News for 30 October 2017
All the news for Monday 30 October 2017
2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals
Men
3rd/4th Place GHA v KEN 5 - 3
Final EGY v RSA 1 - 2
Final Standings
Men:
1. South Africa (Gold)
2. Egypt (Silver)
3. Ghana (Bronze)
4. Kenya
5. Nigeria
Women
3rd/4th Place KEN v NGR 3 - 3 (1 - 2 SO)
Final RSA v GHA 4 - 0
Women:
1. South Africa (Gold)
2. Ghana (Silver)
3. Nigeria (Bronze)
4. Kenya
5. Egypt
FIH Match Centre
South Africa complete double at Africa Cup of Nations
South Africa men and women won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, held at Ismailia in Egypt earlier today, defeating Egypt and Ghana respectively in the finals.
Whilst South Africa women had already qualified for next year's Hockey Women's World Cup in London via the Hockey World League Semi-Finals, their men's victory against Egypt guaranteed them qualification for the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 in India.
Both teams were undefeated throughout this event, with the women winning all their games and the men winning three and drawing against Egypt in the round-robin stages.
The women's final was a rematch of an earlier pool game against Ghana, which South Africa had won 3-0.
South Africa, who are currently ranked 13th in the FIH Hero World Rankings, played at their usual high tempo but it was not until the 19th minute that they broke down the resolute Ghana defence.
Illse Davids was able to make the most of a loose ball to put South Africa ahead. Lillian du Plessis hit the second South African goal from a penalty corner just before half-time to double her team's lead.
After the break, Tarryn Glasby added two more well-taken goals from open play. Although she didn’t score in the final, Dirkie Chamberlain, who has returned from a long lay-off through injury, was the top scorer with eight goals.
The result meant that South Africa women have won this event every time since 1994, winning seven titles in total.
Ghana (World Ranking 32) took silver, with Nigeria (WR: 62) taking the bronze medal after they defeated Kenya (WR:42) on shoot-out after the match finished 3-3 in regulation time. Goals from Beauty Irame and Eleho Ovo during the shoot-out meant Nigeria beat their higher ranked rivals.
The men’s final was a close-fought contest and Egypt will be disappointed that they are not heading to next year’s World Cup.
In an earlier encounter during the teams in this competition, Egypt (WR:19) had held South Africa (WR:15) to a 3-3 draw and had clear hopes of inflicting defeat upon their southern rivals second time around. For South Africa men, this is their eighth consecutive win at this event.
It started well for Egypt as Ahmed Elganaini put the home side ahead in the eighth minute but South Africa brought the scores back to level when Taine Paton swooped on the ball to slam it home in the 39th minute.
The game looked destined to be a shoot-out until Jethro Eustice drove home from a penalty corner with just two minutes left on the clock.
A frantic last 120 seconds saw Egypt throw all they had at South Africa but in the end the more experienced side prevailed and will be on their way to Bhubaneswar next year.
In the bronze medal match, two close rivals Ghana (WR: 36) and Kenya (WR: 37) played out an entertaining and high scoring match as Ghana eventually ran out as 5-3 winners.
Kenya took the lead through Constant Wakhura. This spurred Ghana into action and they scored the next five goals, with Francis Tettey, Elikem Akaba (2), Luke Damalie and Emmanual Ankomah all finding the net.
Kenya fought back through Festus Onyango and Kennedy Munialo but it was too little, too late.
Final Standings
Men:
1. South Africa (Gold)
2. Egypt (Silver)
3. Ghana (Bronze)
4. Kenya
5. Nigeria
Women:
1. South Africa (Gold)
2. Ghana (Silver)
3. Nigeria (Bronze)
4. Kenya
5. Egypt
FIH site
South Africa join World Cup contenders after retaining continental crown
South Africa men's hockey team overcame a tough challenge from host nation Egypt to win their eighth consecutive continental championship to qualify for the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 in India.
South Africa, ranked 15th in the world, and Egypt, who are four ranking places below them at 19th, had dominated the tournament at Ismailia in Egypt.
Both teams had won all their matches in the round robin, except their own 3-3 draw. Egypt had looked particularly sharp in front of goal as they put 13 past Nigeria in the opening game. But South Africa have a wealth of experience at international tournaments and they made this count as they eased past their continental challengers into the final, scoring 20 goals in total in their pool matches.
The final itself was a close contest, with Egypt taking the lead early in the match only to see South Africa claw back and then score with a tantalising two minutes left on the clock.
It all started well for Egypt as Ahmed Elganaini put the home side ahead in the eighth minute but South Africa brought the scores back to level when Taine Paton swooped on the ball to slam it home in the 39th minute.
The game looked destined to be a shoot-out until Jethro Eustice drove home from a penalty corner with just two minutes left on the clock. A frantic last 120 seconds saw Egypt throw all they had at South Africa but in the end the more experienced side prevailed and will be on their way to Bhubaneswar next year.
South Africa men have never finished higher than 10th and at the last edition – at the Hague in Netherlands in 2014 – they finished 11th.
Following the disappointment of not competing at the 2016 Olympics, Coach Sheldon Rostron and his squad will be looking for a good performance as they rejoin the elite at one of hockey's blue riband events.
For more information about the Africa Cup of Nations, visit the official event websites.
FIH site
Proteas African hockey champions twice over
Ockert de Villiers
South Africa celebrate after scoring against Ireland in the 2017 Hockey World League Women quarter finals in July. Photo: Aubrey Kgakatsi/BackpagePix
JOHANNESBURG - They may have left it late but the South African men made it eight out of eight consecutive titles at the African Hockey Cup of Nations to book their place for next year’s World Cup in India.
The Proteas managed to beat a spirited Egypt, claiming a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the hosts.
It was their eighth African title on the trot and sixth consecutive victory over the Egyptians in the final.
It was an historic day for Sheldon Rostron coaching both the men’s and women’s sides to African titles at the same tournament.
The men’s victory should be the most satisfying against the hosts that seemed to have made inroads into South Africa’s dominance on the continent.
Their pool match from earlier in the week ended in a stalemate, while Egypt beat South Africa earlier this year.
Egypt made a promising start when Ahmed Alganaini landed an early blow with a goal eight minutes into the match.
The home side managed to keep South Africa out in the first half, compounding fears that the Proteas may miss out on the World Cup.
Playing in his 99th match, Taine Paton instilled some hope when he equalised nine minutes after the restart striking the ball in the top right corner.
But his goal did little to calm the nerves as South Africa battled to plant the decisive blow.
As time ticked by it looked certain the match would go into extra-time.
Jethro Eustace turned doubt into jubilation as he dragged a penalty corner into the back of the box to secure the victory and a place at the World Cup.
It was mission accomplished for the women’s side as they claimed their seventh consecutive continental title beating Ghana 4-0 in the final.
With a place for next year’s World Cup in London already secured, the victory is expected to launch them up the rankings from 13th to 11th place on the global ladder.
The South African women managed to keep a clean sheet bowing out of the tournament with a total of 28 goals in five matches.
The giants of African Hockey found the breakthrough in the 19th minute courtesy of an Illse Davids field goal.
Lilian du Plessis added the second goal six minutes later.
Tarryn Glasby scored on either side of the half-time break for her brace to take the match away from the Ghanaians.
Goal-scoring machine Dirkie Chamberlain failed to get onto the scoresheet for the first time in the tournament.
Chamberlain was the leading goal scorer with eight goals to her name.
The Star
Kenyans’ horror show in Ismailia comes to a sorry end
By BRIAN YONGA
Kenyan hockey teams on Sunday ended their campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt on losing notes.
The women’s team lost 2-1 to Nigeria on post-match penalties as their male counterparts went down 5-3 to Ghana in the bronze medal matches as the week-long continental tourney came to a close at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium.
The result marked a dismal show for the Kenyan sides, which were looking for their maiden continental titles, as well as 2018 World Cup berths.
Both teams secured bronze at the last edition of the continental showpiece held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2015.
The women’s team took the pitch first a day after a labouring to a 1-0 win over the host in their final preliminary match. The match was decided on penalties after the sides settled for a 3-3 draw in normal time.
Beauty Irame and Eloho Ovo were successfully for the west Africans with Rhoda Kuria the sole Kenyan scorer in the shoot-outs.
Nigerian keeper Ineh Oghenekome saved from Audrey Omaido, skipper Lilian Aura, Yvonne Karanja and Pauline Naise.
Kenyan keeper Cynthia Onyango, who replaced second choice custodian Rachel Kerubo, saved penalties from Florence Uwoezi, and Alfa John.
Nigeria, who are ranked 62nd, 20 places below Kenya, avenged their 1-0 loss to Kenya in the round robin stage.
It was also the west African’s second bronze in the competition after their exploits in Accra, Ghana in 2009.
South Africa retained their title after a 4-0 win over Ghana in the final with both sides qualifying for next year’s World Cup in London.
It was horrific debut for Kenyan second choice keeper Allan Agesa as he conceded two goals within seconds of coming in as Kenya succumbed to the 1974 champions. Constant Wakhura had put Kenya ahead in the 17th minute after converting a penalty stroke.
Coach Meshack Senge replaced first choice keeper Linus Sang three minutes later but the move backfired as Ghana scored twice in a minute to turn the game. Three minutes later, Luke Damalie made it 3-1 before Akaba Elikem put them 4-1 on the half hour mark. Emmanuel Ankomah added the fifth goal for the Ghanaians before Festus Onyango and Kennedy Munialo scored consolation goals for Kenya.
South Africa edged out the hosts 2-1 to retain their title and also book their slot in the World Cup.
Daily Nation
Kenyans cornered in Egypt: Fourth-place finishes sum up local teams' disastrous continental outing
By Elizabeth Mburugu 
Orange Telkom Audrey Omaido(l) with the ball as Nigeria Kada Queens Edna Ememeruria blocks when they played Africa Cup Championship PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Men and women team fail to shine in 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
National men and women hockey teams lost their third-place playoff matches to finish fourth on the final day of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations at the Suez Canal Hockey Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
The Kenyan men lost 3-5 to Ghana while their women counterparts lost 1-2 in a penalty shootout to Nigeria after the duel ended in a 3-3 draw in regular time. This was Kenya’s worst performance in years.
Despite scoring first, the Kenyan men failed to hold onto their lead. This was Kenya’s second loss to the West Africans in this championships, having lost 3-0 in their opening match.
Kenya’s Constant Wakhura scored from the spot after Kenya were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute.
However, their lead was short-lived as Francis Tettey converted a short corner to equalise. Kenya’s trouble began with the substitution of first choice goalkeeper Linus Sang, who paved way for Allan Agesa in the 20th minute.
The Ghanaians never allowed Agesa time to settle and in one minute, he conceded two goals as Elikem Akaba doubled the scores moments later.
Akaba scored a brace while Luke Damalie and Emmanuel Ankomah scored one goal each. Festus Onyango and Kennedy Munialo netted for Kenya.
In the women’s contest, Nigeria beat Kenya once again when it mattered most thanks to their goalkeeper Ine Oghenekome, who saved four shots to gift her side a bronze medal.
In regular time, Florence Uwuoezi outwitted Kenyan defence to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. Four minutes later, Telkom’s Maureen Okumu restored parity for both sides as they headed for the break level.
United States International University of Africa’s Sandra Vodoti gave Kenya a 2-1 lead in the 39th minute but a lapse in the backline saw Eleho Ovo equalise one minute to the end of the third quarter.
Ovo’s goal rejuvenated the Nigerians who were seeking to avenge their 1-0 loss to the Kenyans in the preliminaries.
The West Africans intensified their hunt for another goal and their efforts came to fruition in the first minute of the final quarter through Benedicta Johnson’s goal.
Strathmore University's Yvonne converted a penalty corner in the 52nd minute to level matters 3-3.
Captain Lilian Aura, Audrey Omaido, Karanja and Pauline Naise missed their shots.
The Standard Online
Indian women qualify for WC
Uthra Ganesan
The Indian women’s hockey team qualified for the 2018 World Cup after South Africa won the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
The Indian team is currently in Japan for the Asia Cup and while a title here will give it bigger bragging rights, the pressure to win has now been lifted. India finished eighth at the Hockey World League Semifinals in Johannesburg earlier this year and its qualification, to be held in London, was dependent on the other continental events going its way.
“Yes we are happy but I had already told them that there was 99% chance of us qualifying since there is hardly any challenge for South Africa at continental level. But we do not want to just make up the numbers at the World Cup.
“Also, a lot of people said India went to Olympics because of other results going its way. If we win the Asia Cup, we will be going as continental champions and deserving of a spot among the best 16 in the world,” coach Harendra Singh told The Hindu from Kakamigahara.
The Hindu
Rain plays spoil sport on day 2
K. Arumugam
Heavy rains as a result of recent typhoon played spoil sport, as Malaysia-Singpaore match had to be abandoned after three quarters on Day 2 of ninth Asia Cup for women. Malaysia led their SEA Games rival Singapore 7-0 at that time. Even the third quarter was completed with lot of difficulty due to heavy turf
Only two matches were scheduled for Day 2. India and China teams have landed the Kawasaki Stadium, which is am hours drive from Hotel Miyako, where these two teams are staying, only to get drenched in their exit from the Gates.
It is understood that the Miyako is the costliest place of stay in this part of Gifu Prefecture. Most other teams therefore preferred to stay in other hotels suiting their budget.
All technical officials, umpires and AHF officials in good numbers (?) are in Miyako.
Even the first day saw continuous drizzling.
All the four matches were held amidst 10-15 degree centigrade temperature and amidst mild downpour.
Hockey teams from two schools were the spectators here, and walked out disappointingly after a quarter was washed out.
Japan coach Siegried Aikman was telling them the nuances of the game in Japanese.
Yesterday, the 9th Asia Cup got off to a sensational start. Malaysia led China 4-3 till 57th minute.
However, China did not give up. Meng Yuan in the 57h and Meiyu Liang in the 60th slotted a goal apiece to walk away with a sensational win.
India posted somewhat a lethargic win over Singapore (10-0), despite wasting chances and penalty corners.
India posted 16-0 and 13-0 in the last two Asia Cups against the same rivals.
South Korea whipped Thailand for a 8-0 win in the third match. Seunga Park struck a hattrick, all field efforts.
The much awaited match of the day of course went to the last of outings.
The hosts, who are also defending Champions, posted a smooth looking but laborious victory over Thailand (7-0)
Incidentally, except Malaysia-China, the losing teams did not score even a token goal, and even appeared striking one.
That is how the Ninth Edition of Asia Cup got off before stumbling at rain block on Day 2.
Indications are that the rains will ease out by tomorrow noon.
Tomorrow will see the remaining one quarter of Malaysia-Singpaore match, followed by India-China (14.30 hrs local time). Other two matches as scheduled will follow in the evening.
Thailand Vs Kazakhstan and Japan Vs Korea.
Stick2Hockey.com
Malaysia in big lead when rain stops play
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia were leading 7-0 against Singapore at the women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament when the match was abandoned due to inclement weather in Japan.
It started to rain heavily before the fourth and final quarter of the Group A match was about to start at the Gifu Hockey Stadium in Kakamigahara yesterday. The pitch was unplayable and the organisers decided to stage the remaining 15 minutes at 11.30am today.
The second Group A match between India and China was also postponed to today.
Nuraslinda Said scored a brace for Malaysia in the 19th and 33rd minutes yesterday. Fatin Shafika Sukri (13th), Surizan Awang Noh (15th), Hanis Nadia Onn (25th), Nuraini Abdul Rashid (28th) and Norbaini Hashim (36th) contributed the other goals.
In the opening match on Saturday, Malaysia were beaten 5-4 by top-ranked China while Singapore were outplayed 10-0 by India.
Said national coach K. Dharmaraj: “I hope for better weather conditions tomorrow. I want our players to go all out to score as many goals as possible in the remaining 15 minutes. We need to win with a big margin as goal difference will be crucial. Our target is to finish fourth in the tournament.”
The Star of Malaysia
Its women hockey, things are different for Harendra
K. Arumugam
For a personality whose associate with women’s hockey is a new experience. And needs a lot of adjustments. Ask Harendra Singh, the new women’s coach. The gift of the gab coach will let you know much. Foremost is how to manage technical bench and convey message to players on the turf during match.
Its not vociferous shrills, bouncing on the bench, throwing stick, taking players to verbal task. No No. These can happen in men’s, but not in women’s.
For an international player turned coach Harendra Singh, who has come through hustle and bustle of Indian domestic hockey, and wholly tuned to his hockey career with Men’s till now, the change to women’s side is sudden, but he has seemed to have grabbed the nuances like a fish would to water.
“Yes. I would have shouted whenever I spot a mistake by a player on the turf. I would have engated the technical table with argument or dissent when umpires delivers a decision which is incorrect to me. Its part of any coach’s behaviour. But I controlled much of them. Because its women’s hockey. The things go here smooth way, and softly.
India played Singapore yesterday at the Kawasaki Stadium in Kakamigahara, a deep suburb of Gifu Prefecture. One can easily see a calm and quiet Harendra on the bench. Not the kind of Harendra Singh we in India used to see him during, say, Lucknow Junior World Cup or Hockey India League. He used to firebrand whether on reacting to usual umpiring malfeasances or towards his own players when they needlessly hold the ball, spoil a move and not play to pattern.
Harendra Singh was a different person on Saturday at Kawasaki turf. His usual smiles increased, celebrations subdued, just a chhalta hai gesture on a unlikeable umpiring decision or when his players missed out on penalty corners which was in numbers the other day.
There were many occasions Rani led Indian attack would have slotted more goals. Singapore offered no real resistance inside the circle. Still, goals were slow and loathe to come by.
“I felt at times the girls in the striking circle are too generous”, as he continues to explain as below:
“We created more chances. But utilized only 40-45 percent of them. Players were seen passing the ball to others selflessly though sometimes I felt she could have struck on her own. Here lies the thing I want by the way. Selfless passing, and the deep embedded team spirit. The girls do a thing that is in the interest of the team, not individuals. This is positive. At the same time I know you won’t get that much space against better teams in the fray here like Korea or China”
The team spirit is there. I need to build on this. I am for sure know the verbal, direct approach wont do here, but making the players understand in a soft and repeated ways. This will only work with girls. Harendra has grasped the details between men’s and women’s hockey, and is all set to deliver on a new frontier.
The signs are here
Stick2Hockey.com
Australia Wins Back-To-Back Sultan Of Johor Cup Titles
Ben Somerford
Australia have claimed back-to-back Sultan of Johor Cup titles with a 2-0 victory over Great Britain in Monday morning’s (AEDT) gold medal match at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Goals early in both halves from Joel Rintala and Nathan Ephraums were the difference as Burras claimed their second title in the seventh edition of the tournament.
Australia had lost 4-2 to Great Britain on Wednesday but reversed the result when it mattered most.
Rintala opened the scoring from a penalty corner after only four minutes to set the tone.
The match was locked at 1-0 until Ephraums doubled the Burras’ advantage in the 35th minute.
Australia won five out of six matches at the week-long Sultan of Johor Cup.
Hockey Australia media release
Silver for GB U21s as they lose tense Sultan of Johor final
Great Britain U21 men will return from Malaysia with a silver medal after losing to Australia 2-0 in a tense Sultan of Johor Cup final. Scotland’s Cameron Golden and Callum MacKenzie have put in excellent performances throughout the tournament, contributing several goals, and bring a well-earned silver medal home for their efforts.
GB started the game having won each of their group fixtures but came up against a side looking for revenge after losing 4-2 to GB on Wednesday.
Goals from Joel Rental and Nathan Ephraums were enough to secure the win for Australia and ensure they became only the second side to win consecutive Sultan of Johor Cups after India did it between 2013-2014.
GB pressed hard in the second half of the game but could not force a shot on the Australian goal and had to settle for a second silver medal, having also finished runners-up in 2014.
Having been blasted by their coach following the group stage loss to Britain, The Burras started the game strongly and forced the first penalty corner of the game in the fourth minute.
They entered the final with the best corner conversion rate in the tournament and proved why as Rintala slammed the ball past a helpless Chris Wyver to give his side an early lead.
The rest of the first quarter was largely uneventful as Jon Bleby’s team started to grow into the game before Wyver was forced into a good save from another penalty corner at the start of the second period.
Wyver then produced an even better save shortly after to keep out Andrew Scanlon as Australia tried to make the most of having an extra man following a yellow card for Eddie Way.
But it was the Brits who came closest to scoring next as they broke up the other end of the field, with Callum Mackenzie’s superb deflection finding Cameron Golden in the circle but he his pass was deflected behind off an Australian stick.
Australia then doubled their lead five minutes after half-time as Ephraums superbly turned away from Alex Blumfield before slotting the ball past Wyver for his ninth goal of the tournament.
After that Great Britain enjoyed much of the possession their lead but struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances, seeing their only penalty corner of the game well blocked by Koby Green with just over a minute to go as Australia held on to win.
There was some consolation for Great Britain though as captain Jack Waller, top scorer Duncan Scott and Wyver were all named in the ‘Team of the Tournament, while the latter was also named the ‘Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ having conceded just six goals in six games.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Australia retain SOJ crown, Malaysia finish fourth
By Mohd Farhaan Shah
Don’t crush me: Malaysia’s Aiman Nik Rosemi losing his balance after colliding with India’s Mandeep Mor during the third-placing playoff in the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Baru yesterday. — Bernama
JOHOR BARU: Australia easily retained the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJ) hockey title after beating Britain 2-0 in the final.
It took the Australians only five minutes at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium to open the scoring through a field goal by Joel Rintala.
Nathan Ephraums then doubled Australia’s advantage in the 35th minute.
It was sweet revenge for Australia as they were beaten 4-2 by Britain in the six-team group stage.
In the third placing playoff, Junior World Cup champions India outclassed Malaysia 4-0.
Captain Vivek Prasad gave India the lead in the 11th minute and Vishal Antil made it 2-0 in the 15th minute.
Shilanand Lakra was on target in the 21st minute. Vishal then put his name on the score sheet again in the 25th minute.
National junior head coach Wallace Tan said the two early goals made it difficult for Malaysia to make a comeback.
“We tried to fight back in the second half, but missed a number of chances,” said Wallace.
Meanwhile, Japan thrashed debutants the United States 11-0 to finish fifth. The Americans set two dubious records — conceding 95 goals and failing to score even once.
The Star of Malaysia
Indian Junior team win Bronze
Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Defending champions India had to be contend with a consolation bronze in the 7th Sultan of Johor Cup which came to an end on Sunday. India however, frustrated the hosts Malaysia when it struck four unanswered goal for its Bronze. Soon after the match chief coach Jude Felix flew back to Bangalore, his hometown to see his critically ill mother.
Goals for India came from Vishal Antil (15’, 25’), Vivek Prasad (11’) and Shilanand Lakra (21’).
India had earlier finished third in the points table with 9 points after winning three and losing two of the round robin matches.
The team started the match on a bright note as they attacked the Malaysian defense in the initial stages of the first quarter.In the 11th minute captain Vivek Prasad scored when Maninder Singh provided him with the assist from the right flank.
India extended their lead four minutes later when a precise long pass from Dilpreet Singh was picked up by Shilanand Lakra inside the circle, and the forward made a turn and passed the ball to Vishal Antil who then scored to make it 2-0 in India’ favour at the end of first quarter.
The second quarter had a similar story with a third goal from Shilanand Lakra, who tapped in a pass by captain Vivek Prasad in the 21st minute.
India struck again in the 25th minute when Dilpreet Singh got his second assist of the match as he found Vishal Antil inside the circle with a calculated through ball, which was put into the back of the net by the latter to give their team an impressive 4-0 lead going into half-time.
Malaysia had to step up in the last two quarters if they were to make a comeback into the match, but India’s defence was resolute and did not allow the hosts to get a route back into the match.
India’s goalkeeper Senthamizh Shankar was in fine form as he made several saves to deny the Malaysians.
The match ended with a 4-0 win in favour of Indian junior team.
tick2Hockey.com
Colts win bronze medal
Vishal Antil celebrates after scoring a goal against Malaysia. HI
The Indian junior men’s hockey team thrashed hosts Malaysia 4-0 to claim the bronze medal at the 7th Sultan of Johor Cup here today.
Vishal Antil (15th and 25th minutes) scored a brace, while Vivek Prasad (11th) and Shilanand Lakra (21st) got one each.
India put aside the disappointment of failing to qualify for the final as they came out attacking from the start. Captain Prasad scored the opener, deflecting in Maninder Singh’s cross from the right flank.
India extended their lead four minutes later when Dilpreet Singh picked out Lakra with a long diagonal pass inside the circle. Lakra couldn’t make a clean stop but did well to hold the ball despite pressure from two defenders, before passing it to Antil who scored with a cool finish. India continued to press forward and were rewarded when a fast counterattack resulted in Lakra deflecting in Prasad’s pass.
India’s top-scorer Dilpreet couldn’t find his scoring touch but created another goal. He got the ball at the centreline in the left field. Despite his back to the opposition’s goal, the 18-year-old swivelled around one Malaysian player, dodged past another before finding a reverse-stick pass to Antil at the top of the circle. Antil smashed the ball into the net.
Australia defend title
Australia emulated India as they became only the second team to win back-to-back titles after beating Great Britain 2-0 in the final. Australia avenged their pool-stage loss to Britain. They were the more dominant side today, nullifying Britain, who had come into the final unbeaten.
Joel Rintala scored the opener from a penalty corner before Nathan Ephraums doubled Australia’s lead just after the halftime. Ephraums took his tally to nine goals, finishing as the tournament’s top-scorer, alongside Dilpreet.
The Tribune
U-21 USMNT Gains Valuable Experience Competing Internationally at Sultan of Johor Cup
JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia - As the forecast predicted thunder and rain all afternoon, the 5th/6th place match between the U.S. U-21 Men's National Team and Japan was delayed due to safety reasons. Athletes were restricted to their respectively locker rooms where they anxiously had to wait to be able to step on the turf. The all clear was granted by the FIH officials and after a a hurried warm-up, the game started. Coming off the delay, the young USA squad was not ready to play mentally allowing a very quick Japan team to get on the board early and often as the score line finished in favor of Japan 11-0.
After the first few quick goals, the U-21 USMNT settled down once they realized they were in a familiar battle. The legs on both teams were tired with the quick turn around fro the day before. Team USA struggled to reach to the fast Japan counter attacks, but despite the adversity, the defense started to kick into gear in the second quarter as USA's marking got tighter and they slowed down the Japan's attack. Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.) earned USA's Player of the Week, as a true work horse for USA, with a bright future ahead of him. Constant running and pressuring in one-sided games is not easy, but DeAngelis played hard all week until the last whistle.
USA Field Hockey understands where the future lies with the men's teams and it starts with developing the junior program. Rutger Wiese with Brian Schledorn, with the support from USA Field Hockey, are committed to continuing the proper coaching and developing of the Junior U.S. Men's National Teams. The U-21 USMNT will return home no longer naive about where they fit into the international program. They showed all week, they too are committed to improving and sharing their experience with others as they as they gained valuable experience competing against highly ranked competition.
Continue to follow usafieldhockey.com for all things related to field hockey in the United States.
Goal Scoring Summary:
Team Minute Player Action Score
JPN 2 #16 Kato FG 0 - 1
JPN 7 #16 Kato FH 0 - 2
JPN 10 #12 Morishita FG 0 - 3
JPN 13 #23 Kamezaki FG 0 - 4
JPN 14 #25 Sugiyama PS 0 - 5
JPN 25 #16 Kato FG 0 - 6
JPN 37 #11 Watanbe PC 0 - 7
JPN 42 #21 Chiba PC 0 - 8
JPN 44 #25 Sugiyama FG 0 - 9
JPN 45 #25 Sugiyama FG 0 - 10
JPN 55 #16 Kato FG 0 - 11
USFHA media release
Western Railways defend title
Western Railways pose with the trophy in Jalandhar on Sunday. Tribune photo: Malkiat Singh
Jalandhar: Western Railways defended their title after defeating Rail Coach Factory 2-1 in the women’s final of the 34th Surjit Hockey Tournament here today.
Sarita scored the opener for Western Railways in the 16th minute. RCF hit back two minutes later, Lalruatfeli converting a penalty corner. In the 40th minute, Preeti Dubey scored and Western Railways held their lead till the end. The winning team bagged Rs 1 lakh and the runners-up bagged Rs 75,000.
In the men’s section, Punjab & Sind Bank will take on ONGC, while Punjab Police will face Indian Oil in the semifinals tomorrow.
The Tribune
Ducks and Leo tie to leave six times in close contention in Belgium
©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics
Waterloo Ducks and Royal Leopold’s 2-2 draw means that you can throw a four-point blanket over the top six in the Belgian Audi Hockey League following the eighth round of matches.
Renaud Pangrazio opened the scoring from a John-John Dohmen assist before Leo equalised via Tanguy Zimmer. Victor Charlet’s corner made it 2-1 in the 12 minute but Kane Russell levelled at 2-2 before half-time.
Reflecting on the game, Leo coach Robin Geens was happy enough with a draw: "Given the face of the game, I think we can be very satisfied with this point. The Watducks had two goals canceled out, rightly or wrongly.
For the Ducks’ Gauthier Boccard, he was frustrated with his side’s discipline: “At 11 against 11, we have, each time, dominated the exchanges but we still played nearly 17 minutes with ten.
“They were the only moments of the game when Leo were really dangerous. We had great opportunities but Romain Henet made three great saves."
The Ducks remain in first place on 19 points, two ahead of Leo and one clear of La Gantoise, the season’s surprise package who beat Herakles 5-1.
Racing Club de Bruxelles won at Braxgata with goals from Tom Boon, Tommy Willems and Cedric Charlier with a 3-1 success. Dragons sit in fourth, level on points with Dragons who beat Leuven 4-1.
Royal Orée complete the top six thanks to their 5-4 win over Daring, putting daylight between them and Herakles in the lower half of the table.
Euro Hockey League media release
Mannheimer close the gap on Rot-Weiss as first half of German league closes
©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics
Mannheimer HC recorded two strong wins over the weekend to close the gap to Rot-Weiss Köln to two points as the German league begins its winter break.
On Saturday, Mannheim beat Nuremburg 4-1 with goals from Gonzalo Peillat, Guido Barreiros, Jan Philipp Fischer and Paul Zmyslony. A day later, they beat Munich SC 3-0 with a double strike just after half-time the key moment.
Lucas Vila scored after a really nice combination, blocking the ball in at the far post in the 24th minute. After the break, Mannheim were much the better team.
Peillat converted a penalty corner in the 38th minute and, just two minutes later, Zmyslony made it 3-0 with a good shot.
MHC coach Matthias Becher said his team was a deserved winner: "We were the better team today and had many more circule entries. We could even afford the luxury of perhaps out on another couple of goals."
Leaders Rot-Weiss dropped two points on Saturday against Dusseldorfer HC but it might have been worse had they not come back from 3-0 down with just seven minutes to go.
Coach André Henning took off his goalkeeper for the last 10 minutes and it paid dividends with Marco Miltkau getting one back on his backhand before Christopher Rühr and Mats Grambusch for corner goals.
They followed up with a 3-1 win over Crefelder HC with Rühr scoring twice and Miltkau completing the win in the final minute.
"That was a close and competitive game with little quality from our side," admitted Köln coach Henning. "The boys did this today with the last drop of fuel in the tank and somehow muddled through. Overall, it’s 25 out of 30 possible points from a great first round. Of course, we are very satisfied."
The league will return in the last days of March with Rot-Weiss facing third place Uhlenhorst Mülheim a week before the EHL KO16 which both clubs will play in.
Euro Hockey League media release
Wimbledon finally record first win of English league
©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics
Wimbledon secured their first league win of the season with a 4-3 victory over Holcombe, the other English side to play in this season’s Euro Hockey League.
Phil Roper, Iain Lewers and Ed Horler helped Wimbledon to a 3-0 lead, only for Holcombe to hit back with Barry Middleton, Richard Lane and Nick Bandurak scoring. But a 57th minute Lewers penalty stroke proved decisive.
Elsewhere, four goals from Alan Forsyth helped Surbiton overcome title rivals Beeston 5-4 in England’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday.
The reigning champions, Surbiton opened up a 4-1 lead early in the second half. Beeston battled back to within one goal in a dramatic final few minutes, but couldn’t catch their rivals.
Forsyth’s first goal of the afternoon came in the second minute, but Beeston pulled level on 24 minutes through a field goal from Lucas Garcia Alcalde.
Lewis Prosser scored for Surbiton on 27 minutes to retake the lead, and Forsyth then made it 3-1 at half time with his second open play goal on 34 minutes.
He added another six minutes after the restart to put his side 4-1 ahead, only for Beeston to score through Mark Gleghorne and Marius Gemmel on 53 and 59 minutes respectively and close the scoreline to 4-3.
Forsyth scored his fourth goal on 64 minutes, and although Beeston had the final word with a 67th minute strike from Sam Ward, it wasn’t quite enough.
Reading came away from Brooklands MU with a 3-2 win, Duncan Riddell, Stuart Loughrey and Richard Mantell scoring their goals while Peter Flanagan and David Flanagan scored for the hosts.
Hampstead and Westminster had a late Michael Watt goal to thank for a 2-2 draw with East Grinstead. Chris Cargo had scored early to put Hampstead ahead, while Chris Griffiths and Simon Faulkner scored for East Grinstead.
And in Saturday evening’s match, Canterbury won 3-2 against Sevenoaks, with Patrick Brookson, Craig Boyne and Nathan McGuire scoring their goals. Ali Taylor and Tom Samuel scored for Sevenoaks.
Euro Hockey League media release
Forsyth blitz sinks Beeston
Surbiton’s Alan Forsyth, who scored four goals in their win over Beeston. Credit: Simon Parker.
Alan Forsyth helped Surbiton overcome title rivals Beeston 5-4 in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday.
The reigning champions, Surbiton opened up a 4-1 lead early in the second half. Beeston battled back to within one goal in a dramatic final few minutes, but couldn’t catch their rivals.
Forsyth’s first goal of the afternoon came in the second minute, but Beeston pulled level on 24 minutes through a field goal from Lucas Garcia Alcalde.
Lewis Prosser scored for Surbiton on 27 minutes to retake the lead, and Forsyth then made it 3-1 at half time with his second open play goal on 34 minutes.
He added another six minutes after the restart to put his side 4-1 ahead, only for Beeston to score through Mark Gleghorne and Marius Gemmel on 53 and 59 minutes respectively and close the scoreline to 4-3.
Forsyth scored his fourth goal on 64 minutes, and although Beeston had the final word with a 67th minute strike from Sam Ward, it wasn’t quite enough.
Elsewhere, Wimbledon secured their first league win of the season with a 4-3 victory over Holcombe.
Phil Roper, Iain Lewers and Ed Horler helped Wimbledon to a 3-0 lead, only for Holcombe to hit back with Barry Middleton, Richard Lane and Nick Bandurak scoring. But a 57th minute Lewers penalty stroke proved decisive.
Reading came away from Brooklands MU with a 3-2 win, Duncan Riddell, Stuart Loughrey and Richard Mantell scoring their goals while Peter Flanagan and David Flanagan scored for the hosts.
Hampstead and Westminster had a late Michael Watt goal to thank for a 2-2 draw with East Grinstead. Chris Cargo had scored early to put Hampstead ahead, while Chris Griffiths and Simon Faulkner scored for East Grinstead.
And in Saturday evening’s match, Canterbury won 3-2 against Sevenoaks, with Patrick Brookson, Craig Boyne and Nathan McGuire scoring their goals. Ali Taylor and Tom Samuel scored for Sevenoaks.
Men’s Conference North
Bertie Mortimer scored twice as the University of Nottingham continued their great form in the Men’s Conference North.
His two goals combined with others from Ollie Rogerson and Edward Iffla as they won 4-3 over Cannock, for whom Callum Stacey scored two and Dylan Shirley one.
The University of Durham remain second after drawing 1-1 with third-placed Loughborough Students. Richard Jackson gave Durham the lead on 14 minutes, and it took Loughborough until the 64th minute to draw level, Laurie Bowden scoring.
In other Conference North action Bowdon had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Leeds, with each team scoring a goal in the last three minutes of a close match.
Doncaster were 3-1 winners over Sheffield Hallam, while Deeside Ramblers won by the same margin at Preston.
Men’s Conference East
Two goals from Euan Gilmour helped leaders Cambridge City continue their unbeaten run in the Men’s Conference East with a 2-1 win at Brighton and Hove. Joe Naughalty pulled one back late for the hosts, but it was not enough.
Three goals in the final five minutes led to a dramatic ending, with Oxted winning 5-4 at Old Georgians. Robbert Schenk scored three times for Oxted, while James Tindall claimed two for Old Georgians.
Tim Davenport scored a hat-trick for Teddington as they won 7-3 over Old Loughtonians. Richmond were 4-1 winners at West Herts, while Southgate beat hosts Chichester 1-0.
Men’s Conference West
The University of Exeter stay top after another high scoring round of games in the Conference West, as they came from behind to defeat Fareham 5-4.
Trailing 3-1 at the break, second half goals from Conor Caplan, Ben Cooke, Ed Matts and Sam Hopper turned the game, Tom Watson also on target for Exeter in the win.
A second half brace from Jack Pritchard saw Cardiff & Met go second as they came from behind to win an entertaining game 5-4 at Cheltenham.
Olton & West Warwicks lost ground after a 4-4 draw at Clifton Robinsons, Rory Thorburn and Chris Beck both struck two as both team led twice.
The University of Birmingham were back to winning ways coming from two down to win 5-2 at home to Isca, Tom Poustie netting two, whilst a Ben Stevenson doubled helped Team Bath Buccaneers win 6-2 against Havant.
* Full results, tables and fixtures from the Men’s Hockey League are available here - http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/page_noside.asp?section=2343§ionTitle=Fixtures%2C+Results+%26+Standings
England Hockey Board Media release
Uddingston fightback shares the points with Kelburne
Photo by Duncan Gray
Bromac Kelburne required three points from today`s fixture against Uddingston to leapfrog Grange on goal difference at the top of Men’s National League 1, but that scenario failed to materialise in the Lanarkshire sunshine as the champions were held to a 4-4 draw.
Consequently Grange hold a two point lead over the Paisley side who have now played a game more.
Uddingston survived two early penalty corner opportunities, both saved on the line to keep the score line blank. However, Kelburne`s lead was only delayed slightly and courtesy of a donation by the Uddingston defence, Johnny Christie fed the ball on to Jack McKenzie and he found the net with a spectacular reverse stick shot.
The champions were pegged back to level terms when Uddingston returned to level terms with a penalty corner strike by Aussie Bradley Hughes.
McKenzie`s darting runs were causing the Uddingston defence considerable problems and the same player gave his side a 2-1 half-time lead, he took advantage of uncertainly in the Lanarkshire defence, waltzed into the circle past two defenders and slipped the ball past the keeper.
The second half seemed to be going Kelburne`s way with penalty corner strike by Josh Cairns to put the champions 3-1 ahead.
The three points seemed secured when Johnny Christie poked the ball home after a telling pass into the circle by Adam Bain.
But then Uddingston dug deep and were able to score three times in the closing minutes. The first came from a penalty corner strike by Jackie Tran for 4-2, but still the Paisley side seemed in control of the three points.
Then Shazwi Rana made it 4-3 with a close range shot. Uddingston took heart and pressed for the unlikely equaliser, they were awarded a penalty corner and Steven Percy launched his flick into the roof of the Kelburne net.
Photo by Mark Pugh
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Maryland field hockey stays hot with 3-0 win over Michigan State to start Big Ten tournament
By Scott Gelman
Defender Bodil Keus pushes the ball up the field during Maryland's 2-1 win against Penn State on Oct. 15, 2017. (Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
The Maryland field hockey team arrived in East Lansing, Michigan, on Oct. 6 having lost three of its previous four contests. But the Terps, ignited by midfielder Lein Holsboer's score in the seventh minute, bounced back with a 4-1 win against Michigan State.
Coach Missy Meharg's team hasn't lost since.
The Terps' 3-0 victory against the Spartans at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex in the first round of the Big Ten tournament on Sunday extended their winning streak to seven games.
No. 2-seed Maryland will face No. 3-seed Penn State on Friday.
The Terps (13-5) struggled against the Spartans (8-11) after putting the game out of reach with two goals in the first three minutes, missing passes and failing to consistently communicate.
"It was a big thing that when we started at a high level to stay at that level," defender Carrie Hanks said. "It's hard when you score two quick goals to settle a little bit."
Less than 30 seconds into the game, Holsboer stood on the right side of the circle and scored to give Maryland an immediate lead. Then in the third minute, freshman midfielder Brooke DeBerdine recorded her first career goal. Extensive celebrations didn't follow. It seemed as if such production were expected.
But for the remainder of the first half, the Terps appeared complacent, allowing the Spartans to maintain possession.
Maryland recorded 34 shots in the contest yet wasted many of its opportunities.
A sequence with about 23 minutes remaining in the game encapsulated the Terps' shortcomings. DeBerdine drove into Maryland's offensive zone on the right side of the circle. Michigan State sent a defender in her direction, forcing DeBerdine to dish to forward Linnea Gonzales, who ranks third on the team with seven goals.
But Gonzales failed to score, giving the Spartans a chance to counterattack.
"Our counter defense can be a lot better," DeBerdine said. "We had moments today where we had a lot of good two-touch hockey. It's [doing] that throughout the whole game."
Until defender Bodil Keus scored off a penalty corner in the 55th minute to secure the win, Michigan State appeared poised for a comeback.
Maryland's inconsistent play came after one of its most complete performances this season. The Terps topped then-No. 21 Rutgers, 6-0, last weekend to close out the regular season.
The Spartans were unable to capitalize on Maryland's miscues, as they secured just five shots. The same might not be true of the Nittany Lions, who fell to the Terps in double overtime Oct. 15.
"The shots indicated you're dominant," Meharg said. "We continued to press. At that juncture, we got a little sloppy in the front third. We needed to stretch our defense deeper. They were obviously dangerous a couple of times in the end of the first half. That didn't need to happen."
The Diamondback
Brazilian alternative to hockey development in the country includes plastic sticks
Confederação Brasileira de Hóquei
Early October this year, the Confederação Brasileira de Hóquei sobre a Grama e Indoor (CBHG) sealed a partnership with GGB Plast Toys, a company based in Caxias do Sul, state of Rio Grande do Sul (south region), that produces plastic toys and educational board games and puzzles for children and teenagers.
About three years ago, the company decided to start producing plastic hockey sticks and balls believing in hockey's growth potential in Brazil. Now the hockey kits are part of their catalogue and each kit contains 16 sticks and 16 balls.
One of the goals of this partnership is to spread the existence of plastic hockey sticks and balls made in Brazil as an alternative material to facilitate the hockey practice for children and young teenagers, arousing the interest of newcomers into hockey. Schools, projects and universities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states are already using the alternative materials in their hockey activities.
The president of CBHG, Bruno Patricio Oliveira, stated about the importance of the partnership: "We believe that this partnership will be important for the development of hockey in the country, especially among schools, sport's projects and universities. The plastic sticks and balls are greate for the first contact with the sport by children, teenagers and PE teachers that have little hockey knowledge, allowing them to enjoy our sport at their own pace and with lots of fun. Once they get involved and excited about hockey, we believe that the next step is to acquire and use the standard materials."
The recently stablished partnership goes along with strategic medium/long term plan of CBHG to promote and facilitate the hockey practice among children and teenagers in Brazil, particularly in schools, sport's projects and universities.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release