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All the news for Wednesday 5 September 2018

Hockey Series Open - Lousada 2018 (Men) - Day 1
Lousada (POR)

Results 4 September

RUS v GIB (RR)     5 - 0
SCO v TUR (RR)     7 - 2
BLR v POR (RR)     2 - 1

Pool Standings

FIH Match Centre

Scotland men strike White Gold in Lousada



There were hat-tricks for both Cammy Golden and debutant Kyle White in Scotland’s 7-2 victory over Turkey in Hockey Open Series in Lousada.

Scotland got off to a fantastic start when Gavin Byers intercepted a pass in midfield, drove forward, and picked out Cammy Golden in the D to score in Scotland’s first attack of the match. 1-0.

Moments later and it was Golden at the double; the striker scoring from close range to make it 2-0 for Scotland in a lightning start in Lousada.

Scotland continued to pound the Turkish D and some excellent goalkeeping denied Byers, Rob Hardwood and Joe McConnell.

Early in the second quarter Kyle White scored his first goal for Scotland from a penalty corner. Initially there was a miss-trap in the build-up but the ball fell kindly for White and he flicked low into the net for 3-0.

Scotland looked to add a fourth just before half time but Harwood deflected the ball just wide in a goalmouth scramble as the hooter approached.

Early in the second half brought a double for Kyle White on his debut as Scotland went 4-0 up against Turkey. A slick turn and low smash against the backboard from the right of the D gave White his second of the match.

Then came a Golden hat-trick when Cammy Golden made it 5-0 for Scotland with a solo run across the goalkeeper before slipping the ball low into the corner.

As the quarter progressed Callum Duke came close when he went sliding in at a penalty corner but his deflection went just wide of the left post.

Captain Duke wouldn’t be denied for long and he added his name to the score sheet with a far post finish to make it 6-0.

Turkey pulled one back at the end of the third quarter with a nice drag flick by Mehmet Demeril to make it 6-1.

Then came a debut hat-trick for Kyle White with a penalty corner finish low against the backboard for 7-1.

Turkey capitalised on a slack pass to force home their second of the match through Omer Karakus with seven minutes to play, but the Blue Sticks were untouchable and ran out comfortable winners in an excellent opening match of the tournament in Lousada.

Schedule (GMT +2)

September 4 2018 | 14:30 | Scotland 7-2 Turkey
September 5 2018 | 16:30 | Scotland v Portugal
September 6 2018 | 14:30 | Gibraltar v Scotland
September 8 2018 | 14:30 | Scotland v Russia
September 9 2018 | 12:30 | Belarus v Scotland

Scottish Hockey Union media release

FIH reveals line-up for Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy Changzhou 2018


The teams for this year's Women's Hockey Champions Trophy have been announced

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has revealed that Argentina, Australia, China, Great Britain, Japan and Netherlands will participate in the Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy Changzhou 2018 between 17-25 November.

In line with the event qualification criteria, the hosts - China, reigning World Cup and World League Champions Netherlands, 2016 Olympic champions Great Britain and the previous Hockey Champions Trophy winners Argentina, all qualified automatically. Tokyo 2020 hosts and recently crowned Asian champions Japan and reigning Oceania champions Australia, were invited by the FIH Executive Board.

2018 World Cup champions Netherlands, who also won last year’s Hockey World League, will be the team to beat. Having been ranked number one in the FIH Hero World Rankings since October 2011, they will be looking to continue their winning form this year by adding this prestigious title to their trophy cabinet.

As the world’s number two ranked team, Great Britain* will be looking to replicate their Rio 2016 success by claiming yet another victory on the international stage. Like with many teams they have been rebuilding since the last Olympics but will be using this event as a marker to see how far they have come as they prepare to defend their title in Tokyo in 2020.

Australia will enter the Champions Trophy with fresh memories of missing out on the medals at the World Cup in London as they finished fourth. But the 2017 Oceania champions who won silver at this year’s Commonwealth Games are on the up and with momentum on their side, the world’s third highest ranked team will no doubt be one of the challengers for the Trophy in China.

Argentina will also be eager to dispel any disappointment from their performance in London as the Pan American champions look to defend the title they won against the Dutch back in 2016. Ranked number four in the world, they have the talent, skill and goals within their squad to challenge for this year’s gold medals.

Japan’s ‘Cherry Blossoms’ will be riding high following their Asian Games triumph last weekend. They became continental champions for the first time in their history as they defeated India in the final. Japan will be looking to use this year’s Champions Trophy as another key stage in their development as they prepare to hold the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Hosts China are busy preparing for the inaugural season in the FIH Pro League where they will be joined by fellow Champions Trophy opponents Argentina, Australia, Great Britain and Netherlands. Whilst they face some formidable opponents in this competition, the new look team, led by former Germany Head Coach Jamilon Mülders, will be looking to reward their passionate fans by winning the title at the home of Chinese hockey.

#HCT2018

*Great Britain assume England's FIH Hero World Ranking during an Olympic cycle.

FIH site

Hockeyroos To Compete At 2018 Champions Trophy

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos will compete at the 2018 FIH Champions Trophy in November after accepting an invitation following the side’s rise up to third on the FIH Hero World Rankings earlier this month.

Australia’s run to the 2018 Women’s World Cup semi-finals and eventual fourth-place finish in London saw the Hockeyroos rise up the FIH Hero World Rankings from fifth spot to third spot.

The 2018 Champions Trophy, which will be played in Changzhou, China, from 17-25 November, features the top-ranked teams in the world competing in a round robin format.

This year’s edition represents the last-ever Champions Trophy ahead of the introduction of the new FIH Pro League in 2019, which is a nine-nation home-and-away round robin competition.

Australia will compete against 2018 World Cup winners the Netherlands (ranked first), 2016 Olympic gold medallists (as Great Britain) England (second), reigning Champions Trophy winners Argentina (fourth), hosts China (11th) and 2020 Olympic hosts Japan (14th) at November’s event.

Hockey Australia High Performance Director Toni Cumpston said the Hockeyroos’ invitation was a significant coup for the side as they plan towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“It’s an exciting opportunity and we’re delighted to receive the invitation for the final Champions Trophy,” Cumpston said.

“The invitation is recognition for our emerging side’s performance at the 2018 Women’s World Cup.

“We’re looking forward to playing against the elite national teams in the world as we commence our journey towards Tokyo.”

The Hockeyroos have a proud history in the Champions Trophy, as six-time winners and five-time runners-up.

The last time the Hockeyroos won the Champions Trophy was in 2003. Australia finished fourth at the 2016 Champions Trophy and were runners-up in 2014.

All Hockeyroos matches at the 2018 Champions Trophy will be broadcast live in Australia by FOX SPORTS.

The Champions Trophy will be preceded by a series in Changzhou, China, where the Under-23 Australian Development women’s team will compete with the hosts, Chinese national champions Jiangsu, Great Britain and Germany.

Follow @Hockeyroos on Twitter and @HockeyroosOfficial on Instagram for regular updates.

About the Hockey Champions Trophy

This is the hockey world’s entertainment showpiece. A prestigious six-team event that demonstrates the true glamour of hockey, the Champions Trophy features only exceptional international teams..

Qualification: From 2012 onwards, the Hockey Champions Trophy has been played every two years. The teams qualified for the Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 will be as follows:

1. The Host – China
2. The 2016 Olympic champions – Great Britain
3. The 2018 Hockey World Cup champions – Netherlands
4. The 2017 Hockey World League champions – Netherlands
5. The winners of the Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 - Argentina
6. One place to be nominated by the FIH Executive Board.

Note: If teams qualify under more than once under criteria 1 – 5, the additional teams will be invited by the FIH Executive Board. In this case the teams invited were Australia and Japan.

Hockey Australia media release

Ellie Watton announces international retirement



Ellie Watton has announced her retirement from international hockey after representing Great Britain and England for nearly six years.

Watton made her debut against South Africa on the 4 February back in 2013 and went on to earn 77 international caps, scoring 13 goals.

Ellie made her final appearance when she earnt her 50th cap for England at the recent Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup on home soil in front of a crowd of over 10,000 people.

She won two Commonwealth Games medals and one at the European Championships, scoring at all these tournaments.

On announcing her retirement, Ellie said: “The past 5 and a half years have been hugely memorable and a privileged period in my life. I feel extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play for my country and alongside some fantastic teammates, many of which will be friends for life.

“I have created some incredible memories and been lucky enough to come away with a few very special medals.

“My career has been by no means plain sailing and has had both highs and lows, so I have made the decision to retire from international hockey to continue to pursue another passion of mine.

“I will be returning to the teaching profession and I am very excited to be staring a new job at Rugby School as a teacher of PE and games.”

England and Great Britain captain Alex Danson paid tribute Watton, she said: “Ellie has epitomised for me the true art of being an elite athlete. Her immense talent on the field and eye for goal has been equalled always by Ellie’s dedication and work ethic.

"If I was a young athlete she would be the player I looked up to. She’s fought her way into every side and has been both an incredible team mate and friend to us all.

"With World Cups, Commonwealth Games, Europeans and an Olympics for her memory bank, she has achieved an incredible amount. But I hope more than anything Ellie will look back and know that she was the very best version of herself, always, and inspired us to be the same.

"We wish her all the very best in her teaching role at Rugby school, how lucky those students are.”

Performance Director at England and Great Britain Hockey, Ed Barney commented: “Ellie has brought a phenomenal amount to England and Great Britain. It is too easy to reference the manner in which a retiring player is truly respected, admired and valued by their team mates, but Ellie genuinely is.

“Her work ethic, ability to overcome adversity and operate as the consummate professional has never been underestimated by her teammates and staff at England and Great Britain Hockey. We all wish her the very best in her new venture and have no doubt that she will be fulfilled and an exceptional asset to Rugby School.” 

England Hockey Board Media release

England’s Ellie Watton retires from international hockey

By The Hockey Paper



England and Great Britain’s Ellie Watton was praised for her work ethic and overcoming adversity after announcing her international retirement on Tuesday.

Watton, who made her debut in 2013, recorded 77 caps, scoring 13 goals as she fought back from being picked as a reserve at Rio 2016 to end her career at last month’s World Cup. She will now take up a PE teaching position at Rugby School.

Watton, 28, said: “The past five and a half years have been hugely memorable and a privileged period in my life. I feel extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play for my country and alongside some fantastic teammates, many of which will be friends for life.

She hailed her two Commonwealth Games and EuroHockey medals as “special” after scoring in all three tournaments.

She added: “My career has been by no means plain sailing and has had both highs and lows, so I have made the decision to retire from international hockey to continue to pursue another passion of mine.”

Captain Alex Danson paid tribute Watton, by admitting: “Ellie has epitomised for me the true art of being an elite athlete. Her immense talent on the field and eye for goal has been equalled always by Ellie’s dedication and work ethic.

“If I was a young athlete she would be the player I looked up to. She’s fought her way into every side and has been both an incredible team mate and friend to us all.

Performance Director at England and Great Britain Hockey, Ed Barney: “Her work ethic, ability to overcome adversity and operate as the consummate professional has never been underestimated by her teammates and staff at England and Great Britain Hockey.

The Hockey Paper

Olympians, former players defend PHF

By Nabil Tahir


Veterans says onus of bad performance in Games on players, rather than federation. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Hockey Olympians and former captains have united to support the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) after the Asian Games debacle and have instead blamed the players for their poor show where they came back from Jakarta without a medal.

Pakistan hockey team finished fourth in the 2018 Asian Games and is being criticised for their poor approach in the last two games — the semi-final against Japan and the bronze medal match against arch-rivals India.

After much criticism on the current PHF management, the former Olympians including big names such as Qamar Ibrahim, Nasir Ali, Kamran Ashraf, Ayaz Mehmood, Saleem Shirwani, Sameer Hussain and Nasir Ahmed along with others came out to support the federation.

“The federation has played their part well, they have provided the funds to the team beforehand from their own pockets, have established camps on national and international venues, provided them with the best coach and also the best required diet,” told Ibrahim to The Express Tribune.

“It is the team and the players who should be criticised as they were not able to deliver. They won all pool matches, but lost to Japan which had no justification. They had everything but the energy and the spark that was needed in the match against Japan was missing and the same happened against India,” he added.

On the other hand, the same Olympians also had an opinion that the team’s goal margin has improved than before. “The goal margin against top teams has improved but they were not able to finish the game in their favour,” said Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, former captain Nasir Ali also praised the team saying that they tried their best and were doing well until the semi-finals. “The team looked like they had lost the passion to win the game. They were just carrying the ball forward but were not trying to score. The forward line was not seen attacking; they were hiding,” he said.

He added that the federation’s job is to provide facilities to players and they did that. Now it was players’ responsibility to go and win the medal for the country which they failed to do. “The federation and the coach cannot go out in field and hold their hands to push the ball into the net; the players have to do that themselves.”

Former assistant coach Hussain, who was part of the team in the 2014 Asian Games where the team won silver medal, said that this team had everything they wanted and still weren’t able to deliver. “In 2014, when the team wasn’t given the dailies and other dues and were asked to perform well at the Games to get the dues cleared, they won silver medal and still didn’t get the prize,” he said.

“This team had everything they needed and still lost to a team like Japan and also to India. In both matches if they had put their best, they would have won,” he added.

The Express Tribune

Under 21 IPT day 2 sees PHL players shine

The second day of the 2018 SA Under 21 Hockey IPT once again was a chance for the players that took part in the 2018 CTM Premier Hockey League rise to the occasion and play pivotal roles for their teams.

Starting with the women today, the five games produced 17 goals from just six of the sides as certain teams rose to the top while others were left searching for answers. There were two “A” team vs. “B” team games on the day as first the hosts the Northern Blues took on their second side the Northern Daisies before Western Province took on last year’s runners-up Pens.

In the Northerns hockey derby a brace from Jean-Leigh du Toit sandwiched by goals from Aneme Jacobs and Shelmy Hall were enough to see off their sister side, while Province were able to get a comfortable result over their “B” side with Wineland Wings Lida Kotze getting a goal along with Caitlin Odendaal and Rebecca Kaps.

In the tightest game of the day Eastern Province managed to snatch a late draw with Southern Gauteng Witsies. Kiara Fitzhenry, who got on the scoring action on day one, struck from a third quarter penalty corner that left the Witsies leaning towards the 3 points. Unfortunately for them the Eastern Province captain Robyn Thompson levelled with a last-minute field goal to snatch a point for the Nelson Mandela Bay side.

Southern Gauteng clearly reasserted their threat to defend their title beating the classy KZN Raiders by 2-0. Nomnikelo Veto, the former SA U21, Daisies and Rangers striker, was again on the scoresheet with the other goal for the Johannesburg side coming from Jerri Dennyschen.

North West were the queens of day 2 with their superb dismantling of the Mpumalanga defence winning 6-0 inspired by PHL stars Mia Barnard, Anneke Beukman, Courtney du Preez and Dunnell van Taak amongst others. Carli Pretorious, Miecke Fleming, Sherine Ledwaba and Julianne du Plessis each got a goal while Candice Silent was anything but that with her brace.

Ladies Under 21 IPT Results – Day 2

Pool A

North West 6-0 Mpumalanga
Southern Gauteng 2-0 KZN Raiders

Pool B

Western Province 3-0 WP Pens
Eastern Province 1-1 SG Witsies
Northern Blues 4-0 Northern Daisies

The Mens tournament produced even more goals on day 2 as the 6 matches produced 33 goals at an awesome average of 5.5 per game. Western Province made their own statement while the two Gauteng sides got wins after their opening day draw.

In the days only “B” team battle it was the Daisies who sneaked out a narrow 2-1 win against Pens. Dean Lamprecht getting both goals for the host side while the consolation was got by Ethan Buhler for the Cape team. Southern Gauteng easily overpowered their own “B” side Witsies in an entertaining 6-2 result. Courtney Halle, Rayner York and Delpiarro Langford all showed why they earned PHL drafts with goals (2 for Langford), while Brad Riley and Dylan Butler got in on the action too. Armand Scorgie and Meric Martin got the goals for Witsies.

Eastern Province were in dominant form as they dismissed the challenge of Mpumalanga with relative ease through goals from Jacques Potgieter, Andre Potgieter, Jarryd Stansbury and a brace from Laython Coombs. Nkosinathi Masango earned the consolation goal for the Mpumalanga side who tried valiantly throughout the game.

Western Province were tested again by North West, but again managed to pass the test superbly with a quality 3-1 win. The exceptionally talented Connor Beauchamp got himself two goals and Bulelani Ngqukuvana got himself his second of the tournament while North West were only able to beat Ashlin Freddy’s men once through Snyman Thessnar. Free State were also delighted with their performance in a 4-0 win over Border through goals by Willem Kruger, Tsephang Mokgadi, Winray Christoffels and Thapelo Matlekang.

The result of the day belonged to the Northern Blues with a devastating first half producing six goals to shock the Raiders into a heavy full-time defeat of 8-0. There were two goals for Nicholas Pio, Cody van Breemen, skipper Tyson Dlungwana and further goals from Michael Forrest and Keagan de Castro. This is a very good Blues side who will be a team to watch for victory on their home turf.

Mens Under 21 IPT Results – Day 2

Pool A

Western Province Pens 1-2 Northern Daisies
Eastern Province 5-1 Mpumalanga
Western Province 3-1 North West

Pool B

Free State 4-0 Border
Southern Gauteng 6-2 SG Witsies
Northern Blues 8-0 KZN Raiders

SA Hockey Association media release

Unbeaten champions thrash Amira in weekend encounter

By Elizabeth Mburugu:



Unstoppable Telkom consolidated their lead at the summit of the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women’s Premier League with a resounding 6-1 victory over Chase Amira.

Jackline Mwangi and Augrey Omaido bagged a brace each with Maureen Okumu and Barbara Simiyu scoring one goal each to give the 20-time winners their eighth victory of the season.

With the victory, Telkom enhanced their chances of retaining the title with 24 points from eight rounds of matches. Their closest challenger and bitter rivals Strathmore University Scorpions are second with 15 points from six outings while last season’s second place finishers United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) are third with 10.

USIU-A have won three matches, drawn one and lost one. Amira are fourth with nine points, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology ladies are fifth with six, 1999 winners Sliders have four points, while winless Vikings have one point.

In men’s Premier League, favourites Butali Sugar Warriors enhanced their chances of reclaiming the title with double victories at the weekend.

Butali, who are seeking to end a two-year trophy drought, began their weekend with a 4-2 victory over Wazalendo on Saturday evening.

Butali ended their successful weekend out with a resounding 9-1 victory over hapless Nakuru to earn maximum points that saw them move nine points clear second-placed Kenya Police.

International George Mutira was in a class of his own netting five goals while Constant Wakhura, Barnabas Odhiambo, Lawrence Okubasu and veteran Zack Aura netted one goal each as Butali cruised to their 13th win of the season.

The victory increased their chances of recapturing the title they last won in 2015.

Butali coach Dennis Owoka lauded his charges for staying true to their course as they inch closer to achieving their season’s main objective.

“We are all committed to reclaiming our title and I must say that we have remained true to our goals hence the impressive results. We have been working very hard to make sure every match counts and I’m glad we have made the best out of every encounter,” said Owoka.

“We are determined to keep up the spirit and capitalise on everyone’s contribution to the team because I believe our strength is in teamwork.”

Greensharks are third with 24 points from 14 matches after drawing 1-1 draw against KCAU and losing 1-3 to Nairobi Sikh Union.

The Standard Online

Enjoy an EHL weekend to remember in the city of Barcelona



Barcelona beckons in October for the perfect weekend away as hockey fans can combine ROUND1 of the world’s best club competition with a mini-break in one of the most beautiful cities on the planet.

The EHL is proud to be supported by the Ajuntament de Barcelona who look forward to welcoming you to this cosmopolitan, sustainable, dynamic and multicultural city from October 5 to 7, 2018.

The Pau Negre Stadium will host 12 of Europe’s top clubs across three days and 12 games of top quality action in the heart of the Olympic quarter in Montjuic.

But why not make it an extra special weekend and discover the city, soak up the essence of its different neighbourhoods and people while you enjoy cultural and artistic attractions galore together with beautiful natural scenery.

An inviting and innovative city with a Mediterranean lifestyle that won’t fail to impress. Come for a visit… we look forward to welcoming you! https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/

The city’s tourist office have put together a range of highlights for you to enjoy:

https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/es/page/1754/enjoy-barcelona.html

If sun, sea and water-sports are more your thing, have a look at what activities you can get up to here: https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/es/page/1770/mar-y-playas.html

Check out where you can find the best of Barcelona’s nightlife where it comes alive at night: https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/42/nightlife.html

Euro Hockey League media release