News 06 February 2014
All the news for Thursday 6 February 2014
Delhi Waveriders held by UP Wizards
NEW DELHI: Delhi Waveriders got back to the top of the points table with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Hockey India League match on Wednesday.
Though Delhi scored the first goal and maintained the lead till the last eight minutes of the match, they would consider themselves lucky for not finishing on the losing side, thanks to some poor finishing by their rivals and some good work by their defenders and goalkeeper.
Delhi took the lead through Yuvraj Walmiki in the 23rd minute and SK Uthappa drew parity in the 62nd minute with a spectacular reverse-flick. The draw took Delhi's points tally to 19, one more than Punjab Warriors. The Wizards stayed in the third place with 13 points.
Delhi started the match cautiously, quite like their rivals — the reason could be that they were playing each other for the first time in this edition. After a few minutes, the Wizards suddenly mounted an attack on the left and Sander Baart raced into the Delhi circle in a flash. His reverse-hit, aimed at the left of the post, was palmed away by goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi.
Delhi had their chance two minutes later, in the sixth, when their captain Sardar Singh came up with a solo run from the midfield, but there was no fellow player inside the circle to take advantage of the situation.
Matt Gohdes had his chance as well in the ninth minute to give Delhi the lead as he received a free-ball near the Wizards' circle. He just rolled the ball in and went for a reverse-hit, but it was just off the target. The Waveriders surged ahead when Walmiki scored six minutes into the second quarter.
Gohdes received a pass from Gurbaj Singh and passed it to Walmiki who put the Waveriders ahead with a tap into the post for his first goal of the tournament. UP came close to level the score when they earned the first penalty corner of the match minutes later, but they failed to utilize it.
If Delhi were the slightly better side in the first two quarters, the third was fiercely contested. It was during this quarter that both the team blew away several scoring opportunities. The two, especially the Wizards, created several incisive moves but failed to finish then.
It took a spectacular goal from SK Uthappa to draw level at a time when it was looking like Delhi would manage to sneak home with a solitary-goal win. Baart's powerfully-hit shot inside the 'D' in the 61st minute was slammed home by a diving Uthappa, giving no chance to Jacobi who had a very good match till then. After that the Wizards created more chances, but somehow failed to breach Jacobi's defence one more time.
The Times of India
UP Wizards hold Delhi Waveriders to a 1-1 draw
NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Wizards held last year's runners-up Delhi Waveriders 1-1 in the third drawn encounter of the second edition of Hero Hockey India League at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Wednesday.
It was expected to be a high-voltage encounter between the two top teams of the league but it turned out to be a tame affair as both Waveriders and Wizards displayed below-par hockey to share two points each from the game.
Both the goals came from field efforts. While Waveriders took the lead through Yuvraj Walmiki (23rd minute), Wizards drew parity through S K Uthappa in the 62nd minute.
It was a drab first quarter as both the teams took time to get their footing in the match. There was not much action in the first 17-and-half minutes as Waveriders and Wizards failed to create open chances.
The second quarter was no different as the two teams continued to slug it out at the midfield but it was the hosts who capitalised on their chances.
The Waveriders took the lead in the 23rd minute through Walmiki who found the back of the Wizards net after being fed by Simon Child.
The Wizards got a golden opportunity to draw parity in the 33rd minute but Luke Doerner wasted a penalty corner much to the disappointment of his team.
The Wizards were guilty of throwing away their chances as they wasted their second penalty corner of the match in the third quarter. Waveriders goalie Nicolas Jacobi came up with a fine save to keep away visiting skipper V R Ragunath's flick.
The visitors, however, did not lose hope and continued to work hard and their efforts finally bore fruit when Uthappa scored from the top of the circle in the last 10 minutes of the game to level the scores.
The draw, however, propelled the Waveriders (19 points from six games) to the top of the points table ahead of Jaypee Punjab Warriors, while the Wizards continued to hold on to the third place with 15 points from five matches.
The Wizards will next take on bottom-placed Dabur Mumbai Magicians at the same venue tomorrow before squaring up against the Wizards in the return leg match in Lucknow on Saturday.
The Times of India
UP Wizards hold Delhi for a draw
UP Wizards drew their match against last year’s finalists Delhi Waveriders in the 14th match of the second Hero Hockey India League played at National Stadium here in Delhi.
What began as a mediocre play in the first quarter with Delhi edging more attacks, turned out exciting in the second quarter, with a result the home team struck the first goal coming through alert Yuvraj Walmiki.
This goal set the stands, which is dwindling each day, on flame.
UP Wizards managed to get a Penalty Corner just 2 minutes short of half-time which Luke Doerner failed to convert. A Penalty Corner in the 47th minute could not change the scoreboard either. However, it was SK Uthappa’s deflection which gave the equalizer to the Wizards in the last phase of the game.
Shortly later, the home team had a great time with rival's forwards Nitin Thimmaish getting an avoidable yellow card suspension. Despite playing with a man less, the visitors managed to hold on to the equalizer, thus depriving the hosts of full points.
SK Utthappa was awarded Goal of the Match for his goal.
UP coach Roelant Oltmans however was not happy with the result. “I am only happy with a win. Delhi played better in the first half.”
Meanwhile, with this 1-1 draw Delhi Waveriders have earned the top position in the points table with 19 points.
Delhi will play their next match against Mumbai Magicians.
Stick2Hockey.com
Yuvraj Walmiki: We will eventually win the League
Tazeen Qureshy
For the young Yuvraj Walmiki, the match between Delhi Waveriders and Uttar Pradesh Wizards has been a good turn around. After being out of form for quite some time, this contest played on Wednesday, in front of co-owner and star John Abraham, he finally looked assured, had a good outing on the field. Significantly, his role was noticeable. He, fittingly, scored the only goal of his side, which is also his first in this edition of the Hero Hockey India League.
The goal seemed to have boosted his morale, as he now sees only improvement for his team, which was undefeated at first phase last year. He also feels the team will catch up despite a defeat here and there till now, and will eventually win the cup too.
www.stick2hockey.com caught with the optimistic youngster for a brief chat moments after the match ended 1-1. On the match: “I am fine with the performance. A win would have always been better. But, it was a big game and UP is a good team.”
On what denied Delhi a clear victory: “We committed small errors in the latter part of the game and are looking forward not to repeat them in next matches.” On not being able to repeat the unbeaten feat of last year: “Last year, we won all the league matches but lost the final. This year unfortunately we have faced defeats. But, we will reverse the process and win the semifinal and eventually the final this year”
On his brother Devinder Walmiki playing with Kalinga Lancers franchise: “He always wanted to be a part of HIL.. I can’t give him any advice since I am amongst people who are seeking advice myself.”
Stick2Hockey.com
The indoor season isn't over yet
Adam Jordan scores against Holcombe at the Maxinutrition Hockey 5s 2014
From 14-16 February, see the pinnacle of men's European indoor hockey – the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup – at East Grinstead Hockey Club.
After the fantastic Maxinutrition Hockey 5s in February, there’s a chance to see even more top-level indoor hockey as the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Cup comes to the UK for the very first time, hosted by East Grinstead.
World League Bronze Medalist David Condon will make his European debut for East Grinstead having scored in the final of the Maxinutrition Hockey 5s. East Grinstead will continue to compete with the same squad that won at Wembley, including Filip Neusser who was signed outdoors one minute before the transfer deadline. Glenn Kirkham, Mark Pearn and Niall Stott will continue to form the fulcrum of the side that has changed shape around them over the past years.
You can cheer on East Grinstead, England’s representatives in the tournament, right from the sidelines as there are seats for 700 people up and close to the action. Spectators will be even closer to the action than possible at Wembley Arena, so get down there and support the team!
This is the second time in successive seasons that EGHC has hosted EuroHockey of some form, and it’s a great opportunity to see incredible talent on display.
Tickets are available at www.eghockey.org.uk, while information is available at www.eghockey.co.uk/eurohockey. You can download/view the full weekend schedule here, and you can see the pools below.
Pool A
Harvestehuder THC (GER)
Hockey Club Valenciennes (FRA)
C.H. Complutense (ESP)
Kolos-Sekvoya Vinnitsa (UKR)
Pool B
Royal Racing Club de Bruxelles (BEL)
Dinamo Yekateringburg (RUS)
Partille SC (SWE)
East Grinstead (ENG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Shahbaz approves Rs100m for PHF
LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister M Shahbaz Sharif Wednesday announced a special grant of Rs100 million ($940 000/£576 000) for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for revival of hockey and talent hunt of hockey players at lower level.
He made this announcement in a meeting with PHF president Akhtar Rasool while Provincial Minister for Education and Sports Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Secretary Sports Muhammad Khan Khichi and Director General Sports Usman Anwar were also present during the meeting.
The chief minister said every effort would be made for revival of the national game. He also constituted a high powered committee headed by the sports minister for presentation of recommendations for the promotion of hockey.
Meanwhile, PHF secretary Rana Mujahid Ali welcomed the announcement. “The announcement by the chief minister is nothing less than restoring oxygen supply for the national game. We were desperate for funds and on the behalf of the entire hockey fraternity and players, I thank Shahbaz Sharif for this noble gesture. We will disclose our future plans in a press briefing tomorrow (Thursday)”.
Earlier in December, the PHF had requested that the government release Rs 300 million to cover their expenditure for this year. They also asked that Rs 500 million be sanctioned for the sport in the annual federal budget, this year onwards.
The PHF saw a new set-up in November after the elections. It was lacking funds even to pay salaries. According to the PHF, they needed an immediate ‘bail-out package’. The ‘bail out package’ stated that the PHF wants to focus on schools, colleges and universities. The proposal also included a programme for jobs assistance to players and promoting departmental hockey.
The Nation
Shahbaz Sharif approves Rs100 million grant for Pakistan Hockey Federation
KARACHI: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced a grant of Rs 100 million for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The governing body of the country’s national sport had sought immediate release of funds to ensure revival of the game.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Secretary PHF Rana Mujahid Ali welcomed the announcement. “The announcement by the chief minister is nothing less than restoring oxygen supply for the national game, we were desperate for funds and on the behalf of the entire hockey fraternity and players. I thank Shahbaz Sharif for this noble gesture, we will disclose our future plans in a press briefing tomorrow (Thursday)”.
Earlier in December, the PHF had requested that the government release Rs 300 million to cover their expenditure for this year.
They also asked that Rs 500 million be sanctioned for the sport in the annual federal budget, this year onwards.
The PHF saw a new set-up in November after the elections. It was lacking funds even to pay salaries. According to the PHF, they needed an immediate ‘bail-out package’.
The ‘bail out package’ stated that the PHF wants to focus on schools, colleges and universities. The proposal also included a programme for jobs assistance to players and promoting departmental hockey.
The Express Tribune
Scotland Senior Women launch ticket sales for special Fundraising Dinner
Scotland Senior Women today launched ticket sales for a special Fundraising Dinner, taking place from 6.45pm, on Saturday 15 March at Glasgow Caledonian University Conference Hall.
The occasion will be a celebration of Scottish sport, particularly hockey, and will be hosted by former Scotland rugby international and now BBC Scotland presenter John Beattie.
The evening will include a drinks reception, three course meal with wine, special after-dinner speaker and a live band for entertainment. There will also be a raffle and auction, with some fabulous prizes and items up for grabs!
Tickets cost only £50 per person. Dress is black-tie (with a hint of tartan).
The entire event has been organised by the players themselves, demonstrating the enthusiasm, drive and commitment that has characterised their successes on the pitch in recent competitions. They would love to have you as their guest for this special evening.
Please contact Stuart Moffatt, Communications Manager, by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or during office hours (Mon-Fri, 9-5) by phone on 0141 550 5999 (opt 5) for ticket payments, or enquiries about the evening.
You will also need to provide details of your guests and state any dietary requirements when purchasing your tickets.
Book today to avoid disappointment!
Furthermore, if your company is interested in sponsoring a table at the dinner, then we also have a sponsorship package available. Please contact Stuart Moffatt, Communications Manager, by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
The proceeds from the dinner will go towards boosting Scotland Senior Women’s funding for their extensive performance programme leading up to this summer’s Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, giving the team the best chance of success in front of a home crowd.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Hockey officials selected for PanAm youth championships
Four T&T representatives, Nigel Providence, Maureen Craig Rousseau, Susan Gomes and Nataki Akii Bua, have been selected to serve as officials in various capacities at the upcoming Pan American Youth Championships. Providence, operations manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board, will serve as the communications officer at the 2014 Pan American Youth Championships (men) which began yesterday, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will continue until Saturday.
At the 2014 Pan American Youth Championships (women), which will be held in Montevideo, Uruguay, from February 11-15, Craig Rousseau, vice president of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF), will serve as the appointed PAHF representative overseeing the tournament, while Gomes will serve as the manager of umpires. Akii Bua will serve as a tournament judge. Both tournaments will serve as the continental qualifiers for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games to be held in Nanjing, China.
These respective tournaments will be held using the International Hockey Federation’s new Hockey fives format which was formulated following the success of the three-versus-three basketball at the last Youth Olympic Games, as well as the impact of Twenty/20 (cricket) and Rugby sevens. Hockey fives is a complementary version of the outdoor game designed to create the same type excitement and interest in the sport of field hockey. The major differences are the size of the pitch, which is 55m long by 41.70m wide, around half the size of a normal pitch, and that a maximum of five players per side from each team can take part in the match at any particular time.
The Trinidad Guardian
Saints thump Woodbrook hockey boys 7-0
Nigel Simon
Jarryon Paul scored his second hat-trick in as many matches to lead St Mary’s College to a comfortable 7-0 thumping of Woodbrook Government Secondary in the T&T Hockey Board Secondary Schools League Boys Division at St James Barracks Ground on Western Main Road, yesterday.
Paul, who also scored a hat-trick in his team’s 12-0 blowout of Debe High a week ago, opened the scoring in the third minute while Maleik Ross made it 2-0 a minute later, before Jordi O’Brien, who also scored a treble last week extended the lead to 3-0 just before the half-time interval.
Five minutes into the second-half, Paul got his second and the “Saints” fourth before he completed his hat-trick a minute later followed by goals from O’Brien (30th) and Jean-Luc Hinds in the 34th, to complete the scoring.
The win was the second in three matches for the “Saints” after a 3-1 opening loss to Fatima to carry their points tally to six, the same as Queen’s Royal College (QRC) and Fatima, which have only played two matches.
In the day’s first match, Annalisa Yearwood’s goal two minutes into the second-half was enough for St Joseph Convent (PoS) to eke out a 1-0 win over debutants Woodbrook Government Secondary in the Girls Division.
With the win, St Joseph Convent (PoS) joined Providence Girls’ High, Holy Name Convent (PoS) and South East Port-of-Spain (SEPoS), all with three points.
However, while Providence Girls High, SEPoS and St Joseph’s Convent (PoS) have played two matches each, Holy Name has only played once.
Yesterday results
Girls
St Joseph Convent (PoS) 1 (Annalisa Yearwood 22nd) vs Woodbrook Gov’t Sec 0
Boys
St Mary’s College 7 (Jarryon Paul 3rd, 25th, 26th, Jordi O’Brien 17th, 30th, Maleik Ross 4th, Jean-Luc Hinds 34th) vs Woodbrook Gov’t Sec 0
Tomorrow’s matches
Boys: SEPoS vs Debe High, 3.15pm
Boys: QRC vs Fatima, 4.15 pm
Current standings:
Boys Division:
Teams P W D L F A Pts
QRC 2 2 0 0 9 0 6
Fatima 2 2 0 0 6 1 6
St Mary’s 3 2 0 1 20 3 6
Woodbrook 2 0 0 2 0 13 0
St Joseph Convent (PoS) 2 1 0 1 1 3 3
Woodbrook 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
SEPoS 2 0 0 2 0 6 0
The Trinidad Guardian