News for 25 January 2017
All the news for Wednesday 25 January 2017
Kemperman’s last-gasp effort bamboozles Wizards
Nandakumar Marar
NOT ENOUGH: Despite Ramandeep Singh’s best efforts, Uttar Pradesh Wizards suffered a reverse against Dabang Mumbai.
Robert Kemperman sent the home fans into a frenzy with a last-minute field goal, directing home a pass through a crowd of legs in the Coal India-Hockey India League on Tuesday.
Dabang Mumbai, riding on the field goal, overturned a deficit of two goals at half-time and 2-3 till then to win 4-3 against Uttar Pradesh Wizards. Harmanpreet Singh had kept the blues in the hunt with two penalty-corner strikes.
Dabang notched up its first win in two home games at the Mahindra stadium, while the Wizards’ first match of the season ended in a defeat after it led in all four quarters and was in firm control till half-time.
Direct approach
Dabang chose the direct route to goal in penalty corners, twice out of the three earned. Wizards were up 2-0, via a field goal from Argentine Augustin Mazzilli, and an indirect variation was on the cards.
P. Sreejesh, under the bar, was beaten twice by Harmanpreet. The drag-flick specialist and one of India’s emerging stars fired the first to the right corner and the second into the roof.
Five penalty corners over four quarters — three by the home side and two by the visitors — stood testimony to the good work done by the defenders at both ends. The ferocity and execution in penalty corners is one of hockey’s highs, matched only by the surprise element and reflexes displayed when a field goal is scored.
Mazzilli sent the ball racing through a narrow gap, lending a finishing touch to a move created by Edward Ockenden, via a diagonal pass along the carpet.
Australian Ockenden’s pass to Mazzilli saw the latter squeeze the ball home through the gap.
It was Van Ass who followed up and swept home, but Mazzilli got the credit as the ball had rolled in by then.
The Mumbai defence and midfielders soaked up pressure in the first half.
A direct penalty-corner conversion by Harmanpreet reduced the deficit to 1-2 as the half-time hooter sounded.
The sturdy Indian dragged home another penalty corner to level the score before Kemperman made it a memorable night for Mumbai.
The result:
Dabang Mumbai 4 (Harmanpreet Singh 24 & 31-PC, Robert Kemperman 60-FG) bt Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3 (Augustin Mazzilli 13-FG, Ramandeep Singh 58-PC).
The Hindu
Kemperman bails out Mumbai in nick of time
Sudheendra Tripathi
Hosts Dabang Mumbai were trailing 3-2 with just 26 seconds remaining in the final quarter. But a move from the right flank initiated by Emmanuel Stockbroekx found Gurmail Singh on the edge of the striking circle. Gurmail in turn found Robbert Kemperman who slotted the ball home.Dabang Mumbai, who had dramatically drawn their last encounter against Ranchi Rays with a last minute strike by Nikkin Thimmaiah, clinched victory in the same thrilling manner they had clinched a draw.
Mumbai, who finally scrapped through 4-3, were the deserving winners. For, they were a better organized side.Their passing was accurate.Their midfield was at its creative best. The defence stuck to its plan. The only problem area and probably the reason why Mumbai trailed their rivals Uttar Pradesh Wizards in their HIL encounter at Mahindra Stadium on Tuesday was their finishing. Dabang Mumbai forwards squandered many opportunities that came by .
"We created a few opportunities today but our finishing was not clinical. I think we did not execute our plans well in the striking circle," Mumbai coach Jason Stacey admitted post -match.
Emmanuel Stockbroekx had the first shy at goal in the very first minute. After receiving a pass from the left flank, just outside the striking circle, Stockbroekx dribbled past a couple of Wizard defenders and attempted a reverse hit.The ball, though, crashed in the side netting.
Wizards, who were on the back foot right from the outset, opened the scoring much against the run of pay . Augustine Mazzilli received a diagonal ball from the left flank slammed the ball past beat Mumbai goalkeeper David Harte with a rasping drive. As it was a field goal, UP Wazards were 2-0 up by the 12th minute.
Mumbai, though down, kept pressing and kept creating chances. In one of the raids, the hosts managed to earn their first short corner in the ninth minute of the second quarter. Gurjant Singh, who stepped up to drag-flick the short corner, was so precise and powerful with his flick, that goalkeeper PR Sreejesh had no chance.
The teams went into the break with Wizards leading 2-1 by virtue of their field goal. After the change of ends, Mumbai earned their second short corner and Gurjant was once again on target with a powerful drag-flick, this time to Sreejesh's top right corner.
Mumbai played that third quarter very brilliantly but were still trailing Wizards by a goal. The fourth and the final quarter saw the teams push hard for another goal but it was not until the last minute when a goal came by . Wizards earned their third corner and after two unsuccessful attempts earlier, they went in for a variation. Ramandeep Singh was the benefactor of the variation. Wizards now led 3-2 with only 26 second of play remaining in the match. And Kemperman turned out to be Mumbai's hero when he tapped home give Mumbai a 4-3 win.
India in fray for FIH Home-Away League
India are among 18 hockey playing nations which have successfully progressed to second stage of the forthcoming global Home and Away League scheduled to begin in 2019. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced that 18 nations have progressed to the candidate stage of the selection process. Besides India, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany , Ireland, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain were the successful applicants for both their men's and women's teams.
The Times of India
Dabang Mumbai beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 4-3
Amit Kamath
Dabang Mumbai beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Hockey India League.(HIL)
Riding on Robbert Kemperman’s late heroics, Dabang Mumbai beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 4-3 in a Hockey India League match at Mumbai’s Mahindra Stadium on Tuesday.
With just a minute to go, the game seemed to be heading towards a draw, but Kemperman’s goal with 38 seconds left on the clock gave the hosts their first victory of the season.
The hosts were put on the backfoot as early as the 12th minute when Gurjant Singh was robbed off the ball by Wizards’ Edward Ockenden. The Australian ran a few yards with the ball before passing it to Agustin Mazzilli, who slipped the ball under the David Harte’s legs to score.
In the second quarter, Mumbai started to create a few opportunities. Looking for an equaliser, they blazed into their opponents’ circle, but Roshan Minz’s pass was too high for Florian Fuchs to turn into the net.
Mumbai finally reduced the deficit in the second quarter when Harmanpreet Singh flashed his penalty corner into the top right corner in the 24th minute. Two minutes into the third quarter, Harmanpreet scored again. This time his shot flew into the roof of the net on goalkeeper PR Sreejesh’s left.
The match opened up in the fourth quarter with both teams bombing ahead with numbers into each other’s circles. One such foray led to a penalty corner for the hosts. However, with Gurjant Singh entering the circle before the ball had been injected in, the team’s strategy of getting Harmanpreet to shoot was exposed. In a bid to try something new on the retake, Harmanpreet did a half turn before handing the ball to Johan Bjorkman. The Swede’s shot was blocked by Sreejesh.
At the other end, however, the visitors took full advantage off a penalty corner. Gonzalo Peillat’s push into the circle was turned away from Mumbai goalkeeper David Harte by Florent van Aubel. The ball fell kindly to Ramandeep Singh, who tapped in to the give his side the lead.
Their joy, however, was short-lived as Gurmail Singh ran into the Wizards’ circle before crossing across the face of the goal which Kemperman tapped in to give his side victory.
While this was Wizards’ first match of the season, Mumbai had drawn their first match. Victory took them to second place in the standings with seven points.
“To score this late into the match shows tremendous character. We had patches of very good play, but our decision making can be better at times. We didn’t finish all teh chances that we created,” Mumbai coach Jay Stacy said.
Hindustan Times
Dabang Mumbai come from behind to defeat UP Wizards 4-3
The victory for Mumbai in their second match of the season and second one at home took their points tally to seven, three behind league leaders Kalinga Lancers. (Twitter Photo)The victory for Mumbai in their second match of the season and second one at home took their points tally to s... Read More
MUMBAI: Dabang Mumbai scored a stunning come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Uttar Pradesh Wizards to earn their first victory in two games in the Hockey India League, here on Tuesday.
The match-winner for the home team, when they were down 2-3 with just over a minute of play left on the clock, was scored by Dutchman Robbert Kemperman through a deflection off a cross from right.
Just a minute earlier, UP had taken the lead again through India international Ramandeep Singh that put them 3-2 in front before Kemperman spoiled their chances.
It was the second time that Mumbai got a last-minute field goal, after the first one two days ago by Nikin Thimmiah which earned them a 3-3 draw against Ranchi.
UP had gone 2-0 ahead early in the match in the first quarter through Augustin Mazzili's field strike before the hosts drew level through two penalty corner goals from their drag-flick expert Harmanpreet Singh, one each in the second and third quarter of the game, at the MHAL Stadium.
The victory for Mumbai in their second match of the season and second one at home took their points tally to seven, three behind league leaders Kalinga Lancers.
Mumbai will stay at home for the third match running and take on defending champions Punjab Warriors on January 27, and UP will clash with Kalinga Lancers at Bhubaneswar in their second match on January 29.
Mumbai dominated for the first ten minutes without managing to score and then conceded a field goal that counts for two in the League in the 13th minute.
Australia's Edward Ockenden found Argentina's Augustin Mazzili with a short diagonal pass to his right and the latter slipped the ball under custodian David Harte's outstretched leg into the goal even as Ockenden made a forward dive for a timely deflection. But by the time his stick connected the ball it had crossed the line and the goal was awarded to Mazzili.
Down by two goals at the end of the first quarter, Mumbai continued to hold a slight edge in proceedings in the second quarter and were rewarded for their perseverance when they earned the first penalty corner of the game in the 24th minute.
Harmanpreet Singh's drag-flick beat UP and India custodian P R Sreejesh all ends up to his left.
UP also earned a short corner but Argentina's Rio Olympics gold medal winner and top scorer Gonzalo Peillat could not score off it and at half time UP led Mumbai 2-1.
Harmanpreet, who was a member of the Junior World Cup-winning Indian squad, got the equaliser one minute into the third quarter, in the 31st minute of the match, as his high drag-flick off the team's second penalty corner award found the roof of the net.
Mumbai had the upper hand with repeated raids into the rival half for the remainder of the quarter but could not take the lead and the teams went into the fourth and final quarter with the score level at 2-2.
UP showed urgency to take the lead again and attacked from both flanks without succeeding to score and it was Mumbai who earned their third penalty corner which was reviewed by the visitors before the decision stayed.
However, this time Mumbai opted for a variation to get a field goal and the gamble failed.
At the other end, Ockenden sent a lovely cross from the right and Ramandeep connected only to see Harte block the try.
But with just over a minute left on the clock, UP forced their second penalty corner which was reviewed by the home team, only to see the decision of the on-field umpire being proved correct.
Ramandeep made no mistake as he lay in wait near the left post to deflect in the drag-flick of Peillat that came to him via the stick of teammate Van Aubel Florent that put UP ahead 3-2.
It looked curtains for Mumbai after this goal, but not to be cowed down they attacked immediately and got the match-winning field goal through Kemperman who dived to deflect in a cross from the right by Gurmail Singh into the crowded goal area.
The Times of India
Forgotten man Pereira hopes for a turnaround
Sudheendra Tripathi
MUMBAI: Whenever he has taken the hockey field, he has won accolades. His calm demeanour on the pitch has always left a deep impact on several coaches he has come across over the years. In Mumbai's hockey circles, people have praised his skills and captivating work ethics.In that sense, Mumbai's 29-year-old right-half Tyron Pereira is perhaps unfortunate to have missed out on an opportunity to don India colours.For, those accolades which have profusely been showered upon him, have never translated into a national call-up. Just once, that too way back in 2003, he did get a call to attend a junior-level India camp, after which he was a forgotten entity .
Pereira is intrigued and has often tried to reason why he has been ignored by those who take important calls. He has failed to arrive at a plausible conclusion.
"Since my early days, I am used to nice and encouraging words from my coaches and teammates. They have all admired the way I conducted myself on the pitch. Even when I was called for the junior India camp, coaches and support staff would single me out. They would always give my example as to how to go about things. But I don't know what went wrong that I was simply ignored thereafter," Pereira recalled.
Pereira, though, found solace playing the sport. Despite being snubbed by national selectors, he continued to ply his trade on the domestic circuit. Former India skipper and coach, Joaquim Carvalho, who mentored Pereira, got him a playing contract with Indian Oil. He played for them till 2010 and then switched over to ONGC, who offered him a job. Since then he has been a regular for ONGC. A few good performances in domestic tournaments and with a little push from his well-wishers, Pereira was drafted for the Hockey India League (HIL) auction three years ago. Dabang Mumbai were impressed by his skills and offered him a contract.Of course, in the first two years he did not get sufficient playing time, but this season, it seems, he fits into coach Jay Stacey's plans.
In the last match that Mumbai drew 3-3 against Ranchi Rays, Pereira featured for a substantial time and was impressive too.
"I am hoping that my fortunes change. People do get national call-ups playing the Hockey India League. I want to prove my worth," he said.
The Times of India
SA teams showing promise
18 year old Dayaan Cassiem made his international debut for the men’s team against the Dutch
In the first few matches in the Cape Town Summer Series the South African hockey teams have shown some good intent and promise.
All the matches in the series are played at Hartleyvale.
The series started last Friday when the South African women played against Chile and got a 3-0 victory, they followed that up with a good showing against China despite losing 2-3. It could have easy been an even closer game with the home team having chances to close the gap.
Various players – Jessica O’Connor, Stephanie Baxter and Kate Koenig - made their international debut for South Africa.
On Sunday the China won a scrappy match against Chile with 2-1.
The score-line of the South African men against the Netherlands is not a fair reflection on the game itself. According to the men’s captain Tim Drummond his team played a competitive match against the third best team in the world. South Africa is currently in 15th place on the world rankings. At one stage the gap was only one goal.
Dayaan Cassiem made his international debut for the men’s team against the Dutch. He is only 18 years old.
Both Belgium’s men and women teams will join the action in the upcoming matches.
For the South African teams this series is a vital part of their build-up to the World League-tournament later in the year. The World League will be a qualifying tournament for next year’s Hockey World Cup.
Results thus far: WOMEN - South Africa 3, Chile 0; China 3, South Africa 2; China 2, Chile 1. MEN – Holland 6, South Africa 2.
Upcoming fixtures: 25 JANUARY – China v SA (w); SA v Holland; 26 JANUARY – SA v Chile (w), Holland v Belgium; 28 JANUARY – China v Chile (w); 29 JANUARY – Belgium v Chile (w), SA v China (w), SA v Holland; 30 JANUARY – SA v Belgium (w); SA v Belgium (m); 1 FEBRUARY – China v Belgium (w), SA v Belgium (m); 2 FEBRUARY – SA v Belgium (m), Belgium v China; 3 FEBRUARY – SA v Belgium (w).
SA Hockey Association media release
Sanani Mangisa announces her retirement from international hockey
The South African women’s team will head into the rest of 2017 without the calming, stabilising presence of one of their greatest goalkeepers, as Sanani Mangisa announced her retirement from international hockey on Tuesday, 24th January 2017.
The 29-year-old Mangisa is into her 10th year of representing South Africa and has decided the time is right for her to concentrate on her career in the sports industry and helping to create opportunities, similar to the ones she enjoyed, for the next generation.
“I always love the freshness and optimism that comes with a new year and it is with that same freshness and optimism that I have decided to retire from international hockey. On 30th December 2006, I made my debut in Stellenbosch as a young 19-year-old and 10 years on it has been an immense honour to represent South Africa at the highest level.
“However, it’s time for me to focus on some passion projects, making sure other young players have the same opportunities I did and a job that I am enjoying. Hockey chose me and I will forever be grateful,” Mangisa said.
Mangisa thanked the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) and all other stakeholders in the game who have supported her in the last decade.
“Thank you to SAHA for all the opportunities they allowed me to represent my country and wear the Green and Gold. Thank you to the different team-mates I have played with over the years - we shared a common goal and always worked hard towards achieving it. Also, thank you to the coaches and trainers who always challenged me to be better.
“Thanks too to all the different sponsors, you believed in a girl, long before I believed in myself, and to the media - journalists and broadcasters - that feature hockey, I have to thank you specifically for working endlessly to highlight our sport. I hope everyone keeps supporting women’s sport not just because it’s women’s sport, but because we are breaking moulds and doing some really exciting stuff.
“Furthermore to my family, you have always been the grounding factor. Your support has been immense. Enkosi,” Mangisa said.
The Umtata-born Mangisa leaves the game with rich memories as one of South Africa’s most decorated goalkeepers, having earned 112 international caps and appearing in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, as well as the 2014 World Cup and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. She also represented South Africa at the 2007 Indoor World Cup and played locally for the KZN Midlands Schools, the University of Pretoria and Northerns, before moving to the Wanderers Hockey Club and her current provincial home being Southern Gauteng.
Marissa Langeni, the CEO of SAHA, paid tribute to Mangisa. “We have followed Sanani’s progress over the years and she has truly been a remarkable player, doing an amazing job in goal for South Africa. She enjoyed so many highlights on the field, but she was also a great ambassador for South African hockey. As Sanani likes to say, “I’m just a girl from Mthatha”, I’d like to add she’s just a girl from Mthatha with 112 caps for South Africa who through her own story inspired a new generation of fans for the game. We wish her all the best,” Langeni said.
SA Hockey Association media release
Canadian women undefeated through two matches in Australia
Shaheed Devji
Canada’s women’s field hockey team has picked up a draw and win in its first two matches against the Queensland Scorchers, a state team in Australia, which features players from the Australia National Team.
The first game on January 23 ended in a 2-2 draw, with the Canadian goals coming from Hannah Haughn on a backhand and Kate Wright on a penalty corner variation.
The match, which was played in 28 degree celsius weather with 70% humidity, was Canada’s first game action since last July and after a lengthy winter training block in Vancouver.
“We built a strong foundation for the tour,” says head coach Ian Rutledge. “With room for both individual and team improvements.”
Jordyn Faiczak and Hannah Eborall got their first senior action on Monday, while Sam McCrory and Margaret Pham did so in game two.
In the second match, on January 24, Canada put in a dominant performance coming away with a 4-1 victory.
Steph Norlander picked up two goals, with Brienne Stairs and and Karli Johansen followed with singles of their own to round out the Canadian scoring.
Stairs’ goal was one for the highlight reel, as she picked up the ball from half and made her way through the Scorchers midfield before firing a hard backhand past the keeper.
Canada earned a hefty 11 attacking penalty corners in the match.
Wednesday is a rest day for the women in Australia. They get back to game action on Thursday.
Field Hockey Canada media release
18 nations progress to second stage of FIH Home and Away League selection
Belgium, Netherlands and 16 other nations will be considered for the new FIH men's and women's Home & Away Leagues Photo: FIH/Getty Images
Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced today that 18 National Associations have progressed to the candidate stage of the selection process for the forthcoming global Home and Away League due to begin in 2019.
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain were all successful with applications for both their men’s and women’s teams. China, Italy and USA were successful with applications for their women’s teams and Malaysia and Pakistan for their men’s teams.
All of the successful applications met the four defined criteria outlined in the first stage of the selection process. These included FIH Hero World Ranking, the provision of suitable venues, their ability to host up to eight matches at home and play eight away, and their commitment to ensure leading players are available for participation.
The applications were evaluated by the FIH Event Portfolio Implementation Panel consisting of FIH Competitions Committee Chair Ken Read; FIH Acting CEO David Luckes; FIH Executive Board Members Alberto Budeisky and Marijke Fleuren; FIH Athletes’ Committee Co-Chair Annie Panter and CEO Group Representative Elena Norman. The FIH are also recruiting for an independent member who will join the Panel at the beginning of February 2017 in time for the candidate phase of the evaluation process.
This stage will see the selected National Associations submit in-depth information based on various aspects of their hosting and participation capabilities. This will include information about financial sustainability, commercial vision, legal compliance, proposed venues, organisation and personnel, event delivery and presentation, team performance history, marketing strategies, motivation for participation, the proposed legacy impact and any added value they can bring to the competition.
FIH will also undertake extensive discussions with broadcasters regarding exposure and media coverage of hockey within each of the selected nations.
The deadline for submitting the next application information is 30 April 2017. Before then, candidates will be assisted with their applications through support from FIH and other experts via regular conference calls plus a workshop at the FIH Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland in March.
The final evaluation process will then take place over the following months before the participating teams are officially announced at a launch event in June 2017.
Speaking about this, FIH Acting CEO David Luckes said: “The high number of applications and the quality of the information already submitted is extremely encouraging. However, the next stage of the application process is critical. In-depth information must be submitted by these National Associations outlining how they will meet the host and participation requirements of the new Global Home and Away League, whilst we will also be undertaking considerable research on all of the applicants in relation to broadcast and media coverage.”
He continued: “We will be providing National Associations with all the support they need in order to give each and every one of them a fair opportunity to participate in this game changing competition – a key component of our 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy.”
FIH site
Sarjit wants more goals from Terengganu
by Aftar Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Go for goals.
That’s the order by coach Sarjit Singh as Terengganu take on Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) today in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
“I’m happy to have two good marksmen – Jang (Jong-hyun)(pic) and Faizal (Saari).
“They have been scoring regularly for us. I want them to continue tearing apart our opponents’ defence and scoring as many goals as possible,” said Sarjit.
Double champions Terengganu are the most lethal Premier Division side, scoring 29 goals in five matches. South Korean penalty corner specialist Jong-hyun and national forward Faizal have each scored eight goals, making them joint top scorers.
Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) are tied on 13 points, but the east coast team top the standings on goal difference.
UniKL were the early leaders in the eight-team league after winning their first four matches, but are now fourth after losing 2-0 to KLHC last Sunday.
image: http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/hockey/2017/01/25/sarjit-wants-more-goals-from-terengganu/~/media/7a6d3061ee034ec3a49b4c57c521485f.ashx
“I want the team to continue their good form and win every single match. But we can expect a strong challenge from UniKL,” said Sarjit.
Terengganu may be without Malaysian international forward Muhd Firhan Ashaari who is nursing a hamstring injury. He has five goals.
UniKL coach A. Arulselvaraj said it would be a huge task to beat Terengganu in their own backyard.
“They have a very well-balanced side. And they are deadly if given the space and time.
“We need to stay focused throughout the match and make our chances count.
“I hope we can hold them as getting a point is worth three against Terengganu,” said Arulselvaraj.
The Star of Malaysia
WKS Grunwald Poznan looking forward to new turf with high ambition
After six years in exile, WKS Grunwald Poznan are looking forward to making rapid strides forward with their new home turf finally coming to fruition.
Indeed, the club has not played at their home pitch for six years at Promienistej 27 and has been waiting for a new turf for almost a decade.
But now they are looking forward to a new lease of life with a new stand, watering system and surrounding fencing to go with their pitch.
Speaking about the world class facility they now have in place, the club’s Waldemar Serowski said: “Our team is back at home and will be able to perform at their home stadium, in front of their supporters and fans.
“I think it goes without saying that training on new grass surface will enable class trainers that will eventually remind work with a professional team.”
He is also keen for other EHL teams to come and visit the club for training and challenge matches in the future in Poznan and will actively help any visitors to the city.
WKS Grunwald Poznan have been the dominant force in Poland for a long time and lead the outdoor league by six points, scoring 97 goals in nine games.
They are one of only two ever-present clubs in the EHL and won their national title last season with a perfect record, claiming the title for a 20th time. As such, Serowski says the club must look to Europe to build further.
He says the club was disappointed with their performance in the EHL KO16 last season, losing 7-2 to KHC Leuven despite having led 2-1 at one stage. They had yet to play outdoors before that game in Amsterdam in 2016 due to the lack of an available pitch over the winter.
“After a winter retreat in Zakopane, building our strength and stamina, we had a lack of adequate practice games and that translated into results in the EHL, resulting in an early elimination of these elite games.
“We just can’t afford to travel to tournaments in this shape and get to grips with leading teams in tournaments. But, in the coming years, we will try to compete with teams from Europe and with hard work and practice matches, prove that in Poland, we can also create a team that will be able to compete with the best in Europe.”
Euro Hockey League media release
Surbiton and Repton toast Super 6s success
Junior Super 6s 2016-17 Boys U16
This weekend saw the finals of the Super 6s Junior Club Championships with Surbiton taking three out of four titles and only Repton U16 Girls preventing them from a clean sweep.
In the Boy’s U16 event at Aldersley Guildford topped Pool A including a win over runners up Bowdon, with their 100% record only dented by a draw with Cannock in their last game. Cannock also held Bowdon but two wins on Day 2 for the Cheshire side including one of nearest rival Ashmoor saw them into the semis. Pool B saw Surbiton and Repton both win their first three games against Doncaster, Cheltenham and Norwich and in the pool decider Surbiton came out top 2-1. Repton beat Guildford 5-3 in the first semi and Surbiton edged out Bowdon 2-1 to set up a rematch. In the final Surbiton ran out comfortable 4-0 winners thanks to first half goals from Charlie Neat and Conor Williamson followed up in the second period with Spencer Wood and captain Damian Meertens on target.
In the Girls U16 competition also at Aldersley, Surbiton took top spot in Pool A with a 100% record including a 5-0 win over nearest rivals Beeston who otherwise won all three games. Brooklands Poynton recovered from heavy defeats by the top two to take third place ahead of Old Loughts and Clifton Robinsons. Repton also had a 100% record in Pool B with Canterbury second thanks to three wins. Marlow and Ben Rhydding were level on four points. The Pool winners both ran out winners in the semis, Surbiton beating Canterbury 5-2 and Repton winning 5-1 against Beeston. In the final Surbiton raced into a three goal lead within five minutes with goals from Livy Wild, Freya Gladstone and Issy Carey. However Repton reduced the deficit to one by the break with Emily Schmedes and Imogen Hatton on target and two second half goals from Georgia Brown and a second for Schmedes gave them a 5-3 win.
Junior Super 6s 2016-17 Girls U16
The Boys U18 event was held in Telford and Surbiton topped Pool A with four wins and an impressive 26-1 goal difference. Harleston were second with three wins including beating their nearest rivals Timperley 5-2. Pool B was a tighter affair. Canterbury ended in pole with 10 points including a draw with second placed Beeston who were also held by Doncaster who pushed them close for a semi final berth. Canterbury beat Harleston 4-2 in the first semi and Surbiton overcame Beeston 5-2 in the second. The final proved a tight affair and Surbiton edged it 1-0 thanks to a great individual goal from Zach Wallace.
Junior Super 6s 2016-17 Boys U18
In the Girls U18 tournament at Whitgift, Pool A was won comfortably by Surbiton with four wins out of four. Behind them Fylde drew all three of their other games and battled for second place with Stourport and Canterbury. The Worcestershire team pipped Canterbury on goal difference thanks to a 5-2 win over Taunton Vale in their last game. Isca won Pool B ending with a draw against Wycombe and three wins including a crucial 2-1 defeat of Beeston in the penultimate pool game that ensured a semi final place at the expense of their opponents. Wycombe also drew with Beeston but wins against Brooklands Poynton and Harleston gave them eight points and second place. Isca beat Stourport 5-1 in their semi whilst Surbiton edged out Wycombe with the only goal of the game. In the final Surbiton were always in control and goals from Sophie Bragg, Amy Thompson, and Lottie Ross secured the title.
Junior Super 6s 2016-17 Girls U18
England Hockey Board Media release
NSW win another double - the U15 Indoor Championships
Defeat QLD in finals
Holly MacNeil
Wollongong, NSW – NSW have taken out yet another double at the Australian Indoor Championships in Wollongong. This time it was the U15 boys and girls Australian Indoor Championships which saw NSW victorious.
The semi-finals were up first, with NSW knocking out VIC 8 - 2 and QLD defeating WA 5 – 2, meaning the show-down in the final would be between NSW and QLD.
The NSW girls won the Championship against the QLD girls team 4 – 2 after they scored their 4 goals within the first ten minutes thanks to a double from Helena Tobbe, along with goals from captain Liana Smith and Lexie Pickering.
QLD picked themselves up to fight back with a goal on the half time buzzer from Anniston Chappell giving them a boost going into the second half. Jessica Moffatt scored a second goal for QLD, but NSW were too strong and held on to the victory.
In the boys competition, the semi-finals saw QLD defeat WA, and VIC lose to NSW, meaning another QLD v NSW final would take place.
QLD were off to a great start, with Kaleb Christensen scoring the first goal in minute three, only for NSW to score the next three thanks to Samuel Bell, Zac Young and Nathan Czinner. Zac Profke came back for QLD, only to have Bradley Smith match the goal.
QLD went on to score another two goals from Kaleb Christiansen and Liam Hart, while NSW scored three more at the hands of Dane Guffogg and a double from Jake McCann; securing a 7 – 4 win for home team NSW.
Supported by Destination Wollongong, Illawarra South Coast Hockey Association, the University of Wollongong and Hockey NSW, the U15s event was the final of the Indoor Festival of Hockey - a three-week extravaganza of indoor hockey, showcasing the best players in the country at Open, Under 21, Under 18, Under 15 and Under 13 level.
Now in the second year of an initial two-year agreement, more than 1000 participants, spectators and volunteers were involved over the three weeks.
Anyone visiting Wollongong for the Indoor Festival of Hockey is encouraged to visit the Visit Wollongong website for information and ideas of what to see and do.
Hockey Australia thanks all of its partners and the outstanding team of volunteers and officials for their great work at the Indoor Festival of Hockey.
Final standings – U15 Girl’s Australian Indoor Championship
1. NSW
2. QLD
3. WA
4. VIC
5. ACT
6. TAS
7. SA
Award Winners – U15 Girl’s Australian Indoor Championship
Player of the Tournament: Jade Vanderzwan (WA)
Player of the Final: Liana Smith (NSW)
Top Goal Scorer: Helena Tobbe (NSW) (15 goals)
Final Standings – U15 Boy’s Australian Indoor Championship
1. NSW
2. QLD
3. VIC
4. WA
5. ACT
6. SA
7. TAS
Award Winners – U15 Boy’s Australian Indoor Championship
Player of the Tournament: Harris Pilbeam (VIC)
Player of the Final: Joel Tweedie (NSW)
Top Goal Scorer: Liam Hart (QLD) (15 goals)
Hockey Australia media release
Fox: Time to get rid of penalty corners
Dan Fox, the former Great Britain defender, says that penalty corners are an “unnecessary danger” and should be banned by world hockey officials.
Fox witnessed some of the fiercest flicking in the sport as he became a world-leading number one runner at international level before retiring after the Rio Olympics.
However Fox admits that there are risks of seriouis accidents when penalty corners are filtered down to club hockey and below.
Fox told The Hockey Paper: “The problem is that if you gave everyone a face mask then you are encouraging them to go into dangerous positions.
“If it's an important match then they will still be in a dangerous position and out themselves in the way. You can't make an effective rule to stop people defending corners wholeheartedly.
“Corners need to go, replaced by something that gives the attacking side a big advantage and recognises fouls in the D as an important part of the game.”
The Holcombe defender's views were echoed by Barry Middleton, the GB captain and Fox's club team-mate, who urged the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to interact with players, coaches and kit designers.
“It’s getting to a point where it’s tricky,” he said. “It’s such a big part of the game and it’s so exciting. It’s not so much for us at international level but dangers lie in the lower leagues where there isn’t much protective kit and can cause problems.”
Read more at www.thehockeypaper.co.uk
The Hockey Paper