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News for 16 August 2017

All the news for Wednesday 16 August 2017


Kampong’s Harte relishing “an away tournament at home”


©: World Sport Pics

SV Kampong goalkeeper David Harte is looking forward to “an away tournament at home” for the SV Kampong player as the European Championships get underway for Ireland this weekend.

It continues his incredibly busy summer. He led the Green Machine to their first World Cup qualification since 1990 with success in Johannesburg. He was back in his tiny home village of Kinsale a couple of days later where he was preparing for his twin brother Conor’s wedding.

David was on best man duties, preparing speeches and “hammering signposts around Kinsale from the church to the afters venue!”

In between, he was driving up and down from the south coast to Dublin to take part in the Irish Athletes Commission, a group formed this year to represent sportsmen and women, lobbying government for improved conditions for the Irish team.

In that space, the two-time FIH Goalkeeper of the Year is the most recognisable face of the Green Machine and has become a figurehead for minority sports in Ireland.

“The most important thing for me is I am the only team sport represented on the Athletes Commission,” he told hockey.nl of the situation. “There’s a different dynamic that the group will bring to it with regard to funding tournaments. Outside soccer, Gaelic games and rugby, team sports aren’t really looked after very well looked after.

“The minister was one of the first to admit that. We are moving in the right direction. As a player, our athletes' welfare is something we have to look at and hopefully, we can have a positive influence on that.”

With those responsibilities taken care of, he is looking forward to the Europeans with an evolving set of team mates. In 2017 to date, 12 players have made their tournament debuts for Ireland and there could be a few more when the final squad is named due to a broken ankle bone for Eugene Magee and a broken collar bone for Jonny McKee.

“We still have guys battling hard with their employers for availability for some extra leave from an already busy 2017.”

At the Wagener Stadium, they will meet Germany in their first game before facing a Poland side they beat 5-1 in March in Belfast in World League Round 2. They close out their group with a battle to relish against England, a side they historically raise their game for.

Ireland have a good recent record against the English – and Great Britain – with a three-game unbeaten run in tournament-play, culminating in 2015’s memorable 4-2 win in the Euro bronze medal match in London after 2-2 draws in Boom in 2013 and at the 2016 Olympic qualifier in Brasschaat.

“Try find a sportsperson – outside of hockey as well – in Ireland that faces England in any game that doesn’t get excited!

“Over the last three, four, maybe five years, we have enjoyed facing the lads across the water. It’s a fair reflection that we have tried to emulate some of the things they have been doing in the past. In 2009, they won it the last time it was in Amsterdam and we want to try and match that!”

They arrive in Amsterdam in an upbeat frame of mind with World Cup qualification in the bag from the World League Semi-Finals in South Africa with their new generation bedding into elite hockey.

Ireland missed their first chance at qualification against Spain when they could only score one of 10 penalty corners but they bounced back with a gritty shoot-out win against France and then a first ever win over New Zealand to take the last automatic ticket to India 2018.

“We can take so many positives from Jo’burg with a huge learning curve from missing out on the direct qualification when we actually played our best hockey against Spain in the quarter-final, the best stats, and didn’t win.

“Then, the New Zealand game – and maybe the French game too – where we were, in certain areas, below par but came away with the win. It’s always a roller-coaster for the emotions in these tournaments.”

“Heading to the Euros, you can only take confidence from it, breaking that gap from 1990 to qualify for a World Cup. We will definitely be in good spirits and positive for the start of the Euros.”

Euro Hockey League media release



Canadian umpires Sacre, Klenk on the rise at Pan Am Cup

Ali Lee


Lelia Sacre (left) and Tyler Klenk (right) at the 2017 Pan American Cup. (Yan Huckendubler/PAHF)

As the 2017 Pan American Cup comes to a close, and Canada’s Men head home with a silver medal and Canada’s Women walk away with a solid 4th place finish, the focus shifts to who made this competition possible, in a new era of hockey.

From the game evolving to self-start passes, 3D skills, video referrals and new long corners, so has the progression of officiating. Now more than ever are the demands for quality, intuitive and fit umpires a necessity of one of the world’s most popular team sports.

Emerging from Canada are the talents of Saskatchewan’s Tyler Klenk and British Columbia’s Lelia Sacre, both of whom were appointed to the 2017 Pan American Cups in Lancaster, USA.

Both Klenk and Sacre are former high-level players, representing Canada at the Junior level, offering a unique perspective to their umpiring. Klenk and Sacre aspire to have their names ring amongst the prestigious list of Canadian international umpires including the likes of Sumesh Putra, Chris Wilson, Alan Waterman, Wendy Stewart, Janice McClintock and Margaret Lanning.

For Sacre, it was inevitable that hockey would be part of her life as her father, John, was a former national team player and coach, while her mother, Cindy, was a former collegiate player and coach, and now, umpire.

“Lelia exudes personality and management skills on the pitch and has a talent for turning coaching tips into quick improvements,” said Canadian Alan Waterman, who has umpired internationally for 17 years, including spending eight years on the FIH World Panel. “She is exactly the mouldable, young umpire the FIH is looking to develop.”

Klenk had high aspirations as a player but as his junior national team career came to an end, he decided to pursue umpiring and went on to achieve his international badge at the 2016 Junior Pan American Championships.

“In a word, unflappable,” added Waterman on Klenk. “Tyler has the amazing ability to make each new challenge look like he’s done it a hundred times before.  He’s a player’s umpire and it shows with the respect his is given in return, on and off the pitch.”

Klenk relocated from Victoria, where he attended and competed for the University of Victoria, to Vancouver to be closer to top-level hockey in Canada.

“As an umpire, I am constantly working on improving myself, regardless if it’s a local league game, or international match,” said Klenk humbly. “Things such as positioning, whistle tone and timing, and communication are things I am always working on.” Klenk went on to add, “but most importantly, I am always working on game management and finding different tools to manage the temperature of the game.”

Just as players make sacrifices to compete for their country, so do these young officials if they wish to achieve the ultimate goal of umpiring at an Olympic Games.

Sacre chose to move to England where she has the regular opportunity to umpire in the English Premier League. “In England I work with some of the best umpires and umpire managers but to also umpire some of the best players in the world,” said Sacre. “I have also had to make financial sacrifices. I went to the 2014 World Cup in Holland to watch and talk with the best umpires in the world as part of my personal development. In terms of tournaments I often have cover the majority of my flight and accommodation as well as take unpaid leaves from work.”

It’s not just financial stress that makes it difficult for these young Canadians to pursue their dreams, other life goals often take a backseat ride too.

“I had to extend graduating and getting my university degree by one semester to be able to attend the Junior Pan American Championships,” added Klenk. “I also have a lot of holiday-time sacrificed as most of my vacation time is not spent at the beach or camping but rather at the pitch umpiring as much as I can.”

Make no mistake, these umpires love and are committed to what they do and they have some great footsteps to follow and mentors to support them through that wave.

“Chris Wilson and Denise McGeachy are two people who have influenced my umpiring career to this point,” said Klenk about the two Victoria-based officials. “They have always pushed me to continue to pursue higher-level games and tournaments as I was developing. Also, Alan Waterman and Sumesh Putra take a lot of time out of their weekends to help umpire development and spread their knowledge.”

Sacre also referenced Waterman and Canadian Margaret Johnson as mentors as she achieved her international badge. Sacre’s international experience has also opened the door for support from the UK.

“Liz Pelling, Louise Knipe and Dawn Bonner from the UK have also been important in my development,” adds Sacre. “It is never easy moving to a new country knowing very few people, and these three have been so supportive both on and off the pitch.”

Sacre has been in the international circuit a bit longer than Klenk, having been appointed to the 2013 Pan American Cup in Mendoza, Argentina, as well as the 2016 Hawkes Bay Invitational in New Zealand and the 2017 World League Round 2 event in West Vancouver, Canada. Each event is an opportunity for Sacre to develop her skills.

“I am constantly working on improving myself, regardless if it’s a local league game, or international match,” said Sacre, who shares this common thread with Klenk. “Things such as positioning, whistle tone and timing, and communication are things I am always working on. But most importantly, I am always working on game management and finding different tools to manage the temperature of the game.”

While opportunities to officiate in Canada are scarce, these two emerging umpires have paved their own way to the international level. As they progress through the ranks to establish themselves through the Pan Americans, and later the world level, it would not be unlikely to see them as potentials for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

For now, they stick to their regime and attack each tournament game-by-game.

“For international matches I arrive at the pitch two hours before and get my mind in hockey mode and have a good stretch and pre-game chat with my colleague,” said Klenk about his usual match rituals. “I get a really comprehensive warm-up in and I have a good playlist usually with rock music like ACDC or Def Leppard.”

Sacre’s routine is simple and involves getting dressed in the same order with the same music, while her superstition is having a new pair of socks for international matches.

While their international careers appear to be just beginning, both Sacre and Klenk took time to reflect on their most memorable moments early on. Both agree umpiring on Canadian soil was at the top of the list, as Klenk had his first international in Toronto, while Sacre umpired at World League Round 2 in West Vancouver.

“They have both played at a high level and this gives them the edge over others,” adds Wendy Stewart, who earned her Golden Whistle of 100 internationals in 2014 and umpired at the 2012 London Olympics. “Their natural ability to connect with the players on and off the field also demonstrates the empathy and respect they have and are prepared to earn it (rather than demand). They have made many sacrifices to climb up the umpiring ranks and to keep ahead of the expectations and demands of modern day hockey. They are willing to take personal responsibility, putting in the hard work, but refreshingly, both remain humble and resourceful students of the game and taking time to give back to their respective hockey communities.”

The evidence of their early success is likely a sign of what is to come, while hopefully their story can be an inspiration and motivation to other aspiring Canadian officials.

Everyone starts somewhere but it doesn’t happen without the path set by those before you and the support of those around you.

Field Hockey Canada media release



Pure Hockey Gold: What it means to play for England


National anthem

The honour of representing your country is a great one and the opportunity to do this when Pure Hockey Gold lands in London marks a unique opportunity for our athletes to line-up for their country at a home World Cup.

With the Hockey Women’s World Cup being staged at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, belting out the national anthem along with a packed home support on Olympic Park right behind them will be a special feeling for both players and fans.

Details on how to secure your seat to witness Pure Hockey Gold in London next summer can be found here while you can pre-register for the public ballot here.

We asked our athletes exactly what it means to them to play for their country with members of the squad who have just reached and are on the brink of major cap milestones.

Defender Laura Unsworth recently reached 200 international caps at the World League Semi-Finals in South Africa and describes playing for her country as a ‘privilege’.

Unsworth said: “It’s an absolute privilege to play for your country and I don’t think that I ever thought I would reach 200 caps.  Every time you pull on the shirt to play for and represent your nation, it’s very special, and I have been very lucky to be able to do this and had an amazing time.”

Sophie Bray also reached a milestone in South Africa as she notched up her 100th international cap, she said: “For me it is a huge honour to have reached 100 international caps. Whether it’ your 1st, 8th, 50th, or 77th appearance, every cap you make for your country is extremely special and to reach 100 is something I am very proud of.”

Giselle Ansley is set to reach her century of caps in Amsterdam at the Rabo EuroHockey Championships and says that every single cap is an honour. Ansley said: “Pulling on the England shirt is something truly special, whether it is your very first cap, your 51th cap, whichever one it may be it is always an incredible feeling.”

England Hockey Board Media release



Pure Hockey Gold: Be the difference!


Crowd at Lee Valley

Hosting a home World Cup provides a number of home comforts and the squad are in little doubt that a vociferous home crowd next summer will be most important!

With packed stands, the prestige of the Hockey Women’s World Cup and fast and furious competition, Pure Hockey Gold is set to spark incredible home support at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Whether it's belting out the national anthem or rallying and supporting the team to victory home support is of paramount importance.

Maddie Hinch says there is nothing better than stepping onto the pitch at home with the stadium rocking, she said: “I have no doubt the stands will be packed to the roof, that environment and atmosphere will certainly spur us on in those moments when we need the crowd most and need to dig deep.

“It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s a one off test match or major tournament, every time you step on that field and get that roar it gives you goose bumps and there is nothing better.”

Sophie Bray is in no doubt of the impact a home crowd has on the team's performances: "To play in front of such a passionate home crowd that get behind you every play of the game is very special. You can hear them all and honestly it does lift us, they are an extra 10% in our performances!"

Hollie Webb added: "Packed stands and everyone so noisy, it's what we love and have lots of fond memories. It's always exciting  to know you've got the backing of everyone around you and I feel very lucky a home World Cup is in my career span."

England Hockey Board Media release



Clarendon crowned schoolgirls hockey champions

 
The Clarendon team who won the SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge at Woodridge on Saturday are, back from left, Cheryl Pope (coach), Courtney Coetzee, Sarah Milne, Kate Mandell, Gabby Dyer, Donna Greyling, Paige Jacoby, Lauren Tarr, Lynelle Coetzee (manager), SPAR Eastern Cape sponsorships and events manager Alan Stapleton and, front from left, Jayde Harty (vice-captain), Thando Mtalana, Bianca Wood, Claudelle McKay, Abby Pope and Kia Erasmus. Photo: Full Stop Communications

Clarendon High from East London, South Africa became the new SPAR Eastern Cape Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge champions when they defeated York High in the final at Woodridge just outside Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The match signalled the end of another exciting schoolgirls’ hockey competition, which SPAR Eastern Cape sponsorships and events manager Alan Stapleton said was here to stay.

The provincial finals involved five regional winners and, after the round-robin competition, the George side qualified to meet Clarendon in the final.

It was a close-run thing for York, however, because they only edged past Kingsridge 1-0 in their final round-robin match, which decided who would go through to play the East London girls.

In the final, Bianca Wood stood out for Clarendon, scoring all the goals in a 3-0 victory.

The East Londoners dominated early on in the 30-minute match and took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

York then showed fine spirit to put their opponents under pressure in the second half, but could not crack a solid Clarendon defence.

As they pushed forward in search of the equaliser, Clarendon were able to exploit some gaps at the back and Wood struck twice late in the game to put the result beyond doubt.

At the prize-giving ceremony, Stapleton congratulated all those who took part and thanked Woodridge, in particular, for their role in hosting the tournament after the devastation of the June fires.

In recognition of the school’s continued rise from the ashes, SPAR Eastern Cape contributed R100 for each goal scored during the day to Woodridge, which resulted in an overall donation of R3 500.

After attending a SPAR national meeting in Durban on Thursday, Stapleton said they were certain the Schoolgirls Challenge would continue to grow and that it had become an important event on the retailer’s calendar.

“The tournament fits in with everything SPAR talk about, especially from a family aspect, so thank you to all the family and friends for coming out and being part of it today,” he said.

“This tournament is also about providing an opportunity for different schools to play each other and to provide an experience where you can grow your players.

“We wanted friendship, camaraderie and competitiveness and we’ve had it all this year.”

He also thanked the coaches and umpires for their contribution.

“Your passion is outstanding and to the umpires, who sometimes take a bit of flak, you are very special and very important to the whole event.”

Clarendon coach Cheryl Pope said the SPAR EC Schoolgirls Challenge had now become a permanent part of their programme.

“It is a fantastic idea and a great competition, with everything done so positively,” she said. “And the nature of the format is that you are never home and dry.

“In fact, in East London we lost a game and had to fight back in the semis before going on to win the final.”

She added that there was a refreshing aspect to the event as they had previously never played teams such as Woodridge and York.

Clarendon captain Caitlin Rushton played in all their matches but was not available for the provincial finals due to other commitments.

The final positions were: 1 Clarendon, 2 York 3 Woodridge, 4 Kingsridge, 5 Kingswood.

Full Stop Communications media release



Hockey flair on show in Levuka

Matilda Simmons In Levuka


Xavier College Under 16 player Luisa Radinivuya looks for support during the Tucker Fiji Secondary schools hockey tournament at Nasau Park, Levuka yesterday. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU

THE 2017 Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey tournament saw a lot of flair and determination among players as they battled on a soggy Nasau Park in Levuka, yesterday.

The three-day competition has eight schools through to the semi-finals of the U19 and U16 boys and girls grades today.

In the U19 girls, Nadi Sangam SKM College struggled through wet conditions to fight their way to the top of their pool with Xavier College coming in second place. This would see Nadi Sangam going up against St John's College in the semi-finals while Xavier College will play St Joseph's Secondary School.

In the U19 boys, Suva Grammar School displayed a great game to book a semi-final against St John's College today while Natabua High School will meet Tilak High School.

The president of the Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey Association, Immanuel Prasad, said the matches in the U16 category were yet to be completed.

"Sangam SKM College Nadi is performing well. In the U16 Pool B, Xavier College was the outright winner.

"They still have one match to play, but even if they win, I think Levuka Public School will come out second in the pool stages."

Meanwhile, the U16 boys semis will have St John's College meeting Tilak High School and Levuka Public against St Thomas.

The competition continues today.

The Fiji Times



Rain fails to stop hockey lovers

Matilda Simmons In Levuka


St Thomas High School Under 16 player Ro Mereani Tarainavesi (on the ground) falls to the ground after a had hitting game against Nadi SKM College during the Tucker Fiji Secondary schools hockey tournament at Nasau Park, Levuka yesterday. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU

HEAVY and soggy ground conditions at Nasau Park in Levuka yesterday did little to dampen the spirits of secondary schools hockey players taking part in the Tuckers Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey U19 Westmere Trophy match.

President of the Fiji Secondary Schools Hockey Association Immanuel Prasad said schools were concerned for their players after heavy rain threatened to stop the game because of OHS issues

"I thought it was actually going to be dangerous. We were thinking of calling it off, but decided to let it go on. Fortunately, we did not have any injury. The kids on the ground performed well despite the weather."

This year's competition had national, international and Oceania referees umpiring at the event. Prasad said their presence helped the players settle down.

"The referees controlled the games well, so there were no injuries.

"I thank the Fiji Hockey Federation for helping us get the referees. Fiji Hockey has been very supportive including our sponsors Tuckers for enabling us to hold the event financially.

"The secondary schools hockey competition is usually held every three years in Levuka with a year in the West, and the other year in Suva."

The U19 boys team are competing for the Bhasin Cup while the U19 girls are competing for the Westmere Trophy. The U16 boys and girls grade will compete today for the Noel Gibson Trophy and the Melaia Sandy Cup respectively.

The Fiji Times



KGVI into hockey final

THE High School men’s hockey league defending champions KGVI has secured their grand final spot.


By CROFTON UTUKANA


Action in the hockey semi finals on Tuesday. [Photo: Crofton Utukana]

The defending champions booked their grand final spot following their impressive 5-1 victory over Don Bosco in the first quarterfinal match staged, Tuesday at the KGVI hockey ground in the Solomon Islands

Don Bosco started off their match on high note but failed to utilize their golden scoring opportunities.

 KGVI equipped with few national players with the likes of Enoch and John Wesley combined well and executed their game plan outstandingly.

Wesley was superb by firing lightning strikes whenever he gets the ball at any position.

About five minutes from the kick off time Wesley fired home a long range shot in the middle of the court and into the net to take the lead.

Two minutes later he extended their lead with another lightning strike from the same position.

Despite trailing behind, Don Bosco boys never give up and keep bombarding their opponents.

They then reduced the score line from a well executed team play that resulted in their opening goal.

Both teams went for the break with KGVI leading Don Bosco 2-1.

After receiving renewed energy from the half time, the monument of the game was extremely hot.

But it was Wesley again who fired another lightning strike for his hat trick.

Don Bosco boys did performed well and created a handful of chances in their second half but the finishing part was not working for them.

KGVI who came with their full supporters was full of joy when Wesley fired home another goal to further take the lead.

And just before full time it was Wesley again who fired home a close range shot and into the top corner of the net that left Don Bosco goal keeper speechless.

Wesley told Star Sports after the match, they deserve to win their match because of their hard work and good team combination.

“We deserve to win this match because we have been working very hard to defend our title as defending champions.

“I’d also like to thank my boys for the good team work.’’

He also thanked the Don Bosco boys for the good game.

“I think our opponents are doing their best unfortunately one have to win and one has to lose.

He encouraged his opponents to keep their heads up and prepare for next competition.

The Don Bosco boys accepted the defeat and are looking forward to meet the KGVI boys next time for a revenge match.

Meanwhile, the first semifinal of the women’s league played yesterday saw Koloale defeated KGVI girls 3-1.

The second semi finals for both gender is scheduled for this afternoon August 16.

St Joseph Tenaru girls will take on Don Bosco girls at 3pm followed by St Joseph’s boys and Vura boys at 3:30pm.

The Solomon Star



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