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All the news for Friday 3 August 2018

Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup 2018 - Quarterfinals Day 2
London (ENG)

Results 2 August

IRL v IND (QF)     0 - 0 (3 - 1 SO)
NED v ENG (QF)     2 - 0

Friday 3 August is a rest day.

Final Placings

5 - 8
Argentina
Germany
England
India

9-12
Belgium
Italy
Korea
New Zealand

13 - 16
China
Japan
South Africa
United States

FIH Match Centre

The march of the Green Army continues and Netherlands deliver knock out blow to England



On a remarkable day of action, Ireland and Netherlands completed the line-up for the semi-finals of the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018, booking their tickets to the final four with victories over India and host nation England respectively.

Ireland yet again defied their 16th position in the FIH Hero World Rankings to claim a shoot-out victory over India, ensuring that the Green Army’s fairy-tale story would continue into the final weekend.

Goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran was again a star for Ireland, conceding just once in the shoot-out to set up a semi-final meeting against Spain on Saturday 4th August at 1400 (UTC/GMT+1).

The Netherlands broke the hearts of the host nation with a deserved 2-0 triumph over England in front of 10,500 fans, with Vitality Player of the Match Lidewij Welten and Laurien Leurink both on target as Oranje maintained their impressive title charge in London.

The Dutch will now face Australia in this Saturday’s semi-final, which will take place at 16:30 local time. Ireland (WR:16) had already created history simply by reaching the quarter-final phase, eclipsing anything that the Green Army had achieved in previous editions of the Hockey Women’s World Cup.

However, the team coached by Graham Shaw were determined to ensure that their staggering run in London was not about to end when they faced India (WR:10).

Ireland’s 1-0 win over the Eves in Pool B was certainly reason to believe that they could secure a dream place in the semi-finals, although India’s excellent 3-0 cross-over play-off victory against Italy on Tuesday ensured that the Asian continental champions were justifiably confident about their own chances.

The two teams cancelled each out for much of the match, with India putting in place an excellent defensive strategy to reduce the effectiveness of Ireland’s potent counter-attacking style on another hot evening in London.

Irish attacker Anna O’Flanagan had two chances in quick succession in the second quarter but failed to test India’s ever impressive shot-stopper Savita, while Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran was a spectator for much of the half.

India’s biggest chance to score arrived in the final quarter when India captain Rani drilled a penalty corner shot into the pads of McFerran before Elena Tice cleared the danger. It was the only penalty corner of a game, which always seemed destined to end in a shoot-out, and what a shoot-out it proved to be.

McFerran, who has been one of the standout players at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018, was sensational in the one-on-ones, denying India captain Rani and Navjot Kaur with wonderful saves while forcing Monika to shoot wide.

McFerran’s goalkeeping heroics were capitalised on by Roisin Upton and Alison Meeke who both scored to make it advantage Ireland.

Reena Khokhar kept India in the contest when she made the score 2-1, but Chloe Watkins made no mistake with a cool finish to trigger scenes of unrestrained joy from the Irish players, coaching staff and fans packed into the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

"We just tried to go out and impose our style on India”, said elated Ireland international Elena Tice at the end of the match.

“At times it wasn't pretty and we could have taken a few more chances but we kept going. We wanted to put them under pressure from the start and go forward the entire game. At times it went okay and at times we were turned over but our defence is really tough. The defence is prepared to take the hits.”

Referring to the atmosphere generated by the capacity crowd watching the action, Tice said: “It was absolutely unbelievable out there. It felt like it was all Ireland and when our legs began to ache, the crowd really got us going. We try to go into every game without fear. We are the underdog every time we play but we want to push on, become a top 10 team and expect to win."

Whilst it was not the outcome that India had desired, Head Coach Sjoerd Marijne felt that the experience gained in London will prove vital to their title challenge at the upcoming Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia.

“I think the girls will be proud of what they achieved so they will have lots of confidence [for the Asian Games]”, said Dutchman Marijne.

“Now they don't feel that, but they soon will. This has given them the experience of playing on the big stage, doing shoot-outs under high pressure. They will take all of that to the Asian Games."

The atmosphere in the stadium throughout the match between Pool A winners Netherlands and England, who had reached the quarter-finals after beating Korea in the cross-over play-offs on Tuesday, was absolutely electric. The home fans turned up in their thousands in the hope of witnessing England record what would be a famous victory over the reigning world champions, a team that had scored an incredible 26 goals in the three matches they had played ahead of this fixture.

The Dutch were on fire in the opening period, putting the England defence under huge pressure. Caia van Maasakker issued a warning when she rattled England’s crossbar with a fierce penalty corner flick before 2015 Hockey Stars Player of the Year Lidewij Welten opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Xan de Waard was the creator, sending a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Welten who made no mistake with a first-time shot between the legs of Hinch.

The relentless Dutch pressure continued in the second period, with Hinch again called into action before Susie Petty cleared a goal-bound shot off the line to keep the score at 1-0 going into half time.

However, that all changed one minute after the break when the quality of the Dutch attacking line shone through again. This time Welten – later named Vitality Player of the Match - was the creator, splitting the English defence with a pass to find Frederique Matla, who in turn eliminated Hinch with a square pass for Laurien Leurink to tap into an open goal.

Much to the appreciation of the home crowd, England gave an excellent showing in the final quarter but could not find a breakthrough.

While it was a heart-breaking defeat for the hosts, the Netherlands were worthy winners of the contest and will take some stopping here in London.

After the game, Caia van Maasakker said: "It starts with us being hungry and working hard for each other. Our passing and keeping the pace up are the heart of our game.

"We have some great skills and we try to always keep the pace as high as possible."

England's experienced defender Hollie Pearne-Webb was pragmatic: "Looking back, we have had a fairly good tournament, although we should have got better outcomes from the first two games. We need to learn to turn up for the pool games. We only conceded one penalty corner and for us that is the best defensive performance we have had against them.

"Now we must look at when we win the ball and making more of our chances. I am full of optimism going forwards.

"We are missing some experience in the squad and the new girls are still finding their feet. they will grow in confidence. The hurt and disappointment of this loss will put and extra fire in all our bellies."

#HWC2018

FIH site

Green Army Beat India To Reach World Cup Semi Final



The Green Army have continued their history-making run by beating India in a penalty shootout to secure their place in the World Cup semi-finals.

Despite the possession stats saying the opening quarter was relatively even, it was certainly the Green Army that had the more concrete chances. Gillian Pinder and Nikki Evans were the first to test the Indian defence, before Shirley McCay slipped the ball to Anna O’Flanagan but she was robbed of the ball before she could get the shot away. It was a physical encounter with Evans taking the brunt of the Indian midfield tackles but Lena Tice sent a pass to her in the circle but it was poached before she could do any real damage. Monika looked threatening at times for India but Ayeisha McFerran had very little to do in the opening 30 minutes. The Green Army went up a gear as the half progressed with Katie Mullan sending the ball in from the right wing but Savita smothered the ball before the diving O’Flanagan could get the touch. The midfield engine room were working over-time with Lizzie Colvin and Chloe Watkins both bypassing their Indian counterparts but the opening goal wouldn’t fall for the Irish before the half time hooter echoed around a full stadium.

Ireland continued with the same dominance early in the second half with both McCay and Yvonne O’Byrne sending crash balls into the circle for the chasing Mullan. Nikki Pradhan and Rani started to step up for India and were the root of any creativity from the world number 10. Watkins looked to have infiltrated the Indian defence with a pin point pass to O’Flanagan in the circle but it was intercepted before reaching the awaiting sharp shooter. India won the only penalty corner of the game in the 49thminute but Rani’s shot from the top of the circle was saved and cleared by McFerran. Both sides looked to be tiring in the dying moments as the temperature refused to budge below 30 degrees and a shootout looked inevitable with the Irish defence remaining rock solid.

Nobody scored in the opening two rounds with both Nicci Daly and O’Flanagan been driven wide by Savita in the India goal while McFerran continued her imperious form to deny Rani and Monika. It was Roisin Upton who broke the deadlock in the third round of shuttles before McFerran again saved, denying Navjot Kaur. Ali Meeke then put Ireland 2 in front but Reena Khokhar got one back for India. Watkins stepped up to win it and with the calmness that only 198 caps can bring she slotted home to put Ireland into their first ever World Cup semi-final.



Commenting after the game, head coach Graham Shaw said “I’m just so proud of the group of players. It was really difficult at times, India are a very good side but we dug so deep. To go to a shootout and bury some demons is also really important for us, I’m just full of pride. I felt if we could score 2 then we’d win because Ayeisha is an incredible goalie, she’s so difficult to score against”.



Vitality Hockey World Cup, London

Ireland 0
India 0

Penalty Shootout:

Ireland 3 (Upton, Meeke, Watkins)
India 1(Khokhar)

Starting: N Evans, K Mullan (Captain), S McCay, G Pinder, R Upton, A McFerran, C Watkins, L Colvin, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson

Subs: G O’Flanagan, Y O’Byrne, M Frazer, E Tice, N Daly, D Duke, A Meeke

Ireland’s Pool B Vitality Hockey World Cup Fixtures:

Ireland 3vs1 USA 21/7/18 6pm
Ireland 1vs0 India 26/7/18 2pm
Ireland 0vs1 England 29/7/18 7pm
Quarter Final Ireland 0vs0 India (3-1 in shootout) 2/8/18 6pm

Irish Hockey Association media release

Ireland’s hockey magic sees an impossible fairytale unfold

Progress of Shaw’s tightly-knit squad has been scarcely believable given the circumstances

Johnny Watterson


Coach Graham Shaw celebrates after Ireland’s victory over India in the World Cup quarter-final in London. Photograph: Steven Paston/PA Wire

What happens when after being crushed you dare to believe in yourself and those around you?

Ireland gathered the remnants of spirit and confidence from the ashes of their failed qualification run for the 2016 Rio Olympics and have built them into the most enchanting two weeks in Irish hockey history.

Never before has a women’s team risen above their station, disrespected theirs and everybody else’s world ranking and expectations to pluck a World Cup semi-final from London’s Olympic Stadium and modestly place themselves among the aristocrats of the world game.

In that impossible fairytale lies the magic. It is the allure of the unforeseen unfolding, the simple fable of what is deserving coming to you. A small sport on a grand stage among bigger nations; a school teacher, a few students and lawyers showing how meagre means, if the will and sacrifice is there, are no barrier to success.

Ireland have hit some historic landmarks before but this run by coach, Graham Shaw, and his 18 players eclipses all. The Irish men’s team qualified to play in the Rio Olympics for the first time in their history, the first Irish team of any kind to qualify for an Olympics since 1948.

The men also beat the fifth-ranked team in the world, England, in 2015 to win a bronze medal at the European Championships, another first for the sport.

Going further back in time, other Irish teams have been to European U-21 finals, European U-18 and U-16 finals but, in Irish hockey, women’s teams have never been able to successfully punch through to podium positions at World or Olympic level.

They have always been afforded a wary respect by other nations. Overachieving against higher-ranked teams in plucky one-off matches was in a way a curse, a tantalising glimpse of where they thought they could be. That history has been rewritten.

For the players that is less a surprise than it is for others. Former camogie player and captain Katie Mullan said it before London, that her team is more bite than bark.

Aiming high

“It may seem that we are aiming high,” she said one month before the tournament. “But I think it’s realistic.”

Ireland’s pedigree for lasting tournaments, a tiring mix of mundane hotel life and high-pressure matches, had never been proven until now by a squad with no real standout super stars in a World Cup, a competition more difficult to navigate than an Olympic Games.

Theirs is a tightly-knit group of like-minded warriors because, as an international player, that edge was a quality that Shaw always brought to a game. It is no coincidence he has invested that characteristic into this team.

But, no matter what happens from here, the Irish women have won something more than the sum of a World Cup pool and a quarter-final. They have won respect and appreciation and not the patronising kind.

Like Annalise Murphy or Katie Taylor they are a modern breed of Irish athlete with no fear of dreaming big and the intelligence to value the binding integrity of being small. Local going global. The World Cup semi-final. Our enchantment continues.

The Irish Times

Graham Shaw: ‘It’s incredible for the whole sport of hockey in Ireland’

Ireland coach said he and his team want to achieve something special and inspire others

Stephen Findlater at the Lee Valley Stadium, London


Ireland’s Roisin Upton and Anna O’Flanagan celebrate winning the shootout in their World Cup semi-final against India. Photo: Joe Tote/Inpho

Graham Shaw hailed “the kid” Ayeisha McFerran as the one to assure him Ireland would win through in the shootout against India and earn their World Cup semi-final spot.

She saved three out of four in the decisive phase, giving the platform for the attackers to land three of theirs and continue this amazing odyssey.

“In the shootout, I knew if we scored two, we would win. The kid in goal is incredible and when you watch our own players try and score on her [in practice], it’s incredibly difficult.

“It gives us this incredible moment, not just for the team but for the sport of hockey in Ireland.”

He admits that while one half of his game plan worked perfectly, the attacking side of it did not quite work out. It led to a stalemate but he reckons that is not something he will linger on too long in the grand scheme of things.

“There was a real confidence going into the game,” he said afterwards. “We really felt we were physically better than them. We knew their strengths but we limited them and I don’t remember Ayeisha making a save with the exception of the corner.

“We executed the [defensive] game plan brilliantly. Obviously, we are looking for more quality going forward but we have been on the losing end of those games so it is fantastic to get over the line.

“We probably didn’t have the composure and quality in the final four that we are looking for but I will take it all day. Grinding out those results really shows what your team is all about. This is a special group of players and it is a privilege to be a part of it.”

Haunting moment

Winning via a shootout was particularly sweet. Three years ago, the Green Army missed out on a first ever Olympic qualification by the width of a post against China in a shootout, a haunting moment for the side which stuck with the side for a long time.

“The demons are well and truly buried. It’s not a nice way to lose and it’s tough on India but we know exactly what it feels like. We lost in 2015 and it took a long time to get over that. When you are chasing Olympic dreams and it doesn’t happen because of the width of a post, it’s devastating.

“To come back, we had to go through qualifiers in Malaysia and Johannesburg. To continue on this journey and win again, it’s just a dream come true.

“It’s a credit to the girls, how they train and how they dedicate their life to this sport.

“In November, we sat down together as a group to try and create a culture to go forward and try and achieve something special. Part of that culture is to inspire the next generation and I think they most certainly have done that.”

The Irish Times

Ireland beat India in shootout to reach semi-finals

'Fairytale' shootout success as Ireland progress to semi-finals


Ali Meeke celebrates her cool finish in Ireland's shootout win over India

Ireland beat India 3-1 in a thrilling shootout to reach hockey's World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

After a tight, edgy game finished 0-0, Ireland keeper Ayeisha McFerran made a string of fine saves in the shootout.

Both sides missed their first two shuffles, but Roisin Upton put the Irish ahead with Ali Meeke and Chloe Watkins converting for an historic win.

Ireland, who have been the surprise package of the tournament, will play Spain in the semi-finals on Saturday.

With so much at stake, both teams struggled with the weight of expectancy and the first half was a cagey affair with only one shot apiece with half a dozen circle penetrations each.

Both teams were well set up defensively but lacked creativity.

There was a good tempo to Ireland's play but they failed to make the passes stick up front or produce the quality pass to unlock the Indians' rearguard.

Chloe Watkins impressed and drew a number of fouls, while one rash challenge on Nicola Evans resulted in Neha Goyal receiving a green card and two minutes in the sin-bin.

Towards the end of the second quarter, Anna O'Flanagan claimed she was pushed in the back but her appeals for a penalty corner were waved away.

The tempo dipped considerably in the second half but McFerran spread herself superbly to smother Rani's stroke in the fourth quarter.

A penalty shootout looked inevitable from a long way out and McFerran's quick feet and smart blocks denied Rani, Monika and Navjot Kaur to seal a famous win for the Irish.

We didn't think we would get here - Ireland's shootout hero McFerran

What they said

Ireland player Chloe Watkins, speaking to BT Sport: "We knew we have the best goalkeeper in the game and would keep making saves. She kept blocking and blocking and we knew she would do it.

"It ended up being a very tight game. India played really well, all credit to them, they had a great tournament but when it came down to it we were confident".

Ireland coach Graham Shaw, speaking to BT Sport: "It's incredible, I'm so proud. To come in here as the second-lowest ranked team and to be in the top four, it's a dream come true.

"Sometimes these are games are not about performing but their attitude, attention to detail and their preparation, they are an incredible group of people. I mean even today, the discipline to pull out that performance and get a result.

"To anyone watching at home who plays sport, never give up. Dedicate your life to it because dreams can come true. We are a living example of it now."

Sally Walton, former GB international on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "You can argue that, on the balance of play, Ireland did deserve to win that game.

"They did not win a single penalty corner in that game, which is something they will have to look at for the semi-final. But Ireland into the semi-final of a World Cup, having not been to a World Cup in 16 years, is some achievement."

BBC Sport

Ireland relish Indian's slow pace, wins the semis

s2h team

Both teams were on the verge of making their own history in different perspective, but it was Ireland who did it ultimately. What they could not do when they hosted the World Cup three decades ago at Dublin, they did it today in London. After goalless full time, the surprise pack Ireland struck thrice in the shoot out while India missed first three before Rena Kokkar striking but it was too late, as Chole Watkins would score in the fifth quota of her nation, leaving India not to take the last ball. What they could do was to challenge whether the goal was struck within 8 seconds, using the referral with them, but the ball was home just 0-3 seconds before deadline time. That's it for India. Their semi-final dream will wait now another four years meaning 48 years.

Before this, Irish goalie Ayeisha McFerran stopped Rani Rampal and Monika from scoring before Navjot Kaur flicking wide after beating her. Ireland also missed the first one, an Indian referral against the stroke award winning the day.

Except last quarter, India did not show any urgency the situation demanded.

"Dream come true. The second lowest ranked team is now among the fourth", said Grahm Shaw, the Irish coach after the match even as .

India created a golden chance to go up in the 40th minute which Udita messed up and then Rani Rampal could not produce any innovation in her penalty corner attempt. Her straight off the only penalty corner that India got after clever use of Referral, went abegging. Goalie fell to her right to take the flight on her body. First half between India and Ireland was one of cautious approach, each probing the other. The stats on shots at goal, possession, and other parameters almost even for either side.

Rani Rampal created India's only chance in the wee moments of second quarter, but her flick from the right side of the net could hit only outside netting.

Otherwise it was Ireland seemed better, with good interception and aggression, but it was the Indian defence that stood to the task. Savita Punia came out timely and fell flat to deny a Irish forward a shot at goal out of what seemed a real goal situation.

India struggled in the most part of third quarter. Mid way thorugh Rani sprinted past to serve Udit on the top edge of D, only to see her fumble. Otherwise its Ireland which pressed hard, Indians uncharacteristically allowing Irish girls to snatch ball often in the own 25-yard area.

The dying moments of this quarter saw India accelerating the phase and making thrusts into the circle, but the forwards were seen stranded away from ball.

India over all played to its strength the defensive hockey, but in the end Veteran Savita proved no match for exuberant MCFerran

Stick2Hockey.com

Ireland edge past India in thrilling penalty shoot-off, enter semi-finals


Ireland beat India in the penalty shoot-off after the match ended in a goalless draw. Image courtesy: The Hockey India's FB page

London: India's dream of breaking their 44-year-old last four jinx lay shattered as Ireland registered a 3-1 win via shoot-off in the quarter-final of the women's hockey World Cup on Thursday.

Poor execution in the shoot-off cost India dearly as skipper Rani Rampal, Monika and Navjot Kaur failed to get past Irish goalie Ayeisha McFerran. Reena was the only scorer for India in the shoot-off.

Even though India goalkeeper Savita produced two saves in the shoot-off to keep her team in the hunt, it was not enough as Ireland scored through Roisin Upton, Alison Meeke and Chloe Watkins to make their maiden World Cup semi-final.

It was a great chance for India to recreate history and secure its first World Cup semi-final spot in 44 years but it was not to be.

The only time India had managed to enter the semi-finals of the showpiece event was back in 1974 in Mandelieu, France where they eventually finished fourth.

In the last edition of the tournament in Argentina, India had finished a disappointing eighth.

Interestingly, it was India's second defeat to World No 16 Ireland in the tournament after the 0-1 loss at the pool stages.

It was even-stevens in the first quarter with both India and Ireland failing to create any real scoring opportunity.

India and Ireland managed to penetrate each other's circle quite a few times in the opening 15 minutes but both the teams defended stoutly.

Both India and Ireland defenders came up with some strong challenges inside their own circle to deny each other.

Ireland had the first real scoring opportunity in the 23rd minute when Anna O'Flanagan's deflection from Kathryn Mullan's pass was saved by a diving Savita.

Three minutes later, India skipper Rani Rampal shot wide from close range after a fine one-two with Vandana Katariya as both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the opening half.

It was a dull third quarter as the play was mostly centred around the edges of both the ends.

The Indians and Irish both tried hard but they failed to get a single shot at each other's goal in the third quarter as the stalemate continued.

Desperate to break the deadlock, the Indians came out with more purpose in the fourth and final quarter and applied pressure on the Irish defence with constant forays.

The Indians were immediately rewarded when they secured the first and only penalty corner of the match in the 49th minute, but Rani's feeble shot was easily kept out by Ireland goalie Ayeisha McFerran.

It was a struggle out there in the middle for both India and Ireland as both the teams failed to create any clear-cut opportunities during the four quarters.

Firstpost

India's World Cup run ends in shootout loss to Ireland

Debayan Sen


Savita Punia. Hockey India

India's run to the quarterfinals of the World Cup ended in the lottery of a shootout, as Ireland beat them 3-1 in London on Thursday despite a brave attempt from Savita Punia in goal. After the match ended goalless in the regulation 60 minutes, India were foiled by a consistent performance in goal by Ayeisha McFerran in the shootout, denying Rani Rampal, Monika Malik and Navjot Kaur. Reena Khokar was the only Indian player to score in the shootout, while Savita effected two outstanding saves against Nicola Daly and Anna O'Flanagan off Ireland's first two attempts.

The first quarter produced some cagey hockey from both sides, though India had more forays into the opposition half of the pitch, with Indian attackers like Rani, Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami favouring the right channel. The game seemed to open up a bit more in the second quarter, as Neha Goyal was given a green card in the 21st minute for a reckless challenge, and O'Flanagan's shot - the only one of the first half for either side - was easily smothered by Savita in the Indian goal.

India began the second half poorly, with missed passes and failed traps allowing Ireland a few openings inside their own half, though the Irish were unable to convert any of that into any attacking intent. The fourth quarter saw a better-organised display from India moving forward, and they won the only penalty corner of the match in the 49th minute. Rani's slap hit was saved by McFerran, and India continued to push forward through their attacking players for the next eight minutes as well. Udita was given a green card for an off-the-ball incident in the 57th minute, and from then on, both teams seemed resigned to the fate of a shootout.

This was India's first entry into the knockout stage of the World Cup since the opening edition in 1974, while 16th-ranked Ireland have themselves gone through to a first semi-final against surprise semi-finalists Spain.

ESPN

Netherlands beat England to reach Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup Semi-Finals


Lidewij Welten celebrates scoring

World number one prevailed against world number two at the Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup as the Netherlands beat England to advance to the semi-finals.

In recent years, these two powerhouses of the modern women’s game have developed a firm rivalry, stemming from closely fought matches in major competitions.

In 2015 England beat the Netherlands via a shootout in the final of the European Championships. The following year, Great Britain, with England players forming their backbone, triumphed over the Netherlands in the most famous match in their history, the Olympic final. 

The Netherlands have not lost a match since that day, and took revenge when they secured a 1-0 win against England in the semi-final of last year’s European Championship, enroute to the title.

This contest was a typically impassioned affair, with both sets of players giving everything. On this occasion, though, the spoils went to the Oranje with a 2-0 win.

Speaking after the match Hannah Martin said: “I'm absolutely devastated. We came with a game plan but couldn’t get enough quality chances on goal, and they deserved their win in the end."

The Netherlands came out of the blocks quickly and had a string of first-quarter chances, the first falling to the experienced Kelly Jonker in the eighth minute. She won the ball at the edge of the area before hitting a powerful reverse, but Hinch came out and made a smothering save.

The Netherlands’ Caia van Maasakker then slammed a brilliant drag flick onto the crossbar at a short corner, with Hinch saving the follow-up. Eventually, the goal the Oranje deserved arrived. Xan de Waard showed great vision to thread a through ball to Lidewij Welten, who slotted home.

Oranje chances kept coming in the second quarter, with Laura Nunnink cutting inside two England defenders and forced a good save from Hinch. Jonker then found the ball around the penalty spot, kept her cool and tried to slot past England’s number one but to no avail.

There were, though, signs of England growing into the game. Hannah Martin was beginning to cause the Oranje problems, and circle entries for the second period read a more respectable 4 to 3 in favour of the Netherlands.

However a second Netherlands goal a minute into the third quarter stopped England in their tracks. The strike showed the Oranje at their very best. Latching on to a misplaced pass, they worked a wonderful triangle with Welten playing the ball to Frederique Matla in the circle, who drew Hinch and squared to Lauren Leurink to score into an empty net.

England players created chances after that – first through Susannah Townsend and then Lily Owsley – but on both occasions no player could quite convert. With their two-goal advantage, the Netherlands reined in their attacking instinct, and this only made England’s job more difficult.

England could not be faulted for lack of effort, and ran until the very end. In the final quarter, a great run by Sophie Bray was eventually cut short by Netherlands defenders, and Sarah Haycroft created a chance with a weaving run down the right side of the area. England dispensed with their 'keeper but, as the sun went down over Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, so it set on their World Cup hopes.

Martin focused on the positives as she reflected on the tournament. She said: “We’re still developing, we’re still building as a squad. This will just make us stronger and we’ll definitely come together, look on the things that didn’t go our way and really work on those.”

She also had a word about the England fans: “The support was unbelievable. Every single game we couldn’t have asked for any more.”

England Hockey Board Media release

England knocked out by Netherlands

Netherlands outclass England in World Cup quarter-final

England have been eliminated in the quarter-finals of their home World Cup, losing 2-0 to defending champions Netherlands at Lee Valley.

Lidewij Welten opened the scoring for the Dutch in the first quarter.

Laurien Leurink then doubled the lead early in the second half as the world number one side dominated.

The Dutch will play Australia in the semi-finals, while Ireland shocked India in a penalty shootout and will face Spain in the last four.

England, ranked second in the world and with a squad featuring eight Rio Olympic gold medallists, were expected to do well at the tournament.

But a disappointing start saw them draw their first two matches, against India and the USA. A win over Ireland followed but second place in Pool B meant they needed a play-off win over South Korea to make the quarters.

Reaction

England head coach Danny Kerry

I told the players I was really proud. We have had a tough tournament with injury and for all sorts of reasons. One of our players played the entire tournament with a broken big toe but they all grit it out and carried on.

The Netherlands were the better team and they deserved the win. Other than two great passes, we defended well, but we didn't hold on to the ball long enough so we weren't going to create much. That will come.

Analysis

London 2012 bronze medallist Sally Walton on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

The Netherlands did exactly what they needed to. They are the ultimate professionals and they knew their game plan.

I think Australia are the team left in the tournament that can stop the Netherlands and they will be up for it. It will feel like the final.

Walton on the future of England and GB hockey:

Anna Toman is a young player, she looks far more experienced than her age suggests and she is very intelligent.

The other player is Hannah Martin, and if we can get her on the ball, things can happen. She has got very quick hands and if she gets the balance between beating a player and moving it on, she will be a huge player for England and GB.

Semi-final schedule

Saturday, 4 August:

Ireland v Spain, 14:00 BST
Netherlands v Australia, 16:30 BST

BBC Sport

England's Hockey World Cup hopes end with Netherlands quarter-final defeat


Heartbreak - England's Hannah Martin following the Netherlands defeat ( Getty Images )

England's hopes of winning the Hockey World Cup on home soil are over following a quarter-final defeat to defending champions the Netherlands.

Danny Kerry's side were outclassed by the tournament favourites in London and were defeated 2-0 following goals from Lidewij Welten and Laurien Leurink.

The Netherlands will face Australia in the last four on Saturday, while Ireland, who defeated India in Thursday's other quarter-final, play Spain.

The Dutch had 11 shots to England's nought in the first half and went ahead at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre with just over a minute of the first period remaining.

Welten claimed the goal with a first-time finish through the legs of goalkeeper Maddie Hinch at the end of a flowing team move.

England could have fallen behind earlier when Caia van Maasakker hit the crossbar from a penalty corner, before Hinch denied the rebound.

Suzy Petty then hacked off the line following a goal scramble to prevent England falling behind in the second quarter.

The seven-time world champions were not to be denied for long and duly doubled their advantage in the opening stages of the second half.

Leurink added the finishing touch this time, slotting in to an unguarded net from close range after Frederique Matla drew England goalkeeper Hinch before squaring the ball.

The second goal gave the Dutch the cushion their play deserved and they progressed with relative ease as England offered little in response, managing just one shot at goal.

Evening Standard

Hockeyroos Out To End Dutch Dominance In Semi-Final

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos will play world number one, the Netherlands, in Saturday’s 2018 Women’s World Cup semi-finals in London after the Dutch beat England 2-0 on Friday morning (AEST) to secure a spot in the final four.

Australia will need to end a period of Dutch dominance to progress to Sunday’s final, having not defeated the reigning world champions in 14 games, dating back to February 2012.

The winner of the Australia-Netherlands semi-final, which will take place at 1:30am AEST on Sunday LIVE on FOX SPORTS, will play either Ireland (16th) or Spain (11th) in the decider.

Australia reached the semi-finals after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win over Argentina on Thursday morning (AEST).

Hockeyroos captain Emily Smith said they wouldn’t be content with simply reaching the last four.

“We’ve celebrated but we’re going to the World Cup semi-finals so we’ve got another job to do and to focus on our next opponent,” Smith said.

The semi-final fixture is a repeat of the 2014 World Cup final match-up where the Dutch triumphed 2-0 in The Hague but only six members of that Australian team remain in the current group.

The Netherlands have triumphed in the past 11 meetings, dating back to a 2-2 draw between the sides in South Africa in February 2013. The last meeting between the two sides ended 2-0 to the Netherlands at the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne in November.

Smith said the young team had grown since that encounter, particularly evolving after finishing with the silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in April offering reason for hope.

“We’ve worked extremely hard especially since Comm Games,” the Crookwell product said.

“To be able to execute the game plan against Argentina to keep them goalless and then execute in the pressure moments is great.

“We came in with the belief we could get the result. I’m proud that we did step up and get that final result.”

Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said there were good lessons to learn from their quarter-final which ended 0-0 before the dramatic shootout victory.

“It was always going to be tight and there’s plenty to learn from that match,” Gaudoin said.

“We’re looking forward to the next one. Credit to the girls who were amazing.

“The semi-final comes around pretty quickly as we know. The Dutch will have to have a good game against us.”

The Dutch possess a star-studded line-up, including 2017 FIH Player of the Year candidate Lidewij Welten, who scored in their quarter-final win over the hosts.

Kitty van Male looms as the big threat as the leading scorer at the World Cup so far, with seven goals.

The Dutch also boast three 2017 FIH Rising Star candidates in defender/midfielder Laura Nunnink, midfielder Xan de Waard and forward Frederique Matla.

Hockey Australia media release

Talking a good game: an umpire's perspective


Umpire Kelly Hudson in action. Pic credit: Getty Images/FIH

What happens when a group of umpires get together around the breakfast table after another action-packed day of hockey? Well, they discuss the matches of course.

"We have just spent ages debating one moment in a game," says USA umpire Maggie Giddens, "And it is fair to say that initially there was a split."

The moment in question was a penalty corner in the Spain versus South Africa game and the debate centred on whether a player had passed the ball or if it was a shot at goal. The height of the ball was a factor. If it had been a pass, then the following shot, a deflection - which rocketed in above the backboard was a goal; if it had been a shot, then the following deflection of the high travelling ball would have been deemed too high as that first high ‘shot at goal’ was a hit from a penalty corner.

Just writing that explanation was tortuous; and as Trinidad and Tobago's Ayanna McClean laughingly acknowledged, that is the type of debate that rages in the head of an umpire in the preceding split-seconds as he or she is preparing to make a decision.

The Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup in London is providing an opportunity for international umpires to come together and discuss just these issues. That is not unusual – talk to a group of umpires and you will find them constantly talking through moments that have happened on the field. Where this World Cup differs is the growing relationship between the coaches and the umpires.

"It was great," says Giddens, "we were sitting in the stand in the row behind several coaches and while decisions were being made by the video umpire, we were discussing with the coaches how we view the incident. It is so great to be able to see things through their eyes and also for them to understand our perspective. As their teams weren't involved, we were able to have a really relaxed conversation."

An understanding between the players and umpires has also developed over the past few years.

"It is clear that the teams are also really happy with the process," says McClean. "When I was umpiring at a 4 Nation Junior World Cup preparation tournament, it was really noticeable that the captains would hush their players and then come over to calmly ask about a decision, a few years ago that was far from the case. And these young players are taking that attitude to the senior game."

A regular comment in recent months in light of the FIFA World Cup has been how successfully hockey has adopted video referral and the positive example it has had on the game. Rather than seeing a challenge to a decision as a challenge to their authority, the umpires welcome the chance to get things absolutely right.

New Zealand's Kelly Hudson says: "We have no problem with referring something up to the video umpire, if anything we welcome it because it allows things to calm on the pitch and actually the pressure is off the players and on-field umpires while the video umpire takes a look at the facts of the situation. We, as an umpiring team, must use all the tools we have to make accurate decisions - and the video referral system is a part of that.

"The players understand that we are all after the same thing, which is to make the correct decision for the game."

The umpires also explained their own use of the video referral process. In the match between Ireland and India, Scotland's Sarah Wilson had called an umpire referral after a goal was scored. While the decision looked clear-cut, Hudson explained that as an umpire there are sometimes times when the game deserves certain scenarios to be double-checked, especially around a goal scoring situation.

Having the ‘umpire referral’ as an extra tool for on field officials to use allows the goal to be awarded and then let the referral process review the facts of the decision clearly and objectively.

Players and coaches are continuously seeking to improve their performances but a little eavesdropping around a table full of umpires reveals that the third team is also fully committed to making the sport as good as it can be.

#HWC2018

FIH site

Walia: It's time our girls begin enjoying their hockey

Errol D’Cruz

There's bound to be a touch of nostalgia, anxiety and and not a little pain in the eyes when Satinderpal Singh Walia gazes at the TV screen these days.

As the Indian women battle for top honours in the Women's Hockey World Cup, Satinder or 'Sati' as he is fondly known in the sport's circles, the memories flash back.

The 72-year-old, now leading a peaceful retired life in Pune, ate, drank and slept hockey in a career that covered playing, umpiring and coaching.

But, as a coach of the national women's team, Sati made the greatest impact in his multi-faceted contribution to the game.

The real life "Chak De India" girls that inspired the blockbuster movie released 11 years ago came from Sati's tutelage. Mamta Kharab, Saba Anjum, Suraj Lata Devi, Subadhra Pradhan and Sanggai Channu formed the nucleus of India's 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medal winning team in Manchester.

But it's a memory that is both laced with joy and sadness.

Sati's developed junior talent that graduated to the senior ranks. A role he slipped into in 1991 after suffering immeasurably from the vicissitudes of administration.

"I suffered a slap in the face on two occasions. I trained teams for the 1980 Moscow Olympics and three Asian Games only to be sidelined at the last moment," he recalls.

"But I love hockey and stood by the game despite the heartbreaks.I used my ability for spotting and developing junior talent," Sati reveals.

Mamta Kharab, scorer of the match-winner of the Commonwealth Games final against England, and teammates Saba Anjum and Sanggai Chanu did not escape Sati's eagle eye for talent.

Sati attributes much of the fulfilment he has achieved in his role as coach to his wife Leela, a former international, who not only stood by him through thick and thin but also provided him a pathway to approach young female players where cultural constraints and attitudes would have otherwise stifled his ambition.

"Being married to Leela was a great help. More so because we both were in charge of the Western Railway team. Parents easily allowed their daughters to travel to Mumbai for training," Sati reveals.

"At one stage, we hosted six girls in our flat for six to seven months. Had it not been for my wife, a top sportsperson, it would have been very difficult," Sati, who as a Western Railway award-winning motorman plied Mumbai's suburban trains through demanding and labyrinthine routes for decades.

Sati moulded young talent which featured in three Asia Cups, an Olympic Games and a World Cup but never was he nominated for the Dronacharya Award, the top top honour for a coach in the country.

"I've learned of my deputies being recommended for the Dronacharya," he says with a chuckle that betrays hurt spanning decades.

An international who kept goal for Western Railway in the 1960s and 1970s before he took up the whistle to become an FIH Grade 1 umpire, Sati will not be left out of a debate on what is good for Indian hockey, particularly the women's game so close to his heart.

"Our women's player base is small. We should broaden it by blooding junior players at lesser tournaments," he opines.

"Our girls have improved in strength and speed but we are lack accurate skills. For example, our long-distance hits are wayward and we need to sharpen one-on-one skills, wall passing and dealing with the aerial ball."

Sati, whose coaching career began in 1978-79 for the India-(erstwhile) Soviet Union test series at home, coached some of the biggest names in hockey at the time including Rajbir Kaur, Selma D'Silva, Eliza Nelson and Namrata Shah.

And he places as much importance on persona as technical ability and skills. "It's time our girls began enjoying their hockey. More often than not they sport a worried look on the pitch and at training. It seems that they fear reaction back home to failure," Sati observes.

Pertinently, he believes that the diminishing interest for the game by city girls has stagnated fortunes at the international level. "Hockey IQ was high among players from the cities that once produced players in numbers," Sati laments.

It's a situation that at times deals the sport a double blow, especially with foreign coaches in attendance. "Communication with the players has always been a problem especially in high-pressure match situations where two minutes between quarters makes it near impossible for the message to get across."

A scenario, according to Sati, that makes the fabulous skills from current coach Sjoerd Marijne's Netherlands difficult to imbibe, the heartening display of the Indian ladies in London notwithstanding.

Stick2Hockey.com

EXIN Masters World Cup - Day 6

World Cup might help Dharmaraj's girls

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian National women's coach K. Dharmaraj feels there are positives and negatives which will effect his charges in the Jakarta Asian Games, from the ongoing World Cup in London.

With the Games just 15 days away, Japan, China, India and South Korea played or are playing in the World Cup, and Dharmaraj said it might work against the teams mental and psychological preparations.

In the Asian Games where the gold medallists qualifies for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Malaysia are in Group A with China, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan, while in Group B are South Korea, India, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Indonesia.

"Japan and China are in our group in Jakarta and even though they only played three games in the World Cup and did not qualify for the quarter-finals, both the teams will still feel the strain of playing at such a big stage and then travelling home and after a few days of rest and light training, they will be off to Indonesia.

"This might work against their players who were put under so much of pressure to prepare for the World Cup, and then have to cope with the fact that they did not live up to their country's expectations.

"It would be difficult for players in such a situation to try and peak again at the Asian Games," said Dharmaraj.

Malaysia need to beat either Japan or China as Hong Kong and Taiwan are out of coach Dharmaraj's teams league.

"Not taking any team lightly, I believe my players should collect full points against Hong Kong and Taiwan and so, if we can upset either one of the World Cup teams in our group -- we will qualify for the semi-finals," said Dharmaraj.

The positive side for both the teams is that they prepared for the Asian Games by playing tough matches in London.

In the World Cup Japan lost 3-2 to Australia, 6-3 to Belgium and beat New Zealand 2-1; while China

China lost 3-0 to Italy, 7-1 to Netherlands and drew 1-1 with South Korea.

"The fact that they played against some of the best in women's hockey could be turned into a positive element by their coaches, with the right approach."

And the positive for Dharmaraj's girls?

"We have a compilation of their matches in London, and the coaching staff is studying them to come out with a plan for upset(s)," said Dharmaraj.

South Korea also went home after the group stages, and only India made it to the quarter-finals -- making them the early favoutites in Asian Games.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

New Zealand U21 Men's Hockey team to Sultan of Johor Cup named

An exciting New Zealand U21 Men's hockey team has been named today for the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, 6-13 October.

The side, including Vantage Black Stick Sam Lane, recently returned from a long injury lay off, and recent Black Sticks debutante Malachi Buschl, will play in the Annual 6 Nations tournament, comprising Great Britain, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and hosts Malaysia.

The tournament poses a genuine challenge for the young players being exposed to overseas travel, heat, media attention, experiencing a different culture and playing against tough international opposition, with 6 matches in 8 days.

Recently announced new coach, Bryce Collins, is relishing the opportunity in his first assignment "It's an exciting and well balanced team that I look forward to leading into caldron of Johor, Malaysia!"

"It's great to have guys like Sam Lane and Malachi Buschl in the team but also additional Development Squad members Kalyan Jeram, Reuben Andrews and Connor Greentree. So we'll have a good mix of experience and young talent."

The team named has an eye to the future with 12 players being named in the New Zealand U21 Men's team for the first time.

CLICK HERE to see the full New Zealand U21 Men's squad.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Scotland U21 squads announced to play Wales Development



Scotland’s U21 men’s and women’s squads will play Wales Development squads this weekend in three-match test series’ in Wrexham.

On Friday 3 August Scotland U21 women play at 16:00 followed by Scotland U21 men at 18:00. Saturday 4 August starts at 14:00 with Scotland U21 women playing before Scotland U21 men at 16:00.

The final matches on Sunday 5 August sees Scotland U21 women play at 10:00 followed by Scotland U21 men at 12:00.

Scotland U21 Men Squad

Douglas Gourlay (GK)
Henry Emmett (GK)
James Nairn
Robbie Croll
Andrew Webb
Andrew Lochrin
Andrew McAllister
Sam Weissen
Patrick Christie
Alex Batstone
Jack McAllister
Joe Waterston
Chris Moon
Alan Johnston
Kyle Gladwin
Owen Jenkins Garcia
Jack Jamieson
Fraser Heigh
 
Scotland U21 Women Squad

Amy Cairns
Mairi Fletcher
Aspen Cumming
Rhona Gowans
Ellie Halliday
Morven Cawthorn
Cat Booth
Emma McDiarmid
Millie Steiger
Olivia McMahon
Emily Dark
Anna Logan
Mackenzie Bell
Hanna McKie
Tara Aitchison
Bella Fiskin
Jenny Walls
Georgia Smith
 
Schedule

Fri 3 Aug | 16:00 | Scotland U21 women v Wales Dev
Fri 3 Aug | 18:00 | Scotland U21 men v Wales Dev
Sat 4 Aug | 14:00 | Scotland U21 women v Wales Dev
Sat 4 Aug | 16:00 | Scotland U21 men v Wales Dev
Sun 5 Aug | 10:00 | Scotland U21 women v Wales Dev
Sun 5 Aug | 12:00 | Scotland U21 men v Wales Dev

Scottish Hockey Union media release

South African 2018 Senior Men's IPT A Section - Day 5
Pietermaritzburg

Results 2 August

SGN v NW (Pool A)         2 - 4
FS v KZNM (Pool B)     4 - 1
EP v WPP (Pool B)         1 - 1
SG v SAU21 (Pool A)     3 - 2
SGW v NG (Pool B)         2 - 1
WP v KZNC (Pool A)     0 - 2

Final Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

SAHA Match Centre

South African 2018 Senior Men's IPT B Section - Day 5
Pietermaritzburg

Results 2 August

NGB v NCA (Pool A)     11 - 0
KZNI v NCB (Pool A)     2 - 7
SACD v MPU (Pool A)    5 - 1

Pool Standings

SAHA Match Centre

And then there were four



The final day of the group stages took place at the AB Jackson Astro Turf in Pietermaritzburg today with all eyes on the big matchup between Tuffy Western Province and the KZN Raiders. It was a cooler evening on the astro as temperatures dropped, but the action more than made up for it as tensions reached a peak.

The opening quarter was a tentative affair but with some massive tackles, some incredibly physical, as Tuffy Western Province had the best chance of the half through Ryan Julius. The indoor and outdoor national player was not able to beat Gowan Jones in goal with his reverse stick strike. The Raiders started the second quarter with renewed purpose and probably should have had the lead through national captain Tim Drummond. Raiders were in the ascendancy winning three penalty corners in the quarter with Bili Ntuli finishing brilliantly after Greg Lasts effort was saved. 1-0 it remained until half-time.

In the third quarter it was continued pressure from the Raiders limiting the opportunities for Tuffy Western Province, with Keenan Horne looking the most likely to create something, but ultimately Jethro Eustice, Greg Last and Tim Drummond were brilliant in marshalling the defence. It remained 1-0 at the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter started in much the same way and after a superb through ball by Ntuli set up Taine Paton for a big opportunity that was fantastically saved with the helmet by Anton van Loggerenberg, the increased pressure eventually told for Raiders. They finished off a superb team goal with a mature dink by Dan Sibbald to make it 2-0.

Earlier in the day Southern Gauteng and Witsies both completed 100% group stage efforts with victories over SA Invitational U21 and Northerns Blues respectively. Southerns were tested by Garreth Ewings men far more than they would have liked but picked up a narrow 3-2 win through Nic Spooner, Courtney Halle and Namibian Brynn Cleak. Witsies were full value for their 2-1 win taking an early 2-0 lead through a Kyle Lion-Cachet brace. And despite conceding from Tim Guise-Brown, they managed to see out the pressure and set up a semi-final meeting with the Raiders

Southern Gauteng Nuggets produced an improved display that will raise hopes that they can avoid relegation despite a 4-2 defeat to North West. Free State also secured their first victory of the tournament when they overcame the Mynahs early in the day. 

In the B Section the Northern Daisies were belligerent in dismissing Northern Cape A, KZN Inlands were defeated easily by Northern Cape B and SA Country Districts produced a superb display in a 5-1 win against Mpumalanga

Day 5 Results – A Section

SG Nuggets 2-4 North West
Free State 4-1 KZN Mynahs
Eastern Province 1-1 WP Peninsula
Southern Gauteng 3-2 SA Invitational U21
SG Witsies 2-1 Northern Blues
KZN Raiders 2-0 Tuffy Western Province

A Section Crossovers

1-4 Semi Finals
Southern Gauteng vs. Northern Blues
KZN Raider vs. SG Witsies

5-8 Playoffs
Tuffy Western Province vs. WP Peninsula
SA Invitational U21 vs. Eastern Province

9-12 Playoffs
Free State vs. SG Nuggets
North West vs. KZN Mynahs

Day 5 Results – B Section

Northerns Daisies 11-0 Northern Cape A
KZN Inland 2-7 Northern Cape B
SA Country Districts 5-1 Mpumalanga

SA Hockey Association media release

Champs Trans Nzoia target East Africa title

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Transzoia Mixed School's Mercelyn Andala celebrate their victory against against Tigoi Girls during KSSS Term 1 National games at Kangaru School Embu County. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

National girls’ hockey champions Trans Nzoia Mixed are eager to make their return to the East Africa secondary school games.

The 2015 regional silver medallists will be on a mission to complete a double after winning the Term One national title in April at Kangaru School, Embu.

Team captain Sharon Kasidi says that winning in Musanze, Rwanda will be a culmination of a journey they have steadily and religiously walked.

Desire to excel

“We walked to most of our competitions because it was the only way we could honour our matches. We are a small school and we were faced with numerous challenges but that did not deter us from achieving our goals,” Kasidi said.

Kasidi added that the desire to excel at the national and regional level inspired them to beat all odds and win the national title.

“We wanted to reclaim our national title and have a second chance to win the East Africa trophy. We already achieved our first target and we are now determined to complete the job in Rwanda.”

Trans Nzoia Mixed will be returning to the East Africa games after missing the 2016 and 2017 championships.

In 2015, they won the national title but were overshadowed by Sinyolo to finish second at the East Africa games held in Huye, Rwanda.

They failed to qualify for the national games in 2016 and 2017 but returned to reclaim the title this year following their 2-1 win over Tigoi in the final.

Exuding confidence, Trans Nzoia Mixed coach Joseph Onyango said they will settle for nothing less than the regional gong.

“We have worked very hard in training. The girls have given their all and I believe their efforts will finally pay off. They are fighters and their passion is what has seen them through because even when they had the reasons to give up, they kept fighting,” said Onyango.

“They walked to competitions and still won and now that they are close to making their regional title dream a reality, they are working harder.”

In Rwanda, Trans Nzoia will rely on the services of captain Kasidi and Doreen Nakhungu in defence; Caren Juma, Elsa Oginga and Sharon Oduka in midfield, while Beverlyne Akoth and Marceline Andala will be seeking to score goals.

Goalkeeper Filgona Were will be hoping to continue with her fine form in goal for the two-time national champions.

Onyango added that they expect stiff competition from their Kenyan compatriots Tigoi and four-time East Africa winners, Kerugoya.

However, he did not write off the Ugandans, who he said were coming up very fast, and could be a threat to their ambitions.

Trans Nzoia, Tigoi and Kerugoya will be out to extend Kenya’s hockey dominance in the absence of last year’s winners Sinyolo.

The Standard Online