News for 12 February 2018
All the news for Monday 12 February 2018
Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 (Men) - Final Day
Berlin (GER)
Results
GER - AUT Final 3 - 3 (2 - 1) (2 - 3 SO)
IRI - AUS Bronze Medal 5 - 0 (2 - 0)
Final Standings (World Ranking in brackets)
1. Austria (2)
2. Germany (1)
3. Iran (7)
4. Australia (11)
5. Czech Republic (6)
6. Belgium (16)
7. Poland (5)
8. Switzerland (8)
9. Russia (4)
10. Trinidad & Tobago (18)
11. South Africa (12)
12. Kazakhstan (6)
FIH Match Centre
Austria win 5th Men's Indoor Hockey World Cup in drama-filled final
It was double delight for Austria as they added the Indoor Hockey World Cup title to the EuroHockey Championships gold they won in January.
it was the closest of finals as the match was drawn at 3-3 and then went to sudden death shoot-out. The hero of the hour was Austria's Michael Körper, who scored the winning goal in shoot-out, as well as a crucial equaliser during the final minute of the match.
Austria's goalkeeper Mateusz Szymczyk also performed heroics as he saved two sudden death penalties from Tobias Hauke and Christopher Rühr.
It was a bitter sweet day for Rühr. He was voted Best Player and was also top scorer, beating closest rival Körper by 19 goals to 17. Best Goalkeeper went to Sasan Hataminejad of Iran and Rising Player award went to Fabian Unterkircher.
In the bronze medal match, Iran made history as they became the first non-European team to win a medal at the Indoor Hockey World Cup. The hugely talented Iranian team beat Australia with a classy display of passing hockey.
History continued to be made as the venue, the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin played host to the biggest ever audience for an Indoor Hockey World Cup – 8,000 people passed through the gates to cheer their teams on.
And so to the matches.
Into a hall that was awash with German flags, Germany and Austria took to the pitch for one last match. The players entered through a tunnel of flames, which was fitting as this was a final that was intense, skilful, dramatic and played at a ferocious pace.
It was six minutes before a goal was scored and it was one that delighted the crowds. Germany won two penalty corners in quick succession and, although Christopher Rühr saw his shot well-saved by Mateusz Szymczyk in the Austrian goal, the second penalty corner was dispatched with deadly accuracy by captain Martin Häner.
Just a minute later and Martin Zwicker added a second. His goal was the result of fine individual skill as he pulled the ball back and then lifted it past Szymczyk.
Austria responded to this in the best way possible, with Dominic Uher rattling home a penalty corner in the ninth minute to bring the score to 2-1. The match settled into a rhythm for much of the remainder of the half but with two minutes remaining in the opening period a quick break by Austria saw Tobias Walter pull off a courageous save as Austria broke through via the nifty stick work of Benjamin Stanzl.
Seconds later, Walter's counterpart Szymczyk did exactly the same at the other end of the field to deny Fabian Pehlke.
Five minutes into the second half and Rühr added to the scoreline. He rattled home a penalty corner and as he roared in celebration it was clear just how much was invested emotionally in this match.
One thing was always certain, as EuroHockey Champions, Austria were not done yet. It was fitting that Körper should score and he added to his own tally and brought his team back into the game with seven minutes left on the clock.
What happened next is as dramatic as sport can get. With a few seconds on the clock Körper scored from a penalty corner and sent the match into shoot-out.
Both 'keepers have been outstanding all tournament and so they continued to perform as they took centre stage. At the end of the first round it stood at 2-2 and sudden death beckoned.
After a save apiece, it was Hauke's turn. His attempt was saved and it was almost a given that Michael Körper would be the player to seal champion status for Austria.
In the bronze medal match earlier in the day, Iran made history by becoming the first non-European country to win a medal at the 5th Men's Indoor Hockey World Cup.
They did it by sticking to their own unique style of incisive indoor hockey. The tactic that proved to be the undoing of Australia was the long diagonal pass out of defence that by-passed the Australia press.
For Australia, their energy and dynamism was on show but this was not to be their day as they hit the cross-bar and upright at crucial times in the game. The opening minutes of the match were cagey as the two teams tested each other.
Both teams played an open, passing game in the mid-court but tight defences at either end meant there was little in the way of goal mouth action.
This all changed in the 14th minute as Iran suddenly upped the pace. A blistering run down the right-hand side of the pitch by Reza Norrouzzadeh split the Australian defence and Navid Taherirad was on hand to push the ball smartly into the goal. Seconds later Taherirad nearly made it two as he was again left in acres of space and his shot rasped wide of the post.
As the half drew to a close an Australia player was given a green card and Iran made the most of their man advantage. Behdad Beiranvand took the ball wide on the left and slipped to Norrouzzadeh. As Benjamin Rennie attempted to block the shot, the ball bounced cruelly over the Australia keeper and rolled into the goal.
After the break Iran continued to turn the screw, moving the ball at pace and not giving Australia a chance to make those all important connections or get any sort of rhythm to their game. When Australia did break, the element of good fortune that is so important in hockey was missing. Jake Sherren skilfully created space of himself only to see his clever shot striking the cross bar and bouncing harmlessly away.
Iran put the game further from Australia's reach when Mohammed Asnaashari sped down the right-hand boards and slipped to Hamid Nooranian, who held his nerve to lift the ball over the head of the advancing Rennie.
Two more goals followed as Australia threw everything into attack. Iran were able to counter and Norrouzzadeh was able to complete his hat-trick.
Speaking after the game, an emotional Yaghoub Bahrami said: "This was the very best day of my life. To come here and hear the amazing crowds cheering for us and to go out and play like that. It is an incredible feeling and one that will be so important to hockey players back in Iran."
A poignant symbol of the enormously good spirit in which this tournament was played was the sight of the Iranian and Australian goalkeepers swapping shirts at the end of their match.
With packed, loud stadiums; fast, furious action; a new name on the trophy; a new continent standing on the podium, indoor hockey has just won a huge amount of new fans.
Results summary.
Gold medal match - Germany 3, Austria 3. Austria win (2-3) shoot-out
Bronze medal match - Australia 0, Iran 5.
Individual awards men
Best Player - Christopher Rühr (Germany)
Best Goalkeeper - Sasan Hataminejad (Iran)
Rising player - Fabian Unterkirchen (Austria)
Final placings
Men's
1. Austria
2. Germany
3. Iran
4. Australia
5. Czech Republic
6. Belgium
7. Poland
8. Switzerland
9. Russia
10. Trinidad & Tobago
11. South Africa
12. Kazakhstan
#IHWC2018
FIH site
Korper and Austria shoot to Indoor World Cup and Euro double glory
©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics
Michael Korper held his nerve both in normal time and in a shoot-out to fire Austria to the Indoor World Cup title, making it an amazing double as they added to the EuroHockey crown won in January.
Austria's goalkeeper Mateusz Szymczyk also performed heroics as he saved two sudden death penalties from Tobias Hauke and Christopher Rühr.
It was a bittersweet day for Rühr. He was voted Best Player and was also top scorer, beating closest rival Körper by 19 goals to 17. Best goalkeeper went to Sasan Hataminejad of Iran and Rising Player award went to Fabian Unterkircher.
In the bronze medal match, Iran made history as they became the first non-European team to win a medal at the Indoor Hockey World Cup. The hugely talented Iranian team beat Australia with a classy display of passing hockey.
History continued to be made as the venue, the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin played host to the biggest ever audience for a World Cup – 8,000 people passed through the gates to cheer their teams on.
In the final, Austria had to come back from a big deficit to earn their shoot-out chance. Early on, the hosts were well on top.
It was six minutes before a goal was scored and it was one that delighted the crowds. Germany won two penalty corners in quick succession and, although Rühr saw his shot well-saved by Mateusz Szymczyk in the Austrian goal, the second penalty corner was dispatched with deadly accuracy by captain Martin Häner.
Just a minute later and Martin Zwicker added a second. His goal was the result of fine individual skill as he pulled the ball back and then lifted it past Szymczyk.
Austria responded to this in the best way possible, with Dominic Uher rattling home a penalty corner in the ninth minute to bring the score to 2-1.
Five minutes into the second half and Rühr added to the scoreline. He rattled home a penalty corner and as he roared in celebration it was clear just how much was invested emotionally in this match.
One thing was always certain, as EuroHockey Champions, Austria were not done yet. It was fitting that Körper should score and he added to his own tally and brought his team back into the game with seven minutes left on the clock.
With a few seconds on the clock Körper scored from a penalty corner and sent the match into shoot-out.
Both 'keepers have been outstanding all tournament and so they continued to perform as they took centre stage. At the end of the first round it stood at 2-2 and sudden death beckoned.
After a save apiece, it was Hauke's turn. His attempt was saved and it was almost a given that Michael Körper would be the player to seal champion status for Austria.
Euro Hockey League media release
Australian Men Place Fourth At World Cup
Alexie Beovich
Australia’s Indoor Hockey World Cup journey has come to a close, the Australian Men’s team fell to Iran 5-0 in Sunday night’s bronze medal match.
Australia has far exceeded expectations at the tournament, finishing fourth amongst a pool of experienced indoor hockey nations.
Regardless of who won the match history would be made as no non-European teams have ever taken out a bronze medal at the World Cup. The fact that both Australia and Iran were in a position to do so is a testament to the hard work of both sides.
The boys in green and gold went into their match against Iran with a depleted squad having lost two players to injury throughout the tournament. Despite the score line, Australia never looked like they were out manned at any point in the match.
The early stages of the match saw both sides testing each other out, passes were flying around the pitch and hard tackles were being made.
It was Iran’s Reza Norouzzadeh who broke the deadlock, guiding the ball into the goals for the first score of the day. Norouzzadeh went on to score two 40’ goals from the field, earning himself a hat trick and putting an exclamation mark on Iran’s performance. Also scoring for Iran was Navid Taherirad and Hamid Nooranian.
Australia didn’t go without some scoring chances of their own, in the second half Jake Sherren found himself with an open shot on goal but luck proved to be on Iran’s side when the ball bounced off the cross bar.
As the siren sounded a moment of true sportsmanship occurred, both goalkeepers met in the middle of the pitch and exchanged shirts, a moment both side will remember forever.
Enough can’t be said about the herculean effort that Australia has shown in both the men’s and women’s competitions throughout this World Cup. To come from only a small amount of practice prior to arriving in Europe to placing 4th and 6th respectively is an unbelievable result that couldn’t be done by any other athletes in the world.
Austria took out the men’s competition defeating Germany 3-3 (3-2) in shootouts. It was Austria's Michael Körper who threw the winning punch.
In the women’s competition Germany defeated Netherlands 2-1 in front of a sold out crowd. Germany’s Anne Schroder scored the winning goal with eight minutes left on the clock.
Congratulations to the players, staff and their families who helped to get them there, you’ve done yourselves and Australia proud!
Hockey Australia media release
BlitzStoks end on a high
Photo - Facebook - Russel Field (Sunlife Vitamins)
It’s been an incredibly tough week in Berlin for the BlitzStoks, having hoped to have closed the gap on the top end of the indoor hockey spectrum, but ultimately have identified differences that are there. Throughout the tournament, the South African men failed to capitalise on their moment of dominance and were then ruthlessly punished by the more efficient opposition. It gives the next era of BlitzStoks something to work on going forward.
Of course, after the disappointment of the group stage, the lads still had to get up for one more time and take on Kazakhstan for the 11th place in the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018. The game itself is worth an additional 50 World ranking points, so there was more than just pride up for grabs.
It was another good first half by the South Africans but this time they did not concede the late goals that have plagued them throughout the tournament and led through two goals from Matthew Fairweather, their skipper, playing in his 30th indoor hockey test match.
In the second half the BlitzStoks raised their game and showed the German crowd how devastating they could be in attack as Jarryd Jones, Ryan Julius and a Jethro Eustice brace took the South Africans to a convincing 6-0 lead that was only scuppered by a late consolation goal for Daulet Urmanov.
So after 6 matches, the BlitzStoks finish 11th, which has equalled their performances in 2007 and 2015, the ranking points will mean that South Africa will probably move into the top 10 in Indoor World Hockey as well. There is also a good sense of pride in the future as Richard Curtis, Jarryd Jones, Mo Mea, Ryan Julius and Rusten Abrahams are all 25 or younger and the experience will prove crucial in the future of South African Indoor Hockey.
Jethro Eustice shared: “FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018, has been an amazing experience. The BlitzStoks tried their best, but the margins are even tighter than anything I would’ve expected. I feel like I left a lot out there. And I wanted to give my best throughout. Just can’t believe how amazing this tournament is and hopefully make this process better for the next group to come through”
Special thanks to the BlitzStoks sponsors Tops at SPAR, Sunlife Vitamins, Gem Schoolwear, Tayla Sportswear and Pro Series Indoor.
South Africa Results at the Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018
South Africa 0-5 Russia
South Africa 3-6 Austria
South Africa 1-3 Switzerland
South Africa 3-6 Iran
South Africa 2-8 Belgium
11th place Playoff
South Africa 6-1 Kazakhstan
SA Hockey Association media release
Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 (Women) - Final Day
Berlin (GER)
Results
NED - GER Final 1 - 2 (0 - 0)
UKR - BLR Bronze Medal 1 - 2 (1 - 1)
Final Standings (World Ranking in brackets)
1. Germany (2)
2. Netherlands (1)
3. Belarus (5)
4. Ukraine (7)
5. Switzerland (19)
6. Australia (8)
7. Czech Republic (3)
8. Poland (4)
9. Namibia (14)
10. United States (20)
11. Russia (17)
12 Kazakhstan (12)
FIH Match Centre
Schröder strike gives Germany title at 5th Women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018
Joyous scenes as Germany win the 5th Women's Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 in Berlin. Credit: FIH / World Sport Pics
Berlin, Germany: Anne Schröder scored the winning goal as Germany overturned a 1-0 deficit against the Netherlands to win the 5th Women's Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 in front of an sell-out, 8000-strong crowd at the Max-Schmeling-Halle.
The venue was a cauldron of noise throughout the contest, with the passionate home fans determined to cheer their team to victory. A scoreless first half saw both teams go close, with Die Danas going closest before the Dutch took the lead six minutes after half time when Lieke van Wijk scored from a penalty corner.
Three minutes later the Germany fans were given something to cheer about when they were awarded a penalty stroke. The opportunity was dispatched with clinical precision by 20-year-old Nike Lorenz, who showed a level of calmness and composure beyond her years to bring her team back into the match.
The winning goal arrived eight minutes from the end of the contest through Anne Schröder, who surged down the right before firing past Dutch shot-stopper Alexandra Heerbaart to spark scenes of sheer jubilation in the stadium. The Dutch pressed hard for an equaliser but Germany held firm to dethrone the title holders claim a third Indoor World Cup success, adding to those earned at the Leipzig 2003 and Poznan 2007 events
“I cannot explain how I am feeling right now”, said Germany’s Luisa Steindor after the match. “The noise of the crowd was unbelievable. It was such a tough game but also such an entertaining game. We have had a few challenges in the tournament and this match was no different, but to come back from being a goal behind is the best kind of victory you can have.
Asked whether Germany had saved their best performance for the final, Schröder said: “One hundred percent. We had some challenges because we didn’t take some of the early chances we had, but to produce the fightback we did was just wonderful.”
Belarus were the winners of the bronze medal game, battling to a 2-1 victory over Ukraine. It is the first time that Belarus have finished on the podium at an Indoor World Cup, going some way to avenging the defeat that they suffered at the hands of Ukraine in the bronze medal game at the Poznan 2011 event.
Ukraine - who were defeated by Netherlands in Saturday’s semi-finals - took the lead in the 15th minute thanks to a penalty corner from Oksana Ponomarenko. The Belarusians levelled three minutes later when Yuliya Kurhanskaya fired home, leaving things evenly poised ahead of the second half. Belarus scored their winner seven minutes from the end of the contest, with Maryna Nikitsina’s cool finish proving enough to create a moment of history for a team that has performed brilliantly throughout the event in Berlin.
Speaking after the match, Belarus Head Coach Herman Kruis said: “There was a lot of disappointment yesterday evening (after the defeat to Germany), so we spent a lot of time working with the team to make them understand how important it was to go for the bronze medal. They worked so hard to recover from the disappointment of losing the semi-final and I am so happy for them that they achieved a bronze medal in the Indoor World Cup. I’m really proud of the team and we have made big steps forward at this event.”
Women’s Results - Medal matches
Women’s Bronze Medal Match: Belarus 2, Ukraine 1.
Women’s Final: Netherlands 1, Germany 2.
Awards
Best Player: Lisa Altenburg (GER)
Best Goalkeeper: Alexandra Heerbaart (NED)
Rising Player: Nike Lorenz (GER)
Top scorers: Kiana-Che Cormack (NAM) & Yana Vorushylo (UKR) - Both 9 goals
Standings
1: Germany
2: Netherlands
3: Belarus
4: Ukraine
5: Switzerland
6: Australia
7: Czech Republic
8: Poland
9: Namibia
10: USA
11: Russia
12: Kazakhstan
#IHWC2018
FIH site
GB women defeated in Argentina opener
Susannah Townsend scored the opener.
Great Britain were narrowly beaten 2-1 in the opening match of their five-match series with Argentina in Rosario.
Susannah Townsend gave Great Britain the lead in the opening quarter in her first appearance for GB since winning gold in Rio before Maria Campoy levelled with fifteen minutes to go before Eugenia Trinchinetti's winner.
Eight athletes made their Great Britain debuts as Amy Costello, Rose Thomas, Nikki Cochrane, Anna Toman, Emily Defroand, Hannah Martin, Ellie Rayer and Jo Hunter received their first caps.
Speaking after the match head coach Danny Kerry said: “Overall we are pleased with our performance. Amy Costello had an assured first cap and Sarah Robertson gave a hard working and intelligent performance.
“We have targeted some areas and as a coaching staff we cannot ask more in terms of the application shown from the athletes.
“As we become more acclimatised to the Argentinean summer we will be able to bring even more energy to our play.”
Great Britain XI: Nikki Cochrane, Zoe Shipperley, Hollie Pearne-Webb, Laura Unsworth (C), Sarah Haycroft, Susannah Townsend, Sarah Robertson, Ellie Rayer, Giselle Ansley, Ellie Watton, Nicola White
Subs: Anna Toman, Hannah Martin, Emily Defroand, Sophie Bray, Jo Hunter, Amy Costello
England Hockey Board Media release
Danson makes 100th GB appearance
Alex Danson and coach Danny Kerry
Great Britain were defeated 3-1 by Argentina in the second game of their five-match series in Rosario.
Goals from Delfina Merino, Maria Jose Granatto and Julieta Jankunas guided Argentina to victory after Ellie Rayer had scored her first goal for Great Britain.
Captain Alex Danson made her 100th appearance for GB while Hollie Pearne-Webb received her 50th GB cap, both were marked before the match with presentations from head coach Danny Kerry.
Speaking after the game head coach Danny Kerry said: "Alex's leadership on this trip has taken that skill to a new level and there can't be many prouder people than me to see her receive her 100th cap.
"She is an inspiration to so many inside and outside of our sport."
It was Great Britain who took the lead just as they had done in the first match. Captain Danson found space in the circle but her effort was initially kept out by Belen Succi but Rayer reacted quickly to put over the line from close range.
Shortly before the first break Argentina levelled through Merino whose reverse stick shot gave Rose Thomas no chance in the Great Britain goal. The second quarter was another tight affair but on the stroke of half-time Maria Jose Granatto gave Argentina the lead, cleverly lifting the ball over Thomas.
Julieta Jankunas extended Argentina's lead at the end of the third quarter, a fine move down the left was finished off with a fine deflection from Jankunas at the near post.
The next match of the series takes place on 14 February at 9.30pm UK time.
Great Britain XI: Rose Thomas, Laura Unsworth, Anna Toman, Susannah Townsend, Sarah Robertson, Alex Danson (C), Giselle Ansley, Sophie Bray, Hollie Pearne-Webb, Shona McCallin, Nicola White
Subs: Sarah Haycroft, Hannah Martin, Ellie Rayer, Emily Defroand, Jo Hunter, Amy Costello
England Hockey Board Media release
Green Army Beat Spain To Split The Series
It was the Green Army who had the first attempt on goal of the afternoon as Anna O’Flanagan won her side a penalty corner in the opening minutes. Zoe Wilson’s straight strike from the top of the circle was run down and cleared, and from there Spain seized some early momentum. The hosts retained possession and patiently worked their way up to the Irish circle where, in the 9th minute, Carmen Cano gave her team the lead. The Spanish continued to press high and attempt to put the Irish defence under pressure. Their second goal came courtesy of a stroke from Lola Riera after the initial ball in from the left resulted in a goal mouth scramble. Grace O’Flanagan was called upon to make two superb saves in quick succession but the Green Army finished the half in control as Lena Tice had Melania Garcia beaten in the Spanish goal but saw her shot ricochet off the post.
The Irish started the second half in the same vein in which they finished the first as a first time pass from Gillian Pinder saw shots come off the post and the crossbar inside the opening 90 seconds. Less than a minute later and O’Flanagan got Ireland on the score sheet as she finished calmly from the penalty spot, following a vital interception and pass from Deidre Duke inside the circle. Duke drew a strong save of her own from Garcia following great link up play between Hannah Matthews and Katie Mullan to get the ball into the circle. The equaliser came as Mullan made a super interception and the pace of Ellen Curran caught the Spanish defence out as she slipped the pass back to her captain who duly rifled a reverse into the corner. The teams exchanged penalty corners in the dying minutes of the game with Lizzie Colvin preventing Spain from retaking the lead as she cleared the shot. O’Flanagan secured the Irish victory from the final penalty corner of the tie as Shirley McCay’s shot was sent goal-ward and O’Flanagan‘s deflection took it past Garcia.
The comeback means the teams share the spoils and split the series with a victory each. A busy year continues for the Green Army as they travel to both Scotland and England next month for more international fixtures.
Congratulations to Yvonne O'Byrne on earning her 100th cap!
Ireland 3 (O’Flanagan x2, Mullan)
Spain 2 (Cano, Riera)
Starting: G O’Flanagan, A Naughton, N Evans, K Mullan (Captain), E Tice, G Pinder, L Colvin, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson, E Curran
Subs: E Buckley, Y O’Byrne, S McCay, S Torrans, D Duke, A Meeke, L McGuire
Match Details vs Spain in CHP Benalmadena:
February 6th at 4:30pm Ireland 0 vs 7 Spain
February 8th at 1pm Ireland 2 vs 0 Spain
February 10th 1pm Ireland 1 vs 3 Spain
February 11th 12pm Ireland 3 vs 2 Spain
*All times listed are local
Irish Hockey Association media release
O’Flanagan winner earns share of the spoils with Spain
Anna O’Flanagan’s silky deflection with three minutes from time saw Ireland’s women snatch a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Spain, earning a share of the spoils from their four-match series in Malaga.
Following a 3-1 loss on Saturday, Graham Shaw’s side looked on course to lose the series when they trailed 2-0 on Sunday to goals from Carmen Cano and Lola Riera but they showed character once again.
Game three: Ireland 1 (A Naughton) Spain 3 (M Segu 2, A Magaz)
The Green Army started this fixture with the same intensity that earned them a 2-0 victory on Thursday. Sarah Torrans caused the Spanish defence some trouble from the opening whistle as she forced an error from Maialen Garcia to turn the ball over.
Torrans followed up with a run along the baseline before pulling the pass back to Katie Mullan at the top of the circle who saw her shot fly just over the crossbar.
Torrans, again, wasn’t giving the Spanish defence a moment to find their structure and drew an initial save from Melania Garcia, with Gillian Pinder’s rebound shot forcing another fine clearance from the Spanish goalie.
Emma Buckley made her first save of the encounter as Spain began to settle into the game and build up their possession but it was Ireland who took the lead on the cusp of half time.
The ever-threatening O’Flanagan sent a pin-point cross into the circle for Aisling Naughton to fire into the net to make it 1-0.
Spain’s equaliser arose out of confusion between the umpires as the hosts caught the Irish unawares and Marta Segu took advantage of an out of place defence to draw the game level in the 33rd minute.
O’Flanagan very nearly regained the lead for Ireland as she saw her reverse shot spin past the post before she forced another save from Garcia minutes later with a ball across the face of goal.
But Spain put the game to bed with two goals in five minutes in the final quarter with field goals from Alicia Magaz and a second for Segu to make the final score 3-1.
Ireland: E Buckley, Y O’Byrne, N Evans, K Mullan, S McCay, E Tice, G Pinder, R Upton, S Torrans, A O’Flanagan (Captain), Z Wilson
Subs: C Cassin, A Naughton, N Carroll, L Colvin, H Matthews, R Barry, L McGuire
Game four: Ireland 3 (A O’Flanagan 2, K Mullan) Spain 2 (C Cano, L Riera)
Ireland came back from two goals down at half-time to beat Spain and secure a share of the four-game series in Malaga.
It was the Green Army who had the first attempt on goal of the afternoon as Anna O’Flanagan won her side a penalty corner in the opening minutes.
Zoe Wilson’s straight strike from the top of the circle was run down and cleared, and from there Spain seized some early momentum. The hosts retained possession and patiently worked their way up to the Irish circle where, in the ninth minute, Carmen Cano gave her team the lead.
The Spanish continued to press high and attempt to put the Irish defence under pressure. Their second goal came courtesy of a stroke from Lola Riera after the initial ball in from the left resulted in a goal mouth scramble.
Grace O’Flanagan was called upon to make two superb saves in quick succession but the Green Army finished the half in control as Lena Tice had Melania Garcia beaten in the Spanish goal but saw her shot ricochet off the post.
The Irish started the second half in the same vein in which they finished the first as a first time pass from Gillian Pinder saw shots come off the post and the crossbar inside the opening 90 seconds.
Less than a minute later and O’Flanagan got Ireland on the score sheet as she finished calmly after Hannah Matthews half-hit shot fell her way, swiping home from mid-circle.
Deirdre Duke drew a strong save from Garcia following great link-up play between Matthews and Katie Mullan to get the ball into the circle. The equaliser came as Mullan made a super step in the press to steal possession 30-metres out, exchanged a pass with Ellen Curran and fired home a great reverse-stick shot.
The teams exchanged penalty corners in the dying minutes of the game with Lizzie Colvin preventing Spain from retaking the lead as she cleared the shot. O’Flanagan secured the Irish victory from the final penalty corner of the tie as Shirley McCay’s shot was sent goal-ward and O’Flanagan‘s deflection took it past Garcia.
A busy year continues for the Green Army as they travel to both Scotland and England next month for more international fixtures.
Ireland: G O’Flanagan, A Naughton, N Evans, K Mullan (Captain), E Tice, G Pinder, L Colvin, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson, E Curran
Subs: E Buckley, Y O’Byrne, S McCay, S Torrans, D Duke, A Meeke, L McGuire
The Hook
Pakistan squad off to Muscat
KARACHI: The first batch of the Pakistan hockey team left for Muscat here Sunday to compete in a three-nation tournament to be played there from Feb 14 to 20. The first batch comprises 12 players while the second batch of nine players and five team officials will fly on Monday (today). The national carrier has provided free return air tickets to the team and officials. Besides Pakistan, other two nations in the event include Japan and Oman. The competition will be played on double league basis. “All the players are physically fit and looking forward to start the year on a winning note,” former Olympian and manager-cum-head-coach Hasan Sardar told media before the departure at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium.
Sardar said besides giving the much needed international exposure to the players, the event would also serve as impetus for the tougher assignments ahead. He said the team were shaping well and much stress had been laid on stopping goals, conversion of penalty corners and physical fitness. “The ratio of PC conversion is bit slow and needs further improvement,” he added.
The former Olympian said Mubashir Ali, who emerged as highest scorer of the National Hockey Championship at Sukkur, had been groomed to score goals on penalty corners.
The former centre-forward, who was declared Man of the Tournament at the Mumbai
World Cup in 1981-82, reiterated that he had set his sight on the Jakarta Asian Games gold that gives direct ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
However, he was optimistic that a winning combination will be ready for the Commonwealth Games being held at Gold Coast, Australia in April. He added that upon their return from Muscat, the players would re-assemble in the camp at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium on Feb 27th or 28th to prepare for the Commonwealth Games.
Pakistan squad:
Players: Imran Butt, Mubashir Ali, Mohammad Rizwan Jr, Tasawwar Abbas, Abu Bakar, Fareed Ahmed, Mohammad Tauseeq Arshad, Umer Bhutta, Arsalan Qadir (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan Sr (captain), Shafgat Rasool, Amjad Ali, Faisa1Qadir, AmmadShakeel Butt, Azfar Yaqoob, Ijaz Ahmed, Ali Shan, Atiq Arshad, Shajeeh Ahmed, Atif Mushtaq and Tazeem-ul-Hasan.
Officials: Hasan Sardar (manager-cum-head coach), Mohammad Saqlain and Rehan Butt (coaches), Shahid Ali Khan (goal-keeping coach), Nadeem Lodhi (video analyst), Waqas Mahmood (physiotherapist).
The Daily Times
In-form Wimbledon beat Beeston
Ian Sloan.
Goals from Johnny Kinder and GB international Ian Sloan helped title hopefuls Wimbledon pull off a 2-1 win over second-placed Beeston on Saturday, stretching their unbeaten run to seven games in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division.
A tense match was still goalless after 48 minutes, but Kinder slammed home to give Wimbledon the lead before Ian Sloan doubled their advantage two minutes later.
Sam Ward pulled one back for the visitors towards the end but they couldn’t find a second goal. Wimbledon are now fifth and just one point outside the play-off positions.
East Grinstead hold fourth spot, but they needed a last-minute Ashley Jackson strike to give them a 3-2 win over Holcombe. Tony Wilson opened the scoring for East Grinstead in the first half and it was soon 2-0 when Ashley Jackson converted a penalty stroke.
But goals from Matthew Rees-Gibbs and Richard Lane had levelled the scores for Holcombe, leaving it up to Jackson to put his side back in front.
Hampstead & Westminster got the better of Brooklands MU in an entertaining 5-3 game on Sunday. Matt Guise-Brown led the scoring for Hampstead, scoring from two penalty corners in quick succession with Sam French, Jonny Gooch and Michael Watt also on the scoresheet.
David Flanagan scored one in each half for Brooklands and Peter Cornell also found the net. The result pushes Hampstead & Westminster to within two points of a play-off berth.
Leaders Surbiton were comfortable winners against bottom-of-the-table Canterbury on Sunday with Alan Forsyth hitting a hat-trick to take his tally for the season to 15. Chris Grassick and David Goodfield added two goals each.
Reading were comfortable winners at home to struggling Sevenoaks, putting six past their opponents with no reply. Ben Boon, Richard Mantell, Dale Hutchinson, Edward Carson, Lee Morton and James Carson scored the goals.
Men’s Conference North
James Hodgkinson scored the only goal as the University of Nottingham opened up a six-point gap at the top of the Men’s Conference North by beating second-placed Loughborough Students 1-0 on Sunday.
Desperate to stop their opponents tightening their grasp on the title, Loughborough brought on a kicking back in the closing stages but to no avail.
Cannock beat the University of Durham 1-0 and Preston took a 3-1 win against Doncaster. Deeside Ramblers recorded their third win of the campaign, a 2-1 defeat of Leeds.
In the only game to be played on Saturday in the North, Sheffield Hallam struck a blow to Bowdon’s title hopes with a 1-0 win thanks to a late Sam Tomlinson strike.
Men’s Conference East
It was top against bottom in the Men’s Conference East on Saturday as Oxted travelled to struggling West Herts. There was to be no surprise result with Oxted winning 8-1, condemning West Herts to their 11th defeat of the season.
Robbert Schenk and Sam Driver grabbed a brace each. The result, coupled with Southgate’s shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of Richmond sees Oxted go top. In the other Saturday game, Chichester and Old Loughtonians played out a 0-0 draw.
Two goals from Joe Naughalty helped Brighton and Hove to a 3-2 win against Cambridge City on Sunday. It’s tight at the top with just four points separating Oxted, Southgate, Cambridge City and Brighton and Hove. In Sunday’s other game, Teddington beat old Georgians 5-2 with Eugene Malthouse scoring twice.
Men’s Conference West
The University of Exeter still lead the Men’s Conference West thanks to a convincing 5-0 win over bottom of the league Clifton Robinsons. Sam Hooper and Tom Watson scored twice each.
Cardiff and Met are still second and a point behind after a hard-fought 5-4 win over second-from-bottom Cheltenham. Jack Pritchard scored a hat-trick.
Team Bath Buccaneers drew 1-1 with Isca and Olton and West Warwicks beat Havant 4-2 with Harry Sherlock, Martin Ebbage, Tom Mallett and Steven Batten all on target.
A late Niall Stott goal grabbed a point for Fareham on Saturday, earning a 1-1 draw with promotion-chasing University of Birmingham.
England Hockey Board Media release
Wimbledon continue to rise in English Premier Division
©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics
Goals from Johnny Kinder and GB international Ian Sloan helped title hopefuls Wimbledon pull off a 2-1 win over second-placed Beeston on Saturday, stretching their unbeaten run to seven games in the English men’s Premier Division.
A tense match was still goalless after 48 minutes, but Kinder slammed home to give Wimbledon the lead before Ian Sloan doubled their advantage two minutes later.
Sam Ward pulled one back for the visitors towards the end but they couldn’t find a second goal. Wimbledon are now fifth and just one point outside the play-off positions.
East Grinstead hold fourth spot, but they needed a last-minute Ashley Jackson strike to give them a 3-2 win over Holcombe. Tony Wilson opened the scoring for EG in the first half and it was soon 2-0 when Jackson converted a penalty stroke.
But goals from Matthew Rees-Gibbs and Richard Lane had levelled the scores for Holcombe, leaving it up to Jackson to put his side back in front.
Hampstead & Westminster got the better of Brooklands MU in an entertaining 5-3 game on Sunday. Matt Guise-Brown led the scoring for Hampstead, scoring from two penalty corners in quick succession with Sam French, Jonny Gooch and Michael Watt also on the scoresheet.
David Flanagan scored one in each half for Brooklands and Peter Cornell also found the net. The result pushes Hampstead & Westminster to within two points of a play-off berth.
Leaders Surbiton were comfortable winners against bottom-of-the-table Canterbury on Sunday with Alan Forsyth hitting a hat-trick to take his tally for the season to 15. Chris Grassick and David Goodfield added two goals each.
Reading were comfortable winners at home to struggling Sevenoaks, putting six past their opponents with no reply. Ben Boon, Richard Mantell, Dale Hutchinson, Edward Carson, Lee Morton and James Carson scored the goals.
Euro Hockey League media release
Glens’ seven-point lead remains intact despite draw with C of I; Garvey ones to watch after another icy weekend
Glenanne dropped a couple of points but still ended the weekend with their seven-point lead intact at the top of men’s Irish EY Hockey League with Three Rock held by Annadale while Monkstown – third at the start of the weekend – were swept aside by Lisnagarvey. The Co Down side look the best placed side to challenge for top spot despite 11 points to make up but have three games in hand.
The fixture pile-up looks set to continue, though, as both of Banbridge’s games at Havelock Park were cancelled while Pembroke and Cookstown also did not go ahead.
Glenanne 2 (G Shaw, S O’Donoghue) Cork C of I 2 (M Gallagher, J Jermyn)
Shane O’Donoghue’s late penalty corner earned Glenanne another late point as he fired home a rocket of a penalty corner for a draw that sees them end the weekend with their seven-point lead at the top intact.
It was a rip-roaring affair from start to finish with both sides committing to aggressive counter-attacks that saw the game swing from end-to-end. C of I had the first chance, Iain Walker scrambling back across his goal to keep the scoreboard. Both sides had corners they could not convert in the opening quarter.
A couple of minutes into the second quarter, the Glens were in front when Joe Brennan’s long ball picked out Shannon Boucher who arced his run and passed to Gary Shaw whose reverse found its way into the goal. C of I argued forlornly for a back-stick decision with Andy Gray shown green for his protests.
The lead lasted just 60 seconds, however, as Mark Gallagher slapped over Walker’s shoulder from the right baseline, a cracking finish for 1-1. C of I went close to taking the lead when O’Donoghue was serving a yellow card suspension with Brennan having to save off the line. The Dubliners did run up three more corners in the first half but found no way through, keeping the scoreboard level at half-time.
Cork started to notch corners of their own in the second half and from their fourth one, John Jermyn showed serious power to plant the ball into the bottom corner. He tried again soon after but Walker saved well as C of I kept coming.
When Walker was beaten, David Keogh covered superbly to take another effort off the line to keep the scoreline within range. They took full advantage of that reprieve when they won yet another penalty corner which O’Donoghue fired home.
It might have been even better for the Glens in the closing minutes with Billy Lynch brilliantly denying Boucher while Jermyn blocked an O’Donoghue reverse while Eddie O’Malley and Shaw could not gobble up the next chances.
Despite missing out on the full total, Jermyn reflected afterwards that it was a good point for the Cork side, nudging them a further point clear of Cookstown in the relegation playoff spot.
Three Rock Rovers 1 (P Blakeney) Annadale 1 (J Taylor)
Late drama galore from an otherwise drab affair in near freezing conditions at Grange Road saw Peter Blakeney give Rovers the lead with six minutes to go only for John Taylor to score the equaliser with two minutes left.
The first half saw Rovers holding most of the possession but having little penetration with Luke Madeley’s drag flicks saved by Johnny Moore the pick of the chances. Jody Hosking’s cross just evaded Richard Pautz while Dale had brief openings from Rovers mistakes but not much to write home about.
In the second half, the pattern continued. One opening slipped under Daragh Walsh’s stick at the back post from a Ben Walker pass before Blakeney finally troubled the scorers, getting a diving touch to a shin-high ball into the circle.
Dale swapped out their goalkeeper straightaway and got their leveller when a free was quickly moved and crashed in for a tap-in at the back post.
Monkstown 1 (G Sarratt) Lisnagarvey 5 (A Williamson 2, D Buser, M Nelson, N Glassey)
Lisnagarvey hammered Monkstown to move back above the Dubliners and into the top three and marking them as potentially the best-placed side to threaten Glenanne. They remain 11 points off first place but have three games in hand which could significantly reduce the gap.
They got off to a dream start when Daniel Buser netted in the fourth minute from their first attack. Andy Williamson turned in Peter McKibbin’s cross for 2-0 in the eighth minute and soon after it was three with Matthew Nelson burying the chance. Williamson got another before half-time and game over at the break.
Guy Sarratt pulled a goal back from a corner before Neal Glassey got the goal of the game with 12 minutes to go, a six-man move as the snow began to tumble down.
The Hook
Local outfit UiTM edge star-studded Politeknik in Div 1 final
Against the odds: UiTM players celebrating their victory against Politeknik in the Malaysian Hockey League Division One final yesterday. — M. AZHAR ARIF / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)-KPT passed a stern test with flying colours to lift their fourth Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Division One title.
UiTM, comprising only local varsity students, showed how far a united effort can take a team when they overcame Politeknik – boasting five South Koreans – 3-1 in the final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
The win capped a great run for the university team who kept a 100% record in the league.
Both UiTM and Politeknik will be promoted to the Premier Division next year.
UiTM, who also won the league title in 2010, 2013 and 2015, pocketed RM30,000 while Politeknik took home RM20,000.
UiTM started off well by taking the lead in the eighth minute when Muhammad Fitri Ismail collected a loose ball before slamming home.
But their joy was short-lived when Politeknik stepped on the gas to equalise three minutes later through a penalty stroke by Mohamad Shazwi Rani.
Undeterred by the equaliser, UiTM charged back strongly to score twice.
UiTM earned a penalty stroke in the 19th minute and former national junior defender G. Kavin Kartik’s slow push passed through goalkeeper Muhd Nur Ariff Hamda.
Nor Azrul Abdul Rahman made it three for UiTM in the 58th minute.
UiTM team manager Ahmad Tamizy Mohammed praised his players for their fighting spirit.
“We had faith in our local university players and they justified it by beating the fancied Politeknik,” said Tamizy.
“It’s great to win the league title for the fourth time. Our challenge now is to go after our first President’s Cup (overall Cup),” said Ahmad.
Kedah came back from two goals down to beat Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) 5-2 to finish third and receive RM10,000.
The Star of Malaysia
Up-and-coming players not daunted by experienced stars
By Aftar Singh
Speedy Gonzales: At just 18, Mohamad Akimullah Anuar Esook (left) is fast on his feet and scored five goals for Tenaga in the Malaysia Hockey League. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: There were bouquets for some youngsters and only brickbats for a few senior national players after the just concluded Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
Young talents such as Mohamad Akimullah Anuar Esook, Syarman Mat Tee and Shello Silverius (Tenaga Nasional), Muhammad Hafizuddin Zaidi (KL Hockey Club) and Muhammad Fahmi Zakaria (TNB-Thunderbolt) came to the fore and showed they were not intimidated by the experienced stars.
Akimullah is only 18 but showed he has the qualities to be a top national striker.
Apart from his potential, he showcased his speed and power which helped him to score five brilliant goals.
Sabahan Shello, 19, also caught the eye with his impressive displays where he contributed three goals for Tenaga.
Goalkeeper Fahmi deserves a special mention for making some outstanding saves for Thunderbolt.
National chief coach Stephen van Huizen said these young players held their own against the seniors in the Premier Division.
“They stood tall against the experienced foreign players.
“This augurs well for the future of hockey in the country,” said Stephen.
“These players will be attached with the development squad,” added Stephen.
As for the under-performing national players, Van Huizen chose not to name any of them but said he understood their predicaments.
“Some of the national trainees are playing for their respective clubs and some of them were not given enough time to play on the field. Clubs have their own structure and strategies,” he said.
“Teams gave more time to foreign players as they’ve invested a lot of money in them,” said Stephen.
He added that the teams also relied more on their foreign stars than local players to take penalty corners.
“Terengganu banked on Gonzalo Peillat (Argentina). KL Hockey Club had Jang Jong-hyun (South Korea) and UniKL (Universiti Kuala Lumpur) depended on Jeroen Hertzberger of Holland,” said Stephen.
Peillat was the top scorer in the Premier Division with 16 goals.
Meanwhile, Stephen said all 28 national players, except for goalkeeper S. Kumar and defender Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin, would report for duty tomorrow.
The 38-year-old Kumar is serving a provisional two-year ban for a doping offence while Izad suffered an ankle injury during the league campaign.
The team are preparing for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from March 3-10.
The Star of Malaysia
RSPB women win Indian senior hockey nationals
RANCHI: Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) on Sunday lifted the 8th Senior National Women's Hockey Championship title, thrashing Madhya Pradesh 4-0 in the final to finish the tournament without losing a game.
Playing in front of a boisterous crowd at the Astro Turf Hockey Stadium, RSPB brought their A game into play.
They put up a structured defence to prevent Madhya Pradesh attackers from making successful circle entries while the team's attack, led by forward Vandana Katariya, frequently threatened the rival defence.
RSPB's first goal was scored in the third quarter through Vandana's field goal in the 36th minute. The two teams were goal-less in the first two quarters.
Vandana scored yet another splendid goal in the 41st minute to take their lead to 2-0.
Later, Priyanka Wankhede, who is second in the goal- scoring chart behind teammate Anupa Barla, scored a scintillating field goal to not only put the RSPB 3-0 ahead in the 43rd minute but also took her tally to 12 in the tournament.
A good finish, with an improvised attack, saw the winning team end their campaign with Vandana scoring a fine goal in the 59th minute.
In the bronze medal match, Haryana beat home team Jharkhand 2-0. It was experienced players Rani (19') and Deepika (41') who scored to help their team win after a disappointing outing in the semifinal against MP.
The Times of India
Lahore Lions lift Women Hockey League title
Lahore - Lahore Lions retained their 2nd Women Hockey Super League title after beating Peshawar Deers 1-0 in final here at the National Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
There were hardly any circle penetrations or goal attempts in the first quarter. The match became fully alive in the second quarter, where good up and down stuff ensued with fine moves from both the sides. Areeba Sarwar brilliantly dived to flick the ball into the net to score the only goal of the match.
Earlier in the third position play off, Karachi Dolphins riding on Tehmina Mustafa's hat-trick defeated Quetta Panthers 6-3 in a high-scoring match.
Popular Group chairman Imamuddin Shoqeen graced the final as chief guest and presented the trophy to Lahore Lions , who were also given Rs 100,000 as prize money while runners-up Peshawar got richer by Rs 75,000. The other three sides, Karachi Dolphins, Quetta Panthers and Islamabad Shaheens were given Rs 50,000 each. Player of tournament award went to Shahrika Sarwar (Lahore) while Tehmina Mustafa (Karachi) was top scorer and Rushna Khan (Lahore's captain) best goalkeeper and all received Rs 10,000 each.
The Nation
Fired-up Butali rally to hold Police in City Park
By BRIAN YONGA
DOWN BUT NOT OUT: Barnabas Odhiambo of Butali Sugar Warriors fights for the ball with Kenya Police skipper Oliver Echenje during their Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match at City Park Stadium on February 11, 2018. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Champions-elect Kenya Police on Sunday played out a thrilling 1-1 draw with arch-rivals Butali Sugar Warriors in their final Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.
Police had taken the lead through their lethal striker Amos Barkbir in the 28th minute and looked as if they would complete the double over their nemesis until Seth Oburu restored parity for the Kisumu-based club a minute to the end and the clubs shared the spoils.
Despite the match having little significance in the league after Kenya Police secured the title last month, the two sides still produced a cracking contest in the afternoon sunshine at City Park.
The result saw Kenya Police finish top of the standings with 77 points, seven ahead of Butali who secured second placed and the final slot to the 2018 Africa Cup for Club Champions later this year.
Police as well as women’s champions Telkom will be coroneted on Sunday when the 2017/2018 season comes to a close.
Police coach Kenneth Kaunda said the late goal denied them the chance to complete the double over their main rivals but was otherwise pleased with the result.
“I think we thought we had won the match and relaxed a bit allowing them (Butali) to snatch a point. But it does not matter because we have had a very good season and I am glad we ended it without losing,” Kaunda told Nation Sport.
Kaunda started with a strong side that saw top scorer Barkbir partner Calvins Kanu upfront and the duo proved to be a menace to the Butali defence.
After 10 minutes, Kanu carved out his side’s best chance as he weaved past two Butali players and his first time back hand shot just missed the goal by inches.
Butali, formerly known as Kisumu Simba, rallied to draw level by winning two short corners both of which were not converted as the opening quarter ended goalless.
Both teams wasted chances at the beginning of the second quarter before Police took the lead two minutes to halftime as Barkibir fired past Butali goalkeeper Joseph Osino for his 19th goal of the season.
Police wasted a couple of more chances in the third quarter with the rhythm of play disrupted by the revolving substitutions. Butali rescued a draw as Oburu got into behind Police defenders to divert the ball past Martin Agesa.
Butali team manager Kamal Sembi warned Police that his side would return stronger next season.
“We were not very consistent this season as compared to Police and that proved to be the difference. Next season we will come better prepared,” he said.
Daily Nation
Great day at Indoor U18 Inter District
Photo by Mark Pugh
East finished first the boys’ competition and West finished in top spot in the girls’ final placings at the Indoor U18 Inter District at Bell’s Sports Centre.
The boys’ U18 Indoor Inter District got underway with East v Midland in the main hall at Bells. Jacob Tweedie made a solo run through the Midland defence and slid the ball passed the keeper to break the deadlock. Shortly after, East advanced their lead to two when Fraser Heigh drilled the ball against the backboard.
East made it three through Charlie Jack ending the first half 3 -0 in East’s favour. In the second half Midland almost got themselves back into the game but the East goalkeeper made a great save to his left hand side. A penalty corner was awarded to East in the 20th minute and a well worked corner resulted in Fraser Heigh lifting the ball into the roof of the net. 4-0 to East. Another goal was scored this time in the 26th minute, Midland trying to push forward with a kicking back left space at the back. A well-worked penetrating pass was guided into the goal by East’s Hanru Wehmeyer.
Midland responded pulling one back within the minute from a well worked penalty corner Jamie Golden smashed it home, 5-1. Midland’s John Steven from open play made it 5-2. East advanced again in the last minute as Midland tried to push for a comeback. Gaps in Midlands defence opened up and a misplaced pass was intercepted and left East with an overload in the final third for an easy tap in to end the match with a 6-2 win for East.
In the other Boys match of West v North there was a competitive first half, the only goal to break the deadlock came in the 5th minute for Andrew McConnell. Early in the second half it was Fin Renton that pulled a goal back for North to bring it back to all square. West seemed to step up a gear after this; converting four goals in under five minutes, the spoils for Ben Carrol, Ben Wilson, Andrew McConnell and Sam Eadie. North received a penalty stroke, Cammie Robson stepped up and coolly converted to make the score 5-2. Fraser Cowie scored West’s sixth goal from open play. To finish the game Ben Carrol scored his Brace, leaving the game as a 7-2 win for the West team.
Photo by Mark Pugh
In the South v Midland Indoor U18 Inter District girls match a goal in the first minute was scored by Captain Emily Dark. The second minute saw Midland advance 0-2 from a well worked short corner. Dark made it three for Midland and only four minutes had been played. South’s Chloe Aitchison made a superb run past the Midland defence and slipped the ball through the legs of the Midland Keeper to make it 3-1. A fourth for Midland came from open play Emily Dark on a rampage. Ruth Blaike converted Midland’s fifth. Another goal for Emily Dark came with just two minutes to go from open play. In the dying seconds Midland scored again with a great individual piece of ball skill from Ruth Blaike. 7-1 the game finished.
East v West faced off in the other girls’ game. West was first to strike through Holly Burns. East however played some slick hockey to work the ball to Georgia Jones for her first of the day. Captain of West Margery Justice pushed her team in front once again a minute from half time, leaving the score 1-2 at the half. West struck early after the half time break, a goal a minute, Katherine Meenan, Browyn Shields scoring singles and Justice getting her brace. Georgia Jones replied shortly after with her brace goal to make it 2-5, however West were not finished. Shields added a brace along with Justice scoring her hat trick.
Back with the boys’, North opened the scoring on the third minute by Kyle Prothero. A penalty flick was awarded on the 4th minute of the game that resulted in the first goal of the match from Midland. Jamie Golden flicked the ball brilliantly into the top right hand corner to give Midland an early lead. Midland were awarded another flick but Jamie Golden was unable to convert this one and the score remained even after nine minutes gone. One minute before half time and play was stopped after an attempted shot resulted in Cammie Robson taking a hit to the head and receiving a nasty gash above the eye. Midland took the lead just before half time through Cammy Bell. North pull back an equaliser with 8 minutes to go, James Morrison getting the honours. Jamie Golden made it 3-2 with less than two minutes to go. Jamie Golden completed his hat-trick and the game finishes 4-2 to Midland.
East and West faced off in the other Boys’ Indoor U18 Inter District match, East got out of the blocks first with Hanru Wehmeyer continuing his scoring efforts from the previous game. West fought back quickly with three goals in two minutes, Ben Wilson with one and Andrew McConnell a brace. East were not out of it as Wehmeyer led the charge scoring his brace. Fraser Cowie of West instantly responded to take the game to 2-4 in West’s favour. West conceded a penalty corner and Fraser Heigh added to East’s tally with the conversion. Three minutes from time Alex Riddle pulled East level, to share the points.
The girls’ competition was back on court once again. Midland took the lead early on but didn’t take East long to get back into with a nice slot passed the keepers left foot from Georgie Jones to equalise for East. Another goal for Midland was scored by Ruth Blaikie. Blaikie made it 3-1 and completed her hat-trick before half time after a few good stops from the East goalkeeper; Blaikie eventually slotted the ball into the bottom left hand corner. An early goal for East was scored just after the break after a missed clearance from the keeper allowed Faith Joubert the opportunity to tap the ball in. Midland responded straight away and number Izzy Folan scored straight from the restart from open play 2-4. Emily Dark scored on the seventeenth minute from a penalty corner smashing the ball into the bottom left hand corner, 2-5. With just three minutes left the East goalkeeper pulled off a great save down to her left hand side to deny Midland another goal but the ball wasn’t long before it was back in the East goal with Blaikie getting her 4th of the match. Straight from the restart Blaikie was at it again this time finishing in the bottom right, her fifth of the match 2-7. It could have been more if it wasn’t for a great couple of saves from the East keeper from consecutive saves right at the death to keep the score at 2-7.
Photo by Mark Pugh
West Girls played South Girls in their second round of Indoor U18 Inter District matches. West were aggressive in their start with Katherine Meenan starting them off. Bronwyn Shields doubled the score inside a minute of the first conversion from a penalty corner. Lucy Williamson was next to add her name to the score card in the seventh minute, the eighth minute saw Holly Burns convert. South pulled a goal back in the tenth minute through captain Lucy Murray. Lucy Arnold of West made the score 5-1 through a well place penalty corner. The following minute saw South double their tally their captain once again making the difference. West put their foot to the floor and notched 6 goals, three for Shields, Sophie Redpath, Margery Justice singles and Meenan her brace. South had late replies Murray gaining a hat trick and Aimee Martin converting a penalty corner in the last minute. Finally tally 11 for West and 4 for South.
The Boys’ matches returned and it was West versus Midland on the main court. Andrew McConnell opened the scoring for West in the third minute. Midland responded straight away from a goal from restart from Alex Wilson, 1-1. Keir Robb for Midland made it 2-1 from a lovely one two around the area and smashed it in the net. Jamie Golden made it 3-1 to Midland with a great shot fired into the bottom left hand side of the goal form a wide angle on the eighteenth minute from Captain Golden. West pulled one back after a penalty stroke was awarded after a penalty corner strike hit a player on the foot on the post. McConnell brilliantly smashing it top right hand side to narrow the score line with nine minutes to go, 2-3. A hat trick for McConnell came just a few minutes later after a quick breakaway and he was left with a tap in after some neat little 1-2 passing sequences 3-3. Midland took the lead with just over three minutes to go Wilson scoring. Jaimie Golden scored in the last seconds from a penalty corner after he rifled the ball into the roof of the net game finished 3-5.
In the Boys East v North match East scored two goals in the third minute, first to notch a goal was Charlie Jack from a penalty corner and then straight after Fraser Heigh insured his name was on the score sheet for the third game. Ben Pearson made East’s leads three goals from a converted penalty corner. Heigh converted his brace in the tenth minute making it four to East and North yet to score. The final score before half time came from Charlie Jack scoring his brace ending the half 5-0. The second half started back and the game was competitive, it wasn’t until the 22nd minute that East converted. Hanru Wehmeyer getting his first of this match. A hat trick came for Charlie Jack shortly after Weymeyer’s goal making the score 7-0. North pushed forward determined not to leave the match without a goal, Leon Potts converting. East’s Heigh made his brace two minutes from time taking the game to 8-1. In the final minute north gained a penalty corner and James Morrison fired it passed the keeper. The final score East 8-2 North. This result sealing the Indoor U18 Inter District title for East boys.
Photo by Mark Pugh
In the final matches in the girls competition South took on East. South’s captain, Lucy Murray drilled the ball in to the net in the first minute of play to start her side off. Play was up and down the court for a number of minutes with no further conversions. The twelfth minute saw East concede a penalty corner, Murray again stepping up for her team and making it two goals in South’s favour, the only goals of the first half. In to the second half Aimee Martin drew out the defence to slide the ball past the East keeper. Shortly after Chloe Richardson was next to add to South’s tally, East with no response despite their hard efforts. Murray made her hat trick from another set piece and three minutes from time Hannah McNair finished the game at 6-0 for South.
The showdown for first place of the Indoor U18 Inter District took place in the main hall, West and Midland going into their final game both on six points from their previous matches. Midland’s Ruth Blaikie had a goal notched off early in the first half, the ball deemed to have been flicked outside the West D before looping over the keeper. The threat of going down a goal sparked fire in West attacks, Margery Justice claiming the first goal of the game. It only took three minutes for Midland to reel West back in and equalise through an Emily Dark trade mark short corner. The half playing out to a 1-1 draw. In the second half it was once again West to edge in front. This time it was Bronwyn Shields adding to her tally for the day and earning the lead. A full five minutes of attack and turnovers for both teams passed before Midland finished one of their opportunities in front of goal. Holly Duval with the goal to take the game back to a tie. The game played out, West defence standing strong against relentless Midland attack. The final whistle sounded and West girls celebrated as the draw enabled them to take midlands crown on goal difference.
Boys’ Standings
East
Midland
West
North
Girls’ Standings
West
Midland
South
East
Scottish Hockey Union media release