News for 05 February 2018
All the news for Monday 5 February 2018
5 Nations Invitational Tournament (M) - Final Day
Malaga (ESP)
ESP - CAN 4 - 1
Final Standings
| Team | World Ranking | Standing |
|---|---|---|
 Spain |
8 | 1 |
 Ireland |
10 | 2 |
 Canada |
11 | 3 |
 Scotland |
23 | 4 |
 United States |
26 | 5 |
Hockeyroos Beaten In China Series Opener
Ben Somerford---Copy.jpg)
The Hockeyroos have suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to China PR in the opening game of their five-match series at Hale Hockey Club on Sunday evening.
The Chinese raced away to a 3-0 half-time lead before a more determined second-half display from the Hockeyroos.
Jodie Kenny pulled one goal back in the third quarter via a penalty stroke but Australia were unable to add to their total in the final term despite plenty of pressure.
The result gives China the advantage in the series which continues on Monday from 4.30pm WST/7.30pm AEST at Hale Hockey Club.
China started well from the outset and set the tone early, with Peng Yang opening the scoring in the third minute with a fine turn and shot which went through Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch’s legs.
Kathryn Slattery had Australia’s first chance with a reverse stick effort, before Xi doubled the visitors’ lead in the ninth minute, squeezing a shot in at the near post.
Chances were few and far between in the second quarter, with Song adding China’s third on the stroke of half-time when her cutback deflected in off Hockeyroos defender Lily Brazel.
Australia responded well in the second half with Eddie Bone, in her first game back after more than six months out with injury, offering a threat down the right.
Emily Smith’s deflection tested China keeper Ye Jiao, before Australia won a penalty stroke from a penalty corner.
Kenny stepped up to the convert the stroke high to Ye Jiao’s right to give the Hockeyroos hope.
With six minutes to play in the final quarter, Australia replaced Lynch with an outfield player and had their greatest threat, with Madi Ratcliffe testing Ye Jiao from a penalty corner.
Smith and birthday girl Savannah Fitzpatrick both forced saves from Ye Jiao in the dying moments but it wasn’t to be for Australia.
Australia 1 (Kenny 50’)
China 3 (Peng Yang 3’, Xi X.Y. 9’, Song X.M. 34’)
Hockey Australia media release
Indoor Hockey World Cup: The Underdogs
The Indoor Hockey World Cup brings together the best indoor hockey teams from across the world as they seek to lift the trophy on 11 February.
For many of the players and teams competing at the Max Scheming Halle in Berlin, Germany, this is the pinnacle of their indoor hockey careers and for some, this is a moment that has, at times, seemed unlikely.
The romantic and headline-grabbing story has to be the presence of Trinidad and Tobago team in the men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup. Against the odds, Trinidad and Tobago won the Indoor Pan Am Cup in 2017, knocking the pre-tournament favourites Canada out in a thrilling 7-5 encounter before defeating Argentina 7-0 in the final.
"We’re not here to make up numbers but to prove that Trinidad and Tobago belongs on the world stage.”
Douglas Camacho, President of Trinidad and Tobago Hockey
Ranked 18 in the FIH Hero Indoor Hockey World rankings, Head Coach Raphael Govia and Assistant Coach Darren Cowie, will have been plotting their course to further success as they take on Poland (WR:3), Czech Republic (WR:6) not to mention their final match of the pools against the world number one team, Germany.
Douglas Camacho, President of Trinidad and Tobago Hockey said: “We’ve been drawn in Pool A to face European teams and Australia, so we hope to bring our exciting brand of hockey to the tournament and show them what we’ve got. We’re not here to make up numbers but to prove that Trinidad and Tobago belongs on the world stage.”
Making their debut at the Indoor World Cup will be Kazakhstan. The team that is currently ranked 16th in the world have a baptism of fire as they face Germany in the opening match of the men's competition. Head Coach Olga Urmanova will be looking for her young team to adapt to the cauldron of international hockey very quickly.
European teams dominate the top world rankings in the women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup, with the Netherlands top of the list at number one. However, they suffered a defeat at the hands of Germany (WR:2) in the recent EuroHockey Indoor Championship.
At the other end of the scale, USA are ranked 20th and they come to the competition as tournament debutants. Ali Campbell, who was voted best player at the Pan American Indoor Hockey Cup, will be hoping to continue her fine form in front of goal, but a pool that comprises Netherlands, Poland and Belarus will prove a stern testing ground for the USA team.
For USA Head Coach Jun Kentwell, team selection (12 players from a group of 24) for the event has been tough: “The selection of the squad to travel to the Indoor World Cup has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to face,” Kentwell said in a statement released by USA Field Hockey, “I have never worked with a group of players who shown so much commitment and determination.”
Another side who sit low in the women's rankings are the African champions, Namibia. Ranked 14th in the world, Namibia have a habit of overturning the form book. They beat red hot favourites South Africa in the race to the Indoor Hockey World Cup thanks to a pulsatingly exciting final in the African Indoor Cup and, according to Netherlands Coach Marieke Dijkstra, whose team played them in a friendly, they are: "A very physical and skilled team." In Dijkstra's words: "When it gets to quarter-final stage, anything can happen."
The action starts on 7 February. Fans can follow all the matches from the main hall via a free live-stream on FIH YouTube.
#IHWC2018
FIH site
Indoors/outdoors - what's the difference?
Germany's Janne Muller-Weiland believes that indoor hockey can support the outdoor game Photo: FIH/WSP
Pitch size, playing surface, temperature, number of players on the pitch – the basic differences between the indoor game and the outdoor game are obvious. But what about the skills and abilities that are needed to be a successful indoor or outdoor player? And can you be good at both?
Steve Willer is Head Coach to the Australia men’s indoor hockey team. He gives us his opinions on the difference between the two disciplines.
“The main differences are the close-in skills, the passing techniques and the consequences for simple skill errors. In outdoor hockey there is a reliance on hitting or slapping the ball to pass, with the ball moving greater distances and players away from the ball not being involved.
“In indoor hockey, the ball is moved shorter distances, with pushing and a greater use of deception in passing, and all players on the court are continually involved.”
These are all points that German women’s captain Janne Muller-Weiland agrees with. She said: “In the indoor game, with just six players on the pitch, you know that every mistake will be punished. This means you need very good skills and a high level of decision making. You need to be able to make quick decisions under immense pressure. Your passing must be effective, fast and quick.”
When it comes to the outdoor game, being able to play the ball in the air gives another dimension. Netherland’s women’s Head Coach Marieke Dijkstra says: “While there are many similarities, once you move outdoors, the skills become 3D and it becomes far more physical. It is a bigger area and you are doing a lot more running over further distances, with a lot more running back and changing direction.
“One thing I would say is that the press we use indoors, if you used it outdoors, it would be very effective. A good press will make it very difficult for a team to get out.”
"In the indoor game you know that every mistake will be punished. This means you need very good skills and a high level of decision making."
Janne Muller-Weiland, Germany (Indoor & Outdoor)
Muller-Weiland agrees that there are many things that outdoor teams can learn from the indoor game. “If you are good at skills indoors, you will be even better outdoors,” she said.
“It is very hard to go one-on-one in the indoor game against a flat stick. If you are good at that, and then you take the skill outdoors where you can lift the ball as well, so you get to use 3D skills, then you will be an even better outdoor player.”
That said, there are some people within the game who feel the two versions are incompatible. “The most common comment I hear from outdoor hockey coaches and players is that indoor hockey is not good for outdoor hockey as players get into a bad habit of tackling with a flat stick,” says Willer.
“I would argue that the ability of a player to tackle flat stick and protect their feet is critical in outdoor hockey, especially when defending in one’s own circle. I do not personally believe there are any bad habits that a player picks up from indoor hockey, especially when it is coached correctly. In fact, what players pick up from indoor hockey enhances and improves their outdoor game.
He continued: "Often outdoor training sessions are small games or drills involving 5v5, 4v4, 3v2, etc situations. The game of indoor is basically a 5v5 game (with the addition of goalkeepers) where players need to perform under pressure, in confined spaces, as a team.”
The Australia Head Coach identified the qualities needed to be a great indoor hockey player. He said: “They can both defend and attack. They perform all their skills at a high level, while under pressure from opponents and in confined spaces. They have outstanding 2D elimination skills and can manipulate the ball through the smallest gaps. Indoor hockey is fast paced and great indoor players think multiple moves ahead, working as a team. And yes, players can be equally good at both indoor hockey and outdoor hockey. Look at Germany’s Moritz Fürste and Tobias Hauke for great examples.”
See the stars of indoor hockey in action at the Indoor Hockey World Cup from 7-11 February. Watch all of the action free and live from the Main Hall via FIH's YouTube channel.
#IHWC2018
FIH site
Australian Sides Set For Indoor Hockey World Cup
Ben Somerford
The 2018 Indoor Hockey World Cup commences in Berlin on Wednesday with Australia fielding teams in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
The fifth edition of the event will take place at the magnificent 7,000-seat Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, Germany, from 7-11 February 2018, while it will be live streamed on the FIH website.
The sports stadium will play host to 80 international matches, with 24 games taking place each day on the first two days of competition. In total, 24 teams are participating, 12 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams.
Australia’s women will be first in action against Ukraine from 7pm AEDT on Wednesday, while Australia’s men meet Poland from 9.55pm AEDT on the same night.
The Australians are ranked eighth in the women’s division and will be pooled against Germany, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Namibia and Russia.
Oceania champions Australia have a solid history at Indoor Hockey World Cup events in the women’s division.
The team’s sixth place finish in Vienna in 2007 was their best to date but with Australia, you always know they set out their stall to win.
Shelley Watson brings the experience gained from three previous World Cup appearances and Lauren Austin will be looking to get her name on the score-sheet with her usual regularity.
In the men’s division, Australia are ranked 11th and will come up against Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and Trinidad & Tobago in their pool.
Australia’s men have qualified for every edition of the Indoor World Cup but have never finished higher than seventh.
Their current ranking suggest that they might not push for a podium place this time but, as everyone knows, Australian teams always leave everything on the pitch in the hunt for glory.
Coach Steve Willer will look to Thomas Sinclair, Benjamin Rennie and Heath Ogilvie to pass on the experience they gained at the 2015 Indoor World Cup.
The competition format comprises pool matches, followed by cross-over quarter-finals involving the top four placed teams in each pool.
The winners of the quarter-finals progress to semi-finals and contest places 1-4; the other four teams play for positions 5-8.
Australia’s women’s squad: Lauren Austin, Emma Reid, Tamsin Bunt, Tegan Boucher, Clare Comerford (gk), Emma McLeish, Lisa Farrell, Kyah Gray, Shelley Watson, Lindsey Howard, Elizabeth Duguid (gk), Karri Somerville, Samantha Economos, Peta Sutherland (gk), Madeleine Murphy
Coach: Stewart Fenton
Australia’s men’s squad: Troy Rossiter (gk), Jack Hayes, Aidan Campbell, Luke Noblett, Thomas Sinclair, Adam Seccull, James Knee, Heath Ogilvie, Alexander Mackay, Benjamin Rennie (gk), Troy Sutherland, Jake Sherren
Coach: Steve Willer
Participating women's nations & their Hero FIH Indoor Hockey World Rankings (WR):
Women’s Pool A teams: Netherlands (WR: 1), Poland (WR: 4), Belarus (WR:5), Kazakhstan (WR: 12), Switzerland (Wr: 19) and USA (WR: 20)
Women’s Pool B teams: Germany (WR: 2), Czech Republic (WR: 3), Ukraine (WR: 7), Australia (WR: 8), Namibia (WR: 14), and Russia (WR: 17)
Participating men's nations & their FIH Hero Indoor Hockey World Rankings (WR):
Men’s Pool A teams: Germany (WR: 1), Poland (WR: 5), Czech Republic (WR: 6), Australia (WR: 11), Kazakhstan (WR: 16), Trinidad & Tobago (WR: 18)
Men’s Pool B teams: Austria (WR:2), Russia (WR: 4), Iran (WR: 7), Switzerland (WR: 8), South Africa (WR: 12) and Belgium (WR: 16)
Hashtags: #IHWC2018
Hockey Australia media release
SA men seeded 12th for indoor hockey World Cup
Allan Isaacs
The SA indoor men's hockey team will face European champions Austria at the World Cup. Photo: @blitzstoks via Twitter
The fifth hockey indoor World Cup will be held in Berlin, Germany, this week with the first games taking place on Wednesday and the finals scheduled for next Sunday.
The four-day tournament will see plenty of action-packed encounters and promises to be an engrossing event.
The South African men’s team had to qualify via the African Cup, which they clinched in a nail-biting clash against a classy Namibian outfit in Windhoek.
The Namibian men’s and women’s indoor hockey squads have improved dramatically over the last few years, so much so that their women’s side beat South Africa in their final to secure their first ever spot in the World Cup finals.
The South African men’s team have been preparing for the tournament with weekly training camps as well as playing in the superb Pro Series Indoor (PSI) series against world-class opposition in December.
The team has been together for some time and have become a cohesive and settled unit. There are nine KZN players in the 12-man squad and this continuity stands the squad in good stead.
Six players remain from the last World Cup in 2015 in Leipzig, and these players will bring valuable experience to the side.
Coach Pierre le Roux shared his thoughts on the squad: “It is rich with experience and the players selected have performed well over the past three years. We believe this consistency and maturity will be beneficial in the World Cup environment.”
Ryan Julius, the sole Western Province player in the squad, is excited about the tournament: “We have prepared well and cannot wait to get started. The players are all fit and we believe that if we execute our skills properly we will be more than competitive.”
SA (12th seeds) are drawn in a tough pool with newly-crowned European champions, Austria (2) and finalists Belgium (16) in their pool.
They will also face Russia (4), Iran (7) and Switzerland (8) and will do well to progress as far as the quarter-finals.
SA Indoor Team
Chris McCathie (GK) KZN, Richard Curtis (GK) KZN, Matthew Fairweather KZN, Justin Domleo KZN, Robin Jones KZN, Wade Paton KZN, Jethro Eustice KZN, Mohamed Mea KZN, Rusten Abrahams SG, Reza Rosenberg SG, Ryan Julius WP, Jarryd Jones KZN.
Fixtures
7 February: SA v Russia, SA v Austria
8 February: SA v Switzerland, SA v Iran
9 February: SA v Belgium
Weekend Argus
Tigges inspires Amsterdam to yet another Dutch indoor title
Robert Tigges inspired AH&BC Amsterdam to their fourth successive Dutch national indoor title as his hat trick played a key role in their 5-4 win over Cartouche in the final.
It was the ninth time in their history that they won the title and their winning streak equaled Oranje-Zwart's record four in-a-row streak early this century.
“This was real indoor hockey,” Nicki Leijs told hockey.nl following the final. “Everything was very fast. Technically, it was a chess game, of penalty corners, penalty strokes, delicious!”
Boris Burkhardt opened the scoring for Amsterdam only for Steven Doorman to equalise from a stroke for 1-1. Caspar van Dijk and a solo beauty from Tigges made it 3-1 at half-time; Bas Osstendorp reduced the gap but Tigges added two more corners for a 4-2 and 5-3 lead.
Each time, Doorman replied, completing a hat trick of strokes to keep the game in the balance until the final moments.
“The match was more exciting and more difficult than expected,” Leijs added.
Euro Hockey League media release
UHC crown “farewell tour” with epic German indoor final win
©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics
UHC Hamburg crowned what was dubbed as their “farewell tour” with the German indoor title as they beat Club an der Alster 8-5 in the final in Stuttgart.
It was just their third national indoor crown, the previous successes coming in 1964 and 2002 and was billed as being the last stand for many of their long-serving players.
"At the end of this incredibly exciting journey, we are overjoyed, and when I look at the happy faces, I feel really warm in my heart," said UHC coach Kais al Saadi.
"It has been a lot of work so far, but it was really easy for us. The guys threw everything in here – heart, passion and a crazy collectivity.
“At times, we had some problems with our build-up, and we never really had the certainty that it would be over until the end. We were never allowed to let up, but the guys were extremely focused all the way."
The victory came in front of a sold out crowd of 2,200 in the SCHARRena who enjoyed a fast-paced game throughout. Jonas and Moritz Fürste scored the opening two goal before Anton Boeckel got one back for Alster in the 20th minute.
Nico Jacobi saved a stroke to keep the narrow lead and UHC stayed in front 3-2 after Tino Teschke and Jonathan Froschle exchanged goals.
Niklas Bruns equalised at 3-3 but 17-year-old Hannes Müller restored the UHC lead and Philip Schmid put them two clear. Two more Jonas Fürste goals pushed them on to a 6-4 and 7-5 advantage before Müller finished off the scoring in the final minute.
Euro Hockey League media release
Scottish GALA Day 2018 delivers action, drama, and goals aplenty
Photo by Duncan Gray
A tremendous Indoor GALA Day 2018 saw Inverleith and Clydesdale Western crowned men’s and women’s Indoor National League 1 champions respectively. Grove Menzieshill 2s won Men’s Indoor National League 2, while Western Wildcats gained promotion to Men’s National League 1 at the expense of Hillhead. Grange EL also achieved promotion and will play at the top level of women’s hockey next season.
Western Wildcats 1-4 Grange EL
Grange EL beat Western Wildcats 4-1 to gain promotion to Women’s Indoor National League 1, and get the GALA Day underway.
It was a competitive an even opening to the match. An early penalty corner for Grange was well defended to keep the Edinburgh side at bay.
Western Wildcats’s McKenzie Bell had a good opportunity to score but her shot from a narrow angle hit the outside of the goal.
Then Cat Booth had an opportunity slip just past the post for Wildcats as they hunted for the opener.
It was Grange who opened the scoring when Laura Protheroe finished off a nice team move from close range.
Beth Goodyear won a penalty corner for Grange but the eventual effort hit her team mate’s foot and the chance was lost.
Courtney Doherty made it 2-0 with a sublime move from a penalty corner. She took the ball at the top of the D, confidently stepped inside and picked her spot in the back of the net.
It was 3-0 to Grange when Goodyear rounded off a break with a slick finish.
Protheroe scored her second of the match as Grange again hit Wildcats on the break; she did well to slide the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. 4-0
Wildcats continued to press for goals as the match continued and got a well-earned goal with seven minutes remaining. Emma McDairmid was the scorer.
Wildcats went to kicking back for the closing minutes but Grange was resolute and took the victory.
Western Wildcats 5-2 Uddingston
Western Wildcats defeated Uddingston 5-2 to book a clash against Hillhead later in the GALA Day with the chance of promotion to Men’s National League 1.
It was a rip-roaring start to the game with the action raging from end-to-end from the outset.
Wildcats edged the early play and it was they who opened the scoring. The opening goal was hammered home from a tight angle by Andrew McConnell to put his side 1-0 up.
Uddingston played their way back into the contest and bagged themselves an equaliser from a penalty stroke. Bradley Hughes dispatched the stroke effortlessly to equalise 1-1.
Western Wildcats again took charge of the contest and scored a second when Joe McConnell looped the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.
It was 3-1 on 16 minutes when Andrew McConnell bagged his second of the afternoon, before Sam Eadie made it 4-1.
Uddingston pulled one back just before half time when Laurie McKelvie sent a sweet drag flick into the top corner to make it 4-2.
The second half was an equally competitive affair with Uddingston battling back. McKelvie had a great chance to pull another goal back for Uddingston through a penalty stroke, but he sent his effort wide of the target.
Wildcats made them pay and a swift break down the left saw the ball cut back for Joe McConnell to tap in at the far post. 5-2.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Dunfermline Carnegie 4-4 (1-3) Grove Menzieshill 2s
Grove Menzieshill 2s are once again Men’s Indoor National League 2 champions after an exciting running penalties GALA Day win over Dunfermline Carnegie.
Dunfermline Carnegie opened the scoring through Gary Clarke with a clinical finish. Jamie Golden issued a swift response when he equalised for Grove Menzieshill 2s, slamming the ball home at the far post. 1-1.
Grove Menzieshill 2s took the lead through a well dispatched penalty corner by David Petrie.
Carnegie equalised immediately through a delightful spin and shot by Andrew Doyle to make it 2-2.
Doyle scored again when he deflected past the keeper to make it 3-2 to Carnegie.
It could have been a hat-trick moments later when Doyle stepped up to strike a stroke, but he sent it wide of the top left corner.
Right after the restart Grove Menzieshill 2s had the chance to equalise but Andrew Suttie had his penalty stroke well saved. Grove Menzieshill 2s did then equalise three minutes into the half through Sam Tilston, finishing off a good move.
Carnegie continue to pressure the Grove Menzieshill 2s defence and retook the lead through Steven Glass, the keeper pulled off an initial good save before Glass finished the rebound to make it 4-3 with 13 minutes to play.
With just five minutes to go, Grove Menzieshill 2s equalised again. Keeping the pressure on after a penalty corner, David Petrie added the finish.
The contest went to an exciting running penalties shootout. It was here that the prolific finishing of Grove Menzieshill 2s excelled, scoring all three penalties in a 3-1 win.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Edinburgh University 3-5 Grove Menzieshill
Grove Menzieshill claimed third spot on Women’s Indoor National League 1 with a 5-3 win over Edinburgh University at the Indoor GALA Day.
The game started with Edinburgh University on the front foot, and they were rewarded when they scored an early goal through Izzy Fowler.
The second for the students was scored by Becky Dru to put the students firmly in the driving seat at 2-0.
Edinburgh missed a stroke through Izzy Fowler before Grove Menzieshill pulled one back by converting a penalty corner through Judith McMullan.
A different Grove Menzieshill emerged for the second half and just after the restart Grove Menzieshill found an equaliser. Lauren Kingston was the scorer.
Kingston scored again to put Grove Menzieshill ahead, and they promptly scored yet again to make it 4-2, this time through Ellie Stott.
Then Jamie Lyon netted and put the score to 5-2 for Grove Menzieshill, and put the game to bed.
Ella Watt pulled one back for Uni in the final moments of the match with a penalty corner but it was Grove Menzieshill who won the match and claimed third spot on Women’s Indoor National League 1.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Inverleith 2s 3-4 FMGM Monarchs
FMGM Monarchs secured promotion to Men’s National League 2 when they defeated Inverleith 2s in a feisty entertaining GALA Day match.
Monarchs took an early lead when Kenny Falconer slotted the ball past the advancing keeper after a switch of play found him in space.
Inverleith 2s played their way into the match and midway through the half they forged an equaliser. Ross Ogg scored with a neat finish in front of goal on the left of the D.
An excellent diving save by Monarchs’ Sean Thompson denied Inverleith 2s the lead.
Then Callum Boag absolutely smashed the ball home for Monarchs with three minutes to play in the first half to put his side 2-1 ahead.
Scott Glashan made it 3-1 for Monarchs with another smart finish at the left post.
Monarchs then scored a fourth despite a valiant attempt on the line to keep the ball out. Robbie Low was the scorer.
Inverleith 2s scored when Anastascios Varsamidis smashed home a penalty corner into the bottom left corner to pull it back to 4-2.
Almost immediately Alan Wall rounded off a move to pull it back to 4-3.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Grove Menzieshill 4-5 MJV Dundee Wanderers
The Dundee derby served up an absolute GALA Day cracker as Dundee Wanderers pipped Grove Menzieshill to third place of Men’s Indoor National League 1 in Perth.
Grove Menzieshill started the match on scintillating form, playing a fast blend of attacking hockey. Wanderers were working at the back to stifle the flow and restrict opportunities.
Grove Menzieshill opened the scoring when Ross McPherson rammed the ball home to break the deadlock.
The flow of the match changed and Wanderers battled back into the contest. A well-deserved goal soon came when Wanderers equalised through a Fergus Sandison low penalty corner battering off the backboard.
Wanderers went on the attack as the first half drew to a close and managed to put their noses in front.
Sandison nutmegged the goalkeeper from a tight angle to put Wanderers 2-1 up on the stroke of half time.
Grove Menzieshill equalised right after half time with a clinical finish off the post and in by Gavin Tomlinson. 2-2.
Bobby Ralph put Wanderers back in front when he picked out the bottom left corner from a penalty corner. 3-2.
Sandison then scored a screamer for Wanderers with ten minutes remaining. He took the ball at the right of the D and sailed his sailed his shot into the top left corner to make it 4-2.
Grove Menzieshill were not done yet however and Albert Rowling fired home a penalty corner goal to pull the score back to 4-3.
Then Grove Menzieshill’s Tomlinson equalised when he slotted home from the top of the D with a fine finish.
Moments later and Tomlinson rattled the crossbar as Grove Menzieshill went hunting for blood in the closing stages.
Rowling then hit the post, after a swift shot across the goalkeeper.
Dundee Wanderers put the game to bed in the closing seconds when Sandison found the bottom right corner with a penalty corner to give Wanderers the victory right at the death.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Hillhead 2-6 Western Wildcats
Western Wildcats secured promotion to men’s Indoor National League 1 at the expense of Hillhead at the 2018 Indoor GALA Day.
Wildcats took an early lead through a penalty stroke. Andrew McConnell sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and picked out the top right corner to make it 1-0.
Moments later and McConnell scored again. A pass sent him running down the right and from a tight angle he slotted home to make it 2-0.
The McConnell show continued this with Joe McConnell adding his name to the score sheet with a strike from the top of the D. 3-0.
Hillhead promptly tore up the pitch and pulled one back with Fraser Ward scoring from close range to make it 3-1.
Western Wildcats resumed control of the contest and before long Joe McConnell made it 4-1 before his brother Andrew made it 5-1, completing his hat-trick.
Hillhead set about a fightback when Iain Hilton scored from close range to make it 5-2.
Michael Sherry came close for Hillhead but watched his low shot slide wide of the mark.
Then Andrew McConnell finished off a quick Wildcats break to make it 6-2 in the final seconds.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Dundee Wanderers 2-4 Clydesdale Western
Clydesdale Western won the Women’s Indoor National League 1 GALA Day final with a sensational win over Dundee Wanderers.
It was an end-to-end opening to the match with both sides playing with confidence and threat.
It was Clydesdale Western who opened the scoring and the goal came when Millie Steiger looped the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net. 1-0.
Emily Dark looked threatening for Wanderers and was a constant threat to the Western defence. It was Dark who equalised for Wanderers when she converted a penalty corner into the bottom corner to level the score.
Clydesdale took the lead again early in the second half. The ball looked to deflect off Susie Gilman and find its way over the line for a goal.
It went to 3-1 to Clydesdale when Bronwyn Shields slotted the ball low past the goalkeeper to widen the score.
Wanderers threw everything they had at the Western defence and went to kicking back. One mistake gave Gilman the chance to charge forward and make it 4-1 and take the result beyond doubt.
Emily Dark scored a late consolation for Wanderers but it was Western’s day in Perth on the GALA Day.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Bromac Kelburne 3-5 Inverleith
Inverleith won the men’s Indoor National League 1 GALA Day final was a fantastic 5-3 win over Kelburne in Perth.
The game was quick and entertaining from the start with both teams playing slick and quick hockey.
It was Kelburne who had the first chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty stroke. Josh Cairns stepped up to strike but the stroke was superbly saved to keep the score level.
It was Inverleith who opened the scoring from a penalty corner, the shot by Patch Christie was low and hard past Cairns to make it 1-0.
Kelburne then equalised with a simply outstanding finish by Jonny Christie – the striker sent the ball crashing into the top corner in an unstoppable effort.
Kelburne very nearly took the lead when Cairns rattled the post with a penalty corner.
Then Jonny Christie thought he’d scored again after being teed up by Cairns at another penalty corner, but Stephen Dick on the line made a sensational block to deny the goal.
Shortly later Patch Christie had a goal chopped off when he picked out the top left corner, but he was standing just outside the D.
Christie wouldn’t be denied for long and on a swift break it was he who fired into an empty goal to put Inverleith 2-1 up.
It went to 3-1 soon after and it was Stuart Hatton who converted to give Inverleith the advantage.
Cairns issued an instant response for Kelburne; from a penalty corner he picked out the top right corner to pull the score back to 3-2.
Inverleith went 4-2 up early in the second half through another Patch Christie strike. He picked his spot from a tight angle and put Inverleith in the driving seat.
Kelburne bit back when they were awarded their second penalty stroke of the match. Cairns stepped up again and his time dispatched perfectly to make the score 4-3 to Inverleith.
A penalty stroke for Inverleith took the score to 5-3. Christie stepped up to blast it to the right of Cairns and into the net.
Despite a late Kelburne onslaught Inverleith saw the game out comfortably and were crowned champions at the GALA Day.
Photo by Duncan Gray
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Shaw outlines road to London as World Cup comes into view
Graham Shaw is looking forward to the biggest challenge of his coaching career. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Ireland’s women play their first test matches of World Cup year this week in Malaga on Tuesday, taking on Spain in the first of four games this week.
It marks the start of an intense build-up to London 2018 with the tournament getting underway on July 21 with seven series leading into the main event. The side travel to Spain with 29 players taking part from the wider panel of 35.
In March, Ireland travel to Glasgow to play two matches against Scotland and then move on a week later to play England, featuring a large number of Olympians, at Bisham Abbey. The final away trip is a series against world number six side Germany.
After that, it is all home games with a three-game series against Japan, starting with a game in Cork on July 4 and then two games in Dublin on July 6 and 7. A three-nation tournament follows from July 10-14 against Italy and Chile at a venue to be confirmed.
The final run-in comes while the Irish panel will go into a four-day a week phase together in camp from Thursday through to Sundays from mid-May.
The logistics of that mean that some players will have to manage their job situations. But Anna O’Flanagan, Chloe Watkins and Nikki Evans’ decisions to play hockey full-time this year and put work on hiatus mean that the profile of the panel as a whole is reasonably conducive to going into the intense programme.
“A few of our ‘workers’ went to play abroad which has helped the situation,” Shaw told The Hook. “The German league does finish in the first week of June and the Dutch league could finish in the first week of May but we are lucky we have a good few teachers in the squad.
“We don’t have a massive group working without those three. We have asked players to do a three-day week but it doesn’t allow for everyone so we have to work with individuals to get the most from them.
“Being able to get on the pitch four days a week with some double sessions, spending that time together, going through video, working on our culture, environment and behaviours as a group – making sure we get as tight-knit as a team as possible. It will be an invaluable six-week block from May into July.”
Already under their belt in 2018 is a weekend being putting through their paces by the Irish defence forces at the Curragh Camp, an invaluable experience for Shaw’s troops.
“Bringing in the full squad of 35, we spent that bit more time together, especially the younger players, to get everyone to know each other better.
“We also debriefed 2017 and took our learnings from that. The army training was about teamwork, decision making under pressure, problem-solving and also looking at leadership within the group under different circumstances. We felt there was a really good atmosphere in the group.”
As for what came from the debrief, Shaw was coy about the nitty-gritty but said there was plenty to learn from the year gone by. It was one where World Cup qualification was hard won but the proximity to the European Championships was a tough one to cope with emotionally with survival in the top tier only coming by the skin of their teeth.
“The intricate detail is private but we want to be more consistent in how we play and how we behave in tournaments regardless of what pressures come on and where we sit in the tournament.
“There were inconsistencies, particularly in the Euros, whether it is penalty corners or our general style of play. We all know that if you let your emotions get the better of you against quality opposition, you are going to get punished.”
Cliodhna Sargent is back in the reckoning but will not be part of the panel for Spain this week. Pic: Adrian Boehm
For this week’s trip to Spain, Cliodhna Sargent and Megan Frazer are not yet included but they will be given time to prove their fitness after pregnancy and cruciate knee injury, respectively.
“For Cliodhna, it’s a question of whether she can get back to the physical place she was back in January 2017 in Malaysia. She is working really hard physically to see if she can get that back to playing international hockey and that’s her challenge.
“We will continue to monitor her to see how she improves but also minding her because it could be that bit more difficult. She does have that invaluable experience and is a good person around the group.
“Megan has had a tough long road with her knee and a few setbacks along the way. We would obviously have liked her back before now but she has definitely turned a corner in the past three or four months and progressed really well, running on the field with a lot of change of direction. It’s now about making a decision when she steps back on the field.
“We expect her back in some kind of hockey exercises by mid-February with Mannheimer. We are excited by the talent she has and will bring the team that bit of extra confidence.
“With Megan, I can see her being back fully playing in March but we are not going to rush it. We have had enough setbacks to not be silly about it now since she has been out 14 or 15 months out.”
A feature of the Spanish series is the number of Under-21 players involved with Ellen Curran, Sarah Torrans, Erin Getty and Emma Buckley all included from the Euros in Valencia.
“The reintroduction of the Under-21s has been very beneficial to the seniors. We had a look at the group and seen who can progress; some of them are now ready to make a real impact now and others are in for development for the future.
“We are always looking at Tokyo 2020 and beyond so that we consistently have that competition in the team. Sometimes it takes a few years with young players before they really find their feet but you sometimes get quite lucky with one or two who just slot in early in their hockey career and have an impact. We just need to give them time to grow.”
Megan Frazer is nearing a return to playing after her cruciate knee injury. Pic: Adrian Boehm
As for the year ahead, he is excited about the prospect of plotting a route through to the knock-out stages of the World Cup from a group with England, India and USA.
“This is why we want to coach at this level, why we want to be involved in the major competitions, challenge ourselves against the best teams in the world. We will do as much as we can to make sure this team is as prepared as we possibly can to enjoy the year.”
Ireland women’s panel (February 6-11, Benalmadena, Spain): Grace O’Flanagan (Railway Union), Emma Buckley (Cork Harlequins), Clodagh Cassin (UCD), Zoe Wilson (Belfast Harlequins), Erin Getty-(Queens), Yvonne O’Byrne (Cork Harlequins), Lena Tice (UCD), Chloe Watkins (HC Bloemendaal), Chloe Brown (Ards), Ali Meeke (Loreto), Lizzie Colvin (Belfast Harlequins), Anna O’Flanagan (HC Bloemendaal), Ellen Curran (UCD), Deirdre Duke (UCD), Nicola Evans (UHC Hamburg), Naomi Carroll (Cork Harlequins), Hannah Matthews (Loreto), Emma Russell (UCD), Sarah Torrans (Loreto), Rebecca Barry (Cork Harlequins), Emily Beatty (Pembroke), Aisling Naughton (Pembroke), Gill Pinder (Pembroke), Shirley McCay (Pegasus), Leah McGuire (UCD), Roisin Upton (Cork Harlequins), Katie Mullan (UCD), Nicci Daly (Loreto), Kate Lloyd (Railway Union)
Match schedule (all Irish time)
Tuesday, February 6: Ireland vs Spain, 3.30pm
Thursday, February 8: Ireland vs Spain, 12pm
Saturday, February 10: Ireland vs Spain, 12pm
Sunday, February 11: Ireland vs Spain, 11am
The Hook
Sharp On A High After Maiden International Goals
Ben Somerford---Copy.jpg)
Lithgow midfielder Lachlan Sharp says it’s a “pretty amazing feeling” to score his maiden international goals against a hockey powerhouse like the Netherlands in Saturday’s 6-1 win in Perth.
The 20-year-old, who hails from Zig Zag Hockey Club, scored twice in the win in only his eighth cap for Australia.
Sharp made it 2-1 with a clever deflection prior to the half-time, before powering a rocket into the roof of the net in the third quarter.
“It was a pretty amazing feeling,” Sharp said.
“Not many times you get to score two goals in an international match. For that to be my first two goals, I’m pretty happy.”
The goals marked a whirlwind few months for Sharp, who previously worked in the mines in Lithgow, having debuted for Australia at the Hockey World League Final after being a late addition to the team.
Sharp’s list of opponents since his debut includes some of the strongest nations in the world including Germany, Argentina, England, Spain and now the Netherlands.
“It’s good. I was a late call-in to the World League side and doing well there, was a pretty good introduction to international hockey,” he said.
“Playing in front of the home crowd in Perth is pretty exciting too.
“(Playing against the Dutch) is pretty hard physically. A lot of up and down running.
“They’re pretty good at finishing goals as well, so it’s always tough against the Dutch.”
Sharp and the Kookaburras will continue their intense training block ahead of the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia from 3-10 March prior to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April.
“It’s pretty exciting. The team (for Azlan Shah) gets picked next week,” he said.
“Hopefully I can make that side and build into Commonwealth Games.
“Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will be very exciting in our country. I’m looking forward to that and hopefully I can get into that side.”
Hockey Australia media release
Boost for Azlan Shah Cup
By Jugjet Singh
THE Azlan Shah Cup received an RM1.88m sponsorship boost on Sunday. Pic by NSTP/ROHANIS SHUKRI.
KUALA LUMPUR: THE Azlan Shah Cup received an RM1.88m sponsorship boost on Sunday.
The cheque was presented to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.
Malaysia will battle reigning world champions Australia, Argentina, India, England and Ireland in the tournament in Ipoh on March 3-10.
Organising chairman Datuk Rahim Ariff said the tournament will be a sizzling affair as the teams are expected to bring their best players.
“Some of the teams will be using the tournament to prepare for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games (on April 4-15) as well as the Indonesia Asian Games (on Aug 18-Sept 2).
“The tournament will be a good sparring session for Malaysia who are hoping to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics through the Asian Games,” said Rahim.
New Straits Times
$hot in the arm for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament received a big boost with a sponsorship of RM1.88mil.
The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, received the mock cheques from sponsors at a hotel here yesterday.
Six teams comprising world No. 1 Australia, Argentina (No. 2), India (No. 6), England (No. 7), Ireland (No. 10) and Malaysia (No. 12) will feature in the 27th edition at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh from March 3-10.
Organising chairman Datuk Rahim Ariff said the tournament promised to a competitive affair.
All countries competing in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, on April 4-15 as well as the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang from Aug 18-Sept 2 were bringing their best players.
“Four teams – Australia, India, England and Malaysia – are competing in the Commonwealth Games and they’ll be using the tournament to gauge each other’s strengths,” said Rahim.
“The tournament will also help to prepare teams for the Asiad.
The gold medal-winning team at the Asian Games qualify automatically for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The Star of Malaysia
Beeston beat Holcombe to boost play-off hopes
Gareth Andrew celebrates after scoring for Beeston. Credit David Kissman
Two second half goals helped Beeston boost their hopes of a spot in the play-offs when they beat rivals Holcombe 2-0 in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday.
After a close first half ended goalless, Beeston burst into life with Gareth Griffiths scoring on 42 minutes, while Gareth Andrews secured a second field goal five minutes later to double their advantage.
It was another impressive defensive performance from Beeston, who have conceded the fewest goals in the division – just 17 in 11 league matches so far.
That result leaves Beeston second, still four points behind leaders Surbiton who beat hosts Sevenoaks 3-1 on Saturday with Conor Williamson and Luke Taylor scoring in the first half before David Bartram added a third with 11 minutes left. Tejinder Hanspal scored a consolation goal for Sevenoaks with two minutes left.
Reading put five past strugglers Canterbury – although with the score at 0-1 at half time the game could’ve gone either way. Ben Francis scored for the visitors after 30 minutes, and that was followed by two goals from Richard Mantell and others from Lee Morton and Ed Carson.
East Grinstead remain fourth after battling to a 2-1 win over Brooklands MU. Simon Faulkner scored for the hosts after 12 minutes, only for Peter Flanagan to level for Brooklands. But Faulkner’s second sealed the win on the hour mark.
Wimbledon are fifth and poised to climb up the table should their rivals falter. They won 3-1 at Hampstead and Westminster after goals from Jonny Codling, Chad Conlon and Ed Horler. Matt Guise Brown had given the hosts the lead with a 14th minute penalty corner, but it proved to be a false dawn.
Men’s Conference East
Southgate leap-frogged rivals Cambridge City in the Men’s Conference East table, beating West Herts 2-1 while Cambridge had to settle for a 4-4 draw.
Two goals from John Sterlini proved enough for Southgate to come from behind to beat West Herts after Will Alderton’s early strike.
Cambridge City are now one point behind Southgate after an eight-goal thriller at Chichester.
The home side took the lead in the opening minute through Alex Holton, only for Cambridge to hit back with goals from Euan Gilmour, Nat Farrant and Warren D'Souza to lead 3-1.
But Chichester shared the spoils thanks to goals from Luke Emmett, Ollie Baxter and Jack Lerwill, while Alex Parker scored Cambridge’s last.
Top of the league before the winter break, Oxted dropped to third after a 4-2 home defeat against Teddington, for whom Matt Daly scored twice.
Brighton & Hove stay fourth in the table after a 5-3 victory over Old Georgians, while Old Loughtonians won 4-1 against Richmond on Saturday evening.
Men’s Conference West
Late goals from Sam Hatherley and Ethan Hoddle helped Havant battle back and take a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw with top of the table University of Exeter in the Men’s Conference West.
Duncan Scott and Conor Caplan had put the visitors ahead, but Havant hit back to secure a point – but they still drop to fifth in the table.
Cardiff & Met stay second in the table after an impressive 4-1 away win at Isca.
Goalless at half time, the game sprang into life with second half strikes from Rhys Gowman (2), Rhys Bradshaw and Luke Hawker giving them the win.
The University of Birmingham stay third after a 3-1 win over Olton & West Warwicks, while Team Bath Buccaneers’ 3-1 win at Cheltenham saw them go above Havant.
Elsewhere, Clifton Robinsons remain at the bottom of the league after losing 3-2 to visitors Fareham.
Men’s Conference North
The University of Nottingham strengthened their lead at the top of the table with a 3-2 away win against Cannock.
Second half goals from Noah Darlington and Adam Laitt helped the University of Nottingham take the points.
3-1 down at half time, Loughborough Students battled back to draw 3-3 with Deeside Ramblers. Tendo Kimuli gave Loughborough the lead, but it lasted just four minutes before Graham Allwood levelled for Deeside and Joe Wright and Edward Peel added more goals to put the visitors ahead.
But second half goals from Tom Crowson and Seb Ansley ensured Loughborough stay second in the table on goal difference.
Bowdon are third after a 2-1 win at home to Leeds, while the University of Durham won by the same margin at Doncaster. And Preston remain bottom of the league after a 2-2 draw at home against Sheffield Hallam.
England Hockey Board Media release
UniKL grab first-ever victory over mighty Terengganu
By Aftar Singh
That’s mine: UniKL’s Shazrul Imran (bottom) trying to stop Terengganu’s Lopez Barreiros from passing during the TNB Cup first-leg semi-finals yesterday. — ART CHEN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) finally scored their first-ever win over Terengganu in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
And they did in style by outplaying defending champions Terengganu for a 4-1 win in the TNB Cup first-leg semi-final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
UniKL drew twice (2-2) and (1-1) in the home and away Premier Division matches against the East Coast team.
Their convincing win yesterday also ended Terengganu’s unbeaten run. It’s their first defeat in 11 matches this season.
UniKL started off brilliantly by taking the lead in the 13th minute when Australian Kieran Govers’ low drag flick off their second penalty corner sailed past national goalkeeper Muhd Hafizuddion Othman.
Buoyed by the positive start, UniKL continued to pile on the pressure and netted three goals in 16 minutes.
Dutchman Jeroen Hertzberger dribbled past two defenders before scoring with a reverse-stick shot in the 32nd minute.
Aussie Glenn Turner made it 3-0 by tucking the ball home off a through pass from Muhd Hafiz Zainol in the 41st minute.
And seven minutes later, Hertzberger scored his second to make it 4-0 for UniKL. Terengganu, a pale shadow of their Premier Division-winning side, managed to reduce the deficit through Joaqin Menini of Argentina in the 51st minute.
UniKL coach A. Arulselvaraj was delighted with their first-ever win over Terengganu since making their debut in the MHL in 2011.
“My players knew what to expect from the match and they took their chances well,” said Arul.
“I’m also happy that video replays (on umpires’ decisions) were used in the semi-finals.”
Meanwhile, Tenaga defeated star-studded KL Hockey Club (KLHC) 3-2 to win the first-leg semi-finals.
Tenaga’s scorers were Muhd Noor Firdaus Rosli (26th minute), Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil (35th) and Mohd Akhimullah Anuar Esook (55th) while KLHC’s goals came from Muhd Hafizuddin Zaidi (36th) and Lee Nam-yong (59th).
The Star of Malaysia
Kenyatta University Vultures relegated
By BRIAN YONGA
Telkom's Hellen Chemtai (right) drives the ball past Kenyatta University Titans' Gloria Juma during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match on February 4, 2018 at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi/ PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenyatta University (KU) Vultures have been relegated to the men's National League after a 1-0 loss to Kenya College of Accountancy(KCAU) University in a Premier League match at the City Park Stadium on Sunday.
Sammy Mwija scored the only goal of the match that condemned the Vultures to the second tier division and secured his team's place in the top flight for another season. It was a must-win for both teams setting up the stage for a thrilling Thika Road Derby. Vultures, who have now finished their fixtures of the season, will join Technical University of Kenya in next season's lower tier league.
They are second-from-bottom-with 26 points, two behind KCAU who still have one match to play this season.
KCAU coach Luke Mbom praised his charges resilience and work ethic.
"I think we knew what needed to be done and went about brilliantly. We know have to start planning about strengthening our squad for the next season to avoid such a scenario again," Mbom told Nation Sport Sunday.
His Vultures counterpart Gilbert Kosgey admitted that his charges picked up when it was too late.
"They are a good squad but unfortunately we had lost saw many games by the time we started improving, we will bounce back and return to the Premier League," he said.
Earlier, champions Telkom put the disappointment of losing their Africa Cup for Club Championship title behind them with a 6-0 thrashing of Kenyatta University (KU) Titans in a women’s Premier League match.
It was Telkom’s first match since they went down 1-0 to Ghana Revenue Authority last Saturday in Accra and the national champions put on an impressive show.
Six different players were on target as Telkom maintained their 100 percent record in the league.
Audrey Omaido set the ball rolling as she sounded the boards in the 10th minute finishing off Flavia Mutiva’s short corner It was the striker’s 22nd league goal of the season.
Titans managed to keep out the champions until the second quarter before they conceded four goals in the space of eight minutes.
In the 21st minute, Irene Ofula finished off a well worked move placing the ball past Titans keeper Daisy Odera.
A minute later the evergreen Jackline Mwangi grabbed her 25th goal of the season Maureen Okumu and the returning Hellen Chemtai also go their names on the score sheets to take a commanding 5-0 lead at halftime.
Skipper Tracy Karanja scored the sixth five minutes to the end to round off an impressive display, Telkom assistant coach Josephine Ataro said the key is to end the season without losing a match.
“We have got one much left and the key is to end the season without losing a game. We are still disappointed after losing club championship title but we will bounce back stronger,” Ataro said.
The win took Telkom to 57 points with one match left, 10 ahead of United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans who secured second place on Friday after a 0-0 draw with Strathmore University Scorpions.
In another match, Scorpions hammered Multimedia University 8-0 at the same venue. International Gilly Okumu inspired the Scorpions as she grabbed a hat trick in the lopsided encounter.
Denise Bila scored a brace while Virginia Wanyee, Loreen Muturi and Lynn Wendy were also on target.
Scorpions coach Meshack Senge was pleased with the result but disappointed that they did not secure second place.
In the men’s Premier League, USIU men’s team edged out Parkroad Badgers 1-0 at the same venue. Brian Makokha scored the only goal in the 26th minute to give the students the three points.
Daily Nation
HA Welcomes NT Government Funding In Alice Springs Hockey
Ben Somerford---Copy.jpg)
Alice Springs Hockey Association received good news last week with confirmation the sport will benefit from sporting infrastructure development funding by way of an upgrade to the playing surface at Traeger Park.
The project is thanks to the Territory Labor Government’s $6.2 million investment in community sporting infrastructure in Alice Springs.
Member for Braitling Dale Wakefield said the Alice Springs community provided feedback on the priorities identified by the Alice Springs Town Council.
“Creating jobs and investing in our sporting facilities, clubs and associations is the key to creating vibrant communities,” Wakefield said.
“We know that sport unites Territorians in a unique way; it brings us together as a cohesive community and encourages us to live more active, healthy lives."
Mayor Damien Ryan said the Alice Springs Town Council’s Sport Facility Advisory Committee consulted with sporting groups and associations to determine the priorities for Alice Springs.
“I welcome this announcement as it allows Council to upgrade facilities used by a broad cross-section of our sporting community,” Ryan said.
Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier said the investment was significant for the development of hockey in the region.
"We welcome this significant investment from the Territory Labor Government which is a big boost for the hockey community in Alice Springs," Favier said.
"Current Australian athletes Jeremy Hayward and Brooke Peris hail from the Northern Territory, both from Darwin, and we hope this investment may help bring through future Hockeyroos and Kookaburras from Alice Springs.
"Upgrading the 12-year-old surface will undoubtedly assist the development and growth of hockey in the region and help bring through that next generation of athletes."
Hockey NT Executive Officer Ian Harkness welcomed the investment to resurface the hockey pitch at Traeger Avenue.
“This announcement is fantastic news for the hockey community and will allow players, both senior and junior, to develop their skills on a quality playing surface,” Harkness said.
“The existing surface is now over 12-years old and showing some disrepair, so the time is right for an upgrade.
“We appreciate the NT Government and Alice Springs Town Council’s show of support for hockey in Alice Springs. It will certainly boost the development of the sport.”
The consultation also identified other facilities that may benefit from upgrades which will be considered in future programming.
Hockey Australia media release
Where hockey had ruled the roost
Steps afoot in the city to restore past glory of the game
Sumit Bhattacharjee
ENC team, winners of the Chittaranjan Invitational Hockey Tournament, in Visakhapatnam.
About four decades ago, the port Gymkhana ground in the One Town area was the most happening place. It was the hub of all sporting activity in the city, and hockey, national game of the country, ruled the roost.
The Gymkhana grounds produced over 120 hockey players, who represented Andhra University (then its jurisdiction was from Vijaywada to Srikakulam), the AP State and senior and junior nationals. A couple of them like Mallik even played for the senior internationals, said Peter Das, former national player, who played alongside the mercurial Indian star Dhanraj Pillay in the Olympic and Asian game camps. From about 1960s to late 1980s, hockey was the most popular sport in the city and in the district.
Young lads jogging down to the Gymkhana grounds in the evening was a common sight.
It was only after the 1983 win in the Prudential World Cup that cricket started seeping in. And finally, the introduction of Astroturf and Vizag not taking the lead in having an Astroturf, killed the sport. “Today, we are nothing but the shadow of our past,” said Noel Treasure, secretary of Friends Hockey Association.
While lack of Astroturf or proper hockey grounds is one issue, the dwindling patronage towards the game was another.
“There was a period when we had at least 20 hockey clubs (apart from the organisation teams) in the city and a regular league was played. Today, we barely have five clubs and it is close to two decades that the last league season was conducted,” said Peter Das.
A few old timers and former hockey players have now embarked on a mission to regain the game’s past glory in the port city.
Friends Hockey Association has taken the lead to start a competition for the schoolchildren and the Chitta Ranjan Memorial Hockey tournament (Chitta Ranjan was national hockey player and captained Andhra University team and the Andhra State Hockey teams during 1975-1981).
Ravi Shankar, president of FHA, said, “competition is the most important thing to keep any sport going. And with that idea we have started both competitions about two years ago.”
In the last Chitta Ranjan Memorial tournament that was held in Vizag steel plant hockey grounds, six teams had participated and Eastern Naval Command team defeated FHA to lift the cup.
“We want more teams to participate and the league format should be revived. The government should also focus on the game’s development. In Hyderabad there are at least two Astroturf grounds and in AP we have none,” said Peter Das.
The Hindu