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News for 19 December 2016

All the news for Monday 19 December 2016


Incredible India win Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men Lucknow 2016



India have been crowned as the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men Lucknow 2016 champions following a 2-1 triumph over Belgium. 

It was standing room only at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium for the gold medal match, with 17000 cheering fans creating an electric atmosphere for what was a sparkling showcase of junior international hockey.

India were superb in the first half, harnessing the energy of the home crowd to move into a 2-0 lead. Man of the Match Gurjant Singh scored a sensational backhand strike from a tight angle in the eighth minute before Simranjeet Singh added a second 14 minutes later. Gregory Stockbroekx went agonizingly close to halving India’s lead with a penalty corner towards the end of the period, but his deflection travelled fractionally wide of the target.

Indian goalkeeper Vikas Diyas showed stunning reactions with a glove save inside the final five minutes to deny a vicious volley from Stockbroekx, a moment that proved crucial. Belgium scored an overtime penalty corner through Fabrice Van Bockrijck, but it was not enough to stop India from claiming their second junior world cup title, adding to the one they claimed at Hobart, Australia in 2001. 

India’s triumph in the title match brought the curtain down on what has been a wonderful festival of hockey in Lucknow. With the new champions having a 100 percent win record throughout the event, few could dispute that the home favourites were worthy winners.

In the individual awards, Spain’s exceptional captain Enrique Gonzalez de Castijon was named as the Uttar Pradesh Best Player of the Tournament, while brilliant Belgian shot-stopper Loic van Doren was given the Uttar Pradesh Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Edward Horler of England took the HERO Top Scorer of the Tournament award thanks to an eight-goal haul in Lucknow. The full list of award winners can be found below.

In the bronze medal match, Timm Herzbruch inspired Germany to a 3-0 victory over Australia, with the 19-year-old attacker scoring twice for his side. The early stages of the match were closely contested, with the Burras having some good scoring opportunities in the first half but found themselves going into break a goal down thanks to Jan Schiffer’s 11th minute field goal. It was a lead that Germany doubled in the second period when the outstanding Herzbruch fired home from open play in the 51st minute. Herzbruch – a nominee for the FIH Rising Star Award for 2016 - also netted Germany’s third goal, launching an unstoppable penalty corner drag-flick into the top right corner ten minutes from time to secure the bronze medal in front of a packed Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. “Obviously it is awesome [to win bronze], look at this crowd”, said Germany captain Constantin Staib immediately after the game. “It’s so loud in here, it’s unbelievable. I played in the World League in Raipur last year and it was similar, but not as much as here. It is the best experience I’ve ever had.”

Argentina were the winners of the 5/6 Place play-off, recording a 2-1 victory over Spain. Following an evenly contested first half, Spain came close to opening the scoring in the early stages of the second period, with Pol Gispert missing two glorious chances before Argentina established a 2-0 lead. Nicolas Keenan and Tomas Domene scored goals in the 51st and 54th minute to give the European side a mountain to climb. Spain removed their goalkeeper in the final stages of the match, and their boldness was rewarded three minutes from the end when Marc Perrellon pounced on a loose ball after Joan Tarres hit the post. Spain almost found an equalizer in the closing moments with a penalty corner, but Argentina shot-stopper Emiliano Bosso made the save that guaranteed a top five finish for his team.

The Netherlands were comfortable winners of the 7/8 Place play-off contest, defeating England 6-2. Remarkably, seven of the eight goals came in the second half, with Thijs van Dam’s first half penalty corner being added to shortly after the break as Thierry Brinkman made it 2-0 to the Netherlands. Tom Sorsby pulled a goal back before Bram van Groesen and Morris de Vilder increased the Dutch advantage to 4-1. England’s Will Calnan scored from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit, but additional strikes from Brinkman and Van Groesen both claimed their second goals of the match to complete the scoring. 

Fans can find scores, standings, fixtures, 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 - 18th December 2016

7/8 Place: England 2, Netherlands 6.
5/6 Place: Argentina 2, Spain 1.
3/4 Place: Germany 3, Australia 0.
1/2 Place: Belgium 1, India 2.

Final Classification (positions 9-16)

1: India
2: Belgium
3  Germany
4: Australia
5:  Argentina
6:  Spain
7:  Netherlands
8:  England
9   New Zealand
10: South Africa
11: Malaysia
12: Austria
13: Japan
14: Korea
15: Egypt
16: Canada

Awards

Uttar Pradesh Best Player of the Tournament: Enrique Gonzalez de Castejon (ESP)
Uttar Pradesh Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Loic van Doren (BEL)
Uttar Pradesh Up & Coming U19 Player of the Tournament: Timm Herzbruch (GER)
Uttar Pradesh Fair Play Award: New Zealand
Uttar Pradesh Fans Choice Award: Harmanpreet Singh (IND)
HERO Top Scorer of the Tournament: Edward Horler (ENG) – 8 goals.

FIH site



India peaks timely and win the invaluable Cup



The billboards on the stands were removed to accommodate more and swelling crowd. The atmosphere was festive and electric to a level unheard of in hockey, and amidst a frenzy 17, 000 full throat crowd, Indian colts delighted with a highly tactful game to win their Junior World Cup crown.

India regained the Allen Danet's Trophy after a gap of 15 years, having won its maiden title in Hobart 2001.

Unlike in the previous knock out matches in the Lucknow razzmatazz where India fell in arrears by the half time, India turned the table on the precise rivals.

First, Gurjant Singh drilled a hole in the Belgians in the circle with a spectacular forehand that crashed on the other side (1-1).

This came after India again failed to convert first two penalty corners like it did in the every knock out matches.

However, the script was turned for better today with the Gurjant goal.

Two minutes later, ever reliable Simranjit Singh punctured the Belgian cage after hard working Nilakanta Sharma just missed out a sitter-like ball.

Thereafter India deployed all its might to safeguard the treasure.

On change of sides, as only expected, the rival team was methodical in approach and waged full pledged attacks. Marshalled by Harmanpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh and Dipsan Tirkey, India did not yield

However, whenever it made counters where right winger Vikramjit Singh was exemplary, it got its chances to enhance.

It got three penalty corners but the process, as was observed throughout the tournament, the process went haywire.

Relentless Belgium worked hard, changed the goalkeeper in order to pep up the attack with an extra player, and were many times close to scoring. This last three minutes were hell of a time for the ultimate winners. However, after Simranjit Singh has knelt and thanked god, with just 18 seconds left, Belgium got a penalty corner which turned out to be their consolation.

Thereafter, celebrations followed.

Governor and Chief Minister of the State of Uttar Pradesh were present to grace the occasion.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav presented the Allen Danet's trophy to India, which again set the stands to a wild celebrations.

RESULTS

7th/8th Place: England 2 vs Netherlands 6.
5th/6th Place: Argentina 2 vs Spain 1.
3rd/4th Place: Germany 3 vs Australia 0.
Final: Belgium 1 vs India 2.

FINAL CLASSIFICATION
1. India
2. Belgium
3. Germany
4. Australia
5. Argentina
6. Spain
7. Netherlands
8. England
9. New Zealand
10. South Africa
11. Malaysia
12. Austria
13. Japan
14. Korea
15. Egypt
16. Canada

Awards
1. Best Player of the Tournament: Enrique Gonzalez de Castejon (Spain)
2. Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Loic van Doren (Belgium)
3. Up & Coming U19 Player of the Tournament: Timm Herzbruch (Germany)
4. Fair Play Award: New Zealand
5. Fans Choice Award: Harmanpreet Singh (India)
6. HERO Top Scorer of the Tournament: Edward Horler (England) – 8 goals.

Stick2Hockey.com



A 15-year wait comes to an end

India dismantles Belgium for Junior World Cup crown

Uthra Ganesan


JOYOUS OCCASION: The Indian team takes a victory lap after beating Belgium in the Junior World Cup final in Lucknow on Sunday. 

“Murde ke taboot me itne keel gaad do ki wo fir uth na sakey (Put so many nails in a coffin that the dead can’t get up again)” has been the favourite phrase for the Indian junior hockey team. With 25,000 people cheering the team on in a stadium that could accommodate just 15,000, the boys did just that and were crowned World champions, dominating and dismantling Belgium 2-1 in the final of the Junior World Cup here on Sunday.

It was a clinical performance that had both Indian flair upfront and European stubbornness in defence as the host came close to the ‘perfect game’ the team management had hoped for.

Belgium tried to defend like it always does but for once, the Indians, instead of trying to break their structure, simply slid past the defence and created gaps that flummoxed the opposition.

This was Indian hockey’s first-ever world-level title in 15 years, the last being its maiden win in the same competition in 2001. It was also the first time that a host has won this title.

An early lead for India was expected to force the Belgians to break up and move upfront, and the plan worked. It also helped that a vociferous crowd on its feet made it impossible for the Belgians to even communicate.

India attacked from the word go and got the first chance in the second minute but Mandeep hit wide. But the intent was clear and a penalty corner a minute later only added to the pressure on Belgium. In terms of possession, circle entries, and shots on target, India dominated every department of the game.

A long scoop from Sumit in the Indian half found Gurjant positioned right at the edge of the circle and the latter, in a replay of his goal in the semifinals, turned and reverse hit into the net to put India ahead in the eighth.

In fact, this Indian team has used aerial scoops throughout the tournament to great effect and it worked again in the final.

With a packed Belgian defence that conceded no space, India often used the diagonal scoop to not just relieve pressure but bypass the defenders. With the forwards trapping the accurate passes cleanly inside the striking circle, Belgium was forced to back-pedal furiously. The Indians also proved their physical superiority, outrunning for possession every time Belgium managed to take control.

So composed was the Indian defence that the Belgians, when they occasionally managed to find the momentum to attack, were often unable to reach even the penalty spot. The Indian defenders made sure to clear the ball out of their own half as soon as possible.

Captain Harjeet Singh kept falling back in defence to assist Dipsan Tirkey while Simranjeet Singh handled the midfield duties well, assisted by Varun Kumar, who was pushed ahead on the left, and Sumit. Mandeep Singh, Gurjant and Parvinder Singh came close to scoring but were unlucky to hit wide.

Vikramjit Singh and Armaan Qureshi, both normally strikers, played feeders instead, sending the ball in often. Simranjeet finally doubled the lead in the 22nd minute after being put through by Gurjant, deservedly named Man of the Match. India, in fact, could have won by a bigger margin if it had connected all the crosses that materialised.

Unlike the previous games, there was no aimless running. Every time India scored, or came close, it held possession, slowed the game a bit, regrouped and then attacked, not as a battering ram but as a knife, cutting through the spaces.

At the same time, Belgium found little space to orchestrate its own attacks. The second half was better for Belgium but India’s defence held firm, till the last 30 seconds, when it conceded back to back penalty corners and a goal, but it only changed the scoreline, not the result.

Earlier, Germany mixed aggression with discipline to win 3-0 against Australia and finish third.

The results: Final: India 2 (Gurjant Singh, Simranjit Singh) bt Belgium 1(Fabrice van Bockrijck); 3/4 place: Germany 3 (Timm Herzbruch 2, Jan Schiffer) bt Australia 0; 5/6 place: Argentina 2 (Nicolas Keenan, Tomas Domene) bt Spain 1 (Marc Perrellon); 7/8 place: the Netherlands 6 (Thierry Brinkman 2, Bram van Groesen 2, Thijs van Dam, Morris de Vilder) bt England 2 (Tom Sorsby 2).

Player of the Tournament: Enrique Gonzalez de Castejon (Esp).

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Loic van Doren (Bel).

Up & Coming U19 Player of the Tournament: Timm Herzbruch (Ger).

Fair Play Award: New Zealand.

Fans Choice Award: Harmanpreet Singh (Ind).

Top Scorer of the Tournament: Edward Horler (Eng) - 8 goals.

The Hindu



India beats Belgium to win after 15 years

It was also the first time that a host nation had won the tournament since its inception.


Indian (blue) and Belgium players in action during the Junior World Cup Hockey final match in Lucknow on Sunday. 

India on Sunday created history by winning the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup after a gap of 15 long years with a clinical 2-1 victory against Belgium in the final, here tonight.

The hosts scored two beautifully crafted field goals in the first half through Gurjant Singh (8th minute) and Simranjeet Singh (22nd) while controlling the proceedings for better part of the game to emerge as deserving winners.

The team coached by Harendra Singh in association with senior team’s chief coach Roelant Oltmans accomplished what the ‘Class of 2001’ comprising of some of the best of their times like Gagan Ajit Singh, Yugraj Singh achieved then.

Having finished a lowly 13th in the last edition of the tournament in New Delhi, it was a mission for the hosts to rewrite history and the hosts duly achieved that riding on its brilliant performance in the 11th edition of the event.

It turned out to be a historic day for India as they reclaimed the title for the second time in the history of the tournament. India had last won the tournament way back in 2001 in Hobart.

It was also the first time that a host nation had won the tournament since its inception.

Cheered by a vociferous home crowd, the Indians produced a clinical performance — a “perfect game” which the team’s coaching staff was eying for in order to revive the fortunes of the game in a nation, which has boasted of a rich hockey tradition.

Belgium scored a late consolation goal through Fabrice van Bockrijck’s penalty corner conversion in the 70th minute.

With the title in sight, the Indians went on the offensive from the word go and put the Belgian defence under tremendous pressure with continuous raids.

India’s relentless pressure on the opposition striking circle earned them two penalty corners in the opening six minutes but as has been the case in the tournament so far, the hosts wasted both the opportunities.

But it didn’t take India too long to surge ahead as they drew the first blood in the eighth minute through Gurjant’s fantastic field strike.

The goal was set up by brilliant scoop from Sumit from the deep which ricocheted from the Belgian goalkpeer’s chestguard on to Gurjant’s sticks and the lanky striker pounced on the opportunity and unleashed a fierce reverse hit from a tight angle to beat the Loic van Doren all ends up.

A minute later Nilkanta Sharma came tantalisingly close to hand India a two-goal advantage but his shot from top of the circle went just wide.

The Indians kept up the pressure and doubled their lead in the 22nd minute through Simranjeet’s reverse shot from top of the circle after he was fed by a measured pass from Nilkanta.

Stunned by India’s aggression with a partisan crowd to contend with, Belgium went for goals and in the process secured their first penalty corner in the 30th minute but the opportunity went wasted as the hosts went into breather with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Earlier in the day, six-time champions and title holders Germany had to contend themselves with the bronze medal after outclassing Australia 3-0 in the third-fourth place play-off match.

India continued in the same vein after the change of ends and secured their third penalty corner in the 48th minute but skipper Harjeet Singh failed to stop the injection but recovered enough to take a shot which was saved Belgium goalkeeper van Doren.

The hosts kept up the pressure on the Belgian defence and in the 60th minute an unmarked Gurjant came close to registering his second goal of the match from an open chance but his march was stopped by an onrushing Belgian custodian van Doren who did enough to get his stick on the ball to avert the danger.

Penalty corner conversion has been India’s only bane in the tournament and it continued to be so as the hosts wasted two more back-to-back set pieces in the final 10 minutes of the game.

With nothing to lose, Belgium gave their all in the final few minutes and managed to secure two consecutive penalty corners just 20 seconds from the final hooter, the second of which was converted by Van Bockrijck to give the something to cheer about for the Red Cougars.

But despite the defeat in the summit clash, the Belgians also created a history in their own way by finishing on the podium for the first time in the history of the tournament.

The Hindu



India beat Belgium to lift the junior hockey World Cup

Victory after a gap of 15 years

Indervir Grewal


Cup of Joy The jubilant Indian team poses with the trophy after beating belgium in the final in Lucknow on sunday. Hockey India

Lucknow: India’s “almost perfect” performance in the first half pretty much ended the contest as they beat Belgium 2-1 to win the junior hockey World Cup here today. “It was fantastic. They did everything right,” said an impressed-looking manager Roelant Oltmans.

But more than the tactical part, it was the Indian players’ do-or-die spirit that made it such a special performance. They kept nothing for later. The amount of running the players, especially the first line of defence, did to put pressure on the ball carrier showed just how motivated they were today. “We played it like a final,” captain Harjeet Singh said later.

India outplayed Belgium in every department and such was their dominance, especially in the first half, that the match was a relatively dull and anticlimactic affair. “Not for one second was I worried,” Oltmans said.

In control

India put the Belgians under immense pressure from the first minute. Knowing that Belgium’s organised defence would be hard to break, India looked to strike on the counter. The way three-four Indian players crowded in on the ball-carrier reminded of Ric Charlesworth’s menacing Australian men’s team of the last decade.

Belgium couldn’t hold on for long and conceded in the 8th minute. A long scoop from Varun Kumar was padded away by the goalkeeper, straight to Gurjant Singh, who ready on top of the circle to pounce. Scoring past the goalkeeper and a defender from zero angle made it one of the best goals of the tournaments. Belgium, whose strength was playing with “patience”, according to coach Jeroen Baart, lost their focus. The deafeningly loud crowd — for the first time in the tournament the stadium was full — didn’t help. “It was hard to communicate with the players,” Baart said. After the first goal, India got carried away for a short period, attacking too much. But they quickly settled down and enjoyed long periods of possession. Belgium found it tough to even get the ball in the Indian third for a long time. And the Indians kept making interceptions or stealing the ball away.

In the 22nd minute, Simranjeet Singh scored from the top of the circle with a quick reverse strike and it seemed that Belgium were out of the contest. They came out in the second half with an attacking mind, but after the first few minutes, ran out of ideas as India regained control. Till the last minute, Belgium had only one penalty corner. Their second penalty corner, which was eventually taken after the clock had run out, got them the goal.

After such a relentless performance, the Indian players had enough in their tanks to dance to the beats of Punjabi music for over half an hour after the medal ceremony.

Germany third

It was Germany at their best as the six-time champions bullied Australia out of the contest to win the bronze medal. Germany were far more disciplined and motivated than Australia, turning the match, which was expected to be a cracker, into a one-sided affair. Jan Schiffer (11th minute) and Timm Herzbruch (51st and 60th) scored in Germany’s 3-0 win. It has been a special year for coach Valentin Altenburg, who also won the Olympics bronze with the senior team in August.

The Tribune



India claim title with 2-1 win over Belgium

Jamie Alter

NEW DELHI: For the second time this year, Harjeet Singh's junior Indian men's hockey team beat Belgium on the way to lifting a trophy; this one, however, was the biggest prize of all.

In its first such final in 15 years, India overwhelmed Belgium 2-1 to lift the 2016 Hockey Junior World Cup at Lucknow's Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium on Sunday and become the second team, after Gagan Ajit Singh's colts in 2001, to get their hands on the most coveted title.

On the biggest day for Indian junior men's hockey since the class of 2001 claimed the Junior World Cup, Harjeet's dominating Indian team was put ahead within minutes when Gurjant Singh stunningly knocked one past Belgium goalkeeper Loic van Doren to give the colts a much-needed boost and an early lead. Up 2-0 by half-time following a Simranjeet Singh field goal, India never let off the pressure.

This win maintained India's 100% record in the tournament and underlined their status as rightful winners.

Belgium, having stunned six-time champions and defending champions Germany 4-3 in a shoot-out in the semi-finals, were overawed in the initial passages of their first Junior World Cup final. The start to this summit clash was electric and one-sided as India managed two shots and seven circle penetrations inside ten minutes. India were the faster side, and that was, ultimately, the difference.

India had beaten Belgium during the Four Nations Invitational in Spain earlier this year, and having the support of packed and wholly partisan stadium reverberating with a collective roar was added incentive to repeat the decimation. The home team needed less than three minutes for to find a penalty corner, but Harmanpreet Singh lost control as soon as he collected from Parvinder Singh. A second came hardly two minutes later, but this time Santa Singh's pass to midfielder Sumit Kumar on the edge of the circle was fumbled.

And yet Belgium's defense was breached before India had time to reflect on those sloppy collections, for in the eighth minute the fans were on their feet when Gurjant netted a ferocious reverse hit into the far corner of the goal. That was a huge lapse because it was van Doren, it must be said, whose superb display in front of goal during the shoot-outs against Germany helped Belgium complete a stunning upset win.

Harmanpreet made amends for his earlier miss by providing some dazzling play from the left and right flanks, and another goal went begging when Parvinder narrowly missed a deflection. This attacking play put the Belgium defenders under immense pressure, and you got the sense that another goal was never far away.

Sure enough, in the 22nd minute some attacking stick work saw India's attackers break into the circle as one and Simranjeet score a cracker of a field goal, with a reverse shot sneaking in past van Doren.

The intensity was maintained throughout the remainder of the first half, backed by the pulsating home fans. Belgium did not enter the circle until the 20th minute and in the 30th managed their first penalty corner, and yet they couldn't quite lift to convert any goals. Gregory Stockbroekx had a chance with five minutes left in the first half but the runner at the post deflected it just wide of Indian goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya.

Far more assured defensive work in the second half meant that India didn't have as many opportunities, but they maintained their lead over Belgium who gave it their all in trying to take more control of the game. A good save from van Doren saved a third goal in the 49th minute, and ten minutes later the Belgium custodian denied Gurjant with a superb one-handed stop.

On a chilly winter evening, as the clock ticked down in the stadium named after Indian hockey's greatest icon, it was the atmosphere that stood out. Two saves from Dahiya were received with a tumultuous din, and each time India's offensive pack sped down the line it was with the unanimous expectation of another goal. A PC to Belgium with seconds remaining had no bearing on the result, and when the full-time whistle was blown, India's fans were truly given something unforgettable to cheer about - with Harjeet's unbeatable heroes ending a 15-year jinx to claim the Junior Hockey World Cup.

The Times of India



‘This team will bring a lot more joy in future’


Indian team having a group photo with Up Governor, Rama Naik, Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav and Sahara CMD, Subroto Roy after beating Belgium by 2-1 in the Finals of Jr. World Cup Hockey Tournament, Major Dhyanchand Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday.   | Photo Credit: Rajeev Bhatt

LUCKNOW: It is not often that an entire team walks in for a press conference, but winning the World Cup is a special occasion and calls for special celebrations.

It was an emotional and teary Harendra Singh who walked in with his 18 players for the post-match interaction. But the India coach refused to say anything, pushing his wards to the front instead and insisting they take the limelight.

He had been lifted high on the field, danced with abandon with anyone he saw and had proved himself. But, talking to the media, he held back.

Manager Roelant Oltmans did not.

“The first half was very close to a perfect game. But in the second half we gave them a little bit too much initiative, to be honest. But not for one second in this game was I worried. The boys did a fantastic job and all the credit to these 18 players,” Oltmans said.

Captain Harjeet Singh said: “Everybody has put in a lot of hard work and discipline. We all had one aim, and we thankfully we managed to achieve that today. We all knew what we have to do in the field, everyone knew their duties. We just concentrated on that and played simple hockey. We played the final like a final.”

Asked what exactly ‘simple hockey’ was, he laughed. “Get the ball, pass the ball, move ahead. That’s all. It’s that simple, really,” he said.

Soon after winning the semifinal against Germany, Belgium coach Jeroen Baart had said he hoped his side gets to play India in the final, mainly for the kind of electrifying atmosphere that has been the norm here every time the Indian team has stepped on the field.

“We have never played in such a fantastic atmosphere before, it will be a great experience for the boys,” Baart had said. His boys did get an experience all right. Just that it was not something they would have liked.

Belgian captain Victor Wegnez indicated that the crowd was more than his side had bargained for. “The crowd made it impossible to communicate. The only thing we could understand was that every time the noise levels increased, we knew India was attacking,” he said. “Other than that, we tried to communicate in sign language but there was nothing we could do in front of such a huge number of people.”

Baart added: “India started really well. Our boys didn’t handle the crowd and the atmosphere well. They were pretty fast. It was not easy to play India in India in such a fantastic atmosphere. Today, we just weren’t good enough to beat them.”

The Indian team was grateful to that crowd. “We would like to thank every one who has come out here for all our games, they have helped us achieve this,” said Varun Kumar.

Gurjant, hero of the last two games, quipped that he had “saved his heroics for the last two important matches” while Harjeet promised this lot of players would give “a lot more joy many more times in the future”.

The Hindu



'Failed' player guides juniors to hockey World Cup win

Manuja Veerappa

"You've asked a critical question", said the Indian junior hockey team's coach Harendra Singh, before tears rolled down his cheeks.This correspondent had asked him if he felt like an underachiever, both as player and coach. That was six weeks ago. At that moment, Harendra revealed a pledge he took in 1998, when he became a coach, after being dumped as a player from the national team.

"I told myself that day that I may never be an Olympian, but I will nurture Olympians and world champions the country will be proud of. I've never seen the Indian tricolour fly high at a World Cup, I want to see it this time. I've invested 22 years of my life to see an Indian team lift the World Cup."

Harendra's investment paid off in Lucknow on Sunday as the Harjeet Singh-led side edged out Belgium 2-1 to become the first host nation to win the junior World Cup hockey crown. The victory caps an emotional journey of a team which was carved out of raw talent and brought together in April 2014. The team has made plenty of sacrifices. Second goalkeeper Krishan Pathak didn't attend the funeral of his father who passed away a few mon ths ago, as the team was heading to England for a series. Seven members of the junior hockey team, including cap tain Harjeet, are sons of driv ers. They have battled the odds from a very young age, but have all been driven by the common goal of winning the Cup.

Given the team's strengths, a podium finish was expected, but the quality of hockey and the amazing emotional strength they displayed on the field highlighted the fact that they were champion material. The victory by itself was no flash in the pan, the team having won the Junior Asia Cup last year and also the last build-up event - a four-nation tournament in Valencia, Spain.

A lot has happened in Indian hockey over the past eight years. From a side which did not make it to Beijing Olympics in 2008, to the wooden spoon at London four years later, and the eighth-place finish in Rio this year for the senior side.The climb uphill has been slow, but purposeful. In fact, the golden show by the colts caps a great year for Indian hockey in which the senior team has also achieved significant progress and is now ranked No. 6 in the world.

The juniors have ended a 15-year-old World Cup drought. One hopes it gets translated into brighter days for Indian hockey.

The Times of India



Mamata hails India Junior team's Hockey World Cup feat

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday congratulated the Indian junior hockey team for winning the World Cup after a gap of 15 years.

"Congratulations Team India #JuniorHockeyWorldCup champions. So proud of you all. Jai Hind," she tweeted soon after India beat Belgium 2-1 in the final played in Lucknow tonight to win the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup.

Gurjant Singh and Simranjeet Singh scored two goals for India, while Belgium's Fabrice van Bockrijck converted a penalty corner in the later half of the match.

Badal congratulates junior hockey team for world title

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today congratulated the junior Indian hockey team for lifting the World Cup after 15 years.

The Chief Minister in his message said that it was a matter of great honour and pride for all Punjabis that five players in Indian squad including Captain Harjeet Singh hailed from the state.

Badal hoped that this feat of Indian juniors would go a long way to inspire millions of youngsters who strive hard to excel in sports.

Wishing the team for a bright future and success ahead, the Chief Minister expressed hope that team would further bring more laurels to the country in the field of sports besides restoring the pristine glory of India in international Hockey by winning more titles.

Meanwhile, congratulating the team, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said that it is a pleasant co-incidence that at the time of winning the Junior World Cup in 2001, the Indian team was led by a Punjabi player-Gaganajit Singh.

The Times of India



Belgium second and Germany third at Junior World Cup



Belgium ended the men’s Junior World Cup in second place, following their final loss to India with Germany finishing third in Lucknow following a dramatic day to close out the event.

It was standing room only at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium for the gold medal match, with 17,000 cheering fans creating an electric atmosphere for what was a sparkling showcase of junior international hockey.

India were superb in the first half, harnessing the energy of the home crowd to move into a 2-0 lead. Man of the Match Gurjant Singh scored a sensational backhand strike from a tight angle in the eighth minute before Simranjeet Singh added a second 14 minutes later.

Gregory Stockbroekx went agonizingly close to halving India’s lead with a penalty corner towards the end of the period, but his deflection travelled fractionally wide of the target.

Indian goalkeeper Vikas Diyas showed stunning reactions with a glove save inside the final five minutes to deny a vicious volley from Stockbroekx, a moment that proved crucial. Belgium scored an overtime penalty corner through Fabrice Van Bockrijck, but it was not enough to stop India from claiming their second junior world cup title, adding to the one they claimed at Hobart, Australia in 2001.

In the bronze medal match, Timm Herzbruch inspired Germany to a 3-0 victory over Australia, with the 19-year-old attacker scoring twice for his side.

“Obviously it is awesome [to win bronze], look at this crowd”, said Germany captain Constantin Staib immediately after the game. “It’s so loud in here, it’s unbelievable. I played in the World League in Raipur last year and it was similar, but not as much as here. It is the best experience I’ve ever had.”

Argentina were the winners of the 5/6 Place play-off, recording a 2-1 victory over Spain. The Netherlands defeated England 6-2 in the seventh place playoff.

Euro Hockey League media release



Defending champions Germany secure consolation bronze

LUCKNOW: Six-time champions and title holders Germany had to contend themselves with the bronze medal after outclassing Australia 3-0 in the third-fourth place play-off match at the men's Junior Hockey World Cup here on Sunday.

The Germans, who were the two-time defending champions, completely dominated the encounter and took the lead in the 11th minute through Jan Schiffer's brilliant field strike.

Leading 1-0 at half time, the Germans then rode on Tim Herbruch's brace (51st, 60th) to take a commanding 3-0 lead which the Australians failed to match.

Earlier in the day, Argentina defeated Spain 2-1 to claim the fifth spot in the tournament, while Netherlands drubbed England 6-2 to finish seventh.

In the fifth-sixth classification match, Argentina struck twice within four minutes in the second half after both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the opening 35 minutes.

The Argentines took the lead in the in the 51st minute through a field goal from Nicolas Keenan before Tomas Domene (54th) doubled the lead three minutes later from a penalty corner.

Spain, thereafter, pushed hard in search of goals and managed to pull one back through Marc Perellon's (67th) field strike just three minutes from the final hooter.

In the seventh-eighth place classification match earlier in the day, the Dutch scored through Thijs van Dam (22nd), Thierry Brinkman (41st, 68th), Bram van Groesen (56th, 69th) and Morris de Vilder (65th), while Tom Sorsby (55th, 66th) scored a brace for the Englishmen.

The Times of India



Burras finish in fourth at JWC

Germany take out bronze

Holly MacNeil



Germany have won the bronze at the Junior World Cup, leaving the Australian under 21’s, the Burras with a devastating 3 – nil loss and fourth position at the tournament.

The Burras were off to a great start with Kiran Arunasalam, Lachlan Sharp and Matthew Bird working hard to get the ball right in front of the Australian net only minutes in, but Germany’s defense came through in numbers and managed to get the ball out of the field of play.

The Australian’s continued to dominated the first part of the game with the ball down in their circle for the much of the first half of the match. Putting them on the back foot and going against the run of play, Jan Schiffer was the first to score in the 11th minute with a goal deflected into the right of the net past keeper Matt Finn, giving Germany an early advantage.

Australia were up for the first penalty corner of the game three minutes into the second half, but the opportunity went unconverted. Germany followed up shortly after with a penalty corner opportunity of their own, but they too failed to convert.

In the 51st minute of play, the Germans came through and scored a second field goal, doubling their lead in the process, when Timm Herzbruch scored from a reverse flick directly in front of the net.

The fate of the game was sealed in the 60th minute, when Germany were awarded another penalty corner opportunity. This time the flick from Timm Herzbruch flew into the back of the net, giving Matt Finn no chance at a save.

With seven minutes of play remaining, the Burras went for it, taking off their goalkeeper to have the advantage of an extra field player on pitch.

Unfortunately for the Burras the risky move didn’t pay off and the siren sounded the end of the game, leaving the Burras with a devastating 3 – nil defeat and giving Germany the bronze of the Junior World Cup.

India later defeated Belgium 2 - 1 to take out the Junior World Cup on home soil.

BURRAS 0 (0)

GERMANY 3 (1)
Jan Schiffer 11 (FG) 
Timm Herzbruch 51, 60 (FG, PC)

Burras Squad v Germany
Name (Home town / suburb)
Kiran Arunasalam, (Doncaster East, VIC)
Matthew Bird, (Coolbellup, WA)
Tom Craig, (Lane Cove, NSW)
Matthew Finn, (Paddington, QLD)
Frazer Gerrard, (Cottesloe, WA)
Sam Liles, (Tamworth, NSW)
Ryan Proctor, (Engadine, NSW)
Lachlan Sharp, (Lithgow, NSW)
Joshua Simmonds, (Ringwood North, VIC)
Jack Welch, (Hobart, TAS)
Corey Weyer, (Biggera Waters, QLD)

Used Substitutes
Joshua Beltz, (Old Beach, TAS)
Stephen Gale, (Bulleen, VIC)
Blake Govers, (Wollongong, NSW)
Max Hendry, (Camberwell, VIC)
Tim Howard, (Wakerley, QLD)
Kurt Lovett, (Parkes, NSW)

Unused Substitutes
Ashleigh Thomas, (Baulkam Hills, NSW)

Hockey Australia media release



England finish eighth after Netherlands defeat


Liam Sanford in defensive action at the HJWC2016

England were forced to settle for eighth place in the Junior Hockey World Cup after a 6-2 defeat against the Netherlands. Despite goals from Tom Sorsby and Will Calnan, England were put to the sword by Eric Verboom’s Dutch side. England trailed in the latter stages and took off goalkeeper Chris Wyver in an attempt to salvage the game, a move that backfired as the Netherlands netted three times in the final five minutes to put a slightly flattering gloss on the score.

England made a bright start with Ed Horler winning the ball from the first pass and threatening the Dutch defence. Peter Scott almost set up James Gall but the latter could not connect with the cross. Jack Waller set up Horler but his deflection flashed wide as England moved the ball quickly and precisely to cause the Dutch defence plenty of problems in the early going.

The Netherlands were relying on their individual flair and Jorrit Croon showed his skills in a number of raids on the England back line. He was kept in check by some brilliant defending from James Albery and Liam Sanford.  

Despite creating the better of the chances England were behind on 22 minutes. A penalty corner was charged down by Sanford but Thijs Van Dam latched onto the loose ball to slot home, giving his side the lead at the interval.

Six minutes after the break the Dutch doubled their advantage. Van Dam again caused problems and his backhand cross-shot was touched in by Captain Thierry Brinkman.

England tried to hit back but Horler’s penalty corner was well saved by the goalkeeper before Peter Scott blazed the rebound over the bar. With 15 minutes left to play England got on the board. Chris Proctor’s pass was diverted by Jack Clee into the path of Sorsby who made no mistake.

The Netherlands immediately re-established their two goal cushion with a Bram Van Groesen penalty corner a minute later.

Trailing 3-1 with eight minutes to go England took off goalkeeper Wyver in an attempt to get back into the match. Always a gamble, their initial pressure almost brought them a goal but instead, Netherlands broke forwards and Noud Schoenaker made it 4-1 despite a brave effort from kicking-back Sanford.

Calnan slotted in a penalty stroke a minute later to reduce the arrears but any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished as Brinkman fired in a fifth just two minutes later. Wyver came back on to face a last minute penalty stroke but despite going the right way he could not keep out Van Groesen’s flick and it finished 6-2.

England end up finishing eighth in the Junior World Cup, whilst Netherlands took the seventh place honours.

England 2 (0)
Tom Sorsby 55 (FG)
Will Calnan 66 (PS)

Netherlands 6 (1)
Thijs Van Dam 22 (PC)
Thierry Brinkman 41, 68 (FG,FG)
Bram van Groesen 56, 69 (PC, PS)
Noud Schoenaker 65 (FG)

England Hockey Board Media release



If Indian hockey has a home, it’s here, it’s here…

Pravin Kumar

LUCKNOW: If Indian colts played like lions, the power came from the stands. While the world title was alluring enough, to ensure that there was not a moment of slowdown, over 18,000 spectators kept them charged through their lung power. Literally.

Dhyanchand Stadium, about 10km from the city centre, was packed to the capacity on Sunday. And there were thousand others- thankful for being allowed in—who remain standing without any complaint throughout the 70-minute high-voltage game. If there is any doubt which place deserves to be known as the home to Indian hockey, it is now settled.

The standard of hockey in UP may have fallen several notches - in 1981, the Indian team for junior world cup had 10 players from the state, this time there is just one - the people's love for the game seems eternal. It got ignited when the juniors felled the mighty Kangaroos to make it to the title clash.

The state capital was in the grip of hockey fever since Friday's semi-final against Australians. Before that, though India's matches would attract decent crowd, others found few takers. However, the Indian juggernaut galvanised the hockey fans of the city, and there was a capacity crowd cheering Germans when they sank Australians for the bronze.

All the tickets for the final match were sold out by Saturday and hockey aficionados — most of them well-connected in their own way — started trying all kinds of back-door tricks to get the right to witness history being recreated.

As a result, as the day progressed on Sunday, all roads in the city were heading for Guru Gobind Singh Sports College. While ticket-holders were feeling privileged, those who couldn't get it also trooped in to take a chance. By 4 pm, the college had taken the semblance of a rally ground with people coming from all directions.

Outside the stadium, the Tricolour was being sold at a premium and face painters were charging a bomb for just three strokes. But there was no dearth of customers, readying themselves with the 'warpaint'.

Bajiro's war cry 'Bajne de dhadak dhadak' being played inside the stadium just before the start of the match set a vociferous pitch that never dimmed a bit for the next one and a half hours.

The boys in blue reciprocated in equal measure, scoring twice in the first 22 minutes. Thereafter, their every move was cheered and each counter attack received a deafening applause. For Belgians, it was an unequal war. They tried to measure up by withdrawing their goalkeeper Loic Van Doren and putting all 11 into attack in final moments, but that was too little, too late.

Elated by the success of the 10-day event, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said such events inculcate sports culture and inspire budding players. One wishes his words come true and hockey regains its glory in its home.

The Times of India



Subrata Roy's presence in Junior WC final creates flutter

LUCKNOW: Sahara India Pariwar chief Subrata Roy's presence at the prize distribution ceremony of the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup created a mild flutter on Sunday.

Roy was bestowed the honour of presenting the medals to the runners-up Belgium while Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav presented the trophy to hosts India.

Roy was later part of the champion team's group photograph.

Roy was in Tihar jail since March 2014 on charges of money laundering and has been on parole since earlier this year.

For the record, Sahara India is one of the sponsors of the Indian hockey team.

The Times of India



NZ finish well but are short of targets

By Kris Shannon


Coach Mark Hager used the series as an opportunity to blood 12 new players. Photo / Doug Sherring

Their comprehensive series win over Malaysia reflected the Black Sticks' year - satisfying but still short of their demanding standards.

New Zealand's women wrapped up a 4-1 series triumph against their overmatched opponents, with a double from Samantha Harrison in her 100th international enough to seal a 2-1 victory in yesterday's final test in Stratford.

Coach Mark Hager used the series as an opportunity to blood 12 new players, as retirements after the Rio Olympics left the team needing to restock their depth.

Black Sticks assistant coach Sean Dancer said it was pleasing to close the series positively.

"We are happy to finish with a win, but needed to score a few more goals from the amount of opportunities we created," he said.

Hager was ambivalent when assessing the impact of the new crop of talent.

"[The series] gave me a good look at our next generation of hockey players and gave the young ones a chance to learn what it's like in our environment," the coach said.

"At this stage, the group is inconsistent in how they play. Some days they're good, some days they're not so good. That's what they've got to learn now."

Finishing their chances was one area in need of improvement as, aside from Saturday's 5-2 victory, too many opportunities were squandered against Malaysia.

February's trip to Argentina will be when those improvements can be put into action, and with the squad now given the summer off, Hager was left to look back on a 2016 that was pleasing in many aspects but missing the prize that mattered the most.

"We had some good results throughout the year," he said.

"Our own expectations and our own goals were to win a medal [at the Olympics], and we didn't achieve that. So if you look at it from that point of view, we failed for the year.

"But we won a couple of tournaments, we found some new players in our system, so it's been pleasing but disappointing at the same time."

New Zealand 2 (S. Harrison 2)
Malaysia 1 (N. Rashid)
Halftime: 2-0

The New Zealand Herald



Black Sticks Women's coach Mark Hager prepared for two years of struggle

CHRISTOPHER REIVE


Black Sticks Women's coach Mark Hager. Kerry Marshall

It's been a big year for the Black Sticks Women.

They equalled their best ever finish at an Olympic Games when they came fourth in Rio de Janeiro, beat Australia in a three-match series to claim the Trans Tasman Trophy, and, most recently, had a squad full of rookies take a 4-1 series win over Malaysia.

While Malaysia were ranked 21st in the world compared to the New Zealand side's ranking of fifth, Black Sticks Women's coach Mark Hager said the series allowed him to begin planning for the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, in 2020.


Deanna Ritchie was one of 12 Black Sticks debutants to play against Malaysia in Taranaki. ANDY JACKSON/Fairfax NZ

"It gave me a good insight into where players are at."

There were 12 debutants in the team for the five-match series against Malaysia in Taranaki last week, with striker Kirsten Pearce the only player in the squad who competed in the Rio Olympics.


The Black Sticks Women finished fourth at the Rio Olympics. John Cowpland / www.photosport.nz

Hager, who recently signed a new contract with New Zealand Hockey to lead the Black Sticks Women to the Tokyo Olympics, said he expected the team to struggle a bit over the next couple of years while they continue to develop the young players coming through.

"That's the key for us - giving them the opportunity and they've got to grasp it."

Hager said the Black Sticks historically had a high turnover rate, but is what the only way to find out if players were ready or not to step up to the top level.

"If I looked at every four-year cycle I've had, I'd probably walk away and go 'jeez I've got a tough job for the next four years,' and I think I have again, but our kids don't get any development," he said.

"That's the problem, we're so far behind everybody else, particularly the top four teams in the world. The European teams, they're playing under-16, under-18, under-21 age groups, Australia have the money to travel around everywhere and Argentina have got some good quality competitions, we don't have that.

"So our players are so far behind, but we put the time into them and give them two years before we start to catch up again."

Stuff



Tigress show progress in Kiwi Tests

By Jugjet Singh



THE Malaysian Tigress concluded their Tour of New Zealand yesterday with a 2-1 defeat against New Zealand's Black Sticks in the fifth and final game at the TET MultiSports Centre in Stratford.

Malaysia won one, 1-0, and lost four with the other three matches ending 2-5, 0-2 and 0-3.

New Zealand dominated the first half with Samantha Harrison scoring a double in her 100th international.

Malaysia lit up the board 10 minutes from full time through Nuraini Rashid’s penalty corner strike.

Fatin Shafika scored in the 1-0 famous win over the world No 5.

Black Sticks assistant coachSean Dancer said he was pleased by the performance of his side, ranked World No 5, against the World No 21 Malaysians as they closed the series positively.

“We are happy to finish with a win, but needed to score a few more goals from the amount of opportunities we created. Malaysia defended well in the second half and we needed to execute better in a congested attacking third,” said Dancer.

The New Zealand Tour has been an important aspect in the Tigress preparation for the Women’s World League Round Two in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 14-22 at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium.

Malaysian will battle for a slot in the World League Semi-finals and a shot at the World Cup in the World League Round Two involving Ireland, Italy, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Wales.

World No 15 Italy are drawn in Group A with Thailand, Singapore and Wales whilst Malaysia are in Group B with Ireland (world No 16), Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

The top two teams in Kuala Lumpur qualify for the Semi-finals of the World League.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



Cops will make debut in MHL next season

by S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: Police will make their debut in the men’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) next year.

Police Hockey Association president Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) S. Batumalai said they have decided to put up a team in Division One.

“I believe we will be competitive enough for Division One,” he said.

Batumalai added that their women’s team, this year’s overall champions, will also be taking part.

“We are currently in the early stages of preparations. The coaches for the two teams will be finalised soon,” he said.

The policemen have been regulars in the Razak Cup competition. Earlier this year they won the second tier title to gain promotion next year.

Their change in fortunes at the annual event came with the recruitment of some current and former internationals.

The former internationals are S. Baljit Singh, Megat Azrafiq Megat Tarmizi, Kelvin-der Singh and Jivan Mohan while the current national players are Malaysia skipper Mohamed Razie Rahim and Nabil Fiqri Mohamed Nor.

But the team have hit a snag with the tournament rules.

The Malaysia Hockey Confederation state that national players are not eligible to play in Division One.

Batumalai said they will hold a discussion with the MHC on the ruling.

“Our contention is that Razie and Nabil are employed by us and are not guest players. Both are working their way to become police inspectors.

“But we will still enter a team whatever the outcome,” he added.

The MHL will kick off on Jan 20. The Tan Sri P. Alagendra Knockout Trophy will start on Jan 4 which involves all the teams in the MHL.

The Star of Malaysia



Polo win Catalonian championships



Real Club de Polo claimed the Catalonian championship on Sunday with a 2-0 win over CD Terrassa in the final at Pla del Bon Aire.

Goals from Xavi Lleonart and David Alegre saw the Barcelona side win out in the final. It followed a semi-final win over Club Egara on Saturday in a shoot-out after a 2-2 draw in normal time with Alex Reyne and Sander Baart scoring the goals.

They had originally topped their group – which featured CD Terrassa – with four wins, seeing off Valles Esportiu, Egara 1935 and Linia 22.

Reflecting on the success, coach Carlos Garcia Cuenca said on Instagram: “I hope it is just the start of another magical year for Polo. We will do everything we can and more to do so.

“I want to thank all the players and staff and to all those who are always there helping the team. This is for you!”

Euro Hockey League media release



Irish Womens EY Hockey League Weekend Round Up

Gemma Frazer’s pair of corner goals saw Belfast Harlequins record probably the biggest shock of the women’s EY Hockey League’s short history as they earned a share of the spoils at Hermes-Monkstown on Saturday.

When the two sides met in September, Hermes-Monkstown ran up 10 goals and 22 points separating the clubs going into the tie, showing the gap in expectation.

But Frazer’s deflected shot four minutes from the end tied up matters for a famous draw. She had given her side the lead in the first half only for Sophie Moore’s goal and a Chloe Watkins’ penalty stroke to swap the lead.

The result allowed UCD, on Sunday, to close the gap to two points at the head of the table thanks to their 3-0 win over Ards. Sally Campbell and Sorcha Clarke gave them a great start before Abbie Russell completed the win.

Pembroke got their first win of the campaign to move level on points with Belfast Harlequins and Ulster Elks, winning the Dublin 4 derby with Railway Union.

The hosts went 1-0 up via Zara Delany before the big break but a superb third quarter performance from Pembroke turned things around. Hayley O’Donnell scored a corner rebound before Laura Noble picked up the pieces to net for 2-1 and they held on for the result.

Loreto made it four wins from their last five outings to move within a point of the top three in table thanks to a 2-1 win over Cork Harlequins on the road. Quins bossed the early stages and went in front through Naomi Carroll.

But Lizzie Colvin and Hannah Matthews turned things around from corners to grab the result and strengthen their place in the top four at Christmas.

Pegasus recorded an impressive win with a 9-0 success against Ulster Elks with former Irish captain Alex Speers netting a hat trick while Michelle Harvey scored her first goals for the club since returning from injury and a three-year spell in Belgium.

EY Hockey League – day 10 results

Saturday: Hermes-Monkstown 2 (S Moore, C Watkins) Belfast Harlequins 2 (G Frazer 2); Cork Harlequins 1 (N Carroll) Loreto 2 (L Colvin, H Matthews); Pegasus 9 (A Speers 3, S Ferris 2, M Harvey 2, H Craig, K McKee) Ulster Elks 0; Railway Union 1 (Z Delany Pembroke 2 (H O’Donnell, L Noble)

Sunday: Ards 0 UCD 3 (S Campbell, S Clarke, A Russell)

Day 10 extended reports

Hermes-Monkstown 2 (S Moore, C Watkins) Belfast Harlequins 2 (G Frazer 2)

Gemma Frazer’s double saw Belfast Harlequins record probably the biggest shock in the women’s EY Hockey League’s short history, striking four minutes from the end to earn a share of the spoils.

They defended strongly throughout against a side that had scored 10 against them in the return fixture back in September and had gone unbeaten ever since to build a four-point lead at the head of the table.

They took the lead in the first half when they counter-attacked to win a corner with Frazer’s strike taking a deflection en route to the roof of the net. Hermes-Monkstown equalised by half-time when Sophie Moore finished off some determined play in the circle.

And the hosts took the lead in the 44th minute when Anna O’Flanagan was upended in the process of shooting, leading to a penalty stroke. Chloe Watkins converted.

But they could not press home that advantage and Harlequins showed threat throughout with Gemma Frazer driving her side on. With four minutes left, they got their chance and once again, Frazer was the playing to fire home via defensive stick.

Cork Harlequins 1 (N Carroll) Loreto 2 (L Colvin, H Matthews)

Loreto moved to within a point of Cork Harlequins in third place as they made it four wins from five games to complete the first half of the season. They were under pressure early on at Farmer’s Cross with Rebecca Barry, Naomi Carroll & Olivia Roycroft causing havoc up front.

Carroll had one taken off the Loreto line after only a couple of minutes before giving Quins the lead soon after. Her shot on the half volley flew into the roof of the net from a tight angle. A fantastic finish from the Irish International. Barry nearly doubled the lead a few minutes later. After beating the last defender, she found herself up against Louisa Healy in the Loreto goal, with the goalkeeper coming out on top.

Loreto started to come more into the game in the second quarter. Hannah Matthews found herself in space and moved the ball well, picking out some fantastic passes. Chances were limited for both sides as Lizzie Colvin tried to get a foothold in the middle of the pitch for Loreto while Lina Geyer and Roisin Upton were doing their best to keep possession for Quins. Loreto forced their first penalty corner a couple of minutes shy of half-time only for a switch left to go wide of the post.

The third quarter started as the second had finished and while chances were again at a premium, Loreto slowly began to look more dangerous. Good work from Niamh Small led to their second corner which they were unable to convert. Loreto won another corner just on the whistle at the end of the quarter. This time they took their chance with a shot from Lizzie Colvin, after a fine quarter from her, flying into the bottom left corner to make it 1-1.

The last quarter was a more even affair with both sides flooding forward at every opportunity looking for the win. It was Loreto who had the first chance of the period when they were awarded their fourth penalty corner.

After the initial shot was well saved by Emma Buckley in the Quins goal, the rebound fell to Matthews who made no mistake in flicking the ball over the goalkeeper and into the roof of the net to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

Barry immediately had a chance at the other end. Her reverse stick shot just firing past the angle of post and crossbar. A good run from Roisin Upton for Quins led to another chance for Michelle Barry but Healy in the Loreto goal again saved well to secure the points.

Pegasus 9 (A Speers 3, S Ferris 2, M Harvey 2, H Craig, K McKee) Ulster Elks 0

Pegasus claimed their first win since September in emphatic style, running up a nine-goal thumping of their Ulster rivals at Queen’s to put daylight between them and the bottom trio.

They took the lead in the 28th minute when Alex Speers reacted quickest to rebound the fourth penalty corner of the game. Two minutes later, Ruth Maguire’s pass found Hannah Craig who, in turn, released to Taite Doherty to provide the final pass for Speers, the former Irish captain, to net for 2-0 at half-time.

Five goals followed in the third quarter. Hannah Craig deflected in Doherty’s pass for the third; a minute later, Speers had her hat trick; then Michelle Harvey got in on the act with a well drilled corner routine. Kate McKee got the sixth from a flowing team move before Suzanne Ferris made it 7-0 at the third break. Further goals in the closing two minutes from Ferris and Harvey completed the rout.

Railway Union 1 (Z Delany Pembroke 2 (H O’Donnell, L Noble)

Pembroke finally broke their winless streak to move off the bottom of the women’s EY Hockey League table for the first time this season with two goals in the third quarter.

In an even first half, Railway started the strongest but Pembroke came more into the game as time wore on with few chances for either side with most of the play between the 23 metre lines.

The Park Avenue gradually upped the tempo and, in the closing 10 minutes of the half, applied more pressure which paid off. Michelle Carey played through to Emma Smyth who found Zara Delany in the circle who put the ball past Tiffaney Ellis for 1-0.

But the game was turned on its head in the third quarter as Pembroke equalised just a minute after half time when Hayley O'Donnell shot past Grace O'Flanagan in the Railway goal from the second phase of a penalty corner.

Ten minutes later, Pembroke went ahead when they played a ball in from the left which was deflected high. O'Flanagan attempted to palm the ball away but it fell to Laura Noble who calmly slotted it into the net.

It set up a lively closing phase. Railway mounted a series of attacks to try and get back on level terms, even taking off their goal keeper in the dying minutes, but were unable to find a way through a well organised and dogged Pembroke defence.

Pembroke mounted a few attacks of their own and held on to the 2-1 win to record their first win in this year's EYHL. It leaves them in a three-way tie at the bottom with Belfast Harlequins and Ulster Elks at the bottom.

Sunday: Ards 0 UCD 3 (S Campbell, S Clarke, A Russell)

UCD closed the gap to two points to Hermes-Monkstown at the head of the EYHL table as early goals from Sally Campbell and Sorcha Clarke set them up for their seventh win from 10 outings to date.

The students started well, penning Ards back in their own 23 metre area with Katie Mullan to the fore. They took the lead through Campbell, finishing off a fine team move with a backhand strike. Soon after, Clarke got on the end of a crash ball for 2-0.

The second and third quarters were quiet enough apart from a couple of corners with Ards saving one effort off the line. Caroline Adams and Ashley McIlroy proved tough opponents to break down for UCD while Lucy McKee, Katy Bennett and Tamara MacLeod were lively in attack during this phase for the hosts.

But UCD finished strong with the Patton sisters Orla and Sarah on form, overlapping from the back, and one such move led to the killer goal from Abbie Russell tapping in at the back post.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Irish Mens EY Hockey League Weekend Round Up

Banbridge moved back to the head of the men’s EY Hockey League following a pre-Christmas shake-up of the top five with day nine providing plenty of thrills despite a reduced schedule.

Bann provided some serious fireworks in the first 25 minutes in sweep aside struggling Railway Union 4-0. All the goals came in that early period with Peter Brown and Dane Ward both scoring in the first eight minutes before Eugene Magee and Matthew Bell extended the lead out.

The second half was lower key with the damage already done. The result lifted Bann to the top of the table – with a game in hand – courtesy of previous incumbents Monkstown’s loss to Lisnagarvey.

Garvey’s 4-2 win earned them a modicum of revenge for their recent Irish Senior Cup defeat to the same opponent and came following a breathless, end-to-end battle.

Matthew Nelson opened the scoring with a diving touch to Neal Glassey’s excellent cross for 1-0 at half-time. Monkstown levelled via a Kyle Good thunderbolt but two goals from Andy Williamson in quick succession were the key moments.

He rebounded off his own shot for 2-1 before finishing off a Nelson assist for 3-1. Richard Sykes got Town back in the mix with 10 minutes to go but a heavily deflected Michael Robson goal – his first since switching from Annadale a fortnight ago – sealed the deal.

Garvey move up to third as Monkstown dropped to second place.

In Cork, C of I withstood a huge Glenanne siege to come away with a 2-1 win to rise up to fourth place – jumping above Three Rock Rovers whose tie with Instonians was frozen off.

Stephen Parker gave the Garryduff hosts an early lead only for Eddie O’Malley to level by the end of the first quarter. The tie stayed in the balance for long periods before John Jermyn fired home a corner in the 52d minute. Glenanne piled on the pressure in the closing stages but could not find a goal and so stay in relegation danger at Christmas.

Men’s EY Hockey League: Instonians v Three Rock Rovers, postponed due to frost; Railway Union 0 Banbridge 4 (Pe Brown, D Ward, M Bell, E Magee); Cork C of I 2 (S Parker, J Jermyn) Glenanne 1 (E O’Malley); Monkstown 2 (K Good, R Sykes) Lisnagarvey 4 (A Williamson 2, M Nelson, M Robson)

Day nine extended reports

Railway Union 0 Banbridge 4 (Pe Brown, D Ward, M Bell, E Magee)

Banbridge took their place at Christmas number one with a devastating first half performance to comprehensively beat Railway Union 4-0, all the goals coming in the first 25 minutes.

The signs had already been ominous before Peter Brown got them up and running in the sixth minute. Two minutes later, Dane Ward applied a composed finish on his backhand for the second as Bann ran riot. Eugene Magee scored the third in the 19th minute when Bruce McCandless was able to ease into the circle before having two bites at crossing to Eugene Magee to tap in from close range.

Goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe made a series of brilliant saves during this half to limit the damage as well as forcing Peter Brown and Jonny McKee to both shoot into the side-netting. The fourth goal, however, came from Matthew Bell’s drag-flick.

The second half was a more sedate affair with Railway enjoying more of the play as Bann’s relentless pace slowed. The hosts did have a goal disallowed in bizarre circumstances as a shot ricocheted off a Bann foot and dribbled toward goal where Gareth Lennox somehow contrived to fresh-air his kick.

The ball just cleared the line but umpire Robert Johnston – with no possible way of predicting the miskick and envisaging the unlikely advantage – had blown just before for the corner. Bann’s defence held firm at that corner and a couple of others to stay 4-0 clear.

Monkstown 2 (K Good, R Sykes) Lisnagarvey 4 (A Williamson 2, M Nelson, M Robson)

Andy Williamson’s pair of third quarter goals saw Lisnagarvey win a cracking encounter between two of the league’s leading lights. The first half simmered with the pace of Matthew Nelson and Gareth Watkins proving a feature while a high quality midfield battle was played out with Neal Glassey’s robust skills a strong element in a trio with Sean Murray and Michael Robson.

He drew a top save from Max Maguire before setting up the opening goal for Nelson, a driving run and cross from the right that the recently capped teenager dove onto for a fine goal.

When given space, Watkins was at his direct best and his brilliant run led to an opening corner that James Milliken did well to parry away from Lee Cole’s drag. He also earned Murray a green card for a loose tackle with his quick hands on halfway.

Garvey had a big chance for number two on the hooter but Daniel Buser could not get a clearn strike on a bouncing ball from a corner rebound.

It laid the base for one of the best halves of hockey this season with the latter 35 minutes sweeping from end to end at an incredible tempo. Kyle Good levelled in the 40th minute after Stephen Cole’s excellent steal on the left wing, feeding his Irish team mate who pumped home a rocket from top D.

Watkins and Davy Carson combined at speed to go close to taking the lead but Garvey counter-punched. Richard Arneill put in the diagonal cross from the right that Williamson dove onto. Maguire saved it but Williamson, in a flash, got back to his feet and regathered the ball to slam home.

His second came soon after as Nelson evaded a tackle on halfway and used his pace to set up a big overload. He slipped to Williamson to flick home for 3-1 at three-quarter time.

Richard Sykes got the game back into the balance with a corner drag and Town had a couple of big opportunities to draw level with Watkins and Stephen Cole shooting over from narrow angles when a low cross might have been the option.

And, with five minutes to go, Garvey clinched the win. Buser had three chances to shoot – his coach Errol Lutton and manager Dean Beckett imploring him to do so – but delayed long enough for Robson to arrive. His cross took a heavy deflection and nestled in the corner for 4-2.

Cork C of I 2 (S Parker, J Jermyn) Glenanne 1 (E O’Malley)

John Jermyn’s third quarter goal earned Cork C of I their fifth win of a productive first half of the campaign, seeing them jump above Three Rock Rovers – whose tie was postponed due to frost – into fourth place.

The game opened at a frantic pace. In the opening minute Julian Dale forced a mistake from the Glenanne defence but saw his shot crept inches wide of the far post.

In the 14th minute John Jermyn intercepted a loose ball outside the 23 and found an unmarked Stephen Parker who slotted the ball under Ian Clarke in the Glenanne goal. A minute later Parker turned from hero to villain when his careless pass in midfield was intercepted and, from a clever move, Eddie O' Malley finished at the back post from a pin point cross.

Buoyed by the late goal Glenanne started the second quarter on the front foot. They won a number of penalty corners but these were repelled by Billy Lynch in the C of I goal.

Just before half time some good work down the right wing by Stephen Sweetnam saw his cross whizz past the back post. Glenanne were awarded a penalty corner on the half time hooter but Shane O'Donoghue's flick was well saved by Lynch in the CI goal, keeping the tie level at the break.

Into the second half, Glenanne had the home side pinned in for long periods but CI were dangerous on the break with Andrew Daunt and Alex Burns breaking quickly.

In the 52nd minute Daunt forced an error to win a penalty corner. Up stepped Jermyn who slotted his flick high to the Clarke’s right. From there, Glenanne laid siege to the C of I goal with Stephen Parker taking a yellow card to up the ante.

The Dubliners won a spate of penalty corners but O'Donoghue had no answer to the Man of the Match Billy Lynch in the CI goal, their hopes of grabbing an equaliser proving frustratingly out of reach.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Bowdon Hightown remain unbeaten in Super 6s Championship

Bowdon Hightown remain top of the Super 6s Championship Women’s Premier Division after a win and a draw on day two at Phoenix Sport and Leisure Centre, Telford.

Despite a brace from Sally Walton, Ashlie Caddick scored a late equaliser that saw them held to a 3-3 draw in their opening game of the day against Reading.

Walton took her tournament tally to seven goals in the final game of the day though, a 4-2 win over Holcombe ensuring Bowdon end the weekend top of the table and unbeaten with ten points.

Sutton Coldfield picked up two wins on Sunday, edging out Buckingham 2-1 before coming from behind to beat East Grinstead 4-3 with captain Vicky Woolford and Sarah Parkinson-Mills on target in both matches.

Slough remained unbeaten but drop to third in the standings. They opened up the day’s action with a 3-3 draw against Reading, then came from behind to beat Canterbury 3-2 thanks to second half strikes from Dilly Newton and Harriet Ward.

After conceding 20 goals on Saturday, Buckingham recorded their first win of the competition, a 4-3 over the University of Birmingham with Lottie Porter scoring a last-minute winner.

Birmingham did lose 6-2 earlier in the day to Canterbury, a game which saw Grace Balsdon hit the back of the net four times.

In the remaining game, East Grinstead registered their first win of the tournament, running out 2-1 winners over Holcombe. Emma Lee-Smith and Bara Kavanova scoring for East Grinstead, with Leigh Maasdorp pulling one back in the second half.

* For goalscorers and full competition details, including live updates click here - https://englandhockey.altiusrt.com/competitions/26

England Hockey Board Media release



East Grinstead and Surbiton remain unbeaten in Men's Super 6s Championship

Surbiton and East Grinstead both preserved their 100 per cent records on day two of the Men’s Premier Division Super 6s Championship in Bromsgrove.

Surbiton are top on goal difference, picking up where they left off yesterday with a 7-3 victory against Loughborough. Jonny Gall and William Marshall both scored hat tricks for Surbiton.

David Beckett hit a last-minute winner for Surbiton in their second game of the day, a 5-4 triumph over Sevenoaks. Marshall scored twice to take his personal tally to eight for the competition.

East Grinstead continued their good start, winning both of Sunday’s games 7-4 against Wimbledon and later on against Loughborough, who are the only side yet to register a point.

Across their two games Adam Seccull scored four goals, whilst Ross Stott was on target three times.

Wimbledon bounced back from their defeat to East Grinstead in the final game of the day, beating Bowdon by the same 7-4 score line.

Nathanael Stewart scored a hat trick and captain Phil Ball got two, seeing Wimbledon up to third place in the table.

Team Bath Buccaneers had a difficult day, as they registered two losses in their two games, both by a 6-4 margin.

Two goals apiece from Harry Jawanda and Tom Carson helped Reading beat them in the opening game of the day, before tournament top scorer Craig Boyne helped himself to four goals as Canterbury ran out 6-4 winners.

It was a much-needed win for Canterbury, as they had earlier fallen to their third straight loss, 7-3 against Sevenoaks.

In the other game on day two, David Egerton hit a hat trick to help Bowdon defeat Reading 4-3.

* For goalscorers and full competition details, including live updates click here - https://englandhockey.altiusrt.com/competitions/27

England Hockey Board Media release



Kelburne’s momentum continues in Scottish Men’s Indoor National League 1


Lee Morton for Kelburne by Duncan Gray

There seems no stopping Bromac Kelburne in their quest to take the indoor championship for the first time, and drive a wedge through the recent monopoly of Inverleith and Grove Menzieshill.

The outdoor champions notched up 21 goals in total as they eased past Clydesdale by 9-4 and then defeated Western Wildcats 12-2 in their two games in the men’s indoor hockey first division at the Bell`s Sports Centre in Perth.

The opening match against Clydesdale was effectively over in the first 11 minutes when two goals each by Johnny Christie and German Jonas Nommensen without reply gave the Paisley side a four goal cushion. By the interval the tally had advanced to 6-2, with Lee Morton and Christie bagging his hat-trick on target for the league leaders, while James Nairn and Euan Fraser replied for Clydesdale.

In the second half Clydesdale scored a couple and the Kelburne goal machine dried up a little, but strikes by Morton for his second of the match, Christie again and Kiwi Nick Finlayson completed the 9-4 rout, Andrew Allan got a late penalty corner consolation for the Glasgow side.

Kelburne followed up with a 12-2 victory over Wildcats to hold on to their pole position. The match was a personal triumph for Christie; the former international striker notched a double hat-trick, making his aggregate total 20 in the five matches so far.

Christie opened up with a first half hat-trick as the leaders strolled into a 5-1 lead by the interval - Adam Bain and Morton were the other scorers. The second half descended into a goal avalanche, as Christie scored another three, Chris Nelson got two while Bain and Gary Maitles completed the scoring.


Grove Menzieshill Hillhead indoor by Duncan Gray

Champions Inverleith opened their day with a nine goal win over Clydesdale to remain only a point behind Kelburne at the top. The score was four at the interval, Paul Taylor opened with a penalty corner strike in ten minutes, Stuart Hatton followed, then Stephen Dick added a couple before the interval.

The goals continued at regular intervals in the second period; Dick got his hat-trick, Hatton bagged his second of the game, in the closing encounters Patrick Christie scored twice while Kyle Taylor got the other.

Inverleith then racked up another nine against Hillhead, this time Dick and Christie both scored four times and Chris Bird got the other.

Grove Menzieshill put aside last weekend`s disappointment with an opening 8-4 win over Hillhead. The Taysiders were three up at the interval through Ben Cromar, Gavin Tomlinson from a penalty corner and Ben Cosgrove.

The Dundonians then roared into a convincing 8-1 advantage as the final minutes approached; Tomlinson scored another two set pieces while the other goals came from Ross McPherson, Cromar again and teenager Cammie Golden. Grove Menzieshill then seemed to take their foot off the pedal and allowed the Glasgow side to score three late consolations through Iain Duke, Ewan Campbell and Fraser Ward.

The Taysiders followed up with a 10-0 win over Clydesdale in the final game of the day - Cromar picked up another three goals and Tomlinson a further two.

Grange started their progress up the table with an avalanche of goals in a 10-5 victory over Western Wildcats. That result was not on the cards in the opening seven minutes when a double from Scott McCartney and another by Joe McConnell put the Wildcats 3-1 ahead with Frank Ryan getting Grange`s only counter.

But by half-time the Edinburgh side were 7-3 in front with Ryan collecting his second followed by five individual scorers. Callum Milne made it 8-3, but that signalled a mini-comeback by the Wildcats with McConnell and McCartney bringing the total back to 8-5. Grange then sealed the game in the final three minutes with Ryan and Milne again finding the net.

Grange then slipped into fourth place after seeing off Uddingston 3-1, all the goals came in the first half with Callum Milne bagging a brace.

Hillhead started their day off in a positive fashion with a 6-3 win over Uddingston Riva. Midway through the second half the result was still in doubt as the teams were tied at 2-2, goals by Hillhead`s Fraser Ward and Iain Hilton were cancelled out by Barry Platt and Stephen Percy. With 12 minutes left the Glasgow side stepped it up and doubles by Callum Duke and Ewan Campbell advanced to score to a comfortable 6-2 before Percy notched a late consolation for Uddingston

Promotion aspirants Dundee Wanderers continued their dominance of the second division with a narrow 9-8 win over challengers Watsonians. Bobby Ralph was the chief tormentor with four goals and there were two each for Ross Glashan and Eliot Sandison.

Wanderers` perfect record was maintained with a 10-2 win over Edinburgh University - there were hat-tricks each for Fergus Sandison and Sean Dowie.


Grange Wildcats men indoor by Duncan Gray

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Great Britain women at BBC Sports Personality of the Year


GB women at the SPOTY awards

Great Britain’s Women’s Hockey Team were out in force at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. 

The team scooped a dramatic gold medal in front of a TV audience of millions at the Rio Olympics. Danny Kerry’s side captured the hearts and minds of the nation with their tenacity, their never-say-die attitude, their immense skill and their coolness under pressure. There were crossed fingers all around the hockey family as the Great Britain women went head to head in what proved to be a very competitive category, the Team of the Year. The contenders were Leicester City, Team GB, Wales football team and England rugby union team. Kate Richardson-Walsh and the team received a rapturous ovation but the award went to Leicester City after their incredible 5000-1 Premier Division triumph.


KRW SPOTY Contender

That wasn’t the only award with a hockey interest as Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh became the first hockey player ever to be nominated for the main BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

“It’s a tremendous honour. We’re so blessed in this country to have so many phenomenal athletes, and we’re good at so many sports. To be here representing the squad of 31 amazing ladies and the hockey family, to be on this stage is a very proud moment.” said an emotional Richardson-Walsh to presenter Gabby Logan.

As is always the case with the captain, she hailed her team mates for their part in the recognition England and Great Britain’s most capped female international has received: 

“This squad mean everything to me. I don’t think I can stop myself from crying! They are everything my inspiration; my rocks. They see me at my best and my worst and have got me through both. It’s all about the squad for that reason.”



"To see all the athletes coming into the building and seeing what they all achieved is truly special. To watch the Olympics and Paralympics and to be even a small part of that movement and to contribute a medal is so special. To walk out with the flag at the closing ceremony was the icing on the cake for me.”

Richardson-Walsh polled sixth in the 16 person shortlist behind winner Andy Murray who took the title for the third time.

Fans of Danny Kerry’s team, we have some very exciting news: England will play a one-off test against old foes the Netherlands in June 2017.

England Hockey Board Media release



Kate Richardson-Walsh recalls Rio hockey triumph ahead of 'special' Sports Personality of the Year

By Adam Shergold


Kate Richardson-Walsh has enjoyed a stellar career capped with an Olympic gold medal

In pubs, the Friday night crowd were asking landlords to switch over from the Manchester United match so they could watch a game of hockey.

In living rooms up and down the country, nine million, many of whom had never even thought to watch hockey before, were rapt by drama that delayed the 10 o’ clock News.

And on a pitch in Rio de Janeiro, an epic career spanning 17 years and 375 international appearances was drawing to its cinematic conclusion.


The Team GB captain led her side heroically in the final against Holland in Rio

Kate Richardson-Walsh was Great Britain’s formidable captain as they beat Holland in a captivating final in which they twice trailed before fighting back to triumph in a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out.

It was a gold medal earned at times through sheer bloody-mindedness alone and Richardson-Walsh’s leadership has been recognised with a place on the 16-strong shortlist for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Award.

‘The Olympics themselves and the gold medal, I don’t think that has fully sunk in. It is quite raw. I’ll think of something and the tears will well up again and I’ll think back to that Friday night in Rio,’ she said.


Now the hockey legend is on the shortlist for Sports Personality of the Year

Little wonder. She had already won bronze at London 2012 and amassed a fine collection of World, Commonwealth and European medals. She’d already been awarded the MBE and was Great Britain’s most-capped female player.

But the gold medal provided the kind of Hollywood ending to a career that all sportsmen and women crave.

It was made all the sweeter because the gold was won alongside her wife Helen, who struck one of the winning penalties, making them the first same-sex married couple to win at the Olympics and the first married couple to take gold since Cyril and Dorothy Wright in the sailing 96 years ago.

‘It has been the strangest thing. You’re on the Tube or walking down the street in our normal civvies and people say “Well done on the Olympics”. Helen and I are like “This is a bit strange!”,’ said Richardson-Walsh.

‘The thing I’ve loved most is people stories about how they watched the final. They were in a pub watching Man United and someone asked to turn the TV channel over. Things like that are just awesome.

‘And for people who have not watched hockey before, it was just the best spectacle. It had everything, so it was a good showcase.’


Richardson-Walsh said she was amazed by the reaction to victory back in Britain

And therein lies the mission now for Richardson-Walsh. Free of international duties, the 36-year-old will continue the play for her Dutch club Bloemendaal alongside Helen but also take up the challenge of capitalising on hockey’s post-Olympics allure in Britain.

‘It’s about getting hockey and hockey players out there,’ she said. ‘We’re a little bit uncomfortable with it at the moment because it’s new ground and new territory.

‘But, for example, when someone like [fellow GB gold medallist] Sam Quek goes on I’m A Celebrity it is getting hockey into homes that didn’t maybe watch that games at the Olympics.

‘Maybe they haven’t seen a hockey player before but they might be interested now. We’re very good at going into schools and clubs, but they’re a captive audience.


She enjoyed a fantastic career spanning 17 years and 375 international appearances

‘We need to get people involved who aren’t necessarily interested at the moment. Sometimes you think you can’t play hockey in schools because you don’t have Astroturf.

‘Yes, that is the best facility but to get people started you just need a concrete playground or grass. Let’s get people out there with sticks in their hands.’

But before all that, Richardson-Walsh will be heading to Birmingham for the SPOTY ceremony. The bookmakers may have her as a 500-1 outsider but she admits it feeling ‘really special’ to be picked.

But who will she be voting for? ‘I think Dame Sarah Storey is a phenomenal athlete. When I was about 13, she was in the Stockport pool at the same time I was and to see her do what she’s done firstly in swimming and then in cycling is quite phenomenal.’

Daily Mail



Weir looking for positive response to setbacks


Alastair Brogdon and Henry Weir celebrate

“There are always setbacks in sport and setbacks in what we do in life. How you deal with them is what defines you and sets you apart from everyone else.” Henry Weir reflects on what he and many of his teammates have described as a “very difficult few months”.

Weir and his team mates went to the Olympics in Rio with high hopes, aiming to come home with a medal. A first round exit meant that despite the years of preparation they were to leave the greatest sporting show on earth shattered and heartbroken.

Now, as the new training cycle begins again, the Wimbledon man and the rest of Bobby Crutchley’s squad begin their healing process. A clean slate. A new chapter. A new dawn.

Their rehabilitation will begin in front of their own fans as the Hockey World League Semi-Final will be held in London in June 2017. Weir and his team mates will take on Olympic Champions Argentina, European Champions Netherlands, Asian Champions Trophy winners India as well as Pakistan and Korea. It is already a star studded lineup and there are still four teams to be confirmed.  

England’s Weirwolf is determined to look ahead, not back:

“It has been difficult but I know with every mistake comes an opportunity to learn and an opportunity to make myself better.” he said.  “I’m not and never will be the perfect player. If I can deal with my mistakes I will be a better player and a better person.”

Despite the emotions of the summer, Weir has a good perspective on things, admitting that he is still grateful to be a professional hockey player:

“I always pictured myself playing hockey part time alongside another job. The fact I’ve been able to play hockey full time is a dream come true. Everyone wants to do what they love and I love my sport and love playing.”

As well as the love for the game, Weir has a keen competitive edge which has so far allowed him to amass 111 international caps. 

“I’m a very competitive person and when I do something I want to do it to the best of my ability. I want to win matches and medals for my country that’s what gets me up in the morning.” He continues: “The most difficult thing is balancing other areas alongside hockey. Socialising, education and one eye on the life after hockey. I want to succeed at everything I do. That’s what keeps me training hard on the pitch and in the gym, the drive to go out there and win for my country, myself and my family.”

England Hockey Board Media release



The boys from Bannu

Ijaz Chaudhry


Hameedi at the top of the podium in the 1960 Olympics

As attempts at resuscitating Pakistan hockey continue apace, there is more good news: Bannu’s players are back in the big time. The country’s Under-18 boys team, which appeared in the U-18 Asia Cup and played a series against Oman a few weeks back, included three players from Bannu: Amjad Ali, Khairullah Shah and Mohibullah. Pakistan’s U-21 side, silver medallists at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup also included a Bannu boy, Junaid Kamal.

Hockey has been the district’s identity. In fact, Bannu has played the role of a nursery for Pakistan hockey, producing many greats of the game along the way. Things had stalled after Bannu became victim to terrorism and militancy; till a few years ago, Bannu was among the towns most affected by terrorism. Outdoor sports activities had almost ceased to exist as fear reigned the streets.

But Operation Zarb-i-Azb has managed to restore peace in the area. Slowly but surely, we now see the resumption of hockey activities where not long ago people feared stepping out of their homes. Life is returning to Bannu and to Pakistan hockey.
It was a colonial cantonment that became a bustling town renowned for producing superstars. After a decade of reeling from war, Bannu is beginning to churn out hockey talent once again

A British import that became a local delight

The seeds of hockey in Bannu, as in many other parts of the sub-continent, were planted by the British.

Bannu was founded as Dhulipnagar in 1848 by Herbert Benjamin Edwardes. He was a lieutenant in a regiment of the East India Company’s private army which was posted there. Although the outpost was initially named after the Maharajah of Lahore at the time, the town became Edwardesabad in 1869. In 1903, it finally received its current name, Bannu.

Hockey was seen as a game to attain peak physical fitness and soldiers of the British army were into the game because of this reason. Watching soldiers in action, Bannu’s indigenous youth was also inspired to play this game. Little did they know then that hockey will become a source of pride for the area.

The man who became a real source of inspiration was no less than the ‘juggler’ Dhyan Chand, regarded by many as the greatest hockey player of all time. Dhyan Chand stayed in Bannu for about four years in the latter half of the 1930s with his army unit. Apart from his army team, the legend also turned out for local clubs and people flocked to see him in action. Thus the roots of hockey further spread during his stay in Bannu.

But Bannu’s hockey had already created a niche for itself in the sub-continent. As far back as 1935-36, Bannu’s oldest outfit, Waziri Club, had won the All-India tournament in Bhopal (now the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh). There were a number of clubs in Bannu but the main rivalry was between the Waziri Club and the Giants Club. Their matches attracted crowds of up to 7,000, which is remarkable for a town of around 100,000 at the time.

Hockey activities were not confined to the clubs, however. The sport was more or less part of the curriculum in most schools while most teachers used to supervise training themselves. The main competition was between Islamia High School and Government High School. Their encounters had a community flavour attached to them. The Muslims supported the Islamia High School while the Government High School was cheered on by the Hindus.

The pre-Partition Bannu hockey boom coincided with Hitler’s war. Therefore, Bannu players couldn’t don international colours since there was no international hockey during the war years. Throughout this period though, clubs from Bannu excelled in various All-India tourneys. It was only a matter of time before Bannu would be recognised on the big stage.

The heroics of Hameedi

After nearly a century of hockey tradition, a player from this hockey-crazy town was finally noticed ... but he didn’t quite make it.

In 1947, a player by the name of Yaqoob was selected for the All-India team. But the youngster spurned the offer as he wanted to serve his newly-independent country, Pakistan. Unfortunately for him, he was never selected by the new country’s team.

Nevertheless, Pakistan’s first-ever international team, which had the honour of participating in the 1948 Olympics, included a youngster from the town of Bannu. His name was Abdul Hameed, better known as Hameedi.

Hameedi rose to the rank of brigadier in the Pakistan Army. He was an outstanding inside-right, not only a schemer but also a tremendous scorer. Hameedi was a member of both the 1948 and 1952 Olympics teams.

But these teams, despite having several outstanding players, could only finish fourth. The main reason of the failure was a lack of harmony and discipline. Hameedi was then made the captain of the team in 1954 and he didn’t disappoint — the army officer inculcated much-needed discipline and spirit in the team.

Under Hameedi’s able captaincy, Pakistan won the silver medal at the 1956 Olympics losing to India by a controversial goal in the final. Still, it was an epoch-making moment in the country’s sporting history as it was Pakistan’s first ever medal of any colour in any Olympic discipline.

Then, in 1958, Hameedi led Pakistan to a gold medal at the Asian Games. It was the first time that India was relegated to second position in any international hockey tournament. And finally Hameedi attained eternal legend status by skippering Pakistan to its maiden Olympic gold (in any sport) at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, beating India 1-0. This victory ended India’s 32-year hold on the Olympic title and announced Pakistan’s arrival as a hockey superpower.

Watching his game in Rome, the famous English hockey journalist R.I. Holland paid tribute to Hameedi by calling him “the most constructive forward in the world today.” Hameedi’s tally of 16 Olympic goals remained a Pakistan record till 2008 when Sohail Abbas surpassed it.

Even after his retirement from professional hockey, Hameedi managed the Pakistan team on quite a few occasions, including the 1966 and 1970 Asian Games with Pakistan winning silver and gold medals, respectively. His last stint as manager was the 1973 World Cup, where Hameedi was handicapped since he was overseeing a second-string side. The Pakistan team which had participated in the 1972 Olympics was banned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for inappropriate behaviour after their defeat in the controversy-marred final against the hosts West Germany. And yet, it goes to Hameedi and his team’s credit that Pakistan still managed to finish fourth at the 1973 World Cup.

Hameedi’s last role was as the secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). He assumed the post when the country’s hockey was at the lowest ebb till then. Pakistan had slumped to its worst positions in the World Cup and the Olympics. They ended 11th at the 1986 World Cup and finished fifth at the 1988 Olympics.

Then began a revival under Hameedi’s watchful gaze. Pakistan regained some of their lost prestige by finishing as the runners-up in the 1990 World Cup, superbly hosted in Lahore by Hameed’s PHF, and then by winning the bronze at the 1992 Olympics. In addition, Pakistan regained the Asian Games title apart from retaining the Asia Cup.

Without Hameedi, the story of Pakistani hockey would be incomplete. He served the game in almost every possible capacity: player, captain, manager of the team, and secretary of the PHF. At all times, Hameedi brought hope with him.

The roar of Rasheed

Bannu’s second son to attain legendary status was Abdul Rasheed Junior, the younger brother of Abdul Hameed. Originally a right-in like his illustrious brother, he was converted into an opportunistic centre-forward by Brigadier M.H. Atif. He turned out to be a predator availing even half chances. In his first big tournament, the 1968 Olympics, he was joint top-scorer of the gold medal winning team. Rasheed Jr was again Pakistan’s top-scorer at the 1972 Olympics.

In between, he also earned a World Cup winners medal in its inaugural edition of 1971. Rasheed ended his career emulating his brother by captaining Pakistan at the Olympics (Montreal, 1976). His tally of Olympic goals is just one short of Hameedi’s 16 goals. He enjoys a unique distinction in Pakistan sports history to be the only sportsman to have a complete set of Olympic medals: Gold (1968), Silver (1972) and Bronze (1976). When he called it a day, Rasheed Jr’s tally of 96 international goals was a Pakistan record at the time.

Like Hameedi, Rasheed also had a managerial spell. And he achieved one distinction that even eluded Hameedi — managing Pakistan to a global title, World Cup 1994. He was also the manager of the 1994 victorious Champions Trophy team.

The sublime Saeed

The next outstanding player to emerge from this southern division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was Saeed Khan. Primarily a left-in, he was also effective playing left-out. Saeed was a bit unfortunate as his period coincided with that of the greats Shahnaz Sheikh and Hanif Khan.

Although, he represented Pakistan from 1974-1982, he mainly remained a reserve left side forward. He would have been a number one choice in almost any other side of his era. When given a chance, Saeed Khan never disappointed. His misery can be assessed from just one instance. He was Pakistan’s vice-captain for the 1983 Champions Trophy, yet he mostly remained on the bench because the playing left-in was none other than Hanif Khan, the skipper of that side.

However, Saeed Khan has the satisfaction of being a proud member of two World Cup winning squads (1978 and 1982) and three Asian Games winning sides (1974, 1978 and 1982). Then he returned as coach of the national team from 1993 to 1995 (with city-mate Rasheed Jr as the manager). In that role, he achieved the distinction of winning the 1994 World Cup as well as the Champions Trophy, the same year.

After a long absence, Saeed Khan was given the assignment of manager and head coach of the Pakistan’s women’s team this year. Under his guidance, the newly-raised national women’s team surprised everyone by reaching the semi-final of the Asian Hockey Federation Cup in October.

Farhat’s fire and fury


Temperamental Pakhtun Farhat Khan

The Bannu conveyor belt continued to roll. Soon after Saeed Khan’s departure from the playing field, another player with sublime skills entered the fray. His name was Farhat Khan, whose international career had two spells and interestingly in different roles.

He played as left-in from 1985 to 1987 before being dropped. He was recalled in late 1989. At the time, Farhat was still playing as a left-in on the domestic circuit but with the national team in dire need of an attacking centre-half, he was roped in.

Farhat proved the selectors’ call to be correct. A hot-tempered Pakhtun, he thrived under pressure and was a big match player. Farhat turned out to be the real lynchpin of the Pakistan team. He played a stellar role in reviving Pakistan hockey’s fortunes after the dark period of 1986-1988. Pakistan were runners-up at the 1990 World Cup and bagged bronze at the 1992 Olympics. The national team also regained the Asiad gold and retained the Asia Cup.

Mohib’s magic


Bannu’s hockey stadium is named after Qazi Mohib

Another Bannu man who appeared at almost the same time as Farhat was Qazi Mohib. Very stylish for a full-back, Mohib possessed fine stick-work and dribbling ability apart from defensive solidity. His attacking skills were picked up by Brigadier Atif, under whose managership he played as a right-half. Mohib fully justified his manager’s faith in him and was declared ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the 1988 Champions Trophy.

During his brief career, he received many distinctions. Mohib became the third man from Bannu to captain Pakistan. He led his country to second place in the 1990 World Cup, first position in the 1989 Asia Cup as well as the 1990 Asian Games. Qazi Mohib passed away in 1997. The hockey stadium in Bannu is named after him.

It will be a great injustice not to mention a person, who despite not getting the national colour, remained the greatest servant of Bannu hockey for almost four decades. Late Zafar Ali Zafari (not to be confused with Col Zafari, another Pakistan hockey Olympian) had been the foremost hockey organiser in Bannu from 1960 till the mid-1990s, when only old age stopped him from continuing his mission. He organised many All-Pakistan tournaments in Bannu and it was his endeavours that resulted in the conversion of the municipal committee ground into a hockey stadium, where an Astroturf was laid later. Zafari also started the Bannu School of Hockey where young lads were trained. Zafari was the associate manager of Pakistan’s victorious team of the 1984 Olympics.

Since Farhat Khan’s departure from the scene, only a handful of Bannu players have donned the green Pakistan blazer. None of them became mega-stars. Bannu was one of the places badly hit by terrorism for almost a decade but now, hockey grounds are buzzing once again. The results have been instant and there are definite indicators that in the very near future, stars would emerge from Bannu in the tradition of Hameedi, Rasheed Jr, Saeed, Farhat and Mohib.

Bannu is back and, hopefully, so will Pakistan hockey.

Dawn

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