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News for 07 September 2016

All the news for Wednesday 7 September 2016


Five-goal Scots get World League off to a flyer


Kenny Bain opens the scoring for Scotland

Scotland got their World League 1 campaign underway with an excellent 5-0 win over Switzerland at the National Hockey Centre in Glasgow. The win put the Scots top of the table on goal different after one game.

Before the game got underway there was applause for David Forsyth for earning his 50th cap, and Alan Forsyth for reaching 100 caps for Scotland.

When the game started, Scotland controlled the match from the start with Dan Coultas and Willie Marshall pulling the strings for the hosts. They nearly took an early lead when the ball was smashed into the Swiss D for Alan Forsyth – he managed to get a stick onto it but the goalkeeper made a great save to keep the Scots at bay.

Scotland were knocking on the door again as the half progressed. Kenny Bain passed the ball to Cameron Fraser but the Swiss defence combined well to intercept his effort on goal.

A series of penalty corners saw Coultas cause havoc in the Swiss D. His first effort was deflected past at high speed. His second attempt shortly after was blocked but Bain was there to knock it into the net to give Scotland the lead. 1-0.

Coultas was rewarded for excellent first half performance with a goal. He chased down a Hamish Imrie shot, prompting a goalkeeping error, which allowed him to slot the ball home and make it 2-0.

Scotland got the second half underway with an early goal. Bain passed the ball into the D for Ed Greaves who teed it up for Alan Forsyth to smash the ball past the goalkeeper. 3-0.


Scotland v Swiss

Lee Morton was denied a goal by a good save. It was Bain again who fashioned the opening but the goalkeeper saved Morton’s effort with his legs. Cameron Fraser was unlucky not to score Scotland’s fourth. Patch Christie smashed the ball into the D and Fraser diverted it wide from close range.

The fourth goal did arrive soon after. Willie Marshall struck the ball into the D and Hamish Imrie dived to deflect the ball past the goalkeeper at speed. 4-0. Alan Forsyth rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot following a push on Fraser. He struck the ball hard and low into the left corner to make it 5-0.

Scotland’s next match will see them take on Slovakia tomorrow night at 19.15 at the National Hockey Centre in Glasgow.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Richard Birir, Lorraine Nondi left out of World League Series squads

By BRIAN YONGA


The national women's hockey team players stretch during a training session at City Park Stadium on September 3, 2016 in preparation for the World League One Series to be held in Ghana. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Former national men's hockey team captain Richard Birir and midfielder Lorraine Nondi are the surprise exclusions from the Kenyan men and women sides that will feature at the World League One Series that gets underway on Friday in Accra, Ghana.

Both players featured in last year's Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and were tipped to make the squads that will face Nigeria, Namibia and the hosts at the Theodocia Okoe National Hockey Pitch in Accra.

However, the duo were not in the final team lists released on Tuesday by the Kenya Hockey Union.

Kenya Police star Birir participated in the last edition of the World league one series in 2014 in Nairobi.

Nondi, who joined newly formed Amira Sailors this season, was part of the women's team that featured in both the World league one and two series in Nairobi and Uruguay respectively.

Birir had hinted that he was calling time on his international career but was persuaded to continue playing by team manager Godfrey Bila early this year.

According to Bila, selectors had a tough time making the final list.

“It was not possible to choose all players and I believe growth and performance were key in settling on the 18 players and maybe Birir was not good enough prior to this event but he might still be considered for future events," Bila said on Tuesday.

The new faces in the team include Daniel Obunyasi, Chris Wokila and Francis Kariuki.

Butali Sugar Warriors midfielder Brian Musasia makes a return to the team after a three-year absence.

Chase Sailors striker George Mutira will captain the side assisted by Constant Mukhura of Strathmore University’s Gladiators.

The women's team has also seen some surprise inclusions but the omission of the versatile Nondi that has surprised many.

Defenders Elizabeth Ngombo and Winnie Ondogo, both of Strathmore Scorpions, have made the final list while there is also a maiden call up for Sliders defender Ndombellah Sekwatah.

Sliders striker Anita Agunda and Telkom Orange keeper Cynthia Anyango make their returns to the national team.
Scorpions midfielder Doreen Hongo replaces Tracy Karanja as team captain with striker Gilly Okumu named vice captain.

Nixon Nyangaga will take charge of the squad after replacing Jos Openda last month.

At the same time, the technical bench might be forced to whittle the squad down to 16 players due to financial constraints.

“If all goes well the teams are scheduled to depart to Ghana on Thursday morning. However, we are experiencing financial constraints and we might be forced to axe two more players but until then, we hope that money will come through and carry all the 18 players,” added Bila.

The top two teams in both categories will advance to the next round.

Squads:
Men: Sang Kipkemboi, Martin Agesa,Constant Wakhura, Sammy Oungo, Daniel Obunyasi, Neville Mulupi, Brian Musasia, Maxwell Wakhungu, Willis Okeyo, Allan Iningu, Brian Saina, Francis Kariuki, Osiche Victor, Francis Esikuri, George Mutira, Calvins Kanu, Festus Onyango, Okila Chris, captain George Mutira assisted by Constant Wakhura.

Team manager Godfrey Bila and head coach Meshack Senge.

Ladies:
Cynthia Onyango, Terry Juma, Elizabeth Ngombo, Ndombella Sikwattah, Lilian Aura, Carolyne Guchu, Tracy Karanja, Flavian Amuhaya, Rachel Ousa, Glennis Namasake, Yvonne Karanja, Audrey Omaido,Anita Agunda, Rhoda Nyambura, Rhoda Kerubo, Doreen Hongo (captain) and Gilly Okumu (assistant).

Head coach Nixon Nyangaga

Daily Nation



MISSING IN ACTION: Birir, Nondi out of Ghana hockey trip

By Elizabeth Mburugu


USIU Lorraine Nondi(l) hit the ball as Orange Lillian Aura blocks when they played Women League with Strathmore at Citypark. Orange scored 2-0. 0N 02/11/14 PHOTO:JENIPHER WACHIE

Former men’s national hockey team captain Richard Birir and women’s utility player Lorraine Nondi will not feature in this year's International Hockey Federation (FIH) World League One in Accra, Ghana.

Their exclusion from the travelling contingent came as a surprise considering that the two have been instrumental in previous international duties.

Birir, a Kenya Police player has been instrumental in his club’s assignments. He also captained the national team during the 2014 World League One in Nairobi. The duo’s last assignment with the national team was during the 2015 Continental Olympic Qualifier in South Africa.

National team manager Godfrey Bila said there were many factors that were considered during selection of the team.

"Competition for slots was quite high and we based our selection on growth and performance. He (Birir) was not at his best and thus didn’t make the cut for this assignment, but we need him for future events," Bila said.

Birir, on his part, said his exclusion could have been due to inconsistency in training.

"I was not consistent during training and that might have contributed to my current poor form. Nonetheless, I wish the team well and hope to be considered for future assignments,’’ Birir said

Nondi, a former United States International University-Africa player, who switched allegiance to league debutants Amira Sailors, was part of the team that featured in both the World League One and World League Two.

Chase Sailors' captain George Mutira will captain the men's team, while Doreen Hongo of Strathmore University will lead the women’s brigade. Kenya will launch their campaign for a spot in World League Two against Nigeria on Friday.

Bila said the teams are expected to travel to the West African country tomorrow.

“We are experiencing financial problems, but if all goes well, the teams will leave on Thursday.”

The Standard Online



BPCL holds IOC 1-1
 
Railways outplays ONGC 7-2

By S Thyagarajan


Goalmouth action in the match between Indian Railways and ONGC.

In a combat that acquired the contours of a cup final the two heavy weight teams in the competition, the defending champion, Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) finished the day with even honors at 1-1 in Pool A of the MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament on Tuesday at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.

The teams were goal-less at half time.

But the talking point of the day was the stupendous performance of the National Champion, Indian Railways, which outplayed Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) in a high voltage match.

The 7-2 victory by Railways proves how emphatic that combination was against a formidable outfit in the country.

Featuring a dozen or so internationals the key match between IOC and BPCL was looked forward to in anticipation of who among the two would top the pool. Virtually assured of a place in the semifinals, the result has only heightened the expectations in Pool A.

IOC has match against Mumbai, which is yet to open its account, while BPCL has to combat the challenge from the local team, HUTN tomorrow.

Both teams have seven points. Circumspect for the major part the teams confined to the mid-field in the matter of exchanges not allowing either set of forwards to assert themselves.

After a barren first half, it was the veteran winger Prabhjot Singh, who is scoring consistently in the tournament, sounded the boards but the tie had a pulsating culmination when another battled scarred campaigner Tushar Khandekar brought the equalizer with a minute remaining from the hooter.

Indian Railways really peaked at the appropriate moment to enlarge its chances of a semifinal berth after the 7-2 verdict against ONGC from Pool B. It was a match where no quarter was asked for and none given.

Railways showed its dominance when Talwinder Singh found the roof of the net to hoist the lead followed by JP Kush.

But ONGC rallied remarkably to reduce the margin to 2-1 before half time and leveling at 2-2 when Diwakar Ram pitched in a field goal after the break.

It was anybody’s at that point with ONGC enjoying a clear edge. But the tide changed when a little over 12 minutes were left.

Railways forged ahead with a penalty corner goal by Amit Rohidas. Pepped up by this effort, the Railways team enlarged the pressure and confounded the defenders and the spectators with four superb goals to troop out triumphant in this Pool B match.

With six points from three matches and a match remaining against Hockey Karnataka, the Indian Railways looks well set for a semi final place from Pool B.

The results:

Pool A: IOC 1(Prabhjot Singh) drew with BPCL 1 (Tushar Khandekar)

Pool B: Indian Railways 7 (Talwinder Singh, JP Kush, Amit Rohidas, Affan Yusuf 2, Malak Singh, Raju Paul) beat ONGC 2 (Gurjinder Singh, Diwakar Ram).

Fieldhockey.com



Indian Railways trounces ONGC

K. Keerthivasan


SIMPLY SUPERB: Indian Railways' goalkeeper Jagraj Singh was in great form against ONGC in the all-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup tournament in Chennai on Tuesday. Photo: M. Vedhan

Indian Railways produced a masterful display in its 7-2 win over ONGC in a Pool-B contest of the all-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here on Tuesday.

With six points in the kitty and a match to go against Karnataka, Railways is in a strong position to qualify for the last four.

Tushar Khandekar’s last-minute strike enabled BPCL drew with defending champion Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 1-1 in a Pool-A match later.

Though both BPCL and IOC have a match remaining against Tamil Nadu and Mumbai respectively, for all practical purposes, they have qualified for the semifinals.

The day clearly belonged to Railways. Talwinder Singh hit one into the top of the roof. Then, J.P. Kush dribbled his way into the circle to make it 2-0 for Railways.

ONGC immediately pulled one back after Gurjinder Singh scored off a cross by Jagwanth Singh from the right.

In the second half, a resurgent ONGC made some eye-catching raids. On both occasions, the Railways’ keeper Jagraj Singh proved equal to the task.

ONGC’s good work was rewarded when Diwaker Ram converted one off a penalty corner. With the scores tied at 2-2, both teams played hard.

The match was evenly poised even after Railways’ Amit Rohidas converted a penalty corner for a 3-2 lead in the 58th minute. What happened in the remaining 11 minutes was unbelievable as the National champion converted four more goals that made ONGC look so pedestrian.
Mid-field tussle

The BPCL-IOC match was more of a midfield tussle in the first half. In the second half, Prabhjot Singh gave the lead for IOC before Tushar equalised.

The results:

Pool-A: IOC 1 (Prabhjot Singh 42) drew with BPCL 1 (Tushar Khandekar 69).

Pool-B: Indian Railways 7 (Talwinder Singh 14, J.P. Kush 21, Amit Rohidas 58, Affan Yousuf 64, 67, Malak Singh 66, Raju Paul 69) bt ONGC 2 (Gurjinder Singh 26, Diwaker Ram 46).

Monday’s results: Pool A: BPCL 3 (S.V. Sunil 29 & 24, Sher Singh 66) bt Air India 0; HUT 3 (Veera Thamizhan 17, Hassan Basha 61, Judson Gabriel George 65) bt Mumbai HA 2 (Jugraj Singh 26 & 41).

The Hindu



Faizal receives two-match ban for "bodoh" remark

by Aftar Singh


Faizal (centre) has been handed a two-match ban for calling an umpire “bodoh” (stupid) during the Premier Division match against Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

Faizal (centre) has been handed a two-match ban for calling an umpire “bodoh” (stupid) during the Premier Division match against Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu hockey player Faizal Saari has been handed a two-match ban for calling an umpire “bodoh” (stupid).

Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) tournament director Jusvir Singh confirmed that Faizal had admitted to the offence during Terengganu’s Premier Division match against Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

The match saw Faizal collecting one yellow card and a red card.

He was shown the yellow card in the 34th minute for a foul by umpire Nor Azhar Abiddin.

Faizal then uttered the word “bodoh” and was promptly given the marching orders by Nor Azhar.

“I’ve banned him for two Premier Division matches based on the 12 demerit points he collected in the match – one yellow (four points) and one red card (eight points),” said Jusvir.

Faizal will miss the matches against Maybank in Malacca on Friday and against Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) at the KL Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

The Star of Malaysia



Bulldogs start season 2–0

Matthew Stock


Photo: Deniz Saip

It took last year’s Yale field hockey team 17 trips to the field to capture its third win of the 2015 season, a 6–2 showing over Brown in its final game. Thanks to a balanced attack, near-infallible defense and late game heroics this past weekend, the Bulldogs are now on the cusp of a third victory just days into the 2016 season.

The Elis (2–0, 0–0 Ivy) opened their season on Saturday with a defensive-minded 2–0 triumph against visiting Sacred Heart, holding the Pioneers without a single shot on goal at Johnson Field. Two days later in Rhode Island, Yale spoiled Bryant’s home opener with a 2–1 win in which forward Carol Middough ’18 knocked home her first goal of the season in overtime to send the Elis back to New Haven undefeated.

In total, four different Bulldogs each scored a goal on the weekend, already putting a dent in the tally of eight Yale players who scored last year.

“Our offensive production from the past weekend has shown that we have plenty of different players who are able to finish in the circle,” Middough said. “In the future, we are looking to obviously score even more goals, but I think offensively, this weekend was a great start.”

Yale entered the weekend having won eight of its last nine matchups against Sacred Heart (0–4, 0–0 NEC) and made seemingly quick work of its neighbor from Fairfield on Saturday. The Bulldogs took advantage of their third penalty-corner opportunity just under 14 minutes into the game, when forward Camille Scheyer ’20 received a pass from defender Kiwi Comizio ’18 and fired a strike past the Pioneer goalkeeper for her first career goal.

The Bulldogs struck again in enemy territory shortly after taking that 1–0 lead. With 15 minutes remaining in the first half, forward Bridget Condie ’20 brought the ball in bounds and swiftly evaded a Sacred Heart defender before pushing the ball into a commotion in front of the net, where forward Brooke Reese ’19 knocked in the second goal of the afternoon for Yale.

The 2–0 cushion was more than enough for the Bulldogs, who carried a 10–0 shot advantage into halftime and held the Pioneers without a shot for over an hour of playing time. Sacred Heart’s two offensive efforts were deflected before ever reaching first-team All-Ivy Yale goalkeeper Emilie Katz ’17.

“Everyone in the backfield has really stepped up this year to take ownership,” forward Alyssa Weiss ’17 said of the defense. “Kiwi Comizio, [captain] Steffi Katz ’17, Holly Jackson ’20 and Marissa Medici ’19 are just a few of our most solid defenders who we can count on. We’re working on maintaining our structure to keep up our defense.”

Monday’s matinee against Bryant (0–4, 0–0 NEC) proved to be far more dramatic than the Elis’ season opener. While both teams recorded two shots in the opening minutes of the game, it was a pair of Yale forwards who hit pay dirt first, as Danee Fitzgerald ’17 assisted Allie Carrigan ’19 amidst a scramble of players.

Though Bryant senior Victoria Danby, responsible for all but one of the team’s first-half shots, pestered Katz throughout the opening 35 minutes, it was freshman Floor van Dommelen who equalized the game in the second half for the Bulldogs in black and gold. Yale piled on 12 more shots in the remaining half hour of regulation, but could not find a way past Bryant goalkeeper Marissa Elizardo.

The Elis, however, were quick to break through in the overtime period, finding Middough on their ninth penalty corner of the game. The New Jersey native, who led the team in scoring in 2015 and was named to the All-Ivy Second Team, recorded her first goal of 2016 to lock up the 2–1 victory for Yale.

“I thought we have been able to create so many opportunities on the offensive end thus far because we are working well together on passing sequences and making better use of the space and our skills,” Comizio said. “We were all really happy with the level of play we were able to achieve, but we definitely are looking to improve on capitalizing in the circle and defensive pressure going forward.”

Yale will look to defend its unbeaten start against Lafayette and Hofstra this weekend. The Bulldogs have not begun a season 3–0 since 2010, and have not enjoyed a three-game winning streak since winning seven in a row at the conclusion of their 2011 Ivy League championship campaign.

Yale News



Chandigarh, Jalandhar boys share hockey title


Chandigarh Hockey Academy and Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar scored a goal each in the 15th ONGC SN Vohra Memorial Sub-Junior Hockey tournament final. Tribune photo

In a strange decision, Chandigarh Hockey Academy and Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar, were declared joint winners of the 15th ONGC SN Vohra Memorial Sub-Junior (U-14) Hockey tournament after the teams played 1-1 draw at Sector 42 Sports Complex here today.

The declaration came as a surprise as the organisers could have held the shoot-out to break the deadlock.  

"We had taken consent of both the teams. They were happy to be announced joint winners. The chief guest was in hurry, but that was not the reason behind the decision. We had also started the final a bit late," said organising secretary Anil Vohra.

Earlier, Jalandhar boys took the lead through a field goal by Dilraj Singh in the 25th minute. He dodged past two defenders before threading the ball past the Chandigarh goalkeeper.

The city boys drew level in the 56th minute, with Rohit successfully converting a penalty corner.

Jashanpreet Singh of Surjit Academy was adjudged the best goalkeeper, while Rohit and Ankush of Chandigarh Hockey Academy were declared the best full-back and half-back, respectively. Abhitab of Mohali Academy bagged the best forward award.

Cheema Hockey Academy, Batala, received Dr. BL Gupta Fair Play Trophy.

The Tribune



Developing Coaches and their Players

FIH Coach Shiv Jagday launches an E-Newsletter aimed at developing coaches. Core Themes covered in this issue are:-

Technical: Role of the open stick, near the left side of the bodies left foot, in the range of 3 to 6 inches

Tactical: Thinking Strategies to play in the Four Quadrants of the field

Guiding Coaching Philosophy: One size does not fit all

Power point presentations to support the core themes of this issue

Motivational Quotes

Latest News

Upcoming Events

Click below to read the newsletter

Welcome to SCA’s Quarterly E Newsletter - September 2016



German Hockey Federation leads way in inclusivity


Italy celebrate their win at the Essen Parahockey tournament Photo: DHB

With the 2016 Paralympics all set to burst into action from 7-18 September, we are all reminded that inclusion within sport should be a fundamental right.

The German Hockey Federation (DHB) has been working hard to promote, support and develop hockey activities for people of all abilities. The result of many months of talks, planning sessions and promotion – dating back to January – was the annual Para-hockey tournament held at ETB Essen earlier this year.

Participants from 10 teams, representing five nations, took part in the event, with teams from Italy and Spain meeting in the final.

The Italian side emerged as the winner but every team left with a gift of 10 hockey sticks donated by the DHB. The tournament was administrated and officiated by the European Hockey Federation Youth Panel.

Taking the initiative a step further, the DHB has organised a meeting of groups and individuals interested in developing inclusive hockey further. Titled 'Themedays Parahockey and Inclusion', the meetings will span one and a half days in September, during which time the participants will discuss ways in which clubs, schools and associations can come together to promote hockey to a wider audience and get more people involved.

The discussions will include how to organise and run training sessions, support programmes for coaches and administrators, opportunities for different organisations to work together and share ideas and, of course, the chance for communication between different, but similarly motivated groups.

Speaking on behalf of the DHB, Linda Sandkaulen says: “Inclusion is a main topic within our society and is at the heart of development for kids and youth sports. Promotion and support, action and involvement all help people with handicaps to feel included in all aspects of life. Sport plays a crucial role here. Sporting activities lend themselves to inclusion. Sport can be played by people with and without handicaps with the same pleasure and the same emotions, it has the power, to connect people with each other on a natural basis.”

The DHB and other national hockey federations are working hard to grow Para-hockey. Sandkaulen adds that hockey offers so many opportunities for inclusive activities. It is the aim of the DHB to encourage all clubs in Germany to offer inclusive activities.

“There are so many possibilities to support the growth of Para-hockey and establish a range of possibilities and choices for people with handicaps in every sport," she says. "Hockey is a brilliant sport to train individual skills and the hockey family has the strength to encourage development.”

As Sandkaulen says: “The aims of the DHB to promote hockey to all participants, irregardless of their ability, is a core value of the FIH Hockey Revolution.”

The Euro Para-Hockey Championships will take place 17 – 20 August, 2017 in Amsterdam as part of the EuroHockey Championships 2017.

For further information about Para-hockey in your country, contact your National Association, all of whom can be found here.

FIH and the European Hockey Federation (EHF) have worked together to produce rules for Para-hockey. They can now be downloaded from the FIH website by clicking here, entitled Para-ID Hockey.

FIH site



Former NZ keeper McPherson passes away


Photo Sue Shepherd

Former Northland and New Zealand hockey goalkeeper Ross McPherson has passed away at age 77.

McPherson began his hockey career as a goalkeeper at Whau Valley Primary School.

From primary school he went onto attend Whangarei Boys High.During his club career he played for Old Boys, Rovers and Springfield.

In his international career he played for NZ at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 and the Munich Olympics in 1972.

Over a nine year period during the late 1960s and early 1970s Ross played 64 matches for New Zealand, 37 of them tests or matches at the Mexico Olympics and the Munich Olympics.

During this time he did not let one single penalty stroke get past him. He had an uncanny ability to stop penalty strokes, a skill which he put to particularly good use helping Northland to win the Challenge Shield on two occasions by stopping penalty strokes.

Even today Ross is still regarded as one of the best goalkeepers the game has ever produced.

Sue Shepherd, author of Northland Hockey Heroes, said he will be sorely missed.

"Ross was one of those exceptional people you met in life. He was the reason I decided to make a book about some of Hockey Northlands greatest players. We talked many times - he was a gentleman and a true sportsman," she said.

"I am so glad I took the time to listen and record his stories. Marilyn Edwards his partner of many years was one of his greatest supporters."

"Rest in peace Ross you will be greatly missed by the whole Northland and New Zealand Hockey communities."

McPherson, nicknamed 'Tufty' due to his lack of hair, was the consumate professional, typified by his comments in Northland Hockey Heroes.

"You try to win but winning isn't everything. You learn to take the good with the bad," he said.

"You play to win, you play to enjoy the game, but you must be a good loser."

"I've always tried to be a perfectionist. I am always happy after a game if the score at my end is nil."

McPherson also played cricket, representing Northern Districts in the Plunkett Shield and was reputed as a solid and technically correct opening batsman.

He is survived by wife Marilyn Edwards and his two children.

Story courtesy Northern Advocate.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

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