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All the news for Friday 2 November 2018

2018 4 Nations Mens Tournament Valencia (M) - Day 3

Valencia (ESP)

Results 1 November

NED v IRL (RR)     7 - 1
ESP v ENG (RR)     2 - 1     Official     Campo de Hockey de Valencia    

Friday 2 November is a rest day

Fixtures 3 November (GMT +1)

10:00     ESP v ENG (Semi Final 1
12:30     NED v IRL (Semi Final 2)

Pool standings FIH Match Centre

Green Machine Fall To the Netherlands

2 field goals in the opening quarter gave the world number 4 Netherlands early confidence. Bob de Voogd led a pacey counter attacked and put his side in the lead in the 6th minute. On the cusp of quartet time Thijs van Dam doubled his sides’ tally with a well worked attack along the left baseline. But the Green Machine quickly settled and Shane O’Donoghue created Ireland’s first solid chance on the counter but Sam van der Ven made a strong save. Matthew Nelson and Jeremy Duncan were next to test the Dutch resolve with the former’s shot just skimming over the bar while the later led a superb attack that saw a goal disallowed on the cusp of half time.

The game looked to have settled into a more even affair but in the 37th minute a nice move led to a penalty corner for the Netherlands and Mink van der Weerden sent a powerful drag flick high into the net. The Dutch took advantage of another opportunity as they picked up a saved Irish shot and countered at speed to earn a penalty corner, this time Jereon Hertzberger sent one of his trademark drag flicks goal bound. But the Green Machine continued to create opportunities and Alan Sothern won a penalty corner for his side moments later, but the effort couldn’t trouble van der Ven. Van der Weerden got his second from a penalty corner routine and less than a minute later Thierry Brinkman sent a powerful backhand into the goal. Robert Kemperman rounded out the scoring for the Dutch in the 51st minute with a well worked field goal. The Green Machine continued to pressure the Dutch and Sothern got his team on the board with a penalty corner strike in the 56th minute.

4 Nations Tournament Valencia

Ireland 1 (Sothern)
Netherlands 7 (de Voogd, van Dam, van der Weerden x2, Hertzberger, Brinkman, Kemperman)

Starting: D Harte (captain), J Bell, C Cargo, M Nelson, A Sothern, S O’Donoghue, M Darling, M Robson, C Harte, L Cole, S Loughrey

Subs: M Bell, E Magee, K Shimmins, S Murray, D Fitzgerald, P Gleghorne, J Duncan

4 Nations Tournament Valencia:

29/10 16:30 Ireland 2 - 1 England
29/10 18:30 Spain 2 - 1 Netherlands
30/10 16:30 Netherlands 2 - 1 England
30/10 18:30 Spain 1 - 0 Ireland
01/11 16:30 Ireland 1 - 7 Netherlands
01/11 18:30 Spain 2 - 1 England
03/11 10:00 1st vs 4th
03/11 12:30 2nd vs 3rd
04/11 10:00 3rd vs 4th
04/11 12:30 Final

Irish Hockey Association media release

Ireland endure tough outing against the Netherlands


Conor Harte in action against England earlier this week in Valencia. Pic: FHCV

Ireland’s inauspicious record against the Netherlands continued as they lost 7-1 in Valencia in their third Four Nations tie of the week.

It means Ireland remain with just one win from over 30 matches against the Oranje. The result means the Green Machine finish the group in third place, earning the inauspicious honour of a rematch with the Dutch – who finished second – while Spain top the pool on nine points with England last with three losses.

Bob de Voogd’s heavily deflected cross saw the world number four side take a sixth minute lead before Thijs van Dam slotted the second from close range.

Ireland improved in the second quarter with Shane O’Donoghue created Ireland’s first solid chance on the counter but Sam van der Ven made a strong save. Matthew Nelson and Jeremy Duncan were next to test the Dutch resolve with the former’s shot just skimming over the bar while the latter led a superb attack that saw a goal disallowed on the cusp of half time.

Mink van der Weerden roofed a drag-flick and Jeroen Hertzberger added another from corner for 4-0 in the third quarter. Van der Weerden got another corner before Thierry Brinkman sent a powerful backhand into the goal.

Robbert Kemperman guided in the seventh with nine minutes to go before Alan Sothern got his team on the board with a penalty corner strike in the 56th minute.

For coach Alexander Cox, it was an interesting evening, coming up against Max Caldas and a Dutch team with which he was previously the assistant coach. The performance will give him plenty of food for thought after two strong performances early in the week.

Elsewhere, the Irish Under-23 women’s side ended their Spanish series with a 3-0 defeat to the hosts in CD Terrassa.

Four Nations tournament
Ireland 1 (A Sothern)
Netherlands 7 (M van der Weerden 2, B de Voogd, T van Dam, J Hertzberger, T Brinkman, R Kemperman)

Ireland: D Harte, J Bell, C Cargo, M Nelson, A Sothern, S O’Donoghue, M Darling, M Robson, C Harte, L Cole, S Loughrey
Subs: M Bell, E Magee, K Shimmins, S Murray, D Fitzgerald, P Gleghorne, J Duncan

The Hook

Ireland thrashed by seven-goal Dutch


Ireland's Shane O'Donoghue hit the post with a late penalty corner effort

Ireland slumped to a heavy 7-1 defeat by the Netherlands at this week's Four Nations tournament in Spain.

Mink van der Weerden scored twice for the world number four-ranked Dutch.

Bob de Voogd, Thijs van Dam, Jereon Hertzberger, Thierry Brinkman and Robert Kemperman also scored in a dominant display.

In their first tournament under new head coach Alexander Cox, Ireland conceded five second-half goals before Alan Sothern got a late consolation.

The victory leaves the Netherlands in pole position to finish as the top seeds after the round robin matches, which will set-up a repeat match against Ireland in Saturday's play-offs.

England were beaten 2-1 by tournament hosts Spain in the final group match.

Two goals in the first quarter gave the Netherlands the perfect start in Valencia with de Voogd and van Dam both scoring before Ireland's Jeremy Duncan had a goal disallowed just before half time.

The Dutch surged further ahead at the start of the third quarter when van der Weerden got the first of his goals with a powerful drag flick before Hertzberger scored from a penalty corner.

An exciting final quarter produced four goals with van der Weerden getting his second from another penalty corner routine before Brinkman scored less than a minute later.

Robert Kemperman rounded out the scoring for the Dutch in the 51st minute but Ireland's persistence was eventually rewarded with Sothern's penalty corner strike in the 56th minute.

Ireland - ranked 10th in the world - started the tournament with a 2-1 win over England but lost 1-0 to Spain on Tuesday and the heavy defeat has left them as the fourth seed going into the weekend play-offs.

BBC Sport

Late penalty sees Spain beat England at Four Nations

A late penalty stroke from Xavi Lleonart grabbed victory for Spain as they defeated England 2-1 in their final pool match at the Four Nations tournament in Valencia.

Pau Quemada gave Spain the lead in the first half before England's Chris Griffiths grabbed a second half equaliser. It looked as though the match would end in a draw but Lleonart scored two minutes from time.

Mark Gleghorne made his 100th England appearance, after making his debut back in 2011.

The opening quarter was goalless between the sides with Harry Gibson making a smart stop from a penalty corner and recovering to save the rebound.

The hosts took the lead in the second quarter though as Quemada's drag-flick flew high into the net from a penalty corner to give his side a one-goal advantage heading into the half-time break.

England levelled the scores immediately after the break as Griffiths was able to convert from a penalty corner. The initial drag was faked at the top allowing Griffiths time and space to flick into the bottom corner.

Both teams pushed hard for an equaliser and Gibson again had to be at his best in the England goal to deny Spain. However with just two minutes remaining Lleonart converted from the penalty spot to claim all three points.

Next up for England are the Netherlands in their semi-final which takes place at 9am GMT on Saturday 3 November.

England XI: Harry Gibson, Luke Taylor, OIlie Willars, David Ames, Henry Weir, Harry Martin, Chris Griffiths, Phil Roper (C), David Condon, Jack Waller, James Gall

Subs (Used): George Pinner, Ian Sloan, Mark Gleghorne, Barry Middleton, Brendan Creed, David Goodfield

England Hockey Board Media release

Japan hopes Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy provides springboard to success



Anthony Farry is the Head Coach to Japan’s Cherry Blossoms. In the short time the Australian has been working with Japan, he has led them to a first-ever gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games and the team is playing a style of fluid, attacking hockey that is winning plaudits from hockey fans. With the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on the horizon, the Cherry Blossoms are taking every opportunity to test themselves against the best of the best. An opening match at the Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy against the world's number one side, the Netherlands, should provide the stern test that Farry and his squad are seeking.

FIH: Why is the Hockey Champions Trophy (HCT) an important event in the hockey calendar? 


AF: The Hockey Champions Trophy is such an important event because traditionally it has always been such a prestigious tournament to be involved in. The top nations in the world come together at this event, so to take part is a wonderful opportunity to test yourself against the best. This is my first HCT as a Head Coach so it is a real honour to take part in something that has such a great tradition.

And I am sure that China, as hosts, will give it the fitting stage that it is owed. I had the pleasure of viewing the Men's Champions Trophy in Breda in June and it was brilliant so we are expecting big things.

FIH: Japan is the lowest ranked team (FIH Hero World ranking:14), so how will you approach each game and what do you expect your players to gain from the experience?  



AF: We are not too concerned about world rankings. We are very excited to play against top opposition every game as we don’t get this level of competition all the time so it will be an invaluable experience for us and one that we are really excited about.

FIH: What have the squad's preparations for the HCT consisted of? 

AF: We will be playing Germany in a series in Japan at the start of November in the lead up to the HCT so they will give us some very tough games against one of the best teams in the world. That is a pretty solid lead in.

FIH: Aside from winning, what will be the main objectives for the squad?

AF: I think you will probably see a couple of new faces introduced, which is exciting for the group. It’s important that we are able to see as many athletes as possible in a competitive environment in the lead-up to Tokyo 2020 and what better place to test athletes than at this event.

FIH: Japan has enjoyed some really good performances in recent months at both the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup and the Asian Games - what factors are proving so successful?

AF: We were able to play with some consistency at Asian Games and that was great, however, the Champions Trophy will be a completely different challenge and we recognise how hard it will be to play against world class teams each game. It does, however, present another chance for our group to strive for the level that we want to be at. I believe that our attention to detail with relation to game preparation and game management is becoming stronger and we want to keep building on this.

FIH: What is the general feeling around Japanese hockey at the moment?

AF: Excitement. With the Tokyo Olympics fast approaching and the country starting to become more involved, everyone is doing their best to get a foot in the door for selection.  Everyone is aware of how big this is for, not only Japan, but hockey in general with regard to growing the sport worldwide. There is a huge opportunity, and responsibility, for us to do well and that’s exactly as we want it.

The Wanglibao Hockey Champions Trophy takes place from 17-25 November in Changzhou, China. For full details about the event, including a match schedule, click here.

#HCT2018

FIH site

Great Britain announce squad for FIH Champions Trophy


Hollie Pearne-Webb will captain the team.

Great Britain have named their 18-strong squad which will travel to compete at the FIH Women’s Champions Trophy in China.

The squad has a blend of youth and experience with six players selecting having over 100 international caps to their name.

Meanwhile Amy Tennant, Erica Sanders, Sarah Jones and Tess Howard are all in line to make their senior Great Britain debuts.

GB will take on Argentina, Australia, China, Japan and the Netherlands as the tournament brings together the reigning World Cup, World League, Olympic, Champions Trophy, Asian and Oceania champions who will battle it out in Changzhou.
   
Alex Danson will miss the tournament through injury with Hollie Pearne-Webb stepping in to captain the side.

David Ralph will lead the squad in China while the recruitment process for a new head coach continues: He said: “We are really excited to be competing in the FIH Champions Trophy, it is always a tough and enjoyable tournament with the format giving us the opportunity to play against some excellent opposition.
   
“This is our first tournament outing as Great Britain in two years, and it provides us with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our abilities and continue our growth towards competing in the FIH Pro League in 2019.

“We would like to congratulate Amy, Sarah, Tess and Erica who will all be winning their first Great Britain caps in Changzhou. The Champions Trophy presents a great opportunity for all of them to showcase their talents, and is a justified reward for their development and performances."

The FIH Champions Trophy marks the beginning of an important phase of international hockey, with the FIH Pro League beginning in January 2019 and Olympic qualification also to be decided within the next 12 months.

Fixtures:

Sat 17 Nov – China v GB 6am
Sun 18 Nov – Australia v GB 6am
Tue 20 Nov – Japan v GB 10am
Thu 22 Nov – Netherlands v GB 10am
Sat 24 Nov – Argentina v GB 10am

Great Britain squad:

Giselle Ansley (Surbiton)*
Grace Balsdon (Canterbury)*
Sophie Bray (East Grinstead)*
Amy Costello (Uni of Birmingham)**
Sarah Evans (Surbiton)*
Sabbie Heesh (GK) (Surbiton)*
Tess Howard ( Durham University)*
Sarah Jones (Holcombe)***
Hannah Martin (Surbiton)*
Lily Owsley (Uni of Birmingham)*
Hollie Pearne-Webb (C) (Surbiton)*
Suzy Petty (Wimbledon)*
Sarah Robertson (Hampstead & Westminster)**
Erica Sanders (Surbiton)*
Amy Tennant (GK) (Reading)*
Anna Toman (Wimbledon)*
Susannah Townsend (Club an der Alster)*
Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead)*

* denotes English athlete
** denotes Scottish athlete
*** denotes Welsh athlete

Great Britain Hockey media release

Hollie Pearne-Webb to captain as Great Britain set out Olympic defence

By Rod Gilmour


Hollie Pearne-Webb is one of several Surbiton players in GB squad PIC: Simon Parker

It is now regarded as a quiz question by right, albeit a slightly tricky one still for those hockey newbies who watched from one of millions of TV sets in the UK.

Who took the last shot by a Great Britain women’s stick to win the Rio Olympic shoot out final? It was, of course, Hollie Pearne-Webb.

Two years on and Pearne-Webb, often touted as a future captain, will be the first to lead out Great Britain at this month’s Champions Trophy in China.

The news of Pearne-Webb’s captaincy was confirmed on Thursday as Great Britain women prepare, somewhat remarkably, for their first tournament since winning the Olympic title.

Pearne-Webb was heralded as “one of the most underrated players in world hockey” by former assistant coach Craig Keegan in an interview with The Hockey Paper last year.

In a ringing endorsement of her credentials, Keegan added that the defender would make an “exceptional” captain one day.

China offers her that the chance, although not by right. Pearne-Webb replaces Alex Danson, who misses the trip due to picking up concussion on holiday. She joins Nicola White and Shona McCallin, who are also recovering from long-term head knocks.

As a GB squad, stand-in coach David Ralph has chosen two Scots – Amy Costello and Sarah Robertson – and one Welsh player in Sarah Jones.

Otherwise, the team consists of England’s World Cup team.

However trio Jo Hunter, Ellie Rayer, Kathryn Lane, who all played in the World Cup, have not been named.

Erica Sanders, Tess Howard – a geography student at Durham University – and Jones will all make their GB debuts, as will England goalkeeper Amy Tennant.

Ralph said: “This is our first tournament outing as Great Britain in two years, and it provides us with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our abilities and continue our growth towards competing in the FIH Pro League in 2019.


The Great Britain squad is a mix of experience and youth

“We would like to congratulate Amy, Sarah, Tess and Erica who will all be winning their first Great Britain caps in Changzhou.

“The Champions Trophy presents a great opportunity for all of them to showcase their talents, and is a justified reward for their development and performances.”

GB, who participate due to being Olympic champions, take on Argentina, Australia, China, Japan and the Netherlands in what will be the last Champions Trophy before the launch of January’s glitzy, global FIH Pro League.

The Pro League, featuring the top nine sides across the men’s and women’s game, also acts as Olympic qualification towards Tokyo 2020.

GB squad:

Sophie Bray (East Grinstead)*, Amy Costello (Uni of Birmingham)**, Sarah Evans (Surbiton)*, Sabbie Heesh (GK) (Surbiton)*, Tess Howard ( Durham University)*, Sarah Jones (Holcombe)***, Hannah Martin (Surbiton)*, Lily Owsley (Uni of Birmingham)*, Hollie Pearne-Webb (C) (Surbiton)*, Suzy Petty (Wimbledon)*, Sarah Robertson (Hampstead & Westminster)**, Erica Sanders (Surbiton)*, Amy Tennant (GK) (Reading)*, Anna Toman (Wimbledon)*, Susannah Townsend (Club an der Alster)*, Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead)*
* denotes English athlete, ** denotes Scottish athlete, *** denotes Welsh athlete

The Hockey Paper

Kookaburras Team Announced For World Cup Defence

Ben Somerford



Hockey Australia today announces the 18-member Kookaburras team which will compete at the upcoming 2018 FIH Men’s World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India.

World number one Australia heads into the tournament having won the past two World Cups in 2010 and 2014.

The Kookaburras are pooled against England (ranked seventh), Ireland (10th) and China PR (17th) for the World Cup which runs from 28 November to 16 December.

Kookaburras head coach Colin Batch said: "We're very excited about the team we've selected, it's always competitive but it's also about having runs on the board.

“We’ve taken in to account a lot of tournaments. More recently the Darwin International Hockey Open (DIHO) and the Australian Hockey League (AHL) performances.

“We do see the players regularly in our daily training environment and that tells us a lot about consistency and that’s what we’re looking for.”

There are few changes from the DIHO team, with AHL top scorer Blake Govers returning to the team and Trent Mitton both returning after missing the September event due to injury.

There are six players from the Queensland Blades side which won the AHL title on Sunday, including Gold Coast’s Corey Weyer who was named Player of the Final.

“We’re pleased with the way Corey has developed this year,” Batch said. “It’s his first year in the squad. He’s relocated to Perth, knuckled down and made some good choices.”

Batch added that the Men’s World Cup was wide open, as evidenced by some shock results at the Women’s World Cup earlier this year.

“Ireland, England and China are all going to be tough,” Batch said.

“Overall it’s going to be a very difficult World Cup. We saw that in the Women’s World Cup where a number of teams missed out on the quarter-finals and some really good teams were knocked out in the quarter-final stage.

“I expect the men’s competition to be very similar. Every match counts. It’s going to be tough.”

The Kookaburras are the reigning champions, the current World League, Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games holders and the current world number one, but Batch said they weren’t feeling the pressure of expectation.

 “You create your own pressure and intensity,” Batch said. “Everyone who goes to a World Cup has an expectation to win which is healthy and we’re no different.

“It’s a different group than what we had at the previous two World Cups. We can only control the things that we can. We did that successfully at the Commonwealth Games where we performed on the big stage. We’ll carry through that experience.”

Aran Zalewski and Eddie Ockenden will again lead the team as co-captains.

“Aran and Eddie have done a great job leading the team and we’re going to continue with that,” Batch said.

“They complement each other on their qualities. We see some great on-field leadership but also strong off-field leadership.”

The Kookaburras are due to depart for India on Friday 23 November, ahead of their opening game against Ireland on Friday 30 November from 9:30pm (AEDT). All matches will be televised LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

Kookaburras’ 18-member team for the World Cup:
Athlete (City, State)
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Timothy Brand (Chatswood, NSW)
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT)
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Tim Howard (Wakerley, QLD)
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA)
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS)
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW)
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD)
Corey Weyer (Biggera Waters, QLD)
Jake Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA)

Kookaburras’ 2018 World Cup schedule:
Friday 30 November 9:30pm AEDT – Australia v Ireland
Tuesday 4 December 11:30pm AEDT – Australia v England
Friday 7 December 9:30pm AEDT – Australia v China
Monday 10 December – Crossovers
Wednesday 12 December – Quarter-Finals
Saturday 15 December – Semi-Finals
Sunday 16 December - Finals

Hockey Australia media release

No surprises for New Zealand’s Hockey World Cup squad



Black Sticks captain Blair Tarrant will return for his first major tournament of the year after being selected in New Zealand’s squad for the men’s World Cup.

The Black Sticks have announced a familiar-looking team ahead of the men’s showpiece this month.

Coach Darren Smith, a veteran of three World Cups as a player, has named a full strength 18-strong squad, which features eight players accruing over 100 caps.

Tarrant, with 186 caps, returns to the squad after missing the silver-medal run at the Commonwealth Games.

He has recovered from a frustrating back injury which saw him unable to compete on the Gold Coast.

New Zealand will be looking for a better return than their seventh place finish in 2014 and ninth in 2010.

New Zealand travel to India via Kuala Lumpur to play three warm up games against Malaysia.

They start their World Cup bid against France on November 30 before facing Argentina, who they haven’t played since the Rio Olympics.

Spain will be their final pool game on December 7.

Black Sticks World Cup squad:

Cory Bennett, Marcus Child, George Enersen, Hugo Inglis, Stephen Jenness, Richard Joyc, Dane Lett, Shea McAleese, George Mui, Dominic Newman, Jared Panchia, Arun Panchia (vc), Hayden Phillips, Nick Ross, Kane Russell, Aidan Sarikaya, Blair Tarrant (c), Nic Woods.

The Hockey Paper

Decision to appoint Dar as Pakistan's coach finalised

ISLAMABAD - The decision to appoint former Olympian Taqueer Dar as the coach of national men’s hockey team has been finalised and it will be announced in next few days, said Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) spokesman on Thursday.

“A meeting of the federation is likely to be held in next two or three days where Dar’s appointment will be formally announced. During the recently-concluded Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, team manager Hassan Sardar requested the PHF to hand over the responsibilities of coaching to Dar, who is the most suitable person for the coaching slot,” he added.

Dar, who was a part of Pakistan’s 1984 Summer Olympics winning team, had already told media last month that he had been approached by the federation to assume the coaching responsibilities.

The Nation

Under-23 Australian Development Set For China Matches

Ben Somerford


Mikaela Patterson and Aleisha Power are part of the squad

The Under-23 Australian Development team have arrived in China and will begin their tour matches against the hosts on Saturday from 2pm AEDT.

The 18-strong team will play six matches from 3-10 November in Changzhou, against hosts China, Great Britain, Germany and Chinese national champions Jiangsu.

The tour is another opportunity to help develop the talent pathway in Australia with a view to building a competitive squad towards Olympic qualification, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and the next Olympic cycle.

The team consists of Under-23 athletes from the 2018 National Development Squad, 2018 National Squad Junior Squad and top age 2017 National Junior Squad athletes.

Rebecca Greiner was withdrawn from the original team after her call-up for the Hockeyroos’ Champions Trophy team, replaced by Mariah Williams who is returning after long-term injury.

Under-23 Australian Development team for China Tour:
Athlete (Home State)
Casey Dolkens (QLD)
Morgan Gallagher (QLD)
Annie Gibbs (WA)
Nicola Hammond (VIC)
Rene Hunter (NSW)
Euleena MacLachlan (SA)
Pippa Morgan (WA)
Mikaela Patterson (NSW)
Candyce Peacock (WA)
Aleisha Power (WA)
Renee Rockliff (WA)
Michaela Spano (SA)
Tina Taseska (ACT)
Sophie Taylor (VIC)
Shanea Tonkin (WA)
Aisling Utri (VIC)
Mariah Williams (NSW)
Abigail Wilson (NSW)

Match Schedule (all times AEDT):
Saturday 3 November, 2pm – Australia v China
Sunday 4 November, 2pm – Australia v Jiangsu
Tuesday 6 November, 2pm – Australia v Great Britain
Wednesday 7 November, 2pm – Australia v Germany
Friday 9 November, 2pm – Australia v Great Britain
Saturday 10 November, 6pm – Australia v Germany

Hockey Australia media release

PREVIEWS: Investec English Women's Hockey League

The only unbeaten team in the league so far, leaders Surbiton are facing a tough challenge this Saturday with second-placed Buckingham providing the opposition in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division.

Last season’s champions, Surbiton have won five of their six matches so far and have a healthy five-point lead. But Buckingham will be going out to narrow that gap.

“We’re looking forward to this game, especially as it’s a double header with our men’s team,” said Surbiton’s 1st XI Manager Tony Jones.

“Buckingham have had a very good start to the season. We had two tough games against them last year which they won, but we beat them in the semi-finals, so it’ll be good to play again.

“With the Champions Trophy in a couple of weeks this is the last time we’ll have our full squad available, so we need to take maximum points and keep our momentum going.”

Elsewhere, Holcombe will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat at Slough when they go to the University of Birmingham, while Beeston will be on their guard as they host Slough.

East Grinstead entertain Canterbury with a 4pm start, while Clifton Robinsons have a home clash against fellow strugglers Bowdon Hightown.

Leaders Cambridge City head to third-placed Wimbledon in the Investec Conference East, knowing either side could go top of the table.

Elsewhere, Harleston Magpies are second and host bottom of the table Ipswich. Harleston could also go top if Cambridge and Wimbledon play out a draw.

Leaders Loughborough Students host Leeds in the Investec Conference North, while the other unbeaten team in this Conference, the University of Durham, have a home game against Timperley.

Stourport have conceded just one goal in their first five matches in the Investec Conference West and they will want to keep that impressive record going as they host Exe on Saturday.

Meanwhile, second-placed Olton & West Warwicks will want to preserve their unbeaten record with Reading providing the opposition.

FIXTURES

Investec Women’s Hockey League

Saturday, 3 November 2018

Investec Premier Division
Clifton Robinsons v Bowdon Hightown 13:00
Univ of Birmingham v Holcombe 13:30
Beeston v Slough 14:00
Surbiton v Buckingham 16:00
East Grinstead v Canterbury 16:00

Investec Conference East
St Albans v Sevenoaks 12:00
Harleston Magpies v Ipswich 13:30
Hampstead & Westminster v Bedford 13:30
Wimbledon v Cambridge City 14:00
Southgate v Horsham 14:00

Investec Conference North
Univ of Durham v Timperley 12:00
Belper v Sutton Coldfield 12:00
Brooklands-Poynton v Leicester 13:00
Ben Rhydding v Fylde 13:30
Loughborough Students v Leeds 16:00

Investec Conference West
Isca v Gloucester 12:00
Barnes v Trojans 12:00
Olton & West Warwicks v Reading 12:00
Oxford Hawks v Swansea City 12:00
Stourport v Exe 12:00

England Hockey Board Media release

McCay to be honoured in Omagh where it all began


Shirley McCay in World Cup semi-final action against Spain. Pic: Rodrigo Jaramillo/World Sport Pics

Ulster Hockey Talent Coach and Ireland World Cup silver medal heroine Shirley McCay will return to her roots on Saturday night when Omagh celebrate their 60th anniversary at a gala function at the Silver Birch Hotel, writes John Flack.

Shirley started her career at the Tyrone club when she was a youngster before going on to play for Randalstown, Ulster Elks and Pegasus more recently.

She has fond recollections of her time at Omagh and is certain to receive a hero’s welcome at Saturday’s event.

“My early memories of Omagh are when I turned old enough to play in the adult leagues we (myself, Claire Buchanan, Katharine Elkin etc) all played for the 4ths, we were all school girls, so usually had to get a bus to away matches,” she recalled.

“At the start, I didn’t even have an actual playing shirt so I had a borrow an orange cotton thing. We had so so much fun and every weekend was like a road trip and there were a lot of cut knees from dodgy pitches and gravel.

“We used to train with school Monday and Wednesday and wait in the leisure centre for Anne Buchanan (now Young) to pick us up and bring us to club training. Not much school work was done!

“I went from the 4ths to the 1st XI and we played in the Premier League. We used to keep up with the big dogs, giving them a run for their money in our day. Anne still scores a couple every weekend.

“Anne, Iris Nelson, June Graham were all great for me growing up and even still today are regulars at tournaments and so supportive.”

Shirley has gone on to bigger and better things since her formative years in the sport and her life has been hectic since helping Ireland to World Cup glory.

Already Ireland’s most-capped sportswoman, she made her 273rd international appearance in the final in London.

Since then, along with the rest of the squad, she has been in demand with an audience with the Irish President, Michael D Higgins and an appearance on RTE’s Late Late Show just two of the many highlights.

“Since London, it has been a bit of a whirlwind but to be honest its great to be recognised for our efforts, representing the team at presentations and events is a pleasure and not to be taken for granted,” she added.

“What we achieved is definitely still very surreal but it is also important we build on the success and use it to build a platform for the future success of Irish hockey.”


McCay and Zoe Wilson celebrate following their win over Spain in the World Cup semi-final. Pic: World Sport Pics

Shirley says that there have already been signs of a positive legacy after the team’s wonderful achievement.

“I think certainly most junior clubs have been inundated with membership requests, some even with waiting lists. Omagh, I know, had over 100 down to their opening night which is unheard of for a small Tyrone club and they’ve never had numbers like that before,” she explained.

“Ulster’s U15 Talent Programme commenced this week, which is the biggest undertaking we’ve had with 240 girls and boys across 12 groups across 12 weeks with over 30 coaches involved as well.”

Shirley remains non-committal about her international future, having initially said she would bring the curtain down on her career after the World Cup, with the Tokyo Olympic qualifying cycle next on the Ireland agenda.

“For now I have really been enjoying the break from international demands, I can fully commit to work programmes, and really go out and enjoy my club hockey with Pegasus. I really have not made any concrete decisions, it won’t be an easy one but whatever I decide I need to be at peace with it so we will see.” she said.

The Hook

Perak to face Terengganu in Razak Cup final

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Perak will take on east coast side Terengganu in the Division One final of the Razak Cup this Saturday (November 3).

Yesterday in the last pool matches, Perak were shocked as they were held 3-3 by a young Johor side, though the silver state team still topped the standings on 11 points.

In second spot are Terengganu on nine points, who were also held to a draw by Malacca as the match ended 1-1.

The movers and shakers were Penang who pulled out all the stops to beat Kuala Lumpur 4-3 for their only win in five matches.

In Division two, Pahang and Police ended their pool matches with 12 points each and will play in the final on Saturday as well.

Perak had already qualified for the final before their last match against Johor on Thursday, and fielded a side made up of reserves until they were 0-1 down.

"However, with 12 Malaysia Games players in my squad and having only one training session before the tournament, I will take our outing as a success in the long run," said former national coach Sarjit Singh, who was hired by Johor just days before the Razak Cup began.

"Perak had decided to field their reserve players as they wanted to rest most of their first-team regulars for the final, but after they were left trailing 0-1, they knew that they just had to bring on their best players to get back in the match, but we still managed to hold them to a 3-3 draw," said Sarjit.

RESULTS —

Division One: Perak 3 Johor 3, Terengganu 1 Malacca 1, Kuala Lumpur 3 Penang 4.

Division Two: Selangor 3 Police 2, Armed Forces 0 Pahang 2, Singapore 0 Kelantan 2.

Women's 7th-8th: Malacca 1 Pahang 4.

New Straits Times

Hafifihafiz leads fightback for finalists and Div One leaders Perak



PETALING JAYA: Perak came back from a goal down thrice to battle to a 3-3 draw against Johor in their Razak Cup Division 1 match at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.

Perak, who top the Division 1 standings, were stunned by Johor who took the early lead with a seventh minute strike by Faiq Razin Zariq Idris.

But the silver state, who have qualified for the final, drew level four minutes later through Haziq Samsul.

Shafiq Hassan put the southern state back in the lead in the 12th minute, but the celebrations was short lived as Hafifihafiz Hanafi (pic) tied it for Perak again within the same minute.

Shello Silverius put Johor back in the lead for the third time in the 40th minute but they once again failed to hold on to the lead, as Hafifihafiz struck again to be the hero for Perak in the tense draw.

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES

Final: Perak vs Terengganu (National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil (8pm)

The Star of Malaysia

IOC President Thomas Bach amongst winners at FIH Honorary Awards in New Delhi


FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra addressing the guests at the FIH Honorary Awards ceremony in New Delhi. Credit: Hockey India

It was a night of celebration for many of the sport’s hardest working promoters and representatives on Thursday 1 November 2018 as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Honorary Awards took place at the Lalit Hotel in New Delhi, India.

A wonderfully vibrant, colourful event containing a string of acts from the world of dance, music and entertainment, all showcasing India’s rich and diverse culture, were enjoyed by hockey delegates representing well over 100 National Associations, who have converged in New Delhi as part of the programme for the 46th FIH Congress.

The FIH Honorary Awards ceremony is a crucial element of the Congress programme, rewarding those who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport of hockey.

There were 12 recipients of FIH President’s Award, which recognises individuals or National Associations having excelled with initiatives, projects or programmes that have contributed over a long period of time to the enrichment of the sport at international level. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach was named as a winner of this hugely prestigious prize thanks to his longstanding support of both the sport and the Federation, but was sadly unable to be present in New Delhi to collect his award in person.


Pam Elgar collects her President's Award from FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra.

Although Dr Bach was unable to attend, fellow recipients European Hockey Federation President Marijke Fleuren (NED), Oceania Hockey Federation President Pam Elgar (NZL) and Pan-American Hockey Federation President Alberto Budeisky (ARG) were all on hand to collect their honorary awards from FIH President Batra for their outstanding contributions in developing the sport in their respective regions and the constant drive towards gender equality. Former Belgium international and National Association President Marc Coudron (BEL) was also honoured, reflecting his key role in the growth of the sport in his homeland, as was Yokoyama Hide (JPN) for being instrumental in the development of hockey in Japan.  


Alberto 'Coco' Budeisky receives his President's Award from FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra.

Sheikh Al-Fahad Al-Sabah Ahmad, Naveen Patnaik, Raj Kumar Singh and HRH Prince Abdullah Shah were also revealed as winners of the President Award, as were The Hockey Museum for their role in ensuring that the history of the sport is being preserved for future generations. Wolfgang Hillmann, President of the Deutscher Hockey Bund, collected a President’s Award on behalf of the Germany Men’s U-21 team for their staggering display of sportsmanship at the EuroHockey Junior Championship in 2017. On the eve of their bronze medal match against Spain, a large number of the Spanish players were incapacitated by a virus and therefore unfit to play. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the Germany U-21 team chose to share the bronze medal, going so far as to unveiling the Spanish flag in honour of their sick opponents when they took their place on the podium.
 

The Germany men's U-21 team were honoured for their remarkable sportsmanship at the EuroHockey Junior Championship in 2017. Credit: European Hockey Federation. 

Away from the President’s Award, the Pablo Negre Award was presented to Koninklijke Nederlandse Hockey Bond (KNHB) in recognition of their innovative programme to embrace the spirit of hockey, while the Federacion Deportiva Peruana de Hockey took the Theo Ykema Award thanks to their wonderful efforts in sustainable hockey development. Chaiyapak Siriwat (THA) was named as the winner of the Sultan Azlan Shah Award for his dedicated commitment to hockey, with Herman Kruis (NED) taking the Etienne Glichitch Award in recognition of his contribution to the growth and development of the sport.

Harchan Singh Dillon (HKG) and the China Women’s Hockey Team were the respective winners of the Guust Lathouwers Memorial Trophy and the Super Fair Play Trophy René G. Frank, while Sue Catton (ENG), Alain Renaud (FRA), Yoshida Motohito (JPN) and Peter Wefers-Bettink (NED) were named Order of Merit winners. Diploma of Merit Awards went to Nii Quay Kumah (GHA), Brigadier Mussarat Ullah Khan (PAK) and Choi-Cho Yoon (KOR).

A list of the FIH Honorary Award winners for 2018 can be found below. To see an overview of all FIH Honorary Award winners both past and present as well as background information about the prizes, please click here.

The FIH Honorary Awards Ceremony took place on the second day of proceedings at the 46th Congress, with the Congress session itself taking place on 3 November. Some 250 delegates from all over the world have gathered in New Delhi for the Congress, where key strategic decisions are made for the development and governance of hockey globally.

The Congress agenda includes an overview of the status of the game, its evolution and development worldwide. Furthermore, delegates will elect four members to the Executive Board, while the Athletes’ committee will be renewed. Other items on the agenda include the ratification of the appointment of the President of the Judicial Commission, an update on the IOC Solidarity Foundation as well as a report on the FIH finances.

Welcoming all guests of the 46th FIH Congress, FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said: “It is a great pleasure to have you here in my country and my home town of Delhi. I have your permission to express my gratitude to Hockey India for looking after us, so a big thank you to them for their hospitality in hosting this event.”

Hockey India Chief Executive Officer Elena Norman expressed her delight in hosting the awards ceremony and the Congress itself. “Over the past years, the FIH Congress has proved to be one of the most critical platforms for dialogue, which has paved the way for the Hockey Revolution throughout the world, including India. All of us at Hockey India, especially our President Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad, feels privileged to have been chosen as the host of the 2018 FIH Congress, and we do hope that everyone present experiences a memorable four days in our capital city New Delhi.”

FIH site

Field Hockey Canada announces the departure of CEO Jeff Sauvé

Field Hockey Canada today announced that Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Sauvé, is leaving the organization effective November 20, 2018.

Jeff joined Field Hockey Canada in July 2013 and was instrumental in creating and integrating new national programs, generating substantial revenue and solidifying external partner relationships.

“On and off the field, we have achieved a tremendous amount in the last five years,” said Sauvé. “It is an honour to serve in a leadership role in our Canadian sport system and I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me by Field Hockey Canada.”

“Field Hockey Canada has benefited a great deal from Jeff’s leadership,” added Ian Baggott, Chair Field Hockey Canada. “We thank Jeff for his tireless commitment to the growth and development of Field Hockey Canada and wish him well in his next role.”

Field Hockey Canada is working on a transition plan with details, including an open recruitment process, to be announced within a few days.

Field Hockey Canada media release

Hockey legend Sandeep Singh’s statue unveiled at Jaipur Wax Museum


Sandeep Singh India’s former Hockey ace captain Sandeep Singh and his family was present on the occasion of the statue unveiling in Jaipur.

India’s former Hockey ace captain Sandeep Singh’s life journey is an inspiration for many Indians in various ways. Director Shaad Ali’s movie brought Sandeep’s life on the silver screen with the film ‘Soorma’, now Nahargarh fort’s famous attraction Jaipur Wax Museum has turned the legend immortal with his wax statue. The unveiling of the statue was done by Sandeep Singh himself along with his entire family gracing the occasion.

The legend’s welcome was a guard of honour given by the Jaipur Hockey club players by crossing the hockey sticks. “Jaipur Wax Museum’s motto has always been to entertain the visitors and at the same time to inspire them, we just don’t follow glamour alone while deciding the celebrity statue. The rising hockey star Sandeep Singh whose life changed completely when he was accidentally hit by a bullet, doctors and the society completely gave up on him and it was an end to his career. But how he gathered himself with his will power and made a comeback to the sport which he loved passionately and took Indian Hockey to greater heights.

At the Museum we wanted that the next generation should get inspired with his story. The youth today loses hope, confidence and gets depressed very quickly, for such people Sandeep Singh’s story is an inspiration. We want the next generation to get inspired from him, learn how to live life and the society needs these kind of fighting spirits in their kids today. His life journey teaches us a lesson of life never ends” said Anoop Srivastava, Founder Director, Jaipur wax Museum.

Sandeep Singh said, “Jaipur Wax Museum is fast emerging as a destination of choice for travelers across the world”

Daily News & Analysis

After dominant regular season, Maryland field hockey sweeps Big Ten postseason honors

The Terps had the Big Ten Player of the Year, the Defensive Player of the Year and the Freshman of the Year.

By Lila Bromberg


Forward Linnea Gonzales beats a defender during Maryland field hockey's 3-1 win over Rutgers at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex on Oct. 5, 2018. (Andi Wenck/The Diamondback)

After a 16-2 record and a first-place finish in the regular season, No. 2 Maryland field hockey swept the Big Ten season awards, the conference announced Wednesday.

Forward Linnea Gonzales was named Big Ten Player of the Year, defender Bodil Keus earned Defensive Player of the Year honors and forward Bibi Donraadt took home the Freshman of the Year award.

Gonzales and Keus were named to the All-Big Ten first team, while defender Nike Lorenz was voted to the second team. Additionally, forward Olivia Reiter won a Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.

It’s the third career All-Big Ten honor for Gonzales, who leads the team and ranks second in the conference with 14 goals. The senior notched her 100th career point in the Terps’ 6-0 win over Michigan State on Sunday.

Keus grabbed an All-Big Ten honor for the second straight year after being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year last season. The sophomore has a conference-best three defensive saves and has been a key player in a defense that has had five shutouts. She also has seven goals and seven assists.

Donraadt had a breakout season for Maryland. She paced the team with four game-winning scores and has 11 goals on the year, tied for the second-most on the team. The forward was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week twice this season.

Maryland travels to Evanston, Illinois to compete in the conference semifinals this weekend.

The Diamondback

Despite a season-ending torn ACL, Kyler Greenwalt looks to help Maryland field hockey

“Kyler’s handling this like a professional.”

By Lila Bromberg


Midfielder Kyler Greenwalt attempts to maneuver around an opponent to retake possession of the ball in Maryland’s 3-1 victory over Ohio State University on Oct. 13, 2017. (Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)

After Maryland field hockey lost to UConn in the national championship game last season, midfielder Kyler Greenwalt told reporters she knew her team could make it back and win it all.

The Terps have a chance to do so this season, ranked No. 2 in the country with just two losses and wins over 11 ranked opponents. But Greenwalt will have to watch from the sidelines as they try to avenge their loss. She had to be helped off the field during Maryland’s last regular season matchup against Virginia on Oct. 21 and was later diagnosed with a season-ending torn ACL.

“At first I was really upset,” Greenwalt said. “It’s always been my worst fear honestly, like I’ve always been so scared of tearing my ACL.”

But shortly after suffering the injury, the sophomore said she realized she had to accept what happened and focus on getting back for next season. Coach Missy Meharg said she was surprised by how well Greenwalt has dealt with missing postseason play.

"Kyler's handling this like a professional,” Meharg said. "We could look at this as a setback, but she doesn't.”

Greenwalt had two goals this season and started 11 of her 18 games prior to the injury. But she also plays another important role for the Terps.

“She is such an enormous part of our team, talent-based yes, but on top of that is her energy,” Meharg said. “Her energy is always contagiously positive and in that regard I know the team misses her very much out there.”

The sophomore has always brought positive energy to the squad through pre-game rituals and encouragement from the bench. Now that she’s restricted to the sideline, Greenwalt has taken that even further, and she says she’s gained a different perspective.

In her first game out, the team’s Big Ten quarterfinal matchup against Michigan State, Greenwalt helped her teammates by answering questions, warming up with them before they subbed in and continuing to cheer.

At one point, freshman Reece Span was confused about the team’s press, and Greenwalt stepped in to explain it to her.

Greenwalt is expected to have surgery around Thanksgiving and is on track to be back for her junior season. Until then, Meharg and the team is just happy to have her infectious spirit on the sidelines helping their postseason run.

“That definitely pumps us up,” forward Linnea Gonzales said. “We just need energy from everyone, even on the sideline and like the coaches because energy is contagious. And that’s something we’ve really talked about this week, like bringing a contagious attitude.”

The Diamondback

RIP Ramon Davey



It is with sadness that Hockey Ireland have learned of the passing of Ramon Davey. Ramon was a former Ulster Branch President as well as officiating at International Level as an Umpire and Technical Official. Hockey Ireland offer their condolences to Ramon's family.

Ramon’s Funeral Service will be held at 2.30pm on Monday 5th November 2018 at Roselawn Cremation Hall.

Irish Hockey Association media release