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News for 06 February 2018

All the news for Tuesday 6 February 2018


2017 Hockey Stars Award winners announced in Berlin



The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has revealed the 2017 Hockey Stars Awards winners, recognising the sport's top performers from last year at a glitzy event at stilwerk in Berlin, Germany this evening.

Argentina’s Delfina Merino was voted 2017 Female Player of the Year while Belgium’s Arthur Van Doren won both Male Player of the Year and Rising Star of the Year, the latter for the second year in a row.

Van Doren was not the only star to build on last year’s success. Argentina’s Maria Jose Granatto won the Female Rising Star of the Year for the second consecutive year after picking up the same award in India just over 12 months ago.

England and Great Britain’s Maddie Hinch was another to secure back to back success as she was named Female Goalkeeper of the Year while Vincent Vanasch added to Belgium's awards as he was voted Male Goalkeeper of the Year.

In addition to the athletes, awards were given to the best Coaches for 2017. Australian legend Alyson Annan won Female Coach of the Year as she led the Netherlands to both the Hockey World League and Rabobank EuroHockey Championship titles.

The Male Coach of the Year was split. Argentina’s Max Caldas, who steered Netherlands men to the Rabobank EuroHockey Championship trophy, and New Zealand’s Shane McLeod, who guided Belgium to a triumphant victory at the Hockey World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg, South Africa, both shared this year’s award.

The world’s top officials were also recognised. Sarah Wilson from Scotland was voted by her peers as Female Umpire of the Year and South Africa’s John Wright, who retired after the Hockey World League Semi-Final in his homeland, won Male Umpire of the Year.

Whilst the Coach and Umpire awards were a result of a peer vote - the Player, Rising Star and Goalkeeper awards consisted of both a peer vote, which included fellow players and coaches, as well as a fan vote in which over 100,000 votes were received through the FIH website.

Speaking about this year's awards, FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said: “Tonight's winners should feel incredibly proud of their achievements. Being named as the best in the world by peers and fans is the result of years of hard work, determination and sacrifice - attributes that have driven them to the top of the game."

He continued: "In return they have not only earned success on the field, they have also played an incredibly important role in inspiring future generations. On behalf of the FIH and the hockey family, we offer our sincerest of congratulations and look forward to seeing them build on their success for many years to come."

Reaction from all the award winners will be posted on FIH YouTubeTwitterFacebook and Instagram, with follow up articles on all winners posted on FIH.ch over the next few days.

#HockeyStarsAwards

FIH site



Double celebration for Van Doren at Hockey Star Awards


Van Doren won the Rising Star of the Year award for the second year in a row. (Getty Images)Van Doren won the Rising Star of the Year award for the second year in a row. (Getty Images)

BERLIN: It was a double celebration for Belgium's Arthur Van Doren after he was named as Male Player of the Year as well as Rising Star of the Year at the FIH's 2017 Hockey Star Awards.

In fact, Van Doren won the Rising Star of the Year award for the second year in a row.

Argentina's Delfina Merino was voted as 2017 Female Player of the Year.

The winners, the sport's top performers from last year, were revealed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) at a glitzy event at Stilwerk Berlin on Monday.

Van Doren was not the only star to build on last year's success. Argentina's Maria Jose Granatto won the Female Rising Star of the Year for the second consecutive year after picking up the same award in India just over 12 months ago.

England and Great Britain's Maddie Hinch was another to secure back-to-back success as she was named Female Goalkeeper of the Year while Vincent Vanasch added to Belgium's awards after he was voted as Male Goalkeeper of the Year.

Incidentally, no Indian has been nominated for the awards this year.

In addition to the athletes, awards were given to the best coaches of 2017.

Australian legend Alyson Annan won Female Coach of the Year as she led the Netherlands to both the Hockey World League and Rabobank EuroHockey Championship titles.

The Male Coach of the Year was shared by Argentina's Max Caldas and New Zealand's Shane McLeod.

While Caldas steered Netherlands men to the Rabobank EuroHockey Championship trophy, McLeod guided Belgium to a triumphant victory at the Hockey World League Semi-Final in Johannesburg.

The world's top officials were also recognised.

Sarah Wilson from Scotland was voted by her peers as Female Umpire of the Year and South Africa's John Wright, who retired after the Hockey World League Semi-Final in his homeland, won Male Umpire of the Year award.

Whilst the coach and umpire awards were a result of a peer vote - the player, rising Star and goalkeeper awards consisted of both a peer vote, which included fellow players and coaches, as well as a fan vote in which over 100,000 votes were received through the FIH website.

Speaking about this year's awards, FIH President Narinder Dhruv Batra said: "Tonight's winners should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.

"Being named as the best in the world by peers and fans is the result of years of hard work, determination and sacrifice - attributes that have driven them to the top of the game."

The Times of India



Hinch named FIH Female Goalkeeper of the Year



Great Britain and England goalkeeper Maddie Hinch has been named the best female goalkeeper in the world for a second consecutive year.

Hinch was named FIH Female Goalkeeper of the Year at an awards ceremony in Berlin this evening with the accolade determined by a peer and public vote.

On receiving her award, Hinch said: "I was overwhelmed by the nomination to be honest! To win last year was such a special moment in my career, so to go on and win it for a second consecutive year is just something I never imagined!

"It means a huge amount to me but I couldn't have won it without the support of the people I have around me. I'm surrounded by the most incredible squad of team mates and coaches at Great Britain hockey and they give me the confidence every day to just get out there and perform.

"I'm extremely grateful to them and everyone else who has played a part in my journey so far!"

The shot-stopper was in fine form during 2017 helping England to bronze at the EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam and a third place finish at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in July.

Hinch saw off competition from Netherlands stopper Anne Veenendaal, Aisling D’Hooghe from Belgium, USA’s Jackie Briggs and Dongxiao Li of China.

The news comes ahead of a huge year for England who compete at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April before hosting the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London this summer.

England Hockey Board Media release



Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018
Berlin (GER)

Day 1 fixtures (Live coverage on https://www.youtube.com/fihockey)
Times GMT+1

Men

12:30     GER - KAZ     Pool A
12:45     CZE - TTO     Pool A
13:40     RUS - RSA     Pool B
13:55     POL - AUS     Pool A
14:50     IRI - SUI     Pool B
15:05     AUT - BEL     Pool B
19:30     POL - TTO     Pool A
19:45     KAZ - CZE     Pool A
20:40     GER - AUS     Pool A
20:55     RUS - SUI     Pool B
21:50     AUT - RSA     Pool B
22:05     BEL - IRI     Pool B

Women

09:00     UKR - AUS     Pool B
09:15     POL - KAZ     Pool A
10:10     NED - SUI     Pool A
10:25     BLR - USA     Pool A
11:20     GER - RUS     Pool B
11:35     CZE - NAM     Pool B
16:00     POL - USA     Pool A
16:15     NED - KAZ     Pool A
17:10     SUI - BLR     Pool A
17:25     CZE - AUS     Pool B
18:20     GER - NAM     Pool B
18:35     RUS - UKR     Pool B

FIH Match Centre



The BlitzStoks Braced for Berlin



The South African Indoor Hockey Men, the BlitzStoks, are in Berlin and gearing up to take part in the fifth Indoor Hockey World Cup, South Africa’s fourth. In the BlitzStoks three previous World Cup appearances the team finished 10th, 11th, and 11th. Those teams, however, were not afforded the opportunities together that the current team has had and as such, there is a massive level of optimism surrounding the team.

The BlitzStoks are currently ranked 12th in the World rankings and are the 9th ranked team at the World Cup, but a good showing could see the SA Indoor Hockey Men move as high as 6th in the World Rankings, with a likely top 10 place after the World Cup probable.

Heading to the World Cup there are six players who featured at the 2015 Indoor Hockey World Cup as well as 2012 Olympian Wade Paton. It’s a squad with some superb experience and an average age of just below 27. The team may not have as many caps as some of their opponents, but they have also played 17 exhibition matches against the All-Stars over the last three years. It’s fair to say that Pierre le Roux has had more time with this team over three years than his predecessors, which really adds to the excitement.

The format of the Indoor Hockey World Cup means that the BlitzStoks will be keen to make the top four in their group and secure a spot in the Quarter Finals, which will secure a top 8 ranking. From there it will be knock out hockey and one win will secure a top 4 finish as well as a second spot at the 2021 Indoor Hockey World Cup for Africa. Of course, if you finish 5th or 6th it’s just a cross-pool playoff for position and your adventure is cut short.

The International Hockey Federation has announced that every single match from the main hall at the Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 will be live-streamed, free to air, on FIH's YouTube channel.

BlitzStoks Squad for the FIH 2018 Indoor Hockey World Cup (Caps in Brackets)

Matthew Fairweather – captain (24)
Chris McCathie – Goalkeeper (20)
Richard Curtis – Goalkeeper (15)
Justin Domleo (18)
Wade Paton (5)
Jarryd Jones (14)
Mo Mea (16)
Robin Jones (10)
Jethro Eustice (10)
Reza Rosenberg (5)
Ryan Julius (10)
Rusten Abrahams (5)

Staff

Pierre le Roux – Coach
Ryan Hack – Assistant Coach
Lou-Lloyd Morgan – Physio
Robert Goslett – Video Analyst
Bruce Jacobs – Team Manager

BlitzStoks Fixtures for the FIH 2018 Indoor Hockey World Cup (Times are in Germany)

7 February – Russia (13:40)
7 February – Austria (21:50)
8 February – Switzerland (13:55)
8 February – Iran (19:45)
9 February – Belgium (09:45)

SA Hockey Association media release



Women's Indoor Hockey World Cup to Get Under Way Wednesday, Live Stream Information



BERLIN, Germany - On January 31, the U.S. Women's National Indoor Team and staff departed for the Czech Republic where they prepared for the fifth International Hockey Federation (FIH) women's Indoor Hockey World Cup with a few training sessions and friendly matches against the Czech. Yesterday, they made the 217 mile bus trip to Berlin, Germany where they will have three more friendly games before the competition begins on Wednesday, February 7. The Max-Schmeling-Halle, which holds 7,000 spectators, will play host to 80 international matches, with 24 game taking place each day of the first two days of competition. In total, 24 teams are participating, 12 men's and 12 women's teams.

Among the participating nations on the women's side, are the currently title holders, The Netherlands; newly-crowned EuroHockey Indoor champions, Germany, and tournament debutants, USA.

In the tournament of 12, FIH Hero Indoor World Ranked No. 20 USA is in Pool A with No. 1 The Netherlands, No. 4 Poland, No. 5 Belarus, No. 12 Kazakhstan and No. 19 Switzerland. Pool B is made up of No. 2 Germany, No. 3 Czech Republic, No. 7 Ukraine, No. 8 Australia, No. 14 Namibia and No. 17 Russia.

The competition format comprises pool matches, followed by crossover quarterfinals involving the top four places teams in each pool. The winners of the quarterfinals progress to the semifinals and contest places 1-4, while the other four teams play for positions 5-8.

Reigning Indoor World Cup champions, The Netherlands, will be the team to beat. With head coach Marieke Dijkstra, they have an experienced leader. Dijkstra was part of the gold medal winning team of 2007 and her team has never failed to make a final in this event. The side lost to Germany in the recent EuroHockey Indoor Championship but with five changes to that team, they will be looking to retain their title in Berlin.

Marlena Rybacha, captain of Poland, will be seeking to re-establish her team as one of the leading lights of the indoor game. A poor performance at last month's 2018 EuroHockey Indoor Championships saw the Polish side finish last, but this is a side with far more potential than they showed at that EuroHockey event in Prague and they will be seeking a podium finish.

Belarus took bronze at the EuroHockey Indoor Championships in January, beating the higher ranked Czech Republic in a tightly contested match. This is a team with players that can score goals; Yulia Mikheichyk and captain Ryta Batura’s performances in recent games epitomise the Belarus attacking approach.

Asian champions, Kazakhstan will be looking to do better than their two previous appearances at this event. In both 2011 and 2015 they finished 12th but, having enjoyed some good recent performances, they must be eyeing a top four finish in the pool this year.

Switzerland might be ranked No. 19 in the world but at the 2018 EuroHockey Championships they beat The Netherlands and had some other impressive results against higher-ranked opposition. There is a distinctly family feeling to the Swiss line-up with three sisters, Alexandra, goalkeeper Flurina and captain Stephi Waelti all in the team and mother, Monika Waelti in her role as team manager.

The sixth team in Pool A is USA, who are making their debut at this event. The lowest ranked team in the competition is also the least experienced with nine teenagers making the trip to Germany. That said, this is a team brimming with confidence after they won the 2017 Indoor Pan American Cup with seven straight victories. Expect Ali Campbell (Boyertown, Pa.) to shine once more, the 26 year-old scored 19 goals in seven games at the continental championships.

Over in Pool B, Germany will be looking for their third win at this event. The team won the recent 2018 EuroHockey Championships, with a side that is very different in composition to the one contesting the World Cup. Captain Janne Müller-Wieland admits this team has only played together once before. The experienced defender says, although they have potential, it’s whether they can come together over the course of the tournament. However, with stars such as Marie Mävers, Luisa Steindor and Anne Schröder on the team sheet, this is a team that is more than capable of lifting the trophy.

The Czech Republic endured the pain of a fourth-place finish at the 2018 EuroHockey Championships and will be seeking to be among the medals this time. A bronze in Leipzig in 2015 was well-deserved and there is no reason they cannot repeat that feat. In captain Adela Lehovcova they have an inspirational leader.

Bronze medallists in 2007, Ukraine are one of a number of challengers from Eastern Europe. The team is led by Yana Vorushylo, who was part of the successful 2007 unit. Head coach Svitlana Makaieva has selected a squad packed full of experience.

Oceania champions Australia have a solid history at Indoor Hockey World Cup events. The team’s sixth place finish 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.

Namibia are making their second Indoor Hockey World Cup appearance after a 10th place finish in 2011. The African champions beat South Africa to the title after holding the red-hot favourites to a 3-3 draw and then winning the shoot-out. Magreth Mengo, Marcia Venter and Jerrica Bartlett are the experienced trio from the 2011 campaign.

The sixth team in Pool B are the Russian challengers. In Valeriia Borisova, the team has a fantastic young player, who showed her ability to create and score goals at the 2018 EuroHockey Championships. Borisnova netted 10 times in five matches. Bogdana Sadovaia is another team member with an uncanny knack for scoring goals. She represented Ukraine at the 2007 Indoor World Cup, so brings her experience to the tournament.

Women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup Matches:

Wednesday February 7
USA vs. BLR        4:25 a.m. ET
USA vs. POL        10:00 a.m ET

Thursday, February 8
USA vs. KAZ        4:10 a.m. ET
USA vs. SUI        10:15 a.m. ET

Friday, February 9 
USA vs. NED        7:00 a.m. ET

The FIH announced that every single match from the main hall at the Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 will be live-streamed, free to air, on FIH's YouTube channel. As the world's best national indoor teams go head to head all with the aim of lifting the prestitigous Indoor World Cup trophy, 40 matches will be broadcast live during the 5-day event. If USA is playing in the main hall, the link to watch those matches will be pushed out just before the start.

"As the planet’s biggest provider of online video content they are an extremely important partner who are actively helping our sport reach a global audience," said Andy Oram, FIH TV and Broadcast Director.

The exception is with Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Fans in those countries will be able to watch the majority of the matches on FIH YouTube, while the German men's and women's teams will be broadcast on SPORT1 on its platforms SPORT1 + and SPORT1.de. SPORT1’s website details which matches are on which of their platforms and when.

This announcement sees the continuation of FIH's strong partnership with Google owned, YouTube. As the world's biggest provider of online video content, with over 1.5 billion unique monthly viewers, the FIH are delighted to expose this competition to a global audience through an easy to access platform.

Portions of Content Courtesy of the FIH

USFHA media release



Hockeyroos Bounce Back With Emphatic Win

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos have bounced back emphatically from Sunday’s series opening loss to China with a 5-0 win at Hale Hockey Club in Perth on Monday afternoon.

Skipper Emily Smith, Renee Taylor, Ashlea Fey and Madi Ratcliffe all scored before half-time as Australia blitzed their Chinese opponents who had won the opener 3-1.

Emily Hurtz added a fifth goal with a pinpoint reverse stick shot in the final quarter to complete the comprehensive victory.

The win levels the practice-match series at one win apiece ahead of Wednesday’s third game at UWA Hockey Club from 6pm WST/9pm AEDT.

The Hockeyroos had all the attacking play in the first half, with Smith firing them ahead after nine minutes and Taylor shooting into the top corner from a penalty corner barely 60 seconds later.

Fey added a third with a drag flick into the backboard shortly prior to quarter-time, with Ratcliffe scrambling home the fourth in the 26th minute.

China responded in the third quarter with a handful of chances, the best coming from Gu’s drag flick which Jocelyn Bartram saved with her outstretched right foot.

Hurtz fired in the fifth goal in the 56th minute, while a diving Jordyn Holzberger came close to a late sixth from Grace Stewart’s cutback.

Australia 5 (Smith 9’, Taylor 10’, Fey 17’, Ratcliffe 26’, Hurtz 56’)
China 0

Hockey Australia media release



Leadership Role Spurs On 150-Gamer Whetton For More

Ben Somerford



Kookaburras flyer Jake Whetton is showing no signs of letting up and says taking on a leadership role has spurred him on after playing 150th game for Australia in Saturday’s 6-1 win over the Netherlands in Perth.

The 26-year-old Brisbane midfielder/forward brought up the milestone in the emphatic win, having debuted for Australia in 2011.

Whetton enjoyed a strong end to 2017, playing a big role in Australia’s Oceania Cup and World League Final triumphs which led to the side re-claiming the number one ranking.

The Eastern Suburbs product is eyeing off another big year with a view to the 2018 Commonwealth Games in his home state, along with the Champions Trophy and World Cup.

“That’s the plan, I’m feeling really good,” Whetton said.

“The coaches have asked me to provide leadership within this group. It’s something that has spurred me on even more, so I’m really happy to be part of that.

“It’s a really great bunch of guys who are building into something really special.”

The durable Whetton, who is studying to become a personal trainer, was delighted to reach 150 games, having been elated to debut let alone reach such a milestone.

“It’s a really proud moment for myself,” he said. “A lot of thanks to my family for getting me here to start with.

“I guess playing one game for Australia was a dream come true, but playing 150 is something I never thought would be in the repertoire when I was a kid.

“I’m really happy and really proud to be out here with the boys. It was an awesome performance against top quality opposition so I’m really happy.”

Whetton said defeating the Dutch to level the Test series overall, with a goal difference win, was not only ideal to cap his 150th but a great reward after an intense block of training for the Kookaburras.

“We were working really hard throughout the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“There were a few tough games against Holland, they’re a quality side.

“It’s really good to put in play what we’ve been training. It’s a good way to start the year. A lot to go but a great way to start the year.”

Hockey Australia media release



Irish Womens EYHL Weekend Round Up

Late goals galore saw the top five all win in the women’s EY Hockey League with UCD continuing to lead the way with Cork Harlequins and Pegasus in hot pursuit.

For the students, Katie Mullan struck just seven minutes from time to earn them a 1-0 win over Loreto at Beaufort in a south Dublin derby. It was incredibly evenly contested battle with chances few and far between in the first half before it opened out in the second.

Hannah Matthews had gone close for Loreto, drawing a stunning save from Clodagh Cassin moments before Mullan’s deflected corner strike won the day.

Cork Harlequins beat their Belfast namesakes 4-3 with Nicola Kerr scoring their winner with five minutes to go. Goals from Naomi Carroll, Rebecca Barry and Olivia Roycroft had them flying at 3-1 at half-time but Belfast Quins fought back with Katherine Welshman scoring twice in quick succession to make it 3-3 with seven minutes left. But Kerr got the decsive score and they remain second, four points off UCD.

Pegasus got their fifth win in a row when they beat Pembroke 2-0, Steph Thompson and Ruth Maguire netting from penalty corner moves in the first half. The result has them in third place, five points off top spot but with a game in hand, meaning their date with UCD in March could be a pivotal one.

Kate Lloyd scored twice in the first half for Railway Union as they recorded a 2-0 win over Trinity, meaning they stay in a potential EY Champions Trophy playoff place – depending on the outcome of the Irish Senior Cup.

Ards are just two points off them thanks to their comeback 2-1 win over bottom side Hermes-Monkstown. The Dubliners had led at half-time courtesy of a Lily Lloyd goal but Amy Benson and Kerry Harvey turned things around in the second half.

Women’s EY Hockey League: Loreto 0 UCD 1 (K Mullan); Trinity 0 Railway Union 2 (K Lloyd 2); Ards 2 (A Benson, K Harvey) Hermes-Monkstown 1 (L Lloyd); Cork Harlequins 4 (N Carroll, R Barry, O Roycroft, N Kerr) Belfast Harlequins 3 (K Welshman 2, L Johnston); Pegasus 2 (S Thompson, R Maguire) Pembroke 0

Day 11 extended reports

Loreto 0 UCD 1 (K Mullan)

Katie Mullan’s 63rd minute drag-flick earned UCD another important away win to keep them four points clear at the top of the women’s EY Hockey League table.

The first half was very tight with neither side having a clear chance while Niamh Small and Mullan both drew green cards, indicative of the battle at hand.

The second half proved livelier as the tempo upped considerably. Both sides had corners in the third quarter with Alannah Carragher and Hannah Matthews combining to save well from Lena Tice while Loreto’s corner was charged down.

Nicci Daly also drew Clodagh Cassin off her line to make a fine save, keeping it level going into the final quarter. Matthews reverse drew a quality stop from Cassin from the next Loreto corner before the game was eventually settled by Mullan. Her drag took a deflection off a Loreto stick to leave Carragher stranded.

Loreto swapped their goalkeeper for an extra attacker for the remaining minutes but UCD ran down the clock well for a hard-fought win.

Ards 2 (A Benson, K Harvey) Hermes-Monkstown 1 (L Lloyd)

Ards fought back from a goal down at half-time to beat basement side Hermes-Monkstown, moving them into the top half of the table at the expense of Belfast Harlequins. Lily Lloyd’s early strike had the Dubliners 1-0 up as they looked to continue their much-improved recent form.

But Amy Benson equalised in the third quarter and Kerry Harvey won it with just a few minutes to go for their fourth win of the campaign.

Cork Harlequins 4 (N Carroll, R Barry, O Roycroft, N Kerr) Belfast Harlequins 3 (K Welshman 2, L Johnston)

For the second time this season, Cork Harlequins struck in the closing minutes against Belfast Harlequins to land something following an epic tussle. Earlier in the campaign, Roisin Upton scored with precious little time to go for a 3-3 draw.

This time it was Nicola Kerr who netted for a late winner, keeping the pressure on UCD at the top of the table. Naomi Carroll put them 1-0 up inside two minutes from play before Laura Johnston levelled nine minutes.

Rebecca Barry and Olivia Roycroft, however, stretched out a 3-1 lead at half-time. That advantage looked to be in good shape as they held that two-goal gap going into the final quarter but the Belfast side stormed back into contention wih Katherine Welshman netting in both the 55th and 63rd minute. Quins, though, summoned their winner soon after and then rode out the final few minutes down to 10 players with Barry in the sin-bin for a seventh win in 11 outings.

Pegasus 2 (S Thompson, R Maguire) Pembroke 0

Pegasus made it five wins in succession to keep up their solid place in the top three and in line for a potentially massive date against UCD in March. Steph Thompson’s penalty corner deflection got them up and running in the third minute.

Ruth Maguire made it 2-0 before half-time from a penalty corner rebound following Hannah Grieve’s first up shot. And they remained in the clear for the rest of the tie, keeping them in third place, five points off top but with a game in hand to play against Belfast Harlequins.

Trinity 0 Railway Union 2 (K Lloyd 2)

A Kate Lloyd goal early and late in the first half gave Railway Union a tidy 2-0 win over Trinity to move into fourth place in the women’s EY Hockey League and a potential Champions Trophy playoff spot.

She turned strong on her open side in the fourth minute to pick out the bottom corner for a very early lead. Railway had plenty of pressure in the first quarter with Emma Smyth going close, drawing a strong save from Carolyn Crampton. Kate McKenna hit the post with Jenny Long clearing up the next chance.

Sally Campbell’s cross flashing across the face of goal was the best of Trinity’s first half chances. Railway moved 2-0 up with the final play of the first half from a corner which was saved twice but Holly Jenkinson cleverly swept to the left post where Lloyd tapped in.

Trinity had a much better third quarter with Ellie Noone leading the charge, drawing a couple of good stops from Grace O’Flanagan. Erika Markey fired over the bar while Railway had the chance to the game safer from the penalty spot but Crampton saved well.

Irish Hockey Association media release



TNB Cup: UniKL and Tenaga a step away

By Jugjet Singh

TENAGA Nasional and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) are just a step away from playing in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) TNB Cup final, provided they keep their feet firmly on the ground.

In the first leg semifinals on Sunday, Tenaga edged Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club 3-2, while UniKL slayed Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) 4-1.

KLHC won the Charity and Alagendra Cup, while THT are the League champions.

UniKL and Tenaga need to maintain the grip in the second leg semifinals on Wednesday, to play in the final on Saturday.

"As far as we are concerned the second leg will start at 0-0 and we are going to treat is as a totally new game altogether,” said UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj.

“There is no such thing as trying to defend the three goal advantage, especially against a team like THT.

“We will play the same way as we did in the first leg and prevent them from getting penalty corners where they are deadly.

Arul said all his players were available for the second leg and yesterday was spent on trying out certain tactics to contain THT.

And as far as KLHC coach Lim Chiow Chuan is concerned his team needs to display more consistency.

“We played reasonably well in the first quarter, making good in roads into their semi circle and won four penalty corners,” said Chiow Chuan.

“After that we got impatient and made errors in the midfield which Tenaga capitalised well with their counter attack game plan.

“Individual errors crept in and our game fell apart. However, we managed to regroup in The final quarter and played to our level. Credit to the players for their effort.”

Chiow Chuan believes that his team will be able to overcome the one goal deficit on Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY: TNB CUP SECOND LEG SEMIFINALS: Tenaga Nasional (3) v Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (2) (National Stadium Pitch II, 6pm), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (4) v Terengganu Hockey Team (1) (National Stadium Pitch II, 8.30pm).
Note: First leg scores in parenthesis.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



Subahan: MHC optimistic Kumar will just get a stern warning

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are on a wing and a prayer for national goalkeeper S. Kumar to walk away with only a stern warning for a doping violation.

MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the International Hockey Federation (FIH) had asked them to submit Kumar’s affidavit by Jan 31 and a hearing would likely take place this month.

“We’ve already submitted his affidavit by Jan 30 and his hearing should be by the middle of this month,” said Subahan.

“Kumar is not challenging the doping case and he has decided against getting his sample B tested too. All he wants is an early hearing to clear his name.

“We’re optimistic that he’ll get away with just a stern warning,” said Subahan.

The 38-year-old Tampin-born player was tested positive for sibutramine after a group match against Oman in the Asia Cup hockey tournament in Dhaka, Bangladesh, last October.

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant, which has been banned by the World Anti Doping Agency. It’s a substance commonly found in slimming products.

For now, Kumar is provisionally suspended for two years. He has been dropped from the Podium Programme in January.

Kumar will also miss the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from March 3-10 and the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, from April 4-15.

Subahan added Malaysia were hoping for Kumar’s issue to be resolved quickly so that he could resume his duty at the Asian Games in Indonesia from Aug 18-Sept 2.

The Star of Malaysia

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