News 19 April 2014
All the news for Saturday 19 April 2014
India men lose 2-4 to Netherlands in European Tour
NEW DELHI: India fought hard before slumping to its second defeat of the European tour, losing 2-4 to The Netherlands at The Hague.
The Netherlands started the game on an attacking mode on Thursday, as Mirco Pruyser successfully sliced in a goal as early as in the ninth minute of the game.
The Indians were in for a rude shock as Glenn Schuurman and Tristan Algera pumped in two more goals in the 15th and the 28th minutes respectively, to hand The Netherlands a comfortable 3-0 lead at the midway mark.
The Indians, however, produced a spirited fightback in the second half and pulled a goal back through SK Uthappa (37th minute) before captain Sardar Singh (40th) registered his name in the scoresheet after a long time to bring life back into the match.
But the Dutchmen made life difficult for India in the 60th minute when Billy Baker slammed home to make the scoreline 4-2 in their favour.
The Indian men had earlier thrashed Leiden Hockey Club 7-0 in the first build-up game at Oegstgeest before playing out a 3-3 draw with HGC Hockey Club in the next game of the tour, organised as preparation for the FIH men's World Cup to be held at The Hague from May 31 to June 15.
The Sardar Singh-led side slumped to its first defeat in the tour -- 1-2 against Belgium -- in their next game.
India will play their fifth and the last build up game of the tour against The Netherlands on Saturday.
The Times of India
India lose 2-4 to The Netherlands
India have won 1, lost 2, and drawn 1 game till now
India suffered their second successive defeat of the European hockey tour, losing to The Netherlands 2-4 in the fourth build-up game played at The Hague.
The hosts started the proceedings on an attacking note as Mirco Pruyser successfully pumped in a goal as early as in the 9th minute of the game, which was soon followed by strikes from Glenn Schuurman and Tristan Algera in the 15th and the 28th minutes respectively.
The Netherlands went into the half-time with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
It was only in the second-half that India were able to open their account. The visitors pulled a goal back through SK Uthappa in the 37th minute, before skipper Sardar Singh sliced in a field goal three minutes later to reduce the margin.
The Indian team tried hard to restore parity and even made some attacking moves to penetrate the rival’s defence, but it was Dutchman Billy Baker, who stroked in the final goal in the 60th minute to seal the issue in his team’s favour.
India had earlier thrashed Leiden Hockey Club 7-0 in the first build-up game at Oegstgeest before playing out a 3-3 draw with HGC Hockey Club in the next game of the tour. The visitors had tasted their first defeat of the tour when they went down 1-2 against Belgium in the third build-up game. India will play their fifth and the last build-up game against The Netherlands on Saturday.
Result: The Netherlands: (4) Mirco Pruyser (9th minute), Glenn Schuurman (15th minute), Tristan Algera (28th minute) and Billy Baker (60th minute) beat India: (2) SK Uthappa (37th minute) and Sardar Singh (40th minute).
The Tribune
Ireland 2 -2 India (Third test)
Ireland played India in their 3rd and final test drawing 2-2 this evening in front of a packed crowd who enjoyed basking in the evening sunshine as both sides put on a top class display of international hockey.
Ireland showed their attacking intent early on drawing the first shot in the 4th minute. Just four minutes later Ireland were back attacking and this time on target with striker Anna O’Flanagan converting after great build up play from the back through to midfield before O’Flangan was set up to give her side the 1-0 lead.
The game ensued in an open fashion both sides attacking and displaying great skill, but India found their equaliser with just six minutes on the clock after lobbing the keeper on the second phase of the corner.
Both sides had chances with five minutes left on the clock but the break arrived with the sides level pegging at one a piece.
The teams came out in full flow for the second half both keen to attack with early shots from Naomi Carroll and Thokchom but to no avail. India went ahead in the 56th minute when Thokchom converted off the third phase of a penalty corner effort to make it 1-2.
Ireland had a golden chance after Michelle Harvey passed quickly to Audrey O’Flynn on the line who popped it onto Anna O’Flanagan whose super pass just popped over the oncoming Chloe Brown’s stick in front of an open goal.
Moments later Gillian Pinder and Ali Meeke combined to secure the all-important penalty corner for Ireland who converted thanks to Anna O’Flanagan and her second goal of the day.
India had a final chance at the end with a PC but Deepika’s shot went wide and Ireland closed out the game level at 2 all with the visitors. Ireland will no doubt be pleased with a fine team performance ahead of the Champions Challenge I tournament in Scotland next week.
Commenting after the test series Coach Darren Smith said “This has been an enjoyable and benefical week together, we have steadily improved and we are now looking forward to getting over to Scotland (Glasgow) for what will be a tough tournament, in Champions Challenge I”
He continued talking about tonight’s game “We started really well particularly with an excellent first 15 minutes, we had a patch where we were forced to cope with India dominating but we finished relatively well.”
IRELAND (1) Anna O’Flanagan op 8m & pc 64m
INDIA (1) Thokchom Chanchan 31st & pc 55m
Irish Hockey Association media release
India hockey eves beat Ireland 2-1, pocket series
NEW DELHI: The Indian women's hockey team continued their impressive show and defeated Ireland 2-1 in a keenly-contested second Test to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Dublin.
India had earlier defeated Ireland 3-1 in the first Test of the tour, organised as part of the team's preparation for the FIH Champions Challenge 1 beginning April 27 in Glasgow, Scotland.
In the second Test on Thursday, the Indian eves opened the account in the 18th minute when Soundarya Yendala converted a penalty corner.
India doubled the lead two minutes later through Sunita's (20th) field goal.
But Ireland pulled one back just at the stroke of half time through Nicola Evans' field effort.
India were the dominant side on display in the first half while Ireland played catch-up hockey.
After the change of ends, both India and Ireland fought hard and concentrated on tightening its defence to prevent any further damage.
The final game of the series will be played later tonight.
The Times of India
Eves clinch 3-match series
India rode on strikes from Soundarya Yendala and Sunita Lakra to beat Ireland 2-1 in the second women’s hockey Test and claim the three-match series at Dublin.
Soundarya opened the scoring for India, when she converted a penalty corner in the 18th minute. Soon after, Sunita doubled the visitors’ advantage at the near post from a field goal in the 20th minute. India dominated the first-half until Nicola Evans pulled one back for Ireland just before the half time.
In the second-half, both India and Ireland fought hard and concentrated on tightening their defence. Both the teams played a calculated game but could not breach each other’s citadel.
The final game of the Test series is scheduled to be played later Friday. India had earlier defeated Ireland 3-1 in the first Test of the tour, organized as part of the team’s preparation for the FIH Champions Challenge-1 beginning April 27 in Glasgow.
Result: India: (2) Soundarya Yendala (18 min) and Sunita Lakra (20 min) beat Ireland: : (1) Nicolas Evans.
The Tribune
Second Test squad
Charlesworth rotates Kookaburras squad for Saturday's Test
Kookaburras national coach Ric Charlesworth has rotated his squad for Saturday's second and final Test against the New Zealand Black Sticks in Perth. As announced earlier in the week, Charlesworth is giving every fit member of the squad the chance to impress during the final run-out ahead of World Cup selection.
Jason Wilson returns having been withdrawn from the squad for Thursday's first Test through injury. Western Australian home favourite Fergus Kavanagh is also included alongside young Queenslander Daniel Beale and one of the stars of the successful Azlan Shah campaign, Tasmanian Nick Budgeon.
In the goalkeeping department Victorian George Bazeley comes in for ACT's Andrew Charter.
Matt Gohdes, Rob Hammond, Jeremy Hayward, Tyler Lovell, Trent Mitton, Tristan White and Aran Zalewski - all of whom played in the first Test - are also part of the squad for Saturday.
The match gets underway at 7pm AWST on pitch two at Perth Hockey Stadium. Gold coin donation on entry.
For those unable to make it to the game, the match will be streamed live on the Hockey Australia website from 9pm AEST / 7pm AWST.
Kookaburras squad for second Test v New Zealand
Saturday, 19 April 2014
George Bazeley (Melbourne, VIC) 69/0
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 27/7
Nick Budgeon (Hobart, TAS) 20/11
Joel Carroll (Darwin, NT) 97/2
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 130/76
Liam De Young (Brisbane, QLD) 302/34
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 82/3
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 86/25
Rob Hammond (Townsville, QLD) 246/28
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 7/3
Fergus Kavanagh (Geraldton, WA) 175/14
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 21/0
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 55/17
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 205/52
Glenn Turner (Goulburn, NSW) 102/75
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 28/2
Jason Wilson (Kingscliff, QLD) 96/34
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 27/3
Hockey Australia media release
Support for festival grows after success of inaugural event
By David Leggat
It's a busy time for NZ hockey, on and off the park.
While the national teams are preparing for next month's World Cup tournaments in The Hague - with the men's Black Sticks off to the Champions Challenge in Malaysia beginning next weekend - Hockey New Zealand is reviewing a successful inaugural Festival of Hockey in Hastings and moving on the construction of a national centre based on the North Shore.
The six-nation women's event in Hawkes Bay, won by world No 2 Argentina, was widely applauded for its concept and outcome, in terms of support and facilities. The idea is for it to become an annual international fixture, the next step being integrating leading European nations.
The six nations were Argentina, Australia, China, Korea, Japan and New Zealand.
HNZ chief executive Malcolm Harris said feedback has been excellent.
"Everybody was absolutely rapt and make it clear they're keen to return," he said. "We're certainly keen on European teams being involved, so we're looking at bringing it forward earlier in the year to make that possible."
The timing of European leagues means the necessity of avoiding a clash. World No 1 the Netherlands, third-ranked England and sixth-ranked Germany would be significant drawcards.
HNZ hosts the women's World League final in 2017 and it'll be held at the newly-refurbished national centre at Rosedale Park in Albany. The hope is that will be the springboard for hosting more major international events, with the World Cup 2022 in HNZ's sights.
Sport New Zealand has invested $2.5 million and the entire project - due to start next April and aimed to be completed by late 2016 at the latest - is estimated to cost just under $9 million.
A formal partnership between HNZ, North Harbour Hockey and the Charitable Trust, which owns the facility is in place.
The facility will incorporate improved community sport facilities, a high performance centre for the sport, covered seating for 350, along with uncovered seating for 1200 spectators, significantly upgraded lighting, three of the four fields returfed in the same turf as will be used for the Rio Olympics, and with the spinoff of enhancing New Zealand's chances of hosting major events.
Having the high performance centre a few minutes drive from the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health made sense.
"This isn't about building a new stadium from scratch that will only be used for the Black Sticks. It's about upgrading an existing facility to meet the requirements of both a growing hockey community and New Zealand's high performance teams," Harris said.
Harris said Auckland is desperate for more hockey facilities. He believes about 12 additional turfs will be needed over the next 10 years. Among the ideas being considered is getting turf down at Colin Maiden Park in Glen Innes.
HNZ is working with North Harbour, Auckland and Counties Manukau associations to put together a 10-year plan for facilities in the region. The immediate focus will be on securing the remaining funding and the resource consent phase is under way.
• Black Sticks captain Dean Couzins will play his 300th test in tonight's rematch against Australia in Perth.
He will become just the second New Zealander in history to reach the milestone, with teammate Phil Burrows the only other player over 300 tests.
Couzins, who made his debut in 2001, will be keen to mark it with an improved performance after the first international was lost 4-1 on Thursday night.
The Black Sticks will travel to Kuantan, Malaysia for the Champions Challenge starting on April 26.
The New Zealand Herald
Canadian women headed to England for test series
Canada’s women’s national field hockey program has selected twenty women to travel overseas for a series of seven matches versus England and Wales from April 27 to May 7.
The series, which will be held in England, will serve as an important test for the Canadian women as they prepare for key competitions later this year.
In facing England, Canada will be taking on a team ranked number three in the world and which is in the final stages of preparation for the World Cup this summer
“Against teams like England, you have no place to hide and this kind of exposure will test both our on-field and off-field systems,” says women's national team head coach Ian Rutledge.
“This team strives to achieve lofty goals and it is young enough and talented to work hard to make a difference.”
Leading the way is team captain, Kate Gillis (Kingston, Ont.), who will likely be capped for the 100th time on this tour, and at 24 is looking to lead the women to success through the upcoming tour and international competitions.
“It’s a huge honour to represent Canada in every game we play,” says Gillis. “For the program it’s really big too, trying to get that international experience. Because we are still young, paving the way for everyone else is big for us.”
Abigail Raye (Kelowna, B.C.) is also set for her 100th cap in front of family and friends in England, where she was born. Raye, 22, is on pace to become the youngest Canadian ever to reach that milestone.
“I’m incredibly lucky that (former women’s coach) Louis Mendonca took a chance on me when I was seventeen and just kind of let me hit the ground running,” says Raye. “I’m honoured and I’m very grateful.”
In a deliberate strategy, with the purpose of providing greater exposure to international competition, Rutledge has selected four development squad athletes to the roster: Priya Randhawa (Surrey, B.C.), Amanda Woodcroft (Waterloo, Ont.), Rachel Donohoe (North Vancouver, B.C.), and Kathleen Leahy (Victoria, B.C.).
These four along with the more established playing group, will be looking to make a claim for the Commonwealth Games team (to be named at a later date).
"Priya, Amanda, Rachel and Kathleen are all promising junior athletes and have been working hard to claim regular a spot on the senior roster throughout 2013/14.This trip will be invaluable for their growth and allow them to position for a spot in the final sixteen for the Commonwealth Games."
Unlucky to not make the team was Tegan Stairs (Kitchener, Ont.) who has performed well on the past two trips.
"Tegan should consider herself unlucky; she has trained very well and is making great progress in her development in becoming an international level striker."
Canada departs for England on April 24 and begins the series on April 27 with the first of four consecutive matches against England, which will be followed by three straight versus Wales.
Roster
Name, Position, Hometown
Jessica Barnett, Defender, North Vancouver, BC
Thea Culley, Forward, Rossland, BC
Rachel Donohoe, Midfield, North Vancouver, BC
Kate Gillis, Forward, Kingston, ON
Hannah Haughn, Midfield, North Vancouver, BC
Danielle Hennig, Defender, Kelowna, BC
Karli Johansen, Defender, North Vancouver, BC
Kathleen Leahy, Defender, Victoria, BC
Lauren Logush, Goalkeeper, Richmond Hill, ON
Sara McManus, Defender, Tsawwassen, BC
Priya Randhawa, Forward, Surrey, BC
Abigail Raye, Defender, Kelowna, BC
Poonam Sandhu, Forward, Vancouver, BC
Maddie Secco, Midfield, Victoria, BC
Natalie Sourisseau, Midfield, Kelowna, BC
Brienne Stairs, Forward, Kitchener, ON
Holly Stewart, Forward, North Vancouver, BC
Kaelan Watson, Defender, Richmond, BC
Kaitlyn Williams, Goalkeeper, White Rock, BC
Amanda Woodcroft, Midfield, Waterloo, ON
Staff
Head Coach – Ian Rutledge
Assistant Coach/Manager – Krista Thompson
Physiotherapist – Elliot Usher
Stefanie Sloboda – Video Technician
Allison Burgess – Athletic Therapist
Schedule
April 27 – vs England, 3pm*
April 28 – vs England, 11am*
April 30 – vs England, 2pm*
Thursday, May 1 – vs England, 2pm*
*All times local; all matches at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre in Bisham, Marlow
May 4 – vs Wales, 6:46pm**
May 6 – vs Wales, 7pm**
May 7 – vs Wales, 3pm**
**All times local; all games at Sports Wales National Centre in Sophia Walk, Cardiff
Field Hockey Canada media release
Racing, Dragons, Harvestehuder and OZ into FINAL 4
KO8, Eindhoven: After yet another brilliant day of action in the Eindhoven sun, four clubs have emerged from the pack to contest the FINAL 4 on Sunday with the ultimate prize moving ever closer to reality.
Belgian duo Racing Bruxelles and Dragons have made it through, hoping to become their nation's first overall winner while Germany's Harvestehuder and host club Oranje Zwart are also dreaming of a first win in European hockey's elite club competition.
First up today, Germany's Harvestehuder scored three times in the closing quarter to earn his side the first entry to the semi-finals as they eventually ran up a 4-1 win over Madrid's Club de Campo.
Johan Bjorkman scored twice, the second coming eight minutes from the end, to make it 2-0 before Ruben Mulder got one back. But two last gasp goals saw the Germans storm over the line.
Racing Bruxelles produced a superb team performance to outdo Belgian champions the Waterloo Ducks 4-2 in the second KO8 tie of the day, earning their first Final 4 spot in some style.
The Racing Rats came from 2-1 behind at half-time to produce some of their best hockey and progress with Anthony Versluys, Scott Tupper and Cedric Charlier making the game safe.
In the third quarter-final, Dragons stunned Rotterdam with a backs-to-the-wall 1-0 win as they withstood a late onslaught to keep alive their chances of returning to the Euro Hockey League final for a second successive year.
Felix Denayer's second quarter goal was all that stood between the teams as he finished off Louis Rombout's excellent right wing cross and it ended up being the only goal of high octane battle.
Oranje Zwart eventually prevailed in the day's final action ahead of Real Club de Polo on a penalty shoot-out. Normal time had finished 0-0 win a tense and physical tussle between two well-matched teams.
In the shoot-out, Dutch stars Jelle Galema, Sander Baart and Bob de Voogd held their nerve to win it 3-1 and take their place in the final four.
What's next?
The FINAL 4 will be played on Sunday with Racing Club de Bruxelles taking on Harvestehuder at 11am while KHC Dragons line out against Oranje Zwart at 2pm, the third Dutch side the Belgian side will meet this week.
Euro Hockey League media release
Top four clubs play for honours in Eindhoven
The EHL draws to its competitive conclusion with two Belgium clubs, a German side and a Dutch team all chasing their first EHL title
Oranje Zwart on their way to quarter final victory. (Photo: Euro Hockey League/Frank Uijlenbroek)
The Euro Hockey League is reaching its exciting climax as four teams prepare to contest the finals tomorrow in Eindhoven. Two Belgium teams, a German side and the host team made it through to the final four after some exciting quarter finals action. None of the final four have lifted the trophy before, and no club from Belgium has yet been crowned an overall winner.
Harvestehuder THC will face Racing Club Bruxelle after the German team went on a second half scoring spree against Club de Campo from Madrid to win 4-1, and Racing Club beat compatriots Waterloo Ducks 4-2 in a tight match.
The surprise result of the day saw KHC Dragons hold out against a fierce and sustained Rotterdam attack before scoring a breakaway and decisive goal to win 1-0. Oranje Zwart complete the quartet, but they were made to work hard against Spain's Real Club de Polo with the match finishing 0-0. Oranje Zwart won the ensuing shoot-out 3-1.
The final four will play for the top honours tomorrow. Harvestehuder THC will play Racing Club Bruxelle at 11:00 (CET) and KHC Dragons face Oranje Zwart at 14:00 (CET).
FIH site
England U18 Boys beat hosts Germany
ENGLAND Under-18 Boys made a winning start to the Easter Four Nations Tournament in Mannheim on Good Friday, beating hosts Germany 3-2 after a strong performance.
Having taken a two-nil lead their rivals battled back level, but a late penalty stroke helped England secure a vital victory.
“We’re delighted to beat Germany, particularly on their home soil,” said Head Coach Jody Paul. “There were good phases of the game where we played well, but there are also areas we can improve on.
“There was good intensity throughout and it swung one way and the other. Goalkeeper George Oyebode played very well, and we defended four short corners well.”
Liam Sanford opened England’s account with a reverse stick shot from the left of the circle after 31 minutes, and they doubled their lead shortly after the break with Harry Skinner scoring on 38 minutes during a counter attack.
Germany hit back on 45 and 54 minutes through Johannes Gans, both from open play, but England held their nerve and edged back in front in the 69th minute, Mat Ming scoring from a penalty shot after Germany had infringed at a penalty corner.
Germany had a chance to level once again when they were awarded a penalty corner in the final few seconds, but England defended well and held them out.
The Under-18 Boys take on the Netherlands on Saturday morning (10am BST).
* To get the latest on the Under-18s Easter Four Nations Tournament, click here
England Hockey Board Media release
Battling show from England U16 Boys
A battling display from England Under-16 Boys was not enough as they went down 2-5 against hosts Germany in their opening match at the Eastern Four Nations Tournament at Mannheim on Good Friday.
England matched their hosts for long periods of the game, but lapses in concentration cost them dear as Germany rattled in three goals in a ten minute spell midway through the second half to push England onto the back foot.
Lucas Ward got England off to a great start in the 15th minute, scoring from their second penalty corner. Germany hit back from open play to level on 24 minutes, but the scoreline remained equal to the break.
England came out ready to take the game to Germany, but the hosts stunned them with penalty corner goals on 43, 50 and 54 minutes to move into a 1-4 lead.
Sam Apoola pulled one back for England on the hour mark with a great solo effort. He broke free from the half way line and, after drawing the keeper into covering a pass, slotted the ball straight into the net at the near side.
But that was to be England’s final goal, and Germany had the final word with a 65th minute back post deflection.
“We were very good in the first half and matcher Germany,” said Head Coach Charlie Bannister. “But missed chances and defensive errors cost us dearly in the second half.
“But there are many positives from our performance - we had two more penalty corners which came to nothing, and when we did play how we know we can, we caused them problems. But lapses in concentration were our downfall.”
England Under-16 Boys are next in action on Easter Saturday (4pm BST) against the Netherlands.
* For the latest results from the Under-16s Easter Four Nations Tournament click here
England Hockey Board Media release
Deception life blood of Indian hockey, says Jude Felix
V Narayan Swamy
BANGALORE: Jude Felix is both tutor and pupil. The former India captain, now a coach with the Indian hockey team, says he is as much a student of a game that has dramatically changed since his playing days as he is a master.
Apparently, in its unabashed worship of everything European, India has forgotten a few of its own skills that Felix can help restore.
"For example, how many players use the wrong-foot technique to confuse the defenders?" asks Felix. "We have been playing predictable and straightforward hockey for over a decade now, trying to do things that the Europeans do. In the process, we have forgotten deception, which has defined our game all along."
Felix, who spelt out his ideas during a two-hour interview with high performance director Roelant Oltmans and chief coach Terry Walsh before he was appointed as coach last month, is of the firm view that India has to play to its strengths. Walsh too shares the view.
"I have told the boys to be professional and responsible and more importantly, hockey intelligent. It is not okay if you do everything right during practice and do not reproduce it during a game. What you learn in a classroom atmosphere has to be repeated under pressure situations. This is what hockey intelligence is all about," says Felix.
In the few days that he spent with the team, Felix showed the players the merits of the wrong-foot overhead pass and the reverse overhead pass to split the defence and catch the opponents off guard.
"Also, I demonstrated to them the concept of camouflaging a pass - that is, how to outsmart the rivals by redirecting a pass at the last moment. I told them there were five different ways of receiving a pass. In a game, it is not a simple situation of hit and trap. You don't always stand and receive the ball in a match. You are forever on the move. I showed them the different ways of doing it without losing the ball."
A self-taught player who was known to thread a long-distance pass with precision as the central midfielder, Felix learnt the nuances by observing others before adding their skills to his repertoire.
The Times of India