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All the news for Friday 12 April 2019

2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - Weekend matches

13 Apr 2019 18:00 (GMT +2)     NED v ESP (RR)     HC Rotterdam, Rotterdam
13 Apr 2019 18:00 (GMT =3)     ARG v NZL (RR)     Estadio Mundialista, Rosario

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

FIH Match Centre

2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - Weekend matches

13 Apr 2019 15:30 (GMT - 3)    ARG v NZL (RR)     Estadio Mundialista, Rosario
14 Apr 2019 16:00 (GMT +2)     NED v USA (RR)     HC Rotterdam, Rotterdam

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

FIH Match Centre

FIH Pro League Scouting Report: USWNT vs The Netherlands



In anticipation of the U.S. Women's National Team's upcoming FIH Pro League match, here is a scouting report you’ll want to review before the starting whistle.

Game Day: Sunday, April 14, 2019

Time: 10:00 a.m. ET

Location: HC Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Live Stream: Don't miss a second of the FIH Pro League action and watch the USWNT take on The Netherlands this Sunday. The FIH has signed a four-year media rights agreement with Bleacher Report Live for the territories of Canada and the United States. Bleacher Report Live is operated by Turner Sports, a division of WarnerMedia. The platform, which is Turner’s live sports streaming service, will be the primary destination for all fans to watch FIH Pro League matches.

FIH Pro League single games are available paid per view for $2.99 per match or $19.99 for the FIH Pro League 2019 Season Pass (all matches). Click here for the FIH Pro League live stream landing page.

Opponent: The Netherlands

FIH World Ranking: 1

Head to Head: Coming into the second meeting between these two teams in the FIH Pro League, USA and The Netherlands previously met at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. in February. The No.1 team in the world came out strong in the opening half of USA’s first home game, scoring five consecutive goals and finishing with a 5-0 win.

Prior to the FIH Pro League getting underway, the Oranje played in a four-game test series against the USWNT at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. in January, 2018. Victorious in all contests, The Netherlands recorded an impressive 20 goals to USA's four for the sweep. The opening match saw The Netherlands score two goals in each half to disrupt USA’s play as they tried to generate positive attack, but the final score stood 4-0.

What You Need to Know: The Netherlands went into last year's Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup London 2018 as red hot favorites and completely justified that status, defending the title that they won in 2014 with a string of wonderful, record-breaking performances. Head Coach Alyson Annan, the legendary former Australia international and twice winner of FIH Player of the Year award, created a team very much in her own image: a perfect balance of outrageous talent, discipline and an unbreakable winning mentality. As well as being the world champions, they also became European champions in 2017 and claimed a victory at the Champions Trophy in Changzhou, China at the end of 2018.

The initial squad named by Annan for the FIH Pro League contains a glittering array of gifted individuals including Lidewij Welten, Evan De Goede and Xan de Waard, the trio of athletes who were all shortlisted for the 2018 FIH Player of the Year award. Welten, De Goede and De Waard are three of eight players named in the preliminary Dutch squad to have surpassed the 100 international appearances marker, while the group contains 16 of the 18 players who were pare of the title winning World Cup squad from 2018, not to mention numerous uncapped players who could well be the future superstars. The Dutch will, as ever, be the team to beat.

Recap of The Netherland's Previous Game: Across the border, The Netherlands women made their long awaited FIH Pro League home debut when the took on China, 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 7 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 3 minutes before the end of the third quarter before finally got 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.

The Netherlands' Roster: Click Here

USFHA media release

Tennant back in 18-strong squad for Germany FIH Pro League trip


Amy Tennant of the Great Britain women's team

Mark Hager has named an 18-strong squad for Great Britain's women's FIH Pro League game away to Germany.

The women's side travel to Moenchengladbach to play Germany on Wednesday 24 April at 6:30pm BST, just three days before their first home match against USA in London. This game will give players a last chance to make their mark before the FIH Pro League comes to the UK.

Goalkeeper Amy Tennant is back in the squad, with Nicki Cochrane missing out. Young Alex Malzer and Lizzie Neal are not included as the squad for European away games will be limited to 18 players.

Defender Giselle Ansley is set to win her 50th Great Britain cap. Wales are represented by Sarah Jones, while Amy Costello and Sarah Robertson represent Scotland.

Mark Hager, the women's head coach, said: “Germany away is an important game for us and one that we are very much looking forward to.

“We’ve had a good period getting to understand the Pro League and how best to manage it both on and off the pitch. We’ve had our long haul trips and now we’re into the European games which is very exciting.

“It’s not long now until we play our first game in London, the atmosphere will be great and we’re really enjoying the journey of this new league.”

Full squad:
Giselle Ansley (Surbiton) (ENG)
Grace Balsdon (Canterbury) (ENG)
Amy Costello (University of Birmingham) (SCO)
Emily Defroand (Surbiton) (ENG)
Sarah Evans (Surbiton) (ENG)
Sabbie Heesh (Surbiton) (ENG)
Tess Howard (Durham University) (ENG)
Jo Hunter (Surbiton) (ENG)
Sarah Jones (Holcombe) (WAL)
Hannah Martin (Surbiton) (ENG)
Lily Owsley (University of Birmingham) (ENG)
Hollie Pearne-Webb (Surbiton) (ENG)
Suzy Petty (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Ellie Rayer (East Grinstead) (ENG)
Sarah Robertson (Hampstead & Westminster) (SCO)
Amy Tennant (Reading) (ENG)
Anna Toman (Wimbledon) (ENG)
Laura Unsworth (East Grinstead) (ENG)

Germany and Great Britain are next to each other in the FIH Pro League table in sixth and seventh respectively, each with five points. Germany have played four games while GB have played five times. Most recently Mark Hager's team defeated USA before a loss in Argentina. Both teams will be aiming to move up the table and towards the top four places which ensure a place in the Grand Final and also a spot in the Olympic qualifiers later this year.

The game will be live on BT Sport.

Great Britain Hockey media release

Great Britain women aiming to climb table

By The Hockey Paper


Great Britain will be aiming to climb Pro League table PIC: World Sport Pics.

Great Britain and Germany face off on April 24 in Moenchengladbach with both sides battling to make the Pro League top four.

The two sides are next to each other in the FIH Pro League table in sixth and seventh respectively, with only the top four qualifying for the Grand Final and an Olympic berth later this summer.

For their first match on European soil, Mark Hager has named an 18-strong squad for the Germany game.

Goalkeeper Amy Tennant is back in the squad, with Nicki Cochrane missing out. Young Alex Malzer and Lizzie Neal are not included as the squad for European away games will be limited to 18 players.

Defender Giselle Ansley is set to win her 50th Great Britain cap, while Wales are represented by Sarah Jones, while Amy Costello and Sarah Robertson represent Scotland.

Great Britain’s home games begin three days later against USA at Lee Valley Hockey on April 27.

After nearly two years away, we are back 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.

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.
 
We’re back! Don’t miss out on your subscription-only print copy

The Hockey Paper

Black Sticks Men hoping that time on the road changes fortunes



Having had a disappointing first half of the Pro League, the men’s Vantage Black Sticks are hoping time on the road will bring a change in fortunes.

New Zealand’s two national teams play Argentina in Rosario on Saturday morning, the women’s clash starting at 6.30am NZT and the men to follow at 9am NZT.

But while the sixth-ranked women are sitting fifth and challenging hard for a place in the top four playoffs with a four-win, five loss record from their first nine games, the No 8-ranked men have found the going far tougher and sit bottom of the eight-team competition.

Apart from the eagerly-anticipated Anzac Day double header at North Harbour, both Black Sticks teams now have the away half of the competition to come.

But captain Blair Tarrant shares the view of the unavailable vice captain Arun Panchia that there is a possible upside ahead, if the squad are good enough to grab the chance.

The argument is that while it’s been terrific playing home internationals against the games’ best teams, with good crowds in attendance, being away from home offers the chance to hunker down and focus solely on the hockey without outside distractions.

‘’This is more like a tournament because we’ll be together away from home and can completely focus on our hockey,’’ Tarrant said. ‘’Maybe that will turn the tide.

‘’I really enjoyed the games back home, the top teams in the world coming to us. But obviously I didn’t enjoy the results.

‘’In the first couple of games we did reasonably well (a 4-3 loss to world No 3 the Netherlands, and a 4-4 draw with Belgium) but we’ve leaked a few goals and been a little inconsistent.

‘’We have been working hard on not giving opportunities to the opposition. We’ve been punished and that’s a good thing. You can’t be getting slack in club hockey and expect to do well in big tournaments.’’

The men’s Black Sticks will be without key senior players Hugo Inglis, Nic Woods, Nick Ross, Stephen Jenness and Panchia for tomorrow’s match but, as Tarrant pointed out, all other teams are rotating their squads.

The Black Sticks 2-1 loss to Argentina at North Harbour on March 10 hurt. It was arguably their poorest home performance but the up side is nine-year Black Sticks veteran Tarrant is confident they know what to expect from world No 4 Argentina.

‘’They’re going to be hard defensively, got some skilful strikers and they stick to their plan. It’s about us putting our game together and I think we can get a result.’’

There is a long game in play for the Black Sticks too, with Olympic qualifying coming up at the end of the year.

So while the inaugural Pro League is important, and there are key lessons to be absorbed, the Olympics in Tokyo next year loom large on the horizon.

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Hockey Belgium’s rise to top is simple: strong club network, coaching talent

By Todd Williams



As far as years go, 2007 wasn’t particularly significant in the international men’s game. With no Olympics or World Cup, the Champions Trophy in Kuala Lumpur was the major prize. Germany won their ninth title with a tight 1-0 win over Australia in the final.

That same year, the men’s Champions Challenge, the event introduced by the FIH in 2001 to broaden international competition and act as a qualifying tournament for the Champions Trophy, was held in Antwerp.

Argentina won that tournament. And those with a knowledge of more recent results will be able to tell you that the South Americans progressed to a World Cup bronze medal in 2014 and Olympic gold in Rio.

Tellingly, this isn’t the most noteworthy fact to come from that wee in Antwerp. One look at the bottom of the table and you’ll find Belgium in sixth and last place. Yes, Belgium, who won Rio silver and are now the current world champions, finished last in this second-tier event, even with home advantage.

So, what happened in those 12 years to take Belgium from outside the top 10 to world No 1?

As Australian great Ric Charlesworth says, “if you want a good team, then you need good players”. Follow that logic and the reality is that if you want your team to be the best in the world then you are going to need at least some of your team in the very top group of international players. The rest should be playing as close to that level as possible.

For some teams, reaching that level may last for just a single tournament, or for just the generation of a special group of players. It is only the very top teams; Germany, Australia and the Netherlands in the men and the Dutch and Argentina in the women’s game, that have proved their production of players is good enough to be able to regenerate their teams without dropping out of the top tier.

Now, as we look at the men’s game since Rio, the signs are that Germany may be struggling to keep pace while Argentina also seem to be at a critical moment. Inconsistent results post-Rio including a poor World Cup result suggest the previous two Olympic champions are battling the process of regeneration as older players leave and younger players come in.

In comparison, Belgium are going from strength to strength. From Rio, their momentum has continued up to and beyond their World Cup win. Successive appearances in hockey’s “Grand Slam” tournaments is one thing, but to do that while your team and players are still getting better is another level all together.

As the very wise former Australian high performance director and now Irish Olympic Chef de Mission, Trish Heberle, always says, “success leaves clues” and it’s those all-important players that provide the most obvious explanation of Belgium’s rise to the top ranking.

Those familiar with the wonderful Euro Hockey League will know that the rise of the Belgian men’s game has coincided with their clubs and domestic competition looking more and more like the previously unique level of their Dutch neighbours.



But this is far more than just an issue of clubhouses, pitches and wealthy members. Go back through the careers of all these players and you’ll find that they’ve been guided by quality coaches right from their junior days. Be it former top-level domestic players, foreign import players and even foreign coaches, the Belgian clubs have done a remarkable job in ensuring their younger players have received an extraordinarily high level of tuition.

The southern hemisphere has featured prominently. And there is a long list of international and top domestic players from Australia, NZ and Argentina who have handsomely repaid Belgian hockey and their clubs.

Similarly, at elite level, Belgium has led the way in being willing to look outside their borders for knowledge and expertise to take their teams and players forward. Senior coaches like Giles Bonet, Adam Commens, Colin Batch, Mark Lammers, Jerome Delmee and most recently, the All-Black like impressive triumvirate of Shane McLeod, Michel van den Heuvel and Craig Fulton have all played a part. Not just in getting Belgian clubs and the national team to where they are today, but also in providing the platform that ensures that they will be there tomorrow.

So what does this tell us? That foreign coaches are better than domestic ones? That clubs should be recruiting as many foreign internationals to their clubs and leagues as possible? Perhaps, though, it’s better just to focus on Charlesworth’s prophetic words about the importance of good players.

Whether they are from Brussels, Brisbane or Buenos Aries, the simple fact is that the Belgium’s rise to the top in 12 or so years is clear proof of the impact on players that top-level coaching throughout junior and senior ranks can have.

But that impact is entirely dependent on clubs at either end of the equation. Without strong clubs, you simply won’t have the players to work with. There wouldn’t be the investment and infrastructure that can develop and also attract the sort of coaching talent that is so important in developing players.

And, more importantly, providing the next generation. One reason why Belgium look set to remain a global force for a long time yet.

Todd’s column first appeared in our relaunched print newspaper last month

After nearly two years away, we are back 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.

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.
https://www.thehockeypaper.co.uk/subscriptions-2
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

FIH Hockey Pro League is ridiculous, says Kampong coach Alex Cox

By The Hockey Paper


Spain and Belgium played the inaugural Pro League opener in January PIC: FIH.live

There were Dutch fireworks in equal measure after a leading Hoofdklasse coach blasted the new Pro League for getting in the way of the domestic game.

As the Netherlands played its first Pro League home match last month in front of a capacity crowd in Rotterdam, so Kampong coach Alex Cox poured scorn on the global league.

Cox, who is also the Ireland men’s coach, said: “I think the Hockey Pro League and its layout are ridiculous. It is at the expense of the clubs and at the expense of the players.”

The Dutchman’s views came as the Hoofdklasse returned for the second half of the season and Cox having only two days to train with a full squad.

He blamed injuries, those Oranje who played in the Malaysian league in the four and a half months winter break and the Netherland’s Pro League campaign at home and abroad.

He added: “All arguments for which the Hockey Pro League has been established do not cut wood and I see no advantages of this competition. I hope that we will get rid of it very quickly.”

This story first appeared in our relaunched print newspaper last month

After nearly two years away, we are back 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.

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

No go for video referrals

By Jugjet Singh


MHC deputy president Datuk Dr S. Shamala

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) have rejected Malaysia's request to use video referrals for the FIH Series Finals at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on April 26-May 4.

And that has not gone down well with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC). The national body have filed an appeal.

The FIH sent a brief and sharp rejection through their competitions committee secretary Martyn Gallivan on Thursday.

"Following protracted discussions with the different host broadcasters in Malaysia, India, France, Ireland, Spain and Japan, it would not be possible to provide the appropriate television feeds in several of the tournaments.

"FIH have therefore decided that the video umpire will not be provided at any of the FIH Series Final," wrote Gallivan to the MHC.

MHC deputy president Datuk Dr S. Shamala said the national body have filed an appeal against the decision to the FIH.

“We feel that having video referrals will help umpires make better decisions in this pre-Olympic qualifier.

"We hope they will not penalise Malaysia for what the other countries can't provide. We have the facilities and we would like to use it in KL," said Shamala.

Malaysia are in Group B with China, Brazil and Italy while Canada, Austria, Wales and Belarus make up Group A.

The tournament serves as a pre-Olympic qualifier for the final qualifying round in November where seven out of 14 teams will make the cut to Tokyo next year.

The national women’s team will play their pre-qualifier in Dublin on June 8-16. They are drawn in Group A with Ireland, Singapore and the Czech Republic while Group B comprises South Korea, Scotland, Ukraine and France.

New Straits Times

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

4 Apr 2019     MAS v IND     0 - 3
6 Apr 2019     MAS v IND     0 - 5
8 Apr 2019     MAS v IND     4 - 4
10 Apr 2019     MAS v IND     0 - 1
11 Apr 2019     MAS v IND     0 - 1

FIH Match Centre

Girls beat Malaysia, win series 4-0


Navjot Kaur celebrates after scoring a goal against Malaysia. PTI

The Indian women’s hockey team beat Malaysia by a solitary goal to complete a 4-0 win in the five-match bilateral series.

It was Navjot Kaur’s fine field goal in the 35th minute and a good defensive display that helped India win. India did well to create scoring opportunities with substantial circle entries but could not convert enough chances. “We need to work on converting goals,” stated Indian team chief coach Sjoerd Marijne who was not very pleased with the margin of victory in the final game. “I am happy with the number of times we entered the opponent’s circle. We created enough opportunities with the shots and penalty conversions but we have to keep working on converting in small space,” he said.

Speaking about the tour which saw India win 3-0, 5-0, draw 4-4 and win the last two matches 1-0, respectively, Marijne said, “This tour gave us more insight on how to play against a very defensive team like Malaysia. Also, it was good that some of our young players experienced what it takes at an international level. This will help us to create depth in the squad.”

The Tribune

Stats Speak: Indian ladies never lost to Malaysia in their history

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

Indian women have won the 5 match series versus Malaysia by 4-0 match, 3rd test was drawn (4-4). It was 2nd series versus Malaysia. In 2014 India have clean sweep, as they won all 6 test matches. Striker Rani Rampal and penalty Corner expert Gurjit Kaur were not in squad due to injury. Thus Indians fails to capitalize penalty corners on Malaysian soil in this series.

 So far Indian eves had played 57 bilateral series and won 23 against 26 countries. To play in Olympics 2020 qualifiers India   have to finish in top two of 8 teams Hockey Series Finals scheduled to be held in Hiroshima from June 15, 2019. Hosts Japan, Chile, Poland, Uruguay, Russia, Mexico and Fiji will be others teams.

Statistical highlights of India-Malaysia (women) are:-

 Fieldhockey.com

National women’s hockey team declared unfit ahead of World Series

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: The national women hockey players have been declared unfit just two months before the World Series in Dublin from June 8-16.

Their poor condition was evident during the team’s five Test matches against India’s national team at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil recently.

They lost four times (3-0, 5-0, 1-0 and 1-0) and drew once (4-4).

An unhappy coach K. Dharmaraj said his players were unfit and some of them have gained weight after a long lay-off.

“The girls stopped training after the Asian Games in Jakarta last August and only started training after the National Women’s League last month,” said Dharmaraj.

“Experienced players like Fazilla (Sylvester Silin) and captain Siti Noor Amarina (Ruhani) have put on weight and failed to play well.

“Goalkeeper Farah Ayuni (Yahya), who played in the England League for East Grindstead club last month, is not in good shape too.

“India are a strong team with skilful players.

“My players could not last the pace in the third and fourth quarters.

“Besides fitness, we also need to improve on team work and penalty corner set-pieces.

“I have two months to get them back in shape for the World Series,” added Dharmaraj.

The World Series is the qualifying tournament for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Malaysia are drawn in Group A with the Czech Republic, Singapore and hosts Ireland in the eight-team fray.

South Korea, Scotland, Ukraine and France are drawn in Group B.

The girls will leave for Europe on May 24 to play two matches against Italy and two against Spain as part of their preparation for the World Series.

The Star of Malaysia

Why Indian hockey is like a black hole for coaches

Sundeep Misra


A file image of Graham Reid. AFP

It’s far-fetched, yet close enough: Indian hockey is rather like a black hole, especially for coaches. With eight Olympic gold medals, wrists that turn like a turbine wind-mill and skills that spell magic, it mystifies, entices and tantalises from afar. Like a black hole, it is also dense, the point of no return, and yet some of the world’s best coaches can’t resist or escape the gravitational pull of it.

Australia’s Graham Reid is the latest to be pulled in. After his appointment as the chief coach of India’s men’s hockey team, he said, “Every coach secretly desires to coach India”, and he was right, going by history.

Since the 1980 Moscow Olympics, which was the last time India won an Olympic gold for hockey, our team has changed 34 coaches— including interim coaches of the likes of Pargat Singh, Mir Ranjan Negi, AK Bansal — according to hockey statistician BG Joshi. But the interesting bit is that if you include coaches who returned for another go at the job, it’s a stupendous 51 times. Topping the list of coaches coming back to sit on the hot seat again are Balkishen Singh and Harendra Singh, at four times each.

Why do coaches get sucked in, year after year, ploughing through failure, humiliation, sackings and the ignominy of it all, especially foreign ones who have other options? Former Indian coach Vasudevan Bhaskaran, the last Indian captain to have won an Olympic gold puts it down to a high salary and low accountability for foreign coaches. “They just come and go,” he says. “Yes, coaches like Terry Walsh should never have been sacked. But there are others who should never have stepped foot in India.”

Bhaskaran believes Reid can do a good job. “On the face of it, he is coming in from a position in the Dutch team so understands it. But the crucial bit is, does he understand what is happening in Indian hockey, and who will tell him?”

The former Indian captain’s argument is that in the entire coaching structure, there is no Indian. “Shivendra Singh is too low down the order to rock the boat. So why couldn’t they bring in Harendra who knows and understands the Indian players? You can keep (assistant coach) Chris Ciriello with no international coaching experience but not an eight-year experienced International Hockey Federation-certified coach (Harendra) with Graham Reid?”

A former Indian captain, who didn’t want to be named, said the reason many foreign coaches make India their destination comes down to three factors: high pay, not much attention or fame in their own country, and the potential to rewrite history if they achieved something with the Indian team.

For Bhaskaran, however, it is unlikely that anything extraordinary will be achieved. “If we keep things constant and remain around fifth and sixth, that would be an achievement.” His reasoning is that in a team where players keep changing from tournament to tournament, it is difficult to have consistency.

“You played a World Cup with Hardik Singh who was completely at sea and dropped Vivek Prasad? And you dropped Rupinder Pal Singh when he wasn’t injured? If he wasn’t good enough for the World Cup, then don’t pick him any longer. And will the management structure sitting in Hockey India explain how Varun Kumar is better than Rupinder Pal?”

Bhaskaran’s advice to Reid is not to take the qualifiers lightly and to learn from the mistakes of his predecessors. “In fact, he (Reid) should speak to Terry—he’ll get the best advice.”
Bhaskaran wants Reid to take the help of Indian greats such as Ajit Pal Singh.

“Ask Ajit Pal Singh to speak to the midfielders. That man has won a World Cup. Agreed, the game is faster but opening up space and skill is the same. Even Ric (Charlesworth, Australian player and coach) says Ajit Pal is the best he has seen.”

With the previous foreign coaches, winning percentages have never crossed 50 per cent in major certified tournaments outside of the Azlan Shah Cup. Under coach Roelant Oltmans, India played 43 matches, winning 20, drawing seven and losing 16. Under Michael Nobbs, India played 30, winning 10, drawing seven and losing 13. With Brasa it was 18 matches, with nine wins, two draws and seven losses, and under Terry Walsh India played 24 matches with 11 wins, three draws and 10 losses.

Under Bhaskaran, India played 38 matches with 16 victories, six draws and 16 losses.

The results have never been extraordinary under any foreign coach. But neither has there been any consistency in terms of giving any coach — Indian or foreign — enough time. Bhaskaran doesn’t believe things will change. “What if we don’t qualify for Tokyo? Will we look for another coach? Till when will this ridiculous, bizarre dance happen?”

Bhaskaran still has hope that things might change under Reid, and has some advice for him. “He has to look beyond Bangalore. Sometimes I feel that inside the SAI (Sports Authority of India) centre they are creating some world-beating formula. Reid needs to travel with the team domestically and play matches. Let the fans also see the progress.”

A few days ago, when the first pictures of a black hole were published, Avery Broderick, a physicist at the University of Waterloo, speaking to an audience in Washington D.C, said: “We know there must be something more. Black holes are one of the places to look for answers.”

Graham Reid better find some fast.

Firstpost

Awesome challenge awaits for Reid-Ross and AH&BC Amsterdam


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

AH&BC Amsterdam’s Justin Reid-Ross says his side are ready for the “awesome challenges” ahead in the closing weeks of the season as the club look forward to their EHL KO16 date with Scotland’s Grove Menzieshill.

It has been an interesting time for the Dutch giants as with Graham Reid stepping down as head coach en route to the top job with India’s men.

His assistant Jan Jorn van ’t Land has taken on the role on an interim basis until the end of the season. He came in with the side at a low ebb, losing 8-2 to HGC, but they have since bounced back to win 10 points out of their last 12, snatching a late draw with Kampong on that run.

As such, South African drag-flicking expert Reid-Ross says the side is hitting their stride at the right time.

“We had a tough period just after the long winter break with a number of factors playing a role,” Reid-Ross told the EHL website. “With that said, our results over the last few weeks show that we have been getting back into our groove and the whole team is buzzing in anticipation for the next few weeks. There are some awesome challenges for us to take on heading into the business end of this season.

“Jan Jorn brings a fantastic combination of coaching pedigree, playing experience at the highest level and heaps of enthusiasm.

“He's encouraging us to play the classic brand of fast-paced, technical, Amsterdam hockey. He connects well with the young players, as well as with the more experienced group and I think it helped us that he was already an integral part of our coaching staff before taking over this new role, so the transition was quite smooth.”

The Dutch giants go into the tie as big favourites against the Scottish champions, a side making their debut in the EHL. As such, he knows the enthusiasm they will face and his Amsterdam side will be wary of what they will bring to the table.

“We'll do all the homework we can do ahead of the game, and naturally, we approach any team we come up against with respect. I think our approach will be to play to our strengths and to come out firing from the first whistle.”

For his own part, he cannot wait to get back into action in the world’s best club competition having previously picked up a silver medal in 2016.

“I'm beyond excited to be back participating in the EHL with Amsterdam. I think that every team that has a chance to play in this competition really looks forward to the challenge of playing against the best club sides on the continent and competing against some of the world's best players.

“I always enjoy catching up with friends from other clubs during the event, but most of all I love the vibe and excitement around the games.

“There are certainly fond memories of our fantastic run in the 2015/16 competition, but we went to Barcelona to win so there will always be a lingering disappointment of not having achieved that as a team. We're heading to Eindhoven looking to change that!

“The atmosphere down in Eindhoven for EHL is always great. The club and local organisers really go the extra mile to make sure the teams, spectators and officials are all treated to a spectacle.”

Euro Hockey League media release

Mannheim expecting unpredictable battle from Russian champions Dinamo Kazan


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Danny Nguyen Luong is expecting an unpredictable battle against Dinamo Kazan when Mannheimer HC take on the reigning Russian champions in the EHL KO16.

Having joined Mannheim 22 years ago, he would like nothing more to push for medals in the EHL with his home club.

“I started to play hockey at the age of 6 when friends took me to the Mannheimer Hockey Club,” the 28-year-old Nguyen Luong told the EHL website.

“For this reason, I was raised by the club and it is definitely a kind of family for me. All the key moments in my career and all the tough setbacks I have had here helped me to get to this level.”

It will be Mannheim’s third successive season in the EHL and they will be hoping to make a breakthrough. Two years ago in Eindhoven, they reached the KO8 but were undone by Wimbledon in a shoot-out.

The same method knocked them out last year in Rotterdam as the home club produced a big comeback in the last 10 minutes to earn a draw and then win the shoot-out.

As such, there is a sense of unfinished business for the club and their impressive line-up of players. They certainly have plenty of weapons with Nguyen Luong motoring in midfield, Gonzalo Peillat offering one of the best penalty corner options in the world while Lucas Vila is another icon up front.

Philipp Huber and Teo Hinrichs are two more current German internationals while Canadian Gabriel Ho-Garcia has switched this season from Uhlenhorst Mulheim.

They come into the EHL in mixed form with three draws and one loss since the end of the winter break but they remain in one of the playoff places.

“Currently, results are not quite what we were expected. However, the team spirit is still on the right track and we are playing some really strong and dynamic hockey at the moment. We will try to keep our flow by improving our strengths. All in all, I feel we are in a really good shape for the EHL.”

On Sunday, they will play Dusseldorfer HC in their last German league before the KO16. Having five games in advance of the EHL, though, is a rare bonus for German clubs who have sometimes struggled through lack of match practice.

“I definitely think that this will help us to reach our best perormance in the KO phase of the EHL. In the preparation and the competition towards the EHL, it was all about to focus on us and to try develop as a team.”

They will certainly have that benefit over their Russian opponents who have yet to start their 2019 season, their last outdoor match happening in October when they won their national league.

The two clubs meet in the opening game of the EHL KO16 at 12.45 (CET) in Eindhoven in what could be a potentially tricky tie for the German club.

While Kazan have never reached the KO8, they beat Rot-Weiss Koln in a classification match a year ago in Rotterdam, showing they are a side who can cause problems.

In ROUND1, it took Mannheim until the second half to cut loose against Dinamo Elektrostal, transforming a 1-1 half-time score into an eventual 7-2 win.

“The Russian teams are always a kind of unpredictable,” the 28-year-old Nguyen Luong told the EHL website. “Their style of playing hockey differs to the german style which is definitely one of their strengths and this makes it difficult to assess them.”

Euro Hockey League media release

SA U21 IPT | WP Pens the stars of day 2


Photo - Sean Burke

The Western Province Pens produced the display of the tournament so far, overcoming a lightning break, to produce a 1-0 win against their A side in a classic battle in the women’s tournament. Ernelene Botha was the match winner for the Pens in this classic underdog tale. This after they started the day with a 3-0 win against Mpumalanga. Carienke Jacobs continued her fine form with two of the goals.  

North West and Southern Gauteng refused to be separated in their own titanic tussle for Pool A supremacy, Kaylee Hardwood netted early before the impressive Clarise Smit levelled and then took advantage for North West. But Tsoanelo Pholo’s team refused to accept defeat and regained parity through a late Tamlyn Kock goal. 2-2 is how it ended.

Elsewhere it was big wins for Free State over Northern Daisies (6-2), Northern Blues over Eastern Province (6-0), North West over Free State (6-0) and KZN Raiders over Mpumalanga (7-0).

After two days it’s the Northern Blues, WP Pens, Southern Gauteng, KZN Raiders and North West putting their hands up highest.

In the men’s tournament the hosts, the Southern Gauteng Lions raised their voice the loudest when they put 5 past the KZN Raiders. It was once again a superb display by Spencer Botes and his team leaving Miguel da Graca a very happy coach.

Sihle Nutli was also a very happy coach as Brad Sherwood starred for his side in a smashing 5-0 win against the Wits side. It was also a superb defensive display by the defending champions. Witsies themselves kept their tournament hopes alive with a thrilling 4-3 win over Eastern Province, after being level at 2-2 at the end of the third quarter.

EP did get their own back somewhat with a 2-1 win over the Daisies in the late game of Day 2, while WP completed a spanking of Northern Cape with an 8-0 win.

SA U21 IPT – Results Day 2

Women’s Pool A

WP Peninsula 3-0 Mpumalanga
Western Province 0-1 WP Peninsula
KZN Raiders 7-0 Mpumalanga

Women’s Pool B

North West 2-2 Southern Gauteng
Free State 6-2 Northern Daisies
Northern Blues 6-0 Eastern Province
North West 6-0 Free State

Men’s Pool A

SG Witsies 4-3 Eastern Province
Northern Blues 5-0 SG Witsies
Northern Daisies 1-2 Eastern Province

Men’s Pool B

Southern Gauteng 3-1 North West
KZN Raiders 5-1 Mpumalanga
Western Province 8-0 Northern Cape
Southern Gauteng 5-0 KZN Raiders

SA Hockey Association media release

SA U21 IPT | Three teams maintain a perfect record
 

Photo – Sean Burke

Just three days into the 2019 South African Hockey U21 IPT, only 3 teams still look back with a perfect record so far. That means there is all to play for in Day 4 as the playoffs will be finalised. The Perfect three so far are the Northern Blues and the Southern Gauteng in the Mens tournament and KZN Raiders in the Womens tournament.

The Northern Blues confirmed their status as favourites as they added their 3rd win from 3 with a 4-1 win over Eastern Province. The win also secured them a semi-final spot. Although they trailed to an early goal by Laython Coombs, the Blues won thanks to goals from Brad Sherwood, Nicholas Pio and a brace from Guy Morgan.

Southern Gautengs men made it a perfect four themselves when they defeated Mpumalanga 4-0. The result took them to 19 goals scored having only conceded one and they look a tough team to beat on the home turf. Brad Riley, Chris Makaba, Che February and of course Spencer Botes were the goal scorers for the hosts.

The only team in the ladies section with a 100% record is the Tegan Fourie – led KZN Raiders. They made it 3 out of 3 with a brutally effective display in defeating Wits 4-0. Courtney Slaney, Kerryn Swanepoel and 2 from Hannah Shirley got on the score sheet to see the Durban side home.

In the women’s tournament its neck and neck in Pool B where the Northern Blues, Southern Gauteng and North West are fighting over the top 2 spots, while in Pool A the remarkable bvictory on day 2 by Pens over Western Province means they look likely to steal second place behind the Raiders.

In the Men’s tournament Western Province must just avoid a heavy defeat to the hosts and the ywill join them in the semi-finals, while Pens, Daisies and Wits are all still in with a shout of second in the other pool.

The questions of who will qualify for the semi-finals and who will make the most of their opportunities will be decided in the next 24 hours at Randburg Astro! We cant wait!

SA U21 IPT – Results Day 3

Women’s Pool A

Western Province 9-3 Mpumalanga
KZN Raiders 4-0 SG Witsies

Women’s Pool B

Northern Blues 3-0 Northern Daisies
Southern Gauteng 3-1 Eastern Province
North West 0-0 Northern Daisies
Free State 1-2 Eastern Province
Northern Blues 1-1 Southern Gauteng

Men’s Pool A

Northern Blues 4-1 Eastern Province
Northern Daisies 1-1 WP Peninsula

Men’s Pool B

Western Province 6-0 Mpumalanga
North West 4-0 Northern Cape
Western Province 3-1 North West
Southern Gauteng 4-0 Mpumalanga
KZN Raiders 4-2 Northern Cape

SA Hockey Association media release

English League Finals Preview: Hampstead & Westminster v Beeston


Hampstead & Westminster v Beeston

Hampstead & Westminster and Beeston go head to head at 13:15 on pitch 1 at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Saturday in the Men’s League Finals.

Hampstead & Westminster:

Having suffered heartbreak at the hands of Surbiton with a shootout defeat in last season’s final, Hampstead & Westminster will be hoping to go one better and lift the trophy at this year’s League Finals.

Despite finishing second in the league, it’s been a very strong season for Hampstead & Westminster who have recorded 13 wins and just three losses.

Level on points with Surbiton for much of the campaign, Hampstead & Westminster fell adrift with consecutive defeats in mid-March ending their hopes of topping the league table.

Matt Guise-Brown and Rupert Shipperley have been clinical in-front of goal through the year, however it’s the defence where Hampstead & Westminster have excelled, having conceded a league low of 21 goals.

Hampstead & Westminster were devastating from penalty corners through the season, scoring a league high of 17, and will look to utilise this strength to their advantage at the League Finals.



Beeston

After being defeated by eventual winner’s Surbiton at the semi-final stage of last year’s League Finals, Beeston will be looking to win their first Premier Division title since 2013/14.

It’s been an up and down season for The Bees who started very brightly with four wins from their opening five matches, however, only three wins from their final eight games saw them fall down to third in the table.

These two sides recently faced each-other on March 10 with Beeston claiming a valuable 1-0 victory thanks to an Adam Dixon strike to end Hampstead & Westminster’s run of five consecutive victories.

Only Surbiton have scored more than Beeston’s 29 field goals as the side showed their threat from open play, an area they'll be looking to use to make an impact at this year’s League Finals.



The squads:

Hampstead & Westminster:

Toby Reynolds-Cotterill, Steve Kelly, Jonny Gooch, Richard Smith, James Oates, Marc Edwards, Toby Roche, Chris Cargo, Rupert Shipperley, Paul Melkert, Sam French, Matthew Guise-Brown, Harry Martin, Kwan Browne, Josh Kelly, Wall Calnan, Rhodri Furlong, Lekan Ogunlana, Joe Crame, Kyle White, Kei Kaeppeler, James Chaffey.

Top scorers:  Matt Guise-Brown (13), Rupert Shipperley (8), Sam French & Chris Cargo (4), Josh Kelly & Richard Smith (3) Jonny Gooch & Toby Roche (2), Anton Pohling, James Chaffey, James Oates, Steve Kelly, Rhodri Furlong, Will Calnan, Paul Melkert & Kei Kaeppeler (all 1).

Beeston:

Simon Hujwan, Jack Tranter, Ollie Willars, Kyle Marshall, Robbie Gleeson, Gareth Griffiths, Joe Sharp, Mark Gleghorne, Nick Park, Elliot Hibell, James Sutcliffe, Adam Dixon, Quentin Lemaire, Stephen Lawrence, Richard Lawrence, Lucas Ward, Chris Proctor, Alex Blumfield, Joe Waterston, Henry Croft, Toby Stanley.

Top scorers: Chris Proctor & Elliot Hibell (8), Gareth Griffiths & Mark Gleghorne (5), Nick Park (4), Richard Lawrence (3), Henry Croft & Joe Sharp (2), Lucas Ward, Robbie Gleeson, Adam Dixon & Alex Blumfield (all 1)

England Hockey Board Media release

Galvanised Hockey to live stream League Finals



This weekend's League Finals will be streamed live by Galvanised Hockey.

This showpiece event is the culmination of our elite domestic league season, with champions crowned in both the Investec Women's Hockey League and Men's Hockey League.
 
You can follow Saturday's four semi-finals, and both of Sunday's finals on Galvanised Hockey's Facebook and YouTube channels as they showcase the sport's very best players and teams.
 
Saturday 13 April
11:00 - Surbiton v East Grinstead MHL Semi-Final 1 (1st v 4th)
13:15 - Hampstead & Westminster v Beeston MHL Semi-Final 2 (2nd v 3rd)
15:30 - Holcombe v Buckingham IWHL Semi-Final 1 (1st v 4th)
17:45 - Surbiton v East Grinstead IWHL Semi-Final 2 (2nd v 3rd)
 
Sunday 14 April
13:45 - MHL Final
16:00 - IWHL Final
 
If you'd like to be there in person, 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. Click HERE to get your tickets.

England Hockey Board Media release

Bulawayo hockey teams assemble for invitational tourney

Mandla Moyo

In preparation for an upcoming tour to South Africa, hockey teams drawn from around Bulawayo have assembled at the Kumalo Hockey Stadium for a two-day invitational tournament being hosted by the Matabeleland Hockey Board (MHB).

Among the schools and clubs taking part in the event are Falcon College, National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Midlands State University, Hippo, Petra, Ivys, Christian Brothers’ College (CBC), Bulawayo Hockey Club and Girls College.

According to MHB media officer, Jerry Sullivan, the invitational tournament is meant to give participating teams some practice before embarking on their South African tour.

“The aim of the tournament initially was to give practice matches of the highest standard to schools that are interested in going on a tour of South Africa. So the board decided to bring in teams from universities and other players from some clubs to up the standards so that the players are prepared when they get to South Africa. It also provides good pre-season training for the national squad,” said Sullivan.

“As it stands, we now have two national teams; one in each group, to give stronger competition to the youngsters. It might be one-sided in some cases, but that is the only way the young players can get there in terms of learning.”

The teams of both men and ladies have been divided into pools and will use pitches A and B for the tournament.

There are eight men’s teams, with Zima men (Red), MSU, Falcon and Petra in pool A, while Zima men (Green), Hippo, CBC and BHC are in pool B.

The ladies’ category consists of Ivys, Girls College, Petra, BHC and Girls College 2 pooled together.

The tournament is being played in a round robin format and the top two teams in each pool will face each other, while the bottom sides will also face off for the classification stage.

The awards ceremony will be held at the venue on Saturday evening.

The Chronicle