News for 04 August 2018
All the news for Saturday 4 August 2018
Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup 2018 - Semi-Finals day
London (ENG)
14:00 IRL v ESP (SF 2)
16:30 NED v AUS (SF 1)
Final Placings
5 - 8
Argentina
Germany
England
India
9-12
Belgium
Italy
Korea
New Zealand
13 - 16
China
Japan
South Africa
Unoted States
FIH Match Centre
Oranje have an edge over Hockeyroos, Green Machine may defeat Red Sticks
By B.G.Joshi (in London) with inputs from John Sanders (Perth-Australia)
Lidewij Welten have won 6 Gold Medals (OG-2, WC-1, CT-1, HWL-2) are the star now in action (left)-photo: Avtar Bhurji (sportmediagroup.com.au)
In heydays of player Alyson Annan (228 caps, 166 goals) Australia won the World Cup twice in a row (1994, 1998). Now Alyson is the coach of the Dutch team. It is likely that Netherlands will win the semifinals against Australia rather easily.
Lee Valley Hockey Centre is lucky for the Irish. In 2015 Ireland (men) won their first ever bronze medal in Europeans Nations Cup. A win today from Irish ladies will confirm their first ever medal (Silver) in any IOC/FIH’s elite tourney.
Here are the statistical highlights of today’s SF:
Netherlands (WR-1)- Australia(WR-5): Head to head
Particulars |
MP |
NED wins |
Drawn |
AUS wins |
GF-NED |
GF-AUS |
Total |
112 |
58 |
17 |
37 |
204 |
160 |
In World Cup |
10 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
25 |
12 |
Stats of 2018 World Cup Matches |
||||||
Netherlands have created 100 goal shots and scored 28 goals, their strike rate is 28. Australia have created 34 goal shots and scored 4 goals, their strike rate is 12 percent. |
Spain (WR-11)-Ireland (WR-16): Head to head
Particulars |
MP |
ESP wins |
Drawn |
IRL wins |
GF-ESP |
GF-IRL |
In World Cup |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
Stats of 2018 World Cup Matches |
||||||
Spain have created 39 goal shots and scored 10 goals, their strike rate is 26. Ireland have created 19 goal shots and scored 4 goals, their strike rate is 21 percent. |
FIeldhockey.com
Holland v Australia and Ireland v Spain is perfectly set up
By The Hockey Paper
Can Irish history continue? PIC; England Hockey
And then there were two. Well, four in all for the World Cup semi-finals. But while Holland and Australia march on, it’s the teams in the lower half of the draw who have set the tournament alight.
Gone are England, the hosts, and Germany. Instead, we have Ireland and Spain and it’s set to be a match of yesteryear.
Fielding players who are architects, lawyers, doctors, physios and engineers, it is the ultimate amateur match-up gunning for a date with destiny in Sunday’s final.
Ireland’s uttterly memorable tournament rolls on.
Chloe Watkins, who slotted home the winner in the shoot-out over India, said: “This whole week has gone amazing but it hasn’t been down to the last few weeks or months.
“It is years and years of hard work. It’s so great to get the rewards on a world stage, to be involved in a World Cup and to show everyone what we can do.”
Then there’s Megan Frazer. Returning after months out with knee complications, she has come into her own as Ireland have progressed. A colossus in midfield on Thursday, it’s almost as if Ireland have shipped in their trump card.
“From our results over the last few years and then with my injury and rehab, it is a dream come true,” she said. “You can’t help but think good things come to those who work hard and keep going.
And what about Ali Meeke? An outrageous nutmeg in the shoot-out – only her second goal in 110 matches – and she’s ready for more history.
“Maybe I have opened the floodgates, fingers crossed! Four years ago, I was in the stand watching the girls play. To say this is a dream come true is an understatement. I had a couple of knockbacks along the way but this is the highlight of everything.”
It continues. Elena Tice, the youngest Irish player at 20, is far from overawed. The English-born player understands the Irish travails over the years. The 550 Euro levy the players had to stump up to play in tournaments. The seven counties in Ireland with no hockey pitches. The amateur status of the side. But the team unity which has propelled this towards the upper echelons of the rankings.
“We try to go into every game without fear,” she said. “We are the under dog every time but we want to push on, become a top 10 team and expect to win.”
And all the while, Spain are writing their own chapter. Former Olympic champions, they are now a team on the rise, with an Englishman, Adrian Lock, at the helm
“We’ve been together since 2013 and a lot of them I’ve been with for 10 years, with the under-21 squad.
“We’ve grown together as a team. I always thought it was in the offing to get this far. We sat down in 2013 as a team and they decided as a team to qualify for the Olympics.
“We have got better in our mindset and training and that’s what pays off in the big games. We are a step closer. We’re in with a shout.”
We all know about the Dutch in this tournament. Australia, meanwhile, look a formidable unit – especially at the back – and will pose a second test for Holland after a group stage romp.
But Ireland v Spain is where the story is.
“When you get an opportunity like this, you have to grab it with both hands,” added Watkins. “We’ve been coming out with smiles on our faces but if anybody was to underestimate us, they would be foolish.” Game on.
The Hockey Paper
McFerran’s glorious shoot-out underpins Irish iron will to defeat India
Where will it all end? Ireland’s World Cup run just keeps on rolling as Ayeisha McFerran’s glorious tournament and some sublimely cool heads in a shoot-out saw them edge out India and take a World Cup semi-final spot.
Pre-tournament expectations were that a group stage win – a first since 1986 – and escaping a group featuring three full-time outfits would represent success in London.
A quarter-final was a bonus but a semi-final? This was nowhere in even the most fanciful of predictions from the side ranked second lowest on the list, one who had previously had to pay to be part of the programme and was out-gunned in terms of resources by many multiples.
But they showed an iron will to eventually overcome the Indians and take up their place in Saturday’s semi-final against Spain – the other surprise package – and then a medal match of some sort on Sunday.
McFerran was heroic, saving three out of four shoot-outs and once Roisin Upton and Ali Meeke put them ahead in the decisive phase, they were on the road to the final four.
A week ago, a glorious Anna O’Flanagan penalty corner deflection proved the difference, propelling Ireland into new found territory. Top of Pool B was far beyond anything Ireland dreamed of pre-tournament, sending their media profile into the stratosphere.
By game day, bars in Dublin were naming cocktails in their honour, the Chloe Cosmo and the Daly Daiquiri in full flow.
The hockey, however, was far less liquid in normal time. Chances were at an absolute premium throughout. As the first half wore on, Ireland’s midfield started to make most of the play with Chloe Watkins and Nicci Daly while Megan Frazer showed some dazzling touches.
It was a delight to see her make her mark in just her 10th game since recovery from a 20-month spell out with a cruciate knee injury, showing why Graham Shaw gave her so long to prove her fitness for the event.
But end product was lacking as neither side – whether through nerves or the energy-sapping heat – could find the vital incision.
The first shot took 23 minutes before it arrived, Katie Mullan slamming in to Anna O’Flanagan at the near post who got a good touch but Savita smothered well. Rani Rampal tamely rolled India’s only chance just wide as they skirted around the edges of the circle but did little to penetrate.
It continued in a similar vein into the third quarter with only one circle entry registering on the stats sheet. The Green Army held most of the ball as India sat deeper, trying to create more space to counter. When they did, they had few support runners and attacks petered out at source.
The final 15 minutes finally saw the tie open up, Ireland finding more space through Mullan and O’FLanagan while India won the first corner of the game. Rani took on the hit but, like the seven corners in the first meeting, Ayeisha McFerran held her ground, saved and cleared with her stick.
It was the biggest chance for either side and one Ireland coped with well. Again, inspiration was not forthcoming and so the shoot-out beckoned.
The first two rounds of the shoot-out were also blank before Roisin Upton finally hit the backboard and Ali Meeke doubled up in the next round and there was no looking back.
And there is reason to believe they can possibly earn a final spot. The top sides have been left decimated with Spain, also ranked outside the top ten, the opponent.
The Spaniards have rolled with the punches, too, sneaking into the semis with a last ditch 1-0 win over Germany. It means Ireland avoid the big guns yet again, their run of fixtures proving truly blessed, as the Netherlands and Australia contest the other tie.
With confidence soaring, who is to say they cannot take this on even further?
Women’s Hockey World Cup, quarter-final
Ireland 0
India 0,
Ireland win shoot-out 3-1
Ireland: A McFerran, N Evans, K Mullan, S McCay, G Pinder, R Upton, C Watkins, L Colvin, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson
Subs: Y O’Byrne, M Frazer, L Tice, N Daly, D Duke, A Meeke, G O’Flanagan
India: Savita, G Kaur, D Ekka, Monika, Deepika, N Toppo, Lalremsiani, Navneet Kaur, S Lakra, R Rampal, L Minz
Subs: Navjot Kaur, R Khokhar, N Pradhan, V Katariya, Udita, N Goyal, R Etimarpu
Umpires: C de la Fuente, I Presenqui
The Hook
In their words: the Green Army on their World Cup odyssey
In the wake of Ireland's amazing shoot-out win over India, there was a packed mixed zone with loads of players giving their thoughts; here's a few words from Chloe Watkins, Megan Frazer, Katie Mullan, Ayeisha McFerran and Lena Tice
Chloe Watkins
“It was a tight game, not much between the sides but we just stuck at it. We worked extremely hard and when it came to one v ones, we knew Ayeisha was going to make saves. She’s the best in the game at it. The girls put theirs away and it came to the last one but it was such a team effort.
On her shoot-out: “We have practiced them a good bit over the last few series and they have gone quite well. I was relatively calm because I didn’t necessarily feel the pressure was on me. Thankfully Ayeisha had taken that away. It was just exciting and I saw it as an opportunity to get to a semi-final.
“This whole week has gone amazing but it hasn’t been down to the last few weeks or months. It is years and years of hard work, of sacrifices from everybody, staff included. It’s so great to get the rewards on a world stage, to be involved in a World Cup and to show everyone what we can do. I am absolutely thrilled.
On how her move to Bloemendaal has helped her game: “I guess I have been involved for over eight years and it gets to a point when it gets very difficult to keep getting up early, going training, then work. The opportunity came to play abroad this year and I couldn’t say no. It was a chance to get a life balance and, with the World Cup, it was ideal to hone in and live as professional a lifestyle as I could. I really enjoyed it but it was something I had to do to be ‘a professional’
“Personally, I am happy with my form but everyone has really stepped up this week. It makes your own job easier; it gives you an extra second on the ball, an extra second to make a decision; if you make a mistake, you know there is someone to cover for you. It’s just so enjoyable
On having a cocktail named after her: “I haven’t had one in a while! Hopefully I get to try it soon enough, maybe with a medal around my neck. The support has been amazing. We are in a bubble here but we really appreciate everything that has happened.
“When you get an opportunity like this, you have to grab it with both hands. It’s what we have done all week. We have come out with smiles on our faces and enjoying the occasion but if anyone under-estimates us, they would be foolish. We are going for a medal now, we are in the mix and will do the best job we can.”
When shown the ingredient of the Chloe Cosmo – “that’s right up my street”
Megan Frazer:
On her improving form with each game: “From our results over the last few years and then with my injury and rehab, it is a dream come true. You can’t help but think good things come to those who work hard and keep going.
“It’s not the knee now; it’s my confidence [that’s coming back]. I have played very little hockey over the last two years. To come into the World CUp without any training really, that’s what I feel like I need now, a good solid training block!
“To come in without that, I am having to build it as I go along which is a weird position to be in, using every game as a training session to get that touch back. I was able to get on the ball more today and that helps.
“The tournament structure has helped, especially after the first game. I had a bit of swelling, a bit of a reaction and it was sore. That reaction is getting less and less. I have been really lucky.”
Reflections on the game: “Speechless [on the final whistle]. It was very tactically well done by India. They were able to play the opposite of what we did, getting numbers around the ball which didn’t allow us to move the ball. We ended running it more than we would have talked about before the game.
“The pitch is sticky so when you are running with the ball, making passes on the move, I noticed a few mistakes. They did well to counter what we were trying to do but the positive for us was they were trying to counter us rather than create something themselves.
On the shoot-out: “I couldn’t watch. I just watched the reaction in the crowd. They are always so difficult and fate will be what it will be. I was tempted [to put my hand up] but I haven’t even practiced one in two years so I didn’t know if it would be a regret, knowing the girls had practiced them.”
Looking forward to Spain: “We have a lot of history, played them a lot in different series so we will have a lot of background on them. We have got the best semi-final for us so really exciting for Saturday
Katie Mullan
“I don’t think it has really hit us. We have been in tournaments before, playing back to back games so I don’t think there will be any concerns there. At the end of the day, it’s a World Cup semi-final and beyond so I don’t think anyone will be getting tired on Saturday.
“I think all credit to the girls. whole new dynamic a whole new belief and we tried not to cling on to Valencia [in the 2015 Olympic qualifier]. Belief has taken us so far in this tournament and I genuinely believe when you’ve Ayeisha McFerran in those one v one situations, you give yourself the very best chance.
“The work rate was incredible, the girls never stopped fighting for every single ball and it was hard out there in the heat, really tough , we just kept going and kept going and I think that was what took us through the shoot out as well.
Spain next? “We tend to go over there and early year trip annually so we know them and they know us. I’m sure they’ll have a really good game plan for us and vice-versa. But the hunger’s there and we woke up in the morning and starting preparing as well as we can for a world Cup semi-final, however bizarre that statement might have seemed before the start of the tournament. It’s just amazing.
On back to back matches: “With the tournaments we’ve played in the past we are used to having games played closer together so I think the fitness from previous competitions will stand to us. at the end of the day, it’s a world Cup semi-final, the body won’t be feeling tired and I know they girls will be able to get themselves up for it easily
Ali Meeke:
On her shoot-out: “We practiced two on Wednesday and was just thinking do exactly what I did then, took two, scored two. ‘Just do that again’ and I just kept replaying that over and over again.
She’s not renowned for goalscoring (one in 110 internationals) “Yeah, that was only two weeks ago so maybe I have opened the floodgates, fingers crossed!
“Four years ago, I was in the stand watching the girls play. To say this is a dream come true is an understatement. I had a couple of knockbacks along the way but this is the highlight of everything. I am the biggest hockey nerd going so I am in my absolute element.”
Lena Tice: “We just tried to go out and impose our style on India. 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 get-go and go forward the entire game. At times it went okay and at time we were turned over but our defence is really tough. The defence is prepared to take the hits.
The atmosphere: “Absolutely unbelievable out there. It felt like it was all Ireland and when our legs began to ache, the crowd really got us going.
The shoot-out: “We dominated the first half and we had to grind out the win. We are lucky because we have two incredible ‘keepers. It gives you so much confidence to have someone like Ayeisha behind you.
“We try to go into every game without fear. We are the under dog every time but we want to push on, become a top 10 team and expect to win.”
The Hook
A Southern Fried thread on the road to a World Cup semi-final
Just 1 more sleep until Ireland take on Spain in the World Cup Semi Final! #HWC2018 #GreenArmy
** Southern Fried Hockey’s Alan Good posted a thought-provoking Twitter thread, tying up the strands that have gone into the Irish women’s team and how they have got to the point of a World Cup semi-final against Spain. With his permission, The Hook have posted it in full below:*
If you’re a coach, a player or a supporter of any sport, the Irish women’s hockey team deserve your attention this week. I’ve never attempted a Twitter thread before, but I think their story and the obstacles they’ve overcome deserves one. So here goes nothing!
You may have noticed more hockey than usual in your timeline this week, due to Ireland – a team ranked 16th in the world, and seeded second last as they qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2002 – making the semi-finals of the competition.
Their back story has been given a good airing over the past while, but it’s worth sticking together some of the context here. International women’s hockey has for some time been dominated by the same top nations.
The next-ranked teams in the world’s top ten have made waves occasionally, but the gap to the next ten has always been significant and shock results at major tournaments are rare.
Those dominant countries have either a strong hockey culture where the sport is one of the nation’s most popular, or funding to allow their athletes train full-time, or both. Ireland has neither of these things.
For starters, according to a 2015 ESRI report, it’s not even in the top 15 sports in Ireland, participation-wise. I use the term “sports” loosely given what’s crept into this list!
Hockey Ireland can’t quantify how many people play the game, because they have no official stats yet. Their skeleton staff are generally overwhelmed with the amount of work, and beneath them are provincial branches manned by enthusiastic, but ever-dwindling numbers of volunteers.
I sat on the @Munster_Hockey management committees for a couple of years prior to emigrating in 2017. There’s a shoestring budget and change and progress can be difficult to push through. Like the national body, they are firefighting just to keep the game going.
Coaches at the high performance end of the game aren’t paid – I estimate that I gave 500 voluntary coaching hours to Munster U16 and U18 girls over three seasons – yet you can get paid €30 an hour to coach a C-grade schoolgirls team of casual players.
It’s worse for the players, of course. Those who play for their provinces have to pay or raise sponsorship for pitch rental and gear every step of the way. That ratchets up another notch when you’ve to do it all over again for the underage national teams, plus all the travel.
It’s been well-documented that until recently – when @SoftCoGroup came on board as sponsors (what a deft move that now seems!) – even Ireland’s senior players had to pay-to-play via a €550 annual levy.
You can imagine the guff @Shane_RossTD and @leovaradker are getting on here, now that this information is getting the national media treatment.
Funding and sponsorship had been in short supply for a variety of reasons. For example, hockey’s tournament culture means Ireland don’t play many meaningful games on home soil, and low participation and support means that media coverage is scant too.
@tonyleen always made room for hockey when I was a journalist with @ExaminerSport but not everyone does. Sometimes you had to fight for 250 words to try to sum up a few dozen weekend games, but when there was a good hockey yarn to be told, they found space wherever they could.
That the Irish papers have cleared space on the front and back pages for hockey twice in a week is not something I ever thought I would see. Exciting times for @hookhockey (the man, the machine) @wattersonjohnny @meddersdavid @RnRor @nigelringland et al who bang the drum weekly.
So, a bit like Croatia’s run to the football World Cup final, Ireland’s women’s achievements have in some ways come in spite of the system. Their heart, work-rate and determination, alongside some quality coaching, has seen them overachieve massively, hopefully with more to come.
To go out and beat three higher-ranked opponents at this World Cup, all of whom have professional setups when Ireland’s players are fitting their training and gym work around college and work, is an incredible achievement.
It’s been remarked upon how much Ireland seem to be enjoying themselves at this World Cup. They’re all smiles during the anthem and in interviews; they’ve routinely taken the piss out of each other on national TV.
@alimeeke belted out Bieber on TV, @shirleymccay joked in a half-time interview that a stick to the face “just adds to the beauty”. @Ayeeishaa gave the world’s most uplifting post-match interview, replete with squealing, after she’d again shown herself to be the world’s best GK.
It’s in sharp contrast to the dull, give-nothing-away mentality we see too much of in modern sport. These girls and coach @SharpieG aren’t media trained, and their bandwagon is all the better for it.
Dig deeper into the players’ back stories and you see why they’re milking the moment. They say champions are made when nobody’s looking, and there have been plenty of personal setbacks along the way.
Goalkeeper @Grace_OF is a cancer survivor at just 26 years old, and played a huge part in Ireland’s progression to this World Cup, coming in cold off the bench to save a penalty stroke in the vital qualifier against India that Ireland went on to win 2-1.
@mfrazer15 needed three knee surgeries to make this World Cup. @shirleymccay had toiled through over 250 caps without ever making a major tournament until now. @yvonne_obyrne was overlooked for selection by every Irish underage team she got a trial for.
It goes beyond the 18 at this tournament. @sargentcli, a veteran of over 200 caps, fought back to fitness in incredibly quick time after the birth of her first child in an attempt to make it, but heartbreakingly missed out on selection.
Rebecca Barry took a career break to give her all at training in the months building up to the selection deadline, and Shaw had bad news for her too.
Just as the Irish men recovered from losing an Olympic qualifier inside the last ten seconds in 2012 to earn a European bronze, end a 108-year wait for Olympic qualification in 2016 and establish themselves as a top-ten side, the women have overcome collective heartbreak too.
The width of a post denied them during a shootout in a 2015 qualifier against China, after a game in which they watched over a dozen penalty corner opportunities go begging. Chloe Watkins’ composed shootout finish against India, with 0.5 seconds to go, buried those demons.
And for all that, both Irish teams have the same mantra: no excuses. For instance, Shaw has been given the opportunity by both @offtheball and @SecondCaptains to stick the boot into the government this week for funding this side so sparsely if he wished.
Given his side’s success, it would be easy for him to have a “what do you think of that, Joe Brolly” moment and use his platform to make a case. But he has instead expressed gratitude for what they get and the sponsors they have. No excuses.
Just like Ireland’s other World Cup semi-finalists, the 2014 women’s rugby side, this group is as humble and likeable as they are successful. @IreWomenHockey are incredible ambassadors for hockey, but more importantly, for women’s sport.
They are inspiring young girls to focus on what their body can do, not what it looks like. They deserve their success. They deserve our plaudits. And they’re only just getting started.
The Hook
Ireland making history with smiles on their faces
By Nigel Ringland
The tweet from Irish Women's Hockey simply read "World Cup semi-finalists!!!!! There are no words."
There's a dictionary full of adjectives that could be used to describe this momentous World Cup - historic, amazing, unbelievable, preposterous - but none do justice to what has gone on here at the Olympic Park over the last fortnight.
I was in Valencia in 2015 to report on the huge disappointment of a penalty shootout loss to China in the quarter-finals of the World League. It was a defeat that would cost Ireland's women a place at the Rio Olympics the following year.
Sport can be a cruel mistress, but from the lowest depths it can also provide the highest of highs.
It took many months for the squad to get over that heartbreak, but since then they have grown together and on Thursday evening it felt like life had come full circle and in another quarter-final, in another major tournament, in another shootout, the demons were finally exorcised when Chloe Watkins slammed home the winner with half a second to spare.
At a reception three weeks ago, where the players were presented with their World Cup jerseys by family and friends, coach Graham Shaw produced a motivational video about the journey to London and it began with a reminder of that game against China.
But it also recapped the big wins which saw Ireland qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time in 16 years and how close this group of women had become.
There has not been a lot of player turnover. Ayeisha McFerran, Yvonne O'Byrne, Katie Mullan, Nikki Evans, Anna O'Flanagan, Megan Frazer, Shirley McCay, Lizzie Colvin, Hannah Matthews, Chloe Watkins, Nicci Daly and Gillian Pinder were all part of that squad in Valencia and since then the likes of Zoe Wilson, Lena Tice and Roisin Upton have only made it stronger.
While only two of the 18 women are over the age of 27, 13 of them have more than 100 caps. There are strong bonds.
Much has been written about the discrepancy in the budgets between Irish Hockey and a full-time programme such as England and all of that is true, but there is no substitute for commitment and sacrifice and being accountable to each other.
I am sure every member of the Irish squad would love to be paid handsomely for playing hockey instead of having to balance work or study with the requirements to be a player on the world stage. But these women are professional in every other sense of the word.
I am also pretty certain that every member of the England squad would gladly hand over their pay cheque to still be in this World Cup - their tears at going out of a home tournament in the last eight every bit as real as Ireland's were full of joy.
But what has set this Ireland team apart has been the sheer fun and enjoyment they have been having.
True, it is easy to say that when you are the 15th ranked of the 16 teams in the tournament. Some might even say it is a message to keep the opposition off guard or to relieve any pressure of playing on the big stage.
Actually, as I have discovered, it has not been just talk at all. They really have been walking around London with smiles on their faces and that has translated onto the pitch from the very first game against the USA when they played with a freedom that you don't always see.
Their post-match interviews are genuine and not the usual run of the mill platitudes from media-trained athletes that is so commonplace nowadays.
It's a squad full of personalities. Tice most certainly has a future in TV presentation, seizing the BBC Sport microphone and interviewing her team-mates - no rehearsal needed.
Ali Meeke's favourite singer is Justin Bieber, but Ali should probably stick to the hockey (and take a look at her penalty against India as she calmly slotted the ball through the goalie's legs!).
What has taken place over the past three weeks, whatever happens this weekend, has been the stuff of fairytales but of course for the players and management it has been a long and winding road for much, much longer than that.
This World Cup campaign is their reward for the hard work, the sacrifices, the early morning gym sessions, the dedication, the commitment.
This journey of dreams will end this weekend. But having been around this squad for three years I believe it's only the start with more special moments to come.
BBC Sport
Ireland women given backing by Games Maker Choir
By The Hockey Paper
View here: https://youtu.be/dJnCnSwWbgs
Ireland’s players will experience a rush of choral support before their World Cup semi-final push back against Spain on Saturday.
The Games Maker Choir, formed at the London 2012 Olympics, will be making a special appearance at the Olympic Park as the 60-strong formation sings the national anthems ahead of the two slated matches.
All four national anthems will be sung – Australia and Holland contest the second semi-final – with the Irish anthem perhaps producing the most rousing of all given the Green Army’s connection with the London venue and the expected influx of support for the surprise package of this World Cup.
“It’s quite a surreal feeling” said Margaret Carleton, one of 60 choir members who will be singing on Saturday.
“Just looking back at the crowds and waiting for your turn must be just what it’s like for the players waiting to start the match – nervous excitement and the pressure to succeed.”
The Choir was founded by Victoria Verbi at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, during the London 2012 Olympics, to harness the amazing spirit of the 70,000 Games Maker volunteers and have some fun in the process.
Six years on the choir is now the go to “Choir for Sport”, with 100 members who rehearse regularly in SW London with people travelling from far and wide to perform at some of the nation’s biggest sporting events.
Verbi said: “We are delighted to be appearing at the Women’s Hockey World Cup supporting the teams and entertaining the crowds.
“It’s our third visit to Lee Valley for world class hockey events and we’re really looking forward to the big match atmosphere.
“The Football World Cup has already given us all a taste of exciting World Cup action this summer, and we’re thrilled to add to the amazing atmosphere.”
In 2017 the choir had the honour of opening The World Athletics Championships at The London Stadium to a global TV audience of millions.
They have also performed at The Rugby League World Cup at Wembley Stadium and as well as Rugby World Cup and Premiership Double Header at Twickenham, the Tour de France in Trafalgar Square, Sport Relief at The Olympic Park, The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Help for Heroes in Horse Guards Parade.
The Hockey Paper
Despite quarters exit, India should be proud of what they achieved in showpiece event
Sundeep Misra
India's Rani Rampal in action against Ireland. Image courtesy: Facebook/@TheHockeyIndia
Shoot-outs scorch the soul. It’s like you become the burnt earth. After a tedious, nervy and fatigue-inducing four quarters of tactical malevolence with intrigue being the central figure, the Indian women standing on the very cusp of creating history were reduced to tears, some sobbing while trying to come to terms with the cruellest word in sport — defeat.
It’s like running a marathon neck and neck and then being beaten on the line; it’s akin to sharing points in a heavyweight bout and in the end getting knocked out by an upper-cut. It will take weeks for Rani Rampal’s team to recover from this energy-sapping setback when victory was not just a possibility, but only five shots away.
Quarter by quarter, like prized fighters, both India and Ireland sized each other up. They sparred, threw a few punches, but didn’t draw blood or bring the other down to their knees for a count. In the end, when legs ran out, hearts felt like an automobile air filter driven through the desert, the minds felt unable to decipher the angle of the shots or whether to pass or take a hit, the hooter went with the inevitable shoot-out, the only mechanism to decide who won the cliff-hanger to enter the semi-final.
India knew the quality of Ireland’s Ayeisha McFerran. Flexible yes, but her best trait is clarity under pressure. McFerran never swipes at the ball. Instead, she waits, hovering behind the player, arms outstretched, dancing on her feet, the player being harassed when it should be the other way around. Till, pressure reaches such a point that the players either shoot out or desperately swipe at the ball.
India’s Monica would remember her miss; the ball rolling away a good three-four feet away from goal. Rani Rampal never had a chance. The Indian captain with the dribble-and-ball skill neutralised by the Irish goalkeeper. In fact, Savita Punia saved the first two off Nicola Daly and the dangerous Anna O’Flanagan. Then Upton scored as Ireland went ahead for the first time in the match at 1-0. McFerran then saved off Navjot Kaur.
And then Alison Meeke twisted left and then right, caught Savita in a bind and cheekily slipped it between her pads as the ball rolled away to hit the post and went in. Ireland were ahead 2-0 with a foot inside the semi-finals. Reena Khokhar showed how shoot-outs need to be done. A 180-degree turn with the ball before slipping it past McFerran. It came to Chloe Watkins to start the 3-1 victory celebrations as Savita lost balance and Watkins slipped the ball into an empty goal.
Irish players’ tears of joy mingled with the sweat of a hot dreary London day as the team hugged, cried, screamed and shrieked with glee. By contrast, the Indians sat in their dug-out looking stunned. Losing a shoot-out is like a physical blow. Initially, it stuns you. The pain follows later.
But that’s not how it started. Ireland began aggressively and within the first four minutes had entered the Indian striking circle twice. They wanted an early goal. The pace had to be set. Early blows dictate the contest. But India wheeled right back into the match. Defensive structures were set up to defend. But not use the counters. In fact, after the first two quarters, the tactical set-up was to negate and not to win opportunities. Risk taking in trying to create a goal was impossible. A goal in such circumstances was only possible through an error or a great bit of skill. Both didn’t happen.
For Ireland, O’Flanagan was the leader again. She tore through the heart of the Indian midfield. But time and again was stopped in her charge by Sunita Lakra, Deep Ekka and Gurjit Kaur. In the defence, Ekka was the pick. The circle was her domain, her territory. She picked up the moves early, picking out the ball smartly like plucking cherries and clearing it away. Sunita stuck closer to Savita while Gurjit manned the left zone.
The midfield rarely ventured up. Even though the Indians enjoyed more circle entries and possession, the sharpness and assuredness was just not there. Ireland may have been stopped by the Indian defence, but their build-up was excellent. Both teams, in their bid to not give away space and territory, refused to sacrifice players in the quest to get the goals. Both didn’t want to concede the first goal and that became the obsession. Later after the match, Irish coach Graham Shaw while muttering away “incredible, incredible” said: “Such intense matches are not about performing but digging deeper.”
It wouldn’t be to off the mark to say that one way or the other, the occasion got the better of both the teams. Ireland in the initial stages of the Pool played with abandon, like a cool breeze across scorched earth. India played with the fluency of their midfield and a side that never stops coming at you. But both played a cat-and-mouse game that was more about discipline on the field in not committing errors or yielding space. Lalremsiami’s pace and enthusiasm wasn’t used at all. She was confined to the left flank with no balls or passes being created for her. Through the match, only in few moments did one see the pace of the Mizoram girl. Vandana Katariya and Rani Rampal, play-makers with a lovely dodge could have created more.
Namita Toppo was off colour. Goyal did push a bit. Lilima Minz didn’t get space to showcase her talent. India played like a team shackled down; their minds filled with tactical planning rather than with enjoying the moment and benefitting from it.
To be fair to Sjoerd Marijne, it was a difficult match in terms of how much the team could let go or hold back. Somewhere between those zones, the natural ability of players suffered. Except for brief sparks of brilliance and innovation hockey — that wonderful sport of dodge and dribble where every player sells an illusion — was reduced to a dog-fight, mostly confined to the middle of the pitch. The raids were a rarity, pacy runs on the flank as scarce as an incorrupt politician and one-touch hockey seldom used.
In the end, both sides battled nerves more than anything else. They couldn’t find any new gears or that special moment which could suddenly light up the match. An early goal would have opened up the game. But as time flew by, quarter by quarter, it became inwards, with players closing down hard knowing a goal in the 3rd and 4th quarter would be difficult to equalise.
Yet, India managed to open up the 4th quarter with three chances plus a PC. It was a good referral from India and the video umpire gave the 1st and only PC of the match. Rampal took the hit which didn’t have too much power or angle as McFerran saved. There was a chance off a rebound, but that came and went in a flash. Even after that Vandana and Navneet Kaur had opportunities.
In hindsight, one can fell that a flick from Gurjit could have probably done more damage. It was the 1st PC and in the 4th quarter. Ireland would have been jumpy at this point. The truth is India could have closed the match in the last quarter. Hindsight is an easy craft. Handling a match as tight and tenuous as this is difficult. India had a possession of 55 percent in the 4th with four circle entries and one shot on goal. Ireland had one circle entry with only one shot on goal. India were down to ten men for two minutes in the 57th minute when Udita was shown a green card.
Kate Richardson-Walsh, former Great Britain captain and 2016 Olympic gold winner, analysing the match, later said, “You have to find a way to win. Ireland handled that pressure slightly better than India.”
It will take a while for the dust to settle; for the players to be able to tell themselves that they have a foundation to build on. When the anguish lessens, the pain dulls, new targets appear in sight, and like hardened pros they move on, someday they would be justifiably proud of what was achieved not only for themselves, but for women hockey players across India. That in itself is nothing short of a victory.
Firstpost
There will be a day when girls will be proud of themselves: Hockey head coach Sjoerd Marijne
By Rutvick Mehta
The Indian women's hocket team with coach Sjoerd Marijne after their loss on Thursday , FIH
There were crestfallen shoulders. There were pale faces. There were tears. And then there was one man trying to wipe them all.
Almost every Indian woman stood dejected on the pitch after losing the penalty shootout to Ireland in the quarterfinals of the Women's Hockey World Cup on Thursday. But head coach Sjoerd Marijne was out picking them up, understanding the disappointment of the girls while also making them realise that it wasn't all gloom and doom, after all.
“It was very painful,” Marijne told DNA from London a couple of hours after India's quarterfinal exit. “But that also shows how we believed in winning this match. We played the quarterfinal of a World Cup, and that was a long time ago. The girls wrote history. I told them there will be a day when they will be proud of themselves,” he added.
They have good reason to. Few predicted the 10th-ranked Indian team to have a shot at a semifinal entry. India hadn't played a Women's Hockey World Cup semifinal since the inaugural edition in 1974. The country's last five appearances in the tournament read thus: 12th, Did Not Qualify, 11th, 9th, Did Not Qualify.
The team was bestowed upon a new coach only a couple of months ago, their beloved 'Harendra Sir' taken away from them and given to the men's team. But Marijne had worked with the girls before Harendra, and had formed a structure that was working well.
Marijne pretty much stuck to that structure in the World Cup: play a tight game, defend well. India drew with Olympic champions England 1-1 in their opener and held the seventh-ranked USA 1-1 in a pool game they couldn't afford to lose if they wished to advance.
The team conceded three goals in the five matches. Compare that to the 2016 Rio Olympics, where India gave away 19 goals in five matches, and it tells a tale about how well goalkeeper Savita and her defensive unit performed throughout the tournament.
“We played big teams, and overall, we did really well,” Marijne said. “We only conceded three goals, so we defended very strong. But we didn’t score enough. It’s also because opponents made it (the field) really small for us and we have to learn to deal with that. That is a next step for the team. We will learn from this,” he added.
Converting chances inside the D as well as penalty corners remain the team's bane, aspects they will have to improve upon come the Asian Games this month. But make no mistake, the girls can take plenty of positives, as well as heart, from the World Cup into it.
“This result will help us because the confidence is really high. The defensive structure is good and that will form a good basics for the Asian Games,” Marijne said.
For the Dutchman himself, the result comes as a big tick after his unceremonious ouster from the men's team after a poor Commonwealth Games (CWG) show, though Marijne looks back at that short stint with the boys with positive memories.
“My results with the men were good. We won the Asia Cup, we came third in the FIH World League Finals (both last year). At Sultan Azlan Shah, we went with the our second-string team, so we knew the results will not be a top-four finish (India finished fifth). The CWG was the only disappointment but the focus was not on that tournament. So, I'm happy with this but not for me, for the girls. They can look back on a good run,” he added.
Daily News & Analysis
Shoot outs still excite, if right calls our made
By Todd Williams
Not surprisingly, the first shoot out of the Vitality Women’s World Cup created the tournament’s first genuine controversy. With Louise Versavel needing to score to keep Belgium alive, the enormously experienced umpire Michelle Joubert, awarded a free hit against the Belgian attacker for obstruction on the Spanish goalkeeper. Spain are now in the semi-finals.
There has been plenty of conjecture as to whether the decision was correct. To me, there wasn’t enough for it to have crossed the “obstruction” line but on the other hand, a far greater authority, the multiple Olympic and World Cup umpire Peter Wright, said on Twitter that the decision was spot on.
But whether the decision was right or wrong doesn’t really seem to be the issue. What seems far more relevant is why Michelle Joubert chose to blow the whistle and not wait until the play ended, one way or another.
By deciding to intervene before any shot or save was made, Joubert, for all her experience, put herself into the still precarious territory of being perceived as the match decider. Had the play been allowed to continue, the onus would have stayed on the players as well as allowing Joubert to stay true to a couple of age-old, but still important, umpiring principles.
Obstruction or not, a shot over the backline or cleared by the goalkeeper, would have meant no decision to make. Relatively speaking we then wouldn’t have known the umpire was there. Had a goal been scored, the umpire, having sensed a possible obstruction, could have used her referral. At least she would have ensured that she only had to blow the whistle when she had to.
As it was, the play was cut short not for an obvious foot or back of the stick but for a subjective decision with both players still in the contest for the ball. Belgium, having used their own review, were then doubly frustrated that Joubert would not review the decision herself but, in her defence, that would have raised a new set of issues.
Not only was it reasonable for Joubert to be 100% confident in her decision but umpire reviews are not intended to be prompted by aggrieved teams who have used up their own referral. Unfortunately, though, this turned an already messy situation into a fully-blown controversy.
And it is this point that is far more important than whether Louise Varsavel was backing into the Spanish goalkeeper or not. With no extra time and double the number of knockout games, umpires need to be experts in understanding and managing shootouts.
To that end, surely they should be allowed to use all the resources they have available to help them reach their decisions. So rather than just using referrals in shootouts as it is used in normal time, maybe it makes more sense for the for the Video Umpire to go and grab a cup of tea and let the umpires to use the replays in shootouts for themselves?
How much better would it have been for everyone had Joubert been able to just signal for a possible breach, and then four seconds later as the play had finished, use one of the conveniently placed big screens, as referees do in Rugby Union, to review her decision, if it was still needed?
Referrals to the Video Umpire are great for situations where the speed or congestion of the play have made life difficult for the one umpire in thier circle but the simple fact is that shootouts rarely throw up those type of problems.
Not only do hockey shoot outs have one umpire perfectly positioned to watch the two competing players right in front of them but unlike in normal play, the other umpire is standing just as far away on the other side of the circle. Surely those two people, with the added advantage of having been right next to the live action as it happened, are better placed to work out the right decision from exactly the same replays that the Video Umpire has access to?
Obstruction or not, the conclusion to the tournament’s first shoot out was untidy and unsatisfactory and in its current form, there’s nothing to say that the same sort of scenario won’t happen again.
Shoot outs are an exciting, competitive conclusion to matches but they will only be better than the lottery of penalty strokes if we increase the chances for the on-field umpires to make the right calls.
The Hockey Paper
Hockey on BT Sport: Women’s World Cup view from the couch
Women’s voice at the World Cup on BT Sport PIC: Kate R-W/Twitter
Having participated in the great couch-potato fest of 2018 – World Cup, Wimbledon, The Open – come July 21 it was clearly time for Claire Middleton to get off the sofa
With a Fitbit that had pretty much ground to a halt, and a gym/tennis club membership which was working out at about £100 a visit, the last thing I needed in this summer of endless sun was more bloody sport on the telly.
To be honest, there was no compelling reason to plonk myself down for another two weeks of Coronas, crisps and dips in the lounge (well, apart from those three).
I have media accreditation so if I wanted to watch the Vitality Women’s World Cup I could actually go.
I also have awful memories of a women’s World Cup on television, courtesy of Eurosport’s efforts in 2006. It was a long time ago but the pain still lingers (and it wasn’t much better when I actually got there).
Having been living in Australia when the 2010 and 2014 versions were held, I watched via Fox Sports, which was haphazard but okay; the time difference always makes things tricky when viewing from a continent which the FIH really don’t seem to care about.
However, I had met Ashley Morrison while living in Perth, enjoyed his commentary and appreciated listening to someone who actually knew the names of the players. Yes, all the players, even the ones which weren’t English or Australian. I can’t tell you how rare that is.
So, I tuned in on Day One and have been sucked in ever since.
It is a shame that coverage has to be on pay TV but, having watched the BBC at the Olympics and been frustrated by commentators who never normally cover hockey, it’s nice to listen to people who know the sport and who are also good broadcasters.
Surprisingly, for a channel which is generally pretty blokey, BT has also found it necessary to include only one male in their panel of experts. With all those betting adverts, there has to be some masculine endorsement and at least it’s a good chap like Simon Mason.
Mason, however, does love to go into detail: “The goalkeeper opted against stacking her legs into a logging position but pivoted onto her left foot with a right-leg twirl and a stick extension, wielding the grip up the blade before her helmet disappeared up her backside” … is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my drift.
I’m glad to say he has caught his breath over the last 10 days and now provides a nice counterbalance with the other experts. It’s also been good to have someone who understands the nuances of goalkeeping, which is a key component of the sport.
Meanwhile, Kate Richardson-Walsh and Mel Clewlow have been excellent, finding a balance between allegiance and objectivity when it comes to discussing England.
Like Mason, they realise that their words can be heard beyond these shores and viewers in other corners of the world are not necessarily cheerleaders for Danny Kerry’s team. Crista Cullen, in her post-game interviews, should take note.
Clewlow and Richardson-Walsh have been the stars of the show with Morrison and his side-kick Charlie Brougham (BT Sport would probably bill them the other way around) allowing them to shine.
They have managed to bring expertise, insight and humour to the proceedings – and blimey, with sometimes four matches a day, they have worked hard. I hope they are being well rewarded.
The post-match huddles have been fun and it never ceases to amaze me how eloquent their guests have been, especially when the majority do not have English as a first language. (Please give Dutch captain Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel her own show).
If there are annoyances, it’s the mini-screen replays at the bottom of the picture and the green triangles under the team names which indicate if a team still has its referral and not that there’s a player in the sinbin.
That’s small beer compared to the overall quality of the product which has made this tournament compelling viewing from the sofa (or from behind it, in the case of England).
I’m off for some business end matches.
I just hope it’s as good in real life as it has been so far on the telly.
The Hockey Paper
Jolly hockey sticks: SoftCo scores big with sponsorship of women’s team for €20,000
Irish software company took over sponsorship of the World Cup team in early June
Charlie Taylor
Industry sources estimate the company stumped up €20,000 to have its name displayed on the team’s shirts
It isn’t just the Irish women’s hockey team celebrating after their World Cup win in a penalty shoot-out against India on Thursday.
SoftCo, an Irish software company that took over sponsorship of the team in early June, has easily recouped the money it put forward to help the team out. Industry sources estimate the company stumped up €20,000 to have its name displayed on the team’s shirts, a small sum given how many viewers tuned in to watch the game on RTÉ or read about its exploits the following day.
Given there will be many more eyes watching Ireland take on Spain in the semi-finals on Saturday, and potentially either the Netherlands or Australia in the final itself on Sunday, it looks to have been a good result for the Dublin-based company.
All the same, it isn’t as though Softco is stuck for the cash. The company, which has developed a software platform that automates key processes such as invoice automation, last year won a $20 million (€17.2 million) deal with the Finnish government. Overall, it has more than one million business users worldwide with big name clients such as Volkswagen, Primark/Penneys, PwC and Renault among them.
The Irish Times
Sarah Wilson #BehindEveryGreatPlayer
Sarah Wilson umpire
Behind Every Great Player is about celebrating those support networks around you, encouraging you to play from picking you up when you are down to simply being your taxi service to get you to training.
For umpires this is no different. Sarah Wilson, Scottish umpire and FIH female umpire of the year, two years on the trot has her mum Norma in the crowd supporting her at the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup.
‘It is so special that this is so close to home, it is only a house flight its perfect for her to come down and support. It is amazing, it puts such a smile on my face as I know how proud she is of me and for her to be able to see me live in action it is really special.'
Sarah shares how the support from her family and friends have really helped her to get where she is today; ‘For me it is a confidence thing I know my mum has seen me at my best and at my worst, she has been with me at my highest highs and also been there for my lowest lows, having that person know you well enough to be able to celebrate in your succeed and be there for you when you are doubting your own ability.’
Sarah Wilson and mum
Norma beams with pride as she talks about her daughter and her development from playing hockey in Scotland to being on the world stage umpiring the very best in the world.
‘It’s just fantastic. The whole experience in watching her grow from being a player to starting an umpiring career and growing through it all into these big tournaments has been such a thrill and I’m so delighted for her, and so proud of her.
[On having a support network] 'It’s very important. We have always been supportive. My other daughter plays hockey and sometimes I’ve had to go and watch her umpiring her sister and sending her off with a green card, which has been fantastic.
'It’s very important to be with them from a very early time in their blossoming career – whether it be playing or umpiring, it’s just been fantastic.'
England Hockey Board Media release
Five USA Citizens Attending World Cup as Prestigious Hockey Makers
L to R: Lisa McCoy, Eryn McCoy, Kayla Forrey, Emily McCoy, Krista Page. Image Taken by Mark Palczewski
LONDON, England - Last August, three natives of England traveled across the pond to volunteer at the 2017 Pan American Cups in Lancaster, Pa. That group, which consisted of Alex Bandurak, Katie Bent and Chris Wardale, dedicated countless hours and their depth of hockey event knowledge to make sure the tournament ran as smoothly as possible, as Hockey Makers.
The Hockey Makers are an open group of volunteers, tied closely to England Hockey, that support indoor, outdoor and international hockey events. Their motto is charged around “being part of the Hockey Family” and of course the benefits at a minimum include having fun, meeting people, learning new skills and building their volunteer resume. Since the London 2012 Olympic Games, their volunteers have extended their experience internationally.
It was in Lancaster, Pa. that this trio suggested Americans get involved and apply as Hockey Makers for the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup. The process wasn’t as simple as signing up for desired roles and it wasn’t guaranteed entry. After completing an online application to show interest, applicants were awarded either an in-person or Skype interview, a new process to aid in this event’s selection. From there, it took several months for the Hockey Makers association to sort through the 1,400 applications and narrow down the volunteer pool.
Accepted applicants received an official e-mail on their status, also inviting them to continue the registration process. This included updating personal information, availability during the World Cup and training days, and how to access the mandatory online safety courses.
The five Americans who had the privilege of being selected as Hockey Makers are part of a 640-volunteer group working throughout the 17-day event. They dedicate their time, resources, knowledge and energy to make sure the event went off without a hitch, gaining an understanding about event production while making new friends in the hockey community.
Two of those five who made the trip to London, are Lisa McCoy, USA Field Hockey’s Director of Futures and International Events, and Krista Page, USA Field Hockey’s Futures Development Manager. Being in charge of all international events in the United States, McCoy is volunteering in the spectator and team services area to gather more in-depth knowledge on how to engage spectators in the lead up and throughout the competition, and support the teams while onsite at an event.
"We have had an awesome opportunity to see and experience many aspects of the behind the scenes operations at the World Cup," commented L. McCoy. "This will become invaluable as we move forward with the FIH Pro League."
Page, who is primarily in charge of international series tickets and accreditation back in the States, has opted to volunteer in that role here. She has taken back knowledge from various aspects of the event management.
"Spending two weeks at the World Cup as a Hockey Maker has allowed us to gain in depth knowledge of their back of house processes," added Page. "The Hockey Makers are a fun and passionate group of volunteers. They, along with England Hockey, were very welcoming and willing to share their experience which will greatly benefit us as we begin to prepare for the FIH Pro League."
The other three individuals came all the way from the United States solely for their love of the game and the chance to volunteer at hockey’s second biggest event. Kayla Forrey, along with Emily and Eryn McCoy, were tasked in various different roles. They included helping with the onsite teams, locker room change over and team equipment.
These three were also volunteers at the 2017 Pan American Cups and met and developed friendships with Bandurak, Bent and Wardale who had attended. In turn, they wanted to give back and experience what the Hockey Makers do for the England at events such as the World Cup.
Want to get involved?
USA Field Hockey is looking for a dedicated group of volunteers to assist with the 2019 FIH Pro League. Roles and duties include team liaisons, accreditation assistance, ticket office management, helping spectators find their seats, being part of the Ball Patrol, and more.Interested individuals can email Krista Page at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more on the Hockey Makers, visit hockeymaker.co.uk.
USFHA media release
England Hockey host Hockey India World Cup delegation
A delegation from the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 visited the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup in London this week Photo: FIH
Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018 host England Hockey has welcomed a delegation from the hosts of the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 between 2 and 4 August.
Hockey India and the Odisha State Government toured Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre during their three-day visit, where they experienced a number of key matches at this prestigous women's hockey competition which concludes on Sunday 5 August.
There was constructive knowledge sharing between Hockey India, along with the Odisha State Government and the host England Hockey. This will help the former in successful organisation of the men's event to be held in November and December in Bhubaneswar, India.
The knowledge sharing partnership saw England Hockey enlighten the visiting delegation with some essential secrets to the success of their World Cup event currently taking place in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
"England Hockey have served as great hosts to the quadrennial event, and they have set high standards which have certainly inspired us."
Elena Norman, CEO Hockey India
England Hockey, as host of the competition, have introduced some new ideas which means that by the end of this event over 120,000 fans will not only have witnessed the world class action on the field, they will also have experienced an action-packed entertainment programme.
The opportunity to visit London provided Hockey India with a number of ideas they will consider implementing at the men's showpiece event which takes place between 28 November and 16 December later this year.
Speaking about their visit, Hockey India CEO Elena Norman said: "Our three-day visit to the host of the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018 has seen us discover some unique ideas which will help us in conducting the men's competition successfully in India later this year. England Hockey have served as great hosts to the quadrennial event, and they have set high standards which have certainly inspired us. I would like to thank the hosts for providing us with the opportunity to visit and gain some valuable information and innovative ideas which we can implement during the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018."
With 16 of the world’s top men’s national hockey teams busy preparing for this pinnacle competition, the city of Bhubaneswar and especially the Kalinga Hockey Stadium is undergoing final renovations as part of extensive upgrades, which will include increasing the stadium capacity to 15,000 seats. That means more fans can watch their favourite teams live at this showcase event in Bhubaneswar, with tickets on sale here.
#HWC2018
FIH site
EXIN Masters World Cup - Day 7
Click here for the Official Results for all age groups.
Finals Around The Corner At Masters World Cup
Ben Somerford
The 2018 Masters World Cup finals will occur this weekend in Terrassa, Spain, with most of our Australian teams still in contention for honours across the 11 divisions.
In the Men’s 35+, Australia are in a great position with four wins from four games ahead of the final two rounds of fixtures on Friday and Saturday.
In the Men’s 40+, Australia suffered a 3-2 quarter-final loss to France after topping their pool. Australia will play Germany in Friday’s classification finals.
In the Men’s 45+, the Australians are due to take on France in the quarter-finals on Friday, having won their pool with three wins and a draw.
In the Men’s 50+, Australia will play England in Friday’s semi-finals after beating France 3-0 in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
In the Men’s 55+, the Aussies face Germany on Friday in the quarter-finals after finishing second in their pool with two wins and two draws.
In the Women’s 35+, Australia sits second after three wins from three games ahead of a clash with England on Friday with further round robin on Friday and Saturday.
In the Women’s 40+, the Australians are due to play England in the semi-finals on Saturday after topping their pool with three victories.
In the Women’s 45+, Australia will also play England in the semi-finals on Friday, having finished second in their pool with four wins and a loss.
In the Women’s 50+, the Aussies topped their pool with three wins and won through to Saturday’s final against Ireland, after beating England 2-1 in the semis.
In the Women’s 55+, Australia went down 1-0 to England on Thursday, having previously topped their pool. The Aussies face England on Friday.
In the Women’s 60+, Australia and the Wattles have finished fourth and third respectively in the pool ahead of classification finals on Saturday.
Video streaming playing LIVE matches at PITCH 1 will be available throughout the Tournament; LIVE matches can be watched at the YouTube platform of La Liga4sports: https://www.laliga4sports.es.
For more information on the tournament: http://wcmasters2018.eu/
For more information on the match schedule: http://wcmasters2018.eu/match-schedule/
For more information on the results: http://matchcenter.wcmasters2018.eu/
Hockey Australia media release
Eight of Nine USA Squads In Action on Day 6 and 7 of EXIN Masters World Cup
TERASSA, Spain - It was a busy and action packed end of the week at the EXIN Masters World Cup. Eight of the nine USA squads took to the pitch as teams began their final push for the medal rounds and placement games.
Wednesday, August 1
O-50 Men's 2 vs. Scotland 1
O-40 Women's 0 vs. New Zealand 1
Playing under the lights, USA and New Zealand both had one objective, win. In a tense, back and forth game, both teams were able to get into the attacking circle several times over two quarters, but both teams were unable to covert. Going into the second half, the match remained scoreless. Halfway in the third quarter, New Zealand took advantage of a brief defensive breakdown by USA to put one in the goal. Still, unrelenting, the red, white and blue did not let up. Despite two breakaway chances and an open net, they were unable to find the finish they needed to tie the game. With a heartbreaking 1-0 loss, the U.S. O-40 Women's Masters Team will play for the 11/12th spot on Friday against Italy.
O-45 Women's 1 vs. Argentina 1
The U.S. O-45 Women's Masters Team match against Argentina saw the majority of game action between the 25 yard lines. Midway through the first quarter, after goalkeeper Jen Anderson (Owings Mills, Md.) was knocked over by an Argentina offender, the ball snuck past the goal line to make it 1-0 Argentina. USA was down until the fourth quarter when midfielder Anne Dillman (Lancaster, Pa.) sent a rocket in from the top of the circle on a penalty corner, tying the game at 1-1. While USA had twice as many penalty corner opportunities as Argentina throughout the game, they struggled to convert, leaving the final score at 1-1.
O-50 Women's 1 vs. Ireland 2
USA squared off again with Ireland in the quarterfinals. Ireland took the lead in the first period off a penalty corner and added a second goal minutes later to go up 2-0. USA responded on a goal by Sophie Etienne (Belmont, Mass.) in the third period and would continue to dominate the fourth, but could not come up with the equalizer. Now out of contention for a medal, USA will face the Netherlands in the 5th/8th place match.
O-55 Women's 0 vs. New Zealand 0
An extremely well-played match between USA and New Zealand in the O-55 Women's division ended in a 0-0 tie Wednesday evening at Club Egara. The first half of the game was played competitively and hard fought in both circles. Barb Marois (Dover, N.H.) and Diane Molinaro (Quakertown, Pa.) managed constant distribution of the ball to their teammates, keeping pressure on the New Zealand team. USA's fitness was on display in the second-half with their consistent attacking performance. Forwards put pressure on the New Zealand defense, allowing them to come up with the ball multiple times and several shots on goal. New Zealand had a few dangerous attacking opportunities forcing goalkeeper Donna Chung (Canton, Mass.) to make two incredible diving saves to hold New Zealand scoreless. Although the tie score kept USA from medal contention, this was the U.S. O-55 Women's Masters Team's best showing against the New Zealand team in three World Cup appearances.
Thursday, August 2
O-40 Men's 0 vs. Argentina 4
O-45 Men's 5 vs. Ghana 0
O-35 Women's 0 vs. Spain 0
On Thursday, the U.S. O-35 Women’s Masters Team played to a 0–0 tie against Spain. It was their fourth match of the tournament and was marked by physical play on both sides. USA dominated play both in shots and corners, but could not find the back of the net to secure the win. USA will seek a victory against New Zealand on Friday with eyes on a medal-round contest on Sunday.
O-45 Women's 0 vs. England 3
The U.S. O-45 Women's Masters Team fell 3-0 to top-seeded England on Thursday. USA held England scoreless in the first quarter, but fell behind 2-0 in the second, with both goals scored in open play. In the third quarter, USA fell 3-0 when England earned a penalty corner and got a hard shot off from the top. The final frame saw two offensive corner opportunities for USA but were unable to convert for goals. Overall it was a hard fought game by USA against a very experienced English team. USA will face New Zealand in the 5th/8th place game on Friday.
O-50 Women's 1 vs. The Netherlands 4
With less than a twelve-hour turnaround from Thursday night’s tough match against Ireland, the U.S. O-50 Women's Masters Team faced a strong team from The Netherlands on Friday. The opposition dominated the first half scoring four unanswered goals. USA would regroup at halftime and came back to dominate the third period but were not able to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities. The fourth quarter saw the only goal for USA scored by Silvia Days (Argentina). USA will play their final match of the tournament on Friday against Argentina in the 7th/8th place match.
O-55 Women's 0 vs. The Netherlands 6
After an intense match with New Zealand on Wednesday night, when the U.S. O-55 Women's Masters Team laid it all out on the field and missed qualifying for the medal round by one point, the team had to rally and prepare to play an impressive Netherlands team twelve hours later. The team on one hand was fortunate to play in the coolest time of a very hot day, but there was no question that the quick turnaround, with little recovery time from the intense game the night before, proved to be quite a challenge. Falling 6-0 to The Netherlands was not the intended outcome, however the team improved and continued to play every game with passion, grit and support of each other. USA will take on their North American neighbor, Canada, on Friday.
USFHA media release
Malaysia 55+ beaten by Dutch
By Jugjet Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian veterans' 55+ team finally hit a brick wall when they were beaten 6-2 by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Masters Hockey World Cup in Terrassa, Spain.
Netherlands took a 5-0 lead by the 36th minute before Raymond Tio scored off a penalty corner. But the Dutch scored their sixth, before Raymond made it 6-2.
In the other quarter-finals, England beat the United States 7-0, Germany and Australia drew 1-1 but Germany won 3-2 on shoot-out, Spain and Italy drew 1-1 but Italy won 2-0 on shoot-out.
Malaysian skipper Sarjit Singh said: "Even though we lost in the knock-out, it was still a wonderful tournament for us because we did target to at least make the quarters in this edition."
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Focused on ticket to Olympics, says India goalkeeper Sreejesh
‘CWG was a bit disappointing though we learnt a lot’
N.Sudarshan
P.R. Sreejesh
For India to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the simplest of equations is to defend its Asian Games gold in Jakarta. If not, it will have to take the circuitous route through the Hockey Series, a new two-tier competition introduced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for nations which are not part of the Hockey Pro League.
Captain P.R. Sreejesh however remains unfazed. The gold medal or near-bust situation doesn’t seem to bother him. “Why can’t we think we are the highest-ranked team in Asia [fifth in the world] and good enough to win? Why think about other routes to qualify? That is added pressure,” he said here on Friday.
“We have an easy option now. We need to get the ticket to the Olympics. We are focused on this.
Good preparations
“The preparations have been good. We are at the last stage of polishing our skills, like penalty corners, goal scoring, defensive structures and we have had enough practise matches.”
The 3-0 victory over New Zealand in the recent Test series has done the team a world of good Sreejesh felt. “Regaining the winning habit was the biggest positive. Commonwealth Games was a bit disappointing though we learnt a lot.
“At the Champions Trophy we performed well. We lost two matches but drew against a lot of good teams.
“We have all along played well, but needed to learn to win and keep the rhythm. After the Korea and New Zealand Tests, the rhythm is there and that’s important.”
Increased buzz
There is also an increased buzz around the team with the return of drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh and striker Akashdeep Singh. Along with the rejuvenated Sardar Singh, they are expected to have considerable impact.
“When you look at the Asian Games, it is a tournament with pressure off the field and not on the field,” Sreejesh noted.
“These experienced players know how to handle the pressure. These guys know how to hold the team, control things and also carry the youngsters with them.
“In this squad there is enough experience. Only a couple like Dilpreet [Singh] and Vivek [Sagar Prasad] are coming in with 20 or 25 matches.”
On a personal note, for Sreejesh this will be the biggest competition since his comeback in February following an eight-month injury lay-off. “The name [of the tournament] is bigger but to me every hockey match I play for my country is crucial,” said the 30-year-old.
“The intensity is the same. The names of the tournaments are important for the youngsters who have just come in. For us [seniors] it’s all about winning the next match.”
The Hindu
Dharmaraj dares to dream
By Jugjet Singh
MEN AT WORK.. Dharmaraj under the spotlight.
KUALA LUMPUR: National women's hockey coach K. Dharmaraj has taken up the Malaysian Hockey Confederation's (MHC) challenge for a podium finish at the Jakarta Asian Games.
In the Games where only 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.
"If I had been asked to deliver a medal in the last Asian Games, I would have said its not possible because we were not ready yet back in 2014.
"But after three years with the team, and watching them grow in confidence during the five friendlies in Australia, I can now say that we are ready to take up the challenge of a podium finish," said Dharmaraj.
In Brisbane, Dharmaraj's girls started with 1-1 and 2-2 draws before winning 3-1, 2-1 and 3-2.
"In all my years with the girls' team, they have no been consistent, meaning there was never a time that they did not have one or two bad days in a tournament or friendlies.
"But in Brisbane, where we played with the Australian League champions minus five of their national players who are competing in the London World Cup, my players grew in confidence after each match.
"Now I can say they are ready for the Games, and we will go for a podium finish.
"I will now adapt the same policy with these girls which I held when coaching the men's national juniors team.
"People never gave us a chance at the beginning but we won gold at the Sultan of Johor Cup and Junior Asia Cup and then fourth in the Junior World Cup.
The women will be travelling to Jakarta on Category B, where they must win a medal to be reimbursed.
In the last Games, Malaysia ended fifth.
For the record, the only medal ever won by Malaysian women at the Asian Games was a bronze in New Delhi 1982 when there were no playoffs as it was a round-robin tournament.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Four women hockey players to feature in Germany
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Women’s hockey appear to be making strides as forward Hanis Nadiah Onn and three others were selected for the European League.
Hanis and striker Wan Norfaiezah Saiuti will feature for German Division One club Sportverein Zehlendorfer Wespen 1911 while defender Nuraini Abdul Rashid and midfielder Fatin Shafika Shukri will play for Butterfly Roma Hockey Club in the Italian Division One League.
The four players will be attached to their respective clubs for two months from Sept 3 to Nov 3.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said it was the first time women players were invited by the German and Italian clubs to play in their respective leagues.
“All the expenses of the four players will be borne by the two clubs. We thank former international S. Selvaraju, who is based in Italy to facilitate this,” said Subahan.
“These players need as much exposure as they can get to further improve their game. They will surely benefit as they will learn the European style of play.”
The 22-year-old Hanis is hoping her short stint in the German League will be good preparation ahead of the Asian Games in Jakarta starting on Aug 18.
“I’m excited to play in a foreign league for the first time ... it’s one of the top hockey leagues in the world.
“The stint will help make Norfaiezah and I sharper in scoring goals. We’ll learn as much as possible to give our best in the Asiad,” said Hanis, who was named the most promising Asian junior player in 2017.
Before Hanis, Norfaiezah, Nuraini and Fatin, two Malaysian women hockey players – Fazilla Slyvester Silin and Siti Amarina Ruhani – featured abroad when they represented Castelldefels Club in the Spanish League in 2013.
The Star of Malaysia
It's not a holiday, warns Selvaraju
By Naqib Nor Said
MAN ON A MISSION .. Selvaraju (third from left) being recognised for his role in getting clubs to hire Malaysian women.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national player S. Selvaraju warned the four women's hockey players heading to play in Germany and Italy not to take it as a holiday, but pave the way for others to follow suit.
Selvaraju was the middleman who secured playing contracts for
Nuraini Rashid and Fatin Syafika Sukri with Butterfly Roma in Italy while Hanis Nadiah Onn and Wan Norfaiezah Saiuti will play with German club Wespen Zehlendorfer.
For the first time, Malaysian women will not be going overseas on National Sports Council paid-attachments, but fully paid by clubs for their services.
Selvaraju, who has played with 13 overseas clubs to date, said: "Malaysia has many talented players in the men's and women's teams but they find it difficult to play overseas because of language, food and different playing styles becoming main barriers.
"But these clubs were are to give our women a chance, and take my word, because I have successfully done the same with our men before.
Three more coach K. Dharmaraj's players -- Raja Norsharina Shabuddin, Surizan Awang Noh and Nuraslinda Said -- are on the waiting list because the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is still in discussion with Uddingston HC in Glasgow, Scotland.
Meanwhile, Wespen Zehlendorfer's team manager said: "We are newcomers in Division One and so, I believe it was a smart move by us to have two of Malaysia's top players with us for two months.
"It will also have a good impact on our relationship with the Malaysian HC as earlier we have fielded men's national palayers in our club (Baljit Singh Charun, Harvinder Singh, S. Selvaraju and Shazrul Imran Nazli).
Butterfly Roma are also newcomers in Italy's Division One and will be coached by Argentine Sergio Herrera this season.
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
South African 2018 Senior Men's IPT A Section - Day 6
Pietermaritzburg
Crossover results 3 August
SGN v FS (Play-Off 9-12) 3 - 4
NW v KZNM (Play-Off 9-12) 2 - 0
SAU21 v EP (Play-Off 5-8) 4 - 1
WP v WPP (Play-Off 5-8) 4 - 3
KZNC v SGW (Semi Final) 3 - 1
SG v NG (Semi Final) 4 - 0
SAHA Match Centre
South African 2018 Senior Men's IPT B Section - Day 6
Pietermaritzburg
Results 3 August
NCA v NCB (Pool A) 2 - 18
MPU v KZNI (Pool A) 1 - 8
SACD v NGB (Pool A) 1 - 2
Final Pool standings
Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Northern Cape B (RSA) | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 37 | 17 | 20 | 12 |
2 | SACD (RSA) | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 25 | 9 | 16 | 12 |
3 | Northerns Daisies (RSA) | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 8 | 15 | 12 |
4 | KZN Inland (RSA) | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 20 | 16 | 4 | 6 |
5 | Mpumalanga (RSA) | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 21 | -13 | 3 |
6 | Northern Cape A (RSA) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 48 | -42 | 0 |
KZN Raiders and Southern Gauteng will contest the final
After 6 days and 36 matches we are left with the final two contesting the Gold medal match. The defending champions the KZN Raiders will take on Southern Gauteng to decide who reigns supreme in SA Men’s Hockey.
The Raiders won their way to the final with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Southern Gauteng Witsies. Witsies would have looked to maintain a tight back wall to start the game, but it took Raiders just 7 minutes before International Taine Paton finished spun and fired the tomahawk into the bottom corner. A period of domination then followed with Raiders unable to create too many goal scoring chances although they were bossing the possession.
As the minutes ticked by the Raiders continued in their possession bossing and were left disappointed when umpire Peter Wright ruled off a goal for the strike being outside the D. It took a view reviews on the Video Analysis computer after the game to decide that it was the right call, much to the relief of Wright. Raiders did gain their second early in the second quarter when Andrew Manson finished superbly after great work by Bili Ntuli.
The crowd may have expected a massive fight back from Wits, who definitely were better in the second half, but their fans had to wait till the last minute of the game for Kyle-Lion Cachet to fire into the bottom corner and spring a spark of hope that was quickly doused by Damian Kimfley firing in past Brett Walraven who was playing kicking back after the withdrawal of Gary Cooper.
In the second semi-final the game was ultimately decided on a massive swing at a pivotal moment. Southern Gauteng's Matt Brown had already given the favourites the lead, but Northerns Blues were presented with an opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a stroke. Rassie Pieterse however came up tops as he stuck out his long legs to get a toe to the ball. Southerns broke up the field in the next play and scored through experienced Tommy Hammond to not just take the wind out of the Northerns sails but drag a knife right through the centre of them.
Although Northerns never stopped running at their Gauteng neighbours, including a superb break led by Tevin Kok, they could not take advantage of their chances. Southerns on the other hand were superb as Courtney Halle, one of the first picks in the 2018 PHL Draft, made it 3-0 and Julian Hykes, who is in some great form, made it 4-0 after one of those trademark runs from skipper Miguel da Graca.
It’s all set for a classic final between the two best teams in the county. It hits off at 17:00 tonight.
In the days other games, a Rhett Halket Penalty stroke gave Tuffy Western Province a 4-3 win over Pens, Eastern Province were given an 8-minute burst split over half-time losing 4-1 to the SA Invitational U21 side, Gertjie Lamprecht earned North West a 2-0 win against the Mynahs and the Nuggets went down 4-3 in a hectic match with Free State.
In the B Section, the drama came down to the wire as three teams finished tied on 12 points. Northern Cape B (The older generation of players) beat the younger ones 18-2 to secure a spot in the final. They will be joined by SACD who lost 2-1 to Northern Daisies but qualified by a 1 goal better differential in goal difference!
Day 6 Results – A Section
1-4 Semi Finals
Southern Gauteng 4-0 Northern Blues
KZN Raider 3-1 SG Witsies
5-8 Playoffs
Tuffy Western Province 4-3 WP Peninsula
SA Invitational U21 4-1 Eastern Province
9-12 Playoffs
Free State 4-3 SG Nuggets
North West 2-0 KZN Mynahs
Day 6 Results – B Section
Northern Cape A 2-18 Northern Cape B
Mpumalanga 1-8 KZN Inland
SACD 1-2 Northerns Daisies
SA Hockey Association media release
CTM PHL 2018 ready to go after the Draft completed
Men's PHL Coaches for 2018. From Left Ashlin Freddy (Gazelles), Cheslyn Gie (Elephants), Mark Sanders (Cavemen), Lungile Tsolekile (Mambas) & Sihle Ntuli (Dragons). They are joined by Brandon Swart (SA Hockey High Performance)
The highly anticipated third season of the CTM PHL took a step up in preparation tonight as the teams were finalised after the draft. The draft, which is based on the American sports draft system as seen in the likes of the NBA and NFL, sees the selected coaching teams battle for players to fill their squads. The draft is seen as a great curtain raiser to the tournament and such is its innovative nature that it has been shortlisted for the Sports Industry Awards 2018 for “Cutting Edge Sport Award”.
Each squad consists of 20 players, made up of 7 marquee players as determined by SA Hockey’s High-Performance team, a maximum of 8 players retained from the prior year squads and a new 6 players selected in today’s draft.
In the Women’s tournament a change for 2018 is that the Namaqualand Daisies are no longer the SA Under 21 side as the decision was made to integrate the younger players into the main tournament. In the Men’s tournament the Golden Gate Gladiators remained a South African Under 21 side, which would remain largely the same from the Men’s IPT.
As each round in the draft ticked by, the coaches were like the bargain hunters at an auction, changing plans, shifting ideas and hoping to pick up their first-choice targets. It was remarkable, for example, that the name of Tim-Guise Brown was scratched off by 3 other coaches from their wanted list when Cheslyn Gie picked the Northern Blues star. This was not the only time it played out like this as the coaches battled for the best South African talent in a quest to dethrone the Orange River Rafters and the Maropeng Cavemen.
“I am so excited to be moving into the head coach position with the Blyde River Bunters. It’s been an incredible journey with the team as an assistant and I can wait for this year’s CTM PHL,” shared Marcelle Keet, head coach of the Blyde River Bunters: “I am incredibly pleased with the draft process and the players I managed to get in, I got the targets I wanted! Thank you to CTM for getting on board, having a headline sponsor is going to just help this great tournament continue to grow!”
South African’s Men’s coach Mark Hopkins knows the process well having featured as a coach in 2017 and shared his thoughts after the draft: “I am very excited that we have a fantastic sponsor behind the PHL and it will continue to help develop hockey in South Africa. We have some exciting coaches that will raise the level of the tournament and it also gives players an opportunity of playing at a high level in front of a large tv audience. The CTM PHL is an exciting event that will help build high performance hockey in South Africa.”
Marissa Langeni, the CEO of SA Hockey, excitedly shared: “The CTM PHL is always an exciting event on the hockey calendar. I think the coaches have done some good hard work in planning their squads for 2018 and I think they will be happy with what they have done. We are delighted to partner with CTM as our headline sponsor of PHL for 2018. The CTM PHL has a fantastic legacy already of making sure we make top level hockey accessible to all players, and we look forward to growing this legacy going in 2018!”
Six men’s and six women’s team will contest the third edition of the CTM PHL which gets under way on August 11, at the Randburg Astro in Johannesburg, with the finals taking place on the 26 August.
Final Teams for CTM PHL 2018 – Women
Italtile Orange River Rafters (2017 – Champions)
Cheree Greyvenstein, Sulette Damons, Casey-Jean Botha, Zimasa Dunywa, Simone Gouws, Charne Maddocks, Nicole Walraven, Charne Hartel, Donna Small, Lerato Mahlangu, Kelsey Minnaar, Luche Klaassen, Zimkhitha Weston, Amy Etherington, Francisca Darkoh, Mia Barnard, Candice Silent, Zeena Martin, Anneke Beukman, Badrunnisaa Halliday Coach: Shaun Hulley. Assistant Coach: Taryn de Winnaar. Manager: Kgothatso Maboea
Tivoli Taps Blyde River Bunters (2016 – Champions)
Phumelela Mbande, Nicolene Terblanche, Izelle Verster, Kirsty Adams, Courtney du Preez, Mmamoagi Kungoane, Jessica De Bruyn Smith, Marissa Poolman, Meeghan Klomp, Elmien Marais, Julia Flemming, Anél Luus, Nicole Kemp, Thati Segaole, Carmen Smith, Lelethu Ndakisa, Kim Mentor, Sarah Bingham, Miecke Flemming, Minke van Heerden Coach: Marcelle Keet. Assistant Coach: David Joshua. Manager: Gloria Baartman
Old Mutual IWyze Namaqualand Daisies
Sisipho Magwaza, Chardinay Penniston, Dunell Van Taak, Marizen Maria, Natalie Esteves, Toni Marks, Lauren Nina, Refilwe Ralikontsane, Jacinta Jubb, Amy Greaves, Aimee-Leigh Pote, Gretchin Davids, Deneho Didi Mgwenya, Brady Wiseman, Carli Pretorius, Christine Seggie, Nicole Koening, Lize Steyn, Tayla Johnson, Cindy Bothma Coach: Andi Bernstein. Assistant Coach: Nelson Nkomane Nel. Manager: Marcel Lamont
Top T Madikwe Rangers
Lisa Deetlefs, Nomnikelo Veto, Mmatshepo Modipane, Monique Bartch, Kristen Paton, Sylvia van Jaarsveldt, Ashleigh Datnow, Isabella Da Rocha, Londeka Dlamini, Courtney Abrahams, Shindré-Lee Simmons, Claire Gibbings, Lezaan Janse van Vuuren, Amoré De Wet, Cheneal Raubenheimer, Malikah Potgieter, Nicole Bartch, Elan-Margo van Vught, Hildah Dikhudu, Andrea Leader. Coach: Bevan Bennet. Assistant Coach: Tarrin Ramsden. Manager: Jo-Anne Deysel
Ceramic Industries Wineland Wings
Zimisele Shange, Stephanie Botha, Jamie Southgate, Jessica O'Connor, Tarryn Glasby, Sandisiwe Tabata, Candice Manuel, Robyn Johnson, Miche Bennet, Thando Chithi, Hope Nkosi, Sasha Sivertsen, Nompilo Thenjwayo, Michelle Dias, Lida Kotze, Sonika van Heerden, Edith Molikoe, Ashleigh Thomas, Michelle Dykman, Jessica Lardant. Coach: Lenise Marais. Assistant Coach: Cindy Brown. Manager: Lynn Abrahams
Private Property St. Lucia Lakers
Kara-Lee Botes, Moya Smith, Shelley Jones, Erin Hunter, Leratho Mahole, Stephanie Baxter, Teegan Fourie, Jenna Shuker, Tiffany Jones, Bianca Wood, Polly Mashau, Megan Anderson, Heraldine Olin, Paige Phillips, Karen Bowyer, Ayanga Baleni, Lisa Hawker, Alexandra Kavanagh, Demi Harmse, Chané Hill. Coach: Inky Zondi. Assistant Coach: Kim Hubach. Manager: Taryn McCreedy
Final Teams for CTM PHL 2018 – Men
Garden Route Gazelles
Siya Nolutshungu, Tyson Dlungwana, Clinton Panther, Taylor Dart, Michael Abrahams, Taine Paton, Keenan Horne, Reece Arendse, Gerald Mpopo, Dylan Coombes, Le-Neal Jackson, Jayson Reed, Berne Burger, Brandon James, Connor Beauchamp, Gertjie Lamprecht, Pierre De Voux, Pierre Bothma, Luke Schooling, Tom Richardson. Coach: Ashlin Freddy. Assistant Coach: Colin Fielding. Manager: Emmanuel Segale
Kilamanjaro Addo Elephants
Matthew Martins, Robin Jones, Tevin Pieterson, Dan Bell, Miguel da Graca, Julian Hykes, Ignatus Malgraaf, Sinoxolo Mbekeni, Onke Letuka, Jody Erasmus, Damian Kimfley, Andrew Manson, Joshua August, Zamokuhle Ngubo, Bjorn Sorensen, Tim Guise-Brown, Cody Postumus, Andrew Buckley, Cerezo Comerasamy, Roberto Bosman Coach: Cheslyn Gie. Assistant Coach: Anthony Woodhouse. Manager: Mark Jenneker
Elf Laminates Mapungubwe Mambas
Rob McKinley, Matt Brown, Alex Stewart, Jonty Robinson, Dalpiro Langford, Owen Mvimbi, Tevin Kok, Michael Marki, Callum Buchanan, Winchester Scott, Ross Gonzalves, Dillon Langeveld, Kyle Esau, Kewan Harries, Courtney Halle, Luthando Jonas, David Zwemke, Michael Baiden, Xola Maqula, Caleb Syce. Coach: Lungile Tsolekile. Assistant Coach: Geowynne Gamiet. Manager: Brighty Mashaba
Pro Grip Drakensberg Dragons
Gowan Jones, Jethro Eustice, Mo Mea, Matt de Sousa, Melrick Maddocks, Richard Pautz, Nqobile Ntuli, Chad Cairncross, Nick Gonzalves, Dylan Swanepoel, Cody Van Wyk, Mbuso Mgobozi, Amkelwe Letuka, Lance De Kock, Cameron Ryan, Francois Pretorius, Grant Robertson, Blake Tyack, Peter Jarvis, Keegan Hezlett. Coach: Sihle Ntuli. Assistant Coach: Luke Makaleni. Manager: Nkosinathi Nathi Ngubani
Origins Maropeng Cavemen (2016 & 2017 Champions)
Rassie Pieterse, Lance Louw, Tommy Hammond, Nduduzo Lembethe, Ryan Crowe, Rusten Abrahams, Reza Rosenburg, Brynn Cleak, Ricky West, Cameron MacKay, Thabang Modise, Chad Futcher, Kyle Lion-Cachet, Kingsley Botes, Travis Hardnick, Rayner York, Lethuxolo Thomo, Stephen Cant, Craig Wiid, Steven Paulo. Coach: Mark Sanders. Assistant Coach: Sandile Bosman. Manager: Lehlohonolo Maluke
Old Mutual iWyze Golden Gate Gladiators
William Eveleigh, Jared Cass, Andrew Hobson, Samkelo Mvimbi, Che February, Andile Ndlovu, Duncan Fischer, Gabela Lungani, Chris Makaba, Mark Chong, Matthew Roman, Michael Hora, Clayton Saker, Max Pike, Brad Sherwood, Matthew Davies, Michael Forrest. Coach: Garreth Ewing. Assistant Coach: Devon van der Merwe. Manager: Nhlanhla Mlambu
SA Hockey Association media release
Double hockey win for Wanderers hockey
Pieter Dempsey
The Wanderers women's first team hockey.
SANDTON – The women’s and men’s first hockey teams of Wanderers Club were recently crowned champions in the South African Belgotex Elite Club Challenge.
The Wanderers first men’s and women’s hockey teams were crowned champions of the Belgotex Elite Club Challenge hosted at the Riverside Sports Club in Durban.
Clubs from Gauteng, Western Province and KwaZulu-Natal participated.
The women’s section was made up of four teams while there were six men’s teams.
The Wanderers women came up against an unbeaten Western Province Cricket Club in the final. The Cape side hadn’t lost in the tournament and in their local premier league this year, so it was a major upset when the Gauteng team won 1–0.
Their goal came from a short corner deflection by Jenna Bowes which saw them lift the trophy for the first time.
The Wanderers women’s first hockey team with their trophy and R16 000 prize money.
The Wanderers men faced the defending champions, Riverside Hockey Club in the final. Matt Brown got the Gauteng team on the scoresheet through a well-executed short corner. With about five minutes to go James du Plessis scored to put Wanderers ahead 2–0. Riverside then opted for a kicking-back, and Wanderers took advantage and scored another goal via the stick of Brown to seal the win 3–0.
The men’s team won R24 000 while the women were presented with a cheque of R16 000.
The Wanderers men’s first hockey team celebrate their win in the final of the Belgotex Elite Club Challenge.
The Wanderers women’s and men’s hockey teams with their trophies and prize money they won in the Belgotex Elite Club Challenge.
Sandton Chronicle
USIU stalk Telkom in hockey league
By AYUMBA AYODI
Injury-hit champions Telkom have a battle at hand against United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) as the second leg of women’s Kenya Hockey Union Premier League gets underway on Saturday at City Park.
Telkom coach Jos Openda is likely to miss six key players owing to injuries including skipper Tracy Karanja, who sustained a knock while in training on Thursday.
Others on Telkom injury list are defender Flavian Mutiva, midfielder Barbra Simiyu and forwards Anne Juma and Lilian Aura.
“While the rest are definitely out, want to monitor Karanja and Aura carefully before deciding whether to field them or not,” said Openda, who is out for an improved show against USIU-A. Telkom beat 3-0 USIU-A in the first leg.
The varsity student’s coach Willis “Awilo” Okeyo expects a full house ahead of the encounter with the return of Grace Akumu, who was suspended in their 5-1 rout of Sliders in their last league match, boosting their charge.
“It won’t be easy since we know USIU-A are planning for a different approach after they finished second last season and lost to us in the first leg,” said Openda. “We have key injuries but there is no apprehension since we got great depth.”
Telkom have won all their six matches this season where they have only conceded two goals when they rallied from behind 2-0 to beat Sliders 7-2. They top the seven-team standings with 18 points.
USIU THIRD
USIU-A are currently placed third with 10 points from three wins, a draw and two losses. They succumbed to an identical 3-1 loss to Telkom and Strathmore respectively.
“We are well prepared and Telkom are beatable…they scored in the last quarter to beat us in the first leg,” said Okeyo adding that they know what to do after they watched Telkom beat Strathmore 1-0 in their last match. “It shows that the gap is narrowing.”
Okeyo said that they key to bringing Telkom’s record unbeaten run is to stay disciplined and convert every opportunity that comes across.
“We respect them but we shall give them a run for their money as we seek to uphold the momentum from Sliders victory,” said Okeyo.
Meanwhile, two matches are on card in men’s Premier League with the clash between former champions Nairobi Simba Union and Strathmore University on Sunday highlighting the weekend.
Strathmore will be hoping for a repeat performance after they rallied from behind to beat Simba 5-4 in the first leg.
Strathmore are placed fifth with 16 points from 10 matches of five wins, four losses and a draw while Simba are seventh with 12 points from 11 outings of four wins, a draw and six losses.
FIXTURES
Saturday
Women’s Premier League: Telkom v USIU (2pm)-City Park
Men’s National League: Gorilla v UON (12pm)-City Park
Men’s Super League: Kabarak University v TUK (3pm) Nakuru; Impala v Kisumu Youngstars (4pm) - City Park; Chase Sailors v Mvita XI (6pm)-City Park.
Sunday (All matches at City Park)
Men’s Premier League: Sikh Union v Strathmore (3pm)-City Park; Wazalendo v USIU (5pm)
Men’s Super League: Kisumu Youngstars v Mvita XI (9am); Wazalendo Masters v Kimathi University (11am)-City Park; Chase Sailors v Kabarak University (1pm)-City Park
Daily Nation
Unsung Hero Award: Denise Shannon visits hockey coach Wendy Russell
2017 Get Inspired Unsung Hero award winner Denise Shannon (right) with regional Unsung Hero winner Wendy Russell were both BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero award winners in 2017
In her third blog, 2017 BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero Award winner Denise Shannon visits hockey coach Wendy Russell:
Well, we are having a wonderful summer this year - ideal for getting out and about and keeping ourselves active!
I have been doing lots of that as usual, but I guess you don't get the most out of life sitting on your bums do you?
I went to Brighton to catch up with another of last year's regional Unsung Hero winners, Wendy Russell.
She is a coach for deaf hockey and amazingly created a whole sign language for players that is being used for hockey up and down the country now.
Wendy's highlight at the 2017 Sports Personality of the Year awards evening was meeting Sam Quek, who she had spoken to before (when she was a winner at the England Hockey Awards a couple of years ago), and all the other regional winners who, like her, were very keen on getting people generally more active.
I wanted to know if anything had changed for her since winning the award for the South East.
"Not much has changed for me with regards to coaching," she said. "I still love to do it and watch people develop.
"I am now a UK Coaching ambassador, though, and will be helping to promote, develop and support coaching across the country.
"I am very passionate about people of all ages getting involved in coaching and all the physical, mental and social benefits it can bring."
Wendy is an amazing woman who passionately wants to make a difference, which she is doing in spectacular style.
"I am also looking at how new coaches get support on how to integrate those with disabilities and get more disability awareness training into the leadership course, and the Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications," she added.
"I want to support new coaches in feeling able to integrate those with a disability into their sessions, but also make sure that those with a disability will be comfortable knowing all coaches know their needs will be understood and they can take part."
Having spoken to lots of last year's finalists, it's clear to me that winning on the night of Sports Personality of the Year is not what it's about.
It's meeting everyone who thinks like you, is active in their community like you, and wants to make a difference to others and share the passions they have with others too.
In other news...
Married life is going well. Chris helps me with so many things I really consider myself and him a team, not separate people.
If I'm planning a walk route, he'll do it with me first. He also takes runners to races and holds everyone's coats and bags at the finish line.
If I'm not sure where I'm going (I'm quite directionally challenged), he'll make me a map. He'll make sure I get to where I need to be to do what I do.
When I say I couldn't manage what I do on my own, I am being really serious!
England Athletics have asked me to join their judging panel for their Volunteer Awards this year, which I am very excited about.
Former Great Britain 400m runner Donna Fraser, who I met at the Team Spirit conference in Birmingham earlier this year, will also be there.
Now in their 11th year, they recognise the volunteers in the athletics and running communities with categories including coach of the year, volunteer of the year, project of the year, RunTogether group and leader of the year.
I'll find out more down in London on 22 August.
Speaking of awards...
It's coming up to the time when the BBC will be asking for your nominations again for this year's BBC Get Inspired Unsung Heroes, so get your thinking caps on and try to decide who you are going to nominate.
It really is a night to remember so why not give someone that chance?
BBC Sport