Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 01 December 2016

All the news for Thursday 1 December 2016


Netherlands, Spain, Argentina and Australia qualify for women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 Semi-Finals



Netherlands, Spain, Argentina and Australia qualified for the Semi-Finals of the women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 after winning their Quarter-Finals matches in Santiago, Chile today.

Netherlands defeated Germany, Spain won against England, Argentina beat USA and Australia were winners against Belgium.

Those results now mean that Netherlands will play Spain and Argentina come up against Australia in the Semi-Finals, whilst the losers of today’s Quarter-Finals will play in classification matches, all on Friday 2 December (schedule to be confirmed shortly).

With all of these teams enjoying a rest day tomorrow, the bottom two teams from each pool will be competing in the first of the classification matches which take place as follows (all times local - CLST):

13:15: Zimbabwe v New Zealand
15:30: France v South Africa
17:45: Korea v China
20:00: Japan v Chile

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

Netherlands 5, Germany 0
Netherlands made light work of their Quarter-Final against Germany as they won 5-0 in the first match of the day. The European champions opened the scoring in 11 minutes through Marie Burg before the event’s leading goal-scorer, Frederique Matla, added to her tally in the 23rd minute. Following the half-time break, Netherlands piled on the pressure. Goals from Pleun van der Plas in the 37th and Yentl Leemans in the 56th minute edged the Dutch further ahead before Matla scored her second of the game with a penalty stroke. Speaking afterwards, Charlotte Adegeest said: “We expected a tough game – Germany is always a really tough game for us, it’s a classic game. We were really excited to play today as we have just had two rest days. We had so much energy, we were so excited, that’s why we won.”

Spain 5, England 3
Despite the scoreline, Spain largely dominated this eight goal thriller against European rivals England. After some early exchanges, Spain took advantage in the 15th minute through captain Begoña Garcia. England then drew level nine minutes later through a penalty corner converted by Erica Sanders. Seconds before half-time, Spain’s Belen Ingelsias knocked in a well-executed penalty corner to lead 2-1 by the half-time break. Whilst in front, an inspiring team talk by their English coach, Adrian Lock, saw the Spanish coming out fighting in the second half, going 5-1 ahead after 53 minutes. England then got back into the game, with Megan Crowson providing the goals through a penalty stroke then a penalty corner. It was too little too late for England though as Spain held on to progress to the Semi-Finals. Afterwards, Spain captain Begoña Garcia said: “We are very happy. We knew that it would be a very hard match, but I think we played very well and scored many goals.” Looking ahead she added: “We know Netherlands are a very tough team but we have nothing to lose. We are ready for that game!”

Argentina 2, USA 0
This match proved to be one of the closest of the day. Whilst Argentina were creative in their attacks, USA’s hard-work and solid structure stemmed the threat of their Pan American rivals for most of the game. Argentina did manage to get ahead at a crucial time though when Bianca Donati scored from a penalty corner just before half-time. Captain Lucina von der Heyde then doubled their lead on 49 minutes from open play. Argentina managed to hold on to their lead despite USA’s perseverance, taking the win that sees the Pan American champions progress into Friday’s Semi-Finals where they will face Australia.

Australia 7, Belgium 2
The last match of the day saw Oceania champions take on Pool D runners up Belgium. The game got off to a flier as Belgium took the lead after only three minutes through Lien Hillewaert. Australia immediately replied as Rio 2016 star Grace Stewart equalised in the fifth minute. Madison Fitzpatrick restored Australia’s lead again in the 29th minute but Belgium hit back once again, this time through Joanne Peeters only seconds later. Australia took the lead again in the 48th minute through Ambrosia Malone before Grace Stewart grabbed her second of the night after 51 minutes. Australia went on to score three more goals in the match thanks to Savannah Fitzpatrick, Michaela Spano and Ambrosia Malone as they progressed to Friday’s Semi-Finals.

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.

FIH site



Jillaroos reach semis

On course for best JWC finish since 2005

Lawrence West



Doubles from Rio Olympian Grace Stewart and Ambrosia Malone helped Australia’s under 21 women’s hockey team, the Jillaroos, to a comprehensive 7-2 win over Belgium in the quarter final of the Junior World Cup in Santiago on Thursday morning (AEDT).

The Fitzpatrick sisters, Madison and Savannah, both also found the target, alongside Michaela Spano with the win putting the Aussies into a semi-final showdown with defending silver medallists Argentina on Saturday morning (AEDT).

The Netherlands and Spain will meet in the other semi-final clash.

A tight opening half saw the sides level pegging at the half time break with Stewart cancelling out Lien Hillewaert’s early opener, only for Joanne Peeters to level for 2-2 on the stroke of half time after Madison Fitzpatrick had given Australia the lead 60 seconds earlier. Fitzpatrick’s powerful low reverse strike came following a pinpoint aerial pass across the circle from captain Mariah Williams.

An inspirational half time team talk proved to be the catalyst for the Jillaroos to turn the match on its head in the second half.

Malone’s first goal, a rebound after the Belgian goalkeeper had deflected Grata Hayes’ cross, broke the stalemate and from there Australia hammered home their advantage.

A flowing move down the right-hand side resulted in Williams holding off the challenge of a defender before squaring the ball to Stewart for 4-2 just three minutes later.

Inside the last ten minutes of the match, Australia struck three times. Savannah Fitzpatrick pounced on a loose ball before Michaela Spano made it 6-2, turning home Rebecca Greiner’s low cross from the left. Ambrosia Malone concluded the scoring in the final minute in emphatic style, lofting the ball over the goalkeeper from the penalty spot after Savannah Fitzpatrick found her unmarked in the Belgian circle.

After the match, Australian coach Tim White said, “We were definitely on the back foot for periods of the first half. Belgium pressed us well and we were sloppy with our ball handling, which resulted in turnovers.

“At half time, we reminded the group about how we play best, and to their credit they raised their game to another level. In the end, we were rewarded with some great team goals.

“We will enjoy the victory but also recover well and prepare thoroughly for our semi-final against Argentina.”

The FIH is yet to publish the final match schedule for the two semi-finals. Australia will take on Argentina at either 7:45am AEDT or 10:00am AEDT on Saturday.

In reaching the last four of the competition, the Jillaroos are guaranteed their best finish at the event since at least 2005, the last time the Junior World Cup was held in Chile, where they finished fourth.

Australia’s Junior women’s best result at the Junior World Cup is a silver medal, won in 1993 and 1997. Australia also won bronze in 2001.Last time out in Germany in 2013, Australia finished sixth.

Don’t forget to tune into the next live stream to watch Australia in their semi final clash via the following link: Junior World Cup Live Stream.

The match against Belgium can be watched again on demand here.

Junior World Cup 2016
Santiago, Chile

JILLAROOS 7 (2)
Grace Stewart 5, 51 (FG, FG)
Madison Fitzpatrick 29 (FG)
Ambrosia Malone 48, 70 (FG, FG)
Savannah Fitzpatrick 64 (FG)
Michaela Spano 69 (FG)

BELGIUM 2 (2)
Lien Hillewaert 3 (FG)
Joanne Peeters 30 (FG)

Jillaroos squad v Belgium
Laura Gray (Goulburn, NSW)*ACTAS scholarship holder
Madison Fitzpatrick (Cabarita, NSW)
Kate Hanna (Constitution Hill, NSW)
Greta Hayes Maroubra, NSW)
Ambrosia Malone (Molendinar, QLD)
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW)
Mikaela Patterson (Blackbutt, NSW)
Aleisha Power (Clackline, WA)
Grace Stewart (Gerrigong, NSW)
Sophie Taylor (Camberwell, VIC)
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW)
    
Used Substitutes
Kristina Bates (Port Melbourne, VIC)
Rebecca Greiner (Bundaberg, QLD)
Savannah Fitzpatrick (Cabarita, NSW)
Karri Somerville (Kensington, WA)
Michaela Spano (Toorak Gardens, SA)
Renee Taylor (Brisbane, QLD)

Unused Substitutes
Rene Hunter (Wentworth Point, NSW)

Hockey Australia media release



England sunk by Spain at Junior World Cup


Erica Sanders scores for England U21s at the JWC

England were knocked out of contention for the medals at the Junior World Cup in Chile after going down to a 5-3 defeat at the hands of Spain in their quarter final clash.

Craig Keegan’s side more than played their part in an enthralling clash but in the end, despite a first half penalty corner from Erica Sanders and a brace from Megan Crowson they were not able to overcome the Redsticks who move into the semi-finals.

Spain started on the front foot and pushed England back into deep defence in the early going. Paula Arrozola tested out Katherine Somerville’s reactions in the England goal but the University of Birmingham stopper did well, dashing from her line to make a fine block.

Spain built up the pressure but some fine defensive work from Skipper Kathryn Lane was keeping them at bay whilst Somerville was on hand to mop up anything that bypassed the Captain.

With 15 minutes on the clock, Keegan’s side fell behind. A neat turn and finish from close range by Begoña Garcia broke the deadlock. The lead didn’t last that long however and England were level nine minutes later. Sanders helped herself to her second goal of the tournament with a rocket penalty corner into the roof of the net.

On the stroke of half time, England were behind again. Belen Iglesias applied the finish to a penalty corner to nudge Spain ahead at the interval.

England started the second half brightly and a series of slick passing moves from one side of the pitch to the other gave the Spain defence plenty to think about. Sanders tested the goalkeeper with another penalty corner whilst at the other end Somerville denied Garcia a second. Somewhat against the run of play, Spain added a third. Somerville made a wonderful save to keep out Florencia Amundson but the No10 collected the rebound and fired home. England were reeling and conceded a fourth a minute later as Iglesias notched her second. Mariona Serrahima made it 5-1 with 17 minutes left to play; again Somerville could consider herself unlucky after making the initial save.

To their credit, Keegan’s side rallied and with 12 minutes to go, Crowson reduced the arrears with a penalty stroke. England threw players forwards and created more pressure which eventually paid off when Crowson again converted, this time from a penalty corner with a lovely drag flick.

Despite England’s late barrage they had left themselves too much to do and Spain took the win and the place in the semi-finals.

England will now play in the placing matches to determine their finishing position in the tournament.

Spain 5 (2)
Begoña Garcia 15 (FG)
Belen Iglesias 35 47 (PC FG)
Florencia Amundson 46 (FG)
Mariona Serrahima 53 (FG)

England 3 (1)
Erica Sanders 24 (PC)
Megan Crowson 58 65 (PS PC)

England Hockey Board Media release



Despite Tremendous Effort, U-21 USWNT is Defeated by Argentina in JWC Quarterfinals



SANTIAGO, Chile - November 30, 2016 - After completing pool play with two wins and one loss and finishing 2nd in Pool A, the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team went head-to-head with Pan American rival and familiar foe Argentina in the women’s Hockey Junior World Cup quarterfinals. The energy exerted from both teams never dulled during the match and after 70 minutes of hard-fought play Argentina came out on top and defeat the USA by a score of 2-0.

“If I look at it from a perspective of learning and growing, 6 months ago we played them in the Junior Pan Am final and lost 6-0,” said Janneke Schopman, U-21 USWNT Head Coach. “Today the score was 2-0. We played with a lot more confidence and a lot more grit in this game.”

Play started fast and physical with the umpire’s opening whistle. The first five minutes saw a few connecting plays for both teams with the majority of it coming in the middle of the field. Argentina showed promise in the 6th minute when they penetrated USA’s defensive circle but captain Julia Young (Yorktown, Va.) was there to clean up the play. Stringing passes together, USA worked the momentum the other way using quick transfers through the midfield.

Off a turnover in the midfield, an Argentine player took possession quickly and fired a shot on goal. USA’s goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas) made the glove save but the ball cleared onto a USA’s foot giving Argentina its first penalty corner. USA’s defensive unit held strong and blocked the chance while quickly transitioning possession to the other end. Argentina regained the ball and with speed took it down the middle of the field and earned another penalty corner. Quick off the line, flyer Laura Hurff (Newark, Del.) blocked the shot and Young cleared it out of danger.

Another close opportunity came for Argentina when the ball was taken with speed and a backhand shot was saved by Bing. Team USA's defense held strong under the persistent pressure, a theme that would be present throughout the entire match.

In the 23rd minute, USA earned its first circle penetration with no result. Argentina transitioned play to the opposite end getting multiple shots off on goal. Back-to-back penalty corners were given to Argentina but again being quick off the line, Hurff blocked the drag attempt and the strong defense cleared the chance. In the 32nd minute Argentina earned another penalty corner and this time be successful as Bianca Donati scored from the top making it USA 0, Argentina 1. This would be the score heading into halftime as both teams vigorously fought for the remaining minutes.

Looking to find the equalizer in the second half, USA took the possession forward with speed. A few connecting passes got it into Argentina’s defensive circle but no result was earned. Continuing to threaten forward, Julianna Tornetta (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.) got a backhand attempt off but Argentina’s goalkeeper make the save.

The play rapidly transitioned to the opposite end of the field, where Argentina got a backhand shot off of their own but Bing make the glove save and sent the ball over the goal. Possession maintained with Argentina as several circle penetrations and shot attempts came, looking to extend the lead. Argentina earned a penalty corner chance but for the third time in the match Hurff blocked the initial shot off the fly and USA’s defense remained solid to regain possession. The play quickly fell back to Argentina where they earned another penalty corner and though the drag to deflect attempt went wide they kept  possession. Extending the lead, Argentina’s Lucina von der Heyde drove hard into the right side of the circle and got a hard shot off that would find the corner of the goal to make it USA 0, ARG 2 in the 49th minute.

As action returned to Argentina’s attacking end, Bing came up big with back-to-back saves to deny the multiple shot attempts. Continuing to show resilience in their defensive circle, USA gained possession and took play the other way. In the 57th minute, USA earned its first penalty corner of the match. Off the first attempt the shot hit an Argentine foot so a second was awarded but on that chance there was no result.

For a hard tackle, Argentina’s Barbara Dichiara Gentili earned a green card giving USA a player up advantage. This didn’t dull Argentina’s attack as they kept threatening forward with speed testing USA’s defense. Being persistent on defense, USA gained possession and work it out and around. While USA pushed the ball forward, an Argentine player fouled the play hard outside the circle and the call got upgraded to a penalty corner. As time wound down, both teams fought hard to try and change the score mark. When the final buzzer rang the score stood at USA 0, Argentina 2.

“They (Argentina) had a really nice goal but I thought our team was playing really well,” said Hurff. “We played together and we stuck it out the whole time. We were aggressive and I am really proud of my team today.”

The U-21 USWNT will have off tomorrow as the 9th-16th place consolation round plays. Team USA will be back in action Friday, December 2 playing Belgium at 11:15 a.m. EST. Click here to watch all games of the JWC. Follow Team USA on their journey at the JWC by staying tuned to usafieldhockey.com. #SQUAD #HJWC2016 #RockTheJuniors

USFHA media release



Kookaburras win v India in Bendigo

Win second test 4 - 3

Holly MacNeil



A double from Jeremy Hayward has helped seal the victory for the Kookaburras in their second test in Bendigo against India, with goals from Trent Mitton and Jake Whetton rounding out Australia’s score.

Only six minutes into the first quarter and India took charge of the game, taking the first goal out with a field goal flicked by Akashdeep Singh sneaking in past goalkeeper Andrew Charter.

Eleven minutes into the quarter and the Kookaburras had their first chance at goal with a penalty corner, but the goal was well defended by India and the Australians remained goalless. Thirteen minutes in, and there was a scramble in the Australian D, before Trent Mitton went for a flying flick, knocking the ball into the top left of the net from the bottom right of the circle.

The Kookaburras were the first up for a chance at goal in the second quarter with a penalty corner opportunity coming their way. The shot went high leaving the score line tied. India followed suit with their own chance at a penalty corner and captain Raghunath Vokkaliga scored the goal.

Australia equalised only a minute later with Jake Whetton scoring a penalty corner goal from a deflection from Chris Bausor, tying the score. Two minutes later and Raghunath Vokkaliga gave India the lead again with a second penalty corner conversion.

The third quarter saw the score equalise yet again, with Jeremy Hayward knocking a penalty corner strike in past Indian goalkeeper Akash Chikte and his team of defenders.

India were up for a double penalty corner early in the fourth quarter, the first was defended by Matt Dawson, and the second saw the trap missed by India. It was Australia’s turn for a penalty corner only minutes later, with Jeremy Hayward smacking the ball into the back centre of the net giving Australia the lead for the first time in the competition.

India responded by taking their goalkeeper off in exchange for an additional field player with two minutes of play to go in the game. It was Australia’s night though and they came away with a 4 – 3 victory over the visitors to round out the two-game test in Bendigo.

Kookaburras interim head coach Paul Gaudoin said: “It’s nice to win, but we certainly didn’t play well, it was a very scrappy game with cards for both sides. I guess what we’re trying to highlight to some of our young guys is that sometimes you have to grind out a win and I think we did that today, we found a way to win.”

Gaudoin continued: “We’ve got a high standard and I don’t think we got there today. What we did do, is we learnt a lot about some of these players so we’ll be able to go back and really give them some clear ideas as to where they need to improve for the next few years.”

The two-game test in Bendigo were the Kookaburras last games for 2016, with the series a draw after India's win in game one.

KOOKABURRAS 4 (2)
Trent Mitton 13 (FG)
Jake Whetton 23 (PC)
Jeremy Hayward 38, 54 (PC, PC)

INDIA 3 (3)
Akashdeep Singh 6 (FG) 
Raghunath Vokkaliga 22, 25 (PC, PC)

Kookaburras squad v India
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT) 122/0
Ben Craig (Lane Cove, NSW) 8/0
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Valley, NSW) 62/8
Kieran Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 120/56
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 69/24
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 102/40
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW) 43/12
Josh Pollard (Melbourne, VIC) 9/0
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD) 114/48
Matthew Willis (Tamworth, NSW) 16/2
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 106/15

Used Substitutes
Chris Bausor (Perth, WA) 23/2
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 96/16
Robert Bell (Brisbane, QLD) 7/0
Scott Boyde (Brisbane, QLD) 7/1
Casey Hammond (Bundoora, VIC) 8/0
Aaron Kleinschmidt (Melbourne, VIC) 9/2

Unused Substitutes
Tristan Clemons (Bunbury, WA) 30/0

Hockey Australia media release



Australia beat India 4-3 to level series 1-1

NEW DELHI: The Indian men's hockey team came close to securing a historic sweep of world No 1 Australia in the two-Test series in Bendigo, Victoria but the home team, spurred by on Jez Hayward's two brilliant goals in the second half, clawed back and held onto the advantage to win 4-3.

India, ranked sixth, were pushed to the limit by the Kookaburras who did not let their opponents get ahead in the game as evident by goals scored in the 13th, 23rd, 38th and 51st minutes to close out a thoroughly riveting game of hockey.

Having claimed bronze in the preceding Four Nations Invitational Tournament in Melbourne - in which Australia beat them 3-2 in a league match - India's 1-1 series draw with the Kookaburras is a very creditable result for a team missing regular captain and talismanic goalkeeper PR Sreejesh along with senior strikers SV Sunil and Ramandeep Singh. In the last two weeks, Australia had beaten New Zealand twice to lift the Trans-Tasman Trophy in Auckland and the Four Nations in Melbourne.

A day after youngster Affan Yousuf set up a 3-2 win over the hosts, it was the turn of skipper VR Raghunath to lead India's push for a rare series win. The first goal went to India early on, with Akashdeep Singh slotting one into the back of the net in the sixth minute, but in the 13th Trent Mitton's conversion of a field goal drew the equalizer. Both teams engaged in some tense hockey, as evident by back-to-back goals in under a minute. In the 22nd minute it was Raghunath who put India ahead with a fine penalty corner strike, only for Jake Whetty to make it 2-2 in the 23rd.

Then in the 25th minute, India went up 3-2 with an unstoppable PC by Raghunath. A frenetic first half ended with India up 3-2.

But Hayward got the Kookaburras back into the game with a PC in the 38th minute, and the third quarter ended with the scores level 3-3. Hayward struck again in the 51st minute to give Australia the lead for the first time, and the defenders ensured the advantage remained with the home team.

The Times of India



India twice squander lead to lose 3-4 in thriller, series ends 1-1


Sardar Singh in action during India’s match against Australia in Bendigo, northwest of Melbourne, on Wednesday. Hockey India

Melbourne: VR Raghunath’s twin strikes went in vain as the Indian men’s hockey team went down 3-4 to Australia in the second and final game of their two-match series, which ended 1-1.

Akashdeep Singh (6th minute) and Raghunath (22nd, 25th) scored for the visitors, while Australia’s goals came from the sticks of Trent Mitton (13th), Jake Whetton (23rd) and Jeremy Hayward (38th, 54th).

Playing with 10 men for large periods in the third quarter, India defended stoutly but were finally outsmarted by Australia just six minutes from full-time.

The visitors were the first to sound the board when Akashdeep scored in the sixth minute to give India the lead. The home team settled into the game as the first quarter went on and two minutes from its end, Australia drew level through Mitton’s strike.

In the action-packed second quarter, captain Raghunath gave India the lead with a superbly-executed penalty-corner in the 22nd minute. But India’s joy was short-lived as Australia equalised through a penalty-corner conversion by Whetton in the very next minute. India had the final say before half-time when Raghunath converted another penalty-corner to give his side a 3-2 lead going into the break.

In an ill-tempered third quarter that saw four yellow cards — three to Indian players — Australia wrested back control, scoring the equaliser via a Hayward penalty-corner conversion in the 38th minute.

India were down by a player for long passages of play in the quarter and had only nine men on the field for a while, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Pardeep Mor, both on yellow cards, serving suspensions. The teams went into the final break level at 3-3.

Australia were the stronger side in the final period and their constant raids bore fruit when Hayward scored his second goal off a set-piece in the 54th minute to give his side the decisive lead. India had defeated Australia 3-2 in the first match of the series yesterday.

Australia’s interim head coach Paul Gaudoin said: “It’s nice to win, but we certainly didn’t play well, it was a very scrappy game with cards for both sides. I guess what we’re trying to highlight to some of our young guys is that sometimes you have to grind out a win and I think we did that today, we found a way to win.”

“We’ve got a high standard and I don’t think we got there today,” he said.

“What we did do, is we learnt a lot about some of these players so we’ll be able to go back and really give them some clear ideas as to where they need to improve for the next few years.”

The Tribune



Senior men present juniors with World Cup uniforms at sendoff event

Shaheed Devji


Junior goalkeeper Angus Grauer receives his 2016 Junior World Cup uniform from Senior goalkeeper David Carter on November 29, 2016 in Vancouver

With Canada’s Under-21 men headed to Lucknow, India for the 2016 Junior World Cup this Thursday, Field Hockey Canada held a special send-off event for the team Tuesday night in Vancouver.

In front of family and friends, the eighteen Canadian men received their Junior World Cup uniforms, which were made by lululemon and presented to them by their senior Men’s National Team counterparts.

“It was a good experience, especially getting it from the Senior guys, Olympians who have accomplished a lot,” says Angus Grauer, who – along with fellow keeper Iqwinder Gill – received his uniform from Senior goalkeeper David Carter.

“It’s finally all started hitting me – a few days before – it’s pretty cool,” adds Grauer, who will be playing in his first international tournament in India.

The evening was not only special for Canada’s Juniors, 16 of whom – including Grauer – are off to their first Junior World Cup, but also for the Seniors, who are fresh off an appearance at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Only three years ago, many of the athletes who currently make-up Canada’s senior Men’s National Team were on the Junior stage competing at the 2013 Junior World Cup, which was also played in India.

“It’s obviously a pretty big milestone for them. It’s cool to be a part of that,” says Taylor Curran, who after competing in the 2013 Junior World Cup competed in his first Olympic Games this past summer in Rio, Brazil.

“Obviously, it’s also special because you know invariably you’re going to end up playing with a bunch of these guys. And it’s been exciting to see a lot of them develop over the last year or so.”

And whether it was in 2013, or before, the Junior pathway is a right of passage to the Senior international level and one that can start a long and fulfilling career in international hockey. And the Junior World Cup – a competition with the world’s best hockey players and teams under the age of 21- is the best way to kickstart that journey.

“It just made me feel like that I accomplished something that really wanted to do, so it puts that joy in me,” says defender Gavin Bains, who narrowly missed out on selection for the 2016 Junior Pan American Championship this past spring, but made his way back into the fold and on to the World Cup roster.

Canada opens the 2016 Junior World Cup against host India on December 8th at 7:00pm local time (6:00am Pacific/9:00am Eastern).

Field Hockey Canada media release



Dumping us from WC ridiculous: Shahbaz


Senior men’s team coach Roelant Oltmans talks to the junior Indian team in Lucknow. HI

Karach: The International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) decision to withdraw Pakistan from the Junior World Cup has not go down well with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), its secretary Shahbaz Ahmad terming the move “ridiculous.” “It has come as a big shock to us because we were doing our best to convince the Indian High Commission to issue us visas for the tournament in Lucknow” Ahmad said.

FIH has replaced Pakistan with Malaysia in the mega-event.

Shahbaz, a former Pakistan captain, said that PHF had sent applications for visas to the Indian High Commission on October 24, well before the FIH deadline of November 28 to confirm entries of teams. “Obviously we can’t book hotels and make other travel arrangements until the visas are issued, which they were not until today,” he said. “We had got funds from the government for the tournament so there were no monetary issues. It is sad but strange that just after an Indian, Narinder Batra, has taken over as FIH president, this harsh decision has been made.”

“What are we supposed to do if the Indian High Commission has not issued visas to us? In fact it is now for the FIH to talk to the Indian authorities on the issue of issuing visas to Pakistani teams,” he said.

The Olympian also pointed out that the Asia Cup and the World Cup are scheduled to be held in India in 2017 and 2018, and keeping the two events in mind, PHF has taken up the matter with the Pakistani government.

Pakistan’s junior team head coach Tahir Zaman questioned how visas were issued to Malaysia in a such a short span while Pakistan was still waiting for the same despite applying for them on October 24. “I don’t know what to say. It is so disappointing as we had worked so hard with our junior squad,” he said.

Boys upbeat and focused for Junior World Cup: Oltmans

lucknow: With less than 10 days to go before India take on Canada in their opening Pool D match at the Hockey Junior World Cup, senior men’s team coach Roelant Oltmans said that the junior team was upbeat and focused.

“The boys are upbeat and focused. We will be playing a practice match with Argentina on December 2 and further fine-tune our game,” said Oltmans, who has been overseeing the team’s training.

He added that the players were getting used to the new turf here at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium.

“We have trained on this pitch for the past few days and the boys are getting used to the new turf. It is similar to the turf at SAI Bengaluru, where the boys have been based for almost 10 months,” he said.

India will play a practice match against Netherlands on December 5. “We will meet these two teams only in the semifinals or the final, so this won’t be just another practice game,” he said.

The Hindu



Bobby Crutchley signs new contract to remain Head Coach


Bobby Crutchley England Head Coach

England and Great Britain Hockey are delighted to announce that Bobby Crutchley has signed a new contract to remain Men’s Head Coach through to the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.

Following a thorough, independent review process into the first full-time Men’s Central Training Programme; England and Great Britain Hockey have unanimously decided that Crutchley is the man to lead the new look squad, due to be announced in December, on their road to Tokyo.

The 46-year-old coach reflected on a “difficult few months” saying:

“We’re obviously devastated that we didn’t get near where we wanted to in Rio despite a lot of hard work. The review process has been very comprehensive and tough. We’ve really delved into how we could have done better. It’s been a difficult experience, but also rewarding and will set us up well moving forwards.” He continued: “There’s been a lot of soul searching for me personally but I am feeling excited and hungry to achieve medal success over the coming years.”

The men’s set up had progressed under Crutchley and produced some good performances, spending much of the time in his tenure in the top five of the FIH World Rankings. The aim now is to turn that progression into medals with the 2018 World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics the two biggest targets over the next four years.

"I am delighted that Bobby is staying on. I absolutely feel he is the right person to lead our men's programme moving forward." said Ed Barney, Performance Director. "We conducted a thorough review and there are a number of learnings from the last four years. Without doubt, Rio was hugely disappointing for both the staff and the players in the men’s squad. As an organisation we are absolutely clear that there can be no compromise on our goals. We do not accept a lack of medal winning performance looking forward; I have no doubt that Bobby is the right man to deliver international success in the men’s programme.”

With news on funding levels for the next four years and the announcement of the new centralised squads imminent, this period marks the start of a new chapter for the England and Great Britain squads. England’s next competitive action is at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, taking place in June 2017 at London’s Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. With a number of world class teams competing in the competition, including Olympic gold medallists Argentina and European Champions Netherlands, it represents an exciting chance for Crutchley’s new-look squad to begin their new regime against some of the very best teams.
They are then heading to the Rabo EuroHockey Championships in August in Amsterdam. England Hockey is currently looking for a men’s shirt sponsor to join the team on this journey.

Crutchley told England Hockey:

“The start of a new cycle is a chance to freshen things up. We get a chance to start with a new focus. The players who are coming back in have had a decent break and will come back refreshed and ready to go again. The new ones bring a fresh perspective. We are ultimately in the business of winning hockey matches and tournaments and we’re excited to get going and to do that.”

Performance Director Barney added: "As a performance department we fully understand the areas in which we need to develop, and 2017 is a hugely exciting year with the Hockey World League semi-final in London in June, and then the Rabo EuroHockey Championships in Holland in August. This is the beginning of a new era for our squad and alongside Bobby I am very confident for the future.”

England Hockey Board Media release



Cox extends deal with Kampong up to 2019


In the photo: Paul van den Putten, Alexander Cox and Dennis Breij

SV Kampong have extended the contract of head coach Alexander Cox with the new deal now set to run until 2019.

The coach is currently in his fifth season at Kampong. Under his leadership, Kampong have developed to be an ever-present in the Dutch end of season playoffs with the 2015-16 season the highlight in Barcelona, winning the Euro Hockey League for the first time.

Paul van den Putten, from the Kampong top hockey board, welcomed the contract extension saying: "Alexander is absolutely a top coach. The men’s first team has improved in recent years thanks to his ambition, professionalism and devotion.

“Alexander has also shown that our young talents move successfully into the first team and they develop well under his leadership. With the contract extension, we offer continuity to the players about the ambitions that we have. We are therefore delighted that Alexander will remain until 2019.

For Cox, he is delighted to stick around for a few more years. “It is a recognition from the club of the achievements of recent years and the future ambitions. The collaboration with the team and the club is very nice.

“Additionally, the advent of the new clubhouse and a new main pitch makes for fantastic top hockey facilities. These are good conditions to help achieve our top hockey ambitions with in the national league and our defence of the EHL title. "

Euro Hockey League media release



Hockey India silent on why domestic tourneys are played in old format

MUMBAI: It has been four years since the four-quarter format lasting 60 minutes of play was introduced in field hockey at the London Olympic Games, but strangely the domestic competitions in this country are still being played under the old format.

The 51st Bombay Gold Cup tournament, being held here currently, is being held as per the discarded (by International Hockey Federation) two-halves format lasting 70 minutes in all.

Asked about the reason, tournament organisers - Mumbai Hockey Association Limited - said it was being done as per the directive received from Hockey India.

"We have been told to hold the tournament only under the old format by Hockey India as all domestic tournaments are being conducted under this format only," said MHAL secretary Ram Singh Rathore today.

Other MHAL sources told PTI that this question had been put to HI but there has been no reply on the rationale behind this decision.

Significantly, the Hockey India League is being conducted over the years on the four-quarter format, much before it was put into practise at the international level.

Even the senior nationals are being played under the new format, informed sources said.

The Times of India



Not just US, Republicans are a hit in Mumbai too

Sudheendra Tripath

MUMBAI: A frail 13-year-old boy getting plucked out from the stands and being asked to play because the team didn't have the numbers to make up the team in a lower division encounter of the Mumbai Hockey Association Limited-conducted league in 2003, probably sums up the story of the Bombay Republicans Hockey Club. For decades now, the club has been surviving on the benevolence of some of its established names in national and international hockey.

The club managed by Marzaban Patel, famously and lovingly known as Bawa in hockey circles, has been instrumental in giving India 57 players. And, for the first time in their over five-decade history, the Republicans managed to qualify for the prestigious Bombay Gold Cup hockey tournament. Though they ended up losing 3-2 against local outfit Western Railway, they won the hearts of the motley crowd present at the MHAL's Churchgate facility.

The young boy - better known in hockey circles as Yuvraj Walmiki - went on to represent India in various tournaments before being sidelined due to injuries. Walmiki, though, has fond memories of his association with the club.

"As a kid, playing for the Bombay Republicans was the ultimate dream," Walmiki recalls. "I started playing hockey as a nine-year-old in 1999. For four years, I kept hoping that I would get a chance to play for the Republicans. But our coach, Marzaban Patel (Bawa) kept denying me because I was too weak. Finally, in 2003, my dream came true. Republicans were playing against Coorg XI and they were a player short. So Bawa asked me to change and that's how I made my club debut," he adds.

Walmiki scored five goals in that match and there was no stopping him. He went on to play for the country. Younger sibling Devinder followed in Yuvraj's footsteps and is currently an important member in Coach Roelant Oltmans' scheme of things.

Founded on Republic Day in 1963, Republicans has been a fertile stable of quality hockey players. Former India goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza, midfielders Viren Rasquinha, Jude Menezes, Walmiki brothers, junior India goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, have all donned the Republicans colours at some point or the other.

Conroy Remedius, who began his career with the Republicans and went on to represent Mumbai, is mentoring the team currently in the Gold Cup. "Playing against international players will give the boys a lot of exposure. Winning and losing is just a part of the deal but for me the kind of confidence the boys will gain in such tournaments is rewarding" he says.

The Times of India

Fieldhockey.com uses cookies to assist with navigating between pages. Please leave the site if you disagree with this policy.
Copyright remains with the credited source or author