News for 15 August 2015
All the news for Saturday 15 August 2015
Marsha Cox Retires
By Marsha Cox
In order for me to open the next door of opportunity in my life, I need to close this one as a South African Women’s Hockey player. After 14 years of great experiences, challenges and unforgettable memories I am ready for the next round of opportunities that lie ahead of me.
My career as a SA hockey player and captain has been extremely special. This decision to relinquish my role as a national player was really very difficult, especially when, for most of my life, I lived, breathed and loved this team with all my heart.
Playing my debut in 2001 at the age of 18 was a dream come true and every minute on the field in green and gold was an extension of that dream. I have had amazing experiences, which taught me lessons that go beyond the hockey field and its surroundings. The people who I have been privileged to play with and work with have all been so influential in my career and I cannot thank you enough.
The list would be too long to mention all, but I hope that you all know that I appreciate all that you have done for me. There are, however, a few people whom deserve special mention:
Firstly, thank you to my mum, Marian and my family for their continued support, financial and emotional! My passion and pure love and enjoyment for the game comes from you. This journey that I embarked on would not have been possible if it was not for you!
Thank you to Greenwood Park Primary School, where it all began. As a 6-year-old having an opportunity to play school hockey and have the support of the coaches and staff to develop and discover my talent and passion is rare.
I am eternally grateful for having the start that I was so fortunate to be given. Thank you to Northlands Girls High School for exposing me to coaches that I loved being coached by such as Tracy Perry, Bell Meek, Michelle MacNaughton and over and above that for the teams that I just loved being a part of.
Thank you to KwaZulu-Natal hockey association, Lennie Botha and his executive members, Southern Gauteng Hockey Association, Sheila Brown and all the provincial coaches for their support, encouragement and opportunity to grow as a competitive athlete and to continue to learn about the game. I thoroughly enjoyed my student years and want to thank Karen Sharratt and UKZN, as well as Adrian Carter and the University of Johannesburg for giving me not only unforgettable experiences and memories but also friendships that will never end.
My hockey family extends further than the national players whom are my lifelong friends and sisters but also to the strong friendships that I was blessed with to form with others through my school and student years.
The national coaches who played a major role in my personal development and understanding of myself and the game, Ros Howell, Jen King and Giles Bonnet and members of their management teams. Ros Howell, for teaching me the values of the team coming first, Giles for teaching me to want more and expect more from myself. I have loved every minute of working with you and hope that you know that I would not have worked so hard to be part of something this special, if it was not for you.
To my sponsors, Kookaburra, Nike and Clere Active for your support and allowing me to follow my dreams. I am eternally grateful for your support throughout my career. I am also blessed to be an ambassador for LIV village, an organization that just proves that if you follow your heart all things are possible. Thank you to Lee-Roy Newton and Newton Sports Agency for helping me make this dream possible.
I have been blessed to have been exposed to so many strong, powerful people who I continue to learn from and this list is extremely long, but words cannot express my gratitude to you all for teaching me lessons daily. Sometimes you are not even aware of, but by the way you live your lives I have learnt so much from you.
I have been blessed to play a few seasons of hockey abroad, in The Netherlands. I have learnt that not only does sport unite nations but it unites people in ways one would never dream of. I would not have met my loving and supportive husband if it was not for the game we both love so passionately. Alexander, thank you for your continued support and encouragement to follow my dreams relentlessly.
To the SA team, I cannot express how much the former and current players of the team mean to me. The past players who I never had the opportunity to actually play with, but whom I have met and got to know along my journey, I have so much respect for you all. The players I have had the opportunity to share highs, lows, sweat, blood and tears with; the bonds that we created over the years will last forever. I love how my friendships have lasted through these years and go beyond our shared passion for hockey.
Of course, absolutely none of this would be possible without the South African Hockey Association and the Ministry of Sport and Recreation. To SAHA CEO Marissa Langeni and Minister Fikile Mbalula I am eternally grateful to you all for giving us the platform to follow our sporting dreams with all our hearts. I hope that players of the future are granted even better opportunities in this ever evolving game, and that SA hockey grows to achieve the dreams we all have had…to win a medal at an Olympic Games or Commonwealth Games.
It is difficult to make this decision, however, I feel blessed to make it with a happy heart as I look back at the last 14 years with a deep gratitude. This is just the end of my journey as a player but I look forward to staying involved as a player’s representative and also other levels of involvement in the game.
Thank you.
SA Hockey Association media release
Despite devastating cyclone, Vanuatu Hockey shines at the Pacific Games
Against all odds, Vanuatu triumph in Papua New Guinea months after natural disaster
Vanuatu hockey secured Pacific medals months after cyclone Pam
Only months after the devastating impact of cyclone Pam, the Vanuatu national men’s and women’s hockey teams picked up medals at the 2015 Pacific Games, held in Papua New Guinea.
Following the natural disaster, the hockey family pulled together to support the small Pacific island which is home to just over 260,000 people.
The Vanuatu Hockey Federation received assistance from the Oceania Hockey Federation and the Vanuatu National Olympic Committee which enabled them to send their teams to the competition, while from further afield, the European Hockey Federation provided funding to source a team coach.
The support made all the difference as the Vanuatu hockey teams achieved some very good results in the hockey 5s competition. The men's team picked up the silver medals after losing to Fiji in the final while the women won bronze as they defeated Tonga.
When asked what the experience had been like for the players, captain of the women's team, Belinda Nampas, said: "As a team we tried our very best. We had to overcome many personal, physical and financial challenges to be able to participate in these Games but the sacrifices were worth it. We not only got to play the sport we love but we got to experience the wonderful culture of Papua New Guinea and form new friendships with other athletes from other countries and sports disciplines."
Men's captain, Hiro Namu, also admitted his team learned from the event. He said: "Playing alongside other Pacific countries like Tonga and Solomon Islands for the first time was really great and we very much enjoyed the comradery and sportsmanship in playing with our fellow Pacific brothers. In the past, we have only played against Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Fiji, so seeing other island nations come into the tournament was wonderful. This was the first time ever that we played in a final, so the fact that we were even able to get silver against a more experienced Fiji team is a major achievement for Vanuatu hockey."
Speaking of their achievements, Vanuatu Hockey Federation President, George Kalkoua, said: "A new era has emerged and it is time for local Ni-Vanuatu hockey lovers, players, coaches, officials to step up and take more responsibility for the future growth of our organisation as well as the development of hockey within the country. The challenges faced in the build-up and preparation of these Pacific Games not only taught us to be more self-governing as a body, with everyone being involved in the decision-making process, but it also empowered us to really see the areas we hope to strengthen and the next steps we need to take in order to help build upon our own capacity and management."
The devastation of the cyclone in not forgotten and work continues to rebuild the hockey facility, however the hope provided by the Pacific Games and the funding from the broader hockey family has provided much needed relief to the athletes from their everyday reality.
For more information about the Pacific Games, click here.
FIH site
VIC & NSW crowned champions
VIC women & NSW men named 2015 Country Champions
Victoria women and New South Wales’ men have been named 2015 Australian country champions after defeating Western Australia [women] and Victoria [men] Saturday afternoon in Wollongong.
The men’s gold medal final was forced to a dramatic shootout after New South Wales and Victoria were unable to successfully hit target during the 60 minutes of play. New South Wales stole the spotlight, claiming a 4-2 victory over rivals Victoria.
The bronze medal final had Queensland finish atop of Western Australia, 6-1, with goals from Joshua Mcrae, Nathan Stephens, a double from Aaron O’Beirne, Stephen Bayliss and Peter Sceresini.
In the women’s gold medal final, it was captain Maddy White and Courtney Pearson’s two goals, four minutes apart, that helped the Victorian women claim gold over Western Australia.
It was a close bronze medal final for the women, with New South Wales and Queensland going head-to-head. New South Wales claimed a 2-1 victory, with goals from Brittany Parker and Vanessa Kristaly.
Final Standings: Country Men
1. New South Wales (Gold)
2. Victoria (Silver)
3. Queensland (Bronze)
4. Western Australia
5. ADF
6. South Australia
Final Standings: Country Women
1. Victoria (Gold)
2. Western Australia (Silver)
3. New South Wales (Bronze)
4. Queensland
5. ADF
6. South Australia
Hockey Australia media release
KLHC keep the lead
By Jugjet Singh
DOUBLE champions Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) had to bring out their best to edge Sapura 1-0 in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the Batu Buruk Stadium yesterday.
The solitary goal was scored by national player Azlan Misron, off a penalty corner set-piece, in the 39th minute.
And at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) rode on luck to beat Tenaga Nasional 3-1 to top the standings on 10 points.
Tenaga took the lead off a Shahril Saabah goal in the 25th minute, but Pakistan import Ali Shan nailed the equaliser in the 30th minute.
But a silly mistake by Tenaga's Amirol Aideed gifted the goal to Rashid Baharom (47th), and the third was slotted in by Pakistan's Umar Bhutta in the 48th minute.
THT coach Sarjit Singh said it was not an easy match, as Sapura were on top of them most of the match.
"We did just enough to win three points on our home turf, as Sapura pinned us down in our own semi-circle in the last quarter. This year, the competition is very high and it is not going to be as easy as last season, as even the national juniors are playing very well for their clubs," said Sarjit.
THT have nine points from four matches, and will play UniKL next on Sunday.
"UniKL only lost 0-1 to KLHC (Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club) and I believe it will be another bruising encounter. However, we are playing at home in Terengganu and the crowd support was great against Sapura, and I believe the fans will come out in numbers again Sunday to support their players win three points," said Sarjit.
Sapura will travel back to Kuala Lumpur to play Tenaga Nasional at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil Sunday, and coach Tai Beng Hai is keeping his fingers crossed that the journey does not 'kill them'.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
KLCH beat Tenaga Nasional 3-1
By Jugjet Singh
KUALA Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) rode on luck Friday to beat Tenaga Nasional 3-1 to top the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League on 10 points after four matches.
Tenaga took the lead off a Shahril Saabah goal in the 25th minute, but Pakistan import Ali Shan nailed the equaliser in the 30th minute. And a silly mistake by Tenaga's Amirol Aideed gifted the goal to Rashid Baharom (47th), and the third was slotted in by Pakistan's Umar Bhutta in the 48th minute.
Double champions Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) had to bring out their best to edge Sapura 1-0, and keep pace with the leaders.
The solitary goal was scored by national player Azlan Misron, off a penalty corner set-piece, in the 39th minute to hand them nine points off four matches.
RESULTS:
Premier Division -- KLHC 3 Tenaga 1, Terengganu HT 1 Sapura 0.
Division One: Group A: BJSS 4 MSP-YP-SSP 3; Group B: SSTMI 0 PKS KPM 1, ATM Airod 1 UiTM 3, Nur Insafi 2 Politeknik 1
Women: Group A: Penang Juniors 1 MSNT-PHT 1, Politeknik 1 The Cops 2; Group B: KL Sukma 4 Manjung 0.
SATURDAY: Division One B: UniKL Young Guns v UiTM (National Stadium I, 5pm), SSTMI v Nur Insafi (Taman Daya I, 5pm), PKS-KPM v Politeknik (Taman Daya II, 5pm).
Women: Group A: Politeknik v ATM Pernama (Malacca, 5pm); Group B: PKS-KPM v KL Sukma (National Stadium II, 7pm), SSTMI Thunderbolts v MSN Kedah (Taman Daya I, 7pm).
SUNDAY: Premier Division -- Terengganu HT v UniKL (Batu Buruk, 6pm), Sapura v Tenaga (National Stadium II, 6pm), Maybank v KLHC (National Stadium II, 8pm).
Division One: Group A: BJSS v Thunderbolts (Ministry of Education, 5pm), MSp-YP-SSP v Ipoh MC (Kuantan, 5pm); Group B: PKS-KPM v SSTMI (National Stadium I, 4pm), UiTM v ATM Airod (National Stadium I, 6pm).
Women: Group A: MSNT-PHT v Penang Juniors (Batu Buruk, 4pm); Group B: Manjung v SSTMI Thunderbolts (Azlan Shah, 5pm).
New Straits Times
Terengganu move closer to defend title after beating Sapura
By S. Ramaguru
KLHC player Dedi Ariyadi (left) fights for the ball with Tenaga player Mohd Madzli Ikmar at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. KLHC won 3-1. - GLENN GUAN / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Double champions Terengganu stayed on course to defend the Premier Division title when they defeat Sapura 1-0 in a Malaysia Hockey League match.
National defender Azlan Misron was the hero for Terengganu when he scored the winner in the 39th minute off a penalty corner set-piece at the Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium in Kuala Terengganu. It was his first goal in the MHL this year.
Terengganu have nine points after four matches and moved into second place ahead of Sapura.
Sapura went into the match hoping to pull off at least a point against the champions. They managed to keep the home side at bay for the first two quarters but finally crumbled to Azlan’s strike.
The tournament will reach the halfway stage on Sunday and the east coast side will be hoping to among the title contenders.
Sapura coach Tai Beng Hai said they failed to capitalise on the chances that came their way.
“It was an eye-opener for us as we matched them dominate in all areas. I still believe we have the material to challenge the top teams.
“We controlled the match early on and had several penalty corners,” he said.
Sapura will play Tenaga Nasional on Sunday in another crucial match.
And Tenaga will not be in a compromising mood as they lost 3-1 to former champions KL Hockey Club at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday.
The win kept KLHC on top of the standings with 10 points.
National player Shahril Saabah scored the opening goal for Tenaga in the 25th minute off a penalty corner.
But KLHC drew level five minutes later with a field goal from Pakistani import Ali Shan.
In the last quarter, KLHC took advantage of two silly errors by Tenaga to score through Rashid Baharom in the 47th minute off a field attempt and Mohamed Umar Bhutta’s penalty corner conversion a minute later.
The Star of Malaysia
Police aim to trim Butali’s lead, Jaguars await KCA lads
By CELLESTINE OLILO
Kenya Police's Felix Okoth (left) dribbles past Cyril Mandela of Strathmore Gladiators during a past match. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenya Police will be seeking to reduce the gap between them and Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) league leaders Butali Sugar Warriors to just one point when they face Parkroad on Saturday at the City Park Stadium.
The 2012 champions are currently four points behind defending champions Butali and will be out to trim the lead against a tricky Park Road side.
Police coach Kenneth Kaunda told Nation Sport on Friday that his charges are raring to go and will be out to claim maximum points from the match.
“We have been training hard and I believe that the players will deliver the three points. All my players are fit, so there is nothing to stop us from clinching the three points,” a buoyant Kaunda said.
Champions Butali will be seeking redemption when they confront 12th placed side Nakuru Club on Sunday.
BUTALI SURVIVED
Butali survived an early scare last Saturday where they were made to fight back to secure a 1-1 draw with USIU.
The other men’s premier league matches scheduled for this weekend will see Western Jaguars will come up against KCA University (Kenya College of Accountancy), while Parkroad will face Sikh Union Sunday afternoon.
Action will also continue in the men’s national league where Pool A league leaders Chase Sailors will clash with second-placed Park Road Tigers.
Daystar University and Vikings face off on Sunday in the only ladies’ national league match that will be played this weekend.
Daily Nation
CSS starts schools hockey tournament with a win
Zanzeer Singh
Raymond Miller in control for St Thomas against Natabua in the U19 grade at Nadovu grounds, Lautoka yesterday. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
THE Krristofer Mock-captained Cathedral Secondary School team pulled off surprise victories during the Tuckers Ice Cream Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey Association Championship boys under-19 grade in Lautoka yesterday.
Cathedral Secondary which has never won the national U19 title before, made a bright start downing Xavier College from Ba 2-0.
After a scoreless first spell, Cathedral Secondary came out strongly adapting to the bumpy conditions well. Elia Loco and Mock scored a goal each.
In the second game, Cathedral Secondary beat St John's College 1-0. Mataiasi Stark scored the lone goal.
Mock who was part of the Fiji team that won the gold medal at the recent Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea stood out in both matches.
Cathedral Secondary assistant coach and manager Serefina Giblin-Mock said they entered the tournament as the underdogs.
Giblin-Mock said they made a bright start.
"I told the boys to play their hearts out," she said.
"This is the first time we have a squad of more than 18 players. It is a pity that our U16 team could not make it. Our captain Krristofer has a lot of experience and the other boys look up to him for inspiration."
Giblin-Mock said the grass turf in Lautoka made no difference as they trained on it in Suva.
"It is only the Suva competition that is played on the artificial turf," she said.
"We are used to the grass turf because we train on it daily. This is a young team with a bright future. The boys have the passion for the game.
"The school has reached the semi-finals but not the final at this level. The boys have got good support from their parents, teachers, team officials and the aim is win the title."
Defending champions Marist Brothers High School was held nil-all by St Thomas High School in the opening fixture.
The matches continue at the Nadovu ground and Natabua High School ground today.
Results: Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute 2 Tilak High School 0, Cathedral Secondary School 2 Xavier College 0, Marist Brothers 0 St Thomas 0, Levuka Public School 1 Gospel High School 0, St Johns College 0 Cathedral 1, Xavier College 0 Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute 0.
The Fiji Times