News for 02 May 2016
All the news for Monday 2 May 2016
Bees end Chichester fairytale to take Men's Cup
Richard Lawrence celebrates scoring in the 2016 cup final
Men’s Cup Final: Lethal Lawrence the hero for Bees.
Two goals from Beeston’s Richard Lawrence clinched the Bees’ fifth Men’s Cup title after an excellent performance to see off Chichester 3-0. Lawrence struck twice in the second half to add to Stuart Pilgrim’s early penalty stroke to end the Sussex side’s dreams of a fairytale at the final hurdle.
Much of the talk pre-match centred around the potential of another Premier Division scalp for Chichester who had already collected two en route to the final. However Matt Taylor’s side were disciplined, well prepared and professional and got the job done in front of a big crowd who provided an electric atmosphere.
Beeston dominated the first half with Maciej Pacanowski in the Chichester goal called upon to deny Chris Proctor, Richard Lawrence and then Hamish Imrie in quick succession with a string of splendid saves.
Stuart Pilgrim lifts the cup for Beeston
On six minutes the Bees made the break through. Pilgrim kept calm to slot in a low penalty stroke to settle his side into the match. The Polish stopper was at it again moments later getting down sharply to his right to repel another Lawrence penalty corner. Proctor and Mohan Gandhi were dominating the middle of the pitch and Chichester’s attacks were restricted to fast breaks and half chances.
Beeston extended their lead four minutes after the break thanks to Lawrence. Joe Sharp cut in from the right and forced a save from the goalkeeper. The ball popped up and Richard Lawrence made no mistake, volleying in the rebound.
Gandhi and Proctor both went close but then at the other end, Jamie Cachia, largely a spectator till this point, was called upon making superb save from Martin Gough’s deflection. Chichester poured forwards in search of a goal but it was Beeston who extended the lead, Lawrence spinning and firing in an unstoppable shot from near the top of the circle. There was still time for an outstanding goal line clearance from Matt Sewell and another fine save by Cachia but Beeston were in control and saw the game out to take the cup 3-0.
Beeston 3 (1)
Stuart Pilgrim 6 (PS)
Richard Lawrence 39, 50 (FG, FG)
Chichester 0 (0)
England Hockey Board Media release
Beeston Hockey Club win fifth English Hockey Men's Cup title
Beeston celebrate their win. Picture by England Hockey
Two goals from Beeston's Richard Lawrence clinched the Bees' fifth England Hockey Men's Cup title after an excellent performance to see off Chichester 3-0.
Lawrence struck twice in the second half to add to Stuart Pilgrim's early penalty stroke to end the Sussex side's dreams of a fairytale at the final hurdle.
Much of the talk pre-match centred around the potential of another Premier Division scalp for West Conference side Chichester, who had already collected two en route to the final.
However, Matt Taylor's side were disciplined, well prepared and professional and got the job done in front of a big crowd who provided an electric atmosphere.
Beeston dominated the first half with Maciej Pacanowski in the Chichester goal called upon to deny Chris Proctor, Lawrence and then Hamish Imrie in quick succession with a string of splendid saves.
On six minutes, the Bees made the break through. Pilgrim kept calm to slot in a low penalty stroke to settle his side into the match.
The Polish stopper was at it again moments later, getting down sharply to his right to repel another Lawrence penalty corner.
Proctor and Mohan Gandhi were dominating the middle of the pitch and Chichester's attacks were restricted to fast breaks and half chances.
Beeston extended their lead four minutes after the break thanks to Lawrence. Joe Sharp cut in from the right and forced a save from the goalkeeper. The ball popped up and Richard Lawrence made no mistake, volleying in the rebound.
Gandhi and Proctor both went close but then, at the other end, Jamie Cachia, largely a spectator till this point, was called upon making superb save from Martin Gough's deflection.
Chichester poured forwards in search of a goal but it was Beeston who extended the lead, Lawrence spinning and firing in an unstoppable shot from near the top of the circle.
There was still time for an outstanding goal-line clearance from Matt Sewell and another fine save by Cachia but Beeston were in control and saw the game out to take the cup 3-0.
Nottingham Post
Glory for Guernsey and Haslemere
Mens Vase Final - Ludlow vs Haslemere
Men’s Vase Final: Powell at the double for Haslemere
Andy Powell’s double strike helped Haslemere to a 4-2 win over Ludlow, handing them the Men’s Vase in the process. In a hugely entertaining encounter, the sides traded goals until Halsemere’s killer instinct put them out of sight and ensured they took the title.
The game started at a frantic pace with Nic Cope drawing a great diving save out of David Hughes in the first minutes. Ludlow wasted little time in stamping their mark on the game at the other end and led with a wonder goal from James Pratt in the third minute. Hughes preserved the lead with a stunning double save to keep out Tristan Conoley and then to scoop the ball out to safety with his glove. At the other end Nick Short excelled himself, rushing outside his circle to sweep clear with his stick. Cope set up Powell but Hughes performed miracles once again. There was nothing he could do to keep out a penalty stroke form Powell in the 19th minute.
At the start of the second half Cope hit the post Haslemere and then Hughes pushed the same player’s shot onto the post. Cope was not to be denied much longer however, beating the goalkeeper with a superb backhand. Pratt levelled it up with his second of the match but the joy was short lived as Tristan Conoley made it 3-2 almost immediately. Powell added another finsihing off a flowing move and Halsemere celebrated winning the Vase.
Rob Dilworth captain of Haslemere
That was unbelievable and a total rollercoaster. We have a fantastic team with great team spirit. When they took the early lead we worried but our keeper made some class saves and played really well and our talent upfront managed to pull it away to take the lead. It is a fantastic club and looking at all the fans it has been a great day for the club.
Ludlow 1 (1)
James Pratt 3, 62 (FG, FG)
Haslemere 4 (1)
Andy Powell 19, 64 (PS, FG)
Nic Cope 47 (FG)
Tristan Conoley 63 (FG)
Men’s Trophy Final: Sweet redemption for Guernsey in Trophy Final.
Guernsey earned themselves redemption for last year’s final disappointment with a crushing 7-2 win over Blackheath and Old Elthamians. The sides went in at the break deadlocked at 2-2 but a devastating display of second half finishing put Guernsey out of sight and booked the Men’s Trophy a flight back to the Channel Islands.
Mens Trophy Final - Guernsey vs Blackheath OEs
The Islanders took the lead from their first attack. Zak Damarell swivelled and slotted home from close range. They doubled their lead shortly afterwards with a penalty corner goal from Andy Whalley.
Blackheath struck back with a goal from a penalty corner from Chris Harden and then Michael Lawrence tied it up with a beautifully taken goal of his own. James Craigmyle made a good save to deny Steve Waldrom and it was all square at the interval.
Blackheath were caught napping at the start of the second half as Damarell swept in from close range to put his side back in the lead. Dawes added another, seizing on a loose ball to slot home. Guenrsey scented blood and continued to apply the pressure and Josh Kendall, Steve Waldrom and Morgan Harries turned the game into a rout, boosting the score to seven and making sure the trophy was theirs this time around.
Blackheath and OEs 2 (2)
Chris Harden 15 (PC)
Michael Lawrence 25 (PC)
Guernsey 7 (2)
Zak Damarell 2 36 (FG FG)
Andy Whalley 10 (PC)
Sam Dawes 44 (FG)
Josh Kendall 50 (FG)
Steve Waldrom 60 (FG)
Morgan Harries 64 (FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Men's Masters Finals: Round Up
Mens O40s Shield Final - Wisbech Town vs Norwich Dragons
Men’s Over 50s Cup Final. Ben Rhydding get through on a Wing and a prayer.
Tony Wing’s late strike was enough to hand Ben Rhydding the Men’s O50s Cup as they ran out 4-3 winners over Richmond in a hugely competitive encounter.
Richmond raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Chris Rule and Ian Wallace, but Ben Rhydding, roared on by a noisy travelling group of fans hauled themselves back into it with two goasl in four minutes through Jonnie Till and Andy Sumnall, ensuring it was 2-2 at teh break.
The second half was a very even encounter with both sides testing the respevibe goalkeepers. On 57 minutes Wallace grabbed his second goal from close range but hte lead only lasted five minutes. Brian Kempson fired home at the back post after a broken down penalty corner. Thoughts were turning to the prospect of a shootout but then up popped Wing to win it for his side late on.
Andy Locke captain of Ben Rhydding
‘It was an extremely tough match, it was too well matched sides and it was end to end. Richmond had us on the back foot early on but we just kept going and towards the end it could have gone either way. It’s nice to get the trophy going up north, we knew this was going to be a tough game but it meant massive amounts to us. We have the colts playing tomorrow so if we can get the old guys and the young guys to get the trophies that will be an absolute belter. The fans have been fantastic, the noise level kept us going that meant we didn’t give up.’
Ben Rhydding 4 (2)
Jonnie Till 21 (FG)
Andy Sumnall 25 (PC)
Brian Kempson 62 (PC)
Tony Wing 67 (FG)
Richmond 3 (2)
Chris Rule 3 (FG)
Ian Wallace 57 (FG, FG)
Men’s O40s Cup Final: Robinsons squash Rugby and East Warwicks
The first half was played at a tremendous pace with both sides not shirking the midfield battle and tackles coming from all angles. Philip King had the first clear chance but his lofted effort drifted just wide of the far post. Mark Pullen also had a sight of goal but his thunderous strike fizzed wide. Danny Bell made a great save to deny Paul Underhill and it was all square at the break.
The game came to life at the start of the second half. Trevor Done smashed in the opener from the top of the circle for Robinsons but from the restart Colin Odwell levelled it up. Two minutes later, Rugby were ahead courtesy of a slick penalty corner routine, turned in by Alex Watkins. Pullen brought the best out of Bell once again as Robinsons searched for a leveller.
Robinsons soon had a great chance to level it via a penalty stroke but incredibly, Rod Naughalty’s effort hit the woodwork. Peter Wheeler’s deflection was repelled by Bell but Robinsons could not be denied any longer and Ian King forced in the equaliser from close range. The game was turned on its head moments later as Andrew Hodge slammed in a third to put Robinsons in the ascendancy. Pullen scored a picturebook goal to make it 4-2 to the delight of the Clifton/Robinsons faithful. There was still time for Philip King to force in a fifth securing the trophy for Robinsons.
Ian King captain of Robinsons HC
‘It was an intense match, from being 1-0 up then to give them a goal going 2-1 down we really had to fight. In the second half we just kept on coming and coming at them. They are good tough side and it was a great final and worthy of a final, our toughest game of the year. We have had a great day from England hockey and delighted to have won. When we missed the flick we thought maybe this isn’t going to be our day but we scrabbled one over the line to draw it level and score two quick ones and that just turned it. We had a great night last night and we will have a great night tonight.’
Robinsons 5 (0)
Trevor Done 40 (FG)
Ian King 52 (FG)
Andrew Hodge 57 (FG)
Mark Pullen 60 (FG)
Philip King 65 (FG)
Rugby and East Warwickshire 2 (0)
Colin Odwell 41 (FG)
Alex Watkins 43 (PC)
Men’s O50s Trophy Final
Epsom completed the silverware hatrick as their Over 50 men won 3-2 against Ipswich to claim the trophy.
Epsom took the lead early with Richard Skinner strike deflecting into the net to give the Maroon shirts the advantage. This didn’t dishearten Ipswich and Steve Askins found himself unmarked in the circle but keeper Pat Baker made sure he cleared it out of any danger. Dramatically Ipswich saw two of their defence sent back to the half way line during a penalty corner but keeper Bignell confirmed his dominance and cleared the ball away with a solid boot off his left leg as the crowd went wild. Ruddy Wheeler dived in front of the keeper to deflect in Richard Skinner's shot to extend Epsom's lead, minutes later Chris Mitchell got a sweet finish on the ball to make it 3-0 early in the second half.
With the clock counting down Andy Cook confidently got Ipswich on the score sheet with a straight strike from a penalty corner. Epsom found a new lease of life and after applying the pressure they were rewarded again with a second Andy Cook strike. It wasn’t enough however but they certainly kept the pressure right down to the wire.
Mark Sydenham captain Epsom HC
Having won two already this weekend to be the third one so to have been the bridesmaid could have been awful so lots of pressure on us but we played well as a team all season and it showed in final, maybe not the last five minutes when we got a bit tired. We have had a great tournament and to play on this sort of surface is just a dream.
Epsom (1) 3
Richard Skinner PC
Ruddy Wheeler PC
Chris Mitchell FG
Ipswich (0) 2
Andy Cook FG
Andy Cook PC
Mens Over 40s Shield
The local Norwich derby didn’t disappoint as Wisbech came away crowned O40 shield winners after a dramatic shootout win.
The game was end to end with neither side having much luck in the circle. Norwich Dragons were first to break deadlock with a well worked penalty corner routine finished off by Rob Wagstaff to give them the lead. The Red shirted side drew level as Brad Apted scored a great solo effort tricking the defence as he drove into the circle on his reverse for Wisbech Town just before half time.
In the second half Wisbech thought they had taken the lead through Sam Markillie however after a brief umpire discussion the goal was disallowed due to the ball going in off his body. A great interception from Apted from a defensive error led him to drive along the baseline to knock it under the keeper to give the reds their second goal. In the last minutes of the game Dragons pulled one back as Robert Snelling's drag flick rocketed into the netting making it 2-2.
Neither side looked overly happy that it had gone to a shoot out but they stepped up with some interesting techniques on show. Nick Osborne clinched the winner on the fifth attempt with the final score 3-2 to Wisbech Town.
Nick Osborn captain of Wisbech Town HC
'That was a relief! It was a good game, we have played these guys a couple times before so it was a real local derby. They knew about us and we knew about them but the guys did really well to come back from 1-0 down, 2-1 then obviously conceding the goal so it was nervous times. We have been had two runners up before so third time luck for me. We are wearing black arm bands after our ex first team manager Ian Bradshaw who passed away a few weeks ago.'
Wisbech Town (1) 2
Brad Apted FG
Brad Apted FG
Norwich Dragons (1) 2
Rob Wagstaff PC
Robert Snelling PC
Men’s O50 Shield
Dominic Camilleri opened the scoring with a drag flick rolling off the keepers foot deflecting into the top of the goal to begin the game. It took Charnwood Mount Sorrel until the 20th minute to get going with Dave Fox using his pace to drive into the circle for a chance on goal.
After the umpire showed off his agility skills diving out of the way the ball, the white shirts were awarded a penalty stroke which Kevin Stanton-King neatly slotted past the keeper to draw his side level. Old Loughtonians were straight on the counter attack with Wayne Garner beating the keeper putting his side in the lead once again.
Gerrard Padfield finished off a well worked team attacked to give Old Loughtonians a 3-1 lead with just minutes left on the clock until the break.
The second half started well with Charnwood eager to increase their goal tally but Old Loughts were determined to deny them. Keeper Chris Tilley made some all important saves. The yellow shirts were quick on the counter attack but despite good play from Rowan Healey his shot went wide.
Wanye Garner then got into a great position in front of the keeper finishing the ball on his reverse to give himself a second goal adding to Old Loughtonians tally. In the dying minutes of the game Charnwood were awarded a penalty stroke but the keeper went the right way to deny them a second goal. The last action of the match was a penalty corner to Charnwood who slotted it past the keeper to finish the game 4-2.
Dominic Camilleri from Old Loughtonians HC
'I’d like to say it was a long road but in essence it was only four games, we won each one so happy to be in the final and happy to be here. It was a lovely opposition and the game was played in fantastic spirit. It’s been great to play here, it has been a great legacy for the sport.'
Old Loughtonians (3) 4
Dominic Camilleri PC
Wayne Garner FG
Wayne Garner FG
Gerrard Padfield FG
Charnwood Mount Sorrel (1) 2
Kevin Santon-King PS
Dave Fox FG
Men’s Over 40s Trophy Final
Epsom Embers secured their second bit of silverware of the day winning 2-1 against Surrey rivals Purley Walcountians.
Epsom took the lead early on with an Ali Murrell drag flick, this gave them momentum with lightning pace on the wings from Andre Bailey really giving Purley's defence something to do. Purely took their time to warm up but soon found their form as they pressed the defence. An attacker was taken down by Colin Savage in the circle that lead to Wayne Bennett stepping up to slot the ball in the top left of the goal from a penalty stroke. Just before the half time whistle was a fantastic solo effort from Matt Peaty beating the keeper to give Epsom the lead.
In the second half Epsom were quick out of the blocks forcing Dunn to work hard in the goal. A penalty corner for the Embers forced some energetic saves from Savage denying the Embers but despite this they took a 2-1 win.
Ali Murrell from Epsom Embers HC
'It has been a long journey to get here and travelled over 15,000 miles and played every game away so it really has been an epic journey. It has been fantastic day and give our team a new lease of life. It is a beautiful pitch to play on and we had a great crowd. We will come back and defend our title next year!'
Purley Walcountians (1) 1
Wayne Bennett PS
Epsom Embers (2) 2
Ali Murrell PC
Matt Peaty FG
England Hockey Board Media release
Railways retains title in shootout
Favourite Punjab let down by complacency, falters at the final hurdle
Uthra Ganesan
TRIUMPHANT: The Railways team after winning the National men’s hockey title on Sunday.
A bunch of youngsters doing the champion dance on the hockey turf in sweltering heat may sound strange but that’s how the Railways (RSPB) hockey team celebrated after retaining the sixth National men’s hockey championship title with a 6-5 (2-2) win over favourite Punjab in the final here on Sunday.
It was Punjab’s game to lose and the side faltered at the final hurdle, going down in the shootout after the teams were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time at the Chandgiram Sports Complex. With this, Railways also proved its title last year was no fluke, upping its game when needed most.
Punjab, having won all his games so far comprehensively, was let down by complacency and an off day, unable to execute anything it tried. The players were off-target, the planning unclear and the passings and trappings faulty.
On the other hand, Railways did not lose control of the game despite trailing twice. The match was scrappy but Railways managed to negate Punjab’s attacking strengths. It also conceded just three penalty corners and earned seven, converting one and earning a stroke off another that led to the equaliser deep into the fourth quarter.
With a large number of turnovers and rough tackling from both sides, play was restricted largely to the midfield. It took till the end of the second quarter for a deflection of RSPB goalkeeper Jugraj Singh’s pads to give Punjab the lead.
That didn’t stay long and Amit Rohidas finally came good in his fifth attempt to level the scores. RSPB began pushing ahead in the third quarter and dominated the game. Affan Yousuf failed to get a goal but created at least four penalty corners.
The last of RSPB’s seven penalty corners came in the 59th minute and a goal-line body save by the Punjab defender resulted in a successful stroke that took the game into shootout.
There was further drama when the teams were tied 3-3 in the shootout, before Gurvinder Singh Chandi’s shot hit the side netting to hand over the title to RSPB.
“It just wasn’t our day. We lost in the shootout but to be honest, we did not play well even before that. It happens, some days nothing goes your way, things that you do as a routine don’t work out. We missed chances, failed to back up each other and anything that could go wrong, did,” Punjab captain Gurbaj Singh admitted.
Gurbaj was one of the players who missed in the tie-breaker, hurrying his shot and shooting wide in the process. “Haan, thoda zyada hi jaldi kar diya (yes I hurried a bit too much),” a disappointed Gurbaj said, aware that his conversion could have given his team the title. For the rest of the game, however, he was one of the few in his team who came out well.
“We were actually confident of winning in the regulation time because we know our strengths. Ours is a good mix of experience and youth and the emphasis on hockey in Railways in the last one year had helped firm up our team,” Yousuf said.
The result: Final: RSPB 2 (Amit Rohidas 2) bt Punjab 2 (Vikramjit Singh, Varun Kumar) in shootout (4-3).
The Hindu
Lisnagarvey win Irish EY Champions Trophy
Lisnagarvey put in the ultimate team performance as they claimed the first EY Champions Trophy title, capping the new look competition’s first year with a high octane, thrill-a-minute final with Banbridge.
The Hillsborough side won the regular season with plenty to spare, making them hot favourites for this title at the start of the weekend and they duly swept into the final with a 3-1 success against Pembroke in Saturday’s semi-final.
Banbridge reached the final courtesy of a shoot-out win over Monkstown, their nemesis in the all-Ireland final in the last three seasons, but found the final hurdle too high for a fourth successive campaign.
Michael Watt gave Garvey the lead in the 11th minute when he redirected Timmy Cockram’s excellent disguised pass from the top of the first penalty corner.
Banbridge replied when Matthew Bell’s drag-flick hit James Lorimer illegally on the goal line, leading to a penalty stroke which Stevie Dowds converted, sending John Tormey the wrong way.
But parity lasted barely a minute as Garvey worked a great move down the right wing to Paul Gleghorne, making a rare foray forward, and he delivered a swift pass into the middle that invited Daniel Buser to dive on to and rocket into the roof of the net.
From there, the game got tetchy with Neal Glassey, otherwise immaculate at the back, and Fraser Mills picking up yellow cards in the closing phases of the first half.
Mills’ foul drew lasting damage as it came with a penalty corner that fell for Matthew Nelson to dink over Gareth Lennox from close range for a 3-1 half-time advantage.
And that was not to change in the second half as Garvey defended brilliantly while Bann could not take the chances that did come their way. Jonny McKee’s brilliant run and chip shot was batted away by Tormey while the forward also went over the bar.
Three late penalty corners also went incomplete as Garvey charged each one down, getting over the line with daylight between the teams.
It means Lisnagarvey qualify for next season’s Euro Hockey League as Ireland’s number one representative while Banbridge will be the number two representative. What tier they play in will depend on their performance in two weeks time in the Euro Hockey Club Champions Trophy in Glasgow.
Men’s EY Champions Trophy final
Lisnagarvey 3 (M Watt, D Buser, M Nelson)
Banbridge 1 (S Dowds)
Lisnagarvey: J Tormey, J Lorimer, J Bell, R Arneill, S Murray, T Cockram, S Arbuthnot, D Buser, N Glassey, M Watt, P Gleghorne
Subs: R Getty, P MacDonnell, A Williamson, M Nelson, M McNellis, A Forrest, J Milliken
Banbridge: G Lennox, J McKee, Peter Brown, M Bell, B McCandless, S Dowds, E Magee, Philip Brown, D Carlisle, K Marshall, O Magee
Subs: J Moffett, J Wright, F Mills, R Beattie, S Farson, B Logan, P Bingham
Irish Hockey Association media release
Hermes Win Irish EY Champions Trophy
Anna O’Flanagan and Emma Gray inspired Hermes to the maiden women’s EY Champions Trophy at Havelock Park with a superbly contested 3-1 win over 2015’s national champions Pegasus.
It was Hermes first all-Ireland crown since 2008, ending a long wait but they were more than good value for the trophy after a breathtaking league campaign – heading the table by 12 points – laid the base for this victory.
They swept to a big 6-3 win over Ulster Elks in Saturday’s semi-final while Pegasus edged a 2-0 win over Railway Union to reach the decider.
Pegs did get out of the blocks the quicker with Vanessa Surgeoner going incredibly close to the first goal, volleying just wide when she caught a flying ball in the circle.
It led to a series of four quick-fire corners for Pegasus but Emma Gray – later named Goalkeeper of the Tournament – and her defence kept each of them out.
And, from Hermes’ first attack, they went up the pitch and nabbed the opening goal in the seventh minute, locating O’Flanagan on the left edge of the circle and she pumped the ball past Sammy-Jo Greer.
Only a couple of minutes later, the striker was through again with Eimear Horan feeding a great ball into her path before she unleashed another cracking shot for 2-0.
There were fraught moments as Pegasus pushed on at regular intervals with Gray doing brilliantly to smother from Taite Doherty to retain the 2-0 lead into the half-time break.
She also kept out Hannah Grieve’s sweep shot with an out-stretched boot. Doherty did get one by her in the 38th minute when Alex Speers broke free on the left and slipped the ball under her arm to the forward who avoided one tackle and finished at close quarters.
Pegasus were in the ascendancy in that third quarter but their momentum was stymied when Steph Thompson – a powerhouse in the semi-final – was shown a yellow for a foul on Carroll who made an excellent turn and run.
It helped Hermes to completely control the closing ten minutes and their clinching goal came in the 51st minute, a classily conceived effort from a free outisde the 23m zone.
Sinead Loughran picked up the ball on the left with space to shoot but she angled it to the back post where Nikki Evans was in situ to deflect in for 3-1.
The Dubliners closed out the win with the minimum of fuss and Hermes had their ninth all-Ireland trophy, following four wins in the Irish Senior Cup and four in the old Club Championships.
Women’s EY Champions Trophy final
Hermes 3 (A O’Flanagan 2, N Evans)
Pegasus 1 (T Doherty)
Pegasus: S-J Greer, H Grieve, R Maguire, H McMillan, S Ferris, K McConnell, A Speers, G Irwin, P Glass, S Thompson, V Surgeoner
Subs: C Harvey, T Doherty, N Pinkerton, R Henderson, K Morris, M Bowyer, S Moffett
Hermes: E Gray, S Greene, N Carroll, N Evans, C Watkins, E Horan, C Quinlan, E Curran, A Barnwell, S Kelly, A O’Flanagan
Subs: C McGilp, R Carrigan, L McInerney, S Campbell, S Patton, S Loughran, E Murphy
Umpires: A Keogh, F Davitt
EY Managing Partner Mike McKerr Presents Emma Gray, Hermes Captain, with the EY Champions trophy
Anna O'Flanagan won Player of the Tournament
Irish Hockey Association media release
Pumped-up Hermes take inaugural women’s EY Hockey League title
A late Sinead Loughran goal killed off the game with four minutes to play
Stephen Findlater
Hermes players celebrate with the trophy. Photo: Inpho
The inaugural women’s EY Hockey League season reached its logical conclusion as a pumped up Hermes, revved by Anna O’Flanagan, had too much fire-power for Pegasus at Havelock Park.
She struck in the first 10 minutes and while the reigning national champions were often a threat, they did not have the star quality that the Dubliners had in abundance.
Taite Doherty pulled one back midway through the second half but a suitably classy Nikki Evans goal, created by Sinead Loughran’s clever reverse strike to the right post, killed off the game with four minutes to go.
Representatives
It means Hermes will be Ireland’s number one representative in Europe in the 2016/17 season with Pegasus taking the number two spot.
Hermes coach Rudi Wortmann had been worried the knockout nature of the competition might deny his side what he felt was a deserved overall title.
His belief was based in a regular season that saw Hermes win the league with four games to go and 12 points to their nearest competitors.
He needn’t have worried as they blitzed Irish Senior Cup winners Ulster Elks in Saturday’s semi-final 6-3 thanks to doubles from Carroll and O’Flanagan.
Rude health
Pegasus were 2-0 winners over Railway Union in a much tighter fixture and they started in rude health in the final, winning four corners in the first phases. But O’Flanagan, later named player of the tournament, soon put them on the back foot with a cracking finish from the left of the circle.
Another breathtaking move made it 2-0 and Hermes were well on their way to their first national title since 2008.
It is also their last in this current guise as they make the transition to Hermes-Monkstown next year following confirmation of their merger in the past week.
The Irish Times
Racing back in the EHL with Dragons
Racing Club de Bruxelles beat Royal Leopold 2-0 to reach the Belgian final, joining KHC Dragons not just in the national final but also in the EHL in 2016/17.
After a first leg 0-0 draw, Jerome Truyens gave Racing the lead in the seventh minute to finally break the stalemate. Cedric Charlier then made the game safe in the second half to make it 2-0, surviving a chaotic end game in which Simon Gougnard got a yellow and John Verdussen saw red.
Speaking afterwards, Racing’s Jeremy Gucasoff told the Hockey Belgium website, “Over the whole season, we deserved this place in the final.
“We were very consistent and we integrated our youth well. We have also managed to leave nothing behind in the most recent matches. .
“We now look forward to the final, the type of game that I play hockey for. The two teams are ready for this big event and we have every chance.”
They meet a Dragons side that stormed through their tie with Braxgata, winning 6-0 in the first leg and 7-0 in Sunday’s second leg.
Royal Leopold and Braxgata will meet on Thursday and Sunday to decide who finishes third in the overall rankings and takes the third Belgian EHL place. The finals, all to be played at Dragons’ ground, will be on Thursday and Sunday, too, at 3.30pm (CET).
Euro Hockey League media release
Read making the most of Northern shift
Photo: www.photosport.nz
Despite being a self-professed ‘proud Wellingtonian’, Development Squad member Bradley Read is loving life in Auckland.
With opportunities proving limited in Wellington, Read made the decision to shift North and ply his trade for North Shore United in the North Harbour club competition.
“I loved living in Wellington and everything about it but being named in the Development Squad – all the trainings are up in Auckland and all the facilities are up there. It was tough to make that decision going up there but I am really happy I have done it and am already seeing the benefits.”
One of Read’s priorities this year will be pushing hard for selection into the New Zealand Under 21 side to take part in the Junior World Cup in India in December. He knows just how tough that will be.
“It looks like it’s going to be a good build-up for New Zealand leading into that tournament. We have a good base of players who have come through in the last year or so, with a lot of young guys in the National and Development Squad.
“If I am lucky enough to be selected in the team it is going to be a massive opportunity and one of the highlights of my career. With the team we have got we have a good possibility of doing well, it’s just a matter of putting performances together and really pushing those other top nations.”
2015 proved to be a great year for Read on the hockey turf – winning both the National U21 tournament and the Ford National Hockey League with his Capital Cobras outfit – ironically both were won in shoot-outs. Read has no doubt as to the reason for Capital’s success last year.
“Just the culture we built in both teams was really key – it wasn’t forced culture, we put it upon ourselves if we are going to go away and we want to be a winning team then we have to have that culture.”
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Read though. A frustrating back injury towards the end of 2015 limited his training and resulted in him missing out on the Junior World Cup Qualifiers against Australia in January. Read opted to take a long term approach to his recovery.
“That was pretty disappointing – it was the first time we had all the available players looking to go away to the Junior World Cup. It was just one of those things – you can’t do much about it, but I decided to play it safe and take a break.”
With the bulk of the successful Capital U21 side from 2015 missing, new captain Read is aware 2016 is going to be difficult. The opening weekend proved this, with a last minute victory over Central followed by a tough 4-0 loss to Canterbury.
“Every year we go away the goal is to win. We scraped through against Central, Canterbury are a good team but we still played well and had our chances. We’ve got the skill base in the team to be successful, just have to put it out on the park.”
Sunday was another tough day for Read and his Capital lads, going down in a shoot-out to Southern in the first game of the day after scores were tied 2-2 at fulltime.
In other men’s results on Sunday, North Harbour defeated Midlands 2-0 and Canterbury maintained their spot on top of the table with a 4-0 win over Auckland.
CLICK HERE for all scores, standings and stats from the National U21 Tournament
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Robinson eyeing double international success
Photo: www.photsport.nz
It’s hard enough getting to the top in one sport, but Development Squad member Amy Robinson makes it look easy with success in two sports.
A 2014 Youth Olympian in athletics, Midlands player Robinson is well known around the New Zealand athletics and hockey circles after a stunning run of success in both recently.
In her specialist event, the 400m hurdles, Robinson has set a number of New Zealand records and finished second at the New Zealand Open Nationals in Dunedin last year.
Robinson has found combining athletics and hockey a challenge, but one she enjoys.
“It was a bit harder this year – I did all the squad games with the Black Sticks and tried to run after – so my athletics wasn’t as good as last year. Even with this I was still happy with how my season went in athletics.”
Robinson was a member of the Junior World Cup qualifiers squad in January, and this has given her a taste for what is needed for success later this year.
“I really enjoyed the tournament – I have never played the Australians before. We played some of the European countries last year in Europe. I thought we were pretty similar, it was a shame to lose, but doing so well in the warm-up games we have to work on taking that through to the tournament games.”
With 2015 being a fairly heavy year with athletics, 2016 is shaping up as a big year hockey wise for Robinson. She will be pushing for selection in the New Zealand Under 21 side for the Junior World Cup in Chile later this year. She knows she can’t rest on her laurels if she wants to make the team.
“I need to keep improving on everything I am doing, not stop once I have achieved. Also need to keep improving my fitness scores – the YoYo test is definitely not my favourite!”
With two wins from two so far in the competition (Robinson was interviewed before their Round 3 game against North Harbour) the Midlands U21 women are shaping as true title contenders. Not that they are getting ahead of themselves.
“Great to start with two wins, but we want to keep building with Harbour and Canterbury first up – they will be our two hardest games but you can’t take anyone lightly. Individually I felt I did ok – pretty consistent, but I want to get some more goals."
A noted goal scorer, Robinson must surely be trying to get past her teammate (and captain) Megan Hull in the top goal scorers stakes after being dubbed the ‘scoreless striker’ after drawing a blank at last year’s tournament.
“I’m not too worried – it’s a way better performance for me this year, I didn’t score any goals last year. I guess I have to just get a few sneaky touches at PCs.”
There was a Robinson on the scoresheet for Midlands today, but it was Tori not Amy (no relation) who scored but could not prevent Midlands going down to Harbour, albeit in a shoot-out after scores were tied 2-2 at fulltime.
In the other games, Southern defeated Capital 4-2 and Auckland secured a 4-0 win over Canterbury.
CLICK HERE for all scores, standings and stats from the National U21 Tournament
Hockey New Zealand Media release
David Tomlinson the toast of NZ's hockey umpiring elite
GEORGE HEAGNEY
Manawatu's David Tomlinson has been named New Zealand hockey umpire of the year.
A successful 12 months has seen Manawatu's David Tomlinson named Hockey New Zealand's top umpire.
Tomlinson was named umpire of the year at the awards ceremony on Friday and even though he wasn't expecting it, Tomlinson has had a good run of umpiring appointments.
"It was for 2015," he said. "I got upgraded to a grade-one international umpire, I went to the World League finals [in India] and umpired a semifinal there, I umpired the final at the National Hockey League, and was ranked the No 1 umpire at NHL and got the most valuable umpire award at NHL as well.
"It's a combination of domestic performances and international performances."
He also went to his second Hockey India League in February.
"It's been a pretty busy year. It's certainly ticked a few boxes and given me a confident booster as well."
His employers at Palmerston North Boys' High School are generous about him taking time off to go to tournaments and that will include the Champions Trophy in London in June.
The Champions Trophy was originally planned for Argentina, but it has been moved to England.
It will be Tomlinson's first big tournament outside New Zealand, Malaysia, India and Australia.
Winning the award was a complete surprise for Tomlinson, who had to be convinced to go to the ceremony in Wellington.
Tomlinson said names like Jason McCracken and Simon Taylor were just about the only other names on the trophy for the past few years.
Tomlinson will not be going to the Rio Olympics this year, but he is on the long path for the 2018 World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
"I was a little bit disappointed with myself last year that I wasn't further up the rankings, but I'm on the development panel for the next cycle. There will be a few retirements after Rio and some guys that drop away.
"They really are looking at growing the next wave coming through."
Tomlinson is not umpiring at the national under-21 tournament in Dunedin this week, but his wife Jackie is the tournament director.
Until he heads to London, Tomlinson will umpire Manawatu clubs games, as well as the Central Hockey League in Palmerston North in June.
He will also umpire a couple of club games in Christchurch to give him something different.
Recently he was given 56 video clips he has to watch and decide the right call.
Umpires are marked on everything from calls, down to presentation and interaction with players.
Stuff
Hockey coach Prouting recognised for hard work in Horowhenua
GEORGE HEAGNEY
Hockey coach Corey Prouting.
Corey Prouting has been named the New Zealand community hockey coach of the year for his success working with underdogs in Horowhenua.
The 25-year-old won the award at the New Zealand Hockey awards on Friday, having been deservedly recognised for the results he's had with Levin's Waiopehu College and the Horowhenua under-18 side.
Prouting started coaching in 2009, the year after he left school at Waiopehu.
He had captained their first XI and the year after he left, the coach left so he took over.
Since then they have won the Manawatu division one secondary schools competition for five of the past seven years - in 2009, 2011-13 and 2015.
On top of that, when he took over they were in the fourth division of the national schools pecking order.
He got them promoted to the top-tier Rankin Cup and last year they finished 10th in the country, which is the school's best effort and above the likes of Napier Boys' High School, Tauranga Boys' College and Auckland Grammar School.
There is about 650 students at Waiopehu and only have one hockey team.
The other work he was recognised for is when he took the Horowhenua under-18 boys team to third in the country at the national association tournament in Auckland last year.
It was Horowhenua's best finish and the only teams ahead of them were Auckland and Wellington.
A sheep and beef farmer, Prouting coaches Waiopehu, the Horowhenua under-18s, the Central under-21 side and the Levin Hockey club team in the Manawatu competition.
Levin Hockey is the team formerly known as Manawatu College Old Boys, but all the MCOB players have retired and it is a Levin-based team anyway.
He played last season and manages to resist the urge to jump back on the turf most of the time, but hoped to play a bit this season.
Prouting was manager of the Central under-21s two years ago and has now taken the coaching job, which is different from taking club teams.
"It's a step up," he said. "We do a lot more analysis of the game and video stuff."
There are 11 players in the Central under-21s from the national title winning under-18 team last year, so they are a lot younger than most of the other under-21 teams.
Prouting was open to coaching the Central senior team in the future, but knows he's still learning.
Stuff
Telkom Orange and Butali Warriors crowned
Kenya Hockey Union league champions presented with trophies at City Park Stadium.
Winners of the Kenya Hockey Union National Women's league Telkom Orange celebrate after being crowned champions at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi, on May 1, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Butali Sugar Warriors and Telkom Orange were on Sunday crowned the 2015-2016 Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s and women’s Premier League winners as the hockey season ended.
Butali hammered Kenyatta University Vultures 6-0 in their final league match on Sunday at City Park Stadium.
The Warriors ended the season in top spot with 77 points, four more than Kenya Police, who finished with 74 points after a 1-0 win over Greensharks in their final match.
Butali Warriors celebrate after being crowned the Kenya Hockey Union Men's Premier League champions at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi, on May 1,2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Two goals from Barnabas Odhiambo and one each from Zack Aura, Hannington Otieno, Vincent Odhiambo and Emmanuel Simiyu saw the lakeside team wrap up the season on a high.
Butali clinched their seventh title last weekend after a 3-0 away to Western Jaguars.
MOST CONSISTENT SIDE
“We have been the most consistent side this season and fully deserve the title. We are ready to repeat the same success next season,” said Butali coach Cliffe Okello.
Orange bagged a record 18th league crown after winning all their matches to finish on 54 points, while Sliders edged Strathmore University to second place.
Chase Sailors, the Kenya Hockey Union National league champions, celebrate after being crowned at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi, on May 1,2016. The team has been promoted to the men's Premier League. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Chase Sailors won the Men’s National League after a 7-0 victory over Bay Club in the finals of the second- tier league. Both teams qualified for next season’s men’s Premier League after winning their respective play-off matches on Saturday.
Bay Club beat Parkroad Tigers 2-1 while Sailors won by the same margin against Kisumu Youngstars. In Sunday’s encounter, Sailors’ captain George Mutira continued with his impressive run after bagging a hat-trick, Francis Esikuri scored twice alongside goals from Titus Ngoila and Hesbon Galinga.
Sailors finished their 2015-2016 campaign unbeaten.
Daily Nation
Mission finally accomplished
Chase Sailors crown premier league promotion with national title
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Madaraka Day. Chase sailors celebrate after they won in penalty shoots in the semi-finals against Strathmore University. They played against KCA University in the finals during the Mashuja Day games at Citypark. ON 01/06/15 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Buoyed by their promotion to the Kenya Hockey Union men's premier league, Chase Sailors defeated Bay Club 7-0 in men's national league final.
The league debutants braved the slippery playing surface as they controlled the match at City Park Stadium as curtains came down on the 2015 season.
Mutira led his side from the front with a hat-trick, while Francis Esikuri scored a brace before Titus Ngolia and Hesbon Galinga added a goal each for Sailors.
Sailors' captain George Mutira said it they were happy to have accomplished their mission of winning the title and being promoted to the premier league.
"We have had a very successful season. We have achieved all our objectives, so for us, it is mission accomplished," Mutira said, adding that they are looking forward to achieve the same feat in the top-tier.
"We want to maintain the same standards we have set and also win the title in our first attempt. However, we know it is not going to be an easy task because we will be up against the best clubs. In short, we need to be at our best," he said.
Ngolia opened the floodgates for Sailors in the 12th minute as he slotted in from a Mutira cross. Five minutes later, Esikuri hit the target after he successfully converted a penalty corner, before Mutira added the third three minutes to half time as the Sailors led 3-0 at halftime.
Upon resumption, Bay Club missed clear-cut chances of reducing the deficit with most of their efforts going astonishingly wide. The failure to utilise their chances proved costly as Mutira came calling as he added his second and fourth for his side in the 45th minute.
When Galinga sounded the boards in the 58th minute, the match was done and dusted. Esikuri and Mutira had little mercy on their hapless opponents, as they scored in the 65th and 66th minutes for that big win.
In men's premier league, Mvita XI and Mombasa Sports Club were relegated to pave way for Chase Sailors and Bay Club, who secured their promotion to the top league.
Despite beating Western Jaguars 1-0 in their last league encounter, it was a case of little too late for Mvita, who had already been demoted to the lower division league.
The demotion of the two Mombasa teams means the Coastal Region will not be represented in the premier league.
Like Bay Club, who were relegated last season, but have fought their way back to the premier league, they will have to work their way up in the new season.
The Standard Online
Injured Kumar set to miss Razak Cup for third time
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran hockey goalkeeper S. Kumar is set to miss his third Razak Cup this year.
The 37-year-old tore his adductor muscle while playing in the last Test match against Australia in Perth last month.
He fate will be decided by the National Sports Institute (NSI) doctors on May 17.
Kumar is eager to get back to action but added he does not want to rush his recovery either.
The national team will resume training on Monday and break camp on May 13 so that the players can return to their respective states for their Razak Cup preparations.
The year’s tournament will be held in Kuala Lumpur from May 21-May 29.
“The only good thing is that I do not need to rush my recovery. I would like to play in the Razak Cup but at this stage I do not think that would be possible,” said Kumar.
“I will wait for the doctor’s decision. I have not trained since the incident and I don’t think that any last minute training will help my cause,” he said.
Kumar has been playing in the competition since 1997 but missed the action in 2012 and 2013 when it was held in Kuantan.
“I’m told that it will be six weeks before I can start full training. It has only been three weeks now.
“The national team do not have any major tournaments in the coming months and I think it would be wise to take it easy and get back to full fitness,” he added.
This year’s Razak Cup will see all the 16 Malaysia Hockey Confederation affiliates taking part.
If Kumar gets the green light, he will don his home state Negri Sembilan colours.
The Star of Malaysia
A shocker for keepers coach Nada
By Jugjet Singh
GOALKEEPERS coach M. Nadarajan was taken aback when two Under-16 goalkeepers came under his wings for the May 13-16 Mannheim Four-Nation in Germany.
The duo were selected after the National Under-16 by scouts Tai Beng Hai, S. Vellapan and Amin Rahim -- and supposedly the cream of the crop.
"They were the best performers in the National Under-16, but sadly, they lacked basics and did not even know simple goalkeeping drills. It is not their fault, as I am the first goalkeepers coach they ever had," said Nadarajan.
Surprisingly, Hamiz Ahir from Pahang and Helmi Fazil from Selangor, are both from sports schools.
"I was taken aback, when they told me that I am their first goalkeepers coach as before this they were on their own. Thats why they did not even know the basic drills which must be done regularly to keep keepers on their toes.
"Both of them reported early because they are in the Klang Valley, while the rest of the outfield players will report for training on Tuesday," said Nadarajan.
In the Four-Nation, Malaysia will be up against Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
The team will be coached by Nor Saiful Zaini and assisted by Mohamed Suffian.
"There is a lot to be done with this two goalkeepers, and hopefully they perform against the best teams in Europe," said Nadarajan, a former national keeper who is now into coaching.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Field hockey players achieve world record
By John Hinton
All the players come together in the middle of the field to celebrate seconds after setting an unofficial record for the longest game. Photos by Lauren Carroll/Journal
LEWISVILLE — Stormy weather threatened to quash their dream this weekend, but the N.C. Triad Field Hockey Club was not so easily deterred. They pressed on, playing through the rain and the mud and most of all, through their personal fatigue.
And when it was all over — after 51 hours — they proclaimed themselves to have set an unofficial Guinness World Record.
“You did something awesome!” Melissa Martin of Winston-Salem, a player and coach, screamed at the players.
The marathon game involving 32 players took place on the soccer field at Forsyth County Day School in Lewisville. Play began at 5:03 p.m. Friday and ended at 8:03 p.m. Sunday.
Organizers will now contact the Guinness World Records’ office in Geneva, Switerland to report their club’s achievement, Martin said. They will send along a video to support their claim.
The current official record is 40 hours by a club in England. However, that club had an unofficial record of 50 hours, but Guinness officials haven’t confirmed that yet.
After the Lewisville club set the mark, about 80 fans rushed to the field to congratulate players.
The local club consists of field hockey players from six high schools and several colleges. High schools represented were Reynolds, Reagan, West Forsyth, Salem Academy, East Forsyth and Calvary Baptist. In addition, some college players and adults played as well.
At times, each team fielded seven players and at times, 11 players. At the end of Sunday’s game, the Blue team won 551-541 over the Green team in the three-day match.
During the match, each team moved the ball toward their opponent’s goal, pressing their attacks. Goalies on both sides blocked some scoring attempts. The match was physical, at times, with players knocking each other down on the field.
Stephanie Scofield, a student at High Point University, said she decided to participate because she wanted to set a world record. She has played field hockey for 11 years.
“I thought it would a be a cool experience,” Scofield said while taking a break during the game. “We all are dying out there.”
Prem Ramachandran of Greensboro said he also wanted to be part of the achievement. It was tough at times, he said, but added: “I got my second wind now.”
Saturday’s weather was a challenge, but conditions were more pleasant Sunday with mostly sunny skies. The high reached 78 degrees, falling to 72 at the end of the match.
Victoria Martinez, a student at Wake Forest University, said she had fun playing the game.
“I really enjoy the sport,” she said. Still, she added, “I don’t really think I would ever be doing anything like this again.”
Winston-Salem Journal