News for 26 April 2016
All the news for Tuesday 26 April 2016
SA Hockey Nationals - Champs’ guns firing but need work
Ken Borland
Julian Hykes of Southern Gauteng launches another attack with LeNeal Jackson of Wits defending on the first day of the Greenfields Senior Interprovincial Nationals being played at the Randburg Hockey Stadium on Monday. Photo: Reg Caldecott
Last year’s finalists Tuffy Western Province and Southern Gauteng showed that they have the framework for success again, but need to brush up on their finishing, as they began the Greenfields Senior Interprovincial Nationals with comfortable victories on the first day at the Randburg Hockey Stadium on Monday.
Western Province by no means made use of all the chances available to them, but they still kicked off their campaign on a winning note with a 5-0 victory over Free State, while Southern Gauteng, playing their B side, Wits, had to work very hard to break down the opposition defence in the first 25 minutes but ultimately cruised home 5-0 as well.
It was one-way traffic for Western Province from the opening exchanges, but the first goal only came on the stroke of the end of the first quarter as Roagnib Fredericks eventually bobbled in a deflected goal after great work down the left flank by James Drummond.
The second Western Province goal was a tap-in in the 21st minute for Pierre de Voux and the Capetonians then made it 3-0 at the halftime break when the impressive Lloyd Norris-Jones went ranging down the left wing and Shannon Boucher got on the end of the strong cross to the far post.
The outgunned Free Staters stuck gamely to their task and created the best chance of the third quarter, Lyndon Fredericks going narrowly wide from a short-corner following a good run by Melrick Maddocks.
Western Province then had their first two short-corners of the match, but both were unsuccessful.
It was Norris-Jones, who scored a hat-trick in last year’s IPT final, who then provided a study in clinical finishing as he put himself in space in the circle to score two well-taken goals in the last two minutes of the match.
The Panther brothers, Clinton and Brandon, scored two of the Southern Gauteng goals through super reverse-sticks shots, while Ricky West, who was also solid in defence, scored from a powerful short-corner flick and Brynn Cleak slotted a field goal.
Southern Gauteng’s women’s team also made a winning start to the defence of their title as they beat the SA U21 team 3-1 with internationals Bernie Coston and Shelley Russell having a major impact.
They scored the first two goals, but Southern Gauteng were given a stern examination as Tarryn Glasby scored one of the goals of the day for the SA U21s to cut the deficit to 2-1. Some fine saves by national goalkeeper Sanani Mangisa kept the juniors out thereafter though, and, with three minutes remaining, Sylvia van Jaarsveldt swept in the third goal after another fine run by Russell.
It was back to the drawing board for the Spar KZN Raiders, who were beaten 2-0 by the Northerns Blues.
A reverse-sticks strike by Welma Luus five minutes before halftime opened up the scoring, although Northerns had a number of short-corner chances which went begging, before Jacinta Jubb doubled the advantage and secured the victory in the 48th minute.
The men’s A-section clash between the SA U21s and KZN Raiders provided one of the highlights on the opening day and the teams couldn’t be split and ended up sharing the spoils with the scores locked at 1-1.
Ryan Williams slapped in from close range after the Kwa-Zulu Natal outfit had initiated a move down the right-hand side of the astro, but the junior national side hit their straps in the final quarter of the game and managed to build some momentum, Ryan Crowe making sure the game ended in a stalemate as he found the back of the net with six minutes to play.
Results
Men’s A Division: Tuffy Western Province 5 (Roagnib Fredericks, Pierre de Voux, Shannon Boucher, Lloyd Norris-Jones [2]) Free State 0; SA U21 1 (Ryan Crowe) KZN Raiders 1 (Ryan Williams); Northerns Blues 3 (Tim Halle, Stephan van Vollenhoven, Grant Glutz) Eastern Province 4 (Chad Cairncross, Lyall Meyer, Ignatius Malgraff, Michael Abrahams); Southern Gauteng 5 (Clinton Panther, Gareth Heyns, Brandon Panther, Brynn Cleak, Ricky West).
Men’s B Division: WP Peninsula 6 (Reece Arendse [2], Luthando Jonas, Sebastian Golding, Brandon Hanekom, Warren McEwan) Eastern Gauteng 0; North-West 2 (Sinoxolo Mbekeni, Francois Cilliers) Northerns B 1 (Thomas Johnson); KZN Mynahs 3 (Dale van der Merwe, Brendon Smith, Nhlanhla Nyawu) SA Country Districts 0; KZN Inland 0 Zimbabwe 10 (Takunda Chipumha [2], Tendayi Maredza, Luckson Sikisa, Deon Wardley, Samuel Tagwireyi, Phillip Machaya [2], Edwin Tholanah [2].
Women’s A Division: Northerns Blues 2 (Welma Luus, Jacinta Jubb) Spar KZN Raiders 0; Free State 1 (Jo-Nelke Swanepoel) North-West 1 (Lori Hyde); Southern Gauteng 3 (Shelley Russell, Bernadette Coston, Sylvia van Jaarsveldt) SA U21 1 (Tarryn Glasby); Tuffy Western Province 3 (Farah Fredericks, Candice Manuel, Heather McEwan) Wits 0.
Women’s B Division: KZN Mynahs 7 (Pamela Daniel [4], Stacey Hiron [2], Jamie Chisholm) Northerns B 1 (Janie Porteous); SA Country Districts 4 (Wilna Phillips [2], Leani van der Merwe, Hettie Trollip) Mpumalanga 3 (Shannia-Lee Swart [3]); WP Peninsula 4 (Danielle Cairns, Kayde Miller, Nicole Bartsch, Georgia Grobler) Zimbabwe 2 (Jessica Hilton-Barber, Nicolle Grant); KZN Inland 3 (Tiffany Jones [2], Silindile Mbhele) Southern Gauteng Nuggets 0.
SA Hockey Association media release
Winning Start for Tuffy Western Province
RANDBURG: Defending champions Tuffy Western Province by no means made use of all the chances available to them, but they still kicked off their South African Greenfields Senior Interprovincial Nationals hockey campaign on a winning note with a 5-0 victory over Free State at the Randburg Hockey Stadium on Monday.
Western Province dominated from the opening exchanges, but the opening goal only came on the stroke of the end of the first quarter as Raghieb Fredericks eventually bobbled in a deflected goal after great work down the left flank by James Drummond.
The second Western Province goal was a tap-in in the 21st minute for Pierre de Voux and the Capetonians then made it 3-0 at the halftime break when the impressive Lloyd Norris-Jones went ranging down the left wing and Shannon Boucher got on the end of the strong cross to the far post.
The outgunned Free Staters stuck gamely to their task and created the best chance of the third quarter, Lyndon Fredericks going narrowly wide from a short-corner following a good run by Melrick Maddocks.
Western Province then had their first two short-corners of the match, but both were unsuccessful.
It was Norris-Jones, who scored a hat-trick in last year’s IPT final, who then provided a study in clinical finishing as he put himself in space in the circle to score two well-taken goals in the last two minutes of the match.
In the Women’s B Section of the Greenfields Senior Interprovincial Nationals, WP Peninsula are chasing a second successive title and they were off to a winning start on Monday with a 4-2 win over Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe scored first through Jessica Hilton-Barber and were level 2-2 after 19 minutes through a Nicolle Grant goal, but a disappointing final-quarter saw them concede the decisive goals to Nicole Bartsch and Georgia Grobler.
Peninsula’s other goals were scored by Danielle Cairns and Kayde Miller.
The Peninsula men’s side are also off to a good start in the B Section as they hammered Eastern Gauteng 6-0, with Reece Arendse scoring twice.
KZN Mynahs got the Women’s B Section underway with an impressive 7-1 win over Northerns B, with Pamela Daniel scoring four goals and Stacey Hiron two.
South African Country Districts edged out Mpumalanga 4-3 in an entertaining fixture, with Wilna Phillips scoring twice and Hettie Trollip bagging the winner seven minutes from time with a deflection at the far post after a short corner.
Goalkeeper Zelda van Rooyen made a crucial save for SACDs after that, with Shannia-Lee Swart scoring twice for Mpumalanga.
KZN Mynahs beat SA Country Districts 3-0 in the other Men’s B Section match played.
SA Hockey Association media release
Punjab men canter to third victory
Chandigarh: Punjab registered their third win in a row, beating Namdhari XI 3-0 in a Pool C match of the 6th senior men’s hockey National Championship (Division A) in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.
Punjab, who thrashed Services 5-0 and Air India 4-1 in their first two matches, finished off the match in five minutes after being locked in a tight contest with Namdhari XI for over 30 minutes.
Gurjinder Singh (32nd, 36th minutes) scored a brace, while Parvinder Singh scored the third goal (37th).
In the other Pool C match, Air India edged out Services 2-1 to register their first win of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Hockey Patiala eased past SAI 3-1. Hockey Patiala had beaten Haryana 1-0 in their first match. Haryana are yet to register their first win, having drawn their first match 2-2 with Hockey Gangpur-Odisha.
The Tribune
Warriors nail title
Butali retain hockey Premier League after spearing Western Jaguars
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Parklands vs Butali Sugar. Butali warriors celebrate after scoring against Parklands when they played premier league at City Park. Butali scored 4-1. ON 05/09/15 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Butali Sugar Warriors retained their Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League title following their 3-0 win away to Western Jaguars in Kakamega. Goals from international Frank Wanangwe, veteran Saidi Okwemba and evergreen Seth Oburu were enough to extend the Warriors' reign at the helm of men’s hockey for another season.
The victory dimmed the chances of former champions Kenya Police, who were hopeful of reclaiming the title they lost to Warriors last season. The law enforcers held to a glimmer of hope but their fate was entirely in the hands of Warriors, who they hoped would falter and drop points. Despite their successful weekend out following a 4-3 win over Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCAU), 2013 champions (Police) were reduced to second place.
Warriors coach Cliffe Okello told Feverpitch that his players have fought a good fight and they deserve to maintain their champions’ status. “My players have given their all to achieve the objectives we set at the beginning of the season. Through dedication, hard work, discipline and commitment to our goals and club objectives they made it happen,” Okello said, adding that there will be no resting for the hockey kings.
He said their focus now shifts to continental championship and how to defend the title next season. “We desire to own this crown for more seasons. We also want to be at the club championships and perform.”
Having failed to finish the job last weekend, Warriors were determined to complete what they had started and their first goal came 13 minutes into play as Wanangwe sent the ball home past Jaguars goalkeeper Harun Kutwa. Jaguars, who are known for their stubbornness at home contained their opponents but Okwemba was on target in the 28th minute as he successfully converted a penalty corner to give his side a 2-0 lead at halftime. Oburu added a third, seconds to the full-time whistle, sending his side into celebrations for a season’s job well done.
Warriors will play premier league debutants Kenyatta University in their last league meet. Police on the other hand have two matches in hand but wins in both ties won’t change their fortunes. Jaguars had edged out Greensharks 1-0, denting their chase for a top-three finish.
The Standard Online
Green Machine Summer Series Announced
As the Olympic Games draws ever closer there will be a plethora of International hockey on display around the country over the coming months. The Green Machine will face Korea, Canada and the Netherlands in no fewer than 10 fixtures during May, June and July. The matches offer the opportunity to see 2 Olympic-bound teams, Canada and the Netherlands, as well as world number 9 Korea.
The home-fixtures are part of several match series the Green Machine will take part in before the Rio Olympics. The side will meet Germany in a 3 match-series in Hamburg on May 12th, 13th and 15th. They will also compete in a 6 nations (Ireland, Argentina, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, India) tournament in Valencia from June 27th to July 3rd
Speaking about the upcoming home fixtures Coach Craig Fulton said “It’s great for the public to see these top teams but equally important to give them a chance to come and support the Green Machine. These matches will be very competitive; the Netherlands are world number 2 and current European champions”.
Fulton continued, “Playing Canada in Ireland will be great competition for both teams. We are very closely ranked (Ireland 12th & Canada 14th) and the games will have a nice edge to them. We are still in selection phase which will allow us to play different players throughout the 4 game series”.
“Korea will be competing in the Champions Trophy in London in June and they will give us a real challenge. We will be very focused on achieving our training and playing team goals against a very attacking Korean team.” Fulton concluded.
• May 31st at 7pm in Dublin Ireland vs Korea
• June 2nd at 7pm in Dublin Ireland vs Korea
• June 4th at 2pm in Dublin Ireland vs Korea
• June 5th at 2pm in Dublin Ireland vs Korea
• June 9th at 7pm in NICS, Stormont Ireland vs Canada
• June 10th at 7pm in NICS, Stormont Ireland vs Canada
• June 12th at 2pm in Dublin Ireland vs Canada
• June 14th at 11:30am in Dublin Ireland vs Canada
• July 4th at 7pm in University College Cork Ireland vs The Netherlands
• July 6th at 7pm in University College Cork Ireland vs The Netherlands
Tickets available online shortly (www.hockey.ie) and at the gate.
*Please note Dublin match locations will be announced in the coming weeks.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Tasmania to benefit as global hockey shake-up dumps Champion’s Trophy and World League finals
ADAM CLIFFORD
Tasmanian hockey player Eddie Ockenden.
PICTURE this: Eddie Ockenden leading Australia against arch rivals the Netherlands or Germany for the Global Hockey League title in Hobart in 2021.
Once a far-fetched dream for Tasmanian hockey fans, this scenario could now be possible with the announcement of a four-month international hockey league.
Gone are the World League semi-finals and finals, and the outdated biannual Champion’s Trophy event to be replaced by a home-and-away series featuring the top seven teams in the world, starting in 2019.
World No.1 Australia would be favourite to finish as the top-ranked home-and-away side, qualifying to host the GHL final on home soil.
According to Hockey Australia chief executive officer Cam Vale, Hockey Tasmania is well positioned to benefit greatly from the Federation of International Hockey’s recent announcement.
“This new league will be great for Australia as it allows us to host the best teams in the world in Australia, at multiple locations, such as Tasmania,” Vale said.
“This global home-and-away league has the potential to take the sport to the next level for some of the most important people in the sport — the athletes and the fans.”
Hobart’s hockey centre at Cornelian Bay is regarded as one of best facilities in the southern hemisphere and hosted matches against Pakistan, New Zealand and Korea as recently as May last year.
“Tasmania is likely to be a key host for Australia with the international standard venue in Hobart, and the developing venue in Launceston,” Vale said.
“It offers the potential for regular international hockey in Tasmania, like it does for other states, something we have been craving in Australia for a long time.”
While the series will mean the Kookaburras play more big matches on home soil, Vale also predicts big things for the sport in commercial opportunities and broadcast deals.
“Home-and-away concepts for team sports are the proven best model for success off the pitch — home events allow for strong commercial models, broadcast and big, bold, loud events by having the home team showcased in its home market,” Vale said.
FIH also announced that the seven countries that play in the 2019 GHL are assured of featuring in the elite home-and-away competition for four years.
It is proposed that GHL would be a nine-team competition from 2021, after which relegation and promotion would be introduced in 2023.
The Mercury
Pakistan's Show at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup-Not Unexpected
By Ijaz Chaudhry
After the biggest debacle in the history of Pakistan hockey - failure to qualify for the 2016 Olympics- major changes were brought in the PHF. Brig Khalid Khokhar and Shahbaz Ahmed came as the president and the secretary general respectively.
Although the gold at the South Asian Games was an encouraging result but the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was the first big test for the senior national side under the new regime.
The invitational tournament is generally utilized by the participating teams to experiment new players and combinations but not this time, at least by four of the seven sides. Australia, India, New Zealand and Canada would be figuring in the Rio Olympics in less than four months. They brought their full strength squads. Malaysia, being the hosts, always enter this tournament with proper preparation.
For Pakistan, it was different. The team is going through a rebuilding process. The first objective is to raise a good combination so as to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. The PHF took a brave step by dropping quite a few senior players who were part of the national side for last many years without bringing any meaningful results. The players not selected included, among others, M.Imran and Shafqat Rasool, captain and vice-captain, at the 2015 World Hockey League semifinals, where Pakistan’s poor eighth spot led to their ouster from the Olympics.
Of the teams in Ipoh, Australia (1), India (7) and New Zealand (8) were ranked higher than Pakistan (10) as per the FIH standings. Among the sides ranked lower, Malaysia (13) almost always perform well at home. While, Canada (14) have been preparing hard for the Olympics.
The head coach Khawaja Junaid had aimed at a realistic target of fourth position. It was not achieved, they finished a rung lower.
Pakistan started on a promising start, defeating Canada easily. The second game was against New Zealand, the defending champions. Poor defending resulted in a 3-5 loss. Pakistan played well and had more of the possession. It was 2-2 at half time. A six minute spell in the third quarter saw the black sticks slamming three goals off three penalty corners which sealed the match. Custodian Imran Butt had a bad day.
Next, they were up against Australia, the no 1 team in the world. Even the most optimistic wouldn’t give Pakistan any chance. The strategy was quite evident: defend with numbers and go for the counter attacks. Pakistan’s deep defence did hold the Kookaburras for long periods. But the counters completely lacked the thrust and penetration to bother world’s best side. The backline was bound to cave in and Aussies 4-0 victory was no surprise at all.
It was followed by the most eagerly awaited clash against the traditional rivals India. A victory here would have kept Pakistan in contention for a place in the final at that stage. Pakistan had twice defeated India at the recent South Asian games at the latter’s backyard. There, India had fielded an under strength side as the frontline players were busy in world’s most lucrative event, the Hockey India League. A close contest was expected but the Indians were all over Pakistan and ran out winners with a 5-1 margin. India eventually finished second. Their steady rise over last few years epitomises the vitality of a strong domestic competition.
In the HIL, the Indian players, established and upcoming, rub shoulders with the best of the world day in and day out.
Even after three consecutive defeats, a win over Malaysia would have kept them with a chance for the bronze medal play off. It wasn’t Pakistan’s day. Malaysia scored an early goal and then lived dangerously for long periods before edging Pakistan 1-0. Malaysia’s leading national daily ‘The Star’ reported,” The perennial problem of sloppy defending continues to plague Malaysian hockey. It’s hard to fathom how Pakistan failed to get a goal or two. Only some timely interventions by goal keeper Hairi and poor finishing by the Pakistanis kept the Malaysia ahead”.
A defeat in the last game of the round robin against Japan would have earned Pakistan the wooden spoon. The wave of momentum gained in the match against Malaysia was carried against the Japanese and also in the 5th position match vs Canada with Pakistan emerging easy winners in both the games.
Apart from the inexplicable big loss against India, the performance in other matches wasn’t far from the expectations.
The 5th position here with an experimental outfit is not bad when compared with Pakistan’s record in the Azlan Shah Cup in recent times. Pakistan didn’t figure in the last two editions. In 2014, they pulled out at the eleventh hour causing a lot of problems for the organisers. Resultantly, Pakistan were not invited the next year. In their last two appearances, they had finished at the bottom each time, in 2013 (among six teams) and 2014 (among seven).
Some youngsters shone at Ipoh. Arslan Qadir, with six goals, topped the tournaments’ scoring chart; also won two ‘Man of Match’ awards. He is shaping into a classic marksman with the ability to score from any position. The debutant Ejaz, though missed some good chances, seems to have the speed and skill to develop into a dangerous forward. Midfielders, Amad Shakeel Butt and Tasawwar Abbas were good work horses in defence as well as in attack. The team moved with good cohesion in the last three matches albeit against the lowly ranking sides.
That said there were several grey areas. Custodian Imran Butt was inconsistent: brilliant at times but also conceding soft goals. Deep defence made quite a few costly unforced errors. Penalty corner conversion remained poor even by Pakistani standards. Forwards missed chances galore. Mostly, the attacks were carried out through flanks with lesser penetration from the middle.
Then there were off the field problems. Hanif Khan, the originally named manager, annoyed with the team selection, first decided not to accompany the squad. Col Mohsin was called as the stand in manager. Hanif changed his mind and eventually both landed in Ipoh with the squad; Mohsin as the assistant manager.
During some matches, both Hanif and Khawaja Junaid, the head coach, were simultaneously giving instructions to the players from the sidelines. One doesn’t witness such bizarre scenes even during the club games.
It was heartening to see Happilac Paints’ logo on the team’s shirts. After a long time, a private business house has been roped in by the PHF to sponsor the national team.
The PHF needs to build on the positives seen here, and rectify the grey areas both on and away from the pitch.
All told, Pakistan hockey’s graph showed a slight upward trend. There is a very long way to go, and it remains to be seen.
Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey and other sports. For more about him and his work, visit www.sportscorrespondent.info
Fieldhockey.com
Dharma's women on a mission
by Jugjet Singh
THE Malaysian women's team will head for Japan on May 1, to begin a journey which coach K. Dharmaraj hopes will end at the 2018 England World Cup.
For the record, Malaysian women have yet to play in the World Cup, and have also yet to cross Round Two of the World League -- history which Dharmaraj plans to re-write.
"We will be heading for Japan for a 10-day Tour to play against their juniors. This is among the plans to get the women ready for the World League Round Two, which Malaysia will host in January.
"We have yet to advance into the WL Semi-finals, and that is what I aim to achieve with these players," said Dharmaraj.
The women are enjoying a second life under Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, as they have played in a Four-Nation in Hong Kong and became champions by beating Taiwan, Kazakhstan and the hosts,
They then went on a Tour of China, where they played five quality matches against the China juniors.
However, for the Japan Tour of five matches against their juniors, Dharmaraj will not have senior goalkeeper Farah Ayuni Yahya and outfield player Noor Hasliza Ali -- as both of them will be attending a nine-month training stint to become Policewomen.
"Farah has been our top goalkeeper for at least seven years and in her absence I wil be fielding two juniors. Even though this might pose problems at the Japan Tour, but in the long run, it will benefit the country," said Dharmaraj.
Both the senior players, however, will be available to play in the World League Round Two in January.
In the recent WL Round One held in Singapore, Thailand became champions, Kazakhstan were second and the hosts third and all three countries will play in the WL Round Two in Kuala Lumpur.
"Four teams (including Malaysia) have confirmed for the KL World League, and I believe Ireland and Italy will be among the other four. We need to play in the final of Round Two, and qualify for the World League Semi-finals to break our duck.
"After that, I believe we have a chance to play in the 2018 England World Cup, by playing our cards right in the quarter-finals," said Dharmaraj who has coached the Malaysian men and boys at the World Cup level.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
SOJC: Motley Crew from Malaysia
by Jugjet Singh
THE Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) holds little importance for Malaysia this year, but the other five teams will use it to prepare for the Junior World Cup in New Delhi.
Malaysia failed to qualify for the Junior World Cup, when they finished fifth in the Kuantan Junior Asia Cup.
The other five SOJC teams -- England, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Japan -- have all qualified for the Junior World Cup and will be at their best in Johor Baru on Oct 31-Nov 6.
Japan were invited after two-time champions India withdrew, after confirming their entry earlier.
The SOJC team will be handled by development coaches Wallace Tan and Amin Rahim.
"After we failed to qualify for the Junior World Cup, the team was disbanded and we might have some difficulties forming a formidable side," said Amin.
This is because there are only 15 players in training under the development coaches, and so, the Razak Cup will be a selection ground for the SOJC.
"My advise to those who played in the Junior Asia Cup, as well as those who aspire to play in the Under-21 SOJC, is to keep themselves fit and give their best in the Razak Cup.
"The plan right now is to select players from this tournament, and maybe, train for two months before the SOJC," said Amin.
The Razak Cup will be held on may 21-29 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Rio Olympics hockey hopeful mixes work and play
Peter Williams 
Tim Deavin and The Sporting Globe’s James Sinclair at the Rockingham site. Picture: Amy Sewell
When the Rio Olympics screen at Tim Deavin’s new sports bar and grill in August, he’s hoping not to be at the Rockingham venue.
He’d rather be in Brazil. The Australian men’s hockey squad member is working hard to be picked for his second Olympics.
And next month he’ll open the first WA franchise of Victorian chain The Sporting Globe, a $2 million hospitality venue with more than 50 screens and room for more than 150 diners.
“It’s pretty exciting and scary at the same time,” Deavin said.
The timing may not be ideal but he said The Sporting Globe’s head office was helping out until after the Olympics so his hockey preparations were not affected.
The 31-year-old plans to continue his hockey career post-Olympics and run the bar.
“I should be able to continue to do both effectively,” he said.
Deavin is not new to business or hospitality. He once managed a McDonald’s outlet in his native Tasmania and has worked with Perth’s Bar Pop team.
He has also set up a hockey stick retailer with Kookaburras teammate Glenn Turner.
“I’ve got a passion for business. All of my family have businesses,” he said. His father Phil Deavin is a partner in the bar at Rockingham’s redeveloped shopping centre.
“He’s got a love of hospitality and sport,” The Sporting Globe chief executive James Sinclair said of Tim Deavin. “It was just a really good fit.”
Mr Sinclair said WA’s strong sporting culture made it an ideal expansion zone for the chain, which has six venues in Victoria and another opening in July.
There are plans to open more at entertainment precincts in Perth once franchisees and sites are selected.
“We see a broader market of customers than a typical sports bar,” Mr Sinclair said.
The West Australian
A Marathon for The Hockey Museum
Jon Rye ran the London Marathon in aid of The Hockey Museum, adding to the amazing journey that the Museum has had over the past few years.
Every step Jon took was earning sponsorship money for the museum and with the museum logo emblazoned on his front & back he gave us enormous publicity.
Jon managed a personal best of 4 hours & 20 minutes, an amazing achievement.
You can still be part of this as his Virgin Giving page is still open at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JonRyeTHM.
You can feel part of this great effort without even putting on your running shoes! If you have not already done so please go to his page & show your support.
The Hockey Museum