News for 05 April 2018
All the news for Thursday 5 April 2018
XXI Commonwealth Games - Day 1
Gold Coast (AUS) 5 - 14 Apr 2018
Fixtures and Results Thursday 5 April 2018 (GMT+10)
Women Pool A India - Wales 2 - 3
Women Pool B Scotland - New Zealand 1 - 6
Women Pool A England - South Africa 2 - 0
Women Pool B Australia - Canada 1 - 0
Men Pool B Pakistan - Wales 1 - 1
Men Pool A South Africa - Scotland 2 - 4
Upcoming Fixtures Friday 6 April 2018 (GMT +10)
9:30 Men Pool B England - Malaysia
11:30 Men Pool A New Zealand - Canada
14:30 Women Pool A India - Malaysia
16:30 Women Pool B New Zealand - Ghana
19:30 Women Pool A England - Wales
21:30 Women Pool B Canada - Scotland
Official Gold Coast CWG site
Wales upset Indian eves in opener
s2h team
In a major upset, Wales upset India 3-2 and clinched a victory for the first time against the team, in the opener of women’s hockey in Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Indian defense lacked substance as Wales struck twice in the first half. Wales, who are ranked 26th, were off to a good start, and struck as early in the seventh minute. Lisa Daley scored the first one, as she beat goalkeeper Savita and Deep Grace Ekka to score from the goal-line. India got three penalty corners in the first quarter, but all the chance went for a toss as the Wales’ defense stood strong against a higher-ranked India (10th).
As the second quarter commenced, Wales got the first chance through a penalty corner after it was wrongly tackled by Gurjit Kaur inside the D. India cleared the danger but were put to test yet again in the 26th minute after Wales earned a penalty stroke for body-tackling by Deepika. This time, Sian French swiftly flicked the ball towards the right to double the lead for her team. Towards the end of the second quarter, Wales got two more penalty corners, which was saved by India.
After a lacklustre first half, India controlled the proceedings in the third quarter, with skipper Rani netting two goals in the 34th and 41st minute respectively. India earned eight penalty corners in the third quarter itself, but managed to convert only one.
India continued a controlled game as the match entered the final quarter. Despite several attempts and penalty corner opportunities, the India girls failed to take advantage. Just as the match was heading for a 2-2 draw, Wales hammered the final nail with only three minutes to go for the final quarter.
India will next play Malaysia.
Stick2Hockey.com
Wales women score major surprise over India
By Rod Gilmour on the Gold Coast
Wales fire home with three minutes left on the clock
What an opening script this was. Wales women came from the snow and then turned up the heat in Pool A with their biggest ever victory, a scintillating 3-2 win against India on Thursday.
The part-time Welsh scored a major upset in the hockey tournament opener by being goal clinical amid a barrage of Indian pressure. Fifteen penalty corners and one conversion told the Indian story.
Wales captain Leah Wilkinson said that red pride had contributed to her side’s victory as Natasha Marke-Jones scored a late winner to enter their Friday clash with England in thoroughly high spirits.
“We never gave up. We fought to the end. Passion and pride will get you there in the end,” said Wilkinson. “This is the biggest win we’ve ever had. We knew they were going to hit and play hard.”
India had their chances throughout, courtesy of 25 circle penetrations and 15 penalty corners, but took only two of their creative chances.
The Welsh were leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals from Lisa Daley and Sian French before world No 10 India rallied back to 2-2 through skipper Rani and Nikki Pradhan.
Asked what coach Kevin Johnson had told his side at the break, Wilkinson added: “Play our style of game, don’t give up and that there were no expectations on us – India is the higher ranked team.”
It took until three minutes from the end for Marke-Jones to steal a late winner, sparking wild scenes from the Welsh bench.
Wilkinson added: “We played Australia in a warm-up match on this field at the same time of the day, in the same heat, and that prepared us well. We’ve come from the snow.”
Harendra Singh, the India coach, paid tribute to Wales goalkeeper Roseanne Thomas for a succession of saves and keeping the scores level in the second half.
He said: “I give credit to the way she played. She did exceptionally well and deserves all the applause she can get for getting three points against us.”
Scotland were then put to the sword by New Zealand, one of the favourites for the title, when they lost 6-1.
The match was played in torrential rain for most of the 60 minutes.
The Hockey Paper’s Commonwealth Games coverage is powered by Gryphon Hockey
The Hockey Paper
Wales beat India in women’s hockey
Wales’ Natasha Marke-Jones celebrates with Phebe Richards and Lisa Daley after scoring a goal against Indian women hockey team at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on Thursday. Photo Credit: Mark Kolbe
This is the first time that India have lost to Wales in a major tournament.
India were defeated 2-3 by lowly Wales on the first day of the women’s hockey competition at the Commonwealth Games here on Thursday.
This is the first time that India have lost to Wales in a major tournament.
Lisa Daley (7th minute) scored a field goal to hand Wales an early lead before Sian French (26th) converted a penalty stroke in the second quarter to double the advantage.
The Indians staged a strong comeback with a couple of goals in the third quarter.
Skipper Rani (34th) struck shortly after half time off a penalty corner.
Nikki Pradhan found the equaliser shortly before the end of the quarter with a field goal.
The fourth quarter was a hard-fought, end to end affair as both teams pushed for the winning goal.
Wales clinched the issue in the closing minutes when Natasha Marke-Jones (57th) scored a field goal.
The Hindu
We needed to play attacking hockey: Indian Women's hockey skipper Rani Rampal after losing CWG 2018 opener
Indian women's hockey team. AFP
India's hockey campaign was off to a disappointing start at the Commonwealth Games after the country's women's team was upstaged 2-3 by a lower-ranked Wales in a Group A clash, at Gold Coast on Thursday.
The World No. 6 Indian team, chasing its first CWG medal after the 2006 Melbourne Games silver, trailed the first 30 minutes of the match, scored a couple of goals in the third period to draw level before conceding one in the dying minutes of the match to end up on the losing side against their World No. 26 rivals.
Lisa Daley (7th minute), Sian French (26th minute) and Natasha Marke-Jones (57th minute) did the scoring for Wales, while skipper Rani Rampal (34th minute) and Nikki Pradhan (41st minute) put India on the scoresheet.
India frittered away 14 penalty corner opportunities in the course of the match.
"We needed to be energetic and play for attacking hockey. We pushed higher up, started attacking more and pressed," a disappointed Indian captain Rani Pampal said after the match.
Coach Harendra Singh was a lot critical of the performance and said the side needed to be better at penalty corner conversion.
"We conceded soft goals, which is concerning. We only had a 31% conversion rate. We missed our chances despite having 50% of our shots on goal. That's mainly down to the Welsh goalkeeper Roseanne Thomas who played superbly," he added.
The Indian women's hockey team has been finishing fifth for the last two editions of the Games.
India will take on Malaysia in their second group match tomorrow.
"We need to make the most of our chances and score more goals, as we missed lots of shots. The pressure is on for the next few games, but we're up to the challenge," said Harendra.
Daily News & Analysis
NZ Women open Gold Coast campaign in style
Brooke Neale (L) and Anita McLaren (R) celebrate Neale's goal. Photo: www.photosport.nz
The New Zealand Women have recorded an emphatic 6-1 win over Scotland in their opening match at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Currently ranked fourth in the world, New Zealand looked well in control from the opening whistle against the 18th ranked Scots.
The Kiwis opened a 4-0 advantage inside the first 20 minutes for a commanding lead at halftime before striking twice more in the final 15 minutes.
Shiloh Gloyn and Rose Keddell both scored doubles while Kelsey Smith and Brooke Neal also added to the score sheet.
It was a game which saw a dramatic change in the weather with the first half played in mid-20 degree sunshine before the second half was doused by heavy rain and wind.
Head coach Mark Hager said it was pleasing to come away with a result in his side’s first game of the competition.
“It’s good to come away with a win and score a few goals in our first game. It’s a bit disappointing we conceded a goal late but hopefully we will learn from that,” he said.
“Our first half was good and we were clinical but when the rain came we slowed down a bit. Credit to Scotland also, they put pressure on us and forced some turnovers.”
The New Zealand Women play Ghana in their next pool match at 6:30pm (NZT) tomorrow with live coverage on TVNZ Games Extra, following the New Zealand Men’s opening clash against Canada at 1:30pm (live on TVNZ Duke).
“We’ve been watching some footage on Ghana and they can definitely play some good hockey so we will have to make sure we have a good rest and come back tomorrow on top of our game.”
New Zealand 6: (Rose Keddell 18’, 45’, Shiloh Gloyn 18’, 48’, Kelsey Smith 10’, Brooke Neal 12’)
Scotland 1: (Alison Howie 53’)
Halftime: New Zealand 4-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Scotland women beaten by New Zealand in opening Gold Coast match
Mairi Drummond. Photo by Team Scotland
Scotland’s women’s hockey team was defeated 6-1 by World fourth-ranked New Zealand in their opening match of Gold Coast 2018. Ali Howie scored Scotland’s goal in a rain-soaked encounter to get their Commonwealth Games campaign underway.
The game enjoyed a bright start by Scotland who settled into the match quickly and played some nice hockey.
The early chances fell to New Zealand however; first a reverse stick shot just wide after hitting Scotland on the break; then Olivia Merry had her shot batted into the air by goalkeeper Amy Gibson. Then Scotland shot forward into the New Zealand half but the stealthy Mairi Drummond was eventually held up by solid defending.
Katie Robertson had Scotland’s first crack at goal but her effort couldn’t beat the keeper at the near post.
The opening goal went the way of New Zealand and it came when Samantha Charlton zipped the ball into the D and Kelsey Smith sent a deflection off the post and into the net. 1-0.
A sweet Brooke Neale penalty corner made it 2-0 before New Zealand went 3-0 and then 4-0 up with two quick goals by Shielo Gloyn and Rose Keddell from close range.
New Zealand were relentless and Scotland battled hard to keep the constant attacks at bay.
Scotland then nearly pulled one back after some excellent build up down left saw Sarah Jamieson win a penalty corner. A well-worked routine saw Millie Brown rattle the post from a lovely move, a set-play that deserved a goal.
Then Drummond worked hard to win the ball and fashion a chance for Nikki Alexander-Lloyd but she shot over the bar as half time approached.
Scotland started the second half brightly. An absolutely delightful attack saw Alexander-Lloyd spin with the ball and set up a strike for Charlotte Watson, but the final shot went wide of the mark.
The heavens opened and New Zealand again stepped up their play. A Keddell deflection made it 5-0, securing her second of the match, before Gloyn bagged her second to make it 6-0.
Scotland continued to play positively and very nearly scored when Amy Costello smashed a penalty corner goal ward, but the effort was well blocked.
Scotland would get a deserved goal when Ali Howie scored after a succession of penalty corners, she arrived timely at the right post to score from close range and make it 6-1.
Scotland face Canada next as they look to get their first points on the board at Gold Coast 2018.
Scotland 1-6 New Zealand (A. Howie / K. Smith, B. Neale, S. Gloyn x 2, R. Keddell x 2)
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Good win for women's Black Sticks
By David Leggat/arc-anglerfish-syd-prod-nzme.s3.amazonaws.com/public/CAFA3RX7TBE67EDHAD2Z47XKRQ.jpg)
Sarah Robertson of Scotland and Liz Thompson of New Zealand compete for the ball during the Pool B Hockey match. Photo/ Getty
Scoring six goals in the first game of a tournament at any time is a decent way to start.
So the women's Black Sticks will be content at having kicked off their Commonwealth Games campaign with a 6-1 win over Scotland on the Gold Coast.
Indeed the disappointing aspect might be the '1' in that scoreline.
The win also has world No 4 New Zealand at the top of group B, with no other matches in their pool until tomorrow. The players had to cope with heavy rain for part of the match.
There were two goals each for Rose Keddell and Shiloh Gloyn, with the others coming from fast-rising attacker Kelsey Smith and defender Brooke Neal.
Scotland's goal came in the final quarter, a well-worked deflection from a penalty corner, by Alison Howie.
The Scots, world ranked 19, weren't expected to seriously threaten the Black Sticks, and so it proved. But as an opening workout it will have helped get some kinks out of the New Zealand game.
The had 21 attempts on goal, and scored from three of five penalty corners. Scotland scored from one of seven attempts.
"It's good to come away with a win and score a few goals," Black Sticks coach Mark Hager said.
"I thought in the first half we were really good and clinical. When the rain came we slowed down and credit to Scotland they put a bit more pressure on us."
Hager felt New Zealand suffered through not moving the ball as quickly as they had in the first half.
"We got tired and made some poor decisions."
Next up for New Zealand is world No 30 Ghana tomorrow and Hager reckons they'll be better than that ranking might suggest.
"We've been watching a bit of footage of Ghana. They're quite good and they can play hockey so we'll have to be on our game."
New Zealand are seeded to make the final, with England world No 2. Hosts Australia are ranked No 5 and will expect to have a say in the tournament at the sharp end.
The men's Black Sticks also kick off their campaign tomorrow with a game against Canada.
That's expected to be a stiff challenge. New Zealand are ranked No 9 in the world, two spots ahead of the Canadians.
The New Zealand Herald
Anita McLaren injury sours Black Sticks golden start at Commonwealth Games 
New Zealand's Anita McLaren in action against Scotland before she left the turf with an ankle injury. PHOTOSPORT
Anita McLaren limping off with an ankle injury has soured the women's Black Sticks perfect start to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
New Zealand cruised passed Scotland 6-1, thanks to doubles from Kelsey Smith and Shiloh Gloyn, on the opening day of competition at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.
But the sight of the Black Sticks co-captain limping off the turf late in the final quarter wasn't what Black Sticks head coach Mark Hager wanted to see.
McLaren appeared to be in significant pain due to an ankle injury, but the word from the NZ camp later in the day was that McLaren was icing the knock to her leg from an opposition stick to reduce swelling and was expected to be "fine".
She did not get onto the scoresheet but was one of the best on the turf with several classy touches.
Hager will be more than satisfied with the way his side have started the 2018 Games despite giving up a fourth-quarter goal from a penalty corner and being a little rusty on finishing in the first half.
Scotland's defence was dramatically improved in a second half that was plagued by heavy showers sweeping across the turf.
Smith gave the Black Sticks a one nill lead with just over five minutes remaining in the first quarter thanks to Sam Charlton's reverse stick cross.
Less than two minutes later, the lead doubled when McLaren produced a subtle touch to change the angle for Brooke Neal to score from a penalty corner.
Ad Feedback
New Zealand effectively put Scotland away with two more goals, within a minute, early in the second quarter.
Shiloh Gloyn put her name on the scoresheet before Smith tapped in a second thanks to another quality assist from McLaren to take a 4-0 lead into halftime.
Scotland then held the Black Sticks scoreless until the dying seconds of the third quarter when Rose Keddell scored New Zealand's fifth goal with a deflection from a penalty corner.
Brooke Neal celebrates her goal in Black Sticks' 6-1 drubbing of Scotland. PHOTOSPORT
Gloyn scored her second early in the final quarter thanks to yet another classy touch from McLaren.
Alison Howie scored Scotland's only goal from a change of angle from a penalty corner.
The Black Sticks will be back in action on Friday with what should be an easy win over Ghana.
The Kiwis final two pool games will be against Australia and Canada.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand men's Black Sticks will begin their Commonwealth Games campaign against Canada on Friday morning.
Kelsey Smith scored a brace of goals for the Black Sticks against Scotland on the Gold Coast. PHOTOSPORT
Stuff
Balsdon and Townsend secure opening Commonwealth Games victory for England
Townsend celebrates her goal at the Commonwealth Games
England cruised to victory over South Africa at the stunning Gold Coast Hockey Centre as they got their Commonwealth Games campaign off to the perfect start.
Goals from Grace Balsdon and Susannah Townsend were enough to secure the victory as England seek to win their first ever Commonwealth gold and give them the perfect boost ahead of this summer’s Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup.
It could have been even more if it was not for Phumelela Mbande in the South African goal as she pulled off a number of key saves in the first half.
Chances became less frequent as the game went on but England rarely looked troubled against the team who have finished fourth at the last two Games.
England quickly took control of the match early on, with Sarah Haycroft and Townsend forcing Mbande into two quickfire saves before she was called upon to keep out Sophie Bray’s reverse effort in the fifth minute.
But there was no stopping Balsdon’s corner flick six minutes later as the Canterbury player crunched the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s left foot to open the scoring.
The number two seeds then doubled their lead nine minutes later as Townsend squirmed a shot beyond Mbande after brilliant build up play from Ellie Rayer and Alex Danson down the right.
Captain Danson then forced the ‘keeper into another save in the 23rd minute before Maddie Hinch was called into action for the first time shortly after, kicking away a Shelley Jones cross following Emily Defroand’s superb charge down of a Dirkie Chamberlain corner.
South Africa’s defenders then showed great speed of their own to block corners from Hollie Pearne-Webb and Giselle Ansley in the third quarter as goalscoring opportunities became fewer and further between.
Indeed it was not until the 50th minute that ‘keeper Nicole La Fleur - a half-time substitute - was forced into action to save Bray’s cute touch on a wicked cross from Pearne-Webb.
Hinch then thwarted Chamberlain twice in the latter stages of the game - as well as showing great reflexes to save Jode Mayne’s deflection - to ensure her side kept their clean sheet and claimed all three points.
England next play Wales - who stunned India in the tournament’s opening game with a 3-2 win - at 10:30am on Friday 6 April.
England 2 (2)
Balsdon (PC, 11); Townsend (FG, 20)
South Africa 0 (0)
England Starting XI: Hinch, Ansley, Balsdon, Toman, Pearne-Webb, Unsworth, Martin, Townsend, Hunter, Danson (C), Bray
Subs: Tennant, Petty, Lane, Haycroft, Defroand, Rayer, Watton
England Hockey Board Media release
England women set up Wales home nations’ clash
By Rod Gilmour on the Gold Coast
Pool A favourites England won their opening Commonwealth Games match against South Africa 2-0, putting in a solid performance ahead of a home nations’ clash against Wales on Friday.
A penalty corner strike from Grace Balsdon, followed by a neat reverse strike by Susannah Townsend settled the points. This was a comfortable victory, but surely there’s more to come from the world No 2 side.
The pressure will be ratcheted up several degrees when they take on the Welsh – part-timers but who all play in the English Premier Division – at 7.30pm local time on Friday with their tales and pride firmly up after beating India in the opening match of the tournament.
But the early frolics of the Welsh upset was toned down by a semi-polished England outfit, who avoided any opening skirmishes of their own.
Defender Hollie Webb said: “South Africa have been a massive focus for us for the last few weeks. It’s some girls’ first experience of a multi-sport Games, but it was a professional performance, a solid win and we can now put it to bed ahead of Wales.
“They will know us very well. It will be another tough game, a very different game. We have to go out there really hard to make a good game of it.”
A sound opening, interchanging well down the right, saw England create three penalty corners, converting with the last of those.
It was Grace Balsdon, who has long been touted as a penalty corner specialist, who hit home low and hard.
In the second quarter, the lead was doubled after tyically brilliant work by captain Alex Danson down the right and into the D. On the slide, Danson saw space develop for Townsend, who slapped low on the reverse.
With coach Danny Kerry asking his players to tire South Africa in the closing stages of the first half, a first penalty corner was gleaned.
But Emily Defroand charged down a high attempt – and took the blow high on her body for good measure.
Holding on to a two-goal lead, the energy seemed to wane in the third quarter with few notable chances.
South Africa looked increasingly tired but couldn’t make any significant impact, Maddie Hinch booting away with ease a tame shot, then a more authoritative penalty corner save at the death.
The Hockey Paper’s Commonwealth Games coverage is powered by Gryphon Hockey
The Hockey Paper
Hockeyroos defeat Canada in Commonwealth Games opener
Ben Somerford
The Australian women’s team have won their first match at the Commonwealth Games defeating Canada 1-0.
The Hockeyroos, led by experienced players Jodie Kenny, Eddie Bone and Emily Smith, were on the attack from the opening whistle.
It took some time but Commonwealth Games veteran Jodie Kenny finally broke through the Canadian defence deep into the second term.
Jodie Kenny (25’) was the only player to hit the scoreboard after a series of impressive moves in front of goal. Kenny created the first penalty corner for the game which she used to draw a penalty stroke. A regulation strike saw Kenny open up Australia’s goal tally for the Commonwealth Games.
Emily Hurtz and Brooke Peris showed bursts of speed throughout the game and both were responsible for a number of dangerous attacks for Australia.
In defence, Rachael Lynch was rock solid as always whilst youngster Renee Taylor proved to be a tough matchup for the Canadians. Taylor was able to create several turnovers during crucial points of the match which Australia used to launch their attacks.
The Canadians gave Australia a scare late in the game, creating a penalty corner and an open strike at goal but the ball sailed wide.
Canada pulled their goalkeeper to play out the game and were able to create another penalty corner. Luckily for Australia the corner wasn’t trapped and they were able to withstand the mounting pressure, securing a 1-0 victory.
Canada were impressive in their first hit-out for the Commonwealth Games but were hindered with an early injury to Rachel Donohoe that required her to be stretchered off the field.
The hard-fought victory leaves Australia well-placed as they head into Sunday’s match against Ghana.
The Australian women’s team are next in action on Saturday against Ghana from 9:30pm AEST live on Channel 7 and the 7 App.
Australia 1 (Kenny 25’)
Canada 0
Hockey Australia media release
Smith: Hockeyroos’ Unpredictability Can Be Our X-Factor
Ben Somerford
Hockeyroos captain Emily Smith believes the side’s unpredictability can be a key factor at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
The Hockeyroos begin their campaign for a fourth consecutive gold medal on Thursday against Canada from 4.30pm AEST.
Australia are the third highest ranked nation in the women’s draw, behind England (second) and New Zealand (fourth).
New Zealand knocked the Hockeyroos out of the 2016 Rio Olympics in the quarter-finals, while many members of the England side won gold, as Great Britain, meaning they’re arguably the two favourites on the Gold Coast.
Australia have evolved a lot since their Rio disappointment, with a new coaching staff led by Paul Gaudoin and plenty of young players coming through.
“At Rio we were a very structured team,” Smith said. “We had it all planned out.
“The last two years has been fluid and free. Everyone is bringing their individual flair.
“The fact we’ve been playing with that freedom and flexibility has brought back some unpredictability in the Hockeyroos.
“Maybe that was our downfall in Rio, we were too predictable and other teams could see our structures.
“Some of the teams at this tournament have never played this Australia team or our style.”
Smith said Australia’s opening game represented an opportunity to make a statement against 21st ranked Canada.
“We are only focusing on the first game, we haven’t really looked past that yet,” the Crookwell product said.
“Canada are not to be under-estimated, they are going to be a tough team.
“We need to go out there and show everyone that we’re here to play and we’re going to be one of the teams to beat.
“I guess when you look at the rankings we’re underdogs, but when you look at the history, no, we should be favourites.
“We’re here to win and we’ll do everything we can in our power to make sure that happens.
“We used the excuse last year that we’re in a rebuilding stage.
“We’re not using that any more. We’ve been together now for a year-and-a-half as a squad and I’m really confident that we can get the job done if we perform consistently.”
Smith said Australia’s rich history of success in hockey at the Commonwealth Games needed to be analysed too.
“The Hockeyroos may have won all those medals, but it’s never been easy for them,” she said.
“Two of the last three have gone to shootouts and it’s always been a slog and a hard-fought win.
“It’s what Aussies love. That’s something we’re going to have to do to win the tournament.”
The Hockeyroos play Canada from 4.30pm, check your local guides for Channel Seven coverage. Watch Hockey Half-Time on Hockeyroos Facebook and follow @Hockeyroos for Twitter updates.
Hockey Australia media release
Canada faces host-nation Australia in Gold Coast opener
Starting off the new year with a coaching change may have been exactly what the doctor ordered for the Team Canada. They have responded admirably to the shake up and now go into the 2018 Commonwealth Games with momentum and a reinvigorated sense of confidence.
Canada starts the 2018 Commonwealth Games with a bang taking on host-nation and world-number 5, Australia. According to Canadian captain, Kate Wright — who will be suiting up in her third Commonwealth Games — playing on opening night against the hosts will be an amazing experience.
“Playing against Australia, in Australia on opening day. It doesn’t get any better than that,” Wright said.
But merely playing against the top nations in the world isn’t enough for this team. There is a general sense around the locker room that this team can really start to compete and get results at the top level. The Commonwealth Games offers a true test to see where Canada stands. Currently ranked 21st in the world, Canada is in a preliminary group with New Zealand (4), Australia (5), Scotland (18) and Ghana (30).
Canada has played eight games (4-1-4) this season over the course of two tours (Chile in January and San Diego in February). Veteran defender, Dani Hennig, said the team has a nice balance and is feeling very prepared and looking to channel some of the positive results from their 2018 tours into the Commonwealth Games.
“We’re looking really good. We have a good mix of veterans and some newer players that have a lot of spark and creativity,” she said. “We have had a really positive start to 2018 playing under a new coach and new systems. We’re feeling really prepared to go into Commonwealth Games and make some waves.”
Hennig, who is on pace to play her 150th career international game next week against Ghana, has spent the last eight years on the women’s national team. She represents a veteran core that has been together for the past several years. The 2018 Gold Coast roster features 11 players returning the 2015 Pan American Games and 9 players returning from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
This year’s Commonwealth Games roster is stacked with talent. Up front, Brienne Stairs and Steph Norlander bring the offensive firepower, having combined for nine goals this year in Canada’s training tours. The midfield is well controlled by Hannah Haughn, Wright and Shanlee Johnston. Defensively, Sara Macmanus, Karli Johansen and Hennig share a total of 373 caps between them. And with the veteran presences of Kaitlyn Williams and Lauren Logush between the pipes it’s no wonder Canada is feeling confident and excited heading into competition.
New Coach, New System, New Energy
It was breaking news in January that Field Hockey Canada had hired South African coach, Giles Bonnet to be the Interim Head Coach of the Women’s National Team. Since then, the team has boasted a winning record on both training tours and moves into the Commonwealth Games on a high note. For Bonnet, the athletes’ approach to training and improvement both on and off the field has motivated him.
“The players have worked very hard this year and should be commended for the commitment and continuous search for excellence,” Bonnet said.
According to the players, they have really embraced Bonnet’s style of play and channeled it into impressive results along the way. According to Norlander, Canada’s top goal scorer this year, the new style of play is very aggressive and has led to more offensive chances. As a result, the team has a noticeable increase in confidence, which is showing on the field.
Hennig echoed Norlander’s point, saying again, that the team has embraced Bonnet’s structural changes and is really starting to make strides just in time for major competition.
“Giles likes to play a very fast, attacking style. It’s a really fun game to play and I think the team has latched onto it really well,” Hennig said. “The passion that he brings is really visible. He pushes us really hard because he wants us to be better and the team is responding really well to it.”
Bonnet has more on his mind than just bringing on-field style and structure changes. He is excited to be a part of a team that’s shifting their culture to a winning atmosphere. In competition, he wants to see it pay off.
“We’ll be watching for how the team plays under pressure, how effective our set pieces are and how our individual players perform in our new structure,” he said. “The team has been very professional in how they conduct themselves and are starting to develop a winning culture.”
2018 has been a roller coaster ride for the Women’s National Team. They brought in a new coach with new ideas, they had back-to-back tours to kick off the new year and now they head into a major competition after a six-week training block. Hennig said, that now it’s time to put all of that aside and deliver on the field.
“We’re really focused on coming out with not only good performances but also good results. We’ve been learning this year to get actually get results from the game,” she said. “We’re excited to go in there and take it to the home team on opening night and cause a bit of a ruckus.”
Field Hockey Canada media release
Malaysia hope to avoid another big defeat to England
By AJITPAL SINGH and NOR HAIRULNIZAM WAHID
(From left) Sukri Mutalib, Stephen Van Huizen and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Ab Jalil. Pix by Owee Ah Chun
GOLD COAST: It has become a habit of late for the national hockey team to lose by huge margins to World No 7 England.
On Friday, World No 12 Malaysia will be out to make amends for the previous defeats when they face England in their opening Pool B match at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.
With a semi-final spot being a target, Stephen Van Huizen's side must finish top two in their group, also comprising sixth-ranked India, Pakistan (World No 7) and Wales (World No 24), to progress into the medal round.
As suggested by their rankings, Asian champions India and England, who finished second behind Australia in the Azlan Shah Cup last month, are the frontrunners for the semi-final spots.
Pool A comprise six-time champions Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Scotland.
Malaysia have only defeated England twice in the last 10 meetings. England hammered the Asian giants 7-2, 4-1, 7-3 and 8-1 in their previous four meetings.
The statistics only take into account matches in tournaments.
Van Huizen’s side campaign could be hampered by the absence of five regulars in goalkeeper S. Kumar, defenders Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin and Faiz Helmi Jali, midfielder Marhan Jalil and forward Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi.
Veteran Kumar is serving a provisional suspension for a doping offence while Faiz Helmi has opted out to focus on studies. The others are nursing injuries.
The team have able replacements but their hopes of making the semi-finals will largely depend on whether Kumar's replacements in Hafizuddin Othman and Hairi Abdul Rahman can step up and shine.
However, other teams should not write off Malaysia as Van Huizen's side have shown that on their day they can beat top sides, a fact proven by their impressive 2-1 win over Olympic champions Argentina in the Azlan Shah Cup.
National captain Sukri Mutalib said the aim against England will be to minimise mistakes in all aspects.
"England are fast and skilful, and they will punish us if we make mistakes. We also need to be alert when they are attacking our semi-circle.
"We also cannot be wasteful in attack as chances will not be many. If we can tighten up the minor aspects, I believe we can earn a good result," said Sukri.
National hockey player Sukri Abdul Mutalib. Pix by Mohd Fadli Hamzah
Malaysia are using the Commonwealth Games to prepare for the Asian Games and the World Cup later this year, but a good outing in the Gold Coast will boost their confidence in both competitions.
Several teams have brought experimental sides to the Commonwealth Games, and Malaysia may surprise the form book and win a medal.
For the record, Malaysia won silver and bronze at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur and 2006 (Melbourne) editions.
New Straits Times
Fitri urges his side to get the better of England
IT’S payback time.
Hockey player Mohd Fitri Saari wants Malaysia to end their miserable run against England in the Commonwealth Games when they clash tomorrow at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.
“We’ve performed poorly against England in the last few years and the challenge will be on us to get the better of them in the Games,” said the 25-year-old.
In the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last month, Malaysia were thrashed 7-2 by England. Malaysia also lost 7-3 in the World League Semi-finals in London last June in the group and went down 4-1 in the playoff for fourth.
In the last Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Malaysia were humiliated 8-1.
Fitri said the team needed to rise to the occasion and live up to hockey’s status as Malaysia’s No. 1 team sport.
“We can’t afford another disaster against England as this will dampen the team’s spirit in the Games,” said Fitri.
“England play a very disciplined game and are fast on the counter attack. They’re also good at penalty corner set-pieces. We have to play a tight marking game and can’t afford to make mistakes in defence.”
In the absence of experienced midfielder Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil, Fitri hopes Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor and Meor Muhamad Azuan Hassan will step up.
“We need a significant result to boost our chances in the Games,” said Fitri.
The other teams in Malaysia’s group are Wales, India and Pakistan.
If Fitri helps Malaysia go far, his family will be delighted after all the sacrifices he has made.
His nine-month-old son Muhammad Adam Zafran is suffering from a chronic lung infection and has to rely on an oxygen machine to breathe.
“I’ve to call home everyday to check on my son. It’s hard to focus on the Games. Hopefully, all these sacrifices of playing for the nation will be worth it,” said Fitri, who’s making his Games debut.
The Star of Malaysia
SA hockey teams to open Commonwealth Games against British opposition
Mark Etheridge
A few members of the South African women’s hockey side at the Commonwealth Games in Australia Photo: teamsa.co.za
BRISBANE – South Africa’s men’s and women’s hockey sides both face British opposition in their opening Commonwealth Games encounters on Thursday
The women take on England and the men are up against Scotland at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.
"England are an interesting side," said SA women’s coach Sheldon Rostron, who was also part of the coaching staff at the last Commonwealth Games. "They’ve had some serious injuries but the thing is that they have good depth, so the side will be a bit younger but still very competitive.
"This one will definitely be one of our tough games as they’ve also been to a lot more events than we have, such as European Champs and World League."
The SA women’s side had a training camp in January and then more recently another camp in Johannesburg.
"For our part, we have got a few niggles of our own but nothing that will keep anyone in doubt for the matches so far. We’ve had around 20 training games in the last three months, many of them against men’s or boys’ sides."
The SA Women's hockey team will kick off the Gold Coast 2018 Games on Thursday. Photo: @Sawomenshockey on Twitter
After England, the SA women will take on Malaysia on Saturday where Rostron reckons the African side should be a bit stronger.
"Then we take on Wales where we’ll be looking to pick up more points and then our final Pool A game is against India, who may have gone through a bit of a slump but are rapidly improving."
The men’s side is coached by Mark Hopkins, formerly of England but now living in Durban.
"We don’t have any injuries right now and have got three warm-up games under our belts,’ he told Team SA. "We lost 2-0 to Wales, then beat Canada 3-2 and went down to India 4-1."
But the scores don’t always tell the full story. "
We really made India struggle at times and they were getting stressed. At this level, it’s how you cope with the big moments that count, especially when you haven’t had many big games.
"Our last Test match was back in October at African Championships in Egypt."
But Hopkins is excited with the talent at his disposal. "It’s a very young side – almost an Under-23 side – with at least four players having moved up through the ranks after the 2014 Youth Olympics in China.
"We’ve got a core of experienced players in the side in the shape of Austin Smith, captain Tim Drummond, Clinton Panther and Jethro Eustice, and Clinton should be getting his 100th cap at these Games. If we can keep this group of guys together for a few years, we could see very exciting progress.
"I’m absolutely chuffed with the way the guys are playing and importantly, we are taking the approach amongst ourselves that we are humans first and hockey players second."
After Scotland, the SA men will take on the top-ranked Australians, then New Zealand and Canada in their other pool games.
Independent Online
Six women players to look out for
By The Hockey Paper
Rani, billed as the darling of Indian hockey (Hockey India)
The Gold Coast news service has run the rule over six players to watch out for in the women’s tournament
Susannah Townsend (England)
The Kent-based player was a star of Great Britain’s gold medal run at the Rio 2016 Olympics, before injury curtailed her 2017. The 28-year-old midfield powerhouse discovered a knee ailment in the lead-up to her team’s Olympic success, and it wasn’t until afterwards she went under the knife. Finally fit and firing again, she is a fast and skilful threat for any opposition team, and will be desperately trying to help England take home the gold.
Anita McLaren (NZL)
McLaren (nee PUNT) is back on the hockey field after 18 months away from the sport following a fourth-placed finish at the Rio 2016 Olympics. She has been one of New Zealand’s best and brightest players over the last two Olympic cycles, with her lightning speed and dazzling stick skills proving almost impossible to contain. Before her hiatus, She had developed into one of the world’s better penalty corner flickers, so keep an eye on her set piece mastery at GC2018.
Stephanie Kershaw (AUS)
The Australian is fast developing into one of the world’s most dangerous midfielders. Kershaw took a while to hit the scene after a knee injury robbed her of a chance to go to the Rio Olympics in 2016. She made a succesful return to international hockey in 2017 and was awarded the Australian Hockey League’s player of the tournament prize following a series of stellar displays. She has speed to burn and a smart hockey brain, so the sky is the limit for this Australian star.
Rani (IND)
Rani is the darling of Indian women’s hockey. At the tender age of 15 she was selected to take part in the 2010 hockey World Cup where she scored seven goals. Now 23, Rani has developed from an exciting prospect into a bonfide star of the women’s game. She will captain the side at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games where Indian fans will hope she can drag the team into the medal rounds. Rani is a dangerous striker and one to watch at GC2018.
Susannah Townsend, left, in action (PIC FRANK UIJLENBROEK/WORLDSPORTPICS)
Stacey Michelsen (NZL)
Nominated for the 2017 World Player of the Year award after consistently playing at a phenomenal level for the Blacksticks, She is a star of the women’s game. At 27-years-old, she is a ‘young veteran’ of over 200 international caps, and has helped New Zealand rise to fourth in the International Hockey Federation world rankings. Hard-working, resilient, tenacious and tough, Michelsen leads from the front and will co-captain the New Zealand side at GC2018.
Katherine Wright (CAN)
The Canadian midfielder is a tough and dynamic threat for one of the most improved teams in world hockey. Wright (nee Gillis) is strongly built, isn’t afraid to assert herself on the contest and has great tactical nous, making her a key linchpin in the Canadian lineup. She plays some of the best two-way hockey in the world, making her dangerous in both attack and defence, and if Canada are to feature in the medal rounds on the Gold Coast, Wright will have to be at her best.
The Hockey Paper
Flag Bearer Knowles Explains Why He ’Dropped Back’
Ben Somerford
Kookaburras captain and Australian Flag Bearer Mark Knowles has described the “amazing” thrill of the Opening Ceremony and says his decision to drop back into the pack was to be a team player.
Knowles held the flag aloft and led the Australian team around Carrara Stadium at Wednesday night’s 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
However, halfway through the lap Knowles stopped and dropped back into the Australian pack, which he explained afterwards.
“It means as much or more to me than what I’ve been able to achieve on the field,” Knowles said about being Flag Bearer.
“To hear the roar when it was announced the other night, to feel the vibe around the village from the athletes, it’s been pretty amazing.
“My little thank you was to drop back into the pack and let the athletes go forward. I thought it was a nice way to be a team player.
“I don’t need to stand at the front. Hopefully they enjoyed that.”
Knowles said the experience to lead his country was amazing in front of a packed parochial crowd on the Gold Coast.
“It was amazing,” he said.
“To feel the vibe leading into the stadium was pretty amazing.
“To actually hold the flag up and feel the love from the 400-odd behind me was amazing.
“Thank you to all the team who embraced it tonight.”
Hockey Australia media release
Rana Sohail; journey worthwhile
By Ijaz Chaudhry
Rana Sohail - in Pakistan Juniors Colours (Sultan of Johor Cup)
Pakistan hockey team for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia shows one new name, Rana Sohail.
The highly promising forward is yet another product of Dar Hockey Academy, Pakistan’s finest hockey nursery. In fact, he is from the first batch of the Lahore based academy. Sohail was only 10 when he became a part of the Dar HA at the time of academy’s inception in 2006.
“I was born in a hockey atmosphere. My father Rana Riaz is the physical training instructor at the Model High School, Lahore. Hockey has always been father’s special love. ”
All the three brothers played hockey, and at good level.
The eldest Rana Zubair played mostly for WAPDA on the domestic circuit. He attended quite a few national camps but didn’t gain Pakistan selection. Zubair has appeared in the Oman and Bangladesh leagues. Rana Umair figured for the Higher Education Commission and PTV in the national championships. However, his interest in studies meant the choice of hockey came a poor second to education. He went to university and did MSc.
Sohail, the youngest, was a precocious talent; a forward, who mostly plays at the centre forward position.
“Dar Academy played a great role in my early years. Late Olympian Akhlaq Ahmed was a very hard working and meticulous trainer. I made two tours of Europe with the academy, in 2010 and 2011. We played against the young teams of top nations: Holland, Germany and Belgium. That experience was invaluable in polishing my skills”.
Soon, he was called for the national junior camp for the 2014 Youth Olympics.
There was no looking back. After remaining part of all the next junior camps, he finally got the selectors’ nod in 2015. Then, he remained a regular feature in the national junior squads. Sohail played in Sultan of Johor Cup in 2015 and 2016. He was also a member of the team which finished second at the 2015 Junior Asia Cup.
“By reaching the final of the Junior Asia Cup, Pakistan qualified for the 2016 Junior World Cup. Then onwards, all our preparation was geared towards the Junior World Cup. Federation arranged tours of top European countries. In the summer of 2016, we played in Germany, Holland and Spain. That exposure came in handy as in the 2016 Sultan of Johor Cup we surprised everyone by reaching the final. It was Pakistan’s first ever podium finish in this under 21 competition, and importantly it came just a few weeks before the Junior World Cup in India. We were peaking at the right time. “
But unfortunately, Pakistan was deprived of participation in the 2016 Junior World Cup under bizarre circumstances.
Sohail regrets missing the mega show, “All the boys were ready for the big occasion and confident for a good show in India. It could have been a turning point for Pakistan hockey but fate thought otherwise.”
He has great words for Tahir Zaman, who was head coach during his time with the Pakistan junior team. “Tahir Zaman, the senior FIH coach and trainer, is well versed with the latest coaching methods. We learnt a lot from him, individually as well as collectively.”
His talent has attracted top domestic sides. Sohail played for PIA and WAPDA before joining his present team, Sui Southern Gas Company.
“I joined SSGC in 2016 and have appeared in their colours at the last two nationals. We finished 3rd both the times. In 2017, SSGC were unlucky to lose the semifinals on shootout. In the third position game, I scored two goals in our 3-0 win. Here, again, I have been lucky to have a very good coach in Rana Zaheer. “
Further up the ladder was the national senior camp. He attended two camps, for the International Festival of Hockey in November 2017 and the one for the Oman tri-nation this February.
Finally, arrived the moment, the whole family had been waiting for; selection for Pakistan’s national team.
Surprisingly for a striker, Sohail’s favourite player is Rashid, the holding midfielder of the current Pakistan team, “I admire him for his superb temperament and wonderful positioning and tackling”.
Scribe talked to a few coaches and connoisseurs about his strengths and weaknesses, “Sohail possesses the basic ingredients for the striker/centre forward: hunger for goal and one on one elimination skills plus good speed and ball control. But he needs to do work on timely release of the ball in the circle and also to improve his reaction time when attempting on the goal. “
Sohail is happy to earn full national colours.
“Yes, it is a great honour. My family is also elated; a dream came true. But I am not contented with it. My aim is to make a meaningful contribution in the national team’s journey back to the former glory days.”
Rana Sohail,s journey epitomizes Dar Hockey Academy’s success – to nurture players for the national team. In a very short period of its existence, academy has provided seven players to the national (senior) team and 21 to Pakistan’s age group/development sides.
Sohail joined Dar HA when just 10. After taking his first steps, he toured Europe with the academy side. Soon, he was on the radar for the national junior selection, and it has been an upward graph since then.
Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey & other sports. For more about him and his work, visit: www.sportscorrespondent.info
Fieldhockey.com
Games a big opportunity for Madibaz coach
Madibaz Sport hockey manager Cheslyn Gie is the assistant coach of the South African team to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Australia, starting on Thursday. Photo: Supplied
Madibaz hockey manager and coach Cheslyn Gie is looking forward to one of the highlights of his career when the Commonwealth Games begin in Australia on Thursday.
Taking place on the Gold Coast, the four-yearly sporting extravaganza will see the South Africa men’s hockey team competing against some of the world’s superpowers, with a place in the top eight as their goal.
As has been the case for much of the past year, Gie has been serving as assistant coach and in Australia he will be working with newly appointed head coach Mark Hopkins.
Having made his national coaching debut in the international Summer Series in South Africa last year, Gie was also involved in the World League semifinals in Johannesburg and the African Cup of Nations in Egypt during 2017.
“It is not a permanent appointment,” said Gie before his departure for Australia, “but I will again be involved this year, ending with the World Cup in India in November-December.
“Attending the Commonwealth Games is really a major step forward for me as this will be the biggest stage in which I have been involved.
“I am really looking forward to the experience of competing in such a prestigious event as this.”
With the squad having had extensive preparations through three training camps, plus several warm-up games in Australia, Gie said they were prepared to give a good account of themselves.
“The bottom line is that we want to finish in the top eight, but we know it is going to be a really tough challenge.
“When you have teams such as India and Australia in the competition, you realise what you are up against, but we are excited about this opportunity.”
Gie said there were a few senior members in the squad, but it was largely made up of young, talented players who would be keen to prove a point.
“This is a real chance to show what we can do and a good performance here will be a major boost for the World Cup later this year,” he added.
Australia are the leading side in South Africa’s pool, which also includes New Zealand, Scotland and Canada.
The South Africans will play their first match against Scotland on Thursday.
Fullstop Communications media release
2018 Test Matches: BEL v CHN (W) - 2nd Test
Brussels (BEL)
BEL v CHN 2 - 1
Belgium win the 2 Test series 2 - 0
FIH Match Centre
Australian Indoor Hockey Squads Announced
Rob Muir
Following such a successful 2018 Indoor World Cup for both Men’s and Women’s teams, Hockey Australia is pleased to release the Australian Indoor Hockey Squads for 2018.
These squads have been identified as the start of the next campaign towards the next Indoor World Cup (year/location TBC) and are announced following the 2018 Festival of Indoor Hockey hosted in Goulburn, NSW earlier this year.
Plans for these squads throughout 2018 are still being finalised and will be communicated shortly with the squad members. The squads exist through to February 2019 where they may be edited/added to following the 2019 Festival of Indoor Hockey.
Congratulations to the members of each squad listed below;
Australian Men's Indoor Squad
Australian Women's Indoor Squad
Hockey Australia media release
U18 England Results v Netherlands
U18 Girls v Netherlands 2018
U18 Boys
England under 18 boys drew their three-match series with their dutch counterparts at Lilleshall.
The opening match was a balanced one between two good sides and England took the lead through Stuart Kentwell.
A strong run from Tom Russell saw him reach the baseline and pull back to Kentwell who applied the finish. However the visitors equalised from a penalty corner to earn a draw.
The Netherlands took the lead in the second match from another penalty corner but England staged an impressive comeback to win 2-1. Karan Sofat levelled before Dan West grabbed the winner.
The winning goal came after a fantastic effort from West who initially won the ball deep in his own half and after securing the ball and getting his pass away ran hard and deep into the Dutch circle to bat in a chest high rebound from the goalkeeper.
Unfortunately the final match was a heavy defeat for England who were beaten 4-0 meaning the series was drawn 1-1.
Game 1
England (0) 1
Kentwell 38’ FG
Netherlands (0) 1
52’ PC
Game 2
England (0) 2
Sofat 41’ FG West 64’ FG
Netherlands (1) 1
23’ PC
Game 3
England (0) 0
Netherlands (1) 4
1’ FG 48’ FG 53’ FG 69’
U18 Girls
England under 18 Girls travelled to the Netherlands for their three-match series with their dutch equivalents.
The squad lost the series 3-0 but showed tremendous fight while improving in every match and were unfortunate to lose the final two fixtures.
They lose their opening on Saturday 31 March 5-1 as Noor Omrani netted a hat-trick for the hosts, Nina Apoola grabbing England’s consolation goal.
England responded well in their next fixture on Sunday, a fine move finished by Vicki McCabe put the visitors into the lead in a close contest but two goals in the final ten minutes saw the Netherlands claim victory.
The final match was another tight affair which was goalless heading into the final quarter. However the hosts struck twice in quick succession but another goal from Apoola made for a nervy finish, but the hosts held out.
Speaking after their final match, Head coach said: “This was another good performance from the team with work to be done on keeping that intensity and focus for the full 70 minutes.
“It was pleasing to see the fight to come back in the last quarter which resulted in real momentum and opportunities to get a result from the game.
“Overall, an excellent series of games against the Dutch where the players showed what they are capable of and their potential to grow as a team.”
Game 1
Netherlands 5 (3)
5' FG 11' FG 18 FG' 63' FG 69' PS
England 1 (0)
Nina Appola 68' FG
Game 2
Netherlands 2 (0)
52' PC 59' FG
England 1(1)
McCabe 29' FG
Game 3
Netherlands 2(0)
45' FG 49' FG
England 1 (0)
Apoola 54' FG
England Hockey Board Media release
U16 England Results v Netherlands
U16 Girls NAGS 2018
U16 Girls
The U16 England girls faced the Netherlands away from home, losing 2-1 in the three match series over the Easter break.
The first game saw both teams starting the match explosively with a goal apiece at half time, the Netherlands scored twice in minutes and despite a penalty corner from Beth Alexander England lost 3-2. Head coach John Bell said; ‘I am pleased with their performance as for many it is their first experience of international hockey.’
The second game England were quickly on the back foot at 2-0 down at half time but England fought on in the second half, Aimee Plumb scoring England’s only goal making the final score 3-1.
In the final game of the series England came out victorious, in an end to end game England showed their strength featuring outstanding saves from our goal keepers. After beating a midfielder, Claudia Swain ran on to the top of the circle to strike the ball pass the keeper to give England the win, full time score 1-0.
Game 1
Netherlands (1) 3
FG 15’ FG 33’ FG 36’
England (1) 2
Klugman FG 18’ Alexander PC 55’
Game 2
Netherlands (2) 3
FG 1’ FG 11’ FG 37’
England (0) 1
Plumb FG 54’
Game 3
Netherlands (0) 0
England (0) 1
Swain 33’ FG
U16 Boys 
U16 Boys England NAGS 2018
England went toe to toe with the Netherlands in the first game of the series, both sides energetically searching for the win. The home side may have been first on the score sheet but England took a brief 2-1 lead, goals from Bithell and Weaver but the Dutch soon executing two goals before half time to lead 3-2. England fought on fighting to take the lead back, Will Mead danced round the defence slotting the ball into the goal on his reverse but it wasn't enough with the home side winning 4-3.
The second game of the series saw a thrilling performance by England to take a draw 3-3. Facing a 3-0 deficit at half time, England staged an impressive comeback with all three goals coming from the stick of Ellis Robson.
In the third and final game despite only being a goal down at half time, tired legs and clinical finishing by the opposition saw the Dutch side come away 7-1 winners.
Head coach Mark Bateman said; ‘We approached this weekend with a real intent to play a structured and high tempo style of hockey. For many of our group, some of the tactical elements we used were new for them. On the whole, I’m pleased with how we performed given where we are in our programme and am confident that the group will continue to improve over the coming months.’
Next fixtures: Ulster U17s - May 5th to 7th
Game 1
Netherlands (3) 4
2’ FG 23’ FG 28’ FG 35’ PC
England (2) 3
Bithell 5’ FG Weaver 18’ PC Mead 51’ FG
Game 2
Netherlands (3) 3
9’ FG 22’ PC 24’ PC
England (0) 3
Robson 37’ PC 40’ FG 59’ FG
Game 3
Netherlands (2) 7
11’ FG 28’ PC 35’ FG 37’ PS 40’ FG 50’ FG 55’ FG
England (1) 1
Robson 17’ PC
England Hockey Board Media release
Irish Senior Cup Finals To Be Streamed Live
The Irish Senior Cup finals take place this Sunday in UCD and the finalists are as of yet unknown but that will all have changed by Saturday evening. The finals of the world’s oldest hockey competition will also be streamed live.
Current title holders UCD are still on course to repeat the treble of last year but in order to secure their place in the final they must first get past Loreto. The sides have met twice in the EY Hockey League this year with UCD running out victors on both occasions, although the most recent result saw just 1 goal separate the two teams. Both teams boast a plethora of international experience amongst their ranks; Katie Mullan has been on the scoresheet in both encounters, while Loreto have the ever-reliable Hannah Matthews holding down their defence.
The other semi-final sees an all Ulster derby between Belfast Harlequins and Pegasus get under way at 2:30pm on Saturday for a place in the final. Harlequins arguably had the trickier of the quarter finals as they travelled to Cork to play their namesake, a team currently occupying second place in the EY Hockey League. It was honours even at the end of regular time with goals from Naomi Carroll and Laura Johnston forcing the game to penalties where the Ulster side prevailed 3-2. Pegasus played their quarter final way back in January as they earned a 2-0 win against Old Alex in Milltown. They sit third in the EY Hockey League with a game in hand and have the second lowest goals-against record in the league so it is certain to be a tight fixture to book a spot in the Irish Senior Cup finals.
In the men’s competition we have the top 4 teams from the EY Hockey League all going up against each other on Saturday afternoon. Glennane vs Three Rock, first vs second, gets underway in St Andrew’s at 3pm and could be the match of the weekend. Glennane are undefeated in the EYHL and have a 10-point cushion at the top but Three Rock are fresh back from high level Eurohockey League action in Rotterdam. Glennane have claimed victories in both of their EYHL clashes this season but only a goal separated the sides in one of those fixtures, while 3 goals in 4 minutes in the other tie snatched victory for the Glens.
The other semi-final sees Pembroke travel North to play Lisnagarvey, again the teams sitting side by side in the EYHL. They faced each-other recently in a tight contest where they shared the spoils of the 3-3 encounter. Both clubs have experience at the back end of the season but neither have won the prestigious Irish Senior Cup title in several years. Lisnagarvey had to take 2 EYHL scalps on their cup run, meeting both Banbridge and Railway Union in the early rounds before putting 9 goals past YMCA to book their semi-final place. While Pembroke had a slightly easier run on paper as they faced Rathgar, South Antrim and Mossley along the way.
The winners of the aforementioned fixtures will meet in the Irish Senior Cup finals in UCD on Sunday (April 8th). The women’s Irish Senior Cup final will begin at 1pm and the men’s Irish Senior Cup final will commence at 3:45pm. In between the two fixtures, there will be a Parahockey blitz between Monkstown, Three Rock and Railway Union.
Both Irish Senior Cup finals will be streamed live on Hockey Ireland’s Youtube channel.
Irish Hockey Association media release
SSTMI hit double figures against Resilient
KUALA LUMPUR: Defending overall champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI)-Thunderbolt registered the biggest win in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) when they humiliated Malaysia Sabah Sports School (SSMS) Resilient 15-2.
It was the Johor Sports School’s fifth consecutive win in the Division One match.
Three players scored hattricks in the goal feast – forward Mohd Akhimullah Anuar Esook (pic) (second, fifth, sixth), Mohd Muhibuddin Moharam (14th, 36th, 37th) and Mohd Arif Syafie (14th, 48th, 55th) – at the SSTMI pitch in Bandar Penawar yesterday.
The other scorers were Muhd Amirul Hamizan Azahar (32nd, 41st), Muhd Shahirul Rusyaidi Abdullah (29th), Muhd Hazzim Amin Hafidz (43rd), Mohd Abid Sufian Mat Ruslee (53rd) and Muhd Shahrin Izzuddin Shamsuri (56th).
Skipper Muhajir Abdul Rauf (33rd, 52nd) replied for the Sabah Sports School.
SSTMI Thunderbolt have another four matches to play.
Pahang Hockey Academy (AHP)-SSP-Thunderbolt edged MSNSSN Young Lion of Perlis 1-0 to move up to second in the standings.
Muhd Nazrey Din scored the winner in the 21st minute.
The Star of Malaysia
