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News 25 May 2014

All the news for Sunday 25 May 2014


PC double downs England

Govers and Ciriello on target as Kookaburras come from behind to win 2-1


Photo credit: Ady Kerry / AK Pictures

A last minute penalty corner conversion from Chris Ciriello sealed the Kookaburras a 2-1 win over England in the first of two World Cup warm-up Tests at Bisham Abbey on Saturday. Victorian Ciriello’s late winner came after Kieran Govers’ first half equaliser.

The Aussie men had fallen behind to Phil Roper’s 11th minute strike for England despite protestations from the Kookaburras defence. But the men in green and gold responded well to the set-back with Wollongong’s Govers firing home a trademark penalty corner just nine minutes later.

Speaking after the match, Australian men’s national coach Ric Charlesworth said, “We played ok although we’re still a bit rusty; we’ve not had a hard international game for a while. This was a good physical test and we recovered well from their goal.”

Explaining how the matches against England fit into his side’s World Cup preparations, Charlesworth added, “We had the Azlan Shah Cup, two matches against New Zealand in Perth, these two games against England and, next week, two practice games against Argentina and Germany. We’re using them to put the polish on a few things.”

Eddie Ockenden captained the Kookaburras in the absence of Mark Knowles who sat the match out with World Cup reserve Tim Deavin stepping into the side in the Queenslander’s place.

The teams meet again at 3pm BST on Sunday (00:00 AEST / 22:00 AWST).

World Cup Warm-Up Test
Marlow, England

Match 1 of 2

ENGLAND 1 (1)
Phil Roper 11 (F)
KOOKABURRAS 2 (1)
Kieran Govers 20 (PC)
Chris Ciriello (70)

Kookaburras’ squad v England
Athlete (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals [Age]
Started
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT) 62/0 [27]
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 132/77 [28]
Liam De Young (Brisbane, QLD) 304/34 [32]
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 313/203 [35]
Kieran Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 85/41 [26]
Rob Hammond (Townsville, QLD) 248/28 [33]
Fergus Kavanagh (Geraldton, WA) 177/14 [29]
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 207/52 [27]
Glenn Simpson (Eltham, VIC) 107/20 [27]
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD) 99/5 [24]
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 54/23 [22]

Used Substitute
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 84/3 [30]
Russell Ford (Melbourne, VIC) 151/72 [30]
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 9/3 [21]
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 142/46 [27]
Glenn Turner (Goulburn, NSW) 104/76 [30]
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 29/3 [23]

Unused Substitute
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 22/0 [27]

Hockey Australia media release



Narrow defeat for England Men


ENG v AUS, Barry Middleton became England's most capped player

England Men lost out 1-2 to Australia in a close test match encounter at Bisham Abbey on Saturday, as their preparations for the Rabobank World Cup continue.

Phil Roper’s first half goal gave England the lead, but Australia hit back to level and snatched the win from a penalty corner in the final minute.

“It’s very disappointing to lose to a highly-ranked team after a fairly evenly matched game, however I thought we could’ve done better with a number of chances that we created,” said Head Coach Bobby Crutchley.

Despite the narrow defeat the match was memorable for captain Barry Middleton (pictured), who became England and Great Britain’s most capped player as he stepped out for the 308th time, surpassing Russell Garcia, who previously held the record at 307.

Crutchley added: “As a player Barry is a consummate professional; his approach to both his training and his own personal development allows him to keep making improvements even after a decade of playing at the very top.

“As a captain, he leads by example and is incredibly selfless; all the lads in the squad have a huge amount of respect for him and it’s been great to watch his leadership of the group develop across the five years since he took the Captain’s armband back in 2009.”

Things began well for England against Australia as Wimbledon’s Phil Roper gave them the lead after 11 minutes. An aerial ball from the right led to Tim Whiteman putting the ball across the front of goal, where Roper deflected home from two yards out.

But their lead lasted just nine minutes before Kieran Govers scored at a penalty corner. Middleton got a stick to the shot but couldn’t stop it trickling over the line.

The scoreline remained tied until the last 45 seconds, when Australia’s Chris Ciriello scored from another penalty corner. George Pinner managed to get a hand to the shot, but couldn’t stop it going in.

The two sides meet again in another test match at Bisham Abbey on Sunday, May 25, starting at 3pm.

England 1 (1)
Phil Roper 11 (FG)

Australia 2 (1)
Kieran Govers 20 (PC)
Chris Ciriello 70 (PC)

England Hockey Board Media release



World Cup firsts about to go down

6 Days to go we celebrate 6 important firsts set to happen at this year’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup



With 6 Days to go we celebrate 6 important firsts set to happen at this year’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup.

Three players and two umpires will be playing or officiating in their first Hockey World Cup, while Carlos Retegui is attempting a coaching feat that has never been tried before.

6

Emma Puvrez, Belgium

At 16, Emma Puvrez is one of the youngest players at this year’s event and she is also one of a number of players playing in her first World Cup. The Red Panther says: "The World Cup means a lot to me. I have never played a World Cup before, in fact this is just my second tournament for Belgium. And secondly, because this is the top of the world we are playing against. Before I was selected I thought I would be the reserve player, but I am so happy to be selected."

5

Emily Wold, USA

Another debutante, and a member of the recent Champions Challenge-winning USA women's team is Emily Wold. The midfielder has put her academic studies on hold to concentrate on her hockey career, so her selection is a vindication of that decision.

To say the 19-year-old is excited is an understatement. "When we received the email naming the World Cup squad my immediate reaction was 'This is huge' and I had a big smile on my face. Being named to a tour is always a good feeling but when this squad was announced I kept thinking to myself 'Wow, this is sick', the World Cup is a no joke tournament. To get the opportunity to play at such a big event, with a huge crowd, in the country that is the heart of hockey is something to be very pumped about!"

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It may never happen again so make the most of it! My friends are always telling me 'Your life is so cool!' Also a lot of times when I will post photos on Instagram or Twitter relating to what I am doing with field hockey they will always say, 'Your pictures are so sick!' And they are 100% correct. Right now I am living the life and couldn't be happier.”

4

Jeremy Hayward, Australia

The third debutante is Australia's latest young talent to hit the international stage. Jeremy Hayward has just eight caps for the Kookaburras but he has slotted into the team and says: "They are such a great bunch. They all help me through but especially big GT (Glenn Turner), who has been showing me the ropes. I am really excited about playing in the World Cup. It is the pinnacle of our sport."

3

Laurine Delforge & Javed Shaikh, Umpires

Keeping control of the players will be an experienced team of officials, but for two umpires this is a step up from World League umpiring. Laurine Delforge and Javed Shaikh are both umpiring in their first World Cup. It will also be both exciting and an intensely nerve-wracking moment. As Javed says: "Just hearing the words 'World Cup' makes me nervous, but I am going to try and treat it as just one more international match."

2

Carlos Retegui, Argentina Head Coach

Carlos Retegui is a charismatic coach who nervously lives through every moment of hockey action with his team. Which is why the Hockey World Cup is likely to leave him doubly exhausted. Carlos is head coach for both the men's and women's team, and although he says that he will be delegating some duties to his team, when the final whistle blows it is Carlos who is in the limelight. His teams lie at either end of the scale. The women are the reigning champions; the men are ranked 11th. Ominously for teams in the women's competition, Carlos says that his team are getting back to their best after a poor performance in London 2012. "In London (2012 Olympics) we did not do so well, some of the players were not well, Charo (Rosario) Luchetti, Noel Barrionuevo, Carla Rebecchi and Belen Succi (who missed London 2012 due to pregnancy) were all below par and they are all crucial to any team. The rest of the team now have another two years’ experience and that is invaluable." 

1

Belgium Red Panthers

For the Belgium women, the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup will be the first time the team has competed this millennium. In fact, the last time the Red Panthers graced the World Cup stage was in 1981, two years before captain Charlotte Vos was even born. "This squad might be young," said the Red Panther's skipper, "but they are hungry to win, and we have worked very hard in the months leading up to the tournament."


FIH site



Australia and Netherlands' drag flicking a potent weapon as women's World Cup looms

England women will look to captain Kate Richardson-Walsh in The Hague, but the Netherlands and Australia will pose big threat when it comes to drag flicking

By Ross Bone


Leading light: Netherland's Maartje Paumen in action during 2012 London Cup Photo: ADY KERRY

A huge factor for many years in international hockey has been the importance of scoring from penalty corners.

In the men’s game, the names of the world class drag flickers roll off the tongue: Mink van der Weerden of the Netherlands, England's Ashley Jackson and Tom Boon of Belgium to name just a few.

In the women’s game, there are plenty of good drag flickers, but the list of real game changers is much shorter.

It could be argued that it boils down to three: Maartje Paumen and Australian duo, Jodie Kenny and Anna Flanagan. If that is the case then these three look set to be decisive factors in their teams’ quest for World Cup glory.

The finest around, is without doubt Paumen. The Netherlands’ Penalty Corner Queen has been the best in the business for a number of years.

In the 2010 World Cup, she top scored with 12 goals, eleven from penalty corners. The sheer number of goals she scores is incredible, but her real skill is her ability to come up with the goods when it really matters.

Even at the London Olympics, where she was not at her best (no goals in the pool stage) she still delivered in the end. Paumen struck twice in the semi-final and the crucial second goal in the final to clinch the gold medal.

She has been relied upon time and again to decide the big occasion and this World Cup could well be won by her deadly ability from the top of the D.

In Australia’s case, their set pieces at the last world cup caused them great consternation as they were unable to find their own Paumen.


Australia's Anna Flanagan (ADY KERRY)

Imagine their delight in waiting such a long time for a top class penalty corner option, only to have two come along at once. Jodie Kenny and Anna Flanagan have really come to the fore and Adam Commens’ Twin Towers now pose a serious threat. Kenny produces much more power and has 53 goals in 104 games for the Hockeyroos.

Flanagan is no slouch either. They both gave the rest of the world a warning this past week, netting almost half their team’s goals as they won the Four Nations competition in Bremen.

Having such potent weapons in the arsenal gives Australia and the Netherlands a significant advantage over the rest. It’ll be great for the fans seeing three such talents step up to the plate in the pressure cooker of the World Cup Finals.

The two Hockeyroos may have a way to go before they graduate to Paumen’s class, but if they fire their team to the World Cup, maybe we’ll have to crown a new Queen of Penalty Corners.

The Telegraph



Indian hockey team working on defence, penalty conversions

NEW DELHI: The Indian hockey team is working on its defence and penalty conversions besides trying to get used to the surface, as it prepares for the upcoming World Cup starting at The Hague, Netherlands.

The team had a two-hour rigorous training session at the Klein Zwitserland Club.

"With just six days left for the World Cup, we started our training sessions yesterday and the focus was to get used to surface, defence in own 25 yards, decision making, goal scoring and attacking during penalty corners," Roelant Oltmans, Director, High Performance, said after the session.

"The atmosphere in the group is good and everyone is fully focused. We all feel the competition is close now but we will stay relaxed and focus on the first match without the pressure getting on to us."

Defender VR Raghunath felt the interaction with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has brought a positive change in the team.

"I think our meeting with Sachin Tendulkar has added the extra excitement in all of us. We all are feeling that change since we met him. I thank him for taking out time for us," he said.

Raghunath said the weather in the host city is ideal for hosting the tournament.

"The weather is very good in The Hague and looks ideal for the World Cup. We all are excited for the World Cup to start and the team is shaping up very nicely in the last few practice sessions. We all are trying to relax and concentrate on the first game.

"We will go game by game in this tournament. We have worked a lot in improving our defence and penalty corner conversions in the past few training sessions and I am sure that we will deliver better results."

India will play their first practice match against Argentina in Kyocera on Sunday.

The Times of India



Truth is Indian coaches have taught very little in 30 years: Terry Walsh, head coach of Indian Hockey Team

Rutvick Mehta
       
Hours before team’s departure to The Hague for FIH Hockey World Cup, head coach Terry Walsh tells Rutvick Mehta that the biggest strength of this Indian squad is its unpredictability

The Indian team before departing for the World Cup to be held in The Hague, Netherlands at New Delhi on Wednesday

It's been a little over six months since you took over. This must be the toughest assignment yet, isn't it?
Yeah. Clearly, this is probably the toughest assignment that there is on the calender, apart from the Olympics. It's a nice way to challenge ourselves at this point.

You've brought in a variety of new techniques into the training sessions. How has the team responded to it so far?
For me, it's been six months of changing a few things, but trying to bring back a few things. Yes, we've made some critical changes in certain areas and we've now got, I think, a team that can potentially make themselves very proud on the international scene. The level that we'll be able to achieve, I don't know, I really don't. I think we've got the ability to bother the best teams in the world, quite honestly. But we also have the ability to capitulate quickly from a historical point of view. But I doubt it's going to happen. I think that our guys have got a much better handle on how to cope with difficult circumstances and turn those around a little. So I can't imagine that we'll be taken off the pitch with a large score margin difference. I think most of the games that we'll play will be very close.

You guys recently had a preparatory tour to Holland, but you also said New Delhi was not an ideal city to hold the camp. Looking back at the last few months, how would you rate your preparation overall?
Well, it was really good to have gone to Europe. I and Hockey India (HI) have been productive from the point of view of giving ourselves an opportunity to play. And when you look at teams around, you see them getting involved in these competitions. If you look at a team like Belgium, for example, they've been touring around and playing all over the place. They just played in Germany last week and they're going to play again this weekend. It's the same with England. These sides will bring with them an enormous amount of international competition in play. Whereas we basically have to train. So there is a difference, no question about that, from the point of view of preparation. But we know that, it's something that's part of the delivery system and so we deal with that in the best way we can.

Do you think this is the best team to represent India in the World Cup (WC)?
Yeah, we think so. You're always going to have questions about a selection or two. Everybody has a view. But I think that realistically we've gotten very, very close to what most people would consider to be our strongest line-up. I don't think there are many significant omissions from the team that anyone would choose. I think everyone would say that we've got our major players right, and then it comes down to the balance and the way the coaching staff want to use their players in their view. Usually, the contentious selections boundaries when you're selecting 18 (players) is somewhere around 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21... those guys. That's life, and we understand that. But in the end someone has to make a decision.

You've maintained that defence is the core to win matches. But India's defence, including goalkeeping, has been the problem area for long, isn't it? How have you worked on it?
Well, we've done a lot in the defensive mentality and understanding what we are really required to do, and terminology like counter-control, and the ability to look after the counter-attack circumstances, positioning and so on that's required to cope with that. It's been a significant part of what we've been doing. It's not just involving the defenders, the involvement of every player on the pitch is important. We've managed to do that in a large part effectively. We don't do it as well as we would like to do it all the time but again we've been working on those things for the good part of six months. It's work in progress in a large way, and we've done a reasonable amount of work in the goalkeeping area. I think Sree (PR Sreejesh) has improved significantly. Confidence is important for everybody, but more so for a goalkeeper, and he had Harjot (Singh) have developed really well. I think Sree has legitimately been the No. 1 goalkeeper and he's done a good job. I believe he's improved in a very see-able manner.

What do you think are the team's biggest strengths and weaknesses going into the WC?
Well, the unpredictability is always the key strength in Indian hockey, the quick wristy movements and the agility of the players. So the unpredictable nature, which sounds very easy to talk about, but is very difficult to actually put down, that's the real strength that this team has. But like in most things, your greatest strength can often become your greatest weakness and I would say that it is also our weakness. There is also an element of the game that requires to be well organised and manipulate, play and retain the possession cleanly... It's just hold the ball and knock it around without too much flair. It's not something that is in the DNA of Indian hockey players (laughs). But you have to. If you don't do that, you don't win games.

This team has a lot of youngsters, a lot of whom will be playing their first WC. Do you fear they will get overawed by the pressures of such a big tournament?
Look, I don't really know the answer to that (laughs). Quite honestly, until you see that situation occur, you can't really be clear about it. I would be shocked if there wasn't some degree of stage fright. There is bound to be. The question is how long that lasts, and whether it's detrimental to the performance, or indeed it turns around to be the real key in proving a much greater impact on the game. And that's obviously what we're trying to have the guys do, use their youthful exuberance to their advantage. Again, I can't really answer that question until it actually occurs, but I'm relatively confident that our guys will get through that fairly quick.

You spoke about a big psychological change in the players after the preparatory tour to Europe. Could you elaborate on that? Was it just about confidence and positivity?
I think self-belief is really a big piece of what this whole program is trying to bring and develop. I mean these guys have not experienced success for a long time. If you go back, you're talking 30 years, really. And that's a long time! So you've got eras of players who haven't really been successful by taking home big medals at big events. Winning is something that people learn how to do, and then they gather a momentum of a winning mentality from all of that. And the mentality, of course, is the psychological key. Self-belief is primary in all of that, and it wasn't a strange thing that we requested Sachin Tendulkar to get involved. That was quite a deliberate thing from the point of view of talking about the things that we know he's very, very keen about like controlling the mind and accepting the fact that no one's perfect and just get on and do the best with what you have. He was excellent with the discussions and just chatting with the guys informally about where things are. This is all part of the psychological piece. I personally think people get confused when they hear the world psychology and don't know what it actually means from the point of view of sport. It's a great term to use without really knowing what it is. Really, it's being able to control where you are from a mentality point of you. And if you can inject a large degree of self-confidence into that and have self belief in that, you don't have to be at any age for that, you don't have to be experienced, you don't have to be a particular number of games, you don't have to have anything. It's just a mentality, and if you can bring a quantity of that into the game, it develops and grows. It can develop quickly in a short period of time, and it can also diminish quickly in a short period of time, as we've seen in a variety of sports.

We play Belgium first, and then take on England, Spain, Malaysia and Australia. The key has always been to start well, isn't it?
India culture tells you that. It's not essential you do that. I can give you a variety of examples which show if you don't win the first game, it doesn’t necessarily mean you're out of the tournament. The difficulty is to maintain the balance, no matter what the outcome. If you win the first game, it doesn't mean you're in the final. If you lose the first game it doesn't mean you're out of the final. It shouldn't affect your mentality very much, but historically it has. You look at the history of Indian sport, and Indian hockey particularly, you'll see that. It's a very clear indicator. It's one of the things about being mentally better prepared and understanding that sometimes you'll fall at hurdles – you can fall at the first hurdle, second or third. The ability to be able to put that away and just move on is pretty important. Not for one second am I suggesting that the first game isn't important, because it is. But in the end, it is no more important than the others.

There's a feeling that you are laying more emphasis on the Asian Games, which can ensure a direct qualification for the 2016 Olympics, and not the WC...
Not in my view. I think the WC is a critical event. The Asian Games is a secondary event, quite frankly. I guess given the nature of the Asian Games in the overall structure of world hockey – and this is my personal opinion, not the opinion of HI. HI's opinion quite clearly is that the Asian Games are critical. My personal view is that the Asian Games is an important tournament but a very good performance at the WC surpasses a very good performance at the Asian Games, because you've got a much better quality of opposition. So a very good WC performance means that's you're pushed into the Olympics environment. And the only way you can be guaranteed an Olympics slot is to win the Asian Games. I'd be very, very surprised if this team wasn't in the Olympics piece. But when you've been in other programs and seen what's happened, there's a very strong argument which says that you don't want to qualify automatically. Because when teams do that, quite often it takes the sting out of the preparation. And you can lose a bit of that impact. There's a surety and certainty if you qualify, but – I'm not saying there's complacency in it – there's the potential of saying 'OK, we're already at the Olympic Games, so we don't need to do this, we don't need to tour or we don't need to play these number of games. And that's absolutely deadly. That's a very, very bad outcome.

You have said a top-eight finish at the WC is a realistic target. Many believe that by saying that, you've already given up hope of a podium finish and created negativity. What do you have to say to that?
I would say that that would be a typical Indian reaction.

A lot of Indian coaches feel that, and so it was only fair to ask you...
Well, as it was fair to ask me, it is fair for my response to be there. And if you think about it, it matches perfectly with the history of the behaviour. So psychologically it doesn't surprise me that that's the reaction. But it's the reality, and that's the difference. Look, this team could finish in the top six, and if everything fell absolutely perfectly and if everyone played very, very well, anything can happen. The dream is to finish in the finals, we all aspire to that dream. But you have to be real, because if you look at the history and you look at the record and you look at what the team has done, I mean there's no magic potion to this. There's nothing magic about it. You've got to do the work, and you've got to do it over a concerted period of time. And Indian coaches, with every respect to them, can say what they like. But the reality is that they've taught very little over the last 30 years.

DNA



The 2014 FIH Women’s USA Masters World Cup Teams Announced

U.S. O40 and O50 Women Squads

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Field Hockey is proud to announce the two U.S. Women’s Masters Teams who will to travel Rotterdam, Netherlands to compete in the 2014 FIH Masters World Cup, June 5-13, 2014.

The Masters World Cup is a wonderful opportunity for our nations experienced players to represent the USA on the world stage. There has not been a women’s squad representing the U.S. at a Masters event since 1998 in Utrecht, Netherlands. USA Field Hockey is very proud to be starting this team again and hopes to create an ongoing tradition of women’s teams at all National and FIH Master events.

More than 50 athletes participated in multiple trial sites, starting in March at Drexel University, American University and Miami, Fla. Selections were based on performance at the trials, in addition to accepting video, interview and/or reference assessment for those unable to attend the trials.

A large group of experienced international athletes were selected for the squad, with a total of ten USA Field Hockey National Team Members representing both teams. This number includes six who played in an Olympics and/or World Cup.

Heading up the roster both coaching and playing is Olympic Bronze Medalist Beth Anders. Joining her are Olympians and World Cup Bronze Medalists, Katie Beach (O and WC), Diane Bracalente (O), Antoinette Lucas (O and WC), Jill Reeve O and WC) and Pam Stuper (WC).

Venue: HC Rotterdam in the Netherlands June 5-13.
Event Website: http://www.mastershockeyworldcup2014.com

Congratulations to the following athletes on their selection to represent Team USA at this year’s FIH Master’s World Cup.                                                       

O40 Team:
Katie Beach* (Northbrook, IL), Ana Berra (Weston, FL), Kerry De Vries (Virginia Beach, VA), Beth Denmead (Netcong, NJ), Susan Elliott (Coatesville, PA), Megan Fraser (Baltimore, MD), Tracey Griesbaum* (Iowa City, IA), Nicky Hitchens+ (Wilmington, DE), Dawn Hill* (Norfolk, VA), Nancy Houghton (Wallingford, VT), Kari Johns (Darien, CT), Maria Keesling+ (Downingtown, PA), Antoinette Lucas* (Harrisonburg, VA), Florencia Manero (Key Biscayne, FL), Wendi Massaro (Stamford, CT), Jill Reeve* (Rumford, RI), Pam Stuper* (Hamden, CT), Denise Zelenak+ (Wilmington, DE)

O50 Team:
Beth Anders* (Norfolk, VA), Elaine Bower (Deerfield, WI), Diane Bracalente* (Quakertown, PA), Karen Chambers (Hopatcong, NJ), Christine Couteau (San Jose, CA), Lisa Cropper (Franklin, MA), Barbara Doran* (New York, NY), Cindy Dysenchuk (Coventry, CT), Lucy Godfrey (Stewartstown, PA), Julie Hayden (Ashburn, VA), Anne Keating* (New York, NY), Pam Lester (Skillman, NJ), Laura Alejandra Mena (North Miami, FL), Mary Michailidis (Stamford, CT), Georganne Nattress (Norwalk, CT), Karen Norris (Landenberg, PA), Linda Treadway-Dillmon (Fountain Valley, CA)

*USA National Field Hockey Team
+USA National Indoor Hockey Team

USFHA media release



Hockey galore at Cal Cup 2014 as Day 2 ends in exciting fashion


By Jawwad Qamar

Moorpark, CA: A very busy Day 2 saw California Cup 2014 in all its glory with a record 152 teams in action for non-stop hockey and ending with an exciting encounter to complete one semifinal pairing for the Men’s Super Division.

In a cross over match, San Jose Khalsa from pool A battled it out against Team HFS from pool B for the right to face the defending champions LA Tigers in the first semifinal tomorrow afternoon. Khalsa moved on thanks to goals from Mark Pearson (FG - 7 min) and Scott Tupper (FG - 38 min, PC – 47 min) and the brilliance of Dave Carter in goal. Ben White (FG - 35 min) and Mike Barminski (PC - 50 min) were the scorers for Team HFS. In the other semifinal, the Bulldogs will take on the winners of tomorrow morning’s cross over match between Sonora from Mexico and Montauk Sharks.

Earlier in the day, three goals from Tupper and two from Pearson helped San Jose beat Sonora 5-2 while the LA Tigers shout out the Sharks 3-0.

In the Women’s Super Division, pool play will continue on Sunday with a number of crucial matches to decide who plays in the semifinals later in the afternoon. The early morning pool C match between Montauk Manatees and Mexico will decide who finishes on top of pool. The Manatees easily took care of FHF Tigers 4-1 for their second win this morning while Mexico defeated RUSH 3-1 in the afternoon. Tomorrow’s other contest between Jolie Pitts and Rick’s Chicks will determine the pool A winner. Jolie Pitts in their match today crushed Bay Dreams 4-0 while Rick’s Chicks annihilated the hapless Team HFS 10-0.


Will the ball go in?……….


Yes – Mexico celebrates against RUSH - photos by Osman Khan

Caliwood is easily expected to move into the semifinals as they have dominated pool B and will have no problem in their last pool match on Sunday against Team North West. The fourth semifinalist will be the second place team with the most points from either pool A or pool C.

For all score, schedules and directions to the venues, please visit www.calcup.com.

Fieldhockey.com Exclusive



The Turf Heats up with Exciting Play at Cal Cup

Yesterday evening, two Under-16 Boys and one Under-21 Men’s games officially began the 43rd California Cup. The investment and increased time that has been given to boys development through the regional high performance sites was apparent in the squads elevated level of play.

“The Under-21 game was a fantastic start to the tournament,” said U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Chris Clements “The level of skill, speed and tactical execution has improved, all due to the increased time training and competing within the regional high performance and developmental sites.”

East Coast jumped out to an early lead against the Ventura County Red Devils (VCRD) and managed to create a 2-0 advantage by the break. VCRD was not about to let the game get away and immediately struck back with two quick goals in the second half. This resulted in some very entertaining hockey for the crowd in the final 20 minutes and a corner at the end of regulation for VCRD. VCRD could not break the deadlock, resulting in a 2-2 final score.

This morning in the Under-21 division, Northern California played East Coast. Both teams were evenly matched throughout the contest. East Coast took the early lead 1-0 and held that through the remainder of the first half. Northern California managed to gain momentum in the second half and create a number of close scoring opportunities. They were rewarded for their efforts and took a 2-1 victory. Later today, Northern California will play against VCRD.

The Men's Super Division is also underway and provides a great spectacle for the younger players to look up to and learn from.

It is shaping up to be great weekend of hockey in California!

USFHA media release



Grange and Edinburgh University claim Scottish Cup success


Grange celebrate Scottish Cup success. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

Grange and Edinburgh University were the winners of the Men's and Women's Scottish Cup Finals at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre today, with Uddingston and Edinburgh University II claiming the Men's and Women's Scottish Plate.

In the Men's Scottish Cup Final, it was Phil Hall who broke the deadlock mid-way through the first half, the midfielder finding himself in space in the right of the circle to latch onto the ball and strike the ball fiercely past Grange goalkeeper Sean Hadfield in the 17th minute.


Inverleith's Phil Hall celebrates the opening goal. Photo Credit; Duncan Gray

Three minutes later, the Purple Robes went 2-0 up, Haddyn Cartmill diving to divert the ball home with an outstretched stick.

With Inverleith in the ascendency at the half-time break, Grange came out fighting and registered on the scoresheet in the 47th minute, Jaume Ventayol flicking home to make it 2-1.

In the 58th minute, Grange were level, Frank Ryan finishing at the far post to make it 2-2.


Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

With neither side able to win inside 70 minutes, the match went to a penalty shoot-out.

With Inverleith missing three of their penalties, it was left to Ventayol and Hamish Imrie to score the vital penalties for Grange and win the cup for the Stags for the first time in five years.

Edinburgh University avenged last year's cup final defeat to Milne Craig Clydesdale Western, winning 4-1 against the same opposition to win the Women's Scottish Cup for the first time.


Louise Campbell opened the scoring for Edinburgh University. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

Scotland international Louise Campbell registered the game's opening goal in the fourth minute, slotting home to make it 1-0.

Mairi Drummond doubled the scholars' advantage in the 15th minute, executing a reverse stick shot past Clydesdale Western 'keeper Louise Duffy to increase the advantage to 2-0.


Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

However, the Titwood outfit hit back shortly afterwards to reduce the deficit back to one goal, Anna Mae Morton flicking the ball past Lucy Camlin to make it 2-1 in the 17th minute.

The University side reclaimed their advantage three minutes before half-time, Heather Lang finishing with aplomb to leave the score at 3-1 at the break.

The game was wrapped up for the capital side in the 59th minute when captain Camilla Lyttle turned home Becky Dru's pass to win the cup with a 4-1 scoreline.


Edinburgh University after their first ever Scottish Cup win. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

Uddingston added further silverware to their trophy cabinet this season, running out convincing 7-1 winners against Granite City Wanderers in the Men’s Scottish Plate Final.

Uddingston captain Nairn Scobie, playing in his last game as captain of the club, said, “The team enjoyed the game and it was a good performance by the players, it was nice to finish on a high.”


Uddingston's Josh Cairns fires a shot on goal during the Men's Scottish Plate Final. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

Jonny Roy opened the scoring for Uddingston in the seventh minute, tapping in at the far post to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Sixty seconds later Steven Percy doubled the South Lanarkshire side’s advantage, hitting a cracking reverse stick shot into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Josh Cairns underlined his reputation as one of the country’s best drag-flickers, dispatching a penalty corner home in the 16th minute to give Uddingston a 3-0 lead.

Five minutes half-time, Roy grabbed his second goal of the match and Uddingston’s fourth, providing the Division 2 champions with a commanding lead.


Uddingston were comfortable winners over Granite City Wanderers. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

Nevertheless, Leon Wilkie gave Granite City Wanderers a glimmer of hope on the stroke of half-time, turning the ball into the net to leave the score 4-1 at the interval.

Hopes of a dramatic comeback were extinguished immediately, Cairns striking the ball from the top of the circle in the 36th minute.

Percy made it 6-1 four minutes later before Roy rounded off the scoring, claiming a hat-trick, in the 55th minute to generate a 7-1 final score.


Uddingston team with the Men's Scottish Plate. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

In the Women’s Scottish Plate Final, Edinburgh University II were comfortable 3-0 winners over Granite City Wanderers.

Following the match, Edinburgh University II Captain Kirsty Abraham, said, “It was a really good performance from the girls, we had a strong first half and just carried it on through to the second. We have had a great time, it's a really good opportunity to play here [at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre] and it has helped kept everyone going through the exam period!”


Edinburgh University were convincing winners over Granite City Wanderers. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

Alice MacArthur opened the scoring for the scholars from the penalty spot in the 11th minute after the Aberdonians were penalised for an illegal tackle inside the circle.

Steph Kirkland doubled the lead for the students four minutes later, firing the ball high into the left hand corner at a penalty corner to make it 2-0.

In the 24th minute, Georgina Black created space for herself at the top of the circle, before sumptuously striking a low shot into the left hand corner of the net for a 3-0 lead.

A second half stalemate ensued, with a number of goal-scoring opportunities, but the cliché of defences on top was apt as the match finished 3-0 to Edinburgh University II.


Edinburgh University's second string celebrate their Women's Scottish Plate victory. Photo Credit: Duncan Gray

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Cachia replaces Pinner as Bees goalkeeper

Beeston have moved quickly to replace George Pinner in between the posts as they confirmed the signing of Scottish number one goalkeeper James Cachia for the 2014/15 season.

He will battle with Ashley Watson and Dan Darby for the starting smock in the Euro Hockey League squad for the new season.

Pinner left the club for English second tier side Holcombe after eight years with the Bees. Cachia joins an England side that features World Cup-bound England stars like Adam Dixon, Harry Martin and Tim Whiteman.

Beeston's captain Dixon will gain his 100th cap over the course of the World Cup if his recovery from an ankle injury continues to go to plan.

Dixon suffered ligament damage during the Euro Hockey League KO16 in Eindhoven at Easter. Crutchley said: “Adam has been a key player for us across the last 18 months and his performances at tournaments during 2013 and 14 have been consistently high.”

Euro Hockey League media release



Junior Hockey Championship: Hussain’s brace gives national title to NBP

KARACHI: NBP captured the 33rd National Junior Hockey Championship title on Saturday, defeating Wapda 2-1 at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium in Karachi.

Mubashir Hussain scored the opening goal in the first minute of the match as NBP led 1-0 at the interval. Wapda then contained their opponents for the better part of the second half, but Hussain struck another goal in the 60th minute on a penalty corner.

Wapda’s Mohammad Ahad scored a consolation goal just a few seconds after to reduce the margin, but the team failed to equalise and gave away the title to NBP.

Meanwhile, Punjab took the bronze medal in the championship as they defeated PIA 3-2 in the third place playoff. PIA took the lead with Abu Bakr’s goal in the 17th minute of the match, but Punjab hit back with Muhammad Asif’s goal in the 37th. Their opponents then replied with another goal through Amir Ali two minutes later to lead 2-0 at half-time.

However, Punjab prevailed in the second half as Qasim Ahmed equalised in the 56th minute and Mohsin Sabir sealed the win four minutes later with his field goal.

The Express Tribune



NBP stun defending champions Wapda to win junior championship

Anwar Zuberi


KARACHI: Players of Wapda and NBP vie for the ball during the National Junior Hockey Championship final at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Saturday.—PPI

KARACHI: Four-time runners-up National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) reached the zenith in fifth successive attempt when they stun holders Wapda 2-1 in the final of the 33rd National Junior Hockey Championship at the Hockey Club of Pakistan Stadium on Saturday.

It was a sweet revenge of the bankers who were beaten by Wapda in the last two finals. This was Wapda’s overall fourth final and third in-a-row. Earlier, Wapda reached ascendency while making their debut in 1998.

After getting the better of Punjab Colours 4-1 in the semi-final the other day, NBP appears to be in a mood to open new leaf in the annals of the country’s premier junior hockey championship which they did thanks to a brace of goals by full back Mubashir Hussain.

The bankers made a successful attack forcing first penalty corner in 30th seconds and full-back Mubashir made no mistake. They made close calls twice getting back-to-back PC’s in the ninth and 12th minutes but in vain.

First, Waseem Akram’s indirect try went unfruitful and second Mubashir’s shot was saved by Wapda custodian Talal Khalid.

As for Wapda, they also got at least four opportunities including two PC’s in the fourth and 15th minutes in the first quarter but to no avail.

The bankers earned fourth PC, first of second quarter, in 19th minute but the goal eluded them as Mubashir’s shot was saved by opponent defender Ahad after their keeper was beaten.

The bankers got yet another chance to double their lead but Adeel Latif missed the target of a pass from captain Ateeuqe in the third quarter.

The bankers heaved a sigh of relief when Mubashir struck again on the team’s sixth PC in 58th minute.

Trailing behind by two goals, Wapda came back strongly securing three PC’s in-a-row and the last one taken by M. Ahad beat goal-keeper Raza under the bar reducing the score 2-1 as umpire blew final whistle.

Mubashir of the NBP was given Man of the Championship award which carries a sum of Rs10,000.

Earlier, a last-minute goal by captain Mohsin Sabir helped Punjab Colours swept aside PIA 3-2 in the playoff to seize third position.

Besides Mohsin, M. Asif and Qasim Ahmed netted a goal each for winners while Abu Bakar and Amir Ali scored one goal apiece for losers.

National Bank of Pakistan received a winning cheque of Rs200,000 in addition to glittering trophy from the chief guest, Sindh Minister for Health, Dr Sagheer Ahmed at the prize distribution after the final.

Wapda earned a purse of Rs150,000 and runners-up trophy while Punjab Colours got richer by Rs100,000 and third position trophy.

This is for the first time in the history of national junior hockey championship that cash prizes were given to top three teams by Sindh.

The ceremony was attended among others by Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Rana Mujahid, Karachi Hockey Association president Wasay Jalil, secretary Farooq Khan, former Olympians Islahuddin Siddiqui, Manzoor-ul-Hasan, Iftikhar Syed, Qamar Ibrahim, Mussadiq Hussain, Khalid Bashir, Sindh Hockey Association president Shahid Ali Khan, and secretary Ramzan Jamali.

Dawn



Punjab claim U-14 hockey title

LAHORE: Punjab won the U-14 Inter-provincial Hockey Championship title, crushing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 6-0 in the final at the National Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.

Punjab cashed in on two penalty-corners out of five they got, while KP team could not earn a single short-corner. At the interval, Punjab had a slim lead of 1-0. Ahmer Ali of Punjab was declared as the best player of the championship.

Punjab took control right from the beginning with better ball-possession. Mehmood Daniyal and Kamran Asghar sent the ball into the cage twice each while Ibrar Ahmed and Bilal Younis contributed a goal apiece.Earlier, Gilgit/Baltistan earned third place after defeating Balochistan 6-0, thanks to a hat-trick from Mujtaba. Aaqib Hussain (2) and M Hasnain (1) were the other scorers.

Director General Sports Board Punjab Usman Anwar gave away the prizes as chief guest.

Dawn



Terengganu off to a flyer

TERENGGANU opened their title defence at the Malaysia Games Hockey competition on a positive note with a 4-0 thumping of Sabah at the Perlis Sports Complex field in Kangar yesterday.

Mohamad Shazwi Rani opened the scoring in the sixth minute off a penalty corner while Mohammad Khairul Anuar Zakaria, Muhammad Sufi Ismat Rohulamin and Mohammad Zainulrusyaidi Ahmad Suhaimi added to Terengganu's tally with field goals in the 19th, 36th and 56th minutes.

Despite the win Coach Nik Rozemi Nik Mohamed said there is much work to be done if the East Coast giants are to clinch a second title after their maiden Malaysia Games win in Kuantan.

“Of course I am happy we won but we did a lot of mistakes we should not have today (yesterday),” said Nik Rozemi.

“The scoreline was comfortable but to be honest we should have won by a bigger margin.

“It was just basic errors but they could have been costly in a close game.

“We need to improve on our defending and transitioning from defence to attack.”

Nik Rozemi added that their match against Perak today will be a true test of character for his charges.

“I think there are maybe three or four really good teams in the competition this year who have what it takes to win it.

“Perak are one of those sides and I expect them to give us a real tough fight tomorrow (today). Hopefully we can show some improvement in that match.”

In addition to Sabah and Perak, Terengganu also have Johor for company in Group A.

In the Group B matches, Federal Territories were equally impressive when they notched an 8-1 drubbing of Sarawak while Penang beat Negri Sembilan 4-1. Selangor, tipped to be darkhorses for the title after their National Under-21 Championships win last year, however, went down 0-3 to Malacca.

New Straits Times



Poverty no obstacle for hockey player Mimie

By Aftar Singh


Penang junior hockey player Mimie Zulaika comes from a broken home but that did not stop her from excelling in the sport she loves.

KANGAR: Penang’s Mimie Zulaika comes from a poor and broken family.

She was only 12 when her parents divorced. But that did not stop her from taking up hockey.

The setbacks seem to have strengthened her resolve she has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the sport.

She was roped into the women’s national back-up squad following an outstanding performance in the girls’ National Under-16 tournament in Kangar in March.

She scored two goals to steer Penang to an impressive 3-1 win over Negri Sembilan in the final. She was also named player of the match in the final.

Only 15, Mimie is already representing Penang in the Perlis Malaysia Games (Sukma).

Penang coach Leo Vincey is full of praise for Mimie, describing her as a “talented player”.

Mimie, a Form Three student of Mutiara Impian Sports School, admitted that it saddened her when father, Zaini Hussin, left them three years ago.

“It’s not easy to survive with just my mother Zaidah Zainun’s salary of about RM900 a month. My mum, who works as a clerk in a private firm, has to pay the house rent, bills and the groceries,” said Mimie, who is the only child and who lives with her mother in Bukit Minyak.

“Despite the hardship, it did not stop me from taking up hockey. And I’m delighted that I helped Penang win the National Under-16 title and was called up to join the national back-up squad.

“I see it as the turning point in my hockey career ... I’m only 15 but I’m already in the national back-up squad.

“Being in the squad has boosted my morale and confidence to play much better in my first Sukma.”

Penang, who lost to Selangor 2-1 on Saturday, could only draw 1-1 against Perlis at the SMK Kuala Perlis Turf on Sunday.

Nor Robiatun put Perlis ahead in the 53rd minute with a field goal before Penang equalised through Nur Adriana, also off a field attempt, four minutes later.

The Star of Malaysia



Courage of Ireland’s Chris Pelow inspires the hockey world

Losing a leg didn’t stop this former international from playing the game he loves


(Photo: )

While the whole world sits eagerly in anticipation for the world’s best to clash at the upcoming Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 in The Hague, Netherlands, one recent story reminds us of how fortunate we are to have sport in our life. Insert Chris Pelow, a former international hockey player, competing for Ireland at the under-16 and 18 level before joining the Irish A side and the Irish senior training squad.

The then 23-year-old competed in the Irish Hockey League and later in Australia for Sydney’s University first team. A knock to his left foot in training caused some on-going pains that landed him in a podiatrist’s office. Following an MRI, and follow-up meetings with an orthopaedic surgeon, Chris got the news that would change his life forever.

In the Irish Times, Chris stated: “(The surgeon) said that if it did turn out to be a tumour and it was serious, then worst-case scenario would be amputation of my left leg! I couldn’t believe how serious this was getting. Like, my foot wasn’t even that sore, I was walking around fine.”

Wednesday, 21st March, 2012 was the day that a rare cancer, known as synovial sarcoma, took Chris’ left leg.

Chris added: “Just because I had this major operation, I was determined I didn’t want it to alter my life. I was enjoying my job in recruitment and everything about Sydney so this wasn’t going to stop me. After the six weeks, I flew back to Sydney with my dad and I began rehab.”

The inspiration that followed is enough to make any one realize how lucky they are. Within a few months Chris was back on the treadmill running, with a prosthetic, and if you watch the video, also playing hockey.

As the world prepares to gather together next week to celebrate one of the greatest events, the Hockey World Cup, we should also truly take the time to celebrate hockey and remember just how much power this sport does have.

In 2012, at half-time of a men’s Irish Senior Cup final, Chris’s father, Ronan Pelow, addressed the crowd to express his thanks: “Today, I can truly say that Hockey Connections saved Chris’s life. From day one his medical care has been in the hands of friends, fellow members of his hockey club, Sydney Uni. His surgeon Sanjeev Gupta, is a past 1st grade player who now plays masters.

“Sydney University HC, together with you the Irish hockey community, prove my long held belief that nothing surpasses hockey as a sport and as a support structure.”

With files from the Irish Times [FULL ARTICLE & VIDEO]

Read Ronan Pelow’s full speech HERE.

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