News for 06 November 2017
All the news for Monday 6 November 2017
Women's Asia Cup 2019 Finals
7th/8th Place SIN v KAZ 0 - 3
5th/6th Place THA v MAS 0 - 4
3rd/4th Place KOR v JPN 1 - 0
Final CHN v IND 1 - 1 (4 - 5 SO)
Final placings:
India
China
Korea
Japan
Malaysia
Thailand
Kazakhstan
Singapore
FIH Match Centre
India women win Asia Cup and qualify for World Cup 2018
India beat China in a close final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2017, cementing their position as top team in Asia and qualifying for the Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 as continental champions.
The result followed 10 days of scintillating competition between the eight top teams on the continent and the final was proof that women’s hockey is thriving in Asia.
That the match went to shoot-out, where Rani was the hero as she held her nerve to score the sudden-death decider, was proof of the tightly contested nature of the games between the Asia rivals.
India (FIH Hero World Ranking: 12) went into the final unbeaten as they topped their pool and then dispatched Kazakhstan 7-1 in the quarter-finals and Japan 4-2 in the semi-finals. They had earlier beaten China (WR: 8) in the pool matches by a convincing 4-1 scoreline but as anyone who watches China play regularly will know, they tend to save their best until the latter stages of the tournament.
That defeat aside, China’s route to the final was seamless. They came second in the pool behind India before beating Thailand 10-0 in the quarter finals and Korea 3-2 in the semi-finals.
And so to the much anticipated final. The first 15 minutes were played out in canny fashion with both sides testing each other’s defences but with no break through by either side. The break finally came, five minutes from half-time when Navjot Kaur put India ahead after some good build-up play from the Eves. Her goal, scored from open play, put India firmly in the driving seat going into the second half.
However, China are used to playing the waiting game and their structured and patient build-up play as they soaked up pressure before launching their own attacks was rewarded in the 47th minute when Luo Tiantian equalled the scores. Her shot was a rasping penalty corner that left Savita in the India goal with no chance of making the save.
It was game on for the last quarter as both sides strove to find the breakthrough and the winning goal. But, the whistle blew and the match went to shoot out. Even here nothing could separate the two as the score at the end of the first five attempts was 4-4. However, Rani put her shot home, while Savita saved from Liang Meiyu.
The result answered new Head Coach Harendra Singh’s call for both an Asia Cup title and qualification for the Hockey Women’s World Cup in London next July and August.
The bronze medal went to Korea after they beat the host nation and reigning champions Japan in a tightly-contested 1-0 game.
It was Shin Hyejeong’s goal from open play in the first minute of the match that separated the teams. The match was a see-saw battle but neither side were able to effect another breakthrough. As the match drew to a close, Japan (WR: 11) really piled on the pressure and Korea’s Hong Ji Seon was forced into making a tackle that saw her sent from the pitch with a yellow card. Despite this, Korea, who are ranked two places higher than Japan, set up a structured defence which was strong enough to keep the Cherry Blossom attack at bay.
In the battle to avoid last place Kazakhstan (WR: 34) put three goals past Singapore (WR: 40), while Malaysia (WR: 22) beat Thailand (WR: 31) by a convincing 4-0 scoreline to secure fifth spot.
Women’s Asia Cup 2017
Final placings:
India
China
Korea
Japan
Malaysia
Thailand
Kazakhstan
Singapore
FIH site
Indian girls annex ninth Asia Cup in Kakamigahara
s2h team
Rani Rampal's Indian women's hockey team has annexed the ninth Asia Cup, defeating China on sudden death after both teams shared two goals in the regulation time in the tensely fought final today in the ninth Asia Cup at Kakamigahara in Japan. Its captain Rani Rampal who piloted the victory, as she scored both in tie-break shoot out and sudden death.
Navjot Kaur struck in the 25th minute after the Indians could ward off high press China's challenge in the first quarters. Despite dominating, India failed to strike further in the second and third quarters. China got a penalty corner in the 47th minute after successful referral. Tiantian Luo, the centre-forward sent a fierce push in to the cage to the right of Indian goalie Savita to level the score (1-1).
Chinese, who lost to India 1-4 in the league, were faster and quicker on the field and were threatening to score anytime. They forced three penalty corners in succession in the fag end of fourth quarters, but could not get past Sunita Lakra's and Deep Grace Ekka's charges. Indian defence made some amazing saves in this spell.
India did not give up. They relied on counters. Neha Goel and Lilima Minz were solid in the midifield. Navneet Kaur and Vandana were in the thick of things but goals did not come till the full time.
In the ensured penalty shoot out, India and China were 4-4 and Navneet Kaur got a chance to give India title when she went for fifth, but her effort was blocked by goalie Dinhuan Li.
Rani Rampal, who started the shoot out for India, again was again successful to side step Dinhuan Li to give India 5th goal in the sudden death. China's Meiju Liang came for her quota, but Savita did not give her space to work her way out, and she hit in desparation from close which Savita blocked. The ball rose high and fell out of the circle, giving Indians wide celebrations.
India has been a force in the Asian hockey, having won medals in every Asia Cup since 1989.
India lost won Gold in January 2004 in Delhi after winning Silver in 1999. India lost to China 2-4 when they met in the final at Bangkok in 2009.
India won bronze at Kuala Lumpur in the last edition.
Its over all second Asia Cup title for the talented Indian girls, and the first for the new women's coach Harendra Singh.
India last won the Asia Cup in 2004 beating Japan 1-0 in the final.
Harendra Singh, who got India Junior World Cup, was given charge of women only a month ago.
The title win has cemented India's slot for the London World Cup.
Stick2Hockey.com
Indian women prove they are champions
Uthra Ganesan
Rani Rampal stepped up for the shootout, swerved and dodged past Chinese goalkeeper Ye Jiao and slotted the ball in.
It was sudden death and India goalkeeper Savita Punia, the saviour in innumerable matches, stepped up once again. Meiyu Liang's shot was saved and, at 8.15 p.m. in Kakamigahara, Japan, the Indian women were crowned Asia Cup champions.
The last time Indian women became hockey champions of Asia was 13 years ago.
Not one of the girls from that triumph in Delhi is active any more, but the one common factor between the two victories is the presence of an Indian coach.
It's been a long road for the team back to the top of the podium. The Indian men's win two weeks ago, was expected. The women's win, however, is a much bigger achievement for several reasons.
India is fourth in Asia and 12th in the world. The highest ranked Asian team is eighth-placed China, whom India beat twice, including in the final. Japan was overpowered in the semifinals.
India's last title had come exactly a year ago — November 5, 2016 — against the same opponent, at the Asian Champions Trophy.
The girls also wanted to prove they were going to the World Cup on merit.
“We were almost 99 per cent certain of qualifying even without the title here, but I wanted the girls to win and prove themselves. Earning a spot and being gifted one are completely different feelings,” coach Harendra Singh had declared even before the game, adding he was confident of winning.
M.K. Kaushik, under whom India won the Asia Cup last in 2004, agreed. “Earlier it was only Rani scoring. She was even made to take penalty corners. Now everyone is contributing in every department. It shows the way Harendra has motivated this team,” a beaming Kaushik said.
Asked about the positives from the tournament, his first in charge of the side and first ever assignment with a women's team, Harendra said there were many but underlined two.
“Self belief and ability to score. The girls now believe they can score against any one and do not have to remain stuck defending.
“Second, they know they have the ability to score at any point. They have realised that the game is never over till the final hooter so if they can concede at the last moment, they can score also,” he said, before being pulled away by a bunch of screaming girls for celebrations — all too young to remember the previous victory but old enough to know the magnitude of their achievement.
The Hindu
Indian women win Asia Cup, qualify for Hockey World Cup
India had to wait long for their second Women’s Asia Cup title with the last one coming way back in 2004
Indian players celebrate a goal at a Women’s Asia Cup Hockey match. Photo Credit: PTI
India edged past China 5-4 via shootout to win the women’s Asia Cup hockey title here on Sunday. With this, India also qualified for next year’s World Cup as Continental champion.
It was skipper Rani Rampal who scored the winning goal while Savita Punia made a great save in sudden death.
It was advantage China as a stick check in the circle saw India concede a penalty corner in only the second minute of the game. However, Savita padded it away and an alert Deep Grace cleared the ball.
A second penalty corner was again padded away by Savita. With the first quarter ending in a stalemate, India came back looking determined to find a breakthrough.
The forwards made several forays into the striking circle. India found the breakthrough in the 25th minute through Navjot Kaur.
Though China launched a counter attack, the Indian defenders were up to the task. The final quarter was tense as China won a penalty corner through a successful video referral in the 47th minute. Tiantian Luo kept low as she improvised to find the right corner of the post, scoring a sensational equaliser for China.
In the penalty shootout Rani scored twice, while Monica, Lilima Minz and Navjot scored once each.
Savita was adjudged Goalkeeper-of-the-Tournament while Monica won the Woman-of-the-Match award.
The result: Final: India 1 (Navjot Kaur) bt China 1 (Tiantian Luo) in shootout. Third place: Korea 1 (Hyejeong Shin) bt Japan 0.
The Hindu
It was important to qualify for World Cup on merit: Rani
KAKAMIGAHARA (Japan): Indian women's hockey team qualified for the World Cup by winning the Asia Cup and captain Rani said it was important for the team to enter next year's mega event on merit.
"We are all extremely happy that we won the Asia Cup and have earned the qualification for next year's World Cup on merit," said Rani after India defeated China 5-4 via a shootout in the final.
The team broke a 13-year-old jinx when Rani scored the final goal and goalkeeper Savita foiled an attempt from the rivals to ensure a 5-4 win.
"We had a lot of young players in the team who showed great spirit in playing on such a big platform. The team gave a good fight to China and China too played equally well today and the match went into penalty shootout.
"It was a high level competition and we did not drop our level at any point in the game. Savita made a brilliant save in sudden death and I am happy I could convert that goal in sudden death."
She said the win has boosted the team's confidence ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth and Asian Games.
"We would like to especially thank Hockey India and SAI (Sports Authority of India) for their continued support and ensuring we get the best facilities. Hopefully we will carry this confidence and motivation into the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games."
India last played in the World Cup in 2010 as they failed to qualify for the 2014 edition.
Talking about the shootout, Rani revealed that preparing for tense situations helped the team pull through.
"We were not happy with our performance in Johannesburg at the World League Semi Final and right then the team had decided that we need to start winning in order to gain that confidence to perform well in top tournaments.
"We worked a lot on creating PCs and Gurjit worked hard on converting PCs during our camps. We were also well prepared for a shootout situation as we were anticipating the knockouts to end in shootouts. All the preparation helped us today."
The Times of India
We were prepared for shootout, says Rani
Kakamigahara: After India’s thrilling win through the penalty shootout, Indian captain Rani said that the team benefitted from having prepared hard for such tense situations.
“We worked a lot on creating PCs and Gurjit worked hard on converting PCs during our camps,” she said. “We were also well prepared for a shootout situation as we were anticipating the knockouts to end in shootouts. All the preparation helped us today.”
“We were not happy with our performance in Johannesburg at the World League Semifinals and right then the team had decided that we need to start winning in order to gain that confidence to perform well in top tournaments,” the skipper said.
Big year ahead
Rani said it was important for the team to enter next year’s World Cup on merit.
“We are all extremely happy that we won the Asia Cup and have earned the qualification for next year’s World Cup on merit,” said Rani. India had failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and last figured in the event in 2010.
“We had a lot of young players in the team who showed great spirit in playing on such a big platform,” she added about today’s win. “The team gave a good fight to China and China too played equally well today and the match went into penalty shootout.”
“It was a high level competition and we did not drop our level at any point in the game,” Rani said. “Savita made a brilliant save in sudden death and I am happy I could convert that goal in sudden death.”
She said the win has boosted the team’s confidence for next year’s Commonwealth and Asian Games.
“We would like to especially thank Hockey India and SAI (Sports Authority of India) for their continued support and ensuring we get the best facilities,” she said. “Hopefully we will carry this confidence and motivation into the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.”
2 Number of Women’s Asia Cup titles India have won. China and Japan also have two titles, while South Korea have won the event thrice
28 Goals scored by the Indian team in six matches in the tournament
8 Goals scored by drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur, making her India’s top-scorer in the tournament
All win
Just like the men’s team, the women’s team also won the Asia Cup without losing a single match. But while the men had one draw, the women won all their matches to make it an impressive feat
The Tribune
Changed mindset has paid dividend: Harendra Singh
Manuja Veerappa
BENGALURU: A day after India began their campaign in the Asia Cup women's hockey tournament at Kakamigahara, Japan (October 29), South Africa paved their way into the 2018 World Cup by winning the African Cup of Nations. Many thought with the World Cup berth in their grasp, Rani and her team would be a little complacent in the tournament that serves as a World Cup qualifier.
But the team, coached by the seasoned Harendra Singh, was determined to earn their right to play the World Cup to be held in London. Speaking to TOI in between celebrations at Kakamigahara, the chief coach said: "We didn't want to take anything for granted. The girls were determined to earn their place in the World Cup line-up. We wanted to qualify on merit not by chance."
On the tournament, the former Indian junior men's coach said: "Overall, the performance of the team was satisfying. The highlight of the team's campaign here was that they won the tournament without losing a match. While the girls are celebrating the win, we have not lost focus on what we need to do to get better. They will get back to the grind after a short break."
Harendra, who look over from Sjoerd Marijne - the current men's team coach - last month, pointed out that in the build-up to the Asia Cup, he didn't tinker with their game, but worked on changing their mindset.
"The mindset needed to change. The girls have understood that if they play positive hockey and for results instead of participation, they can be achievers. I told them to take one match at a time and concrete on the result of that match. I also told them to keep possession and if they lost the ball they had a specific time frame to get it back. That way, they attacked more," Harendra said of the team that scored 28 goals, while conceding five.
Asked on the girls' ability to handle pressure in the shootouts, Harendra explained: "They have been told one thing, pressure gets the better of you only when you start thinking of the results and hence concentrate on putting away one ball at a time. This worked well for them." With the Asia Cup in the kitty, the team will head back to India and will regroup at the SAI, South Centre here for a camp after a short break. The international exposure schedule - in the run-up to next year's Asian Games and Commonwealth Games - would be finalised soon.
The Times of India
Asia Cup is just the foundation, more to come, says Harendra
Harendra had also coached the Indian junior men’s hockey team to World Cup gold in Lucknow last year.
Indian women's hockey team members pose with medals and trophy as they celebrate after beat China to win women's Asia Cup hockey title, qualify for 2018 World Cup in Kakamigahara , Japan on Sunday. Photo Credit: PTI
Harendra Singh has a penchant for delivering results whenever entrusted with an assignment and has now set his sights at bigger goals after guiding the Indian women’s team to Asia Cup triumph after 13 long years.
The chief coach feels that it is just the beginning as the women’s team embark on a more difficult journey in 2018, which includes Commonwealth Games in Australia as well as Asian Games in Indonesia apart from the big-ticket World Cup in England. Harendra already has his targets in place.
“The Asia Cup is just the foundation, we have to achieve much more. The year 2018 is very crucial for Indian women’s hockey. We have three important tournaments — Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the World Cup and I expect minimum 2 medals out of this three tournaments,” Harendra told PTI during an exclusive interaction.
By his own admission, he had barely watched women’s hockey, leave aside coaching a side, but the Asia Cup title after a hiatus of 13 years in Kakamigahara, Japan on Sunday made him believe that “nothing is impossible” in the world of sport.
“I don’t remember whether I had followed women’s hockey closely before the Hockey World League (HWL) Semifinals in Johannesburg earlier this year,” Harendra was candid in his confession.
But for someone who has been associated with national teams over the years, Harendra was confident that he could deliver in women’s hockey too.
“I knew I can deliver in women’s hockey also. I can make a significant contribution for the Indian women’s team,” he said.
Known to be an astute tactician, Harendra had also coached the Indian junior men’s hockey team to World Cup gold in Lucknow, last year.
“For a coach, every tournament is important. The Junior World Cup win and the Asia Cup title with the girls are completely different,” Harendra did not want to compare the two victories.
But he did put things into perspective.
“I had three years to prepare the junior men’s team while I prepared the girls in just 23—24 days. So the satisfaction of both the wins are different. (But) I am never satisfied.”
Harendra has always been an obsessive coach, always hungry for results.
The hunger, though, can be gauged from the fact that he never got the opportunity to represent India at the Olympics.
And whether it is in charge of his employer Air India or any other national team, Harendra is never satisfied and always wants to return with a podium finish.
“Any medal would do. The colour of the medal, though, will be decided by the girls. Nothing is impossible,” Harendra replied, when asked about chances of medals in three marquee events next year.
Prior to becoming the continental champions by beating China 5-4 in the shoot-out on Sunday, India had already sneaked through to the World Cup by finishing 8th at the HWL Semifinals in Johannesburg, earlier this year.
But Harendra said having qualified for the World Cup on merit, the girls can now hold their heads high.
“Since taking over, I just focussed on team bonding and worked on developing their confidence. They have worked towards that and also showed the world that they don’t need favours from others. They can earn their World Cup berth on merit,” he signed off.
The Hindu
India's triumph underlines Harendra Singh's incredible abilities as coach
Sundeep Misra
File image of Indian women's hockey team. Image courtesy: Twitter @TheHockeyIndia
Many years back, 14 to be exact, Harendra Singh sat on a bench on the outside pitch at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. It was one of those excruciatingly hot and humid days. A lone breeze from India Gate end provided relief. A cloud cover made it muggy. Harendra was oblivious to all this.
The cameraperson complained about sweat trickling into his ear phones. Over the sound of traffic drifting over from the road running parallel to the Stadium Gates, Harendra spoke about failure, success and frustration; in no particular order. But he wanted more from his life. He spoke about his playing days; his silver medal at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games when it could easily have been gold — India lost to Pakistan 2-3 in the final; about the punishing evening in Sydney after that 1-1 draw against Poland at the 2000 Olympics that deprived India of a semi-final spot.
He spoke about failure and success like a sage on wisdom. And in that he spoke about the drive to be a successful coach. “Maybe, I wasn’t taken too seriously as a player,” he confessed. “Maybe, they thought how can someone from Bihar (non-tribal areas) be a player . It did hurt me. But instead of being bitter, I promised that irrespective of which player comes from where, I will coach them to the top. I will never discriminate on the basis of which region you come from.”
In Kakamigahara, Japan, when China’s Liang Meiyu, sashayed the ball, back and forth on her stick, striding confidently towards Sunita as India led 5-4 in the shoot-out, her reverse flick found the lower portion of Sunita’s right pad. For Harendra and the team, it wasn’t a victory that hadn’t been achieved earlier but the sound of the girls screaming with delight will stay with Harendra longer than the shouts, back slaps and hoops of delights of the Indian juniors when they won the 2016 World Cup in Lucknow.
Most coaches pick up jobs after evaluating and weighing the pros and cons. There is no denying that after Roelant Oltmans was sacked as Indian men’s coach, Harendra did aspire to fill those shoes. He had very confidently said: “I will take them to the podium at the 2018 World Cup.” But neither did he pick up a phone and gripe when the job went to Sjoerd Marijne, the Indian women’s coach who was hauled off from the European tour to take charge. Emotion, attachment, passion, belief were all taken into consideration when Harendra was picked. It won’t be out of the realm of fantasy to say that Hockey India with the Asia Cup looming large decided that Harendra would be a good stop gap. After all, he had never coached a women’s team. And neither had he ever shown a desire to do so. But the answer, probably, to the surprise of many was a ‘Yes’ from Harendra.
The happiest person then was his daughter Anouksha Singh who said, “Finally, you are coaching a women’s team and I am so happy.” In a way, his 21-year-old daughter’s words not only inspired Harendra, he made a silent vow that win or lose, he wouldn’t give up on the women. “I will give my best,” he said before flying off to Japan.
After the 12th spot at the Rio Olympics, with all the latent talent and soft skills in the wrists of the Indian women, slugging it out against much fitter teams was letting them down. The morale was low and suddenly Indian women’s hockey seemed confused as to the direction they needed to take. The team that won the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester was skilful and hardy. They were a tough bunch who would beat you on the flick and then ram in a shoulder or two outside the striking circle.
The present bunch wasn’t soft but did need a few strong words. They needed someone speaking their language. Marijne in whatever time he had put in a structure and made them understand the language of using skill with pace in beating the opponent. Harendra tweaked the philosophy saying ‘only winning matters.’ Easier said than done but there is an earnestness about Harendra that percolates down to the lowest denominator in the team. For a player who is willing to put his life, pride and ego on the line, seeing this man’s passion is a vindication that when you play for India, win or lose, you come out bruised and bloodied. "If the spirit to win is there till the last second, you end up winning more and losing less,” says Harendra.
Yet there would have been lingering doubts before the final even though they had beaten China 4-1 in the Pool match. As hockey statistician BG Joshi points out India had played China 45 times winning only seven and losing 32 with six drawn games. In the Asia Cup, India had played China 11 times winning for the first time in the pool game and losing six while drawing four. The only piece of stats that gave some respite to the Indian team were the last five matches in which China won thrice with India winning twice. “But I think that strengthened the resolve of the team that they shouldn’t let this opportunity go waste,” says Harendra.
And that is exactly what happened in Kakamigahara. Off Gurjit Kaur’s stick flew in eight penalty corners apart from Navjot Kaur and Navneet Kaur’s five and four field goals respectively. It was tough to handle an Indian side which was playing through the middle and the flanks with considerable speed. Rani Rampal had three goals in the tournament and it’s good to take some pressure of one of India’s most gifted players. Despite all the talk about India’s rank and that they put it across teams ranked higher than them — Japan and China — India would find the path ahead much tougher. There is no doubt that there is a considerable gap in women’s hockey in the top six and then the rest. To build on this would be fantastic for India and it does give a huge boost when you know that you have qualified for the World Cup on your own steam and didn’t need South Africa who won the African Cup to hand you a berth.
Harendra says there were no secret mantras. “I said to the team that you have to play as a unit and everybody should go back to playing simple hockey,” he explained after India had won the final. “But there should be aggression so that the opponent knows the counter attack will be deadly,” he added.
Harendra usually likes opening up the field in the first quarter as it gives him a look into what the teams feel on the pitch; probably one of the reasons why India destroyed Japan in the semi-finals by taking a 3-0 lead in the first nine minutes. Japan couldn’t come back and even when they got back two goals, India still had enough in the tank to score a fourth and close the match.
Harendra knows things get tougher from here. “Now it’s serious work if you have to break into the top six,” he says. “It’s not easy but first the team needs to get a podium at the Commonwealth Games and then try to finish in the 6-8th position for the World Cup and win the Asian Games to qualify directly for the 2020 Olympics.” The good thing about winning the Asia Cup is that the bug would have hit the team and Harendra. Nothing can be better than a team whose hunger has been roused and a coach who knows winning enhances endless possibilities as a coach. When reminded that his idol Ric Charlesworth established a mark in world hockey as the 8-year unbeaten coach of the Australian women’s team, Harendra says, “He is a wizard and I try and follow his steps.”
There were endless congratulations that poured in for the team at Kakamigahara. But the one that made him emotional was from his daughter. The moment Harendra switched on his mobile, in came the WhatsApp call from a delighted, excited Anoushka, his daughter. “Papa, you have done it and I knew you would win it for the girls” he recalls that moment which made winning the Asia Cup all the more memorable. There will be no respite for this team now. Along with training there would be extreme sessions of reading the game and refining decision making. For the small town, glamour shy team, Harendra would also ensure confidence is built and a winning formula created that takes them to the Olympics. Harendra doesn’t know how to sit quiet and enjoy a win. It’s a part of his DNA. The team would have realised that by now.
Firstpost
From Rani Rampal to Savita Punia, players who won the title for India after 13 years
The Indian women's hockey team capped off a successful Asia Cup 2017 campaign, their first assignment under coach Harendra Singh, by clinching the title on Sunday. India defeated China 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the final.
The win comes after their male counterparts also won the Asia Cup trophy late October, making India Asian champions in both men's and women's division.
Indian women's hockey team members pose with medals and trophy as they celebrate after beat China to win women's Asia Cup hockey title. PTI
Indian women's hockey team members pose with medals and trophy as they celebrate after beat China to win women's Asia Cup hockey title. PTI
Here's a look at the team and the major players who helped India win the Asia Cup on Sunday.
Rani Rampal
Rani Rampal, the captain of the Indian team, was one of the stars of the tournament for India. She scored three goals during the course of the tournament while also scoring the decisive goal in the penalty shootout. Hailing from the Shahbad area in Haryana, Rani first debuted for India at the tender age of 14. She then went on to win the Young Player of the Tournament award at the age of 15 for her performance in 2010 hockey World Cup.
In the Asia cup, she scored twice in the opening game Pool match against Singapore, setting the tone for a tournament where India won most of their matches with big margins. Her other goal came up against China in the Pool A match, a team India faced once again in the finals.
Gurjit Kaur
Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur, who continues the rich tradition of hockey players from Punjab, was one of the most valuable players for the country. She led the goal-scoring charts with eight goals.
The Jalandhar girl started the tournament with a solitary goal in the 10-0 victory against Singapore, but ensured that her performances kept on improving as the team moved towards the business end of the Asia Cup.
While the drag flicker continued her goal-scoring run in the matches against China and Malaysia, she was particularly menacing against Kazakhstan, scoring a hat-trick of goals through penalty corners.
Even against Japan in the semi-finals, Gurjit scored twice within the first 10 minutes, which helped India take control of, and eventually defeat, the defending champions.
Navjot Kaur
Son of a mechanic in Kurukshetra, Navjot Kaur is now one of the veterans of Indian women's hockey team, having played for a country in over 100 games. Product of the Baldev Singh academy in Shahbad, Navjot was consistently on the score sheets for India, notching up five goals in the process. The forward scored twice against Singapore in the opener, while scoring one goal each against China in both the Pool match and finals, and also put one past the Japanese goalkeeper in the semi-final.
Navneet Kaur
Another prominent player of the winning Indian hockey team is Navneet Kaur, who plays as a forward in the XI. Belonging to the state of Haryana, Navneet netted four goals during the tournament. Previously part of the Junior Women's Hockey World Cup team which won a bronze in Germany in 2013 alongside present captain Rani, Navneet scored twice against Singapore in their opening Pool A match.
She then followed it up with two more goals against Kazakhstan, helping India clinch a 7-1 win to move into the semis.
Savita Punia
India's goalkeeper, Savita Punia, one of the best in the business, exemplified her value on Sunday, when she produced a stunning save in the penalty shootout against China to help India end the 13-year wait for an Asia Cup title.
The Sirsa-born goalkeeper, who is a veteran of over 120 games for her country, Savita ensured that India ended up conceding just five goals during their six-game journey. The vice captain earlier in 2017 claimed that she still borrows money from her parents for her expenses in an interview with Sportskeeda. Savita, who took up the game on her grandfather's advise, was promised a job by Haryana government under the ‘Medal Lao, Naukri Pao’ scheme, but nothing much has materialised ever since that announcement.
However, her starring role in the just-concluded Asia Cup has made it clear that she remains determined to perform her best for the country, no matter what.
Other than the aforementioned players, who played a decisive role in India's Asia cup win, here is the full 18-member squad which came together to make India the Asian champions once again.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita (vice-captain), Rajani Etimarpu
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Suman Devi Thokam, Gurjit Kaur
Midfielders: Nikki Pradhan, Namita Toppo, Monika, Lilima Minz, Neha Goyal
Forwards: Rani Rampal (Captain), Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Sonika, Navneet Kaur, Navjot Kaur.
Firstpost
Naidu, PM hail women's hockey team win over China in Asia Cup
NEW DELHI: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the victory of the Indian women's hockey team over China in the Asia Cup.
"Congratulate Indian Women's Hockey Team for winning Asia Cup, beating China, after 13 years," Naidu tweeted.
The Prime Minister said on Twitter, "India is delighted by their stellar performance."
In Kakamigahara in Japan, goalkeeper Savita produced a stunning save in a tense shootout as India won the Asia Cup to secure qualification in next year's hockey World Cup following a nerve-wracking win over China in the final.
The Times of India
Nuraini scores a brace to steer Malaysia to victory over Thailand
By Aftar Singh
National womens hockey coach K. Dharmaraj.
KUALA LUMPUR: Nuraini Abdul Rashid converted two penalty corner goals to steer Malaysia to a convincing 4-0 win over Thailand to finish fifth in the women's Asia Cup hockey tournament.
Nuraini was on target in the 12th and 58th minutes.
Wan Norfaiezah Mohd Saiuti had earlier given Malaysia the lead in the sixth minute while Hanis Nadiah Onn added the other in the 45th minute.
National coach K. Dharmaraj was happy that his players capitalised on their chances.
“They went on the offensive right from the start and did well to convert two penalty corners,” said Dharmaraj.
“Although we failed to finish fourth, my players did well to put up a strong challenge against teams like China, India and Japan.
“We will continue to train harder and improve on certain areas so that we give much better performances in other tournaments.”
World No. 12 India emerged as the Asia Cup champions for the second time when they upset world No. 8 China 5-4 in a penalty shootout after both teams were tied 1-1 in regulation time.
Navjot Kaur gave India the lead in the 25th minute but China, who lost 4-1 to India in the group match, equalised through Luo Tiantian in the 47th minute.
South Korea edged hosts Japan 1-0 to finish third, with the Shin Hye-jeong scoring the all-important goal in first minute.
Kazakhstan beat Singapore 3-0 in the seventh-placing match.
The Star of Malaysia
Red Panthers snap up final qualification spot
The Red Panthers of Belgium will be competing at the Hockey Women's World Cup in London 2018 as they grabbed the final qualification spot for the blue riband event.
It has been a long period of suspense for the Belgium team as they have had to wait for all the continental championships to be played out to discover whether their eighth place finish at the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final in Brussels was enough to earn them a place at the World Cup.
In the end, it was Malaysia's defeat at the hands of Japan in the Women's Asia Cup, which is currently being played in Gifu, Japan, that sealed their qualification. Belgium's place was confirmed when the host nation defeated Malaysia in the quarter-finals of the Women's Asia Cup, dispelling Malaysia's hopes of winning the continental championship and thus qualifying for the Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018.
Under FIH regulations, the team that wins its continental qualifier automatically qualifies for the World Cup. However, all four semi-finalists – Japan, Korea, China and India – in the Women's Asia Cup have already qualified via the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Brussels and Johannesburg earlier this year.
This means a World Cup qualification spot opened up for Belgium, who were next in line to claim their place in London.
Now Belgium, who are ranked 14th in the world, can also look forward to playing in the blue riband competition and they will be hoping to improve on their 2014 performance, where they lost to England on shoot-out to finish in 12th position. It will be Belgium's sixth appearance at the Women's Hockey World Cup, with their bronze medal in 1978 place at the 1994 event in Madrid being their best finishing position to date.
The Women's Hockey World Cup will be held at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, England from 21 July to 5 August 2018.
FIH site
Guyana and Jamaica top standings in Day 1 Men CAC Qualifier
Puerto Rico and Panama suffers loss to Guyana and Jamaica
GUY 4 vs PUR 1
Guyana tackled Puerto Rico in the first game of the Qualifiers for the Central American and Caribbean Games at the JN Hockey Field in Kingston Jamaica. Puerto Rico could not capitalize on their early dominance in the game, failing to get pass the goalkeeper. At the end of the first half, both teams were goalless. Guyana resumed the game on a high by converting two penalty corners in the 31st and the 35th minute courtesy of Mark Sargeant and Meshach Sargeant. Ottus Feliciano responded 3 minutes later with a goal from a penalty corner to make the score 2-1.
Guyana’s captain Robert France came with a beautiful individual goal in the 56th minute to make it 3-1 and Aroydy Branford got on the score sheet a minute later for the 4-1 win.
JAM 6 vs PAN 0
The Jamaican men opened their CAC Games Qualifier with a 6 nil victory over Panama at the JN Hockey Field in Kingston Jamaica. The crowd at the JN Hockey Field roared as Kemar Mitchell gave the team their first goal in the 9th minute. The Panamanian defence denied Onuque Salmon and Duvaughn Henlon a number of times before Henlon managed to drag flick one pass the goalkeeper in a 22nd minute penalty corner.
Nicholas Beach got the first of his three goals a minute later from a beautiful set of one touch passes. He made his way on the score sheet again in the 34th and 45th minute for the hattrick and the 5-0 lead over Panama.
Charles Burton finished off the scoring in the 58th minute converting from another lovely team build up.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Jamaica and Guyana off to a strong start in the Day 1 Women CAC Qualifier.
The host team and Guyana recorded 6-0 wins, while the remaining teams finished goalless.
GUY 6 vs PAN 0
The first women match of the day had Guyana beating Panama 6 nil. Shebeki Baptiste opened the scoring for Guyana in the 6th minute after being awarded a penalty corner. Kerensa Fernandes and LaTacia Chung in the 24tha and 26th minute respectively. Guyana was awarded two penalty corners after, but failed to capitalize due to the pressure from Panama.
Guyana’s extended their lead the second half through Tamala Glenn in the 38th minute. Panama encountered great difficulties getting pass the Guyanese defence. Baptiste found goal once again to make it 5 – 0. Marzana Fiedtkou scored the final goal of the match four minutes from fulltime.
BER 0 vs PUR 0
Bermuda and Puerto Rico could have gotten on the score sheet had they utilized the chances presented throughout the match. Penalty corners were awarded to the teams on a number of occasions, however they were unable to get pass the defence.
In a post match interview, Jasmine Patterson admitted that they didn’t capitalize on the chances and they plan to simplify the penalty corners to get better results in the upcoming matches.
JAM 6 vs GUA 0
The Jamaican women closed the first day with a 6-0 win over Guatemala. Demi Nicholson opened the scoring in the 7th minute from the penalty spot, receiving thunderous cheers from the crowd. Guatemala’s defence gave Jamaica a fight to keep the score locked at 1-0 going into the second quarter. Ebony McLean managed to make a pass through the blockage in 24th minute to Krystal Holgate, who made it 2-0.
Xiomara Flores made a magnificent pass to Daniela Vasquez who broke away with a counter attack, but could not manage to get it in the goal.
The third goal came in 26th minute from Shareeka Elliott by way of a penalty corner. McLean and Holgate combined in the attack once more, this time with McLean being the one to get the ball pass goalkeeper Norma Quevedo. Kamille Griffiths scored in the 57th minute from the top of the D and Shana-Kay Tullongue sealed the 6 nil win two minutes later.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Ja hit Panama for six in CAC Hockey quals
Livingston Scott
Jamaica's Nicholas Beach (right) shoots to score while Panama's Jefferson Cerrud takes evasive action in their 2017 CAC Games qualifier, at the JN Hockey Field yesterday. Ricardo Makyn
After an impressive 6-0 win over Panama in their opening 2017 Caribbean and Central American (CAC) Games hockey qualifiers at the JN Hockey Field yesterday, Jamaica assistant coach Odane Williams warned his side not to get complacent, as they may just have played what he considers the "weakest" team in the tournament.
However, he is confident that if they iron out their faults quickly, there is no reason they cannot win the tournament.
"Based on how they (team) performed, I would tell them, don't get complacent. This could be the weakest team in the tournament, and we have to make sure final details are ironed out, so that when we meet a team that is equal, we do not falter on quality," he said.
The top two in each category (male and female) will advance to the 23rd CAC Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, next year. Nicholas Beach netted a hat-trick against Panama. Kemar Mitchell fired Jamaica ahead after nine minutes before Duvaughn Henlon made it 2-0 on 22 minutes.
EXCELLENT BUILD-UP
Beach netted his first on 34 minutes, then moments after the break, he capped off an excellent build-up to put the hosts 4-0 up. He then sealed his third from a penalty on 45 minutes before Charles Burton rounded off the scoring in the 58th minute.
"The score was below what we predicted based on the knowledge we have on the team," Williams said.
"But I can't complain, because a win is a win. There are grey areas we need to iron. We need to pressure early and maintain the form throughout. But we only got about 75 per cent of what we wanted, and that's why we only scored six. But the team chemistry, the effort they are putting out, and the instructions are being adhered to. But that transition for the first 15 minutes is something we need to work on," he reasoned.
The Jamaican men are next in action when they face Puerto Rico today at 10.30 a.m., before rounding off against Guatemala (Thursday) and Guyana (Saturday). The top two teams will meet in Sunday's final.
"The team is fully motivated and very disciplined. Pundits predict Guyana and Jamaica will be in the final. I go along with the predictions because Guyana seem to be one of the fitter teams and could give us a challenge leading up to the final. But we are fully motivated and are here to win, and we don't intend to lose on home turf," he added.
In the earlier game on the day, at the same venue, Guyana thumped Puerto Rico 4-1.
The Jamaica Gleaner
Kookaburras Crush Black Sticks In Festival Opener
Ben Somerford
The Kookaburras have continued their recent strong form against New Zealand with a 4-0 win over the Kiwis in the opening game of the International Festival of Hockey in Bendigo on Sunday.
Jeremy Hayward scored a penalty corner double, on a day when Australia had three debutants in Corey Weyer, Jake Harvie and Tim Howard.
Josh Pollard opened the scoring in the first quarter, while Kiran Arunasalam added the third as Australia scored a goal in each of the four quarters.
New Zealand fought hard but goalkeeper Tristan Clemons was outstanding in keeping them at bay, in front of a healthy crowd in Bendigo.
Clemons said: “It’s been great. We came out here last year and we were really happy with the support we got.
“We love the support we get in the regional centres so hopefully they come out tomorrow and support us again.”
The result is a boost for the Kookaburras, who meet the Black Sticks again on Monday in Bendigo, before meeting Japan, Pakistan and NZ again in Melbourne later in the week.
Victorian Pollard opened the scoring after eight minutes with a cool finish after a clever pass from Tom Wickham.
Australia had two close calls late in the first quarter with efforts from Jake Whetton and Arunasalam both saved by New Zealand goalkeeper Richard Joyce.
Black Sticks skipper Arun Panchia forced a low save from the outstanding Clemons early in the second quarter, before Australia converted their first penalty corner of the game with Hayward scoring in trademark fashion.
Clemons was called into action several times in the third quarter, making great saves to deny Dane Lett and Marcus Child from penalty corners.
Arunasalam added Australia’s third right on the final change, with a tidy reverse stick finish after breaking into the shooting circle.
Hayward added number four barely a minute into the final term from a penalty corner, although he was denied his hat-trick in circumstances shortly after.
Clemons ensured Australia kept a clean sheet with good late saves from Arun Panchia and Nick Ross.
Hockey Australia media release
Kookaburras Edge Kiwis In Tight Affair
Ben Somerford
The Kookaburras have made it two wins from two games in Bendigo with a hard-fought 2-0 win over New Zealand on Monday afternoon.
Aaron Kleinschmidt and Blake Govers scored the goals in the first and final quarters in a tight tussle.
The result holds Australia in good stead ahead of their first match of the International Festival of Hockey group games in Melbourne against Pakistan on Wednesday.
Kleinschmidt opened the scoring late in the first quarter with a tap-in after Dylan Wotherspoon’s good work.
In a game of few chances, were Australia failed to have one penalty corner, New Zealand rallied with a series of penalty corners but Australia sealed the win with a second early in the final term.
Blake Govers scored from close range in the 47th minute to make it 2-0, while Andrew Charter did well to deny Dane Lett and Arun Panchia late on.
Hockey Australia media release
Australia down Kiwis in opening test
Photo: Grant Treeby
The Vantage Black Sticks Men have been defeated 4-0 by hosts Australia in the first of two tests in Bendigo.
The young Kiwi side fought well for most of the match and created opportunities but couldn’t find a way past the Kookaburras defence.
Aidan Sarikaya and George Connell both had solid performances in their international debuts.
The Kookaburras were led by a double from Jeremy Hayward who struck twice from penalty corners while Josh Pollard and Kiran Arunasalam both scored from the field.
Vantage Black Sticks assistant coach Bryce Collins said there were plenty of positives to come out of the game which was closer than the score suggested.
“We did some good things throughout the game and created a number of penalty corners but were unable to convert them,” he said.
“Australia were clinical as always in their finishing and they took some chances which we are disappointed with and will take a closer look at in our game review.
“We certainly take some positives forward and will look to tidy up a few areas before another crack at them tomorrow.”
The Vantage Black Sticks face a rematch against the Kookaburras at 6pm tomorrow before travelling to Melbourne for the International Festival of Hockey.
New Zealand will play the world number two ranked Kookaburras, Japan and Pakistan from 8-12 November in Melbourne.
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS: 0
AUSTRALIA: 4 (Jeremy Hayward 2, Josh Pollard, Kiran Arunasalam)
Halftime: Australia 2-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Vantage Black Sticks lift in second test
Photo: Grant Treeby
The Vantage Black Sticks Men have put together a strong performance despite being beaten 2-0 by hosts Australia in Bendigo.
After Sunday night’s 4-0 loss to the world number two ranked Kookaburras, the young Black Sticks side played a much better game in the second of two test matches.
New Zealand played with urgency on defence and continued to create scoring chances but were unable to convert for a second successive game.
Aaron Kleinschmidt opened the scoring for Australia with an 11th minute field goal before Blake Govers secured the result early in the fourth quarter.
Vantage Black Sticks head coach Darren Smith said it was pleasing to see an improvement leading on from the first test.
“It was a much stronger effort from us today. We defended well for much of the match, protected our circle and limited their opportunities,” he said.
“We created a lot of opportunities and could have done better there. We had five penalty corners but with all the changes in our PC bracket it was hard to get a rhythm.
“We’re really looking forward to heading to Melbourne now with some momentum despite the result, and getting stuck into our first game against Japan on Wednesday.”
The Vantage Black Sticks face the world number two ranked Kookaburras, Japan and Pakistan at the International Festival of Hockey from 8-12 November.
All New Zealand games at the International Festival of Hockey will be broadcast live on SKY Sport.
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS: 0
AUSTRALIA: 2 (Aaron Kleinschmidt, Blake Govers)
Halftime: Australia 1-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Returning Hurtz Stars In Hockeyroos Win
Ben Somerford
The returning Emily Hurtz scored one goal and set up the other as the Hockeyroos opened their International Festival of Hockey with a 2-0 win over United States in Bendigo on Monday.
In an even contest, where Footscray defender Lily Brazel made her debut, another pair of Victorians scored the goals to clinch the victory, in Madi Ratcliffe and Hurtz.
Hurtz, making her first appearance in green and gold since 2014, was the star in a result which provides a boost for the Hockeyroos ahead of their first group game in Melbourne against world number one Netherlands on Wednesday.
US’s Casey Di Nardo and Hurtz both missed good chances early, before Ratcliffe converted from close range in the 14th minute after good skill by 27-year-old Hurtz.
US keeper Alesha Widdall denied Ratcliffe and Jane Claxton in the second term, while she came to the visitors’ rescue again in the third, with saves from Emily Smith and Savannah Fitzpatrick’s efforts in quick succession.
In the 48th minute, Brooke Peris won Australia a penalty corner, which Ashlea Fey fired in, with Hurtz deflecting it in from close range.
Renee Taylor was denied three times from a final quarter penalty corner, while Rachael Lynch kept Australia’s clean sheet with a last-gasp save from Michelle Vittese.
Hockey Australia media release
Black Sticks drop test to Australia ahead of International Festival of Hockey
Midland's Aidan Sarikaya had a good debut for the Black Sticks against Australia.. HEATH JOHNSON/PHOTOSPORT
A young Black Sticks Men side were unable to upset Australia in the first of two matches, going down 4-0 on Sunday in Bendigo.
The Kiwi side fought well for most of the match and created opportunities but couldn't find a way past the Kookaburras defence.
Led by a double from Jeremy Hayward, who struck twice from penalty corners, the world No 2 Australian side came away with a comfortable win, with Josh Pollard and Kiran Arunasalam also getting on the score card.
For the Kiwi side, Aidan Sarikaya and George Connell both had solid performances in their international debuts.
Black Sticks assistant coach Bryce Collins said there were plenty of positives to come out of the game, which was closer than the score suggested.
"We did some good things throughout the game and created a number of penalty corners but were unable to convert them," he said.
"Australia were clinical as always in their finishing and they took some chances which we are disappointed with and will take a closer look at in our game review.
"We certainly take some positives forward and will look to tidy up a few areas before another crack at them tomorrow."
The Black Sticks now look ahead to a rematch on Monday night before travelling to Melbourne for the International Festival of Hockey.
New Zealand will play Australia, Japan and Pakistan during the festival from 8-12 November in Melbourne.
Stuff
Black Sticks between by Australia twice in 24 hours
Blake Govers, left, scored in Australia's 2-0 win over New Zealand. GETTY IMAGES
The Black Sticks men's hockey team have been kept scoreless in another defeat to Australia.
New Zealand suffered a 2-0 defeat against the world number two ranked team, just 24 hours after losing to the Kookaburras 4-0 in Bendigo.
New Zealand played with urgency on defence and continued to create scoring chances but were unable to convert for a second successive game.
Aaron Kleinschmidt opened the scoring for Australia with an 11th minute field goal before Blake Govers secured the result early in the fourth quarter.
Black Sticks coach Darren Smith took positives in the fact that New Zealand had improved on the first game, despite suffering another defeat.
"It was a much stronger effort from us today. We defended well for much of the match, protected our circle and limited their opportunities," he said.
"We created a lot of opportunities and could have done better there. We had five penalty corners but with all the changes in our PC bracket it was hard to get a rhythm.
"We're really looking forward to heading to Melbourne now with some momentum despite the result, and getting stuck into our first game against Japan on Wednesday."
The Black Sticks now look ahead to the International Festival of Hockey, where they will face Australia, Japan and Pakistan.
Australia 2 (Aaron Kleinschmidt, Blake Govers) New Zealand 0
HT: 1-0
Stuff
Netherlands Coach Alyson Annan on Hockey World League Final team selection
Courtesy of KNHB
Netherlands women will be hoping to continue their winning run this year Photo: FIH/Getty Images
Alyson Annan, Coach of Netherlands women, recently announced the selection of athletes who will compete for the Hockey World League Final in Auckland, New Zealand from 17 to 26 November 2017.
NETHERLANDS TEAM LIST
Speaking about selection, Annan said: "Compared with the selection for the EuroHockey Championship last summer, there has been little change in composition. This young and talented team achieved a wonderful result but also showed excellent cooperation - helping each other, so as to best perform as a team. I have confidence in this strong and ambitious group of players."
The Dutch women will play a number of matches during the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne, Australia prior to the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final, from 8 to 12 November. More information about this invitation tournament is listed at http://www.hockey.org.au/festival.
"This young and talented team achieved a wonderful result but also showed excellent cooperation - helping each other, so as to best perform as a team."
Netherlands Head Coach, Alyson Annan
On November 17, the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final starts in Auckland. Netherlands will compete in Pool A in the following fixtures:
November 17, 20.00: Netherlands v New Zealand
November 18, 20.00: USA v Netherlands
November 20, 18.00: Netherlands v Korea
Times mentioned are local times. The time difference with the Netherlands is during the HWL Final +12 hours.
The quarter-finals are played on 22 and 23 November, followed by the semi-finals and classification matches on 24 and 25 November. The final will take place on November 26.
#HWL2017
FIH site
Late strike helps Surbiton beat East Grinstead
Surbiton's Alan Forsyth. Credit Simon Parker
A late strike from Alan Forsyth helped leaders Surbiton secure a 3-2 win at East Grinstead in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday.
Andy Piper had given East Grinstead an early lead only for goals from Will Marshall and Nick Parkes to put the visitors ahead.
Ross Stott made it 2-2 at half time with a 30th minute field goal, and the match looked to be heading for a draw until Forsyth’s 65th minute winner from open play.
Beeston leap-frogged East Grinstead after beating hosts Sevenoaks 4-2. Mark Gleghorne’s tenth minute goal gave them an early lead, and Sam Ward secured a second-half hat-trick to help the Bees to victory.
Peter Flanagan’s 31st minute strike from a penalty corner gave Brooklands MU the lead at half time, but second-half strikes from Ben Arnold, Simon Mantell and Ed Horler helped Wimbledon hit back to win 3-1.
Saturday evening’s action saw Holcombe beat hosts and Kent rivals Canterbury 5-1. Nick Bandurak scored four goals and Richard Lane added another, while Michal Nowakowski scored Canterbury’s only goal.
And Hampstead and Westminster were 3-2 winners at Reading with Matt Guise Brown scoring two and Toby Roche one, while Ben Boon’s two goals were in vain.
Men’s Conference North
The University of Nottingham suffered their first league defeat of the season as Doncaster won 3-0 thanks to goals from Travis Cresswell, Daniel West and James Gunthorpe.
Although the University of Nottingham are still top of the table their lead was cut to three points as Bowdon ran out 6-4 winners at the University of Durham and climbed above them into second spot in the table.
Two goals each from Ollie Stoddart and Archie Phillips plus others from Ben White and Rob Baxter proved enough for the win. Richard Jackson scored two and Jack Waller and Jack Turner also scored for the University of Durham, but it wasn’t enough for the win.
Elsewhere Preston let a 4-1 half time lead slip and had to be content with a 4-4 draw at home against Loughborough Students, with Murray Collins’ 67th minute goal giving the visitors a share of the points.
Sheffield Hallam secured their first league win of the season, beating Cannock 3-1 with Will Hearne, Josh Darlington and Billy Root their scorers. And Deeside Ramblers and Leeds fought out a 2-2 draw.
Men’s Conference East
Trailing by two goals early in the second half, leaders Southgate battled back to win 3-2 at Old Loughtonians in the Men’s Conference East.
Lewis McLennan and Elliot Smith had given the hosts a 2-0 lead, but Southgate hit back with Alex Williams scoring twice and Jonny Maunder once to take the win.
Second-placed Cambridge City had to settle for a 2-2 draw with third-placed Oxted. After Robbert Schenk had given Oxted an early lead, Scott Perry scored for Cambridge to make it 1-1 at half time. Kieran Gilmore put Cambridge in front on 55 minutes, but Chris Webster’s late goal ensured a draw for Oxted.
Elsewhere, Matt Daly scored twice as Teddington beat hosts Chichester 4-2. Phil Lewis and Richard Gear-Evans scored Teddington’s other goals, while Ollie Baxter found the goal twice in six minutes for Chichester.
Brighton and Hove were 3-0 winners at West Herts, while Old Georgians won 1-0 at Richmond.
Men’s Conference West
Two goals in the last four minutes helped Cardiff and Met battle to a 4-3 win over bottom of the table Isca in the Men’s Conference West.
Goals from Jack Pritchard and Jon Wright had made it 1-1 at half time before the game sparked into life after the break.
Ronan Taggart put Cardiff ahead on 38 minutes, only for Wright to score his second for Isca, and when Rick McCollum scored on 56 minutes Isca led 3-2. But late goals from Ieuan Davies and Ioan Wall helped the home side snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Leaders the University of Exeter were 3-1 winners over Team Bath Buccaneers, Duncan Scott (2) and Sam Hooper scoring their goals.
Two from Cuthbert Shepherd and others from Jack Clee and Eddie Way helped the University of Birmingham won 4-1 over hosts Cheltenham, while elsewhere Clifton Robinsons won 2-1 at Fareham and Havant were 1-0 winners over Olton and West Warwicks.
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
Irish Mens EYHL Weekend Round Up
Rowland Rixon-Fuller’s 68th minute winner saw Glenanne retain their narrow lead at the top of the men’s EY Hockey League, albeit having played a game extra than a rampant Lisnagarvey.
The Zimbabwean international got the vital late goal for the Glens against Annadale with two minutes to go, earning a 1-0 win at St Andrew’s for their fourth success of the campaign.
Garvey continued their perfect start to the season with a 10-0 win over Cork C of I, Andy Williamson netting his second hat trick of the season. It was just 2-0 at the break with Williamson and Daniel Nelson netting in the first nine minutes.
But they ran riot in the second half with three third quarter goals followed by five in the last 17 minutes. They end the weekend one point off the Glens in second place.
Cookstown got their first win of the campaign, beating Railway Union 4-2 with Stu Smyth’s pair of corner goals critical. Eoin MacArthur gave the Dubliners a lead – their first goal of the season – but Cookstown scored the next four with skipper Jon Ames starting the comeback. He made it 1-1 before Smyth added his double; Keith Black added extra insurance before Mark English pulled one back.
Alan Sothern’s hat trick powered Pembroke to a 3-1 win over Banbridge as the hosts celebrated the formal opening of their new astroturf pitch in the best possible fashion.
Three Rock Rovers ended their run of defeats with a comfortable 3-1 win over Monkstown with Luke Madeley scoring on his return from injury in the seventh minute before Harry Morris batted in a second. Ross Canning extended the lead before Nick Dee got a consolation goal eight minutes from the end for a Town shy the services of Davy Carson and Geoff Cole.
Men’s EY Hockey League
Saturday: Lisnagarvey 10 (A Williamson 3, D Nelson 2, N Glassey 2, M Nelson, J Lorimer, S Murray) Cork C of I 0
Sunday: Cookstown 4 (S Smyth 2, K Black, J Ames) Railway Union 2 (E MacArthur, M English); Glenanne 1 (R Rixon-Fuller) Annadale 0; Pembroke Wanderers 3 (A Sothern 3) Banbridge 1 (Ph Brown); Three Rock Rovers 3 (L Madeley, H Morris, R Canning) Monkstown 1 (N Dee)
Day five extended reports
Saturday: Lisnagarvey 10 (A Williamson 3, D Nelson 2, N Glassey 2, M Nelson, J Lorimer, S Murray) Cork C of I 0
Lisnagarvey continued their perfect start to the season with a comprehensive dismissal of Cork C of I, running riot in the second half.
They got off to a great start with Andy Williamson and Daniel Nelons both scoring from play in the first nine minutes and they held that lead until half-time after an even second quarter.
But the slide began in earnest for the Cork men two minutes into the second half when Williamson scored from a corner. Matthew Nelson and Neal Glassey stretched the lead to 5-0 at the three quarter time break.
Williamson completed his hat trick in the 53rd minute and four more goals arrived in the last 10 minutes as the score escalated quickly. Daniel Nelson scored a second, Sean Murray – captaining the side in the absence of Daniel Buser – Glassey and James Lorimer all got in on the act late on.
Sunday:
Cookstown 4 (S Smyth 2, K Black, J Ames) Railway Union 2 (E MacArthur, M English)
Cookstown got their first points on the board at Steelweld Park on Saturday when they emerged as convincing 4-2 winners over Railway Union who scored their first goals of the campaign but remain without a point.
It was the Dubliners who started the game best, Rob Devlin with a reverse on five minutes, and Andy Colton also having a good opportunity. They went ahead 30 seconds into the third quarter from a turnover in midfield which set Mark English running in on the Cookstown goal.
His shot was going wide of the post but Eoin MacArthur was on hand to touch the ball over the line. Cookstown replied instantly with Jon Ames played in from a long corner and he roofed a powerful reverse to make it 1-1.
Railway goalkeeper Stephen O'Keeffe was in fantastic form and made the first in a series of top class saves from Michael Kerr and Andy Barbour to keep it at 1-1 while he also denied Ryan Millar after the interval. He was not able to keep out Stu Smyth’s powerful corner drive for 2-1, though.
Smyth, from a quick counter via a Josh McCabe save and a Keith Black long ball, converted his second a corner early in the fourth quarter. Ames picked out Mark Crooks who found Keith Black’s run for the fourth goal.
English got one back with nine minutes to go – via Jack Haycock’s ribs – to make it an edgy finish but Cookstown stood firm for their first points of the campaign.
Three Rock Rovers 3 (L Madeley, H Morris, R Canning) Monkstown 1 (N Dee)
Three Rock got back to winning ways as they continued their fine run against Monkstown in the EYHL, making it six games without defeat against their Dublin rivals since the introduction of the competition.
Rovers were 2-0 up in a dominant first quarter as Luke Madeley dragged in a corner in the seventh minute. David Fitzgerald made a brilliant stop to deny Jody Hosking moments later but it was two when Rob McCollum got a cross in from the left baseline which fell to Harry Morris to hit home with an upright reverse.
Town were understrength up front with Davy Carson and Geoff Cole out of action and it cost them as they could not make more of their counter-attacks though Andy Ward led the line well. Ross Quirke drew a great save from Conor Quinn late in the first quarter from David Cole’s powerful pass.
The second quarter saw Rovers hold most of the ball with a couple of decent chances but it stayed 2-0 into the break. Town started the second half in more confident fashion, Quinn keeping out two corners, but Rovers soon forged a trio of big chances before Ross Canning got the third in the 52nd minute. He created it, beating a few defenders to be two vs one with the impressive Dave Fitzgerald, eventually working the ball in at the second attempt.
Canning went wide from a stroke soon after before Nick Dee got a consolation goal with eight minutes to go.
Glenanne 1 (R Rixon-Fuller) Annadale 0
Rowland Rixon-Fuller’s 68th minute goal maintained Glenanne’s lead at the top of the table, scoring the only goal of the tie at St Andrew’s against a battling Annadale. It was a tie with plenty of chances but often the final ball went awry, meaning the result was in the balance right the way to the end.
Dale caused a few scares via Peter Caruth’s crash ball and Adam McAllister being left open a couple of times, requiring smart work from Iain Walker. For the Glens, the final touch escaped Adam Clayton from their first main chance of the opening quarter.
Johnny Moore blocked the first Glenanne corner while a triple chance from another set piece was also repelled. David Tremlett was the next Dale man to be let free in the circle but his push was saved by Walker. A swift move through Gary Shaw, Neil Byrne and Richard Couse should have led to an opening goal but only a third corner and a saved drag from Shane O’Donoghue accrued.
In the second half, Walker made a brilliant diving intervention as Caruth broke through and tried to square to McAllister, blocking the near post deflection. Connor Roberts won Annadale’s first corner but Ben Wallace’s shot went into the stratosphere and off target. Another corner was saved by Walker and a third could have yielded more when O’Donoghue was sent to the halfway but the drag went over as Sam O’Connor sat out a yellow card offence.
Glenanne came back strong for the closing spell. Rixon-Fuller fired tamely at goal from a big chance but made amends soon after with a tasty behind the back touch to finally get the only goal of the game with two minutes to go. Dale had a corner soon after but a miscommunicated switch let the hosts off the hook.
Pembroke Wanderers 3 (A Sothern 3) Banbridge 1 (P Brown)
Alan Sothern’s hat trick powered Pembroke to a 3-1 win over Banbridge as the hosts celebrated the formal opening of their new astroturf pitch in the best possible fashion.
It continued Pembroke’s productive start to the season, a contrast to last term when they earned only one point against the top five. They fell behind when Philip Brown continued his scoring start to the season since taking on the drag-flicking duties, making it 1-0 in the 14th minute.
Sothern levelled in the 22nd minute following a well-taken effort and put Pembroke in front early in the second half with another goal from play. And he made the points safe when he nicked in a Jack Ryan shot on the line from a break-out with four minutes to go for a 3-1 win.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Irish Womens EYHL Weekend Round Up
Cork Harlequins and Pegasus produced big wins to move into a share of the lead in the women’s EY Hockey League, taking advantage of UCD’s 0-0 draw with Pembroke to move above the reigning champions.
For Quins, they won the only game on Saturday with three goals in five minutes in the second half to break open a 5-1 win over Trinity. Naomi Carroll scored the only goal of a closely fought first half before the visitors to Santry Avenue swept clear as Carroll, Yvonne O’Byrne and Michelle Barry scored in quick succession. Carroll completed her hat trick before Sally Campbell got one back late in the game.
Pegasus had a surprisingly comfortable win over Loreto with three goals in each half to notch the first defeat of the season on the Dubliners. Lucy McKee put the Ulster side on the board three minutes in before they survived a missed penalty stroke.
Alex Speers and Taite Doherty netted before half-time; Hannah Grieve, Michelle Harvey and Rachel McMillan completed the victory.
UCD found Pembroke – and goalkeeper Iseult Cambay – too tough to break down in a scoreless draw at Serpentine Avenue. Indeed, Pembroke almost nicked the victory when Erica Hinkson’s shot almost snuck in during the final minutes but the point does lift them a place in the standings.
Belfast Harlequins scored twice in the first quarter of their game with Ards to land a 2-1 win in their derby game. Former internationa Jenny McAuley tapped in Jenna Watt’s cross to open the scoring before Lucy Geddes rolled home a second for a great start. Ards fought back with Ellen Robinson on the mark but could not break through again.
Railway Union recorded their first win of the campaign with a 6-0 success against basement side Hermes-Monkstown.
Women’s EY Hockey League
Saturday: Trinity 1 (S Campbell) Cork Harlequins 5 (N Carroll 3, Y O’Byrne, M Barry)
Sunday: Belfast Harlequins 2 (J McAuley, L Geddes) Ards 1 (E Robinson); Pegasus 6 (L McKee, T Doherty, A Speers, H Grieve, M Harvey, R McMillan) Loreto 0; Pembroke Wanderers 0 UCD 0; Railway Union 6 (K Lloyd 3, N Carey, S Canning, Z Delany) Hermes-Monkstown 0
Women’s EYHL day four extended reports
Saturday:
Trinity 1 (S Campbell) Cork Harlequins 5 (N Carroll 3, Y O’Byrne, M Barry)
Cork Harlequins’ 5-1 win over Trinity moved them into a share of first place in the women’s EY Hockey League by the end of the weekend as three goals in a five-minute spell in the second half did the damage.
The first half was even enough with Quins winning a couple of corners in the first quarter with Avril Dooley O’Carroll playing a key role in defence. Naomi Carroll got the only goal of the half with a deflection just before the end of the first quarter.
Louise McCollum and Sally Campbell made a couple of strong breaks out of defence for Trinity – who were without Isy Delamer and Rachel O’Brien – while Rebecca Barry went close to a second but for a good stop from Carolyn Crampton.
Campbell had a corner shot go just over the bar early in the second half but seven minutes into the second half, Quins cracked the Trinity resistance and the game. A lovely interchange got to the baseline, setting up Carroll to score into an open goal.
A well-worked corner then found Yvonne O’Byrne on the penalty spot to slot another. Another sumptuous passing move fell to Michelle Barry, making it 4-0 in the 47th minute – their third goal in five minutes. Carroll’s near post deflection added a fifth in the fourth quarter. Quins took off their goalkeeper Lorna Bateman – standing in for Emma Buckley who sustained a rib injury in midweek training – in search of further goals but it backfired when Campbell got free in the circle and popped into the goal from a narrow angle.
Sunday: Railway Union 6 (K Lloyd 3, N Carey, S Canning, Z Delany) Hermes-Monkstown 0
Kate Lloyd’s hat trick propelled Railway Union to the first win of the season, adding to three draws, to launch them up to fourth place in the division as Hermes-Monkstown’s woes continue.
After a scoreless first quarter, Railway went in front from the penalty spot when Emma Smyth was fouled, Sarah Canning completing the job. Zara Delany tapped in the second and Niamh Carey made it 3-0 at half-time, getting the final touch after a Nina Heisterkamp initial shot.
Lloyd started her treble with a reverse in the second half and she used her preferred method of attack for the fifth before closing out the win with the sixth goal.
Pegasus 6 (L McKee, T Doherty, A Speers, H Grieve, M Harvey, R McMillan) Loreto 0
Pegasus moved into a share of top spot in the division thanks to a perhaps easier than anticipated win over previously unbeaten Loreto. Lucy McKee opened the scoring just three minutes in; Loreto had an instant chance to level but a penalty stroke effort went wide.
Alex Speers continued her excellent form with the second and Taite Doherty stretched the lead to 3-0 at half-time. That lead held to the three quarter mark before Michelle Harvey and Hannah Grieve scored corners in quick succession. Rachel McMillan completed the victory with five minutes to go.
Pembroke Wanderers 0 UCD 0
Pembroke survived a second half onslaught to secure a point against reigning champions UCD, moving the hosts up to seventh place with UCD dropping off top and into third at the end of round four.
Indeed, they almost came out the end of that spell of pressure to nick the win when Erica Hinkson’s shot shaved the line in the last few seconds. Katie Mullan and Sarah Twomey had chances repelled by Iseult Cambay in the first quarter and an end-to-end first half saw the scoreboard remained blank.
The ante was upped in the third quarter with Twomey and Duke having further openings while the Russell sisters Emma and Abbie combined well but Cambay continued to keep them at bay, particularly from a Lena Tice corner shot. Pembroke finished strong with Laura Noble and Hinkson making incursions but they did not stick, leaving the honours even.
Belfast Harlequins 2 (J McAuley, L Geddes) Ards 1 (E Robinson)
Belfast Harlequins made it two wins out of three as two early goals from Jenny McAuley and Lucy Geddes put them on course for a feisty derby win against Ards.
Former international Jenny McAuley scored her first goal since returning to the first team when she touched in Jenna Watt’s cross from the second phase of a corner. Lucy Geddes made it 2-0 when a long aerial ball from Zoe Wilson caught everyone out and she was able to roll home from mid-circle.
Chloe Brown had a corner drag guided off the line by Rebecca Mercer before Ellen Robinson swooped to pull one back for Ards. Brown’s trickery opened up another chance but her reverse went wide in the second half. It was shaky at times but Harlequins stayed ahead for the three points, inflicting Ards first defeat of the season.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Rixon-Fuller keeps Glens’ noses in front of rampant Garvey
Keith Black on the attack for Cookstown. Pic: Alan Donnelly
Rowland Rixon-Fuller’s 68th minute winner saw Glenanne retain their narrow lead at the top of the men’s EY Hockey League, one point ahead of Lisnagarvey; TRR, Pembroke and Cookstown all won too
Saturday: Lisnagarvey 10 (A Williamson 3, D Nelson 2, N Glassey 2, M Nelson, J Lorimer, S Murray) Cork C of I 0
Lisnagarvey continued their perfect start to the season with a comprehensive dismissal of Cork C of I, running riot in the second half.
They got off to a great start with Andy Williamson and Daniel Nelons both scoring from play in the first nine minutes and they held that lead until half-time after an even second quarter.
But the slide began in earnest for the Cork men two minutes into the second half when Williamson scored from a corner. Matthew Nelson and Neal Glassey stretched the lead to 5-0 at the three quarter time break.
Williamson completed his hat trick in the 53rd minute and four more goals arrived in the last 10 minutes as the score escalated quickly. Daniel Nelson scored a second, Sean Murray – captaining the side in the absence of Daniel Buser – Glassey and James Lorimer all got in on the act late on.
Sunday: Cookstown 4 (S Smyth 2, K Black, J Ames) Railway Union 2 (E MacArthur, M English)
Cookstown got their first points on the board at Steelweld Park on Saturday when they emerged as convincing 4-2 winners over Railway Union who scored their first goals of the campaign but remain without a point.
It was the Dubliners who started the game best, Rob Devlin with a reverse on five minutes, and Andy Colton also having a good opportunity. They went ahead 30 seconds into the third quarter from a turnover in midfield which set Mark English running in on the Cookstown goal.
His shot was going wide of the post but Eoin MacArthur was on hand to touch the ball over the line. Cookstown replied instantly with Jon Ames played in from a long corner and he roofed a powerful reverse to make it 1-1.
Railway goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe was in fantastic form and made the first in a series of top class saves from Michael Kerr and Andy Barbour to keep it at 1-1 while he also denied Ryan Millar after the interval. He was not able to keep out Stu Smyth’s powerful corner drive for 2-1, though.
Smyth, from a quick counter via a Josh McCabe save and a Keith Black long ball, converted his second a corner early in the fourth quarter. Ames picked out Mark Crooks who found Keith Black’s run for the fourth goal.
English got one back with nine minutes to go – via Jack Haycock’s ribs – to make it an edgy finish but Cookstown stood firm for their first points of the campaign.
Three Rock Rovers 3 (L Madeley, H Morris, R Canning) Monkstown 1 (N Dee)
Three Rock got back to winning ways as they continued their fine run against Monkstown in the EYHL, making it six games without defeat against their Dublin rivals since the introduction of the competition.
Rovers were 2-0 up in a dominant first quarter as Luke Madeley dragged in a corner in the seventh minute. David Fitzgerald made a brilliant stop to deny Jody Hosking moments later but it was two when Rob McCollum got a cross in from the left baseline which fell to Harry Morris to hit home with an upright reverse.
Town were understrength up front with Davy Carson and Geoff Cole out of action and it cost them as they could not make more of their counter-attacks though Andy Ward led the line well. Ross Quirke drew a great save from Conor Quinn late in the first quarter from David Cole’s powerful pass.
The second quarter saw Rovers hold most of the ball with a couple of decent chances but it stayed 2-0 into the break. Town started the second half in more confident fashion, Quinn keeping out two corners, but Rovers soon forged a trio of big chances before Ross Canning got the third in the 52nd minute.
He created it, beating a few defenders to be two vs one with the impressive Dave Fitzgerald, eventually working the ball in at the second attempt. Canning went wide from a stroke soon after before Nick Dee got a consolation goal with eight minutes to go.
Glenanne 1 (R Rixon-Fuller) Annadale 0
Rowland Rixon-Fuller’s 68th minute goal maintained Glenanne’s lead at the top of the table, scoring the only goal of the tie at St Andrew’s against a battling Annadale. It was a tie with plenty of chances but often the final ball went awry, meaning the result was in the balance right the way to the end.
Dale caused a few scares via Peter Caruth’s crash ball and Adam McAllister being left open a couple of times, requiring smart work from Iain Walker. For the Glens, the final touch escaped Adam Clayton from their first main chance of the opening quarter.
Johnny Moore blocked the first Glenanne corner while a triple chance from another set piece was also repelled. David Tremlett was the next Dale man to be let free in the circle but his push was saved by Walker. A swift move through Gary Shaw, Neil Byrne and Richard Couse should have led to an opening goal but only a third corner and a saved drag from Shane O’Donoghue accrued.
In the second half, Walker made a brilliant diving intervention as Caruth broke through and tried to square to McAllister, blocking the near post deflection. Connor Roberts won Annadale’s first corner but Ben Wallace’s shot went into the stratosphere and off target. Another corner was saved by Walker and a third could have yielded more when O’Donoghue was sent to the halfway but the drag went over as Sam O’Connor sat out a yellow card offence.
Glenanne came back strong for the closing spell. Rixon-Fuller fired tamely at goal from a big chance but made amends soon after with a tasty behind the back touch to finally get the only goal of the game with two minutes to go. Dale had a corner soon after but a miscommunicated switch let the hosts off the hook.
Jack Ryan sets up Alan Sothern for the third Pembroke goal. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Pembroke Wanderers 3 (A Sothern 3) Banbridge 1 (Ph Brown)
Alan Sothern’s hat trick powered Pembroke to a 3-1 win over Banbridge as the hosts celebrated the formal opening of their new astroturf pitch in the best possible fashion.
It continued Pembroke’s productive start to the season, a contrast to last term when they earned only one point against the top five. They fell behind when Philip Brown continued his scoring start to the season since taking on the drag-flicking duties, making it 1-0 in the 14th minute.
Sothern levelled in the 22nd minute following a well-taken effort and put Pembroke in front early in the second half with another goal from play. And he made the points safe when he nicked in a Jack Ryan shot on the line from a break-out with four minutes to go for a 3-1 win.
The Hook
Naomi Carroll hat-trick drives Harlequins to top of table
Stephen Findlater
Naomi Carroll’s hat-trick saw Cork Harlequins sweep aside Trinity 5-1 in the women’s EY Hockey League, boosting the Farmer’s Cross club into a share of top spot.
The Cratloe woman scored the only goal of a closely fought first half, but Harlequins scored three times between the 42nd and 47th minute to ensure they were home and hosed at Santry Avenue. Carroll got the second, before skipper Yvonne O’Byrne and Michelle Barry finished off some exquisite interplay. Another Carroll goal closed out the victory, before Quins took the novel approach of withdrawing their goalkeeper Lorna Bateman in favour of an extra outfielder player to pursue a bump in goal difference.
Bateman was deputising for Emma Buckley who was not risked following a rib injury sustained in training; she kept a clean sheet only to see Sally Campbell slot a Trinity goal into an empty net, the one blemish.
It comes a week ahead of Cliodhna Sargent’s return to the line-up, with coach Stephen Dale describing her “as colossal in terms of leadership and drive”. Sargent was part of the Irish side that swept through World League Round 2 — en route to eventual World Cup qualification — before announcing she was pregnant.
She has been back in training for the past three weeks, following the arrival of her baby, and is in the mix for a place in the Quins squad for their home tie against struggling Hermes-Monkstown next Saturday.
They are now top with Pegasus, who had a spectacular 6-0 win over Loreto yesterday, while UCD were held to a 0-0 draw by Pembroke to drop back to third in the rankings.
In Munster Division One, UCC continue to set the pace, courtesy of a 2-1 win in Bandon, Holly Lehane and Kate Harvey doing the damage to counter Moira Barrett’s goal. Catholic Institute sit three points back after a comfortable 4-0 win over Cork C of I.
In men’s competition, C of I fell to a 10-0 drubbing at the hands of Lisnagarvey, conceding eight times in the second half, a result that drops them to eighth place in the EY Hockey League table.
In Munster, UCC ground out a 4-3 away win over Limerick to maintain parity with Bandon at the top of the Division One table with three wins from three, as Glenn Healy netted a rare goal for the students.
Irish Examiner
Haziq the hattrick hero
By S. Ramaguru
Silky skills: Perak’s Mohd Haziq Shamsul (right) tries to beat Negri Sembilan’s Mohd Syabariq during their Razak Cup Group B match at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh yesterday. Perak won 3-2. — RONNIE CHIN / The Star
IPOH: National forward Mohd Haziq Shamsul bagged a hattrick to steer host Perak to a 3-2 win over Negri Sembilan in their opening Group B match of Division One at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
Haziq scored in the 31st, 38th and 66th minutes while Negri replied through former national junior Kavin Kartic in the 47th minute and Mohd Ismadi Alis in the dying minutes yesterday.
“We are just happy we managed to take all three points,” admitted Perak coach Mohd Nizam Mohd Hashim.
“There were too many defensive mistakes and we allowed them to stage a fightback. Our early goals helped but we must learn from our mistakes.
“Opening matches are always tough, but then we made it easy for them. We now have to be prepared for the other matches.”
In another Group B match, Johor held last year’s runners-up Police to a 4-4 draw in a see-saw match.
Police scored two penalty-corner goals through S. Baljit Singh (19th) and Mohd Razie Rahim (22nd) to go 2-0 up.
Johor hit back in the third quarter through national defender Faiz Hemy (26th), Mohd Adib Azim (37th) and Mohd Nor Hafiq Abdul Ghaffar (45th) to steal a 3-2 lead.
Police were not done yet. Baljit (50th) and Razie (57th) found the target to put Police 4-3 ahead.
Just when it seemed like Police had done enough to seal all three points, Nor Hafiq struck in the 59th minute to make sure both teams share the spoits.
Police coach Zul Khairi Ariffin admitted that they almost gave the match away with their mistakes.
“Our backline took it a little easy and paid the price. We led twice and we blew it. Still, we are happy that we aren’t going back empty-handed.
“This draw keeps us in the fight for a semi-final berth,” he said.
The Star of Malaysia
Telkom make light work of Jkuat in league match
By BRIAN YONGA
Imani Mudogo of JKUAT (left) vies for the ball with Caroline Guchu of Telkom during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match at the City Park Stadium on November 5, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Champions Telkom on Sunday maintained their unbeaten start to the season after 5-0 win over Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in a Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier League match at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.
A brace from Jackline Mwangi set Telkom on the path to a comfortable victory. Barbara Simiyu, Maureen Okumu and Lilian Aura were also on target as the leaders made it 12 wins out of 12. Telkom, who are chasing a record 20th title, are now on 36 points, five ahead of USIU Spartans.
Telkom assistant coach Josephine Ataro wants her charges to keep the winning momentum.
“Our target this season is to retain our title without conceding a goal and we are on track,” Ataro said on Sunday.
Mwangi’s brace took her tally of the season to 16, same as Amira Sailors’ Pauline Naise and three behind top scorer and teammate Audrey Omaido.
In another top flight women’s encounter, Strathmore University Scorpions beat Mombasa Sports Club 5-0 at the same venue. A brace from Winnie Ingati and further strikes from Gilly Okumu, Denise Odongo and captain Yvonne Karanja gave the students the huge win.
MSC had on Saturday lost by the same margin to Amira Sailors.
In men’s Premier League matches, Butali Sugar Warriors recorded their first win of the second leg after a 4-1 victory over Nakuru at the same venue. Seth Oburu’s sliced shot and Emmanuel Okubasu’s low finish gave Butali a 2-0 lead in the opening 11 minutes.
However, the lakeside side allowed Nakuru to pull one back after 45 minutes as David Pewa’s dragged shot squeezed past Butali keeper Joseph Osino, who was preferred over first choice Pius Ratori, who was in the post in Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Greensharks.
Late goals from Kenya international skipper Maxwell Fuchaka and Zack Aura made the points safe for the former champions.
Butali team manager Kamal Sembi was pleased with the result but admits his charges need to improve if they are to catch up with leaders Kenya Police.
In the late game, men's champions Strathmore University Gladiators hammered Wazalendo 4-0.
Daily Nation
Butali Warriors attack Nakuru at City Park: Butali Sugar beat visitors to revive title hopes
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Butali Zack Aura during the Africa Cup Championship at City Park.ON 11/01/2017 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Former league champions bounce back from loss to record convincing win.
Former Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League champions Butali Sugar Warriors yesterday bounced back from Saturday's loss to Greensharks to beat Nakuru 4-1 at City Park.
Goals from Seth Oburu, Lawrence Okubasu, Maxwell Fuchaka, and Zack Aura gave the 2015 winners the much-needed victory.
Warriors have not been at their best this season and have already lost two matches - one against league leaders Kenya Police in the first leg and against Sharks on Saturday.
Despite the not-so-impressive show by the former champions, Warriors captain Kenneth Nyongesa remained optimistic of a good finish, saying they need to make the best out of their remaining matches.
"We are having a slow season but all is not lost because we still have more games to play," Nyongesa said.
Not ready to fall for a second time in two days, Warriors began their goal hunt with urgency as they pressed deeper into Nakuru's territory.
Their efforts bore results in the fifth minute when Oburu blasted home past Nakuru goalkeeper Dennis Mageto to give his side an early lead.
Perhaps having learnt the hard way in their loss against Sharks, Warriors left nothing to chance and intensified their search for more goals. In their Saturday loss, Warriors scored first but failed to consolidate their lead before they were severely punished as Sharks utilised their chances to snatch the victory.
Yesterday, though, it was different. Okubasu outpaced the Nakuru defence before slotting past Mageto in the 11th minute for a 2-0 advantage in the first quarter.
Nakuru seemed stronger in the second period but failed to complete the job as their chances went begging.
Warriors defence, led by Nyongesa, defended well and ensured their side maintained their two goal-lead as both sides settled for a goalless second quarter.
After the break, Nakuru fought harder but their efforts were met by an unrelenting Warriors defence that was determined to guard the deserved lead. David Pewa pulled one back for Nakuru seconds before the end of the third quarter.
On resumption, Fuchaka, who captained the men's national team that finished fourth at the Africa Cup of Nations, restored Warriors two-goal advantage in the 47th minute.
The Standard Online
Rovers rocking on their Road to Rotterdam
Jody Hosking Receives The Ey Champions Trophy From Simon Mcallister. ©: Adrian Boehm
Three Rock Rovers got their Irish Hockey League campaign back on track with a confident 3-1 win over Monkstown today to move back into the top three of the table.
They raced off to a great start with Luke Madeley firing home a low penalty corner in the seventh minute before Harry Morris hit home an upright reverse-stick shot.
Ross Canning added to the scoring in the third quarter after a two-on-one chance with South African international Richard Pautz before Monkstown got a consolation goal with eight minutes to go.
Rovers had opened their Irish league season with two wins before they lost to Glenanne and Lisnagarvey to set them back.
Nonetheless, excitement is building with their Euro Hockey League campaign coming into view, especially now that they have a time and a date on the horizon for the KO16.
They will play Saint Germain, the surprise package from ROUND1 in Barcelona when they eliminated Club Egara.
Looking forward to that tie, Rovers captain Jody Hosking said: “Saint Germain are a quality outfit. They have plenty of EHL experience, and came out on top of a decent group. It should be a great contest.
“Saint Germain have been in EHL for last five season, so they know all about it. We will do our homework, and who knows we might yet face one of the big guns later on!”
It will be Three Rock’s first EHL campaign in nine seasons. The last time they played, they went unbeaten in their group stage, knocking out Atletic Terrassa, going through with Belgian side KHC Leuven.
They met eventual FINAL4 side Leuven in the KO16 who they pushed all the way, losing 2-1 in a very tight fixture.
Only Mitch Darling from that vintage is still around. The forward has since played for Leuven, SCHC, Den Bosch and HC Rotterdam as well as playing in the Olympic Games in 2016.
He is one of just three players in the 27-man panel over the age of 23 along with Pautz and Hosking while 21 of the panel have been developed by the club’s youth system.
The team are heavily involved in running the fundraising required to travel to Rotterdam for the KO16.
“It’s a big year when you are preparing for the EHL,” Hosking continued. “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.
“And it takes massive commitment from players and the club. We have a few fundraising events with can be found on our website: www.roversroadtorotterdam.com.”
Euro Hockey League media release
UConn, Duke claim top seeds in Division I Field Hockey Championship bracket
INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA Division I Field Hockey Committee announced on Sunday the field of teams for the 2017 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship. Ten conferences were awarded automatic qualification. The four lowest automatic-qualification teams will compete in two opening round games. The remaining six automatic-qualification teams were placed in the bracket.
The following conferences and their representatives received automatic qualification:
America East Conference Stanford University
Atlantic Coast Conference University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Atlantic 10 Conference Saint Joseph’s University
Big East Conference University of Connecticut
Big Ten Conference University of Michigan
Colonial Athletic Association University of Delaware
The Ivy League Princeton University
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Fairfield University
Mid-American Conference Miami University (Ohio)
Patriot League Boston University
The remaining eight teams that were selected at large are as follows: Duke University, University of Louisville, Northwestern University, University of Maryland, College Park, Pennsylvania State University, Syracuse University, University of Virginia and Wake Forest University.
Opening round games will be played on two campus sites November 8. First- and second-round games will be played on four campus sites November 11-12. The University of Louisville will host the semifinals and final Friday, November 17, and Sunday, November 19, at Trager Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. The semifinals and finals will be streamed live on NCAA.com. For ticket information, please call 502-GOCARDS or visit NCAA.com/tickets.
In 2016, the University of Delaware claimed its first NCAA Division I Field Hockey championship title with a 3-2 victory over North Carolina at ODU – LR Hill Complex in Norfolk, Virginia.
NCAA
Michigan edges Penn State, 1-0, in Big Ten field hockey tourney final
Graduate student Esther de Leijer scored with just 5:31 remaining in the second half to end a scoreless tie and propel No. 3 Michigan to a 1-0 win against No. 6 Penn State and the Big Ten Conference Tournament title on Sunday afternoon at Michigan State’s Ralph Young Field.
It was the Wolverines’ sixth Big Ten tournament title in program history and marked just the fourth time U-M swept both the regular-season and tournament crowns. Michigan previously achieved the feat in 2000, 2004 and 2011.
After getting outshot, 7-1, in the first half, the Wolverines poured on the pressure in the second half, peppering PSU goalkeeper Jenny Rizzo with five shots before breaking through late in the contest.
De Leijer’s goal followed a free hit from the right side. Sophomore Meg Dowthwaite knocked the ball to the middle of the circle, where Carly Bennett maneuvered around a Nittany Lion defender to work it into open space on the right side of the circle. De Leijer used a sweep reverse shot to beat Rizzo to the nearside for her fourth goal of the season.
Penn State picked up the pace after the goal, drawing three corners — two with time expired — and firing off five shots in the final three minutes. Senior goalkeeper Sam Swenson saved the shot off the first corner with time expired, and it appeared that the ball cleared the circle, but PSU was awarded another corner. The Nittany Lions’ second chance went wide before Swenson and sophomore Fay Keijer stopped it on the post and a PSU foul was called to end the game.
In all, Penn State outshot the Wolverines, 15-11, and outcornered them, 5-4. Swenson was spectacular in the Michigan cage, earning nine saves to claim her 11th complete-game — and Michigan’s 14th — shutout win of the season. Rizzo stopped five of U-M’s six shots on goal.
With today’s win, Michigan earned the Big Ten’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Selection Show is slated for 10 p.m. tonight on NCAA.com.
Big Ten Network
Defending NCAA champion Blue Hens position themselves for field hockey repeat
Kevin Tresolini,
Taylor Lister (left) is congratulated by Lotta de Koning (center) and Greta Nauck after her goal early in the second half broke a scoreless tie. (Photo: Saquan Stimpson, Special to The News Journal)
Having secured the coveted conference prize Sunday, Delaware positioned itself to pursue its sport’s most treasured trophy.
Considering the Blue Hens have actually been there and done that, they’ll again enter the NCAA Field Hockey Tournament with a “Why not us?” attitude in their quest for another championship.
It worked a year ago, when they were surprise NCAA champs after finishing the regular season ranked No. 8 nationally. Delaware just so happens to be ranked No. 8 again, though the final Top 25 comes out Tuesday.
“I’m just excited to start an adventure,” 2016 national player of the year Greta Nauck said after Delaware’s 3-0 victory over 19th-ranked William & Mary in the Colonial Athletic Association title game at Rullo Stadium.
The 2017 NCAA bracket will be announced on NCAA.com at 10 p.m. Sunday (see delawareonline.com for updates). After play-in games this week, the round-of-16 and quarterfinals will be played Saturday, with the top four seeds hosting if they are able. Delaware has bid to host.
The Final Four is Nov. 17 and 19 at Louisville’s Trager Stadium.
Last year, Delaware won its final 19 games, including NCAA Tournament victories over Louisville, top-seeded Duke on the Blue Devils’ home field, Princeton in the semifinals and then North Carolina in the title game 3-2 at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. The Blue Hens finished 23-2. All but four starters from that team returned this year.
“Last year doesn’t matter,” said Taylor Lister, who broke a scoreless tie 27 seconds into the second half by poking in a loose ball after a long scramble among a mass of players in front of the cage.
“But it just gives us a little boost of confidence knowing that we can, or like underdogs can do it. I think we’re pushing through that underdog phase and we just have to believe in ourselves and in each other.”
Less than five minutes after Lister’s goal, UD defender Sarah Horgan swatted a potential Tribe equalizer out of the air while standing near the goal line.
Delaware went ahead 2-0 with 16:56 left when Lotta de Koning drove a shot off a penalty corner and Nauck deflected it in. Five minutes later Nauck, who was named tournament MVP, scored off another corner with Kayla Devlin assisting.
“The most important thing we can learn from last year,” Nauck said, “is it doesn’t matter what people say, it doesn’t matter if we are the underdog, if people expect us to win or not to win. We really have to focus on ourselves and know what we are capable of and what we as a team can achieve.”
Delaware forward Lisa Giezeman attempts to pass the ball in the box in the first half of the CAA field hockey finals Sunday. (Photo: SAQUAN STIMPSON/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS JOURNAL)
The CAA Tournament title and NCAA berth were the fifth in a row for Delaware, and seventh since joining the league in 2002.
“That target is not on our back,” seventh-year UD coach Rolf van de Kerkhof said. “It’s a new season. We are excited to be back in the dance and we have the whole week to prepare for whoever we’re going to face. There’s one thing to be certain about this year’s NCAA field. It’s all good teams but everybody’s relatively close.”
Delaware had downed the Tribe in their regular-season meeting 3-1 at Rullo on Oct. 20 and has won nine straight against William & Mary (13-7).
“We should be better prepared for whatever’s coming, because we’ve been there,” van de Kerkhof said.
Delaware Online
Maryland field hockey will face Wake Forest in its first-round NCAA tournament matchup
By Scott Gelman
Head coach Missy Meharg speaks with defender Sophie Giezeman on the sideline during Maryland's 2-1 win against Penn State on Oct. 15, 2017. (Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
The Maryland field hockey team is unseeded in the NCAA tournament and will play Wake Forest in Durham, North Carolina on Saturday.
The Terps last faced the Demon Deacons in 2013, winning the contest, 4-1.
Duke is the top seed in Maryland's region. The Blue Devils will face the winner of the Stanford/Miami (OH) play-in contest.
On Friday, Maryland was in a position it hadn't been in since joining the Big Ten in 2014: Its NCAA tournament fate was out of its control.
For the first time, Maryland failed to advance to the Big Ten tournament championship game. Its 3-2 loss to Penn State in the semifinals left coach Missy Meharg's team wondering whether it had done enough to secure a spot in the national tournament.
Maryland learned it did enough.
"We want to make sure that even if things aren't exactly going our way, we get back in the mindset of how things have been," defender Carrie Hanks said Friday. "If and when we get the chance, we're going to take it by storm."
It will be Maryland's 30th NCAA tournament appearance. The Terps are 57-21 in those contests.
Despite earning a chance to play in the tournament the last few seasons, Maryland hasn't had much success. The Terps topped Massachusetts in the first round last year but fell to North Carolina, 3-0, in the second round.
Princeton ended Maryland's season in the first round of the 2015 tournament, and Albany defeated the Terps in College Park during the second round in 2014.
Maryland hasn't advanced beyond the second round since 2013, when it lost to Duke in the national championship game. The Terps are seeking their first title since 2011.
Nonetheless, the Terps remain confident they can compete with the best teams in the country. Maryland defeated six ranked teams and played four ACC opponents, which Meharg believes should prove beneficial in the postseason.
The Terps also responded after dropping three of four contests at the end of September by carrying a seven-game winning streak into the Big Ten tournament before losing to the Nittany Lions.
The Diamondback