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News for 15 February 2016

All the news for Monday 15 February 2016

GB Level the series

By Mike Haymonds                                                       

A LONE strike by Susie Gilbert gave Great Britain a 1-0 win over Australia to tie their six-test series in Bunbury 1-1.

It was only GB’s second victory in their last 14 meetings with the Hockeyroos since 2000 and the 15th international goal for Gilbert.

Her 18th minute goal came when she fired home the rebound from a Crista Cullen penalty corner flick.

Great Britain had suffered an early setback in their first match – a 3-4 defeat – when the recently crowned FIH Rising Star Lily Owsley dislocated a collar bone which will sideline her for the rest of the series. Alex Danson missed the first two games with a hand injury.

East Grinstead men just missed out on a podium place after a 1-4 defeat by the Swedes Partille in the bronze medal match at the EuroHockey Indoor Championship in Hamburg. But it was their best placing in their seventh successive European appearance. Unbeaten in their pool games with draws against the Austrians Arminen (1-1) and Grunwald Poznan of Poland (3-3) and a 4-2 win over the Spaniards Complutense, they lost

0-4 against the hosts and eventual winners Harvestehuder in the semi-final.

In the second tier Trophy event in Russia Scottish champions Inverleith were denied promotion after a 2-4 defeat by hosts Dinamo Elektrostal left them in third place.

In the third tier Challenge 1 tournament in Bulgaria Cardiff & Met and Queen’s University Belfast finished fifth and seventh respectively.

Daily Express



Five out five for Ranchi Rays at home turf.

Ranchi: Ranchi Rays achieved a rare feat today when it won its fifth home match (Ranchi Rays 1 Dabang Mumbai 0), while all other teams had difficulty to even post token home wins in the on going Hockey India League. Ranchi Rays today defeated Dabang Mumbai 1-0 and maintained their status of table topper with 37.

Ranchi Rays is also the first and so far the only one out of six HIL teams to qualify for the semifinals.

Teams like Mumbai, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh struggled to make even a token win at home, a salient feature of this year's HIL. Defying the odds, Ranchi has won all its home matches, which is a feat indeed.

After two barren quarters, the break came in the third quarter.

At 35th minute, Ranchi Rays captain Ashley Jackson struck through its only penalty corner.

Dabang Mumbai continued to attack in search for an equalizer but none of the attacks were able to penetrate the Ranchi defense. The golden opportunity for Mumbai came in the 44th minute through a penalty corner but it was beautifully saved by the Ranchi Rays goalkeeper Tyler Lovell.

Dabang Mumbai got an opportunity through back to back penalty corners but Tyler Lovell continued to refuse to be beaten. Dabang Mumbai dominated the play for the last moments of the fourth quarter making regular circle penetrations but none of the shots could get through the tall figure of Tyler Lovell. Dabang Mumbai failed got two penalty corner opportunities in the closing moments of the match but failed to convert them. The match ended with a win for the Ranchi Rays 1-0.

Goal of the Match: Ashley Jackson from Ranchi Rays
Most Entertaining Player of the Match: Daniel Beale
Man of the match: Kothajit Singh
Emerging Player of the Match: Kothajit Singh

Stick2Hockey.com



Ranchi extend hot streak, beat Mumbai

Sudheshna Ghosh

RANCHI: Ranchi Rays made their dream home run a reality but not before some anxious last minutes in their last league-stage match of the HIL at Astro Turf Hockey stadium here on Sunday . Riding on a strike from the penalty corner by skipper Ashely Jackson in the 37th minute, the home team had to weather constant assault from Dabang Mumbai, as well as four rival penalty corners in the last 5 minutes of the tie, to script a perfect record at home. team had to be content with one point.

While Dabang's Florian Fuchs created the first good chance, the first quarter belonged to the home team with Barry Middleton and Flyn Ogilvie making exciting inroads into the opposition half.Simranjit Singh failed to connect to a Middleton pass in front of goal in the 5th minute. The quarter ended in a stalemate, as did the next.

The hosts, however, got an opportunity to break the deadlock when Sumit made a perfect through to Arjun Halappa inside the D. But Jeremy Hayward managed to parry it just wide of the net. Harmanjeet, too, created a golden opportunity for Dabang Mumbai. He passed the ball to Gurjant Singh who sent it to Yousuf. But Yousuf 's shot was blocked by goalkeeper Lovell.

The rest of the first half saw both teams vying for the first goal but the score stayed at 0-0 at half-time.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 37th minute.The home team won the first penalty corner of the match through Sumit. Middleton took the corner and Jackson converted it with a drag to score his 14th goal of the season. Even a change in tactics by the visitors could not earn them the equalizer. Manpreet Singh and Kothajit Singh were brilliant for the home team and created some fine moves while Amir Khan showed just how good his dribbling skills are. The third quarter ended in a one-two play from Middleton and Mitton that almost earned the hosts a field goal.

Yousuf kept trying and was ably assisted in his moves by Mujtaba, but all their efforts went in vain.

The Times of India



Ranchi Rays beat Dabang Mumbai to continue unbeaten run on home turf



Already assured of a semifinal berth, defending champions Ranchi Rays on Sunday registered their fifth straight victory on the home turf, beating Dabang Mumbai 1-0 here.

Yet another clinical performance by Ranchi Rays helped them consolidate their position at the top of the table with 37 points. The first half of the match saw both the teams matching each other in every move before the home team started to dominate. But Mumbai also kept an impeccable defensive line to deny the Ranchi a clear shot at the goal. Desperate to break the defensive deadlock, Ranchi Rays began to attack more in the second quarter but failed to breach Mumbai's defense line. The two teams went into the half-time at 0-0.

The breakthrough came five minutes into the third quarter with a penalty corner conversion by the Ranchi Rays captain Ashley Jackson. Dabang Mumbai launched an all-out attack thereafter in order to score an equaliser but could not penetrate the Ranchi defence. The golden opportunity for Mumbai came in the 44th minute when they got a penalty corner chance but it was brilliantly saved by the Ranchi Rays goalkeeper Tyler Lovell. The score at the end of third quarter was 1-0 in favour of Ranchi Rays.

The home team continued to keep the possession and even though Mumbai dominated the play at the final moments of the match, making regular circle penetrations, they failed to convert any of their opportunities. They also wasted two penalty corner chances to go down in the end.

DNA



Provider wins first ever Nationals at Rohtak

Provenance of Indian hockey talent Sports Authority of India, which is a proven provider channel, came out big on national stage on its own, and won its first ever National Championship when its girls team won the 6th Hockey India Sub-Junior Women (Division A)title today. It beat formidable Punjab 2-1 at Rotak, Harayana.

Sports Authority of India works at talent spotting and grooming level, besides training coaches. It also has teams of its own sourced from various centres, but till now it parted its talents to States and their own team hardly crossed semi-finals of any boys or girls National Championships.

But on Sunday, Sports Authority of India girls won the final match of the 6th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship.

F. Lalawmpuii from the team took the first goal at the 41st minute and R. Lalrindiki scored the second goal at 48th minute. Punjab Captain Reet opened the account for Hockey Punjab with their sole goal at the 49th minute.

Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy clashed against Hockey Haryana to attain the third position in the tournament. Sneha Singh from Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy scored the first goal at the 48th minute and Sharmila Devi from Hockey Haryana scored the first goal in the 66th minute bringing the match to a tie. Both the teams continued with shootouts, Hockey Haryana scored 5 goals whereas Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy secured 6 goals and won the bronze medal of 6th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2016.

Stick2Hockey.com



Heartbreak on Valentine's Day as Inverleith miss out on promotion

A 4-2 loss to hosts Dinamo Elektrostal in their final match at the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Trophy resulted in Inverleith missing out on promotion to the Champions Cup in 2017.

Two Derek Salmond goals had given Inverleith a 2-1 lead at half-time, with Dmitrii Azarov on target for Dinamo.

However, three goals in two minutes effectively ended the Purple Robes' hopes of promotion.

Alexander Zhirkov's penalty stroke in the 22nd minute evened up the scores at 2-2, before the Edinburgh side were hit with a double sucker-punch in the 24th minute.

Azarov's second goal from a penalty stroke made it 3-2, then immediately following the re-start, Marat Khairullan's field goal strike put Dinamo 4-2 up.

Inverleith valiantly tried to break down the Russian defence but the home side held on for a vital win that sees them promoted to the Champions Cup next season.

The Scottish indoor champions finished third overall, a bronze medal, with Stephen Dick second in the goalscoring charts with 12 goals.

Amsterdam HC were the winners of the competition overall with a 100% win record.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Delighted to achieve historic treble in India: Irfan

By Nabil Tahir

KARACHI: Pakistan hockey’s A team skipper Mohammad Irfan termed the 1-0 win over India in the hockey final of the South Asian Games ‘historic’ after completing a treble of titles in the regional event.

Pakistan had entered the Games as two-time defending champions, having won the title in the previous two editions in 2010 and 2006, and Irfan was ecstatic at achieving this milestone in their arch-rival’s own backyard.

“This is a historic win as we completed a hat-trick of titles,” said Irfan. “Achieving this great milestone against India, in India, made it even more special.”

South Asian Games: Pakistan beat India 1-0 in hockey final

Pakistan’s Awaisur Rehman scored the only goal of the match just before half-time to give Pakistan the win and the forward said it was ‘like a dream come true’ for him.

“I am really happy and it is like a dream come true to score the winner in the final against India,” said Rehman. “The team made the move. I was just lucky to be there.”

India desperately tried to equalise in the dying minutes and came close many times but Pakistan managed to keep them out, and goalkeeper Imran Butt had nothing but praise for his defenders.

“India played a better game than the previous match [in the group stages],” said Imran. “Their attack was good but our defenders were outstanding. I managed to save six shots, including two penalty corners because of the confidence they gave me.”

The Daily Times



Junaid and Hanif again given responsibilities of coach, manager

LAHORE: Pakistan hockey is once again in the news, for all the wrong reasons. Former Olympians Hanif Khan and Khawaja Mohammad Junaid have once again joined the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) as manager and coach of the Pakistan hockey team.

The formal announcement regarding the “game of musical chairs” in Pakistan hockey was made by PHF president Khalid Sajjad Khokhar at a press conference here the other day which was also attended by PHF secretary general Shahbaz Ahmad and the newly appointed coach. “For us, the combination of Hanif and Junaid is the best and I have great trust on both of them. I have also worked with Junaid in the past,” said the PHF president when asked what inspired him to give responsibilities to Hanif and Junaid again when they had failed to deliver in the past during the tenure of Qasim Zia. “Junaid is competent and honest. The two can provide the best combination to run affairs of the national senior team,” Khokhar maintained.

PHF secretary Shahbaz said Junaid had played with him in the 1994 World Cup and he had been a role model for young players as a player. “Junaid is not a controversial person and no negative remarks were given against him by his manager in the past,” Shahbaz added. Asked what the target PHF had given to Junaid, Shahbaz said their main target was to qualify Pakistan team for 2018 World Cup and 2020 Olympics. He added that Junaid would continue his job even after qualifying for those mega events.

The secretary said Junald would finalise the squad for the upcoming Azlan Shah Tournament which would help Pakistan rise on international scene. To a question, Junaid said some 198 players had appeared in the ongoing trials for discovering new talent, which was an encouraging sign. “We need time to improve their skills,” Junaid said. He further said there was no need to get disappointed over the current situation of Pakistan hockey as it would rise again. The PHF secretary said the main problem with Pakistan hockey was that the players were not physically strong. “The players want to play for Pakistan for just six months and then they start looking for foreign contracts to play for league hockey abroad, whereas, Pakistan should be their first priority,” Shahbaz said. He said the PHF had chalked out a comprehensive plan till 2020 and after getting the approval of the government it would be presented before the media.

Junaid was appointed coach soon after Pakistan had finished at the bottom at the 2010 World Cup under coach Shahid Ali Khan. Then Junaid and Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel were inducted into the team management. Heuvel, having main say in the coaching affairs, kept Junaid in low profile. Pakistan managed to win the gold medal in the 2010 Asian Games under Heuvel. And then a gold medal was earned in a tri-nation tournament in Australia in 2011. The same year, Pakistan also finished third in the Azlan Shah Cup as Dutch coach with Junald had formed a good team. But in another real test (2011 Champions Trophy), Pakistan ended seventh. And then Pakistan’s performance went further down as they finished at the bottom in the Rabo Trophy in Netherlands in 2011 as Heuvel had left the team after developing differences with the PHF over security issues. Then Akhtar Rasool joined the national team as head coach. In 2012 London Olympics, Akhtar-Junaid efforts failed to change the fortunes of the Pakistan hockey as it ended seventh.

After the London Olympics, Junaid was sidelined by the PHF, as Akhtar took full control of the team management and Hanif Khan became the coach. Even this combination failed to deliver as Pakistan could not qualify for the 2014 World Cup. It was the first occasion when Pakistan could not play the World Cup. The greenshirts had also failed to qualify for this year’s upcoming Rio Olympics during Akhtar’s stint.

The Daily Times



U-21 USWNT Complete a Successful Training Weekend with a Win Over Duke University

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The U-21 U.S. Women's National Team concluded their training camp weekend with a college scrimmage against Duke University. Team USA secured a win as a result of shootouts after finishing regulation time with a score of 2-2.

"Today was a good game for us," said U-21 USWNT Head Coach Janneke Schopman. "I think Duke came out to battle and contest. At the beginning of the match we struggled with that a bit, but we created a lot of good opportunities in the first half. Duke defended well and that was a good challenge. It's important that we continue to develop these scoring opportunities even if it doesn't always go our way."

Team USA and Duke performed admirably as they maintained an impenetrable 25 yard stretch from both defensive ends. Combatting the harsh weather, a low of 14 degrees, the teams struggled to keep consistent possession in the midfield. The first circle entry, made by Team USA was blocked by Duke's Morgan Bitting with a fierce jab, clearing the ball to the 25 yard line, continuing the shuttle on a fast break towards the goal. USA athlete Kristy Bernatchez broke the streak, catching a turnover with space enough to slide it over to USA's Linnea Gonzales to be tipped to Julianna Tornetta into the circle drawing a corner at the 8th minute. The penalty corner attempt was unsuccessful. On the outlet, Duke's Stephanie Pezzuti slammed the ball into the midfield, to be interrupted by Lauren Moyer. In USA's backfield, Kristy Bernatchez’s defense was consistently strong and steadfast against the quick starts provided by Duke, effectively creating space for the ball by slipping it back to Julia Young to shift focus to the right side of the field. On the opposite end of play, combinations from USA's Tara Vittese and Tornetta were effective in gaining circle entries, however, awarded corners were scarce in this game. Duke was the first to score in the game, at the 20th minute on a corner. The insert fed to Alyssa Chillano who took no time to slam the ball directly into the USA goalie Jenny Rizzo. The rebound, however, was caught by Ainsley Gill who came in with a barrage of shots, the last drive was finally redirected by Meghan Norair into the mesh. Duke's Heather Morris and Norair were on a fast break to enter the circle, only to be immediately stopped by Bernatchez who is quick to recover and clear the ball. USA's Lauren Moyer then recovered a turnover and lobbed it to Tornetta to reposition for seconds in the circle. With 5 minutes left in the first half, Ashley Hoffman took advantage of a stray ball in the midfield, feeding it to Margaux Paolino who scored the first goal for USA turning the score USA 1, Duke 1. Running off of this energy, USA was quick to reenter their attack circle and score in quick succession with a clear shot taken before Duke’s defense could collapse on USA's Erin Matson to establish a halftime score USA 2, Duke 1.

The second half began with as much intensity as the first. Quick off of the midfield line, USA's Paolino earned the red, white and blue a corner. Paolino inserted the ball to Hoffman who recovered the ball from the keeper, launching it into the back of the net. Hoffman was outside of the circle the chance did not translate into a goal. The first and only stroke of the game was awarded to Duke's Morris who repositioned herself on a fast break near the goal only to have USA’s defense swarm over her an instant later. The stroke resulted in a goal, the shot was sent straight into the lap of the keeper, slipping into the backboard to change the score 2-2. Looking to break the deadlock, Team USA's Young transitioned from the defensive end into the midfield, taking it all the way up to the circle to smash the ball just wide of the cage. In the last minute of the second half, with the ball on Duke’s defensive side, Duke's goalkeeper Sammi Steele stepped out enough to dive and deflect a hit, popping back up for another quick save, however, rewarding USA with a corner. The game ended with another strong Duke block as USA was quick to send rapid-fire shots to cage. The final score in regulation time stood USA 2, Duke 2. Both teams opted for a shootout instead of overtime, where USA prevailed with 2 goals to Duke's one.

"I just told the girls if we keep improving and moving forward like we are, then we'll be where we want to be come Junior Pan Ams and that's what these matches are all about," said Schopman.

Although tomorrow's match against the University of North Carolina at 12 p.m. EST is canceled due to impending inclement weather, Team USA will continue will pick up play in March as they take on Old Dominion University and the University of North Carolina.

Follow the U-21 USWNT’s journey as they prepare for the Junior Pan American Championship March 29 through April 10 in Trinidad & Tobago by following usafieldhockey.com.

USFHA media release



Canterbury shock Surbiton in Premier Division


Wei Adams of Canterbury, who scored two goals in their win over Surbiton. Credit: Simon Parker.

Bottom of the table Canterbury pulled off a shock 4-2 victory over second-placed Surbiton as the battle to avoid the drop intensifies in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division.

Wei Adams scored twice for Canterbury with Andrew Sutherland and Craig Boyne also on target to help register just their second league victory of the season. Scott Evans and Robert Marx scored the consolation goals for Surbiton.

Defeat for Surbiton means they slip to four points behind leaders Holcombe who could only draw 3-3 at home to Reading, Stephane Vehrle-Smith, Sam Ward and Gareth Andrew scoring the goals as the league leaders recovered from 3-1 down at the break. John Jackson hit a double for Reading and their third was added by Simon Mantell.

Cannock nearly staged a remarkable comeback at Wimbledon, two goals from Jayshaan Randhawa and one from Arjan Drayton Chana pulling them back to 4-3 after Ali Brogdon, James Jewell, Chris Gregg and Caspar Phijffer had given the hosts a commanding lead.

Beeston snatched a 2-2 draw away at Brooklands Manchester University, Harry Martin and James Albery scoring late goals after Stefan Ray-Hills and Richard Slater had put the hosts two in front.

Men’s Conference West

With Cardiff and Met not in action this weekend, Team Bath Buccaneers had the opportunity to close the gap at the top of the Men’s Hockey League Conference West and they took it with aplomb, beating Guildford 4-1.

John Sterlini led the scoring with a second-half brace and other goals came from Matt Ming and Ben Stone. James Ferguson hit a late consolation for Guildford. Cardiff lead the table by four points and have a game in hand.

Chichester Priory Park slumped to their tenth defeat of the season as Fareham beat them 3-1 and the University of Birmingham drew 0-0 with Cheltenham. On Saturday, the University of Exeter beat Isca 2-1.

Men’s Conference North

Loughborough Students extended their lead at the top of the Men’s Hockey League Conference North with a resounding 5-0 win over seventh-placed Deeside Ramblers.

Goals came from all around the pitch with Luke Taylor, Stephen Hunter, Daniel Faulkner, Seb Ainsley and Ed Horler all chipping in.

Bowdon are still second after winning 3-1, courtesy of a Mike Shaw brace. The University of Durham beat Sheffield Hallam 2-1 away from home and Matt Gibson was on target twice for Doncaster as they beat Preston 3-2.

On Saturday, Lichfield notched their second win of the season in style, beating Wakefield 6-1. They are still bottom of the table but the result will have given their confidence a real boost.

Men’s Conference East

Cambridge City ran riot in their game against Bromley and Beckenham in the Men’s Hockey League Conference East, running out 9-2 winners. Euan Gilmour hit a hat-trick and Tom Butler and Tom Crowson scored a brace each.

Southgate still top the table after beating Brighton and Hove 2-1 with goals from Timmy Smith and Giulio Ferrini on Saturday.

Richmond are a point off them in second and they beat West Herts 3-0. Charlie Ellison scored two of them.

A George Torry hat-trick helped Sevenoaks to a 3-2 win against Brighton and Hove on Sunday. It was two wins in two days for Sevenoaks with them beating Teddington 4-2 on Saturday. On Sunday, Robbert Schenk and Dylan Thomas both scored twice as Oxted beat Harleston Magpies 5-2.

Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, February 13 2016):

Men’s Premier Division: Canterbury 4, Surbiton 2.

Men's Conference West: Isca 1, University of Exeter 2.

Men's Conference North: Lichfield 6, Wakefield 1.

Men's Conference East: Teddington 2, Sevenoaks 4; Southgate 2, Brighton and Hove 1.

Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, February 14 2016):

Men’s Premier Division: Brooklands Manchester University 2, Beeston 2; Wimbledon 4, Cannock 3; Holcombe 3, Reading 3.

Men's Conference West: University of Birmingham 1, Cheltenham 3; Chichester Priory Park 1, Fareham 3; Team Bath Buccaneers 4, Guildford 1.

Men's Conference North: Olton and West Warwicks 1, Bowdon 3; Sheffield Hallam 1, University of Durham 2; Doncaster 3, Preston 2; Loughborough Students 5, Deeside Ramblers 0.

Men's Conference East: Cambridge City 9, Bromley and Beckenham 2; West Herts 0, Richmond 3; Sevenoaks 3, Brighton and Hove 2; Harleston Magpies 2, Oxted 5.

England Hockey Board Media release



Irish Men's EY Hockey League Round Up


Credit: Rowland White/Press Eye

Lisnagarvey’s imperious form saw them shoot down Ulster rivals Banbridge 4-0 at Comber Road to retain their seven-point lead over the chasers in the men’s EY Hockey League.

Daniel Buser’s double in the last six minutes added a late gloss to the scoreline as Bann had numerous chances, especially from corners, to close the gap. But Garvey led throughout, taking the lead early via Andy Williamson from Mikey Watt’s prompting.

Timmy Cockram doubled up for 2-0 in the second quarter before Bann came back strong but Eugene Magee and Stephen Dowds were denied on numerous occasions to scupper their chances of a result.

Three Rock Rovers returned to the top four thanks to a 1-0 win over Railway Union as their counter-attack game proved the difference. Harry Morris deflected home the winner in the third quarter from turnover ball for the game’s only goal.

It moves them back above Glenanne who were beaten 3-2 by bottom-placed Cookstown in Tallaght. Indeed, the Co Tyrone side’s only points this season have come against the Glens, winning 5-1 in the first series of fixtures before Christmas.

Greg Allen and Shannon Boucher exchanged early goals while Ryan Millar and Joe Brennan did likewise before Andrew McWhirter carried the day for Cookstown.

The result moves Cookstown level with Annadale on points but they are behind on goal difference in the battle to avoid automatic relegation.

For Dale’s part, James Cox struck a last minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Cork C of I. Andrew Daunt’s second quarter goal had given the Garryduff side the lead but the Lough Moss hosts fought back in the closing stages to earn the share of the spoils.

Monkstown, meanwhile, were comfortable winners over Pembroke for a third time this season, this time running up a 3-0 scoreline at Serpentine Avenue. Peter Caruth and Geoff Cole made it 2-0 by the 11th minute while Lee Cole close out the tie with a corner push. It strengthens their place in the EY Champions Trophy playoff places.

Men's EY Hockey League: Annadale 1 (J Cox) Cork C of I 1 (A Daunt); Glenanne 2 (S Boucher, J Brennan) Cookstown 3 (G Allen, R Millar, A McWhirter); Pembroke 0 Monkstown 3 (P Caruth, L Cole, G Cole); Lisnagarvey 4 (D Buser 2, A Williamson, T Cockram) Banbridge 0; Railway Union 0 Three Rock Rovers 1 (H Morris)

Men’s EY Hockey League – extended day 11 reports

Annadale 1 (James Cox) Cork C of I 1 (Andrew Daunt)

James Cox snatched a last gasp draw for Annadale to deny Cork C of I a first win since October for what could be an important point for the Lough Moss side in their bid to avoid relegation.

C of I had the first major chance with a fifth minute penalty corner which Richard Sweetnam flicked goalward but saw Peter McKibbin save well on the line. Otherwise, defences were dominant.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern as Robbie McGuire and Andrew McKibbin worked hard for Dale but no clear-cut chance was produced. Out of nothing, though, C of I’s Andrew Daunt was allowed break unchallenged into the circle and produced a stunning reverse stick shot for a 26th minute lead.

The hosts pushed forward in the second half and created two good chances, Chris Campbell going close on the reverse both times but Billy Lynch was able to block both. Daunt broke clear but Jonny Moore denied him a second goal in the one-on-one chance.

It kept the minimum between the sides going into the final quarter. Cork’s defence, marshalled by Andrew Gray and Sweetnam, continued to stand firm in ever more regular attacks. Annadale eventually won just their second corner in the dying seconds and Cox whipped it home for second goal in as many weeks to nick the draw.

Pembroke 0 Monkstown 3 (Peter Caruth, Lee Cole, Geoff Cole)

Monkstown continued their dominance over Pembroke with a third comprehensive win of the campaign over their Dublin rivals Pembroke, running out 3-0 winners. The result moves them four points clear of Banbridge, strengthening their hold on the second EY Champions Trophy place.

Most of the damage was done in the opening quarter with the opening goal taking just three minutes to arrive. Pembroke attempted to run the ball out of defence with Gareth Watkins quickly transferring the ball forward to Peter Caruth at the back post to hammer into the net.

It became 2-0 from a corner when an initial shot was saved but Geoff Cole gobbled up the rebound in the 11th minute. Monkstown continued to press in the early stages of the second quarter, keeping Harry Spain, Keith O’Hare and Adam Pritchard very busy. Pembroke did win their first corner on 26 minutes but it was cleared to keep the two-goal gap in place at half-time. And the games was effectively put to bed in the 36th minute following a corner switch which was pushed into the far corner by Lee Cole. The fourth quarter became a bit of a battle, losing its fluidity, with Jonny Bruton, Karl Smith and Ronan Flannery spending time in the sin-bin but it had little impact on the final outcome.

Lisnagarvey 4 (D Buser 2, A Williamson, T Cockram) Banbridge 0

Lisnagarvey defeated Banbridge 4-0 at Comber Road as a late brace by Daniel Buser secured the points following a prolonged period of intense Banbridge pressure. The result sees Garvey retain their seven-point gap at the top of the division, seeing off one of their major rivals for the second successive week. Andy Williamson gave Garvey a great start in a tight opening quarter as Mikey Watt continued his fine form, getting to the right baseline. He pulled the ball back to Williamson who had time to control and flick into the net.

The second quarter flowed from end to end with Buser’s first time lob going close to a second for Garvey while Timmy Cockram’s drag-flick – from a corner won by Watt – extended the advantage to 2-0. But Bann were well up for the challenge. Eugene Magee went within inches of getting one back from a corner, which he pulled onto his reverse and pinged the frame of the goal. A second corner from Stephen Dowds was deflected wide.

Owen Magee saw yellow early in the second half for a heavy tackle while Cockram took a green card. For the most part, Garvey were absorbing pressure but they still had danger on the counter when James Lorimer went close. John Tormey shut down another couple of Eugene Magee corner efforts to keep it 2-0 at the three quarter mark. Further corners were kept out in the early stages of the final quarter with Tormey denying Dowds while Williamson charged down another set piece.

But any thoughts of a comeback were put to bed in the last six minutes. A long overhead caught Bann too high up the pitch. Cockram’s shot was blocked but Buser followed up for 3-0. Watt then wriggled along the baseline to find Buser whose first time slap added more gloss to the scoreline.

Railway Union 0 Three Rock Rovers 1 (Harry Morris)

Three Rock Rovers returned to the top four with a narrow 1-0 win over Railway Union, a far cry from their 4-3 thriller in the Mills Cup a couple of weeks ago, in a very close-knit tie.

Indeed, only Mark English’s shot counted as a chance of note in the first quarter as Railway held more possession while Three Rock sat deep and looked to counter. Jody Hosking’s quick-thinking almost unlocked the door for Rovers in the second period when his quick free saw his cross flash across the face of goal.

Railway had a couple more clear chances with Mateusz Nowakowski brilliantly shut down by Jamie Carr while he also blocked an English close range effort. Early in the second half, though, they succumbed to the Rovers’ half-court trap, losing the ball in midfield and they quickly countered down the left wing, working the ball to Harry Morris who deflected home for 1-0.

In reply, James Dick hit the post to deny Railway an equaliser. They also had a series of final quarter corners, two of which were charged down while the third hit the net but too high from English’s first-up strike.



Glenanne 2 (Shannon Boucher, Joe Brennan) Cookstown 3 (Greg Allen, Ryan Millar, Andrew McWhirter)

Andrew McWhirter’s goal with six minutes remaining saw Cookstown land their second win of the campaign, moving them up to six points and level with Annadale.

It sets up two big games between the sides in the next couple of weeks in the battle to avoid the bottom rung of the table. This was their second win of the campaign against Glenanne who had been riding high in recent times.

Greg Allen and Shannon Boucher exchanged early goals while Ryan Millar and Joe Brennan did likewise before Andrew McWhirter carried the day for Cookstown.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Irish Women's EY Hockey League Round Up


Credit: Rowland White/Press Eye

UCD made the big move in the women’s EY Hockey League as their double victory over the weekend saw them jump into second place ahead of Railway Union and Pegasus.

They got the best of Railway 3-2 on Saturday afternoon thanks to goals from Emily Beatty, Deirdre Duke and Elaine Carey before running up a 3-1 win over UCC on Sunday in Cork.

It comes at an important time in the race for the guaranteed EY Champions Trophy playoff places which will be handed to the top three finishers.

Miles Warren’s side had fallen behind on Saturday against Railway early on but bounced back to lead 3-1 and they duly held off a concerted late fightback from their Sandymount rivals. The win against UCC was more routine.

Hermes dropped points for the first time in the campaign in a stunning 3-3 draw with Pegasus at Queen’s, their perfect run falling in game 13. Hannah Grieve’s deflected shot earned the Ulster side a share of the spoils after Hermes had led three times in a fantastically open, attacking tie.

The draw does not overly damage the Booterstown club’s chances of landing the title due to results elsewhere. They now need four points from their remaining five games to land the title.

Cork Harlequins produced a brilliant 16 minute spell that yielded four goals to see them get the better of Pembroke 5-1, leap-frogging their opponents in the process. Karen Bateman started the run in the 26th minute before Miriam Crowley, Yvonne O’Byrne and Cliodhna Sargent’s penalty stroke extended the gap to 4-0 and game over with 18 minutes left.

Ulster Elks ended their five game losing streak in some style, beating UCC 7-0 on Saturday before easing to a 3-0 win over Greenfields on Sunday. They jump up to sixth place and back into the mix for a playoff place.

Ards’ 2-0 win over Greenfields on Saturday, meanwhile, eases any imminent fears of being brought back into the mix for a relegation playoff place.

Women’s EY Hockey League

Saturday: UCC 0 Ulster Elks 7 (G Frazer 2, H Irwin 2, M Frazer, D Axon, J Page); Railway Union 2 (S Canning, E Lucey) UCD 3 (E Beatty, D Duke, E Carey); Cork Harlequins 5 (K Bateman, M Crowley, Y O’Byrne, C Sargent, O Roycroft) Pembroke 1 (E Hinkson); Pegasus 3 (A Speers, T Doherty, H Grieve) Hermes 3 (S Greene, E Curran, C McGilp); Ards 2 (K Harvey, C Brown) Greenfields 0

Sunday: UCC 1 (K Harvey) UCD 3; Ulster Elks 3 (J McMaster, J Page, M Frazer) Greenfields 0

Day 13 extended match reports

Saturday: UCC 0 Ulster Elks 7 (Gemma Frazer 2, Hannah Irwin 2, Megan Frazer, Dawn Axon, Jordan Page)

The Ulster Elks arrested their five-game losing streak in spectacular style with a 7-0 mauling of UCC at the Mardyke, putting crucial distance between them and the relegation playoff place as well as keeping alive an outside chance of a Champions Trophy spot.

Gemma Frazer’s corner goal put the Elks 1-0 up in the first quarter after they had done all the early running with Anna Kozniuk hitting the bar already. It was 3-0 by the end of the second quarter with Shirley McCay’s forays forward from the back doing the damage.

Megan Frazer scored a wonder goal, picking out the top corner from the right baseline, in stretching the lead further to 5-0 as Elks bossed all quarters and two more followed in the closing 15 minutes with Hannah Irwin ending with a double, as did Gemma Frazer, with Dawn Axon and Jordan Page also on the mark.

Railway Union 2 (Sarah Canning, Emer Lucey) UCD 3 (Emily Beatty, Deirdre Duke, Elaine Carey)

UCD recorded a crucial victory over Railway Union in the tight-knit battle for EY Champions Trophy places; at the end of Saturday, between second and fifthe place, four sides were covered by just three points for two automatic playoff spots on offer below Hermes.

Railway – who had Grace O’Flanagan, Emer Lucey and Julia O’Halloran back from injury but were without Kate McKenna, Kate Dillon and Orla Fox – got off to a great start as Sarah Canning scored from a corner in the third minute, netting from the second phase after Natasha Cooke’s initial stop.

Michelle Carey had a second effort cancelled out following a consultation between the umpires for a foot in the build-up, leaving the minimum between the sides at the end of the first quarter.

UCD, however, quickly turned things around with an excellent second quarter. Their first goal came from a quick counter with Emily Beatty finished off the move and while they too had an effort cancelled out soon after, they hit the front just before half-time. Deirdre Duke was the scorer when she pumped home a shot from the top of the circle for a 2-1 half-time lead.

Elaine Carey put UCD 3-1 up when she finished off a good move midway through the third quarter to give Miles Warren’s side a strong cushion. They had further corners to extend the lead further but O’Flanagan did well to keep them out, saving one with her helmet.

Railway bounced back in the closing quarter with Emma Smyth drawing a top save from Cooke. Lucey pulled one back with a straight strike from a corner which set up a thrilling finale. Smyth shot inches wide while two more corners were cleared but UCD clung on for the win.

Cork Harlequins 5 (Karen Bateman, Miriam Crowley, Yvonne O’Byrne, Cliodhna Sargent, Olivia Roycroft) Pembroke 1 (Erika Hinkson)

Four goals between the 26th and 42nd minute saw Cork Harlequins blitz Pembroke 5-1 and move back into the top half of the table. Quins were quickest out of the blocks, Karen Bateman creating the opening chance inside the first minute but she miscued her shot. As the quarter went on, Pembroke found their feet and won a corner which drew a good save from Sarah Clarke’s hit.

The home side upped the pace in the second quarter. A fine run from Olivia Roycroft resulted in a crisp pass to an unmarked Miriam Crowley who saw her shot expertly saved by Stella Davis in the Pembroke goal.

With Rachael Kohler starting to get more possession in midfield, it wasn’t long until Roycroft found herself in a one versus one situation with the Pembroke keeper. Again, it was Davis who came out on top.

But, in the 26th minute, Quins forced their first penalty corner and took the lead via a superb deflection from Bateman flying into the net to make it 1-0 to the home side. It precipitated a landslide of goals.

After a good run from Yvonne O’Byrne at the edge of the Pembroke circle, the ball fell to Crowley who smashed home to make it 2-0. Roycroft then found herself in possession just inside the Pembroke half.

Committing the last defender, she fed the ball to Bateman inside the circle who was brought down by the goalkeeper. Cliodhna Sargent stepped up to dispatch the resulting penalty stroke to make it 3-0.

O’Byrne tacked on a fourth goal from Quins’ second penalty corner with a deflection move. Pembroke got on the board in the closing quarter when Sargent was shown yellow for a loose tackle, resulting in a corner. Erika Hinkson dispatched her drag-flick.

But respite was short lived as Roycroft scored the goal of the game, her reverse-stick shot almost tearing the net as it flew into the top corner.

Pegasus 3 (Alex Speers, Taite Doherty, Hannah Grieve) Hermes 3 (Sarah Greene, Ellen Curran, Caitriona McGilp)

Pegasus made it an unlucky 13 for Hermes who dropped points for the first time this season as Hannah Grieve’s goal in the closing minutes garnered a 3-3 draw from a fantastic advertisement for the game.

It was thrill-a-minute from the very start, Steph Thompson’s early cross causing plenty of drama. Pegasus won the first of several corners after four minutes but Hermes’ defence held firm.

Slightly against the run of play, Hermes won their first corner and a slip to Sarah Greene led to a low shot into the corner passed Sammy Jo Greer. Pegasus refused to let Hermes settle on this lead and, within two minutes, Alex Speers got the equaliser - her reverse effort finding the net passed Emma Gray who was unsighted by her defender.

Pegasus failed to capitalise on a string of successive corners in the second quarter and, with three minutes left before half time, Hermes took the lead again. It was a good team goal and the pass to the midfield took out two Pegasus players leaving Hermes to find a free forward in the circle, Ellen Curran finishing from close in.

Eight minutes into the second half, Pegasus found the net again to level terms. The ever present Kate McConnell dispossessed her opposite number on the 23m line and immediately attacked the circle. Her pass found an unmarked Taite Doherty who coolly slipped the ball home.

The game continued at a fast pace with both teams playing top class hockey and looking to regain the lead. Three minutes into the final quarter and Hermes are the team to do just that as they were allowed to run the length of the field for Catriona McGilp to get the final touch.

Pegasus refused to let Hermes take hold of the quarter and, with six minutes to go, and what turns out to be their last penalty corner, Grieve's shot deflected off the front runners stick to give Gray in goal no chance to recover.

Both teams continued to search for the winner and Pegasus almost find that in the last few seconds of the game but the ball was deflected wide of the upright from the initial shot on goal.

Nonetheless, Hermes end the day 12 points clear of the chasers, needing just four points from the remaining 15 on offer to claim the regular season title.

Ards 2 (Kerry Harvey, Chloe Brown) Greenfields 0

First half goals from Kerry Harvey and Chloe Brown saw Ards put daylight between them and UCC in ninth place in the battle to avoid the relegation playoff tie.

The Ulster side were in control for the most part, Brown going close within two minutes of the first whistle. She also almost unlocked the door for Tamara Macleod whose crashing shot when just wide of the post. Becky Weir forced another save from Sinead Collins before the deadlock was broken in the eighth minute from Ards’ first penalty corner. Kerry Harvey deflected home for 1-0.

Her side would force a further four corners in this opening phase but could not extend the lead. Another two followed early in the second quarter before the lead was extended in the 28th minute. It came from an Ards free right on the edge of the circle.

Brown took it quickly, drove left along the edge of the circle, before cracking a reverse stick shot from the top of the circle to make it 2-0

The second half was an exercise in frustration as Ards won four more corners but only succeeded in drawing more great saves from Collins.

The game finished with another spell of Ards possession, with Greenfields threatening on the counter. Three more set pieces came and went but none were converted.

Sunday: Ulster Elks 3 (Jessica McMaster, Jordan Page, Megan Frazer) Greenfields 0

The Ulster Elks made it double success over the weekend with a win that moves them back into the top five as they well and truly put their run of defeats to bed with a second win in two days.

Jessica McMaster put Ricky Lee’s side 1-0 up after 11 minutes after a spate of early penalty corners. They created many more chances from the set piece but were unable to break through the defences of the Galway side’s defence until the final quarter when Megan Frazer finally added the second. Jordan Page tacked on a third toward the end to close out the 3-0 success.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Gladiators cage Vultures

Sweet revenge for Strathmore as they hit KU 5-1 in men’s hockey tie

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Hockey Men National League at City Park Strathmore University player Edgar Makete(l) the ball when as Parkroad Gilbert Langat blocks when they played Men National League at City Park. Sailors 1-0. ON 18/04/15 PHOTO; JENIPHER WACHIE

Kenya Men’s hockey premier league champions Strathmore University defeated Kenyatta University 5-1 at City Park Stadium over the weekend.

It was was sweet revenge for Strathmore’s Gladiators, who lost 4-0 to KU’s Vultures in the first-leg match.

Festus Onyango starred in the match, scoring three times for the two-time champions, while Derrick Kuloba and Job Jerry Ogaso scored one goal each for Strathmore, who won the national title in 2009 and 2010.

Gladiators’ head coach Meshack Senge said their main aim now is to win the remaining league matches and secure a good finish.

“We want to have a good finish, which means we must win our remaining matches. We lost to KU in the first leg not because they were too good, but because my boys underrated them. We learnt the hard way and we can’t afford to make the same mistakes in our next matches.”

As both teams settled in the game, league debutants KU brimmed with confidence following their impressive show in the first leg. However, their buoyancy was short-lived after Kuloba put the Gladiators ahead after 15 minutes, through a penalty stroke.

The Vultures intensified their hunt for an equaliser and their efforts paid off in the 24th minute as Matthew Pompo converted a penalty corner to restore parity. Onyango cut short KU’s celebration as he beat goalkeeper Cosmos Ike three minutes later as Gladiators led 2-1 at halftime. It was evident that KU were struggling without their hit-man Shadrack Ruto, who was unavailable as Strathmore dominated the match. Onyango sounded the boards in the 40th minute to consolidate their lead, before completing his hat-trick in the 54th minute.
See also: JKUAT student leaders trade punches

Ogaso, who is a former St. Anthony’s High School student, announced his arrival to top flight hockey in style after scoring in the 56th minute to make matters 5-1 for the Gladiators.

Ogaso and his St. Anthony’s teammate Peter Mwatha will join other students from East Africa as they battle for the Brookside Dairy hockey scholarship in a boot-camp that begins today at the university.

Former champions Kenya Police defeated United States International University of Africa 2-0 in another premier league encounter at the same venue. Two goals in each half were enough for Police as they seek to reclaim the title they lost last season to Butali Sugar Warriors.

Victor Wafula opened the scores three minutes to halftime, before Sammy Wokila sealed victory.

The Standard Online



SSP-MSP Thunderbolts on course

By Jugjet Singh

SSP-MSP Thunderbolts did just enough to collect three points to keep their title hopes alive when they edged SMKDBL Young Guns 3-2 in Division One of the Junior Hockey League yesterday.

The Pahang Sports School were a jaded side after a two-week break, but the three points were a welcome relief.

Coach Sufian Mohamed said: "We played well below our capabilities and I believe it was because of the long lay-off. I am not happy with the way they played, but the three points keep us in the hunt for our maiden title."

It will not be easy for SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts as they still have double champions SSTMI Thunderbolts to play.

"I'm more worried about our Wednesday game against Olak Tigers as we need to buck up fast and win that match before we can plan for the SSTMI game on Friday," said Sufian.

Kamil Yusop gave SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts the lead off an 18th minute field goal, but SMKDBL Young Guns equalised off Makmurmasuha Faisal in the 25th minute.

Pahang re-took the lead off Kamil Yusop in the 57th minute only to see SMKDBL Young Guns equalise again off Syazwan Shah in the 60th minute. However, Idris Samad made sure the three points with a 63rd minute penalty corner drive.

In another Division One match, UniKL Young Guns finally fired on all cylinders to beat Nur Insafi 7-0 to place one foot in the TNB Cup quarter-finals.

At the tail-end of the League four teams are battling for three quarter-finals slot with SSTMI Thunderbolts cementing theirs on 21 points and one match in hand.

The four are UniKL Young Guns, SSP-MSP Thunderbolts, BJSS Thunderbolts and Politeknik Malaysia.

RESULTS -- Division One: SSP-MSP-Thunderbolts 3 SMKDBL Young Guns 2, Nur Insafi 0 UniKL Young Guns 7, Politeknik 2 PJCC 1.

Division Two: Group A: MSS Kedah 5 Perlis Young Lions Jnrs 2, MCKK 0 Penang-USM 5; Group B: MISCF-UFL 3 STAR 3, MSSWPKL 2 Felda Juniors 0, Anderson PHA 3 BJSS Juniors 4; Group C: Datuk Taha 1 Malacca Young Hurricanes 2, SM Sains Johor 0 Pahang Hockey Academy 1 (match abandoned after nine minutes due to rain), Sabah Sports School 3 Malacca High Hercules 3.

DIVISION ONE

P W D L F A Pts

SSTMI TNDER' 7 7 0 0 34 9 21
UNIKL YOUNG GUNS 8 5 1 2 23 16 16
SSP-MSP-TNDER' 6 5 0 1 31 9 15
BJSS TNDER' 6 4 0 2 21 11 12
POLITEKNIK 7 3 1 3 11 11 10
OLAK TIGERS 7 3 0 4 17 24 9
SMKDBL YOUNG GUNS 8 2 1 5 15 20 7
PJCC 7 2 0 5 9 15 6
NURINSAFI 7 1 2 4 11 31 5
SSTMI JRS 7 0 1 6 6 32 1

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



Pahang sports school slog for win in junior hockey league

by S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: They were rusty after a two-week break, but Pahang Sports School (SSP)-MSP-Thunderbolt still managed to stay in the chase for the Division One title in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

A hard-fought 3-2 win over SMK Datuk Bentara Luar (SMKDBL) at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium on Sunday puts the Pahang team in third spot with 15 points.

With three matches in hand, they trail leaders and defending champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI)-Thunderbolt by six points. SSTMI have two matches left.

This has made the top two teams’ clash on Feb 19 a definite title fight.

Pahang Sports School team manager Wan Mazlan Isa admitted that his boys were match-rusty after the break.

“Like I had said, the break was too long for my players. But we’ve got full points and that keeps us in the title mix. There is no doubt that Feb 19 will be a big day for both teams,” he said.

“Of course before that we need to beat Olak on Wednesday.

“Otherwise, it’s all over for us.

“One thing we were able to do with the win today is to virtually book ourselves a place among the top four.”

In the match, Mohd Kamil Mohd Yusop (18th and 57th) and Muhamed Idris Samad (63rd) scored for the Pahang Sports School while Makmurmasuha Faisal (25th) and Mohamad Syazwan Shah (60th) replied for SMKDBL.

In another match, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) stayed second after thumping Nur Insafi 7-0 at the Sungai Petani Hockey Stadium.

UniKL have 16 points but are out of the running for the title.

At the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru, Politeknik Malaysia edged Petaling jaya City Council (MBPJ) 2-1 to keep alive their chances of a top-four finish.

The Star of Malaysia



Former international Shepherdson passes away

by S. Ramaguru



KUALA LUMPUR: Former Olympian and double international Michael Francis (Mike) Shepherdson passed away at the Pantai Medical Centre here at 11.40pm on Saturday. He was 85.

Mike was a legend in the hockey fraternity, having represented the nation in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and also in two Asian Games – Tokyo in 1958 and Jakarta in 1962.

But it wasn’t just hockey that he excelled in.

Mike captained both the national cricket and hockey teams – and even found time to represent Selangor in football as a goalkeeper.

Mike also earned the rare distinction of being selected by journalists to be included in the World XI hockey team after the Melbourne Olympics – the first Malayan to achieve the feat.

He went on to represent the country in hockey in the Asian Games in Tokyo in 1958 and Jakarta in 1962 where Malaya won a bronze medal.

In 2011, he was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s (OCM) Hall of Fame for his sporting achievements.

Mike was just as prolific in cricket, earning the distinction of being the most successful batsman. He is considered one of the best cricketer Malaysia has produced.

Shepherdson holds the record of nailing 132 runs against Hong Kong in the Inter-Port match in 1961.

Datuk Dr Harjit Singh, the president of Johor Cricket who knew Shepherdson personally, said he was deeply grieved by the loss.

“He’s the finest batsman Malaysia has ever produced ... a sharp cover fielder and occasional slow-medium bowler,” said Dr Harjit.

“He was the second Malaysian, along with Gurucharan Singh, to be mentioned in the Wisden Almanac of 1959 after Lall Singh (1933).

“In hockey, Mike was the best centrehalf of his era and had his career shortened by his premature retirement from international hockey in 1962.

“He also represented Selangor at football for a brief spell. He was my mentor. Mike volunteered to coach school boys in Johor for short spells in 1988 and 1989 after his retirement.

“I will always revere him as a gentleman sportsman, a great friend and the finest example of a simple, humble and caring personality.”

Mike leaves behind three children – Aubrey, Brenda and Jacqueline.

Those who wish to pay their last respects can do so at 38, Jalan Tempinis 2, Lucky Gardens, Bangsar.

The funeral will be held on Thursday at 11am at the Fatima Church in Brickfields.

The Star of Malaysia

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