News 12 April 2014
All the news for Saturday 12 April 2014
Black Sticks Women to face China in bronze-medal match
New Zealand’s highest capped female Black Stick Emily Naylor (right) congratulates Anita Punt (left) in today’s match. Photo credit - www.photosport.co.nz.
The Black Sticks Women have lost 2-4 to Australia at the Hawke’s Bay Hockey Festival and will now face China in the bronze medal match at 1.30pm tomorrow at the Unison Hockey Stadium in Hastings.
“It was a very frustrating result, it was a close game and we certainly had opportunities to win,” said head coach Mark Hager.
“We now need to look ahead to China, our focus will be on connecting well in the attacking third and making sure we are clinical in taking the opportunities that we create,” said Hager.
A crowd of approximately 3,000 packed into the Unison Hockey Stadium to see the must-win match between the trans-Tasman rivals.
As torrential rain poured down - on what was an otherwise sunny Hawke’s Bay day - the Black Sticks were unphased and scored in the third minute through Sian Fremaux.
The game was fiercely competitive, full of all the action and intensity that is to be expected when these two sides meet. The Australian’s showed their class with Georgia Nanscawen, Brooke Peris and then Jane Claxton all scoring in the first half.
Two minutes before half time and much to the delight of the crowd, Anita Punt kept the Black Sticks in the game by nailing a trademark drag-flick and taking the score to 2-3.
In the second half, the Black Sticks stepped it up and were persistent in attack and pushed forward at every opportunity. There were several moments when the Kiwis were one-on-one with the keeper and had every chance to score but just couldn’t finish it off, much to the disappointment of the very vocal crowd.
Australia booked their spot in the final when Jodie Schulz scored from a penalty corner with eight minutes remaining. The Kiwis worked hard in the dying minutes but the three goal shortfall was too much to come back from.
It was a momentous game for Central’s Emily Naylor, playing her 239th test and surpassing Suzie Muirhead as New Zealand’s most capped female player of all time. A presentation post match was made to Naylor by Suzie Muirhead who has been playing in the Affiliates Hockey Tournament held at Hawke’s Bay Hockey Association.
“A very fast and aggressive game, both teams have a very attacking style of play, it was very physical,” said Naylor.
“Overall, it was a frustrating game for us though. In the second half we created lots of goal scoring opportunities but it was just not our day, we just couldn’t finish them off.”
In earlier matches, there was little separating seventh ranked China and eighth ranked Korea. Both teams spent lengthy spells in each other’s goals but failed to convert the pressure into any points in the first half. Not long into the second half, Korea’s Darae Kim finally broke the points drought, scoring a field goal in the 39th minute. The final score, 1-0 to Korea.
The next game saw top point scorers for the tournament Argentina face bottom ranked Japan. It only took nine minutes for Delfina Merino to deflect a Luciana Aymar strike at goal, into the net propelling them to 1-0. Argentina struck again just before halftime with a Carla Rebecchi converted penalty corner.
For the duration of the second half it appeared as though Argentina was simply going through the motions, before Martina Cavallero finished off a slick period of attacking play, the final score was 3-0.
The schedule for tomorrow’s final day at the Unison Hockey Stadium is as follows:
11am: 5th v 6th match - Japan vs Korea
1.30pm: 4th v 3rd match – New Zealand vs China – live streamed at www.hockeynz.co.nz
4pm: 1st v 2nd match - Argentina vs Australia – live streamed at www.hockeynz.co.nz
CLICK HERE for more on the Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey and to see all results.
RESULT – NZ v Australia
Full time: 2-4 win to Australia
Half time: 2-3 lead to Australia
New Zealand goal scorers: Sian Fremaux, Anita Punt
Australia goal scorers: Georgia Nanscawen, Brooke Peris, Jane Claxton, Jodie Schulz
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Roos march into final
Hockeyroos defeated New Zealand 4-2, goals from Nanscawen, Peris, Claxton and Kenny
The Hockeyroos walked away with their heads held high after they defeated hosts, New Zealand 4-2 in their fifth match at the Hawke’s Bay Festival.
The Hockeyroos positive result from today’s match now means they will play Argentina in the final on Sunday.
Georgia Nanscawen set up the Hockeyroos campaign levelling 1-1 after New Zealand scored the first goal in minutes of the first half. The Hockeyroos in full flight quickly saw goals from Brooke Peris and Jane Claxton rewarding the squad for its hard work leading 3-1.
New Zealand, fighting to stay in the game hit a sneaky goal in behind Australian goalkeeper Ashlee Wells moments before half time however, it was not enough to defeat the Hockeyroos who set up another penalty corner with Jodie Kenny sending the ball home bringing the Hockeyroos to a 4-2 victory.
Speaking after the match Hockeyroos head coach Adam Commens said, “The first half of the match was very good. We executed our game plan well which saw New Zealand come out even harder in second half. There is still a few things that we can improve on coming into tomorrow’s match however, overall it was a good result.”
“Being able to get a win against New Zealand today on their home soil and in front of their home crowed was pleasing.”
Having played Argentina in their first match at the Hawke’s bay Festival, the Hockeyroos will now face world champions, Argentina once again in their fifth and final match on Sunday Commens added,
“We have stepped it up a notch since the first match against Argentina. It was a good experience to play them first up in which we can use our experience positively and effectively into the final tomorrow. Our team will be better prepared and equipped to handle the strengths of Argentina.”
A fast paced first half saw both teams hungry for the possession of the ball as they showcased good defensive and attacking structures as well as high intensity levels.
New Zealand came out of dug out strong scoring the first goal of the match leading 1-0 by Sian Fremaux in the third minute of the first half.
The Hockeyroos, determined to turn the score around quickly picked up their first goal 11 minutes into the match after a well worked team goal by Kellie White and Georgia Nanscawen bringing the Hockeyroos back into the game levelling scores 1-1.
The Hockeyroos applied their aggressive press as they dominated the first half of the match. Quickly picking up their second goal bringing them to a 2-1 lead over New Zealand scored by youngster Brooke Peris at the 23rd minute mark.
Hockeyroos player, Jane Claxton found herself at the right place at the right time later in the first half, adding to the score board she gave the Hockeyroos much needed breathing space with a two goal buffer.
One minute before the half time siren saw the New Zealand Black Sticks put away another quick goal off the back of a penalty corner keeping them in the game with a close 3-2 score.
Both teams kicked into gear in the second half. The Hockeyroos put on a show scoring their first goal off the back on a penalty corner by Jodie Kenny giving the Hockeyroos a 4-2 victory over hosts New Zealand.
The Hockeyroos now proceed through to the finals on Sunday afternoon taking on world number two, Argentina in their sixth and final match battling it out between first and second place, 4pm AEST/ 2pm AWST.
The match will be available to watch live on the Hockey Australia website at hockey.org.au.
Six Nations Tournament
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Hockeyroos: 4 (3)
Georgia Nanscawen 11 (FG)
Brooke Peris 23 (FG)
Jane Claxton 28 (FG)
Jodie Schulz 62 (PC)
New Zealand: 2 (2)
Krystal Forgesson 3 (FG)
Anita Punt 33 (PC)
* Note: Jodie Kenny (recently married) is recorded under her maiden name of Schulz and Kirstin Dwyer under her maiden name of Johnson as FIH regulations for an official Test match state that an athlete must play under the name on their passport.
Hockeyroos squad v New Zealand
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals
Started
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 276/65
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 35/1
Casey Eastham (South Coast, NSW) 198/44
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 34/4
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 119/23
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 143/61
Jodie Schulz* (now married, Jodie Kenny) (Wamuran, QLD) 101/52
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 81/33
Jayde Taylor (Bunbury, WA) 89/2
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 30/0
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 71/25
Used Substitute
Mathilda Carmichael (Willoughby, NSW) 14/1
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 36/4
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 119/21
Kate Jenner (Tamowrth, NSW) 90/1
Kirstin Johnson* (now married, Kirstin Dwyer) (Mackay, QLD) 43/2
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 28/7
Not Used
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 101/0
Standings (correct at time of publication)
1. Argentina (15 points, 5 matches)
2. Australia (12 points, 5 matches)
3. New Zealand (6 points, 5 matches)
4. Korea (6 points, 5 matches)
5. China (6 points, 5 matches)
6. Japan (0 points, 5 matches)
Hockeyroos Fixtures, Hawkes Bay Festival
Sunday 13 April - Hockeyroos v Argentina 4pm AEST / 2pm AWST
Hockey Australia media release
Black Stick Emily Naylor hits major milestone
BRENDON EGAN
PACESETTER: Emily Naylor is to become the most capped women's Black Stick of all time.
Emily Naylor doesn't remember the result of her debut for the New Zealand women's hockey team 10 years ago.
She does recall being a bundle of nerves and the calming presence of the captain at the time, Suzie Muirhead.
It seems only fitting Naylor will overtake Muirhead as the most-capped player in Black Sticks women's history when she plays her 239th game today against Australia at the six nations tournament in Hastings.
"It's a real honour to overtake someone I look up to like Suzie Muirhead," Naylor said.
"She was a level-headed player and when you're young and come into the team, it's nice to have a captain that's pretty welcoming to the young ones."
Plenty has changed since Naylor first wore the black shirt against Great Britain at an Olympic qualifying tournament in 2004. For the record, the Black Sticks drew 2-2 that day.
The hockey schedule has become jam-packed. When Naylor started out, New Zealand played about 20 tests a year. These days, they can easily play 40 in an Olympic or World Cup year.
There have also been major changes to the way the sport is played. Teams are fitter than ever before and the pace of the game has become lightning fast. Further developments are afoot, with the International Hockey Federation set to introduce four 15-minute quarters instead of 35-minute halves.
"Nowadays, every team is so fast and fit and plays really attacking hockey. I saw Suzie the other day and she couldn't believe how fast the game has got since she was in there."
The Black Sticks have been major improvers on the international stage - rising to third in the world rankings after the 2012 London Olympics, where they finished fourth.
Under coach Mark Hager, Naylor said, they believed they could match it with the powerhouses of women's hockey, which was not always the case early in her career.
"Mark has been a big part of that. He's got us believing we can beat these teams and not to fear them. Respect them, but realise we're just as good if we play our game."
Naylor's time in the New Zealand side has been littered with fond memories.
The 28-year-old defender has attended three Olympic Games - the first in Athens in 2004, as an 18-year-old - and two Commonwealth Games.
At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the Manawatu player claimed a silver medal, following New Zealand's heart-breaking loss on penalties in the final against Australia.
In 2010, she attended her first World Cup in Argentina, where New Zealand finished seventh.
"My first cap [was a highlight], even though I don't remember it very well. It's still special hearing that anthem for the first time. There's still no gold medals [at a major tournament]. I haven't got that gold, so that's something I'd love to get. Hopefully, this year."
Hockey has allowed Naylor to travel the world. She estimates she has visited 30 countries.
She had a three-year stint playing professionally in the Dutch league for the HGC club in The Hague, which had been extremely beneficial and exposed her to a higher standard of play.
Hager said Naylor had been an instrumental figure over the past decade. She had taken her game to the next level after the 2008 Beijing Olympics and been a key part of the side's success.
"She's always been a really tenacious defender. She gets in the way and makes some really good intercepts. She's been a real rock for us.
"The area she's developed the most is her attacking ability. She's better at getting forward with the ball and creating opportunities."
Hager believed Naylor would go down as one of the greatest women's hockey players in New Zealand history when she eventually called time on her career.
"She's been a stalwart of New Zealand hockey for 10 years and in that time we've seen a person really grow. She's probably been one of the best defenders that's ever played for New Zealand."
Naylor was undecided on the prospect of carrying on through to the 2016 Rio Olympics. New Zealand have a busy few months ahead with the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy all on the radar.
"I'm not really making any decisions yet," she said.
"I'm taking each year as it comes. I'll assess after this year and see how the body is feeling. I do love it. We will just wait and see."
Today, her focus is firmly on beating the Hockeyroos and sealing a place in tomorrow's six nations final against Argentina.
Stuff
Ireland 0-6 England (Test match Men)
England had the better of the exchanges in the 2nd test played at Bisham Abbey this morning. Despite creating some good chances Ireland went in at half time trailing by 3-0 as England were clinical in their finish. The second half was much of the same with three more goals one from a PC and 2 from play. Irish Coach Craig Fulton will now reflect on the two games and announce his side tomorrow for the CCI to be played in Kuantan, Malaysia from 26th April/4 May.
Ireland Team: David Fitzgerald, Stephen West, John Jackson, Chris Cargo, Harry Spain, Philip Brown, Drew Carlisle, Alan Sothern, Michael Robson, jason Lynch, Stephen Dowds, Jeremy Duncan, Peter Brown, Stuart Loughrey, Nick Burns, Matthew Bell, Jonny Bell. (D. Carson DNP)
Irish Hockey Association media release
Canada drops final round robin match to Argentina
From Carla Johl
Photo by Blair Shier
The Canadian men's indoor national team dropped their last game of the round robin 3-1 to Argentina (2-0-2) Friday at the 2014 Indoor Pan American Cup in Montevideo, Uruguay. Despite the loss, Canada (3-0-1) finishes first after the round robin and advances directly to the final against second place United States (3-0-1).
The first half of the game was evenly matched. Canada had two penalty corner opportunities but both fell to errors.
Argentina's best chance game as Canada fumbled on a 3-on-2 and had the ball stolen by Alfredo Sosa, who rushed onto the Canadian goal but put the ball just wide.
As the second half started Canada began to control most of the game with some great goal scoring chances from Jonathan Roberts (Stoney Creek, Ont.) and Lyle Fernandes (Mississauga, Ont.) and Gaganpal Dhanju (Mississauga, Ont.), who had the best opportunity putting one off the post at the side of the net. After all the chances, Canada finally converted as Ken Peirera (Unionville, Ont.) received a pass from Fernandes and put in the game's first goal in the twenty-ninth minute of play.
Just moment’s later Argentina's Agustin Ceballos replied after being awarded a stroke, bringing the game to 1-1.
In the thirty-eighth minute the Argentinians broke out in a counter attack and Joaquin Gonzalez snuck one past Canadian goalie Pardeep Koonar (Ottawa, Ont.).
With under three minutes to go, Canada dropped their goalie bringing on a kicking back extra-attacker in a fight to level the score, however Argentina took the chance to slot one last goal in the forteith minute.
Photo by Blair Shier
Although falling to the Argentinians, Canada still had something to celebrate as veteran player Jeewanjot Bath earned his 50th international cap.
"It's been a long journey to get to 50 caps," said Bath. "It takes a lot of sacrifices to be a part of the indoor program. But it's worth every second. All 14 years."
"We have one more big finals to win, so we can do it one more time at the World Cup. Special thanks to all my family, friends, coaches and teammates. I couldn't have done it without them."
Canada will take on the United States in the 2014 Indoor Pan American Cup gold medal match Saturday at 2:30pm PST/5:30pm EST. Watch the live stream here.
To support the Men's National Indoor Team with a tax-receipted donation, click here.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Top penalty corner taker, Mohd Razie set to return
By Aftar Singh
Mohd Razie Abd Rahim (left) speaking to national hockey team chief coach K. Dharmaraj during a training session in Bukit Jalil on Thursday. The penalty corner specialist will be back in full training by the end of April after recovering from a shoulder injury. - AZHAR MAHFOF/ The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: There is good news for the national hockey team as top penalty corner specialist Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim is set to return to training at the end of this month.
The 26-year-old underwent surgery on Feb 18 after dislocating his left shoulder while playing for Mumbai Magicians in the Hockey India League on Feb 4.
Razie did not feature in last month’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh and will also be out of the Champions Challenge I tournament in Kuantan from April 26-May 4.
The Kuala Lumpur-born defender, who came to watch his team-mates train at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday, was even seen hitting the ball during the session.
Razie, who has been undergoing rehabilitation for the last six weeks, is certainly eager to return to training.
“I can use the hockey stick to hit the ball now but I still can’t take the drag flicks yet,” said Razie, who was the top scorer in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) in 2011, netting 27 goals for Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC).
“With a few more weeks of rehabilitation, I believe I’ll be able to start practising my penalty corner drag flicks.
“I have started doing light training and will join the team in full training by end of this month as my services are needed ... both in defence and in delivering the goals from penalty corner set pieces.
“I also want to feature in the World Cup (in The Hague from May 31-June 15) as we will be playing against higher-ranked teams.”
Razie, who has 132 international caps, was also delighted that former German defender Kevin Lim has been given clearance by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to feature for the Malaysian team.
“We will have a formidable backline for the World Cup,” said Razie, who last played for Malaysia at the Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara, Japan, last November.
National chief coach K. Dharmaraj was also delighted to know that Razie will be back in training in three weeks’ time.
“I need his services as he is a top defender who gives his best. Razie is also good with his penalty corner conversions. I’m happy that he’ll be able to play in the World Cup,” said Dharmaraj.
The Star of Malaysia
