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All the news for Saturday 4 November 2017

Women's Asia Cup Semi-Finals

SF1 CHN v KOR 3 - 2
SF2 IND v JPN 4 - 2

FIH Match Centre

India - China final in the Asia Cup

s2h team



Indian girls made it to the final of the ninth Asia Cup with a marvelous victory over fighting Japan 4-2 in the semifinal and will take on China in the Sunday final. Its India's first Asia Cup final after 2009 where it lost to China 2-4 in the final.

India went on rampage in the first quarter. Gurjit Kaur converted India's first penalty corner in the seventh minute set the Kawasaki turf on fire.

Two minutes later, Navjot Kaur tapped in a cross off Rani Rampal for the second lead. In the same minute, Gurjit Kaur added another one off a penalty corner (3-0).

Japan pressed hard in the second quarter. Japan spread the width, indulged in overheads and long scoops to bemuse Indian defence, which conceded two goals in the 17th minute by Shiho Tsuji and 28th minute (Yui Ishibashi) to make the score fight worthy, 3-2.

In the third quarter, India was on backfoot. Lalremsiami, who is playing her first tournament, connected a Navneets Kaur's cross into D in the 38th minute, giving much relief to the ultimate winners.

"This is a single touch goal", am excited, said Chief Coach Harendra Singh.

"We have done many, many such goals in the tournament which is a good sign", he added.

Thereafter, it was a story of Japan press and Indian defence. Despite conceding three PCs in the last spell, India walked away with 4-2 win.

Sushila Chanu once cleared a ball on the goalline, before Deep Grace Ekka and Sunita Lakra managed to block goal shots from close quarters.

Last time India reached the Asia Cup final was in 2009 under coach MK Kaushik. India lost to China 2-4 in the final.

Monika was declared Best Player for her defense and attacking game

India-Japan at Women's Asia Cup

1989: Japan won 6-2
1993: India won 1-0 1999: Draw 2-2
2004: India won 1-0
2017: India won 4-2

INDIA AND JAPAN MET IN ASIA CUP AFTER 13 YEARS

Stick2Hockey.com

India stuns defending champion Japan

The visitors comes up with an all-round performance to set up a summit clash with China


In the thick of it: Dragflicker Gurjit Kaur, right, gave India the breakthrough in the seventh minute and scored again in the ninth in India’s 4-2 win over Japan.   | Photo Credit: OHARA KQF

The Indian women’s hockey team continued its splendid run and came up with an all-round performance to stun defending champions Japan 4-2 in the semifinals of the Asia Cup hockey tournament, here on Friday.

Goals from Gurjit Kaur (7, 9), Navjot Kaur (9) and Lalremsiami (38) ensured India’s entry into Sunday’s final where it will face China.

India had earlier defeated an unpredictable China 4-1 in the league stage of the tournament.

Against Japan, Indian got off to a rollicking start by earning back-to-back penalty corners to put pressure on the host nation. Dragflicker Gurjit gave India a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute when she improvised the injection to send the ball past Japanese goalkeeper Akio Tanaka.

Two minutes later, Navjot doubled India’s lead when she struck a field goal from a perfect assist by forward Vandana Katariya.

Almost immediately, India won a penalty corner and Gurjit was yet again on target as she gave India a commanding 3-0 in no time.

India won another penalty corner in the first quarter, but this time Tanaka made a fine save.

While the first 15 minutes belonged to India, the defending champion made a strong comeback in the second quarter.

Japan unleashed a well coordinated attack on the Indian defence and found space for Shiho Tsujii to score past Indian custodian Savita in the 17th minute.

The next few minutes saw India’s defence put to test by the Japanese.

Yui Ishibashi gave India the jitters when she scored another field goal to close the gap to 3-2 in the 28th minute.

India needed to play cautiously. This was exactly what they did after the 10-minute break at half-time.

While Savita made a brilliant save to deny Japan from a penalty corner at the start of the third quarter, Lalremsiami scored a sensational field goal in the 38th minute to extend India’s lead to 4-2.

The final 15 minutes of the match continued to remain tense as Japan won two penalty corners but Savita stood like a rock in front of the goal to deny the hosts.

The Hindu

Indian women beat defending champions Japan 4-2 to make final

NEW DELHI: The Indian women's team has reached the final of the 2017 Asia Cup, beating hosts and defending champions Japan 4-2 in a closely contested semi-final in Kakamgigahara on Friday to set up a rematch of the 2009 summit clash against China.

Goals from Gurjit Kaur (7th, 9th minutes), Navjot Kaur (9th) and Lalremsiami (38th) underlined India's victory, which took them to a fourth Asia Cup final; India won the title in 2004 and finished runners-up in 1999 and 2009.

Rani Rampal's team will face China in the final on Sunday, November 5 - having beaten them 4-1 in the league stage just a few days ago.

Not surprisingly, given her superb form, it was Gurjit who gave India their first goal by converting a penalty corner in the seventh minute. In the ninth minute, that scoreline became 2-0 as Navjot added a fine field goal and Gurjit slotted in her second goal of the match. Japan did not sit idle for long, however, and recovered to make it 2-3 at half-time. Shiho Tsuji opened Japan's account in the 17th minute, and 11 minutes later a field goal from Yui Ishibashi left the home fans cheering.

The third quarter saw Lalremsiami score her first goal of the tournament to put India ahead 4-2, and the defenders did well to keep the Japanese at bay thereon.

India entered the knockout stage of the tournament following wins over Singapore 10-0, China 4-1 and Malaysia 2-0 to top their pool, and on Thursday defeated Kazakhstan 7-1 in the quarter-final.

India's opponents in Sunday's final, China, are two-time winners of the Asia Cup in 1989 and 2009. In the 2009 final, China beat India 5-3. The winner of this year's edition will qualify for the 2018 World Cup in England.

The Times of India

Coach Dharmaraj wants Malaysia to score more goals

KUALA LUMPUR: National coach K. Dharmaraj wants his players regain their scoring touch in the women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament.

Malaysia will face Kazakhstan in the fifth-eighth classification match at the Gifu Hockey Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan, today.

The winner of this match will play either Thailand or Singapore for fifth placing tomorrow.

Dharmaraj is annoyed with his players for failing to score in their last two outings – against India in a group match on Tuesday and Japan in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Malaysia lost both matches 2-0.

“My initial target was to help the team finish fourth but we failed. We need to redeem ourselves by finishing fifth,” said Dharmaraj.

Malaysia are ranked 22nd in the world and fifth in Asia.

“To achieve that we need to score against Kazakhstan.

“There’s no point creating chances if we do not score.

“My forwards need to be more clinical. We also need to improve on our penalty corner conversion rate.

“We only managed to score four goals from 24 penalty corners,” said Dharmaraj.

Top-ranked China sealed their place in the final after coming back from a goal down to beat South Korea 3-2 yesterday.

World No. 8 China will face India in the final tomorrow.

SEMI-FINAL RESULTS

CHINA 3 S. KOREA 2

INDIA 4 JAPAN 2

TODAY’S FIXTURES
(Malaysian Time)

5th-8th Classification

THAILAND vs SINGAPORE – 10.45am

KAZAKHSTAN vs MALAYSIA – 1pm

The Star of Malaysia

Stats Speak: Double Delight for India?

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

India and China both have entered in final of Asia Cup fourth time. Indian ladies had played in 1999,2004(won) and 2009.Chinese women had appeared in 1989(won),1993 and 2009(won).

8th in World Ranking China have an edge but Indian are on threshold for double delight. Indian men have won Asia Cup in Dhaka a fortnight ago. Indian ladies also won against the Chinese in Oct 2016 Asian Champions Trophy final in Singapore. Here are statistical highlights:

 Fieldhockey.com

Schopman Confirms 18-Athlete Roster for Hockey World League Final


USA will be looking for back to back FIH event triumphs Photo: FIH/Getty

It’s an end of the year showdown you won’t want to miss! USA Women’s National Team Head Coach Janneke Schopman and coaching staff have confirmed the 18-athlete roster that will travel to Auckland, New Zealand for the women’s FIH Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final, November 17-26, 2017. The selected squad is a mix of veterans and young talent, some of whom are getting their first opportunity to perform abroad on the international stage.

“We had to make some changes to the roster since last summer because of injuries and college season, but I’m excited to bring new players to this level of competition,” said Schopman. “With this team, we will bring the fight and it gives us a great opportunity to see where we stand amongst the top nations in the world.”

Leading with experience will be goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.), captain Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.) and Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.).

This is counter-balanced with a few rookies who get the chance to wear the red, white and blue for the first-time off home soil. Casey Di Nardo (Virginia Beach, Va.) will be earning her first international cap for Team USA as Erin McCrudden (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) and Carissa Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) will look to build on an already started solid career platform.

McCrudden competed in the USWNT vs. Ireland series in May and C. Vittese saw action in the 2017 women’s Pan American Cup (PAC).

A few athletes, who hope to still be competing in their collegiate seasons, were left off the roster due to an overlap in NCAA post-season and Final competition schedule. Some injuries have also sidelined a few other players.

USA TEAM LIST

In its third edition, the Final will take place at the North Harbour Hockey Stadium and feature eight teams that are currently ranked in the top-nine of the FIH Hero World Rankings.

“With this team, we will bring the fight and it gives us a great opportunity to see where we stand amongst the top nations in the world.”
USA Head Coach, Janneke Schopman

Team USA is ranked No. 4 in the FIH Hero World Rankings and as first time Final debutants they sit in Pool A with No. 1 The Netherlands, along with host No. 6 New Zealand and No. 9 Korea. Equally as competitive Pool B consists of Rio 2016 Olympic Games Gold Medalists No. 2 England, recent Pan American Cup Champions and defending Final Champions No. 3 Argentina, No. 7 Germany and No. 8 China.

USA will open up tournament play in the first match of the event against Korea on Friday, November 17 at 02:00 Eastern Time (18:00 local time).

Just before the Final, USA will travel to Australia to participate in the International Festival of Hockey (IFOH). This world-class tournament will see the nations of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, The Netherlands and the USA battle it out across a week-long competition. Now in its second year, the IFOH will be a valuable experience before Team USA heads to New Zealand for the Final.

“The International Festival of Hockey gives us the opportunity to play high level games prior to the World League Final,” added Schopman. “Playing against countries like Australia, Japan and The Netherlands will gives us the chance to try some things out and be fully ready for the start of World League especially coming of of a couple of months of training without actual games.”

Click here for the full International Festival of Hockey schedule.

For the first time in history, all USA games and the women’s medal matches of IFOH will be broadcast live on the Olympic Channel. This per cable subscription service is at no additional charge. Find out more about the Olympic Channel here.

FIH site

Olympic Channel to Stream International Festival of Hockey Live



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Set your DVRs and coffee pots! The month of November will be full of action down under as the U.S. Women’s National Team begins their quest for FIH Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final in Auckland, New Zealand glory by preparing at the International Festival of Hockey (IFOH) from November 5-12 in Melbourne, Australia. In addition to the women’s medal matches of the IFOH, all USWNT games will be broadcast live on the Olympic Channel for the first time ever.

This year marks the second edition of the IFOH, which will be held in Melbourne and Bendigo, Australia. With four nations competing, including Australia, Japan, The Netherladns and USA, the teams will compete in a friendly tournament as they prepare for the FIH Hockey World League Final in Auckland, New Zealand.

A per cable subscription at no additional cost, the Olympic Channel is the home for Team USA in a fully dedicated Olympic sport coverage network. Field hockey fans will have the pleasure of tuning in where they want, when they want, to cheer on Team USA in the coming month.

International Festival of Hockey Matches:

Monday, November 6, 2017            USA vs. AUS        2 a.m. ET (Bendigo - Test Match)
Tuesday, November 7, 2017            USA vs. JPN        11 p.m. ET (Melbourne)
Thursday, November 9, 2017         USA vs. AUS        3:30 a.m. ET (Melbourne)
Friday, November 10, 2017            USA vs. NED        10 p.m. ET (Melbourne)

Click here for the full International Festival of Hockey schedule.

#IFOH2017 #UN1TED

USFHA media release

Star-Studded Festival Line-up Excites Hockeyroos Coach

Ben Somerford



Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin says the opportunity to play against “high quality teams” is what makes this year’s International Festival of Hockey so special.

The International Festival of Hockey gets underway on Sunday in Bendigo, with the Hockeyroos to play the United States on Monday, before the tournament moves to Melbourne.

Australia will play world number one Netherlands, along with the USA (fourth) and Japan (11th) at the Festival of Hockey in Melbourne.

It’s a line-up which has Gaudoin excited, given the test it’ll provide his side.

“The reason we’re playing is to get quality competition against quality teams,” Gaudoin said.

“Having Holland and the US, in particular, they’re both winners of their World League Semis, so it’s pleasing they’re coming.

“We’re also playing the team that’ll be in the Olympics in Tokyo for Japan.

“It’s a great opportunity to play against high quality teams.”

Gaudoin also said spots in Australia’s squad for next year were also up for grabs during the festival, with the likes of Savannah Fitzpatrick, Lily Brazel and Emily Hurtz drafted in.

“It’s important for us to making sure we’re making good decisions leading into next year,” he said.

“We want to make sure we’ve got the right people selected in our squads in the first six months especially next year.

“We’re using the opportunity to explore our playing group.”

Hockey Australia media release

Hockey Stars Meet Bendigo’s Next Generation

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras were out with the Bendigo community on Saturday morning for a club clinic with more than 60 children at Bendigo Hockey Centre.

Hockeyroos quartet Rachael Lynch, Madison Fitzpatrick, Renee Taylor and Stephanie Kershaw and Kookaburras quartet Aaron Kleinschmidt, Dylan Wotherspoon, Kiran Arunasalam and Tristan Clemons were there to give tips to the next generation of Victorian talent.

The clinic was held for Under-13 and Under-15 players from clubs in the Central Victoria region.

Six local Bendigo coaches delivered Saturday’s session having been part of the coaching clinic presented by Hockey Australia’s Education Manager John Mowat on Friday afternoon.

Mowat’s clinic was also delivered to the Under-16 Hockey Central Victorian Shield team.

The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras will also be present at a clinic for several schools in the region on Monday morning at Golden Square Oval.

The teams are in Bendigo for the International Festival of Hockey which starts on Sunday when the Kookaburras play New Zealand at 4pm. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Hockey Australia media release

PHF gets NOC for World XI tour, first ever hockey league

Mohsin Ali



ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Brig (r) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar thanked Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal for issuing NOC to the federation for hosting World XI/Legends in the second week of January and the first ever Pakistan Hockey League (PHL) in April.

Talking to The Nation, Brig Khokhar said: “It was long-awaited clearance we had sought from the government. Now the federal government has issued the NOC and I am sure the Punjab government will take up its responsibility of ensuring top level security and taking care of matters related to hosting the World XI/Legends in January. I am also grateful to Army for assuring all-out cooperation in providing blanket security to the visiting players. I have tried to meet CM Sindh, but due to different reasons, the meeting could not take place. We will hold the World XI/Legends matches at Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, while Pakistan Hockey League venues will be finalised soon.  “We are quite sure of attracting top players of the world hockey and already a number of mega stars have promised to travel to Pakistan to play exhibition matches in January. We are thankful to all those, who are working day and night to improve the standard of hockey, taking so much pain and working on plans to take Pakistan hockey back to old glory days,” he added.

The PHF chief said: “Let me assure all that like I had said a number of times in the past that I would not cling onto to the president slot as if I fail to deliver, I will quit. I am fulfilling promises one after another but now its players and coaches turn to take the teams forward. My job is to provide funds and jobs to players and take good care of them, which I am doing sincerely. I once again offer all the legends to step forward, shun differences and work for the noble cause of taking green shirts to new levels.”

Brig Khokhar said as the security situation has been improving with each passing day, the stadiums, venues and grounds are once again attracting mega stars, teams and individuals. “I am sure with the successful conduct of World XI/Legends series and the Pakistan Hockey League will be a huge success. By organising such events, we will not only provide our players much-needed international exposure at home grounds but also make them financially strong.

“When the players will have reasonable jobs and they will be financially strong, they will then fully focus on their games and skills. In our limited resources, I always try to do the best for Pakistan hockey and players. I have been arranging international tours for the team in order to provide our senior and junior players maximum international exposure. Without investing on youth, neither we can improve standard of hockey nor provide fresh blood to the national team. I am sure with the passage of time, youth will once again start taking interest in playing hockey and help the country start winning medals in mega events once again,” Khokhar concluded.

The Nation

If selectors call, I will advise them to pick Devindar instead: Yuvraj Walmiki

Rohan Alvares

MUMBAI: Yuvraj Walmiki has indeed tackled many a formidable opponent on the turf during his heyday with the Indian national hockey team. Yet, adversity perhaps ranks as his most formidable opponent of them all.

The world has known electricity for more than a century; Yuvraj's modest Marine Lines home has known it for just six years. In 2012, on the cusp of realising his lifelong dream of representing India at the Olympics, the talented forward was instead left nursing a grade two hamstring tear and a broken heart as Bharat Chettri, Sardar Singh and company jetted off to London.

Even nearly two years since he was dropped from the national team set-up without being told why, the 27-year-old isn't ready to accept the door to a return is fully shut. But that's not stopped him from lining up other goals. The ongoing eight-day coaching clinic at MHAL Stadium, which Yuvraj has specifically brought German coach Fabian Rozwadowski to conduct for the benefit of the state's current crop of talent, is one such example.

In an interview with TOI, Yuvraj reveals his burning desire to give back to the city that helped him rise to the peak of his sport while also reflecting on the agony he's had to endure along the way.

You know Fabian from your own playing time in the German League. Tell us about this initiative.

In 1999 when I started playing hockey, we had the schools, universities and we went on to play the juniors and seniors for Mumbai, there was no one who could give us the modern training. That's the main idea behind it. I thought playing in Germany for the last six years, the training we get there is absolutely different. I don't want to the blame the coaches, but we have to get that system. That's what Fabian and I keep talking about. The grassroots is very important. That's why one of my main aims is to have a clinic for coaches as well. To make the coaches aware that world hockey has changed.

Is this part of something bigger you have in mind?

This is just a start. He's (Fabian) coming next year as well. He'll also be here in December. I've already told him he has to come here twice a year.

Conducting such initiatives, does this mean you have made your peace with the possibility your days as an India player are over?

I have a very rare, very small percentage chance of making a comeback to the Indian team. That hunger to play for the country will never die. I miss being in the team. It's been almost two years. I miss the camps, getting up early, going to the dining hall where all 35 of us would meet. I don't know the reason why I was dropped. Till now, I am yet to find out the reason. I tried asking so many people. But let's say, if they call me, I will prefer telling them 'before me, call Devindar' (his younger brother). Because I think he can play longer than me keeping in mind the age factor.

You were dropped when Roelant Oltmans was in charge. With him now gone, have you got any positive vibe regarding a comeback however slim the chance?
I don't think the new coach even knows who is Yuvraj. That is my assumption. I do wonder if going commercial whether that has had some sort of affect. I did Fear Factor and Khatron Ke Khiladi (reality shows). So people get this news. But as I said, I still don't know the reason I was dropped.

You had always dreamt of becoming an Olympian. When Devindar made the cut for the Rio Olympics, happy as you would have been, were you also a tad envious?

I am his biggest critic and he is mine. To the extent that the criticism often leads to arguments, and that is good. At the end, we make our peace like any brothers would. So when the team was announced for the Rio Olympics, when his name was part of it, as a fellow player, I felt a bit 'hmm..I should be there. My brother will be playing but I won't be playing'. Jealousy is not the right word but it was a different feeling that I could not play.

That evening, there were so many members of the press outside my house. They were calling me and telling me your brother is going to be in the Olympics. My only statement was 'my brother is living my dream'. But my biggest dream right now is, the 2018 World Cup is in India. Till today, my Mom and Dad haven't watched a match of mine at a stadium. Even if I'm not part of that team, I want Devindar to play that so my parents are able to watch him. We'll take them to Bhubaneswar. That would be a different feeling.

So with uncertainty hanging over your playing career, has arranging these kind of clinics made you consider becoming a coach?

Coaching for me is a very big word. I don't know if I would fit the status of a coach. For me, I prefer to keep a camp and share my experience. I want to pick up kids from the street, make them play hockey. For that, I know you need big funding etc. but I will do it. That's my word. After four years if you see me, maybe you will see an academy of mine. I want to help kids live a simple life where they can earn for themselves, rather than begging or take to drugs or something like that.

Rozwadowski keeps his promise to Yuvraj

When Yuvraj Walmiki managed to impress then India hockey coach Michael Nobbs with his "3 D skills" at a national camp in 2011, the forward would have felt particularly indebted to the man who had taught him the art that was still fairly new to Indian hockey.

Fabian Rozwadowski and Walmiki go back to the latter's stint in the German league that began seven years ago. And so strong is the bond they share that Rozwadowski, who is head coach at the Hamburg-based Alster Club, has flown in to Mumbai on his own euro at Walmiki's request to conduct an eight-day coaching clinic for some of Maharashtra's best hockey talent at the MHAL FABIAN Stadium.

"Everything came by the friendship to the Walmiki brothers," Rozwadowski told TOI after an intense session on Friday. "I had promised Yuvi that I will come here and coach the talented players whom he knows from Mumbai.

"I do it for free. Usually camps like this in Germany, a lot of coaches do it in the holidays and they are very well paid. But this is on a different level. This is friendship and about giving something back."

The Times of India

It’s everyone’s game in this year’s Razak Cup

By S. Ramaguru

KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s title race in Division One and Division Two of the Razak Cup hockey tournament is expected to be an open affair.

The Razak Cup tournament will be held at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh beginning today and most of the teams will be fielding many of their young players in preparation for next year’s Perak Sukma at the same venue.

The fact that the national players are all equally divided in both divisions makes it an even playing field.

Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Perak and Police will start as favourites in Division One while Pahang, Perlis and Selangor should be the main contenders in the lower division.

After for the first time after almost a decade, there will be three foreign teams in the fray in Division Two, with Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand providing some glamour as they try to gain more exposure.



They are unlikely to be a threat to Pahang, Selangor or Perlis.

Terengganu will be the team to beat in Division One. Not only have they been Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) champions for the last three years, they also easily won the Razak Cup title for the second time last year.

But Terengganu coach Sarjit Singh was quick to point out that “there are no favourites this year”.

“A lot of teams are using young players and that will give every team an equal chance of winning. We have 11 Sukma players and it will be similar with the other teams as well,” he said.

Negri Sembilan coach S. Chandran picked Perak to be the biggest threat “as they have six or seven national players”.

“The other teams are more evenly matches.

“So I don’t really see any team running away with the title.

“The form of the day is very important,” he said.

KL coach I. Vicknesweran also feels the same.

“Basically, all teams will initially aim to reach the semi-finals.

“Every group match will be crucial.

“We are looking for winning start because the opening ties are always tricky,” he said.

The former international also welcomed the move by all the teams in fielding younger players as “this will allow them to gain invaluable experience”.

Penang, who gained promotion from the lower division last year, will be the dark horse as they aim to stay in the top tier

Actually, that will be the main agenda of all eight teams in Division One.

In Division Two, former champions Pahang will be looking for a quick return to the top division after being demoted last year.

Selangor are another former champions trying to get back after languishing in Division Two for several years.

Overall, the Razak Cup should be an exciting affair in both divisions.

KL lead the Razak Cup series with 19 titles, followed by Perak (seven).

The Star of Malaysia

Pembroke raise the curtain on new turf with Banbridge date


Jody Hosking has flagged the fundraising efforts of TRR ahead of their EHL date with Saint Germain. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Serpentine Avenue formally opens the new Pembroke turf on Sunday with a double-header as their men welcome Banbridge at 2pm – prior to the women’s against UCD at 4pm – amid a number of well-matched ties on the card.

For Pembroke, Cedric Mushiete has been injured for the last few weeks after an impressive debut against Cookstown since arriving from Wellington in Belgium. During the national league break, they recorded a healthy 4-1 win over Monkstown – at reasonably full strength bar Davy Carson and Geoff Cole – in the Neville Cup to set up a quarter-final date with Kilkenny.

They meet a Bann side who have had two extra weeks to try and get Eugene Magee and Jonny McKee back to full fitness which would give them an extra bit of punch up front.

At the bottom, Railway Union and Cookstown have a crucial tie at Steelweld Park as both look to record their first points of the season. Both are already four points adrift of safety and so impetus is needed quickly to make sure that gap does not widen.

Indeed, Railway have yet to score in the league as they build a new look side with the likes of Andy Colton, John McEvoy and Will Fernandez coming in this term for Alan Browne’s side, replacing a series of stalwarts who are in Australia.

For Cookstown, they are in no position to be complacent after their four successive defeats as captain Jon Ames points out.

“We have got to hit the ground running on Sunday. We can’t put in anything less than our best. Two years ago, when we last played Railway, I don’t think as a collective we gave them the respect they deserved and they taught us a lesson.

“Railway made their season off away wins that year, against teams who underestimated them. We cannot make that mistake again.

“People will look at their results so far – three home defeats – and think that we will be big favourites to win, but I will be urging our team to not let that talk distract them. Railway are past-masters at survival in this league and it will take an almighty effort for us to get a win over them. I’ve no doubt they will be targeting points from us.”

The Dublin derby between Three Rock and Monkstown is a repeat of last year’s EY Champions Trophy final with the latter looking for their first league win over the Rathfarnham side since the introduction of the national division.

Since the last round of EY matches, Luke Madeley has played in two cup games, scoring four times in wins over Avoca in the Neville Cup and Weston in the Mills and so looks set to make his first league appearance since the opening day against Annadale. Ravin Nair could also return after a few weeks away to add to their defensive options.

Rovers found out their Euro Hockey League schedule this week, knowing when they will meet French side Saint Germain on March 31, 2018.

With that date set, captain Jody Hosking said that it does bring a focus, particularly on the financial side of things, for the club.

“It’s a big year when you are preparing for the EHL and it takes massive commitment from the players and the club. We have a few fundraising events which can be found on our website, www.roversroadtorotterdam.com.

“There is a while to go before EHL but there is a buzz around the players and club. It’s always there in the back of your head.”

Lisnagarvey host Cork C of I in the sole Saturday game on the agenda with the Hillsborough side the ones to watch with three wins from three. Indeed, the calibre of opposition – Monkstown at home, Rovers and Pembroke on the road – makes them the early season favourites with Matthew Nelson, Neal Glassey and Sean Murray the ones to watch.

Leaders Glenanne host Annadale who have made a big impact since promotion with Australians Rhiley Carr and Oliver Flack adding extra power to Peter Caruth’s young side. Carr, indeed, gives them a serious option from corners that the Glens’ defence will need to wary of.

There is a full programme of Leinster league games with YMCA and Clontarf’s a highlight in the chase for a top three finish, two sides who have played in the EYHL playoffs for the past two seasons.

The Irish Junior Cup also starts with 10 first round matches around the country.

Men’s fixtures
EY Hockey League
Saturday: Lisnagarvey v Cork Church of Ireland, 2.30pm, Comber Road
Sunday: Cookstown v Railway Union, 2.30pm, Steelweld Park; Glenanne v Annadale, 3pm, St Andrews College; Pembroke Wanderers v Banbridge, 2pm, Serpentine Avenue; Three Rock Rovers v Monkstown, 2pm, Grange Road

Leinster Division 1 (Saturday): Kilkenny v UCD, 2pm, Kilkenny College; Dublin North v Corinthian, 12pm, NSC Abbottstown; Weston v Dublin University, 12pm, Griffeen Valley Park; YMCA v Clontarf, 2pm, Wesley College; Rathgar v Avoca, 2.15pm, High School

Munster Division 1
Thursday: Bandon 3 (E Nyhan, C Sweetnam, F O’Leary) Ashton 1 (C Kavanagh)
Saturday: Cork Harlequins v Cork Church of Ireland B, 2.30pm, Farmer’s Cross; Limerick v University College Cork, 1pm, Villiers

Irish Junior Cup, first round: Clontarf v Dublin University, 12pm, Mount Temple; Kilkeel v Bandon, 2.30pm, Kilkeel HS; NICS v North Down, 1pm, Stormont; Cookstown v Monkstown, 2.30pm, Steelweld Park; Corinthian v Three Rock Rovers, 2.30pm, Whitechurch Park; Glenanne v Belfast Harlequins, 2.30pm, Glenanne Park; Railway Union v Portadown, 2.40pm, Park Avenue; Mossley v Annadale, 4pm, The Glade; South Antrim v Pembroke, 2.30pm, Friends; UCD v Rathgar, 11.15am, Belfield

The Hook

Nine sides covered by three points as women’s EYHL in formation mode


Rebecca Barry has scored two in two since coming back from injury. Pic: Adrian Boehm

With three points covering first to ninth, the women’s EY Hockey League is very much in formation mode with plenty of movement likely over the course of the weekend.

Trinity and Cork Harlequins open the weekend at Santry Avenue with both looking to land their second win of the campaign. The students were relegated from the top level of the intervarsities on Monday but can welcome back Sally Campbell – who is a DIT student – to their line-up to give a strong presence.

Quins are on the road for the fourth time already this season, their third league road-trip in addition to an away date at Dungannon in the Irish Senior Cup. Rebecca Barry was back in firing on her return from injury with goals at Ards and in that cup tie while Cliodhna Sargent has made her return to training in the past week or so.

On Sunday, Pegasus and Loreto meet in a battle of two unbeaten sides. For the latter, Sarah Torrans and Hannah McLoughlin come back into the fold full of confidence following impressive first appearances for Ireland’s senior squad against Scotland and giving an inkling to the likes of Siofra O’Brien, Caitlin Sherin and Christina Hamill of what is possible in a short space of time.

Former Irish captain Alex Speers has been in red-hot form for Pegs with five goals in four games to her name with great support from Steph Thompson, Katie McKee and Rachel McMillan, giving them plenty of points of danger.

UCD continued their quick recovery from a rare league defeat on opening day with a fifth varsities success in six years to go with some big EYHL and cup win. The likes of Sarah Robinson, Leah Ewart, Anna Richardson and Bethany Barr all missed that competition which they won at a canter. Some of them will come back into the mix

Their next challenge is a trip to an improving Pembroke side who will formally open their new pitch at Serpentine Avenue on Sunday. Iseult Cambay and Katie Jane Marshall had fine interpro tournaments two weeks ago and add to a Pembroke side who had Aisling Naughton and Gillian Pinder in Irish action.

Railway Union will hope to finally get their first win of the campaign after three draws on the spin as they host Hermes-Monkstown, the last side waiting for their first points of the season.

At Deramore Park, Belfast Harlequins meet Ards in all-Ulster derby with a showdown between Zoe Wilson and livewire Chloe Brown could provide fireworks. Brown’s trickery has lit up Ards’ start to the season, recording a win and two draws. Quins have had just two games so far, edging out Hermes-Monkstown before succumbing to UCD.

In the Leinster league, Genesis and Our Lady’s brilliant starts to the season will be put to the test when they meet the fancied sides Old Alex and Muckross respectively.

Genesis, indeed, have yet to concede in four games but are facing one of the most prolific attacks in the division who will test their mettle. Our Lady’s have three wins from four and will hope to make things difficult for Muckross.

With a number of their rivals set to drop points, Corinthian will hope they can strengthen their place at the top when they face Clontarf who are waiting to land their first point.

Trinity, Monkstown, Corinthian, UCD and Old Alex all start their Irish Junior Cup campaigns on Saturday on a busy weekend.

Women’s fixtures
EY Hockey League
Saturday: Trinity v Cork Harlequins, 1pm, Santry Avenue
Sunday: Belfast Harlequins v Ards, 2.30pm, Deramore Park; Pegasus v Loreto, 1.30pm, Queens University; Pembroke Wanderers v UCD, 4pm, Serpentine Avenue; Railway Union v Hermes-Monkstown, 2.40pm, Park Avenue

Leinster Division 1 (all Saturday): North Kildare v Glenanne, 12pm, The Maws; Corinthian v Clontarf, 12pm, Whitechurch Park; Our Ladys v Muckross, 2pm, Terenure; Avoca v Rathgar, 2.30pm, Newpark; Old Alex v Genesis, 3.15pm, Milltown

Munster Division 1 (all Saturday): Bandon v University College Cork, 2pm, Bandon GS; Catholic Institute v Cork Church of Ireland, 12pm, Rosbrien; Limerick v Ashton, 3pm, Villiers; Waterford v Belvedere, 12.30pm, Newtown School.

Irish Junior Cup, first round (all Saturday): Lisnagarvey v UCC, 2.30pm, Comber Road; Trinity v Belfast Harlequins, 3pm, Santry Avenue; Monkstown v Cork Harlequins, 3.30pm, Merrion Fleet Arena; Corinthian v UCD, 4pm, Whitechurch Park; Muckross v Banbridge, 3pm, Muckross Park; Old Alex v Queens, 1.30pm, Milltown

The Hook

Warriors, Police aim for victories in men’s league

By BRIAN YONGA


Parklands Sports Club's Boniface Ndombi (left) vies for the ball with Barnabas Odhiambo of Butali Sugar Warriors during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match on July 23, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

The Kenya Hockey Union leagues resumes this weekend after a two-week break occasioned by the repeat presidential elections and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Bigwigs Kenya Police, Butali Sugar Warriors, Telkom and Amira Sailors will all be in action this weekend, which will see City Park Stadium in Nairobi host eight matches.

Leaders Kenya Police and Telkom will both be looking to extend their leads in men’s and women’s Premier League when they take on Kenya College of Accountancy of University (KCA-U) and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat) respectively.

Former champions Butali Sugar Warriors, who have not played a match in the second leg, take on second-placed Greensharks Saturday afternoon in the pick of this weekend’s matches.

On Sunday, the lakeside club will take on Nakuru to complete their tour of the capital as they bid to secure maximum points.

Butali’s lack of playing has seen them drop from second to fifth, 16 points behind runaway leaders Kenya Police. They therefore cannot afford to drop any points as they look to claw back the deficit.

TOUGH MATCH

Butali coach Godfrey Wakachunga who took over the team this season has endured a tough season with the Kisumu-based club as they bid to reclaim the title they lost last season.

“We cannot afford any more slip-ups if we want to reclaim the title. We will aim at winning the two matches this weekend,” Wakachunga told Nation Sport. The first leg between the sides ended in a 0-0 stalemate and this afternoon’s encounter could also be closely fought.

Emmanuel Simiyu and Frank Wanangwe will lead the Butali attack as they aim to get their second leg campaign off to a winning start. A win for Sharks will move them to 40 points and will be hoping that KCA-U do them a favour by stopping Police.

“This is a tough match and they will be under pressure because they want to reduce the deficit and challenge for the title,” Sharks coach Ben Owaga said.

STILL UNBEATEN

Police will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as they seek to reclaim the title they last won in 2013.

The law enforcers have won 16 out of their 17 matches this season, to establish a 12-point lead at the top. The team will welcome back on-form striker Amos Barkibir, Robert Masibo, Oliver Echenje, Willis Okeyo, Sammy Oungo and Richard Birir from national team duty.

The students will be looking to move clear from the relegation zone.

FIXTURES (All matches at City Park Stadium)

Saturday

Premier Men: Kenya Police v KCA-U (12noon), Kenyatta University Vultures v Titans (2pm), Butali v Greensharks (4pm)
Premier Women: Amira Sailors v Mombasa Sports Club – 6pm

Sunday

Premier Women: Strathmore University v MSC – 9am, Telkom v JKUAT – 1pm
Premier Men: Butali v Nakuru – 11am,  Strathmore v Wazalendo – 3pm

Daily Nation

Hertzberger’s heart beating faster for Rotterdam’s EHL KO16 hosting


©: Frank Uijenbroek / World Sport Pics

Jeroen Hertzberger says having the EHL KO16 back in his home club “makes my heart beat faster” as he looks forward to playing Mannheimer HC in front of a packed house next Easter.

A legend of the EHL, Hertzberger is the all-time top scorer in the competition with 35 goals but has not been able to add to his total in recent years as Rotterdam – the club he is a life member of – missing out on qualification.

As such, he is looking forward to making up for lost time on March 31, 2018 against the reigning German champions.

“Hosting the EHL again after all these years makes my heart beat faster. I always remember great games against great teams. Even better is the atmosphere and the fans!

“Getting the best 16 teams in Europe at our club is really exciting and we are really looking forward to the challenge.

“Mannheim is a great team with a lot of quality. The German champion against the Dutch number two might be the biggest game of the weekend and hopefully we can qualify for the next round! We will work very hard to be ready and hopefully we can get a full house to make it an even more sensational game.”

Tickets for the KO16/KO8 went on sale this week with the anticipation of a packed house following last year’s sold out dates in Eindhoven.

For fans planning to travel to the EHL KO16/KO8 in Rotterdam, the home club have prepared the following website with information about getting to the venue and will add more about the side events as time goes on: https://hcrotterdam.club/ehl2018/

Euro Hockey League media release

#PHL17 u21 Teams Named

The Premier Hockey League was designed to deliver the very best high performance event for South African Hockey. To this end 10 of the 12 playing squads (6 x Men and 6 x Women) will comprise the very best players in South Africa with the 2016 squads augmented by additional Marquee Players and a revised draft process taking place on 4th November in Johannesburg.

In line with SA Hockey’s high performance pipeline strategy the two remaining franchise teams, The Golden Gate Gladiators and The Namaqualand Daisies will be dedicated for the SA men’s and women’s u21 national squads respectively.

Prior to the launch of #PHL16 last year, Marissa Langeni, the CEO of SAHA, stated that “If the u21 team experiment proves a success then we may make these age group national teams a permanent fixture in future PHLs”. With the success of their inclusion in the tournament and specifically the u21 Men’s success at the FIH Junior World Cup post #PHL16, the SA Hockey High Performance team agreed to make this a permanent part in u21 preparations for future international campaigns.

In even more exciting news for South African Hockey and particularly the u21 High Performance programme, Old Mutual iWYZE have signed on to sponsor both teams as an extension of their very successful iWYZE Hockey Nationals 2017 sponsorship of u13, u16 and u18 schools events for boys and girls.

“Hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in South Africa amongst both boys and girlssays iWYZE Head of Brand & Advertising, Presodhini Naicker. “iWYZE believes that the future of South Africa is dependent on the development of its youth. Through this sponsorship, we are given an opportunity to extend our support of schools hockey to the next really important developmental stage for young players, the national u21 programme. We are excited to be part of this great event and to further the development of South African youth who are also our future clients,” says Naicker.

Tyson Dlungwana, a member of the 2016 Gladiators and national u21 squad member said “It’s wonderful to be back in the Gladiators squad for #PHL17. Last year was an incredible opportunity for us as young players and I have no doubt that the new generation of u21 players joining us this year will gain enormously from the experience.” Included in the Men’s u21 squad is Western Cape schoolboy Dayaan Cassiem who has already represented the Men’s national team and proved during the recent FIH Hockey World League in Johannesburg that he is a global superstar in the making.

Exciting young talent Kriston Paton who has just returned from the African Cup with the National Women’s squad will again be representing the Daisies alongside 2016 Daisies’ veterans Sisipho Magwaza, Sadiswe Tabata, Tegan Fourie and Ongeziwe Mali.

#PHL17 will be broadcast live on SuperSport so please look out for the final match and broadcast schedules which will be published in the coming weeks.

The iWYZE Namaqualand Daisies

Kirsty Adams
Monique Bartsch
Stephanie Botha
Frances Carstens
Ashleigh Datnow
Courtney du Preez
Tegan Fourie
Lizanne Jacobs
Mmamoagi Agi Kungoane
Charnè Maddoks
Sisipho Magwaza (gk)
Ongeziwe Mali
Kristen Paton
Hannah Pearce
Jamie Southgate
Sadisiwe Tabata
Nomnikelo Veto
Moya Smith (gk)
Simone Gouws
Casey Jane Botha

Coach: Rob van Ginkel

The iWYZE Golden Gate Gladiators

Muzzamil Sheik
William Eveleigh
Andrew Hobson
Tyson Dlungwana
Courtney Hallé
Jared Cass
Jacki Mohlaba
Sam Mvimbi
Connor Beauchamp
Chris Makaba
Ross Campbell
Mark Chong
Matthew Roman
Luke Schooling
Che February
Spencer Botes
Dayaan Cassiem
Max Pike
Brad Sherwood
Laython Coombs

Coach: Gareth Ewing

About iWYZE

iWYZE is the direct channel from Old Mutual providing car, home and life insurance. iWYZE car & home insurance is underwritten by Old Mutual Insure, a Licensed Financial Services Provider (FSP 12) The iWYZE Life policy is underwritten and issued by Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (South Africa) Limited (FSP 703)

For more information about iWYZE, go to: www.iwyze.co.za

SA Hockey Association media release

Maryland field hockey loses in Big Ten tournament semifinals, 3-2, against Penn State

By Scott Gelman


Defender Bodil Keus shoots a goal during Maryland's 3-0 win against Michigan State on Oct. 29, 2017. (Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)

With about 11 minutes remaining in the Maryland field hockey team's 3-2 Big Ten tournament semifinals loss to Penn State on Friday, it appeared the Terps were headed for overtime. Defender Bodil Keus, just named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, executed off a penalty corner to tie the game.

But in the 67th minute, Nittany Lions midfielder Kate Dembrowski did the same. Maryland had fewer than four minutes to respond and secured one final corner attempt as time expired. Keus' last-ditch shot sailed wide.

Dembrowski's finish snapped Maryland's seven-game winning streak, which should still to be enough to land the Terps a spot in the NCAA tournament when the bracket is released Sunday. Now, all coach Missy Meharg's team can do is wait.

It's an unfamiliar position for the Terps, who have two days to wonder about their tournament fate. For the first time since joining the conference, Maryland will not play in the tournament title game.

"We definitely had the right attitude," midfielder Lein Holsboer said. "Overall, very disappointed, of course."

The Terps said after Sunday's quarterfinals win against Michigan State that they wanted to improve their counterattack. However, issues in transition plagued Maryland again Friday, Holsboer said.

Nittany Lions forward Moira Putsch capitalized in the eighth minute, when Terps goalkeeper Sarah Holliday was drawn toward the left-side of the net. Putsch's 20th score this season landed in the lower-right corner.

Nine minutes later, forward Sabrina Rhodes fielded the ball off a rebounded shot and tied the game. Still, the Nittany Lions boasted a 2-1 advantage at the intermission despite Maryland's 13-4 shooting advantage.

Maryland's attack continued to challenge Penn State's defense in the second half and earned a penalty corner in the 59th minute. Keus' line-drive strike fell in the lower-left corner to tie the game. But Maryland's momentum was short lived.

"Penn State is a really strong, very skillful team," defender Carrie Hanks said. "While we knew going in that it was going to be tough, we managed it relatively well and fought our way back into the game several times."

The Terps inability to take advantage of their 18 shots and four penalty corner attempts proved costly. Friday marked the first time since an Oct. 15 win against the Nittany Lions that the Terps failed to score at least three times.
Still, the Terps positioned themselves to tie the game after time expired, removing Holliday from the game to use an extra attacker.

But Keus was unable to connect on her final try.

Following its last close loss against Michigan, Maryland regrouped and didn't drop a game for more than a month. Now, they hope for the opportunity to do so again.

"We know that it's going to be a tough 48 hours waiting here," Hanks said. "But we've been building all season and we really want to have the chance to put our full 70 minutes of Maryland hockey together."

The Diamondback

Hockeyroos stars put a smile on faces of Pacific Island players


Rachel Lynch has been driving development in the Pacific Islands

Earlier this year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) website ran a story about Australia women’s hockey team stars Jane Claxton and Rachel Lynch’s visit to Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. While the trip was all about developing the players' skills, player safety was also a big concern for the dynamic duo.

"They can not afford nor easily access dental care yet none of them wore the mouth guards," says Rachel, explaining why this became such an important issue.

Player safety aside, the main aim of the visit was to run coaching clinics with both the men’s and women’s national teams and their coaching staff, helping the teams prepare for international events ahead.

In addition, the two players ran coaching sessions in schools and a one-off training session for ‘Mums’ in a remote village, so they in turn could pass on a love of the game to their children. As Rachel says, “there was no electricity or running water but they had a hockey coaching programme.”

“It was a huge success,” says the Hockeyroos goalkeeper, “but while there we realised the limited resources the teams had to play our amazing game, so we decided that next time we all met we wanted to make some meaningful donations.”

Currently, Vanuatu has a synthetic turf that the teams train on, with some of the athletes travelling for hours on local buses just to get to training. In the Solomon Islands, training takes place on a rock-strewn dirt patch on a school oval.

Equipment is very limited, with basic safety equipment such as shin pads and mouth-guards in short supply.

It’s not just individuals such as Jane and Rachel who do their bit to help the islanders develop the sport. Oceania Hockey helps in a variety of ways, including the training of local coaches, while the hockey programmes are run and facilitated through a local charity.

Eight months on and the teams from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands were in Sydney for the inaugural Intercontinental Hockey5s competition which ran alongside the Oceania Cup. Jane and Rachel spotted an opportunity to take the sport’s development in the two communities a step further.

Rachel takes up the story: “In the lead up to the tournament I asked all our national players to keep a bag of uniform to donate while we were there.

“I also arranged some sponsorship from Madison Sports, who donated 40 mouth guards. This was huge because our main focus was player safety. The day we mentioned mouthguards and asked if they would use them they smiled and said ‘yes’ but went on to ask if they would need to share them.” 

Over the course of the tournament, Rachel and Jane met up with the men’s and women’s teams from the Solomon Islands and gave them a lesson in mouth-guard fitting and care. They also handed over a brand new Kookaburras uniform to each player.

"One of the main reasons for our visit was to encourage and empower the women and girls through sport."
Australia Goalkeeper, Rachel Lynch

The Australia men’s team then met up with the teams from Samoa and Vanuatu and gave out t-shirts and shorts, while the Papua New Guinea women’s team were given a set of Hockeyroos hoodies by Rachel and Australia women’s captain Emily Smith.

For the visiting teams, the trip to Sydney was an overwhelming experience, but the feeling went both ways, says Rachel. “It was a real moment of gratitude for all of us. We want to support hockey in the Islands and, more than ever, we appreciate how difficult it is for them. I was completely amazed by some of the comments they made like how clean the streets were, how amazing it was to travel on a train, how nice it was to have showers with warm water at the hockey centre change rooms.

“Hockey gives these people some real purpose. When we coached the mums in the remote community it was just amazing to see the smiles on their faces. One of the main reasons for our visit was to encourage and empower the women and girls through sport. Traditionally they take on the role of carer at home so this gives them an outlet and something to really look forward to in their lives. We would love to get back over to the Pacific island as their is a huge need for support and development in the region. We made a huge impact and it was a fantastic learning experience for us also.”

Rachel Lynch and Jane Claxton and their Hockeyroo and Kookaburra teammates are great examples of current players embracing FIH's 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy aimed at making hockey a global game that inspires the next generation.

#GlobalProjects

FIH site