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News for 16 November 2017

All the news for Thursday 16 November 2017


Youthful Hockeyroos Bounce Back Against Japan

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos have exacted some revenge for Saturday’s loss to Japan with a 5-1 win in the opening game of their Test series at Adelaide’s State Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.

Australia had gone down 3-2 to the Japanese on Saturday in Melbourne, subsequently missing out on the final of the International Festival of Hockey, but bounced back in Adelaide on a night where two players debuted in goalkeeper Aleisha Power and Mikaela Patterson.

Maddy Fitzpatrick scored a double, while sister Savannah, who scored a brace against the Japanese on Saturday, opened the scoring.

Forwards Grace Stewart and Emily Hurtz also hit the scoresheet, before Minami Shimizu scored a late consolation.

Australia raced to a 3-0 lead within 17 minutes in a strong display by a youthful side, which featured 10 players 21 or under.

Speaking after the game, Power said: “It was a good start. It was a little bit disappointing that they got a goal.

“We got a lot of goals in the first half. We were hoping to take the win considering they beat us last week at the International Festival of Hockey.”

Savannah Fitzpatrick opened the scoring with a classy reverse stick finish into the roof of the net, before Stewart powered home the second before quarter-time.

Maddy Fitzpatrick added a third early in the second quarter with a trademark penalty corner low into the backboard.

Power made a sharp save to deny Hazuki Nagai’s skilful effort in the third quarter, before Hurtz made it 4-0 in the 43rd minute with a close-range deflection after Jacqui Day’s shot.

Maddy Fitzpatrick added the fifth from a penalty corner in the final term, with Shimizu converting from close range late on.

Power, who played the first and third quarters on debut, said: “It’s probably the best feeling I’ve ever experienced.

“I think I’ve dreamed about this moment for a really long time. To be in the moment, it’s not what you expect, I was very overwhelmed but excited.”

The two sides will meet again at the same venue on Thursday from 7pm local time.

Australia 5 (S. Fitzpatrick 6’, Stewart 14’, M. Fitzpatrick 17’, 54’, Hurtz 43’)
Japan 1 (Shimizu 56’)

Hockey Australia media release



Big chance for Black Sticks women in World League finals

By: David Leggat


Stacey Michelsen of the Black Sticks. Photo / Photosport

New Zealand are determined to go one better than last time when they host the women's World League hockey final in Auckland, starting tomorrow.

The world No 5 Black Sticks finished runnersup to world No 3 and hosts Argentina in the final of this tournament in 2015.

The personnel has changed significantly since then, with plenty of young players pushing through to the national team, but co-captain Stacey Michelsen is excited by the potential, but also the occasion.

"It's exciting to see what the young players have been doing at training. I'm sure they will step up," Michelsen, among the world's elite players, said.

"We've been really fortunate to be training in Auckland together for a long time, we've had a good buildup and we're very excited for it to start."

Another reason for wanting to perform strongly, apart from a rare hosting experience on home soil of a major international tournament, is this is the final edition of the World League, which hasn't proved popular.

The Netherlands won in 2013, Argentina two years later and this will be the finale, with the International Hockey Federation having plans to start a major new competition, the Pro League in early 2019 which will involve nine countries playing each other home and away over a six-month period.

So finishing the World League on a high, and make best use of the event as a lead-in to next year's World Cup in London, will be priorities for a New Zealand side who will enjoy the rare sight of solid home support on a world stage.

Eight of the world's top nine teams are in Auckland, the odd one out world No 4 Australia, who failed to qualify.

New Zealand kick off their campaign at North Harbour Hockey tomorrow night against the Dutch, with other Pool A games against the United States and Korea to follow.

The Dutch, runnersup at last year's Rio Olympics, European champions, world No 1 and a perennial force in the game, have lost a clutch of star players post-Rio, but captain Marloes Keetels is confident.

"We won the European championships in Amsterdam and that gave us a lot of confidence as a new team," Keetels said.

"I think we're building on that now and the young players are growing very fast. Our prospects are good."

The team who beat the Dutch in the Olympic gold medal match, England, have jumped to world No 2 and are aiming to show that Rio triumph was no flash in the pan result.

"There's about eight players from Rio (in Auckland) and we have a fantastic blend," England captain Alex Danson said.

"We are very respectful of our past but we're a forward-facing team and trying to evolve and create a new way of playing."

Outstanding striker Danson, with 105 goals in her 286 caps and a 16-year veteran of the international game, acknowledged England need to build on the Rio gold; the same could be said for the Germans, who beat New Zealand in the bronze medal match at the Olympics.

It was the second straight Olympics New Zealand had lost in a bronze medal match and it hurt.

"That was an amazing feeling," German skipper Janne Muller-Wieland said of the bronze playoff.

Her squad is also in transition, and that includes new coaching staff, but believes Germany are capable of a solid showing.

"It's about how quickly we find our game. Our last (event) was at the Europeans in August but we've done our homework. We have very young players, we'll learn from game to game and it'll be interesting to see how quickly we can adjust."

The US and Korea will play the other opening-day match tomorrow.

The gold and bronze matches will be on November 26.

World League final pools:
Pool A: Netherlands (world No 1), New Zealand (5), United States (7), Korea (9)
Pool B: England (2), Argentina (3), Germany (6), China (8).

The New Zealand Herald



Black Sticks women out to overcome a hurdle as World League final begins

ANDREW VOERMAN


Black Sticks captain Stacey Michelsen says they are aiming for a place in the final. MARK KOLBE/GETTY IMAGES

As the Hockey World League final gets underway, the Black Sticks women have their eyes on next Sunday's decider.

If they get there, they will be one of the last two standing at the eight-team event, which begins at North Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland on Friday night.

They will have also won a semifinal, something that has eluded them in recent years.


Stacey Michelsen says it's great to have a major event at home. PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES

"For us, a team goal would definitely be making the final, and then obviously you give yourselves a chance from there," said captain Stacey Michelsen.

"In 2015 we came second at this tournament, so it's certainly a plausible goal for us to make the final, but certainly that semifinal hurdle is something we need to get past."


Stacey Michelsen says the Black Sticks have to stop their habit of losing in semifinals. ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES

The 2015 World League decider - a 5-1 loss to Argentina - was the last time the Black Sticks made it that far at a major tournament.

Since then, there have been the 2016 Champions Trophy - where they finished sixth out of six teams - and the Rio Olympics, where they finished fourth, losing to eventual champions Great Britain in the semifinals, and to Germany in the bronze medal match.

In the 15 months since Rio, the Black Sticks have played 41 tests, which means they arrive at this event with plenty of hockey under their belts.

"Having so many games since Rio has been great," said Michelsen.

"Because it's been a rebuilding year, there's been opportunities for a lot of girls who haven't played many tests to show themselves.

"It's been great and it's been really beneficial because it's allowed the coaches to narrow things down for this tournament and pick the final 18."

The Black Sticks have been training in Auckland, either side of the Oceania Cup, which was their most recent outing, a month ago. There, they had a record-breaking 33-0 win over Papua New Guinea, but a pair of narrow losses, 2-1 and 2-0, to Australia, in the games that mattered.

Australia are the only nation ranked in the top nine in the world who are not in Auckland for the World League final.

Otherwise, it's the best of the best.

In the Black Sticks' pool are the world No 1 Netherlands, South Korea and the United States, while in the other pool are England, China, Argentina and Germany.

This is only the second major world hockey event to be held in New Zealand, following the men's Champions Trophy in 2011, which was moved to Auckland from India at short notice.

Michelsen said the fact that the team didn't have to travel like they usually do was massive.

"Normally we'd be travelling to somewhere like Argentina, or to Europe for a big tournament like this, so being able to stay in New Zealand is huge.

"There's a lot of little benefits, of knowing all our favourite cafes and places we can go for good food and coffee in our downtime, and then obviously having the home crowd and the home support will be nice for us, because that's certainly something we've never had at a major tournament.

After pool play, which runs from Friday until Tuesday, all eight teams advance to the quarterfinals, with the knockout stages coming to a climax next Sunday.

Michelsen said that while the Black Sticks would be aiming to finish top of their pool, the format allows them to work their way into a groove.

​ "Throughout the year we've done well as a new group, and it's going to be interesting to see how we go against these teams, because everyone is building towards this tournament.

"Although we've done reasonably well during the year, this is the real test, therefore we certainly need to step up at this tournament, because it will be a lot more difficult."

The Black Sticks' first match is against the Netherlands at 8pm on Friday, following the tournament opener between the United States and South Korea at 6pm.

AT A GLANCE

What: Hockey World League final

Who: New Zealand, Netherlands, South Korea, United States, England, China, Argentina, Germany

Where: North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland

When: November 17-26

Black Sticks' matches: November 17, 8pm v Netherlands; November 18, 6pm v South Korea; November 20, 8pm v United States; November 22/23 - quarterfinals; November 24/25 -semifinals (if qualified); November 26 - final (if qualified)

Stuff



Ticket Sale begins for World Hockey Finals in Bhubaneswar

s2h team



Bhubaneswar: With 15 days to go for the FIH Men's World Hockey League finals in Bhubaneswar, the sale of tickets for the hockey extravaganza began on Wednesday at Kalinga Stadium, venue of the event.

The online ticket sale had started earlier.

The tickets which are priced at Rs 50 for the East Stand and Rs 250 for the West (VIP stand) will be available in a kiosk outside the Kalinga Stadium.

The tickets are also available online at www.ticketgenie.com.

The Sports Department, along with the concerned functionaries, are meanwhile, bracing up with the last minute preparations. In a review meeting held about a week earlier, the security system was discussed at length. A meeting was also conducted with Hockey India officials for the smooth conduct of the event.

The India team is scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar on November 22, and the other teams will follow-up in the next five days.

The World League finals, which will be held between December 1 and 10, will have eight participating teams. Sports Emporium: Jaydev Vihar, Bhubaneswar – 751013

OTHER PLACES WHERE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE IN BBSR

B21: Shop – 7, Subham Market, Rammandir Square, infront of Axis Bank
B21: 691, Opposite Bhawanimall Exit gate, Sahid Nagar
Mobiling: Sree Surobindo Market Complex, Damana, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar – 16
Go – Cool: Patia Traffic Square, Below TVS Showroom, Near Indian Head Quarters – 751024
Café Frespresso: 2nd Floor, PS Plaza, Above Axis Bank, Kiit Road, Patia, Near Bazaar India
Ganesh Mobile: Plot No – B6, Sahid Nagar
IT Shoppe: Sahid Nagar
Body Line: 501, Kharavela Nagar, Janpath, Bhubaneswar, opposite fruit market
Sister Mobile: Sahid Nagar
Sister Mobile: Bapuji Nagar
Tech Zone: A/93, Saheed Nagar – 751007
Yummyies: Rammandir Square
Yummyies: Phulnakhara
The box office is at Kalinga Stadium, Gate No 3.

Stick2Hockey.com



Shaw Announces Squad For 3 Nations in Spain



The Green Army will conclude their international fixtures for 2017 in a 3 Nations tournament against Spain and Belgium in Alcalá. Spain and Belgium sit 11th and 13th respectively in the world rankings, although routinely play above their rankings with Belgium recently earning a silver medal at the European Championships.

Head coach Graham Shaw has selected a squad that contains 7 players with fewer than 10 caps and the tournament offers the ideal opportunity to make an impression ahead of a busy 2018 “After a long international season, this tournament will provide a fantastic experience for this squad with a mixture of youth and experience. Spain and Belgium will provide a real challenge to the group selected and we’re excited to watch them develop with the senior players throughput the week”.

Shaw continued “Reflecting back on 2017, we can be proud of our results and look to make further improvements in 2018 with a World Cup in London in July”.

3 Nations Fixtures at Club Hockey Alcalá:

Ireland vs Spain 28/11/17 11:45am
Ireland vs Belgium 29/11/17 11:45am
Spain vs Belgium 30/11/17 11:45am
Ireland vs Spain 1/12/17 11:45am
Ireland vs Belgium 2/12/17 11:45am
Spain vs Belgium 3/12/17 11:45am

*All times listed are local

Squad:

1. Grace O Flanagan Railway
2. Emma Buckley Cork Harlequins
3. Hannah McLoughlin Loreto
4. Zoe Wilson Belfast Harlequins
5. Erin Getty Queens
6. Yvonne O Byrne Cork Harlequins
7. Lena Tice UCD
8. Chloe Watkins Bloemendaal
9. Chloe Brown Ards
10. Ali Meeke Loreto
11. Lizzie Colvin Belfast Harlequins
12. Anna O Flanagan Bloemendaal
13. Ellen Curran UCD
14. Deirdre Duke UCD
15. Nicola Evans UHC Hamburg
16. Naomi Carroll Cork Harlequins
17. Jessica McMaster Queens
18. Emma Russell UCD
19. Sarah Torrans Loreto
20. Rebecca Barry, Cork Harlequins

Irish Hockey Association media release



Seven teenagers in Shaw’s panel for Three Nations tournament



With seven teenagers in his panel, Graham Shaw will once again test the next generation with a view to widening his Irish women’s panel ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Cork Harlequins’ Emma Buckley, Loreto’s Sarah Torrans and, at 17, youngest of the lot Hannah McLoughlin have all been retained from October’s series against Scotland when they made their debuts in green.

They join the likes of Jessica McMaster, Erin Getty and Ellen Curran from this summer’s Under-21 Euros in a much-changed panel that will take on Spain and Belgium in a three nations tournament in Alcala in southern Spain in a fortnight’s time.

Chloe Watkins, Anna O’Flanagan (both at Bloemendaal in the Netherlands) and UHC Hamburg’s Nikki Evans return to the panel with their club season’s now on its winter break.

They provide the experience in the place of the rested Katie Mullan, Gillian Pinder and Roisin Upton – ever presents in 2017 – while Sinead Loughran is injured.

They will be Ireland’s last matches of 2017, facing two teams who will be part of the line-up for the World Cup in London next July.

“After a long international season, this tournament will provide a fantastic experience for this squad,” Shaw said of the series. “Spain and Belgium will provide a real challenge to the group selected and we’re excited to watch them develop with the senior players throughout the week”.

Irish women’s squad for Three Nations at Club Hockey Alcala, Spain (November 28th – December 2nd): Grace O’Flanagan (Railway Union), Emma Buckley (Cork Harlequins), Hannah McLoughlin (Loreto), Zoe Wilson (Belfast Harlequins), Erin Getty (Queens), Yvonne O’Byrne (Cork Harlequins), Lena Tice (UCD), Chloe Watkins (Bloemendaal), Chloe Brown (Ards), Ali Meeke (Loreto), Lizzie Colvin (Belfast Harlequins), Anna O’Flanagan (Bloemendaal), Ellen Curran (UCD), Deirdre Duke (UCD), Nicola Evans (UHC Hamburg), Naomi Carroll (Cork Harlequins), Jessica McMaster (Queens), Emma Russell (UCD), Sarah Torrans (Loreto), Rebecca Barry (Cork Harlequins)

Schedule:
November 28: Ireland vs Spain, 11.45am
November 29: Ireland vs Belgium, 11.45am
December 1: Ireland v Spain, 11.45am
December 2: Ireland v Belgium, 11.45am

The Hook



Incompetent PHF top brass responsible for hockey decline: Manzoor Sr

Mohsin Ali



ISLAMABAD -  Former hockey captain Manzoor-ul-Hassan has lambasted the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), holding them responsible for Pakistan hockey debacle.

Talking to The Nation, Manzoor , who was member of world cup winning Pakistan team and former head coach, said all the past greats and hockey lovers are in deep shock and sorrow. “We can’t expect that Pakistan hockey team could fall to such lows. We had won world cups, Champions Trophy, Asia Cup, Olympics and all the available titles in hockey , but now the national team is in complete disarray.

“Now this management had spent well over two years at the helm of affairs, but they didn’t know the direction. They are just making tall claims to take hockey to new heights, but practically they have done nothing for the betterment of Pakistan hockey , which has been declining with each passing day. They have ruined the national game and despite such worst results and pathetic approach, they are still clinging to their respective posts,” he added.

Manzoor questioned the purpose of sending national team to Australia, when they were fully aware about the poor state of their players. It was waste of time and money and to joy ride for few. But it further dented the morale of the players, as losing to teams like Japan, New Zealand and heavy defeat against Australia is a clear indication that where the green shirts are presently standing and what the federation has done so far in two years.

“They should have sent the team to Malaysia or worked on their mental and physical fitness. The money must have been spent on their diet and training purposes. What was the purpose of sending U-18 team to Australia, which also suffered a great deal? The current PHF officials don’t know the direction but just wasting their time and money,” he added.

“The time is ripe to prepare fresh blood, no matter if we don’t get even ordinary results in next year’s hockey world cup. We need to work on war-footings on fresh pool of players, because currently the national team has same 35 players, who were already utilised by the federation. It is the time to get rid of these flops and appoint serious and well-reputed persons,” Manzoor concluded.

Mazoor said it is very shameful day for every legend, who, in his capacity, had worked day and night and played out his hearts to win laurels for the country. “How much we have to suffer more at the hands of such incompetent persons, who don’t know the ABC of hockey and are free to destroy the national game. The government is least bother about keeping any check and balance on them and instead it is providing huge funds to the federation. But to utter disappointment, the national wealth is being plundered with both hands on personal tours and perks and privileges, instead of utilizing it on game and players’ promotion.

How on earth a person, who had never coached the senior team, could be appointed as manager/coach of the team. Farhat Kahn was a good player, but he had no experience of coaching at such level. The national team was already in complete disarray, so same flops of 1996 are gathered once again by the federation. They just want to silence every voice, that is raised against them,” he added.

The former hockey legend said: “We don’t want any post or favour and we are not against the federation, in fact, we are well-wishers and want Pakistan hockey to rise from ashes. It is only possible if the current PHF takes tough decisions and hires right man for right job. Passing on benefits just to stop criticism is not a wise decision which instead has further tarnished their reputation.

“I once again request Prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbassi and Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Minister Riaz Pirzada to save hockey from further downslide, remove these bungling persons as early as possible and appoint the sincere and loyal technocrats, who want to take Pakistan hockey back to where it belongs. I know it won’t be an easy task to revive the fortunes of the national game, but at least sincere efforts can produce wonders,” Manzoor concluded.

The Nation



Buckingham face East Grinstead test


Buckingham's Kat Nicholson, left. Credit Andrew Smith

After beating leaders Surbiton last weekend, Buckingham are preparing to take on East Grinstead in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.

Lauren Thomas’s last minute goal gave her side a 2-1 win against the reigning champions on Saturday, a victory which brings them within touching distance of the top of the table.

But East Grinstead will be no pushover, having won 4-3 at Clifton Robinsons last weekend with two goals in the final ten minutes snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

“If you look at our results across the season they’ve been pretty consistent so for us last weekend’s result wasn’t a surprise as we knew we could compete with the top teams,” Buckingham head coach Zak Jones. “But the league is so competitive this year that we’re not taking anyone lightly, especially a team like East Grinstead.

“We just want to keep the momentum going. We’ve got a lot of experienced players in our team who have been there before as well as some great new faces.”

Surbiton will be aiming to bounce back from last week’s loss as they head to Bowdon Hightown, while the University of Birmingham entertain bottom of the table Canterbury and could go top with a victory.

Similarly, Holcombe could also head the table at the end of the weekend if other results go in their favour and they can win at Leicester, while Clifton Robinsons are on the road to Slough, who are level with them on points.

Investec Conference East leaders Hampstead & Westminster head to second-placed Sevenoaks on Saturday for a game that will see one of them lose their current 100% league record.

Meanwhile, Wimbledon host Barnes as they bid to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to Hampstead.

Beeston play Timperley at home as they bid to maintain their 100% record in the Investec Conference North, while second-placed Brooklands-Poynton travel to Ben Rhydding.

Third-placed Stourport play host to leaders unbeaten Reading in the Investec Conference West on Saturday, while second-placed Trojans could go top if Reading lose and they can win at bottom of the table Team Bath Buccaneers

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 18 2017

Investec Women’s Hockey League

Investec Premier Division
Buckingham v East Grinstead 12:00
Slough v Clifton Robinsons 12:30
Leicester v Holcombe 13:30
Univ of Birmingham v Canterbury 13:30
Bowdon Hightown v Surbiton 13:45

Investec Conference North
Beeston v Timperley 12:00
Univ of Durham v Liverpool Sefton 12:00
Loughborough Students v Sutton Coldfield 12:30
Ben Rhydding v Brooklands Poynton 13:30
Fylde v Wakefield 13:30

Investec Conference East
Chelmsford v St Albans 14:00
Harleston Magpies v Southgate 14:00
Wimbledon v Barnes 14:00
Bedford v Cambridge City 14:30
Sevenoaks v Hampstead & Westminster 17:00

Investec Conference West
Oxford Hawks v Swansea City 12:00
Gloucester City v Olton & West Warwicks 12:30
Team Bath Buccaneers v Trojans 12:30
Stourport v Reading 14:30
Cannock v Isca 16:00

England Hockey Board Media release



Defending – the Cavemen’s key to PHL success



The men’s defending champions may already have the edge on some of the other teams heading into South Africa's Premier Hockey League in just 10 days’ time.

With 13 of their players all based in Gauteng, the Maropeng Cavemen have managed to have a few training sessions together ahead of the tournament which kicks off at the Randburg Astro on November 25.

Confidence is high that they’ll be able to defend the title they claimed in 2016

“We always say we’re confident. I always go out there to win so I don’t have any other mind-set,” said coach of the side Mark Sanders. “We don’t want to be arrogant about it but we will be confident about our ability and our team’s ability. Looking at the other teams – they’ve all got better as well with their draft picks. It was a big challenge last year and this year’s going to be no different.”

Speaking about their pre-tournament practices, Sanders explained: “There is some method behind the way I choose players. It’s not solely based on location, but it does have some merit in it. It’s not to be frowned upon – the more we have guys training together and getting our set-pieces right and all that now, it’s only going to bode well.

As for the tournament itself, Sanders added: “Our principle is defend to win and when we do have an opportunity to score, we take it – and minimise the number of goals we concede. If we can tighten up our defensive structure, then we’re always going to be there and in with a shout to win.”

Meanwhile, for Lindsey Wright, coach of the 2016 women’s winners, the Blyde River Bunters, having the tag of defending champions going into the PHL means nothing.

“That was the team of 2016 so that belongs to those girls and this is a new team this year and we’ll create new goals,” she explained. “I don’t want them to even think about themselves as being defending champions. They’re merely getting an opportunity to create their own destiny and legacy.

“The title’s up for grabs for anybody and if the Bunters want to claim that title, they’re going to have to put their hands up with consistent performances throughout each and every game. That’s the challenge and I think that’s what’s exciting all the players. I’m looking forward to it. There’s a bunch of great coaches and I’m sure they’re all going to get the best out of their teams.”

Also, rather than focusing on that winner’s medal, for Wright it’s more about the process.

“For me, it’s all about the performance and not too much about the end result. Yes, I think the end result is great if you can work yourself through that process but I still think the biggest win is – have I grown as a hockey player, am I better a hockey player at the end of the tournament than when I started?”

Wright agreed that with six marquee players included in each of the six competing teams, the opposition is a lot stronger than last year, which is good news for national selectors.

“I’m hoping for tough games that are fought right until the end, but of course that will make it harder to defend the title and I think you’re going to see results swing from side to side as well.

“It will make it an interesting tournament and that’s what we want. From a spectator point of view, that’s great and from a player point of view as well, because they have to approach every game like it’s a final. That’s really where we want to peg this because that creates better hockey performances and better hockey players to select from, because when you get to big things like World Cups and Commonwealth Games, every game is a final. You want big characters in those games and you want those players who are never going to lie down and give up.”

SA Hockey Association media release



Strong Pahang favourites to win women’s Razak Cup

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Pahang, powered by seven internationals, will start as favourites to win the women’s Razak Cup hockey tournament.

The second edition of the tournament will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium beginning Saturday.

The seven national players are Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani, Wan Norfaiezah Saiuti, Nuraini Rashid, Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohd, S. Priyangga, Siti Zaidah and Fatin Nuraini.

They also have the services of former international Nadia Abdul Rahman.

Pahang team manager Nuriza Sulaiman said that her players were confident of retaining the title, which they won by outplaying Armed Forces 4-0 in last year’s final.

“I have warned them not to be over-confident because even if we have a strong team on paper, we must respect our opponents.

“Our opponents will also be well-prepared, so anything can happen if we don’t take them seriously,” said Nuriza.

The Pahang team arrived here yesterday and had their first training session at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium in Jalan Duta.

Nine teams are competing in the tournament and Pahang are in Group A with Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Terengganu and Indonesia.

Group B consists of Selangor, Armed Forces, Melaka and Johor.

Nuriza is worried about Pahang’s taxing schedule as they will have to play four matches in as many days, starting with Terengganu on Saturday, followed by Kuala Lumpur (Nov 19), Indonesia (Nov 20) and Perak (Nov 21).

“Luckily the fitness level of my players is good. The national players have just returned from the Asia Cup (in Kakamigahara, Japan last week),” she said.

The Star of Malaysia



UConn Field Hockey Set To Return To The Final Four

By Lori Riley


In front of a statue of Jonathon, the UConn mascot, UConn field hockey players pose for photographers before boarding a bus to the field hockey championships in Louisville. (Mark Mirko / Hartford Courant)

UConn field hockey will play North Carolina in the national semifinal game Friday in Louisville. The Tar Heels beat UConn last year in the semifinals in overtime.

STORRS – When Casey Umstead played field hockey growing up, it was kind of a joke – she was not a defender, by any means.

“Everybody would always laugh at how terrible a defender I was,” Umstead said Tuesday. “I would just go and hack people.”

Umstead laughed. A senior left back, she is a key player on the defense for the undefeated and No. 1 ranked UConn field hockey team, which will face North Carolina Friday at 2 p.m. in the NCAA semifinal game at the University of Louisville.

The Huskies (21-0) are making their fifth straight Final Four appearance. They lost to North Carolina in the national semifinal last year, 2-1, in overtime.

“Losing to North Carolina last year was definitely tough,” Umstead said. “But this year, it’s a different team, different setup. I think this year we’re in it to win it, especially the seniors. We want bookends to our career. That’s definitely a motivating factor for us to get past the semifinals.”

UConn won back-to-back national titles in 2013 and 2014, Umstead’s freshman year. In 2013, the Huskies beat North Carolina in an overtime shootout in the national semifinal game and went onto defeat Duke in the national championship.


In front of a statue of Jonathon, the UConn mascot, UConn field hockey player Amelia Iacobucci (left) hugs Lexi Kenneally of the UConn lacrosse team before boarding a bus with her teammates to the field hockey championships in Louisville. UConn lacrosse players, said Kenneally, are "the field hockey team's #1 fans."  (Mark Mirko / Hartford Courant)

“In 2013, we played Carolina and won,” UConn coach Nancy Stevens said. “Last year, it was in overtime. So it’s a razor’s edge that separates the two teams. It might be one brilliant play by one team that wins it. I expect it to be very close.”

North Carolina (18-4) beat Princeton 3-2 to advance to the semifinal; it’s the Tar Heels’ ninth straight Final Four. UConn beat Penn State, 4-3 in the regional final in Storrs.

“I think we need to focus on our defense in this particular game,” Umstead said. “If they can’t score, they can’t win. We always can score goals. If we can score one or two goals and have solid defense, I think we’ll be in a good spot.”

UConn leads the nation in scoring average (4.63 goals per game), scoring margin (3.97) and has the nation’s leading scorer in senior Charlotte Veitner (1.55 goals per game). But the defense – with Umstead, freshman Margot van Hecking Colenbrander of Holland and fifth-year senior goalkeeper Nina Klein – is key for the Huskies’ success.

Two years ago, after Umstead had played forward and midfielder as a freshman and sophomore, defender Megan Palmisano graduated and Stevens needed someone to fill the spot. She asked Umstead.

“She had all the qualities of a left back even though she played left striker,” Stevens said. “In high school, she must have scored 100 goals. To ask somebody to stop doing what they do best, which is score and then be the lock on the door - for her to buy in and put the team first, she gets tremendous credit for doing that. She has all the best qualities of a left back – great defender, great tackler, she can throw a big aerial out when we’re in trouble. But what she brings is the striker’s fine stickwork so she’s really comfortable on the ball.
UConn Field Hockey Farewell

“A number of backs end up being uncomfortable and want to get rid of the ball early but Casey, her stickwork is so good, she can hold onto the ball for us when she needs to do that under pressure. That’s a unique combination.”

And she still gets to score – Umstead is second on the team in scoring with 14 goals to Veitner (who has 30 goals) and she has 16 assists. Most of her goals come off penalty corners but she has freedom to break away if she can and other players will cover for her.

“I’m not on the scoring end of things anymore, except on corners,” she said. “It’s a completely different view of the game, outletting the ball vs. when I was a striker, I’d would get the ball in the circle, now I have to get it to them. It’s a different perspective on the game.”

The Hartford Courant



New Team Management App combining Facebook, WhatsApp & Youtube



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Over the past few months we've built our own free team management app and trialled it in the UK with great success. Now I'd like to invite you to try teamo for your upcoming season. Scroll down to find out more.


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Sportplan media release



Perth hockey players ditch their kit to end homophobia in sport

David Allan-Petale


Players braved the early morning cold to support the cause. Photo: Perth Pythons LGBTI Hockey Club

"Growing up, I would hear a lot of homophobic slurs thrown around the hockey field. I wasn't able to stand up for others or myself because I was too scared of being rejected by my teammates."

Sport is something that can bring everyone together - but for Perth hockey player Reid Smith, his love of the game was often clouded by homophobia.

So in a daring bid to help strip away this discrimination, Reid's LGBTI+ inclusive hockey club the Perth Pythons have shot a nude calender - and some of Australia's top hockey players have taken their kit off so they can grace the pages.

"This calendar, as part of the work we are doing at The Perth Pythons, is our contribution to making hockey a more inclusive sport. I hope it gives people the confidence to be their true selves, because that in turn enriches community groups like our sporting clubs."


Australian hockey player Gabi Nance. Photo: Perth Pythons LGBTI Hockey Club

Braving a cold morning at Perth's nudist spot, Swanbourne Beach, Pythons players and allies including Australian hockey players Gabi Nance, Tom Craig and Dylan Wotherspoon put their bodies on the line to show sport can include everyone.

"An individual's sexuality does not define their skill, performance or commitment to sport; it shouldn't impede their participation," Mr Wotherspoon said.
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"As a young Australian hockey player, I am proud to support this project to end homophobia in sport. I'm excited to see active steps being taken to ensure that a more inclusive sporting environment is created for generations to come."

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An international study of homophobia in sport called Out On The Fields found that 80 per cent of participants had experienced or witnessed homophobia while playing or watching sport.


Australian hockey player Dylan Wotherspoon put his body on the line. Photo: Perth Pythons LGBTI Hockey Club

With this in mind, the Perth Pythons will use funds raised by the calendar to support their work making sport more inclusive for the LGBTI community.

The calendar will be launched at the Perth Pride Cup on November 23 or you can grab your copy at www.perthpythons.com/pridecalendar.

WA Today

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