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All the news for Friday 1 February 2019

2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - 1 February

Weekend fixtures

1 Feb 2019     NZL v BEL (RR)     2 - 2 (shoot out 2 - 4)
2 Feb 2019 15:00 (GMT +10)     AUS v NED (RR)
3 Feb 2019 15:00 (GMT +10)     AUS v BEL (RR)

Live streaming on https://fih.live (Geo blocked where TV coverage is available)

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Thanks to an utterly bizarre decision by the FIH to use "Percentage" as a means of ranking the teams, Belgium are officially ranked third despite having double the points of any other team, however, come the Grand Final "Percentage" drops away for the normal "Points", "Goal Difference" and "Goals For" to take precedence as we have come to expect in every sporting League Worldwide. Here is the FIH explanation for their hideous decision.

"During the Season up until the Grand Final, teams will be ranked in the League table by the percentage of points gained relative to the maximum number possible to have attained at any given time.

For example, a team who have played 6 matches can achieve a maximum of 18 points from winning all 6 matches. If they have achieved 9 points after 6 matches, they will be ranked in the league table based on a score of 50%.

The aim of this system is to more easily illustrate team performances at the times in the season when different teams have played significantly different numbers of matches."

Personally I think this is an insult to Hockey Fans worldwide who I feel are capable of understanding the concept of "Games in hand" when looking at the table and deciding if Belgium have a real advantage or not.

2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - 1 February

Weekend fixtures

1 Feb 2019 NZL v BEL (RR)     0 - 1
2 Feb 2019 15:30 (GMT - 3)     ARG v USA (RR
2 Feb 2019 17:00 (GMT +10)    AUS v NED (RR)
3 Feb 2019 17:00 (GMT +10)     AUS v BEL (RR)

Live streaming on https://fih.live (Geo blocked where TV coverage is available)

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Red Lions claim shoot-out win over New Zealand on FIH Pro League Match Day 5

Vantage Black Sticks draw with World Champions



The Vantage Black Sticks Men and Belgium have drawn 4-4 in a highly entertaining match which saw Belgium hold a 4-2 lead only for the Vantage Black Sticks to tie the game with 8 minutes to go. Unfortunately, the Black Sticks went down 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

The Vantage Black Sticks Men played the Belgium Men in the second match of the day as they looked to upset the World Champions.

The start of the match was played at a slower speed as both sides looked to size up the opposition and look for where they are going to be able to exploit the opposition. Belgium earned the first penalty corner of the match when the Black Sticks were deemed to have deliberately hit the ball over baseline. Belgium then ramped up their attack and pushed hard against the Black Sticks men who were looking to weather the attack and get themselves back into the match. Despite the weight of possession in Belgium’s favour the Black Sticks held on and defended resolutely to keep the match tied after one quarter.

Belgium continued to apply the pressure in the second quarter however the Vantage Black Sticks found an open Stephen Jenness at the top of the circle, his shot was stopped by a Belgium foot earning the Vantage Black Sticks a stroke. Hugo Inglis then stepped up to the mark and converted to put the Black Sticks in the lead 1-0. Belgium then hit back when they drove along the baseline and put a square ball across the circle that Cedric Charlier deflected home to tie the match 1-1. Belgium hit the lead when they stopped the Black Sticks from clearing the ball out of the circle and Maxime Plennevaux flicked it past the goalkeeper. The Vantage Black Sticks looked to hit straight back when they earnt a penalty corner. The Belgium’s kept it out and the lead at 2-1 and that was how the sides went into the half time break. The Vantage Black Sticks tied the match at 2 after Aidan Sarikaya found himself unmarked in the circle and reversed it into the top of the net. Belgium then hit back almost instantly when Arthur Van Doren deflected home the cross ball in the circle. Belgium then increased their lead to 4-2 when Cedric Charlier reversed home and Belgium looked to be heading for the win. The Vantage Black Sticks then came storming back through goals to Nic Woods and Stephen Jenness which sent the match into a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

Vantage Black Sticks 4 (2) (Hugo Inglis 17’, Aidan Sarikaya 35’, Nic Woods 51’, Stephen Jenness 52’)
Belgium 4 (4) (Cedric Charlier 19’, 46’, Maxime Plennevaux 27’, Arthur Van Doren 37’)

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Black Sticks men rally to draw with world champions Belgium but lose shootout

Women lose to a late goal

Andrew Voerman


The Black Sticks men and Belgium couldn't be separated in normal time. PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES

The Black Sticks men have come back from being two goals down early in the final quarter to earn a 4-4 draw with world champions Belgium and secure their first Pro League point.

Belgium avoided a complete collapse, however, as they won the ensuing shootout at North Harbour Hockey Stadium 4-2 to secure the bonus point on offer.

Hugo Inglis put the home team on the board with a successful penalty stroke early in the second quarter, won after some good work by Stephen Jenness.

Belgium struck back almost immediately through Cédric Charlier, then took the lead three minutes before halftime as Maxime Plennevaux scored with a fierce volleyed shot.

Aidan Sarikaya tied things up midway through the third quarter, with a powerful reverse-stick finish on the byline after a quick free hit sprung him free.


The Belgian women celebrate their winner agains the Black Sticks. PHIL WALTER/GETTY MAGES

Just as they had the first time they fell behind, Belgium levelled quickly, this time through Arthur van Doren, and when Charlier nabbed his second in the opening minute of the final period, finishing a counter, they looked to have done enough to win.

The Black Sticks had other ideas, with Nic Woods converting a penalty corner and Jenness pressing high to win the ball before sending a powerful finish past Belgian keeper Loic van Doren to tie things up 4-4 as the match entered its final 10 minutes.

Both sides had chances to find a winner, but neither could, and so it went to a shootout to see who got the extra point.

The Black Sticks women didn't take their chances in their match against Belgium and it cost them in the end, as visiting captain Jill Boon scored the only goal of the match with just under 90 seconds remaining.

Alex Gerniers had fired a powerful pass goalward and Boon stuck out her stick with perfect timing, sending the ball past Grace O'Hanlon in goal to give Belgium their first Pro League win, 1-0.

Just minutes earlier, Boon appeared to have blown a chance to put Belgium up, when she sent a penalty stroke straight at O'Hanlon, after a video referral judged Brooke Neal to have pushed Louise Versavel over in the D.


Black Sticks midfielder Stacey Michelsen dribbles during their match against Belgium. PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES

The Black Sticks had 13 shots to Belgium's eight, and looked especially dangerous on the counter, but finished without anything to show for their efforts for the second match in a row.

"It's disappointing that we couldn't convert our opportunities," Black Sticks captain Stacey Michelsen said afterwards.

"At the moment it's a little bit of a theme for us and there's certainly a lot of work to be done in the attacking third."

The win was just Belgium's third in 14 matches against the Black Sticks and will be all the sweeter as it came after a long journey via Argentina, where they lost their opening Pro League match last weekend.

Belgium had the lion's share of possession early, though it had evened out by the end of the game, perhaps because the visitors were beginning to feel the effects of their travel schedule - though they did hang in to find a winner at the death.

The two Belgian teams have little time to reflect on their wins, as they head across the Tasman to play Australia in Melbourne on Sunday.

For the Black Sticks, it's Great Britain who are next in their sights, in Christchurch on Friday.

The women's match is of particular interest, as it brings the Black Sticks up against long-time coach Mark Hager, who switched jobs just two weeks ago.


Alexia T'Serstevens of Belgium passes during their match agains the Black Sticks. PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES

Pro League, round two

Black Sticks men 4 (Inglis 17', Sarikaya 35', Woods 51', Jenness 52').
Belgium 4 (Charlier 19' 46', Plennevaux 27', van Doren 37').
Q1: 0-0; HT: 1-2; Q3: 1-3

Belgium win shootout 4-2.

Points (games played): Belgium 6 (3), Great Britain 3 (1), Netherlands 3 (1), Spain 2 (2), Black Sticks 1 (2), Argentina 0 (0), Germany 0 (0), Australia 0 (0).

Belgium 1 (Boon 59')
Black Sticks women 0.
​Q1: 0-0;  HT: 0-0; Q3: 0-0

Points (games played): Argentina 3 (1), Netherlands 3 (1), Belgium 3 (2), Black Sticks 0 (2), United States 0 (0), Great Britain 0 (0), Germany 0 (0), China 0 (0), Australia 0 (0).

Stuff

Kookaburras Aiming For World Cup Revenge Against Dutch

Ben Somerford



Victorian forward Aaron Kleinschmidt says the Kookaburras have revenge on their minds ahead of this weekend’s opening FIH Pro League matches against the Netherlands and Belgium in Melbourne.

Australia will play the Dutch and Belgium on Saturday and Sunday from 3pm at Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre in their opening games of the new league.

The Kookaburras went down on penalties to the Netherlands after a 2-2 draw in December’s World Cup semi-finals, before Belgium lifted the title.

With that defeat in mind, Kleinschmidt said Australia had something extra to prove on a weekend where the world’s top three men’s hockey teams face off.

“Playing against the European teams in Australia is really good, especially the number one and number three,” Kleinschmidt said.

“There’s a little bit of revenge on the table to beat the Dutch.

“And it’s always good to beat the Belgians as well given they’re the World Cup champions. We’d like to take them down a level.”

Kleinschmidt was born in Queensland but grew up in Melbourne and implored the local supporters to get behind the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos with projections of a near sell-out crowd for both days.

“We want to see as many fans as possible,” Kleinschmidt said. “We want them as loud as possible.

“It’s going to be two cracking days weather-wise and top three teams in the world, it doesn’t get any better.

“This is as good a chance as ever to watch top hockey.”

He added: “Playing in front of your home crowd is something that people talk about a lot and talk it up. It’s really hard to describe. It’s a fantastic feeling.

“You know a lot of people in the crowd, they get behind you. Luckily enough I’ve played fairly well in front of my crowd so hopefully we can do that again.”

This weekend’s matches mark Australia’s first foray into the FIH Pro League which commenced in Spain in mid-January, with games already played in Argentina and New Zealand.

The competition is a world-first global league where the world’s best international teams face off on a weekly home-and-away basis, with matches televised on FOX SPORTS and kayosports.com.au.

Fifteen matches will be played in Melbourne, Hobart, Perth and Sydney in February and March, before the Australian sides head overseas to play in Asia, the Americas and Europe during April to June.

“I’m really excited. I think it’s such a good idea,” he said.

“All the good teams get to play each other each year. They get to come to Australia and play us and we go overseas to play them.

“All the games so far have been really high scoring which I love. I think Hockey people like to watch that. We’re hoping to bring something similar, fast-paced high scoring game.”

Tickets are selling fast for the Melbourne matches via ticketbooth.com.au.

Australia’s home fixtures are as follows:

Saturday 2 February 2019 - State Netball & Hockey Centre, Melbourne
Kookaburras v Netherlands - 3pm start Hockeyroos v Netherlands - 5pm start
Sunday 3 February 2019 - State Netball & Hockey Centre, Melbourne
Kookaburras v Belgium - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v Belgium - 5pm start
Saturday 9 February 2019 - Tasmanian Hockey Centre, Hobart
Kookaburras v Pakistan - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v China - 5pm start
Sunday 10 February 2019 - Tasmanian Hockey Centre, Hobart
Kookaburras v Germany - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v Germany - 5pm start
Saturday 16 February 2019 - Perth Hockey Stadium, Perth
Kookaburras v Great Britain - 3:30pm, Hockeyroos v Great Britain - 5:45pm
Saturday 2 March 2019 - Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Kookaburras v Spain - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v USA - 5pm start
Saturday 16 March 2019 - Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Kookaburras v Argentina - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v Argentina - 5pm start
Sunday 17 March 2019 - Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Kookaburras v New Zealand - 3pm start, Hockeyroos v New Zealand - 5pm start

*All times local

Hockey Australia media release

Australian teams relish Dutch revenge clashes

By The Hockey Paper


Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin has opted for captaincy trio PIC: Grant Treeby

Australia’s two national sides will have revenge on their minds when they face the Netherlands in their FIH Hockey Pro League openers.

Who can forget Eddie Ockenden’s dramatic equaliser 30 seconds from time as the Kookaburras levelled against the Dutch in their World Cup semi-finals? Australia’s players for one, as they ended up losing the shoot-out before finishing with bronze.

Earlier last summer, the Hockeyroos lost out to the world No 1 women’s outfit the same way – and were then defeated in the last ever Champions Trophy final.

Now, the two green and gold teams are ready to wipe away 2018 as a new dawn sets on world hockey in 2019.

‘We want to take Belgium down a peg’

Kookaburras’ forward Aaron Kleinschmidt said ahead of this weekend’s Pro League double headers against the Dutch and Belgium that Australia had something to prove.

“Playing against the European teams in Australia is really good, especially the number one and number three,” he said. “There’s a little bit of revenge on the table to beat the Dutch.

“And it’s always good to beat the Belgians as well given they’re the World Cup champions. We’d like to take them down a level.”
Elite hockey a constant

Fifteen matches will be played in Melbourne, Hobart, Perth and Sydney in February and March, before the Australian sides head overseas to play in Asia, the Americas and Europe during April to June.

“All the games so far have been really high scoring which I love. I think Hockey people like to watch that. We’re hoping to bring something similar, fast-paced high scoring game,” said Kleinschmidt.
Pro League ‘an opportunity’

The clashes feature the three best men’s teams in the world, with World Cup winner Belgium, Australia and Netherlands ranked No. 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said the squad was selected with an eye on Tokyo 2020 and the future. “It’s a balanced selection for Melbourne … we’re looking at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and what that might bring so we’re looking to give people an opportunity, starting with the FIH Pro League,” Batch said.


Australia’s Georgia Wilson makes welcome Hockeyroos return

Welcome return for Hockeyroos

The world No.3 Hockeyroos will see the return of Georgia Wilson and Mariah Williams after long-term injuries.

Wilson’s Commonwealth Games dream was curtailed when she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament last year. Meanwhile Williams also missed the Games due to a debilitating adductor injury.

Coach Paul Gaudoin said the pair had put in “a lot of hard work” and at the same time was wary of world champions Netherlands and the improving Belgium side.

“Holland are the best team in the world and it’s a great test for us to start the FIH Pro League,” Gaudoin noted. “Belgium as well, both games are going to be very tough. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Captaincy shift

The Hockeyroos have had a change in their leadership structure after a review of their fourth place finish at the London World Cup, with current captain Emily Chalker joined by Jodie Kenny and Georgina Morgan in a familiar captaincy trio.

“We always wanted to re-assess the leadership structure following the World Cup, so with our 2019 programme commencing earlier this month, now is an opportune time,” Gaudoin said.

Goals galore

With 31 goals in the first six women’s and men’s matches in the inaugural Pro League, the theme has been one of entertainment – even with Olympic qualification on the line

“I’m really excited. I think it’s such a good idea,” Kleinschmidt said.

“All the good teams get to play each other each year. They get to come to Australia and play us and we go overseas to play them.

“All the games so far have been really high scoring which I love. I think Hockey people like to watch that. We’re hoping to bring something similar, fast-paced high scoring game.”

Feast of hockey in Melbourne

Saturday

Kookaburras v Netherlands — 3pm (local)
Hockeyroos v Netherlands — 5pm

Sunday

Kookaburras v Belgium — 3pm
Hockeyroos v Belgium — 5pm

The Hockey Paper

Bumper Crowd To Roar On Hockeyroos & Kookaburras

Ben Somerford


L - R: Aran Zalewski (AUS C), Rachel Lynch (AUS co-C), Paul Gaudoin (AUS Coach), Alison Annan (NED Coach), Eva de Goode (NED C), Colin Batch (AUS Coach)

Revenge is on the minds for both the Hockeyroos and the Kookaburras when they play the Netherlands in their first-ever FIH Pro League matches in Melbourne on Saturday.

Tickets have almost sold out for Saturday’s ground-breaking matches, with a crowd of almost 5,000 expected to witness a repeat of last year’s women’s and men’s World Cup semi-finals.

The Hockeyroos and the Kookaburras both came from behind before losing to the Dutch on penalties at last year’s World Cups, while the Netherlands also beat Australia in November’s Women’s Champions Trophy final.

The world number one Dutch women represent a major test first-up for the Hockeyroos who are determined to end their recent losing run against the Netherlands.

Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch said: “Obviously we’ve had a bit of time over the summer to invest in our fitness. The girls have been working really hard.

“We’re going to try some new things. Any match-up against the Dutch is tough.

“We’re up for that and it’s a great way to start this new tournament.”

Kookaburras co-captain Aran Zalewski also said his side were eager to bounce back against the world number three Dutch, who beat them in December’s World Cup semis.

Australia had trailed 2-0 at half-time in the semi-final before fighting back with Eddie Ockenden equalising with less than 30 seconds to play, only to lose in a shootout.

Zalewski said the expectant raucous home crowd could play a big factor as they chase revenge.

“Hopefully the crowd can get us over the line,” Zalewski said.

“We couldn’t quite get there at the World Cup which was disappointing.

“We’ll be trying to come out to rectify that here in Melbourne.”

Zalewski added: “Coming out here to Melbourne it’s beautiful weather, we’re playing against the two other best teams in the world.

“We’re hoping for a really great hit-out. We’re expecting great crowds.

“Some of the fixtures have been really exciting with lots of goals scored and we’re hoping to provide the same for the people who come out on the weekend.”

Lynch, who hails from Melbourne, was excited about the atmosphere over the weekend.

“I believe there’s going to be some good crowds,” Lynch said.

“We’re pumped to give the competition a go. It’s tough opposition first up, but that should be good.

“This is our opportunity to showcase Melbourne. Being from Melbourne, I’m proud that the matches have almost sold out. We want to show the Dutchies we’re well supported too.”

Hockeyroos legend and current Dutch women’s coach Alyson Annan revealed she had brought a different side to the one which beat Australia at last year’s World Cup and Champions Trophy.

“We’ve got a totally different team than we did in November in China,” she said.

“It’ll be interesting to see how our younger players match up against Australia.

“In New Zealand they did okay. Australia is another step up. It’ll be good to play in front of my home crowd.”

The FIH Pro League matches will be televised on FOX SPORTS and kayosports.com.au. Tickets are almost sold out but available by ticketbooth.com.au.

Saturday 2 February 2019 - State Netball & Hockey Centre, Melbourne
Kookaburras v Netherlands - 3pm start
Hockeyroos v Netherlands - 5pm start

Sunday 3 February 2019 - State Netball & Hockey Centre, Melbourne
Kookaburras v Belgium - 3pm start,
Hockeyroos v Belgium - 5pm start

Hockey Australia media release

USA set for ‘meaningful’ Hockey Pro League

By The Hockey Paper



US women believe the FIH Pro League offers ‘meaningful’ matches aplenty as the sport aims to capture a new audience.

The US, ranked world No 12 and coached by Dutchwoman Janneke Schopman, start their Hockey Pro League campaign this weekend against Argentina in Cordoba, before a home run which will see seven home games played in Pennsylvania.

As they aim for another Olympic assault, the US will feel confident of delivering a result following wins over Las Leonas at Rio 2016 and the 2015 Pan Am Games. The Pro League also offers a competitive structure ahead of a hat-trick bid at the Pan American Games, held in Peru this summer.

“The women have improved,” USA Field Hockey Executive Director Simon Hoskins told the Team USA website.

“They used to have to scramble to get into the Olympics. They came in fifth in the Rio Olympics. We won championships just before it.

“It’s not easy, of course, to compete in any sport at the international level. You have to work hard and sacrifice a lot like many Olympians to be at the top level. And now here we are in the top nine teams in the FIH Pro League.”

Hoskins added that the Pro League now gives hockey a ‘season structure’, with its January through June schedule and eight away games and eight home games, which will also be broadcast by Bleacher Report in North America.

“It’s awesome for the women,” Hoskins said. “And it’s great for the people to be able to see the women play in meaningful matches.

Forward Kathleen Sharkey said that the new tournament can also help lift the game in the US, which only sees strength at collegiate level and offers nothing beyond.

“I think the Pro League can be a big help to growing the game in this country. Hopefully the Pro League will inspire some hockey players and also bring some new fans to the sport,” Sharkey said.

“The change is a much younger demographic in the growth. And it’s been by clubs. Before there weren’t any clubs — it was just a high school sport. And like many things in America in youth sport, growth has come around.”

The Hockey Paper

2019 3 Nations Invitational (M) - Day 3
Benalmadena (ESP)

Result 31 January

BRA v USA (RR)     2 - 1

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Two Goals in Final Minute Lifts Brazil Over USMNT at 3 Nations Invitational



BENALMÅDENA, Spain - The U.S. Men's National Team knew going into their second match of the 3 Nations Invitational that it was going to be a battle. The last time USA and No. 27 Brazil met was in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Pan American Games in Canada, where Brazil upended USA in a shootout. Today's contest at the Club Hockey Benalmádena in Spain was every bit physical, as five cards were given through the match. USA got on the board first, but a resilient Brazil side scored two goals in the final minute for the 2-1 win.

USA came ready for a challenge, as they knew they would face a Brazil team that would be very physical and produce a hard game. The first two quarters saw USA control much of the possession but were unable to capitalize on a few good scoring opportunities. Alex Grassi (Brookeville, Md.) opened the scoring in the 20th minute off a field goal to give USA a 1-0 lead.

After halftime, USA had a few more good opportunities, one of which came when Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) earned a penalty stroke off a penalty corner after the ball hit Brazil's post player's foot. The call was overturned and the next drag flick attempt off the penalty corner ricocheted off the right post, denying USA again.

Brazil came out strong in the third quarter, pressing a lot more than the first half. USA's counter attacks were working well but there was a lack of solid finishing. Brazil was relentless in their comeback effort and found the equalizer in the 59th minute off a hard circle entry hit from outside the 23 meter line, which was deflected past USA's defense into the goal by Bruno Bitencourt. A few seconds later, USA was on the counter with the strikers producing a series of great passes into Brazil's circle, but they were unable to find an outcome. Brazil was not finished and reversed play the other way and earned a penalty corner in the process, which they were able to convert on through Matheus Borges, for the game winning goal.

"Although we had plenty of opportunities and had good stretches during the match, we are still looking for consistency and will look to finish better going forwards," commented Rutger Wiese, USMNT Head Coach, following the game.

The USMNT will be back in action tomorrow for their third game of the round-robin event when they take on No. 24 Wales at 10:30 a.m. ET.

USFHA media release

India squander lead, series ends in a draw


India skipper Rani Rampal controls the ball during the fourth and final match against Spain on Thursday.

The Indian women’s hockey team squandered a two-goal advantage to allow hosts Spain stage a superb fightback and earn a 2-2 draw in the fourth and final match of the bilateral series here on Thursday.

Deep Grace Ekka (8th minute) and Navneet Kaur (26th) gave India the lead, but Lucia Jimenez (35th) and Clara Ycart (39th) brought the hosts back into the game. The series ended 1-1 — Spain won the first match 3-2, while India won the third 5-2. The second match was also a 2-2 draw. India will now play two matches against 2018 World Cup silver medallists Ireland on February 2-3.

Missed stroke

India caught the Spanish defence on the wrong foot, earning a penalty stroke early on. Though India missed the opportunity, Ekka made up with a well-converted penalty corner in the 8th minute. India doubled the lead through a well-worked goal by the forwardline — striker Navneet scoring from Rani’s assist. After the halftime, the hosts tested the Indian defence and Jimenez scored a field goal. Under pressure to defend a one-goal lead, India gave away a penalty corner in the 39th minute and Ycart was impeccable with her finish.

The Tribune

Ireland dodge winter chill as they brace for five-match test in Spain

Side to play India and Spain, both of whom they defeated in last summer’s World Cup

Mary Hannigan

The Irish squad has escaped the winter chill for the latest phase of their preparations for the busy year ahead, the team taking on India on Friday and Sunday in Murcia, in southeast Spain, before heading west to Granada to play the Spanish in three more games next week.

The trip has prompted a delay in the resumption of the Hockey League after its winter break, this weekend’s scheduled matches postponed because of the unavailability of the international players.
Conquerors

Graham Shaw has taken a 26-strong squad to Spain where they will renew acquaintances with the nations they beat in the quarter and semi-finals of last summer’s World Cup.

Back home, the draw for the Irish Senior Cup semi-finals, which will be played on March 31st, has paired Loreto, conquerors of cup holders UCD in the last round, and Railway Union, while Pegasus will host Cork Harlequins.

The Irish Times

Salima to lead India

The side will play in a four-match series against France

India named a 20-member junior girls’ hockey team for the four-match home series against France to be held from February 8 to 13 in Lucknow and Gorakhpur.

The first two games will be held on February 8 and 9 at the Padma Shri Mohammad Shahid Synthetic Hockey Stadium in Lucknow.

The third match is scheduled for February 11 at the Veer Bahadur Singh Sports College in Gorakhpur, while the teams will return to Lucknow for the fourth and final match.

India will be led by Salima Tete while young forward Lalremsiami, who is part of the senior team presently touring Spain, will be the vice-captain.

“The upcoming matches against France will be helpful for our team in gaining match-fitness, and experience different match situations.

“We will be up against a group of players who have played together for a considerably long time,” said India’s coach Baljeet Singh.
‘Exposure’

“Our players will get the much-needed exposure and this challenge will help us in developing these players for bigger challenges that the team is going to face in the future, including the eighth women’s junior Asia Cup.”

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Bichu Devi Kharibam, Khushboo.

Defenders: Philicia Toppo, Gagandeep Kaur, Salima Tete, Priyanka, Suman Devi Thoudam, Ishika Chaudhary.

Midfielders: Mahima Choudhary, Prabhleen Kaur, Mariana Kujur, Reet, Baljeet Kaur, Preeti.

Forwards: Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Mumtaz Khan, Jiwan Kishori Toppo, Ajmina Kujur, Jyoti.

The Hindu

Akashdeep's brace helps Punjab beat Mumbai 4-0 in Senior Nationals

India's star striker Akashdeep Singh struck twice to guide Hockey Punjab to a comfortable 4-0 win over Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd in the 9th Senior National Hockey Championship (Men) A Division on Thursday. It was Rupinderpal Singh who opened the scoring for Hockey Punjab in the 17th minute, while Sukhdev Singh scored in the 53rd minute to extend the lead to two goals.

Akashdeep then scored in the 58th and 60th minutes to complete the 4-0 drubbing.

Among others, Railway Sports Promotion Board, Association of Indian Universities, Uttar Pradesh Hockey, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board, Air India Sports Promotion Board and Hockey Odisha registered victories in their respective opening matches of the competition.

In a Pool A match, it was Association of Indian Universities who registered a hard-fought 2-1 win over Hockey Chandigarh.

Raushan Kumar (23') and Manjinder Singh (49') scored the two goals for Association of Indian Universities, while it was Sanjay who scored Hockey Chandigarh's only goal in the 58th minute.

In Pool B's first match, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board thrashed Hockey Bhopal 10-2.

PSPB started the match brightly and rushed to a comfortable 8-0 lead after 37 minutes and scored two more goals in the remaining stages to secure a 10-2 win.

Captain Mohd Khan (43', 57') scored the two goals for Hockey Bhopal.

Goals for Petroleum Sports Promotion Board were scored by Gurjinder Singh (28', 54'), Mandeep Singh (31', 35'), Lalit Upadhyay (10'), Harmanpreet Singh (16'), Varun Kumar (21'), Gurjant Singh (22'), Sumit Kumar (37') and Devindar Walmiki (60').

In the other Pool B encounter, Hockey Haryana and Comptroller & Auditor General of India played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw to start their tournament.

It was Comptroller & Auditor General of India who scored first in the 33rd minute through Mithlesh Kumar, but Hockey Haryana struck back six minutes later through their captain Bharat (39') to equalise and split the points on the opening day.

In the first Pool C match, Railway Sports Promotion Board beat Hockey Gangpur-Odisha 5-3 in an entertaining encounter.

Goals for RSPB were scored by Dilpreet Singh (13'), Yuvraj Walmiki (19'), Sayyad Niyaz Rahim (39'), Nilakanta Sharma (51') and Sheshe Gowda (60'), while Suman Kujur (31'), Stanly Minz (35') and Rajen Kandulna (38') sounded the board for Hockey Gangpur-Odisha.

In the other Pool C match, Uttar Pradesh Hockey registered a victory in their opening match as they defeated Punjab & Sind Bank by a slim margin of 1-0.

The only goal of the match came in the 36th minute as Sunil Yadav scored for Uttar Pradesh Hockey.

In the opening Pool D match, Air India Sports Promotion Board produced an emphatic victory over Hockey Karnataka 6-1.

Air India Sports Promotion Board rode on goals from Abharan Sudev (19', 56'), Mohd. Faraz (9'), Mohammed Raheel Mouseen (31'), Arujun Sharma (40') and Joga Singh (43'), while VR Raghunath (50') scored the only goal for Hockey Karnataka.

In the other Pool D match, it was Hockey Odisha who defeated Namdhari XI 3-2. Goals for Hockey Odisha were scored by Krishna Tirkey (5'), Suraj Minz (19') and Shilanand Lakra (35'), while Malak Singh (30') and Lovepreet Singh (36') found the back of the net for Namdhari XI.

Daily News & Analysis

Police wannabe Nuramirah fires a hattrick in women’s hockey league

By Aftar Singh


PDRM Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli (right) fights for the ball against KL Wipers’ Nurain Hidayah Hasri (left) during the National Women’s Hockey League at Jalan Duta Hockey Stadium. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: National hockey forward Nuramirah Shakira Zulkifli has more than one reason to play for Police Blue Warriors in the National Women’s Hockey League.

The 19-year-old is hoping a good show with the club will open doors of opportunity to join the police force.

She is determined to follow in the footsteps of her elder brother Mohd Nor Azlan Zulkifli, who is police constable in Jinjang. 

“I want to serve the country and wear the police uniform. I want be an officer just like my elder brother, it has been my childhood dream,” said Nuramirah, who quit her studies after completing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

“I’m a full-time trainee with the national team and represented Malaysia in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast and Asian Games in Jakarta last year.

“I hope by representing the national team and Police Blue Warriors will help me join the police force. I’ve a good SPM result too,” said Nuramirah.

Nuramirah has surely impressed with the Police Blue Warriors so far. On Thursday, she scored a hattrick as her team outplayed KL Wipers 4-0 at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium in Jalan Duta.

She gave the Police team the lead by sounding the board off a penalty corner in the 20th minute and followed up with two more field goals in the 36th and 49th minutes.

Siti Zulaikha Husain delivered the other goal for Police in the 53rd minute.

Nuramirah, who has scored eight goals for Police in nine matches, hoped to keep the momentum going.

“I’m quite pleased with my form in the league and I want to help Police finish top two in the league,” said Nuramirah.

Terengganu registered their eighth consecutive win by beating Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) 3-0 at the Batu Buruk Hockey Stadium in Kuala Terengganu to top the standings.

Police are second in the seven-team standings with 21 points from seven wins and two defeats.

NATIONAL WOMEN'S HOCKEY LEAGUE RESULTS
POLICE BLUE WARRIORS 4 KL WIPERS 0
TERENGGANU 3 SSTMI 0
PSHA-MSSPP 0 PKS-UNITEN 7

STANDINGS            P W D L F A Pts
TERENGGANU       8 8 0 0 44 6 24
POLICE BLUE        9 7 0 2 33 7 21
PKS-UNITEN          9 5 1 3 25 7 16
LIAONING CLUB    8 5 1 2 23 10 16
SSTMI                     9 3 0 6 8 29 9
KL WIPERS            8 1 0 7 4 26 3
PSHA-MSSPP        9 0 0 9 1 53 0

The Star of Malaysia

Kemperman says UniKL have the right mix to win league

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: World Cupper Robbert Kemperman has been in fiery form under the blistering weather for Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

And he credits the team for bringing out the best in him.

Holland international Kemperman, who is playing for the first time in the MHL, has scored two goals so far.

The other foreigners in the team are – Dutchmen Valentin Verga and Martijn Havenga; Irish goalkeeper David Harte; and two Australians Kieran Govers and Timothy Deavin.

The 28-year-old midfielder Kemperman said UniKL have the best combination of local and foreign players to give other teams a run for their money in the league.

He has put his money on the team to win their first-ever Premier Division title.

“The other foreign players and I have been here for the last three weeks,” said Kemperman, who was a member of the Dutch team who won the silver medal at the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, last December.

“We’re getting used to the hot and humid weather, the fans and the local culture here.

“We’ve not played to our true form just yet, but we are improving with each game. I believe that we’ll gradually make progress in every match.”

He described the team as mentally strong after pulling off two come-from-behind wins.

UniKL came back from a goal down to win 3-1 in the match against Tenaga Nasional. It was the same against Nur Insafi when they clawed back from a goal down to win 3-1.

“There is fighting spirit in the team, and it’s great that we’re the only unbeaten team in the league. We want to continue our good form in the MHL,” he said.

UniKL face two tough matches this weekend at home against Maybank today and last year’s league champions Terengganu on Sunday.

Kemperman said: “A win (against Maybank) will put us on top of the standings. As for Terengganu, they have a good team with hard working players but we hope to stay unbeaten in the league.”

UniKL, who won the TNB Cup (overall Cup) last year, have three national players – midfielder Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil and defenders Muhd Sukri Abdul Mutalib, Muhd Razie Abdul Rahim.

The Star of Malaysia

Striker Hafifihafiz good enough to play for country again

By Aftar Singh



KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Hafifihafiz Hanafi (right) is ready to come out of retirement to play for the nation again.

And Maybank coach Azrul Effendy Bistaman believes that veteran Hafifihafiz deserves a second chance to don national colours based on his great run in the ongoing Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

The 32-year-old Maybank skipper and forward has scored seven goals – two field and five penalty corners – in the five matches in the Premier Division.

Azrul said Hafifihafiz made a difference in the team because of his discipline and dedication.

“He always pushes himself to give his best in the league,” said Azrul.

“He can still play as well as the current national players although he has retired from the national team five years ago.

“He’s keen to play for the national team again and I believe he deserves to be called up for national training.”

Hafifihafiz last played for Malaysia at the World Cup in The Hague, Holland, in 2014.

“He has been consistent in scoring the goals for us and we hope he’ll continue his fine form,” said Azrul.

Maybank led by all local players are fourth in the seven-team league with nine points from three wins and two defeats.

The Tigers face a tough encounter against Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) tomorrow at the Tengku Abdullah Hockey Stadium in Bangi and Azrul admitted it would be an uphill task to beat their opponents on their homeground.

Powered by six foreign players, UniKL are the only unbeaten team in the league and they are currently second with 13 points from four wins and a draw. Tenaga Nasional are leading the standings with 15 points.

“UniKL are the favourites as they beat Tenaga (3-1) in Bangi. We’ll be more than happy if we get a point against them on Friday,” said Azrul.

The Star of Malaysia

De Voogd confirms new challenge next season with Braxgata


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Bob de Voogd is hoping to finish his current spell with HC Oranje-Rood with an EHL title and a Hoofdklasse championship before switching to Braxgata next season.

The 30-year-old confirmed the move earlier today and will link up with his former team mate from Oranje-Zwart, Sander Baart.

“After 15 years in the Hoofdklasse and 12 years in Eindhoven, the time has come to take on a new challenge in my hockey career”, the 30-year-old said.

“Oranje-Rood has meant so much to me in my development, both as a hockey player and as a person. I will always cherish that, along with all the sporting successes and closed friendships.”

With Oranje-Zwart – the forerunner to Oranje-Rood - he won the Dutch title on three occasions in 2014, 2015 and 2016 as well as capturing the EHL title in 2015 in an incredible, 30-minute long shoot-out in Bloemendaal against UHC Hamburg. He also won 133 international caps during this tie. He says he will miss the club but is looking forward to the new challenge.

“Oranje-Rood is a great club with a fantastic team of friends with whom I have played together for many years. But the adventure to play somewhere else started to become more and more attractive.

“Another league, new teams, teammates and ambitions attracted me more and more. Last season the first discussions started and after the last World Cup I made the decision.

“Of course I have heard from Sander Baart, my former team-mate at Oranje-Rood, good stories. Ronald Brouwer also only spoke positively about the Belgian club. Braxgata is a real family club with enthusiastic members and big ambitions. I look forward to my time there. "

Euro Hockey League media release

Scottish Indoor Gala Day 2019 is here



The finals of this season`s Scottish indoor National League 1 championships have an intriguing air about them, it is the top sides that are in contention for the title and next year`s place in Europe – Dundee Wanderers take on Clydesdale Western in the women`s competition while Grove Menzieshill line up against Western Wildcats in the men’s.

For several seasons now it is the teams from Tayside that have by and large dominated the indoor scene, last year the mould was broken with Inverleith and Clydesdale Western winning the men`s and women`s titles respectively, so will Dundee once again assert its authority?

The men`s final is a fascinating confrontation between a very experienced Grove Menzieshill side in search of their 21st indoor crown and the relative upstarts from Auchenhowie who are not long back from a sojourn in the second tier and this is their first indoor final appearance.

However, the prospect of a one-sided contest is not really on the cards, both Grove Menzieshill and Western have been the most consistent sides this season and thoroughly deserve their presence in the final.

Grove Menzieshill are undoubtedly aficionados of the indoor game, after a slight hiccup on their opening game the Taysiders have strung together ten consecutive victories. While most of these triumphs have been by a fair margin, they were taken to the wire by Inverleith in the semi-final, winning 4-3 in the end.

Their prolific goal scoring machine comes from several sources, but principally Jamie Golden, Gavin Tomlinson, Albert Rowling, Paul Martin and the evergreen Ross McPherson – although it is likely the former champions may have to do without the services of Cameron Golden who sustained a foot injury last weekend.

While Wildcats may be regarded by some as the underdogs, they were the only side to get the better of Grove Menzieshill this season. On the opening day of the campaign Western Wildcats shocked the Hill with a 7-5 win, thereby laying down their territory for the season.

Their cutting edge emerged that day with the seven goals – Joe and Andrew McConnell, Rob Harwood, Fraser Moran along with set piece expert Adam McKenzie all pitched in.

The Wildcats have still had an odd lapse when they lost to Dundee Wanderers and Grange during the course of the campaign.

In the end the final is certain to be a great contest and an intriguing prospect on offer.

Last year’s women’s final saw Dundee Wanderers lose 4-2 to Clydesdale Western at the ultimate stage. And the same sides meet again this year with a fantastic match in the offing.

Along the road to the final Wanderers remained unbeaten – only a draw with Hillhead to blot the record – and they eased past city rivals Grove Menzieshill 5-0 at the semi-final stage. Here their youthful strikers came to the fore, Charlotte Watson scored a second half hat-trick while both Emily Dark and Ruth Blaikie were also on target. If they are given sufficient space the trio could do the same to Western.

When the sides met on league duty earlier in the season Wanderers emerged 6-3 winners.

There is plenty of talent in the Titwood-based side with the likes of the Justice sisters Kayleigh and Marjery, Millie Steiger, Jen Eadie and Susie Gilman who scored a double in last year`s final.

However, the champions have faced a battle on occasions, no less so than the semi-final against Watsonians – it took a penalty shoot-out to finally separate the sides.

Yet league form could count for nothing in a winner-takes-all final, form on the day will undoubtedly be the deciding factor.

Dunfermline Carnegie men and Grange women will also attend the Gala Day, but it is top flight survival that is on their agenda.

Dunfermine, newcomers to the top flight this season, put in some stirring performances – they only lost a last gasp goal to go down 4-3 to Wildcats, they drew 3-3 with Grange and beat Wanderers 3-2 – so the Fifers were certainly not out of their depth.

However, Carnegie`s survival will depend on getting the better of either Hillhead or Watsonians in the final relegation play-off.

Grange`s record in the women`s event has not been so impressive, they failed to win until their final encounter with Edinburgh CALA which they triumphed 5-2 to avoid the automatic drop.

On Saturday Grange will be up against either Inverleith or Granite City Wanderers to retain their division one status.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Bromsgrove’s Walking Hockey celebrated their second birthday with BBC broadcaster John Inverdale.


Bromsgrove Walking Hockey Anniversary

Monday 28th Jan 2019 was a special day for Bromsgrove’s Walking Hockey as they celebrated their second birthday with an appearance from BBC broadcaster John Inverdale.


BBC broadcaster John Inverdale in Bromsgrove Bobble Hat .

Walking Hockey began in Bromsgrove in January 2017, it began with a six-week pilot programme. The programme took off and caught the hearts of England Hockey after the programme was entered into the England Hockey Awards and won the prestigious ‘Innovation Award’.
 

Bromsgrove Walking Hockey – England Hockey Awards 2017 – Innovation Award

Since 2017 Walking Hockey has been spread around the World with people playing in Australia, New Zealand and Dubai. Pilot Walking Hockey sessions are taking place in France, with ongoing discussions with the Dutch Hockey Association to introduce it in the Netherlands and there is interest from hockey representatives in Uruguay. Alan Gormley who runs the Bromsgrove sessions, told The Bromsgrove Standard: “ I can’t believe what started with ten people in Bromsgrove has gone Worldwide.’

 Today there are 43 clubs taking part in Walking Hockey across England. With interest from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the USA, who are sending representatives to watch the sport being played with the intention of introducing it into their hockey programmes.

Alan continued to tell The Bromsgrove Standard “The success is all down to the people of the Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas who have supported it and turned up to play on a regular basis.” “Bromsgrove has 50 players signed up for the sport, including people from Worcester, Redditch and even one from Hampton-in-Arden who come each week to play.” “Some weeks we have 12 people, other times over 30 – people just love dropping in when they can to play.”


Anniversary game at Bromsgrove Walking Hockey.

England Hockey have a number of participation programmes in place to make sure ‘Hockey is for everyone’ regardless of age, gender, sex, size and ability. Alan told The Bromsgrove Standard: “It is a great all-inclusive sport – it is suitable for any age and any physical ability.” “We have everyone from teenagers to people who are 60 to 70 years old.”

John Inverdale was blown away with Walking Hockey. He joined in with the weekly session alongside the regulars, of which six players hadn’t played hockey for more than 30 years. He told The Bromsgrove Standard: “It keeps your body active but it is also good for your mind as well as you are thinking about aspects of the game, such as where to go and who to pass to.” “People who face medical conditions and problems on a daily basis forget about them while they are on the pitch.” “It’s also a good way to combat loneliness and isolation because there’s a very sociable aspect to the sport. I’ve met people tonight who look forward to it every week.” “There are so many benefits to the sport.”

Bromsgrove Hockey Club have worked hard over the years to provide a space where activities can give people a safe environment to go and socialise whilst keeping active. In 2016 after a 12-month building programme, the unveiling of the brand new, full-size, floodlit, sand-dressed AstroTurf was a great success. Prior to that, Bromsgrove spent four years on their ‘Astro for All’ campaign to raise the funds for the new pitch. The pitch meant Bromsgrove Hockey Club, which previously had to play its home matches in Redditch, was able to return home.

Bromsgrove Hockey Club have shown fantastic innovation, passion and enthusiasm. They spent years fundraising, inventing and creating a space that home Walking hockey, five men’s teams and six women’s and more than 200 juniors, of which, the under 12’s, 14s and 16s are all in national competitions.

 Alan closed the interview with telling the Bromsgrove Standard: “It just shows if the facilities are there, people will come and play.”

More information on Walking Hockey can be found here.

Bromsgrove Standard article.

Contact Alan Gormley - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

England Hockey Board Media release

Walking hockey goes global



Since it began back in January 2017, Walking Hockey has taken the world of hockey by storm. What started out as an evening activity for older or less mobile members of the hockey community at a local hockey club in the UK has now spread across the world with more than 40 countries either playing Walking Hockey or preparing to launch it.

Founder of Walking Hockey is Alan Gormley and he is both delighted and astounded by the rapid growth of the game. “I’m still totally amazed at how the idea is catching on across the world. I’ve gone from being a local town coach to having hundreds of colleagues and contacts across the world.

“I think the thing that excites me more than anything else is the way it is being used across the entire spectrum of ages, from toddlers to very old people – very young children to introduce them to the game safely; players well into their 70’s; and some who have never played before. Originally it was set up to be a small scale local solution.”

So let’s take a journey around the globe to see where Walking Hockey has made an impact.

One of the first areas to show an interest in the sport was Oceania, with both the national sporting association Hockey Australia and the health department of the New Zealand government keen to start Walking Hockey. The result a year on, is Walking Hockey available via two state hockey associations in Australia and as a club run by the Nelson Hockey Association in New Zealand. In addition, Western Australia is doing research into the benefits of Walking Hockey.

Hockey Wales and Ulster Hockey are both keen supporters of Walking Hockey with several clubs in Wales now signed up with Walking Hockey clubs. The sport has also launched in the northern Ireland province of Ulster.

In the USA, the national association USA Field Hockey held their inaugural Walking Hockey event last year and will be launching regular Walking Hockey sessions from March this year.

In France, Lyon Hockey Club are trialling Walking Hockey. The upsurge in interest in the sport is partially a result of the French national team’s courageous performances at the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar in December.

There is also the promise of a Walking Hockey group in Malta and in the most recent update, the Netherlands national hockey association, the KNHB, are planning to meet Alan to discuss starting Walking Hockey in the hockey-mad European country. This is on the back of interest shown by the Old Stars, a group that runs Walking Football in the Netherlands.

Back in England, where it all began, there are now 43 clubs offering Walking Hockey and the first ever Walking Hockey tournament took place at Keynsham near Bristol. An exhibition match was held at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup in London in July, which brought the sport to the attention of thousands more people.

And if anyone doubts the range and appeal of this innovative and inclusive twist to the regular game, then consider this: “Walking hockey has given people with serious illnesses, retired people, pensioners, people with absolutely no hockey knowledge, retired players, injured players, mums, dads and their children the chance to take part in a fun, social environment where they can get exercise and make new friends.”

As the FIH continues its pledge to attract new audiences to the sport, then Walking Hockey is a great asset to achieving that aim.

FIH site