News for 18 March 2018
All the news for Sunday 18 March 2018
Men's Asian Games Qualifier 2018 - Finals
Muscat (OMA)
BAN - OMA Final 0 - 2
SRI - THA 3rd/4th Place 4 - 1
Final Placings
1. Oman
2. Bangladesh
3. Sri Lanka
4. Thailand
5. Chinese Taipei
6. Kazakhstan
7. Hong Kong China
8. Afganistan
FIH Match Centre
Argentina Champion of the Youth Panamerican Championship (Men)
Mexico and Canada qualified for the Youth Olympic Games
ARG vs. MEX. Photo: Mariano Avila
The Pan-American Stadium was expecting a great final and so it was. Mexico and Argentina faced each other in the men's final and both teams were looking for victory.
During the first half Argentina took possession of the game and Mexico managed to defend itself. MARCUCCI Tadeo and MICAZ Santiago capitalized some individual plays and scored to put Argentina in the lead 2-0. In the second half of the game Mexico came out looking for goals and that's how it was. In the 15th minute GOMEZ Jorge and HERNÁNDEZ Erik managed to tie the game. The last 5 minutes of the game were vibrant. PÉREZ Jesús (Mexican goalkeeper) was in charge of denying all goal the opportunities from Argentina. With only 10 seconds to play MICAZ Santiago executed a cross shot and scored the goal of victory.
Canada qualifies to the Youth Olympic Games after beating Paraguay 6-0 .
Canada played a great game. From the beginning of the match Canada was very determined. GURALIUK Brendan opened the score after 5 minutes of the game. DHILLION Amraaz extended the difference just before the end of the first half. In the second half Canada managed to capitalize their attacks and scored 4 goals to extend the difference. Final result 6-0 Canada.
The 5th/6th place playoff between Brazil and Jamaica ended in a 7-2 win for Brazil. Vinicius Vaz scored a hattrick while Lucas Lemos and Gabriel Martins scored 2 goals each. The scorers from Jamaica were Christopher Reid and Daniel Powell.
Dominican Republic and Guatemala challenged each other to record their first win of the competition. Dominican Republic won 3-2 with goals from Anyelo Quezada and Medina Alexander(2 goals). Jason Pineda and Abel Calderón scored for Guatemala.
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Argentina Champion of the Youth Panamerican Championship (Women)
Uruguay and Mexico qualified for the Youth Olympic Games
ARG vs. URU. Photo: Mariano Avila
Argentina and Uruguay met each other in the final match of the Youth Pan American Championship. During the first minutes the nerves and anxiety took a leading role in the game. It was in the 6th minute of the match, that after an individual skill by ARCIDIACONO Julieta, Argentina could score their first goal of the game. Argentina went for more, and a great deflection from Celina Di Santo placed in Argentina 2-0. During second half Uruguay created opportunities but they could not capitalize on any of them. MIRANDA Victoria and CERUNDOLO María extended the difference to achieve a final score of 4-0.
Mexico booked the final spot at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires when they won the 3rd & 4th place playoff against Paraguay. Karen Gonzalez scored two goals in the first 4 minutes to give Mexico a head start in their 6-goal victory. Paraguay made many attacking plays, but were unable to get pass goalkeeper, Nancy Gamboa. The other scorers were Gemma Rivera, Nicole Verdugo and Karla Sosa.
The Jamaican women went up against the Guatemalans once again. Having produced a draw on their previous encounter, they looked to make it better with increased shots at goal. The first half ended goalless but the teams got started when Helen García scored in the 14th minute to give Guatemala the lead. Ajhnique Williams, Imauny Linton and Shaedae Gilespie scored shortly after to make it a 3-1 victory.5
Pan American Hockey Federation media release
Junior USMNT Caps Off Chile Test Series With Rigorous Finale
Image Taken by Esteban Araya
SANTIAGO, Chile - The U.S. U-16 and U-19 Men's National Teams finished their fifth and final game of a friendly test-series against Chile, with several positive takeaways following a week of intense training, flexibility and execution by both squads.
"The week was what the junior programs needed," said Rutger Wiese, Junior U.S. Men's National Teams Head Coach. "It gave the coaching staff valuable time to evaluate players during contested games and a decent amount of time to train. The players get to experience travel combined with demanding training and games. Chile has been a strong junior program for sometime and we need to raise our level to compete, which is what will happen after this week."
Friday, March 16
U-16 USMNT 0 - 1 Chile
USA's defense stepped up when it needed to as the Chile offense boasted a tenacious intensity from the opening whistle. Chile had multiple scoring chances in the opening quarter, including two penalty corners, but all were denied by USA, keeping the score at a 0-0 deadlock. The coaching staff was quick to note the chemistry of Gerald Cutone (Reading, Mass.) and Brett Eisner (Lafayette, Calif.) at the full back positions finding ways to hold up the defense, as well as setting up outlets upfield. Offensively, USA was not without a counter attack earning several scoring chances of their own and multiple penalty corners. Unfortunately like their adversaries, the red, white and blue could not find the net. Back the other way, Chile was first to find a crack in the defense, netting a field goal to give the team a 1-0 lead before the break.
In the second half, USA struggled to find opportunities in the circle. Additionally, team fatigue was much more evident on the homestretch of a week of competition that had only two reserves. As a result, Russell Smith (Camarillo, Calif.) shifted from goalkeeper in the first half to the forward line, adding some fresh legs and immediately created the best opportunity of the game just missing a shot on goal. This energy boost gave the young squad more momentum as the second half rolled on. Stepping in at goalkeeper was Rafael Martell (Miami, Fla.) who was tested quickly in the third quarter blocking back-to-back shots on goal in the 41st minute. Martell followed up that play with another impressive effort in front of the cage on a Chile penalty corner chance early in the final frame, where Martell blocked the initial shot and the ensuing rebound. The U-16 USMNT fell in their final game against Chile, 1-0.
U-19 USMNT 1 - 6 Chile
Both teams were aggressive from the start, with a back and forth game and two swift scoring attempts on net by Chile to open up the first quarter. Moments later in the 8th minute, Chile followed up with the first score of the contest on a field goal. USA responded with a rapid shot on goal to help set and early tone of an even contest. This continued into the second quarter where Chile once again scored an early field goal for the 2-0 advantage in the 17th minute. USA immediately responded with a full-field counter attack up the far side, eventually connecting with a sliding Dean Shiller (Alexandria, Va.) on the far post to put USA on the board, 2-1. Unfortunately a few costly turnovers inside the USA 25 yard-line put the game out of reach as Chile was able to score before the half to make it 3-1.
Chile did not let off the gas pedal heading into the third, taking advantage of miscues by a more pressured USA squad. A penalty corner in the 37th minute was converted on a swift push to the lower left corner for the 4-1 lead. In the fourth quarter another quick score pushed the game further out of reach as Chile pulled to a 5-1 lead off a field goal. As the clock ticked down, USA tried to generate more scoring plays midway through the final frame. Alberto Montilla (Allen, Texas) took a shot on goal from the near side of the circle, which was saved by Chile's goalkeeper but rebounded toward the center of the circle where Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.) was ready with a quick follow-up shot that went into the goalkeeper's chest. After gaining control of the ball, Chile countered up field nd setting up another field goal in the 55th minute. Despite the effort, the U-19 USMNT was defeated by Chile 6-1.
Next up, the Junior U.S. Men's National Teams is set to have a training camp in Moorpark, Calif. from April 7-9. This is followed by another training camp and possible test matches in late-May and an additional training and Talent Identification Camp in late-June.
USFHA media release
Hampstead boost play-off hopes
Hampstead action
Hampstead & Westminster threw their play-off hopes a lifeline with a 3-2 victory over high-flying Beeston in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.
Previously top of the table until Surbiton’s 5-1 win over East Grinstead on Friday evening, Beeston found themselves two goals down with Matt Guise Brown and Will Calnan scoring for the hosts in the first ten minutes.
Gareth Griffiths halved the deficit for Beeston with a 27th minute field goal, but Rupert Shipperley scored on 54 minutes to give Hampstead back their two-goal cushion. Robbie Gleeson scored for Beeston two minutes later, but they couldn’t catch the London outfit.
Having been knocked off the top of the table the week before, Surbiton retook the lead with a 5-1 win over East Grinstead, Alan Forsyth scoring four times and Luke Taylor once. Ross Stott scored East Grinstead’s only goal.
Reading came out on top in a nail-biting clash with Brooklands MU on Saturday, a goal with two minutes giving them a 5-4 win having been behind at half time.
Goals from Sam Perrin, David Flanagan and Peter Cornell helped Brooklands to a 3-2 lead at half time with Reading’s early goals coming from James Royce and James Carson.
Flanagan added another to put his side 4-2 ahead, but Reading hit back to win with Ed Carson, Lee Morton and Ben Boon scoring in the second half.
The matches between Sevenoaks and Wimbledon, and Holcombe versus Canterbury were both postponed because of the snowy conditions.
Men’s Conference East
A hat-trick from Robbert Schenk helped Oxted to a 4-0 win over Brighton & Hove on Tuesday evening, helping them maintain top spot in the Men’s Hockey League Conference East.
On Saturday Chichester were 3-2 winners over Old Georgians to ease their relegation worries, Alex Baxter, Alex Thakore and Jamie Whitehouse scoring their goals, while James Tindall scored both for Old Georgians.
And in the other match this week Southgate and Old Loughtonians drew 1-1 on Thursday evening. With Simeon Bird scoring on 30 minutes for the hosts before Elliot Smith levelled for the visitors.
Men’s Conference West
Two goals from Sam Hooper and others from Tom Watson and Jack Middleton helped leaders the University of Exeter take a 4-2 win over Olton & West Warwicks in the Men’s Conference West on Saturday.
Cardiff & Met are still in with a shout of the title with three games in hand – but they didn’t help themselves as hosts Fareham scored in the last minute to take a point from a 3-3 draw with the Welsh outfit.
Elsewhere, Havant were 3-1 winners over Isca, while the match between the University of Birmingham and Cheltenham was abandoned after ten minutes because of snowy pitch conditions.
Men’s Conference North
Second-bottom Preston threw their survival hopes a lifeline with a 1-1 draw with leaders the University of Nottingham in the Men’s Conference North.
Nick Jeffs’ goal cancelled out Bertie Mortimer’s strike and ensured it remains close at the bottom with just three points separating the bottom six.
Leeds were 4-1 winners at bottom of the table Cannock with their goals coming from Daniel Mills, Harry Lankfer (2) and Dean Edwards.
And Loughborough Students boosted their title hopes with a 3-1 win over Doncaster thanks to goals from Hamish Roberts, Fabio Reinhard and Murray Collins. They are now just two points behind leaders Nottingham.
England Hockey Board Media release
Ansley double helps Surbiton stay top
Giselle Ansley celebrates a goal. Credit Andy Smith.
Two strikes from England and GB international Giselle Ansley helped Surbiton extend their lead at the top of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.
Her goals helped Surbiton to a 3-1 win over rivals East Grinstead who drop to third.
Emily Atkinson gave the home side an early lead from a penalty corner, and although Bridget Blackwood levelled for East Grinstead after 17 minutes, Ansley added her first from a 29th minute penalty corner before converting a last minute penalty stroke.
Former leaders the University of Birmingham had to settle for a 2-2 draw at bottom of the table Leicester.
Olivia Back gave Leicester the lead in the second minute, while Lauren Hunt made it 1-1 at half time with a 24th minute goal for the visitors. Nikki Laybourne put battling Leicester back in front on 50 minutes, only for Katelyn Aitchinson to pull Birmingham back level on the hour mark.
Buckingham maintained their play-off push with a 4-3 win at Clifton Robinsons. Abbie Brant struck twice, while others came from Natasha James and Kitty Higgins.
Clifton’s goals came from Holly Savage and Claire Thomas, as well as one from Hannah Coulson who scored in the 36th minute while some Buckingham players were still coming out of the changing rooms.
Elsewhere, Slough and Bowdon Hightown battled to a goalless draw.
Investec Women’s Conference West
An Imogen Lea brace helped keep Trojans retake top spot in the Investec Women’s Conference West on goal difference, as they beat struggling Cannock 3-0 away from home.
Stourport are breathing down their necks though, equal on points after a 3-2 win at home to Isca.
Reading are just one point off both of them and further improved their chances of finishing top with a 2-1 win over Oxford Hawks.
Danielle Gibson was in inspired form for Gloucester City and hit a second-half hat-trick as they beat Team Bath Buccaneers 4-1, while a brace from Carys Gordon saw Swansea City beat Olton & West Warwicks 3-0.
Investec Women’s Conference North
Liverpool Sefton’s battle to avoid relegation suffered a knock in the Investec Women’s Conference North after they lost 6-1 to champions Beeston.
It was a tall order for Liverpool to get anything out of a game against a side that have won every single game this season, although they were level at 1-1 after 16 minutes after Jane Bazley-Harrison had cancelled out Rosie Stephens’ opener.
But Beeston quickly took control, with Sophie Robinson scoring a second half brace.
Wakefield are also in trouble after a 4-1 loss at Loughborough Students. They are five points off Fylde, who have a game in hand after having their game against the University of Durham postponed.
A Vicky Woolford hat-trick saw Sutton Coldfield beat Timperley 3-1 and a brace from Tanisha Janzen helped Ben Rhydding to a 3-2 win at Brooklands-Poynton.
Investec Women’s Conference East
All matches in the Investec Women’s Conference East were postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
England Hockey Board Media release
Rovers eventually pull clear of Reid-inspired Reds
Three Rock Rovers with the Mills Cup title. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Three Rock Rovers’ midfield eventually over-ran Corinthian to get a handle on the Leinster Senior Mills Cup for the second time in five years at Grange Road, their fourth piece of silverware already this season.
There was never any comfort about the victory, though, as the reds – in their fifth final since 2009 – continually produced big chances with Conor Quinn making perhaps the bigger saves of the two goalkeepers.
Indeed, with snow in the air and a real feel on the -3 degree mark, the Leinster Division One side led 22 minutes in via Stephen Reid’s double, undoing Daragh Walsh’s mid-circle piledriver in the early minutes.
Rovers swapped the lead before half time, though, with John Mullins slotting home from mid-circle and Ross Canning potting a penalty stroke.
Kevin Mullins guided home the only goal of the second half for a degree of comfort with 24 minutes to go as Daragh Walsh, John Mullins and Jody Hosking ratcheted up the tempo.
Quinn was required to tip a Davy Howard drag-flick onto the post while Rovers had a glut of chances to make the game safer in the last 20 minutes but took no more.
The game started at a cracking tempo with Ben Murphy required to dive to clear Ross Murray’s pads inside two minutes as Rovers burst forward. Two Murray saves followed from the long corner but the latter fell to Walsh to thrash in.
Any sense of it being a handy afternoon, though, were quickly dispelled when Reid raced through from Corinthian’s first attack down the left and fired home on the reverse for 1-1 – all within the first three minutes.
After Peter Blakeney hit the side-netting, the game settled into a pattern. Rovers ran up long phases of possession but could not pierce the Reds’ half-court lines.
On the counter, Corinthian looked hungrier and Reid snapped up their second. A cross from the left caused havoc with bodies tumbling left, right and centre, all calling for each different type of free.
Reid kept chasing the ball and found a dinked finish from the right baseline and the lead. Jonathan Roberts then went close to a third from Ian Stewart’s cracking cross with Quinn getting down brilliantly to block.
A minute later, Rovers were back level. Richard Pautz stole possession high up the field with the ball eventually slipped into John Mullins in the circle with time to pick out the bottom corner.
Harry Morris then won Rovers’ first of two strokes when he pulled back from the right end-line. He was going away from goal when his stick was checked, enough to warrant the decision from umpire Rob Abbott, with a couple of players battling to get on the end of his pass. Canning scored low.
There was still time for Jack Perdue to rattle a shot off Quinn’s pads and David Howard to hit the net from a corner but too high for a first shot on goal.
The second half saw Rovers enjoy more control over the tie and they went further clear from the move of the game. A series of passes saw Mark Samuel feed Conor Empey on the right of the circle and his ball across was lifted into the roof by Kevin Mullins.
Leinster Senior Mills Cup
Three Rock Rovers 4 (D Walsh, J Mullins, R Canning, K Mullins)
Corinthian 2 (S Reid 2)
Corinthian won their third corner which saw Quinn tip Howard’s drag onto the post and it proved the reds last major chance. James Walker had a couple of crosses not quite get the requisite touch; Murray saved a Madeley drag while Richard Pautz went closest with another deflection.
Conor Quinn makes one of a number of saves. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Madeley took over the stroke duties when Samuel was felled by a reckless diving tackle. He flashed the effort wide with seven minutes left, keeping Corinthian interested but the Rovers scramble defence meant no major jitters in the closing minutes.
Corinthian: R Murray, R Howard, R Clarke, J Roberts, D Tracey, J Greaney, A Sutton, S Reid, D Winn, J Bruton, A Blennerhassett, R McWilliams, D Howard, B Murphy, E Mackay
Three Rock Rovers: C Quinn, R Nair, P Blakeney, C Empey, J Mullins, R Canning, J Walker, L Madeley, D Walsh, K Mullins, H Morris, J Hosking, R Pautz, M Samuel, H MacMahon, B McCrea
Umpires: K Cholewa, R Abbott
The Hook
Railway young guns retain Jacqui Potter Cup crown
Railway Union celebrate their fifth Jacqui Potter Cup success since 2011. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Railway Union’s young guns produced a superb performance to beat UCD in the Jacqui Potter Cup final for the second year running, notching up a 3-0 win at Grange Road and their fifth success in the competition since their maiden win in 2011.
Colm Blennerhassett continued with Railway’s policy of fielding a largely Under-25 line-up with 11 schoolgirls in the match day panel of 16, the majority of whom won the Junior Jacqui Potter Cup two years ago.
UCD, meanwhile, did not have access to a quartet of internationals but could call on the returning Deirdre Duke after her exams, Emma Russell and Clodagh Cassin from the national side.
The win was built around the first half performance in which Railway made all the running. Kate Orr and Kate Lloyd fired the warning shots before Niamh Carey – a schools international cross country runner – finished off at close quarters following a speedy right wing attack that led to a pair of Jodie Douglas shots.
Lloyd’s aggressive, direct running and willingness to shoot at all angles was a constant threat while the classy Michelle Carey and non-stop running of Amy Elliott were all key features.
UCD’s chances were fleeting but Russell did draw a great glove-save from the impressive Kate O’Hogan. In reply, Carey saw another effort roll along the UCD goal-line while Cassin did well to clear another Orr drag.
Orr – the St Andrew’s captain – played a key role in the second goal in the 29th minute, her long lofted pass finding Douglas who slipped a lovely ball to Nina Heisterkamp to roll home on the run.
UCD upped their tempo in the second half and caused plenty of problems. Duke went close with a few pot shots with O’Hogan standing tall.
Holly Jenkinson produced an incredible sliding recovery tackle to shut down a Sorcha Clarke run and shot to ensure no nervous finish and the game was settled with six minutes to go.
Lloyd’s cross on the backhand came in at above waist-height, drawing plenty of calls for danger. Clodagh Cassin took it on her chest but the ball wriggled down her left, Sarah Whelan did not wait for a potential whistle and gobbled up the loose ball for 3-0.
O’Hogan put in another stunning stop to keep out Sara Twomey to preserve her clean sheet and another victory for the Sandymount club in the competition they have made their own in recent times.
Jacqui Potter Cup final
Railway Union 3 (N Carey, N Heisterkamp, S Whelan)
UCD 0
Railway Union: K O’Hogan, K Lloyd, K Fearon, H Jenkinson, K Orr, A-M Whelan, A Elliott, N Carey, J Douglas, O Fox, N Shaw, M Carey, N Heisterkamp, S Whelan, G McLoughlin, L Paul
UCD: C Cassin, S Twomey, K Egan, D Duke, B Barr, S Clarke, F McDermott, E Russell, C Arbulo, A Richardson, A Russell, S O’Loughlin, S Young, O Patton, E Young, S Robinson
Umpires: C Kavanagh, G Hohn
The Hook
Kelburne go top in men’s National League 1, Edinburgh Uni extend lead in women’s league
Michael Christie scores for Kelburne earlier this season – photo by Andy Lovat
Bromac Kelburne have superseded Grange at the top of the men`s National League 1 in the quest for their 14th consecutive league title while in the women`s competition Edinburgh University have extended their lead at the top to five points.
Kelburne had a tough job subduing the Wanderers in the first half but just on the stroke of half-time Kelburne were awarded their first penalty corner, Josh Cairns` shot was illegally stopped on the line by a Wanderers` defender and the same player converted from the spot.
The result was effectively sealed inside the first minute of the second half, Michael Christie`s penetrating run opened up the Dundee defence and his square pass was forced into the net by brother Johnny from close range.
Cairns finally got his second of the game at another set piece, this time his powerful shot went in off the keeper`s pads. Wanderers had their best spell in the closing minutes but failed to get a consolation.
Grange surrendered top spot in the division after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by fourth placed Western Wildcats. It was the visitors who held the initiative at the interval when Andrew McConnell opened the scoring following a direct shot at a penalty corner.
Grange were back on level terms in the second half, their set piece routine broke down but Cammie Fraser`s ball back into the circle was deflected into the net by Callum MacKenzie. The Edinburgh side failed to secure the three points, largely due to failing to convert eight penalty corner opportunities.
Clydesdale have moved above Edinburgh University into fifth spot with a 3-2 win over Inverleith at Titwood. The home side were three up at the interval through Struan Walker (2) and Parick Lonergan, the Edinburgh side pulled two back in the second half but the home side held on for the three points.
Grove Menzieshill remain in third spot despite the fact that their clash with Uddingston fell victim to the frost and snow on Tayside.
Edinburgh University, in the hunt for another league title success story, held on to top spot in the women`s National League 1 with a 3-0 away win at Hillhead, striker Sophie Maunder was the catalyst with a well taken hat-trick. The students are now on thirty four points for the season and look in top form as the season progresses towards the latter stages of the campaign.
The students are now five points ahead of second placed Milne Craig Clydesdale Western who fell to a 1-0 defeat to Watsonsians, captain Emily Newlands was the scorer from a well-taken penalty corner.
The Edinburgh side now move up to fifth place in the table after Dundee Wanderers lost 2-1 to Kelburne; that was the Paisley side’s first points of the season.
Meanwhile Western Wildcats held on to fourth place with a 2-0 away win at Grange, Kirsten Cannon and Lucy Findlay were on target.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
What a night! Tremendous Schools Cup Finals 2018
By Justin Bowie
The Schools Cup Finals 2018 delivered a tremendous day of youth hockey with twelve matches across two pitches. One of the finest nights on the Scottish Hockey calendar, the Schools Cup Finals 2018 treated a huge crowd at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre to a feast of drama, goals, and fantastic hockey.
Open Girls’ Cup
Dollar Academy 3-0 Craigholme School
Dollar Academy was in the money as the school recorded an emphatic 3-0 win over Craigholme to win the Open Girls Cup Final. The second last match of the Schools Cup Finals 2018 drew the biggest crowd and an exceptional support.
The winners were in control for much of the match, and took the lead after just under 15 minutes, Rhiannon Carr opening the scoring to make it 1-0.
Georgia Smith then doubled Dollar Academy’s lead, giving them a comfortable lead heading into half-time.
Craigholme made a valiant effort to get back into the game and did create one or two chances after the interval, but Dollar Academy remained mostly comfortable and never looked like losing their lead.
They were able to then scored a third goal at the very end of the game, ensuring their win and capping off an excellent performance.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Open Boys’ Cup
Stewart’s Melville College 4-2 Hutchesons’ Grammar School
Stewart’s Melville College defeated Hutchesons’ Grammar School 4-2 in an exciting Open Boys Cup Final. It was the final match of the Schools Cup Finals 2018 and certainly didn’t fail to deliver a tremendous climax to the event.
After an even start to the game, Robbie Croll opened the scoring for Stewarts Melville in just under ten minutes courtesy of Robbie Croll.
Before half-time the eventual victors doubled their lead, Sam Tait taking advantage of the ball falling to him on the line and sending it home.
While both sides had been fairly well-matched, Stewart’s Melville had been more incisive going forward and had defended well.
Hutchesons’ Grammar soon struck back though, Struan Walker reducing the deficit with a sensational goal that saw him dribble past several players before converting.
They tried to push for a second and came close to equalising, but Stewart’s Melville remained resilient and killed off the game with five minutes to go, Croll scoring his second goal of the game.
Alex Riddell then added a fourth, and while David Nairn scored a consolation goal for his side to make it 4-2, but Stewart’s Melville emerged as the clear victors in what was a terrific final.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Aspire Boys’ Plate
Harris Academy 1-0 Beaconhurst
The Pitch 1 opening match of the Schools Cup Finals 2018 saw Harris Academy take on Beaconhurst, and it was Harris Academy who were the victors in the Aspire Boys’ Plate final with a 1-0 win.
There was plenty of good early pressure coming from Harris from the outset, they looked composed in possession, while Beaconhurst did a good job of keeping the backdoor shut.
Fraser Allan for Harris had the game’s first attempt when he swung at the top of the D but didn’t connect properly to get a shot away. Harris Academy then had a penalty corner zip just over the bar.
Cameron Bell looked dangerous for Harris, he was very skilful in possession and was causing problems with his pace and control.
Harris took the lead just after half time when Allan finished off a slick penalty corner routine, scoring from close range. 1-0.
Both Allan and Bell had chances late in the game but some fine goalkeeping by Daniel Banks kept Harris at bay and the match finished 1-0.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Aspire Girls’ Plate
Perth High 2-0 Millburn Academy
The first contest of the Schools Cup Finals 2018 saw a 2-0 victory for Perth High over Millburn in the Aspire Girls’ Plate final in an entertaining contest on Pitch 2.
Perth piled on lots of pressure from the outset but Millburn did will to keep them at bay throughout the first half. The break through finally came for Perth at their sixth penalty corner of the match.
Perth took the lead in the thirtieth minute of the match when Ruth Blaikie fired home from a penalty corner.
Just three minutes later and Rachel Bell scored to make it 2-0 for Perth when she scored from open play.
There were no further goals and it was Perth High who ran out comfortable winners to lift the Plate.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Aspire Girls Cup
Aberdeen Grammar School 0-0 (3-5) Trinity Academy
Trinity Academy won the Aspire Girls’ Cup after a dramatic shootout in Glasgow.
It was one of the tightest games of the Schools Cup Finals 2018, and throughout the contest there was some great play from both teams with the goalkeepers making some excellent saves.
The game finished 0-0 and went to running penalties to decide the winner.
Aberdeen Grammar scored through Katie Charles, Deirdre O’Riorden, and Ariana Correa, while Jennifer Veitch, Amy Hall, Bonnie Tring scored for Trinity before the winner was securely placed into the top right corner by Jocelyn Low to give Trinity the victory.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Aspire Boys’ Cup
Douglas Academy 4-1 Renfrew Schools
Douglas Academy was victorious in the Aspire Cup final, recording a convincing 4-1 win against Renfrew Schools to seal the trophy.
Winning captain, Andy McConnell, was the star performer for his side, scoring all four goals – a terrific individual performance in the Schools Cup Finals 2018.
The game was initially fairly even contest, however Douglas Academy took firm control of the game after they opened the scoring. McConnell then added to his tally just before half-time, and sealed his hat-trick after the restart.
Renfrew managed to mount a brief comeback midway through the second half after they scored their solitary goal to bring it down to 3-1, but McConnell then scored a fourth to ensure victory for a dominant Douglas Academy.
Photo by Duncan Gray
S3 Girls’ Cup
High School of Glasgow 1-1 (3-1) George Watsons College
High School of Glasgow won the S3 Girls Cup in dramatic fashion, a 3-1 running penalties victory following a 1-1 draw against George Watsons.
The game was an even affair early on, and it wasn’t until 20 minutes had been played for the scoring to be opened, George Watsons opening the deadlock courtesy of Kirsty McCallum.
There had been little to separate the sides, and the Glasgow side struck back early in the second half, Anna Smith making it 1-1.
The contest began to heat up, both sides confident they could win as fans watched entertaining end-to-end hockey.
With neither side able to score, it soon went to running penalties where the Glaswegians ran riot. Christina Miller set the tone, scoring first for the eventual winners.
While Emily McGlynn struck back for George Watsons, the Edinburgh side were unable to find the net again, High School of Glasgow’s goalkeeper producing an excellent performance to win the cup for them.
Photo by Duncan Gray
S3 Girls Plate
High School of Dundee 0-1 Strathallan School
Strathallan won the S3 Girls’ Plate with a 1-0 victory over High School of Dundee at the Schools Cup Finals 2018.
Strathallan scored early in the match in open play to go 1-0 up in the first five minutes. The ball was struck low into the back of the net to give Strathallan the lead.
The contest raced from end-to-end with both sides looking threatening.
It was a close game and High School of Dundee created chances to equalise but couldn’t find the net.
In the end it was Strathallan who took the silverware with a 1-0 win.
Photo by Duncan Gray
S3 Boys Plate
The Edinburgh Academy 3-3 (4-2) Jordanhill
A sensational S3 Boys’ Plate final ended with Edinburgh Academy winning the Plate after running penalties.
Jordanhill took the lead in just the third minute of the match when Euan Menzies struck from a penalty corner to make it 1-0.
Menzies was at it again a few minutes later when he scored from open play to make it 2-0 and put Jordanhill in the driving seat.
Edinburgh quickly pulled one back through Charlie Temperley in an exciting opening to the match.
The team from Edinburgh then equalised through Nico Temperley before David Macrae struck to give Academy a 3-2 lead.
Jordanhill equalised from a penalty corner through Finn Herbert to bring the game to 3-3, which was how it stayed until full time.
Running penalties saw Edinburgh take victory through strikes by Macrae, Magnus Harkness, Charlie Temperley, and Freddie Northam. Kevin Lynch-Small and Menzies scored for Jordanhill.
Photo by Duncan Gray
S3 Boys Cup
George Watson’s College 2-3 Stewart’s Melville College
Stewart’s Melville College won the S3 Boys’ Cup after an exciting contest against George Watson’s College in the Schools Cup Finals 2018.
It was a lightning start by Stewart’s Melville, which saw them take an early lead in the S3 Boys’ Cup with a sublime penalty corner finish by Callum Maclennan. 1-0.
It then went to 2-0 with a quick-fire second goal by Jamie Croll.
As the half progressed Edward Summers showed some lovely skill for Stewart’s Melville, weaving through the defence, however there was no finish to match the build-up.
As half time approached Jamie Eyton-Jones very nearly equalised for George Watsons but the ball zipped past the upright.
Just after half time George Watson’s hit the net through a penalty corner strike by William Stark.
Croll hit the net for Stewart’s Melville almost immediately with a neat finish from close range to make it 3-1.
The game got feisty with both sides battling hard for the win. George Watson’s pulled another one back when Andrew Hill scored a flick to bring the score back to 3-2 in the S3 Boys’ Cup with three minutes to play. It ended 3-2 with Stewart’s Melville taking the trophy.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Open Girls Plate
The Glasgow Academy 4-0 Hawick High School
The Glasgow Academy won the Open Girls Plate with a fine 4-0 win over Hawick High School.
It went 1-0 to The Glasgow Academy from a Katie Prentice penalty corner strike in the Open Girls Plate just before half time.
It went to 2-0 for Glasgow with another penalty corner strike, this time Nina Boothby got her name on the score sheet.
The Glasgow Academy fired home an open play Kirsten Cannon shot to take their advantage to 3-0.
As the game neared a conclusion it went 4-0 with four minutes left, Eve Denholm completed the scoring.
The Open Girls Plate went to Glasgow when it finished 4-0 to Academy, a fine victory versus a gallant Hawick High in the Schools Cup Finals 2018.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Open Boys Plate
Loretto School 1-5 Glasgow School of Sport
Glasgow School of Sport won the Open Boys Plate with an excellent 5-1 victory over Loretto.
Fraser Moran opened the scoring in the eighth minute for Glasgow School of Sport with a penalty corner drag flick low and hard to the keeper’s right. 1-0
There was an equaliser soon enough through an open play shot from Lucas Brook taking the game to 1-1.
School of Sport retook the lead before half time when Moran struck his second to make it 2-1.
The second half saw both teams battling hard but it was the boys in yellow who converted an intricate build up play with Fraser Moran bagging his hat trick to make it 3-1.
Euan Cochrane then scored from open play with a reverse stick shot to make it 4-1.
Moran was on the score sheet again scoring his fourth and School of Sports fifth to make it 5-1.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Kirandeep's absence sparks controversy in Under-16 tournament
By Jugjet Singh
Kirandeep Kaur was not selected by Kuala Lumpur for the ongoing National Under-16 hockey tournament at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
KUALA LUMPUR: The decision by Kuala Lumpur not to select Kirandeep Kaur, an up-and-coming star, has left national women's coach K. Dharmaraj puzzled.
On Saturday, he was caught off guard when told about Kirandeep’s absence in the ongoing National Under-16 hockey tournament at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
"What? Why didn’t KL select Kirandeep for the tournament?," was his initial response.
For a brief flashback, 15-year-old Kirandeep scored KL's winning goal in the Under-16 girls’ final last year. KL won with a slim 4-3 win over Sabah.
She also played in the recent Women's Malaysia League, an open tournament, for Universiti Teknoloji Mara (UiTM).
"A very talented player like her only comes out of the system once in many years and I hope she does not gets disheartened and stops playing hockey.
"We have been noticing Kirandeep for a few years now, and after her impressive outing with UiTM, Malaysian Hockey Confederation technical director Terry Walsh told me to include her for the recent four friendly matches against Japan’s Under-21 side.
"Even though she is only 15, even I felt she deserved a chance, but I had to say 'no' because the matches were used to prepare the other girls for next month’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
"I had to give my trainees playing time to be fair in selection.
"Kirandeep has been playing for KL in age-group tournaments for some time now, and I am shocked that they did not include her for the Under-16 event," said Dharmaraj.
KL coach A. Kannagi said Kirandeep did not show up for selection.
But checks with officials revealed that Kirandeep trained for three days with KL, under a different coach and manager, but was not called up for the final selection.
"There was a confusion in KL and the selection was done in a haphazard manner by different people at different periods and venues.
“And on the day that the players were named, Kirandeep was competing in the Malaysia Schools Sports Council (MSSM) athletics event.
"It's tragic, however, that she is not playing in this tournament," said the official.
New Straits Times