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All the news for Sunday 9 April 2017

India, Chile victorious in semifinals, qualify for HWL Round 3

FIH World League R2 - Vancouver - April 1 to 9

Ali Lee


FIH World League R2, Vancouver - 1/2 final - Chile vs. Uruguay. Photo: Yan Huckendubler   

Canadian weather was at its finest and wettest and all teams combatted torrential rain and a pooling field but the competition level was high just as the stakes were. Canada dropped Trinidad and Tobago by a lopsided scoreline to move to play Mexico for fifth place. India was firing on set pieces to eliminate Belarus and will now join Chile in the final, after Las Diablas edged Uruguay in the other semifinal.

5/7th Classification: Canada vs Trinidad and Tobago (8-0)

Relegation to the bottom classification games and heavy, heavy rains didn’t seem to dampen the Canadian spirits in their match up against Trinidad and Tobago for 5/7th placings. Canadian midfielder Hannah Haughn showed no signs of slowing down as the West Vancouver native went on her own into and through the circle to lift her side 1-0 just four minutes in. Shortly after Haughn earned Canada’s first penalty corner and the rebound was put in by Brienne Stairs to double Canada’s lead. Torrential rains and pools of water slowed the game immensely and forced both teams to look for aerials and lifted passes whenever and wherever they could. Canadian defenders Karli Johansen, Danielle Hennig and Shanlee Johnston all got on the board before half time.

The waterlogged pitch did no favors for either team but Canada were able to tack on three more goals for an 8-0 victory. Stairs finished with three goals, while Hennig notched two. Canada will now play Mexico on 9 April for 5/6th place, while this is end of the World League campaign for Trinidad and Tobago.

Semifinal: India vs Belarus (4-0)

It was a fast-paced start for the first semifinal of the tournament with Belarus pressuring India early and as a result earning two penalty corners. Indian keeper Savita was in fine form despite her team not having played a game in five days. Against the flow it was India that capitalized first as Barla Anupa earned her team’s first penalty corner and Kaur Gurjit’s low flick beat Belarussian keeper Maryna Navitskaya for a 1-0 India lead. In the 20th minute India were awarded a penalty stroke and captain Rani rang the backboards on a low flick to double India’s lead. Belarus were unable to beat Savita and it remained 2-0 for India entering half time.

Rani Poonam set up her captain for the game’s third goal, also Rani’s third of the tournament, to give India the 3-0 advantage in the 40th. Belarus had penalty corner chances including shots from each of Ryta Batura and Yuliya Micheichyk but Savita steered all attempts at goal to the side. India earned their fourth goal from the stroke mark as Kaur Gurjit flicked home her second of the game. India finished the game strong with a 4-0 victory and ultimately qualified for the Hockey World League Round 3.

Semifinal: Chile vs Uruguay (2-1)

South American rivalry was evident right from the opening whistle and the game flowed from end-to-end. Chile earned their first penalty corner thanks to the stick skills of Denise Krimerman, who was also playing in her 100th match today. Captain Camila Caram’s initial sweep shot was blocked but the rebound was put in by Sofia Walbaum to give Chile the all-important first goal to go up 1-0 in the 13th minute. The second quarter’s pace slowed down as the team’s traded turnovers in the midfield. Uruguay’s defence was well anchored by Agustina Nieto, while up from Maria Teresa Viana Ache was the most threatening.

The third quarter was at a stand-still as neither team gave much room near their circles. Trailing for most of the game, Uruguay came out firing in the fourth. A penalty corner shot by Carolina Mutilva was perfectly deflected up into the net at the near post by Viana Ache to tie the game in the 47th minute. Chile responded in the 56th minute after Krimerman put away a lose ball after a defensive miscue. The Chileans did well to maintain possession and ultimately, securing the second and final spot from this event to the Hockey World League Round 3.

India and Chile move on to the Hockey World League Round 2 final on 9 April at 16:30. Both teams also move on to the Hockey World League Round 3 played either in Johannesburg, South Africa (8-22 July), or Brussels, Belgium (21 June to 2 July). Round 3 will consist of 10 teams at each event, 20 total, all vying for a spot at the Hockey World League Final in Auckland, New Zealand (17-16 November).

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

India enter final of Women's Hockey World League Round 2

WEST VANCOUVER (Canada): The Indian women's team stormed into the final of Hockey World League Round 2 after a 4-0 thrashing of Belarus in the semi-finals here.

India now play Chile in the summit clash. Chile had beaten Uruguay 2-1 in the second semi-final.

With this semi-final victory, India won a berth to take part in the Women's Hockey World League Semi-Final to be held in June/July, which is a qualifier for the FIH Women's World Cup 2018.

India were dominant the side right from the start. Even though Belarus won two early penalty corners in the fourth and the ninth minutes, the Indian team's defence was impressive as they denied an early lead to their opponents.

India were quick to earn their first penalty corner in the 13th minute and it was Gurjit Kaur whose stunning goal gave India a 1-0 lead in the first quarter.

India took 2-0 lead in the 20th minute through skipper Rani when she successfully converted a penalty stroke.

Both teams traded penalty corners in the third quarter with India winning one in the 33rd minute but the strike was wide. Belarus, on the other hand, won a penalty corner in the 40th minute but Yuliya Mikheichyk's hard-struck drag flick was saved by India's goalkeeper Savita.

The Indian women played fast-paced hockey, breaching into the opposition striking circle quite often. Rani made a solo attempt and scored a brilliant field goal that took India's lead to 3-0 in the 40th minute.

Though Belarus were awarded a penalty corner in the 42nd minute, their attempt to score was denied yet again by Savita, who continued to be impressive at the Indian goal to ensure her side stayed on course to victory.

The final quarter saw Belarus making desperate attempts to come back into the game. They began the quarter with a penalty corner in the 49th minute but was promptly denied by Savita. It was Gurjit Kaur's splendid penalty stroke goal in the 58th minute that took India's score to 4-0 and sealed the match.

"We are very excited and happy about the win. We played as a strong unit with better defence and I am happy we did not miss penalty corner chances. Our aim was to enter the Final and we look forward to a good game against Chile," stated skipper Rani.

The Times of India

Indian eves qualify for World Cup Qualifier (HWL-round 3-semifinals)

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

Indian women beats Belarus 4-0 in semi final played in Vancouver(Canada) .By virtue of this victory India will be in fray in World Cup Qualifier (HWL-round 3-semifinals).

Emerging  Penalty Corner expert Gurjit Kaur and ace striker captain Rani Rampal have netted a brace each.

World ranked 12 India now play in Johannesburg HWL-Round 3-Semifinals, however FIH will confirm it only after completion of Vancouver tourney (HWL-round 2).

In Johannesburg India’s target will be to reach in quarter final for getting entry in World Cup.

After Perth (2002) 16 teams will contest in World Cup (London, July 2018).

India ladies have appeared in 6 World Cup and best finish (4th) came in inaugural edition of Mandeliu (France) in 1974. Under captainship of Ajinder Kaur India beat mighty Dutch 1-0 in pool match in 1974 World Cup. For the records it is the only win against Netherlands of India in 12 matches played so far between them.

Standings: at a glance

Fieldhockey.com

Canadian women pick up World League 2 win, play for 5th on Sunday

Shaheed Devji


Hannah Haughn (left) and Amanda Woodcroft (right) celebrate in Canada’s 8-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver, BC.

Canada’s women’s field hockey team got back to winning ways with an 8-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago Saturday at Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver.

Canada now moves on to play Mexico for 5th place on Sunday (12:00pm PT/3:00pm ET) at Rutledge Field. Canada and Mexico met in the pool stage of the competition, when the Canadians were victorious by a score of 6-0.

Saturday’s match was played in rainy, wet conditions in West Vancouver.

“The conditions are pretty insane, I don’t think I’ve ever played in something this wet and this cold,” says Canadian defender and vice-captain Danielle Hennig, who scored twice in the win over Trinidad and Tobago.

The match was the second time Canada and Trinidad and Tobago have met at Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver. The first came in pool play when Canada easily won 12-0.

The Canadians had hoped to be playing in a semi-final on Saturday, but narrowly missed out after a 4-3 loss to Belarus in Thursday’s quarterfinal.

“We were pretty devastated after the other day’s loss, but we still have games to play and we’re playing at home and that’s still a special opportunity,” Hennig adds. “So we knew we had to come and honour all our hard work that we’ve put in to this.

“And while yeah it wasn’t the game that we wanted to be in, we knew that we’re good enough that we could have been in one of those semi-finals and we kind of wanted to prove that today.”

After Hannah Haughn picked up her second goal in as many games to open on the scoring in the 4th minute, Brienne Stairs added her first of three goals in the game in the 5th minute. She also scored in the 34th and 48th minutes.

Karli Johansen and Shanlee Johnston rounded out the scoring for Canada.

Canada will play its final match of the 2017 Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 on Sunday at 12:00pm PT/3:00pm ET at Rutledge Field. Games are open to the public and free to watch.

“We’ve played some amazing hockey this tournament,” Hennig says. “I think what we’ve done has been working, and so we’re going to stick to that and so we’re going to stick to that. Hopefully the weather will help us out a bit more tomorrow so that we can actually move the ball a bit more, but it’s more or less the same.”

Field Hockey Canada media release

Stickwomen flooded

By Mark Pouchet

In a 5th-7th playoff game that was characterised by heavy rain and a puddle-filled turf, hosts Canada flooded T&T with goals to win 8-0 and consign the local stickwomen to cellar place in the FIH Women’s World League Round 2, yesterday in West Vancouver.

The defeat ended a miserable campaign for Team TTO as they suffered their fourth consecutive loss.

In Pool B, coach Brian Garcia’s team had suffered a heavy 9-1 beating by Chile, then were shut out by Mexico 6-0 before Canada walloped them 12-0 on Tuesday. However, on Thursday, hosts Canada suffered a heart-breaking 3-4 loss to Belarus and met T&T again yesterday, this time in the playoffs.

Captain Patricia Wright-Alexis’s side could not prevent the Canadians from raining on their parade. After a typically slow start by Team TTO, the hosts blitzed the T&T women with four goals in eleven minutes in the first quarter, with Canada’s Brienne Stairs leading the charge with three.

Hannah Haughn opened the scoring with a solo run in the 4th minute and Stairs then struck from a rebound, two minutes later. Karli Johansen widened the gap with a high flick from a penalty corner (PC) in the 13th, before Dani Hennig converted from a driving baseline run to close out the quarter with Canada 4-0 up.

Shanlee Johnson then scored from a PC in the 26th for a 5-0 half-time lead and Stairs buried the second of her three in the 35th before her final item from another Canada PC. Hennig completed her brace in the 55th with a low shot from another corner.

The Maple Leafs thus advanced to play Mexico today in the 5th-6th playoff from 3 p.m.

The semifinals, featuring India/Belarus and Uruguay/Chile, were scheduled to finish after press time.

Yesterday’s results
Canada 8 (Dani Hennig 15th, 55th Brienne Stairs 6th, 15th, 35th, 48th, Shanlee Johnston 26th, Karli Johansen 13th, Hannah Haughn 4th)
Team TTO 0

Trinidad & Tobago Express

Black Sticks win 2017 Hawke’s Bay Cup


Photo: www.photosport.nz

The Vantage Black Sticks Women have retained the Hawke’s Bay Cup by defeating Japan 3-0 in the final of the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey.

New Zealand came in as top qualifier from round robin with three wins from six matches. Japan also had three wins but had lost three games to finish two points behind in second place. This year’s final was a repeat of 2016 where the Kiwis beat Japan 2-1.

Head coach Mark Hager said it was pleasing to come away from the tournament with the trophy for the second year in a row.

“It was a good tough game as you always expect a final to be. Up by just one goal going into the last quarter, we knew it was going to be a close finish,” Hager said.

“To the girls’ credit they kept fighting hard and deserved their two late goals. It was a nice way to finish off the tournament. We have not always been consistent, but it’s pleasing to see the whole group keep working hard for each other.”

The Black Sticks were on the scoreboard in just the fifth minute when Rachel McCann beat the keeper with a great shot. They were unlucky not to be two up, after Kirsten Pearce had a goal disallowed when the umpires ruled the ball had hit a foot on its way into the net.

The second half was punctuated by tenacious defence from both sides as they went searching for goals.

Japan pushed forward in search of an equaliser and Black Sticks keeper Sally Rutherford was called into action on a number of occasions.

Rutherford saved two cracking shots that were shoulder height and goalward bound by pushing the ball wide. Then she did enough to scramble the ball clear to avert the danger from a penalty corner.

The match was decided in the Black Sticks favour when they scored two goals in the 57th minute.

The first went to Rose Keddell who put a reverse stick shot high into the left hand corner of the Japan goal and then captain Olivia Merry got on the scoresheet when a cross from the left side wasn’t dealt with by the Japan defence and she pushed the ball into the goal.

The Vantage Black Sticks are the first team to win the Hawke’s Bay Cup twice in its four year history.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS 3: (Rachel McCann, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry)
JAPAN 0
Halftime: Black Sticks 1-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Pair of late goals secure Festival of Hockey title for Black Sticks

SHAUN EADE


Rachel McCann, No 11, celebrates scoring the opening goal for the Black Sticks in the final of the Festival of hockey in Hawke's Bay. PHOTOSPORT

A pair of late goals secured the Black Sticks back-to-back titles at the Festival of Hockey in Hawke's Bay.

New Zealand beat Japan 3-0 in the final on Sunday night.

The Black Sticks had been in control of the entire match with an early goal, but they put the match beyond doubt with goals to Rose Keddell and Olivia Merry within a minute of each other with less than four minutes remaining.


Black Sticks striker Kelsey Smith on the run during the final of the Festival of Hockey in Hawke's Bay. PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand were tidy on both attack and defence and were rewarded with the healthy win.

They struck early with a goal to Rachel McCann in the fifth minute.

And they kept attacking for most of the match with Merry leading the charge with some classy passes.

She set up McCann's goal and looked to have set up another in six minutes later.

Her pass to Kirsten Pearce was deflected, before Pearce eventually put it in the back of the net. But the umpires decided it had struck a foot and ruled it out.

Finishing scoring opportunities was the issue for New Zealand with Japan clinging on.

Kelsey Smith and Liz Thompson got through plenty of work which consistently put New Zealand in good positions.

There was a lengthy delay in the middle of the third quarter as Japan's Mami Ichitani was stretchered off the field.

She appeared to injure her left leg while desperately defending inside the goal circle and ended up watching the remainder of the game from the dug-out with an ice pack on her ankle.

With the match on the line, Amy Robinson came close in the fourth quarter but her shot went just wide of the box.

That sparked Japan's best attacking flurry of the match, but the scrambling defence of the Kiwis held firm with goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon making a couple of cracking saves.

The counter attack of the Kiwis then came to the fore with the pair of late goals securing the title.

Meanwhile, Australia beat the United States in a shootout 3-2 to claim third place.

Kate Hanna scored in the 29th minute for Australia, only for the United States to score the equaliser with two minutes remaining.

But they held their nerve to secure the the match in the shootout.

New Zealand 3 (Rachel McCann, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry) beat Japan 0. HT: 1-0.

Stuff

Hockeyroos take third place at Hawkes Bay

Defeat USA 3 - 2 in shoot out

Holly MacNeil



The Hockeyroos took to the pitch today to battle it out for third position against the USA at the Hawkes Bay Cup, in Hastings New Zealand. After an early goal by Australia, the USA equalised in the 59th minute leaving the game to be decided by a shoot-out. With shoot-out experience on their side, the Hockeyroos ultimately took out third place 3 – 2 against the USA in the shoot-out.

The fast first quarter saw a lot of endeavour from both teams, with the ball going up and down the field without any luck from either team. Eleven minutes into the second quarter and the Hockeyroos had their first real opportunity at goal with a penalty corner chance awarded, the shot was cleared by the USA defence and the score remained at nil all.

With just a minute to go in the first half, a nice piece of play from Kristina Bates and Gabi Nance left the ball with Kate Hanna who managed to flick the ball into the net right past USA goalkeeper Jackie Briggs, leaving the Hockeyroos with a 1 – nil lead at half time.

Three minutes into the second half and the USA had their first chance at a penalty corner, but the Australian defence was on point and Jordyn Holzberger sprinted the ball up into the Australian circle before it was intercepted.

The American’s narrowly missed equalising the score after a shot on goal at the end of the third quarter hit the top post of goal, with the score at the final break 1 – nil in favour of the Hockeyroos.

With less than two minutes to go in the game, the USA were up for a penalty corner. They missed the initial shot, however Caitlin Van Sickle tied the score at 1 all on the rebound, meaning the win would be decided by a shoot-out.

The USA went first in the shoot-out, with the result being decided in 9 shots after the Australian’s scored 3 to America’s 2 with one Australian player left to take a shot on goal.

Hockeyroos head coach Paul Gaudoin said: “I thought we had a really pleasing first half; we lost our way a little bit and reverted to some old habits in the second half. Chasing consistency over 60 minutes is something that we’ll really be working on in the next few months.

“It was a great learning tournament for us overall, we have a new style of play which we’re working on and everyone is working hard to learn that style and apply what we’ve talk about. So, overall it was a great first tournament as a new squad.”

The Hockeyroos will next compete in the World League Semi-final, in Brussels in June.

HOCKEYROOS 1 (1) (SO 3)
Kate Hanna 29 (FG)

USA 1 (0) (SO 2)
Caitlin Van Sickle 59 (PC) 

Shoot-out detail
Melissa Gonzalez (USA) – miss
Madi Ratcliffe (AUS) – goal
Michelle Vittese (USA) – miss
Gabi Nance (AUS) – goal
Erin Matson (USA) – goal
Steph Kershaw (AUS) - miss
Kathleen Sharkey (USA) – goal
Kristina Bates (AUS) – goal
Taylor West (USA) - miss

Hockeyroos team v USA
Athlete (Hometown, State)
Laura Barden (Kew, VIC) 28/5
Jocelyn Bartram (Albury, NSW) 11/0
Edwina Bone (Orange, NSW) *plays for ACT 134/3
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 118/11
Kirstin Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 127/2
Stephanie Kershaw (Townsville, QLD) 13/2
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 196/37
Gabi Nance (Kingscliff, NSW) *Plays for SA 55/3
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW) 11/0
Mariah Williams (Parkes, NSW) 63/7
Renee Taylor (Everton Park, QLD) 18/0

Used Substitute
Kristina Bates (Port Melbourne, VIC) 7/0
Ashlea Fey (Sunshine Coast, QLD) 13/3
Kate Hanna (Constitution Hill, NSW) 16/1
Jordyn Holzberger (Ipswich, QLD) 46/5
Madi Ratcliffe (Warnambool, VIC) 10/3
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 170/66
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 90/0

Hockey Australia media release

USWNT to Play in Third/Fourth Place Match at the Vantage Hawke's Bay Cup


Photo Courtesy of Ned Dawson/Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey

HASTINGS, New Zealand -The Vantage Black Sticks women will defend their title at the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey in Hastings, New Zealand courtesy of a 2-1 win over USA in their final pool match.

The New Zealand team was in second place coming into the match but needed to win to be sure of a final’s berth after Japan beat Australia in the earlier match.

The USA made the early running and were rewarded in just the third minute when Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.) completed a well worked penalty corner.

The rest of the quarter and the early part of the second quarter belonged to USA as the Black Sticks struggled to string passes together and had to defend strongly to keep Team USA at bay.

With ten minutes to go until the halftime break the Black Sticks started to make more of their possession and in the 23rd minute a cross from Olivia Merry found Kirsten Pearce unmarked in front of goal and she made no mistake with the shot.

The Black Sticks continued to attack strongly and forced three penalty corners in quick succession. The first two were cleared by the USA but the third, in the 28th minute, resulted in a clean shot for Brooke Neal which found the net.

The Black Sticks were unlucky not to score their third goal when Erin Goad fired over the top from close range just before half time.

The second half saw the USA attack for extended periods of time but were unable to score. The closest they came was in the 40th minute when a sizzling shot hit the Black Sticks post and rebounded away.

The 2-1 win to the Vantage Black Sticks see’s them top the pool in the double round robin competition with 11 points, Japan and Australia finish on 9 and the USA, 4. Japan finishes second as they won three matches to Australia’s two.

The Hawke’s Bay Cup final tomorrow afternoon (5:155pm NZ time) will be a repeat of the 2016 final, where the Black Sticks beat Japan 2-1.

Half time score: Vantage Black Sticks 2, USA 1

Final score: Vantage Black Sticks 2 (Kirsten Pearce, Brooke Neal), USA 1 (Caitlin Van Sickle)

Article Courtesy of The Hawke's Bay Cup
Ross Holden
Media Manager

USFHA media release

Fomer hockey captain Sandeep Singh hits out at current drag-flickers


Sandeep Singh (File Photo)

The former Indian hockey captain said the drag flickers need to devote more time in the game rather than focus on social media.

Former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh on Saturday hit out at the current lot of drag-flickers in the national team and said they're more focused on "playing" on social media rather scoring goals on the field.

"I'm not against anyone but if you are of no use, then it's better to have an extra full back, defender or forward. They have to focus on (penalty corner) conversion rather than playing on social networking sites," Sandeep, India's one of the most successful best drag-flickers, said in Ranchi.

"They should attempt more on playing at grounds. That's my opinion. They should keep themselves away from social networking sites," Sandeep, who is here as consultant and technical adviser to CInI Tata Trust grassroots hockey development programme, said.

India's inability to produce top-class penalty corner specialists has hurt them badly especially in Rio Olympics as both their drag-flickers in V R Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh had poor conversion rates. Sandeep said India has created hype about producing three-four drag flickers but their inability to convert makes them an "extra baggage" in the team.

"You create hype about drag-flickers saying we have four-five in our team. But if you can't produce top two from them, then it's of no use. To have four-five of them but if none of them are effective, then it's like carrying an extra baggage. If you see our conversion rate, it is less than 15 per cent even as we have four drag-flickers in the team," he said about India's plight despite having three penalty corner specialists in Raghunath, Rupinder Pal Singh and Gurjinder Singh.

"In Hockey India League, it's less than seven per cent.

Maybe three to four goals from 30-35 attempts... My maximum has been 75 per cent and a minimum of 35," said Sandeep.

"I consider my Olympic performance as pathetic but still I had maintained 35 per cent -- scored twice out of five. I did not play in HIL but I saw all matches. They don't read goalkeepers. Basically it's about reading goalkeepers and how they're rushing out," Sandeep said.

Singling out Australian Chris Ciriello and Argentine Gonzalo Peillat, he said they should look out to the duo.

"They both are more focused on scoring rather than showing off. They flick after reading the goalkeeper and the runners. If you see in finals and semifinals, they have taken their team single-handedly."

He further said Indian juniors, who beat Belgium to win the World Cup crown after 15 years in December last year, should be given maximum chance keeping 2020 Tokyo Olympics in mind.

"The young players who have won the Junior World Cup are really doing a great thing. I think we should keep our focus on Olympics and not Commonwealth and Asian Games next year.

"Focus should be on 2020. We won the junior World Cup in December 2016. We should give the junior World Cup players the maximum opportunity. They can attain their peak by 2020. Make them more experienced and give them proper exposure, rather than banking on players who are on their way out in one-two years."

DNA

Mannheimer’s mix of cultures to pose tough questions of Egara



Mannheimer HC’s Guido Barreiros says the mix of cultures at the German club has given the club a different style of play that saw them sweep to the regular season title last season and a ticket to the EHL for the first time since the 2010/11 season.

The Argentine is part of a squad that features USA’s Patrick Harris, South Africa’s Rhett Halkett and Czech Republic’s Tomas Prochazka while Swiss goalkeeper Jonas Verest is also part of the panel.

Barreiros said of the blend with German talents like Florian Woesch, Danny Nguyen Luong and Andreas Spack was critical to their success.

“The mix of cultures brought us some different style than most of German hockey,” he told the EHL website. “We bring our ideas and we add the best of each. But, in the end, all the foreigners are very integrated with Mannheim.

“I came to Mannheim for the first time on the 2011/12 season. For me, it was a big challenge. I was the only Argentinian playing in Germany for a long time. At the beginning, it was hard but the people at MHC were incredibly nice and always helpful.

“The club is great; every player is very well treated and the club is all about the details to make us always produce a top performance. I really feel at home here.”

This season, Barreiros has been joined by the world’s most dangerous drag-flicker, Gonzalo Peillat. He has fired 22 goals already in Mannheimer’s 12 games to date this season.

They are, however, in fifth place in the ultra-competitive Bundesliga and in a big battle to reach the playoffs, starting with two games this weekend in Hamburg against Clipper and UHC Hamburg as their final preparation for the EHL KO16 date with Club Egara (April 15, 17.15 CET).

Looking at the game, Barreiros said that while their 2-2 draw with Berliner was not an ideal performance, Mannheimer are bubbling along nicely for the challenge ahead.

“We did a good preparation phase for the second half of the season after we reached the indoor final. We did not have the best game on last Sunday but we already turned to the next page, having a full and tough training week.”

As part of that preparation, they traveled to Spain to play a series of matches which included a 3-3 draw with Club Egara, their KO16 opponents.

“It was a good game but both teams were not at full strength. We were in preseason and they were preparing the Copa del Rey. We saw what we were expecting to see.

“They are a strong team with a lot of experience. It's going to be a good challenge and I am looking forward to it. I really liked that both teams kept the deal of playing the challenge game even after we knew that we would be facing each other later on!”

And, looking at this own side, Barreiros adds that if they can find more of the things that made their 2015/16 season so successful, they will be flying in Eindhoven.

“Over the last season, we have had the best defense in the Bundesliga and we also have a great counter attack system. Last season, we won nearly every game at home with world class performances from our key players. We were very unhappy with our loss in Liga semi-finals, which has made us even more hungry.”

Euro Hockey League media release

Nelson ready for first taste of EHL with Lisnagarvey



The last time Lisnagarvey played in the Euro Hockey League in the 2012/13 season, Matthew Nelson admits that he was not really aware of the competition.

In his early teens, indeed, hockey was not even his main sport but within four years he has gone on to be one of the new Irish stars.

In last summer’s European Under-18 championships, he scored a late goal to rescue Ireland’s place in the A division when they were on the verge of relegation. It came a few months after he also scored in the Irish Hockey League’s grand final, capping a double-winning season for Garvey.

Fast forward to March 2017 and he was firing in goals for the Irish senior team as they won Hockey World League Round 2. Nelson is among a series of Lisnagarvey players who were playing in their first world ranking tournament alongside Sean Murray and Neal Glassey.

It has been a swift rise, one which he says has been a bit of a whirlwind.

“The last 12 months has been great,” he said to the EHL website. “I was a late starter to hockey, mostly playing football and rugby while I was at secondary school and I've been fortunate to have been given the opportunity to progress so quickly.

“The coaching at Lisnagarvey is excellent and with Ulster and Irish Under-18s, I was then given the opportunity to play for the Irish senior men's team at the WL2 series. Playing at home was a great experience and has raised the profile of hockey here.”

Given his background, the speedy attacker says his knowledge of the EHL is slightly limited but the excitement is growing for their shot at facing Atletic Terrassa on April 15 (10.30 CET).

“I can't recall watching the EHL last time Garvey were in it but hearing about the stories and seeing the videos has added to the excitement to play and represent the club at such a prestigious tournament.

“We know Atletic will be tough opposition but our games in the Irish League are good preparation. We need to focus on our game primarily and what we are going to bring such as defensive work rate and our goal scoring mentality will be our basis to win Ireland’s first place in KO8.

“I've played against Spanish sides at Under-18 and then senior level. They play a fast, exciting game with lots of quick passing. The games are always close so we need to be on top form.

“I can't wait! Excitement has been building ever since we qualified for the KO16 even more so close to the competition. It will be a great experience which doesn't come around very often.

“It's an honour to play in such a respected competition and I'm excited to face the challenge which lies ahead.”

Euro Hockey League media release

Grange and Edinburgh University in Pole Position



Grange are one game away from the first division championship after a 4-1 win over Hillhead. Grange had a successful first half; Frank Ryan scored with a fine shot from the top of the circle, Todd Mills calmly finished off a one to one against the goalkeeper, and Callum Milne added a third from the spot.

Joe Waterston and Mills combined to open up the Hillhead defence and the former finished off the move for the fourth. The Glasgow side pulled one back near the end but it wasn’t enough chase down the leaders.

Grange still have that crucial one point lead over Bromac Kelburne who kept up the pressure by handing out a 6-1 win to Watsonians. Jonas Mommensen and Lee Morton both scored twice while Iain Scholefield and Johnny Christie got the others.

Western Wildcats missed out on claiming a top four spot after going down 2-1 to Edinburgh Universitt at Auchenhowie.  Gordon Amour from the spot and George Adams at a second phase penalty corner scored for the students while Adam McKenzie replied for the Wildcats.

At the other end of the table Gordonians are relegated after losing 4-2 to Clydesdale at Titwood. In a pulsating contest the home side were three up at half-time through Danny Cain, Struan Walker and Sam Hayes. The Aberdonians pulled it back to 3-2 with goals from Ian Livingston and Will Serle, but Cain again from a set piece secured the points for Clydesdale.



Edinburgh University hung on to pole position in the women`s first division with a 3-2 win over rivals Grove Menzieshill, the goals came from Sophie Maunder, Zara Malseed and Sarah Robertson.

Milne Craig Western slipped into second place in the table after defeating bottom side CALA 12-2, Fiona Burnet scored four while Heather Lang got a hat-trick.

Three goals from Lucy Findlay was the foundation of Wildcats` six goal win over Erskine Stewart`s Melville, that result keeps them in fourth spot.

Watsonians moved into fifth place in the table with a 3-0 win over Dundee Wanderers.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Wazalendo Masters sting Gorilla to nick first win

By BRIAN YONGA


Titus Ngolia of Chase Sailors clears the ball during their Kenya Hockey Union Premier League match against KCAU at City Park Stadium on April 8, 2017. The match was called off with 21 minutes left due to heavy rains and will now be completed on April, 9 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDA GROUP

Wazalendo Masters on Saturday floored fellow newcomers Gorilla 3-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union men's National League match at City Park Stadium.

Goals from Bernard Kubasu, Wycliffe Ongori and skipper Philip Simiyu were enough for the veterans to claim their first win of the campaign.

An elated Wazalendo team manager Moses Majiwa urged his charges to maintain the same momentum in their upcoming matches.

"We kept the ball well, created numerous chances and didn't allow them to settle in the match. Hopefully, we can go on good run and collect as much points as possible this season," Majiwa said.

The result left Gorilla still searching for their first win of the season having drawn 1-1 with Daystar University on March 12.

Both teams created chances early on but were unable to convert them. Wazalendo eventually broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Kubasu latched on to a through pass to sound the board.

Gorilla started playing with renewed energy after the goal but were unable to break down the Wazalendo defence and the latter maintained their lead going into the third quarter.

Wazalendo doubled their lead three minutes after the start of the third quarter with Ongori looping the ball over keeper Eugene Ondari.

Wazalendo were awarded a penalty stroke in the last minute of action and skipper Simiyu made no mistake, blasting his shot past Ondari to cap off a brilliant match from the veterans.

The men's Premier League match between Chase Sailors and Kenya College of Accountancy University will be completed Sunday after it was rained off yesterday with 21 minutes left.

The teams were tied 0-0 when the match was called off. Kenyatta University Vultures’ match against Wazalendo will also be played Sunday.

Daily Nation

Sinyolo eye successful title defence\

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Maureen Awiti (centre) of Sinyolo Girls High School (kenya) takes Namagunga School (Uganda) during their East Afrca Secondary School Games hockey match at Eldoret Polytechnics, Uasin Gishu County on August 30, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Kenyan National school games set to start on Tuesday in Nairobi as teams battle for glory.

National and East Africa secondary schools girls hockey champions Sinyolo of Nyanza Region will be in Nairobi on a mission to retain their national crown.

They will, however, be up against seven other schools at this year’s Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national Term One Games to be held at State House Girls, Nairobi from Tuesday.

The two-time national winners have their work cut out as they seek to win a third overall and second title in a row. Sinyolo coach Alloise Owino said his main objective this year is to successfully defend the title, a feat they have fallen short off before.

“We are yearning to retain this crown and extend our reign for another year. We know it is a tall order because we tried in 2014 but did not succeed. Nonetheless, I have a very strong squad and I believe in their capabilities,” Owino said.

Sinyolo will rely on the services of Awiti siblings Alice and Maureen who were instrumental in their campaign at the Nyanza games, captain Lydia Adhiambo, Stacy Onyango and Irene Oketch.

Also eyeing the coveted trophy are former national and East Africa champions Kerugoya from Central who are determined to reclaim their lost glory.

Despite enjoying success at the regional level, Kerugoya have suffered heartbreak locally as the national title has eluded them year in year out. Compared to their four East Africa titles, Kerugoya have put their hands on the national gong only once.

They have experienced a four-year trophy drought both at the national and regional level. However, Kerugoya tactician Joseph Maina is confident this is the year his charges will get it right.

Maina is hopeful that goalkeeper Esther Muthee’s three years in goal will bear fruit.

Kerugoya will also bank on the services of defender Mitchel Akoth, Midfielder Carol Mutunga and striker Maureen Ndirangu.

Sinyolo and Kerugoya will battle to reach the knockout stage in Group A alongside Moi Girls Nairobi and Bura Girls. 

The Standard Online

UniKL must reduce errors to win three points

by S. Ramaguru


No, you don’t: UniKL’s Muhammad Syazwan shielding the ball from MBPJ’s Ahmad Hariz during their MJHL Division One match on Friday. MBPJ won 2-1.

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) will have to drastically cut down on their unforced errors if they plan to collect full points against SMKD Bentara Luar in their Division One clash at the KL Hockey Stadium today.

The former Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) overall champions have three points after two matches. They beat BJSS Juniors in their opening tie 2-0 but lost 2-1 to MBPJ on Friday.

UniKL skipper Mohd Chairil Daniel Rusli admitted that they lost to MBPJ “due to our own mistakes”.

“We dominated the match against MBPJ and had good chances to score, but we didn’t. We must cut down on our mistakes against SMKD Bentara Luar ... and also make sure we take our chances. There is no reason why we cannot collect full points,” he said.

SMKD Bentara Luar have played only one match – drawing 2-2 with Olak Nursinsafi. But the Johor team won the shootout and received a bonus point.

UniKL coach A. Arulselvaraj has told his boys “to stay focused and be sharper in front of goal”.

“We lack experience as this is a relatively new team. So, every match is a learning experience for us,” he said.

“But that’s no excuse ... we were beaten fair and square (by MBPJ) on Friday.

“We hold a slight advantage against Bentara Luar as we will be at home. So, we stand a good chance to win all three points.”

Today’s match is only the fourth in Division One since the MJHL started.

The Division One action will go full swing from April 16 with the return of the four Thunderbolt teams – SSTMI, BJSS, AHP-MSP and Anderson.

Players from the four teams are involved in the Asian Schools meet in New Delhi.

The Star of Malaysia