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All the news for Friday 7 December 2018

Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 - Day 9
Bhubaneswar (IND)

Results 6 December

ESP v NZL (Pool A)     2 - 2
ARG v FRA (Pool A)     3 - 5

Fixtures 7 December (GMT +5:30)

17:00     AUS v CHN (Pool B
19:00     IRL v ENG (Pool B)

Remaining Pool fixtures

8 Dec 2018 17:00     BEL v RSA (Pool C)
8 Dec 2018 19:00     CAN v IND (Pool C)

9 Dec 2018 17:00     MAS v GER (Pool D)
9 Dec 2018 19:00     NED v PAK (Pool D)

Pool Standings

Out of the Competition
Spain

FIH Match Centre

Vantage Black Sticks Secure Place in Knockout Rounds with Draw with Spain



The Vantage Black Sticks have come from 2 goals down with 10 minutes to go to draw their final pool match with Spain 2-2. After falling behind the Vantage Black Sticks needed a rocket of a forehand shot from Hayden Phillips and then a Kane Russell power flick to ensure the Vantage Black Sticks progress to the second round of the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup. 

The Vantage Black Sticks started the game strongly holding possession well and constructing two fantastic scoring opportunities for Stephen Jenness both times the Spanish goalkeeper Quico Cortes was up to the task. Spain then found an open Albert Beltran at the top of the circle who reversed into the Vantage Black Sticks goal to put Spain ahead 1-0. The Vantage Black Sticks pushed hard searching to get themselves on the score sheet, however they were unable to break through the Spanish defence leaving the score at the end of the 1st 1-0 in favour of Spain.

Spain began the second quarter starving the Vantage Black Sticks of possession as they looked to construct some good opportunities and put the Vantage Black Sticks in a tough position in the match. The Vantage Black Sticks defence was a lot tighter throughout this period and managed to hold the Spanish attack at bay. Late in the second quarter Spain had the first penalty corner of the match where they ran a German penalty corner which was deflected wide by the Vantage Black Sticks first runner. With 2 minutes to go the Blair Tarrant struggled to clear the ball out of his defensive circle when a Spanish player stole the ball and put it past Richard Joyce to put Spain in the lead 2-0. The score remained the same as Spain went into the halftime sheds full of confidence and looking to secure 2nd place in the pool. 

Spain started the second half how they finished the 1st playing with a great amount of possession and going close on several occasions.  The Vantage Black Sticks absorbed the pressure and then looked to play more aggressively as they started forcing turnovers off a more aggressive press they were employing. Despite both teams having scoring chances, the score remained unchanged from half time. 

The start of the 4th quarter was played with a lot less intensity as Spain were looking to just wind the clock down. However, with 10 minutes to go in the game Hayden Phillips received a pass from Hugo Inglis and rocketed a ball past Quico Cortes to set up a riveting final 10. At this point the Vantage Black Sticks pulled their goalkeeper to give themselves a one-man field player advantage. This bold move paid off as the Vantage Black Sticks got their first penalty corner of the match. Kane Russell stepped up and flicked a powerful drag flick low and into the goal to tie the match up. This was the way the match finished with Spain 2 and the Vantage Black Sticks 2. 

Vantage Black Sticks Captain Blair Tarrant stated “We never thought we were out of it, even at 2-0 down. We’d made a few chances in the first half and it was just a matter of taking one. Hayden Phillips goal was just what we needed to dig deep and push for that second goal and secure our spot in the next round”.

The draw sees the Vantage Black Sticks through to the second round of the tournament where they will cross over with Pool B and will meet one of Ireland, China or England in the next round. After this finish the Vantage Black Sticks will be going into this game full of confidence. 

Vantage Black Sticks 2 (Hayden Phillips 50', Kane Russell 56') 
Spain 2 (Albert Beltran 9', Alvaro Iglesias 27')

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks settle for third in pool after draw with Spain


The New Zealand men's hockey team has had to settle for third in its pool. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

Two late goals have helped the Black Sticks men advance to the last 12 at the Hockey World Cup in India.

New Zealand came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Spain in their final pool match at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar this morning (NZT), with goals from Hayden Phillips (50th minute) and Kane Russell (56th).

Pool winners Argentina were stunned 5-3 by France who leapfrog New Zealand to finish second in the pool.

Striker Hugo Inglis says after a good start they struggled in the middle part of the game.

New Zealand will cross over against the second team in Pool B for a place in the quarter finals which could be China, England or Ireland.

The New Zealand Herald

Black Sticks fight back for draw with Spain, advance at Hockey World Cup


Black Sticks striker Hayden Phillips, who scored in the 50th minute, weaves between three Spain players. FIH

Two fourth-period goals have ensured the Black Sticks men advance to the last 12 at the Hockey World Cup.

Hayden Phillips scored in the 50th minute and Kane Russell in the 56th minute as New Zealand came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Spain in their final pool match at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India on Thursday (Friday NZ Time).

The result sees Darren Smith's squad finish on four points with a 1-1-1 record, in third spot in the pool behind World No 2 Argentina, who defeated the Black Sticks 3-0 on Monday (Tuesday NZT), and France, who upset Argentina 5-3 in the late game on Thursday (Friday NZT) to qualify at the expense of Spain.

The 20th-ranked French side, who the Black Sticks defeated 2-1 last week, scored four second period goals to lead 4-1 at halftime before holding off Argentina thanks to a late goal from Francois Goyet in the final match of Pool A play. Despite finishing level with New Zealand on four points and losing head-to-head, France took second on goal difference (+1 to New Zealand's -2).

Finishing third, the Black Sticks will face China, Ireland or England in the cross-over knockout round on Monday (Tuesday NZT), with a spot in the quarterfinals against either Argentina or Australia at stake.

New Zealand, ranked ninth in the world, fell behind early after a field goal from Albert Beltran in the ninth minute, before Alvaro Iglesias put the World No 8 Spaniards up a pair just before halftime.

After a scoreless third period, Phillips gave the Black Sticks a chance, with a rocket shot from the field, before Russell secured their progression with a well-taken penalty corner.

China face unbeaten World No 1 Australia, while Ireland and England meet in the final matches of Pool B on Friday (Saturday NZT). The winner of the Ireland-England match will likely face the Black Sticks in the next round, while a draw could trigger a three-way tiebreaker.

Black Sticks 2 (Hayden Phillips 50', Kane Russell 56') Spain 2 (Albert Beltran 9', Alvaro Iglesias 27'). 1Q: 0-1, HT: 0-2, 3Q: 0-2

Stuff

New Zealand hold Spain to 2-2 draw, qualify for cross-overs


Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 , AFP

New Zealand fought back from two goals down to hold Spain to a 2-2 draw in their penultimate Pool A match and qualify for the knock-out stages of the men's hockey World Cup here on Thursday.

World No. 8 Spain scored two field goals in the opening two quarters through Albert Beltran (9th minute) and Alvaro Iglesias (27th) to go into the halfway break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

But the Black Sticks made a stupendous comeback in the final 10 minutes of the game and scored through Hayden Phillips (50th) and Kane Russell (56th) to share the spoils and secure their place in the crossover round of the tournament.

Olympic champions Argentina are atop Pool A with six points from two wins followed by New Zealand (4 points) and Spain (2 points).

Irrespective of the outcome of the last pool match, Argentina will top Pool A while New Zealand are expected to finish second.

As per the format of the tournament, the top four teams from four pools will directly qualify for the quarterfinals while the second and third-placed sides will play cross-over matches against teams of other pools for the remaining four last eight berths.

In the encounter between Spain and New Zealand, it was the Black Sticks who had the first shy at the goal in the sixth minute but Hugo Inglis strike from close range was saved by Spain captain and goalkeeper Quico Cortes.

It was Spain who struck first when Beltran scored from a through ball from Pau Quemada.

Thereafter both the teams made a couple of good moves but they lacked the final touch inside the box.

Spain earned their first penalty corner in the 25th minute but failed to utilise the opportunity.

Spain extended their lead in the 27th minute when Iglesias scored from close range in the midst of a crowd of Black Sticks from a Ricardo Santana feed.

After an uneventful third quarter, New Zealand pulled a goal back in the 50th minute through Phillips, who received a pass from Inglis on the left side and took his time to smash it into the roof of the net.

Pumped by the goal, New Zealand went all out in search of the equaliser and four minutes away from the final hooter their efforts bore fruit when Russell found the back of the net from Black Sticks' only penalty corner of the match.

Daily News & Analysis

ENRIQUE: Staving off hockey turning robotic

s2h team

If there’s one player that could stave off the real danger of hockey becoming robotic, it is Spain’s Enrique Gonzalez de Castejon.

The 22-year-old forward takes the game back to a bygone era, leaving appreciative crowds enthralled and wanting more at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar where the World Cup is in progress.

Much as it comes naturally to the wiry young forward, Enrique knows too well that dribbling is an art that draws cynicism – both, from teammates and opponents.

“My team tells me to dribble only when I have space,” he said while taking a break from training ahead of Spain’s crucial concluding match against New Zealand.

“I have the speed and my dribbling can help the team but I know that these days there a lot of strong defenders and it is difficult to get past them.”

Enrique, who took to the game at five years of age, was reminded of the realities of modern hockey in a 1-1 draw with France on Monday.

“We may have entered the circle 40 times but I didn’t score,” he reflected.

His idol is Dutchman Robbert Kemperman and Enrique admires his control and back-hand skills.

The young Spaniard also holds Mandeep Singh in high esteem, admiring the Indian forward’s dribbling skills as he does the prowess and composure of Harmanpreet Singh in the defence.

An avowed fan of Real Madrid, the Spanish football powerhouse, Enrique concedes his skills on the hockey pitch are more akin to bitter rivals Barcelona’s philosophy.

When he does not play and train with the Spanish national team or his Club de Campo, Madrid, Enrique often finds himself at the Santiago Bernabeau stadium, home of the football club he loves so much.

And like millions of Spanish youngsters, Enrique could well have been displaying nifty footwork on a soccer pitch instead of wielding the stick but his father, also by the same name and a former hockey player himself, influenced him otherwise.

Enrique studies business administration and even as he looks ahead to his future, he spells out aims and ambitions on the hockey pitch first.

“I want to play in the Olympic Games,” said the FIH Player of the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow despite Spain finishing distant sixth.

Enrique also has ambitions of playing in the Dutch league, notably for HC Bloemendaal. However, national team commitments at its training base in Barcelona and the hectic travelling that the FIH Pro League entails will compel him to continue with Club de Campo.

Stick2Hockey.com

France stun Argentina to become story of the World Cup so far


©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics

France produced a sensational second quarter performance to stun Olympic champions Argentina 5-3 and grab the win they needed to claim second in their World Cup group.

In the process, the lowest ranked side eliminated Spain who let a two-goal lead slip against New Zealand to end their competition in fourth place.

Going into the tie, France needed a win of any kind – or possibly a 5-5 draw with plenty of field goals – and they stormed into a stormed into a 4-1 half time lead against their illustrious opponents.

Hugo Genestet, Waterloo Ducks’ Victor Charlet and Royal Leopold duo Aristide Coisne and Gaspard Baumgarten were on target for the Europeans, with Lucas Martinez scoring for Los Leones.

It was a fantasy half-time score-line for France, putting them within touching distance of the crossover places.

Although the lead held by France was a commanding one, Argentina have proven many times down the years that they are capable of coming back from unlikely positions. Mannheimer HC’s Gonzalo Peillat’s low penalty corner just before the end of the third quarter gave the South Americans hope, setting up a very exciting final quarter.

Another ferocious penalty corner drag-flick from Peillat made it 4-3 at the start of the fourth period, but it was France who had the last say when Saint Germain’s Francois Goyet deflected home to seal an extraordinary 5-3 victory to move into the cross-over play-offs as the second placed finisher in Pool A.

“It’s really amazing, an incredible game for us”, said player of the match Hugo Genestet. “I think the first half was almost perfect, although we stepped down a little bit after half time.

“They scored with one of the best drag flickers in the world, but our fifth goal was really cool, arriving at a good moment. We know we can beat every team in this competition, but 5-3 against the Olympic champion and to finish second in the pool, it’s incredible.”

Spain had looked good in their tie with Albert Beltan and Alvaro Iglesias giving them a 2-0 lead against New Zealand. The Blacksticks, though, produced a strong closing nine minutes with Hayden Phillips smashing a punch shot into the top of the goal.

Leopold’s Kane Russell nailed a penalty corner drag-flick for 2-2 and a draw that ultimately won them third place in the group and saw them advance to the crossover games.

“It’s a pretty good feeling in the end, but we probably didn’t control the game too well”, said goal-scorer Russell. “We were struggling to create opportunities and their defence was really sound. The goal we scored and then taking our goalie off gave us a little bit of momentum.”

On Friday, Australia face surprise package China first with the Kookburras place in the last eight already assured. If China lose by less than three, they will be assured of a crossover game but a big loss could see them waiting nervously for the outcome of Ireland’s game with England.

Speaking ahead of his team’s head-to-head with Ireland, England co-captain George Pinner said: “I was really pleased with large parts of our performance last match [against Australia]. We stuck to the game plan and were very much in the game.

“The final score-line [3-0 defeat] is frustrating but I think there are lots of positives for us to build on and take into the final group game. The Ireland match is a big game but we have been in this position before. We will do everything we can to prepare properly both mentally and physically to give ourselves the best chance of progressing.”

Ireland Head Coach Alexander Cox said: "The game against England is very important, as it was always going to be, for both sides. We know what we need to do and are entirely focused on that. We have nothing to lose against England."

Euro Hockey League media release

French shocker for Olympic champions

s2h team



"We know we can beat all teams here". Thus spake Man of the Match Hugo Genestet after the mundane looked but what turned out to be a thriller of a feat between Argentina-France. His words would have sounded hollow, and nobody would have dared to take it seriously had he said so in the run up to the mega event. Now, as it turned out, everyone will be all ears to France.  Its for sure. Genestet's spontaneous response while accepting Rs.50,000 cheque after the match has become a Odisha World Cup's most appropriate narrative.

What French will do hereafter will be keenly heard and watched. For, France has churned out an Champagne stuff, taking 4-1 lead midway through and then when the Argentinean team came menacingly close to cut down the lead with a brace of goals from danger man Gonzalo Peillet, not only survived those anxious moments but coming with another stunner to post the famous victory. France has beaten Argentina 5-3, meaning lock, stock and barrel.

Every goal that the Frenchman struck in the course of sixty exciting hockey duel, is worth a celebration for its conception and execution.

What many thought a ritual for Argentina had in fact turned out to be the best match of the Odisha World Cup, with the World Cup regular's prestige went in for a six.

While Argentina is a fixture in the history of World Cups, the French team is back to World Cup after 28 years. Interestingly, when it played the 1990 Lahore number, it created havoc with reputation of many teams including India which lost 1-2.

"We know we can beat all teams here" may have been the exact belief with which Dutchman Joren Delmee's trained them,but when words match the deeds you have the festival, and it was at Kalinga Stadium on Day 9 on Thursday.

The start of the match did not show anything of the blitzkrieg in store.

Argentina got two penalty corners in the first quarter, the first one within two minutes. Their PC expert in the ranks Gonzalo Peillet went in for indirect try which did not work. Perhaps German Orozco, the Argentina coach, thought it right time to try variation and prepare for the remainder of the tournament.

The unsuccessful attempts kept the scoreboard blank.

It helped the French team to go ahead. Its Gaspard Baumgarten who did all the spade work with nicety in the circle to put Hugo Genestet to slip the ball in the 17th minute. This goal lit the fire, which in the remaining time roasted Rio lions.

The burly showman Victor Charlet converted his team's third penalty corner to enlarge the lead (2-0).

Now the Argentinean were in a dizzy. Body play came into prominence. Series of body blocks gave not only much needed space to the unheralded rivals but also enough spirit to fight back. Goals came in numbers. In the space of two minutes, France struck a brace. Dot on the half time, a diagonal inside circle saw the ball going in.

only a minute ago, a backline pass and a short rebound from goalie got the Rio champions a goal to go for lemon time with a goal in their favour (1-4).

When a French player put his body before a lightening of a shot in side the circle being negotiated by a forward, Argentina got its penalty corner number four. Here as well as in the next, Gonzalo struck a brace to narrow down the score to 4-3. Still 13 minutes left in the clock. Victor Charlet's wards warded of the time being aggressive and also scoring once to return to pavilion heads high.

Stick2Hockey.com

France shocks Argentina in a high-scoring encounter

The lower-ranked Europeans make the crossovers; Spain knocked out of the competition

Y.B. Sarangi


Aggro: Francois Goyet is all pumped up after slamming in France’s fifth and final goal. 

France caused one of the biggest upsets in the history of the hockey World Cup by handing Olympic champion Argentina a 5-3 win in a Pool A goal fest at the Kalinga Stadium here on Thursday.

In a captivating duel, World No. 20 France’s big win over the second-ranked Argentina not only earned it a place in the crossovers but also nudged the eighth-placed Spain out of the competition.
Direct qualification

Argentina earned a direct qualification by taking the top spot with six points. France and New Zealand, which rallied to hold Spain 2-2, bagged second and third places respectively after tying on four points. France was second on a better goal difference.

Without getting overawed by Argentina’s profile, the Frenchmen fought fire with fire. Argentina flexed its muscles early on but struggled to get the finishing.

France, playing the showpiece event after 28 years, replied strongly and presented a rare package of individual skills and tactical improvisation to pump in four of the five goals scored in the second period.

The experienced Hugo Genestet outwitted a few Los Leones defenders with his stick-work inside the circle to draw first blood.

Before Argentina could recover from the shock, France established a 3-0 lead. Captain Victor Charlet bamboozled the Latin American defence with a magnificent drag-flick, while Aristide Coisne made the most of a Timothee Clement pass.

Argentina narrowed the margin through Lucas Martinez’s goal, but France restored its lead through Gaspard Baumgarten at the stroke of half-time.

Peillat scored off short corners on either side of the third break before Francois Goyet made it 5-3 as the Olympic gold medallist paid the price of missing plenty of chances.

The results (Pool A):

Spain 2 (Albert Beltran 9, Alvaro Iglesias 27) drew with New Zealand 2 (Hayden Phillips 50, Kane Russell 56).

France 5 (Genestet 18, Charlet 23, Coisne 26, Baumgarten 30, Goyet 54) bt Argentina 3 (Martinez 28, Peillat 44 and 48).

The Hindu

French lesson for Argentina

World No. 20 France win 5-3 to enter knockouts; Spain draw with NZ, eliminated

Indervir Grewal in Bhubaneswar


France’s Aristide Coisne celebrates with teammates after scoring against Argentina. AFP

FRANCE  announced their surprising entry onto the knockout stage of the World Cup with their biggest win. France shed the disappointments of their last two matches, which they deserved to win. They shook off the pressure of the big stage and the tag of underdogs. Once all the shackles were broken, world No. 20 France tip-toed their way to the most stunning victory of the World Cup in Bhubaneswar.

An electric and brave French team shocked world No. 2 and reigning Olympics champions Argentina 5-3 to finish second in a pool also including Spain and New Zealand. The Argentina that showed up today did not represent their big tags. They were complacent, just like they had been in the opener against Spain. This time they were 0-3 down within 26 minutes and then trailed 1-4 at halftime.
Goals from Hugo Genestet (18th minute), captain Victor Charlet (23rd) and Aristide Coisne (26th) woke up Argentina, who got one back in the 28th minute through Lucas Martinez. Confirmed the top spot in the pool no matter what the result, Argentina didn’t look too bothered. Martinez’s strike gave them the reassurance that the goals would come. But before they could build on the goal, Gaspard Baumgarten made it 4-1 in the last minute of the second quarter. With their reputation on the line, Argentina stepped up. So did their go-to man, Gonzalo Peillat, who had not been too effective so far in the match. But the 26-year-old then made sure that Argentina didn’t waste the penalty corner opportunities they got with two fierce strikes past the hapless Arthur Thieffry. The first (44th) went low past the goalkeeper’s right pad, the second (48th) flew by Thieffry’s shoulder.

With 12 minutes to go, the deficit was one, and French were feeling the heat. But Francois Goyet gave the cushion that the French needed to start playing brave hockey again. They held off the World Cup bronze medallists from four years back, also keeping their unbeaten record in World Cup against Argentina, having won their previous encounters in 1971 and 1990.
France, who are back in the World Cup after 28 years, are seeking to improve upon their seventh-place finish in both previous appearances. Victories in their first two league matches secured Argentina a direct place in the quarterfinals, while France and New Zealand will play crossover games. Both France and New Zealand finished with four points, but France had a superior goal difference.

The French victory knocked out former silver medallists Spain, who earlier in the day squandered a two-goal lead to be held 2-2 by New Zealand.

“It is unbelievable, we knew we could do this,” said France’s Gaspard Baumgarten. “We knew we had the ability, but our performance in the previous two games was slightly complicated. We got over our frustration of the earlier pool matches and went out to play our free-flowing game,” he said.

PAKISTAN CAPTAIN OUT WITH INJURY

Pakistan’s team were dealt a double blow ahead of their last preliminary league match against the Netherlands. Their captain, Muhammad Rizwan, was ruled out of the tournament with a fractured finger, while the international hockey federation (FIH) suspended Ammad Butt for one match. Pakistan manager Hasan Sardar said that the captain was sidelined due to an injury suffered in their last outing, against Malaysia. Butt was suspended for an incident in the 40th minute of the game against Malaysia. Pakistan have appealed against the FIH decision. The Appeal Jury will convene on Saturday.

The Tribune

France stun Olympic champions Argentina to enter knockouts; Spain crash out


France players celebrate a goal against Argentina on Thursday. Image courtesy: Twitter/ @sports_odisha

Bhubaneswar: Minnows France stunned Olympic champions Argentina 5-3 to cause the biggest upset of the tournament in their must-win last Pool A match and book a place in the knockout stage of the men's Hockey World Cup on Thursday.

After New Zealand and Spain played out a 2-2 draw earlier in the day, World No 20, the lowest ranked side in the competition, France needed an outright win to qualify for the crossovers and they came out with intent to achieve the goal.

France ended their pool engagements on the second spot behind toppers Argentina (six points) on four points on account of a better goal difference than New Zealand (four points).

France secured the second spot with a goal difference of +1 as against New Zealand's -2 (minus 2).

Spain will have to pack their bags and leave early as they have been eliminated from the tournament.

As per the format of the tournament, the top four teams from four pools will directly qualify for the quarter-finals while the second and third placed sides will play cross-over matches against teams of other pools for the remaining four last eight berths.

In the last Pool A match, France scored four field goals through Hugo Genestet (18th minute), Aristide Coisne (26th), Gaspard Baumgarten (30th) and Francois Goyet (54th), while the other goal came from a penalty corner conversion by skipper Victor Charlet (23rd).

World No 2 Argentina's goals came from the sticks of Lucas Martinez (28th) and two penalty corner strikes from Gonzalo Peillat (44th, 48th).

Earlier, New Zealand fought back two goals down to hold Spain to a 2-2 draw in their penultimate Pool A match and qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup here.

World No 8 Spain scored two field goals in the opening two quarters through Albert Beltran (9th minute) and Alvaro Iglesias (27th) to go into the halfway break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

But the Black Sticks made a stupendous comeback in the final 10 minutes of the game and scored through Hayden Phillips (50th) and Kane Russell (56th) to share the spoils and secure their place in the cross-over round of the tournament.

It was the Black Sticks who had the first shy at the goal in the sixth minute but Hugo Inglis strike from close range was saved by Spain captain and goalkeeper Quico Cortes.

But it was Spain who struck first when Beltran scored from a through ball from Pau Quemada.

Thereafter both the teams made a couple of good moves but they lacked the final touch inside the box.

Spain earned their first penalty corner in the 25th minute but failed to utilise the opportunity.

They extended their lead in the 27th minute when Iglesias scored from close range in the midst of a crowd of Black Sticks from a Ricardo Santana feed.

After an uneventful third quarter, New Zealand pulled a goal back in the 50th minute through Phillips, who received a pass from Inglis on the left side and took his time to smash it into the roof of the net.

Pumped up by the goal, New Zealand went all out in search of the equaliser and four minutes from the final hooter their efforts bore fruit when Russell found the back of the net from the Black Sticks only penalty corner of the match.

Firstpost

England and Ireland put ties on hold at Hockey World Cup

By Rod Gilmour, Bhubaneswar



Defender Mark Gleghorne will put family ties on hold on Friday when England play Ireland, with the loser exiting the men’s World Cup.

So will club ties go on hold in the Hampstead & Westminster trio of Ireland’s Chris Cargo and English pair Harry Martin and Will Calnan.

In fact any other loose ties the rival European countries may have will be slung out into the warm sub-continent air at the Kalinga Stadium at 7pm local time.

Both nations could still both go through with a draw, if Pool B winners Australia beat China by four goals in the earlier match.

What happens if the game is level pegging with five minutes to go is anyone’s guess.

But one thing is clear in speaking to players from both sides – they are going out for the win.

And with so much at stake, defender Gleghorne admitted that with both teams staying in the same hotel, he wouldn’t be interracting with his brother, Paul, who plays for Ireland.

Gleghorne, who switched allegiances to England in 2009, said: “It’s good to have your brother here, although it’s weird being part of different teams and how people react to me spending time with somebody else from another side. I don’t think we will be meeting up.”

England beat Ireland to reach last summer’s European Championships after Shane O’Donoghue was yellow carded for lashing out at David Ames, another former Irih player.

Gleghorne expects a bruising encounter, with a place in the crossover matches guaranteed for the winner.

“It doesn’t matter if it is a World Cup or a friendly. There is a local derby rivalry to it.

“There is always needle on those games especially when the result really matters. I don’t think it will be too friendly.”

Despite winning two pre-World Cup games over their rivals, Ireland’s Eugene Magee, who is playing here with a broken hand, remained wary of England.

He said: “We’re trying to cover all the bases but Barry Middleton is the key player for them and makes the team tick. We will have to be wary of him”

“It’s going to be tight and both teams a lot to lose. It’s going to be an interesting match. They will be well drilled and organised.”

Goalkeeper Harry Gibson is expected to return to the England bench after missing the China draw with sickness.

The Hockey Paper is the only British and Irish publication accredited for the 2018 World Cup – so don’t miss out!

The Hockey Paper

Ireland aiming to secure crossover spot with England win


Ireland's Matthew Nelson reacts to a missed chance

Ireland were held to a 1-1 draw by China in their second World Cup pool match

Ireland's players will not allow themselves be distracted by the various permutations ahead of their World Cup pool match against England on Friday.

A draw would be enough for the Irish to secure a place in the crossover stage behind Pool B winners Australia.

A win could also improve the team's seeding for next year's Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgium.

"We're concentrating on winning the game, that's the most important thing," said midfielder Chris Cargo.

"We have to concentrate on tomorrow [Friday]. There's no point in worrying about any other games in this tournament right now.

"Olympic qualification is a long time in the future but this is a major tournament - it's the first time we've played in it in 28 years - so there's no point in worrying about Tokyo right now we have to worry about the World Cup.

"We want to go out there and finish as high as we can. It was our goal before we came here to make the quarter-finals and that's still our main focus."

England and Ireland are level on points after two rounds of matches in Pool B but the Irish have a superior goal difference following their narrow opening-game loss to Australia, with both teams drawing against group minnows China.

England are bottom of the pool but could still reach the crossover stage with a draw, depending on the outcome of the other pool match on Friday between Australia and China.

The four pool winners advance directly to the quarter-finals but the runners-up and third-place finishers in each pool will contest the crossover round - effectively the last 12 - where the remaining four quarter-final places are at stake.

As well as County Antrim brothers Paul and Mark Gleghorne playing for opposing sides on Friday, the two teams will be very familiar with each other ahead of the match in Bhubaneswar.

Both teams have had to adjust to new coaches in the build up to the World Cup with Danny Kerry taking charge of Great Britain and England in August while Alexander Cox succeeded Craig Fulton as Ireland head coach during the summer.

It will also be the third meeting between the teams in recent weeks, with Ireland narrowly winning both of their encounters during a recent World Cup warm-up competition in Spain.

"We played England twice in the build up to this tournament. We know them pretty well, they know us pretty well," added Cargo.

"We've played each other in a few big matches over the last couple of years whether it's at European Championships or Olympic qualifiers.

"So we know what they're like, they've obviously got a new coach this year but we're pretty confident that if we play our game we can come out on top."

The match in Bhubaneswar will get under way at 13:30 GMT.

BBC Sport

Ireland can finish off England to stay in World Cup

A draw is enough to see Ireland through to a play-off for World Cup quarter-finals

Johnny Watterson


Alan Sothern of Ireland in the match against China. Photograph: Harish Tyagi/EPA

The positive aspect of Ireland’s 1-1 draw with China in their last pool game of the men’s Hockey World Cup is that the team created chances. The downside is that despite half a dozen or so circle penetrations along the back line, Ireland failed to find a green stick or a Chinese foot for a penalty corner.

There was almost a lack of cynicism or savvy to manufacture set-pieces, which leaves the team in a semi-precarious position against England. It is a position Ireland are not unused to being in.

A draw with England in Kalinga Stadium in India in the last match of the pool would be enough to see Ireland through into a play-off for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

In reality Ireland are where they would have hoped to be before the start of the competition. Coach Alexander Cox and his team targeted China for a win and didn’t get it, while the world number one side Australia were, realistically, out of reach. England too targeted China for a win and didn’t get it.

Prior to the tournament beginning, the straws in the wind had already pointed to a showdown against England in the final pool match. In that, Ireland have succeeded in that they are alive in the tournament and need just to draw.

The Irish karma might be that the silver medal-winning Irish women’s team also played England in the last match of their pool at the summer World Cup in London. Ireland lost that match 1-0, but the work had already been done and Graham Shaw’s team went on to the final.

No bearing

The world rankings of the teams in this match won’t have any bearing at all. England has the higher rank of No 7 in the world to Ireland’s No 10. Bear in mind the Irish women went into London ranked 16th in the world.

Captain David Harte has been strong in goal since the beginning and Ireland need that form to continue. So too have the defence been tight. Largely the tackling has been clean, with only one yellow card so far.

Both teams know each other well. England’s David Ames played 64 times for Ireland until 2013 before declaring for England aged 23. Mark Gleghorne played with Ireland until 2008, and Cookstown’s Ian Sloan made the decision to ditch Ireland for England aged 19.

There is considerable intelligence both ways. Ireland famously beat England 4-2 to win a first ever bronze medal at the 2015 European Championships, and again they will not be troubled about getting up for this one.

But Cox and former coach Craig Fulton before him have brought control and organisation to the team, and with many of the side playing professionally around Europe, conditioning is not a factor.

Abrasive forward

In Eugene Magee, Ireland have an abrasive forward presence, and Alan Sothern and Shane O’Donoghue usually know where the net is, Sothern scoring last time out against the Chinese from a ripped cross that would have hit many forwards on the foot. He was incredibly nimble to get his body out of the way and angle his stick on the ball.

England last won the World Cup in 1986 but are far from that level now. They have, though, come fourth in the previous two events.

Cox and the Irish players know the finishing was poor against China. With even half the amount of chances this time out, there should be a better return. The Irish defence is stronger than England’s. Finish better and Ireland will win.

The Irish Times

SA Hockey men to do the math to advance to World Cup next round

Ockert de Villiers


The SA Hockey men meeting supporters at the World Cup's Fan Village. Photo: @sports_odisha on twitter

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s hopes of advancing to the next stage of the Hockey World Cup in India will depend on their result against Belgium and on that of the other Pool-C match tomorrow (1.30pm).

The Proteas made a dreadful start to the tournament when they suffered a 5-0 defeat to India but produced a plucky performance against Canada over the weekend.

While they showed some grit in the match, the 1-1 draw made their chances of reaching the crossover round and thereafter the quarter-finals, decidedly more difficult.

They could easily have won the match, and it certainly looked like they would when they took the lead in the 43rd minute courtesy of Nqobile Ntuli.

But they were left dejected when Canada equalised just two minutes later to force the stalemate.

South Africa were the better side on the day, but this will be of little comfort as Canada’s superior goal difference from their 2-1 victory over Belgium, has left the Proteas in third place on their group table.

They ended the Canadian clash with 24 circle penetrations, 12 shots at goal and seven penalty goals with only one goal to show for it.


The SA Hockey men made an appearance at the World Cup's Fan Village. Photo: @sports_odisha on twitter

The team will still be going into their Belgium clash confident of their ability to create opportunities but will have to find a way of turning them into points.

Thereafter, the Proteas will be throwing their support behind India in their match against Canada where runaway victory could aid South Africa in their pursuit of reaching the crossover round. Canada has a -1 goal difference, while South Africa have -5.

South Africa will also have to be at their best against world No 3 Belgium, who played out a 1-1 draw with India over the weekend.

The Proteas finished 11th at the previous edition in The Netherlands where they suffered four defeats, conceding 21 goals, while they managed a goalless draw against South Korea.

They beat Malaysia 6-2 in the 11th/12th-place play-off match to avoid the wooden spoon.

This is South Africa’s sixth appearance at the World Cup and they are hoping to improve on their previous best 10th-place finishes from 2010 and 1994.

Independent Online

Pakistan hit by ban and injury

Ammad Butt gets one-match ban

Uthra Ganesan


Ammad Butt. 

Pakistan might have been hoping to continue further in the World Cup but things have taken a turn for the worse for the side.

Midfielder Ammad Butt, one of the key players in the side, has been hit with a one-match ban after the draw against Malaysia.

Ammad has been charged with deliberately jumping on and hurting Malaysia’s Faisal Saari while rushing to defend a penalty corner in their Pool D match on Wednesday.

“We are not just happy but disgusted with this clearly biased decision. All this is simply to ensure Pakistan is out of the tournament since Malaysia’s situation is worse than us and they are desperate to survive,” Pakistan coach Rehan Butt told The Hindu. He also said the team would protest against it with the FIH.
Rizwan out

That is not the only bad news for the team. Captain Rizwan Sr. has been ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle fracture suffered in the same game. Sources though confirmed Pakistan has already put in an application for replacement but it is unlikely to be approved before its last league match against Holland on Sunday.

The Hindu

Pakistan skipper Muhammad Rizwan out injured; Ammad Butt banned for a game


Action from the World Cup clash between Malaysia and Pakistan. Image courtesy: Twitter/ @sports_odisha

Pakistan hockey team's World Cup campaign suffered twin blows on Thursday with skipper Muhammad Rizwan Sr ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with an injury while vice-captain Ammad Butt banned for their last Pool match against Netherlands because of a serious on-field offence.

However, Butt's suspension didn't go down well with the Pakistan team management with manager Hasan Sardar terming the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) decision as "bias".

Butt was banned for one match after Malaysia lodged a complaint to the FIH against the player for a rough tackle in the 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

"Rizwan Senior fractured his little finger so unfortunately he won't be able to play any further part in this tournament," Sardar said in a video message.

"About Ammad Butt, we weren't informed yesterday that Malaysia had appealed. They (FIH) informed us later. We were called for hearing today. If we look at the video against which they had taken action taken action for a harsh dash, there wasn't any such dash," Sardar said.

"If we look at the video everybody would agree that Ammad not only stopped the ball but the umpire also didn't give any penalty corner against us nor the umpire showed any card to Ammad Butt," he said.

Sardar wasn't happy that Butt's suspension was handed by a Dutch technical delegate, the country against whom, they will play their last pool match.

"I think this is an afterthought but we have to play a match against the Netherlands and this decision was given by a Dutch technical delegate. They lost to Germany and this is a do-or-die match for them as well as us. So I think they have taken this harsh decision against us."

Sardar said Pakistan had appealed against the banning of Butt and hoped the sanction would be lifted and he would be able to play against Netherlands in their crucial last pool match on Sunday.

"We have appealed against this decision and I hope the FIH would listen to our appeal and give a decision in our favour," he said.

"Ammad not only saved himself and a goal but also the Malaysian player. This is a biased decision," Sardar alleged.

Firstpost

Former India captain Sardar Singh says team needs to keep momentum going in Bhubaneswar


File image of Sardar Singh. Image courtesy: Twitter/@TheHockeyIndia

Mumbai: Impressed by the good start of the Indian team in the ongoing men's hockey World Cup in Bhubaneshwar, former captain Sardar Singh on Thursday said the team needs to keep the momentum going and play as a collective unit.

"The start has been good. In the tournament, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Argentina and Australia are some of the best teams. We have started off well and need to keep the momentum going and continue with same energy," Sardar said.

He was speaking to reporters here on the sidelines of a promotional event of preventive healthcare firm, GOQii with whom he has signed up.

India began their campaign by thrashing South Africa 5-0 and then drew 2-2 with against a strong Belgium side in Group C.

The PR Sreejesh-led team is inching closer to a quarter-final berth with a game in hand against Canada, the fourth team in the group, on Saturday.

Sardar, who retired from the game prior to the mega event, wants the Indian squad to play as a cohesive unit once they make the quarter-finals and not just depend on two-three players.

"Tournaments like World Cup or Olympics come once in four years, so we have been preparing for this for a long. They (the players) know the value of such matches and how every second counts. They will not come back.

"Our main match will be the quarter-finals. And on that day, it will not just be about – (PR) Sreejesh, Manpreet (Singh) we need to play as a complete unit and play to the potential.

"Only energy (performances) by two or three players won't help (in the quarter-final). The four quarters that we have (in the match), we have to fully concentrate in the quarters. If we play that well, we can make it count," said Sardar who, in his prime, was among the finest half backs in world hockey.

Sardar also praised current team coach Harendra Singh as one of the best in the business.

"Like now we have Harendra, who is one of the best coaches. Over the last 10 years he has grown immensely (as a coach). When he was with the women's team and junior team, he had tasted success," recalled Sardar.

There were talks in some quarters that the vastly experienced Sreejesh, who is the team's number one goalkeeper, has become a bit slow, but Sardar brushed them aside and said the Indian captain was one of the best in the world.

"If we see the Champions Trophy, Sreejesh got the player of the tournament. He is one of the best in the world. Experience matters a lot," he pointed out.

On the personal front, Sardar informed that he was mulling opening an academy in Haryana.

"I am thinking of setting up an academy in Haryana. Talks are on, let's see how it goes. I plan to play in Europe for the next couple of years," he signed off.

Firstpost

Ryul disappointed but China on verge of cross-over

Errol D’Cruz



Kim Sang Ryul, the venerable South Korean coaching China’s team which has been making waves at the 14th Men’s World Cup bore a dejected look even after his debutants held Ireland 1-1 in a pool B match at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday.

“Ireland played much better than us. They missed chances. We now have to play the world No. 1 team Australia but we will do our best,” the 63-year-old mastermind of his country’s epic 2000 Sydney Olympic silver medal victory, said.

Ryul, who studied hockey coaching at the NIS, Patiala, in 1985, wasn’t satisfied with the draw and his somber visage contrasted his players’ cheer as they clicked selfies in the background, perhaps as memoirs of a performance that could well write a new chapter for Chinese hockey.

The draw against the 10th ranked Irish meant the Chinese, ranked 17th, remain unbeaten with a match to play after carving out a sensational 2-2 draw against seventh-ranked England in their opener.

Ryul’s team have two points and face a daunting challenge in their concluding match on Friday when they play defending champions Australia who have already made sure they have topped the pool and qualified for the quarterfinals.

For all that, however, China are the best placed to make the cross-overs. England and Ireland square up to each other later on the same day. Both teams have a point each after drawing with China and losing to Australia.

Ireland, though, have the advantage on goal difference having lost just 1-2 to Australia in their opener. England’s 0-3 defeat to the Kookaburras leaves them with a severe disadvantage on goal difference and the task to beat Ireland.

It England and Ireland draw and China lose to Australia, goal difference will come into play as all three teams will have collected two points each.

The Chinese, on their part, can make sure they finish third in their pool if they keep the Australians down to just a two-goal victory not matter what happens in the England-Ireland match.

Stick2Hockey.com

Hockey World Cup Memories: Dhanraj Pillay on hostile reception in 1990 edition and making waves in Sydney 1994

Dhanraj Pillay


File image of Dhanraj Pillay. Reuters

Dhanraj Pillay is a legend of the game, having represented India ta four Olympics and four World Cups. He spoke to Amit Kamath

It has been 28 years now, but the sound of the furious pounding on the door will never go away from my mind. The people outside the door were blaming us for Pakistan's defeat in the final. Maybe they still do.

But the minutes we spent in the dressing room after Pakistan lost to the Netherlands at Lahore in the final of the 1990 World Cup were nerve-wracking for us.

All we had wanted to do was to watch the match live. But we soon realised that watching it from the stands was not a possibility given the way the crowd had treated us for the whole tournament. Everywhere we went during the 1990 World Cup, we were jeered. Or worse. When we played, we were abused. Things were thrown at us. We walked around with a batallion of guards. On every floor in our hotel, there were policemen posted. India were playing a World Cup in Pakistan, what did you expect?

It was my first World Cup and it was shrouded by a feeling of fear. Kahaan se kya aajayega kya maloom?

It was a dangerous environment to play sport in. But I must give credit to the authorities, who took every measure possible to ascertain our safety.

I can say it was a bitter experience. It shouldn't surprise anyone that we ended up 10th at the event.

Four years later though, Sydney 1994 was one of my best experiences. I enjoyed playing at the tournament. I ended up making it to the World XI side which is picked after the tournament. It is a matter of great prestige to be picked and adding to my pride was the fact that I was the only Indian in that side.

One more thing that people often neglect is that even back then we were fifth in the world, just like we are now.

I can safely say that after 1975 — when we won the World Cup for the only time in history — 1994 was India's best performance at a Hockey World Cup. We narrowly missed out on making it to the semis and eventually ended up fifth. I can attribute this performance to understanding between player and the coach and also the amount of freedom given to us. Coached by Cedric D'Souza, we had players like Jude Felix and Mukesh Kumar in our team.

I've had some of the best moments at World Cups. But also the worst.

In 1998, there were a lot of rumours and talk in the media that I was not playing because I was injured. That is not true. India’s chief coach Vasudevan Bhaskaran was not playing me in matches despite me being the captain of the team. All of this made Utrecht a bitter experience for me. We eventually finished ninth at the event.

Four years later, the 2002 World Cup at Kuala Lumpur also brought a bitter experience for me. India finished even lower than the previous edition: 10th.

But I would prefer to remember the good memories I’ve had at the World Cup, rather than the bad ones.

Firstpost

Netherlands women announce squad for FIH Pro League



Seven-time world champions and the current Champions Trophy title holder Netherlands announced their 32-member squad for the FIH Pro League. The Dutch national women play their first game on 27 January in New Zealand. The Orange Army will host China for its first home game on 10 April.

According to the head coach Alyson Annan, the team has a good diversity as it has right mix of younger and older players and the diversity will give an opportunity to the team management to change the composition over the six-month long tournament.

All 32 selected players take part in a training camp in preparation for the FIH Pro League. This takes place from 10 to 17 January 2019 in Cadiz, Spain.

Netherlands Women's squad for FIH Pro League:

Ireen van den Assem
Kyra Fortuin
Margot van Geffen
Eva de Goede
Kiki Gunneman
Alexandra Heerbaart
Lieke Hulsen
Yibbi Jansen
Kelly Jonker
Marloes Keetels
Josine Koning
Sanne Koolen
Maartje Krekelaar
Renee van Laarhoven
Laurien Leurink
Caia van Maasakker
Frederique Matla
Freeke Moes
Laura Nunnink
Malou Pheninckx
Lisa Post
Famke Richardson
Pien Sanders
Lauren Stam
Marijin Veen
Anne Veenendaal
Hester van der Veld
Maria Verschoor
Xan de Waard
Lidewij Welten
Ginella Zerbo
Magot Zuidhof

FIH site

HA Announces National Indoor Hockey Coaches

Ben Somerford



Hockey Australia today announces the appointments for the national Indoor Hockey teams with a view to the 2022 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup.

Steve Willer has been re-appointed as the national men’s Head Coach while Mark Sandhu has been appointed as the national women’s Head Coach.

Sandhu replaces Stewart Fenton who has held the position for the past eight years.

Australia’s men’s team made history at the 2018 Indoor World Cup, reaching the semi-finals for the first time, while the women’s team reached the quarter-finals.

Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier said: “We are excited to announce the appointments of Steve Willer and Mark Sandhu as Head Coaches of our men’s and women’s national Indoor Hockey teams.

“At the same time, we thank Stewart Fenton for his service and contribution, achieving unprecedented success for the women’s team at the past two World Cups.

“Steve’s re-appointment comes following his success with the men’s side at the 2018 Indoor Hockey World Cup which showcased the good structures he’s put in place.

“Mark’s appointment is an exciting one having worked hard in recent times to upskill himself and taking over a women’s side which has made steady progress in recent years.”

The re-appointment of Willer will extend his tenure to 2022, having taken over following the 2015 Indoor Hockey World Cup.

Willer was the men’s team Assistant Coach and Video Analyst at the 2015 Indoor Hockey World Cup, before taking up the Head Coaching role in 2016.

Willer brings more than 20 years’ experience in elite sports coaching and sport science, having studied a Masters of Applied Science in Sports Coaching in 2007 and having had previous experience coaching numerous Indoor Hockey sides in Victoria.

“It is an exciting opportunity to continue in the Head Coach role for the Australian men’s Indoor Hockey team, especially after the outstanding success we had at the 2018 Indoor World Cup,” Willer said.

“We have a lot of talented indoor players throughout Australia and I am looking forward to further developing an effective Australian style of play and increasing the depth and international experience of our players and coaches.”

Sandhu takes up the women’s head coaching role having been Willer men’s assistant coach for the Indoor World Cup earlier this year.

He has also previously led the women’s team at the 2007 and 2011 Indoor Hockey World Cups and was assistant coach for the NT Stingers in this year’s Australian Hockey League.

Sandhu has also been an international Indoor Hockey umpire, officiating at the 2003 Indoor Hockey World Cup.

“It's an honour to once again be appointed as the Australian Women’s Indoor Hockey Head coach,” Sandhu said.

“I want to acknowledge Stewart Fenton and his assistant Gaye Tarrant on their results in Berlin earlier this year and look forward to working on continuing to build on their success.

“The women are now well placed to push for a podium finish at the next World Cup.”

Fenton departs the role having made a major contribution in leading the Australian women’s team from 2011 to 2018 and also previously in 1999 and 2000.

During his time in charge, the Australian women’s team have achieved two quarter-final finishes at the 2015 and 2018 Indoor Hockey World Cups.

*HA is also now looking for applications for the vacant National Indoor Assistant Coaches and Independent Indoor Selectors positions. For more info and to apply, head to www.recruitment4hockey.com.

Hockey Australia media release

Passmore and Carroll to coach Irish indoor teams as Leinster leagues get up and running


Kenny Carroll has been appointed men’s national indoor coach. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Dave Passmore and Kenny Carroll have been confirmed as the women’s and men’s national indoor team coaches as Ireland looks to return to international action after a couple of decades away.

Both coaches will be working with a view toward the EuroHockey Indoor Championships with the women confirmed to play in Galanta, Slovakia in January 2020.

They are on the entry list for EuroHockey Championship III along with Denmark, Bulgaria, Spain, Georgia, Portugal, Slovenia and the hosts with pools set to be decided at the back end of January 2019.

On the men’s side, Ireland are not currently assigned to a tournament as their EuroHockey Championship III in Santander is over-subscribed with entries already in place. However, should a nation withdraw by June 30, Ireland are first reserve to take up a spot.

The men’s Leinster indoor league starts on Sunday at St Columba’s with six games in the expanded competition with two groups of five entering this season.

In Group A, reigning national champions Three Rock Rovers are the side to beat following a fine season last time out, winning the National Indoor Trophy and the EuroHockey Club Challenge II in Tbilisi.

Jody Hosking and Ross Canning are their usual stars while Irish World Cup squad members Luke Madeley and Daragh Walsh have been improving their game in recent seasons.

They start off in a group with Pembroke, YMCA, Bray and Railway Union 2. Pembroke are led by Cedric Mushiete with Simon Thornton a goalkeeper with indoor know-how.

YM are captained by Wil Powderly while Railway seconds draw on the experience of Bruce Thompson and Arjen van As to guide their youth.

Railway’s firsts are the ones to watch in Group B. In addition to Kenny Carroll’s mastery of the boards, Brendan Parsons is back on board while Jason Lynch and Aran Rooney are guest stars from Monkstown.

Glenanne could be a dark horse with Cedric Jakobi and Rowland Rixon-Fuller in the mix. Kilkenny are being run by Eric Comerford who has been at the forefront of the PSI Kilkenny Cats.

Corinthian coach Trevor Dagg is a big fan of the game while North Kildare are another newcomer to the competition.

The women’s league gets under way on December 16 with Genesis, Muckross, Newbridge, UCD and Railway Union in Group A while four teams contest Group B – Glenanne, Three Rock Rovers, Bray and North Kildare.

The winner from each group will advance to the final four while second and third places will play crossover matches for a shot at the semi-finals.

From the men’s competition, the top two in Leinster will advance to the National Indoor Trophy finals day on January 27 at the Antrim Forum. One the women’s side, the four provincial champions will take part in the playoffs.

Men’s Leinster Indoor League
Group A: Pembroke, Three Rock Rovers, YMCA, Bray, Railway Union 2
Group B: Railway Union, Corinthian, Glenanne, North Kildare, Kilkenny

Women’s Leinster Indoor League
Group A: Genesis, Muckross, Newbridge, UCD, Railway Union
Group B: Glenanne, Three Rock Rovers, Bray, North Kildare.

This weekend’s fixtures (Sunday)
Leinster’ men’ Indoor League (all at St Columba’s College)
Group A: Railway Union B v Bray, 11.20am; Bray v YMCA, 12.40pm;
Group B: Kilkenny v North Kildare, 12pm; Glenanne v North Kildare, 1.20pm; Kilkenny v Corinthian, 2pm; Railway Union v Glenanne, 2.40pm

The Hook

Trinity aim to close in on EYHL2 Pool A leaders


Trinity’s Erica Markey. Pic: Adrian Boehm

The final series of EYHL Division 2 games for 2018 take the field on Saturday with the scramble for points intensifying across the groups.

Trinity lost their first two games in the group but a strong 3-1 win over UCC last time out has reignited their challenge and they will be heavy favourites to beat Greenfields at Santry Avenue.

Indeed, they picked up one of their most important wins of the campaign last Sunday with Erica Markey’s single goal seeing off Corinthian 1-0. That result sees them top of the provincial competition with just one goal conceded in nine outings.

The reds have a tricky away assignment at UCC who need a win to kee their interest in the competition flowing into the new year.

In the other pool, Catholic Institute host Dungannon with a win set to lift them above Monkstown who are on a bye weekend, potentially putting 10 points between them and the chasers.

Insta ground out a 2-1 win over Cork C of I on Thursday evening to keep up their perfect start to the campaign on all fronts, Chirstine O’Shea and Aoife Hickey with the goals.

Lurgan and NUIG battle it out for their first win of the competition at Dangan.

In Leinster, Monkstown strengthened their hold on third place in Division One on Monday with a 4-0 win over an under-strength Naas. Town were three up by half-time in a strong result, Rachel Moore adding two to her season’s total.

Should Town win their Saturday tester against Glenanne at Rathdown, they would move within a point of leaders Trinity with the top three cutting a seven-point wedge between them and the chasing pack.

Our Lady’s will hope they can get points on the board to raise their chances of avoiding the bottom rung of the table. They are seven points adrift going into their game with North Kildare in Terenure.

Eighth place Naas host ninth Rathgar while sixth placed Genesis face seventh team Avoca in a pair of well-matched ties.

Women’s weekend fixtures
EYHL Division 2
Pool A: Trinity v Greenfields, 1.30pm, Santry Avenue; UCC v Corinthian, 3pm, Mardyke
Pool B: Catholic Institute v Dungannon, 3pm, Rosbrien; NUIG v Lurgan, 1.20pm, Dangan

Leinster Division 1
Last Sunday: Trinity 1 (E Markey) Corinthian 0
Monday: Monkstown 4 (R Moore 2, S Hoban-Logan, C O”Reilly) Naas 0

Saturday: Genesis v Avoca, 1.15pm, St Raphaela’s; Monkstown v Glenanne, 4pm, Rathdown; Naas v Rathgar, 12pm, Caragh Road; Our Lady’s v North Kildare, 12.30pm, Terenure

Munster Division 1: Limerick v Cork C of I, 11.30am, Villiers

The Hook

Ireland's Hockey World Cup hero caps huge 2018 with prestigious honour in US

Ayeisha McFerran has been named on the All-American Team of the Year once again.


Super keeper: Ayeisha McFerran. Image: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

IRELAND’S HEROIC GOALKEEPER Ayeisha McFerran has capped an unforgettable 2018 with another prestigious individual honour as she was named on the All-American Team of the Year for the fourth year in-a-row.

The 22-year-old was one of the stars of the show as Graham Shaw’s side produced a historic and magical run — which resulted in silver medals — at the Hockey World Cup this summer.

McFerran was the one of the most outstanding performers over the course of the two-week tournament, most memorably in their quarter and semi-final shootout wins over India and Spain respectively.

Subsequently, she was named goalkeeper of the tournament.


Elena Tice and Ayeisha McFerran at full-time McFerran with Elena Tice at the World Cup. Source: Joe Toth/INPHO

A student at the University of Louisville, she continued her terrific form Stateside and has been rewarded with a place on the All-American Team of the Year once again.

The Larne native, who is due to graduate next May with a degree in Exercise Science, becomes the first player in Louisville’s history to earn four All-America accolades.

In the US in November, she was included in the Atlantic Coast Conference Team of the Year and was selected for the national All-Star game in Kentucky, after an outstanding season.

McFerran’s attention will now turn to the Irish team once again in 2019 as they begin their bid to qualify for the 2020 Olympics.

The 42