News for 12 February 2017
All the news for Sunday 12 February 2017
Spain and Poland turn on style to reach the finals in Valencia
The home supporters left the stadium in high spirits as host nation Spain beat Scotland to reach the final of the Valencia HWL R2, securing a place at the HWL Semi-Finals later this year. Their opponents will be a confident Poland who, in seeing off the challenge of Ukraine, have also secured qualification for the HWL Semi-Finals as well as the right to contest tomorrow's final.
Semi-final: Ukraine v Poland 0-3
These two teams met on the first day of competition and on that occasion the higher ranked Polish team were made to fight every inch of the way for their 3-2 victory. As the competition reaches the final stages, it is Poland who have marched on and seen their confidence and assertiveness grow. The team in red and white took a hold of the match in the fourth minute of the first semi-final when Magdalena Zagajska rattled home a penalty corner past the outstretched body of Ukraine goalkeeper, Tetiana Stepanchenko. It was on the brink of half-time that Poland doubled their score, a well-taken goal from Bianca Strubbe and then, six minutes after the break Paula Slawinska put the game beyond doubt. The well-structured Poland defence worked hard to keep the Ukraine attack at bay for large sections of this game, and the secure defence gave the midfield and forwards a platform to attack from. Spanish coach Adrian Lock will be thinking hard about how his Spanish side can break down that discipline in the final.
Semi-final: Spain v Scotland 2-1
Spain turned up the heat in front of the home crowd and were rewarded with a 2-1 victory and a place in the final against Poland. While the scores suggest a close game, in truth, Scotland were chasing shadows for a large percentage of this game. The host nation played with verve and swift movement, and the outcome, two penalty strokes scored by captain Georgia Oliva, were the return on their constant probing of the Scottish defence. But Scotland are nothing if not determined and the team in blue never stopped trying to turn the result around. They were finally rewarded with a penalty corner goal from Amy Costello, but this wasn’t until the closing moments of the game and on this occasion, it was Spain’s game.
5/8th place: Russia v Ghana 6-0
Russia bounced back from their quarter-final defeat to make certain of a top six finish in the penultimate day of action at the Valencia HWL Round Two event. The Ghana defence held strong until the second quarter but a pinpoint accurate penalty corner goal from leading goal scorer Bogdana Sadovaia broke the deadlock. This was the first of a hat trick of goals for the prolific Sadovaia: the second, and Russia’s second, came six minutes after half-time, while her third was scored from open play in the final minute of the match. Sadovaia was joined on the score sheet by Valeriia Borisova and two from Svetlana Eroshina. Ghana will have been pleased by their discipline in defence in the first half, but the second half saw the African nation chasing the game and, inevitably gaps appeared that the Russian attack were able to exploit.
Russian head coach Anthony Thornton said: “These events are a steep learning curve for my players [there are three 17 year olds in the Russia team] in many ways. The different styles and hockey cultures are a good opportunity for me to talk about different ways of playing hockey and the good and bad parts to each of the hockey styles. My focus is always on development and education of the players.” The result means 28th-ranked Russia will play 25th ranked Czech Republic for fifth place, while Ghana (27th in the world) will face Turkey (37th) to avoid finishing in eighth place.
5/8th place: Czech Republic v Turkey 6-2
The Czech Republic were on a mission to right the mistakes they had made in their quarter final loss to Ukraine. However, this match got off to the worse possible start for the east European side when, with two minutes gone, Perihan Kucukkoc scored from a penalty stroke after a foul was committed in the circle by the Czech defence. Penata Capouchova scored a nicely taken goal from open play to bring the Czech Republic back into the game, but again the lowest ranked team in the competition showed that they can match their higher ranked opponents when it comes to goal scoring. Just one minute after the Czech Republic evened things up, Nurhan Cinar found the back of the net to give Turkey the lead for a second time. Unfortunately for Turkey, this signalled the end of their spirited attack as the Czech Republic found their rhythm and inexorably wore down the Turkish defence. It was Barbara Haklova who did the most damage: her hat trick came from three goals scored from open play in the 14th, 50th and 60th minute of the game. She was joined on the scoresheet by Jindriska Reichlova and Veronica Decsyova.
Semi-final: Ukraine v Poland 0-3
These two teams met on the first day of competition and on that occasion the higher ranked Polish team were made to fight every inch of the way for their 3-2 victory. As the competition reaches the final stages, it is Poland who have marched on and seen their confidence and assertiveness grow. The team in red and white took a hold of the match in the fourth minute of the first semi-final when Magdalena Zagajska rattled home a penalty corner past the outstretched body of Ukraine goalkeeper, Tetiana Stepanchenko. It was on the brink of half-time that Poland doubled their score, a well-taken goal from Bianca Strubbe and then, six minutes after the break Paula Slawinska put the game beyond doubt. The well-structured Poland defence worked hard to keep the Ukraine attack at bay for large sections of this game, and the secure defence gave the midfield and forwards a platform to attack from. The Spanish coach Adrian Locke will be thinking hard about how his Spanish side can break down that discipline in the final.
Semi-final: Spain v Scotland 2-1
Spain turned up the heat in front of the home crowd and were rewarded with a 2-1 victory and a place in the final against Poland. While the scores suggest a close game, in truth, Scotland were chasing shadows for a large percentage of this game. The host nation played with verve and swift movement, and the outcome, two penalty strokes scored by captain Georgia Oliva, were the return on their constant probing of the Scottish defence. But Scotland are nothing if not determined and the team in blue never stopped trying to turn the result around. They were finally rewarded with a penalty corner goal from Amy Costello, but this wasn’t until the closing moments of the game and on this occasion, it was Spain’s game.
Match schedule Sunday 12 February (all times are CET)
7/8 place 09:00 Ghana v Turkey
5/6 place 11:30 Russia v Czech Republic
3/4 place 14:00: Ukraine v Scotland
Final 16:30: Spain v Poland
Follow the action on the FIH events page and on the FIH twitter account
#HWL2017 #MakeYourMark
FIH site
Scotland lose to Spain in World League 2 semi final
Scotland were defeated by Spain 2-1 in the semi-final of World League 2 in Valencia. The result means that Scotland will face Ukraine for third place in tomorrow’s play-off.
In a game where Scotland's Amy Brodie earned her 50th cap, it was a very even first quarter with Scotland more than holding their own. Amy Costello came close from a penalty corner; this led to another penalty corner, which was well blocked by the Spanish defence.
Spain made the breakthrough in the second quarter when they were awarded a penalty stroke. The ball was tucked away by Georgina Oliva into the corner to make it 1-0.
Fiona Burnet had a great chance to level the scores soon after, the scots passed the ball into the D through Kaz Cuthbert, but Burnet shot just wide on the turn.
Then it was Spain’s turn to threaten from a penalty corner. Scotland defended Oliva’s effort well - a low hard strike blocked by the Scottish charge.
Nikki Cochrane then made a good save low at her near post as Spain progressed into the D from wide right.
Spain then scored their second of the match through another penalty stroke, this time buried high into the net.
As Scotland battled back into the game, Costello had a penalty corner saved at the post and then cleared.
Costello later forced the ball home for Scotland from a penalty corner late in the game, but there wasn’t enough time for the Scots to find an equalizer. Spain won the game 2-1 and Scotland will play in the 3rd/4th place play-off tomorrow against Ukraine in Valencia.
Scotland women’s Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “The girls are disappointed with the result, as we all are, but I was pleased with the performance of the team – we pushed Spain all the way. We have to produce another good performance tomorrow but this time be on the winning side.”
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Dabang Mumbai prove their mettle with a narrow 2-1 win against Jaypee Punjab Warriors 
Chandigarh: A magnificent 60th minute goal by Dabang Mumbai’s Robbert Kemperman snatched the victory from defending Champions Jaypee Punjab Warriors by a narrow 2-1 to enjoy the top spot on the points table at the fifth edition of the Coal India Hockey India League.
There was no doubt the match between defending Champions and Dabang Mumbai, who are leading the points table, was going to be a thriller of a clash and the teams did everything in their capacity to keep the audience entertained with top level hockey, hooter to hooter with great pace and tactical play.
Tristan Clemons continued his fine form into this crucial match as he starred in the first quarter for Jaypee Punjab Warriors. The alert Aussie saved two field goals that could have taken Dabang Mumbai’s lead to 4-0. First it was Florian Fuchs’ attempt in the third minute of the match when he turned around a tactical dribble in the circle to take a strike twice and on both occasions Clemons was perfect in padding it away. With just four minutes remaining for the first hooter, it was young Affan Yousuf who made space in the circle to take a shot at the goal, and the defence by the home team kept the goal at bay ending the first quarter in a stalemate.
Clemons was kept busy through the second quarter too with Dabang Mumbai making forays into the circle. Yousuf came close to earning a goal yet again but was denied promptly by Clemons. Jake Whetton had a great opportunity to score for Jaypee Punjab Warriors seconds before the half-time when he attempted a reverse stick shot after a good assist by SV Sunil but it was too wide from the post.
The Third quarter proved to be lucky for the home team as they took a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute when Mink van der Weerden, who has been in incredible nick this season, converted a PC for the defending Champions sending a powerful flick to the left top corner of the post, enthralling the home crowd. This was his fifth successful attempt at scoring a PC in this season. Later, they overcame a close shave when the umpires upheld a video referral by Jaypee Punjab Warriors who insisted that Tristan Clemons was deliberately obstructed by Gurjant Singh at the post when Nilakanta Sharma successfully converted a field goal. A rookie mistake by the Dabang Mumbai forward denied them a 2-1 lead. The visitors made as many as nine circle entries this quarter but failed to convert the chances.
The fourth quarter saw some dramatic action, with Dabang Mumbai pushing hard for a goal and they are known for a late comeback but Clemons continued to impress helping his team retain the lead. The defenders too did well at keeping dangermen Florian Fuchs, Affan Yousuf and Nikkin Thimmaiah in the forward line at bay. But a 60th minute goal proved their mettle yet again when Robbert Kemperman scored a brilliant field goal to steal the match.
Robbert Kemperman of Dabang Mumbai was awarded with a prize money of Rs 50,000 for scoring the Coal India Goal of the Match from Mr B.K. Upadhyay, Regional Sales Manager, Coal India Ltd.
Manpreet from Dabang Mumbai won the prize of Rs 25,000 for being the Hero Young Achiever of the Match from Mrs. Joydeep Kaur, International 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 and presented by Shrimati. Asha Kumari Jaswal, Mayor Chandigarh
Tristan Clemons of Jaypee Punjab Warriors was declared the Man of the Match and was awarded a prize money of Rs 50,000 by Mr. Inderjit Vinayak, Senior Vice President, Jaypee Cement.
On 12 February, Delhi Waveriders will take on Kalinga Lancers in Delhi at 1900hrs.
Official HIL site
Mumbai wins a dull and drab match
s2h team
A dull and drab affair, called the Match No.20 of the hockey India league, saw just a penalty corner in the 59 minutes duration and a goal out it, but came alive in the last 30 seconds when Robert Kempermann unleashed a strong forehand from the right side of the circle that crashed into other corner of the net, and thus Dabang Mumbai snatching a win from the jaws of defeat (2-1) from the hosts Jaypee Punjab Warriors.
The script was going as a repeat of Jaypee Punjab Warriors' encounter against visiting Ranchi Rays where 24th minutes Mink van der Weerden's lone penalty corner goal gave his side full points. But today the script went topsy-turvy.
Just after losing a referral for Florian Fuch's dangerous hit, Kempermann trapped a midfield scoop on the right side of D, eliminated a defender with body feint before whacking forehand, that went diagonally in to the other corner of the net.
Earlier in the 39th minutes, Nilakanta Sharma of Dabang Mumbai banged the goal in, starting celebrations for Mumbai. But Punjab went for referral which overruled the field umpire's decision.
Kempermann's goal therefore turned out to be poetic justice for the better team on the turf.
After a barren first half, Mink van der Weerden placed the ball on the right roof for his fifth goal the season out of the first penalty corner the team produced (1-0).
This goal survived till Kempermann's feat came in the dying seconds. As the competition completes the two third mark, that is 20 matches completion, Dabang Mumbai tops the table, Punjab at fourth.
Dabang has played 8 of the 10 matches while Jaypee has bigger quota of five matches to compete for.
AWARDS
THRILLING GOAL Rs.50K: Robert Kempermann
YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD 25k: Manpreet Singh Jr
MOST ENTERTAINING PLAYER: Emmanuel
MAN OF THE MATCH Rs.50K:Tristan Clemens
Stick2Hockey.com
Warriors fall to a last-minute blunder
Indervir grewal
Players vie for the ball during the HIL match between Dabang Mumbai and Punjab Warriors in Chandigarh on Saturday. Tribune Photo: S Chandan
Punjab Warriors’ luck ran out in the most freakish way as a misfired scoop from captain dependable Mark Knowles led to a last-minute winning field goal for Dabang Mumbai in a Hockey India League match here today.
The defending champions’ run of pulling off unlikely wins almost continued before Robbert Kemperman delivered the knockout punch 28 seconds from the final hooter. Taking the 16-yard hit out, it appeared that Punjab would have no trouble in running out the clock for their second successive 1-0 win. But the ball got caught in Knowles’ stick and lobbed straight up. An alert Kemperman took the ball down deftly, ran wide of the defender and unleashed a quick shot that beat goalkeeper Tristan Clemons for the first time in two matches.
The Dutchman’s field effort, resulting in two goals, denied his compatriot Mink van der Weerden the credit for getting the winning goal for Punjab for the second time in a row. Weerden’s 37th-minute high drag-flick was his fifth penalty corner goal of the edition. The goal was the only high point for the home side, which was haphazard in attack. Their forward-line lacked understanding, the midfield was lazy in getting the ball out of their defensive third, increasing the pressure on the defenders.
The team’s defence was the saving grace, and it held on brilliantly, especially for the 14-plus minutes in the last quarter, but for the last-minute gaffe that gifted Mumbai a deserved win.
Clemons was named Man of the Match for the second match in a row, but it didn’t hold the same importance today, obviously. “I would rather have the win. But I am very proud of the way we defended. We were very decisive in defence,” Clemons said.
Punjab coach Barry Dancer was satisfied with the commitment of the team in defence. “But, we started slowly again. We didn’t hold the ball; the midfielders gave away the ball too many times coming out of defence, which led to more pressure on our defence,” Dancer said.
Punjab’s Sardar Singh praised the Mumbai team. “They are playing with discipline, so they are high on confidence. We expected them to dominate the match,” he said.
This wasn’t the first time Mumbai had made a comeback in the last minute, and coach Jay Stacy was pleased with team’s performance. “It shows character. We played a very good game,” he said.
The Tribune
Dabang Mumbai steal 2-1 win over Punjab Warriors
Dabang Mumbai and Punjab Warriors players vie for the ball during their Hockey India League (HIL) match in Chandigarh on Saturday.(Hockey India)
Dutch international Robbert Kemperman’s strike in the dying moments of the match helped Dabang Mumbai steal a 2-1 win over Jaypee Punjab Warriors in their Hockey India League (HIL) match on Saturday.
Warriors till then had almost played to a script similar to that of their previous match against Ranchi Rays— Tristan Clemons was resolute in the goal soaking up pressure and denying relentless efforts on the goal by Mumbai, while Mink Van der Weerden gave his side a 1-0 lead with a penalty corner conversation.
With the clock running down in the fourth quarter, it looked Punjab Warriors will once again scrape through but for Kemperman. With just 28 seconds left on the clock, Kemperman took control of a weak clearance by the Warriors to slot past Clemons and seal victory.
Thirsting for revenge
Warriors went into the match itching for revenge. Dabang Mumbai had humbled the defending champions 10-4 in the previous encounter. A 1-0 win against Ranchi Rays had given Warriors hope of carrying forward the momentum but it was Mumbai who came out victorious.
Skipper Florian Fuchs, who scored twice in an earlier encounter against Warriors, again led the charge. A solo run from almost the half-line almost resulted in a goal, but quick reaction from Warriors custodian Clemons denied the German.
Dabang Mumbai dominated the first quarter with Warriors failing to threaten the opponents’ goal even once. Affan Yousuf then caught the Warriors defence napping with a darting run, only to be denied by Clemons.
The second quarter was also similar with Dabang Mumbai once again dictating terms and Clemons standing between them and the goal. Yousuf was denied again when Clemons timed his dive perfectly. Towards the end of the second quarter, Jake Whetton came close in the only attempt on the Dabang goal by the Warriors in the first 30 minutes of play.
The first strike
Warriors took the lead against the run of play with Mink stepping up and slotting in into the top right corner, beyond the reach of Dabang custodian David Harte.
Mumbai were soon on level terms, albeit only for a few seconds. Nilakanta Sharma maintained his composure to slot home a cross but Warriors were quick to go for referral and their appeal was upheld as Gurjant Singh had obstructed Clemons.
Dabang Mumbai then pitched their tent in the rival half.
“We were creating chances but the goal proved elusive till perhaps the end of the match. Otherwise happy with the effort which showed that as a team we are ready to fight and not give up,” Mumbai coach Jason Stacy said.
Warriors next take on UP Wizards on February 13.
Hindustan Times
Slough ease relegation worries
Alex Danson in action for Clifton versus Leicester. Credit Peter Smith
Slough eased their relegation worries in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division, beating fellow strugglers Bowdon Hightown to leapfrog them into eighth spot in the table.
Dilly Newton’s 61st minute goal from a penalty corner was enough for the home side to step out of the relegation zone and boost the outdoor form of the reigning Super 6s champions.
Elsewhere, Clifton Robinsons moved up to third after a 3-2 home victory over Leicester.
Aileen Davis opened the scoring for Clifton before GB Olympic gold medallist Alex Danson (pictured) scored her first goal since joining from Reading to put the hosts two up.
Maddie Newlyn pulled one back, before Jess Bloom’s eighth of the campaign restored Clifton’s two-goal cushion.
Rachel Mack was on target for Leicester with 15 minutes to play to again reduce the arrears, but the hosts held on to claim the points.
Surbiton extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points after a 4-1 home victory over Canterbury.
Jo Hunter, and Jenna Woolven put the hosts two up, before Grace Balsdon scored for Canterbury to halve the deficit six minutes after the break.
Goals from Hannah Martin and Naomi Evans wrapped up the points for the hosts though, as they preserved their unbeaten record.
Erica Sanders scored a hat trick to take her season tally to 13, as the University of Birmingham defeated Reading 3-2.
The division’s leading scorer had given her side a 3-0 lead but Reading, who are without a league win so far, fought back in the last ten minutes with goals from Georgina Bathurst and Abbie Dixon.
Birmingham held on for the three points, taking them into the top four.
Second placed East Grinstead saw their home game against Holcombe postponed due to snow.
Investec Women's Conference East
Only two games went ahead in the Investec Conference East as snow blighted many sporting fixtures on Saturday.
Leaders Wimbledon saw their game at Cambridge City postponed, whilst Southgate against Northampton Saints and St Albans’ home game against Sevenoaks also fell foul of the weather.
Third-placed Harleston Magpies took their opportunity to close the gap to the leaders to four points, as they defeated Hampstead and Westminster 2-1.
Two goals in the space of a minute from Maria Andrews, her 12th of the season, and Lizzie Clymer gave the Magpies all three points despite Hayley Turner pulling one back.
Goals from Kate Robinson and Collette Ager gave Chelmsford a 2-1 victory over West Herts, Miranda Hall converting a consolation in the last minute.
Investec Women's Conference North
It was a good day for Brooklands Poynton at the top of the Investec Women’s Conference North, as they were the only side in the top four to secure maximum points.
A single Charlotte Jackson goal after 16 minutes gave them victory at the University of Durham, extending their lead at the top of the table to four points.
Belper registered their first point of the campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to second-placed Beeston, Sarah Glenn’s opener for the hosts being cancelled out by Esme Burge.
Ben Rhydding moved third despite being held to a goalless draw against Loughborough Students.
Elsewhere, Wakefield overtook Sutton Coldfield after defeating them 3-2 and Lexi Panteli scored nine minutes from time to give Timperley a 2-1 win over Liverpool Sefton.
Investec Women's Conference West
Stourport opened up a three-point lead the top of the Investec Women’s Conference West after a 2-0 victory at Swansea City.
The two leading scorers in the conference Lora Symonds and Sarah Parkinson-Mills scored their 14th and 10th goals of the season respectively to give the hosts all three points.
Buckingham looked set to join them on 31 points as they were leading 3-0 at bottom side Exe, but their game was abandoned after 51 minutes.
Two goals in three minutes from Olivia Abbott and Jessica Thomas were enough for Gloucester City to secure a 2-0 victory at Oxford Hawks.
Beth Marriott converted a penalty corner with the last play of the match to earn Isca a 2-2 draw at Trojans, whilst Bristol Firebrands game against Olton and West Warwicks was postponed due to snow.
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, February 11, 2017):
Investec Women's Premier Division: Clifton Robinsons 3, Leicester 2; Reading 2, University of Birmingham 3; Slough 1, Bowdon 0; Surbiton 4, Canterbury 1. Postponed: East Grinstead v Holcombe.
Investec Women's Conference East: Chelmsford 2, West Herts 1; Harleston Magpies 2, Hampstead and Westminster 1. Postponed: Cambridge City v Wimbledon, Southgate v Northampton Saints, St Albans v Sevenoaks.
Investec Women's Conference North: Belper 1, Beeston 1; Loughborough Students 0, Ben Rhydding 0; Timperley 2, Liverpool Sefton 1; University of Durham 0, Brooklands Poynton 1; Wakefield 3, Sutton Coldfield 2.
Investec Women's Conference West: Oxford Hawks 0, Gloucester City 2; Stourport 2, Swansea City 0; Trojans 2, Isca 2. Postponed: Bristol Firebrands v Olton and West Warwicks. Abandoned: Exe v Buckingham (51 minutes).
England Hockey Board Media release
UniKL: Glory or bust
UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj having a word with former international S. Selvaraju.
UNIVERSITI Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) will be on a road to glory or bust when they play table-toppers Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League Sunday.
In the first round, THT won 3-0 with goals from Nicolas Enrique, Jang Jong Hyun and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin.
Jang has went on to become the League top-scorer with 19 goals, while Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin is second on nine goals. This are the two dangerous players that UniKL must stop.
THT coach Sarjit Singh acknowledges it will not be easy in the return leg.
"UniKL have started to show their fangs and it would be foolish to ride on the first leg victory. We need maximum points in our remaining matches to defend our League title, and that's what we will play for against UniKL," said Sarjit.
UniKL ate currently in third place on the standings with 22 points and missed out a chance of putting more distance between them and fourth-placed Tenaga Nasional after a 0-0 draw against TNB Thunderbolts on Wednesday.
They however, did very well to beat Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) 7-0 on Friday.
But THT are in a class of their own and UniKL realise that it will be a David versus Goliath task to get something out of the match.
"A point is all we are after and I am being realistic about it," said UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj.
"THT are in a class of their own and with the title race so close they will be at their best,
"But make no mistake, we have the ability to pull the rug from beneath their feet and I expect a close match."
Joint-leaders Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) are expected to win full points, and maybe even a high number of goals, when they play bottom placed SSTMI today.
SUNDAY: UniKL v Terengganu HT (KLHA, 6pm), UiTM-KPT v Tenaga Nasional (Tun RAzak, 8pm), SSTMI v Kuala Lumpur HC (SSTMI, 7pm), Maybank v TNB Thunderbolts (Malacca, 6pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
T'GGANU HT 10 8 2 0 61 7 26
KLHC 10 8 2 0 47 14 26
UNIKL 10 7 1 2 31 10 22
TENAGA 10 5 3 2 26 15 18
MAYBANK 10 3 1 6 19 31 10
THUNDERBOLTS 10 3 1 6 19 35 10
UITM-KPT 10 0 1 9 13 57 1
SSTMI 10 0 1 9 5 52 1
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Pablo's loving it here
by Aftar Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Argentine Pablo Javier Trevisan had turned down his country’s call-up to feature in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
And the 30-year-old midfielder has had no regrets. He is enjoying himself playing for double champions Terengganu in the Premier Division.
“I have featured for the Argentina national team for eight years. I felt that the time had come for me to play in hockey leagues in any country that needed my services,” said Trevisan, who was the member of the Argentina team who won a bronze in the World Cup in The Hague, Holland, in 2014.
“It’s a good experience playing in Malaysia ... I’m also happy with the Terengganu team’s set-up.
“I believe that Terengganu have a good chance to win a fourth league title with four matches left to play.
“We will take it one match at a time,” added Trevisan, who travelled 16,000km from his hometown of Quilmes to play here.
Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) are joint leaders in the eight-team standings with 26 points after 10 matches. The east coast team have a better goal difference.
Today, Terengganu will face third-placed Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium while KLHC will play minnows Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) at the SSTMI pitch in Bandar Penawar.
Terengganu coach Sarjit Singh is concerned with injuries to his two Pakistani defenders – Muhammad Irfan Aslam and Shakeer Ahmad Butt.
“Irfan won’t feature against UniKL as he is still recovering from hairline fracture on his right thumb. He injured in Wednesday’s match (a 1-1 draw against Tenaga).
“As for Shakeer, I need him in defence. So, although he’s down with hamstring injury, I’m considering fielding him.
“It is not going to be easy against UniKL ... they have a good set of players. We have to wary of them,” said Sarjit, whose team beat UniKL 3-0 in the first-round match.
UniKL coach A. Arulselvaraj described Terengganu as being “in a class of their own”.
“We need to avoid conceding unnecessary penalty corners and keep it tight in defence,” said Arulselvaraj, who is clearly wary of Terengganu defender Jang Jong-hyun.
The South Korean has scored 19 goals from penalty corner set pieces in 10 matches.
The Star of Malaysia
Moi and Lenana ran riot as goals rain in hockey matches
By BRIAN YONGA
Frida Chepkosgei (left) of St. Georges Secondary School and Vinky Nyanjoka of State House Girls during their hockey match in the Nairobi Westlands hockey championships at Nairobi School on February 11, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Nairobi County Secondary Schools girls’ hockey champions Moi Girls Nairobi on Saturday launched their title defence with an emphatic 7-0 win over Precious Blood Riruta at the Dagoreti sub-county games at Lenana School.
Moi advance to the next stage of the competition alongside Precious Blood, with the two schools the only ones playing hockey in the sub-county.
A hat-trick from Rukia Atieno set the four-time County champions on their way to victory in the one-sided encounter. Lucky Adhiambo and Jeriah Nyanchama grabbed a brace each to complete the rout.
Moi Girls coach Amwayi Olubai was pleased with the result but lamented the lack of competition for his charges.
“This new arrangement by the Ministry is not so good because we play less matches as compared to other teams. We need to play more matches so as to really gauge ourselves,” Olubai told Nation Sport.
In the boys’ hockey matches, hosts Lenana underlined their intentions of reclaiming the title after they whitewashed Dagoretti High School 10-0 in a lop-sided encounter. It got worse for Dagoretti after they were handed an 8-0 hiding by Upper Hill in their second match.
Upper Hill and Lenana, who were due to face off later in the day, booked their slot in the next round of the competition.
In Westlands Sub-county, last year’s finalists Parklands Arya advanced to the semi-finals alongside State House Girls from Pool A. Arya registered a 10-0 win over St Georges in their opening encounter at Nairobi School.
Fatuma Omar was in scintillating form with five goals in the encounter. Grace Mogure and Sekina Abdul scored twice each while Vivian Ochieng was also on target. Arya were 7-0 up at the break against a hapless St Georges side, who paid the price for a lacklustre display.
Their misery was compounded in the second half as they were reduced to nine players after Linda Moraa and Gloria Wairimu were sin-binned.
Arya captain Mariam Ibrahim said her teammates are eyeing to reach the nationals after narrowly missing a spot last year.
“It was important to get off to a good start and the team is fired up to go all the way. We are taking our chances and scoring goals which is what the coach expects of us,” the skipper said.
State House edged out St Georges 1-0 to also secure their spot in the last four. Bridgit Ayeiko’s first half strike settled the tight contest. In Pool B, Kianda School beat Kenya High 2-0 courtesy of goals from Enede Wanjala and Maria Mumma.
Daily Nation
Moi Girls drain Precious Blood at Lenana School
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Nairobi County schools hockey champions Moi Girls Nairobi got off to a flying start as they thrashed Precious Blood Riruta 7-0 as the Dagoretti Sub-County games started yesterday at Lenana School.
Rukia Atieno scored a hat-trick while Jeriah Nyanchama and Faith Wanjiku hit the board twice each as Merab Anyango made it seven for the city queens.
Hosts Lenana gave their guests Dagoretti High a rude welcome with a 10-0 thrashing. Upper Hill did not spare Dagoretti either as they whitewashed them 11-0 in their second encounter.
At Nairobi School, Parklands Arya began the Westlands Sub-County games hockey title quest on a high thrashing St George’s 10-0.
Fatuma Omar showed her class by netting five goals to lead her side to the resounding victory.
Grace Movies and Sekina Abdul bagged a brace each while Vivian Ochieng’ hit the board once for last year’s Nairobi County losing finalists.
Arya captain Mariam Ibrahim said that the victory was a good start for them and they hope to build up on the impressive results.
“We needed a good start to boost our confidence and I’m glad we handled this match well.
“However, we will refrain from being over confident in our subsequent matches because every opponent presents a different challenge and to be able to excel we need to remain focused,” Ibrahim said.
The Standard Online