News for 23 February 2015
All the news for Monday 23 February 2015
Italy beat hosts to take top honours
Underdogs Uruguay defeated but join Italians in Olympic Qualifier stage of Hockey World League
Italy emerged triumphant at the Hockey World League Round 2 event in Montevideo, Uruguay (Photo: Danielo Scalese)
Italy justified their status as pre-tournament favourites by winning the Hockey World League Round 2 event in Montevideo courtesy of a 4-0 final victory over host nation Uruguay.
The Italians (FIH World Ranking: 17) produced a dominant display against the lower-ranked but hugely talented Uruguayans (WR: 31), with Giuliana Ruggieri, Marcela Casale Lhez, Agata Wybieralska and team captain Chiara Tiddi all finding the target in front of packed stadium.
Although it was without question a wonderful triumph for Italy, nothing will dampen the spirits of a Uruguay team that finished above four higher-ranked teams to join the European outfit in the HWL Semi-Finals, where coveted berths at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are up for grabs.
Italian players took home two of the individual awards, with Chiara Tiddi being named Player of the Tournament while Giuliana Ruggieri finished as Tournament Top Scorer with seven goals. Eighteen year old Constanza Barrandeguy of Uruguay was named Young Player of the Tournament with Mexican shot-stopper Jesus Castillo taking the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
Azerbaijan (WR: 19) ended their tournament on a winning note by defeating Mexico (WR: 28) to claim a third place finish. Mexico took an early lead through Marlet Correa, but Azerbaijan hit five goals without reply with Anastasiya Tsyganska netting a hat-trick to help her team to a 5-2 victory.
Earlier in the day, France (WR: 24) took 5th place with a 6-1 victory against Trinidad & Tobago (WR: 29), while Dominican Republic (WR: 52) finished 7th thanks to a 2-1 triumph over higher-ranked Kenya (WR: 37).
Complete tournament information from Montevideo can be found on the official event website by clicking here.
Hockey World League Round 2 - Women - Montevideo, Uruguay.
Final standings
1: Italy – Qualified for Semi-Finals of Hockey World League
2: Uruguay – Qualified for Semi-Finals of Hockey World League
3: Azerbaijan
4: Mexico
5: France
6: Trinidad & Tobago
7: Dominican Republic
8: Kenya
Individual awards
Player of the Tournament: Chiara Tiddi (ITA)
Top Scorer: Giuliana Ruggieri (ITA) - 7 goals
Young Player of the Tournament: Constanza Barrandeguy (URU)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Jesus Castillo (MEX)
FIH site
Uruguay & Italy power into final
Host nation overcome Mexico while Italians see off Azerbaijan to seal berths in HWL R3
Uruguay's Florencia Norbis (blue) accelerates past Mexico's Cindy Correa in the semi-finals of the Hockey World League Round 2 event in Montevideo. (Photo: Danielo Scalese)
The dream of qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games moved a little closer to reality for two hopeful nations on Saturday (21st February), with Uruguay and Italy winning their respective semi-finals at the women’s Hockey World League Round 2 event in Montevideo.
Home favourites Uruguay (FIH World Ranking: 31) continued their sensational form by recording a 2-0 victory over Pan American rivals Mexico (WR: 28) to seal not just their place in the tournament final but also a safe passage through to the HWL Semi-Final phase (Round 3) where coveted berths at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are up for grabs. Lucia Lamberti and Constanza Barrandeguy netted the goals in front of a huge, passion-filled crowd that were privileged to witnessed a wonderful moment in the history of Uruguayan hockey.
Italy (WR: 17) secured their place in the competition final with a stunning 4-0 triumph over Azerbaijan (WR: 19), a team that had greatly impressed throughout the competition in Montevideo. Maria Garraffo bagged a double with Marcela Casale Lhex and Giuliana Ruggieri also getting their respective names on the score-sheet in a dominant display by the Italians, who like Uruguay are now certain to feature in the Semi Final phase of the Hockey World League.
Both Italy and Uruguay have already faced each other in Montevideo, with Uruguay edging the Pool A encounter in a shoot-out after regular time finished with the scores locked at 2-2. Despite Italy’s clear advantage in the FIH World Rankings, the potential winner of this contest is incredibly hard to predict.
All eight teams will be in action on Sunday (22 February), with the final day’s play getting underway with Kenya and Dominican Republic going head-to-head in the 7-8 classification match (1230 local time – UTC/GMT -2) before France and Trinidad & Tobago take to the field in the battle for 5th place (1500).
Mexico and Azerbaijan (1730) will meet in 3-4 classification match ahead of the showpiece final between host nation Uruguay and Italy (2000). To see all tournament fixtures and results, please click here.
FIH site
Hockey women sixth in World League qualifiers
Trinidad and Tobago's senior women's hockey team had to settle for sixth spot out of eight teams at the FIH World Hockey League Round Two qualifiers following a 1-6 loss to France yesterday.
Going into the match, the "Calypso Stickwomen," were hopeful of avenging a 0-3 round-robin Pool B loss from Tuesday at The British Schools, Gral Maximo, Tajes, Montevideo, Uruguay, venue.
However, it was not to be for the Anthony Marcano-coached women as Philippine Berly got the French-women off to a flyer with a seventh minute field goal.
Eight minutes later Juliette Hevin doubled the advantage for France from a penalty-corner set play and in the 20th minute, Appolline Rogeau made it 3-0 as the Europeans put the outcome beyond the reach of the T&T women who were deprived of their best team due to other commitments by no fewer than eight senior players.
France was not done yet with scoring as Marine Delannoy added a fourth item in the 43rd, but from the restart veteran Oire Trotman avoided the shut-out for T&T with her first goal of the tournament for a 1-4 deficit.
Alix Perrocheau (45th) and Emma Ponthieu (48th) then added a goal each to carry France's final score to a commanding 6-1 triumph.
On Friday in the fifth to eighth semifinals, T&T had a much better showing as Blair Wynne scored two goals in a 3-2 defeat of Dominican Republic.
The former Holland-based Wynne scored in the 37th and 47th, the second a penalty stroke after Brittney Hingh had given T&T a tenth minute lead.
Dominican Republic Augustina Birocho had briefly drawn her team level at 1-1 in the 36th while Albania Marte got the other on the hour mark to set up a tense final period in which T&T held on.
France blanked Kenya 4-0 in the opening fifth to eighth semifinal with Rogeau scoring in the 11th and 47th while Ines Lardeur (5th) and Morgane Huvelle (41st) got the others.
In yesterday's opener, Dominican Republic held off Kenya 2-1 to secure seventh spot.
Lucia Navamuel put Dominican Republic ahead in the 25th, but Caroline Guchu replied for Kenya in the 38th with her team's first goal in five matches in the tournament, only for Benifer Moronta to snatch a winner for the Caribbean women a minute later.
Yesterday, in the finals, Italy came up against host Uruguay while Mexico and Azerbaijan met for third spot following Saturday's semifinal outings.
This after Uruguay downed Mexico 2-0 in their semi with goals from Lucia Lamberti (26t) and Constanza Barrandeguy (29th), while Italy outclassed Azerbaijan 4-0.
For the Europeans, Maria Garraffo scored twice, in the 27th and 42nd, and Marcela Casale-Lhez (20th) and Giuliana Ruggieri (52nd) one apiece.
The Trinidad Guardian
Resilent Ranchi clinches Hockey India League crown
K. Arumugam
Resilent and resourceful, Ranchi Rays emerged champions of the third Hero Hockey India League with a never-say-die attitude, managing to beat goalie of Jaap Stockmann's calibre in the tie-break after the regulation score tied 2-2 with tournament favourite Jaypee Punjab Warriors.
The new franchise, which came into being in place of first edition winners Ranchi Rhinos, exhibited a clinical approach to their game in the final today in the well branded Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi.
Ranchi Rays, coached by Indian Harendra Singh, fell in arrears twice, but both times came from behind strongly to tie the exciting final 2-2 at regulation sixty minutes.
A barren first half was followed by exciting two quarters in which no quarter was given or taken.
Both teams matched move with move, though often one felt Punjab, a pre-tournament favourite, showed dominance with renewed Talwinder Singh and Jake Whetton proving to be a thorn in the flesh of Ranchi defence.
Kieran Govers broke the goal deadlock in 39th minute after getting a short but accurate and timely pass from manin form Jake Whetton.
In the 42nd minute Ranchi Rays looking at equalizing got their first penalty corner and all eyes were on Ashley Jackson to convert the opportunity.
While Ashely was on target but Jaap Stockmann saved and Stanli Minz scored on the counter attack giving his team the much required equalizer goal. The third quarter ended with 1-1 on the board. Right into the fourth quarter, Ranchi Rays trying to put pressure on their famed rival, Jaypee Punjab Warriors. Four minutes before the hooter, Christopher Ciriello taking the flick made no mistake in finding the nets and took the score to 2-1. Next minute Ranchi Rays attacked and scored the equalizer goal as Barry Middleton put the ball past Jaap Stockmann (2-2).
In the shoot-out, Jaypee Punjab Warriors failed to get past an agile Lovell Tyler in the very first attempt when Simon Orchard failed to convert. While Christopher Ciriello and Dharamvir Singh scored easily in the next two attempts, SV Sunil and Robert Hammond’s consecutive misses allowed Ranchi Rays to win and lift the glittering trophy.
Barry Middleton got the goal of the match award for the final while his team's goalie Tyler Lovell the man of the match for finals award.
TOURNAMENT AWARDS:
Winners 2015 (Team Award): Rs 2.50 Crores and Trophy Ranchi Rays
Runner Up 2015 (Team Award): Rs 1.25 Crores Jaypee Punjab Warriors
Third Place 2015 (Team Award): Rs 75.00 Lakhs Delhi Waveriders
Hero Most Valuable Player of the Tournament (Individual Award): Rs 25.00 Lakhs and Trophy Ashley Jackson
Ponty Chadha Upcoming Player of the Tournament (Individual Award): Rs 20.00 Lakhs and Trophy Harmanpreet Singh
Dhruv Batra Motivator of the Tournament (Individual Award): Rs 20.00 Lakhs and Trophy PR Sreejesh
Airtel Maximum Goals of the Tournament (Team Award): Rs 10.00 Lakhs and Trophy Jaypee Punjab Warriors
Stick2Hockey.com
Ranchi Rays reigns supreme
Uthra Ganesan
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Ranchi Rays players celebrate after winning the Hockey India League on Sunday. Photo: Sandeep Saxena
Ranchi Rays won the third edition of the Hero-Hockey India League here, emerging a 2-2 (3-2) victor edging Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the tie-breaker.
For the second time in as many days, Ranchi had to fend off the opposition in the shoot-out and goalkeeper Tyler Lovell was yet again the man of the moment, saving three shots to ensure the success. With the teams tied 2-2 in regulation time, Daniel Beale and Ashley Jackson scored for Ranchi in the tie-breaker, Jackson also scoring off a penalty stroke after Manpreet Singh was fouled by Jaap Stockmann. For Punjab, only Dharamvir Singh and Christopher Ciriello could score.
The first penalty corner of the game came in the 34th minute, but Sandeep Singh’s shot was palmed away by Ranchi goalkeeper Tyler Lovell.
It took a brilliant effort from Govers to break the deadlock in the 38th minute. The Australian striker struck a powerful shot on the run immediately after entering the striking circle, putting the ball through Lovell's legs to give Punjab the lead.
Three minutes later, a successful referral and penalty corner for Ranchi saw Stanley Minz slapping in a rebound for the equaliser. The game further picked up momentum in the final quarter as both teams went all out for a winner. The efforts produced two goals in less than a minute. Punjab went ahead through a penalty-corner conversion by Christopher Ciriello in the 55th minute and even before the celebration died down, Barry Middleton made it 2-2 after being put through by Mandeep Singh on the counter.
The result: Final: Ranchi Rays 2 (Stanley Minz, Barry Middleton) bt Jaypee Punjab Warriors 2 (Kieran Govers, Christopher Ciriello) via tie-breaker.
Third place play-off: Delhi Waveriders 2 (Rupinder Pal Singh, Yuvraj Walmiki) bt Uttar Pradesh Wizards 1 (Nikkin Thimmaiah).
The Hindu
Ranchi Rays claim HIL title
Ranchi Rays defeat Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3-2 in grand final shootout
Australian goalkeeper Tyler Lovell was the hero for the Ranchi Rays as the Hero Hockey India League concluded on Sunday evening with the Rays claiming this year’s title after defeating the Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3-2 in a grand final shoot-out.
Kookaburras Daniel Beale, Nick Budgeon, Lovell, Fergus Kavanagh and Trent Mitton aided their team to the ultimate victory following a 2-2 draw with a Japyee Punjab Warriors team also packed full of Australian stars. The Rays rode on goalkeeper Tyler Lovell’s brilliant show under the bar to earn a hard-fought win with the goalkeeper pulling off three saves in the shoot-out. During final presentations, Lovell was awarded Man of the Match after his standout performance.
22 year old Queenslander Daniel Beale showcased exceptional talent in his first Hockey India League season for the Rays, keeping his cool in shoot-outs in both the semi-final and final.
Fergus Kavanagh from Western Australia claimed his second Hockey India League title after winning the title back in 2013 with the former Ranchi Rhinos.
In all, 11 Kookaburras took part in last night’s grand final. Showcasing seven past and present Kookaburras, the Jaypee Punjab Warriors were in the driving seat with goals from Australians Kieran Govers and Chris Ciriello despite having suffered a setback when their captain Jamie Dwyer missed the final due to a hamstring strain. But the Rays fought back to equalise twice to send the match to a shoot-out.
The third place playoff between the Delhi Waveriders and Uttar Pradesh Wizards had the Waveriders finish atop, 2-1. The Waveriders featured Australians Matt Gohdes, Tristan White and Jason Wilson with the Wizards showcasing George Bazeley and Eddie Ockenden.
Watch highlights from the Hero Hockey India League final here.
Final standings
1.Ranchi Rays [Champions]
2.Jaypee Punjab Warriors
3.Delhi Waveriders
4.Uttar Pradesh Wizards
5.Kalinga Lancers
6.Dabang Mumbai
Australians who competed in the Hockey India League finals 2015
Member of 2015 Kookaburras squad unless otherwise stated
Ranchi Rays
Daniel Beale
Nick Budgeon
Fergus Kavanagh
Tyler Lovell
Trent Mitton
Jaypee Punjab Warriors
Chris Ciriello
Jamie Dwyer [Did not play grand final]
Kieran Govers
Rob Hammond (Kookaburras 2001-2014)
Mark Knowles
Simon Orchard
Jake Whetton
Barry Dancer (coach) (Kookaburras coach 2001-2008) (Kookaburras 1973-1979)
Uttar Pradesh Wizards
George Bazeley (Kookaburras 2009-2014)
Eddie Ockenden
Delhi Waveriders
Matt Gohdes
Tristan White
Jason Wilson (Kookaburras 2009-2014)
Hockey Australia media release
Ashley Jackson inspires Ranchi Rays to title as Jaypee Punjab Warriors denied
Key performances by GB players Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton hands Ranchi Rays second Hockey India League title in three years
By Rod Gilmour
Hitting form: Ashley Jackson was the league's top scorer Photo: HOCKEY INDIA LEAGUE
Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton inspired Ranchi Rays to their second Hockey India League in three years as Jaypee Punjab Warriors were denied in a shootout for the second year in succession.
With the third HIL final tied at 2-2 in New Delhi, Jackson scored the Rays' first in the shootout and then a decisive penalty stroke. A 3-2 shootout victory was confirmed with the next phase when Rob Hammond failed to score past his Australian compatriot, Tyler Lovell, who was instrumental in Ranchi's goal.
"We weren't sure we were going to have a franchise this year so this is a thank you to MS Dhoni," said Jackson, after the decision by India's one-day captain to take co-ownership of the team.
Kieran Govers, the Australian, had opened the scoring in the third quarter with a low slingshot inside the D which went through the legs of Tyler Lovell.
Ranchi Rays came back into the game late in the third quarter with Jaypee penalised for a back stick. Jackson whipped in a high penalty corner strike, Jaap Stockmann padded away only for Stanli Minz to tap in the rebound.
Against the run of play and down to 10 men, Jaypee regained the lead as Chris Ciriello, the perennial penalty corner specialist in major finals, fired low with five minutes remaining. But the lead lasted barely 30 seconds as Middleton raced from defence and deflected in from close range.
Ranchi and Jaypee, missing Jamie Dwyer with a thigh strain, had been deserved finalists after finishing top of the league phase, with Jackson's outfit having won both games against each other.
Ranchi Rays were playing in their first HIL after the disbandment of the previous franchise, Ranchi Rhinos.
However the Rays had retained most of the players, except German's Moritz Furste, who was an ever-present in the first two editions.
Furste's decision to stay in Germany left Jackson to become the architect of the Rays' success. The GB midfielder finished top-scorer - with 12 - and no one was going to deny him being voted man of the tournament.
The Telegraph
MS Dhoni's Ranchi Rays win title on debut
Ranchi Rays’ Mandeep Singh and Manpreet Singh kiss the Hockey India League Trophy. PTI
NEW DELHI: Debutants Ranchi Rays produced an inspired performance and twice came back from a goal down to beat favourites Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the shootout and emerge champions of the third Hockey India League at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Sunday.
India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni co-owned Ranchi Rays fought hard to eke out a 3-2 win in the shoot-out after both the teams were locked at 2-2 in the regulation time of the thrilling summit clash.
Kieran Govers (39th minute) and Christopher Ciriello (56th) scored the goals for Punjab Warriors while Stanli Minz (42nd) and Barry Middleton (57th) were the goal getters for Ranchi Rays in the regulation period.
Last year's champions Delhi Waveriders finished third after beating Uttar Pradesh Wizards 2-1 in the third-fourth place play-off match earlier in the day.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Indian Olympic Association Secretary General Rajiv Mehta were in attendance at the stadium today.
The summit clash witnessed exciting first two quarters with both the teams playing free-flowing hockey.
The Punjab Warriors might have entered the final as favourites going by their form this season, but it was Ranchi Rays which looked more threatening to score goals at least in the opening 30 minutes.
The Rays enjoyed the better share of ball possession in the opening two quarters and created some good moves but failed to convert them into goals.
In the absence of experienced Jamie Dwyer, who missed the match with an injury, the Punjab Warriors' forward line lacked creativity, which was quite clearly evident in their performance in the opening half.
Even though it was action-packed first half, both the teams failed to garner a single penalty corner.
The match livened up after the change of ends and finally the crowd could see the first penalty corner of the match in the 34th minute which went in favour of Punjab Warriors, but Sandeep Singh's high flick was gloved away by Lovell Tyler in front of Ranchi goal.
The Punjab Warriors came out with more purpose in the third quarter and finally managed to break the deadlock in the 39th minute through Govers who sounded the board with a first time shot after the attack was build up Chris Ciriello's interception.
Stunned by the goal, the Ranchi Rays went on the offensive and earned a penalty corner in the 41st minute. But Punjab Warriors went for the referral which was upheld by the TV umpire.
In the very next minute, the Rays secured another penalty corner and Minz scored with a rebound after Ashley Jackson's initial flick was saved by Punjab Warriors goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann.
The Rays got their second penalty corner just after the start of the fourth and final quarter but this time Jackson's try was kept out by an alert Stockmann.
Four minutes from the final hooter, Satbir Singh pounced on a defensive error to win Punjab Warriors second penalty corner and Ciriello made no mistake in converting the opportunity to hand his side 2-1 lead.
But Punjab Warriors' joy was shortlived as Ranchi Rays drew level from the very next move through Middleton, who guided home a Mandeep Singh pass from the right.
In the final three minutes, the Punjab Warriors got two more chances in the form of penalty corners to seal the match in their favour but wasted both the opportunities as Tyler made a fine save to deny Sandeep and take the encounter into shoot-out.
In the shoot-out, Simon Orchard, SV Sunil and Robert Hammond missed for Punjab Warriors with only Ciriello and Dharamvir Singh converting their shots.
For Ranchi Rays, skipper Ashley Jackson, Daniel Beale scored while Jackson converted a penalty stroke after Stockmann fouled Manpreet during his attempt in the shoot-out. Birendra Lakra was lone miss for the champions.
Earlier in the day, last year's champion Delhi Waveriders defeated Uttar Pradesh Wizards 2-1 to win the consolation bronze medal.
The Waveriders scored two field goals through Rupinder Pal Singh (6th minute) and Yuvraj Walmiki (50th) to register the victory, while Wizards' lone goal came from the sticks of Bob de Voogd in the 18th minute.
The Times of India
Easy bronze for the defending champions
s2h Team
Defending champions Delhi Waveriders got a huge consolation with an easy bronze in the third Hero Hockey India League.
The hosts struck very early, six minutes from the word go, and then when things got slightly difficult with rivals consolidating their position, young Yuvraj Singh tapped in a rebound from goalie to post a goal that turned out to be the bronze clincher.
In a hot day, the match did not elevate to any great height, and the loser visibly appeared a jaded side perhaps what with a long tie-break duel they had to undergo yesterday against Ranchi Rays.
It reflected on the field. Delhi on the hand had better of the proceedings, and came out with many a good moves which normally created by Gurbaj Singh. On the attack, Talwinder was conspicuous for both missing sitters and then scoring at least once.
It was Talwinder who sent the ball with a lightening strike to Sreejesh in a melee leaving Yuvraj to top in a high ball from close range (2-1). It was in the 50th min.
Earlier, in the sixth minute, Rupinder Pal Singh, following a failed attempt at team's first penalty corner, struck (1-0), to put their famed rivals under pressure early on from which Uttar Pradesh Wizards did not come back. However, it appeared UPW arte in for a challenge when Nikkin, amidst a crowded defence, send the ball in to the cage with beauty of a backhander through his legs, which caught Nicolas Jacobi, the inform goalie off-guard.
Man of the Match: PR Sreejesh
Hero Goal of the match: Nikkin Thimmiah.
Stick2Hockey.com
Waveriders beat Wizards to claim third spot
NEW DELHI: Delhi Waveriders defeated Uttar Pradesh Wizards 2-1 to claim the third position in the Hockey India League (HIL) at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Sunday.
Rupinder Pal Singh (6th minute), Yuvraj Walmiki (50th) scored for the 2014 edition champions while Nikkin Thimmaiah (18th) scored the reducer for the Wizards.
In the match between two beaten semi-finalists, Waveriders, who Saturday lost to Jaypee Punjab Warriors, showed more hunger and aggression from the start. Playing with more accuracy and precision, they made several incisive moves and appeared the better side.
Wizards, who lost to Ranchi Rays in the semis, started slowly which affected them.
In the fifth minute, Lloyd Norris-Jones was in the centre of a quick counter-attack. He snatched the ball from V.R. Raghunath from the top of the Waveriders' circle and raced inside the other D. The South African played the ball to the foot of a Wizards defender to earn a penalty corner.
The stopper failed to hold the ball but Waveriders kept the ball in play and bagged another penalty corner which forced P.R. Sreejesh to dive to his right and save it.
The home team still dominated play and Rupinder poked home in the sixth minute.
Wizards came roaring back in the second quarter and an incisive run from India international S.K. Uthappa to the circle found Eddie Ockenden on the right of the goal. The Australian crossed for Ramandeep Singh, who was stationed in front of the post.
But the Indian fell down while attempting a shot and the ball went near Nikkin, who chipped the ball in to score the equaliser in the 18th minute. The score remained 1-1 at halftime.
As soon as the third quarter began, Waveriders stepped up their game and earned two penalty corners inside the first five minutes. However, Rupinder continued to struggle as a drag-flicker and wasted both of them with inaccurate and fragile efforts.
Waveriders skipper Sardar Singh was not his usual self but managed to set up a gem of a chance for Talwinder Singh. But Sreejesh was alert to thwart Talwinder's straight drive at him.
Both goalkeeper Sreejesh and Waveriders' German custodian Nicolas Jacobi had a very good game.
Wizards' Ockenden and Dutch star Jeroen Hertzberger regularly tested Jacobi and the latter came out on top on all occasions.
However, Waveriders grabbed the 2-1 lead in the 50th minute when Walmiki deflected a ball off a Talwinder hit to win it for Waveriders, who finished runners-up in the inaugural edition in 2013.
The Times of India
Wanderers' European campaign ends in disappointment
Wanderers' Becky Ward with her Player of the Tournament award
Dundee Wanderers’ EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy campaign ended in disappointment after losses to both SV Arminen and Royal Antwerp in Vienna.
The Taysiders finished fourth overall behind Rotweiss Wettigen in third place and tournament winners SV Arminen and runners-up HC Ritm Azot Grodno, who are both promoted to the Club Champions Cup next year.
However, there was still positives to be taken from the experience, with international defender Becky Ward being named Player of the Tournament.
It was pretty much win or bust for Wanderers against their Austrian hosts in their fifth tournament match this morning.
Sadly, the Dundonians were soon on the back foot, falling 2-0 behind inside five minutes after goals from Kristine Vukovich and Katarzuna Kraskinska.
Captain Rachel Osborne got her side back into the match at 1-2 in the 18th minute, slipping the ball past Marlies Gaider from a narrow angle after good build-up from Becky Ward and Vikki Bunce.
Yet Wanderers found themselves two goals behind again when Lucia Schmidt scored SV Arminen’s third right on the stroke of half-time.
In the 30th minute, Heather Elder reduced the deficit to a single goal, touching home Bunce’s cross at the back post, and giving her side a chance of getting back on level terms.
Indeed, Bunce had penalty corner attempts late in the second half, her first attempt well saved and the second hurtling narrowly wide of the upright.
Joanna Wieloch’s goal right on the full-time hooter decided the outcome in SV Arminen’s favour, running out 4-2 winners.
With their chances of promotion gone, Wanderers final match against Royal Antwerp would determine their final finishing position.
Michelle Struijk’s close range goal was all that separated the two sides at half-time, before Ward’s brilliant strike from the left of the court put Wanderers back on level terms at 1-1 in the 23rd minute.
Sofie Gierts put the Belgians back in front two minutes later, rounding Carmin Dow to finish low into the corner, before Charlotte Watson equalised again for Wanderers sixty seconds later, finish high into the right corner.
Sadly for Scotland’s indoor champions, the tournament would end in defeat; Lauranne Struijk taken advantage of a lapse in concentration to beat Dow and leave the final score 3-2 to Royal Antwerp.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Surbiton and East Grinstead reach play-offs
East Grinstead's Mark Gleghorne powers past two Beeston defenders, Feb 22 2015, www.hockeyimages.co.uk
SURBITON and East Grinstead are the first two sides to secure a spot in the play-offs of the NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League Premier Division after some thrilling results at the weekend.
East Grinstead battled past Beeston 3-2 on Sunday, while Surbiton were held to a 3-3 draw at Wimbledon on Saturday evening.
A Mark Gleghorne strike four minutes from time handed East Grinstead victory after Andy Bull and Mark Pearn had also been on target in a 3-2 defeat of Beeston.
Despite the loss Beeston remain third, level on points with Wimbledon but with a superior goal difference. They are close to clinching a place at the play-offs, to be held at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on April 11-12.
Matt Daly fired a second half double for Surbiton as they came back from 3-1 down to secure a 3-3 draw against Wimbledon on Saturday evening.
It was a useful point for Wimbledon too – they are fourth on 28 points but have a 10-point advantage over fifth-placed Reading with a four games remaining.
Reading’s hopes of claiming a play-off berth were dealt a further blow when they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Southgate.
Tom Carson gave Reading an early lead before goals from John Sterlini and Giulio put Southgate into the lead. But Richard Mantell was on hand to rescue a point for the visitors, slamming home from a penalty corner in the second half.
Bottom of the table Canterbury picked up only their second victory of the season with a 3-1 win over Cannock courtesy of goals from Craig Boyne, Wei Adams and Francisco Montoya.
NOW: Pensions Conference West
Team Bath Buccaneers still lead the NOW: Pensions Conference West by three points after securing their 13th win of the season as goals from Liam Sanford, Andrew Eversden, Eugene Malthouse and Tim Davenport eased them to a 4-0 defeat of Fareham.
Cardiff and Met are still chasing hard and matched Bath’s scoreline as a double from James Carson helped them to a 4-0 win over University of Birmingham. Carson also scored a brace in Cardiff’s match on Saturday when they beat University of Exeter 5-1.
Jagdeep Gill smashed home a hat-trick as Indian Gymkhana came out on top in an exciting 4-2 game against Barford Tigers. Guildford beat hosts Whitchurch 2-0 and University of Exeter and Cheltenham played out a 1-1 draw.
NOW: Pensions Conference North
Bowdon edged closer to securing the NOW: Pensions Conference North title with a 6-3 win over Wakefield. Ian Wilson and Simon Egerton both scored a brace for the winners, but Bowdon needed three goals in the final four minutes to take the points.
Sheffield Hallam are 10 points behind Bowdon but are doing what they can to close the gap. They braved the biting cold to grind out a 1-0 win over Olton and West Warwickshire.
At the other end of the table second-bottom Belper condemned Leek to their 10th loss of the season as a double from Drew Burkin helped them win 4-2. Deeside Ramblers beat University of Durham 4-1 and Loughborough Students beat Doncaster by the same score.
NOW: Pensions Conference East
A 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove put Holcombe within touching distance of the title in the NOW: Pensions Conference East on Sunday. Gareth Andrew scored the only goal of the game.
The only team that can mathematically catch Holcombe is Bromley and Beckenham. They beat Chichester Priory Park 4-2 with Chris Harden scoring twice.
West Herts beat bottom of the table Richmond 1-0 and Cambridge survived a late scare to secure a 4-3 win against Oxted.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, February 21 2015):
NOW: Pensions Men's Premier Division: Wimbledon 3, Surbiton 3.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference West: Cardiff and Met 5, University of Exeter 1.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference East: Teddington 3, Old Loughtonians 1.
NOW: Pensions Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, February 22 2015):
NOW: Pensions Men's Premier Division: Cannock 1, Canterbury 3; East Grinstead 3, Beeston 2; Brooklands Manchester University 3, Hampstead and Westminster 2; Southgate 2, Reading 2.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference West: University of Exeter 1, Cheltenham 1; University of Birmingham 0, Cardiff and Met 4; Whitchurch 0, Guildford 2; Fareham 0, Team Bath Buccaneers 4; Indian Gymkhana 4, Barford Tigers 2.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference North: Deeside Ramblers 4, University of Durham 1; Wakefield 3, Bowdon 6; Olton and West Warwicks 0, Sheffield Hallam 1; Belper 4, Leek 2; Loughborough Students 4, Doncaster 1.
NOW: Pensions Men's Conference East: Cambridge City 4, Oxted 3; Brighton and Hove 0, Holcombe 1; Chichester Priory Park 2, Bromley and Beckenham 4; West Herts 1, Richmond 0.
England Hockey Board Media release
Holcombe under no pressure to make hockey play-offs, says coach Kevin Johnson
By Rod Gilmour
Key strike: Tamsyn Naylor is congratulated by Holcombe team-mates Photo: ANDY SMITH
Kevin Johnson, the Holcombe women's coach, has rebuffed suggestions that his side were automatic pre-season candidates for the play-off finals.
The Kent side maintained fourth place with a battling display at Leicester, coming from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw.
Nikki Laybourne and Katie Long had given Leicester the lead before Tamsyn Naylor and Nicola White scored for the visitors, a result which left Leicester two points off a play-off spot.
It was Naylor’s well-taken deflected goal on the stroke of half-time which shifted momentum Holcombe’s way. Maddie Hinch dealt with several counter attack efforts in goal while Holcombe had two later corner chances when Leicester went down to 10.
"We don't have expectations from a historical sense,” said Johnson of Holcombe’s play-off bid. "We always knew it would be difficult one with the jump, the fact that 11 out of 16 players here have never played in the top flight.
“It has been hard for some players to jump up two divisions in successive seasons and it has been a challenge for everybody. To be up there is real progress and the chairman knows that.”
Meanwhile, Surbiton pulled three points clear at the top of the league, coming from behind to win 2-1 at home to the University of Birmingham.
Anna Toman put the students ahead before the break from a penalty corner. But the league leaders levelled through Julia King before Emily Atkinson completed the fight back two minutes from time.
Canterbury all but confirmed their place in the top four with a tight 1-0 win at Bowdon Hightown. Buckingham also squeezed home 1-0, boosting their survival prospects at bottom side Beeston thanks to Leanne Grimsley’s second half goal. The result leaves struggling Beeston facing a seven-point gap to safety.
With their rivals faltering in the NOW: Pensions men's top flight, East Grinstead kept their hopes of automatic qualification for Europe with a hard-fought 3-2 win over champions Beeston on Sunday.
Trailing to an early Richard Lawrence goal, the Sussex side rallied with goals from Andy Bull and stalwart Mark Pearn. Beeston captain Adam Dixon levelled with 10 minutes left, but Mark Gleghorne secured the points four minutes’ later.
Matt Jones, the East Grinstead manager, said: "The win put down a marker, not only for the league but also to ourselves.”
East Grinstead have endured a tough period, having returned, unsuccessfully, from last week’s Indoor Champions Cup in Germany.
“We needed to put the outdoor season behind us and beating a class outfit such as Beeston was important.”
East Grinstead’s win opened up a three-point lead at the top after rivals Wimbledon and Surbiton drew 3-3 on Saturday evening.
Wimbledon looked as if they might secure a finals’ play-off place after Blake Govers, Steven Ebbers and Ali Brogdon opened up a 3-1 lead. But Matt Daly, the league’s top scorer, fired a brace inside 10 minutes to secure a point for Surbiton.
Brooklands Manchester University recorded a pivotal 3-2 win at home to Hampstead and Westminster. Struggling Canterbury scored a vital 3-1 victory away to Cannock.
Meanwhile, Reading were indebted to Simon Mantell’s second-half strike to earn a 2-2 draw on the road at Southgate.
The Telegraph
Nasihin: Women ready for challenge..
By Jugjet Singh
THE Malaysian women's hockey team will attempt to break their jinx and qualify for the World League Semi-finals for the first time, and its not a piped dream.
The women will play in the World League Round Two in New Delhi from March 7-15, and are seeded second after becoming champions in the World League Round One in Singapore last year.
"We are in a good group with teams which we have beaten before and that's why I'm confident that we will play in the final and earn our ticket to the WL Semi-finals this time around," said coach Nasihin Nubli.
The World Hockey League is a qualifier for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Malaysia, ranked 21 in the world are in Group B with Russia, Singapore and Kazakhstan. World No 13 India, are the top seeds and have Poland, Ghana and Thailand in Group A.
Nasihin said Russia will be Malaysia’s biggest hurdle to finish tops in their group, and earn a favourable draw by playing the bottom placed team from Group A in the quarter-finals.
“We beat Russia in our last meeting (in 2013), and I believe we can do the same in New Delhi if we take our chances well," said Nasihin.
He will select 20 players and head for New Delhi on March 3 were at least four friendlies will be played before Nasihin names his final 18.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have set a top-two target for the women.
MALAYSIA'S FIXTURES -- March 7: Malaysia v Kazakhstan; March 8: Malaysia v Russia; March 10: Malaysia v Singapore.
Note: All eight teams qualify for quarter-finals.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey