News for 05 May 2018
All the news for Saturday 5 may 2018
FIH launch Hockey Series as Ireland get ready for over 80 international ties in 2018
The Irish women have 16 international matches leading up to the World Cup in late July. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Ireland’s men and women will skip through to the second phase of the new Olympic and World Cup process which the FIH formally launched this week, entitled the Hockey Series.
The Series replaced the World League but initially starts in a similar format with two rounds of tournaments – with Ireland’s men and women entering the fray at the second stage – before it deviates into a two-legged all-or-nothing playoff for a ticket to the major events.
As always, there is plenty of complexity. Going back to the beginning, all FIH National Associations not participating in the highly controversial Hockey Pro League – scheduled to get underway in 2019 – will be eligible to enter the Hockey Series Open with the majority of these getting underway this summer.
A minimum of 15 nations will qualify from Open to the Series Finals. There, they will meet the top nine nations in the FIH Hero World Rankings not playing in the Hockey Pro League which is scheduled to get played in the first half of 2019.
Each of the Hockey Series Finals will have eight nations playing in them and will take place at three venues across the world between May and June 2019.
The top two nations from each of the Hockey Series Finals will then be guaranteed berths in the new Olympic Qualification Events.
They will be joined by the top four nations from the Hockey Pro League and the two highest placed nations in the FIH Hero World Rankings (at the end of the 2019 Continental Championships) not already qualified via the Hockey Series Finals or Pro League.
The 12 men’s and 12 women’s nations will compete for a total of six spots in the Olympic Games, with the winners joining hosts Japan and the five continental champions who automatically qualify for Tokyo 2020.
The six Olympic Qualification Events will each feature two nations playing two back-to-back matches, with nations drawn to play each other based on their rankings at the end of the 2019 Continental Championships.
The nation who scores the highest aggregate score over the two matches will qualify for the Olympics. The Olympic Qualification Events are scheduled for October and November 2019 and the matches will be hosted by the higher ranked of the two competing nations.
Elsewhere, Hockey Ireland confirmed over 80 internationals across senior and underage levels between now and the end of July, starting on May 18 when the Irish men face Germany in Pembroke while the Under-16 boys and girls play matches in Dusseldorf.
In addition to that series for the senior men, they will also face France three times in Cork and the USA twice at Grange Road. At the end of July, Craig Fulton’s side go to Dusseldorf for a tournament against Argentina, Germany and France.
The Irish men have 10 test matches during the summer ahead of next November’s World Cup. Pic: Adrian Boehm
The senior women face Scotland three times, England twice, host Canada three times and then play Germany three times in June. July sees them place a three-game series against Japan and then play a three-nation event with Chile and Italy as their final warm-up for the World Cup.
The Under-21 men have an eye-catching series in New York against USA, Japan and Argentina in June as their summer focus.
The Under-21 women play England and Wales across six matches before forming the majority of an Under-23 selection to play in a Six Nations event in Belgium.
For the Under-18s, Santander will host the European championships for boys and girls in while the Under-16s host a Six Nations invitational event in Cork from July 15 to 21.
It is quite an undertaking on all fronts, one which has been helped by Eugene F Collins’ sponsorship of underage girls teams. In addition, the JAG Girls golf classic at Powerscourt last week brought in €24,000 and was enough of a success to be booked in again for Friday, April 12, 2019.
** To see the full schedule of international games this summer, click here: http://sportlomo-userupload.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/galleries/8089_uploaded/2496db2bd00775380b3760ca86a5892133ed131b.pdf
The Hook
Edwards Names 17-Athlete Tour Roster Set to Travel to Argentina
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The last six weeks were busy for the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team as they included three training camp weekends, which were all part of the evaluation process to be selected to the traveling roster to Argentina. Following last weekend’s Technical Skills Camp, U-21 USWNT Head Coach Phil Edwards has named the 17-athlete squad that will head to Tucuman, Argentina from June 10-18 to play a three-game test series against the country’s U-21 team.
“This tour presents a unique opportunity for the U-21 group as it will be happening in conjunction with the senior team tour,” said Edwards. “Playing directly before the senior games, in front of passionate Argentinian support, promises to only add to what has been a very productive 6-months together as a team so far.”
With the full roster currently in college, the U-21 USWNT had to squeeze in training camps between spring competition. A total four training blocks took place between January and early April before last weekend’s inaugural Technical Camp. The emphasis of the final camp was twofold: to build on the work done in earlier camps on principles of play while also having the opportunity to work closely with athletes and coaches from throughout the Junior High Performance pathway on the technical aspects of the game.
For most named to the tour roster, this will be the first time they get the opportunity to represent Team USA abroad in an international competition. Bringing the seniority leadership and foreign exposure are goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Stanford, Houston, Texas), Brooke Deberdine (Maryland, Millersville, Pa.), Linnea Gonzales (Maryland, Bel Air, Md.) and Sophia Tornetta (Princeton, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), who all traveled to the women’s Hockey Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile in November 2016.
“Some will have the excitement of pulling on the USA jersey for the first time, while others will be looking to build on their experiences from previous years as members of the U-19 or U-21 set up,” added Edwards. “In that way, I think we have a good blend of experience which bodes well for the future.”
U-21 USWNT vs. Argentina Tour Roster:
Kendall Ballard (Ohio, Charlottesville, Va.), Kelsey Bing (Stanford, Houston, Texas), Virginia Bramley (Penn State, Elizabethtown, Pa.), Katrina Carter (Cal Berkeley, Gilroy, Calif.), Brooke Deberdine (Maryland, Millersville, Pa.), Linnea Gonzales (Maryland, Bel Air, Md.), Kelee Lepage (Maryland, Honey Brook, Pa.), Madison Maguire (Maryland, Rumson, N.J.), Mikayla Michals (Providence, Needham, Mass.), Kealsie Robles (ODU, Seaford, Va.), Taylor Stone (Louisville, Herndon, Va.), Cassie Sumfest (UNC, Lewisburg, Pa.), Sophia Tornetta (Princeton, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.), Christie Van de Kamp (William & Mary, Midlothian, Va.), Jillian Wolgemuth (Duke, Mount Joy, Pa.), Elise Wong (Princeton, Perth Amboy, N.J.), Corinne Zanolli (Stanford, Newtown Square, Pa.)
The U-21 USWNT’s tour to Argentina will be in conjunction with that of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Their game days will coincide, with the two sides playing back-to-back.
U-21 USWNT vs. Argentina Series Schedule:
Thursday, June 14 5:00 p.m. ET
Saturday, June 16 5:00 p.m. ET
Sunday, June 17 5:00 p.m. ET
For more information regarding the U-21 USWNT vs. Argentina Series, including results and coverage throughout the event, visit the official event page.
USFHA media release
Tuks earn revenge over UJ with 5-0 opening victory
By Sifiso Nyawo
Michael Forrest of Tuks celebrating after shooting his second goal during Game 1 UJ v Tuks varsity hockey match at Wits Hockey field Johannesburg Photo by: Christiaan Kotze/SASPA
In the first game of the men’s Varsity Hockey tournament at Wits university, Tuks managed to get off to a great start, when they beat defending champions UJ, 5-0.
In a game that is broken up into four quarters, Tuks got things underway, scoring after just after 3 minutes. Michael Forrest was the one to help the men from Pretoria to take an early lead, when he picked up the ball at the top of the circle to convert a few seconds after a short corner to make it 2-0, with the goal being recognised as a field goal.
The game was then evenly poised for the next 10 minutes with both sides looking to eat away at each other’s defence. Tuks were however the next ones to trouble the scorers, when Michael Forrest managed to get his second, this time off a short corner, pushing it beyond UJ shot stopper Matthew Martins to make it 3-0. That’s how things stayed right until halftime, with Tuks enjoying a slight advantage over the men from Johannesburg.
The second half, saw great competitive hockey being played with UJ looking to get themselves on the score sheet but Tuks keeper Hendrik Kriek stood tall in between the sticks. On the scoreboard things remained the same for quite a while. Kemp was asked to step up many times, as the UJ attack bombarded him with shots, but he remained resolute to keep the clean sheet.
Tuks did get another one over the orange army in the end, when they broke from inside the UJ half, for Brad Sherwood to finish sublimely and make it 5-0 to Tuks with 4 minutes remaining on the clock. That’s how things eventually ended unfortunately for UJ, as Tuks got off to a flying start at the 2018 Varsity Hockey tournament.
Scores
UJ: 0
Tuks: 5
Goals: Michael Forest (2), Brad Sherwood (1)
*In the Varsity Sports Hockey competition field goals count as 2
FNB Player of the Match: Henrik Kriek (Tuks)
Samsung Super Striker: Michael Forest (Tuks)
Mugg & Bean Star Player of the Match: Henrik Kriek (Tuks)
Teams
UJ: 1. Matthew Martins, 2. Brad Robertson, 4. Andile Ndlovu, 5. Kyle Lion-Cachet (C), 6. Michael Newland-Nell, 7. Chad Burke, 8. Courtney Halle, 9. Che February, 10. Spencer Botes, 11. Keegan Smith, 13. Ernest Jacobs
Subs: 15. James Gilbert, 16. Raynor York, 17. Jesse Martins, 18. Diego De Abreu, 20. Manessah Dube, 21. Gary Cooper, 23. Tristan Blackie-Roden
Tuks: 1. Henrik Kriek, 3. Letuka Onke, 4. Currie Mitchell, 5. Jared Cass, 6. James Redfern, 7. Sam Mvimbi, 8. Peabo Lembethe (C), 9. Steven Paulo, 10. Michael Forest, 11. Ashley Kemp, 13. Matthew Butler, 15. Bradley Sherwood
Subs: 16. Nicholas Pio, 19. Matthew Davies, 20. Christian Kriek, 21. Tim Halle, 22. Mark Chong, 23. Sizwe Mthembu
Varsity Sports media release
NWU brush Kovsies aside with convincing win
By Sifiso Nyawo
Naude Stean of NWU during Game 2 NWU v Kovsies varsity hockey match at Wits Hockey field Johannesburg Photo by: Christiaan Kotze/SASPA
In the second clash of the Varsity Hockey tournament at Wits, the North-West University proved too strong for the University of the Free State, beating them 10-4.
NWU made their intentions clear very early in the match, when they received a short corner in the opening few minutes, which Gertjie Lamprecht had no problem converting to give his side a slender 1-0 lead. Kovsies quickly responded with a field goal, which saw some great team interplay with Matthew Ramos providing a great finish to give the men from the Free State a 2-1 lead.
As the game went on, NWU started to dominate possession, eventually leading 3-2 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter only saw another goal by NWU, who managed to increase their lead to 5-2 going into the break with Killian Ludick’s name going onto the score sheet with a field goal.
The second half was one that provided plenty of entertainment, with Franscois Cilliers slotting the ball into the net off a short corner to increase NWU’s lead to 6-2. With the game running away from Kovsies, the men from the Free state had to find a way through, and they did when Stephan Vollenhoven stepped up to put away the ball, which he picked up just inside the D.
With the game at 6-4 to NWU, the match suddenly became tighter, with both sides not looking to give too much away but still tried to reduce the deficit. This left them vulnerable at the back and NWU capitalised on this, when Pierre Botma provided the goods by showing great skill amongst a number of Kovsies players to score and extend the lead to 8-4 with a minute to play.
That wasn’t it for the men from the North-West, who quickly surged forward at the death to score another fantastic field goal and finish the 10-4 winners.
Scores
Kovsies: 4
Goals: Matthew Ramos, Stephan Vollenhoven
NWU: 10
Goals: Gertjie Lamprecht, Gerhard Van Bosch, Killian Ludick, Franscois Cilliers, Pierre Botma
*In the Varsity Sports Hockey competition field goals count as 2
FNB Player of the Match: Steam Naude (NWU)
Mugg & Bean Star of the Match: LouFrans Esterhuizen (NWU)
Samsung Super Striker: Jeffrey Wayne (NWU)
Teams
Kovsies: 1. Lou Frans Esterhuizen, 2. Andre Nel, 3. Egon Van der Merwe, 5. Raymond De Villiers, 6. Ryan Scheepers, 7. Matthew Ramos, 8. Willie Kruger, 9. Mpho Tsaoane, 10. Gerhard Van Bosch, 11. Justin Smouse, 13. Tiaan Weldhagen
Subs: 14. Stephan Van Vollenhoven, 15. Mvelase Mbombisa, 18. Cheslyn Neethling, 19. Shelton Mollentze, 21. Jan Willem Ras, 22. Tylor Oliver, 24. Luyolo Nkosana
NWU: 3. Lochner Van der schyff, 4. Wayne Jeffery, 5. Leonard Du Plessis, 6. Anru Kock, 7. Gertjie Lamprecht, 9. Sinoxolo Mbekeni, 10. Franscois Cilliers, 12. Damian Tamine, 13. Franscois Joubert, 14. Mitesh Makan,
Subs: 17. Damian Kyle Kenny, 18. Pierre Botma, 21. Siyabonga Mabo, 20. Naude Stean, 23. Tait Clayton, 1. Andrew Oosthuizen, 22. Mthokozo Mbotho
Varsity Sports media release
Maties hold off Madibaz to win nervy first match
By Sifiso Nyawo
Maties shoot for goal during Game 3 Madibaz v Maties varsity hockey match at Wits Hockey field Johannesburg Photo by: Christiaan Kotze/SASPA
The Varsity Hockey tournament produced another exciting game, this time it was Maties, giving it their all to get one over Madibaz, beating them 6-4 in fiercely contested game of hockey.
The first quarter got underway, with Maties the favourites to take the honours, but they were stunned early on with the Madibaz taking the lead in the opening stanza, through a field goal from Athi Mbovane. That lead did not last long, however, with Maties slowly getting into their groove, with their provider being Reece Arendse, who pitched in with a fantastic finish to level matters at 2-2.
As the match continued, Maties looked very dangerous every time they went forward but the Madibaz defence managed to contain them for a few moments before Luke Schooling made it 4-2 to the men from Stellenbosch at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter didn’t bring much in terms of goals but the contest remained fierce with Maties increasing the deficit to 6-2 at the interval.
When play resumed it was the Madibaz who got the best start, when they struck with 3 minutes left in the third quarter, which Joshua Engole flicked beyond Maties goalie William Eveleigh to make it 6-4 during a Power Play. The rest of the match was a seesaw battle between the sides, with the Madibaz getting a few short corners, which Eveleigh blocked very well. In the end that’s how things concluded with Maties holding onto their lead, running out 6-4 winners in a highly entertaining match-up.
Scores
Maties: 6
Goals: Reece Arendse, Luke Schooling, Gareth Tate
Madibaz: 4
Goals: Athi Mbovane, Joshua Engole
*In the Varsity Sports Hockey competition field goals count as 2
FNB Player of the Match: Andrew Hobson (Maties)
Mugg & Bean Star Player: William Eveleigh (Maties)
Samsung Super Striker: Luke Schooling (Maties)
Teams
Maties: 38. William Eveleigh, 2. Andrew Hobson, 4. Nicholas Giger, 5. Tom Richardson, 7. Matthew Roman, 8. Alex Stewart, 9. Wade Dollman, 11. Dayne Samboer, 12. Maximillian Pike, 14. Gareth Tate, 15. Ruari Baker
Subs: 16. Jordan Turnbull, 17. Luke Schooling, 21. Clayton Saker, 23. Reece Arendse, 24. Callen Heynes, 29. Mbuso Mgobozi, 1. Rob Mc Kinley
Madibaz: 1. Nathan Waters, 18. Joshua Engole, 4. Kurt Wicht, 5. Jason Mc Gillivray, 6. Callan Dewar, 7. Arno Van Jaarsveld, 8. Alexander Penhall, 9. Jacque Potgieter, 2. Keoghan Penhall, 11. Laython Coombes
Subs: 12. Brodie Fanoe, 14. Christopher Wynford, 15. Michael Hansel, 22. Andre Potgieter, 23. Athi Mbovane, 21. Jared De Kock, 24. Duncan Hare, 16. Richard Asmah-Andoh
Varsity Sports media release
Mental strength crucial to officiating – Olympic Hockey Umpire
South African Hockey umpire Michelle Joubert on umpiring, rising above social media abuse and how to handle pressure.
Michelle Joubert
The Herculean task of handling the stresses and pressures of competitive sports is no easy feat for athletes, and it is no different for umpires. Mental strength is paramount when it comes to sustaining decision-making continuity and South African hockey umpire Michelle Joubert believes using the pressure positively has helped her become one of the world’s best in her field.
Joubert started her umpireing career in unorthodox fashion.
“I was playing club hockey for TUT (Tshwane University of Technology) in Pretoria, and the umpire for the match after our match didn’t show up. I drew the short straw and was then seen by John Wright, who clearly saw something in me and made sure I stuck around and gain experience.”
The Vanderbijlpark local has progressed significantly since being brought into the umpiring game, Joubert has since officiated the Hockey World Cup Final in 2014 and then also the Olympic Final in 2016. The accolades have come with their own pressures though. She picked up an injury to the tendons in her feet, which led to her not being able to perform at her best. Joubert received a lot of criticism after the performance that she explained was below her calibre.
“By my own standards my performance was mediocre, as I was in so much pain. It was after this experience that I also learnt to stay away from social media – the abuse I received on my performance on after this game, the lack of support from my team, the injury and just my overall mental state of this one experience, really made me question my career and whether I still had the passion for it. It took me 8 months to fully recover from my injury, and probably the same time, to gain my mental strength and drive to carry on with my umpiring career.”
Although difficult, instead of letting the experience push her out of hockey, she used it to grow as an umpire.
“Initially it was tough, but through experience and some support, I have learnt that this is part of what I do. I have learnt to listen, to learn from each experience and try to not repeat the same mistakes. I have learnt to not take this criticism personally as no performance, tournament or achievement actually defines who I am as a person.
“I live a normal life and like being on the ‘low profile’ side of the spectrum. It is important to remain humble as any great game or decision can turn around to become your next worse performance, and that is where you need your friends and support. I would like to think that I lead by example and try be same person to my other umpires. Mistakes are never on purpose, but I do think that if you acknowledge them, learn from them and keep your shoulders broad and skin thick, you should be ok.”
The UNISA alumni also uses exercises that she teaches to athletes to better her decision making before a game.
“I have worked on a program called Neuroscience to Sports training, where I trained elite athletes on sports specific cognitive, visual and physical skills. Part of this was stress or energy management. There are various techniques, however our focus was training the athletes through various breathing techniques where the brain releases chemicals to either lower or increase brainwaves in order to relax or increase energy levels. I apply this to my own preparations for matches or tournaments.”
Joubert believes that mental toughness is imperative to her trade and that staying focused, along with the support she gets from those around here, keep her focused on her goal.
“Mental Toughness is very important in any officiating career. As it is, pressure is on you to make the right decision all the time, you don’t get rewarded for the correct decisions, but rather scrutinised for the mistakes you make. We are required to be 100 percent focused for 100 percent of the time, we do not have time to really zone out, take a breather or relax – focus is key and obviously mental toughness to come back from making errors is key. It has been challenging, but personally I enjoy the pressure.”
Joubert is currently preparing for the Hockey World Cup in London which takes place in July.
Varsity Sports media release
Gerretsen and Melkert named HC Rotterdam Members of Merit
HC Rotterdam’s Sjoerd Gerretsen and Paul Melkert have been named Members of Merit for their years of dedication at the highest level for the clubs.
Both players played their final game in the Hoofdklasse last weekend in the 5-2 win over SCHC, making it their last game on home soil in front of their local crowd.
Melkert (27) has been a member of HC Rotterdam since 2003 having previously been a youth member for HC De Hoeksche Waard. He debuted for the first team in 2008 and has been part of the side for a decade.
Gerretsen (30) registered with HC Rotterdam as a nine-year-old in 1996 and made his debut in 2005, the year Rotterdam were promoted to the Dutch top tier.
Both players experienced the highlight of their HC Rotterdam careers in 2013 when they won national championship for the first time. They also played with first team in seven seasons of the Euro Hockey League (EHL), winning one silver and three bronze medals.
And they will look to add to that total on May 26 and 27 when they will play for the club for the last time at the highest level in the EHL FINAL4.
They will face hosts HC Bloemendaal at 16.00h on May 26 in the semi-final with a likely sold out crowd in place. Currently, well over 60% of the tickets purchased already for the FINAL4.
** To confirm your place at the FINAL4, click here
Euro Hockey League media release
MJHL: SSTMI v Pahang SS repeat final
by Jugjet Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) Thunderbolts will play in a repeat final against AHP-SSP-Thunderbolts for the TNB Cup in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League tomorrow (Sunday).
SSTMI beat SMK Datuk Bentara Luar-UniKL 3-1, while Pahang Sports School (AHP-SSP) Thunderbolts beat Anderson Thunderbolts 4-1 in the other semi-finals yesterday.
And last season, the final went to shoot-out after both teams were tied 2-2, with SSTMI winning 4-3.
Pahang SS coach Sufian Mohamad said Bangkok Asian Olympic Qualifier hero Noor Firdaus Rosdi was the toast of the match.
"Firdaus, who was named as the Best Player in the Bangkok qualifier, delivered for us with a hat-trick, and that gave us some breathing space," said Sufian.
Firdaus scored in the 27th, 55th and 59th minutes, while Syawal Abd Razak delivered the other Pahang goal in the 39th minute.
Syazwan Syafiq Basir scored for Anderson in the 51st minute.
SSTMI got their goals off Izzuan Ismail (11th), Arif Syafie Ishak (37th) and Fitri Khairul Ariffin (52nd). The Datuk Bentara consolation was delivered by Faiq Nazwan Azhar (55th).
Anderson team manager M. Kaliswaran said: "We let in two early goals and had no choice but to chase back by opening up the match, but we kept missing sitters while Pahang punished us further in counter-attacks."
However, Kaliswaran praised his charges who finished second in the League and managed to reach the semi-finals as well.
"We had a very good team and I expected them to reach the final, but they panicked after letting in two goals. But the end result is still good, as we finsihed second in the League as well."
RESULTS -- TNB Cup Semi-finals: AHP-SSP-Thunderbolts 4 Anderson Thunderbolts 1, SSTMI Thunderbolts 3 SMKDBL-UNIKL-PHJ 1.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Pahang team and SSTMI lock horns again in final
Balancing act: Anderson-Thunderbolt’s Danial Aizat Ahmad Zubir (right) controlling the ball against AHP-SSP-Thunderbolt’s Mohammad Haikal Ridwan Osman at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — GLENN GUAN / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: It will be a repeat final between Pahang Hockey Academy (AHP)-SSP-Thunderbolt and overall defending champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
Pahang Academy team played exceptionally well to outplay league runners-up Anderson-Thunderbolt 4-1 in the first semi-final match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
SSTMI outplayed SMK Datuk Bentara Luar-UniKL-PHJ 3-1 in the other semi-final.
The final will be played at the same venue tomorrow.
Pahang dominated the match from the start and forward Mohd Noor Firdaus Rosdi was the hero for the East Coast team with a hattrick.
Noor Firdaus, who was named as the best player in the Asian Youth Olympic Games Qualifier in Bangkok last week, gave Pahang the lead in 27th minute before Muhd Fauzi Zauri doubled the score in 39th.
Mohd Syazwan Syafiq Basir managed to reduce the deficit for Ipoh School in 51st minute.
But Noor Firdaus had the final say with two more goals (55th and 59th).
Pahang coach Mohd Sufian Mohamed was happy to guide his team into the final for the second consecutive time.
“We took our chances well and I praise Noor Firdaus for scoring a hattrick and my goalkeeper Mohd Hamiz Mohd Ahir for making a number of saves,” said Sufian.
SSTMI, who will be featuring in the final for the 10th consecutive time since 2009, scored their goals through Izzuan Ismail (11th), Arif Syafie Ishak (37th) and Fitri Khairul Ariffin (52nd).
SMKDBL replied through Faiq Nazwan Azhar (55th).
The Star of Malaysia
Wellington retain their U16 Investec Girls Schools Championship title
The sun shone down on Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre for the English U16 Investec Girls Schools Finals as Wellington retained their title in dramatic fashion beating Repton on penalty strokes.
Pool stages
Wellington toped their pool after not losing a match, they had a solid 7-2 over Canford and 3-0 win over The Leys School but was pushed to a one all draw with Trent College. Canford finished second in the pool after losing just the single game to and was left to battle for bronze.
Repton won all their games to top their respective pool, it was a nail biting encounter against Wakefield where a single penalty stroke converted y Scout Butler secured them all three points with a 1-0 win.
St George’s College finished second in the pool and went for bronze, they won two and lost to Repton 2-1 in an end to end thriller where Charly Archer slotted home the winner with 5 minutes left on the clock to give her side a position in the final.
Finals
St George’s faced Canford in third playoff match, it was end to end as but it was Canford’s Molly Fairbairn who broke deadlock in the 15th minute and it was with her single goal that gave her side the bronze medal.
In the final Repton and Wellington both threw everything into it under the Lee Valley sun. It was only minutes into the second half where Kitty Baccanello was first on the scoresheet giving Wellington the lead. Repton were straight on the counter attack where Mae Fitzgerald pulled one back for her team to make it level. Both sides attacked hard but neither could take the lead taking the final to penalty strokes and it was Wellington who came away victorious, winning 3-1 to retain their title.
Final Standings
1. Wellington College
2. Repton School
3. Canford
4. St George’s College
5. The Leys School
6. Clifton College
7. Wakefield Girls High School
8. Trent College
England Hockey Board Media release
Fuchs Named Inductee into New York Prep Hall of Fame
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern head field hockey coach Tracey Fuchs can add another prestigious honor to her storied career. Fuchs has been named a 2018 inductee into the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Hall of Fame.
A graduate of Centereach High School (Section XI) in 1984, Fuchs is the all-time high school field hockey scoring leader in New York State. She set a national record with most goals in a season (82) her senior year and tallied 171 career goals—most in NYS and just one goal short of the national record.
Fuchs played her four-year high school career under current NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame coach Nancy Cole and the two led the 1983 Centereach team to its first NYSPHSAA State Championship in the inaugural year NYSPHSAA had a field hockey state tournament.
Fuchs went on to play collegiately at the University of Connecticut where she was a three-time All-American and won the Honda Broderick Award as the nation's top field hockey player in 1987. Following graduation in 1988, she earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team in Seoul Korea that year, a spot on the Olympic team in Atlanta in 1996, and was also a member of four World Cup teams. In 1990 and 1995, she was named Field Hockey Athlete of the Year and subsequently was inducted into the USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame.
Following coaching stints at UConn and Michigan, Fuchs joined Northwestern in January of 2009 as its head coach. In nine seasons, she has led the Wildcats to a 123-65 record, a Big Ten regular-season title in 2013, a conference tournament title in 2014 and a pair of NCAA tournament appearances (2014, 2017).
Content and Photo Courtesy of Northwestern University Athletics
USFHA media release