News for 17 February 2016
All the news for Wednesday 17 February 2016
Nelson scores equaliser
Ashleigh Nelson’s equaliser helped Australia from behind to secure a 3-3 draw
Ashleigh Nelson’s equalising goal in the 54th minute of the match, coupled with Great Britain’s missed penalty corner opportunity late on, helped Australia come back from behind to secure a 3-3 draw on the final siren in the third match of the series.
Australia came from behind on three occasions, Gabrielle Nance, Karri McMahon and Nelson pegging back goals from Crista Cullen, Ellie Watton and Helen Richardson-Walsh.
Frustrated with the final result, Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said, “I thought we played well for a new group with the team showcasing seven new players. We combined well to create numerous attacks with Great Britain defending doggedly, however, unfortunately we only ended up with a draw rather than a win.”
It was an exciting milestone match for young Victorian Madi Ratcliffe, who made her senior international debut in the Hockeyroos’ bodysuit. Commens officially presented Ratcliffe with her green and gold kit during a team briefing prior to the match.
Speaking about Madi Ratcliffe’s international debut, Commens added, “Madi ran really hard tonight and she didn’t look out of place in terms of her defensive intensity. There were some moments where she was a little lost on where to lead, however, that will come with more time on the pitch. She had some great touches in the circle, which ultimately lead to us scoring one of our goals tonight.”
Awarded the first penalty corner opportunity seven minutes into the match, Great Britain’s Crista Cullen sent an on-target drag flick past Australian goalkeeper Rachael Lynch and into the back of the net, setting the visitors up with an early 1-0 lead.
Following one minute later, Australia quickly responded to Great Britain’s opening goal. Picking up the rebound off the pads of the Great Britain goalkeeper Kirsty Mackay, Gabrielle Nance swept the ball into the backboard of goals, levelling the match 1-1.
Ellie Watton’s strike from the top of the circle, one minute after the halftime break, was all it took to push Great Britain in front with a 2-1 lead.
It was at the 37th minute mark, when Victorian Laura Barden earned Australia a much needed penalty stroke after going one-on-one with Great Britain’s keeper. Stepping up to the spot, Karri McMahon coolly slotted the ball home, equalising the match for the second time, 2-2.
Defender Karri McMahon was welcomed back into the squad after rehabbing a stress fracture in her pelvis, which kept her out of the recent TPG Singapore series and the first two matches of the Great Britain series in Bunbury.
Helen Richardson-Walsh broke the 2-2 deadlock with Australia in the 47th minute, after her quick deflection slid past Lynch who was under the bar for Australia.
Six minutes before the final siren, Western Australia’s representative Ashleigh Nelson showcased world class skill to overcome Great Britain’s defence. Slotting the ball into the net, Nelson secured the equaliser, resulting in the Hockeyroos securing a final 3-3 draw to keep the series levelled.
Milestones were also made by Great Britain’s captain Kate Richardson-Walsh, who has equalled Karen Brown’s all time playing record of 355 matches. Alike Australian captain Madonna Blyth, Richardson-Walsh will be named Great Britain’s highest capped female player on 356 matches if she is named in the line-up for the fourth match of the series Thursday night. Forward Ellie Watton also made her 50th appearance.
The Hockeyroos’ fourth match of the series will be played on Thursday at 6pm AWST at the Perth Hockey Stadium. The match will be streamed live on epicentre.tv from 5:45pm AWST / 8:45pm AEDT.
Great Britain Series
Match 3
HOCKEYROOS: 3 (1)
Gabrielle Nance 8 (FG)
Karri McMahon 37 (PS)
Ashleigh Nelson 54 (FG)
GREAT BRITAIN: 3 (1)
Crista Cullen 7 (PC)
Ellie Watton 31 (FG)
Helen Richardson-Walsh 47 (FG)
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE HOCKEYROOS’ THIRD MATCH AGAINST GREAT BRITAIN BACK ON DEMAND
Hockeyroos' squad v Great Britain
Started
Laura Barden (Kew, VIC) 9/3
Madonna Blyth (Brisbane, QLD) 322/70
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 95/2
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 82/9
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 94/2
Anna Flanagan (Canberra, ACT) 159/34
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 28/4
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 168/33
Ashleigh Nelson (Wagin, WA) 197/68
Casey Sablowski (South Coast, NSW) 234/44
Rachael Lynch (Melbourne, VIC) 142/0
Used Substitute
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) [SASI athlete] 22/2
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 86/9
Madi Ratcliffe (Warrnambool, VIC) 1/0
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 39/11
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW) 5/1
Renee Taylor (Everton Park, QLD) 11/0
Did Not Play
Teneal Attard (Mackay, QLD) 220/10
Jocelyn Bartram (Albury, NSW) 0/0
Madison Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) [QAS athlete] 14/3
Kate Hanna (Constitution Hill, NSW) 6/0
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 159/93
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW) 0/0
Georgie Parker (Berri, SA) 88/26
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 76/13
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 140/57
Ashlee Wells (Moe, VIC) 67/0
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 92/29
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW) 35/5
Fixtures & Results
Friday 12 February: Bunbury & Districts Hockey Stadium (4-3 AUS)
Sunday 14 February: Bunbury & Districts Hockey Stadium (1-0 GBR)
Tuesday 16 February: Perth Hockey Stadium (3-3)
Thursday 18 February: 9:00pm AEDT / 6:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium
Saturday 20 February: 6:00pm AEDT / 3:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium
Sunday 21 February: 6:00pm AEDT / 3:00pm AWST, Perth Hockey Stadium
Hockey Australia media release
Honours even in third test between Great Britain and Australia
Crista Cullen opened the scoring for Great Britain. Credit Frank Uijlenbroek
Great Britain and Australia could not be separated in the third test of this six-match series, playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw in Perth. Goals from Crista Cullen, Ellie Watton and Helen Richardson-Walsh were not enough as the hosts hit back via Gabrielle Nance, Karri McMahon and Ashleigh Nelson.
With honours even in the match, the series is finely balanced at 1-1 with three matches still to play.
Chances were hard to come by in the opening exchanges but after seven minutes Danny Kerry’s side won a penalty corner. Cullen stepped up and rifled the ball into the net to make it 1-0 to the visitors. The joy was short lived, however as a minute later Gabrielle Nance levelled it up from open play. Kirsty Mackay was called upon to make a good save from Casey Sablowski and then Sam Quek put her body on the line with two brave tackles in quick succession to deny Kathryn Slattery. The Australia No20 had another gilt-edged opportunity to give her side the lead when the ball broke to her in the circle but a diving Cullen pulled off a miraculous block to prevent Slattery from scoring right in front of the goal.
The Hockeyroos showed no signs of letting up and forced a penalty corner in the second quarter. With no Jodie Kenny in the side today, Georgina Morgan took the responsibility but Mackay was down quickly to make the save. The Great Britain goalkeeper was being kept busy and did well to foil Grace Stewart whose follow up was cleared off the line by Hollie Webb. Adam Commens’ team put Great Britain under immense pressure. Quek continued her impressive defensive work, ably assisted by Laura Unsworth and Great Britain stood firm to head into the half time break all square.
Within seconds of the restart Watton, making her 50th international appearance marked the occasion with an unerring finish, slamming the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the circle to make it 2-1. With players starting to tire, a blistering burst of pace from Susannah Townsend carved the Australian defence open. The Canterbury star fed Bray whose pass was cut out by goalkeeper Rachael Lynch. The loose ball fell to Watton but she could not make a connection and the chance was gone. Great Britain were made to pay in the 37th minute when Australia were awarded a penalty stroke. Karri McMahon converted to restore parity once again going into the final quarter.
As they had in the previous quarter Great Britain caught their opponents cold at the start of the final 15 minutes. A drive down the baseline and cut back was expertly finished by Helen Richardson-Walsh at the near post to make it 3-2. Australia hit back and forced a penalty corner at the other end. Morgan took the shot once again but this time it thundered off the crossbar and away to safety. Great Britain upped the intensity and began to force the Hockeyroos onto the back foot. A sweeping move caused havoc in the circle but Unsworth was unable to find the target, her backhand strike flashing just wide. Despite more heroic defending from Quek, with six minutes left, Australia made it 3-3. Ashleigh Nelson touched home Grace Stewart’s pass from close range to set up a tense final few minutes. A great break from Bray and Joie Leigh won a penalty corner with under a minute to play but despite Watton lifting the ball into the net a free-hit had been awarded to the hosts and it ended all square.
Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh, who today levelled Karen Brown’s all time appearances record said afterwards:
“That was a really tight game. The first two matches were close but this one was even closer. It felt like the heat took it out of both sides and we had to contend with a few injuries but we did well and are pleased with a draw. We’ll go back, debrief this one and come out strong for the next game. We’ve lost a couple of players in Lily [Owsley] and Alex [Danson] but we brought a big squad, we’ll cope with and we’ll be fine.
I felt 35 years old out there today! It’s a massive honour to equal Karen Brown’s record. It feels like we’ve been talking about it for a while so I can’t wait to break the record. It’ll be really nice to get there, a really huge honour.”
Alex Danson injured her hand in training before the first match in Australia and will be flying home tonight, February 16th, to receive further treatment to facilitate a quick recovery.
Lily Owsley fractured her right clavicle during the first Test Match in Bunbury on Friday 12th February. In order for her to recover as quickly as possible she will have an operation to pin the bone in Perth this evening, February 16th, and will be able to return with the Squad on February 22nd.
We do not anticipate any problems in both making a full and timely recovery.
This close series is certainly living up to its billing with some outstanding hockey in the opening three games.
The series is now tied at one game apiece with three left to play. The next match is on Thursday 18 February at 10am UK time.
Australia 3 (1)
Gabrielle Nance 8 (FG)
Karri McMahon 37 (PS)
Ashleigh Nelson 54 (FG)
Great Britain 3 (1)
Crista Cullen 7 (PC)
Ellie Watton 31 (FG)
Helen Richardson-Walsh 47 (FG)
Great Britain Hockey media release
Australia peg injury-hit Great Britain back in the test series in Bunbury
By Mike Haymonds
Crista Culen was one of many GB players to struggle with injuries. HockeyImages.co.uk
GREAT BRITAIN led three times but had to settle for a 3-3 draw with Australia in the third of a six-test series, now level at 1-1, as their injury woes continued.
Crista Cullen, who scored GB’s opening goal, went to hospital with suspected concussion after previous injuries to two other key players. Alex Danson injured a hand in training before the first Test and is flying home for treatment.
Lily Owsley, the recently crowned FIH Rising Star, fractured her collar bone early in the first test and is being operated on locally but is staying with the squad.
The match, played in extreme heat, had two milestones as GB captain Kate Richardson-Walsh equalled Karen Brown’s record as the most capped British international player with 355 appearances while Ellie Watton reached 50 combined caps.
Ellie Watton in action for GB against Australia in Bunbury. HockeyImages.co.uk
It was only the third draw in 40 meetings of the two nations and Cullen was also the scorer in the most recent, a 1-1 tie in 2010. She only returned to the centralised GB Olympic training squad four months ago after retiring post-London 2012.
Her opening goal came from GB’s first penalty corner in the 12th minute but Australia equalised a minute later with a Gabrielle Nance deflection. 23 seconds into the third quarter Watton restored GB’s lead but Karri McMahon levelled from the penalty spot six minutes later.
Helen Richardson-Walsh fired home a third on 47 minutes after good approach play by the lone Scot Sarah Robertson but Ashleigh Nelson ensured honours ended even with a 54th minute strike.
Kate Richardson-Walsh said: “That was a really tight game. The first two matches were close but this was even closer. It felt like the heat took it out of both sides and we had to contend with a few injuries but we did well and are pleased with the draw.
“We’ve lost a couple of players but we brought a big squad, we’ll cope with and we’ll be fine.
“I felt 35 years’ old today! It’s a massive honour to equal Karen Brown’s record. It feels like we’ve been talking about it for a while so I can’t wait to break the record. It’ll be nice to get there, a really huge honour.”
Daily Express
Hockey Test matches for Western Cape
The SA men's and women's hockey teams take on international opposition from February 20 to March 5 in the Private Property Summer Series in the Western Cape.
The SA women face India, Scotland and Germany, while the SA men tackle Germany.
The 10 matches, from Saturday, February 20 to Saturday, March 5, have all been designated official Test match status.
The SA women's team tackle India twice, Scotland in three matches, and Germany in two matches.
The SA men's team come up against Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games champions Germany on three occasions.
FIXTURES
(at Hartleyvale unless stated)
Sat, Feb 20: SA women vs India (4pm)
Sun, Feb 21: SA women vs India (4pm)
Wed, Feb 24: SA women vs Scotland (6pm)
Fri, Feb 26: SA men vs Germany (6pm)
Sat, Feb 27: SA women vs Scotland (4pm)
Sat, Feb 27: SA men vs Germany (6pm)
Sun, Feb 28: SA women vs Scotland (6pm)
Mon, Feb 29: SA men vs Germany (6pm)
Fri, Mar 4: SA women vs Germany (5pm, Bishops)
Sat, Mar 5: SA women vs Germany (4pm, Stellenbosch)
SA Hockey Association media release
Caldas calls up 14 EHL players to Olympic squad
Fourteen players destined for the EHL KO16 in late March have been named in the Dutch Olympic squad named by Max Caldas this week.
Oranje Zwart’s Sander Baart, Jelle Galema, Rob van der Horst, Joep de Mol, Niek van der Schoot, Bob de Voogd and Mink van der Weerden; Amsterdam’s Billy Bakker, Mirco Pruyser and Valentin Verga and Kampong’s Lars Balk, Constantijn Jonker, Robbert Kemperman and Sander de Wijn are the players called up to the squad.
Bloemendaal’s Thierry Brinkman, Jonker and HGC goalkeeper Sam van der Ven have been added to the training group who took part in winter training in Argentina in January, the only three changes. The training group starting February 29 with the preparatory programme.
Euro Hockey League media release
FIH confirms rule amendment to attacking Free Hits within the 23 metres area
To be applied with immediate effect to International Hockey
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed today an amendment to the ‘Rules of Hockey’ to clarify Rule 13.2 in relation to attacking Free Hits within the 23 metres area.
Following the amendment, the Rule now states that at all attacking Free Hits within the 23 metres area, the ball cannot be played into the circle until it has travelled at least five metres or been touched by a defending player.
This amendment removes the possibility for the attacker to touch the free hit for a teammate to run on to and play the ball into the circle.
One additional piece of guidance has also been added in relation to the amendment. Following a time stoppage after the award of an attacking free hit inside the 23 metres area, upon the re-start, all players other than the player taking the free hit must be at least five metres from the ball.
This amendment follows feedback to the FIH Rules Committee from Technical Delegates, coaches and athletes.
Other than the above, the Rule and its interpretation remains exactly the same as before. The proposed adjustment is not seen as a major variance to the Rule, but a sensible clarification to avoid unfair and potentially dangerous play.
The adjustment to Rule 13.2 and its guidance applies with immediate effect to International Hockey in order to give teams who are preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro maximum time to adjust to the change.
As is normal, National Associations are able to decide upon the date for the adoption of this Rule adjustment, according to the dates of their Outdoor seasons.
This latest amendment is a further indication of FIH’s openness to change, a key attribute vital to the Hockey Revolution – the 10 year strategy aimed at making hockey a global game that inspires the next generation.
13.2 - Procedures for taking a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play after it has been outside the field:
All parts of this Rule apply as appropriate to a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play after it has been outside the field.
(a) the ball must be stationary
(b) opponents must be at least 5 metres from the ball
If an opponent is within 5 metres of the ball, they must not interfere with the taking of the free hit or must not play or attempt to play the ball. If this player is not playing the ball, attempting to play the ball or influencing play, the free hit need not be delayed.
(c) when a free hit is awarded to the attack within the 23 metres area, all players other than the player taking the free hit must be at least 5 metres from the ball, except as specifically indicated below for attacking free hits awarded within 5 metres of the circle
(d) the ball is moved using a hit, push, flick or scoop
(e) the ball may be raised immediately using a push, flick or scoop but must not be raised intentionally using a hit
(f) from a free hit awarded to the attack within the 23 metres area, the ball must not be played into the circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres or has been touched by a player of the defending team
If the player taking the free hit continues to play the ball (ie no defending player has yet touched it), that player may play the ball any number of times, but the ball must travel at least 5 metres before that player plays the ball into the circle by hitting or pushing the ball again.
Alternatively, after a defending player has touched the ball, it can be played into the circle by any other player including the player who took the free hit.
At an attacking free hit awarded within 5 metres of the circle, the ball cannot enter the circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres or it has been touched by a defending player.
On this basis, defenders who are inside the circle within 5 metres of the free hit are therefore not interfering with play and may also shadow around the inside of the circle a player who takes a self-pass, provided that they do not play or attempt to play the ball or influence play until it has either travelled at least 5 metres or alternatively has been touched by a defending player who can legitimately play the ball.
Players inside or outside the circle who were 5 metres or more from the point of the free hit at its award are not allowed to move to and then remain in a stationary position within 5 metres of the ball as the free hit is taken.
Other than indicated above, any playing of the ball, attempting to play the ball or interference by a defender or an attacker who was not 5 metres from the ball, should be penalised accordingly.
Following a time stoppage after the award of an attacking free hit inside the 23 metres area, upon the re-start all players other than the player taking the free hit must be at least 5 metres from the ball.
It is permitted to play the ball high above the attacking circle so that it lands outside the circle subject to Rules related to dangerous play and that the ball is not legitimately playable inside or above the circle by another player during its flight.
FIH site
Dabang Mumbai rises to the occasion
Nandakumar Marar
Florian Fuchs of Dabang Mumbai is cock-a-hoop after slotting home a field goal. Photo: Prashant Nakwe
Goalkeeper David Harte came up with a series of saves, while Gurjant Singh, Florian Fuchs and Affan Yousuf scored a field goal each in Dabang Mumbai’s 6-3 win over Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the CIL Hockey India League on Tuesday.
Wizards’ custodian P.R. Sreejesh saved a penalty stroke in his typical confident manner, but finished on the losing side in a must-win game for both teams. He stood helpless when a Gurjant attempt, from an acute angle, went in off a defender’s deflection.
Fuchs’s anticipation and reaction as he scooped in a short pass was top-class.
When Yousuf dived to sweep home Dabang’s third field goal, almost at the hooter, Wizards had no goalkeeper. Coach Roger van Gent had taken off Sreejesh and thrown in an extra forward as the team trailed 3-4 with two minutes left.
Dabang has four wins and six losses in 10 games, while the visitors suffered their sixth defeat in 10 matches.
The former moved to the fifth spot with 25 points while Wizards remained on 25 points but slipped to sixth due to an inferior (minus 12) goal difference.
The result: Dabang Mumbai 6 (Gurjant Singh 14 fg, Florian Fuchs 42 fg, Affan Yousuf 59 fg) bt UP Wizards 3 (V.R. Raghunath 19 pc, Chinglensana Singh 30 fg).
The Hindu
Mumbai knock Wizards out
Rohan Alvares
Dabang Mumbai players celebrate after scoring a goal. (TOI Photo)
MUMBAI: Dabang Mumbai produced an inspired second half comeback to beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 6-3 at the MHA-Mahindra Stadium here on Tuesday, thus keeping alive their slim hopes of reaching the semifinals of the Hockey India League for the first time.
Trailing 2-3 at half time, Mumbai's German import in attack Florian Fuchs struck with his fifth field goal of the tournament in the latter stages of the third quarter which turned the tie in the hosts' favour. With Mumbai leading 4-3 at this point, the Wizards, needing a win themselves to make the semis, went for an audacious gamble with two and a half minutes left on the clock.
Coach Roger van Gent brought off regular goalkeeper PR Sreejesh leaving VR Raghunath in charge of last man duties. The move backfired as Mumbai forward Gurjant Singh, who had opened the scoring on the evening, exploited the ample space left on the counter and passed for Affan Yousuf, who committed a full stretched lunge to steer the ball into the net and put the result beyond doubt.
Having been guilty of squandering good positions in many of their games, Mumbai coach Jay Stacy was understandably pleased at the way his side held on to their cushion in such a crucial tie. "We showed good character to see the game out Tuesday. The squad has been learning along the way and been continuously getting better," said Stacy, reserving praise for both Fuchs and goalkeeper David Harte who were both exceptional on the night.
Wizards are now out of the reckoning while Mumbai's fate depends on the last league match between Delhi Waveriders and Kalinga Lancers.
The Times of India
Dabang Mumbai beat UP Wizards to keep semifinal hope alive
Dishing out a superlative display, Dabang Mumbai swamped Uttar Pradesh Wizards 6-3 in their concluding round-robin game of the Hockey India League to keep their hopes of entering the semifinals alive, in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Mumbai scored three excellent field goals, which count as a double strike as per the rules of the tournament, through Gurjant Singh (14th minute), Florian Fuchs (42nd) and Yosuf Affan (59th). For UP Wizards, who were knocked out of semifinal contention, V R Raghunath (19th penalty corner) and Chinglensana Singh (30th field goal), were the goal-getters. It was only the fourth win for Mumbai from 10 outings, but it was enough to put them level on points with Kalinga Lancers (25) who play Delhi Waveriders on Wednesday in the last round robin encounter.
If Lancers win, Mumbai will be through, but if Delhi win they will be through as goal difference will come into play to decide the final semifinal spot from among Lancers and Mumbai. With both the teams UP Wizards and Mumbai facing a must-win situation for a berth in the last four round, the game got off to a breezy start. UP Wizards took the first shy at the rival goal in the second minute but Akashdeep Singh's shot was blocked with his pads by Mumbai custodian David Harte, who had an outstanding game.
Gurjant Singh then hit wide a superb long through ball from his Mumbai teammate Harmanpreet Singh but made amends off a counter-attack later with a field effort, two minutes from the end of the first quarter, that counted as a double strike. The counter-punch, leading to the fine field goal, came after Harte had come up with a good save, palming a penalty corner drag flick by V R Raghunath. Gurjant tried to pass the ball to teammate Florian Fuchs but the ball was deflected into the goal by UP's Chinglensana. UP Wizards were down to 10 men at this time following the yellow card suspension of their skipper Eddie Ockenden.
UP Wizards, down 0-2 at the end of the first quarter, attacked with vigour and forced three penalty corners early in the second quarter. They succeeded with the third attempt when Raghunath beat Harte with a shot that hit the board. Hard-working Mumbai captain Matthew Swann showed a clean pair of heels with his dribbling skills to get past a host of defenders but he was stopped in the nick of time.
At the other end UP Wizards, desperate for the equaliser, got a bonus when Chinglensana hit the roof of the net with a sweep after trapping a goalmouth clearance just inside the circle to ensure UP Wizards trooped off at the end of the second quarter with a 3-2 advantage.
The third quarter commenced with Mumbai pressing hard for a goal and nearly got one as they earned a penalty stroke from their first penalty corner in the 37th minute. But Jeremy Hayward's flick from the spot was well anticipated by India and UP Wizards custodian PR Sreejesh who blocked it with his pads to dash the home team's hopes.
UP Wizards then forced a penalty corner that was wasted and Mumbai counter-punched effectively with a quick move on the left flank that saw Nilakanta Sharma lay an inch-perfect square pass to his right for the opportunistic German Florian Fuchs to shoot home from the top of the circle which completely beat Sreejesh on his left side.
The brilliant field goal put Mumbai 4-3 ahead with three minutes left in the third quarter and the two teams ended it in the same position. Mumbai pressed on even after going ahead and after missing a few chances got a great goal in the dying minutes after UP Wizards pulled out Sreejesh. Affan dived full length to connect a centre from Gurjant on his left to complete a memorable day for the home team.
DNA
Leo and Dragons return with Belgian league wins
EHL-bound Royal Leopold and Dragons returned to Belgian league action with strong victories but KHC Leuven’s difficulties continued as they fell to Racing Club de Bruxelles.
For Léo, Dorian Thiery made his comeback after a long spell out with injury. Maxime PlennevauxetTanguy Zimmer, from a corner, gave them a 2-0 advantage against Herakles before Jeremy Schuermans got one back.
The second goal from Zimmer, though, gave the Brussels side a 3-1 lead that they would not give up. Léo sit in third place, comfortably in the playoff places but seven points off Dragons at the top.
Dragons beat Pingouin 5-0 with goals from Shane O’Donoghue, Manu Stockbroekx,Felix Denayer and Thomas Verheyen. They are two points ahead of Racing who were 3-2 winners against Leuven.
The Bruxellois led 3-0 thanks to two goals from Cédric Charlier and one from Tom Boon. Pau Quemada – the 2015 golden stick winner – got two back but the Leuven comeback fell just short.
Elsewhere, the surprise of the weekend was Beerschot’s 2-1 win over Waterloo Ducks. William Ghislain, aged just 16, gave the Ducks a fifth minute lead butGaëtan Perez got Le Bee back into the game before Jérôme Saeys won the tie.
Daring beat Antwerp 5-0 and Braxgata saw off La Gantoise 5-1.
Euro Hockey League media release
Pakistan PM rewards hockey players
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced cash prize of Rs500,000 for each member of the hockey team for winning a gold medal in the 12th South Asian Games.
Pakistan beat India 1-0 in the final of the South Asian Games to complete the hat-trick of winning the same title.
“We are very happy to know that the prime minister has announced Rs500,000 for each player for the team’s victory in the South Asian Games,” Pakistan Hockey Federation president retired Brigadier Khalid Khokar told Dawn.
A statement issued by the PHF stated that the prime minister’s gesture speaks volumes about his love and passion for the game of hockey.
Meanwhile, trials to select players from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Fata, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK will be held at the Lala Ayub Stadium, Peshawar on Feb 20.
The best possible squad will be selected at the end of the trials to form a formidable Pakistan senior team which will take part in the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup scheduled to be held from April 7 to 17 in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Dawn
BJSS must win all three matches to clinch second spot
by Aftar Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS)-Thunderbolt have a chance to finish as Division One runners-up in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
The former champions are fourth in the 10-team standings with 12 points from four wins and two losses.
Double champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI)-Thunderbolt lead the standings with the maximum 21 points from seven matches. Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) are second with 16 points from eight matches while Pahang Sports School (SSP)-MSP-Thunderbolt are third with 15 points from six matches.
So, BJSS have to win their three remaining matches if they are to seal the runner-up spot.
They take on Politeknik Malaysia at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday; Nur Insafi at the same venue on Friday; and wrap up their fixtures against Olak-Tigers at the Tun Razak Stadium in Jalan Duta on Sunday.
That’s quite a tough ask, but one that BJSS team manager K. Rajan welcomes.
“We gave favourites SSTMI a good fight by taking a 5-3 lead before finally going down 6-5,” said the former national junior coach.
“My boys have shown improvement in every match and did reasonably well to score 21 goals – 13 field goals and eight penalty corners – in six matches.
“I’m confident they will go all out in the three remaining matches to collect full points. But, we’re expecting a strong challenge from Politeknik ... they edged last year’s runners-up UniKL 1-0 in the league match.
“If we can beat Politeknik and win our two remaining games, we can finish second ... but it will also depend on the Pahang Sports School’s results in their last three matches.”
The Pahang Sports School have one distinct advantage as their last three games will all be at home.
They will take on Olak-Tigers in Kuantan on Wednesday before facing what is being billed as the title showdown against defending champions SSTMI also on Friday. They will wrap up their fixtures against Politeknik Malaysia on Sunday.
The Star of Malaysia
Horst Wein R.I.P
Horst Wein is no more.
By Cedric D'Souza
The hockey and soccer fraternity lost one of its most celebrated and charismatic figures on the 14th February.
Horst the doyen of modern coaching initiated structured coaching and how to think outside the box. His numerous books, CDs and DVDs speak volumes for themselves, which has made such an influence and impact on us coaches. However, if one had to take just one point that stands out apart from so many things he gave us, it was Game Intelligence.
Like me, there will be numerous coaches across the globe who as a respect for the great man would have said a prayer on his demise. The last time we spoke he promised to come visit and stay with me in Vienna in the summer, sadly for me that will not happen now.
So from an ever grateful ardent follower and student I can say with total conviction and sincerity, "Horst to me you were my mentor, my guru and my dear friend."
May your soul rest in peace but may your legacy remain forever.