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All the news for Tuesday 23 February 2016

South Africa tour gives Scots opportunity to plan for the future



Scotland Senior Women have travelled to sunnier climes in the southern hemisphere for a ten day training camp and international matches against South Africa, India and Germany.

The squad will be based in Stellenbosch, South Africa and Head Coach Gordon Shepherd has a clear focus for this trip; blooding new players at senior international level and providing them with exposure to competition against the World’s top sides.

“We go to South Africa with a clear focus on player development and giving younger players the opportunity to gain experience against three of the world’s top hockey nations”, said Shepherd.

“If you consider that the average cap tally at the Commonwealth Games under two years ago was 110, compared to an average cap tally of 22 for this trip, it is clear that the squad is inexperienced at this level.

“However, I am excited by the prospect of bringing new players into the squad and look forward to seeing them test themselves against the quality of the opposition that we will be up against. It gives players the opportunity to demonstrate ability at this level and start making a case for future inclusion for international matches and competitions between now and next year.

“Of course, the trip also has a training camp focus to it, so the extended time away gives us the chance to have quality contact time with the players and work on a number of different areas.”



Seven of the 23-strong squad will make their debut for the senior side in an outdoor international, including goalkeeper Jayne McLaughlin, school pupils Amy Costello and Charlotte Watson, Kate Holmes, Claire Hill and Heather Howie.

Moreover, only five of the group that played in the EuroHockey Nations Championship in London last summer will feature; Becky Merchant, Becky Ward, Nicki Skrastin, Nikki Lloyd and Susan McGilveray.

The matches against South Africa carry full test-match status, while the India (2) and Germany (1) encounters will be treated as friendlies.

The first match against the host nation will take place on Wednesday.

Scotland Senior Women: Jennifer Eadie (Clydesdale Western), Lucy Camlin (Edinburgh University), Amy Costello (CALA Edinburgh), Emily Newlands (Watsonians), Rebecca Ward (Dundee Wanderers), Heather Lang (Clydesdale Western), Katie Robertson (Grove Menzieshill), Charlotte Watson (Dundee Wanderers), Karin Belch (Grove Menzieshill), Rebecca Merchant (Edinburgh University), Claire Hill (Edinburgh University), Susan McGilveray (Clydesdale Western), Nicola Lloyd (Wimbledon), Millie Brown (Clydesdale Western), Heather Howie (Clydesdale Western), Nicola Skrastin (Mannheimer), Kate Holmes (Clifton), Robyn Collins (Surbiton), Fiona Burnet (Clifton), Rebecca Condie (University of Birmingham), Jayne McLaughlin (Western Wildcats), Emma McGregor (CALA Edinburgh), Siobhan Cowie (Merlins Gordonians)

Tour Details

24 Feb 1800 South Africa
25 Feb 1800 India
27 Feb 1600 South Africa
28 Feb 1600 South Africa
01 Mar 1800 India
02 Mar 1800 Germany

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Private Property extends SA Women's Hockey sponsorship



Private Property is privileged and proud to be extending their partnership with our national women's hockey team on their path to sporting success.
Private Property extends SA Women's Hockey sponsorship - Private Property

Having been sponsors of the team throughout the African Cup and seen the huge dedication of these women, Private Property were moved to continue their sponsorship of such a driven team.

SA Women’s Hockey is one of the premier national women’s sporting brands in the country and Private Property take great pride in partnering with such a brand. Women’s sport is growing in popularity, however the ladies in this team are still amateurs who have to give up time at work and use their own funds to be a part of the team. Private Property are happy to continue supporting this level of sacrifice, raw energy and passion for the sport.

SA Women’s Hockey team captain, Nicolene Terblanch, said:  “We thank Private Property for the much needed support. It is a privilege and honour to be part of such a vibrant and energetic company. You have truly welcomed us in, and made us feel at home! Our team and its members thank you for your contribution to the team and our country.”

The team are determined to put the disappointment of not going to the Olympics behind them, by playing a series of international matches and tournaments to ensure their progression up the world rankings. First up for the ladies this year is an international tournament sponsored by Private Property, in Cape Town from the 20th of February to the 5th of March 2016, at the Hartleyvale International Hockey Stadium.

The Private Property Summer Series will see the South African Women’s Hockey team facing formidable international opponents - the likes of Germany, India and Scotland. Tickets are on sale from as little as R10 and can be purchased online or at the stadium.

Good luck ladies, Private Property is behind you all the way!

Private Property media release on Bizcommunity.com

Schopman Confirms U-21 USWNT Junior Pan American Championship Roster



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – 2016 holds vast potential for the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team to grow and excel on the international stage. Following a weekend of wins over college competition against Wake Forest University and Duke University to enhance their preparatory phase for substantial upcoming events, a roster has been solidified for this year’s Junior Women's Pan American Championship. The Junior Women's Pan American Championship will be hosted in Tacarigua, Trinidad & Tobago from March 30 - April 10, 2016. Team USA resides in Pool B with Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago as well as Venezuela. Pool A includes Argentina, Barbados, Chile, Guyana and Uruguay. On the first day of competition, the red, white and blue will contend against Venezuela. Click here to view the entire tournament schedule. The top-two finishers of the Women's Pan American Championship earn berths to the prized Junior Women's World Cup in Santiago, Chile from November 23 - December 4, 2016.

"The selection process started July 2015 with the Young Women's High Performance tournament and the players were evaluated after each camp we had. Most important in the individual evaluation is the willingness to learn and their ability to improve and grow to ultimately become a national team player," said Janneke Schopman, U-21 USWNT Head Coach. "Choosing the final 18 athletes from the group of 24 was difficult as the group and the individual players improved a lot during the last months. Some areas we focused on are executing basic skills under pressure, penalty corner execution (attack and defense), transition from attack to defense and vice versa, attack with speed and contest  in defense."

Schopman commented that the strengths of this U-21 team are: their intent to be better every time, they work hard, challenge each other at times and want to improve. Although the circumstances in the weekend in Chapel Hill weren’t exactly great, playing on a dry turf with temperatures around 15 degrees or colder at times, the girls rarely complained and were able to make the most of it, which was great to see. The team tries to defend and attack as a team, everyone contributes in both areas to the best of their ability.

"With this being my first international tournament, I am most excited about the opportunity to compete and represent the United States alongside my teammates in Trinidad and Tobago," said Megan Miller (Palmyra, Pa.), U-21 USWNT athlete. "I'm looking forward to the atmosphere of international competition and hope to not just enjoy the experience, but succeed as a team."

The team will meet again in mid-March to battle Old Dominion University and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Team USA’s 2016 Junior Pan American Championship Roster:

Maddie Bacskai (Berwyn, Pa.), Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas), Cat Caro (Martinsville, N.J.), Sarah Helgeson (Landisville, Pa.), Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.), Laura Hurff (Newark, Del.), Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.), Gab Major (Royersford, Pa.), Erin Matson(Chadds Ford, Pa.), Meghan Miller (Palmyra, Pa.), Lauren Moyer (York, Pa.), Margaux Paolino (Villanova, Pa.), Jenny Rizzo (Hershey, Pa.), Julianna Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), Sophia Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), Tara Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.), Nicole Woods (Beverly, Mass.), and Julia Young (Yorktown, Va.). Team USA’s reserve athletes are Carrie Hanks (Niskayuna, N.Y.) and Kristy Bernatchez (Belgrade, Maine).

Keep up with the U-21 USWNT athletes as they pursue gold and glory this year by visiting usafieldhockey.com and following @USAFieldHockey on Twitter. 

USFHA media release

Jaypee Punjab Warriors win Coal India Hockey India League 2016 title


Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Coal India Hockey India League 2016 winners (Photo: Coal India Hockey India League)

Sardar Singh’s Jaypee Punjab Warriors have been crowned Coal India Hockey India League champions for 2016 thanks to a 6-1 win over finalists Kalinga Lancers on Sunday (21 February).

A trio of field goals - which count double in this season’s Coal India Hockey India League - gave the Warriors a resounding victory in front of a sell-out crowd, with Armaan Qureshi, Matt Gohdes and Satbir Singh getting the crucial strikes, with Germany legend Moritz Fürste on target for the Lancers.

The result gave the Warriors their first Hockey India League title at the third time of asking, having been the losing finalists both in 2014 and 2015.

The Warriors started the match the brighter of the two teams and needed just four minutes to make a mark on the score-board with talented Indian youngster Qureshi firing home to give his side a 2-0 advantage at the end of the first quarter, with Fürste reducing the deficit in the second period with a well executed penalty corner.

The title was effectively put out of Kalinga’s reach in the third quarter, with Australia striker Matt Gohdes and India star Satbir Singh taking the score to 6-1 with open play goals. The Lancers fought hard until the end, but the Warriors defence - marshalled by Australian Kookaburras icon and man of the match Mark Knowles - held firm.

Sunday’s thrilling Championship match came at the end of a dramatic, action-packed and unpredictable weekend of top class hockey.

On Saturday, Jaypee Punjab Warriors sealed their place in the showpiece final with a 3-1 win over Delhi Waveriders, with 21-year-old Qureshi’s field goal proving to be crucial as the team that finished second in the league phase overcame their third-placed rivals.

The second semi-final saw the form book completely ripped up, with title favourites and hosts Ranchi Rays going down to a shock defeat against Kalinga Lancers, a side that finished fourth in the league phase.

The Rays, who finished top of the standings and earned an impressive five wins from five matches on home soil in the process, trailed 1-0 for the majority of the match before Trent Mitton levelled the scores three minutes from the end of the game.

Remarkably, the Lancers were ahead again a minute later when Coal India Hockey India League top scorer Glenn Turner netted a penalty corner only for fellow Australian international Tim Deavin to send the game into a shoot-out with a last minute effort.

The Lancers scored all four of their attempts in the shoot-out, with Ranchi’s British stars Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton both failing to score as the Rays crashed out of the competition.

The battle for third place was won by Delhi Waveriders, with Mandeep Singh scoring from open play to give his side a 2-0 win over Ranchi prior to Sunday’s title match.

For more information about the competition, visit the Coal India Hockey India League website by clicking here.

The Hockey India League is a prime example of the sport becoming more professional which is one of the four big goals identified by the International Hockey Federation to reach the Hockey Revolution's aim of making hockey a global game that inspires the next generation. For more information about the Hockey Revolution, click here.

RESULTS
Saturday 20 February
Semi-Final 1: Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3, Delhi Waveriders 1
Semi-Final 2: Ranchi Rays 2, Kalinga Lancers 2 (Shoot-out: 2-4)

Sunday 21 February
3-4 Play-Off: Delhi Waveriders 2, Ranchi Rays 0
Final: Jaypee Punjab Warriors 6, Kalinga Lancers 1

AWARDS
Coal India Player of the Tournament: Rupinder Pal Singh (Delhi Waveriders)
Dhruv Batra Maximum Goals: 16 - Glenn Turner (Kalinga Lancers)
Ponty Chadha Upcoming Player of the Tournament: Sumit (Ranchi Rays)

FIH site

Knowles & co win HIL at last

Eight Aussies help Jaypee Punjab Warriors to first HIL crown



Seven Australian players and their Australian coach are celebrating after helping Jaypee Punjab Warriors clinch their first Coal India Hockey India League title at the weekend.

The team, led by former Kookaburras coach Barry Dancer, included Kookaburras Simon Orchard, Kiel Brown, Chris Ciriello, Mark Knowles, Jake Whetton, Matt Gohdes and goalkeeper Tristan Clemons.

And there were further celebrations for Australians, including Knowles who picked up the cheque of $1000 for his Man of the Match performance, and Glenn Turner, who despite being on the losing side, finished as the tournament top scorer with seven goals.

For the Warriors it was third time lucky after finishing as runners-up in 2014 and 2015, defeating Kalinga Lancers 6-1 in a match they largely dominated. The Warriors registered the emphatic win thanks to an excellent forward line, who converted quick goals to ensure their victory in the fourth Coal India Hockey India League.

The defeat left five Australians disappointed with Kalinga Lancers including Turner, Matthew Dawson, Matthew Willis, Aran Zalewski and Andrew Charter in their line-up.

The match started on an attacking note as Kalinga Lancers were welcomed by a series of attacks from Jaypee Punjab Warriors. JPW struck early in the game through a field goal in the fourth minute through talented youngster Armaan Qureshi to take a 2-0 lead over Kalinga Lancers (field goals counted double in this year’s HIL). This was followed by Kalinga Lancers launching some good attacks but the Jaypee Punjab Warriors defenders stood up to their reputation, denying the Lancers any opportunity to score. The first quarter came to an end with Jaypee Punjab Warriors leading 2-0.

The second quarter began with the Lancers launching successive attacks on Jaypee Punjab Warriors but were unsuccessful in converting any opportunity to their favour. Jaypee Punjab Warriors showcased impeccable defence but Kalinga Lancers finally broke the deadlock in the 24th minute through a penalty corner conversion through Captain Moritz Fuerste. With this goal Kalinga now trailed 1-2 in the game.

The third quarter began with Jaypee Punjab Warriors keen to extend their lead. Their consecutive attacks on the Kalinga Lancers finally yielded results through back-to-back field goals in the 39th and 42nd minutes through Matt Ghodes and Satbir Singh respectively. With this Jaypee Punjab Warriors stretched their lead significantly, to 6-1.

The final quarter of the match began with Kalinga Lancers trying hard to reduce the gap but the Punjab defenders were in no mood to let go of their lead. JPW on the counter created some strong moves but Kalinga Lancers were successful in foiling all their attempts to score any further.

In the third place contest, Delhi Waveriders beat defending champions the Ranchi Rays 2-0 thanks to Mandeep Singh’s field goal early in the second quarter.

Mark Knowles from Jaypee Punjab Warriors walked away with final The Man of the Match award of INR 50,000 (approximately $1000). The Coal India Goal of the Match award of INR 50,000 was awarded to Armaan Qureshi from Jaypee Punjab Warriors by Mr. R.S Mahapatra, Director (Personnel), CCL. The Hero Emerging Player of the Match award of INR 25,000 was awarded to Armaan Qureshi from Jaypee Punjab Warriors, while The Most Entertaining Player of the Match’ award went to Pradeep Mor from Kalinga Lancers.

Jaypee Punjab Warriors, who were crowned Champions of the fourth Coal India Hockey India League walked away with a winners cheque of INR 2.50 Crores (approximately $500,000) along with the winner’s trophy. 

Honourable Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Mr. Raghubar Das presented the winner’s trophy to Jaypee Punjab Warriors Captain Sardar Singh and Mark Knowles.

Kalinga Lancers who finished as the runners-up in the fourth Coal India Hockey India League were awarded a cheque of INR 1.25 Crores (approximately $250,000).

The Dhruv Batra Maximum Goals award for the most goals scored by an individual of INR 20.00 Lac was awarded by Mr. Leandro Negre, President, FIH to Kalinga Lancers’ Glenn Turner, earning him the equivalent of $40,000.

The Ponty Chadha Upcoming Player of the Tournament award of INR 20.00 Lac went to Sumit from the Ranchi Rays.

The Coal India Player of the Tournament Award of INR 50.00 Lac was awarded to Rupinder Pal Singh from the Delhi Waveriders.

The six team annual franchise based hockey league, the flagship event of Hockey India – the apex body governing the sport in the country and sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) was played across six venues in India from 18th January – 21st February 2016.

For more info, visit the Hockey India League website.

Final standings:
1. Jaypee Punjab Warriors
2. Kalinga Lancers
3. Delhi Waveriders
4. Ranchi Rays
5. Dabang Mumbai
6. Uttar Pradesh Wizards

Hockey Australia media release

Kiwis on the podium at Hockey India League



New Zealand had players and a coach finish in the medals at the conclusion of this year’s Hockey India League.

The six team annual franchise based league was played across six venues in India from 19 January - 22 February, 2016.

Black Sticks head coach Mark Hager took out the silver medal at the helm for the Kalinga Lancers, who were beaten 6-1 by Jaypee Punjab Warriors in the final.

Australia’s Mark Knowles walked away with The Man of the Match award for the Warriors.

Meanwhile, Kiwis Simon Child, Devon Manchester and Steve Edwards won the bronze medal with a 2-0 result over the Ranchi Rays.

Mandeep Singh delivered the deciding blow with an 18th minute field goal, with Delhi defending their lead thanks to some brilliant goalkeeping from Manchester.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Impressive turnouts reflect tournament’s success

Uthra Ganesan


The fourth edition of HIL, where Jaypee Punjab Warriors emerged triumphant, was an ideal testing ground for youngsters waiting in the wings to don India colours.

While the fourth edition of the Hockey India League kicked off with a lot of scepticism, all apprehensions had been laid to rest by the time Jaypee Punjab Warriors lifted the winner’s trophy here on Sunday.

Barring the Belgian and Dutch players, most top stars of international hockey kept their date with HIL. Ashley Jackson, Barry Middleton, Moritz Fuerste, Mark Knowles, Glenn Turner, Jamie Dwyer, Chris Ciriello, Tobias Hauke all turned up.

The largest contingent of 24 came from Australia which, Knowles admitted, was due to a combination of factors — administrative collaboration between the two countries, ideal preparation for the Olympics and oodles of money.

While there was little in terms of support from the broadcaster Star Sports early on, the telecast quality and quantity improved as the competition advanced. Empty stands at stadia would have meant an embarrassment but impressive crowds even at venues like the Major Dhyan Chand Sports College, on the outskirts of Lucknow, helped matters. Places like Bhubaneswar and Ranchi were sold out all through.
Getting basics right

On the field, the level of matches was competitive. New scoring rules did generate excitement and occasionally inflated the scorelines but the overall emphasis remained on getting the basics right. It isn’t surprising that the four teams that reached the semifinals were also the most consistent ones in the fray regardless of the results.

The biggest takeaway, however, would be the emergence of new talent in Indian hockey. This year threw up several names that could go on to don India colours in the near future. Ranchi Rays’ Sumit and Imran Khan, Surender Kumar and Parvinder Singh from Delhi Waveriders, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey and Pardeep Mor of Kalinga Lancers, Dabang Mumbai’s Nilakanta Sharma and Gurjant Singh and Armaan Qureshi of Jaypee Punjab Warriors are some of the names that stood out.

With the junior World Cup to be held in India in December this year, the HIL has been the ideal testing ground for these youngsters.

“I believe that, to improve Indian hockey in the long run, we need to concentrate on juniors in the HIL.

“In fact, I have assessed the juniors across the teams this season more than anything else. They are all in the race for a spot at the Junior World Cup and the pressure there would be similar to what it is during HIL so if they can take this, they can take that also,” India juniors’ coach Harendra Singh said.

For the seniors, this was the best way to kick-start preparations ahead of the Olympics. With the Champions Trophy in June the lone major event before Rio, this was also the best opportunity to assess and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the national team. India coach Roelant Oltmans was spotted at almost every match across venues.

The seniors would now assemble for the next camp in Bengaluru from March 6 and Oltmans has his work cut out to work on his final 16.

The Hindu

FIH president urges corporates to help India get back to glory

RANCHI: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre has urged the corporate sector to back Indian hockey to help it get back to its glory days.

"Like cricket, hockey too can reach the top position if it gets corporate help," the former Spanish goaltender told reporters during the HIL.

Negre said the Hockey India League (HIL) has quality and standard that can help the players improve their game.

"Introduction of HIL has given chance to players to show their skill and prowess, which will augur well in the future," he said.

Speaking on the expansion of the game, Negre said talks were on with some countries in central America and Africa and the strength of the FIH might go up to 140 from the present 132 countries.

The Times of India

Day 3 – EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy – Rotweiss Wettingen crowned Champions



It was still all to play for on the final day at the EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy in Dundee as the final four games got underway:

Match 17 – Ards v Highway HC  Final score Ards 2 Highway 3

Highway went half court immediately. Ards in contrast pressed high up the court. End to end in the first 2 minutes.  But from their first penalty corner Highway. take the lead with a Bosolova flick. 1-0 Highway after 5 minutes. Ards went on the attack but it faded out with a missed trap just outside the D. Another Ards attack brought a sharp save from Turker. Ards time out at 10 minutes. Game had become cagier since the Highway goal. Ards continued to attack and Chloe Brown brought out a great low diving save from Turker. Highway won a penalty corner to Highway after a stick tackle It’s saved on the line. A stroke to Highway? The Umpires consult.  No Another corner and Bosolova again converts 2-0 Highway. With 5 minutes to go in the half Ards were still in the game and after a dazzling Brown run Ards won a penalty corner.Great dash and block Turker but Ards got the ball back in the D. Brown shoots and scores. Ards1 Highway 2. Highway drove into the D straight from pushbackand won a penalty corner. Superb tip over McKnight from great Bosolova flick. Half ends 2-1 Highway

Stunning start by Highway who scored through Kartanovic in the first 30 seconds.All Highway in the first 4 minutes of the 2nd half. But Brown of Ards had a great run and shot. Goal! No.Chalked off for lifting. It was end to end after this Benson shooting wide for Ards and Highway having a “goal” disallowed.An Ards penalty corner after great Benson run. They tried the switch .It  doesn’t come off . Disappointment again for the Irish who may rue these missed opportunities. Another great run by Benson but her pass is intercepted and Highway gain the penalty corner.After a  super charge out by Benson. Ards went straight up the court and Benson scored. 3-2 Highway with 4 minutes to go. Both sides had opportunities  but with 40 seconds left Ards Brown had the final chance but  dragged the ball wide. It’s over.Highway 3 Ards 2

Match 18 – Wanderers v Mladost FinalScore Wanderers 5 Mladost 3

This was a vital game for both sides.Wanderers going for 5th spot and Mladost fighting to avoid relegation.After only 10 seconds Bunce struck on goal .Save Zlomislic. Wanderers fired the  ball around trying to draw out Mladost. But Mladost showed their courage and skill by fighting their way back into game and only a series of great saves from Dow prevented Mladost from taking a shock lead. But on a quick counter attack Bunce shot and gained a penalty corner which Bunce herself converted. 1-0 Wanderers after 6minutes. Mladost were not to be denied and after sustained pressure they equalised through Dervaric in the 16th minute. Straight from pushback Wanderers won a penalty corner and this time it was Osbourne who flicked to restore Wanderers lead. 2-1 Wanderers. But to round off an incredible 3 minutes Mladost equalised again through Franic. The half ends 2-2

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw chances for both sides for whom both keepers Dow and Zlomislic were outstanding. The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute when Mladost took the lead with a Dervaric field goal.Was a shock on the cards and would Mladost perform the great escape and relegate Ards? Mladost lead 3-2. Wanderers responded by playing their best hockey of the tie, mounting wave after wave of attacks but Mladost stood firm. Bunce gained a penalty corner with a great dribble. Her first shot was saved but she equalised from the resultant corner. 3-3 with four minutes on the clock. Wanderers showed no mercy scoring another two goals in the final three minutes through youngsters Watson and Dark. Final score Wanderers 5 Mladost 3. Joy for Wanderers who finish 5th. Despair for the gallant Mladost who are relegated.

Match 19 – Final Score Bowdon Hightown 1 HC Rotweiss Wettingen 4

Before this penultimate game in Pool C Bowdon,Rotweiss and Pingouin were all still potential Trophy winners. But one thing was certain Bowdon had to beat Rotweiss. Both teams began playing a high press trying to put pressure on the respective defences. The first 4 minutes was end to end action but the deadlock was broken in the 5th minute with a Tamara Trosch field goal for Rotweiss.  Rotweiss then immediately switched to a deeper half- court defence and Bugmann nearly made this tactic pay off with a great break and shot which flew narrowly past. Humphries was then robbed in her  D leading to a  penalty corner for Rotweiss. But Amy Tennant was up to the challenge and she charged down the flick superbly.Tina Cullen of Bowdon then began to show her class with first a great steal and shot which just missed and a swift interchange with Holly Hunt which led to a free just outside the Rotweiss D. But the outstanding Rotweiss defence held out. The courageous Stephanie Walti, playing with stitches in her forehead after an injury in the previous game, missed a great chance in the 12th minute. She made no mistake just 60 seconds later when she struck to put Rotweiss 2 nil up. Sally Walton then made a typical driving run down the boards but she was robbed and Rotweiss again drove forward in a counter attack typical of this fierce encounter. Attack and counter attack followed and Michelle Liptrot brought a fine save out of the Rotweiss keeper Flurina Walti in the 19th minute.Bowdon then won a penalty corner with just 30 seconds on the clock. Sally Walton fired the flick home to seemingly get her team back in the match but after consultation the umpires chalked it off. Half-time Rotweiss lead Bowdon 2 -1

As the 2nd half got going Rotweiss had the gold in their grasp but Hunt had other ideas and her run led to a Trosch green card. Once again it was end to end stuff with both Walti and Tennant making a series of saves in a pulsating first 10 minutes which flew by. However Stephanie Walti broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with her second goal. Bowdon then went all out to try and get back in the match and mounted wave after wave of attacks with Cullen,Walton and Lisa Garbutt all going agonisingly close. But as before the Rotweiss defence showed the form that took them to the top of the pool. And in the 35th minute Jessica Aebi broke English hearts with a goal to put Rotweiss 4 nil up and surely win them the gold. However, if they were beaten nobody told Bowdon and their attitude was rewarded with a Sally Walton goal from a penalty corner in the 38th minute. But this was a consolation effort for Bowdon as time ran out with Rotweiss’s delight only marred by a yellow card for Trosch almost on the final hooter.

Rotweiss win the match 4-1 and are worthy winners of the Champions Trophy. The only team to go through the tournament undefeated.

Match 20 – Final score Royal Pingouin 7 Iris Hockey Lambersart 2

Gold may have been decided but silver and bronze plus the second promotion slot was still up for grabs. The Iris coach, determined to go for a big win, left his outstanding keeper Anne-Sophie Daire on the bench and started with a kicking back. A bold move. But one that didn’t initially appear to work when Helene Delmee gave the Pingouins the lead in just the 3rd minute. Pingouin 1 Iris 0 Both sides were going all out for the win.Tackles were flying in and it was fast, fast, fast. The extra outfield player still didn’t seem to be making the difference for Iris but Pingouin couldn’t capitalise on the absence of a keeper. However after a Pingouin time out in the 9th minute they extended their lead when Gaelle Valcke scored another field goal just 60 seconds later. Iris then went all out on attack winning penalty corners and bringing Regulski into action from these and outfield play. Chances but no goals for the French. The last 2 minutes of the first half were crucial to not only this match but the final destination of the silver medal and promotion. A quick break out of defence by Pingouin  and Raes scores to make it 3-0. Straight from the restart the Belgians won a penalty corner and Alix Perrocheau flicked home on the stroke of half-time . Half-time Pingouins 4 Iris 0

As the second half started the Iris coach has brought on a keeper but it’s not Daire. It’s Zoe Agrain. But this change in tactics didn’t seem to change the pattern of the game. Pingouins held on to the ball with great inter passing across the back springing forward to release Valcke for a field goal to make it 5-0 in the 5th minute. Pingouins must surely now be the silver medal winners. And despite showing great skill and spirit Iris could not any sort of foothold in the game. Playing on the counter Pingouin again went up court and won a penalty corner with 10 minutes to go. A superb slip from from Hausenner to Valcke and she slots home into an empty net. 6-0 to Pingouins. But Iris would not lie down and within a minute they had reduced the deficit with a Lecas field goal. A reward for Iris’s spirit and determination. Pingouins 6 Iris 1 However Pingouins restored their 6 goal lead with a superb Perrocheau flick and goal from a penalty corner after just 2 minutes. Pingouins 7 Iris 1. The French champions just did not know when they were beaten and with virtually the last hit of the game they scored their second goal.An Elysee Ecas field goal. Final score. Pingouins 7 Iris 1

The Winners:

Rotweiss Wettingen win gold and promotion
Pingouins win silver and promotion
Bowdon Hightown win bronze

Top Goal Scorer - Joint Winners

Sally Walton-Bowdon Hightown
Vicki Bunce-MJV Dundee Wanderers

Best Goalkeeper

Amy Tennant-Bowdon Hightown

Best Defender

Becky Ward -MJV Dundee Wanderers

Eurockey Media release

Seahorses pick up European bronze


Sally Walton scores for Bowdon Hightown in Europe

Bowdon Hightown, winners of the domestic indoor title in 2015 travelled to Dundee to compete for England in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champions Trophy this past weekend.

First up they faced Royal Pingouin of Belgium, Ards HC of Ireland and hosts Dundee Wanderers in their pool with the top two competing in the promotion matches. The other pool contains sides from France, Croatia, Switzerland and Turkey.

Bowdon faced Royal Pingouin in their first match. The game started at a very fast pace with the scores level at 1-1 thanks to goals from Kayleigh Humphries of Bowdon and Linda Haussener for Pingouin.

Two quick-fire goals from Haussner and Anouk Raes put Bowdon 3-1 down. However, that was not the end of the first half action and three goals before half time from Bowden’s Sally Walton took them into a 4-3 lead at the break.

The second half was very tight with Pingouin grabbing an early goal to bring the scores level. The game seemed to be heading for a draw until Pingouin number 15, Marie Vassart, scored her 3rd goal of the match with a minute to condemn Hightown to a narrow defeat.

The Seahorses’ next match was against hosts Dundee Wanderers. Wanderers started well and went ahead early on when Vikki Bunce converted a penalty corner after 3 minutes. After eight minutes Bowdon’s pressure paid off when Sally Walton slotted home a penalty stroke to equalise. Bowdon continued to press and again caught Wanderers on the break and Lisa Garbutt gave them the lead just before half-time.

The second half followed exactly the same pattern with Bowdon defending brilliantly and attacking quickly on the break. They gained a penalty stroke from one of these swift counter attacks and Walton put it away giving Carmin Dow in the Wanderers goal no chance. The game continued end to end until the dramatic final minute. Firstly another break down field led to a field goal from Lisa Garbutt. Then Wanderers had the chance to salvage a vital point with penalty corner of the stroke of full time. The opportunity was not taken and Hightown ran out winners.

Bowdon’s final game of the pool stages was against Ards who had lost both their previous games by 8-1. Another heavy defeat looked on the cards when Sally Walton, the penalty corner flicker supreme, scored in the first minute. But this seemed an entirely different Ards team which took the court and they fought back right away to equalise through Naomi Grundie. The game was proving to a tight affair and much closer than many predicted. Naomi McKnight pulled off a series of excellent saves throughout the game to keep Ards level. The second half began and Ards went straight up the court inside the first minute to take the lead with a Kerry Harvey field goal. The lead was short lived as once again Walton scored with a low flick into to bottom corner from a penalty corner. Both Amy Tennant and Naomi McKnight in the respective goals showed their class with a sequence of vital saves from open play and corners. With only four minutes left it was still all square but Walton again was the Bowdon star and her flick hit the back of the net. Ards won a penalty corner late on but once again Tennant saved. Ards mounted one last charge up the court in the final seconds but Liptrot snuffed it out to ensure the win.

Bowdon’s two wins from three put them in the promotion pool for the remainder of the tournament. First up they played Iris Hockey Lambersart. It was a tense encounter from the first minute. The deadlock was broken when Sally Walton fired in a field goal for Bowdon in the 9th minute. Iris immediately launched a counter attack which led to penalty corner. This was cleared off the line, but illegally. The resultant penalty flick was saved by Tennant with her feet at the right hand post. In the 29th minute Bowdon finally doubled their lead when after a fine run by Holly Hunt, Sally Walton slotted home a penalty corner. Bowdon were comfortable over the next few minutes and the Iris coach took a time out with just over six minutes to go. He withdrew his keeper and they immediately launched a series of attacks. All Bowdon players were defending the edge of their D but Iris won a corner. The ball was transferred and the flick hit a Bowdon foot resulting in another penalty flick to Iris. This time the shot was pushed wide of the target. This was to be their final opportunity as Bowdon scored right on the final whistle as Walton made it the score three nil with a well taken field goal.

That victory put Hightown in contention for the top two with their last game against Rotweiss Wettingen who were sitting proudly at the top of the pool. A fast start from the Swiss side put them in the driving seat, leading 2-0 at the break through Tamara Trosch and Stephanie Walti. Bowdon had their share of chances but found Flurina Walti in the Wettingen goal in inspired form. Two goals in four minutes, one from Stephaine Walti and another from Jessica Aebi stretched the lead to 4-0 before Sally Walton snatched a late consolation for the Seahorses. The defeat pushed Wettingen to the top of the pool and dropped Bowdon into third, leapfrogged by Royal Pingouin. Despite the disappointment of missing out on promotion there was consolation for Hightown in the form of a top scorer prize for Sally Walton and the goalkeeper of the tournament for Amy Tennant.

England Hockey Board Media release

Div Two teams getting ready for TNB Cup challenge

By Jugjet Singh

THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee has been super kind to give four Division Two teams a chance to play in the TNB Cup quarter-finals, but they should be ready to face a torrid time.

This is because the four Division One teams waiting for them are much more organised, and upsets will be hard to come by.

SSTMI Thunderbolts, even though they dropped a game against UniKL in the last League fixtures, will start as the favourites to nail their fifth consecutive double in the Junior Hockey League.

The other Division One teams which qualified for the knock-out stage are UniKL Young Guns and SSP-MSP Thunderbolts.

From Division Two, six teams will begin their quest to play in the two-leg TNB Cup quarter-finals from Wednesday.

The six have been divided, via an open draw, into two groups and it will be interesting to watch the likes of Sabah Sports School, Group C champions,  and Perlis Young Lions Juniors, Group A champions, and Group B champions Anderson Thunderbolts play in Round Two of Division One.

Whatever the outcome, the four Division Two teams should brace for the time of their lives when they play against four of the best from Division One.

For winning the Division One League title, SSTMI pocketed RM18,000, while second-placed BJSS Thunderbolts received RM13,000. UniKL Young Guns and Pahang Sports School received RM10,000 and RM8,000 for finishing third and fourth respectively.

WEDNESDAY: Division Two -- Round Two: Group X: Penang MSSP-USM v Anderson Thunderbolts (5pm); Group Y: Perlis Young Lions Juniors v BJSS Juniors (7pm).

THURSDAY: Group X: Anderson Thunderbolts v Sabah Sports School (5pm); Group Y: TBSS Tampin v BJSS Juniors (7pm).

FRIDAY: Group X: Sabah Sports School v Penang MSSP-USM (5pm); Group Y: TBSS Tampin v Perlis Young Lions Juniors (7pm).

NOTE: All matches at Pitch II of the National Hockey Stadium.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

A good chance for Perlis to win a junior hockey league title

by S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Hockey minnows Perlis could land a title for the first time in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

Unbeaten MSN-PHP Perlis Young Lion finished top of Group A in Division Two and looks good for the second-tier title. They are one of six teams that will be vying for the crown when the playoffs get underway on Wednesday with the final scheduled on Sunday.

The Perlis side have for company Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors and Tunku Besar Secondary School (TBSS) Tampin in Group Y.

In Group X are Anderson Thunderbolt, Penang MSSPP-USM and Sabah Sports School Malaysia.

Perlis team manager Badrisham Che Yob is feeling buoyant and believes his side can go all the way to the final.

“Last year we lost in the playoff and finished fourth after making the cut for the quarter-finals.

“We retained the same players from last year. And this time they are more experienced and performed better as a unit. But the second round of matches is different and we must tread carefully,” he added.

The Perlis side is the only team in either division to remain unbeaten and this has the manager worried.

“When you look at the table all the other teams have lost at least once or drawn their games. But we have not dropped a single point. So I do not want the players to take anything for granted and I’m worried they would become complacent.

“We certainly did not expected to be in such a situation (unbeaten),” he said.

They open their campaign against BJSS Juniors on Wednesday and TBSS-Tampin on Friday.

Their main player Mohamed Hanif Saad is their top scorer with eight goals while penalty corner specialist Mohamed Nur Hakim Bakri has bagged seven goals.

They also have a good scoring rate with 38 goals from seven matches and have let in just three goals.

The Star of Malaysia

The Investec Schools Championships for Girls are coming up!



The finals of the Investec Schools Championships for Girls are coming up in just a couple of weeks’ time.

All of last year’s winners return to Lee Valley to defend their titles - St Georges, Weybridge the U14 champions, Repton at U16 level and Stockport Grammar, who took the U18 crown.

The Under 14s kick off the tournament on Tuesday 8 March. The eight qualifiers play in two pools of four with the pool winners playing in the final. St Georges will face a tough pool featuring Kent, Dean Close and Repton all of whom schools with a strong hockey tradition. In Pool B, Wellington, who pipped St Georges for the South title come up against Canford, Cheadle Hulme and Sevenoaks.

The U16 and U18 tournaments are played in the same format but with longer games and over two days on 9-10 March

U16 holders Repton line up in the same pool as last year’s beaten finalists St Georges and third placed Grammar School at Leeds. Kings Bruton make up the pool. In Pool C East & South champions Framlingham and Cranleigh take on Blundells from Devon and Wellingborough, who have qualified for the first time.

Stockport Grammar took the U18 title in memorable fashion last season and return in a pool that also includes Repton, who have won the competition in eight out of the last eleven seasons. Regular finalists Clifton and Kingston Grammar who were successful back in 2011, make up the pool. Pool F sees last year’s runners up Cranleigh line up with Culford from Suffolk, Grammar School at Leeds and Queens Taunton.

The competition is sponsored, for the first time by Investec, who have extended their support of the Women’s game to include the schools event. They will bring their support to the finals to make them an even greater experience for the participants.

England Hockey Board Media release

Great Britain's captain courageous Kate enters record books


Kate Richardson-Walsh became Great Britain and England’s most capped female player Photo: Stanislas Brochier HWL2015

In the fifth match against Australia's Hockeyroos, Great Britain's Kate Richardson-Walsh entered the record books as she became Great Britain and England’s most capped female hockey player, with 365 caps to her name.

It was the 2012 Olympic Games that saw Kate Richardson-Walsh break into public consciousness after she courageously led Great Britain to the bronze medal despite suffering a broken jaw in the middle of the pool matches. Until then, Richardson-Walsh had been well-known in hockey circles, now she had become a national hero.

In the recently concluded six match test series against Australia, Richardson-Walsh was again in the limelight, this time proving that not only is she captain courageous, she also has remarkable staying power.

Since making her debut in 1999, Kate Richardson-Walsh has represented her country at three Olympic Games, four Hockey World Cups and four Commonwealth Games.

Assistant coach to the team Karen Brown had held the record for over a decade and she was on hand to see her own record go. She said: “While the record is not something I have thought a great deal about over the years, now that it has been broken, a part of me will be sad to see it go. However, as with all records they get broken one day and Kate has had such an incredible career that it is fitting that such an inspirational athlete who I have had the privilege to see grow from the quiet teenager that I played alongside towards the end of my career, into the hugely influential leader and skilled hockey player that she has become.”

Coach to both England and Great Britain, Danny Kerry, added: “Kate exemplifies many many qualities you wish to see at the very highest levels of sport, however the one quality that sticks out to me above all others, and the one I feel is within all truly great players, is that of resilience. Kate’s longevity and perseverance in the international game has seen incredible low points, but has consistently found a way back and this quality has meant she has achieved medals at Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic level.

“This was never more evident than when Kate broke her jaw in the opening game of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Having had surgery to plate her jaw back together, and having only missed two matches, Kate came back to lead the team to Team GB’s first team sport medal in 20 years. I could describe countless other examples of this resilience. Kate, like other high achievers in the Olympic domain, finds a way to keep going, keep pushing herself on and has been an inspiration to so many as a result.”

The six match series saw Australia win 2-1 overall, with three drawn results being played out between the teams.

During the series, head coach to the Hockeyroos, Adam Commens, announced he will be stepping down from his role after the Rio Olympics, for “family reasons.”

Kerry spoke about the reason for the trip to the other side of the world. He said: “Our trip to Australia was deliberately designed to test both athletes and staff. Long-haul travel, a large time zone difference, very hot playing conditions, tough opposition and an ever changing set of players and combinations has allowed us to explore at an individual and team level what capacity we have and what areas we now need to refine in the final run-in to Rio.

“Had we tried to do this in less challenging circumstances our lens may not have been as focussed as it has been. We have learnt a great deal about ourselves individually and as an aspiring team. The Hockeyroos have excellent strength in depth and have not given an inch in any of the matches. I hope we forge an on-going test series over the years to come as the rivalry and match play remains intense and great to watch.”

The final word goes to Kate Richardson-Walsh, who spoke after receiving her 365th cap. She said: “It was a really special moment to be out there today with Helen [Richardson-Walsh]. We’ve played together so many times and we’ve been through so many ups and downs so it was really special to share this with her.”

As part of the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Hockey Revolution, a 10 year strategy aimed at making hockey a global game that inspires the next generation, one of the five Key Initiatives identified to achieve this goal is high performing sport. This latest test series and the role that Kate Richardson-Walsh has played throughout her career in the sport, are two examples of high performing sport which are undoubtedly inspiring others to get involved in hockey.

FIH site

British Kate Richardson - Walsh in elite zone

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

Karen Brown was first to reach 350 international match milestone in international hockey. Since then 6 women and 7 men players have crossed this feat. Recently (Feb12-21) in Perth during test series versus Australia, Great Britain Kate Richardson - Walsh surpassed her mentor Karen Brown’s 355 caps record. It is worthwhile to look back of these records, given below in table:

Women (06):

Men (07):

Note: Marc Coudron of Belgium (358 caps) not played in Olympics; however he was active from 1988 to 2004 in international hockey. 

Fieldhockey.com

Tributes pour in for hockey writer Graham Wilson


Graham Wilson (1952-2016) Photo: Dil Bahra/Hockey Writers Club

It is with great sadness that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has to report on the death of Graham Wilson, long time hockey correspondent of the United Kingdom's Daily Express newspaper and a regular reporter at FIH events. He was 63 years old, and died on Saturday (20 February) after a short illness.

Graham was one of the most liked and well-respected hockey journalists around, and over the years played a massive role in raising the profile of the sport in the United Kingdom.

Following his retirement from the Daily Express after 30 years as a sub-editor last year, Graham became Chairman of the UK Hockey Writers’ Club, which serves the interests of journalists, broadcasters and photographers covering the sport.

In December, FIH reported on the death of Tom Wilson after a freak hockey accident. Graham was Tom’s father. In the days immediately following the incident, Graham produced the bravest and most difficult news stories of his life for The Daily Express, reporting the loss of his 'fantastic son' to the sport that he loves.

Both Graham and his wife Lisa made a number of appearances on TV and radio discussing organ donation, praising Tom’s decision to sign up to the UK’s organ donor register whist at university and potentially saving the lives of 20 people in desperate need of an organ transplant. 

Posting to Facebook on Sunday (21 February), Graham’s daughter Pippa said: “I remember when you had to report the passing of your own son, Tom Wilson, my brother. It was such an admirable tribute. I cannot believe 2 months today after Tom's funeral I am now in the same situation. Tom was the perfect brother, you were the most perfect father.”

Speaking about his death, FIH President Leandro Negre said: "Graham devoted a huge part of his life to our sport, both as a player and as a renowned journalist. His commitment and passion for hockey helped inspire many, many people to get involved in our sport - and for that we are forever grateful. The hockey family is both shocked and saddened at the news of his death, so soon after his son Tom passed away late last year. We offer of deepest sympathy to Graham’s family and close friends at this extremely difficult time. His spirit will live on in the work he undertook for the sport and all of the fond memories we have of him. He was a great man and will be truly missed by all.”

The Hockey Writers’ Club and England Hockey were both quick to pay tribute to Graham, describing him as a man with “a lifelong commitment to hockey as a player, supporter and journalist. He made an immeasurable contribution to keeping the flame of hockey alive in the national press through his regular writings for the Daily Express.”

Former Great Britain and England Goalkeeper Simon Mason said: “So very sad to read about the passing of Graham Wilson, father of tragic hockey accident victim Tom. Graham was a lovely man who I was privileged to call a friend. He did so much for hockey, the sport so many of us love. Passionate, energised and caring, he loved the hockey family and was never happier than when at the heart of a tournament or event. He will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his family at this time.”

FIH Media Coordinator Richard Stainthorpe added: “Graham really was one of the good guys and this is terrible news for his family and everyone who knew him. He was warm, funny, talented and always on the hunt for a good story. He was a mentor and friend, and the hockey media community is undoubtedly a far poorer place without him in it.” 

The Daily Express newspaper has published their own tribute to Graham, entitled: “The greatest journalist for our sport: Hockey correspondent Graham Wilson dies aged 63”. To read the article in full, click here.

FIH site