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All the news for Tuesday 8 July 2014

Honours end up even for opposing hockey brothers

By Graham Hamilton


Men's Hockey International, UCD, Ireland 4/7/2014 Ireland vs England Brothers Mark Gleghorne (England) and Paul Gleghorne (Ireland) come up against each other during the game Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Striker Mark helped England win 3-2 but defender Paul had the last laugh in the second game as the Green Machine came from behind to win 2-1 – an excellent result against a nation who finished fourth in the World Cup finals and are preparing for the Commonwealth Games.

"We had a wee smile at each other as we shook hands before the games, but after that you concentrate on the task ahead," said Mark.

And Paul added: "The build-up was a bit weird but when the games started, you don't worry."

Ulsterman Michael Watt struck twice to earn Saturday's 2-1 win.

Meanwhile the Irish U16 boys and girls completed a trio of decisive wins over their Welsh counterparts at the weekend.

Randalstown's Erin Getty had a lot to celebrate – a haul of five goals and her 16th birthday.

Saturday: Ireland Boys 7 (J Rowe 2, G Sarratt 2, D Rae, A Larmour, M Lee) Wales 0; Ireland Girls 7 (E Getty 2, K McKee, J Kilpatrick, J McMaster, R Henderson, R Burns) Wales 1

Sunday: Ireland Boys 7 (A O'Hare 2, J Rowe 2, G Gibney, G Sarratt, K Marshall) Wales 0; Ireland Girls 10 (A Russell 4, E Getty 3, S Torens 2, M Phelan) Wales 1.

The Belfast Telegraph

England U21 Men play Holland at Bisham


England U21 Men, James Gall by Stanislas Brochier

England's U21 Men are taking part in a training camp at Bisham Abbey, along with playing some training matches against European visitors, Holland.

England's first game against Holland finished with a good result after a hard fought game against strong opposition. The first half was a scrappy affair, with Holland probably having the better of the play, but some very good defending from Brendan Creed and Luke Taylor restricted the Dutch to very few clear chances other than three corners to England’s one. However, in the last few minutes of the half a well-worked free hit close to the Dutch circle saw Sam French deflect the ball into the circle for Ben Boon to finish well from close range.

England were far brighter in the second half and created some good opportunities whilst keeping the Dutch at bay, with Harry Gibson making good saves when Holland did penetrate the English defence. In the 67th minute James Gall finished off a decisive move following some good work from David Goodfield to fire home from the right side of the circle. However, Holland gained a corner in the last minute and in over-time scored from a second re-award, but England still finished 2-1 victors.

England U21 Men's Head Coach John Bleby said after the game: "After a poor first half we played some very good hockey in the second, and proved that we have the ability to hang on in there and grind out a result. Though we are pleased with the result, I look for an improvement, particularly with our core skills, in the next two games. Even after beating Germany and Holland in the last week we need to remain focussed on raising our game as we move towards the Euros."

Match 1

England 2 (1)
Ben Boon 33 (FG)
James Gall 67 (FG)

Netherlands 1 (0)
Pepyn Luigts 70 (PC)

England Hockey Board Media release

Danny Kerry's quest ahead of Investec London Cup

ALL EYES fall on performance director Danny Kerry as he bids to turn around the fortunes of England’s women in the Investec London Cup.

By Graham Wilson


Danny Kerry has been charged with improving the fortunes of the England women's hockey team[GETTY]

Kerry is standing in as coach after Jason Lee’s departure following England’s 11th place at the World Cup.

England play Wales tomorrow, South Africa on Thursday and Scotland on Saturday before Sunday’s play-offs in the first tournament to be held at the new Lee Valley stadium at the Olympic Park.

England’s men are also in action against Scotland, South Africa and Ireland as preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this month.

Daily Express

Chloe Rogers announces retirement from international hockey


Chloe Rogers in action for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games

Chloe Rogers, 29, has announced her retirement from international hockey after a senior international career which spanned nine years. After making her debut against Japan back in 2003 Rogers went on to play 162 times for Great Britain and England and was part of a very successful team with nine major championship medals to her name [see below for detailed information].

Rogers’ first medal came in 2006 at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, where she took a penalty flick against New Zealand to help England take bronze. Six years and seven medals later, Rogers, led by Head Coach Danny Kerry and Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh, was also part of the Great Britain women’s team that took bronze at the London 2012 Olympics, their best result for 20 years. That memorable game against New Zealand was to be Rogers’ last in an international shirt and after taking a lengthy break from the sport she has decided to officially call time on her international hockey career.

Speaking about her career and what she’s achieved in her sport, Rogers said: “It’s been a great honour and I feel very fortunate to have been able to play at the very highest level to represent my country at two Olympic Games, World Cups and other major tournaments. To be able to play a sport for my career, travel the world and be a part of a very special team and group of people has been truly special.”

On the most memorable achievements of playing for England and Great Britain: “There have been many memorable moments along the way which I will never forget; from winning my first international medal on penalty strokes at the 2006 Commonwealth Games to the incredible experience of winning a medal at a home Olympic Games in 2012.”

On those who have made a difference: “I have many people to thank for their support throughout my international career; all those at England and Great Britain Hockey, in particular Danny Kerry, Karen Brown and the coaching group. To all those team mates who I've had the pleasure and honour of playing international hockey alongside, especially [England and Great Britain Captain] Kate Richardson-Walsh, who has led the team for my entire career and has been an inspirational leader.”

On looking ahead to the future: “As much as I will always miss competing, especially in a team environment, it felt like the right time to try new adventures. Since London 2012 I have been trying to develop a future career in media and the world of golf which has certainly been very challenging and is keeping me pretty busy!”

Rogers’ contribution to international hockey will be acknowledged at the Investec London Cup this week and you will also be able to listen to her commentary live on Sky Sports 1 this Sunday as she helps Michael Absalom describe the Investec London Cup Women’s Final from 1715.

Chloe Rogers - International appearances & honours [major tournaments]

Great Britain - 2012 Olympic Games - bronze
Great Britain - 2012 Champions Trophy - silver
England - 2011 Champions Trophy - fifth
England - 2011 EuroHockey Championships - bronze
England - 2010 Commonwealth Games - bronze
England - 2010 World Cup - bronze
England - 2010 Champions Trophy - bronze
England - 2009 EuroHockey Championships - bronze
England - 2009 Champions Trophy - sixth
Great Britain - 2008 Olympic Games - sixth
England - 2007 EuroHockey Championships - bronze
England - 2006 World Cup - seventh
England - 2006 Commonwealth Games - bronze

England Hockey Board Media release

Ireland Coach Fulton Announces Selection for Men’s Investec London Cup

National Men’s Hockey Coach, Craig Fulton, has today announced his 18 who will travel to London to compete against South Africa, Scotland and England in the Investec London Cup at the Olympic Park from Wednesday July 9th –Saturday July 13th.

The team announcement comes after a weekend of exhilarating hockey by the Green Machine who played world number 5’s England in a double header at UCD. Ireland narrowly lost 2-3 in the opening test but secured a 2-1 win in Saturday’s test in front of a packed crowd in UCD.

Commenting on his selection Coach Ned Fulton said “Competition for places in the team is high which is a real positive and all 25 players have contributed. I trust the team I have selected will build on the recent matches we have played and look forward to consistent team performances at the Investec London Cup.”

IRELAND TEAM – Investec 4 Nations, London.
David Harte (GK)  (SV Kampong (Holland)
David Fitzgerald (Monkstown)
John Jackson (Reading)
Conor Harte (Royal Club de Racing Bruxells)
Paul Gleghorne (Instonians)
Jonny Bell (Lisnagarvey)
Ronan Gormley ( Krefeld HC (Germany)
Stuart Loughrey (Cannock)
Shane O’Donoghue (UCD)
Kirk Shimmins (UCD)
Michael Robson (Annadale)
Eugene Magee (Banbridge)
Stephen Cole (Monkstown)
Mikie Watt (Surbiton)
Timmy Cockram (Lisnagarvey)
Mitch Darling (Three Rock Rovers)
Mossie Elliott (Pembroke Wanderers)
Alan Sothern (Pembroke Wanderers)

Non-travelling reserves: Stephen West; Peter Caruth; Kyle Good; Drew Carlisle; Bruce McCandless

Match Schedule:
Wednesday July 9th – Sunday July 13th
Men’s Investec London Cup (Olympic Park – London)

·         Wednesday July 9th 17.15 Ireland v South Africa
·         Thursday July 10th 17.15 Ireland v Scotland
·         Saturday July 12th 12.00 Ireland v England
·         Sunday July 13th 9.45 / 14.45 Cross over match

Irish Hockey Association media release

Strong men’s side named for Glasgow Games



The New Zealand Olympic Committee has rounded off the Commonwealth Games Team to Glasgow with the naming of the New Zealand men’s hockey team.

Northland’s Shay Neal and Canterbury’s Brad Shaw have received the call up from coach Colin Batch following last month’s FIH World Cup, while Devon Manchester will be the sole goalkeeper in the team of sixteen captained by veteran Dean Couzins.

Ranked third in the Commonwealth, Batch said that the competition at last month’s World Cup and training together in Auckland has meant the team is well prepared and the players are looking forward to getting the Games underway.

“We are in good shape, this is an experienced side and the team has been working hard. The aim is to return with a medal and I believe this is achievable if we perform to our best,” said Batch.

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO and Secretary General Kereyn Smith said she was delighted to welcome the players to the team.

“They bring our Glasgow team to a total of 233 and bring with them a wealth of Commonwealth Games experience. Dean Couzins and Phil Burrows are both heading for their fourth Commonwealth Games and the team will be aiming to secure hockey’s fifth Commonwealth medal.”

Neal, aged 24, is Batch’s bolter in the team, making an impressive recovery having had a serious hip operation in November. 

Having been off the turf for a year, Neal is pleased that his dedicated approach to rehabilitation has paid off with Batch saying he is looking forward to having the skilled, fit striker back on the turf.

“The operation was done thanks to the Auckland Regional Charity Hospital - I’ve had the best team around me who developed a good programme to help me recover.  I’m now just really enjoying hockey again, being back with the boys and Colin [Batch] and being able to play pain free,” said Neal, who has just completed his law degree.

Having been to the World Cup as a reserve, Neal can see how much the team has improved and believes that having had so much competition this year the side is poised to get a great result in Glasgow.

“The team has been together through this year’s World League Final, Champions Challenge, World Cup and now training together in Auckland – so the Commonwealth Games is the last competition of the year and if we can learn from the World Cup and build on that, I think we will do really well,” said Neal.

“To be honest it isn’t until the team is named and people start congratulating you that you realise this event means so much to New Zealanders, it is starting to sink in now and I’m getting pretty excited.”

Shaw is the other inclusion since the World Cup and with 150 test caps and two Commonwealth Games already under his belt, Batch says the talented defender has been training extremely hard and offers the side exceptional experience when it comes to major events.

“It’s like I’m debuting again. I’ve been training hard, my motivation is still there. I’m enjoying my hockey more now than I probably ever have,” said Shaw who balances his full time teaching role, with training and being a father of two.

“The team is definitely a step up from when we were in London. Commonwealth Games offers the same situation where you have to play those big games under pressure and I think we can do well as long as we don’t underestimate the pool games and take each game as it comes,” said Shaw.

The team has one more week of training in Auckland before they have a couple of days rest and recovery prior to departing for Glasgow on the 15 July.

The New Zealand Men are in Pool B and play Canada at 8am on Friday 25 July, Trinidad and Tobago at 8pm on Saturday 26 July, England at 8pm on Wednesday 29 July and Malaysia at 10pm on Thursday 31 July.

The semifinals are from 11.15pm on Saturday 2 August with medal matches on Sunday 3 August from 9am. (All in NZ time.)

The New Zealand Commonwealth Games team was formally registered with the Glasgow Organising Committee overnight with 233 athletes and 123 support staff.

NEW ZEALAND MEN'S HOCKEY TEAM

2014 GLASGOW COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Neal, Shaw get Glasgow call up


Shay Neal in action for the Black Sticks. Photo /Getty Images Shay Neal in action for the Black Sticks. Photo /Getty Images

Shay Neal and Brad Shaw have received the call up from Black Sticks coach Colin Batch for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow while Devon Manchester will be the sole goalkeeper in the team of sixteen captained by veteran Dean Couzins.

Ranked third in the Commonwealth, Batch said that the competition at last month's World Cup and training together in Auckland has meant the team is well prepared and the players are looking forward to getting the Games underway.

"We are in good shape, this is an experienced side and the team has been working hard. The aim is to return with a medal and I believe this is achievable if we perform to our best," said Batch.

Dean Couzins and Phil Burrows are both heading for their fourth Commonwealth Games and the team will be aiming to secure hockey's fifth Commonwealth medal.

Neal, aged 24, is Batch's bolter in the team, making an impressive recovery having had a serious hip operation in November.

Having been off the turf for a year, Neal is pleased that his dedicated approach to rehabilitation has paid off with Batch saying he is looking forward to having the skilled, fit striker back on the turf.

Having been to the World Cup as a reserve, Neal can see how much the team has improved and believes that having had so much competition this year the side is poised to get a great result in Glasgow.

"The team has been together through this year's World League Final, Champions Challenge, World Cup and now training together in Auckland - so the Commonwealth Games is the last competition of the year and if we can learn from the World Cup and build on that, I think we will do really well," said Neal.

"To be honest it isn't until the team is named and people start congratulating you that you realise this event means so much to New Zealanders, it is starting to sink in now and I'm getting pretty excited."

Shaw is the other inclusion since the World Cup and with 150 test caps and two Commonwealth Games already under his belt, Batch says the talented defender has been training extremely hard and offers the side exceptional experience when it comes to major events.

The team has one more week of training in Auckland before they have a couple of days rest and recovery prior to departing for Glasgow on the 15 July.

The New Zealand Men are in Pool B and play Canada at 8am on Friday 25 July, Trinidad and Tobago at 8pm on Saturday 26 July, England at 8pm on Wednesday 29 July and Malaysia at 10pm on Thursday 31 July. The semifinals are from 11.15pm on Saturday 2 August with medal matches on Sunday 3 August from 9am. (All times are in NZ time.)

New Zealand men's hockey squad for the Commonwealth Games

Nick Haig, Andy Hayward, Simon Child, Dean Couzins, Blair Hilton, Bradley Shaw, Marcus Child , Phil Burrows, Alex Shaw, Devon Manchester, Blair Tarran, Shay Neal, Arun Panchia, Shea McAlees, Hugo Inglis, Steve Edwards.

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks name Brad Shaw in Games team


EXPERIENCED CAMPAIGNER: Brad Shaw has played 150 times for New Zealand. NZPA

Veteran Brad Shaw has been recalled for the New Zealand men's hockey team and will attend his third Commonwealth Games.

The defender was not chosen for the Black Sticks World Cup campaign last month, missing out on that 18-man squad, but he was recalled to the smaller 16-man squad for this month's Glasgow Games alongside Northland's Shay Neal.

Shaw has played 150 times for New Zealand and adds strength and defensive power to the side. Experienced though he might be, the recall made the 31-year-old feel like the new boy again.

"It's like I'm debuting again. I've been training hard, my motivation is still there. I'm enjoying my hockey more now than I probably ever have," said Shaw, who balances his fulltime teaching role with training and being a father of two.

"The team is definitely a step up from when we were in London. Commonwealth Games offers the same situation where you have to play those big games under pressure and I think we can do well as long as we don't underestimate the pool games and take each game as it comes."

The Black Sticks are ranked third in the Commonwealth and coach Colin Batch said the competition at last month's World Cup and training together in Auckland meant the team is well prepared and the players are looking forward to getting the Games under way.

"We are in good shape, this is an experienced side and the team has been working hard. The aim is to return with a medal and I believe this is achievable if we perform to our best," he said.

Neal, 24, is Batch's bolter, making an impressive recovery after undergoing a serious hip operation in November.

Having been off the turf for a year, Neal is pleased that his dedicated approach to rehabilitation has paid off. Batch was also pleased to have the striker on board.

New Zealand team: Dean Couzins (c), Nick Haig, Andy Hayward, Simon Child, Blair Hilton, Brad Shaw, Marcus Child, Phil Burrows, Alex Shaw, Devon Manchester, Blair Tarrant, Shay Neal, Arun Panchia, Shea McAleese, Hugo Inglis, Steve Edwards. 

Stuff

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White, Philpott, Beale & Zalewski under the spotlight for Glasgow countdown



As part of our countdown to Glasgow 2014, we will be unveiling selected player profiles from the Australian men’s and women’s hockey teams. The highlighted players alongside our entire nominated squads will be proudly representing Australia in green and gold in the coming weeks.

Today’s chosen group of athletes follow a trending theme of being some of the most recent players selected into the Australian men’s national squad. Tristan White, Andrew Philpott, Daniel Beale and Aran Zalewski are not only some of the newest and youngest players within the team they will also be representing the country in what will be their first Commonwealth Games.

The fantastic four have successfully secured caps and goals in previous matches throughout their career however, the 2014 Commonwealth Games will be their most prestigious event yet.

Despite their obvious common love of hockey you’ll find there are plenty of differences when it comes to their interests off the field.

You can find more on our men’s team athletes, including a full squad list, here.


Tristan White #18

Caps: 29
Goals: 2
Debut: 26/10/2011
Date of Birth: 11/07/1990
Hometown: Wollongong, NSW
Position: Midfielder
Twitter: @TristanOWhite
Instagram: @tdubs03

Tournament History:
2014 - World League Finals, Delhi, India , 4th
2012 - Champions Trophy, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2009- Junior World Cup, Johor Baharu, Malaysia & Singapore, 3rd

A country boy who grew up in Wagga Wagga until the age of 14, Tristan White first picked up a hockey stick at the age of three. With a strong family interest in hockey, it was natural that he would follow in the footsteps of his mother, uncle and cousins as a hockey player despite a keen interest in a broad range of sports when he was younger; most notably, Australian Rules football and body boarding from the age of 14. 

A graduate of Wollongong University, White holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce having majored in finance. With his head for numbers, he hopes to work in institutional banking or capital budgeting for a large company in the future before going on to build up a portfolio of investment properties.

Having played age-group representative hockey at every level since he was 11, White’s international prospects really took off when he was injected early into the National Junior Squad ahead of the 2009 Junior World Cup, where he was a teammate of fellow Kookaburras Kieran Govers, Matt Gohdes and Matthew Swann.


Andrew Philpott #29

Caps: 15
Goals: 1
Debut: 03/05/2013
Date of Birth: 09/03/1990
Hometown: Melbourne, VIC
Position: Defender

Tournament History:
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st

Three months into learning how to surf, Andrew Philpott started to wonder why it was taking so long to pick up. Making the error starting out on a short board, he quickly upgraded to a long board. Heading down to Barwon Heads in Victoria and Perth’s pristine beaches is where you’ll find him catching (or trying) to catch a wave.

Known by his grandparents and now teammates as ‘Scruffy', this was a nickname given to him when he was younger. Let out of the bag at one of his games, his teammates at Camberwell hockey club made sure it stuck.

Before moving to Perth to be part of the Kookaburras program green fingered Philpott was a gardner, who spent his time clearing and tidying people’s gardens.

Living the dream in Perth among beautiful beaches and sunny weather he plays the sport he appreciates, hockey. His journey started at the age of 6 when his mum decided football was too rough. Borrowing his neighbours stick, Andrew and his older brother signed up for Minkey (now known as Hookin2Hockey) at their local hockey club.

Graduating in 2013 with a bachelor of medicine from Melbourne University, Philpott dedicated six years towards his course in the hope that one day he will specialise in surgery.


Daniel Beale #23

Caps: 28
Goals: 7
Debut: 09/03/2013
Date of Birth: 02/02/1992
Hometown: Brisbane, QLD
Position: Midfielder

Tournament History:
2014 - World League Finals, Delhi, India, 4th
2013 - Junior World Cup, Delhi, India, 5th
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st

Daniel Beale enjoyed a whirlwind 2013 season, the year in which he captained the Australian U21 men’s team, the Burras, at the Junior World Cup and broke into the Kookaburras team. Despite missing a month of the season with a back injury, the Queensland youngster stepped up from the juniors to represent the Kookaburras at the World League Finals a month after the Junior World Cup before being made a full member of the senior national squad in early 2014.

He cites the 2004 Olympic gold medal winning Australian team in Athens as inspiration for who he wanted to become as a player and recalls watching and cheering them on the television as a child. Beale is a construction management student and expects to graduate in 2016, the same year as the Olympic Games in Rio. A golf fan and lover of Perth’s beaches, he works behind the scenes for his hockey sponsor, packing orders and receiving stock.

With a strong family connection to hockey, in 1996 saw Daniel Beale play his first season at Bulimba Hockey club in Brisbane before moving to Commercial Hockey Club where he was than selected to join the Kookaburras squad in Perth.


Aran Zalewski #17

Caps: 37
Goals: 4
Debut: 31/10/2011
Date of Birth: 21/03/1991
Hometown: Margaret River, WA
Position: Midfielder
Twitter: @AranZalewski
Instagram: @AranZalewski

Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup Finals , The Hague, Netherlands, 1st
2014 - World League Finals, Delhi, India , 4th
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st

Aran’s nickname ‘Moose’ was developed from a series of nicknames given to him by his Kookaburras teammates.

The West Australian strenuously denies a Kookaburras team rumour that he bleaches his hair before every tournament, stating it’s a ‘myth’. Zalewski’s messy, bird-nest-resembling hair style occurs naturally and he reassures everyone there is no time spent in front of the mirror unlike some of his other teammates, simply replying “I know the team are just jealous of my glorious blonde locks”.

Getting back in touch with nature, he delivered flowers for a friend’s florist shop in Perth, WA which became his casual job on the side of university and hockey.

A globetrotter, Zalewski is fascinated by travel. Having travelled to the likes of America and Europe, he sets his sights on returning to Europe at the end of 2014 for a well-deserved holiday alongside his partner, Teagan.

Aran enjoys a strong father-son relationship with his Dad, Wally; a relationship that saw both Aran and Wally play hockey at their local Margret River Hockey Club. Aran moved to boarding school at Perth’s Aquinas College at the start of year nine.

Spare moments are spent with his four legged friend ‘Bailey’ the chocolate brown Labrador.

Hockey Australia media release

T&T Hockey women, men leave for Commonwealth Games

This country’s first batch of athletes for the Commonwealth Games to be staged from July 24 to August 4 in Glasgow, Scotland, will depart today. The women’s and men’s hockey teams are on their way.

The women’s squad, co-captained by Alanna Lewis and Patricia Wright-Alexis, will be coached by former national player Anthony Marcano and comprises a host of youth players in Lewis and Wright-Alexis, long serving custodian Petal Derry, Avion Candice Ashton, Kwylan Jaggessar and Brittney Hingh among the few with more than 25 caps under their belt.

However, missing out were experienced forwards Blair Wynne and Kristin Thompson as well as defender Teresa Lezama, Tamara De Nobriga and goalkeeper Jenielle Carrington, all of whom were part of the team at last September’s Pan American Cup in Mendoza, Argentina, where the team ended seventh.

Despite the absence of the key quintet coach Marcano was still positive about the make-up of the squad and noted that where they fall short in experience they make up for it with speed and energy.

“We have a lot of players coming through from the Under-21 team and going forward we are looking towards the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games and World League competitions, so this will be about gaining international experience for the younger players, “ added Marcano.

In Glasgow, T&T, ranked 31st in the world, will face rivals Canada (#22nd), India (13th), New Zealand (4th) and South Africa (11th) in Pool A while Pool B consists of defending champions and world third ranked Australia, England (6th), Scotland (16th), Wales (32nd) and Malaysia (21st). Australian women have also dominated the gold medal spot at previous Commonwealth Games, however, they still find themselves below New Zealand and England in the current world rankings.

Women’s hockey team

Patricia Wright-Alexis (captain), Petal Derry, Alanna Lewis (captain), Kwylan Jaggassar, Amie Olton, Savannah De Freitas, Amanda George, Avion Ashton, Elise Olton, Kayla Brathwaite, Fiona O’Brien, Dana-Lee De Gannes, Brianna Govia, Tamia Roach, Zene Henry, Brittney Hingh.

Technical staff: Anthony Marcano (coach), Stacey Siu Butt (assistant coach), Sharon De Freitas (manager), Natalie Nieves (videographer), Ayanna Mc Clean (umpire).

....Stickmen hoping to build on Pan Am bronze medal

T&T’s senior men’s hockey team, coming off of an historic bronze medal triumph at the 2013 Pan American Cup, this country’s first in 46 years, will be led once again by skipper Darren Cowie under the supervision of coach, Glen “Fido” Francis.

Francis noted it was a relatively young team which was hit hard by the withdrawal of six members of the historic Pan American Cup team due to work commitments. They are experienced vice captain Dwain Quan Chan, Christopher Scipio, Wayne Legerton, Kiel Murray, Cogie Butler and reserve goalkeeper Kwasi Emmanuel.

Francis said: “Overall, I think we still have a good balance in the team with about five players making their first Commonwealth Games team and experineced players in England-based Kwandwane Browne, Marcus James, Shaquille Daniel, Aidan De Gannes, Solomon Eccles, Dillet Gilkes and Akim Toussaint. The the team is about 90 per cent ready and raring to go. This level is a step up for us and we are hoping to push all the teams as much as we can.”

The local men’s hockey squad, ranked 29th in the world, will compete in Pool B with England (5th), New Zealand (6th), Malaysia (13th) and Canada (16th) while Pool A consists of defending champions and world top ranked Australia, India (9th), South Africa (12th), Scotland (25th) and Wales (31st).

Prior to the start of the tournament, Francis, a former T&T goalkeeper said the local men will be involved in a two-week training camp in Glasgow, during which time they are expected to lay seven warm-up matches.

In the history of the hockey competition Australia has been the dominant force, securing every title since its introduction in 1998, while its biggest challenge will come from other medal-winning nations including England, India, New Zealand and Malaysia.

T&T men’s hockey team: Darren Cowie (captain), Mickel Pierre, Andrey Rocke, Marcus James, Shaquille Daniel, Tariq Marcano, Stefan Mouttet, Kwandwane Browne, Ishmael Campbell, Aidan De Gannes, Solomon Eccles, Dillet Gilkes, Nicholas Grant, Michael Otis O’Connor II, Jordon Reynos, Akim Toussaint, Carlos Stephens.

Technical staff: Glen “Fido” Francis (coach), Andrew Wilson (assistant coach), Kirth Davis (manager), Nicholas Baldeosingh (videographer).

The Trinidad Guardian

Poor Performance of Indian Coaches

by B.G.JOSHI (Dhar-Indore,India)

Charlesworth had a phenomenal coaching record with the Australian team.  Hockeyroos  won the 77 % matches (MP-251, W-194, D-28, L-29), whereas Kookaburras became triumphant in 78 % matches(MP-190, W-148, D-21, L-21).Under his coaching, the Australian women won the Grand Slam twice (simultaneous holders of the Olympic, World Cup and Champions Trophy titles during 1994-2000) and Men's team won back to back World Cup Gold (2010,2014) and continuous Title wins in Champions Trophy on 4 occasions(2009,10,11,12).

On the contrary till Los Angeles Olympics (1984) India was in reckoning in World Hockey.  Prior to 1984 Olympics India won bronze in Amsterdam Champions Trophy (June 1982) defeating then World Cup (1982) finalists Pakistan and Germany under Balbir Senior coaching, which is the only medal in 3 premier FIH/IOC tournaments in Hockey for India in last 32 years.

In London World Cup (1986) India touched the nadir, same fate occurred in London Olympics (2012). Since 32 years (1982 – 2014) four foreign coach and 11 Indian coaches fails to deliver results for India. Results of Olympics(7), World Cup(8) and Champions Trophy(12) includes qualifiers for world Cup (3) and Olympics (5),Commonwealth Games(3) ,World league(3) and Champions challenge(4) against top 12 teams(AUS,NED,GER,BEL.ENG,NZL,ARG,KOR,ESP,PAK,RSA) in current World Ranking are analyzed.

Surprisingly Zafar Iqbal took the first rank, under his regime India qualified for Sydney World Cup (1994) from Poznan World Cup Qualifier (1993), in which Dhanraj Pillay and Mukesh Kumar duo played exceptionally and later was adjudged best player of the tournament. Here are all the details:

Fieldhockey.com

Scotland U21 men edged out in three match Austria series

Scotland U21 rounded off a busy week of hockey with three matches against Austria in Vienna this weekend.

Despite an equalising goal from Ed Greaves in the first half, the junior Scots found themselves 3-1 down at half-time in Friday's first match.

The Austrians extended their lead shortly after the interval, only for Hamish Imrie to pull a goal back for his side with a goal from a tight angle. A tired Scotland lost a fifth goal just before full-time.

A refreshed and reinvigorated Scottish side came out on top in the second match, although had to wait until late in the second half for their opportunities after being frustrated by the home side in a dominant first half display.

Austria took the lead in the 57th minute after a scramble from a penalty corner rebound, only for Ed Greaves again to find a Scottish equaliser, tipping in at the back post. Lee Morton was the match winner for the Scots, converting a penalty flick after Gordon Amour had been upended in the circle to register a 2-1 win.

The third and final match saw both sides take part in a 4 x 15 minute format, the Scots being edged out 3-2.

Murray Collins executed a drag-flick to give his side a 1-0 lead, before the home side responded with two goals to narrowly go in front.

With Scotland replacing 'keeper Sean Hadfield with a kicking back for the final five minutes, a counter-attacking Austria secured a decisive third goal. With time still left on the clock, Hamish Imrie was taken out by the home goalkeeper inside the circle and Lee Morton again stepped up to finish off a penalty flick.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Area field hockey club sends group to nationals

A local girls field hockey team is making a national name for itself.

By Stuart Ungar

The International Field Hockey Club of Kentucky U16 Pegasus Elite is one of only 16 surviving teams headed for next week’s USA Field Hockey 2014 National Club Championship tournament in Lancaster, Pa.

The team finished top two in regionals, which took place on June 7 and 8 in St. Louis.

Pegasus Elite team members represent seven local high schools: Assumption, Ballard, Christian Academy of Louisville, Kentucky Country Day, Mercy, Sacred Heart Academy and South Oldham. The head coach is Brittney Parrish and Dominique Pasqualich is the assistant.

“Our strategy this season was to keep things simple and stick to our fundamentals and what we know best," Parrish said. “This group of girls has done a tremendous job working as a team."

While a move to the national stage may seem daunting, the team members seem to be taking it in stride.

"I always tell the girls, play each game like it’s your last,” Parrish said. “Do not have any regrets.”

The Courier-Journal

Boost for schools hockey in Levuka

Arin Kumar


Students of St John's College, Cawaci celebrate after receiving a new set of hockey sticks from the Fiji Hockey Federation. Picture: SUPPLIED

THE revival of hockey in the Old Capital of Levuka was given a major boost when the Fiji Hockey Federation donated equipment to St John's College Cawaci.

The equipment was donated to the Federation by the International Hockey Federation for development work in the country.

FHF development officer Tai Smith has been travelling around the country donating equipment to schools and also conducting hockey clinics.

"St John's College Cawaci has a proud hockey history in the school competition and they were former Westmere champions," she said.

"In 1979, student Tupou Vosita now Mrs Nawalu, donned the national colours to represent Fiji at the World Cup in Canada.

"Current student Adi Wainikiti Mateiwai Naselesele was the successful vice-captain to the Youth Olympic qualifiers in Vanuatu and is a strong contender to retain her position to the Olympic Youth Games in Nanjing in August."

Smith said the Fiji U18 girls team to the YOG is an indication of the potential in the youths.

"Supporting schools will be Fiji Hockey's priority as we work for resurgence in our sport.

"The youth will be the answer to this."

The Fiji Times