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News 01 July 2014

All the news for Tuesday 1 July 2014


Ireland 4-0 Italy - Extra test Game

Ireland took advantage of their extra day in Italy after winning the Tri Nations in Mori with an additional match against the Italians securing a 4-0 victory.

Ireland's four goals came from Gillian Pinder (PC rebound), Kate Dillon (open play), Nikki Evans (open play) and Naomi Carroll (open play).

Commenting on the game Coach Smith said "This was a good way to finish the series of matches in what was probably the highest quality of the games in Mori. Both teams had opportunities especially in the first half where there were attacks from both teams"

"The 5 days in Italy have been very beneficial we have got through 3 trainings, 3 tests and plenty of meetings to talk through how we want to play. Now we come back to Ireland to have a 3 day camp before our next challenge which is a four nations against New Zealand, Chili and Canada. Three quality international teams that will be a big challenge."

4 Nations Dublin - New Zealand, Chile, Canada, Dublin 12th - 16th July,  UCD.

Saturday 12th July
13.00 Canada v Chile
15.15 Ireland v New Zealand
Sunday 13th July
13.00 New Zealand v Chile
15.15 Ireland v Canada
Monday 14th – REST DAY
 Tuesday 15th July
17.00 New Zealand v Canada
19.15 Ireland v Chile
Wednesday 16th July
 17.00 3rd v 4th
 19.30 1st v 2nd

Irish Hockey Association media release



Irish Masters Finish 2nd

Round up from Helen Johnston



The Irish women's masters finish 2nd behind England in all 3 age categories to record the highest finish ever at the Women's Masters Home Nations which was held this weekend in Swansea, Wales.

The W50s recorded a 2-1 win over Scotland in the first match.  Ireland started the stronger of the 2 teams with Dee Wallace outpacing the Scottish defence down the wings. Ireland were rewarded when Anne Snoddy scored a straight strike off Ireland's first corner.  Snoddy was instrumental in Ireland's 2nd goal when she put in a hard hit which cut through the Scottish defence to find Dymphna Hill unmarked in the circle, who controlled the ball and slipped it past the advancing Scottish keeper.  The second half was a different story with sustained Scottish pressure.  Ireland defended 13 penalty corners, through strong first runners Julie Wilson and Dee Wallace and heroics in the Irish goals from goalkeeper Helen Roche.  When Roche was beaten there were goal line clearances from Fiona Marshall, Anne Snoddy, Helen Johnston and Ireland's W50 player of the tournament Maggie Hunter.  Ireland did concede a stroke but held on for a 2-1 win.  England beat Wales and finished 1st in the W50s section, with Ireland 2nd and Scotland 3rd.

The W40s also played Scotland knowing if they could win with a big score they could win their section of the tournament.  They had the early pressure with Ireland W40s player of the tournament Clodagh McMoreland and Ali McSweeney creating chances.  However, it was Scotland who opened the scoring from a counter attack move.  Ireland equalised soon afterwards when Lynn Mill finished off a well executed penalty corner to leave the half time score at 1-1.  Ireland pushed forward for more goals and got their second when Gillian Garrett took a quick free and crashed the ball into the circle for Mairead D'Arcy to deflect it in past the keeper.  Scotland, however, equalised soon afterwards when the ball took a deflection off an Irish stick at a Scottish short corner.  Despite having a shot taken off the line Ireland were unable to find another goal and so the final result was 2-2.  England again won the W40s section with Ireland finishing a strong 2nd.

It was a similar story for the W45s who played out a 0-0 draw with Scotland.  There were few clear cut chances created by either team with both midfields countering each other and failing to find the final pass for the forwards.  Ireland had the best of the play in the first half with Ireland W45s player of the tournament Julie Shaw running tirelessly.  Scotland began to dominate in midfield in the 2nd half but neither team could find the net.  The 0-0 result meant that England were again winners at W45s level with Ireland finishing a very creditable 2nd.

This completes the women's masters tournaments for this season.  Next year the Home Nations will be in England in June, with a Masters European tournament in London in August.  There will be a World Cup in Canberra, Australia in 2016.  We are always looking for new players at 40, 45, 50 & 55 age groups, so anyone interested should look out for the Masters Interpros which will be held in Ulster in April 2015.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Women's Masters Dominant in Wales

Scotland's female Masters headed to Swansea for a series of games against their Welsh counterparts over a number of ages groups; roving reporter Jacky Burnett gives us a brief summary of the games from day one.

Over 55s Scotland 0 – Wales 1
Scotland worked hard, defending well but were penalised for their lack of confidence when attacking. Scotland failed to take advantage of their forays into the opposition’s circle and were penalised in the second half when Wales converted a penalty corner.  Unfortunately the result didn’t reflect the play in terms of possession and territory, but as always there were plenty positives to take from the game.

Over 50s   Scotland 2 – Wales 2
In a competitive match where Scotland had the advantage in possession and goal-scoring opportunities the Over 50s where unlucky to leave the pitch with a draw.  Twice they took the lead, firstly through a goal from Lil McNab followed by Wendy Justice converting a penalty stroke.  Each time the Welsh equalised, the second within the 70th minute.

Over 45s   Scotland 1- Wales 0
Scotland’s O45s dominated this match, working well together to take control throughout the 70 minutes.  However goals evaded them with even a penalty stroke shot sliding past the post. Gail Nelson finally scored the winning solitary goal from a penalty corner awarded on the stroke of full time.  A well-deserved victory for a team that demonstrated good team play throughout the game.

Over 40s Scotland 2 – Wales 1
Wales took the lead in 20 minutes but Scotland fought hard to equalise through Hazel Cowan before breaking for half-time.  The second half was extremely tight but Scotland emerged as the eventual winners thanks to Kerry Smith converting a penalty corner awarded in the last 30 seconds.

A good first day with two wins and one draw – England tomorrow.  All four umpires (Helen Henderson, Ellen Murray, Martin Robertson & Anna Watson) had two games each making a positive contribution to the tournament.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Junior Scots lose out to France


Kelburne midfielder Jack McKenzie scored Scotland U21's goal against France

Scotland U21 Men narrowly lost out 2-1 to hosts France in their first match in Le Torquet this afternoon.

The Scots went behind in the 20th minute and conceded a second three minutes later.

However, Kelburne midfielder Jack McKenzie pulled one back moments before the half-time interval.

A strong second half performance sadly wasn't rewarded with an equalising goal despite the junior national side dominating for long spells.

Following the match, Scotland U21 Head Coach Graham Moodie succintly summarised his side's performance, "A positive performance but disappointed with the result."

Moodie's charges return to the fore against the French tomorrow for their second encounter.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Scotland youth players moving in the right direction

All the Scotland youth squads showed great strength this weekend when playing tough opponents England.

The U18 squads mad the journey south to Lilleshall National sporting centre to face old rivals England. Two games were playing gin total with the first boys game losing 4-1 he scots lone goal scorer from Kyle Gladwin. The boys put in a great performance but were out played by England losing 4-0 the following day.

U18 girls also travelled down to England and put in a determined performance but lost 3-0 on the first day.

The U16 squads took on England on home soil with the boys playing at the new pitch at Fettes College whilst the girls played at Peffermill.

The U16 girls had a thrilling first match where they went down 3-0 in the first 15 minutes as they were taken aback by the speed and power of England. The girls soon put that to rest and came out the second half full of resilience and were soon rewarded for their efforts by an excellent reverse stick strike by Hanna McKie. Charlotte Watson Scored with 10 minutes to go to bring the Scots within striking distance of earning a draw.

Game two, on Sunday morning, was an equal contest throughout, but without goals. Scotland matched their opponents in every department, until one minute from time when England scored, to win the contest 1 – 0.

Head coach Bill Robson couldn’t be prouder of his team and efforts through pout the year; ‘Scotland future is in good hands, if these performances are anything to go by.’

Just down the road U16 boys faced England at the new water based pitch at Fettes College. The first match saw Scotland come from behind to finish 5-3, goal scorers Ruairidh Grossart scoring two to really push the English. The next day saw them face defeat of 8-0 to the strong England side.

Well done to the U16 girl’s development squad who played this weekend in friendly international matches against Ulster and HIP at Largs showing strong performance throughout.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Jason Lee leaves role as England and Great Britain Hockey Head Coach


Jason Lee

England Hockey can today announce that Jason Lee has left his role as Head Coach of the women’s national team.

England Hockey would like to place on record its gratitude and appreciation for the work by Jason Lee as Head Coach of both the men’s and women’s national teams. He has been an excellent ambassador for the sport of hockey throughout his years working with England Hockey.

After a difficult Hockey World Cup tournament in June, and a review process, Lee is standing down from his position and leaves with the mutual consent of England Hockey.

Lee represented England and Great Britain as an athlete prior to his coaching career – he made his international debut for England at 19 and represented Great Britain at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.

He retired from playing after the 1998 World Cup and embarked on a coaching career with Loughborough Students and England. When he coached Great Britain at the 2004 Athens Olympics, he was just 33 and one of the youngest national coaches in any British sport.

As men’s Head Coach, Lee’s England team won a Gold medal at the European Championships for the first time in 2009. He also took Great Britain to the Athens Olympic Games in 2004, Beijing in 2008, and to London in 2012 where the team finished fourth.

Lee took over as women’s Head Coach following the 2012 Olympic Games, and guided them to a Silver medal at the EuroHockey Championships in 2013, as well as a Bronze medal at the FIH Hockey World League Finals the same year.

England Hockey Chief Executive Sally Munday commented: “We would like to thank Jason for his hard work and dedication as coach of both national sides. He has made an outstanding contribution to England and Great Britain’s hockey teams over a coaching career of more than ten years.”

Jason Lee commented: "I would like to thank those who took a chance appointing me as Head Coach back in 2003. It has been an honour to take teams to three Olympics and three World Cups. It has been very disappointing that the last major event turned out as it did. I wish my successor all the very best and hope that both Great Britain teams can make it to Rio."

England and Great Britain Performance Director, and former women’s team Head Coach, Danny Kerry will take charge of the team temporarily and this will cover the Commonwealth Games.

Recruitment for a new England and Great Britain women’s Head Coach will commence immediately.

Jason Lee’s international coaching career – selected highlights

England and Great Britain men’s team:

Appointed Head Coach of the England men’s team in 2003.
Olympic Games career: 2004, 2008, 2012
European Championships: 2009 Gold medal, 2011 Bronze medal
Champions Trophy: 2010 Silver medal

England women’s team:

Appointed Head Coach of the England women’s in 2013.
EuroHockey Championships: 2013 Silver medal

England Hockey Board Media release



Lee pays price

By Graham Wilson

JASON LEE left by “mutual” consent yesterday as the women’s coach ultimately paid the price for his squad’s 11th place at the Rabobank World Cup in Holland.

Lee was clearly unhappy at the tournament, as was his squad, ranked world No. 3 going into the event. “It is complicated,” said Lee of the performance.

The dropping of Helen Richardson-Walsh had an effect on her wife, captain Kate, and shocked the group.

She was also missing from the squad Lee announced last week for the Commonwealth Games.

The former women’s coach, performance director Danny Kerry, will now act as interim coach.

Lee, who led England’s men to fourth at London 2012, said he was honoured to have taken teams to three Olympics and three World Cups. “It has been very disappointing the last major event has turned out as it did,” he said.

Daily Express



Punt driving hard for gold

Influential midfielder eager for squad to go one better than silver in Delhi four years ago.

By David Leggat


Anita Punt's speed on the turf and expertise with penalty corners make her a valuable player. Photo / Getty Images

When Mark Hager writes down his team list for the big occasions, Anita Punt's name will be among the first.

The Wellington midfielder is in prime form, was arguably New Zealand's best player at the recent World Cup at The Hague, and her expertise at the crucial penalty corner set piece provides the Black Sticks with a serious attacking threat.

Indeed only two players, Dutch captain Maartje Paumen (seven) and Australia's Anna Flanagan (six), scored more goals at the cup than Punt's five; four came from direct shots from penalty corners.

In addition, two other Black Sticks goals came directly from Punt's drives being deflected home. Not a bad contribution to a haul of 12 goals.

She's among the more visible of the New Zealand players. Blessed with considerable speed, her runs down the right-hand flank give New Zealand's offensive game plenty of punch.

With 161 games behind her since her international debut five years ago, Punt, 26, looms as an influential figure if the Black Sticks are to go one better in Glasgow than their silver medal at Delhi in 2010.

The hurt of that occasion - when Australia won on penalty strokes - still remains.

"We were so excited to get the silver, to be in the final that you forgot 'I want to win this'," Punt recalled. "We were quite complacent in the first half in that final and it took us the second half to catch up."

At the London Olympics two years ago, the Black Sticks had the chance to play for gold, only to lose their semifinal to world No 1 and eventual champions the Netherlands. They drew 2-2 but lost on a penalty shootout. They then had a 'mare in the bronze playoff and were well beaten by Britain.

"Coming fourth you learn it's such an empty feeling. Hopefully we've learned it sucks," Punt said.

New Zealand finished fifth at the World Cup, paying heavily for a 1-0 loss to Korea. Punt hopes the big lesson to come out of the World Cup was avoiding complacency.

"We never should have lost that. It was really disappointing. We do talk about it. In all our pre-game talks, Mark's always on about consistency and building from our last performance ... It's something we're working really hard on, being consistent."

In Glasgow, the Black Sticks will be seeded second, behind Australia, who rank second globally, two places ahead of New Zealand. There are others who will throw out a challenge. Hager expects India to be difficult, and cited South Africa as a team on the rise.

And while all that is perfectly reasonable, anything less than a medal will be seen as a big disappointment - not least by government funding arm High Performance Sport New Zealand.

The women have a four-nations tournament in Dublin, against the hosts, Chile and Canada, before heading to Glasgow on July 18.

The New Zealand Herald



Torun stun Grunwald to win Polish title



KS Pomorzanin Torun landed the Polish championship last Sunday in their home town as they stunned regular season table-toppers WKS Grunwald Poznan in the final.

It secured the title for just the second time in their history and was the first since 1990.

It was Grunwald's first loss of the entire season, falling 3-0 behind by the 46th as Krystian Makowski, pictured, scored an 11th minute opening goal which was built on by a pair of Wojciech Zadka goals.

Artur Mikula, the season's top goalscorer, got one back with 19 minutes left in the final but could not deny Torun, who finished the regular season in third place, a famous victory. Both sides will represent Poland in the Euro Hockey League in the 2014/15 season.

In last Saturday's semi-finals, Grunwald picked up an incredible 10-4 win over UKH Start Gniezno 1954 with eight different goalscorers. Pomorzanin Torun saw off KS AZS AWF Poznan 4-2.

Euro Hockey League media release



U18 hockey names team

Arin Kumar

THE Fiji Hockey Federation has confirmed their travelling Fiji U18 girl's squad for the Youth Olympic Games that would be held in Nanjing, China in August.

It was also revealed that the 12-member travelling squad of the Fiji men's U18 7s side would be revealed later this week.

Fiji U18 girls hockey coach Tai Smith said they held their final selection last weekend and some injuries allowed them to make the final decision.

"National rep Lala Ravatu who led the girls to the qualification tournament in Vanuatu retains the captaincy role while Adi Wainikiti Naselesele will be the vice-captain," she said.

"Others in the squad are Lora Bukalidi, Tiara Dutta, Taraivini Bennion, Temo Pasemaca Tikoitoga, Ro Lavenia Ratumaimuri, Ro Miriama Silatolu, Ateca Tinaisalasalavonu, and Tailah Ah Yuk, Latileta Williams, Kerryanne Candy and Terenga Tominiko are the non-travelling reserves."

Meanwhile, the Fiji U18 7s squad has revealed 17 names from which 12 travelling and five non-travelling reserves would be named: Alipate Qaraniqio, Tailiki Failagi Quinto Nadredre, Eminoni Naqionitoga Vuidravuwalu, Ratu Epeneri Uluiviti, Filimoni Nawabalavu, Filipe Nasilasila Qoro, Iosa Katiantini, Josaia Cokaibusa, Joseva Vaughan Sadreu Rauga, Navitalai Navuni Ralawa, Waisea Daroko, Jacob Waqanivalu, Sailasa Powell, Penitiko Yauvoli, Sakenasa Karatu, Semi Tubacule, Timoci Love Tawake Meya.

The Fiji Times



Lord Coe opens new world-class Fettes pitch facility


Scotland U21 international Hamish Imrie, David McMurray, Scotland U16 internationals Ruairidh Grossart and Sam Weissen, Scotland U21 international Millie Brown, and Lord Coe open the pitch

Lord Sebastian Coe was Fettes College's guest of honour to officially open the school's new water-based facility, to be known as the McMurray Pitch.

The opening took place as Scotland U16 Boys took on England U16s, going down 5-3. Two Fettes pupils, Ruairidh Grossart and Sam Weissen, who are playing in that match, will be part of the opening ceremony.

This world-class training and playing facility is a significant addition to the wide-ranging facilities already at Fettes and reflects their commitment to sporting excellence and the importance of hockey at Fettes for both boys and girls.

The water-based astro will also be used by Scottish Hockey and Grange Hockey Club, ensuring that these superb facilities can be utilized by young players from the wider Scottish community.

“To have Lord Coe, a true sporting hero, officially open the McMurray Pitch is a huge honour for all of us at Fettes. He is an inspiration for many young sportsmen and sportswomen and therefore particularly poignant for him to be opening this wonderful new facility”.

Michael Spens, Headmaster, Fettes College

“At Fettes we believe in developing the sporting potential of every one of our pupils, nurturing their talents and maximizing both their enjoyment of and commitment to sport. These incredible facilities coupled with expert tuition, gives our pupils a superb start in their sporting career”.

Steve Bates, Director of Sport, Fettes College

"It is fantastic to have another world-class pitch being opened less than a month before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. We are delighted that Fettes have agreed to host a youth international featuring a number of their pupils as their inaugural game, and know that the pitch will benefit the school, our clubs and hockey in Scotland.”

David Sweetman, CEO Scottish Hockey


Fettes Headmaster Michael Spens, David Sweetman Scottish Hockey CEO, Lord Coe, Mrs McMurray, Steven Bates

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Queensland’s Hockey Bride

Rebecca Dwyer crowned Queensland's 2014 Cover Girl bride.


Photography Credit: Candi Photography

Replacing her hockey stick and body suit for a designer bridal gown, Queenslander Rebecca Dwyer (nee Reuter) was recently crowned Queensland’s 2014 Cover Girl bride.

Growing up in Toowoomba with 16 years of experience of hockey behind her, Bec plays for the Northern Suburbs Hockey Club, Easts Hockey Club in Brisbane, Toowoomba Chill Premier League and South West Lumberjills Super League.

Setting the bar high, Bec is also a current member of the 2014 Australian women’s development squad and has five Hockeyroos appearances to her name having made her debut against Argentina last October.

Full of surprises, newlyweds Bec and Dan planned their biggest surprise yet earlier this year. Turning their engagement party into what would be a planned surprise wedding in front of their family and friends.

Bec found herself entering the Queensland Brides Cover Girl search for ‘a bit of fun’ when attending a bridal exhibition prior to their wedding. With no expectation of winning, the public and judges fell in love with the Queenslander blitzing her through each stage of the competition. Bec quickly found herself a finalist and was titled the winner of the 2014 Cover Girl search.

Living every women’s dream, Bec walked away with a once in a lifetime prize package including a photo shoot wearing a Jack Sullivan designer bridal gown, a romantic getaway for two, as well as featuring on the front cover of Queensland’s Brides Magazine in the 2014 December issue.

Bringing out the beauty in hockey, Bec enjoyed the competition’s journey of glitz, glamour and excitement. For now it’s back to the hockey pitch focusing on her dreams, however, she’s not entirely done with the idea of entering competitions and is willing to see what pops up in the near future.

Bec would like to thank all those that voted for her throughout the competition.

Hockey Australia media release

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