News 14 April 2014
All the news for Monday 14 April 2014
Canadian men and women earn double gold at Indoor Pan Am Cup
From Carla Johl.
Photo: Blair Shier
Saturday was Canada's day in Montevideo, Uruguay as the Canadian men and women's indoor national teams won double gold, sweeping the finals at the Indoor Pan American Cup, both earning a spot at the 2015 Indoor World Cup in Germany next February.
In performances they won’t soon forget, the women defeated international hockey powerhouse Argentina 3-1 and the men beat their neighbours from the south, the United States, 4-2.
“We’re really happy with how things went this entire tournament," said women's co-captain Anna Easty (Toronto, Ont.). "We focused on one game at a time and we stuck to our game plan. It feels amazing to win this as a team, we’ve come so far and we are excited for the road ahead.”
Women beat Argentina for Pan Am Cup title
Two fired up teams walked onto the court for the Saturday's final, with Argentina seeking revenge after a 10-0 loss at the hands of the Canadians in the first game of the round robin.
It was Argentina who got the ball rolling in the first half scoring on a penalty corner in the seventh minute. Juliana Rios had a great individual effort, forcing her way into the Canadian circle before being tripped and earning the corner. Rios was the one to receive the ball on the injection and fired a shot by Canadian keeper Kathryn Williams (Burlington, Ont.) to make it 1-0 Argentina.
From there, however, Canada was calmly in charge and gave their reply four minutes later when Alison Lee (Mississauga, Ont.) also slid one in off a penalty corner. Her fourth of the tournament tied the game at 1. Lee finished the tournament second in goal scoring to Uruguay's Isabel Olaso.
Williams made it tough for the Argentinians all game, turning away a number of chances. Rios had two more wonderful opportunities to score and give the Argentinians the lead late in the half, but saves off the initial shot and rebound kept the game tied.
The teams went into half at even 1-1.
In the second half Canada demonstrated their composure and held possession for most of the half. Early on, Amanda Woodcroft (Waterloo, Ont.) took the ball into the circle and fed Madison Thompson (Waterloo, Ont.). Both women battled for the ball and earned a penalty corner. The first corner resulted in two more consecutive set pieces, the final one being a penalty shot.
Thompson stepped up to the spot and netted the goal with ease, giving Canada the 2-1 lead in the twenty-seventh minute. Thompson went two-for-two from the stroke spot in the tournament, and also finished with four goals.
The Canadians continued to take every advantage of the penalty opportunities they were given as in the thirty-fourth minute, co-captain Kri Shier (North Vancouver, B.C.) showed her prowess as a penalty corner specialist, thundering one in off the backboard to make it 3-1.
“The girls really came out to play today and they came out not wanting to leave the court without a win," said women's coach John De Souza. "They have worked extremely hard and made a lot of sacrifices in order to get to this moment. I am really proud of what they have come here and achieved and we are very excited about the opportunity to play in the World Cup.”
The women went 2-0-1 in the tournament round-robin before beating the U.S. and Argentina in the playoffs en route to gold. They tallied a total of twenty goals and earned three shutouts.
Woodcroft was named the women’s player of the tournament.
"We are all so excited, we have worked extremely hard to get where we are and we wouldn't trade it for anything," said Woodcroft. "It is a huge honour to be named the tournament MVP, and I could not have done it without all my teammates, coaches and supporters."
Canadian men defeat cross-border rival United States and are crowned champs
Photo: Blair Shier
In the all North American final, the Canadian men defeated the United States 4-2.
Just seconds into the match, Canadian veteran Ken Pereira (Unionville, Ont.) had a chance to give Canada the earlty lead going in alone but was stopped in close by American keeper Kevin Segeren.
The first half was mainly controlled by Canada. Jeewanjot Bath (Brampton, Ont.) gave the crowd its first taste of scoring in the sixth minute after a great steal, a wonderful move around an American defender and a fantastic finish by throwing a reverse flick into the net.
The States had several opportunities to respond, but they were denied by Canadian keeper Shankar Premakanthan (Scarborough, Ont.). The highlight was a diving save of a U.S. penalty corner. Premakanthan, in three games during the tournament, only let in three goals.
In the fourteenth minute, it was Periera, who was later named men's player of the tournament, gave Canada their second goal when he took Segeren all the way to the left corner of the circle and then sent a smooth reverse ball into the backboards. Pereira had four goals in the tournament.
The United States came out firing in the second and slotted one in the twenty-first minute.
A quick pass to the top of the cirlce found Sebastian Shuerer all alone. His shot beat Premakanthan and the States cut the lead in half to 2-1.
The teams then went back and forth as Micah Teixeira (Mississauga, Ont.) pushed Canada’s lead back to two after sending a bullet in off a penalty corner in the thirty-second minute.
But the U.S. was not going to go down without a fight and replied with another goal bringing the game to 3-2. Moritz Runzi finished a nice passing play, beating Premakanthan, who had no chance, and making it a one goal game with only a few minutes to go.
But in the last minute of play with the American goalie pulled, Canada earned a penalty corner and Jonathan Roberts (Stoney Creek, Ont.), who has led Canada offensively from the first game of the tournament, made no mistake by beating the U.S. keeper for the insurance marker. Roberts was the highest scoring Canadian, with five goals in the tournament, and finished fourth overal.
The men notched a total twenty-one goals and only allowed an impressive three goals against.
“It looked like we were in control but there were some exciting moments," said men's head coach Louis Mendonca. "I think in competition everybody comes to compete. We had some injuries with a few key players but the rest of the guys really stepped up."
Field Hockey Canada media release
Las Leonas send warning signal to opponents
With six weeks to go, Argentina enjoy a perfect warm-up in Hawkes Bay
(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)
Argentina emerged as champions at the inaugural Hawkes Bay Festival of Hockey and sent a clear message of intent to their opponents at the forthcoming Rabobank Hockey World Cup. It was a close-fought game – not reflected by the scoreline – with Las Leonas beating the Hockeroos 3-0. The goals came from Rocio Sanchez Moccia, Delfina Merino, and Carla Rebecchi. The result meant the Argentine side were unbeaten throughout the week-long tournament.
In the 3rd/4th place play-off, China beat the home team New Zealand 3-2 and Korea beat Japan 2-1 to avoid the basement position.
Speaking after the Black Stick's final game, coach Mark Hager said: "To China’s credit they put our defence under a lot of pressure and deserved the win. It was a poor performance from us to finish the tournament, we had too many passengers in our team today. However, reflecting back on the tournament we have played well against Argentina and Australia which is a real positive. We now look forward to the next few weeks with good solid training sessions and selections for the World Cup."
FIH site
Black Sticks' end on poor note in loss to China
The New Zealand women's hockey produced a disappointing finish to the six nations tournament in Hastings yesterday, losing 3-2 to China to finish fourth.
In the bronze medal match, all the goals were scored in the first half with Petrea Webster and Rose Keddell the goal scorers for New Zealand. The quick and skilful play of the Chinese proved too strong for New Zealand.
The Chinese wasted no time with Liang Meiyu scoring in the first minute. In the 14th minute, Webster scrambled to get the equaliser and New Zealand doubled it when Keddell found space in the circle and capitalised with a goal. China held the majority of possession in the second quarter with Xi Xiayun scoring and then Ting Huang converting a penalty stroke.
"The goal from China in the first minute of the game really put us on the back foot. To China's credit they put our defence under a lot of pressure and deserved the win," New Zealand coach Mark Hager said.
"It was a poor performance to finish the tournament. We had too many passengers in our team. However, reflecting back on the tournament we have played well against Argentina and Australia which is a real positive."
In the second half, the score remained unchanged. Captain Kayla Whitelock created some strong opportunities, with several attempts skimming wide or being well blocked by the Chinese defence. The Black Sticks were awarded two penalty corners in the last 10 minutes, but could not convert.
New Zealand lost their final round-robin game against Australia 4-2 on Saturday. In that game, defender Emily Naylor became the most capped player in Black Sticks' women's history, gaining her 239th cap.
Argentina took out the final yesterday against Australia 3-0 to complete an unbeaten tournament. Korea finished fifth, beating Japan 2-1.
AT A GLANCE:
China 3 (Liang Meiyu, Xi Xiayun, Ting Huang) New Zealand 2 (Petrea Webster, Rose Keddell) HT: 3-2; Argentina 3 Australia 0, Korea 2 Japan 1.
Stuff
Black Sticks let down by structure, says captain
By David Leggat
Soft goals were gifted away to the Chinese yesterday.
Structural work at the front and back of the pitch needs tidying up before New Zealand head to the World Cup in The Hague next month, according to captain Kayla Whitelock.
The Black Sticks, ranked fifth, lost 3-2 to China in the playoff for third on the final day of the Festival of Hockey in Hastings yesterday.
It was a disappointing result for the hosts at the inaugural tournament, who earlier lost 2-1 to world No7 China in round-robin play.
Soft goals were gifted away to the Chinese yesterday. They particularly found the defence porous down New Zealand's right side. New Zealand had penalty corner opportunities to equalise in the second half, but none were grabbed.
World No2 Argentina beat world No4 Australia 3-0 in the final, while Korea beat Japan 2-1 to decide fifth and sixth places.
"We've been pretty inconsistent the whole tournament. That's the most disappointing thing," Whitelock said.
New Zealand didn't appear fired up for the challenge yesterday, after losing what amounted to a semifinal 4-2 to Australia 24 hours earlier.
"Yeah, I guess that's part of it, but if you want to win a medal you've got to turn up the next day and perform. There was a little bit of a lack of urgency and want, unfortunately."
Creating chances had not been the issue up front for the Black Sticks; finishing them off had been, while Whitelock believed sorting out key defensive points, including holding the right positions and making it more difficult for teams to get into their circle, would need plenty of work when the squad gets together in Auckland later this month.
The players have the next week off before a solid block of work begins ahead of flying to the World Cup on May 19. The competing squad is expected to be named on May 1.
The New Zealand Herald
No worries over losing
CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE I: Malaysia can afford to fall in all their group matches
By JUGJET SINGH
MALAYSIA can afford to lose all their Group B matches, and still play in the final of the Champions Challenge I in Kuantan from April 26-May 4.
This is because the format will see all eight teams qualify for the quarter-finals on May 1, as the group stages will only serve as a warm-up.
Malaysia are in Group B and start their warm-up against France on April 26, followed by matches against South Korea (April 27) and Canada (April 29).
In Group A are New Zealand, Ireland, Japan and Poland.
New Zealand, South Korea and Malaysia have qualified for the World Cup, while the winners in Kuantan will earn a place in the Champions Trophy.
Currently, there are 29 players in training while nine will be axed after the China friendlies in Bukit Jalil. The final squad will be named after a friendly against Poland in Kuantan on April 24.
However, there are lessons for Malaysia to learn from the previous Champions Challenge in Argentina, in 2012. Then, Malaysia had beaten Poland 4-0, South Korea 4-2 and Canada 4-2 in the group stages. They went on to defeat South Africa 4-1 in the quarter-finals but only to go down 6-3 to South Korea in the semi-finals.
And this time around, even if they lose all their group matches, there is no reason to panic as all they need to do in this tournament is to qualify for the Champions Trophy by winning the next three knock-out matches.
New Straits Times
Coach Dharma: Show me what you got
KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey coach K. Dharmaraj has challenged his players to step up their game in the series of friendly matches against China if they want to make the squad for the Champions Challenge I tournament in Kuantan from April 26-May 4.
The national team got off to a perfect start in the series when they edged China 2-1 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
Malaysia’s goals were scored by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (penalty corner) and Ismail Abu (field).
Dharmaraj has called on his boys to use the five remaining friendlies against China to impress him.
“We have a big pool of (29) players and I need to pick the best 18 for the team. I’m looking at the mobility and versatility of the players in different positions before finalising the squad.
“I will play a mixed side in the friendlies and the last two mat- ches in the series will be for the players who have a 50-50 chance of making the final squad,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Healthy competition bodes well for India: SV Sunil
Suhrid Barua
SV Sunil is a key player in the Indian forwardline’s scheme of things and his vast experience will surely pan out to be handy in India’s 2014 World Cup campaign (as he looks certain to be picked). The Terry Walsh-coached national team has seen the induction of a slew of youngsters in recent times and it is pretty clear that a player of Sunil’s stature will have to assume the responsibility of providing the ‘guiding’ quotient to them in the run-up to the marquee event.
“I will try to help the youngsters in whatever way I can. If I can’t I will be failing in my duties towards the team,” he says candidly in an exclusive interview.
The Coorg lad, who turns 25 next month, came off a strenuous World Cup in New Delhi before embarking on a weeklong trip to the Netherlands where India will play two practice games against the Dutch national side as well as one against Belgium. “The Dutch trip will work well for us. Since the World Cup will be held there in six weeks’ time I’m sure it will help the boys to know what to expect - playing against the Netherlands twice will enable us to know where we stand after all the preparations we had in New Delhi,” the suave, soft-spoken striker observes.
There was a lot of talk about some new techniques being adopted at the recent New Delhi camp and Sunil, who has made more than hundred international appearances, hopes these will work to a nicety for them. “We tried out a quite few things like swapping players, essaying aerial passes among others and are confident that these will benefit us.” he says.
The competition for places is cranking up all the time and even Terry Walsh had made it abundantly clear that no player can take his spot for granted. Sunil sees the positive side of it. “It’s a healthy sign to see competition for places – the good thing is it keeps every player on their toes with little room for complacency. I think it bodes well for the team,” he says with a tinge of pragmatism.
The Blueshirts grabbed the eyeballs at the 2014 Hockey World League Final in New Delhi, where they stunned Olympic champions Germany 5-4 and even played out a 3-3 draw with them, a match they could have easily won but not for a goal leaked in the dying moments of the game. Such robust performances against top teams make one wonder whether India is now ‘ready’ to take on the world’s best sides. So how does Sunil assess India’s World Cup chances? “The team is teeming with self-belief, but I don’t want to say whether we can make a podium finish. We are improving all the time and if we play to our potential a top-six finish is very much achievable,” he quips.
He is clear about who are strong contenders for the 2014 World Cup. “I think Germany and Australia are formidable and can go all the distance. Even hosts Netherlands are capable of cornering glory,” he remarks.
Sunil likes to wear his heart in his sleeve – nothing matters to him than wearing the national jersey. At the 2009 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Sunil refused to return home when his dad passed away and continued his national duties. “My father wished that I earn a big name in hockey, so I thought if I could play and help my country win, he will be happy. So I set aside all personal emotions and played for India in that tournament,” he recalls.
The nippy forward is a big Aamir Khan fan. “I unwind myself by watching moves with my friends. Aamir Khan is my favourite, I make it a point to watch all his movies,” reveals as he fires his parting shot.
Stick2Hockey.com
Dominant Surbiton clinch Championship Final
Sarah Haycroft, the winning captain
After being in the Premier Division for only two seasons Surbiton lifted the Investec Women’s Championship trophy with a gutsy 3-0 victory over high-flyers Canterbury. In the game before, Reading brushed off yesterday’s disappointing defeat with a 6-0 victory over Clifton in the third/fourth Championship play-off.
Earlier in the day the Investec Women’s Play-Offs finished in delight for Buckingham and Holcombe as both sides gained promotion from their respective Conference sides into the Premier Division. Holcombe romped to an 8-2 victory over Brooklands Poynton, while brave Buckingham battled to a 2-0 victory over Sutton Coldfield to take their place alongside Holcombe in the top flight.
Canterbury may have finished the domestic league at the top of the table but it was Surbiton, in only their second season in top flight hockey, who were crowned champions today at Reading.
Surbiton dominated from the off but a resilient Canterbury battled right to the end. Surbiton’s first goal came just four minutes in from a penalty corner; Chloe Strong’s initial shot was saved but Emily Atkinson managed to net the rebound to give Surbiton an early 1-0 lead. A few minutes later Surbiton were awarded their second penalty corner but this time were unable to convert.
The second quarter saw more chances for Surbiton to extend their lead, however it was Eliza Brett of Canterbury who perhaps came closest to a second goal of the game firing her shot just wide of the post. The second quarter continued with further chances for Surbiton in what was a frustrating quarter for the Surrey team who were unable to capitalise on their chances.
The start of the third quarter continued with both sides vying for possession. Canterbury had their chances to bring the game level, but a great run from Beckie Herbert down the right resulted in a penalty corner for Surbiton in the dying seconds of the quarter. Georgie Twigg almost made it a second goal for her team but her shot was saved by Helen Fagg and it was Hollie Webb who followed up on the rebound to ensure Surbiton went into the last quarter with a 2-0 lead.
Surbiton’s third and final goal came courtesy of a great ball from goal scorer Atkinson to Jenna Woolven who slotted the ball into the net to score her third of the weekend. Surbiton came close to a fourth with Twigg, Charlotte Calnan and Sarah Page all nearly scoring, but Fagg stood strong in the Canterbury goal. The final score ended at 3-0, much to the delight of the Surbiton Barmy Army who had come in force to support their side.
Surbiton’s league victory ensured they not only claimed the Investec Women’s Championship but also guaranteed them their place in Europe next season.
Speaking after the match, an elated Georgie Twigg commented "We are absolutely over the moon, we fought our hearts out against Reading yesterday and got the result and then came out today against Canterbury, a tough opposition and put in another good performance; we’re all absolutely thrilled. There are players that hadn’t been selected for this weekend but have played an integral part of the season, so it’s really been a whole squad effort and I’m really proud of all the girls."
Canterbury 0 (0)
Surbiton 3 (1)
Emily Atkinson 2 (PC)
Hollie Webb 53 (PC)
Jenna Woolven 57 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Reading beat Clifton to finish third
Alex Danson celebrates scoring
Reading brushed off yesterday’s disappointing defeat with a 6 – 0 victory over Clifton in the third/fourth Championship play-off.
Reading got off to a flying start and took the lead in the first minute through Becky Halle. She deflected a cross from the left hand side and there was nothing Caitlin Jefferies could do in the Clifton goal, as the ball flew in just above the back board. Five minutes later Reading were 2 – 0 up as Jess Brooker controlled a loose ball in the circle and swept home on her reverse from close range.
England international and Premier Division top goal scorer Alex Danson soon got in on the action to give her side a 3 – 0 lead, with a trademark reverse stick strike, fired low into the bottom corner. This sparked Clifton into attack and they began putting pressure on the Reading defence. However, Kate Walsh was commanding at the back and continued to release the forwards on dangerous counter attacks, resulting in Reading scoring two more before the break. Firstly, England team mates Susie Gilbert and Danson combined down the right hand side and Danson was able to get her second of the game, tipping it past Jefferies after 19 minutes. Halle then gave her side a 5 – 0 lead going into half time as she pounced on the end of a cross that was fired across the face of the goal.
Reading continued the second half as they had finished the first, pressing high and looking threatening in attack. Sam Quek was lively on the right hand side, causing problems for the Clifton defence and winning numerous penalty corners. In the 54th minute, her efforts were rewarded as Reading got their sixth and Halle her hat-trick from a penalty corner. Walsh dummied from the top of the circle and the ball with slipped to Halle on the left who slapped it goal wards. Jefferies got her pads to it but there was nothing she could do to stop the ball sneaking over the line.
Danson almost got her hat-trick in the last ten minutes but she was unable to convert Brooker’s powerful strike at the back post and the final scored remained at 6 – 0. The victory means that Reading finish third in the Premier Division for the 2013/14 season.
Speaking after their win, Reading's Alex Danson had this to say: "We were really disappointed after yesterday’s game; all credit to Surbiton, they played a fantastic game, but we came out today, played really well and came away with a win so we’re really happy with that. Looking ahead to Europe, we want to get to the final and the icing on the cake would be winning! It’s not been done for a while by an English team so that’s our aim and that will be our real focus."
Reading 6 (5)
Becky Halle 1, 35, 54 (FG, FG, PC)
Jess Brooker 6 (FG)
Alex Danson 10, 19 (FG, FG)
Clifton 0 (0)
England Hockey Board Media release
Holcombe power into Premier Division
Holcombe celebrate gaining Premier Division status at the Investec Women's Finals Weekend
Holcombe secured promotion into the Premier Division in style with an emphatic 8 – 2 victory over Brooklands Poynton, in the first Investec Women’s Hockey League Play-Off match of the day.
The game started at a fast pace with both teams looking threatening in attack. Holcombe got the early breakthrough after just 11 minutes, when Megan Frazer rounded the keeper to set up a tap in for Nicci Daly on the back post. Holcombe doubled their lead 18 minutes later with a fantastic individual goal from Shelley Russell, firing on her reverse stick, low into the bottom right hand corner. Towards the end of the first half, there was some sustained pressure from Brooklands but the Holcombe defence remained strong and the score stood at 2 – 0 going into the break.
Holcombe started to dominate possession in the second half. A penalty stroke calmly converted by Lucy Wood, followed by a well worked penalty corner routine, finished by Frazer, soon meant the score was 4 – 0. A further three goals for Holcombe in the space of four minutes from Steph Elliot, Frazer and Russell saw the score stand at 7 – 0.
Brooklands pulled back a goal on 64 minutes after they countered quickly from a defensive penalty corner. Cat Savage lifted the ball over England International Maddie Hinch from close range, after the initial strike from their penalty corner was blocked.
Frazer rounded off a fantastic individual performance with her hat-trick in the 66th minute firing a reverse stick strike into the top corner. However, it was Brooklands who grabbed the last goal of the game in the final minute, when Savage bagged a brace, skilfully lifting the ball over Hinch after she was put through on goal. The final score stood at 8 – 2 and Holcombe celebrated as their promotion up to the Premier Division for the 2014/15 season was secured.
Speaking after the game Holcombe Captain Leigh Maasdorp was delighted with her team's performance, "It's been a good tournament for us. Our first game we started off with a draw from Sutton Coldfield which put us in good standing for this weekend, we knew we'd have to work a lot harder and put some good performances in if we wanted to win the tournament and get promotion to the premier division."
Adding her thoughts on playing in the Investec Premier Division next season she added, "We'll be looking at a little break before next season and then we'll regroup in July/August and start building towards our season in the prem. We're relishing the opportunity to play against some of the top teams, it's such an exciting place to be for the team, and the club, so we're really looking forward to what's to come."
Brooklands Poynton 2 (0)
Cat Savage 64, 69 (FG, FG)
Holcombe 8 (2)
Nicci Daly 11 (FG)
Shelley Russell 29, 58 (FG, FG)
Lucy Wood 38 (PS)
Megan Frazer 51, 56, 66 (PC, FG, PC)
Steph Elliott 54 (PC)
Play-Off tournament standings
Team, P, W, D, L, F, A, GD, Pts
Holcombe, 3, 2, 1, 0, 15, 3, 12, 7
Buckingham, 3, 2, 0, 1, 6, 6, 0, 6
Sutton Coldfield, 3, 1, 1, 1, 4, 5, -1, 4
Brooklands Poynton, 3, 0, 0, 2, 4, 15, -11, 0
England Hockey Board Media release
Buckingham persistence brings top flight status
Buckingham celebrate promotion in the Premier Division at the Investec Women's Finals Weekend
In what was a closely-fought encounter, Buckingham secured their place in next year’s Premier Division with a gutsy 2-0 victory over Sutton Coldfield.
Buckingham went into their final fixture needing a win to secure Premier Division status next season; for Sutton Coldfield a draw would have been enough to stay in the top flight.
The first half saw Buckingham largely dominate possession with a number of early chances for the team in black. Buckingham’s Katrina Nicholson made a great attempt on goal in the opening minutes forcing Sutton Coldfield’s keeper, Batsford into making an important save. This was followed by Buckingham’s Jo Ellis almost giving her team an early lead with a great solo effort weaving her way into the circle forcing Batsford into making another great save.
The early pressure from Buckingham eventually resulted in a penalty corner which was blocked efficiently by Emma McCabe. A second penalty corner followed shortly for Buckingham, given for obstruction. Sam Sandham took the penalty but another great save from Batsford kept Buckingham off the score sheet. Sutton Coldfield made a good shot on goal to break the run of play at the end of the opening quarter but failed to capitalise as Laura Price’s shot drifted wide of the goal.
It was a third penalty corner which gave Buckingham the lead. A well worked routine in the 20th minute saw captain Zoe Shipperley convert what was a well-deserved lead for her team. Sutton had a couple of chances in the last ten minutes of the first half, however they were unable to capitalise. A couple of last minute opportunities for the team in pink saw Sutton defend brilliantly and keep an equalising goal at bay. The first half ended 1-0 to Buckingham.
The second half got underway with a much stronger performance from Sutton Coldfield. Both teams had a number of chances to add their efforts to the score sheet. Sutton’s Emma McCabe made a great tackle and pass which resulted in a foot in the circle and a penalty corner to her side. Sutton, however were unable to convert their penalty and minutes later a green card was given to Buckingham’s Katrina Nicholson. On her return to the pitch, Nicholson almost put her side two goals ahead with a good shot on goal saved by Batsford.
It came down to the last five minutes of the match with both teams still very much in with a chance of Premier Division hockey. Sutton Coldfield had a chance from a penalty corner but were unable to find the target and it was Buckingham who had the final word. Captain Shipperley fired home her second goal of the day to give her team a well-deserved 2-0 win and promotion into the Premier Division on their fourth attempt.
Speaking after the game, Buckingham captain and goal scorer Zoe Shipperley was immensely proud of her team. “It wasn’t our best performance but we were tough and resilient. Sutton pressed us really hard in the second half and we just had to dig deep. It’s an unbelievable feeling to secure promotion and I’m absolutely thrilled to be in the Premiership next year – bring it on! Hopefully we can continue the good work and keep moving forward.”
Buckingham 2 (1)
Zoe Shipperley 21, 70 (PC, PC)
Sutton Coldfield 0 (0)
England Hockey Board Media release
Mens Irish Hockey Challenge Final
The final match of the IHA Cup Finals weekend ended with Limerick taking home the spoils. Portrush took the early lead with a goal from Colin McKeenan, but Cathal Duggan from Limerick quickly equalised. At half time Portrush led by 2-1 but early in the second half Andrew Tutty again equalised for Limerick. With minutes to go the score stood at 2-2 when Andrew Tutty scored his second.
Full time score was 3-2.
UCD win Irish Junior Cup with a 3-1 Win over PW
UCD secured the Irish Junior Cup today with a 3-1 win over Pembroke Wanderers. The match was played with great pace and although Pembroke fought right to the end and were in with a chance of a couple of goals UCD remained calm to hold their lead.
The first goal came from Ciara Noble of UCD in the 20th minute before striker Anna O'Neill slotted home 12 minutes later to level the sides before half time.
UCD were quick off the mark in the second half scoring in the 38th minute when Holly Rankin slotted home and Maedhbh Delahunt wrapped up proceedings making it 3-1 in the 54th minute.
Pembroke remained in contention until the end - Anna O'Neill's snap shot was denied by the woodwork before Pembroke secured a couple of corners with just minutes left but a calm UCD kept their cool and closed out as 2014 Irish Junior Cup Champions.
Pembroke Wanderers 4 -3 Monkstown (IJC)
In a match that went right to the wire it was Pembroke Wanderers who finally got their noses ahead to secure the 2014 Irish Junior Cup.
Seven goals in all were produced in end to end fashion all of Pembroke’s goals coming from Man of the match Scott Furlong, 3 drag flicks and 1 penalty stroke to complete his tally.
Monkstown competed very well goals coming from Keith Kenning and two from Zach Dutton and were disappointed not to push the match into extra time.
Pembroke Wanderers (Scott Furlong x 4)
Monkstown (Zach Dutton x 2; Keith Kenning)
Irish Hockey Association media release
Bell fires Parkites to hockey top
Guyanese international Jerazeno Bell scored two first-half goals as Queen’s Park CC whipped host Paradise 3-1 to move to the top of the T&T Hockey Board Trinity Men’s Division match at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Training Field, Bacoley, yesterday. Bell scored as early as the third minute while Shawn Lee Quay doubled the advantage in the sixth before Bell added another in the 23rd for a 3-0 half-time lead.
The second half failed to produce much goals, with Vernelle Rivers getting a late consolation for Paradise. The win was the fifth in six matches for the Parkites now with 15 points, two more than Notre Dame while defending champions Petrotrin has ten points from six matches as well. And in another Championship Division, at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, national duo, Kiel Murray and Akim Toussiant combined for five goals in Paragon’s 8-1 come-from-behind hammering of Fatima.
T&THB results
Thursday:
Mixed Veterans:
QPCC 12 (Gary Griffith 5, Raphael Govia 4, Gary Chin 2, Roby Wyatt) vs Defence Force 0
Friday:
Mixed Veterans:
Fatima 4 (Derek Lee 2, Sean Nieves, Colin Young) vs Courts Malvern 3 (Derrick Alexander, Peter Edwards, Sean Alexander)
Police 2 (Dennis Mc Neil, Roger Chin) vs Shape 0
Yesterday:
Men’s Championship:
QPCC (Jerazeno Bell 3rd, 23rd, Shawn Lee Quay 6th) vs Paradise 1 (Vernelle Rivers 68th)
Paragon 8 (Kiel Murray 20th, 49th, 67th, Akim Toussaint 17th, 65th, Jabari Perez 32nd, Barry Clarkes 39th, Cogie Butler 63rd) vs Fatima 1 (David Lee 8th)
Trinity Women:
Paradise 1 (Aaliyah Leith 44th) vs Ventures 0
Trinity Men:
Paradise 3 (Desmond Archer 10th, Simba George 38th, Nave Roach 56th) vs QPCC 1 (Damien Bright 12th)
Under-19 Boys:
QPCC 3 (Jordan Reynos 23rd, 42nd, Jarryon Paul 47th) vs Paradise 1 (Nave Roach 26th)
Courts Malvern 13 (Tariq Marcano 5, Teague Marcano 4, Kwasi Emmanuel 2, Jacques Poon-Lewis 2) vs Notre Dame 2 (Akil Charles, Justin Beharry)
Under-19 Girls:
Notre Dame 5 (Shantel Garcia 2, Tahira Wynne, Tamia Roach, Dana-Lee De Gannes) vs Courts Malvern 4 (Mia Mitchell 2, Shantel Williams, Laurelle Sweeney)
Today’s matches:
Trinity Men: Petrotrin vs Fatima, 4pm
Women’s Championship: Shandy Carib Magnolias vs Paragon, 5.30pm
Men’s Championship: Paragon vs Defence Force, 7pm.
The Trinidad Guardian