News 21 January 2014
All the news for Tuesday 21 January 2014
Dutch four goal blitz after the changeover undoes South Africa's first half
JONATHAN COOK in Cape Town
Four goals in eight minutes early in the second half saw reigning Olympic and World League champions The Netherlands defeat underdogs the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team 5-1 at Hartleyvale Stadium Monday night after the scores were level 1-1 at half-time to clinch the two-Test series 2-0.
The goal blitz undid much of the excellent work SA had done in standing all-square with the world’s number one team after the first stanza.
The Netherlands’ goals came from Charlotte Vega (26th minute), Lidewij Welten (43rd and 44th), Eva de Goede (46th) and Valerie Magis (50th) while Investec South Africa’s loan goal was via the stick of Kathleen Taylor (27th minute).
This series forms part of the 11-match Hartleyvale Summer Series that also includes Australia and Belgium, and which runs until February 3.
Another sizeable Dutch crowd was present as Netherlands captain Maartje Paumen got in two shots from the first penalty corner in the second minute, but SA hit back with two dangerous entries into their opponents’ circle which came about after admirable build-up that made intelligent use of the available space.
Playing against the gale-force wind, the Dutch probed left and right for long periods, the SA defence holding firm, until midway through the half when skilful Ellen Hoog won the second PC, which Paumen flicked wide of the far post.
The world’s top-ranked team were caught on the back foot when Shelley Russell, Pietie Coetzee and Sulette Damons combined superbly down the left wing but keeper Joyce Sombroek was able to clear the ball out of the strike zone.
In the 26th minute Roos Drost earned a turnover near halfway and fed Hoog, the ball then relaying to Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel before Charlotte Vega administered the killer blow at the far post. But SA hit back immediately (27th) with a stunning goal by Kathleen Taylor after Dirkie Chamberlain had cracked in a cross from the right (1-1).
Towards the end of the half SA keeper Phume Mbande saved The Netherlands’ third and fourth PCs and the teams changed over with the score 1-1. Mbande then saved brilliantly from the fifth set-piece just 30 seconds into the second half but the sixth PC – in the 43rd minute - saw Lidewij Welten sweep in the rebound. A minute later (44th) Welten made it 3-1 after scrambling Kim Lammers short pass over the goalline.
Two minutes later (46th) the seventh PC saw Dutch star De Goede make no mistake for 4-1. In the 50th Van den Heuvel fed Valerie Magis who had time to rifle a reverse-stick shot that clattered into the backboard (5-1).
The last 20 minutes saw Mbande make three solid clearances as SA turned over too much ball and save The Netherland’s eighth PC as well, while Coetzee forced a save from Sombroek near the end after the South Africans managed to break out of defence.
SA meet Australia’s Hockeyroos in a three-Test series at Hartleyvale on Wednesday (7pm), Friday (7pm) and Saturday (4pm) before a six-Test series starts for the South Africans against Belgium on Sunday, January 26.
SCORES
The Netherlands (1) 5 (Charlotte Vega 26th minute, Lidewij Welten 43rd, 44th, Eva de Goede 46th, Valerie Magis 50th)
Investec South Africa (1) 1 (Kathleen Taylor 27th minute).
TEAMS
Investec South Africa: Marcelle Manson (née Keet), Quanita Bobbs, Kelly Madsen, Sulette Damons, Bernie Coston, Marsha Cox (capt), Pietie Coetzee, Shelley Russell, Tarryn Bright, Lilian du Plessis, Kathleen Taylor, Phume Mbande, Hanli Hattingh, Illse Davids, Celia Evans, Lisa Deetlefs, Dirkie Chamberlain, Lenise Marais.
The Netherlands: Joyce Sombroek, Frederique Derkx, Marloes Keetels, Kitty van Male, Malou Pheninckx, Willemijn Bos, Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel, Lidewij Welten, Caia Maasakker, Charlotte Vega, Maartje Paumen (capt), Ellen Hoog, Maartje Cox, Merel de Blaeij, Kim Lammers, Eva de Goede, Roos Drost, Valerie Magis.
Umpires: Michelle Joubert and Tanya Schafer (South Africa).
REMAINING FIXTURES
(all at Hartleyvale)
January: vs Australia: Wednesday 22nd (7pm); Friday 24th (7pm); Saturday 25th (4pm)
vs Belgium: Sunday 26th (4pm); Tuesday 28th (8pm); Wednesday 29th (7pm); Friday 31st (7pm)
February
vs Belgium: Sunday 2nd (4 pm); Monday 3rd (7 pm)
* Twitter handle is @Investec_Sport using #Investechockey.
SA Hockey Association media release
Hockeyroos v South Africa
Hockeyroos set for three Tests against hosts in Stellenbosch
The Hockeyroos’ South African training camp is underway with the Aussie women set to play three matches against their hosts in Stellenbosch this week.
The matches are scheduled as follows:
Wednesday 22nd – 7pm local time (4am AEDT Thurs 23rd)
Friday 24th – 7pm local time (4am AEDT Sat 25th)
Saturday 25th – 4pm local time (1am AEDT Sun 26th)
The team will then play a series of four uncapped practice matches against the Netherlands, who are also on tour in South Africa.
Reports from the Hockeyroos’ Tests against South Africa will, as always, be available from the Hockey Australia website.
Hockey Australia media release
Revington’s all 'stressed out' to continue
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: A stress-related illness is the main reason national hockey chief coach Paul Revington quit the team.
In a press conference on Monday, the South African said that he had given a lot of thought to the matter. He explained that his stress level had escalated since June last year and that he can no longer perform to the best of his ability.
Although he was adamant in saying that the issues which led him to quit last June had been resolved and that he got on well with the other coaches, Revington added it was up to others to interpret his resignation as they wished.
“Although I have tried extremely hard to fight the onset of a stress-related illness since June 2013, I am still not functioning close to my maximum capacity and it has been affecting the quality of my day-to-day work,” he said, without disclosing what the illness is.
“I have been working at the top end of high performance hockey for over 12 years and have been pushing myself and the teams I have been coaching to improve quickly from day one — often faced with continual and at times expected environmental challenges. These 12 years have unfortunately led to a temporarily worn-out and damaged mind,” he added.
Revington said that although it may be construed as leaving the team in the lurch, this was not the case.
“I understand that other interpretations will be made of my decision. I have no control over that other than to try and explain my situation as best as I can. There are a lot of positives coming out of last year and there are new challenges ahead for the national team,” he said.
But Revington said that he will not leave immediately as he needs to give three months’ notice. He added that he will continue to work over the next three months in whatever capacity the MHC wants him to and he is willing to help the team coaches if needed.
“I have really been looking forward to working on the pitch again with the Juniors coaching staff, and it is with great sadness that my health has meant that I cannot do so in the way I had intended and hoped.
“Dharma (K. Dharmaraj) and his coaching staff are an outstanding combination and have a great history of creating a hardworking and successful family environment in the Malaysian junior team as witnessed over the past five years — and they will continue this into the senior team.
“The Project 2016 team will also be getting a coach in Arul (A. Arulselvaraj) who has accumulated years of experience working as an assistant coach and is ready for the challenge as an international head coach. I wish these coaches well,” he said.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has accepted the resignation of Revington and appointed Dharmaraj as the new national coach while demoting Arulselvaraj to the Project 2016 team.
Revington said he will discuss contract issues with MHC and the NSC (National Sports Council) over the next week.
“I have yet to discuss the details with the NSC and MHC with regard to my exact role over the next three months (contract notice period), but all I can say is that it will not be in my full capacity as head coach due to my health issues.
“I will work, as always, with the best interests of Malaysian hockey at heart and in mind. I would like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to coach the Malaysian team, and the patience and support offered to me in the past several months.”
The Star of Malaysia
NSC to Revington: You’re free to go
By S. Ramaguru
NSC Director-General Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong said outgoing national hockey coach Paul Revington can leave immediately without serving his 3-month notice period if he wishes to. - Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Council (NSC) believe there is no reason for Paul Revington to stay on for the next three months if he is not interested in coaching the national team.
NSC director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong said he was disappointed with the decision taken by the South African and said they will not hold him back if he wants to leave immediately.
“There is no point keeping him if he is not interested. I gave him an assurance in June 2013 (when he quit) that we would do anything to help him.
“But he has never discusssed the issue with us (NSC) and neither did he inform us before submitting his resignation letter,” he said yesterday.
When told that Revington is willing to stay on for the next three months to complete his contractual obligation, Zolkples said it will depend on what sort of job there is for him.
“That will largely depend on the two coaches of the senior and junior teams. If they want to use him then fine but otherwise we can shorten the period since there has been a breach in contract,” said Zolpkles.
The NSC director-general also said that there is no reason for him to meet with Revington now.
“There is no point in meeting him now as he has already made up his mind. I had a meeting with MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on Sunday and we have discussed all matters relating to the issue,” he added.
The NSC are not averse to local coaches taking charge of the senior and junior teams.
The MHC at the meeting on Sunday had appointed K. Dharmaraj as the senior team chief coach replacing Revington while A. Arulselvaraj was given the job of Project 2016 coach.
Arulselvaraj had been Revington’s assistant since October 2012.
Zolkples said he had no indication that there was any serious problems in the team.
“I had a meeting with Tengku Abdullah two weeks ago and with the annoucement of the 35 players (for the natioanl squad) last week I thought everything was fine with the team.
“This is certainly a surprise. We have to handle the situation carefully as this is an important year for Malaysian hockey. I have no issue with Dharmaraj and Arulselvaraj taking over the teams,” he said.
Revington’s problem with the national team started last year. He quit in June citing outside interferance in national team matters.
The matter was resolved and the South African stayed on after assurance that he would be given help.
Zolkples added that Revington has done well and that the team is more structured now.
“But life must go on. We will have to look forward and hope that this does not unsettle the team.”
The Star of Malaysia
New-look Waveriders up for HIL Season 2
Harpreet Kaur Lamba
During the inaugural Hockey India League last year, former national coach and commentator Cedric D’Souza couldn’t help but marvel at the brand of hockey that the Delhi Waveriders were putting on display. The Sardar Singh-led team did not lose a single game in the month-long tournament, barring the final to eventual winners Ranchi Rhinos.
For D’Souza, who has given up commentary duties and will now be seen in the Waveriders’ dugout coaching the talented side, it is a “great opportunity and responsibility”. D’Souza replaces coach A.K. Bansal, who will join new entrants Kalinga Lancers.
On Saturday, the new-look Delhi Waveriders began their preparations for HIL Season 2, that kicks off on January 25. Delhi face Punjab Warriors in the opening game at the newly-opened Mohali Stadium.
“I know there are a lot of expectations given this team’s reputation,” said D’Souza in a chat with this paper. “But one has to remember it is a different season and a different team.
“We are trying to do a lot of things, and the first of that begins with a watertight defence. This is one area that we are going to be extremely focused on, besides penalty corner conversions.
“In such leagues, it is very important for the players to get together and understand each other. The bonding off and on the field among the overseas and the Indian players is what often leads to a team’s success, and we want to be spot on with that.
“Discipline is another aspect that will be high on agenda.”
Arjun, Rajpal, Guri new signings
Plagued by injuries to key strikers Gurvinder Singh Chandi (ruled out with an ankle injury), Danish Mujtaba and Akashdeep Singh (doubtful starters), the Waveriders have signed up former India forwards Arjun Halappa and Rajpal Singh, besides Air India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Guri. “That was a last-minute decision,” said D’Souza. “We had a few injuries and the decision was taken keeping in mind the structure and requirement of the team.”
Among the overseas players, German goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi — the team’s go-to-man in the last edition — will join a week after the start of the league.
Holland’s Tim Jenniskens and German striker Oscar Deecke will be missing as they weren’t given permission by their respective federations, keeping in mind the World Cup in six month’s time.
Edwards, White new faces
D’Souza said the team would try to retain their ability to play free-flowing hockey and an attacking display — highlights of their last year’s campaign.
“We are working on combinations and game plans. It is important that the game plan trickles down to the players and reflects on the field. We have several new faces and the players will need to do combine well.”
The Australian duo of Jason Wilson (forward) and Tristan White (defender) are among the new signings, besides New Zealand defender Steven Edwards.
South African Timothy Drummond will be the new face in the midfield, while striker Armaan Qureshi too joins their ranks.
The Asian Age
Sandeep hopes to drag Punjab Warriors to the top
Deepankar Sharda
Chandigarh - Punjab Warriors will enter the Hockey India League this season with a lot of hope and enthusiasm, thanks to the presence of Sandeep Singh, the dreaded drag-flicker, in their ranks.
The former Mumbai Magicians' skipper, who was the top scorer in the last edition, too seems happy with the switch. “I am happy to be a part of this team. I wasn't too happy with my performance and that of the team last year; I hope we go the distance this time,” said Sandeep.
Asked to point out a few loopholes in the side that he might have observed while playing against them last year, he said the team needed to work on their penalty corner conversions. “Besides, the strikers need to finish better. Hopefully, we will find solutions to all our problems before the tournament gets underway,” he said.
Barry Dancer, the coach, hoped that the team would come out trumps this time around. “After Sandeep's inclusion, the team looks more stable. Now we won't have to worry about a drag flicker,” he said.
Jamie Dwyer, the former Australia skipper, will lead the team.
I am happy to be a part of Punjab Warriors. I wasn't too happy with my performance and that of the team last year; I hope we go the distance this time.
—Sandeep Singh
Tribune
Indian hockey needs stability at coach level: Barry
CHANDIGARH: Former Australian player Barry Dancer said Indian hockey coaches deserve to be given a long rope for the team to produce good results at the international level.
"The problem with the India's hockey team at the national level is lack of stability in the leadership," Dancer said.
Dancer, 61, who played 48 international matches for his country between 1973 to 1979, said that Indian team had seen ten coaches in the last eight years.
"This (repeatedly changing coaches) is a problem the Indian hockey team is facing," he said, adding that one or two coaches should be given confidence to continue for a longer period.
"Some stability in leadership is what is required. The results of the national team for the past two to three decades are not what hockey want in India," he said.
Dancer, who is coach of 'Jaypee Punjab Warriors' for the Hero Hockey India League scheduled to start from January 25, stressed that for the long term success of the Indian team focus on technology and coaching at academies level is required.
"Focus on physical conditioning, sports science and medicines to prevent players from injuries at the academy level is what is need for the upliftment of Hockey in India," he said.
On being asked whether language comes in as a road block to coach a team in India, Dancer said: "No its not like that...I spend time on pitch with players...had meetings with them...also indulge in one on one interaction."
He rued that India had not developed as much as needed in terms of modern skills and technology in the game.
Sandeep Singh, a prominent drag flicker, who is also part of Punjab's team, said that he had been working overtime on his fitness levels.
"I have been doing intense training on drag flicks and defence in the D," he said adding that he was looking forward to make a comeback in the Indian team by giving his best.
The Jaypee Punjab Warriors will face Delhi Waveriders in the opening match at Mohali near here on January 25.
The Times of India
Astro turf hockey stadium inaugurated in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh's first international astroturf hockey stadium built at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore at Rajnandgaon district headquarters was on Monday inaugurated amid a grand opening ceremony.
The stadium, spread over an area of nearly 9.5 acres, was dedicated to public on Monday at the hands of state Governor Shekhar Dutt and chief minister Raman Singh.
The exhibition match between Governor's Eleven and CM's Eleven comprising some international players, including Indian hockey men's squad skipper Sardara Singh, Harjot Singh, Affan Yousuf, Lalit Upadhyay and others, also was played the occasion.
"Hockey is our national game. Even before India attained freedom, Indian sportspersons made the country proud by performing excellently well in many world-class hockey tournaments," the Governor said in his address.
Right from rural areas of state to urban areas, better facilities will have to be put in place to provide better training to hockey players of the state, he added.
Raman Singh said, with the support of public, construction of the first international hockey stadium of state has been completed within the record period of 18 months.
"The hockey players of the state definitely have a bright prospect and government is eager to provide them all sorts of facilities, so that the sports talents in state is trained well to glorify the name of the country at the international level in the field of hockey," he added.
Cherishing the glorious past of hockey in India, Chief Minister said that collective efforts are needed to bring back those days of glory for the Indian hockey.
He also assured that the construction of astro turf hockey stadiums in Raipur will by completed by next month and in Bilaspur by the month of April.
The Times of India
‘Old school’ Tim Whiteman exits wilderness for ‘unforgettable’ England debut at World Hockey League
Beeston midfielder-defender says he has joined the centralised programme in a key year for England Hockey after India travels and teaching career
By Rod Gilmour
In from the wilderness: Tim Whiteman, 26, made his senior England debut in New India Photo: Frank Uijlenbroek / England Hockey
It is not uncommon in hockey, but in this age of central contracts and tight-knit squads, Tim Whiteman’s debut for England at last week’s World League Finals, where the men’s side finished with bronze, represented something of a breakthrough moment.
“Hockey does seem to be a young man’s sport,” says the 26 year-old, who made his senior entrance against India in the opening pool game in New Delhi. “I suppose it is a bit like being from the old school.”
Whiteman’s route to the senior squad is certainly an interesting one. After playing all of England's junior age groups up until the under-21 squad, he then struggled with injuries before taking a year out, travelling to India.
Hockey remained in the blood. He studied for a BA in History at Nottingham Trent, but continued playing for premier side Beeston. Whiteman then took on a job at Repton School, teaching History and Politics and coaching an under-16 squad.
Crucially, he kept in touch with current national coach Bobby Crutchley, who Whiteman had played under when under-21 coach. But when he moved down to Wycombe last July to join England Hockey’s centralised programme “it still felt like being in the wilderness and coming out of it.”
“It’s a strange experience after being away for so long and I suppose it’s is rare that somebody does that,” says Whiteman.
“I wasn’t fit or strong enough two or three years ago and I wasn’t good enough for the Olympic squad. I don’t think I ever got overlooked.”
Naturally, he described his first cap against India last week as an “unforgettable evening”.
“A couple of years ago I was getting my teaching qualifications, working hard in the school, playing for Beeston and training twice a week.
“It has been incredible. The India game was a special occasion and after training for three months it had been a long time coming. It is one I will never forget.”
The training and comparative lack of games in recent months clearly aided England in New Delhi. More so off the field as new faces mixed with England’s more experienced players.
“It has really helped me in the fact that the senior members will speak to you on a one-to-one level,” Whiteman admits. “It is a really important part and it’s obvious that everyone gets on well, but with an underlying determination to produce good results.”
Whiteman has started his senior career at a “crucial” juncture, too. Another block of national squad training follows, before England embark on the Investec Cup in London, the World Cup in The Hague and a summer date in Glasgow at the Commonwealth Games.
“There is no better year to be part of international hockey,” Whiteman says. “I couldn’t be more excited and there was no better way to start.”
The Telegraph
Secret Umpire: major sports should learn from world hockey’s fearless rule changes
The Secret Umpire says that FIH officials aren't afraid to tinker rules to be more coherent in a swamped sporting marketplace
By The Secret Umpire
Chop and change: experimental ‘own goal’ was a very positive step forward, says Secret Umpire Photo: ADY KERRY
‘Making the umpires’ jobs easier is always a good thing,’ Ross Bone wrote this in his Talking Hockey column in November. I cannot agree with him more.
So, why is it that rule changes are disbanded mid-season for different levels of hockey and, depending on which level you umpire, you could be blowing to two different sets of rules in the same weekend?
The last major experimental rule change imposed upon us by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) was the ‘own goal’ which has now been scrapped in all hockey from September. Unless of course you umpire at National League when this will take effect from February – two sets of rules for the same game in the same country!
But perhaps the FIH should be applauded here. At least they are making regular rule changes, where other sporting bodies seemingly shy away from. After all, one official did tell Indian media last month that they are at pains to make hockey “spectator-friendly and consumable for a bigger audience.”
Personally, the experimental ‘own goal’ was a very positive step forward to enable us to make confident, consistent and ultimately correct decisions.
Is that not what the players all want us to do anyway? This rule removed the element of doubt over who touched the ball, as it is now purely down to if there was a touch - a much easier decision to make than trying to ascertain who had the final touch in a melee of players.
Players will of course knock the lack of skill involved scoring, the unlucky keeper who is outwitted by a rebound off the post, the smash and hope hockey. However this is certainly not what I have witnessed this season.
Perhaps, while tinkering with the deployment of the rules, England Hockey might wish to look at the much debated and highly contentious high stick rule that below National League penalises skill with potential yellow cards.
I leave you with this, taken from the Rules FAQ section of the FIH Website.
15. Why do we play with the same rules for every level?
So that the game each of us plays is the game played by everyone else in the world. For example, a young player can learn from senior and experienced players. It also encourages consistent coaching and umpiring.
I’m not sure they have their facts straight here.
But at least the FIH are being consistent in their rule changing – and that should only benefit the sport as it aims to compete in a congested marketplace on television.
The Telegraph
Fiji Hockey U18 teams fundraise
Arin Kumar
Doctor Losito of the Raiwaqa Health Centre (right) beside one of the wheelchairs given by the national hockey U18 team yesterday.Picture: JONE LUVENITOGA
THE national under-18 hockey side needs almost $80,000 for their trip to the Youth Olympic Oceania Qualifiers to be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, in March.
Team coaches Tai Smith and Anthony Newton named their 15-member squads on Saturday and also revealed the side was in dire need of funds for the trip.
Smith said the Fiji National Sports Commission had given them a grant but it's the player levy contribution that was pending.
She said the side had been fundraising for the trip and trying to collect spending money.
"One thing we have been doing is donating some old things we have and selling them," Smith said.
"And I had my late mother's wheelchair which we were planning to sell but just last week, (Wednesday), I took one of the players to the Raiwaqa Health Centre and went to find a wheelchair for her but there was none.
"So we donated my mother's chair to the Health Centre and they were very thankful to us for the gesture. And even though we didn't earn any money from it, it was a good bonding session for the players and the praise they received will be good motivation for them."
She said they only had five weeks to come up with the funds.
"We are keeping our fingers crossed that some potential sponsors answer our plea."
Meanwhile, the side returned to their usual training venue at the National Hockey Centre after training on the beach at the Nasese Foreshore for two weeks since the beginning of the year.
Smith said the centre were now under the ownership of the Fiji Sports Council.
"They have given us a very economical rate to use the facilities and the turf."
The Fiji Times