News for 07 September 2017
All the news for Thursday 7 September 2017
PHF to approach Batra to secure Pakistan participation in World Cup
KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officials will meet with the FIH President Narinder Batra in Dubai on September 10 to discuss participation of the Pakistan in next year's World Cup, to be held in India.
A PHF official said Brigadier (Retd) Khalid Khokar, the President and Secretary Shahbaz Ahmed wanted to get guarantee from the FIH chief, who also headed Hockey India until recently, that Pakistan players will be issued visas to travel to India for the mega event.
"The PHF President and Secretary are worried because of the way the Indian Consulate in Islamabad has refused visas to Pakistani sportsmen and women in recent times. Their concerns stem from the way the national hockey junior team was denied visas for the World Junior Cup last year in India," the official said.
He said Khokar and Shahbaz also wanted to meet with Batra to clear misunderstandings that linger on due to the 2014 Champions Trophy episode in India when Pakistani players went overboard in their celebrations after beating India in the semi-final.
Batra was in the forefront of criticising the PHF and sought an apology after that incident.
"After the Junior World Cup the PHF also got a shock when the organizers of a top tournament in Malaysia at the last moment dropped from Pakistan from the participants and the feeling was that Hockey India had played a role in this decision," he said.
Another official said that Khokar and Shahbaz wanted to make it clear to Batra that as FIH President he has to ensure Pakistan go to India for the world event even if political relations between Pakistan and India didn't improve by then.
He said that there would also be some discussions on the possibility of having a bilateral series with India in some Gulf country next year.
The Times of India
Rani excited about playing men's team in Belgium
s2h team
Now its the turn of women. Shortly after their male counterparts made their Europe Tour last month, an 18-member Indian Women’s Hockey Team has left India the other day for an Europe tour, first to Holland followed by Belgium. For a change, the team will engage Junior men's team in Belgium to obtain the elusive competitive edge. This part of the tour excite the whole team.
Captain and veteran Rani Ramphal is excited on the prospects of playing men in the tour.
“This is for the first time we play an international against national men’s junior team. Actually, we play a lot of practice matches against our Indian team's Junior men's side during our national amps. Therefore, the team looks forward to playing against the Belgium’s Junior National team, who are the Junior World Cup finalists. It will be challenging no doubt, but I am confident we will learn a lot from this exposure,” she said ahead of the team’s departure.
The team had a three-week national camp at SAI, Bengaluru. The team led by striker Rani Ramphal has in-form goalkeeper Savita as vice-Captain. The team will play four matches during their tour, the first and third of which will be against Women's Den Bosch on September 8 and 15 in Netherlands. They will also play two matches against the Belgium Junior Men’s team on September 11 and 18 in Antwerp, Belgium.
The Europe Tour will be a good experience ahead of the all-important Asia Cup next month in Japan where the team will look to win the title.
“The idea of playing the Men’s team was to toughen our team mentally and also the pace of the game will be much faster. The National Camp was good as we played two matches with the Men’s team here in Bengaluru every week and the girls have put in a lot of hard work in this camp. Asia Cup is important and in my opinion, at the moment the Indian team is the No.1 side in Asia and there’s no doubt that we will be gunning for the title. However, before that, we want to make sure our preparation is thorough and we have left no stones unturned. In this tour, we give some young girls the opportunity to show themselves in high level matches as it will create competition within the team. It will result in bringing up the level of the players, therefore I am looking forward to see them play,” stated Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne.
Stick2Hockey.com
Chile turn up the heat on top teams
Sarah Juggins
2017 Pan American Cup - Semi-Final - USA vs. Chile (Photo: Yan Huckendubler)
The fifth women’s Pan American Cup threw up a new player on the scene as Chile pulled off a shock defeat of the USA to set up a final with Argentina. This was the first time in the Cup’s history that the final was not contested by the two heavyweights of the PAHF hockey scene, Argentina and USA.
Chile, currently ranked 20th in the world, had sent a warning shot in the opening match of the tournament when they lost to Argentina (ranked number three in the world) by just a narrow 2-1 scoreline. They brushed past Uruguay 2-0 to set up a semi-final with USA, who had just returned from a gold medal-winning excursion to the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The semi-final match was a thriller from start to finish, with two goals in the last two minutes of play giving the berth in the final to Chile. The 4-3 match had the crowd on the edge of their seat as first USA took the lead, then Chile, then USA drew equal before Denise Krimerman put Chile ahead again. In the 59th minute of play Amanda Magian thought she had sent the match to shoot-out but Krimerman popped up a few seconds later to grab the winning goal and the glory. It was a performance that sealed her award as Player of the Tournament.
Talking to PAHF journalist Sarah Juggins a few weeks after that bittersweet time, Denise Krimerman reflects back on Chile's performance: “I think we came into the Pan American Cup on the back of a good tournament at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Johannesburg. It gave us a reason to believe in ourselves at the Copa América (Pan Am Cup).”
Chile had arrived in Johannesburg for their debut Hockey World League Semi-Final appearance as the lowest ranked team but had recorded a win over South Africa (WR: 13) in the pool games and a win over Poland (WR:18) in the classification round. They had also been far from outplayed in their other matches. Krimerman and her team mates had reason to feel confident.
“An incredible moment was the Pan Am Cup semi-final [against USA], when we were tied at 3-3 with just a minute to go,” said the striker. “We got together in the middle and said that there was a lot of time left so we had to go for another goal and that was how it turned out. Besides being a historic result for Chile, it was an outcome that the team needed after so much training.”
Chile won plaudits and fans for the way they had approached the HWL and the Pan Am Cup. They played innovative and attacking hockey, which both threw their opponents but also left some gaps in defence, which the more experienced teams were able to exploit. Krimerman says there was some frustration among the team that they didn't finish higher in the HWL as they had some very close matches, losing by just one goal. A higher placed finish would have left them close to a World Cup qualification spot. However, she is pleased with the way the team answered the coach’s call for a more ambitious style of play. “We broke structures and tried new things and, on the whole, they worked.”
By the time Chile were all set to face Argentina, a hint of fatigue had crept into the side. “We had played more matches at a higher standard than we are used to,” says Krimerman. “It is something we have learnt to do and we want to keep working at that level”.
“During the match, we started on a par but as the game went on they started to stand out individually at critical times.”
Krimerman is accurate in her description, for the first 40 minutes, Chile were able to hold the blue and white team at bay and continue to dare to dream, but when Julia Gomes opened the scoring from a penalty corner, the result suddenly seemed a forgone conclusion and Argentina prevailed 4-1.
Despite the loss, this was a historic silver medal at a major event. Over the past three years Chile’s rise has been little short of stratospheric and, at times, the hockey team seems to have been travelling a lone path. There is a trace of sadness in Krimerman’s voice as she says: “It has been a long journey and a lot of hard work. We believe that to take our place among the elite of hockey we have to become professional, even if in our country it is not. We dream of this world and we work very hard and pay close attention to every detail”.
“We know that if our efforts bear fruit and we get success, then it is contagious. We feel the joy of our countrymen and women and that is shown by the growing amount of support we now have when we play.”
Chile went to Spooky Nook as the fourth ranked team and defied the odds to bring a silver medal home. Krimerman says that the team never looked at the rankings or paid attention to the newspaper predictions. “We just set out to win every game. It is not enough to say you will give 100 per cent – everyone does that on the international stage – we had to demonstrate our best hockey in every game.”
For now the dream of a World Cup place is over for Chile. They came within touching distance of a fairytale ending only to find Las Leonas standing in their way. Krimerman and her teammates know there is a danger that a lack of international hockey in the near future will put a dent in the momentum and progress they have made.
“It's difficult, we do not have much to compete for now. By not qualifying [for the Women’s Hockey World Cup London 2018] we do not have much on the international front. We put in a lot of training that did not get the outcome we wanted in the HWL and Copa América.
“I think it is a challenge to keep growing and to get more achievements but it essential that we do so we can develop hockey in our country. I think the next few years are key to our continued growth.”
And the Chile players are not the only ones who would like to see Chile continue their march up the rankings and onto the international stage. Winning coach at the Pan Am Cup, Agustin Corradini was fulsome in his praise: “They are a nation that continues to grow. I hope they get a ticket to Tokyo because they deserve it and the Pan Am region needs more teams in the top rankings. I wish Chile all the best.”
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Pakistan hockey squad for Asia Cup to be named on Sept 20
ISLAMABAD: The national hockey team for participation in Asia Cup will be announced on September 20. According to a spokesman for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday, Asia Cup will start in Bangladesh from October 12. “Asia Cup will prove a great opportunity for our players to prepare for the next year’s World Cup.” he added.
The official said 18 players would be selected for Asia Cup. “Besides Pakistan, teams from Bangladesh, India, China, South Korea, Japan, Oman and Malaysia will be participating in the event.” Speaking about the Pakistan Whites to play a five-match series against Oman, he said the Pakistan Whites team would depart for Oman on Thursday (September 7) from Karachi to play the series. The five-match series will be played from September 9 to 15. He said the Pakistan Whites squad can also be termed as a development or Pakistan A squad who can prove as a backup for the national team. “We want to prepare and groom a pool of players who can become part of the national squad in future,” he said.
The Daily Times
Govers Warms Up For AHL With Double
Ben Somerford
Kookaburras forward Blake Govers has warmed up for this month’s Australian Hockey League (AHL) with two goals for YMCA on Wednesday in the WA Men’s Premier League.
Govers, who will represent the NSW Waratahs in the AHL which runs from September 28 – October 8 in Perth, scored on the stroke of half-time, before hitting the decisive goal on 65 minutes in a 4-3 semi-final win over Old Haleians at Perth Hockey Stadium.
The 21-year-old, who hails from Wollongong, scored both of his goals from penalty corners.
Kookaburras midfielder Eddie Ockenden, who’ll play for the Tasmania Tigers at the AHL, scored YMCA’s third goal.
Australia and WA forward Trent Mitton was on the scoresheet for Wasps as they defeated UWA in 4-3 in the semi-final, booking their spot in the grand final on September 16.
Several state leagues will hold finals matches over the weekend, as the AHL approaches.
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Hockey Australia media release
Rainey and Cookstown win Nigel Cheevers Memorial
Rainey captain Gemma Gregg lifts the Cheevers Tournament trophy. Rainey coach, Colin Barnes, and Cookstown chairman Michael Millar, right, are also pictured
Rainey HC and Cookstown HC were crowned champions at the 2017 Nigel Cheevers Memorial Tournament at Steelweld Park in Cookstown on Saturday.
In the Lowe Brother’s Butchers-sponsored Men’s tournament, Cookstown stormed to the title with big wins over Ulster Premier League contenders Portadown and Instonians.
In their first match against Portadown, Cookstown won 6-1 with the goals coming from Stuart Smyth with four and Greg Allen with a brace.
Those two players got on the scoreboard again in the second game against Instonians. Allen bagged a hat trick while Smyth smashed home twice. The scoring in the 8-2 victory was finished off by Michael Kerr (2) and Scott McCabe.
“Although the results were one sided, playing back to back games gave us a great workout ahead of our first EY game, away to Cork C of I,” said Cookstown captain Jon Ames.
“We are working with a few guys missing; Keith Black through injury and Jack Haycock representing NI at the UK School Games; and we must now add Godfrey Irwin to that list as he broke his thumb during Saturday’s first game.
“It was clear on Saturday that both Greggy and Stuarty have their eye in early this year, having scored or assisted in the majority of goals. Danny Kerr looked very comfortable as well, playing way ahead of his years, and Josh McCabe in goal has quickly found his feet in senior hockey.
“Many thanks to everyone who came up to cheer us on and also to Instonians and Portadown for making this such a worthwhile tournament. We wish them every success this season in their campaigns. Lastly, thanks to sponsor Lowe Bros. for their kind support of this occasion.”
In the Turco Engineering and Tyre Safety Centre-sponsored Ladies’ competition, hosts Cookstown took on near neighbours Rainey and Armagh. The two Mid-Ulster teams crossed swords in the first game with neither side being able to break the deadlock and the game ending in a goalless draw.
Hannah Haycock went closest for Cookstown while Gemma Gregg had a shot cleared off the line for Rainey.
Brian Simpson’s Cookstown then drew first blood with a 1-0 win over Armagh, coached by fellow Red, Ian Hughes. The defences again proved to be on top with another low scoring affair.
Armagh played Rainey in the final match with the Magherafelt team needing a win to be in with a chance of winning the tournament. Both defences held sway in the first half. The deadlock was eventually broken by Rainey with an Emma Currie strike following a brilliant pass from Carolyn Burns.
Armagh hit back almost immediately with Erin Mackey finishing a nice passing move. With minutes remaining, Rainey hit Armagh with speedy counterattack to leave Currie one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Currie held her nerve, rounding the keeper to score and give Rainey a 2-1 victory and the win in the tournament on goals scored.
“I am so pleased for the Rainey team that won the Cheevers Tournament,” said Rainey coach Richard McGaw. “I know the team thoroughly enjoyed the games and thanks to everyone at Cookstown for making them so welcome.”
The Hook
Muckross Magic celebrates 100 years of hockey
The Muckross first team from last season
The 2017/18 season marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Muckross as they invite the hockey community and beyond to celebrate their centenary in style.
Founded in 1917 by the past pupils of Muckross Park College, Muckross Hockey Club’s roll-of-honour is one of the most decorated in Irish club hockey with 29 Leinster League titles, 15 Irish Senior Cup triumphs, an unparalleled 29 Leinster Jacqui Potter Cup wins, and a bronze medal in European club competition.
A strong representation of Muckross Hockey Club players have achieved international and provincial successes: 37 international players in total, gaining more than 1000 caps with a record seven past players inducted into the IHA Hall of Fame.
The first Muckross member to achieve international status was May Foster in 1927 and now, in 2017, Nicci Daly represented Muckross Hockey Club in international competition with the women’s national squad; as well as seven players who have achieved international honours on underage squads.
Building on this legacy of success which stems from those who took the initiative to form the club 100 years ago, in more recent times the present generation of Muckross Hockey Club have made great strides towards once again becoming a force in Irish club hockey.
The club’s first team have been leading the charge by re-establishing themselves in Leinster Division One following a 16-year absence, and are now striving towards earning their place in the national hockey league.
The emphasis within Muckross Hockey Club continues to be on the development of players at every level.
Presently, Muckross Hockey Club has six senior squads competing across the Leinster league spectrum, catering for the elite to the beginner; a thriving junior section introducing girls to the sport and a lively Vets section that serves as a retirement home-away-from-home for players who just can’t stay away from the pitch.
Attaining 100 years of club hockey is a momentous achievement and the club are welcoming all to join them for a series of events to celebrate.
Dates of note:
SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER
Centenary Opening Event: Club Day Blitz & BBQ
Muckross Park Colloege,
SUNDAY 5TH NOVEMBER
Junior Club Centenary Tournament
Muckross Park College
SATURDAY 16TH DECEMBER
Christmas Cracker & Centerary Draw
The Bridge, Ballsbridge
SATURDAY 24TH MARCH
Muckross Centenary Club Dinner
The Pavillion, Leopardstown
** For further information, contact
Judy Cohen // This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Helen Buckley // buckleyh@go free.indigo.ie
The Hook
Top-ranked Maryland field hockey freshman Mayv Clune out for season with knee injury
By Scott Gelman
Maryland forward Mayv Clune, the best incoming freshman in the country according to Max Field Hockey, is out for the season due to a knee injury she suffered while playing with the Under-19 U.S. National Team, Maryland coach Missy Meharg said Wednesday.
Clune tore her PCL while playing with the U-19 team in the spring, a team spokesperson said.
A Quakertown, Pennsylvania, native, Clune scored 47 times as a senior at Moravian Academy and had 141 goals in her career, the most in program history.
In April, she traveled with the U-19 team to Germany, where she scored both of the team's goals in a 4-2 loss to Belgium. But the highly touted freshman wasn't at the Junior National Camp in June and hasn't appeared in any of Maryland's first three games. She will not play for the No. 11 Terps (1-2) this year, Meharg said.
"It is what it is," Meharg said. "You adapt and move on."
In addition to Clune's ailment, sophomore defenders Kelee Lepage and Emily Thomas have been plagued by injures, Meharg said.
Lepage is dealing with "shin issues," Meharg said, and is "not 100 percent yet, but she will be." Lepage appeared in every game last season and made 13 starts. She ended the year with four goals and a pair of assists.
Thomas "pulled her hamstring a bit", Meharg said. Last season, the Edgewater native suffered a knee injury and sat out as a redshirt.
The injuries and Maryland's youth have forced Meharg to use several different lineups this season.
"No excuses, we're ready to go," Meharg said. "We're just still getting to know each other."
The Diamondback