News 08 October 2014
All the news for Wednesday 8 October 2014
Tassie Tigers top Pool A
Pools C & D now known as AHL hots up in quest for Australian title
The Victorian Vipers women sealed their place in the top four of the Australian Hockey League powered by Premier Technology Solutions with a 1-0 win over Canberra Labor Club Strikers in Brisbane. The Pool A result consigned the ACT side to the 5th-8th crossover pool, Pool D, in the second phase of the competition. Victorian captain Stacia Joseph’s penalty stroke in the second quarter settled the result. Pool A was topped by Queensland Scorchers, who progress to the second phase as the only team with a 100% record after their 5-0 victory over NT Pearls. Jodie Kenny remains top of the scoring charts after netting her fifth goal of the tournament; Jill Dwyer, Ashlea Fey, Kazzia Lammon and Murphy Allendorf also found the target.
In women’s Pool B, a hat-trick from Kathryn Slattery helped WA Diamonds to a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Tassie Van Demons. Jemma Buckley, Caitlin Pascov, Jess Esslemont and Penny Sqibb all made the score sheet. The Diamonds will be joined in Pool C, the 1st-4th playoffs, by NSW Arrows. The Arrows women overcame SA Southern Suns 4-1 courtesy of goals by Hockeyroos Casey Eastham and Kellie White, 2013 top scorer Hollie Webster, and Kirsten Pearce. SA’s Brooklyn Buchecker became the first player to breach the Arrows’ defence this week. The Van Demons and Southern Suns will compete in Pool D for 5th-8th.
Women’s Pool C: NSW, QLD, VIC, WA
Women’s Pool D: ACT, NT, SA, TAS
Tasmania’s Tassie Tigers men will finish in the top four of the Australian Hockey League for the first time since 2008 after a 3-1 win over RAMS Home Loan Canberra Lakers in Adelaide. The result, courtesy of goals from Geoff Cock, Sam McCambridge and 22 year-old Kieron Arthur, elevated the Tasmanians to the top of Pool A. They will be joined in Pool C by defending champions, Queensland Blades, who survived a late fight back by the SA Southern Hotshots in their 3-3 draw; the Blades led 3-0 with 12 minutes remaining before the Hotshots battled back for a point.
In men’s Pool B, the Victorian Vikings finished in pole position after a narrow 1-0 win over WA Thundersticks. Josh Pollard’s goal decided the contest with both sides already guaranteed their spots in the top four playoffs after earlier results. For the Thundersticks, who have reached the AHL final in 13 of the previous 19 years, it marks a return to form after they finished seventh in 2013. Despite beating SRA Territory Stingers 2-1, NSW Waratahs finished third in Pool B and will compete in Pool D in the second phase of the competition after earlier defeats left them unable to reach the top four.
Men’s Pool C: QLD, TAS, VIC, WA
Men’s Pool D: ACT, NSW, NT, SA
The first of the two matches each team will play in pools C and D takes place on Wednesday with the second fixture on Friday. Saturday is finals day, when classification and medal matches take place.
Women's AHL results - Tuesday (day three)
Brisbane, QLD
Results
Canberra Labor Club Strikers (ACT) 0-1 Victorian Vipers (VIC)
WA Diamonds (WA) 7-0 Tassie Van Demons (TAS)
Queensland Scorchers (QLD) 5-0 NT Pearls (NT)
NSW Arrows (NSW) 4-1 SA Southern Suns (SA)
Women's Standings - for detailed standings click here
Pool A
1. Queensland Scorchers (QLD) 9
2. Victorian Vipers (VIC) 6
3. Canberra Labor Club Strikers (ACT) 3
4. NT Pearls (NT) 0
Pool B
1. NSW Arrows (NSW) 9
2. WA Diamonds (WA) 6
3. SA Southern Suns (SA) 1
4. Tassie Van Demons (TAS) 1
Second phase
Women’s Pool C: NSW, QLD, VIC, WA
Women’s Pool D: ACT, NT, SA, TAS
For women's fixtures, match sheets, squad lists, scoring charts and more visit hockey.org.au/ahlwomen
***
Men's AHL results - Tuesday (day three)
Adelaide, SA
Results
RAMS Home Loan Canberra Lakers (ACT) 1-3 Tassie Tigers (TAS)
Victorian Vikings (VIC) 1-0 WA Thundersticks
Queensland Blades (QLD) 3-3 SA Southern Hotshots (SA)
NSW Waratahs (NSW) 2-1 SRA Territory Stingers (NT)
Men's standings - for detailed standings click here
Pool A
1. Tassie Tigers (TAS) 7
2. Queensland Blades (QLD) 4
3. RAMS Home Loan Canberra Lakers (ACT) 3
4. SA Southern Hotshots (SA) 2
Pool B
1. Victorian Vikings (VIC) 9
2. WA Thundersticks (WA) 6
3. NSW Waratahs (NSW) 3
4. SRA Territory Stingers (NT) 0
Second phase
Men’s Pool C: QLD, TAS, VIC, WA
Men’s Pool D: ACT, NSW, NT, SA
For men's fixtures, match sheets, squad lists, scoring charts and more visit hockey.org.au/ahlmen
Competition format
At the completion of the initial round matches, the teams will be divided into two further pools. These will be allocated based on the teams finishing positions at the completion of the round matches.
POOL C: A1, A2, B1, B2
POOL D: A3, A4, B3, B4
In these pools, teams will carry across the points and goal difference (goals for and against) from their respective match against the other team from the initial round who has joined them in that pool. Each team will then play the two teams it has not already played against (i.e. the teams that join Pool C/Pool D from the opposite initial pool).
Pool C is playing for positions 1 – 4.
Pool D is playing for positions 5 – 8.
The Final and Classification matches will be as follows although the matches will not necessarily be played in this order:
Final: 1st in Pool C v 2nd in Pool C
3rd & 4th Classification: 3rd In Pool C v 4th in Pool C
5th & 6th Classification: 1st in Pool D v 2nd in Pool D
7th & 8th Classification: 3rd In Pool D v 4th in Pool D
Hockey Australia media release
East Grinstead head for EHL
By Graham Wilson
ASHLEY JACKSON'S hat-trick in East Grinstead’s 4-0 win over title rivals Surbiton sent his club top of the NOW: Pensions League, giving them a Euro lift.
The Sussex club now play Russians Dinamo Stroitel on Friday and then Dutch club Kampong on Saturday in the Euro Hockey League in Barcelona.
Daily Express
Kelburne's Christie says last 16 achievable
Bromac Kelburne's captain Johnny Christie says a place in the last 16 is achievable if his side plays to their full ability this weekend in the EHL despite a tough draw against Spain's Atletic Terrassa and Austria's SV Arminen.
“We may have lost Mark Fulton in goal but we have gained top Australian keeper Ben Rennie who has been great”, said Christie. “We have also brought in top goal scorer and ex-international Dougie Simpson and Spanish talent Jordi Rovira.
“It will be tough but we are stronger than last year and we believe we can get to the last 16. We have a great mix of youth and experience in the side, from old guys like me at 33 who have competed in many European competitions to young Jack McKenzie at 18, this being his first experience of EHL hockey.”
SV Arminen are the Scottish champions’ first clash on Friday. Following a rest day, Atletic are their opponents on Sunday in front of a potentially partisan Barcelona crowd.
Euro Hockey League media release
League Champions Kelburne face Europe's finest in EHL
National League Division 1 Champions Bromac Kelburne travel to Barcelona for Round 1 of the European Hockey League (EHL) this week, with progress to the last 16 of the continent’s top club competition the target for Scotland’s representatives.
Standing in their way of a place in the next round are Austrian side SV Arminen and Spanish outfit Athletic Terressa, who they face in Pool D.
Matches at this level are no easy win, but captain Johnny Christie believes a place in the last 16 is achievable if his side plays to their full ability, “We may have lost Mark Fulton in goal but we have gained top Australian keeper Ben Rennie who has been great”, said Christie. “We have also brought in top goal scorer and ex-international Dougie Simpson and Spanish talent Jordi Rovira.”
“It will be tough but we are stronger than last year and we believe we can get to the last 16. We have a great mix of youth and experience in the side, from old guys like me at 31 who have competed in many European competitions to young Jack McKenzie at 18, this being his first experience of EHL hockey.”
SV Arminen are the Scottish champions’ first clash on Friday. Many of the Austrian side are current international players and recently competed in the FIH World League 1 competition. The Austrians made their EHL debut last season but inexperience should not be considered a prerequisite to underestimating their potential. The outcome of this match will be critical to the Paisley side’s ambitions.
Following a rest day, Spanish side Athletic Terrassa are their opponents on Sunday. The Spanish side’s best result is reaching the last 8 in 2011/12 and with a team full of experienced international players this will be tough test.
Bromac Kelburne Squad List
Ben Rennie
Andrew Wilkie
Mark Ralph
Michael Nicol
Craig Morton
Adam Bain
Jordi Rovira
Michael Bremner
Iain Scholefield
Chris Nelson
Michael Christie
Lee Morton
Douglas Simpson
Jonathan Christie (c)
Jack McKenzie
Ross McIntyre
Friday 10th October
SA Arminen v Bromac Kelburne Start time 11.30am (BST)
Sunday 12th October
Athletic Terrassa v Bromac Kelburne Start time 11.00am (BST)
Live streaming of both matches is available on the EHL website here
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Friday Night Lights all set for a Glasgow derby
Friday Night Lights is back this Friday and this time for a Glasgow derby between Western Wildcats and PSL Team Sport Clydesdale.
Western Wildcats welcome all ages of hockey fans down to Auchenhowie this Friday for an evening filled of hockey activity. Before the National League 1 showcase the junior Wildcats take to the stage and perform under the lights.
The match pushes back at 8pm and promises to be an end to end spectacle as Clydesdale are 4 games without a loss and sitting pretty at top of the table. The Wildcats are in a comfortable fourth spot but will be looking to improve with a win over local rivals.
It’s not just playing that will feature this Friday the west district umpires association are putting on an expert panel of umpires for a relaxed Q & A session after the match featuring refreshments.
On the panel will be;
Ian Diamond
Norrie Urquhart
Aileen Ross
John Heron
Harry Dunlop
International player
Make sure you come on down and watch some top domestic hockey Scotland has to offer.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Police, Strathmore closer to clinching play-off slots
By LARRY NGALA
Racheal Wangui (left) of USIU tackles Joyce Githinji of Mount Kenya University during their KHU women’s Premier League match at City park Stadium on October 4, 2014. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU
Kenya Police and Strathmore University were the biggest winners of the weekend’s Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League matches as the race for the play-off places intensifies.
Champions Kenya Police claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Parkroad in Sunday’s late kick-off to move to second place in Pool A on six points, a point behind leaders USIU-A who lost 2-1 away to Western Jaguars in Kakamega.
Last season’s top scorer, Moses Cheplaiti, found form with his first goal of the campaign to put his team ahead only for Park Road’s Jerry Kanah to equalise before Nelson Ochieng grabbed the winner in the second-half.
“I am glad I finally scored my first goal of the season, I have been playing well but the goals have not been coming, hopefully this will give me confidence going into the next games,” said Cheplaiti.
MISSED CHANCE
Leaders USIU-A missed a chance to extend their lead on top of the Pool after going down in Kakamega.
But the students who have already played four games this season, more than any other team in the pool, remain on top with seven points.
In Pool B, 2011 champions Strathmore University Gladiators beat Wazalendo 3-2 in a top-of-the-table clash to all but seal their place in the play-offs.
The Gladiators moved to the top of the standings with 12 points and have now completed their games.
They must now hope that Wazalendo who are in second place three points behind drop points in their final game to be assured of a play-off spot.
The 2012 Champions Nairobi Simba are third with nine points from three games.
In the women’s league, USIU moved level on points with champions Telkom Orange after a 7-0 drubbing of MKU.
Daily Nation
Hunt on for hockey title: Battle for points intensifies as Police regain their footing
By Elizabeth Mburugu
USIU player Rhodah Nyambura(l) blocks Mount Kenya University player Joyce Githinjias they played women league at Citypark. USIU won 7-0. ON 04/10/14 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League champions Police beat Parkroad 2-1 to boost their hopes of successfully defending their title.
Police, who began their title retention campaign on a low following a 1-0 loss to Greensharks, are second with six points from three matches, a point adrift group A leaders United States International University of Africa (USIU-A).
The law enforcers have lost the top form that they enjoyed last season, helping them go nine matches unbeaten.
However, head coach Kenneth Kaunda is optimistic his charges have regained their winning ways and are still in the run for this season’s trophy.
“We lost our opening match, which was not good. Even so we are all committed and know that with the pooling system each match counts. We are determined to secure a semi-finals spot, which is only achievable if we win all our remaining matches,” he said.
Kaunda pointed out that he will polish his units, especially the defence, going into the next match, which will be against USIU-A.
“I will strengthen my defence and other units. We only have three matches and if we can get maximum points from them we will be in the semis,” he said.
Western Jaguars, who subjected in-form USIU-A to their first defeat of the season, are fourth, tied on five points with Greensharks who have a superior goal difference.
Strathmore University who are through with their group matches are at the summit of pool B with 12 points, having won four and lost two. Wazalendo are second with nine points. They have a tough task ahead as they have to beat débutantes Bay Club by over three goals to qualify for play-offs and lock out Strathmore. Nairobi Simba are third with nine points from three matches.
Parklands Sports Club are at the peak of pool A of the men’s second league tier with 12 points from four matches. Parkroad Tigers and Multimedia University are second and third respectively.
Kenyatta University Vultures top pool B on a clean sheet with 12 points from four matches. Technical University are second having earned easy points from a walkover awarded against National Youth Service, who failed to honour their match. Vultures have 12 points from five matches.
Karate Axiom are third with six points from two wins and two losses.
The battle is tough in the ladies race as defending champions Orange top pool A with six points from two matches. However, they are tied on points with second placed USIU-A Spartans, who have an inferior goal difference. Mombasa Sports Club are third with three points.
It is the same script, different casts in pool B as last year’s league runners-up Strathmore University Scorpions lead with nine points. Sliders are second with the same points from three matches having benefited from a walkover awarded against debutants JKUAT ladies, who failed to show up.
Vikings are third in the pool with three points.
The Standard Online
Waikato teen Woods in the Black Sticks squad
BEN STRANG
MOVING UPFIELD: Hamilton teenager Nic Woods has been called up by the Black Sticks after an impressive NHL season. Photosport
Everyone around Nic Woods, including himself, were surprised when the teenager got the callup to the Black Sticks last week.
Then again, nobody was really that surprised Woods cracked the New Zealand national hockey team - it was more the timing.
surprised some people, rather than the fact Woods has cracked the New Zealand national hockey team.
A fresh-faced 19-year-old, Woods didn't expect his Black Sticks callup to come so soon.
Nobody did.
He thought it would come a few years down the track, once he'd proved himself as a top performer in the National Hockey League for his Midlands side.
"I actually didn't think I had too great of a campaign [for Midlands]," Woods said.
"It was all right, I played well in a few instances, but the others I didn't play so well.
"Apparently, I was wrong."
Woods is his own biggest critic.
It wasn't his overall game that was the problem during the NHL, but small errors he felt he was making on a regular basis.
Those are the errors that get to Woods the most, and the ones he is always working to remove from his game.
His combination in the Midlands midfield with Richard Petherick behind and Australian import Tim Deavin in front led the team to the final, where it lost 3-0 to Auckland.
Midlands coach Simon Brill said throughout the campaign that Woods had been the standout, taking command of matches when, at 19, he wasn't expected to take such a strong role.
Woods said he thrived working alongside the experience of Deavin, and just followed his lead in matches.
"He's a real good person to play alongside because he is real quick in his movements, he shields the ball real nicely, and has a real nice eye for a pass.
"To be able to work off that and play with him was amazing, real fun, in a way. I learned a lot from that."
Woods joined the New Zealand under-21 team for the Sultan Azlan Shar Cup in Malaysia, leaving the country yesterday.
On his return, Woods will be straight into Black Sticks camp, where he will learn what his role will be with the national squad.
For Midlands, and the New Zealand under-21 team, Woods is expected to push forward and support the attack.
He said that might change for the Black Sticks, but hoped he was allowed to continue to thrive on that licence to attack.
"I've been playing centre half, but more attacking than defensive. Just working off what Tim was doing and supporting the attack.
"I'd love to continue doing that sort of thing but, if not, I'll be happy to fill the role I'm asked to do."
Woods, the youngest member of the Black Sticks squad, said to earn a callup at 19 was amazing.
"I'd never even dreamed of getting a Black Sticks callup at 19. It's crazy.
"I think it's going to be pretty surreal when I get on. It's real amazing, so now I've got to go and perform and make sure they made the right call."
And don't be surprised if Woods secures a long future in the black singlet.
Stuff
The Aussies are on a mission in Sultan of Johor Cup
By Aftar Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: The Australia junior team have a strong reason to do well in the Sultan of Johor Cup which begins on Sunday at the Taman Daya Stadium.
They will be hoping to emulate the success of the senior squad who won the World Cup in The Hague in June.
The Under-21 side will be led by four members of the gold-medal winning squad at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing in August.
Nathanael Stewart, Tim Howard, Max Hendry and Alec Rasmussen were all part of the team that beat Canada in a shootout after a 3-3 draw in the final.
Also included are three young players who were reserves in Nanjing – Simon Benetti, Hayden Walker and Oliver Crane.
Among the 18 players named, only Will Gilmour has experience playing in the Junior World Cup in New Delhi last December.
Australia will face Singapore and neighbours New Zealand in two warm-up matches in Singapore prior to arriving in Johor on Thursday.
Hockey Australia’s national junior coach Paul Gaudoin said: “The Sultan of Johor Cup provides an opportunity for our young players to compete on an international stage at the only FIH endorsed junior international competition besides the Junior World Cup.
“It’s a valuable opportunity for our players to be exposed to different international playing styles from Asia, Europe and Oceania.
“Tours such as this allow us to assess our players on the international stage and help them to become Kookaburras of the future,” said Gaudoin.
Australia will open their campaign against Malaysia on Sunday.
They lost to Malaysia in the final of the inaugural tournament in 2011.
The Star of Malaysia
Firdaus takes one in the mouth for the love of hockey
By Aftar Singh
Mohd Firdaus Omar lost six of his front teeth during a friendly match against the national senior team last month. He's now back in trainnig with the junior squad preparing for the Sultan of Johor Cup starting on Sunday.
KUALA LUMPUR: There’s a reason the Project 2016 squad lacked some bite in the heart of defence during their tour of Perth.
One of their key defenders, Mohd Firdaus Omar lost six of his teeth!
With four upper and two lower teeth knocked out during a friendly match against the national seniors at the National Hockey Stadium last month, he had to give the four-match playing tour last week a miss.
Apart from the missing teeth, the 18-year-old Malaccan also needed 10 stitches on his gums, after he got smacked in the mouth with a hockey stick.
In his absence, the team won their first match 2-0 against the Western Australian Institute of Sports Under-21 team. They subsequently drew their next three (1-1, 3-3, 2-2) against the same opponents.
Firdaus said it was his mistake and regretted not wearing a mouth guard.
“I was in shock for a few days after the match. I’ve learnt a painful lesson and I would be more careful in my tackles in future,” said Firdaus after training in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.
Firdaus, who scored four A’s and four B’s in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) this year, however, will not hang up his hockey stick.
Instead Firdaus, who is doing a diploma in mechanical engineering at the Universiti Tenaga Nasional, said that the incident would not stop him from playing the sport.
“I love hockey and will continue doing so as long as I can.
“I will get my teeth fixed in December after the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL),” added Firdaus, who will feature for Tenaga Nasional in the MHL, which begins on Oct 29. The tournament is expected to end by Dec 14.
Firdaus is also confident he can make the final squad for the Sultan of Johor Cup despite the setback.
“Nothing is going to stop me from making my debut. My dream is to become a national player and I will continue to give my all in training to win a place,” said Firdaus.
There are 27 players in the Project 2016 training squad and coach S. Arulselvaraj will name the final 18 after two friendlies against Britain on Thursday and Friday.
The other teams in the fray are defending champions India, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.
Malaysia finished runners-up after losing 3-0 to India last yearopen this year’s campaign against Australia on Sunday.
The Star of Malaysia
Can India consolidate the gains?
S. Thyagarajan
The gold medal for India in the men’s hockey competition was the high point of the Asian Games. It does not necessarily mean that the gold won in other disciplines glitters less. But for the eight-time Olympic champion, this top of the podium finish after a hiatus of 16 years is special; one that symbolises the resurrection of an ethos built over decades.
For those who etched the epitaph subsequent to the disastrous qualifier at Santiago where India missed the participation in the 2008 Olympics for the first time the verdict last week is a subtle message for a chance to reinvent and recover.
The question is how to consolidate the gains. The tempo generated needs to be channelised into a constructive programme to improve, innovate and improvise.
If somebody imagines that India’s show was flawless it is way beyond the truth. More than anyone, the chief coach, Terry Walsh, is convinced that a lot requires to be addressed and corrected.
The symphony in the attack missed many beats, degenerating into discordant notes in every match. The consistency factor was abysmal. True, the individual proficiency of S.V. Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Ramandeep was impressive but the required harmony to strike was missing. This area calls for immediate improvement. Unless this is accomplished before the next challenge, the Champions Trophy at Bhubaneswar, everything will fade away into memory.
A modicum of adjustment in the middle layer and backline will be sufficient to strengthen the defence. Sardar Singh, supported by Gurbaj Singh, Kothajit (who scored a stunning equaliser against Pakistan in the final), Manpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra and Dharambir fulfilled the expectations as did Rupinder and Raghunath.
The team, however, looks up to goalkeeper Sreejesh, whose prowess has now been proved more than once.
While the gold medal contributed a lot in embellishing the profile of Indian hockey a structural inadequacy persists. Hockey has lost its pan-India presence. It is cluttered in pockets. Several cities like Mumbai, which used to be in the forefront of projecting a cornucopia of talent, Hyderabad, Chennai and even Karnataka, get very little focus. In Tamil Nadu it is in a state of inertia and probably so in other areas as well. Paucity of raw talent is a reality.
The sport is not enjoying the priority status even in renowned nurseries.
More than savouring the golden moment and slipping into the corridor of complacency, Hockey India has to re-invigorate and reconstruct the whole structure at every nook and corner. A phenomenal increase in the 13-20 age group talent pool and close monitoring of its development have to be ensured on a war footing. This endeavour requires the co-operation and understanding of the country’s needs from all sections.
A new set, headed by Dr. Narinder Batra as President, is to take office on October 13.
Its first priority should be to frame a vision document for garnering the new awakening at all levels.
A compact expert committee with foreign coaches, trainers and former internationals can be constituted with a time frame firmly fixed to prepare a viable programme.
The Hindu
Asiad gold will have telling impact on Indian hockey: Walsh
NEW DELHI: The Asian Games gold medal after a hiatus of 16 years will have a "telling impact" on Indian hockey, feels chief coach Terry Walsh, insisting that "sustainability" would be the key to produce "continued excellence".
A spirited India outclassed arch-rivals Pakistan 4-2 in a nerve-wrecking shoot-out to regain the Asian Games men's hockey gold medal after a gap of 16 years and also sealed a direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
And Walsh said the yellow metal in Incheon is an "indicator" of the team's progress.
"The situation now is very delicately balanced. So this gold is definitely going to have a telling impact on Indian hockey. We have moved to a better place with the team than what we were a year back," the Australian said in an interview.
"It was much-needed, the gold was a great tonic. It gave a good measure of our progress.
"But the real question from here on is sustainability and improvement. The need of the hour now is to make some aggressive strategy. We will have to make some changes because constant changes are a must to produce consistency and continued excellence," he said.
Walsh said a strong development programme from the grassroot level is a must if India wants to achieve consistency in their performances.
"The present group of players are very good but the real issue is longevity. You need to have development programmes for sustainability and longevity. There needs to be accountability which I am sorry to say is not present now," he pin-pointed.
"We have very good talent in junior programmes and they need to be exposed. But unfortunately the level of domestic hockey is very low level and for me it is the urgent problem, which can be addressed only by putting in place a better development programme."
The gold in Incheon definitely gave the highly-paid Walsh some relief as he was under immense pressure to deliver results but the chief coach said India still has a long way to traverse to match the top three of the world.
"We made good progression but you can never be happy as a coach. We are still not good enough to play top teams. The level of hockey in Asia is below what top teams like Australia, Germany and Netherlands play," he said.
"But if you ask me whether my boys can play these teams now and give them a fight I would say yes. In the beginning of the year we didn't have a chance to stand in front of these teams."
Walsh was all praise for the Sardar Singh-led side and feels the gold in Incheon made this bunch of players realise the difference between passion and emotion.
"These players never played in the final and won. This is the first time we have won a major tournament with these set of players and I guess they now understand the difference between passion and emotion," he said.
The chief coach had special praise for a few players but said overall the backline, which has been India's perennial problem, has outperformed the forwardline.
"Our defensive record is very good in this tournament and Birendra Lakra was for me the player of the tournament. Kothajit (Singh) also came of age and Rupinder improved a defender. Gurbaz (Singh) was best right back in the entire competition for me, while Sreejesh as usual was brilliant in front of the goal," Walsh said.
"But scoring should have been much better considering the fact that we have created plenty of chances."
The Times of India
Accolades pour in for Sreejesh
KOCHI: Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh wouldn't have realized the magnitude of the two saves he made against Pakistan in the final of Asian Games final then.
Ever since that historic feat in Incheon last Thursday, accolades have been pouring in for the Kochi lad from all over the country. On Monday, Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy visited his house in Kizhakkambalam to congratulate the Indian custodian.
But what would have pleased Sreejesh most is the promise made by the chief minister that he would take personal interest in facilitating his return to the state.
"We had decided to offer him the job of a sports officer, a post equivalent to an assistant education officer (AEO) in the education department two years back. But now he is employed in a managerial post drawing a handsome salary in a nationalized bank. So I have decided to present his case in the cabinet meeting on Wednesday where a final decision with regards to his post and salary would be taken," said the Kerala chief minister.
The state government had offered jobs to five Kerala sportspersons in 2010 who were working outside the state and it was only Sreejesh who had accepted the offer. But his posting as an AEO has been lying caught in red tape since then and his performance in Incheon has now forced the government to act fast.
KCA to honour Sreejesh
In a praise-worthy move, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has decided to honour Sreejesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on the eve of the ODI match between India and West Indies on Tuesday afternoon.
Sreejesh would be introduced to the Indian cricketers at the stadium and would be presented a memento during the media interaction of Indian team which is likely to be attended by skipper MS Dhoni.
The Times of India
Dhoni honours Sreejesh on behalf of KCA
KOCHI: Indian hockey team vice-captain and goalkeeper P R Sreejesh, the hero of Incheon Asian Games final against Pakistan, was today honoured by Mahendra Singh Dhoni on behalf of Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for his performance in the summit clash of the continental event.
India cricket captain Dhoni presented a memento to Sreejesh on behalf of KCA. KCA president T C Mathew was among those present at the event.
The hockey custodian from Kerala later told reporters that he was delighted to receive the memento from Dhoni and would be at the stadium to cheer the Indian team when they take on the West Indies tomorrow in the first of the five ODIs against West Indies.
Sreejesh produced breathtaking saves in the shoot-out to help India end its 16-year gold medal draught in the Asian Games, which helped the country earn a direct berth to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The Times of India
Mahendra Singh Dhoni leaves PR Sreejesh awestruck
Vijesh MV
KOCHI: Under the bar, PR Sreejesh rarely loses concentration. The Indian hockey vice-captain and goalkeeper was in brilliant form in the recently held Asian Games in Incheon, holding fort like a champion to help India clinch gold and a berth to Rio Olympics.
On Tuesday, however, after receiving a memento from MS Dhoni for his stellar show in the Asian Games, Sreejesh said he was still "shivering" after shaking hands with India's cricket captain.
The Kerala Cricket Association's move to felicitate Sreejesh was a well-timed one as the Indian cricket board's (BCCI) decision to stay away from the Asian Games has come in for criticism from many corners, including the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
It was an exciting meeting between two sporting stars on the eve of the first one-dayer against West Indies. One of them, Dhoni, gave up football to become one of the most successful cricket captains. The other chose hockey leaving athletics behind and became one of India's finest goalkeepers.
Dhoni was all smiles as he shook hands and exchanged a few words with Sreejesh. "It's a great moment for me. Though I don't play much cricket, I have been following big names like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. He congratulated me and I wished him good luck," said Sreejesh.
The Indian goalie, no mean an achiever himself, sounded like an awestruck fan boy after meeting the Indian cricket captain.
"Dhoni told me he too was into hockey during his school days but stayed away from the sport due to injury fears, having witnessed a nasty one in one of the games he played. Dhoni is a super cool guy," Sreejesh gushed.
The Asian Games gold medallist said he will be there at the stadium to watch the first ODI between India and West Indies on Wednesday.
"I am a proud Indian who feels motivated when India win. I will be rooting for Dhoni and his men," he said.
The Times of India
USA Field Hockey Unveils New Club Programming for 2015
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – With our ever-growing membership and continually improving level of competition throughout clubs across the country, USA Field Hockey is excited to announce the new Regional Club Championship, National Club Championship and National Club Challenge programming for the summer of 2015.
The National Club Championship, presented by Harrow Sports, is the pinnacle of club competition. The tournament has grown into four age groups of the best club teams across the USA. Spanning over nine days in Lancaster, Pa., the National Club Championship will see competition in 2015 from July 9-17.
Throughout March, April, May and June, more than 100 club teams and 2,000 athletes will compete for qualification into the prestigious USA Field Hockey National Club Championship. The tournament is the most elite level of play in junior field hockey and has expanded annually since its inception in 2011 with a number of changes in place for 2015.
At a regional level new for 2015 will be the addition of Regional Club Championships (RCC) in the Under-14 division. Under-16 and Under-19 RCCs have been in place since 2012.
Also new in 2015 will see the addition of the National Club Challenge presented by Harrow Sports. The National Club Challenge is designed to complement the National Club Championship in July and will operate during the same timeframe July 9-14, 2015 at the National Training Center, Virginia Beach, Va. The Regional Club Championships will serve as a dual qualification competition to both the Club Championship and Club Challenge. The top 16 clubs in the country will qualify for the National Club Championship, with the next best eight finishers across the RCCs qualifying for the National Club Challenge. Teams finishing third and fourth at their Regional Club Championship will qualify to attend the Challenge.
A further addition will see the expansion of the National Club Championship for the Under-12 age group. This will provide a unique national experience for club teams and will also showcase their hockey skills on the new AstroTurf alongside their older counterparts. Entry for the Under-12 division will be based on National Club Rankings in its first edition as a USA Field Hockey National event.
As the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams look for qualification to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, USA Field Hockey Member Clubs will seek qualification to the highest-tier club events this summer, the National Club Championships and National Club Challenge.
More information can be found by following the links below:
2015 Regional Club Championships (http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Field-Hockey/EVENTS/2015/January/01/Regional-Club-Championships)
2015 National Club Championships (http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Field-Hockey/EVENTS/2015/July/09/National-Club-Championship)
2015 National Club Challenge (TBD)
Member clubs, Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus and local tournament organizers can apply now to hold a Regional Club Championship in their city. Regional Club Championships must secure at least one outdoor turf and host at least four teams in at least one age division, Under-14, Under-16 or Under-19, from the region. Event and volunteer staff will be assessed to be sure the tournament will be well-run. A variety of nearby hotel accommodations with rates consistent with the lowest off-season prices is also required. USA Field Hockey will select the most qualified bids to host the RCCs. Interested Hosts may apply by contacting Emily Thomas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
USFHA media release
Big Saturday at Polo Farm in aid of Cancer Research
Canterbury Ladies Pretty in pink for Breast Cancer charity.
This weekend there is a double header of fixtures down in Kent as Canterbury’s men take on Cannock at 3pm whilst the ladies operate in the prime time slot, at 5pm against Buckingham. The club has dubbed the event “Big Saturday” and will be using it as a means to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Research.
It is a cause close to the hearts of many of the club’s players, not just because of their status as high-profile athletes, but also because it is a disease that has struck them close to home. Junior Club Secretary Rachel Brett and Ladies’ Treasurer Jaynie Scott-Kilvert were both diagnosed with cancer within a few months of each other as double-Olympian Mel Clewlow tells us:
“You always think it won’t happen to you or to anyone you know, so last year, when two of our most influential and well-known club members were diagnosed within a few months of each other it hit everyone at the club really hard. We wanted to show our support for them and what they’ve been through. As we are quite a well-known team due to our success last year we have a good reach through publicity, so with Big Saturday at the club, what better way to spread the word than with a visual show of support in front of a big crowd at Polo Farm?”
The visual show of support Clewlow mentions is that the ladies 1st XI, currently sitting third in the top flight, will don pink shirts and socks instead of their traditional green and white. They are also running giveaways, deals for food and drink at the bar as well as a host of other activities to ensure every member of the club is engaged in some way.
“We want to get the whole club involved and build some momentum so this can be a regular show of support and not just a one off.” says the Vice Captain.
“We want to show our commitment to raising awareness for the charity and supporting those affected by it. The way both of our club members have handled themselves has been inspirational. We want to show how much we care for them and how much we respect them for being so brave.”
Brett, whose daughter Eliza plays in the ladies’ 1st XI, admitted the efforts ahead of this Saturday had overwhelmed her, whilst Scott-Kilvert added:
“The amount of support that I’ve had from all sections of the club has been great. From the texts and hugs, to the cheer I got stepping on the pitch in the Over 45s final whilst still receiving chemotherapy. They’ve all been such a lift for me. I don't think I could find a better club anywhere."
If you would like to get involved with Canterbury Hockey Club and their efforts on “Big Saturday” head down to Polo Farm this weekend for a 3pm start in the men’s game, 5pm start in the ladies' match.
All the details can be found on the Canterbury website, or the below flyer.
England Hockey Board Media release