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All the news for Monday 8 August 2016

Women's field hockey: Day two recap

By Hayley Tafuro


Anita Maclaren threads her way through the Korean defence. AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mill

Recapping everything you missed in day two of women's field hockey pool play.

China vs. Germany (Pool A)

China and Germany tied 1-1 in the final matchup of women’s pool play for day two in Rio.

Germany took an early one-goal lead over China in the first quarter. Lisa Altenburg took the ball into the circle and split to China defenders before flipping a shot into the goal.

China answered with just under two minutes to go in the second quarter. Yang Peng scored off of a penalty corner attempt to even the score up at one.

Both teams’ shot attempts couldn’t find their way into the goal during the third. However, a lot of game remained for either team to claim the lead.

Germany had two penalty corner opportunities down the stretch, but China’s defense swatted both attempts away. The Germans had theirlast chance with about a minute left to play, but China goalkeeper Dongxiao Li made one final stop to end the game in a draw.

Netherlands vs. Spain (Pool A)

The Netherlands began its campaign for a third-straight gold medal overpowering Spain by a 5-0 score behind two goals from team captain Maartje Paumen.

The dominating performance on offense started for the Dutch when two-time FIH Player of the Year Paumen fired a long pass into the circle which Lidewij Welten tipped into the goal.

Laurien Leurink and Marloes Keetels got in on the scoring action in the second quarter. Paumen then piled on another score to send Spain into halftime at an overwhelming four-goal deficit.

Spain continued to fight for chances in front of the net, but Dutch goalkeeper Joyce Sombroek stayed active as she had been all game, diving all over the place to make save after save.

Just when it seemed like the Dutch offense may have entered a lull in the fourth quarter, Paumen again sent one flying into the goal on another penalty corner. Her two goals put her at 16 all-time Olympic goals scored, which breaks the previous record that she also held.

Spain never found a way to get back in the game. The team ended the game blanked by the top-ranked team not only in its pool, but also the world.

Japan vs. India (Pool B)

Japan and India ended in a 2-2 draw despite a major third-quarter comeback from the India squad.

This proved to be one of the more equally matched games of Pool B. Neither team could gain much control in the first quarter. With 5.5 seconds left in the period, Japan received a key scoring opportunity on a penalty corner. A drag flick from Emi Nishikori shot past India’s goalkeeper for the one-goal lead.

Japan increased its lead to two goals in the second when Mie Nakashima made a play off of a rebound during a penalty corner.

India came out from halftime ready to send a message it would own the third quarter. On its first corner of the game, Rani scored to cut Japan’s lead to one goal.

With minutes left in the period, Lilima Minz took an attempted shot out of the air and directed it right into the back of Japan’s net.

The two teams went into the fourth quarter all tied up. Much like the first, both couldn’t seem to capitalize on their scoring efforts. Japan had what looked like two open chances to convert, but India goalkeeper Savita Savita made brilliant saves to keep the even score until time expired.

New Zealand vs. South Korea (Pool A)

New Zealand dominated South Korea 4-1 in the opening game of women’s field hockey pool play. The Black Sticks had four different players score in the victory.

Before the end of the half, Kirsten Pearce, Charlotte Harrison and Gemma Flynn all put one in the goal, giving their team a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.

South Korea could not seem to figure out how to keep up with the offensive prowess of New Zealand. They spent three quarters scoreless.

Petrea Webster added to the Black Sticks lead later in the fourth quarter. With six minutes remaining, South Korea finally managed to get on the board after a goal from Kim Hyunji to avoid the shutout.

NBC Olympics

Men's field hockey recap day two

By Hayley Tafuro


Felix Deneyer shows the Brazilians how it's done. AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills

Keep up with all of the matchups on day two of men's field hockey pool play in Rio.

Australia vs. Spain (Pool A)

Spain claimed a major upset victory over gold medal favorites Australia, edging them 1-0.

A goal from Alex Casasayas put Spain up by one in the first quarter. This would end up being the lone score of the game.

The Kookaburras had multiple shot opportunities off of penalty corners, but they could not convert on anything in the first half of play.

Spain held on to a one-goal lead all through the third quarter where neither team was able to execute on the offensive end. Things began to get chippy between the two teams down the stretch as Australia began desperately seeking a goal.

In afinal attempt to get some offense going, The Kookaburras removed the goalkeeper and replaced him with an extra man on the field. However, Spain was able to hold on to the lead, and they notched one of the biggest wins of pool play.

Brazil vs. Belgium (Pool A)

Belgium completed the biggest rout of the tournament so far, blanking Brazil 12-0. Ten different players scored for the Belgium team. Tanguy Cosyns and Arthur van Doren each had two goals in the win.

Never wavering, Belgium had full control beginning early on in the game. Florent van Aubel got the scoring frenzy started with 3:48 left in the first quarter on a reverse-stick shot.

From there, Belgium found every which way to score. Penalty corners, second-shot attempts, off of long cross-field passes and right in front of the cage.

Brazil never had a chance to get things going. Belgium was able to focus its efforts on moving the ball and getting all players involved to tally up the score.

Cosyns now has three combined goals in this Olympic tournament.

Netherlands vs. Ireland (Pool B)

The Netherlands put together a 5-0 shutout win over Ireland led by two goals from Mink van der Weerden.

The Dutch dominated the first quarter. Goal number one came from a penalty corner when van der Weerden converted off the insert. Within roughly a minute, Jorrit Croon scored again for the Netherlands to put them ahead 2-0.

The Irish doubled down defensively in the second to make sure the lead did not increase before the next half of play.

Finally, after almost two quarters without scoring, the Dutch slammed one in on another penalty corner. Van der Weerden tallied his second goal of the game on the play. Mirco Pruijser snuck one past David Harte in goal soon after to put the Netherlands up 4-0 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Green Machine looked dejected. On a Dutch shot attempt, an Irish defender accidentally tipped the ball into his own goal, increasing the lead to five with seconds remaining in the game.

Great Britain vs. New Zealand (Pool A)

In the first men’s matchup of day two, Great Britain and New Zealand ended in a 2-2 tie.

Great Britain came out with great energy and established an early 1-0 lead. David Condon scrambled in a congested mass of players to force the ball past the goalkeeper.

New Zealand answered with a beautiful goal from Kane Russell, who controlled an aerial pass and smashed it into the net from the opposite side of the circle. The Black Sticks would then pull ahead by one. After a series of one-touch passes, Hayden Phillips put New Zealand up 2-1.

Before the second quarter could close, Great Britain tied it up with a tip-in goal from Barry Middleton.

Both teams battled through a scoreless third quarter and played the tight game down to the wire, which resulted in the draw.

NBC Olympics

Welten’s orange wonderland in Deodoro


Lidewij Welten celebrates scoring the Netherlands' opening goal. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek/EHF   

The Netherlands made an opening statement of intent, racing into a 4-0 lead against Spain in their opening tie. Lidewij Welten started the scoring in the 12th minute before Laurien Leurink, Marloes Keetels and a Maartje Paumen special built an imposing lead.

Paumen fired home a second corner for a 5-0 advantage early in the final quarter to close out the victory.

And Welten said she was “really happy” with how they started off. “Everyone was a bit nervous because this a really big tournament and everyone was hoping we could play well. Especially in the first half, we showed how good we can be.

“It’s a pity we couldn’t keep it up the whole game but we don’t have too much to complain about!”

The vast majority of the crowd in Deodoro were dressed in orange, singing throughout the game. And Welten said it was amazing to have this support so far away from home.

Fans

“We have a really good fanbase; all the parents and friends and family came over along with other orange supporters were here. It looks nice!

“Our main target is gold and I think we are all sharp for it but we just have to see it game by game because you never know what will happen in a tournament.”

The Netherlands face a tough series of games with China and Korea coming up while New Zealand look another tough prospect.

Earlier in the day, the kiwis opened their account with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Korea in Pool A. Goals from Kirsten Pearce, Charlotte Harrison in the first 20 minutes laid a perfect base before Petrea Webster added the fourth goal. Myunji Kim’s goal was a consolation with five minutes to go.

Germany, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with China with Lisa Altenburg’s early team goal cancelled out by Yang Peng in the 28th minute. Monday sees the Netherlands play Korea at 5pm, New Zealand plays Germany at 1.30pm and Spain face China at 7.30pm.

In Pool B, India came from 2-0 down to draw with Japan 2-2, Rani and Lilima Minz scoring after half-time for an important point in their first Olympic appearance since 1980.

Tomorrow, USA face Australia in another key game at 10am (Rio time) before India face Great Britain at 6.30pm and Argentina meet Japan at 8.30pm.

EuroHockey media release

GB off the mark as Netherlands score five-star win


Barry Middleton celebrates making it 2-2. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek/EHF   

Great Britain registered their first point of the men’s Olympic Games when they scored a point against New Zealand with a 2-2 draw on day two of the competition in Pool A.

All the goals came in the first half. David Condon’s close-range finish gave GB the lead before Kane Russell’s powerful shot beat George Pinner and Hayden McPhillips’ reverse made it 2-1 to the Blacksticks.

Barry Middleton’s back post deflection, however, was the last of the goals in a 2-2 tie.

Reacting to the result, GB coach Bobby Crutchley said: “It was disappointing not to win today. We had some good opportunities we were better than yesterday in our intensity and the way we played.

“Our execution was a bit off and we didn’t deliver our corners but we showed better intent. There were glimpses of quality but it’ll come in the coming games.

“I didn’t need to say a lot to the players after the Belgium game. We put some things right because we were well off our expectations in that one. We were nearer today but we’re still not where we want to be. We’ll review today and move onto the next game and try to keep improving. The players are good at self evaluation so we know what we need to do.”

Spain also made it two wins from two as Alex Casasayas’ fortuitous single goal, bouncing in off Andrew Charter, proved the sole difference in a superb win over reigning world champions Australia.

Elsewhere in their group, Belgium are top of the table after a 12-0 win over Brazil.

In Pool B, the Netherlands bounced back from their dramatic draw with Argentina to record a 5-0 win over Ireland with Mink van der Weerden scoring twice while Mirco Pruijser, Jorrit Croon and Jeroen Hertzberger also registered goals.

Speaking afterwards, Pruijser said it was not as easy as the scoreline suggested.

“Maybe the result looks like an easy game but it wasn’t. They played a fast tempo, high-paced hockey but we also did well.

“They really put the pressure on in the third quarter and took a few more risks, going high with the flankers [full-backs]. We had to a go a bit deeper but we could turn this around and step up again.

“The feeling is good. Against Argentina, we played a good match but the result was a bit frustrating. We still need to grow into the tournament and with this win, we are going upwards.”

EuroHockey media release

Australian Men upset by Spain

World Champions defeated 1 - nil

Holly MacNeil



It was a massive upset for the Australian Men’s Hockey team today in their second round pool match against Spain, with the number one team in the world defeated 1 – nil by the world number 11.

The first half of the game saw the Spanish defence doing a supreme job of pressing the Australian’s and keeping them from scoring that elusive first goal.

Spain managed to get an early lead over the World Champions, with a ball from Alex Casasayas deflecting into goal via Australian Goalkeeper Andrew Charter’s stick.

Late into the first term, and the Aussie’s had a chance at a double penalty corner, but the defensive work from Spain was too good and they couldn’t be converted, even with the powerhouse drag flick of Chris Ciriello.

The Australian’s fought back in the second, with a fantastic bit of play seeing Matt Dawson cutting down the centre of the field, with a pass to Glenn Turner getting the ball get into the circle, but Spain’s defence were pressing, and the ball flew out of the Aussie circle.

Spain continued to mark man to man into the third quarter, limiting the possibility of the Australian’s breaking away. The score remained stagnant going into the final fifteen minutes.

The Australian’s knew they had to fight hard, and in the last 5 minutes of play they removed Andrew Charter from the Spanish goal, replacing him with a kicking back – Captain Mark Knowles, to have 11 players on the pitch.

It wasn’t to be and Australia came away defeated by the Spanish. The result leaves the Aussie men third in the six-team pool, chasing a top four finish to ensure progression to the quarter finals.

Prior to today’s game, Spain had only defeated Australia once at the Olympic Games:

The Australian Men’s Hockey Team will next play Belgium on Wednesday at 9.30am AEST / 9am ACST / 7.30am AWST.

AUSTRALIA 0 (0)

SPAIN 1 (1)
Alex Casasayas (FG) 6

Athlete (Hometown)
Australian Men v Spain Start List
Andrew Charter (GK) (Canberra, ACT) 116/0
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 190/115
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 134/6
Jamie Dwyer (Rockhampton, QLD) 361/241
Matt Gohdes (Rockhampton, QLD) 155/52
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 34/26
Fergus Kavanagh (Geraldton, WA) 227/15
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 205/56
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD) 143/6
Glenn Turner (Goulburn, NSW) 132/93
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 94/12

Used Substitute
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 83/15
Matthew Dawson (Central Coast, NSW) 49/7
Mark Knowles (Rockhampton, QLD) 287/24
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 280/65
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 104/44

Hockey Australia media release

Superb Green Machine Punished By Clinical Dutch



For a second day running, Ireland were left frustrated as strong elements of their performance in Rio de Janeiro were not rewarded as they fell to a somewhat exaggerated final scoreline against the world number two Dutch side.
 
Indeed, the green machine earned more penalty corners, had more circle entries and more shots but were unable to convert while a ruthless Netherlands scored two from three penalty corners to go with a breathtaking field goal from Jorrit Croon to put the game out of Ireland’s reach with 20 minutes to go.
 
Speaking afterwards, Ronan Gormley said it was “tough to take” the final scoreline after many good things were done.
 
“When you look up at the scoreboard and its 5-0 an you have invested a lot into the game, it is tough to take. They are extremely effective but, at the same time, a couple of those goals we need to wrap up before they go across the line. Could have, should have… we will have to look at the video and move on.”
 
But he is resolute in his belief the side will start to run up results in the coming few days.
 
“It is in us. The reason we have got here is because we can defend very resolutely and that’s what we will have to do in the next three games.”


 
It was always going to be tough for Ireland against a side they have only beaten once in 39 previous meetings. Indeed, after a healthy Irish opening, the Dutch incredibly found themselves 2-0 up inside eight minutes.
 
That was despite two brilliant stops from Jaap Stockmann in the opening five minutes. Mitch Darling could not get enough on a cross from Kyle Good, allowing Stockmann to scramble the deflection away.
 
Jonathan Bell then showed a rare attacking defence, dancing through from centre back to flick toward the corner. Again, the Dutch keeper got down to palm away.
 
But within a minute, Holland had two on the board as Mink van der Weerden punished Alan Sothern’s loose sliding tackle, whipping home a drag-flick from the first penalty corner.
 
Almost instantly, Rogier Hofman was set free down the right sideline and his gorgeous control was matched by a perfect centre for 17-year-old Jorrit Croon to guide into the roof of the net.
 
The green machine’s plight worsened when Conor Harte wore Mirco Pruijser’s stick on his ribs. First glance suggested a potential broken bone and, after a lengthy wait, the medical cart took the Kinsale man off for the requisite scans but he would later appear on the sideline for the closing quarter.



Coach Craig Fulton spoke of the importance of “accuracy” at set pieces after Saturday’s 3-2 loss to India. Unfortunately, Ireland’s only corner – despite a clever swivel at the top of the circle – never drew a shot of note.
 
The third quarter was similarly frustrating. At the height of Ireland’s attacks – with Peter Caruth, Chris Cargo and Ronan Gormley firing pot shots – the more insular Dutch countered with their one attack, won a corner and Mink van der Weerden shot a rocket to the roof.
 
Pruijser added the fourth a minute later with a goal made in Amsterdam, Valentin Verga picking out his club mate to swivel home from mid-circle.

Ireland pushed again, winning four more penalty corners in the last quarter but a blank conversion rate will be a cause for further concern after a second game in succession in which general play proved more than equal.
 
As if to rubber-stamp a painful night, Eugene Magee turned in Jeroen Hertzberger’s cross for the fifth goal in the last minute.
 
Coach Craig Fulton added it is important for the side to keep the faith in their own strengths.
 
“In the huddle at the end, we spoke about where we have come from, the experience we have gained here and we need to keep the spirits high. We are playing good hockey.
 
“We are getting punished for our mistakes as you will at this level but you want to play the best in the world. Sometimes, you get hurt – Holland beat GB 9-1 in a semi-final four years ago – it happens but we have to emotionally manage it.”
 
Ireland next meet reigning champions Germany on Tuesday at 4:30pm in their third tie. After that come two must win games for Ireland if they are to reach the quarter-finals – Canada on Thursday and Argentina on Friday. All matches will be shown live on RTE2 and BBC Four/Red Button.


 
Ireland 0
Netherlands 5 (M van der Weerden 2, J Croon, M Pruyser, J Hertzberger)

Ireland: D Harte, J Jackson, R Gormley, M Watt, J Jermyn, E Magee, K Shimmins, M Darling, K Good, P Gleghorne, C Harte
Subs: J Bell, C Cargo, A Sothern, P Caruth, S O’Donoghue
 
Netherlands: J Stockmann, G Schuurman, B Bakker, S van Ass, J Hertzberger, S de Wijn, S Baart, M Pruijser, R Hofman, R van der Horst, M van der Weerden
Subs: V Verga, R Kemperman, B de Voogd, J Croon, H Turkstra
 
Umpire: N Stagno, T Pullman

Photo Credit: Sportsfile & Getty Images

Irish Hockey Association media release

Horst hails five-star Dutch performance


Picture: Koen Suyk

Oranje Rood star Rob van der Horst was delighted with how his side responded to their frustrating opening day draw with Argentina as they ran up a 5-0 win over Ireland on day two of the Olympic Games.

“We bounced back well from our draw against Argentina,” he said. “We wanted to press them hard, to give them a hard time, and I believe we did so in the first half.

“The second half, they put more pressure on us and our reaction was pretty good; we didn’t concede any goals against and didn’t concede any corners so that was good defence.

“We still need to improve and know we need to but we made another step forward.”

As for Ireland, he felt that they contributed to a hard battle despite the one-sided scoreline.

“They gave us a pretty hard time in the third and fourth quarter. They are a good team, third in the last European Championships, and they are up and coming. I hope they keep it together and get some points and qualify for the quarter because they are able to be there.”

Euro Hockey League media release

New Zealand Women dominant in opener


Photo: www.photosport.nz

The New Zealand Women have powered to a strong 4-1 win over Korea in their opening game at the Rio Olympic Games.

It was a solid first-up performance which saw the Kiwis flex their muscles on attack while goalkeeper Sally Rutherford had an outstanding match.

The Kiwis netted three goals in the first half through Kirsten Pearce, Charlotte Harrison and Gemma Flynn before Petrea Webster added her side’s fourth early in the second half.

Head coach Mark Hager said it was pleasing to get a win on the board in their first game.

“We’re definitely happy with the win. We were very good early on and fell away a bit in the second half but it’s good to come away with a result first up,” Hager said.

“Korea were a team we needed to beat, they are ranked below us so we needed to take three points from them and we did well to do that today.”

Defender Stacey Michelsen said her side’s ability to move the ball around the field in hot conditions proved the difference.

“Our linking through the layers all across the turf was great today, we really played as a team which was fantastic.

“It’s always very important to be able to keep moving the ball around in the heat, and we certainly did that well and it led to goals."

New Zealand made a strong start to the match and had Korea under plenty of pressure in their defensive half thanks to a dominant midfield.

Striker Kirsten Pearce opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a quick-fire finish in traffic from close range.

New Zealand doubled the advantage 10 minutes later when Charlotte Harrison put her body on the line with a magnificent diving reverse shot which soared past the goalkeeper’s pads.

It was the Kiwis again in the 20th minute as a perfect execution of a penalty corner set piece saw Anita McLaren fire wide to Gemma Flynn for a deflection into goal.

Leading 3-0 at halftime, it took just three minutes in the third quarter for another goal with Petrea Webster connecting with Kayla Whitelock’s ball into the circle to send an amazing diving deflection past the keeper.

Hyunji Kim scored a consolation goal for Korea with just six minutes remaining in the match.

The New Zealand Women are back in action against Germany at 4:30am tomorrow (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport Rio Pop-Up 3.

New Zealand 3: (Kirsten Pearce, Charlotte Harrison, Gemma Flynn, Petrea Webster)
Korea 1: (Hyunji Kim)
Halftime: NZ 3-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks off to perfect start

By Jeremy Redmore


New Zealand's Charlotte Harrison celebrates with teammates after scoring against South Korea during their opening group game of the Olympics. Photo / AP

New Zealand's women's Black Sticks have begun their Olympic campaign in style after defeating a tough South Korean side 4-1.

Up against the eighth-ranked side in the world and one the Black Sticks had an even 7-7 all-time record against, the result was the perfect momentum-builder as group play began today.

New Zealand led 1-0 after the first quarter with Kirsten Pearce's slap home from close range the difference between the sides in a scrappy opening period.

The Black Sticks extended their lead four minutes into the second quarter as Charlotte Harrison showed great commitment in attack to dive and shoot the ball past the Korean goal keeper.

Within two minutes Gemma Flynn had added the team's third score with a beautiful finish of a set play from a penalty corner.

New Zealand's commitment in numbers at both ends of the field frustrated a Korean side that struggled to gain any consistent possession or pressure in the first three quarters of the match.

What pressure they did convert into chances was expertly deflected by Kiwi goalkeeper Sally Rutherford who made a number of key saves throughout the fixture.

With a 3-0 lead at half time, the Black Sticks refused to let the Koreans back into the game.

Petrea Webster scored the second diving goal of the game four minutes into the second half to give the Kiwis a comfortable lead heading into the final period.

With six minutes left to play Korea scored their first goal of the match via Kim Hyun-Ji as they found momentum in the game far too late to seriously trouble the Black Sticks.

The New Zealand Herald

Spirited Kiwis settle for draw with GB


Photo: Getty Images/FIH

The New Zealand Men have come away with a 2-2 draw against Great Britain in a high tempo game of hockey at the Rio Olympic Games.

It was an energy sapping encounter in which both sides exchanged goals in the first half with Kane Russell and Hayden Phillips finding the back of the net in stunning style.

Despite a frenetic second half, neither side was able to deliver a winning goal and split one point each in Pool A of the competition.

Head coach Colin Batch said while they were after a win, it was pleasing to take away a point from the match.

“After our last game we needed to step up in the way we defended the circle and connected in the midfield and up front, I think we achieved that,” Batch said.

“We didn’t get the result we were after but certainly a big step up in our performance. The key now is to recover and have some fun as well, not get too intense and make sure we put in another good performance against Spain.”

New Zealand captain Simon Child said it was frustrating not to be able to take the win but they are confident they can improve ahead of their next game.

“We did well to come back from an early deficit and played really well in patches, but disappointing to allow them to equalise,” he said.

“Our second half we put in a solid effort – we’re a very fit team and definitely seem to play our best hockey in the second half.

“We created some good chances but got isolated up front at times so we need to work a bit more collectively in our upcoming games.”

Great Britain stunned the Kiwis inside the opening two minutes when David Condon found himself open in the circle to score past goalkeeper Devon Manchester.

New Zealand regrouped following the goal and managed to string together some good phases of play from a fast paced midfield.

Defender Kane Russell lit up the scoreboard for the Kiwis in the 14th minute after rushing up in attack to take an overhead on the run before unleashing a monster forehand shot from a tight angle.

Four minutes later New Zealand pushed out to a 2-1 lead when Shay Neal slipped a pass to 18-year-old Hayden Phillips for a strong reverse shot which sailed past GB goalkeeper George Pinner.

Five minutes out from halftime Barry Middleton snuck in behind the defence to deflect home a field goal off the far post to send the game into the break locked up at 2-2.

Both sides showcased some impressive attacking hockey in the second half but couldn’t crack the defence, with both goalkeepers Manchester and Pinner playing outstanding roles.

The New Zealand Men have the day off tomorrow before getting back onto the turf at 1:00am Wednesday morning (NZ time) when they do battle against Spain, with live coverage on SKY Sport 4.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Women are looking to secure their second successive win at the Games when they take on Germany at 4:30am tomorrow, live on SKY Sport Rio Pop-Up 3.

New Zealand 2: (Kane Russell, Hayden Phillips)
Great Britain 2: (David Condon, Barry Middleton)
Halftime: 2-2

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Nothing to choose between Great Britain and New Zealand


Middleton celebrates with Gleghorne

Goals from David Condon and Barry Middleton earned Great Britain a share of the points in a tense encounter with New Zealand at the Olympic Games. With both sides losing their opening match, the pressure was heightened, resulting in an absorbing encounter which ended all square. Condon struck in the second minute and although goals from Kane Russell and Hayden Phillips put Colin Batch’s side ahead, Barry Middleton’s 25th minute strike ensured both squads got off the mark in the tournament.

Great Britain showed good attacking intent in the first minute. Ashley Jackson broke into the circle but couldn’t quite get the shot away. It wasn’t long however before the deadlock was broken. Sam Ward wriggled free inside the circle and crossed from the right. Condon slid in but initially was unable to make contact. With Nick Catlin in close attendance the ball broke back to Condon who slotted home whilst on his knees.

Bobby Crutchley’s side won a penalty corner a minute later via a video referral. Jackson stepped up and took the shot but Devon Manchester got a big glove on the ball to push it to safety. New Zealand had their first chance in the seventh minute. Nick Coughlan’s long pass into the circle found Stephen Jenness whose diving deflection was brilliantly saved by George Pinner. The Blacksticks soon won a penalty corner via a video referral. The pass was played to Jenness for the deflection but his effort clattered the woodwork and bounced.

Colin Batch’s team upped the pressure and some excellent defensive work by Great Britain kept them at bay. Just before the break however, they hit back. A long aerial pass into the circle found Russell who pulled it down and lashed a bullet strike into the net to make it 1-1. 

Four minutes into the second quarter a run down the left by Hugo Inglis found Shay Neal whose pass broke to Phillips who needed no second invitation and rifled an unstoppable shot into the net to make it 2-1. Parity was restored with five minutes to the break. With Coughlan in the sin bin, Middleton exploited some rare space at the back post to nudge in Lewers’ terrific pass to make it 2-2. GB won a penalty corner just before the interval after good work from Nick Catlin. Jackson took the shot but Manchester did well to repel it with a right pad, sending the sides in at half time all square.

The third quarter was a real battle of midfield with both sides grappling for control of the game. Condon forced Manchester into action with a backhand cross but further chances were hard to come by. New Zealand asserted some attacking pressure but once again the defence, in particular the imperious Lewers kept them at bay. The No24 produced a series of tackles and one splendid interception, diving full length to cut out a through ball. With two minutes to the break Great Britain won a penalty corner. The ball was slipped to Sam Ward but Harry Martin was adjudged to have obstructed the defender and it stayed 2-2 going into the final quarter.

At the start of the final period, Nick Wilson showed some terrific skills to break into the circle from the baseline but Pinner was alert and came dashing out of goal to block the way through with a terrific save. New Zealand asked for a video referral looking for a penalty corner but it was turned down. Bobby Crutchley’s side went up the other end and won a penalty corner immediately. This time Mark Gleghorne took the shot but again Manchester made the save. With six minutes to go Crutchley’s team won another set piece. Gleghorne took the shot again but as before, the New Zealand goalkeeper saw it off.

The drama continued and the Blacksticks went up the other end to force a penalty corner of their own. Russell fired a rocket drag flick at goal but Pinner got down well to make a superb save. Both sides continued to throw men forwards right to the end, but there were to be no further goals and both teams took home a point.

Great Britain’s next match is Tuesday 9 August at 22:00 vs. Brazil, live on BBC Sport.

Head Coach Bobby Crutchley:

“It was disappointing not to win today. We had some good opportunities we were better than yesterday in our intensity and the way we played. Our execution was a bit off and we didn’t deliver our corners but we showed better intent. There were glimpses of quality but it’ll come in the coming games.

I didn’t need to say a lot to the players after the Belgium game. We put some things right because we were well off our expectations in that one. We were nearer today but we’re still not where we want to be. We’ll review today and move onto the next game and try to keep improving. The players are good at self evaluation so we know what we need to do.”

New Zealand 2 (2)
Kane Russell 13 (FG)
Hayden Phillips 19 (FG)

Great Britain 2 (2)
David Condon 2 (FG)
Barry Middleton 25 (FG)

Great Britain Hockey media release

Brogdon out; Mantell in after hand injury


Alastair Brogdon

Alastair Brogdon from Team GB men’s hockey has had his debut Olympics cut short after breaking a finger on his left hand during the squad’s opening game against Belgium yesterday.

The 28-year-old forward from Hale will be replaced by travelling reserve Simon Mantell who brings the experience of over 200 caps for England and Great Britain.

Head Coach Bobby Crutchley said: “We’re really disappointed for Alastair, he has worked very hard and it is tough to have his Olympics end so quickly. We will miss his energy on the pitch and his ability on the ball but unfortunately due to the location of the break it impacts too much on him being able to play.

“We were always confident that Simon would fit in really well if he was called upon. Having missed out on London 2012 with injury, he knows the disappointment Alastair is going through and can fully empathise with him. Simon now has an opportunity to play his part for Team GB here in Rio.”

The change takes immediate effect and Mantell will be available for this afternoon’s pool A game against New Zealand (5pm local time/9pm BST) as Team GB look to come back from a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Belgium.  Brogdon will remain with the squad and continue to support them in Rio.

Great Britain Hockey media release

Spain first casualty of Dutch bid for third Olympic gold

by Jack Stubbs



The Netherlands launched their campaign for a third consecutive women's Olympic gold in hockey on Sunday with a decisive 5-0 win against Spain.

The reigning world champions are keen to stamp their dominance on the Rio Games after taking home gold medals from Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.

At the top of the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) global rankings, the Netherlands have an impressive selection of world-class talent to draw on, boasting four FIH Players of the Year in their squad.

Indeed, no Dutch player at Rio has actually lost a women's hockey match at the Olympics since 2004 when they conceded the gold medal position to Germany in Athens.

"It's special and it also brings some responsibility," said Dutch forward Ellen Hoog, commenting on her team's success.

"We are going for gold and a lot of people expect it from us and we expect that from ourselves. So that brings a lot of pressure."

But a loss to world No.2 Argentina in the final of the Hockey Champions Trophy in London earlier this year showed the Dutch women are not invincible.

Another obstacle will be the new tournament format which will include quarter-finals for the first time in Rio, meaning the Netherlands will have to battle through an extra round of knock-out competition to have a shot at the gold.

The Star of Malaysia

Indian women fight to hold Japan


HOORAY! Sushila Pukhrambam and Rani Rampal celebrate after the latter scored India's first goal in the third quarter - Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Returning to the Olympics after a hiatus of 36 years, the Indian women’s hockey team showed tremendous fighting spirit and came from two goals down to eke out a 2-2 draw against higher—ranked Japan in its opening Pool B match here on Sunday.

The Indians were trailing by two goals at half-time after Japan scored through Emi Nishikori (15th minute) and Mie Nakashima (28th).

However, the Indians fought back as Rani Rampal (31st) and Lilima Minz (40th) scored a goal each in the third and fourth quarters to secure points for their side.

India started well before losing the plot towards the end of the first quarter.

In the first 30 minutes, whatever chances India created, the strikers misfired inside the rival circle.

Japan, on the other hand, took time to settle down but got into the groove as the game progressed. Just 10 seconds before the end of the first quarter, India conceded a penalty corner and Japan broke the deadlock through a fine dummy goal from Nishikori.

In the second quarter, India enjoyed more possession but was guilty of giving away the ball too easily. Japan doubled the lead two minutes from half-time from a swift break through Nakashima who deflected in a cross from left which India captain Sushila Chanu failed to cut off.

The Indians earned their first penalty corner with the opening move of the third quarter and Rani was bang on target with a slap shot to reduce the margin.

India utilised the second of two more penalty corners it earned in the third quarter when Lilima scored from a rebound to level the scores.

The Hindu

Resilient India draw Japan

s2h Team

Resilient Indian women came from two goals down to force an exciting 2-2 draw against higher ranked Japan in their opening match at Deodara stadium in Rio today.

The fight between the known foes took known thrills and turns before the both settled for a honourable draw.

Three goals of the match came out of penalty corner drills, Japan posting one of three PCs while India had 50% conversion rate out of its four.

Nishikhori Emi struck off her team's first penalty corner to put Japan ahead 1-0 at the closing moments of first quarter. At the penalty corner stop spot, Japan played double dummy to flummox goalie Savita Punia before the ball crashed on the boards.

The same goalie came out with sterling show as match progressed and deserved any special award in the end

Wearing famous Jersy No.10 Nakashaki Mie deflected a power packed cross from right flank to enlarge the lead three minutes before half time (2-0). Nishikhori's goal came in a quarter dominated by the Indian girls much against run of play, and just 10 seconds left in the clock for the first quarter.

Earlier, Indian girls dominated the first quarter with aggressive approach. Indian girls attacked from both flanks.

However, they missed the easy chances.

Hardworking Rani Ramphal stole the ball in the midfield and parted to Poonam Rani on top of circle, but her forehand was just wide from the right post. Poonam played like a women possessed in the fourth quarter, which helped India garner a point.

Moments later, a combined attack saw Indian forwards overcrowding Japan circle. From close range, Preeti could not connect a looping ball, just sweeping the stick in air.

India was a transformed side in the third quarter where it even out two goal deficit. Speeding Deepika got India its first penalty corner off which Rani Ramphal sent a scoring grounder to the right of goalie to reduce the score 1-2.

Shortly later, Poonam Rani got a overhead, and send a cross into D but Preeti failed to connect. Soon, Poonam was at the rough end of a defender who tripped her near circle edge on the right. Umpire noticed and awarded second penalty corner.

Rani Ramphal tried variation, ball was collected by Sushila Chanu. Her shot was taken in by the goalie, but Lilima Minz tapped in a high ball rebound to neutralize second lead too. However, Japan went for referral on suspicious rising ball, but lost before Indian celebrations continued (2-2). These two goals in two minutes changed the complexion of the game.

Japan, which struck its goals at fag end of quarters, again deployed the same strategy, but Indian goalie managed to quell at least four genuine goal bearing moves.

Savita was again to frustrate Japan in their third penalty corner try, as Sushila conceded it.

INDIA: Navjot Kaur, Deep Grace Ekka, Nikki Pradhan, Monika, Anuradha Devi Thokchom, Savita Punia, Vandana Kataria, Poonam Rani, Deepika Thakur, Namita Toppo, Renuka Yadav, Sunita Lakra, Sushila Chanu, Rani Ramphal, Preeti Dubey, Lilima Minz SB: Hnialum Lal Raut Feli, Rajani Etimarpu. Chief Coach: Neil Hawgood, Coach: Helen Mary, Manager: C R Kumar, Physio: Sonika Sudam, Masseur: Poonam Rani, Video: Amudhaprakash, Scientific advisor: Mathew Tredrea Fyles, Analytical Coach: David Bell.

JAPAN: Asano Sakiyo, Hayashi Nagisa, Nakagawa Miyuki, Sakaguchi Maki, Mitsuhashi, Nishmura avaka, Nagai Yun, Nakashima Mie, Shibata Akane, Mano Yukari, Nishikori Emi, Ono Mayumi, Kawamura Motomi, Shimizu Minami, Nagai Bazuki, Yuda Hazuki, Nagai Hazuki, SB: Nomura Kana, Asai Yu, Chief Coach: Nagai Yuji, Manager: Hasebe Kenji, Coach: Keiko Miura, SI Manager: Mari Nakamura.

Stick2Hockey.com

Playing first Olympic hockey match in 36 years, India's women make bright start

Sundeep Misra


India's women's hockey team marked their first Olympic appearance in 36 years with a 2-2 draw. PTI

Thirty-six years after they last walked on an Olympic pitch, the Indian women's hockey team took on Japan on Sunday in the opening match of their 2016 Rio Olympics campaign. Keeping with the occasion, they made a spirited comeback after being 0-2 down to draw 2-2.

India were distinctly unlucky in not earning full points; in the last minute, a hard shot by Vandana Katariya was saved by the Japanese goalkeeper Asano Sakiyo.

Japan scored in the first two quarters through Emi Nishikori (14) and Mie Nakashima (27). India made a comeback after the break, getting both the goals in the third quarter through Rani Rampal (30) and Lilima Minz (39). With the draw, both teams now have a point each.

The draw would be hugely satisfying for the Indians, for no team wants to losing its opening game. But they did play some extremely loose hockey in the first two quarters. Perhaps nervousness crept in, as they were playing their first Olympics match in 36 years. But Preeti Dubey had two weak shots after having the ball in the circle. Even Poonam Rani, who had a good match, couldn't strike the ball powerfully enough to stretch the Japanese goalkeeper. Rani Rampal also had a look at goal, but delayed.

So when Japan took the lead with 10 seconds left in the first quarter, it was against the run of play. It was also their first penalty corner and Nishikori was on target.

The second quarter was all Japan, as they stretched the Indian defence to the limit. Unlike the Indians who played in tight groups, the Japanese played on both flanks giving themselves space to rotate the ball. The second goal from Japan was a classic example of excellent poaching. Mie Nakashima had the ball off a cross from the left and she hoodwinked the Indian defence with a lovely deflection. The Indian goalkeeper didn't have a clue. From the Indian standpoint, it was a soft goal. But Japan was 2-0 up.

India needed something special in the third and fourth quarters to quell the tide. Considering they weren't finding their rhythm, it would be a tall task. But within 30 seconds of the restart, India were on the attack again and had their first penalty corner of the match.

Sometimes, unusual methods are required to change the tempo of a match, and India did so by bringing back a shot we thought was long forgotten. Rampal, with all the time in the world, took a step forward and hit a straight shot that beat the goalkeeper; it was Rani Rampal's 88th international goal, and it came off a straight hit. The scores were now 1-2.

India wasted their second penalty corner, but soon earned a third. This was a period where they were pushing aggressively through the centre, inducing chaos in the Japanese defence. The third penalty corner was weak, but the raised ball was taken on the glove by Japanese goalkeeper Asano Sakiyo. But the defence failed to clear the ball and Minz smashed it tennis style into the goal. Japan went for the referral, but video umpire Lisa Roach gave the goal to India.

With the equaliser in, the match was alive once again. The fourth quarter proved to be a tense affair; the counter-attacks kept the fans and defenders on their feet. Both coaches chose to gamble at this point — Japan's Yuji Nagai chose to go all out first. There were times when there were as many as seven Japanese players trying to breach the Indian defence. But Savita Punia had a good match.

Having soaked up the pressure until that point, India had the best chance of the match in the final minute, but Vandana Katariya had a good clean look at goal before Sakiyo saved her shot.

Neither coach would complain too much about the final scoreline, but with bigger matches coming up, both teams would need to improve their standards. The Indian women's team has secured the 'Olympian' tag, and it is now time to ensure they qualify for the quarter-finals.

Firstpost

Indian women's team played their most attractive hockey in long time, says coach Neil Hawgood


Indian and Japanese women hockey players vie for the ball during qualifying round at the Rio Olympics. PTI

Rio de Janeiro: Happy with the come-from-behind draw against Japan in the Olympic opener, the Indian women's hockey team coach Neil Hawgood said his side produced their most attractive performance in a "long, long time" despite the nerves.

"If we can get everything right, we're not going to play the most attractive style of hockey that you've ever actually seen. We've got to play to our limits and I think today was probably the most attractive we've played in a long, long time," Hawgood said after the 2-2 draw.

Hawgood said the Indians, who are competing in the Olympics after a gap of 36 years, were slightly nervy.

"After the first half I'll take it. I think the first half is probably what we were hoping didn't happen. We were really nervous and the big stage and everything. We didn't handle the ball well and I think they (Japan) deserved to be 2-0 up," he said.

"Two minutes isn't enough to settle them down at quarter time. Quarter time was about dealing with the damage and then half time was about the belief part. I think in the second half we started to play what I know we can actually play. It's the first points they've ever got in 36 years at an Olympic Games so you should be happy," he added.

Hawgood said the team is satisfied to get a point under its belt.

"It's more about them, just to see their faces when they actually realise what they had done at the end. People talk about journeys, watching theirs is the best one I've got. I've got the best seat to watch people get involved and engaged in an Olympic Games that really have no idea what an Olympic games is.

"Just to see their faces and at the end of it when they realised what they'd done when I said (to them) was just like, it's like a game changer to them."

The Australian said the team felt good to be greeted by Indian Sports Minister Vijay Goel after the match.

"I think it gives them a little bit of respect about what they are doing. They're here, they haven't been here for so long, it's always been about the men and today they can actually stand up and have a little bit of attention across a billion people," he said.

"There will be a billion people sitting down and going 'Wow, look at that. They can compete'. They've got to ride the emotion and hopefully they can continue that tomorrow (against Great Britain)," he added.

Firstpost

A draw against Germany a realistic goal for India

Kamesh Srinivasan


If the Indians carry on the momentum and somehow find a way to stop the formidable Germans on Monday, qualification to the knockout phase will become smoother.   

Buoyed by the winning start against Ireland, the Indian hockey team will attempt to ride the momentum in its second match against champion Germany on Monday.

India has failed to qualify for the only time in Olympic history, the Beijing Games in 2008. It was beaten 5-2 by Germany in the London Olympics, where it hit the depth to finish as the last among the 12 teams. However, the recent Champions Trophy silver has given a lot of confidence to the Indian team.

India has beaten Germany in the Atlanta Olympics, 20 years ago. “We always enjoy taking on big teams like Germany,” said captain P.R. Sreejesh, sounding quite positive.

For coach Roelant Oltmans, there was scope to wriggle out of the clutches of a strong team like Germany if the boys played their best. “They are a strong team. But, I do see some opportunities in the game. To execute it, we will have to give more than 100 per cent,” he said.

While India beat Ireland 3-2, Germany outclassed Canada 6-2 in the opening league matches of the group.

The German side has five players from the gold-winning combination in London, and has two menacing players in Christopher Ruhr and Florian Fuchs who can break through any defence with their flair and fire power.

In its attempt to qualify for the quarterfinals in the group and possibly get placed third so as to avoid World champion Australia, India will cherish every point it earns along the way.

Later, India will have Argentina, the Netherlands and Canada to tackle in the space of four days.

A win against Germany will definitely be welcome, but against strong teams, India will be more than happy to split points and inch closer to the knockout phase.

“I am staying back for a few days, and will cheer the hockey team,” Leander Paes.

It may be recalled that Leander’s father, Dr. Vece Paes was part of the Indian hockey team that won the bronze in the 1972 Games in Munich.

The Hindu

India eye improved show against mighty Germans


India last won a match against Germany in the Olympics way back in the 1996 Atlanta Games. AFP photo

A win in the opening match of the Olympics after a hiatus of 12 years, notwithstanding, Indian men’s hockey team will have to lift their game by a notch if they want to challenge the might of reigning Olympic champions Germany in their second pool ‘B’ match on Monday.

India were made to toil hard by minnows Ireland yesterday to register a fighting 3-2 win, their first in the sporting extravaganza in 12 years.

Going by world rankings, India (5th) were the clear favourites to dominate the match against Ireland (12th).

Expectedly, the PR Sreejesh-led side started on a bright note and played to their potential in for majority of the match but they handed the initiative to their opponents in the final quarter.

While dragflickers Rupinder Pal Singh (2 goals) and VR Raghunath (1 goal) were bang on target with penalty corners, the forwardline was not up to the mark, missing plenty of scoring chances.

Sreejesh was alert as usual in front of the Indian goal, making quite a few saves but the defence, their perennial problem, was found wanting when the Irish had put relentless pressure in the final quarter, thereby conceding as many as eight penalty corners.

But come tomorrow, the Indians cannot afford to commit the same mistakes against the Germans, who will be eyeing a hat-trick of Olympic golds having pocketed the yellow metal in the last two Games in 2008 Beijing and 2012 London.

Their record against Germany at the Olympics also doesn’t go in India’s favour. India last won a match against Germany in the Olympics way back in the 1996 Atlanta Games where they registered a 3-0 win in the opening match.

In Sydney and Athens, India never played the Germans as they featured in different pools. However four years ago in London, Germany comprehensively beat India 5-2.

In the recent past India have had mixed results against the Germans.

India recently played Germany in the the FIH Champions Trophy in London, where the Sreejesh-led side won a historic silver.

The Tribune

Next up, Australia

By Hayley Tafuro


AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills

Team USA field hockey will look for another upset win, this time over Australia in game two of Pool B play.

In its second game of pool play, Team USA will take on another tough opponent in No. 3 world-ranked Australia.

These two teams last met in the 2016 Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy. With a bronze medal at stake, the U.S. took Australia down to the wire in a 2-2 tie at the end of regulation. Team USA pulled off a victory in the shootout. Goalkeeper Jackie Briggs came up with huge stops, allowing Melissa Gonzalez to seal the win with her goal.

Australia will certainly look to avenge the loss, but more importantly they will look to avoid another upset in pool play. Great Britain defeated the Hockeyroos 2-1 on day one of competition.

Meanwhile, Team USA is coming fresh off the better end of an upset. The U.S. defeated medal-favorite Argentina 2-1 behind goals from Katie Reinprecht and Michelle Kasold.

Team USA will have to hold off Australia’s 2015 Women’s Player of the Year Jodie Kenny, who is a top scoring threat for the Hockeyroos, which can be done if they limit the number of opportunities Australia has at earning penalty corners. Kenny is the team’s best when it comes to corners.

Australia will have to deal with the speed of the U.S. They are dubbed one of the fittest teams in the world, thanks to cutting edge technology that monitors heart rates and other data to optimize the energy level of the group that’s put out on the pitch.

Team USA has already tied its number of wins from pool play in London, where they finished in last place. The team will look to use its past as further motivation against another medal favorite in Pool B competition.

Stream all of the action live right here on NBCOlympics.com.

NBC Olympics

Odisha to host Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2018

Bhubaneshwar is set to host the men's hockey World Cup in 2018 and the World League final in 2017 at Kalinga Stadium.


Bhubaneswar has already successfully hosted the eight-nation Champions Trophy men’s hockey tournament in 2014.

Odisha’s capital city Bhubaneshwar is set to host the men’s hockey World Cup in 2018 and the World League final in 2017 at Kalinga Stadium here.

“The state is poised to host the hockey World League final next year and the prestigious men’s hockey World Cup in 2018,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday.

He was speaking at the Junior World Chess Championship organised at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University.

Bhubaneswar has already successfully hosted the eight-nation Champions Trophy men’s hockey tournament in 2014.

“The state has already been placed in the international sporting map. The state government assigns high importance for promotion of sports and development of sports infrastructure,” said the chief minister.

He said the government has made a number of policy interventions to encourage sportspersons to excel in national and international sporting events.

“Direct recruitment of meritorious sportspersons, substantial enhancement of cash incentives for successful sports, persons are some of the initiatives,” added the chief minister.

Patnaik also expressed his happiness that the boys and girls of Odisha are showing excellent performance in various national and international events in recent years.

Indian Express

Punjab Whites hammer KP 6-0 in National Women Hockey

Mohsin Ali



ISLAMABAD - Punjab Whites hammered KP 6-0 in the 29th National Women Hockey Championship 2016 match which was played here at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium Sunday.

It was by far KP teams’ best result as far as conceding goals are concerned as they had previously conceded 40 goals in two matches they had played so far.
But it was again thanks to their strange strategy, as they used almost three goalkeepers, rather than traditionally one goalie.

It was yet again a highly disappointed day as far as PHF arrangements are concerned as none of the federation official nor any women wing representation witnessed.

The journalists again went in numbers, but they were left high and dry as not a single tournament organising committee member including tournament director and media director was there.

The absence of officials also led delays in start of the action.

The federation is looking highly non-serious and taking the event highly lightly as not a single doctor or medical staff was present at the venue to take care of a player in case of injury.

When this scribe contacted PSB high command and wanted to know why no medical officer was deputed and why ambulance service being not provided, a high official on condition of anonymity confirmed that neither federation nor tournament organising committee requested for providing ambulance while PSB medical staff is deputed in case of any emergency to help players.

It is highly irresponsible attitude shown by the federation they should have made all arrangements before announcing the mega event.

 In the first match of the day, Punjab Whites outclassed KP 6-0.

It could have been easily more than a dozen goals for Punjab but the missed a number of chances.

Punjab took the lead through Sana Zulfiqar in the 7th minute, Zainab scored second goal in the 14th minute before Laiba Shabaz made it 3-0 in the 20th minute.

Sana scored her second and Punjab’s 4th goal in the 27th minute, and Aliya Batool made it 5-0 in the 32nd minute and Zainab completed the rout in the 40th minute when she completed her brace and scored 6th goal.

In the second match of the day, star-studded Railways thrashed sorry Islamabad 6-0.

Goal-scoring machine Kalsoom Munir scored 4 goals including a highly deserving hattrick, while Hina Kanwal also chipped in with two goals.

Third and last match of the day was played between defending champions Wapda and Punjab Colours.

It was arguably the match of the tournament so far, as Wapda were given a real run for their money before highly determined Punjab Colours lost the match 1-0.

Wapda struggled hard to break the rock solid Punjab defence with barrage of attacks until Maira Sabir found the breach to carve out 1-0 win for Wapda.

The Nation

Ipoh City Council takes MHL lead after two wins

by S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Ipoh City Council (MBI) chalked up their second straight win to lead the Division One of the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL).

They now have six points after defeating ATM Airod 4-1 at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh.

Earlier on Friday, they had beaten last year’s runners-up UiTM-KPT 3-2.

Mohamed Sopian Kamaruddin scored a brace while Mohamed Akmal Tajuddin and Mohamed Najme Hayazi added the other two goals.

Abdul Ghaffar Nordin scored the ATM goal.

At the KL Hockey Stadium, defending champions TNB Thunderbolt regained their winning touch with a thumping 5-1 win over Politeknik Malaysia.

In their opening match, they drew 3-3 with Junior League champions SSTMI.

Mohamed Akhimullah Annuar Essok was the hero for TNB when he scored a hattrick in the sixth, 18th and 60th minutes.

The other two goal scorers were Mohamed Kamil Yusof  (ninth) and Mohamed Arif Syafie (60th).

Politeknik’s consolation goal in the ninth minute was scored by Mohamed Ain Rahiman.

SSTMI also kept pace with the leaders when they beat Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) 6-0 at the Education Ministry Turf in Jalan Pantai.

SSTMI and TNB Thunderbolt have four points from two matches.

Up north at the Sungai Petani Hockey Stadium, Nur Insafi paid a heavy price for their poor defending when they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of UiTM-KPT.

Nur Insafi took the lead through Nur Rahull Hrsikesa in the third minute off a field attempt.

But UiTM hit back with three penalty corner goals. Amir Zulkarnian Robangi scored twice in the 14th and 29th minutes while Mohamed Fitri Ismail was on target in the 27th minute.

Nur Insafi’s Pakistani player Mohamed Asim Khan scored their second goal in the 38th minute.

Nur Insafi team manager S. Tatachana Murthi lamented on their poor defending.

“We didn’t defend the penalty corners well and it cost us dearly. The defeat can be costly as the format is a one-round robin league.”

The Star of Malaysia

First ever PHL player draft a huge success


The PHL coaches at the 2016 player draft

The South African Hockey Association (SAHA) has hailed, as a major success, the first ever Premier Hockey League (PHL) Draft.

Saturday’s draft, to select the playing squads for the first ever PHL event was inspired by American sports leagues, such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL). Coaches from the newly formed PHL teams, each took turns, on a round by round basis, to build their squads. Full coverage of the day’s drama was delivered via social media and the newly launched PHL official website.

The teams will now go on to compete at the inaugural PHL, which will run over four weekends, commencing on Saturday 3rd September and running until Sunday, 25th September 2016. All matches are being played on Saturday’s and Sunday’s at the Randburg Astro.

“The player draft system was an exciting new innovation for the PHL, and we are very happy with the outcome of the event. The South African Hockey Association (SAHA), with support from the Department of Sport & Recreation, is very proud to be launching the PHL. The PHL teams are well balanced and will provide high quality hockey action for all to enjoy. We wish all the PHL teams and their coaches the best of luck for the upcoming competition,” said Marissa Langeni, CEO of SAHA.

Following the day accomplishments, the PHL is proud to reveal the squads for the 2016 PHL teams:

Men’s PHL Teams:

*The first four names in each playing squad are marquee players that were allocated to each team before the draft took places. Names 5 – 18 were selected in Saturday’s draft. 

Women’s PHL Teams:

*The first four names in each playing squad are marquee players that were allocated to each team before the draft took places. Names 5 – 18 were selected in Saturday’s draft.

The two other teams in the PHL are the Golden Gate Gladiators (Men) and the Lip Ice Namaqualand Daisies (Women). These teams are actually the SA men’s and women’s U21 national teams, respectively, and are playing in the PHL as franchise teams in preparation for the Junior World Cup that takes place later this year. As they are pre-selected national squads, the players from these teams were not included in the draft.

SAHA Premier Hockey League media release

Nehru Primary School bows out in hockey semis

Mere Naleba

WHILE the Nehru Primary School side lost to Marist Brother's Primary School in the under-14 semi-final of the Fiji National Primary Schools Hockey competition, the side is quite happy with their achievement.

Nehru Primary School teacher and coach Vandhana Lal said even reaching the semi-final of the competition was an accomplishment in itself.

The side was held 2 all when the final whistle blew and MBPS managed to steal the win after scoring another goal during a penalty shoot-out bringing their points to 3 -2.

The side was bundled out of the semi-final but this has only made the team consisting of both female and male players to be more determined to secure a spot in the finals of the competition next year.

"We are happy with how the players played and we know that we could have done better, but to play in the semi-final is a big achievement for us," Lal said.

Nehru scored goals through their players Neel Patel and Thomas Kadir.

In their quarter-final match, the side had won against Veiuto Primary School in a 2 - 0 match. The Veiuto Sticks were always said to be a force to reckon with on the turf, but the Nehru side walked all over the side during the quarter-final match.

"It is the support from the parents and everyone involved that has seen the side come through, we have just finished our exams and I thank the coaches and the teachers who sacrificed their time to assist the players," Lal said.

The school this year fielded only two teams to play in the U12 and U14 grades.

The Fiji Times

Fijian School hockey improves

Mere Naleba

THE finals of the 11 a-side Suva Primary Schools Hockey competition were played on Saturday, with the organisers happy with the progress of schools that had remained low key during the first round of games.

Suva Primary Schools Hockey Association president Loloma Ratuwaqa said to see schools such as Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School playing in the finals of the competition showed that these schools had really worked hard.

Ratuwaqa said usually it was schools like Veiuto Primary School and Marist Brother's Primary School that dominated the competition but this year saw a different twist as schools that been underdogs finally stamping their marks in the finals.

"The enthusiasm from the players is really impressive, especially from the parents and supporters too," Ratuwaqa said.

Ratuwaqa said now that the competition was over, the next step was to try and arrange for games between schools in the Central/Eastern division and the Western division.

"The level of competition is really high and it is impressive to see the level of knowledge of the game these young players have," Ratuwaqa said.

She said it was excellent to notice that children were now taking a keen interest in the sport.

Results (Finals): U8: St Marcellin 2 - 0 VPS, U10: MGM 3 - 0 MBPS, U12: VPS 2 - 1 ISS, U14: MBPS 3 - 2 MGM

The Fiji Times