News 11 July 2014
All the news for Friday 11 July 2014
England too strong for South Africa
Simon Mantell scores the sixth goal for England against South Africa at the Investec London Cup - Photo by Ady Kerry
England delivered a superb first half performance to record a 7-0 victory in their second match of the Investec London Cup this evening.
It took the home side just six minutes to break down the South African defence with Ashley Jackson opening the scoring for the men in red. South Africa came close to bringing the scores level when Lloyd Jones had a one-on-one with George Pinner, however the England Goalkeeper rushed out his goal to make a great save.
England’s second goal came courtesy of Nick Catlin who, on the seventh minute and on his 100th appearance, lifted the ball over South African goalkeeper Erasmus Pieterse. England captain Barry Middleton made it 3-0 before the game reached the 20 minute mark. Jackson took the score to 4-0 two minutes later from a well-executed penalty corner. The first half was rounded off with a second goal from Catlin, and a fifth for England, with the team running in at half time still yet to concede a goal this tournament.
The second half opened with both Catlin and Jackson searching for hat-tricks however a tighter South African defence kept their opposition at bay. On the 56th minute, after much England pressure, Simon Mantell found the back of the net, slotting home England’s sixth goal. With five minutes remaining in the match, Mark Gleghorne rounded off England’s night in style with a seventh and final goal, firing a vicious drag-flick into the roof of the South African net from a penalty corner.
Nick Catlin commented after the game: "It was an absolute privilege to get my 100th cap today, and goals don't come around too often for me so to get a couple was a really good way to celebrate it. The crowd have been great here today and we're looking forward to even more people coming out at the weekend to see our games."
England 7 (5)
Ashley Jackson 6 21 (FG PC)
Nick Catlin 17 32 (FG FG)
Barry Middleton 19 (FG)
Simon Mantell 57 (FG)
Mark Gleghorne 66 (PC)
South Africa 0 (0)
England Hockey Board Media release
England women overcome South Africa
Laura Unsworth in action for England against South Africa at the Investec London Cup - photo by Ady Kerry
A close game between England and South Africa played out in the rain and finished with England’s women a goal ahead and as-yet unbeaten at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
The match may have started in the rain but England’s supporters were still out in force at the Investec London Cup today. South Africa opened the game on the attack, but England took every opportunity to break that they could find for the first ten minutes, with the young crowd erupting every time they got the ball.
The final ten minutes saw South Africa having to play defensively, sometimes having all of their players in their own 23 while England pressed forward. For all of South Africa’s organised defence, it was no match for a superb solo effort from Reading’s Alex Danson to put England 1-0 in the lead just before half time - another reverse-stick shot high into the South African net.
With England buoyed by their one goal lead they continued to push into South Africa’s half after the break while the South Africans looked to counter-attack. South Africa’s patience was rewarded in the 47th minute, when they levelled the score thanks to a goal-line deflection from Illse Davids. It wasn’t long before England pulled ahead again though, as a penalty stroke was awarded for a foot on the goal-line, and Surbiton’s Georgie Twigg put it away with ease to give England the lead.
A series of penalty corners for South Africa looked like they might level the scores again, but great defence and goalkeeping from East Grinstead’s Kirsty Mackay meant England held on to win the game 2-1.
Speaking after the game, England Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh said: "I think the game matched the weather - a bit murky and foggy at times but we had to grit it out. We're off the back of a bit of a hiding from [South Africa] at the World Cup, so we had a point to prove - and it's much easier with the magnificent report we've had today."
For highlights of all matches visit England Hockey's youtube page - England Hockey TV. Sky Sports 1 will be showing Sunday's Finals live, from 14:30.
http://www.youtube.com/englandhockeytv
South Africa 1 (0)
Illse Davids 47 (FG)
England 2 (1)
Alex Danson 34 (FG)
Georgie Twigg 61 (PS)
England Hockey Board Media release
Investec London Cup - Scotland v Ireland
A last minute equaliser saw Ireland draw with Scotland 1-1.
The skies cleared for the third match of the day where Scotland took on Ireland in an important pool game. End to end play ensued as both teams were desperate to score the opening goal but it was Scotland who took the early lead. Kenny Bain gave an impressive solo effort ending in a powerful reverse stick strike that rattled in from the cross bar bringing the score to 1-0. Eager to equalise, Ireland gave a strong effort but Scotland goalkeeper Jamie Cachia refused to let anything past him; the score finished 1-0 heading in to the break.
Ireland continued to press in the second half, with notable attempts from Jonathan Bell and Alan Sothern, but they were unable to convert their chances. With just a minute left on the clock, Ireland made one last attempt at goal and were finally rewarded. A well-put pass from Michael Watt allowed Timothy Cockram to score the last second equaliser, bringing the final score to 1-1.
Ireland Captain John Jackson said after the match: "I'll pay credit to Scotland, they are naturally a dogged side and very tough to break down. I think we were deserving of at least a draw in that game. It's a shame our goal didn't come a bit sooner so we could push for the three points."
Scotland 1 (1)
Kenny Bain 14 (FG)
Ireland 1 (0)
Timothy Cockram 70 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Investec London Cup - Wales v Scotland
Scotland secure their first win of the tournament in a 5-0 victory against a spirited Wales side
The first game of Day 2 at the Investec London Cup saw Wales take on Scotland in wet conditions. Scotland got off to a flying start, with an attempt at goal within the first minute. They continued to apply the pressure throughout the match, Nikki Kidd in particular coming close to scoring several times. Leah Wilkinson, Elie Barnes and Ellie Bingham were working hard in Wales’ defence, but could not stop Catriona Ralph breaking the deadlock and giving Scotland a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Wales started the second half strongly, but when Scotland won a long corner midway through the second half, Nikki Lloyd was able to put the ball between the keeper's legs, bringing the score to 2-0 to Scotland. They continued to dominate possession and Vikki Bunce took their lead to 4-0 before Ailsa Wyllie was able to add a final goal to the score sheet in the last minute, giving Scotland a comprehensive 5-0 win.
Vikki Bunce commented on the Scotland performance: “We’re happy with that result, we knew we’d had a solid first half performance and we felt that if we were patient, the goals would come. So we’re delighted with the final scoreline."
Scotland 5 (1)
Catriona Ralph 21 (FG)
Nikki Lloyd 49 (FG)
Vikki Bunce 66, 68 (FG, PS)
Ailsa Wyllie 70 (FG)
Wales 0 (0)
England Hockey Board Media release
First-half five sets up emphatic England win at investec Cup
JONATHAN COOK in London
A dominant England midfield performance in the first half laid the platform for the Investec Cup men’s event favourites’ comprehensive 7-0 win over South Africa at the national hockey stadium in London Thursday night after the host nation had led 5-0 at half-time.
The world’s fifth-ranked England were able to advance through the middle with ease at times in the first half and the result was a series of well-constructed goals to Nick Catlin (2) in his 100th Test, another by captain Barry Middleton, and a brace by the supremely talented Ashley Jackson from field and set-piece play.
SA, who had their moments upfront either side of half-time but were unable to convert those opportunities into goals, enjoyed a better second half - much tighter in the middle of the park - which led to more possession and positive moments going forward, but it was the English who had the last say with further goals from Simon Mantell and Mark Gleghorne.
Next up, SA face Scotland at 10.45am Saturday.
SA Hockey Association media release
Investec SA hockey women edged by England at Investec Cup
JONATHAN COOK in London
England won the Investec Cup match against the Investec South Africa women's hockey team 2-1 at London's national hockey stadium Thursday after leading 1-0 at half-time.
Investec SA will kick themselves for not converting the numerous chances they created.
England scored a minute before half-time (34th) via a brilliant solo goal by world-class forward Alex Danson, SA replied in the 47th with a superb backhand strike from the top of the strike zone by Illse Davids while nine minutes from the end (61st) Georgie Twigg nailed the winner for England from the penalty spot.
World number 6 England, with the win over SA and an 8-0 drubbing of Wales during the first round Wednesday, are through to Sunday's 6.15pm (SA time) final, and SA, who meet minnows Wales in the final round-robin match on Saturday, should be their opponents in the title match, this after SA had beaten Scotland 2-0 on day one Wednesday.
SA will again be looking to be looking for big performances against Wales from double Olympian Shelley Russell of Western Province and captain Marsha Cox of Southern Gauteng.
SA Hockey Association media release
Scottish men draw with Ireland with a last minute Irish goal
Goal scorer Kenny Bain. Photo taken by Ady Kerry
Heart ache for Scotland men as they draw with Ireland 1-1, from an Irish goal in the last 30 seconds in the Investec London Cup.
The rain had cleared and we were in store for an electric game, both sides leager for a win. A penalty corner was awarded to the Irish in the first 2 minutes but Jamie Cachia made a fantastic dive to deny the Irish taking the lead.
Both sides moved the ball well round the Olympic park pitch with Ireland testing Cachia. From nowhere Kenny Bain made a run down the left and took a reverse hit to give Scotland the lead. This gave the Scots confidence and the team went on and had a few more attempts on goal. Forward player Alan Forsyth had many great attacking runs into the D but the Scots struggled to finish. Ireland pressed in the last ten minutes before half time but the Scottish defence stayed solid to finish 1-0.
In the second half Scotland started strong, gaining their first penalty corner. Ireland were straight back on the counter attack as both sides were hungry for a goal. Ireland were on the ball more but struggled to get the ball into the D as the Scottish defence were too strong. Alan Forsyth made the most of any Ireland slip up running into the D for a reverse hit, that went just wide of the goal. Ireland dominated play but didn’t look like they wanted to score. In the dying minutes an error in the Scottish midfield lead Ireland to take the ball away for Timothy Cockram to draw it level 1-1.
Scottish goal scorer Kenny Bain couldn’t be more proud of his team mates; ‘Yes it was nice to score a goal, I just hit it as hard as I could. We performed so much better than yesterday and that showed, I am just gutted to have conceded in the last seconds of the game.
‘I play with and against a few of the South African lads in Holland but we have a rest day tomorrow which is good to re charge ahead of that match, we are constantly improving which is good as the Commonwealth Games are only a week and a half away.’
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Scots bounce back with solid win over Wales
Cat Ralph celebrating scoring Scotland first goal. Photo taken by Ady Kerry
Scotland women confidently beat Wales 5-0 this morning in the Investec London Cup, a solid performance from the whole team.
The heavens had opened on the Lee Valley National Hockey and Tennis venue this morning but that didn’t hinder either side’s performance. In the first half both sides played well and after some great attempts on goal from Nikki Kidd, Cat Ralph gave Scotland the lead with a straight strike from the top of the D. Scotland remained strong as the Welsh attacked and caught Scotland off guard with a penalty corner just before half time after a feisty tackle in the D. Amy Gibson denying the Welsh any opportunity for a goal before half time.
The rain kept pouring but that didn’t dampen spirts as the Scots came thundering out in the second half. They had multiple penalty corners in which Scotland scored their second goal, Nikki Lloyd slotting the ball between the keepers legs making it 2-0.
Wales were defending well and keeper Ria Male was forced to make some fine saves but after heavy pressuring from the Scots they got their third from Vikki Bunce. On a third penalty corner we were awarded penalty stroke after a defender stopping the ball on the line with a foot, Bunce stepped up and calmly slotted it away giving the Scots the lead 4-0.
Scotland dominated play, moving the ball well in midfield and it wasn’t long till they were rewarded for their hard efforts. A brilliant run by Ailsa Wyllie led to a shot by Ali Bell with Wyllie slotting the ball home from the rebound to finish it 5-0.
Scotland women celebrate Nikki Lloyds goal. Photo taken by Ady Kerry
Dundee Wanderers player Vikki Bunce; ‘It was great first half performance and we needed to be patient in the second half and the goals came, it took us a while but we got there.’
Head coach Gordon Shepherd couldn’t have been more pleased with the performance of the team;
‘The performance was brilliant from the very start, only thing missing was the goals. We changed a few things at half time to make sure we got the goals and it worked. The score line is nice but I am more delighted with the performance as that matters.
‘The pitch had slowed down due to the rain but we didn’t struggle to get the ball out it just meant that the defending team got closer when closing the ball down. I was happy in the second half as we didn’t get any penalty corners in the first. We talked about penalty corners at half time and we managed to secure more in the second had and even got a flick from one which we converted.
‘Tomorrow will be a great opportunity to play England on their own pitch, its great preparations for the Commonwealth Games so I am really looking forward to it.’
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Ireland 1-1 Scotland
Ireland secured a 1-1 draw against Scotland on the final play of the game thanks to Timmy Cockram converting with just seconds left on the clock. Scotland went ahead in the 14th minute with Kenny Bain putting his side ahead, a lead they managed to hold right until the 70th minute.
Commenting after the match Coach Ned Fulton said "We created some good attacking phases, credit to Scotland who really made it difficult for us but our belief and never say die attitude saw us through to draw the game in the last 30 seconds. I am proud of the teams performance".
Ireland will have a rest day tomorrow before facing England on Saturday at 12pm. Final will follow on Sunday
Ireland 1 (0) Timmy Cockram 70m
Scotland 1 (1) Kenny Bain 14m
Irish Hockey Association media release
Twigg stroke seals win over SA
By Mike Haymonds
GEORGIE TWIGG kept her cool to convert the winner from the penalty spot as England women beat South Africa 2-1 in their second game at the four-nations Investec London Cup in the Olympic Park.
The result, though not the performance, went some way to atoning for their 4-1 defeat by the South Africans at last month's World Cup.
Alex Danson had given England a half-time lead with a spectacular backhand shot but Illse Davids equalised midway through the second half before Twigg's 61st-minute winner.
Twigg's penalty stroke prowess is impressive for club and country. For Surbiton she has converted all six attempts in her two seasons with the club and on both occasons for England.
Twigg said: "It was a gritty battle but we toughed it out."
Coach Danny Kerry said: "For the first 15 minutes we were second best, not proactive, but we then started to create better counter-attacking opportunities and produce some gilt-edged chances.
"At half time my message was to stand up and battle and the second half was a dog fight and not pretty."
Tomorrow (Saturday) England face Scotland, with only a heavy defeat depriving them of a place in Sunday's final.
Nick Catlin marked his 100th England appearance with a brace as England beat South Africa 7-0 to clinch their place in Sunday's final.
Ashley Jackson opened the scoring in the sixth minute and three goals in four minutes midway through the half from Catlin, captain Barry Middleton and Jackson, the last a trademark corner drag flick, put England firmly on the way to victory.
Catlin added a second just before the interval before Simon Mantell and Mark Gleghorne, from a penalty corner, completed the rout.
England coach Bobby Crutchley said: "It was not an easy win as South Africa kept a high intensity throughout which we had to match.
"As preparation for the Commonwealth Games it was important that the less experienced players had exposure to an attacking opponent.
"We're controlling games well and maintaining the defensive strength we had in the recent World Cup. But our attacking play is better and we're now scoring goals."
Tomorrow England meet Ireland, who drew 1-1 with Scotland.
Daily Express
SA vs Namibia - men and women: Indoor hockey fest for KZN fans
JONATHAN COOK
Three days of intense men’s and women’s international indoor hockey kicks off in Pietermaritzburg Friday and continues into Saturday and Sunday in Durban.
The South Africa men and women tackle Namibia at PMB Girls’ High School (GHS) and Danville College in Durban.
While the SA women’s side was not available at the time of going to press, it is likely to have many KZN players in its numbers, as does the national men’s line-up.
The first women’s Test is at 6pm Friday at GHS with the men following at 7.30pm.
The action then travels down the N3 to Durban and first-up is the 9am clash Saturday between the women’s sides of SA and Namibia followed by the men at 11am.
There are evening matches for the respective third Tests, followed by the fourth internationals on Sunday morning and the fifth and final Tests on Sunday afternoon, all at Danville in Durban North.
The SA men’s side is packed with players from PMB and Durban. Chris McCathie, son of former SA keeper Alan McCathie and a goalkeeper himself, has in his side a fellow stopper in Richard Curtis of Durban, with the other KwaZulu-Natalians being Matt Fairweather, Justin Domleo, Geoff Abbott, Jarryd Jones, Gavin Jelley, Ayden Shrives and Mo Mea.
The other players are double outdoor hockey Olympian Andrew Cronje and his Western Province team-mates Dale Isaac and Craig Haley, while PG Geldenhuys, Keegan Kieck and Dylan Piatti are from Gauteng.
The coach is Durban’s Ryan Hack.
The PMB connection in this side is remarkable. Domleo, Abbott, Shrives and Dale Isaac are all Maritzburg College Old Boys. Jelley is a Maritzburg College teacher. McCathie went to St Charles. Haley and Geldenhuys were at PMB Varsity. Fairweather is an Old Hiltonian.
Curtis is a DHS and Durban Varsity Old Boy, Hack, Jones and Mea are all Durbanites and studied there as well as playing their club and provincial hockey out of the coastal city.
The KZN connection should ensure much interest from the local public – and the same should be said of the SA women’s line-up.
FIXTURES
Friday 11th 6.00pm Test match one Ladies GHS -Pietermaritzburg
Friday 11th 7.30pm Test Match one Men GHS -Pietermaritzburg
Saturday 12th 9.00am - 10.00am Test Match Two Ladies Danville - Durban
Sat 12th 11.00am - 12.00pm Test Match Two Men Danville
Sat 12th 5.30pm Test Match three Ladies Danvill
Sat 12th 7.30pm Test Match Three Men Danville
Sunday 13th 8.30am Test Match Four men Danville
Sunday 13th 10.00am Test Match Four Ladies Danville
Sunday 13th 4.30pm Test match Five Men Danville
Sunday 13th 6.00pm Test Match Five Ladies Danville.
SA Hockey Association media release
Eleven hockey teams will vie for honours in Incheon
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: There will only be 11 teams for the hockey event at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea from Sept 19-Oct 4.
The teams in the fray are defending champions Pakistan. The others are regulars Malaysia, South Korea, India, China and Japan while the qualifiers are Bangladesh, Oman and Singapore.
Sri Lanka who also qualified from the Asian qualifying meet in Dhaka last month have decided not to take part.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) have decided to include Iran and Qatar in the mix.
The Asiad is the first qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The champions will gain an automatic berth.
AHF acting president Tan Sri P. Alagendra said the groupings will be drawn up once the hosts have confirmed the entries.
“For the moment we have received 11 names. Although we have a qualifying tournament the entries will depend on whether the respective national Olympic Committees have entered their teams for the Games.
“The groupings will be based on the team’s current ranking. There will be nine teams taking part in the women’s category,” he added.
The teams are defending champions China, South Korea, Japan, India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Thailand and Hong Kong.
The Star of Malaysia
Four familiar faces
Flanagan, Lynch, Blyth & Taylor set to relive excitement, tension & emotion of CG2.jpg)
The familiar faces of these four will be making their second Commonwealth Games appearance for Australia in Glasgow and will hope to back up their 2010 title with a second gold medal. The Australian women’s captain, Madonna Blyth will lead the team into what will be her third Commonwealth Games experience.
Anna Flanagan, Madonna Blyth, Rachael Lynch and Jayde Taylor can be found putting their bodies on the line in their defensive circle in times of need. Assisting one of the world’s best goalkeepers, Rachael Lynch, these four teammates will relive the excitement, tension and emotion of being part of one of the world’s best sporting events in less than two weeks’ time. 
Anna Flanagan #9
Caps: 131
Goals: 30
Debut: 02/03/2010
Date of Birth: 08/01/1992
Hometown: Canberra, ACT
Position: Defender
Twitter: @Anna_Flanagan
Instagram: anna_flanagan
Facebook: AnnaFlanagan09
Website: www.annaflanagan.com.au
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 2nd
2013 - World League Finals, Tucuman, Argentina, 2nd
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2013 - World League Semi-Finals, London, England, 1st
2013 - Junior World Cup, Monchengladbach, Germany, 6th
2012 - Champions Challenge, Dublin, Ireland, 1st
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 5th
2011 - Champions Trophy, Amstelveen, Netherlands, 6th
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 2nd
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2009 - Junior World Cup , Boston, USA, 6th
World hockey’s Young Player of the Year for 2012, Anna Flanagan is one of a group of young Australian athletes rapidly rising to the top together. Known as ‘Flanno’ or ‘Boy’ amongst teammates and friends, Flanagan reached a century of international appearances three years after making her debut.
With a passion for the media industry and a keen blogger, Flanagan has a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and has spent time both in front of the camera and behind the scenes with broadcasters in Perth in recent years. Now studying for a law degree to add to her journalism qualification, she also has a certificate three and four in fitness.
Despite playing with her trademark yellow ribbon in her hair, Flanagan describes herself as a bit of a tomboy. Introduced to hockey through family, the youngster from Canberra initially refused to play because she was made to wear a skirt. At age eight she won that particular battle as her club allowed her to play in leggings; possibly one the smartest decisions made in the history of Australian hockey as Flanagan’s love affair with hockey quickly took off.
She dreams of traveling the world and, in particular, wants to visit New York.
Rachael Lynch #27
Caps: 110
Goals: 0
Debut: 29/06/2006
Date of Birth: 02/07/1986
Hometown: Warrandyte, Victoria
Position: Goalkeeper
Twitter: @RachLynch27
Website: www.rachaellynch.com.au
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 2nd
2013 - World League Finals, Tucuman, Argentina, 2nd
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2013 - World League Semi-Final, London, England, 1st
2012 - Champions Challenge, Dublin, Ireland, 1st
2011 - Champions Trophy, Amstelveen, Netherlands, 6th
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 2nd
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Rosario, Argentina, 5th
2009 - Champions Trophy, Sydney, Australia, 2nd
2007 - Champions Trophy, Quilmes, Argentina, 4th
2006 - Champions Trophy, Amstelveen, Netherlands, 5th
2005 - Junior World Cup, Santiago, Chile, 4th
Rachael Lynch took up hockey after being selected in the primary schools state team. She found that as a softball catcher with good hand-eye coordination she was well suited to the move to hockey goalkeeper and soon joined her local hockey club, Greensborough.
Lynch’s second love is nursing. Away from the hockey pitch there’s nothing she likes more than helping others through her role as a nurse at Royal Perth hospital in Western Australia. Before becoming a nurse it was her dream to become a pilot and explore her passion for travel – something that life as a Hockeyroo can at least partially indulge.
A keen writer, Lynch started a blog aimed at fellow hockey goalkeepers after realising there were limited resources available to ‘keepers. She also enjoys baking, learning Spanish and riding her bike at weekends.
Madonna Blyth #12
Caps: 286
Goals: 65
Debut: 06/11/2004
Date of Birth: 30/11/1985
Hometown: Brisbane, QLD
Position: Midfielder
Twitter: @MadonnaBlyth
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 2nd
2013 - World League Finals, Tucuman, Argentina, 2nd
2013 - Oceania Cup, Stratford, New Zealand, 1st
2013 - World League Semi-Finals, London, England, 1st
2012 - Champions Challenge, Dublin, Ireland, 1st
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 5th
2011 - Champions Trophy, Amstelveen, Netherlands, 6th
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 2nd
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Rosario, Argentina, 5th
2009 - Champion Trophy, Sydney, Australia, 2nd
2009 - Oceania Cup, Invercargill, New Zealand, 2nd
2008 - Champions Trophy, Monchengladbach, Germany, 5th
2008 - Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 5th
2007 - Champions Trophy, Quilmes, Argentina, 4th
2007 - Oceania Cup, Buderim, Australia, 2nd
2006 - Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia, 1st
2006 - Champions Trophy, Amstelveen, Netherlands, 5th
2006 - World Cup, Madrid, Spain, 2nd
2005 - Oceania Cup, Auckland, New Zealand & Sydney, Australia, 1st
2005 - Champions Trophy, Canberra, Australia, 2nd
2004 - Champions Trophy, Rosario, Argentina, 3rd
The Hockeyroos’ captain since 2009, Madonna Blyth is Australia’s second most capped female hockey player, behind only Nikki Hudson (303 games) and ahead of Rechelle Hawkes (279 games) and Karen Smith (271 games) in the all-time list.
While hockey is the two-time Olympian’s main career, she has a Bachelor of Justice degree and is an ambassador for the Special Olympics in Western Australia.
A highly competitive and sporting type, Madonna first picked up hockey at the age of five under the influence of her hockey playing mother.
When she gets the rare chance to relax away from the hockey pitch, Madonna enjoys walking her dogs Rawlf and Marley down to her local café and squeezing in a sleep-in on the odd occasion.
Rated as one of the best players of her generation, she has been named in the World All Stars team on three occasions (2007, 2009 and 2010). Despite achieving more than most people ever will she continues to aspire to fulfil her childhood dream of winning gold at an Olympic Games with her eyes firmly set on Rio in 2016.
Jayde Taylor #21
Caps: 101
Goals: 2
Debut: 16/06/2010
Date of Birth: 03/04/1985
Hometown: Bunbury, WA
Position: Defender
Twitter: @_JaydeTaylor
Tournament History:
2014 - World Cup, The Hague, Netherlands, 2nd
2012 - Olympic Games, London, Great Britain, 5th
2011 - Champions Trophy, Amstleveen, Netherlands, 6th
2011 - Oceania Cup, Hobart, Australia, 2nd
2010 - Commonwealth Games, Delhi, India, 1st
2010 - World Cup, Rosario, Argentina, 5th
An interior architecture graduate from Curtin University, Jayde’s a genius in the sales industry as well as a potential contender for The Block television show. In 2013, Jayde was named as the highest selling Thermomix salesperson in Australia for the 60 day program, setting a WA record of 30 sales in 60 days despite balancing her sales career with life as a Hockeyroo.
Jayde spent much of her childhood at dancing classes and it wasn't until a family move to Bunbury in 1998 that saw her introduced to hockey. Her sporting parents encouraged the change, leading to her making her debut for Australia in 2010. After spending five years in Hockey Australia’s development squad programs following the 2005 Junior World Cup she feared her chance of senior success might have passed her by but since her debut aged 25 she has gone on to win Commonwealth Games gold, World Cup silver and represented Australia at the Olympic Games.
Following the London Olympics, Jayde sustained a foot injury that forced her to miss the remainder of 2012 campaign and much of 2013; in total she was forced to take 16 months out of training and playing before successfully battling back.
Enjoying the perks of traveling internationally with the team, Jayde hopes to one day return to Europe and explore the cultures and landmarks that she has previously missed.
Hockey Australia media release
U.S. Men’s National Team Prepares for Upcoming 2014 Test Matches
Summer series serves as training for 2015 World League 2 and Pan American Games
CHULA VISTA, Calif. – The newly selected 2014-15 U.S. Men’s National Squad has kicked off an intensive summer training calendar at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. that will feature 18 capped test matches beginning July 18 and closing August 30, 2014. Facing off against Chile, Mexico and Argentina, the squad will be tested physically, technically and mentally as they prepare for next year’s FIH World League 2 and Pan American Games.
“As always performance is on our minds,” said U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Chris Clements. “How do we get better? What are the gaps in performance? This summer will provide the Men’s National Team with the opportunity to test themselves in the competitive environment, go back to work on things and then test themselves again and again. A comprehensive training and competition block has been built to allow for maximal development of the squad for future success.”
The squad first matches up against Chile July 18-25, followed by Mexico August 2-9 and closes out competition against Argentina August 23-30.
“The squad is younger than ever, there are new faces, new objectives and new challenges for the team to face,” said Clements. “We are aiming to continue our growth as a program and close the gap towards the best nations in the world.”
Although relatively young in age, the U.S. squad’s backbone is made up of key veteran players. In the midfield, U.S. standout Kevin Barber (Camarillo, Calif.), who notched 74 caps over his seven years with the team, will pose a threat with staunch defense and by creating forward movement for the squad. Leading the red, white and blue offensive attack, Will Holt (Camarillo, Calif.) brings 68 caps and seven years of experience to squad’s forward line.
“The USOC has allocated many resources to our program which directly affect everyday performance,” said Clements. “The players’ growth has been substantial with this assistance and the development of players through our Junior High Performance Program is allowing for more training and competition to start for the junior squads at an earlier age. This has been made possible with the assistance of the USA Field Hockey Men's Foundation.”
Training, lifting and practicing together for two months straight at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista is enabling the team to not only grow in skills and technique, but to come together as a squad and create fluidity and team dynamics. Junior squads, who are also in the midst of training camp at the training center, have the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from the athletes whom they look up to on senior squad.
“It is important that our current and future athletes understand the importance of role models and setting an example for future generations to follow,” said Clements. “Being able to interact with older players who are living and breathing their Olympic Dreams every day is a powerful development tool for aspiring athletes.”
"It's great that we have the opportunity to stay as a group for an entire summer, especially at a facility like the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista,” said Barber. “We have a young, energetic group of guys who are chomping at the bit to perform in the upcoming matches."
The U.S. Men’s National Squad commences their journey to greatness on July 18 against Chile. All test matches are schedule for 10:45 a.m. PST, but may be subject to change. Be sure to stay tuned into usafieldhockey.com for more information regarding the matches.
USA v Chile
July 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25
USA v Mexico
August 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9
USA v Argentina
August 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30
USFHA media release
Top Clubs Go for Gold at 2014 National Club Championship
LANCASTER, Pa. – For the top 48 club teams in the U.S., the pinnacle of competitive achievement that they have been preparing and fighting for all year finally comes to a head today, as the 2014 National Club Championship (NCC), presented by Harrow Sports, gets underway at Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pa. Not only are bragging rights on the line, but so are polished Harrow Sports field hockey sticks dipped in golden perfection, reserved for the sole victorious club in each of the three age divisions.
Sixteen elite clubs in each division, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-19, have clawed and rallied their way into the NCC. From March until June, clubs across the country battled it out at Regional Club Championships for their opportunity to shine on the national stage and vie for a national championship.
“It’s a great feeling knowing we’ve made our way to the NCCs,” says Windy City Field Hockey (Northbrook, Ill.) Head Coach and 1996 Olympian Katie Beach, who led her Under-16 team to first place in this year's Regional Club Championship. “Our girls are very excited to represent their hometown, their club and their talents.”
WC Eagles (Spring City, Pa.) will look to extend their reign over the 2014 NCC, as they captured a commanding sweep of first-place finishes in the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-19 divisions at last year’s tournament. Under-19 runner-up Saints Hockey (Virginia Beach, Va.) hopes to overcome 2013’s defeat in the final and hold the golden stick up in glorious victory this year. PA Mavericks (Harrisburg, Pa.) will try to avenge their second-place finish in the Under-16 division while North East Elite attempts to do the same in the Under-14 division.
The National Club Championship was inaugurated in 2011 and gives clubs the unique opportunity to earn ultimate bragging rights on an outdoor pitch and the chance to turn the spotlight on their hometown. The 2014 championship will once again be highly contested.
Best of luck to all competing clubs on their quest for gold!
USFHA media release
Akashdeep Singh: Room for improvement
Indian striker Akashdeep Singh counts on ‘room-for-improvement’ mantra
Suhrid Barua
The Indian forwardline has seen a fair sprinkling of youngsters in recent times, who have been snapping at the heels of the so-called ‘senior’ pros in the team. Akashdeep Singh can easily claim to be the leader of this ‘young brigade’ with a resolute performance at the recent 2014 World Cup.
The sprightly hitman, who was the country’s top goal-scorer in The Hague, scoring five goals including a brace each against Malaysia and Korea, is relatively pleased with his efforts, but also took the opportunity to underpin the importance of ‘room for improvement’. “I’m happy to have contributed for my team, but we should have finished above the 9th position we had to settle for. We fought hard against Belgium and England, and lost narrowly – late goals did us in – our overall performance did not reflect the 9th position we achieved. As for me, I have to keep improving,” the shy, demure Indian striker says in an exclusive interview.
The Punjab lad puts down India’s 9th position in the World Cup to lack of adequate big match experience of the players. “We are a talented side, but I thought that teams like England, Belgium and Australia had depth in experience – ours was a young side full of skills, but with experience we would only get better as we are no way inferior to these teams,” the 19-year-old quips.
Akashdeep took to hockey at the age of 12 at the Ludhiana Academy and after a two-year stint shifted to the Surjit Hockey Academy. His family is not exactly a ‘hockey family.
“My dad works in Punjab Police and I have one brother and sister and I’m the youngest. My two cousins – Ramandeep Singh and Amandeep Singh – have played at the national level,” he reveals.
Akashdeep made his senior international debut at the 34th Champions Trophy in Melbourne against England in December 2012. He scored his maiden international goal in India’s 4-2 win over New Zealand in an event, where India reached the semifinals after a long hiatus. The nimble-footed forward has so far scored 11 goals from 41 internationals So which is his best goal so far?
“My goal against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup, where I deflected home a diagonal pass from the left by Vokkaliga Raghunath. I would rate that goal as my best till date,” he says bubbling with excitement.
Akashdeep, who hails from Vairowal village in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, endured a major career setback last year when he sustained a serious shin injury, which led to his exclusion from the national side for the 9th Asia Cup – which was of crucial interest as the country’s hopes of a sealing a World Cup berth hinged on them winning the event or at least finishing runners-up.
“I was disappointed to miss the Asia Cup as we really needed to win it to qualify for the World Cup, but then you can’t control injuries – if it has to happen it will happen,” he observes.
Humble to the core, the hazel-eyed striker despite dishing out a eyeball-grabbing showing in The Hague, is determined not to let any complacency creep into his system and work as hard as ever en route to becoming an accomplished striker. “Learning never stops as I’m only 19. I have a long way to go. I think it will take me a few years to mature and I will look to improve with each game, each tourney as has been the case till now. I want to work on re-trapping and decision-making among others going forward,” he signs off.
Stick2Hockey.com