News 21 July 2014
All the news for Monday 21 July 2014
Comm Games countdown
Aussie women hit the ground running after arrival in Glasgow
Having arrived in Glasgow on Friday afternoon, Australia’s women wasted no time in getting to grips with the Commonwealth Games venue, the National Hockey Centre, as they took to the field for two training sessions in torrential rain on Saturday before enjoying a run-out against India on Sunday.
The unofficial game, which was played as three periods of 20 minutes, saw the girls in green and gold run out 7-0 winners as they prepare to face Malaysia in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday (9am BST / 6pm AEST).
It was a match that saw Australia enjoy the lion’s share of possession and chances with Victorian Georgia Nanscawen striking the opener midway through the first period; having been denied twice, she fired home at the third attempt. Jodie Kenny then showed her penalty corner prowess with a brace of goals in the second period, shortly before Karri McMahon made it four.
Kellie White scored the first of her two goals from close range after good work by Ashleigh Nelson through the left channel and Georgie Parker made it 6-0 as she finished off a quick Australian counter attack. White rounded off proceedings with her second.
Australian coach Adam Commens said afterwards he believed the match had been a worthwhile exercise.
“India is a side that has been improving and they certainly did reasonably well at the Champions Challenge,” he said.
“We thought they’d provide us with some good competition in preparation for the first match against Malaysia and I thought they did. We played particularly well through the second third of play and moved the ball quickly, and we were efficient in that period of the match. There are still some areas of our performance that I think we can improve and we’ll need to do that against the stronger nations.
Speaking about the intensity of the team’s early days in Glasgow, he added, “We have a shortened run into the tournament from what we would normally have and that’s providing some challenges; having the training so soon after getting off the plane…but I’m sure that once we have a few lighter days in the lead up to the first match we’ll be ok.”
Hockey Australia media release
Black Sticks arrive on a high
By David Leggat in Glasgow
New Zealand bagged 29 goals in the four games and have arrived in Glasgow in good spirits. Photo / HB Today
New Zealand vs Australia; in a couple of weeks it could be the Commonwealth Games gold medal match.
Early tomorrow (NZT) it's just another warmup match for the Black Sticks and their nearest, and dearest rivals as Kayla Whitelock and her team ramp up their preparations to go one better in Glasgow than they did in New Delhi four years ago.
It's an unusual scenario. You would imagine the top two ranked teams would rather avoid each other before the big event.
But they are in different pools and fancy a decent hitout. Whether it's 25 minute halves or the full 70-minute contest was still to be determined last night.
The New Delhi survivors still remember the hurt at losing that final to Australia in a penalty strokes finale. They are confident, upbeat after winning a Four Nations tournament in Dublin last week.
And while coach Mark Hager admitted yesterday they should have won it too, given their fourth ranking in the world compared to their lightweight opponents, Chile, hosts Ireland and Canada, good steps were made, particularly in front of goal.
New Zealand bagged 29 goals in the four games and have arrived in Glasgow in good spirits.
"The pleasing thing was how well we played," Hager said.
"We were creating so many opportunities. Against Australia, South Africa and India we're not going to get that many."
The only injury concern was Canterbury midfielder Jordan Grant, who is over a calf strain, which sidelined her in Dublin.
Hager acknowledged world No 2 Australia can teach the Black Sticks a thing or two about the importance of getting acros the line, even when not playing particularly well. It's a trait all teams would love to bottle.
At the recent World Cup in The Hague, where the teams drew 0-0, Australia made the final even though "they just scraped through in nearly every game, but won the games they had to".
"That's the difference between them and us, they're winning games even when they're not playing so well and that gives them confidence. We have to get that same mental strength."
That said, Hager admitted tomorrow's contest is all about ticking boxes, making sure the defensive and attacking circle work is purring along, rather than the bare, if doubtless appealing aspect of winning the game and grabbing any small psychological edges on offer.
There are bigger occasions coming up for the Black Sticks, but there's no doubt they'll gain plenty from tomorrow.
New Zealand start the Games tournament against lowly Trinidad & Tobago (ranked No 31) early on Saturday (NZT), with their other pool games against India (13), South Africa (11) and Canada (22).
The New Zealand Herald
Former Belper hockey player Hollie Webb says England aiming for gold
By KERRY GANLY
THERE is a definite air of determination around England women's hockey after their success in the Investec London Cup.
And it seems that nothing less than gold will do for the ambitious team in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Derbyshire will have two players in the team – former Belper defender Hollie Webb and ex-Matlock forward, Ellie Watton.
There are a smattering of former Repton School pupils, too, such as Georgie Twigg and Susie Gilbert, who bring with them a wealth of experience when it comes to competing in multi-sport events.
"I think it is a realistic expectation for us to be able to win gold at the Commonwealth Games," said Webb, who currently plays alongside Twigg for London-based Surbiton.
"We can definitely go all the way. It will be a difficult tournament and we are in a tough pool with Australia and host nation, Scotland, but I believe that, if we play our best hockey, we can overcome the challenges.
"The Investec London Cup has given us all confidence as a team to get good results in Glasgow."
Watton added: "We were all so disappointed after the World Cup in Holland.
"However, we have had a good few weeks to train and, considering all the change that has happened (a new coach as former GB international Danny Kerry replaced Jason Lee after the World Cup), we feel prepared for the Commonwealth Games and I think we can certainly medal in Glasgow – we should be in the final competing for gold."
There has been a lot of changes in personnel since the ladies' GB team won bronze at the Olympic Games in London, not least a new coach and the retirement of a few of the medal-winning team.
Webb and Watton are relative newcomers to the senior GB and England teams and both have been included in the centralised GB team for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Rio.
It has, by Webb's own admission, been a hectic 18 months.
She said: "I have played a lot of hockey lately, that's true.
"The hockey calendar is all-year round for international players and so there is little time for a break.
"Because of this, I think it is hard to notice yourself what aspects of your game have changed or improved, although I do think that, since joining the centralised GB squad, I have become better at adjusting to the pace of international hockey both physically and mentally.
"You have to think fast, react quickly and communicate concisely and effectively to the rest of the team, especially as a central defender.
"Organisation of the team is a key responsibility. This is something I feel is key for me to continue to develop but has been the biggest learning curve."
For Watton, improved fitness has been a major factor in her game.
"I'm sharper in front of goal and have improved with regards making quick decisions," she said.
"And, on top of that, my fitness has improved which has always been a struggle for me.
"There is still a long way to go with my fitness and it is something which I'm trying to improve."
Watton and Webb both agree that the Australians will be tough opponents, especially after their recent success in the Investec Cup and World Cup.
"The Australians are in good form at the moment," said Watton, "they were second in the World Cup and are in our pool."
Webb, though, says it is England who will be the ones to watch.
She said: "In our side we have a lot of fast, direct forwards and skilful midfielders.
"Sophie Bray is a skilful forward with fast hands who is able to manipulate the ball and defenders, while Lily Owsley is young, fast and direct."
Both girls will have family and friends supporting them in Glasgow and for Webb, it will be a chance to see boyfriend Tom Pearne.
"My parents are there for every game and my boyfriend, Tom, is working at the Commonwealth Games with the Forces," she said.
"Hopefully, he will get to watch most games, too. Friends have tickets for some of the games and it will be really good to see them in the crowd.
"Even though the Games are in Scotland, I think it will have a 'home' feel to it with lots of English supporters making the trip."
Watton also has family and friends going, too.
"It will be great to have them cheering us on," she said, "having had a taste of what it is like to have a home crowd at the Investec Cup, it can make a huge difference and, considering it is so close, there will hopefully be a lot of support for the England team."
The Derby Telegraph
Alex Danson hoping England's hockey team can give captain Kate Richardson-Walsh perfect send-off in Glasgow
By Mike Dawes
Richardson-Walsh (right) intends to retire after competing in her fourth Commonwealth Games
Alex Danson is hoping England's women's hockey team can bounce back from World Cup woe to give skipper Kate Richardson-Walsh a memorable send-off at Glasgow 2014.
Richardson-Walsh, 34, intends to retire after competing in her fourth Commonwealth Games and Danson predicts her team-mates will be fired up to make it a memorable swansong.
England had a desperately disappointing World Cup in The Hague, finishing 11th out of 12, but 29-year-old Danson has warned against writing them off in Glasgow.
"It's been hard but we hit the ground very quickly when we got back from the World Cup to give us the best opportunity here," said Southampton-born striker Danson.
Kate Richardson-Walsh celebrates with scorer Sam Quek and Laura Unsworth during the Investec London Cup final
"Kate retiring will be a huge huge loss to us but, at the same time, if we play with that in our minds it will give us an edge."
Stockport-born defender Richardson-Walsh has clearly been a hugely influential figure in Danson's career and she will now assume more responsibility in guiding the next generation of players going forwards with England due to host the European Championships next year.
She added: "Kate brings not just a huge amount of experience but she's also extremely thoughtful, kind and commanding and always gives 100 per cent every time she plays. That's vital for a captain and leader.
"I have hugely enjoyed my career with Kate. She's always been someone I"ve looked up to. She's taught me so much."
Richardson-Walsh is adamant that the squad have quickly picked themselves after their World Cup flop.
"Having such a disappointment was tough but there's a really nice buzz in the squad again," she said.
"Now it's about getting out there and enjoying it and showing what we're about.
"If we put our game together - which I believe we can - and we are tight together we can be a medal contender.
"At the moment I"m planning to retire after these Games and there is certainly plenty of talent to step in. It's building nicely."
Richardson and Danson between them mention the likes of forwards Lucy Wood and Lily Owsley and defender Hollie Webb as examples of some of the younger players who can take on the mantle.
The Daily Mail
India need to overcome 'away' challenges in Glasgow: Dwyer
NEW DELHI: As in cricket, India are a formidable hockey side in their own den but if the erstwhile giants of the game want to play in their second consecutive Commonwealth Games final they will need to overcome challenges away from home, feels Australian legend Jamie Dwyer.
Dwyer would love to see an India-Australia duel in the final of the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow from July 24 to August 3, but he said for that to happen the Sardar Singh-led side will have to "play to their potential".
"One thing I always worry about the current India team is their ability to play away from home. Like their cricket team, the hockey players are unbelievable in India and they thrive in playing in their own country," the 35-year-old mercurial Australian striker told PTI in an exclusive interview from Perth.
"But away from home everything looks different for them be it weather, pitch, food etc. They need to overcome those challenges and play to their potential. I think if they can do that and play to their potential, they will definitely be in the final," Dwyer said.
"I expect them to make the semifinals that's for sure and after that anything can happen from there. I would love to see an India-Australia final even though Australia start as clear favourites," he added.
The 35-year-old Dwyer, a five-time world hockey player of the year, feels India are now a much-improved side from 2010 Delhi Games, where the Kookaburras thrashed the Asian side 8-0 in the summit clash at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium.
"In the last Commonwealth Games they played well and I think we were just lucky to get that score line in the final. But I think they are starting to get much better, much more consistent. They have got more depth in their squad now," he viewed.
"We played Ok against India (in the World Cup). It's hard for me to judge India because we won the final 6-1 but beat India 4-0. They are a good team but they will have to improve a fair beat if they want to be among the best teams in the world."
Three-time Olympian Dwyer has been an integral part of Australian hockey team since making his debut in 2001.
In his 13-year-old illustrious career, which is still going strong, Dwyer has fetched a rich haul of medals, including the recent World Cup gold, his second, at The Hague, Netherlands.
"Yes it has sunk in but for sure it's a great feeling to have won the World Cup. We went there to win that and I am very happy to play well in the final. We are world champions again which is a very good feeling," said the forward, who has one Olympic gold, two world titles, three Commonwealth Games gold and six Champions Trophy titles to his credit.
Even at 35, Dwyer still is one of the best strikers of world hockey and he proved that recently by scoring a goal in Australia 6-1 triumph over Netherlands in the World Cup final.
But despite a strong performance at the recent Hockey World Cup, Dwyer had been left out of the Australian side for the Glasgow Games to make way for younger players, a decision which "hurt" the hockey great.
"Yeah, it did hurt me because I wanted to go to the Commonwealth Games but they didn't pick me, not too sure why. Ric (Charlesworth) selected the team and then he retired. But I am OK, I am not down. The World Cup was the biggest tournament for me this year and to win that was nice," a notably dejected Dwyer said.
"I would have loved to go to the Commonwealth Games but I can't do anything about that now."
The Times of India
Indian goalkeepers keep faith in their defence line
GLASGOW: Indian goalkeepers PR Sreejesh and Savita have full faith in the defence line of the respective men's and women's hockey teams here at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The men's and women's teams have worked hard on their defensive skills for the Games.
Sreejesh, who has 100 international caps, showcased brilliant goalkeeping during the World Cup held at The Hague last month while women's team goalkeeper Savita (79 caps) impressed many during the recently concluded Malaysian Tour.
Sreejesh, who is also the vice-captain, said he was confident of the defence line-up with the likes of Gurbaj Singh and V. Raghunath.
"On any given day they will give a tough time to the opponents forwards. I am looking at both of them to help better my performance during the Games. With Gurbaj's speed to match and Raghunath's sharp and strategic play, the opponents will not have an easy day with us. I am looking at continuing my World Cup form and I will yet again give my best," said Sreejesh.
Savita said the women team's key is the combination of experienced and young players.
"We are a well balanced side in the tournament. Our defence shield, with collective experiences of Deepika and Kirandeep, has grown only stronger. I am sure the learning and skills from the past tournaments will help the team to surpass our opponents in the tournament with flying colours," she said.
The women's team will start their campaign against Canada here Thursday while the men's will face Wales the next day.
The Times of India
Australia a bridge too far for women
By Jugjet Singh
MALAYSIAN WOMEN’S coach Nasihin Nubli knows the score when they open accounts against Australia on Thursday in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
For it was 8-0 when the two teams last met at the 2006 Melbourne Games.
“We know it is going to be uphill all the way in our opening match against Australia, no denying that, but my girls are not overly worried as I have told them to be ready for all-weather, and there is no need to be demoralised.
“My team will just go in and enjoy the game, there will be no pressure, during or after the match, as we need to focus on the other winnable fixtures,” said Nasihin.
Their other matches are against Scotland (Friday), England (Sunday) and Wales (July 30).
In Group B are Canada, India, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa.
The women’s best outing was sixth placing at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur and 2006 Melbourne Games, while in New Delhi four years ago, they finished last in the 10-team competition.
“Australia have brought their best and our focus will be to try and minimise the damage, and I have been working on our defence.
“I will be placing my best players in midfield for a fast counter, and hopefully we surprise them a few times for a morale booster ahead of playing the hosts,” said Nasihin.
The ladies will play a match against Trinidad and Tobago as a warm-up in chilly Scotland ahead of their fiery match against favourites Australia.
New Straits Times
Nikki Hudson interview
Ten's expert commentator for Glasgow 2014, Nikki shares her Games experience
To anyone familiar with Australian hockey over the past twenty years Nikki Hudson (née Mott) needs no introduction. The only woman to represent Australia more than 300 times, the former Hockeryoos captain is an Olympic gold medallist, two times Commonwealth Games gold medallist and World Cup winner.
In all, she competed at three Olympics Games, three Commonwealth Games and three World Cups in her 303 appearances, amassing 99 goals. In recognition of her abilities and achievements in the sport, she was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) in 2006, the same year she was named captain of the World XI team.
Nikki will be part of Ten’s commentary team for the Commonwealth Games, beginning on Thursday, joining lead commentator Gordon Bray and former Kookaburras captain Brent Livermore as they call the action.
We caught up with Nikki to talk about her first experience of the Commonwealth Games, what it means to be part of a wider, multi-sport Team Australia and who she’s tipping for Games glory in Glasgow…
Hockey Australia [HA]: Nikki, you were part of the first ever Australian hockey team to compete at a Commonwealth Games, in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. Tell us about that.
Nikki Hudson [NH]: It was amazing! It was also the first time that cricket and rugby 7s had been included in the Commonwealth Games so it was an exciting time for all of those sports.
It was my first true experience of a multi-sport Games. I had been a reserve for the Atlanta Olympics two years earlier but as soon as the Games began I had to fly home so I only slightly got the ‘feel’ for it. Kuala Lumpur allowed me to experience a Commonwealth Games before my first Olympics, which was probably a good thing, too.
HA: Australia blew the opposition off the park in ’98. 41 goals in five pool matches, a 7-3 win over New Zealand in the semis and an 8-1 win over England in the final. What do you remember of those games?
NH: I remember at the time that New Zealand probably knew it’d be a hard task against us, just because of where they were. Even though we beat England convincingly the match was fiercely competitive. When we were a few goals up they were still coming at us and you knew they felt they could still get it back. I always loved playing England because of their competitiveness – I can’t wait to watch that game this year [11pm AEST, Monday 28 July].
HA: Being a multi-sport event, our hockey athletes are part of Team Australia in Glasgow. What will they experience differently to a ‘normal’ hockey event?
NH: In my mind, a Commonwealth Games or Olympic Games is the ultimate experience as an athlete. You go from having just hockey fans supporting you to fans of other sports, and other athletes, supporting you. There’s no greater pride than the feeling of being part of a Commonwealth Games and being cheered as you go through the village.
HA: The Hockeyroos have had a great couple of years since London and having won silver at the World Cup and climbed to second in the world they probably arrive in Glasgow as favourites. In your experience, how do you deal with being a favourite?
NH: It’s a huge positive. Watching the World Cup it was clear the girls are playing with a lot of confidence and if you’ve got that confidence you’re strong. You can use it to your advantage; embrace the fact there’s a bit of added pressure. We’ve wanted this situation for years. When I watched the World Cup it was like the Hockeyroos of old, a champion team.
HA: Your reputation on the line now. Who will be the main contenders when it comes to the crunch?
NH: England and New Zealand will definitely put up a strong challenge to Australia and I’d most definitely put India in there as well. They’ve got a history of performing well at the Commonwealth Games, they took it to us in Melbourne when we won 1-0 (in the 2006 Commonwealth Games final) and they have an Aussie coach, Neil Hawgood, who has been fantastic for them.
Hockey Australia media release
England U21 Men beat hosts Belgium
England U21 Men v Belgium, GK Harry Gibson - credit Frank Uijlenbroek
England Under-21 Men turned in a battling one-nil victory over hosts Belgium in their opening match at the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship in Waterloo on Sunday afternoon.
East Grinstead’s Luke Taylor’s first half penalty stroke was enough to take the points in a hard-fought and tense battle in front of a partisan crowd.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the result,” said Head Coach Jon Bleby. “I’m pleased that the lads put so much effort into the game and worked so hard. But there is room for improvement for our next game against Poland on Tuesday.
A short corner hit a defender on the line, resulting in Taylor’s 15th minute penalty stroke, and after that the game threatened to produce several more goals, but strong defending by both sides kept the scoreline at one-nil.
England will take on Poland in their next match on Tuesday (3.45pm UK time), and will need to be on their guard against a side who suffered a 3-2 defeat to France in the other pool match.
England Hockey Board Media release
England U21 Women beat Russia
England v Russia, scorer Grace Balsdon
England Under-21 Women got their EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship off to a great start, beating Russia 2-1 in Waterloo, Belgium, on Sunday morning.
After falling behind to an early goal by Elena Sazhina, England levelled just before the break through Clifton’s Stephanie Addison. They took the lead on 45 minutes through Canterbury ace Grace Balsdon, and held that lead to the end.
Head Coach Kevin Johnson said: “It was important to start the tournament with a win, which we have achieved.
“After taking a while to get into the game we began to find our rhythm and intensity and had a strong second half performance, creating several goal shots and earning a number of penalty corners. We look forward to the next game in full confidence.”
A scrappy goal gave Russia the lead, and England battled hard to get an equaliser. It finally came on 33 minutes, Addison diving to deflect home a cross from the right.
They took the lead on 45 minutes from a penalty corner, and it was Grace Balsdon who scored with a drag flick from the top of the D.
England Under-21 Women are next in action on Monday (4pm UK time) when they play Spain.
England Hockey Board Media release
Unbeaten Scots finish fourth after Poland win_500x333.jpg)
The peculiarities of the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship II competition format ensured Scotland U21 Women finish fourth despite an unbeaten campaign including three wins and a draw.
The Scots' 2-1 win over Poland this afternoon led to U21W Head Coach Neil Menzies' side finish ahead of today's opponents and Belarus in the 'middle three' pool.
Poland took the lead midway through the first half of today's match, Magdalena Zagajska scoring from open play.
Scotland were soon back on level terms though, Emma McGregor scoring at a penatly corner in the 25th minute to make it 1-1.
A strike from Kerry-Anne Hastings from a penalty corner in the 48th minute sealed the win.
Please visit the EuroHockey website for final standings
Scottish Hockey Union media release
U21 Girls Get Promoted to A division with 3-3 Draw
Ireland played in their final match of the Europeans today knowing a win would secure gold but a draw or one goal loss would still secure promotion back up to the A division.
Ireland completed the task with a 3-3 draw against the Italians who nipped the gold with two very late goals in the last 4 minutes of play pulling back from Ireland's 3-1 lead.
Commenting after the game Coach Passmore said "It was a bitter sweet feeling today. Promotion was the goal and to play like we did for the first 45 minutes and go three up that was achieved but it's tough to take that we threw away a gold medal through simple errors in the final period. The tournament schedule favoured Italy who had not played any back to back games where as we were asked to do that twice for the last two days in 35 degrees heat."
Ireland 3 Emily Beatty;Chloe Brown x 2
Italy 3
Starting XI: Emma Russell; Chleo Brown; Amy Cooke; Emily Beatty; Roisin Upton; Kerri McDonald; Erika Hinkson; Leah Ewart; Hayley Mulcahy; Ayeisha McFerran
Reserves: Rachel Barnett; Sara Twomey; Kate Lloyd; Elaine Carey; Kathryn Mullan;Hannah Grieve; Lucy McKee.
Irish Hockey Association media release
USA and Black Sticks set for Kiwi road trip
As the Black Sticks Women finish their final preparation for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, their international hockey schedule has been given another boost with Hockey New Zealand announcing that the United States will be touring the North Island in October.
Hockey New Zealand’s chief executive Malcolm Harris has confirmed the Black Sticks will play six tests against the United States, with games scheduled for Stratford, Palmerston North and Wairarapa.
Ranked eighth, the United States were the bolters at last month’s FIH World Cup, finishing a credible fourth.
“The United States is a top quality side and to have these games in the regions, especially straight after the Commonwealth Games, will allow Kiwis – our fans, and those people new to the sport - to experience world-class hockey,” said Harris.
“We hosted a successful Oceania Cup in Stratford last year and it highlighted that international games held outside of the big cities can work really well for us – the Black Sticks love the support they get from the community, there are strong vocal crowds and we attract fantastic support from the local Council.”
Hockey New Zealand’s high performance manager Terry Evans said that a new National Squad will be named following the Ford National Hockey League and that it’s a good chance for players to get some additional test time ahead of the FIH Champions Trophy to be held in Argentina in December.
“From a high performance perspective, the series will allow for a range of players within the wider squad to get some turf time. It isn’t just about building up to the Champions Trophy, there’s a longer term aim to get the side well prepared for the 2015 Olympic qualifier,” said Evans.
The series starts on Saturday 18 October in Stratford and the teams will play two tests in each city with the final test in Wairarapa on the 26 October. Tickets will go on sale in September.
The Black Sticks Women have a strong track record against the United States, winning 3-2 at the 2012 London Olympics, winning games during the Four Nations Tournament held in New Zealand in April 2013 and securing a narrow test series victory in San Diego earlier this year.
Black Sticks Women vs USA
TET Multisport Centre, Stratford
3pm, Saturday 18 October
3pm, Sunday 19 October
Twin Turfs, Palmerston North
6.30pm, Tuesday 21 October
6.30pm, Thursday 23 October
Trust House Hockey Wairarapa
2pm, Saturday 25 October
2pm, Sunday 26 October
The New Zealand Herald
PHF hopes to award central contracts soon
KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid has said that central contracts would be awarded to players, the selection committee, coach and other staff members upon the release of the requested grant by Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif.
“As soon as we get the funds, it is my promise that we will clear each and every penny of the concerned persons,” Mujahid told The Express Tribune. “We are hopeful of receiving the grant of Rs500 million by the PM soon.”
Meanwhile, national team head coach Shehnaz Sheikh wants the PM to form a separate committee to run the funds of the PHF.
“It is sad that top players like Sohail Abbas and Muhammad Imran don’t have jobs and the officials working since April are still waiting for their contract letters,” said Sheikh. “The PM should form a committee to handle all these funding matters.”
The Express Tribune
Finalists set for Waikato premier hockey competition
BEN STRANG
The finalists have been set for New Zealand's Waikato premier hockey season after dramatic men's semifinals, and more straight forward women's semifinals on Saturday.
Suburbs will take on defending champions Hamilton Old Boys in the men's final at Gallagher Hockey Turf this weekend after both won in a penalty shootout.
In the women's final defending champions University will take on Hamilton Old Girls after both sides cruised to victory in their respective semifinals.
The drama came in the men's semis, with nothing separating the teams over 70 minutes.
Richard Petherick gave Old Boys a lead in the first half, sending home a field goal before University's Brooke Daly found the net at the other end.
Petherick restored Old Boys' lead in the second half, firing home a drag flick goal from a penalty corner, but again University struck back, this time through David Hannah.
Matt Rees-Gibbs, Brendan Harland and Sam Brennan all fired home goals from the shootout to send Old Boys through to the final, with keeper Andrew Lock in superb form between the sticks, stopping the first three University efforts.
Suburbs and Fraser-Tech had the same tense shootout finish, after Tech fought back from a goal down at halftime to tie the match, and force the shootout.
Aaron McNabb handed his Suburbs side the halftime lead, but Tech upped the tempo after the break and equalised when Alec Wilson hammered the ball home.
Up stepped Suburbs keeper Dean Armstrong in the shootout, smothering and saving four of Tech's five attempts at goal.
Brother Craig Armstrong was in the other goal for Tech, but couldn't pull off the same heroics as his brother, as Suburbs claimed a 2-1 shootout win.
The women's semifinals were far less dramatic.
University eased into the final with a dominant performance, beating Suburbs 6-0.
Jess Turner, Megan Hull and Brodi Muschamp gave University a 3-0 lead after only 15 minutes, blowing away their sorry opponents.
The University girls had more desire and speed in getting to 50/50 balls, outworking Suburbs across the pitch.
After the break University extended the advantage, Chloe Stephens claiming a well deserved brace and Libby Clements also getting in on the action.
University will play Old Girls in the final, after they beat Fraser Tech 3-1 in their semifinal.
Monic Bothma handed Tech the early lead, but Old Girls fought back and took control through goals to Kate Barker, Jeanna Richardson and Toni Vickers.
Stuff
Tilak dominates
Zanzeer Singh
TILAK High School dominated the boy's division during the Fijian Lautoka Secondary School Hockey Association competition which ended on Saturday.
Tilak High won both the under-16 and U19 grades.
Swami Vivekananda College and Jasper Williams High School won their girl's U19 pools.
Association president Makelesi Adireki-Mawi said the top three schools from each quarter-final qualify for the Super Eight competition in August.
"We had a great competition and there was a lot of rivalry among the schools.
"We had the deciding matches for the teams to qualify for the Super Eight in Suva and Tilak dominated the boy's division.
"They have some good players but none of them are in the national development team.
"We have a lot of talent here in the West and dominated the Inter District Championship last year beating Levuka and Suva.
"We hope that the national selectors can come down to witness our talents next time."
The Super Eight will be held from August 18-20.
The top three teams from the West, Suva and two from Levuka will play in this competition.
The Fiji Times