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News for 20 November 2018

All the news for Tuesday 20 November 2018


Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy Changzhou Wujin 2018
Changzhou (CHN)

Fixtures 20 November

14:00     AUS v NED (RR)
16:00     ARG v CHN (RR)
18:00     JPN v GBR (RR)

Pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Netherlands 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
2 Australia 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
3 China 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 2
4 Great Britain 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1
5 Japan 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2 1
6 Argentina 2 0 0 2 1 5 -4 0

FIH Match Centre



Changzhou: China's very own 'home of hockey'



With two rounds of the competition completed and a further three round robin games before the grand finals, levels of excitement around the 23rd edition of the women's Hockey Champions Trophy is rising.

For most of the players competing at the Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy, the competition has  an extra edge to it this year. There is, of course, the excitement of playing for the prestigious and iconic trophy – one glance at the very short list of nations that have won the trophy over its 22 previous editions is evidence enough that this event really is the best of the best – but something else is also on the players' radar.

For five of the six teams – Japan being the exception – next year sees the start of the FIH Pro League – a new, fascinating era for international hockey. It is a development that is a hot topic among the hockey players, coaches and fans gathered in Changzhou.

"None of our team has ever played in China before," says Hollie Pearne-Webb, captain of Great Britain, "So this event is great as it gives us a chance to get to know what to expect when we come here for the FIH Pro League next year in February."

Of all the teams at the Hockey Champions Trophy, Great Britain is the team with the most changes to its team – borne of the fact that the previous two year cycle has involved World Cup preparations, where the teams of the United Kingdom compete as England, Scotland and Wales. Those three entities now come together as Great Britain as they build towards Tokyo 2020.

"This is our first major event as Great Britain since 2016," says Pearne-Webb. "So it provides a great base for our team to build game on game. We have had a frustrating start to the tournament [one draw against China and a loss to Australia], but things are moving in the right direction. We will have quick progression because we have a bright team and it is good to have this time to get ready for the challenges of next year."

"I was in China for Beijing," says Dutch captain Eva de Goede, "But for most of the team, this is a first. We have new young players in our squad so it is a little bit of a new start for us. For the Pro League it will be very interesting to play in all the different countries and experience the different cultures. Here, for example, is so very different to playing in Europe, so it is good we get to experience this now."

"When I was a kid growing up playing hockey, I never thought I would be travelling the world as a professional athlete," says Great Britain's Sarah Robertson. "It's a dream come true, and it will be fabulous to see people packing out Lee Valley [where Great Britain will play its initial FIH Pro League matches] next year on a regular basis."

The prospect of teams travelling regularly to Australia for FIH Pro League matches is one of the major benefits of the new competition for Hockeyroo's captain Emily Smith: "It is really exciting that teams will be travelling all the way to Australia to play. Our family, friends and hockey fans will all come out and support us for all our home games. Hockey is just one of those sports in Australia that people back."

"It has also been great to come to China because none of us have played here before and there have been challenges, so to get the chance to play the Champions Trophy here but also to know what to expect when we come to play China in Changzhou next year is a good opportunity to prepare well."

Brooke Peris is another member of the Australia side who is looking forward to the challenges of the FIH Pro League. "We went away from the women's World Cup and learnt what we needed to do to step up another level, and it is the same here. We will take our experiences here, learn from them and just go for it next year. The key is to enjoy the hockey."

And China's Cui Quixia added: "It is such an honour for us to host the best teams in the world here in China. We are usually travelling so we hope that the Hockey Champions Trophy has shown people what can be expected when they come to play the FIH Pro League here."

Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy Changzhou Wujin 2018 action resumes on Tuesday 20 November.

Match schedule for Tuesday 20 November (all times UTC+8)
14:00 Australia v Netherlands
16:00 China v Argentina
18:00 Japan v Great Britain

FIH site



2018 Test Match: NED v IRL (M) - 19 November
Amsterdam (NED)

NED v IRL     7 - 1

FIH Match Centre



Green Machine 1-7 Netherlands



The hosts almost got the ideal start to the tie as they picked up a loose pass at the top of the circle and won a penalty corner inside the opening 2 minutes. But Mink van der Weerden saw his drag flick expertly saved by the glove of David Harte. The Green Machine countered immediately and won a penalty corner of their own but Shane O’Donoghue’s effort was blocked by the first runner. Harte was kept busy and lived up to his tag as one of the world’s best as he saved another drag flick from specialist Jeroen Hertzberger and a close-range effort from Mirco Pruijser. The opening goal came in the 15th minute when Pruijser found himself free on the back post to tap in a pass crossed in from the right. Ireland started the second quarter strong with both Eugene Magee and O’Donoghue drawing saves from Sam van der Wen while Alan Sothern saw his shot spin just past the post. The Irish defence remained composed throughout as the Netherlands countered at pace but were unable to add to their tally before the half time break.

3 goals for the Netherlands in the third quarter changed the shape of the game, with 2 of those coming within 2 minutes of each other. Hertzberger slotted home a powerful drag flick in the 37th minute to give the home team a bit of breathing space. But O’Donoghue got Ireland onto the scoresheet as he slapped home from close range following good link up play by Sean Murray and Mitch Darling. Seve van Ass re-established the 2-goal cushion for the Netherlands as he got on the end of Robert Kemperman’s reverse pass across goal. 2 minutes later Billy Bakker won his side their fourth penalty corner and Mink van der Weerden made it 4-1. Pruijser and van der Weerden doubled their respective tally’s inside a minute of each other to add a gloss to the game for the home fans. The Green Machine continued to challenge their hosts and Magee nearly got a last-minute goal as he evaded 3 defenders but couldn’t find a team mate in the circle. Hertzberger rounded out the scoring with an unstoppable goal as he fired home a reverse shot on the volley.

Ireland 1 (O’Donoghue)
Netherlands 7 (Pruijser x2, Hertzberger x2, van Ass, van der Weerden x2)

Starting: D Harte (Captain), J Bell, C Cargo, M Nelson, E Magee, S O’Donoghue, M Darling, M Robson, P Gleghorne, C Harte, S Loughrey

Subs: M Bell, A Sothern, K Shimmins, S Murray, D Fitzgerald, D Walsh, L Cole

Odisha World Cup Fixtures (all times listed are local)

30/11/18 17:00 Ireland vs Australia
4/12/18 19:00 Ireland vs China
7/12/18 19:00 Ireland vs England
10/12/18 Crossover Match
12/12/18 Quarter Final
15/12/18 Semi Final
16/12/18 Bronze Medal Match
16/12/18 Final

Irish Hockey Association media release



2018 Test Matches: JPN v CAN (M) - 1st Test
Tsukidatetakada, Kurihara city (JPN)

20 Nov 2018 14:00     JPN v CAN     3 - 2
22 Nov 2018 12:00     JPN v CAN
23 Nov 2018 12:00     JPN v CAN

FIH Match Centre



2018 Test Matches: MAS v NZL (M)
Kuala Lumpur (MAS)

16 Nov 2018 17:00     MAS v NZL     1 - 2
20 Nov 2018 18:00     MAS v NZ
22 Nov 2018 18:00     MAS v NZL

FIH Match Centre



Coaches corner: France plan a few surprises



France are going to Bhubaneswar as the lowest ranked team [FIH Hero World Ranking: 20] at the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup but that doesn't mean they are expecting to play the role of whipping boy.

Head Coach Jeroen Delmee – himself a double Olympic gold medallist with the Netherlands – believes his side are more than capable of closing the gap on the higher ranked nations after a period of preparation that has included fixtures with many of the world's top teams.

"We have a young team with players that want to give it their best in their first ever World Cup" Jeroen Delmee, Head Coach France

We caught up with the Head Coach of France as they were preparing to head overseas to India to compete in their third World Cup [they competed in the 1971 and 1990 editions, finishing seventh on both occasions].

FIH: What preparations have France been going through in the build-up to the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018?

JD: The biggest part of our preparation has been during the summer. We played a total of 15 matches against the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and Canada. After that the players went back into their clubs for the national championships. Since September we have been training from Monday to Wednesday as two groups, one based in Brussels and the other in Paris.

At the end of October we started our final preparations for India with matches against England, where we came away with one win and one defeat. We then had a good series against South Africa, winning three matches and losing just one. Finally, we played Belgium, losing twice.

FIH: How do you mentally prepare a squad for a challenge such as a World Cup in India?

JD: The main focus has been on reaching the professional level that is necessary throughout the year. As France is a big nation, it is not possible to train together all the time. The difference comes in the periods when we are not together and the way the players work individually.

To be mentally ready to compete with the rest you have to be sure you have done your best in the way you have trained in that final period of build-up to the competition. When it comes to competing in India, the players know what to expect. They know there will be pressure, they know the crowds will be noisy.

FIH: As one of the lower-ranked teams, you will be an unknown quantity to many of the other hockey nations, can you see France surprising people as Ireland and Spain women did at the Women's World Cup?

JD: In Europe we are becoming a better known nation. We played a lot of the higher-ranked nations this summer, something that is vitally important in order to step up a level. Although we are in a tough group with Spain, New Zealand and Argentina, I do think our programme has been good enough for us to get closer to the teams that are ranked 8-12.

I don't think there is a huge difference between us and Spain and New Zealand. We could possibly produce a surprise result in our group. With some good results in the group we might get in the real flow and then everything and anything is possible.

FIH: How will you approach each pool game?

JD: Our first target is to get into the next round. I think every game will present us with good opportunities, but we have to be on top of our game. So every game we will prepare the team to win. Based on the world rankings we would have more chance in our first two matches against New Zealand and Spain. A good result there is a must. You don’t want to be dependant on a “must-win” scenario against Olympic champions Argentina.

FIH: What qualities does France have that will be of benefit at the World Cup?

JD: We have skilful and creative players. Besides that we have a young team with players that want to give it their best in their first ever World Cup. We also have a good penalty corner routine and a good goalkeeper.

We don't have the World Cup experience that some of the other nations have but most of our players competed in the Junior World Cup in Delhi and finished second during this event.

Most of our team is currently playing in the Belgian Championship, a strong competition which gives them the experience of weekly high performance matches. We also have a good group of youngsters in the team. They bring power, energy and skills to the team.

FIH: What will France need to do well to enjoy a successful World Cup?

JD: Defensive discipline is the key for us. We will play teams that are assumed to be better then us. We can not afford to give away any easy goals or penalty corners. From a well organised defence we have to switch fast into attack and use any space given to us.

FIH: How do you personally keep calm and focused at events such as these?

JD: That is mostly based on experience. I played in four world cup competitions as a player and two as a coach. It is important to remain focussed on the things I can influence; most of the time that is just our own performance. We will prepare the team as well as possible, then there are no big surprises and that makes it easier for the coaching staff to keep calm.

FIH: What finishing position would you be pleased with in Bhubaneswar?

JD:The main goal is to get into the next round but it would be a great achievement if we make it to the quarter finals.

France compete in Pool A at the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018. Their opening match is against New Zealand on 29 November. For a full playing schedule, click here.

#HWC2018

FIH site



Coaches Corner: Experienced Oltmans looks to lead Tigers to podium in Bhubaneswar



There are few more experienced Head Coaches travelling to India for the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 than Roelant Oltmans. The Dutchman is a highly respected coach who has plied his trade in both Asia and Europe.

As coach to the Netherlands, he led the women’s national team to world cup gold in 1990 and he repeated the feat with the Netherlands men’s team in 1998. Over the past few years Oltmans has coached India men, Pakistan men and, for the past few months, has been Head Coach to Malaysia's Tigers.

FIH caught up with the approachable coach shortly after Malaysia had taken bronze at the Asian Champions Trophy, beating Japan into third place.

FIH: What physical preparations, including matches, will the squad be going through between now and the World Cup?       

RO: Now we have finished the Champions Trophy, we are back training in Kuala Lumpur for the last three weeks of preparation. We have three test matches against New Zealand in that time. We then travel to Bhubaneswar on 25 November, where we will play a friendly against France.

FIH: How are you mentally preparing the players for the challenges of a world cup?

RO: The World Cup is the last competition of 2018 and of course our team want to shine. We understand that we’re in a very difficult pool [Malaysia (FIH Hero World Ranking:12) are in Pool D alongside the Netherlands (WR:4), Pakistan (WR:13) and Germany (WR:6)], so our first aim is to get into the next round. We will try to make this happen by performing at the very top of our game. Once we achieve this aim, we will re-set our goals for the next stages.

FIH: How will you personally cope with that pressure? 


RO: I can call on years of experience as a coach. I see the team’s goals as my goals and, as coach, I am ready to coach my team and prepare the players in the best possible way. That is my only perspective. We do a lot of homework on the other teams and I encourage everyone to take some relaxation time every day during the tournament.

FIH: What planning and preparation has to go into getting the players ready for a tournament that has such a long time frame and with so much resting on each game?

RO: It is most important that the players realise from the start, that the competition needs a different approach because of the time between matches – particularly in the opening stages. We have planned a different schedule for our rest days to overcome those long breaks in play. There will be a lot of emphasis on recovery and then we will train in a different way to the way we train for other competition formats.

FIH: What qualities can we expect to see exhibited by Malaysia at the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup?       

RO: Malaysia will be an attacking side, showing either some combination hockey or good individual play.

FIH: Since taking on the coaching role, what new dimensions do you feel you have added to the squad?


RO: In the short period of time that we have had together we’ve tried to create more clarity in our attacking and defending structure. We base the team structure around the players’ qualities.

FIH: Who will be your major challengers for a medal?

RO: It’s clear that one of the top six nations of the FIH World Ranking will be favourites for the title. I’m not sure the scenario that happened in the women’s World Cup will take place in Bhubaneswar as well, although that would be good for Malaysia. The only thing we can focus on, is to prepare ourselves in the best possible way, which means we’ve to play smartly, energetically and with confidence.

#HWC2018

FIH site



Results take a backseat, for now...

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Roelant Oltmans is not worried about results, just yet, as he is looking at other aspects in the ongoing friendly matches against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Malaysia, who lost the first friendly 2-1, will play the Kiwis again on Tuesday (6pm).

Both teams are using the matches to gear up for the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India on Nov 28-Dec 16. Malaysia are in Group D with three former world champions in Germany, Pakistan and the Netherlands.

"I am looking at various aspects and not only results in the three friendly matches against New Zealand.

"There is structure, defensive play, attacking play and many other aspects which I can't reveal right now for obvious reasons," said Oltmans.

The Dutch-born coach, who used his World Cup team for the first match, will opt for a mixed team on Tuesday.

"It was agreed upon that we would use our first team for the first and third (Thursday) friendlies and a mixed team for the second match.

“I will use the second match to test some of our youth players who were not selected for the World Cup.

I want to see how they cope in high intensity matches. This is for future plans,” he added.

World Cup-bound Meor Azuan Hassan, who has 117 caps, is raring to play in Bhubaneswar.

"I look cool from the outside, but of course the jitters are there as the World Cup gets closer. So, playing three matches against New Zealand and then a friendly against France in Bhubaneswar will keep me busy and also help me prepare accordingly for the challenge,” said the youngster.

New Straits Times



A voice he can stick to

By Aftar Singh


Fighting display: Malaysia’s Muhammad Firhan Ashari (centre) battles against Japanese players during the Asian Games hockey final in Jakarta in September. The game ended 6-6 and Japan won the shootout 3-1. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: When Malay­sia’s dashing national hockey forward Muhammad Firhan Ashari isn’t in action with a stick in hand, he turns to the microphone to play crooner.

The 25-year-old just loves to sing – and that’s so in tune with his character as he picked up the trait from his wedding-singer mother Noni Azmira Che Long.

Firhan said his mother used to belt out songs at weddings and “kenduris”.

“She has a lovely voice. Even the late singer Datuk Sharifah Aini was impressed with her voice during a singing talent event when she was a teenager,” said Firhan.

“She was then given the opportunity to sing together with Sharifah in functions more than 15 years ago.

“My mother did not produce her own albums but she won the commendation from many for her talent in singing classical and modern Malay songs.

In awe of his mother’s natural talent, Firhan started singing at the age of 13 and used to frequent karaokes.

“Now, I’ve a karaoke set at home and when I am free, I’ll sing with my mother, my younger sister Nur Nisrina and my wife (Nuraini Mohamad),” said Firhan, who has a five-month old daughter Nur Ayra Delisha.

“After a hectic hockey schedule, it’s nice to sing. It really helps me relax. It also enhances my language and listening skills.”



His favourite Malay song is “Syurga Di Wajahmu” by Nash and his No. 1 English song is “All of Me” by John Legend.

As he prepares for his second World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, starting on Nov 28, Firhan wants to get into the rhythm and be one with the Malaysian team for a memorable outing.

“I want to perform better than my first World Cup in The Hague (Holland in 2014) and put my name on the score sheet,” said Firhan.

“I scored one goal against South Africa in the playoff for the 11th placing, which we lost (2-6).

“This time, we’re well prepared and aim to give the other teams in our group a run for their money.”

Malaysia will kick off what will be their ninth World Cup campaign against world No. 4 Holland on Dec 1. Their other matches are against world No. 13 Pakistan on Dec 5 and world No. 5 Germany (Dec 9).

Malaysia must finish in the top three in their group to advance into the second round.

To help motivate the team, Firhan sang the praises of his teammates and said nothing was impossible as they had 10 experienced players vying for honours in their second World Cup.

“We have a good team, we’re a determined lot and with a little luck, I believe we can reach the second round,” he added.

The Star of Malaysia



Pakistan postpone arrival for hockey World Cup

Out of the 24-member contingent --- 18 players and six support staff ---, head coach Tauqeer Dar, assistant coach Danish Kaleem and Muhammad Irfan Jr (player) did not get their visas on Friday.

Sandip Sikdar


Pakistan have been clubbed with Germany, Netherlands and Malaysia in Pool D of the World Cup(Getty Images)

The Pakistan hockey team on Monday postponed its travel plans to India for the World Cup by three days and will now arrive on Saturday.

“Three members of our contingent still have not got the visas. The Indian embassy has dispatched the passports and we should get them by tomorrow (Tuesday). It makes no sense to send the contingent in two batches,” Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary-general Shahbaz Ahmad said from Lahore.

Out of the 24-member contingent --- 18 players and six support staff ---, head coach Tauqeer Dar, assistant coach Danish Kaleem and Muhammad Irfan Jr (player) did not get their visas on Friday.

The tournament starts in Bhubaneswar on November 28 and Pakistan play their first game, against Germany, on December 1. “Also, there is no point coming earlier when our match is on December 1. We also decided to postpone our departure so that the boys don’t feel homesick,” added Ahmad.

The most successful team in the history of the World Cup, four-time winners Pakistan have been clubbed with Germany, Netherlands and Malaysia in Pool D.

Govers retires

Australia forward Kieran Govers on Monday announced his retirement from international hockey, effective immediately. The 30-year-old enjoyed a decorated career, debuting in January 2010 against South Korea in Hobart.

Govers won two World Cups (2010, 2014), three Champions Trophy titles (2010, 2011, 2012), one World League Final (2014-15), one Oceania Cup (2011), Commonwealth Games gold (2014) and an Olympic bronze (2012).

He represented Australia 126 times, scoring 60 goals, including the memorable goals in the 2012 Champions Trophy, 2012 London Olympics and 2014 World Cup.

“It’s a sad day to know that I have announced my retirement but a happy time to celebrate what was. You never want it to end and always want to keep playing but having a great chat with coach Colin Batch about the future and how it might go it was time to go in different directions,” Govers said.

Hindustan Times



Shaw Announces Panel For Spanish Training Camp



The Green Army will travel to Spain this Saturday for a 5-day training camp with an extended panel. Ireland will play 3 uncapped matches against Spain to round out an exceptionally busy 2018.

Head coach Graham Shaw commented “We are looking forward to a training camp in Spain with our extended panel and to begin building towards an exciting 2019. This will prove an invaluable 5 days as we welcome back members of the World Cup squad playing abroad and certain players who have made the step up from the junior age group teams. This camp acts as the ideal conclusion to the 2018 international fixture calendar and allows us to hit the ground running in January with qualification for the Olympic Games the main objective”

SQUAD:

1. Emma Buckley – Royal Racing
2. Liz Murphy - Loreto
3. Zoe Wilson – Belfast Harlequins
4. Elena Tice -UCD
5. Roisin Upton – Catholic Institute
6. Yvonne OByrne- Cork Harlequins
7. Hannah Matthews- Loreto
8. Gillian Pinder - Pembroke
9. Chloe Watkins -Monkstown
10. Megan Frazer- Mannheimer
11. Alison Meeke -Loreto
12. Emily Beatty-Pembroke
13. Nicola Evans -UHC Hamburg
14. Deirdre Duke - Dusseldorfer
15. Anna O'Flanagan-Pinoke
16. Katie Mullan -Club an der Alster
17. Serena Barr- Beeston
18. Bethany Barr- UCD
19. Gemma Frazer- Belfast Harlequins
20. Sarah Hawkshaw-Railway Union
21. Sinead Loughran-Pembroke
22. Aisling Naughton -Pembroke
23. Ellen Curran -UCD
24. Sarah Torrans -Loreto
25. Hannah McLaughlin -Loreto
26. Jessica McMaster -Queens
27. Ruth Maguire -Pegasus
28. Amy Elliott -Railway Union

Uncapped Matches (all times listed local)Valencia:

27/11/18 5pm Ireland vs Spain
28/11/18 5pm Ireland vs Spain
29/11/18 5pm Ireland vs Spain

Irish Hockey Association media release



Four new players named in Irish women’s hockey squad for Spain friendlies

Barr sisters and Railway Union’s Sarah Hawkshaw and Amy Elliott get called up

Mary Hannigan


UCD’s Bethany Barr in action with Stephanie Thompson of Pegasus. Barr is among the four new players to be featured in the Ireland squad for a five-day training camp in Spain. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
 
Twin sisters Bethany and Serena Barr are among the four new names to feature in the 28-player Irish panel named by Graham Shaw for a five-day training camp in Spain, the first get-together for the squad since their World Cup final during the summer.

The camp will include three friendlies against their hosts, a side Ireland got the better of in the semi-finals in August.

The Barrs both started out with Lurgan before moving to the United States where they attended Liberty University in Virginia, Serena now playing her hockey with Beeston in the English Premier League while Bethany is with UCD.

Also called up to the senior panel for the first time are Railway Union’s Sarah Hawkshaw and Amy Elliott, a reward for their fine form in the first half of the Hockey League campaign. Hawkshaw returned to Railway this season after four years at the University of Massachusetts.

Took silver

Serena is one of seven players included who play their hockey outside Ireland, the others being the German-based Katie Mullan (Club an der Alster), Deirdre Duke (Dusseldorfer), Megan Frazer (Mannheimer) and Nicola Evans (UHC Hamburg). Anna O’Flanagan is currently based in the Netherlands where she plays with Pinoke, while goalkeeper Emma Buckley moved to Royal Racing in Belgium this season.

Five of the squad that took silver at the World Cup – Ayeisha McFerran, Grace O’Flanagan, Shirley McCay, Nicci Daly and Liz Colvin – were unavailable for the Spanish trip, but are likely to return for the build-up to June’s FIH Series event in Dublin where a top-two finish will be required to advance to the final Olympic qualifying event which takes place in November of next year. McCay had intended to retire after the World Cup, but has been reconsidering that decision.

Irish panel: L Murphy, H Matthews, A Meeke, S Torrans, H McLaughlin (all Loreto), G Pinder, E Beatty, S Loughran, A Naughton (all Pembroke Wanderers), E Tice, B Barr, E Curran (all UCD), Z Wilson, G Frazer (both Belfast Harlequins), S Hawkshaw, A Elliott (both Railway Union), R Upton (Catholic Institute), Y O’Byrne (Cork Harlequins), C Watkins (Monkstown), R Maguire (Pegasus), J McMaster (Queens), S Barr (Beeston), K Mullan (Club an der Alster), D Duke (Dusseldorfer), M Frazer (Mannheimer), A O’Flanagan (Pinoke), E Buckley (Royal Racing), N Evans (UHC Hamburg).

The Irish Times



Schubert & Claxton Recognised At SA Sport Awards

Ben Somerford



Former Kookaburras forward Grant Schubert and Hockeyroo Jane Claxton received major recognition at the 2018 South Australian Sport Awards on Friday night.

Schubert, who represented Australia 180 times and scored 98 goals, was inducted in the SA Sport Hall of Fame.

Now 38, Schubert debuted in 2003 and enjoyed a stellar career with the Kookaburras competing at two Olympic Games where he won gold in Athens in 2004 and bronze in Beijing in 2008.

He also won the 2010 World Cup, along with a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and three Champions Trophies (2005, 2008, 2009).

Claxton, who was unable to be present as she’s currently competing at the Champions Trophy in China, won the Advertiser Channel 7 People’s Choice Award.

Claxton polled 36 per cent of the votes to win the award, which comes shortly after winning the 2017 Hockeyroos Player of the Year gong.

Hockey Australia media release



Manawatū teenager Olivia Shannon cracks the Black Sticks

Sam Kilmister


Growing up on a farm in Waituna West, Olivia Shannon was drenching sheep and running hills before she could walk. DAVID UNWIN/STUFF

Olivia Shannon, 17, is the youngest member of the Black Sticks women's hockey team.

Ever since she could walk, Olivia Shannon has been chasing sheep over the hills of rural Manawatū.

The 17-year-old's country upbringing has made her one of the most physical and aggressive strikers in women's hockey and helped her become the youngest member of the Black Sticks womens' squad.

Shannon was "chilling" on the couch when an email from coach Mark Hager arrived. The third paragraph was the bit she cared about, saying she had made the team.

It was a dream come true for the Waituna West farm girl, who initially believed national selection wouldn't be possible until after the Tokyo Olympics.

But she's made herself hard to ignore.


Olivia Shannon, 17, is the youngest member of the Black Sticks womens' squad. DAVID UNWIN/STUFF

The national callup came after a stellar season, where she helped Central defend its national under-18 title, was the top goal scorer and was named player of the tournament.

She then took the MVP title again, this time for the country's elite tournament – the National Hockey League – playing for the Central womens' team against some of New Zealand's best.

Shannon also led Havelock North's Iona College to victory in the national secondary school's tournament, which was no mean feat for a school with only 300 girls and two hockey teams.

Having played rugby until age 12, Shannon was steered towards hockey due to her size, and was soon picked for the Central under-18 squad as a 14 year old.

Now, the teenager has set her sights on becoming not only one of the greatest Black Sticks, but one of the greatest goal scorers in the world. 

 
Olivia Shannon was named MVP for the country's elite tournament - the National Hockey League - playing against some of New Zealand's best in September. DAVID UNWIN/STUFF

"My friend took me to hockey and I fell in love with it at the first training.

"I hit the roof [when selected for the Black Sticks]. It was kind of tears and joy and happiness. I'm going into the unknown now.

"I still look up to players in the team and now I'll be playing alongside them. It's insane."

Growing up on a farm, 40 minutes north of Feilding, Shannon was always a tomboy.

Mustering stock would almost always result in a trek around the countryside to roundup sheep left by the dogs.

"I was never really inside. Motocross and rugby were my two main sports.

"I think the farm helped to toughen me up and that shows on the turf, being tough and aggressive... It's something a lot of girls shy away from."

The Black Sticks' first training camp starts next week and Shannon has packed her bags, ready to shift to Auckland.

She will complete her final year of high school by correspondence and admitted balancing school work with training six days each week would be tough.

Although her rise to prominence hasn't sunk in, her tight-knit community has started showering her with admiration.

"I was driving to town [last week] and [a neighbour] pulled over, came out and said: 'Can I have your signature', as a joke. They're stoked, they're so happy."

Stuff



Peerless Telkom set sights on women’s African title
 
By AYUMBA AYODI


Telkom players celebrates a goal against Amira Sailors during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match on September 2, 2018 at City Park Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Telkom have now turned their focus on recapturing the Africa Clubs title after they retained the women’s hockey Premier League title for unprecedented 19th consecutive time, their 21st in total.

Head coach Jos Openda, who was in praise of his charges, advised them not to lose focus and train hard for the Africa Clubs Championships set for December 17 to 23 in Abuja, Nigeria.

It’s Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), who stopped Telkom’s charge for their sixth consecutive continental Cup success in January this year in Accra, beating the Kenyan hockey queens 1-0 in the final.

In total, Telkom have lifted the trophy nine times.

Telkom, who are yet to lose the national title since reclaiming the diadem from Sliders in 1999, tossed to their record 21st success on Sunday after second-placed Strathmore University's Scorpions were held to a goalless draw by Amira Sailors at City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

Telkom are yet to lose locally in six years now. The draw meant Telkom now have an unassailable lead of 33 points from 11 matches.

Scorpions, on 28 points, have one match left against the record winning champions to end the season.

Scorpions needed to beat Amira so as to close in on Telkom and set up a potential title-decider on December 9, when the top two sides clash in the season-ender.

Realistically, even if Scorpions were to win against Amira and Telkom, it could have been an uphill task to lift the title considering the huge goal difference between the two sides.

Telkom have a goal difference of 58 compared to Strathmore’s 26. Therefore Scorpion would need to win their remaining matches with huge margins, while hoping Telkom lose theirs heavily.

“We need to reclaim our continual bragging rights in December and my girls know what to do,” said Openda, who thanked his players for upholding the highest standards of discipline in the league.

“Our only challenge this year was to win the league without conceding any goals but unfortunately, we conceded three,” said Openda. That happened in Telkom’s 5-2 thrashing of Sliders and 6-1 crushing of Amira Sailors.

Openda also thanked their sponsors Telkom and the families of the players for making it happen for yet another season.

In the other women’s Premier League match, United States International University (USIU) Spartans crushed Sliders 3-0 to stay third but with an improved tally of 16 points.

Veronica Maua and Beatrice Mbugua’s goals in the second quarter gave USIU a 2-0 lead at the break.

Skipper Grace Akumu would seal the victory for the varsity lassies with the last quarter field goal.

On Saturday, Butali Sugar maintained their lead at the summit of the men’s Premier League, stretching their tally to 54 points with a 2-0 win over Greensharks at City Park.

Merteen Fonteyn and Seth Oburu scored in quick succession in the 45th and 47th minutes respectively to hand Butali victory.

Butali lead defending champions Kenya Police by three points following Police’s 2-1 midweek victory against Parkroad Badgers.

While Butali have two matches to go, Police have four matches to complete their season.

Nairobi Simba pulled away from the relegation zone when they made light work of visiting Nakuru thrashing them 5-0. Simba climbed two places to seventh with 23 points.

Strathmore University's Gladiators captain Festus Onyango starred in their 2-1 win over Parkroad Badgers 2-1 at City Park on Sunday.

Victory for Gladiators sends them fourth with 29 points, while Badger drop to eighth following Simba's resounding win.

Daily Nation



FIH signs media rights agreement with French TV “la chaîne L’Equipe”


© C. Martin

Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has signed a media rights agreement with French TV “la chaîne L’Equipe” for the upcoming Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018.

La chaîne L'Équipe will broadcast the group stage matches of France, the game Argentina-Spain, the cross-over game if France is involved, the semi-finals and the final.

FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “I’m very happy that we have signed a deal with la chaîne L’Equipe. I’m convinced that the increased exposure for hockey gained through this partnership will have a positive impact on the growth of our sport in the country which will host the Olympic Games in 2024.”

Nicolas Manissier, Director of acquisitions at L'Équipe stated: "Throughout the year, la chaîne L'Équipe broadcasts some forty unencrypted disciplines and we are very proud to host field hockey in our programmes. This is part of our ambition: to offer a wide variety of high-profile events to viewers. By broadcasting the World Cup, this is a rare opportunity for the French public to discover this sport and support the team of France, after 28 years of absence in the competition. "

The Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 will kick off on 28 November and end on 16 December. The Men’s World Cup is played every four years.

#HWC2018

FIH site

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