News for 03 April 2017
All the news for Monday 3 April 2017
Mens HWL Round 2 - Tacarigua results April 2, 2017
7th/8th Place CHI - BAR 0 - 0 (3 - 1)
5th/6th Place UI - TTO 3 - 4
3rd/4th Place RUS - USA 2 - 2 (1 - 2)
Final CAN - JPN 1 - 2
Final Positions
1. Japan
2. Canada
3. USA
4. Russia
5. Trinidad & Tobago
6. Switzerland
7. Chile
8. Barbados
Official Event Microsite
Canadian men finish second at World League 2 in Trinidad and Tobago
Shaheed Devji
Canada and Japan do battle in the World League 2 final on April 2, 2017 in Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago (Courtesy of PAHF)
Canada’s men’s field hockey team has advanced to the World League Semi-Finals (Round 3) after a top-two finish at World League Round 2 in Trinidad and Tobago.
In the final match of the tournament, with the tournament title on the line, the Canadian men dropped a 2-1 decision to Japan Sunday in Tacarigua.
Canada and Japan, the top two ranked teams in the tournament respectively, were clearly a cut above the rest of the competition throughout the course of the tournament, which made for an exciting and evenly played final match.
All the game’s goals were scored in the third quarter, with Canada’s Scott Tupper opening the scoring in the 31st minute on a penalty stroke, and the Japanese, who boasted the tournament’s top scorer, Kenta Tanaka, scoring two straight to secure the victory.
“They had us in the run of play the first half, and then I think we had the run of play in the second half,” says goalkeeper David Carter who started four out of the six Canadian matches at World League 2. “So overall it was pretty even, but it just came down to them finishing one more chances than we did.”
“The boys are extremely, extremely disappointed with the result because we really wanted to win the tournament.”
Tanaka ends the tournament with nine goals to his name, while the Canadian captain, Tupper, finished second in tournament scoring with seven of his own.
Japan may have had the edge of play in the first half, but Canada was up to the challenge thanks largely to Carter who made two strong saves on Japanese corners and had the help of the woodwork on another.
Canada also hit a post on a corner attempt of their own, on a drag flick from Tupper in the 12th minute.
Both teams also had chances to open the scoring in the dying moments of the first half, when Canada’s Mark Pearson found Adam Froese at the far post on the rush, but the ball just missed connected with Froese’s stick. Japan had a corner in the final minute, but could not convert.
“We felt that we played well enough to at least force a shootout and eventually win that game,” Carter adds. “With the way both teams played, it really could go either way and just went against us tonight.”
Tupper’s goal early in the second half gave Canada hope that it might just be them who finish atop World League 2. But Japan fought back with goals from Tanaka and the eventual winner from Takura Sasaki on a penalty corner in the 40th minute.
The Canadians had a chance to tie late on a penalty corner with next to no time on the clock, but their attempt was thwarted and so too were aspirations to be crowned World League 2 Champions.
And while the team moves on to the World League Semi-Finals (Round 3) later this year in one of two tournaments being played in London, England and Johannesburg, South Africa, it is little consolation in the moment for a Canadian team that had sights set on going undefeated in Trinidad and Tobago by finishing with a win.
“Today was all about winning the Championship. Just falling a bit short, especially having an opportunity so late in the game to tie it and hopefully pushing it to shootout, made it tougher to take.”
Field Hockey Canada media release
Third Outstanding Shootout Competition Seals Bronze Medal for USMNT at Hockey World League Round 2
Karess’ Standout Performance in Goal Gains Event Recognition
TACARIGUA, Trinidad & Tobago – Although the U.S. Men’s National Team had previously contended on the National Hockey Centre pitch in Trinidad and Tobago, logging a total of 300 minutes, today the squad walked onto new turf. In a historic result at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) competition level, the young Team USA roster earned a medal contention match, their first opportunity playing as a squad under new leadership. With classic American grit, USA hustled all over the pitch to tie Russia in regulation time with a score of 2-2. Entering its third round of shootouts at Hockey World League Round 2, USA rose above Russia with a score of 2-1.
On the final day of competition, USA’s sixth game, USMNT Head Coach Rutger Wiese’s starting lineup upheld a consistent fight against 22nd FIH Hero World ranked Russia. With both teams vying for World League hardware, the USA’s forward line held its ground against Russia’s initial man-to-man marking. Charging past the attacking 25-yard line, Tyler Sundeen’s (Simi Valley, Calif.) backhanded pass from outside the circle sped past the left post, forcing Russia’s defense to continually keep alert. On the opposite end of the pitch in the 9th minute of play, a mishandled reception by USA's Johnny Orozco (Ventura, Calif.) led to a corner, but Brandon Karess (Allentown, Pa.) came up big with a save at the left post.
A quick session of possession passing around the circle led to Michael Barminski (Ventura, Calif.) to force a stick foul in USA's attacking end to win the red, white & blue its first corner in the 14th minute of play. The hard drive didn’t convert on the scoreboard. Generating forward movement again, back-to-back corners were awarded to Team USA in the 19th minute but Will Holt's (Camarillo, Calif.) flick was denied by a ready Russia defender's stick.
At the 34th minute mark, despite Karess' efforts to defend the goal, the umpire rewarded Russia with a penalty corner stating the play was intentionally pushed over the end line. Nikolay Yankun’s quick, direct hit from the top of the circle gave Russia a one-goal lead. Action trailed down to the USA’s defense where, without hesitation, USA midfielder Mohan Gandhi (Ventura, Calif.) entered the line of an incoming Russia shot to goal. Gandhi dropped the aerial strike at mid-waist to regain possession.
In the 45th minute Pat Harris (Moorpark, Calif.) sprinted into the attacking end to locate an opponent’s foot earning USA a corner. From the penalty corner, Holt faked out the approaching Russia fly by slipping the ball to Harris who connected with the backboard to equalize the score.
A minute later, the ball flew down to USA’s backfield. A shot got stuck in Karess’ pads, giving Russia a stroke opportunity. The hit aimed at the left of the goal cage was easily blocked by Karess. The end line to end line play persisted. In the 47th minute, Tom Barratt (Greensboro, N.C.) crushed a passed to Sean Cicchi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) who deflected the ball to Sundeen at the left post to knock the ball into the goal for a new score of USA 2, Russia 1.
Team USA’s lead was short lived as Russia’s successful give-and-go passing combination in front of the goal mouth found Andrey Kuraev to direct the ball into the mesh. The final score of regulation time displayed an even match of USA 2, RUS 2. The international squads entered a shootout competition to break the tie and crown a bronze medal winner.
Llfat Zamalutdinov was able to lift the ball over a sprawled out Karess. But Team USA’s goalkeeper remained a solid wall against Russia’s other attempts. Paul Singh (Simi Valley, Calif.) dodged around the Russia goalkeeper to find a hole into the cage. Sundeen’s strong ball control earned a stroke during his shootout opportunity. Holt took the stroke for the USA to give the red, white and blue the edge over Russia as well as the bronze medal.
Another special note, for Karess’ stellar defense, saving 12 out of the 15 shootout chances that he was confronted with during the event, he was awarded the prestigious title of Goalkeeper of the Event.
The next time Team USA enters competition will be on home turf in the United States during August’s Pan American Cup in Lancaster, Pa.
USFHA media release
Local stickmen secure 5th place
By Mark Pouchet
LEADING T&T SCORER: Teague Marcano.
Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s hockey team ended their FIH Men’s World League Round 2 campaign in fifth spot after they defeated Switzerland 4-3 in a heated and physical contest yesterday, the final day of the competition at the National Hockey Centre in Tacarigua.
Sixteen-year-old Teague Marcano again left his mark on the local squad’s victory with a double while Australia-based Stefan Mouttet and Jordan Reynos notched the other goals for coach Glen “Fido” Francis’s team. That made Marcano Team TTO’s top scorer in the tournament with five goals.
In Pool B round-robin action, Team TTO had earned a 6-2 win over the Swiss for their first victory of the campaign. Yesterday’s scoreline betrayed the local stickmen’s dominance as they earned nine penalty corners (PC) compared to Switzerland’s one, the identical ratio Team TTO equated against Barbados on Saturday in the 5th-8th playoff.
Team TTO captain Darren Cowie and his charges also dominated possession and circle-penetrating play. Despite a first minute attack by the Swiss in the 5th-6th playoff, the game started off innocuously with both teams battling for possession in the middle of the park.
Cowie and his men first entry into the Switzerland circle came in the ninth minute when Reynos slipped a ball to Tariq Marcano before Marcano shot wide from the middle of the circle. The local stickmen earned their first two PCs one minute later which both went wasted despite two towers and two setters.
But after an intense sustained attack around the Swiss “D”, Reynos guided home a rebound from a Mouttet slap that was blocked but not cleared by Swiss custodian Jonas Verest.
In an attempt to gain parity before the conclusion of the first quarter, Switzerland pushed hard. But in the 15th minute, the visitors’ Nicholas Steffen had to be whisked off the field after collecting a shot from his teammate’s attempt at goal.
The Swiss would shake off that unlucky situation quickly when Marco Michel equalised in the 17th minute before nosing ahead in the 21st minute when Boris Stomps dispossessed TTO’s Keiron Emmanuel, as he was trying to usher the ball to safety, and slipped off a quick shot while falling past TTO goalkeeper Kwasi Emmanuel, for a 2-1 lead.
The game would take on a more physical tone starting from the 23rd minute when Lars Horvath earned the first of four green cards for the Swiss while they earned two yellows in the final quarter.
The local squad also earned a green card after Aidan De Gannes reacted to Oscar Luscher’s stick striking him (De Gannes) on the head while he was on the ground. But The Swiss maintained their 2-1 advantage into the half.
Team TTO dominated earning three more PCs and wasting them, but would prevail with Marcano’s (Teague) first goal after Mickell Pierre dribbled down the right line and squared for him to tap home in the 43rd minute.
Cowie and company retook the lead when they finally made one of their PCS count, Mouttet sweeping hard and low to the right after a Kwandwane Browne fake from a Marcano (Teague) insert, for a 3-2 advantage.
Marcano would double up in the 51st, benefitting from a Browne rebound on TTO’s eighth PC to finalise the scoring. Browne had a shot saved off the line before Florian Feller notched one back for the Swiss in the 58th. But despite Switzerland’s rough play, which included a few more shoves, Francis’s charges were more than in command of this match.
Yesteday’s results:
7th/8th-Chile 0 vs Barbados 0 (Chile won 3-1 in penalty shootout)
5th/6th-Team TTO 4 (Jordan Reynos 10’, Teague Marcano 43’& 51’, Stefan Mouttet 45’) vs Switzerland 3 (Marco Michel 16’, Boris Stomps 21’, Florian Feller 58’)
Third-place playoff- Russia 2 (Nikolay Yankun 34th, Andrey Kuraev 51st) USA 2 (Pat Harris 45th, Tyler Sundeen 47th)(USA win 2-1 in penalty shootout)
Trinidad & Tobago Express
Chile win over Canada, Mexico earns first victory FIH World League R2
Photo courtesy of PAHF/Chris Wilson/Yan Huckendubler.
Chile were on red-hot form as they edged Canada 1-0 thanks to an early goal from captain Camila Caram, writes Ali Lee, PAHF.
Mexico netted six goals to silence Trinidad and Tobago in the second game of the day and India defeated Belarus 1-0 in the lone Pool A game.
Pool A: Belarus vs India (0-1)
Split by eight spots in world ranking but only one goal on the day, Belarus showed they could stay on pace with India (WR: 12) for much of the game. Both teams had two first half penalty corner chances with Belarus’ Yuliva Mikheichyk’s low flicks being denied by Indian keeper Savita. In the 26th minute, India’s Vandana Katariya unleashed a back-hand shot that rippled the netting for India’s first goal of the game and Vandana’s second of the tournament. A scoreless third quarter was indicative of the tempo as Belarus were threatening through the solo skills of Natassia Syrayezhka and India were able to create three penalty corner chances but neither able to score. The Belarussians’ stingy defence denied India any clean looks at goal and they continued that composure into the final quarter. With two minutes left in the game, Belarus had a penalty corner opportunity. Savita’s diving stick save turned away another Mikheichyk flick and the rebounding shot fired just wide of the far post leaving the game 1-0 in favour of India.
Pool B: Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago (6-0)
Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Petal Derry sported the captain’s band for her 100th international match today and she was called upon in the opening two minutes to defend three Mexico penalty corners. Michel Navarro found a way to beat Derry, burying a chance from close range to lift Mexico 1-0 less than five minutes into the match. Navarro doubled her tally in the 9th minute blasting a shot for a 2-0 Mexico lead. Eliana Cota echoed the back boards on a penalty corner strike to lift Mexico by three in the 20th minute. Captain Marlet Correa added two penalty corner goals less than a minute a part to give Mexico a 5-0 advantage by half time. Trinidad and Tobago kept Mexico off the board in the third quarter and were rewarded in the 45th minute with two penalty corners. Mexican keeper Jesus Castillo showed her experience between the posts, preserving her shut out entering the final quarter. Arlette Estrada’s deflection in the 51st minute lifted Mexico to a 6-0 final score.
Pool B: Chile vs Canada (1-0)
The opening quarter was end-to-end as Chile and Canada showed why they are separated by just one ranking spot. Chile forward Denise Krimmerman was brought down in the circle, resulting in a penalty stroke for her team mate Sofia Walbaum. The low attempt at goal was turned away by Canadian netminder Kaitlyn Williams. Minutes later Canadian defender Karli Johasnsen had the same opportunity from the stroke mark but her flick was well denied by Chilean keeper Claudia Schuler to keep the game scoreless. Chile put Canada under a wave of pressure in the second quarter and in the 26th minute were rewarded with the game’s first penalty corner. Captain Camila Caram tallied on the hard sweep shot that lifted Chile 1-0. Canada had a rush of attack in the third quarter including their first penalty corner opportunity but Chile showed incredible composure to withstand the pressure. With less than 10 minutes to go, Canada had three-straight penalty corners but Schuler and the Chilean defence continued to put up a wall. Canada went to 11 field players in the final two minutes of play but couldn’t find an equalizer giving Chile the two-victory advantage in Pool B.
The Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 resumes with the final day of pool matches on 4 April at 12:00h (Mexico vs Chile), 14:15h (Uruguay vs Belarus) and 16:30h (Canada vs Trinidad and Tobago). All times PDT.
You can keep track of the tournament in West Vancouver on the official competition pages by clicking here and on FIH’s social media channels using the #HWL2017 hashtag.
FIH site
Chile looks to secure top of Pool B after win over Canada, Mexico earns first victory
FIH World League R2 - Vancouver - April 1 to 9
Ali Lee
FIH World League R2, Vancouver - Chile vs. Canada. (Photo: Yan Huckendubler)
The tightest game of the day came at the end of the day when Chile edged Canada 1-0 thanks to an early goal from captain Camila Caram. Mexico netted six goals to silence Trinidad and Tobago in the second game of the day and India defeated Belarus 1-0 in the lone Pool A game.
Pool A: Belarus vs India (0-1)
Split by eight spots in world ranking but only one goal on the day, Belarus showed they could stay on pace with No. 12 India for much of the game. Both teams had two first half penalty corner chances with Belarus’ Yuliva Mikheichyk’s low flicks being denied by Indian keeper Savita. In the 26th minute, India’s Vandana Katariya unleashed a back-hand shot that rippled the netting for India’s first goal of the game and Vandana’s second of the tournament.
A scoreless third quarter was indicative of the tempo as Belarus were threatening through the solo skills of Natassia Syrayezhka and India were able to create three penalty corner chances but neither able to score. The Belarussians’ stingy defence denied India any clean looks at goal and continue that composure into the final quarter. With two minutes left in the game Belarus had a penalty corner opportunity. Savita’s diving stick save turned away another Mikheichyk flick and the rebounding shot fired just wide of the far post leaving the game 1-0 in favour of India.
Pool B: Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago (6-0)
Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Petal Derry sported the captain’s band for her 100th international match today and she was called upon in the opening two minutes to defend three Mexico penalty corners. Michel Navarro found a way to beat Derry, burying a chance from close range to lift Mexico 1-0 less than five minutes into the match. Navarro doubled her tally in the 9th minute blasting a shot for a 2-0 Mexico lead. Eliana Cota echoed the back boards on a penalty corner strike to lift Mexico by three in the 20th minute. Captain Marlet Correa added two penalty corner goals less than a minute a part to give Mexico a 5-0 advantage by half time.
Trinidad and Tobago kept Mexico off the board in the third quarter and were rewarded in the 45th minute with two penalty corners. Mexican keeper Jesus Castillo showed her experience between the pipes, preserving her shut out entering the final quarter. Arlette Estrada’s deflection in the 51st minute lifted Mexico to a 6-0 final score.
Pool B: Chile vs Canada (1-0)
The opening quarter was end-to-end as Chile and Canada showed why they are separated by just one ranking spot. Chile forward Denise Krimmerman was brought down in the circle, resulting in a penalty stroke for her team mate Sofia Walbaum. The low attempt at goal was turned away by Canadian netminder Kaitlyn Williams. Minutes later Canadian defender Karli Johasnsen had the same opportunity from the stroke mark but her flick was well denied by Chilean keeper Claudia Schuler to keep the game scoreless. Chile put Canada under a wave of pressure in the second quarter and in the 26th minute were rewarded with the game’s first penalty corner. Captain Camila Caram tallied on the hard sweep shot that lifted Chile 1-0.
Canada had a rush of attack in the third quarter including their first penalty corner opportunity but Chile showed incredible composure to withstand the pressure. With less than 10 minutes to go Canada had three-straight penalty corners but Schuler and the Chilean defence continued to put up a wall. Canada went to 11 field players in the final two minutes of play but couldn’t find an equalizer giving Chile the two-victory advantage in Pool B.
The Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 resumes with the final day of pool matches on 4 April at 1200h (Mexico vs Chile), 1415h (Uruguay vs Belarus) and 1630h (Canada vs Trinidad and Tobago). All games will have live tweets via @panamhockey
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Women drop 1-0 decision to Chile in second World League 2 pool match
Shaheed Devji
Karli Johansen defends in Canada’s pool stage match vs Chile on April 1, 2017 at Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver (By Yan Huckendubler)
Canada’s women’s field hockey team came up on the short-end of a hard fought battle with Chile in both teams’ second pool match at Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 Sunday in West Vancouver.
A first half goal by the Chilean captain Camila Caram in the 26th minute was the difference in the game, despite the Canadians’ valiant effort and pressure to get an equalizer in the second half.
Canada’s women outplayed the Chileans after the break, and had a string of penalty corners in the final minutes of play, one with only seconds remaining on the clock, but could not beat keeper Claudia Schuler to tie the game.
“I think we did a good job at putting the ball on net and we did have a lot of chances, which is always a positive,” says veteran defender Sara McManus. “But I’m sure we’ll take a look at those and try and improve on them for the next couple of games.”
The game began with some rare dramatics, as both teams earned penalty strokes in the first quarter.
Chile was the given the first opportunity in the 10th minute, but Canadian keeper Kaitlyn Williams stopped the attempt by Sofia Walbaum.
“It’s hard to do no matter what point of the game it’s at,” Williams says. “I was just trying to watch the ball and see where it went. But I was pretty calm going into and glad I was able to get a toenail on it to make the save.”
Just two minutes later, Canada was given its chance for the spot, but Schuler was able to stop Karli Johansen to keep the game scoreless.
Caram’s goal late in the half on a low hard sweep off a penalty corner sent the teams to the break with Chile up 1-0.
The Canadians dialled things up in the second half, when they looked more like the team that beat Chile in two of two pre-tournament games the teams played in late March. But despite the wave of pressure in the second half, Canada was not able to capitalize and dropped its first game of the competition.
“Chile is always a really tough opponent,” adds Williams. “We’ve played a lot of games against them. They’re always quite a challenge for us, but we keep trying to play our game plan and try to stick to what we know best.
“Throughout the whole tournament, that’s a big focus for us. Coming out for the next game, we’ll just going to be looking to refine our game and see where it takes us.”
Canada takes on Trinidad and Tobago in the final day of pool play on Tuesday at 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET. Follow Field Hockey Canada on Twitter for live updates.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Mexico put stick on local hockey women
By Mark Pouchet
The Trinidad and Tobago’s senior women’s hockey team suffered their second huge defeat in as many days when they were hammered 6-0 by Mexico in their Pool B round-robin match in West Vancouver yesterday.
After a 9-1 walloping by Chile on the FIH Women’s World League Round 2 opening day when captain Patricia Wright-Alexis scored Team TTO’s lone goal, coach Brian Garcia’s women failed to get the ball over the Mexico goal-line.
The result represented the worst result between the two teams dating back to the FIH Women’s World League Round 1 tournament in Salamanca, Mexico, last September. Back then, Mexico defeated the TTO women’s team 3-0 and 4-1.
In Canada yesterday, though, Mexico’s Michel Navarro netted a brace in the 4th and 9th minute to set Wright-Alexis and crew back. In fact the five goals they scored in a 20 minute period ended the game as a contest.
That included a three-goal blitz in the second quarter including Eliana Cota’s 20th minute item and the double from Mariet Correa in the 23rd and 24th minutes. With a five-goal cushion, the Tricolor seemed to relax and only affected the scoreline again in the 51st minute through Arlette Estrada.
In the other game on the day. top-seed India edged Belarus 1-0 while Canada was set to oppose Chile after press time last night.
After a rest day today in the seven-team tournament, Team TTO’s prospects of earning a victory in pool play remain slim as they tackle the tournament’s second-seeded team, hosts Canada, from 7.15 p.m. tomorrow.
Tomorrow’s games
B-Mexico vs Chile, 3 p.m.
A-Uruguay vs Belarus, 5.15 p.m.
B-Canada vs Team TTO, 7.15 p.m.
Trinidad & Tobago Express
Flood no dampener on hockey action
By Victoria White
Festival of Hockey games were able to go on as planned, which event director David Nancarrow credits with a fast response to a sudden water main burst. Photo / Duncan Brown
Despite a damp start, organisers say the annual Vantage Festival of Hockey is off to a good start, with more action on the way this week.
The festival was just two games into the Vantage Hawke's Bay Cup on Friday night when the first Black Sticks game was suspended seconds before half time due to a burst water main.
Water had gushed from the burst pipe at the southern end of the park, flooding areas including part of the pitch.
However thanks to a fast response, event director David Nancarrow said the incident did not halt Saturday's games, with the turf ready to play on at 8am.
"It just so happened that [the burst] happened on the first day of the event," Mr Nancarrow said.
"In a way if it had happened at 11pm we could have turned up and the whole place might have been flooded the following morning, so at least we were here, and we could deal with it."
Thanks to contractors who worked overnight to repair the pipe, Saturday featured "two good games and brilliant weather and atmosphere" at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park.
The Australia's Hockeyroos drew with the Black Sticks, while Japan - who were the lowest ranked team - came away two from two by beating the USA in their second game.
Mr Nancarrow said so far the festival was going well, and he was proud of the way the flooding was handled.
"It's been dealt with in a really timely manner and the response was just overwhelmingly positive," he said. "From the [Hastings District Council], city care, fire brigade, volunteers, and spectators who all just got in and helped".
"It was unbelievable, a really, really positive thing to see. It was phenomenal."
The flooding occurred due to a split in the 7-year-old pipe, but the cause for this was still unknown.
It was believed the 150ml rain water main had split, with early theories that the pipe was "nicked" when telecommunications ducting was installed as the park was built.
As well as five more rounds of the Hawke's Bay Cup, this week features the Affiliates Tournament at Park Island, and the school Furnware Cup at the Unison Hockey Stadium.
Hawkes Bay Today
Dragons steal a march at top of Belgian league
KHC Dragons stole a march toward the regular season title in the Belgian Audi Hockey League thanks to a 2-1 win over Racing Club de Bruxelles is a fore-runner for their EHL meeting in 12 days time.
Alexander Hendrickx’s fortuitous 29th minute corner put the Antwerp side in front; his drag-flick looked to be heading wide only for the line-man to redirect it into the goal.
Florent van Aubel doubled the lead from a Thomas Briels’ baseline assist with 15 minutes to go to put Dragons in great shape.
Tom Boon did get one back for Racing with ten minutes to go but Dragons held on for the victory.
"We were not up as Dragons on the day ," Racing’s Cedric Charlier told the Hockey Belgium website. “It was our first big game for weeks but we did not raise our level of play. In the EHL, it will be a fresh satrt. We know what we have to correct things to compete with the Antwerpers. We can draw many lessons from this defeat."
From Dragons, Jeffrey Thys was naturally satisfied at the end of his 13th success of the championship. "We put in a good collective performance.
“They did not have many opportunities and, on our side, we ran into a very good Jeremy Gucassoff [in goal]. We continue to grow and we will be ready to approach the different end-of-season games ahead whether in EHL or in the championship. "
In terms of the Belgian league, Dragons also got a bonus when the Waterloo Ducks lost 3-1 to Daring. It means the Antwerp side now have a four point lead at the top with three games still to play.
Fourth place Herakles also lost, 5-2 to Leuven, but they still remain comfortable in the playoff places as fifth placed Royal Leopold fell 2-1 to Braxgata.
Euro Hockey League media release
Banbridge Win Irish Senior Cup
Banbridge claimed their second Irish Senior Cup in three seasons with a fine 3-1 win over Monkstown with Eugene Magee’s pair of second half goals the difference.
They were the driving force from the start and they hit the front with barely eight minutes on the clock. Matthew Allister’s cross looked innocuous enough but it somehow managed to slip through David Fitzgerald and a defender’s clutches to allow Jonny McKee to tap in.
Monkstown sought to fight back quickly but they got little change in the first half from the Bann defence with Matthew Bell leading the way with some major tackles and blocks.
The Co Down side, however, were the much more incisive force going forward.
Fraser Mills was twice denied by brilliant Fitzgerald blocks as Magee produced a few moments of magic.
Allister thumped over a good chance while Jonny McKee’s cross flashed by the face of goal.
They had to wait until the second half for the second goal but it was worth it when it came.
From their first corner, Magee’s initial drag was saved but he caught the rebound and pumped in a backhand volley at full throttle for 2-0.
It brought Monkstown to life and they got one back in brilliant fashion, Davy Carson escaping Bell’s clutches on the left wing before unleashing a superb backhand shot to the top corner.
But the killer blow came with 20 minutes to go when Mills picked up the ball 30 metres out. He flipped the ball through the legs of the last defender to get clear before squaring for Magee to roll into an open goal.
Monkstown threw everything they could forward after that, winning a number of penalty corners and creating a couple of goalmouth scrambles. Gareth Lennox, though, coolly dealt with what came his way and they rode out the final quarter to land the title.
Banbridge 3 (E Magee 2, J McKee) Monkstown 1 (D Carson)
Banbridge: G Lennox, D Carlisle, K Marshall, Ph Brown, M Bell, Pe Brown, M Allister, J McKee, E Magee, J Wright, B McCandlessSubs: S Farson, R Beattie, F Mills, H McShane, L Roleston, D Ward, J Rowe
Monkstown: D Fitzgerald, N Dee, D Cole, J Lynch, K Lynch, K Good, L Cole, D Carson, G Groves, G Cole, S ColeSubs: A Ward, K Smith, R Quirke, S Hyland, D Poff, M Maguire, K Kenning
Umpires: L Allen, N Mackay
Photo credit: Adrian Boehm
Irish Hockey Association media release
UCD Win Irish Senior Cup
UCD claimed their fourth Irish Senior Cup title since 2009 as Deirdre Duke’s late winner saw the students snatch a 1-0 victory over Cork Harlequins at Belfield.
While just one goal separated the sides, it was end to end throughout with chances a plenty, all played at a break-neck speed.
Indeed, the first two minutes was a sign of what was to come as UCD earned a corner off the bat. It was saved and cleared quickly through Olivia Roycroft and Naomi Carroll, picking out Rebecca Barry beyond the last defender.
Her chance, though, was quickly smothered by Clodagh Cassin.
Deirdre Duke, meanwhile, drew a brilliantly athletic boot from Buckley and also kept out a trio of UCD penalty corners.
Roycroft’s incisive through ball located Michelle Barry and her touch to receive the ball set her through one-on-one but she blazed a wild shot over the students’ crossbar.
Another couple of corners came and went for UCD as Gillian Pinder’s floating runs gathered momentum.
Roisin Upton, though, was bossing the Cork side’s defence with a series of robust tackles.
The second half was much more structured with chances less frequent with both sides holding the balance of power at different stages.
Quins had three corners which Cassin coped with well while there was almost a bizarre goal with 16 minutes to go from Roycroft’s shot. Cassin left the ball, believing it to be off target, but it duly bounced off the base of the post and across the goal line.
UCD had their spell on top, particularly when both Upton and Rebecca Barry were sent to the sin-bin. But it was when Mullan was sent to the bin with three minutes left that the Dublin side duly struck gold with Duke laying off for Clarke.
Facing Buckley, she selflessly laid off for Duke to take her time and pot the winner.
Women's Irish Senior Cup finalUCD 1 (D Duke) Cork Harlequins 0
Cork Harlequins: E Buckley, Y O’Byrne, R Kohler, N Kerr, N Carroll, K Bateman, O Roycroft, K Gaffney, I Burns, R Barry, R UptonSubs: D Burkley, S Griffin, E Cripps, M Barry, C Perdue, L Geyer, L Bateman
UCD: C Cassin, S Twomey, A Russell, L Ewart, O Patton, E Russell, S Patton, G Pinder, L Tice, K Mullan, D DukeSubs: S O’Loughlin, E Duncan, S Clarke, E Mathews, M O’Donnell, S Robinson, N Cooke
Umpires: G Garrett, F Davitt
Photo Credit: Adrian Boehm
Irish Hockey Association media release
Banbridge lift Irish Senior Cup with win over Monkstown 
Johnny McKee of Banbridge with the trophy. John Flack
BANBRIDGE 3 MONKSTOWN 1
Two superb goals from Eugene Magee clinched Banbridge their second Irish Senior Cup in three years with a 3-1 victory over holders Monkstown in Dublin yesterday. 
Banbridge celebrate winning the Irish Hockey Men's Senior Cup Final
The result keeps Bann on course for an EY Irish Hockey League and cup double after a thoroughly-deserved win watched by a four-figure crowd at the National Hockey Stadium.
After Johnny McKee had scored an opportunist goal early on, Magee made it 2-0 and then added his second to seal the deal after Monkstown had pulled one back.
Bann held on with a degree of comfort, with goalkeeper Gareth Lennox looking solid any time the Dublin side threatened a comeback, usually from set-pieces.
The Ulster side took the game by the scruff of the neck from the start and took only eight minutes to open their account when, after great work down the right by Matthew Allister, McKee swooped to score from close-range. 
Banbridge celebrate the opening goal
Twelve minutes later, Monkstown keeper Davy Fitzgerald prevented a second goal, when he saved from Frazer Mills and then Allister shot narrowly wide.
Three minutes after the restart, Bann doubled their lead with a sublime strike by Magee which left Monkstown with too much to do.
Magee’s initial drag-flick from a penalty-corner was saved by Fitzgerald but the ball fell straight back into the Irish international’s path and he hammered it home on the backhand with a venomous first-time shot.
Six minutes later, Monkstown reduced the deficit with a fine goal scored by David Carson, who cracked home a reverse-stick shot after good work on the left-hand side of the D. 
Banbridge celebrate the opening goal
But any hopes the Leinster side might have had of a revival were short-lived as Magee got his second and Bann’s third in the 50th minute.
Mills gathered the ball 23 metres out on the right and set off on a great run towards the goal-line and pulled the ball back for Magee to score with a first-time shot from close-in.
With 10 minutes left, Lee Cole got in a drag-flick from a Monkstown set-piece put Lennox came to the rescue and Bann held on without too much difficulty for a memorable victory.
News Letter
Irish EY Hockey League Weekend Round Up
Glenanne struck a major blow in their battle to avoid the relegation playoff with four final quarter goals seeing them beat UCD 5-1 at Belfield.
Their tie was locked at 1-1 with the students after Shane O’Donoghue and Jeremy Duncan exchanged goals in quick succession in the first quarter. It stayed that way all through to the final quarter with chances at both ends.
Eventually, Sam O’Connor slipped home a baseline finish before Neil Byrne made the points safe. O’Donoghue and Ronan netted into an open net in the closing minutes. It puts four points between the Glens and UCD in ninth place in their bid to avoid the relegation playoff.
At the top, Three Rock Rovers moved four points clear of Banbridge – with two extra games played – thanks to a 6-2 win over Railway Union who remain just a point clear of the relegation playoff.
Rovers raced into a 5-1 half-time lead with goals from Luke Madeley, Ross Canning, Jody Hosking, Mitch Darling and Peter Blakeney. Mark English pulled one back late on but a second Madeley drag-flick closed out the win.
Rovers will now be eager viewers of the midweek tie between Lisnagarvey and Banbridge.
Cork C of I kept alive their EY Champions Trophy playoff hopes with two Simon Wolfe goals in the closing four minutes seeing them grab a 2-1 win over Instonians.
William Robinson’s first half goal had Inst leading at 1-0 and they looked on course for just a second win of the campaign before Wolfe’s late salvo.
In the women’s EY Hockey League, Hermes-Monkstown won the only tie of the weekend, a 2-0 win over Pegasus that returned them to the top of the table.
Goals from Caitriona McGilp and Ava Beatty did the damage and it gives Hermes-Monkstown the advantage going into their massive final day of the season title decider with UCD. A draw in that tie next Saturday will hand Hermes-Monkstown the title while UCD need a win.
Men’s EY Hockey League: Three Rock Rovers 6 (L Madeley 2, R Canning, J Hosking, M Darling, P Blakeney) Railway Union 2 (K Springett, M English); UCD 1 (J Duncan) Glenanne 5 (S O’Donoghue 2, S O’Connor, N Byrne, S Ronan); Instonians 1 (W Robinson) Cork C of I 2 (S Wolfe 2)
Women’s EY Hockey League: Pegasus 0 Hermes-Monkstown 2 (C McGilp, A Beatty)
Men’s Day 16 round-up
Three Rock Rovers 6 (L Madeley 2, R Canning, P Blakeney, J Hosking, M Darling) Railway Union 2 (K Springett, M English)
Three Rock Rovers moved four points clear of Banbridge at the top of the men's EY Hockey League with a comfortable 6-2 win over Railway Union at Grange Road following a five-star first half.Luke Madeley's third minute penalty corner put Rovers 1-0 up before Railway levelled through Kieran Springett from a set piece in the eighth minute.Thereafter, the hosts took control. Peter Blakeney netted his first of the season - in his second league game since returning from injury - with a volley from close range from a corner to retake the lead.Ross Canning nailed a stroke for 3-1 in the 23rd minute after Jody Hosking was fouled. Hosking fired home a reverse for the fourth moments later. Mitch Darling scored a classy fifth for a 5-1 just before the break.The third quarter saw numerous chances with James Walker hitting the post at one end while Richard Forrest clipped the outside of the goal at the other. Stephen O'Keeffe made a series of good saves, one with his faceguard, to minimise further damage.Hosking hit the bar once more early in the fourth quarter. English did get one back with four minutes to go when he lobbed Jamie Carr after he latched onto a 70 metre pass out of defence. Madeley, though, finished the game as it started with a late corner goal for the 6-2 result.
UCD 1 (J Duncan) Glenanne 5 (S O’Donoghue 2, S O’Connor, N Byrne, S Ronan)
Glenanne stole a march on their relegation playoff rivals with four final quarter goals to put themselves in great shape, putting four points between them and UCD. They took the lead via Shane O’Donoghue who ripped home a great shot following a nice move down the left side. UCD replied instantly as fellow Irish international Jeremy Duncan tapped in at the back post for 1-1 at the end of the first quarter. It stayed that way into the second half with O’Donoghue going closest before the break to netting again. The game opened up significantly on the restart with Enda Tucker winning a corner that was well saved by Conor Quinn before Stephen Brownlow hit wide. Duncan went close at the opposite end while Adam Clayton and Gary Shaw had a double-chance denied to keep it locked at 1-1 going into the final quarter. There, it all went wrong for UCD as Sam O’Connor got to the baseline and somehow slid home a shot on his reverse for 2-1. Neil Byrne then beat a few defenders before hammering home a cracking third. Chances flowed quick and fast and the fourth goal arrived when UCD had withdrawn their goalkeeper and conceded a sixth corner of the tie. With no one in pads, O’Donoghue fired into the roof of the net. And the students were stung once again when Richard Couse robbed the ball and found Stu Ronan on his own in the circle to tap in the final goal.
Instonians 1 (W Robinson) Cork C of I 2 (S Wolfe 2)
Simon Wolfe scored twice in the closing five minutes to deny Instonians a second win of the campaign and now lie on the brink of automatic relegation. The result moves C of I back into the top four ahead of Monkstown, albeit with two games extra played. Play was end to end in the opening phases with the visitors earning a stroke in the 10th minute but Philip Smith shot wide. Inst replied with a couple of corners but could not force home a goal-mouth scramble. They did go in front in the second quarter, though, as James Corry came to the fore. William Robinson netted a penalty corner drag-flick for the opening goal. At the far end, Peter Bingham in the Inst goal was having a fine game so Inst went in 1-0 up at half time. It remained that way through the third quarter as the hosts seemed happy to hold the 1-0 lead and to try to keep Cork at bay for the remainder of the game. This plan worked until the last four minutes when CI pressure brought an equaliser. With Inst playing deep, a driven ball into the circle saw Wolfe get a stick to it for 1-1. Wolfe then pounced again two minutes later to complete the comeback and snatch all the points.
Women’s EY Hockey League:
Pegasus 0 Hermes-Monkstown 2 (C McGilp, A Beatty)
Hermes-Monkstown will have the advantage going ino their final day title decider against UCD next Saturday thanks to their 2-0 win over Pegasus. The first quarter was a niggly one with a number of robust challenges that threatened to boil over but duly settled down. Good work from Anna O’Flanagan set up a corner which Caitriona McGilp fired home with a straight strike from the top of the circle. The Dubliners began to control more of the game, enjoying long spells of possession. Thet enjoyed their best phase in the third quarter, dominating the game, passing the ball well and finding players in space. Pegasus fought back in the closing phases but were on the break by Ava Beatty, set up by a great pass from McGilp following an initial pass from Sarah Greene, sealing the points. It means a draw next week against UCD will hand Hermes-Monkstown the title while UCD need a win.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Grange and Grove Menzieshill hold on to Scottish top spots in style
Cammy Fraser Grange (white), Lee Morton Kelburne (yellow)
Grange and Grove Menzieshill both held on to pole position in their respective men`s and women`s first division in some style, with double figure victories over Watsonians and CALA in the process.
Despite only taking over top spot last weekend Grange show no sign of an early surrender with a ten goal win over Watsonians, the result leaves them a point ahead of 12-times champions Bromac Kelburne with only two games left.
The league leaders made their intentions clear in only three minutes when Irishman Frank Ryan opened the scoring with a direct penalty corner strike.
The goals then flowed in regular intervals through Duncan Riddell, a double by Joe Waterston, Callum Milne and Cammie Fraser from another set piece for a six goal lead at the break.
Grange continued to show no mercy, Fraser scored another two for his hat-trick, Milne got his second and Luke Cranney scored the other.
Kelburne kept up the pressure with a 4-2 win over second bottom Clydesdale at Titwood. Kelburne raced into an early two goal lead through Lee Morton and Nick Finlayson, but Alistair Richmond pulled one back for the home side.
The second half saw an exchange of goals, Ben Peterson put the Paisley side 3-1 ahead after good work by Lee Morton, but Clydesdale`s Danny Cain reduced the deficit to a single goal again at a penalty corner. The result was finally sealed in Kelburne`s favour when teenager Finn Halliday added a fourth with only a couple of minutes left.
A hat-trick by set piece expert Adam McKenzie gave Wildcats a 3-0 win over Uddingston, they now leapfrog the Lanarkshire side into a top four place.
A late strike by Ally Dougall continued Gordonians’ remarkable Houdini act to safety, the Aberdonians saw off Grove Menzieshill 1-0 and are now only a single point adrift of Clydesdale in the race to avoid automatic relegation.
Hillhead halted their losing sequence with a 3-2 win at Edinburgh University, they now move into sixth spot and out of the relegation play-off zone.
Grove Menzieshill continued their impressive unbeaten run in women`s National League 1 with a 13-1 win over bottom side CALA, and remain two points clear of champions Edinburgh University with a game in hand.
Sarah Jamieson emerged top scorer with five while former Scotland players Linda Clement and Ali Bell pitched in with a couple each.
Edinburgh University`s first visit of the weekend to Tayside proved profitable with a 6-3 victory over Dundee Wanderers. The contest seemed concluded by the interval with the students holding a healthy 4-1 lead but the score became an interesting 4-3, and might have been level had Vikki Bunce`s high shot not been palmed away by the Edinburgh goalkeeper.
However, the champions scored twice more in the closing minutes of the contest for a final 6-3 score line; Amy Brodie got two while there was one each for Louise Campbell, Zara Malseed, Ali Eadie and Ellie Hutcheson.
It might have been a different story if Wanderers had taken more of their chances, but their goals emanated from a brace by under-16 international Ruth Blaikie with Jess Ross getting the other.
A single strike by Lexi Sabatelli was sufficient to give Milne Craig Western a narrow win over Wildcats at Auchenhowie and Derek Forsyth`s charges remain in third spot.
Watsonians continued their recent good run of form with a 5-2 win at Hillhead and have overtaken Wanderers into fifth spot in the table.
Finally, Kelburne beat Erskine Stewart`s Melville 3-0 but the victory is not enough to see them out of the relegation play-off zone - they are five points behind Wanderers who have slipped to sixth place.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Brave Parklands stand their ground against Gladiators
By BRIAN YONGA
Clayson Luvanda (left) of Strathmore University Gladiators and Allan Odongo of Parklands in action during their Kenya Hockey Union Premier League match at City Park Stadium on April 2, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
Champions Strathmore University Gladiators were on Sunday left frustrated after 0-0 draw against Parklands in a Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match at City Park Stadium, Nairobi.
The students failed to break down Parklands’ well-organised defence in a game of few chances, missing the chance to reclaim top spot in the league standings.
It was the champions’ second successive draw after last weekend’s 1-1 stalemate away to Western Jaguars in Kakamega. Gladiators coach Meshack Senge was left ruing the two dropped points.
“ We simply lacked creativity and a draw is fair result for us. They were very resolute in their defending, making it hard for our strikers to get any chances,” Senge said on Sunday.
It was Parklands’ first points of the season after they lost 3-2 to Jaguars in their opening match.
TITANS DREW WITH JKUAT
Earlier, Kenyatta University Titans and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) also played out a goalless draw in a women’s Premier League encounter at the same venue.
Titans will only have themselves to blame after missing a host of chances to win the match.
In men’s National League matches, Bay Club saw off Dedan Kimathi University 3-0 to leave Nairobi with three points. A hat-trick from Austine Omondi gave the Kisumu-based side the deserved win. Omondi opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a field goal past Kimathi goalkeeper Sean Wandia and he added to his tally in the 51st and 57th minutes.
Bay had lost 3-1 to Multimedia University on Saturday and the win got their campaign back on track
On Saturday, Sikh Union Nairobi recorded their first win of the season after an emphatic 5-0 win over USIU-A men’s team.
A brace from Francis Eshikuri set the 2012 champions on the path to victory. There were also goals for Nelson Shide, Davis Wanangwe and skipper Amit Rajput.
Sikh coach Inderjit Matharu was happy with the result. “It was our best performance of the season so far. The lads can take pride in the way they played. Hopefully we can build on this result to revive our campaign,” the legendary former player said.
Sikh had lost 2-0 to Gladiators in their opening match on March 15. Debutantes Technical University of Kenya (TUK) continue to find the going tough in the top-flight after they were hammered 4-0 by Greensharks.
It was the students’ third loss in as many games and the wait continues for their maiden win.
The youthful Green Sharks made their intentions clear in the fourth minute when Chris Muhkanju sounded the board with a neatly taken field goal.
Kevin Simiyu doubled their lead in the 26th minute when he was on hand to thump the ball past Kevin Ingati in the TUK goal.
The students were outplayed in this match and went further behind when dependable goal poacher Daniel Obuyasi got his name on the score sheet.
Obuyasi found space in the circle to shoot past Ingati. Samuel Mucheke put the match to bed when he was allowed time and space to shoot with two minutes to go.
Daily Nation
Sikh Union return with vengeance as they hit USIU-A 5-0
By Elizabeth Mburugu
GRA CUSTOMS VS SIKH UNION NAIROBI Sikh Union Nairobi players celebrate after they scored against when they played Vaisakhi International Tournament at City Park. Sikh won 3-2. ON 25/04/15 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Former champions finally regain footing in KHU men’s premier league battle
Nairobi Sikh Union defeated United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) 5-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match at City Park.
Sikh Union bounced back from their low start of the season after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to champions Strathmore University Gladiators.
The victory was a relief to the 2012 champions, who have been struggling to regain their footing since losing their crown to Kenya Police in 2013.
After failing to defend their crown four years ago, Sikh Union have performed dismally hitting their lowest last season as they finished three places above relegation in the 15-team league.
Former Police and Chase Sailors midfielder Francis Esikuri led Sikh Union’s onslaught ensuring his side controlled proceedings as they enjoyed an enviable ball possession. Esikuri was on target twice, while Nelson Shide, international Davis Wanangwe and Amit Rajput scored one goal each.
Sikh Union dominated the match from the onset, but their attempts to break the students’ defence were met with stiff resistance. Yearning to record their first win, the former champions surged on and their efforts paid off in the 20th minute when Esikuri beat USIU-A goalkeeper Emmanuel Atsasa. The students tightened their defence, keeping Sikh Union’s frequent attacks at bay. On resumption, Shide added the second in the 40th minute, as the students struggled to keep up with Sikh
Three quick goals from Esikuri, Wanangwe and Rajput in the 60th, 62nd and 68th minutes gave Sikh Union a well deserved victory.
USIU-A coach Tom Olal said that poor teamwork was their major undoing. “We started well, but lost it at some point in the game. Teamwork was non-existent.”
In another league match, Technical University of Kenya lost 4-0 to Greensharks.
The Standard Online
MJHL: Johor Juniors win shoot-out
By Jugjet Singh\
JOHOR Juniors came back twice in regulation time to beat Olak-NurInsafi in a shoot-out in Division One of the Malaysian Junior Hockey League yesterday.
Olak-NurInsafi took the lead, and then were leading 2-1, but Johor Juniors failed to be broken and equalised before winning the shoot-out 3-2.
Johor Juniors received two points while Olak-NurInsafi one point.
Johor got their goals off Shafiq Hassan (32nd) and Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin (58th) while the Olak-NurInsafi goals were scored by Nur Najibrullah Ramle (22nd) and Adam Hafiz Hrsikesa (50th).
"Nothing went right in our season opening JHL match, we took the lead twice but fumbled and it was a nightmarish shoot-out," said Olak-NurInsafi team manager Joseph de Silva.
Johor team manager Shahbuddin Royani said: "We need to improve in our penalty corners as we had 11 in the match but failed to make them count.
"But considering the fact that I had players as young as 15-years-old in the team, the two points is a good result to start our campaign as my boys showed fighting spirit to come back from being a goal down twice in the match."
It was the only Division One match yesterday.
RESULTS: Division One -- Johor Juniors 2 Olak-NurInsafi 2 (Johor won shoot-out 3-2).
Division Two: Group B -- MISCF-UFL 1 Terengganu Juniors 2, MSSWPKL 3 MCKK 3 (MCKK win shoot-out 2-0); Group C: Young Hurricanes 1 TBSS Tampin 3, SSTMI Juniors 4 MBMB Warriors 2.
GIRLS' Group A: USM Juniors 1 Sabah Sports School 5.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Olak-NurInsafi kick-out indiscipline boys
By Jugjet Singh
Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School's Norfatin Nabila Mohamad (left) and KLSS Wipers' team captain Nur Suraya Ashikin Mohd Zuraimi tussle for the ball in the TNB Malaysian Junior Hockey League Girls Division at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium Saturday. SSTMI won 1-0.
OLD LA Sallians Association of Klang-NurInsafi dropped two players due to indiscipline, something which the pioneer Junior Hockey League (JHL) club has never tolerated.
They will head to Batu Pahat to play Johor Juniors Sunday with 20 players, but team manager Joseph de Silva has no regrets.
The JHL allows registration of 22 players, with 18 registered for every match.
"We dropped Kavinash Panicker and Ekmar Isa due to discipline problems and even though we were not allowed to register two more players to replace them, we would rather play with less than have indiscipline players on the squad," said Olak-NurInsafi manager Joseph de Silva,
The players were dropped for failing to turn up for training, as they were only interested in playing friendly games. And as registration had already closed on March 15, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) did not allow replacement.
"These two players were given a chance to play in a Division One outfit, but they blew it because of their attitude. They only wanted to play friendlies in the run-up to the JHL, but refused to come for training sessions," said De Silva.
There will only be one Division One match today, while the fixtures are heavy on Division Two.
"We did not do well last season (finished seventh) but with the inclusion of five NurInsafi players, we hope to be among the top-four."
The five NurInsafi players have experience playing in the Malaysia Hockey League in Division One this season and should form the back-bone of Olak.
RESULTS -- Girls Group A: Wipers 0 SSTMI 1; Group B: USM 6 Zaaba 1, Uniten 1 Johor Juniors 1.
SUNDAY: Division One -- Johor Juniors v Olak-NurInsafi (Batu Pahat, 5pm).
Division Two: Group B -- MISCF-UFL v Terengganu Juniors (KLHA, 8pm), MSSWPKL v MCKK (KPM, 5pm); Group C: Young Hurricanes v TBSS Tampin (Malacca, 5pm), SSTMI Juniors v MBMB Warriors (SSTMI, 5pm).
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Olak Nurinsafi fail to start campaign with victory
KUALA LUMPUR: Olak Nurinsafi failed to fulfil their wish of a winning start in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
Playing in Division One, Olak were held to a 2-2 draw by SMKD Bentara Luar at the Batu Pahat Hockey Turf yesterday.
Under the new rules introduced this season, there’s a penalty shootout if a match ends in a draw. The winners of the shootout get an extra point.
And Olak only secured a point as they lost 3-2 in the shootout.
In regulation play, Klang-based Olak took the lead in the 22nd minute when Nur Najibrullah Ramle converted a penalty corner.
But Johor-based Bentara Luar capitalised on a defensive slip by Olak to equalise in the 32nd minute with Muhd Fahmi Allysa Zainuddin firing home a penalty corner.
It was late in the match that both teams again found the net.
Olak regained the lead in the 50th minute when Adam Hafiz Hrsikesa Thaitchana Muruthi converted a penalty corner.
But in the 58th minute, Bentara Luar made it 2-2 with a field goal from Jayson @ M. Shahlan Zainal.
Olak Nurinsafi team manager Joseph De Silva, however, was happy to leave Batu Pahat with one point.
“The opening match is always difficult. We’re happy to get off with a point in an away opening match.
“The players will learn from this experience and I am sure they will improve as the league progresses,” said Joseph.
For Bentara Luar, the extra point from the shootout was a bonus.
Said team manager Shahbuddin Royani: “We have a young team so earning two points is a good result for us. But we need to improve our penalty corner execution. We had 11 but only scored one.”
The Star of Malaysia
A first for Malaysia
by S. Ramaguru
Top form: Hanis Nadiah Onn scored 19 goals for the national hockey team last season and helped them qualify for the World Hockey League Semi-Finals in January.
KUALA LUMPUR: Hanis Nadiah Onn has scored a first for Malaysia in women’s world hockey.
The 21-year-old was named as Asia’s Most Promising Player for 2016 by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) in Muscat, Oman, on Friday. She netted 19 goals for Malaysia last season.
The Player of The Year awards went to S.V. Sunil of India (men) and Japan’s Hazuki Nagai (women).
The men’s Promising Player of The Year was awarded to India’s Harmanpreet Singh.
Hanis, a forward, was astonished to win the award.
“It’s an honour for me and my country. The award will spur me to improve my game and to strive for excellence.
“I played in last year’s Asian Champions Trophy and Australian National League.
“Hopefully I will get to play in more tournaments at international level and other leagues to improve my game,” said Hanis, a member of the national team since 2014.
In January, Hanis helped Malaysia to reach the World Hockey League Semi-Finals.
Hanis said it was a proud moment for Malaysia to have finally qualified for the Semi-Finals stage.
“In 2015, we failed to clear Round Two. This is a breakthrough and we are now in the fight for a World Cup place.
“My main target is to play at the highest level in world hockey.
“Yes, it will be very tough as we go up against the top ranked teams.
“But this is a good chance to test ourselves against the best and learn from the experience,” said Hanis, a Mass Communication student at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
The Star of Malaysia
Fauji Foundation, ZTBL hire hockey players, officials
KARACHI: As many as 18 hockey players and two officials have been hired by the Fauji Foundation, ‘The News’ has learnt.
It has also learnt that 20 players and one official have been recruited by ZTBL.
The national game is getting strength and prominence once again due to hectic efforts of PHF.
A number of departmental hockey teams have been revived and dozens of hockey players are getting jobs.
PHF president Brig (rtd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, when contacted said that since he took charge as president, he had focused on making hockey a viable career option for youngsters.
He said that various domestic hockey teams had been revived and around 100 players who have been part of national and junior teams’ training camps have been provided jobs in departments.
“Now the issue of unemployment of the national level players, both senior and junior, has been resolved. The players should not worry that there are no jobs for hockey players in the country,” he said.
The PHF president said that Fauji Foundation and ZTBL had hired the services of senior and junior players from national training camps.
He said that PHF was also talking to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and OGDCL to develop their hockey teams and participate in domestic tournaments.
He said that the talented players emerging at the national level in the next couple of years would also be appointed in different departments. “Those who perform well in domestic hockey and are called to Pakistan’s national hockey training camp of any outfit, senior or junior, will not remain jobless,” he said.
The PHF president expressed satisfaction over the performance of Pakistan senior team in New Zealand and Australia.
The Green-shirts defeated New Zealand 2-1 in their five-test series.
He said that that there was no comparison between current Pakistan team, which is ranked 14th, and Australia, the top ranked side. “But the Green-shirts’ performance gradually improved in each match in Australia and it could be much better if they avoided some mistakes,” he added.
He mentioned that in the last two matches against the Aussies, the Green-shirts played much better than the previous two matches. “Especially in the last match they scored three goals and took lead against them twice and leveled the score once, which shows they are improving,” he said.
He also applauded the performance of Pakistan against New Zealand who are ranked eighth in world hockey.
Khokhar mentioned that Pakistan team was playing international hockey after a big gap and a number of junior players had been included in the senior team.
“They were playing against such tough opponents for the first time and that too at their own backyard. So they played satisfactorily,” the PHF president said.
“Our target is qualifying for the World Cup. The qualifying rounds are to be held in June in London. In New Zealand and Australia our players got much-needed experience, which will help them in the qualifying rounds,” he said.
He said that PHF was trying to organise series against Ireland and England before the qualifying rounds.
The News International