Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 06 May 2015

All the news for Wednesday 6 May 2015


Kookaburras avenge Azlan Shah Final result

The Trans-Tasman clash at the men’s Hobart International Challenge had the Kookaburras finish atop of the New Zealand Black Sticks 3-0 in their third test match of the challenge Tuesday night.

Bouncing back into action after a disappointing loss to the kiwis at the recent 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, the Kookaburras were in fine form despite the unlucky weather conditions.

It didn’t take long for the Kookaburras to break onto the scoreboard after Aran Zalewski worked their first penalty corner of the night in the 13th minute. Stepping up to the top of the circle, Chris Ciriello sent an on-target drag flick into the back of the net, setting the Kookaburras up with a 1-0 lead and scoring his 100th international goal. 

Ciriello has joined seven past and present Kookaburras who have reached 100 goals within a playing career, which includes current teammate Jamie Dwyer.

“I have been playing a bit of midfield over the past three matches and have had seven or eight shots in the first game and a couple in the second, so it’s great to get the first corner and goal tonight. We have now got so many good flickers and you’re lucky to score 100 goals for Australia. Jamie Dwyer said to me tonight, we have only had seven players to score 100 goals, so I feel privileged to now be a part of that group”, Ciriello said.

It was at the 26th minute mark that Kiel Brown found himself in the right place at the right time. Brown slotted the ball behind the New Zealand Black Sticks goalkeeper Devon Manchester, pushing the Kookaburras in front 2-0.

Dominating the majority of the ball possession, the Kookaburras created themselves valuable attacking chances at the start of the second half.

Nine minutes after halftime, Jamie Dwyer worked the Kookaburras another penalty corner opportunity, offering Australia the chance to break away from their opposition.

Lining the Kookaburras’ firepower up at the top of the circle, Northern Territories Jeremy Hayward netted a fast paced drag flick which could not be denied by goalkeeper George Enersen, earning the Kookaburras a 3-0 victory over the Black Sticks on the final siren.

Speaking after the match, Kookaburras head coach Graham Reid said, “It was a pleasing result tonight, I was especially happy about our defensive work. It has been the first time in a long time we have almost given away no opportunities to the opposition, which was really pleasing.”

Discussing tonight’s competition against the New Zealand Black Sticks, Reid added, “As far as the competition goes, having New Zealand, Korea and Pakistan in Hobart to play is ideal. Each of the teams are learning and becoming stronger as we progress through the challenge and we’re looking forward to the coming matches.”

The Kookaburras’ fourth test match will see them take on Korea for the second time at the Hobart International Challenge on Thursday 7 May at 7pm AEST. The Kookaburras defeated Korea 6-0 in their previous test match of the Challenge last Sunday.

The Hobart International Challenge is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Communities, Sport and Recreation Tasmania.

Please note - There will be no live streaming of the matches at the men's Hobart International Challenge. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

Match Three

KOOKABURRAS 3 (2)
Chris Ciriello 13 (PC)
Kiel Brown 26 (FG)
Jeremy Hayward 39 (PC)     

NEW ZEALAND BLACK STICKS 0 (0)

Kookaburras squad v New Zealand Black Sticks
Name (Hometown/State) Caps/Goals
Started
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 52/9
Kiel Brown (Toowoomba, QLD) 156/6
Christopher Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 158/100
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW) 18/1
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 330/215
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 35/13
Mark Knowles (C) (Rockhampton, QLD) 254/22
Tyler Lovell (GK) (Perth, WA) 39/0
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 240/60
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 166/50
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 87/37

Used Substitutes
Andrew Charter (GK) (Canberra, ACT) 87/0
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 103/4
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 119/35
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 70/72
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 52/3
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, QLD) 12/3
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 54/4

Match Results - Tuesday 5 May

Pakistan v Korea  (4-1)
Australia v New Zealand Black Sticks  (3-0)  

Match Schedule      

Thursday 7 May

New Zealand Black Sticks v Pakistan [5pm AEST]
Kookaburras v Korea [7pm AEST]        

Saturday 9 May

Pakistan v Korea [4pm AEST]
Kookaburras v New Zealand Black Sticks [6pm AEST]          

Sunday 10 May

New Zealand Black Sticks v Korea [3pm AEST]
Kookaburras v Pakistan [5pm AEST]

Hockey Australia media release



Black Sticks downed by Kookaburras in Hobart



The Black Sticks Men have been defeated 3-0 by hosts Australia in their opening game at the International Challenge in Tasmania.

Two first half goals had the Kookaburras on the front foot while the Kiwis found it difficult to battle back against a hard-nosed defence.

Australia controlled the first half with their opening goal coming in the 13th minute when Chris Ciriello converted from a penalty corner.

Ten minutes later they doubled their lead after a field goal from Kiel Brown sent the hosts into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.

Midway through the third quarter Australia had success again from a penalty corner, this time Jeremy Hayward flicking into the back of goal.

Head coach Colin Batch said it was a typically tough game against the world champions.

“It was a difficult game for us tonight and Australia were pretty dominant,” Batch said.

“They showed the benefit of having already played two tests in the past few days and were on top of their game. Australia forced a lot of turnovers and limited our opportunities on attack.

“We need to work on our outletting and shifting the ball through the midfield, and make sure we are prepared to get a good result in our next game.”

Striker Jared Panchia travelled with the team to Hobart in place of Shay Neal who was a last-minute withdrawal due to injury.

The Black Sticks have a day of training and planning tomorrow before going up against Pakistan at 9pm on Thursday night (NZ time).

The International Challenge is important preparation for the World League Semi-Final in Argentina next month, where the Black Sticks have an opportunity to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

New Zealand 0
Australia 3: (Chris Ciriello, Kiel Brown, Jeremy Hayward)
Halftime: Australia 2-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Kookaburras exact revenge on Black Sticks men


Devon Manchester allowed three goals as the Black Sticks fell 3-0 to the Kookaburras in Hobart. Robert Kitchin/Fairfax NZ

The Australian men's hockey team has eased to a comfortable 3-0 win over New Zealand in the Hobart Challenge on Tuesday night.

Bouncing back into action after a disappointing loss to the Kiwis at the recent 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, the Kookaburras were in fine form despite the weather conditions.

It didn't take long for the Kookaburras to break onto the scoreboard after Aran Zalewski worked their first penalty corner of the night in the 13th minute.

Stepping up to the top of the circle, Chris Ciriello sent an on-target drag flick into the back of the net, setting the Kookaburras up with a 1-0 lead and his 100th international goal.

In the 26th minute Kiel Brown found himself in the right place at the right time.

Brown slotted the ball behind the New Zealand Black Sticks' goalkeeper Devon Manchester, pushing the Kookaburras in front 2-0.

Dominating the majority of the ball possession, the Kookaburras created valuable attacking chances at the start of the second half.

Jeremy Hayward eventually netted a fast-paced drag flick which could not be denied by goalkeeper George Enersen, earning the Kookaburras a 3-0 victory.

"It was a difficult game for us tonight and Australia were pretty dominant," New Zealand coach Colin Batch said.

"They showed the benefit of having already played two tests in the past few days and were on top of their game. Australia forced a lot of turnovers and limited our opportunities on attack.
Ad Feedback

"We need to work on our outletting and shifting the ball through the midfield, and make sure we are prepared to get a good result in our next game."

Striker Jared Panchia travelled with the team to Hobart in place of Shay Neal who was a last-minute withdrawal due to injury.

The Black Sticks play Pakistan at 9pm on Thursday night (NZ time) in their next match.

The International Challenge is important preparation for the World League semifinal in Argentina next month, where the Black Sticks have an opportunity to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The Kookaburras have now won all three matches in the tournament.

The fourth test match will see them take on South Korea for the second time. They defeated South Korea 6-0 last Sunday.

Stuff



Tough start to men's tournament

New Zealand need to pick themselves up smartly after a tough start to the International Challenge men's hockey tournament in Hobart tonight.

The seventh-ranked Black Sticks were outclassed 3-0 by world No 1 Australia, barely getting a shot on goal and failing to register a single penalty corner.

Their goals came from Chris Ciriello, from a penalty corner, Kiel Brown, four minutes before halftime, and Jeremy Hayward, also with a penalty corner nine minutes after the restart.

New Zealand were well off their game. Too often possession was given away as New Zealand pressed forward. Australia were more assertive and were able to outmuscle New Zealand too often in the exchanges.

The result meant Australia have won all three of their games so far, following 6-0 and 7-0 beatings of Pakistan and Korea respectively.

The last time the teams met, New Zealand triumphed in a penalty shootout to win the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia last month after the teams had drawn 2-2 in normal time.

New Zealand had a day off before playing Pakistan on Thursday night.

They follow that with a second outing against Australia on Saturday and finish with a game against Korea on Sunday.

The tournament serves a useful purpose as leadup for the World League semifinals in Buenos Aires next month, which double as an Olympic Games qualifying tournament for Rio next year.

Three teams will progress to the Olympics from that event and New Zealand are the fourth-highest ranking side who will play there behind No 2 the Netherlands, No 3 Germany and No 6 and hosts Argentina.

The New Zealand Herald



Dilber brace hands Pakistan first win in Hobart

LAHORE: Two-goal Mohammad Dilber enabled Pakistan to outclass South Korea 4-1 as the green-shirts recorded their first win in the four-nation Hockey Super Series in Australia on Tuesday.

According to the information released by the Pakistan Hockey Federation about the Hobart event, besides Dilber’s double strike, Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Umar Bhutta struck one goal each.

In the next match, Pakistan face a tough challenge of New Zealand on May 7.

Earlier, Pakistan lost back-to-back matches, first to Australia 0-6 and then to Australia ‘A’ 1-3.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Imran termed the victory against Korea morale boosting before the green-shirts face New Zealand.

He said the boys played with their true potential, setting aside the back-to-back defeats. If they continue with the same rhythm, the skipper vowed, a similar victory was expected against the Kiwis.

It is relevant to mention here that the Pakistan squad barely made it to Australia for the four-nation contest, owing to acute shortage of funds the PHF has faced in recent times.

Given the tour was important for the players to get practice before the national team was picked for the Olympic qualifiers to be held in Belgium in July, the PHF managed to send the team on the tour.

Some funds for the tour were arranged through borrowed money while the rest were given by the Punjab Sports Board.

Financial position of the PHF, the custodian of the national sport, has fallen to alarming level with the cash-strapped federation requiring as much as Rs300 million to field the team in the Olympic qualifier. So far, its requirements in this regard have not been met.

Dawn



Pakistan hockey team registers first win

KARACHI: A brace from Muhammad Dilber Hussain guided the Pakistan hockey team to its first win in the Four-Nation Hobart International Challenge as it defeated an eighth-ranked South Korean side 4-1 at the Tasmanian Hockey Center in Hobart, Australia on Tuesday.

Prior to the victory, the Greenshirts had suffered two successive defeats at the hands of both the host teams — Australia and Australia A.

The first quarter of the match was a goalless affair before full-back Muhammad Irfan scored the opener through a penalty corner in the 19th minute. And shortly after, Dilber scored two field goals in the 22nd and 27th minutes to give Pakistan a 3-0 lead at half-time.

The third quarter also saw a dry spell before both the teams increased their attacking pace.

Pakistan’s Muhammad Umer Bhutta scored in the 46th minute while Korea’s Jonghyun Jang scored in the 58th to end the game at 4-1 in Pakistan’s favour.

The Greenshirts have one more match to play against Korea on May 9 before which they will face New Zealand on May 7.

In the other match of the day, the Kookaburras
defeated New Zealand 3-0.

The Express Tribune



Improved India beat Japan 2-0 in the Japan series



Bhubanewsar: India definitely showed improvement in most department of the game, save earning penalty corners, and it showed on the scoreboard (2-0)today in the second match of the Japan Series. undefined

Despite missing a flurry of goals, India could gladden the hearts of goody crowd in the Kalinga stadium, which is fast emerging as the vibrant of all hockey centres in India.

After settling for a 1-1 draw against Japan in the first match of the Indo-Japan series, India confidently defeated Japan 2-0 in the second match of the series at Bhubaneswar today. The match had an interesting start where both the teams came out all attacking and showcased a fast paced game from the very beginning. While Japan was looking for a calculative move to enter into the Indian side with their long passes, the strong Indian boys were seen in full throttle to strengthen their defence line and create an initial opening in the match. With both the teams unable to score on the opportunities, the first quarter of the game went goalless. In the second quarter both the teams were seen playing defensively waiting for the right moment to net the ball. Despite very positive play from Japan, the Indian side created several scoring opportunities as Birendra Lakra perfectly placed himself and passed the ball to Gurmail Singh who tried hitting the right flank but failed to hit the crossbar.

India took an early lead in the game when Yuvraj Walmiki gave a fine pass to Uthappa who flawlessly struck a beautiful field goal in the 27th minute of the game. The scores at half time stood at 1-0 with India in the forefront. With a lead of 1-0 over Japan, the confident Indian boys tried to build pressure on the opponent team in the third quarter of the match and displayed some lovely moves and interceptions. India intensified their game play supported duly by Pradeep Mor who made several attempts to score while the Japanese boys were seen a little restless as they could not find any gaps to put the ball in the net. Amidst a very well organized defense from both the teams, the third quarter remained goal-less before giving way to the last quarter. The fourth and the last quarter of the game began with the same momentum and the Indian team was seen attacking from the right flank. Japan made quick moves and continued to restrict the opponents to get into the circle until Dharamvir displayed a beautiful piece of action and effortlessly attacked the Japanese defence in the 48th minute, landing the ball into the nets taking the lead to 2-0.

Going on with the attack, Yuvraj Walmiki made a reverse stick shot but Japanese defence stood tall and the Indian efforts went in vain. While, the Japanese boys showed an impressive positioning sense on field throughout the game, the scoreboard showed a final score of 2-0 at the blow of the final whistle announcing a win for India.

Stick2Hockey.com



Sardar shines as India take lead against Japan

Arnab Lall Seal

BHUBANESWAR: After a disappointing show in the first match, India came back strongly in the second of the four-match hockey series to beat Japan 2-0 at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday. SK Uthappa scored the first in the 27th minute while Dharamvir Singh doubled the lead in the 48th minute.

It was a much-improved performance from the Paul van Ass-coached side compared to their insipid showing in the first. Captain Sardar Singh was brilliant in the midfield and orchestrated most of the moves. Towards the end of the match, it was the trio of Sardar, Ramandeep Singh and Yuvraj Walmiki which put the Japanese defence in trouble more than once.

India began the match cautiously but seven minutes into the game, a great chance came their way. Ramandeep dodged two defenders and crossed from the left towards Nikkin Thimmaih, who was waiting at the goalmouth. The young striker, who scored a hat-trick against Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, failed to flick it in and the ball was cleared.

Following that move the Indian strikers found it hard to infiltrate the Japanese defence in the first quarter and it was the Japanese who kept pushing forward. However, unlike the first match, Sardar & Co played as an efficient defensive unit and didn't allow the opponents to infiltrate into the D too often.

The second quarter saw India go on the attack and they were duly rewarded with the first penalty corner of the match seven minutes into the quarter. VR Raghunath, who scored India's lone goal in the first match, failed to find the target this time as his weak shot hit an incoming defender. Few minutes later, Japan also won their first penalty corner but it was easily cleared by the Indian custodian PR Sreejesh.

India then went on the counter-attack and it was Uthappa who scored the first goal with three minutes left for the end of the first-half. Yuvraj made a brilliant run and passed the ball to Uthappa who had no trouble in sounding the board. India carried on the momentum into the third quarter but were unable to find the net.

They didn't have to wait too long though, as Dharamvir doubled the lead at the beginning of the final quarter. It was SV Sunil who initiated the move when he made the run into the D and slapped the ball hard towards the goal. Japanese goalkeeper Katsuya Takase came out early but failed to clear the ball away and Dharamvir slotted it home.

The Times of India



India outplay Japan in second match of Test series

BHUBANEWSAR: After a drab draw in the opener, India dispatched Japan 2-0 in the second game of the four match hockey Test series on Tuesday.

SK Uthappa and Dharamvir Singh scored for the home team.

The match had a cracking start where both teams came out attacking.

While Japan were looking for a calculative move to enter into the Indian side with their long passes, the hosts were ready to defend and created an initial opening. Despite the efforts of the home team, no goals were scored in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, both teams played defensively, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Despite positive play from Japan, India took the lead in the 27th minute when Yuvraj Walmiki gave a fine pass to S K Uthappa, who flawlessly struck a delightful field goal.

India tried to build pressure on the opponent team in the third quarter, making some lovely moves and interceptions.

Amidst a well organized defense by both teams, the third quarter remained goal-less.

The Indian team was seen attacking from the right flank in the fourth quarter. Japan made quick moves and continued to restrict the opponent to get into the circle until Dharamvir effortlessly breached the defence in the 48th minute, landing the ball into the nets taking for the decisive 2-0 lead.

The Times of India



Top four sides shaping up at U21 Tournament


Photo courtesy Masanori Udagawa

The Auckland Men have qualified for the top four at the National Under 21 Tournament after an exciting win over Canterbury.

The first half was very tight, with both sides creating a number of chances but neither able to finish, the scores locked 0-0 at halftime.

The game deserved a goal, and the expectant crowd did not have to wait long to get their wish, Kip Mouldey scoring a well taken field goal to put Auckland ahead 1-0. Both sides continued to push for goals, with Canterbury missing a couple of golden opportunities to level the score.

Despite the late Canterbury pressure it was Auckland who had the final say, scoring with the last play of the game from a penalty corner through Sam Jimmieson.

Auckland captain Cameron Gibbons paid tribute to his team’s fighting spirit, which he attributes to the great build-up the team had pre-tournament.

“We knew the importance of today’s match. We turned up focusing on our processes and what we had to execute and our boys did really well on that. We started our preparation earlier this year and had a big focus on strength and conditioning which is helping us down here.”

Auckland are now looking forward to going one step further than last year and lifting the trophy.

“The boys are excited but we have two big games before the final so we need to take each game as it comes.”

Defeated Canterbury Captain Ari Barrow was pleased with his side’s performance, and wants his team to push hard for the fifth spot now they are out of the running.

“Two nil probably wasn’t a true reflection of the game. Credit to Auckland they played well but I thought our boys played well too. We are in the bottom four but we want to finish fifth – in tournaments often people look at results and see the team that finished fifth and say they could have made top four, that’s why we want to finish fifth.”

In earlier games in the men’s competition, the Barbarians made it three from three after beating Midlands 2-1, North Harbour beat Southern in a Shootout 3-2 after scores were level at fulltime 2-2, and Capital continued their great run beating Central 7-2.

In women’s results, Canterbury registered their first win of the tournament 4-2 over the Barbarians, Auckland finished top of Pool A with a 2-1 win over Midlands, North Harbour top Pool B after accounting for Central 2-1, and the local Capital side secured their first win beating Southern 4-1.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Tuks go top of the South African Varsity Hockey table

UP Tuks went to the top of the Varsity Hockey table on Monday with four wins out of four and three bonus points in the bag.

Tuks have been in good form, beating University of Johannesburg 4-3 on Friday, thrashing UCT 8-0 on Saturday, eking out a 1-2 win over hosts Pukke on Sunday and topping things off with a convincing 4-1 win over NMMU on Monday.

Things are tight at the top of the table, though, as Tuks are followed closely by Kovsies, who have also won all four of their matches, but have claimed one fewer bonus point.
Wits are fifth and NMMU sixth, with both sides having won just one out of their four matches. At the bottom of the table sit Pukke and UCT who are both winless.

There has been just one draw in the tournament, a 2-2 stalemate between Wits and NMMU.

The next round of fixtures will be played on May 8 to 10 at Wits and UJ as teams push for a semi-final spot.

The Citizen



Henning to take Rot-Weiss role from Merz

German league leaders Rot-Weiss Köln have signed up André Henning, currently assistant coach and sporting director at Club an der Alster, as their new coach to take over from Frederik Merz.

Merz has asked to step down for personal reasons and to terminate his contract so that he can move back to the south of Germany.

Henning has previously worked with the youth section at Uhlenhorst Mülheim and will link up, at Köln, with a number of players with whom he won the 2013 Junior World Cup as coach.

For next season, Rot-Weiss will add another one with national player Timur Oruz moving from league rivals Krefeld.

Rot-Weiss moved three points clear at the top of the German league last Saturday thanks to a 6-1 win over Nuremburg. Harvestehuder fell back due to a 6-4 loss to an der Alster while UHC Hamburg were not in action.

Mülheim also lost to 2-1 to Berliner HC to bring the latter right back into the playoff mix while Krefeld are also back in the chase for the playoffs as they defeated Blau-Weiss Berlin 3-1.

Euro Hockey League media release



Teams propose to limit imports in Malaysia Hockey League

By S. Ramaguru


Last year's Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division winners Terengganu. - Filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of foreign players is likely to be reduced for this year’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have received several proposals to make the league, which is scheduled to start on July 24, more exciting.

Among the proposal is limiting the Premier Division teams to just three foreign players per team with only two to play at any one time.

In the league’s early years, there was no limit to the number of foreign players per team. As a result, some teams paraded nine to 11 foreigners in a match.

But the limit was cut to six foreigners per team last year and all were allowed to play in a match.

Teams like defending double champions Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club, Maybank, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Sapura and Nur Insafi all hired foreigners.           

There is also a proposal to allow only six national players to play at any one time.

MHC competitions executive Hashim Mohamed Yusof said the proposals would be presented to the competitions committee for their consideration.

“We will form a new competitions committee. They will study the proposals and then make a decision.

“These proposals were made by the teams after last year’s league. One of the main objectives to limit the number of foreign players is to give more local players the chance to play in the elite Premier Division. It will also ensure teams hire quality foreign players.

“If the foreign player proposal is enforced, I believe the league will see a level-playing field this year,” said Hashim.

Unlike last year, this season’s MHL will see both the Premier Division and Division One being staged simultaneously.

Hashim said that any changes to the league’s format and other issues would be decided by the incoming competitions committee.

The MHC will elect their new office bearers at their congress on May 13.

The Star of Malaysia

Fieldhockey.com uses cookies to assist with navigating between pages. Please leave the site if you disagree with this policy.
Copyright remains with the credited source or author