News for 29 November 2016
All the news for Tuesday 29 November 2016
England, Germany and Australia complete line-up for women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 Quarter-Finals
England, Germany and Australia completed the line-up for the Quarter-Finals following the final Pool B and C matches at the women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 currently being played in Santiago, Chile.
The joined Netherlands, Argentina, USA, Spain and Belgium in the Quarter-Finals thanks to their respective results today.
Argentina made sure of top spot in their Pool as they defeated France following Germany's win against Japan earlier in the day.
A draw with South Africa was enough for England to take second spot in Pool C as Australia defeated hosts Chile in the evening to finish top.
Following a rest day tomorrow, the Quarter-Final line-up for Wednesday 30 November is as follows (all times local - CLST):
13:15: Netherlands v Germany
15:30: Spain v England
17:45: Argentina v USA
20:00: Australia v Belgium
Here’s a summary of all the day’s action:
Pool B:
Germany just needed a draw against Japan to secure qualification for the Quarter-Finals, but they bettered that as they swept aside their Asian opponents thanks to a composed performance in front of goal. Victoria Huse added to her goal tally as she converted a penalty corner after 26 minutes whilst Teresa Pelegrina Martin doubled their lead in the 34th minute from open play thanks to some exquisite skill from the German star. Japan were at times the better team but Germany’s resilience paid off as they held on to win 2-0. Afterwards German goal-scorer Teresa Teresa Pelegrina Martin said: “It was a very tough game against Japan. They played very well, we had to defend very hard.” Her team mate and fellow goal-scorer Victoria Huse added: “In the last five minutes we were down by two players so it was a tough fight – it was so hard, but we fought hard and beat them.” For the full interview, click here.
Argentina meanwhile finished top of the Pool as they defeated France. The European team’s defence was solid in the first half, denying Argentina’s attack on several occasions to keep the score 0-0 going in to the half-time break. Argentina however persevered and eventually broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half through Eugenia Trinchinetti. Then the floodgates opened. The Pan American champions went on to score eight goals in total, including a hat-trick for Julieta Jankunas, with France unable to find a consolation goal as they finished bottom of the Pool.
Pool C:
South Africa and England opened the day in some style in a six goal thriller. England dominated early proceedings, with Holly Hunt and Holly Munro giving England a 2-0 lead. South Africa captain Natalie Esteves then scored at a crucial time, seconds before the end of the half, from a penalty corner. England restored their two goal advantage as Megan Crowson converted a penalty stroke after 41 minutes but South Africa fought back again. Two goals from open play from Donna Small brought the African champions back level and gave England a nervous few moments in the closing stages. England held on for the draw however, giving them a crucial point to secure qualification for the Quarter-Finals as Pool C runners up. Speaking after their comeback, South African goal hero Donna Small said: “We started well. Our goal was to play the full 70 minutes at 100% and I think we did that. At half-time we were down but came back firing. But in the end it’s a little bit disappointing we didn’t finish third in our Pool.” For the full interview, click here.
Later in the evening, Australia needed a point to secure qualification, whilst their opponents Chile needed a win to remain in the medal hunt. A local crowd turned out in force once again but the hosts suffered the worst possible start as Australia’s Renee Taylor scored her second goal of the tournament from a penalty corner after only six minutes. This didn’t dampen the spirits of the locals though and Chile continued to attack and their efforts paid off when captain Denise Krimerman equalised in the 22nd minute from a penalty corner. Australia always looked to more dangerous in attack and after 55 minutes their captain, Mariah Williams, scored the decisive goal after a scramble in the D. Whilst the local crowd buoyed their team on they could not find another goal as Australia won 2-1 to finish top of the Pool. Speaking afterwards, Australia’s Mariah Williams said: “That was a really intense game tonight - the Chilean fans are brilliant! But going into the Quarter-Finals we have to start well from the beginning (of matches), that’s how we will improve on our performances so far.”
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 B: Japan 0, Germany 2; Argentina 8, France 0.
Pool C: South Africa 3, England 3; Australia 2, Chile 1.
FINAL POOL STANDINGS
Pool A
1. Netherlands*
2. USA*
3. Korea
4. Zimbabwe
Pool B
1. Argentina*
2. Germany*
3. Japan
4. France
Pool C
1. Australia*
2. England*
3. Chile
4. South Africa
Pool D
1. Spain*
2. Belgium*
3. China
4. New Zealand
*Qualified for Quarter-Finals
FIH site
Jillaroos through to quarter finals of JWC
Defeat homeside Chile 2 - 1
Holly MacNeil
Australian U/21’s team the Jillaroos have made the quarter final of the Junior World Cup following a 2 – 1 win in their final pool match against home side, Chile.
The Jillaroos got off to a fantastic start with a penalty corner conversion giving them an early lead over Chile, the ball going swiftly into the net thanks to a superb flick from Renee Taylor following on from the corner injection from Savannah Fitzpatrick.
Only minutes later and the Jillaroos were up for another penalty corner opportunity, with Savannah Fitzpatrick injecting again. This time the shot on goal didn’t quite make the conversion and a scramble in front of the net resulted in the ball going back to the team from Chile.
Twenty-two minutes in, and Chile scored the equaliser. A penalty corner goal from their captain Denise Krimerman flicking straight past the Australian defence into the back right of the net.
Coming back from the half time break and the Jillaroos knew they needed the win or the draw to progress to the quarter finals of the Junior World Cup.
Their attack pressed the Chilean team, and in the 55th minute of play Jillaroos captain and Rio Olympian Mariah Williams ran the ball down nearly the entire length of the pitch before flicking it straight into goal from the top centre of the circle.
The goal from Williams sealed the Jillaroos victory and their progression into the quarter finals of the Junior World Cup.
Commenting on the match, Williams said: “That was a really intense game tonight - the Chilean fans are brilliant! But going into the Quarter-Finals we have to start well from the beginning, that’s how we will improve on our performances so far.”
The Jillaroos will now take on Belgium in their quarter final clash on Wednesday 30 November at local time 8pm / Thursday 1 December at 10am AEDT/7am AWST. Don’t forget to tune into watch Australia in the quarter final clash by CLICKING HERE TO GO TO LIVESTREAM!
JILLAROOS 2 (1)
Renee Taylor 6 (PC)
Mariah Williams 55 (FG)
CHILE 1 (1)
Denise Krimerman
Jillaroos squad v Chile
Laura Gray (Goulburn, NSW)*ACTAS scholarship holder
Madison Fitzpatrick (Cabarita, NSW)
Kate Hanna (Constitution Hill, NSW)
Greta Hayes Maroubra, NSW)
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW)
Mikaela Patterson (Blackbutt, NSW)
Aleisha Power (Clackline, WA)
Michaela Spano (Toorak Gardens, SA)
Grace Stewart (Gerrigong, NSW)
Sophie Taylor (Camberwell, VIC)
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW)
Used Substitutes
Kristina Bates (Port Melbourne, VIC)
Rebecca Greiner (Bundaberg, QLD)
Ambrosia Malone (Molendinar, QLD)
Savannah Fitzpatrick (Cabarita, NSW)
Karri Somerville (Kensington, WA)
Renee Taylor (Brisbane, QLD)
Unused Substitutes
Rene Hunter (Wentworth Point, NSW)
Hockey Australia media release
England held by South Africa at Junior World Cup
England U21s celebrate
England secured their place in the next round of the Junior World Cup but were made to sweat by a stubborn south Africa side who simply would not lie down. Despite racing into a two goal lead inside half an hour thanks to goals from Holly Hunt and Holly Munro but a penalty corner from Natalie Esteves on the stroke of half time brought Bongani Tshutshani’s team back into the contest. It looked like England would go on to get the three points when Megan Crowson converted a second half penalty stroke but two late goals from Donna Small ensured a share of the spoils for both sides.
Craig Keegan’s team began the match as they had against Australia at a fast pace. They had already gone close to breaking the deadlock when Hunt did well to manoeuvre some space in the circle to neatly slot home in the sixth minute.
Alicia Caillard’s penalty corner deflection was well saved by Marlise Van Tonder and then the No1 was on hand to deny Ellie Rayer after a good run and shot from the No13. Charlotte Calnan showed superb pace and skill to break into the circle but she too found Van Tonder in good form, seeing off the strike from the Surbiton star.
South Africa’s pace on the break caused some problems but some good defending from Eloise Stenner kept them at bay. Seven minutes from the interval England’s supremacy was rewarded with a lovely finish from Munro, picking up a loose ball and firing home with aplomb.
However just before the break a well worked slip move off a penalty corner set up Esteves to halve the deficit.
England took control in the early going in the second half. Megan Crowson opened her account for the tournament by slotting in a penalty stroke to make it 3-1.
South Africa fought back and a long driving run from Small opened up the defence and she was able to smash the ball into the far corner to make it 3-2 with 18 minutes to play. Eight minutes later Small was on hand to level it up, snapping up a chance from close range for her second of the match. England were unable to find a way through in the dying embers of the match and were grateful for some stout penalty corner defence at the death to secure a point and a place in the next round.
England 3 (2)
Holly Hunt 6 (FG)
Holly Munro 28 (PC)
Megan Crowson 41 (PS)
South Africa 3 (1)
Natalie Esteves 35 (PC)
Donna Small 52 60 (FG, FG)
England Hockey Board Media release
Stats Speak: No Asian team in quarter finals of Santiago Junior Women World Cup
B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)
Stalwarts of Asian Women Hockey South Korea and China have failed to make impact in Santiago (Chile). Korea lost to emerging USA, while Chinese girls unable to beat their rivals; they drew all 3 pool matches. Belgian Stephanie van den Borre scored to level the score (2-2) in last seconds, thus knocked out China. It is first time that team from Asia will not represented in quarterfinals.
Indian Girls have won first ever bronze medal in last edition (Monchengladbach, Germany, 2013), but this time they have not qualified, as lost to South Korea in Bronze medal match in Changzhou Junior Asia Cup(2015). Asia has 3 slots only in Junior World Cup, represented by Korea, China and Japan in 2016 edition.
Here are the statistical highlights of all 8 quarterfinalists in Santiago:
Quarterfinals-1: Netherlands versus Germany
Netherlands: Appearances-8, 3 Gold(1997,2009,2013);1 Bronze(2005),MP-54,Won-39,Drawn-5,Lost-10, GF-216,GA-46, Captain-Maartje Krekelaar, Coach-Rick Mathijssen.
Germany: Appearances-8, 1 Gold (1989); 1 Silver (2005); 1 Bronze (1993), MP-52, Won-29, Drawn-10, Lost-13, GF-136, GA-69, Captain-Viktoria Huse, Coach-Marc Haller.
Quarterfinals-2: Spain versus England
Spain: Appearances: 7, Best Finish- 5th (2013), MP-46, Won-23, Drawn-8, Lost-15, GF-103, GA-87, Captain-Begons Garcia, Coach-Adrian Lock.
England: Appearances: 8, Best Finish- 4th (2009, 2013), MP-54, Won-21, Drawn-8, Lost-25, GF-113, GA-102, Captain-Kathryn Lane, Coach-Craig Keegan.
Quarterfinals-3: Argentina versus USA
Argentina: Appearances-8, 1 Gold (1993); 3 Silver (2001, 2009, 2013); 1 Bronze (1997), MP-54, Won-37, Drawn-7, Lost-10, GF-149, GA-53, Captain-Lucina van der Heyde, Coach-Agustin Corradini.
USA: Appearances: 7, Best Finish- 7th (2005, 2013), MP-45, Won-14, Drawn-2, Lost-29, GF-93, GA-151, Captain-Julia Young, Coach-Janneke Schopman.
Quarterfinals-4: Australia versus Belgium
Australia: Appearances-7, 2 Silver (1993, 1997); 1 Bronze (2001), MP-45, Won-30, Drawn-5, Lost-10, GF-128, GA-49, Captain-Mariah Williams, Coach-Tim White.
Belgium: Appearances-2, Best Finish- 13th (2013), MP-9, Won-1, Drawn-3, Lost-5, GF-11.GA-33, Captain-Not Known, Coach: Xavier Reckinger.
Fieldhockey.com
Malaysia invited to participate in the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men, Lucknow 2016
Malaysia have been invited to replace Pakistan in the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men, Lucknow 2016
Earlier today the International Hockey Federation (FIH) invited the Malaysian junior men’s team to take part in the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men, Lucknow 2016, being held in India from 8 to 18 December. The late invitation came after FIH had to officially withdraw Pakistan's invitation to the event.
FIH regrets that Pakistan's men’s junior team will not be able to take part in this year’s Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup even though they had officially qualified. FIH's decision follows considerable discussions with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and requests for confirmation that they had the necessary arrangements in place to be able to participate in the event.
Visas had been applied for after the official deadline and no accommodation was confirmed within the set deadlines. Despite a number of correspondence and reminders, the PHF was not able to show that their team would be able to travel to Lucknow for the event which begins in only a few days’ time.
FIH has substantial contractual obligations to its partners to deliver a full number of matches at the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men, Lucknow 2016. With the event starting in only a few days’ time, today was the last possibility for FIH to ensure the quality of the event, with a full complement of 16 teams playing in Lucknow.
Tickets for the event are still on sale and can be purchased by clicking here. The full results, standings, images and more will be available on the official website on FIH.ch whilst further coverage will be provided via FIH Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtags #HJWC2016 and #RockTheJuniors.
FIH site
Malaysia invited to replace Pakistan
By Jugjet Singh
MALAYSIA were invited by the FIH at the 11th hour after Pakistan pulled outof the Lucknow Junior World Cup.
Netherlands, Belgium and Egypt in the group if Malaysia accept. SOJC team the best bet but not prepared for JWC.
MIGHT GET THRASHED IN LUCKNOW... 9TH v Netherlands, 11th v Egypt and 12th v Belgium.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
FIH invites Malaysia to replace Pakistan in Junior Hockey World Cup
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) invited the Malaysian junior men’s team to take part in the Junior Hockey World Cup, which will be held in Lucknow, India from 8 to 18 December.
The late invitation came after FIH had to officially withdraw Pakistan’s invitation to the event.
In a statement released by the hockey governing body, the FIH blamed the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for not ‘not able to show that their team would be able to travel to Lucknow for the event which begins in only a few days’ time even after a number of correspondence and reminders’.
FIH further blamed the PHF for applying ‘Visas after the official deadline’.
The move comes after the secretary PHF informed IHF on Monday that they are yet to receive Indian visa for participation in the major tournament.
The Express Tribune
FIH halts Pakistan team's participation in Junior Hockey World Cup in India
Zeeshan Ahmed | Abdul Ghaffar
International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Monday disallowed the Pakistan team to participate in Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2016, which is being held in India from December 8 to 18, over Pakistan Hockey Federation's (PHF) inability to meet the deadlines.
FIH on Monday invited the Malaysian junior men’s team to take part in the event, replacing Pakistan, even though the green shirts had officially qualified.
The international body termed it PHF's fault as it failed to submit visa applications for Pakistani delegation before the official deadline and it's inability to confirm the delegation's accommodation venue before the deadline.
PHF Secretary Shehbaz Ahmed, while talking to DawnNews, termed the move 'pre-planned' and said, "Pakistan did not delay any schedule obligation and it is all India's fault to not issue visa to Pakistan's delegation before deadline."
"Our government had timely issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players to take part in the tournament, but it is sad that Pakistan will not be able to take part in Junior Hockey World Cup," said Ahmed.
"We had planned training camps for our players so how can we delay any schedule to jeopardise our participation," he maintained.
"I had already seen it coming that this decision by FIH is going to go against Pakistan.”
Pakistan on November 19 had issued NOCs to the Pakistan Junior team for taking part in the Junior World Hockey Cup scheduled to be held in India from December 8 to 18.
PHF on November 16 had expressed reservations about India calling the shots in the world hockey and taking undue control to sideline Pakistan.
Dawn
Pakistan not to play in Junior Hockey World Cup in India: FIH
NEW DELHI: Pakistan's men's junior team will not be able to take part in this year's Junior Hockey World Cup in Uttar Pradesh as it had applied for visas for players after the official deadline, International Hockey Federation (FIH) said on Monday.
Malaysia's junior men's team will replace Pakistan in the event to be held in Lucknow from December 8 to 18, FIH said in a statement.
The late invitation came after FIH had to officially withdraw Pakistan's invitation to the event.
"FIH regrets that Pakistan's men's junior team will not be able to take part in this year's Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup even though they had officially qualified," the statement said.
"FIH's decision follows considerable discussions with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and requests for confirmation that they had the necessary arrangements in place to be able to participate in the event," it said.
"Visas had been applied for after the official deadline and no accommodation was confirmed within the set deadlines. Despite a number of correspondence and reminders, the PHF was not able to show that their team would be able to travel to Lucknow for the event which begins in only a few days' time, the statement added.
"FIH has substantial contractual obligations to its partners to deliver a full number of matches at the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men. With the event starting in only a few days' time, today was the last possibility for FIH to ensure the quality of the event, with a full complement of 16 teams playing in Lucknow," the statement said.
The Times of India
Oltmans working on goal scoring tactics with India colts
LUCKNOW: Barely 10 days away from their tournament opener against Canada in the Junior Hockey World Cup, "upbeat and focussed" Indian colts are working hard on fine-tuning their game, especially goal scoring tactics, said team's mentor Roelant Oltmans.
India will face Canada in their opening Pool D match on December 8 at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, and Oltmans, a hard task master, is leaving no stone unturned to prepare the team for the mega-event.
"We tried different tactics, including player positioning within the circle for goal scoring. The boys are upbeat and focused. We will be playing a practice match against Argentina on December 2 and further fine tune our game," said Oltmans.
The Dutchman, who is the chief coach senior national men's team, also added that the players are getting used to the new turf at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, the main venue for the event which will play host to all 44 matches of the tournament.
"We have trained on this pitch for the past five days and the boys are getting used to the new turf. It is similar to the turf back in SAI, Bengaluru where the boys have been based for almost 10 months," Oltmans said.
India will play their second practice game on December 5 against Netherlands.
The Times of India
Junior hockey world cup comes to city of legends
Sharad Deep
Hockey has a special following here as it remains the land of greats such as Major Dhyan Chand and Kunwar Digvijai Singh ‘Babu’.
Fans, especially youngsters, love to greet hockey player donning India jersey. This love and following for the game took the India team by surprise when they found hundreds of fans gathering to watch their maiden training session under lights at the Padma Shri Mohammed Shahid Synthetic Hockey Stadiumon Monday evening.
“I took my grandson to the venue this evening as I wanted him to see the India players and watch their game. I want him to be a big hockey player,” Ram Chandra Srivastava, a former hockey player, told HT after his grandson shook hands with junior India captain Harjeet Singh.
“I have never missed a single match of the India senior team (on TV) in the last five years. I know I am going to get the same entertainment watching juniors play knowing that many of them will be there at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” added Srivastava.
At the ground, Hockey India’s high performance director Roelant Oltmans and coach Harendra Singh were seen giving suggestions to the officials in-charge of the Astroturf. Later, the players were put through a rigorous session where the focus was on scoring goals.
India will be playing their opening game against Canada in Pool D of the Junior World Cup starting December 8 at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. The 10-day practice time ahead of the mega event seems perfect for their mission.
“We tried different tactics, player positioning and goal-scoring moves. The boys are upbeat and focused,” said Oltmans, adding, “We will be playing a practice match with Argentina on December 2 to fine tune our game.”
The training began with warm up followed by a short-pass drill, penalty-corner conversion for drag-flickers, while goalkeepers worked with South African Dave Staniforth.
“We have trained on the new turf at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. The boys are getting used to the new turf. It is similar to the one in Bengaluru’s SAI centre where the boys have been based for almost 10 months,” he said.
The team will play its second practice match on December 5 against the Netherlands. “We will meet these two teams, with whom we will play practice matches, only in the semifinals or the final,” he asserted.
Hindustan Times
Mannheimer goal machine Peillat reflects on special year
Gonzalo Peillat served notice of the explosive goalscoring power he can bring to the Euro Hockey League in 2017 following an incredible 2016 with Argentina and his new club Mannheimer HC.
Following his gold medal in Rio, Peillat took little time to settle in with the German club following his summer move from HGC in the Netherlands, scoring 20 goals in 11 games to date.
Combined with his 11 goals in the Olympics, it played a part in him being named as one of the five nominees on the shortlist for the FIH Player of the Year.
Speaking to the EHL website about being on the shortlist, Peillat said: “It is an honour to be nominated and really special moment in my career. It has been an amazing year for Argentinian hockey.
“For the last few years, hockey in our country has grown a lot and, now ,with the help for us winning the gold medal it is really popular and stronger. We won the first Olympic gold medal in the history of our sport. It is a dream came true.”
Just a few weeks after the Olympics, he started life in Mannheim and he is really enjoying life in the Bundesliga.
“I think it was a really good decision,” he said. “As a defender, I can improve a lot in my game in an extremely good and structured league. I have enjoyed it a lot so far and also learned to play a completely different way of hockey.
“In the Netherlands, we used to play more zonal and they are more central in the attacks. It is a really nice style of hockey, more vertical with a lot of counter attacks. In Germany, almost every team plays man to man. The game is 100% tactics, structure and control of the ball.”
Mannheim ended the first half of the season in fourth place and in great contention to return to the final four playoffs and Peillat is content with how the side has gelled in the initial phases of the season.
“From my point of view, we had a great start. We are in the top four which is very important but, also, we are a team that has made a lot of changes from last year. I think in the next part of the season we are going to be better adapted to our system and our tactics are going to work better to finish as high as we can.”
The second half of the season also features a date with Club Egara in the EHL KO16 with either UHC Hamburg or Wimbledon potentially waiting in the KO8 stage.
For now, Peillat has taken a quick break from hockey to travel before returning to Argentina but he will not be away from a field for too long.
“Since we finished on November 4, I decided to have a break after such long and stressful year without a break after the Olympics. It is difficult for me to not play hockey for a while so I'm going to train in Argentina in my home club. I want to arrive in a good level of hockey for my second half of the season in Mannheim!”
Euro Hockey League media release
Wazalendo Youth promoted to KHU Premier League
By BRIAN YONGA
Wazalendo Youth's Joshua Mwangi (infront) dribbles past Dedan Kimathi University's Bristol Nyongesa during their Kenya Hockey Union men's National League match on August 7, 2016 at the City Park Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Wazalendo Youth secured the final promotion slot to next season’s Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League.
The team’s nearest opponents, Multimedia University and Parkroad Tigers both failed to win by bigger margins to overhaul Wazalendo from second place. The trio all finished on 22 points but Wazalendo remain in second placed due to a superior goal difference.
Multimedia beat Dedan Kimathi University 5-0 while Tigers defeated Kabarak University 3-0 in their final men’s National League matches over the weekend.
Wazalendo will now join champions Technical University of Kenya (TUK) who clinched top spot in next season’s top flight men’s league.
TUK finished on 24 points and are set for coronation on Sunday when the 2016 KHU season concludes.
The teams will take up the places of Kenyatta University Vultures and Western Jaguars, who finished bottom of their respective pools in the men’s Premier League.
Wazalendo beat Daystar University in their final match on November 20 to put pressure on their opponents going into this weekend’s matches.
Wazalendo coach Simon Mwangi described the achievement as a dream come true and is looking forward to come up against the big boys in the top flight.
“In the last three seasons we have come agonisingly close to clinch promotion but we have finally made it. The lads have been brilliant this season and we hope to take the same form to the league next season,” Mwangi told Daily Nation Sport.
Wycliffe Ongori, who top scored for Wazalendo this season with seven goals from 10 matches, will be expected to lead the forward line in the next year’s campaign.
“I think we deserve to play in the Premier League after a very consistent performance this season. Hard work and dedication was our winning formula, “Ongori said.
The team lost only twice this season, falling to champions TUK and Tigers.
They won seven matches and drew once scoring a total of 35 goals, the highest in the division and let in only 15. The team will come up against its parent club Wazalendo in the Premier League season in what should be a mouth-watering encounter.
Daily Nation
Dar Academy finishes Malaysian Tour on High Note with 5-1 win over City Hall
By Ijaz Chaudhry
It was the last match of Dar Hockey academy’s Malaysian tour. City Hall is the strongest outfit in the entire Perak state. Having won the high profile Asian Hockey Federation Inter Academy tournament just a couple of days back, the Dar Ha boys initially found it difficult to motivate themselves under the floodlights of Ipoh's Azlan Shah stadium.
The first quarter of the 60 minute saw the game mainly confined to the midfield.
In the second quarter, the Dar HA came out of the second gear and went ahead through a penalty corner variation in the 21st minute with Ali Aziz, popularly known as Happy, giving the final touch. Happy made his team happier when he made it 2-0 in the 26th minute through a penalty stroke. City Hall also created a few chances including a penalty corner without availing any.
Pakistani lads' offensive game continued in the second half. After squandering two gild edged chances and a PC, a seeping move concluded with Waseem Akram adding the third goal with a top of the circle angular flat hit in the 42nd minute.
The fourth goal arrived four minutes later via a captivating move involving four players. Awais Arshad was the scorer who slotted in after wrong footing the custodian in a classic manner.
The vastly experienced City Hall earnestly looked for some consolation.They earned three penalty corners in a quick succession and Hakim converted the last in the 55th minute with a missile of a flick. Dar HA responded in the same manner at the death with Mubashar, on the fourth penalty corner, finding the left corner of the board with a deft flick.
Thus, Dar Ha completed the Malaysian tour: Played nine games, won seven and lost two. Interestingly, both the defeats came against the National Sports School of Malaysia, by the barest margin, in the double league stage of the AHF Inter Academy tournament. In the final, Dar HA outplayed the same team 4-0.
Scorers:
Dar HA: Ali Aziz 2, Wasim Akram & Mubashar
City Hall: Hakim
Fieldhockey.com
Victory for Clydesdale in Girls’ U18 Club Cup
Milne Craig Clydesdale Western U18 Girls
Milne Craig Clydesdale Western won the Under 18 Girls’ Scottish Club Cup at Peffermill yesterday. Clydesdale beat Inverleith 5-0 and Fjordhus Reivers 4-0 to claim victory. Runners up Inverleith defeated Fjordhus Reivers in the deciding game for second spot.
In the first game of the day, a blistering ten minute period for Clydesdale against Fjordhus Reivers was when the game was won. It started when Clydesdale opened the scoring in the twelfth minute through a goal by Lexi Sabatelli. Two minutes later and Sabatelli bagged her second of the game from open play to make it 2-0. Clydesdale’s success was confirmed in the 17th minute when Abi Harrowell scored to make it 3-0, completing a high scoring and dominant ten minute period. Clydesdale scored their fourth and final goal just after half time when Margery Justice struck from a penalty corner to make it 4-0.
Clydesdale Western then faced Inverleith, and just as they did against Fjordhus Reivers, they started strong. Clydesdale opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Megan Kane struck to give her side an early lead. Just four minutes later Clydesdale doubled their lead when Abi Harrowell finished in what was another blistering opening by her side.
Just after half time Clydesdale made it 3-0 when Kane bagged her second of the game. Just two minutes later and Clydesdale scored a fourth – Kayleigh Justice this time struck a field goal to make it 4-0. The scoring was completed on 44 minutes when Harrowell scored her second to make it 5-0.
The final game saw Fjordhus Reivers take on Inverleith and it was the latter who was successful in a close encounter. Inverleith took the lead in the 17th minute when Imogen Davies struck from open play. The lead was doubled in the 23rd minute when Captain Ella Watt struck to make it 2-0 from a penalty corner.
Fjordhus Reivers pulled one back in the 29th minute when Jenny Sharp scored to make it 2-1. Inverleith restored their two goal advantage in the 34th minute when Emma McDiarmid scored to make it 3-1. Two minutes later and Fjordhus Reivers clawed a goal back again when Rhona Gowans scored from a penalty corner to make it 3-2, which was how it stayed as Inverleith held on to win the game.
Inverleith U18 Girls
In the Boys’ U18 Club Cup, Grove Menzieshill featured in the two competitive games being played. First up for them was Clydesdale, and it was Clydesdale who took the lead in the tenth minute when Jack Jamieson scored a field goal to make it 1-0. It didn’t take long before they doubled their lead with Struan Walker scoring from a penalty corner in the 17th minute to make it 2-0. Walker was as it again when he finished off another penalty corner to make it 3-0 in 35 minutes. Two minutes later and Clydesdale bagged a fourth when Fraser Cowle scored from open play. Cameron Golden issued a response for Grove Menzieshill on 46 minutes but 4-1 was how it finished, with Clydesdale claiming the victory.
Next up for Grove Menzieshill was Inverleith; Cameron Golden opened the scoring in the 18th minute scoring a penalty stroke. It remained 1-0 until half time but in the second half the goals flew in. Alex Humphreys scored for Grove Menzieshill before Golden bagged his second of the game to make it 3-0. Lewis McKenzie scored the fourth from open play, which was followed up by Golden completing his hat-trick. Jack Cross made it 6-0 with a penalty stroke before Nathan Soutar made it 7-0 from a penalty corner. Sam Knight scored a field goal to make it 8-0 before Golden scored his fourth and Grove Menzieshill’s ninth on 46 minutes.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Richardson-Walsh nominated for Sports Personality of the Year
Kate Richardson-Walsh
Kate Richardson-Walsh will go head to head with some of the biggest names in sport as she has been nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
The defender who is the most capped female hockey player in her country’s history with 375 caps, brought the curtain down on a glittering career this summer by leading her team to a glorious gold medal at the Rio Olympics.
Richardson-Walsh and her team captured the imagination of the entire nation as their undefeated streak took them to the Olympic final where in front of a TV audience of millions they held their nerve to defeat the reigning World and Olympic Champions, Netherlands on shootout.
The No11 was competing in her fourth Olympics and has long been the symbol of the team with her determination, will to win and her leadership inspiring team mates and opponents alike. She was named as Team GB’s flag bearer for the closing ceremony at the Olympics. As well as being nominated for this prestigious prize, the Great Britain captain has also been nominated for the FIH World Player of the Year award.
Richardson-Walsh told England Hockey:
‘It’s such an honour to be shortlisted for Sports Personality of the Year. In a year when we have seen so many sporting highlights I’m so proud to be named alongside such incredible athletes and to be able to fly the flag for hockey and women’s team sport’
England Hockey Board Media release
Iconic Phil Burrows retires from Black Sticks
Photo: www.photosport.nz
New Zealand’s most capped Black Sticks player of all time Phil Burrows has announced his retirement from international hockey.
Burrows made his debut in 2000 and played a whopping 343 tests in a career which saw him compete at three Olympic Games (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012), four Commonwealth Games (Manchester 2002, Melbourne 2006, Delhi 2010, Glasgow 2014) and four World Cups (Kuala Lumpur 2002, Monchengladbach 2006, Delhi 2010, The Hague 2014).
He remains one of only three players who have ever eclipsed the 300 test mark for New Zealand, leading fellow retired legends Ryan Archibald (327) and Dean Couzins (318).
The 36-year-old is also the Black Sticks’ most prolific goal scorer of all time having found the back of the net 150 times from either the striker or midfielder positions.
Burrows has been relishing a different role for the Black Sticks as an assistant coach at the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne and decided the time was right to retire.
“I wasn’t really even thinking about it to be honest but I saw a few other guys retiring and thought it was a good time to do it, especially being in Melbourne with the guys,” he said.
“I’m pretty upset to let the international game go but am really liking the fact that I’m still involved in the game of hockey. I think I would’ve been a lot more upset if I’d had to give everything away.
“I was lucky enough to travel all around the world playing the game I love and the main thing is the friends I’ve gained all over the world.”
Burrows is currently living in Melbourne where he still plays club hockey and is becoming increasingly involved in coaching.
Having played in so many major tournaments for New Zealand across a career spanning 16 years, he said he’s created plenty of special moments but perhaps none more so than forging friendships.
“People always say ‘what are your best moments’ and I’ve had plenty, but some of the best moments for me haven’t even been on the pitch they’ve just been spending time with the guys.
“Game wise though, at the 2002 Commonwealth Games I had a pretty good semi and scored four against Pakistan so that’s a massive highlight and always will be.
“Also the 2004 Olympic Games as a team we performed above expectations and personally I had a good tournament and managed to take out top field goal scorer so I was pretty happy with that and it’s something I’ll remember forever.
“A special thank you to everyone who supported me during my career including the New Zealand public and hockey communities around the country. My family has got to be number one, with mum and dad paying for all those trips and driving me to trainings when I was younger, they’re the ones who got me to where I am today.”
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Martin Madden wins sportscotland Technical Official of the Year
Martin Madden collecting his Sports Council for Glasgow Official of the Year Award
Scottish Hockey umpire Martin Madden has won the sportscotland Technical Official of the Year award at the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards. It was the second Official of the Year award that Martin has won in a week, having been awarded the Sports Council for Glasgow Official of the Year award, and is well-deserved recognition for a great year of umpiring.
This year Martin became the 39th man to receive an FIH Golden Whistle for umpiring 100 senior international matches. The Rio Olympic Games match between Netherlands and India was his 100th match umpiring senior internationals.
Madden is rated as one of the top umpires in the world and he, along with fellow Scottish umpire Sarah Wilson, were very successful over in Rio at the Olympic games with both umpiring bronze medal matches at their first ever games. Martin’s father Craig was the first Scot to receive the FIH Golden Whistle, back in 1996. Madden himself is just the third Scot to achieve the milestone: fellow umpire Ged Curran joins the two Maddens on the roll call of honour.
The sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Award is a tremendous accolade for Martin as the awards exist to recognise fantastic people in sport working day in and day out to give the best experiences to athletes and participants at every level.
Martin is fully committed to his umpiring spending many hours both in physical and mental preparation no matter the level of the game. He has officiated all over the world as well as in local leagues for his club Clydesdale Hockey Club. He is a testament to his dedication to get to the pinnacle of his sport.
Reflecting on his success, Martin said: “I first got into hockey through my dad, he played the sport and was the club captain at the team I work with now. He also was the first Scot to become an Olympic umpire, I am very proud of his achievement and this influenced me to follow a similar route.
“I always knew that I wanted to do something in hockey and, despite giving it my best shot as a player, my dad suggested to try umpiring for the sport. My first experience in this role was when I was 15 years old and from then, I have been umpiring ever since.
“People aren’t in it for the recognition, they are in it for the love of the sport and the enjoyment of it – and I can truly say that it has been the best experience. I’m very grateful for this sportscotland award and would like to thank the team who nominated me.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
David John takes over as High Performance Director of Indian hockey
NEW DELHI: Former exercise physiologist of the senior national men's team David John of Australia was on Tuesday officially appointed as the High Performance Director of Indian hockey.
John, whose appointment was officially confirmed by Hockey India on Tuesday, will take over the charge of High Performance Director from Roelant Oltmans, who has been relieved from the post after being named as the chief coach of the Indian men's hockey team till 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
John has previously worked with the senior national men's team as an exercise physiologist and scientific advisor prior to 2012 London Olympics.
In his previous role, John had implemented and introduced new strength and training programs for the Indian men hockey team, which is responsible behind the much-improved fitness of the national players.
John has also worked in a similar role -- as a High Performance Director -- for two teams in the Hockey India League, most recently for Kalinga Lancers' in the 2016 season where the team finished runners up.
John has vast experience across various sporting disciplines, which includes hockey, rugby, Australian Rules Football and triathlons.
Speaking about John's appointment, Hockey India secretary general Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad said: "We welcome David's (John) inclusion into a role that has over the years become one of great importance for Hockey India. A High Performance Director's role is one that is not just demanding in the present but also has to include a vision for the future.
"We are confident with David's extensive experience and background in sports science, out athletes will have the best planning and assistance ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games."
John himself said he was looking forward to his new demanding job.
"The role comes with its own unique set of challenges. I am hopeful that my previous experience as well as presence of people who share a deep and long history with the game in the country will help me fulfill my role," he said.
"One of the crucial areas is the identification and nurturing of talent in the country and look to develop the team for the 2020 Games. I look forward to working towards that," John added.
The Times of India