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News for 09 March 2019

All the news for Saturday 9 March 2019


2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - 8 March

Weekend matches

8 Mar 2019     NZL v ESP (RR)    3 - 3 (Shoot out  2/4 - 4/4)    North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland
10 Mar 2019 14:30 (GMT +13)     NZL v ARG (RR)     North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland
Live streaming on https://fih.live (Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Unofficial Pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Australia 5 3 0 1 1 14 12 2 10 66.7
2 Belgium 4 2 1 1 0 14 9 5 9 75.0
3 Germany* 4 2 0 0 1 6 5 1 7 58.3
4 Great Britain 3 2 0 0 1 12 9 3 6 66.7
5 Netherlands 5 1 1 1 2 15 16 -1 6 40.0
7 Spain 4 0 3 0 2 14 16 -2 6 40.0
6 Argentina* 3 1 0 0 1 6 7 -1 4 44.4
8 New Zealand 5 0 0 2 3 13 20 -7 2 13.3

* A cancelled match contributes 1 point to each team's results that is not shown in the tables as a cancelled mach
The FIH inexplicably and confusingly use a system not used in any other sports League in the World, of making the Percentage more important than Points until the end of the League when they will revert to Points only. Fieldhockey.com prefers to use the conventional Points and so the Unofficial Pool Standings on this site are reflected in this manner.


FIH Match Centre



2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - 8 March

Wekend matches

8 Mar 2019     NZL v USA (RR)     3 - 1   North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland    
10 Mar 2019 16:30 (GMT +13)     NZL v ARG (RR)     North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland
Live streaming on https://fih.live (Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Unofficial Pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Australia 6 4 1 0 1 13 8 5 14 77.8
2 Netherlands 5 4 0 0 1 10 3 7 12 80.0
4 New Zealand 6 3 0 0 3 11 7 4 9 50.0
3 Argentina 4 1 2 0 1 7 6 1 7 58.3
5 Belgium 3 2 0 0 1 3 3 0 6 66.7
6 Germany 4 1 0 2 1 8 7 1 5 41.7
7 China 5 1 0 1 3 8 11 -3 4 26.7
8 Great Britain 3 0 1 0 2 3 10 -7 2 22.2
9 United States 4 0 0 1 3 4 12 -8 1 8.3

The FIH inexplicably and confusingly use a system not used in any other sports League in the World, of making the Percentage more important than Points until the end of the League when they will revert to Points only. Fieldhockey.com prefers to use the conventional Points and so the Unofficial Pool Standings on this site are reflected in this manner.

FIH Match Centre



Black Sticks women beat USA but men fall short against comeback kings Spain in Auckland



New Zealand’s women claimed their third FIH Pro League win with a deserved victory over USA, while the Black Sticks men sacrificed a two goal lead to draw with Spain before losing a shoot-out on dramatic day of action at Auckland's North Harbour Hockey Stadium.

Olivia Merry, Kirsten Pearce and Ella Gunson were all on target in the Black Sticks’ victory against USA women, a result which sees them climb up to fifth in the standings and leaves their opponents rooted to the bottom of the table. To see the current women’s FIH Pro League standings, click here.

Goals from Jared Panchia, Stephen Jenness and Dylan Thomas helped the Black Sticks men turn a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead going into the final quarter of their match, only for a Spain to produce yet another remarkable fightback as goals from Marc Miralles and Pau Quemada forced a shoot-out that the Red Sticks went on to win. Spain sit seventh in the current standings with the same points percentage as the Netherlands, with New Zealand in eighth and last position. To see the current men’s FIH Pro League league standings, click here.

The women’s match - the start of which had been delayed by 20 minutes due to torrential rain in Auckland - started brightly for the home side, with Olivia Merry having two decent opportunities to give the Black Sticks (FIH World Ranking: 6) an early lead. The hosts certainly did not have it all their own way in the first quarter, with Brooke Neal, Merry and goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon making crucial penalty corner interventions to keep USA (WR:12) off the score-board.

Merry made a telling contribution at the other end of the field in the second period, with the FIH Pro League top scorer netting her sixth goal of the competition with a close-range deflection before providing the perfect assist for Kirsten Pearce to score a near identical second ahead of half time. A 2-0 half-time score-line was perhaps a little harsh on the Americans, who came tantalisingly close to a goal of their own when outstanding 17-year-old Mackenzie Allessie saw her clever backhand shot touched onto the crossbar by Neal midway though the period.

New Zealand extended their advantage in the third quarter through Ella Gunson’s perfect penalty corner deflection before Merry rattled the American crossbar with a fierce backhand strike. USA pulled a goal back with ten minutes of the match remaining thanks to an intricate penalty corner routine, but Danielle Grega’s second goal in two matches proved to be only a consolation as the Black Sticks marked International Women's Day with their third win of the inaugural FIH Pro League.

“They [USA] are a really hard team to play against, they fight to the very end so we had to stay on our game the whole time”, said New Zealand’s Player of the Match Brooke Neal. “We defended a lot of PCs and on the line, so credit to the USA team.”

USA captain Kathleen Sharkey said: “I think we had some key opportunities that were really looking good for us at the beginning of the game and we had to capitalise on them. I think we learned some valuable lessons that when we are down at their end attacking we need to be switch on in defence because they are really good on the counter-attack. I think we were able to create a lot of opportunities, but need to keep working on being able to put the ball over the line.”

The delayed start to the women’s match meant that the meeting between New Zealand’s men (WR:8) and Spain (WR:9) also started later than planned, with the Red Sticks making the perfect start against the Black Sticks with a goal in the opening seconds. Veteran striker Pau Quemada crashed home a wonderful strike from the top of the New Zealand circle, with the influential Xavi Lleonnart providing the assist.

New Zealand, who were without two key players in the shape of Hugo Inglis and Blair Tarrant, went close to levelling the scores through Cory Bennett and Dylan Thomas while Black Sticks goalkeeper Richard Joyce tipped a Quemada penalty corner over the crossbar before the equaliser arrived in the 22nd minute. Jared Panchia got ahead of his marker to touch home a vicious cross from Kane Russell, with the Black Sticks dominating the remainder of the second period.

New Zealand were the superior side in the third quarter and opened up a 3-1 lead thanks to strikes from Stephen Jenness - who scored a stunning half-volley in-off the post after collecting a huge overhead pass from Russell - and a first international goal for Dylan Thomas. However, a yellow card five minute suspension to Nic Woods at the end of the quarter proved decisive, with Spain coach Frederic Soyez replacing his goalkeeper with an outfield player to ramp up the pressure on their depleted opponents. This bold tactical move changed the momentum of the match and was rewarded with two Spanish goals in 53rd minute, as Marc Miralles and Quemada’s second of the game levelled the scores at 3-3 and took the match to a shoot-out.

It was the third time in five FIH Pro League matches that Spain have fought back to force a shoot-out, and their reputations as comeback kings was further enhanced when they claimed a third successive shoot-out victory. Spain Goalkeeper Mario Garin did enough to deny the efforts of Kane Russell and Hayden Phillips, while Alvaro Iglesias, Marc Serrahima, Xavi Lleonart and Sergi Enrique all scored as the Red Sticks claimed two points from the contest.

“I think we believe we can comeback always; it’s not about physical, it’s about heart”, explained Spain captain Marc Salles after the contest. “We don’t care if we are one or two goals down, we keep going and we believe we can [get the result]. When they [New Zealand] got the yellow card we knew it was the moment for us to take the keeper out. It was a good decision for us so we are happy about that.”

New Zealand’s Stephen Jenness, who was named Player of the Match, said: “We are doing it tough at the moment, we haven’t won a game since November last year. We are trying to get over the line but not quite getting there at the moment. We need to be better in the pressure moments, and when it comes to the crunch we are not quite stepping up. Those are the moments that we need to learn from.”

The FIH Pro League continues on Sunday 10 March with another two matches in Auckland as the Black Sticks men and women welcome the national teams of Argentina to the North Harbour Hockey Stadium.

FIH Pro League

8 March - Auckland, New Zealand

Result: Women’s Match 20
New Zealand 3, USA 1
Player of the Match: Brooke Neal (NZL)

Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL), Emi Yamada (JPN) & Raghu Prasad (IND - Video)

Result: Men’s Match 17
New Zealand 3, Spain 3 (2-4 After Shoot-Out)
Player of the Match: Stephen Jenness (NZL)
Umpires: Raghu Prasad (IND), Lim Hong-Zhen (SGP) & Laurine Delforge (BEL - Video)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



Azlan Shah Cup 2019, South Africa withdraws

In what can be deemed as a bitter blow, South Africa has withdrawn from the 28th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

The tournament is scheduled to be held from March 23 to 30 at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh

Six teams had initially confirmed participation with the others being India, Canada, Japan, South Korea and hosts Malaysia.

South Africa confirmed that their team has withdrawn due to funding restrictions.

The 2019 edition was already under scrutiny for the quality of teams being invited as its normally participated by top Hockey playing teams.

However with the Pro League clashing with the Azlan Shah Cup, several regulars like Australia. Great Britain and New Zealand opted to give it a miss.

Ireland withdrew from the tournament a month before it began and was replaced by South Africa.

It is learnt that an approach was made to get China to participate but they too declined, probably due to short notice.

It is further learnt an invited has been extended to Poland.

Several other teams could be considered like Scotland, Wales , Egypt, USA and Austria.

The Azlan Shah Cup was inaugurated in 1983 and was the brainchild of HRH Sultan Azlan Shah who was the President if Malaysian Hockey and Asian Hockey Federation.

Malaysian Sports



Canada stand good chance of becoming champions

By Jugjet Singh


National men’s hockey coach, Roelant Oltmans says that when they play in any tournament, they want to become champions. But since India and Canada are ranked above, they will just have to wait and see.

KUALA LUMPUR: Canada, by their world ranking, should play India in the final of the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh on March 23-30.

And since India will be without seven of their best players (down with injuries), Canada have a golden chance of winning the tournament.

India (World No 5), Canada (No 10), Malaysia (No 13), South Africa (No 16), South Korea (No 17) and Japan (No 18) will battle it out in the Azlan Shah Cup, which has been diluted by the absence of the world’s top teams because of the ongoing FIH Pro-League.

Last year, Australia emerged as champions, England came in second and Argentina finished third. Hosts Malaysia finished fourth in the world’s most prestigious invitational tournament.

When Malaysia coach Roelant Oltmans was asked if his men can win the title this year, he said: “Of course. When we play in any tournament, we want to become champions. But since India and Canada are ranked above us, we will wait and see.”

Japan, who came from behind to deny Malaysia the Asian Games gold, are coming to Ipoh. That should be reason enough for Oltmans and his men to think of vengeance and also win their first Azlan Shah Cup.

Field Hockey Canada reported in their website: “For head coach Paul Bundy, this tournament is about refining the process and preparing the team for their important (Olympic) qualification events later this year.

“This is an ideal opportunity to prepare for the World Series Final,” he said.

“Not only will this tournament get us ready to play in the heat, it’s also top-level competition.”

Canada last played in 2016, where they held Malaysia 2-2 in the pool stage, and ended sixth out of seven teams.

Bundy said: “One thing they’ll have to get used to is the intensity and pressure of playing in front of a wild crowd.

“Playing in Malaysia is amazing. They have arguably the most exciting fans and venues in the world. Malaysians love their hockey and have a big, passionate fan base.”

And Malaysia can repay their fans by finally becoming champions in a tournament hosted for the 28th time — as they have only five silver so far, won in 1985, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014.

New Straits Times



Kampong trio earn Malaysian medal ahead of Hoofdklasse return


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

SV Kampong’s Robbert Kemperman, Martijn Havenga and David Harte have arrived back in Europe with a silver medal from the Malaysian Hockey League.

They missed out on a chance, though, to land gold with UniKL as they were only eligible to play in the MHL until February 28 with the final taking place a couple of days after the deadline.

As such, they were unable to help their side in their decider against THT in which UniKL fell 2-1 in the final.

Back in the Netherlands, they are likely to go straight back into action as the Hoofdklasse returns this weekend with a tie against Pinoke on the horizon for Kampong’s young side.

The Utrecht side currently sit in third place in the competition at the halfway stage.

There are two toppers for this weekend, the first featuring EHL KO16/FINAL4 hosts HC Oranje-Rood against HGC in Eindhoven, the side sitting second and fourth place respectively.

The other is the meeting of AH&BC Amsterdam and HC Rotterdam at the Wagener Stadium when fifth place meets sixth with both sides looking to try and break into the top four playoff places.

Leaders Bloemendaal will expect to get back to a winning start when they meet Almere on home turf. Each game is at 2.45pm on Sunday.

Euro Hockey League media release



Glens target big win over TRR to bolster title charge


Eddie O’Malley in action against TRR in October. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Glenanne will put Three Rock Rovers’ recent improved form to the test as last year’s EY Champions Trophy finalists face another big battle at Grange Road.

The Glens have won the last three outings between the sides and have gone unbeaten in the EYHL this year so far. They welcome back Cedric Jakobi and Jerome Saeys to their line-up for the trip to Grange Road as they look to take another big step toward retaining the title.

They face a Rovers side who won three times in eight days last week to get back on track, reducing the gap to the top four significantly. Mitch Darling was rested with a hamstring strain for the tie against Cork C of I but could return to the fray as could Ravin Nair.

Rovers need to keep winning to keep the pressure on Pembroke in fourth with the Serpentine Avenue going south to Cork C of I where as many as eight Munster men could line out in purple.

Cookstown will be aiming to secure maximum points when they host Annadale in the EYHL as they continue their survival bid. The Tyrone side currently occupy the relegation play-off spot but go into the game in confident mood after a battling display in going down to a late goal in a 4-3 loss to leaders Glenanne last week.

In-form Lisnagarvey host YMCA at Comber Road while Banbridge go to Monkstown as they pursue Glenanne for top spot.

EYHL2 could see the final four confirmed this weekend if results align. UCD fell to a first league loss last weekend to Clontarf and so there will be some hope in the Bandon camp of grabbing something at Belfield to keep their chances alive.

Anything other than a win sees Bangor eliminated as they make the trip to Railway Union.

Pool 2 is very close to being confirmed with Corinthian already through and Instonians a point away. The pair meet at Shaw’s Bridge with a losing bonus enough for the Belfast side to eliminate Kilkeel who host UCC.

In Leinster, six of the bottom seven are in action and so the focus is on the various dicing for points at the lower end as Dublin North play Clontarf, Trinity host Portrane and Kilkenny face Avoca.

Men’s weekend fixtures
Saturday 9th March 2019

EY Hockey League: Cookstown v Annadale, Steelweld Park, 2.30pm; Cork C of I v Pembroke Wanderers, Garryduff, 1.45pm; Lisnagarvey v YMCA, Lisnagarvey HC, 3pm; Monkstown v Banbridge, The Merrion Fleet Arena, 2.10pm; Three Rock Rovers v Glenanne, Grange Road, 3pm

EYHL 2, Pool 1: Railway Union v Bangor, Park Avenue, 1pm; UCD v Bandon, 2pm
Pool 2: Instonians v Corinthians, Shaw’s Bridge, 3pm; Kilkeel v UCC, Kilkeel High Sch, 2.30pm

Irish Hockey Challenge – Semi-Finals: Limerick v Bray, Villiers, 3pm; Portrush v Ballynahinch, Coleraine Rugby Avenue, 2pm

Leinster Division 1: Dublin North v Clontarf, NSC, 1pm; Dublin University v Portrane, Santry Avenue, 3.40pm; Kilkenny v Avoca, Kilkenny College, 1pm

Munster Charity Cup: Cork C of I B v Cork Harlequins, Garryduff, 3.45pm; Waterford v Ashton, Newtown, 2.30pm

Sunday 10th March 2019
Irish Junior Cup – Semi-Finals: Instonians II v Glenanne II, Shaw’s Bridge, 3pm; Monkstown II v Three Rock Rovers II, ALD Merrion Fleet Arena, 2.30pm

The Hook



Loreto and Pegasus face title-defining showdown



Loreto and Pegasus face a potentially season-defining battle at Grange Road as the women’s EY Hockey League’s top two face off.

The Ulster side cut the gap to just a single point in midweek when they saw off Ards 4-1, shaking off their Ulster rivals in the last 13 minutes. Alex Speers and Harriet Platt shared goals in the first half and it remained tight until Caitlyn Harvey got Pegs in front.

Late efforts from Kate Gourley and Taite Doherty extended out a 4-1 victory to keep the pressure on Loreto in the title chase.

The Dubliners won the return leg back in November and a repeat performance would hand Paul Fitzpatrick’s side a four-point lead with five rounds to go.

Elsewhere, the chase of the Champions Trophy places is as tight as ever. Railway Union were frustrated not to be able to finish their tie against Pembroke when leading 3-0 last Sunday, a result that would have moved them level of Saturday’s opponents Cork Harlequins.

Belfast Harlequins will be aiming to bounce back from their disappointing 4-2 loss to their Cork namesakes when they host UCD – who have been very impressive since Christmas – in the late slot at Deramore.

With Ireland World Cup star Zoe Wilson back after injury to play against her best friend Lena Tice and Jenna Watt in goal scoring form with three in the last two games, Davy Frazer’s side will be quietly confident of taking something from the game, however.

Pembroke will look to bolster their challenge for a top-four place when they make the short hop up Herbert Park Road to Muckross while Old Alex host Ards.

EYHL2 kicks back into gear with Pool 1 holding the intrigue. Trinity host Queen’s in the key tie between first and second while UCC – currently in fourth – can jump into the top two should they beat Greenfields and Trinity draw or lose.

Pool 2’s semi-finalists can be done and dusted if Monkstown win their home tie against Dungannon. Catholic Institute host NUIG hoping to continue their perfect record as they build on the Munster title won last weekend.

In Leinster, a number of issues are already resolved with the top three eligible for the EYHL2 confirmed as is Our Lady’s in 10th.

Corinthian, though, can add pressure on Monkstown and Trinity for first place if they land a win over the Terenure club to move within a point of top.

Women’s weekend fixtures (Saturday unless stated)
EY Hockey League
Wednesday: Pegasus 4 (A Speers, C Harvey, K Gourley, T Doherty) Ards 1 (H Platt)
Saturday: Belfast Harlequins v UCD, Deramore Park, 4pm; Cork Harlequins v Railway Union, Farmers’ Cross, 1.05pm; Loreto v Pegasus, Three Rock Rovers HC, 2.50pm; Muckross v Pembroke Wanderers, Muckross Park, 3.15pm; Old Alexandra v Ards, Alexandra College, 3.15pm

EYHL 2, Pool 1: Greenfields v UCC, Dangan Sports Ground, 2.20pm; Trinity v Queens University, Trinity Sports Grounds, 12.30pm
Pool 2: Catholic Institute v NUIG, Rosbrien, 1pm; Monkstown v Dungannon, ALD Merrion Fleet Arena, 4pm

Irish Junior Cup – Semi-Finals
Saturday: Loreto II v Railway Union II, Beaufort, 4.15pm
Sunday: Pegasus v UCD II, Queen’s, 1pm

Leinster Division 1: Genesis v Naas, St Raphaela’s, 1pm; Glenanne v North Kildare, St. Andrews, 3pm; Our Lady’s v Corinthian, Terenure, 2pm; Rathgar v Avoca, The High School, 12.30pm

Munster Division 1: Bandon v Belvedere, Bandon GS, 1pm

The Hook



Competitive Scottish National League 1 season nears business end



It could hardly be more competitive, only three points separate the top four sides in women`s National League 1 – and there are only four scheduled games left.

Edinburgh University lead, two points ahead of Western Wildcats who in turn are a point ahead of Clydesdale Western and Dundee Wanderers and they are separated by a single goal. However, Western do have one advantage, they have still an outstanding game against Grove Menzieshill to play.

In contrast, Grange seem in control of the men`s league with a six point cushion over Western Wildcats with Grove Menzieshill a point further adrift.

But something will have to give at the top of the women`s table as Wanderers are at home to Western Wildcats in Saturday`s top encounter.

Both sides are on a bit of a roll with three wins each since the restart after the winter break. Western Wildcats have been particularly impressive with a 3-2 victory over champions Edinburgh University at Peffermill. Last weekend Western Wildcats beat Hillhead 2-0 in the league, but the day after dropped out of the Scottish Cup in a penalty shoot-out against Watsonians.

In the initial encounter back in October it was the Western Wildcats who clawed their way to a 3-1 victory over the Taysiders with McKenzie Bell, Erin Stevens and Becky Ward, ironically a former Wanderers` stalwart, getting the goals.

Edinburgh University and Clydesdale Western will hope not to lose ground, the former are away to bottom side Grange while the latter entertain Glasgow University at Titwood.

Watsonians are back into a winning formula after two reversals and have slipped into fourth place. The Edinburgh side should retain that status with a further three points away to GHK. Grove Menzieshill are lurking two points behind but will only keep up the pressure with a win over seventh-placed Hillhead.

Grange have the destiny of the men`s championship very much in their own hands, with a six point lead and three of their remaining games at Fettes. Their final fixture is away to third-placed Grove Menzieshill, a tricky venture but by that time the silverware may already be residing at their base in Stockbridge.

On Saturday Edinburgh University are the guests at Fettes, perhaps not the easiest of encounters as the students are unbeaten in both league and cup since the winter shutdown. Then again so also are Grange, in fact the champions have an unbeaten record for the entire season so far.

The last occasion the sides met was in October and Grange emerged 4-0 winners, Dylan Bean scored twice from penalty corners while Frank Ryan and Todd Mills got the others – a similar outcome would suit coach David Knipe.

Any pressure put on Grange is dependent on the chasing duo of Western Wildcats and Grove Menzieshill maintaining their own winning sequence. Western Wildcats will look to do just that on Saturday, they are away to pointless Gordonians, but Grove Menzieshill have a much tougher assignment against fourth-placed Hillhead at Anniesland.

The Taysiders` league form since the break has not been inspiring, two draws and a less than impressive win over Kelburne. In addition, Hillhead may need the three points to hold on to their top four place, Clydesdale and Edinburgh University are only two points adrift with Uddingston a point further behind.

And Clydesdale and Uddingston clash head to head at Titwood on Saturday, the winner here could well move up to fourth.

The final game on the card sees Watsonians at home to Kelburne, in years past a foregone conclusion to the Paisley side, but now the Edinburgh outfit might think of themselves as favourites for the three points. Last time out Watsonians got the better of a nine goal thriller.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Amazing action at Scottish Junior Schools Cup 2019


8th March 2019 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Junior Schools Finals.
Junior Girls Cup Final – Mary Erskine School v George Heriot’s School – photo by Duncan Gray

Mary Erskine School and Strathallan were the Junior Schools’ Cup 2019 in a great day of schools hockey. George Watson’s College and Fettes College were also trophy winners at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

Mary Erskine School 6-0 George Heriot’s School

Mary Erskine School put in a sensational performance to lift the Junior Girls’ Cup in a 6-0 victory over George Heriot’s School.

It was a lightning start and Mary Erskine School came out at pace and took a lead early in the contest.

It quickly went to 2-0 at a penalty corner when Eliza Tetley forced the ball over the line right under the crossbar.

A third goal looked likely but some excellent goalkeeping by George Heriot’s Maddy Boyes kept them at bay.

The third goal wouldn’t take long however and it was Bethan Hastie who tapped the ball home despite a valiant effort by Boyes in goal.

Then Ava Allan slammed the ball home to make it 4-0 for Mary Erskine to forge a comfortable lead in the first half.

It went to 5-0 for Mary Erskine in the second half when Hastie spun and slipped her second of the match into the net.

The scoring was finished off when Antonia Zambornardi was sent through one-on-one for Mary Erskine and after slipping the ball low into the bottom right corner, her side found themselves in a strong 6-0 lead.


8th March 2019 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Junior Schools Finals.
Junior Boys Cup Final – Strathallan v Fettes – photo by Duncan Gray

Strathallan 4-0 Fettes College

Strathallan were the Junior Boys’ Cup Final champions in a superb 4-0 victory over Fettes College in Glasgow.

It was a good start to the contest by Fettes, they went charging on the attack from the first whistle. The Strathallan defence was doing a great job of halting the Fettes progression and restricted any clear opportunities to a minimum.

Strathallan opened the scoring midway through the first half. A slick attack down the right saw the ball fizzed into the D, it took a wicked deflection off a Fettes defender and ended up in the back of the net for 1-0.

Fettes went on the attack and Sam Walford was denied from a great shot on the turn by a tremendous save by Nic Handland in goal for Strathallan.

Handland was on top form and denied Fettes with a number of outstanding saves to keep his side in the lead at half time.

Early in the second half and Strathallan went 2-0 up. Adam Anderson thundered a low strike against the backboard to give his side a two-goal cushion.

Fettes was awarded a penalty stroke but Handland padded the ball wide of the top right corner and Strathallan kept their lead intact. Then some more excellent goalkeeping by Handland kept Fettes at bay – a top goalkeeping performance.

Strathallan then scored a tremendous goal to seal the victory. A long inch-perfect pass found Anderson in the D with one defender to beat; Anderson skipped past him and slid the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Then with 30 seconds remaining Archie Rankin scooped the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 4-0 and a great Strathallan victory.


8th March 2019 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Junior Schools Finals.
Junior Girls Plate Final – Fettes v Peebles – photo by Duncan Gray

Fettes College 7-0 Peebles

Fettes College were the Junior Girls’ Plate champions after an excellent 7-0 win over Peebles in the final.

It was a great first half for Fettes as they raced into a four goal lead. Isabella Usher opened the scoring with a field goal in nine minutes.

The impressive Usher scored her, and her teams’, second goal from a short corner on 16 minutes. A minute later and Amara Maddison made it 3-0 with a lovely finish from open play.

Usher was causing all sorts of problems for the Peebles defence and then clocked up two quick-fire strikes to make it 6-0. First a swift break forward with a close range finish; then a delightful strike by Usher finishing off a sweeping passing move to make it 6-0.

Maissa Maclean then rounded off the scoring with another slick passing move for 7-0.

Peebles went on a late attack and fashioned a series of openings, especially from two penalty corners, but Fettes was resolute and held onto a clean sheet.


8th March 2019 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Junior Schools Finals.
Junior Girls Bowl Final – Kelvinside Academy v George Watsons College – photo by Duncan Gray

Kelvinside Academy 1-3 George Watson’s College

It was a sensational Junior Girls’ Bowl final in which George Watson’s College took the spoils with a 3-1 win over Kelvinside Academy.

It was a great early goal to get the contest underway with George Watson’s College striking from close range to make it 1-0.

Kelvinside came close to an equaliser after some nice build up at a penalty corner, but the chance for a strike at goal eluded them.

George Watson’s penalty corner well saved by leg guards but they quickly won the chance for another attempt from a penalty corner. Anabella Martin had the follow up penalty corner cleared off the line.

As half time approached George Watson’s College bagged a second goal to make it 2-0 at half time.

Anna Burnet nearly got the second half off to a lightning start when her shot zipped past the left post.

It led to a penalty flick, which Burnet took herself, but an excellent save to the left kept the score at 2-0.

George Watson’s continued to pepper the Kelvinside goal as the match progressed, hitting the post on a couple of occasions.

With nine minutes remaining Kelvinside pulled one back with a well-earned Amy Turpie strike to make it 2-1.

The Kelvinside strike made for an intense end to the match with the game charging from end-to-end.

With under a minute to play Kiera Scott put the result beyond any doubt when she finished off a quick break down the right with a far post tap in.


8th March 2019 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Junior Schools Finals.
Junior Boys Bowl Final – George Watsons College v Glenalmond – photo by Duncan Gray

George Watson’s College 2-2 (3-1) Glenalmond

The Junior Boys’ Bowl was settled by a nerve-jangling running penalties shootout with George Watson’s College lifting the trophy 3-1, after a 2-2 draw.

George Watson’s College got off to an absolute flyer with two early goals. The first strike came from a penalty corner blasted into the goal for 1-0.

The first was quickly followed up by a battling second goal. It was like pin ball in the D before the ball was forced home to give George Watson’s College a second goal.

Glenalmond then pulled one back with a tremendous penalty corner strike, which saw the ball deflected into the top left corner of the net. 2-1.

There was an equaliser soon after from another well-worked penalty corner, this time it was squeezed across the goalkeeper and in at the post. 2-2.

George Watson’s made a bright start to the second half but were unable to convert it into goals. Glenalmond came back strong and fashioned some opportunities of their own. It was clearly going to be a close end to the match.

George Watson’s nearly snatched the lead with two minutes remaining when a penalty corner routine trickled past the post.

After a nail-biting end the match went to running penalties, and then the tension really ramped up. George Watson’s took the victory with a 3-1 win in the shootout to lift the trophy.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Three Teams Claim Victory at the 2019 Big Apple International Indoor Championship

Chelcie Mendonca

OKD Field Hockey Club (CAN), USA Women and University of Maryland reign Champions!

Big Apple Hockey's (BAHF) favorite indoor tournament of the year has come and gone once again! The Big Apple International Indoor Championship took place at the WC Eagles Training Center in Pennsylvania, from March 2-3. Tournament Director Nigel Traverso started this showcasing event in order to bring together men's and women's teams from all over North America. The BAHF, Inc. formed this tournament to seek out a more competitive field hockey environment on the East Coast. The tournament allows all teams to compete in a fun, festive and competitive atmosphere within a familiar community.

The tournament concluded with three intensive and high-scoring finals. In the men’s finals, OKD controlled the tempo with a 9-3 win, while the women’s final finished with a strong 7-1 score from the USA Women. The collegiate final was a nail biter with a closer score of 2-1 for the University of Maryland.

BAHF's high scoring men’s final started quickly in the sixth minute of the game when OKD earned their first penalty corner. Tarnpreet Singh wasn’t hesitant to sink his first goal of the finals. Within the next four minutes for the game, OKD started to take over with two more goals from Jeevan Jammu and Lyle Fernandes. Keeping up the fight, Maroons FHC player Nick Hignell scored their first goal of the match in the twelfth minute. However, OKD came out resilient and sank six more goals to secure their spots as champions, finishing the final game with a 9-3 score.


OKD (CAN): Gaganpal Dhanju, Lyle Fernandes, Jeevan Jammu, Adam Kapasi, Ken Pereira, Gurjot Singh, Jagpreet Singh, Tarnpreet Singh

Maroons FHC (CAN): Nick Ewasechko, Manvir Grewal, Nick Hignell, Josip Krleza, Balmeet Kullar, Roop Kullar, Tanveer Kullar, Shane Rajaraman, Kenneth Serrien, Ryan Toy, Jordan Tse 

Umpires: Rob Abbot (IRL) and Philipp Hesselman (GER)

Technical Officer: Aaron Dudek (USA)

In the women’s final, USA Women’s Hope Rose opened and closed the scoring for the final game. She scored her first goal of the game in the third minute and her performance helped the USA Women reign as champions as she scored five out of the seven goals in the finals. STX fought hard to keep up with the USA Women, playing with a kicking back for the first 10 minutes of the game. By the end of the first half, Carissa Vittese earned herself a penalty stroke and made sure the ball met the net. USA Women refused to lose, leaving the match with a 7-1 score.


USA Women: Ali Campell, Sam Carlino, Sierra Espeland, Allyson Fuller, Nathalie Friedman, Mia Leonhardt, Evelyn Murray, Josephine Palde, Hannah Prince, Hope Rose, Rayne Wright, Beth Yeager

STX: Maddy Sposito, Martu Loncarica, Linde van Schaik, Kasey Tapman, Melissa Gonazalez, Jeoly Helder, Carissa Vittese, Michelle Vittese, Nicole Profita, Anna Willocks, Katie Bam

Umpires: Ashley Hahn (USA) and Tanja Schafer (RSA)

Technical Officer: Rene Zelkin (USA)

The Collegiate division concluded with a highly intense and suspenseful final between the University of Maryland and Rutgers Scarlet. Both teams had consistent defense and kept the scoring to a minimum. Mayv Clune scored the first goal of the championship game for Maryland in the thirteenth minute. But that was the end of the action for the first half. Shortly into the second half, Maryland earned a penalty corner, where Bodil Keus finished the ball on net. Just before time expired, Rutgers skilled their way to receive a penalty corner, where Austyn Cuneo made sure the ball crossed theline, but still left Rutgers in second place.

University of Maryland: Mayv Clune, Brooke Deberdine, Elizabeth Dessoye, Riley Donnelly, Noelle Frost, Kyler Greenwalt, Bodil Keus, Megan Munley, Reece Spann, Emily Thomas   ,

Rutgers University: Kerrie Burns, Gracey Butsack, Austyn Cuneo, Olivia Drea, Gianna Glatz, Gianna Mancini, Milena Redlingshofer, Kassidy Shetler  

Umpires: Gerrit Farren (GER) and Alex Miles (CAN)

Technical Officer: Kim Scott (USA)

Dita MVPs: Hannah Prince (USA Women), Bodil Keus (University of Maryland), Jagpreet Singh (OKD)

For a complete standings and results, click here.

Special thanks to all participants, umpires and technical officers. BAHF would also like to thank umpire manager Yolande Brada (Netherlands) assisted by Dean Wenwich (USA), Wendy Stewart (CAN) and Susie Gomes (TTO), as well as tournament directors Cameron Burke (BAR) and Laura Hess (USA) who made sure this event ran smoothly and was a huge success.

USFHA media release



PAHF makes donation of hockey equipment to Guyana

Philip Fernandes, Guyana Hockey Board



The Guyana Hockey Board has benefitted from a donation of hockey equipment consisting of 400 sticks and 165 balls from the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF).  The PAHF has been making great progress in the development of new hockey nations in recent years, particularly in the Central American region, and it is efforts like these that also serve the purpose of assisting traditional hockey nations in the region to upkeep their development programs and spread the game locally.

According to President of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), Philip Fernandes, the equipment will be put to use immediately to support some of the clubs’ and schools’ programs to support the GHB’s developmental efforts.  In recent years, the GHB had implemented an annual Smalta/Icool Under-14 competition for girls and boys which has resulted in a marked increase in the number of young people playing the sport.

The GHB intends to conduct a coaching program during the second quarter of 2019 for Physical Education teachers and former players from outlying areas where hockey was played back in the 1970s and 1980s.  Some of these resources would then be made available to the schools in the area where these new coaches can develop teams.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



Hockey promoting gender equality



The stories we have featured on the FIH website all this week showcase the work that is being carried out around the globe by women who are immersed in the hockey community.

By joining the International Olympic Committee in celebrating International Women’s Day, the FIH is adhering to its own promise to ensure that our sport is equally amazing. By telling stories from all continents of the world, we are able to celebrate the diversity, dedication and passion that is at the very heart of our sport.

From the European Hockey Federation, we hear how potential leaders are being sought from the female hockey fraternity. All too often, women take a back seat when it comes to strategic, leadership roles, but just a few minutes in the company of some of the leading females in the world of sport and business is enough to demonstrate that any organisation can benefit from openness to both male and female viewpoints.

To meet this end, the EHF are launching an initiative – the European Hockey Female Leadership Forum (EHFL) – to drive forwards on equality across all European member nations. President of the EHF Marijke Fleuren says: “This [the Forum] will be an insightful, challenging review of leadership skills to develop desires to be involved in hockey decision-making positions.”

On the other side of the world, we hear how one of the top umpires from Oceania is leading the way in umpire development. Kelly Hudson has been at the top of her game for more than a decade and now she is passing that knowledge on via a ground-breaking move by one of the regional hockey associations in New Zealand.

“Umpiring should be done in a vibrant and engaging way. We should be seen as part of a collective, together with the players, working together for a fun, fair spectacle.”

From Africa, Valentina Quaranta is one of a number of people working to create a better life through hockey. The Twende Foundation is now in its fifth year and Quaranta’s desire to create a sustainable programme has been rewarded as one of her coaching proteges has stepped up to take charge of the project as it continues to grow and develop the sport across Tanzania.

It was an emotional interview with Silvina Forrester from Argentina as she explained why she had started a ParaHockey section at her local hockey club in Buenos Aires. What started as a personal mission two years ago went stratospheric when the PAHF invited the hockey coach to take a group of players to the 2017 Youth Olympic Games to mark the launch of the federation’s own ParaHockey programme.

And it is amazing to see women’s hockey development being showcased in some of the most remote places in the world. Living in the foothills of the Himalayas, 30 Nepalese women are following a training programme that aims to give the South Asian nation a step-up onto the international stage. In a great example of partnership working, the Nepal Hockey Association and the Asian Hockey Federation have developed a strategy that will see the team travel to Lahore in neighbouring Pakistan to get the benefit of top level training and coach education. The long-term aim – to be the second best team in South Asia.

In a sentence that could sum up all the featured stories, Forrester’s view on the world is that “The world needs to find out that these people can do what they want and achieve what they aim for.”

#WomensDay
#WomenInSport

FIH site



Susan Ahrens named CEO of Field Hockey Canada

The Field Hockey Board of Directors would like to announce Dr. Susan Ahrens as the Chief Executive Officer of Field Hockey Canada. Susan previously held the position of Director of Hockey Development and has served as the Interim CEO for the past two months.

A former international player and coach with success in club and provincial sport environments in various roles, Susan has led national hockey development during her time at Field Hockey Canada and is ideally placed to lead the organization moving forward.

For Ahrens, she’s excited to continue working together with staff, partners and stakeholders to grow the game, engage membership and support national team programs.

“It’s an honour to lead an organization with so much potential,” Ahrens said. “The field hockey community in Canada is amazing and I look forward to working together to build on the past and look forward to the future.”

Working with the Board of Directors, she will continue her strategic leadership and Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) member engagement to ensure Field Hockey Canada is optimally positioned for success in 2019 and beyond.

According to Ian Baggott, President of the Field Hockey Canada Board of Directors, Ahrens’ commitment to the community and years of professional involvement make her a great fit for the role.

“The Board is confident that Susan will bring about necessary improvements and cohesion to both the organization and our stakeholders,” he said. “Susan has worked tirelessly with partner provincial organizations to ensure synergy and common pathways in order to benefit the broader acceptance and love of the sport.”

Field Hockey Canada media release

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