Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

All the news for Sunday 3 February 2019

2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - 3 February

Weekend fixtures

1 Feb 2019 19:00     NZL v BEL (RR)     4 - 4 (2 - 4 SO)
2 Feb 2019 15:00     AUS v NED (RR)     5 - 5 (1 - 4 SO)
3 Feb 2019 15:00     AUS v BEL (RR)     1 - 4

Highlights streaming on https://fih.live

Unofficial Pool standings

The FIH irrationally uses the "percentage" column to officially rank the teams. This site uses the more recognised point column to rank the teams. See FIH Match Centre for the official rankings

FIH Match Centre

2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - 3 February

Weekend fixtures

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

Highlights streaming on https://fih.live

Pool standings

The FIH irrationally uses the "percentage" column to officially rank the teams. This site uses the more recognised point column to rank the teams. See FIH Match Centre for the official rankings

FIH Match Centre

Brilliant Belgium stun Australian teams in Melbourne



Match Day 7 of the FIH Pro League was a memorable one for the national teams of Belgium, who both recorded excellent victories against host nation Australia at the State Hockey and Netball Centre in Melbourne.

The Red Lions brought a fruitful tour that has taken in three continents in three weeks to a close with a terrific 4-1 triumph over the Kookaburras, with Player of the Match Sebastien Dockier scoring twice. There was also joy for Belgium’s women, who recorded a first ever win against Australia as goals from Michelle Struijk and Louise Versavel gave the Red Panthers a 2-1 victory over the higher-ranked Hockeyroos.

Australia’s men (FIH World Ranking 2) were aiming to instantly bounce back from the shoot-out defeat suffered at the hands of the Netherlands in Melbourne on Saturday (2 February), a match that the Kookaburras had been leading 5-2 going into the final quarter before the Dutch staged a remarkable comeback. The home favourites made the perfect start against world champions Belgium (WR: 1) - shoot-out winers against New Zealand’s Black Sticks in Auckland on Friday (1 February) - by scoring in the opening minute through Daniel Beale, who slapped into an unguarded goal after a quality assist from Jacob Anderson.

However, the Red Lions - playing their fourth FIH Pro League match on a tour that has seen them visit Spain, Argentina and New Zealand in the lead-up to today’s meeting with Australia - dominated the latter stages of the opening period and fully deserved their equaliser, with Sebastien Dockier squeezing a shot between goalkeeper Andrew Charter and his right post to restore parity.

The battle between the two highest ranked teams in world hockey continued in the second quarter, although the pace of the action seemed to drop as soaring temperatures in Melbourne took their toll on both sets of athletes. It was unquestionably Belgium who owned the period, with Tom Boon congratulating Charter immediately after the latter produced a breathtaking stick save from the Belgium striker’s rocket-shot before Alexander Hendrickx found the target with a trademark penalty corner, putting the Red Lions into a 2-1 lead at half time.

Australian hopes were dealt a significant blow when Head Coach Colin Batch confirmed in the half time broadcast interview that talented young attacker Tim Brand would not be returning to the field due to injury, and things went from bad to worse when Dockier netted his second goal after some excellent build-up play from reigning FIH Player of the Year Arthur Van Doren. Tanguy Cosyns made it 4-1 before the quarter was complete, while Kookaburras captain Aran Zelewski missed a glorious opportunity to pull a goal back when he fired wide of the target with the goal at his mercy.

Both teams had chances to score in the fourth quarter. The Kookaburras failed to take advantage of a couple of penalty corner opportunities, while Belgium had a penalty corner of their own correctly ruled out as the effort from Alexander Hendrickx was deemed high when it hit an Australian player on route to goal. A 4-1 win was the perfect way to end an extremely productive period on the road for Belgium, with the world champions claiming an impressive nine points from an available twelve to leave their early league position looking very healthy indeed.

Speaking after the match, Australia captain Aran Zelewski said: “We are obviously a little bit disappointed about today, but full credit to the Belgians who were very clinical. We let in five goals yesterday and four today. We often pride ourselves in our defence, something that was definitely not good enough over the weekend here in Melbourne. It’s our first few games of the year so we’ll look to rebound in Tasmania next weekend [against Germany].”

Australia’s Hockeyroos (WR:3) came into their meeting against Belgium’s women (WR:13) feeling confident about their chances of success, boosted by Saturday’s notable 1-0 win against world champions the Netherlands. However, the Red Panthers had good reason to feel optimistic following Friday’s 1-0 triumph against the New Zealand Black Sticks in Auckland.

There was little to choose between the hosts and the European silver medallists in the opening quarter, with neither side able to create any clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities. Australia attacker Grace Stewart had a half-chance from a tight angle but could not direct her shot on target, while Belgium were intelligent in their play, doing everything in their power to control the pace and tempo of the game in the hot playing conditions.

The match remained evenly balanced in the second quarter, with both teams equal across the board in terms of possession, circle entries and shots on goal. A clever deflection from Belgium’s Jill Boon was arguably the best chance of the period, her subtle touch changing the trajectory of the ball but not enough to catch out Hockeyoos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch.

Speaking in his half time broadcast interview, Red Panthers Head Coach Niels Thijssen indicated that he was not entirely satisfied with his team’s performance and was looking for improvement after the break. He got exactly what he wished for, with Belgium taking the game to hosts and eventually being rewarded when they took the lead through a brilliantly executed penalty corner. A quick pass at the top of the circle allowed Michelle Struijk time and space to drill a low shot into the goal, putting the Red Panthers into 1-0 lead.

Belgium doubled their advantage early in the fourth quarter thanks to a cracking backhand strike from Louise Versavel, who found the gap between the post and replacement Hockeyroos goalkeeper Ashlee Wells. Versavel’s strike proved to be crucial, with Australia pulling a goal back through Brooke Peris but being unable to find an equaliser thanks to numerous exceptional saves from brilliant Belgian goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghe.

"It’s really nice, the first time we have ever beaten Australia in an official game, so I’m very proud of team”, said Belgium captain and Player of the Match Barbara Nelen. "We fought really hard to get these points so I’m super happy. To get three points against them, for us it is a huge performance.”

A first ever win against Australia is another major milestone in the development of the Belgium women’s team, who are constantly proving that they are far better than their position in the FIH World Rankings would indicate. The Red Panthers currently sit second in the FIH Pro League standings after claiming six points from three matches, with their points percentage of 66.7 leaving them just behind Argentina, who have 83.3 percent as a result of their five points from two matches. To see view the current standings in the women’s FIH Pro League table, please click here.

The FIH Pro League action continues on Friday 8 February, with New Zealand’s men and women playing host to Great Britain at the Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium in Christchurch.

FIH Pro League - Match Day 7 (Melbourne, Australia)

3 February 2019


Result: Men’s Match 7
Australia 1, Belgium 4
Player of the Match: Sebastien Dockier (BEL)


Result: Women’s Match 6
Australia 1, Belgium 2
Player of the Match: Barbara Nelen (BEL)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site

World Champions fight back to trump Kookaburras


Credit: Grant Treeby/HA

The Kookaburras have fallen 4-1 to world number one Belgium in front of a noisy Melbourne crowd in the FIH Pro League on Sunday afternoon.

Australia took an early lead through Daniel Beale but Belgium fought back with an onslaught of goals from Sebastien Dockier (two), Alexander Hendrickx and Tanguy Cosyns.

A tight first quarter saw the scoreboard read 1-1 at the siren thanks to a first minute goal from Beale and a 15th minute goal to Dockier, but the Australians were unable to convert again throughout the match.

Blake Govers and Jeremy Hayward had several chances to score after Australia drew a number of penalty corners late in the game, but missed traps and some fantastic goalkeeping from Vincent Vanasch meant that the pair of Kookaburras couldn’t find the backboard.

Belgium’s Dockier was named with the Player of the Match.

The Kookaburras remain without a win in the FIH Pro League but have an opportunity to redeem themselves against Germany in Tasmania next Sunday.

Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said: “Tough game. We hit a nice goal to start the game but Belgium took control of the game with their passing qualities.

"They gradually got on top. Our first half was quite good. We didn’t create a lot.

"Our third term is where they took over and were better in general skills.

"Tactically we were okay but if you’re losing the ball within seconds of the regain you’re always going to have a battle on your hands.”

Beale opened the match with a clever one-two goal in the first minute of play, partnering with Jacob Anderson to give the Australians the lead.

Dockier put Belgium on the scoreboard in the final seconds of the opening term, running wide and nailing the field goal on a tough angle.

Belgium piled on the next three goals of the game. Hendrickx scored the first with a rocket from a penalty corner, Dockier nailed his second on the turn in front of goal and Cosyns hit the scoreboard off an Augustin Meurmans assist.

The Kookaburras have an opportunity to redeem themselves against Germany in their next FIH Pro League appearance in Tasmania next Sunday.

Australia 1 (Beale 1’)
Belgium 4 (Dockier 15’, 35’, Hendrickx 28’, Cosyns 40’)

Hockey Australia media release

Nail-biting finish as Hockeyroos fall to Belgium


Credit: Grant Treeby/HA

The Hockeyroos have fallen just short of Belgium in a nail-biting  2-1 clash in Melbourne in the FIH Pro league on Sunday evening.

It was a tightly contested affair early but Belgium broke out to a two-goal lead late in the fourth thanks to scores from Michelle Struijk and Louise Versavel in the 35th and 47th minutes respectively.

Brooke Peris did her best to bring Australia back from the brink in the dying minutes of the game, backing her way into the attacking circle and nailing a powerful field goal in the 57th minute of the match.

Australia now sits fourth on the FIH Pro League ladder having recorded one win and one loss.

The Hockeyroos head to Tasmania next week to take on Germany and China.

“It’s disappointing, we didn’t come out with the vigour that we were hoping for after what we did against Holland,” said Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin. 

“Disappointing with our result and our performance, our skill level and physical effort has to be better. There was a bit of fatigue there but there’s no excuses. We need to be better with the ball and cleaner.”

The Australians did their best to tie up the match late, creating several consecutive penalty corner opportunities and subsequent scoring chances.

The Hockeyroos pulled goalkeeper Rachael Lynch from the field with a minute to spare giving them an extra player in attack.

As a result Hockeyroos captain Emily Chalker was able to run the ball baseline in the dying seconds of the match, her shot was on target but goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghue defended the play perfectly, securing the Belgium win.

The Hockeyroos must now turn their attention to Saturday’s match against China in Tasmania.

Australia 1 (Peris 57’)
Belgium 2 (Struijk 35’, Versavel 47’)

Hockey Australia media release

Rebecchi inspires fight-back as Argentina defeat USA in shoot-out in Cordoba



Following the day’s earlier excitement in the Australian city of Melbourne, where the Hockeyroos inflicted a rare defeat on reigning women’s world champions the Netherlands, the sixth day of FIH Pro League action continued as Argentina hosted Pan-American rivals USA in Cordoba. It proved to be yet another fascinating encounter, with USA pushing Carlos Retegui’s team every step of the way before suffering defeat in the shoot-out.

Pan American Cup title holders Argentina (FIH World Ranking: 4) made a fine start to their FIH Pro League campaign in last week’s 2-0 victory over Belgium at Cordoba’s Estadio Hockey, but their longstanding rivalry with USA (WR:12), winners of the last two Pan American Games titles, ensured that there was every chance that the form book could be thrown out of the window.

USA, coached by World Cup and Olympic gold medal-winning former Netherlands international Janneke Schopman, were put under considerable pressure by their illustrious opponents in the early stages of the match. Veteran attacker Carla Rebecchi flashed a backhand shot just wide of the target, drawing a big gasp from the vociferous capacity crowd packed into the stadium. Despite Argentina’s early promise, it was the Americans who took the lead thanks to a moment of magic from teenager Mackenzie Allessie. The 17-year-old, playing only her third international match, produced a moment that she will never forget, picking up an attempted clearance from Leonas goalkeeper Belen Succi before showing a calm head to slot home from a tight angle.

Things got even better for USA in the second period when they doubled their lead thanks to a wonderful counter-attack, with Jill Funk causing havoc down the left before firing across the face of goal for the onrushing Lauren Moyer, who forced home from close range to cap her 50th international appearance with a fine goal. While both of USA's goals had come against the run of play, it was a score-line earned through grit, determination and tactical discipline, with defender Julia Young and goalkeeper Kealsie Robles doing their very best to cancel out the potent Argentinian attacking threat.

A goal-less but thoroughly entertaining third quarter saw Leonas captain Delfina Merino go close before Rebecchi had a goal correctly ruled out when her strike clipped an Argentinean foot before flying in. However, the influential Rebecchi – who was recently tempted out of international retirement following the birth of her first child last year – rolled back the years with a sensational individual contribution in the fourth quarter.

The 34-year-old striker pulled a goal back with the kind of goal on which she forged her fearsome reputation before her retirement in 2016, showing blistering pace to move past USA shot-stopper Robles to slap into an open goal. Rebecchi then played a crucial part in Argentina’s equaliser, sending a flicked penalty corner effort towards goal for Merino to touch home, sparking utter jubilation in the stands.

The match finished with the scores locked at 2-2, meaning that a shoot-out was required to decide who was going to take the bonus point. It went the way of the host nation, who netted through Delfina Merino, Silvina d’Elia and Lucina von der Heyde before Belen Succi settled a 3-1 win by denying Nicole Woods with a diving stick save. Whilst it was a disappointing ending to a fine display by the Americans, Argentina’s never-say-die attitude had ensured that they remain unbeaten after two matches in the FIH Pro League.

“I think it was a great comeback, as I didn’t think we started very well”, said Rebecchi, who was named Player of the Match for the second successive game. “We were losing 2-0 so it was a tough game. We ran a lot, but I think the important thing is that we fight until the end and we won in the shoot-out.”

Earlier in the day, two FIH Pro League matches took place in Australia at Melbourne’s State Hockey and Netball Centre, with the host nation teams in action against Netherlands. The Netherlands men’s team scored three times in the final quarter to claim a 5-5 draw against the Kookaburras before claiming a bonus point by winning the shoot-out, while the Hockeyroos women claimed a famous victory over the Dutch reigning world and European champions thanks to a solitary goal from Jane Claxton and a sublime goalkeeping display from Rachael Lynch. To read more details about those fixtures, please click here.

The Australian teams return to the Melbourne turf on Sunday (3 February) against Belgium’s Red Panthers and Red Lions, the latter being the reigning men’s world champions.

FIH Pro League - Match Day 6
2 February 2019

Melbourne (AUS)
Result: Men’s Match 6
Australia 5, Netherlands 5 (1-4 After Shoot-Out)
Player of the Match: Tom Craig (AUS)

Result: Women’s Match 4
Australia 1, Netherlands 0
Player of the Match: Rachael Lynch (AUS)

Cordoba (ARG)
Result: Women’s Match 5
Argentina 2, USA 2. (3-1 After Shoot-Out)
Player of the Match: Carla Rebecchi (ARG)

Official FIH Pro League Site

USWNT Off to Great Start in FIH Pro League, Ties Argentina


FIH/Getty Images

CÓRDOBA, Argentina – February 2, 2019 – Eager to get started on their FIH Pro League journey, the U.S. Women’s National Team faced No. 4 Argentina in Córdoba for their first match-up. It was USA who capitalized on their counter attacks in the first half, producing two field goals, but Las Leonas tallied two of their own in the fourth quarter to finish regulation 2-2.

"Although we might not have been able to hold on to the lead, I am very pleased with our performance today," said Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach. "We executed our game plan and fought as a team for the full 60 minutes. We will continue to learn from it but for us it was a good start to the FIH Pro League."

The opening minutes of the game were in the hands of Argentina as they earned a few circle entries. A close chance came in the fourth minute when Carla Rebecchi dribbled into the circle and fired a backhand shot that went wide. It took a few minutes before USA started to find their momentum and in the 12th minute 17-year-old Mackenzie Allessie (Mount Joy, Pa.) recorded USA’s first shot off the back foot. There was some back and forth play for a period before Jill Funk (Lancaster, Pa.) worked it deep, spun and passed it to Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.) whose great reception and quick backhand was saved by Argentina’s goalkeeper Belen Succi. Allessie was on the rebound and reversed it under a diving Succi to give USA a 1-0 lead at the end of the quarter.

The second frame started much like the first with Argentina holding possession and looking to get through USA’s tight lines. Great counter attack hockey by USA gave them a spark but Argentina was sharp on picking up intercept lines. In the 24th minute, Funk had the ball in the circle and passed it across goal and an unmarked Lauren Moyer (York, Pa.) was there to extend USA’s lead to 2-0. Down two goals, this fired up Las Leonas as the duo of Delfina Merino and Maria Granatto continued to threaten USA’s defense. A close chance came in the final minute when Argentina earned a penalty corner but USA’s goalkeeper Kealsie Robles (Yorktown, Pa.) and the defensive unit was able to keep the lead going into halftime.

Impatient to produce any outcome on the scoreboard, Argentina started quick in the third quarter. The first 5 minutes saw shots from Lucina von der Heyde, Merino and Rebecchi, but there was no outcome. Argentina continued to pressure USA’s defense and force deep turnovers but the red, white and blue remaining solid on recovering and clearing the ball. USA earned a penalty corner in the 44nd minute and Kathleen Sharkey’s (Moosic, Pa.) straight shot was stopped by Succi to keep the score, USA 2-0.

A quick quarter break was all Argentina needed and 27 seconds into the fourth quarter they cut the lead after Rebecchi picked off a USA defender, beat goalkeeper Robles and put it in the goal. Argentina didn’t let up and continued to search for the equalizer. A great clearing stick save by USA’s Robles in the 50th minute was picked up by Argentina on the rebound and the second shot save was high, earning them a penalty corner. The chance was successfully converted when Merino deflected in Rebecchi’s drag flick to tie the game at 2-2. As time wound down, USA’s defense was under pressure as Argentina searched for the game winner, but collective efforts kept it to a draw.

Per the FIH Pro League structure, each team earns one point for the tie but the winner of the shootout earns an additional point. Tied 1-1 after the first round of shootouts on goals from Argentina’s Merino and USA’s Sharkey, Las Leonas converted again as USA’s Gonzales’ was called back for back of the stick. Neither team found the back of the goal in the third round but Argentina’s von der Heyde scored in the fourth and USA’s Nicole Woods (Beverly, Mass.) missed, giving Argentina the additional point.

Following the game, Argentina’s Rebecchi earned Player of the Match.

In today’s contest, USWNT athletes Moyer earned her 50th international cap for USA.


L to R: Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach, & Lauren Moyer

The U.S. Women’s National Team’s next FIH Pro League match will be played Saturday, February 16 in Winston, Salem, N.C. against No. 1 The Netherlands.

USFHA media release

2019 3 Nations Invitational (M) - Day 5
Benalmadena (ESP)

Result 2 February

BRA v WAL (RR)     1 - 3

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Support hockey or ban national game, says Nasir to govt

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD - Olympian Nasir Ali Saturday lambasted those who are trying to sneak into the Pakistan Hockey Federation from backdoors and asked the government to play its role to help the game of hockey financially or else ban the game.

“We have written a letter to government and Standing Committee to pay heed towards national game hockey,” said Nasir while talking to The Nation. “If government can’t give financial support to PHFn, then government should ban hockey completely.”

He lambasted few certain elements and held them responsible for bringing hockey to such lows, who just for personal egos, leveling serious allegation against the elected body. “Bringing ad hoc set up in federation and sending elected representatives to home is not the solution. Pakistan team will fall to 18th in FIH rankings, due to non-participation in the pro-hockey league because of financial restraints.”

He alleged the so-called critics just wanted to sneak into the federation from backdoor and did not have any plans or vision.

“We should work for the sake of hockey and not to gain personal benefits. As Olympians, we had served Pakistan hockey for years and it badly hurts when we witness, hockey is going down in Pakistan with each passing day. Today whatever we enjoy is just because of hockey. It had given us so much name and fame and now its pay-back time. We want to revive hockey and the best way of doing so is to join hands for the betterment of players and national game.”

He said Olympians Salim Shirwani, Safdar Abbas, Muhammad Ali and Kashif Jawad were all with him during the press briefing and they had written a letter to government and Senate Standing Committee on Sports to have mercy and don’t play with the futures of the national game. “Hockey is not only our recognition world-wide but we were former world champions, former Olympic champions and we had won all the mega tournaments. PHF President Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar had done so much for revival of hockey. He had arranged funds from personal friends and ensured Pakistan hockey team participate in number of international events as the government had long stopped funds for federation. Pakistan hockey team will suffer badly as they will slide down to 18th from 12th in FIH latest rankings due to non-participation in pro-league, for which we feel government is purely responsible as federation had time and again requested IPC Minister, IPC Secretary to spare some time and have mercy on national game, but former IPC Secretary Jameel Ahmed, whom we consider as the enemy of hockey, kept on sitting on the letters sent by the federation and kept on lingering the requests for release of funds for participation in pro-hockey. The government should order inquiry against the ex-IPC secretary and exemplary punishment should be given for playing with the future of national game. Had he handled the things properly, we would have never witness this day as FIH has imposed ban on Pakistan hockey team.”

Nasir further said it was the right of the government to conduct forensic audit of the PHF funds and federation had always given go ahead and ready to go through any audit government wanted to conduct. But stopping national team participation in international events will never help. Pakistan hockey team will be deducted massive 350 points by FIH for absence in pro-league. The government, IPC and PSB must take steps and ensure Pakistan hockey teams’ participation in international events. We also get hammering and taste defeats, but it makes no sense of criticising for the sake of criticism. Healthy criticism is always welcome but people are using below the belt remarks for hockey and federation and as Olympians, we feel very ashamed.”

He said these elements were not sincere with the game and have their own vested interests.

He said Olympians should join hands with federation for the sake of hockey not for enjoying and making hockey a laughing stock. Hockey federation should not be a job centre for these certain elements, while we feel government should also come clear and rather than paying heed towards these elements, the government must invite federation and hold meaningful dialogues to take Pakistan hockey forward,” Nasir concluded.”

The Nation

Harte truth to remind our hockey players how lucky they are

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian hockey players are a lucky lot as they get a training allowance for representing the country in tournaments.

But in Ireland, the hockey players have to fork out their own money to play for their country.

Irish goalkeeper David Harte, who’s playing for Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), said each Irish hockey player had to contribute money to the national hockey programme every year as their association don’t have the funds.

“Each player has to fork out between €750 and €1,000 (RM3,520-RM4,693) to represent their country in tournaments,” said Harte, who is the Ireland skipper.

“But thank God all that has changed. We managed to get sponsors and also grants from the government since our success in qualifying for the Rio de Janerio Olympics in 2016 and also the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, last year.

“The players didn’t have to contribute to the national hockey team last year and they don’t have to this year. The players can now fully focus on their hockey careers to qualify for the Olympics,” said the lanky Harte, who has represented Ireland since 2006.

He captained Ireland both in the Rio Olympics and the World Cup last year. He was also a member of the Ireland team that won bronze at the 2015 Men’s Euro Hockey Nations in London.

Harte, who has 215 international caps, said that Ireland’s challenge this year is to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

World No. 11 ranked Ireland will feature in the FIH World Series in Le Touquet, France, from June 15-23, which is the qualifying tournament for the Olympics.

The 29-year-old Harte said that they have to finish top two among eight teams featuring in the tournament in France to qualify for the playoff round to confirm their place in the Tokyo Olympics.

Harte is a vastly experienced goalkeeper who has played in leagues in Ireland, Holland, India and Malaysia.

Harte, named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year twice in 2015 and 2016, said that he is happy playing in the Malaysian League for the second straight year and wants more European players to play here.

“We did well to finish top of the standings in the MHL and hope that we’ll continue our winning streak in the league,” said Harte, who has a Masters degree in sports business.

Last year’s overall champions UniKL, powered by six foreign players, are optimistic about getting past Terengganu in the Premier Division match at the Tengku Abdullah Hockey Stadium in Bangi today.

The Star of Malaysia

Iron Ladies of Malaysian Hockey

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu Ladies edged Police Blue Warriors 1-0 in the Women’s Malaysia Hockey League (WMHL) earlier today (Saturday), and the story was on two ‘Iron Ladies’ with contrasting fates.

One scored the winner, while the other broke her left hand’s little finger, but went on to play two more matches before even realising it.

Experienced national player Fatin Shafika Sukri delivered the winner for Terengganu in the seventh minute, and then she and her teammates held on to dear life as the Blue Warriors tried every trick in the book to gun their opponents down but failed.

“This is my seventh goal of the tournament, and it was especially sweet as it gave us our ninth straight win. I must say that even though I scored the winner, but my teammates played a vital role during the remainder of the match to make sure we held on to the slim lead to take the win,” said Fatin, who last turned up for the country in the Jakarta Asian Games.

Fatin scored her seventh goal in the seventh minute, and it might be the lucky number to hand them the League title this year as they have now opened up a six point lead over second placed Blue Warriors.

The other Iron Lady is a Blue Warriors player, Norazlin Sumantri who broke her little finger when the ball hit it while playing against invited China side, Liaoning Infinite Space Hockey Club.

Norazlin then went on to play two more matches against SSTMI (Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School) and KL Wipers before she finally went for a check-up.

“After the Liaoning match, my finger swelled and I did not think much of it, and just applied some ice on my swollen finger.

“It did not bother me much, so I continued playing in two more matches before going for a check-up and this is when the doctor gave me the ‘bad news’.

“I had to sit out this crucial match against Terengganu, and it was really disappointing that I could not help my team win today (Saturday),” said Norazlin, who still turned up to watch the match and support her fellow teammates.

RESULTS — Women: KL Wipers 1 PKS UniTen 4, Police Blue Warriors 0 Terengganu HT 1, SSTMI 0 Liaoning HC 6.

TOMORROW (SUNDAY) — Men: UniKL v Terengganu HT (Tunku Abdullah Stadium, 5pm), UiTM v Tenaga Nasional (UiTM, 5pm), NurInsafi v Maybank (KLHA, 5pm).

WOMEN’S LEAGUE STANDINGS:

P W D L F A Pts

TERENGGANU 9 9 0 0 45 6 27
BLUE WARRIORS 10 7 0 3 33 8 21
PKS UNITEN 10 6 1 3 29 8 19
LIAONING HC 9 6 1 2 29 10 19
SSTMI 10 3 0 7 8 35 9
KL WIPERS 9 1 0 8 5 30 3
PSHA-MSSPP 9 0 0 9 1 53 0

New Straits Times

Biederlack a perfect match for Club an der Alster


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Sebastian Biederlack will return to Club an der Alster as head coach from July, taking over the Bundesliga side from currently interim coach Joachim Mahn.

"Sebastian is like a jackpot for us! He brings the values of the club and brings through his national and international experience, a lot of expertise,” said Alster’s hockey director Tim Jessulat. "With him, we are well prepared for the future."

Biederlack won six German outdoor and two indoor championships with the club as welll as two European Cup successes in both codes alongside Mahn.

It offers the opportunity of a seamless transition between the two long-time friends.

"I think the solution is very good, because with Buddy I'm sure that he does not see the club as a transit station but as a long term plan. He is half a native and knows the club very well. He will certainly continue the good foundations at Alster."

In addition to his many club titles, the 37-year-old – who is married to Alster club woman Martina Heinlein – earned 240 German caps and won Olympic gold in 2008, an indoor and outdoor World Cup and two European Championships.

He retired from playing in the Bundesliga’s top tier in 2015 and he is now looking forward to his return to the Hamburg club.

"For me, it is a matter of the heart to return to the club with which I have celebrated all those great successes,” Biederlack said. “It is also a great opportunity for me having worked with the youth section for three years. I am even more pleased that I am working part-time at THK Rissen, which is my home club who I also feel very connected with and that I can continue to support their youth work."

The club won the German indoor title last week but have plenty of ground to make up in the outdoor league as they sit 10th out of 12 during the winter stop.

Euro Hockey League media release

Western Wildcats men and Dundee Wanderers women crowned champions at the Indoor Gala Day 2019


Men’s Grand Final – Grove Menzieshill v Western Wildcats. Photo by Duncan Gray

Western Wildcats men and Dundee Wanderers women were the victors in an action packed Indoor Gala Day 2019 at Bells Sports Centre in Perth.

Grove Menzieshill 3-3 (1-2) Western Wildcats | MINL1 Final

After a nail-biting finale Western Wildcats won the Men’s Indoor National League 1 final 2-1 in a shoot-out after a 3-3 draw in normal time.

Western Wildcats got off to a lightning start when they tore forward at pace and Andrew McConnell slammed home from the left of the D to make it 1-0.

It didn’t take Grove Menzieshill long to respond and the goal came via a powerful low finish by Albert Rowling to make it 1-1.

The pace of Western Wildcats in attack was troublesome and McConnell was a constant thorn down the left.

Grove Menzieshill looked equally powerful in attack and played with a strength and precision that was caused the Wildcats problems.

It went to 2-1 to Grove Menzieshill to ferocious applause from the stands when Jamie Golden converted with five minutes of the half remaining.

The Wildcats response was swift. McConnell again pounced in the D to slot the ball low against the back board with a crash. 2-2.

Harwood prompted great diving save as the half came to a close, Steven McIlavey diving to his right to pad clear.

Into the second half and Grove Menzieshill was awarded a penalty flick, but the resulting effort cracked against the left post and the score remained even.

As the half continued both sides went toe-to-toe with very little to separate them. Then with six minutes remaining McConnell completed his hat-trick with an exceptional finish into the top corner from a tight angle to make it 3-2 to Western Wildcats.

It was the turn of Grove Menzieshill to respond and they did so with a slick attack and finish by Gavin Tomlinson to make it 3-3.

McConnell nearly struck again for Western Wildcats with a turning shot at the edge of the D but it went just wide.

The teams couldn’t be separated in normal time so the contest went to running penalties. After a nail-biting shoot-out it was Andrew McConnell who scored the winner for Western Wildcats to take the trophy back to Glasgow with a 2-1 shootout victory.


Women’s Grand Final – Dundee Wanderers v Clydesdale Western. Photo by Duncan Gray

Dundee Wanderers 7-2 Clydesdale Western | WINL1 Final

Dundee Wanderers regained the Women’s Indoor National League 1 title with a sensational 7-2 win over Clydesdale Western at the Indoor Gala Day 2019.

Wanderers got off to a great start when Ruth Blaikie scored from close range to put the Dundonians 1-0 up.

It went to 2-0 when Charlotte Watson pounced in the D to slam home and put Wanderers in a solid position.

Clydesdale Western began to get a foothold in the contest after the second goal and pressed the Wanderers D as the half progressed. They couldn’t force the ball over the line.

Emily Dark began dominating the play for Wanderers and powered forward to win a penalty flick. Charlotte Watson stepped up to convert the ball low to the left to make it 3-0.

From the restart Wanderers came out at pace and a swift exchange saw Vikki Bunce almost pick out Blaikie arriving at the far post.

Wanderers scored a fourth early in the second half and the goal came from a quick attack down the left for Heather Elder to slip the ball home at an angle. 4-0.

Clydesdale Western went to a kicking back and it had an instant effect. Millie Steiger took the ball in the D and fired against the back board to pull one back for the Glaswegians. 4-1.

Wanderers reinstated their lead when Dark sailed a penalty corner into the top right corner for 5-1.

Dark was fouled in the D to win another penalty flick for Wanderers, and again Watson stepped up to expertly dispatch and make it 6-1.

Another penalty corner routine brought Wanderers’ seventh goal of the contest and it was converted by Ellie Wilson from a Becky Ward injection for 7-1.

Clydesdale Western pulled one back with two minutes remaining, a nice exchange into the D was finished off by Steiger for 7-2.

It was Wanderers’ day though and they celebrated a great victory in style at the Indoor Gala Day 2019.

Hillhead 2-4 Watsonians | MINL2 3rd/4th

Watsonians came out on top in the men’s Indoor National League 2 3rd/4th place playoff and set up a contest with Dunfermline Carnegie to try and secure promotion.

It was a bright start to the contest with both sides out to attack. The opening goal went the way of Watsonians and it came through and excellent penalty corner strike by Ben Allen in just the fourth minute.

Hillhead enjoyed most of the possession in the opening half and moved the ball well around the Watsonians half.

Watsonians looked very dangerous on the break however and it proved telling when Fraser McCurdy scored after a swift break from the right. McCurdy calmly and collectively slammed the ball low under the goalkeeper for 2-0.

Hillhead pulled one back towards the end of the half. They were awarded a penalty flick, and Fraser Ward slammed it low into the bottom left corner to make it 2-1.

Into the second half and Hillhead’s Grant McMillan showed tremendous skill to work his way into the shooting circle and round the goalkeeper, but he couldn’t direct his shot on target and Watsonians held onto their lead.

Watsonians advanced their lead with seven minutes remaining when Fraser Heigh struck to make it 3-1.

Hillhead then struck back through an excellent team goal that saw them pass through the Watsonians defence for Andrew Black to finish off at the far post.

Hillhead took off their goalkeeper Jamie Frail for one final push but got caught out when Heigh struck again for Watsonians to seal a 4-2 victory, and secure a match against Dunfermline Carnegie for a chance of promotion.

Inverleith 5-2 Granite City Wanderers | WINL2 Final

The Women’s Indoor National League 2 final was won by Inverleith in an amazing seven-goal thriller at Bells Sports Centre.

Inverleith got off to a great start and were on the front foot from the outset. The early pressure was rewarded with a goal and Carly Bissett scored a delightful penalty corner into the left corner to make it 1-0.

Bissett almost bagged a second moments later with a carbon copy penalty corner attempt of the same routine, but it was well blocked on the line to keep the score at 1-0.

It went to 2-0 after some consistent Inverleith pressure fashioned a chance for Sarah McKay to slot home low against the backboard.

Granite City Wanderers worked hard and forced their way back into the contest. The pulled one back when a great break and low finish past the advancing goalkeeper to pull it back to 2-1.

Katie Swanson restored Inverleith’s two-goal advantage when she scored from close range to make it 3-1 before a Granite City Wanderers penalty corner routine saw the injector pop up at the far post to score and make it 3-2 at half time.

Inverleith’s penalty corner ability proved telling in the second half. First, Bissett launched the ball low against the backboard to make it 4-2 before bagging her hat trick moments later to make it 5-2.


Women’s Division 2 Final – Inverleith v Granite City Wanderers – Photo by Duncan Gray

Grove Menzieshill 2s 4-3 Uddingston | MINL2 Final

Grove Menzieshill 2s won the Men’s Indoor National League 2 final in incredible seven-goal thriller against Uddingston.

The game got off to a flyer and it was Uddingston who took the early lead. Steven Percy played the ball to Chris Boyle in the D and Boyle finished low to make it 1-0 to Uddingston.

The early goal prompted a quick response from Grove Menzieshill 2s and it was Luke Cranney who struck to level the scores.

Grove Menzieshill 2s then took the lead through a penalty corner routine finished off by Andrew Suttie at the injectors post.

It went to 3-1 when some clinical finishing by Christopher Wilson put Grove Menzieshill 2s firmly in the driver’s seat.

The second half saw Uddingston on the front foot but the Grove Menzieshill 2s defence was holding firm.

Connor Evans pulled one back for Uddingston with six minutes remaining. A powerful low shot left the goalkeeper with no chance as Uddingston pulled it back to 3-2.

A tremendous spin and shot by John Stephen restored Grove Menzieshill 2s two-goal advantage with three minutes remaining.

A lovely penalty corner finish by Steven Percy saw him pick his spot in the roof of the net to make it 4-3.


Men’s Division 2 Final – Grove Menzieshill 2s v Uddingston Photo by Duncan Gray

Grange EL 4-1 Inverleith or Granite City Wanderers | WNL1 Promotion/Relegation

It was victory for Grange in the Women’s Indoor National League 1 promotion/relegation battle at Bells.

Grange controlled possession in the early stages but Granite City Wanderers looked dangerous on the counter attack.

Grange’s Kirsten Turnbull scored the game’s opener when she managed to squeeze the ball low past the goalkeeper and into the goal. 1-0.

Granite City Wanderers went on the attack and fashioned a variety of opportunities. They came close to scoring when Jenn Tait had a low penalty corner cleared off the line.

Tait wouldn’t be denied for long and struck just before half time to finish off a lovely team move and make it 1-1.

After the restart a penalty flick was awarded to Granite City Wanderers but Eilidh Seedhouse slid her low shot past the right post.

Granite City Wanderers went to kicking back for the final seven minutes and it was perhaps to their hindrance when Grange was awarded a penalty corner. The resulting effort by Beth Dodds sailed into the top right corner to make it 2-1 to Grange.

Then a swift Grange counter-attack moments later saw them go 3-1 up through Laura Protheroe, before another quick break let Tara Allister make it 4-1.


Men’s Promotion/Relegation play-off – Dunfermline Carnegie v Watsonians Photo by Duncan Gray

Dunfermline Carnegie 8-3 Watsonians | MINL1 Promotion/Relegation

A goal-fest from Dunfermline Carnegie saw them retain their Men’s Indoor National League 1 status.

It was an excellent start for Dunfermline Carnegie; Martin Daw slammed the ball low against the back board. 1-0.

In response Watsonians fashioned an excellent opportunity for an equaliser with a swift move down the right, but Magnus Ferrier’s final effort went just wide of the target.

It was Carnegie who struck next and the goal came through some top finishing by Andrew Doyle to make it 2-0.

Right before half time Carnegie went 3-0 up from a nicely work penalty corner routine, Rhys Connah providing the finish for a comfortable lead.

At the start of the second half a penalty flick went the way of Carnegie and it was neatly dispatched into the roof of the net by Robbie Wallace.

Watsonians came back fighting and pulled one back with a nice move finished off at the post by Fraser Heigh. Heigh was at it again moments later when he struck to pull it back to 4-2.

Paul Weston scored for Carnegie through a penalty corner; he slotted home with power to pull it back to 5-2.

Watsonians continued to battle and they scored a third through a powerful low shot by Harry Connolly.

Carnegie struck again on a quick break when Michael Ross hammered home to make it 6-3 before sealing the victory through Gary Clark with a seventh strike for 7-3.

It went to 8-3 in the final seconds to complete an excellent victory for Carnegie at Bells Sports Centre in Perth.

Scottish Hockey Union media release