Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

All the news for Saturday 7 April 2018

XXI Commonwealth Games - Day 3
Gold Coast (AUS) 5 - 14 Apr 2018

Fixtures and results Saturday 7 April 2018 (GMT +10)
Men Pool B Malaysia - Wales 3 - 0
Men Pool A Canada - Scotland 1 - 0
Men Pool B India - Pakistan 2 - 2
Men Pool A Australia - South Africa 4 - 0
Women Pool A South Africa - Malaysia 0 - 1 (4th quarter)
21:30 Women Pool B Australia - Ghana

Fixtures Sunday 8 April 2018 (GMT +10)
9:30 Women Pool A England - India
11:30 Women Pool B New Zealand - Canada
14:30 Men Pool B England - Pakistan
16:30 Men Pool A New Zealand - South Africa
19:30 Men Pool B India - Wales
21:30 Men Pool A Australia - Scotland

Standings
Men's Pool A

Men's Pool B

Women's Pool A

Women's Pool B

Official Gold Coast CWG site

Canada gets bounce-back win against Scotland

An early goal and terrific defense give Canada their first victory at the 2018 Commonwealth Games


Photo: Yan Huckendubler

After yesterday’s disastrous 6-2 loss to New Zealand, Canada bounced back in great form to defeat Scotland 1-0 today at the 2018 Gold Coast Games. According to coach, Paul Bundy, this was exactly the type of performance Canada needed to erase yesterday’s performance from their mind.

“I think the biggest thing today was that we stuck to our game plan and played our game for the whole match,” Bundy said. “We created a lot of opportunities and generated a lot of penalty corners. Sometimes our game isn’t the prettiest to watch but we did what we had to do to get the three points.”

Canada got on the board with three minutes left in the first quarter as Matt Sarmento tipped in a creative penalty corner set play. Canada continued to pressure earning another penalty corner before half.

The defensive unit of Gordon Johnston, Scott Tupper and Adam Froese did well to keep the Scottish attack at bay when required and goalkeeper David Carter made a plethora of clutch saves in both halves. Johnston said he was proud of how the team responded but is already thinking about what needs to happen next.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but the guys responded really well,” Johnston said, after Canada’s victory over Scotland. “Now it’s about building on those positives from today and going hard after those three points against Australia.”

In the fourth quarter, a clumsy stick of Taylor Curran caught a Scottish player in the face warranting a 10-minute yellow card. Scotland pressed but Canada held steadfast. With six minutes remaining in the game, Scotland got a breakaway, but Carter was once again equal to the task, charging out to make a huge save. Bundy said Carter looked calm and experienced and came through when he had to.

“it’s just that veteran experience that he has. He knows when to come out and challenge and when to stay back. He understood what was needed from him today and he’s a guy that just knows how to get it done.”

Johnston echoed Bundy’s sentiments regarding Carter’s performance and added that he thought the whole team played well defensively. “Carter had a great game. He stepped up and made some huge saves. The team also blocked a lot of shots and cleared the ball off his pads well.”

Both Johnston and Bundy know how important this afternoon’s game was to Canada’s chances. And they are both already looking forward to Canada’s next tilt with Australia on Tuesday.

Bundy said, “playing against the top countries in the world in big games; this is why we train every day, that’s what we are here to do.”

Fans can catch Canada take on Australia LIVE at www.dazn.ca

Field Hockey Canada media release

Scotland men fall short in close contest with Canada


Photo by Team Scotland

Scotland men were beaten 1-0 by Canada in a close and tough second match of Gold Coast 2018. The Scots face hosts Australia in their next match and have three points on the board so far.

The first penalty corner of the match went the way of Scotland and Willie Marshall slammed it against the foot of a player charging out. The second penalty corner saw the ball set up for Kenny Bain and he flashed his shot wide of the post.

Up the other end of the pitch and Canada won a penalty corner for a stick check. Tommy Alexander in goal for Scotland padded the ball clear to keep the score level.

Alexander was called into action again moments later, and stood up strong to stop a one-on-one opportunity as the Canadians capitalised on a slack pass.

The opening goal came soon enough and it went the way of Canada. A penalty corner routine was finished off by a deflection by Matt Sarmento to make it 1-0.

Bain almost equalised when he lobbed Carter early in the second quarter but the ball was cleared by a covering defender.

Russell Anderson then cleared the ball off the line for Scotland to deny Canada a second goal as Canada took the game to the Blue Sticks.

As half time approached an excellent driving run by Anderson won a penalty corner for Scotland and this time Alan Forsyth smashed it just wide of the left post.

Into the second half and the Scots made a bright start. An excellent save denied Alan Forsyth from a penalty corner, David Carter charged out to block. Moments later Bain was denied by another good block by the in-form keeper.

It was a game for goalkeepers and a top save by Alexander low at his left post from a penalty corner kept Scotland in the contest.

A ten minute yellow card was awarded to Canada when Chris Grassick took a stick to the face with twelve minutes remaining.

Scotland went hunting for an equaliser and Bain came close when a quick break, and strike, by Bain zipped over the bar from the right of the D.

Scotland then had a sensational chance to equalise when Bain latched onto a ball to run one-on-one with Carter, but the keeper stood up strong and saved while Alan Forsyth lurked looking for a tap-in.

In the end Scotland couldn’t find an equaliser and Canada held on to take the win. Both teams have three points so far with some big games on the horizon.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

India start favourites against Pakistan but Roelant Oltmans-coached rivals can't be taken lightly

Sundeep Misra


India's men's hockey team open their campaign against Pakistan on Saturday. Image credit: Twitter/@TheHockeyIndia

On days when training is intensive, Roelant Oltmans can be as sullen as a rain-soaked Labrador. On the best of days, when India win big, his replies have the clarity of a man with a mouth full of ice. The reporter, expectedly, wouldn’t go beyond the first question. And then unexpectedly, he can hold fort, on a random day, on a variety of topics and also explain why he doesn’t like Jose Mourinho. Without digressing, this is what Oltmans thinks of Mourinho: “Talks too much and I have no liking for defensive coaches.”

Maybe, there lies the clue — ‘defensive.’

Sjoerd Marijne is not Oltmans, yet. Oltmans is an Olympic and World Cup-winning coach. The Olympic Gold happened in Atlanta in 1996 and the World Cup gold came in Utrecht, 1998. Marijne is striving to be an Oltmans. Knowing that Marijne would take offence to being labelled or compared to a fellow Dutchman, let me quickly add Marijne would want an Olympic gold or the World Cup but on his own terms, rather as Sjoerd Marijne.

Both like offensive hockey. They revel in the first touch. And build teams around youth. Though, Oltmans' 96’ Olympic team had Marc Delissen and Floris Jan Bovelander, not exactly spring chickens then. But coaches love to believe that ‘hockey then was different.’

Would hockey be different on 7 April when India and Pakistan meet at the Gold Coast where tickets for the match were sold out within hours? It was slightly surreal to see Oltmans in a Pakistan jacket merrily speaking about the draw of a Commonwealth Games and saying, smile dancing on his lips, “India is a favourite and by a wide margin.”

Well, he would know that — four wins in 2016 and 2017 came under him when he was Indian coach, two in the Asian Champions Trophy and two in the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in London. He was High Performance Director when Terry Walsh as coach beat Pakistan in the 2014 Asian Games final. So there is a challenge for Sjoerd Marijne when India line up against Pakistan on Saturday.

It would be good for Marijne that Oltmans is already under pressure after Pakistan drew 1-1 with Wales. Not a great start for Oltmans but neither something that would worry Oltmans or Pakistan. A good result against India usually washes away all sins. And vice-versa. Pakistan are rebuilding for the Champions Trophy and then the World Cup in Bhubaneswar and too many adverse results in the last four years need to be halted.

In the circumstances, Oltmans was the hope and he had intimate knowledge of an Indian team, which he built over a period of time. Small details help in such matches which are played in an ocean of emotion. That’s why both coaches would say ‘we focus on the match and not that it’s India vs Pakistan.’ Both know it’s not that easy to take your mind off the fact that a considerable population is interested in the result. The last time that Oltmans enjoyed an India-Pakistan match was on 18 June, 2017 when India beat Pakistan 7-1 in the HWL semi-finals in London. On the same day, a few kilometres away, Fakhar Zaman’s remarkable hundred and Mohammad Amir’s new-ball spell drove Pakistan to a stunning 180 run victory over India in the Champions Trophy final. “There was no tension,” he said later. “The focus was on cricket.”

On the Gold Coast, both coaches area assiduously concentrating on hockey. Marijne took the team to watch Pakistan play Wales and asked the players to analyse and create a tactical plan for their opening match against Pakistan. Oltmans has already shifted the pressure saying India is too far ahead. Marijne said, “I know it sounds boring but it’s about focusing on ourselves. The more I am talking about Pakistan, the more I will make them better and that’s not what we want. The analysis is finished and they are ready to start.”

Marijne believes the team is done waiting. Now they are hungry. They have adapted and are keen to be on the pitch playing a real match. “It's like they are hungry to start, hungry to play, hungry to win and whether it’s against Pakistan or Wales, it doesn’t matter. We just want to start the tournament.”

Pakistan’s biggest issue has been lack of tournaments and big matches. India’s build-up has been impressive. But what many would like to consider a David vs Goliath match-up can sometimes surprise and catch fans and teams off guard. Emotion is a cesspool. India and Pakistan love to swim in it. Its good Marijne keeps the players off it.

“I think there will be always pressure in India and I think that’s fine, good and normal because people want to see us winning,” he says. “Of course, the match against Pakistan is really big and we also respect that for players and me. So for us, it's important to focus on our own performance and that's what we learn because the moment we get emotional, it gets more difficult and we want to stay away from that.”

On the contrary, Oltmans would build the structure in a team that has been without a framework for long. He exactly knows how India play. That should make it interesting. From how India's defence minds work to the creative engine in the team and the way the scorers operate, Oltmans has been the man creating the blue-print for long. Now, all he needs to do is print and show it to the Pakistan team, formulate a strategy and dangle it.

Baiting India would lessen Pakistan’s workload. Otherwise, Marijne’s team would run them ragged — pace, skills, overlapping, technical superiority, penalty corner drills, you say it and India does it better. What they don’t like is when the flow is stemmed and the opposition doesn’t let them play their natural game. Oltmans will put up barriers. After all, he knows the little chinks in India's mind.

In the end, like any sport, hockey, is about winning, scoring goals. But in its modern phase, tactical awareness and the definition of positioning has changed making the Coach vs Coach battle all that more intriguing. That’s why along with players in modern football, a Jurgen Klopp vs Pep Guardiola, an Antonio Conte vs Mauricio Pochettino, a Jose Mourinho vs Arsene Wenger catch the fans imagination and make it all the more iconic.

Coaches always want to leave an indelible mark on the match and an overall impact on the team. Marijne knows his team, India, are the favourites. “Of course, we are favourites. Last year we won four times from them (Pakistan) and that’s why we are favourites. That’s okay and normal. It’s not in our head; we don’t play different because of that. We are also favourite against Wales and we will have more matches where we are favourite so that's fine.”

Sjoerd Marijne, the young wolf has the understanding of the terrain and a team of young cubs all ready to unleash damage. But in the jungle, they say, never lose respect for the old fox. Behind Roelant Oltmans' disarming smile and reticence, a wild hockey mind lurks.

Firstpost

Indian coach calls for calm in blockbuster clash, Pakistani counterpart thinks it's a lost cause

Pakistan and India will renew their decades-old hockey rivalry on Saturday when they meet in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Queensland, Australia.

Despite being almost 10,000km away from home, the two teams' storied rivalry has generated enough buzz that the event organisers are expecting a jam-packed stadium.

India coach Sjoerd Marijne says his charges will not be fazed and are taking tomorrow's encounter as any other game.

"I addressed the team before my first match against Pakistan and they said it was business as usual so we are taking it as normal," the Dutchman said in a media briefing. "Rather than focusing on one match we have an eye on the whole tournament."

Marijne's compatriot Roelant Oltmans, who has also coached India in the past but is currently in charge of Pakistan, believes all the plans and pre-match tactics go out the window in Indo-Pak matches.

"[In these matches] each side only thinks about the outcome and totally forgets the process," he said. "Emotions override structures and strategies."

Pakistan's Muhammad Tousiq agreed with Marijne that players should, in theory, remain clam on the pitch but admitted that that rarely happens.

"It means so much to the millions of fans who watch this game," he said. "Both sets of supporters desperately want [their team] to win.

"As players we should be relaxed on the pitch, but sometimes we get carried away. I am sure things would be different this time too as they always are when Pakistan and India are playing."

Dawn

Ex-India man Oltmans plots rise of Pakistan hockey team

Rohit Mahajan


Coach Roelant Oltmans with the Pakistan flag. Rohit Mahajan

“We’ll get there, Inshallah!” says Roelant Oltmans. “That’s what they say in Pakistan, don’t they?”

Oltmans, 63, former India coach, plotter of India’s rise in the hockey ranks, also says that now — Inshallah. But it’s not that he’s actually left all to God — he insists that it’s processes and plans and hard work that pay off. It’s the players who actually go out and play and win matches for their teams.

Oltmans has the fate of Pakistan’s hockey team in his hands. He’s been in this place before, but just across the border from Pakistan. He plotted India’s rise in the hockey rankings before being sacked as India’s high performance director last year, because “the team needed fresher ideas”, according to the hockey officials in India.

When he was named India’s hockey coach back in 2013, the team, he says with a hint of pride in his voice, was “ranked No. 13”. “During my time, the team rose to No. 6,” he says.

“And now Pakistan is also ranked No. 13 in the world,” says Oltmans. “They look to me to do a good job with them. I know how to do it. I’m hopeful that I’d be able to do it soon.”

Pakistan has turned to him to help the team rise. It’s going to be hell of a job, says Oltmans. “There are high expectations, of course,” he says, but insists that there’s no pressure at all.

“Yes, I know... There are my own expectations, the expectations of the country — I understand all that,” he laughs. “But guys, I’ve been in this profession for almost 40 years!

I can handle the pressure.”

Same sport

The walk across the border, India to Pakistan, hasn’t really heralded a big change for him. The diversity within India has made him aware of the similarity between northern India and Pakistan. “Very similar,” he says. “And in terms of talent too, they’re very similar. Both teams have very talented players.”

He does think that in terms of becoming more professional in the running of the sport, Pakistan needs to change. “In many ways, they need to step up,” he says. “Luckily, the president and secretary general of PHF understand.” He says the idea is to not rush things — to make sure a system is put in place.

And what of the big match between India and Pakistan on Saturday? He’s not too effusive about his analysis, and merely says: “Well, I won’t be surprised if India win!”

But his real objective is long-term. “I’m very hopeful that we’ll soon be able to bring Pakistan into the Round of 8 (in major tournaments),” says Oltmans. “Let’s start with that! Then, after that, continue to grow hopefully into medal positions. Inshallah.”

The Tribune

India have edge but it can be anybody's game, says Pak goalkeeper

NEW DELHI: Veteran Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt has accepted that India have an edge going into the mouth-watering clash between the arch-rivals in the Commonwealth Games on Saturday.

"Definitely India will have an edge as they have been playing a lot of hockey. Indian hockey is growing and so is its performance. But you can never predict the outcome of an India-Pakistan match as five minutes can change the whole scenario. It can be anybody's game then," Butt said.

India, who reached the final in 2010 and 2014, will begin their campaign on Saturday while Pakistan have played a 1-1 draw against lower-ranked Wales.

"It will be a contest of how well you cope up with the pressure of this big encounter. Whichever team will control emotions and do not succumb to the pressure, will win. There will be counter to counter hockey and both the teams will have additional motivation to win," said the goalkeeper who is making a comeback in the team.

Their last Commonwealth Games face-off happened in the 2010 Delhi edition where Indian won 7-2.

Overall, the record stands 1-1 between the two sides as Pakistan had the last laugh in the 2006 Games in Melbourne. The teams squared off most recently at the Asia Cup in Bangladesh last year when India claimed the honours.

Imran is confident that tomorrow's match will not be a one-side affair in favour of India.

"I can only say that it is no way going to be a one-sided match. It will be the best match of CWG. Although our target is not CWG and we are preparing for Asian Games so that we can qualify for Olympics. We will play India in the first match of Champions Trophy also so CWG will be a learning experience for our team," he said.

India's former head coach Roelant Oltmans is now coaching Pakistan team and Imran said that it will be an added bonus for them.

"Roelant has been with Indian hockey for a long time and has given his services to Pakistan hockey in the past. He has vast knowledge of Asian teams and he is in process of rebuilding the structure of our hockey," he said.

He also opined that playing each other early in the tournament will benefit both the teams.

"It is the most pressure match and it will be easier for both the teams after this match. Once the pressure is released, we can play with more ease," Butt added.

The Times of India

India's quest for men's hockey gold begins with clash against Pakistan

GOLD COAST: India's men's hockey team will begin its campaign at the XXI Commonwealth Games with a pulsating Pool B clash against arch-rivals Pakistan here on Saturday.

For the Manpreet Singh-led Indian team, 2018 is an important year, filled with multiple high-profile tournaments, with the CWG being the first target of the year. India had lost to Australia in the finals of the 2010 and 2014 editions of the CWG and this time, their aim is again to go the full distance.

"Currently, we are not thinking about how important this year is especially with the World Cup in Bhubaneswar being held in front of home crowd. The only thing we have on our minds right now is our first match against Pakistan on Saturday," asserted the 25-year-old Manpreet.

The Indian team is grouped in Pool B also with Malaysia, Wales and England. Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said: "For me, it is about focusing match-by-match, which means we build our rhythm and performance improving upon the little things or areas that has concerned us. We played practice matches against South Africa and Canada and every match we were better and played with good structure.

"It was important that we manage the intensity and mind set during these matches, so we are hungry for the ball in our first match against Pakistan," stated the 43-year-old Dutchman.

Over the past two years, an India vs Pakistan clash has lost steam from being a blockbuster encounter that it once was. India, Asia's undoubtedly best team at the moment, has dominated in all the six encounters winning by convincing margins.

"We are not thinking about past results against any team. We are focused on our own performance and would like to play with disciplined structure and ensure zero errors," said Manpreet on the eve of the opening match.

Though past results don't count, India can take confidence not only from their good recent record against Pakistan but also their desirable results in major tournaments such as the Asia Cup 2017 and the Odisha Men's Hockey World League Final 2017 where the team won gold and bronze respectively.

"To begin the tournament with a win is always crucial because it sets the right momentum going forward. We have had ideal practice sessions since our arrival in Gold Coast and are ready for a good match against Pakistan," added Manpreet, who will play a key role in plugging India's midfield with the forward-line.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to register their first win here after playing a disappointing 1-1 draw against Wales on Thursday.

The match pits India against their former chief coach Roelant Oltmans, who is credited for lifting the standard of the side after his appointment as High Performance Director in 2013. The Dutchman has a fair idea about the current Indian players and their qualities.

For India, drag-flick expert Rupinder Pal Singh will form wall of defence along with Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Kothajit Singh, Gurinder Singh and Amit Rohidas. The goalpost will be guarded by experienced PR Sreejesh.

India's midfield will see skipper Manpreet in the lead role, ably supported by the experience of Chinglensana along with young blood in Sumit and Vivek Sagar Prasad.

The Indian attack will feature a combination between experience and youth as SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh and Dilpreet Singh are all in the team.

Dilpreet Singh and Vivek - who made their international debuts during the New Zealand tour - have been rewarded with this opportunity for a good show where the duo scored in important games.

The Times of India

India-Pakistan hockey clash beings reunion for Dutch coaches Marijne, Oltmans

Susan Ninan in Gold Coast


Abu Mahmood of Pakistan and Akashdeep Singh of India battle for possession during the 5th-8th place match of the Hockey World League Semi-Final in London on June 24, 2017. Steve Bardens/Getty Images

A year ago, they were looking for food joints to eat out at, together in India. One, the 63 year-old men's hockey coach; the other, 20 years his junior, a man who'd just left his family behind and moved to a foreign country for the job of coach of the Indian women's hockey team. On Friday, the Dutch men will catch up on the field again. Only this time, they will be peppering their respective teams against each other.

Roelant Oltmans, who was at the helm of the Indian coaching set-up until September last year before he was asked to go, now heads the Pakistan team. Sjoerd Marijne, the man brought to India for the role of women's coach, has now taken up Oltmans' last job.

While any face-off between India and Pakistan, who play each other on Friday in a Commonwealth Games group stage match, is usually suffused with political and emotional undertones, there is a lot of camaraderie and respect between both coaches.

On paper, the winner in this case is no surprise. India, ranked sixth, has beaten Pakistan, currently placed seven spots below them, at all major competitions since the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat in December 2014.


Sjoerd Marijne VI Images via Getty Images

"It was Roelant who brought me to India. I'd be always thankful to him for that," says Marijne. "So when he was sacked and I was offered his job, I first wanted to make sure he was OK with it. He was one of the first people I called up when my name was suggested as his replacement. Roelant was gracious enough to say he didn't mind it and wished me luck. It would have been awkward to ask him for any insights on the team since he didn't have a very pleasant exit. We haven't spoken much since but it'll be good to see him again."

Oltmans took charge of the Pakistan team in March this year and he's barely had any time with the side leading up to Gold Coast. While there's hurt at the unceremonious ouster, he's willing to look ahead.

"It was a disappointment that our association had to come to an end but that's how it is in sport. We go our different ways and find bigger challenges. I really enjoyed my work in India for close to five years so for me there's no reason to say I won't go back there. I've made a lot of friends there and can only look back with a big smile on my face. But maybe at the end of my current commitment with Pakistan it will be time for me to think of a different kind of life," Oltmans tells ESPN.

This is Oltmans' second stint in Pakistan, the first coming in 2003-04. From being a country famed and revered for the sport to not being able to qualify for the 2016 Olympics, it's been a rather telling fall for hockey in Pakistan.

"I wasn't here for about 15 years and now that I'm there I can tell that there's been a change in the hockey scene. One for the better. Pakistan have had great players in the past and I'm here to create a certain legacy, work on the current lot as well as focusing on coaching development so that Pakistan can find their way up again."


Roelant Oltmans during his time coaching the Indian men's hockey team. Ian MacNicol/Getty images

Back in India, national coaching role aside, Oltmans was also closely working with the Madhya Pradesh government to develop a blueprint for academies. But once he assumed his role across the border, he's had to give that up as well. "I could and wanted to continue but India wasn't keen on that."

In their first match at this Commonwealth Games, Pakistan drew 1-1 against Wales. But India will be a whole different kettle of fish and Oltmans is frank in his assessment of their chances.

"I always try to take out the emotion from an India-Pakistan game and focus on chalking out and executing our plan on field. India is a favorite definitely. They beat us comfortably in the last few matches and while Pakistan has improved we aren't that good enough yet to beat India. But we will try to put up a fight."

"I really enjoyed my work in India for close to five years so for me there's no reason to say I won't go back there. I've made a lot of friends there and can only look back with a big smile on my face."
Roelant Oltmans

For Marijne, weather seems the bigger worry. "It's quite hot and we're playing in the afternoon so we have to keep things calm and under control."

No matter what the role or result, the relationship between him and Marijne remains cordial, Oltmans says. "It's not due to him that I'm not working in India but due to other people.This is a great opportunity for him and we discussed it and thought he should take it up. For us, it's not personal."

After he left India, Oltmans says he hasn't watched many India matches. Occasionally he's managed to catch a few on YouTube. He's up to speed with the results and scores, though.

"I know a couple of these players, but since India will be playing their first match against us here we haven't got an opportunity to see what they're up to in this tournament. They could be playing a different structure than what I've known, turned weaknesses into strengths or vice versa. But knowing that Sjeord will be on the other side is a good feeling."

ESPN

Pakistan drew with India 2-2 after Magnificent Fightback

It was drama till end in the much anticipated match between Pakistan and India in the hockey competition of the XXI Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast, Australia.   

Trailing 1-2, with just 15 seconds left, Pakistan made a penetration into the Indian circle from right. Not finding any gap, the Pakistani forwards looked
for an Indian foot and believed they found one.

The umpire thought otherwise. On Pakistan's appeal, it was referred to the third umpire and he penalty corner was awarded and taken.

Indians cleared the ball out of the circle. Again, Pakistanis appealed for an Indian
foot and again it was passed on to the third umpire. Another PC resulted. This time, Mubashar Ali's powerful low drag flick hit the tin below diving Indian goal keeper Sreejesh's right elbow.

Hence, after five consecutive defeats against their arch rivals, Pakistan salvaged a well deserved draw.

In the early part of the game, it appeared to be another Indian win as they enjoyed a 2-0 lead when the teams changed the sides.

In front of a full house, the first quarter saw an up and down game though India had more of the possession and also earned the sole penalty corner. In the 12th minute, in a fluent move Sunil sent a diagonal pass from right to young Dilpreet, India's hero of the Junior World Cup victory in 2016. Dilpreet, with all the time and space in the left side of the circle, finished with a strong push.  
 
Next minute, Ali Shan's thunderous hit from the right side of the circle brushed off the cross bar.

With Atiq Arshad yellow carded in the first minute of the second quarter, India took advantage. They earned two back to back penalty corners both from foot faults of Pakistani defenders. Off the second, Hermanpreet extended the lead when his strong flick found the left corner of the net at the mid height.

Things got hot and after an altercation, Faisal Qadir and Akashdeep were both shown yellow.

In the 25th minute, a brilliant dribbling run by captain Rizwan Senior fetched Pakistan their first penalty corner. Sreejesh made a fine save. Green shirts had two other PCs before the half time but it remained 2-0 for India.

Five minutes into the second half, Imran Butt, who had a good game, saved an RP Singh PC attempt. Immediately, a ball reached debutant Rana Sohail at the top of the circle whose reverse hit went out.

In the 38th minute, a sweeping three men Pakistan move culminated in M.Irfan Jr, unmarked near the left past, diving spectacularly to reduce the margin.

India applied immense pressure during the last few minutes of the third quarter but Pakistani deep defence stood well with the custodian Imran Butt at his best.

With their tails up, Pakistan earnestly looked for the equaliser in the last quarter. A long high ball into the Indian circle, saw one on one between the striker and the goalie but Sreejesh effected the save of the match. Soon, Pakistan had three penalty corners but the goal eluded them.

With two minutes left, India wasted a good chance when Manpreet's reverse flick missed the target badly.

Then arrived the heart stopping action of the last 15 seconds.

Pakistan can take many positives from today's show. It should serve as a morale booster especially after a disappointing draw against  the lowly ranked Wales in the first match.

To reach the semis, they not only need to win the remaining two pool matches (against England and Malaysia) but also have favourable results from other matches.

Next, Pakistan plays England on Sunday

SCORERS:
India: Dilpreet Singh (12') & Harmanpreet Singh PC (19')
Pakistan: Mohammad Irfan Jr (38') & Mubashar Ali (60')

PHF Media release

Pakistan score in dying second to hold India 2-2

s2h team

Living true to the tag of ‘India-Pakistan’ game, the match between the arch rivals went on to some last minute drama as Pakistan finally held India for a 2-2 draw.

India managed to maintain the lead till the 59th minute, until Pakistan earned a penalty corner, courtesy a referral, with 10 seconds to go for the final hooter. After they missed hitting on target, they sought a referral for another penalty corner at full-time. Lucky for them, they referral was successful and Pakistan were all in cheers as they slammed the ball to the bottom right of the nets, ending India’s long maintained lead.

The first two quarters went in India’s favour after debutant Dilpreet gave India its first goal in the 13th minute, of a cross by the experienced SV Sunil.

Five minutes into the second quarter, the lead was doubled by drag-flick expert Harmanpreet Singh, who flicked low into the nets. With four minutes to go for the half-time, Pakistan pressed for chances and earned three penalty corners, all of which was wasted.

Pakistan pulled one down only in the 39th minute, when an unmarked Irfan Jr. was set up by two players, who simply needed to tap.

India managed to hold its nerve as Pakistan got three back to back penalty corners within two minutes in the fourth quarter.

Just when it looked India was on the verge of winning, Pakistan spoilt India’s party in the dying minute.

Stick2Hockey.com

Last-minute woes continue to haunt India as unfancied Pakistan squeeze out draw


India-Pakistan Hockey - File Photo, Twitter

All the excitement came down to the last seven seconds as the Indian hockey team's perennial problem of conceding late goals left them with a disappointing 2-2 draw against a sloppy Pakistan in its Commonwealth Games opener in Gold Coast on Saturday.

For India, Dilpreet Singh (13th minute), Harmanpreet Singh (19th minute) did the scoring, while Pakistan's goals came from Mohammed Irfan Junior (38th minute) and Mubashar Ali (59th minute).

It was touted as the blockbuster clash of the preliminary stage and the turnout, at least, lived up to the hype. The diaspora of both the countries was out in good numbers but adding to the fervour were the Australian fans, who showed up to just soak in the excitement of an Indo-Pak clash.

Not to forget the beat of the dhol, that usually amplifies the sloganeering, was also there adding to the fervour. On the field, India dominated quite clearly despite being a bit sloppy themselves. Forward Dilpreet opened the scoring in the first quarter, helping the last edition silver-medallists end the first 15 minutes with a 1-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Harmanpreet Singh converted the second of the two penalty corner chances he got to put India in control. Pakistan managed to earn a couple of penalty corners of their own but veteran P Sreejesh guarded his citadel with the kind of elan that has been his forte.

The Indians were clearly the superior outfit as far as controlling the ball was concerned, hoodwinking their rivals quite comfortably. India earned a penalty corner quite early in the third quarter but Pakistan goalkeeper Imran Butt easily deflected Rupinder Pal Singh's feeble attempt.

The competitive edge missing from their game, the Pakistani team was also subdued in its on-field demeanour until forward Mohammed Irfan Junior put them on the scoring board with a field goal in the third quarter, narrowing the gap between the two sides. The goal was initially in the name of Muhammad Arslan Qadir but Irfan Junior's faint touch was discovered during replays, prompting a revised credit.

Pakistan turned on the intensity in the final 15 minutes and were rewarded with three back-to-back penalty corners. But they just could not slot the all-important equaliser, denied by a solid Sreejesh and their own poor shots at the goal.

Mandeep Singh had the chance to increase India's lead in the dying minutes of the match but his shot was deflected. With seven seconds left on the clock, Pakistan earned a penalty corner, causing some anxiety in the Indian camp, and the old fears turned out to be true. The Indians ended up conceding one to let slip what should have been a comfortable win.

Daily News & Analysis

Erratic India punished by Pakistan in hockey opener - highlights

Indian men’s hockey team fell prey to some lax defending and was held to a 2-2 draw by Pakistan in their 2018 Commonwealth Games campaign opener in Gold Coast.

Leslie Xavier


Indian men's hockey team’s SV Sunil (left) and Paksitan hockey team’s Muhammad Faisal Qadir vie for position during their match at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (CWG 2018) in Gold Coast, Australia, on Saturday.(AP)

As expected, the India vs Pakistan hockey opener at the 2018 Commonwealth Games threw up high drama in Gold Coast on Saturday. Pakistan, who were trailing India 0-2 after the first half, scored twice including one in the dying seconds of the match to hold India 2-2.

Dilpreet Singh scored in the first quarter while Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the second to give Indian men’s hockey team a 2-0 lead after the first half. Pakistan stepped up the tempo in the second half even as Indians lost their shape in the middle. They made it 1-2 via a strike from Muhammad Irfan Jr. before Ali Mubashar scored the equaliser when Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner with just seven seconds to go in the match. Get highlights of the India vs Pakistan hockey match from the 2018 Commonwealth Games here. (CWG 2018 LIVE UPDATES)

11:58 hrs IST: With that we wind up our live coverage of the India vs Pakistan hockey match from Gold Coast. To follow live action from other  disciplines at the Commonwealth Games, click here.

11:54 hrs IST: The late equaliser was again a sad reminder for Indians of the curse that has afflicted them through the last 30 years or so. Indian hockey team, down the years, have always faded in the latter stages of the match. While earlier, the loss of tempo was against world-class sides, this time it came against Pakistan, a lower-ranked side, who are not exactly world beaters anymore. With the result, coach Sjoerd Marijne will be forced to go back to the drawing board before the next match a must-win against Wales on Sunday, while Pakistan take on England.

11:52 hrs IST: What’s interesting to figure out is the role Pakistan head coach Roelant Oltmans had in this result. Oltmans was with Hockey India since 2012 -- first as high performance director and then head coach -- was unceremoniously removed in September last year. This current Indian squad developed during Oltmans’ time in India and perhaps the Dutchman knew how to push the right areas at the right time to unsettle the Indians.

11:51 hrs IST: Indians would have only themselves to blame for the result. While they started off with intent, it was evident by the end of the first half that Manpreet Singh and Co. were losing shape in the middle. One could sense no strategy or system in their play while Pakistan, despite being erratic, were at least making forays into the Indian D. It was a matter of time before they scored.

11:45 hrs IST: Ali Mubashar scored for Pakistan with a low and hard shot. Sreejesh was a bit slow to react and conceded the equaliser. A disappointing result for India as going into the match they were the clear favourites.

11:37 hrs IST: Goal. Heartbreak for India in the dying seconds of the match. Pakistan convert the penalty corner to draw the match 2-2.

11: 35 hrs IST: Pakistan get another penalty corner. It’s literally the last play of the match.

11:33 hrs IST: Penalty corner is taken but the attempt thwarted. Pakistan ask for a video review again. Drama continues.

11:32 hrs IST: Pakistan get a penalty corner with 10 seconds to go. Drama indeed!

11:30 hrs IST: Drama in the final seconds. Pakistan asks for a review after a scuffle for ball in the Indian D.

11:28 hrs IST: Mandeep Singh wastes a golden chance to take things away from Pakistan’s grasp. With two minutes to go India lead 2-1.

11:24 hrs IST: Five minutes to go in the match and India lead 2-1 against Pakistan. But things are getting tight as Pak players are running more and more at the Indian defence while Manpreet Singh and Co. have not been able to make any meaningful foray into the Pakistani D in the second half.

11:21 hrs IST: The ball sails above the bar but Indian custodian P Sreejesh seems to have injured his side. He takes his time getting up. Play begins with India running up the left flank, intercepted by Pakistani defence.Such up and down running of the ball has been the hallmark of this match with both the sides unable to assume full control of the proceedings. So much for strategies and systems.

11:20 hrs IST: Pakistan get a penalty corner.

11:13 hrs IST: The fourth quarter begins with Pakistan playing running hockey, attacking looking for the equaliser. India lead 2-1 at the moment.

11.11 hrs IST: That’s the end of the third quarter. India lead Pakistan 2-1 but Manpreet Singh and Co. will have to get their act together in the final quarter or risk a Pakistan comeback in the match.

11:09 hrs IST: Muhammad Irfan Jr. taps in a diagonal shot from the left. The Indian defence, solid till that point, was in disarray as Pakistan ran at them with some crisp passing. The Indians better get their act together as the third quarter has seen a resurgent Paksitan. With less than two minutes to go in the quarter, India lead 2-1.

11:01 hrs IST: Pakistan get a goal back. It’s 2-1 in third quarter.

10:54 hrs IST: The third quarter of the India vs Pakistan match begins. India lead 2-0 thanks to goals from Dilpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh in the opening two quarters.

10:52 hrs IST: While the scoreline reads 2-0 in favour of India at half time, India coach Sjoerd Marijne would want his side to assert more in the midfield and also hold a ball a little longer. The latter half of second half saw Pakistan spend more time in the Indian half. Though the rivals didn’t show much firepower in front of goal, giving them chances is always dangerous and India’s Dutch coach would have given his side a talk at half time to refine their act further.

10:44 hrs IST: Pakistan are trying to go forward and get a goal back but the Indian defence seems solid with no weak links whatsoever. Manpreet Singh and Co. go into half-time with a 2-0 lead.

10:38 hrs IST: However, Pakistan earns another penalty corner as threat continues to loom over the Indian goal. This time, goalkeeper P Sreejesh comes to the rescue.

10:37 hrs IST: The Pakistan flick from the PC is intercepted beautifully by Kothajit Singh, who clears it to the side.

10:35 hrs IST: Pakistan get a penalty corner after a player goes down in the Indian D. The weak shot is dealt with by the Indian defence. but the ball seemed to have hit an Indian defender’s foot. Pakistan asks for a review and gets another PC.

10:33 hrs IST: The Pakistan custodian Imran Butt has been a busy man under the bar. India attack in waves, the latest being a strike by Mandeep Singh, which was thwarted by Butt.

10:28 hrs IST: India strikes from the PC. Harmanpreet Singh scores with the brilliant strike from the PC. Pakistan opted to review but it was turned down. India lead 2-0 in second quarter.

10:26 hrs IST: The chance is squandered again by India, but Pakistan fail to clear the ball and India get another PC after a goalmouth melee.

10:24 hrs IST: Second quarter begins with India applying a full press against Pakistan, trying to keep the ball within the Pak half of the field. The intention is clear, Manpreet Singh and Co need more goals. And their efforts get rewarded by a penalty corner.

10:20 hrs IST: India would be very happy with the 1-0 lead going into the second quarter, especially since Manpreet Singh and Co. showed signs of taking control of the match in the latter stages of the first quarter. India scored via Dilpreet Singh, who found the target from a cross bt SV Sunil. The move began as a counter attack and Sunil passed across the face of the goal to Dilpreet in the far post, who hammered the ball home.

10:19 hrs IST: The answer is no. Rupinder Pal Singh misses the mark and the penalty corner chance is wasted. The first quarter ends with India leading Pakistan 1-0.

10:18 hrs IST: India get a penalty corner, Will they be able to take a 2-0 lead going in to break after the first quarter.

10:15 hrs IST: And it’s a goal, Dilpreet Singh strikes for India who take 1-0 lead against Pakistan with just two minutes to go in the first quarter.

10:12 hrs IST: The tempo for the game is set -- high-paced action. But both teams don’t seem to be sure on how to convert the pacy moves into a meaningful attack in front of goal at the moment. The scores remain tied 0-0 with four minutes left to play in the first quarter.

10:09 hrs IST: Pakistan making an inroad into the Indian D from the left flank but easily dealt with by the defence. From the counter, the Indians build their own foray into the Pakistan D, but a cross from the left flank is wasted with no Indian in the middle to tap in.

10:06 hrs IST: Opening exchanges of the match promises intense action. Both teams are intent on attack -- Pakistan going down the flank twice, while Indians countering down the middle. Nothing meaningful coming out of the initial exchanges. A sign of nerves probably. Both teams should settle down and then try and control the tempo of the match, applying their strategies and systems from the middle.

10:01 hrs IST: Skipper Manpreet Singh is seen rallying his players and the ball is rolled. The start of Indian men’s hockey team’s CWG campaign in Gold Coast.

10:00 hrs IST: The national anthems are being played at the moment. Indians would be going all out for a big win in the opening match to have a strong start to the tournament. They would also want to banish the memories of a poor outing at the Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia where they finished out of the podium.

09:57 hrs IST: With former India coach, Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, at the helm with Pakistan, there is an additional variable for the Indian hockey team to deal with. The match is set to start with the players in the field. Though Pakistan are not the powerhouses they were once, sparks do fly when they play India. And this match is sure to be a hard-fought one.

09:53 hrs IST: Welcome all to the live coverage of Indian men’s hockey team’s 2018 Commonwealth Games opening match. And a big match that too, against arch rivals Pakistan.

The rivalry has lost sheen in recent times with the standard of hockey in Pakistan going down as they have lurched from one setback to other.

They finished last in the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi, had failed to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and are currently ranked 13th in the FIH rankings.

India, on the other hand, are on a resurgence and are ranked sixth in the World and one of the favourites for gold in the Commonwealth Games.

Hindustan Times

Ockenden: Kookaburras Embracing The Pressure

Ben Somerford



Experienced Kookaburra Eddie Ockenden says he loves the pressure which comes with playing on home soil as favourites at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Australia begins their campaign on Saturday against South Africa from 4.30pm AEST, with the Kookaburras heading into the tournament as the top ranked side and favouritism.

The Kookaburras have also won every single gold medal since hockey was introduced to the Commonwealth Games in 1998.

The added factor of playing on home turf brings an air of expectation, but Ockenden said he was embracing that.

“Personally having it in Australia, people say is that more pressure?,” Ockenden said.

“If it is more pressure than I’d rather have more pressure because we get to play in Australia which we don’t get to do very often because it is such a huge event.

“It’s great we get an awesome home crowd, a bit more exposure and a great opportunity to show what we can do.

“If we play well, it takes care of itself.”

Ockenden insisted his side was accustomed to pressure, given their lofty world ranking.

“I think we do have a bit of pressure,” he said.

“We feel like every tournament we go into there’s a lot of pressure because we’re playing against good opposition.

“I think that’s the biggest pressure, playing against good opposition. We’re looking forward to taking the challenge on.

“Every competition is tough so to win a gold medal will be tough. The best way to handle pressure is to play your best.”

Ockenden is one of the more experienced members of the team, having now played more than 300 times in green and gold.

He’s also competed at several Olympics and Commonwealth Games previously and knows what multi-sport events are all about.

The Tasmanian, who is a contender to replace retiring skipper Mark Knowles as captain, has enjoyed passing on his with his more inexperienced teammates.

“I love people asking questions,” Ockenden said.

“Whenever people ask me about the opening ceremony, I just think back to my first Commonwealth Games or Olympic Games and it sparks positive memories for me and I can share a story.

“As an experienced member of the team it’s about teaching.”

Hockey Australia media release

Mark Knowles to lead out Australia for second time – but first with Kookaburras

By The Hockey Paper



The Kookaburras will take to the Commonwealth Games outfield for the first time at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, with Mark Knowles leading out Australia for the second time at these Games after holding flagbearing duties at the opening ceremony.

Australia clash with South Africa – with all talk barred of the recent cricket fiasco – while a traditional rivalry between India and Pakistan will headline day three of the competition

The Kookaburras are still coming to terms with the late withdrawal of penalty corner star Blake Govers, who broke his thumb at training earlier this week.

He has been replaced by Tom Wickham. Australian coach Colin Batch said he was pleased with the way Wickham had handled the “awkward selection situation”.

South Africa was beaten convincingly by Scotland in its opening Pool A game, and will have a hard time containing the World No.1 side.

In the other big men’s match of the day India take on Pakistan in Pool B.

Pakistan secured a point from their opening 1-1 draw with Wales, while India has watched the first two days from the sidelines.

New Pakistan coach Roelant Oltmans said he was aware of the magnitude of the clash.

“There is always too much emotion involved and the players only think about the outcome,” he said.

Indian coach Sjoerd Marijne believes the hostility between the teams is dimming as the gap between the two sides widens.

“In 2017, we played four matches and India won pretty easily all four times. So I think the rivalry is less as the gap is getting bigger,” he said.

Malaysia and Wales will be trying to register their first win of the Games when they open the day’s proceedings.

Canada will be looking to put a disappointing day-two performance against New Zealand behind it when it tackles Scotland.

In the women’s Pool A, South African women take on Malaysia.

And the Australian women will be looking for their second win in a row as they meet Ghana to close the night out.

The Hockey Paper

Mitton Opens A Bag Of Tricks As Kookaburras Crush South Africa

Alexie Beovich



The Kookaburras’ opening match at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on Saturday saw Trent Mitton use all the tricks in the book to help Australia defeat South Africa 4-0.

Australia now holds a strong position in Pool A whereas South Africa falls to the bottom of the table after suffering losses to both the Kookaburras and Scotland.

The Kookaburras mounted a pressure-filled attack throughout the entire match and it was Trent Mitton (29’, 38’), Jeremy Hayward (42’) and Aaron Kleinschmidt (49’) who took advantage on the scoreboard.

The Kookaburras created an incredible eight penalty corners in the third quarter alone and held possession for the majority of the second half. If the team can maintain this attacking game plan they will be well placed for Sunday’s game against Scotland.

Mitton was dominant for Australia after quarter-time and opened the scoring with a miraculous ‘through-the-legs’ goal mere seconds before halftime. Mitton followed up and scored his second goal in the third quarter with a well time shot past South African goalkeeper Gowan Jones. Mitton wasn’t done there, he delivered the perfect assist to Kleinschmidt who was able to push the ball into the back of the net.

Jeremy Hayward joined in on the action late in the game with a powerful flick from a penalty corner.

Despite a shaky start to the match, Matthew Dawson showed his value to the team with a number of vital defensive stops and link-up plays throughout the game.

Captain Mark Knowles was once again a stalwart deep in defence, barking orders and ensuring that the relatively young team remained composed as the game progressed.

Despite allowing a number of goals, South African goalkeeper Gowan Jones was among their best. Under immense pressure throughout the match, Jones stood up and defended six penalty corners in the third term alone.

Australia will now go into Sunday’s match against Scotland with a feeling of confidence but victory is not a guarantee by any stretch of the imagination. Scotland have proved that they can score already, defeating South Africa 4-2 on Friday night.

The Kookaburras are next in action on Sunday against Scotland from 9:30pm AEST live on Channel 7 and the 7 App.

Australia 4 (Mitton 29’, 38’) (Hayward 42’) (Kleinschmidt 49’)
South Africa 0

Hockey Australia media release

India, New Zealand and England record wins on second day of women’s hockey at Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games


Neighbours England and Wales played an entertaining match in the rain Photo: FIH/WSP

India, New Zealand, and England all recorded wins while Canada and Scotland drew on day two of the women’s hockey event at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

New Zealand recorded the biggest win of the event so far as they scored 12 goals without reply against Ghana at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, the African nation making their Commonwealth Games debut.

New Zealand captain Stacey Michelsen marked her 250th international appearance with an impressive performance, inspiring her team to four goals in the first half and a further eight after the break.

Midfielder Anita McLaren also reached a huge personal milestone when she scored the first of her two goals in the 49th minute, making her the first ever New Zealand women’s player to eclipse 100 international goals.

Black Sticks Striker Madison Doar played a superb game and scored a hat-trick, while McLaren’s double plus goals from Michelsen, Kelsey Smith, Sam Charlton, Shiloh Gloyn, Olivia Merry, Sam Harrison and Amy Robinson contributed to their victory.

Michelsen admitted it was a fantastic feeling to come away with the emphatic result in her 250th match. She said: “We started a bit slowly but got into the game and played well in large patches during the second half which was pleasing.”

England meanwhile made it two wins from two as they defeated neighbours Wales 5-1. There were five different scorers for England with the victory moving them back to the top of Pool A.

Giselle Ansley, Susannah Townsend, Hannah Martin, Sophie Bray and Grace Balsdon were all on target to keep the squad’s early tournament momentum going.

England went ahead in the 23rd minute as Ansley produced a strong drag-flick low into the bottom corner of the Welsh net.

This lead was soon doubled before the half-time break when Townsend broke into the circle and fired low past Wales goalkeeper Roseanne Thomas into the bottom left corner.

Early in the third quarter Wales pulled themselves back into the contest as Sarah Jones released Eloise Laity who lifted the ball past Hinch in the England goal.

England continued to press after the third quarter break and soon restored their two-goal advantage. A crashed ball into the circle was met by Hannah Martin who lobbed her deflection into the far corner.

England continued to attack with great intensity and Bray made it 4-1 with a strong backhand strike before Balsdon grabbed her second of the tournament with a powerful drag-flick to seal an impressive win.

Earlier in the day India returned to winning ways as they defeated Malaysia 4-1 in their Pool A clash.

Gurjit Kaur gave India’s Eves the lead with an early penalty corner goal before Nuraini Rashid levelled for Malaysia with a penalty corner of her own.

Kaur got her second of the match in the third quarter to put India back in front before captain Rani got on the scoresheet to give India a 3-1 lead. Lalremsiami then put the result beyond doubt with a last-minute goal.

The final match of the day was considered a must win by both Canada and opponents Scotland, both of whom are aiming to finish as high in the standings as possible.

Canada, ranked 21 and Scotland, ranked 18 in the FIH Hero World Rankings cancelled each other out throughout the match, which offered few chances for either team.

Despite Scotland having a goal disallowed with minutes to go after Canada referred the decision to the video umpire, the North American’s will have felt they should have got more from this match. They entered their opponents circle nearly twice as many times as the Scots, winning all four penalty corners of the game and edging possession by 57%.

However it wasn’t to be and both teams will be left disappointed having dropped points that could prove crucial when it comes to the end of the Pool stages.

RESULTS
Women
Pool A: India 4, Malaysia 1; England 5, Wales 1.
Pool B: New Zealand 12, Ghana 0; Canada 0, Scotland 0.

#GC2018Hockey

FIH site

Malaysia suffer English blow as they let in seven goals

THE English curse continues to haunt the Malaysian hockey team at the Commonwealth Games.

Malaysia were thrashed 7-0 by England in their opening Group B match at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre yesterday.

Malaysia also lost 8-1 to England in Glasgow four years ago and 7-2 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last month.

National chief coach Stephen van Huizen was a frustrated man as the players kept making the same defensive errors and said his team lost the plot from the start.

“They failed to make any attempt at goal and did not earn a single penalty corner,” he said.

“England earned eight penalty corners and converted two.”

The goals were scored by Sam Ward (14th, 20th) and Mark Gleghorne (27th, 53rd), David Goodfield (21st), Harry Martin (49th) and Philip Poper (59th).

Malaysia captain Mohd Sukri Abdul Mutalib admitted they made many mistakes in defence.

“This is the worst possible start for us. It looks like we failed to learn from our past mistakes,” said Sukri.

“We played badly. We were punished by England for making mistakes in defence. They played a very disciplined game.

“Despite the bad start, we hope to bounce back and play much better against Wales tomorrow to collect full points.”

Meanwhile, the Malaysian women’s team gave Asia Cup champions India a good fight before going down 4-1 in a Group A match.

Gurjit Kaur scored a brace for India in the second and 39th minutes while R. Rani (56th) and Lal Remsiami (59th) completed the rout. Nuraini Rashid replied for Malaysia in the 38th minute.

Malaysia’s next match is against South Africa today.

The Star of Malaysia

Indian women thrash Malaysia

Gurjit, scores a brace; Rani and Remsiami score

A. Vinod


Getting it right: India rebounded well after it defeat earlier on Thursday, to thrash Malaysia 4-1. Photo Credit: PTI

The shock delivered by Wales had its effect in good measure on Friday as India recoiled well to got the better of Malaysia 4-1 in Group A match of women’s hockey in the XXI Commonwealth Games at the GC Hockey Centre here on Friday.

Yet, the need for improvement was there for all to see, The Indian midfield failed to measure up, being slow off their feet and indulging in selfish play rather than orchestrating moves to keep their teammates upfront busy. That India went up by a solitary goal leading in to the half-time shows the need for some urgent and effective action from the team management. India has to get past England and South Africa for a passage into the knockouts.

The hard work in the front by skipper Rani Rampal helped the team earn at least eight penalty corners in the first period. The poor rate of conversion continued, but On the fifth, Gurjit Kaur was able to break the deadlock and help India take the lead.

This happened in the sixth minute and thereafter the Indians found themselves marching to the tunes of the young Malaysian side. The second quarter was barren before India once tried to push the pedal to gain some momentum In the third quarter Malaysia came up with a warning equalised through Nuraini Rashid off a penalty corner.

The equaliser shook the Indian players off their reverie and they pushed hard. Gurjit Kaur, it was, who came to the rescue of her side, converted a penalty corner and helping India back into the lead. The best part of the Indian display came in the final quarter and here there was better coordination between the defence, midfield and the forwards as Neha Goyal got one through to Rani Rampal found the target with a good interception shot and Lal Remsiami completed the tally with a fourth goal, with just a minute remaining.

Indian men meet Pakistan

The Indian men will get into action against Pakistan in a Pool B game on Friday. England, Malaysia and Wales are in the same group. India had finished runner-up to Australia in the the last two editions of the Games.

The result: India 4 (Gurjit Kaur 6, 39, Rani Rampal 56, Lal Remsiami 59) bt Malaysia 1 (Nuraini Rashid 38).

The Hindu

Gurjit’s brace vs Malaysia keeps Indian girls afloat

Rohit Mahajan


Gurjit Kaur scored two goals in India’s 4-1 win over Malaysia. PTI

“I was happier with our girls’ performance against Wales yesterday, even though we lost the match 2-3,” says Harendra Singh, the coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, after the 4-1 win over Malaysia.

Rani, the captain, says: “Today is much better than yesterday!”

There’s a dichotomy in their words; it’s explained by the targets on which the coach and the players are focussing. Singh the coach is looking at the process and execution; Rani the player is looking at the results. And both are right. Singh is focussing on getting the process right, on getting the players to create opportunities; and Rani today was focussing on ensuring the team won, because a second consecutive defeat would have slammed the door on them.”

Gurjit Kaur scored twice with drag-flicks, while Lalremsiami and Rani scored field goals in the last quarter, in today’s win. The Malaysian girls had managed to equalise at 1-1 with their own penalty-conversion in the 38th minute. India’s attacking numbers display their intent: they had 25 attacking circle penetrations against Malaysia’s 11. Malaysia’s defensive tactics are displayed by the 66% ball possession they enjoyed.

But why have been the Indian girls, ranked 11 in the world, beaten by No. 26 Wales, or hemmed in for part of the match by No. 22 Malaysia?

Defensive Wales, Malaysia

These are the reasons: Wales and Malaysia sat back in defence, with the idea of breaking out on a counter. They wanted to disrupt the rhythm of the Indian players. Singh likens it to trying to drive your way through a series of traffic lights. “There was a lot of traffic on the pitch yesterday and today,” he says. “Wales and Malaysia packed the defence. We had to find our way past them.”

“If you go hard at a traffic light, you’d be stopped at the first or second or the third,” he says.

That’s how defensive-minded, lower-ranked teams deploy players in defence. It’s a tactical battle — you can’t afford to get caught in the “traffic”; you have to stretch the defensive formation of the opposition until it is breached. Singh wanted his team to create one-on-one situations — that’s how the defence is stretched. “We’re better than anyone else in one-on-one situations, both our women and men,” he says.

Then there’s a technical adjustment the players need to make quickly. The turf here is very quick; you tap the ball and it runs away — with the result that the Indian players have frequently lost possession, or have tired themselves by chasing the ball while controlling it.

“I think the girls were running too hard. That’s the reason we committed some basic mistakes, and missed goalscoring opportunities,” says Singh.

Rani confirms this, saying: “We need to use energy smartly, we can’t waste energy.”

Singh says that he was not very upset with the match against Wales because the team had created chances in it. “But the chances that were created yesterday, they were not capitalised. That was what worried me,” he says. “Today we were in the right positions to score, yesterday we were not.”

Points made

So, with today’s win, India have got three points, but they’d be hard-pressed to earn another three — or even one, with a draw — when they take on England, the world No. 2, on Sunday. “We’ve got to stick to our plans,” he said. “I think our girls will like playing England. England are also fast and play attacking hockey. We’ve got the momentum. We’ve got to stick to it.”

The Tribune

India women thrash Malaysia 4-1

GOLD COAST: The India women's hockey team registered their first victory of the ongoing Commonwealth Games campaign after beating Malaysia 4-1 in their second match of Pool A.

Two goals from Gurjit Kaur (6’, 39’) and a goal each from skipper Rani (56’) and Lalremsiami (59’) saw the Indians secure a morale-boosting victory against their Asian counterparts. The only goal for Malaysia was scored by Nuraini Rashid in the 38th minute.

India started the first quarter with electric pace and made chances inside the first minute itself. The team looked to press their opposition high up the pitch, which saw them regain possession quickly and make circle entries inside Malaysia’s striking circle. India won three Penalty Corners (PC) in the first quarter, the last of which was converted successfully by drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur to give India a crucial lead in the 6th minute. Towards the latter stages of the first period, it was Malaysia who looked to hit back with a goal by creating chances, but India’s defence made sure that the team maintained their lead at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, both the teams looked aggressive in their intent. While India wanted to stamp their authority on the match by getting a second goal, Malaysia on the other hand wanted to find an equaliser but neither team could achieve their goal as it was a fairly balanced second quarter. The Indian team utilized both the flanks to penetrate through Malaysia’s defence, but the latter kept their shape and made sure of not allowing India too much space.

After the half-time break, it was India who were unable to extend their lead as Neha Goyal’s goal was disallowed when the ball was adjudged to have hit Poonam Rani’s foot during the build-up of the goal. Malaysia on the other hand were struggling to create many chances, but their efficiency in the 38th minute saw them convert a Penalty Corner through Nuraini Rashid to equalise the scores and disappoint the Indians.

However, the disappointment did not stay for long just a minute later, India regained their lead when Gurjit Kaur stroked a powerful flick above the Malaysian goalkeeper to convert her second Penalty Corner of the match. The Indians continued to make surging runs into the opposition’s half but their Asian counterparts maintained a good defensive shape to deny the World No. 10 side.

It was a crucial last quarter for both the teams as India looked to hold onto their lead and secure the three points, while the World No. 22 side needed to score a goal quickly in order to make their way back into the match. India maintained their attacking flair in the final quarter as they kept the pressure on their opponents. It was in the 56th minute when Neha Goyal made a darting run from the right flank, avoiding challenges from multiple defenders and passing the ball past the Malaysian Goalkeeper towards Rani who was given a single tap-in into the back of the net to extend India’s lead to 3-1.

The Indian team continued to attack their opponents and were rewarded in the 59th minute with a fourth goal when Lalremsiami carried the ball up-field into the striking circle for a counter attack and passed it to Vandana Katariya, whose return pass was calmly finished off by Lalremsiami to secure a convincing victory.

India play their third match of Pool A against England on Sunday.

The Times of India

New Zealand Women cruise past Ghana


Photo: www.photosport.nz

The New Zealand Women have stamped their authority with a runaway 12-0 victory against Ghana in their second pool match at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

In captain Stacey Michelsen’s 250th international appearance, her side did not disappoint with four goals in the first half and a further eight after the break.

Midfielder Anita McLaren also marked a huge personal milestone when she scored the first of her two goals in the 49th minute, making her the first ever New Zealand women’s player to eclipse 100 goals.

Striker Madison Doar played a superb game and scored a hat-trick along with McLaren’s double while Michelsen, Kelsey Smith, Sam Charlton, Shiloh Gloyn, Olivia Merry, Sam Harrison, Amy Robinson all joined the party.

Michelsen said it was a fantastic feeling to come away with the emphatic result in her 250th match.

“We started a bit slowly but got into the game and played well in large patches during the second half which was pleasing,” she said.

“There have been so many great moments for me since joining the group in 2009 and to have the opportunity to still be a part of this amazing team is so special and I hope I can do it for a lot longer yet.

“Our focus now moves to our next game against Canada. We’ve been watching a lot of video and they are a side which continues to improve every year so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The New Zealand Women have a recovery day tomorrow ahead of their next pool game against Canada at 1:30pm on Sunday (NZ time), with live coverage on TVNZ Games Extra.

After their opening 6-2 victory over Canada the New Zealand Men also have a day off before they go up against South Africa on Sunday at 6:30pm (NZ time), broadcast live on TVNZ Games Online (www.tvnz.co.nz).

New Zealand 12: (Madison Doar 3, Anita McLaren 2, Stacey Michelsen, Kelsey Smith, Sam Charlton, Shiloh Gloyn, Olivia Merry, Sam Harrison, Amy Robinson)
Ghana 0
Halftime: New Zealand 4-0

Hockey New Zealand Media release

We're Ghana Win Gold - Black Sticks women win 12-0


Stacey Michelsen celebrates scoring in her 250th match. Photo / Photosport

A 6-2 beating of Canada has given the men's Black Sticks a good start to their Commonwealth Games campaign, while the women have carried on their strong early form with a victory over Ghana tonight.

Their 12-0 win over the African nation follows the 6-1 win over Scotland yesterday. It has them off and running in their bid for gold later in the Games.

New Zealand had two goals in each of the first two quarters, three more in the third period and ran away with the contest with five more in the final 15-minute spell.

Ghana, ranked 30th in the world compared to No 4 New Zealand, were gallant through the first three quarters before falling apart near the end.

There wre two goals apiece for Anita McLaren, Maddie Doar and Kelsey Smith, with one each for Sam Harrison, Olivia Merry, Sam Charlton, Amy Robinson, Shiloh Gloyn and captain Stacey Michelsen.

The most significant of the 12 was McLaren's first which was her 100th goal for New Zealand, the first player to the milestone.

New Zealand next face Canada on Sunday morning before finishing their pool play against world No 5 Australia on Monday night.

The No 9 men's Black Sticks were well worth their win.

There were set piece goals from penalty corners scored by Kane Russell and Nic Woods. In a productive third quarter, New Zealand raced out to a 5-1 advantage with Stephen Jenness, George Muir and Dane Lett getting on the scoresheet before Otago striker Hugo Inglis finished things off near the final whistle.


New Zealand's Stephen Jenness scores his sides fifth goal. Photo / Getty Images

Canada are ranked two places below New Zealand. They would have fancied their chances but on a warm afternoon were clear second best. They got goals from James Kirkpatrick and Gordon Hamilton.

The New Zealand Herald

England women beat Wales 5-1 in dominant display


England v Wales

England women put in a dominant display to beat home nations rivals Wales 5-1 at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

There were five different scorers for England with the victory moving them back to the top of pool A.

Giselle Ansley, Susannah Townsend, Hannah Martin, Sophie Bray and Grace Balsdon were all on target to keep the squad’s early tournament momentum going.

Speaking after the match head coach Danny Kerry: “Despite some good counter-attacking fro Wales we controlled the game well.

“There was lots of great combination play from Sophie Bray and Susannah Townsend and we generated a large number of open play and corner opportunities.

“We are really pleased with how the new young players have had experience of a game of this type.”

It was an end to end opening quarter with both sides winning early penalty corners. England soon found their rhythm though and began to dominate with Hannah Martin, Hollie Pearne-Webb and Ellie Rayer forcing saves from Rose Thomas in quick succession.

Wales started well in the second quarter and an early break into the circle forced Maddie Hinch into evasive action to thwart the danger, but England were soon back in control.

From a penalty corner Ansley put a strong drag-flick low into the bottom corner to give England a deserved lead after 23 minutes.

This lead was soon doubled before the half-time break when Townsend broke into the circle and fired low past Thomas into the bottom left corner.

Early in the third quarter Wales pulled themselves back into the contest through Richards. Sarah Jones released Laity who lifted the ball past Hinch which was met by the upporting run of Richards who tucked home from close range.

England responded well winning a number of penalty corners but couldn’t make their dominance count as the sides entered the final quarter with just one goal between them.

However England continued to press after the final break and soon restored their two-goal advantage. A crashed ball into the circle was met by Martin who lobbed her deflection into the far corner.

England continued to attack with great intensity and Bray made it 4-1 with a strong backhand strike before Balsdon grabbed her second of the tournament with a powerful drag-flick to seal an impressive win.

Next up for England are India on Sunday morning at 12.30am UK time.

England Hockey Board Media release

Wales women take first blow of Games against England

In a battling display of resilience and determination, Wales women took on international heavyweights England today in their second pool match of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The game began confidently for both teams, with unconverted penalty corners from both sides, ramping up the crowd excitement and overall momentum of the game. Although ranked 2nd in the world, Wales played fiercely; applying pressure against England that was no doubt felt. The first half ended 2-0 to England.

Wales came out strong during the second half, lashing out some firm and fast attacks from Phoebe Richards and Eloise Laity. Attacks that paid off for Laity after she found space on the right-hand side of Maddie Hinch and capitalised with an excellent first goal for Wales.  

With 6 minutes left on the clock of the third quarter, Wales were dealt a tremendous blow when their most experienced player and Captain, Leah Wilkinson was ruled out of the game after an excruciating head collision with England Captain, Alex Danson.
Throughout the final half and without their inspirational leader, Wales felt the brunt of the English defence yet battled on valiantly; seeing Welsh goalie and GB athlete, Rose Thomas yield solid command over the defensive zone.

An unlikely goal from a loopy deflection caught the Welsh defence and Thomas off guard before England went on to push through a further two goals. A commendable performance for Wales; ending 5-1.

Wales face South Africa on Monday 9th April at 05:30am (BST). Watch live via BBC Sport Wales or BBC Sport.

Hockey Wales media release

England roll through gears to see off Wales

By Rod Gilmour on the Gold Coast



England successfully negotiated a potentially tricky pool encounter before rampaging through the gears to cast aside Wales 5-1 on Friday.

For the third Games in a row, England beat their part-time Welsh rivals in a group stage, home nations battle.

Penalty corner goals from Giselle Ansley and, at the death, Grace Balsdon, interspersed with strikes from Susannah Townsend, Hannah Martin and Sophie Bray handed England the points.

A well-constructed Eloise Laity goal to bring back the deficit to 2-1 had briefly rallied Wales before England’s late resurgence.

“We had to be patient and wait for our opening. We did ride the challenge and we’re delighted to get through this,” said captain Alex Danson.

“Wales are a strong outfit. At 3-1 we were just able to shift momentum, but we still had to watch as they were good on the counter.”

Yet for 20-odd minutes, England didn’t have it all their own way as Wales set themselves up half court in a bid to frustrate Danny Kerry’s side and create their accustomed counter chances.

They all but succeeded. There was direct running and a few early corner chances.

England had to be watchful at the back and they were thankful for a brace of penalty corners of their own, Ansley converting with the second of those.



It was 2-0 before the break when Townsend lost her marker and slapped low.

A Sarah Jones run then found Laity, a 23-year-old chemistry graduate, who weaved further into the D before slotting past Hinch.

Wales suddenly had sights on their first win over England since a Test match in Durham 27 years ago – at least in context of their superb 3-2 win over India on the opening day here.

They kept themselves within a one goal range too, with two successive penalty corner stops.

Danson then accidentally connected with fellow captain Leah Wilkinson’s eye causing a nasty bruise and likely hospital treatment.

By now, England were creating space with simple passing and awareness. Martin had a fine game with several notable, intelligent runs and deserved to connect for England’s third.

Bray’s backhand strike was world-class and so was Balsdon’s late strike, as England took the second of their 14 penalty chances.

“We didn’t get frustrated and then we just kept pushing on for that next goal, next goal every time,” said Jo Hunter.

“The key thing [Kerry said] was to keep to our game, don’t ever let it bore us. Stay on the same page and you know what your team-mate is going to do with the ball. It makes things a lot easier.”

England now have a day’s break before their third game against India on Sunday 0930 local time.

The Hockey Paper

Canada earns single point with draw against Scotland

Action-packed scoreless draw vaults Canada into third place in Pool B


Photo: Yan Huckendubler

Despite being lower seeded in tonight’s game against Scotland, the field was tilted in Canada’s favour from the get go. The intense 0-0 draw finish leaves Canada in third place in their pool and needing a win against New Zealand in order to advance to the medal rounds.

The first half was littered with chances as Natalie Sourisseau and Steph Norlander peppered the Scottish circle. With the absence of the injured Rachel Donohoe, the onus fell on Brienne Stairs, Kate Wright and Hannah Haughn to add to Canada’s attack. In the first half alone, Canada earned five chances on net and two penalty corners but had nothing to show for it.

The steadfast defensive core of Sara McManus, Karli Johansen and Dani Hennig have asserted themselves among the toughest to play against in the tournament. Hennig, who is two-games shy of 150, brings a sense of experience and focus on the back-end. And with Kaitlyn Williams between the pipes, Canada’s defense has looked stellar in both games.

Canada surged in the third quarter, earning several circle entries and two penalty corner attempts. Still, neither team would allow a goal. Stairs emerged in the second half, ranging from end-to-end, carrying the ball with confidence. Despite the two penalty corner chances in the second half for Canada, neither team could break the stalemate.

With six minutes remaining, Scotland appeared to have cashed in on a quick counter attack as they played the ball into the circle and fired it into the net. Canada referred the tackle and the call was reversed. It was a crucial turning point in the game. The closing minutes of the game featured an all-out Canadian attack as Stairs, Norlander and Haughn traded chances on net. Canada leaned into the Scottish defense but was turned away each time.

Canada now faces the world number-4 New Zealand on Sunday in what has essentially become a must-win if Canada is to advance to the medal rounds. Fans can catch the action at www.dazn.com.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Scotland women denied win in battling goalless draw against Canada


Photo by Team Scotland

A late surge by Scotland women was not enough to claim their first win of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in a close contest against Canada. Amy Brodie had a late goal disallowed as Scotland battled hard for the victory but it ended in a goalless draw.

It was a good start by Scotland to the rain-battered match with Sarah Robertson, Sarah Jamieson and Millie Brown, on her 50th cap, all causing problems for the Canada defence in the early stages.

It was Millie Brown who struck Scotland’s first shot on goal; turning quickly in the D to strike but her effort was saved at the near post.

Later a speculative smash into the D was deflected goal ward by Jamieson but Kaitlyn Williams between the posts for Canada was a match for it to save.

Canada battled into the contest and fashioned a few chances of their own. The best of which saw Nicola Cochrane make a good save as the Canadian attack weaved into the Scots D.

As the first half reached a close Jamieson tried to find Charlotte Watson on the turn in Canada’s D but the pass went wayward under pressure.

The third quarter saw Canada ask some questions of the Scots defence. Canada’s Danielle Hennig had a shot zip past just past the post on the turn.

Then a good double save by Amy Gibson kept a series of Canadian attacks at bay, including an excellent penalty corner save low to her right.

The final quarter began with Watson battling hard wide on the right but unable to create an opening for the Scots

It’s an end-to-end frantic finish to this match with both teams going for the win.

Then in the dying moments Scotland had a goal chopped off after Amy Brodie put the ball into the net. Some brilliant play in the build-up by Brown was adjudged to have included a back stick and a video referral saw the goal chalked off.

The last second of the match saw Sarah Robertson and Jamieson hammer shots at goal but Canada kept their defence tight to hold on and deny Scotland the victory.

Scotland Captain Kaz Cuthbert said, “It was a great game to be part of; end-to-end and exciting. We had all the better pressure in the match, a few more decisions could maybe have went with us, but I think we deserved to win that game. We come away proud of the performance but pretty gutted about the result.

“Yesterday we played world-class opponents vying to win this tournament, today we went out there to win. We definitely matched them but we just have to get that win now.

“Our defence was brilliant, we controlled the ball, built up the play and had good outcomes, so we’ll just keep working on that and put the ball in the back of the net.

“Ghana is our next game so we’ll prep for Ghana, again it’s a game we’re going out there to win, so we’ll make sure we play our game and get the win. Against Australia it’s all to play for and we’ll see what we can do. If we do the job against Ghana and take something from Australia then we’re in the semis.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

International hockey players heading into pressured waters ahead of Pro League

By Todd Williams in Perth


World’s top players will be in for long haul from 2019 (PIC: WORLDSPORTPICS)

When news broke of the lengthy suspensions for Australian cricket’s disgraced ball tampering trio, it was surprising to hear respected English cricket pundit Simon Hughes criticise Cricket Australia for being too willing to appease a media and a public baying for blood.

Hughes seemed to lean closer to the far more matter-of-fact sanctions imposed by the International Cricket Council which had suspended Smith for just one game, had made Bancroft cough up 75 per cent of his match fee and let Warner off.

Although I’ve never been a cricketer, I know plenty and have followed the game all my life. A mate who played A grade club cricket in the roasting outfields of Perth for decades maintains that he and his teammates never once didn’t try to tamper the ball, including one great story of them microwaving it while the umpires weren’t looking.

Grading ball tampering as a Level Two (of four) offence tells us that cricket has a softer view on what many on the outside simply see as blatant cheating. If you really want to knock something out of the game, you surely hit it with more than a feather duster.

While Hughes is right to question the motivations behind Cricket Australia’s response, he is, I hope, also underestimating the Australian attitude towards cheating. This dreadful episode will do nothing to convince people that we aren’t a “win at all costs” nation. But the reality is that fairness is ingrained in Australian culture and the proof is in the local language.

Australia is, after all, built on the principle of being fair dinkum – honest or genuine – and is where all people are entitled to a “fair crack of the whip”. Australians will demand that “fair’s fair” if something doesn’t smell quite right but will put up with the rough end of the stick as long as it is deemed to be “fair enough”. Our convict past probably explains why we’ll accept punishment that is “hard but fair” and that also gives you an idea of why the same principles apply to the sporting field.


Netherlands’ players will be on the road (PIC: WORLDSPORTPICS)

On face value, Cricket Australia’s swift action to hit the guilty parties with heavy sanctions sits with the national sentiment. The question is whether their response is harsh but fair or just plain opportunistic. For an organisation that has been milking every dollar is can out of the Australian sporting public for the last few decades, it seems all too convenient to blame all of this on just three bad apples, particularly when it seems implausible that it could be so few. Many banks I recall also tried to quickly blame their self-inflicted financial crisis on a few number of rogue traders.

The best article I’ve seen about this disastrous turn of events has been by Dr Peter Brukner, the internationally respected Australian sports medic, which featured in last week’s Sydney Morning Herald. Apart from a stint looking after us hypochondriac hockey players, Brukner has also been chief medic for Australian Olympic teams, Liverpool FC, the Socceroos and most recently had five years with the Australian Cricket Team. Not only does he know Steve Smith and David Warner but he also knows the world they live in. A world that he says has much to answer for.

Brukner’s concerns are based around two simple observations. First, he assures us that while these the players involved are guilty and deserve hefty punishment, they are not, Warner included, evil villains. Second, whereas the plot to tamper with the ball was disgraceful, the plan to do it with brightly coloured sandpaper in front of 30 cameras was just a lesson in utter stupidity.

As a combination, Brukner argues, these two points are hard to reconcile. Normally decent (even Warner), patriotic, professional sports people suddenly making decisions with a virtually certain outcome of causing catastrophic damage to their personal and national reputations, is not the product of people who are thinking anywhere near straight.

Brukner then points to the pressures that cricketers are under with the intensity of Test matches combined with the isolation of hotel life and lengthy absence from loved ones. Don’t forget that just as the Australian players were self-destructing at the beginning of April, the English team was only just returning from a winless tour of Australia and New Zealand that started in November. Although nowhere near in the same ball-park, it seems an age that head-butting and beer pouring dominated the headlines.

But whilst cricketers might win the frequent flyer award, you do have to wonder if all sports, hockey included, are pushing their athletes closer to breaking points as the thirst for competition and exposure increases. England’s rugby union team has come crashing back to earth after a meteoric two years and the talk from many pundits is that the players are simply exhausted. For these guys, the equivalent of the cricketer’s travel is the physical wear and tear and mental grind required to keep their bodies on the pitch, relentlessly turning out for their clubs and country.

Which brings us to the Hockey Pro League, slated for a January start which will see the top international sides travel the globe from January to June and where the pressures on our top stars will only heighten. The sport’s elite will be entering new territory on the body and mind. And if playing to pay for your own supper isn’t enough, don’t forget that these players are often saddled with the extra responsibility of achieving the results required to maintain the sport’s entire level of government funding.


It will be a long way from the domestic league comforts (PIC: Andrew Smith)

Another level of pressure unique to hockey and other athletes in the government-funded, non-professional sports comes towards the end of careers and into retirement. As tough as it is for the cricketers, they at least have the benefit of being able to buy a house if they want to.

So too the rugby players and footballers who have the added bonus of their club-based lives allowing them to maintain relatively normal relationships, including being a parent, if they want.

In hockey, that sort of independent personal and financial progression is almost always put on hold. Instead we so often see proud parents and families happy to provide support to their children and siblings long after others would have made their way into normal adult life.

Of course, the high points provide everyone who has sacrificed so much with a lovely reward, but for many players, there comes a time when they realise how much they owe the people around them and how much time and opportunity to prepare for life after hockey they’ve lost. Time which can’t be replaced.

Dealing with this pressure is usually about locking the inevitable problem in a cupboard in the back of the mind, only to be opened when the business of trying to win that elusive cup or medal is over. There are, it must be said, excellent support and guidance programs provided to players but these will always struggle against the time and focus that training, travel and competition require. The cupboard out the back is a much simpler and easier option.

In recent times, the likes of Simon Orchard and Paul Gleghorne have been willing to share their experience of the challenges they face in life and sport dealing with mental health issues.

Sadly, we also hear far too often of current and former athletes for whom the hurdles have just been too high for them to go on. What this ball tampering fiasco tells us loud and clear is that if the pressure increases then so too does the risk for bad decisions; whether that be on field cheating or what people put into their bodies to make them work or feel better.

Let’s just hope hockey is ready and waiting to listen to our players if we start pushing them too far, like it seems other sports might not be.

The Hockey Paper

Stockmann to step back from Bloemendaal first team


©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics

Jaap Stockmann has confirmed he will conclude his top hockey career at the end of the current campaign, potentially ending his career with EHL glory on home turf on May 27.

He has been the Bloemendaal number one since 2004 and was also the first keeper of the Dutch team from 2010 to 2016. During that time, he won five Hoofdklasse titles and two EHL titles.

In 2014, he was the FIH goalkeeper of the year during a Dutch career of 140 caps, including silver medals at the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2014 World Cup in the Hague while he won European gold in 2016.

Speaking about his decision, Stockmann said: “I have given my heart to Bloemendaal and that will always remain the case but we are currently expecting our first child at the end of July.,

Bloemendaal’s top hockey commissioner Floris-Jan Bovelander added: 'We are incredibly proud of what Jaap has done for Bloemendaal in recent years and is still doing. With only sixteen goals conceded, it has been a very impressive season from hism we hope to give Jaap a nice ending to the season with several finals!”

Maurits Visser the man who is set to step into the goalkeeping role at the club having risen through the Bloemendaal youth ranks to be Stockmann’s understudy for two seasons.

He played the last three seasons with Den Bosch and also earned a place in the Dutch Junior World Cup squad and returns to the club having also trained with the national set-up.

Visser comes from a real Bloemendaal family: his youngest sister Danique is currently keeper of the MA1 team and reserve keeper of Dames 1 side.

His two other sisters, Nienke and Sophie, play in Ladies 2 team and his mother Marjolein and father Gijs have fulfilled a lot of volunteer jobs.

Bovelander said of his return: “At Bloemendaal, we traditionally have many talented keepers, Maurits is one of them. We are glad we can offer him the opportunity to come back to his old club."

Euro Hockey League media release

Glens, TRR, Pembroke and Garvey all looking to end ISC wait


Joe Brennan won the ISC four years ago with Saturday’s rivals TRR. Pic: Adrian Boehm

The current Irish men’s EY Hockey League top four in the league are all present and correct for the Irish Senior Cup semi-finals as Glenanne take on Three Rock Rovers while Pembroke face Lisnagarvey.

For the Glens, they have the knowledge of two victories in the league over the Rathfarnham club this term, riding out periods of pressure to score the crucial goals when they mattered most.

For Three Rock, the big question is how they have recovered from a stomach virus that swept through their team last weekend at the Euro Hockey League in Rotterdam.

Ross Canning and Ravin Nair both sat out a fairly ridiculous 20-10 ranking match defeat on Monday against Belgium’s KHC Dragons – due to field goals counting double; it was a still mad 12-5 in old money – with Ben Walker, Luke Madeley and Mark Samuel all taking leave during the tie through illness.

All are key parts of their machine and will be required if they are to end Glenanne’s bid for a league and cup double. Player-coach Joe Brennan is hoping his side can end their eight year wait for the title though he did win in 2014 with Rovers.

Lisnagarvey host Pembroke at Comber Road following a 3-3 draw at the same venue when they last met two weeks ago. Pembroke had five players out that day and so will travel at fuller strength with plenty of confidence.

Garvey, the most successful side in the competition, are looking to end a relative drought as their last win was in 2005 while Pembroke last won overall in 2009.

The semis lead into Sunday’s final which takes place at 3.45pm with live streaming confirmed for the Hockey Ireland Youtube channel.

Portrane are bidding for national glory in the Irish Hockey Trophy when they face Bandon – finalists in 2014, 2015 and 2016 – in the decider.

The north county side are currently in mid-table in Leinster Division Two but have been boosted in midseason by the arrival of Sean Graham and Brian MacMahon from Skerries while Imran Khan has international caps with both Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

They meet a Bandon side, though, who have won Munster Division One and have provincial playoff finals to look forward to, showing their quality.

Cookstown will face a EYHL trip to Monkstown on Saturday without their talismanic captain Jon Ames. The midfielder departs for Australia on April 7 to attend the Commonwealth Games as a spectator before travelling down the coast to Melbourne where he will spend the next year. There, he will play for MCC Hockey Club in the Victoria Premier League.

“I reached out to a number of premier league clubs but the response received from MCC was incredibly helpful and thorough,” said Ames.

“They’ve also had a number of Irish players there in recent years – Brian O’Malley of Glenanne/UCD (now Hurley in Holland) and Kevin Mullins of TRR who highly recommended the club as a grass roots/family orientated club, similar to that at home.

“One of their players, Jon Bretherton, has recently started playing alongside my brother David at Holcombe so there are several links!

“I’m excited for the opportunity but ultimately disappointed to be leaving my hometown club, even if only for a year! We are knee deep in a relegation battle at the moment but I have every confidence in the squad to grind out some positive results a secure top flight hockey next season.

“Several of our guys are just hitting their prime and we have a number of younger players who are growing with experience and confidence every game.”

Cookstown HC coach Stephen Cuddy was the first to wish Jonny well on his Australian adventure.

“We’ll miss Jonny, there is no doubt about it,” he said. “There are few more committed, clever and athletic midfielders in our game and we are so proud to have brought him through the ranks at Cookstown.

“I don’t think there is anyone from our club who wouldn’t agree that Jon has been among our best players over the past three or four seasons. In fact most continue to wonder how on earth Jon hasn’t been rewarded for his efforts by an international call-up.

“The Australian league have a real player on their hands and we will watch on with great pride as he helps MCC towards a big season.”

Banbridge face Railway in another back match.

Men’s weekend fixtures (Saturday unless stated)
EY Hockey League: Banbridge v Railway Union, 2.45pm, Banbridge Academy; Monkstown v Cookstown, 2.30pm, Merrion Fleet Arena, Monkstown.

Irish Senior Cup – semi-finals: Glenanne v Three Rock Rovers, 3pm, St Andrews College; Lisnagarvey v Pembroke Wanderers, 3pm, Comber Road
Sunday: Final 3.45pm, Belfield

Irish Hockey Trophy Final: Bandon v Portrane, 2pm, Belfield.

The Hook