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News 30 January 2014

All the news for Thursday 30 January 2014


Gutsy Investec SA women's hockey team draw 2-2 in thrilling finish

JONATHAN COOK in Cape Town


SA's outstanding attacking midfielder Kathleen Taylor, in her 200th Test, shows Belgium's Alix Gerniers a clean pair of heels. Photo: GAVIN WITHERS (ACTION PIX)

The world number 11 Investec South Africa women’s hockey team and world number 12 Belgium drew 2-2 after the scores were locked 1-1 at half-time in a thrilling third Test of the six-Test series at Hartleyvale Wednesday.

The match was a triumph for double Olympian Kathleen Taylor, in her 200th Test match, who was outstanding in an attacking role just behind the strikers.

Four minutes from the end (66th) Celia Evans passed inside to the outstanding, fast-running Taylor, who finished off the move when she slammed her shot into the backboard behind goalkeeper Elena Sotgiu for the 2-2 final score of a pulsating Test match.

The earlier goals came when Taylor won the ball and passed inside to Sulette Damons, who made no mistake for a 1-0 advantage to SA in the 18th minute, much against the run of play.

In the 28th, Belgian equalised through a rocket slap-shot by Stephanie de Groof from a penalty corner. Four minutes after half-time (39th) Manon Simons had made it 2-1 to Belgium with time aplenty to make sure of her shot.

With SA having won the first Test 6-0 after a superb display and Belgium bouncing back via a deserved 2-0 win in the second international, Wednesday’s third Test held many imponderables.

SA were without world record Test match goalscorer Pietie Coetzee for the third time while Marcelle Manson missed her second match, both suffering from illness, and another hugely experienced player and leader, Lenise Marais (ankle) was also indisposed so the South Africans were up against it.

The injury-  and illness-hit SA side could only field 16 players instead of the allotted 18 (11 on-field and seven rolling subs) and it was always going to be an uphill battle. Their eighth Test in 12 days, alongside a strenuous training schedule, had resulted in casualties, while Belgium were fresh and in just their third Test.

A Western Province Invitation team and star-studded Dutch Hoofdklasse side Amsterdam meet at 7pm Thursday night while the fourth Test between SA and Belgium is at 7pm Friday night.

FIXTURES
(all at Hartleyvale)
Thursday – Men’s international friendly: WP Invitation vs Amsterdam HC  (7pm)
4th Test Friday (7pm)
5th Test Sunday (4pm)
6th Test Monday, 3 Feb (7pm)

MORE DETAIL

Belgium started with a bang and Quanita Bobbs made two timely interventions to snuff out dangerous balls into the strike zone before keeper Hanli Hattingh blocked Erica Coppey with precision.

Hattingh brought down the striker soon after and the resultant penalty corner was blocked. A little later Alix Gerniers had acres of space and plenty of time to pick her spot, yet the golden opportunity was not converted.

SA made several sorties upfield, one especially exciting move saw Taylor pass to Damons from deep and the electric pace of the former South African junior sprint star spelt immediate danger for the Belgians, but the striker’s final pass was not completed.

In the 15th minute, Simons got in a shot that Hattingh saved with ease and three minutes later (18th) Taylor set up Damons for her goal.

In the 28th, Belgian equalised with De Groof’s slashing PC for 1-1 and four minutes later Judith van der Meiren unleashed a powerful backhand shot that Hattingh parried to safety.

Seconds from the half-time whistle SA skipper Marsha Cox freed up Bernie Coston, who made ground before laying inside to Damons, but the Belgians somehow scraped the ball away from their goalline. SA were awarded a PC but Belgium held out for 1-1 at the halfway mark.

Simons then made it 2-1 four minutes after the changeover, which signalled SA to push hard for the equaliser - and it nearly came in the 62nd minute when Evans made ground down the right before passing inside to Damons, but once again the Belgium defence somehow weathered the danger, as they did a minute later when Damons and Dirkie Chamberlain combined, only for the shot to go wide.

But SA were not finished yet and four minutes from the end (66th) Evans passed inside for the superb Taylor to nail down the equaliser and the 2-2 final score of a pulsating encounter.

SA Hockey Association media release



Wizards spell trouble for Magicians

Nandakumar Marar


Despite Glenn Turner's best efforts, Mumbai Magicians went down to Uttar Pradesh Wizards.

V.R. Raghunath drag-flicked two goals and came up with a stop-and-turn improvisation for a scoop into the roof as Uttar Pradesh Wizards won 5-3 against Mumbai Magicians in the Hero Hockey India League 2014. Siddharth Shankar and S.K. Uthappa chipped in with one opportunistic goal each.

It was the Wizards second win in as many games, building on unexpected success in the first away tie against defending champion Ranchi Rhinos. Raghunath’s three goals fetched him the Man-of-the-Match award, as well as the ‘best goal’ prize.

Second defeat

Mumbai Magicians slumped to its second defeat in a row, first on home turf at Mahindra stadium.

Two early goals roused tentative Wizards into action, bearing down on the Mumbai defence from various angles, allowing their captain to fire home.

Gurjinder got his name on the score sheet with a fluent drag-flick into the net and put the home team ahead in the 10th minute. The player rushed out to block Wizards’ first penalty corner and took the ball on his body.

Reflex save

Ireland’s David Harte, manning the goal for Mumbai, infused confidence with a reflex save off a Luke Doerner penalty stroke, stretching his right hand out to tip the ball away, as both sides stepped up the pace by the end of the first quarter.

Mumbai captain Glenn Turner made his presence felt with a swoop on goal, beating the custodian with a deft tap, taking advantage of an out of position Wizards’ defence following a penalty award.

Raghunath pulled one back for Wizards in the second quarter with a trademark drag-flick. The visitors forced a series of corners.

Raghunath enhanced his reputation with another strike after half-time, evading the first rusher and sounding the boards to the left. Sarvanjit shadowed Teun de Nooijer along the left flank, but Wizards pressed on from the right and kept winning corners against a harassed Mumbai defence.

Siddharth Shankar pulled his team ahead with a 50th-minute deflection.

Raghunath converted the 10th penalty corner earned by Wizards with a cheeky improvisation, steering clear of the rusher with a stop, followed by a turn to confuse the defence, scooping into the roof before the goalkeeper could react.

The Mumbai response was instant, earning a corner with a move down the left and Sarvanjit steered home a rebound after a Gurjinder attempt was blocked. S.K. Uthappa deflected in Wizards’ fifth goal (5-3), hugged de Nooijer and launched into celebration.

The result: Uttar Pradesh Wizards 5 (V.R. Raghunath 3, Siddharth Shankar, S.K. Uthappa) bt Mumbai Magicians (Gurjinder Singh, Glenn Turner, Sarvanjit Singh).

The Hindu



Raghunath's hattrick takes magic out of Mumbai

Despite taking two-goal lead and their goalie managing to thwart a penalty stroke, Mumbai lost the match as it progressed to end up 3-5 losers on Day 5 Match 6 of Hero Hockey India League in Mumbai

Gurjinder struck an impeccable penalty corner to gladden the huge crowd of Mumbai and then when the took the second penalty corner, the rival goalie managed to block, but Raghu could not keep the rebound clearance low, leaving lurking Glen Turner to whack it inside net raising his stick above the shoulder.

So, two goals out of two penalty corners, the host side was progressing towards their fist win in two matches, but the visitors showed better sense to first cancel out the arrears and once that is done to build up two more goals to take the match out of the reach of the hosts.

The rescue act was accomplished by Lucknow based team's mainstay Raghunath, who converted three penalty corners, and then SK Uthappa put the days' victor beyond doubt, with a steady field goal.

In fact what turned the tide in favour in the early stages was youngster Siddharth Shankar, who lobbed the ball above the fallen goalie to bring the score 3-2, after the team was even at 2-2.

Mumbai team showed poor defences when needed, often giving out penalty corners, giving ample scope for Raghunath, who missed out his first two tries with Vikas Pilly doing a bulwark work at the left side of goalie Harte.

its here understanding of the game and its sense, Raghus rode to famous victory today.

After the left side seemed impregnable, he changed his target space, low right pushes, first conversion hitting the right post before spunning in to the cage and the next to the left of goalie, who sensed the flight but the velocity was high the ball just went in.

But what made Raghu to win all the three awards of the Day was the way he struck his third goal.

As the pushed ball was sent to him, he took a 90 degree turn to place the ball to other, who was not there. Sensing the trouble, he intuitively took full turn, 180, and made a hard push to the right corner, leaving the ball to sound side boards.

This goal is great in all sense, and led to famous victory of the visitors

Stick2Hockey.com



Uttar Pradesh Wizards cruise to second win

Ehtesham Hasan

MUMBAI: It took them a while to warm up. But when they finally did, the UP Wizards were too hot to handle for the Mumbai Magicians as they cruised to their second consecutive HIL win this season, sealing the match 5-3 at the Mahindra Stadium.

Indian team's drag flicker VR Raghunath's name featured prominently on the score sheet. The Wizards captain scored three goals off penalty corners (27th, 41st, 52nd minutes) on the night while the other two were thudded in by Siddharth Shanker (50th minute) and SK Utappa (59).

The hosts, for the second game running, took the lead (2-0) before running out of steam as the game progressed. It was a repeat of their first outing against Punjab Warriors, losing 5-3 after pumping in three goals.

Coach MK Kaushik had blamed the defence for the defeat at Mohali and to address the issue, PR Sreejesh made way for Irish goalkeeper David Harte. As the score-line suggests, it didn't make any difference, because Mumbai's defence seems to have more holes than a Swiss cheese cube.

Both teams took few minutes to get into the groove initially. Mumbai, however, went ahead in the 12th minute when Gurjinder Singh, rated highly by Kaushik, flicked one to the right of goalkeeper George Bazeley who was slow to react.

The lead was doubled in the second quarter (18th minute) as Mumbai scored through their second penalty corner. With Gurjinder nursing a sore knee - struck while rushing out to intercept Raghunath's push - captain Glenn Turner tapped the ball into the post off a rebound.

In between, the Wizards made a hash of a penalty stroke in the 11th minute. Former Australian defender Luke Doerner targeted the top left spot but Harte read it right and stuck his left hand to deflect the ball.

The Wizards had come in with a clear plan of scoring off set-pieces and on the evidence of the final score the strategy worked for them. Mumbai, too, scored all their three goals via penalty. Ragunath pulled one back for the UP team moments before the interval and on the other side of the break he slotted in the equalizer again off a penalty.

The Wizards then got their noses ahead when Siddharth, lurking outside the box, deflected a cross in. Raghunath made the score 4-2 when he turned swiftly inside the D to slam the board.

Magicians' Sarvanjit Singh, who had the tough job of marking Dutch star Teun de Nooijer, scored in the 57th minute to narrow down the difference to 4-3. Utappa then deflected one to complete the rout for Mumbai.

Mumbai, incidentally, have won just one game out of the 13 they have played over the last two seasons. Given the lapses in defence, coach Kaushik has a tough task on his hands.

The Times of India



Kalinga to face Delhi task today

Tazeen Qureshy



After losing the first match 3-7 against Punjab Warriors in their home ground, debut team Kalinga Lancers will look to change the tide in their course and come back stronger in their second match against Delhi Waveriders today. Kalinga Lancers coached by Terry Walsh will face an uphill task of restricting the Delhi team which had won all the league matches last year and were in the finals. Delhi team on the other hand has played 2 matches this season, winning one against Punjab and losing one against Ranchi.

undefined Though the team boasts of some good names including the likes of Gonzalo Peillat, Lucas Villa, Prabodh Tirkey, Vickram Kanth and Mandeep Antil; players could hardly make a fruitful impression on the field.

Despite the loss, the home crowd enjoyed the rare treat having a glimpse of the blue synthetic turf for the first time. The Kalinga Stadium was jam-packed with more than 7000 hockey enthusiasts and some first time visitors.

A tenth standard student Samreen was amongst them , who neither having any prior interest in hockey nor having seen any matches in the TV decided to give it a try. “It was a great experience to watch a match live for the first time. I have never followed hockey and never been a fan of the game. But since a team from my state is part of HIL, I decided to give it a try. Now, after watching the match, I have started to develop a liking towards hockey. I will be following it from now,” said Samreen who bunked her preparation for board exams to watch the match.

Similarly, Siba Mohanty, a journalist from a reputed national daily took some time out of his office hours to cheer for his team. “It was the first match; the team looked little rusty. But, watching a hockey match live was a great experience. Given a chance, I will not hesitate to go out to different venues to watch my team play,” he added. The home crowd has a lot of faith in the Lancers, now it is time for the team to prove their mettle and gift them a victory.

Stick2Hockey.com



Waveriders look to tame debutants Lancers at home

NEW DELHI: Last year's runners-up Delhi Waveriders would be keen to put behind their narrow defeat in the last game and look to subdue debutants Kalinga Lancers in their opening home game of the Hero Hockey India League 2014 at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, on Thursday.

Delhi conceded a late goal against defending champions Ranchi Rhinos on Monday after a perfect start to their campaign in the second edition of HHIL. The Sardar Singh-led side defeated Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3-1 in their tournament opener.

Delhi displayed some stout defending against the Rhinos but the forward line disappointed the side as they failed to convert some really good opportunities.

After being completely outplayed in the first half, the Delhi outfit came back strongly and put up a better show in the second period. But a 63rd minute penalty-corner strike from Ashley Jackson downed the Waveriders in a keenly-contested match.

The Waveriders would be hoping for a better outing from the likes of Jason Wilson, Yuvraj Valmiki, Simon Child, Rupinderpal Singh and others against the Lancers, who looked completely out of sorts in their 3-7 defeat against Jaypee Punjab Warriors in their opening match of the event.

And come tomorrow, the Delhi side would be hoping to score goals early against the newcomers, who are trying to find footing in the six-team franchise league.

The services of ever-reliable Nicolas Jacobi of Germany under the bar gives Delhi's defence an added cushion.

Having lost just one game at home in the six encounters last season, the Waveriders boast of an impressive home record. They won four of them while one match ended in a draw.

The Waveriders are presently second in the points table with six points from two games and a win by more than three goals tomorrow will take them to the top of the standings.

For Kalinga Lancers, it is still early days into the tournament and the Odisha-based side would look to settle their combinations sooner rather than later.

The Lancers had a forgetful debut yesterday when they were thrashed 3-7 by Punjab Warriors at their home ground in Bhubaneswar. The team, expectedly, looked little rusty and their defence wasn't up to the mark.

However, Argentine defender Gonzalo Peillat looked in great touch as he found the net twice through penalty corners while a field goal was scored by Mandeep Antil.

The side possesses an experienced midfield with local lad Prabodh Tirkey and Kiel Brown of Australia in charge, and the duo will have to shoulder much of the responsibility.

Terry Walsh, chief coach of Indian men's team, would be aiming to bring out the best from the newly-formed squad, which has a great mix of young Indians and foreign recruits, to make an impact in the debut season.

The Lancers knows that they will have their task cut against the much-fancied opponents which boasts of well-known players.

The Lancers would also be eying to open their account in the tournament after having failed to garner a single point yesterday.

The Times of India



Indian hockey is on the right track: Teun de Nooijer

Rutvick Mehta
       

Teun de Nooijer

It’s been 18 months since you retired from international hockey. Do you still miss playing the game at the highest level?
Of course, you miss playing hockey. I retired from international hockey after the 2012 London Olympics. Last year, I stopped playing for Bloemendaal (club) too. For me, the last (Hockey India League) game was the first one in about five months. So it was like something new again! But I’m still enjoying hockey. I have missed it for a lot of years.

How long do you plan to play in the HIL?
I go year by year and game by game. And I think that’s how it should be if you’re 37, and almost 38 (laughs). But I enjoyed the first game, it was a good result and a nice win.

You had said last year that HIL will be a game changer for Indian hockey. But the results produced by the Indian team in the past 12 months paint a different picture...
It takes time. You go step by step. It won’t happen in one year, not in two years. I think in six to eight years’ time when the HIL develops, you will see the progression. And I think with Terry Walsh, India have a great coach as well. So if it goes on like this, we will see that India is going to play for the medals again.

So we shouldn’t expect any immediate impact?
HIL is really for the long-term impact of Indian hockey, and also for world hockey. I hope and I would like to see HIL develop itself. This year is going to be bigger than last year, and that’s how it should be for the next 20 years — bigger every year. Then you will see Indian hockey develop.

Talking of the current Indian team, they beat Germany in the Hockey World League and showed some improvement overall. What’s your take on the present bunch of players?
Germany... that’s not too bad, eh? I watched a lot of games, and I saw India’s matches too. In all the HIL teams, you see the Indian players, and you see that there is enough talent there to make a good Indian team. But then again, that will also take time. You need experience, you need to play good games, you need to play a lot of games at the highest level. That was the case last year with HIL, and I’m sure it will be the same this year too. Every game will be like 50-50, and that kind of games you need to play a lot.

So you agree with Walsh’s assessment that it will take about one year for India to match the level of the top teams?
Yeah, that’s a really fair assessment. It takes time. But I think Indian hockey is on the right track.

Do you plan to take up coaching?
Of course, it is on my mind. I’m already coaching in Holland with the little kids. I really enjoy it. A couple of years ago I would’ve said no, but I started to coach about five years ago and every day that I’m doing it, I’m enjoying it more.
Maybe coaching the Indian team ...
I’m with the kids in Holland, so no (laughs).

You’re also managing a football team back in Holland — the AZ Alkmaar Football Club. Why the switch from hockey to football?
I think it’s good to have a different kind of view, to be in a different environment. Soccer is another good sport like hockey, but in Holland it’s the biggest sport, like cricket in India. It’s the most professional sport, and I’m stepping into a professional organisation as a manager for my own development. With all the experience I had as a player in hockey and with the experience I’m going to have now in a professional sports organisation with soccer in Holland, it will be great for my development. And also, I’m a soccer fan!

Finally, you’re the highest-paid player in the HIL ($87,400). That’s some pretty good money after retirement, isn’t it?
Of course. But it’s for the fun and enjoyment of the game, and everybody here is earning some money as well. That’s good in life, and it’s good for the professionalism in hockey. But everyone here plays for the love of the game.

DNA



Maxinutrition Hockey 5s key battles: East Grinstead v Holcombe


East Grinstead Niall Stott

With East Grinstead going up against Holcombe and Reading facing off against Canterbury, this Sunday’s Maxinutrition Hockey 5s Semi Finals promise to be an exciting spectacle.

Each side has their share of match winners, so Ross Bone, writer for The Top of the D looks at some of the key players and the key battles in each of the games. First up, reigning champions East Grinstead vs. Holcombe.

The Keepers:

Filip Neusser: The giant Czech keeper, in his second stint with East Grinstead after a successful campaign last season can lay claim to being the best indoor goalkeeper in the world. He is lightning fast off his line, dominates the circle and has incredible reactions for a man of his size. Experience and ability are hard to beat, and the Czech has both in spades.

Allan Dick: Perhaps one of the most important players in the semi-finals. Dick is a fine goalkeeper in his own right, boasting international caps for Scotland and a pedigree few could argue with. His importance is heightened by not just his ability as a shot stopper but by Holcombe’s style of play. With the Kent side rotating their goalkeeper to have an extra field player in attack, Dick’s judgement as to when the situation is right to make the change, and his ability to adapt when he re-joins the play will be pivotal to Holcombe’s chances of an upset.

The Captains:

Glenn Kirkham: East Grinstead’s captain is Mr. Reliable. You can count on the fingers of one hand the amount of mistakes Kirkham makes in a season, let alone a game. He keeps the East Grinstead Machine ticking over, and is a vital part of their side. The former Chelmsford man scored twice in last season’s final and if East Grinstead are to pick up yet another indoor title you can bet the skipper will have played a vital part.

Richard Lane: Lane has seen it all before. A former Great Britain international and a current England Indoor International, the 29-year-old skipper has a strong reputation from his time at Cannock. Lane has shown; as if there was any doubt, during the league phase of the competition that he is a superb player, chipping in with nine goals, making him the team’s top scorer. Holcombe are new to this stage of the competition, so his experience will be crucial in helping his teammates deal with the pressure of the glitz and glamour of finals night.

The Goal Machines:

Niall Stott: Stott found the net 14 times in the league phase of the competition, making him East Grinstead’s top scorer. The Scotland star is an excellent indoor player and a fierce and determined competitor, too. A seemingly unlimited supply of energy and a terrific will to win makes him a player you would always want to have on your side. His eye for goal is one of the best in the domestic game, scoring from both penalty corners, where he possess a decent drag flick, and from open play where he scores all kinds of goals.

Dan Coultas: Holcombe shared their 47 goals across 12 different scorers, with Captain Richard Lane the most prolific with nine. Next in the top scorers’ charts for the Kent side is another Cannock Old Boy, Dan Coultas. Coultas, part of the current Great Britain central programme is comfortable and strong on the ball. He linked up well with Barry Middleton in the first week of the competition and then with Richard Lane when the GB skipper had left for India. The Scotland International scored seven times overall, including a vital strike in the decisive match against Doncaster. Coultas is a potent weapon on penalty corners but is no one trick pony, as he showed with some excellent goals from open play.

With East Grinstead going for a sixth consecutive indoor title, Holcombe have it all to do to stop the Sussex side. However, with their fair share of quality players the Kent side could still spring a surprise. It promises to be an action packed encounter to get Finals Day off to an explosive start.

England Hockey Board Media release



Punjab Win Hockey Sixes Tournament in Hong Kong

By Bill Cox, Epoch Times


Punjab player Barkat Singh scores the sixth goal in their 6-3 win against Khalsa in the Final of the 2014 Hong Kong Football Club Super 6s on Sunday Jan 26, 2014. (Bill Cox/Epoch Times)

Punjab showed their class and continued improvement by winning the Hong Kong Football Club’s Sixes tournament on the weekend.

This 2-day tournament, which is in place of the Annual Easter Sixes, was entered by 24 teams, 6 in each of four categories: Men’s Open; Mixed Open; and Men’s and Ladies Super 6’s culminating in Semi-finals and Finals on Sunday afternoon (Jan 26).

Unlike last year’s Easter Sixes tournament, which was an FIH affiliated event bringing in players from Australia and Europe, this was an internal Hong Kong event only. The tournament date was moved from Easter to this earlier time in the year to fit better into the International hockey calendar.

Brenda Smith a Vice-President of the Hong Kong Hockey Association told the Epoch Times that the FIH has shown interest in this event, its timing and it is hoped that it will be an affiliated event again next year.

The Men’s Open Final was won by Hong Kong Cricket Club, who defeated Das Boot.

Fraulein Fever overcame the Owls by a golden goal in extra time to take away the Mixed Open winner’s trophy.

In the Ladies Super 6’s Hong Kong Football Club just edged out Shaheen with a 3-2 score line.

Punjab’s win

But the star match of the tournament was the Men’s Super 6’s Final between Khalsa and Punjab.

Punjab scored twice early in the game, then Khalsa got a goal back, then Punjab added another almost immediately to push their lead to 3-1. Khalsa scored just before half time to make the score 3-2.

In an action packed second half Khalsa equalised, but then Punjab scored two more to win a memorable final 6-3.

Punjab again showed their class by beating HKFC in the Sixes Semi-final.

In the other Semi-final Khalsa eliminated Singh Sabha Sports Club (SSSC) in a dramatic shoot-out after finishing all square after extra time. This was a great tussle with what seemed like an endless series of penalties before finally Khalsa got the advantage.

Punjab continue to shine

The performance by Punjab in the Sixes shows just how much they have improved over the last two years. At the beginning of the 2012-13 season they were new-comers to the HKHA Premier League, but improved to finish equal second in that year.

This season they have consolidated their position and are now recognised to be one of the top three clubs in Hong Kong, playing high class, skilful and entertaining hockey with fairness and good spirit.

Punjab are equal first in the Premiership League behind Khalsa with five games each remaining in the season – both have won 9 games and lost 2 for 29 points, with Khalsa topping the standings by a superior goal difference. Hong Kong Football Club are a point behind the pair in third.

Punjab’s defeat of Khalsa and HKFC in the Sixes adds spice to an already hotly contested Premier League season.

Next matches

There is no Premier League Hockey this coming weekend as the competition takes a break for Chinese New Year. The next matches take place on Sunday Feb 9: Shaheen-A meet HKFC-A, at HKFC; SSSC-A play Punjab-A and Valley-A play Khalsa-A, with both games at HV1.

The Epoch Times



JPIL Hockey 5's Format Yields Exciting, High Scoring Play

At the conclusion of the third round of play in the Princess Junior Premier Indoor League (JPIL) and in thanks to the new Hockey 5’s format, over 150 more goals have been netted this year in comparison to this point in the 2013 season. Erin Shanahan (Under-19) and Margot Lawn (Under-16), both from The Gaels FHC, are the leading scorers in each division. Shanahan tops the scoreboard with an impressive 37 points, while Lawn heads the Under-16’s with 14 points.

In Under-19 division play, a mere two points separate the top four ranked teams. Xcalibur FHC is ahead in the rankings with 22 points, followed by Mystx United (21), High Styx FH (20) and FC United (20). Play resumes February 17.

In the Under-16 division, FC United and Xcalibur FHC lead with the way with 16 points a-piece. Closely behind the front runners are High Styx FH with 14 points and Jersey Intensity and Mystx United with 12 points to their names. Competition resumes February 1.

The championship round for the Under-14 division kicks off on Sunday, February 2 with Philly Hockey Club 1, High Styx FH, Oranje-GottaLoveIt, Mystx United, CNY, Spark, Horizon FH and FC United still in the running to claim the 2014 JPIL Under-14 title. The top eight clubs will compete to be crowned champion in a round robin format ending February 17.

League results and information can be found online at www.jpil.net and usafieldhockey.com.

USFHA media release



HA helps 500 clubs

Club administrators helped to make the most of MemberDesq ahead of new season

Hockey Australia, in collaboration with its digital services partner, IMG-STG, and the respective state associations, have been on the road in January delivering MemberDesq training to hockey clubs in Western Australia and Queensland. A whirlwind tour of capital cities Perth and Brisbane, and the South Queensland regional hubs of Ipswich, Gympie and Bundaberg over a period of six days has already engaged more than 150 clubs across five separate training sessions.
 
The sessions are geared towards educating club administrators on how to make best use of MemberDesq, IMG-STG's online membership management system, ultimately allowing them to register their players for the upcoming 2014 season. Hockey Australia hopes to engage over 500 clubs in January and February, the first time it has embarked on a national initiative of such scope, gaining valuable feedback in the process to ensure the system continues to evolve and meet club needs.
 
February will see a further 15 sessions across New South Wales, ACT, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. If you are a club administrator and are keen to attend a workshop in your region, please contact your state association to confirm your attendance.
 
Saturday February 1 – Wollongong, New South Wales
Saturday February 1 – Sydney, New South Wales
Sunday February 2 – Bathurst, New South Wales
Monday February 3 – Newcastle, New South Wales
Tuesday February 4 – Tamworth, New South Wales
Wednesday February 5 – Grafton, New South Wales
Thursday February 6 - Canberra, ACT
Saturday February 8 - Port Pirie, South Australia
Sunday February 9 - Adelaide, South Australia
Sunday February 9 - Mount Gambier, South Australia
Tuesday February 11 - Launceston, Tasmania
Wednesday February 12 - Hobart, Tasmania
Tuesday February 25 - Darwin, Northern Territory
Wednesday February 26 - Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Hockey Australia media release



Former hockey players hold rally for Dhyan Chand

NEW DELHI: A group of hockey players as well as fans held a protest rally in the Capital on Wednesday to demand the coveted Bharat Ratna for hockey legend Dhyan Chand.

A memo was also presented to the Prime Minister's office requesting it to expedite the process of giving Dhyan Chand his due, former hockey player Rajesh Chauhan, who led the rally, said in a press release.

Those who took part in the rally included former Indian women's team captain Pritamrani Thakran and former international players Sandeep Shaukeen, Ajay Saroha and Vivek Gupta, the release added.

The demonstration was organized by a Delhi based volunteer organization 'Rashta Samman Abhiyaan' which is planning to hold a series of demonstrations and rallies throughout the country over the issue. "The next rally is planned from Amristar to Delhi," Chauhan added.

The Times of India

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