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News 13 February 2014

All the news for Thursday 13 February 2014


Team USA displays persistent attack during international series

CHULA VISTA, Cali. – The U.S. Women’s National Team met New Zealand on the Olympic Training Center pitch for another hard-fought match during their second capped game of the international series in California. Although Team USA gained ground in the second half, New Zealand’s offense found the backboard to knot the game in a tie of 3-3.

"Overall it was a good performance,” said Head Coach Craig Parnham. “It was pleasing to create a number of opportunities throughout the game. I think when we look back through video there will be plenty to take from today's game and refine as we move forward."

The warmth from the sun heightened during the game as the international squads took to the ball with speed in the midfield. Only in the 24th minute of play did U.S. Women’s athlete Katelyn Falgowski (Landenberg, PA) change the scoreboard with a field goal she swept in from the back post. The game kept a stagnate score of 1-0 at halftime but was soon broken when New Zealand’s Gemma Flynn redirected the ball to earn the team's first goal. Team USA’s offense displayed relentless hustle and hunger with two back-to-back goals in the 49th and 50th minutes of play from Kat Sharkey (Moosic, PA) and Katie Reinprecht (Perkasie, PA). Sharkey translated a pass into goal with a near-post backhanded shot while Reinprecht took advantage of a direct turnover on the press. New Zealand’s Anita Punt scored in the 62nd minute closing in on the goal differential established by the USA. Although the red, white and blue only gave up one corner, New Zealand used the lone opportunity in the 65th minute to tie the match with a goal from Sian Fremaux. The even-keeled game closed 3-3.

The USA tied their first capped match of the three nations series on Monday against Great Britain with a 2-2 draw. The next capped match for the U.S. will be Saturday February 15: USA vs NZL 2:00 p.m. PT

Receive more match updates from Team USA’s Twitter account by following @usafieldhockey

USFHA media release



Black Sticks play out draw with USA



The Black Sticks Women have drawn 3-3 with hosts USA at the three nations tournament in San Diego today.

After starting on the back foot and down 0-1 at halftime, the Kiwis put together a strong second half comeback to secure a draw.

The Black Sticks had a goalless first half but opened their account early in the second period through a Gemma Flynn field goal.

USA put the game in doubt by scoring two unanswered goals before a late charge saw the Black Sticks level the scores with an Anita Punt field goal and a penalty corner shot from Sian Fremaux.

The Black Sticks had an opportunity to steal the win right on fulltime but the USA side just managed to hold on in defence.

Veteran midfielder Emily Naylor said her side lost concentration several times throughout the game, but that it was pleasing to be able to power back for a draw.

“We had some lapses with our basics and at times we tried to force the play too much today,” she said.

“We managed to put on a great fight back to draw level and I though the girls showed some real determination in doing that.”

Stand out performers for the Black Sticks today were Naylor and captain Kayla Whitelock.

The Black Sticks have a rest day tomorrow before a rematch against Great Britain at 11am on Saturday morning (NZ time).

The three nations tournament includes New Zealand, USA and Great Britain and runs until 18 February.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks women draw with USA

The Black Sticks Women have drawn 3-3 with hosts USA at the three nations tournament in San Diego today.

After starting on the back foot and down 0-1 at halftime, the Kiwis put together a strong second half comeback to secure a draw.

The Black Sticks had a goalless first half but opened their account early in the second period through a Gemma Flynn field goal.

USA put the game in doubt by scoring two unanswered goals before a late charge saw the Black Sticks level the scores with an Anita Punt field goal and a penalty corner shot from Sian Fremaux.

The Black Sticks had an opportunity to steal the win right on fulltime but the USA side just managed to hold on in defence.

Veteran midfielder Emily Naylor said her side lost concentration several times throughout the game, but that it was pleasing to be able to power back for a draw.

"We had some lapses with our basics and at times we tried to force the play too much today," she said.

"We managed to put on a great fight back to draw level and I though the girls showed some real determination in doing that."

Stand out performers for the Black Sticks today were Naylor and captain Kayla Whitelock.

The Black Sticks have a rest day tomorrow before a rematch against Great Britain at 11am on Saturday morning (NZ time).

The three nations tournament includes New Zealand, USA and Great Britain and runs until 18 February.

The New Zealand Herald



Black Sticks need to harden up and get edge back, warns Hager

By David Leggat


The Black Sticks have some young players in their squad who are getting a chance to show their capabilities ahead of Hager (above) naming his squad for the six-nation tournament.

The Black Sticks need to harden up, according to coach Mark Hager, after their 2-1 loss to Britain in the opening international of their visit to San Diego yesterday.

New Zealand led at the break through a penalty corner goal from midfield dynamo Anita Punt, but they conceded two in the second half.

By Hager's estimation, it was a good first half, poor second.

"We had plenty of opportunities to convert but just weren't clinical enough in the circle," he said. "We're reverting back to leaking goals again. We're not tough or hard enough or treasure the ball. We turned it over too much and you can't do that against good teams."

Hager has 18 players in San Diego; Britain have 32, the hosts 26.

"We are being challenged in that respect. Both other teams can rotate their players but that's life and no excuse.

We need to get that winning edge back and the ability to win tight games."

The Black Sticks have some young players in their squad who are getting a chance to show their capabilities ahead of Hager naming his squad for the six-nation tournament in Hawkes Bay in April, which in turn leads on to the World Cup in The Hague at the end of May.

He admitted he was pushing the players hard to see how they reacted to stress situations. In their warmup games, the world No5 team beat Olympic bronze medallists Britain 4-2 but lost 6-1 to the US.

"We got a pantsing," as Punt put it, and there's a desperation to avoid a repeat when they meet the 10th-ranked US this morning. She knows plenty of work lies ahead, but pointed out there's little down time on this trip, which involves two internationals against both nations.

"We're doing extra running and gym sessions and training so we don't have a lot of rest. But that's what we've come away to do, to make us feel uncomfortable and know how to push through those pain barriers."

Young Central striker Michaela Curtis has an adductor strain and is touch and go for the rest of the tour.

The New Zealand Herald



Scots continue warm-up preparations against South Africa

Scotland Senior Women continued their training preparations for forthcoming international competitions with another warm-up match against South Africa today.

The Scots lost 4-1, Ailsa Wylie netting for the national side, but the official international matches start on Friday with less of an experimental squad approach.

Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd continued to ring the changes and commented, “Today we used a large squad with lots of players getting pitch time again. The conditions were very hot, around 30 degrees, and this was after a pitch and gym session earlier on in the day.

"It wasn’t about the result today, we had a good promising first half but a couple of goals that could have been avoided in the second period. First test is on Friday and the players are looking forward to it.”

After a pretty even first ten minutes, Scotland’s Robyn Collins and Catriona Ralph combined to give Heather Elder a chance inside the circle but the Dundee Wanderers’ midfielder was stopped by a strong stick block.

In the 15th minute, Sam Judge’s dangerous cross to Ailsa Wylie was blocked, before Scottish goalkeeper Siobhan Cowie was called into action three minutes later to make a good save from a fierce reverse stick shot.

The national side took the lead in the 21st minute with a wonderful Wylie goal; Judge found Nikki Lloyd in space, whose drive to circle and shot was deflected brilliantly past the South African goalkeeper into the top corner after a lung-bursting run and dive from the Grove Menzieshill striker.

With the Scots having much of the first half, they were left to rue their missed chances after an equaliser for the home side in the 32nd minute. A ball bobbling around the Scottish circle wasn’t cleared and a subsequent shot from a South African attacker hit the left hand post and rolled along the line. The ball was adjudged to have crossed the line to leave the score 1-1 at half-time.

South Africa came out of the blocks quickly following the interval, with Nicki Cochrane forced into a making a fine save in the 36th minute. Cochrane was on hand again to save an initial penalty corner attempt only sixty seconds later but the rebound was lifted high into the corner of the net to make it 2-1 to South Africa.

Captain Linda Clement came close to a Scotland equaliser two minutes later, just missing out on Sarah Robertson’s cross.

South Africa then began to enjoy the majority of possession and territorial advantage having appeared to lift intensity in hot conditions and Scotland continuing to ring changes in an attempt to try different options with several players playing out of normal positions.

Nine minutes from time, a break from the hosts led to another great save from Cochrane but the rebound was stroked home to make it 3-1.

Shortly after, a long aerial down left hand side led to a cross that eluded the Scottish defence was turned in at the far post to leave the final score at 4-1.

The Scots now focus on the official test series beginning this Friday.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Fabian Gregory named new South Africa men's hockey team head coach


Gregory has been the national women's team assistant coach since 2005 and has headed up the SA Hockey Coach Education portfolio for the last eight years, playing an integral role in developing SA Hockey's coach accreditation framework, which is endorsed by the Netherlands’ national hockey board as well as world hockey controlling body the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The South African Hockey Association have named the new head coach of the national men’s team.

Investec South Africa women’s hockey team assistant coach Fabian Gregory has been appointed to replace Charlie Pereira. His appointment is up until the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

New SA men's hockey team head coach Fabian Gregory in his previous role as assistant coach of the Investec South Africa women's hockey team during the Test series against Belgium in Cape Town a week ago. Photo: GAVIN WITHERS (ACTION PIX)

He was also head coach to a number of national junior men’s teams at U17 and U18 level, as well as SA U21 head coach for the 2009 Women’s Junior World Cup.

"SA Hockey are pleased to appoint Fabian Gregory as the new SA men’s head coach,” says SA Hockey Association CEO Marissa Langeni.

“Fabian comes with a wealth of coaching experience that spans over 19 years and has impeccable experience at major world hockey events including Test series, World Cups, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. He has been appointed up until the Rio 2016 Olympic Games."

“It is a wonderful challenge and also an exciting one, considering we have quite a few world-class players as well as highly talented youngsters coming through,” says Gregory.

“We have a good player base to work with and one of my aims is to ensure our senior players are motivated enough to stay in the system longer. I would not have accepted the job if I did not believe we can take the team to the next level.”

Employed full-time as director of coaching at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Gregory (40) also has a distinguished record as a hockey player and selector, and was also a South Africa U19 Cricket World Cup selector at one time.

Gregory, a teacher by profession, is taking a medium- to long-term approach to his new position but will hit the ground running, as the national men’s team accompany the Investec SA women’s side to Argentina next Wednesday for five-Test series against the highly-rated South Americans.

The South African men’s team return in early March and head straight into a three-Test series against reigning Olympic Games champs Germany in Cape Town. The Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia follows shortly after.

Further down the road, Gregory will be taking the SA team to the 2014 Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands, which takes place from May 31 to June 15.

After the four-yearly showpiece, the next major event on the international hockey calendar is the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in July.

SA Hockey Association media release



Ireland 1-1 England U21 Mens 4 Nations

In their second match in as many days Ireland took on England in horrendous conditions at Mossley Hockey Club at the U21 4 Nations, in a match that finished one a piece.

England were first out of the starting blocks converting in the 8th minute off their first penalty corner of the evening, Luke Taylor showing great power with his drag flick conversion. Ireland finally got their chance to equalise in the 25th minute when Lee Cole dragged home a near perfect flick to level the sides.

The second half saw an injection of intensity from both sides the tempo being turned up a few notches in what produced an exciting and compelling second half for the die-hard fans who had braved the stormy weather.

Despite the lack of goals in the final 35 both sides were level with eight circle penetrations yielding Ireland one shot on goal and England two, but some good defence work particularly from Mark Ingram in goals for Ireland kept the 1-1 scoreline in tact.

Ireland play their final match in this 4 Nations against the Junior World Champions Germany at 19.00

Ireland 1 (1)Lee Cole 25m PC
England 1 (1) Luke Taylor 8m PC

IRELAND: Mark Ingram GK; Johnny McKee; Kirk Shimmins; Michael Robson; Jamie Wright; James Lorimer; Lee Cole; Matthew Bell; Sean Murray; Nick Burns (c); Ravin Nair
RESERVES: Ben McMillan; Peter McKibbin; Neal Glassey; Sam O’Connor; Peter Brown; Ben Cosgrove; Matthew Allister

ENGLAND : Gibson (GK); Creed; Sharp; Gall; Farrington; Faulkner; French; Gooch; Goodfield; Griffiths; Taylor
RESERVES: Brooks (GK); Boon; Simpson; Gleeson; O'Connell; O'Connor; Spencer

Irish Hockey Association media release



Scotland defeated by junior world champions Germany

Scotland U21 Men faced junior World Champions Germany in the second of their Four Nations matches in Newtownabbey today.

The Scots lost 4-0, with Germany's goals coming from Constantin Staib, Fabio Berhardt, Max Van Laak and Christian Schmeidel.

A tough test for the young Scottish internationals but following the match Scotland U21 Men Head Coach Graham Moodie said, "The players showed a marked improvement from the match against Ireland yesterday. That we were able to compete with the world champions at this age groups speaks for the improvement in organisation and skill level that the players demonstrated today.

"If we can increase the level of performance again tomorrow against England then we'll be competitive and the players are looking forward to the contest."

The Germans went ahead in the eighth minute of the match, Staib finishing cooly past Sean Hadfield, before Bernhardt extended the lead for Germany in the 11th minute to make it 2-0.

With Germany two goals to the good at half-time, they set about adding to their tally early in the second period, with Hadfield making a great stop from a penalty corner in the 38th minute. However, Hadfield was helpless to stop Germany making it 3-0 only sixty seconds later, as Van Laak made no mistake from a penalty corner routine.

In the 50th minute, added a fourth goal with a fantastic reverse stick shot from Schmeidel nestling deep into the bottom corner.

Final score, Scotland 0-4 Germany.

The Scots play their final match tomorrow when they find themselves up against England at 17.00.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



’Roos return to Kalgoorlie

Hockeyroos return to the Goldfields region for two matches v Japan



The Hockeyroos will return to the Goldfields region next month to for a four day trip to Kalgoorlie that will see the girls in gold take on World Cup pool rivals Japan in two fully capped international matches.

The trip, part of a five match series against Japan, has been made possible thanks to the support of the Western Australian government.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron announced on Wednesday that the State Government would contribute $50,000 towards the four-day visit in March through the Department of Sport and Recreation’s Country Sport Enrichment Scheme.

“The Hockeyroos’ visit to Kalgoorlie last year was a huge success and has paved the way for a return this year,” Mr Waldron said.

“It will be the first time two international teams have travelled to Kalgoorlie to play sanctioned international matches and that will make for an exciting program.

“While those in Kalgoorlie will get to see a couple of world-class hockey games, there’s also a wide range of community activities around this visit which will engage hockey lovers and players of all ages and abilities.”

An important part of the four-day visit from March 20-23 will be the community events which include:
* Open team training sessions
* School clinics conducted by the Hockeyroos
* A junior hockey clinic for community players conducted by the Hockeyroos
* Hook in2 Hockey registration session with the Hockeyroos
* Coaches session for the community
* Umpiring workshop conducted by Olympic umpire Melissa Trivic

The matches will take place on 21st and 22nd March, both at 6:30pm AWST. The remaining three matches of the five match series against Japan will be played at Perth Hockey Stadium on 25th, 27th and 28th March.

Kalgoorlie is home to the Hockeyroos’ sponsor Ausdrill. Last year the team played two showpiece matches against a local select XI, while also undertaking a series of successful community events.

Hockey Australia media release



Uruguay holds the Pan American Youth Championship

Ladies play in Montevideo, qualifier for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, Nanjing.

Josefina Chavez Diaz

Argentina beat Mexico 14- 1 on Day 1 of Hockey5s competition of 2014 Women’s Youth Pan Am Championships, in Montevideo Uruguay. The win made Santiago Capurro’s team confident to win over USA on an even match with ball possession shared by the teams.

In the morning, Tamara Durante’s girls had a good match against Uruguay and were able to gain the 3 points after their narrow victory 2-1, a few minutes before the end of the contest.

The host showed improvement and pleased the crowed stands of fans with a 7-0 win over Mexico.

Tomorrow morning the four participating teams will close the group, leading to the second round before the finals

Pan American Hockey Federation



Argentina leader of the group and ready for round 2

Win all the matches.

Josefina Chavez Diaz

A new day of pure hockey was celebrated at the Carrasco Polo Club, today. Early in the morning, Uruguay and their fans were eager to the fight against their neighbors Argentina. Just five minutes into the game the score was a1-1. Argentina generated more opportunities and was rewarded. The match ended 6-1 in favor of Argentina. Later, the South Americans were reassured as favorites with a win on Mexico, 14-0.

Argentina went to the second round with perfect points, now looks forward to their encounter against USA. 

The Americans gained the second position, without any doubt, after their win over Mexico, 9-0.

Uruguay wasn’t lucky. In the morning they were beaten by Argentina and later by USA.

“We have more to give, we are not tired. We need to show good attitude’’, said Belen Valenzuela, Mexican player after they were defeated.

Pan American Hockey Federation



Second Day of Competition at the Youth Olympic Games Qualifier

Day two of competition at the Youth Olympic Games Qualifier in Uruguay for the Under-18 Women’s Squad proved to be exciting as Team USA improved to a record of 3-1. During its two matches, the U.S. outscored Mexico and Uruguay 14-1.

Team USA completed the first round of double round-robin competition with its first game of the day against Mexico. The U.S. squad got on the scoreboard in the 11th minute of the match when Margaux Paolino (Villanova, PA) delivered a great feed to Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, PA), who blasted a shot into to the back of the cage.

After a few minor adjustments, Team USA’s play picked up and they were able to net a second goal in the 17th minute of play thanks to the squad’s youngest member, Julianna Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, PA). Madison Morano (Hammonton, NJ) carried the ball to the baseline for a pass off of the boards to J. Tornetta for the finish, making the score 2-0. Team USA’s Hoffman had a perfectly timed interception to propel the team on attack for their next goal with a dish to Sophia Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, PA) who created a two versus goal keeper situation with Paolino who scored to go up 3-0. J. Tornetta returned the favor to Morano as she set her up for the fourth goal of the match for the U.S. to go into the second intermission up 4-0.

In the third period, Team USA was able to create several strong fast break opportunities that stretched Mexico’s defense. Austyn Cuneo (Waterford, NJ) scored her first goal of the match in the 26th minute of play off of a quick free hit by Hoffman. J. Tornetta netted her second of the match and Team USA’s 6th at the 29th minute mark. Cuneo restarted the play quickly and caught the Mexican team off guard as she fed the ball to an open S. Tornetta for the goal in the 30th minute. Two minutes later Sophia Miller (Medford, NJ) put one in herself to increase the lead to 8-0. In the last minute of play, Cuneo intercepted a ball, broke through the defense and took a shot that went just wide. S. Tornetta was on the post to score her second of the game to end the match 9-0 in favor of Team USA.

In its second game of the day, the U.S. faced Uruguay for the second time in the qualifier. The U.S. squad got on the board early as Skyler Fretz (Oley, PA) rocketed a shot from a long distance to take the lead 1-0. The lead was short lived as Uruguay took advantage of a defensive miscommunication and gained a strong scoring opportunity, only to fouled by Team USA, resulting in a “challenge call”. Uruguay scored on the ensuing opportunity much to the delight of the roaring crowd. The remainder of the 1st period was back and forth play, with Samantha Steele (Eagleville, PA) making impressive saves in the cage to keep the game even at one a-piece.

In the second period, Fretz intercepted an aerial meant for a Uruguayan attacker and passed it forward to Cuneo, who scored a diving goal in the 19th minute giving the U.S. the lead. Two minutes later, J. Tornetta built the play up the right side and sent a pass off of the back boards to the front of the goal, where Cuneo stripped a Uruguay player for her second tally of the evening. The U.S. finished the second period leading 3-1.

Composed passing combinations by Team USA led to several fast break opportunities, but no goals. In the 31st minute, the U.S. was rewarded with its effort by earning a “challenge”. Cuneo stepped up for it and earned her 3rd goal of the evening.  Hoffman scored Team USA’s last goal of the game as she intercepted a ball in the U.S. defensive half of the field and went end-to-end for the goal. Team USA won the match 5-1.

Stay tuned to usafieldhockey.com for the latest news and results for Team USA at the Youth Olympic Games Qualifier.

USFHA media release



Akashdeep strike sees Delhi beat Ranchi

Uthra Ganesan


Rhinos' goalie Francesco Cortes foils this effort from Waveriders' Tim Drummond (extreme left). Photo: Sandeep Saxena   

Delhi Waveriders went all out, registering its first victory over Ranchi Rhinos in the Hockey India League at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, here on Wednesday.

Akashdeep Singh scored the winner in the 65th minute as Waveriders consolidated their position at the top of the points table with a 1-0 win in their last match at home.

The Rhinos, on the other hand, will rue their missed chances. They got four penalty corners and two clear shots at goal but were let down by poor stopping and off-target forwards.

With the teams evenly matched it was a battle of attrition. With attack being their strength, there was no lack of effort in trying to break the opposition defence.

It was end-to-end play as both teams were quick on the counter. But while Gurbaj Singh and Rupinderpal Singh stood firm for Delhi, Kothajit Singh and Birendra Lakra foiled every attempt by Delhi.

Delhi got its first chance in the 10th minute but Stanley Minz's goal-line save kept the slate clean. Thereafter, there were hardly any chances even though both sides kept snapping at the edge of opposition’s danger area. Talwinder Singh got the first clear shot in the 21st minute but the Delhi youngster hit wide.

After the change of ends, Ranchi increased the pace of the game and came close to scoring twice but Barry Middleton and Justin Reid Ross missed from close range.

The match, though exciting, appeared heading for a goalless draw before Akashdeep ensured his team would end its assignments at home on a winning note, slotting the ball under a diving Ranchi goalkeeper Francesco Cortes.

Ranchi kept up the pressure to get the equaliser but it asn’t to be; a penalty corner was missed even in the final seconds.

Ranchi remains third on the table, but with the top four teams miles ahead of the other two, it is almost guaranteed to make the semifinals.

The result: Delhi Waveriders 1 (Akashdeep Singh) bt Ranchi Rhinos 0).

The Hindu



Akashdeep's late goal hands Delhi 1-0 win over Ranchi

NEW DELHI: Young striker Akashdeep Singh scored a late winner to help hosts Delhi Waveriders eke out a hard-fought 1-0 win over title holders Ranchi Rhinos in front of strong home crowd at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Wednesday.

Akashdeep scored a field goal in the 65th minute, which eventually sealed the match in the hosts' favour.

The narrow win not only helped the Waveriders avenge their 0-1 loss to the same opponents in their earlier meeting this season but also gave them a sweet revenge of their defeat at the hands of the Rhinos in last edition's summit clash.

Even though both the Waveriders and the Rhinos created bright openings in the opening 35 minutes, the two teams failed to convert the chances into real goal-scoring opportunities in the highly anticipated match.

It was a neck-and-neck fight between the Waveriders and the Rhinos, the two finest teams of the league, as play was mostly confined at the midfield in the opening two quarters.

If the Waveriders dominated the early share of exchanges, the Rhinos had the better share of ball possession in the second quarter.

Such was the intense battle between the two teams that the first penalty corner of the game came as late as in the 30th minute in favour of the Rhinos, but they failed to stop the push properly to waste the chance as the stalemate continued.

The Waveriders were slow to get off the blocks after the change of ends as the visitors secured two penalty corners in succession 10 minutes into the second half. But as it has been the story for the Rhinos in the match, they wasted both the opportunities.

Soon the home team got a bright chance to surge ahead but Rupinderpal Singh's try from their first penalty corner was kept at bay by Rhinos custodian Francisco Cortes.

The third quarter witnessed a lot of activity from both the sides with lot many attacks and counter-attacks, but their forwards lacked in cohesion.

The intense battle between Waveriders and the Rhinos continued in the fourth and final quarter with both the teams raiding each other's citadel with threatening moves.

But it took 65th minutes for the large crowd to witness the first and only goal of the match when Akashdeep scored from a field strike after Kothajit Singh committed a defensive lapse just outside the Rhinos circle.

The victory gave the hosts five points and further extended their lead at the top of the league table with 34 points from nine games. The Rhinos had to be satisfied with just two points from the encounter.

The Rhinos will take on debutants Kalinga Lancers in their next fixture in Bhubaneswar on Friday before the Waveriders play Dabur Mumbai Magicians in Mumbai on Saturday.

The Times of India



Lancers look to upset UP Wizards

Bhubneswar - Debutants Kalinga Lancers would be desperate to score a sweet revenge over the Uttar Pradesh Wizards and give their home fans something to cheer about in a return leg match of the Hero Hockey India League 2014 between the two sides, here tomorrow.

The Lancers had lost 1-3 to Wizards in their previous encounter at Lucknow and come tomorrow the hosts would be eyeing a win to make life little difficult for the visitors.

The Wizards are currently placed at the fourth position in the standings with 21 points from seven games, while the Lancers just have 10 points from as many matches.

But off late, the Lancers have started to gain momentum and gave their opponents tough fights in the last few matches.

Barring the 2-1 win over bottom-placed Dabur Mumbai Magicians, the Lancers did not have anything more to show in their maiden outing.

And the Terry Walsh-coached side would be hoping to prove their critics wrong tomorrow.

"We have lost another player (Mandeep) to injury in our last encounter, this is disappointing for us. Tomorrow's match against Uttar Pradesh Wizards is important for us as the results will have bearing on semifinal standings. We will focus on converting our chances in to goal," Walsh said on the eve of the game.

UP Wizards skipper V R Raghunath, meanwhile, said that they need to win tomorrow's game to consolidate their semifinal chances.

"It's an important game for us. We have to make sure that we qualify for the semi-final. Tomorrow's game would be crucial as it will affect the pool standing of top teams.

Plus, we need to win the game as it will also boost our morale and confidence," he said.

The Tribune



'Centralised matches too costly'

By S. Ramaguru
   
KUALA LUMPUR: Nur Insafi have called on the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to rethink their plan to hold all matches in the Division Two second-round playoffs and the knockout stage of the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysian Junior Hockey League at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Nur Insafi claim that there will be extra costs incurred by teams from the north if they have to travel to Kuala Lumpur.

Team manager S. Tatchana Murthi said that he was informed of the decision on Wednesday that all second-round matches in Division Two from Feb 20-23 will be held in KL.

“For that Feb 20-23 weekend alone we will incur extra costs of around RM10,000. Then, if we qualify for the quarter-finals there is another cost involved.

“The competitions committee must also realise that we cannot just come on match day and go back. We will need to come a day or two earlier. There are also school-going players and they cannot afford to miss their classes.

“I hope they will allow us to play one or two matches at home. This is a request on our part and not meant to dispute their decision,” he explained.

Nur Insafi, who were Division Two champions in 2007, are determined to get back into Division One next year.

They have already won the Division Two Group A and collected RM5,000 for their effort.

Their plan is to win the Division Two title and then aim for at least the semi-final in the knockout stage.

“We have remained unbeaten in the group matches and hope to make the grade until the semi-finals. The main objective is to get back into Division One next year,” he said.

To make it to Division One the team have to finish in the top four of the second round. That will also take them into the quarter-finals.

Tatchana said he has a more complete team this year with a lot of his players coming from Penang.

The team have scored 23 goals in seven matches and conceded only six.

Two players who have stood out in the team are current top scorer Nur Mushawir Hrsikesa, who has nine goals to his credit, and his brother Nur Rahul with six goals.

The Division One and Two league fixtures will come to an end on Sunday.

The Star of Malaysia



QRC’s hockey boys make it four straight

Nigel Simon

Dylan Francis and Jordan Reynos scored a goal each as a quality laden Queen’s Royal College made it four straight wins from as many matches in the T&T Hockey Board Secondary Schools League Boys’ Division with a 2-0 blanking of St Mary’s College at the St James Barracks Ground, Western Main Road, St James, yesterday.

Francis opened the scoring after only three minutes while Reynos sealed the issue in the 30th minute for the Royalians, now with maximum 12 points, and are yet to allow a goal while scoring 13.

The win also opened a six-point advantage over St Mary’s and Fatima Colleges, the latter of which has played a match less while South East Port-of-Spain (SEPoS) has three points followed by Woodbrook Government Secondary and Debe High, both without a point at the bottom of the six-team table.

In their previous wins, QRC swept past South East Port-of-Spain (3-0), Woodbrook Government Secondary (6-0) and Fatima College (2-0).

In the day’s opener, South East Port-of-Spain climbed to the top of the Girls Division despite being held to a 0-0 draw by cellar-placed Woodbrook Government Secondary. The draw improved SEPoS to four points from three matches, one more than Holy Name Convent, Providence Girls’ High, and St Joseph Convent.

However, Holy Name has only played one match while Providence and St Joseph have played a match more.

Results

Yesterday:
Girls Division:
Woodbrook Gov't Sec 0 vs South East PoS 0

Boys Division:
QRC 2 (Dylan Francis, Jordan Reynos) vs St Mary's College 0

STANDINGS

Boys Division:

Teams    P    W    D    L    F    A    Pts
QRC    4    4    0    0    13    0    12
St Mary's    4    2    0    2    20    5    6
Fatima    3    2    0    1    6    3    6
SEPoS    3    1    0    2    2    6    3
Debe High    2    0    0    2    0    14    0
Woodbrook    2    0    0    2    0    13    0

Girls Division:
SEPoS    3    1    1    1    2    2    4
Holy Name    1    1    0    0    2    0    3
Providence    2    1    0    1    3    2    3
St Joseph
Convent (PoS)    2    1    0    1    1    3    3
Woodbrook    2    0    1    1    0    1    1

Tomorrow's matches
Boys: Fatima College vs Debe High, 3.15pm
Boys: Woodbrook vs SEPoS, 4.15pm.

The Trinidad Guardian



Here is your chance to win tickets to the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 Finals

You will also receive accommodation for 4 nights plus dinner with a star



How do you fancy dining with Tobias Hauke, Tom Boon or Ravinder Pal Singh? Maybe breakfasting with Luciana Aymar, Emily Naylor or Alex Danson would be the best way to start your day.

Well, with the FIH Rabobank Hockey World Cup Facebook competition you can do just that. The FIH is offering you and a friend the chance to win flights, accommodation, tickets to both the mens and women's finals and a meal with a hockey hero of your choice.

This is a truly special prize for any hockey-loving fan. Just visit the FIH Facebook page www.facebook.com/fihockey and click on the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 Competition.

FIH site



Exclusive ticket offer for Champions Challenge & 5 Nations

Scottish Hockey is delighted to announce an exclusive ticket offer for the FIH Champions Challenge (W) and 5 Nations (M) competitions taking place at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

FIH Champions Challenge (W) will take place from 27 April-4 May, featuring hosts Scotland, India, Korea, Belgium, South Africa, Ireland, Spain, and USA.

5 Nations (M) will take place from 23-29 April, featuring hosts Scotland, Pakistan, Argentina, Belgium and England.

Member Ticket Offer

This exclusive offer is for Scottish Hockey Member Clubs and Districts ONLY and will be available for a LIMITED PERIOD.

A minimum of ten individual tickets need to be purchased by a club/district representative to qualify for a special group discount.

Clubs and Districts will receive a SPECIAL GROUP DISCOUNT on the following ticket purchases:

    Adult Group Discount – £90 (10 tickets for price of 9)
    Child (U16) Group Discount – £45 (10 tickets for price of 9)

How to Buy Tickets

Tickets will go on sale from 9.30am on Monday 17 February. This exclusive offer expires on Friday 28 February.

To purchase group tickets, a club or district representative should telephone 0141 550 5999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) , stating which day(s) you wish to attend and place your order by Friday 28 February.

We accept payment via debit and credit cards.

Top international hockey at a great value price

This is your chance to watch some of the world’s top international hockey players at the venue for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games for a great value price.

We would love to see you, your friends, club members, and family here at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre to get right behind Scotland and support our international players as they take on the world’s best hockey nations in their home country.

Please see the match schedules for both competitions below.

FIH Champions Challenge I (W):

Sunday 27 April

10:00 Pool B USA v Spain
12:00 Pool B South Africa v Ireland
14:30 Pool A Belgium v Scotland
16:30 Pool A Korea v India

Monday 28 April

14:00 Pool B South Africa v USA
16:00 Pool B Spain v Ireland
19:00 Pool A India v Scotland
21:00 Pool A Belgium v Korea

Wednesday 30 April

09:30 Pool B Spain v South Africa
11:30 Pool B USA v Ireland
14:00 Pool A Korea v Scotland
16:00 Pool A India v Belgium

Thursday 1 May

13:00 Quarter-Final 1st Pool A v 4th Pool B
15:15 Quarter-Final 2nd Pool B v 3rd Pool A
18:00 Quarter-Final 2nd Pool A v 3rd Pool B
20:15 Quarter-Final 1st Pool B v 4th Pool A

Saturday 3 May

09:00 Classfication Match
11:15 Classfication Match
14:00 Semi-Final Winner QF1 v Winner QF2
16.15 Semi-Final Winner QF3 v Winner QF4

Sunday 4 May

10:30 Classfication Match
12:45 Classfication Match
15:30 3rd/4th Place
17:45 Final

5 Nations (M):

Wednesday 23 April

17:00 Pakistan v England
19:00 Argentina v Scotland

Friday 25 April

17:00 Belgium v Argentina
19:00 Pakistan v Scotland

Saturday 26 April

15:00 Scotland v England
17:00 Pakistan v Belgium

Monday 28 April

09:00 Pakistan v Argentina
11:00 Belgium v England

Tuesday 29 April

09:00 Belgium v Scotland
11:00 England v Argentina

Scottish Hockey Union media release



RIP George Houston

It is with deep regret that The Irish Hockey Association advise the death of George Houston.

George was President of the Ulster Branch in 1993/1994 and served on the Irish Hockey Union Council in that year.

George will be remembered fondly by so many not only for his service to the Branch Council but also as an excellent and amiable Umpire over many years and as a stalwart of the Antrim Club.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the Family circle and to the Antrim Club.

Funeral arrangements will be advised later.

Irish Hockey Association media release

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