News 19 October 2014
All the news for Sunday 19 October 2014
Black Sticks Women celebrate 2-1 win against USA
Pictured: North Harbour’s Erin Goad debuts for the Black Sticks. photosport.co.nz
Goals from Anita Punt and Sophie Cocks have given the Black Sticks Women a well-deserved 2-1 win today against the USA in their second test at the TET Multisports Centre in Stratford.
“I think USA really stepped up from yesterday and were much more intense and had a higher work rate, it took us a while to match that but I’m really pleased the girls stepped up,” said co-captain Sam Charlton.
“I think it’s really great when you have a six games series, you are able to improve each time because you are playing against the same team, obviously they may change their structures throughout the week and that will challenge us a little bit, but to be able to progress forward and see where we are at against a world-class team is really positive, especially for the new girls in the group.
With four games left to play in the series, after a 1-1 draw yesterday, Charlton said there is still lots of room for improvement.
“I think we need to come out with higher energy, I think we were rushing into our tackles a bit much and allowing them to break infield far too many times which was causing us some problems on defence. Keeping them playing out wide I think is a real work-on for the next game,” said Charlton.
In the first quarter, USA held possession for long periods and New Zealand at times struggled to work their way into the circle despite the support from the 800-strong crowd.
In the 18th minute, co-captain Anita Punt converted a penalty corner but the lead was short-lived, with American Melissa Gonzalez picking up a rebound from goalkeeper Georgia Barnett and equalising three minutes later.
The Kiwi’s lead was regained in the 49th minute when Punt drag flicked a penalty corner and Cocks deflected it in to claim her second goal of the series.
North Harbour’s Erin Goad had fans in the stand for her debut game, and came inches away from claiming her first international goal in the fourth quarter when she took a superb reverse stick shot from the left hand side of the circle that unfortunately ricocheted off the cross bar.
Both teams now travel to Palmerston North where they play two games (6.30pm, 21 & 23 Oct) and Carterton (2pm, 25 & 26 Oct). Tickets are cheaper online at www.dashtickets.co.nz with family, student and child discounts available. Gate sales also available.
All games are live streamed here - http://bit.ly/1qLD3LR
RESULT
Full time: 2-1 (NZ win)
Half time: 1-1
NZ goal scorers: Anita Punt, Sophie Cocks
USA goal scorer: Melissa Gonzalez
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks women edge US in second test
MURRAY HILLS
TURF TUSSLE: Black Sticks player Michaela Curtis is challenged by a USA defender during the test match in Stratford. Charlotte Curd / Fairfax NZ
The Black Sticks women's hockey team head to their next stop of their six-test series buoyed by today's 2-1 win to go one up over the United States after the first test yesterday was drawn 1-1.
The second test in Stratford was a carbon copy of the first, with both sides evenly matched.
Like yesterday's test, both sides scored in the first half today and things were locked up at 1-1.
But it was the Black Sticks who found the winning goal early in the fourth quarter when awarded a penalty corner. Anita Punt's drag flick deflected off Sophie Cocks and into the goal to the delight of the 850-strong crowd.
Punt had earlier scored New Zealand's first goal in the second quarter, with Melissa Gonzalez scoring soon after for the United States.
The goal scorers in the first test were Cocks for New Zealand and Michelle Kasold for the United States.
Three players made their debuts for the Black Sticks - Shiloh Gloyn and Kathryn Henry on Saturday and Erin Goad yesterday.
The two teams now head to Palmerston North for matches three and four (Tuesday and Thursday), with the final two games in Carterton next weekend.
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager was rapt with today's win.
"Considering the amount of changes we've had with two players retiring and a couple of others unavailable, it's a good result. They're a quality team. They counter-attack well and they created a number of chances," he said.
"We showed some good patches, but there's room for improvement. Anita Punt, Liz Thompson and Sam Charlton stood up in defence. They've really taken over the leadership role."
Hager said the six-test series was a fantastic opportunity for the players and he gave the Stratford turf a big tick.
"We love coming here. It's a beautiful turf and there was a good crowd today. We'd be lucky to get between 200 and 300 in Auckland. To come to the regions is brilliant."
United States coach Craig Parnham was happy with his team's performance.
"We're getting to play some games against strong opposition. While the result wasn't what we wanted today, we improved from Saturday. I was more pleased with today's performance than Saturday's effort," he said.
"This series is a great opportunity for the players. It's just what we needed. It's a chance to blood some new players."
Parnham said the players had enjoyed the week-long stay in Stratford.
"It's been fabulous, we've been looked after and the support has been tremendous."
Stuff
Experience-shy Black Sticks soak up pressure
IN CONTROL: New Zealand's Anita Punt drives forward against the United States in Stratford. Photosport
Black Sticks women's head coach Mark Hager was pleased with the performance from his young Kiwi side, saying the 1-1 draw today was an impressive effort against an experienced United States side.
The game at the TET Multisports Centre in Stratford was the first of a six-test series against the Americans, with another game tomorrow, before the series finishes in Palmerston North and the Wairarapa.
The Kiwis had two players on debut yesterday, Midland's Shiloh Gloyn and North Harbour's Kathryn Henry, and despite the wet weather, they both said they won't forget the experience and felt proud to be wearing the black shirt.
"I can't fault the team's effort today, when you think of the number of senior players that are missing I'm pretty proud of the way the girls played," Hager said.
"It highlights that we have to give people the opportunity so they can prove themselves against a good quality team. It's good experience to put players under pressure, and I thought the signs from the game today were positive.
"I thought we played better in the first half, but we drifted away a bit in the third and fourth quarter. We created enough opportunities to win the game, but it was probably a little bit of inexperience that we couldn't finish them off, we know it's an area of our game that we need to improve."
In the first half, the Kiwis dominated possession and made it count, putting together a nice piece of play that New Zealand Young Player of the Year, Sophie Cocks, knocked to the back of the net.
The USA, who played a strong defensive game, equalised in the second quarter through Michelle Kasold.
Six minutes into the third quarter, the Black Sticks were awarded three penalty corners in a row, but none of them posed a threat with the USA goalkeeper Alesha Widdall diving and rallying the defence on each occasion.
A prime opportunity came with 10 minutes left on the clock when Gemma Flynn's heroic dive almost deflected in a pass from Curtis, but it trickled just wide.
Flynn, Anita Punt and Curtis all scrambled for a deciding goal with one minute left on the clock but it was not to be.
Stuff
USWNT completes first international match with new FIH 15 minute quarters
U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team athlete Stefanie Fee (Virginia Beach, Va.) picks up the pen to give us a recap of Team USA’s first match against New Zealand.
NEW ZEALAND - October 18, 2014 - After an exciting performance at the 2014 Rabobank Hockey World Cup, we went back to work with our heads held high to prepare for a six game test series against the Black Sticks in New Zealand. Our first match proved to be an exciting game in the rainy Stratford weather, as both teams played with high intensity throughout the pitch. This tournament marks the first set of games played with the newly constructed four, 15 minute quarters, rather than the usual 35 minute halves. This innovative time change is meant to make the game more spectator friendly as players are encouraged to compete at a higher intensity with less time and more rest.
“We found it difficult to get into the flow of the game and build momentum with the time change, but this test series is a great opportunity for us to practice the new rule,” said Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) USA athlete and midfielder.
The Black Sticks tallied the first of goal of the game in the second 15 minute stretch. However, it was not long before striker Michelle Kasold (Chapel Hill, N.C.) answered with a skillful pull out of congestion near the end line and coupled it with a beautiful shot off the back foot and into the back of the net. Alesha Widdall (Whitney Point, N.Y.) had some key saves throughout the match to keep the momentum moving in our direction.
“To counter from a 1-0 deficit and tie up the game was a crucial step in this building phase. Both teams had great scoring opportunities, so I think we came away learning a lot about ourselves,” said striker Lauren Pfeiffer (Mt. Laurel, N.J.).
At the end of each game during this series, both teams have the opportunity to practice shootouts, but the penalties will not determine a winner after regulation time. Katie O’Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.) and Paige Selenski (Shavertown, Pa.) both tallied two goals in their 1v1 opportunities, but the Black Sticks pulled ahead with three goals.
“The penalty shootouts will be a key area for development as we step into larger qualifying tournaments in 2015, so we are excited to gain as much experience as possible against good competition,” said O’Donnell.
Today is another great opportunity to take on Black Sticks at 9 p.m. EST, which will be streamed live for all of our supportive fans back home. Go USA!
USFHA media release
GB U21 Men ready for final after New Zealand win
GB U21 men v New Zealand
GREAT Britain Under-21 Men will play India in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup after they beat New Zealand 3-0 in their final group game in Malaysia on Saturday.
A strong defensive performance helped GB shut out their Kiwi rivals, but in truth their defence has been strong all week with just three goals being conceded in five group matches.
“We’re very pleased with another strong win and to go unbeaten in the group stages,” said Assistant Coach Kevin Johnson. “But we’re not here to enjoy this statistic - we’re fully motivated to go on tomorrow and win the tournament.”
Luke Taylor scored his eighth goal of the tournament on 12 minutes from a penalty corner after James Gall had found his way along the baseline to earn the set piece. And just three minutes later their lead was doubled through Cardiff and Met’s Liam Brignull.
A free hit outside the circle was put through to Brignull, who turned into the circle and hit the ball into the far corner of the goal.
New Zealand had three first half penalty corners, but they were all well defended with GB goalkeeper Harry Gibson in superb form.
After the break GB increased their dominance, and New Zealand only managed to force one penalty corner after half time.
It took GB 20 minutes to add to their tally, with a cross by Team Bath Buccaneers’ Liam Sanford being deflected in at the far post by Loughborough Students’ Ed Horler.
Earlier in the day, India had beaten Australia 6-2 to ensure that they take on Great Britain in the final on Sunday (1.35pm UK time).
England Hockey Board Media release
Future Black Sticks to play for bronze
Picture courtesy www.photosport.co.nz
The Future Black Sticks Men (Under 21s) will play off for bronze at the Sultan of Johor Cup despite being beaten in their final round robin game.
The Kiwis were defeated 3-0 by top of the table Great Britain early this morning (NZ time).
Great Britain, who are undefeated at the tournament, opened the scoring after 13 minutes with Luke Taylor converting his seventh penalty corner of the tournament
10 minutes later GB had a two goal lead with Liam Brignull scoring a straightforward goal.
New Zealand took the goalkeeper off for an extra outfield player in an attempt to spark something special, but Edward Horler sealed the win in the 55th minute from open play.
The Future Black Sticks finish the round robin phase having played better than their record suggests with one win, one draw and three losses.
New Zealand now play off for the bronze medal against Australia at 11pm tonight (NZ time) with live coverage on SKY Sport 4, while Great Britain go up against India in the final.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Harmanpreet on fire as rampaging India checks into final
By Aftar Singh
Australia's Alec Rasmussen (left) vying for the ball with India's Jarmanpreet at the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, Johor Baru. - ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG/The Star.
JOHOR BARU: Remember this name – Harmanpreet Singh.
The India defender was on fire again yesterday, scoring a hat-trick to lead his team to a convincing 6-2 win over Australia in the Sultan of Johor Cup match at the Taman Daya Stadium.
The win sealed India’s place in the final against Britain.
Harmanpreet has now scored seven goals in five matches – including another hat-trick in the 6-0 thumping of Pakistan on Wednesday.
India went into the match yesterday needing just a draw to qualify for the final while Australia needed a win.
And it was India who were quickest off the blocks, taking a comfortable 5-1 first-half lead.
Harmanpreet got the ball rolling by converting a penalty corner goal in the sixth minute. Pavinder Singh made it 2-0 before Simranjeet Singh (19th) and Pawan Kumar (23rd) made it 4-0.
Harmanpreet got his second, and his team’s fifth in the 27th minute – just two minutes after Brandon Horner had pulled one back for Australia.
The India defender then completed his hat-trick by scoring his team’s sixth goal in the 45th minute before Horner again got his name on the score sheet in the 64th minute with another penalty-corner goal.
India coach Harendra Singh was full of praise for his players.
“I never expected my boys to score such a big win over Australia. They played a fantastic game. They never let the pressure of making the final affect their game,” said Harendra.
Asked about the final, Harendra said that his players do no fear play against Britain “although we lost to them 2-0 earlier”.
“If you fear playing against Britain, then you should not play hockey,” he said.
Australia coach Ben Bishop admitted that India were just too good and took their chances well in the first half.
The Star of Malaysia
India outplays Australia, will meet GB in the final
s2h Team
True to its status of defending champions, India churned out another of a Champagnee stuff today in the Sultan of Johor Cup, putting out a historic 6-2 win over Austrlian colts
India will now take on Great Britain, whom it lost 0-2 in the league, in the final tomorrow.
Indian defender Harmanpreet set the tenor of the day early in the proceedings with an impeccable conversion of India's first penalty corner in the very fifth minute. Then he converted a stroke in the 27th minute before giving India another goal, India's last, through penalty corner in the 44th minute.
With his 4th minute goal, Harmanpreet completed his hattrick, his second in the tournament after the one against Malaysia.
Indian team led by Harjeet Singh and coach Harendra Singh continues to maintain its form displayed so far in the Johor Cup, with a commendable 5-1 lead at halftime.
Parvinder Singh (9th min), Simranjeet Singh in the 19th min and Pawan Kumar in the 23rd minute complete the Indian scorecard.
Bradan Horner struck a brace for hapless Australia in the 24th and 64th minutes, both thro penalty corners.
India normally has good outing against Australia in the Colts category. It defeated Australia 2-0 in 2002 for instant, however 6-2 is a big victory.
Defending champions India started the campaign rather sluggishly with a narrow margin 2-1 win over fighting NEw Zealand, then went down 0-2 to Great Britain. The team swung back into form with a fluent 5-1 win over arch rivals Pakistan, which set the tenor of the other matches the way it went.
Despite leading 2-0 at half time, Malaysia nullified both goals, but India did not lose its resilence, struck a brace to post a 4-2 victory in the penultimate match.
Today was all the more a great victory against Australia.
Stick2Hockey.com
Harmanpreet shines with 2nd hat-trick, India beat Australia 6-2
JOHORBAHRU: Harmanpreet Singh came up with his second hat-trick of the tournament as defending champions India hammered Australia 6-2 to storm into the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament, on Saturday.
With their fourth win from five matches, the junior Indian team has booked a place in the final of the tournament and will take on Great Britain in the title clash tomorrow.
The India team started the match with constant attacking moves and surprised their opponents with their highly aggressive game, which tore-apart the Australian defense.
With repeated attacks, India earned their first penalty corner in the sixth minute, which was converted into a goal by defender Harmanpreet, who had scored the hat-trick against Malaysia in the previous match.
Indian colts scored their second goal just after three minutes through forward Parvinder Singh, who superbly deflected a pass, giving India a 2-0 lead.
The third goal came in the 19th minute when the Indian players outfoxed the Australian defenders and seeing a chance, midfielder Simranjeet Singh sent the ball into the net by diving down. Four minutes later, India were ahead 4-0 after forward Pawan Kumar sneaked into opponents' defence and directed a brilliant pass into the net.
In the 25th minute, Australia earned a penalty corner, which was converted by Brandan Horner for their first goal of the match. However, after two minutes (27th minute), the Indians earned another penalty corner, which was improperly stopped by Australian defenders.
The referee awarded a penalty stroke to India and Harmanpreet latched on to the chance.
In the second half, both India and Australia came on the field with better strategies, but it was India who earned a penalty corner successfully in the 44th minute.
Harmanpreet scored his second hat-trick in the tournament by converting the penalty corner into India's sixth goal. In the 64th minute, Australia also earned a penalty corner and Horner successfully converted it to reduce the margin.
"This was our best match of the tournament till now as we played extremely brilliant today. Boys showcased amazing team-work and maintained domination against a tough team like Australia in the match,"India coach Harendra Singh said.
"They successfully controlled their aggression and emotions throughout the game, and that yielded an awesome result for us. With this marvelous victory, we are very much confident against Great Britain now and we are looking forward to defend our title in the tournament," he said.
The Times of India
Australia go for bronze
AUS U21 men to face New Zealand in bronze medal final after going down to India 6-2
The Australian U21 men’s hockey team will face fourth placed, New Zealand in the bronze medal final at the Sultan Johor Cup in Malaysia Sunday night, after going down to India 6-2 in their last pool match of the tournament.
Australia, were down early after Benjamin Craig and Frazer Gerrard fell ill prior to the match¸ leaving Australia to play with only 16 players.
India, on target in the first half, saw two goals from Harmanpreet Singh, Parvinder Singh, Simranjeet Singh and Pawan Kumar, pushing Australia behind with a 5-0 lead.
Awarded a penalty corner at the 25th minute mark, Australian Brendan Horner broke Australia’s drought, providing the Aussies with the hope they needed, heading into the break with a 5-1 score.
Battling the odds, in the second half Australia found themselves outplayed by a well organised Indian team after India’s Harmanpreet Singh scored his third goal, resulting in a 6-1 lead.
New South Wales', Brendan Horner scored Australia’s second goal of the match off a penalty corner in the 65th minute however, the 6-2 score wasn’t enough to top their opponent and send Australia through to the gold medal final against Great Britain Sunday night.
Australia’s U21 Head Coach Ben Bishop, commented on the teams’ last pool match performance.
“We lost two players before the game due to gastro. I felt we started the match well and created ourselves good chances however, our ball control let us down as the match progressed.”
“All of the players continued to apply themselves well for the duration of the game however, it will be a good test again for the athletes to back up themselves for the bronze medal final tomorrow night.”
Australia are expecting a tough bronze medal final against New Zealand, after previously defeating the Kiwis in round three of the competition with a close final score of 4-3.
Watch Australia take on New Zealand in the bronze medal final Sunday night at 21:00 AEDT/18:00 AWST, live on Eurosport (Foxtel, Ch 511).
AUSTRALIA: 2 (1)
Brendan Horner 25,64 (PC) (PC)
INDIA: 6 (5)
Harmanpreet Singh 6,27,45 (PC) (PS) (PC)
Parvinder Singh 9 (FG)
Simranjeet Singh 19 (FG)
Pawan Kumar 23 (FG)
Australia Under 21 Squad v India
Started
James Benetti (WA)
Joshua Bretherton (VIC)
Oliver Crane (QLD)
William Gilmour (VIC)
Maximilian Hendry (VIC)
Timothy Howard (QLD)
Brandan Horner (NSW)
Samuel Liles (NSW)
Andrew Scanlon (VIC)
Nathanael Stewart (NSW)
Ashleigh Thomas (NSW)
Used substitute
Benjamin Austin (TAS)
Simon Benetti (WA)
Alec Rasmussen (WA)
Ryan Proctor (NSW)
Hayden Walker (WA)
Did not play
Benjamin Craig (NSW)
Frazer Gerrard (WA)
Australia Fixtures, Sultan of Johor Cup
19 October - Australia v New Zealand 21:00 AEDT/18:00 AWST
Sultan of Johor Cup Pool Standings
1 - Great Britain (15 Points)
2 - India (12 Points)
3 - Australia (7 Points)
4 - New Zealand (4 Point)
5 - Malaysia (2 Point)
6 - Pakistan (2 Point)
*Please note, the pool standings reflect the current score after round five.
Hockey Australia media release
Off-colour Malaysia held by Pakistan
By Jugjet Singh
MALAYSIA played their worst game of the Sultan of Johor Cup when they were held 2-2 by Pakistan at the Taman Daya Stadium yesterday.
The draw will see last year’s silver medallist playing Pakistan again in the fifth-sixth classification match today. The final will be between India and Britain.
For the record, Pakistan coach Muhammad Ibrahim said his charges only had 12 days of training and he is very proud of their fighting spirit against Malaysia.
“We selected the team a day before flying off to Malaysia, and played our first match as a team when we met Britain in the opening clash,” said Muhammad.
Malaysian coach Arul Selvaraj said: “I expected too much from this team, and I am disappointed that their maturity, physical and tactical side were a letdown. So I blame myself for their failure.”
Malaysia needed four goals to play against Australia in the third-fourth classification match, but a pathetic start saw them trail Pakistan by a goal in the 17th minute.
Pakistan, who had let in 15 goals before the Malaysia match, scored only their fourth goal of the tournament when Ali Mubashar was on target off their second penalty corner.
Malaysia had nine penalty corners in the first half, and only perfected number eight in the 31st minute when Shahril Saabah nailed the equaliser.
Fifty-two minutes into the match, Malaysia finally took the lead for the first time, when Shahril scored his second off Malaysia’s 12th penalty corner.
But even before one could savour the moment, Pakistan equalised in the 55th when Mohsin Sabir’s reverse stick went sailing in.
Meanwhile, India thrashed Australia 6-2 to confirm a date with Britain in the final today.
India coach Harendra Singh said: “I have 10 players who made their first passports and came out of the country to play. But they have shown that they have what it takes to play good hockey and improve with every match to make the final.”
India, the defending champions, only lost to Britain 2-0 in the pool match.
New Straits Times
Just a matter of salvaging some pride for hockey boys now
By Aftar Singh
Malaysia's Azuan Hasan (left) dribbles past Pakistan's Muhammad Yaqoob in the Sultan of Johor Cup match at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, Johor Baru. - ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG/The Star.
JOHOR BARU: They just never learn.
Malaysia knew what they had to do against Pakistan in the Sultan of Johor Cup match at the Taman Daya Stadium.
Coach A. Arulselvaraj’s boys had to beat Pakistan by four clear goals if they wanted to be in the third placing playoff.
Instead, they could only draw 2-2 – despite forcing 11 penalty corners.
So, Malaysia and Pakistan will meet each other again in the fifth placing playoff today hoping to avoid finishing sixth – and last.
Against Pakistan yesterday, Malaysia again let their opponents go ahead before staging a fightback.
Pakistan took the lead off their second penalty corner in the 17th minute when defender Ali Mubashar high drag flick sailed past Malaysian goalkeeper Mohd Ridzwan Azmi.
Malaysia earned eight penalty corners in the first 35 minutes and equalised off their seventh in the 31st minute when Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman failed to stop a low flick by Mohd Shahril Saabah.
Malaysia went 2-1 ahead off yet another penalty corner goal by Shahril in the 52nd minute but their joy was shortlived.
Just four minutes later, Mohsin Sabir collected a loose ball from the top of the semi circle to score with a reverse stick attempt past Ridzwan.
The match was stopped in the 64th minute due to a downpour. Play resumed 40 minutes later but the Malaysia could not get going.
National Juniors coach S. Arulselvaraj blamed himself for the team’s performance.
“I’m expecting too much from them ... I have pushed them beyond their limit. I’m disappointed that their maturity, physical fitness and tactical acumen were a letdown.
“Don’t blame the players ... blame me,” he said.
Pakistan coach Muhammad Ibrahim was pleased with the draw.
“It was a good match for us. We will use a different strategy against Malaysia for tomorrow’s match. We hope to win and avoid finishing last,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Four from Danson as Reading beat Beeston
Reading's Alex Danson lining up a reverse stick shot as she scores the second goal of the game. Credit - Ravi SK Ghowry.
Alex Danson missed a penalty stroke but still managed to score four goals as Reading beat Beeston 5-2 in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.
Two goals from England and GB star Danson and another from Becky Halle had given Reading a three-goal lead at the break, and Danson made sure of the points with two more in the second half.
At the start of the day, Surbiton were top of the league and Canterbury were second. The two teams faced off and it was Surbiton who won 2-1 to keep their lead with two goals from Sarah Haycroft. Canterbury drop to third.
Lucy Wood rattled in three goals as Holcombe cruised to a 6-0 win at Buckingham. Samantha Quek opened the scoring eight minutes in, stroking home from a penalty corner.
After the restart, two goals in four minutes from Wood opened the floodgates. Tasmyn Naylor and Leisa Randall found the net before Wood completed the scoring with her hat-trick goal. The win moves Holcombe up to second.
Just two points separate Clifton and University of Birmingham and as the two sides met, it turned out to be the expected close game. Emily Defroand scored for Birmingham and Els Mansell replied three minutes later as the match finished 1-1.
Bowdon Hightown and Leicester also drew 1-1. Nat Wray gave Bowdon the lead in the 52nd minute but Rachel Mack equalised for Leicester just a minute later.
Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference West
Bristol Firebrands claimed their second win of the season in the Investec Conference West with a comprehensive 5-0 defeat of Cheltenham. Lizzie Gittens led the scoring with a brace.
Slough are still top of the league with a perfect record of six wins from six games. Their latest victory came at home to Oxford Hawks as Amy Sheehan and Charly Brydon scored in a 2-0 win.
Annabel Field scored a late winner in Trojans’ 3-2 win against Gloucester City and Swansea City beat Olton and West Warwicks 2-0. Stourport had to settle for a point at home to Isca after a late Kate Taverner goal earned the visitors a point from a 2-2 draw.
Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East
East Grinstead now only lead the Investec Conference East on goal difference after being held to a 1-1 draw by Ipswich. East Grinstead were leading up to the 70th minute courtesy of a Lucy Brown strike, but Sophie Sexton levelled the scores in the dying seconds.
St Albans still hold second place after winning their game against Sevenoaks 1-0, Lottie Porter scoring their goal. Bedford beat Harleston Magpies 1-0 and Wimbledon defeated Horsham 2-1. In the other game, Chelmsford were 2-0 winners over Maidenhead with Kate Robinson and Kate Maxey both finding the target.
Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference North
Brooklands Poynton moved to the top of the Investec Conference North with a 3-0 defeat of Whitley Bay and Tynemouth. Cat Savage fired home after four minutes before Charlotte Jackson hit a brace.
Sutton Coldfield are second after a 2-1 win at home to Loughborough Students. Strikes from Sarah Parkinson-Mills and Emma McCabe handed them the win after they had fallen behind to an Ellie Tait goal.
Wakefield drop to third after being held to a 1-1 draw against Liverpool Sefton and the Ben Rhydding game against University of Durham also ended 1-1. Kendal climbed off the bottom of the table at the expense of Cannock who they beat 3-2.
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, October 18 2014):
Investec Women's Premier Division: Buckingham 0, Holcombe 6; University of Birmingham 1, Clifton 1; Reading 5, Beeston 2; Bowdon Hightown 1, Leicester 1; Surbiton 2, Canterbury 2.
Investec Women's Conference East: Sevenoaks 0, St Albans 1; Bedford 1, Harleston Magpies 0; Chelmsford 2, Maidenhead 0; Horsham 1, Wimbledon 2; East Grinstead 1, Ipswich 1.
Investec Women's Conference North: Liverpool Sefton 1, Wakefield 1; Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 0, Brooklands Poynton 3; Ben Rhydding 1, University of Durham 1; Sutton Coldfield 2, Loughborough Students 1; Kendal 3, Cannock 2.
Investec Women's Conference West: Trojans 3, Gloucester City 2; Swansea City 2, Olton and West Warwicks 1; Cheltenham 0, Bristol Firebrands 5; Stourport 2, Isca 2; Slough 2, Oxford Hawks 0.
England Hockey Board Media release
Hockey haul: Ditch European techniques, Pakistan
By Khurram Shahzada
The fault lies with our persistence in using obsolete methods to manage our hockey affairs, and our failure to keep up with changing techniques. PHOTO: REUTERS
The 2014 Incheon Asian Games concluded with India beating Pakistan with 4-2 on penalties in the finals. With this victory, India directly qualifies for the 2016 Rio Olympics while Pakistan has to go through a qualifying tournament, which will determine if they qualify for the Olympics or not.
I don’t want to lament or cry over what went wrong with our team and their performance as you can rely on our media to publicise that. But one thing I am sure of is that the fault lies with our persistence in using obsolete methods to manage our hockey affairs, and our failure to keep up with changing techniques. Therefore, considering our recent loss, I would like to suggest some improvements, which can help us bring home the gold.
First of all, during the past 20 years, there have been many changes in hockey rules which favour the hit-and-run-style of the Europeans and has put the classic Asian style at disadvantage. The introduction of no-offside rule, rolling substitution and allowing the ‘turning’ has ruined the trademark beauty of Asian style hockey. During this period, we did not have any strong personality representing Pakistan in the International Hockey Federation (FIH), someone like the hockey legend, Brigadier M H Atif, who could have opposed this trend. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the FIH is continuously introducing new rules which completely favour the Europeans.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) needs to bring forward an able and strong personality who can represent Pakistan to ensure that IHF does not keep implementing rules which end up rescinding the Asian style suited to Pakistan. At the same time, PHF has to convince IHF to increase the number of teams from Asia to play in major international events like the World Cup and Olympics. Currently, only one team from Asia is allowed to participate in these tournaments and the rest of the Asian teams have to go through qualifying rounds. All the meanwhile, more teams from Europe and Australia can easily directly qualify for these tournaments, without any need of qualifying rounds. This is highly unfair and discriminatory for the Asian teams.
Now, all the blame game cannot be pointed on the federation alone as our team also needs to work on their performance and its coaching.
One of the main reasons for our team’s demise is the lack of local tournaments. Instead of hosting local tournaments, the management chooses to focus on conducting prolonged training camps. These camps end up exhausting the players, physically and mentally. And as a result, the players end up giving a poor performance during important international tournaments. On the other hand, successful teams hardly organise such exhaustive camps and reserve players’ energy for big tournaments so that their team peaks at the right moment in the tournament. The management should look into this matter as the problem lies in our team’s energy and speed, and not our skills.
I would also like to emphasise on the fact that the traditional Asian play techniques, including stick work, body dodges, speed and short passes will always be our players’ strong points, which will help us beat the Europeans and take us to victory. Unfortunately, the team was previously under the supervision of coaches who seem to be overwhelmed by the European supremacy and try to follow their style of play. The coaching emphasis should be on defensive hockey, especially through the right-side attack technique and developing the scoring ability of our five forwards.
That being said and considering our weak defence, there are a few European techniques which can help make our defence strong, such as their defence and goalkeeping strategies as well as their penalty corner conversion technique. Our coaching staff should carefully analyse the match footage or reading material of successful teams and try to work on aforementioned weaknesses. I would also suggest the PHF to encourage local players to get exposure in the Australian league instead of European as the former’s play style is similar to ours, and has lately been more successful than the European’s.
Finally, I would like to say that Olympian and coach of Pakistan hockey team, Shahnaz Sheikh is a legend and one hopes that under his supervision, our team can improve its international standing. I, however, would like to request PHF to recruit two other great legends and hockey geniuses, Manzoor Hussain Junior and Hasan Sardar in some capacity. Their experience and understanding of modern hockey will be of immense wealth to our team.
Working on our weaknesses and perfecting our techniques was the way we used to win during our wonder years, and if we can do it before, we can surely do it again and bring home the much-awaited gold we have been striving to acquire.
The Express Tribune