News 26 January 2014
All the news for Sunday 26 January 2014
Investec SA women's hockey team come back but Aussies draw series
JONATHAN COOK in Cape Town
South Africans (from left) Kathleen Taylor, Sulette Damons and Dirkie Chamberlain (12) are all determination as Australia's Jayde Taylor looks on during the Aussies' 4-1 third Test win that left the three-Test series a 1-1 draw at Hartleyvale Hockey Stadium in Cape Town Saturday. PHOTO: GAVIN WITHERS (Action Pix)
A determined second-half fightback when all seemed lost was not enough for the Investec South Africa women’s hockey team and world number four Australia won the third and final Test 4-1 at Hartleyvale Stadium Saturday after leading 2-0 at half-time. The result left the three-Test series a 1-1 draw.
The result dashed SA’s chances of a rare series win over the Aussies, the first Test having ended in a 3-3 midweek draw and the world’s 11th-ranked South Africans playing some superb hockey in Friday’s memorable 1-0 victory.
The match was won and lost in the first half as South Africa’s good start was undone by what appeared to be a strange affliction when in defensive mode as the Aussies found space and time to run through the SA defence untouched at times.
SA enjoyed wonderful patches of play in the second half which brought back memories of Friday night’s win but replacement Aussie keeper Rachael Lynch made a host of top saves. SA keeper Phume Mbande also kept SA in the game and the big moment came for the girls in green and gold when Shelley Russell scored for SA to trail by two goals (1-3) with 16 minutes left.
SA threw everything into getting the two goals that would draw the match and win the series, but it was not to be and a final Aussie goal two minutes from full-time ensured the series outcome.
Investec SA keeper Phume Mbande saved from Jodie Schulz's penalty corner drag-flick as Emily Smith (far left) looks on. Photo: GAVIN WITHERS (Action Pix)
Australia scored through Jodie Schulz (25th minute) and Mariah Williams 33rd) before half-time. Kelli White made it 3-0 in the (44th) before Russell pulled one back in the 54th minute. SA threw everything into attack but Georgia Nanscawen (68th) made the game safe two minutes from full-time.
Renowned English hockey writer and statistician Pat Rowley had pointed out that the 3-3 first Test draw in midweek was the 50th match between the two countries, of which SA had won 10 and Australia 33. This had made had SA’s 1-0 second Test win Friday night even more special and buoyed hopes of a series win.
The six-Test series between South Africa and Belgium starts 4pm Sunday.
SCORES
Australia (2) 4 (Jodie Schulz 26th minute, Mariah Williams 33rd, Kelli White 44th, Georgia Nanscawen 68th)
Investec South Africa (0) 1 (Shelley Russell 54th minute).
REMAINING FIXTURES
(all at Hartleyvale)
January: 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)
MORE DETAIL
Australia welcomed back captain for the series, Casey Eastham, while SA were unchanged. The girls in green and gold earned a penalty corner in the second minute, Coetzee going low to Ashlee Wells’ right, which the keeper saved with an outstretched leg. Hardly a minute later captain Marsha Cox had time and space, but shot wide of the near post.
Soon after, Australia hit back and White could have also done more with an effort from close that Mbande covered with ease. In the ninth minute Australia won a PC after a series of clashes in the strike zone and Schulz’s flick was turned away for a corner.
In the 20th minute Ashleigh Nelson ran unchallenged into the circle from 30 metres out, but shot outside the near post with time to spare. Then it was Williams’ turn to shoot wide after an unchallenged run, as the SA defence seemed to unravel once again.
A second PC followed soon after. Schulz’s low flick was saved by Mbande and Marcelle Manson cleared with precision. What followed in the 26th minute upset the South African defence as Schulz scored the opener, the goal being confirmed after consultation between umpires Wanri Venter of SA and Australia’s Aleisha Neumann.
SA came back strongly but the Aussies recovered well and two minutes from half-time (33rd) Williams made it 2-0 from close, leaving the South Africans with a mountain to climb after the break.
In the fourth minute after the changeover Cox freed up Dirkie Chamberlain, whose shot from the edge of the strike zone was saved with comfort by Lynch and at the other end White stretched the Aussies’ lead to 3-0
Chamberlain, Coetzee and Russell had attempts to get SA on the scoreboard in the 47Tt, 48th and 52nd minutes respectively and the elusive goal came with 16 minutes left (54th) when Russell was one the end of Cox’s cross from the right followed by Lilian du Plessis’ assist (3-1).
At the other end Mbande made some key interventions, which helped to keep SA in the game and with 12 minutes on the clock Chamberlain almost pulled one back but Lynch was on hand with a top save from the cracking shot.
It was all SA as Coetzee, Kathleen Taylor and Kaila Flemming brought saves in quick succession from the outstanding Lynch while in the 66th minute the weight of pressure won South Africa a PC, which the Aussies managed to survive.
In the 67th Schulz’s conventional PC strike was turned off the goalline by Lenise Marais and the Aussies ensured the series would finish 1-1 when Georgia Nanscawen scrambled the ball home a minute later (68th). Sulette Damons came close in the dying seconds but SA were left to rue the periods of mediocrity that cost them a rare series win over the Australians.
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, Dirkie Chamberlain, Lenise Marais, Nicolene Terblanche, Kaila Flemming.
Australia: Georgia Nanscawen, Brooke Peris, Casey Eastham (capt), Ashlee Wells, Kirsten Johnson, Jodie Schulz, Ashleigh Nelson, Anna Flanagan, Karrie McMahon, Edwina Bone, Emily Hurtz, Jane Claxton, Jayde Taylor, Kate Jenner, Mariah Williams, Emily Smith, Rachael Lynch, Mathilda Carmichael.
Umpires: Wanri Venter (South Africa) and Alecia Newman (Australia).
* Twitter handle is @Investec_Sport using #Investechockey
SA Hockey Association media release
Hockeyroos win in SA
Mariah Williams' first goal plus strikes by Schulz, White & Nanscawen lead to 4-1 win
Maria Williams scored her first International goal
A first international goal from Mariah Williams and strikes by Jodie Schulz, Kellie White and Georgia Nanscawen earned the Hockeyroos a 4-1 win over South Africa in the third and final match of their three Test series in Cape Town.
Newcastle youngster Williams’ first strike for Australia put the Hockeyroos in control as she added to Jodie Schulz’s earlier goal to put the Aussie women 2-0 up shortly before half time. Kellie White extended the Hockeyroos’ lead less than ten minutes into the second half before South Africa reduced the deficit through Shelley Russell. Goal line defending by the hosts kept the Hockeyroos at bay in the closing period before, with just two minutes remaining, Georgia Nanscawen finished from close range to round off the win. For the Victorian it was a highly welcome reward in her first tour back after a lengthy injury absence.
The result meant that the series was tied following a 3-3 draw in the first Test and a narrow 1-0 defeat in the second.
Head Coach Adam Commens said afterwards, “It was a much improved performance. We were very good in the first half but out second half was a little sloppy as some of our players returning from illness fatigued. Some high quality finishing by our forwards kept us ahead and the scoreline of 4-1 was well deserved.
“Whilst it was a better performance we will need to step up significantly if we are to compete with the Dutch on Tuesday. We now have two days rest to prepare and we look forward to our four matches against The Netherlands.”
The Hockeyroos’ South African training camp continues in Stellenbosch. During their final week in South Africa the Hockeyroos will face the Netherlands in a series of four practice matches.
Australia v South Africa Test series, Women
Match 3 of 3
Cape Town, South Africa
On Twitter: @Hockeyroos
SOUTH AFRICA 1 (0)
Shelley Russell 54 (F)
HOCKEYROOS 4 (2)
Jodie Schulz 26 (F)
Mariah Williams 32 (F)
Kellie White 44 (F)
Georgia Nanscawen 68 (F)
Hockeyroos squad v South Africa
Athlete (Hometown) Caps/goals
Started
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 25/1
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 26/2
Casey Eastham (Albion Park, NSW) 187/44
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 109/18
Emily Hurtz (Camden, NSW) 74/28
Kate Jenner (Tamworth, NSW) 81/1
Jodie Schulz (Wamuran, QLD) 92/46
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 72/26
Jayde Taylor (Bunbury, WA) 81/1
Ashlee Wells (GK) (Moe, VIC) 24/0
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 61/21
Used Substitute
Mathilda Carmichael (Willoughby, NSW) 7/0
Kirstin Johnson (Mackay, QLD) 33/2
Rachael Lynch (GK) (Melbourne, VIC) 96/0
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 25/3
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 109/19
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 133/60
Mariah Williams (Newcastle, NSW) 5/1
Did Not Play
Teneal Attard (Mackay, QLD) 186/10
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 267/64
Jordyn Holzberger (Ipswich, QLD) 31/3
Claire Messent (Melbourne, VIC) 73/20
Georgie Parker (Adelaide, SA) 48/10
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 19/5
Hockey Australia media release
England in European Indoor action
Nic White in action for England at the EuroHockey Indoor Championships 2014
England have beaten France 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Sophie Bray to give themselves a chance to qualify for the Indoor World Cup.
England are battling it out in Pool C for fifth-eighth place at the 2014 EuroHockey Indoor Championships after finishing fourth in Pool A behind the Netherlands, defending champions Germany and hosts Czech Republic. Jason Lee's inexperienced side need a top six finish at the tournament to maintain their top flight status and qualify for the Indoor World Cup.
England will play France and Belarus while other opponents in the pool, Czech Republic, will carry across the three points they took against England yesterday in their Pool A game.
Match reports and scorers from all England's games are below.
Friday 24 January - Pool A - Match 1
NETHERLANDS 7 (2)
Karin den Ouden 5 (PC)
Kiki Collot D'escury 20 (FG)
Vera Vorstenbosch 23 (FG)
Laurien Leurink 25, 34 (FG, FG)
Pien van Nes 31 (FG)
Lieke Hulsen 37 (FG)
ENGLAND 0 (0)
England’s first game of the EuroHockey Indoor Championships was against the Netherlands, and the Dutch side were able to take advantage of England’s relative inexperience to run out 7-0 winners.
Despite the first goal from the Netherlands being scored five minutes in from a penalty corner, the first half saw England keep in touch with a classy Dutch side. It was only in the last minute that the Netherlands increased their lead to 2-0 courtesy of a field goal from Kiki Collot d’Escury.
In the second half the Dutch side found their stride and showed their indoor experience, with five more goals coming between the 23rd and 37th minute. As the final hooter sounded there were six names on the scoresheet for the Netherlands as they completed a convincing victory over England in their opening fixture.
Pool A - Match 2
CZECH REPUBLIC 4 (3)
Kamila Dukatova 8 (FG)
Barbora Haklova 14 (FG)
Adela Bizova 18 (FG)
Tereza Mejzlikova 32 (FG)
ENGLAND 1 (0)
Sarah Haycroft 32 (PC)
The second game of England's EuroHockey Indoor Championship campaign was against the hosts Czech Republic.
The match started badly for England, with the side 3-0 at halftime after a number of costly errors. However the second half showed a much more impressive performance from England. Surbiton's Sarah Haycroft scored England's first goal of the tournament in the 32nd minute and it was only thanks to some desperate defending from the hosts and the assistance of the post and crossbar which kept England from scoring anymore. The game finished 4-1.
At the end of the first day England Head Coach Jason Lee said: 'I'm pleased with the progress that has been made across the two games, particularly in the second half against the Czech Republic. This England side is largely inexperienced at indoor hockey, with the majority of the team securing their first international caps against the Scotland last weekend. Moreover many of these players didn't feature in the domestic Indoor Leagues, reinforcing the steep learning curve they are on.'
Tomorrow sees England take on Germany in the final group game, which will be a tough test for the team, as the Germans demolished the Czech side 10-0.
Saturday 25 January - Pool A - Match 3
GERMANY 5 (2)
Lydia Haase 4, 23, 39 (FG, FG, FG)
Kristina Hillmann 5 (PC)
Lena Jacobi 29 (PS)
ENGLAND 3 (1)
Sophie Bray 20 (FG)
Giselle Ansley 26 (FG)
Lily Owsley 32 (FG)
After the defending European Indoor Champions Germany beat hosts Czech Republic 10-0 yesterday England might have been right to approach the game with some trepidation, however Lee's inexperienced side did themselves proud only narrowly going down to a 5-3 defeat.
Germany scored twice in the opening five minutes which left England chasing the game from very early on. Sophie Bray stole one back for England in the final minute of the first half to make it 2-1 at the break.
The second half saw five more goals scored, three for Germany and two for England. Giselle Ansley and Lily Owsley added to England's tally in the 26th and 32nd minute respectively. With German defenders making five last ditch saves on the line, England were disappointed not to come away with something from the game. Germany's Lydia Haase was the star of the show securing her hat-trick in the final minute and giving her side a 5-3 victory.
Saturday 25 January - Pool C - Match 4
ENGLAND 3 (2)
Sophie Bray 10, 20, 40 (FG, FG, FG)
FRANCE 0 (0)
Battling it out in Pool C to decide the fifth to eighth placings England have set off with a strong 3-0 win over France. Lee's side had East Grinstead's (indoor) Sophie Bray to thank for the scoreline after she contributed all three goals. Bray added two goals to her tally in the first half on the 10th and 20th minute and completed her hat-trick right at the death to give England their first three points of the championships.
Speaking after the second day of play England Head Coach Jason Lee said, "It's been a good day all round for us, with the win providing suitable reward for the girl's efforts. The team have improved a lot in a short period of time and are now looking much more like a competitive indoor outfit.'
England will face Belarus tomorrow as they attempt to finish in the top six to maintain their top flight indoor status and to qualify for the Indoor World Cup.
Click here to see the pools and for more information.
England Hockey Board Media release
Waveriders start with a win
Y. B. Sarangi
First salvo: Talwinder Singh shoots home the opening goal for Delhi Wave Riders. Photo: Akhilesh Kumar
The attractive settings suited the festive mood and Delhi Waveriders rode on Jason Wilson’s brace to overcome a solid Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3-1 in an engrossing match to collect the first points of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) Season II at the newly-built International Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.
Before the start of the league, Warriors had made its intentions clear. It kept its promise by resorting to precise passing and making several sound raids to the Waveriders post in the first quarter.
The foundation of Warriors’ domination was its superb control over the ball.
The host narrowly missed the target on a couple of occasions. A seventh minute penalty corner attempt by Sandeep Singh was deflected away from a defender’s stick, while Augustin Mazzilli’s cross from left went wide from Shivendra Singh.
Waveriders defenders, led by Andres Mir Bel, Tristan White and Rupinderpal Singh, kept their cool and moved well to guard their post.
Waveriders got two short corners on either side of the first break, but Rupinderpal could not make it count.
Waveriders added pace to its forward line in the second quarter and Talwinder Singh capped a coordinated effort to give Waveriders the crucial lead.
However, Warriors restored parity soon when Affan Yousuf’s swift strike beat Waveriders’ goalkeeper Hamish McGreger about two minutes before half-time. This goal apart it turned out to be a fine day for McGreger.
Akashdeep orchestrated Waveriders’ second goal. He dribbled past a few rival defenders from the left and fed an unmarked Jason Wilson to complete the formalities.
Waveriders maintained patience and retained its controlled over the game. Aussie import Wilson again appeared from nowhere to utilize another opportune moment in the Punjab circle to slot home the third one.
Warriors spoiled a chance to close the gap when it failed to convert a penalty corner in the dying minutes.
The result: Delhi Waveriders 3 (Talwinder Singh 29, Jason Wilson 47, 68) bt Jaypee Punjab Warriors 1 (Affan Yousuf 33). Man-of-the-match: Hamish McGreger.
The Hindu
Delhi beat sloppy Punjab in opener
Indervir Grewal
Mohali - Delhi Waveriders started their campaign with an easy 3-1 win over Punjab Warriors in the opening match of the second Hockey India League here tonight.
Sloppy defending by the home team saw it conceding silly goals despite dominating the better part of the match. For the winning team, the goals came from Talwinder Singh and Jason Wilson with Akashdeep Singh setting up two of the goals. For the home team, Affan Yousuf scored the only goal.
The home team came out with a lot of intent, dominating much of the possession in the first half. The team found its rhythm in attack after the initial waywardness, but could not find the goal.
Delhi were happy to sit back with the intention of slowing down the game, but constant pressure by the opposition forwards did not let the visitors settle. The pressure resulted in the first penalty corner for the Punjab team, when Gurmail Singh was brought down in the circle after he squeezed in through two defenders.
Sandeep Singh stepped up but his drag-flick was deflected behind off the rusher.
Against the run of play Delhi found the first goal after some sloppy defending by the Warriors in the circle. Twice the defenders failed to clear a loose ball and the unmarked Talwinder Singh made no mistake in scoring past the helpless keeper from five yards with seven minutes remaining in the first half.
After the goal, Punjab had to absorb a lot of pressure from the leading team. The home team found the equaliser within five minutes when Affan Yousuf fired in from close range. SV Sunil, who had pulled all the defenders towards him with a piercing run into the circle, had slipped an unmarked Affan the ball.
The first few minutes of the second half again witnessed immense pressure by the Warriors on Delhi’s defence, with one move almost providing the goal. Dwyer thought he scored but his teammate had carried the ball.
Just like the first half, it was the Waveriders who scored against the run of play due to another silly error by the opposition. Akashdeep was allowed to run in along the base line after the defender failed to put in a hard tackle. The young forward supplied the ball to Jason Wilson at far post. The Warriors tried hard to find an equaliser but the Delhi defence stood firm.
HIL opener
Result
Delhi Waveriders beat Punjab Warriors 3-1
TODAY’S MATCHES
RANCHI VS UP (6PM)
PUNJAB VS MUMBAI (8PM)
The Tribune
Jason Wilson's double sets up easy win for Delhi Waveriders
The Delhi side took the lead in the 29th minute through young striker Talwinder Singh's field goal from the top of the opposition circle to stun the large number of home crowd present at the newly-built International Hockey Stadium.
Mohali: Australia's Jason Wilson scored a brace as last year's runners-up Delhi Waveriders defeated hosts Punjab Warriors 3-1 in the opening contest of the second edition of the Hockey India League, here on Saturday.
The Delhi side took the lead in the 29th minute through young striker Talwinder Singh's field goal from the top of the opposition circle to stun the large number of home crowd present at the newly-built International Hockey Stadium.
But Waveriders' joy was shortlived as Affan Yousuf equalized for Warriors four minutes later by scoring from a goal-mouth melee.
Wilson restored Delhi's lead in the 47th minute with a strike from close range after he was set up by Akashdeep Singh.
Minutes later, Punjab Warriors got a penalty corner but their star drag-flicker was off the target.
Thereafter, the home pressed hard for the equalizer but the Waveriders defended stoutly to thwart any danger to their goal.
The Waveriders sealed the contest in their favour when Wilson scored his second goal of the day just two minutes from the final hooter.
The Waveriders will next travel to Ranchi where they will face holders Ranchi Rhinos on Monday, while Punjab Warriors will host Mumbai Magicians at the same venue tomorrow.
With this win the Sardar Singh-led Waveriders, last year's most consistent team, have pocketed five points from the encounter, while the Warriors secured one point despite the loss because, as per the tournament rules, a defeat with goal difference of two or less goals will give the losing side one point.
Earlier, the second season of Hockey India League was inaugurated in a dazzling ceremony. Nitin Kukreja, Head of Sports Business, Star India pronounced the 2014 edition open to spectators here.
The trophy was unveiled to the city crowd by Olympian Pargat Singh, MLA, Government of Punjab and Secretary Hockey Punjab.
The opening ceremony included performance from Bollywood actor Nargis Fakri and a laser show.
Narinder Batra, Chairman, Hero HIL, said, " When we started Hockey India League, we were not sure how will the League be accepted by the audience and fans. But after the tremendous success of 2013, this year we saw many Corporate coming forward and showing enthusiasm in associating with the game and believing in our faith."
The laser show depicted a short montage on HIL and the six franchisees. It showed the first edition of HIL with its results, goals scored by various players amongst other action from the inaugural tournament.
NDTV Sports
Delhi Waveriders live up the reputation
s2h Team
Jason Wilson's brace of goals after the opener given by athletic forward Talwinder Singh helped Delhi Waveriders to keep up their reputation of not losing to Punjab Warriors, as they defeat them 3-1 in the opening match of the Second Hero Hockey India League.
Its overall fifth match between the two including the semifinal of last year, and the Delhi side won all occasion, today was no different.
After a barren first quarter, when goals seemed to come more for hardworking Jaipee Punjab Warriors, Talwinder broke through from the left midfield, and with a just an exchange with Akashdeep Singh, turned full to gently put the ball from close range.
This Talwinder's 29th minutes set the tune and tenor of the game subsequently.
Punjab team at least had two choice to go up in the first quarter, but on both occasions seasoned striker Jamie Dwyer who hit wide from close range.
Affan Yousaff thereafter equalized with a deft forehand shot goal, after being set up by Sunil, and that was the last goal the losing side could make.
However, it is fair to say Punjab created more chances but lacked the finish, even wasting as many as four penalty corners all taken by Sandeep Singh, who switched from Mumbai Magicians to Punjab side.
Then Akash played a stellar role in getting next two goals which came through the stick of New Zealand star Jason Wilson.
Bharat Chetri was substituted for Jaap Stockmann when Punjab was down by 1-2, but Jason Wilson again struck in the late moments, off getting a minus from Akashdeep again. Chetri actually guessed the flight of the Jason shot from top edge of circle, but its speed was too high and got deflected from him stick on the right.
For his outstanding goalkeeping New Zealand goalie, who stood in for yet to come Nicolas Jacobi, was declared Man of the Match.
Stick2Hockey.com
'More turfs can turn around Indian hockey'
Indian hockey's high performance manager Roelant Oltmans believes that there should be more artificial turfs and redesigned educational programmes for coaches if India wants to improve.
More matches against tough opponents and increase in number of astroturfs would help the Indian hockey in making a turnaround and bring back the golden days, Indian Hockey team's High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans said yesterday in Ranchi.
"I believe (that) India has a bright future in hockey. Of course, there are number of things to be changed and it is good that people are willing to do that," Oltmans said. "First we need to add to the number of artificial turfs in the country... In fact our programme should be redesigned and education programmes for coaches should be changed," he added.
Expressing satisfaction with the Indian hockey team which jumped three places to world number eight within a year, Oltmans said that though it was a "better" achievement, the team had to go a long way. "We are number eight in the world. We were 11th when we started a year ago. Now we are in the top eight... that's a good job," the Dutchman said.
"But we still have a long way to go to bring back the glory," he said, adding, that the consistency of the team was also required.
He pointed out that there was a real need to change in a couple of areas for players to improve and match the skills of the best teams in the world.
RHINOS MEET WIZARDS
Meanwhile, defending champions Ranchi Rhinos and last year's 3rd seeded UP Wizards are gearing to meet on the former's home ground. While last year's semi-final clash against the Rhinos will still be fresh in the minds of the Wizards where they lost, Rhinos will be looking to continue from where they left last year.
It will be interesting to see that both teams will again meet on the same ground and the Wizards realise that the Rhinos play their best hockey in front of their home crowd.
In the inaugural edition, Rhinos met the Wizards on four occasions and they won three out of 4 matches.
Although Rhino's coach Gregg Clark will be hoping that his team defends the title, he also realises that all the teams have been studying every player and the team closely. He will be looking at last year's highest goal scorer for the team — Mandeep Singh to continue his dream run.
Last year, the Wizards managed to reach the semi-finals and will ensure that they retain their form. V R Raghunath will yet again lead the side and also aim at winning matches. He will also look forward to Teun de Nooijer's experience and guidance.
"We are a little short of practice due to the just concluded World Hockey League, but over all we are gearing up to perform better.
This time we have three foreign players and four new Indians in the team. I am impressed with the performance of Indian players and the right direction they are moving in," Wizards coach Roelant Oltmans said.
WAVERIDERS WIN 2-1
In the opening match of the season, last year's finalists Delhi Waveriders overcame Punjab Warriors 2-1 in an exciting match at the newly-built hockey Stadium in Mohali. Talwinder Singh scored the first goal of the second season with an absolutely stunning reverse flick. Warriors fought back into the game with an equaliser from Affan Yusuf in the second quarter. However, it was Australia's Jason Wilson's fine finish that earned Delhi their winner in the third quarter.
Defending champions Ranchi Rhinos practise ahead of their opening match of the Hockey India League against Uttar Pradesh Wizards. The sides lock horns today
The Times of India
More astroturfs and tough games can turn around Indian hockey: Oltmans
RANCHI: More matches against tough opponents and increase in number of astroturfs would help the Indian hockey in making a turnaround and bring back the golden days, Indian hockey team's high performance director Roelant Oltmans said on Saturday.
"I believe (that) India has a bright future in hockey. Of course, there are number of things to be changed and it is good that people are willing to do that," Oltmans said on Saturday.
"First we need to add to the number of artificial turfs in the country... In fact our programme should be redesigned and education programmes for coaches should be changed," he added.
Expressing satisfaction with the Indian hockey team which jumped three places to world number eight within a year, Oltmans said that though it was a "better" achievement, the team had to go a long way.
"We are number eight in the world. We were 11th when we started a year ago. Now we are in the top eight... that's a good job," the Dutchman said.
"But we still have a long way to go to bring back the glory," he said, adding, that the consistency of the team was also required.
He pointed out that there was a real need to change in a couple of areas for players to improve and match the skills of the best teams in the world.
The Times of India
Olak unhappy
PROTEST: Claim umpires made poor decisions in win over 1MAS Perak
By JUGJET SINGH
Politeknik KPM’s Shahrul Amin Lazim (left) fights for the ball with BJSS Juniors’ Arif Sabron at the KPM Stadium yesterday.
OLD La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak-PKT) had to bring out their best to edge 1MAS Perak 2-1 in Division Two B of the Junior Hockey League at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh yesterday.
However, Olak who have 15 points from five straight wins, were unhappy with certain aspects of the match and have sent in a written protest with a RM500 deposit.
"Although we won the match, I am unhappy with how the umpires handled the match, and have submitted a written protest to highlight the shortcomings which almost cost us dearly," said Olak team manager Joseph de Silva.
The former double champions have only two more matches against MSP Pahang Juniors (Feb 9) and SMK Padang Midin (Feb 15) to seal the title on a clean slate.
In Division One, Petaling Jaya Municipal Council bounced back from a humiliating 6-0 defeat by SSTMI Thunderbolt to beat SSTMI Juniors 4-1 at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.
PJCC were a goal down as Taufik Kamjai scored in the 14th minute. However Nazirul Mubin Zebidi drew PJCC level in the 26th minute.
Abdul Halim Jalil put PJCC ahead in the 47th minute before goals from Helmi Jaafar (61st) and Faliq Razin Zariq Idris (65th) gave them full points.
"It was a good performance considering we suffered a big defeat on Saturday," said PJCC manager Zanal Abidin Ismail.
"We are on course for a top four finish that will enable us to make the cut for the last eight. And the break for the next two weeks comes in handy to iron out our weaknesses and work on our strategies."
RESULTS -- Division One: SSTMI Juniors 1 Petaling Jaya CC 4; KL Sports School Juniors 3 Anderson MBI 1.
Division Two A: Bakat MSSK 3 MSSP-USM 2.
Division Two B: 1MAS Perak 1 Olak-PKT 2, Permatang Jnrs 1 MSSD Larut Matang 7.
Division Two C: SMK Datuk Bentara Luar 4 SMK Datuk Taha 0, BJSS Jnrs 2 Politeknik KPM 5.
TODAY-- Division Two A: Nur Insafi v Matri Perlis (5pm, Sungai Petani), Star v 1MAS Penang (5pm, Azlan Shah Stadium).
Division Two B: KL Sports School Juniors v MSP Pahang Juniors (5pm, KL Hockey Stadium).
New Straits Times
MBPJ beat junior ‘bolts’ to climb to second
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MBPJ) whipped SSTMI Juniors 4-1 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru to regain second spot in the Division One of the MHC-Milo-NSC Malaysia Junior Hockey League.
It was sweet revenge for MBPJ who were thumped 6-0 by their opponents’ senior team SSTMI-Thunderbolt a day earlier at the same venue.
The PJ side had to come back from a 14th minute goal scored by the homesters’ Mohd Taufik Kamjai before pulling through with goals from Nazirul Mubin Zebidi (26th), Abdul Halim Jalil (47th), Helmi Jaafar (61st) and Faliq Razin Zariq Idris (65th) for a comfortable victory to stay on track for a top-four finish.
Thunderbolt, who had no game on Saturday still lead the standings with nine points while UniKL who were second on Friday dropped to third with six points while MBPJ leapfrogged over them to take second spot, also on nine points.
MBPJ team manager Zainal Abidin Ismail said that the early goal by the SSTMI gave them a jolt but the players responded well to fight back for the big win.
“It was a good performance considering we had a tough match on Friday, not to mention the big defeat to Thunderbolt,” said Zainal.
“The break for the next two weeks will come in handy to iron out our weakness and work on our strategies.
“With two more matches to go we need to stay sharp,” he added.
Their last two matches after the break are against KLSS-KLHC and UniKL.
In another Division One match played at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Anderson can forget about finishing in the top-four after going down 3-1 to KLSS-KLHC.
Saturday’s win puts KLSS on track for a top-four finish after accumulating four points from three matches.
KLSS’ goals came from Mohamed Khairul Amirin (22nd), Aizad Aiman Hakimi (27th) and Jadveen Singh (62nd) while Anderson’s consolation goal was scored by Mohamed Najme in the 67th minute.
In Division Two, Politeknik KPM recorded their second win in as many days when they thrashed Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors 5-2 at the Ministry of Education Stadium.
They defeated BJSS 4-1 on Friday and Saturday’s win consolidates their position at the top of the table in Group C.
Meanwhile in Ipoh, Olak-PKT defeated 1MAS Perak 2-1 and are set to top Group B. Despite the victory, an unhappy Olak-PKT team have submitted an official protest regarding the umpire for the match. They claimed that a Selangor umpire was put up for their match when they had written to the technical committee before the tournament started not to have any Selangor officials for their games.
“I had written to MHC not to appoint any Selangor umpire for our matches but it was ignored,” said Olak manager Joseph Silva
“Although we won, the umpire made a hash of things and almost cost us the match. We have officially filed a protest and have paid the protest fee of RM500,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Mohd Amin is made Malaysian Juniors assistant coach
By Aftar Singh
Ex-international Mohd Amin Rahim (left) has been appointed as the national juniors assistant coach to S. Arulselvaraj in the Project 2016 squad. - Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: Defender Mohd Amin Rahim, who was dropped from the national hockey team two weeks ago, has been named as assistant national junior coach to S. Arulselvaraj.
Arulselvaraj is in charge of the national junior team preparing for the 2016 Junior World Cup in India.
Said National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong: “It was Arulselvaraj who recommended Amin to be his assistant. Amin is the right candidate because he is an experienced player and a good penalty corner drag flicker.
“The juniors will be able to improve their drag flicks with the guidance of Amin.
“We are also looking for another local coach to assist Arulselvaraj in coaching the national junior team.”
The 34-year-old Amin said he was honoured to be given the job.
“I will impart my knowledge to the juniors. I can help them to improve their penalty corner executions,” said Amin, who has 253 international caps.
“I thank Arul and also the MHC (Malaysian Hockey Confederation) for having faith in me as I’ve no experience in coaching at all. But I am willing to learn all about coaching from Arul,” said Amin, a Tenaga Nasional employee.
Amin, a father of three children said he should have no problems getting leave from his employer to train the juniors.
“I will help Arul to identify players for the national junior squad from the on-going MJHL (Malaysian Junior Hockey League),” said Amin.
The national juniors will start training in March and their first tournament for the year will be the Sultan of Johor Cup in October.
The national juniors’ major assignment next year is the Junior Asia Cup, a qualifying tournament for the 2016 Junior World Cup.
The Star of Malaysia
Hockey on celluloid
‘Undhile Manchi Kalam Mundhu Mundhuna’, like the title, is a ‘positive film’
Y. Sunita Chowdhary
DIRECTOR’S TAKE: On the sets of ‘Undhile Manchi Kalam Mundhu Mundhuna’.
Arun Kanth, more known as Arun Dasyam, an architect is in the process of wrapping up his debut film as a director Undhile Manchi Kalam Mundhu Mundhuna. The title is positive, reflects hope and optimism; it is a line from a famous Telugu movie song.
Arun Kanth
Arun’s aim was to be a sound engineer but he moved to direction, after working as an assistant director for Sogaadu and Gaayam 2 he briskly formed a team and came up with Aam Aadmi Pictures as his banner. So did he want to capitalise on the Aam Aadmi party name? Arun denies the banner having anything to do with politics, “I’m not a political person at all. We all are from middle class background and felt the banner name was apt that reflects our aspirations. The movie is a blend of music and sports.”
Undhile Manchi Kalam Mundhu Mundhuna is a story of street drummer and a hockey player, played by young actor Sudhakar and a newcomer Karthik. Avantika Mohan and Neetu Chowdary from Punjab are first timers too. Radhika Sarat Kumar returns to Telugu cinema after more than a decade. We have Poornima and Naresh too in the cast. “I am here to entertain people didn’t want to give a strong message but yes, I put forth a point subtly. When I wanted to make a film on Indian hockey I did a google search but couldn’t find any info on the game, except the mention of Dhyanchand. I designed my character finally based on a hockey player Arjun Halappa. Radhika was on my mind ever since the script took shape, initially when we contacted her through a friend, she insisted on a detailed narration. I went to Chennai and narrated it and she agreed.”
Arun chose Visakhapatnam as the place of shoot, as people in certain areas of Vizag play hockey regularly. All the hockey players are from lower middle class families who cannot afford to play the game. They are unable to rise over a level and are not able to meet with success despite reaching the national level. “I chose the game out of respect for the National sport,” he informs. The film releases next month.
The Hindu