sticks creating some great opportunities through a few trademark Gemma Flynn sprints through the midfield. But Korea remained relentless in defence and worked well to turn over ball, eventually earning a penalty corner that Park Ki Ju converted in the 55th minute.
Merry gave the Kiwis real hope for a win when she found the back of the net in the 67th minute but a last-minute penalty corner conversion from Cheon Seul gave the visitors victory.
The news got worse for the Black Sticks, with Anita Punt injuring her knee and leaving the field just before halftime, ruling her out of the upcoming games against China this week.
Hager will tomorrow announce a team of 18 for next month's Hawke's Bay Festival. The team will then head to Taupo where they play two warm-up games against China at Hickling Park.
The Hawke's Bay Festival will see the Black Sticks take on Australia, Argentina, Korea, Japan and China.
New Zealand 3 (Sophie Cocks, Olivia Merry 2)
Korea 4 (Han Hye Lyoung 2, Park Ki Ju, Cheon Seul)
HT: 2-2
The New Zealand Herald
Women's Black Sticks fall to Korea again
SIMON PLUMB
Korea have condemned the women's Black Sticks to their second 4-3 defeat in two days.
Just as New Zealand thought they'd scrambled an equaliser for a 3-3 draw in Auckland tonight, the visitors rushed up the other end and hit the Black Sticks with a late goal to win 4-3.
The sucker-punch which caught New Zealand's defence off-guard highlighted the absence of co-captain and key player Kayla Sharland, who was rested.
Tonight's result follows another 4-3 defeat to the Koreans in Auckland yesterday, sealing the two game series for the visitors.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was frustrating to concede so many goals again and that some of New Zealand's younger players lacked consistency.
"At the moment we aren't treasuring each instance on the field and making the most of it," Hager said.
"At times today, we struggled to put sequences of passes together and we just need to improve the basics."
Another annoyance for Hager was an injury to pacey midfielder Anita Punt, who injured her knee and left the field just before half time, ruling her out of the upcoming games against China this week.
Today the Koreans were the first to score through Han Hye Lyoung before Canterbury's Sophie Cocks was able to get New Zealand back in the game before Olivia Merry put them into the lead.
In similar fashion to last night's defeat, it was tit-for-tat affair and then Hye Lyoung scored her second to tie it up just before half time.
The second half remained a close contest with the Black Sticks creating good opportunities, helped by a few trademark Gemma Flynn sprints through the midfield. Korea remained relentless in defence though and worked well to turn over possession and earn penalty corners - one of which Park Ki Ju converted in the 55th minute.
Merry gave the Kiwis real hope for a win when she found the back of the net in the 67th minute but despite the Black Sticks rallying to find the winning goal, a last minute penalty corner conversion from Cheon Seul gave the visitors the win.
Tomorrow Hager will announce a team of 18 for the Hawke's Bay Festival from the 5-13 April. The team heads to Taupo where they play two warm-up games against China at Hickling Park on Monday and Tuesday at 6pm.
The Hawke's Bay Festival will see the Black Sticks take on Australia, Argentina, Korea, Japan and China.
Stuff
Hockey rule changes: Will it be advantage India?
Harpreet Kaur Lamba
In the last few years, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has rung in many changes to make the sport faster, spectator friendly and to add to its commercial appeal.
An own goal like in football, allowing overhead passes or even a self pass during free hits, field hockey saw many new introductions. While the spectators could identify with the easier and more attractive rules, those involved with the sport weren’t always pleased. An outcry from top international players led to the abolishment of the own goal rule after one year, while the rest have been adapted slowly.
Earlier last week, the world body came up with one of the boldest change, bringing down the game duration to 60 minutes from the traditional 70. The two halves gave way to four quarters of 15 minutes each, and the reasons given were "to improve the flow and intensity of the game and increase the fan experience and opportunity for game analysis".
Other changes include the implementation of 40-second time outs following awarding of penalty corners and whenever a goal is scored.
The latest rules did not find a very positive initial response from the players, but many coaches believe that it has the potential to change the sport for good.
India coach Terry Walsh says, "There are two key elements in this change. Firstly the game playing time, and then the issue of playing four quarters.
"The game playing time is seemingly reduced by 10 minutes. Up to 15 time outs of 40 seconds for goals and penalty corners accounts for this 10 minute cumulative time period. So if you have more time outs than 15 in number, the game time is actually longer than before. Commercialism is increased significantly with this format. More time for commentary, explanations and advertising opportunities is clearly advantageous."
The new rules offer the players three breaks instead of just one. The 10-minute half-time break stays, while a team will get additional two-minute breaks each after the first and the third quarter.
Top coaches believe that these breaks will allow them to field their best players for a longer duration, hence increasing the potential of better performance.
Explains Walsh, "A short break is all that is required for rehydration and some physiological recovery. Certainly the quarter time break could be part of the cumulative recovery time certain players require to ensure maximum physical performance.
"This potentially will allow the best players to be on the pitch for a greater time as the quarter time breaks of two minutes may be just long enough to facilitate re-energising the players. The 10 minute half time break remains and so that doesn’t bring any change.
"Facing 15 minutes of continuous high intensity is very different from performing for 35 minutes continuously at the highest levels of intensity. My initial impression is that the greatest changes will be seen in how the players will be utilized from the interchange bench."
Skills over speed?
The Indian players are traditionally known to be better in skills, in comparison to the top European nations who thrive on fitness and physique.
Walsh raises an interesting point here. "From my point of view, the potential for the best players to be on the pitch to outplay the opponent, rather than outrun the opponent, has to be a good change for our sport."
So could it be advantage India, under the new rules?
"Yes," says former India skipper and defender Jagbir Singh. "The changes introduced and initiated by the FIH have all come through Indian hockey and we should be proud of it. There were times when India’s and Pakistan’s consents weren’t considered whenever changes were done in hockey, since they were the former giants.
"If you look at the changes now, be it referrals, the commercial angle, the professional league or the penalty shootout, it has come through Indian hockey.
"I believe it should give Indian players more confidence than the rest and it will eventually come down to self belief and utilizing that confidence well."
Jagbir reckoned that the four quarters will give the think-tank time to analyse and prepare better.
"Earlier, it were the two halves meaning two short matches in one. Now you have four quarters. The intensity would increase, teams can use the technology to their advantage to change the game accordingly in each quarters, since the breaks allow you time to think and plan.
"It will be a combination of skills and strength, which will culminate into speed."
The Asian Age
USA Indoor Hockey Names Squads for Indoor Pan American Cup in Uruguay
U.S. Men and Women complete final preparations for tour
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Men’s Coach Andrew Thornton and Women’s Coach Denise Zelenak have announced the teams they will take to Montevideo, Uruguay to compete in the 2014 Pan American Indoor Cup. The event is an opportunity for the teams to improve their FIH World Indoor rankings and also qualify for the next Indoor World Cup, planned for Leipzig Germany in February 2015.
To prepare, the men’s squad toured Scotland and Germany over the New Year, competed in the Big Apple International Invitational in February and competed in a three match test series against Canada the weekend of March 15 and 16.
“We are looking forward to this tournament and a chance to test ourselves against the best the Pan Ams have to offer,” said Men’s Coach Andy Thornton. “We have a good blend of experience and youth with seven players having played in one or more Indoor Pan Ams and five who represented the U.S. at the last World Cup. If we play to a high level and with a bit of luck, I am confident we can get a good result down in Uruguay.”
The Women’s squad has been training periodically throughout the year. They hosted Canada for a test series in August 2013, toured Germany in January, competed in the Big Apple and also participated in the test series against Canada in March. The team will continue to train through the week of departure.
“This is going to be a very competitive event, with all of the other Nations participating having already competed in at least one World Cup,” said Women’s Coach Denise Zelenak. “We are very excited with the progress of our team in the last three years. The result is having a Pan Am team that is fast, dynamic, skilled and unified. So proud to be taking such a strong and committed group of athletes, who are eager for the opportunity to compete for the Pan Am Indoor Cup, as well as, our ultimate goal of a first appearance at the Indoor World Cup.”
Countries participating in the Pan American Indoor Cup are Argentina, Canada, Guyana (Men only), Uruguay and the United States.
The U.S. will also be represented on the Technical staff by the following:
Tournament Director: Rene Zelkin
Umpire Manager: Steve Horgan
Communications Manager: Rebecca Kanter (Women)
Umpire: Stephanie Judefind (Women)
Umpire: Constantine “Gus” Soteriades (Men)
Venue: The British Schools, MáximoTajes 6421, 11500 Montevideo
Men’s Event Website: http://www.panamhockey.org/en/competitions-31-2014-indoor-pan-american-cup-men-
Women’s Event Website: http://www.panamhockey.org/en/competitions-34-2014-indoor-pan-american-cup-women-
U.S. Men’s Indoor Pan American Cup Squad
Kevin Barber (Camarillo, CA), Michael Barminski (Ventura, CA), Ajai Dhadwhal (Agoura Hills, CA), Mohan Gandhi (Ventura, CA), William Holt (Camarillo, CA), JaJa Kentwell (Spring City, PA), Thomas Krauss (New York, NY.), Moritz Runzi (Boston, MA), Sebastian Scheurer (Greenwich, CT), Robert Schilling (Long Beach, CA), Kevin Segeren (Twin Falls, ID), Jason Wellings (San Diego, CA)
U.S. Women’s Indoor Pan American Cup Squad
Susan Ciufo (Bangor, PA), Ashley Dalisera (Millersville, MD), Maeve Doherty (Millersville, MD), Amanda Fleischut (Doylestown, PA), Lauren Hibshman (Allentown, PA), Alexa Hoover (Collegeville, PA), Maria Keesling (Downingtown, PA), Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, PA), Rachael Milne (Hatfield, PA), Kimberly Tunell (Wilmington, DE)
USFHA media release
Penang aiming for a double
By Fadhli Ishak
PENANG stayed on course for a double in the Milo-MHC National Under-16 tournament in Perlis after their boys' and girls' teams emerged victorious yesterday.
A 50th minute penalty corner from Muhammad Aiman Asyraff and a Muhammad Amirul Hamizan field goal seven minutes later were enough to give Penang full points in a 2-1 win over Terengganu in their final boys' Group B match at the Kangar Stadium.
Terengganu's sole reply came via a Muhd Aliff Izham field goal in the 69th. Penang will play Selangor in the semi-finals today.
The northerners also had much to celebrate as their girls' team stayed on track to defend their title after edging Kelantan 3-2 in the semi-finals.
They will play Negri Sembilan, who beat Pahang 2-0 in a shoot-out, for the title today.
Penang Hockey Association secretary V. Jayanandhan said he was happy that both teams achieved their target of making at least the last-four and stressed that it is anybody's game from here on.
"We are happy to have achieved our target but obviously we would like to do more," said Jayanandhan.
"Whether it is in the boys or the girls competition, all the teams remaining are at about the same strength. Selangor have done well so far and it will be a close fight.
"At this level, whoever take their chances well and make less mistakes will advance.
"However, it is important to let the players play without stress. Everything from here is a bonus for us and we do not want to burden them with high expectations."
Boys' defending champions Perak will have their work cut out for them as they play five-time champions Kuala Lumpur in the other semi-final.
RESULTS -- Boys' Group A: Selangor 4 Kedah 0; Group B: Penang 2 Terengganu 1, Kuala Lumpur 5 Kelantan 1, Johor 5 Sabah 1.
Girls' semi-finals: Negri Sembilan 0 Pahang 0 (Negri win 2-0 on penalties), Penang 3 Kelantan 2.
Today -- Boys' semi-finals : Selangor v Penang (3pm), Kuala Lumpur v Perak (5pm) -- Kangar Stadium.
Girls' third-place playoff: Pahang v Kelantan (3pm); Final: Penang v Negri Sembilan (5pm) -- SMK Kuala Perlis.
New Straits Times
Perak to take on KL in U-16 hockey semis
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Perak will face former winners Kuala Lumpur in the boys’ semi-finals of the MHC-Milo Under-16 hockey championship at the Kangar Hockey Stadium.
KL topped Group B when they defeated Kelantan 5-1 on Friday while Penang finished second after a 2-1 win over Terengganu.
KL, who were five-time champions from 2008 to 2012, are determined to beat Perak, the Group A runners-up, to reach the final.
Said KL coach K. Embaraj: “We are getting closer to our target of reaching the final. I hope the players will keep their momentum going.
“Perak are a good side although they have not played to their true potential yet. But we have a good chance as the players are showing good form. We just need to stick to our game plan and take our chances well.”
In Friday’s match, Mohamed Haziq Hisyamuddin scored a brace for KL in the 41st and 48th minutes.
Mohamed Syakhir opened the scoring in the 28th minute and the other goalscorers were Mohamed Firdaus Azmi (31st) and Mohamed Shaari (70th). Kelantan’s consolation goal in the 58th minute was scored by Khairul Azree.
Selangor topped Group A when they defeated Kedah 4-0. They will play Group B runners-up Penang in the last four.
Selangor had already qualified for the semi-finals before the game but they needed a win to top the group. Mohamed Syazwan scored two goals in the second and 38th minutes while Mohamed Fahmi and Umar Hakim Ahmad was on target in the 17th and 59th minutes respectively.
Penang ended their group fixtures with a 2-1 win over Terengganu.
Mohamed Aiman Asyraff and Mohamed Aminul Hamizan were the goal getters while Mohamed Alif Izam scored for the east coast side.
In the girls’ category, defending champions Penang will take on Negri Sembilan in Saturday’s final at the Kuala Perlis Turf.
Penang edged Kelantan 3-2 in the semi-finals on Friday while Negri defeated Pahang 2-0 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0 in regulation time.
The Star of Malaysia
Keeping it in the family
With two months to go until the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, Belgium star Jill Boon explains her love of the game
Jill Boon was always destined to be an international hockey player. Her mother, Karin Coudron, was an international player, while her uncle Marc Coudron played 356 times for the Red Lions. Add sibling rivalry into the mix, courtesy of current Belgium international Tom Boon, and Jill was always going to wear a Belgium shirt.
Recalling her childhood, Jill says that her earliest memories were of going with her mother to watch matches, and she has vivid memories of toddler Tom grasping a hockey stick when he could barely walk. Jill puts the Boon siblings' success down to the amount of extra time they spent as youngsters in the hockey environment. "We certainly had the opportunity to enjoy many hours more training than other children the same age," she says.
For Jill, her mum's experiences as a Beguim international inspired her to dream of international stardom. She recalls accompanying Karin to matches and experiencing the special atmosphere of comradeship and the emotional involvement that comes from being part of a sports team.
She says that being part of a team is one of the biggest factors that has driven her to success: "Teamsport in general has always had a huge influence on my life. It allows common people to achieve uncommon results. But, for me the best thing about team sports is that it creates friendship for life. It's amazing to share victories with your team and it is less difficult to cope when the team is going through tough times if you have a strong team bond."
When it comes to the personal qualities associated with playing as part of a team, Jill has this message: "Not only does being part of a team help you work harder to get fit and improve skills – because of the encouragement of the others around you – but it also helps you develop personality and confidence. It instils a sense of commitment and makes you realise that you can rely and depend on others. It's not just about you anymore."
FIH site
Coach Karen's missing medal
Can England move out of the bronze age at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup?
Karen Brown is England and Great Britain's most capped player, with 355 caps to her name and a raft of medals in her trophy cabinet. However, the one trophy that eluded the England women's assistant coach is a medal of any colour from three Hockey World Cups. Despite this, Brown says: "I love the World Cup. For me it is up there with the Olympics as the two premier events for our sport. It represents the best teams with the best players, all with one aim, winning or doing their absolute best to finish as high as possible."
With an Olympic bronze medal from the 1992 Olympic Games, a European gold medal, Commonwealth silver and numerous national titles with her club Slough, Karen is a source of inspiration for the players she coaches, but how easy has it been for Brown the player to transform into Coach Karen?
"I try to see things from both perspectives. It's the only approach I have known, so it is normal for me to try to see both aspects. The physical transition from player to coach is more difficult. As an athlete you are used to being very selfish, but as a coach you have to become selfless and that transition in itself takes a while to appreciate.
"When I first got into coaching I thought my job was to give all the answers but over time I have realised this will only work up to a certain point. If you want long term sustainability and to allow your team to develop, grow and improve you must adjust and adapt your style to suit the maturity levels of your athlete or team."
Karen's coaching career began with club side Chelmsford in 2000, and she has worked as either assistant or head coach to the England U16, U18 and U21 and B programmes. She was head coach of the England U21 women’s team at the Junior World Cup in Chile in 2005 and joined England Hockey that same year as junior performance manager, moving to assistant coach working alongside Danny Kerry in 2006. During that time, England have won bronze medals at the 2010 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, two Commonwealth Games and three European Championships. Although this demonstrates a consistently high level of achievement, have England discovered a way to reach the finals in a major tournament?
"If I knew the answer to that I certainly would not be sharing it! We are consistently winning medals at majors and that level of performance is incredibly difficult to achieve and maintain but you are right, the next step is to contest major finals. We are all working incredibly hard to try and achieve that, but the competition out there is also trying to do the same, it is a very competitive environment."
Much of England's consistency has been accredited to the centralised training programme at Bisham Abbey, which Karen played an integral role in developing. This allows the players and coaches to spend a lot more time working together, and Karen recognises the importance of providing the players with a high performance environment to work in. "And," she adds: "We are incredibly lucky to have a bunch of talented athletes."
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