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All the news for Monday 5 March 2018

27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (M) - Day 2
Ipoh (MAS)

Results

MAS - AUS 1 - 3
IRL - ARG 3 - 5
IND - ENG 1 - 1

Pool standings

Monday 5 March is a Rest Day

FIH Match Centre

World number one top Malaysia

By Jugjet Singh

WORLD No 1 Australia beat Malaysia 3-1 in a highly entertaining Azlan Shah Cup encounter in Ipoh Sunday.

And after a day's rest, coach Stephen van Huizen's men face world No 2 Argentina in what is also expected to be an uphill battle.

Yesterday, world no 12 Malaysia never had a single shot at goal until the third quarter, and the only time Malaysia 'scored' was in the 33rd minute.

However, the Australians asked for video referal, and Razie Rahim's penalty corner attempt was not recognised, as the ball was not stopped outside the semicircle as rules required.

The Australian goals were scored by Corey Weyer (10th), Dylan Wotherspoon (29th) and Aaron Kleisnhmidt (43rd).

Marhan Jalil scored a famous goal for Malaysia in the 53rd minute.

In an earlier match, Olympic champions Argentina came back from two goals down to beat Ireland 5-3,

The Los Leones (The Lions) as they are nicknamed share the top of the table on six points with Australia -- both with two consecutive wins.

Ireland, World No 10, took a two-goal lead after 17 minutes of play.

Shane O’ Donoghue (12th),  Sean Murray (17th) and Eugene Magee (52nd) scored for the Irish.

But Argentina's penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat scored his second hat-trick of the tournament (20th, 23rd, 47th) while Lucas Vila (22nd) and Juan Gilardi (30th) handed them victory.

Peillat, the world’s top penalty corner specialist, also scored a hat-trick in their 3-2 victory over India.

Argentina chief coach Rolando Rivero said: "In the first half Ireland were really good and tough and started with the two goals. It was really tough and in the second half we tried to change and adjust our game plan and I think we did it right to score those goals."

Argentina play Malaysia after a day's rest.

"Our next match against is against Malaysia we will try to improve further.

"We know its going to be tough with Malaysia having home ground advantage. Malaysia plays really well and hard and we are looking forward to it."

Ireland coach Craig Fulton said his charges played much better than they did in the first match against Malaysia.

"It was much a better performance than against Malaysia (lost 4-1),
the nice thing is how strong we finished in the fourth quarter, but failed to score."

RESULTS: India 1 England 1, Ireland 3 Argentina 5, Malaysia 1 Australia 3.

MONDAY: REST DAY.

TUESDAY: England v Ireland (4pm), India v Australia (6pm), Malaysia v Argentina (8.30pm).

STANDINGS
                  P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
AUSTRALIA         2  2  0  0  7  2  6
ARGENTINA         2  2  0  0  8  5  6
MALAYSIA          2  1  0  1  5  4  3
ENGLAND           2  0  1  1  2  5  1
INDIA             2  0  1  1  3  4  1
IRELAND           2  0  0  2  4  9  0

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Spirited Malaysia just can’t hold off classy world champions

By Kng Zheng Guan


That’s mine: Malaysia’s Shahril Saabah (left) vying for the ball with Australia’s Aaron Kleinschimdt during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match in Ipoh yesterday. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: World champions Australia just proved too strong for a spirited Malaysia as they claimed a commanding 3-1 win in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup men’s hockey tournament.

It was evident that Australia were a class above as they had the ball in the net after just two minutes at the Azlan Shah Stadium yesterday.

Malaysia, however, were let off the hook as Daniel Beale’s effort was disallowed due to an obstruction to goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman.

But there was no denying the Aussies as Corey Weyer found the mark in the 10th minute off a penalty corner.

Malaysia were then dealt a sucker punch a minute before the break after Beale got past the Malaysian defence before passing to Dylan Wotherspoon to finish in front of an open goal.

After the break, Malaysia earned their first penalty corner in the 33rd minute and captain Razie Rahim found the net but it was disallowed after a review.

The Aussies then put the final nail in the coffin when Aaron Kleinschmidt scored in the 43rd minute.

The Star of Malaysia

Kookas Go Two From Two At Azlan Shah Cup

Ben Somerford



The Kookaburras are top of the table after two games at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after claiming a 3-1 win over hosts Malaysia in Ipoh on Sunday evening.

First-half goals from defender Corey Weyer and forward Dylan Wotherspoon set Australia up, before Aaron Kleinschmidt sealed the win late in the third quarter, in a game where the Kookas had the bulk of the chances.

The result backs up the Kookaburras’ first-up 4-1 win over England on Saturday night at the tournament, which is crucial preparation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Weyer, in his 10th game for Australia, scored his maiden international goal in the 10th minute from a penalty corner.

Wotherspoon doubled the Kookaburras’ lead on the stroke of half-time and sharp-shooter  Kleinschmidt added a third in the 43rd minute.

Marhan Jalil scored a consolation goal in the 53rd minute for the hosts, who won their opener on Saturday against Ireland 4-1.

Australia sits top of the standings after two wins from two games, ahead of Argentina, who beat Ireland 5-3 on Sunday, only on goal difference, while Malaysia are third with one win from their two games.

The Kookaburras are next in action on Tuesday against India from 9pm AEDT live on Fox Sports.

Australia 3 (Weyer 10’, Wotherspoon 29’, Kleinschmidt 43’)
Malaysia 1 (Jalil 53’)

Hockey Australia media release

Peillat The Difference Between Green Machine And Argentina



Penalty corner specialist Gonzalo Peillat was the difference between the two sides as the statistics point towards an otherwise even contest.

In fact, it was Ireland who controlled much of the opening 20 minutes as they moved the ball around the back and dealt well with the Argentinian press. Mark Ingram made 2 early saves against the run of play but the opening goal was deservedly Ireland’s. Sean Murray, outstanding throughout, glided into the circle through 3 defenders and his rebounded shot fell to Shane O’Donoghue for the close-range goal. Murray got his own goal in the 17th minute and it was a sight to behold. He again evaded the experienced Argentinian defence to charge into the circle and sent a rocket on his reverse past Juan Vivaldi from an acute angle to give the Green Machine a 2-0 lead. But Argentina appeared to wake up from a slumber and the intensity of their play increased dramatically. 3 goals in 10 minutes changed the landscape of the game with 2 of those coming courtesy of Peillat from PC routines. Sandwiched in between his goals was Lucas Villa’s as he swept home from close range following superb 3D skills from Luca Masso. On the cusp of half time, the Olympic Champions earned another PC but the ball was stopped on the line by Johnny Bell’s foot and Juan Gilardi converted the ensuing penalty stroke to make it 4-2 at the break.

The second half saw the Green Machine create more tangible chances as Pembroke players Alan Sothern and Kirk Shimmins linked up nicely down the left but Pedro Ibarra cut out the cross to prevent a clear shot. Eugene Magee continued to trouble the Argentinian defence as he just missed the final touch from a Murray ball across goal. Moments later he was diving in front of Vivaldi in an attempt to deflect home Michael Robson’s pass. The momentum seemed to belong to Ireland but up stepped Peillat for another PC rocket to cement his sides 5-2 lead. Magee rightfully got his goal as he picked up a pass from Stephen Cole and sent a screamer on his reverse past Vivaldi. Discipline seemed to go out the window in the dying minutes when Argentina found themselves with just 8 men following a green and 2 yellow cards. 2 PC’s for Ireland looked like golden opportunities but the attempts didn’t trouble Vivaldi and Argentina ran out 5-3 victors in a highly entertaining fixture.

Ireland are next in action on Tuesday at 8am (Irish time) against England.

Azlan Shah Cup

Ireland 3 (O’Donoghue, Murray, Magee)
Irish Hockey Association media release(Peillat x3, Vila, Gilardi)

Irish Hockey Association media releaseM Ingram, J Bell (Captain), M Bell, C Cargo, A Sothern, E Magee, K Shimmins, S O’Donoghue, J McKee, P Gleghorne, S Loughrey,

Subs: J Carr, S O’Connor, S Murray, J Dale, M Robson, L Cole, S Cole

Ireland Schedule (all times listed are local):

March 3rd at 20:30 Ireland 1 vs 4 Malaysia
March 4th at 18:00 Ireland 3 vs 5 Argentina
March 6th 16:00 Ireland vs England
March 7th 16:05 Ireland vs Australia
March 9th 18:05 Ireland vs India
March 10th Final Placing Matches

Irish Hockey Association media release

Peillat shoots down strong Irish start against Olympic gold medalists


Sean Murray made the first and scored the second Irish goal. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Ireland put in a marked improvement against Olympic gold medalists Argentina but penalty corners from the world’s deadliest striker saw them succumb to a 5-3 defeat on day two of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

Compared to the opening tie against Malaysia, they were much more in-tune and led 2-0 inside 16 minutes from sharp Shane O’Donoghue and Sean Murray finishes.

O’Donoghue’s owed much to Murray’s burrowing in from the right of the circle, picking the ball off Juan Vivaldi’s pads before slamming home.

Murray – in an exceptional attacking performance – then won a free and took it on himself before firing an arrow into the top of the next.

Gonzalo Peillat, however, quickly turned things around with a series of penalty corner rockets. Two went straight in either side of a Lucas Vila finish while a third Peillat flick hit a body on the line, allowing Juan Gilardi the chance to slot the penalty stroke.

Trailing 4-2 at half-time, Ireland continued to be the more attacking outfit with a Murray cross somehow intersecting three waiting attackers for a tip in while Eugene Magee blazed over from mid-circle.

Argentina had just five shots on target, however, and all of them went in. Peillat completed his hat trick before Magee replied with a backhand shot after Jonny McKee’s persistence won the ball and Stephen Cole found the pass.

The endgame should have yielded more as Argentina had three players sin-binned but two rushed Irish penalty corner moves meant no further reduction to the deficit.

Ireland’s next task is a date with England on Tuesday before they meet world number one side Australia on Thursday.

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
Ireland 3 (S O’Donoghue, S Murray, E Magee)
Argentina 5 (G Peillat 3, L Vila, J Gilardi)

The HookM Ingram, J Bell, M Bell, C Cargo, A Sothern, E Magee, K Shimmins, S O’Donoghue, J McKee, P Gleghorne, S Loughrey
Subs: S O’Connor, S Murray, J Dale, M Robson, L Cole, S Cole

The HookJ Vivaldi, G Peillat, J Gilardi, P Ibarra, S Tarazona, N Salis, M Paredes, L Vila, J Lopez, N Della Torre, L Rossi
Subs: L Masso, D Paz, I Ibarra, A Bugallo, L Gencarelli, T Rodriguez

The Hook

England survive corner barrage to claim first Azlan Shah point


England v Australia Sultan Azlan Shah 2018

A superb display of bravery and resilience saw England secure their first points of the 2018 Azlan Shah Cup with a draw against India.

After falling behind at the end of the first quarter to a Shilanand Lakra goal, George Pinner’s goal came under siege in the second period with India winning eight penalty corners in as many minutes.

But they failed to convert any of them thanks to the heroics of Pinner and his defenders before Mark Gleghorne equalised seven minutes from time with a penalty stroke following a stick check on Barry Middleton.

Each side piled on the pressure thereafter trying to find a winner but there was to be no further change to the score, with both seemingly happy with a draw after their opening round defeats.

England started the game positively with David Condon narrowly missing the target in the fourth minute after a strong run into the circle.

Middleton and Sam Ward also posed questions but India struck in the 14th minute as Ramandeep Singh intercepted Ollie Willars’ pass before Lakra scored after Harry Gibson had initially done well to save Talwinder Singh’s shot.

Substitute ‘keeper George Pinner showed a strong hand to keep out Gurjant Singh less than 30 seconds afer coming on before pulling off two brilliant saves from the ensuing corner barrage, while Middleton, Gleghorne and Liam Sanford also blocked efforts from Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas.

In amongst those series of corners Harry Martin missed a chance to equalise before Liam Ansell saw a shot blocked and Ward’s stinging reverse effort was saved by Suraj Karkera as the half-time klaxon sounded.

The third quarter was much more sedate with little goalmouth action, Gleghorne’s blocked 32nd minute penalty corner England’s only chance of note despite a yellow card for Simranjeet Singh.

Gleghorne was then on hand to charge down yet another penalty corner from Rohidas in the final quarter before Pinner and Henry Weir managed to scramble the ball off the line in the 51st minute.

England pressed to find the equaliser after that and it came two minutes later as Gleghorne neatly tucked his penalty stroke into the corner after Ward’s shot was well saved by Pathak.

Pinner was then called into action in the final minute of the game with keep out a wicked strike with his left foot to ensure a tight game finished level.

England next face Ireland on Tuesday 6 March at 0800 GMT in a game you can watch on the FIH's YouTube channel.

India 1 (1)
Lakra (FG, 14)

England 1 (1)
Gleghorne (PS, 53)

England Starting XI: Gibson (GK), Sloan, Gleghorne, Roper (C), Dixon, Middleton, Creed, Goodfield, Condon, Gall, Sanford

Subs: Pinner (GK), Willars, Weir, Martin, Griffiths, Ward, Ansell

England Hockey Board Media release

Draw a fair result for India, England after underwhelming display with flashes of brilliance

Sundeep Misra


India celebrate in their clash against England. Image credit: Twitter/@TheHockeyIndia

Missing nine penalty corners may not ring alarm bells in the Indian hockey establishment, but in a match that saw momentary flashes of brilliance with large periods of underwhelming performance, sharing a point was just reward for both India and England.

Both came into their second match in the tournament having lost their opening games; India looking to improve structure after the 2-3 loss to Argentina while England looking for a vastly improved performance after the 1-4 whacking from Australia.

England’s intentions were clear as they sped in like little gnats, biting away at the Indian defence, tearing away the defensive fabric, and it was only Suraj Karkera who saved the situation from turning into an early rout by saving five to six home-bound shots. India’s defensive wall of Surender Kumar, Dipsan Lakra, Amit Rohidas, Nilam Xess and Mandeep Mor appeared to have jelly legs as they negotiated the speed and pace of Harry Martin, Sam Ward, Mark Gleghorne, Phil Roper and David Goodfield.

Slowly, India came into their own as they appeared to control the ball better, and kept it away from the marauding English forwards. The thrust was seen towards the end of the first quarter and it was then that India scored off a move created from the right flank.

It was Ramandeep Singh’s sudden burst that surprised the English defence, and by the time they recovered, Talwinder Singh had shot the ball towards the English goalkeeper Harry Gibson, who took the ball on the glove but couldn’t clear it as Shilanand Lakra, looking for a rebound or a cross, whacked it in.

It was the youngster’s first goal for the senior team and the way he overlaps and collects the ball surely points towards a longer innings, if not now but later. England were still rattling the Indian defence, but the end of the first quarter gave some respite and a chance to build from the midfield.

Both SK Uthappa and Sardar Singh appeared more assured. The Indian captain, playing a central role, didn’t hold the ball much and was quick on the draw to release it forward. Uthappa and Sumit played some moves and usually released the ball fast for Ramandeep and Talwinder, which kept the pressure going on the English defence.

That was probably the difference between the display against Argentina and the one against England. The midriff of the team, the core was much better giving space and relief. Simranjeet Singh was error prone, but some of his runs gave Gurjant and Ramandeep sharp chances which, looking at Ramandeep’s experience, should have yielded better results than just a soft flick or a wayward shot easily saved by an alert Gibson in the English goalmouth.

Then came the rash of penalty corners in the second quarter, the failings of which the team would devote an entire team session too. Not in a long time has the PC conversion been this bad. One can easily cover it by saying that Harmanpreet and Rupinder Pal are not with the team — which begs the question: Why not bring one of them along if the word ‘mentorship’ is being so casually thrown around?

It also leads us to ask questions, not about Varun Kumar or Rohidas, but the intensity and viability of the coaching staff around penalty corners. Chris Ciriello, the Australian penalty corner legend, was the name touted to be joining the Indian set-up, and it would be good if Hockey India (HI) can speed up the process with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), with time running out.

But these were not PCs spaced out because the forwards were creating them, but consecutive ones coming off flicks created by the infringements of the English defence. They came in like gifts in a discount store, but either the flicks were wayward or Gibson saved a few of them. The Indian coach defended Varun and Rohidas saying that some of the flicks were very good and that it is expected that the opposition goalkeeper would save a few of them. Yet missing eight and hoping to win a match is weaving a fantasy. England survived the onslaught.

It doesn’t leave much to the imagination as to what the result might have been if a side like Argentina had eight PCs and let the other side live to tell the tale. In the HWL Finals, where India had played Argentina, the South Americans earned one PC against India and scored off Peillat. That’s what a match-winner is all about. India need to look at this department and in a hurry.

India’s thrust somewhat suffered in the third quarter when they had two green cards and a yellow, all in the space of eight minutes. Lakra was sent off in the 30th minute and then Mor brought down Henry Weir. The worst infringement came from Simranjeet, who delayed in releasing the ball, and when robbed off it, used his stick to send the English player crashing. It meant that for almost nine minutes in the third quarter, India played with 10 men – criminal in the given circumstances. India still could have taken the lead when Uthappa and Gurjant moved in, but the final push slipped past the post. It was getting close and tense.

At the 2014 World Cup, India and England were battling away 1-1 when Simon Mantell fired in the match-winner in the 70th minute. The opening goal had been scored by Mark Gleghorne. And then in the HWL Finals in Bhubaneswar, Ward had scored the match-winner after both the teams were locked at 2-2. So as the fourth quarter started, getting a goal was a top priority for the Indians.

It would have required individual brilliance to create something spectacular. But both teams played slightly defensive, waiting for openings off counters only. India had their ninth PC and the best chance to close down the match but misfired off yet another chance. Despite that, Gurjant had a great chance, but was slow to pick the ball off the keeper’s pads.

It was getting too close, and India were closing down the midfield, as a result of which England rotated and kept the ball looking for openings. They didn't dare give away counters to India as they had seen that Ramandeep was punishing them with speed and pace. On one of the attacks, England was stick-checked just when they were about to take a shot at goal and the umpire pointed to a stroke.

The Indians, more out of hope than anything else, asked for a referral but the stroke stood and Mark Gleghorne flicked in past Krishan Pathak. It was 1-1. Eight minutes of good action remained for either of the teams to get a match-winner. India spread the field and kept the structure going, not giving away enforced errors. In the dying minutes, Simranjeet fired in a cross but there was nobody to pick up the ball and create an opportunity.

England had just one PC while India had nine. The circle entries go to England with 25 while India had 13, but shots on goal for India were 15 with England having 10 and that was where India could have closed the game and taken three points.

Bob Crutchley, the English coach, was happy with the result saying both teams have played some close games in the past and that with a team like India it was always expected to be close. “They have a new team different from the one that we have faced in the HWL and it’s always tough as they have a large group of talented players who can win a match on their own,” said Crutchley.

Sjoerd Marijne was unhappy with the general performance except that the defence was well-structured, but the rest he said were too rushed. “Even the ball possession was weak and then in the PC’s we were good and bad also. There were some PC’s well taken and should have been goals but this is a young bunch and will learn and come out better,” said Marijne. “I think the important thing is to keep learning and that’s what we are doing and hopefully we will put in a better performance in the next match.”

Optimism is still abound inside the ranks of a team that knows it has left integral parts of its core back home. There are talks of pedigree, faltering technique and also about the level of competition when teams like Argentina and Australia are in the fray. But it’s also time to stop sparring and understand the skill set required to deliver killer blows. Until then, claims to be a legitimate contender at the Azlan Shah would always sound hollow.

Firstpost

Dominant India concedes 1-1 draw to England

s2h team



Despite domination and quite determined defensive game, India could only draw England conceding a crucial goal eight minutes before full time in the second match of the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Playing his first international tournament, left-winger Shilaland Lakra left no room for his competency as he jumped mildly to tap a high rebound from goalie to give India 1-0 lead at the fag end of first quarter. Its Ramandeep Singh who set up the goal move with a well-timed cross into the D from top of which Talwinder Singh whacked towards goalie only to see him blocking it, but alert Shilaland did the rest.

India got three penalty corners as the next quarter started but England would not yield. In all India continued to attack and even got as many as six penalty corners in the second quarter alone, but Varun Kumar and Nilam Xess who alternatively took them could not fructify any of their attempt. The last one, which Varun sent a slider to Ramandeep in an indirect manouver just missed to connect.

It was actually goalkeeper Suraj Karkera who kept India clean with immaculate saves when England attack in the opening spell and also at the fag end of first half.

Suraj was not played yesterday, Krishan Pathak getting full time.

After a barren third quarter in which India missed many scoring chances, England got a stroke in a melee which survived Indian referral. Gleghorne put the ball to the right of goalie Pathak to level the score. Till then India was showcasing enormous grit in defence.

Still there was 8 minutes for India to press ahead. But England accelerated its moves and kept India on toes. A couple of goal shots one from Ramandeep Singh and the other from Talwinder off a immaculate hit in from Varun Kumar could not cross the cageline.

Stick2Hockey.com

Lakra’s lucky day

By Loghun Kumaran and John Bunyan


England's Mark Gleghorne finally broke the resolute Indian defence in the 52nd minute, firing home a penalty stroke following a foul in the D. — Photo by Marcus Pheong

When he looks back on his career, it's likely that India's young forward Shilanand Lakra will never forget his second cap against England.

The 19-year-old broke his international duck in only his second match, securing India a 1-1 draw against the English in the Sultan Azlan Shah cup here today.

In a tight and nervy encounter, Lakra showed quick reflexes to tap in from close range in the 14th minute, after English goalie Harry Gibson saved a Talwinder Singh shot.

While it proved not to be the winning goal, the young lad was over the moon to score, calling the goal 'unexpected.'

“I didn’t think I would score so its a very proud moment. The goal is definitely a boost for me to perform better in the next game," he told Malay Mail after the match.

“I’m sure all the youngsters would feel the same when they score their debut goal for the senior team,” he said.

Lakra said the moment was extra special as he had reminded his parents and younger sister to watch today’s match.

“I spoke to them via phone yesterday and I told them to watch the game today. I’m sure they would have watched it and this goal is for them,” he said.

Despite being one of the youngest players in the team, Lakra said he did not feel any extra pressure to perform.

“We play as a team. The senior players always guide us and help us to improve our game.

Chances were plentiful for both sides in the first half, as India won eight penalty corners in the first half alone--failing, however to convert them.

Both teams pushed on in the second half, but were unable to bulge the nets despite fashioning decent chances.

However, England's Mark Gleghorne finally broke the resolute Indian defence in the 52nd minute, firing home a penalty stroke following a foul in the D.

Both India and England —who have one point each — will need to push on if they are to make their presence felt in the tournament, as they face Australia and Ireland respectively tomorrow.

Meanwhile in the day's second match, an incredible second hat-trick in a row from Gonzalo Peillat fired Argentina to a comeback 5-3 victory against Ireland.

The Irish stunned their opponents by racing to a two goal lead thanks to goals from Shane O' Donohoe(12)and Sean Murray(17)

But Los Leones stormed back from the early scare, replying with four first half goals of their own through Peillat(20 and 23), Lucas Villa(22),and Juan Gilardi(30)

Peillat then completed his hat trick from another penalty corner in the 47th minute before Eugene Magee scored Ireland's third five minutes later.

Malay Mail

India, England play out 1-1 draw

NEW DELHI: A wasteful India played out a 1-1 draw against England in their second match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Sunday in Ipoh, Malaysia.

India took lead in the first quarter itself through Shilanand Lakra in the 14th minute. Ramandeep Singh's cross from the right found Talwinder Singh whose first touch was blocked but Lakra scored on the rebound to put India ahead.

England ended the quarter with late incursions but as was the case throughout the contest, Indian defenders denied them. However, India could have easily pocketed the game and full three points had they not been wasteful with the set pieces. They won as many as nine penalty corners but failed to convert any of them. There was a period when the 2017 bronze medallists won six penalty corners in a row but their age-old problem of not converting PCs came to the fore again.

Meanwhile, England continued their efforts for an equaliser.

Somehow, despite the lost opportunities, India managed to hold on to their slim lead as their defenders were solid and with eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, England won a penalty stroke. India appealed against the decision but the replays confirmed stick check from Nilakanta Sharma. Mark Gleghorne fired his shot to the right of Indian goalie Krishan Pathan and made it 1-1.

With this draw, both the teams get a point each. Monday is a rest day for India and they will next face world no. 1 Australia on Tuesday.

The Times of India

England holds misfiring India

Marijne’s men make a mess of nine penalty corners


Marksman: Shilanand Lakra celebrates with Talwinder Singh after slotting in India’s goal. Photo Credit: PTI

India wasted chances galore to settle for a 1-1 draw against England in its second match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Sunday. It was India’s first point in the tournament after having lost 3-2 to Olympic champion Argentina on Saturday

Young Shilanand Larka scored his first international goal in the dying minutes of the first quarter (14th minute) to give India the lead, which the men in blue maintained till the 53rd minute, when Mark Gleghorne converted a stroke.

The young and inexperienced team under Sardar Singh’s leadership only had itself to blame as it wasted as many as nine penalty corners besides a few great scoring chances from the field.

India was slow to get off the blocks as England put pressure on the citadel with continuous raids upfront.

But India took the lead against the run of play a minute before the first quarter when Shilanand pounced on a rebound after Talwinder Singh’s initial shot was saved by England goalkeeper Harry Gibson.

The Indians were on top in the second quarter and earned eight penalty corners with close succession, but the drag-flick battery of Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas failed to breach the England defence led by substitute goalkeeper George Pinner.

The third quarter witnessed a midfield slugfest as England pressed hard for the equaliser and in the process secured a penalty corner, which was wasted.

The Indians secured their ninth and final penalty corner in the 48th minute but they failed to utilise the opportunity and it proved costly for Sjoerd Marijne’s team.

Paying the penalty

Seven minutes from the final hooter, England was awarded a penalty stroke for a stick infringement inside the circle and Gleghorne convert with ease past goalie Krishan Pathak.

India will next play unbeaten Australia on Tuesday.

The results: India 1 (Shilanand Larka 14th min.) drew with England 1 (Mark Gleghorne 53); Argentina 5 (Gonzalo Peillat 20, 23, 47; Lucas Vila 22, Juan Gilardi 30) bt Ireland 3 (Shane O’ Donoghue 12, Sean Murray 17, Magee 62); Australia 3 (Corey Weyer 10, Dylan Wotherspoon 30, Aron Kleinschmidt 43) bt Malaysia 1 (Marhan Jalil 53).

The Hindu

Stop Peillat the one-man Army

By Jugjet Singh



IPOH: Gonzalo Peillat is a one-man Army for Argentina.

He's only 25-years-old, but has helped Argentina win bronze at the 2014 World Cup at the Hague, Netherlands by top-scoring with 10 goals.

Peillat's best achievement so far is winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. No prizes for guessing, yes, he was again the tournament top-scorer with 11 goals.

And Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) hired him for the recent Malaysia Hockey League, where he was again tournament top-scorer on 16 goals to help THT win the League title.

The drag-flick specialist has scored back-to-back hat-tricks in the Azlan Shah Cup, to help beat India 3-1 and England 4-1 and Ireland 5-3.

And today, he will be depended upon to demolish Malaysia in the 27th Edition of the Azlan Shah Cup.

"The last time we played Argentina in a tournament was in the World League Semifinals (in London 2017) and we lost 5-2 (in Group A). And then we against lost to them 2-1 (in the semi-finals).

"They are the Olympic champions and I expect them to give us a tough time but we are ready to challenge them.

"It is going to be a difficult game, and we have to be wary of their penalty corners as Peillat scored four in their 5-2 win in London, and he has scored six goals in two matches so far," said Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen.

Van Huizen has plans on how to run out during penalty corners, and hopefully they work.

"We practiced some run outs during the two friendly games (where Malaysia lost 3-2 and then won 3-0) and just like every team here in Ipoh, we will be looking to minimise giving away penalty corners.

"And when we do give away penalty corners, we need to perfect our run outs against Peillat," said Van Huizen.

MONDAY: REST DAY.

TUESDAY: England v Ireland (4pm), India v Australia (6pm), Malaysia v Argentina (8.30pm).

STANDINGS
                  P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
AUSTRALIA         2  2  0  0  7  2  6
ARGENTINA         2  2  0  0  8  5  6
MALAYSIA          2  1  0  1  5  4  3
INDIA             2  0  1  1  3  4  1
ENGLAND           2  0  1  1  2  5  1
IRELAND           2  0  0  2  4  9  0

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

2018 Test Matches: KOR v IND (W) - 1st Test
Seoul (KOR)

KOR - IND  0 - 1

FIH Match Centre

Kampong beat the big freeze and SCHC to move further clear in the Netherlands


©: World Sport Pics

SV Kampong took the chance to move further clear at the top of the Dutch Hoofdklasse as their 7-0 win over near neighbours SCHC was one of just two games to beat the ice on Sunday.

The win moves them five points ahead of HC Bloemendaal – whose game with Almere was snow-bound – while Oranje-Rood were the only other club to make a move as they won 4-0 against HDM.

Constantijn Jonker scored first in the fourth minute before Martijn Havenga made it 2-0 at half-time. Jonker and Philip Meulenbroek added two more each in the second half before Bjorn Kellerman completed the victory.

Kampong coach Alexander Cox said afterwards to hockey.nl that he was “glad to be able to play today because other teams now have to catch up” while he was also satisfied with the performance.

“For a first game after the winter break, I have to be very satisfied. Not only about the second half, but also the first half. Honestly, we needed too many opportunities to extend the lead quicker but I cannot complain with the result and a few brilliant goals.”

The one downside was that Robbert Kemperman departed the scene early with a precaution over a hamstring injury.

In Eindhoven, goals from Rashid Mehmood, Jelle Galema, Thomas Briels and Niek van der Schoot scored the four goals in Oranje-Rood’s win.

Euro Hockey League media release

Zimmer fires Leo into third place in Belgium


©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics

Tanguy Zimmer’s eighth minute goal saw Royal Leopold record a hard-fought win over Racing Club de Bruxelles in the big result of the Belgian league.

The competition returned after a frozen out weekend last Sunday with Leo welcoming back Dorian Thiery while Racing had Cedric Charlier back following an injury sustained in the European indoors.

Zimmer popped up at the far post to finish off their only goal in a 1-0 win of an electrifying early contest.

"We were not good this afternoon,” said Jerome Truyens after the game. “But that’s understandable considering that our preparation was almost non-existent with the season-break and the weather conditions.

“I have trained for only one hour with Tom Boon and Cédric Charlier since November. It was far from enough to claim something against our opponents who could have won this derby by a much higher score."

Herakles were denied a victory at Beerschot with five minutes to go. Amaury Keusters scored a corner rebound to put the EHL-bound side 1-0 up in the 31st minute after Nick Haig had initially sent the ball goalward.

But Marin Peeters popped up with the equaliser after his brother Harrison had forced a first save from Amaury Timmermans.

KHC Dragons eased to a 3-0 win over Oree with Alexander Hendrickx scoring corners in the 31st and 42nd minutes before Henri Raes completed the victory in the closing minutes.

The Waterloo Ducks stay top thanks to a 7-1 win over Pingouin with Dragons second. Leo move into third place ahead of Racing but La Gantoise could not close the gap to the top four further than by one point with a 3-3 draw against KHC Leuven.

Euro Hockey League media release

Holcombe hold off league leaders Surbiton to raise hopes of playoff spot



Holcombe beat English table-toppers Surbiton 4-3 at Sugden Lane, holding at bay a massive comeback from the Londoners.

It was the one game to be played in the competition, only getting the go-ahead after club members moved the standing snow from the surface to get the pitch playable.

And Holcombe will be delighted that it did as the win reignited hopes of making the playoffs if they can put together a late run of form.

Both sides were without key players with England currently in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and it was the Kent outfit who reacted better, building a 4-0 lead by the 52nd minute.

The first came from a long overhead picked up by Nick Bandurak who controlled and crossed to Harry Trusler, pictured, who slapped home.

Bandurak added a stroke before half-time when Glenn Eyers was fouled. It was 3-0 in the second half when Robert Field burst forward to created a three on one which was well worked via Daniel Webster and turned in by Matthew Rees-Gibbs.

Another long overhead down the right wing found Field who exchanged passes with Rees-Gibbs before scoring. Surbiton got back into the game when Alan Forsyth scored a stroke with 11 minutes to go.

Gareth Furlong then added two more penalty corner goals to make for a nervous last minute but Holcombe held on for the victory.

Euro Hockey League media release