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News for 28 July 2016

All the news for Thursday 28 July 2016


Men's Olympic Preview: Who will strike hockey gold in Rio?



The Greatest Show on earth is almost upon us, and the planet’s finest hockey teams are preparing to battle it out for the biggest prize in sport – an Olympic gold medal.

In this, the first of two previews, we focus on the men’s competition where Germany are aiming to claim a third successive Olympic title, a feat not achieved since India’s trio of gold medals at the London 1948, Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956 Olympiads.

With six teams fighting it out for four quarter-final positions in each pool, every single match has meaning and one slip-up could prove costly. Here's a look at the competing teams.

Pool A

Australia - FIH Hero World Ranking: 1
The Australia team selected by Head Coach Graham Reid for Rio features 10 returning Olympians and six eager debutants ready to fight together in a bid to reclaim the gold medal that they won at the Athens 2004 Games.

Led by star defender Mark Knowles – who alongside Jamie Dwyer was a member of the Kookaburras team that won gold in Athens – Australia are very much the team to beat. The 2014 World Cup winners recently claimed their 14th Hockey Champions Trophy in London, Great Britain, and were the 2015 Hockey World League Champions. Can anyone stop them?

Great Britain - FIH Hero World Ranking: 4
Following their fourth place finish at the London 2012 Olympics, Great Britain have set their sights firmly on winning a medal at Rio 2016.

Looking at their recent history, you certainly would not bet against them. There has been a steady improvement since their disappointing ninth place finish at the Athens 2004 Games, with the team taking fifth at Beijing 2008 before losing the bronze medal match at London 2012 against Australia.

Team captain Barry Middleton will make his fourth Olympic Games appearance while midfield star Ashley Jackson returns for his third Games after appearing at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Belgium - FIH Hero World Ranking: 6
Belgium have made huge strides forward over the past ten years and are now rated as one of the most feared attacking sides on the planet.

The Red Lions squad for Rio contains a staggering amount of international experience, with the vast majority of the squad having surpassed the 100 international appearances mark including treble centurions John-John Dohmen and Jerome Truyens as well as double centurions Cedric Charlier, Thomas Briels, Felix Denayer and ace striker Tom Boon.

New Zealand – FIH Hero World Ranking: 8
1976 Olympic champions New Zealand, coached by former Australian international Colin Batch, are blessed with enormous talent, supreme fitness levels and an incredible will to win.

Four players – captain and star striker Simon Child, midfield veteran Ryan Archibald as well as defenders Shea McAleese and Bradley Shaw - will be playing at their third Olympic Games.

Interestingly, Ryan Archibald’s father, Jeff, was a member of the Black Sticks squad that won the gold medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada.

Spain - FIH Hero World Ranking: 11
Spain may have dropped down the FIH Hero World Rankings in recent years but they remain a gifted team that should not be underestimated.

Under the stewardship of Head Coach and former France international Frederic Soyez, a talented new generation of Red Sticks players are working hard in a bid to return Spain to an era of greatness that culminated in an Olympic Silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

David Alegre, Roc Oliva, Sergi Enrique, Miguel Delas, penalty corner ace Pau Quemada and brilliant goalkeeper Quico Cortes bring masses amounts of world level experience to the table.

Brazil - FIH Hero World Ranking: 30
The host nation may be the lowest ranked team in the men’s competition, but they are very much here on merit.

Set the target of achieving a top six finish at last year’s Pan American Games in Toronto by both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Brazil went one stage better, reaching the semi-finals to guarantee a top four finish at the event.

Their squad includes two players who were named in the 2015 Pan American Elite teams - striker Matheus Borges and defender Stephane Vehrle-Smith.

Brazil are sure to be inspired by the passionate support of their home fans, who will be cheering them in samba style along every step of the way.

Pool B

Netherlands – FIH Hero World Ranking: 2
Current European champions and Olympic gold medallists from 1996 and 2000, the Netherlands has a squad containing a glittering array of world class talent.

Their leading light is 2015 FIH Hockey Stars Player of the Year Robert van der Horst, while rapid striker Jeroen Hertzberger, skillful playmaker Billy Bakker and powerhouse defender turned penalty corner expert Mink van der Weerden are all hugely influential figures.

In-form and with plenty of firepower, the silver medallists from London 2012 are genuine contenders for the gold medal.

Germany - FIH Hero World Ranking: 3
The Olympic champions of 2008 and 2012 are always capable of winning every tournament they enter, and have set themselves the target of making it three in a row at Rio 2016. 

The squad chosen by Head Coach Valentin Altenburg contains five Olympic gold medalists from London, including two winners of the FIH Men’s Player of the Year Award.

Midfield star Tobias Hauke (2013) and former midfielder turned defender Moritz Fürste (2012) – both double Olympic gold medallists - are rightfully considered amongst the best players in the history of German hockey and will be central to Die Honamas’ title challenge.

Argentina - FIH Hero World Ranking: 7
Over the past two years, 2015 Pan American Games winners Argentina have developed into a side that can challenge the very best in the world.

Head Coach and former Argentina international Carlos “Chapa” Retegui – the man who, remarkably, guided both the men and the women’s national sides to bronze medals at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup – is overseeing
 the revolution, helping Los Leones (The Lions) to realise their massive potential.

Key players include veteran captain Matias Paredes, defender Pedro Ibarra and creative genius Lucas Vila, although it is drag-flicking defender Gonzalo Peillat who often grabs the headlines.

India - FIH Hero World Ranking: 5
Eight times Olympic champions India - coached by legendary Dutch tactician Roelant Oltmans, the man who guided the Netherlands men to Olympic and World Cup glory in 1996 and 1998 respectively – have been in outstanding form this year, claiming silver medals at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (Ipoh, Malaysia) and the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy (London, Great Britain).

Their squad is packed full of immense talent. Team captain P.R. Sreejesh is one of the most gifted and charismatic goalkeepers around, while drag-flicking defenders V.R. Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh are a constant threat at penalty corners.

India are back amongst the big boys and could easily grab a medal in Rio.

Ireland - FIH Hero World Ranking: 12
By qualifying for Rio 2016, the Green Machine sealed their place in sporting history as they became the first Irish team, in any sport, to qualify for the Olympics since the 1908 Games in London.

The team coached by former South African international Craig Fulton, the FIH Hockey Stars Coach of the Year 2015, have set their sights on reaching the quarter-finals, and judging by their remarkable bronze medal at last summer’s Unibet EuroHockey Championships, they are certainly capable of achieving that.

Key players include FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year 2015 Davey Harte and midfielder Shane O’Donoghue, who averages a goal every two games for his country.

Canada - FIH Hero World Ranking: 15
Canada’s Red Caribous have long been a major force in Pan American hockey, having claimed a glittering collection of medals from the Pan Am Games and Pan Am Cup competitions.

Their rivalry with Pool B opponents Argentina is the stuff of legend, with the two nations contesting every major Pan Am final since 1975.

They have also competed at six Olympic Games, five Hockey World Cups and five Commonwealth Games to date.

Scott Tupper, Mark Pearson and Matthew Guest are star performers outfield while goalkeeper David Carter is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the finest shot-stoppers on the planet.

The Olympic hockey events take place from 6-19 August at Rio’s purpose-built Deodoro Olympic Park, and will feature the 12 men’s and 12 women’s international teams that qualified through the Hockey World League and Continental Championships.

Make sure that you use #Hockey, #SambaSticks and
 #Rio2016 on social media when showing your support for your nation, and follow FIH for all the latest updates as teams and fans get ready for the biggest show on earth – the Olympic Games.

Tickets for the Olympic Games can be bought here.

FIH site



When Usain Bolt met Great Britain hockey!


GB women's players with Usain Bolt

Imagine your excitement when you're about to set off for the Olympic games from London. Well, our Great Britain women's team were already on cloud nine when departing from Heathrow on Wednesday morning, so picture how they felt when bumping into Olympic superstar Usain Bolt!

They spotted the legendary sprinter at the airport, and it was literally a dream come true for Maddie Hinch, who recently told the BBC that the number one person she'd like to meet is Usain - and now her dream has come true! Crista Cullen, Giselle Ansley and Nicola White were also equalliy delighted to be pictured alongside Usain.

The photo quickly became one of the most-liked images on our official Facebook page, and let's hope it's the start of a dream few weeks for our teams.

Great Britain Hockey media release



Family ties bind Kookaburras players as Rockhampton hockey trio heads to Olympics

By Megan Hendry


Photo: Mark Knowles, Jamie Dwyer and Matt Gohdes celebrate a semi-final win last year. (Supplied: Hockey Australia/Grant Treeby)

Three talented athletes from Rockhampton in central Queensland have been at the core of the Australian men's hockey team for the past six years.

Mark Knowles, Jamie Dwyer and Matt Gohdes have set off for the Rio Olympics, where they will take to the field together for the last time.

A gold medal is their only goal after the Kookaburras' disappointing bronze medal finish in London four years ago.

"This is a chance for some of us to right some of those wrongs," Knowles said.

"We're far, far better prepared now than what we were leading into London four years ago, which gives us some confidence and a nice feeling getting on the plane."

Knowles, Dwyer and Gohdes were all born and raised in Rockhampton, with hockey in their blood.

They grew up several years apart but in the same circle of family and friends, strongly connected to the sport by the grassroots of the Kalka Shades hockey fields.

"I think it has been a massive benefit for us growing up in Rockhampton for the first 18 years of our lives.

"It made us grow up a bit quicker, toughen up a bit quicker, and certainly we remember and love where we come from."

Families provide support from sidelines

Dwyer is Gohdes's cousin, and Knowles has since married into their family.

They are a strong family unit that has even stronger support back home, as well as on the sidelines in Rio.

"Our families and friends play a significant role in our lives, and we're so happy that we can have most of them over there supporting us," Knowles said.


Photo: Jamie Dwyer celebrates his last game for Australia on Australian soil in Perth in May, with children Julian, Taj and baby Zara. (Supplied: Facebook)

"They've been part of the journey for a long time."

Knowles, 32, has recently welcomed his third child with wife Kelly (Dwyer's sister), who will be cheering on the Kookaburras from the couple's home in Perth.

Gohdes is preparing to welcome his first child with wife Jill later this year.

Dwyer has three children with wife Leoni, who he met while playing professional hockey in the Netherlands in 2004.

They are all now based in Perth, but still have strong links to their Rockhampton home.

The parents of all three players will be on the sidelines in Rio, much the same as they have been for any other major competition in their sons' careers.

They will leave Australia early next month.

Gold medal the focus as Dwyer plays in last Olympics

It will be an emotional tournament for all of them, with Rio set to be Dwyer's fourth and final Olympic Games.

The 37-year-old will retire after the final siren sounds.

"It really feels right. It's the right time for me to retire," Dwyer said.

"On one hand I'm scared, because I know how much I'm going to miss it."

Dwyer was the first of the three Rockhampton players to earn his place in the sport's national team in 2001.

He has had an illustrious career that includes five world player of the year awards, one Olympic gold medal and two bronze.

He desperately wants to cap it off with another gold medal.

"I think the challenge for us is to be our best when our best is required," Dwyer said.

"If we play to our potential, I think we'll be a tough team to beat."

ABC



Chasing The Dream with USWNT Head Coach Craig Parnham



Three-time Olympian and USWNT athlete Katelyn Falgowski reflects on Team USA's journey since 2012 and how Craig Parnham's leadership as been a catalyst to positive growth in the program.

When Craig first joined the USA campaign we were coming off a huge heartbreak at the London 2012 Olympic Games. We went in with high hopes but we ended up earning last place.

It can be hard to trust after a heartbreak. When you think you have done everything right and yet you still come up short, it's natural to question whether you did everything right in your preparation, whether the decisions you made on and off the field put you and your teammates in the best possible position to compete. 

Craig has not only re-established belief within our own team, but he has allowed us to be our own architects. He his very keen on the team being "our" team and not "his" team. I believe this is one of his greatest strengths. Craig alluded to the fact that he had a vision that he wanted our team to break the mold of hockey and be the best in the world in transition when he first joined our regime, but he did not force this goal on us. Instead, he encouraged us to be our own drivers and asked us to think about how we wanted the world to see us. The culture he has helped shape and create is our greatest strength as a team.

We always had the "never say die" attitude, as Americans we pride ourselves on this defining characteristic, but coupled with Craig's guidance we now know how to harness this attitude and put it into action. He has challenged us to address the hard questions because growth is about being vulnerable with one another and not shying away from keeping a high standard. Every athlete knows what it takes to be a part of our team because we, as a team, have decided what it entails. We are positive, selfless and strength focused. We know how much work we need to put in because we, as a team, have decided what we want to give and sacrifice together to reach our goal. We do not shy away but rather embrace and take pride in wanting to outwork our opponent. We know our goal because we, as a team, have and will continue to sit down and discuss what we want to accomplish as a united force.

The impact Craig has had off the field with our team culture directly correlates to our on the field growth. We are player-driven, which has elicited an investment and bond unlike any team I have been a part of. The deliberateness with which we now train is solely due to Craig's crafting. 

With Craig, at the end of the day, there are no regrets or what ifs. No matter the results on the score board you are proud of your performance. The scoreline may be a disappointment, but the process along the way was not flawed. There are no what ifs with Craig because he didn't view us as broken when he joined, but rather he had the foresight to give us ownership over a new beginning, to become the writers of our own script. The responsibility it takes to write your own script can be daunting and overwhelming, just like an Olympic year, but it is also what makes one so excited, committed and focused to succeed. The ownership that Craig has bestowed upon my teammates and I has empowered us to develop our own culture, where successfully writing our own script is no longer just a dream, but our goals are becoming reality.

USFHA media release



Stats Speak:  know the teams  in the Rio Olympics (part-10)

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

Renowned hockey statistician B.G.Joshi have compiled stats and records on all the 24 competing teams  in Rio Olympics. Today he is providing stats and records of Argentina and New Zealand- two men teams.

7.0 Argentina (ARG)
Pool: B
World Ranking:07
Title: Pan Am Games Champions (Toronto-2015),Pan Am Cup Champions(Brampton-2013)
Coach: Carlos Retegui
Captain: Matias Paredes
How Qualified: 2nd in Buenos Aires HWL(2015) and Pan Am Games Champions (Toronto-2015)
Appearances:10,once 5th(1948,not classified, ranked as per pool position), twice 8th(1988,2000),once  9th(2000),once 10th (2012),thrice 11th  (1976,1992,2004),twice 14th (1968,1972)
Records: P-W-D-L-GF-GA- 66-13-12-41-104-179
Head to head versus pool competitors in Olympics

Argentina vs.

MP

W

D

L

GF

GA

Netherlands

4

0

0

4

3

17

Germany

4

0

0

4

4

13

India

8

1

2

5

11

28

Ireland

0

0

0

0

0

0

Canada

1

0

0

1

1

3

Biggest ever win: 7-3 vs. Egypt  in 1992
Worst defeat: 1-9 vs. India in 1948
Prolific Scorer: Gonzalo Prillat, born-Aug 12,1992, Caps-72 ,updated Goals are not with me

8.0 New Zealand (NZL)
Pool: A
World Ranking:08
Title: Nil
Coach: Colin Batch(Australia)
Captain: Simon Child
How Qualified:  SASCOC(South Africa Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee) has denied African Champions(Johannesburg-Nov 2015) South Africa entry, thus New Zealand got entry as stood 6th in Buenos Aires HWL(2015)
Appearances:11, 1Gold(1976),once 5th(1960), twice 6th (1956,2004),thrice 7th(1968,1984,2008),once 8th (1992),twice  9th(1972,2012),once 13th (1964, not classified, ranked as per pool position)
Records: P-W-D-L-GF-GA- 76-31-15-30-146-131
Head to head versus pool competitors in Olympics:

 Belgium vs.

MP

W

D

L

GF

GA

Australia

6

2

1

3

4

7

Great Britain

4

2

0

2

6

5

Belgium

7

5

2

0

16

8

Spain

7

2

2

3

4

7

Brazil

0

0

0

0

0

0

 Biggest ever win: 13-0 vs. Singapore in 1956
Worst defeat: 1-5 vs. Pakistan in 1956
Prolific Scorer: Simon Child, born-Apr 16,1988, Intl.Caps-268,Goals-136

Fieldhockey.com



Perlis qualify for Sukma hockey semis for the first time

by Aftar Singh

KUCHING: Tiny Perlis have created history by qualifying for the men’s hockey semi-finals in Sukma for the first time.

The Northern state came back from a goal down to hold Johor to a 2-2 draw in their Group A match at the Petra Jaya Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.

Muhammad Shafiq scored a brace in the seventh and 35th minutes while Perlis replied through Muhd Azwadi Ridzuan (30th) and Muhd Najmi Farizal (38th).

Three teams – Penang, Perlis and Malacca – are tied on 10 points from five matches.

Penang topped the group with a better goal difference ahead of Perlis and Malacca.

In Thursday’s semi-finals, the northern state will face Federal Territories while Penang will take on Terengganu.

In the women’s semi-finals, Selangor will meet Terengganu while Malacca will face defending champions Kuala Lumpur.

The Star of Malaysia



PHF Camp for Goalkeepers from August 1 in Karachi

Over the years, the introduction of rules such as the no offside, rolling substitution, self pass, among others, the game of hockey has become very fast paced. More and more attacks are seen and hence more and more attempts are made on on the goal. The role of goal keepers has assumed greater importance.

For grooming of goal keepers on modern scientific lines, the PHF has decided to establish a goalkeepers' training camp which would run at the Maulana Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium, Karachi from August 1 to 11.

The camp commandant would be Pakistan's former captain, the celebrated goal keeper Ahmad Alam.

The following goalkeepers have been directed to report to Ahmad Alam on 1st August.

1. Adil Rao (Gojra)
2. Waseemullah Khan (Bannu)
3. Mohammad Aimal Khan (Bannu)
4. M.Awais Rasheed (Lahore)
5. Kamran Ali (Buner)
6. Waqar (Lahore)
7. Mohammad Shabihuddin (Karachi)
8. Akmal Hussain (Sheikhupura)

PHF Media release



Goals and a shootout in Glasgow on day 4 at the EuroHockey Championships II



Day four in Glasgow brought plenty goals as the final positions were cemented for the semi-finals day on Friday. It was a good day for Scotland with both the boys and the girls finishing top of their pools.



27 July 2016 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green, Scotland.
EuroHockey U18 Championships II. Day 4

France v Belarus

Day four got off to an exciting start when France girls won a very even game with Belarus after a dramatic shootout to separate them at the top of the table. With the first half ending goalless Karina Zhuk scored on 37 minutes to give Belarus the lead. Delfina Gaspari equalised for France on 55 minutes from a penalty corner. With the teams even on points and goals at the top of the table, it took a dramatic finish to separate them with France winning a shootout 4-1 to top the group.

Lithuania girls defeated Ukraine in an entertaining opening match on pitch 1. Ukraine took the lead when Oleksandra Bilous scored a tap in under pressure from three defenders 9 minutes.

Lithuania looked good in attack and they were unlucky when Dovile Juraite hit the post after a great run into the D. Ukrainian goalkeeper Kateryna Pokidko produced a great save from a shot by Kotryna Kartanovic at the top corner. The keeper couldn’t deny Lithuania for long and Rosita Klevickaite levelled the score on 44 minutes.

Dovile Juraite snatched the win for Lithuania with 9 seconds remaining to ensure they finish third in the group. Full time 2-1.

Russia v Poland boys shared the points on pitch 2 in an exciting 2-2 draw. Ryszard Wisniewski gave Poland the lead from a penalty corner on 11 minutes. Russia’s reply came through Oleg Kotkov after half time when he finished well on 50 minutes. Denis Starienko gave Russia the lead on 60 minutes but Poland replied almost instantly with Mateusz Nowakowski scoring two minutes later. The result put Poland through to the semis in second place.

Czech Rep and Italy girls ended in stalemate with both sides defending well. The result suited the Czechs much better than the Italians as it put them in second place in the group, and qualifying for the semi-finals.

In the boys’ game between Wales and France, Wales bagged an early goal through Tom Wood. Antoine Patoux equalised for France despite them having two green cards at the time. 1-1. France took the lead when Adrien Coffignuez scored from open play. 2-1. The game finished 2-1 after a very competitive ending to the match.

Austria took the lead through Maximilian Scholz on 3 minutes, blasting a low shot from the edge of the D. Switzerland equalised just four minutes later when Noah Gaston Charles-Tijmens scored an almost identical goal to the one Austria scored.

Fabian Unterkircher gave Austria the lead again on 18 minutes through a great finish across the goalkeeper off the post and in.

Switzerland were again hot on Austrian heels and had a great chance when an undercut from Leon Charles-Tijmens was well saved by the Austrian goalkeeper.

It didn’t take long before the game was 2-2 when Switzerland equalised through a penalty flick from Nick Schwehr on 39 minutes.

Some intricate passing from a penalty corner gave Austria a 3-2 lead as Maximilian Trnka knocked the ball home on 45 minutes. Then there was a candidate for goal of the tournament – an excellent volley from Leon Charles-Tijmen made it Austria 3-3 Switzerland on 58 minutes, which is how it finished.

Scotland girls finished top of Pool B by defeating Austria girls 2-0. Hannah McKie scored early doors for Scotland, popping up at the back post to score. 1-0. Scotland looked very good early doors. They were very attacking and looked hungry for goals. They bagged their second when Scotland’s goal machine, Hanna McKie, made it 2-0. Klienhansl gave the ball away, McKie ran through and slotted low into the net.

Austria battled hard to get back in the game and Mairi Fletcher in goal for Scotland and kept the Austrians at bay. In the end it was a good solid performance by Scotland girls to reach the semi-finals.

Aidan McQuade opened the scoring for Scotland striking a penalty corner low into the net. Roman Hyrenko levelled the score for Ukraine from a short corner, firing a low drive, goal then shooting his stick like a rifle in celebration.1-1. Alan Johnston then restored Scotland’s lead with a good finish just inside the D. 2-1.

It was a very tactical game, like a chess match. With half time approaching Johnston bagged his second and Scotland’s third goal to make it 3-1. It was an excellent build up and improvised finish to further Scotland’s advantage.

After half time Ukraine were flying, Dzemukh made it 3-2, scoring a well-worked goal for Ukraine. Then moments later Dzemukh equalised for Ukraine through a brilliant finish high into the net. Scotland 3 Ukraine 3.

James Nairn, after some good play on left, gave Scotland the lead again. 4-3.

Ukraine equalised through Oleksandr Lipskyi, scooping the ball into the goal from the edge of the D. Owen Jenkins-Garcia restored Scotland’s lead immediately with a close range finish after a swift move down the right. 5-4.

Girls semi finals:

11.00: France v Czech Rep (Pitch 1)
13.30: Scotland v Belarus (Pitch 1)

Boys semi finals:

16.00: Austria v France (Pitch 1)
18.30: Scotland v Poland (Pitch 1)



 EuroHockey media release



U18 EuroHockey Championships – Semi-Final lineup

EuroHockey

Following 4 days of play, the line up for the U18 EuroHockey Championships semi-finals are known. From Pool A – Germany and Belgium and from Pool B Netherlands and England

Netherlands 11 (D.de Haan 3, D.de Vilder 3, T. Beins 3, J. de Geus 2)  Italy  1 (N.Missaglia)

The Netherlands opened the game with a beautiful run from D. De Vilder but it took until the 10th minute for an impressive deflection from D. de Haan, who appeared on the backpost with perfect timing to deflect in for Netherlands first goal. Immediately Italy won possession and N Missaglia fired home in the 11th minute to equalise. However a more skilled and very focused Netherlands added 6 before the half. Stunning goals came from de Vilder and Beins from the PC set pieces and the final 2 field goals were well worked team goals. Italy’s defence worked hard to stop the flow, but the quality of the Dutch team was a tough ask today. Dutch coach Bas of his teams performance  “It’s always difficult to play so early in the morning, but the boys did very well.” As goal difference might have been a feature to determine the pool he added that they would have to wait to see what happens in the England v Spain game but all they could do was “focus on our own game”. Taking about the ‘rising star’ in Daniel de Haan who scored another 3 goals he added that “He’s doing really well, he works hard, it’s a tough job as a forward player, you have to fight for the space and he’s finding his shape now.” On the ‘rumour’ abounding in Cork that none of the other teams wanted to mark him, he smiled and said that he’s strong and really really fast so it’s difficult for defenders, in addition he has really good skills!

http://video214.com/play/k5dWxgCTEAOXJGQvvrUvdA/s/dark

 
Team Minute Shirt # Player Action Score
Netherlands 10 7 de HAAN Daniel Field Goal 1 – 0
Italy 11 17 MISSAGLIA Nicola Field Goal 1 – 1
Netherlands 13 10 de VILDER Derck Penalty Corner 2 – 1
Netherlands 15 7 de HAAN Daniel Field Goal 3 – 1
Netherlands 18 3 BEINS Teun Penalty Corner 4 – 1
Netherlands 23 3 BEINS Teun Penalty Corner 5 – 1
Netherlands 26 6 de GEUS Jonas Field Goal 6 – 1
Netherlands 35 7 de HAAN Daniel Field Goal 7 – 1
Netherlands 40 10 de VILDER Derck Penalty Corner 8 – 1
Netherlands 52 3 BEINS Teun Penalty Corner 9 – 1
Netherlands 56 6 de GEUS Jonas Field Goal 10 – 1
Netherlands 70 10 de VILDER Derck Field Goal 11 – 1

Spain 2 (C.Curiel, A.Alvarez) England 4 (E.Gilmour 2, J.Oates, E.Kimber) 

Spain went ahead via a PC – direct flick by C.Curiel in the 5th minute. Both teams had chances but it took another PC to change the scoreline, this time E.Gilmour also via a direct flick brought the scoreline to 1-1, and that’s how the game remained at the half time.

England pilled on the pressure in the early stages of the second half and were rewarded as J.Oates scored and England led for just 2 minutes when A.Alvarez levelled the score again. England had the better of the possession and E.Gilmour was once again on target with another flick which was on target. Both teams had chances towards the end of the game, but the English defence stayed strong and a corner in the 53rd minute sealed the victory for England.

 
Team Minute Shirt # Player Action Score
Spain 5 14 CURIEL Cesar Penalty Corner 0 – 1
England 23 17 GILMOUR Euan Penalty Corner 1 – 1
England 43 20 OATES James Field Goal 2 – 1
Spain 45 10 ALVAREZ Alejandro Field Goal 2 – 2
England 47 17 GILMOUR Euan Penalty Corner 3 – 2
England 53 18 KIMBER Evan Penalty Corner 4 – 2

Germany 10 (Schiffer x5, Blumensaat, Harms x2, Knobling, Hartkopf) Czech Republic 0

Germany secured their place in the semi finals of the U18 Eurohockey Championships with a comprehensive 10-0 victory over Czech Republic. Jan Schiffer scored no fewer than 5 goals all from penalty corners; he produced a selection of drag flicks left and right combined with low drills into the bottom corners to leave Vaclav Uhlir with no chance in the Czech goal. The Germans transitioned the ball from defence to attack in the blink of an eye but credit must go to the entire Czech team for their spirited performance throughout.

 
Team Minute Shirt # Player Action Score
Germany 4 22 BLUMENSAAT Carl Field Goal 1 – 0
Germany 8 18 HARMS Leopold Field Goal 2 – 0
Germany 10 25 KNOBLING Eric Penalty Corner 3 – 0
Germany 18 27 SCHIFFER Jan Penalty Corner 4 – 0
Germany 26 27 SCHIFFER Jan Penalty Corner 5 – 0
Germany 32 27 SCHIFFER Jan Penalty Corner 6 – 0
Germany 39 27 SCHIFFER Jan Penalty Corner 7 – 0
Germany 53 27 SCHIFFER Jan Penalty Corner 8 – 0
Germany 58 26 HARTKOPF Raphael Field Goal 9 – 0
Germany 63 18 HARMS Leopold Field Goal 10 – 0

 Belgium 3 (Freyling, Devis, Gougnard) Ireland 1(Sarratt)

Belgium have booked their semi final spot of the U18 Eurohockey Championships with a 3-1 victory over Ireland, though the scoreline in no way reflects how closely matched these two sides were for the opening 60 minutes of this action packed game. There was rarely a dull moment in front of a packed crowd in Garryduff, with vocal Irish and Belgium fans cheering on their sides.

Kyle Marshall was the engine room of the Irish side and distributed the ball up the pitch at will. But Belgium had an equal to Marshall in the form of Loic Sidler who created opportunities from thin air as he glided through the centre of the field.

The sides exchanged penalty corner goals in the first half, Ireland’s coming from Guy Sarratt once again to add to his hat trick from yesterday’s match against Czech Republic. Belgium to the lead for the first time thanks to a tap in at the back post that caught the Irish defence unawares in the 59th minute.

Ireland pulled keeper Luke Roleston, who made several fine saves, in the 64th minute but were quickly caught in a 2v1 situation that left the kicking-back with no chance and Boris Gougnard made it 3-1. A super performance from both sides with very little in it for the vast majority of the game; Ireland now move into Pool C and face Spain at 12pm on Friday.

 
Team Minute Shirt # Player Action Score
Ireland 21 17 SARRATT Guy Penalty Corner 1 – 0
Belgium 28 17 FREYLING Cyril Penalty Corner 1 – 1
Belgium 59 18 DEVIS Emil Field Goal 1 – 2
Belgium 67 22 GOUGNARD Boris Field Goal 1 – 3

 To follow the games, click below:

EuroHockey Youth Championships III, U 18, Girls, Gibraltar

EuroHockey Youth Championships, U18, Boys, Cork

EuroHockey Youth Championships, U18, Girls, Cork

EuroHockey Youth Championships II, U18, Boys, Glasgow

EuroHockey Youth Championships II, U18, Girls, Glasgow

EuroHockey Youth Championships III, U18, Boys, Albena

We Will Be Active On All Our Social Channels!

So follow us on:

Twitter – @eurohockeyorg #EHYouth2016

SnapChat from Cork – @eurohockeyorg

Instagram – eurohockeyorg

There will Live Streaming of the Finals in Cork and Glasgow

EuroHockey media release



U18 EuroHockey Championships Semi-finalists line up for the Girls event

gpfoto.ie-3458709

In the Girls Tournament, England, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands are the qualifiers for the semi-finals of the U18 EuroHockey Championships!

Russia 2 ( Borisova, Golubeva) England 4 ( Gooderham, Jefferson, Millington, Wolstenholme)

England U18 Girls booked their place in the semi finals of the U18 Eurohockey Championships with a 4-2 victory over Russia. The sides exchanged early goals in the opening 15 minutes and England looked the slightly better of the two sides in the early stages but Russia settled into the game and there was little between the two as the half time whistle rang out. England got off to the ideal start in the second half as Sophie Jefferson hit a sweet strike from the top of the circle after faking a pass and gave her side the lead. The sides again exchanged goals, this time within a minute of each other, but England secured their spot in the semi finals with a converted Penalty Corner by Lily Wolstenholme in the 62nd minute. 

 
Team Minute Shirt # Player Action Score
England 9 5 GOODERHAM Abby Field Goal 0 – 1
Russia 16 13 BORISOVA Valeriia Field Goal 1 – 1
England 36 8 JEFFERSON Sophie Field Goal 1 – 2
Russia 49 23 GOLUBEVA Anna Field Goal 2 – 2
England 50 9 MILLINGTON Lucy Penalty Corner 2 – 3
England 62 3 WOLSTENHOLME Lily Penalty Corner 2 – 4

Germany 3 ( Maertens, Heyn, Boermans) Ireland 0

An impressive German side booked their spot in the Eurohockey Championship semi finals as they put 3 past a spirited Irish side. Credit must go to the Irish U18 girls who fought till the last and absorbed a large amount of pressure throughout. The Irish defence remained remarkably disciplined conceding just 1 green card the entire match. There was little Buckley could do in the Irish net for the first 2 goals as Germany swarmed in packs and were quickest to the rebound. Their precision saw them routinely shift the play from one end of the pitch to the other but Hannah McLoughlin did well to marshal the backline alongside Kerrie Burns. Ireland created several chances for themselves early in the second half, and the pace of both Niamh and Michelle Carey caught the German’s off guard. Irish effort was never in doubt as the Little Green Army chased down every ball and made every tackle for the entire 70 minutes. The victory for Germany see’s them into the semi finals while Ireland now move into Pool C alongside Russia, Poland and and Spain.

 
Team Minute Shirt # Player Action Score
Germany 5 14 MAERTENS Pia Penalty Corner 1 – 0
Germany 21 24 HEYN Naomi Field Goal 2 – 0
Germany 45 16 BOERMANS Emma Field Goal 3 – 0

Spain 1 (A.Barba) Belgium 2 (A. t’Serstevens, M.Struijk) 

This game has all the hallmarks and passion of a must win game. Spain opened the scoring with a precise strike in the second minute. A spell commanded by the midfield, with neither team making penetrations into the danger area, until a break away from A. t’Serstevens levelled the game in the 21st minute. Belgium went ahead again in the 31st minute with a goal mouth scramble via M.Struijk. The second half was dominated by Spain as waves of attack were fended off ably by the Belgian defence. Spain did put the ball in the back of the net from a corner midway through the second half but it was deemed a hit and too high by the umpire. In the final 2 minutes Spain resorted to a powerplay without their keeper, but the Spanish girls legs just couldn’t cope with anymore attacks and the score remained 2-1 to a delighted Belgium.

Belgian Coach John Goldberg was delighted with his girls performance “It was close game and we came here to achieve that but we knew it would be difficult.” He said he would allow his players to enjoy the win for one or two hours but then they have to prepare for the semi-finals! He added that it was an intense finish which possibly has given him a few grey hairs! But “the staff are more than pleased with these girls we are indeed very proud of them, not just today but over the 3 games.” He is now looking forward to the challenge of the semi-finals.

 
Team Minute Shirt # Player Action Score
Spain 2 2 BARBA Anna Field Goal 1 – 0
Belgium 21 9 ‘t SERSTEVENS Alexia Field Goal 1 – 1
Belgium 31 6 STRUIJK Michelle Field Goal 1 – 2

Netherlands 14 (J.Yansen 2, F.Albers, P.Dickie 2, C.Bosch 4, N. van der Marel, F. van der Elst 2, P.Jong) Poland 1 (N.Suszńska) 

In a powerful display of talent, flair and an unstoppable tour de force the Dutch girls finished their pool games with 14-1 win over Poland. Having spoken to the Polish girls earlier in the day, they were aware of the Everest they had to climb and what lay ahead, but they are delighted to be a part of the Championship event. They have enjoyed watching and learning from the other teams. They were cognisant of the leap from the Championship II to I, which is enormous for many teams. However in the game they held their heads up and faced these incredible athletes as best they could, even scoring via an excellent PC in the 10th minute.

 
Team Minute Shirt # Player Action Score
Netherlands 2 8 JANSEN Yibbi Field Goal 1 – 0
Netherlands 8 18 ALBERS Felice Field Goal 2 – 0
Poland 10 10 SUSZYŃSKA Natasza Penalty Corner 2 – 1
Netherlands 31 22 DICKE Pien Field Goal 3 – 1
Netherlands 35 17 BOSCH Carmel Field Goal 4 – 1
Netherlands 37 17 BOSCH Carmel Field Goal 5 – 1
Netherlands 40 22 DICKE Pien Field Goal 6 – 1
Netherlands 41 17 BOSCH Carmel Field Goal 7 – 1
Netherlands 45 12 van der MAREL Nina Field Goal 8 – 1
Netherlands 47 8 JANSEN Yibbi Penalty Corner 9 – 1
Netherlands 50 17 BOSCH Carmel Field Goal 10 – 1
Netherlands 55 17 BOSCH Carmel Penalty Corner 11 – 1
Netherlands 60 2 van der ELST Fay Field Goal 12 – 1
Netherlands 62 15 de JONG Paula Field Goal 13 – 1
Netherlands 64 2 van der ELST Fay Field Goal 14 – 1

 To follow the games, click below:

EuroHockey Youth Championships III, U 18, Girls, Gibraltar

EuroHockey Youth Championships, U18, Boys, Cork

EuroHockey Youth Championships, U18, Girls, Cork

EuroHockey Youth Championships II, U18, Boys, Glasgow

EuroHockey Youth Championships II, U18, Girls, Glasgow

EuroHockey Youth Championships III, U18, Boys, Albena

We Will Be Active On All Our Social Channels!

So follow us on:

Twitter – @eurohockeyorg #EHYouth2016

SnapChat from Cork – @eurohockeyorg

Instagram – eurohockeyorg

There will Live Streaming of the Finals in Cork and Glasgow

EuroHockey media release



England U18 Boys book their semi final spot


England U18 Boys action

England Under-18 Boys booked their place in the semi finals of the EuroHockey Youth Championships in Ireland with a 4-2 win over Spain on Wednesday.

Despite falling behind to an early goal, England soon took control and earned their place in Friday night’s semi final.

“We did the job!” said Head Coach Jody Paul. “The boys knew exactly what they had to do and they carried out the task. They played tactically, stick to stick and at speed to put the Spanish under a lot of pressure.”

Cesar Curiel put Spain ahead from a four minute penalty corner, conceded because of a foot in the circle, but England levelled through Euan Gilmour who scored from a rebound at a 23rd minute penalty corner.

James Oates dodged a couple of defenders, battled into the circle and pushed the ball home on 43 minutes, but Spain hit back to level again at 2-2 with Alejandro Alvarez scoring on 45 minutes.

However, Gilmour’s second goal on 47 minutes, coming as he re-entered the circle from a penalty corner breakdown, put England ahead, and they made sure of the win on 53 minutes with Evan Kimber scoring from a well-worked penalty corner.

England Under-18 Boys 4 (1)
Spain Under-18 Boys 2 (1)

England Hockey Board Media release



Russia win puts England U18 Girls into semis


England U18 girls team talk

An emphatic second half display from England Under-18 Girls helped them secure their place in the semi finals of the EuroHockey Youth Championships in Ireland on Wednesday.

Level with Russia at half time, England re-asserted themselves on the game after the break and added three more goals to book their place in Friday morning’s final.

Head Coach Sarah Kelleher said: “It’s always nice to get to the semi finals, and we’re looking forward to it.

“A key part of the game against Russia was to keep out of the contest and pass around them and take the energy out of their game. In the first half we played into their hands a bit, but at half time everybody re-asserted the game plan.

“To score in the first minute of the second half settled things down, we played a very good passing game and things looked more comfortable.”

Lizzie Neal made a good run from half way and fed Abby Gooderham at the far right to deflect in after nine minutes, but seven minutes later Russia levelled through Valeriia Borosova.

But after a half time talk England came out fighting for the second period and it took them just a minute to retake the lead with Sophie Jefferson scoring after a good individual run.

Anna Golubeva added another on 49 minutes as Russia equalised, but it was to be their final goal.

A minute later a penalty corner saw the injector Lucy Millington receive the ball back and score, and this was followed up on 62 minutes by Lily Wolstenholme who scored after the initial penalty corner shot had been rebounded away from the goalkeeper.

England U18 Girls 4 (1)
Russia U18 Girls 2 (1)

England Hockey Board Media release



Varun scores double as India beat Hampstead & Westminster

MARLOW (England): India's junior men's hockey team beat Hampstead and Westminster 3-0 in their encounter at the Bisham Abbey Sports Centre on Wednesday.

A cautious start to the game meant both teams played the ball in the midfield, with neither breaking out into the other's circle. Within the opening few exchanges though India had a chance that went abegging via a counter. The opportunity galvanised the Indian team and soon they were the ones using the flanks to create chances. Unfortunately, though they weren't being translated into goals.

With half time approaching Ajay Pandey scored the opener to give India the lead.

In the second half, Simranjeet and Nilakanta had two quick chances denied by Hampstead & Westminster's goalkeeper, before Varun Kumar capitalised on a penalty corner to convert for a 2-0 lead.

Hampstead & Westminster soon started exerting pressure on the Indian defence, controlling the ball and creating the chances. India's defence held strong though and playing on the counter and the team kept creating chances to keep the opponents on the lookout. With ten minutes left, India had a PC and a chance to put the result beyond doubt. Varun Kumar didn't miss from the spot.

India held on strong in the final minutes, defending well to ensure that not only would they win by a good margin, but they would also gather their first clean sheet of the tour.

The Times of India



Indian juniors ready to face off England at Bisham Abbey



Ever improving Indian juniors, led by flawless defender Dipsan Tirkey, will take on England colts in a four-match series starting from tomorrow at National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey in England.

Indian team is already here after playing two test matches against Scotland Senior at Lilleshall National Sports Centre located near Birmingham.

India have won both the initial encounters comfortably against the Scots Seniors, who are preparing for HWL round 1 to get off at home in Glasgow early September.

The Scots also played a friendly against England consisting of mostly juniors but barely beat them 2-1.

The English colts being trained by Kwan Browne almost for a year from now is confident that the series will be interesting and entertaining though his objective will be to integrate the players against such a good side as India.

“Since we last played last together, three players are returning to the side now after injury. My foremost objective will be to integrate them into the team, improve and experience the contest.

“India is such a good side that the contests will be interesting and entertaining”.

“At the end of the series, we will have liked to continue our form of Johor Bahru tournament (Sultan of Johor Cup) where we beat India on shoot out in the final”.

“Since then, Indian team has vastly improved, yes we also improved. Indians are playing good games”.

Fixture: All matches at Bisham Abbey NSC

28th, 29th, & 31st July and 1st August. 21.30 hrs IST

Stick2Hockey.com



Canadian U18 National Championship – Day 1 Update

Tyler Klenk



Wednesday marked day 1 of the U18 National Championship. With temperatures reaching heights of 37 degrees, the teams battled through the heat as well as their opponents. With all the teams playing at least 1 game today, everyone had a chance to prove their worth.

In game 1 Alberta took on Ontario Red. In the 9th minute Jaslan Stirling opened up the scoring after finishing off a well worked field goal. Emily Hong was able to find the back of the net in the 24th, 47th, and 50th minute for Ontario Red to finish with a hat trick. When the final whistle came, Ontario Red was able to take the victory 6-0 to put their stamp on the top of pool A.

In the second match PEI took on BC Yellow. BC Yellow was able to find the back of the net early with Marina Ellison as she deflected in a nice cross from the baseline. PEI goalkeeper Jacklyn MacKinnon made countless saves to keep BC Yellow at bay. A total of 7 BC Yellow players were able to score to take an 11-0 victory.

Game 3 featured Ontario White and BC Blue. Ontario White opening the scoring in the 30th minute as Louise Limoges tipped in a hard shoot by Victoria Van Sickle. BC Blue was able to equalize in the 36th minute as Emily Wong found the back of the net on a nice field goal. BC Blue was able to capitalize 2 more times in the 46th and 69th minutes to take a 3-1 victory.

The fourth game of the day brought together Alberta and PEI. Bria Bentley opened the scoring for Alberta in the 6th minute. Six other Albertans were able to finish as they took an 8-1 victory. The lone PEI goal came through Sarah Sear finished off a stroke after a breakdown tackle in the Alberta D.

Game 5 featured BC Yellow and Ontario Red. As a large crowd was there to support the hometown girls, Ontario Red opened the scoring in the 16th minute with Madeline Osgarby. She went on to score 2 more goals for the 2nd hat trick of the day. Ontario Red took the victory 6-0 and heads into the 2nd day atop pool A.

The final game of the day was one of the premier matched that had BC Blue taking on rivals BC White. The game was very back-and-fourth, as both teams were looking to create offensive chances. BC Blue found the back of the net in the 1st minute as captain Bria Ricker smashed a shot past the left hand side of the keeper. BC White equalized in the 10th as Madeleine Shandro finished off a goal mouth scramble in front of keeper Robin Fleming. The game finished 5-1 in favor of BC Blue.

Schedule for Thursday, July 28th

8:00am – Pool A: Ontario Red vs PEI
9:45am – Pool A: Alberta vs BC Yellow
11:30am – Pool B: Ontario White vs BC White
3:00pm – 1st Pool B vs 4th Pool A
4:45pm – 2nd Pool A vs 3rd Pool B
6:30pm – 2nd Pool B vs 3rd A

See pictures from the event here

Field Hockey Canada media release



Rain doesn’t dampen girls’ hockey finals

The Grand Finals of the Spar KZN School Girls Hockey Challnge this weekend saw St Mary’s scoop the title on their home grounds, defeating locals, defending champs Durban Girls College.


Durban Girls’ College controls the ball directly in front of Naledi Ndala from Sarel Cilliers High School during their pool game where they won 5-0 at the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge this weekend. College went on to meet host school, St Mary’s DSG in the finals where they went down 0-2 to Saints. Photo: Jonathan Burton

WHILE wet weather may have kept most Durbanites indoors this weekend, it didn’t dampen the spirits, or action at the grand finals of this year’s SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge with St Mary’s DSG taking the win in determined fashion on their home turf.

Meeting the defending champions, the host school took on Berea locals, Durban Girls’ College in the gold silver game. After thirty minutes of superb flowing play, with both teams sharing equal possession, the score was level on nil – nil with the 2016 winner being decided in a penalty shoot-out.

First to go were College, missing their eight-second penalty. Leah Piggott representing Saints was first in line for her team and didn’t manage to capitalise on College’s miss. The final four rolling penalties went Saints way, with College unable to penetrate Sarah Cromie’s solid presence in goals in their two attempts. Vice-Captain for St Mary’s DSG, Tegan Fourie put the first points up on the board, followed up by Kiana Cormack slotting in her team’s second. The final score was 2-0 to Saints.

The two giants of the tournament had met earlier in the pool games with Saints managing to win that game 1-0 with their feisty Vice-Captain netting the all-important goal. In their fifth appearance of the tournament, this is the second time St Mary’s DSG have won. Their first time was in 2012, also tallying up a bronze in 2011 and 2013 and a fourth place last year.

It was not to be for Durban Girls’ College. In their sixth appearance, College were hoping to make this their fourth title in a row, with gold in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The team representing the Durban Central Regional ended their pool games second behind St Mary’s, but tied on points with the hard-working team from King Edward High School. Both College and King Edward finished the pool games on 9points with College advancing to the final having scored more goals.

In the bronze medal game, it was a Pietermaritzburg derby with St Anne’s and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High duelling it out on the astro. In their second meeting of the tournament, St Anne’s managed to clinch the win to claim bronze. In their first meeting, captain for St Anne’s, Julia Saulez found the back of the net to put her team 1-0 up in an exciting conclusion to the Pool B games.

After half an hour in the bronze final, the whistle went for full time with the score sitting on nil nil. Both teams first attempts didn’t manage to find the back of the net, with Girls’ High second attempt also not troubling the scorers. St Anne’s Daniella Rhodes put her team one up with her penalty shot. Levelling the scores for Girls’ High, Nandi Ngubane gave her team a chance. With the pressure on, St Anne’s Steph Wenke got shut down by goalie, Nox Manele with the score now level.

The game moved on to sudden death with St Anne’s Captain Julia Saulez leading by example and scoring. Then vibrant keeper for St Anne’s, Megan Rebstein-Dovey rose to the occasion, not allowing the first and final shot in the sudden death to pass her, giving her team the title of bronze winners.

Results

1 St Mary’s DSG, 2 Durban Girls’ College, 3 St Anne’s College, 4 Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High, 5 Wartburg Kirchdorf School, 6 King Edward High School, 7 Ashton International College, 8 Grantleigh College, 9 Sarel Cilliers High School, 10 Amanzimtoti High School.

Berea Mail



Junior hockey players have a ball at Northerns


Riley Smit (6) chases down the hockey ball while his BNJH u-7 teammates Leila Sanders (6), Cavin Stephen (7) and Jadon Havinga (7) follow behind him.

“It is just awesome to see good, innocent sport being played and enjoyed.”

Words said by Virna Senneck, a Benoni Northerns Junior Hockey Club (BNJH) coach, when the City Times visited the Benoni Northerns Junior Hockey Club (BNJH) Tournament in South Africa on the morning of Saturday, July 23.

The Benoni Northerns Sports Club was abuzz with activity where well over 1 000 eager young hockey players were participating and playing the sport.

The annual tournament attracted junior hockey players, in the u-5 to u-13 age groups, from all across Johannesburg including developmental sides.

“Hockey is growing up nicely,” said Shaun Taylor, chairman of BNJH.

“It [junior hockey] has long been a strong-point of Benoni Northerns sport and with close on 350 junior players at the club this year things are looking strong.”

Taylor told the City Times that the Eastern Gauteng Hockey Association (EGHA) AstroTurf has definitely played a huge role in and has had a massive benefit on growing and improving junior hockey at BNJH.


Three-year-old Dylan Sabbioni was the youngest player in Benoni Northerns Junior Hockey Club colours at the tournament. He plays for the club’s u-5 side.

This year, matches took place on the EGHA Astro and grass field, the Benoni Northerns grass fields and on St Dunstan’s College’s Astro.

Taylor expressed his gratitude to St Dunstan’s College for allowing the club to use their facility for u-13 girls’ matches at the tournament.

“We have built a great relationship with St Dunstan’s and we work extremely well together.”

Unlike last year’s frosty winter conditions, there were no weather concerns to speak of at this year’s event.

Taryn Flee, BNJH communications officer, thanked her organising team for making the event a wonderful day and also thanked everybody who attended.


Matilda Cresswell (6) is spotted showcasing her hockey skills for the Benoni Northerns Junior Hockey Club’s u-7 side at the club’s annual tournament on Saturday, July 23.

CLICK HERE for a FULL GALLERY from the tournament.

WATCH this short video clip from the BNJH tourney:

Benoni City Times



Hockey battle in Suva

Vuniwaqa Bola-Bari

THE 23-year-old Valerie Daveta-Manueli Memorial Tournament starts tomorrow in Suva, Fiji

It will be hosted by Ventures Hockey Club.

Club president Keasi Tora said they were looking at six men's and four women's teams to be part of the competition.

"The tournament, in its 23rd year, is always a special one for all hockey enthusiasts to honour and celebrate the memory of a former Ventures member and Fiji's first national hockey administrator —— Valerie Daveta," Tora said.

Invitations have been sent out to clubs in the eastern and western associations.

"The club expects this weekend to provide the impetus in building hockey interest for more Oceania and international clubs playing in Fiji in the near future."

The Valerie Daveta-Manueli Tournament will be held from tomorrow, Friday July 29 to Sunday, July 31, at the National Hockey Centre at Laucala Bay.

"Valerie, who played for Ventures Hockey Club, was instrumental in shaping the participation of women in hockey for Fiji," Tora said.

Valerie was diagnosed with cancer in 1992 and underwent surgery in Australia and Fiji. She died in 1993.

The Fiji Times



Kate Swann appointed independent non-executive director


Kate Swann

England Hockey is delighted to announce the appointment of Kate Swann as an independent Non-Executive Director.

With more than 27 years’ worth of experience at the forefront of business in this country and overseas, she will bring her acumen and insight to England Hockey as we drive forward with our vision of creating a Nation Where Hockey Matters.

With England Hockey hosting the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London in 2018, the appointment of a businesswoman of Kate’s stature will only serve to advance our sport even further.

Kate has been listed among the 50 most powerful women in international business and is an award-winning CEO, having transformed the fortunes of WH Smith before becoming CEO at SSP Group plc, a global food and beverage business with a £2billion turnover.

England Hockey Non-Executive Chairman Royston Hoggarth said, “On behalf of the board of directors I would like to officially welcome Kate to England Hockey. We are very fortunate to have her offer her insight, expertise and drive to our sport. Her career speaks for itself and she is rightly regarded as one of the leading businesswomen in this country.

“Kate’s appointment comes at a time when our sport continues to grow exponentially; last year we successfully hosted the Unibet EuroHockey Championships and then the Hockey Champions Trophy just last month. With the men’s World League next year and the Women’s Hockey World Cup in 2018, Kate’s arrival can only further heighten our potential for growth and represents a considerable coup for us as a sport.”

Kate Swann said, “I feel very honoured to be joining the board of England Hockey and look forward enormously to working with Royston, Chief Executive Sally Munday and the team. England Hockey has already made great strides, both in terms of major events but also with regards to participation across all ages. As a passionate hockey fan I look forward to helping shape our strategy going forward.”

Women’s World Cup 2018

England Hockey hosts the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London in the summer of 2018, with the world’s best teams competing for one of the most prestigious titles in hockey at our Olympic legacy venue the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. A number of corporate opportunities are available including title sponsorship, if you would like to discuss further please contact Graham Swanson on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 01628 897520.

Kate Swann Biography
Kate took up the role of CEO at SSP Group plc in September 2013 following 10 years as CEO of WH Smith. SSP is a £2bn turnover food & beverage business operating in 30 countries around the world. In July 2014 SSP listed on the London Stock Exchange and was voted new company of the year at the PLC awards.

During Kate’s decade at WH Smith the business was transformed into a business primarily focussed on travel retail. The financial performance of the business during Kate’s tenure led to her being awarded the Daily Telegraph Award for a decade of excellence in business at the National Business Awards and the Chairman’s Special Award for contribution to turnaround from the Institute for Turnaround. In 2006 Fortune Magazine listed Kate as amongst the 50 most powerful women in business internationally.

Prior to WH Smith Kate was Managing Director of Argos, the UK’s leading general merchandise retailer. Kate joined Argos in December 2000 from Homebase Ltd, where she was promoted to Managing Director after three years with the company.

She began her career at Tesco in 1989 as a graduate trainee and throughout her career, held a number of senior marketing roles within retail and FMCG Companies at Homepride Foods, Coca Cola and Dixons Group plc.

She graduated from the University of Bradford with a degree in Business Management in 1986 and was awarded an honorary degree from Bradford in 2007. In 2015 Kate was announced as the new Chancellor of the University of Bradford having sat on its advisory board for the previous eight years.

Kate has held a number of Non-Executive positions during her career including at British Land PLC and Babcock PLC.

England Hockey Board Media relea

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