News 10 February 2014
All the news for Monday 10 February 2014
Sunday matches inspire none as goals hard to come by
K Arumugam
With two high profile matches lined up for Sunday, expectation rose high for the followers of Hero Hockey India League, but there was disappointment in store.
The matches went the predicted way; first Kalinga Lancers, new franchise, going down 1-3 to Uttar Pradesh Wizards while the prime time second match threw a damphner with a dull 1-0 win for the visiting Rhinos.
Despite mainstay of Ranchi Rhino, Ashley Jackson getting injured, and other good going Maritz Furste not in his form he showcased yesterday, Mumbai magicians failed to strike a goal before going down by a solitary goal, stuck early in the match by Justin Reid Ross, who was later given two individual awards for steering his side to full points.
Cine star Vivek Oberoi and famous designers turned up to cheer their home team Mumbai, but the team has nothing to offer, even the well know stars on its array like Glen Turner, turning either individualistic in approach and rust in executing their wares.
Glen, in fact is culprit of all that is went wrong for the Mumbai side as he fumbled with good move either he created or from his hardworking souls like Vikas Pillay
But what disheartens is how it went on: not even a goal in next two quarters after the early lead, and then no penalty corners in the first three quarters, and all three coming in last quarter. To see top notch players of the world strike the ball on either side of the net, instead the trained target of inside of net, and then the host team not even adept at getting some penalty corners to give enough space for its main man Gurjinder Singh, speak volume about the poor state of affairs of Mumbai
Only thrill of the match was Mumbai getting a penalty corner, its first and last, just 40 sec remained for the hooter, with hopes of holding the Rhinos, but Gurjinder's expected conversion did not take place, as Ravi Pal, who other wise had a reasonable outing, fumbling with a short rebound he got from Francisco Cortes.
Earlier in the day, the first match saw Kalinga going down 1-3, with the losing side's goal coming after conceding two goals and before the last goal of Teun de Nooijer.
Argentinean star Gonzalo Peillat converting a PC.
Stick2Hockey.com
UP Wizards clich their first home victory.
Tazeen Qureshy
Things finally seem to be working for of UP Wizards. After losing a hard fought battle to Delhi Waveriders in their last match, UP Wizards made a good comeback, showing better preparation and winning their 7th match 3-1 against Kalinga Lancers. This is their first home win in this edition.
The Wizards looked promising on the field, clearly showing their intention to attack from the beginning. They went about entering the rival D and creating chances till they finally received their first penalty corner in the 11th minute. However, before Raghunath could flick the ball into the nets, the stopper failed to stop the ball and the chance was missed. Clearly, Kalinga Lancers bucked up and looked for a revenge which they got as a penalty corner after 3 minutes. Peillat flicked it straight to the feet of the first rusher and earned the second penalty corner for his team. But, it turned out to be a waste again as SK Uthappa ensured the ball is cleared away from the D.
Just as the hooter was a few seconds away from sounding the end of first quarter, UP got their second penalty corner and Raghunath this time ensured the ball found right side of the nets. Second quarter was hardly impressive as both the teams did not manage to change the score line. Despite getting a penalty corner, Kalinga failed to get their equalizer.
Known to be stronger in the second half, UP Wizards played true to this fact and Nikkin deflected Ramandeep’s hit to the nets, gifting the home team second goal of the match. The Lancers got themselves a penalty corner which was again cleared by SK Uthappa, who was almost acting as a goalie.
Fo2urth quarter brought Kalinga back into the game after Peillat finally managed to score the much needed first goal for his team from the fifth penalty corner.
Teun de Noojier hammered the final nail in the last minute as he rolled the ball into the D with no one to mark him and flick the ball from the top of the D directly into the nets and gifting the third goal to his team.
Hero Goal of the Match- Teun de Noojier
Yes Garv Award- VR Raghunath
Man of the Match- Nikkin Thimmaiah
Stick2Hockey.com
Kalinga need to win not just hearts but matches too
Tazeen Qureshy
Being the one of the most talked about team in Hockey India League 2014, Kalinga Lancers has been able to retain the craze to some extent after an impressive run in this edition. Despite the losses, their performance graph has grown with every passing match.
The Lancers had a rusty start with their first two matches being completely taken away under their nose. However, they grew, started taking chances, making good moves and eventually giving top teams a run for victory.
Hockey stalwarts hailed them giving excuse that they had just debuted and required time to settle in the format. They were believed to make a surprise comeback and make a mark for themselves. But, after 6 matches, the team still looks unprepared, committing errors and not playing to their projected potential. Owing the fact that they are a new team or having less big names is no reason to justify their losses. Last year, Ranchi Rhinos was one of the teams with less star players but it went on to create its own niche and eventually win the inaugural season. In fact, it created new players in the likes of Manpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh, who became stars overnight.
Kalinga also has a young brigade with players like Lalit Upadhaya and Dipson Tirkey who look promising on field, especially Lalit, who has often ventured into the rival’s territory all by himself and given a tough time to the defenders.
In terms of coaching, perhaps, Kalinga has one of the best brains. From the national chief coach Terry Walsh, who is known for his expert strategies, to assistant coach Ajay Bansal who ensured Delhi Waveriders a dream run and a finalist berth in HIL last year, Kalinga also has former Indian captain and one of world’s best defenders Dilip Tirkey in the form of mentor. With inputs coming from yesteryear star Lajrus Barla, it clearly seems that the team has not been able to utilize its true strength. Plus, the crowd support. When Ranchi hosted its team last year, the crowd was in full support and cheered for their team till the last battle. In fact, the crowd were right there on their toes for them team when they met the unbeatable Delhi in the finals and clinched history.
Same goes for the Kalinga team; the home crowd is fantastic with people from not just the capital city Bhubaneswar turning up, but also hockey fanatics from all over the state ensuring their presence and cheering for their team.
So, Kalinga has all the potential and qualities for a winning streak. By now, they have surely won hearts of their fans but now is the time for them to trust themselves and win matches also.
Stick2Hockey.com
Ross’s strike gives Ranchi Rhinos its fourth win
Nandakumar Marar
Justin Reid Ross’s 11th minute field goal gave Ranchi Rhinos a solitary-goal win over Mumbai Magicians in the Hero Hockey India League — its fourth win in six matches.
Ranchi captain Moritz Furste sparked the move leading to the goal with a crisp reverse-hit pass. Mumbai was taken by surprise when Ross moved forward in time for the pass, picked up the ball and advanced on his own. By the time the defence closed in, he had made space for a rasping reverse hit into the net.
Mumbai did not manage a clear shot at goal in the first quarter and tentative defence at the back ensured the pressure was on the home team.
Rhinos showed confidence as they positioned their forwards deep into the rival half and in the process created space in the midfield. In fact, Rhinos custodian Francisco Cortes was tested for the first time by Mark Greghorne only in the second quarter.
Neither team forced penalty corners till quarter three. Turner went off on his own from the left up to the goal-line, trying to force defenders into mistakes but had nothing to show for his efforts.
Bharat Chikara got a close look at the Rhinos goal, though his first-timer off a rebound went wide.
Amon Tirkey earned the tie’s first penalty corner in the 55th minute but the Mumbai defence was spot on.
Rhinos forced the second corner a few moves later, and again goalkeeper David Harte stood tall to counter Ross’s drag with a firm block.
Special Correspondent reports from Lucknow
Wizards beat Lancers
Uttar Pradesh Wizards beat Kalinga Lancers 3-1 to register its first home win here on Sunday.
Wizards garnered full five points from their third victory to collect 21 after seven matches. From their sixth outing, Lancers added one point to their aggregate of seven.
Lancers’ defence and midfield showed a lot of cohesion to register 83 per cent of possession in the opening quarter. Ryan Archibald and Aron Zalewski led the control game and Kiel Brown provided solidity at the back.
Lalit Upadhyay and Mandeep Antil worked hard up field, but Lancers lacked teeth. Sander Baart, pushed back for this match, excelled in his new role.
V.R. Raghunath, who experienced a painful hamstring in the initial minutes, came back to shoot home his team’s second penalty corner in the closing seconds of the first quarter.
Wizards got into their rhythm and linkman Pardeep Mor, who was omnipresent on the right flank, played an important role.
In the 33rd minute, Lancers missed a scoring opportunity when Brown’s accurate slap-shot struck teammate Russel Ford’s foot inside the rival circle.
In the third quarter, Teun de Nooijer was in the thick of action as Wizards mounted pressure. Edward Ockenden’s excellent pass resulted in the second goal for Wizards. Ramandeep Singh deflected the ball towards the target and Nikkin Thimmaiah guided it in in the 41st minute.
Lancers finally managed to reduce the margin when its Argentine drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat shot high in the 59th minute. However, Wizards kept pressing till the end and de Nooijer’s sensational top-of-the-circle strike in the final minute delighted the home camp.
The results: At Mumbai: Ranchi Rhinos 1 (Justin Reid Ross 11) bt Dabur Mumbai Magicians 0.
At Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3 (V.R. Raghunath 17, Nikkin Thimmaiah 41, Teun de Nooijer 70) bt Kalinga Lancers 1 (Gonzalo Peillat 59).
The Hindu
Sixth defeat for Mumbai Magicians
V Anand
MUMBAI: A brilliant Justin Reid-Ross goal was the only bright moment in an otherwise soporific match as Mumbai Magicians suffered their sixth loss in the Hockey India League at the Mahindra stadium on Sunday.
Magicians, pitted against Ranchi Rhinos, lost 1-0 after another uninspiring performance.
Rhinos did not have to do much to achieve the win. Their only disappointment would be that they did not completely shut out Magicians who walked away with one point.
With Ashley Jackson and Mauritz Furste dominating the Rhino midfield like two mighty pillars, there was little scope for Magicians to spread their game. Furste and Jackson ran the game like wily old generals.
An early goal, in the 11th minute, by Reid-Ross who flashed in from the 25-yard line, shifted the ball to his left and unleashed a fierce hit past David Harte into the top, left Magicians in the chasing mode.
Rhinos were, however, looking good for more, gently moving the ball around and looking for openings in the midfield. In the second half, Rhinos lost Jackson who tripped and twisted his ankle.
Without Jackson, the onus fell on Furste with Justin falling behind. Thereafter, Magicians got more of a look-in but goals, or rather, breakthrough moves were hard to come by.
Late in the fourth quarter, Rhinos earned two penalty corners but Magicians' goalkeeper David Harte saved those awards. In the final minute, Magicians too got their penalty corner, but like their play through the 70 minutes, their attempt was quite predictable.
The Times of India
UP Wizards down Kalinga Lancers 3-1
Asheem Mukerji
LUCKNOW: The smile on the face of Uttar Pradesh Wizards coach Roelant Oltmans said it all after his side logged their first home win of the season, registering a 3-1 verdict against Kalinga Lancers in the ongoing Hockey India League on Sunday.
The win has taken a lot of pressure off his mind and eased the Wizards' path to the semifinals, but the main problem of the team of squandering chances still remains as they muffed many scoring opportunities to keep the holiday crowd at the Dhyanchand stadium on the edge till the very end as the Lancers mounted pressure in the dying minutes.
Finally, it was a beautiful piece of opportunism by Teun de Nooijer in the final minutes of the match that settled the issue safely in favour of the home side. He came up with skillful dribbling to weave his way into the circle and then unleashed a measured drive to beat Triston Clemons, the Lancers' goalkeeper.
The Times of India
Wizards cut Lancers down to size
Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh Wizards coasted to a comfortable 3-1 win over debutants Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League here today.
The Wizards scored two goals in the first half while their third goal came in the final minute.
Skipper VR Raghunath gave the hosts the lead in the 17th minute by converting a penalty corner before striker Nikkin Thimmaiah doubled the lead in the 41st minute with a neat deflection.
Lancers, however, pulled a goal back in the 59th minute through Gonzalo Peillat, who fired an unstoppable drag-flick into the top right corner.
The hosts, however, struck in the final minute through legendary Dutchman Teun de Nooijer to seal the match.
UP Wizards stayed in third position with 21 points from seven games.
Ranchi pip Mumbai 1-0
Mumbai: Ranchi Rhinos rode on Justin Reid Ross' solitary strike to pip Mumbai Magicians 1-0 in the second match of the day.
Ross found the back of the net with a blistering strike after being fed by Moritz Furste in the 11th minute.
The win took the Rhinos’ tally to 23 points from six games. The Magicians pocketed one point but continued to languish at the bottom of the table with just seven points from as many games.
The Tribune
Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey draw released
The Hawke's Bay ‘Festival of Hockey’ will see 65 games played throughout Hawke's Bay during the nine day tournament in April this year and tickets are on sale from 9am Tuesday 11th February.
The draw includes six of the top ten women’s international teams on earth; Argentina (current FIH World ranking 2nd), Australia (4th), China (7th), Japan (9th) and Korea (8th) taking on the Black Sticks Women (5th) in Hawke's Bay at the inaugural event being played at the new Unison Hockey Stadium Tier One facility at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park in April this year.
The festival will also celebrate some of the best hockey in New Zealand with Hawke's Bay men’s and women’s representative sides playing host to men’s and women’s top teams from, Australian Country, New Zealand National Seniors, New Zealand Masters 35+, New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Indian sides alongside the international tournament. This event will be played at both the new world-class facility at the Regional Sports Park in Hastings, and also at the Park Island turfs in Napier, creating a truly Hawke's Bay hockey festival.
The Festival also incorporates an invitational under 17 secondary schools girls tournament whereby, Gisborne Girls High School, Havelock North High School, Iona College, Napier Girls High School, Taradale High School and Woodford House will play round robin games both leading into and during the international tournament.
Finals matches for all three competitions will be held at the Unison Hockey Stadium at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park across the final weekend of the festival.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has also now announced the appointments of the tournament officials and referees. Further underscoring the quality and status being accorded to this new international event is the appointment of some of the World’s leading referees – three of whom were selected to officiate at the London Olympic Games being Amy Hassick-Baxter [USA], Michelle Joubert [South Africa] and Miao Lin [China].
Tickets will be available to the general public www.ticketmaster.co.nz from 9am Tuesday 11th February 2014 and are strictly limited.
CLICK HERE for the full festival draw
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Brooklands spring Cup shock
Brooklands MU David Flanagan
The quarter finals of the NOW: Pensions Men’s Cup provided shocks galore as the three remaining Premier Division sides were dumped out.
Beeston have won 10 of their 12 league games thus far and sit at the head of the Premier Division table. But they couldn’t take their form into the cup as Conference North leaders Brooklands Manchester University beat them 4-3.
David Flanagan (pictured), John Crossley, Aiden Khares and Peter Friend had given Brooklands a 4-2 lead with Jonny Ruiz and Sam Ward on target for the favourites.
It was just a matter of hanging on for Brooklands and despite Richard Lawrence slotting home for Beeston in the final minute, they progressed to the semis.
Premier Division strugglers Cannock faced Conference East outfit Oxted and took a lead through Peter Jackson. But Dafydd Charles equalised for Oxted and the game went to a penalty shootout. The tense contest ended in a 12-11 sudden death victory for Oxted and they also go into the last four.
Sevenoaks also pulled off a big win, beating Hampstead and Westminster 3-2 thanks to goals from Mike Holland, Will Goulstone and Mike Barber. In the other cup game, Old Loughtonians beat fellow Conference East side Bromley and Beckenham 3-1.
There were also two games in the NOW: Hockey Men’s Premier Division with Loughborough Students facing Canterbury and Wimbledon hosting Surbiton.
Loughborough and Canterbury saw a frantic end to their game with five goals in the final ten minutes. Isaac O’Connor looked to have won the game for Canterbury with a late brace but Ian Sloan popped up with a last-gasp strike to make it 4-4.
Matt Daly scored a hat-trick for Surbiton as a late comeback from them saw their game against Wimbledon also end 4-4.
A Gareth Andrew double helped Holcombe keep their spot at the top of the NOW: Pensions Conference East. Danny Hall scored the other goal in a 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove. Southgate are level on points but are well behind on goal difference.
Bowdon scored a superb 9-4 win over West Bridgford to keep Brooklands in sight at the top of the NOW: Pensions Conference North. Josh Cropper was their star man with a hat-trick.
Indian Gymkhana are the new leaders of the NOW: Pensions Conference West after Team Bath Buccaneers slipped up against third-placed Cardiff. Bath lost 2-0 and Indian Gymkhana made the most of it by beating Isca 3-2 to go top.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Cup (Sunday, February 9 2014):
Brooklands MU 4, Beeston 3; Cannock 1, Oxted 1 (Oxted win 12-11 on penalty strokes); Old Loughtonians 3, Bromley and Beckenham 1; Sevenoaks 3, Hampstead and Westminster 2.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, February 9 2014):
NOW: Pensions Premier Division: Loughborough Students 4, Canterbury 4; Wimbledon 4, Surbiton 4.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference East: Teddington 7, St Albans 2; Brighton and Hove 0, Holcombe 3; Cambridge City 1, Southgate 2.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference West: Guildford 1, University of Birmingham 0; Isca 2, Indian Gymkhana 3; Cheltenham 3, University of Exeter 3; Cardiff and Met 2, Team Bath Buccaneers 0; Havant 2, Fareham 5.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference North: Olton and West Warwickshire 6, Leek 2; Belper 5, Deeside Ramblers 3; Khalsa 2, Wakefield 3; Bowdon 9, West Bridgford 4.
England Hockey Board Media release
Ireland U21 Team Selected for 4 Nations (men)
Ireland U21 Coach Jonny Caren has just announced his squad of 18 to compete at the upcoming 4 Nations Tournament taking place at Mossley on Tuesday 11th; Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th. He has also selected a further 7 players to add to his U21 training panel.
Caren selected his squad after three days of the U21 Interprovincial tournament which took place at Three Rock Rovers where Ulster did the double taking home both the men & women’s tournament.
Commenting on his selection Caren said “The talent that has been on show this weekend confirms that Irish Hockey has a fantastic future ahead. There has been some great individual performances over the past three days and because of this I have also added a further seven athletes to the Under 21 training panel. One of these seven players has showed some outstanding current form and has managed to play his way into the four nation’s squad. This is what the interprovincial tournament should be about, bringing the best out of players who are hungry for a chance to represent their country”.
Caren continued, “Now our attention turns to getting the athletes to recover as quickly as possible to be able to produce at their full potential next week. We have a lot to cover in a short space of time but the group of players we have selected are more than capable of this”.
Ireland U21 Men’s Squad for Four Nations Tournament at Mossley Hockey Club, Belfast:
1. Jamie Wright, (Portadown), Ulster
2. Harry Spain, (Pembroke Wanderers), Leinster
3. Kirk Shimmins, (UCD), Leinster
4. Michael Robson, (Annadale), Ulster
5. Ravin Nair, (UCD), Leinster
6. Sean Murray, (Lisnagarvey), Ulster
7. Ben McMillan, (Mossley), Ulster
8. Peter McKibbin, (Annadale), Ulster
9. Johnny McKee, (Banbridge), Ulster
10. James Lorimer, (Lisnagarvey), Ulster
11. Mark Ingram, (Pembroke Wanderers), Leinster
12. Neal Glassy, (Mossley), Ulster
13. Ben Cosgrove, (Grove Menzieshill), Ulster
14. Lee Cole, (Monkstown), Leinster
15. Nick Burns, (UCD), Munster - (Captain)
16. Peter Brown, (UCD), Leinster
17. Matthew Bell, (Banbridge), Ulster - (Vice Captain)
18. Matthew Allister, (Annadale), Ulster
Reserves
Jeremy Duncan, (UCD), Leinster
Ross Canning, (UCD), Leinster
Sam O’Connor, (Glenanne), Leinster
Jonny Caren has also added a further seven players to his U21 men’s training panel in preparation towards European B Division in July.
1. Matthew Allister, (Annadale), Ulster
2. Alex Burns, (Cork CofI), Munster
3. Ben Campbell, (YMCA), Leinster
4. Richard Lynch, (Cork CofI), Munster
5. David Nolan, (Monkstown), Leinster
6. Sam O’Connor, (Glenanne), Leinster
7. Darragh Walsh, (Three Rock Rovers), Leinster
4 Nations Schedule TOURNAMENT SITE
11th – 13th February 2014, Mossley Hockey Club
Tuesday 11th February
17.00 IRELAND v SCOTLAND
19.00 ENGLAND v GERMANY
Wednesday 12th February
17.00 GERMANY V SCOTLAND
19.00 IRELAND v ENGLAND
Thursday 13th February
17.00 ENGLAND v SCOTLAND
19.00 IRELAND v GERMANY
Irish Hockey Association media release
Camp for Azlan Shah Cup likely next week
KARACHI: The training camp of Pakistan’s senior hockey team for the preparation of Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament is likely to be held from the next week in Lahore, ‘The News’ learnt on Saturday.
Informed sources said that the PHF was enthusiastic after being promised Rs100 million grant by the Punjab government. “They are gearing up to start hockey activities in the country once again, which have remained suspended for the past several weeks due to shortage of funds,” a source said.
The PHF has formed a six-member committee, headed by Punjab sports minister Rana Mashood, to look after the utilisation of the grant.
The committee includes PHF president Akhtar Rasool, secretary Rana Mujahid, Tauqir Dar and two Punjab Sports Board (PSB) officials. Sources in the PHF said that as soon as the cheque was received, the PHF would start activities in the country. These would include the senior team’s training camp and the women championship.
Akhtar, when contacted, said that the PHF committee members were holding meetings to take steps for restoring hockey activities in the country as soon as possible.
He said the seniors’ training camp was likely to be held from the next week for the preparation of Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament, scheduled to be held in Malaysia in March.
He was also optimistic that the issue of the Green-shirts’ participation in the 2014 Asian Games would be resolved soon.
The News International
PJCC eyeing runners-up spot
By Jugjet Singh
PETALING Jaya City Council (PJCC) did just enough to edge Kuala Lumpur Sports School (KLSS) 2-1 to keep their hopes alive of finishing second in Division One of the Junior Hockey League.
Now, PJCC must beat UniKL Young Guns in their final League match on Feb 15 to realise their dream.
KLSS drew first blood in the eighth minute when Nur Faiz Rosli scored a field goal, but PJCC equalised seconds from the half-time hooter off a Nor Ikhwab Rahman penalty corner.
And in the 66th minute, Nazirul Zebidi made sure his team collected full points with another penalty corner attempt.
PJCC coach Azlan Saufi, who was a relieved man when the final hooter blew, said: "We did just enough to beat KLSS and I think it was due to the two-week break which the boys enjoyed.
"But I'm happy with their commitment to come back from a goal down and beat KLSS so that we still have a chance of finishing second in the JHL this season."
However, Azlan does not think his side deserve the favourites' tag when they play UniKL.
"UniKL were quite unlucky their penalty corners did not work against SSTMI Thunderbolts (UniKL lost 4-1). Overall, I think UniKL are a very strong side and any team which takes them lightly will be punished. So I feel the underdogs tag is better for PJCC," said Azlan.
RESULTS: Division One -- KLSS 1 Petaling Jaya CC 2.
Division Two A: 1MAS Penang 1 PHKS 1, Nur Insafi 2 Syed Hassan 0.
Division Two B: Padang Midin 3 KLSS Juniors 2, MSP Pahang Juniors 2 Olak-PKT 1.
Division Two C: Datuk Taha 3 BJSS Juniors 1.
New Straits Times
MBPJ pip UniKL to second spot
by S. Ramaguru
SSTMI-Thunderbolt's Mohd Najmi Farizal Jazlan (left) gets the ball away from MBPJ's Faiq Razin Zariq during their match on Jan 24, 2014. MBPJ are now in second spot, behind Thunderbolt, in Division One of the MJHL.
KUALA LUMPUR: Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) look set to finish as runners-up again in Division One of the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) this year.
MBPJ defeated KLSS-KLHC 2-1 at the KL Hockey Stadium on Sunday for their fourth win and jump over Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) into second spot in Division One with 12 points from five matches. UniKL have nine points but with a game in hand.
MBPJ, however, are unlikely to overtake leaders SSTMI-Thunderbolt, who have the maximum 15 points from five matches.
A win over UniKL on Feb 15 should see MBPJ retain their runners-up status. UniKL will wrap up their league fixtures with a match against Anderson on Feb 16.
In Sunday’s match, KLSS took the lead through a Nur Faiz Rosli field goal in the eighth minute before MBPJ equalised seconds before the break through Nor Ikhwab Rahman’s penalty corner attempt.
Nazirul Zebidi made sure MBPJ earned all three points when he netted the winner in the 66th minute – off another penalty corner attempt.
MBPJ coach Azlan Saufi heaved a huge sigh of relief at the final whistle.
“We did just enough to beat KLSS. I’m happy with the players’ commitment in fighting back from a goal down as it gives us the chance to finish second again,” he said.
Azlan, however, does not think that his side will have any advantage when they take on UniKL on Friday.
“UniKL were quite unlucky in their loss to SSTMI-Thunderbolt because their penalty corner battery did not function,” he said.
“I think UniKL are a very strong side. We can’t take them lightly, or we’ll be punished.”
Azlan said they would use the next few days to prepare well for the match against UniKL.
“We’ve always known that to win the title or finish second, two matches would be very important. One was the game against Thunderbolt, which we lost. The other is the match against UniKL,” said Azlan.
“The title is out of our hands. Even if the Thunderbolt lose their last match, they still have a big goal difference to bank on.”
The Star of Malaysia
Bukit Jalil to host knockout stages
KUALA LUMPUR: The final of the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysia Junior Hockey League will be held on March 9.
The MHC competitions committee has decided that all matches from the knockout stage will be played at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil although it will be on a home and away basis.
The quarter-finals will start on Feb 28.
The top four teams from Division One and the top four from Division Two will make up the cast for the knockout stage.
The draw for the Division Two second round will be held on Feb 16 after the end of the league fixtures while the quarter-finals draw is slated for Feb 23.
However, the four qualifiers from Division Two will only be known after their second round matches from Feb 20-23.
There are three groups in Division Two and the top two teams will make the cut for the second round.
The final of the Division Two is set for Feb 23.
MHC competitions committee chairman M. Gobinathan said that all the four teams in Division One will be seeded.
“The draw for the quarter-finals will only involve the Division Two teams. There will also be a draw for the Division Two second round matches,” he said.
He added that the second round ties will also be played at the National Hockey Stadium and not at the respective home venues.
SSTMI-Thunderbolt currently leads Division One while Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak)-PKT, Politeknik Johor, Nur Insafi, SMK Syed Hassan and MSS Pahang are the front runners in Division Two as they remain unbeaten at the moment.
The Star of Malaysia
Women's hockey league to offer RM65k prize money
By S. Ramaguru
The women's hockey squad celebrate after winning the gold medal at the Myanmar SEA Games in December. In the Women’s National Hockey League, each team may only field five national players at any one time. - Bernama Photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural Women’s National Hockey League will take off next month.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee has agreed to the start of the league this year it will be in a one-division round robin format. The title winner will be decided after the final between the top two teams.
MHC competitions committee chairman M. Gobinathan said on Sunday that the league will run simultaneously with the men’s MJL Division One matches, which will also kick off on March 14.
He said the competition is open to all states, clubs and school teams.
“We are now in the process of sending out the invitations to all interested teams and it will include the guidelines and rules of the competition.
“We are not sure what kind of response we will get as this is our first attempt at having a league for women at the national level,” he said.
The competitions committee at its meeting on Saturday also decided that it would be a one-division league even if there is a large number of entries.
The total prize money has been set at RM65,000, which is the same amount being offered for the men’s Division One. The winner will receive RM30,000 followed by RM20,000 for the runners-up and RM10,000 and RM5,000 for the third and fourth-placed teams respectively.
To give all the teams a fair chance, the committee has also decided that each team can only play with five national players.
“A team may register 10 national players but only five can be on the field at any one time. This will allow more teams to have the services of the national players and they won’t be monopolised by any single team. We will provide a list of the national players so that there is no confusion as to which players are eligible under the guidelines,” he said.
The committee has also agreed to two foreign players being included in each team.
Gobinathan added that all matches will be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil unless there are requests from outstation teams to play their matches at their designated home venue.
“There could be teams from Penang or other states. If they want to play at their home ground then we will discuss it and allow for such matches. Otherwise, all matches will be played in Bukit Jalil,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
