News for 28 June 2016
All the news for Tuesday 28 June 2016
Black Sticks beaten by Spain in opener
Photo: David Aliaga Images
The Black Sticks Men have been defeated 2-0 by hosts Spain in their opening game at the Six Nations in Valencia.
New Zealand played well in large patches and created plenty of goal scoring opportunities but weren’t able to put any into the net.
With the game scoreless at halftime, Spain made the most of their chances with a 33rd minute penalty corner goal to Pau Quemada and a field goal strike from Xavi Lleonart in the 46th minute.
Head coach Colin Batch said it was pleasing to be creating chances on attack but they need improve on execution.
“We played a pretty good game for the most part but had a few lapses and allowed them to score two goals,” he said.
“Going forward it’s a good learning experience for us and we need to make sure we capitalise on those chances and put them into the goal.”
The Black Sticks opened with purpose and were quickly making moves through the midfield and attacking quarter.
Nick Wilson earned a penalty corner in just the second minute but Kane Russell’s drag flick was well defended by the Spanish.
The Black Sticks had another great chance midway through the second quarter with a penalty corner awarded for a foul on Simon Child, Russell’s flick this time going just wide of the post.
Following a goalless first half, Spain mounted an attack from the push back and quickly earned a penalty corner which Pau Quemada flicked into the top corner to give his side the first lead of the game.
Stephen Jenness created a chance for the Kiwis to equalise in the 45th minute with a great run which found a defender’s foot for a penalty corner, Nic Woods went low and hard with the flick but it was well saved by the goalkeeper.
Spain doubled their lead at the start of the fourth quarter when a long crash ball connected with Xavi Lleonart on the back post to flick into an open goal.
New Zealand created several goal scoring chances in the final 10 minutes but weren’t able to put any into the back of the net.
The Black Sticks go up against Germany next at 4am tomorrow morning (NZ time), with live streaming at www.hockeynz.co.nz/Video
BLACK STICKS 0
SPAIN 2: (Pau Quemada, Xavi Lleonart)
Halftime: 0-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks men upset by hosts Spain to start Six Nations tournament in Valencia
The Black Sticks men have started the Six Nations tournament in Spain in disappointing fashion, suffering a 2-0 upset loss to the hosts.
Despite coming into the event after a 3-0 series loss to world No 2 side the Netherlands, eighth-ranked New Zealand still carried the favouritism into their clash with 11th-ranked Spain in Valencia on Monday (Tuesday NZ time).
The Kiwis had won the previous two matches between the two teams, winning 4-1 in a penalty shootout at the 2014 World Cup and 1-0 at the 2013 World League semifinals.
The home side showed little regard for the rankings and those results, though.
After a scoreless first half, Pau Quemada hit the target with a penalty corner drag-flick early in the third quarter before Xavi Lleonart scored a field goal at the start of the fourth to clinch their first victory over New Zealand since a 2-0 series win in Barcelona in 2013.
The Black Sticks were unable top convert several good chances, including a number of penalty corners in both halves and head coach Colin Batch acknowledged they needed to improve their execution.
"We played a pretty good game for the most part but had a few lapses and allowed them to score two goals," he said.
"Going forward it's a good learning experience for us and we need to make sure we capitalise on those chances and put them into the goal."
While the Black Sticks will be looking to bounce back quickly given the tournament is their last significant hit-out before the Rio Olympics in August, that is not likely to be an easy task.
Their next game is against world No 3 Germany on Wednesday (4am NZ time), which is followed by games against India on Friday, Ireland on Saturday and Argentina on Monday.
Stuff
Black Sticks trumped by Spain in Six Nations
Ryan Archibald of New Zealand looks to pass the ball during an international men's hockey test match. Photo / Getty
New Zealand's Six Nations men's hockey campaign got off to a wobbly start against hosts Spain in Valencia today.
Spain, ranked three places New Zealand at No 11, won the match 2-0, both goals coming in the second half, one from a firmly struck penalty corner, the other a deft backhand shot from close range which squeezed between a defender and the near post.
New Zealand didn't lack for scoring chances and coach Colin Batch admitted a feeling of being ''a bit cheated" by the final scoreline, which he didn't think reflected the flow of the game.The two Spanish goals came at the start of the third and fourth quarters.
''We had the better of the first half," Batch said.
''We were a little slow to start the second half but dominated the rest of the third and fourth quarters, so we feel a little bit cheated. It looks maybe a clear victory. The stats would indicate we were well on top.
''We are doing a lot of things well but still need be more desperate in defence and need to convert some of our opportunities, that's for sure."
Batch said the statistics were showing New Zealand are creating plenty of opportunities, having more shots on goal and penalty corner chances. That is a positive aspect of the Black Sticks' work at present.
New Zealand are without regular striker Hugo Inglis, who flew home after New Zealand's three-game series against the Netherlands last week, with a small tear in a calf.
''His medical support and treatment back there would be the best it can be. We think he'll be right and back to full training almost by the time we get home," Batch said.
New Zealand next face world No 3 Germany early tomorrow.
In today's other two first-day matches, Argentina beat Ireland 1-0 while the Germans beat India 4-0.
The New Zealand Herald
Green Machine Narrowly Beaten By Argentina
The Green Machine took on world number 6 Argentina in a close contest under the Valencia sun in Valencia Hockey Stadium this evening. The last time the two sides met the game finished in a 2-2 stalemate with Irish goals coming from Timmy Cockram and Kyle Good. This evening’s game saw Argentina run out narrow 1-0 victors.
There was very little separating the two sides in the opening quarter with Argentina enjoying the only penalty corner; duly run-down by the onrushing Kyle Good. Superb skills by John Jackson, winning his 200th cap, saw him glide along the baseline but the shot was saved by Juan Vivaldi to keep the game at deadlock.
Argentina won 2 consecutive penalty corners in the opening 2 minutes of the second quarter and Ronan Gormley’s save on the line resulted in a penalty stroke in the 18th minute. Juan Gilardi waited for David Harte to commit before dispatching the ball into the bottom left corner to make the score 1-0. Argentina enjoyed increased possession and 3 more penalty corners throughout the quarter, while Irelands main opportunity came courtesy of a 29th minute penalty corner. Mikie Watt had darted through 3 defenders before drawing the foul and winning the penalty corner, however the resulting drag flick failed to connect and was easily cleared as the umpire’s whistle rang out to signal half time.
The second half began with an instant Argentinian attack and sustained periods of possession. Jackson, again, was a spark of creativity as he burst into the circle but his final effort was cleared. The third quarter was an exercise in holding possession for Argentina and Lucas Rossi’s rasping reverse shot drew a superb save from David Harte to keep the score at 1-0.
In the final quarter, the Green Machine began to take advantage of Argentinian indiscipline, no fewer than 6 cards throughout the course of the match. Mikie Watt found his rhythm and was carrying the ball into the circle at will from both left and right but the final pass and shot just evaded the men in green. The best chance of the game came courtesy of a Shane O’Donoghue, earning his 100th cap, deflection which was superbly cleared off the line by a retreating defender. Ireland were perhaps unlucky to not get just-reward for their final quarter pressure when it appeared one umpire had signalled a penalty corner for a tackle on Jackson but his counterpart awarded a free in instead. Watt had the final chance of the game with Jackson again slipping into the circle and offloading the pass but the shot was well saved.
Ireland play their second match of the tournament tomorrow at 4pm (GMT) against India. The match can be watched live here
6 Nations Tournament Valencia
Ireland 0
Argentina 1 (Gilardi)
Team: D Harte (C), Jackson, Gormley, Watt, Cargo, Magee, O’Donoghue, Darling, Good, Gleghorne , C Harte
Substitutes: Carr, J Bell, Watkins, Sothern, Jermyn, Robson, M Bell
Schedule:
27/06/2016 17:00 Argentina - Ireland
28/06/2016 15:00 Ireland - India
30/06/2016 19:00 Spain - Ireland
02/07/2016 09:00 Ireland - N. Zealand
03/07/2016 09:00 Germany - Ireland
*All times GMT
Irish Hockey Association media release
India lose to Germany in Six Nations Invitational Hockey Tournament opener
VALENCIA: Indian men's hockey team witnessed a disappointing start to its campaign at the six-nation Invitational tournament, losing 0-4 to Germany in their opening match, here on Monday.
In a first quarter blitz, Germany took the lead in the fifth minute via Mats Grambusch.
Grambusch doubled Germany's lead minutes later before Moritz Furste scored a third in the 14th minute to take a 3-0 lead into the first break.
India came back stronger in the second quarter and soon started to make inroads into the German defence.
The Indians soon started playing tactically compact hockey, denying Germany the ball in scoring areas. The two teams went into the half time break with Germany leading 3-0.
The third quarter witnessed a tough battle as India, looking to get back into the game, started pushing forward in numbers.
Germany, defending deep and working on the counter, soon lost players to fouls --- first Martin Zwicker and then Christopher Wesley penalised for fouls. But India couldn't capitalise on the advantages.
India came all out in the final quarter but it was Germany who capitalised by scoring their fourth goal in the 57th minute via a penalty corner conversion by Lukas Windfeder.
Speaking after the match, India's chief coach Roelant Oltmans said, "We're not looking too hard at the result because several members of the team have been rotated. The performance though is something we will look at and analyse and better on in our subsequent games."
India will next play Ireland on Tuesday.
The Times of India
Team GB women’s and men’s hockey team selected for Rio 2016
The British Olympic Association has today named the men’s and women’s hockey squads who will compete for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Eight of the women’s team who won bronze at London 2012 return with Hannah MacLeod, Georgie Twigg, Laura Unsworth and Nicola White all included while Crista Cullen, Helen and Kate Richardson-Walsh and Alex Danson are set for their third Games appearance.
The rest of the 16-strong squad are set for their first Olympic experience, however all have plenty of pedigree after helping England claim European Championship gold in London last year.
For the men, Barry Middleton will make his fourth Olympic Games appearance while Ashley Jackson returns for his third Games after appearing at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
Nick Catlin, Dan Fox, Iain Lewers and Harry Martin also return from the squad who finished fourth in London with ten players set for their Olympic Games debuts.
The selected athletes are:
Women’s Squad
Giselle Ansley, 24, hometown Kingsbridge
Sophie Bray, 26, Surrey
Crista Cullen, 30, London
Alex Danson, 31, Odiham
Maddie Hinch, 27, West Chiltington
Hannah Macleod, 32, Boston
Shona McCallin, 24, Newark
Lily Owsley, 21, Bristol
Sam Quek, 27, Wirral
Helen Richardson-Walsh, 34, West Bridgford
Kate Richardson-Walsh, 36, Stockport
Susannah Townsend, 26, Egerton
Georgie Twigg, 25, Lincoln
Laura Unsworth, 28, Sutton Coldfield
Hollie Webb, 25, Belper
Nicola White, 28, Oldham
Reserves:
Joanna Leigh, 23, Huddersfield
Eleanor Watton, 27, Chesterfield
Kirsty Mackay, 29, Blackpool
Men’s Squad
David Ames, 27, Cookstown
Alastair Brogdon, 28, Hale
Nicholas Catlin, 27, Marlow
David Condon, 24, Leicester
Adam Dixon, 29, Nottingham
Daniel Fox, 33, Godalming
Mark Gleghorne, 31, Antrim
Michael Hoare, 30, Liverpool
Ashley Jackson, 28, Tunbridge Wells
Iain Lewers, 32, Belfast
Harry Martin, 24, Ipswich
Barry Middleton, 32, Doncaster
George Pinner, 29, Ipswich
Ian Sloan, 22, Cookstown
Samuel Ward, 25, Leicester
William Weir, 26, Nantwich
Reserves:
Simon Mantell, 32, Street
Dan Shingles, 30, London
James Bailey, 25, Epping
Team GB Chef de Mission, Mark England, said:
“I’m very proud to be able to welcome hockey players from both the men’s and women’s squads to Team GB today.
“In both of these sides there is a blend of Olympic experience and Olympic debutants who have come through in the last four years and who have shown they can compete at the very highest level.
“It’s great to qualify athletes in the team sports, and a tremendous spirit exists across hockey, which has developed and grown during this four year cycle. I’m sure this will stand them in good stead this summer and I’m confident that on their day they can match any team in the world.”
Sally Munday, Chief Operating Officer for Great Britain Hockey said, “I would like to congratulate all of our athletes who are on their way to Rio for this summer’s Olympic Games. Our central programme is exceptionally competitive and I know how hard they have all worked to be selected. Their ambitions certainly do not end here, and I would like to wish them the very best of luck this summer. I would also like to record my thanks to those who narrowly missed out - as a team sport building team unity whilst vying for selection is a challenge and the professionalism of all the players in the GB programme is exceptional."
Great Britain Hockey media release
Fiji sets WC target
Mere Naleba
Oceania Hockey Federation vice-president Kaluwan Potuan of PNG accepts a bowl of kava during the traditional welcoming ceremony and official opening of the FIH World League Round 1 yesterday. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA
THE Fiji hockey teams is set to give five other Pacific Island countries that will be competing in the FIH World League Round 1 a run for their money.
This is as Fiji try and a secure a spot in the 2017 Hockey World Cup in Russia.
Oceania Hockey Federation continent development officer Gill Gamming said Fiji had always provided tough competition to its Pacific Island rivals such as Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.
Gamming said Australia and New Zealand men's team had commended Fiji for the improvement of its playing standard.
"The Australian's men's team is number one in the world and that was a very good comment and positive to the Fijian coaching staff."
Gamming said it was rather unfortunate that Samoa opted to pull out of the competition in the 11th hour but a bonus for the competition was seeing a Samoan national player, raising his hand to officiate as an umpire in the five days competition.
The first round of games tomorrow will feature Fiji taking on Tonga in the opening match at 9am. There will be 10 matches played tomorrow at the National Hockey Centre in Laucala Bay in Suva.
The Fiji Times
Fiji pair in hockey limelight
Mere Naleba
A traditional protocol of a welcoming ceremony was accorded at the official opening yesterday. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA
TWO local hockey umpires have earned the praises of the Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF) and they will be officiating at the FIH World League Round 1 beginning at the National Hockey Centre in Suva today.
Epeli Tukuca has been appointed by OHF to be a national umpire during the five-day tournament, while national rep Tessa Harman has also been complimented of her role in becoming an excellent umpire of the game. The other local umpire is Harry Heritage.
OHF president Dr Robin Mitchell, also the president of Fiji Hockey, said it was a welcoming sight to see budding umpires progressing well.
"Tukuca officiated in the Hockey 5s at the Youth Commonwealth Games, so this is a big boost for our young umpires," Dr Mitchell said
Meanwhile, OHF continental development officer Gill Gamming said it was wonderful to note that Fiji had been producing top notch umpires.
"There are a lot of young umpires who had come on through. Some of them had been in national teams and they understand the game, for example Tessa Harman from Fiji," Gamming said.
"She has been a leading female national player and it's great to have her step right into umpiring. They understand the game and understand what the players are trying to do and so they often they make very good umpires."
Gamming said the world league and other international recognised matches are opportunities for young umpires to build their confidence and hopefully receive opportunity to officiate in games overseas.
The Fiji Times
Hockey campaign starts
By CROFTON UTUKANA
SI Women's Hockey team.
The Solomon National Hockey squads will kick off their campaign for the World Hockey League round one in Suva, Fiji this morning.
Hockey president Nihal Senevirantne said our national squads has settled down well and are prepared for their opening matches today.
“After our arrival on Saturday both teams settled down well and are looking forward our first matches tomorrow (today),’’ he said.
The men’s team will take on PNG for their opening match at 9: 45 am followed by Fiji in the afternoon 15: 25 pm.
While the women’s squad will take host side Fiji at 10:30am before taking on Tonga at 13:30 this afternoon.
Prior to their departure both teams’ coaches also told Star Sports that they are confident to achieve better results in the competition.
Winners of the World League Round One will progress to Round Two.
The format of play for this World League Round 1 is hockey 5’s.
The countries participating in the Hockey World League round one are Fiji, PNG, Tonga, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Star
Scotland Women U21 prepare to take on Ulster U23
Scotland U18 girlsScotland’s U21 women’s side is preparing to take on Ulster U23 at the National Hockey Centre in Glasgow this week.
Three games will take place, beginning on Tuesday 28 June; then on Wednesday 29 June; and Thursday 30 June as the 21s continue to build for next year’s under 21 Euros tournament.
The mood in the Scotland camp is positive with a number of young players included in the squad for the first time. Many players have moved up from Scotland’s U18 side and there is a lot of excitement amongst the squad ahead of the games against Ulster.
Ellie Hutchison said: “I’m very much looking forward to this, I haven’t played for my country in about a year now, so I’m very excited now to play one with a new team. Everyone is buzzing.”
Susan Al-Haddad agreed, saying: “I’m really excited for Tuesday because it will be our first game together as a team. After all this training finally we’ll get to play. It’s our first under 21 match for a lot of us.”
The Scots are up against tough opposition and are relishing the opportunity to pit their wits against Ulster U23 on Tuesday. Kerry Anne Hastings said: “I’m really looking forward to this week because it’s such a young team and it’ll be interesting to see if we can step up to the challenge, especially against an under 23 Ulster team. It’ll be nice after training for a couple of weeks now to play against good competition and see if we can step up to the challenge.
“They’re very physical and have good skills. They’re quite a small region and they’ve trained as a young squad for a while, and know each other very well. We don’t know each other quite as well because we have a young team but this is to develop for the under 21s Europeans next year, that’s what we’re preparing for, but I personally know them through English universities. I play against them.”
On the horizon is games against England U21s on July 10th. For this encounter it is likely to be a mixed variety of experience with some of the seniors who can still play U21 joining up with the squad. It’s all part of the building process for next year’s Euros. First up however is Ulster U23 and the Scotland players have issued a rallying call to fans for a strong turnout to get behind the team. Chloe Hardie added: “Being at home it would be really great if we could get a big support to come down and get behind the team. A big crowd always encourages us and lifts us for games even further, and we’ve definitely got home advantage playing on our home pitch. We train here every week and a big crowd would be such a bonus.”
The U21s are playing Ulster u23s on Tuesday 28th June and Wednesday 29th June at 7pm, and again on Thursday 30th June at 12 noon. All matches will be played at the National Hockey Centre in Glasgow. Come along and support the girls!
The squad for the matches is:
Susan Al Haddad (Match 1 and 2)
Megan Inch
Erin Gilchrist
Alison Eadie
Iona Armour
Lorna Cruickshank
McKenzie Bell
Drew Berry
Emily Cross
Ellie Halliday
Ellie Hutcheson
Tess Hannah
Chloe Hardie
Kerry Anne Hastings
Katie Hibbert
Frances Lonergan
Emma McDairmid
Shona McNab
Makenzie Brown
Scottish Hockey Union media release
European tour to groom youngsters for Junior World Cup: Tahir
LAHORE: The head coach of Pakistan Junior hockey team, former Olympian Tahir Zaman, said Monday the upcoming European tour was a step forward to groom national players for the Junior World Cup to be played in Lucknow, India in December this year.
“The two-leg European tour will expose our players to the much needed international experience besides boosting their confidence,” he told this agency here on Monday.
Pakistan junior team for the tour of Europe will be named in few days. It will leave for Germany on July 12 to take part in a 4-nation tournament to be played there from July 21-24 in Hanover. Pakistan, Germany, Holland and Belgium are the participating teams of the event.
Prior to taking part in the tournament, the green shirts will play two matches against Holland Under-21 in German city of Arnhem on July 14 and 15 followed by three matches against top German clubs on July 17, 18 and 19 at the same venue.
Tahir said the European tour was of greater significance in terms of elevating the experience and exposure of the players as they would be playing a number of matches against different European sides as a part of their preparations for the Junior World Cup.
“The other countries are preparing their respective junior teams for the last three years for the Cup whereas we have started preparing our team for the last one year and in the given circumstances we have less time to bring our team at par with the European sides keeping an eye on the World Cup”, he said.
The head coach said the present regime of Pakistan Hockey Federation is extending all our cooperation for the grooming the team knowing the harsh reality that its preparations were not started well in time by the previous PHF regime.
The Daily Times
Grunwald win incredible 20th title
Picture: Irek Pindal
Grunwald Poznan claimed an incredible 20th Polish national title as they beat AZS AWF Poznan 6-1 in the grand final on Sunday, completing a perfect record this season across the regular campaign and the playoffs.
The military side swept to an 8-0 win in Saturday’s semi-final against LKS Gąsawa while AZS AWF edged out Pomorzanin Torun 3-2.
The final, though, was a much tighter affair for Grunwald in a derby final. Waldemar Rataj’s opening goal came in the 19th minute before Pawel Bratkowski extended the lead from a corner.
Oskar Bator, however, got one back to make the game interesting for long periods. It remained 2-1 until the final quarter before Grunwald eventually pulled away with two goals from Maciej Wejerowski and one each from Mohammad Sohail and Rataj to stretch out their final victory.
Pomorzanin Torun ended up in third place as they won their playoff against LKS Gasawa 6-3.
Euro Hockey League media release
New rules on entries for MHL, says Logan
by S. Ramaguru
A limit on the entries of foreign and national players have been imposed, says MHC CEO Logan. - Bernama.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have decided to impose a limit on the number of national and foreign players in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) this year.
MHC chief executive officer K. Logan Raj said the total number of national and foreign players in a team must not be more than eight during play.
“We believe this ruling will create a level-playing field. The teams are allowed to register six foreigners and any number of national players. But at any given time only eight – local or foreign internationals – will be allowed to play. All the teams will have to identify their local and international players in the registration forms,” added Logan.
In the past, teams were allowed to field a maximum of six foreign players and any number of national players.
Terengganu won their second straight double – Premier Division and overall titles – last season. Then, they had eight national and five foreigners – four Argentinians and one Pakistani – in their ranks.
The new season will start on Aug 5, starting with the Division One. The Premier Division will begin on Aug 10.
The MHC have asked all the teams to register their entries by July 1.
“We are calling for an early registration as we want to ensure all the teams abide by the new rulings. All the teams have been informed of the early closing date,” said Logan.
Six teams competed in last year’s Premier Division. The MHC are hoping to get eight team to play this time.
The Star of Malaysia
2016 JPOL Champions of Spring
The curtains have officially come down on the 4th Annual Junior Premier Outdoor League (JPOL) in the USA. This spring brought many challenges including the weather as teams played through to the end in rain, snow, wind and ice. However, based on feedback it was another successful year.
2016 welcomed the addition of Region 8 – South and an invitation-only U-14 Division comprising of 12 clubs from five of the competing regions. After several league dates of competitive field hockey, we can truly say that the benefits can be seen by all. The improvements in the quality of games from the first weekend in April to the Championships 10 weeks later is commendable and reflects the commitment of the players, parents and coaches alike.
The continued success of this league would not be possible without the support of many who give of their time and experience. Many thanks to the club directors, their coaches and membership who join us each spring to make this league possible. Thank you to the umpire managers, technical directors and their staff of dedicated technical officers, umpires and parent judges. You all give so much of you time and talent to be part of this event and its continued successes.
Special thanks to our JPH Directors, Lurah Hess – Technical Director, Dean Wenrich – Director of Umpiring, and Kim Scott – AltiusRT Director who contribute countless hours of dedication behind the scenes to help make JPOL the event it has become to date.
Recognition must also be given to the college and university coaches who took the time to be present. We hope that you were pleased with the level of competition and the organization of the event. Those in attendance that we were aware of represented the following establishments:
DePauw University, Fairfield University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Monmouth University, Old Dominion University, Pace University, Princeton University, Rowan University, Rider University, Rutgers University, Saint Francis University, St. Joseph’s University, Slippery Rock University, Stockton University, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University and others whom we may have missed.
Much appreciation to the universities and private institutions that grant us access to their facilities year-after-year. We hope to continue developing great relationships with them. Thank you!
Special recognition to World Camp USA and Sport EuroTour - our Title Sponsor, Dita USA, the Official Ball Supplier and Harrow Sports, the Official Awards Sponsor. Thank you for your continued support and believing in this event!
We would now like to recognize and congratulate the 2016 Champions and Special Award recipients from each of the participating Regions for an outstanding performance.
U-14 Champion
XCALIBUR
Harrow’s Most Valuable Player
AUDREY ROSS, UPRISE
Harrow’s Top Goal Scorer
DREW TAYLOR, XCALIBUR
U-16 Champions
R5 – XCALIBUR
R6 – SOUTH JERSEY EDGE
R7 – TNT
R8 – TCOYO
R9/10 – WINDY CITY
Harrow’s Most Valuable Players
R5 – SOPHIA GLADIUEX, XCALIBUR
R6 – AVERY POWELL, SOUTH JERSEY EDGE
R7 – ABIGAIL CARPENTER, FREEDOM HKY
R7 – EMILY ECKEL, SPARK
R7 – MACKENZIE MCKILLOP, TNT
R8 – BROOKE GASSER, TCOYO
R9/10 – ABBY RENAUD, WINDY CITY
Harrow’s Top Goal Scorers
R5 – KARA McCLURE, XCALIBUR
R6 - AVERY POWELL, SOUTH JERSEY EDGE
R6 – KYLE KIRBY, FC UNITED
R7 – ANNA SMARRELLI, FREEDOM HKY
R8 – EVIE HANSON, SAINTS
R9/10 - EMILY CHRISTIAN, IFHCK
U-19 CHAMPIONS
R5 – XCALIBUR
R6 – PRINCETON
R7 – FREEDOM HKY
R8 – TCOYO
R9/10 – PINNACLE
Harrow’s Most Valuable Players
R5 – MACKENZIE ALLESIE, ALLEY CATS
R6 – JULIANNA TORNETTA, PRINCETON
R7 – KYLER GREENWALT, FREEDOM HKY
R8 – SYDNEY KEATING, RAMPAGE
R9/10 – ABBEY HUTTON, PINNACLE
Harrow’s Top Goal Scorers
R5 – CASSIE HUNTER, XCALIBUR
R6 - SAMMY POPPER, PRINCETON
R7 – ERIN SHANAHAN, THE GAELS
R8 – RILEY FULMER, TCOYO
R9/10 – MATTIE TABOR, STEALTH
R9/10 - JULLIAN SHIVE, FH LIFE
R9/10 - LIESE WAREHAM, MILWAUKEE
On behalf of Junior Premier Hockey and its Directors, Rachael Bloemker and Nigel Traverso, we say many thanks to you all for your hard work, commitment, support and cooperation in making this Junior Premier Hockey event a continued success. We wish you all much success the rest of the year and look forward to seeing you in 2017.
If your Region is not represented and your club team would like to be part of Junior Premier Hockey structure, please contact us at your earliest.
Coming soon – JPOL National Championship
Bringing together the Champions from all the JPOL Regions!
For all results and final ranking, please log on to our web site at www.juniorpremierhockey.com
Congratulations to the 2016 JPOL Champions!
Content Courtesy of JPOL
USFHA media release
School hockey final action set to sizzle
Only two teams have featured at every single final, the defending champs, Girls’ College and last year’s silver medallists Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High.
Amy Walker from Ashton International College, Wendy Mlebuka from Amanzimtoti High School, Ashleigh Thomas from Durban Girls’ College, Alexandra Mitchley from St Mary’s DSG, Julia Saulez from St Anne’s College, Elke Engelbrecht from Warthburg Kirchdorf School, Katie Dawe from Amanzimtoti High School and Lauren Brown from Pietermaritzburg High School.
TEN first teams will be taking to the field in the grand finals of this year’s Spar KZN school girls’ hockey challenge which takes place at St Mary’s DSG on 23 and 24 July.
The tournament, now in its sixth year, will enjoy two days of epic turf battles with the teams being split into two pools.
Pool games will be played on the first day in 20 minute one-way duels, with cross pools being played on the final day in 30 minute games with teams having a quick change-over after 15 minutes. The 2016 tournament is set for awesome action on the turf with the coveted trophy up for grabs.
Defending champions, Durban Girls’ College have held onto the trophy for the last three years, with the two Saints teams raising the cup before that and both eager to topple College’s hold. St Anne’s took the overall title in the inaugural tournament in 2011 and St Mary’s won the second year, in 2012.
Knocking on the door five times, having medalled in every single tournament, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School are also vying for a chance to get their name engraved on the trophy with three silvers and two bronzes in their history at the tournament.
Only two teams have featured at every single final, the defending champs, Girls’ College and last year’s silver medallists Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High. Making their fifth appearance are both saints teams, host team St Mary’s DSG and 2015 bronze medallists’ St Anne’s College.
Wartburg Kirchdorf will be hoping that their German precision continues to move them up the leaderboard, making their fourth appearance they ended in sixth place last year. This was a well-earned improvement from their ninth and eighth in previous years. Winner of the Durban North regional, Ashton International College have also steadily improved, as they make their third appearance at the finals.
Grantleigh are back, having featured in the inaugural grand finals. Their girls are raring to go in their second appearance. Joining them to make their second appearances are teams from the southern parts of KZN. Amanzimtoti High School, winner of the Durban South regional has had a superb season which the girls are looking to build on. The feisty team travelling the furthest, King Edward High School from Matatiele, will be keen to display their mettle this year, having made a wonderful impression in their first tournament last year, ending in eighth place.
The only newcomer to the 2016 tournament is Sarel Cilliers from Glencoe, the team that managed to dethrone five time winner, Ferrum High School in the Newcastle regionals.
Sarel CIlliers – Newcastle Regional Winner – first appearance
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High – Pietermaritzburg Central Regional Winner – Sixth appearance – Silver (2011, 2013, 2105), Bronze (2012, 2014)
St Anne’s –Pietermaritzburg North Regional Winner – Fifth appearance – Gold (2011), Silver (2014), Bronze (2015), Fourth (2014)
Durban Girls’ College- Durban Central Regional Winner – Sixth appearance – Gold (2013, 2014, 2015), Silver (2012), Fourth (2011)
Amanzimtoti – Durban South Regional Winner – Second appearance – Tenth (2015)
Ashton International – Durban North Regional Winner – Third appearance – Ninth (2013), Seventh (2015)
King Edward High School – Southern KZN Regional Winner – Second appearance – Eighth (2015)
Grantleigh – Northern Coastal Regional Winner – Second appearance – Eighth (2011)
Wartburg Kirchdorf – Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Winner – Fourth appearance – Eighth (2013), Ninth (2014), Sixth (2015)
St Mary’s DSG – Highway Regional Winner – Fifth appearance – Gold (2012), Bronze (2011, 2013), Fourth (2015)
Southland's Sun
Feilding High hockey teams practise with Black Sticks player Sam Charlton
Pupils from Feilding High School's hockey teams get a special mid-season coaching session with Black Sticks player Samantha Charlton. Murray Wilson/ Fairfax NZ.
Feilding High School's first XI hockey teams sharpened their skills in a coaching session with Black Sticks player Samantha Charlton.
Charlton came to the school this week as part of the lead-up to a gala dinner raising funds for the Black Sticks women's team
Rangitikei forestry consultancy John Turkington Ltd is holding the dinner to raise funds to cover the team's costs for the Rio Olympics.
Charlton said John Turkington and his daughter Angela Turkington were big supporters of the Black Sticks.
"It's nice to return the favour and support their community, and see where they're from."
Feilding High School's First XI girls hockey coach Jed Stewardson-Hill said the school's teams were lucky to be the beneficiaries of that.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for them to see someone at the level they aspire to be at. The opportunity to talk to her is just massive."
Feilding High's First XI boys hockey coach Paul Frost said the team had been "absolutely amped" since he told them two weeks ago.
Frost hoped the young players could pick up tips on leadership, what's expected of elite athletes and ways of preparing for big games
The Black Sticks trained hard to be ready, and had to be very specific about what they ate, Charlton said.
"Then right before a game watch video clips of the opposition, and we have a bit of a sing-song to get everyone excited and energised."
Her biggest pre-game tip was to just try and relax.
"I used to be very superstitious, I'd eat and do the same things.
"But there's a lot of things that you can't control. If one of [your rituals] go wrong it can be very stressful, so I've learned it's better just to be relaxed."
Stewardson-Hill said the coaching session was a great mid-season shot in the arm for both teams' motivation.
"It's a reminder of the importance of keeping their skills practised, and hopefully a chance to pick up that little something different that might give them a bit of an edge."
Charlton also visited South Makirikiri School in Marton before returning to Feilding High to speak at their assembly on Tuesday morning.
The Black Sticks gala dinner is on July 22, and ex-All Black Ritchie McCaw and ex-Tall Black Nick Horvath plan to be there.
Tickets available from Mel Treweek at the Awapuni Race Centre, Palmerston North phone 06 3564 940.
Stuff
Maliwal meets Sushma, demands FIR against hockey captain Singh
Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal met Union minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday and demanded the registration of an FIR against India Hockey captain Sardar Singh, for an alleged sexual assault on an Indian- origin British woman hockey player. (ANI Photo)
Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal met Union minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday and demanded the registration of an FIR against India Hockey captain Sardar Singh, for an alleged sexual assault on an Indian- origin British woman hockey player.
Maliwal, along with the woman player, met the External Affairs Minister at her residence and complained of alleged inaction by police despite DCW forwarding the complaint about 14 days ago.
“We forwarded the complaint 14 days ago but there has been no FIR yet. If there is merit or no merit in the case that can be investigated later but why no FIR has been lodged?” Maliwal told reporters after the meeting.
The woman had approached DCW alleging that she was physically assaulted by Singh, that there was an attempt to push her from the top floor of a five-star hotel in Delhi and that she was raped by Singh therein.
DCW had then forwarded the complaint to Delhi Police and also demanded that an FIR be registered against Punjab Police for failing to register FIR against Singh despite the woman alleging rape and assault in January 2016.
“The law clearly states that if a woman says that she has been raped, police has to file an FIR. But Punjab Police did not do so despite the woman approaching them and even upon revelation of cognisable offence. Now, Delhi Police is also doing the same.
“We have been assured by Sushma Swaraj that she will look into the issue and an FIR will be lodged soon,” Maliwal said.
The DCW chief also submitted a letter to Swaraj that it is unbecoming of the country to deal with the case in this manner.
“It is unbecoming for the nation that an international athlete, who is the first Asian woman to represent England in hockey, is being made to run from pillar to post for filing an FIR. It is imperative that the allegations of the complainant be investigated properly in a fast-track manner,” the letter said.
The 21-year-old complainant was the first British-Asian woman to represent England in hockey in 2010 as part of their junior women’s team. She had filed a police complaint in February in Ludhiana following which an SIT was formed to probe the sexual harassment allegations. The SIT had given a clean chit to the Indian hockey team skipper.
Sardar denied all the allegations levelled against him, saying they were‘inappropriate’ and ‘false’.
Hindustan Times