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All the news for Tuesday 9 December 2014

India face Dutch test on Tuesday

Y.B. Sarangi


HARD ROAD AHEAD: The Indian team has a lot to put in place and polish up before its next game against Pool B topper the Netherlands on Tuesday. Photo: Sandeep Saxena

The main challenge for the host will be to remain vigilant against the Dutch

Perhaps the Indian hockey team’s chronic problem of faltering at the death is a deep-rooted psychological affliction. History is replete with numerous instances of the Indian defence disintegrating when the rivals up the ante and build pressure in the final moments of a match.

For the Asian Games champion, the opening two matches of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament at the Kalinga Stadium here were no different. India managed to hold a young German side goalless till 59 minutes before conceding a heart-breaking goal in the tournament opener.

It gave an improved performance in its next engagement against World Cup bronze medallist Argentina and was tied 2-2 till the third quarter before succumbing to stress in the last 15 minutes and losing 4-2.

After its first loss, the home team valued ball possession and dominated the initial half of the match against Argentina with a flurry of attacks on both flanks. But, as High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans pointed out, India’s defensive structure collapsed in its desperate effort to regain the lead.

Oltmans underscores the need to ‘read the game well in game situation’.

The Indian team sat down with pen and paper following its second defeat in a row. “No time to sit back and relax. A lot to put in place and polish up before our next game,” said India captain Sardar Singh ahead of the host’s final league match against Pool B topper the Netherlands on Tuesday.

Against the Dutch, the main challenge for India will be to remain vigilant. The Indian forwards, aided by the midfield, have done a good job in creating chances. They will do well to find ways of converting those into goals. The defence, including V.R. Raghunath and Rupinderpal Singh, needs to make a sustained effort to protect the post. Local hero Birendra Lakra is, however, a doubtful starter.

Dutch on a high

The Netherlands is on a high after scoring two consecutive victories and will look forward to making a clean sweep in the pool stage.

“It is a challenge to play against India. We want to top the pool and have a favourable quarterfinal draw,” said Dutch skipper Robert van der Horst.

The World Cup silver medallist will rely on the efficiency of Diede van Puffelen, who has scored twice in two matches, penalty corner expert Mink van der Weerden and skilful midfielder Seve van Ass to tame the Indians.

World champion Australia will search for its first victory when it takes on Pakistan and England will aspire to post its third win on the trot when it faces Belgium in Pool A.

Eyeing a better finish in Pool B, Argentina and Germany are likely to get locked in a tight contest.

The Hindu

India hope for an improved show against Dutch

Arnab Lall Seal

BHUBANESWAR: Having already qualified for the Rio Olympics after winning the Asian Games, India were on a high coming into the Champions Trophy. They had also come second in the Commonwealth Games and beat Australia in a test series and were confident of doing well in this tournament.

But they have come crashing down to earth after losing both their group games in the tournament. It was a narrow loss against an inexperienced German side but the defeat against Argentina has brought out all their weaknesses.

But their biggest challenge in the group league still awaits them as they take on world No. 2 Netherlands on Tuesday.

Unlike India, the Dutch side have comfortably won both their group matches. They beat Argentina 3-0 and scored a 4-1 win against world No. 3 Germany.

Even though they have a young side, they have played like a well-oiled unit. Not only have they attacked well, they have been impressive even as a defensive unit. Jaap Stockmann has been brilliant in front of the goal and has made some great saves so far.

On the other hand, India's defence has been more than disappointing in both the matches. Like innumerable occasions in the past, the defenders failed to keep it together in the dying minutes of the game. As India's high performance director Roelant Oltmans had said after the match, there was no structure in the defence towards the end of the match.

Against Germany, they conceded the goal in the final minute of the match while Argentina scored their last two goals in the last quarter. PR Sreejesh has been doing well but he cannot be expected to stop everything that comes his way.

Players like Dharamvir Singh have tried their best but the midfiled as a whole has failed to deliver as a single unit. In front of the goal, Akashdeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay and Nikkin Thimmaiah have been impressive at times but Ramandeep Singh has been disappointing.

Meanwhile, after scoring a record win against Pakistan in their last match, England will face Belgium. In the other matches of the day, Pakistan will take on Australia and Germany will face Argentina.

Both Pakistan and Australia have failed to win both their group matches and will look a collect a victory before going into the quarterfinals. It will be interesting to see if Pakistan are able to make a comeback in the tournament after being drubbed 8-2 by England.

The Times of India

After two defeats, India up against Netherlands next

Bhubaneswar - India have their task cut out as they take on the high-flying Netherlands in their final pool match of the Champions Trophy here tomorrow.

The Indians will be low on confidence after a disappointing performance against Argentina. The team will have to improve quickly. If they show the same defensive frailties against the Dutch, there is bound to be a goalfest. The Netherlands have  already scored seven goals in their wins over Argentina and Germany and are atop the pool.

“The last two matches were very disappointing for us. We made mistakes and failed in defence. Today, we have worked hard to sort out those lapses,” Roelant Oltmans said.

India scored one field goal on Sunday but missed many chances. Akashdeep Singh, who scored the goal, said, “We missed a lot of chances. We talked about it during the meeting. We worked on it in training and will try to do better tomorrow,” he said.

Robert van der Horst, captain of Netherlands, said, “Things are going in the right direction and our players are in good form. We want to win the last match to finish league on the top of the pool.”

“The team has gelled well among the experienced and young players, and both are complementing each other’s efforts,” said Netherlands’ coach Max Caldas.

The Tribune

Looking ahead, says Raghunath

Ace defender and drag-flicker V.R. Raghunath said the Indian hockey team had worked on the mistakes it committed in its Pool B match against Argentina, and looked forward to perform better in its last league match against the Netherlands.

“We had a good meeting where we made sure not to repeat our mistakes. Good that the mistakes happened during the league phase and not in the knockout stage,” said Raghunath on Monday. “We have forgotten the negative things and our target is to do well against the Netherlands and then in the quarterfinals.”

Raghunath denied that the team was under pressure because of the packed houses during the first two matches.

Young forward Akashdeep Singh said the forwards worked on finishing off moves.

The Hindu

We're determined to put up our best show against Netherlands: Raghunath

BHUBANESWAR: Bruised and battered by the back-to-back defeats in the Hero Champions Trophy hockey, India's experienced drag-flicker VR Raghunath said the hosts are keen to put up their "best show" in their last Pool B tie against World Cup silver medallist the Netherlands on Tuesday.

After the narrow 0-1 loss against Olympic champions Germany in their tournament opener, India slumped to a 2-4 defeat against Argentina at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday.

India squandered their hard-earned lead on two occasions within seconds against Argentina, to slid to the bottom of their pool.

"The mistakes which we did yesterday we tried to rectify it today. And we have planned to put up a very good show, our best show which we can put up tomorrow. We are also prepared mentally for the main target i.e. quarterfinal. So we are prepared for that whoever we will be facing," Raghunath told reporters on the eve of the game.

"We are really disappointed about yesterday's performance. We had a very friendly meeting today and we will make sure that we don't repeat the mistakes which we did yesterday."

While India's forwardline created chances against Argentina on Sunday, the defence was nowhere to be seen and was caught napping by the Argentine's fast counter-attacks.

"We conceded goals in 30 seconds twice. We should have hold on to the lead but we have worked on that area today. We had a combined meeting. This happened after a long time. Our defence has played wonderful in the last one-and-a-half year. Good it happened in the pool stages because we can rectify the mistakes on that area and be prepared for the quarterfinal," Raghunath, who himself is one of the experienced defenders of the team, said.

"We will try to put up a good show in the defence. The main thing is that there should be no lapse in the defence."

India captain Sardar Singh on Sunday gave a lame excuse when he said that the boys got little carried away by the crowd support and went for goals, leaving spaces in the backline. But Raghunath completely disagreed with his skipper.

"No, absolutely not. I think the boys should be excited and thrilled. That really doesn't matter. It doesn't affect much. At the end of the day we have to stick to our plans and try to give our personal best," he said.

Raghunath said besides the match against the Netherlands on Tuesday, India are also preparing for their quarterfinal duel.

"I am sure the knockout match would be totally different from the pool matches. We are ready to face any team. We have the potential to put up a good show. We are practicing penalty shoot-out in all the session and with the quarterfinal approaching, it's better to polish that area also," he said.

Raghunath seemed to be in no mood to ponder over the past and instead said the team should look at the future.

"To be practical we should forget what happened in the last two matches and think about the Holland match and the quarterfinal. We should just take the positives from the last two matches and prepare ourselves for the future games," he insisted.

Young Indian striker Akashdeep Singh said poor finishing has let them down in the tournament so far and they are working on rectifying that.

"Everyone is trying to do well, but yesterday we missed a few goals. We are working on our finishing," he said.

Local boy and ever-dependable defender Birendra Lakra is nursing a back injury and Akashdeep informed that he most likely will sit out of Tuesday's match to give himself time to be fit for the all-important quarterfinal.

The Times of India

Pakistan, Australia seek first win today

BHUBANESWAR: After losing their first two matches in the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy, Pakistan are gearing up to open their account in a Pool B contest against five-time defending champions Australia at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday (today). While in the first match on Saturday, Pakistan lost to Belgium 1-2, their fragile defence was exposed against England and were thrashed 2-8. However, Australia also did not get the results they wanted. They lost the first match against England with a score 1-3, the Kookaburras tried hard in the next match against Belgium and managed a 4-4 draw. “We are working together to give our best shot tomorrow. Though we have not won any match yet in the tournament, the team is taking the loss as learning experience rather than losing confidence. We are strategising our moves based on the strengths and skills of individual players of our team and we look forward to make a comeback through tomorrow’s clash,” Australia chief coach Graham Reid said.

Both the teams are now aiming to claim victory with proper strategies and winning moves in the match on Tuesday. Speaking about the clash against Australia, Pakistan chief coach Shahnaz Sheikh said, “Tomorrow’s match is going to be tough competition and we are preparing ourselves to register our first win.” The Australian team has always been on top positions and hence we need to put in extra efforts to defeat them. However, our players are geared up with enthusiasm to showcase good game skills and put forward an exciting match tomorrow.”

The Daily Times

England exposed falling standard of Pakistan hockey, says Samiullah

KARACHI: England laid bare the falling standard of hockey in Pakistan, former Olympian Samiullah Khan said on Monday in the wake of the national team’s 8-2 Champions Trophy drubbing by the English the other day.

Pakistan’s defeat saw them slump to their second successive pool ‘A’ loss in the eight-nation tournament in the Indian city of Bhunaneswar after Shahnaz Sheikh’s men had lost 2-1 to Belgium in their opening game.

“It will take us years to match the standard of the European teams as our game has down so badly,” he said in an interview a day after Pakistan’s demoralising loss. “The game’s decline once again was exposed by the Europeans.

“Over the last five to six years, our standard has fallen badly while the European teams have progressed by leaps and bounds and now Asian and Pakistan hockey are scientifically and tactically well behind the European standards.

“We might survive in Asia [against teams like India, South Korea and Malaysia] but the going gets tough when we play against the top six teams in the world.”

Samiullah, who was given the title of ‘Flying Horse’ for his speed and skills in his playing days, blamed the team management for not having a back-up plan after going down 5-0 at the half-time against England.

“We should have concentrated on breaking the rhythm and tempo of England with better ball possession but we failed to do so,” he commented. “Under pressure, Pakistan team management failed to work out any strategy or a plan.”

He blamed current hierarchy of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for the present state of affairs.

“This is due to the poor policies and lack of planning by the PHF,” he said, adding if the team continues on its current path it might as well miss out on qualifying for the 2016 Olympics having also failed to qualify for the FIH World Cup earlier this year.

“A gigantic effort is needed for revival of the game and we have to work from the grass-roots level,” he said. “But first of all we need honest and dedicated people running hockey affairs.”

Tuesday’s fixtures (all times PST):

Germany vs Argentina at 11:30am; Belgium vs England 1:30pm; Pakistan vs Australia 5:00pm; India vs Netherlands 7:00pm.

Dawn

Belgium looking for big medals in hockey

BHUBANESWAR: The number five holds a special significance for the Belgian hockey team, not as a lucky number but as a precursor to bigger achievements.

The most improved team in field hockey has finished fifth at the 2012 London Olympics and the Champions Trophy in Melbourne the same year, as well as at this year's World Cup in the Netherlands.

It is now ready to break into the top tier by winning medals in world-level competitions.

"We were fifth at the Olympics and World Cup, but now want to take the next step," Belgium's Dutch coach Jeroen Delmee said late Sunday.

"People expected us to be in the semifinals at the World Cup this year, which is new for us. Our next step is to finish in the top three of such tournaments."

Belgium, ranked fourth behind world champion Australia, the Netherlands and Germany, has already shown glimpses of its potential by edging out former champion Pakistan 2-1 in its opening game and seizing a dramatic 4-4 draw against Australia with gaining last-minute penalty-corner.

"The draw against Australia was important because it showed our resilience," captain John-John Dohmen said. "It's not the first time we've won such a match because we also scored against India with just 15 seconds to go at the World Cup this year to win the league match 3-2."

Belgium was a middle-rung team till some years ago but is now ahead of traditional Asian powers like India, Pakistan, South Korea and Malaysia.

Delmee, a two-time Olympic and four-time Champions Trophy gold medalist for the Netherlands, credits Belgium's coaching system for the steady rise.

"It's a 15-year program because such improvement does not happen in a short term," he said. "We have elaborate programs for not just the national team but also intense youth programs. Players who came into the system 10 years ago are now in the national team."

Australia coach Graham Reid agrees that everyone is wary of Belgium in only its second appearance at the Champions Trophy.

"Belgium is one team that has developed very well over the past four years," Reid said. "It's a dynamic side that is young but yet has a lot of experience and so you can't take it lightly."

Delmee feels the team is almost at par with top teams and has also caught the imagination of people back home.

"We're now close to teams like Australia, Germany and the Netherlands. Hockey in Belgium is really blooming. It's growing not just with the number of players but is also watched a lot on TV. Overall, everything is very positive and it's up to us to keep performing well," Delmee said.

Belgium will be tested in its last pool A match on Tuesday against fifth-ranked England, which has beaten Australia 3-1 and an off-color Pakistan 8-2.

The last round of league matches, which resume after a rest day on Monday, are another chance for teams to try out different combinations since all eight teams are assured of quarterfinal berths and rankings only decide the draws for the knockouts.

Australia, England, Belgium and Pakistan are grouped in pool A while the Netherlands, Germany, Argentina and India form pool B.

The Times of India

It’s not easy being a hockey player in Europe

Indervir Grewal


John-John Dohmen, 26, the Belgium skipper, is in the final year of Osteopathy at University of Brussels. Hockey India

Bhubaneswar - The German team arrived in Bhubaneswar only three days before the Champions Trophy began. They had had a five-day camp back home before coming here, hardly enough for a major tournament.  “The club indoor league finished on November 23; it's a commitment we can't afford to miss,” explained German captain Moritz Furste.

Hockey is an amateur sport. Unlike in India, where it's generally a means to get jobs, the life of an average hockey player in Europe doesn't revolve around the game alone. When one isn't playing, he's studying... to get a job because hockey doesn't

Pay enough.

“Most hockey players study or work, sometimes both, alongside playing,” says Christopher Ruhr of Germany. The 20-year-old adds that sometimes they even have to study during tournaments. “Sometimes we go back from a tournament and write exams within days.”

In India, hockey players can get jobs in banks or Railways. Not in Germany, though. “Hockey helps in building contacts which helps in getting jobs,” said the 2013 FIH young player of the year.

Germany has a strong national league and most of these players play for different clubs. Do the clubs pay enough? “For somebody my age, when you are studying — yes. But it's not enough to support a family.” Doesn't the work and studies affect training? “Yes, we don't get as much time for training as the players in India.”

Laurent Toussaint, a hockey journalist from Belgium where the situation is similar, explains further. “In Belgium, players train with the national team on Mondays and Tuesdays. On the other weekdays they train with their clubs and play the league during the weekends,” says Toussaint, who works for the French language newspaper Le Soir.

“In a year they have two training camps during the off season - around three weeks in winters and around a month or more after the season ends in April. Before major events, World Cup or Olympics, they have a two-month camp.”

Toussaint adds that along with salaries from the clubs, players also get money from Belgium's hockey federation. But it is not enough. “Most players in Belgium quit playing around the age of 26-28, so the team is usually very young. Very few players make a living from hockey.”

Tom Boon is one such example. The 24-year-old plays for Bloemendaal, one of the most successful Dutch clubs. He recently became the costliest player in Hockey India League, bought by Dabang Mumbai for a whopping price of $103,000. Initially the federation denied him the permission but he told the officials he needed the money.

Other players have to study and find work. Jerome Truyens, 27, who captained Belgium at the 2012 Olympics and has missed the Champions Trophy due to an injury, works for a financial group back home. The current captain, John-John Dohmen, 26, is in his final year of studying Osteopathy at University of Brussels.

The players who can get into the bigger clubs in Netherlands or Germany do well for themselves. “Belgium doesn't have very big clubs. In Netherlands, it's a bit better. There is scope for endorsement for the more famous players. Some are hired as brand ambassadors by big companies,” adds Toussaint.

So what is the inspiration to play hockey? “To win the Olympics gold,” pat comes the answer from a smiling Ruhr.

The Tribune

Huge setback for Bhubaneswar fans

s2h Team

The temple city of Bhubaneswar presented an exciting crowd response to the Champions Trophy in the last two days. Probably, Champions Trophy did not go this grand in the recent years.

With hoarding donning the host city, ticket counters thronged by fans, full packed stands on either side, music and lights to boot across stands, hockey was at its best in terms of quality of fare dished out on the turf and the kind of response it got from the stands.

The atmosphere and the environ in which the teams played in the last two days have been great, a good turn around for the sport of field hockey, which is still a family-game in most part of the world.

Fans, this time most paid, enjoyed every bit of hockey especially in the second session, wherein two matches were played. The weekend has been great so far.

It was nice to see families and youngsters make up bulk of the crowd, which is a new trend in Indian sports and newer thing to hockey except of course Chandigarh centre.

The affluent young --thanks to economic liberalization and boom -- is willing to spend on ticket unlike the conservative old for whom complimentary ticket is honour, right and prestige.

Organizers here boost of tickets going like hot cake. Though it may not be the case for morning sessions.

Hockey in Bhubaneswar saw in sync with changing attitude and response, as is the case in leading sports in India like cricket and football.

For a change, after quite a lot of time, heard hockey being talked about by people sitting next desk in a hotel!

Further, a rickshaw driver was telling India should not have lost to Germany, and this is really a good thing for hockey, as it has penetrated to every fans base.

The problem here, when hockey is being talked about and is much publicized, paying public and fans expect Indian team to do well.

Hockey will not see re-emergence without home successes.

Many old faces hockey, coaches and umpires were seen the other day making video of stands which was full of mobile hand sets with flash on, and making videos of Indian team marching on to the turf.

The spectacle is seen to be believed.

But at the same time, the same crowd started melting midway through fourth quarter, as India gave up leads quicker than it struck against Argentina.

Paying public going away midway is really a disturbing sight, and warning signals for those who administer the sport to national fame.

India, as a nation, may have seen still worst performances on home soils, but BBSR is a new centre, which showed great response to hockey.

It is sometimes easy to create a new fan base, but not easy to keep it and grow.

Indian hockey at this juncture is quite at this crucial phase.

Its here we have to concede that Indian national team has let down.

India has spent huge money in hosting the prestigious event, and the Odhisa Government left no stone unturned to host it in a grand way.

Indian national team is really under pressure to deliver. If they can do, it will be good. It will go a long way in keeping new hockey mass tune and stay with hockey.

Now Indian sports fan has many options, with each month new League being announced and carried out successfully.

Its time India does at least a Melbourne.

Will they?

Its a million dollar question

Stick2Hockey.com

Stars come out for the finals

  
Carla Rebecchi joint top goal scorer (Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek)

As the women's Champions Trophy drew to a close, with Argentina taking the honours after a highly entertaining final against the Hockeyroos, some of the players who proved they really were the Best of the Best were honoured in an awards ceremony after the match.

 The award for Player of the Tournament went to the player whose name was gracing every poster, street sign and advertising hoarding – Luciana Aymar. Throughout the tournament Aymar was the influential player, creative in midfield, spreading play with visionary passes and making her trademark inclusive runs through the opposition defence.

Young Player of the Tournament was awarded to the sensational Dutch midfielder Xan de Waard. The Netherlands player continued where she left off after the World Cup, her presence and influence on the pitch ensuring that the future of the Netherlands team is in safe hands for the foreseeable future.

There was very little debate over the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Belen Succi's performances, particularly in the semi-finals and final, were little short of amazing. Two examples stand out, a triple save against the Netherlands and then a double save against the Hockeyroos.

The top goalscorers in the Champions Trophy were Carla Rebecchi and Jodie Kenny, with five goals apiece. Rebecchi also scored in the shoot-out during the final and was the driving force for Las Leonas throughout the event.

FIH site

'Roachy' hangs up her whistle

Ace umpire Lisa Roach retires from international scene at Champions Trophy.


(Photo: FIH)

Lisa Roach is hanging up her whistle after 14 years at the very top of the game. In that time Lisa has umpired at two Olympic Games, three World Cups and six Champions Trophy.

"I am only stopping because the rules say I have to," says the straight-talking Australian. "When you reach 47 years you have to stop umpiring at international level, it is just one of those things. But I am lucky because I will move into a different role within umpiring. I already know I will be in Valencia for the World League Three Semi-Finals as a video umpire, so I have that to look forward to."

Speaking before she umpired the Champions Trophy bronze medal match between New Zealand and the Netherlands, Lisa spoke about her sadness at ending her international career. "We become like a family when we go to these events, we support each other and talk through the games, and at the end of the day we become a great bunch of friends."

Her umpiring colleague Carol Mechette spoke about Lisa's attitude to the other umpires. "Roachy is just a really calm person. She helps the younger umpires and is always there with advice or support. And I have known her many years, she is a great friend."

In 2011, Lisa was awarded her golden whistle, one of only four Australian umpires to do so. Four years later and with 135 international games under her belt, one of the hockey world's best known umpires will be taking a sideline role. "I have to confess there will be a few tears after the last game," said Lisa. "But at least I will stay involved, albeit in another capacity."

Lisa was applauded from the pitch by her colleagues, and in an emotional speech to her fellow umpires, she said "I have loved the journey."

FIH site

Fiji wins second game

Emoni Narawa


Fiji's Nautu Melba takes on Sharlene Sagalilo of Samoa in the first game at the National Hockey Center yesterday. Picture: JONE LUVENITOGA

THE Fiji women's hockey team secured its second win in the FIH World Hockey League with a convincing 9-0 triumph over Samoa at the National Hockey Centre yesterday.

And Fiji is a win away from qualifying to the second round of the league qualifier.

If the national women's side beat Papua New Guinea on Thursday, Fiji will make it to the second round in India.

And in its Oceania Pacific Cup campaign, the 0-9 loss to New Zealand President XI on Sunday was a wake-up call for Fiji.

Fiji started their campaign on a winning note against Vanuatu on Saturday but fell against the Kiwis.

Yesterday, Fiji regrouped well to stamp their dominance against Samoa with Tiara Dutta and Asinate Blake scoring a brace of goals each.

Blake opened the account for Fiji in the eighth minute. Ruth Pickering further extended Fiji's lead in the 16th minute. Catherine Fabiano, Heleina Young and Tailah Ah Yuk also scored for Fiji in the opening half.

Tiara scored her brace of goals in 41st and 47th minutes while Melba Nautu inked her name on the scoresheet in the 43rd minute before Blake rounded off the match with her second goal in the 61st minute.

Fiji plays Australian Country in its final match on Thursday.

The Fiji Times

Women's Indoor 4 Nations - Final Results


Photo courtesy of Blair Shier.

The final day of competition at the 2014 Women's Indoor 4-Nations Invitational was a tale of two matches.

The round-robin portion of the schedule wrapped up with two games: Argentina vs U.S.A., and Canada vs. South Africa.

These games were relatively inconsequential, as heading into day three, the matches for the 3rd place game and the 1st place game were already set: Argentina would face U.S.A., and Canada would take on South Africa.

With each team facing the other in back-to-back games, the first game became a test before the finals.

In the end, Argentina beat the U.S. twice to take 3rd place and Canada beat South Africa twice to finish in 1st place.

Day 3 Results

Argentina 4 - 3 USA
South Africa 4 - 5 Canada
Argentina 7 - 0 USA
Canada 6 - 3 South Africa

Final Standings

1. Canada
2. South Africa
3. Argentina
4. USA
5. Canada "A"

Leading Goal Scorers

Eloise Walter (South Africa) - 7
Jocelyn Mitchell (Canada) - 5
Kaelan Watson (Canada) - 5

For a full schedule, with results and statistics, click here.

More stats, standings, etc. can be viewed here.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Black Sticks Men open series on winning note


Pictured: Ryan Archibald in action, courtesy www.photosport.co.nz

A strong second half has propelled the Black Sticks Men to a tight 2-1 win over Canada in front of a bumper crowd at Saxton Field in Nelson.

North Harbour’s Joe Bartholomew proved the game changer with two cracking goals from penalty corner drag flicks.

Canada played a strong game and opened the scoring early with Gabriel Ho-Garcia catching the Kiwis off-guard with a shot from the top of the circle.

Trailing by one goal at halftime, New Zealand came out of the sheds as a much stronger team and began to pour the pressure on and create quality scoring chances.

Bartholomew delivered the equaliser early in the second half with a flick low and to the right before driving home the winning goal into the back of the net soon after.

Head coach Colin Batch said it was disappointing to allow Canada to score so early, but the fight back from his side was pleasing to see.

“Our defensive work and tackling in the first quarter wasn’t good enough. We had too many rushed tackles, we needed to engage the attackers much more and force them to eliminate us,” he said.

“We improved in the second quarter from a defensive point of view and in the second half we were much better so it was pleasing to see that progression throughout the game.”

Midfielder Ryan Archibald and striker Nick Wilson both played their first game for New Zealand in two years tonight and showed some exciting potential.

“I thought Ryan and Nick did well today. They will take a while to really meld into the team and it will take a while to get used to them as well, but there are some really encouraging signs.

You can’t underestimate two years out of international hockey and Canada played really well today and put a lot of pressure on our players.”

The Black Sticks will look to continue their momentum with game two of the four test series at 6.30pm in Nelson tomorrow night before the teams head to Christchurch for a further two tests at Marist Park, St. Bede’s College on Saturday and Sunday.

BLACK STICKS 2: (Joe Bartholomew 2)
CANADA 1: (Gabriel Ho-Garcia)
Halftime: Canada 1-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks' men edge Canada in first hockey test

WAYNE MARTIN


CHILD’S PLAY: New Zealand’s Simon Child takes on the Canadian defence during the first test in Nelson. Photosport

The Black Sticks men's hockey team have drawn first blood in their four-test series against Canada after securing a tight 2-1 win at Nelson's Saxton Turf today.

It was the first game of their South Island series and the first time the two teams had met since the Black Caps' 3-1 win in their opening game of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The Black Sticks appeared more threatening during the opening quarter, forcing three shots on goal before Canada stunned everyone when striker Gabriel Ho-Garcia scored against the run of play after nine minutes to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead.

They'd take that advantage into the first quarter break, the Blacks Sticks suffering a further blow through the loss of defender Cory Bennett with an ankle injury.

The Canadians had another chance to go further ahead early in the second quarter when they were awarded the game's first penalty corner which was successfully defused by the Black Sticks' defence.

Despite the Black Sticks enjoying a territorial advantage, Canada made the most of their brief attacking forays, just missing with a second penalty corner attempt. The Black Sticks sensed their best opportunity when they forced their first penalty corner just before the halftime break although once again, Canada's hard-working defence was equal to the task.

Canada worked hard for their 1-0 halftime lead, centred around a solid, scrambling defence as the frustrated Kiwis struggled to penetrate.

The Black Sticks' frustration eased measurably just three minutes after halftime when big North Harbour defender Joe Bartholomew buried their second penalty corner to level at 1-1.

Bartholomew struck a second blow towards the end of the third quarter, again from a penalty corner, to give the Black Sticks their first lead of the match at 2-1.

A further two Black Sticks penalty corners went unrewarded as the Canadians also caused some anxious moments at the other end, the Kiwis holding on to go one-up in the series.

The two teams meet again in tomorrow's second test, also in Nelson, with the final two games of the series scheduled for Christchurch on Saturday and Sunday.

AT A GLANCE

Black Sticks 2 (Joe Bartholomew 2) Canada 1 (Gabriel Ho-Garcia) HT: 0-1.

Stuff

Black Sticks urged to put heat on Canada

WAYNE MARTIN


Black Sticks men's hockey coach Colin Batch is urging his players to be more proactive in their approach as they prepare for today's first test against Canada in Nelson.

The two teams kick off their four-test international series at Nelson's Saxton Turf, the first of two successive Nelson tests ahead of the final two fixtures in Christchurch on Saturday and Sunday.

It's the fourth time New Zealand have hosted a home series against Canada, although it's the first time a test has been played in Nelson since 1952.

While the Black Sticks have dominated contests between the two sides, having won 33 of their previous 43 tests with just two losses, it's ominous that both losses came in New Zealand in 2003 and again in 2006.

Batch knows enough about the opposition to acknowledge they deserve plenty of respect.

"We've seen them a fair bit this year actually, we were at the Champions Challenge and also the Commonwealth Games together, so we know them reasonably well - and we're expecting a tough game for sure," Batch said.

That also means taking the game to the Canadians.

"We need to do better with the ball. I think there are times when we play a little bit too conservative with the ball and we're trying to get that into our game where we create more opportunities," he said. "And sometimes we're a bit passive when we haven't got the ball, so we want to initiate a lot more than what we're doing. I think one of the criticisms of our inability to play through the crunch games in a tournament is that we let the game flow instead of forcing errors and putting more pressure on the opposition. So we're trying to change that mindset a little bit."

The Black Sticks' most recent outing against Canada was this year's 3-1 win in Glasgow to kick-start their Commonwealth Games campaign. And while the margin appeared handy enough, the score was tied at 1-1 for a long time. So he was expecting another tough challenge.

"They're pretty aggressive in their own way. They've got a good corner set-up in attack and defensively they're pretty sound as well. And there are times when you can find it hard to break through their defence because they're pretty compact and they defend well in the back 50. So we've got to create some opportunities for us."

The Black Sticks are blooding a number of players in this series but still have a solid core of experience led by their skipper Simon Child, Auckland midfielder Arun Panchia and Southern defender Blair Tarrant with vastly experienced Auckland defender Ryan Archibald set to play his 275th test.

Canada have warmed up for the series with three matches in Auckland against a team made up of New Zealand Development and Emerging Players, finishing with a draw, loss and win.

Head coach Anthony Farry said Canada are also blooding several new players on tour. "It's a wonderful opportunity for us to give some different guys a look at top-class international hockey," he said.

"We're really looking forward to the opportunity and we're excited about it and we'll obviously go out there and give it our best shot.

"[The Black Sticks] are a quality outfit and our last game against them was very tough. We're expecting it to be fast and physical and we think it's obviously going to be a huge test for us."

The Black Sticks visited five Nelson schools following yesterday's two-hour training session.

Today's test starts at Saxton Turf at 6.30pm.

Stuff

Black Sticks to play Italy and Canada


Credit: Grant Treeby

Hockey New Zealand announced today that the Black Sticks Women will open their 2015 campaign with home tests against Italy and Canada.

Hot on the heels from collecting a fourth place finish at the FIH Champions Trophy in Mendoza, the Black Sticks will be back in action at the end of January to take on Italy in Hamilton and then Canada in Whangarei.

The Black Sticks will face Italy, ranked 17th, in a four-test series – Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th – before heading North to Whangarei where they will take on Canada, ranked 22nd, in a three-test series on Thursday 5th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February.

“Every series from here on is important as we prepare for the Olympic Qualifier in June. The more time the team can have together ahead of the Qualifier, the better. Playing internationals against Canada and Italy will be a great way to start the year,” said Hockey New Zealand’s high performance manager Terry Evans.

It will seem strangely familiar for Canada’s coach, Ian Rutledge, who was the former New Zealand women’s coach from 2003-2006. Rutledge is bringing his team to the warmer climate of Whangarei to train from 20-30 January ahead of the series. 

For Italy, it will be the first time in the sport’s history that they have played tests in New Zealand. The two sides have only played five games against each other, the Black Sticks winning four, including the last encounter which was a 4-2 win at the 2009 Champions Challenge in South Africa.

Canada last visited New Zealand in 1982 where they played in an international tournament held in Palmerston North, although ironically they never played against the Kiwis. Their only ever test on home soil was in 1978 when New Zealand won 4-0. 

Tickets will go sale at 9am on Monday 15 December. Buying online is cheaper than at the gate. Family discounts available. All games in Hamilton will be played at the Gallagher Hockey Centre, all games in Whangarei will be played at Whangarei ITM Hockey Centre.  

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks secure home series against Italy and Canada

The Black Sticks women will face Italy and Canada in a home test series early next year.

Hot on the heels from collecting a fourth place finish at the Champions Trophy in Mendoza, Argentina, New Zealand will be back in action against Italy in Hamilton and then Canada in Whangarei.

The Black Sticks take on Italy, ranked world No 17, in a four-test series in January – Wednesday 21, Thursday 22, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 – before heading to Whangarei where they will take on Canada, ranked 22, in a three-test series in February - Thursday 5, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8.

Hockey New Zealand's high performance manager Terry Evans said they would be important games for the team ahead of the Olympic qualifier in June.

"The more time the team can have together ahead of the qualifier, the better. Playing internationals against Canada and Italy will be a great way to start the year."

Stuff

Men's National Program names 2015 Senior National Team and Development Squad

The Canadian Men’s National Field Hockey Program confirmed its 2015 Men’s National Team (MNT) and Senior Development Squad (SDS) rosters on Monday.

The National Team consists of twenty-two athletes who are considered ready for International competition and who will help guide Canada through various competitions in 2015 and the pursuit of 2016 Olympic qualification.

The National Team is led by twenty-seven year-old veteran Scott Tupper (Vancouver, B.C.) who returns as team captain. Veteran defender David Jameson (Vancouver, BC) leads the team international games played with 203. At twenty years-old, Sukhi Panesar (Surrey, BC) is the youngest on the roster.

Sixteen athletes have been named to the Senior Development Squad, which is reserved for players who are considered close to breaking through to the MNT and are continually making progress towards Senior International competition.

The men are entering a year of competition during which qualification for the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio, Brazil is up for grabs through two qualification pathways. The first being the World League tournament, the second being the Pan American Games, which Canada hosts in Toronto in the summer of 2015.

In preparation for these two tournaments, the MNT will take part in many test tournaments throughout the year, for which – as will be done for World League and the Pan Am Games – specific touring rosters will be named.

2015 Men’s National Team

2015 Senior Development Squad

Field Hockey Canada media release

Maybank and Tenaga must shift up a gear

By Jugjet Singh

MAYBANK and Tenaga need to buck-up fast but unfortunately time is not on their side as they prepare to face Malaysia Hockey League giants in the TNB Cup semi-finals tomorrow.

Maybank travel to Kuala Terengganu to play League champions Terengganu HT (THT) while Tenaga play Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) at Bukit Jalil.

However, both the return legs will be played at Bukit Jalil on Friday.

Maybank morphed just in time to reverse their 1-3 defeat to UniKL and romped into the semi-finals on a 5-4 aggregate, and THT coach Sarjit Singh knows he can’t take the Tigers for granted.

For the record, THT beat Maybank 4-3 and then 6-1 in the two-round League.

“Maybank showed their classy side when they overcame a two-goal deficit to play in the semi-final. UniKL is not an easy team, but Maybank made them look bad with some powerful teamwork.

“I think the Tigers have arrived at the right time and we will not take them for granted even though we have a good record against them,” said Sarjit.

The bad news for Maybank coach Wallace Tan is that all THT players are free from injury and suspension.

As for Tenaga coach Nor Saiful Zaini: “We did just enough to reach the semi-finals. Despite winning both legs against Sapura, I’?m not satisfied with my team’?s performance.

“We gave away a couple of soft goals and we also failed to convert many chances. We have to improve to stay alive in the semi-finals.”?

KLHC hold the upper-hand as they beat Tenaga 5-3 in the Charity Shield, and 3-1 in Round Two.

FIXTURES: Tomorrow — Semi-finals, 1st Leg: Terengganu HT v Maybank (Kuala Terengganu, 5pm); Tenaga v Kuala Lumpur HC (Bukit Jalil Pitch II, 6pm).

Friday — Return Leg: Maybank v Terengganu HT (Bukit Jalil Pitch II, 6pm); Kuala Lumpur HC v Tenaga (Bukit Jalil Pitch II, 8pm).

New Straits Times

Maybank wary of being weary before meeting Terengganu in MHL

By S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank are more worried about the effects of long distance travel on their players than their opponents in the two-leg semi-finals of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

The Tigers came through a tough playoff battle with UniKL over the weekend and have to travel to the east coast to play newly-crowned league champions Terengganu. The champions on the other hand have had 10 days of rest.

Maybank coach Wallace Tan lamented his players will be at a disadvantage for the clash.

“This is a tough match and there is no way the players will be at their best with all the travelling we will have to do,” said Wallace.

The Tigers have not had a good result against Terengganu this season in the preliminary round. They lost both matches 3-4 and 1-6.

Terengganu have a star-studded line-up and have practically steamrolled their oppositions during the league campaign.

Wallace is under no illusion the task that awaits them.

“Terengganu are a top team and will be tough to play. But we’ll give it a shot. We are still not at full strength as some of the main players are just getting back after injuries. We have not had a complete team in our campaign thus far,” he said.

Maybank’s 4-1 win over UniKL on Sunday was their first this season in 12 matches. And it turned out to be the most important as it took them into the semis.

Wallace said key players like skipper Hafifihafiz Hanafi and forward Abdul Haseem Khan had been nursing injuries and thus affecting their overall game.

Pakistani Haseem is an accomplished forward and capable of scoring goals. But due to injury he has only scored three.

Hafifihafiz has four goals to his name. He returned for the playoffs after missing a few matches in the preliminary round due to injury. He scored three goals in the 5-4 aggregate win over UniKL.

Wallace, known for his tactical planning, will need to dig deep into his bag of tricks to find an answer to stop marauding Terengganu who have scored 51 goals in their last 10 matches.

The Star of Malaysia

A mountain to climb for Tenaga as they face KLHC

By S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional have a mountain to climb in their semi-final encounter against defending champions KLHC in the Malaysia Hockey League.

With just a two-day break after their playoff win they will not only face a well-rested KLHC, but a team who they termed as having good all-round players.

Tenaga coach Nor Saiful Zaini said his players will need to recuperate quickly and also sort out their indifferent form if they hope to upset KLHC who are eyeing another overall title.

“We cannot just be happy that we have made the semi-final. If you go by the form we showed in the playoffs then we are in trouble.

“KLHC are no pushovers. They have good players who are more experienced than us and also their all-round play have been quite good.

“You cannot afford to make mistakes and miss the kind of chances we had against Sapura.”

In the preliminary round, KLHC won both matches 5-3 and 3-1.

Saiful said that the scoreline was close and that gives them hope of getting a result in the semis if they play it right.

“The defence will have to buck up considerably. I am concerned about this area as we have some experienced players and all of them have been with the national team.

“So I expect them to be much better. There are quite a number of young players in the team and they are showing improvements.

“But I want the national players to guide them and also perform well,” he added.

Tenaga are former champions having won the league title six times and the overall title seven times.

Nor Saiful has been with the team for a long time and knows what it takes to play at this level. And so do a number of their players like Mohamed Madzli Ikmar, Mohamed Amin Rahim and goalkeeper S. Kumar.

Now the question is whether they can put that experience to good use and come away with a win from the two leg semi-finals, which will be held tomorrow and on Friday.

The Star of Malaysia

2015 Men’s Masters

Cairns to host 2015 Australian Champs & receive stadium boost



Cairns will host the 2015 Men’s Masters Australian Championships between 26 September and 10 October, it was confirmed today.

And in an exciting boost for hockey in the area, the local Member for Cairns, Gavin King MP, pledged $1.2 million of funding for the building of the first stage of a new hockey stadium in Cairns if his party is re-elected.

South Australia was originally due to host the 2015 Men’s Masters Australian Championships but agreed to relinquish the hosting of the event in the best interests of men’s Masters hockey with the Australian Masters Games set to be held in Adelaide from 3 October.

Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale said, “This is an outstanding result for Cairns Hockey with today’s announcement on their facility upgrade, and it is a pleasure that we can assist with the placement of the 2015 Men’s Masters Australian Championships, an event with approximately 1,500 competitors and officials.

“I thank MP Gavin King for supporting Cairns Hockey and the region with the announcement today and I thank Hockey South Australia and their CEO Andrew Ellis for assisting the sport, as they were due to host in 2015.”

Download the 2015 Australian Championships calendar here.

Hockey Australia media release

Furste elected to top German sports committee



UHC Hamburg’s Moritz Furste has been elected to the German Olympic Sports Confederation along with nine other new members.

These members take on their roles for four years during which they participate and have voting rights in the organisation of German Olympic sports. Furste found out about his election before Germany’s opening match at the Hero Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India, and he tweeted it was an honour to have been elected.

At the same meeting, Deutscher Hockey-bund President and EHF Finance Committee Member, Stefan Abel, was elected as Vice-President of Administration and Finance.

Euro Hockey League media release