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All the news for Sunday 13 January 2019

2019 Indoor Test Matches SUI v RSA (W) - 4th and 5th Tests
Various (SUI)

Results 12 January

SUI v RSA     1 - 4 (0 - 1)
SUI v RSA     4 - 1 (3 - 1)

South Africa win the 5 Test series 3 - 1 with one test drawn

FIH Match Centre

SPAR South Africa take control of the series against Switzerland

It was a tough day for SPAR South Africa both physically and emotionally, but as this team has proven time and time again, that is when they show their best side. Today was the day that the former South African player Brenda Bartlett was remembered after her long fight with cancer. For South African captain Cindy Hack, it was extra emotional as the two played together at the 2007 Indoor Hockey World Cup and were fond friends.

The South African ladies wore black ribbons on their socks to play in honour of the late Bartlett and found themselves under early attack. The Switzerland side featured a few changes from the opening test match and the renewed energy provided a massive test for the South Africans with Julia Intelmann converting the early pressure.

The hosts, who were stunned in the opening game, looked up for the game but SPAR South Africa were given an early lifeline when they won a stroke. Tegan Fourie dispatched it convincingly to restore parity in a fierce contest. With the clock ticking to half-time it was the visitors who took the opportunity and netted a fine go-ahead goal through 18-year-old sensation Edith Molikoe. The youngster had a fantastic first test and the goal was a just reward for her displays.

In the second half captain Cindy Hack extended the lead to 3-1 with her 3rd of the series, which drew obvious emotion from the inspiring leader. Switzerland set up an incredible finish win they scored in the 35th minute through Sofie Stomps. Although they threw everything at it, the hosts were unable to breach the South African defence and suffered a second surprise defeat.

2nd Test Match – 12 January 2019 – Switzerland 2-3 SPAR South Africa

As is the nature of indoor hockey there was not much time to wait for the third test, in fact just about 7 hours. The two teams had produced a fantastic and entertaining test match in the morning and although Switzerland rang the changes again, it was more of the same for the crowd in attendance.

It was South Africa who got the perfect start to the game with a superb Jessica O’Connor flick from the penalty corner. Although coach Lennie Botha was delighted with that early goal, that delight did not last long as Elena Trosch levelled in the 10th minute. Hasana El Allaly then sent the home crowd into raptures as the hosts gained the lead. It looked like it was a lead that would last until half-time, but after the hooter Jess Lardant scored from the penalty corner to completely tear up the respective coaches’ notes.

As has become customary in this series, the first goal of the second half was struck by legendary captain Cindy Hack, her fourth of the series, putting SPAR South Africa into the lead. A defensive masterclass looked like it had done enough to seal the series for South Africa, but a last second penalty corner was converted by Janice Thoma to share the game. A pulsating 3-3 draw that extended South Africa’s unbeaten test match run to 28 games and importantly meaning they cannot lose the series with two matches remaining. It’s nothing short of spectacular for the world’s 16th ranked side against the World number 7.

3rd Test Match – 12 January 2019 – Switzerland 3-3 SPAR South Africa

SA Hockey Association media release

2019 Test Matches: CHI v IRL (W) - 1st Test
Santiago, (CHI)

Result 12 January

CHI v IRL     0 - 0

FIH Match Centre

Green Army 0-0 Chile



The first international of 2019 for the Green Army saw Graham Shaw opt for a combination of youth and experience as he awarded first caps to Sarah Hawkshaw, Amy Elliott and, Serena and Bethany Barr.

Hawkshaw put her counterpart under pressure early on as the Chileans looked to break down the right but strong marking and a quick step forced Carolina Garcia to pass the ball back into defence and look for another route through the Irish midfield line. Francisca Tala tried her luck down the opposite side but the ever-calm Zoe Wilson routinely dispossessed her and switched the play for Ireland. The Chileans pressed high at times in the opening half giving the Irish defence little time to find those rangy passes slicing through to the forwards. Aisling Naughton impressed with her pace and skill as she caused the Chilean backline some trouble in the circle, which the Green Army found themselves inhabiting more frequently as the game progressed.

Naughton was again the instigator of another chance as she picked up the ball in her own half and darted into the Chilean circle but managed to pull the ball back to Elliott whose initial shot was blocked and the subsequent crash ball from Serena Barr just missed the waiting Irish shirt on the back post. The Green Army continued to up the pressure and Roisin Upton saw her penalty corner drag flick fly just wide before the end of the third quarter. Elliott made several breaks through the midfield leaving more than a few defenders in her wake on an impressive debut. Gemma Frazer was next to test the Chilean defence down the left wing as she swept the ball in looking for the deflection in front of goal but the important touch continued to evade the Irish for the remainder of the opening test.

The two sides meet again tomorrow evening, with the match due to be streamed here https://www.diversatvchile.com.

4 Match Test Series, Santiago

Ireland 0
Chile 0

Starting: S Barr, K Mullan (Captain), E Beatty, G Pinder, R Upton, A McFerran, S Hawkshaw, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson, B Barr, G Frazer

Subs: E Buckley, A Naughton, Y O’Byrne, A Elliott, E Tice, C Watkins, N Daly

NOTE:Megan Frazer suffered an injury at training in Santiago that resulted in a broken hand. Megan underwent successful surgery in Chile and is expected to make a full recovery.

Schedule (all times listed are local):

12/1/19 8pm Ireland 0 - 0 Chile
Prince of Wales Country Club

13/1/19 8pm Ireland vs Chile
Prince of Wales Country Club

15/1/19 6:30pm Ireland vs Chile
Club Deportivo Manquehue

16/1/19 6:30pm Ireland vs Chile
Club Deportivo Manquehue

Irish Hockey Association media release

EuroHockey Indoor Junior Championship (M) 2019 - Day2
Vienna, Austria

Results 12 January

POL v TUR (Pool B)     3 - 2 (1 - 0)
ITA v RUS (Pool B)         7 - 2 (3 - 0)
CRO v SUI (Pool A)         4 - 6 (1 - 4)
AUT v BLR (Pool A)     8 - 4 (5 - 3)
CRO v RUS (Pool C)     1 - 7 (0 - 2)
BLR v TUR (Pool C)     3 - 4 (2 - 1)
AUT v ITA (Semi Final 1)     5 - 1 (3 - 1)
POL v SUI (Semi Final 2)     5 - 2 (1 - 2)

Pool standings

Pool A

Pool B

Pool C

EuroHockey Indoor Junior Championship II (M) 2019 - Day 2
Paredes, Portugal

Results 12 January

WAL v SWE (Pool A)     1 - 2 (1 - 1)
SVK v DEN (Pool A)     3 - 2 (2 - 2)
CZE v POR (Pool A)     5 - 4 (2 - 3)
UKR v WAL (Pool A)     5 - 4 (2 - 1)
DEN v SWE (Pool A)     4 - 2 (1 - 0)
POR v SVK (Pool A)     3 - 3 (2 - 2)
CZE v UKR (Pool A)     3 - 2 (2 - 1)

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Mark Hager will be missed - Stacey Michelsen

Brad Lewis


Hager had a near decade-long tenure in charge of the national team. Photo credit: Photosport

Mark Hager leaves Black Sticks women's hockey in much better shape than when he arrived, according to captain Stacey Michelsen.

The Australian has taken up the head coaching role with Great Britain and England, ending a near decade-long stint in charge of New Zealand.

Languishing at the bottom end of the world's top 10 when he took over, the Black Sticks climbed inside the top three and won Commonwealth gold in 2018.

Michelsen admits she was a fan of Hager's intense approach when it came to the team culture he developed, claiming that environment is what's needed to achieve success at the elite level of sport.

"He had really high standards for us as players, and I think that is really important in allowing us to develop as individuals and for the team to be able to compete with the best teams in the world," she told Newshub.

"You have to be accountable to be successful in high-level sport and he certainly made sure that we were as players."

Hager's approach is the subject of an ongoing review into the national team culture. Launched in September, the review is looking at allegations of a negative team environment after it emerged some players had felt intimated by Hager's tough tactics.

Michelsen though believes the team culture was a winning one developed through Hager's demand of the players and their performances, both on the field and off.

"I don't personally think we had a harsh culture," she said. "We had high expectations of each other and that is certainly important in high-level sport and the way that Mark pushed us and challenged us is something we need in terms of development.

"In New Zealand sport you have to be willing to train hard, to compete hard and willing to be told when things need to be better and I think that is something that is very important within our team.

"If you are not willing to be told that you need to be better, then you will never get better."


Sam Charlton in action. Photo credit: Photosport

Michelsen's views on the Black Sticks' culture were backed by teammate Sam Charlton. Having been capped 219 times under Hager's watch, the 27-year-old has only known a New Zealand side coached by the 54-year-old.

Charlton believes players' opinions on coaching tactics vary.

Everyone's experience is different. I think we can all say he was someone who pushed us to become a high performing team," Charlton told Newshub.

"No one wants to be part of a team that constantly performs badly on the world stage so we have a lot of gratitude for what Mark has done to make sure we are a team that competes with the best.

"He has made a huge mark on hockey in New Zealand, pulling us up from where we were when he took over to the point we were competing with the very best teams in the world.

"He has left that mark on us as players as well in terms of that work ethic he has instilled in us, and the way he has developed our technical and tactical knowledge of the game.

"He is just someone with an incredible wealth of hockey knowledge and we appreciate everything he has done for hockey and his players."

New Zealand's loss is Great Britain and England's gain - the current world number two-ranked side (England) shocked the hockey world in 2016 when they topped the Netherlands in the final in Rio.

Newshub understands the Australian has turned down at least two previous advances from Great Britain, but they finally got their man.

Michelsen expects them to get even better under Hager, and can understand his desire for change.

"For Mark, it is a fantastic opportunity," she said. "They are one of the best teams in the world - they are the current Olympic champions and I guess moving into a programme like that is really exciting for any coach.

"For Mark, I know it was a really hard decision because he didn't want to leave - he loved living in and coaching in New Zealand - he felt New Zealand was home, but I think after being with us for 10 years it was he felt it was the right time to take up a new, exciting opportunity."

Assistant coach Sean Dancer will look after the squad for the upcoming Pro League fixtures against the Netherlands and Belgium.

Newshub.

Liaoning get off to super start

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: China’s Liaoning Hockey Club got off to a flying in the Women’s Malaysia Hockey League by hammering KL Wipers 4-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here on Saturday.

Liaoning coach Gao Lihua said they could have performed better if not for the biting heat.

"Since this was our first match in Malaysia, the heat was a little too much for my players but they still managed to win the match.

“However, I am not too happy with their finishing and that is what I will be working on in this tournament," said the three-time Olympian who helped her country win a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing edition.

The Liaoning goals were scored by Sui Qiaomeng (seventh, 39th), Sun Yuyuan (29th) and Liu Xinyu (55th).

And Liaoning missed many more sitters, as KL Wipers were completely wiped out from the match.

Liaoning have three internationals and one back up player, and their target is to qualify for the knockout stage by finishing top-four. They hope ti win the title.

Meanwhile, Australian Keiran Govers believes Universiti Kuala Lumpur's (UniKL) defeat in the Charity Shield to Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) is a sign of better things to come.

UniKL held THT 2-2 in regulation time, but lost 3-1 in the shootout.

UniKL and THT shared one point each for the draw. UniKL will play Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) on Sunday at the Tun Razak Stadium.

“THT dominated the first half and we controlled the second.

“We had our chances to pull through in the late stages. Overall the players gave a commendable performance,”

“Off course it would have been great to lift the Charity Shield. However, we still have a point from this match.

“It is time to move a notch up in the remaining league matches,” said Govers.

RESULTS

Women: Liaoning HC 4 KL Wipers 0, Tunku Mahkota Ismail 4 PSHA-MSSP 0, Blue Warriors 0 PKS UniTen 1.

FIXTURES

SUNDAY

Men: UiTM v UniKL (Tun Razak, 5pm), Terengganu HT v TNB Thunderbolts (Batu Buruk, 5pm), Tenaga Nasional v NurInsafi (National Stadium Pitch I, 6pm).

New Straits Times

Chinese club Liaoning whitewash KL Wipers 4-0 in Women’s Hockey League

By Aftar Singh


Nur Amirah Jasmi Apindi of KL Wipers is challenged by LIHSC’s Li Feng during the National Women’s Hockey League at the Bukit Jalil hockey stadium in Kuala Lumpur. - M. Azhar Arif/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Liaoning Hockey Club of China made a memorable debut in the National Women's Hockey League when they outplayed KL Wipers 4-0 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

Liaoning were far more superior than the KL Wipers team as they dominated the match from start until the final hooter.

The Chinese players have good hockey skills and would have won with a bigger margin if not for the hot and humid weather.

Sui Qiaomeng was the toast for the club scoring a brace in the seventh and 39th minutes.

The other goals were delivered by Sun Yuyuan in the 29th and Liu Xinyu in the 55th minute.

Liaoning club coach Gao Lihua was delighted with the convincing win.

“It was our first match in the Malaysian league and we were not sure the strength of our opponents but my players did well to collect full points,” said Gao, who was the silver medallist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 “The weather here is hot and humid and it affected my players performance. We also missed a number of sitters in the match.

“Our target is to win one of the two titles in the league and to achieve that we need to work more on our finishing,” added Gao.

Their next match is against last year’s league champions PKS-Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) on Tuesday.

Uniten registered their second win by edging last year's overall champions Police Blue Warriors 1-0 at the Tun Razak Stadium in Jalan Duta.

The all important goal was scored by national player Nuraini Abdul Rashid in the 55th minute.

RESULTS
LIAONING CLUB 4 KL WIPERS 0
SSTMI 4 PSHA-MSSPP 0
POLICE BLUE WARRIORS 0 PKS-UNITEN 1

The Star of Malaysia

Perak hope MHC will increase Razak Cup prize money

By Farah Suhaidah Othman

IPOH: The Perak HA (PHA) have urged the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to increase the prize money for the Razak Cup in line with its status of being the most prestigious tournament in the country.

PHA president Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad said Perak have won the title for the last two years but the prize money of RM10,000 is deemed not worthwhile.

He suggested that the prize money be increased to at least RM50,000.

"Our expenses in preparing the team this year alone amounts to RM56,000, though the prize money is only RM10,000," said Dr Azhar.

"The tournament is named after the second Prime Minister and RM10,000 does not seem suitable. It does not help raise the sport (profile)."

To increase the prize money, Dr Azhar suggested that MHC asks for contributions from all Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers.

"If MHC write letters to all the state leaders and ask for a contribution of at least RM10,000, I am confident many will, including Johor, Perak and Kelantan," added Dr Azhar.

Dr Azhar was speaking at a function hosted by PHA.

New Straits Times

Hockey activities at YMCA to be revived soon after encroachments removed

Anwar Zuberi


Former Olympian Hanif Khan (second L) presents a hockey stick to Karachi Commissioner at his off on Friday as DC South and KHA Officials look on.

KARACHI: Hockey activities at the YMCA will be revived soon as the premises that was encroached upon and converted into marriage lawns has been vacated on the orders of Supreme Court.

A decision in this regard was taken when a delegation of the Karachi Hockey Asso­ciation (KHA) and long time honorary YMCA hockey coach Shabih Abbas called on Karachi Commissioner Ifti­khar Shalwani in his office on Friday.

Deputy Commissioner South Syed Salahuddin Ahmed, who is a former hockey player, was also present on the occasion.

The KHA delegation comprised former Olympian Hanif Khan, chairman Gulfraz Khan, executive committee member DSP Ejazuddin, and secretary Haider Hussain.
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Giving a resume of the hockey ground, the members disclosed that Abbas, who had produced a number of Olympians and internationals from the institution, was diligently carrying out his duties had to stop after one of the YMCA group started marriages in the field in 2003.

Considered as hub of activities, the historic YMCA gave Pakistan hockey teams a chain of eminent goalkeepers — Shahid Ali Khan, Mansoor Ahmed, Ahmed Alam and Ejaz Khokhar – besides a number of other stars, who did the country proud.

The delegation submitted a proposal that a committee under his patronage and comprising DC South, representatives of the KHA and YMCA including Abbas, be formed to run its affairs.

It was also suggested that the YMCA hockey ground be named after 1994 World Cup winning goalkeeper Mansoor.

After giving a patient hearing, the commissioner gave his consent and asked the KHA and long serving YMCA hockey coach to arrange an exhibition match at the venue soon.

The commissioner vowed to make YMCA a lively place again by starting things on a positive note from where they were left about a decade-and-a-half ago.

He also expressed his displeasure over the national game’s graph that has fallen drastically.

Shalwani listened with interest about the KHA’s Olym­pian Hanif Khan-Dr Junaid Ali Shah Hockey Com­plex in Gulshan Iqbal and assured to visit in the near future.

Besides hockey, other sporting facilities that used to take place at the YMCA be restored and handed over to true representatives.

Former international pole vaulter Arshad Saleem and former international player Jawaid Khan should be given the task to run athletics and basketball respectively at the premises.

Dawn