News for 31 January 2017
All the news for Tuesday 31 january 2017
Green Machine Draw With France
Tri-Nations Tournament, Benalmadena
Ireland got off to the ideal start with a goal in the opening minute as Chris Cargo robbed the ball in midfield and broke down the right before firing a ball into the circle which Sean Murray calmly converted. Jamie Carr retained Ireland’s lead as he made a strong save in the 10th minute from a French penalty corner. The Green Machine finished the opening quarter putting the French under increasing pressure but their final PC shot was well run down by the first runner.
Matthew Bell made an important save on the line early in the second quarter and not 2 minutes later Eugene Magee was impeded whilst shooting and was awarded a penalty stroke. Shane O’Donoghue duly converted the stroke and doubled the Green Machine’s lead going into half time.
The second half saw a slight role reversal as France began to get a grip of the game. Carr was in superb form and made several important fans from French PC’s. France was awarded a penalty stroke of their own, which they converted, in the final quarter when a shot was stopped on the line by the body of an Irish defender. The Green Machine struggled to hold possession and France turned them over in the middle of the pitch before breaking into the circle to draw the game level at 2-2.
Congratulations to Sam O'Connor who earned his first senior international cap today.
Ireland’s next match is against Spain tomorrow in Benalmadena at 4pm (local time).
France 2
Ireland 2 (Murray, O’Donoghue)
Starting: Carr (GK), J Bell, Duncan, Cargo, Murray, McKee, E Magee, O’Donoghue, M Bell, Gleghorne, L Cole,
Substitutes: O’Connor, Wright, Glassey, Nelson, Harte, Dale, Ingram (GK)
Match Details
Spain 4vs4 France 29/1/2017 4pm in Benalmadena
France 2vs2 Ireland 30/1/2017 4pm in Benalmadena
Spain vs Ireland 31/1/2017 4pm Malaga
Spain vs France 1/2/2017 4pm in Benalmadena
France vs Ireland 2/2/2017 4pm in Malaga
Spain vs Ireland 3/2/2017 1pm in Benalmadena
*times listed are local.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Queensland games give a “boost” to Women’s National Team ahead of World League 2
Shaheed Devji
After playing four of eight games against the Queensland Scorchers, Canada’s women’s field hockey team is feeling good down under.
Just playing games is welcome, after spending long stretch training in Vancouver at the end of last year.
But it also helps that those games have been successful so far. Canada’s women are undefeated through the first half of the series in Australia, having picked up two wins and two draws.
“I think whether we win or not, we try and take positives from how we play,” says veteran defender Danielle Hennig. “But this tournament it’s been evident in both how we play and those objective results, which kind of gives you that extra little boost.
“It’s been nice because Queensland is a really good team. So although we’ve been getting good results, they’re still challenging us in lots of ways.”
Aside from the on-field, technical positives ahead of World League Round 2 in West Vancouver in April, one of the foundational focuses of the trip to Australia is the makeup of the squad.
Five players from the junior ranks have joined the Senior team during this tour, giving more players exposure to the senior international game, and meaning both the on-field and off-field dynamics of the team take new form.
“It’s a bit of a different role for me,” says defender Karli Johansen, who is now among the more experience players on the team, with 72 senior international matches to her name. “I really enjoy working with the younger girls, and it’s nice to have different views and new opinions coming into the team.”
“It’s been really nice to get to know the new girls that are with us this trip and build some confidence and start off the year on a high note.”
The Canadian women finish off the eight game series with Queensland this week and return to Vancouver on February 6th. World League Round 2 in West Vancouver begins on April 1.
Field Hockey Canada media release
USWNT Travels to California for Month Long Training Camp
CHULA VISTA, Calif. – An all immersive, rigorous 28 days awaits the newly selected 2017 U.S. Women’s National Team. Although not on home turf, the red, white and blue will be on familiar ground. The USWNT will be venturing from Lancaster, Pa. back to their previous training site just outside San Diego, Calif. at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. From Tuesday, January 31 to Monday, February 27 the squad will sharpen their skill sets preparing for a full competition schedule preparing at the FIH Hockey World League Semifinals in Johannesburg, South Africa as well as the Pan American Cup in Lancaster, Pa. which are both opportunities to quality for the 2018 World Cup.
While in California, USWNT Head Coach Janneke Schopman and the 23 athletes will compete in a total of four test matches against members of the U.S. Men’s National Team and U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team.
"The goal in Chula Vista is to get a good training block in, working hard on the field and in the gym," said Schopman,. "It also gives us the opportunity to play some games and get connected playing together as a team. Lastly we will focus on individual development and have our quarterly meetings."
Chula Vista Training Camp roster:
Lauren Blazing (Durham, N.C.), Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.), Ali Campbell (Gilbersville, Pa.), Anna Dessoye (Mountain Top, Pa.), Casey Di Nardo (Virginia Beach, Va.), Amanda Dinunzio (State College, Pa.), Katelyn Falgowski (Landenberg, Pa.), Ali Froede (Burke, Va.), Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.), Jess Jecko (Sauguoit, N.Y.), Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.), Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.), Alyssa Manley (Lititz, Pa.), Lauren Moyer (York, Pa.), Alyssa Parker (Woodbine, Md.), Kat Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.), Loren Shealy (Charlotte, N.C.), Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.), Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.), Taylor West (Pocomoke, Md.), Alesha Widdall (Whitney Point, N.Y.), Jill Witmer (Lancaster, Pa.) and Julia Young (Yorktown, Va.)
USFHA media release
Affan Yousuf ensures Dabang Mumbai’s 3-2 win against Delhi Waveriders 
Mumbai: Dabang Mumbai beat Delhi Waveriders 3-2 in a closely fought match to ensure they stayed on top of the points table. This is the home team’s third straight win on their home soil here at the Mahindra Hockey Stadium. It was Affan Yousuf’s double strike in the 29th and 30th minute that not only ensured his team earned five points from this match but he also became the leading goal scorer in the Coal India Hockey India League 2017 thus far.
Playing against the home team who celebrated an incredible 10-4 win against Jaypee Punjab Warriors in their previous game, Delhi Waveriders opened the game patiently, rotating the ball between themselves waiting for an opening into the hosts defence. Despite the several circle penetrations, it took till the 12th minute for the first real chance to materialize as the visitors won the first PC of the game. The opportunity went amiss though, Rupinder Pal Singh improvising from the injection, but his attempt was blocked away by defender Sander De Wijn.
A minute later, Manuel Brunet fashioned a chance out of a fine assist by Mandeep Singh, spinning away from his markers to unleash a shot on the goal; his shot was however brilliantly padded away by Dabang Mumbai goalkeeper David Harte, making sure the two teams went into the first break in a stalemate.
The second quarter though belonged to Dabang Mumbai’s Affan Yousuf who continued his splendid form this season. He pumped two goals past Delhi Waveriders goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch taking his personal score to seven this season and fetched his team the much-needed 3-0 lead. The first goal was created by Harmanpreet Singh’s long ball forward to Yousuf, who beat Harjeet Singh to find the net in the 29th minute. Almost immediately, Yousuf struck again in the 30th minute when his team desperately attempted to convert their first PC in the game. The ball came off a rebound when Yousuf found the gap only seconds before the first half.
The two teams kept up the high tempo of play in the third quarter, with Dabang Mumbai dominating possession and play but unable to get the breakthrough and enhance their lead. Meanwhile, Justin Reid-Ross earned Delhi Waveriders their first goal when he successfully converted a penalty corner in the 43rd minute to narrow the deficit to 3-1.
There was plenty of action in the final quarter with both teams pressing hard and fast. The visitors earned another PC, a different variation saw Rupinder Pal Singh take the drag flick and converting it successfully, narrowing the goal difference to a close 3-2. The visitors earned another PC in the 55th minute through Surender Kumar who found Harmanpreet Singh’s foot. But they missed this opportunity to level the score after team skipper Rupinder Pal Singh failed to convert the shot.
Affan Yousuf of Dabang Mumbai was awarded with a prize money of Rs 50,000 for scoring the Coal India Goal of the Match from Mr. R Mohan Das, Director (Personnel & Industrial Relations), Coal India Ltd.
Affan Yousuf of Dabang Mumbai won the prize of Rs 25,000 for being the Hero Young Achiever of the Match from Mr Edgar Mascarenhas, International Hockey Player.
The Airtel Most Entertaining Player of the Match was awarded to Emmanuel Stockbroekx of Dabang Mumbai that came with a prize money of Rs 25,000 by Mr. Mangha Singh Bakshi, President, The Mumbai Hockey Association Limited.
Dabang Mumbai’s Affan Yousuf was declared the Man of the Match and was awarded a prize money of Rs 50,000 by Mr. Saumya Khaitan, CEO, Dabang Mumbai Hockey Club.
On 31 January 2017, Dabang Mumbai will take on Kalinga Lancers in Mumbai.
Official HIL site
Affan Yusuf gives Dabang third win
Dominating Delhi Waveriders ended up losers against the ever-improving Dabang Mumbai which posted its third win in four matches to lead the points table after nine days of Fifth Hockey India League.
Its early opportunism of Affan Yusuf that settled the issue in favour of the hosts, who conceded two penalty corner goals in the second half out of six penalty corners they conceded.
Justin Reid Ross in an indirect attempt while Rupinder Pal later had struck, but the Dabang Mumbai hung on to the solitary goal lead till the hooter.
Parvinder Singh got a chance to give DWR a win just five seconds before the end time, but his push just missed the other side corner in a melee. The case was same with Mandeep Singh and Mandeep Antil, who missed out sitters in the first quarters.
Dabang Mumbai pressed hard in the second quarter and got the dividends.
Continuing its winning spree, the hosts Dabang Mumbai built up a 3-0 lead at half time.
Delhi, which were on upper hand most part of first two quarters squandered three penalty corners besides at least two gilt edged chances to be on defensive at half time.
Affan bounced on to the third rebound off the solitary penalty corner the team got to enhance the two-goal strike to 3-0.
Earlier, he was right on hand to trap a strong feed inside D in front of marking Harjeet Singh, and then turned a bit to carpet-push the ball to the right of goalie who was covering the same post.
However, it was a missed story for the visitors in the first half. Second penalty corner was done useless when the pushed ball could not be stopped on top of D, leading to even a counter. The other two first half penalty corners did not go beyond Sander's Amit Rohidos like charges.
Delhi could have gone well had it lapped it up both the chances it created in the first quarter. Firstly, Mandeep Singh, off the feed from Mandeep Antil, hit the ball wide.
AWARDS
THRILLING GOAL Rs.50K: Affan Yusuf
YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD 25k: Affan Yusuf
MOST ENTERTAINING PLAYER: Emmanuel
MAN OF THE MATCH Rs.50K:Affan Yusuf
Stick2Hockey.com
Affan shines in the comity of hockey greats
Diminutive but definitive Affan Yusuf of Dabang Mumbai is cynosure of all eyes in the ongoing fifth edition of Hockey India League.
Among the comity of world’s best who are here, the Bhopal lad, son of a former international hockey player, has fast emerged as the leading light of the HIL.
His solo runs, positioning for poaching goals, hawkish like picks out of half chances have given his new Franchise Dabang Mumbai – he played for Jaipee Punjab Warriors for the first three HIL years – a new lease of life.
As if his twin strikes in two successive minutes, a feat which made his former team and now defending Champions JPW look like a minnow last week, he came out even more strongly yesterday to present his team another clean win.
First he picked up a diagonal pass inside D despite being marked by Junior World Cup goldie and captain Harjeet Singh and then dragged the ball in front in a spilit second to carpet-sweep the ball past goalie, who was intent on covering the right narrow angle whereas spotted the space to his right.
This stunner gave the struggling Mumbai a shot in the arm against run of play.
Affan, who hardly takes the eyes away from ball, known for his crouching style, the Bhopal patent, has got increasingly the knack of being where his presence count.
The twin strikes against Delhi the other day stands out for this.
First goal was struck from forehand sweep from the right side of the circle. Whereas he was spot on when a rebound reached left in first half’s lone penalty corner his team has got.
Sensing a half chance, he took a stride along the flight direction before whacking the ball on its half-flight. In such sudden reverse waist-height shot, no goalie on earth can spot the flight and block. Exactly, the same happened in Mahindra Stadium.
For once nobody complains why was he given three awards together at the end of the match: Thrilling Goal (Rs.50k), Young Achiever (25k) and Man of the Match (Rs.50k).
Dabang Mumbai, like all other teams in the HIL, has some outstanding and proven global asset. Florian Fuchs, the last edition’s top scorer, Kieran Govers come to our mind.
German star Florian Fuchs too is making his presence felt with nippy runs and nice goal shots for the Affan’s team. He is also among the individual award winners.
Still, Affan stands out with his sterling show till now.
This in itself is a feat for the lad who missed out Rio Olympics.
Affan lights up the HIL, and is expected to places from now.
Stick2Hockey.com
Affan Yousuf does the star turn for Dabang Mumbai
Nandakumar Marar
MUMBAI: JLeading 3-1 after three quarters, the home team survived a Delhi Wavewirders’s fight back in the fourth quarter, to win 3-2 and retain top place in Coal India-Hockey India League 2017
Man-marking or zonal-marking matters little when Affan Yousuf is on the prowl. Two clever goals from the small-made forward had a telling effect in Dabang Mumbai’s success.
Leading 3-1 after three quarters, the home team survived a Delhi Wavewirders’s fight back in the fourth quarter, to win 3-2 and retain top place in Coal India-Hockey India League 2017.
Creating room for strikes at target and finding his own angles to outwit the goalkeeper, Affan built on his reputation, first, with a spectacular field goal. He moved away from defender Pardeep covering the first angle and flicked across and alotted inside the left post. The second strike was a backhander, twisting body into position and reacting intincively.
Waveriders punched in two direct penalty corner goals, two from five corners forced, via Justin Reid and Rupinderpal Singh, both clinical efforts.
Unbeaten run
Dabang Mumbai remained unbeaten in four games on the trot, with one draw and three wins, and firmly entrenched at the top of the six-team table.
The Mumbai team, going into the tie after a morale-boosting 10-4 win in the previous game against Punjab, faced early anxiety and custodian David Harte dealt with two attempts firmly.
The Waveriders’ goalkeeper foiled a dangerous move coming down the left flank. Affan worked down the wing, tapped a pass square to Emmanuel Stockbroekx who was in position to deflect goalwards, but the goalkeeper had the angle covered and padded away the ball. Three penalty corners for the visitors proved futile.
Harmanpreet Singh had a hand in the host going three goals up by half-time. He moved up in support of a move on the right and swept the ball into the goalmouth. Affan trapped and tapped in. Then, Waveriders defenders suffered his second blow via a penalty corner. The drag came off the post, the opportunist was at hand to reverse hit.
Under instructions from coach Jay Stacy, the home side took care to avoid losing possession in their half. The visitors were forced to chase the ball around the turf and almost pulled off a draw in the fourth quarter.
The scores: Dabang Mumbai HC 3 (Affan Yousuf 28 FG, 30) bt Delhi Waveriders 2 (Austin Reid 43 PC, Rupinderpal Singh 53 PC).
The Hindu
Affan's brace hands Dabang Mumbai 3-2 win over Waveriders
MUMBAI: Young Affan Yousuf scored two goals as Dabang Mumbai defeated Delhi Waveriders 3-2 in a closely-fought round robin match to stay on top of the leaderboard in the fifth edition of Hockey India League on Monday.
Affan twin strikes in the 29th and 30th minute earned his team five points from the encounter and register third straight win on home soil at the Mahindra Hockey Stadium.
The double strike also made Affan the leading goal scorer in the ongoing edition of the tournament.
Playing against the home team, who celebrated an incredible 10-4 win against defending champions Jaypee Punjab Warriors in their previous game, the Waveriders opened the game patiently, rotating the ball between themselves waiting for an opening goal.
Despite several circle penetrations, it took till 12 minutes for the first real chance to materialise as the visitors won the first penalty corner of the game. The opportunity went wasted though as skipper Rupinder Pal Singh flick was blocked by defender Sander De Wijn.
A minute later, Manuel Brunet fashioned a chance out of a fine assist by Mandeep Singh, spinning away from his markers to unleash a shot on the goal but his shot was brilliantly padded away by Dabang Mumbai goalkeeper David Harte.
The second quarter though belonged to Affan who continued his splendid form this season. He pumped two goals past Delhi Waveriders goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch taking his personal tally to seven goals this season and fetched his team the much-needed 3-0 lead.
The first goal was created by Harmanpreet Singh's long ball forward to Affan, who beat Harjeet Singh to find the net in the 29th minute.
Almost immediately, Affan struck again when his team desperately attempted to convert their first penalty corner of the game.
The ball came off a rebound when Affan found the gap only seconds before the first half.
The two teams kept up the high tempo of play in the third quarter with Dabang Mumbai dominating possession but were unable to get the breakthrough.
Then Justin Reid-Ross earned Delhi Waveriders their first goal when he successfully converted a penalty corner in the 43rd minute to narrow the deficit to 3-1.
There was plenty of action in the fourth and final quarter with both teams pressing hard and fast.
The visitors earned another penalty corner and this time Rupinder converting the opportunity successfully to narrow the goal difference to 3-2.
The visitors earned another penalty corner in the 55th minute through Surender Kumar who found Harmanpreet's foot. But they missed the opportunity as Rupinder once again failed to convert the chance.
Dabang Mumbai will take on Kalinga Lancers in their next game on Tuesday.
The Times of India
Mumbai ride the wave to beat Delhi 3-2
MUMBAI: On a cool, breezy evening at Churchgate's Mahindra Stadium, Dabang Mumbai's Nikkin Thimmaiah and Delhi Wave Riders' Talwinder Singh were busy exchanging high-fives seconds before the start of their Hockey India League match. That is where the pleasantries ended.Once the match started, the teams dished out an exhilarating brand of hockey .
The hosts went into the breather with a three-goal cushion and eventually clinched the high-intensity match 3-2. The first quarter saw fast and furious exchang es between the teams. But because both teams were defensively well organised, the quarter ended goalless.
The second quarter proved to be the game-changer for Mumbai. And the man who single-handedly made it possible was Affan Yousuf.
Affan kept switching flanks and during one the moves from the right, he received the ball in the circle and managed to slot the ball home. Mumbai scored again when Gurjant Singh stepped up to take Mumbai's third short corner and flicked to Delhi goalkeeper Vanache Vincent's left.Though the shot was stopped, Yousuf scored off the rebound to make it 3-0. Mumbai slowed the pace of the game after the change of ends. But with over two minutes of play remaining in the third quarter, Delhi earned their fourth short corner which was converted by Justin Reid-Ross.
The Times of India
Time to look at the mirror & question: Mark Hager
Tazeen Qureshy
If the 7-2 loss against the Ranchi Rays in their last encounter was not enough, the Kalinga Lancers added another loss in their kitty with even a bigger margin as they lost 10-0 to Uttar Pradesh Wizards in their third home match in Kalinga Stadium on Sunday.
The downfall started right from the first minute of the match after a masterpiece by Agustin Mazzilli gave the guests the first field goal and turned the scoreline 2-0 in the favour. Four minutes later Ramandeep confirmed the UP Wizards were not in a mood to let go. A brace by Akashdeep and Ramandeep meant Kalinga Lancers were simply outdone.
Visibly upset by two back to back big losses, coach Mark Hager accepted that the team had lost momentum since their last match against Ranchi Rays.
“We have lost a bit of momentum from the Ranchi game. We gave away too many opportunities. We had chances to score, but we put in away. We are putting pressure on ourselves by not scoring,” Mark Hager said.
“We played poorly in Ranchi and here also. It is time to look at ourselves in the mirror and ask questions. It is time to step up and play well under pressure,” he added.
Skipper Moritz Fuerste, too accepted that the performance of the Lancers so far is not enough for Hockey India League.
“All of us are upset. This (performance) is not enough for Hockey India League. We have a tough match against Mumbai next. We have to fight back from here.”
Stick2Hockey.com
Two Uttar Pradesh Wizards ties shifted to Delhi due to state elections
Uttar Pradesh Wizards in action during the 2017 Hockey India League.(HIL)
Two Uttar Pradesh Wizards matches in the Hockey India League (HIL) have been shifted from Lucknow to Delhi as polling for the state assembly election is scheduled in the state capital on February 19. The two matches are against Delhi Waveriders on that day and Jaypee Punjab Warriors the following day.
“It’s really disappointing that fans here will be missing the action at least in two matches,” Abhijeet Sarkar, corporate communication head of Sahara India, told HT on Monday. Sahara India Pariwar owns Uttar Pradesh Wizards. “The matches could have been organised here itself without any problem as game starts at 7pm, two hours after the end of polling. We were ready to handle the pressure of security in the match,” he said.
“The biggest loss will be for Lucknow fans who wait throughout the year for HIL matches to be held here,” said Sarkar. “We know what will be the response of fans in Delhi when two outsider teams play,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh Wizards, which has been part of the cash-rich Hockey India League since its inception in 2013, will play their first home match against last year’s runners-up Kalinga Lancers on February 10.
They will take on Ranchi Rays on February 16 and Dabang Mumbai on February 22. All the matches will be played at the Dhyanchand Stadium at Guru Gobind Singh Sports College instead of Padamshree Mohd Shahid Stadium in Gomti Nagar as being speculated earlier.
It will be first major hockey event in the new season here after the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup in December. India won that tournament in style. “Lucknowites’ love for hockey is well-known and the shifting of two matches from here is a big loss for the fans,” former Indian hockey captain Rajneesh Mishra said on Monday.
Hindustan Times
Viren Rasquinha, former hockey captain insists proper implementation key to Olympic success
Viren Rasquinha is one of the three athletes named in the eight-member task force. Image Credit: Twitter: @virenrasquinha
New Delhi: Entrusted with the "huge responsibility" of drawing up an action plan for next three Olympics, former national hockey captain Viren Rasquinha on Monday said not just planning but proper implementation will be key to Indian athletes success in world events.
Rasquinha is one of the three sportspersons alongside Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra and national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand to have found out a place in the eight-member Task Force of the Sports Ministry.
"It's a huge responsibility because there are very distinguished people in the panel. All of us have to come together and work with commitment and focus if we want to see Indian athletes achieve something in Olympics," Rasquinha told PTI.
"What we need is unity among all stakeholders. There will be several challenges but we will have to keep a positive frame of mind. We don't just need plans, what is important is execution. Proper execution is needed for plans to become successful," he said.
Just days after the end of the Rio Olympics, where India won just two medals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the setting up of the task force, which will help plan for "effective participation" of Indian sportspersons in the next three Olympics – 2020, 2024 and 2028.
Besides the three sportspersons, other five members of the task force are School Sports Promotion Board head, Om Pathak, hockey coach S Baldev Singh, who runs an academy in Shahabad, G L Khanna (Professor and Dean of Exercise and Physiology at Manav Rachna International University at Faridabad), journalist Rajesh Kalra and Sports Authority of Gujarat Director General Sandeep Pradhan.
An attacking midfielder in his playing days, Rasquinha quit hockey at the age of 28 in 2008 to pursue management studies, a qualification which he later used to give back to sports.
Rasquinha now heads the Olympic Gold Quest as its CEO. OGQ is an NGO which supports best Indian athletes in their quest to win Olympic gold medals.
"We need to give support to our athletes. We need to ensure that merit is there at every stage. Then only we can be a sporting nation," he said.
Talking about his new responsibility, Rasquinha said he has enough experience on and off the field to discharge the duty at his best.
"I have been in the set-up since 1998 when I made my debut for the junior national team. I have seen everything as a sportsperson and I have also been on the administrative side since 2009," he said.
Being the CEO of OGQ, which supports renowned Indian sportsperson like Olympic medallist shuttlers PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, wrestlers Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, shooters Gagan Narang and Vijay Kumar to name a few, Rasquinha's selection in the task force is always bound to raise conflict of interest issue.
But Rasquinha said he would be the first one to quit the committee if that was the case.
"Conflict of interest issue is something which played on my mind as well. But the terms of reference of this committee is not direct support to the athletes. It is a committee formed just to make recommendations," he said.
Firstpost
Hanis all pumped up after superb run in Second Round
by Aftar Singh
Simply sensational: National forward Hanis Nadiah Onn was named as the best junior player in the Women’s World League Second Round at the Tun Razak Stadium on Jan 22.
KUALA LUMPUR: Young woman hockey player Hanis Nadiah Onn is still on cloud nine.
The 21-year-old scored four goals in six matches to help Malaysia finish as runners-up behind Ireland in the World League Second Round, which ended at Tun Razak Stadium on Jan 22.
That was enough for Malaysia to qualify for the first time in the World League Semi-finals that will be played at Brussels, Belgium (June 22-July 2) and Johannesburg, South Africa (July 8-22).
She was also named the best junior player in the eight-team World League Second Round tournament.
And Hanis, who only made her international debut in the World League Round One in Singapore in 2014, is clearly enjoying it.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better performance in the tournament. Winning the award was an honour ... that’s the first time I’ve won an individual award in an international tournament.
“It will surely boost my hockey career. I also hope it will inspire young girls to take up hockey.
“As for me, I just want to keep on improving my game and scoring ability. My challenge will be to score against stronger opponents in the World League Semi-Finals,” said Hanis, who will now turn her attention to the National Women’s League, which will begin on Thursday.
Hanis was in top form in the five-team National Women’s League last year. She netted 12 goals in 13 matches to win the top scorer’s award and helped Police (Blue Warriors) win the league title.
Now with Terengganu, she hopes to repeat the feat in this year’s six-team league, which also features Kulim, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI), PKS-Universiti Tenaga Nasional-KPT and Johor Baru Hockey Association.
The Star of Malaysia
Irish National Indoor Finals 2017
The National Indoor Finals 2017 took place this past weekend in Queen’s University.
In the men’s tournament, Three Rock Rovers came out the victors beating Cookstown in the final 7-4.
On the women’s side, Ards took their 5th title in a row. They defeated Railway Union in the final 4-1.
Both Ards and Three Rock Rovers will now represent Ireland in Europe in February of 2018.
Full results:
Women’s Tournament:
SF 1: Glenanne 1 – Ards 4
SF 2: Queens Uni 4 – Railway Union 6
Final: Ards 4 – Railway Union 1
Men’s Tournament:
SF1: Three Rock Rovers 12 – Antrim 0
SF2: Cookstown 4 – Glenanne 2
Final: Three Rock Rovers 7 – Cookstown 4
Irish Hockey Association media release
Craigholme victorious in U18 Girls’ Indoor Cup
Craigholme U18 girls indoor cup. Photo by Duncan Gray
Craigholme were victorious at the weekend’s U18 girls’ Indoor Cup, snatching the title from defending champions Strathallan to cap off a great day of hockey.
The tournament format allowed each district to enter one team or school with the previous winning district allowed two entries. This year the competing teams were Strathallan, Kilgraston, Craigholme, George Watsons College, Robert Gordons College and Kelso High School, with the competition split into two pools of three. The top two teams in each pool would advance to the semi-finals.
The day began with Strathallan taking on Craigholme in Pool A. Craigholme started the stronger but were unable to break the deadlock on any of three penalty corners they had, before Strathallan were able to capitalise and took the lead through Izzy Folan after great stick work from Abbie Lindsay. Craigholme grabbed a goal back instantly through Kayleigh Justice. Abbie Lindsay then netted a goal herself making it 2-1 Strathallan. It was Ellie Bryce who got Craigholme back into the game, this time making it 2-2 with five minute to go before half time. Strathallan regained their lead through a terrific drag flick from Alexa Schroder. Craigholme pushed for an equaliser and got it after a penalty corner was converted by Margery Justice.
The first match in Pool B saw George Watsons College play Kilgraston. It was George Watsons who took the lead through Lucy Hogarth after five minutes. A great save by the Kilgraston keeper Kara McRitchie denied George Watsons a second which proved vital as Kilgraston attacked and levelled through Catriona Roberts. A counter attack from George Watsons saw them take the lead after good team play, which saw the move finished off by Katie McCallum. This goal proved to be vital as the score remained the same and finished 2-1 to George Watsons College.
The second matches in Pool A got underway and first up it was Craigholme against Robert Gordons College. Craigholme dominated possession at the beginning of the game but were unable to break the deadlock. Robert Gordons were very well organised and were able to keep out Craigholme until a penalty flick was awarded, and then converted by Kayleigh Justice. Craigholme doubled their lead after a Margery Justice shot from a corner was deflected in by sister Kayleigh. Robert Gordons continued to battle and created a few chances but were unable to get on the score sheet. Kayleigh Justice netted her hat trick with a calm finish to make it 3-0 Craigholme. Robert Gordons pulled a goal back through Katie McLeod but Craigholme claimed all three points guaranteeing them a place in the semi-final.
U18G Indoor cup. Photo by Duncan Gray
The next match in Pool B saw Kelso play George Watsons. Lucy Hogarth opened the scoring with a nice finish from close range to give George Watsons the lead. The match turned into a midfield battle with neither team creating many chances, thus the score remained 1-0 to George Watsons at half time. Kelso snatched an equaliser through Tara Aitchison to bring the score level at 1-1. With five minutes remaining George Watsons took the lead through a well worked short corner routine finished off by Lucy Nickerson. A win would see George Watsons top Pool B. The team from the East managed to hold on and claim all three points to take their spot in the semi-final.
The final game in Pool A meant that Strathallan needed to win to draw level on points with Craigholme. A win for Robert Gordons would see them through to the semi-final. Strathallan took the lead through Alexa Schroder with a good finish. They then doubled their lead through Abbie Lindsay and had their sights set on the semi-final. Moments later Jenny McGuire increased Strathallan’s lead further making it 3-0. Once again a terrific drag flick by Alexa Schroder made it 4-0 right before half time. Robert Gordons pulled one back through Sophia Gambro but Strathallan regained their four goal lead with Alexa Schroder grabbing another. With five minutes to go Strathallan scored again, this time through Darcy McDermott. Then Alexa Schroder was again on the score sheet from another penalty corner making the score now 7-1 to Strathallan. The result saw Strathallan top the group ahead of Craigholme with Robert Gordons finishing third in Pool A.
The final match in Pool B saw both teams fighting for the spot in the semi-final alongside Craigholme, Strathallan and George Watsons. There was an air of drama as Kilgraston and Kelso got underway. Kilgraston scored within thirty seconds through Catriona Roberts. Emily Dark then doubled Kilgraston’s lead after a drag flick from a penalty corner. Poppy Currie grabbed her first goal of the tournament to make it 3-0. Dark grabbed her second of the match making it 4-0 Kilgraston after ten minutes of play. Katie Stott got herself on the score sheet making it 5-0 after some nice stick work. Sister Ellie Stott made it 6-0 finishing off a nice team move. Kilgraston increased their lead through Dark again before Kelso grabbed one goal back through Jessica Howlett. Kelso got on the score sheet again through Izzy Kyle making it 7-2 with two minutes to play. Dark polished off the match from another well finished corner making it 8-2. Kilgraston saw the match out and advanced to the semi-final where they will take on Midland rivals Strathallan.
U18G Indoor cup.Photo by Duncan Gray
The cross over matches were to line up as follows:
Strathallan v Kilgraston- Semi Final
George Watsons College v Craigholme- Semi Final
Robert Gordons College v Kelso- 5th/6th
The first of the semi-finals was an all Midland battle. Strathallan was determined to retain last year’s title, but Kilgraston were out to overcome the holders. As expected both sides began very evenly, cancelling each other out in the midfield. I was Abbie Lindsay who gave Strathallan the lead from a well worked penalty corner. Towards the end of the first half it began to get frantic as Kilgraston pushed for an equaliser, however one minute before half time Strathallan scored two goals in quick succession through Lindsay meaning she secured her hat trick before half time. A great save from the Kilgraston goalkeeper prevented Schroder from scoring another drag flick. It was all out attack as Kilgraston were throwing everything they had at Strathallan, including resorting to a kicking back in Katie Stott. Lindsay managed to slot home her fourth on the game after a counter attack and Strathallan were able to hold on to advance to the final as 4-0 winners.
In the other semi-final George Watsons College took on Craigholme for a place in the final. Craigholme took the lead through Margery Justice before Watsons replied almost instantly through Lucy Hogarth. The game was well contested and both teams were cancelling each other out. Craigholme regained their lead again through Margery Justice before George Watsons again levelled the score this time through Innes Wilson from a penalty corner. It was Craigholme however who went in as leaders at the break with a goal this time from Ellie Bryce. George Watsons got themselves back into the game with a nice finish from Hogarth. However two goals from Natasha Sockalingum sealed the victory for Craigholme and they advanced to take on Strathallan.
The third and four playoff match saw Kilgraston take on George Watsons College, however both teams agreed that after a strenuous day that they would not play this match as many of their girls were playing in the National League matches the following day.
Kelso then took on Robert Gordons College to battle for fifth and Kelso grabbed an early lead after a penalty corner was converted by Imogen Johnstone Jones. Then two goals from Robert Gordons saw them take the lead - these goals coming from Millie Skidmore and Hannah Lawrie. Kelso levelled the score right on half time through Aimee Martin. Once again Robert Gordons scored two quick fire goals to give them a two goal cushion, coming from Kate McLeod and Skidmore again. However it was Kelso who proved to be clinical in the last ten minutes of the match scoring three goals to take the score to 5-4. Goals coming from, Lindsey Young, Johnstone Jones and Lucy Murray. Kelso were able to hold on and come away with the victory and claiming 5th place with Robert Gordons finishing 6th.
The final saw a repeat of the first game of the day, Strathallan against Craigholme, therefore a thriller was guaranteed. Craigholme started off strongly scoring almost instantly through Kayleigh Justice. Strathallan responded moments later with Izzy Folan netting. Kayleigh justice got on the score sheet again after a penalty flick was awarded and then converted. The second half saw Strathallan battling to try and get an equaliser; the chances were coming their way but they were unable to convert any of these, which proved vital as Craigholme were awarded a penalty corner with five minutes remaining, and this was converted by Margery Justice to bring the score to 3-1. Abbie Lindsay converted a penalty stroke with thirty seconds to play but Craigholme were able to hold on to claim the title.
Katie Stott MVP. Photo by Duncan Gray
Katie Stott of Kilgraston was awarded Most Valuable Player of the tournament after a string of terrific performances throughout the day - a well-deserved award for a great young player.
Congratulations to all teams involved, especially to the winners Craigholme on what was a great day of youth hockey.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Pearn excited by Surbiton's quality
Mark Pearn celebrates winning the Super 6s with his daughter
As the arena cleared after another action packed Super 6s finals day, Mark Pearn would have surely afforded himself a moment of quiet reflection.
In the wake of his Surbiton side claiming their first Super 6s title – and in the process ending his former club East Grinstead’s eight year dominance of the competition; the player coach could be forgiven for congratulating himself on another job well done.
The thing about Pearn is he is no ordinary hockey player. Whilst his demeanour is calm, quiet, sometimes coming across as shy, his achievements on the pitch mean that he doesn’t have to be showy or brash. They speak for themselves.
His trophy cabinet is bursting at the seams with silverware. In the Super 6s format alone, Surbiton’s victory yesterday took Pearn’s tally to 11 indoor titles. He has won eight with East Grinstead, one with Surbiton, one with Reading and one with Guildford.
Outdoors he has been there and done it, too: Four time Men’s Hockey League Premier Division Champion, League Championship Finals winner in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and Men’s Cup winner five times. Not content with success at home, Pearn and his Reading side won the EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy in 1998 and the EuroHockey Club Champions Cup in 2003, also finishing as runners-up in the EuroHockey Cup Winners Cup in 1997, 2000 and 2002. He’s also played in two Olympic Games and won 246 international caps, scoring 74 goals. That’s some roll of honour.
After the Surbiton player-coach took his side to the title yesterday, former team mate and commentator Simon Mason took to social media to pay homage to Pearn’s achievements, talking of him attaining “legendary status as both a player and coach”. It is hard to argue with Mason’s opinion. Pearn’s CV stands up to almost anyone else’s.
The man himself spoke to England Hockey saying:
“We really targeted the indoor. We really felt we had a side that could win it. Saying it and doing it are two different things. We have some very talented guys and they just picked up what we asked them to do. What a result, what a great final day for us.”
“I'm fortunate to have won it with Reading, Guildford and East Grinstead. We wanted to play EG. We wanted to play the champions. We wanted to prove we were the best side. I was pleased they made the final and even more pleased to show we're one step above them; at the moment.”
The question was put to him as to whether he will ever tire of taking home so many medals, prompting a classic Pearn response:
“Does winning get boring?! I don't think so. I like challenges. If someone says ‘you can’t do that’, give it a go. Prove them wrong.”
Pearn gives his instructions
Having presided over East Grinstead’s domestic dominance, Pearn believes Surbiton have the quality in the ranks to embark on a similar feat:
“Apart from me they're very young. I don't think I’ll play much more. These are the players to watch out for. In three, four years they will be going to the Olympics. There are some unbelievable talents at Surbiton I’m pleased they have the title to push on from I’m looking forward to seeing what they can produce in the years to come and I’m really pleased I’m going to be working with them”
England Hockey Board Media release
Hockey India demands unconditional written apology from PHF
NEW DELHI: Taking a firm stand, Hockey India on Monday made it clear that it won't play any bilateral series with Pakistan unless the country's federation submits an unconditional written apology for the unprofessional behaviour of its players during the 2014 Champions Trophy.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Shahbaz Ahmad had recently alleged that their team was denied participation in the junior World Cup last year in Lucknow only because of the Champions Trophy semifinal incident in Bhubaneswar.
Pakistani players had taken off their shirts and made obscene gestures at the crowd after winning the semi-final against India.
However, Hockey India said the sole reason for Pakistan missing the World Cup was their late visa applications.
"The Pakistan Hockey Federation failed to submit the visa applications for their team 60 days prior to the start of the tournament as per the required deadlines as stipulated in the permissions of the Government of India....Since Pakistan Hockey Federation failed to adhere to the deadlines for the submission of their visa's, Hockey India cannot be blamed for the consequent rejection of invitation by FIH," a statement from Hockey India said.
"FIH also sent numerous reminders for (sic) Pakistan Hockey Federation for the submission of the Pakistan teams visa, the decision of FIH to withdraw the Pakistan Hockey team from the Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 was solely at their discretion and has nothing to do with Hockey India."
RP Singh, Athlete Representative on the Executive Board of Hockey India, said it's a "shame" that PHF has again raised the issue of the misbehaviour of their team as an excuse and opportunity to blame Hockey India for their "own incompetence" that resulted in the Pakistan team not participating in the Junior World Cup 2016.
"In light of this and the perpetual lies told by Pakistan Hockey Federation to blame others for their own inefficiencies, Hockey India has again taken the decision to not play any bi-lateral series against Pakistan unless they submit an unconditional regret in writing for the lewd and unprofessional behaviour of the Pakistan team during the FIH Champions Trophy 2014 and their habit of telling perpetual lies to media regarding Hockey India.
"We once again reiterate that Pakistan Hockey Federation should learn to take responsibility for their incompetence and incapabilities and stop blaming India to please their local audience. It is high time Pakistan Hockey Federation learns to work as an Organisation and stops blaming others for their own internal problems," Singh was quoted as saying in the Hockey India release.
The Times of India
India not to play hockey against Pakistan unless PHF submits apology
Hockey India on Monday announced it decision to not play any bi-lateral series against Pakistan unless they submit an unconditional apology from Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for what it termed "baseless allegations" levelled against it.
Through a media release, the Hockey India also blamed PHF of perpetual lies and demanded the federation to submit an "unconditional regret in writing" for what the statement said "lewd and unprofessional behaviour of the Pakistan team during the FIH Champions Trophy 2014" and "their habit of telling perpetual lies to media regarding Hockey India."
Earlier on Dec 1, 2016, PHF had issued a statement, rejecting claims from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that it had not submitted travel documents for its players by the official deadline, which FIH said resulted in its exclusion from the Junior World Cup.
Malaysian team had replaced Pakistan after the development. India had offered visas to the Malaysian team in three-days' time, it added.
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India did not issue Pakistan's junior hockey players the visas that they needed to be able to participate in the tournament, the statement had added.
It further said, "This version of the FIH is completely baseless as the PHF had submitted visa application forms along with relevant documents pertaining to visa formalities well in time on Oct 24. The No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the government of Pakistan had also been obtained on time but still India did not issue visas to the Pakistani contingent."
Citing the two-months old media reports regarding an interview of PHF Secretary, Shahbaz Ahmed, Hockey India said that most of the issues raised by Ahmed should have been addressed to the IHF, however, there are a few clarifications which Hockey India would like to address.
In its clarification on visas rejection, Hockey India claimed, "It is very clearly stipulated that the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs had requested for residents of Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Stateless persons and Pakistan to submit their visa application at least 60 days prior to the commencement of the tournament to avoid the visa applications being rejected."
"Since PHF failed to adhere to the deadlines for the submission of their visa’s, Hockey India cannot be blamed for the consequent rejection of invitation by FIH."
"FIH also sent numerous reminders for Pakistan Hockey Federation for the submission of the Pakistan teams visa, the decision of FIH to withdraw the Pakistan Hockey team from the Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 was solely at their discretion and has nothing to do with Hockey India," it added.
Hockey India Spokesman Dr. R P Singh went on to say, “It is a shame that PHF has again raised the issue of the misbehaviour of the Pakistan hockey team during the FIH Champions Trophy in 2014 as an excuse and opportunity to blame Hockey India for their own incompetence that resulted in the Pakistan team not participating in the Hockey Junior World Cup 2016."
Blaming PHF of rising the matter again and telling perpetual lies, he said, "Hockey India has again taken the decision to not play any bi-lateral series against Pakistan unless they submit an unconditional regret in writing for the lewd and unprofessional behaviour of the Pakistan team during the FIH Champions Trophy 2014 and their habit of telling perpetual lies to media regarding Hockey India."
"We once again reiterate that PHF should learn to take responsibility for their incompetence and incapabilities and stop blaming India to please their local audience. It is high time Pakistan Hockey Federation learns to work as an organisation and stops blaming others for their own internal problems.”
PHF to response the statement after evaluation
PHF Secretary Shahbaz Ahmed told DawnNews that the federation was evaluating the statement, being issued by Hockey India. He added that the federation will announce its strategy soon.
Dawn