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All the news for Monday 10 April 2017

India crowned champs, Chile to also contest HWL Semi-Finals



India were crowned HWL Round Two champions in West Vancouver at the final Round Two event of the season after a thrilling match against Chile, which was decided on penalty shoot-out. The result means both India (World Ranking:11) and Chile (WR:19) qualify for the HWL Semi-Finals in either South Africa or Belgium and have a chance to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in London.

1st/2nd place: India v Chile 1-1 (3-1 pso)

Chile took the game to the higher ranked nation as they opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Maria Maldonado. The south American side then worked hard to shut the door on India as the Asia team poured on the pressure. Chile’s defence finally capitulated in the 41st minute when Anupa Barla scored from a penalty corner to bring her team back into the fray. The game see-sawed back and forth but no-one was able to make the vital breakthrough and so the game went to penalty shoot-out.

India were clinical in the shoot-out, while the Eve’s ‘keeper Savita, confirmed her position as Goalkeeper of the Tournament, with two tremendous saves.

3/4th Place: Belarus vs Uruguay (4-2) 

Nastassia Syrayezhka smashed in a rebounded shot to give Belarus a 1-0 lead just four minutes in the penultimate match. Just before the end of the first quarter Uruguay’s Milagros Algorta unleashed an expert drag flick to tie the game 1-1. In the second quarter Belarus had three penalty corners in succession but all three were well stopped by Uruguay keeper Rosanna Paselle. Waving off their set-piece misses, Belarus came back down into Uruguay’s end and Sviatlana Bahushevich scored from close range to put her team back in front, up 2-1. 

Set pieces were evidently important as Belarus went up 3-2 on a penalty corner that was perfectly struck by captain Ryta Batura in the 36th minute. After that Uruguay picked up the pace and earned a series of corners. Manuela Vilar’s penalty corner strike was deflected in by Algorta for her and her team’s second of the game, leaving Uruguay trailing 3-2 as the teams entered the final quarter. Belarus keeper Maryna Navitskaya did well in goal to stop several Uruguay penalty corner chances and in the other end Rosanna Paselle made a great kicker save on a penalty stroke taken by Yuliya Mikheichyk. Belarus captain Batura silenced Uruguay’s medal hopes in the 52nd minute as she finished again on a penalty corner to carry her team to a 4-2 victory and ultimately a third-place finish at the tournament.

5/6th Place: Canada vs Mexico (4-0) 

Canada put the Mexican defence, staunchly led by ‘keeper Jesus Castillo, through their paces for most of this match. The host nation were denied a breakthrough goal however, until the 39th minute despite a constant barrage of shots. Canada finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute after a sly run from defender Shanlee Johnson whose back-hand cross was deflected on target for Brienne Stairs, who notched her seventh of the tournament to put Canada up 1-0. In the 45th minute Stairs showed her flair after going solo through the top of the circle and blasting home Canada’s second goal for a 2-0 lead entering the final quarter. Calm hands in the circle allowed Stairs to score two more to help Canada to a 4-0 victory and finish fifth in the tournament. 

Final placings:
India
Chile
Belarus
Uruguay
Canada
Mexico
Trinidad and Tobago

Player of the Tournament: Ryta Batura (BLR)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Savita (IND)
Best Junior Player: Denise Krimerman (CHI)
Top Scorer: Brienne Stairs (CAN)

FIH site

India edges Chile in shootout for HWL Round 2 title

Belarus corners put away Uruguay for third place

Ali Lee


FIH World League R2, Vancouver - Final - India vs. Chile. Photo: Chris Wilson

It was not a winning chapter for Pan American teams in medal rounds today as India edged Chile 3-1 in a shootout to take the title at the 2017 Gryphon Hockey World League 2 in West Vancouver, Canada. Belarus converted on corners to finish third over Uruguay, while Canada dropped Mexico to finish fifth.

5/6th Place: Canada vs Mexico (4-0)

Canada controlled the opening half but Mexican keeper Jesus Castillo showed her experience denying Canada on multiple attempts, while the Mexican defence line seemed to show relentless spirits in clearing their circle. The Canadians had back-to-back corners attempts in the 4th minute but Karli Johansen’s flick was saved and Sara McManus’ hit was too high. Johansen had another corner flick turned away by Castillo’s blocker in the 11th minute, while a different variation to the far post was just missed in the 13th. Mexico’s lone chance came in the 18th minute on a left side rush from Maria Correa. Correa’s hit across the circle to Michel Navarro was interrupted by the toe of Canadian net minder Kaitlyn Williams to keep the game scoreless at half.

The home team continued to pour on the offensive pressure but were denied by the flat sticks of Maribel Acosta and Eliana Cota. Canada finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute after a sly run from defender Shanlee Johnson whose back-hand cross was deflected on target. Castillo was there for the first save but forward Brienne Stairs collected the rebound and notched her seventh of the tournament to put Canada up 1-0. In the 45th minute Stairs showed her flare after going solo through the top of the circle and blasting home Canada’s second goal for a 2-0 lead entering the final quarter. Calm hands in the circle allowed Stairs to score two more to help Canada to a 4-0 victory and finish fifth in the tournament.

3/4th Place: Belarus vs Uruguay (4-2)

Following an unsuccessful penalty corner in the opening minutes, Nastassia Syrayezhka was able to smash in a rebound in free play to give Belarus a 1-0 lead just four minutes in. Uruguay were quickly in the other end earning their first penalty corner but Carolina Mutilva couldn’t connect on her drag flick. Just before the end of the first quarter Uruguay’s Milagros Algorta unleashed an expert drag flick to tie the game 1-1. In the second quarter Belarus had three penalty corners in succession but all three were well stopped by Uruguay keeper Rosanna Paselle. Waving off their set-piece misses, Belarus came back down into Uruguay’s end and Sviatlana Bahushevich scored from close range to put her team back in front, up 2-1.

Set pieces were evidently important as Belarus went up 3-2 on a penalty corner that was perfectly struck by captain Ryta Batura in the 36th minute. After that Uruguay picked up the pace and earned a series of corners. Manuela Vilar’s penalty corner strike was deflected in by Algorta for her and her team’s second of the game, leaving Uruguay trailing 3-2 as the teams entered the final quarter. Belarus keeper Maryna Navitskaya did well in goal to stop several Uruguay penalty corner chances and in the other end Rosanna Paselle made a great kicker save on a penalty stroke taken by Yuliya Mikheichyk. Belarus captain Batura silenced Uruguay’s medal hopes in the 52nd minute as she finished again on a penalty corner to carry her team to a 4-2 victory and ultimately a third-place finish at the tournament.

Final: India vs Chile (1-1) (3-1 SO)

Being seven world ranking spots behind didn’t stop World No. 19 Chile from getting on the board first against India. Denise Krimerman’s solo efforts into the circle were rewarded when her team mate Maria Maldonado flicked in the resulting loose ball for Las Diablas to go up 1-0 in the 5th minute. Chile followed up with several chances in front of the Indian goal mouth but keeper Savita gave little room. India’s first chance at goal came in the 22nd minute when Kaur Gurjit’s penalty corner flick was saved by Chilean goalie Claudia Schuler. Moments later Katariya Vandana’s speed allowed her into the circle with an open shot but Schuler was again there to make the save.

India finally found their equalizer in a penalty corner in the 41st minute. A textbook option from Rani to the far post allowed Anupa to deflect in and tie the game 1-1. In the 49th, Deepika, playing in her 200th game for India, rifled a back-hand shot from in tight but it was saved well by Schuler. The game could not be settled in regular time leaving it all down to a shootout. Rani scored on her one-on-one attempt and on a stroke, while Savita made a key save to crown India the World League Round 2 champions in West Vancouver, Canada.

Following the tournament, individual awards were celebrated to the best player, Ryta Batura of Belarus, best junior player, Denise Krimerman of Chile, best goalkeeper, Savita of India, and top goal scorer, Brienne Stairs of Canada. India and Chile were also honoured for their qualification through to the Hockey World League Semifinals later this year.

Tournament Awards:

Best Player – Ryta Batura (BLR)
Best Junior Player – Denise Krimerman (CHI)
Best Goalkeeper – Savita (IND)
Top Goal Scorer – Brienne Stairs (CAN) 10 goals

Final Standings:

1 India*
2 Chile*
3 Belarus
4 Uruguay
5 Canada
6 Mexico
7 Trinidad and Tobago

*Qualified for Hockey World League Round 3 (Semifinals)

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Victorious Hat trick of Indian eves in Hockey World League Round-2 tourneys

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

India beats Chile in shootout 3-1 in final match of HWL-R2 in Vancouver, full time score remains 1-1.Maria scored for Chile in 5th minutes, Anupa Barla equalized in 41st minutes through penalty corner goal. In shoot out Rani Rampal, Monika and Deepika had successfully converted their attempts in goal. Garcia  has scored only goal as 3 other Chilean players fails.

Gold medalists in 6 continental tourneys Indian women are establishing themselves on World map. In Hockey World League Round-2 India became triumphant in all 3 seasons, although it is tier-2 FIH tournaments. Details are:

*round robin ,by virtue of more wins India won the championships, Japan have played 5,wins-3,drew-2,got additional point by winning shoot out, India wins-4,drew-1.

Fieldhockey.com

India beat Chile in shootout to win Women’s Hockey World League Round 2

Indian Senior Women’s team triumphed over Chile in the final of the Women’s Hockey World League Round 2 held in West Vancouver, Canada. The teams were locked in a 1-1 stalemate at the end of regulation time, but in the shootout, the experienced Savita came up with a stunning display of goalkeeping to ensure India emerged victorious.

Savita, who was adjudged the Goalkeeper of The Tournament, was outstanding under the bar as she denied scoring chances to Kim Jacob and Josefa Villalabeitia which gave India a head start in the shootout. Skipper Rani and Monika took India’s score to 2-0 with two successive goals in shootout. Though Carolina Garcia scored in Chile’s third attempt, India’s Deepika converted India’s third goal to win the match.

Despite conceding an early goal in the 5th minute to Maria Maldonado, the Indian women stayed upbeat in their pursuit. They came up with good defensive structure to keep Chile from scoring again. Though India earned their first PC in the 22nd minute, the effort was saved by keeper Claudia Schuler. Chile continued to stay in lead until the third quarter when Anupa Barla successfully converted a penalty corner in the 41st minute to equalise.

The fourth quarter saw both teams push for a goal and India striker Rani came close to converting a field goal in the dying minute of the match but her strong backhand shot was saved by Claudia to end the regulation time with the score reading 1-1. “It was a very good match and we are happy with the way we played. Chile was a tough side to beat and we really had to keep ourselves motivated to keep pushing for a goal after they took an early lead. It was a challenging tournament for us with difficult weather conditions as it rained on a few days but we are extremely thrilled that we are through to the World League Semi Final,” expressed skipper Rani on winning the final.

Stick2Hockey.com

India beat Chile to win Women's Hockey World League Round 2

WEST VANCOUVER: India defeated Chile in the shoot-out in a pulsating contest to win the Women's Hockey World League Round 2 and qualify for the World League Semi-final.

The match went into the shoot-out after both the teams were locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

In the shootout, Indian goalkeeper Savita came up with a stunning display to help her side emerge winners.

Savita, who was adjudged the goalkeeper of the tournament, was outstanding under the bar as she denied scoring chances to Kim Jacob and Josefa Villalabeitia which gave India a head start in the shootout.

Skipper Rani Rampal and Monika converted their chances to give India a 2-0 lead in the shoot-out.

Chile's Carolina Garcia then scored from their third attempt, but Deepika found the net to seal the match for India.

Despite conceding an early goal in the fifth minute when Maria Maldonado scored for Chile, the Indian eves stayed upbeat in their pursuit for the title.

The Indians came up with good defensive structure to keep Chile from scoring again.

Though India earned their first penalty corner in the 22nd minute, the effort was saved by Chile goalkeeper Claudia Schuler.

Chile continued to stay in lead until the third quarter when Anupa Barla successfully converted a penalty corner in the 41st minute to level the scores.

The fourth quarter saw both the teams press hard for goals and Indian striker Rani came close to converting a field goal in the dying minute of the match but her strong backhand shot was saved by Claudia.

"It was a very good match and we are happy with the way we played. Chile was a tough side to beat and we really had to keep ourselves motivated to keep pushing for a goal after they took an early lead.

"It was a challenging tournament for us with difficult weather conditions as it rained for a few days but we are extremely thrilled that we are through to the World League Semi-Final," said India skipper Rani after winning the final.

The Times of India

Canada ends Gryphon Hockey World League 2 with win over Mexico

Shaheed Devji


Brienne Stairs scored four goals in Canada’s final match of Gryphon Hockey World League 2 against Mexico on April 9, 2017 in West Vancouver, BC (By Yan Huckendubler)

In its final match of the 2017 Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver, Canada got four goals from Brienne Stairs and defeated Mexico 4-0 to take 5th place in the tournament.

Stairs’ four goal performance on Sunday gives her ten goals in the competition and all but assures her the award for Top Goal Scorer in West Vancouver.

Canada finishes the competition with back to back wins against Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico this week, and with a record of four wins and two losses overall.

“It was definitely pretty special to have a tournament like this at home,” says North Vancouver’s Karli Johansen, who was part of a group of players playing at home on the North Shore, and an even larger group that was playing at home in British Columbia for the first time. “Pretty heart breaking not to be where we wanted to be in the semi-final yesterday and the final today.

“I think we played really well as a team. Had some moments obviously that let us down but I’m really proud of everyone.”

In Sunday’s match, Canadian captain Kate Wright played in her 168th international match for Canada, tying her with Stephanie Jameson for the most games played for Canada’s Women’s National Team.

“It’s pretty special. I obviously know Steph J really well,” Wright says. “I played with her when I was first coming up through the ranks.

“To know that you can play 168 caps and come this far in the sport is pretty inspiring, and I hope to just keep inspiring all the younger kids out there.”

Wright and Canada’s women were hoping Sunday would look much different, with the two finalists moving on to World League Semi-Finals (Round 3) later this year and having an added chance to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Canada can still qualify for the World Cup later this year by winning the Pan American Cup.

“We were really disappointed not to be in that semi-final and working towards that final. But we really wanted to finish off and show everyone exactly how we play. I think we brought that to our last game against Trinidad and this game against Mexico.

“Moving forward we’re really going to take a deep breath and refocus. Our goals are not finished. There is still an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup through the Pan Am Cup and we’re looking to do that. So we’re going to put in a lot of hard work over this training block and come out firing in the summer.”

The Canadians will undoubtedly have mixed memories from Gryphon Hockey World League Round 2 in West Vancouver, but the positives that will stand out include the opportunity to play on home soil, which is something that Canada does not get the chance to do very often.

“I definitely felt more excitement than pressure,” Johansen adds. “It was awesome to have all the fans who were so supportive win or lose. And definitely all the help with the field, the volunteers, it was pretty special.”

Field Hockey Canada media release

USWNT Falls to Australia in Shootouts at the Vantage Hawke's Bay Cup, Vittese Earns Robyn Mactaggart Medal


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

HASTINGS, New Zealand - Australia has finished third at the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey in Hastings, New Zealand after defeating the U.S. Women's National Team 3 -2 in a penalty shootout. The scores were tied one all at the end of regulation time.

The first half was evenly fought with neither team unduly troubling the respective keepers until late in the half. Australia forced the only penalty corner of the half but the shot hit the pads of USA goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) and rebounded into the field of play. The subsequent shot from Australia went wide to the right of the goal.

It took until the 28th minute before Australia scored the opening goal. A ball across the goalmouth from the right found Kate Hanna unmarked in front of goal and she made no mistake with the shot.

The USA attacked strongly throughout the second spell and was rewarded in the 58th minute when a shot from a penalty corner was saved by the Australian keeper but Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington Del.)  was on hand at the left post to flick it into the goal.

That forced the match into a best of five penalty shootout with Australia coming out on top 3 - 2. Goal scorers for Australia were Madi Ratcliffe, Gabi Nance and Kristina Bates while Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) and Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) were successful for USA.

Half time score: Australia 1, USA 0

Fulltime score: Australia 1 (Kate Hanna) USA 1 (Caitlin Van Sickle)
Penalty shootout: Australia 3 (Madi Ratcliffe, Gabi Nance, Kristina Bates), USA 2 (Erin Matson and Kathleen Sharkey)

Congratulations to USWNT striker Sharkey who achieve a career milestone wearing red, white and blue. The contest marked her 100th international cap for Team USA.


Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach, Kat Sharkey and Phil Edwards, USWNT Assistant Coach. Image provided by Edwards

Team USA Player Best and Fairest at the Vantage Hawke’s Festival of Hockey

One of the most sought after prizes at the Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey is the Robyn Mactaggart Medal.

The medal is awarded to the player judged the Best and Fairest at the four team international tournament.

At the 2017 tournament judges voted 27-year-old forward Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) from Team USA as the winner.

The medal is named in memory of the late Robyn Mactaggart who passed away after a long illness in November 2012 at the age of 44.

Mactaggart was born into a hockey family in Newcastle, Australia. She played club hockey for the Waverly Hockey Club in Victoria and school hockey for Kilvington College in Melbourne.

Her and husband Bruce moved to Hawke’s Bay in 2008. She was a passionate supporter of hockey in Hawkes Bay and had coached both school and junior representative teams in the Bay.

The Robyn Mactaggart medal is hand crafted in sterling silver and designed by Monique Therese in Havelock North.

Ross Holden
Media Manager
Vantage Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey
www.hockeyfestival.nz

USFHA media release

Hockey Australia Country tour to Vietnam

Holly MacNeil



Hockey Australia Country Senior teams arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, March 31 to begin their two week tour of Vietnam and Hong Kong. Their first day on the pitch proved a challenging welcome to the country with incredible heat and humidity making for a tough training session pre-lunch. The afternoon's games were cut short by a torrential downpour and spectacular sound and light show.

In their first real hit out on tour the Wattles played a solid game against the Crescent ladies who had flown in from Singapore and maintained the winning record against this team that they had played in Singapore on previous tours. That was followed up with a dominant performance in a 6 a side game vs the the under strength Vietnam women.

The Venom took on the Vietnam men in a match that they dominated. The men took the opportunity to build their systems and prepare for what is going to be a challenging schedule in Hong Kong later in the tour.

Vietnam hockey is working to establish itself within the SE Asia hockey world and the visit by the country teams will help their 'driver' James Chew in his quest to develop the sport in Vietnam.

Later in the week the Wattles and Venom went on to play in a 6-a-side competition to finalise their preparation for Hong Kong where they will take on the National Teams and a series of club teams.

More updates on the tour in Hong Kong to follow.

Hockey Australia media release

Polo add Spanish Honor Division crown to cup glory



Real Club de Polo got an extra special boost ahead of the Euro Hockey League as they added the Spanish regular season title to the Copa del Rey crown they won recently.

They beat RS Tenis 4-2 to keep them eight points clear of Club Egara with two rounds of matches remaining in the campaign.

Gonzalo Coll and Pedro Ibarra gave Polo a 2-0 lead before Diego Arana cut the deficit in half for Tenis. But further goals from Lucas Vila and Manu Bordas saw the Barcelona-based club ease clear despite a 15th goal of the season for Arana.

Egara sit second on their own following an important 3-2 win over Club de Campo who are third. Nonetheless, both sides look in good shape for the playoffs along with Atletic Terrassa despite their 4-2 away loss at SPV Complutense. They have three points to spare over Junior FC who beat FC Barcelona 4-2; Junior meet Polo in the next full round of matches on April 23

Euro Hockey League media release

Charlier and Racing out to annoy Dragons in KO16



Royal Racing Club de Bruxelles’ Cedric Charlier says his side have “the capacity to annoy” KHC Dragons when they meet each other in the EHL KO16 next Friday (17.15 CET) in Eindhoven.

In one of the most enduring rivalries, Racing and Dragons have been going toe-to-toe for many years with the latter holding sway for the most part.

The Antwerp side shaded the Audi league’s final last season with a 7-6 win on aggregate. They look on course to win the regular season title this time around with a six point lead with two games to go having recently beaten Racing 2-1.

But the Olympic striker says his side “always look forward to playing them” and says it would be a sweet moment to take them down.

“They have been showing great hockey over the past few years and it is always a challenge to play against them. In top sport, this is what you are looking for, challenges.

“Unfortunately for us, they have been much more efficient than us in our last encounters and won the majority of our clashes. However, we really believe we have the capacities to annoy them and win our K016.”

Racing return to the EHL after a couple of years away with Tom Boon and Simon Gougnard helping them get back into the mix. They were not around for their last EHL run which ended with a dramatic late loss to Dragons in Eindhoven in 2014 with Florent van Aubel nicking a late winning goal in the bronze medal match.

“It was not the best game from both teams. We were really tired as it was our fourth game in five days but the intensity and the willingness to win the bronze medal was huge.

“Florent Van Aubel just scored the winning goal two minutes before the end and gave us no possibility to come back.

“We are approaching our next encounter as we always do. Of course, we really want to go further in the competition but we do not want to put too much pressure on ourselves either.”

Racing have had a number of injuries over the course of the season, something that has allowed them to integrate a number of younger players in the league.

They are a side packed with Olympic silver medalists alongside Tom Boon, Simon Gougnard, Jerome Truyens while goalkeeper Jeremy Gucasoff was among their reserves.

They have been able to spend more time with the club this season and help impart that knowledge to their squad.

“Indeed, last year was really busy with the national team. We did not train much with our clubs as we were mainly busy with the national squad.

“We are still training together with the Red Lions currently but less than last year. It gives us the possibility to train more with Racing and share our experience with club players.

“For sure, it is a plus for our team as we have more time together to share our points of view and to try to make them better players.”

Going into the EHL, though, only Anthony Versluys is now on the injured list having suffered an arm injury that required surgery three weeks ago.

Euro Hockey League media release

Premier Division dreams at stake in Nottingham


Charlene Mason celebrates a Bowdon Hightown goal. Credit Andy Smith

The Men’s and Investec Women’s Hockey League Play-offs enjoyed a sunny first round of matches at the Nottingham Hockey Centre with wins for Sevenoaks and Canterbury men and Bowdon Hightown and Wimbledon women.

In the women’s tournament Bowdon Hightown took a step towards retaining their Premier Division status with a 2-1 win over West Conference winner Buckingham.

Charlene Mason gave Bowdon a 1-0 half time lead which was doubled by Nat Wray in the 47th minute. Kirsty Freshwater pulled a goal back for Buckingham a minute later but were unable to find the equaliser, including an overtime penalty corner they could not convert.

Wimbledon beat Brooklands Poynton by the same score in the second game. Well executed corners from Crista Cullen and Kate Harris saw the teams level at half time before a close range deflection from Rose Winter earned the three points for Wimbledon.

Sevenoaks got the men’s competition underway with a 3-2 win over Team Bath Buccaneers.

George Torry and Duncan Parnis put the Kent side 2-1 up after a quarter of an hour. A Peter Scott goal halved the deficit but Andrew Ross converted a corner close to the break to make it 3-1 in Sevenoaks favour. Matthew Boote made it 3-2 but Bath couldn’t find an equaliser from the remaining 20 minutes.

Premier Division Canterbury also helped their chances of avoiding the drop beating Durham University 4-1. Durham actually opened the scoring through Charlie Stubbings but two open play goals in a minute just before the break from Harry Roberts and James Oates turned the game round.

In the second half a great Josh Pollard backhand put Canterbury 3-1 ahead and he then turned provider with a through ball that Will Heywood took round the keeper to see Canterbury take command and run out 4-1 winners.

The tournament concludes at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in a fortnight’s time alongside the league finals. To buy tickets for the event click here

England Hockey Board Media release

U16 Championships Finals Day



Boys Pool A

Cheltenham came out fighting in their last pool game and beat Harrogate 6-0 to book their place in the final beating Surbiton to the top of the table on goal difference after Surbiton only managed a 2-1 win over Lichfield meaning they will battle it out for 3rd place.

Boys Pool B

A crucial last Pool game for each team made for a tense game. All needing goals and points saw Guildford beat Havant 1-0 however this was in Havants favour as they make the 3rd/4th playoff on one goal difference. Beeston took the top spot after a convincing 5-1 win over Bowdon to face Cheltenham in the final.

Girls Pool D

Reading beat Marlow 3-0 to finish 3rd in the pool whilst Surbiton took a last minute goal to win 1-0 and  claim the final place over Ben Rhydding who had to settle for playoffs.

Girls Pool C

Again the last pool game determined the finalists Isca came out on top beating Southgate 1-0 taking the last spot in the final. Meanwhile Stourport beat Beeston 2-1 to take the playoff spot on goals scored, not much separating the pool at all.

Boys U16 3rd/4th Playoff

Both teams out to make a point saw defending champions Surbiton looking to take home some pride in the 3rd/4th Playoff against Havant. Surbiton took 2 goals in the first half to have the advantage going into the home stretch. Havant bought back a goal in the 35th Minute but had to settle for 4th overall.

Girls 3rd/4th Playoff

Both out to take home some silverware there was nothing between Ben Rhydding and Stourport on the pitch, this showed with end to end action all the way through and going goal for goal throughout. A last minute goal left the score on 3-3 pushing it to a penalty stroke competition, which saw Stourport take the win to be named bronze medalists.

Boys Final

Cheltenham took an early lead to go into the half 2-1 up against Beeston. A stong first ten minutes by the leaders would have thought the game over – but Beeston 5-2 down showed signs of a comeback. A 47th Minute goal from Beeston put them within reaching distance of the title but couldn’t quite get there. Cheltenham take the title!

Girls Final

The first half saw Isca hold their own well and defending solidly, but Surbiton found cracks to put 2 away before the break. The second half saw some brave attempts from Isca but the defending champions put away another 3 to win 5-0 and be back to back U16 Girls Winners - Surbiton

Find all the finals standings and stats here: https://englandhockey.altiusrt.com/

England Hockey Board Media release

UCD Crowned Irish EY Hockey League Champions



UCD claimed the women’s EY Hockey League in dramatic fashion as Lena Tice struck two penalty corners to inflict a first defeat of the league season on Hermes-Monkstown, leap-frogging their Dublin rivals on the final day of the campaign.

The result earns them a European spot and was their second title in six days, adding to the Irish Senior Cup won at Belfield with a 1-0 win over Cork Harlequins.

The students did it the hard way, coming from 1-0 down in the third quarter to nick the victory. Former UCD player Nikki Evans had slotted an opening goal from close range in the third quarter to put Hermes-Monkstown in this title decider.

The hosts only needed a draw but found the game was right back in the mix when Tice equalised almost immediately, setting up a thrilling final quarter. There, Tice again stepped up from a cleverly worked corner, touched into the circle for her to powerfully slap home.

That came with 12 minutes to go and UCD held on in the face of a late barrage to secure the three points and the title success. It marks them as number one seeds for the EY Champions Trophy playoffs and they will play fourth seed Loreto in the semi-final on April 29.

Hermes-Monkstown, meanwhile, will face Cork Harlequins in their semi-final as they bid to retain that national title.

Elsewhere, Pembroke got the results they needed to retain their place in the national league. They beat Ulster Elks 2-0 with first half goals from Rachel Scott – a penalty stroke – and Erica Markey to record their second win in their last three outings.

They still needed Belfast Harlequins to lose to Loreto to allow them to stay out of the relegation playoff position on goal difference. The Ulster side duly fell 5-1 to Loreto with Irish underage international Sarah Torrans scoring all five for the Beaufort outfit and Pembroke celebrated safety.

The remaining ties had little on the line with Pegasus beating Ards 2-0 to finish sixth while Railway Union edged out Cork Harlequins 1-0 to end fifth.

Women’s EY Hockey League: Hermes-Monkstown 1 (N Evans) UCD 2 (L Tice 2); Ards 0 Pegasus 2 (R McMillan, H Craig); Belfast Harlequins 1 (G Frazer) Loreto 5 (S Torrans 5); Pembroke 2 (R Scott, E Markey) Ulster Elks 0; Railway Union 1 (K Orr) Cork Harlequins 0

Day 18 extended reports

Hermes Monkstown 1 (Nikki Evans) UCD 2 (Lena Tice 2)

UCD claimed the women’s EY Hockey League in dramatic fashion as Lena Tice struck two penalty corners to inflict a first defeat of the league season on Hermes-Monkstown, leap-frogging their Dublin rivals on the final day of the campaign.

The result earns them a European spot and was their second title in six days, adding to the Irish Senior Cup won at Belfield with a 1-0 win over Cork Harlequins.

The first quarter was dominated by the visitors who showed their intent from the whistle, forcing several corners but the home keeper Liz Murphy dealt comfortably with the chances created. The home side did force a corner but Clodagh Cassin in the UCD goal saved the corner switch.

The home side started to settle in the second quarter, creating opportunities to take the advantage. Cassin pulled off a top class save from a Chloe Watkins corner drag and, just before the end, Nikki Evans showed fantastic skill controlling and spinning to shoot on her reverse. With the UCD keeper beaten, the shot pinged the cross bar to deny the home side a half-time lead.

Evans did, however, give her side the lead in the 38th minute when good work by Anna O’ Flanagan in the circle, saw her battle out of a tackle to pop the ball left for the finish.

UCD now needed to score twice to take the title and, in the 44th minute, they forced a corner. This time, the ball was cleverly rolled into the circle to allow Tice to apply a devilishly powerful slap that defeated the defensive lines.

The students kept pushing on in the closing quarter and were rewarded with 12 minutes to go with what proved to be the crucial goal. Again, Tice did the damage in the same manner as the first.

The home side threw everything at UCD, withdrawing their keeper in the final moments as they chased the equaliser but, on the day, the college side did enough to take the win and the title.


Credit: Adrian Boehm

Pembroke 2 (E Markey, R Scott) Ulster Elks 0

Pembroke completed their great escape from a potential relegation playoff with a 2-0 win over Ulster Elks. In tandem with Belfast Harlequins 5-1 loss to Loreto, it boosted Pembroke to eighth place on goal difference, clear of any impending relegation worries.

It was their second win in their last three games, adding to a recent success against Ards and they went 1-0 up early on. Erica Markey inspired the first goal when she only had the goalkeeper to beat in the seventh minute but was taken down.

A penalty stroke was awarded which was converted by Rachel Scott to open the scoring for the home team, easing the tension. They continued to set the tone in the second quarter when Alice Ward and Erica Hinkson combined well before Markey made it 2-0 in the 31st minute.

Eanna Horan set up the attack down the right before Jill Ringwood picked up the pass and crossed to Markey who made no mistake for a 2-0 half-time lead.

Into the second half, Pembroke continued to attack and won a penalty corner in the 40th minute. Eanna Horan’s shot on goal was blocked by a defender and the follow-up hit the post.

Both goalkeepers – Chrissie McKee for Elks, Jessie Elliott for Pembroke – were called upon in the closing quarter but no further goals came and the hosts had ground out the result they desperately needed.

Ards 0 Pegasus, 2 (R McMillan, H Craig)

Pegasus the women’s EYHL season in sixth place as they won their Ulster derby 2-0 with sisters Rachel McMillan and Hannah Craig scoring the goals.

The first came in the opening quarter from a drive along the back line and angled ball saw Rachael McMillan open the scoring from close range, 1-0 to the visitors.

Ards came into the game more in the second quarter, seeing more possession of the ball with Kerri McDonald and Lucy McKee linking up well. Pegasus also nearly extended their lead from a series of corners before half-time but nothing further accrued.

The third quarter was a quiet one, with the two sides cancelling each other out, and little in the way of goal threat.

Ards came out looking for the equaliser in the final quarter but, despite some decent possession, they could not create any clear goal scoring opportunities against a strong Pegasus defence.

The result was sealed with 8 minutes to go when Hannah Craig pounced on a loose ball in the circle to crash home for 2-0.

Railway Union 1 (K Orr) Cork Harlequins 0

Kate Orr’s single goal saw Railway Union finish in fifth place in the women’s EY Hockey League while Cork Harlequins ended third and bound for the Champions Trophy despite this 1-0 loss.

The game followed a junior skills session at sunny Park Avenue with little at stake for either side. Cork Harlequins were without ex-international Rachael Kohler and current international Naomi Carroll, and it was Railway at full strength who made the early running.

They won four corners in the first quarter but were unable to convert, with the skillful Niamh Carey instrumental in winning the set pieces for Railway, while Emma Buckley in the Quins goal made important blocks.

Railway continued to dominate in the second quarter with Zara Delany creating chances but unable to find a way past Buckley, despite Railway winning a further two corners. Cork mounted their first threatening attack just before half time but Grace O'Flanagan in the Railway goal dealt ably with the threat.

The hosts again took up the pace in the second half, winning two more corners but were again unable to convert. Cork Harlequins started to get into the game more and saw a snap shot taken off the line by O'Flanagan.

At the other end, Kate Dillon got a touch on a cross only to see the ball going over the bar. Quins won a stroke in the 49th minute when the ball hit a Railway foot on the line with the goal keeper beaten, but Roisin Upton put it wide.

But the deadlock was finally broken when Emma Smyth won Railway’s ninth corner; it was reset for a 10th with Orr slotting a low drag flick into the corner of the goal.

Cork Harlequins upped the pace in the last quarter looking for an equaliser. Yvonne O'Byrne won Quins their first corner of the match in the 63rd minute but O'Flanagan dealt with the shot to secure the points.

Belfast Harlequins 1 (G Frazer) Loreto 5 (S Torrans 5)

Sarah Torrans produced an incredible five-goal salvo to see Loreto land victory at Deramore Park and ultimately condemned Belfast Harlequins to ninth place and the relegation playoff later this month.

The Irish underage international broke the deadlock in the second minute following a fine solo run down the right before neatly finishing in the bottom corner. She grabbed her second in the sixth minute when she turned in a Sarah Evans cross.

She completed her hat trick in just the eighth minute, finishing at the second attempt after another solo run. This eight minute spell effectively put paid to Harlequins chances of staying in the EYHL automatically.

The hosts finally found some sense of composure in the game thereafter. In the 30th minute Claire Weir had a shot deflected wide before Jenna Watt had a short corner taken off the line. A fine high shot by Lucy Geddes in the 35th minute was well saved and in the same minute Gemma Frazer sent another penalty corner wide.

Early in the second half, Frazer had another good shot saved and Harlequins had three further penalty corners that they were unable to convert. In the 48th minute, Torrans was again clinical in the circle during a Loreto counter attack for 4-0. Two minutes later Helen Stevenson made an outstanding save from Nikki Keegan.

Quins got on the board in the 61st minute from a corner converted by Frazer but Torrans completed an amazing haul of goals when she scored her and her team’s fifth goal following a Keegan assist.


Credit: Rowland White/PressEye

Irish Hockey Association media release

Irish Men's EY Hockey League Weekend Round Up



The men’s EY Hockey League will go down to the last day as Banbridge and Three Rock Rovers ended the weekend level on 42 points after 17 rounds of matches.

Bann concluded a tiring week with four points from the weekend, adding to a 3-0 win over Lisnagarvey in midweek. On Saturday, they edged out UCD 3-2 as goals from Eugene Magee and Dane Ward built a 2-0 first half lead before Jeremy Duncan inspired a student fightback.

But Bruce McCandless’s strike put them out of range. A day later, though, Bann were unable to find a winner down the closing stretch against Glenanne as they had to settle for a draw at the end of a tiring week, Olympians Eugene Magee and Shane O’Donoghue sharing the goals in a 1-1 result.

It meant that Three Rock’s 3-0 win at Cork C of I, their tenth success in a row, put them level with Bann on 42 points. Mitch Darling got them started before Conor Empey and James Walker sealed the points.

Banbridge face Railway on April 22nd with a six goal advantage over Rovers who play Instonians in their final match.

At the bottom, Instonians had their relegation confirmed due to a 10-0 loss to Lisnagarvey. UCD remain in the relegation playoff while Railway Union missed a chance to move closer to safety as they saw five players yellow carded in a 5-4 loss against Pembroke. Alan Sothern scored four times to extend his lead in the goalscoring charts.

Glenanne went safe by virtue of a Saturday win over Monkstown with Stu Ronan scoring in the closing minutes of a 2-1 win. Town bounced back on Sunday to beat Instonians 3-1 to move into the top four and in range of a Champions Trophy berth.

Elsewhere, Annadale won the five-team EY Provincial Playoffs series at the Merrion Fleet Arena with wins over Clontarf, YMCA, Belfast Harlequins and Cork Harlequins to progress to the second phase of the promotion series in a fortnight's time.

Men
EY Hockey League
Saturday: Cork C of I 0 Three Rock Rovers 3 (M Darling, C Empey, J Walker); Banbridge 3 (E Magee, D Ward, B McCandless) UCD 2 (J Duncan, A Meates); Glenanne 2 (E O'Malley, S Ronan) Monkstown 1 (D Carson); Instonians 0 Lisnagarvey 10 (A Williamson 2, R Arneill 2, M Robson, M McNellis, T Cockram, P Gleghorne, M Nelson, S Arbuthnot); Railway Union 4 (M English 2, K Springett, S McKeever) Pembroke 5 (A Sothern 4, W Brownlow)

Sunday: Banbridge 1 (E Magee) Glenanne 1 (S O’Donoghue); Monkstown 3 (D Carson, K Good, G Cole) Instonians 1 (J Corry)

Day 17 extended reports

Saturday

Cork C of I 0 Three Rock Rovers 3 (M Darling, C Empey, J Walker)

Three Rock Rovers came away from Cork with three goals and three points to keep the pressure on Banbridge at the top of the EY Hockey League, recording their 10th win in succession.

The first quarter took its time to get going with only a couple of half chances to report. For C of I, David Harvey and Alec Moffett made some impressive runs down the right but only one short corner was gained and it was put wide.

With the clock at 17 minutes and 20 seconds, Three Rock made a break down the left and Kevin Mullins’ cross found Mitch Darling free on the right post to tap in. Rovers turned up the pressure in the second quarter and both Luke Madeley and Jody Hosking forced good saves from Billy Lynch.

C of I made a few breaks but Three Rock’s defence of Ravin Nair, Garry Ringwood and Madeley were untroubled whereas, at the other end, Hosking in particular was a constant threat.

Three Rock kept up the pressure in the third quarter with Darling to the fore with Ross Canning, James Walker and Harry Morris all stretching the home defence.

Alex Burns and David Lynch made some relieving runs for C of I. but one short corner was their only reward. They continued to defend admirably with fine saving tackles by Richard Lynch and Richard Sweetnam but, in the 64th minute, Three Rock got their second corner of the match. Madeley’s drag was blocked down but Conor Empey was first to react and he hit an unstoppable shot into the C of I net.

Three minutes later, Darling stole the ball in midfield and sent a pass to Walker in the D who scored with another unstoppable blast.

Banbridge 3 (E Magee, D Ward, B McCandless) UCD 2 (J Duncan, A Meates)

Banbridge survived a late scare to continue their title push that was fired up in midweek by a 3-0 win over Lisnagarvey. For the most part they held sway against UCD but were never able to fully shake off their challenge.

Bann dominated the first quarter having taken the lead after 30 seconds through Eugene Magee who unleashed a thunderbolt into the roof of the net from the right of the circle. UCD defended deep and restricted Bann to just a couple of half chances.

Quarter two took on a similar appearance to the first with Bann dominating possession and territory. Again, they failed to create any openings of note in the UCD circle but did eventually extend their when Jamie Wright weaved his way past a couple of defenders to set up Dane Ward with an easy tap in.

After the big break, the students dominated the game in the third quarter with Jeremy Duncan prominent in all that was good in their play. The students scored midway through the quarter when Andrew Meates was able to force the ball past Gareth Lennox after the keeper had made a couple of good saves.

Bann opened the final quarter the stronger although they had to be mindful of the pace of the UCD counter-attacks. The home team extended their lead when Peter Brown's skill in the circle set up a diving Bruce McCandless to score.

UCD were not finished and ensured the Bann supporters had a nervy final couple of minutes when Duncan scored from close in. Bann managed to hold out to secure the three points vital for their league campaign.

Glenanne 2 (E O'Malley, S Ronan) Monkstown 1 (D Carson)

Stu Ronan’s late goal saw Glenanne get the best of Monkstown for the second time in the last three weeks to rubber-stamp their place in the EY Hockey Legaue for next season, denting Town’s playoff hopes.

On a very dry day in Tallaght, Town were missing a couple of their starters with Stephen Cole employed at centre back. The Glens were on top for first quarter without any clear chances for either team, the hosts one corner not stopped.

Monkstown came into more in the second quarter and it was more even but they fell behind from a free in the right corner. Stephen Brownlow passed it to Gary Shaw who turned, put it across the goal on a 45 angle towards the back post where Eddie O’Malley got an excellent reverse touch into the top corner.

Glenanne also had a two on one chance when O’Malley robbed Jason Lynch and played in Shaw who drew the last defender and squared back to O’Malley but he could not convert.

Monkstown produced a stronger third quarter while the Glens were dangerous on the counter but half chances brought no goals to keep it a 1-0. The visitors, though, did get back on terms with 10 minutes to go when the in-form Davy Carson got on the end of a goalmouth scramble ,forcing home from a yard.

But with two minutes to go, Glenanne scored on the counter when Sam O’Connor made a huge tackle on Carson on the edge of his own D. He played to Shane O’Donoghue who applied a quick one-two with Shaw, creating a three on one.

O’Donoghue passed to O’Malley on the left of the D and he first time slapped across to Ronan arriving at the back post for the winner.

Instonians 0 Lisnagarvey 10 (A Williamson 2, R Arneill 2, M Robson, M McNellis, T Cockram, P Gleghorne, M Nelson, S Arbuthnot)

Instonians’ relegation was confirmed with a harrowing 10-0 loss to Ulster rivals Lisnagarvey who powered into a 5-0 first quarter lead that meant this was never really a contest.

Michael Robson – back from injury – started the scoring in the second minute before a pair of Andy Williamson goals made it 3-0 by the 13th minute. Mark McNellis and Paul Gleghorne made it 5-0 at the first break before Matthew Nelson and Richard Arneill made it 7-0 at half-time.

Timmy Cockram, Stevie Arbuthnot and Arneill added further goals in the last 10 minutes to complete the rout for the Champions Trophy-bound Garvey.

Railway Union 4 (M English 2, K Springett, S McKeever) Pembroke 5 (A Sothern 4, W Brownlow)

Alan Sothern – the men’s EY Hockey League’s top scorer – scored four times in a Sandymount derby goal-fest of nine goals and eight cards, handing Pembroke their seventh win of the season.

There was a lot at stake for Railway as they seek an eightth place finish to avoid the relegation playoff and they started with intent, winning a corner which was cleared by Pembroke.

It was Pembroke, however, who got the early goals, Sothern scoring the first of 4 goals off Pembroke's first corner in the fourth minute with a high drag flick. Donal O'Mearain took an early green card for Railway and Pembroke went further ahead when Wesley Brownlow's shot went through a number of players in the circle and into the goal. Railway reduced the deficit from their second corner won by Rob Devlin with Kieran Springett putting away a drag flick.

Railway equalised early in the second quarter when Richie Forrest played a through ball to Mark English who cracked a shot into the goal past Mark Ingram. Pembroke were soon back in the lead when Alan Sothern scored his second goal from a corner, this time with a low drag.

The hosts were reduced to 10 players again when Adam O'Callaghan received a green card and Stephen O'Keeffe in the Railway goal was called upon to make a number of saves. Patrick Good of Pembroke saw yellow before half time and while Pembroke were down to 10, English scored the goal of the game with a cheeky lob over Mark Ingram to bring the scores level at 3-3 at half time.

Early in the 2nd half Simon McKeever put Railway 4-3 ahead for the first time against his former club when he deflected a ball past the keeper. But Railway were again reduced to 10 when Kenny Carroll saw yellow.

Then a miscued free out saw Jack Ryan latch on to the ball only to be upended by the Railway keeper. Sothern scored from the penalty spot to get his hat trick and bring the scores level once more. Railway were reduced to 9 for part of this quarter when first O'Callaghan and then Mattie Nowakowski both took yellow cards.

They played defensively for the remainder of the quarter Stephen O'Keefe in the Railway goal preventing further Pembroke scores. Into the closing stages, the green and yellows saw a corner shot taken off the line by Paudie Carley early in the last quarter.

Next to go for them was Mark English and O’Mearain became the fifth Railway player to see yellow in the closing quarter.

Both teams were looking for a winner but it was Pembroke who prevailed when Sothern again scored from a corner to put Pembroke 5-4 ahead with five minutes to go.

Railway took off their goal keeper and Pembroke were unable to take advantage despite having a number of corners and goal scoring chances with O'Callaghan making one spectacular diving save across the goal line.

Sunday

Banbridge 1 (E Magee) Glenanne 1 (S O’Donoghue)

Banbridge came from a goal down to grab a point that draws them level with Three Rock Rovers on 42 points going into the final round of the men’s EY Hockey League, setting up a pivotal last day of the season.

Shane O’Donoghue gave the visiting Glens – who secured their EYHL place a day earlier – the lead in the ninth minute. Peter Brown went close to levelling but saw his shot taken off the line while a couple of corners were exchanged before the end of the first quarter.

Bann pressed on in the second quarter but could not find the composure required to get back on terms as the visitors defended their narrow lead well. But seven minutes into the second half the Havelock Park side did get their leveller when Eugene Magee finished off following a turnover in midfield.

They went close to getting in front early in the final quarter when Stephen Brownlow saved brilliantly off the line before Glenanne made the final push for the win but honours were ultimately shared. Banbridge now look forward to their tie with Railway Union on April 22 with a six-goal advantage on goal difference over Three Rock Rovers who play Instonians.

Monkstown 3 (D Carson, K Good, G Cole) Instonians 1 (J Corry)

Monkstown moved back into the top four of the men’s EY Hockey League after a long absence as their 3-1 win over already relegated Instonians saw them move ahead of Cork C of I on goal difference with a game in hand.

Irish Hockey Association media release

Kenya Police march on in men’s league

By BRIAN YONGA


Oliver Echenje (left) of Kenya Police vies with Isaack Kamau of Greensharks during their Kenya Hockey Union Premier League match at City Park Stadium on April 9, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya Police on Sunday reclaimed top spot in the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League with a 1-0 win over Greensharks at City Park Stadium, Nairobi. Oliver Echenje deflected in Brain Saina’s 13th-minute shot for the only goal of the match.

The result sees Police move top with nine points after three wins out of three as they bid to reclaim the league title they won in 2013. Sharks had chances to get something from the match but paid the price for poor finishing.

Police stand-in coach Patrick Mugambi was delighted with the three points but lamented poor finishing. “Out short corners did not work today and we have to work on taking the chances we create in matches,” Mugambi said.

His Greensharks counterpart Ben Owaga was disappointed with the result calling for a response in their next match.

“We prepared well for this match but conceded an easily goal. We need to play hockey and avoid relying on fouls and set pieces.

The close affair saw Police only get two short corners but they were unable to make them count while Sharks did not get any in the game played in four quarters of 15 minutes each. Police settled well in the match with strikers Moses Cheplaiti and Calvins Kanu combining for the game’s first chance with Cheplaiti unable to finish.

Police continued to attack and they were rewarded with two minutes left remaining at the end of the opening quarter with Echenje getting a touch on Saina’s hard shot that fooled Sharks keeper Eli Asuwa.

Sharks improved in the second quarter and their best chance fell to Victor Osiche whose reverse shot sailed inches wide from goal.

The last two quarters were a cagey- affair with both defences on top. Police had two chances to extend their lead at the end but were unable to make them count. The match between Chase Sailors and Kenya College of Accountancy University, which was rained off on Saturday with 16 minutes left, ended goalless.

Earlier at the same venue, the University of Nairobi beat Karate Axiom 1-0 in men’s National League encounter.

Daily Nation

Parklands ready to rattle the big boys

By Elizabeth Mburugu

Newly crowned Nairobi Region boys' hockey champions Dr Ribeiro Parklands are ready for real battle during this year's secondary school national Term One games.

After years of failed attempts, Parklands finally got it right, beating Upper Hill 3-2 in the final.

With the regional trophy safely tacked in their cabinet, they are now eying the national gong. Parklands coach Eric Nyamweya said although they head into the championships as underdogs, they are determined to go all the way and win the national trophy.

"We worked very hard to earn our place at the national games and our eyes are now firmly fixed on the ultimate prize. We are all committed to this course and I believe my players have what it takes to lift the national crown," Nyamweya told Standard Sports.

Nyamweya added that all teams are potential winners, but singled out Western Region's Musingu and former national champions St Anthony's Kitale of Rift Valley as favourites.

Parklands will rely on the guidance and services of their impressive midfielder and captain Frankline Wahongo.

Wahongo has been instrumental in Parklands' campaign as he guided them to the regional title.

Mukamba Kabumba and Moses Muigai will lead their goal hunt, while Boniface Juma, Zachary Nguyo and Victor Opondo will guard their backline.

The Standard Online

Competitive day of Hockey at the U18 Club Cup Finals at Glasgow Green



The Semi Finals of the U18 Club Cup took place at Glasgow National Hockey centre on Sunday.

The first semi-final saw Clydesdale taking on Grange in an East v West battle. Grange got off the mark early with an open play goal by Stuart Thurlow. Grange extended their lead to two through Matthew Smith not long after with another open play goal. The game then settled until Ewan Mackie scored a brace from two Short Corners.

Clydesdale pulled back a goal with a penalty corner in the last minute of the first half, the goal scored by Euan Lindsay to end the half Clydesdale 1 Grange 4.

The second half saw a number of cards issued to Grange which hampered their scoring ability in the second half. Patrick Longmate scoring just after the break and Ross Lunns goal in the 37th minute ensuring Grange progress to the final.

In the other Semi Final match it was a Midland Derby with Perthshire taking on Grove Menzieshill. Grove Menzieshill drew first blood in the first minute through a snap shot by Cameron Golden. Perth replied instantly with Harris Wilkie getting in to great position to fire passed Grove Menzieshill Keeper. This set the tone for the match, being fast paced and end to end. Grove again took the lead while Perthshire had 2 off the pitch on suspensions. Jamie Golden taking a touch at the top of the D to wrong foot the keeper. The Half ended Grove Menzieshill leading.

Perth stormed back to a full complement five minutes into the second half and scored a Penalty corner goal through Matthew White Perth then took the lead seconds later with an open play goal by Jamie Johnston. It then took Grove 11 minutes to reply with a brace for Cameron Golden after a penalty corner. Normal time saw the score stay at 3-3 which meant running penalties to decide the finalist from the two.

Both teams stuttered missing both first attempts, Cameron Golden converted for Grove Menzieshill whilst Keeper Duncan fouled Perthshire’s John Steven, the resulting penalty stroke was not converted. The third attempt by both teams again unconverted, Alex Wilson stepped up for Perthshire and Keeper Duncan conceded a second penalty stroke, this time Perth converted to make it one a piece in the Penalty count.

Lewis McKenzie converted the deciding running Penalty, which meant Grove Menzieshill progressed to the final winning the running penalties by 2-1.

The 3rd and 4th place play off saw Perthshire taking on Clydesdale. Perthshire showed their intent from the off with a quick goal inside the first minute. By half time Perthshire had 5 goals all from different players. In the second half Perthshire continued to be the dominant side and increased their lead through John Stephen.  Ruaridh Fleming gained a brace to make in 7 nil with time left on the clock. In the end Perthshire claimed third spot with a 9 -0 score line.

The final game of the day, for the title, saw a familiar rivalry between Grange and Grove Menzieshill. Grove Menzieshill took the lead with a converted penalty corner by Cameron Golden. Grange responded with their own converted corner just 4 minutes later, Ritchie McCluskey claiming the goal. The game was competitive up and down the field with Grange striking once again from an open play goal by Ewan Mackie. The half time score settling at Grange 2 Grove Menzieshill 1.

Captain Cameron Golden spurred his team on in the second half as Grange found themselves a man short. An open play goal squared the game at two apiece.

The final charge came from Grove Menzieshill a ferocious shot from the left side of the D by captain Golden beating Keeper Miller. Time filtered out and the final score Grange 2 Grove Menzieshill 3 crowns Grove Menzieshill as Club Cup Champions at U18 age group.


Grove Menzieshill are U18 Club Champions

A fantastic display of hockey across the day. Congratulations to all involved.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

MJHL: UniKL do just enough

By Jugjet Singh

UNIVERSITI Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) did just enought to win three points when they edged Johor Juniors 2-1 in the only Division One match in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (JHL) yesterday.

The Big Boys in JHL BJSS Thunderbolts, SSTMI Thunderbolts and MSP Thunderbolts have yet to start their season as they have released players to compete in the ongoing Asian Schools tournament in India.

Yesterday, UniKL scored off Chairil Daniel Rusli in the 17th and 39th minutes, while the Johor goal was scored by Abinassh Singh in the 49th minute.

"We did just enough to win three points, and it is going to become harder after this as we will be playing against some of the established side in the JHL.

"I believe the players have the potential, but they still have some grey areas to improve if we want to finish among the top-four this season," said UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj.

UniKL have played three matches todate and won two while lost to PJCC Tigers 2-1.

Meanwhile, a Division Two Group C match was abandoned after the technical officials declared the Seremban II pitch unplayable.

"There was another tournament held at the pitch on Saturday and somehow a part of the pitch was torn and no longer safe to play on. The match will now be rescheduled," said JHL tournament director P. Kuganesan.

TBSS Tampin and Johor Baru HA were the affected teams.

Yesterday also saw the first red card of the season, when Datuk Taha player Izzuddin Rezuwan received it for rough play in the 56th minute.

RESULTS: Division One -- UniKL Young Guns 2 Johor Juniors 1.

Division Two: Group B -- MSSWPKL 3 MISCF-UFL 0, Terengganu Juniors 4MCKK 0, Felda Juniors 5 SSMS Resilient 6; Group C: TBSS Tampin v Johor Baru HA (match abandoned, pitch unplayable), Young Hurricanes 3 Datuk Taha 2, MBMB Warriors x Datuk Bentara Luar x.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Coach Arulselvaraj unhappy with UniKL despite win over Bentara Luar

by S. Ramaguru


That’s mine: UniKL’s Izzwan Ariff Nazarudin (right) vying for the ball with SMKD Bentara Luar’s Krishanraj Singh in the MJHL match at the KL Hockey Stadium yesterday. UniKL won 2-1. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) regained their winning ways in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL), but still incurred the wrath of coach A. Arulselvaraj.

The former national coach was unhappy with the way UniKL slogged to a 2-1 Division One win over SMKD Bentara Luar at the KL Hockey Stadium yesterday.

“This was a worse performance than the one we played on Friday (where UniKL lost 2-1 to MBPJ). There was totally no understanding and poor discipline in the execution of the game plan. We had a two-goal lead and that probably saved us,” said Arulselvaraj.

UniKL had three penalty corners and managed to convert two through skipper Mohamed Chairil Daniel Rusli in the 17th and 37th minutes.

Bentara Luar fought back to reduce the deficit in the 49th minute through a field goal by Mohamed Adib Azim Abd Shuk. The Johor-based side then made a late charge but UniKL held on for their second win in three matches. Arulsevaraj’s side have six points to lead the 10-team league.

Arulselvaraj also blasted his players for poor discipline.

“In Friday’s match, we had a yellow card and two green cards.

“For over 22 minutes, we had 10 players on the field.

“Today we had two yellow and a green. We played for 11 minutes with 10 men. We also had nine players at one stage and that was when Bentara Luar scored the goal.

“This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable. The players must realise that getting cards can lead to losing the advantage.

“We have a lot of work to do and I hope the players will realise all these shortcomings,” said Arul­selvaraj.

The Star of Malaysia

Malaysia to use Kiwi Test to finalise 18-man team


Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will finalise their 18-man hockey team for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after the two-match Test against New Zealand.

The Test matches will be held at the Tun Razak Stadium in Kuala Lumpur from April 23-24.

Besides Malaysia and New Zealand, the other countries in the six-nation Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from April 29-May 6 are defending champions Australia, India, Japan and England.

Said Malaysian Hockey Confe­deration (MHC) chief executive officer K. Logan Raj: “The coaches will use all the players during the Test and then choose the best 18.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand head coach Darren Smith has named seven Under-21 youngsters for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

The seven are David Brydon, Jonty Keaney, Sam Lane, Leo Mitai-Wells, Dominic Newman, Hayden Phillips and Mac Wilcox.

Hayden, 19, played in midfield for the Black Sticks at last year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics. He and George Muir, also a member of the Olympic side, are making a return to action from long-term injuries.

Among the notable absentees are Simon Child, Nick Haig, Brad Read and James Coughlan.

“We are short on experience, but I think this team is still competitive enough. We would have liked to bring a more experienced group, but unfortunately there are a lot of players unavailable or injured,” said Smith.

Defender Arun Panchia will captain the side.

The Star of Malaysia

India need to groom domestic hockey coaches, says Bovelander

RANCHI: Former Olympic champion and World Cup winner, Floris Jan Bovelander on Sunday heaped praise on national hockey coach Roelant Oltmans but said India should soon groom a domestic coach to replace the fellow Dutchman.

"I think (National men's team coach) Roelant Oltmans is doing a great job. In the end, we should not stay (for long). There should be some Indian coaches who develop as international coaches," he said during CInI Tata Trust grassroots hockey development programme.

He hailed Harendra Singh for guiding India to junior Hockey World Cup title last December and said India should now target a medal at the Olympics and World Cup.

"Harendra Singh (who guided India to Junior World Cup title) is the perfect example of understanding the modern way of hockey. He is good and can make India proud. You can be proud when a foreign coach makes the Indian team champion but an Indian coach would be even better," he said.

"Hopefully they will reach semifinals in 2018 (World Cup), they are really close to getting a serious medal. Of course they won the Asian Games and the Champions Trophy.

"But the need to win at the World Cup and the Olympics, That one really counts. Hopefully they will not beat Holland but they will beat the rest. Netherlands and India final would be a great match," he said.

Bovelander further said: "I was really impressed seeing some of the under-21 (World Cup) matches in Lucknow. I was impressed with some Indian players.

"In Europe, we get strict in discipline, in tactics. In India, the right mix will be discipline and chaotic life and unstructured hockey, where you see opportunity and (have a) go (at it). That mix can be the new hockey. Of course, you need some discipline. If you combine that with your opportunism, then India can rule world again," he added.

Giving example of the Belgium model, he said: "It takes a long time. Belgium, who played the Olympic final, took 15 years to set up structured hockey, talent scouting, lay a lot of pitches, hire foreign coaches and they developed.

"It will take 10-15 years. You have had your 10 years of investment and hopefully for you there will be some results, even better results than what we have seen."

Bovelander hailed the arrival of Hockey India League. "Narinder Batra has really changed the game in India with HIL, that's great benefit for hockey worldwide and also in India. You need icons, you need those heroes. A great boost for India," he said.

"But a lot of work needs to be done at grassroots level. This is Khunti if you see map of India and point out Khunti, you're doing a great job. There's a lot of positivity about hockey," said the Dutch, who runs an academy back home and now works here following a three-year MoU.

He became a key name in the development of hockey in India when the Netherlands signed a partnership of association a couple of years ago.

The Dutchman further stressed on the importance to develop women's hockey on the backdrop of India's historic Olympic qualification in Rio 2016. "They always talk about men's hockey but there's a great opportunity to become a good women team. It has always lagged behind," said Bovelander, who is in his seventh visit to Khunti, a small distinct headquarter where Tata Trusts are developing a hockey regional development centre.

"If you see boys have shoes, girls don't have; they have sheen pads, girls don't have. Maybe they are tougher than boys."

Praising the Indian women's team for Rio Olympics qualification, Bovelander said: "There's a big opportunity for Indian women team who made it to the Olympics. It's huge to reach there. Of course they may have become the worst team and some Indians look at it that way but the effort that they reached the Olympics was a big achievement.

"That's more cultural thing maybe parents do not allow. You have to cope this kind of cultural issues. If you're good, you have to make sure you are allowed. Maybe you can represent your state and country and make the family really proud."

Tata Trusts have adopted Khunti, East Singhbhum and West Singhbhum as they will work as a supplyline for the Tata Hockey Academy coming up in Jamshedpur in May this year.

Bovelander says hockey in India can regain its lost glory only if it has a proper youth development programme in place. "It makes me proud to be here in a small unknown place in Khunti. If we can do this in Khunti, we can do anywhere. Regional developmental centre is the way forward from there they can go to district, state or wherever," he said.

The Times of India

Rushna Khan becomes first female Pakistani hockey player to be signed by foreign club

Faizan Lakhani


Rushna Khan becomes first female Pakistani hockey player to be signed by foreign club

KARACHI: The current state of Pakistan hockey in general may present a dismal picture, but it seems that the country’s female hockey players are making the nation proud.

21-year-old Rushna Khan, the goal-keeper of Pakistan’s women hockey team, has become the country’s first female hockey player to be signed by a foreign club for a season.

Rushna has been signed by Sydney-based St George Randwick Hockey Club for a six-month season, which starts on April 15.

“I have been signed by the St. George Randwick Club for the season, and I will represent the club in various tournaments during the season,” said Rushna, who is also a graduate in Mass Communication from Kinnaird College of Lahore.

Rushna made her international debut for Pakistan in 2015 against India and since then she has represented Pakistan in six international matches.

Terming the contract with the Australian club a great learning opportunity, Rushna aims to transfer her experience to fellow players once she returns from Australia after completing her debut foreign club stint.

“This (opportunity of playing league in Australia) would help me excel in my game and I will pass down what I learned to my teammates and fellow players when I aSm back,” Rushna told Geo.Tv.

“Players need opportunities, education and experience along with exposure to international standards,” she added.

Rushna, who was also given the Pakistan Youth Icon award in 2015, is hopeful for more opportunities for female sportspersons in Pakistan and believes that female athletes of the country are equally talented.

Geo News

KDA to establish hockey team

KARACHI: After 25 years, the Karachi Development Authority is ready to enter in domestic sports competitions as DG Nasir Abbas has directed the sports department to form a hockey team in collaboration with Karachi Hockey Association (KHA), ‘The News’ has learnt.

The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting attended by Nasir, KHA chairman Gulfaraz Khan, KHA secretary Haider Hussain, and former Olympian Samiullah.

The KHA has persuaded some departments to play its role for the promotion of the national game, saying it needed support of government institutions.

This will create job opportunities for a number of players.

KDA has a golden past in the promotion of sports. It had strong teams of hockey and football.

Karachi has produced a number of Olympians and international players who mesmerised the hockey world through their majestic hockey display such as Abdul Waheed Khan, Islahuddin, Munawar-uz-Zaman, Hanif Khan, Hasan Sardar, Mansoor Ahmed, Kamran Ashraf, Safdar Abbas, and Sohail Abbas, who is the highest goal scorer in the history of field hockey with 348 goals.

But interest in hockey decreased when youngsters saw there were no job opportunities as a number of departmental teams had been closed.

The newly elected body of KHA, led by president Dr Junaid Ali Shah and secretary Haider, have been making efforts to get departmental teams restored.

Olympian Samiullah has applauded Nasir’s interest in the promotion of hockey. “His decision will be remembered whenever hockey’s revival will be discussed,” he said.

Samiullah said restoration of teams was necessary for the revival of hockey in the country. He said Karachi would once again produce talented hockey players as it did in the past.

Haider said that it has been decided that KDA would provide contractual jobs to 16 players and two officials.

He said that only those players would be entitled for selection of KDA team who have represented Karachi, Sindh or Pakistan at any level.  He said that details would be finalised in a final meeting with KDA high ups on April 11.

The News International