News 01 March 2014
All the news for Saturday 1 March 2014
Better 2nd half for Investec SA hockey girls but Argentina run out winners
JONATHAN COOK in Mar del Plata
Argentina defender Noel Barrionuevo (left) comes across as Dirkie Chamberlain (middle) and captain Sulette Damons go on the attack for South Africa during the fifth Test in Mar del Plata Friday. Photo: RODRIGO JARAMILLO
A disappointing first-half performance by the world’s 11th-ranked Investec South Africa women’s hockey team in the fifth and final Test here Friday saw the girls in green and goal trail reigning World Cup champs Argentina 2-0, but much-improved passages of play after the changeover resulted in SA fighting back to 2-1 before a strong finish and some interesting umpiring decisions left Las Leonas (The Lionesses) with a 4-1 victory.
World number two Argentina win the series 5-0.
After weathering an early second-half assault as Argentina went in search of a three-goal advantage, captain Sulette Damons’ SA side began connecting and the tourists pulled one back when the skipper cracked a pass towards the never-say-die Bernie Coston, whose deflection effected a fine save from replacement keeper Florencia Mutio and the alert Celia Evans was perfectly placed to volley home the rebound (2-1).
Then Jade Mayne fired a ball into the strike zone and Dirkie Chamberlain’s deflection from close brought out a stunning reflex save by Mutio – arguably the save of the series.
As if sensing the reprieve signalled retaliatory action, Argentina poured forward and the game became very exciting, if rather loose for the purists. Delfina Merino popped in a PC rebound for 3-1 in the 61st minute and a Noel Barrionuevo PC in the 67th minute made the final score 4-1.
The match had a rosy start when Western Province’s Quanita Bobbs was honoured for her 50th Test appearance.
Josefina Sruoga of Las Leonas celebrated her 150th match and once the first whistle sounded there was not much joy for SA in the opening stanza, Barrionuevo opening the scoring in the ninth minute from Argentina’s second penalty corner.
In the 17th it was the turn of eight-time World Player of the Year Luciana Aymar to break from outside the attacking third of the pitch and scythe into the strike zone from the left channel in inimitable fashion before slamming her shot into the backboard for 2-0.
SA keeper Anelle van Deventer made a number of very good saves in the match to keep SA in the game; while the South Africans had their moments up front in the first half but too often the final pass did not find its target.
SA Hockey Association media release
SA hockey lads and Argentina draw fifth and final Test 2-2
JONATHAN COOK in Mar del Plata
South Africa's Dylan Swanepoel comes away with the ball as defender Jethro Eustice and captain and goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse look on during the 2-2 fifth Test draw against Argentina in Mar del Plata Friday. Photo: RODRIGO JARAMILLO
The fresh-looking world number 12 South Africa men’s hockey team under new head coach Fabian Gregory maintained their upward curve in leading 1-0 in the first half of the fifth and final Test against world number 11 Argentina here Friday when muscular midfielder Clint Panther made SA’s opening goal in the 26th minute with a strong run along the left-hand baseline before giving himself room, but keeper Juan Vivaldi pulled off a fine save only for Nick Spooner to follow up on the rebound .
A lapse in concentration saw Juan Vilas steal in to equalise from Pedro Ibarra’s pinpoint cross for 1-1 in the 31st minute.
The teams turn around at 1-1 but the manner in which SA had moved the ball around the park, not allowing Argentina to take possession, quality off-the ball running and pressure play, and making better connections in midfield, gave the lads some, if not all, the reward they deserved.
SA went ahead again in the 47th minute when Lungi Tsolekile took a free-hit in the attacking third of the field and passed infield to Geowynne Gamiet, whose immediate transfer saw Ignatuis Malgraff turn beautifully before nailing a superb goal so fluid in its execution (2-1).
A great chance to increase the lead followed soon after but Gamiet couldn’t find an unmarked Malgraff lurking just inside the penalty sport.
The last 20 minutes saw the game turn increasingly ugly as peculiar umpiring decisions took hold - much to the detriment of the South Africans - and the lost control of proceedings by the officials led to some hot-tempered incidents on both sides.
Argentina equalised in the 52nd minute when the ball trickled in from a Lucas Martinez effort, which left the final score 2-2.
There was some brave defending by SA in the face of a sustained Argentine assault, first wave penalty corner defender Pierre de Voux making a key intervention at one set-piece while Pieterse pulled off a series of top-class pressure saves.
The match ended in the most heated atmosphere with huge protests by the South Africans as the umpiring decisions became increasingly erratic.
Two incidents when the ball was played after the whistle had gone, saw SA central defender Jethro Eustice take two blows, the second leaving him poleaxed on the field and requiring care from the SA bench after the final whistle.
SA supremo Dylan Swanepoel was simply brilliant in all facets and arguably deserved a man of the series award.
The result gave Argentina a 4-0 series win but SA’s steady improvement as the series wore on was a feature of the five matches.
SA Hockey Association media release
SA men’s squad for training camp and next week’s Germany series
JONATHAN COOK in Mar del Plata
New SA men's hockey team head coach Fabian Gregory during the third Test against Argentina in Mar del Plata Tuesday. Photo: RODRIGO JARAMILLO
The South Africa men’s hockey team selectors have named a national squad for the training camp and three-Test series against world number two and back-to-back Olympic Games champions Germany in Cape Town next week.
The 34-player SA squad will begin a training camp under the guidance of new head coach Fabian Gregory, who has been in the job for just a fortnight, at Hartleyvale Hockey Stadium in Cape Town on Monday afternoon.
Gregory said that the 18-player SA team that is to take on what is likely to be the full German side will be selected from the squad. The Tests between world number 12 SA and Germany at Hartleyvale are at 7pm on Wednesday and Friday, March 5 and 7 respectively, and at 4pm next Saturday, March 8.
There are a number of players who were not considered due to injury, work and overseas club commitments.
“It has always been my intention to see all the player out there, I have scouts who have recommended players and I have always said I have an open-door policy, anyone who shows potential will get a chance to play for South Africa or at least be invited to a national camp,” Gregory said Friday.
“The 18 players for the German series will be selected from four sessions totalling 10 hours on the pitch and it should be sufficient time for players to impress. Those not selected in the 18 will have separate training sessions during the series.”
Gregory is clear on what he is looking for. “No longer must the ambition be just to make the national team. Players’ sole intention must be to become top performers at international level.”
Players who have impressed Gregory this week during the five-Test series against Argentina in Mar del Plata include centre backs Jethro Eustice of Southern Gauteng and Dylan Swanepoel of Maties, University of Johannesburg midfielder Taylor Dart, and strikers Dan Sibbald of KZN Coastal Raiders plus Western Province’s Pierre de Voux and Langa Hockey Club stalwart Lungi Tsolekile, while Eastern Province’s fast and skilful SA U21 World Cup forward Ignatuis Malgraff has given enough indication of his potential when he has backed himself.
SA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Rassie Pieterse (Southern Gauteng), Gowan Jones (KZN Coastal Raiders), Jacques le Roux (Western Province)
Defenders: Andrew Cronje (WP), Lloyd Madsen (Southern Gauteng), Matt Guise-Brown (Northern Blues), Robin Jones (KZN Inland), Dylan Swanepoel (WP), Mohamed Mea (KZN Coastal Raiders), Lance Louw (Southern Gauteng), Jethro Eustice (Southern Gauteng), Daniel Bell (WP), Francois Pretorius (Northern Blues)
Midfielders: Owen Mvimbi (Southern Gauteng), Wade Paton (WP), Nick Gonsalves (Southern Gauteng), Tim Drummond (KZN Coastal Raiders), Chad Cairncross (Eastern Province), Clive Terwin (WP), Cuan Burton-Moore (WP), Taylor Dart (Southern Gauteng), Craig Haley (WP)
Strikers: Pierre de Voux (WP), Ignatuis Malgraff (EP), Damian Kimfley (EP), Nick Spooner (Southern Gauteng), Winchester Scott (EP), Geowynne Gamiet (EP), Lungi Tsolekile (WP), Brandon Panther (Southern Gauteng), Dan Sibbald (KZN Coastal Raiders), Matt Botha (WP), Lloyd Norris-Jones (WP), Keenan Horne (WP)
FIXTURES
SA vs Germany at Hartleyvale
1st Test, Wed, Mar 5 at 7pm; 2nd Test, Fri, Mar 7 at 7pm; 3rd Test, Sat, Mar 8 at 4pm
Tickets – adults R40; children (age 4-18) R10; family (2 adults, 2 children) R70; series ticket (per person) R80
Gates open: 1 hour prior to start time
SA Hockey Association media release
Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey draw released
The Hawke's Bay ‘Festival of Hockey’ will see 64 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
Women’s Team opens 2014 with Series vs. USA
First opportunity to assess progress after heavy winter training schedule
The Canadian Women’s National Team will open their 2014 campaign with a 4-match test series against the USA in their brand new covered Spooky Nook facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
After an exciting year 2013 and the Commonwealth Gamesin Glasgow on the horizon, it will the first opportunity for the Canadian players and staff to assess the on-field and off-field progress after a heavy training schedule that started before Christmas. All 32 players in the squad trained extremely hard and Coach Ian Rutledge admitted that it was tough to trim down the squad to 19 players for the series.
The USA team will be well primed, as they have recently completed a 3-Nation series against Great Britain and New Zealand, and are preparing for the upcoming Champions Challenge in Scotland, and of course the World Cup in June in the Netherlands.
Canada and USA last met in the semi-final of the 2013 Pan American Cup in Mendoza. USA prevailed 4-0 after a scoreless first half.
Matches:
Monday 10th March, 6pm
Tuesday 11th March, 6pm
Thursday 13th March, 6pm
Friday 14th March, 6pm
FHC Women’s National Team - USA Series
1 Lauren Logush (GK)
2 Kaitlyn Williams (GK)
3 Jessica Barnett
4 Danielle Hennig
5 Karli Johansen
6 Kathleen Leahy
7 Sara McManus
8 Kaelan Watson
9 Ashley Kristen
10 Hannah Haughn
11 Abigail Raye
12 Poonam Sandhu
13 Maddie Secco
14 Natalie Sourisseau
15 Kristine Wishart
16 Kate Gillis
17 Stephanie Norlander
18 Brienna Stairs
19 Tegan Stairs
Field Hockey Canada media release
‘Annoyed’ Olympians reconcile with PHF
KARACHI: After a prolonged fight, the Olympians, who had conveyed their discontent towards the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), finally reconciled with the game’s governing body, following a meeting with the reconciliation committee.
This took place after the committee, comprising Olympians Zafar Ali Khan, Khwaja Zakauddin and Iftikhar Syed – formed by the PHF to hold talks with the ‘annoyed’ former stars – assured them that heed would be paid to their suggestions on promoting hockey in Pakistan.
Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh, who was the bitter PHF critic, confirmed that his group came on board with the federation in the best interest of the national game.
‘Olympians propose formation of core committee’
Sheikh, while speaking to The Express Tribune, said the formation of a core committee was proposed to the reconciliation group during their meeting in Karachi this week.
“We proposed the formation of a committee comprising PHF officials, technocrats of the sport [former players] and experts from corporate sectors.
“That committee must have the power to take key decisions for the betterment of the game. The inclusion of a representative from a corporate sector has been proposed so that the PHF can generate its own revenue since hockey still has a potential market.
“This proposal will now be forwarded to the PHF by the reconciliation committee.”
He further stated that almost all of the Olympians were on board with the idea, and had shown their readiness towards supporting PHF President Akhtar Rasool.
“We were against the previous federation which was headed by Qasim Zia (president) and Asif Bajwa (secretary) because they were incompetent. However, we have trust in Rasool as he is a reliable offical.”
The Express Tribune
Delhi beat Kerala 4-1 in national hockey
NEW DELHI: Delhi registered their first win in Pool D defeating Kerala 4-1 in the fourth Hockey India (HI) Senior Men's National Championship at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium on Friday.
After losing their first game against Vidarbha Thursday, Delhi seemed a much better side and scored twice in each half. Manish Kumar, Shyambir, Abhishek and Praveen Kumar contributed a goal each in Delhi's victory.
In the second match of Pool D, Shaheed Shaikh, Prince Yadav and Amulya Minj scored to help Chhattisgarh register a 3-1 win over Vidarbha.
In another Pool D match, Assam played out a 2-2 draw against Tripura. Assam took a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute with a field goal scored by Mohd. Salman Khan but 10 minutes later Mohd. Suhail equalised for Tripura. Salman scored again in the 57th minute to increase the lead to 2-1 for Assam but two minutes later Mohd. Khalil scored for Tripura to level the game.
In Pool C, Gangpur (Odisha) registered their second consecutive win defeating Bengal 5-1. Bengal took an early lead (second minute) when Sunil Shah made no mistake in converting a penalty corner. However, two minutes later Gangpur levelled through a Sashi Toppo field goal. Gangpur took a 2-1 lead (10th) with a penalty corner converted by William Xalxo.
In the 23rd minute, Bruno Hedrino Lugun scored a field goal to increase the lead for Ganpur. In the second half, Ashish Anmol Minz and Dillip Kerketta each scored a goal for Gangpur.
Earlier, Puducherry defeated Mizoram 3-1 in Pool C. For Pudicherry, N. Sellamuthu, V. Karthikeyan and N. Kamalakannan scored a goal each while Mizoram scored through M.S. Dawngliana.
Results:
Pool C: Puducherry 3 beat Mizoram 1; Gangpur 5 beat Bengal 1; Assam 2 drew Tripura 2
Pool D: Chhattisgarh 3 beat Vidarbha 1; Delhi 4 beat Kerala 1
The Times of India
EME Jalandhar, BSF enter semis
Ropar - EME Jalandhar and BSF Jalandhar entered the semifinals of the Dashmesh Hawks All India Hockey Festival here today.
EME Jalandhar beat Punjab Police and BSF Jalandhar CISF by identical scorelines of 3-2.
The EME team will face Punjab State Power Supply Corporation, Patiala, while BSF will take on All India Air Force (Delhi) in the semifinals tomorrow. The final will be played on Sunday.
In the match between EME and Punjab Police, EME took an early lead through a field goal by Biju Singh in the sixth minute of the match. Punjab Police scored an own goal in the 10th minute and the two teams went into the break with EME leading 2-0.
In the second half, EME consolidated their lead through a brilliant field goal by Avtar Singh to make it 3-0.
Punjab Police opened their account through a field goal in the 60th minute by Satvinder Singh. Satvinder scored again eight minutes later off a penalty-corner to reduce the margin to 2-3. Punjab Police got an opportunity to equalise in the dying minutes of the match but failed to convert a penalty-corner.
In second match, BSF got into the lead in the 19th minute when Jojo converted a penalty-corner. BSF consolidated their lead when Ranjit Singh scored two minutes later.
CISF were able to score their first field goal in the 24th minute. But five minutes later, Sanjeeb Kumar scored for BSF for a 3-1 lead.
In second half, BSF scored an own goal in the 53rd minute but still lead 3-2, and that remained the final scoreline.
The Tribune
32 teams to compete in junior women's national hockey
NEW DELHI: Thirty two teams will vie for top honours in the fourth edition of the Hockey India Junior Women National Championship to be held in Mysore from March 5-23.
The tournament, to be played on a league-cum-knockout basis at the Chamundi Vihar Stadium, will witness two new teams in Hockey Gangpur, Odisha and Vidarbha Hockey Association.
The 32 teams have been split in two groups of 16 each -- Division A and Dividion B.
The matches of Division B will be played from March 5 to 13 while the Division A games will be held from March 15 to 23.
The inaugural match of Division B will be played between Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh in Pool C on March 5.
In Division A, last year's bronze medalist Jharkhand will take on Bengal in the opening match on March 15.
Defending champions Haryana are placed in Pool A with Tamil Nadu, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Rajasthan while last year's runners-up Madhya Pradesh are placed in Pool B along side Delhi, Karnataka and Bhopal.
Defending champions Haryana will take on SAI in their opening match on March 15.
The Times of India
Gurbaj: Ready to serve my country again
Suhrid Barua
Making a comeback to the national team is never a piece of cake given the cut-throat competition for places. Staying positive and slogging out the hard yards are the best things a player can do in such a scenario. Out-of-favour Indian midfielder Gurbaj Singh is striving hard to let his performances do the talking and at the same time keep his chin up.
The 25-year-old Punjab lad, who has made more than 150 international appearances, dished out a power-packed performance in the recently-concluded Hero Hockey India League for 2014 champions Delhi Waveriders, winning the coveted Man of the Match award twice (against Kalinga Lancers and Uttar Pradesh Wizards).
Gurbaj indeed played his part in ensuring the Cedric D’Souza-coached Delhi outfit clinched its maiden HIL crown after finishing second-best to Ranchi Rhinos in the inaugural edition last year. “I’m elated to have contributed to Delhi Waveriders’s 2014 HIL triumph. I just enjoyed myself on the pitch and was happy with my showing. Hockey is a team game and every team member chipped in – all the strategizing by our coach and the team management really worked well for us,” Gurbaj said candidly in an exclusive interview to www.stick2hockey.com
undefined The sturdy centre-half last wore the national blue jersey in the 2012 London Olympics, where India settled for a worst-ever wooden spoon finish. In fact, Gurbaj is among four players (skipper Bharat Chettri, Ignace Tirkey and Tushar Khandker being the other three) from the 16-member London Olympics squad ignored thereafter.
The Punjab Police DSP attributes his good run in the 2nd Hero Hockey India League to months of sustained training before the commencement of the event. “I have been regularly playing in departmental tourneys and keeping myself match-fit. Tournament or no tournament I always do my own training with utmost sincerity,” he quipped.
Has he done enough to merit a call-up to the Indian team for the 2014 World Cup? Gurbaj chooses his words carefully. Look, to be picked in the national side is not in my control. I can only do what is in my control – stay fit and perform. I’m extremely passionate about hockey and it hasn’t changed one bit just because I’m out of the national team. I’m ready to serve my country whenever an opportunity comes along.”
Gurbaj, who led the Indian junior team to Asia Cup glory in 2008, was at his flowing best in the 2nd HIL controlling the midfield, orchestrating searing runs from the flanks and essaying razor-sharp crosses, creating openings for the forwardline as well as stonewalling the opposition raids with immaculate defending. “Our coach Cedric D’Souza focused a lot on our defence. Tightening our defence was one of our game plans and it worked to a nicety for us. Our coach really got the best out of our players and he deserves all the credit for our HIL glory,” he gushed.
Gurbaj made his senior international debut against Bangladesh in the 2006 Doha Asian Games. He gradually became an integral part of the national team. He was part of the Indian team which made a podium finish in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for four consecutive years. Gurbaj was a member of the national team, which won the gold in the 2009 and 2010 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup besides garnering a silver and bronze in the 2008 and 2007 editions respectively. He was also named in Asian All Stars XI in 2010.
Surely two stints in the HIL must have done a world of good to his game since he has been out of the national reckoning.
“Definitely it has helped to raise my game by a few notches. Playing alongside guys like Oskar Deecke, Nicolas Jacobi, Simon Child and Lloyd Norris-Jones, Matt Ghodes and Sardar Singh always gives you an opportunity to learn so much tactic-wise and skill-wise. I can only getter better in future,” says the midfielder who is a product of Jalandhar-based Ramesh Chander Hockey Academy.
Only time will tell if Gurbaj has done ‘enough’ to attract the attention of the selectors and boards the flight to The Hague for the Rabobank 2014 World Cup.
Stick2Hockey.com
Grove Menzieshill aim to upset second place Hillhead
Aberdeen Asset Management Men's & Women's National League Division 1 Previews
The fight for a play off spot continues as second placed Hillhead travel to Dundee to play fifth placed Grove Menzieshill in what may turn out to be an all or nothing fixture for the Taysiders. Anderson’s men have been in good form, after a strong performance in Europe and an encouraging 3-1 win over Western Wildcats last week they will be going into this match confident. Hillhead on the other hand are harder to predict, after with a hard fought victory of 3-2 against AAM Gordonians last weekend. This will be a closely fought match in which home advantage may prove to be decisive.
Western Wildcats face a real test on Saturday against an improving Inverleith side. The Wildcats have faltered recently with only one point from their last two encounters, seeing them slip into third position albeit with a game in hand. To settle the nerves, Dunlop’s players will be keen to take advantage of the familiar surroundings, and get their season back on track with a win. Inverleith will fancy upsetting Western’s playoff chances and will be positive in their preparation and approach to the match. This match could go either way, with set pieces of huge importance in deciding the outcome.
Champions Glynhill Kelburne make the long trip north to face AAM Gordonians. Assured of their place in the play-offs, Glynhill Kelburne will be keen to maintain their momentum against a team which came so close to beating them earlier in the season. Despite a disappointing points return this season AAM Gordonians have proven themselves to be a very competitive and a hard team to beat, so it may be a struggle for Glynhill Kelburne to come away with all three points.
Dundee Wanderers welcome PSL Team Sports Clydesdale to Mayfield on Saturday in what is a crucial fixture for the West Glaswegians as they cling on to hopes of a play-off spot. Anything other than a win for PSL Team Sports Clydesdale would signal the end of their chances of making the top four. Dundee have less to play for in terms of league position, a win would see them draw level with AAM Gordonians if other results go in their favour. The last time the two sides met PSL Team Sports Clydesdale fought back to earn a draw in a match in which they could have won. A difficult side to play, especially with home advantage. PSL Team Sports Clydesdale will have to be on their best form to secure all three points.
The final match of the day sees Grange match up against Edinburgh University at Peffermill. Grange have found form after the faltering start to the season and are building momentum as the play offs beckon. Edinburgh University have also seen a return to form, with a creditable draw with Western Wildcats and a narrow lose away to PSL Team Sports Clydesdale. This will be another close match, if Grange can use their wealth of experience they may come away the victors.
The match of the day in the Aberdeen Asset Management Women’s National League One sees second placed Milne Craig Clydesdale Western travel east to play run away league leaders Grove Menzieshill at DISC. With both teams assured of the play offs, and with Western unlikely to catch Grove, this match could be a cagey affair, as both teams keep an eye on the play offs. The last time the two sides met, Grove were the winners.
Edinburgh University who currently sit third and just a point behind Milne Craig Clydesdale Western have a chance to leapfrog their play-off rivals. On Saturday they face fellow capital side CALA Edinburgh. CALA have had an unpredictable season so far, so it could go either way this weekend.
In Glasgow, Glynhill Kelburne host GHK at Glasgow National Hockey Centre on Glasgow Green. Glynhill Kelburne have had a good season, however, have failed to make an impact on the top four. GHK by contrast had a good start to the season, but have lost their way somewhat. Both teams are now playing for positions within the relegation play offs and both will be keen for the three points.
Fourth placed Dundee Wanderers have got a slim chance of stealing third place in the league with a win against Grange ladies. Dundee have just returned from their European adventures after a successful indoor season and will be keen to carry this momentum into the outdoor game. The last time the two sides met Grange lost 5-0.
The final match of the day sees Western Wildcats host Watsonians at Auchenhowie. After a good start to the season Wildcats have lost their way a bit, so will be keen to get back to winning ways against the Edinburgh ladies. Watsonians have adapted well to life back in National One and have proven themselves a difficult team to play. When Western Wildcats travelled to Edinburgh earlier in the season, Watsonians triumphed 4-3 in a closely fought match. Another close match is likely on Saturday, with a move off the bottom the reward for the Wildcats if they come out on top. Watsonians can climb to sixth if other results go their way.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Five teams fighting for a promotion playoff position
Aberdeen Asset Management Men’s National League Division 2
The two last spots for a playoff position is all to play for with 5 teams playing for that chance of promotion.
Fifth place Stepps face top of the table Uddingston this weekend, Stepps will have a tough task to try and secure three points of the league leaders. Despite a 7-3 loss earlier in the season Stepps will be determined to move up the table and into a playoff spot as they are only one point behind fourth.
At the other end of the table, bottom side FMGM Monarchs welcome mid table team Erskine Stewart Melville, they only lost 2-0 at the start of the season and will be hoping playing on home turf can secure a point to help them stay away from relegation.
Second place Watsonians play Falkirk GHG, the Edinburgh based side are sitting comfortably in a playoff spot where as Falkirk will be aiming for a win to move them up into the playoff position.
Granite City Wanderers will be pushed to make the top four so will be focusing on staying out of the relegation battle, they face ninth place Alpha Data Carnegie. After their 11-0 loss last weekend they will be wanting to redeem themselves this weekend over the Aberdonian side.
Struggling CALA Edinburgh face Glasgow University, both teams eager for a win to help them out of the bottom four.
Third place University of St Andrews play Aberdeen GSFP, it was a close tie between these two sides last time they met with the students losing only by one goal 4-3.
Aberdeen Asset Management Men’s National League Division 3
After facing their first loss of the season last weekend to third place Harris Academy, 2020 Renewables Greenock welcome eighth place Giffnock.
Second place University of Dundee play fourth place Perthshire, which will be a close encounter as the last time these two sides met the students came away the victors by one goal 3-2.
Highland will welcome their first home game of the year after only picking up a point in the last two away matches, they play ninth place Ayr.
Bottom side ADTI Aberdeen University will face fellow students University of Strathclyde, who have found a good run of form in recent weeks. The Glasgow based students will be looking for a repeat performance after winning 11-0 earlier on in the season.
Men’s Regional Leagues
Central Division 1
After last weekend’s strong performance Inverleith leapfrogged rivals Grange III, as both teams are equal on points with the purple robes having the edge after beating the Edinburgh team 5-2 earlier on in the season.
At the bottom of the table University of Stirling welcome fellow struggling students Edinburgh University III as only three points separate the two sides, they will be both fighting for the win.
Top side Grange II face ninth place Stepps II whilst in Glasgow Hillhead II face local rivals Western Wildcats II.
Second place Thomsons Cycles Kelbune II welcome Edinburgh University II, last time these two met the Paisley based team came away with the three points with by one goal, 2-1.
Two rescheduled games on Sunday, Edinburgh University IIs face fellow students University of Stirling whilst the IIIs play Western Wildcats II.
Central Division 2
Undefeated Rottenrow Blue Sox play fellow Glasgow based team GHK, Rottenrow will be aiming to extend their lead whilst GHK will be aiming to secure three points to help them get into the top four.
Falkirk GHG II welcome Watsonians II, the Edinburgh based side have had solid season so far sitting comfortably mid table. Falkirk GHG II play again on Sunday as they welcome GHK to the East of Scotland.
Second place Uddingston II face Glasgow University II, the students lost by one goal at the start of the season so will be confident they could take away a point or more. Uddingston travel away to Erskine Stewart Melville FP on Sunday.
PSL Team Sport Clydesdale III who secured their fourth win of the season last weekend will want to keep that momentum as they face Clydeside at home. PSL Team Sports Clydesdale III face Watsonians II the following day.
At the end of the table Livingston & West Lothian face a tough double header as they travel away to a solid fourth place Anchor side, who won 7-0 last time these two met. Then on Sunday play East Kilbride.
North Division
AAM Gordonians II have a game in hand as they sit level on points in the second place on the table, they face there IIIs. Third place Granite City Wanderers II won their first game of 2014 so will be going into their weekend match over ADTI Aberdeen University II full of confidence. Aberdeen GSFP II face Aberdeen GSFP III.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Thunderbolts blast Pahang
DIVISION One champions SSTMI Thunderbolts scorched MSP Pahang 8-0 in the first leg of the Milo Cup quarter-finals to virtually book their spot in the semi-finals.
And Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak-PKT) opened the door to their semi-finals dream when they beat Malacca High School 4-1.
Petaling Jaya Municipal Council also had an easy outing as they beat Bukit Jalil Sports School 4-1, However, UniKL Young Guns faced a torrid time before edging Politeknik-KPM 3-2.
The UniKL-Politeknik second leg is the only one which will go to the wire, while the other three teams have virtually assured their semi-final spots, with their Sunday return legs being purely academic.
It was an outstanding performance by Olak-PKT as they ran rings round the static MHS defence, and they thoroughly deserve the big-margin victory.
"It is a healthy first leg lead but we cannot take things for granted. I am happy that the players lifted their game and played as they did," said Olak-PKT manager Joseph de Silva.
"We have to play intelligently in the return leg as a quick goal by MHS will change the entire equation of the match. Thus we need to plan things carefully."
MHS took the lead in the 20th minute through Faid Farhadh Shah but Olak were back on level terms two minutes later when Mawardi Hamirin got his shot right.
Olak then went ahead in the 28th minute as Najmi Ghazali scored off a goalmouth melee, and added another two goals through Mawardi (43rd) and Asyaraf Adha (54th) for a healthy 4-1 aggregate lead.
Thunderbolts got the big win they were looking for through the efforts of Aminuddin Zain (7th, 39th and 42nd), Amirol Aideed (50th, 67th and 70th), Najmi Farizal Jazlan (35th) and Firdaus Omar (48th).
RESULTS -- Milo Cup quarter-finals first leg: SSTMI Thunderbolts 8 MSP Pahang 0; Malacca High School 1 Olak-PKT 4; Petaling Jaya Municipal Council 4 Bukit Jalil Sports School 1; UniKL Young Guns 3 Politeknik-KPM 2.
SUNDAY: Quarter-finals return leg: Bukit Jalil Sports School v Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (4pm, Pitch II); Politeknik- KPM v UniKL Young Guns (4pm, Pitch I); MSP Pahang v SSTMI Thunderbolts (6pm, Pitch II); Olak-PKT v Malacca High School (6pm, Pitch I).
*All matches at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil
New Straits Times
Thunderbolt, Olak within reach of MJHL semis
By S. Ramaguru
SSTMI-Thunderbolt's Muhammad Aminudin Mohd Zain (right) has his shot blocked by MSP Pahang Juniors' M. Ridhwan Abdul Rahman in their first-leg quarter-final match. Thunderbolt won 8-0.
KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions SSTMI-Thunderbolt are virtually through to the semi-finals of the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysian Junior Hockey League after whacking MSP Pahang Juniors 8-0 in the first-leg quarter-final match at the National Hockey Stadium.
And they are set to face old foes Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak)-PKT in the last four after the Selangor outfit carved out a 4-1 win over Malacca High School on the adjacent pitch on Friday.
Thunderbolt managed only two goals in the first half but came alive in the second after a half-time ticking, to slot in six goals for their convincing victory.
Team manager Adam Izamy Idrus said despite the big win they will still go all out in the return leg.
“The big win is a relief to us. Now, we can try out some of the fringe players in the second leg and get them ready for the semi-finals.
“It is also good to note that our penalty corner executions worked and we also had three field goals. We have to be cautious in the next match as we don’t want the players to pick up any injuries,” said Adam.
Thunderbolt midfielder Mohamed Najib Abu Hassan was shown the green card and will be suspended for the return leg.
Skipper Mohamed Aminuddin Mohamed Zain scored a hat-trick from penalty corner executions in the seventh, 39th and 42nd minutes while Mohamed Amirol Aideed netted three field goals in the 50th, 67th and 70th minutes.
The other two goals came from Mohamed Najmi Farizal (35th) and Mohamed Firdaus Omar (48th).
On the adjacent pitch, Olak found themselves behind after a 20th minute penalty corner goal by Malacca High School’s Mohamed Farid Farhadh.
T. Devaraj equalised for Olak in the 22nd minute and made it 2-1 in the 43rd minute. Mohamed Najmi Ghazali and Mohamed Ashyraff Aris were on target in the 28th and 54th minutes respectively.
In another match, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) edged Division two champions Politeknik Johor 3-2.
Politeknik Johor took the lead through Mohamed Ain Abdul Rahman in the seventh minute, scoring a field goal. Mohamed Haikal Zamry equalised for UniKL in the 32nd minute and Mohmed Rahimi Iskandar gave them the lead in the 45th minute off a field goal. But Politeknik stormed back to score the equaliser in the 49th minute through Safeed Roslan.
Rahimi popped in the winner for UniKL off a penalty corner execution in the 61st minute.
In the last quarter-final match, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) also took a big step towards the semi-finals with a 4-1 win over former champions BJSS.
Abdul Halim Jalil and Mohamed Nor Ikhwan gave the PJ team a 2-0 lead with goals in the 20th and 26th minutes respectively.
Mohamed Emir Afzan scored the third goal for MBPJ in the 48th minute, while BJSS replied through Mahathir Rathuwan in the 54th minute
Nor Ikhwan completed the scoring for the PJ side with a 67th minute penalty corner goal.
The Star of Malaysia
10 teams in the fray for Malaysia Hockey League
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 10 teams have entered for the men’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Division One while eight entries were received for the inaugural women’s National Hockey League (NHL).
Both the leagues will begin simultaneously on March 14.
The 10 teams that will compete in the MHL are UiTM Lions, SSTMI, BJSS, TNB-Thunderbolt, Armed Forces, UniKL, Sapura, Terengganu, Nur Insafi and newcomers Sukma Selangor.
Competitions committee executive Hashim Mohamed Yusof said a meeting would be held on Sunday to discuss the players’ eligibility as well as to go through the rules and regulations with the teams concerned.
For the NHL, the competing teams are UiTM, SSTMI, Terengganu, Armed Forces, Selangor Sports School, KL Sukma, Johor Baru City Council and MSN Kedah.
“It is a good start for the NHL. We will look into the tournament format this weekend. If time permits, we will play it on a home and away basis,” said Hashim.
The entries
Men’s Malaysia Hockey League (Div One): UiTM Lions, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Armed Forces, SSTMI, UniKL, Nur Insafi, Terengganu, Sapura Hockey Club, Tenaga Nasional, Sukma Selangor.
Women’s National Hockey League: Terengganu, UiTM Lions, Selangor Sports School, MSN Kedah, Sukma KL, Armed Forces, SSTMI-Thunderbolt, Johor Baru City Council (MBJB).
The Star of Malaysia
'Arul wearing too many hats'
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: National Juniors coach accused of pinching players for UniKL
By JUGJET SINGH
UniKL’s Rahimi Iskandar Baharom (centre) celebrates after scoring against Politeknik KPM yesterday. Pic by Goh Thean Howe
ENTRIES for the men's Malaysia Hockey League Division One closed with 10 teams competing, but there was a damning complaint about players being pinched by National Juniors coach Arul Selvaraj for his club UniKL.
Old La Sallians Association of Klang (OLAK-PKT) team manager Joseph de Silva was fuming mad after a telephone conversation with Arul on Thursday, asking him to release three of his best players for UniKL.
"This is a conflict of interest as Arul is the national juniors coach as well as head coach for UniKL. How can he wear two hats and also scout for the best players in the Junior Hockey League for his club side?" said de Silva.
De Silva said he turned down Arul's offer as it was not proper.
"I strongly objected to Arul, and told him it's unethical for him as a National Juniors coach to scout for players for his club side. I told him my players will not play for UniKL as I will have problems later getting them back for Olak next season.
"I told him I would rather release my boys to play for UiTM, and told him to look elswhere," said De Silva.
Arul, when he was assistant to Paul Revington at the senior level, was also coaching UniKL.
However, Arul had a different version of the story: "De Silva called me, asking if I'm going to select any of his Olak players for the national juniors training and I told him I have a few in mind.
"And then de Silva asked me if I have any clubs to recommend his players for the MHL Division One and I told him his players can try for UniKL.
"And then de Silva told me that he does not want his players to play for UniKL, but will release them to UiTM instead."
Arul said even though he wears two hats, there is never a conflict of interest when he picks the best for his juniors side.
"I'm a professional, so even though I coach a club side, I will only pick the best when it comes for national duty and there is no conflict of interest between selection for my club or my country."
New Straits Times
Butt out, Project 2016 team management told
By S. Ramaguru
Mohamad Syafidzul Naim Badrul (right) of Anderson and Muhamad Haikal Zamri of UniKL during a Malaysian Junior Hockey League match last year. It is learnt that UniKL is to be the vehicle to play the Project 2016 players as a team in the MHL.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Project 2016 team management was told to mind their own business and not act as selectors for club sides in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak)-PKT team manager Joseph De Silva said on Friday that a few of his players have been told to sign up for UniKL in Division One of the MHL which starts on March 14.
“I was told by the Project 2016 coach (A. Arulselvaraj) that these players have to play for UniKL. He said these players have been earmarked for the Project team and that they will be required to play for UniKL.
“Now, my question is, why is the Project coach forcing players to play for a certain club?
“We were told that the players can play for any team and the only condition set, as far as I know, is that they have to be released for three days to attend national training.
“Now, is the Project coach also the coach of the UniKL team?” asked Joseph.
The Olak manager is furious that the coaches and officials from the national set-up are interfering with club matters.
He said the hockey fraternity is aware that the Project 2016 team manager Mirnawan Nawawi and Arulselvaraj are also on the UniKL payroll as part of their panel of coaches.
“Don’t tell me that this is not a conflict of interest. Olak are not playing in the MHL but then we have agreed to allow the players to play for certain other teams.
“We brought in players from Sabah for the MJHL and we have invested in them. Now, another club wants to pinch the players just because the juniors’ coach is with them.
“It is high time the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) and the competitions committee woke up to what is happening and not allow these few officials to destroy the game.
“We have nothing against UniKL. They have the financial resources to match their ambition but then don’t simply use such tactics to get good players from other teams,” he said.
The Division One of the MHL is being held early this year and teams from the Premier Division like UniKL, Sapura and Tenaga Nasional are using it to groom their fringe players.
The Project 2016 team were initially interested in playing in Division One but the MHC shot down the proposal and allowed the junior players to play for any club they chose.
It is learnt that the plan is to use UniKL as the vehicle to play the Project players as a team in the MHL.
The Star of Malaysia
Under 19 Athletes Kick Off Competition at 2014 US National Indoor Tournament
Richmond, Va. – The second weekend of the 2014 US National Indoor Tournament, presented by YOLO Sportswear, kicks off this afternoon at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va. The Under-19 Girls Division is set to show off their skills on the nation’s largest indoor stage during the course of the next three days. Approximately 1,200 athletes and families have ventured to the greater Richmond area for the tournament, boosting the local economy.
“The USA Field Hockey National Indoor Tournament is a wonderful sporting event and we are thrilled that our exhibit hall will be filled once again with field hockey courts this weekend,” said Michael Meyers, General Manager of the Greater Richmond Convention Center for the private management firm, Global Spectrum. “Sports Tourism has been on the rise in recent years and the USA Field Hockey National Indoor Tournament is a perfect example of how sporting events benefit the Richmond Region. The competition is high caliber yet fun to watch. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to come down to take a look and enjoy the games.”
Over the last few months, 120 club teams have qualified to compete in the tournament through National Indoor Tournament Qualifiers around the country. The standout clubs will battle it out on eight courts to be named a 2014 National Indoor Tournament champion.
“We are thrilled to be back in Richmond for another weekend of exciting hockey,” said Karen Collins, Director of Event Logistics at USA Field Hockey. “We are grateful to the staff of the Greater Richmond Convention center for helping to make the weekend possible and we look forward to seeing the economic impact on the surrounding community.”
USFHA media release
Lautoka hockey opens new season with a tournament
Zanzeer Singh
THE Lautoka Hockey Association in Fiji will start its 2014 season with a five-a-side tournament.
Association president Ernest Coffin said the tournament would attract a lot of interest.
Coffin said it would be played at the South Seas Club ground.
"I have inspected the ground and it is suitable to host the five-a-side game," he said.
"We wanted to hold it this weekend but cancelled because of bad weather. The tournament date will be announced later.
"The games will be faster and exciting. We expect the clubs to register more than one team."
Mates, Naidrodro and Blue Star will be the title contenders.
The Fiji Times