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News for 11 April 2019

All the news for Thursday 11 April 2019


2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - Result 10 April

EL v ESP (RR)     7 - 3

Unofficial pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Australia 7 5 0 1 1 22 15 7 16 76.2
2 Belgium 5 3 1 1 0 21 12 9 12 80.0
3 Argentina* 7 3 0 0 3 14 18 -4 10 47.6
4 Great Britain 4 3 0 0 1 17 10 7 9 75.0
5 Germany* 5 2 0 1 1 10 9 1 8 53.3
6 Spain 8 0 4 0 4 23 30 -7 8 33.3
7 Netherlands 5 1 1 1 2 15 16 -1 6 40.0
8 New Zealand 7 0 0 2 5 15 27 -12 2 9.5

* 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) - Results 10 April

BEL v USA (RR)     2 - 1
NED v CHN (RR)     6 - 0

Unofficial pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Argentina 9 6 2 0 1 17 8 9 22 81.5
2 Netherlands 6 5 0 0 1 16 3 13 15 83.3
3 Australia 8 4 1 0 3 14 12 2 14 58.3
4 Belgium 6 4 0 1 1 10 6 4 13 72.2
5 New Zealand 9 4 0 0 5 17 16 1 12 44.4
6 China 10 2 0 1 7 14 26 -12 7 23.3
7 Germany 4 1 0 2 1 8 7 1 5 41.7
8 Great Britain 5 1 1 0 3 8 15 -7 5 33.3
9 United States 7 0 1 1 5 7 18 -11 3 14.3

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



World champions dazzle on Match Day 32



The reigning women’s and men’s world champions both earned big wins to reclaim their respective places at the top of the standings on Match Day 32 of the FIH Pro League.

Caia van Maasakker scored three times as the Netherlands women recorded a 6-0 victory over China at SV Kampong in Utrecht. The result sees the Dutch move ahead of Argentina into first place in the standings, having claimed 83.33 percent of the points available to them. Belgium’s women, the lowest ranked team in the FIH Pro League, continued their fairytale story with a dramatic 2-1 defeat of USA at the Royal Uccle Sports Complex in Brussels, with a late strike from Louise Versavel strengthening their hold on third position in the table.

Also at Royal Uccle, Belgium’s men produced a sensational performance to thrash Spain 7-3 to re-take first place in the men’s standings ahead of Australia. The Red Lions scored six times without reply in the opening two quarters, with Florent van Aubel and Tom Boon both netting twice in a dominant display from the world number one.

The women of Belgium (FIH World Ranking: 13) and USA (WR:12) were facing each other for the second time in less than two weeks, with the Americans claiming a narrow shoot-out victory over the Europeans at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Pennsylvania after normal time finished with the scores locked at 1-1. The re-match in front of a big crowd at Royal Uccle was equally tense and cagey, with the Americans frustrating their high flying opponents throughout the first two periods. Belgium enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and looked the side most likely to break the deadlock, but USA’s defensive line held firm to take a 0-0 score into half time.

Belgium finally broke USA resistance in the third quarter when the influential Alix Gerniers worked her way around the back of the American defence before providing the perfect pass for Anne-Sophie Weyns to score from close range. However, it was a lead that lasted just five minutes, with Linnea Gonzales pouncing on a saved penalty corner to squeeze the ball into the goal.

The winning goal arrived with less than 50 seconds of the match remaining, and if the timing of the goal were not dramatic enough, a video referral was needed to double check that Louise Versavel had made contact to Gerniers’ terrific pass into the USA circle. The slow motion replays were indisputable, with the toe of Versavel’s stick diverting the ball through the legs of USA shot-stopper Kelsey Bing to seal another valuable three points to the Red Panthers.

“We were really happy because we didn’t expect that we would still score in the last seconds”, said Player of the Match Barbara Nelen. “It was a really difficult game and I think we managed well. Our keeper [Aisling D’Hooghe] did a good job. We didn’t play really well as a team, but we won so that is enough.”

Across the border, the Netherlands women (WR:1) made their long awaited FIH Pro League home debut when the took on China (WR:10) - a side they beat 2-1 in Changzhou earlier this year - at SV Kampong in Utrecht in front of a near capacity crowd bathing in the early evening sunshine. Laura Nunnink rattled the frame of the China goal early in the opening quarter shortly before Caia van Maasakker sent a penalty corner drag-flick inside the right post to give the hosts the lead after just seven minutes.

The Oranje would have been sitting on a comfortable lead were it not for yet another sensational goalkeeping performance from China’s Ye Jiao, who made save after save to deny a Dutch side that was threatening to run riot.

The Netherlands had to wait until three minutes before the end of the third quarter before finally getting their second goal, with Van Maasakker again on target from a penalty corner situation ahead of a fourth quarter that saw the Dutch move out of sight. A high shot from Federique Matla made it 3-0 before Xan de Waard produced a moment of improvised brilliance, deflecting a pass from Matla around her back to completely deceive Ye, with Martijn Veen and a third for Van Maasakker completing the scoring at 6-0.

“It was amazing to play here in front of a home crowd, with everyone cheering so loud for us, it’s really cool”, said hat-trick hero Van Maasakker, who was named Player of the Match. On whether she was satisfied with her team’s performance, Van Maasakker said: “Definitely. I think we started well, we played a good match, especially in the second half. We converted our chances, so it was a good win.”

In the men’s competition, Belgium’s Red Lions (WR:1) followed the Red Panthers onto the Royal Uccle turf in what was their first competitive international home match since winning the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018. Their opponents were Spain (WR:9), a team that had claimed a surprise shoot-out win over the world champions when the two sides met in the very first FIH Pro League match on 19 January. However, any thoughts of Spain repeating that success on Belgian soil were quickly ended as the hosts thrilled the crowd with a scintillating exhibition of attacking hockey.

The Red Lions were at their mesmerising best in the opening two quarters, scoring twice in the opening period before adding another four goals in the second to open up a staggering 6-0 lead at half time. Florent van Aubel’s brilliant strike off the back foot got the ball rolling before Tom Boon netted on the stroke of quarter time, with Van Aubel and Boon on also target in quarter two alongside Cedric Charlier and team captain Felix Denayer.

Boon turned provider for Arthur van Doren who made it 7-0 with a delicate close range finish three minutes after half time, before Spain’s Red Sticks rallied late to with goals from Pau Quemada (2) and Enrique Gonzales to complete a 7-3 score-line.

"All international matches are difficult, but I think we started off really well, really wanting to show something in front of our home crowd and I think we did that”, said Player of the Match Arthur van Doren. “The way we started, in the first quarter, we got some early goals on the board and that always makes it easier. Overall I think we can be really happy. We got the three points and played a really good game."

The FIH Pro League continues on Saturday 13th April with Netherlands men taking on Spain in Rotterdam, while Argentina welcomes the men’s and women’s teams of New Zealand to Rosario.

FIH Pro League

10 April - Brussels, Belgium

Result: Women’s Match 31
Belgium 2, USA 1
Player of the Match: Barbara Nelen (BEL)

Umpires: Carolina de la Fuente (ARG), Ivona Makar (CRO) & Dan Barstow (ENG - Video)

Result: Men’s Match 24
Belgium 7, Spain 3
Player of the Match: Arthur Van Doren (BEL)

Umpires: Christian Blasch (GER), Dan Barstow (ENG) & Ivona Makar (CRO - Video)

10 April - Utrecht, Netherlands

Result: Women’s Match 32
Netherlands 6, China 0
Player of the Match: Caia van Maasakker (NED)

Umpires: Celine Martin-Schmets (BEL), Ayanna McClean (TTO) & Diego Barbas (ARG - Video)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



Goal in Last Minute Gives Belgium FIH Pro League Win Over USWNT



BRUSSELS, Belgium – It has been two weeks since the U.S. Women’s National Team and Belgium faced each other in Lancaster, Pa. in the FIH Pro League. Halfway around the world, the two squads met again in Brussels as Belgium looked to ride the momentum from their first home victory just three days prior against China. Shaping out to a similar match as the one in the United States, the teams were tied 1-1 in the final moments of regulation. With another shootout on the horizon, Belgium converted with 59 seconds remaining to give the Red Panthers a 2-1 win in front of a stunned but ecstatic home crowd.

USA’s defensive line was tested early on with the first shot on goal by Belgium’s Jill Boon. The Red Panthers’ captain made a sweeping attempt in the opening moments, but USA goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas) was quick to make a kick save. Still controlling the tempo of the first frame, Belgium continued to mount pressure earning the game’s first circle entry in the 8th minute. Ambre Ballenghien had an open backhand shot but missed on the attempt as the ball rolled out of bounds. Going back the other way, USA set up two offensive opportunities late in the quarter, including a chance by Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.) but could not connect on the deflection. Both teams made a final push before the quarter ended, but the score remained deadlocked 0-0.

After exchanging circle entries to begin the second frame, USA settled down on offense working around the perimeter but could not find an opening. Belgium responded with two more pentrations, but were halted by USA’s defense. The red, white and blue then countered upfield. A free hit just outside the circle was taken by Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) but was stopped by the Red Panthers' defense. In the 21st minute, Belgium entered the circle but Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) was able to gain control and clear the possession. Moments later, Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.) was able to get into the circle and tried an upright reverse shot but it went into a Belgium defender. In the 27th minute, Emilie Sinia was given a green card but USA was unable to take advantage, despite a circle entry by Mackenzie Allessie (Mount Joy, Pa.) off a pass from Hoffman. With time running short, Belgium made one last surge. After moving into the circle, Hoffman was able to get her stick on the ball but could not clear. Belgium then took a shot on net and Bing was quick to make a diving stick save to end the half.

Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa.) opened the second half with a pass into the circle that hit the leg of a Belgium defender, giving the first penalty corner of the match to USA. On the attempt, Julia Young's (Yorktown, Va.) sweep but was saved over the end line by Belgium goalkeeper Aisling D’Hooghe. A defensive battle ensued in the following minutes before Belgium’s Anne-Sophie Weyns scored her first goal of the FIH Pro League by being passed the ball near the stroke mark to give the host nation a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. On the restart, USA charged into the circle but the play ended on a hard foul by Anna Dessoye (Mountaintop, Pa.). Back with possession, Belgium pressed into the USA circle as Young stopped the chance dead in its tracks. However, still in control Belgium earned their first penalty corner of the game, that Bing was able to make the save and clear. Moments later, USA earned their second corner and from the top Kathleen Sharkey's (Moosic, Pa.) shot was stopped in front of D’Hooghe and Gonzales was there to finish, tying the game in the 44th minute. With seconds remaining in the quarter, USA was given another penalty corner but the Red Panthers asked for a video referral. The play was determined to have hit the back of Magadan’s stick prior to the call, nullifying the penalty corner and ending the third quarter.

Belgium opened the fourth with a penalty corner of their own and the hard shot by Stephanie Vanden Boore hit a USA foot, giving another penalty corner to the hosts. Vanden Boore took the shot again but it was blocked by flyer West. The rebound attempt came out to Barbara Nelen but rolled just wide of the goal. Seconds later, Nelen earned another penaly corner for Belgium as the ball hit a USA foot. It was West once again that blocked Vanden Boore’s shot and the umpires whistled another penalty corner. As a result USA asked for a video referral, which determined the ball hit above West’s knee, giving a free hit to USA. After a quick possession exchange, Grega intercepted a pass at midfield and charged downfield in a one-on-one, but could not capitalize. In the 51st minute, Magadan worked the ball down the near sideline, setting up Allessie for a pass into the circle but D’Hooghe broke up the play. During the clear attempt, Alyssa Manley (Lititz, Pa.) was issued a green card. USA was able to kill the disadvantage, but in the 54th minute Belgium nearly took the lead off a cross by Louise Versavel. Initially looking for Emilie Sinia who missed the deflection chance, the ball went through Bing’s legs and hit the far goalpost. USA went down a player once again when Ali Froede (Burke, Va.) was given a green card for a hard tackle. Able to hold off the disadvantage again, a free hit by Hoffman worked its way into the circle but no USA player was there to finish. The Red Panthers countered on the same play setting up a fast break opportunity before being awarded a penalty corner. The play was mis-trapped, but Belgium got a shot away that hit the outside of the goal. With signs of another shootout looming in the air, Hoffman was issued a yellow card with 59 seconds remaining, and on the ensuing play Alix Gerniers hit a backhand into the circle that was deflected in by Versavel and through the legs of a leaping Bing to give the Red Panthers the 2-1 advantage, and ultimately the match.

Following the game, Belgium's Nelen was named Player of the Match.

The U.S. Women’s National Team will travel to Rotterdam, The Netherlands for their eighth FIH Pro League game against the FIH World Ranked No. 1 team on Sunday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m ET. Don't miss a second of the action by watching on Bleacher Report Live. #FIHProLeague

USFHA media release



Youthful look to the Black Sticks teams to take on Argentina



Vantage Black Sticks Women vs Argentina. Sunday 14thApril 06:30am NZT. Coverage is on Spark Sport

After two contrasting performances in their first overseas matches of the FIH Pro League that contrasted the euphoria of winning against Australia followed by the frustration of losing to China the next week. The Black Sticks Women will be looking for a more complete performance against the highly fancied team from Argentina.

Black Sticks Women’s Coach Sean Dancer said ahead of the match “We are looking forward the challenge of traveling and playing Argentina. We know that playing them away is always a tough game, with their vocal crowds.The team is determined to put out a strong performance and compete with Argentina the way we know that we can”

The New Zealand Women have made several changes to the side that took on China and sees a core of young rising stars playing together for the first time on the international stage. Holly Pearson, Katie Doar and Olivia Shannon have all had a taste of international hockey now and will be looking forward to stamping their mark on the match for the Black Sticks Women.

Keep an eye out for the hard working defensive unit the Black Sticks team possesses which is led by vastly experiences players Sam Charlton, Rose Keddell and Ella Gunson. Don’t be surprised to see these players pushing up the field as they look to put the opposing teams defence under immense pressure.

Vantage Black Sticks Women vs Argentina. Sunday 14thApril 06:30am NZT. Coverage is on Spark Sport

Name

Position

Caps

Sam Charlton

Defender

233

Tarryn Davey

Midfielder

46

Frances Davies

Defender

62

Shiloh Gloyn

Midfielder

82

Ella Gunson

Defender

205

Megan Hull

Defender

11

Rose Keddell

Defender

192

Olivia Merry

Striker

214

Stacey Michelsen ©

Midfielder

269

Tessa Jopp

Midfielder

21

Grace O’Hanlon

Goalkeeper

47

Katie Doar

Defender

2

Brooke Roberts

Goalkeeper

4

Olivia Shannon

Striker

7

Deanna Ritchie

Striker

6

Liz Thompson

Defender

182

Amy Robinson

Striker

65

Holly Pearson

Midfielder

2

Vantage Black Sticks Men vs Argentina. Sunday 14thApril 09:00am NZT. Coverage is on Spark Sport

The Black Sticks Men are looking to put a tough opening stretch in the FIH Pro League behind them. After a few weeks of training the team will be hoping the gap in matches is going to bring a change in fortunes in the second half of the competition.

Darren Smith has made several changes to the team that was overwhelmed by the Kookaburras attacking relentlessness and sees the return of experienced players Marcus Child and Blair Tarrant come back into the side.

Black Sticks Men’s Coach Darren Smith said ahead of the match “We are looking forward to getting over to Rosario for what will be a tough match up against an in form Argentina. They were able to get all 3 points when we met them in Auckland, and followed this up with a very competitive game against Australia and a win against Spain last weekend. They are well structured, counter with speed and tend to have a good set piece”

Young North Harbour midfielder Xavier Guy has been named to make his debut. It has been a meteoric rise for Xavier who last year was rewarded for some great play at the Ford NHL with a place in the Vantage Black Sticks Development Squad. Look out as Xavier loves to put some great passes through to set up his team mates.

Dane Lett is set to play his 50thcap for the New Zealand men. Lett has become a mountain in defence for the kiwi side and his presence in defence always has a calming influence. Lett has a booming sweep and if he can get into space look out for the long cross field ball he is capable of delivering.

Vantage Black Sticks Men vs Argentina. Sunday 14thApril 09:00am NZT. Coverage is on Spark Sport

Name

Position

Caps

Richard Joyce

Goalkeeper

65

George Enersen

Goalkeeper

48

Shea McAleese

Defender

284

Blair Tarrant ©

Defender

197

Dane Lett

Defender

49

Cory Bennett

Defender

82

Harry Miskimmin

Midfielder

54

David Brydon

Defender

47

Xavier Guy

Midfielder

Debut

Marcus Child

Midfielder

147

Aidan Sarikaya

Midfielder

33

Dominic Newman

Striker

51

Hayden Phillips

Midfielder

76

Mac Wilcox

Striker

26

George Muir

Striker

119

Dylan Thomas

Striker

13

Sam Lane

Striker

38

Jared Panchia

Striker

110

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks hockey men and women teams need wins against Argentina


The Black Sticks women have had a mixed season so far, but a win against Argentina would leave them in a good position on the table. JOHN DAVIDSON/PHOTOSPORT

The Black Sticks women are in need of a win against Argentina this week after a win and a loss overseas in the FIH Pro League.

The win against arch rivals Australia left the team in confident shape before being brought down by China a week later.

Black Sticks coach Sean Dancer said the Argentinians may be favourites, but he remained confident.

"We are looking forward the challenge of travelling and playing Argentina. We know that playing them away is always a tough game, with their vocal crowds.The team is determined to put out a strong performance and compete with Argentina the way we know that we can"

The Black Sticks have made several changes to the side that took on China and sees a core of young players together for the first time on the international stage.

Holly Pearson, Katie Doar and Olivia Shannon have all had a taste of international hockey now.
 

The Black Sticks men are desperate to get a win in the FIH Pro League. WORLDSPORTPICS/PHOTOSPORT

The defence will be led by the experienced players Sam Charlton, Rose Keddell and Ella Gunson. These stalwarts will look to play upfield in order to get ahead in attack on the Argentinians.

Meanwhile, the the Black Sticks men are looking to put a tough opening stretch in the FIH Pro League behind them.

Coach Darren Smith has made several changes to the team that was overwhelmed by the Australian's relentless attack and sees the return of experienced players Marcus Child and Blair Tarrant come back into the side.
 
"We are looking forward to getting over to Rosario for what will be a tough match up against an in form Argentina."
 
Young North Harbour midfielder Xavier Guy has been named to make his debut. It has been a meteoric rise for Guy who last year was rewarded for some great play at the NHL with a place in the  Black Sticks squad.
 
Dane Lett is set to play his 50th match. Lett has become a mountain in defence for the Kiwi side and his presence in defence always has a calming influence.
 
Black Sticks Women vs Argentina.
Sunday 06:30am NZT.
Sam Charlton, Tarryn Davey, Frances Davies, Shiloh Gloyn, Ella Gunson, Megan Hull, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry, Stacey Michelsen ©, Tessa Jopp, Grace O'Hanlon, Katie Doar, Brooke Roberts, Olivia Shannon, Deanna Ritchie, Liz Thompson, Amy Robinson, Holly Pearson
 
Black Sticks Men vs Argentina.
Sunday 09:00am NZT.
Richard Joyce, George Enersen, Shea McAleese, Blair Tarrant ©, Dane Lett, Cory Bennett, Harry Miskimmin, David Brydon, Xavier Guy, Marcus Child, Aidan Sarikaya, Dominic Newman, Hayden Phillips, Mac Wilcox, George Muir, Dylan Thomas, Sam Lane, Jared Panchia

Coverage is on Spark Sport

Stuff



View from the Sideline


Image courtesy: Candela Diaz Bustos

In this week’s FIH Pro League Interview of the Week, we talk to one of the people who are off-stage but, nonetheless, vitally important to the smooth operation of the match.

Lurah Hess from the USA is one of the newly-created Match Managers – a challenging position that comes with a heap of responsibility, as Hess explains: “The FIH Pro League takes officials outside their comfort zone and challenges them with new experiences. Most technical officials are familiar with the format of the Technical Delegate working in the background to manage the overall technical aspect of an event, while the Technical Officer focuses solely on the match in front of them. Pro League sort of merges the two roles into one “Match Manager”.”

For Hess, the FIH Pro League has really allowed a light to shine on her own National Association’s ability to host top flight hockey. “Its exciting to be a part of a top-flight world event that brings hockey home to its fans,” she says. “I am proud of USA Field Hockey for the well-run production in Winston-Salem [USA’s opening home FIH Pro League venue]. And it was electric to be part of a sold-out stadium full of cheering Argentinian supporters in Buenos Aires.”

It was in Buenos Aires that Hess faced the challenges posed by temperamental weather systems as the women’s match against Germany was disrupted and the men’s game had to be cancelled because of stormy weather. Looking back, she is able to chuckle as she recalls being on a phone call to FIH headquarter to get advice on the weather situation while at the same time managing a card suspension on the pitch. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” she adds wryly.

While that situation was certainly stressful, Hess says one of the best things about the new competition is the opportunity it provides for umpires and officials to develop their skills and learn from each other. “It is great to land at a location and work with top umpires and officials from around the world. Having an experienced team that has a high level of trust makes it a lot easier to focus on your own responsibilities.”

One of the questions prior to the League’s launch was how officials would be able to balance their careers and family life with the travelling demands of the match schedule. It is something that concerns Hess as she says: “I’m looking forward to talking to others and hearing how everyone else does it because some days I feel it becomes all hockey.

“I’m fortunate to have a supportive family and some flexibility in my job. The rest comes down to getting ahead on as much work as possible in advance of travelling, because when you are at a Pro League weekend there is no time for distractions outside of the hockey.”

But, even as she acknowledges the teething problems of the new competition format, Hess pinpoints some of the factors that have made the FIH Pro League such a success in its early days.

“For me, it is what the fans bring to each match. The passion of Argentina’s spectators as they were cheering “Ole, Ole, Ole” when María José Granatto was recognised for her 100 caps. They were bouncing in the stands as their national anthem played before the match.

“And when USA played Netherlands on that chilly night, I was wondering how many future national team players were watching, inspired, from the stands.”

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



2019 Test Matches: MAS v IND (W) - 4th Test
Kuala Lumpur

10 Apr 2019     MAS v IND     0 - 1

FIH Match Centre



Lalremsiami strike sinks Malaysia 1-0


Vandana Katariya makes a pass during the match. Hockey India

The Indian women’s hockey team struck a late goal through teenager Lalremsiami to beat hosts Malaysia and take an unassailable lead in the five-match bilateral series here today. India won the first two matches 3-0 and 5-0 followed by a 4-4 draw.

The 19-year-old Lalremsiami’s sensational 55th-minute goal ensured that India secured their third win of the series. It was a hard-fought match with a defensive Malaysia giving their all to keep India at bay. Navneet Kaur set up a splendid goal for Lalremsiami who made a diving deflection to break the deadlock.

“We played very good third and fourth quarters, creating good scoring opportunities,” said India coach Sjoerd Marijne. “Winning is fine but what’s more important is that we play structured hockey. Tomorrow, I would like to see us play as we did in the last two quarters — showing good energy and making fewer mistakes,” he added.

The Tribune



Namibia take on Zambia in hockey series


Gillian Hermanus in action for Namibia against Australia at the Indoor World Cup in 2018.

NAMIBIA's senior women's hockey team will take on Zambia in a three-test series in Windhoek from 20 to 22 April.

The news was confirmed at the Namibia Sport Commission (NSC) on Wednesday where Standard Bank Namibia announced a sponsorship of N$52 500 for the series, to be known as the Standard Bank Namibia Women's Hockey Series.

The series will take place at the Davin Trustco Hockey Field at Windhoek High School, with the first two tests on Saturday, 20 April and Sunday, 21 April starting at 17h00, while the final test on Monday, 22 April will start at 09h00.

According to national coach Erwin Handura, the Zambia series will provide crucial preparation for the Olympic Games qualifiers that Namibia will compete in, in Valencia, Spain from 19 to 27 June.

“The test series against Zambia will be crucial for our preparations for the Olympic qualifiers, so we are really grateful to Standard Bank for their support,” he said.

Namibia should start as the favourites, although Zambia will provide strong opposition.

The two nations most recently met in December during the Open Series in Zimbabwe, where Namibia won the tournament after beating Zambia 3-0 and then Zimbabwe 1-0 in the final.

That result saw Namibia shooting up 18 places on the world rankings to 42nd overall, which puts them third in Africa behind South Africa (15th in the world) and Ghana (32nd).

Zambia follows 30 places below Namibia at 72nd in the world and ninth in Africa.

Handura, however, said they expected a tough series.

“Zambia have a young and upcoming team; they are very physical and fit and they have a strong local league with eight teams, so we can expect some tough competition. The last time we met at the Open Series we beat them, but they also beat Zimbabwe there, so we will not underestimate them,” he said.

Handura has already selected his squad, but it still needs to be approved by the NSC and will only be announced later.

It can be expected though that the experienced Maggy Mengo will captain the team, while other members who represented Namibia at the 2018 Indoor World Cup like Petro Stoffberg, Gillian Hermanus, Sunelle Ludwig and Kiana Cormack could also be in the team.

Besides them some new youngsters who competed at the 2018 Junior Olympic Games like Cele Wessels, Tara Myburgh, Danja Meyer and Kaela Schimming could also be selected.

In Valencia Namibia will come up against some of the world's top teams like Spain, Belarus, Italy, Canada, South Africa, Thailand and Wales.

The Namibian



English League Finals Preview: Holcombe v Buckingham


Holcombe v Buckingham

The first match of the Investec Women’s League Finals will see Holcombe and Buckingham go head to head at 15:30 on pitch 1 at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Holcombe topped the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division with 41 points, only losing three games over the course of the season, and finished 12 points clear of fourth placed Buckingham.

Finishing six points clear of fifth-placed Clifton Robinsons, Buckingham made a strong push to secure their place at the League Finals by winning four of their opening five games in the new year, defeating Surbiton (2-1), Clifton (1-0), Canterbury (6-2) and Beeston (2-1).

It’s less than a month since these sides last met, Holcombe coming out 2-0 winners in mid-March with Beth Bingham and Leah Wilkinson scoring either side of half-time to secure an away victory.



Holcombe have been in imperious form of late and have only lost one game in 2019. Their last five games have seen them defeat Slough (4-1), Buckingham, Clifton Robinsons (4-2) and Canterbury (1-0) and draw against Bowdon (1-1).

Having enjoyed a fairy-tale 2018, making it to League Finals in their first year back in the top tier, Buckingham have matched last season’s heroics with another appearance at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

After falling to a 3-0 defeat to eventual winners Surbiton at the semi-final stage last year, Buckingham will be looking for even more at the League Finals in this campaign.

Holcombe have come within touching distance of winning the League Finals but have twice fallen just short, being defeated by Surbiton in the final in consecutive years…will it be third time lucky for the team from Kent?



The squads:

Holcombe:

Rose Thomas, Candice Manuel, Joanne Westwood, Heather McEwan, Alice Wills, Emma Trunks, Sarah Jones, Sofia Viarengo, Dirkie Chamberlain, Philippa Lewis, Harriet Pittard, Olivia Wilde, Beth Bingham, Izzy Shelley, Steph Elliot, Leah Wilkinson, Hattie Jones, Laura Myers.

Top scorers – Leah Wilkinson (7), Dirkie Chamberlain (6), Sofia Viarengo Cervino (5), Joanne Westwood (4), Heather McEwan (3), Olivia Wilde, Steph Elliot, Candice Manuel & Emma Trunks (all 2), Beth Bingham (1).

Buckingham:

Ella Jackson, Zoe Shipperley, Kitty Higgins, Megan Williams, Phoebe Richards, Fiona Farley, Frankie Scott, Lottie Porter, Maddie Newlyn, Liz George, Alex Naughalty, Katrina Nicholson, Lauren Thomas, Natasha James, Steph Tirrell, Eloise Laity, Rebecca Van Arrowsmith, Karen Wildman, Millie Holme, Charlotte Yates.

Top scorers – Natasha James (10), Phoebe Richards (8), Lottie Porter (4), Madeleine Newlyn & Eloise Laity (3), Zoe Shipperley (2), Liz George, Lauren Thomas & Millie Holme (all 1).

England Hockey Board Media release



Beach hockey debut in 1st National Championship in Vargas state, Venezuela

FVH Press, Caracas


Beach Hockey, Venezuela Federacion Venezolana de Hockey

Last weekend the Venezuelan Hockey Federation held the I National Beach Hockey Championship, Vargas 2019. The event had 11 precise teams between the male and female of Barinas, Yaracuy, Trujillo, Aragua and the host team, Vargas states.

"The first beach hockey tournament with 6 states of the country was successfully completed (...) although little is heard, for us it is a great achievement, the goal of the FVH is to bring an international tournament where different countries can participate, being the Vargas state the host in our country.” The president of the Venezuelan Hockey Federation, Zuleika Seijas, highlighted.

Finally Seijas called on the entire sports family to follow the progress that will be made through the federation, to continue moving forward with beach hockey, field hockey and indoor hockey and finally thanked the entire team of the INCRET of the Vargas state for its collaboration in each activity and / or hockey training, likewise to the Venezuelan Olympic Committee that in one way or another provide support to the team.

Women Results

The first place was for the women of Vargas state (host) and the second was for the Yaracuy state, then the 3rd place was for Trujillo and the 4th place was for the Barinas state.

Men Results

In the case of men, the champion was Lara State (1st place), leaving Vargas in 2nd place, Yaracuy in 3rd place and Barinas State in 4th place.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



Nelson Mandela Bay, South African Hockey open astro turf field in Gelvandale

Gelvandale Astro Turf for hockey to benefit 38 local schools

Port Elizabeth - SPORT is one of the activities which brings about social cohesion and helps young people to accumulate skills. Consequently, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in partnership with SA Hockey on Friday officially opened Gelvandale Astro Turf for hockey.

The sporting field will benefit about 38 schools in and around the metro.

Councillor Sandra Fillis, a member of the portfolio committee for Sports Recreation, Arts and Culture in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, said the sporting ground will eradicate crime and gangsterism in the Nothern Areas.

“This is the way to keep children out of the street. A child in sports is a child out of court. This facility will encourage other young stars to take part in sports.

“If we have more facilities like this we can empower more children,” Cllr Fillis concluded.

Gelvandale hockey turf will create opportunities for talented local youth

SA Hockey President, Mr Deon Morgan believes that the sport field will be used as a platform to embrace the quota system in sport and also open opportunities for pupils to be able to compete on a national level.

“The impact is more for the kids to take value from the facility because here they can learn life skills and skills to be teachable, knowing when they can rely on their own abilities and what role the play in their team dynamic.

“The skills can also take outside of sport into their lifestyles, workplace or family so that they can participate into the nation building. This facility gives the opportunity to educate our kids, to educate themselves and to be better citizens within the community in the future,” Mr Morgan said.

R6 million was used to hire people, rebuild the field and also buy necessary equipment. 14 schools have been given equipment of the old turf to install into their schools and maintain their playing fields standard.

Meanwhile educators expressed their gratitude saying that they are pleased to have this facility, especially from the northern areas, as this is part of the early childhood development.

“The children are doing lots of skill development trainings and the exercises which take place here will improve their reading, concentration and social skills”, Clarissa Abrahams, Senior Education Specialist in Nelson Mandela Metro said.

RNews

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