News 10 November 2014
All the news for Monday 10 November 2014
India win final test
Kookaburras go down to India 3-1 in their fourth test Sunday night
The Perth India series drew to a close Sunday night after another great turnout by the fans to support both the Kookaburras and India. Unfortunately, the score was not enough to pull the Kookaburras over the line with a final win, as India finished atop with a 3-1 victory.
The Kookaburras came into their fourth and final test well prepared, showcasing improvement from the previous night’s defeat. Gelling together, the Kookaburras made good use of their ball possession however, they couldn’t break India’s robust defence.
India, quickly created themselves an opportunity off the back of a penalty corner in the 13th minute. Akashdeep Singh with an on-target shot, gave India an early 1-0 lead.
After the break, Tom Craig levelled scores 1-1 at the 36th minute mark, after deflecting a fast paced ball into the back of the net, causing the Kookaburras and the Australian crowd to celebrate Craig’s first International goal.
Akashdeep Singh and Uthappa Sannuvanda managed to sneak in India’s final two field goals three minutes apart in the 50th and 53rd minute, pushing India in front with the win before the final siren.
Summing up the Kookaburras’ performance over the past four tests, head coach Graham Reid commented on the teams highs and lows throughout the series.
“If you look behind the scoreboard, the internal scores and stats were great tonight, with the team back to where they needed to be.”
“One of the biggest things to take out of this series is that the Kookaburras daily training environment is very important, which is why we try to centralise train them. We have just played a team who have been together for three years, and our guys have only been together for five days.”
“The idea behind this series was to give the guys some experience and exposure, and I think we have achieved that."
With the 2014 men’s Champions Trophy commencing in 30 days time, Reid gave insight into the type of team they are looking to build ahead of the tournament.
“It will consist mainly of this group however, there are a couple to come back from injury and overseas.”
New South Wales', Tom Craig experienced his first Kookaburras celebration after scoring not only the team’s only goal for the night, but his first international goal for the Kookaburras.
“I was pretty happy about getting my first goal tonight, our performance has improved from our previous match however, there is still a lot of work to do before the Champions Trophy.”
Simon Orchard made his way from the commentator’s box back onto the field tonight, after missing out on the first three tests of the series due to a broken thumb.
Discussing his thoughts on how the team played and his recovery, Orchard commented, “It’s been a disappointing way to finish off the series. We haven’t played as well as we hoped over the last week however, in saying that tonight was a better performance in creating opportunities and limiting India’s opportunities. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t convert our opportunities, and they managed to sneak a few goals in.”
“On a positive note, it has been a really good crowd again tonight which is great for hockey in Australia.”
“Recovery has been hard, I have been doing a lot of running up and down the side of the field with a lot of laughing coming from the boys on the field, but in all seriousness, the thumb feels good and I’m ready to go.”
After missing the Australian Hockey League also due to injury, Kookaburra Nick Budgeon commented on his performance after coming out of rehab and back onto the field with minimal training.
“Personally I was a bit sluggish coming back from injury however, it was nice to be back out there with the guys.”
“I missed the AHL and had five weeks in rehab, tonight is my first real solid session since being back, and I’m sure I will be sore tomorrow.”
The Kookaburras will now prepare for the Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India from 6-14 December. The selected Champions Trophy squad will be announced by Hockey Australia in the coming week.
KOOKABURRAS 1 (0)
Tom Craig 36 (PC)
INDIA 3 (1)
Akashdeep Singh 13, 50 (PC) (FG)
Uthappa Sannuvanda 53 (FG)
Kookaburras squad v India
Name (Hometown, State) Caps/Goals
Started
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW) 4/0
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 94/4
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 104/31
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 21/7
Tyler Lovell (GK) (Perth, WA) 31/0
Flynn Ogilvie (Woonona, NSW) 4/0
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 157/49
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 225/56
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 72/30
Matthew Willis (Tamworth, NSW) 6/1
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 38/3
Used Substitute
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 38/7
Nick Budgeon (Hobart, TAS) 22/11
Tristan Clemons (Bunbury, WA) 11/0
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 149/95
Tom Craig (Sydney, NSW) 3/1
Glenn Simpson (Melbourne, VIC) 112/21
Dylan Wotherspoon (Mulwillumbah, QLD) 4/0
Hockey Australia media release
Awesome AusTest: India wins a historic number
K. Arumugam
Terry Walsh's Indian men's hockey team has made a history of sorts today at Perth, winning the Test Series 3-1, which is also the scoreline of the day's match, the last in the four-match AusTest at Perth, WA.
Akashdeep Singh struck twice, while the other goal went to the name of SK Uthappa today at the Cutin University grounds.
The win is historic, as India has hitherto been losing to Australia with tennis like scores in the running decade.
Both countries have not played bilateral series for long, though the first one was played in 1983, when touring India defeated Aussies 3-0, 2-1 in Melbourne and then the hosts turned the table at Perth with identical 1-2 score in both the matches they played.
India had early success today as early as in the 13th minute, when Akashdeep Singh converted a penalty corner. The team returned for lemon break with a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Australia returned in the same coin, Thomas Craig effectively converting their penalty corner (36th min). score to 1-1.
Things changed in the final quarter; it was Akashdeep Singh for the second time that scored a stunning field goal in the 50th minute and then moments later S. K Uthappa posted a field goal in the 53rd minute (3-1).
Today also marked Captain Sardar Singh's 200th international match, and what way it turned out to be.
Now India will be playing their first match against Germany in the upcoming Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2014, scheduled to be played at Bhubaneswar, India from 6th-14th December 2014.
Stick2Hockey.com
India downs Australia, clinches hockey series 3-1
The Indian men’s hockey team delivered a fantastic performance to defeat World Champions Australia 3-1 to win their third successive match and clinch the four-match Test series 3-1 at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
India opened the first quarter with all strength and dynamism, as a result of which the initial goal came in the 13th minute from the stick of Akashdeep Singh, who perfectly converted a penalty corner.
A couple of penalty corners were awarded to both teams in the second quarter but no one succeeded in materialising the opportunity. When the whistle blew for half-time, the scoreboard displayed 1-0 in favour of the visitors.
However, Australia made a comeback in the third quarter as Thomas Craig converted a penalty corner (36th minute) to level the scores 1-1.
The game strengthened after the equaliser as both teams looked for creating chances. In the final quarter, it was Akashdeep again who scored a stunning field goal (50th). In no time S.K. Uthappa faultlessly scored another field goal (53rd) to put India 3-1 ahead.
In the dying minutes, Australia tried desperately to put the ball in the net but Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh’s brilliant saves held them from scoring.
The Hindu
India beat mighty Australia, win hockey Test series 3-1
PERTH: Akashdeep Singh scored twice as Indian men's hockey team stunned world champions Australia 3-1 in the fourth and final Test to register a historic 3-1 series win over the mighty Kookaburras in their home soil on Sunday.
Akashdeep pumped in two field goals in the 13th and 43rd minutes for the visitors, while S K Uthappa (53rd) was the other goal getter for India.
Australia's lone goal was scored by Tom Craig (36th). The Sardar Singh-led Indian side broke the deadlock in the 13th minute with a opportunistic goal from Akashdeep who scored from a rebound after V R Raghunath's flick from a penalty corner was saved by the Australian goalkeeper.
India managed to hold on to the lead till the 35th minute before Tom Craig equalised for Australia.
Strengthened by the return of regular skipper Sardar Singh, who was playing in his 200th international match, the Indians started the third quarter on an aggressive note and their efforts bore fruit when they extended their lead in the 43rd minute through yet another field effort from Akashdeep, who guided home a Kothajit Singh pass.
Australia tried hard but India looked the better team on display and made the scoreline 3-1 with Uthappa scoring a brilliant field goal for the Indians.
The hosts pressed hard for goals in the last five minutes but Indian goalkeeper and vice-captain P R Sreejesh stood tall to deny any danger to his citadel.
After losing the first game, India came back to win three games on the trot to seal one of their most memorable series wins.
The visitors had been thrashed 0-4 in the first game, but they made a strong comeback to register 2-1, 1-0 and 3-1 wins respectively in their next three matches.
The Times of India
Good win, but important to not get carried away
Indervir Grewal
Chandigarh - The national team’s surprising series win over world champions Australia has got the Indian hockey fans buzzing.
No doubt it is a commendable win — after losing 4-0 in the first match, India made a strong comeback and their performance kept improving as the series progressed.
But it is important to not blow this achievement out of proportion and not forget the real purpose of this series.
For both India and Australia, the Test series was a part of a developmental process. Both the teams, in the midst of a transition, tried out new players and strategies, therefore the results were secondary.
“We don’t care about the score, it’s about how we’re playing. There are lots of things we’ve got to work on,” Australia coach Graham Reid had said after the first match. It was also his first match in charge since succeeding Ric Charlesworth.
Therefore, to understand this win, it is important to look at the two teams. While India, who took a squad of 21, tested out inexperienced players like Lalit Upadhyay and SK Uthappa, they still played their key players such as Sardar Singh and VK Raghunath.
Australia, however, were without most of their established players such as Jamie Dwyer, Simon Orchard, Glenn Turner, Mark Knowles, Matthew Swann and Kieran Govers. And, five Australians — Matthew Dawson, Dylan Wotherspoon, Tom Craig, Leon Hayward and Flynn Ogilvie — made their debuts in this series.
“This kind of a series is more about trying out new guys, finding out their strengths and weaknesses and then working on them afterwards,” said Rajpal Singh, former India captain.
“These matches help the youngsters overcome the fear of playing for India. The results don’t really matter as such.”
However, Rajpal added that coming off their Asian Games win, it was important for India to have a positive result in Australia. “They needed this win. It will make them believe that they can compete at the world level as well and not just at the Asian level. It will boost their confidence, especially with the Champions Trophy approaching.”
India and Australia resumed this bilateral series after a long gap, and Rajpal stressed on the need for India to play more series like this.
“We need to play the big teams more often. It will help us face these teams without fear. And getting a result like this… Beating the big boys of hockey — Australia, Germany and Holland — is always uplifting.”
“The series win will help this Indian team, especially the youngsters, realise that the Australians are not unbeatable. So, in the big tournaments, they will not lose their composure against these teams,” he added.
The Tribune
India captain Sardar Singh completes 200 international caps
PERTH: Indian men's hockey captain Sardar Singh completed 200 international matches when he took to the field in the fourth and final Test against Australia at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
Sardar, who made his debut in 2006 against Pakistan, has helped his team bring many laurels for the country.
Congratulating Sardar, Hockey India (HI) secretary general Md. Mushtaque Ahmad said: "HI is extremely delighted for Sardar's achievement of 200 international matches. Since his debut, he has been an integral part of Indian team and always gives his best in matches at all levels. His journey from a keen learner to an inspirational skipper has seen many successes where he has played a vital role for the team."
"As a senior player and captain, he is a mentor to whom young players would like to look up to and follow. HI takes utmost pride in congratulating Sardar on his accomplishment. We wish him all the best for the upcoming tournaments and hope to see him bringing more achievements for India."
Playing in the midfield, Sardar is known as one of the best players in the world. Hailing from Haryana, Sardar is the youngest player to captain India when he led the side at the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
The playmaker was awarded Player of the Tournament in the 2012 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, 2012 Olympic Qualifiers and 2010 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. In 2010, Sardar was included in the 18-men FIH All-Star Team and won the Asian Men's Player of the Year 2012.
He was also signed by Dutch club HC Bloemendaal to play in the Euro Hockey League in 2013 and captains Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League (HIL).
The Times of India
Champions Trophy preparations: PAK Team management to increase bench strength
By Nabil Tahir
KARACHI: With less than a month left to the Champions Trophy, probables for the national team are undergoing extensive training drills as they prepare for the high-profile tournament set to take place in India that starts on December 6.
The team management is focused on increasing the strength of the bench by introducing new players that can be tested prior to next year’s Olympic qualifiers.
According to head coach Shahnaz Sheikh, the squad, which mainly comprises of players who represented the country at the Asian Games, will also feature five of the juniors who recently completed their stint at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.
“Three players from the 16-member national team have been dropped while five juniors will be given a chance to showcase their talent at the Champions Trophy, which allows 18-member teams to participate,” Sheikh told The Express Tribune during an evening training session at the Hockey Club of Pakistan.
He added that the idea was to increase the strength of the bench. “In the new format, all 18 players will be played during a match as each player will be given a rest of two minutes after seven minutes of play.”
Sheikh added that proper training would commence from November 10 (today) as they were waiting for 16 players to return from their international assignments.
Imran targets title
Skipper Muhammad Imran said he is hoping for a reversal in fortunes after losing the final against India at the Asian Games in Korea.
“We are looking for a better show in this event,” said Imran. “There are some youngsters in the team who lack experience, but we are still looking to win the title. We will not take any team for granted and will play each match like it’s a final.”
The Express Tribune
Black Sticks Men name six debutants for Japan series
Black Sticks Men’s head coach Colin Batch will put six debutants to the test in next week’s four test series against Japan in Wellington and Kapiti.
Canterbury striker Richard Bain, defenders Dane Lett (Capital) and Dwayne Rowsell (Auckland), Midlands midfielder Nic Woods and goalkeepers George Enersen (Canterbury) and Richard Joyce (North Harbour) will all suit up for their first ever taste of action for the Black Sticks.
The four test series runs from 18-22 November with two games at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown, and a further two internationals at Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf in Paraparaumu.
Balancing out the young talent are experienced campaigners Simon Child, Steve Edwards, Nick Haig, Arun Panchia and Blair Tarrant who have all played more than 100 tests for New Zealand.
"It's always exciting when players debut - six is a large number at once, but this selection is reflective of our need to create more depth in the squad," said Batch.
Following the retirement of veteran Dean Couzins, Batch will be rotating captains during the upcoming Wellington and South Island series and has announced that explosive striker Simon Child will captain the side in Wellington and Kapiti.
During the same week the Black Sticks Women will play against trans-Tasman rivals Australia in three tests in Wellington (3pm Saturday 15th, 3pm Sunday 16th, 7pm Tuesday 18th November).
Tickets are on sale now for the series through www.dashtickets.co.nz. Discounts are available for school teams, families, students and multi-day passes are also available.
Following games against Japan, Batch will select a team for the Black Sticks’ four test South Island tour with games against Canada in Nelson and Christchurch from 9-14 December.
Click here to view team list
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Six debutants in Black Sticks
Goalkeeper Richard Joyce. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Six debutants will make their debut for the men's Black Sticks in next week's four-test series against Japan in Wellington and Kapiti.
Canterbury striker Richard Bain, defenders Dane Lett (Capital) and Dwayne Rowsell (Auckland), Midlands midfielder Nic Woods and goalkeepers George Enersen (Canterbury) and Richard Joyce (North Harbour) will all suit up for their first ever taste of action for the Black Sticks.
The series runs from November 18-22 with two games at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown, and a further two internationals at Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf in Paraparaumu.
Balancing out the young talent are experienced campaigners Simon Child, Steve Edwards, Nick Haig, Arun Panchia and Blair Tarrant who have all played more than 100 tests for New Zealand.
"It's always exciting when players debut - six is a large number at once, but this selection is reflective of our need to create more depth in the squad," said Batch.
Following the retirement of veteran Dean Couzins, Batch will be rotating captains during the upcoming Wellington and South Island series and has announced that explosive striker Child will captain the side in Wellington and Kapiti.
During the same week the women's Black Sticks will play against transtasman rivals Australia in three tests in Wellington, on Saturday, Sunday and next Tuesday.
New Zealand squad to play Japan: Richard Bain, George Enersen, Nick Haig (Canterbury), Simon Child (c), Marcus Child, Arun Panchia, Dwayne Rowsell (Auckland), Joe Bartholomew, Cory Bennett, James Coughlan, Steve Edwards, Richard Joyce, George Muir (North Harbour), Dane Lett, Jacob Smith (Capital), Shay Neal (Northland), Nick Ross, Kane Russell, Blair Tarrant (Southern), Nic Woods (Midlands).
The New Zealand Herald
Black Sticks name six debutants for Japan series
NZ MEN'S HOCKEY COACH: Colin Batch.
New Zealand men's hockey coach Colin Batch has named six debutants for the upcoming four-test series against Japan in Wellington and Kapiti.
Canterbury striker Richard Bain, defenders Dane Lett (Capital) and Dwayne Rowsell (Auckland), Midlands midfielder Nic Woods and goalkeepers George Enersen (Canterbury) and Richard Joyce (North Harbour), will all suit up for their first taste of action for the Black Sticks.
The four-test series runs from November 18-22 with two games at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown, and a further two internationals at Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf in Paraparaumu.
Balancing the young talent are experienced campaigners Simon Child, Steve Edwards, Nick Haig, Arun Panchia and Blair Tarrant who have all played more than 100 tests for New Zealand.
"It's always exciting when players debut - six is a large number at once, but this selection is reflective of our need to create more depth in the squad," said Batch.
Following the retirement of veteran Dean Couzins, Batch will be rotating captains during the upcoming Wellington and South Island series and has announced that explosive striker Simon Child will captain the side in Wellington and Kapiti.
During the same week the women's Black Sticks will play against trans-Tasman rivals Australia in three tests in Wellington (Saturday, Sunday and next Tuesday).
Following games against Japan, Batch will select a team for the Black Sticks' four-test South Island tour with games against Canada in Nelson and Christchurch from December 9-14.
Black Sticks: Richard Bain, Joseph Bartholomew, Cory Bennett, Marcus Child, Simon Child (captain), James Coughlan, Steve Edwards, George Enersen, Nick Haig, Richard Joyce, Dane Lett, George Muir, Shay Neal, Arun Panchia, Nick Ross, Dwayne Rowsell, Kane Russell, Jacob Smith, Blair Tarrant, Nic Woods.
Stuff
Brooklands MU shock Reading
Brooklands MU captain David Flanagan celebrates. Credit Mark Henderson
BROOKLANDS Manchester University staged a superb comeback from four-nil down to beat Reading 5-4 and earn their first victory of the season in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday.
A brace from Ben Boon and further goals from Dan Shingles and Jack Clee saw Reading race into a four-goal lead inside 15 minutes.
But Brooklands turned it around with goals from Stefan Ray-Hills, Peter Flanagan, Oliver Clarke and Phil Dutoy to draw level.
Then, on 55 minutes, Peter Flanagan thrashed home a penalty stroke to complete the turnaround and lift the team off the bottom of the table.
Surbiton also put on a fine display as they beat Cannock 6-1 to move to the top of the league with Rupert Shipperley and Chris Grassick both scoring a brace.
East Grinstead are now second on goal difference but also took three points as strikes from Chris Griffiths, Mark Pearn and Ashley Jackson saw them to a 3-2 win on the road to Beeston.
Phil Roper almost scored a hat-trick as Wimbledon secured a 5-0 win over Canterbury. Roper missed a penalty stroke after four minutes but quickly put it behind him, going on to score twice and leave Canterbury bottom of the table.
A single goal was all that was needed for Hampstead and Westminster to seal victory as Richard Alexander’s 62nd minute strike from a penalty corner saw them beat Southgate 1-0.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference West
Cardiff and Met continued their good form as they beat Barford Tigers 6-1 in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Conference West.
Liam Brignull was their star man and scored a hat-trick, while James Carson also made a significant contribution with two well-taken goals.
Team Bath Buccaneers are still top of the table after a 4-1 win on the road against University of Exeter. Fareham are another team that travelled well, returning from Whitchurch with a 4-0 win.
Cheltenham beat Guildford 3-1 at home and Sam French hit a hat-trick as University of Birmingham beat Indian Gymkhana 3-2.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference North
Greg Moorhouse hammered in four goals as Wakefield beat Deeside Ramblers 7-3 in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Conference West.
Deeside’s Ali Ghazanfar can count himself unlucky to be on the losing side after scoring all of his side’s goals.
Top played bottom as league leaders Bowdon travelled to Belper but it was a tough game for them and they had to rely on a single Simon Egerton goal to give them the points.
Doncaster also won on the road, beating Leek 4-1, and University of Durham drew 2-2 with Olton and West Warwickshire.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey Conference East
There were goals galore in the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Conference East with 26 being scored across the five games.
Leaders Holcombe made it eight wins from eight games with a 5-1 win over second-placed Chichester Priory Park. Iain Lewers, Stephane Vehrle-Smith, James Kitcherside, Robert Field and Gareth Andrew all got their names on the score sheet.
Dafydd Charles was the hat-trick hero as Oxted moved off the bottom with a 6-3 defeat of Old Loughtonians who now replace them at the foot of the table.
Dan Webster also found the goal three times as West Herts beat Richmond 4-2. Elsewhere, James Allberry and Euan Gilmore scored two each in Cambridge City’s 5-2 defeat of Teddington. Bromley and Beckenham beat Brighton and Hove 3-1.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, November 9 2014):
NOW: Pensions Men's Premier Division: Beeston 2, East Grinstead 3; Wimbledon 5, Canterbury 0; Brooklands Manchester University 5, Reading 4; Hampstead and Westminster 1, Southgate 0; Cannock 1, Surbiton 6.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference West: Cheltenham 3, Guildford 1; University of Exeter 1, Team Bath Buccaneers 4; Whitchurch 0, Fareham 4; Barford Tigers 1, Cardiff and Met 6; Indian Gymkhana 2, University of Birmingham 3.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference North: Deeside Ramblers 3, Wakefield 7; Leek 1, Doncaster 4; Loughborough Students 1, Sheffield Hallam 2; University of Durham 2, Olton and West Warwickshire 2; Belper 0, Bowdon 1.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference East: Teddington 2, Cambridge City 5; Oxted 6, Old Loughtonians 3; Brighton and Hove 1, Bromley and Beckenham 3; Chichester Priory Park 1, Holcombe 5; Richmond 2, West Herts 4.
England Hockey Board Media release
Reading stunned by Brooklands comeback as Leicester women revel in return of Rachel Mack
By Rod Gilmour
Class acts: Beeston's Adam Dixon and Ashley Jackson in action on Sunday Photo: DAVID KISSMAN
Brooklands Manchester University, rooted to the bottom of the table before their weekend pushback, produced one of the comebacks of the hockey season yesterday, finding enough resolve to somehow find a route back from 4-0 down against Reading to win 5-4.
Starting the day on one point, having leaked 31 goals, Brooklands found themselves four down in the first quarter, largely thanks to Ben Boon’s double in the first five minutes.
“Here we go again,” thought Mark Bateman, the Brooklands coach, before joking that he then implemented a “tactical masterclass”.
The hosts pulled three back before the break through Stefan Ray-Hills, Peter Flanagan and Oliver Clarke.
A penalty stroke in the 56th minute from Flanagan after a foul in the circle then saw Brooklands steal the points.
“This isn’t a place that Reading have enjoyed coming to in recent years,” said Bateman, who saw his side go down to nine men in the closing stages.
“But we have put in 15 hours of pitch time recently and we have a bit more grit about us now.”
Brooklands have found themselves 2-0 up against every side they’ve played bar the top three, but failed to convert to victories. On Sunday, they were indebted to goalkeeper Chris Scott, who Bateman described as an “in your face, tall Evertonian, who wants to prove himself.”
Wimbledon, whose two defeats to Canterbury last season cost them play-off hopes, more than made up for it with a fine 5-0 win over the Kent side, who replaced Brooklands at the foot of the table.
East Grinstead won their heavyweight clash with Beeston – the two clubs have faced each other in three of the last five play-off finals – as Ashley Jackson’s late penalty corner sealed a 3-2 win.
The Sussex side are second on goal difference behind Surbiton, who won 6-1 at Cannock.
Rachel Mack (right) has given Leicester impetus this season
Two draws and two wins in the last month have given Leicester a resurgent feel after their early season woes in the Investec women's premier division. Not bad for a club “redefining” themselves, according to David Mayer, the Leicester women’s coach.
“We had a big turnaround in the summer and have taken time to gel together,” Mayer said after Leicester won 3-0 at Beeston, who failed to stop a run of seven straight defeats. “We have a lot to live up to at a club like Leicester.”
Leicester’s third win of the season came through Rachel Mack’s third-minute strike, before Liz George doubled up 20 minutes later.
Mack was picked up by Leicester after the 22-year-old returned to the UK after a three-year stint in the collegiate system at Michigan.
“She has such a great attitude and she epitomises what we are trying to achieve here,” said Mayer, who noted Lauren Turner’s return from Holland and Hollie Payne’s form as contributing factors.
Meanwhile, Surbiton kept their lead at the top with a convincing 5-0 defeat of Buckingham.
Georgie Twigg started the rout in the 16th minute, while Giselle Ansley and in-form Rebecca Herbert scored a brace each. Herbert is the league’s leading scorer, with eight.
Holcombe maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 4-1 win at Reading, who welcomed back England captain Kate Richardson-Walsh.
Canterbury ensured that they kept the pressure on at the top with a tight 1-0 victory over University of Birmingham.
The Telegraph
Indian Oil thrash PSB 5-2, win title
Rachna Khaira
Jalandhar - Indian Oil beat Punjab & Sind Bank 5-2 in the final of the 31th Surjit Hockey Tournament at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium on Sunday. The team won the title for the 4th time to pocket the prize money of Rs 5 lakhs.
Both the teams could not make intense attacks and kept on playing in a defensive manner till the 22nd minute. In the 23rd minute, Indian Oil got a penalty corner, but they failed to score. A second failure followed immediately when Olympian Deepak Thakur missed another opportunity in the same minute. In the 25th minute, Prabhdeep Singh of Punjab & Sind Bank tried to snatch the ball, following which he was shown the green card and expelled for two minutes from the game.
However, in the 26th minute, Olympian Prabhjot Singh fired the first goal for the bankers for a 1-0 lead.
However, adding fuel to their attacks in the second half, Roshan Minz of Indian Oil scored another goal to make it 2-0. This was followed by Inderjit Singh sounding the board in the 40th minute through a field goal moving the score up to 3-0.
But the team missed a penalty corner in the 42nd minute. The bankers too missed a golden opportunity when Onkar Singh came in to block a straight hit made by Ajit Pandit.
The bankers maintained their empty score account when they kept missing excellent scoring opportunities till the 55th minute, when Manjinder Singh fielded a goal into Indian Oil’s den to make it 3-1 . Without losing much time, Ajit Pandit took the score to 3-2 by scoring another goal in the 57th minute.
Responding aggressively, Deepak Thakur sounded the boards in the 60th minute to make it 4-2, and Prabhjot Singh scored another goal in the 67th minute to make it 5-2. The tournament was played on the old format of two halves of 35 minutes each.
Small crowd
While the organisers made elaborate efforts to make the tournament a big success, even the recent win of the Indian Hockey team at the Asian Games failed to draw city crowd to watch the finals of the tournament at the venue.
Pargat Singh, president of Surjeet Hockey Society, said that it is a proud moment for the state that out of 36 players in the Indian men’s senior and junior teams, 24 are from Punjab.
Central romp to easy win over SCR in opener
Mumbai: Central Railway, Mumbai, romped to a 4-2 victory over South Central Railway, Secunderabad, in a Pool D league match on the opening day of the 49th Bombay Gold Cup Hockey Championship at the MHAL Stadium here today. India discard Yuvraj Walmiki, Vinit Kamble, Deepak Lakra and Ajaz Qureshi scored a goal each for Central while S Niaz Rahim and Gurbhej Singh got the goals for the visiting side.
The Tribune
Indian Oil dominates Punjab and Sind Bank to win the 31st Surjit Hockey Tournament
Indian Oil putting up a mesmerizing performance.
Indian Oil Mumbai today won the 31st Indian Oil Surjit Hockey tournament by beating last year's winner Punjab and Sind Bank Delhi 5-2 at the Olympian Surjit Hockey stadium here.
This is for the fourth time that the Indian Oil has won the title. Last year it was a runners up.
In the first half of the game, Indian Oil's Olympian Prabhjot Singh scored a goal in the 25th minute of the play and took lead over Punjab and Sind Bank by 1-0.
In the 36th minute of the second half Indian Oil's international star Roshan Minj scored the field goal from right flank to consolidate 2-0 lead.
In the 40th minute of the play, Indian Oil's Inderjit Singh netted the ball from right flank and took the tally to 3-0.
However, Bankmen reduced the margin by scoring two goals in the short span of time but Indian Oil scored two more goals in the last few minutes of the match to take the lead and won the tournament by 5-2.
The winners bagged Rs 5 lakh in cash and a trophy where as runners up got Rs 2.50 lakh and a trophy.
Punjab Panchayat Minister, Sikandar Singh Maluka gave the prizes.
Waqas Sareef of Punjab XI (Pakistan) was declared best player of the tournament and was honoured with Mohinder Singh Tut memorial award.
The tournament committee also declared Davesh Chohan of Indian Oil as best goal keeper, Ahmed Shakeel Bhatt of Punjab XI (Pakistan) as best full back, Gautampal Singh of Punjab and Sind Bank best half back, Deepak Thakur of Indian Oil as best forward of the tournament. All of them received Rs 25,000 each.
DNA
KLHC edge THT
By Jugjet Singh
KLHC's Mohd Razie-Abd Rahim (right) and THT's Faizal Saari vie for the ball in the TNB MHL at the National Hockey Stadium yesterday. Pic by Goh Thean Howe
MALAYSIA Hockey League Premier Division champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) beat star studded Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) 2-1 to keep a tight grip on the League title at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
THT were supposed to pose a threat to double champions KLHC, but their first round effort fizzled out and at the stands of the second pitch was Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif, who unfortunately came when his team were playing bad hockey after three consecutive wins.
“I’m happy my players claimed the first round victory over THT, but we will be playing three matches next week (including the midweek Sapura match) and we need to win all by keeping our feet on the ground.
“Also, we will be playing THT in Terengganu in the second round, and so, to celebrate early would be foolish," said KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj.
KLHC were caught napping in the 26th minute when South Korean Kang Moon Kweon slotted in the lead for THT, after which, the fans only cheered for missed sitters as the two early favourites were blunt in the semicircle.
And KLHC were lucky when during a comical situation, where the entire THT defence stood rooted for 10 seconds, Syamim Yusuf slotted in the equaliser with a slow-motion attempt.
National player Razie Rahim, the best penalty corner flicker in the country, then gave KLHC the lead when he perfected a drive in the 40th minute.
THT won five penalty corners after that, but were unable to breach former national skipper Roslan Jamaluddin and the defending champions walked away with three crucial points.
In another match, UniKL won their first point of the league when they held Maybank to a 1-1 draw. UniKL took the lead off Phillipp Stahr (39th) while Jiwa Mohan saved Maybank with a 45th minute effort.
New Straits Times
KLHC show Terengganu who’s boss in Malaysia Hockey League
By S. Ramaguru
KLHC's Mohamad Sukri Abdul Mutalib (right) is tackled by Terengganu's Kang Moon-kweon during the Malaysian Hockey League match on Sunday. - M AZHAR ARIF/The STAR
KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) showed Terengganu who is boss as they sent the east coast side crashing to their first defeat in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League.
The eight-time league champions played a well-calculated game and not once did they allow Terengganu to hit their stride in the 2-1 win at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
Terengganu’s Korean foreign legions were also ineffective although one of them scored in the match. Terengganu also muffed five penalty corners.
In the end it was Mohamed Radzie Rahim who proved to be the better penalty corner taker with his winning goal in the third quarter.
KLHC coach K. Dharmaraj, however, warned his players not to take the win as a title decider.
“We are still far from the title run. There are still the away matches to come and that could be the crucial games.
“Of course the advantage is with us for now and it is up to us to make the best of the situation.
“There is no point winning this game and then losing to another team. That will just set us back.”
The first quarter saw KLHC earn two penalty corners within five minutes. But they failed in both attempts.
Terengganu, with their Mentri Besar in the stands, slowly came alive in the second quarter and took the lead in the 26th minute from a goalmouth melee with Kang Moon-kweon scoring with a deflection.
Undaunted, the champions kept stride with their opponents and three minutes into the third quarter they drew level.
With the Terengganu players backpedalling in the D, Mohamed Syamin Yusof collected the ball at close range and fired home.
In the 40th minute, KLHC earned their third penalty corner and Mohamed Radzie made no mistake with his drag flick.
KLHC and Terengganu have nine points but the latter lead due to better goal difference.
In another match, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Maybank played to a 1-1 draw.
UniKL took the lead in the 39th minute through a field attempt by German Phillip Stahr. But their joy was shortlived as the Tigers hit back in the 45th minute through Jiwa Mohan’s field goal.
The Star of Malaysia
Pahang and Sabah win maiden U-14 hockey title
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMUR: Pahang and Sabah created history when they lifted the boys’ and girls’ 1MAS-MHFC-Milo Under-14 hockey titles respectively at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
It was their first ever in the age group meet. Pahang defeated Penang 2-0 after a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time on Sunday.
Sabah meanwhile edged Kuala Lumpur 2-1 in the girls’ final. It was also Sabah’s first ever victory in a national hockey tournament.
In the boys’ final, it was a close call for Pahang as they only managed to find the equaliser with the last penalty corner attempt in the 70th minute through skipper Mohamed Hafiz.
Pahang were certainly much better in the shootout compared to Penang, who missed all their attempts.
Mohamed Amirul Hamizan was on target in the 31st minute for Penang with his 16th goal of the tournament and picked up two awards – the top scorer and best player of the tournament.
A relieved Pahang coach Mohamed Sufian said the title was a breakthrough for the state.
“We were much better in the second half and it took almost 35 minutes to get the goal. I am proud of my players.
“Most of them are playing in a national tournament for the first time. But there is a lot of talent and I am sure we can groom them into better players.
“This win augurs well for the programme that we have in place. It is certainly moving in the right direction,” he said.
Sabah took third place after winning the penalty shootout 4-2 against Kelantan. The match ended 5-5 in regulation time.
In the girls’ final, Sufiamira Rosli was the toast for Sabah as she scored both goals (25th, 52nd) in the win.
KL qualified for the final unbeaten and had even defeated Sabah in the preliminary round.
But they could only muster one goal in the final through Hasya Syahida in the 32nd minute.
Malacca finished third after a 7-0 win over Kedah.
The Star of Malaysia
‘What I say goes’
By DEVINDER SINGH
TENGKU Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah laid down the law yesterday in that what he says goes as far as the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is concerned.
Various reports have quoted MHC officials questioning Tengku Abdullah’s unilateral decision to name Tai Beng Hai as national coach, though the appointment is only meant to be temporary.
Tengku Abdullah said the search for a foreign coach on a permanent basis is continuing and told MHC officials to cease making statements on the matter.
“Beng Hai is the temporary national coach as we are still looking for a foreign coach,” said Tengku Abdullah after a football referees seminar in Shah Alam yesterday.
“I appreciate the coaching committee has made its recommendations but for as long as I am still the president of MHC, I will exercise my power here, for the next few months at least.”
National juniors coach Arul Selvaraj handled the senior team in an interim capacity during the Incheon Asian Games and certain quarters wanted him to stay on in that position.
Tengku Abdullah had previously announced his intention to step down as president but intends on setting MHC on the right course before leaving.
“Arul is going to focus on the junior team and I have confidence in him to bring the juniors to greater heights,” said Tengku Abdullah.
“Where Beng Hai is concerned, he will coach the senior team while at the same we will pursue a foreign coach. I am not being arrogant (in making this decision) but we have to move on and not dilly-dally.
“Arul was always meant to be interim (senior) coach and I hope not to hear any more statements from officials (on this matter).”
New Straits Times
Northwestern wins first Big Ten field hockey tournament title
The third-seeded Northwestern field hockey team claimed its first Big Ten Tournament title Sunday afternoon with a 3-1 win over top-seeded Maryland at Phyllis Ocker Field. With the victory, Northwestern (16-6, 6-2 Big Ten) earned the Big Ten’s automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.
The Wildcats’ Lisa McCarthy put Northwestern ahead, 1-0, with a goal in the 25th minute. The Terrapins’ Sarah Sprink tallied the equalizer in the 27th minute, before Northwestern’s Isabel Flens provided the game-winning goal in the 41st minute. Dominique Masters completed the game’s scoring in the 63rd minute.
The NCAA Selection Show will be live on NCAA.com tonight at 10 p.m. ET.
2014 All-Tournament Team
Chandler Ackers, Iowa
Maxine Fluharty, Maryland
Sarah Sprink, Maryland
Leslie Smith, Michigan
Sam Swenson, Michigan
Sierra Patton, Michigan State
Maddy Carpenter, Northwestern
Dominique Masters, Northwestern
Kaitlyn Wagner, Ohio State
Laura Gebhart, Penn State
Katie Andrews, Penn State
Jenn Staab, Rutgers
Tournament MVP: Maddy Carpenter, Northwestern
Big Ten Network
Richmond Wins A-10 Field Hockey Championship in Overtime Thriller
RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond’s Rebecca Barry scored just over six minutes into overtime to propel the Spiders to a 1-0 victory over UMass in the finals of the 2014 Atlantic 10 Conference Field Hockey Championship.
Barry’s goal gives Richmond it’s eighth A-10 title and earns UR the A-10’s automatic bid to the 2014 NCAA Tournament. The field hockey selection show is scheduled for Sunday at 10:00 p.m. on NCAA.com.
Richmond goalkeeper Kelley Wentling was named the Championship’s Most Outstanding Player after recording a pair of shutouts. Wettling made three stops on Saturday, including a key save on UMass’ Izzie Delario just before Barry’s goal.
When Richmond gained possession following the stop on Delario, the Spiders moved the ball up field where Sam Ostoich played the ball into the circle where Barry gained possession and used a reverse chip shot to score the goal.
Wentling, Ostoich and Barry were joined on the all-championship team by teammates Amy Cooke and Megan Miller.
UMass’ Brooke and Allie Sabia were named to the all-championship team along with Sam Carlino, Allymohamed and Melanie Kreusch.
Richmond outshot UMass 10-4 on the day and held a 7-4 edge in penalty corners.
Atlantic 10 Conference
Princeton Field Hockey Opens NCAA Tournament Play at Monmouth
Princeton's Allison Evans
PRINCETON, N.J. -- The Princeton University field hockey team clinched its 10th-consecutive Ivy League championship with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the University of Pennsylvania on Bedford Field.
Making their seventh consecutive tournament appearance (19th overall), the Tigers open championship play on Wednesday, Nov. 12 with a play-in game at MAAC champion Monmouth University (13-7, 4-1 MAAC). Princeton is 2-0 all-time against the Hawks, having earned a pair of 8-1 and 9-1 decisions in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Tied, 3-3 with the Quakers in the 62nd minute, Maddie Copeland netted her team-high eighth goal of the season to help the Orange and Black claim its 23rd conference crown. Winning the league title outright thanks to a Columbia loss to Harvard, Princeton (7-10, 6-1 Ivy) earned the Ivy’s automatic NCAA Tournament bid. Laying claim to a 20th conference championship in 21 seasons, the Tigers will learn their opponent when the full championship field is announced on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 10 p.m. as part of the Division I Field Hockey Selection Show on NCAA.com.
Jumping out to an early lead, Princeton netted the game’s first tally just 9:36 after the opening whistle. Getting the play started, Hailey Reeves inserted the ball to the top of the circle. Passing up a shot, Sydney Kirby dumped a feed back down to Reeves on the left post, who tucked it into the left side of the cage.
Coming right back, Penn needed just 1:55 to record the equalizer. Taking advantage of a penalty corner of its own, Emily Corcoran inserted it to Mary Rose Croddick. Lining up a shot from the edge of the circle, Alex Iqbal ripped a low tracer into the left corner at 11:31.
Still tied in the 30th minute, Corcoran created a turnover in the Tigers’ defensive zone. After taking a quick touch, the senior slid a pass to Elizabeth Hitti on the right side. Looking to goal, Hitti fired another low shot into the Princeton cage to suddenly put the visitors up 2-1. With seconds left in the half, the Tigers rallied. Receiving an insert at the top of the circle, Kirby again played the ball to her left, this time to Teresa Benvenuti. Putting a shot on target, the junior recorded her fourth of the year to pull the Orange and Black even with just seven ticks on the clock.
Hoping to build on the momentum, Princeton notched a goal early in the second half. Making her way to the front of the net, Allison Evans got a stick on a Benvenuti shot off of a penalty corner, redirecting it past Penn goalkeeper Allison Weisenfels at 38:59. With the score, Evans upped her career point total to 97 and now stands only three points shy of becoming just the ninth player in program history to reach to 100-point plateau.
Catching Princeton in transition, the Quakers quickly moved into the attacking third in the 55th minute. Taking advantage of a Tiger foul on a breakaway opportunity inside of the circle, Alexa Hoover successfully converted a penalty stroke at 54:54 to knot the score at 3-3. With just over 11 minutes to play, Hitti looked to have the game winner in hand with a tricky shot from the right endline, but Cassidy Arner alertly cleared the ball off the line to keep Princeton level.
Breaking out of their defensive zone after a Penn penalty corner in the 61st minute, the Tigers notched the game winner. Holding the ball on the right side, Cat Caro sent a clearance to Stephanie Goldberg near midfield. Playing a long ball across the pitch, the senior found Copeland alone on the left side of the circle. Controlling the pass, the striker backhanded a rising shot past Weisenfels at 61:04 to put Princeton back on top.
Pushing forward, Penn generated one final scoring chance with less than five minutes remaining in regulation. Carving out space in front of the Princeton cage, Hoover tested goalie Julia Boyle with a quick shot from point-blank range, but the senior netminder made a pad save to seal the Tiger win.
Princeton finished with a slim 10-9 shot advantage and an 8-4 edge in penalty corners. Boyle and Weisenfels each registered four saves.
Photo and story courtesy of Princeton Athletic Communications
The Ivy League
Orange Queens put nine goals on Kenyatta University
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Kenyatta University Brudie Mwanga behind and Orange Lillian Aura fight for the ball when they played women League at City park. Orange scored 10-0. PHOTO; JENIPHER WACHIE
Kenya hockey Union (KHU) women's defending champions Orange Telkom finished their pool A matches on a high with a 9-0 trouncing of Kenyatta University (KU). The African queens were not at their best as they were struggling against the students' side that seemed to have improved from their last encounter.
However, for the 16-time champions Orange their performance was wanting as they prepare for the continental title defense later in the month. Head Coach Jos Openda told Feverpitch that his players were not at their best and much needed to be done to get them ready for the daunting task ahead.
"They are not playing well I have observed some mistakes that we will; be working on in our subsequent training sessions," he said.
Openda added that he will work with all units more so the defense so that they can be ready for anything as during the past friendly match against Kenya Police all goals were scored on counter attacks as they went down 6-1 to Police.
"I noticed that my defenders are getting excited and forgetting their major role on pitch, I will work with them so they can avoid making unforced errors that might cost us victory.
Jane Ofula Opened the score for the champs two minutes into the match, Barbara Simiyu scored a brace with her first coming in the 8th minute, she converted a penalty corner in the 17th minute. Margret Rotich put her name on the score sheet in the 14 minute.
Veteran Jacqueline Jow was on target in the 19th minute while former Strathmore University midfielder Lilian Aura made it six for the African queens in the 27th minute. The students came back rejuvenated and managed to contain the champions in the second half. They will have their goalkeeper Selina Ouma and Leah Omwandho to thank as they played veru well saving their team from conceding many goals.
Audrey Omaido broke the KU defense in the in the 58th minute while Jow added her second of the day in the 60th minute. Tracy Nungari sealed the victory in the 62 minute.
Multimedia University (MMU) men ruthlessly clobbered Thika Rovers 6-1 in their men's national league tie to increase their chances of securing a playoffs slot. Gilbert Kosgei converted a penalty corner in the fourth minute making known the students intention to seal maximum points.
That goal served as a wakeup call for Thika Rovers and they settled in the game well playing on the offensive and defending. Their efforts paid off in the 17th minute through Martin Mwangi as he beat the entire MMU defense slotting in past goalkeeper Jaur Junior. Eustace Korir put MMU in the lead in the 35th minute. Dennis Burudi scored a brace in the 43rd and 70th minutes. Charles Ochanda scored a double also in the 56th and 57th minutes
The Standard Online
Egbert Carmo Fernandes (1941 – 2014)
by Dil Bahra
Kenya Hockey Team on tour of India, April 1964 Back Row (L - R): Surjeet Singh Jnr,; Saude George; Anthony Vaz; Amar Singh Mangat; Egbert Fernandes; Sang Singh; Edgar Fernandes; Jack Simonian; Jagnandan Singh. Sitting (L - R): Hardev Singh; Hilary Fernandes (V.Capt,); Hardial Singh (Coach); Anthony D'Souza (Manager); Sukdev Singh (Asst Manager); Avtar Singh (Capt.); Alu Mendonca. Ground (L – R): Santokh Singh; Arif Khan; Silu Fernandes; Leslie Pinto; Reynolds D'Souza.
Kenya’s triple hockey Olympian, Egbert Carmo Fernandes, died in Canberra, Australia on 6 November 2014. He was aged 73.
Egbert played as a forward for Kenya at three Olympic Games – Rome 1960, Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968. He scored goals at each of the three Olympic Games.
Born in Kisumu, Kenya on 25 June 1941, he made his international debut in 1958 when he was selected to play against England in Nairobi, Kenya.
He played for Goan Institute Nairobi and was a member of the team that won the famous M. R. D’Souza Gold Cup in 1961.
He represented Kenya during the period when the country was at her peak in international hockey and was a powerhouse in world hockey. Kenya played India and Pakistan regularly, both home and away. Kenya finished 6th at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games, the best position in the country’s Olympic history.
Egbert was a member of the Kenya team that toured India in April 1964. Kenya defeated India 0 – 3 on their home soil in the 5th test match in Jubalpur with centre forward Egbert scoring two goals. Six months later, the same Indian team won the Olympic Gold in Tokyo.
The team that defeated India in Jubalpur, is still regarded as one of Kenya’s best ever team - Jack Simonian (G/K); Anthony Vaz (RB); Avtar Singh Sohal (capt) (LB); Santokh Singh Matharu (RH); Surjeet Singh Panesar (CH); Silu Fernandes (LH); Hilary Fernandes (RW); Edgar Fernandes (RI); Egbert Fernandes (CF); Reynold D'Souza (LI); Alu Mendonca (LW).
On hearing the sad news Jack Simonian, Egbert’s team mate at the three Olympics said “very saddened to hear about Egbert passing away. I can still remember him in his slim and lean body dribbling the ball past a lot of opponents with a ‘faint’ of his body”.
His funeral service is in Canberra on Friday 14 November 2014.
Egbert is survived by his wife Bertha, sons Vincent and Wallace and daughter Joanne.
Sikhs in Hockey