News 14 July 2014
All the news for Monday 14 July 2014
England win Investec London Cup in shoot-out thriller
England needed a shoot-out in the Investec London Cup Final to overcome an Ireland side looking to spoil the party at the new home of England Hockey.
This was the latest of several recent encounters between the two sides, and the first major final being held at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It was also a replay of the final pool game from yesterday, where England ran out convincing 4-1 victors.
It looked as though England were to put on a similarly impressive display, as early on Adam Dixon attacked the Ireland baseline before pushing the ball across goal for Alastair Brogdon to tuck away and give England an early lead.
This was the cue for the home team to start playing with some verve. In particular, Ashley Jackson and Captain Barry Middleton were showing some magical skills that drew cheers from the enthusiastic crowd. With the midfield duo pulling the strings, England were able to fashion chances through Brogdon, Simon Mantell and Mark Gleghorne. For all England's possession though, Ireland kept their opponents at bay, thanks in no small part to fine defensive performances from Conor Harte and John Jackson.
The 1-0 halftime score was a slender lead, and Ireland punished the home side early in the second half, when a blocked cross fell perfectly for Eugene Magee to smash past George Pinner and bring Ireland level.
In the 49th minute England took their advantage back when a wide attack found David Condon in space and he was able to fire a shot through a crowded circle past David Harte in the Ireland goal. However, the game was far from over and, as England's defence failed to clear an awkward ball, Michael Darling capitalised and scored the equaliser to draw the scores level on 2-2 at full time.
It would take a shoot-out to settle the result. England's experience came to the fore as George Pinner kept out Michael Watt then Magee, as opposed to Jackson, Middleton, Harry Martin and Mantell who were all on target, giving a relieved England crowd the result they came to see.
George Pinner said of playing in goal in a shootout: “It’s fun being in goal in a shootout, you can't lose really because the pressure’s on the other players to score, so I enjoy it.”
Investec London Cup Player of the Tournament and top goal-scorer Ashley Jackson said after the win: “It’s great to be on a new home ground, which hopefully we’ll be able to make into a fortress in the coming years. Thanks to all the spectators too, the support was fantastic and we hope to see everyone many more times here. It’s important to play games ahead of big tournaments and as the week went we couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
England 2 (1)
Alastair Brogdon 6 (FG)
David Condon 49 (FG)
Ireland 2 (0)
Eugene Magee 36 (FG)
Michael Darling 69 (FG)
England win 4-2 on shoot-out
England Hockey Board Media release
England women crowned Investec London Cup Champions
England took on South Africa in the women’s Investec London Cup Final and would have been hoping to repeat their earlier result against the southern hemisphere side after winning 2-1 in the pool stages.
England started strongly winning the first penalty corner of the game within 2 minutes of push back, which lead to Nicola White opening the scoring – deflecting home a low drag flick from Sam Quek. England continued to create chances with the majority coming through Alex Danson, but these chances were on the break as South Africa applied a lot of attacking pressure on the English defence.
Their pressure paid off as Jade Mayne capitalised on another South Africa attack, striking the ball into the back of England’s net past goalkeeper Maddie Hinch. England were able to create a few more chances through Danson and Wood, but strong South Africa defence prevented another breakthrough. Kate Richardson-Walsh produced some strong defending of her own to keep the scoreline at 1-1 going into half time.
Going into the second half, England again won the first penalty corner and came close through Susannah Townsend after she hit the post with a deflection of the captain’s sweep into the circle. However, South Africa continued to press and won their first penalty corner of the game in the 42nd minute that produced a superb save from Kirsty Mackay, who replaced Maddie Hinch in England’s goal at half time. Spurred on by the crowd, England created several more chances, but were unable to breakthrough South Africa’s solid defence.
University of Birmingham’s Lily Owsley found a way through with six minutes left on the clock, winning a penalty corner that was slipped left to Sam Quek who slotted it home to take the lead. In the last five minutes both teams had chances, with the most notable being England’s Sophie Bray hitting the cross bar in the 64th minute. Despite one last South Africa chance, England held on to win the women’s competition 2-1, a repeat of the scoreline earlier in the tournament.
The result means England will go into the Commonwealth Games with renewed confidence following their under-performance at the recent World Cup in Holland, and it was fantastic to see the players taking so much time after the game to sign autographs for their young fans, who left delighted that they’d been able to meet their heroes.
Alex Danson, who also won the Player of the Tournament and Top Goalscorer awards, said after the game: “We have built a huge amount of confidence in this tournament to take into the Commonwealth Games, which of course is less than two weeks away.”
Lucy Wood, who was playing in her debut tournament added: “It’s been an incredible week. And it’s been a whirlwind for me in the last two weeks, going through the junior age groups and then suddenly getting called up for this really has been amazing.”
England Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh talked about the England's new legacy venue on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: "I think the new stadium is fantastic. It's nice that the public can walk through the park and see where the hockey was played during the Olympics, and then they come here and the venue and seating are brilliant, it has a fan park, the changing rooms are amazing, the warm up pitch - I'm really proud that we've got this venue."
England 2 (1)
Nicola White 3 (PC)
Sam Quek 65 (PC)
South Africa 1 (1)
Jade Mayne 16 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
South Africa take third in Investec London Cup
Despite a closely-fought first half, Scotland were unable to defeat South Africa to claim third place in the Investec London Cup.
The first half saw both sides searching for a crucial first goal of the game. The Scottish defence, led by goalkeeper Gavin Sommerville prevented any clear-cut South African scoring opportunities. Scotland won two penalty corners in the dying seconds of the half. Dan Coultas’ sent both drag flicks on target of the South African goal however goalkeeper Erasmus Pieterse made two great saves to send the teams into the tunnel at half time with a 0-0 scoreline.
The second half got underway with a chance for Scotland to equalise with a penalty corner awarded to the team minutes in. Opportunities followed for both sides to score but well-organised defences from both teams prevented any early goals. On the 45th minute South Africa were able to break the deadlock, scoring off a well worked penalty corner, with captain Austin Smith with the drag flick finish. With 12 minutes remaining in the game, South Africa managed to increase their lead to 2-0 with a superb goal from Daniel Sibbald, who had a one-on-one with the Scottish keeper and sent a lovely chip over Sommerville to bring the score to 2-0. A third goal followed just two minutes later with Smith scoring his second of the game from another penalty corner.
South African captain, Austin Smith said after the game; '“I thought we played really well today, especially towards the end of second half. It’s been a tough start, we only arrived a day before the tournament so that made it difficult, obviously if you look at our first two results it wasn’t great. We built a bit of momentum and we’ve improved on a few things and ideally that was the plan for the week here so we’ve had a great time here at the Investec London Cup and were really looking forward to the Commonwealth Games.”
The result sees South Africa finish the Investec London Cup in third place, with Scotland in fourth. Today’s final will see England men take on Ireland at 14.45 and will be shown live on Sky Sports 1.
South Africa 3 (0)
Austin Smith 45, 64 (PC, PC)
Daniel Sibbald 62 (FG)
Scotland 0 (0)
England Hockey Board Media release
Scotland edge out Wales for third place
Scotland take third place at the Investec London Cup after beating Wales 3-2
In their final game of the tournament, Scotland faced Wales in a battle for third place. Wales started strongly, putting early pressure on Scotland’s defensive line. It was Scotland, however, who were able to hold onto the ball for the majority of the first half, resulting in them gaining a two-goal lead at half time. The first was scored by Nikki LLoyd who was able to finish Emily Maguire's shot, and the second by Vikki Bunce who smashed it past the keeper to find the backboard.
The second half started in a similar manner to how the first half finished. Scotland were working together nicely in defence, as well as exerting pressure up front. They eventually broke through the Wales defence for third time as Ali Bell slotted another one for her side. The biggest reaction from the crowd, though, came when Phoebe Richards unleashed a powerful shot in to the top right-hand corner, getting Wales on the scoresheet. A penalty corner in the final minute allowed Emma Batten to score a second goal for Wales but they ultimately came up short as Scotland walked away with third place.
Linda Clement reflected on her team's performance: "It's been a good tournament. The aim for us was to concentrate on performance game on game, but it's also given us some things to go away and look at. It's ideal preparation for the Commonwealth Games, so we can make a few tweaks between now and Glasgow."
Scotland 3 (2)
Nikki Lloyd 12 (FG)
Vikki Bunce 31 (FG)
Ali Bell 46 (FG)
Wales 2 (0)
Phoebe Richards 55 (FG)
Emma Batten 70 (PC)
England Hockey Board Media release
SA hockey men strike psychological blow
JONATHAN COOK in London
The South Africa men’s hockey team struck yet another psychological blow against Scotland at London’s national hockey stadium Sunday with a comprehensive 3-0 win to earn the Investec Cup bronze medal after the score was 0-0 at half-time.
SA captain Austin Smith netted penalty corners in the 45th and 64th minutes while teenager Dan Sibbald complemented one of a host of inventive attacking moves with a well-taken goal in the 62nd minute. The result augurs well for the Africans’ opening Commonwealth Games match, against Scotland, in Glasgow on July 25.
It was a better SA performance than the 3-2 win over the Scots in Saturday’s last round-robin match, which was a physical encounter where the sin-bin was a game of musical chairs in the second half, the African champs slapped with five cards in total and the Scots two.
Yet Sunday’s match was not without controversy, particularly at the end of the first half when first-wave Jonty Robinson was removed from the penalty corner defensive formation due to what Welsh umpire Will Drury perceived as tardiness in getting ready for the set-piece within the 40-second rule, an inconsistency in this tournament where this law was loosely interpreted by the whistle blowers in the week’s earlier matches.
SA repelled three consecutive PCs in that period of play, where the score was still a precarious 0-0. Another match highlight for SA was goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse’s ability to maintain focus after long periods of inactivity to be in the right place at the right time for several superb saves.
SA should have wrapped the bronze medal up with their multitude of chances in the first half, but Scotland goalkeeper Gavin Somerville was in superlative form to keep his side in the game.
At the other end, SA were sound in defensive situations, limiting Scotland’s goalscoring opportunities, and as a group there were a host of notable tackles and interventions, notably by outstanding captain Austin Smith, Wade Paton, Jonty Robinson, Rhett Halkett and Jethro Eustice.
With defenders and midfielders providing the vital link, the SA forward line was smart in its running on and off the ball, with Lloyd Norris-Jones outstanding throughout, Lungi Tsolekile earning a number of penalty corners and Taine Paton continuing the excellent form he has shown in this event.
SA clicked in all departments -through the defence, midfield and forward lines - and the outcome was a series of intelligently constructed moves that had the Scottish defence groping in vain for answers at times.
Lance Louw, Robin Jones, Tim Drummond, Taylor Dart, Pierre de Voux, Miguel da Graca and Natius Malgraff consistently played their part during this tournament while reserve keeper Gowan Jones was always ready should the team need his services.
Non-Commonwealth Games players Louw, Dart, Da Graca and Sibbald all return to SA while those who for a number of reasons - work and university exams the primary causes - couldn’t make the Investec Cup period, Andrew Cronje, Julian Hykes and Clint Panther, join the team for the Commonwealth Games at various time this week.
The SA men meet Wales in unofficial Test matches at England’s training headquarters, Bisham Abbey, on Monday (8pm SA time) and Tuesday (5pm SA time) before leaving for Glasgow on Thursday ahead of an unofficial Test match against Canada next Saturday.
South Africa (0) 3 Austin Smith (PC 45th and PC 64th minutes, Dan Sibbald FG 62nd) Scotland 0
SA Hockey Association media release
England win thriller against SA by one goal in three
JONATHAN COOK in London
Favourites England won the Investec Cup women’s final with a 2-1 win over the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team after the scores were locked 1-1 at half-time.
England’s goals came from Nicola White and Sam Quek in the third and 64th minutes respectively while SA scored through a superb Jade Jayne strike in the 16th minute.
In the third minute of the Investec Cup women’s final a penalty corner variation saw England's Nicola White come in from the right to deflect home (1-0).
Then Alex Danson got a shot in soon after as SA struggled to get into the game.
In the eighth, forward Kathleen Taylor saw her shot well saved by Maddie Hinch as SA got their match going.
Shelley Russell was causing England problems down the right and in the 16th captain Marsha Cox set Lilian du Plessis free before Du Plessis’ early pass found Jade Mayne, the striker netting superbly, high into the net.
England then peppered the SA goal zone with a series of attacking plays but the goal shots yielded no return.
In the 25th Lenise Marais made a goal saving intervention with fantastic counter cover.
The Durbanite exemplified SA's strong display at the back in limiting England goalscoring opportunities of any real quality.
Turning around at 1-1 it was anyone's game.
SA keeper Anelle van Deventer made a good save from Player of the Tournament Danson soon after the changeover before world number six England hit the post from a penalty corner variation shortly after.
The determined world number 11 SA won two penalty corners in succession thereafter and Tarryn Bright brought a great save from Hinch.
England fought back with a PC but Van Deventer made a classy save.
This fast - paced attractive gold medal match in front of a packed house was a credit to women's sport.
Shortly after the England PC a visionary Du Plessis pass found Celia Evans whose strong shot was superbly blocked by Georgie Twigg.
The SA defenders were absolutely outstanding but with six minutes left (64th) Sam Quek made it 2-1 following a PC variation to the left.
A few minutes’ later team - mate Sophie Bray hit the crossbar from Danson's cross and England had done enough to take gold against a quality opponent.
SA Hockey Association media release
Women finish third whilst the men struggle against SA
Nikki Skrastin agianst Wales. Photo by Ady Kerry
A mix day for the senior Scotland sides today as the men finished an overall fourth after losing to South Africa 3-0 followed by a Scotland win over Wales of 3-2 for the women finishing third in the final day in the Investec London Cup.
The senior women started the game confident of a result after beating Wales earlier in the tournament 6-0. After ten minutes of pressing the Welsh Nikki Lloyd tapped in a Vikki Bunce ball to take the lead 1-0. Scotland had a goal disallowed after the ball was not pulled fully out of the circle but that spurred the Scots on and with five minutes to go before half time Bunce found herself unmarked and smashed the ball in the back on the net to finish 2-0 at half time.
Wales came out the second half with no fear but Scotland were too strong and after multiple shots in the circle Ali Bell gets on the score sheet with a diving reverse hit to take the lead to 3-0. From nowhere Phoebe Richards gets Wales back on the score sheet, after a great a diving hit to the far to corner of the goal nothing Gibson could do. This spurred Wales on and play became end to end and with second to go awarded a penalty corner only for Batton to put away to finish 3-2.
Birthday girl Amy Gibson was awarded very much deservedly goal keeper of the tournament.
Emily Maguire was disappointed with the result but was pleased with how the women have performed in previous matches.
‘It’s always great to finish with a win. Wales have been improving each game in the tournament so to be honest we were happy we won. We’re not delighted with the performance but we’re keeping a few things back for the Commonwealth Games which can be hard to adapt to. We’ll be coming out hard next time. We have a few things up our sleeves we didn’t want to show them yet given we play the same opponents very soon. We want to keep on building for the Commonwealth Games and make sure all our presses and corners are as good as they can be.’
The senior men were unfortunate not to outperform South Africa this morning losing 3-0 to the 11th ranked side.
Scotland attack straight from the whistle with a great ball put across goal from Kenny Bain however South Africa were soon on the counter forcing Gavin Sommerville to make some great saves. The Scottish defence worked hard to deny any South African opportunity in the circle with a great diving clear from Michael Bremner to clear the ball out of danger. Scotland pressed and in the last action of the game were awarded three penalty corners but sadly couldn’t get net a goal.
David Forsyth against South Africa. Taken by Ady Kerry
Second half Scotland came out hungry to break deadlock with a Niall Stott running at the South African defence but the Scots could not finish. South Africa upped the tempo and the Scots began to struggle through tired legs. On the 44th minute Captain Austin Smith put away a drag flick from a penalty corner to take the lead. Scotland were on the back foot but defended well with Chris Nelson clearing the ball from the far post however South Africa kept pushing and extend their lead to 2-0, two minutes later they convert another penalty with Smith getting his second to finish the game 3-0.
Despite the loss today player Willie Marshall knows this tournament has been great development for the mens side.
‘I thought we played ok, we were a bit down on yesterday due to tiredness but overall we’ve made some good steps through this tournament, we’re buzzing and looking forward to CWG.
‘We’re going to have a bit more rest between games at the CWG so we’ll be prepared. We felt good after the last game but we’ve got a bit of tiredness creeping in. It all helps to get us focused for the tournament ahead.
‘We’ve got some games in preparation for the tournament so we’re looking to keep progressing in those and keep sharp for the challenges coming up.’
Head coach Derek Forsyth was frustrated how his team performed today;
‘It was a disappointing performance for the last game as we didn’t reach the level that we have been reaching.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Ireland Lose out in Penalty Shoot Out to England
Ireland met hosts England in the final of the Investec Cup taking place in London today pushing it all the way through to a penalty shoot-out after it finished 2-2 after normal time. Ireland came out the wrong side of the shoot-out England nipping the win 4 goals to 2 after a thrilling game.
England opened the scoring early in the 6th minute leaving Ireland chasing the game at half time but Eugene Magee came out with a blazing goal in the 36th minute with a bullet of a shot from the top of the circle to level 1-1.
England took the lead back once again after a melee around the goal mouth seeing David Condon’s close range shot taking an Irish stick deflection en route into the goal to make it 2-1. Ireland left it right to the end to level the sides after they attacked throughout the second half and it was Mitch Darling who converted off a great baseline drive and reverse stick pass from Alan Sothern to make it 2-2 and push the game into a shoot-out.
Two of Ireland’s shoot outs resulted in a penalty stroke award which Alan Sothern duly converted twice but England’s clinical shoot out conversions ensured they secured the Investec Cup Title.
Commenting after the match Coach Fulton said “I am very proud of the performance today and happy we got the score back to two all. I am very excited to see some of the young talent on show but it’s a pity we couldn’t finish it off with a win.”
“I am delighted that we competed so well getting the belief back into the Green Machine and getting the hockey community’s support behind us, it makes all the difference as we continue on the Road To Rio, we need all the support we can get behind these players, these are exciting times with a very talented group of players.”
ENGLAND 2 (1) Alistair Brogdon 6th; David Condon 49thm
IRELAND 2 (0) Eugene Magee 36m; Mitch Darling 69th minute.
Irish Hockey Association media release
England beat Ireland in tense penalty shoot-out at Investec London Cup
ENGLAND captain Barry Middleton came from a late yellow card suspension to score one of his team's four goals in a penalty shoot-out won 4-2 by England after a 2-2 draw with Ireland in the final of the Investec London Cup at the Olympic Park
By Mike Haymonds
Barry Middleton scored one of England's penalties[PA]
Alastair Brogdon had opened the scoring for England in the sixth minute and, although they enjoyed more possession, they did not create many scoring chances and Ireland levelled a minute after half-time through Eugene Magee.
David Condon restored England's lead in the 57th minute before Michael Darling's last minute strike.
Ashley Jackson, voted player of the tournament, Middleton, Harry Martin and Simon Mantell scored in the shoot-out while England keeper George Pinner saved twice.
Middleton said: " The yellow card was for a back stick offence which was a bit harsh but that is part of the game. It made it exciting fot the fans and it was good to get in some penalty shoot-out practice as we may need that for the Commonwealth Games."
England coach Bobby Crutchley said: "It was slightly frustrating. The yellow card certainly took away our ascendancy and we did not defend well with ten men."
A late penalty corner goal by Sam Quek gave England women a 2-1 win over South Africa in their final.
Nicola White gave England the lead in the third minute with a tap-in from a Kate Richardson-Walsh corner strike before a 27th-minute equaliser by Jade Mayne.
England striker Alex Danson, player of the tournament and top goalscorer, said: "It's been a fantastic platform to take to the Commonwealth Games."
Daily Express
England enjoy double triumph in Investec Cup
Men win a dramatic shoot-out against Ireland while women's final against South Africa comes to life late on
By Rod Gilmour, Lee Valley
Winning feeling: England players celebrate as Barry Middleton lifts the Investec Cup Photo: PA
A controversial yellow card to captain Barry Middleton nearly proved costly as England men lifted the Investec Cup in a shoot-out against Ireland, while England women partially atoned for their World Cup disaster with a 2-1 win against South Africa in their final.
England men led 2-1 after strikes from Alastair Brogdon and David Condon before Middleton was given a 10-minute suspension with five minutes remaining for a back stick foul. His exit allowed Ireland to level through Mitch Darling after a goalmouth scramble with 90 seconds left.
However, George Pinner saved three times in the resulting shoot-out, while Ashley Jackson, Middleton, Harry Martin and Simon Mantell all scored as both England teams headed to the Commonwealth Games with an unbeaten record at their impressive new £30 million home at the Olympic Park.
Bobby Crutchley, the England coach, who was visibly incensed at Middleton’s card, said: “The game was played in the right spirit but [the card] took away our ascendancy as we were totally in control and it gave them momentum.” Middleton called his suspension “harsh”.
Still, England plundered 19 goals over their four games here and although Crutchley was generally left “frustrated”, pleasing aspects were garnered ahead of sterner battles against Australia and New Zealand in Glasgow. “The amount of players [nine] who scored goals, means that they can come from any part of the pitch,” Crutchley said.
England’s driving midfield again proved the difference early on against Ireland. Ashley Jackson may have been awarded the player of the tournament thanks to his four goals, but Middleton’s attacking forays and ability to leave defenders in his wake stood out.
Brogdon opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a tap-in before Eugene Magee slotted home after the break. Condon then scored with a low shot with 20 minutes left before late drama ensued.
The women’s final, meanwhile, failed to ignite until the latter stages as Sam Quek fired home a superb penalty corner routine.
England, beaten 4-1 by South Africa in the Hague last month, were dominant in possession as Nicola White opened the scoring after three minutes following good work from Quek. Jade Mayne then equalised for the visitors, many of whom only flew in prior to last Wednesday’s start.
It was a nervy ending until England won a late short corner. Giselle Ansley shaped to shoot before her dummy set up Quek’s unstoppable shot with five minutes remaining.
The Telegraph
Black Sticks Women outclass Chile 10-0
The Black Sticks Women continued their dominance at the Four Nations Tournament in Dublin over night, beating Chile 10-0.
New Zealand, who are using the tournament as build-up to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, pressed relentlessly and capitalised at every opportunity.
Although Chile’s packed defence managed to hold out the Kiwis until the 18th minute, the floodgates opened after that.
The first goal came from Capital’s Anita Punt whose excellent use of base line skills allowed her to sneak the ball passed the keeper.
Canterbury’s Olivia Merry, who was playing her 50th international test, scored the second goal six minutes later thanks to an excellent shot inside the seven yard zone.
Next up was Katie Glynn who scored goal three and four only two minutes apart, with her second being the highlight of the first half thanks to some clever well-worked attacking play that allowed her to slot it into the bottom corner.
In the second half, the Kiwis decided to focus on increasing their penalty corner opportunities and this resulted in five conversions.
Merry and Punt knocked in their second goals – both from penalty corners in the 44th and 46th minute.
Five minutes later, aggressive pressing from the Kiwis followed by an excellent midfield turnover ended with Rosie Keddell eliminating the keeper and pushing it hard into the corner.
The final three goals were all penalty corner conversions, with Kayla Whitelock, Glynn – taking a hat-trick, and Gemma Flynn scoring one apiece.
The team now have a rest day tomorrow before meeting Canada on Wednesday at 4am (NZ time).
Result:
Full time: 10-0 (Black Sticks win)
Half time: 4-0
Goal scorers: Anita Punt x2, Olivia Merry x2, Katie Glynn x3, Rosie Keddell, Kayla Whitelock, Gemma Flynn.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks women thump Chile 10-0 in Dublin
The Black Sticks women's hockey team have continued their impressive buildup to the Commonwealth Games by thrashing Chile 10-0 in Dublin today.
The landslide win continued New Zealand's dominance at the Four Nations tournament in Ireland.
Chile employed a packed defence and managed to hold out the Kiwis until the 18th minute before the floodgates opened with the Black Sticks attacking at every opportunity.
Katie Gylnn claimed a hat-trick and Anita Punt and Olivia Merry scored two goals each.
New Zealand had earlier thumped hosts Ireland 9-2 in their opening match.
The Kiwis have a rest day tomorrow before playing Canada on Wednesday at 4 am (NZT).
Stuff
Ireland 5-0 Canada (w)
Ireland beat Canada 5-0 today in the 2nd match of the Electric Ireland 4 Nations Tournament taking place in UCD.
Ireland dominated the majority of possession bossing Canada around for most of the match. Ireland secured just one goal in the first half thanks to striker Anna O’Flanagan but their attacking style of play finally started to pay off with four second half goals, including a fantastic penalty corner strike from Cliodhna Sargent on the occasion of her 150th cap.
Commenting Coach Darren Smith said “After a tough match against New Zealand it was great to come out with a solid win today against a difficult Canadian team. We were at times tentative and our basic skills lacking fluidity but to the teams credit we did improve over the match to finish relatively strongly.”
“Now we look forward to playing Chile who will be up for the challenge with a birth in the final to the winner. I am sure either team would like another crack at New Zealand to improve on their pool match result.”
Earlier in the day New Zealand beat Chile 10-0
Tomorrow, Monday 14th is a rest day before action continues once again on Tuesday Ireland taking on Chile at 19.15
IRELAND 5 (1) Anna O’Flanagan 26th; Deidre Duke 54m & 69m; Cliodhna Sargent 63m; Naomi Carroll 66m
CANADA 0 (0)
Tuesday 15th July
17.00 New Zealand v Canada
19.15 Ireland v Chile
Wednesday 16th July
17.00 3rd / 4th
19.30 1st / 2nd
Irish Hockey Association media release
Canada drops second game of Four Nations Tournament in Dublin
Shaheed Devji
For the second consecutive match, the Canadian Women's National Field Hockey Team started well against a team higher than it in the world rankings at the 2014 Four Nations Invitational tournament in Dublin. But for the second straight day, Canada could not turn that good start into a positive result, losing 5-0 to World No. 15 and tournament host Ireland.
Much like Saturday's match versus Chile, the Canadians had the first good chance to score Sunday when Maddie Secco (Victoria, B.C.) found herself in prime scoring position after an Irish giveaway, but was not able to put the ball by goalkeeper Beatriz Wirth.
The Irish were able to settle in quite quickly after Secco's chance, building the attack and finally breaking through in the twenty-sixth minute as Anna O'Flanagan beat Canadian keeper Lauren Logush, who was seeing her first action of the tournament. Ireland held the 1-0 lead heading into the half.
Again, the Canadians were likely happy with their first half, holding a strong Irish attack to only one goal and having the game within reach with only one half to go.
In the second, however, the host team exploded for four goals in fifteen minutes, starting in the fifty-forth minute with Deidre Duke's tally giving Ireland a 2-0 lead. Then, in the sixty-third minute, Cliodhna Sargent beat Logush off a penalty corner to make it 3-0 for Ireland.
The Irish attack did not relent as in the sixty-sixth minute Naomi Carroll knocked one in to make it 4-0, and then Duke nothced her second of the game to make it 5-0.
In some better news for Canada, Sunday's match marked the 50th international cap for Brienne Stairs (Kitchener, ON).
The Canadians will have an even tougher task ahead of them in the final game of the of the round robin on Tuesday when they take on World No. 4 New Zealand. Despite the result versus the Kiwis, Canada will then play in the 3rd vs 4th place game on Wednesday against one of Ireland or Chile.
Live match updates can be found @IrishHockey.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Women of Glasgow 2014
Our quick guide to the women's teams at the Commonwealth Games
Get to know more about Australia's opponents and the other teams competing at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games with our short guides to the teams, their preparation and our pick of the ones to watch.
Pool A
New Zealand
Ranked: #4
Games record: 2010 (silver) - 2006 (4th) – 2002 (4th) – 1998 (bronze)
Coach: Mark Hager (Australian)
One to watch: Anita Punt
The New Zealand Black Sticks women arrive in Glasgow ranked second only to Australia and after running the Aussie girls close for a place in the World Cup semi-final before going on to finish fifth in The Hague, they will be expecting to be on the medal podium on 2 August. The Kiwis have named a side with experience at its heart with five players having recorded more than 150 appearances, including pacey Anita Punt who showed her penalty corner prowess with four of her five World Cup goals coming from set pieces. At the other end of the scale, two teenagers have also been called up – 19 year-old pair Sophie Cocks and Liz Thompson.
South Africa
Ranked: #11
Games record: 2010 (4th) – 2006 (6th) – 2002 (5th) – 1998 (3rd Pool B)
Coach: Giles Bonnet (South African)
One to watch: Marsha Cox
Prior to the World Cup, South Africa had been preparing to call upon the services of the world’s highest goal scorer, Pietie Coetzee. However, her late call-up for the World Cup and subsequent retirement from international hockey means SA arrive in Glasgow without the woman who scored 282 goals in 287 Tests. In New Delhi in 2010, South Africa were unfortunate not to take home a medal, losing 1-0 to New Zealand in the semi-final before missing out on bronze to England by the same score. They’ll be led in Glasgow by experienced captain Marsha Cox (née Marescia) who has an Olympic Games, two World Cups and a Commonwealth Games already under her belt.
India
Ranked: #13
Games record: 2010 (5th) – 2006 (silver) – 2002 (gold) – 1998 (4th)
Coach: Neil Hawgood (Australian)
One to watch: Ritusha Arya
Always competitive at the Commonwealth Games, India’s women were gold medallists in Manchester before going down to Australia four years later in Melbourne. Despite missing out of World Cup qualification, they reached the semi-final tournament (round three) of the World League last June, finishing seventh in Rotterdam. Last month, in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, India whitewashed Malaysia winning all six matches in Kuala Lumpur, scoring 21 goals and conceding just two. Watch out for 21 year-old forward Ritusha Arya, who netted four times in the series.
Canada
Ranked: #22
Games record: 2010 (6th) – 2006 (7th) – 2002 (7th) – 1998 (4th Pool B)
Coach: Ian Rutledge (Australian)
One to watch: Kate Gillis
Just four of Canada’s squad– Thea Culley, Kate Gillis, Abigail Raye and Kristine Wishart - were part of the group that finished sixth four years ago. Almost wholly renewed after the last Olympic cycle two years ago, just three of the Canadian team has played more than 100 games as Aussie coach Ian Rutledge builds his new group. Having visited Perth for the International Super Series last year where the won the hearts of the Aussie fans with some imaginative entrances, they spent much of May in the UK preparing for Glasgow. A defeat and draw against England were followed by two wins and a draw with Wales. Look out for Kate Gillis, their 103-times capped captain who was named Canadian Player of the Year for 2013.
Trinidad & Tobago
Ranked: #31
Games record: 2010 (9th) – 1998 (5th Pool A)
Coach: Anthony Marcano (T&T)
One to watch: Alanna Lewis
Glasgow will mark Trinidad & Tobago’s third Commonwealth Games outing, following appearances last time out in New Delhi and in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur. The lowest ranked team in Pool A, their inexperienced squad is said to feature speed and energy in abundance with coach Anthony Marcano indicating recently that T&T will use the Games to expose a clutch of U21 players to top level competition to help prepare them for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in November and World League in late September. T&T finished third in their World League round 1 event in Port of Spain in November 2012 and will be captained jointly by Alanna Lewis and Patricia Wright-Alexis in Glasgow. Lewis, a defender, was T&T Player of the Year in 2013 and has been nominated for Sportswoman of the Year three times.
Pool B
Australia
Ranked: #2
Games record: 2010 (gold) – 2006 (gold) – 2002 (bronze) – 1998 (gold)
Coach: Adam Commens (Australian)
Ones to watch: Jodie Kenny & Anna Flanagan
Much has been made of the Australian women’s climb up the world rankings from seventh prior to the London Olympic Games to second following their silver medal success at the World Cup. Their status as World Cup medallists and world number two installs them as pre-tournament favourites, although they’ll need to keep a close eye on the likes of New Zealand, England and South Africa in particular. Since the Champions Challenge in late 2012, the Aussie women have finished on the medal rostrum at every event they’ve competed at. Look out for the twin penalty corner aces of Jodie Kenny and Anna Flanagan, who between them scored eight goals at the World Cup, and the free flowing forward line of Kellie White, Emily Smith, Georgie Parker and Brooke Peris.
England
Ranked: #6
Games record: 2010 (bronze) – 2006 (bronze) – 2002 (silver) – 1998 (silver)
Coach: Danny Kerry (interim) (English)
One to watch: Maddie Hinch
Much was made of England’s under-performance at the World Cup with the side that went in third in the rankings ultimately finishing 11th. Since The Hague, Head Coach Jason Lee has stepped down with Performance Director and former coach Danny Kerry taking the reins for Glasgow. England warmed up for the Games with the Investec London Cup four nations against Scotland, South Africa and Wales. With experienced captain Kate Richardson-Walsh set to call time on her international career after Glasgow she’ll be determined to lead an England side keen to restore some pride to the medal matches. Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch is regarded as one of the best in the world and will be crucial to keeping out England’s toughest opponents.
Scotland
Ranked: #16
Games record: 2010 (7th) – 2006 (6th) – 2002 (6th) – 1998 (3rd Pool A)
Coach: Gordon Shepherd (Scottish)
One to watch: Nikki Kidd
Scotland has named a balanced side for its home Games with half the squad competing in the Commonwealth Games for at least the second time while for captain Linda Clement Glasgow 2014 will be her fourth outing. It’s been a good 12 months for the hosts who retained their place in Europe’s top tier a year ago and finished seventh, higher than their ranking of eighth, at the Champions Challenge earlier this year. Series wins against Spain and Ireland in recent months have shown Scotland’s move to full-time training four months ago in preparation for the Games is paying dividends with the Investec London Cup competition against England, South Africa and Wales their final warm-up. Alongside Clement, watch out for Nikki Kidd - a threat from set pieces she finished third in the English Premier Division’s leading scorer charts last season.
Malaysia
Ranked: #21
Games record: 2010 (10th) – 2006 (5th) – 2002 (8th) – 1998 (4th Pool A)
Coach: Mohd Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim (Malaysian)
One to watch: Farah Ayuni
Malaysia’s Commonwealth Games preparation saw them win their World League round 1 event in Singapore in June with a series of crushing victories over Kazakhstan, Thailand, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Their 16 athletes for Glasgow are all retained from the World League squad including tournament top scorer Nuraini Rashid, who netted eight times in four matches. The past year has seen the Malaysian women finish fifth at the Asia Cup before, in December, they set a new world record score for women’s hockey as they beat Cambodia 36-0 in Myanmar on their way to the gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games. However, a six game series whitewash defeat to India recently suggests we should expect goalkeeper Farah Ayuni to be a key player against the firepower of the higher ranked teams in the competition.
Wales
Ranked: #32
Games record: 2010 (8th) – 1998 (4th Pool B)
Coach: Amanda Partington (English)
One to watch: Leah Wilkinson
Wales’ women will compete at the Commonwealth Games for the third time when they step out in Glasgow. Four years ago they ended a 12 year Games exodus in Delhi, losing out to Scotland on a strokes shoot-out in the battle for seventh and eighth. Six of that side return in 2014; among the newest of the Welsh call-ups is Xenna Hughes, the daughter of Mark Hughes, manager of EPL soccer club Stoke City. Another of the teams warming up for the Games at the Investec London Cup, Wales took part in a three nations tournament in Italy in June where they lost to Ireland and drew with Italy, having previously gone down twice and drawn once with Canada in May. Defender Leah Wilkinson will have a key role to play at the back. The 27 year-old plays her club hockey for Reading in England’s Premier Division.
Hockey Australia media release
Fed-up Faizal may quit hockey team
By S. Ramaguru
Faizal Saari (left) in action during the Champions Challenge I hockey tournament in Kuantan in May. - Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: Forward Faizal Saari is on the verge of quitting the national hockey team.
On Friday night, he posted on Instagram that he was fed-up and wanted to quit the team.
When contacted yesterday, Faizal said he would only decide on his future after a meeting with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) officials today.
“I don’t want to say anything for now. I am meeting with MHC officials tomorrow (today) and tell them about my intention. I have not sent in any official letter. I have been thinking about it (quitting) for the last few days,” he said.
Faizal, 21, was a member of the Junior World Cup team who finished fourth in New Delhi in December.
He is also a regular in the national team for the last three years. In 2013 and 2014, he was also picked by the MHC to play in the Indian Hockey League as well as the leagues in Australia and Germany.
National coach K. Dharmaraj said he had heard rumours of Faizal wanting to quit the team.
“I am unable to say anything as there is nothing official about it. I really have no idea what’s happening. It is better to wait as it may just be a rumour after all.
“We have a major assignment in the Asian Games (in South Korea from Sept 19-Oct 4) and I want the players to stay focused to achieve our target,” he added.
Faizal was one of Dharmaraj’s key players during his time with the Project 2013 team.
Dharmaraj is now preparing the team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow from July 23-Aug 3.
Meanwhile, two players from the World Cup squad have withdrawn from the hockey team for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games from July 23-Aug 3.
Forward Mohamed Firhan Azhaari injured his ankle in training and is not expected to recover in time for the Games while youngster Fitri Saari cited exhaustion as his reason for pulling out of the squad.
Dharmaraj have called up former national juniors players Izad Sumantri and Haziq Shamsul as their replacements.
“Firhan and Fitri will remain part of our training squad and will be considered for the Incheon Asian Games (in South Korea from Sept 19-Oct 4).
“‘Firhan’s injury is not that serious. He should recover in time for the Asiad. Fitri has been playing non-stop since making the cut for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in March. He was also a member of the team that played in the Junior World Cup in New Delhi in December last year.
“Fitri’s request for a rest is reasonable. As for Izad and Haziq, I believe they can get some valuable exposure in Glasgow,” said Dharmaraj.
The team will leave for Glasgow on Thursday.
The MHC named their Commonwealth Games team last Tuesday, but only picked six players from the World Cup squad that finished last in the 12-team affair in The Hague, Holland, last month.
In Glasgow, Malaysia are in Group B with Canada, England, New Zealand and Trinidad and Tobago. Group A consists of Australia, India, Wales, Scotland and South Africa.
The Star of Malaysia
Indian men’s hockey team departs for Glasgow
New Delhi: The Indian men’s hockey team led by midfielder Sardar Singh left for Glasgow today morning for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. The Indian team will play its opening game against Wales on July 25. Chief coach Terry Walsh expressed confidence in his players implementing the tactics well in the tournament. “The preparatory camp helped us to work on the areas that the team was lacking in. The team is all pepped up and confident of performing well.”
The Tribune
Big plans for Surjit Hockey
Jalandhar - The 31st edition of the Surjit Hockey Tournament will be held at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here from October 29 to November 7. There will be a pre-qualifying tournament from October 2 to 5, from which the top 12 teams will qualify for the main tournament. Simultaneously, the women’s tournament will be played from October 13. For the first time, a special seminar has also been organised for umpires on November 5.
A coaching camp for the sub-junior girls would be held from July 17 to 30 at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Nehru Garden. A camp for U-17 boys would be held from July 17 to 30 at the Surjit Stadium. A coaching camp for senior girls would be held from July 20 to 30 at Lyallpur Khalsa College.
The Tribune
Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillai supervises hockey camp in city
Tushar Tere
VADODARA: Olympic hockey player and Arjuna awardee, Dhanraj Pillai visited the city for two days to preside over a hockey selection camp that was organized by the Sports Authority of Gujarat in Vadodara. The move has been taken to improve the standard of hockey in the state and secure national rank among the top four states. The District Sports Centre had organized a talent search-cum-selection camp between July 2 and July 11.
Pillai said that they would pick up best of the talent in boys and girls hockey and then provide them professional training later. The hockey legend watched boys and girls play hockey at the Manjalpur Sports Complex. Pillai had earlier visited the city and discussed the development of hockey and launching a hockey academy in Vadodara. He was joined by badminton star P Gopichand. The hockey camp has been organized at 10 different places in Gujarat and it is being held to pick up best of the talent in the state.
The Times of India
2014 U21s Conclude
U21 men’s and women’s tournaments conclude with NSW topping both
The U21 men’s and women’s Australian Championships in Sydney and Perth drew to a close on Friday and Saturday.
The twelve day tournament showcased the states’ finest players, officials, venues and of course quality hockey action.
New South Wales were unstoppable this year having had a standout tournament for both the men’s and women’s. Both finishing on top of the standings, Hockey New South Wales’ men’s and women’s team each took home the championship title.
U21 Women
Crowned winners of the U21 women’s Australian Championship, New South Wales took on reigning champions Queensland in the gold medal final Saturday evening in Perth. A hard fought match from both teams resulted in some of the best hockey from this year’s U21s tournament.
New South Wales dominated their penalty corners in the second half of the final, ultimately giving them a 3-1 lead in the final minute with a fast paced ball into the back of the net by New South Wales forward Tegan Richards to claim the U21 Women’s title. Hockeyroo Casey Eastham formed part of their cheer squad Saturday evening, sitting on the sidelines supporting her former state team to glory.
With only six teams able to proceed through to the finals Tasmania’s Australian Championship journey ended after losing to Western Australia 4-1 in the classification matches Friday.
Going down to New South Wales 4-1 in the semi-final decider, the Australian Capital Territory dusted themselves off for third place, taking home a 1-0 victory over South Australia. A solitary strike from Chloe Montgomery off a penalty corner in the 46th minute gave her state a desirable result.
Sitting in the final standings three points behind silver medallists Queensland in third place, South Australia showed other competing states their potential having won four out of their seven scheduled matches.
The playoffs for fifth place brought Victoria and Western Australia face-to-face in an intense close match in front a daunting Western Australian home crowd.
Victorian Sophie Taylor caused heartbreak for the home crowd when she scored the winning goal. Victoria had maintained solid pressure up front, stringing numerous short corners for Western Australia to defend. A variation on the third corner saw Taylor’s shot go in to clinch fifth place for the championship.
U21 Men
A dramatic, intense and emotional gold medal final Friday evening titled host state New South Wales the U21 men’s Australian Champions after defeating next door neighbours Victoria 7-2.
Scoring an astonishing four field goals and three penalty corners, New South Wales led themselves to glory coming into half time. Forward Blake Govers stood bright under the spotlight yet again after his show stopping hat trick performance.
Queensland struggled to hit target with Western Australian in full flight and determined to finish in third place. Western Australia being most active in their second half paid dividends resulting in their 3-0 victory.
Having played a successful match against the Australian Capital Territory earlier in the tournament, Tasmania hoped to relive their 7-3 victory yet again in the final for fifth place. Stepping out onto the field determined to succeed, Tasmania held a strong structure throughout the 70 minutes securing another successful win over their opponents 5-1.
A key player for Tasmania, Kieron Arthur contributed to the team’s success with two penalty corners and a penalty stroke.
Fighting for seventh place, Northern Territory and South Australia faced each once again. Having played each other in a close game day four of the tournament, Northern Territory were set to defend their previous 2-1 win. Determined to walk away victors, the Territorians set themselves up for the win the minute the game pushed back. With no time to waste, Northern Territory scored their six goals in the first half the match, sending them on a clear path with a 6-2 victory.
Determined to put a score on the board coming back from half time, South Australian’s Dalton Casey and Brent Russ each scored two goals however, it was not enough to catch their opponents before the final siren.
Scores and standings:
U21 Women:
Final Scores:
Victoria v Western Australia (3-2)
Australian Capital Territory v South Australia (1-0)
NSW v Queensland (3-1)
Final Placing’s:
Gold – New South Wales
Silver – Queensland
Bronze – Australian Capital Territory
4th – South Australia
5th - Victoria
6th – Western Australia
7th – Tasmania
U21 Men:
Final Scores:
South Australia v Northern Territory (2-6)
Tasmania v Australian Capital Territory (5-1)
Western Australia v Queensland (3-0)
New South Wales v Victoria (7-2)
Final Placing’s:
Gold – New South Wales
Silver – Queensland
Bronze – Victoria
4th – Western Australia
5th – Tasmania
6th – Northern Territory
7th – Australian Capital Territory
8th – South Australia
Hockey Australia media release
Canterbury go top of Ramesh Patel Shield standings
Canterbury have jumped to the top of the Ramesh Patel Shield leaderboard following the National Under 18 Tournament in Napier.
The Canterbury boys won gold after defeating Midlands 2-1 in the final, while the Canterbury girls took bronze with a 3-1 result over North Harbour in the 3rd/4th playoff.
Canterbury now sit top of the table with one tournament to come (Ford NHL) on 68 points, while Midlands are close behind on 65 and Auckland round out the top three with 60.
CLICK HERE to view the latest standings
The Ramesh Patel Shield has been introduced this year by Hockey New Zealand to recognise the best performing region over the three annual high performance tournaments – U21, U18 and the Ford National Hockey League.
The shield winner will be decided at the Ford National Hockey League from 6-14 September at North Harbour Hockey Stadium.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
England new women's hockey coach to be named by September
England women's hockey team's new head coach will only take charge after this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Jason Lee left the position "by mutual consent" last month following England's worst ever World Cup finish of 11th.
England Hockey performance director Danny Kerry - who is temporarily in charge - told BBC Sport that the team "was in a strange place".
He said after England's London Cup win on Sunday that the plan was to appoint Lee's permanent successor by September.
Jason Lee left as head coach by "mutual consent" after a disappointing World Cup campaign
Kerry added: "We've really tried to build a good atmosphere and sense of togetherness through sheer hard work."
England bounced back from a dismal World Cup, where they finished 11th out of 12 countries, to win the London Cup with a 2-1 victory over South Africa.
Kerry said: "There was a very comprehensive review after the World Cup. There's always a risk with change; there's potentially risk without change."
England's poor World Cup showing could have consequences on funding from UK Sport - but Kerry refused to set a target for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"UK Sport is a no-compromise organisation," said Kerry.
"It was a milestone target for us, the World Cup, and we haven't hit it. I'm sure we'll have very long and tough conversations with them.
"I don't want to predict the outcome - they'll want to know whether we've gone through due process and got the right things in place. We'll see what happens."
BBC Sport