News for 06 April 2015
All the news for Monday 6 April 2015
Early goals hand NZ win
By Jugjet Singh
MALAYSIA were brilliant in patches, but lost their script early in the match to go down 2-4 to New Zealand in the 24th Edition of the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.
Playing in front of a capacity crowd, a handful of horrible mistakes saw the Kiwis take an early lead, and then power to a win in the last five minutes of the match.
Next are world No 1 Australia today, and all Malaysia can do in this match is to reduce the score.
Coach Tai Beng Hai's charges had a pathetic start, as by the fifth minute they were 2-0 down to the Kiwis. There consecutive penalty corners finally saw Nick Haig nail the lead in the third minute.
And even before the defense could settle down, New Zealand skipper Simon Child's reverse stick shot gave the Kiwis a 2-0 lead in the fifth.
Ramadan Rosli, 24, brought out the cheers from the capacity crowd when his deft touch narrowed the game to 1-2 in the 19th minute. Malaysia lived dangerously after that, but a series of saves from goalkeeper S. Kumar kept them in the match.
The third quarter saw a better show from the hosts, with near misses and almost there show. The match finally lit up with 15 minutes left on the clock when Malaysia won their first penalty corner, but Razie Rahim's drive was saved by the goalkeeper and a follow on volley from Azlan Misron went flying above the goalmouth.
But all was not lost in the opening match as a super goal from Shahrun Nabil in the 62nd minute saw Malaysia draw level but off their sixth penalty corner, Andy Hayward nails the lead in the 65th minute, while Shay Neal made sure with a fourth in the 68th minute.
The only good news in the match yesterday was that Azlan Misron was rewarded for reaching a milestone 337 caps, but that recognition failed to light up his game.
In the opening match, world no 1 Australia whipped Canada 7-0 and are looking forward to another win when they play Malaysia today.
Australian coach Graham Reid said they needed to get rid of the cobwebs early, as they struggled against Canada in the early part: "Canada played extremely well, especially in the first 15 minutes to keep our boys in check. But if was good to get rid of the cobwebs in the first match as we play the hosts tomorrow (today)."
"Malaysia are always a tough side to beat in Ipoh, and I expect a tough game, and we need to stop their speedy forward Faizal (Saari) from doing much damage," said Reid.
India and South Korea played to a 2-2 draw, with Korean coach Shin Seok Kyo grinning from ear-to-ear: "We came here looking for a win against India and so the 2-2 draw is quite disappointing, but we are still in the tournament, and looking forward to improve in the next match (Canada)," said Shin.
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
AUSTRALIA 1 1 0 0 7 0 3
N ZEALAND 1 1 0 0 4 2 3
MALAYSIA 1 0 0 1 2 4 0
S KOREA 1 0 1 0 2 2 1
INDIA 1 0 1 0 2 2 1
CANADA 1 0 0 1 0 7 0
RESULTS: Australia 7 Canada 0, India 2 South Korea 2, Malaysia 2 New Zealand 4.
FIXTURES: April 6: Canada v South Korea (4pm), New Zealand v India (6pm), Malaysia v Australia (8pm).
April 7: REST DAY.
April 8: Canada v New Zealand (4pm), South Korea v Australia (6pm), Malaysia v India (8pm).
April 9: REST DAY.
April 10: Australia v India (4pm), South Korea v New Zealand (6pm), Malaysia v Canada (8pm).
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Bad start cost Malaysia dear in Azlan Shah Cup opener
By S. Ramaguru
New Zealand captain Simon Child is challenged by two Malaysian players during their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey match in Ipoh on Sunday. New Zealand won 4-2. - RONNIE CHIN/ The STAR
IPOH: Malaysia had a poor start in the 24th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup as they went down 2-4 to New Zealand at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
The Malaysians, runners-up for the last two years, failed to get their game going and were punished for some silly defensive mistakes.
Before the match, defender Azlan Misron was presented with a plaque to mark his 337th match, making him the highest-capped Malaysian player.
But the happy occasion quickly turned to despair as the home side started off badly to allow the Kiwis to take a two-goal lead in the opening five minutes.
The first goal came from a penalty corner. The Kiwis earned three penalty corners in a row and hit pay dirt in the third minute through Nick Haig.
Two minutes later in a quick counter-attack, the Kiwis had the Malaysian defence backpedalling and Simon Child scored a field goal to give his team a confident start.
In the second quarter, Malaysia were a more settled side and they took the fight to New Zealand.
Mohamed Ramadan Rosli scored a field goal in a quick counter-attack in the 19th minute to give hopes of a Malaysian fightback.
Malaysia continued to surge forward but Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin and Mohamed Shahrun Nabil muffed their chances.
Malaysian only earned their first penalty corner of the match in the 47th minute. Mohamed Razie Rahim’s flick was saved by goalkeeper Devon Manchester. And when the rebound came to Azlan, he hit it against the post and went out of play.
But the equaliser finally came in the 52nd minute. It came from another quick counter attack with Mohamed Shahrun scoring a field goal.
The Kiwis, however, were not done yet. They grabbed the lead again in the 55th minute with Andy Hayward making no mistake from a penalty corner.
The Kiwis then rounded off the scoring with Shay Neal scoring their fourth goal to bag all the three points.
National coach Tai Beng Hai said the poor start contributed to the defeat.
“When you are two goals down early in the game, you play catch-up. But credit our players as they managed to find the equaliser. Then, we made two mistakes and it cost us the match,” lamented Beng Hai.
New Zealand coach Colin Batch said he was surprised with his team’s strong start.
“I think we had a strong start and finish which helped us to get the win. The Malaysians fought back to get the two goals and it was good that we managed to find our rhythm in the last quarter to score another two goals,” said Batch.
The Star of Malaysia
Australia whip Canada to start off Azlan Shah Cup defence
By S. Ramaguru
IPOH: Jamie Dwyer set an Australian record as the world champions kicked off their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup campaign with a 7-0 drubbing of Canada at the Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium.
The 36-year-old Dwyer became the most capped player in Australian hockey history by playing in his 322nd match in Sunday’s opener. He capped his milestone by scoring in the 52nd minute for his 207th international goal.
Tim Cross also had a memorable day. The 24-year-old scored on his debut as he gave Australia the lead in the 12th minute. Three minutes later, Dylan Wotherspoon also netted his first-ever goal in his fifth international.
Eddie Ockenden (43rd), Trent Mitton (53rd), Glenn Simpson (54th) and Jacob Whetton (66th) were the other scorers.
Australian coach Graham Reid said the big win was a good start to their title defence.
“I think the overall performance was good and we got some of the things right. But there is still a long way to go and we need to keep up the level of performance in each match.
“I am happy for Tim as it is always important to start your debut with a goal. Then, we also had Jamie in another record game. So it was a good outing for us,” said Reid.
Canadian coach Anthony Farry was unfazed by the big loss.
“We are here to learn and when playing the best team in the world you don’t get to relax. They were in good form and I believe we will learn from this experience.
“After all, that’s why we are here – to learn and gain experience. Having said that we want to give all our players the chance to play and you don’t get a bigger game than Australia,” said Farry.
In the second match of the day, Asian Games champions India shared the spoils with South Korea after a 2-2 draw.
India opened the scoring in the 11th minute through C. Thimmaiah’s field goal, but Hyun Hye-sung equalised in the 25th minute off a penalty corner.
In the 53rd minute, the Koreans struck with Kim Seong-yu scoring from close range. But the Indians fought back to earn a penalty corner in the 55th minute. Youngster V. Raghunatha made no mistake with a direct drag flick to give India a point.
The Star of Malaysia
Malaysia goes down 2-4 to New Zealand
s2h Team
Hosts Malaysia did not get the right start as they would have wanted as they went down 2-4 against New Zealand in their opening match of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday.
The Malaysians were off to a bad start after they conceded two quick goals within a minute in the first quarter itself.
Nick Haig opened the scoring for New Zealand in the fourth minute while skipper Simon Child added a goal in the next minute.
Malaysia came back into the game in the second quarter after Ramadan Rosli pulled one down for the hosts.
With no goals scored in the third quarter, Malaysia made frequent attempts in the fourth and final quarter, gaining success in the 52nd minute when Shahrun Abdullah equalized for them.
However, the success was short lived as three minutes later Andy Hayward once again got back the lead.
To the disappointment of the local fans, the final nail was hammered two minutes later by Shay Neal, who scores the winning goal.
Skipper Simon Child was declared Player of the Match. Hosts Malaysia will take on defending champions Australia tomorrow while New Zealand will play against India.
Stick2Hockey.com
India draws Korea in the Azlan opener
Tazeen Qureshy
Sardar Singh led-India was off for a good start in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday, after they drew their first match against South Korea.
The team looked promising as kept attacking right from the beginning and not giving Koreans any chance to score.
India took lead in the 11th minute after Nikkin Thimmaiah intercepted a good cross from Rupinderpal Singh.
Then on, India continued dominating and creating chances as the game progressed.
The Koreans, meanwhile, made a few futile attempts before equalizing through a penalty corner converted by Hyesung Hyun in the 25th minute.
After struggling to score in the third quarter, the Koreans were suddenly charged up and kept pressing the Indian team. They achieved luck in the 53rd minute after Seongkyu Kim flicked the ball of a brilliant pass from Jun Jung Lee.
Thereafter, the Indians, not ready to give up till the last moment looked for chances and managed to earn one after a penalty corner came their way in the 56th minute of the game.
Realizing the importance of the situation, V.R. Raghunath made no mistakes as he flicked the ball to the top left of the D.
India will take on New Zealand in the their next match tomorrow.
Stick2Hockey.com
Paul van Ass: The match is a positive sign
Tazeen Qureshy
While the 2-2 draw against South Korea would have given some satisfactory moments to the team, India's newly appointed chief coach Paul van Ass feels the result could have been better after it drew South Korea 2-2 in the opening day of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia.
“Korea is one place above us in world ranking. After today’s match, I am satisfied with the manner of play but not the result. India is being looked as a medal contender for the Rio Olympics. Keeping it in mind, I think we should have been able to stop the second goal and score two more goals as well, since we had a chance,” Paul van Ass said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
“The match is a positive sign and the players played by heart which is good. I am happy since I wouldn’t have liked had we lost.”
When asked on how the team had changed since he took control of the team three weeks ago, he said he made minimal changes but has tried to play on the team’s strengths.
“In the first two quarter, we had better possession, we were tactically better. That is precisely how I had wanted them to play. Of course, there is more pressure in the dying moments, but that is where we have to improve.”
India will be playing their second match tomorrow against the New Zealand, who won their first match 4-2 against hosts Malaysia on Sunday.
Stick2Hockey.com
Tim Cross: Lucky jersey No.7
Tazeen Qureshy
To play for the country is a proud moment not just for the player himself but also for his family. So, when the news of Australian player Tim Cross’ selection for the Azlan Shah Cup broke, his family could not stop themselves for coming to Malaysia to watch Tim play live.
They are now in Ipoh on the well-know Azlan Shah Stadium, overlooking city's grand football stadium
“It is a great moment for us. I am a school teacher, but I have taken leave to come and watch my son play. It is a very special trip for us,’ says Lorraine Cross, pointing out towards Tim as he stretched out in the pre-game warming session.
“Back home also, our relatives and friends are very excited. In fact, his coaches back home have decided to show the match to other players in the club as well.”
Thanks to his grandfather, Tim got interested in hockey right when his was just four years old. And his family supported him in his passion.
“When he was a child, he had to go to various places for matches and practice. I would drive him everywhere. We have always supported Tim in his passion for hockey.”
And what exactly she feels Azlan Shah has in store for her son? “His lucky number is seven you know. And he is wearing a ‘7’ number jersey in the match. Hope he plays well” she signed off.
Stick2Hockey.com
Australia blank Canada 7-0, NZ beat Malaysia 4-2
IPOH: World champions Australia started their title defence with a 7-0 drubbing of lowly Canada while higher-ranked New Zealand defeated hosts Malaysia 4-2 in the other league matches of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday.
In the first match of the day, Australia started slowly but got into the groove gradually and showcased their dominance on the turf.
The mighty Kookaburras scored just two goals in the first two quarters before turning the heat on Canada in the final quarter.
Debutant Tim Cross (12th minute) was the first to sound the board for the Kookaburras followed by strikes from Dylan Wotherspoon (13th), Eddie Ockenden (43rd), Jamie Dwyer (52nd), Trent Mitton (53rd), Glenn Simpson (54th) and Jacob Whetton (56th).
While it would be heartening for Australia coach Graham Reid to witness six field goals from his wards, he is sure to be disappointed with utilising just one out of the eight penalty corners they earned in the match.
The match was special for one man - Jamie Dwyer, who became Australia's most-capped hockey player and scored his 207th goal in the Kookaburras' win at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
It was Dwyer's 322nd appearance for Australia, surpassing Jay Stacy, who retired following the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games with 321 caps.
Meanwhile in the last match of the day, seventh ranked New Zealand proved to be the better side than 12th placed Malaysia, registering the victory with two late goals.
The Black Sticks raced off to a 2-0 lead through a penalty corner conversion from Nick Haig (4th minute) and skipper Simon Child's field goal.
But cheered by the packed home crowd, Malaysia forged their way back with strikes from Ramadan Rosli (20th) and Shahrun Abdullah (52nd) to make it 2-2.
But New Zealand struck twice in the final five minutes of the game through a penalty corner conversion from Andy Hayward (55th) and a field strike by Shay Neal (57th) to garner full three points from the match.
New Zealand will face India in their next match on Monday, while Malaysia will play mighty Australia.
The Times of India
Raghunath salvages 2-2 draw for India
IPOH: India drew 2-2 with Korea to make a satisfactory start to their campaign in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Sunday, in what was Dutchman Paul van Ass's first match as the team's chief coach.
India took the lead through Nikkin Thimmaiah (10th minute) before Korea scored twice through Hyesung Hyun (24th) and Seongkyu Lee (53rd) to reverse the scoreline. VR Raghunath (56th) came to India's rescue with a penalty corner conversion as both the teams took away one point each from the fixture.
The match was of immense importance for the Indians, who are witnessing a transition phase post Terry Walsh era. It was Van Ass's maiden assignment as India coach and at the end of the day he probably would have been mighty relieved with the ultimate scoreline.
After a relatively slow start, India picked up the momentum with time.
But it was the Koreans who had the first shot at the goal in the eighth minute when Seongkyu Kim's feeble shot was easily gloved over by Indian custodian PR Sreejesh.
Two minutes later, Akashdeep Singh came close to handing India the lead but his shot from an acute angle was saved by Korean custodian Jaehyeon Kim.
India did not have to wait for long as Thimmaiah then tapped home from close range to flick the ball swiftly into the goalpost in the 10th minute after receiving the pass from Ramandeep Singh.
Rupinder had passed the ball to Ramandeep Singh, who was at the Korean goalmouth.
Four minutes into the second quarter, India had great chances of extending their lead but Korean goalkeeper made a double save to deny Dharamvir Singh and Satbir Singh.
The Koreans looked dangerous in counter-attacks and from one such move managed to secure back-to-back penalty corners in the 24th minute, the second of which was converted by Hyun with a powerful high flick to the left of Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh, who stood like a spectator.
Akashdeep then was unlucky as his reverse hit struck the upright as both the teams went into the breather locked at one goal apiece.
After the change of ends, the Indians continued to mount pressure on the Korean defence but their efforts failed to result into goals.
The Koreans, on the other hand, preferred to sit back and rely more on counter-attacks.
Ramandeep Singh faltered at the big stage for the umpteenth time as he wasted two golden scoring opportunities in the third and fourth quarters.
Ramandeep first shot wide with only the Korean goalkeeper to beat in the 43rd minute and then the Indian striker once again shot wide after he was found unmarked by a skipper Sardar Singh's measured pass from outside the circle.
The Koreans' swift attacks on the counters earned them two more penalties, the first of which was brilliantly saved by Indian custodian and vice-captain Sreejesh and the second one struck the right bar.
Sreejesh pulled up another valiant save soon to deny Jung Jun Lee, but Korea were not to be denied as an outstretched Seunghoon deflected in a pass from Lee in the 53rd minute.
Stunned by the goal, the Indians went all out attacking and in the process secured their first penalty corner, which was perfectly executed by Raghunath, much to the relief of his new chief coach.
Even though the Indians managed to garner a point from the match, they won't be happy with the fact that they managed to secure just one penalty corner as against Korea's four.
India will next play New Zealand on Monday, while Korea will be up against minnows Canada.
The Times of India
Satisfied with performance but not with result: Paul van Ass
IPOH: The hard-fought 2-2 draw against Korea in the Azlan Shah Cup was Paul van Ass' first international game as India's chief coach and the Dutchman said he was "satisfied" with the way his wards played on Sunday, although he regrets not finishing as winners.
India took the lead through Nikkin Thimmaiah (10th minute) before Korea scored twice through Hyesung Hyun (24th) and Seongkyu Lee (53rd) to reverse the scoreline.
VR Raghunath (56th) came to India's rescue with a penalty corner conversion as both the teams took away one point each from the fixture.
"(I am) not satisfied with the result but satisfied with the way we played. We haven't lost that is good and don't forget there is a long way to go," Van Ass said after the match.
"I am very positive about the team. For me they played with their heart today and I liked what I saw. Especially in the first half we were exerting more pressure without much success."
The India coach, however, regrets at least four missed opportunities, two of which according to him should have been converted.
"We had four good shots at the goal and out of them two should have been goals. Akashdeep (Singh) got two chances in the first half and Ramandeep in the second half If we would have scored those goals we would have won the match," Van Ass said.
He, however, is realistic about India's progress and with barely three weeks into his new job, the Dutchman feels there is plenty of work to do.
"India is ninth in the world ranking and Korea is eighth. I don't think India is better than Korea," he quipped when asked about India's improvement in the recent past.
"Let's not rush (on India's progress). I understand Indian people think we are a candidate for a medal in Rio but it's still a long way to go. Yes, there are improving but you need more than that."
Korea coach Seok Kyo Shin was visibly disappointed with the result as they failed to avenge their 0-1 loss to India in the semifinals of last year's Asian Games in Incheon.
"I am not happy. We wanted to win because we lost to them 6 months ago in the Asian Games," he said.
"India have a strong team, good and skillful individual players. We didn't have the best side here. We have six young guys in the team."
The Times of India
Dwyer scores on 322nd appearance
Australia beat Canada 7-0, Tim Cross scores on debut
In his record-breaking 322nd appearance for Australia’s Kookaburras, Jamie Dwyer showed that he is still as hungry as ever, scoring Australia’s fourth goal – his 207th in the green and gold - in a 7-0 win over Canada on day one of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.
At the other end of the experience spectrum, Victorian Tim Cross, making his debut for the Kookaburras, set things in motion with his first goal for his country just 12 minutes into the match. It was followed a minute later by young Queenslander Dylan Wotherspoon’s first goal in just his fifth senior appearance, putting Australia in the driving seat.
Despite the World Champions’ dominance over the 15th-ranked Canadians it remained 2-0 until shortly before three-quarter time when Eddie Ockenden struck a third. Dwyer, 36, this week tipped Ockenden, 28, to be the man to eventually replace him at the top of Australia’s all-time appearances list with Ockenden 100 caps behind the Olympic gold medallist. The Tasmanian was later named Man of the Match.
As the game entered its final ten minutes and play began to open up Dwyer struck, marking his return to senior international hockey after almost nine months away. His last game, and last goal, came in June’s World Cup final 6-1 demolition of the Netherlands in The Hague with the two-time World Cup winner not selected for the Commonwealth Games and ruled out of the Champions Trophy in December through injury.
With the goal the floodgates opened. Just 60 seconds later Western Australian forward Trent Mitton made it 5-0, closely followed by a Glenn Simpson penalty corner goal and a strike by Jake Whetton, who rounded off the scoring for 7-0.
Speaking after the match, Kookaburras Head Coach Graham Reid called it a “reasonable performance”, adding, “We created a lot of opportunities and enough of them early on to score pretty well. Canada were dogged in defence and we missed a lot of chances in the first half but our second half was better. Our penalty corners need work and we hit the post twice. We’ve got lots of work to do on our set pieces.
Speaking about Dwyer, Reid said, “Jamie is a very special player with a unique set of skills and qualities. His commitment, passion for the game and determination has led to his extraordinary longevity in the game at the top level. Today’s game was a recognition and celebration for Jamie and all players, coaches and off-field staff that have been a part of his career. But Jamie now has a firm eye on the present and the future and what extra he can bring to the Kookaburrras group to take us to another level.”
Of his younger goal scorers, Reid added, “Tim Cross got a pearler of a first goal so it was a dream start for him; he had a pretty good game. And it was good to see Dylan Wotherspoon get his first international goal.
“We’ve got a tough game against Malaysia in front of a partisan home crowd tomorrow and we’ll be looking forward to that.”
Commenting after the match on passing Jay Stacy’s record, Jamie Dwyer said, “I’m very honoured to have played for Australia. It feels a bit weird passing Jay’s record because Jay was one of the main reasons I wanted to play for the Kookaburras. I watched him at the ’92 Olympics and in ’96, as a kid I had posters on my wall of him and he’s someone I looked up to.
“I’m glad it’s done now. There were times last year when I thought that it wasn’t going to happen.
“I’ve never played for personal milestones, I love being out there as part of the team. I’m looking forward to concentrating on the rest of the tournament and looking to achieve success with the team here and in the coming months.”
Acknowledging the impact of younger players such as Tim Cross and Dylan Wotherspoon, Dwyer added, “Tim Cross is my roommate here in Malaysia. He’s a young enthusiastic guy who works hard and wants to learn. A week and a half ago he probably had no thoughts of playing here and then he’s come in for an injury and put his first shot into the corner. That should be a bit of a confidence booster.
“I try to give advice and share my experience with guys like him and Dylan Wotherspoon but I also love to feed off their energy.”
SULTAN AZLAN SHAH CUP 2015
MATCH 1
KOOKABURRAS: 7 (2)
Tim Cross 12 (FG)
Dylan Wotherspoon 13 (FG)
Eddie Ockenden 43 (FG)
Jamie Dwyer 52 (FG)
Trent Mitton 53 (FG)
Glenn Simpson 55 (PC)
Jake Whetton 56 (FG)
CANADA: 0 (0)
-
Kookaburras squad v Canada
Name (Hometown/State) Caps/Goals
Started
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 45/8
Nick Budgeon (Hobart, TAS) 29/12
Tristan Clemons (GK) (Ferndale, WA) 11/0
Tim Cross (Eaglemont, VIC) 1/1
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW) 11/0
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 322/207
Mark Knowles (C) (Rockhampton, QLD) 246/20
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 232/59
Glenn Simpson (Melbourne, VIC) 119/22
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 79/34
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, QLD) 5/1
Used Substitute
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 111/32
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 28/10
Leon Hayward (GK) (Darwin, NT) 3/0
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 63/20
Glenn Turner (Goulburn, NSW) 113/79
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 45/3
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 47/4
Kookaburras’ Sultan Azlan Shah remaining fixtures
Monday 6 April – Kookaburras v Malaysia – 10:30pm AEST
Wednesday 8 April – Kookaburras v Korea – 8:30pm AEST
Thursday 9 April – Kookaburras v New Zealand – 8:30pm AEST
Saturday 11 April – Kookaburras v India– 6:00pm AEST
Sunday 12 April – Final– 10:30pm AEST
Sultan Azlan Shah competing teams
Australia (World ranking #1)
Canada (#15)
Korea (#8)
India (#9)
Malaysia (#12)
New Zealand (#7)
Hockey Australia media release
Dwyer scores in record-breaking international return
IPOH (Malaysia): In his record-breaking 322nd appearance for the Australian hockey team, veteran Jamie Dwyer showed that he is still as goal-hungry as ever, scoring the side's fourth goal -- and his 207th -- in a 7-0 trouncing of Canada in a league match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament here on Sunday.
Olympic gold medallist and two-time World Cup-winner Dwyer went past former midfield maestro Jay Stacy's record of most number of matches. Stacy, who retired in 2000, played 321 matches.
In the opening match of the six-nation tournament, Tim Cross, making his debut for the Kookaburras, set things in motion with his first goal just 12 minutes into the match.
It was followed a minute later by young Dylan Wotherspoon's first goal in just his fifth appearance, putting Australia in the driving seat.
Despite the World Champions' dominance over the 15th-ranked Canadians, it remained 2-0 until shortly before three-quarter time when Eddie Ockenden struck a third.
As the match entered its final ten minutes, Dwyer struck to mark his return to senior international hockey in style after almost nine months away due to injury.
His last game, and last goal, came in June's World Cup final 6-1 demolition of the Netherlands with Dwyer not selected for the Commonwealth Games and ruled out of the Champions Trophy in December.
With the goal, the floodgates opened. Just 60 seconds later, forward Trent Mitton made it 5-0, closely followed by a Glenn Simpson penalty corner goal and a strike by Jake Whetton, who rounded off the scoring for 7-0.
Since his debut in May 2001, Rockhampton-born Dwyer, 36, has been at the forefront of the Kookaburras' most notable successes.
Named hockey's World Player of the Year five times, he is arguably best known for scoring the winning goal against the Netherlands in the 2004 Olympic final in Athens, which earned Australia's men's hockey team its first ever Olympic gold medal.
He has since gone on to help Australia win two further Olympic bronze medals in Beijing and London.
In all, Dwyer has played in four World Cup finals, twice winning gold and twice silver.
He scored a hat-trick in the final of the 2002 Commonwealth Games to help Australia to victory over New Zealand and was part of the team that won third and fourth consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals in 2006 and 2010.
"I'm very honoured to play one game for Australia, let alone be the most capped player. Jay Stacy was a bit of a role model to me and I looked up to him so much," Dwyer said in a release.
"So it feels a little bit weird to pass him but just playing for your country in general is amazing. I've been very fortunate I've played so many times."
On his target of playing in a fourth Olympic Games next year, Dwyer said, "I thought London was definitely going to be my last Olympics but now I'm obviously heading towards Rio.
"Whether I make it or not I'm not too sure, but physically I feel good and that's why I keep going."
The Times of India
Black Sticks Men sink hosts Malaysia
The Black Sticks Men held off a late charge to defeat hosts Malaysia 4-2 in their opening game at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
The Kiwis started strongly and dominated the first quarter, leading 2-0 after 10 minutes with a penalty corner strike to Nick Haig and cracking field goal from captain Simon Child.
Malaysia pulled one back to go into halftime down by one goal, before Sharun Nabil delivered an equaliser with seven minutes remaining in the match.
The Black Sticks weren’t about to let the game slip though and poured on the pressure to seal the result with two late goals.
Defender Andy Hayward put New Zealand up 3-2 with a penalty corner drag flick and striker Shay Neal put it beyond doubt with a field goal in the final minute.
Head coach Colin Batch said it was a good result against Malaysia, who are always tough to beat on the home turf.
“It’s an excellent start to the tournament, we know we have areas to work on but we showed a lot of resilience to score late and secure the win,” he said.
“We put together some good finishing and defended well under pressure during some anxious moments in the third quarter. We look forward to another tough challenge against India.”
Midfielder James Coughlan was injured in the second quarter, resulting in 20 stitches inside and outside his mouth. Despite the injury he is expected to play against India.
The Black Sticks now look to continue their momentum against India at 10pm tonight (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport 2.
BLACK STICKS 4: (Nick Haig, Simon Child, Andy Hayward, Shay Neal)
MALAYSIA 2: (Muhamad Ramadan, Shahrun Nabil)
Halftime: NZ 2-1
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks beat Malaysia 4-2 at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
Black Caps defender Andy Hayward. Getty Images
The Black Sticks Men have held off a late charge to defeat hockey tournament host Malaysia 4-2 in their opening game of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
The Kiwis started strongly and dominated the first quarter, leading 2-0 after 10 minutes with a penalty corner strike to Nick Haig and a cracking field goal from captain Simon Child.
Malaysia pulled one back to go into halftime down by one goal, before Sharun Nabil delivered an equaliser with seven minutes remaining in the match.
The Black Sticks responded by pouring on the pressure resulting in two late goals to seal the game 4-2.
First to score at the death was defender Andy Hayward who put New Zealand up 3-2 with a penalty corner drag flick. Striker Shay Neal put it beyond doubt with a field goal in the final minute.
Head coach Colin Batch said it was a good result against Malaysia, who are always tough to beat on their home turf.
"It's an excellent start to the tournament, we know we have areas to work on but we showed a lot of resilience to score late and secure the win," he said.
"We put together some good finishing and defended well under pressure during some anxious moments in the third quarter. We look forward to another tough challenge against India."
Midfielder James Coughlan was injured in the second quarter, resulting in 20 stitches inside and outside his mouth. Despite the injury he was expected to play against India.
The Black Sticks' next match is against India on Monday night.
SCOREBOARD
Black Sticks 4 (Nick Haig, Simon Child, Andy Hayward, Shay Neal); Malaysia 2 (Muhamad Ramadan, Shahrun Nabil). Halftime: NZ 2-1.
Stuff
Williams & Kenny strike
Hockeyroos hit back to beat China 3-2 and tie the series in Sydney
Mariah Williams celebrates her goal
Mariah William’s perseverance and Jodie Kenny’s penalty prowess powered the Hockeyroos to a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over China to tie the series in Sydney on Easter Monday.
Having fallen behind against the run of play to Xi Xiayun’s second quarter penalty corner, Williams hit back early in the third, converting at the second attempt following a good save from Li Dongxiao. Zhang Xiaoxue’s instant response at the other end put the visitors back in front but when Brooke Peris’ goal-bound shot was illegally blocked by the body of a Chinese defender, Kenny stepped up to flick home the resulting penalty stroke and level the match 2-2.
And it was Kenny who would ultimately help the Hockeyroos take victory, as she did so often last year, with a penalty corner conversion four minutes from full time. Having seen previous efforts repeatedly charged down by the Chinese defence, her changed position at the top of the circle allowed her to flick across goal into the far side of the net to make it 3-2.
Hockeyroos Coach Adam Commens was pleased with the improvement his side showed over the three match series.
He said, “I thought we improved again today. There was some really encouraging signs particularly in the second half. Our physicality and our ability to run a game out was excellent.
“I thought we really dominated them, particularly in those last two quarters, and we deserved to get the victory. A couple of details we need to tidy up - I think it shows we’re a little bit rusty in our gameplay - but if we tidy them up it’s a good performance and something that starts the year off well."
The series was the Hockeyroos’ first on Australian turf outside of Western Australia in more than two years and Commens added, “I think these types of matches in Australia are really important and we need to make them happen more often. Our ability to expose younger players, we really only get the opportunity to do that in these home series and for the importance of our sustainability moving forward we need to have these types of series.”
Two-time Olympian Teneal Attard was recognised before the match with Commens presenting the midfielder with a bouquet of flowers to mark her 200th appearance for the Hockeyroos while there was also a moment’s silence for former Australian men’s goalkeeper and three-time Olympian Paul Dearing who passed away over the weekend.
Speaking afterwards, Attard said, “It’s a great honour to play 200 in the green and gold. I feel very privileged and lucky to be part of a group that’s so amazing. I’m really happy.”
On the match, she added, “It’s always good to get a win. Personally, I thought I played really well, worked hard and tried to get the group up. We progressed really well through the three games here against China. I think that’s the important thing and we’ll look to build for New Zealand."
The Hockeyroos dominated the match for large parts, winning 12 penalty corners, but it was Australian goalkeeper Ashlee Wells who was called upon first as she pulled off a good early double save.
Georgie Parker, Eddie Bone and Mariah Williams all had chances either side of China’s opener before Williams’ perseverance paid off as she flicked the ball into the goal at the second attempt. China’s instantaneous equaliser aside it was one-way traffic in the final two periods with Georgie Morgan and Jodie Kenny both coming close with penalty corners before Peris won the penalty stroke.
Speaking afterwards, Jodie Kenny said. “I was really happy to put two on the board. It took a couple of games to get one in there [because] they ran really tight lines, they did well, but it was nice to put two on the board."
On keeping her nerve at the penalty stroke, Kenny explained, “A lot of practice prepares you for moments like that I guess and it’s just about calming yourself and getting the job done.
“I definitely think we got better as the series went along. We had a bit of a rusty start with the loss and we progressed from there. I thought we pressed really well in today’s game. We were a lot more aggressive and we played more like our style and it was nice to see the development as we went along.”
The Hockeyroos now head to New Zealand for the Hawke's Bay Cup, an invitational eight-nation tournament featuring New Zealand, Argentina, USA, China, Japan, Korea and India. Their first match is against USA on Saturday afternoon.
The Hockeyroos v China International Challenge is supported by the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
Hockeyroos v China International Challenge 2015
Match 3
HOCKEYROOS 3 (0)
Mariah Williams 36 (PC)
Jodie Kenny 52, 56 (PS, PC)
CHINA 2 (1)
Xi Xiayun 22 (PC)
Zhang Xiaoxue 37 (PC)
*** Watch the match online ***
Hockeyroos Squad - Match 3
Athlete (Hometown, State) caps/goals
Started
Teneal Attard (Mackay, QLD) 200/10
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 295/65
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 65/2
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 67/2
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 131/75
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 149/30
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 47/8
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 111/46
Renee Taylor (Everton Park, QLD) 3/0
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 45/0
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW) 8/2
Used Substitute
Savannah Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) 3/0
Kate Hanna (Constitution Hill, NSW) 3/0
Kate Jenner (Tamworth, NSW) 109/1
Rachael Lynch (Melbourne, VIC) 119/0
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 6/0
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 72/23
Amelia Spence (Hobart, TAS) 10/1
Hockey Australia media release
Japan show more hunger to beat Black Sticks Women 1-0 in Auckland
A disappointed Natasha Fitzsimons after losing to Japan. David Rowland
The Black Sticks Women could not continue their winning ways on Sunday, going down 1-0 to Japan in Auckland.
The Black Sticks made one change from Saturday's win over South Korea, with Rosie Keddell coming in for Kirsten Pearce.
New Zealand made a strong start with the first chance coming from an early penalty corner variation which Petrea Webster flicked just over the crossbar.
The rest of the first half was an even contest, with goalkeeper Amelia Gibson continuing her good form, keeping the Japanese at bay to see both sides head to the halftime break locked at 0-0.
The breakthrough came for Japan early in the third quarter when a searching long ball from the back found Mie Nakashima, who pushed a square ball in to Akiko Kato to give the Japanese the lead.
The Black Sticks had their chances to level in the fourth quarter and had a sequence of three penalty corners, which all brought out saves from Japanese goalkeeper Miyuki Nakagawa.
Late pressure from the Black Sticks proved to no avail, with Japan holding on for the victory and a real confidence boost heading into the Hawke's Bay Cup in Hastings later this month.
Coach Mark Hager was understandably disappointed with the result but complimented Japan on their play.
"Full credit to Japan they were the better team and wanted it more. Some of our basic skills let us down today," he said.
"We are looking forward to going to Gisborne. Argentina will present a new challenge."
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The Black Sticks are there for tests against Argentina on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Stuff
Black Sticks women go down to Japan
The Black Sticks Women could not continue their winning momentum today, going down 1-0 to Japan in a tough game in Auckland. Photo: John Cowpland.
The Black Sticks Women could not continue their winning momentum today, going down 1-0 to Japan in a tough game in Auckland.
The Black Sticks made one change from yesterday's game with Rosie Keddell coming in for Kirsten Pearce.
The Kiwis made a strong start with the first chance coming from an early penalty corner variation which Petrea Webster flicked just over the crossbar.
The rest of the first half was an even contest, with goalkeeper Amelia Gibson continuing her good form, keeping the Japanese at bay to see both sides head to the halftime break locked at 0-0.
The breakthrough came for Japan early in the third quarter when a searching long ball from the back found Mie Nakashima who pushed a square ball in to Akiko Kato to give the Japanese the lead.
The Black Sticks had their chances to level in the fourth quarter, none more so than a sequence of three penalty corners which all brought out fantastic saves from Japanese goalkeeper Miyuki Nakagawa.
Late pressure from the Black Sticks proved to no avail, with the Japanese holding on for the victory and a real confidence boost heading into the Hawke's Bay Cup in Hastings.
Coach Mark Hager was understandably disappointed in the result but complimented Japan on their play.
"Full credit to Japan they were the better team and wanted it more. Some of our basic skills let us down today," he said.
"We are looking forward to going to Gisborne. Argentina will present a new challenge."
Today's New Zealand A vs Korea game was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
The New Zealand Herald
Indian women's hockey team working on bench strength
NEW DELHI: Indian women's hockey goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu on Sunday said the national team was working on bench strength ahead of the Hawke's Bay Cup to be held in New Zealand from April 11-19.
Apart from the experienced goalkeeper Savita, 24-year-old Rajani also plays an important role in the team's planning and combinations at the ongoing preparatory camp at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The tournament will witness India, Argentina, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, the United States and New Zealand fighting it out for the title.
"We are working very hard as a whole team and making the 18-member squad a strong team. Here each player is important and with new rules and regulations for substitution, all the players must be at the same level," Rajani said.
"Strong bench strength is very important for a balanced team as coaches have various options and players can be rotated during the matches. We are practicing hard as a single unit and keeping same strategies in our minds," she said in a release.
Rajani, who has played 33 international matches, said she shares a good rapport with senior custodian Savita.
"I and Savita share a good rapport and always play a key role in the team's defence strategies," the Andhra girl said.
The Hawke's Bay Cup will be a crucial tournament for us as the best teams are participating there.
"The tournament will give us valuable experience before the Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final. We are looking forward to the tournament."
If India finish among the top three in the HWL in Belgium, they will qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
The ongoing preparatory camp here for the Indian team under the guidance of high performance director Roelant Oltmans commenced on March 22 and will conclude on April 7.
India will play their first match against China on April 11 in New Zealand.
The Times of India
UHC Hamburg and Oranje Zwart through to grand final
UHC Hamburg and Oranje Zwart are back in the Euro Hockey League final after they got the best of extremely close battles in the FINAL4 at Bloemendaal, seeing off Royal Daring and the host club respectively.
German side UHC Hamburg continued their incredible history in the competition, making it to the final for a fifth time in six competitions to end Royal Daring’s brave run.
The Molenbeek side, though, proved tough to break down as their goalkeeper Pol Garcia-Cascon was in superb form throughout, making a series of key interventions.
But he was eventually beaten in the 56th minute when his save fell to Ricardo Nevado who coolly flicked the ball into the net. Four minutes later, the tie was dead and buried as Jonas Fuerste was picked out with a diagonal overhead on the left of the circle and he controlled, took his time, and thumped home.
In the second semi-final, Oranje Zwart made it through to back to back EHL finals as they survived a late Bloemendaal revival to win in a sudden death shoot-out after a nail-biting 2-2 draw in normal time.
Bloemendaal, in front of a fervent home crowd, had the best of the first half, holding a 1-0 lead thanks to Glenn Schuurman’s finish from a Pelle Vos pass. But two OZ goals in quick succession swapped the lead – Rob Reckers and Jelle Galema on the mark – to put the Eindhoven club in pole position.
They were caught, however, in the closing minutes by a Tom Boon penalty corner, his ninth goal in three games, to send the game to a shoot-out. The regulation first five efforts produced no winner but Thomas Briels showed ice cool nerves to score the critical effort before Boon miscued his penalty, handing OZ the second berth in the final.
There, they will hope to go one better than a year ago when they fell in a shoot-out to Harvestehuder THC. It promises to be another superb occasion with the stadium confirmed as sold out already.
Don’t miss it!
FINAL4
Semi-final 1: UHC Hamburg 2 (R Nevado, J Fuerste) Royal Daring 0
Semi-final 2: HC Bloemendaal 2 (G Shuurman, T Boon) Oranje Zwart 2 (R Reckers, J Galema), OZ win 5-4 in a shoot-out
Monday 6 April (all at HC Bloemendaal)
FINAL 1-2: UHC Hamburg vs Oranje Zwart, 3pm
FINAL 3-4: Royal Daring vs HC Bloemendaal, 12pm
Euro Hockey League media release
Patient UHC through to fifth EHL final with win over Daring
UHC Hamburg continued their incredible run of reaching the final of the EHL, qualifying for a fifth time in six attempts as they ended Royal Daring’s brave run in this year’s competition.
The Molenbeek side, though, proved tough to break down as their goalkeeper Pol Garcia-Cascon was in superb form throughout, making a series of key interventions.
But he was eventually beaten in the 56th minute when his save fell to Ricardo Nevado who coolly flicked the ball into the net. Four minutes later, the tie was dead and buried as Jonas Fuerste was picked out with a diagonal overhead on the left of the circle and he controlled, took his time, and thumped home.
It provided an accurate reflection of their control on the game as they won the corner count 6-1 and held most of the possession and territorial advantage.
They could not beat Garcia-Cascon, though, as he brilliantly deflected Carl Moritlz Alt’s corner flick onto the post early on. He also denied Fuerste from point-blank range with his feet and kept out another couple of corners.
For Daring, Jof Cosyns had the best chance but miscued his sweep at goal from Manu Brunet’s pull-back from the pick of their chances.
Into the second half, the story followed the same narrative with UHC pushing and Daring looking to counter-attack. A series of three corners were kept out to keep it 0-0 going into the final quarter when the German side eventually struck.
They can now look forward to a fifth final date on Sunday in their bid to win a fourth EHL title.
FINAL4: UHC Hamburg 2 (R Nevado, J Fuerste) Royal Daring 0
Euro Hockey League media release
Briels the shoot-out king as OZ oust Bloemendaal
Oranje Zwart have made it through to back to back EHL finals as they survived a late Bloemendaal revival to win in a sudden death shoot-out after a nail-biting 2-2 draw in normal time.
Bloemendaal, in front a fervent home support, had the best of the first half, running up four penalty corners and they took the lead via Glenn Schuurman when he bundled home a chance created by Pelle Vos’s back-door pass from the right baseline.
They had a number of other chances as they attacked at speed and with direction but Vincent Vanasch, one great stop from a sliding Tom Boon, made a couple of decent saves to ensure OZ only trailed by one at the break.
The second half was a completely different affair, however, as the Eindhoven club silenced the crowd when they equalised in the 41st minute. Rob Reckers got it with a solid touch to Mink van der Weerden’s power-slap from the left wing, allowing the forward a simple finish.
Just three minutes later, OZ were in front as Maurits Visser – a late stand-in for Jaap Stockmann who could not play due to family reasons – saw his clearance fall straight into the path of Jelle Galema. He picked his spot to shoot home from close in and make it 2-1.
From there, the Eindhoven side had most of the play but were never out of range and they conceded a late penalty corner. Tom Boon stepped up and slammed home his ninth goal in three games to equalise at 2-2.
The first series of five shoot-outs ended level at 4-4, sending it to sudden death where Thomas Briels showed ice cool nerves to score the critical effort before Tom Boon miscued his penalty, handing OZ the laurels.
FINAL4: HC Bloemendaal 2 (G Shuurman, T Boon) Oranje Zwart 2 (R Reckers, J Galema), OZ win 5-4 in a shoot-out
Euro Hockey League media release
300 up for the EHL and Nick "The Voice" Irvine
The final KO 16 game of the season between the Watducks and Kampong marked an important milestone in EHL 's eight-year history in that it was the 300th match to be played.
Remarkably, it was also the 300th commentary on the EHL completed by TV commentator Nick Irvine from England. Nick - pictured with Jons Hensel and Marijke Fleuren - has seen every game, commented on every goal, every save, every umpire referral, all from the various venues around Europe as part of the EHL television team.
"To say that it has been my pleasure has to be one of the great understatements " said Nick. I am first and foremost a fan and I love what EHL provides with our elite athletes performing to such high levels for their clubs. Clubs are the bedrock of our game and it is so important that we can showcase their values and qualities."
Nick was presented with a bottle of champagne before the game by European President Marieke Fleuren and EHL Chairman Jens Hensel.
"It should have been me presenting the bubbly to them," said Nick. "The EHL has given me so many happy memories but it is and must always be about the players - the stars of our sport.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have been part of a really top class TV production team who are also hockey fans. Several of them are not far off the 300 mark themselves. The quality of pictures is unparalleled."
And his favourite game ?
"That's an easy one to answer. It's always the next one! The EHL seldom disappoints."
Euro Hockey League media release
Surbiton to play for fifth at European Club Cup
Another day of action at the EuroHockey Club Champions Cup saw Surbiton book themselves a place in the fifth/sixth play-off game tomorrow after a 3-2 victory over CSP Izmailovo this morning. The Surrey outift will face University College Dublin after the Irish side had a historic win over Canterbury in the classification matches. After a disappointing day Canterbury will play for seventh against Izmailovo at 10am [UK time] tomorrow morning.
Source: European Hockey Federation - click here for more tournament information.
SURBITON 3
Hollie Webb 3 (PC)
Rebecca Herbert 23, 55 (PC, PC)
CSP IZMAILOVO 2
Ksenia Shamina 8 (FG)
Galina Timshina 42 (PC)
The first game of the day was Surbiton vs. Izaylovo of Russia. Surbiton got off to a flying start via a well worked penalty corner from England international Hollie Webb. However Izaylovo countered with a goal in the 8th minute from Ksenia Shamina in what was a lively opening quarter.
The second quarter was less frenetic as both teams settled into their own patterns of play. Surbiton used their experienced internationals to initiate waves of attacks, which were shut down by the Russian defence, although the English side managed to take the lead through Rebecca Herbert ensuring the half-time score was 2-1.
Early into the second half, Izmaylovo forced a corner and with a bit of a scramble in the goal mouth equalised via captain Galina Timshina. The second half was marked by some physical play and with the Russians on a yellow card, Surbiton took advantage of the extra player in the 55th minute as Herbert converted from a deflected corner, putting Surbiton ahead again 3-2.
Surbiton were forced to defend deeply as the Russians looked to find another equaliser, but ultimately Surbiton’s defence held, as did the scoreline.
UCD LADIES 3
Chloe Watkins 11 (FG)
Emily Beatty 18 (FG)
Deirdre Duke 29 (FG)
CANTERBURY 2
Nikki Triggs 8 (FG)
Jen Wilson 36 (PC)
In the second game of the day, an experienced Canterbury side were pitched against the young bucks from University College Dublin. UCD were first into the opposition circle winning a PC in the 4th minute, but the switch was unsuccessful and earned Canterbury a free hit.
Canterbury drew first blood as the College keeper was beaten after a two-on-one with Nikki Lloyd offloading to Nikki Triggs in the 8th minute. UCD piled the pressure on and were rewarded with a goal from close range from Chloe Watkins, the score remained 1-1 into the second quarter. UCD took advantage of a quick free hit inside the 23 in the 18th minute to convert a cracking shot from Emily Beatty. The College team playing at a very high tempo scored again via Irish International Deidre Duke to bring the scoreline to 3-1; Canterbury earned an overtime PC and the switch at top of the D landed beautifully for Jen Wilson to slot it home.
There were no more goals in the second half but plenty of action as Canterbury appeared to sit back and allow UCD time on the ball, patiently waiting to counter, but the College girls were happy to play at the same high tempo and some stalwart defending from Sarah Robinson towards the end of the game ensured no equalizer for Canterbury and a momentous win for the Irish club, their best ever in European competition.
Coach Jonathan Harte said: “We had to guts it out in terms of defending in numbers, being under pressure as the opposition pressed us to get back to 3-3 in the last ten minutes. It is great for UCD and great for Irish hockey and hopefully all of Irish hockey can keep pushing on.”
Final Day – line-up:
Monday 6th April 2015
08:00 7/8 CSP Izmailovo – Canterbury Ladies HC
10:15 5/6 Surbiton HC – UCD LHC
12:30 3/4 Club de Campo – KTHC Rot-Weiss Köln
14:45 1/2 Hertogenbosch - SCHC
England Hockey Board Media release
Accra Hockey season starts April 11
By Kweku Zurek
Last year's gala winners Trustees receiving the trophy from Bajfreight CEO Mr Joe Biney.
The 2015 Greater Accra Hockey season will be ushered in with the Bajfreight and Logistics Hockey Gala which pushes-off on April 11 at the Theodosiah Okoh Hockey Pitch in Accra.
According to Frank Oti-Mensah, an Executive Member of the Greater Accra Hockey Association the gala will be followed by the Dwadifo Adanfo Hockey league which starts on April 18 at the same venue.
Last year's winners of the gala, Trustees play Goldensticks while losing finalists Police clash with Exchequers in the exciting pairings of the men's preliminary stages.
The women's contest will pit defending champions, Police with Ghana Revenue Authority while Reformers will head into their clash with Ark Ladies as favourites.
The senior's preliminary ties will see the mighty Sapholda play Citizens and NDK Financiers clash with Multistix and the youth contest Tema Youth engage Real Ambassadors and Tema Manhean contend with Legonites.
The rules of the gala, dictate that all ties will head straight into a penalty shoot-out if they end in a draw after normal time.
Fieldhockey.com
Resolving the problem: Government to assist cash-strapped PHF, says Rasool
By Natasha Raheel
India hockey’s governing body had offered financial support to Pakistan after the national hockey camp was closed due to insufficient funds and Rasool said that the PHF has convinced the Pakistan government to support the national sport. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Akhtar Rasool is hopeful for the government to support the team’s preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics qualifiers, and has stated that they will not take any help from Hockey India.
India hockey’s governing body had offered financial support to Pakistan after the national hockey camp was closed due to insufficient funds and Rasool said that the PHF has convinced the Pakistan government to support the national sport.
“The government has always supported us in the past and we are hoping for them to do the same this time as well,” Rasool told The Express Tribune. “I’ve spoken with the authorities and we’ll get the matter sorted in a few days. In fact, I would like to thank the government for understanding our issues.”
The hockey camp is likely to resume on April 10 and Rasool reiterated that the PHF will not need any assistance from another country.
“For now I can only thank Hockey India for their offer,” commented Rasool. “But it is our internal problem and we will solve it internally. Pakistan has always fought through difficult times and this situation would be no different. We really don’t need help from outside and can handle our own issues amicably.”
Pakistan will be playing the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s World League semi-finals in Belgium from June 20. The tournament will also act as the qualification round for the 2016 Summer Olympics, with the top six teams booking their spot in Rio.
The Greenshirts will be competing against Australia, India, Poland and France in Group A.
Government taking notice of pitches
Rasool said that the Punjab Government is also taking notice of the pitch conditions in Rawalpindi where the camp was taking place after coach Shahnaz Shaikh had complained about the bad Astroturf that was leading to various injuries to the players.
“Shahnaz’s request has also been forwarded to the Punjab government and I’ve spoken to them about getting a better pitch at the stadium,” said Rasool. “The PHF is corresponding with the relevant authorities and we are hoping to resume our preparations soon.”
Rasool said that the message to the players will be to concentrate on their game and focus on winning as it is important for Pakistan to succeed at the qualifiers and make their mark in the Olympics. “The Olympics are important for us and I want us to qualify,” said Rasool. “My message is for the players to stay motivated and concentrate on their game. They need to work hard, improve their fitness level and stay away from other irrelevant activities.”
The Express Tribune
Govt should take note of Pak hockey crisis after HI offer: PHF
KARACHI: The cash strapped Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is hoping that after the offer by Hockey India to help Pakistan come out of its financial crisis, the country's government will finally come out of its slumber and release the much-needed funds for the national game.
HI had said that it was concerned with news reports about Pakistan being unable to send their team for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Holland due to financial crisis. HI had also added that it was willing to lend a helping hand.
A senior HI official said he could not imagine Olympic hockey tournament without Pakistan and India.
"Yes, we got a official note from the Indian hockey officials enquiring from us what they can do to help us come out of this financial crunch," PHF secretary Rana Mujahid said.
"We have called a meeting on Monday to discuss the Indian hockey offer which is very gracious of them but obviously we want our government to help bail out hockey at this time," Mujahid said.
"Even though there was disagreement between the two hockey bodies after the incident in the Champions Trophy final which is an issue yet to be resolved, we think this move from HI is appreciable," he said.
The PHF announced last week that it was postponing a national training camp set up in Rawalpindi to prepare for the Olympic qualifying tournament because it could not pay the daily allowances of the players and coaches.
Pakistan have also failed to send their team to Malaysia for the traditional Azlan Shah tournament, which started from Sunday due to lack of funds.
While scheduled training tours of Australia and Korea as part of the preparations for the Olympic qualifiers late next month are also doubtful.
"We need money to send our team for these tours and for the Olympic qualifying tournament in June and right now honestly speaking our financial situation is very-very bad which is why we were forced to temporarily close the national camp," Mujahid said.
"We just hope that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is our patron if chief issues, orders for release of urgent funds now to rescue hockey," he said.
The Times of India
JHP U-17 and U-19 Teams Depart for Belgium Tour
As the USA U-17 and U-19 Junior High Performance Teams travel abroad for their 2015 Belgium Tour, athletes will be blogging about games, local sites and their time with Team USA.
Being a U-17 Junior National Team athlete is amazing, and getting selected for the 2015 Belgium Tour roster is even better. But this accomplishment comes along with a big responsibility. As a team we have all come up with team goals together, so we can come into this series of matches focused and ready to win. On this trip, we want to learn what we can from different playing styles. We also want to be professional everywhere we go and represent the United States the best we can. The final goal is to have maximum ball pressure and work on communication and presence. If we work together as a squad and double team the opponent, there is no stopping us.
The tour is pretty short, and we are on ground for four days. We will arrive on Sunday and have a practice to get us acclimated to the time change and the weather. The movement is well needed after a long flight! On Monday, we may possibly scrimmage Club Push in Holland. I am very excited about playing this team, because this will be my first international game playing for Team USA! Tuesday we will have another practice and have an afternoon free for checking out local sites. Belgium is full of culture and art, so being able to explore for a few hours will be interesting. Wednesday, we are playing the Belgium Junior National Teams, but before that we have another practice. This game will be very fun to play because the competition will be hard. We have the spirit and the talent so the match will be an exciting one. Thursday we will be playing the Junior National Teams again, but before that we will have a practice. After our games on Wednesday, we will have time to review our play and see what we can do better and how our game can improve.
Because we are not on tour for very long, packing was fairly easy. I tend to plan my outfits out day by day, to help me stay organized. This also helps me to memorize my schedule better. We were told to pack light for this trip, so I kept my clothes to the minimum.
I can’t wait to finally be playing and representing my country. This is going to be an amazing experience and I know Team USA will do great.
- Mayv Clune
U-17 Junior National Team athlete
USFHA media release