News for 16 May 2016
All the news for Monday 16 May 2016
Germany Secure Match Series
Despite another improved performance from Ireland, Germany secured a clean sweep of the series in Hamburg with a 6-1 victory.
The men in green started the stronger of the two sides but that lethal German counter attack put Ireland on the back foot in the 9th minute when Constantin Staib opened the scoring.
David Fitzgerald was called on to make a smart save from a PC drag flick and the score remained 1-0 at the end of the opening quarter.
Ireland were perhaps unlucky to go 2-0 down as a PC switch hit the defender on the line, and Christopher Ruhr converted the subsequent penalty stroke.
The Green Machine began to find their rhythm and put together some strong passages of possession to keep the score at 2-0 going into half time.
Mark Ingram took his place in the Irish goal for the second half and was quickly called into action to make a save from an early German PC. The German sharpness and precision was on display once again as Mats Grambusch was first to a rebounded ball to make it 3-0.
A flick from Moritz Furste, followed 2 minutes later by a field goal from Timm Herzbruch appeared to put the game out of reach as the scoreboard ticked up to 5-0. However, Mikie Watt set himself up for a shot after winning the ball and the experienced John Jermyn deflected the ball goal-ward to make it 5-1.
Another blistering counter attack by Germany saw Marco Miltkau add to the scoreline and the game finished 6-1.
Ireland 1 (Jermyn)
Germany 6 ( Staib, Ruhr, Grambusch, Furste, Herzbruch, Miltkau)Team:
INGRAM Mark (GK)
JACKSON John
BELL Jonathan
GORMLEY Ronan (C)
WATT Michael
CARGO Chris
WATKINS Gareth
SOTHERN Alan
JERMYN John
SHIMMINS Kirk
O'DONOGHUE Shane
DARLING Michael
FITZGERALD David (GK)
GOOD Kyle
GLEGHORNE Paul
HARTE Conor
COLE Lee
COLE Stephen
Irish Hockey Association media release
Caspers hails biggest moment for Kampong
“For sure, this is one of the biggest moments of my career!” SV Kampong captain Quirijn Caspers could scarcely contain his delight as his club won the biggest trophy in their history, claiming the Euro Hockey League in Barcelona with a 2-0 win over AH&BC Amsterdam.
In so doing, they became the sixth different winner of the famous Alain Danet Trophy in its ninth edition, capping a blistering run through the competition, beating French, German, Spanish and Dutch opposition.
Caspers goal early in the second half was crucial before FINAL4 player of the weekend Bjorn Kellerman sealed the deal late in the game against Amsterdam in the decider.
“What a way to end the season,” Caspers said. “We got our prize, we fought for it really hard for the last couple of years and that feels amazing.”
The first half was toe-to-toe, nip and tuck with neither side giving an inch. It led to a battle with few chances of real note.
The tempo and the temperature ramped up in the second half with Amsterdam winning their first two corners but Sander de Wijn charged down one effort from Justin Reid-Ross and Sjoerd de Wert knocked the other one off the line.
And the game-breaking goal came soon after Klaas Vermeulen was shown a yellow card. Within a minute, Kellerman picked up the ball on the left sideline and unleashed a brilliant 50-metre reverse-stick pass up to Caspers on the edge of the circle. His finish was delicious, chipping the ball over the goalkeeper’s shoulder.
“I’ve been practicing that finish a lot and it was just instinct. When I got the ball, I thought the keeper must be coming so why not try it? If you miss, you look like a big loser but it went in!” Caspers said afterwards.
Amsterdam had their chances but the game was won with two minutes left when Bjorn Kellerman and Constantijn Jonker exchanged some beautiful passes to allow the former to volley home en route to the man of the match title.
Coach Alexander Cox echoed Caspers’ sentiments, saying: “It’s amazing that we won this trophy. It’s a great feeling, the first big prize we have won in the club.
“Perseverence. We worked hard for this the whole season, especially after the winter break. We had to do a lot to reach the playoffs in Holland and, since then, we were really good second half of the season and the EHL tournament.”
It concludes an epic season for the EHL in which the competition enjoyed record viewership across a range of platforms. In addition, key sponsor ABN AMRO has agreed to extend its partnership for a further three seasons.
They sponsored the Talent of the EHL award which was presented to Amsterdam’s Johannes Mooij.
Earlier in the day, 2014 champions Harvestehuder THC claimed the bronze medal with a 3-2 win over Spain’s Atlètic Terrassa. Michael Körper scored twice along with a David Goodfield strike, outdoing a Marc Sallés drag flick and a Roc Oliva goal on the final whistle.
GRAND FINAL result: SV Kampong 2 (Q Caspers, B Kellerman) AH&BC Amsterdam 0
3-4 FINAL result: Harvestehuder THC 3 (M Körper 2, D Goodfield) Atlètic Terrassa 2 (M Sallés, R Oliva)
“The physio was a key element. He did an amazing job to get everyone back and, also this weekend, he had to do a lot, working 24/7 so all the players could play today.
Goal
Fans: “They gave us a home advantage, not just here but all season. In the playoffs and here again, we are going to have a good party.
GRAND FINAL
AH&BC Amsterdam 0 SV Kampong 2 (Q Caspers, B Kellerman)
Glorious second half goals from Quirijn Caspers and Bjorn Kellerman saw SV Kampong win the EHL for the first time with a gritty GRAND FINAL win over AH&BC Amsterdam.
The first half was toe-to-toe, nip and tuck with neither side giving an inch. It led to a battle with few chances of real note. Mirco Pruyser’s shot was straight at David Harte while Erik Bouwens flashed a shot across the face of goal from the pick of the chances.
Santi Freixa’s clever snap shot also slipped by the post and Martijn Havenga’s drag-flick was denied by Laurens Goedegebuure from the chances that did come.
There was always plenty of bite to the tie and four green cards were dished out before half-time, showing the game was balanced on a knife-edge but no goals accrued before the half-time break.
Euro Hockey League media release
Caspers and Kellerman inspire Kampong's gold-rush
Glorious second half goals from Quirijn Caspers and Bjorn Kellerman saw SV Kampong win the EHL for the first time with a gritty GRAND FINAL win over AH&BC Amsterdam.
The first half was toe-to-toe, nip and tuck with neither side giving an inch. It led to a battle with few chances of real note. Mirco Pruyser’s shot was straight at David Harte while Erik Bouwens flashed a shot across the face of goal from the pick of the chances.
Santi Freixa’s clever snap shot also slipped by the post and Martijn Havenga’s drag-flick was denied by Laurens Goedegebuure from the chances that did come.
There was always plenty of bite to the tie and four green cards were dished out before half-time, showing the game was balanced on a knife-edge but no goals accrued before the half-time break.
The tempo and the temperature ramped up in the second half with Amsterdam winning their first two corners but Sander de Wijn charged down one effort from Justin Reid-Ross and Sjoerd de Wert knocked the other one off the line.
And the game-breaking goal came soon after Klaas Vermeulen was shown a yellow card. Within a minute, Kellerman picked up the ball on the left sideline and unleashed a brilliant 50-metre reverse-stick pass up to Quirijn Caspers on the edge of the circle. His finish was delicious, chipping the ball over the goalkeeper’s shoulder.
Bouwens and Rutger Marres drew good saves from Goedegebuure who pushed the pace in spite of Martijn Havenga’s yellow card. Santi Freixa saw the third yellow of the quarter to make it ten players each, however.
Amsterdam had their chances in the closing five minutes, Teun Rohof unable to gobble up a corner chance from a square pass while another chance bounced off the post from Jan-Willem Buissant.
But the game was won with two minutes left when Bjorn Kellerman and Constantijn Jonker exchanged some beautiful passes to allow the former to volley home en route to the man of the match title.
AH&BC Amsterdam 0 SV Kampong 2 (Q Caspers, B Kellerman)
Euro Hockey League media release
Korper shoots HTHC to bronze medal
Michael Körper’s double under-pinned Harvestehuder THC’s run to the bronze medal in this season’s EHL, seeing off Atlètic Terrassa 3-1 at the Pau Negre Stadium in Barcelona.
It was something of a battle throughout with numerous cards dished out but, when at full tilt, HTHC had the greater incision in either circle to win out.
It took just 19 seconds to go in front as Atlètic had barely touched the ball before they had to pick it out of the goal. David Goodfield made an excellent break down the right wing before locating Finn Köhler on the left; he shovelled the ball to Körper who rolled home his 18th goal in just 11 EHL matches.
Marc Sallés equalised in the ninth from Atlètic’s first corner of the game in the ninth minute to tie things up at 1-1. Dani Malgosa had a big chance to take the lead when he latched onto a ball at close range but, with Tobias Walter scrambling, the shot was miscued.
Körper’s drag-flick was brilliantly deflected onto the post by Marc Calzada’s brilliant shot, keeping the game locked at 1-1 at the break.
It was physical and hard fought throughout with HTHC seeing three players sin-binned in the third quarter while Sallés – who had a fierce battle with Tobias Hauke – also spent time out in the second half.
Crucially, a Körper drag-flick hit post-man Marc Torrente on the foot, leading to a penalty stroke which the Austrian striker duly converted for a 2-1 lead.
David Goodfield made the game safe in the 51st minute when his miscued shot squeezed through a series of bodies and past the unsighted Pol Garcia-Cascon.
Atlètic produced a stirring late finish and had a goal disallowed when Torrente’s cross was deflected in by George Farrant – it was disallowed for danger.
Roc Oliva got one back on the final hooter after a final second goal after a series of corners as HTHC secured a second medal in three seasons.
FINAL 3-4: Harvestehuder THC 3 (M Körper 2, D Goodfield) Atlètic Terrassa 1 (M Salllés)
Euro Hockey League media release
Day 3 at the Men’s EuroHockey Trophy and Challenges heats up
After another great day of European Hockey, here’s the latest round up of all our men’s competitions around Europe.
Follow our coverage of events our Twitter (@eurohockeyorg), our Facebook page (European Hockey Federation), our instagram(eurohockeyorg), and our Snapchat (eurohockeyorg)
Here is the round-up of the Men’s Trophy and Challenge events:
EuroHockey Club Trophy – Glasgow, Scotland
An exciting days hockey and the final positions now confirmed.
SK Slavia Prague went into this game needing a win to progress but both teams played attacking hockey from the start and it was Cardiff & Met who broke the deadlock in 51 mins through James Carson but SK broke back via a Penalty flick 5 mins later. 1-1 (0:0)
HC Minsk scored first for the third game in a row and were looking good for their first win of the tournament. HC Rotweiss Wettingen kept up the offensive and got a penalty stroke to get the draw. 1-1 (0:0)
16:45 09 Bromac Kelburne (SCO) 0 – 4 (0 – 1) Banbridge (IRL)
The home crowd knew Bromac Kelburne needed a win to get to the final. Banbridge had some close shots at goal and persistence paid off as they were one up by half time. The second half was all Banbridge as they scored three more times. A well-deserved win as Banbridge move to the final and Kelburne are up for bronze tomorrow against SK Slavia Prague. 0-4 (0:1)
EuroHockey Club Challenge I – Vienna, Austria
The day began with box to box action in the top match of pool A, HC OKS-SHVSM Vinnitsa and SC Stroitel Brest. Trailing 2-5, Vinnitsa were able to get one goal away from a draw, but it was not enough and Stroitel Brest sealed the deal with a penalty stroke. 4-6 (1:3)
Servette HC met HAHK Mladost, Servette still within reach of promotion if they managed a victory. But the Croatian side got the advantage thanks to a penalty stroke in the second half and held on to win the match. 0-1 (0:0)
Whitchurch played an aggressive match against AD Lousada, but this left their defense scrambling, allowing Lousada to score three times. Whitchurch will now face Lousada in the relegation match. 0-3 (0:3)
TJ Slavia Hradec Kralove met SV Arminen, who cemented their formidable performance this tournament by winning with a seven goal difference. Dominic Uher (#6) scored a hat trick to the delight of the home crowd. 1-8 (0:5)
EuroHockey Club Challenge II – Bratislava, Slovakia
Grammarians HC met Ardas Rudamina in the opening match of the day. Although Ardas Rudamina opened the score, Grammarians soon took over and worked up a lead 4-1. Lithuania managed to get close to a recovery, but Grammarians kept pushing and won the game. Karl Lima (#11) scored a hat trick. Well fought for victory! 7-3 (4:3)
NSA Sofia met Slagelse HC for an exciting match. Sofia set the pace, and Slagelse kept up. A great back and forth game ensued, but Sofia deserved the win. 5-4 (3:2)
Gaziantep Polis Gucu SK came out fighting and quickly overpowered Inta Baltic Champignons. A straightforward victory for the Turkish team. 5-0 (4:0)
HK Marathon met SK Senkvice in the last match of the day. HK Marathon kept the upper hand and secured its place at the top of pool A and continued its winning streak. 2-1 (1:1)
EuroHockey Club Challenge III – Predanovci, Slovenia
SZLG DSE Olcote HC met Turkey’s Highway HC for the first match of the day. Highway quickly got the upper hand and dominated the match, easily netting the five points. 1-6 (1:3)
Clube de Futebol Uniao de Lamas continued its winning streak with a sure win over Copenhagen Hockey Club. Flavio Pinto (#16) scored two of the three Portuguese goals. 1-3 (1:2)
Host HK Triglav Predanovci closed the day with a match against Sweden’s Nacka LHK, where the Swedes dominated and Soren Toft (#3) earned a hat trick. 2-7 (1:4)
EuroHockey Club Challenge IV – Kordin, Malta
In Malta, the action continued. Seinäjoki United fell to Kringja Sports Klubb, with #14 Arunpreet Singh Garcha scoring a hat trick. 1-6 (0:3)
Sliema Hotsticks HC met Greek side Immittos HC for a guarded game where the Greeks came out ahead thanks to an early goal. 0-1 (0:1)
Follow our events:
| Website | ||||
| Glasgow | www.kelburne.com/euros | @Kelburne1969 | Kelburne1969 | |
| Vienna | www.arminen.at/cc | @svarminen | svarminen | |
| Bratislava | www.EuroHockey-CCCII.eu | sksenkvice.sk | ||
| Predanovci | HKTriglav | |||
| Kordin | http://www.sliemahotsticks.com/results/ | @SliemaHotsticks | Sliema-Hotsticks-Hockey-Club | |
| Bilthoven | www.ehccc2016.com | @EHCCC2016 | ehccc2016 | Rabo.ehccc2016 |
| Barcelona | www.rcpolo.com | @rcpolohockey | rcbarcelona | |
| Prague | www.hockeyslavia.cz | @slaviaofficial | hockeyslavia | |
| Lille | www.mhc.fr/coupe-deurope | LilleHockeyClub | lillehockeyclub | Eurohockeylille2016 |
| Gibraltar | www.hawkslhc.wordpress.com | HawksLHC_GI | hawkslhc | hawkslhc1992 |
Day 3 for Women’s EuroHockey Trophy and Challenges
After another great day of European Hockey, here’s the latest round up of all our women’s competitions around Europe.
Follow our coverage of events our Twitter (@eurohockeyorg), our Facebook page (European Hockey Federation), our instagram(eurohockeyorg), and our Snapchat (eurohockeyorg)
Here is the round-up of the Women’s Trophy and Challenge events:
EuroHockey Club Trophy – Barcelona, Spain
The third day in Barcelona started with MSC Sumchanka beating Ritm Grodno with two of the three goals from the winning side scored by Viktoriya Stetsenko (#20). 3-1 (1:0)
Royal Antwerp versus HC Minsk followed, for a place in tomorrow’s final. Belgium’s Royal Antwerp cam out on top and goes through to tomorrow’s final. 4-2 (2:1). Both HC Minsk and MSC Sumchanka finished with 7 points behind Antwerp, but Minsk edged out Sumchanka on goal difference.
In the last game of the day, Rot Weiss Köln sent Antwerp a strong message for tomorrow’s final, as they dominated Italy’s SG Amsicora ASD, taking the win and a spot in tomorrow’s final, with 11 goals. Hannah Gablac (#4) scored a hat trick to boot. 11-0 (5:0)
Royal Antwerp will meet Rot Weiss Köln in the final tomorrow at 14:00, while HC Minsk and host RC Polo will fight for bronze at 11:30. GHC Ritm Grodno (BLR) has been relegated to Challenge I in 2017.
EuroHockey Club Challenge I – Prague, Czech Republic
A cautious game, HC Donchanka met Gintra Strekte Uni in the first match of the third day in Prague. A late goal in the 69th minute helped Gintra take the victory. 0-1 (0:0)
SV Arminen met Polisportiva Ferrini Cagliari in a close game, with both teams fighting for the points to stay out of the bottom of Pool A. After an early lead by Arminen, the game ended in a draw thanks to late equaliser by Arminen. 2-2 (1:0)
Over in Pool B, host SK Slavia Prague met Welsh Swansea City HC. The Welsh side took the five points thanks to two goals by Joanne Westwood (#16), a field goal and a penalty stroke. 1-2 (0:2)
Ulster Elks fell to University of Edinburgh HC, who got the five points and thanks to the goal, passed Ulster in the table, winning a chance to compete for promotion tomorrow. 0-1 (0:1)
EuroHockey Club Challenge II – Lille, France
Day 3 brought sun and heat, as well as some special guests from the National French Volleyball team.
Kecioren Baglum SK fell to Iris Hockey Lambersart in the first match of the day. Marie Billore (#22) from Lambersart scored her second hat trick of the tournament. 0-5 (0:3)
Host Lille MHC beat HC Rotweiss Wettingen in the second match of the day, with three field goals, two of whom were scored by Juliette Hannebique-Leman (#3)
Waterloo Ducks HC stormed HC Hostivar in this match, with #12 Marie Ronquetti scoring half of the eight goals. 8-0 (5:0)
Lastly, Grove Menzieshill beat Black Boys HC Geneve in the last match-up of the day. Both #10 Sophie Pettegree and #11 Katie Robertson scored two goals each. 6-1 (3:0)
EuroHockey Club Challenge III – Gibraltar, Gibraltar
HAHK Mladost fell to Cardiff Univeristy in the first match of the day. The Croatian side pushed back in the second half but was unable to make a turn around. 0-2 (0:0)
Nacka LHK also fell to Lithuanian HFTC Tauras, who opened the score in the 17th minute and sealed the deal in the second half with two more goals. 0-3 (0:1)
The last match of the day saw an all Gibraltar meet, with Hawks Ladies meeting Eagles HC. Eagles took an early lead with a goal in the 10th minute, and another one in the 26th. The second half saw a more aggressive match being played, with five yellow cards given to the Gibraltar rivals. Eagles scored once more to seal the deal and take the points. 0-3 (0:2)
Follow our events:
| Website | ||||
| Glasgow | www.kelburne.com/euros | @Kelburne1969 | Kelburne1969 | |
| Vienna | www.arminen.at/cc | @svarminen | svarminen | |
| Bratislava | www.EuroHockey-CCCII.eu | sksenkvice.sk | ||
| Predanovci | HKTriglav | |||
| Kordin | http://www.sliemahotsticks.com/results/ | @SliemaHotsticks | Sliema-Hotsticks-Hockey-Club | |
| Bilthoven | www.ehccc2016.com | @EHCCC2016 | ehccc2016 | Rabo.ehccc2016 |
| Barcelona | www.rcpolo.com | @rcpolohockey | rcbarcelona | |
| Prague | www.hockeyslavia.cz | @slaviaofficial | hockeyslavia | |
| Lille | www.mhc.fr/coupe-deurope | LilleHockeyClub | lillehockeyclub | Eurohockeylille2016 |
| Gibraltar | www.hawkslhc.wordpress.com | HawksLHC_GI | hawkslhc | hawkslhc1992 |
No luck for Bromac Kelburne, joy for Edinburgh University and Grove Menzieshill in Europe
Article by Craig Madden
EUROPEAN CLUB CHAMPIONS TROPHY AT GLASGOW GREEN
KELBURNE 0 BANBRIDGE 4
The task ahead for Bromac Kelburne was that they had to beat Irish side Banbridge to reach the final of the European Club Champions Trophy at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre, but they fell short going down 4-0 in the end.
Kelburne will now have to settle for a bronze medal play-off against Czech side Slavia Prague from the other pool.
In reality the Scottish champions spent the afternoon in the Glasgow sunshine chasing shadows against a methodical and clinical Irish outfit.
Kelburne were living dangerously right from the start and were relieved when a Stephen Dowds` shot cannoned off a post to safety, then Jamie Wright hit the side net as the Irish pressed for the opener. However, Dowds refused to go away and calmly fired the ball past Ben Rennie as the Kelburne defence were caught square.
Kelburne`s only real scoring chance of the first half came from Lee Morton, he moved into the circle but then shot directly at the goalkeeper.
A ten minute visit to the sin bin by Kelburne defender Josh Cairns did not help the cause and during his absence Chris Nelson had to make a brilliant goalline save, then goalkeeper Ben Rennie was called upon to prevent a second Irish goal. But another Banbridge goal was only delayed a few minutes, Adam Bain lost possession and Eugene Magee punished the indiscretion.
Luck was deserting the Paisley side as they were initially awarded a penalty for a tackle on Morton, but the umpires conferred and correctly chalked off the award.
Kelburne were awarded their first penalty corner of the match but Cairns` drag flick was directly at the Irish goalkeeper and cleared.
With the Scottish champions struggling to get going the Irish added a couple more goals, the third came from Bruce McCandless followed by Jamie Wright whose shot was turned into his own net by Kelburne`s Gary Maitles.
EUROPEAN CLUB CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE 1 IN PRAGUE
EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY 1 ULSTER ELKS 0
Edinburgh University marched into the promotion play-offs at the women`s European Club Champions Challenge 1 in Prague with a hard fought 1-0 win over previously unbeaten Ulster Elks.
The students finished top of their pool on the same points as Ulster but one goal better off, and will now play the Russian side Donchanka today for promotion to the higher Trophy level next season.
Player/coach Sam Judge claimed the only goal of the contest in nine minutes when she fired home a fierce shot from the top of the circle. Edinburgh had further chances with three penalty corners and a goalmouth scramble, but no addition to the tally.
EUROPEAN CLUB CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE 2 IN LILLE
GROVE MENZIESHILL 6 GENEVA 1
In the lower Challenge 2 tier Grove Menzieshill surpassed themselves with a 6-1 thumping of Swiss side Geneva and are also in contention for promotion where they take on Waterloo Ducks from Belgium tomorrow. Katie Roberson and Sophie Pettegree both scored twice, the others came from Sarah Jamieson and Leigh Fawcett.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
A Varsity Sports Hockey thriller that delivered it all – and more
By Jonathan Cook
It’s all happening at Maties Astro on a gorgeous day and I hope you’re all watching on SuperSport! The Mugg & Bean Marquee is pumping as much adrenaline as the players in Match 1 – which is effectively a quarter-final for Wits while Tuks need points too, as well as some morale-boosting form ahead of Monday’s much-awaited semi-final time.
Yes it’s Varsity Sports Hockey action at its best and the promise of a goal-fest looked good in the opening minutes but Tuks blew three gilt-edged opportunities inside 120 seconds.
Tuks Hockey Club standouts Bandile Splash Kunene, Onke Letuka, Grant Glutz and Stephen Cant were all instrumental in these sharp moves but Wits keeper Quinton Kernot made a slick save inside the three-metre area and defender Jaryd Thomas picked the yellow nut off a Tuks stick before making the coolest outlet to avert imminent, very real and very present, danger. The other goals that weren’t saw a shot cannon into the sideboard at the far post before miss-communication amongst the posse of Tuks goal raiders stymied the move.
In the fourth minute umpire Darren Hubach awarded a penalty corner to the University of Pretoria team and Grant Glutz fired low towards the far post, and Wits’ Jaryd Thomas got a stick to the rocket only to see the ball ricochet over the goal line.
With Tuks1-0 up, the demands on Wits mounted as this was effectively a quarter-final for the Milner Park boys, who are undergoing a restructuring programme and reformation under head coach Ricky West and Director of Sport, Adrian Stuart Carter and his hockey staff.
Midway through the first quarter Wits constructed a neat move down the right but let themselves down when a top-shot goal scoring chance went a-begging.
The action swayed to and fro throughout this battle for supremacy.
The match exploded in the closing moments of the first quarter when Wits livewire Thabang “Smiley” Modise was instrumental in Brandon James to work his wizardry (1-1).
The second quarter saw Rusten Abrahams, defend with aplomb for Wits only to see a minute or two later Grant Glutz combine with Stephen Cant for the latter’s 2-1 goal.
Smiley Modise helped in Brandon James having the chance to equalise 2-2 with a turf-burning penalty corner (PC).
Onke Letuka played a role in Richard Pautz edging Tuks back in front 3-2 after quality build-up play near the half-time break.
Into the third quarter and Kamal Ramburuth-Hurt hurt shone in defence for Wits only to see Tuks come straight back for Onke Letuka to open a two-goal Tuks cushion (4-2).
Estiaan Kriek pulled off a majestic save for Tuks , Brandon James shot wide a little later in search of his hat-trick and all the while Tuks skipper Nick Stevie Berichon and fellow Maritzburg College product Kewan Harries kept doing the unsung hero work in their team’s cause.
Nduduzo Peabo Lembethe watched in disbelief as his PC went wide of the Wits goal before a superb Wits square pass was unfortunately undone when Josh Casaleiro saw his screamer fly past the wrong side of the post.
This thrill-a-minute muscle-up ignited to a new level at the cusp of Quarter three’s end the Pride of Krugersdorp Brandon James engineered a chance for Stuart Brown to edge Wits just a goal in arrears at 4-3.
Wits were one man short as leader Stuart Philip limped uncomfortably, but it didn’t matter at the time that the uncontrollable weapon (for opposition defences) that is Brandon James turned his marker insid- out and outside-in, in the confines of three square metres before Stuart Brown backed a brace with a cracker-jack goal-blast for 4-4 parity with 13 minutes left on the clock.
Wits’ spirits soared to fresh heights when the brave Jaryd Thomas as first wave defender ran down a Grant Glutz PC bullet to bring further credence to the contention that this young Witsies group are courage-personified – given the horror of their 10-goal Maroon-Wash by the unstoppable force that is coach Ashlin Freddy and his Maties Hockey warrior gods just 17 hours before.
Nduduzo Peabo Lembethe and Grant Glutz for Tuks, Joshua Casaleiro and Lukhanyo Salavu plus the irrepressible Brandon James for Wits made their presence felt – and Television Match Official decisions; Power-Play calls and more unfolded in the final eight minutes before Richard Pautz delivered his trademark razzle-dazzle in close confines to create another PC chance for Grant Glutz and the powerfully built Cordwalles Prep School product fired a shot that boomed into the backboard for Tuks’ 5-4 winner.
Game Over! Neither side deserved to lose what was for me one of the highlight matches to date of this fantastic Varsity Sports creation.
FNB Player of the Match: Brandon James (Wits)
Mugg and Bean Star Saver: Hendrik Kriek (Tuks)
Samsung Super Striker: Grant Glutz (Tuks)
Varsity Sports media release
Unbeaten UJ cruise into Varsity Hockey semi-finals
By Jonathan Cook
The University of Johannesburg powered their way to top spot in the 2016 Varsity Hockey men’s competition with yet another win on the last day of league action at Maties Astro in beautiful Stellenbosch Sunday afternoon.
The outcome sees the men from Jozi, the defending champions, set to do battle in the second semi-final at 6.45pm Monday when they take on a likely opponent in fourth-placed Wits, although UCT are still in with an outside chance should they beat 2014 finalists Maties in Sunday’s late game.
UJ, under the wise, battle-hardened direction of SA men’s assistant coach and SA Junior World Cup head coach Garreth Ewing, backed up by Southern Gauteng stalwart and London 2012 Olympian Lance Louw, notched their seventh win from seven outings in yet another comprehensive team effort.
The scoreline reflected the following: UJ 8 Madibaz (NMMU) 2. The score was just 2-0 at half-time though, which indicates that Madibaz were by no means a pushover.
The key to UJ’s scoring prowess is a formidable penalty corner battery where a number of players are adept at stepping up to offer multiple drag-flick options.
The skilful UJ strikers, while not possessing the lethal strike power from open play that arch-rivals Maties have at their beck and call, are very good at winning penalty corner decisions and have as much to do with the Johannesburg team’s success as the drag-flick weaponry.
What was pleasing to see were the UJ field goals from Ryan Crowe, Gerald Mpopo and Nic Rowe. The strikes from set-pieces went to hat-trick hero skipper Gareth Heyns (two penalty corners plus a PC goal during a Power Play, which counts as two goals, and a penalty stroke) and Kingsley Botes from a PC.
Madibaz, who were badly undone by a thrashing at the hands of Maties in the UJ leg of Varsity Hockey 2016 a week ago, were very much in the game during certain passages of the match. This was mirrored by the fact of two strikes in the third quarter, which they shared 2-2 with UJ, those goals going to Cerezo Comerasamy and Curtis Samboer.
The Madibaz, who have flair in abundance, probably didn’t do their talent justice in not clinching fourth place but inconsistency cost them dear.
FNB Player of the Match: Taylor Dart (UJ)
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Matthew Martins (UJ)
Samsung Super Striker: Kingsley Botes (UJ)
Varsity Sports media release
Tireless Kovsies come good at last
By Jonathan Cook
It has been a long time coming but the effort and spirit displayed throughout the past testing fortnight of Varsity Hockey came to fruition for University of the Free State’s Kovsies when they outplayed the Pukke men from North West University 6-2 in match three on the Maties Astro Sunday, this after leading 3-1 at the changeover.
It’s great reward for hardworking Kovsies head coach Braam van Wyk and manager D’Arcy van den Berg who have known the disappointment, along with underrated skipper Dylan Swanepoel and his merry men, of close matches arguably that might have been victories on any other day.
For Pukke mentor Sheldon Rostron, the highly regarded SA women’s hockey team head coach, and his management team it was not as sweet, as the outcome confined their side to eighth place on the final log table.
But Pukke have the chance to turn the tables on Kovsies when the two proud outfits meet once again, this time in the seventh-eighth playoff match for final classification positions at 1.30pm Monday.
The Kovsies goals came off the trusty sticks of skipper Dylan Swanepoel (penalty corner), quicksilver Ghana hockey international Michael Kofi Baiden (field goal), Darren Kamfer (FG), Brad Hensberg (PC) and Jaco van der Watt (50th minute penalty stroke and bonus goal because it was scored during a Power Play).
Pukke got on the scoresheet through Francois Cilliers’ penalty corner and a field strike from Louis Calitz.
FNB Player of the Match: Jaco van der Watt (Kovsies)
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Francois Cilliers (Pukke)
Samsung Super Striker: Winray Christoffels (Kovsies)
Varsity Sports media release
Western Cape derby lives up to its no-holds-barred billing
By Jonathan Cook
Yes! We might have expected it, but it still delighted the hordes of fans at a packed Maties Astro Sunday night when the Maroon-shirted Maties Mean Machine and the Ikey Tigers of UCT met in the final clash of league action during what has been – and still promises to be – fabulous 2016 Varsity Hockey.
This was typical derby fare where reputations and the like count for nothing inside the pristine white lines of the immaculate Astro turf, and UCT came at their hugely fancied opponents as if their lives depended on it.
The final countdown tells us that Maties prevailed 3-0 but that stat doesn’t even begin to tell the full story of the thrills and spills that played out on the battleground.
Tempers flared on the bench, in the dugout and on-field but for the most part it was within the bounds of common decency and mutual respect that are hallmarks of this special sports code.
Rulings were debated, umpire calls were heatedly questioned and much, much more but the bottom line is that the Tigers’ brave bid to unseat Wits from a semi-final berth didn’t come to fruition.
In match-ups of this magnitude goals are usually scarce but Varsity Hockey 2016 has seen goalshots coming thick and fast, which hasn’t always reflected the closeness of the contests.
In hockey of the modern day, a team can be competitive for more than 80% of a match and still lose 5-1, which in football terms is a thrashing.
But we digress. Maties’ goals came from field play with Luke Schooling notching the first before Reece Arendse and the ever-present Pride of Bellville, Keenan Horne, nailed winner shots after the teams changed ends.
The upshot is that Maties head coach Ashlin Freddy and his world-rated High Performance consultant Paul Revington will be reviewing the videos and analysis so expertly put together by the outstanding Wayne Hendricks as they plot the way forward in what is sure to be a fiery 5pm Monday semi-final against University of Pretoria’s Tuks.
This is shaping up to be a classic North vs South slugfest of the highest order and you can bet your bottom dollar that the Maties fan club will be out in full force.
FNB Player of the Match: Keenan Horne (Maties)
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Matthew Mc Kenchnie (UCT)
Samsung Super Striker: Keenan Horne (Maties)
Varsity Sports media release
One drought ends, another begins for women’s hockey team
Having qualified for the Olympics after 36 years, Indian women's hockey team has been in free-fall of late.
By Mihir Vasavda
Hawgood’s side have been to Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and England for tournaments and bilaterals but have not beaten any of the sides who have qualifed for the Rio Olympics.
The women are going to Rio. But they aren’t able to win.
Since qualifying for the Olympics for the first time in more than three decades, the Indian team has been on a freefall. They’ve been to Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and England for tournaments and bilaterals, but have won only a handful of matches. They’ve beaten South Africa, Canada and Scotland – neither of the three will be at Rio. And they have lost to teams ranked both above and below them – New Zealand, Germany, Japan, China, Ireland and Britain. While Ireland have not qualified for the Olympics, the team’s tour to England last week ended in five consecutive defeats, with the last one being a demoralising 7-0 whipping.
With less than three months to go for the women to open their campaign against Japan, it is not an ideal scenario to be in. But Neil Hawgood isn’t panicking yet.
During his first stint as the coach of the women’s team, the Australian spoke at length about the team’s endless potential. He had a group of girls at his disposal who were smart and skillful, and with proper physical condition, he assured they would do wonders.
Which they did. Under Hawgood, the women won the first-ever junior World Cup medal, a bronze. They continued to impress even after he quit to join Malaysian men’s team. Now back after a short time away, Hawgood stares a challenge that appears bigger than when he first took over.
Hawgood, though, is unperturbed. “Of course, we are disappointed. We didn’t do well in England and at Hawkes Bay Cup (in New Zealand), we finished sixth out of eight teams, which shows where we are placed in the world right now. The girls realise they weren’t good enough,” he says. “But I am pretty confident their performances will be far better at the Olympics.”
As a coach, Hawgood is expected to speak positively about his players so close to the Olympics. But he says the players are at present feeling the pressure of just being selected for the Games. “It’s one thing to qualify for the Olympics and it’s a completely different thing to actually be there. Right now, these girls are realising how much pressure just the possibility of being selected for the Olympics puts on you,” he says. “Then you have other things that distract you from hockey… TV crews are turning up at training sessions… all these things are new for them.”
That, combined with the fact that none of these players have ever been in this scenario before adds to the anxiousness. Hawgood points out that most of India’s opponents at the Olympics have previous experience of being there. Britain, for instance, are the defending silver medallists whereas the likes of Argentina, China and Germany – some of the opponents against whom they’ve played recently – too have a decent history in the women’s game.
India, on the other hand, are still upstarts. “The opponents they’re playing against have a history. They know how tough the first one was… Now, they have an understanding of what they’re going for, what’s expected of them and what that pressure is. You don’t know that pressure until you actually feel that. That can play a big psychological impact,” Hawgood says, adding that they have a sports psychologist who is helping the players deal with the pressure.
On field troubles
While he grapples with the off-field distractions, the team’s performances on it is something he believes will improve in Rio. India’s tour to England earlier this month was one of the worst the team has endured in a long time, with the team suffering some lopsided defeats.
They’ve been found wanting on several aspects, physique being the key. That will come crucial especially at the Olympics, since each team is allowed just 16 members in its squad instead of the 18 in other international tournaments. The Indian girls haven’t looked strong on the ball, their passes and shots on goal at times have been too slow to bother the opponent and are frequently outmuscled by the rival teams.
Hawgood says the physical condition of the team is better than his first stint but agrees there is still a lot more to be done. “We are probably being tied down physically. The team has had a physio for last 2-3 years. But we must take into account that the other teams have been doing this for the last 8-10 years. They have that many years of strength in them,” he says. “At the Olympics, 16 players will have to match the work rate of 18. So they have to work harder than they have before, and they’ve got to get used to that. It’s a mental thing as well.”
The physical condition of the players will be put to test next week when the team will travel to Australia. India will play four matches in five days against Japan, New Zealand and the hosts.
Going by the previous outings, it’ll be a miracle if the team returns with a superior win ratio. But Hawgood is confident. “Eventually, it will happen. You just have got to be patient.”
Indian Express
Negri banking on youth for Razak Cup success
By S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Former champions Negri Sembilan have decided to bank on youth in the Razak Cup hockey tournament.
Despite fielding a squad containing eight youngsters, Negri hope to make a top-four finish in the tournament which will be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil from May 21-29.
Four-time champion Negri’s last last triumph was in 1977. They finished sixth in the last two seasons.
Midfielder Mohamed Marhan Mohd Jalil is the only national player in the 18-man team. The other notable player is Dangerous Lee, a member of the national development team.
The other two experienced players are goalkeeper Khairulnizam Ibrahim, who is the first choice now that national custodian S. Kumar is injured, and 36-year-old K. Keevan Raj.
Negri coach S. Chandran said the inclusion of the eight Sukma players has given the team a youthful look.
“In the past, people used to call us a team of oldies. This time we have a better blend,” he said.
“Kumar is unavailable and that’s a big blow to us. But we have faith in Khairul as has been around for some time. And despite his age, Keevan will be an asset as he can help guide the younger players.
“Overall, we have a well-balanced side. But we need to work together and make sure that the mistakes are kept to a minimum,” added Chandran.
Negri are in Group B of Division One. They have three former champions – Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu – for company.
The team
Players: Khairulnizam Ibrahim, Ahmad Afizuddin Ahmad Marzuki, G. Kavin Kartik, Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil, Dangerous Lee, Mohamad Zabad Rosly, Mohd Ashraf Juzaili, Mohamed Luqman Hakim, Mohamed Ikwan Ishak, Mohamed Maziz Mohd Jalil, K. Keevan Raj, Razlee Yahya, Manraj Singh, Mohamed Sabri Mohamed, Mohamed Nazdul Ashraff Daduwan, Shamsul Alif Shamsul Husni, Mohamed Sbahhairul Rusyati, Mohamed Adhwa Mohamed Jalil.
Team manager: Mohd Fadzil Kamaruddin
Coaches: S. Chandran, Mohamed Mazli Ikmar.
The Star of Malaysia
Whitsun U16 Cup: Germany send Malaysia into orbit
By Juget Singh
THE Malaysian Under-16 team were sent into orbit when they received a 6-1 drubbing from the German Under-16 team in the Whitsun Cup in Mannheim Sunday.
Coach Nor Saiful Zaini laid the blame on the inexperience, and technically unsound Temerloh Sports School goalkeeper Hamiz Ahir.
Goalkeepers coach M. Nadarajan had conducted a four-day training for hamiz, and Bukit Jalil Sports School goalkeeper Helmi Fazli -- and had raised his concern on their lack of basics.
Malaysia had 14 circle penetrations and only scored once as opposed to their opponents who had 16 penetrations and scored six times.
Hamiz was a bundle of nerves as he conceded soft goals.
"We were let down by poor finishing and conceded rather soft goals," said Nor Saiful Zaini.
"We knew about the weakness in the goalkeeping department and this is something we need to address as changes need to be made to the system.
"We played open Hockey and I have no regrets with the outcome as it simply boils down to our inability to score and defend well.
"These two areas need more work, and it's something I hope to see some improvement in our next match against Netherlands.
Zafri Afiq scored the solitary Malaysian goal in the 58th minute, while the Germans hit a sixer off Masi Pandt (ninth), Marinus Mack (11th, 51st), Christopher Kutter (64th), Hannes Müller (68th, 70th).
Nor Saiful said his boys had dominated play and the scoreline was not a just reflection of how the match went.
"We were on top of them for long spells but could not put away the chances.
"It's a long learning curve and this defeat will give them an indication that the road to success at international level will only come through sheer hard work and the desire to improve.
"That is why I fielded the same goalkeeper throughout the match so Hamiz could gain exposure and learn from this match."
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Germany put six past Malaysia in Whitsun Cup hockey
by S. Ramaguru
KUALA LUMPUR: Poor defending resulted in Malaysia being whipped 6-1 by Germany in the opening match of the Whitsun Cup hockey tournament in Germany.
The Malaysian Under-16 side never had a chance against their German counterparts at the Mannheim Hockey Club Stadium on Saturday. They were down 2-0 after 11 minutes with Marsi Pfandt (ninth minute) and Marinus Mack (11th) on target.
Mack scored again in the 51st minute before Malaysia reduced the deficit to 3-1 in the 58th minute through Mohamad Zafri Afiq’s field goal.
But Christopher Kuter (64th) and Hannes Muller (68th and 70th) scored to give Germany a comprehensive win.
It was Malaysia’s second loss to the Germans. In a friendly on Friday, the Malaysians were beaten 2-0.
In another match of the four-team competition, the German Under-17 side beat the Dutch Under-16 team 2-0.
Malaysian head coach Nor Saiful Zaini blamed the loss on the players’ inexperience.
“This is just the team’s second match since they were formed earlier this month,” he said.
“But we created a lot of chances. We had 14 circle penetrations against Germany’s 16. We managed to score once while Germany netted six.
“Our inability to score coupled with weak defending were the key reasons for the loss.
“We even had a penalty stroke but failed to convert. The players are down, but they aim to do better in the next match,” added Nor Saiful.
The Star of Malaysia
Surbiton Girls England U14 National Champions
Surbiton Girls U14 Champions 15-16
Pool A –
Surbiton v Norwich
The day’s first game got started with a bang, within one minute of being on pitch Surbiton kicked off the scoring with Kitty Baccanello taking a goal. Quickly followed in succession by another from Issy Carey. Norwich responded well from Amelia Barclay hitting the back of the net, but ever persistent Surbiton retaliated with Issy taking her second of the game. Two more for each team settled the game a solid win for Surbiton 4-2.
Beeston v Stourport
Beeston and Stourport equally as eager both started well. Stourports solid defending couldn’t hold Beeston back for that long and five minutes in Chrissie Jowett found the back of the net for Beeston, with Charlotte Archer taking the second to finish the game 2-0 to Beeston.
Stourport v Surbiton
Starting the game fast again Kitty Baccanello took her second goal of the day in the first three minutes against Stourport. Issy Carey sealed the deal with a brace of goals, one of which was a spectacular top corner reverse. Stourport held their own in the second half but it wasn’t enough to keep the reigning champions at bay.
Norwich v Beeston
Looking to make their mark to make the final Beeston came into this game all guns blazing. Charlotte Archer started the scoring with an open play goal. Norwich battled hard but the second half gave Beeston a new lease of life and goals from Chrissie Jowett and Jess Barett-Drylie won the game 3-0 for Beeston and leaving it to their last game to book their place in the final.
Surbiton v Beeston
One of the highly anticipate games of Pool A with both teams level on points meant only one would come away with a final place. Issy Carey added another to her tally for the day first with a field goal in the ninth minute, quickly followed by another from Kitty Baccanello. The second half was still there for the taking and a late goal form Imogen Hatton for Beeston gave them hope. With neither team finding the net in the last 3 minutes Surbiton came away victorious taking them to the final and putting Beeston in the playoffs for third and forth.
Stourport v Norwich
A quite game from both sides led to a small scoring result. An open play goal from Sophie Thompson gave Stourport the lead, which through determination they held despite chances for Norwich, This gave them their first points of the tournament and a place in the fifth, sixth playoff.
Pool B
Alderley v Reading
The first game in pool B was slow starting with a goalless first half but chances for both teams. The only goal of the game came at the end of the game from Sophie Hoencamp to secure three points for Reading.
Isca v Cambridge
Another goalless first half for Pool B, the second half on the other hand was very successful for Cambridge with Olivia Clegg getting them on the board from a penalty corner. A minute later another from Helena Russell in open play levelled Cambridge with Reading in the league table.
Isca v Alderley Edge
With both teams looking for their first points of the day – this game was highly fought. Isca valiantly defended but couldn’t keep Alderley off the score board. Goals from Brogan Tennant and Lois McTiffin opened up Pool B heading into the last pool games of the day.
Cambridge City v Reading
A feisty game from the whistle meant a battle for both teams in this game. In the eighth minutes Cambridge were awarded a penalty stroke which was swiftly scored by Olivia Clegg. Helena Russell took her second goal of the day through a penalty corner to put Cambridge up by two at half time. A second half mistake from Cambridge gave away a stroke this time to Reading efficiently completed by Ellie Liddell. But it was too late and Cambridge took the win.
Alderley Edge v Cambridge City
Cambridge were after an all important win here to secure their place against Surbiton in the final. They were certainly the team to show up on the day. Three early goals gave them the crucial points. Critical goals from Helena Russell, and a brace of goals for Izzie Arnold propelled them into the final.
Reading v Isca
Isca went into this looking for their first goal of the day, and reading to tally up another three points. Reading took the lead in the first half with a goal from Cordelia Bambury in open play quickly followed by a converted penalty corner from Tabitha Tinniswood. A solid and robust second half from Isca kept a clean sheet for the latter part of the game but alas no comeback. Reading took the win 2-0.
Classification Games:
7th/8th Playoff – Norwich v Isca
Both teams started strong looking to take home a bit of pride with them. However it was Norwich that started strong with a brace of goals thanks to Tallulah Gurney both from open play. Half time rolled round and Amelia Barclay put one more in the goal to see Norwich take 7th and Isca 8th, Norwich winning 3-0.
5th/6th Playoff – Stourport v Alderley Edge
Not much lay between these two teams on the pitch and the first half showed it. A last minute goal from Stourport thanks to Sophie Thompson put them into the lead at the break. Brave performances by both teams in the second half, however the scored remained 1-0 to Stourport, letting them take home 5th and Alderley Edge 6th.
3rd/4th Playoff – Beeston v Reading
Beeston started this game with determination and at three minutes in Charlotte Archer took them to an early lead through a field goal. Solid defending by Reading kept Beeston out for the rest of the half. Both coming back out after a rest, it was clear the game was not over yet. Beeston prevailed with a goal from Jess Barrett-Drylie and another for Charlotte Archer crowned Beeston 3rd place and Reading 4th.
Final – Surbiton v Cambridge City
The highly anticipated last game of the day would see Surbiton defend their title for a fifth year. Starting strong from the off it was clear that not much would stop them storm to their fifth national U14 title. Some courageous defending and determination from Cambridge wouldn’t keep them out the net. Emily Leeson kicked off the scoring at 8 minutes in converting a penalty corner. Alice Klugman scored her first, swiftly followed by Issy Carey; a common name on the score sheets today, and one more from Alice took the score to 4-0 and sealing the National championship yet again.
England Hockey Board Media releas