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All the news for Tuesday 30 January 2018

5 Nations Invitational Tournament (M) - Day 1
Malaga (ESP)

CAN v IRL     1 - 4
USA v SCO     1 - 3

Rank	Team	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	P
1	Ireland	1	1	0	0	4	1	3	3
2	Scotland	1	1	0	0	3	1	2	3
3	Spain	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4	United States	1	0	0	1	1	3	-2	0
5	Canada	1	0	0	1	1	4	-3	0

FIH Match Centre

Scotland men beat USA in Malaga 5-nations


Willie Marshall celebrates – photo by Mark Pugh

Scotland men won their opening match at the 5-nations in Malaga against USA with a 3-1 victory.

There were windy conditions in Malaga and Scotland got off to a flying start when they took the lead through an early goal. Rob Harwood scored on his international debut to make it 1-0 with a cool finish from the youngster. A long ball over the top of the USA defence found Harwood bearing down on goal and he casually lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to open the scoring.

The Scots were hungry for more goals and peppered the USA D with sliding passes, one of which only just evaded the stick of Nick Parkes arriving late at the far post.

Scotland’s second goal hit the back of the net in the 26th minute. Willie Marshall slammed home a penalty corner to make it 2-0.

Into the second half and USA came into the contest. A good save by Tommy Alexander denied USA Tyler Sundeen a goal after he snatched the ball from Ben Cosgrove. Alexander padded the ball clear with ease to keep Scotland’s two-goal lead intact.

Some nice build up by the Scots down the left saw Duncan Riddell find some space in the D but his pass was blocked in front of goal.

Then USA drove forward and scored. They made their way into the D from the right and the pass across goal was tapped home by Nick Molcsan.

Scotland stepped up their play in the final quarter and nearly went 3-1 up early doors. Michael Bremner crashed the ball into the D and it broke for Russell Anderson, but he couldn’t connect properly and the ball bounced clear.

A late chance for Gavin Byers saw the zipped pass from the left evade his stick before Gordon McIntyre teed up Alan Forsyth, but his reverse on the turn fired over the bar.

Scotland then scored a third goal and it was a screamer. Lee Morton picked up the ball on the half way line and weaved his way through player after player, he set up Wei Adams who unleashed a rocket into the top corner to make it 3-1.

USA 1-3 Scotland
(R. Harwood, W. Marshall, W. Adams)

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Late Surge by USMNT Falls Short in Opening Match of 5 Nations Tournament



MALAGA, Spain - The U.S. Men's National Team kicked off the opening day of the 5 Nations Tournament in Malaga, Spain as the final match of the day against FIH Hero World Ranked No. 23 Scotland. Despite a hard fought contest, the USMNT could not overcome an early deficit as the Blue Sticks claimed a 3-1 victory.

The game followed three days of preparation for the tournament, which included daily practices and two test matches against host No. 9 Spain.

Scotland came out in a physical fashion and set the challenge for the USMNT early with an aggressive start. After a few minutes USA gathered their composure and went on the offensive nearly scoring in the 4th minute. The scoring attempt however allowed Scotland to push a counter attack, putting USA on their heels with a long aerial that went from end to end. As a result, Brandon Karess (Allentown, Pa.) was caught in no man's land as Scotland's Robert Harwood flicked the ball over his head from the top of the circle for the 1-0 score. That momentum followed the Blue Sticks throughout the first half as they dominated ball possession. Coming up on halftime Scotland was awarded, and capitalized, on their second penalty corner of the game in the 26th minute on a shot by Willie Marshall to make it 2-0 at the break.
 
With the tempo reset coming into the third quarter, USA was able to reset and stick to their game plan as they slowly began to take, and maintain control of the match. In a strong build up from the back in the 45th minute, the ball was sent into the far right corner where Tom Barratt (Greensboro, N.C.) was able to beat multiple defenders before sending the ball across the goal. Nick Molscan (Wanganui, New Zealand) had perfect timing as he was waiting to bury the ball into the net to narrow the gap to a 2-1 disadvantage. USA had a few more opportunities in the final minutes, including a brilliant effort by Paul Singh (Simi Valley, Calif.) that was saved by Scotland goalkeeper David Forrester. The red, white and blue continued to press the remainder of the game. With a couple of minutes remaining in the match however, Scotland was able to take advantage of a breakaway chance up the left side, where Wei Adams was waiting for transfer on the opposite side to score and put the game away for good.

The U.S. Men's National Team will return to the pitch for their second match of the tournament on Wednesday, January 31 at 11:00 a.m. ET against No. 9 Spain.

USFHA media release

Green Machine Put 4 Past Canada In 5 Nations Opener

Ireland dominated large chunks of the first half and inside the opening few minutes Peter Caruth saw his shot fly over the crossbar shortly before Julian Dale spun his marker to shoot goalward. Ireland had the first PC of the match and Dale saw his drag flick saved, but Canada were quick to win their own PC at the other end and Gordon Johnston fired home to give his side the lead against the run of play. But 3 goals in the second quarter cemented the Green Machine’s dominance as they pounced on any Canadian mistakes, and duly punished them. Sean Murray drew the sides level as he blasted his shot goalbound in the 22nd minute, following some silky skills from Shane O’Donoghue to force his way into the circle. Luke Madeley left Antoni Kindler no chance in the Canadian goal as his drag flick made it 2-1. 2 minutes later and O’Donoghue had put daylight between the sides with a drag flick of his own, flinging it low into the corner out of Kindler’s reach to make it 3-1 on the cusp of half time.

The goals eased up in the second half and Canada tried to launch a comeback early in the third quarter. The sides swapped possession but neither created many real clear-cut chances. The final goal of the game came right at the end of the third quarter as Caruth, a menace throughout, got his deserved goal. He managed to throw his stick on the end of Matthew Nelson’s first touch pass and deflected the ball past Kindler into the net. Canada mustered a few more chances but Ingram was alert to Johnston’s drag to keep the 4-1 score-line intact till the final whistle.

Ireland next face hosts Spain in tomorrow’s fixture at 4pm (Irish time).

5 Nations, Spain

Ireland 4 (Murray, Madeley, O’Donoghue, Caruth)
Canada 1 (Johnston)

Rewatch the match below:
https://youtu.be/F179NaQNsW4

Starting: J Bell, M Bell, C Cargo, J Dale, P Caruth, S O’Donoghue, S Murray, J McKee, C Harte (Captain), L Cole, M Ingram (GK)

Subs: J Carr (GK), L Madeley, S O’Connor, M Nelson, M Robson, J Duncan, S Cole

5 Nations Match Details in Spain:

January 29th at 2:30pm Ireland 4 vs 1 Canada in Carranque
January 30th at 5pm Ireland vs Spain in Carranque
February 1st at 5pm Ireland vs Scotland in CHP Benalmadena
February 3rd at 2pm Ireland vs USA in CHP Benalmadena

*All times listed are local

Irish Hockey Association media release

Green Machine open 2018 with comfortable win over Canada



Ireland fought back from an early concession to cruise to a comfortable 4-1 win over Canada in Malaga, starting off their comprehensive 2018 World Cup preparations on the right foot.

Craig Fulton’s side were dominant for long periods but did go behind against the run of play to the world number 11 side in the 14th minute when Gordon Johnston dragged home.

By half-time, though, Ireland were 3-1 ahead. Sean Murray equalised with a ripper of a reverse from the top left of the D before Luke Madeley – with his first international goal – and Shane O’Donoghue scored twin drag-flicks in the 25th and 27th minutes.

Peter Caruth guided in a brilliant fourth in the second half from close range when Stephen Cole took a quick free, leading to swift exchanges to Murray and Matthew Nelson that left Canada completely wrong-footed.

It was an assured performance from a young Ireland team featuring just five of the Olympic panel with David Harte currently in Malaysia and John Jackson having played last weekend in the English indoor finals with Bath Buccaneers among the absentees.

Tenth ranked Ireland play hosts Spain – top rated of this selection at eighth – on Tuesday before easier matches on paper against Scotland and USA on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.

Men’s Five Nations Invitational Tournament (Malaga)
Ireland 4 (S Murray, L Madeley, S O’Donoghue, P Caruth)
Canada 1 (G Johnston)

Ireland: M Ingram, J Bell, M Bell, C Cargo, J Dale, P Caruth, S O’Donoghue, S Murray, J McKee, C Harte, L Cole

Subs: L Madeley, M Nelson, M Robson, J Duncan, S Cole, S O’Connor

Men’s Five Nations Invitiational Tournament (Malaga)
Monday: Ireland 4 (S Murray, L Madeley, S O’Donoghue, P Caruth) Canada 1 (G Johnston)
Tuesday: Ireland vs Spain, 4pm (Irish time)

The Hook

Batch Flags Changes For The Kookaburras

Ben Somerford



Kookaburras coach Colin Batch says plenty was gained from the side’s opening two matches of the Test Series against the Netherlands with a number of youngsters stepping up.

Batch opted to rest skipper Mark Knowles for Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Dutch at Narrogin Hockey Stadium, while 100-plus gamer Daniel Beale sat out Saturday’s last-gasp 3-3 draw.

Tom Craig, Jeremy Edwards, Tyler Lovell and Tom Wickham all weren’t part of the 20-player team used in Narrogin and will be involved in the matches at Perth Hockey Stadium on Thursday and Saturday.

In their absence, the likes of debutant Matthew Bird, Jake Harvie, Tim Howard, Lachlan Sharp and Corey Weyer all played significant minutes.

“At the World League Final (which Australia won in December), we didn’t have our young players playing big minutes and now they’re playing big minutes here,” Batch said.

“We want to expose them to see what they’re capable of. From that point of view, it’s putting them in the firing line sometimes.

“They’re coming up against some quality players who’ve played 200-plus internationals, so I see that the big plus out of the series.”

Batch added that giving younger players the opportunity to play was a priority for the Test Series, ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April.

“We’re really pleased to have that opportunity and we have the courage to do that,” Batch said.

“It’d be easy to play the one group all the time. I see these four matches as a way of introducing players.

“We’ll change things up again for match three and match four. We won’t always have our best players out there and Holland are providing a great challenge for us, so that’s why it’s great to play against them.”

Batch said leaving out veteran captain Knowles for the second Test match enabled others to step up.

“Knowlesy is a great player for us, I think he was our best player in game one,” Batch said.

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to play him in every game, we need to put pressure on other people to lead the team and provide leadership out there.

“We tested ourselves that way here and for a large part of the game we did it well. We had a few lapses where Holland scored so we have to tidy up those.”

Batch was disappointed with those lapses, but he was pleased with his side’s ability to score, netting five goals in the opening two Tests.

He added that defender Josh Beltz wouldn’t be considered for the final two matches due to a knee injury sustained in November but said there was plenty of competition for spots.

“We want to play the whole squad,” Batch said.

“We’ve got 24 players who we can play. Potentially we can bring another four players in.

“All our group wants to play the whole four matches, it’s unfortunate that they won’t.”

Hockey Australia media release

Great Britain women squad named for Argentina tour


Alex Danson

Great Britain women have named their 20-strong squad which will travel to Rosario to take on Argentina in February.

The athletes will take on world number three side Argentina in a five-match Test series between the 10 and 17 February.

Captain Alex Danson is in line to make her 100th appearance for Great Britain while as many as eight others are set to make their GB debuts.

Amy Costello, Emily Defroand, Nicola Cochrane, Jo Hunter, Hannah Martin, Ellie Rayer, Rose Thomas and Anna Toman will all make their first appearances for Great Britain should they feature during the tour.

Head coach Danny Kerry is taking the opportunity to use this trip to widen the level of experience in his squad, with a large number of players set to make their GB debuts, while the experienced duo of Maddie Hinch and Lily Owsley are not selected as a result.

Kerry explained: “We have deliberately selected a GB squad, despite the proximity of the Commonwealth Games, to allow us to give experiential developmental opportunity of playing a world leading team to athletes early enough in the Olympic cycle.

“We look forward to seeing how those who will receive new GB caps rise to the opportunity and understand the developmental journey ahead.

“Argentina is my and for many of the squad, favourite place to go and play test match hockey. The crowds are passionate and knowledgeable and we are treated warmly by all.”

Full Squad
1. Giselle Ansley
2. Sophie Bray
3. Nicola Cochrane
4. Amy Costello
5. Alex Danson (C)
6. Emily Defroand
7. Sarah Haycroft
8. Jo Hunter
9. Hannah Martin
10. Shona McCallin
11. Hollie Pearne-Webb
12. Ellie Rayer
13. Sarah Robertson
14. Zoe Shipperley
15. Rose Thomas
16. Anna Toman
17. Susannah Townsend
18. Laura Unsworth
19. Ellie Watton
20. Nicola White

Fixtures (UK Time)
10 February - 9.30pm
11 February - 9.30pm
14 February - 9.30pm
17 February - 12:00am
17 February - 9.30pm

Great Britain Hockey media release

Scots selected for GB Women’s Argentina test series

Scotland internationalists Nicola Cochrane, Amy Costello and Sarah Robertson have been selected to play for GB women in an upcoming five-match test series against Argentina.

The five matches will be played in Rosario, Argentina, between the 10 and 17 February.

Scotland’s Cochrane and Costello will make their first appearances for GB having entered the programme for the first time a year ago, joining Robertson in the squad. Robertson joined the programme in 2014 while Costello and Cochrane have emerged as excellent players for club and country. All three have a terrific opportunity to show what they can do in a GB shirt in Argentina.

Argentina is ranked third in the world and were the winners of the Champions Trophy in 2016, it will be a good challenge for GB.

Scottish Hockey’s Head of Performance, Andy Tennant, said, “We are delighted to have all three of our female athletes in the GB senior programme selected for the trip to Argentina. It is an excellent opportunity for them to show their value to the GB team in a competitive context. We wish them and the rest of the GB girls well for what will be a great challenge.”

GB squad

    Ansley, Giselle
    Bray, Sophie
    Cochrane, Nicola
    Costello, Amy
    Danson, Alex
    Defroand, Emily
    Haycroft, Sarah
    Hunter, Jo
    Martin, Hannah
    McCallin, Shona
    Pearne-Webb, Hollie
    Rayer, Ellie
    Robertson, Sarah
    Shipperley, Zoe
    Thomas, Rose
    Toman, Anna
    Townsend, Susannah
    Unsworth, Laura
    Watton, Ellie
    White, Nic

Fixtures (UK Time)

10 February – 9.30pm
11 February – 9.30pm
14 February – 9.30pm
17 February – 12:00am
17 February – 9.30pm

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Anita McLaren back for Argentina series


Photo: www.photosport.nz

Two time Olympian Anita McLaren will suit up for the first time since the Rio Olympic Games when the Vantage Black Sticks Women travel to Argentina next month.

McLaren (nee Punt), with 247 internationals to her name, is one of 20 players named to play Argentina in a five-test series from 20-27 February in Buenos Aires.

As the Vantage Black Sticks Women’s leading all-time goal scorer, 30-year-old McLaren will add some venom to her side’s attack especially from penalty corners.

Striker Michaela Curtis has earned a re-call while goalkeeper Brooke Roberts will have an opportunity to show her stuff against the world’s number three ranked side.

Stacey Michelsen (244) and Sam Charlton (208) add significant experience to the talented group with striker Kirsten Pearce returning after missing the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final in Auckland through injury.

Head coach Mark Hager was looking forward his team’s first hit-out of 2018 ahead of an important year which includes the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and World Cup in London.

“This is a great series against quality opposition which allows us to test ourselves and see where we are all at leading into the rest of the year,” he said.

“It’s great to have Anita back with the group and she will certainly add a lot of speed and athleticism to our midfield as well as her experience.

“We’re looking at the series as a good opportunity to also give some young players extra exposure, such as Michaela Curtis, Tarryn Davey and Madi Doar.

“Sally Rutherford was named goalkeeper of the tournament at the World League Final so Grace O’Hanlon and Brooke Roberts have been given an opportunity on this tour to continue building depth in that crucial position.”

The Vantage Black Sticks Women’s 2018 National and Development Squads will be announced later this week.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN
Argentina Tour, 20-27 February, 2018

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Anita McLaren back for Black Sticks ahead of Commonwealth Games


Black Sticks striker Anita McLaren is back in black for the upcoming Argentina series. Warwick Smith / FAIRFAX NZ

Black Sticks danger striker Anita McLaren is back in the mix ahead of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games ahead for the first time since the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Two time Olympian Anita McLaren (nee Punt) will travel with the side for their series in Argentina next month.

McLaren with 247 internationals to her name, is one of 20 players named to play Argentina in a five-test series from 20-27 February in Buenos Aires.

As the Black Sticks Women's leading all-time goal scorer, the 30-year-old will add some much needed striker power to her side's attack especially from penalty corners.

Striker Michaela Curtis has earned a re-call while goalkeeper Brooke Roberts will have an opportunity to show her stuff against the world's number three ranked side.

Stacey Michelsen and Sam Charlton with over 450 matches combined, add significant experience to the talented group with striker Kirsten Pearce returning after missing the Hockey World League Final in Auckland through injury.

Head coach Mark Hager was looking forward his team's first hit-out of 2018 ahead of an important year which includes the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and World Cup in London.

"This is a great series against quality opposition which allows us to test ourselves and see where we are all at leading into the rest of the year," he said.

"It's great to have Anita back with the group and she will certainly add a lot of speed and athleticism to our midfield as well as her experience.

Hager said he would be using the series to give some of the younger players exposure at top level such as Michaela Curtis, Tarryn Davey and Madi Doar.

The Black Sticks: Sam Charlton, Michaela Curtis, Tarryn Davey, Frances Davies, Madison Doar, Shiloh Gloyn, Ella Gunson, Sam Harrison, Pippa Hayward, Anita McLaren, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry, Stacey Michelson, Brooke Neal, Grace O'Hanlon, Kirsten Pearce, Brooke Roberts, Amy Robinson, Kelsey Smith, Liz Thompson.


Anita McLaren is the all-time top goal scorer for the Black Sticks and the injection they need in the year of the Hockey World Cup and Commonwealth Games. Kerry Marshall/Getty Images

Stuff

Shaw Announces Squad For Spanish Series



Head coach Graham Shaw has this morning announced his squad for the upcoming 4 match series against Spain in Benalmadena. The series will be the first international fixtures of the year for the Green Army following a fitness block in training and Shaw has elected to bring a large squad mixed with youth and experience to take on the world number 11.

Squad:

1. Grace O Flanagan-Railway Union
2. Emma Buckley-Cork Harlequins
3. Clodagh Cassin-UCD
4. Zoe Wilson-Belfast Harlequins
5. Erin Getty-Queens (TBC)
6. Yvonne O’Byrne-Cork Harlequins
7. Lena Tice-UCD
8. Chloe Watkins-Bloemendaal (TBC)
9. Chloe Brown-Ards
10. Ali Meeke-Loreto
11. Lizzie Colvin-Belfast Harlequins
12. Anna O’Flanagan-Bloemendaal
13. Ellen Curran-UCD
14. Deirdre Duke-UCD
15. Nicola Evans-UHC Hamburg
16. Naomi Carroll-Cork Harlequins
17. Hannah Matthews-Loreto
18. Emma Russell-UCD
19. Sarah Torrans-Loreto
20. Rebecca Barry-Cork Harlequins
21. Emily Beatty-Pembroke
22. Aisling Naughton-Pembroke
23. Gill Pinder Pembroke
24. Shirley McCay-Pegasus
25. Leah McGuire-UCD
26. Roisin Upton-Cork Harlequins
27. Katie Mullan-UCD
28. Nicci Daly-Loreto
29. Kate Lloyd-Railway Union

*The participation of Chloe Watkins and Erin Getty will be dependent on results following injury assessment.

Match Details vs Spain in CHP Benalmadena:

February 6th at 7pm Ireland vs Spain
February 8th at 1pm Ireland vs Spain
February 10th 12pm Ireland vs Spain
February 11th 12pm Ireland vs Spain

*All times listed are local

Irish Hockey Association media release

T&T indoor hockey team begin final warm-up prep


Headcoach Raphael Govia, third from left, and the rest of the contingent of the T&T senior men’s hockey team before they departed on Sunday.

T&T senior men’s indoor hockey team under headcoach Raphael Govia will flick off its final warm-up series ahead of its participation at the Fifth Indoor Hockey World Cup carded for Berlin, Germany from February 7 to 11 versus Holland's HC Den Bosch from 4pm in Oirschot.

Both clubs will face off again tomorrow before the Solomon Eccles-capatined T&T squad completes its warm-up series against Venlo.

Govia, who was part of the T&T team which qualified to play at the Indoor World Cup in Vienna, Austria in 2007, but opted out of the final team due to work commitments currently has a squad of 13 players in Holland and prior to leaving for Germany will name his final 12 players for the competition in Berlin.

In addition to Eccles, who led the national team to the 2017 Pan American Indoor Cup Men’s Tournament finals win, 7-0 over Argentina at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, Guyana last October, the team in Europe comprise most of the players who were on the triumphant Pan Am squad.

When the competition flicks off at the Max-Schmeling-Halle, T&T will come up against Czech Republic in their first Pool B, match on February 7 from 12.45pm (Germany Time) and then Poland at 7.30pm to close out the first day.

On February 8, the “Calypso Stickmen” will come up against Australia at 3.05pm and Kazakhstan from 10.05pm before closing out the round-robin series versus host Germany on February from 11.50am. Pool A comprises Austria, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, Switzerland and Russia.

At the end of the round-robin phase, the top four teams in each pool will advance to the quarterfinals followed by the semifinals on February 10, and the third place playoff and final a day later.

Commenting on the team's final phase of preparations, Govia said a lot of emphasis will continue to be put on all their “skills” passing ability and good sound basics and awareness on the court”.

“That type of sharpness will make them winners and once they believe, they can cause lots of trouble in Berlin on the court every game”.

“Our players are branded with a particular style of play, coach Darren Cowie and myself have understood that and we are going to work that brand”.

Looking ahead to the tournament in Germany, Govia said his only bit of worry from his team would be the goalscoring aspect as he still needs to emphasis on impact attacks and clinical finishing every opportunity his team gets.

“The firepower of likes of Mikel Peirre, Jordan Vieira and Akim Toussaint will cause some serious problems for coaches and defences up there.

A confident Govia ended, “This team is combined of good quality and enormous talent and explosive players, the mix of seniors with the younger fiery ones augers well for the two games a day competition”.

T&T 13-MEMBER TEAM

Ron Alexander, Karlos Stephens, Solomon Eccles (captain), Jordan Reynos, Aidan De Gannes, Andrew Vieira, Akim Toussaint, Mikel Pierre, Jordan Vieira, Kristien Emmanuel, Marcus James, Shaquille Daniel, Tariq Marcano.

The Trinidad Guardian

Muscat will host Asian Champions Trophy in October

s2h team



Mucat will host the Asian Champions Trophy at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex between October 18-28 this year, with Hero as title sponsor. The fifth edition of Asia's bi-annual event will have World No.12 Malaysia, world No.13 Pakistan, world No.14 South Korea, world No.16 Japan besides India and and the hosts Oman. India is the reigning champions.

The tournament will witness intense competition among some of the top performing teams from across Asia and will be the biggest Asian Hockey event prior to the World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar, India from November 28 to December 16, 2018.

Pawan Munjal, Chairman, MD and CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Field Hockey is one of our focus sports and we have had a long standing and gratifying association with FIH. We are glad to extend our association with the Hero Asian Champions Trophy and look forward to an exciting tournament. I wish all the teams and the Oman Hockey Association the very best for a successful tournament.”

AHF President HRH Prince Abdullah Ahmad said: “We are delighted by the efforts and enthusiasm of Oman Hockey Association to become a leading nation in the hockey community by hosting the Hero Asian Champions Trophy. And we are delighted to have Hero MotoCorp on board as the title sponsor.”

AHF CEO Tayyab Ikram added: “The AHF is pleased to further expand our cooperation with the Oman Hockey Association, who have become a key partner for the AHF. After the successful organization of last year’s AHF Congress, the OHA is shortly hosting the Men’s Asian Games Qualifier tournament and taking on the challenge of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy in October. I am convinced that both of the upcoming events will be great successes and will be organized with the same aspiration of excellence and diligence that we have seen so far.” He added further that, the inclusion and unparalleled dedication of a global player and premier brand of Hero MotoCorp’s stature, and enthusiasm of Asian Hockey’s National Associations, reflects the dedication of AHF and affiliated partners to take the sport to new heights.

OHA President Captain Talib Al Wahaibi said: “It will be a matter of pride for me, Oman and Oman hockey to host the Asian Champions Trophy. To have the top six teams from the Asian hockey family vying for the prestigious crown at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher will be a big thing. It will be a major boost for the Omani hockey. We have hired one of the world’s best coaches, Tahir Zaman of Pakistan. We thank Asian Hockey Federation, & specially Dato' Tayyab Ikram, The Chief Executive AHF for giving us the responsibility of hosting the Men's Asian champions Trophy 2018 and their continued support in developing hockey in Oman and rest of Asia.”

Stick2Hockey.com

Rot-Weiss storm into the German indoor semi-finals


©: Sander Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics

Reigning German indoor champions Rot-Weiss Köln cruised into the semi-final of their national championship with a devastating 14-3 win over Blau-Weiss Berlin.

They earned their ticket to the KLAFS Final Four in Stuttgart next weekend alongside Krefeld, Club an der Alster and UHC Hamburg. For Rot-Weiss coach André Henning, he said his side produced a brilliant performance.

“We were maybe the best between 1-1 and 6-1. Defensively, they barely gave away any chances, produced a lot of pressure with a high level of willingness to run.

"Ultimately, a great performance from the guys in a game that was absolutely in a playoff-style. It was fun for everyone and that was how we played."

Timo Blobel had given Blau Weiss an early lead but Rot-Weiss responded with the next eight goals with Christopher Rühr, Marco Miltkau (pictured above), Joshua Delarber, Mats Grambusch and Moritz Trompertz all scoring. Blobel ended with a hat-trick but Miltkau netted five while Rühr added three in the massive win.

UHC Hamburg won 7-4 against TSV Mannheim in their quarter-final while Club an der Alster won 6-4 against Mannheimer HC. Janick Eschler scored three times for Crefelder HTC in their 5-4 success against Berliner HC. UHC will face Rot-Weiss in the semi-finals next weekend while An der Alster are up against Krefeld.

Euro Hockey League media release

Four teams in league play-offs

By BRIAN YONGA


JKUAT’s Elizabeth Okama (left) tussles with Amira Sailors’ Yvonne Madowo during their women’s Premier League match in Nairobi on January 20, 2018. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Four teams have booked places in this season’s Kenya Hockey Union men’s National League play-offs after the weekend’s round of matches.

The top two at the end of the play-off will qualify for next season’s Premier League, taking up the places of the relegated sides. Mvita XI and Multimedia University were the last teams to confirm their places after the latest round of weekend matches.

Mvita XI beat compatriots Mombasa West 3-1 on Saturday at the Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) to secure second place in pool B of the second-tier men’s division.

The Mombasa-based club which was relegated from the top league three seasons ago completed their preliminary matches in second place with 32 points, two behind leaders Wazalendo Masters.

In Pool A, Multimedia University finished top of the standings with 35 points, with Kisumu Youngstars placed second with an equal number of points but an inferior goal difference.

Multimedia beat Kabarak University courtesy of a brace from international Danstone Baraza in their match at the City Park Stadium.

In the play-offs set for February 10, Multimedia will face Mvita XI, while Kisumu Youngstars will come up against Wazalendo Masters.

Apart from a place in next season’s top flight, the finalists will play to determine the winner of the 2017/2018 KHU men’s National League.

Multimedia coach Vincent Adhiambo believes the time is ripe for his charges to play in the top flight.

“We were unlucky to miss out on promotion this season but we are now in better shape to seal our place in the big boys club,” Adhiambo said.

The students will be bank on the striking partnership of Baraza and Moses Ademba who have been in ominous form this season.

In the men’s Premier League, Kenya College of Accountancy University remain in danger of relegation after they lost 5-1 to former champions Butali Sugar Warriors.

The result left the students’ second from bottom with three matches to play.

Daily Nation

George Watson’s win Girls’ Under-18 Indoor Cup


George Watson’s, Scottish U18 Girls Indoor Cup winners

George Watson’s won the Girls’ Under-18 Indoor Cup after a dramatic running penalty victory over Strathallan at Bells Sports Centre.

The day’s action began in Pool B with Strathallan facing George Watson’s College. Lucy Hogarth and Georgia Jones combined with each other in a slick one-two to move around the keeper and open the scoring midway in the first half. Watsons doubled their lead two minutes later to make it 2-0 before Strathallan replied in the first minute of the second half through Jenny McGuire. Strathallan gained a penalty corner shortly after with Lisa Beirman converting. Seconds later from the restart Strahallan took the lead for the first time in the match advancing to 3-2. A fantastic drive around the baseline cut back to earn a brace for McGuire made the game 4-2 Strathallan. An instant reply came from Watsons by Captain Hogarth for her brace leaving eight minutes on the clock with the score at 4-3. With seconds left on the clock Georgia Jones converted to end the match in a well contested draw.

In the Pool A opening game Craigholme took on Robert Gordon’s College. Craigholme opened the scoring early through Elle Bryce. A second came shortly after through Faith Borland, before Craigholmes third goal gave Bryce her brace early on. The fourth goal came from a short corner, converted by Margery Justice. Bryce earned her hat-trick and Craigholmes 5th goal with a tap in at the back post. Craigholme earned a penalty corner in the last minutes, Faith Borland converting for her brace. The final score finished 6-0 in Craigholme’s favour.


Bells Sports Centre, Perth. Scottish Under18 girls Indoor Cup – photo by Duncan Gray

Back in Pool B High School of Glasgow faced Strathallan. High School opened the scoring through Lucy Williamson, a fantastic passing move put her in behind the keeper. Strathallan earned the equaliser shortly after with a fast-paced counter attack after the restart, Izzy Folan earning the first for her team. Lisa Bierman converted a penalty corner to take the lead and Folan earned a brace to advance the score to 1-3. High School of Glasgow fought back with a converted penalty corner by Eve Downie. After the half time break, Strathallan earned their fourth through Beirman, her second of the contest. Within a minute Folan advanced her team once more, her hat trick. A penalty corner was given for a foul outside the D, Bierman stepped up and converted calmly. High School pushed forward to earn a penalty corner the shot fired just wide. Strathallan pushed again to score their 7th of the day, Flora Hamill scoring her first of the day. Bierman converted a late short corner to end the game 8-2.

Craigholme stepped up for their second game of the day against South opponents Hawick. Craigholme scored early on with a goal from Olivia McLeish. With five minutes gone McLeish made the lead 2-0 with her brace. Hawick earned a penalty corner, however it was well run down. Craigholme made it three with a well worked two-v-one situation, McLeish once more converting. On the stroke of half time Faith Borland converted a short corner to end the half 4-0. Craigholme came out from the break hard and scored a 5th through Ellie Bryce. Sophie Tankel earned the 6th goal with a drive into the D, passing the keeper on the near side with eleven minutes still to play. Margery Justice rattled the post from a penalty corner, with Hawick managing to clear their lines well. Hawick earned a penalty corner shortly after this, and from a series of corners Hawick converted through Emma Suddon. In the dying seconds of the match Craigholme made it eight, Margery Justice slipping the ball to the back post for Sophie Tankel earning a brace and ending the game Hawick 1 Craigholme 8.


Scottish Under18 girls Indoor Cup – photo by Duncan Gray

High School of Glasgow and George Watson’s College faced off in their final pool game. Georgia Jones drew first blood for Watson’s when a scrap in front of goal fell kindly to her stick. Lucy Hogarth extended Watson’s lead shortly after. High School of Glasgow made it 2 -1through Eve Downie with a great individual effort, rounding the keeper and squeezing the ball into the goal from a tiny angle. Watson’s reply was instant from the restart quashing high schools effort returning their two-goal advantage, the goal from Tori Williamson. The second half opened with captain Hogarth looking to add to her tally, a converted goal to make it 4-1 and then shortly after gaining a penalty corner for her team, the High School keeper making a great save to deny Watson’s. Hogarth added Watsons fifth from a fast paced cross from the boards. Watson’s adding to their tally in a bid to top the Pool. A penalty corner soon made the score 6 goals to one for Watsons, Georgia Jones fighting through a crowd to take the honours. High School of Glasgow fought hard to Eve Downie scoring her brace. Watsons reply again was instant through Georgia Jones. Watson’s final goal came from Ellie Wilson. This ends the game 8-2 with a shoot-out required between Watson’s and Strathallan to decide the Pool positions.

The Final pool match of the day saw Robert Gordon’s College take on Hawick Academy. RGC took the lead early on through Eilidh Seedhouse. Hawick drew even just before half time through Emma Suddon. With five minutes left in RGC pushed forward with a penalty corner converted from Millie Skidmore. Hawick defended the next penalty corner well to deny a goal. The match came to a close with RGC scoring two goals in the last minute – Kirsten Watson with the Brace.

A penalty shoot-out was required to separate the teams in the Pool B, GWC v Strathallan. The first penalty was the only to be converted, meaning GWC advanced as winners of their pool.


Scottish Under18 girls Indoor Cup – photo by Duncan Gray

In the first Semi Final, Strathallan took the lead before Izzy Folan converted to take the advantage to two goals. Strathallan pushed once again and made it 3-0 before half time. Craigholme played well but were unable to convert on several chances they fashioned. In the second half it took eight minutes before another goal was scored – Strathallan extended their lead to 5-0. Craigholme earned a stroke but Margery Justice put the ball wide past the post. Craigholme continued to put Strathallan under pressure and earned a goal for their efforts. Craigholme continued to create chances but couldn’t make them count. A penalty corner late in the game gave Strathallan their sixth of the game with only a minute left on the clock. Craigholme wouldn’t go away without a fight and managed to increase their tally to 2 goals. However the game finished with Starthallan progressing to the final.

In the second semi-final it was George Watson’s College against Robert Gordon’s College. George Watson’s Lucy Hogarth scored in the second minute before Robert Gordon’s Kirsten Watson gained the equaliser. Watsons pushed to regain the lead and Cailin Hart earned a goal. Georgia Jones made it four from a penalty corner ending the half 3-1 to Watsons. George Watsons pushed forward in the second half, captain Hogarth leading the charge for her brace. Ellie Wilson pushed the lead once more from a well converted penalty corner. In the final minute the final was sealed for Watson’s ending the match 6-1 – Tori Williamson with the last goal of the game.


28 January 218 at Bells Sports Centre, Perth. Scottish Under18 girls Indoor Cup – photo by Duncan Gray

In the play off for 5th and 6th Hawick and High School of Glasgow faced off. Hawick took the lead in the 16th minute through Emma Suddon. Within five minutes Hawick gained a penalty corner which Rachel Shiel converted to advance their cause. High School of Glasgow pulled a goal back after the restart. Hawick earned a penalty corner with minutes left to play, Captain Shiel earning a brace and securing 5th place for her team.

In the 3rd and 4th play-off match a repeat of the earlier pool a match saw Craigholme facing Robert Gordons College once more. The first half was a stalemate with no score for either team. Craigholme started the second half strong, with a series of penalty corners won, but converting these chances to goals was not on the cards. Faith Borland stepped up after another penalty corner was conceded by RGC, a drilled shot passing the post player to gain the lead in the match. Another penalty corner with under five minutes on the clock Margery Justice converted, this was the only other action of the game.

In the final Strathallan faced off against George Watsons. Strathallan earned the lead midway through the first half, both teams having chances but Jenny McGuire making it count and the only goal of the half. In the first minute of the second half, Lucy Hogarth spurred her team by converting after a high paced run. Izzy Folan replied to the advance of Watsons with her own individual effort, regaining the lead for Strathallan. Georgia Jones and Hogarth combined through the middle of the pitch to bring the score back to even at two apiece; both teams fighting hard. Hogarth almost forced the lead for Watsons but the ball just squeezed past the post. Strathallan earned a penalty corner, Bierman fired into the bottom corner to regain the lead with under five minutes to go. George Watsons gained a penalty corner in the last minute, Georgia Jones sneaked the ball past the defence to take the match to running penalties. The match came to a dramatic conclusion with George Watson’s College taking the title with a 2-1 shoot-out victory.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Tyler Lovell Joins Mercian


Tyler Lovell in Mercian kit

Mercian Hockey is delighted to announce that Australian goalkeeper Tyler Lovell is joining the brand.

The well-known international player has a global profile and forms part of a growing stable of international players and goalkeepers supported by the company.

A member of the FIH number 1 ranked side, Tyler is undoubtedly one of the best keeper’s in the world and Mercian is thrilled he’s signed with them for the next three years.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper made his international debut in 2013 and will take to the field for the 100 th time in Australian green and gold in his home city, Perth during next week’s test series versus The Netherlands. During his career, Tyler has gold medals from The World Cup, World League Finals and Oceania Cup and firmly has his sights on the upcoming Commonwealth Games in April to make it six in a row for Australia.

Mercian MD Simon Mason said “It is an honour to work with Tyler in this exciting stage of his international career. For him to be wearing Mercian when he plays his 100 th test is fantastic. He has his pick of brands, so for him to choose us is testament to the quality of our equipment. Tyler’s had direct access to the manufacturing process, and the products he’s been involved in will be available to the market soon. ”

Tyler Lovell said “Not many Australian athletes get the chance to work so closely with an International brand, so I know how lucky I am. Mercian is definitely leading the way in developing hockey equipment for the future, and it’s really great to be part of that.”

Tyler joins George Pinner of England, Devon Manchester of New Zealand and Tommy Alexander of Scotland in Mercian equipment.

Mercian Hockey media release