News for 15 February 2020
All the news for Saturday 15 February 2020
2020 FIH Pro League (Men) - 15 February
15 Feb 2020 NZL v ESP (RR) 1 - 4
15 Feb 2020 18:00 (GMT -3) ARG v NED (RR) Cenard, Buenos Aires
16 Feb 2020 17:30 (GMT +13) NZL v ESP (RR) Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium, Christchurch
16 Feb 2020 18:00 (GMT -3) ARG v NED (RR) Cenard, Buenos Aires
Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)
Pool standinggs
Rank | Team | Played | Wins | SO Win | Draws | SO Loss | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Belgium | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 14 |
2 | India | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 8 |
3 | Netherlands | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 7 |
4 | Spain | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 24 | -7 | 7 |
5 | Australia | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 6 |
6 | Germany | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
7 | Great Britain | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 10 | -1 | 5 |
8 | Argentina | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
9 | New Zealand | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 17 | -12 | 2 |
2020 FIH Pro League (Women) - 15 February
15 Feb 2020 NZL v USA (RR) 3 - 1
15 Feb 2020 20:30 (GMT -3) ARG v NED (RR) Cenard, Buenos Aires
16 Feb 2020 15:00 (GMT +13) NZL v USA (RR) Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium, Christchurch
16 Feb 2020 20:30 (GMT -3) ARG v NED (RR) Cenard, Buenos Aires
Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)
Pool standings
Rank | Team | Played | Wins | SO Win | Draws | SO Loss | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Netherlands | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 2 | 14 | 12 |
2 | Australia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 9 |
3 | New Zealand | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 9 | 1 | 7 |
4 | Argentina | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 6 |
5 | Belgium | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 6 |
6 | Great Britain | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
7 | Germany | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
8 | China | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | -5 | 0 |
9 | United States | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 24 | -20 | 0 |
USA v NED (26.01.2020) worth double points
AUS v GBR (01.02.2020) worth double points
FIH Match Centre
Battling USWNT Falls to New Zealand in FIH Hockey Pro League
Image Courtesy of FIH
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – The pitch at the Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand played host to the No. 14 U.S. Women’s National Team in the first match of the FIH Hockey Pro League weekend against No. 7 New Zealand. USA started quick, having a goal denied, but it was the Black Sticks who made the most of their scoring chances on their way to defeat the red, white and blue, 1-3.
The opening minutes saw both teams work to find positive possession. In just the 4th minute, USA was denied a goal after a build-up down the right sideline went from Alyssa Parker (Woodbine, Md.) to Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.) who found an unmarked Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.) in the circle. West turned and fired a backhand, but her goal was called back for hitting the backside of her stick. New Zealand found their flow and started to test USA’s defense. Subsequent threats from Gemma McCaw and Olivia Shannon were shut down by USA goalkeeper Kealsie Robles (Yorktown, Va.) and the defensive unit. In the 13th minute, Rose Keddell weaved between three USA players and earned the Black Sticks their first penalty corner. Off the chance, Olivia Merry buried a hard shot into the corner to make the score 0-1 and round out the quarter.
New Zealand continued their momentum from the first frame into the second continuing to have offensive threats. The Black Sticks’ consistent attack paid off and in the 22nd minute they extended their lead on a penalty corner goal. Although the straight sweep by Megan Hull deflected off Robles and hit the post, Shannon was there to put it in and make it 0-2. On the following play, USA nearly scored after getting it in front of New Zealand goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon but couldn’t find a result. In the remaining minutes of the half, the hosts gathered two more penalty corner chances and shots from Hull, McCaw, Brooke Neal and Shannon but couldn’t add anymore to the scoreboard as USA trailed 0-2.
It took 3 minutes into the third quarter for the Black Sticks to add another tally on a backhand shot from Keddell that went over the shoulder of Robles. USA began to generate offensive runs, nearly finding possession deep in their attacking end but they were continually met by strong, solid sticks of New Zealand. A good sequence from Parker to Laura Hurff (Newark, Del.) sparked three long corners in a row but USA couldn’t find a positive circle entry. The red, white and blue continued to fight and in the 44th minute great individual stick skills from Gonzales in the circle earned USA a penalty stroke for a hard stick foul. Campbell calmly converted on the chance to bring the score to 1-3.
Getting on the scoreboard ignited USA’s attack as the fourth quarter saw them with more offensive possession. A good portion of the final minutes was end-to-end play with both sides sharing circle entries. As time ticked down, USA threatened with a few closing pushes but the score line remained 1-3.
Following the game, New Zealand’s Keddell was named Player of the Match for her goal and offensive presence throughout the match.
Also in today’s match, New Zealand wore black armbands to honor Brad Conza, who passed away on Sunday. Conza was the Black Sticks’ longtime strength and conditioning coach for more than ten years. There was a joint moment of silence prior to the start as all joined together to honor a man truly dedicated to his exceptional work with the athletes.
In less than 24 hours, the U.S. Women’s National Team will return to action to take on No. 7 New Zealand in their second game of their double-header weekend at 9 p.m. ET..
#FIHProLeague
#MyProLeagueMoment
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USFHA media release
India's Lalremsiami motivated by FIH Rising Star award
Lalremsiami receives the FIH Rising Star award from her India skipper Rani Rampal on Tuesday. - Twitter (@imranirampal)
Lalremsiami, international hockey federation’s (FIH) rising star of 2019, says the award will act as great motivation to serve the Indian women’s team better at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The 19-year-old was announced as the winner of the prestigious award on Tuesday.
“The award serves as a great motivation for the upcoming Olympics, and gives me more confidence and belief to go on and do my best for the team for years to come,” said Lalremsiami.
Lalremsiami had lost her father last year before taking on Chile in the semifinal of the FIH Women’s World Series Finals and she dedicated this award to him. She has shown tremendous mental strength and character since making her senior team debut in 2017.
“I had a mixed year in 2019, and it was a huge personal loss for me when I lost my father. He always motivated me to do well, and I am sure he would be giving his blessings from above. I would like to dedicate this award to him,” said the youngster.
She won her first gold medal with the Indian team in 2017 when it won the Asia Cup. Hailing from Mizoram, Lalremsiami also helped her team win the Olympic Test Event in Tokyo late last year and then the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, which saw India book a berth at the all-important Tokyo Games.
“It is a huge honour for me because there were so many great players nominated in the same category. I am thankful to my family for giving me the freedom to choose my career in hockey, and to my Coaches and teammates who have always supported me throughout,” she said.
“Back in December when the nominations were announced, it was our chief coach who informed me after we had wrapped up training in Bengaluru. I didn’t realise how big these awards were at first, but when I saw the list of winners over the years, I felt really happy and proud,” she added.
Lalremsiami considers her senior team captain Rani Rampal as her role-model and having received the Award from the veteran was the icing on the cake.
“I was visiting Delhi to meet my sister, so Rani di told me she will pick me up from the airport. But when I came outside, I was given a wonderful surprise by Rani di and Hockey India’s CEO Ms Elena Norman along with the staff. I wasn’t expecting to win the award because there were some great players nominated for it, but when I received the trophy from my role-model and saw my name on the poster at the airport, it made me happy,” said the youngster.
Sportstar
Ward takes next step during comeback from injury sustained last November
Will Calnan and Sam Ward of Great Britain's men
Sam Ward will get minutes under his belt for his club side Old Georgians on Sunday as he continues his recovery from injury.
Ward suffered a significant injury during last November’s FIH Olympic Qualifiers, and underwent eye surgery almost three months ago to the day.
Sunday’s Men’s Hockey League match at home to Beeston will be an important step for the goalscorer, but the 29-year-old also acknowledges that it is just one rung on his ladder back to full fitness.
He said, "Obviously I’m looking forward to the game as the next step forwards; getting back out on the pitch for a few minutes.
"I’ve been training at Bisham and played a part in a practice club game in midweek, but I know that the MHL is another step.
"I’ll be wearing glasses and getting used to them while also getting accustomed to the vision in my left eye, so there’s a number of steps for me to take but I’m looking forward to Sunday and pulling on the kit."
Great Britain Hockey media release
Sam Ward to wear glasses on remarkable hockey return
By The Hockey Paper
The GB international has been training at Bisham Abbey PIC: Sam Ward/Instagram
Sam Ward will become one of the few senior male players to wear glasses as protection when he makes a remarkable return to hockey on Sunday. But that won’t bother him, nearly four months after his career-threatening injury at the Olympic qualifiers.
According to an England Hockey release, Ward will “get minutes under his belt” for Old Georgians in his first return to competitive Premier Division action after fracturing his face and sustaining a damaged retina in November’s Tokyo qualifier against Malaysia.
It will also likely be an emotional one, depending on his pitch time. Sunday’s match (2pm) will be at home against his boyhood club Beeston and will mark a huge step in the 29-year-old’s bid to reach Tokyo 2020 but admits the match will represent the first of several hurdles before he can regain full fitness.
He said: “Obviously I’m looking forward to the game as the next step forwards; getting back out on the pitch for a few minutes.
“I’ve been training at Bisham and played a part in a practice club game in midweek, but I know that the MHL is another step.
“I’ll be wearing glasses and getting used to them while also getting accustomed to the vision in my left eye, so there’s a number of steps for me to take but I’m looking forward to Sunday and pulling on the kit.”
He chronicled his recuperation following eye surgery nearly three months ago in our January edition after receiving the Hockey Writer’s men’s player of the year award.
There had been signs that Ward was beginning to make small strides in returning to the pitch. But few would have believed he would be returning so soon.
He revealed in last month’s Hockey Paper that he had started to hold a stick, hit a few balls and even umpired a lower league game as he slowly got back to training at Bisham Abbey, as well as retrain his eye and attend psychology sessions
“I think I got slated by the opposition coach at one point,” he joked. “I said ‘it’s alright, I’m sorry, I only landed at Spain at 2am this morning. Sorry I missed the odd thing!’”
Ward had previously revealed in a pre-Christmas interview that if he did return to hockey he would “probably wear goggles and a mask”. He added: “I’ll look ridiculous. But it’s not a fashion contest.”
Ward had 31 staples inserted across his head and 31 metal screws in his cheek during his surgery.
Old Georgians currently occupy the fourth and final play-off spot for the season-ending league finals, while Beeston are 10 points behind them in fifth.
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The Hockey Paper
Canadian NextGen program tours to Chula Vista
Women’s NexGen program tours to California to kick off Junior World Cup campaign
With the Junior World Cup lurking in the distance, Canada’s NextGen Women’s program will take a trip to Chula Vista, California, for a training tour and test matches against USA.
Almost 70 athletes will make the trip along with coaches and support staff from Field Hockey Canada. Three groups will cycle through the Chula Vista High Performance training centre. The first four days will feature a U18 group of 33 athletes who will play test matches against USA on the 15th, 16th and 17th of February. Then two smaller groups of 18 (u16s and U21s) will train and play from February 20-24.
Patrick Tshutshani, Field Hockey Canada NextGen Director who is traveling with the teams this week indicated that the purpose of these tours is to expose the young athletes to international competition and a training camp environment with heavy load and game opportunities. See below for the three traveling rosters. Follow along on our social media for updates from the tour.
U18 Team
ATHLETE LOCATION
Molly Koop ONT
Grace Leahy ONT
Ella Murphy ONT
Avery Davis ONT
Kayla Desormeau ONT
Kailey Workman ONT
Olivia Hledin ONT
Hannah Rohrer ONT
Imogen Govan ONT
Kyleise Rolf von den Baumen ONT
Nora Strutchtrup BC - VIC
Nicola Leech BC - VIC
Birkley Anderson BC - VIC
Brooke Taylor BC - VIC
Alison Drummond BC -VAN
Brooke McCusker BC -VAN
Kate Rogers BC -VAN
Laine Delmotte BC -VAN
Grace Delmotte BC -VAN
Jamie Borthwick BC -VAN
Kaiden Stanley BC -VAN
Mia Zurkovic BC -VAN
Polly Campbell BC -VAN
Maddie Wong BC -VAN
Bronwyn Bird BC -VAN
Bronwen Rees-Wiedemann BC -VAN
Ishaval Sekhon BC -VAN
Mikayla Stelling BC -VAN
Allison Kuzyk BC -VAN
Elizabeth Assimes QUE
Macy Morris GER
Lilly-Anne Breton QUE
Hannah Ward ALB
U16 Team
ATHLETE LOCATION
Kirsten Dsilva ONT
Nicole Poulakis ONT
Emily Chisolm ONT
Lilly Nooper ONT
Darcie Brohman ONT
Mallory Mackesy ONT
Julia Berk BC -VIC
Julia Boraston BC -VIC
Maeve Connorton BC -VIC
Shyana Ringma BC -VIC
Anais Chase BC -VIC
Ahria Dhillon BC - VAN
Megan Schienbein BC - VAN
Taylor Katsube BC - VAN
Chantal Eiwanger BC - VAN
Zoe Furber BC - VAN
Stella Malinowski BC - VAN
Summer Bremner BC - VAN
U21 Team
ATHLETE LOCATION
Katie Lynes ONT
Frankie St. Louis ONT
Anna Costanzo ONT
Rebecca Carvalho ONT
Cassandra Mascarenhas NCAA/ ONT
Dani Husar NCAA/ ONT
Madison Babineau NCAA/ ONT
Morgan Hanley NCAA/ ONT
Mackenzie Williams NCAA/ ONT
Grace Davis NCAA/ ONT
Nina Watson NCAA/ BC-VAN
Lucy Wheeler BC - VAN
Sara Goodman BC - VAN
Izzy Fraser BC - VAN
Jordyn Faiczak BC - VAN
Thora Rae BC - VAN
Robin Fleming BC - VIC
Erin Dawson BC - VIC
Field Hockey Canada media release
Western Wildcats end Indoor Euros day one in second spot
Western Wildcats got their indoor European campaign underway on the opening day at the EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge 1 in Varna; they beat Soroksari (Hungary) 4-3 only to go down 4-2 to Slagelse (Denmark) in their second outing.
The results leave Wildcats in second spot in the pool and they only need a draw against Cardiff Met (Wales) tomorrow to qualify for the promotion group.
Western Wildcats 4-3 Soroksari (Hungary)
There was little between the sides in the opening exchanges but it was the Hungarians who took the lead in six minutes, a double penalty corner switch left Zsombor Ficzere with the task of finding the net.
Almost immediately Wildcats were back on level terms, the ball fell to Andrew McAllister whose turn and shot eluded the Hungarian keeper.
Parity lasted barely two minutes, at another penalty corner Sebastian Leser converted for a 2-1 lead.
Western Wildcats were now beginning to find a bit of form, a three man move opened up the Hungarian defence, that left Rob Harwood unmarked and the Wildcats` captain made no mistake from a narrow angle
The Wildcats had several good chances to take the lead, in particular Fraser Moran had two goes at a penalty corner but both efforts were blocked – so the score remained 2-2 at the interval.
Wildcats were the more enterprising side in the second half and it was no surprise that they took the lead for the first time in the contest. At their second penalty corner the ball was switched left to McAllister who found the net for the second time in the match.
The Scots seemed in control, but with three minutes left and somewhat against the run of play Viktor Ujvari made it 3-3 at another penalty corner.
But the Wildcats were not to be denied their victory, Hamish Galt fired a penalty corner opportunity into the roof of the net for the five points on offer.
Western Wildcats 2-4 Slagelse (Denmark)
The first half against the Danes was one of frustration for Western Wildcats, it started when Mathias Due Tankmar scored the opening goal in six minutes.
The Wildcats were quick to reply, the Danish defence lost the ball in a dangerous situation, it fell to Craig Sinclair who found the net from the top of the circle for 1-1.
The Scots then fell 3-1 behind through a double from Lasse Steinmetz Christensen. Western Wildcats’ only reply came from Craig Sinclair, uncharacteristically the Danish defence gave the ball away and were punished with an opportunist shot from the top of the circle.
To make matters worse Harwood missed a chance to pull the score back by missing from the spot not long before the interval.
Mads Nielsen made it 4-1 two minutes into the second half and made the contest was a very difficult one.
A yellow card to Andrew McAllister certainly did not help the cause and the Scots had to survive two Danish penalty corners.
But two minutes into the final quarter, a glimmer of hope. McAllister`s skill and persistence set up the opportunity and a reverse stick finish by Harwood complete the move for 4-2.
Wildcats had a couple of late chances, especially to Joe McConnell, but the Danes held on for the five points.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Pegs bounce back to move level with Loreto; Bann vs Town the men’s highlight
Alex Speers scored her 11th goal of the season in midweek. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Pegasus moved back into a share of top spot of the Irish women’s EY Hockey League – albeit with a game extra played – with a midweek 2-1 win over Belfast Harlequins courtesy of Alex Speers goal three minutes from time.
Lizzie Colvin put Quins ahead and in the mood for a first win of the campaign but Pegs equalised through Niamh McIvor in her second game of the day having helped BRA reach the Ulster girls Senior Cup final.
And Speers then grabbed the winner to lift Pegasus back to a share of first place with Loreto on 22 points heading into this weekend’s fixtures.
Next on their list is their second meeting of the season with Railway Union at home, hoping to repeat their success from opening day.
Loreto’s only loss of the campaign came at Pembroke, a 3-2 loss at Serpentine Avenue, and so they will be gunning for revenge when they lock horns on Saturday at Beaufort.
Old Alex are on the road to Belfast for the second week in succession, this time going to Harlequins, aiming to continue their perfect record in 2020 to date.
UCD take on Cork Harlequins in Belfield; Yvonne O’Byrne was in ubiquitous form in Quins’ performance last weekend against Loreto when they probably should have nabbed a draw but for a late aberration. The two sides drew on opening day.
Draw-masters Muckross are the other home club this weekend with the showdown of Anna O’Flanagan and Roisin Upton the key one when Catholic Institute come visiting, their third straight trip to Dublin.
EYHL2 has a big day ahead; Pool B’s top two showdown at the Mardyke with Ards the visitors to UCC. Their first meeting was UCC’s toughest of their season to date and they know they will need to keep tabs on sharp-shooter Zara Malseed who has been scoring at a goal a game.
But a victory could see them top of the group and right in the frame for a playoff place. Monkstown will hope for no slip-up at Greenfields to progress their claims.
Pool A has been dominated by Corinthian so far and they will be favourites to continue their perfect record in all leagues this term when they host currently bottom side NUIG.
At least one of their nearest will lose ground as Lurgan and Trinity – both eight points back on 12 points – look for a big win in their playoff pursuit.
It leaves three Leinster Division One games on the card – North Kildare look to continue their winning streak when they meet Genesis; Rathgar take on Naas and Avoca play Glenanne. Avoca were 3-0 winners over Genesis in midweek to move up to fifth place with Zoe Watterson, Moirin O’Neill and Anna Richardson scoring the goals.
Trinity’s title hopes took a blow, meanwhile, drew with Glenanne 2-2 which puts them seven points off the pace with an extra game played.
In the men’s EYHL, the big game is on Sunday when in-form Banbridge face Monkstown at Havelock Park off the back of five wins in the last six outings.
Lisnagarvey have continued their unbeaten run into the new year but the big wins have been narrowed of late with two single-goal wins in the last couple of weeks. As such, Pembroke will hope they can keep things tight and that Alan Sothern – with eight goals in three games – can do the business.
Glenanne and YMCA have a big game on their hands with the loser of the tie set to be in the relegation playoff place. The Glens hit the Y with a sucker-punch in their first meeting of the season after a big comeback to win 3-2.
Corinthian are unbeaten since November and will be ambitious to use their game at Annadale to close the gap on the top five. Dale, though, have only one point this season but it did come against the reds and if they are to escape their predicament, this is the kind of tie they will need points from.
Banbridge and Monkstown face off on Sunday. Pic: Deryck Vincent
It is crunch time in EYHL Division 2. Cork C of I and Harlequins both currently top their groups in the men’s competition; should the former beat Railway Union at Park Avenue, they would be assured of a semi-final berth with a couple of games to spare.
Instonians can put the pressure on when they meet Avoca who need a win to avoid elimination.
Harlequins, meanwhile, go to in-form Clontarf who can leap-frog them with a win in Pool B. Cookstown and Kilkeel reprise their cracking 5-4 contest from the Ulster Premier League last week in the other tie.
Three games in Leinster Division One – Dublin University and Dublin North meet in a well-matched tie between seventh and eighth. Third placed Portrane are on the road to Kilkenny while Weston face Rathgar.
Three Rock Rovers face effectively three relegation pool games following two defeats on day one of the EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy in Alanya, Turkey.
Despite a second half comeback, the Rathfarnham club fell 6-3 to England’s East Grinstead early in the morning with Ross Canning getting a double. They subsequently were picked apart by a patient HK Zelina from Croatia 6-1.
It condemns Ireland to the relegation pool with a game to spare but Saturday morning’s opponents SCHC – from the Netherlands – are in the same boat.
That means that result will carry through to the four-team relegation pool where they will be joined by Switzerland’s Rotweiss Wettingen and Portugal’s AD Lousada.
Friday
Men
EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy (all in Alanya, Turkey – all times Irish): Three Rock Rovers 3 (R Canning 2, J Walker) East Grinstead (ENG) 6; Three Rock Rovers 1 (H Morris) HK Zelina (CRO) 6
Saturday 15th February 2020
EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy (all in Alanya, Turkey – all times Irish): Three Rock Rovers v SCHC (NED), 6am
EYHL Division 1: Annadale v Corinthian, Strathearn, 4pm; Glenanne v YMCA, St Andrews, 1.45pm; Pembroke v Lisnagarvey, Serpentine Avenue, 2.30pm
EYHL Division 2 – Pool A: Instonians v Avoca, Shaw’s Bridge, 2.30pm; Railway Union v Cork C of I, Park Avenue, 1pm
Pool B: Clontarf v Cork Harlequins, Mount Temple, 2pm; Kilkeel v Cookstown, Kilkeel HS, 2.30pm
Leinster Division 1: Dublin University v Dublin North, Santry Avenue, 11am; Kilkenny v Portrane, Kilkenny College, 1.45pm; Weston v Rathgar, Griffeen Valley Park, 12pm
Munster Charity Cup: Waterford v Bandon, Newtown, 3.30pm; Ashton v UCC, Ashton School, 4pm
Women
EYHL Division 1: Belfast Harlequins v Old Alexandra, Deramore Park, 2.30pm Loreto v Pembroke, Beaufort, 2.45pm; Muckross v Catholic Institute, Muckross Park, 1pm; Pegasus v Railway Union, Queens University, 4pm; UCD v Cork Harlequins, Belfield, 1pm
EYHL Division 2 – Pool A: Corinthian v NUIG, Whitehchurch Park, 3.15pm; Lurgan v Trinity, Lurgan JHS, 2.30pm
Pool B: Greenfields v Monkstown, Dangan, 2.30pm; UCC v Ards, Mardyke, 12pm
Leinster Division 1: Avoca v Glenanne, Sion Hill, 2.30pm; North Kildare v Genesis, The Maws, 3.15pm; Rathgar v Naas, The High School, 3pm
Munster Division 1: Ashton v Bandon, Ashton School, 12.30pm; Cork C of I v Limerick, Garryduff, 2pm; Waterford v Belvedere, Newtown, 12.30pm
Sunday 16th February 2020
Men
EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy (all in Alanya, Turkey – all times Irish): classification matches
EYHL Division 1: Banbridge v Monkstown, Havelock Park, 2.30pm
Women
Jacqui Potter Cup semi-final: Loreto v UCD, Beaufort, 2pm
The Hook
Zidane goal machine role model
By Jugjet Singh
That is what Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) coach Arul Selvaraj had to say about hat-trick hero Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil after the 4-0 win over Maybank in yesterday’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jali. - NSTP/AZHAR RAMLI
ZIDANE is half-machine and a role model for all Malaysians.
That is what Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) coach Arul Selvaraj had to say about hat-trick hero Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil after the 4-0 win over Maybank in yesterday’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jali.
Even though UniKL had won the league title with two matches in hand, they still went all out in the game.
Roel Bovendeert started the count in the seventh minute before Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin hammered a hat-trick in the 14th, 25th and 32nd minutes.
The Perlis-born suffered a broken jaw in the opening stage of the league but returned almost immediately by wearing a rugby head-guard. He has scored seven goals so far.
“Zidane is a role model for everyone in the team.
“In fact, he is a role model for all aspiring hockey players in the country,” said Arul Selvaraj.
UniKL will complete their league campaign against Tenaga Nasional tomorrow.
RESULTS
THT 6 HockAdemy 0, TNB Thunderbolts 3 NurInsafi 3, Maybank 0 UniKL 4.
New Straits Times
Rain and bad light keep Tenaga on hold
By AFTAR SINGH
Big appetite: UniKL’s Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin scored three goals against Maybank.
KUALA LUMPUR: Heavy rain and bad lighting turned out to be bad news for Tenaga Nasional in the Malaysia Hockey League.
Tenaga, who are in a duel with Terengganu for second place in the league which has already been won by Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), had to wait as a tropical thunderstorm lashed the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium in Jalan Duta.
With night falling, the match had to be rescheduled to 8.30pm and was moved to the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil as the floodlights at the Jalan Duta stadium were not working.
Terengganu, meanwhile, took advantage of the delay to move up to second place, at least for a few hours, by beating Hockey Academy (Hockademy) 6-0 in Kuala Terengganu.
Champions UniKL continued with their winning ways, with an easy 4-0 triumph over fourth-placed Maybank.
Their match at the Bukit Jalil stadium, too, was delayed by 30 minutes due to a downpour.
Seasoned campaigner Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil scored his first hattrick after Dutch international Roel Bovendeert had opened the scoring off a field goal in the seventh minute.
The 34-year-old Tengku Ahmad, who is still recovering from a broken jaw suffered against Hock-ademy on Jan 12, was in superb form as he netted three field goals in the 14th, 25th and 32nd minutes to take his tally to seven goals in the league.
It was UniKL’s 13th consecutive win and they will wrap up the fixtures against Tenaga tomorrow in Bukit Jalil while Terengganu face Maybank.
The results of these two matches will decide the second and third placed teams.
Whatever their placings, Tenaga and Terengganu will face each other again in the semi-finals of the TNB (overall) Cup on Wednesday.
UniKL will face the Tigers again in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
After yesterday’s win, UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj was full of praise for Tengku Ahmad.
“He is a role model not only to players in Malaysia but also all over the world. He never allowed his injury to affect his game. And this is the type of player we need in our team.”
Tengku Ahmad, who has represented Malaysia 299 times, said the rain was a good omen for him before his first hattrick.
“It is good preparation for our tough match against Tenaga Nasional next. We want to continue our winning streak in the league.”
The Star of Malaysia
Buckingham look to outdoor hockey success after Super 6s history
By The Hockey Paper
Buckingham fans show their colours at Copper Box PIC: England Hockey / Will Palmer
Buckingham will aim to take their historic indoor success – which included an honorary mention in the House of Commons this week – to the outdoor game when the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division resumes this weekend, weather permitting.
Fourth-placed Buckingham’s play-off hopes face a stern challenge when they face Hampstead & Westminster who are second and have won nine of their first 12 games.
“Obviously the confidence gained from performing and succeeding in a high pressure environment and the positivity of winning the club’s first ever national title has been a massive boost and will hopefully spur the girls on to want more,” said Buckingham coach Zak Jones.
The Jaffa Super 6s trophy was recently taken to Buckingham’s junior training evening as the club gears up for a year of fundraising ahead of their first European outing. Their success and backstory will be featured in a Hockey Paper special in our next issue.
For now, Buckingham will be without injured Welsh international Eloise Laity while former England international Lucy Wood is still carrying a long term injury. But they have signed Welsh international Sophie Robinson from Beeston.
Leaders Surbiton resume the outdoor fixtures with a home game against Loughborough Students, while Bowdon Hightown, who seem to play better in the second half of the season after their indoor campaign, host Holcombe. East Grinstead are taking part in the European Indoor Club Cup in the Hague this weekend, which we will also preview in our next issue.
Dons aiming for double
In the Investec Division One South, leaders Wimbledon will be expected to maintain their 100 per cent record as they go to Isca, while second-placed Reading are also on the road with a match at Trojans. Wimbledon’s second team are similarly top of the table in the Investec Conference East and face Southgate.
Mantell heads West
Exeter University have signed former GB international Simon Mantell in their bid to beat the drop. In a significant move, Mantell will join the students for the remainder of the season. Exeter play Reading in a huge bottom-of-the-table clash.
Indoor champions Surbiton return to outdoor action with a trip to Hampstead & Westminster on Sunday. Sitting pretty at the top of the table with 12 wins from their 12 matches so far and are already qualified for the play-offs
Surbiton will be without six GB internationals who have recently returned from Australia and New Zealand, and Jones added: “Clearly that will affect us and it’s a great shame, this being one of the big match ups of the regular season. But at the Jaffa Super 6s finals we competed without any of our internationals.”
Currently occupying the fourth and final play-off spot, Old Georgians play host to Beeston who are ten points behind them in fifth and will be aiming to close the ten-point gap between the two sides. OG’s will see the incredible return of Sam Ward, who will make his first appearance since his career-threatening injury in November.
FIXTURES #watchyour1s
Investec Premier Division – Saturday
Surbiton v Loughborough Students 12:00
Hampstead & Westminster v Buckingham 13:30
Bowdon Hightown v Holcombe 13:45
Beeston v Clifton Robinsons 14:00
Men’s Premier Division – Sunday
Hampstead & Westminster v Surbiton 13:30
Holcombe v Brooklands MU 14:00
Old Georgians v Beeston 14:00
Univ of Exeter v Reading 14:00
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The Hockey Paper
Legendary English volunteer Donna Mills celebrating 500 games with Ipswich
By Sarah Juggins
Donna Mills of Ipswich Hockey Club
There are volunteers and then there are super-volunteers. These are the people who dedicate their time, energy and often the vast majority of their life towards giving help and support in an unpaid, voluntary capacity.
Donna Mills is one of hockey’s super-volunteers. As a long-time member of Ipswich Hockey Club, formerly Ipswich Ladies HC, Donna has spent more hours pitch-side than anyone else in the club.
As manager of Ipswich Ladies 1st team for the past 30 years, Donna has been a constant since taking up the position for an Ipswich versus Doncaster National league game in 1990. This weekend, as Ipswich face Broxbourne Ladies, in the Investec Conference East league, she will be signing the team sheet for the 500th time.
Not only has Donna been the back bone of the Ipswich team, she has also been a member of the volunteer army that supports England Hockey and the Great Britain hockey teams at home events. In 2012, Donna was a familiar face for teams as they turned up for their matches at the Riverside Stadium at the 2012 London Olympics.
In 2015, she was in the tunnel looking after the teams as they entered the pitch for the EuroHockey Championships; and in 2018, she was an integral part of the team that made the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup go without a hitch at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. These are just some of the many, many occasions that Donna has made the journey from Suffolk to Lee Valley to provide the support that keeps our sport running smoothly. Donna’s contribution to England Hockey events was recognised when she was awarded the Unsung Hero award in 2015.
Donna Mills with Ipswich Hockey Club
But it is at Ipswich where Donna has honed her skills of player management. Whether it is making sure the players are wearing the right numbers, liaising with the Technical Delegate and umpires, booking accommodation or simply making sure that the right drink bottle goes to the right player – Donna is the team’s go-to.
With customary dry humour and an enormous sense of pride in her task, Donna has been with Ipswich through the highs and lows. From the heady days of National League and Cup titles to the low of relegation, Donna has been there to support and care for the numerous players who have been through her care.
Emma Millar-Rix has been first team captain and club chair, working alongside Donna for many years. She says: "Saturday 15 Feb will be Donna's 500th National League game. She hasn't counted the two seasons we were in East Prem and any of the other cup, indoor and European games.. I hate to think what that total would be!
"Ipswich has seen hundreds of players pass through its ranks and a fair number of coaches too, but Donna has always been a constant.
"I have also lost count of the number of times she has looked after injured players and every time she stere-stripped our cuts the doctors at the hospital always praise the good job she has done.
"I know the youngsters in the team look up to her as a surrogate hockey Mum and I know from my own experience that I just couldn't imagine the team without her. She is the only person that has been there for every game I have played."
England Hockey would like to say congratulations to Donna and thanks once again for her incredible, spirited service to the sport.
England Hockey Board Media release