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All the news for Thursday 1 May 2014

Pool games over: it's business time in Glasgow

It's time for the quarter-finals at the Champions Challenge 1


Scotland v Korea in the Champions Challenge 1 (Photo: Rodrigo Jaramillo)

The quarter-finals of the Champions Challenge 1 in Glasgow, Scotland will see the tournament favourites Korea take on Ireland; the ever-improving Belgium team face the effervescent Spanish; host nation Scotland will play South Africa, while unbeaten USA will take on the young India team.

Korea v Ireland 13:00hrs

No team in this group has had it easy, and when the Korea team face Ireland in the opening quarter-final it will be no different. Ireland are nothing if not resilient, as they showed in their comeback against the USA. Just about everyone had written the team in green off when they went in for the half-time break 0-2 down. But the team bounced back and in Emily Beatty, Ireland have a player with an unerring knack of being in the right place to score the goals. Of course, Ireland have not yet faced a team with the discipline of Korea, and the gap in world rankings – Korea are 7th and Ireland are 15th – means an Irish win is hard to predict.

Belgium v Spain 15:30hrs

This fixture pits the international newcomers against the old hands. Spain have a long history of success in major competitions, but they have been going through a transitional period of late. In this tournament they have got better, showing more consistency and a higher level of confidence with each game they play. Coach Adrian Lock is aware that many of his team lacks international experience, but each game lifts the level of Spanish performance, and the Red Sticks could be saving their best until later in this tournament. Coach Pascal Kina is also building his team, but with a World Cup appearance later this year, he needs his young charges to adapt to international hockey quickly. The demolition they performed on India shows they can be ruthless, and as Pascal says: "The best thing about this team is that they have not yet won anything, so they are hungry."

South Africa v Scotland 18:00hrs

This is an intriguing fixture. South Africa showed tremendous character to turn their match against the USA around and snatch victory from a certain defeat, but against Spain and Ireland they played well below par and allowed themselves to be outplayed. Scotland, on the other hand, know they are the underdog, and so play with the freedom that status allows. If South Africa put in the performance they are capable of, they will be a force to be reckoned with, but in each of their previous three matches, there have been worrying signs of a lack of concentration during long periods of the match. And of course, you cannot ignore home advantage.

USA v India 20:00hrs

On paper this is probably the mismatch of the tournament, but in their loss to South Africa, the USA showed that they are infallible and can lose their focus. India, on the other hand, are getting better in each game and have a foundation of fast, skilful young players who have tasted success in the Junior World Cup. Their coach, Neil Hawgood is a pragmatist and knows that this tournament is part of a long road to international success. Craig Parnham, on the other hand, knows he has a team with the potential to move swiftly up the world rankings and a good showing here will give his team bundles of confidence going into the World Cup in a few weeks time. The question is, can India show more commitment to the game plan, or will the USA steam roller them on the way to the semi-finals?

For more information about the Champions Challenge 1 visit our official tournament event site by clicking here. The event page will bring you all of the news coming from the event including written match reports, action photos, official match documents, goal scoring statistics, match highlights and much more.

FIH site

Korea and USA take top spots, while Scotland delights the crowds and Belgium hit high five

The stage is set for an exciting round of quarter-finals in Champions Challenge 1


Photo: Rodrigo Jaramillo

Pool A

Korea v Scotland 2-2 (1-1)

Belgium v India 5-0 (1-0)

Pool B

South Africa v Spain 1-1 (0-0)

USA v Ireland 3-0 (3-0)

Korea maintained top spot in pool A, despite a spirited Scotland performance, while Belgium found their firing range against India. South Africa and Spain played out a tense draw, while the USA stormed into their match against Ireland to top pool B.

The first match on Day 3 was a tense affair between Spain and South Africa, in a match remarkable for the amount of unforced errors. South Africa would have been expecting to get a result from this match after watching Spain's previous two games. However, the Spanish side came out fighting and within a short time the South Africa team found themselves under pressure. "We are getting better with every game," said Spain coach Adrian Lock, "and today we played well for both halves, which didn't happen in the earlier game against Ireland."

Maria Lopez (26') scored for Spain, with Lisa-Marie Deetclef (33') evening things up with a shot following a penalty corner. South Africa captain Marsha Cox had the chance to win the game when her side were awarded a penalty corner, but Maria Lopez de Eguilaz Zubiria pulled off a save and the teams shared the points.

The USA were certainly not missing opportunities in the first half of their final pool B match. Caroline Nichols (7'), Kathleen Sharkey (18') and Katie O'Donnell (24') all found the back of the net in a dominant first half display. The second half yielded no further goals, and the result means that USA top pool B by virtue of goal difference over South Africa. Spain are third due to a better goal difference over 4th-placed Ireland.

In pool A, Korea faced a Scotland side that was determined to give the vocal audience something to cheer about, and the team in blue didn't disappoint. While Korea started in their usual patient, composed fashion, Scotland hassled and harried in an attempt to defy the gulf that exists between the teams in terms of world ranking places.

It seemed as if the 7th-ranked team would dominate the game when, in the 12th minute, Ju Ok Kim put the ball past Nicki Cochrane in the Scotland goal. Korea continued to dominate play in the minutes following that goal, but when Eunji Cho was given a yellow card with just 13 minutes of the first half left, Scotland started to drive the ball forward with greater confidence. This pressure by the home side paid handsomely when captain Linda Clement equalised in the 30th minute.

The second half began with both teams looking sharp but it was Scotland who struck first, taking advantage of a rare Korea mistake. Linda Clement (49') threw herself at a ball that flew across the goal and deflected the ball home to take the lead. The final 10 minutes were frenetic with Cochrane throwing herself around the goal, but eventually the defence was breached and Korea captain Jong Eun Kim (57') scored from a penalty corner to make the final score 2-2. The result means Korea top pool A at the end of the group stage.

The final match of pool A saw the relatively inexperienced teams of Belgium and India looking to score three points and put in a confidence-inducing performance. India started with far more composure than in their previous two games and for the majority of the first half, both teams played an expansive game, spreading play wide, but not really penetrating the opposition's defensive circle.

With two minutes left on the clock in the first half, it was Belgium who broke the deadlock. Barbara Nelen's shot was deflected by Manon Simons (33'). Belgium's class showed in the second half as Jill Boon (38'), Louise Versavel (41'), Emma Puvrez (64') and Lieselotte van Lindt (69') all found the net and secured second place in the pool.

FIH site

Korea top pool A, India remain without a win

The home nation delighted the fans, while Belgium hit a fantastic five

   
Korea top pool A, Champions Challenge 1 (Photo: Rodrigo Jaramillo)

Pool A

Korea v Scotland 2-2 (1-1)

Belgium v India 5-0 (1-0)

Korea maintained their unbeaten record to finish top of pool A, but Scotland delighted their fans by forcing a draw with the tournament favourites. India remain the only team without a point after Belgium hit five goals past them to take second place in the pool.

Korea faced a Scotland side that was determined to give the vocal audience something to cheer about, and the team in blue didn't disappoint. While Korea started in their usual patient, composed fashion, Scotland hassled and harried in an attempt to defy the gulf that exists between the teams in terms of world ranking places.

It seemed as if the 7th-ranked team would dominate the game when, in the 12th minute, Ju Ok Kim put the ball past Nicki Cochrane in the Scotland goal. Korea continued to dominate play in the minutes following that goal, but when Eunji Cho was given a yellow card with just 13 minutes of the first half left, Scotland started to drive the ball forward with greater confidence. This pressure by the home side paid handsomely when captain Linda Clement equalised in the 30th minute.

The second half began with both teams looking sharp but it was Scotland who struck first, taking advantage of a rare Korea mistake. Linda Clement (49') threw herself at a ball that flew across the goal and deflected the ball home to take the lead.

The final 10 minutes were frenetic with Cochrane throwing herself around the goal, but eventually the defence was breached and Korea captain Jong Eun Kim (57') scored from a penalty corner to make the final score 2-2. The result means Korea top pool A at the end of the group stage.

The final match of pool A saw the relatively inexperienced teams of Belgium and India looking to score three points and put in a confidence-inducing performance. India started with far more composure than in their previous two games and for the majority of the first half, both teams played an expansive game, spreading play wide, but not really penetrating the opposition's defensive circle.

With two minutes left on the clock in the first half, it was Belgium who broke the deadlock. Barbara Nelen's shot was deflected by Manon Simons (33'). Belgium's class showed in the second half as Jill Boon (38'), Louise Versavel (41'), Emma Puvrez (64') and Lieselotte van Lindt (69') all found the net.

FIH site

Glory Days for USA as they top the table, but no smiling Irish eyes

Spain and South Africa battle for a point in final pool B matches

   
USA beat Ireland to top pool B (Photo: Rodrigo Jaramillo)

South Africa and Spain played out a tense draw, while the USA stormed into their match against Ireland to top pool B.

The first match on Day 3 was a tense affair between Spain and South Africa, with both sides chasing three points, but making unforced errors across the pitch. South Africa would have been expecting to get a result from this match after watching Spain's previous two games. However, the Spanish side came out fighting and, within a short time, the South Africa team found themselves under pressure. "We are getting better with every game," said Spain coach Adrian Lock, "and today we played well for both halves, which didn't happen in the earlier game against Ireland."

For most of the first half it was Spain who were dominant, with Maria Lopez (26') opening the scoring after she latched onto a pass from the right and slotted past Annelle van Deventer in the South Africa goal. As the half came to a close, Lisa-Marie Deetclef (33') was able to even things up with a shot following a penalty corner.

The second half was a story of missed opportunities but South Africa captain Marsha Cox had the biggest chance to win the game when her side were awarded a penalty corner. Her team hung their heads as Maria Lopez de Eguilaz Zubiria pulled off a save and the teams shared the points. South Africa's Sulette Damons said that her team had not taken their chances. "We are disappointed with that performance," she added.

The USA were certainly not missing opportunities in the first half of their final pool B match. The opening goal came from a penalty corner – scored by Caroline Nichols (7') – after the USA threw everything at the Irish defence in an aggressive salvo. This goal was followed in quick succession by goals from Kathleen Sharkey (18') – through a mesmerising solo effort – and Katie O'Donnell (24') who is now joint top scorer in the tournament on three goals. Under this sustained onslaught, Ireland seemed to run out of options and half-time couldn't come quickly enough as a chance to regroup.

"This was all part of our plan," said USA captain Lauren Crandall. "We were disappointed that we let the intensity slip in our game against South Africa, so we said we would work to keep working for the full 70 minutes."

The second half yielded no goals, but the USA maintained a hold on possession for the majority of the half. Ireland certainly never ceased attacking, but there was no way through the USA defence for the battling Irish players.

The result means that USA top pool B by virtue of goal difference over South Africa. Crandall added: "While we are focusing this week on winning Champions Challenge 1, this is also part of the build-up towards the World Cup. Every opportunity the team has to play together is very important to us."

FIH site

Honours even as Spain rise to the occasion

South Africa captain denied chance to win all three points


Spain v South Africa in pool B at Champions Challenge 1 (Photo: Rodrigo Jaramillo)

Pool B

Spain v South Africa 1-1 (1-1)

A saved penalty stroke by the Spanish goalkeeper in the dying minutes of the game meant honours were even in the opening match of Day 3 in the Champions Challenge 1. This game was a tense affair, with both sides chasing three points. South Africa would have been expecting to get a result after watching Spain's previous two games. However, the Spanish side came out fighting and within a short time the South Africa team found themselves under pressure. "We are getting better with every game," said Spain coach Adrian Lock, "and today we played well for both halves, which didn't happen in the earlier game against Ireland."

Despite the Spanish revival, it was the Red Sticks goalkeeper Maria Lopez de Eguilaz Zubiria who was the first 'keeper to be called into action, and there was a red-faced moment when confusion between captain Rocio Ybarra and Zubiria nearly let the South Africa forwards in on goal.

For most of the first half it was Spain who were dominant, particularly on the right-hand side of the field. Maria Lopez (26') opened the scoring after she latched onto a pass from the right and slotted past Annelle van Deventer in the South Africa goal. As the half came to a close, Lisa-Marie Deetclef (33') was able to even things up with a shot following a penalty corner.

The second half was a story of missed opportunities as both teams seemed to struggle to put together meaningful attacks. Unforced errors were common as both teams chased the winning goal. South Africa captain Marsha Cox had the chance to win the game when her side were awarded a penalty corner, but Zubiria pulled off a save and the teams shared the points. South Africa's Sulette Damons said that her team had not taken their chances today. "We are disappointed with that performance," she added.

FIH site

Investec SA draw with Spain and face quarter-final against Scotland

JONATHAN COOK in Glasgow


Illse Davids and Lenise Marais congratulate Lisa Deetlefs (obscured) on her goal in the 1-1 draw with Spain. Photo: RODRIGO JARAMILLO

The Investec South Africa women's hockey team's 1-1 draw with Spain at the Champions Challenge in Glasgow Wednesday sees SA finish in second place in Pool B and they will now face Scotland, third in Pool A, in the quarter-finals at 7pm SA time Thursday.

World number 14 Spain scored first through Maria Gomez in the 25th minute while world number 11 South Africa equalised via a Lisa Deetlefs penalty corner in the 31st.

World number 16 Scotland drew 2-2 with world number eight and Pool A winners South Korea in the day's late game.

SA had opportunities to win the match and end top of Pool B, including a penalty stroke from captain Marsha Cox that was saved by Spanish keeper Maria Lopez with two minutes left, as well as a stunning second-half stick save low to the stopper’s right from a Deetlefs bullet.

However, too often SA committed unforced errors that resulted in turnover ball and much harder work to regain possession.

SA head coach Giles Bonnet was frank in his assessment of his side’s performance.

“We moved the ball down the middle [too often] when the appointment was to play on the outside, but the point is, we didn’t play well, our passing and receiving was poor, and if the level of your basic skills is not good enough you have a problem, no matter how good your structure and tactical plans are,” said the former SA men’s captain and coach.

Yet it’s what happens in Thursday’s quarter-final that really matters for the SA team who have now finished second in Pool B behind the team they beat on Monday, the USA.

The Investec SA versus Scotland quarter-final at 7pm SA time Thursday is on FIH You Tube live streaming for SA viewers.

“Most teams here are of a similar level, so the big games are tomorrow [Thursday],” said the Amsterdam-based Bonnet. “You can win today [Wednesday] and then lose tomorrow and not make Saturday’s semi-finals.”

Scotland will certainly present a tough challenge, as they are a much better side now than they were in Pretoria two months ago.

SCORERS
South Africa (1) 1 (Lisa Deetlefs 31st minute)
Spain (1) 1 (Maria Gomez 25th minute)

INVESTEC SA TEAM
Starting: Anelle van Deventer, Lisa Deetlefs, Lenise Marais, Marcelle Manson, Marsha Cox (capt), Shelley Russell, Bernie Coston, Tarryn Bright, Dirkie Chamberlain, Sulette Damons, Celia Evans. Rolling subs: Sanani Mangisa, Quanita Bobbs, Nicolene Terblanche, Illse Davids, Kelly Madsen, Lilian du Plessis, Kathleen Taylor.

SA Hockey Association media release

Pitch side ponderings with Sulette Damons

The South Africa striker shares her thoughts on today's performance and the beauty of Glasgow


Sulette Damons (Photo: Rodrigo Jaramillo)

Here is our daily 'pitch side ponderings' with South Africa's Sulette Damons following her team's 1-1 draw with Spain in pool B of the Champions Challenge 1.

How did you find that game? (South Africa drew 1-1 with Spain)

We were pretty disappointed with our performance to be honest. Against the USA we really took our chances, but that was lacking in our game today. We felt sluggish and we weren't anywhere near as sharp as we were in earlier games. We were slower to the ball and made a lot of errors. These are all things we must sort out before the next game.

How are your preparations for the World Cup coming along?

We are going back to South Africa for a week, then we arrive in The Hague on 11 May. There we will be acclimatising, doing a lot of training and making our final preparations. I am really excited about the World Cup, i can't wait for it to begin.

How are you enjoying Glasgow?

We haven't managed any sigh-seeing yet. I think we are doing that when we finish playing. But Glasgow is lovely, it is a beautiful city and everyone is really friendly. I am really looking forward to coming back here for the Commonwealth Games.

FIH site

Scotland and Korea finish all square in Champions Challenge Pool A battle


Midfielder Vikki Bunce set up Scotland's second goal. Photo Credt: Duncan Gray

Scotland Senior Women produced a battling performance in the Glasgow rain to secure a 2-2 draw against Korea in Women’s FIH Champions Challenge Pool A this afternoon.

Two goals either side of half-time from Scotland captain Linda Clement gave the home side hope of a small upset against the team ranked number 7 in the world, but a field goal from Ju Ok Kim and a penalty corner from Eun Jong Kim ensured a share of the spoils for Korea at full-time.

Scotland will now play South Africa in tomorrow’s Quarter-Final match (18.00) at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre after finishing third in Pool A behind Korea and Belgium. Cash Gates will be available, £10 Adults £5 Concessions

Following the match, Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “I’m happy with the result. The players played well and took the game to the Koreans when we needed to and at the right times, earning a lead from it.

“It was a great position to be in, especially against a team ranked seventh in the world. Korea are going to the World Cup in a few weeks and we knew we’d have to defend well. I thought every single player was great in that respect.

“We took points off a team ranked higher than us and we’re improving all the time. We asked the players to play with confidence and it showed. We have to keep that belief in ourselves and this team could achieve a lot more.”

The Scots starting the match brightly and in the third minute Linda Clement tested Korea goalkeeper Sinhye Lee with a shot on target but the ball was beaten to safety.


Scotland's Linda Clement was on target twice against Korea. Photo Credt: Duncan Gray

Scotland came under pressure from the visitors in the sixth minute, defender Becky Merchant’s stick block on the line preventing Seul Cheon’s penalty corner attempt crossing the line.

The hosts responded shortly after, Vikki Bunce creating an opportunity for vice-captain Catriona Ralph to force another good save from Lee.


Scotland's Cat Ralph fires a shot on goal. Photo Credt: Duncan Gray

Scottish goalkeeper Nicki Cochrane was then called into action in the 15th minute, racing out from her goal to block Korean captain Eun Jong Kim’s low drive.

However, the Edinburgh University shot-stopper couldn’t prevent the Koreans from taking the lead two minutes later; Ju Ok Kim’s attempt on goal was blocked by a combination of Cochrane and Morag McLellan but Kim was quick to seize the opportunity and flick the resulting re-bound into the net.


Korea celebrate the opening goal. Photo Credt: Duncan Gray

Scotland were back on level terms shortly before the half-time interval though after they were awarded a penalty corner in the 30th minute for a foot inside the circle.

The Scots brilliantly executed a pre-planned set-play, defender Susan McGilveray receiving a switch pass and firing the ball into the circle for Clement to scoop the ball past Lee to make it 1-1 going into the break.


Linda Clement scoops home the equalising goal for the national side. Photo Credt: Duncan Gray

Korea started the second half strongly, controlling possession and creating opportunities in front of the Scotland goal.

In the 42nd minute, Seul Cheon fired a drag-flick just wide of the right hand post, before Cochrane produced a great save to deny Eun John Kim with a save high to her right hand side.

Cochrane once again produced a splendid stop in the 45th minute, frustrating Jin Hye Cho after a her goal-bound attempt was diverted to safety.


Korea captain Eun Jong Kim rattles a shot on goal. Photo Credt: Duncan Gray

Four minutes later, the national side took a 2-1 lead to the delight of the home support; Bunce won possession deep in the Korea half and her cross was met by Clement at the back post, the skipper diving to crash the ball past Lee.

Korea responded moments later, Cochrane keeping her side in front with fantastic saves from Eun Jong Kim and Ju Ok Kim. A point blank save from Eunji Cho was a particular highlight in the 53rd minute.

Unfortunately, the pressure finally told in the 58th minute after Scotland were penalised for an illegal foot inside the circle. Eun Jong Kim’s powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner finally beat Cochrane to put the scores level at 2-2.

Further chances fell for the tournament favourites to snatch a win before the full-time hooter, but Cochrane underlined her brilliant individual performance to keep out reverse stick attempts from Bi Eun Cheon and Mihyun Park, the match finishing all square.

Women’s FIH Champions Challenge I, Pool A Result, Glasgow National Hockey Centre, Scotland

Scotland (Linda Clement 30', 49') 2-2 (Ju Ok Kim 17', Eun Jong Kim 58')

Scotland Senior Women: Nicola Cochrane (Edinburgh University), Vikki Bunce (Dundee Wanderers), Morag McLellan (Clydesdale Western), Alison Bell (Grove Menzieshill), Rebecca Ward (Dundee Wanderers), Catriona Ralph (Clydesdale Western), Sarah Robertson (Edinburgh University), Linda Clement (Captain, Grove Menzieshill), Ailsa Wyllie (Grove Menzieshill), Leigh Fawcett (Grove Menzieshill), Rebecca Merchant (Edinburgh University), Nikki Kidd (Canterbury), Susan McGilveray (Clydesdale Western), Nicola Lloyd (Canterbury), Nicola Skrastin (Clydesdale Western), Emily Maguire (Reading), Aileen Davis (Clifton), Amy Gibson (Old Loughtonians).

Scottish Hockey Union media release

India lose 0-5 against Belgium in Champions Challenge 1

GLASGOW: The Indian women's team was thrashed 5-0 by its counterparts from Belgium in a pool A match at Champions Challenge 1.

The final match of the pool saw the relatively youthful teams of Belgium and India looking to score three points and put in a confidence-inducing performance.

India started with far more composure than in their previous two games, backing up coach Neil Hawgood's assertion that his team needed more experience at international level.

For the majority of the first half, both teams played an expansive game, spreading play wide, but not really penetrating the opposition's defensive circle. In the final 15 minutes of the half, Belgium won a trio of penalty corners, but was unable to convert the set plays into goals.

Savita in the India goal did well, making several consecutive saves and marshalling her defence.

With two minutes left on the clock it was Belgium who broke the deadlock. A fantastic cross pitch ball from Alix Gerniers found Barbara Nelens, whose shot was deflected by Manon Simons (33') past a floundering Savita.

India will be pleased that they showed their competitiveness at this level in the first half of the game, but Belgium's class showed in the second half as Jill Boon (38'), Louise Versavel (41'), Emma Puvrez (64') and Lieselotte van Lindt (69') found the net.

Charlotte Vos, captain of the Belgium team paid tribute to her colleague Anouk Raes, who won Player of the Match.

"It was a great performance by Anouk, in fact by all the team. But tomorrow we play Spain, and for us that is the final. Every match from now on is a final."

India coach Neil Hawgood said: "The team stuck to the game plan for 31 minutes. When we went 2-0 down the game plan went out of the window. I have told the team, if they want to stand a chance against the USA tomorrow they have to stick to the plan for at least 60 minutes."

India will now clash against USA on Friday in QF4.

The Times of India

Another heavy loss for Indian women

The Indian women’s hockey team suffered a heavy defeat to Belgium in the final pool match of the Champions Challenge 1 in Glasgow on Wednesday. The 0-5 defeat was their third in three matches and the Indians sit in last place in pool A.

Manon Simons (33min), Jill Boon (38), Louise Versavel (41), Emma Puvrez (64) and Lieselotte van Lindt (69) were the goal-scorers.

India started with far more composure than in their previous two games, but lost their grip after conceding the first goal. “The team stuck to the game plan for 31 minutes. When we went 0-2 down the game plan went out of the window. I have told the team, if they want to stand a chance against USA tomorrow (in the quarterfinals) they have to stick to the plan for at least 60 minutes,” India coach Neil Hawgood said.

The Tribune

CC1 Match 3 Ireland 0-3 USA (w)   30/04/2014



Three first half goals from the USA proved too much for Ireland to pull back a result in their final pool match of the Champions Challenge I tournament. Ireland will play in the quarter finals on Thursday the opposition will be determined by the Pool A matches taking place later today.

The USA put Ireland under pressure from the off, scoring three goals in the first 35 minutes. The first coming from Caroline Nichols in the 6th minute with a good low shot in on the narrow side of the Emma Gray in goals to make it 1-0. Just 11minutes later Catherine Sharkey displayed her skills weaving into the Irish circle to slip the ball home at close range to make it 2-0. The USA showed their finishing power once more before the break this time Katie O’Donnell finishing with a classy deflection of the penalty corner set piece routine to make it 3-0 before the break.

Ireland regrouped in the second half coming out showing immediate attacking intent but despite securing their first penalty corner thanks to the combination of attackers Anna O’Flanagan and Nikki Evans it yielded no real shot. The USA grew in confidence throughout the match setting up waves of attacks and shots which were ably dealt with by a fine performance from Emma Gray in goals for Ireland who kept the score-line clean in the second half.

The match closed out with USA securing the 3-0 win and their spot at the top of the table in Pool B. Ireland finish fourth on goal difference behind Spain and who they meet in the quarter finals on Thursday will be determined by the Pool A matches scheduled later for today.

Commenting after the game Coach Darren Smith was matter of fact “In the match today the USA were clinical in first half creating opportunities and deserved the 3-0 lead at half time. We had a better second half but at that stage the game was already dead due to their (USA’s) first half performance”

“We will likely play Korea, another world cup team and they will  be a tough opposition to break down but we will work hard on what we are trying to do and we look forward to the weekend two more tough games and finishing well in this tournament”

IRELAND 0 (0)
USA 3 (3) Caroline Nichols 6m pc; Catherine Sharkey 17m fg; Katie O’Donnell 24m pc

POOL B FINAL STANDINGS: 1. USA 6 Pts, 2. South Africa 5 Pts, 3. Spain 2 Pts (-2GD), 4. Ireland 2 Pts (-3GD)

IRELAND Starting XI:
Emma Gray (GK); Cliodhna Sargent; Emma Smyth; Nikki Evans; Shirley McCay; Megan Frazer; Audrey O’Flynn; Chloe Watkins; Nicci Daly; Katie Mullan; Anna O’Flanagan

RESERVES:
Michelle Harvey; Naomi Carroll; Ayeisha McFerran; Gillian Pinder; Kate Dillon; Alison Meeke; Emily Beatty.

Irish Hockey Association media release

All set for the quarter finals in Kuantan

Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming matches

   
Poland want to finish in the top four in Kuantan. (Photo: FIH)

The quarter finals of the Pahang Hockey Champions Challenge 1 in Kuantan see New Zealand facing Malaysia, Korea clashing with Japan, Ireland taking on France and Canada facing Poland.

New Zealand v Malaysia
The Black Sticks won all their matches in pool A defeating Ireland (2-1), Japan (6-1) and Poland (8-1). Because New Zealand are the highest ranked team (world ranking number 6) here in Kuantan, they are considered by many to be tournament favourites, which is hardly surprising considering their impressive displays in recent months. “They are not used to this heat, so we hope that we will be able to win”, says Malaysia coach Muhammad Dhaarma Raj although his team finished at the bottom of pool B. The host nation lost to France (3-2) and Korea (3-1) before bouncing back against Canada (4-3). “They are a world cup team, too. This will be a tough challenge”, says Black Sticks captain Dean Couzins. Black Sticks coach Colin Batch agrees: “We expect a tough game. Malaysia seem to have returned to form last night.” Malaysia are currently ranked 13th in the world.

Canada v Poland
Canada finished second in pool B after getting the better end of France (3-2), forcing Korea to a draw (3-3) and losing to Malaysia (4-3). Team coach Anthony Farry says: “We will have a look at the video footage now. I think we have a good record against Poland and we always enjoy playing them.” The Polish team, which came third in pool A, is also looking forward to the encounter. Poland have high ambitions as Pawel Bratkowski points out: “We want to finish in the top four.” In the group stage Poland surprised by defeating Ireland 2-1. They narrowly lost 3-2 to Japan in the opening match and had no chance against New Zealand when they were beaten 8-3. Poland are the lowest ranked team (18) here in Kuantan. At 16, Canada are two places ahead of Poland in the current FIH world ranking list.

Ireland v France
Ireland and France set up an all-European encounter between two equal teams. The Green Machine finished second in pool A thanks to their 1-0 win over Japan. Their previous pool matches were lost to New Zealand and Poland (both 2-1). “We were a bit unlucky against New Zealand and Poland and finally we got the win we deserved” says Irish goalkeeper David Harte. “We are here with a very young team and we want to improve” explains French coach Frederic Soyez. His team have an average age of 23.6 years and are the youngest in Kuantan. The Tricolores finished third in pool B thanks to a 3-2 win over Malaysia before losing 3-2 to Canada and Korea respectively. Both teams are also close in the world ranking with Ireland being 15th and France being 17th.

Korea v Japan
The last quarter final sees Korea taking on their Asian rivals from Japan. Like New Zealand and Malaysia, Korea is also qualified for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague. Korea had a slow start in pool B when they drew 3-3 with Canada but they have shown constant improvement by defeating Malaysia 3-1 and winning 3-2 against France to top pool B. The current title-holders of the Asia Cup are still unbeaten in Kuantan. However, Korea has high respect for Japan as stand-in manager Paul Lissek points out: “Japan are a good side. They are fast in the counter attacks here and we will definitely not take them lightly.” Japan were unlucky in the pool stage, finishing at the bottom of pool A. They celebrated a 3-2 win against Poland in the opening game, before losing 6-1 to New Zealand and 1-0 to Ireland. Ireland, Poland and Japan finished on three points each but Japan found themselves at the bottom of the table because of goal difference and the fact, that they scored less goals than Poland. Korea, ranked 7th in the world, are the clear favourites against 14th ranked Japan. 

FIH site

The toughest route

By JUGJET SINGH

THE Malaysia team have found themselves with the toughest route in the Champions Challenge 1 when they were paired with New Zealand in the quarter-finals in Kuantan today.

The Kiwis, who have also qualified for the World Cup at the Hague, are the highest ranked team here at World No. 6 while Malaysia are struggling at 13th. The other team in Kuantan who have qualified for the World Cup are South Korea at World No 7.

And if Malaysia believe that playing at 2.45pm in sweltering Kuantan heat, and dry sea breeze, is going to help their cause they might be proven wrong as the Kiwis have played two earlier matches at 3pm and beat Ireland 2-1 and hammered Japan 6-1.

The Kiwis also have an advantage of having played four quarters of 17.5 minutes when playing at 3pm, while for Malaysia, who played at 9pm, all their matches used the 35 minutes two halves format.

"We will be playing the four quarters format for the first time in Kuantan, but we did experiment with it when we played China in a series of friendlies before coming here," said Malaysia coach K. Dharmaraj.

Dharmaraj agreed that they pulled the short straw and it will be an uphill battle but not an impossible one.

“Every team in Group B played to avoid the Kiwis, but two bad matches saw us end up with the World No 6.. However, they are not Australia, the Netherlands and Germany who are out of our league.

“With the right strategy and frame of mind, we have an equal chance of beating them and then the route would become much more comfortable in the semis," said Dharmaraj.

Losing to France 3-2 and South Korea 3-1 was somehow made up with the splendid display in the 4-3 win over Canada.

“There was an overall improvement against Canada and we were just plain unlucky as a penalty corner attempt hit the post, and also missed many sitters.

"But there is improvement in the team, and that’s what matters most leading to the New Zealand encounter," said Dharmaraj.

Skipper Azlan Misron said: “We have played New Zealand many times and know that they are a strong and hard working side, but I will rally my men as we want to advance and get a shot at playing in the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand coach Colin Batch said: “We will be playing for the third time in the heat (3pm match) and if the previous encounters are anything to go by, it does not affect our performance much. However, Malaysia are in an upward trend as seen in the match against Canada and I believe it will be a tough quarter-final for us.

“Malaysia are also a World Cup side, even though in a different group with us. It would be an interesting match as both sides prepare for the Hague.”

Kiwi skipper Dean Couzins said: “I watched Malaysia play against Canada for 25 minutes as after that we had to warm-down and do some conditioning. And I must say they have improved as compared to their last two matches, and it will be a fast match where we hope to press early and get the goals.

“I love the way the crowd cheer every time when Malaysia move up to attack, but it also works for us as well, as we like the atmosphere and it makes us enjoy the game.”

New Straits Times

Anything can happen at Champions Challenge quarters

By S. Ramaguru


South Korea's Jang Jong-hyun (third from left) celebrates after scoring a goal against Malaysia in the Champions Challenge I group match. South Korea won 3-1. They are one of the favourites to win the tournament. – Bernama Photo

KUANTAN: South Korea, Canada and Ireland are favourites at their respective Champions Challenge I quarter-final matches at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium here.

The South Koreans, ranked seventh in the world, are tipped to be the finalists along with New Zealand.

The Irish are ranked 15th while the Canadians are one rung below them.

In the quarter-finals, the South Koreans play their East Asia neighbours Japan while Ireland will play France. and Canada are up against Poland.

South Korean team consultant Paul Lissek said on Wednesday that they have come prepared not just to make it through the group phase but to go all the way.

“Our preparations for any tournament are always complete and we plan to go to the final.

“This has been an interesting tournament so far and there is more than one potential winner here.

“Japan are a good side and they improve with each meet. I think any team taking them for granted will pay a big price.

“We have played them many times and it does not get any easier. For example, in the FIH World Hockey League semi-final in Johor Baru last year, we were leading and they fought back to draw 3-3 with us. They are fighters right down to the last man,” he said.

Lissek and team manager Ki Yoo-moon lamented the timing of the early matches because of the heat and humidity.

“There are two pitches here in Kuantan of equal standard. Why not use both of them and play later when the temperature is a little lower.

“This is not good - playing matches at 5pm when the conditions are so hot. I believe that the teams will be affected by it,” said Lissek.

Canada, on the strength of their match against Malaysia on Tuesday, are confident that another high level performance will take them past Poland.

Coach Anthony Farry said there will be no easy match in the last eight and missing crucial chances will be costly.

“We are happy with our game thus far and the team are playing with greater understanding. We need to play better to match Poland. They lost heavily against New Zealand and that makes them a little unpredictable,” he added.

In fact, the outcome of all three of these quarter-final matches could be unpredictable should the favoured teams falter at any stage.

The Star of Malaysia

Heat no issue for Kiwis at Champions Challenge

By S. Ramaguru

KUANTAN: New Zealand believe that the weather is the least of their worries when they play Malaysia in the first quarter-finals of the Champions Challenge I on Thursday.

Kiwi coach Colin Batch said they had played at 3pm before and it had no real effect on their performance.

“So, I don’t expect it to be any different tomorrow. We’ll be playing in the heat (3pm match) for the third time and, judging by our previous outings, we’re not too concerned about it,” he said.

“But Malaysia are on an upward trend ... they beat Canada 4-3 in their last group match and I believe it will be a tough fight tomorrow.

“Malaysia are also competing in the World Cup (at The Hague, Holland from May 31-June 15). So, I expect an interesting tussle.”

New Zealand began the Champions Challenge I tournament with a 2-1 win over Ireland before steam rolling past Japan 5-1 and Poland 8-3.

The Kiwis have scored 16 goals – 11 field attempts and five from set pieces – and, in Simon Child, they have the tournament’s leading scorer with four goals.

Even New Zealand skipper Dean Couzins believes that Malaysia will be a handful in the quarter-finals.

“I watched Malaysia play against Canada for 25 minutes and I must say that they have improved compared to their first two matches against France and South Korea.

“I expect our match against Malaysia to be a fast one. I hope my team-mates will press early and get the goals,” said Couzins.

Couzins was also impressed with the crowd during Malaysia’s matches.

“I loved the way the crowd cheered every time Malaysia attacked. We like playing in such an atmosphere and I think it might work in our favour,” he said.

The Star of Malaysia

Canadian men confident heading into quarter final at Champions Challenge

So far, so good for the Canadian men’s national field hockey team at the 2014 Champions Challenge I in Kuantan, Malaysia.

Despite dropping their final pool stage match versus host Malaysia, Canada (1W-1D-1L), ranked sixteenth in the world, finished second in Pool B and looks positively at its performance in the first three matches, which included a defeat of seventeenth ranked France (1W-0D-2L), and a thrilling draw with seventh ranked Korea (2W-1D-0L).

“Our play has been quite pleasing. We have been implementing the concepts we talk about and have been able to execute good plays with some success so far,” says head coach Anthony Farry. “We are starting to develop a real consistency to our performances which is something we'll need to do in order for us to progress further in this tournament and future tournaments.”

The picture of consistency has been illustrated by team captain, Scott Tupper, who leads Canada, and is tied for second in the tournament, with three goals.

“I’ve felt pretty good so far,” says Tupper, who plays professionally in Belgium with Racing Club de Bruxelles. “It’s always a tough task to play in the heat and humidity, but I think I’ve been able to drive the attack from the back fairly effectively.”

Not only has Tupper been effective at creating offense, so have his teammates. With nine goals in three games, Canada is tied for second in tournament scoring with Korea, and sits only behind the vaunted New Zealand Black Sticks.

“Scoring three goals per game has been a good accomplishment, as in the past we’ve struggled at times to score goals in tournaments,” adds Tupper. “Tactically, we’ve been fairly solid, and now just need to tidy up one or two miscues per game in our half and we’ll be in good shape.”

In Thursday’s quarter final, Canada faces world number eighteen, Poland (1W-0D-2L), which is the lowest ranked team in the tournament and finished third in Pool A. The Poles did, however, manage an upset victory over fifteenth ranked Ireland and have always been a willing combatant in matches versus Canada.

“It will be a very tough game, we have had some close games against Poland in the last eighteen months and this will be no different,” says Farry. “They're a quality side but we are also playing some great hockey so we're very excited about facing them again.”

The winner of the Canada-Poland quarter final will have a tough task ahead in the semi final, likely facing the tournament’s top ranked team, world number six New Zealand, which faces host Malaysia in another quarter final.

Field Hockey Canada media release

PHF selects 37 players from national trials

By Nabil Tahir

KARACHI:  The Pakistan Hockey Federation’s national selection committee has announced the names of 37 players selected from open trials which were held across the country from April 22 to April 29.

The selected lot of players will now head to the training camp to prepare for the 17th Asian Games which will start in South Korea on September 19. The training camp is headed by Shehnaz Sheikh and will be established at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad on May 4.

According to the PHF, the selected players consist of five goalkeepers, six full-backs, eight midfielders and 18 forwards.

According to Sheikh, the selected players are not up to the expectations as only 17 players have previous training experience, while 20 are fresh players who participated in the trials for the first time.

“The selected players do not have quality playmaking skills,” said Sheikh. “This is the first time in history that open trials of 644 players were organised according to the new format of 15 minute-sessions. The trials have developed an exposure of hockey in young players.

“However, grooming is still needed for which I have sent the training plan to the PHF.

“The plan consists of domestic matches and international tours to understand the difference between the national soft hockey and international competitive hockey styles.”

Asian Games participation

Participation in the upcoming Asian Games is still in jeopardy as the PHF has sent complete documents of only 15 players out of 25 to the Arif Hasan-led Pakistan Olympic Association (POA).“They have sent the requisite documents for participation in the Asian Games of only 15 players out of 25,” said Hassan.

“We have also asked the Asian Games Committee for a week’s time to send complete documents. The requirement of the Committee is of 16 players along with six officials which makes a total squad of 22.”

The Express Tribune

PHF names camp probables

LAHORE: The national selection committee on Wednesday announced names of 37 probables to appear in the national hockey camp being set up in Islamabad from May 4 for the Asian Games.

The probables are advised to report to camp-commandant and head coach Shahnaz Sheikh.

The Asian Games are being held in Incheon, South Korea in September / October this year.

According to a PHF press release, the players are selected by chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqi, Arshad Ali Chawdhry, Ayaz Mahmood, Khalid Bashir and Musaddiq Hussain along with head coach Shahnaz Sheikh after open trials which were held all over the country from April 22 to 29.

Probables:

Goalkeepers: Imran Shah, Imran Butt, Mazhar Abbas, Adnan Shakoor and Mohammad Iqbal.

Fullbacks: Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Khalid, Abaad Ali, Abdul Sattar, Zahidullah and Asad Aziz.

Halves: M. Rizwan Junior, Mohammad Tousiq, Rashid Mahmood, Fareed Ahmed, Tasawar Abbas, Usman Hanif, Mohammad Sohaib and M. Bilal.

Forwards: Waleed Hameed, Hammad, Ali Hussain, Shafqat Rasool, Abdul Haseem Khan, Ali Shan, Umar Bhutta, M. Rizwan Senior, Mohammad Dilber, Asfand Senior, Liaqat Rasool, Shah Jee, Asfar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shakeel Abbasi, Zeeshan Akram, Arslan Qadir and Khurram Shehzad.

Dawn

Bajwa comes down hard on PHF for ignoring deserving players

Mohammad Yaqoob

LAHORE: Former secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Asif Bajwa on Wednesday slammed the selection of 37 players for the national camp being set up in Islamabad from May 4 for the Asian Games.

Bajwa expressed surprise that the six players who were part of the last Asian Champions Trophy winning team were not selected for the camp.

They are Amir Shehzad, Kashif Shah, Faisal Qadir, Amad Shakeel Butt, Mohammad Suleman and Mohammad Suleman Hussain.

“The selectors ignored those players who made the country proud at the last Asian Champions Trophy. They should have at least been invited at the camp,” Bajwa told reporters at the National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.

He further said that 11 players selected for the camp, such as Adnan Shakoor (Gojra), Mohammad Iqbal (Toba Tek Singh), Abdul Sattar (Quetta), Waleed Hameed (Peshawar), Hammad (Karachi), Liaquat Rasool (Vehari), Shah Gee (Police), Shehbaz Ahmad (Vehari), Zeeshan Akram (Police), Ali Hassan (Karachi) and Zahidullah (Peshawar), had no hockey background and they were little known in the hockey circles.

“I can bet none of them will get a place in the national team for the Asian Games as they are included just for a joyride,” said Bajwa, who had faced lot of criticism as PHF secretary from Islahuddin and Shahnaz Sheikh.

“It is the duty of every patriot to speak against the evil, I am therefore here to highlight wrongdoings of the selectors who are bent on destroying hockey in the country,” he said.

When contacted, chief selector Islahuddin said he would not respond to Asif Bajwa’s allegations.

“We are focused on our programme under which we have called 37 probables for the training camp after holding trials across the country,” he said.

“We considered only those players who appeared in the trials instead of considering performance of the team which won the last Asian Champions Trophy,” he said.

Islah added that only Haseem Khan was selected without appearing at the trials only because he went abroad with PHF’s permission to play hockey.

Dawn

Exclusion of talented players from Asian Games camp:Former PHF secretary Asif Bajwa lashes out at selectors

LAHORE: Former Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary general Mohammad Asif Bajwa on Wednesday lashed out at national selectors for excluding talented players from a national training camp in progress for the upcoming Asian Games to be held in September in Incheon, South Korea. "I am really shocked that six top players, who were the part of the last Asian Champions Trophy winning team, were not selected in the list of 37 probables called for the national training camp," he told media at the National Hockey Stadium here. The players are Amir Shehzad, Kashif Shah, Faisal Qadir, Amad Shakeel Butt (half-backs), Muhammad Suleman, Muhammad Suleman Hussain (forwards).

Asif said it was very unfortunate that the selectors ignored these talented players who had put the country's flag on top in an Asian event just last year. "At least they should have been called for the training camp to prove their mettle with the selected probables," Asif maintained. The former Olympian also pointed out that 11 probables among 37 had no hockey background and were little known in the hockey circles. "I can bet that these 11 probables will not get a place in the national team for the Asian Games as they have been included in the camp just for a joy ride," added Asif, who faced a lot of criticism during is tenure as PHF secretary from chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui and head coach Shahnaz Sheikh.

He said it was the duty of every one to speak against those who were working against the national interest. "I am here to highlight the wrong doings of the selectors who due to their wrong policies will take the national hockey back to the stone age," he lamented. "The 11 little known probables" are Adnan Shakoor (Gojra), Muhammad Iqbal (Toba Tek Singh), Abdul Sattar (Quetta), Waleed Hameed (Peshawar), Hammad (Karachi), Liaqat Rasool (Vehari), Shah Gee (Police), Shahbaz Ahmad (Vehari), Zeeshan Akram (Police), Ali Hassan (Karachi) and Zahidullah (Peshawar). He said if the selectors continued with this kind of blunders, PHF president Akhtar Rasool Chaudhary should take back the decision making authority from chief selector Islahuddin and head coach Shahnaz. "The chief selector and head coach are showing their incompetence," he concluded. 

The Daily Times

PHF fails to send players’ information to POA

Mohammad Yaqoob

LAHORE: Though the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced names of players who will attend training camp for the Asian Games, it did not send passport numbers and photographs of the remaining 10 players to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to confirm their participation at the Asian Games.

The PHF had sent the passports numbers and photographs of 15 players on Tuesday and promised that the documents of the remaining 10 players would be sent to the POA on Wednesday, which was the last day of entry.

Meanwhile, the POA has written letters to the organisers of Asian Games and Youth Olympics to give it at least one more week for sending all the required information about the hockey squad.

POA president retired Lt Gen Arif Hasan told Dawn that the PHF had to take immediate steps if they are serious about participating at the Asian Games and Youth Olympics, which will be held in China this year.

“The last date for submitting names of probables with other details for the Youth Olympics was also April 30 which has expired, but the PHF did not send us a single name for this event, for which it has already qualified,” he said.

“We have also requested the organisers of the Youth Olympics to give POA one more week to submit entry of the Pakistan hockey team,” he said.

“If the PHF continues to work at a snail’s pace, the hockey team will not be able to participate anywhere,” he said.

Dawn

PIA, Wapda set up title clash

LAHORE: PIA and Wapda reached the final of the ninth Nishan-e-Haider Hockey Tournament at Mutiaullah Hockey Stadium in Bahawalpur on Tuesday night.

A 66th-minute goal by Ahsanullah proved to be the winner as PIA edged National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) 2-1. The bankers had taken the lead through Akhtar Ali in the 15th minute but PIA improved after the interval and Shafqat Rasool converted a short-corner in the 48th minute to level matters before Ahsan’s late intervention.

Wapda came back from 2-1 down in the first-half to prevail 5-3 over Army Reds in the other semi-final.

Goals in the space of eight minutes by Habib-ur-Rehman and Mohammad Zafar Dar put Army Reds 2-0 up by the 16th minute but Zubair Riaz pulled one back for Wapda in the 32nd.

Mohammad Usman levelled matters in the 46th but Mohammad Imran put Army Reds back in front in the 55th with a penalty stroke.

Wapda, however, hit back as Umar Bhutta (59th), Zubair (65th) and Ijaz (67th) scored to send them through to the final.

Dawn

Khandekar returns as junior hockey coach

The former India player calls it a big challenge, says he’s ready for it

Sabi Hussain


Tushar Khandekar will join Harendra Singh and BG Kariappa in his new role. File photo

New Delhi - In an effort to bolster India's preparations for the 2016 Junior World Cup at home, Hockey India (HI) has roped in the services of ace forward Tushar Khandekar as coach of the junior national side.

Khandekar, who was part of the Indian senior team at the 2012 London Olympics, will be the coach of the junior side, along with former senior hockey national coach Harendra Singh and BJ Kariappa.

The trio has been appointed after HI decided not to hire a chief coach for the junior team at this time. Gregg Clark was appointed the chief coach of the junior team in April 2013 for a period of one year, but the South African decided not to renew his contract.

HI has made some sort of history by appointing Khandekar as one of the coaches of the junior team as the Jhansi player has not announced his retirement and recently represented his employer, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), in the Hockey Nationals in Lucknow in February-March.

It's interesting that HI has not formally announced the decision to appoint Khandekar as coach of the junior team.

“It's a big responsibility. Whatever I have learnt as part of the senior national side, I would look to pass on my experience to the junior side. I believe my knowledge of the game would definitely help the young players, keeping in mind the 2016 World Cup,” Khandekar told The Tribune.

“It's also a learning curve for me. Coaching the team and playing as an individual are two different things. As an individual, you only think about your own performance, but as a coach, you have to take into account the performance of the whole team. You see, the whole thinking changes as coaching is a challenging job,'” he added.

One of the most consistent players for India in his playing days, Khandekar had been a livewire on the flanks, setting up many scoring opportunities for his teammates. Khandekar belonged to a family which has produced several hockey players of national and international fame. His late father Vinod Khandekar was a national player, as was his brother Vinamra Khandekar. His uncle Subodh Khandekar was an international player.

Khandekar represented India in the junior level before advancing to India seniors. In November 2010, his last minute goal helped India defeat South Korea and win a bronze medal at the Asian Games.

Khandekar, who has over 200 international caps, said he has identified some specific areas for improvement.

“I personally feel our junior side needs to work on some technical aspects of the game. One is man-to-man marking and how to convert scoring opportunities into goals. We are working on these aspects at our ongoing camp at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium,” he said.

Khandekar said that he is enjoying his new role. “I want to serve the country for the betterment of hockey. I am enjoying my stint as a coach and sharing my experiences with the young boys.”

Does this mean that he has given up hopes of making a comeback to the senior national side? Khandekar, understandably, may not like to answer this question, but Hockey India's High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans, who identified Khandekar for the coaching role, had a response to this query.

“He is aware of the fact that he may not make it to the senior side again. We had a chat about it and he understood my viewpoint. He may not get to play again, but I wanted to use his skills as a hockey player. For me, he is an exceptional hockey talent and I wanted to utilise his knowledge in the best possible way. I identified that a coaching role suits him the most,” Oltmans told The Tribune.

“During the second edition of the Hockey India League (both Khandekar and Oltmans are part of the Uttar Pradesh Wizards franchise), I suggested to him the coaching job and he accepted the challenge. He has the quality in him to develop the team for the World Cup. He will be there as an integral part of our coaching staff till the 2016 World Cup,” Oltmans added.

The Tribune

Young brace lifts Parkites back on top

Nigel Simon

Dominic Young scored a pair of goals as Queen’s Park whipped Fatima 3-1, to regain top spot in the T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division on Saturday. This was at the National Hockey Centre in Tacarigua.

Going into the match, Notre Dame led the table with 16 points from seven matches, one ahead of Queen’s Park, who had a match in hand.

And at the half, the Parkites were already ahead with goals from Young and Nicholas Camacho.

On the resumption, Young got his second to extend the lead to 3-0 before Jordan Vieira got a late consolation for Fatima.

Queen’s Park now has 18 points from seven matches, two more than the Dames while four-time defending champions Petrotrin stayed on 13 after another surprise loss, 1-2 to Courts Malvern, on Sunday.

The hero for Malvern was teenager Teague Marcano with goals in the sixth and 13th minute before Wayne Legerton netted a 66th minute for Petrotrin which has also gone under Paradise and Notre Dame.

...Trotman, Layne punish Notre Dame

National women’s team duo, Oire Trotman and Krizia Lane netted two goals each as Courts Malvern punished an understrength line-up for defending champions, Notre Dame 4-1.

The win was the third from seven matches for the Malvernites now with ten points and three left to play.

...Beharry denied Dames Mixed Vets crown

Jameel Beharry scored a quick double as Defence Force dented the title ambitions of Notre Dame in the Mixed Veterans Division with an entertaining 4-3 triumph on Tuesday night.

Notre Dame went into its final league match with 16 points from six matches, one more than challengers, Queen’s Park which has a match outstanding and with a win would have secured the crown.

However, Defence Force which flicked off its campaign later than all other clubs due to work commitments was first to strike through Nicholas Wren in the 23rd before Leon Ramdeen replied for the Dames seven minutes later.

Nine minutes after the restart Beharry got his first and within a minute he added another for a 3-1 Defence Force cushion.

But the Dames were not ready to give up and responded through Nigel Providence to trim the deficit to 3-2 only for Kirth Davis to restore the “Teteron Boys” two-goal lead at 4-2.

With two minutes left Ramdeen fired in another to give the Dames hope, but it came too late as his team ended its campaign with 16 points, leaving the door open for Queen’s Park which faces Malvern in its final match to snatch the title.

Results:

April 15:

Mixed Veterans:

Defence Force 11 (Nicholas Wren 2nd, 18th, 32nd, 65th, Bertrand Duncan 10th, 51st, Roger Daniel 28th, 48th, 59th, Kirth Davis 16th, Anthony Morales 39th) vs Shape 0

April 16:

Mixed Veterans:

Notre Dame 3 (Akil Nancoo 16th, Scott Dopson 38th, Keith De Peza 64th) vs Police 0

Saturday April 26:

Trinity Women:

Police 3 (Suzette Pierre 16th, R. Nancis 52nd, C. Rooney 69th) vs Paradise 2 (K. Scott 26th, D Romeo 69th)

Trinity Men:

Paradise 4 (Omari Brathwaite 20th, Desmond Archer 37th, Nave Roach 45th, Dario Clement 66th) vs Police 1 (Ryan Ramberan 26th)

U-19 Boys:

Paragon 3 vs Carib 0 - By Default

Women’s Championship:

Malvern 4 (Oire Trotman 2, Krizia Layne 2) vs Notre Dame 1 (Arielle Dus Quesnay)

Men’s Championship:

QPCC (Dominic Young 2, Nicholas Camacho) vs Fatima 1 (Jordan Vieira)

Sunday:

U-19 Boys:

QPCC 10 (Quinten De La Bastide 8th, 30th, 53rd, Jarryon Paul 6th, 44th, Craig Cockburn 46th, 65th, Keegan Dos Santos 56th, 57th, Jordi O’Brien 64th) vs Paragon 0

Trinity Men:

Notre Dame 3 vs Petrotrin 0 - By Default

Men’s Championship:

Malvern 2 (Teague Maracno 6th, 13th) vs Petrotrin 1 (Wayne Legerton 66th)

Monday:

Trinity Men:

QPCC 8 (Dominic Young 4th, 70th, Damian Bright 50th, 67th, Matthew Tang Nian 14th, Kadeem Fortune 15th, Jarryon Paul 65th) vs Paragon 0

Tuesday:

Mixed Veterans:

Defence Force 4 (Jameel Beharry 44th, 45th, Nicholas Wren 23rd, Kirth Davis 55th) vs Notre Dame 3 (Leon Ramdeen 30th, 68th, Nigel Providence 53rd)

The Trinidad Guardian

NOW: Pensions Men’s Knockout Finals

This weekend sees the climax of the Men’s domestic season with the NOW: Pensions Men’s Knockout Finals at Highfields Hockey Centre, Nottingham.

The event features the NOW: Pensions Men’s Cup, Trophy & Vase and Men’s 2nd XI Cup & Plate on Saturday, with the NOW: Pensions Men’s Over 40s Cup, Trophy & Shield, Men’s Over 50’s Cup & Trophy and Men’s Over 60’s Cup & Plate Sunday, and you can skip straight to the weekend's schedule here. Keep up to date with the weekend's action via Twitter, with updates after every game over the two days.

Tickets are available on the gate priced at £6 for adults and £3 for concessions on Saturday, with Adults £3 and concessions £1 Sunday.

Men's Second XI Plate Final
The weekend starts with the Men’s 2nd XI Plate final, with Brighton & Hove taking on Brooklands MU. Brighton & Hove have had a solid season, finishing third in the Kent/Sussex Regional 2 League and they will hope to go one better than 2009 where they finished runners up in this competition. Brooklands MU finished 10th in the North Premier Division, with the club featuring in their first of three finals over the weekend.

NOW: Pensions Men's Vase Final
The NOW: Pensions Men’s Vase Final comes between two clubs who played in the same League this season as Camberley & Farnborough take Basingstoke. For Basingstoke, it has been one of success with them winning the league, while Camberley & Farnborough finished 7th. In their head-to-heads this season, Basingstoke edged both matches. However, neither team has reached the final of this competition before so there will be a new name on the Vase.

NOW: Pensions Men's Trophy Final
Guernsey return for their third successive Men’s trophy Final as they take on a Banbury side with a good record in this competition. Guernsey won this competition back in 2009, but have been narrowly beaten in the last two finals, and will be hoping to rectify last season’s heartbreaking defeat to Lewes where they lost in golden goal extra time. Banbury won the Trophy on three occasions between 2004 and 2008, and with a strong second half to the season behind them, will be hoping to make it a record four times.

NOW: Pensions Men's Cup Final
Brooklands MU feature in their first ever Cup final and face Cannock, who have won the competition on four occasions. The teams have had contrasting seasons, with Brooklands MU securing promotion to the NOW: Pensions Men’s Premier Division where Cannock finished 8th, narrowly avoiding the play-offs. Cannock have featured in six cup finals with them last lifting the cup in 2007.

Men's Second XI Cup Final
Southgate feature in their fifth Second XI Cup Final as they take on University of Birmingham, who appear in the first. Southgate have been great supporters of this competitions over the years but have yet to lift the cup, losing out in the previous three finals, all on golden goal extra time. The University of Birmingham finished 4th in the Midlands 2nd XI Premier Division and will also be looking to win the cup for the first time.

NOW: Pensions Men's Masters O40s Trophy Final
The Men’s Masters O40s Trophy Final comes between two teams who are new to the competition, and therefore, have never reached the final of a master’s competition before. Both teams have had an enjoyable season built around attack and have scored 59 goals between them on route to the final.

Men's Masters O60s Plate Final
Kent take on Iceni Rex Essex in the inaugural Men’s Masters O60s Plate Final. Both counties have a host of successful clubs where players have come from, and are in this competition having narrowly lost out in the Cup.

NOW: Pensions Men's Masters O40s Cup Final
It’s a repeat of Saturdays NOW: Pensions Men’s Cup Final with Brooklands MU taking on Cannock. Like the Men’s Cup, Brooklands MU are making their first appearance in the final. Cannock have never won the competition but they do return to this stage for a second year running, hoping to put right their defeat to Robinson’s in last season’s final.

Men's Masters O60s Cup Final
Indian Gymkhana take on Surrey in the first ever Men’s O60s Cup Final. In a competition where you can enter as either a club on county, Indian Gymkhana are the last club team remaining club team as they continue their fine tradition of producing outstanding masters teams.

NOW: Pensions Men's Masters O50s Cup Final
Harleston Magpies return to their second final in three years and will take on a Ben Rhydding team who make their first appearance in a final at the O50 age group. Harleston Magpies have only been running an O50s team for three years, and will be hoping to win the Cup for the first time have reached at least the last four in all three seasons. Although never reaching the O50s Final before, Ben Rhydding were champions of the O40s Plate in 2008.

Men's Masters O40s Shield Final
The Men’s Masters O40s Shield Final comes between two sides who haven’t previously reached the final. Alderley Edge’s masters team was only reformed recently as they continue to flourish as a club. Havering have been great supporters of the competition and have been rewarded with their first ever final.

NOW: Pensions Men's Masters O50s Trophy Final
The weekend finishes with Shrewsbury taking on Tunbridge Wells in the Men’s Masters O50s Final. Although never reaching the final of this competition previously, Shrewsbury enjoyed a successful spell as a club in the 80s and early 90s, winning the Men’s Trophy in 1995 and it’s those players who make up the majority of the squad in the final. Tunbridge Wells have enjoyed good runs in this competition over the past few seasons, reaching the final in 2010 and 2011, but have yet to lift the trophy.

Match Schedule

Saturday 3 May

09:30 Men’s 2nd XI Plate Final: Brighton & Hove v Brooklands MU
11:30 NOW: Pensions Men’s Vase Final: Camberley & Farnborough v Basingstoke
13:30 NOW: Pensions Men’s Trophy Final: Guernsey v Banbury
15:30 NOW: Pensions Men’s Cup Final: Brooklands MU v Cannock
17:30 Men’s 2nd XI Cup Final: Southgate v University of Birmingham

Sunday 4 May

10:00 NOW: Pensions Men’s Masters O40s Trophy Final: Stockton v Henley
11:00 Men’s Masters O60s Plate Final: Kent v Iceni Rex Essex
12:00 NOW: Pensions Men’s Masters O40s Cup Final: Brooklands MU v Cannock
13:00 Men’s Masters O60s Cup Final: Indian Gymkhana v Surrey
14:00 NOW: Pensions Men’s Masters O50s Cup Final: Ben Rhydding v Harleston Magpies
15:00 Men’s Masters O40s Shield Final: Alderley Edge v Havering
16:00 NOW: Pensions Men’s Masters O50s Trophy Final: Shrewsbury v Tunbridge Wells

England Hockey Board Media release

England Hockey Awards 2014


EHB Annual Awards 2012 - Lincoln Ladies 1st XI

The England Hockey Awards are here again, and this year’s event takes place at Bisham Abbey, the home of English Hockey, on the evening of Saturday 24 May.

The event will bring together hockey lovers from all over the country to celebrate the achievements and contributions of volunteers, umpires, coaches and players over the past nine months.

MC for the evening will be three-time Olympian Simon Mason and several current England squad athletes will also be in attendance.

Awards will be made in a total of 17 categories. Nominations for the open awards are now closed and the short list has been announced as follows:

Congratulations to those shortlisted above and everybody who was nominated.

England Hockey Board Media release

Can Carlos pull off a juggling miracle?

Argentine coach becomes first person to coach two Hockey World Cup teams simultaneously



Of all the coaches who will be fretting and fuming on the sideline at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, none is likely to be feeling the heat more than Carlos Retegui. The former international player, who appeared in three Olympics from 1996, is now head coach to both the reigning women's World Cup champions and the men's team, who are currently ranked 11th in the world. This is a coaching first, and a huge challenge.

Certainly some of his fellow coaches from other nations feel that the flamboyant Argentine coach has bitten off more than he can chew, with one suggesting that by remaining as head coach for both teams, Carlos is in danger of diluting both his teams' potential.

But watching Carlos on the side of the pitch during the recent men's Four Nations in Glasgow, and you can't help but be impressed by the passion and energy that the coach pours into every game. Whether he is bellowing from the sideline or sitting with his head clasped in his hands, you know that Carlos is definitely not diluting his involvement in the game.

The challenges that Carlos is facing at the forthcoming World Cup are two-fold. On the one hand he is coach to the defending World Cup champions and he has the task of both managing expectations and recreating the brilliance of the 2010 campaign. Then, with the men, he is nurturing a team that has been rebuilding and improving over a four year period. Carlos feels his men's team have grown both physically and mentally in the past two years.

Carlos says that his motivation to coach comes from the players. "It is always said that it is the coaching staff who should be motivating, but I think it has to be mutual, they motivate us to keep working."

Ominously for the opposition, Carlos believes the Argentine women's team is approaching the level it showed in 2010. "In London we did not do so well, some of the players were not well, Charo Luchetti, Noel Barrionuevo, Carla Rebecchi and Bethlehem Succi were all below par and they are all crucial to any team. The rest of the team now have two more year's experience. That is invaluable."

So how is Carlos gong to manage running two teams?

"We are a fully structured organisation. We know what we will be doing every day and every hour with both teams. It is essential that the coaching staff is a team and, luckily, it feels like it is. You have to know how to delegate duties and rely on your assistants. That is what happens to me and it gives me peace of mind. I know it will be  a big challenge, but I do not think it is impossible. My key is to live to the fullest everyday.

FIH site

GreenFields Stadium officially opened in The Hague

Internationals Jeroen Hertzberger and Seve van Ass scored the first symbolic goals to open GreenFields Stadium


(Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)

The GreenFields Stadium in The Hague was officially opened this morning. It is the second stadium for the Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 (31 May - 15 June) and is situated next to the main Kyocera Stadium. Dutch internationals Jeroen Hertzberger and Seve van Ass scored the first symbolic goals. To add to the fun, keeper Jaap Stockman was joined in goal by World Cup mascot Stockey.

"We're really impressed with how the pitch looks and feels," said Stockman. "The pitch feels fast and quite settled like it has been here for awhile, so, it should be very exciting for the tournament."

The preparation of the ground took six months, while constructing the stadium itself took just two. The turf is the a specially designed GreenFields TX World Cup surface. The same turf will be used in the Kyocera Stadium when the football pitch is temporarily replaced from May 7. After the World Cup, the GreenFields turf will be handed over to local hockey club Ypenburg.

GreenFields started developing the perfect World Cup surface over two years ago.

FIH site

FIH announces New Zealander Bennett as Grade One umpire



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced that Cantabrian Karen Bennett is now a Grade One international umpire. The news came following her recent umpiring at the Hawke’s Bay Festival in Hastings in early April.

Karen has worked her way through the umpire pathway and later this month she will be umpiring at the FIH World Cup in Holland. She has been an umpire manager at a range of national and international tournaments, including five Ford National Hockey Leagues, the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Olympic Qualifying tournaments, Oceania Cup and the Junior Asia Cup.

Being an FIH Grade One umpire means you are in the third stage of a five stage process – the World Development Panel and the World Panel are the final two stages.

The FIH can appoint Grade One umpires to any of their major international events – not just those events that New Zealand is competing in.

Karen is also part of the FIH Road to Rio Programme which focuses on developing a group of umpires ahead of the 2016 Olympics.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

NZ Midlands hockey talent experience Avantidrome


 
The 2014 University of Waikato Under-21 Midlands teams put their sticks down and gave track cycling a go at the Home of Cycling Charitable Trust’s Avantidrome in Cambridge this week.

The event was a chance to launch the Midlands Under-21 teams and was attended by players, their families, the University of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Alister Jones, sponsors and supporters as well as the Midlands Hockey Board.

As well as getting on the track, the athletes and their families were also given a tour of the recently opened high performance facilities by Avantidrome chief executive Geoff Balme.

“Our vision is a world-class environment where champions inspire the participation of everyday people and this is the driver behind community access to the facility. Partnerships such as this with Midlands Hockey are an investment in the future talent of our region and a further demonstration of the local benefit from a nationally significant facility,” said Balme.

Midlands Hockey high performance director Simon Brill believes there is a real opportunity for athletes and coaches to learn from the very best in New Zealand sport, with BikeNZ, Rowing New Zealand and Triathlon New Zealand all based in the Waikato.

“At Midlands Hockey, we are actively seeking opportunities to develop relationships for the sharing of knowledge. Launching our University of Waikato Under-21 teams at the Avantidrome is a chance for our athletes to visit the high performance training facilities of some of New Zealand’s best athletes,” said Brill.

The National Under-21 Tournament starts on Sunday 4th May and is being held at Auckland Hockey Association at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga. To find out more about the tournament please click here.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Intensive training for hockey team

Anare Ravula


The west hockey under-18 side pose for a picture with supporter Faiyaz Ali (second left), hockey enthusiasts Fergus Underwood (standing back), Andrea Manueli (sixth right) and Taka Newtown, right. Picture: ANARE RAVULA

PLAYERS from the Western youth hockey under-18 side have vowed to make the Fiji U18 side for the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games to be held in China from August 16 - 28, 2014.

The side is undergoing intensive training under the guidance of hockey enthusiasts Fergus Underwood, Taka Newtown and Andrea Manueli.

Manueli said the team comprises of fourteen girls from Nadi and Lautoka, and two boys who were vying for a place in the national side for the Games.

"We are really working hard so the western girls can make the national youth team," Manueli said.

She added the team are utilising the South Seas Club green in their preparation because of it's location.

"Even though it's not the actual size of the ground but it's ideal enough for their training."

Manueli said South Seas Club was the ideal place to train and the committee had been very supportive of the western youth side's preparation, allowing them to utilise the greens.

There are three build-up tournaments prior to the Nanjing Games so they anticipate the girls to take part in those tournaments.

The next tournaments are the Oceania Pacific Games and SPG Games next year.

The Fiji Times