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News for 03 March 2017

 All the news for Friday 3 March 2017


Victory for England over South Africa

England won the first match of the second Summer Series 5-2 against South Africa. The halftime score was 2-1 for England. All matches in the Summer Series are played at the Hartleyvale Stadium. Germany is the third team involved in the series.

Even though England did manage to score five goals – two in the last three minutes - the South African defence was pretty solid. But it was obvious that the home team lacked some firepower at the sharp end of the field. While England was dangerous every time they got close to the goal circle, South Africa did not make the same impact on a constant basis throughout the match like the visitors did.

The only real chances of scoring in the first chukka were created by England. The visitors had a penalty corner and with 20 seconds left only the goalkeeper to beat and in both cases Rassie Pieterse, keeper and captain, guarded with goal-box with great success.

No surprise then that the disappointment was immense when England scored two goals in less than a minute two minutes into the second quarter. Sam Ward, playing his in 50th game for his country, scored first and then Christopher Griffiths hit the back of the goal-box.

In the 20th minute South Africa got one goal back when Jonty Robinson scored a penalty. The penalty stroke was rewarded after a well-constructed penalty corner that had England’s defence scrabbling and forced the error.

After 40 minutes of play England scored again. This time it was Michael Hoare.

In the final chukka South Africa scored a great goal. Robinson gave a long pass from the halfway line and striker Bili Ntuli were in the perfect position to put out his stick for the deflection to hit the back of the goal-box.  Replacement goalkeeper Gowan Jones was made to work very hard in the final quarter. David Goodfield got one past him with just more than two minutes left in the match and then Liam Ansell scored the last goal.

Rusten Abrahams was the only South African to make his debut while some 10 players from England got the opportunity to play for their country for the first time.

South Africa’s next game is against Germany on Sunday. Action starts at 16:00.

The rest of the series’ schedule: Saturday, 4 March @ 16:00 – England v Germany; Sunday, 5 March @ 16:00 – South Africa v Germany; Monday, 6 March @ 18:00 – South Africa v England; Wednesday, 8 March @ 18:00 England v Germany; Thursday, 9 March @ 18:00 – South Africa v Germany.

SA Hockey Association media release



England men begin new cycle with high-scoring win


Chris Griffiths and Mikey Hoare celebrate

England's men's hockey team began their new Olympic cycle with a high-scoring 5-2 win against South Africa in Cape Town.

As the first game for a new squad, and considering a number of players were absent through injury or having played in the Hockey India League, it was a very pleasing start for Bobby Crutchley's side.

In particular, after 11 months out, a goalscoring return for Chris Griffiths was a huge boost for the team.

Sam Ward, Michael Hoare and new recruits Liam Ansell & David Goodfield were also on target as a number of players made their first appearances in an England shirt. We were 2-1 up at half time, then into a 3-1 lead after the break before SA pulled one back, only for England to score twice late on to secure a three-goal victory.

Coach Bobby Crutchley said, "We're very pleased with the win and the team put in some excellent spells in the game. Unsurprisingly we were a little inconsistent, the group are learning about international hockey but as I say it was nice to pick up a victory."

Unfortunately Phil Roper will miss the remainder of the test series after being struck in the face by a ball during a training session. He is due to undergo surgery tomorrow on a fracture cheek and nose.

Team: Pinner, Creed, Hoare, Willars, Albery, Sloan, Weir, Turner, Horler, Ward, Carson
Subs (all used): Gibson, Sanford, J Griffiths, Gall, Ansell, C Griffith, Goodfield

England Hockey Board Media release



England put fivepast gun-shy SA


South Africa's Jethro Eustice evades a challenge from England's Sam Ward and James Albery. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

CAPE TOWN - A lack of firepower was a major reason for South Africa’s 5-2 defeat against England in a men’s hockey international at Hartleyvale on Thursday night.

Five goals conceded might suggest poor defence on the part of the Proteas, but two of those goals came in the last three minutes of the match.

Early in the match South Africa’s goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse had brought off a couple of excellent saves, but the visitors notched two goals in a minute early in the second quarter, through Sam Ward, in his 50th game, and Christopher Griffiths.

Jonty Robinson pulled one back soon after to complete the first-half scoring, but Michael Hoare restored the two-goal lead late in the third quarter.

In the final chukka South Africa scored a great goal. Robinson gave a long pass from the halfway line and striker Bili Ntuli was in the perfect position to deflect the ball in.

David Goodfield and Liam Ansell dashed the home team’s hopes of levelling matters with their late goals.

Cape Argus



Pinner leads England in strong win over SA



Holcombe’s George Pinner captained England as a new look line-up beat South Africa in Cape Town in their first international game since the Rio Olympics.

Pinner’s club-mate Sam Ward and Wimbledon’s Michael Hoare scored while East Grinstead’s Chris Griffiths made a goal-scoring return in his first appearance after 11-months out injured.

Liam Ansell and David Goodfield – who won an EHL medal last year with Harvestehuder THC – were also on target as a number of players made their first appearances in an England shirt.

They went 2-1 up at half time, then into a 3-1 lead after the break before SA pulled one back, only for England to score twice late on to secure a three-goal victory.

Coach Bobby Crutchley said, "We're very pleased with the win and the team put in some excellent spells in the game. Unsurprisingly we were a little inconsistent, the group are learning about international hockey but as I say it was nice to pick up a victory."

On the down side, Wimbledon’s Phil Roper will miss the remainder of the test series after being struck in the face by a ball during a training session. He is due to undergo surgery on Friday on a fractured cheek and nose.

On Saturday, England will play against Germany who are also rebooting for the next four-year cycle. The two sides will meet again on Wednesday in between games against the host side.

Euro Hockey League media release



Indian women outclass Belarus 5-1 in first hockey Test

BHOPAL: Indian women's team spanked a hapless Belarus 5-1 win in the first hockey Test, on Thursday.

Playing their first match since the Women's Asian Champions Trophy triumph last year, India struck early in the 11th minute through a penalty corner conversion and the four minutes later followed that up with a sensational field goal by Navjot Kaur to go into the first break with leading 2-0.

Belarus looked more organised in defence in the second quarter, but Punam Barla made it 3-0 in the home team's favour to score a fine field goal in the 29th minute.

Sviatlana Bahushevich scored the lone goal for the visitors in the 37th minute to end the third quarter with 1-3 deficit.

The Indian eves came back stronger in the fourth quarter and found the net twice from penalty corner conversions by captain Deep Grace Ekka (57th) and Gurjit Kaur (60th) to register the convincing victory.

The Times of India



Coach of women's hockey team 'forgets' it's 11-a-side

Ramendra Singh

BHOPAL: It was his maiden game and second day as coach of the Indian women's hockey team. But in the first of the five-match Test series against Belarus that began here on Thursday, the Dutch coach of Team India, Sjoerd Marijne, sent a 10-member side, instead of full-strength 11.

Embarrassingly for Marijne, the gaffe went undetected for 15 minutes or an entire quarter. Marijne seemed unaware of his 'truncated' team until a local coach and officials of Hockey India pointed out that his team was playing minus one. The coach was taken aback and immediately pulled out a player from the dugout and directed her to take to the field to complete the 11-member side. The goof-up on part of Marijne caught the attention of everyone around.

The Test series is significant as it's getting the team ready for World Hockey League scheduled to be held from April 1, 2017, in Canada. World Hockey League is the qualifying tournament for the World Cup, which will be held next year in London.

Reacting to this bizarre goof-up, MP Hockey Academy coach Dr. Habib Hasan said: "It's strange that 10 players are playing in such an important match."

He was the one to raise the flag with Hockey India officials who in turn alerted the Dutch coach. A senior hockey coach, not wishing to be named, told TOI: "This will send across a wrong message. It's callousness on part of the coach and such things should be avoided. It's the duty of the coach to keep track of everything related to the team. Thankfully, the entire match was not played with 10 players."

When contacted by TOI, Sjoerd Marijne said, "I can't talk until Hockey India allows me to talk."

The second match of the series is on Friday.

India register easy win

The Indian women's hockey team produced a dominant performance to defeat Belarus 5-1 here on Thursday. Navjot Kaur (11th, 15th minutes) Punam Barla (29th), Deep Grace Ekka (57th) and Gurjit Kaur (60th) scored for India while Sviatlana Bahushevich got a consolation goal for Belarus in the 37th minute.

Playing their first match since the Women's Asian Champions Trophy triumph last year, India quickly stamped their domination on the proceedings by opening up a 2-0 lead in the early stages. Navjot Kaur drew first blood by converting a penalty corner and followed it up by scoring a sensational field goal a short while later as the hosts ended the first quarter with a 2-0 lead.

The Times of India



Malaysia pass warm-up test against China

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia warmed up for tomorrow’s Hockey World League Round Two in Bangladesh with a 2-1 win over China.

In the friendly at the Maulana Bisra Hockey Stadium – the tournament venue – in Dhaka yesterday, defender Mohd Razie Abdul Rahim scored off a penalty corner while Nik Muhd Aiman Nik Rozemi netted a field goal.

Team manager Muhd Nasihin Nubli was pleased with the workout although only two quarters were played.

“The players are in high spirits. We will have one more training session tomorrow (today) to get used to the playing conditions at the venue,” said Nasihin.

Malaysia will open their Group A campaign against Bangladesh tomorrow followed by Oman on Sunday and Fiji on Tuesday.

Group B comprises China, Ghana, Egypt and Sri Lanka.

The top two teams will qualify for the World League Semi-Finals in London from June 15-25 and Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 9-23.

The Star of Malaysia



Vantage Black Sticks Women’s squad finalised


Midfielder Tessa Jopp is a new addition to the squad.

Following last month’s test series against Argentina, five players have been added to the 2017 Vantage Black Sticks Women’s National Squad.

The final squad of 25 athletes sees the additions of striker Amy Robinson, midfielder Tessa Jopp and defenders Steph Dickins, Jenny Storey and Kim Tanner.

The squad is led by a core of experienced athletes with 10 having played over 100 tests while versatile defender Stacey Michelsen is the most capped (221).

North Harbour defender Kathryn Henry has not been selected in the National Squad as she continues to recover from a torn ACL.

The Vantage Black Sticks Women are next in action in two tests against USA on 25th and 26th March in Rangiora before heading to the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey from 31st March – 9th April.

2017 VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN’S NATIONAL SQUAD

SHIRT #

PLAYER NAME

REGION

POSITION

AGE

CAPS

13

Sam CHARLTON

Midlands

Defender

25

158

5

Frances DAVIES

Midlands

Defender

20

9

17

Steph DICKINS

North Harbour

Defender

21

4

20

Natasha FITZSIMONS

Midlands

Defender

28

64

10

Amelia GIBSON

Auckland

Goalkeeper

25

60

28

Shiloh GLOYN

Midlands

Midfielder

27

29

3

Erin GOAD

North Harbour

Defender

23

15

27

Jordan GRANT

Canterbury

Midfielder

25

68

12

Ella GUNSON

Northland

Defender

27

154

2

Sam HARRISON

Auckland

Striker

25

100

26

Pippa HAYWARD

Canterbury

Defender

26

120

19

Tessa JOPP

Southern

Midfielder

20

4

24

Rose KEDDELL

Midlands

Defender

22

144

11

Rachel McCANN

Canterbury

Midfielder

23

44

4

Olivia MERRY

Canterbury

Striker

24

148

31

Stacey MICHELSEN

Northland

Defender

25

221

9

Brooke NEAL

Northland

Defender

24

100

15

Grace O’HANLON

TBC

Goalkeeper

24

3

18

Kirsten PEARCE

North Harbour

Striker

25

68

6

Amy ROBINSON

Midlands

Striker

20

9

8

Sally RUTHERFORD

Midlands

Goalkeeper

35

129

25

Kelsey SMITH

Capital

Striker

22

36

29

Jenny STOREY

Canterbury

Defender

21

29

22

Kim TANNER

Midlands

Defender

24

7

16

Liz THOMPSON

Auckland

Defender

22

130

 

2017 VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

PLAYER NAME

REGION

POSITION

Michaela CURTIS

Central

Striker

Tarryn DAVEY

Midlands

Defender/Midfielder

Maddie DOWE

Auckland

Defender/Midfielder

Kat HENRY

North Harbour

Defender

Alia JACQUES

Midlands

Midfielder

Felicity REIDY

Capital

Midfielder/Striker

Deanna RITCHIE

Auckland

Striker

Brooke ROBERTS

North Harbour

Goalkeeper

Phoebe STEELE

Canterbury

Midfielder/Striker

Cat TINNING

Canterbury

Striker

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Kookaburras to play Pakistan in Darwin

Four game test series

Holly MacNeil



The Australian men’s hockey team, the Kookaburras, will take on Pakistan in a four-test match series in Darwin at the end of March.

The International Hockey Open will be played from 28 March to 1 April at Marrara Hockey Centre.

Sport and Recreation Executive Director Phillip Leslie said the tournament will be competitive and entertaining for locals.

“Hockey is such a fast paced and skilful sport and having the opportunity to watch world-class players in action is very exciting for anyone that loves spectator sport.

“The Northern Territory has a rich history of producing top hockey players who have gone on to represent Australia with pride and I know Darwin’s passionate hockey community will embrace the Open and the opportunity to watch the Aussie Kookaburras in action.”

Hockey Australia said the Kookaburras were looking forward to playing in Darwin and know Pakistan will bring its usual fast paced and aggressive playing style.

“It’s very exciting for us to be able to have our first games of the year on home soil, and there’s sure to be some fantastic hockey played against Pakistan, because they are always a challenging opponent,” said Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch.

“They will have match practice however because they’re playing New Zealand in a five test match series, so they will certainly come into this series match hardened, whereas we will be starting fresh so that will be a challenge in itself.”

The Kookaburras will also visit local schools and host clinics to help promote the sport of Hockey and improve local player skills.

The Australian coaching team will also hold an education session with local coaches.

Hockey NT CEO Ian Harkness said local players and officials are grateful for the opportunities the International Hockey Open brings.

“Exposure and access to elite players and coaching is imperative to the development of the sport locally,” he said.

The first test match on Tuesday the 28 March is scheduled during the day and Hockey NT are encouraging schools to register their interest in sending students to watch the game.

“The designated School Day approach will see the Marrara Hockey Centre open the gates for the students and supporting staff to attend the event for free of charge.

“At this stage we have had interest from as far away as Katherine and it is hoped the attendance will generate a great atmosphere for the players from both teams,” said Mr Harkness.

The Northern Territory Stingers will also play Western Australia’s Men’s Under 18 team in curtain raiser games prior to each test match.

The year’s tournament is part of a 3 year sponsorship agreement (2016-2018) with Hockey Australia and the NT Government.

Series passes and match tickets are now on sale and available from www.ntix.com.au

Hockey Australia media release



Skipper Baljit scores hat-trick to give Police the edge over Johor

by Aftar Singh


Out of my way:UPM-KPT’s Muhamad Faizzil Zairollail and BJSS’s Muhammad Fahmy Zaharman vies a ball during the Division 1 Quarter Final 1 at KL Hockey Stadium . -- M. Azhar Arif/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Skipper Baljit Singh Sarjab led by example, scoring a hat-trick to steer debutants Police to a 7-3 win over Johor in the quarter-final first leg of the President’s Cup hockey tournament.

Police, however, had to come back twice at the Tun Razak Stadium yesterday to take the four-goal advantage into tomorrow’s second leg.

Johor grabbed the lead after only three minutes with Muhd Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin on target.

But Baljit managed to equalise for Police off a penalty corner in the 21st minute.

Sixth minutes later Johor again shot to the front through Muhd Adib Azmi Abdul Shukor.

Police, who were runners-up in the recently-concluded eight-team Division One, came back strongly to score three goals through Mohd Razali Zulkipli (28th), Baljit (33rd and 34th) minutes to take a 4-2 lead.

After Muhd Syazwan Shah Muhd Nizam reduced the deficit for Johor in the 41st minute, Police scored three more times through Muhd Rahimi Iskandar (44th), Megat Azrafiq Megat Tarmizi (54th) and Azreen Rizal Nasir (58th) to complete the rout.

Defender Baljit was delighted to score a hat-trick.

“It was good morale-boosting win for us. Although we’re virtually through to the semis and we’ll not take the return leg lightly,” said Baljit, who now has 16 goals under his belt.

The other three matches were closely fought.

At the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) edged MBPJ 2-1.

Mohd Zulfadli Rosley gave the soldiers the lead in the 11th minute. But four minutes later, MBPJ equalised through Fallah Hassan Shahrom Jami. Aidil Zafri Mohd Zahir scored the winning goal in the 26th minute.

At the Sungai Petani Hockey Stadium, Division One champions Nur Insafi had to came back from a goal down to hold Politeknik to a 1-1 draw.

The match, however, was abandoned in the 49th minute due to a heavy downpour.

Muhd Johari Sani gave Politeknik the lead in the 29th minute, but Muhammad Ateeq equalised for Nur Insafi off a penalty corner in the 38th minute.

The Star of Malaysia



Gladiators start hockey title defence against Sikh Union

By BRIAN YONGA


Strathmore University Gladiators players celebrate their victory over Kenya Police during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League play-off semi-final match at City Park Stadium on November 27, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League champions Strathmore University Gladiators will open their 2017 season against Sikh Union Nairobi at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi on March 15.

Gladiators defied all odds to clinch their third league title last season after they dethroned Butali Sugar Warriors 3-2 on post-match penalties in the play-off final. The teams had tied 1-1 after normal time.

On their way to the final, the students had also upset favourites Kenya Police 3-2 on post-match penalties in the semi-finals.

According to the fixtures released by KHU on Thursday, the season will get underway on March 11 and also revert to a home and away format for the top flight men and women’s league.

Last season, the men played under pool formats while the women’s league was played in a one-off.

The second tier men’s league will be divided into two pools of nine teams where the winners of the two pools will be promoted to next season’s top flight league.

“Team managers met and agreed to go back to the home and away format so that teams can play more matches. We believe this will also help improve the quality of our league,” KHU assistant fixtures secretary Wycliffe Ongori said.

Women’s champions Telkom Orange will be in action in the opening day against Amira Sailors.

Newly promoted Technical University of Kenya (TUK), who won the second tier league last year, will make their bow in the men’s top flight against Chase Sailors also on March 11.

Kenya Police, who finished third last year, will be in action on the second day of the season when they take on Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCA-U).

“We expect a competitive league this year with matches throughout the year and expect all teams to honour their fixtures,” Ongori added.

The union has also brought back mid-week matches with the first tie featuring Gladiators and Sikh on Wednesday, March 15.

Former champions Butali will play their first match of the season on March 18 against Western Jaguars, who survived relegation after winning last weekend’s four team-playoff.

The women’s league will feature 11 teams, up from the nine that took part last season. University of Nairobi ladies team will debut in the league alongside Mombasa Sports Club and Multimedia University, who are both making a comeback to the league after years in the cold.

Daystar University’s Falcons, who finished bottom last season, have pulled out of this season’s competition.

In the men’s second tier league, Mombasa West, Wazalendo Masters and Gorilla will be making their debuts.

Daily Nation



Repton School retain their U18 Investec Schools Championships for Girls


U18 Repton Schools 2017 Girls

Repton School retained their U18 Investec Schools Championships for Girls title beating Millfield School 5-0.

The title holders opened the scoring on the 15th minute with a field goal from Mia Foster. Five minutes later Mimi Tarrant extended their lead with a reverse hit into the top corner, this was followed by a third from Alice Bennett on the half time whistle giving Repton a 3-0 lead.

Foster scored her second early in the second half to extend their lead, Millfield did not give up and battled to the end but couldn’t quite do enough. The final goal was scored by Georgia Brownhill in the last few minutes of the game finishing 5-0.

Framlingham College beat Trent College 2-1 in a thrilling end to end match for 3rd spot. Framlingham took the lead in the 12th minute with a field goal by Susie Wright. Framlingham lead 1-0 going into the second half and after some hard pressing they were rewarded with a second goal from Abby Gooderham from a penalty corner. Trent College fought back and Niamh Elston pulled one back but it wasn’t enough with the final result 2-1 to Framlingham.

U18 Pool B
   P W D L F A GD Pts
        
1 Millfield 3 1 2 0 3 1 2 5
2 Trent  3 1 2 0 2 1 1 5
3 Ardingly 3 1 1 1 3 4 -1 4
4 The Perse 3 0 1 2 4 6 -2 1

Wednesday 1st  March 2017     
14:00 Trent 0 - 0  Ardingly
14:00 The Perse   1 - 1  Millfield
18:35 The Perse  1 - 2  Trent
18:35 Millfield 2 - 0  Ardingly

Thursday 2nd March 2017      
13:15 Trent 0 - 0  Millfield
13:15 Ardingly 3 - 2  The Perse

U18 Pool A
     P W D L F A GD Pts
        
1 Repton   3 3 0 0 16 1 15 9
2 Framlingham  3 2 0 1 2 7 -5 6
3 Dean Close  3 1 0 2 3 4 -1 3
4 Stockport Grammar 3 0 0 3 2 11 -9 0

Wednesday 1st March 2017     
12:55 Dean Close 3 - 1  Stockport Grammar
12:55 Framlingham 0 - 7  Repton
17:30 Framlingham 1 - 0  Dean Close
17:30 Repton 7 - 1  Stockport Grammar

Thursday 2nd  March 2017      
12:10 Dean Close 0 - 2  Repton
12:10 Stockport Grammar 0 - 1  Framlingham

England Hockey Board Media release



Wellington take home the U16 Schools title


Wellington U16 2017 winners

Wellington College claim the U16 Investec Schools Championships for Girls after beating Repton in an end to end 1-0 battle.

A single goal from Kitty Baccanello separated the two sides who both won their final pool matches earlier in the day to claim their spot in the final.

It was King’s Bruton who took third spot after a nail biting match with Blundells, winning 2-0. It was Kings who broke deadlock with a Golland slotting home from a penalty corner with 45 minutes gone. This was swiftly followed by another from Sophie Hamilton to confirm their third spot status.

U16 Pool A
    P W D L F A GD Pts
        
1 Repton  3 2 1 0 6 0 6 7
2 Blundells  3 1 1 1 4 1 3 4
3 Beaconsfield  3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4
4 GSAL  3 0 1 2 1 10 -9 1

Wednesday 1st  March 2017     
11.35 GSAL 1 - 1  Beaconsfield
11.35 Repton 0 - 0  Blundells
16.25 Repton 5 - 0  GSAL
16.25 Blundells 0 - 1  Beaconsfield

Thursday 2nd  March 2017     
10.50 GSAL 0 - 4  Blundells
10.50 Beaconsfield 0 - 1  Repton

U16 Pool B
    P W D L F A GD Pts

1 Wellington  3 2 1 0 7 0 7 7
2 Kings, Bruton 3 2 0 1 9 2 7 6
3 Trent   3 1 1 1 3 3 0 4
4 The Leys  3 0 0 3 1 15 -14 0

Wednesday 1st March 2017     
10:30 The Leys 0 - 5  Wellington
10:30 Kings, Bruton 2 - 0  Trent
15:05 Kings, Bruton 7 - 0  The Leys
15:05 Trent  0 - 0  Wellington

Thursday 2nd March 2017      
09:45 The Leys 1 - 3  Trent
09:45 Wellington 2 - 0  Kings, Bruton

England Hockey Board Media release



Jasbinder (Jas) Singh Chana (1970 - 2017)

by Dil Bahra



Jasbinder (Jas) Singh Chana, the talented hockey player, who played for England U21 and represented the country at the Junior Hockey World Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia in 1989 died on Tuesday, 21 February 2017 following a short illness. He was aged 46.

Jas was born on 15 September 1970 in Kampala, Uganda. His family emigrated to the UK in 1972 following the expulsion of Asians during Idi Amin’s political regime.

He started studying at Lozells Primary School Birmingham before moving to Handsworth Wood Boys School where his hockey career started. He played for the school team and Handsworth Eagles Hockey Club. He then went to Matthew Boulton College, Birmingham for further studies and joined Bournville Hockey Club where his talent really blossomed under the guidance of Neil Mallett, the former England Captain,  who became his mentor.

Neil Mallett, who was England Under 21 Indoor Coach  had this to say about Jas “ I was involved with him as both a member at Bournville hockey club and as a his coach when he became a member of the England Under 21 indoor team in the late 1980’s so had quite a bit of involvement and influence with him on and off the hockey pitch at a time  when he was developing and his embryonic years and his approach to the game as a whole. We had several one to one indoor sessions here in Birmingham as part of him striving to gain selection for the England U 21 team that I was involved in coaching at the time and he achieved both indoor and outdoor selection for England at Under 21 level- I’m pleased to say that the Chana family in particular his older brother Satbinder put their trust in me to help Jas along his hockey journey to take him to the next level.

Jas was slightly different though in that he saw the need to evolve physically as well as technically (although he never really enjoyed the physical stuff that much)  to meet and match the demands of the game that was now pretty much exclusively on synthetic pitches rather than natural grass. As we got to know each other better, trust was established and  the competitive side of his personality began to show through as someone who wanted to win. I recall spending one particular session with him one to one at the BAI in Birmingham using an upturned wooden bench as an improvised makeshift sideboard and working with him in a left defender role in springing counter attacks to turn defence into attack using his instinctive skills to the full - he enjoyed that part.

As a younger man, he was an intelligent, down to earth type of person, keen to talk about things and improve his own game in doing so.

Where I feel I was able to help him and connect was that we had a lot in common - After all I had trodden the same route as him some 15 years previous - Both inner city Brummies - working hard and striving to make an impression on the international stage in the sport that we both loved.”

He earned his first England Under 21 outdoors cap when he was selected to represent England against Netherlands at a 3 Nations Tournament at Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen on 25 March 1989. He played left back and went on to win twenty one Under 21 caps. He played against Netherlands; Pakistan; Australia; West Germany; USSR; Spain; South Korea; USA; Argentina; Wales; Switzerland; France; Sweden and Ireland during this period and scored four goals. He also represented England Under 21 indoors squad.

Allan Mayo, the England Under 21 Indoors Team Manager in 1989 said “Jas Chana was selected for the England U21 Indoor squad, aged around 18, and immediately made his mark as a player who was comfortable on the ball and hard working in defence.  But it was his quiet, polite, unassuming nature and understated sense of humour, which shone through – an absolute pleasure to work with – and a player who was reliable on and off the field, who always gave of his best. The team won a Silver Medal in the European U21 Indoor Championships held in Orense, Spain in 1989 – the best performance by an U21 indoor team up to that point - and, on the way to the final, we defeated Netherlands U21, which was the first time they had been defeated in any U21 Indoor Tournament.  Jasbinder was very much part of that success."

That same year he was selected for the Junior World Cup played at Ipoh, Malaysia.

On hearing the sad news, Amarjit Singh Degun, his team mate at Junior World Cup and England Under 21 team said “I share a lot of memories with Jas. A fine young gentleman and a great player. I treated him like a younger brother and words cannot even begin to express my sorrow. The game we all love has lost a truly brilliant player who brought so much to the game and made it enjoyable to watch. He was admired by all who played with him and I am sure all those players will feel his loss. At this moment my thoughts are with his family and I offer them my prayers and best wishes during this difficult time.”


Jas Chana, back row 6th from left, with the Gold medal winning Great Britain team in 1991.

He was a member of Great Britain team that won the Gold at World Students Games in Sheffield in 1991 beating Germany in the final.

Bobby Crutchley, the current Great Britain and England Men’s coach who was also a member of the winning team of 1991 said “I am devastated to hear the news of Jas’s passing. He was a great skilful player and also a great team-mate. He always played with a big smile on his face and was one of the guys you wanted on your team.”

Jas then moved to Cannock Hockey Club, winning the National league in 1996 with the Club and also playing in the European Club Championships. 

Chris Mayer, the former Great Britain and England international who was a team mate of Jas at Cannock had this to say "Jas Chana played a huge part in the early success of Cannock Hockey Club in the national league. He transformed the way that left half was played in this country with his guile and skill. Jas was a gentleman and will be missed."

David Whittaker, Great Britain’s Gold medal winning Coach at Seoul 1988 Olympics had this to say “he was an immensely talented player who mixed deft touches with uncompromising strength, a gentleman in his general demeanour and approach to life a yet a fiercely competitive performer on the field, a player you much prefer to have with you rather than against you”

Jas played indoor hockey for Barford Tigers Club. He was a member of the team that won the DTZ International Hockey Tournament and played in the National Indoor Finals Nights at Crystal Palace on many occasions and finishing as runners – up in 1995.


Jas Chana, standing 1st left with Barford Tigers Indoor team at Crystal Palace in 1995.

Jagdeep (Jag) Singh Soor, his team mate at Barford Tigers indoor team for over ten seasons and a friend since the age of eleven paid this tribute “It is with deep sadness that we have lost Jas at such a young age. Jas gave so much to the hockey world and was respected as one of the top Asian players in his generation. He also was an inspiration to so many with his hockey playing ability, guidance, personality, caring nature and fun loving attitude. His legacy will continue for generations to come. May his soul rest in peace."

Bernie Cotton, the former Great Britain and England Captain who was Manager of Great Britain’s Olympic Team at Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games said “My focus in 1991-92 was clearly on developing the 1992 Olympic squad. I recall Jas Chana as a talented player, reminiscent of the great Rui Suldhana of 20 years before, playing well for England U21. He was on the fringes of the England team during the Great Britain team 1992 Olympic preparations.”

He also represented Staffordshire County in the National County Championship and had short stints with Leamington Khalsa Hockey Club and Wednesbury Hockey Club, before taking on the role of coaching Juniors at Barford Tigers Hockey Club. 

He was also the role model and guidance for nephew Arjan Drayton-Chana, who has already made an impressive impact on the National and International hockey scene.

His funeral is on Saturday 4 March 2017 at 11am at Sandwell Valley Crematorium, Newton Road, West Bromwich, B71 3SX.

Jas leaves behind wife Karamjit Kaur Chana, daughter Amanjit Kaur Chana, his mother and five siblings.

Sikhs in Hockey

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