News 16 February 2014
All the news for Sunday 16 February 2014
Kasold Earns 150th Cap in Match against New Zealand
CHULA VISTA, Cali. – The U.S. Women’s National Team took on New Zealand this afternoon on the Olympic Training Center pitch. The match marked Team USA’s third capped game of the international series in California. After two hard-fought, back-and-forth halves, the match ended in a 2-2 tie.
“The team started brilliantly and scored early in the game,” said U.S. Head Coach Craig Parnham. “New Zealand played well in the first half and limited our play at times. In the second half, we created more opportunities and finished strongly. The team continues to grow and develop and we are looking forward to the final game on Monday.”
It was a hot, sunny day in Chula Vista when the U.S. and New Zealand took the pitch. Team USA got off to a quick start when Katie O’Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.) drove into the circle to the baseline and passed to the far post where Paige Selenski (Shavertown, Pa.) dove for the tip, putting the U.S. up 1-0 at the three minute mark. New Zealand answered in the 17th minute of play. Anita Punt scored off of a penalty corner, evening the score 1-1. The U.S. fought to earn two penalty corners in an attempt to even the score, but were unable to capitalize against New Zealand’s tough defense. New Zealand’s Jordan Grant struck again just before half time in the 30th minute, increasing their lead to 2-1. Team USA earned a pair of green cards in the 31st and 34th minutes for Jamie Montgomery (Lewisburg, Pa.) and Selenski.
Early in the second half, Michelle Kasold (Chapel Hill, N.C.) made a few jukes to enter the circle and drilled a shot on goal to even the score at two a-piece. With the goal, Kasold also earned her 150th cap with Team USA. The two squads battled evenly through the end of the match, but neither was able to pull ahead before the final whistle. The match ended 2-2.
The USA tied their last capped match of the three nations series on Wednesday against New Zealand with a 3-3 draw. The next capped match for the U.S. will be Monday February 17: USA vs NZL 11:30 a.m. PT
USFHA media release
Black Sticks Women draw 2-2 with USA
Black Sticks Women line up during Oceania Cup in Stratford. Photographer: Daniel Carson
The Black Sticks Women have drawn 2-2 with hosts USA today in their fourth game of the three nations tournament in San Diego.
The first half was competitive with both teams playing well and creating chances up front. The USA scored early on but New Zealand quickly pegged two back before half time thanks to an Anita Punt drag flick followed by a field goal from newcomer Jordan Grant.
Debuting earlier in the series, Grant finished off a good attacking move to collect her first ever international goal. Punt’s goal was well deserved, she was in outstanding form throughout the whole game with fast attacking runs through the midfield and superb tackling and intercepting.
In the second half, it was a slightly different story for the Black Sticks with the USA dominating large patches of play and winning a lot of the 50/50 contests in the midfield. An unfortunate deflection from a New Zealand defender in the circle gave USA the equaliser about 10 minutes into the second half.
As the clock counted down, the Black Sticks worked hard to hold on and find the winning goal but it was not to be. With last week’s game against the USA drawn 3-3, the series win rests on the final game on Tuesday against USA at 9.30am on Tuesday (NZ time).
“It was good to get some goals today but unfortunate that we couldn’t take the game - it came down to a lack of composure both up front and at the back. I thought there was some really good fight from us at the end of the game to try and get the win,” said Punt.
The three nations tournament includes New Zealand, USA and Great Britain. CLICK HERE for the full match schedule and results.
RESULTS
Full time: 2-2
Half time: 2-1 to Black Sticks
New Zealand goal scorers: Anita Punt, Jordan Grant.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
GB finish with a win, draw and loss in San Diego
Laura Unsworth in action for Great Britain women v USA.
The Great Britain women's centralised training squad have been out in San Diego at the USA Olympic Training Centre taking part in a warm-weather training camp. Across the two weeks the team have played three capped matches against the USA and New Zealand (2) as Head Coach Jason Lee continues to work to develop the broader Great Britain squad.
The tournament provided senior international debuts for newcomers to the centralised training squad Grace Balsden of Canterbury and Zoe Shipperley of Buckingham. Suzy Petty, although not currently on the centralised programme, also had a dream start to her senior international career as she scored to pull her side back level with the USA in the first match.
The results from the three matches were mixed for Lee’s side as they played out some close encounters with a victory and a loss to New Zealand and a draw with the USA. Further information about the matches, including scorers and comments from Lee, is available below.
Match 1
England 2 (1)
Alex Danson 8 (FG)
Suzy Petty 43 (PC)
USA 2 (2)
Melissa Gonzalez 22 (FG)
Katie O'Donnell 28 (FG)
Following practice matches against the USA and New Zealand Great Britain’s first capped game was against world number 10 side the USA.
In a fast paced match Great Britain took the lead when Reading’s Alex Danson characteristically scored an opportunist goal from close range in the eighth minute. USA equalised in the 23rd minute when Melissa Gonzalez’ shot flew low into the far corner of the net past Kirsty Mackay. Six minutes later they had gone ahead when Kathleen O’Donnell pounced on a loose ball at the top of the circle and slammed it into the goal to take her side in with a goal advantage at half-time.
Great Britain fought back strongly and Beeston’s Suzy Petty was well positioned to score her first senior international goal from a rebound off a penalty corner after an initial shot from Danson had forced a save from the USA keeper.
Speaking after the game Head Coach, Jason Lee, said: “This was a committed effort from the girls and great to see a decent international debut by Canterbury’s Grace Balsdon and a first senior international goal by Suzy Petty.”
Squad v USA:
Kirsty Mackay (GK)
Kate Richardson-Walsh
Grace Balsdon
Suzy Petty
Giselle Ansley
Sarah Haycroft
Emily Maguire
Laura Unsworth
Hannah Macleod
Alex Danson
Ashleigh Ball
Helen Richardson-Walsh
Ellie Watton
Shona McCallin
Lily Owsley
Alison Bell
Rebecca Herbert
Match 2
Great Britain 2 (0)
Nikki Kidd 57 (PC)
Hollie Webb 60 (PC)
New Zealand 1 (1)
Anita Punt 26 (PC)
Lee took another opportunity to rotate his squad of 32 athletes in the 2-1 victory over New Zealand and once again the selection showed resilience and growth, coming back from a 0-1 deficit at half-time to win 2-1 with penalty corner goals from Nikki Kidd and Hollie Webb.
New Zealand went ahead in the 26th minute when a drag flicked penalty corner by Anita Punt deceived Maddie Hinch in the Great Britain goal. New Zealand pressed strongly towards half time and Hinch was called upon to make a series of saves to keep her side from falling further behind before the interval.
The second half saw Great Britain regroup; Steph Elliott came close with an effort which was just denied by the New Zealand keeper. The persistent pressure paid off in the 57th minute when Nikki Kidd struck the ball strongly to score from a penalty corner to give her a first goal for Great Britain. Three minutes later, Hollie Webb added a first goal to her GB account as well after she flicked the ball low to the keeper’s left at another penalty corner to score what proved to be the winning goal.
Speaking after the game Head Coach, Jason Lee, said: “A solid debut by Buckingham’s Zoe Shipperley contributing to a resilient team performance. This match reflects continuous improvement through the tour for the squad. Of the five matches played so far [including the training games], most have taken part in at least three, giving opportunity and experience to the entire squad.”
Squad v NZL:
Maddie Hinch (GK)
Zoe Shipperley
Hollie Webb
Jo Leigh
Sam Quek
Sally Walton
Laura Unsworth
Georgie Twigg
Susannah Townsend
Morag McClellan
Susie Gilbert
Nicola White
Hannah Macleod
Alex Danson
Sophie Bray
Nikki Kidd
Steph Elliott
Match 3
New Zealand 1 (1)
Anita Punt 32 (FG)
Great Britain 0 (0)
In their final capped game of the series Great Britain faced New Zealand again, however this time the tables were turned and it was the world number five side that came away with the spoils. It was a close and competitive encounter which saw only one goal scored in very hot conditions at the Olympic Training Centre, San Diego.
In a tight first half, it was Anita Punt who broke the deadlock with a 32nd minute deflection past Kirsty Mackay in Great Britain’s goal.
Both sides had chances in the first half, and this continued in the second with Lee’s side unable to equalise and New Zealand unable to increase their lead. Mackay was substituted with seven minutes to go [kicking back replacing goalkeeper] and the extra field player nearly paid dividends with Great Britain coming close from a penalty corner and narrowly missing a field goal as the ball flashed across goal from a powerful Laura Unsworth cross. Great Britain survived a late penalty corner without a goalkeeper and forced another corner themselves on full time. The resulting effort from Zoe Shipperley was deflected onto the crossbar and out to leave the Kiwis narrow winners.
Great Britain ended the San Diego test series with a win (NZ), a draw (USA) and a loss (NZ).
Speaking after the three matches Lee said: “We have seen steady improvement in our play throughout the two weeks here and many of the less experienced athletes have impressed in tough, tight matches. This has been a really useful trip to bond and develop our squad and accelerate our progress moving forward.”
Squad v NZL:
Kirsty Mackay (GK)
Laura Unsworth
Ali Bell
Nikki Kidd
Susie Gilbert
Kate Richardson-Walsh
Nicola White
Sam Quek
Emily Maguire
Alex Danson
Grace Balsdon
Zoe Shipperley
Hannah Macleod
Ashleigh Ball
Sally Walton
Ellie Watton
Becky Herbert
England Hockey Board Media release
Investec SA hockey girls beat Scotland in exciting second Test at TUT
JONATHAN COOK in Pretoria
Bernie Coston in control as Scotland's Vikki Bunce tries to stay in the hunt during South Africa's 4-2 win in the second Test at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria Saturday. Photo: LUCAS JANSEN VAN VUUREN
Playing at pace and with speed and precision the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team led 3-0 at half-time in the second Test at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria Saturday, while Scotland came back strongly after the changeover to pull back to 3-2 before a goal at the death saw SA run out 4-2 victors and take a 2-0 lead in the five-Test series.
SA’s goals came from Kelly Madsen (seventh minute), Lilian du Plessis (21st and 70th) and captain Sulette Damons (29th) while Scotland netted through Linda Clement (53rd) and Nikki Lloyd (67th).
SA won the first Test 5-3 on Friday night while the third Test is at 3pm Sunday.
MORE DETAIL
Bernie Coston, captain Sulette Damons and Celia Evans got in early shots for SA and in the seventh minute Kelly Madsen popped in the rebound off goalkeeper Nicole Cochrane from the first penalty corner.
Both sides were effecting numerous turnovers, which made for exciting hockey but would have garnered mixed feeling from the respective coaches, Giles Bonnet (SA) and Gordon Shepherd (Scotland).
In the 11th Nicolene Terblanche fired a pass to Damons in the strike zone and the sharpshooter turned beautifully but slammed her shot just past the near post.
Two minutes later Scot Jen Eadie smacked a shot past the near post. SA broke out for Lilian du Plessis to smash her trademark backhand past the far post as the action came thick and fast.
Scotland’s Linda Clement’s deflection flew over the crossbar before Nicola Skrastin saw a gilt-edged chance go astray from Sarah Robertson’s baseline pass. In the 17th Evans’ effort was blocked by the keeper while in the 21st Du Plessis made it 2-0 to SA when her strike deflected off a defender’s stick and looped over the unfortunate Cochrane.
Two minutes later Du Plessis’ drag-flick from SA’s second PC was superbly saved and cleared by Cat Ralph, but the on-song striker was instrumental in engineering her side’s third PC which was well defended.
SA were not to denied and in the 29th Quanita Bobbs and Evans combined for captain Damons to beat the keeper (3-0).
A determined Scotland came back and were only thwarted by a superb smother of Ailsa Wyllie by keeper Hanli Hattingh from inside the six-yard box after Holly Cram’s powerful, pinpoint cross from the right.
On half-time SA won their fourth PC – a messy effort that was almost salvaged by Lisa Deetlefs but the ball bobbled past the near post.
SA’s Jade Mayne, Christine Roos and Marcelle Manson made crucial tackles in the strike zone during the first half.
SECOND HALF
After the break Scotland successfully defended SA’s fifth PC but Damons’ side kept pressing and Candice Manuel was causing problems down the right.
Scotland got back into the game and in the 53rd Linda Clement followed up her side’s first PC to pull one back after Susie McGilveray’s strong initial strike (3-1). McGilveray then had a double strike from Scotland’s second PC well saved once - and then twice - by Hattingh.
It was McGilveray yet again, this time making a crucial intervention at the other end from an incisive SA attack.
SA got out of jail in the 65th with some composed defending but three minutes from full-time (67th) Scotland scored in identical fashion to their first goal, except this time Nikki Lloyd popped it in from Cat Ralph’s strike.
In the final minute SA hit the post before Du Plessis slammed in SA’s fourth goal from her team’s fifth PC and the 4-2 final score. SA go 2-0 up in the five-test series.
SA Hockey Association media release
Scotland defeated despite second half comeback against South Africa
Scotland captain Linda Clement and Nikki Lloyd both found themselves on the scoresheet against South Africa. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott
Despite a valiant second half comeback, Scotland Senior Women lost the second test 4-2 against South Africa at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria earlier today.
Captain Linda Clement and Nikki Lloyd registered on the scoresheet for the national side, while a Lilian du Plessis double, together with goals from Kelly Madsen and Sulett Damons, gave the home side their win.
The Scots go 2-0 down in the five match series but following the full-time hooter, Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd was far from despondent, stating, “We found ourselves three down at the break to an excellent South African team after a very difficult first half.
“However it speaks volumes for the spirit and character of this squad of girls that we fought our way back into the contest before conceding from an overtime penalty corner conversion. Fight, desire, commitment, team work and a never give up attitude is what makes this team.”
The South Africans took an early lead in the seventh minute when Madsen popped up in the circle to net a rebound following debutant Siobhan Cowie’s initial block from a penalty corner.
Scotland nearly found an equaliser in the 13th minute when Jennifer Eadie fired a shot narrowly wide of the far post; Clement’s deflected effort flew over the bar shortly after; and Nicola Skrastin just missed out in front of goal after good work at the baseline from Sarah Robertson.
Jennifer Eadie fires a shot on goal against South Africa. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott
It was therefore slightly against the run of play that the home side doubled their advantage in the 17th minute after du Plessis’ strike took a deflection off a stick and looped over Cowie, who was left helpless.
Two minutes later a Du Plessis’ drag-flick was superbly saved and cleared by Cat Ralph, but South Africa were not be denied a third goal before half-time, and in the 29th minute, Quanita Bobbs and Evans combined for captain Damons to beat Cowie.
A determined Scotland came back and were only thwarted by a superb smother of Ailsa Wylie’s shot by keeper Hanli Hattingh from inside the six-yard box after Holly Cram’s powerful, pinpoint cross from the right.
Into the second half, and Scotland got themselves back into the match in the 53rd minute after Linda Clement followed up Susan McGilveray’s strike from the penalty corner to make it 3-1.
McGilveray then forced a double save from Hattingh, before Lloyd ensured a close finish in the 67th minute after she was on hand to strike the ball home after the hosts’ ‘keeper saved well from Ralph’s penalty corner attempt.
Scotland defender Susan McGilveray lets loose with a shot on goal. Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott
With the Scots pushing for an equaliser, Du Plessis made sure of a home win, netting right on the 70th minute to leave the final scoreline 4-2.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
The Germans are back and banging in first Test
By Aftar Singh
Japanese women’s team skipper Miyuki Nakagawa (right) tries to steal the ball from Germany's Lena Jacobi in the first test match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday. The Germans won 2-1. - RICKY LAI / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The German women’s hockey team are back in Malaysia after 41 years.
The two-time world champions – 1976 and 1981 – last played on Malaysian soil in 1973.
The Germans, ranked sixth in the world, are here for a five-Test series against the Japanese national team.
Coach Jami Mulders, 37, said that he wasn’t even born yet when the German women’s team last played in a tournament in Kuala Lumpur in 1973.
“I’ve been to Malaysia five times ... but my most memorable moment as a player was when the German men’s team won the World Cup at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil in 2002,” said Mulders.
“The men’s team have played here many times ... but we decided to bring the women’s team to KL as I like the facilities at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
“It is one of the best stadiums in the world. We also like the humid climate. We also came here because of the good rapport between the German Hockey Federation and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHF).
“Our women’s team also needed to come to this part of the world to broaden their horizon and to get to know the mentality of people here,” added Mulders, who has been coaching the women’s team since November 2012.
Under his guidance, the team won the European Cup in Belgium last August and the World League round three in Holland last year.
The German women’s team are also here to prepare for the World Cup in The Hague, Holland, from May 31-June 15.
Mulder said that they have set the team a semi-final target.
“We are in a tough group ... with Australia, England, Argentina, South Africa and China. So, we can expect some tough matches,” said Mulders after watching his team beat Japan 2-1 in their first Test match at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
Tina Bachmann gave Germany the lead off a penalty corner in the 19th minute before Japan equalised through Shiho Otsuka in the 57th minute.
Eileen Hoffmann netted the winner for Germany in the 62nd minute.
The second Test match will be held at Bukit Jalil at 7.30pm on Sunday.
The Star of Malaysia
East Grinstead on course for European semis
By Mike Haymonds
East Grinstead men are on course for a semi-final place at the EuroHockey Indoor Clubs Championship at Crawley’s K2 Arena after a win and a defeat yesterday.
They lost their opener 2-3 against the Russians Dinamo Ekaterinburg but bounced back with a 6-2 victory over the Swedes Partille SC.
Of the defeat by Dinamo EG’s manager Matt Jones said: “We were just off it. We had enough chances but wasted our opportunity.”
They were 2-0 down at half time. Mark Pearn pulled one back from a tight angle soon after the break but Dinamo’s skipper Dmitry Volkov completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Scot Niall Stott’s last minute corner strike produced a final score which flattered EG.
Against Partille EG again fell behind before a corner goal by Simon Faulkner equalised before the interval.
The Swedes’ captain Erik Stroby restored their lead but David Condon put EG three ahead with two goals in five minutes and Niall Stott’s hat-trick gave his side a comfortable margin of victory.
The downside to their victory was EG’s converting only two of their eight corners which Jones admitted: “We’ll have to work on that.
“After the uncharacteristic game against the Russians that was a much improved display based on a great defensive performance.
“The Swedes are a quality side with a number of internationals who were magnanimous in defeat. The two results confirmed the fine line between success and
failure at this level.”
EG meet Racing Club of Brussels in their final pool game today, needing a win to make the semi-finals.
Fieldhockey.com exclusive
Setback for Grove Menzieshill in Europe
Grove Menzieshill Men Euro. Photo Credit: http://www.xkminsk.by/trophy2014minsk/en/
Grove Menzieshill’s promotion challenge suffered a setback after a 6-2 defeat at the hands of Austrian side SV Arminen in the EuroHockey Indoor Champions Trophy, being held in Minsk.
Chris Wilson was on hand to net a double for his team against the Austrians, but Scotland's European representatives were well beaten in the end.
The Taysiders now require a sizeable win against HC Rotweiss Wettingen in their final match of the competition tomorrow at 11.10am GMT, and hope that SV Arminen beat HAHK Mladost.
The day started off in good fashion for Chris Anderson’s side, drawing 4-4 with HAHK Mladost in their final Pool A match after being 3-0 down early in the contest. Last season’s indoor champions rallied back through two goals from Sam Tilston and one from Josh Cairns to be level at 3-3 at half-time.
Despite falling behind again after half-time, a Ben Cromar equaliser in the 27th minute ensured that they progressed to the promotion pool as Pool A winners and with two points.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Delhi Waveriders trounce Mumbai Magicians 5-3
Nandakumar Marar
Delhi Waveriders' players celebrate a goal against Mumbai Magicians during their Hockey India League match in Mumbai on Saturday.
Delhi Waveriders let the ball do the running, created space at will and finished off moves in the goalmouth with clinical finishing for a 5-3 victory over Mumbai Magicians at the Hero Hockey India League. Yuvraj Walmiki and Akashdeep Singh were on target, and Rajpal Singh struck twice with diving deflections.
Rupinderpal Singh dragged flicked home the fifth for the leaders, the only penalty conversion apart from six field goals on view at Mahindra stadium. Delhi’s seventh win in ten games was built on skipper Sardar Singh’s classy ball distribution and positioning. Jason Wilson displayed sense of space and set up goals.
The goal glut started in the third minute. Walmiki stretched forward at the post to deflect a rebound by Akashdeep after rival goalkeeper Sreejesh padded away the first shot confidently. The move began with Sardara slotting the ball through a maze of players to Matt Gohdes whose square pass found Akashdeep.
Mumbai drew level the first time when Glenn Turner reacted in time to slot home the rebound after a long, angular carpet drive by Bharat Chikara was blocked. Sardara found Matt Wilson with a long pass and the latter tapped the ball across the goalmouth for Rajpal to put Delhi ahead with a connection at the left post.
Turner stamped his class with Mumbai’s second goal, gaining possession on the right and reaching the goalline with a weave and surge, followed by a quick pass back for Timothy Deawin to direct the ball into the net. The fourth goal (2-2) came against the flow of play with Delhi playmakers and forwards teaming up to break through the rival defence from different angles.
Glenn Turner waged a lone battle upfront for winless Mumbai, scored twice and set up one goal, his form contrasting with the struggle by his teammates all over the turf. Rajpal Singh was named ‘man of match’.
Scores
Delhi Waveriders 5 (Yuvraj Walmiki 3, Rajpal Singh 11, 54, Akashdeep Singh 36, Rupinderpal Singh 58) beat Mumbai Magicians 3 (Glenn Turner 10, 68, Timothy Deawin 35).
The Hindu
Rajpal strikes twice as Delhi Waveriders beat Mumbai Magicians
MUMBAI: Rajpal Singh's double strike helped Delhi Waveriders thrash Mumbai Magicians 5-3 in the second edition of the Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) at the Mumbai Hockey Association Stadium on Saturday.
The table-toppers, Delhi Waveriders, took the lead in the third minute with striker Yuvraj Walmiki, who deflected the ball at the goalmouth after skipper Sardar Singh got an initial touch.
The hosts managed to equalise seven minutes later through a combined effort from Bharat Chikkara and captain Glenn Turner.
It was the visitors who surged ahead in the 11th minute with another brilliant field goal, when Rajpal Singh sent the ball soaring past the diving Mumbai goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
However, it did not take long for the Magicians to draw level for the second time in the match. Turner dodged past the defenders and fed Timothy Deavin at the goalmouth, who nudged the ball inside the unguarded Delhi net in the 35th minute.
The Waveriders took the lead once again in the next minute with a brilliant reverse hit from Akashdeep Singh.
The last edition's runner up took a two-goal advantage over the hosts with a magnificent solo run from Rajpal, who sprinted from the mid-field to the D and then took a second touch to sound the board in the 54th.
The Waveriders added another goal (Rupinder Pal Singh in 58th) to increase their tally, while Mumbai scored a couple of minutes before the final hooter through their skipper Turner.
The Mumbai Magicians will next play Kalinga Lancers here tomorrow while this was the Waveriders' last match in the league stage.
The Times of India
Punjab Warriors silence Uttar Pradesh Wizards
Uthra Ganesan
Punjab Warriors player Sandeep Singh hits a goal over Uttar Pradesh Wizards during their Hockey India League match at the International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on Saturday. Photo: Akhilesh Kumar
Jaypee Punjab Warriors defeated Uttar Pradesh Wizards 2-1 to take the second spot on the points table at the International Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.
The last time these two teams met, they played out a 2-2 draw.
Today, the host was clearly the better team and more desperate for a win while Wizards were wayward.
That Warriors won despite a lacklustre defence and a profligate attack only underline the mediocre performance of the visitors.
Dwyer strikes
Warriors took the lead in the 21st minute when Jamie Dwyer shot past a clueless Wizards goalkeeper Srinivas Rao from the left after being put through by S.V. Sunil on a counter.
A minute earlier, Wizards’ Nikkin Thimmaiah had made a solo foray into the opposition’s empty circle but the rest of his team simply watched from the half-line, without bothering to back him up.
Nikkin and Pardeep Mor on either flank did their best to stitch together some moves but there was no one else to support their efforts.
This was only Dwyer’s second goal of the tournament but the Australian legend’s importance stems from the fact that he was in the middle of every possible move by his team.
Supported by Sunil, Affan Yousuf and Agustin Mazzilli, Dwyer helped Warriors keep creating chances at will, only to waste them later.
Sandeep Singh converted Warriors’ only penalty corner in the 29th minute.
In the final quarter, Malak Singh, Simon Orchard and Shivendra Singh were all guilty of either shooting wide or not trapping the ball in front of an empty net. Wizards earned two penalty corners but with captain V.R. Raghunath rested, they amounted to nothing.
With arguably the most expensive forward line in the Hockey India League, they played like clueless amateurs. Hugo Inglis redeemed himself after wasting a couple of chances by reducing the margin for Wizards in the 35th minute but that was the only high point for the UP team.
Warriors next play the defending champion Ranchi Rhinos in its penultimate league outing on Sunday while Wizards return home for their last game.
The result: Jaypee Punjab Warriors 2 (Jamie Dwyer, Sandeep Singh) bt Uttar Pradesh Wizards 1 (Hugo Inglis).
Friday’s result: Kalinga Lancers 4 (Aron Zalewski 23, Devinder Walmiki 27, Gonzalo Peillat 33, 69) bt Ranchi Rhinos 1 (Pradhan Somanna 44).
The Hindu
Punjab Warriors defeat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 2-1
MOHALI: Local favourites Jaypee Punjab Warriors dished out a commendable performance to register a 2-1 win over Uttar Pradesh Wizards in a hard-fought match of the Hero Hockey India League, on Saturday.
Playing attacking hockey under nearly freezing weather conditions, Punjab skipper Jamie Dwyer gave an early lead to his team when he scored from the left flank in the 21st minute by beating the goalkeeper.
Eight minutes later, Sandeep Singh increased the lead when he scored from the rebound of his own flick, thus converting the only penalty corner which the team had earned.
Despite missing some chances, Punjab kept up the attack and the Wizards fought hard and were rewarded in the 35th minute when Inglis Hugo Reid scored the solitary goal.
With this win, Punjab have now won five matches out of the eight played so far and are placed at number two spot while Wizards are a rung below with four wins from nine outings.
Punjab would be now hoping to salvage another win on their home turf on Sunday.
The Times of India
Canterbury Women re-take the lead
Canterbury's Mel Clewlow celebrates
CANTERBURY overtook Surbiton and moved to the top of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division with a 2-0 win over Sutton Coldfield on Saturday.
They scored a goal in each half through Kim Young and Mel Clewlow (pictured) to take the three points and are now a point clear of Reading with a game in hand.
Reading did all they could to keep the pressure on as they racked up their tenth win in 14 games. First half goals from Liz Hunt and Emma Thomas sealed a 2-1 win over University of Birmingham.
The result sees Reading go above Surbiton who lost out 2-0 at home against Leicester. Vanessa Hawkins and Katie Long were on target for Leicester who retain their place in the play-off positions.
Bowdon Hightown’s bid for a top four spot is still on track with a solitary Tina Cullen goal proving enough to get the better of Beeston.
Clifton are another team with an eye on a top four finish and are just a single point behind Bowdon Hightown after a 4-0 win over basement club Olton and West Warwickshire.
The game was goalless at the break but Olton’s resistance was broken two minutes after the restart with Els Mansell firing home. Further goals from Steph Addison, Harriet Pearce and Zoe Leach followed.
Slough are just one point behind Buckingham in the Investec Conference West after grinding out a 1-0 win over Isca, courtesy of a penalty stroke from Amy Sheehan. Buckingham had their game against Oxford Hawks called off due to high winds but they have still played the same number of games as Slough.
Brooklands Poynton replaced Wakefield as the leaders of the Investec Conference North after beating them in a tight 1-0 game. Nikki Tipping’s 35th minute strike separated the two sides and Brooklands are now two points clear at the top. This was Wakefield’s first loss of the campaign.
And in the Investec Conference East Holcombe extended their lead with a 4-0 win over Chelmsford.
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, February 15 2014):
Investec Women's Premier Division: Beeston 0, Bowdon Hightown 1; University of Birmingham 1, Reading 2; Clifton 4, Olton and West Warwickshire 0; Sutton Coldfield 0, Canterbury 2; Surbiton 0, Leicester 2.
Investec Women’s Conference East: Harleston Magpies 2, Horsham 0; St Albans 3, Ipswich 1; Old Loughtonians 0, East Grinstead 1; Wimbledon 3, Sevenoaks 3; Holcombe 4, Chelmsford 0.
Investec Women's Conference North: Brooklands Poynton 1, Wakefield 0; University of Durham 4, Doncaster 2; Stourport 2, Kendal 1; Loughborough Students 1, Ben Rhydding 1; Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 1, Boots 0.
Investec Women's Conference West: Gloucester City 2, Barnes 0; Swansea City 1, Trojans 1, Exe 1, Bristol Firebrands 5; Slough 1, Isca 0.
England Hockey Board Media release
US Womens Youth Olympic Team continues to create powerful presence in Uruguay
The US Women’s Youth Olympic Team carried tenacity through their matches against Mexico and Argentina as the squad concluded pool play.
The USA first took to the pitch against Argentina and was able to strike first with a goal in the 10th minute from Austyn Cuneo, but the lead was very short lived. Argentina took advantage of a quick whistle to restart the match as USA was performing their substitutions and put one past American keeper, Kelsey Bing. The first period ended in a 1-1 deadlock.
The second period was another half of good solid play by the young American squad. The U.S. took the lead for the second time in the game on another Cuneo goal in the 18th minute. Sophia Miller was next on the score sheet and helped USA extend their lead to 3-1 in the 20th minute. Earning her second of the match and the 4th for the USA, Miller rifled a reverse shot to the top left quadrant, truly a world-class goal. The Argentinians were not going to go down without a fight and they cut the USA lead scoring in the 24th minute of play. Argentina came out strong in the second half and capitalized as they scored three unanswered goals to take the lead for the first time in the game. With only two minutes on the clock when Argentina pulled ahead. USA persevered and Maddie Morano knocked in the tying goal in the 35th minute to end in a 5-5 tie.
The USA then contended in their last day of pool competition against Mexico. Morano scored in the 7th minute to get the USA on the board. Julianna Tornetta extended the American three minutes later.
In the second period Cuneo continued her scoring prowess by scoring in the 19th minute to give the USA a 3-0 lead. The Mexican team battled and were rewarded in the 22nd minute with a goal of their own. The US just wasn’t done as they scored 5 in the 3rd period of play.
Morano earned her second of the game at the 30 minute mark followed by Cuneo who secured a hat trick scoring in the 31st and 32nd minute. Mexico squeaked one in with three minutes to go to make it 6-2.
With two minutes left, Ashley Hoffman got on the score sheet. Sophia Tornetta ended the scoring for the USA in the last minute of the game to solidify a score of 8-2.
USFHA media release
UniKL taken to the edge by Petaling Jaya CC
UNIKL Young Guns were given a fright by Petaling Jaya CC before winning 2-1 to take the runners-up spot in the Milo Junior Hockey League at the Ministry of Education Stadium in Pantai yesterday.
At the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru, SSTMI Juniors were held 1-1 by KLSS and the result meant that both teams were out of the running for a place in the battle for the overall title.
UniKL opened scoring in the ninth minute via Zulhazriq Hashim but PJCC drew level through Zulhazwan Hashim two minutes before half time.
UniKL got the winner in the 64th minute through Jamil Johari Ghazali and that assures them of the runners-up spot in the league with a match in hand.
At the moment, Malacca High School are playing the waiting game as they are fourth in Division One. Anderson need a win over UniKL to pip MHS for the final berth in the last eight of the Milo Overall Cup. Any other result will see MHS safely through.
In Division Two, Olak-PKT thumped SMK Padang Midin 6-2 to book their spot in the playoffs for the overall stages that will be played next weekend. Joining Olak from Division Two B are Pahang Juniors.
Nur Insafi booked their place by topping Division Two A and they were joined by Bakat MSS Kelantan who defeated SMK Syed Hassan 2-0.
Politeknik KPM took top spot in Division Two C by defeating SMK dato Taha 6-0 and were joined by Bukit Jalil Sports School.
RESULTS -- Division One: SSTMI Juniors 1 KLSS 1; MBPJ 1 UNiKL 2.
Division Two, Group A: SMK Syed Hassan 0 Bakat MSSK 2; Group B: OLAK-PKT 6 SMK Padang Midin 2; Permatang Juniors 0 1MAS Perak 7; Group C: SMK Datuk Taha 0 Politeknik Johor 6.
FIXTURES -- Sunday, Division One: UNIKL v Anderson (5pm, National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil).
Division Two, Group A: Kota Star v SMK Syed Hassan (5pm, Alor Star Hockey Stadium); Matri Perlis v 1MAS Penang (5pm, Kuala Perlis Hockey Pitch)
Group B: MSSD Larut Matang v Akademi Felda Temerloh (5pm, Kuala Kangsar Hockey Pitch).
Group C: SM Sains Johor v BJSS Juniors (5pm, Batu Pahat Hockey Pitch).
New Straits Times
A formality for UniKL in fight for second
By S. Ramaguru
MBPJ's skipper Zul Pidaus Mizun (centre) is challenge by UniKL's Ahmad Ashraf Alias (left) during the Malaysian Junior Hockey League match in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. - Mohd Azhar Arif / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) have virtually sealed the runners-up spot in Division One of the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) after a narrow 2-1 win over Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) at the Education Ministry Turf in Jalan Pantai.
The former league and overall champions had to fight hard to secure victory, which gives them 12 points after five matches. MBPJ also have 12 points but have already completed their fixtures.
UniKL had eight penalty corners against MBPJ but only managed to score once – taking the lead in the ninth minute through Zulhazriq Hashim’s direct flick.
The PJ team hit back with the equaliser in the 33rd minute through Zulhazwan Hashim’s field attempt.
UniKL grabbed the winner in the 64th minute when Jamil Johari Ghazali scored his first goal in the competition.
UniKL will take on Anderson on Sunday in their last league fixture but even a defeat is unlikely to affect their position as they have a healthy goal difference to bank on.
UniKL were league champions in 2009 and overall winners in 2010. Last year, they finished third, with MBPJ finishing a spot above them.
UniKL team manager Mohamed Faiz Isa said that the team improved on their league position despite still not playing true to their capabilities.
“They are under-performing. They have the experience and the talent but that is not reflected on the pitch. Even today, they struggled a bit and only managed to win narrowly. They are not playing to instructions and that is an aspect that needs to be rectified before the knockout stage starts on Feb 28,” he said.
The fight for fourth in Division One will go down to the wire with the final match between UniKL and Anderson.
Malacca High School are currently occupying fourth place with five points. KLSS-KLHC had a golden chance to secure the spot on Saturday but were held to a 1-1 draw by SSTMI Juniors at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru.
KLSS also have five points but with an inferior goal difference to Malacca High.
Anderson, with two points, can pip both Malacca High and KLSS if they beat UniKL on Sunday.
But Anderson can forget about getting a free ride from UniKL although the varsity side have virtually sealed the runner-up spot.
“We will field our best players as we want them to maintain the momentum heading into the knockout stage. There is no need to field the reserves as we will have ample time to rest after this match and prepare for the quarter-finals,” said Faiz.
The six-team cast for the Division Two playoffs was completed on Saturday .
The qualifiers are Nur Insafi, Bakat MSSK (Group A); Pahang Juniors, Olak-PKT (Group B); Politeknik Johor and Bukit Jalil Sports School (Group C).
The Star of Malaysia
