News for 23 May 2015
All the news for Saturday 23 May 2015
‘Unfair’ umpiring: Greenshirts leave match unfinished
Despite repeated attempts to contact them, the Korean captain and management were unavailable for comment. PHOTO: PakistanToday
KARACHI: With only 10 minutes remaining to the final whistle and the game locked at 2-2, the Pakistan hockey team left their third match against Korea unfinished and walked out to protest alleged unfair umpiring on the Koreans’ part.
The Greenshirts refused to continue play after one of the Korean umpires showed a red card to Pakistan’s Muhammad Imran after the captain bickered over a foul.
The second match of the ongoing Test series between the two sides was a similar affair, with the Korean team walking out seven minutes before the game ended to protest the Pakistan umpire’s decision to award the visiting side a penalty corner.
Despite repeated attempts to contact them, the Korean captain and management were unavailable for comment.
The Express Tribune
Ireland 1 vs 4 USA
The final match of the series began with an early goal for the USA. The Irish responded with a break down the right wing by Emma Smyth that was dealt with well by Team USA. A short corner resulted for Ireland after some strong passing and Megan Frazer duly converted with a composed shot . 1-1 all with 8 minutes left in the 1st quarter. Katie Mullan made a darting run up the right wing, out running 2 American defenders before the USA defence regrouped and cleared the danger and counter attacked, earning a short corner which drew a terrific save from Gray. 1-1
Ireland started the second quarter with the same rhythm and composure they showed throughout the first 15 minutes. The US earned an early short corner for a discretion outside the circle which Emma Gray saved superbly. Ireland followed up by winning a short corner of their own that the US appealed; the call stood after a video review. Chloe Brown took the drag flick that sailed past the goalkeeper into the back of the net via a US defender. Again the US appealed and this time the call went their way and the goal was disallowed, the right decision for a high shot that was going wide had it not struck the US defender in the face. The green army weren’t deterred and quickly earned another short corner after some strong attacking play but the shot was saved well by US keeper Briggs. The US scored their second goal after a fluid counter attack in the final minute of the half. 2-1
The second half began with a frenetic tempo by team USA that the green army did well to contain in the opening 5 minutes. Another video review led to a short corner for team USA which Katie O’Donnell scored on the rebound, 3-1 USA. The US received a green card after a tackle that sent Shirley McCay tumbling. The Green Army absorbed a lot of pressure from the Americans and Ireland’s defence ensured the third quarter ended without another goal. 3-1
Emma Gray was forced to make another terrific save early in the final quarter, which McCay tidied up and the green army counter attacked, instantly earning a short corner. A second green card for the US resulted in Katie Mullan’s reverse stick shot that was expertly saved by the US keeper. Team USA scored their 4th with 4 minutes to go, the goal came off a quick counter attack that resulted in a 2 on 1 with Emma Gray.
The match finished up 4-1 but the green army put in a notably more composed and confident performance than the previous 2 matches in the series. They next play Canada on Saturday at 8pm Irish time.
Coach Darren Smith said “The matches are exactly what we need in preparation for World League 3 next month. USA are a physical, quick and skilful team who are challenging every part of our game. The matches have showed we need to get more possession and value holding the ball for longer periods. This is challenging against USA’s pressing style. The facility at Spooky Nooks has been a pleasure to play in, USA hockey have an outstanding facility to train in. We are looking forward to the 3rd match and then heading up to Toronto for the Canadian leg”.
Squad:
Emma Gray (GK)
Yvonne O'Byrne
Cliodhna Sargent
Emma Smyth
Chloe Brown
Nicola Evans
Katie Mullan
Shirley McCay
Megan Frazer (Capt)
Naomi Carroll
Gillian Pinder
Ayeisha McFerran (GK)
Chloe Watkins
Lizzie Colvin
Nicola Daly
Hannah Matthews
Anna O Flanagan
Alison Meeke
Irish Hockey Association media release
Eugene Magee to Reach 200 International Caps
This weekend will see Eugene Magee join Ronan Gormley in the 200 club as he earns his 200th International cap when the Green Machine takes on France. Magee who earned his first cap in 2005 against Belgium recently led Banbridge to Senior Cup final victory.
Speaking about the achievement, Magee said "It's a great honour to reach such a milestone and although I never really thought about it, the fact that I'll be the first from Ulster makes it even more pleasing,"
"Having said that, I would trade them all just to be able to qualify for Rio and then get playing in the Olympic arena!"
"And I'm not finished yet! My biggest goal is to reach the Olympics."
Magee will line out for Ireland against France as the team look to ramp up their preparations for World League 3, the key event in the Olympic qualifying process which takes place in late June in Antwerp.
Ireland vs France - Saturday 23rd in La Touquet 6pm (local)
Ireland vs France -Sunday 24th in Lille 2.30pm (local)
Irish Hockey Association media release
Doerner hat trick highlights Day 1 play at Cal Cup
By Jawwad Qamar
Moorpark, CA: Australian Luke Doerner’s hat trick for the JDH Montauk Sharks against the Bay Area FHA was one of the highlights of Day 1 at Cal Cup 2015. Former Argentina international Claudia Ines Burkart was equally good with her three goals, in between her two teammates, against a hapless team called Rush’d in the women’s division. The other was a 1-1 tie between men’s defending champions San Jose Khalsa and Mexico.
The Sharks dominated BAFHA from the start in Harrow Super Men pool B, earning eight penalty corners and Doerner did not disappoint netting three in the first half at 5th, 9th, and 12th minute marks. If it wasn’t for his hitting the crossbar and post, along with some outstanding saves by Spencer Reed in goal for BAFHA, this easily could have been a blowout.
The Bulldogs followed with an equally impressive 3-1 win over Team HFS in Harrow Super Men pool C after a scoreless first period. Troy Sutherland, Tommy Hoang, and Pat Harris were the goal scorers for the Bulldogs while Will Holt scored for Team HFS.
In other men’s division contest, San Jose Khalsa and Mexico played to a 1-1 tie in a very exciting match that saw end to end action with both goalkeepers, Dave Carter for Khalsa and Moises Alejandro Vargas, coming up big while LA Tigers hammered BAFHA 6-1 on two goals by Tyler Sundeen and one goal each by Ryan Sundeen, Rob Short, Ranvir Kundi and Amrit Beatty. Jo Hanker was the lone scorer for BAFHA.
In the women’s division, defending champions Mexico defeated Rick’s Chicks 1-0 on a goal by Jessica Sanchez. Jolie Pits blanked Dragon Ballaz 3-0, Caliwood beat Olympic Club 1-0 and Club Athletic San Isidro from Buenos Aires toyed with Rush’d 5-1 on the strength of three goals by former Argentina international Claudia Ines Burkart.
All 148 teams in 14 divisions will be in action on Day 2, Saturday, as Cal Cup 2015 tournament goes into full swing. For results, schedules and directions to the venues, please visit www.calcup.com.
Fieldhockey.com Exclusive
Cal Cup Selection Opportunity for USMNT
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – More than 2,000 athletes and umpires will gather this weekend for the 43rd annual California Cup in Moorpark, Calif. Set to bring a weekend of fun, beautiful weather and intense competition, this is an opportunity for both men and women of all level, ranging from U-10 to over 50 years old, to compete. It is also a selection opportunity for those interested to try-out for the U.S. Men’s National Team.
“We are grateful that the Cal Cup organizers accommodate the men’s and boy’s divisions in the tournament as it provides a good opportunity to see so many players in one place,” said Chris Clements, U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach. “It is a critical piece in our development of the game as the premier boy’s and men’s tournament in the country. It is a great opportunity for junior players to play and to watch some of the best players in the country compete and aspire toward playing in the super division or beyond.”
With the U.S. Men’s National Team based in California, the Cal Cup is a premier try-out for those interested in making the step to train and compete with the countries best. Countless current and former players participate in the tournament and it filters the hard work and dedication that Clements is looking for.
The Cal Cup is an annual tournament that happens over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend in Moorpark, Calif. It features some of the highest level of competition for national and international clubs and teams, and umpires development, from many different states and countries including Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Holland, India, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan and many more. For the Men’s and Women’s Super Divisions there is a prize of $7,500 awarded to the respective division champion.
Umpires can also be found refining and developing their skills as the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) has coordinated, along with the California Cup Organizing Committee, that the Cal Cup will host the 2015 Technical and Officiating Courses in collaboration with USA Field Hockey.
Keep up to date with this year’s Cal Cup by visiting usafieldhockey.com or calcup.com.
USFHA media release
Two wins and a defeat for Scottish clubs on opening day in Europe
A fine start for both Milne Craig Clydesdale Western and Grove Menzieshill in the Women's EuroHockey Club Champions Challenge I & II events today, but a defeat for Grange in the Men's EuroHockey Club Champions Club Champions Trophy signalled mixed results in Day 1 of continental competition for Scotland's club representatives.
A goal two minutes from time from Scotland international Nicki Skrastin was enough for Clydesdale Western to narrowly squeeze past KHC Dragons of Belgium.
The Scottish Cup holders found themselves behind in the 21st minute after a goal from Linn Poels at a penalty corner, before Anna Mae-Morton levelled at 1-1 for the Glasgow side six minutes later.
The Titwood outfit sit joint first in Pool A after S.G. Amsicora ASD beat Welsh side Swansea City 3-1.
Please visit the EuroHockey Club Challenge I website for more information
A second half hat-trick inside three minutes for ex-Scotland captain Linda Clement was the highlight in a thumping 8-0 win for Grove Menzieshill against Highway Hockey HC of Turkey.
Goals also came from Louise Carroll, Sarah Jamieson, Katie Robertson and Amy Brodie as the Taysiders stormed to the top of Pool A.
Please visit the EuroHockey Club Challenge II website for more information.
A disappointing start for Grange in the Trophy after a 3-2 loss at the hands of Belarussian champions SC Stroitel Brest.
The capital side found themselves 1-0 up in the eighth minute after Arin Doig scored from open play.
However, goals from Vitali Zyshchyk, Maksim Satsiuk and Aliaksandr Harchaniuk put the Eastern Europeans 3-1 up. Hamish Imrie pulled one back for the Stags right on full-time, meaning they pick up a point for losing by less than two goals.
Please visit the EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy website for more information
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Fazilla eyeing for a hat-trick of gold in Singapore
By Aftar Singh
Fazilla (left) will be featuring in her third SEA Games in Singapore.
KUALA LUMPUR: Goals and gold.
That’s what 28-year-old Malaysian hockey forward Fazilla Sylvester Silin is aiming for in her third SEA Games appearance in Singapore next month.
Fazilla netted five goals in her first Games outing – in Korat, Thailand – in 2007 and helped Malaysia win the gold.
Six years later, in Myanmar, she scored 10 goals to inspire Malaysia to the gold medal again.
And now she wants her last SEA Games outing – in Singapore – to end with another goal-den glitter.
“I want to score as many goals as possible at the Games ... more than 10 if possible ... and help Malaysia keep the gold.
“I’m 28 ... I don’t think I’ll be around for the next SEA Games in 2017,” said Fazilla, who obtained a degree in sports science from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) last month.
“My parents want me to settle down but I intend to continue playing for the country until at least the end of next year,” said Fazilla, who has won 70 international caps since making her debut eight years ago.
Only four teams will feature in the SEA Games this time – Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and host Singapore.
And Fazilla picked Thailand as a real threat because “they’ve made steady progress since hiring South Korean coach Bae Young-wook last year”.
“The Thais gave us a good fight in the Incheon Asian Games last year and the World League Round Two in New Delhi in March,” she said.
Malaysia won 2-1 in Incheon and 3-0 in New Delhi.
Fazilla, the team’s penalty corner drag flicker, suffered a goal drought when the team went on a five-match playing tour of Perth recently.
“But I will bounce back and deliver the goods in Singapore,” vowed Fazilla.
In the five-match tour, Malaysia beat the Australian Under-21 side 2-1, drew 1-1 with Western Australian Institute of Sports (WAIS) and lost three – 6-0 and 4-0 to the Australian Institute of Sports and 3-0 to WAIS.
The Star of Malaysia
Fijian Hockey players juggle 5s and the full-fledged game
Shalveen Chand
IT is a busy year for hockey as players juggle the five-a-side code and the full-fledged game.
Fiji Hockey Federation president Dr Robin Mitchell said while the national teams to the Pacific Games continued training, the hockey season started.
He said while the two games had contradicting styles, playing the five-a-side game also meant skill development. "It's a bit difficult to switch from the summer hockey to the full game. Competition has just started in Suva two weeks ago," he said.
"The teams have been selected and now we are working towards paying off our levies for the Pacific Games. We are also having to concentrate on the Oceania Cup that is being held in New Zealand in October, and that is the qualification for Rio. For us in terms of participation there has been pressure on the Fiji team to attend, so we will be sending both the men's and women's teams in October."
Dr Mitchell said after the Oceania Cup, Fiji would host Australian Country in December and was looking at the possibility of being joined by the New Zealand President XI.
"We are going to get players to sign an agreement to ask the players to continue training. While the five-a-side crew play in the Pacific Games, there will be a team of players here who will continue to train for October and December," he said,
In PNG they have dropped the number of players from 10 to nine. That means if a player gets injured then the team would find it very tough. "Also for us the five-a-side means skill development."
The Pacific Games start in July.
The Fiji Times
UJ eye SA student champs after Varsity Hockey triumph
Newly crowned Varsity Hockey champions the University of Johannesburg appear to be in dangerous form ahead of next month’s national student championships after handing the University of the Free State their only defeat of the tournament in Bloemfontein.
A dominant UJ women’s team beat Kovsies 3-0 on their home astro turf to take a second consecutive victory for the university after their male counterparts claimed the title last year.
UJ captain Kaila-Ron Flemming led by example and was awarded both the Jet Striker of the Match and the FNB Player of the Match awards after her outstanding effort to score the final goal three minutes before fulltime.
“I didn’t expect it at all,” said Flemming.
“I was caught up in the game and focussing on the task at hand so when I was called up after the match I was surprised and delighted, especially as it was my last year to compete.”
UJ will now prepare for the upcoming University Sport South Africa (Ussa) hockey tournament, which takes place from June 29 to July 4 in Pietermaritzburg.
“I am going into the competition with an open mind and the confidence that we will do well and that the girls will make me proud,” said Flemming.
Flemming, who has been playing for the first team since 2009, said she knew the Varsity Hockey final would be a challenge, as Kovsies proved throughout the tournament that they were a team of high standards and quality players.
They also had the home-ground advantage and a highly spirited crowd in their corner.
“As a team we realised that this mountain was one we would have to collectively climb and once we scored our first goal it was like a power switch in my team – they just kept going and getting stronger as the match continued.”
UJ midfielder Marizen Marais said that nerves had played a role in the shaky first half and that the team had come out more relaxed in the second.
“We knew that if we returned to basics and did those little things right, the outcome would go our way.”
Marais said that winning the tournament had been an unrivalled and unreal achievement.
“It was such a great feeling when that final whistle went and we achieved our goal.”
The Johannesburg team delivered strong performances throughout the tournament, dropping only two games in the round-robin portion of the competition.
Flemming added that although there were eight new players in the team, they were well balanced in terms of experience and youth.
“Our coaching, technical and management teams together with the girls have worked exceptionally hard and it’s rewarding to reap the benefits.”
Supersport
Pathan brace helps Dhyanchand Academy win VHA Senior Division Hockey League opener
Suhas Nayse
NAGPUR: Last year's runners-up Dhyanchand Academy edged out Eagle Club 2-1 to start their campaign on a winning note in the Baidyanath Senior Division Hockey tournament at the Vidarbha Hockey Association ground on Thursday.
The chief architect of Dhyanchand Academy was Shaquib Pathan, who struck a brilliant brace to clip Eagle's wings. The forward opened the account in the 28th minute. However, Eagle bounced back to restore parity when Mohit Kathote found the target in the 37th minute.
A couple of minutes later, Shaquib completed his brace to regain the lead for Dhyanchand. Towards the end of play, Eagle tried hard for an equalizer but could not break the strong rival defence.
On Friday, South East Railway will lock horns with Ambedkar College Sports Academy at 5 pm.
Earlier Ali Hassan, son of Paramveer Chakra Vijeta in 1965 Indo-Pak war Abdul Hamid, inaugurated the tourney. VHA president Radheshyam Sarda, vice-president Atal Bahadur Singh and secretary VK Trivedi were present on the occasion.
The Times of India
Imran's triple strike leads South East Central Railway to win
Suhas Nayse
NAGPUR: South East Central Railway derailed Ambedkar College Sports Academy 7-2 in their Pool A match of the Baidyanath Senior Division Hockey League at the VHA ground on Friday.
Sheikh Imran was the top-scorer for the railmen as the talented forward slammed three goals. The youngster found the mark in the 24th, 35th, 56th minutes to expose the poor defence of Ambedkar Academy.
Kuldeep Singh also came up with a superb brace to shatter the hopes of their rivals. It was Ashok Nande, who opened the account for railmen in the 17th minute. Mohammad Amir chipped in with a goal in the 49th minute.
For Ambedkar College Sports Academy, Prashant Manwatkar scored both the goals which included one penalty corner conversion.
On Saturday, Kamptee United will take on Dhyanchand Academy at 5 pm.
Results:
South East Central Railway 7 (Ashok Nande 17th, Sheikh Imran 24th, 35th, 56th, Kuldeep Singh 26th, 44th, Mohd Amir 49th) bt Ambedkar Academy 2 (Prashant Manwatkar (20th, 47th PC).
The Times of India
FIH Promotes Deepa Kumari as International Outdoor Hockey Umpire
Deepa Kumari, who started her umpiring career in 2010, officiated many domestic tournaments in India. Her international umpiring career includes the recently culminated Hawke's Bay Cup besides the 2013 U-16 Girls Asia Cup.
Congratulating Deepa on this proud moment, Hockey India secretary general Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad said: "It's a proud day for Indian hockey and everyone at Hockey India would like to congratulate Deepa Kumari for this achievement.
"Her outstanding performance as an umpire in the last many years has helped her to earn this recognition from the FIH Umpiring Committee and today I am sure she would be elated for being promoted to an FIH International Outdoor Umpire."
Deepa, who started her umpiring career in 2010, officiated many domestic tournaments in India. Her international umpiring career includes the recently culminated Hawke's Bay Cup besides the 2013 U-16 Girls Asia Cup.
NDTV Sports
HI praises Mr. Srinivasan, Dr. B.K Nayak
New Delhi: Hockey India congratulates Mr. Srinivasan Kannan and Dr. B K Nayak for their appointment with the Asian Hockey Federation as Committee Chairman.
Congratulating both Mr. Kannan and Dr Nayak, Mr. Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General, Hockey India said “Hockey India would like to congratulate Mr. S Kannan and Dr. B.K Nayak for being nominated as the Committee Chairman for the AHF Media & Communication Committee and AHF Medical Committee respectively and we are proud of them. We would like to tell them that their contribution towards the game and their experience has helped the Indian Hockey teams both directly and indirectly and this appointment we think is a way their efforts are getting recognition”.
Mr. S Kannan who is a renowned journalist in the field of sports has been actively following Indian Hockey in the last many years. Apart from Hockey, in the last 28 years he even has to his credit of being an ardent follower of other sports and has covered the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014 alongwith Sydney, Beijing and London Olympics. Presently the Sports Editor at Mail Today, Mr. Kannan has been associated with the Indian Express and Hindustan Times in the past.
Dr B K Nayak is known for his vast experience as the Team Doctor of the National Hockey Team. Being an Army Doctor has helped him with good administrative and organising capabilities which was recognised for this appointment.
Stick2Hockey.com
Opportunity knocks
New project taps into West Africa’s talent pool
The first project within the FIH Targeted Assistance Programme is underway as a team of coaches and umpires travel to Ghana in West Africa to launch the initiative. FIH has joined forces with England Hockey and Ghana Hockey in the first project under the Targeted Assistance Programme, to help build hockey’s profile and development in the West African country.
The FIH, in collaboration with England Hockey, UK Sport and the African Hockey Federation will spend the next four years working with coaches, players and umpires, primarily in Ghana, but also across other west African nations.
Mike Joyce, FIH lead for the TAP project says: “The long-term aim is to support African nations to build participation, coaching, umpiring and performance capacity, for men and women, in the West African region over a four-year programme.”
In the first stage of the programme – Hockey TAP West Africa – a team of three will be running the programme. Mark Jarvis, a former RAF serviceman and hockey coach at Wisbech Grammar School in Cambridgeshire, England, will be in charge of umpire education; while former England and Great Britain player Darren Cheesman will be running the high performance element of the project alongside Siegfried Aikman, FIH Master Coach and Academy Coach Educator from the Netherlands.
The Targeted Assistance Programme is part of FIH’s Hockey Revolution – a 10-year strategy to ensure hockey is a global sport that inspires the next generation. The focal point for this project is Accra, Ghana, as it is the most developed hockey nation in the region. The Ghana women’s team is currently ranked number two in Africa after South Africa. The core focus of this project will be on promoting the women’s game, although the long-term aim is to promote Ghana as a hub for hockey for both men and women.
Speaking about the programme, Darren says: “I’m involved in this project because I have a genuine passion for giving people and teams the opportunity to develop their potential and achieve results they didn’t imagine were possible. Having been over in Delhi with them (Ghana) for the World League tournament, we have already seen a huge improvement. The goal now is to keep that momentum going until African Nations later this year. To help them be as good as they can be, we need to do far more than coach the players; we need to support the coaches too as they have had very little exposure to International hockey themselves.”
The impact of targeted development work was in evidence when the Zambia men’s team finished seventh in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, beating two higher-ranked nations, Germany and Mexico, during the competition. Other countries that will be involved with the West Africa TAP project include: Cameroon, Mali, Togo, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
The TAP team is currently visiting Ghana to work alongside players, coaches, teachers and officials. Among the plans for the next four years, the TAP programme will recruit and train more officials and coaches; support the national team with high performance coaching and athlete support; and work with the national association to enable them to host more international events.
Alongside the coaching and umpiring work, FIH and its partners are running a UK-wide equipment donation scheme, in partnership with Barrington Sports, while in August the Ghana Hockey Assocation Women will have a training camp at England Hockey headquarters, Bisham Abbey.
Leandro Negre, President of FIH, lent his support to the project, saying: “The TAP projects are an integral part of our 10-year strategy – FIH Hockey Revolution. By working closely with our partners and the national associations, we are helping to promote sustainable hockey development across the globe, ensuring that everyone has equal access to our great game. Not only does this introduce hockey to new audiences but it means we are contributing to health, welfare and societal development in these countries."
Preparing to visit Ghana, Mark Jarvis bubbles with positivity as he says: “Being part of the TAP team is a massive opportunity to impart some of my knowledge to the hockey players in Ghana. It is also a great opportunity to experience life in another country from both a sporting and cultural perspective.”England Hockey and Ghana Hockey are joining forces to help build hockey’s profile and success in the West African country.
FIH site