News for 31 October 2015
All the news for Saturday 31 October 2015
Bobby Crutchley announces squad for World League Final
Dan Fox will captain Great Britain at the World League Final. Credit Ravi Ghowry
Great Britain Men’s Coach Bobby Crutchley has named his squad for the World League Final in Raipur, India. Crutchley has made eight changes to the group that competed in the semi-final of this competition in June of this year, a tournament where Great Britain secured their place at the Olympics in Rio.
There are a number of high profile players who will be rested for the competition with Captain Barry Middleton, a veteran of 360 international appearances and all-time leading scorer Ashley Jackson amongst the most eye-catching of those absentees. In Middleton’s absence, the team will be captained by Holcombe defender Dan Fox. The other players to be rested are George Pinner, Adam Dixon, Mark Gleghorne and Iain Lewers, whilst Chris Griffiths and David Ames are currently recovering from injury.
Wimbledon’s Ian Sloan and Hampstead and Westminster goalkeeper Harry Gibson both come in for their first competitive senior tournament for Great Britain.
Scotland striker Alan Forsyth, who scored on his Great Britain debut against Argentina last week is included for his first competition with the squad and will be joined by fellow Scotland and Surbiton player Chris Grassick. Both are approaching landmark appearances with Forsyth on 96 combined international caps and Grassick 94. Forsyth is also on 49 international goals (48 Scotland, one Great Britain.)
A number of other players are poised to reach milestones at the competition in India. Holcombe’s Nick Catlin currently has 48 Great Britain caps to his name and should reach his half-century against Australia in the second pool match.
Beeston’s Tim Whiteman has 49 combined international caps and so should reach 50 in the opening game against Canada.
Simon Mantell, who has recently returned from long term injury is set to compete in his first international tournament since the 2014 Commonwealth Games and could reach 200 international caps in the latter stages of the competition. He currently has 194 combined caps.
Great Britain are in a pool with Australia, Belgium and Canada with the other pool featuring Argentina, Germany, India and Netherlands.
Bobby Crutchley, Great Britain Head Coach
On the squad selected:
“I am very excited to select a squad including a number of younger players who we believe have very exciting futures ahead of them. Despite this inexperience, we believe all of the selected players are capable of pushing for Olympic selection in 2016.”
On making Dan Fox captain:
“As a senior member of the squad Dan has a calm and inclusive leadership style that is highly valued by the group.”
On some of the newer members of the squad, Alan Forsyth, Ian Sloan and Harry Gibson:
“We have watched Alan Forsyth’s performances continually improve for Surbiton and Scotland over the past couple of years. Since coming into the squad in September, his ability to learn and develop quickly is clearly evident and he fully deserves this opportunity.”
“In the past 12 months Ian Sloan has worked hard to develop a number of areas of his game. This has made him a more effective and versatile player, with the ability to now play in a number of positions.”
“It will be interesting to see Harry Gibson make the big step up to senior international level, after some outstanding performances with our under 21s. Despite his young age, his maturity, hard work and attention to detail will help him to do this.”
On Great Britain’s aims for the tournament:
“Despite selecting a relatively inexperienced group, we are still very ambitious and will initially be targeting a semi-final place.”
Great Britain squad for World League Final
Player Club
James Bailey Wimbledon
Alastair Brogdon Wimbledon
Nick Catlin Holcombe
David Condon East Grinstead
Alan Forsyth Surbiton
Dan Fox (Captain) Holcombe
Harry Gibson Hampstead and Westminster
Chris Grassick Surbiton
Michael Hoare Wimbledon
Simon Mantell Reading
Harry Martin Beeston
Phil Roper Wimbledon
Dan Shingles Reading
Ian Sloan Wimbledon
Sam Ward Holcombe
Henry Weir Wimbledon
Tim Whiteman Beeston
Ollie Willars Beeston
Great Britain Hockey media release
Scots included in Great Britain World League Final squad
Scotland duo Alan Forsyth, right, and Chris Grassick will play for Great Britain in the Hockey World League Final. Photo: Jeff Holmes
Scotland captain Chris Grassick and striker Alan Forsyth have been selected by Great Britain Head Coach Bobby Crutchley in his squad to compete in the Hockey World League Final in Raipur, India.
Scotland striker Alan Forsyth, who scored on his Great Britain debut against Argentina last week is included for his first competition with the squad and will be joined by fellow Scotland and Surbiton player Chris Grassick. Both are approaching landmark appearances with Forsyth on 96 combined international caps and Grassick 94. Forsyth is also on 49 international goals (48 Scotland, one Great Britain.)
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Wimbledon half dozen in GB World League side
EHL entrants Wimbledon have six players in the Great Britain panel for the upcoming World League final in Raipur in December following today’s announcement by coach Bobby Crutchley.
James Bailey, Alastair Brogdon, Michael Hoare, Phil Roper, Ian Sloan and Henry Weir have all been named in the new look panel along while East Grinstead’s David Condon as Crutchley shuffles his deck for the end of year tournament.
Indeed, there are a number of high profile players who will be rested for the competition with captain Barry Middleton, a veteran of 360 international appearances and all-time leading scorer Ashley Jackson amongst the most eye-catching of those absentees.
In Middleton’s absence, the team will be captained by Holcombe defender Dan Fox. The other players to be rested are George Pinner, Adam Dixon, Mark Gleghorne and Iain Lewers, whilst Chris Griffiths and David Ames are currently recovering from injury.
Wimbledon’s Sloan and Hampstead and Westminster goalkeeper Harry Gibson both come in for their first competitive senior tournament for Great Britain.
Scotland striker Alan Forsyth, who scored on his Great Britain debut against Argentina last week is included for his first competition with the squad and will be joined by fellow Scotland and Surbiton player Chris Grassick.
Simon Mantell, who has recently returned from long term injury is set to compete in his first international tournament since the 2014 Commonwealth Games and could reach 200 international caps in the latter stages of the competition.
Great Britain are in a pool with Australia, Belgium and Canada with the other pool featuring Argentina, Germany, India and Netherlands.
Crutchley said of the squad selected: “I am very excited to select a squad including a number of younger players who we believe have very exciting futures ahead of them. Despite this inexperience, we believe all of the selected players are capable of pushing for Olympic selection in 2016.
“In the past 12 months Ian Sloan has worked hard to develop a number of areas of his game. This has made him a more effective and versatile player, with the ability to now play in a number of positions.
“Despite selecting a relatively inexperienced group, we are still very ambitious and will initially be targeting a semi-final place.”
Euro Hockey League media release
Greenfields African Hockey Championship 2015 Day 8
Ghana and South Africa set for winner takes all finale at African Hockey Championships
Tanzania men secure first win at African Hockey Championship
SA hockey women win 27-0!
Kenya tackle South Africa in Nations Cup semis
‘SA men’s hockey team can still qualify for 2016 Olympics’
It will be the first Olympics since 1992 that South Africa will not be represented in either category.
Marc Lewis
JOHANNESBURG – South African men’s hockey coach Fabian Gregory has told EWN Sport he is confident his team can still qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
While the International Olympic Committee and International Hockey Federation rules allow teams to qualify through their continental championships, The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) has made it clear, qualifying through Africa alone is not enough.
It will be the first Olympics since 1992 that South Africa will not be represented in either category.
After crushing victories thus far in the Greenfields African Hockey Championship, Gregory says the dream isn't over just yet.
“I’m still under the impression that if we win this qualifier, we have won the Olympic bid. Sascoc is going to have to make a decision on whether they are sending us or not, but if you look at the criteria and how they’ve relaxed the criteria for some of the coaches, the only thing we can do is make sure that we win our qualifiers. We can put enough pressure on them by winning it. Then they have to make the decision.”
Gregory says the crowds have been excellent.
“The support we’ve had has been fantastic and from both teams I’m expecting a lot of goals. I think both the men and the women are fantastic. If I was just the normal man on the street I’d definitely want to watch this.”
Eye Witness News
2016 Olympics selection criteria for SA hockey association
Even if the South African hockey teams win the African Championships, the status remains as is.
JOHANNESBURG – Following media reports on the unhappiness at the South African men and women’s hockey, teams not qualifying for Rio 2016 Olympics, SASCOC wish to reiterate that the Continental Qualification route will not be considered.
The SASCOC board agreed on the Rio 2016 Olympic squad qualification criteria in May this year, where all participating sports codes signed the policies in agreement with the relevant standards.
In light of this, even if the South African hockey teams win the African Championships currently being held in Johannesburg and ending this weekend, the status remains as is – they will not be able to qualify for next year's Rio Olympics.
SASCOC CEO Tubby Reddy said, “We commend the SA men’s and women’s teams participating in the African Championships being held in Johannesburg, giving their best and competing for world ranking points.
“However, the SASCOC Board firmly believes that the qualification criteria, which have been agreed between the international sporting federations and the International Olympic Committee and based on World Olympic Qualification, is in line with SASCOC’s policy of producing world class athletes who will compete at the highest levels.”
Eye Witness News
Tahir Zaman Academy wins
LAHORE, Oct 30: Tahir Zaman Academy registered an easy 3-1 victory over Ustad Aslam Roda Academy on the first day of the 1st PT Yaqoob Memorial Hockey Tournament in Gojra on Friday.
The winners led the first half 2-0 as both the teams scored one each in the second half. Faizan Awan drew the first blood in the 2nd minute, when he scored a field goal. Sheikh Zahid doubled the lead in the 17th minute through another field attempt as it was 2-0 at the end of first half. After the resumption, Tahir Academy further surged ahead when Lala Akhtar struck the third goal in the 39th minute. Ayub Ali scored the consolation goal for the losing side in the 50th minute.
On Saturday, two matches are on card. First Wapda will take on Police and then PIA lock horns with Lahore Customs.
Dawn
Saifai, Bangalore to host senior men and women National hockey
NEW DELHI: The sixth Hockey India Senior National Championships 2016 for men will be held in Saifai, Uttar Pradesh while the women's completion will be hosted by Bangalore.
The senior men's competition will be held from April 11 to May 1, while women's event will take place from April 19 to May 1.
The junior division matches would be held at Raipur from April 12 to 24 for the men's teams while Ranchi would host the women's event from April 24 to May 8.
Besides, the sub-junior division women's competition will be played in Guwahati and Nagaon from January 29 to February 16 while Imphal will host the men's event from May 6 to 22.
The tournaments are an annual event featuring the best hockey players across India in the senior, junior and sub-junior categories.
Speaking on the occasion, Hockey India Secretary General Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad said, "I am delighted and eager for the action to begin in the 6th Hockey India National Championships from January 2016. These championships have brought forward the future stars of Indian hockey and its nothing less than an honour to see how youngsters from all corners of the country are working hard towards making a career for themselves in the sport. I am confident that the national championships next year are going to unearth some bright future stars for Indian hockey."
Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) will defend their titles in both the senior men and women categories.
Similarly, Hockey Odisha will defend the junior men title while Hockey Haryana would be fighting to retain their junior Women crown.
Hockey Odisha and Hockey Punjab would be defending the sub-junior men and women titles respectively.
The Times of India
Road to Lee Valley set to resume this weekend
Reading celebrate lifting the 2015 EH Cup
The Men’s Cup returns to action this coming Sunday with a host of exciting ties set to take place as the Road to Lee Valley draws one step closer.
Premier Division leaders Surbiton, who have won all their games so far and racked up 36 goals in the process will take their star-studded line-up to Chelmsford. The Chelmer Park side, undaunted by their prestigious opponents are turning the day into a mini-club event with a warm welcome, entertainment and plenty more besides on offer. That will not extend to the pitch, where competitive nature will kick in, but with the likes of Alan Forsyth and Matt Daly heading to town they will have their work cut out.
Havant, top of the South Hockey League and in free-scoring form will hope to overcome Premier Division side and cup holders Reading for whom Tom Carson seemingly can't stop scoring at the moment.
There are three all-Men’s Hockey League ties to look forward to. Chichester and Bath Buccaneers, rivals in the West Conference will go head to head in the cup whilst Premier Division Hampstead and Westminster will take on Brighton. The third such tie pits University of Birmingham of the West Conference with Cannock of the Premier Division. The side from Chase Park have a proud record in this competition including winning it two seasons ago. They will be keen to make another run all the way to the final this year.
Brooklands MU, who Cannock defeated in that final two years ago play host to Boots whilst there are also home ties for England Hockey Trophy holders Sheffield University Bankers, Barford Tigers, Didsbury Northern, and Plymouth Marjons.
Men’s Hockey League side Guildford welcome Cambridge University, Henley will be at home to Southgate and Lindum will pit their wits against the might of Beeston.
Banbury, who dumped out Olton and West Warwicks in the last round hope to put their league woes behind them and see off another Conference side in Teddington.
The final tie of the round throws up its own interesting sub plot as Lewes welcome Canterbury to the Southdown Club. Lewes Head Coach Stuart Goodman is a Canterbury player and will have to nail his colours to the mast ahead of their big cup clash this Sunday.
All the ties take place this Sunday and if you’d like to see all the draws and results in the competition so far, click here.
England Hockey Board Media release
Futures Cup: Day 2 Round-Up
Futures Cup Day 2
The second day of the Futures Cup lived up to its hype after 41 goals were scored in a yet another thrilling day of hockey.
In the Under 18s competition, the Saxon Tigers boys bounced emphatically back from defeat on the opening day by beating Pennine Pumas 6-0. A standout hat-trick from Sam Barrett and strikes from Bill Cain (2) and Tom Crowson gave the Tigers a welcome boost heading into the weekend’s action.
The Wessex Leopards carried on their impressive form, narrowly beating the Mercia Lynx 4-3 in an exciting affair. A late goal from Ben Park was enough to secure the points for his side.
The Tigers also secured victory over the Pumas in the girls Under 18 competition, after finding the net seven times. Two goals from Emma McIntyre put the Tigers on their way to a 7-4 triumph.
The Lynx carried on their good form, beating the Leopards 1-0. A 31st minute strike from Jodie Beddow was enough to pick up another three points.
In the Under 16 boys competition, the Pumas beat the Tigers to win their first game thanks to goals from Sam Buckingham and Thomas Russell. However, a consolation goal from Archie Winter made the final score 2-1.
The Lynx overcame the Leopards 5-2. Two goals in the second half from Elliot Killington confirmed their win over the Leopards.
Futures Cup Day 2
The Pumas did not share the same fortune in the Under 16 girls competition, going down 3-0 to the Tigers. Goals from Alexandra Went, Robyn Bentley and Ellie Rattu ensured their side have won both group games.
The Lynx girls secured a close 2-1 victory over the Leopards to ensure they got their first win of the Futures Cup through goals from Abi Speight and Caroline Spence.
After a great opening two days to the Futures Cup, these young talents are sure to produce some more brilliant hockey over the weekend.
U18 Boys
PENNINE PUMAS 0 - 6 SAXON TIGERS
Bill Cain 17, 51 (PC, PC)
Tom Crowson 29 (F)
Sam Barrett 40, 54, 65 (PC, F, F)
U18 Girls
PENNINE PUMAS 4 - 7 SAXON TIGERS
Anabel Mills 2 (F) Caitlin Creeley 5 (F)
Lauren Hunt 59 (F) Emma McIntyre 32, 53 (F,F)
Katherin Birch 60 (PC) Beth Giddings 38 (F)
Sarah Pope 66 (F) Charlotte Childs 46 (F)
Ella Dowling 51 (F)
Ciara Branagan 55 (PC)
U18 Boys
MERCIA LYNX 3 - 4 WESSEX LEOPARDS
Ollie Rogerson 25(F) Matt Court 18 (F)
Alex Kingston 31 (F) Tom Brooks 28 (F)
Harry Bennett 44 (F) Evan Kimber 36 (F)
Ben Park 62 (F)
U18 Girls
MERCIA LYNX 1 - 0 WESSEX LEOPARDS
Jodie Beddow 31 (F)
U16 Boys
PENNINE PUMAS 2 - 1 SAXON TIGERS
Sam Buckingham 11 (F) Archie Winters 63 (F)
Thomas Russell 30 (F)
U16 Girls
PENNINE PUMAS 0 - 3 SAXON TIGERS
Alexandra Went 15 (F)
Robyn Bently 64 (F)
Ellie Rattu 68 (F)
U16 Boys
MERCIA LYNX 5 - 2 WESSEX LEOPARDs
Joseph Rogers 3 (PC) Ethan Hoddle 43 (PC)
Rohan Bhuhi 20 (F) Ben Longworth 56 (F)
Josh Dent 39 (F)
Elliot Killington 54, 70 (F, F)
U16 Girls
MERCIA LYNX 2 - 1 WESSEX LEOPARDS
Abi Speight 27 (PC) Emma Manton 26 (F)
Caroline Spence 64 (F)
England Hockey Board Media release
U14: No clear favourites
By Jugjet Singh
THE Boys' and Girls' National Under-14 hockey tournament will start Saturday at the Malacca Stadium, with no clear favourites.
For the record, Pahang are the boys champions, while Sabah won the girls title last year. Singapore will make their debut in both the categories.
SATURDAY -- BOYS': Group A: Perak v Johor (3pm, Pitch I), Kedah v Terengganu (3pm, Pitch II); Group B: Kelantan v Kuala Lumpur (4.45pm, Pitch I), Selangor v Negri Sembilan (4.45pm, Pitch II); Sabah v Singapore (6.30pm, Pitch I), Malacca v Perlis (8.15pm, Pitch I).
GIRLS': Group B: Johor v Terenggnau (7.30am, Pitch I), Negri v Penang (7.30am, Pitch II).
Note: All matches at Malacca Stadium.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Hosts Malacca looking to march into second round of junior meet
by Percy D'Cruz
MALACCA: Hosts Malacca are eyeing a place in the second round of the MHC-1MAS-Milo National Under-14 hockey tournament.
They are confident of achieving it based on their home ground support and the services of four regulars from last year’s side.
Malacca boys’ coach B. Namasivayam, however, admitted that it would still be an uphill task when the tournament begins Saturday at the Malacca City Council Hockey Stadium and Malacca High School ground.
The tournament has attracted 14 teams each for the boys’ and girls’ sections.
Defending champions Pahang are the favourites in the boys’ section while Sabah are expected to retain the girls’ title.
Malacca are in Group C with Sabah, Singapore and Perlis in the boys’ competition. Sarawak have withdrawn.
The top two teams from each group will move into the second round, where they will be divided into two groups of three teams each.
“We have to finish among the top two in the group to move into the second round,” said Namasivayam.
“It will be tough. We only had about a month of centralised training, but several sessions were disrupted by the haze.”
Malacca, who won the inaugural title at home in 1983, failed to make the second round last year.
The MHA have received another financial boost for the hosting of the National Under-14 tournament with a RM20,000 subsidy from Tenaga Nasional.
Chief engineer Lokman Yusoff, representing TNB Malacca general manager Datuk Badrul Sham Saad, handed over the cheque to MHA president Tuan Habibul Datuk Manggar at the Bukit Serendit City Council Hockey Stadium auditorium.
On Wednesday, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) handed MHA with a cheque for RM70,000.
The Star of Malaysia
Growth of African hockey highlighted by FIH TAP partnership
Things are stirring across the vast African continent and that is great news for hockey development.
Where South Africa has been the dominate force in hockey for the past few decades, other nations are now raising their game and challenging to become the continent’s best.
Egypt, Kenya, the old power-house of Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Nigeria – all countries whose national hockey associations are demonstrating an ambition to compete with the world’s best.
The African Hockey Championships have attracted widespread interest across the continent – with seven women’s teams and nine men’s teams taking part in the 2015 event, as opposed to just four teams in each competition in 2013.
At the time of writing this article, Ghana has been one of this year's most improved nations judging by their results so far. Here, we learn a little about how the Ghana Hockey Association has been developing hockey across the country, thanks in part to an initiative that is being rolled out across West Africa and beyond.
The FIH Target Assistance Programme (TAP) aims to develop sustainable hockey projects worldwide, bringing together a range of partners to make something amazing happen.
The Ghana project is a collaboration between FIH, the African Hockey Federation, Ghana Hockey Association, England Hockey and UK Sport, alongside a number of other partners.
The aim is sustainable hockey at grass-roots and high performance level in Ghana primarily, but spreading across West Africa.
Mike Joyce, FIH project leader, said it is “gold standard” and is showcasing partnership work at its very best. And Cath Sweet, project leader for UK Sport, said: "This kind of success across the project areas and in such a short time frame is fantastic and not the norm for international development projects of this kind."
With a large number of groups working together a very strategic approach is necessary to get the best from each partner around the table.
Lucy Rowe, England Hockey Relationship Manager explains: "There’s a real chance that Ghana could qualify for Rio 2016, which would be amazing, but we must be careful how we approach the next two years. It would be easy to get swept away with Olympic fever and use the £30,000 given annually by UK Sport to fund the national team and their Olympic journey. But that would leave nothing for grassroots development."
Instead, the partnership is planning a well-structured four-year programme that aims to grow the game, not just in Ghana but across West Africa.
The coaching and umpiring team of Darren Cheesman, Mark Jarvis and Siegfried Aikman have visited Ghana and also been heavily involved in Ghana's recent trip to England, but this is where their involvement will scale back.
"We have worked with the coaches as well as the players so they will have the knowledge to continue the work," says Cheesman. “And we will continue to give online support, but we have to let them run with it now.”
The English Institute of Sport (EIS) has taken the same tactic. Fitness coaches took the team through strenuous training, but mindful of the lack of equipment in Ghana, all the exercises involved using their own bodyweight. "The irony is," says Rowe, “all the players have smart phones or tablets, so we can send them online programmes, but they don't have equipment."
The lack of equipment, particularly sticks and goalkeeping equipment, is being addressed through another partnership. Hockey clubs in England are donating equipment and thousands of sticks are being collected. Rowe is in talks with a shipping company to transport the goods and Barrington Sports are storing and renewing the sticks.
The project is a part of England Hockey’s bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2018. Paying tribute to all the partners involved, England Hockey CEO Sally Munday says: “This partnership is much wider than just England and Ghana Hockey as it has included amazing support from UK Sport, FIH and the African Hockey Federation. We feel really privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Ghana on this project.”
To find out more about the Ghana TAP project, including their recent visit to England, click here.
FIH site
Awards success for FIH and hockey turf in Cologne
FIH were delighted to receive a number of prestigious awards at the FSB Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany this week.
The highlight was a Lifetime Achievement Award for FIH, as voted for by ESTO members. This award celebrates the achievements of an individual within the industry or a Sports Governing Body who has been instrumental in the development of synthetic turf within their respective field; whose actions continue to create a positive impact and, in doing so, showcases the benefits of synthetic turf to a wider audience.
Upon presenting this award, reference was made to the first time a synthetic hockey turf was used at the Olympics, in 1976. FIH were also congratulated for their imagination and foresight in adopting synthetic turf in order to improve the sport as well as hockey's commitment to continual improvement and innovation in improving synthetic turf through the Quality Programme.
Alastair Cox, FIH Facilities Manager, also received an award as he was one of five individuals inducted into the newly formed European Synthetic Turf Organisation (ESTO) Hall of Fame, which recognises significant contribution to the development and progress of the synthetic turf industry over recent years.
FIH Official Supplier Polytan was amongst the winners as well as they were given an award for Innovation in Synthetic Turf in relation to the blue field at the London 2012 Olympics.
Speaking of this success, FIH President Leandro Negre said: "These awards are a reflection of all the hard work that both FIH, Alastair and our partners have put into the development of hockey turf."
He continued: "Here at FIH, we believe that the long-term success of our sport lies in the quality of hockey facilities around the world. Hockey fields provide a platform for our sport to inspire the next generation, fuelling the growth of our sport around the world. The progress that we have made in this area has been exceptional and I'm delighted that the industry has recognised our dedication to the development of synthetic turfs."
This news following the recent launch of the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf which is aimed at ensuring good quality hockey fields are built for all levels of play, from elite level competition to community development, around the world.
This internationally recognised quality-assurance programme provides consistent and dependable industry standards for the performance, construction and durability of hockey turf installations worldwide and ensures the appropriate quality for the intended level of play. For more information on this latest initiative, click here.
FIH site
Talented teen's hockey stick injury leads to super bug
Amanda Khoza,
Jean-Luc Talbot remains upbeat despite frequent visits to the hospital. (Facebook)
Durban - A seemingly harmless knock with a hockey stick against his ankle during a game has plunged a Hillcrest teenager into unbearable agony.
At one stage there were even fears that Jean-Luc Talbot, 13, a keen cricket and hockey player, would lose his leg, but now he is upbeat and keen to get back on the sportsfield.
Emily Talbot, 35, from Hillcrest said her son was playing a hockey game for his school, Highbury Preparatory School at Kearsney College in Botha's Hill on September 16 when he got hit with a hockey stick on his ankle.
"It wasn’t a major thing. He told us that he sat down because it was sore, and then got up and played the remainder of the game,” she said.
Talbot said everything was fine until a few days later, when Jean-Luc complained to her husband JP about pain and discomfort when he walked.
“When I asked him what was wrong, he told me he was hit with a hockey stick. I didn’t panic at first because I thought we could just rub it.”
Talbot said 10 days after the incident, Jean-Luc complained about the pain getting worse, so she took him to the doctor.
“They took X-rays to see what was causing the pain and the doctors said he was fine and gave him pain medication and Transact patches.”
She said the medicine seemed to work and Jean-Luc, who has earned his KZN colours in hockey and cricket, looked set to getting back on the sports field.
Pain returned
In September, the family went on holiday in Hibberdene and on the first day of the trip Jean-Luc complained of pain again.
A doctor said they had discovered what they thought was a hairline fracture, Talbot said. He was prescribed stronger medicine and his ankle placed in a moon booth.
“His condition got worse. He was in agony, he got a fever and nothing we did seemed to work. We rushed him to the Hillcrest Private hospital, where they told us his blood test showed high levels of inflammation.
“Doctors also diagnosed him with cellulitis [inflamed tissue] and staphylococcus aureus [a type of bacteria]. We were told it was a super bug and we really don’t know how he got it, it was in his blood stream. The injury triggered the inflammation, which brought the bug," she said.
Jean-Luc underwent his first surgery on September 28, to drain the infection from his ankle.
“He’s had a total of 12 surgeries and they cost well over R350 000, excluding doctors, radiology, MRI scans and blood lab bills.”
Calls for help
Talbot has now set up a Facebook page informing the public about what had happened to her son, and members of her community responded with offers of help.
“On Thursday there was a Halloween pub quiz and all the proceeds went towards helping us to pay for Jean-Luc’s medical bill. They have also organised a golf day on Sunday.
“We really appreciate it because the financial implications are crazy. It was a random injury and we never saw this coming, it took us by complete surprise.
“At one stage there was the possibility they could amputate, but they have since reviewed this."
Talbot said she was grateful to have Jean-Luc home, but the family was struggling with the mounting medical bills.
He is currently on oral antibiotics and was receiving physiotherapy.
Durban general practitioner Dr Asif Suleman from Medicoast Surgery said: “Cellulitis is a common condition; it is under the skin and spreads infection. What probably happened in this situation is that the ankle got red and there was pus.
“Whether it was a super bug or not is debatable, but we see this all the time,” said Suleman.
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