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News for 28 November 2016

All the news for Monday 28 November 2016


USA, Spain and Belgium join Netherlands and Argentina in women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 Quarter-Finals


Belgium left it late to score a hugely important equaliser against China Photo: FIH/World Sports Pics

USA, Spain and Belgium joined Netherlands and Argentina in the Quarter-Finals of the women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 in Santiago, Chile following the final Pool A and D matches today.

A 3-2 victory for USA against Korea was enough for them to secure second spot in Pool A behind Netherlands, while Spain and Belgium qualified from Pool D in what proved to be a day filled with drama.

With Pool B and C teams enjoying a rest day today, they will return to the field tomorrow at 14:00 (local) for their final Pool matches.

Here’s a summary of all the day’s action:

Pool A:
USA and Korea played out what was the game of the day as both teams went head to head in the knowledge that the winner was guaranteed a place in the Quarter-Finals. Korea gained an early advantage after only two minutes when Seoyeong Kim scored from open play. Whilst the Asian team looked strong in the early stages, USA drew level after 18 minutes through Margaux Paolino. Erin Matson edged USA further ahead in the 33rd minute and whilst the game continued to go end to end, USA took control of the game when Lauren Moyer scored in the 58th minute. Korea did not give up and brought the score back to 3-2 through captain Hyejin Cho to give USA a nervy end to the game. Speaking afterwards, USA’s Julianna Tornetta was relieved to get the win. She said: “Korea were very good with a flat defence, that was something that we struggled with a little bit. We couldn’t get wide enough. They are a really good team – we struggled with their aerials too – they were incredible.” On her experiences so far she said: “Hockey at this level makes you grow physically, mentally – I’m so lucky to be able to be able to play in this environment so that’s certainly a major positive so far.”

On Friday, Netherlands were the first team to qualify for the Quarter-Finals after winning their second match of the tournament against USA. Today they went in to their game against Zimbabwe knowing that a win would guarantee them top spot in the Pool. This incentive inspired the defending champions to record the biggest victory of the event so far as they won 13-0, which included five goals for Frederique Matla.

Pool D:
It was all to play for in Pool D with all teams still in with a chance of qualifying for the Quarter-Finals at the start of the day.

Like the USA v Korea match before them, Belgium v China was a winner takes all game. Perhaps the nerves got the better of Belgium as they went 1-0 down as Qiu Guo scored from a penalty corner after only three minutes. Both teams battled hard throughout the game, with a number of chances wasted from both teams. After the break China doubled their lead, again through a penalty corner, this time converted by Mengling Zhong. Belgium did not give up however and Marie Ronquetti scored with only two minutes left to play. The drama was left to the last second as Stephanie Vanden Borre scored with the last hit of the ball from a penalty corner to level the score, knocking China out of Quarter-Final contention.

Belgium had to wait for the result of the New Zealand v Spain match to find out their fate. New Zealand needed to win to be in with a chance of reaching the Quarter-Finals but didn’t help their chances when they let Spain’s Lucia Jimenez score after only five minutes. New Zealand had opportunities but Jimenez doubled their lead seconds before the half-time hooter following a mistake at the back from New Zealand. Spain continued to dominate in the second half, with goals from Lara Panpin and another from Marta Segu to leave the final score 4-0. Spain’s win guaranteed them top spot, with Belgium finishing second – the top two teams from each Pool qualifying for the Quarter-Finals. Speaking afterwards, Spain’s Head Coach Adrian Lock said: “It was a big win for us but we didn’t play well. I don’t really understand how we won 4-0 as I wasn’t happy with our play at all. I felt even though we weren’t playing well we kept our heads in the game and didn’t get frustrated and took the goals when we had the opportunities to put them away.”

Tickets for the event, which is taking place from 24 November until 4 December, are on sale and can be purchased by clicking here. Those who cannot attend can watch the livestream of all games provided by the hosts by clicking here.

Fans can find scores, standings, photos, videos and more via the official event website on FIH.ch as well as through FIH Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #HJWC2016 and #RockTheJuniors.

RESULTS
Pool A: Netherlands 13, Zimbabwe 0; Korea 2, USA 3.
Pool D: Belgium 2, China 2; New Zealand X, Spain X.

FIH site



U-21 USWNT Finishes Second in Pool A After a Hard Fought Battle with Korea



SANTIAGO, Chile - The final pool play match for the U.S. U-21 Women's National Team against Korea at the women's Hockey Junior World Cup was a constant battle. Although Korea scored first, Team USA used grit to capitalize on scoring opportunities and secure the victory and finish second in Pool A.

"Korea is an interesting team, we've never played against this nation's team which means we were kind of playing against an unknown," said Janneke Schopman, U-21 USWNT Head Coach. "Their aerials, I think, literally threw us by surprise and caught us a bit off guard. They prevented us from getting into the game, setting ourselves and creating a flow."

Off the starting whistle, Korea came out strong being presented with a few scoring opportunities. In the 2nd minute Seoyeong Kim capitalize on a backhand shot to give Korea an early 1-0 lead. USA quickly transitioned the ball to the other end of the field looking for open lanes and chance came when at close range, Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) found room and got a backhand shot off that went just wide. Moments later, Julianna Tornetta’s (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.) turning shot from the top of the circle was saved by Korea’s goalkeeper.

Looking to create an opportunity, USA earned its first penalty corner in the 12th minute. The initial shot from the top was saved by Korea’s goalkeeper and the follow-up rebound attempt went across the goalmouth untouched. Changing the attack, Korea quickly moved the ball to the other end and took a shot from the top right of the circle that found a player on the left post. Julia Young (Yorktown, Va.) was solid on defense and shut down the chance.

Applying high pressure USA threatened forward with many circle penetrations. Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) drove hard just inside the circle, fired a shot and Margaux Paolino (Villanova, Pa.) was there to tip it past Korea’s goalkeeper. This goal in the 18th minute tied the score at USA 1, KOR 1.

On defense, USA pressured together and Matson effective gained possession. She created space and worked the ball into the attacking end. A hard foul by Korea outside the circle was upgraded to USA’s second penalty corner. Though the chance was not successful, USA regained possession and was awarded a free hit. Korea’s defender was not 5-yards from the play and another penalty corner was given to USA. Korea defended the opportunity well and transitioned down the field with speed. Being crafty, Korea earned its first penalty corner of the game in the 28th minute.

In the 30th minute, Brooke DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.) was given a green card. Korea took that opportunity and threatened forward but USA defended well and kept play outside the circle. With time winding down, USA pushed on as a backhand attempt by Gab Major (Royersford, Pa.) sailed just over the goal.

Eager to break the tie before half, USA continued to defend in pairs and in the 33rd minute, Matson ripped a hard low backhand shot that found the backboard to make it USA 2, KOR 1. Korea immediately pushed down to the other end where USA goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas) made a diving save in the last minute to assure the USA lead going into halftime.

"We held our ground but also got caught up sometimes," said Matson. "We got back together and figured it out as a team. I was glad we were head and knew we had to stay strong and push through."

Three minutes into the second half, USA earned a penalty corner. The straight shot was saved by Korea’s goalkeeper but another penalty corner was given off a rebound fight. Unable to convert the second chance, USA kept knocking as Major fired off a backhand attempt.

Turnovers seemed costly in the midfield as both teams fought hard to break through tackles. Korea earned a penalty corner in the 48th minute and the straight shot was saved by Bing. Another chance came for Korea as a hard low angle shot went across the field but no player was there to finish.

Korea continued to fight and grabbed its third penalty corner in the 57th minute. Off the fly, Laura Hurff (Newark, Del.) got a stick on the drag and deflected it over the endline. On the free hit, Korea found space and worked the ball back inside where Bing was found in a 1v1 situation and came up big and made the save.

Looking to get the ball to the other end of the pitch, J. Tornetta threw an overhead into space that Nicole Woods (Beverly, Mass.) ran onto and crossed presenting USA with another scoring chance. Using grit, USA earned a penalty corner in the 58th minute. Though the initial shot was saved by Korea’s goalkeeper, Lauren Moyer (York, Pa.) was there to finish the rebound and extend the lead to USA 3, KOR 1.

A minute after scoring, Moyer was given a green card and Korea used the player advantage to test USA’s defense. Korea ripped shot after shot, with one hitting the cross bar and another just going out of the reach of a diving player.

In the 64th minute, Korea’s Huigyeong Ong and USA’s Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) were both awarded 5-minute yellow cards on separate plays. Korea gained possession and fought for the remainder of the match continuing to fire off shots and hitting hard balls into the circle. A final Korea penalty corner was given in the 67th minute where the play went back to the insert but Bing was there to make the glove save and secure the 3-2 victory for the USA.

"We fought hard and took the battle to them," added Schopman. "I was very happy how we bounced back. It is always hard if you concede an early goal and we ended up taking control of the game. They are a tricky team and we weren't at our best but we did work very hard. You don't always play well but the trick is to stay in the game and work really hard and get a result."

The U-21 USWNT has the next two days off but will return to action on Wednesday, November 30 in the Quarterfinals. Team USA will face Pan American rivals and familiar opponent Argentina, winners of Pool B. Game time is to be determined.

"We know Argentina and we know we can play them, but we also know that they are a very good team," commented Schopman. "If there is one thing that I want, it is that we come out and play and we play our best hockey and see where we get to. This game helped us establish what we need to change. It was tough but I know we can hang in there and hang on. I hope against Argentina, next to that part, we also just play to our potential."

USFHA media release



U.S. field hockey team tops Korea, finishes second in pool play

By Lauren Green



The United States U-21 women’s field hockey team got hard-fought 3-2 win against Korea in the final match of pool play at the women’s hockey junior World Cup.

Lauren Moyer tallied the eventual game-winner for the Americans in the 58th minute. Moyer finished a rebound from a Nicole Woods shot to extend the U.S. lead to 3-1. Korea cut the lead to 3-2 in the 67th minute after a goal from Hyejin Cho.

The Koreans jumped out to the early lead after Seoyeong Kim struck a backhand shot in just the second minute of play. The U.S. women rebounded and had several attacking opportunities to get the equalizer. The pressure finally paid off for the Americans when Margaux Paolino tipped an Amanda Magadan shot.

Erin Matson broke the tie just before halftime with a low, hard backhand shot that found the back of the cage in the 33rd minute. The U.S. women did not look back after that.

With the win, the U.S. women finished 2-1-0 in pool play after falling on Friday night to the Netherlands. The United States will face Argentina on Wednesday in quarterfinal action.

Excelle Sports



Kookaburras take out inaugural International Festival of Hockey

Defeat Black Sticks 3 - 1

Holly MacNeil



The Kookaburras have won the inaugural International Festival of Hockey against the New Zealand Black Sticks this evening, winning the final 3 – 1 with goals from Trent Mitton, Chris Bausor and Jeremy Hayward.

The first quarter was action packed with the Kookaburras having the opportunity, but narrowly missing several shots on goal with one from Jake Whetton so close it hit the post much to the dismay of the crowd.

Quarter time came with a nil - all score after the Aussies continually pressed the Black Sticks. Going into the second quarter and Trent Mitton celebrating his 100th cap, made a break for goal but the Black Sticks managed to rally their defence and avoid giving the Kookaburras the lead.

The time came for Mitton though, as he made a powerful reverse flick which sailed into the top right of the net giving the Kookaburras the advantage going into the half time break.

The Kookaburras continued to push with their attack, and at the 37th minute Dylan Wotherspoon made a shot for goal that went wide, with Chris Bausor laying it all on the line to slide across the pitch and tap the ball in to goal.

Th Black Sticks came back in the final quarter knowing they had some work to do and pressing the Kookaburras. They were rewarded with a penalty corner goal from Kane Russell with twelve minutes left on the clock.

With only a minute to go in the match, Kieran Govers made an excellent tackle to steal the ball back from the Black Sticks in the Australian circle. Govers passed to Jeremy Hayward at the top of the circle, whose powerful reverse flick hit the top middle of the net and secured the 3 - 1 win for the Kookaburras.

Kookaburras interim head coach Paul Gaudoin said: “It was a pleasing win at the end of a pretty tough tournament. I think we’ve learned an awful lot over the last two or three weeks as a young developing group and to be able to play in a final, with the pressure of a final, and perform and win was excellent for the group.

“There are a couple of changes that will be made in the squad for Bendigo, but we’re looking forward to another opportunity to grow and have a look at some young players.”

The Kookaburras Dylan Wotherspoon was announced as the Player of the Tournament, while India’s Rupinder Pal Singh was the leading goal scorer.

The Kookaburras wore ‘Fair go, sport!’ rainbow coloured socks during the match to support equality in sport, and to promote safe and inclusive sporting environments by promoting awareness and understanding of sexuality and gender diversity.

Earlier in the day India defeated Malaysia 4 -1 to take out third position, with goals from Rupinder Pal Singh, Raghunath Vokkaliga, Talwinder Singh and Akashdeep Singh.

The Kookaburras and India now head to Bendigo for a two-game test which takes place on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 November.

KOOKABURRAS 3 (1)
Trent Mitton 24 (FG)
Chris Bausor 37 (FG)
Jeremy Hayward 59 (FG)

NEW ZEALAND 1 (0)
Kane Russell 48 (PC) 

Kookaburras squad v New Zealand
Tristan Clemons (Bunbury, WA) 30/0
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Valley, NSW) 60/8
Casey Hammond (Bundoora, VIC) 6/0
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 67/22
Aaron Kleinschmidt (Melbourne, VIC) 7/2
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 100/38
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW) 41/12
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 112/47
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 84/6
Matthew Willis (Tamworth, NSW) 14/1
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 104/15

Used Substitutes
Chris Bausor (Perth, WA) 21/2
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 94/16
Ben Craig (Lane Cove, NSW) 6/0
Kieran Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 120/56
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 75/0
Josh Pollard (Melbourne, VIC) 7/0
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) 30/7

Hockey Australia media release



Black Sticks finish runners up in Melbourne


Photo: Grant Treeby

The Black Sticks Men have finished second at the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne after being defeated 3-1 by hosts Australia in the final.

New Zealand played well for much of the match but the world number one ranked Kookaburras were able to capitalise on more of their chances.

Head coach Colin Batch said the final result was disappointing but there have been many positives that have come out of the series.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose a final like that. We fought very hard in the second half to get back into it and were in a position there where we could’ve levelled the game,” he said.

“Overall I’m pleased with the new guys in the squad, they’ve experienced some high quality games both here in Melbourne and at the Trans-Tasman Trophy.

“It was really important we made the final, and also our win over India which was virtually their Olympic team was pleasing so we head home with some positives to build on.”

The match opened with the pace and attacking intensity deserving of a final as both the Black Sticks and Kookaburras came within inches of scoring on several occasions.

Australia grabbed the advantage in the 24th minute when Trent Mitton slipped a squeeze shot past goalkeeper Richard Joyce’s left shoulder in his 100th game for the Kookaburras.

The Kiwis earned their first penalty corner of the match in the 37th minute but after the flick was defended, the Kookaburras broke away and scored at the other end through Christopher Bausor.

Defender Kane Russell stepped up from a 48th minute penalty corner and slammed a drag flick low and into the corner to cut Australia’s lead in half.

The Kiwis fought hard to try and find an equaliser but were unable to cut through the defence before the Kookaburras sealed the result one minute from fulltime with a close range strike from Jeremy Hayward.

Defender Nick Haig brought up his 200th test for New Zealand in the match.

BLACK STICKS 1: (Kane Russell)
AUSTRALIA 3: (Trent Mitton, Christopher Bausor, Jeremy Hayward)
Halftime: Kookaburras 1-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks fall to hosts Australia in International Festival of Hockey


New Zealand's only goal came from a Kane Russell penalty corner drag flick in the 48th minute. Photo / Facebook

A late goal clinched the Four Nations international hockey title for hosts Australia against New Zealand in the final in Melbourne tonight.

World No 1 Australia won the final 3-1, but New Zealand had a strong second half and fought hard for parity.

New Zealand's only goal came from a Kane Russell penalty corner drag flick in the 48th minute.

By then, Australia had gone ahead through a Trent Mitton goal from close range which beat goalkeeper Richard Joyce on his left side.

Christopher Bausor put Australia 2-0 with a long range breakout.

After Russell had raised Black Sticks hopes, Jeremy Hayward shut the door on New Zealand inside the last two minutes.

New Zealand also lost the round robin game to the Australians 3-1, but a draw against world No 14 Malaysia and dramatic 3-2 win over No 6 India got the eighth-ranked Black Sticks into the final.

Last weekend, New Zealand beat Australia 2-1 for their first win over the Australians in New Zealand since 1967.

Australia have won the other four clashes between the transtasman rivals this year, including at the Rio Olympics and the Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia in April.

Black Sticks coach Colin Batch said while the final result was disappointing but there have been many positives that have come out of the series.

"It's obviously disappointing to lose a final like that," Batch said. ''We fought very hard in the second half to get back into it and were in a position there where we could've levelled the game.

"Overall I'm pleased with the new guys in the squad, they've experienced some high quality games both here in Melbourne and at the Trans-Tasman Trophy (in Auckland earlier this month).

"It was really important we made the final, and also our win over India which was virtually their Olympic team was pleasing so we head home with some positives to build on."

The New Zealand Herald



Black Sticks fall to Australia in International Festival of Hockey decider in Melbourne


Trent Mitton scored Australia's first half goal in the final. Ian MacNicol

A late Jeremy Hayward goal sealed Australia's 3-1 win against the Black Sticks in the International Festival of Hockey decider in Melbourne on Sunday night.

It was Australia's second win against New Zealand in the tournament, after beating them by the same score in the round-robin stage earlier in the week.


Nick Haig played his 200th game for the Black Sticks. PHOTOSPORT

Earlier, Trent Mitton celebrated his 100th match for the Kookaburras by opening the scoring in the 24th minute, while Chris Bausor bagged Australia's second late in the third quarter.

After scoring three goals in the final quarter to beat India 3-2 and book a spot in the final on Saturday, New Zealand desperately pushed forward in the final quarter in search of another miracle.

However, despite desperately pushing forward in search of an equaliser, the Black Sticks couldn't breach the home side's defence again.

Instead, it was Hayward who sealed the win with a reverse-stick bullet with less than two minutes left on the clock.

Mitton's opening goal, a shot from close-range, had an element of luck to it.

After getting on the end of a loose ball, he lashed a shot at goal which appeared to be heading across goal.

However, it took a fortuitous deflection of Cory Bennett's stick and banged into the roof of the net. 

Australia's second, the result of a swift counter-attack, was much more convincing.

Dylan Wotherspoon produced a peach of a reverse-stick cross from the left-hand corner, which was on a string for a diving Bausor to deflect in.

His goal followed a bunch of missed chances from the Aussies, including two by Daniel Beale.

He had a chance in the sixth minute of the match, when he found himself open in front of goal, but took a poor first touch and blazed his shot wide of goal.

Beale also almost got on the end of a goal-mouth scramble, but Russell managed to save the effort.

Aussie Kieran Govers also went close in the first half, but his penalty corner shot whistled wide of the goal.

The Black Sticks had a couple of chances of their own in the first half, the best of them falling to Matt Rees-Gibbs halfway through the second quarter.

He found himself with space to operate in the circle after some good lead-up work by Hugo Inglis, but could only blast his shot straight at the keeper.

The defeat was Nick Haig's 200th game for the Black Sticks.

In the third and fourth playoff, India beat Malaysia 4-1.

AT A GLANCE

Australia 3 (Trent Mitton 24, Christopher Bausor 39, Jeremy Hayward 58)
New Zealand 1 (Kane Russell 48)
HT: 1-0 Australia

Stuff



India beat Malaysia, take Bronze medal at the Four Nations Invitational Tournament

Melbourne, Australia: India beat Malaysia 4-1 in the Bronze medal play off match at the Four Nations Invitational Tournament today. The team dominated the Malaysians from start to finish, scoring twice in the final quarter to take a much deserved victory.

Shrugging off yesterday's disappointment, India were looking to strike and consolidate early to avoid any pressure from the Malaysians. They started off with several quick turnovers and passes, before scoring as early as the second minute of play.

Birendra Lakra picked up the ball near centre field and drove his shot diagonally into the circle. The cross evaded everyone, before falling to Akashdeep Singh lurking at the far post. Akashdeep deflected the ball in and give India the lead.

India kept control throughout the quarter and had several more chances, most notably with a flurry of four consecutive PCs right at the death, but the Malaysians defended stoutly to go into the first break down by just the one goal.

It was more of the same in the second quarter and Affan Yousuf came closest, expertly steering past three Malaysian defenders before unleashing a reverse hit towards goal. Malaysia's goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam was up to the challenge though patting it away to deny him a goal. Malaysia picked up the pace of their game in the final minutes of the quarter, but despite several circle penetrations, they failed to create any real chances. The teams went into half time separated by the single goal scored by India.

The game opened up more in the 3rd quarter as Malaysia chased the game, India were happy to sit back and work on the counter. Despite several circle penetrations neither team created any real opportunities almost till the end of the 3rd quarter. In the final minute though, VR Raghunath capitalised on a pair of PCs to convert one and double India's lead. Malaysia hit back almost from the restart catching India's defence unawares; Joel van Huizen's goal taking them into the final break down by the single goal.

India constantly pressed high and won several turnovers. Akashdeep was at the thick of things, first getting away a smart shot from inside the circle which was parried away by Kumar Subramaniam. Soon after though, he had another superb moment, dribbling away from Malaysia's defence to cut back a pass to Talwinder Singh, whose first time chip deflection beat the goalkeeper to complete India's third goal of the game.

Now India were in total control and were adamant to not let Malaysia back into the match. In the 58th minute they had another PC and from the drag flick Rupinder Pal Singh made no mistake in slotting the ball to the bottom right corner to give India a 4-1 advantage.

It would be the last bit of action on the pitch as India ran down the clock at the end to take a deserved victory and the Bronze medal from the Four Nations Invitational Tournament.

Stick2Hockey.com



India beat Malaysia 4-1 in hockey, finish third


India dominated from start to finish, scoring twice in the final quarter to take a much deserved victory. File photo

Melbourne: India defeated Malaysia 4-1 in the bronze medal play-off match at the Four Nations Invitational hockey tournament here on Sunday.

For India, Akashdeep Singh (2nd minute), V.R. Raghunath (45th), Talwinder Singh (52nd) and Rupinder Pal Singh (58th minute) scored while Joel van Huizen found the net for Malaysia.

India dominated from start to finish, scoring twice in the final quarter to take a much deserved victory.

Shrugging off Saturday’s disappointment when India lost to New Zealand, the winners were looking to strike and consolidate early to avoid any pressure from the Malaysians.

The Indians started off with several quick turnovers and passes, scoring as early as in the second minute of play.

Birendra Lakra picked up the ball near centre field and drove his shot diagonally into the circle.

The cross evaded everyone before going to Akashdeep Singh lurking at the far post. Akashdeep showed great awareness and superb skill to deflect the ball in.

India kept control throughout the quarter and had several more chances, most notably with a flurry of four consecutive penalty corners right at the death. But the Malaysians defended stoutly to go into the first break down by just one goal.

It was more of the same in the second quarter. Indian Affan Yousuf expertly steered past three Malaysian defenders before unleashing a reverse hit towards the goal. Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramiam patted it away to safety.

Malaysia picked up the pace in the final minutes of the quarter but despite several circle penetrations failed to create any real chances. The teams went into half time separated by India’s single goal.

The game opened up more in the third quarter as Malaysia chased the game. India were happy to sit back and work on the counter.

Despite several circle penetrations, neither team created any real opportunities almost till the end of the third quarter.

In the final minute though, Raghunath capitalised on a pair of penalty corners to convert one and double India’s lead.

Malaysia hit back almost from the restart, catching India’s defence unawares. Joel van Huizen’s goal took Malaysia into the final break down by a single goal.

India kept up the pressure in the final quarter. They constantly pressed high and won several turnovers.

Akashdeep was at the thick of things, first getting away a smart shot from inside the circle which was parried away by Kumar Subramiam.

Soon after, he had another superb moment, dribbling away from Malaysia’s defence to cut back a pass to Talwinder Singh, whose first time chip deflection beat the goalkeeper to complete India’s third goal.

Now India were in total control and were adamant to not let Malaysia back into the match.

In the 58th minute, they had another penalty corner. Rupinder Pal Singh made no mistake in slotting the ball to the bottom right corner to give India a 4-1 winner.

The Tribune



India bag bronze at Four Nations Invitational hockey

MELBOURNE: India put up a dominating performance to beat Malaysia 4-1 in the bronze medal play off match on Sunday and finish at the third spot in the Four Nations Invitational Tournament here.

The Indians managed to control the proceedings from start to finish, scoring twice in the final quarter to post a much deserved victory.

Shrugging off Saturday's disappointment, India were looking to strike and consolidate early to avoid any pressure from the Malaysians. They started off with several quick turnovers and passes, before scoring as early as in the second minute of play.

Birendra Lakra picked up the ball near centre field and drove his shot diagonally into the circle. The cross evaded everyone, before falling to Akashdeep Singh lurking at the far post. Akashdeep showed great awareness and superb skill to deflect the ball in and give India the lead.

India kept control throughout the quarter and had several more chances, most notably with a flurry of four consecutive Penalty Corners right at the death, but the Malaysians defended stoutly to go into the first break down by one goal.

In the second quarter, India forward Affan Yousuf came closest to scoring a goal, expertly steering past three Malaysian defenders before unleashing a reverse hit towards the goal. However, Malaysia's goalkeeper Kumar Subramiam was up to the challenge as he put it away to deny India a goal.

Malaysia picked up the pace in the final minutes of the second quarter but despite several circle penetrations, they failed to create any real chances.

The teams went into half time separated by the single goal scored by India.

The game opened up more in the third quarter as Malaysia chased the game while India were happy to sit back and work on the counter. Despite several penetrations, neither team created threatening opportunities almost till the end of the 3rd quarter.

In the final minute though, VR Raghunath capitalised on a pair of PCs to convert one and extend India's lead.

Malaysia hit back almost from the restart, catching India's defence unaware as Joel van Huizen scored a goal to take them into the final break 1-2.

India kept up the pressure in the final quarter, desperate not to repeat the mistakes of Saturday.

They constantly pressed high and won several turnovers. Akashdeep was at the thick of things, first getting away a smart shot from inside the circle which was parried away by Subramiam. Soon after though, he again dribbled away from Malaysia's defence to cut back a pass to Talwinder Singh, whose first time chip deflection beat the goalkeeper to give India their third goal of the game.

With India in complete control and adamant to not let Malaysia get back into the match, Rupinder Pal Singh netted the ball once again in the 58th minute through a PC.

Rupinder made no mistake in slotting the ball to the bottom right corner to eventually help India bag the bronze medal.

The Times of India



India women lose third hockey Test against Australia to lose series

MELBOURNE: The Indian women hockey team ended their Australian tour with a 1-3 defeat in the third and final match as they lost the series 1-2 at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, here on Sunday.

With the series level at one game apiece, the Indian eves put their best foot forward early on, as Nikki Pradhan, Deep Grace Ekka, and goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu successfully foiled attempts by the Australians to keep the score line at 0-0 going into the second quarter.

The Indian eves were quick to strike in the second quarter, as Deepika and Rani combined to display some remarkable stick work, allowing Vandana Katariya to get an easy deflection into the goal in the 17th minute.

Deepika was in action again, preventing Kalindi Commerford from scoring Australia's first goal. An unfortunate on-field collision, moments later, resulted in captain Vandana being ruled out for the remainder of the game.

India maintained their 1-0 lead going into halftime as the Hockeyroos could not convert three successive penalty corners.

The Indian eves earned four successive PCs in the third quarter but were unable to convert any even as Nikki and goalkeeper Etimarpu were kept busy by the Australian frontline. India had a bit of luck soon after as a powerful strike by Commerford ricocheted off the goalpost followed by an agile save from Etimarpu to prevent a deflection from sneaking past her.

Australia were back in the hunt again, as they earned two penalty corners and Brooke Peris' 39th minute PC conversion saw the Hockeyroos draw level with India. The hosts earned two more PCs, and Gabi Nance successfully converted one in the 41st minute to give Australia a 2-1 lead going into the final quarter.

The Indian eves stepped up their game in the final fifteen minutes, attacking the Australian defence as they searched for an equaliser. However, the Hockeyroos continued to charge at the Indian backline, with Kathryn Slattery and Murphy Allendorf looking to increase the lead.

Sunita Lakra and Deep Grace Ekka rose to the occasion, denying the Hockeyroos a third goal until the dying moments of the match. However, goalkeeper Etimarpu, who has been brilliant in this series, was outdone by a firm hit from Jordyn Holzberger that saw Australia increase the deficit to 3-1. Although Deepika put up a brave fight towards the end, Australia went on to win the match and the series 2-1.

India's Deepika was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for her stellar performance in the series.

The Times of India



Wimbledon close gap on the leaders


Wimbledon’s Phil Roper. Credit: Hockeyimages.co.uk

Wimbledon cut the gap at the top of the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division to just one point after they won and leaders Holcombe were held to a draw against Reading on Sunday.

Wimbledon recorded a comfortable 4-0 win at Loughborough Students, who lost for the 10th consecutive league game.

Phil Roper (pictured) and Phillip Ball scored in the space of three minutes to give the visitors the advantage, with Ian Sloan and Ben Arnold wrapping up the points in the second half.

Meanwhile, Holcombe slipped up at home against Reading after a 1-1 draw.

Sam Ward’s 10th goal of the season rescued the leaders a point after he cancelled out Montgomery Jefferson’s second half opener for the visitors.

Surbiton survived a second half fight back to stay third after a 4-3 win at Hampstead and Westminster.

Chris Cargo gave the host a fifth minute lead converting a penalty corner, but Surbiton were ahead at the break thanks to Dave Beckett and Robert Mugridge.

David Goodfield scored straight after the break and Alan Forsyth made it 4-1 a minute later with his 13th of the season, and despite goals from Richard Smith and Kwan Browne, Surbiton held on.

Elliot Hibell scored a brace to help Beeston to a 3-0 victory at Canterbury.

Mark Gleghorne was also on target with a penalty stroke, his 14th goal of the campaign, as he remained the division’s top scorer.

Elsewhere, East Grinstead claimed an emphatic away win, hitting Brooklands MU for six.

Ross Stott and Tony Wilson both scored two, with Sam Driver and Ashley Jackson also on the scoresheet to give the visitors their biggest victory of the season.

Men’s Conference East

A bumper haul of goals allowed Sevenoaks to go back to the top of the Men’s Conference East on goal difference after beating Wapping 6-2.

They are level on points with both Teddington and Southgate. Southgate drop to third after a surprise 5-2 defeat at Oxted.

Oxted were trailing 2-1 with 11 minutes remaining but a late scoring spree saw them to victory.

Teddington kept the pressure on at the top after a late Andrew Pett strike earned them a 5-4 win against West Herts on Saturday.

In the other games on Sunday, Cambridge City won 4-1 against Richmond and Brighton and Hove picked up their second win of the campaign with a 4-1 defeat of Indian Gymkhana, Joe Naughalty scoring a hat-trick.

Men’s Conference North

The University of Durham recorded their tenth win in as many games with a 5-3 victory at home to Doncaster. Elliot Dowley led the way with a brace.

Bowdon scored a last-minute winner for the third game running as Mike Shaw’s last minute strike resulted in a 3-2 win over Preston. They move up to second in the table.

Oxton also scored late, as a Jonathan Hodgkinson goal saw them beat Sheffield Hallam 3-2, a result that sees them move off the bottom of the table.

Leek are now bottom after a 3-1 loss to Deeside Ramblers and a single Will Fleet goal saw Cannock beat Olton and West Warwicks 1-0.

Men’s Conference West

Second played third in the Men’s Conference West as Team Bath Buccaneers and University of Exeter played out a tight 3-3 draw.

Team Bath were three goals up at the break through Matthew Boote (2) and John Jackson, but Exeter rallied in the second half as strikes from Ben Stevenson, Tom Watson and Mark Loughrey earned them a share of the spoils.

Cardiff and Met seized the opportunity to increase the gap at the top, coming from behind to beat Isca 2-1 and go five points clear.

Fareham moved off the bottom of the table with a much-needed 3-0 win over Chichester. James Seager scored twice.

The University of Bristol now prop up the table after a 1-0 loss to Cheltenham and the University of Birmingham beat Old Georgians 3-1, Josh Kelly netting a brace.

Men’s Hockey League (Saturday, 26 November 2016):

Men's Conference East: Teddington 5, West Herts 4.

Men’s Hockey League (Sunday, 27 November 2016):

Men's Premier Division: Brooklands MU 0, East Grinstead 6; Canterbury 0, Beeston 3; Hampstead and Westminster 3, Surbiton 4; Holcombe 1, Reading 1; Loughborough Students 0, Wimbledon 4.

Men's Conference East: Cambridge City 4, Richmond 1; Indian Gymkhana 1, Brighton and Hove 4; Oxted 5, Southgate 2; Wapping 2, Sevenoaks 6.

Men's Conference North: Cannock 1, Olton & West Warwicks 0; Deeside Ramblers 3, Leek 1; Oxton 3, Sheffield Hallam 2; Preston 2, Bowdon 3; University of Durham 5, Doncaster 3.

Men's Conference West: Cheltenham 1, University of Bristol 0; Chichester 0, Fareham 3; Isca 1, Cardiff & Met 2; Old Georgians 1, University of Birmingham 3; Team Bath Buccaneers 3, University of Exeter 3.

England Hockey Board Media release



Irish Mens EY Hockey League Weekend Round Up


Photo Credit: Rowland White/PressEye

Monkstown took advantage of Banbridge and Cork C of I’s postponement to move up two places into top spot in the men’s EY Hockey League thanks to a 3-1 win over UCD.

Top two prior to the weekend, Bann and C of I were due to meet on Saturday but, with the threat of frost in Co Down, the decision was taken on Friday evening to err on the side of caution and avoid the potential for a lengthy wasted journey.As such, Town took their chance to move top as they came from a goal behind to beat UCD. Jazze Henry’s classy opening goal was quickly countered by a Lee Cole drag-flick before Davy Carson added a double before half-time to complete the scoring.

At the bottom, Railway Union and Glenanne both picked up crucial wins. For the former, they saw off bottom side Instonians, cutting the Belfast side five points adrift in a 4-3 defeat.

Mark English was the key man, netting a hat trick. The first half ended 1-1 with William Robinson and Peter Catchpole exchanging goals before English opened his tally early in the second half. Robinson missed a penalty stroke but Matthew McCord, from Inst’s second stroke, equalised for 2-2, setting up a thrilling final 18 minutes. English, though, struck twice, rendering McCord’s late goal a mere consolation as Railway landed their first win since the opening day of the season.

Glenanne landed their first win of the campaign, continuing reigning champions Lisnagarvey’s recent tricky spell. After a scoreless first half, Shane O’Donoghue opened the scoring from a corner. Rowland Rixon-Fuller doubled the lead before Neal Glassey got one back but Gary Shaw sealed the deal with three minutes to go.

At Grange Road, Three Rock Rovers and Pembroke shared the spoils 2-2 in a result which neither side will be overly thrilled with. Pembroke led twice in the first half via Olympians Kirk Shimmins and Alan Sothern. Kevin Mullins had made it 1-1 before Mitch Darling – another Olympian – saw his deflected shot loop into the goal to draw the game.

EY Hockey League: UCD 1 (J Henry) Monkstown 3 (D Carson 2, L Cole); Three Rock Rovers 2 (K Mullins, M Darling) Pembroke 2 (K Shimmins, A Sothern); Glenanne 3 (S O’Donoghue, R Rixon-Fuller, G Shaw) Lisnagarvey 1 (N Glassey); Instonians 3 (M McCord 2, W Robinson) Railway Union 4 (M English 3, P Catchpole)Postponed due to frost: Banbridge v Cork C of I

Men’s EY Hockey League – day seven extended reports

Glenanne 3 (S O’Donoghue, R Rixon-Fuller, G Shaw) Lisnagarvey 1 (N Glassey)

Glenanne stunned Lisnagarvey to record their first win of the men’s EY Hockey League campaign, beating the reigning champions 3-1 in Tallaght.

After an early barrage was repelled by home goalkeeper Leo Micklem, Glenanne got the bearings and played with more patience and composure to ensure that the first half ended scoreless. And, as time wore on, the home side’s midfield trio of Shane O'Donoghue, Neil Byrne and Gary Shaw began to give them the upper hand and they took the lead from a set piece as O’Donoghue’s drag-flick, despite a touch from a Garvey defender on the line, broke the deadlock.

The Comber Road side fought back with a number of corners of their own but Micklem stood tall and Glenanne counter-punched in the fourth quarter. Rowland Rixon-Fuller gave the hosts breathing room with a backhand finish.

Garvey got one back through Neal Glassy with nine minutes to go and pressed for an equaliser, especially when Glenanne were reduced to 10 men. But, with three minutes to go, Sam O’Connor broke down the left and slipped a ball to the back post for Gary Shaw to make a sliding conversion and 3-1.

Instonians 3 (M McCord 2, W Robinson) Railway Union 4 (M English 3, P Catchpole)

Mark English’s hat-trick saw Railway Union garner a vital win over Instonians to make a significant leap forward, moving up to six points and five clear of bottom side Instonians.The game was in doubt due to heavy fog at Shawsbridge but the game did start on time but the conditions were not easy for either the players or the umpires. It was great to see Alan Patterson who suffered very severe spinal injuries during the summer at the game.

After a scoreless first quarter, the game caught fire in the second period. In the 20th minute, William Robinson converted Instonians first penalty corner with a strong second phase shot after the returning Stephen O’Keeffe had saved his first attempt.

Instonians held the lead until the 29th minute when a defensive mistake cost them dearly. Railway took the ball from an Inst defender and, in a three-man move, Peter Catchpole scored at the far post.

A 1-1 tie at half time moved to 2-2 by the end of the third quarter as Mark English’s reverse-stick shot put Railway in front for the first time. Inst came back strong and won a stroke in the 49th minute but Robinson saw his effort denied by O’Keeffe. They were level, however, when they were again awarded a stroke which Matthew McCord, this time, scored from for 2-2.

English restored Railway’s advantage when he scored with a lob from the bye-line; an excellent goal and a shot which seemed to take Sam Brown by surprise.

The game was becoming indisciplined with the umpires issuing both green and yellow cards to both sides. Railway killed off the tie when a long up field ball found English unmarked and he beat Brown to build a two goal cushion.On 69 minutes, Inst came back again when McCord scored from open play but Railway held on for the points.

Three Rock Rovers 2 (K Mullins, M Darling) Pembroke 2 (K Shimmins, A Sothern)

Three Rock Rovers and Pembroke shared the spoils from a high octane battle at Grange Road with Mitch Darling’s deflected strike with eight minutes tying things up.

Pembroke hit the front at the end tail-end of the first quarter with a brilliant Kirk Shimmins sweep shot from a narrow angle on the right of the circle, gobbling up a loose clearance from an initial attack.

It was slightly against the run of play but Shimmins was a crucial player for Pembroke all through the game with his driving runs, dove-tailing with Keith O’Hare and Harry Spain’s monster overhead passes.

Rovers had a goal disallowed from Ben Walker’s trickery in the second quarter after an umpire’s consultation but were level when Darling thumped a shot into Mark Ingram’s chest and Kevin Mullins picked up the pieces to level the game.

Alan Sothern, however, restored the Pembroke lead with the last play of the first half with an excellent corner goal, spinning at the top and then reversing home from the top of the circle.

The second half flowed end to end but Rovers upped the ante when Pembroke suffered a series of cards, Maurice Elliott clocking up 15 minutes in the bin for two yellow cards. Pembroke had got their second, though, during his first suspension.

Jody Hosking clipped the post with a swift run and shot while Ben Walker flicked into the side-netting from another. The leveller came when David Kane’s long ball was taken in by Darling who got away from the otherwise immaculate Spain and his reverse-stick shot took a wicked deflection into the goal.

The hosts almost won it, too, with a last minute corner that was turned in but only after a foot in the circle by Rovers, leaving the spoils shared.

UCD 1 (J Henry) Monkstown 3 (D Carson 2, L Cole)

Monkstown moved top of the table thanks to a 3-1 win over UCD at Belfield, leap-frogging Banbridge and Cork C of I whose tie was called off on Friday evening due to frost.

Town had the guts of the early chances but got fell behind when former player Jazze Henry ran into the D and reversed home a shot into the bottom corner, a classy opener. Monkstown bounced back instantly, Lee Cole scoring a drag from their second penalty corner.

Karl Lynch hit the post soon after before Monkstown moved in front for the first time in the second quarter. Nick Dee and Stephen Cole combined to dispossess Ben Campbell who slipped the ball to Davy Carson to score. Carson then bundled in a Kyle Good ball across goal for a 3-1 half-time advantage.

The second half remained end to end with corners at each end brilliantly charged down but no further goals meant Town were good value for a fifth win from seven outings.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Irish Womens EY Hockey League Weekend Round Up

The women’s EY Hockey League has broken into three distinct tiers as the leading trio moved further clear of the chasing pack of four while the bottom three sit in a major battle to avoid relegation.

At the top, Hermes-Monkstown, UCD and Cork Harlequins all won away from home to look in strong shape to earn an EY Champions Trophy place. Against bottom-placed Pembroke, Hermes-Monkstown were made to work all the way before prevailing 4-1 thanks to Anna O’Flanagan’s second successive hat trick.

She scored twice in the first half before Sarah Quill got one back. But O’Flanagan’s third in the closing quarter before Chloe Watkins’ last minute goal confirmed their win.

Sorcha Clarke was the key player for UCD as she netted her fifth and sixth goals of the campaign in their 2-1 win over Belfast Harlequins in Deramore Park. She exchanged goals with Amy Geddes in the first quarter before nicking the key goal in the second quarter.

The students pressed for a further goal to potentially made the game safe but none were coming, meaning Quins stayed in the running until late on but could not force an equaliser.

Cork Harlequins, meanwhile, recorded their sixth win from eight games with a 3-1 success at Ards. Cliodhna Sargent gave the Cork side a third minute lead with a corner bullet before former international Karen Bateman extended the advantage.

Jane Kilpatrick got one back for Ards but their run of four wins on the spin was ended when teenager Caoimhe Perdue got the insurance goal in the closing minutes.

The result puts seven points between Cork and Ards in third and fourth, respectively. Loreto are up to fifth with a 1-0 win over Ulster Elks, Hayley Mulcahy’s 20th minute goal the crucial factor.

Railway Union and Pegasus drew 2-2, meanwhile, with former international Kate Dillon scoring with just a couple of minutes to go for a share of the spoils. Taite Doherty put Pegasus ahead in the seventh minute before Emma Smyth levelled. Alex Speers put the Ulster side back in front before Dillon’s late leveller.

EY Hockey League: Railway Union 2 (K Dillon, E Smyth) Pegasus 2 (T Doherty, A Speers); Ards 1 (J Kilpatrick) Cork Harlequins 3 (C Sargent, K Bateman, C Perdue); Ulster Elks 0 Loreto 1 (H Mulcahy); Belfast Harlequins 1 (A Geddes) UCD 2 (S Clarke 2); Pembroke 1 (S Quill) Hermes-Monkstown 4 (A O’Flanagan 3, C Watkins)

Women’s EY Hockey League – day eight reports

Railway Union 2 (K Dillon, E Smyth) Pegasus 2 (T Doherty, A Speers)

Former international Kate Dillon’s first goal of the season in the last two minutes saw Railway Union salvage a draw from their Park Avenue date with Pegasus. The Ulster side took the lead early on when a loose aerial clearance from Railway was intercepted and worked across the backline for Taite Doherty to score.

The Dubliners levelled in the second quarter when Railway worked a couple of short, secure passes to Nina Heisterkamp who passed to Emma Smyth to neatly slot away. Pegs went back in front, however, from a corner with Alex Speers taking the ball passed the first runner to shoot home.

They held this lead through a scrappy third quarter with plenty of good chances but no further goals, the pick of which fell to Cecelia Joyce from Kate McKenna’s pass but she could not finish off. The final quarter was similarly end-to-end with Railway having most of the play. Throwing caution to the wind, they withdrew their goalkeeper in the last three minutes and it drew instant dividends, winning a corner that Dillon deflected home.

Ards 1 (J Kilpatrick) Cork Harlequins 3 (C Sargent, K Bateman, C Perdue)

Cork Harlequins got back on the winning trail to strengthen their place in the top three of the table. Thet started their tie at Ards the sharper and went in front after just three minutes, Cliodhna Sargent hammering home a corner shot from the top of the circle.

Quins went 2-0 up in the second quarter when Karen Bateman intercepted a pass and drove through the middle, before drifting left and finishing smartly on the reverse.

Ards looked like they might find a way back into the game when Sara Alexander picked the ball up on the left side of the circle and drove past two defenders, but couldn’t find the finish to beat the Quins keeper.

It stayed 2-0 going into the final quarter before Ards came out with all guns blazing in the final quarter, and got a lifeline right away when Jane Kilpatrick took a quick free inside the 23, drove left and into the circle and fired home a reverse stick shot to make it 2-1.

The home teams hope was short-lived, Quins restarting and driving up the pitch, where Caoimhe Purdue fired home to make it 3-1.

Ulster Elks 0 Loreto 1 (H Mulcahy)

Loreto moved up to fifth place in the league as Hayley Mulcahy’s solo strike gave the Beaufort side their second win of the campaign.

Loreto began the brighter on the two sides with plenty of early ball possession though there were few chances of note in the first quarter.The key moment came in the 20th minute when Loreto broke the Elks play down in midfield and pressed quickly into the circle where a ball across goal was tapped in by Hayley Mulcahy at the back post.

From there, oth teams struggled to get any flow into their game with most of the play restricted to between the 23m lines.

The fourth quarter began with Elks looking to get back on level terms. They created several opportunities but could not equalise, leading to a frenetic closing phase but stout defending from Loreto served them well to record a clean sheet and three points.

Belfast Harlequins 1 (A Geddes) UCD 2 (S Clarke 2)

Sorcha Clarke’s pair of first half goals saw UCD maintain their place in second in the women’s EY Hockey League.

Early on, the momentum shifted quickly between the sides before UCD had a strong spell. Helen Stevenson, in the Harlequins goal, pulled off a lively save in the seventh minute before Clarke opened the scoring for UCD in the 13th minute with a classy field goal.

Quins continued to fight and quickly secured an equaliser from a well-worked corner by Amy Geddes inside the first quarter. UCD continued to press with three penalty corner which were all well defended or saved by Stevenson who put in a great performance.

On the half hour, Clarke put UCD back in front with a good deflection from a cross field ball. The students went on to dominate the third quarter but found Stevenson equal to everything thrown at her. It left UCD open to a potential counter-striker, especially when Quins won a corner but Laura Johnston fired wide.

Pembroke 1 (S Quill) Hermes-Monkstown 4 (A O’Flanagan 3, C Watkins)

Hermes-Monkstown’s brilliant run of form stretched to an eighth successive win as Anna O’Flanagan scored a hat trick for a second week running, bringing her seasonal tally to 19 goals.

She broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, picking up the ball on the right wing and her shot from the edge of the circle found the net. She  converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute for her second goal. Pembroke replied through Sara Quill in the 35th min with a reverse stick shot.

Pembroke had a chance in the 48th minute to equalise but Maebh Horan’s shot was diverted over the back line as the game remained in the mix.

But Hermes-Monkstown closed out the win in the closing quarter. A pass from Chloe Watkins found O’Flanagan in the circle who finished off for her hat-trick.

Just before full time, Watkins made it 4-1 when she scored a penalty corner. Her side continue to lead the table by four points as a result.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Scottish National League takes shape for winter shutdown

Malaysian international Mohammed Faeez`s hat-trick of penalty corners was the catalyst in Uddingston`s 4-2 victory over fourth placed Grove Menzieshill on Tayside. The result sees Uddingston move out of the relegation zone into a mid-table position in Men’s National League 1.

Although Grove Menzieshill had most of the pressure in the first half they created few chances and the half ended goalless.

It took the Lanarkshire visitors only four minutes into the second half to lay the foundations of the victory to come, Faeez stepped up and sunk his set piece chance to put his side one up.

Uddingston doubled their tally midway through the half, fellow Malaysian Syafiq Zain embarked on a solo run that took out three Grove Menzieshill defenders and finished off the move with a chest high shot.

The home side returned to the contest when Alex Blaikie diverted a cross from the right into the net. Any hint of a comeback lasted but two minutes with another penalty corner strike by Faeez.

The ding-dong affair continued with a set piece goal by Grove Menzieshill`s Ciaran Crawford for 3-2, but the result was sealed when Faeez rattled home another penalty corner opportunity for the fourth goal.

The Dundonians pressed to get back into the game in the closing minutes, they had a couple of chances that were dealt with by the Uddingston goalkeeper, and there was no change to the scoreline and the points headed towards Lanarkshire.

Bromac Kelburne stretched their lead to five points at the top of the table following a 5-0 win over Watsonians, taking full advantage of second placed Grange`s match against Hillhead falling foul of the frost. Jack McKenzie was the highlight with a hat-trick, the other goals came from German Jonas Nommensen and Kiwi Nick Finlayson.

Edinburgh University moved back into third position on goal difference after seeing off Western Wildcats 4-1 at Peffermill. Ian Moodie was the hero with a well-taken hat-trick while Jamie Wong got the other, Adam McKenzie got the consolation for the Wildcats at a penalty corner.

PSL Clydsdale took their first steps to safety with a 2-1 win at bottom side Gordonians, Ben O`Keefe scored in the first half with Michael Cockburn getting the winner after the interval.

The long awaited clash between top sides Milne Craig Western and Grove Menzieshill at the top of the women`s first division will have to wait a little longer - the fixture became a casualty of the frost at Titwood.

Consequently Edinburgh University took advantage to move into second place with a convincing 5-0 win over Watsonians. The goals came from player coach Sam Judge, Amy Brodie, Louise Campbell, Ellie Hutheson and Becky Dru. The result means that the students are now only two points behind Western at the top, but with an extra game played.

Wildcats also benefited from the Titwood postponement and stepped into third spot after a 2-1 win over second bottom Hillhead in the only other game played in the women`s programme, both goals came from open play by Kareena Cuthbert and Heather Aitken.

The final result is that Western are still in pole position but Grove Menzieshill have slipped down to fourth.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Strathmore University Gladiators to face champs Butali Sugar Warriors in final

By BRIAN YONGA


Maxwell Fuchaka of Butali Sugar Warriors in action against Green Sharks during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League play-off match at City Park Stadium on November, 27, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Champions Butali Sugar Warriors will take on Strathmore University Gladiators in the final of the men’s Kenya Hockey Union Premier League next week on Sunday at City Park Stadium.

Both teams won their respective play-offs on Sunday and will now battle it out for the league title. Butali beat Greensharks 2-1 while the Gladiators saw off Kenya Police 3-2 on post-match penalties in the other play-off match.

Police and Strathmore played out a 2-2 draw on Saturday before rains caused the match to be abandoned. Constance Wakhura converted the winning penalty for the students to send his teammates into a frenzy of celebration.

Strathmore keeper Simon Odhiambo, who saved penalties from Felix Okoth, Oliver Echenje and Calvins Kanu, was lifted shoulder-high by his teammates.


Strathmore University players celebrate their victory against Kenya Police at the City Park Stadium on November 27, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |NATION MEDIA GROUP

Srathmore Coach Meshack Senge was elated.

“We are happy to reach the final. It was a very tough match. My players showed great character and resilience.

“Butali is an experienced side with fast players. We would focus our training on counter attacks this week,” said Senge.

In the second encounter, Greensharks matched champions Butali for the better part of the game before they were undone by brilliant strikes by Barnabus Odhiambo and Seth Oburu.

Victor Osiche converted a last- minute penalty stroke for Sharks but it was a mere consolation.

“It was a scrappy affair. Greensharks pushed us all the way but in the end individual brilliance won it for us in the end. Hopefully, the final match would be more entertaining. We hope to retaining the title,” said Butali coach Cliffe Okello.

Sharks, will, however have themselves to blame for not winning the highly charged match in which six players were booked for dangerous play.

Butali dominated proceedings with the trio of Frank Wanangwe, Emmanuel Simiyu and Zack Aura tormenting the Sharks defence.

In the opening 10 minutes, the trio each should have scored but were let down by poor finishing as Sharks survived. In a dominant first half, Butali had a record seven penalty corners but failed to make use of them and Sharks survived.

Sharks improved after the break and should have scored two goals but Mike Ochieng wasted both chances with only Butali keeper Evanson Ngoya to beat. Butali took the lead at the end as Wanangwe teed up Odhiambo who fired past Sharks keeper Elly Tangaza.

The lakeside club doubled their lead minutes later finally making use of a short corner as Oburu sounded the board to the delight of his teammates.

Sharks midfielder was brought down by Ngoya in the final minute and stepped up to convert the penalty but it proved to be too late.

Sharks will play Police in the third place play-off.

Daily Nation



Butali Warriors close to hockey title

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Parklands vs Butali Sugar. Butali warriors Godfrey Wakachuka with the ball as Parklands give chase when they played premier league at City Park. Butali scored 4-1. ON 05/09/15 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Champions Butali Sugar Warriors are one match away from retaining their men’s hockey Premier League gong. Warriors beat Greensharks 2-1 in a scrappy playoffs match played yesterday at City Park Stadium.

They square it out with former titleholders Strathmore University Gladiators who had earlier on edged 2013 winners Kenya Police 3-2 in post-match penalties at the same venue to book their finals slot. Police who were hoping to make the finals will play Sharks in third place playoffs before the title decider next weekend.

International Barnabas Odhiambo and Seth Oburu scored for Butali while Victor Osiche slotted in Sharks consolation goal. Butali coach Cliffe Okello attributed the victory to individual brilliance. “It was a scrappy affair and we were pushed all the way. I must say that we needed something special to win today’s tie and individual brilliance earned us a place in the finals and a chance to fight for our honour to the tail end,” Okello said

He added that he was hoping for a more entertaining encounter in next weekend’s final. Warriors dominated the opening minutes of the game as Zack Aura, Frank Wanangwe and Emmanuel Simiyu terrorized Sharks defence while forcing them in their own territory threatening to score early goals.

However, poor finishing gave Sharks a life line in a game that could have been won in the first half had the trio of Aura, Wanangwe and Simiyu had lived up to their billing. Warriors controlled all aspects of the game in ball possession and circle penetration they were unmatched but failed to complete the job as Sharks hanged on.

Butali lacked in conversion failing to convert seven penalty corners that they had secured as they went to the break on a barren draw.

The Standard Online



Dar Academy wins final of AHF Inter Academy Tournament in Convincing Style

By Ijaz Chaudhry

Dar Hockey Academy played the final of the Asian Hockey Federation Inter-Academy Invitational Tournament, just hours after receiving the shocking news of the demise of Mohammad Akhlaq, the 1992 Olympic bronze medal winner with the Pakistan hockey team. Akhlaq remained head coach of the Dar HA from its inception till 2012, and played a major role in polishing so many academy players- quite a few went on to win national colour.

Dar HA were now more determined to win the title for their late coach.

Datuk Haji Azhar bin Ahmad, adviser to Perak state's Chief Minister was the chief guest at Ipoh's Azlan Shah stadium.
 
Their rivals were the National Sports School of Malaysia, Johor, who had defeated the Lahore based academy in the league game.

A good contest was anticipated.

Dar HA sprinted out of the blocks and went ahead within the first minute. Waseem Akram's excellent pass was clinically finished by Usman. There was no looking back as they continued to look for the goals. Second arrived in the 9th minute. Waseem, after a good run, released Usman on the left flank. Usman's first time cross found Farhan in an excellent spot who flicked to double the lead.

Pakistani colts' ascendancy persisted throughout the first 35 minutes. The third goal was added in the 20th minute. Waseem's place hit found Asif at the top of the circle whose measured pass was flicked in by Waseem who had started the manouvre. He had cleverly run into the space. However, Usman inexplicably missed two sitters.

NSS Johor began the second half well and the first 15 minutes were equally fought with chances to both. Dar HA managed to regain the control of the proceedings and again began to regularly enter the NSS dangerous area. In the 18th minute, Hammad, unmarked in the circle, received a long pass before dispatching it into the net.

Scoring opportunities continued to come to the Dar HA but the final score stayed at 4-0.

Before the prize distribution, all present observed one minute silence in remembrance of late Mohammad Akhlaq. 

Highly impressed by the Dar academy's display, the chief guest invited them to tea at his office on Monday.

Scorers: Usman, Farhan, Waseem & Hammad

Fieldhockey.com



Racing “more than happy” to meet Bann in KO16


Picture: Greg Redding

Racing Club de France’s Simon Martin-Brisac says his club are “more than happy” with drawing Banbridge in the KO16 stage of the Euro Hockey League.

The Paris side are hoping to reach the KO8 for the first time and the international striker says that playing the Irish side represents a decent opportunity of making this breakthrough.

“We are relieved because we knew that if we played a European monster like Amsterdam or UHC Hamburg, we would have only 1 or 2% chance to go through to the next level,” he told the EHL website.

“With Banbridge, I think we have more chance to reach the KO8 so this draw is obviously a good thing for us. It gives us hope and extra motivation to prepare well during the winter break. We are excited but we know it won't be easy. Banbridge showed very good form during the pool phase.”

French and Irish hockey has enjoyed plenty of intertwined results in the last few seasons. Racing recorded their first EHL win when they beat Monkstown 2-1 while, at international level, there has never been more than one-goal in the difference when Martin-Brisac has played against Ireland.

“Irish hockey has made some very important improvement in the last few years with the national team qualifying for Rio and with clubs like Banbridge this year.

“I think they have added to their traditional physical and mental strength some top hockey skills and tactics. Playing the Irish national team or Irish clubs is always a pleasure as it is a strong and tight battle with suspense and tension.

“We will have to match their physical side and then put some craziness into our game to find the solution. We also need to be like a killer in the D, our major problem!”

He is referencing a lack of efficiency in front of goal so far this season in the French league. They ended second behind Saint Germain after the first phase of the season but have already enough points to ensure they will be in the Top 4 playoffs.

And the RCF man says his side has mixed feelings about their form to date.

“We changed our coach from Gael Foulard to Nicolas Jaquet during the summer but we kept our philosophy and the transition was perfect which is never easy.

“That's a good point and we are also happy with the perfect integration of [French Under-21 captain] Amaury Bellenger in midfield.

“But there is a big question mark; our efficiency in the circle and our penalty corners. We have to work on it as we lost too many easy points during games which were 100% under control but we missed too many chances.

“That's so frustrating! The only key is to work, work and work to become more clinical in the D!”

Euro Hockey League media release



Anna Flanagan takes indefinite leave from hockey to deal with 'health issues'


Anna Flanagan has endured a turbulent year on and off the hockey pitch. Photograph: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Hockeyroos defender Anna Flanagan’s playing future hangs in the balance after taking indefinite leave from the game to deal with “on-going health issues”.

The London Olympian made the decision after being stood down from Australia’s series clinching 3-1 win over India in Melbourne on Sunday for a “breach of team protocol”.

Flanagan, 24, had only just battled her way back into the national side after being relegated to a non-playing reserve at the Rio Olympics following a drink driving conviction in March.

“Anna has decided to take time away from hockey to aid her recovery from on-going health issues after a difficult year both on and off the pitch,” a Hockey Australia statement said.

“Hockey Australia will work with Anna and her family during this period, and ask that Anna’s privacy is respected as she works towards a full recovery.”

Flanagan – a seven-year Hockeyroos veteran – lost her licence for 10 months and was fined $1,000 for a drink driving incident in Perth in March. Hockey Australia did not find out about the incident until two months later.

She was subsequently dropped from the International Hockey Open and the Champions Trophy before being overlooked for Rio’s playing squad. Hockey Australia insisted her Rio snub was made on form and not influenced by the fact she had kept her DUI conviction secret for months.

As a non-playing reserve, Flanagan watched from the sidelines as the Hockeyroos were bounced out of the Rio quarter-finals 4-2 by New Zealand.

However, Flanagan’s Australian Hockey League form with Canberra Strikers ensured she forced her way back into the national squad by October for series against New Zealand and India.

Flanagan said just last month playing in the AHL had helped her regain her love for the game.

“When I got home from Rio I knew that AHL was really important but I also just really wanted to enjoy hockey again,” she told Fairfax media in October.

“I lost that a bit in the months leading up to Rio and that was a tough time but I had such a good time with the Strikers girls and I just really loved playing, and when I love playing that’s when I play my best.”

Hockey Australia CEO Cam Vale stressed on Sunday that they would support Flanagan while out of the game.

“Hockey Australia would like to re-iterate that while Anna was withdrawn for a protocol breach, we will be supporting her during this period and our foremost concern is that she gets well,” Vale said.

The Guardian

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