News for 04 March 2019
All the news for Monday 4 March 2019
Moes winner sinks China as Netherlands women return to top of the standings
The Netherlands women have returned to the top of the FIH Pro League standings thanks to a hard-earned 2-1 away victory against China at the Wujin Hockey Stadium in Changzhou.
A late strike from 20-year-old attacker Freeke Moes gave the reigning world champions their fourth victory in five matches, all of which have been played away from home, as the Dutch moved ahead of previous table-toppers Australia in the women’s standings by virtue of having claimed 80 percent of the points available to them.
Having earned wins in New Zealand, USA and Argentina, the Netherlands (FIH World Ranking: 1) came into their meeting with China (WR:10) as heavy favourites. Despite missing two FIH Player of the Year winners in the shape of Eva de Goede (2018) and Lidewij Welten (2015), the Oranje started the brighter of the two teams but struggled to break through China’s structured backline, a theme that would continue throughout the match. Maria Verschoor and Xan de Waard both flashed backhand efforts wide of the China goal, while at the other end of the field a deflection from Guo Qiu gave the Dutch a nervous moment but failed to test shot-stopper Anne Veenendaal.
The opening goal arrived 21 minutes into the contest thanks to a perfectly executed penalty corner slap-shot from Lauren Stam before Moes almost doubled the advantage with a backhand strike that was just off-target.
China’s disciplined defensive performance continued to frustrate the Netherlands after the half time break, denying their illustrious opponents any meaningful opportunities in the third quarter to remain very much in the match going into a fourth period that saw the home team change their approach and go in search of goals. It was a bold move that was rewarded midway through the quarter when Guo Qiu levelled the scores with a close range finish, being on hand to capitalise after Yong Jing’s fierce pass caused havoc in the Dutch circle.
The Netherlands came out fighting after the re-start, immediately winning a penalty corner that brought two fine saves from FIH Goalkeeper of the Year 2018 nominee Ye Jiao before the European giants scored what proved to be the winning goal four minutes from the end. Freeke Moes was in the right place at the right time to score from close range, with a brilliant assist coming from Player of the Match De Waard, who herself had a goal ruled out at the end due to the ball crossing the line a split-second after the buzzer.
Speaking after the match, Xan de Waard said: “I think it was an exciting match and we had a lot of chances, but it was a shame that we give ourselves more of a ‘chilled match’ by scoring more goals. But it was an exciting match to watch, though.”
The FIH Pro League action continues on Tuesday 5 March as European champions the Netherlands men face great continental rivals Germany in Rotterdam, with Germany’s women take to the field against China on Wednesday 6 Match in Changzhou.
FIH Pro League
3 March - Changzhou, China
Result: Women’s Match 18
China 1, Netherlands 2
Player of the Match: Xan de Waard (NED)
#FIHProLeague
Official FIH Pro League Site
Argentina & NZ Next For Australia In Sydney
Ben Somerford
Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin hailed his side’s determination after Saturday’s come-from-behind 2-1 win over USA and has called on more fans in Sydney for their back-to-back matches in a fortnight’s time.
The Kookaburras knocked off Spain 2-1 before the Hockeyroos got the better of USA at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday, with the Australian sides to return to the venue in a fortnight.
Australia will play a double-header against Argentina on Saturday 16 March followed by New Zealand on Sunday 17 March, with tickets on sale via ticketbooth.com.au.
More than 2,000 fans turned out in Sydney on Saturday, roaring both sides on to victory thanks to last-quarter goals, while there were almost 5,000 in Perth last month and a sell-out in Melbourne too.
"The crowd was wonderful,” Gaudoin said. “This FIH Pro League has been a great format.
“We hope they come out in their droves for the double-header in two weeks.
“Maybe a lot of the country people can come out and support against Argentina and New Zealand in a few weeks’ time.
“It’s great to see people coming out and supporting us in what is a great event with both teams playing.”
Hockey Australia have made available discounted group bookings which would suit regional clubs and associations travelling to Sydney for final home FIH Pro League matches for the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras before they begin the overseas legs.
The Hockeyroos’ win sent them top of the women’s standings, although the Netherlands leapfrogged them on Sunday after winning in China.
Gaudoin was thrilled with his side’s ability to grind out the win, having trailed 1-0 at three quarter-time, despite dominating the chances.
“At the end of the day it’s about persistence and finding a way to win,” he said.
“It’s a grind. International hockey is not pretty all the time.
“We knew what USA could do. They’re a hard-running team. They had a lot of people in defence. It was never going to be a pretty game.”
NSW forward Mariah Williams scored the winner and her third goal in the FIH Pro League, having made her return from injury for the first time in 18 months earlier in the campaign.
“She’s been really important for us in our attacking group,” Gaudoin said.
“Match-by-match she’s improving. She’s getting a feel for what we’re doing again. She’s looking after herself really diligently as well. Let’s hope it continues.”
He also hailed co-captain and 2018 Player of the Year Jodie Kenny who returned from a quad injury to fire in the equaliser, but also produce some exceptional defensive efforts.
“She’s a tough customer and it’s wonderful to have in our team,” Gaudoin said.
“She sets a great standard about how to go about it.
“She’s scored but she’s also diving there to stop balls in defence, so for someone who’s 32 and still doing it so well, she’s really important for us.”
Matchday tickets are available from $30 for adults and $10 for children via Ticketbooth and this link.
Saturday 16 March 2019
Kookaburras v Argentina - 3pm start (local time)
Hockeyroos v Argentina - 5pm start (local time)
Sunday 17 March 2019
Kookaburras v New Zealand - 3pm start (local time)
Hockeyroos v New Zealand - 5pm start (local time)
Hockey Australia media release
H&W keep the pressure up on Surbiton in England
Hampstead & Westminster beat Holcombe 7-2 as the race for play-off spots in the English men’s Hockey League Premier Division continues to throw up some enthralling hockey.
Second in the table only on goal difference, Hampstead & Westminster continue to push current leaders and reigning champions Surbiton hard, and in the process dented Holcombe’s play-off hopes.
Goals from San French, Rupert Shipperley (2), Matt Guise Brown, James Oates, James Chaffey and Chris Cargo proved too much for Holcombe, although Nick Bandurak scored two for the Kent outfit.
Meanwhile, Surbiton were 5-1 winners at Reading with Alan Forsyth scoring two and others coming from Ben Boon, James Royce and Hayden Beltz. Lee Morton scored for Reading.
East Grinstead boosted their play-off hopes with a 3-2 win over rivals Beeston, with Simon Faulkner (2) and Ross Stott scoring their goals, while for Beeston it was Elliot Hibell and Nick Park.
The University of Exeter continued to fight hard to avoid relegation with a 3-1 win at Brooklands MU. Thomas Butler, Archie Winter and James Carson scored their goals, while David Flanagan claimed Brooklands’ lone goal.
Wimbledon fired six goals past hosts Sevenoaks, Ed Horler, Phil Roper, Callum Swinnerton-Ions and Jack Waller scoring in the first half before Ben Arnold and Chad Conlon added more after the break.
Euro Hockey League media release
Irish Mens EYHL Weekend Round Up
Glenanne moved three points clear at the top of the men’s EY Hockey League table though things remain incredibly tight with Banbridge and Lisnagarvey just behind them with a game in hand.
For the Glens, the salvaged a 4-3 win in the very last minute from a Jonny McCormack touch from Joe Brennan’s cross to nick the win. Relegation-threatened Cookstown had led early on and then pegged the Glens back to 2-2 and 3-3 to push the leaders all the way.
In the big derby in Ulster, Lisnagarvey continued their excellent run of form to beat Banbridge at Havelock Park. First half goals from Andy Williamson and James Lorimer made the difference as Garvey led 2-0 for a long-time before Eugene Magee got one back in the dying moments.
At the bottom, YMCA made it two wins out of three to continue their move away from the drop-zone, getting the better of Cork C of I at Wesley. Grant Glutz and John Jermyn exchanged first half goals for 1-1 at half-time but Ross Henderson got the decisive finish – from a Gluzt assist – in the second period to nick a 2-1 result.
It moves YM up to eighth and above Cookstown while C of I ended the weekend in bottom spot. The understrength Munster side lost their second game of the weekend on Sunday 4-0 against Three Rock Rovers.
For Rovers, they closed the gap significantly to the top four places with six points out of six. They cut loose late in their tie on Saturday against Monkstown, winning 5-2.
Goals from play from Luke Madeley and Harry MacMahon built a 2-0 lead which Guy Sarratt countered. But further strikes from Madeley, Ben Walker and Mark English stretched out a comfortable final scoreline.
Pembroke, though, remain a couple of points ahead of them thanks to a 2-1 success at Annadale. Greg Chambers and the returning Andrew Shekleton put them in good shape before Andrew O’Hare got a Dale consolation with a minute to go.
Men’s EY Hockey League results
Saturday: Annadale 1 (A O’Hare) Pembroke 2 (G Chambers, A Shekleton); Banbridge 1 (E Magee) Lisnagarvey 2 (A Williamson, J Lorimer); Glenanne 4 (G Shaw, S Boucher, J McCormack) Cookstown 3 (M Kerr, D Crooks, P Thompson); Three Rock Rovers 5 (L Madeley 2, B Walker, M English, H MacMahon) Monkstown 2 (G Sarratt, R Quirke); YMCA 2 (G Glutz, R Henderson) Cork C of I 1 (J Jermyn)
Sunday: Three Rock Rovers 4 (H Morris, L Madeley, B Walker, J Hosking) Cork C of I 0
Extended reports
YMCA 2 (G Glutz, R Henderson) Cork C of I 1 (J Jermyn)
YMCA recorded a crucial victory in the survival race as they moved out of the bottom two with a battling win over Cork C of I at a wet and wild Wesley College.
With the weather making life difficult, penalty corners were proving the most effective method of attack in the first half. Grant Glutz gave the Y via a straight drag-flick after Andrew Jones won a corner in the first quarter. He arrowed another at the same target but it was saved off the line before CI fought back and were level when John Jermyn scored his sixth goal in seven days.
YM returned to the lead in the third quarter when Glutz played through to Ross Henderson in lots of space and he calmly finished to make it 2-1.
From there, C of I had five more corner chances but could not find the radar and the hosts held on for their second win of the season, lifting them to eight points.
Banbridge 1 (E Magee) Lisnagarvey 2 (A Williamson, J Lorimer)
First half goals from Andy Williamson and James Lorimer saw Lisnagarvey score a vital victory in the title race as they moved level on points with Banbridge. Both are three points back from Glenanne but have a game in hand, making for an exciting seven rounds ahead in the league.
Williamson broke the deadlock 22 minutes in before Lorimer added the second from a corner with half-time approaching. Bann got one back with just over a minute to go from Eugene Magee’s corner shot but the points were going up the road to Hillsborough.
The hosts had started the game well with the majority of the ball but Williamson’s goal came following a quick counter-attack. Lorimer then slotted a low drag-flick.
Again, Bann came forward in the second half and put Garvey under more pressure but Garvey made some crucial tackles in the final phases while James Milliken made a key triple save, keeping them out of range despite the late Magee goal.
Glenanne 4 (G Shaw, S Boucher, J McCormack) Cookstown 3 (M Kerr, D Crooks, P Thompson)
Jonny McCormack’s last minute winner saw Glenanne squeak out a 4-3 win over Cookstown to return to the head of the table on their own, eventually seeing off the Co Tyrone side.
Michael Kerr’s drag following a spin move beat Iain Walker to put the visitors 1-0 up after David Keogh had missed an early penalty stroke for the Glens. Glenanne then set about swapping the lead with a couple of corner goals, the first a Stephen Brownlow slip to Gary Shaw for 1-1 and then Shannon Boucher dragged in for 2-1.
Cookstown tied the game for the second time from a corner rebound from Daniel Crooks after a flurry of chances, 2-2 at half-time.
Richard Couse claimed the Glens third via a defensive stick but Cookstown kept coming back when Paul Thompson slapped home from a baseline pull-back.
But the Glens had the final say in the dying moments when Joe Brennan slapped across from the right flank for McCormack to tap in at the back post.
Three Rock Rovers 5 (L Madeley 2, B Walker, M English, H MacMahon) Monkstown 2 (G Sarratt, R Quirke)
A trio of fourth quarter goals saw Three Rock Rovers race away from Monkstown after a previously close fought contest as Grange Road as the hosts made Town pay for a couple of cards.
Defenders Luke Madeley and Harry MacMahon both scored from play to put Rovers into a 2-0 lead. The former strode out from the back and, after some initial skill, the pitch opened up for him and he ran 60 metres – regularly looking to offload – with the ball before pinging home by Gordon Clarke, deputising for the injured David Fitzgerald. MacMahon’s was the polar opposite, netting a rare goal from close range.
Guy Sarratt got one back 90 seconds before half-time from a corner and he was unlucky to see a reverse well saved by Jamie Carr to tie it up. But space started to become more available for Rovers as time wore on and they drew a number of good saves before going 3-1 up from a Madeley corner in the fourth quarter.
Town soon went down to nine and were punished when Kevin Mullins set up Ben Walker to flick in at close quarters. Harry Morris and Mark English were then left all alone in the 23 with just Clarke to eliminate, the latter doing the final honours.
Annadale 1 (A O’Hare) Pembroke 2 (G Chambers, A Shekleton)
Pembroke ended their mini-slide after back-to-back defeats to strengthen their place in the top four of the men’s EYHL. They went in front following a very well constructed move from a free on the right edge of the circle, working the ball back through both centre-backs and then to the left wing where a powerful cross was turned in by Greg Chambers.
It was 2-0 when Andreu Gomez Costa pumped in a sideline ball from the left which ricocheted into the path of Andrew Shekleton who slotted home with eight minutes to go.
Annadale got one back when Callum Robson nicked the ball on the 23 from a defensive slip. He rolled the ball right to Andrew O’Hare to calmly finish in the last minute but the points were gone at that stage.
Sunday:
Three Rock Rovers 4 (H Morris, L Madeley, B Walker, J Hosking) Cork C of I 0
Three Rock Rovers made it a six-point weekend as they beat Cork C of I 4-0 at Grange Road as C of I struggled in the absence of John Jermyn, Jonny Bruton and Alex Burns.
Harry Morris opened the scoring in the first five minutes from a penalty corner rebound before Ben Walker got the second in the second quarter, controlling at the back post before popping home after good work down the left.
Luke Madeley’s drag-flick extended the advantage to 3-0 at half-time. The volume of rain meant it was slow-going in the second half but the game was capped by an excellent Jody Hosking ghost-left and rocket reverse into the top of the goal with seven minutes to go.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Irish Womens EYHL Weekend Round Up
The top three continued their march to the EY Champions Trophy playoffs with Loreto seeing off Ards, Pegasus accounting for Railway Union and UCD beating both Old Alex and Ards over the weekend.
For Loreto, the pace and energy of Sarah Torrans and Siofra O’Brien were vital factors as the former broke the deadlock in the first half of their tie in Londonderry Park before the latter finished off a 2-0 victory.
Pegasus produced an excellent first half to see off a dangerous Railway Union 3-1, Taite Doherty, Shirley McCay and Lucy McKee all scoring before half-time. Railway got one back late in the game from Hannah de Burgh Whyte but it was a frustrating weekend for the Park Avenue side.
A day later, they were 3-0 up against Pembroke but saw their game abandoned due to snow.
UCD, meanwhile, were 4-0 winners against Old Alex on Saturday with Hannah McLoughlin scoring a pair of drag-flicks in the success. A day later, they won their second game with Niamh Carey netting in the first half before Lena Tice’s touch made the game safe in a 2-0 result against Ards.
They remain in third place, eight points off the leaders Loreto but with a game in hand; they are four points back from Pegasus.
Cork Harlequins had an up-and-down weekend, dropping a couple of places when they fell 1-0 to Orla Macken’s penalty corner hit for Pembroke.
A day later, they scored three times in the first eight minutes en route to a 4-2 win over Belfast Harlequins in Cork with Rebecca Barry scoring twice. It saw them end the weekend back in fourth place.
Belfast Quins had won a day earlier 4-1 at Muckross to temporarily up three places as Jenna Watt scored a couple, ending with three for her weekend’s work.
Women’s EY Hockey League results
Saturday: Ards 0 Loreto 2 (S Torrans, S O’Brien); Muckross 1 (E Mathews) Belfast Harlequins 4 (J Watt 2, R Johnston, E Cutrona); Pegasus 3 (T Doherty, S McCay, L McKee) Railway Union 1 (H de Burgh Whyte); Pembroke 1 (O Macken) Cork Harlequins 0; UCD 4 (H McLoughlin 2, S Thomas, M Carey) Old Alexandra 0
Sunday: Cork Harlequins 4 (R Barry 2, J Murphy, E O’Leary) Belfast Harlequins 2 (R Johnston, J Watt); UCD 2 (N Carey, L Tice) Ards 0; Railway Union v Pembroke, abandoned due to snow
Extended reports
Ards 0 Loreto 2 (S Torrans, S O’Brien)
Loreto kept their winning run rolling at the top of the table as they overcame a testing tie with midfielders Sara Twomey, Niamh Small and Hayley Mulcahy all unavailable and Christina Hamill carrying an ankle injury.
They deployed Hannah Matthews in central midfield and created several good first half chances with Nicci Daly testing Naomi McKnight on number of occasions.
The Beaufort side went in front when Matthews won the ball in midfield and passed to Sarah Torrans who hit a lovely reverse through the goalkeeper at pace.
Ards, though, caused lots of problems with speed down both wings and went close to getting level from a corner hit which Liz Murphy got down well to save with her stick.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Loreto getting the insurance goal from a fine team move. They turned over possession in their own 23 with Siofra O’Brien eliminating one players before putting Torrans on the gallop. She went around a defender to get to to the baseline and cross for O’Brien to follow up and deflect in.
UCD 4 (H McLoughlin 2, S Thomas, M Carey) Old Alexandra 0
UCD produced a neatly packaged 4-0 win over Old Alex, scoring twice in each half at Belfield. Hannah McLoughlin got them off to a great start when she won a penalty corner which she powerfully dragged into the net.
McLoughlin sent another drag just wide with Abbie Russell close to getting a touch on it while Sophie Thomas went close a couple of times and two more corners went unconverted. They continued to boss the play and went 2-0 up when Sarah Patton went on a run and fired into the D where Michelle Carey got down low to finish.
Sophie Thomas got the third in the second half for her first official EYHL goal – she scored in the abandoned matcha against Muckross in midweek which was stricken from the record. And player of the match McLoughlin closed out the win in the closing minutes with another drag-flick for 4-0.
Muckross 1 (E Mathews) Belfast Harlequins 4 (J Watt 2, R Johnston, E Cutrona)
Belfast Harlequins jumped from eighth to fifth thanks to their fourth win of the season as they beat Muckross 4-1 in Donnybrook. Rachel Johnston’s corner in the 13th minute gave them the perfect start in the first quarter with Emilia Cutrona backing her effort up in the second for a 2-0 half-time lead.
Jenna Watt finished off amid a goalmouth scramble for the third before Emma Mathews pulled one back from play while Marianne Fox also saved a stroke during this phase as Muckross threatened a comeback.
Watt, though, grabbed her second 30 seconds into the final quarter to kill off any hopes of a big revival.
Pegasus 3 (T Doherty, S McCay, L McKee) Railway Union 1 (H de Burgh Whyte)
Pegasus kept the pressure on Loreto with a comfortable 3-1 win over Railway Union at the Dub.The result leaves the Belfast team four points off the pace but with a game in hand after Loreto defeated Ards 2-0.
Pegasus made a blistering start to the game and were 3-0 up at half-time as Railway seldom looked likely to repeat their big win over Belfast Harlequins on their last visit north.
Ireland World Cup silver medallist Shirley McCay set up the opener in the seventh minute providing Taite Doherty with the perfect pass to fire home on her backhand. McCay made it 2-0 14 minutes later when she rifled home a penalty corner to put Pegasus firmly in control.
Lucy McKee added number three in the 27th minute when she shot home from close range after a good move down the left flank. Eimear Lucey had Railway's first chance shortly before the break but home keeper Megan Todd got down well to save. It was closely contested in the second half as the Dubliners recovered from that nightmare start forcing Todd into several fine stops.
They deservedly pulled one back when Hannah de Burgh Whyte scored from a 64th minute set-piece, firing low into the corner of the net from a switch to the left.
Pembroke 1 (O Macken) Cork Harlequins 0
Orla Macken’s straight strike from the first penalty corner of the tie proved the only difference as Pembroke rose two places and back into fourth place in the table.
That came in the ninth minute when Pembroke were in the ascendancy, forcing some good stops from Becky Maye. Quins settled into the game after that, winning a couple of corners that were deflected away by the corner defence.
Rebecca Barry and Emily O’Leary also went close in the third quarter and they won a final minute penalty corner but the chance was lost at the top to see Pembroke retain the points and make a big leap up.
Sunday:
Cork Harlequins 4 (R Barry 2, J Murphy, E O’Leary) Belfast Harlequins 2 (R Johnston, J Watt)
Cork Harlequins did the double over their Belfast rivals as a blistering first quarter saw them bounce back from Saturday’s defeat and end the weekend’s action in second place.
It was a start delayed by the rain but the Cork side did not hang about when it did get going with Rebecca Barry firing home from a break into the D. It was 2-0 after five minutes when Jane Murphy scored from the next attack, rebounding off an initial save.
And with just eight minutes gone, Barry had her second following a great run and cut-back from Emily O’Leary. Rachel Johnston pulled one back in the 11th minute from a corner but the Cork side kept coming and were 4-1 up with barely 20 minutes gone, Barry this time setting up O’Leary to lift home her finish.
After that flurry of early goals, it remained that way until deep into the third quarter when Jenna Watt during a spell of Belfast pressure with a corner deflection. And they had further set pieces in the last quarter but Cork stayed resolute in defence to see out the result.
UCD 2 (N Carey, L Tice) Ards 0
UCD completed a six-point weekend with a second clean sheet to boot as Niamh Carey and Lena Tice goals saw them beat Ards 2-0. After an even first quarter, UCD went in front in the second from a move started by Michelle Carey, winning a corner which her twin sister got on the end of.
Both sides had their moments but could not advance the score while the third quarter was also very even. The game-breaking second goal came with 10 minutes remaining when Hannah McLoughlin’s ball into the D was deflected in by Tice. The students closed out the tie the stronger from there to make it a good weekend.
They sit third, eight points off leaders Loreto with a game in hand, four points back from Pegasus.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Three-way title race emerges after Lisnagarvey outclass Banbridge
Leaders Glenanne ahead by three points after hard-fought victory over Cookstown
Stephen Findlater
Glenanne’s Johnny McCormack in action for Avoca in 2015. The player scored the winner against Cookstown at the weekend to seal a 4-3 victory. Photograph: Inpho
Lisnagarvey ground out a big 2-1 win at Banbridge to turn the men’s EY Hockey League title chase into a three-horse race with precious little dividing that pair from Glenanne.
The Glens did move top of the pile when Jonny McCormack rescued a 4-3 result against struggling Cookstown at St Andrew’s on Saturday.
He guided home player-coach Joe Brennan’s brilliant cross to nick the win at the end of a rollercoaster in which Cookstown led at 1-0 and pegged the Glens back at 2-2 and 3-3.
And they looked in line for what would have been a key point for them before McCormack’s late intervention.
It was enough to lift them three points clear at the top but both Garvey and Banbridge have games in hand which would bring it all square if won.
Garvey’s young crew continue to improve and they made it five wins on the spin since Christmas as Andy Williamson and James Lorimer gave them a two-goal start against Banbridge, rendering Eugene Magee’s 70th-minute goal a mere consolation in a 2-1 result.
Close gap
Three Rock Rovers started to close the gap to the playoff places with two strong wins over the weekend.
On Saturday, three final-quarter goals saw them pull clear of Monkstown with something to spare in a 5-2 success. Luke Madeley’s solo 60m effort was the pick of the goals to start the scoring and his second to make it 3-1 with 13 minutes to go was the killer blow.
A day later, they had few problems seeing off Cork C of I in a 4-0 result. That saw Munster’s only representative sit bottom of the table after they lost out 2-1 on Saturday to YMCA.
That was the YMCA’s second win in two weeks with Ross Henderson sliding home the winner in the third quarter.
The Irish Times
Grange and Edinburgh University sit top of the tables
2 March 2019 at Peffermill, Edinburgh. Scottish League Division 1 match – Edinburgh University v Clydesdale Western – photo by Duncan Gray
After today`s games Grange still have a six point cushion at the top of Scottish Men`s National League 1 while Edinburgh University have moved into pole position in the Women`s league by three points but Clydesdale Western still have a game in hand.
The top of the table clash between Edinburgh University and Clydesdale Western seemed to be heading for a draw until Laura Swanson took the honours with an overtime penalty corner conversion. Before that Louise Campbell`s strike was cancelled out by Western`s Heather Lang.
Western Wildcats clawed their way into second spot with a 2-0 win at Hillhead, the goals came from Emily Powers in the first half and a spot conversion from Kate Holmes after the interval.
Four goals by Emily Dark were the catalyst in Dundee Wanderers` seven goal victory over Glasgow University on Tayside. The other goals came from Charlotte Watson, Vikki Bunce and Sophia Fee.
Watsonians moved back into fifth spot after seeing off bottom side Grange 7-1 at Fettes. Keith Smith`s charges were two up at the interval, Bethan Mann opened with a brave deflection, to be followed by a close range strike from Georgia Jones.
Jones scored her own second with a deflection for the third while penalty corner strikes from Heather Tait and Lucy Lanigan brought the total to five. Lucy Lanigan then added a fifth after rounding the keeper, then Ellie Mackenzie out-ran the Grange defence and finished with a reverse stick shot into the roof of the net.
Grove Menzieshill moved back to sixth after drawing 0-0 with GHK. While the GHK keeper produced a series of saves to frustrate the Dundonians, coach David Stott did confess to 53 circle penetrations and eleven missed penalty corners – “back to the drawing board” was his final comment. GHK however, take the credit for a battling defensive performance.
In men`s National League 1 Grange were comfortable 6-0 winners over neighbours Watsonians at Fettes. The contest was effectively over by the interval, Duncan Riddell opened the scoring from open play, Frank Ryan doubled the tally following a pass from Dan Coultas, and finally Cammie Fraser added a third. In the second half Jacob Tweedie scored twice, the first when he got a final touch to a cross from the right, then he lifted the ball over the keeper after a passing movement involving Ali Irvine. Fraser completed the scoring when he followed up at a penalty corner.
Western Wildcats still have their claws on second spot after a 4-2 win at Hillhead. Western Wildcats were two up at the interval through two penalty corner conversions by Hamish Galt. Fraser Calder and Andrew McAllister added further goals for Western Wildcats in the second half while Johnny Horm and Jude Boselem replied for Hillhead, but not enough to change the course of the contest.
Grove Menzieshill returned to winning ways after a couple of recent draws with a 2-1 victory over Kelburne at Glasgow Green, but it was a bit of a tough contest for the Taysiders. Euan Cuthill opened the scoring with a tap in after a cross ball from Jamie Golden. But slack defending from the Dundonians gave Kelburne a scoring opportunity and Chris Nelson took full advantage with five seconds to go in the first half.
A skilful turn and shot by Paul Martin put Grove Menzieshill in front for the second time, although Kelburne had the chance to level in overtime but both penalty corner opportunities failed to find the net.
Edinburgh University moved into fifth place in the table with a 3-2 victory over Clydesdale. The latter took a first half lead through a penalty corner conversion by Chris McFadden. In the second half the students went 3-1 ahead, the goals came from Leo Meinhold, Kevin Wong and Jack Jamieson, then Andrew Allan scored a late consolation for the Dale.
Uddingston moved within a point of the students and Clydesdale after seeing off bottom side Gordonians 6-2 in the North-East. Aussie Brad Hughes scored twice while the others came from Jonjo Lavin, Chris Boyle, Gavin MacKenzie and Josh Cairns.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Scottish Cup quarter final action serves up big results
3 March 2019 at Titwood, Glasgow. Scottish Cup quarter final match – Clydesdale v Grove Menzieshill – photo by Duncan Gray
Watsonians are the head turners of the women`s quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup by seeing off Western Wildcats on penalties, Edinburgh University dumped rivals Clydesdale Western out of the competition, while in the men`s competition Grange, Western Wildcats, Grove Menzieshill and Edinburgh University all proceeded to the semi-final draw.
Edinburgh University completed the weekend double over their rivals Clydesdale Western with a 2-0 win at Peffermill to advance into the semi-final draw. Ella Watt and Zara Malseed were on target for the students.
Watsonians created the result of the round by seeing off second-placed Western Wildcats in a penalty shoot-out. Normal time finished goalless… and on to the penalty shoot-out. Heather Tait, Lucy Lanigan and Emily Newlands found the net for Watsonians while their keeper Lucy Camlin frustrated all the Wildcats advances, the result is that Watsonians move on to the semi-final draw.
Dundee Wanderers were always in command against lower division Uddingston and came away with a comfortable 6-1 victory, but the Lanarkshire side kept going up to the end. There were two goals each for Vikki Bunce and Jess Martin while Iona Fleming and Michaela Worthington got the others.
There will be a lower league side in the semi-final draw as Erskine Stewart Melville overcame Stirling Wanderers in an exceptional 7-1 victory.
Grove Menzieshill emerged victorious in the all-National League 1 clash against Clydesdale at Titwood, they came away with a 3-1 winning score. The Taysiders took the lead in only five minutes through a penalty corner conversion by Albert Rowling that flew into the roof of the net. The visitors were two up by the interval at another set piece, this time Cyril Varghese found the net with a rebound.
Clydesdale clawed their way back into the contest with a well-taken strike by Euan Lindsay, then pushed for an equaliser with several penalty corner opportunities. But with only a couple of minutes remaining it was the Dundonians who sealed the tie with a rebound goal from Olly James.
National League 1 leaders Grange were 11-1 winners at Perthshire. There were a couple of interesting landmarks, Dan Coultas scored a hat-trick of penalty conversions while 15-year-old Jamie Croll scored the final goal on his Grange debut. In between, Jacob Tweedie and Frank Ryan both scored twice while the others came from individuals.
Edinburgh University also made it into the last four with a 3-1 win at Gordonians in another all-first division clash with Matt Taylor, Pete McKnight and Leo Meinhold scoring for the students.
Although Dundee Wanderers just won the National League 2 title yesterday with a perfect record, the Taysiders fell 3-1 to Western Wildcats at Auchenhowie. The home side were one up at the interval through a penalty corner strike by Hamish Galt.
Andrew McConnell gave Western Wildcats a two goal advantage from open play, but the visitors pulled one back through Bobby Ralph. But a penalty corner strike by Adam McKenzie into the top corner of the net was enough to propel Western Wildcats into the semi-final draw.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Grove back in the winning groove in Scotland as Amsterdam date nears
©18 At The National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Play-off Final - Grange V Grove Menzieshill
Grove Menzieshill returned to winning ways in Scotland’s National Division One as they continue their build-up to their EHL debut against AH&BC Amsterdam in the KO16 in April.
It followed a couple of recent draws but they got back in the groove with a 2-1 victory over Kelburne at Glasgow Green though it was a bit of a tough contest for the Taysiders.
Euan Cuthill opened the scoring with a tap in after a cross ball from Jamie Golden. But slack defending from the Dundonians gave Kelburne a scoring opportunity and Chris Nelson took full advantage with five seconds to go in the first half.
A skilful turn and shot by Paul Martin put Grove Menzieshill in front for the second time, although Kelburne had the chance to level in overtime but both penalty corner opportunities failed to find the net.
The result leaves Grove in third place in the table, seven points off leaders Grange with four rounds of matches to go but they are safely in the top four playoff places.
Elsewhere, Grange were comfortable 6-0 winners over neighbours Watsonians at Fettes. The contest was effectively over by the interval, Duncan Riddell opened the scoring from open play, Frank Ryan doubled the tally following a pass from Dan Coultas, and finally Cammie Fraser added a third.
In the second half Jacob Tweedie scored twice, the first when he got a final touch to a cross from the right, then he lifted the ball over the keeper after a passing movement involving Ali Irvine. Fraser completed the scoring when he followed up at a penalty corner.
Western Wildcats still have their claws on second spot after a 4-2 win at Hillhead. Western Wildcats were two up at the interval through two penalty corner conversions by Hamish Galt. Fraser Calder and Andrew McAllister added further goals for Western in the second half while Johnny Horm and Jude Boselem replied for Hillhead, but not enough to change the course of the contest.
Euro Hockey League media release
Scorpions, Leonas win as hockey league bullies off
By BRIAN YONGA
Strathmore University Scorpions' forward Gilly Okumu (left) celebrates her goal against JKUAT with teammates during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match on March 3, 2019 at the City Park Stadium in Nairobi. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Strathmore University Scorpions were the biggest winners on the opening weekend of the 2019 Kenya Hockey Union season.
Last season’s runners up handed Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) a hockey lesson after thrashing them 9-0 in women’s Premier League match on Sunday at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.
In the shock of the weekend, debutantes Oranje Leonas upset Multimedia University 1-0 in a Super League Women’s Premier League match with Shalyne Nabise scoring a 49th minute winner to compound the students to their second loss of the weekend, following their 6-0 loss to Vikings on Saturday.
Strathmore Scorpions skipper Jane Muragu dribbles past JKUAT's Dolphone Jimo during their Kenya Hockey Union Women's Premier League match on March 3, 2019 at City Park Stadium, Nairobi. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |NATION MEDIA GROUP
In the sole men’s Premier League match, Parklands secured a 3-2 win over United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) in Sunday’s late match. The students had taken a ninth minute lead courtesy of Brian Kipkorir’s field goal.
However, Parklands rallied to level through talismanic striker Allan Odongo at the quarter-mark, before further goals from Dan Onyango and Erick Kidwaro pulled them further ahead. USIU-A would score a goal two minutes to the end as Neville Mulupi bundled home.
Strathmore University Scorpions' forward Gilly Okumu (centre) celebrates her goal against JKUAT during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match on March 3, 2019 at the City Park Stadium in Nairobi. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
It was however the Scorpions, donning a new kit courtesy of Lorna Kiplagat, that stole the show this weekend as they put nine past JKUAT. Striker Gilly Okumu led from the front with five goals, including three in the first 10 minutes as JKUAT were ripped apart.
Midfielder Ruth Adhiambo also helped herself with a hat-trick and Yvonne Karanja completing the rout with another goal.
Scorpions coach Meshack Senge was pleased with her team’s good start.
“It is always important to have a good result at the start of the season and this sets us on a good path going forward. We were impressive form start to finish and should have actually had more goals,” Senge noted.
Strathmore University Scorpions players celebrate their goal against JKUAT during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match on March 3, 2019 at the City Park Stadium in Nairobi. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |NATION MEDIA GROUP
In the men’s Super League, Parkroad started life in the second-tier with a 3-0 win over Kenya College of Accountancy University(KCAU), who were also relegated from the top-flight at the end of the 2018 season. Ian Oyale hit a brace to add on to former KCAU player Gordon Oduor’s opener in the second minute.
In the national Men’s League, Thika Rovers played out a 1-1 draw with Karate Axiom
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