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All the news for Monday 8 April 2019

2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - 8 April

7 Apr 2019 BEL v CHN (RR)  4 - 1 Royal Uccle Sport, Brussels

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Unofficial pool standings

Olympic champions come unstuck

By The Hockey Paper



Great Britain men and women endured contrasting FIH Pro League matches against Argentina on Saturday.

In the end, both current Olympic champions lost out as GB women went down to in form Las Leonas 4-2, while GB men were a class act against Argentina, winning 5-1.

Their win moved them into second place in the Pro League standings as Alan Forsyth and Phil Roper both hit doubles to move GB level on points with Belgium.

Argentina’s women avenged the loss suffered by their male counterparts, with Julieta Jankunas scoring twice as Las Leonas won a fifth successive match and moved ahead of the Netherlands at the top of the women’s standings. Great Britain currently lie seventh in the table.

Forsyth won and converted a penalty stroke midway through the period, before Sam Ward slammed a fierce penalty corner drag-flick inside the left post after he himself had been fouled in the Argentinean circle.

Argentina were on the ropes in the early stages of the third quarter and found themselves 3-0 down when Roper tapped in after a crucial intervention from Liam Ansell, who stopped Los Leones from clearing their lines after Ward had stung the hands of Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi with a powerful backhand strike.

The hosts were without attacking stars Lucas Vila and Maico Casella as well as long-term absentee Gonzalo Peillat – but stepped up their game after GB’s third goal and reduced the deficit when veteran striker Matias Paredes fired home from close range.

DOUBLE ACT

However, hopes of a comeback ended just seconds after Argentina goalkeeper Vivaldi was replaced with an outfield player. The bold tactical move that has so often reaped rewards backfired on this occasion, with Forsyth and Roper claiming their second goals of the game with expert finishes.

“Playing Argentina on their home patch is pretty tough, so I think it’s great to have a win”, said man of the match Forsyth. “Even when we didn’t have the right tempo early on, we stuck at it and we sneaked a goal to settle us down.

“Winning away is very tough, especially coming to a place where we have never played before as a team, against the reigning Olympic champions. It’s a great win for the team and we can now step forward against Germany [in Mönchengladbach, GER] in a couple of weeks.”


Tessa Howard tries to go on the attack PIC: WORLDSPORTPICS

Meanwhile Jankunas cracked an unstoppable backhand strike to give Argentina an early lead in the women’s clash.

STAT ATTACK

Goalkeeper Belen Succi’s four-and-a-half game, 234-minute run without conceding – came to an end thanks to a glorious penalty corner from Grace Balsdon, who sent an unstoppable drag-flick into the roof of the Argentine net to leave the sides level at the break.

Jankunas scored her second backhand effort of the game before Victoria Zuloaga drilled a penalty corner strike against the GB backboard.

The result was put beyond all doubt with arguably the best goal of the game, Maria Granatto producing a brilliant deflection to float the ball over GB goalkeeper Nicola Cochrane.

A cool finish from Great Britain’s Sarah Jones gave GB some respite.

After nearly two years away, we are back this week as a print product for readers.

Our concept was first conceived thanks to several meetings and plenty of laughs with respected journalist Graham Wilson, who sadly passed away before the first issue was published.

Determined to see through the idea, The Hockey Paper launched on the back of Team GB women’s gold at the Rio Olympics.

And it is now a thrill to return subscription-only as we chart GB’s Olympic defence ahead of Tokyo 2020 next year. The relaunch is again in Graham’s memory.

One of the main reasons we produced a print newspaper on hockey in 2016 – we are still the only UK print newspaper dedicated to an Olympic sport – was that we felt the sport was not getting the attention it both needs and deserves on a national level.

The Hockey Paper

Hockey camp begins at Bengaluru sans head coach

The senior men’s national hockey camp will begin at Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru on Monday, but without their chief coach.

By Firoz Mirza


Graham Reid was set to take over but the sports ministry objected the move

CHENNAI: The senior men’s national hockey camp will begin at Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru on Monday, but without their chief coach.

Hockey India (HI) named 60 players for the camp on Sunday, even as uncertainty remains over appointment of the chief coach. The camp will go on till May 5, and the probables will be pruned down to 33 next Saturday after a selection trial.

Australian Graham Reid was set to take on the role before the sports ministry reportedly took an objection to his high salary. It was learned that the ministry took an exception to the $15,000 (`10.40 lakh) per month salary that was proposed by HI. The issue is pending with Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.

HI secretary general Rajinder Singh confirmed to this newspaper that the proposal to appoint Reid is still pending with the ministry. “We’ve finalised the name and forwarded it to the sports ministry, which will decide the appointment.”

The team has been without a full-time coach since January, after the sacking of Harendra Singh. High performance director David John served as interim coach during the recent Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where India finished second. They lost the final 2-4 via shootout to Korea, in Ipoh. HI CEO Elena Norman, however, believes that the absence of a chief coach will not affect team’s preparations. “The camp will go ahead as scheduled. Chief coach was not there at the last camp, and there was no problem,” she told this newspaper.

Speaking on the delay in appointment and the ministry’s objection, Norman said that there are no issues that can’t be resolved. “I am sure that the chief coach will be appointed shortly. We don’t expect any delays.”

She, though, emphasised that the name for the post had yet not been finalised. “We expect an appointment soon. There were 15 candidates in the fray. The best were shortlisted, and we’ll make an announcement shortly.”

Former India striker Shivendra Singh is the newest support-staff addition for the camp.

The New India Express

Kurali’s Harjeet back in senior national camp


Harjeet Singh with the junior World Cup trophy. File

India’s Junior World Cup-winning captain Harjeet Singh has been named among the 60 players for the senior men’s national camp which begins at the Sports Authority of India Centre, Bengaluru, on April 8.

The players have been selected on the basis of their performances in the recently-held ninth Hockey India Senior Men National Championship (A Division) as well as their recent international showings.

Kurali lad Harjeet, who was the skipper of the Indian team that won the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow, has been called up after nearly a gap of one year. His junior India teammates Santa Singh, Vikramjit Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Manpreet (Junior) and Armaan Qureshi, who were not part of the previous national camp, too have been selected in the list of 60 players named by Hockey India. The list will be further pruned to 33 core probables after a selection trial on April 20. Hockey India’s High Performance Director David John said, “They need to establish their potential during the trials to ensure they are picked in the final list of players, who will stay on till May 5.”

The Tribune

Of Harjeet Singh's rise, fall and second chance

Back in national reckoning after long absence, Junior Hockey WC-winning skipper talks about dealing with instant fame

By Rutvick Mehta


Harjeet Singh (right) This picture of captain Harjeet Singh sleeping with the 2016 Junior Hockey World Cup trophy went viral on social media after India lifted the trophy

A day after the memorable night of December 18, 2016, when India lifted the 2016 Men's Junior Hockey World Cup at home, a photo of captain Harjeet Singh sleeping while clutching the trophy went viral on social media.

The soft-spoken boy, all of 20 then, said he never wanted to part ways with the trophy, the same kind of attachment he felt while playing hockey for his country.

But life isn't always a sweet dream, as Harjeet would soon wake up to realise.

Promoted to the senior national set-up to test the Punjab youngster's mettle, Harjeet couldn't replicate the spark he showed while leading the India colts.

The midfielder was not only dropped from the squad but also pushed into oblivion barely months after he turned into Indian hockey's overnight sensation.

Out of the national team's periphery for more than a year, Harjeet's fall was as steep and dramatic as his rise.

On Sunday, however, he took the first step towards climbing the long ladder once again. Harjeet has been named among the 60 probables for a month-long senior men's national training camp to be held in Bengaluru from Monday. The list will be pruned to 33 after a selection trial on April 20.

For now, though, the 23-year-old Harjeet is happy just to be back in the national reckoning.

"It has been a long wait," Harjeet told DNA from Delhi, pumped about heading to the Sports Authority of India centre in Bengaluru.

"I'm really happy to be given another chance. It has been more than a year that I have waited for this. Now I'm excited to go back," he added.
Difficult to handle lull after WC euphoria

Patience can come at a premium for any aspirational young sportsperson, let alone one who has tasted instant fame.

Hailing from Kurali, a small district in Mohali, Harjeet grew up in a humble background, with his father a truck driver.

The kid took a liking to hockey, while the talent was groomed at the famed Surjit Academy in Jalandhar. His promising hockey career began to take shape, and it shot to life during the 2016 Junior World Cup when Harjeet quenched the thirst of the country's hockey fans by leading India to a World Cup triumph in Lucknow.      

The shy boy made headlines everywhere — of his rags to riches tale, of him making tea for his teammates, of him being the soul of a successful squad.

Why, there was even a Punjabi movie made based on his life, titled Harjeeta, which released in May last year.

However, the noise around him quickly made way for an eerie silence.

"I found all that a bit too difficult to handle," Harjeet said. "I had won a World Cup not too long ago, and soon I was also out of the team and nowhere near the radar.

"People started talking, from within my close circle and even outside. Log bolte the, 'Harjeet kab khelega wapas?' (People would talk, 'when will Harjeet play again?'). I found that really hard to deal with," he added.

That's when the words of his beloved World Cup-winning coach and axed senior national coach, Harendra Singh, echoed in his ears.

"Harendra sir used to tell us, 'Joh bhi hamare haath mein nahi hai uske baare mein socho mat' ('Don't think about things that aren't in your control'). So, after a point, I realised there was no point in thinking about what people talk about me," Harjeet said.

Finding comfort in past glory

What also helped Harjeet was reliving his glory days to find some solace in darkness, like merely staring at that image where he is hugging the World Cup.

"Whatever I achieved in the past, like with the junior team, I would think about it, look back at those days. I would just look at photographs from those days and feel good about myself. Just staring at those memorable photos would instill so much positivity in me," he said.

Despite being upbeat, there was a fear that Harjeet might go the Unmukt Chand way, another junior World Cup-winning captain who was touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket but has since faded away.

"Yes, sometimes I would go into a negative space of mind, thinking why am I not making the cut. Pata nahi tha ki aisa bhi ho sakta hai (I didn't know things could go this way). But then I realised that is life. I would think, kabhi toh mauka milega (I'll get a chance some day)," Harjeet said.

Frequent talks with Harendra would also reinstill his belief.

"I spoke to Harendra sir a month ago, and he told me, 'Keep working hard, you will come back'," Harjeet said.

New opportunity, fresh chapter

However, not everyone around him was as optimistic as him and his former coach.

"My family was really worried. They do not know much about hockey, and they couldn't understand why their son was kept out of the team," Harjeet said.

"But now when I called my mother to tell her that my name is back in the list, she was relieved and happy, and so was my father.

"They told me, 'Thoda dhyaan rakh ke khel na, dobara mauka mila hai (you've got another chance, play carefully now). Don't let it go waste'. My mother, father and brother all told me the same thing, 'Forget whatever has happened in the past and begin a new journey'," Harjeet said.

Working on his game at the Surjit Academy over the past year, Harjeet promises to be back fitter, a more refined player and eager to start a fresh chapter while not basking in the glory of his illustrious old one.

"Whatever mistakes I have made before, I don't want to repeat them," Harjeet said.

"It's a new chapter for me, and it will be a little different for me this time because I've been out for a year. So, I feel it might be a bit difficult for me as things might have changed.

"But what hasn't changed is my love for hockey, and that will help me adjust to it," he added.

‘NEED TO ESTABLISH POTENTIAL IN TRIALS’

A total of 60 probables have been named for the senior men’s national camp which begins at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bengaluru on Monday. Apart from Harjeet Singh, his junior Indian teammates Santa Singh, Vikramjit Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Manpreet (Junior) and Armaan Qureshi, who were not part of the previous national camp, too have been selected. “While most of the senior players from the previous 33 core probable group have made it to this list, they are aware that they need to establish their potential during the trials to ensure they are picked in the final list of players, who will stay on till May 5,” said Hockey India’s high performance director David John. “No one’s place in the team is guaranteed and this group is highly competitive with some fresh young talent who are expected to add depth.”

Daily News & Analysis

Barry Middleton retires from international hockey


Barry Middleton at the Toshiba international

Barry Middleton - the most capped player in the history of Great Britain and England Hockey - has announced his retirement from international hockey.

Barry’s 432 caps and 119 goals for Great Britain and England make him one of the greatest athletes in the nation’s history from any sport, let alone hockey, and we congratulate him on a fantastic career.

Having played in four Olympic games, four World Cups, eight European Championships and four Commonwealth Games, the 35-year deserves his status as a true legend of the sport. He was named in the world team of the year on three occasions, and fittingly was nominated for FIH world player of the year in 2018, his final year in international hockey.

Doncaster-born Barry finishes his career with global respect in the hockey world, not just for his ability on the pitch, but also for his conduct off the field of play; professionalism, selflessness and the manner in which he showcases the best of our sport.

His leadership enabled him to captain the nation for the best part of a decade, leading England to EuroHockey gold in 2009, as well as skippering Great Britain at two Olympics, including fourth at the London games in 2012, the men’s team’s best Olympic finish since Seoul 1988.

At club level, he has proudly represented Doncaster, Cannock, East Grinstead and Holcombe, as well as Der Club an der Alster in Germany, HGC in Holland and Ranchi Rays in India.


Barry Middleton

Barry is currently enjoying an extended break in Australasia with his wife Beckie, who herself played 104 times for Great Britain and England. He said, “I have been thinking about this decision since Rio and now is the right time for me to step away from international hockey. Priorities in my life have shifted and I am excited to move on to the next phase. I feel I have given everything I possibly could to get the best out of myself in the last fifteen years, none more so than the build up to the world cup last December and I'm not sure I could motivate myself to that level again.

“It has been an honour to represent my country for so many years and it has been a dream job for me. I hope people could see just how much I enjoy playing the game whether at an Olympics or with Sandy and Redders on the cabbage patch back in Donny. Thanks to everyone who has coached, played with or supported me during my career. I look forward to sitting back and watching Great Britain and England knowing that they are in a good place to challenge the best in the world and I will be supporting them every step of the way.

“Thanks to all the people I have met along the way around the world, I have been incredibly lucky to have made so many great friends through the sport who I share so many memories with. Finally, thanks to my family for all you have done for me. I couldn't have done it without you and I massively appreciate all the support you have given me over the years.”


Barry Middleton at Rio 2016

Great Britain and England Performance Director Ed Barney added, “It is difficult to find the right words to articulate the contribution that Barry has made to the sport. Barry has embodied everything that the sport stands for: a consummate professional, an inspiring role model for everyone involved in the game and a genuine gentleman who is truly respected by teammates, opposition and staff.

“Sometimes in life you are fortunate to work with or come in to contact with truly exceptional people. Barry is one of those people and it has been England and Great Britain Hockey’s absolute privilege to work with Barry over the past 15 years – he will be sorely missed. On a personal level, we couldn’t wish Barry and Beckie more happiness and fulfilment in their new ventures over the coming months and years.”


Danny Kerry and Barry Middleton

Men’s Head Coach Danny Kerry commented, “It was an absolute privilege to work with Barry during the short run up to the world cup. He is the epitome of world class, a phrase over used and often misunderstood, but not in this instance. He has taken a good amount of time to come to this decision, we have naturally supported him throughout that, now we will of course miss the many qualities he brought to the squad.

“Barry has given an enormous amount to England and GB Hockey and the sport has been a better place for his presence. We know Barry intends to stay involved with British hockey which is fantastic. We wish him all the best for the future and are delighted he will be giving back to the sport he is passionate about.”

Once Barry returns to the UK later in the year, Great Britain Hockey will arrange an appropriate point in time to publicly mark his retirement. We would like to again congratulate him and thank him for his service to our fantastic sport.

England Hockey Board Media release

Five Athletes Added To 2019 Men’s National Development Squad

Ben Somerford

Hockey Australia today announces five athletes have been added to the 2019 Men’s National Development Squad.

Tasmania’s Hayden Beltz, NSW’s Hayden Dillon, Victoria’s Nathan Ephraums, WA’s Liam Flynn and Queensland’s Blake Wotherspoon have all been elevated from the 2018 Under-21 National Junior Squad.

The Men’s National Selection Panel have elevated the quintet following their performances at the 2018 Australian Hockey League and the 2019 National Junior Camp.

The 2019 National Junior Squad will be re-selected following the 2019 Under-21 Australian Championships in July.

2019 Men’s National Development Squad
Athlete (Home State):
Kieron Arthur (TAS)
Kiran Arunasalam (VIC)
Hayden Beltz (TAS)
Scott Boyde (QLD)
James Day (ACT)
Hayden Dillon (NSW)
Nathan Ephraums (VIC)
Matthew Finn (QLD)
Liam Flynn (WA)
Frazer Gerrard (WA)
Max Hendry (VIC)
Kurt Lovett (NSW)
Hugh Pembroke (QLD)
Jayshaan Randhawa (VIC)
Joel Rintala (QLD)
Ash Thomas (NSW)
Blake Wotherspoon (QLD)

Hockey Australia media release

SA U21 IPT – Preview and Fixtures

The 2019 South African Hockey U21 IPT gets underway at Randburg Astro on the 8 April 2019. In the Ladies competition Western Province will be looking to defend the title they won in Pretoria  last year when they defeated North West  2-1 in the final. In last years Men’s final it was a titanic clash between the Gauteng sides that saw the Pretoria side win 2-1.

The 2019 Men’s competition will see a host of teams vying for the title. The likes of Southern Gauteng as hosts will be one of the favourites but will once again face stiff competition from the Northern Blues and Western Province. There will also be a fierce competition within the tournament as the Northern Daisies, SG Witsies and WP Pens battle to be the top second side, an unofficial title that the Daisies won last year in finishing fourth.

In the Ladies competition Western Province look a fantastic side once again but will face stiff competition from KZN Raiders, North West, Northern Blues and Southern Gauteng. Its tough to pick a winner up front but home ground advantage could play into the favour of the hosts.

The Randburg Astro has been a home for many great South African Hockey moments over the years and to step onto the turf is to step onto a piece of South African sport history. For many of the players this will be a massive opportunity to play at the home of the Premier Hockey League, a goal for most players involved. Some will be lucky enough to play in the 2019 edition later this year.

The finals will take place on Saturday 13 April, with the Ladies final taking place at 16:00 and the mens at 18:00. Download the fixtures here.

SA Hockey Association media release

ROUND-UP: English Men's Hockey League


Old Georgians Ed Carson and Exeter's Dan Jackson in action. Credit Andrew Smith.

Two goals each from James Albery and Ed Carson helped Men’s Hockey League Conference East champions Old Georgians secure a 4-2 victory over Premier Division outfit the University of Exeter on day one of the promotion play-offs on Sunday.

The University of Exeter went ahead after 11-minutes with Tom Brookes striking from open play, but Old Georgians led at the halfway point. Goals from James Albery and Ed Carson gave them a 2-1 advantage.

Albery got his second of the day with a 49th minute penalty stroke before Sam Hooper got one back for the University. But seven minutes later Carson found the net for his brace and Old Georgians held on to win.

Conference West winners Havant were 4-1 winners over Bowdon.

Havant opened up a first half lead against Bowdon, goals from Federico Bertoni and Miguel Rodrigues put them 2-0 ahead.

Matt Steventon’s goal for Bowdon threatened to make a game out of it early in the second half but two goals in the last four minutes put the game out of reach, handing the three points to Havant.

Fareham and Preston went face-to-face in the first of three round-robin fixtures to determine who would retain a place in Division One after the league restructure.

Preston’s Steven Masterson put the North side up after ten minutes but were pegged back only five minutes later through Jamie Rawlings’ penalty stroke effort.

The game had to wait another 35 minutes for signs of life, Richard Mantell’s 51st minute strike giving Fareham the lead, only for William Penrose to extend it nine minutes later with the game ending 3-1.

Another win would see Fareham retain a Division One place next weekend with Preston and City of Peterborough fighting for the last spot.

RESULTS:

Men’s Hockey League Promotion Tournament: Bowdon 1, Havant 4; University of Exeter 2, Old Georgians 4.

Men’s Hockey League Division One Play-offs: Fareham 3, Preston 1.

England Hockey Board Media release

ROUND-UP: Investec English Women's Hockey League


Loughborough Students Women celebrate a goal. Credit Andrew Smith

Loughborough Students boosted their hopes of promotion into the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Stourport on Sunday.

The Conference North winners held a 2-1 lead at the break thanks to penalty corners from Hannah Grieve and Jen Park before Sarah Parkinson-Mills cut the deficit in half for Stourport.

In the second half, two goals in the opening five minutes from Sophie Byrne and Lucy Millington gave Loughborough a commanding lead before another strike from Hannah Grieve sealed their win.

Ninth-placed Premier Division side Slough faced Conference East winners Hampstead & Westminster, and scraped a 2-1 victory with a goal in the last minute.

Amy Askew gave Conference East winners Hampstead the lead from open play early on in the second half but Slough’s Lizzy Totten soon levelled the scores six minutes later.

The sides seemed destined to share the points before Philipa Newton’s penalty corner found the back of the net with a minute to spare.

Slough will now face Stourport on Saturday 13th with Loughborough Students coming head to head against Hampstead & Westminster.

Elsewhere, In the first round of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Division One play-offs, Olton & West Warwickshire drew first blood with a 4-0 win over Leeds.

Sally Walton and Alice Conquest were in as fine goal scoring form with two goals each.

The three Conference teams are chasing two final places in the new Division One set-up following a restructure for next season.

* Tickets for the Investec Women’s and Men’s Hockey League Finals are on sale now!

Taking place at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Sat 13 and Sun 14 April, the country’s best teams do battle.

Tickets for a single day start at just £2 for under 18s and £13 for adults. For both days it’s from £8 for under 18s and £20 adults – fantastic value to watch elite domestic players in action.

https://englandhockey.seetickets.com/event/investec-women-s-and-men-s-league-finals/lee-valley-hockey-and-tennis-centre-qeop-london/1314313

RESULTS:

Women’s Promotion Tournament: Hampstead & Westminster 1, Slough 2; Stourport 1, Loughborough Students 5.

Women’s Division One Play-offs: Leeds 0, Olton & West Warwicks 4.

England Hockey Board Media release

First round jitters lead to draw in Northland's premier women's hockey competition

By Arriane Christie


Maungakaramea's Natalie Newson takes the ball away from a Whangārei Girls' High School player. Photo / Michael Cunningham

It may have been first-game nerves that contributed to the frantic pace of the premier women's hockey match between Maungakaramea and Whangārei Girls' High School (WGHS) which played out to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Maungakaramea opened the scoring early at the Kensington Park turf in the second quarter when Morgan Forrester was in perfect position to deflect a cross ball from Natasha Cotton into the back of the goal.

After going one goal up, Maungakaramea created more opportunities towards the end of the first half but didn't quite have the refined finishing needed to convert.

Maungakaramea coach Tama Jones said his side didn't control the second half of the game as well as they had done in the first half.

"In the second half, we went more into a running game and became a little bit less possession-based and ended up playing a bit of catch-up, following the ball around rather than controlling it," he said.

Unable to control the game, Maungakaramea let WGHS back into it and the school side created pressure with quick counter-attacks.

It was from a quick outlet that WGHS evened the score when Claire Donnelly got on the end of a fast attack midway through the final quarter.

Jones said he was happy with his side's performance as they looked to defend their competition title from last year.

"We've got a few changes we're trying to make and that was reflected in the game a bit, and we were a little bit indecisive at times and not as fluid as we could have been, but that is expected at this time of year."

In the other premier women's game, Springfield got their season off to the best possible start, scoring a goal within the first 30 seconds of their match against Hikurangi on Friday night.

Springfield continued to dominate the game throughout, ending up with a 5-0 victory.

In the premier men's matches played on Saturday, Mangapai opened their campaign with a classy 6-1 win over a young Whangārei Boys' High School side and Springfield scraped through with a 1-0 win in a tight match against Bream Bay United.

The New Zealand Herald

Garvey move to brink of men’s EYHL title as C of I raise hopes of incredible escape


Pembroke’s Matthew Treacy clears under pressure from Jamie Wright. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Lisnagarvey 5 (D Nelson, M Nelson, A Williamson, J Lynch, O Kidd) Glenanne 1 (E O’Malley)
Lisnagarvey scored a massive win in the Irish men’s EYHL title chase as they beat Glenanne to end the day with a four point lead at the top of the table.

They made much of the early pressure in the first quarter, showing the signs of what was to come as they soon ran up four second quarter goals. Andy Williamson’s great run laid on the chance for Daniel Nelson to make it 1-0.

The elder Nelson then laid on a pass for his brother Matthew who scored a sweet reverse for 2-0. An unselfish assist from Troy Chambers created the third for Williamson to finish off and it was 4-0 via Johnny Lynch before the half-time hooter went.

Ollie Kidd added another for good measure before Eddie O’Malley got something back for Glenanne but their hopes of retaining the title were cooked as a result of this defeat. It leaves them a month to prepare for the Champions Trophy while Garvey need one win from their two remaining games – both against Annadale – to land the EYHL for a second time.

Pembroke 5 (P Good 2, S Sweetnam, H Spain, J Ryan) Banbridge 2 (E Magee 2)
Pembroke bounced back from their chastening 8-1 defeat last time out to beat Banbridge 5-2 at Serpentine Avenue, all but ending Bann’s hopes of winning the regular season title.

They started well on top, winning a number of corners with one ending in a stroke which Stephen Sweetnam converted, Luke Roleston made a number of key saves but they fell further behind when Patrick Good got on the board just before half-time in what was the veteran’s first game of the season for the first team.

A Harry Spain penalty corner made it 3-0 in the second half before Eugene Magee got one back, reducing the arears at three-quarter time to 3-1. Banbridge went to a kicking back with 10 minutes to go but it backfired spectacularly as Good and Jack Ryan both scored, countering Magee’s second of the day for a 5-2 win. It was Pembroke’s ninth win of the campaign and means they can still overhaul both Bann and Glenanne if they win both their games and that duo lose both.

Cork C of I 0 Monkstown 2 (G Cole, G Sarratt)
Monkstown picked off a goal in each half to win their seventh game of the campaign, keeping Cork C of I three points adrift at the bottom overnight before their rematch with the sky-blues.


Banbridge’s Eugene Magee surrounded. Pic: Adrian Boehm

After some early pressure, Monkstown moved ahead when Guy Sarratt – who played a challenge match with the Irish senior team against France this week – hit the backboard with a drag-flick.

C of I improved as time went on with Alex Burns winning a corner on the hooter which was charged down and they had a much better second quarter with Jonny Bruton – against one of his former clubs – at the heart of things.

Another barrage of corners early in the second half for C of I went incomplete and they fell behind from a long-range counter-attack from Monkstown with Geoff Cole finding the route to 2-0.

The final quarter was spent in the Monkstown defensive zone but they could not take any of the chances that came their way, leaving them to focus on the Sunday showdown.

YMCA 1 (G Glutz) Annadale 1 (D Tremlett)
YMCA got what could prove to a pivotal point as they moved out of the relegation playoff place while Annadale – with their late equaliser – are now mathematically safe.

Annadale had all of the play in the first quarter with Jakim Bernsden making several saves from corners before YM settled in the second quarter and had more of the game.

The Dubliners hit the front when Grant Glutz’s drag-flick from a corner hit a foot on the line and he stepped up to slot home for 1-0. It remained that way until seven minutes from the end before David Tremlett ghosted in at the back post to equalise. It was just Dale’s third point in eight games but was enough to keep their heads above water.

Cookstown 0 Three Rock Rovers 3 (K Mullins 2, J Hosking)
Three Rock Rovers made it seven wins in a row in the EY Hockey League to rise up to second in the table but with four points to make up on Lisnagarvey in the last two rounds of matches.

Three Rock captain, Jody Hosking, got his team on their way in quarter one, getting the slightest of touches off a low Luke Madeley drag at short corner time, to take the ball past Josh McCabe.


YMCA’s Ben Campbell. Pic: Sinead Hingston

A second Three Rock penalty corner saw McCabe and Matty Rollins combine to keep the ball out. The second quarter was only minutes old when a long Daragh Walsh pass picked out Kevin Mullins’ run.

He spun onto the strong side and unleashed an unstoppable hit into the far corner for 2-0. They might have gone further ahead but for the bravery of McCabe and Ryan Millar at short corner time.

Cookstown put on a bit more pressure at the start of the third quarter, but it was Three Rock who extended their lead. Walsh took advantage of a Madeley turnover, setting Mark English scampering down the left. His reverse into the danger area was directed over the line by Mullins for his second.

The home side continued to threaten and might’ve had a penalty stroke when Stu Smyth’s shot was prevented from crossing the line by a defender’s foot. From the subsequent penalty corner, Jamie Carr saved and set up a counter-attack. Mullins might’ve had his hat trick but for the brave last-ditch diving tackle by Dan Crooks. Walsh pulled an excellent save out of McCabe just before the end of the quarter.

Carr was again called into action in the fourth quarter, saving two Smyth drags from the set piece. Cookstown finally found a way past the Ireland international with four minutes left only to hit the post. Ryan Millar robbed the ball on the edge of his own circle, running the length of the field before switching to Stewart Wylie. His tomahawk-volley looked goalbound only to strike the upright.

Sunday: Monkstown 1 (B Hickmott) Cork C of I 3 (J Jermyn 2, P Brownlow)
Cork C of I boosted their hopes of survival in the division as they swapped Saturday’s result with a brilliant 3-1 win at Monkstown.

John Jermyn whipped home two penalty corners in the first 12 minutes to set the tone and there was a real buzz to C of I’s performance, creating numerous chances.

And they moved three clear with 25 minutes left from another set-piece as Phil Brownlow swooped after Dave Fitzgerald made two initial blocks.

Billy Lynch kept out two Town shots from Guy Sarratt to ensure a reasonable buffer stayed in place into the final quarter. Ben Hickmott did get one back with three minutes left but the points were secure for C of I.

The Hook

Pegasus hit six of the best to win women’s EYHL in style


Pegasus celebrate their EYHL victory. Pic: Billy Pollock

Pegasus 6 (L McKee 2, S Thompson, A Speers, C Harvey, C McKane) Muckross 0
Pegasus were crowned EY Irish Hockey League regulation season champions for the first time since the competition’s expanded format was introduced after an emphatic 6-0 win over Muckross at the Dub.

The Belfast side needed only a point to make sure the trophy would be heading to Ulster for the first time but they turned on the style to crush the youthful Dublin side, who had proved hard to break down in the early stages. Having lifted the title, Pegasus are now back in Europe for the first time in three seasons as one of Ireland’s two representatives.

They will now go on to compete for the Irish Champions Trophy, contested by the top four EYHL finishers, in Banbridge at the start of May with Loreto and UCD also confirmed in the playoffs.

“We’ll go into the tournament with no pressure, having already guaranteed ourselves European hockey next season,” said Pegasus captain Michelle Harvey.

“We have a break now and we then play Belfast Harlequins in our final match which will be good preparation for the Champions Trophy. We are delighted to have won the league, especially as we had a different squad this season with a mix of youth and experience.

“But we have been able to show consistency, taking each match as it came and playing well in almost every game, so we are super happy.”I’ve been lucky enough to play in three previous European club tournaments and next year’s will be a great experience for our younger players in particular.”

The Muckross goal led a charmed life in the early part of the game as keeper Ellie McLoughlin pulled off a string of saves and Jessica Holland made two brilliant goal-line clearances.

But once Stephanie Thompson broke the deadlock in the 29th minute firing a penalty corner rebound from Shirley McCay high into the net, the floodgates opened.

Alex Speers and Lucy McKee scored to make it 3-0 after the third quarter and Caitlyn Harvey, McKee again and Claire McKane completed the scoring in the last period, all five goals coming from from open play.After the game, Hockey Ireland vice president Ann Rosa presented the trophy as the defeated Muckross players sportingly looked on and applauded their opponents as the champagne corks started popping.

Pembroke 1 (C Foley) Loreto 1 (S Twomey)
Pembroke and Loreto shared the spoils from an excellent quality fixture at Serpentine Avenue in a result that did not overly suit either side in the final reckoning.

The hosts went in front when Sinead Loughran embarked on an excellent run and her ball into the danger zone got a great touch from Claire Foley for 1-0. Loreto bounced back with Sarah Torrans denied by a fine Iseult Cambay one-on-one chance.

Cambay made a couple more good stops to retain the narrow lead into half-time while another chance hit the post and it continued that way up three quarter time. From a corner, Loreto equalised via Sara Twomey with 15 minutes to go as the game opened up and went end-to-end.

Pembroke sit two points off Cork Harlequins in fifth place but have a game in hand against Railway Union which could see them break back into the playoff places. Loreto are second and assured of their EY Champions Trophy spot where they will play UCD.

The Hook

Lakers premier league debut ends in a stalemate as Sliders go fourth

By Washington Onyango


Lakers Hockey Club assistant captain Ashley Akinyi (left) tussles for the ball against Sliders’ Esther Champchui during their Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women Premier League match played at Sikh Union Club in Kisumu on April 6, 2019. [Courtesy]

Newbies Lakers hockey club debut in the 2019 Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women Premier League ended in a 1-1 draw against visiting Sliders at Sikh Union Club in Kisumu on Saturday.

Aurelia Opondo third quarter equaliser canceled Sliders’ Esther Champchui opener to prevent a humiliating defeat in their first match of the season in front of their home fans to share the spoils.

The draw pushed Nairobi based Sliders to fourth in the standings with two points from three games as Lakers tie in fifth place together with Kenyatta University Women who play on Sunday against Sailors.

Team coach Brian Aduda rued missed chances in their draw in the game that they outclassed the experienced premier league opponents.

“We played well from the start to the end of the match but wasted over ten scoring chances. I am disappointed with the draw and we have to work on our finishing from today,” Aduda said.

“However, I think also being our first match and first time playing in the premier league the ladies were a little bit anxious and excited but we will come back stronger in our next games in Nairobi next weekend.”

The lakeside team’s first taste of the Premier League stole most of the attention with the eyes on the youthful team they did not disappoint as they dominated the match against the experienced Sliders team from the start.

Maurine Owiti combined with Aurelia Opondo from the left but the latter’s first attempt in goal was stopped by Sliders keeper Katherine Opich after two minutes into the play.

Opich was again called into action a minute later stopping two short corner attempts from Rachel Laura and Alice Owiti.

Owiti then missed Lakers golden chance to take the lead missing a tap in after the skillful Laura beat the Sliders defense and keeper as the first quarter ended in a barren draw with the visitors not managing a single shot on target.

In the second quarter, the visitors who appeared calm and composed in their defense break the deadlock two minutes after the restart when Esther Champchui tapped the ball into an empty net after Millicent Adhiambo failed to clear Doris Kirui’s right-wing cross.

The goal reignited some life into the visitors play and their first short corner almost doubled the scores after their captain Esther Wachika was found culpable of committing a foul at the stroke of halftime.

The debutant home side then came into the third quarter livelier and scored thorough Aurelia Opondo after Opich punched the ball straight to the way of the striker.

Laker could have easily won by three to four margin but the experienced defense of Linnet Anyango’s side stood tall.

“We played very well today but luck was not on our side. We did not utilize our chances and their first goal almost killed us. However, we responded well after the break and am confident being our first match we will come back stronger in Nairobi against KU, “ Lakers assistant captain Ashely Akinyi said in a post-match interview.

The Standard Digital

Dames spank champs Defence Force 5-0

by Nigel Simon


Defence Force’s Anthony Morales, left, tries to elude Notre Dame’s Darnil Trancoso in their T&T Hockey Board Men’s Championship Division match at the National Hockey Centre, Orange Grove Road, Tacarigua on Saturday April 6. Notre Dame won 5-0. Photo: Anthony Harris.

Five dif­fer­ent play­ers were on tar­get as Notre Dame stunned a short-hand­ed de­fend­ing cham­pi­ons De­fence Force 5-0 in the T&T Hock­ey Board Men’s Cham­pi­onship Di­vi­sion at the Na­tion­al Hock­ey Cen­tre, Or­ange Grove Road, Tacarigua on Sat­ur­day night.

Tariq Thomas and Ak­il Nan­coo scored for the Dames to lead 2-0 at the half-time in­ter­val, against De­fence Force which showed up with nine play­ers, be­fore Dil­lon Tam Wing, Nicholas White­man, and Gre­go­ry Gar­raway added sec­ond-half items.

A re­vamped Po­lice line-up fea­tur­ing play­ers for­mer­ly of the now-de­funct Petrotrin and ex-De­fence Force stand­outs, Nicholas Wren, Roger Daniel and Shane Leg­erton crushed Shape 5-1 for a sec­ond win from as many match­es.

Na­tion­al for­ward Akim Tou­s­saint led the way for Po­lice with two goals while Justin Be­har­ry, Jor­dan Reynos and Leg­erton chipped in with one each to can­cel out John Her­nan­dez’s lone re­ply.

The stand­out per­former on the day was Shandy Carib Mag­no­lias’ Chelsea Dey as she scored a hand­ful in her team’s 9-0 maul­ing of Malvern.

Kait­lyn Olten added a dou­ble and Mi­ka El­la Tang, and Lau­ryn Pounder the oth­ers in the lop­sided vic­to­ry, the team's sec­ond in three match­es.

Paragon women al­so came out on top in their clash with Har­vard Check­ers, 2-0 thanks to a goal each from Stephanie Mc Ken­zie, in the eighth minute, and Kristin Thomp­son, in the 48th.

In the Trin­i­ty Di­vi­sion, Po­lice crushed Paragon 8-0 led by two goals each from Wayne Leg­erton, and Nicholas Grant in the men’s di­vi­sion, while Paragon whipped Ven­tures 5-1 with Terese Sobers scor­ing twice for the win­ners.

Sat­ur­day’s T&THB re­sults

Men’s Cham­pi­onship:

Notre Dame 5 (Tariq Thomas, Ak­il Nan­coo, Dil­lon Tam Wing, Nicholas White­man, Gre­go­ry Gar­raway) vs De­fence Force 0
Po­lice 5 (Akim Tou­s­saint 2, Justin Be­har­ry, Jor­dan Reynos, Shane Leg­erton) vs Shape 1 (John Her­nan­dez)

Women’s Cham­pi­onship:

Paragon 2 (Stephanie Mc Ken­zie 8th, Kristin Thomp­son 48th) vs Har­vard Check­ers 0
SC Mag­no­lias 9 (Chelsea Dey 5, Kait­lyn Olton 2, Mi­ka El­la Tang, Lau­ryn Pounder) vs Malvern 0

Trin­i­ty Men:

Po­lice 8 (Wayne Leg­erton 2, Nicholas Grant 2, Justin Be­har­ry, Ker­wyn Hume, Ryan Ram­ber­ran, P. Taitt) vs Paragon 4 (David Cok­er 2, Tarell Singh 2)

Trin­i­ty Women:

Paragon 5 (Terese Sobers 2, Har­mo­ny O’Brien, Stephanie Mc Ken­zie, N’Kese An­toine) vs Ven­tures 1 (Aman­da George pen)

The Trinidad Guardian