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All the news for Saturday 13 April 2019

Youthful USWNT Learning on the Fly in New FIH Pro League

By Corey Knapp



In the opening game of a new league, playing far away from home against one of the best players and teams in the world, a 17-year-old stole the show. Forward Mackenzie Allessie corralled a rebound, calmly made a move in front of goal, and put the ball in the back of the net, lifting Team USA ahead of Argentina in the teams’ debut in the new FIH Women’s Pro League.

“So exciting, I mean it was just a dream come true,” Allessie, now 18, says of that first goal.

It was that moment, as well as the remainder of that first game — Team USA scored again to go up 2-0 before world No. 4-ranked Argentina scored twice in the fourth quarter and won in a shootout — which has encapsulated the Americans’ journey so far in this international league. Team USA has loads of young talent on its roster, but the other nations have the talent and the experience — Delfina Merino, the Argentine captain who scored the late equalizer, has more international appearances than most of Team USA combined — that knows exactly how to get a result when needed.

The FIH Pro League, which has both a women’s and men’s division, is unique in a sport that has been defined internationally by tournament play. The women’s league features nine of the top-13 teams in the world and takes place over six months from January to June. Every team plays each other home and away, for a total of 16 games, and the top four teams in the standings advance to the Grand Final playoffs, which crowns a league champion. The biggest payoff, however, is those top-four teams all earn direct placement into qualifying events for the 2020 Olympic Games in Beijing.

"It’s really valuable that we’re playing consistent, international matches over the course of six months," says U.S. team captain Kathleen Sharkey, whose 156 caps are by far the most on the team but still more than 100 behind Argentina’s Merino. "It’s hard to replicate that intensity in just a test match. We’re growing and improving with each of these games since we are learning so much, so I think we’re just trying to play to our potential each game."

After Wednesday's last-minute 2-1 loss at Belgium, Team USA returns to the pitch away to Netherlands this Sunday (10 a.m. ET, Watch on B/R Live). These teams played in the league once already in America in February, a 5-0 masterclass delivered by the top-ranked team in the world, another glimpse of the work the young American team has to do but also a level and example for which to strive. After all, the coach of the American squad is Janneke Schopman, who won an Olympic Gold Medal and world championship as a player with the Dutch team.

Aside from that first Netherlands matchup, Team USA has been in every game, losing closely and earning two draws in addition to its shootout win. As they chase their first regulation win, there’s a balancing act between wanting results now and finding positives to give the young players confidence moving forward.

"We do have young girls, but they’re so skilled and so athletic and they can take on anyone in international hockey," Sharkey says. "So I think just making sure that they actually believe that and they’re showing that on the field."

To fully understand just how youthful this team is, a glimpse at their collective birthdates will do the trick: All but one player on the Team USA roster were born in the 1990s. The exception is the aforementioned Allessie, who was born in 2001. Danielle Grega, the team’s leading scorer in FIH Women’s Pro League play with 3 goals, is 22 years old and has 8 caps. Midfield standout Erin Matson just turned 19 and already has 48 caps. Striker Margaux Paolino, who has broken out in her 15 appearances, is 21.

"I like the speed of the game (internationally)," Matson says.

"I would say different just intensity wise," Paolino adds. "Competitiveness is definitely a little higher."

It’s an even bigger jump for Allessie, who will play collegiately at Ohio State but is literally going from high school competition to playing against the best players in the world, whom she’s studying on film along with her teammates in order to continue to develop her game.

"So much different, so much faster," she says. "But honestly the team’s so great. They’re like a family to me already. They’re great role models. I can look up to every single one of them and trust them, and they are really supportive."

Their drive and youth is evident everywhere. After the shootout win against Belgium, Matson and Paolino reviewed their penalty shots — Paolino scored, Matson did not — and then jumped into trash talk about March Madness. Both play significant minutes at the international level while also starring at prominent college field hockey programs, North Carolina and Duke, respectively. A score update revealed Matson’s Tar Heels were down by 15, which drew a laugh from Paolino, who had plenty of confidence her Blue Devils would win later that night (they did, barely).

"Like we know we’re kidding … kind of," Matson says about their rivalry discussions.

"But there’s some competitiveness deep down," Paolino confirms.

It’s that juxtaposition — young and inexperienced at this level but competitive about everything — that points to such a bright outlook for Team USA.

Another key to that future is the home facility where the team plays and trains. Spooky Nook Sports in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, "the home of hockey," is the largest indoor sports complex in the United States and serves as the U.S. Women’s National Team’s home base in a deal that runs through 2022. The 700,000 square-foot facility features multiple turf practice fields and courts, weight training and fitness rooms, a hotel and restaurant, a domed practice pitch, and a 2,000-capacity outdoor stadium.

Spooky Nook sits in the middle of the nation’s field hockey hotbed, evidenced by the fact that 11 of the 25 players on the U.S. roster are from Pennsylvania. On a cold weekend at the end of March, two nearly sellout crowds watched Team USA’s shootout victory over Belgium on Friday and 3-1 loss to Great Britain on Sunday in the team’s first two league games at the complex. The players noted the energy they felt throughout the matches. FIH specifically wanted every game of its season to be played at a country’s home stadium, no neutral sites, for that reason exactly.

"Especially the atmosphere and the energy, it’s so exciting to come to a pitch and facility like this where everyone’s supporting and there’s so much going on,” Paolino says. "It just makes it 10 times more exciting."

#FIHProLeague

USFHA media release

Kerry: Why I'm watching every game in the FIHPL


Danny Kerry, Great Britain's men's head coach

Men's head coach Danny Kerry admits he's delighted to be watching more hockey than ever in the FIH Pro League - although he joked that his wife isn't quite so sure!

The FIH Pro League in 2019 sees 128 games take place across the globe, with 15 teams doing battle in the biggest hockey league the world has ever seen.

Thanks to BT Sport, Danny has been able to follow the game around the globe and said, "I have watched all of the matches and I’ve been following our women’s team as well, so I’ve been watching even more hockey, much to the dismay of my wife!

"It’s been fascinating being the Head Coach of a programme, you know all of the decisions that have to be made about how much you’ll be developing your side, versus fielding what may be perceived as your out-and-out team.

"With FIH Pro League being linked to world ranking points, then being linked to Olympic qualification, teams have got to strike an important balance of getting the points they need whilst also continuing to grow and develop because if they don’t they will slowly but surely be overtaken. Getting the balance right is a big challenge as a Head Coach."

The next squad Danny picks is for the away game in Germany on Sun 28 April, and when asked about the variables he takes into account when selecting a squad, he said, "You look at athletes who have performed in the training block and who have performed in the matches prior.

"You’re really trying to look around meritocracy of level of performance and training level of performance previously, that’s one factor. There’s then a factor about exploring your style of play and which players may allow you to grow that well.

"Equally, exploring players that may bring a different direction of growth to your team, and then also half an eye on Olympic qualification and the Euros in the summer. No one ever takes Olympic qualification for granted, but should you qualify you’re looking at rates of progression of players and accumulation of experience in those players. Then when you get to select for things like the Olympic Games you’re selecting with confidence that you’ve exposed them enough that you understand what they can consistently deliver. There are multiple variables.

"Another is combinations of players and how they work together under the pressure of a live international match, there’s also consideration for the opposition themselves and what type of opportunity that may present.

"We’ve travelled long-haul so far so some of our younger athletes may not have had that experience so let’s expose them whilst having enough core athletes who are going to keep the ship steady and solid, there are a lot of variables."

Next up Britain are away to Germany, before their first home match in London on Saturday 4 May against Spain. With this type of dynamic hockey, it's bound to be an exciting occasion at Lee Valley Hockey and Teniis Centre.

Great Britain Hockey media release

2019 Test Matches KOR v CHI (W)
Jinchun

8 Apr 2019     KOR v CHI     0 - 0
9 Apr 2019     KOR v CHI     1 - 1
11 Apr 2019     KOR v CHI     3 - 0
13 Apr 2019     KOR v CHI     1 - 0

FIH Match Centre

SA U21 IPT | Top Four secure their spots in the Semi-Finals


Photo – Sean Burke

On day four of the South African Hockey U21 IPT, Four sides secured their spots in the Semi-Finals. Here they are and their routes to the final:

SA U21 IPT – Women’s Section

KZN Raiders

They are the only team with a 100% record from the Pool stages. Coach Brinsley Powell has enjoyed some good success in his first tournament with the KZN side. Made it four out of four with a comfortable 3-1 win against Western Province. Hannah Shirley has been instrumental with 6 goals while skipper Tegan Fourie continues to lead from the front.

WP Peninsula

The underdogs of the tournament who largely secured their place with a 1-0 win over Western Province on day 2. They secured their spot in the top 4 with a 2-0 win against Witsies. Incredibly they have not conceded since the opening game showing the focus that Justin Grundlingh has put on defence.

Southern Gauteng

Tsoanelo Pholo’s side snatched top spot from North West in the most dramatic style when they beat Free State 6-1 to go one ahead on Goal Difference. It was a massive final quarter that saw them over the line. Lezaan Jansen van Vuuren has led the team from the front with 6 goals while Michelle Dykman has also impressed.

North West

North West won their spot in the Semi-Finals effectively winning a Quarter-Final against the Northern Blues. Johan Jacobs has a very team effect with the goals being shared across the team with the likes of Clarise Smit, Courtney du Preez, Chante Ferreira and Sare Laubscher all contributing significantly.

Semi-Final Fixtures

KZN Raiders vs. North West
WP Peninsula vs. Southern Gauteng

SA U21 IPT – Men’s Section

Northern Blues

The defending champions have played like that exactly, champions. Four wins from four games have left Sihle Ntuli’s side as the favourites. Guy Morgan, Brad Sherwood and Sheldon Supra have come up good with the goals and have kept the Blues as the only mens team with a 100% record.

WP Peninsula

In a battle of the “B” teams the Peninsula Mens side mirrored their girls side to make it to the final four. They secured their spot with a draw against Wits to go through on goal difference. Cameron Baker, one of the WP Indoor stars, has been fantastic for Michael van Rensburg and his team.

Western Province

Western Province secured top spot and a game against their “B” side in the Semi with a thrilling victory over Southerns thanks to goals from Mbuso Mgobozi and Idrees Abdulla. It was as good a performance as they have produced in the tournament. Lungile Tsolekile will be a very happy man ahead of the semi-finals.

Southern Gauteng

Having already secured top four spot, they had to settle for second as they fell short against Western Province. But in Spencer Botes they have a lethal goal scoring machine and a superb shot stopper in Duncan Fischer means they set up a titanic tussle with their Northern Neighbours.

Semi-Final Fixtures

Northern Blues vs. Southern Gauteng
WP Peninsula vs. Western Province

SA Hockey Association media release

SA U21 IPT | The destination of the gold gets clearer


Photo – Sean Burke

Over five days of action the top two teams from the tournaments have emerged and the finalists have now been decided. Here is how the semi-finals went down on a very weather affected day in.

SA U21 IPT – Women’s Semi-finals

KZN Raiders 0-1 North West

It was a tactical affair as the two favourites battled it out for a spot in the final. The game was largely a fight between who was the best defence rather than the best attack and would probably be decided by only one goal. And that proved to be the fact, as Chante Ferreira’s 50th minute strike put the defending champions back in the final.

Southern Gauteng (2) 0-0 (1) WP Peninsula

It was another tense affair in the other semi-final as the highly favoured hosts were kept at bay by a determined and resolute WP Pens performance. Both sides had opportunities to win the game in normal time but cam up against determined defence. In the end it was a shootout and it was Sisipho Magwaza who starred as Southerns won 2-1 in the first sudden death round.

FINAL – 13 April 16:00 – Southern Gauteng vs. North West

SA U21 IPT – Men’s Semi-Finals

Northern Blues 2-1 Southern Gauteng

This was arguably the people’s choice for the final, a repeat of the 2018 final, with no disrespect meant to other teams. Sihle Ntuli, in his first tournament with the Northerns Blues, was the one who got one over Miguel da Graca’s men. Sheldon Supra continued his fine form netting the first but Southerns fought back with a fourth quarter goal to make it 1-1 by none other than Spencer Botes. Trevor de Lora then re-established the lead just one minute later. It was the last goal of the game as the Northern Blues underlined their quality at this age group.

WP Peninsula 2-3 Western Province

The Western Province men managed to overcome the challenge that their female counterparts had succumbed to as they emerged victorious over their “B” side. Jacque van Tonder and Mbuso Mgobozi made it 2-0 before Ben Proctor pulled one back. Wesley Gardener made it 3-1 before Jack Tevershan set up a nerve-wracking finale. The Province men managed to hang on for their place in the final and an opportunity to emulate the Men’s Senior indoor side.

FINAL – 13 April 18:00 – Western Province vs. Northern Blues

SA Hockey Association media release

Scotland youth teams to play Wales over Easter weekend



Scotland U16 and U18 Boys’ and Girls’ squads will travel to Wales to play test series’ again Wales.

The matches will be played at Cwmbran Stadium and the National Hockey Centre in Cardiff.

For Scotland U18 Girls’ it’s a completely new team taking on the mantle from the squad that won the U18 EuroHockey Championship II in 2018, but it’s a young squad with huge potential.

Head Coach Keith Smith said, “We travel to Wales with a very young group, but one which we feel is exciting and bursting with potential. Out of a squad of 20, only our keepers Amber and Rachel have been capped at this level previously, and 17 of those who travel are eligible to play in this age group next season.

“As individuals, these games against Wales will be a great opportunity for the players to develop their understanding of the demands of U18 international hockey and, as a team, will allow them to begin to put some of our playing principles into practice in what promises to be a challenging, competitive environment.”

Scotland U18 Girls’ Squad

Scotland U18 Boys will also be taking to the pitch following last year’s success where they also qualified for the top tier of U18 EuroHockey Championship II.

It’s a return to Cardiff, the scene of their silver medal and qualification success, as Scotland take on hosts Wales in this hotly-anticipated series.

Scotland U18 Boys’ Squad

 It’s also a great opportunity for the Scotland U16 squads to take to the pitch and represent their country. Here are the exciting and talented U16 squads heading to Wales for the series.

Scotland U16 Girls’ squad

Scotland U16 Boys’ Squad

Schedule

Friday 19th April
Sport Wales National Centre
16:15- U16 Boys – Wales v Scotland
18:00- U18 Boys – Wales v Scotland
Cwmbran Stadium
16:15- U16 Girls – Wales v Scotland
18:00- U18 Girls – Wales v Scotland

Saturday 20th April
Sport Wales National Centre
10:00- U16 Boys – Wales v Scotland
12:00- U16 Girls – Wales v Scotland
14:00- U18 Girls – Wales v Scotland
16:00- U18 Boys – Wales v Scotland

Sunday 21st April
Sport Wales National Centre
8:30- U16 Girls – Wales v Scotland
10:15- U16 Boys – Wales v Scotland
12:00- U18 Boys – Wales v Scotland
13:45- U18 Girls – Wales v Scotland

Scottish Hockey Union media release

The Voice Speaks: Nick Irvine looks forward to our Easter Hockey Carnival in Eindhoven


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Six days of Easter Hockey Carnival Fun at Oranje Rood! - The Voice of the EHL Nick Irvine looks forward to the KO16/FINAL4 which start on Wednesday, April 17 and runs until Monday, April 22

Order, Order! Well I hope that you will Order YOUR tickets and very soon now otherwise you will crash out without a deal!

Yes, its almost time for Easter bunnies, chocolate eggs and, of course, the EHL at the home of Oranje Rood in Eindhoven. Six action-packed days of top club hockey with plenty of stars to shine, and packed terraces to celebrate all that is good about the sport here in the cradle of the sport, in Europe.

Even with the huge amount of hockey currently available to watch either on your screens or live around the globe I have every confidence that the wonderful EHL supporters will be out in numbers again to write a new chapter in EHL history as we combine the KO16 with the FINAL4 and the GRAND FINAL when we crown our Champion.

The change in schedule was somewhat forced upon us by the advent of the Pro League juggernaut but, ever adaptable, the EHL will endeavour to turn that to advantage and, with the help of our leading players and our wonderful fans, that is exactly what we will do.

Next year will be different again when we will see the women joining the EHL party as they showcase what we have always known; that they are indeed Equally Amazing! But that is for next year and who knows what else might have changed in this crazy world!

For now, though, we have six days to savour, 20 matches in all! That will test your stamina and mine in the commentary box where I will once again be joined by Simon Mason the former England and GB ‘keeper who will share his knowledge with us. I know that ‘crash ball’ counters will again be going berserk!

Hard to pick a stand-out game amongst the KO16 as, frankly, they all look tasty affairs. On day 1 (Wednesday), the hosts Oranje Rood face Uhlenhorst Mulheim in the evening game which will keep us all on the edge of our seats.

Earlier not one, not two but Three Rock Rovers face the Dragons who have a new look squad on show and may not be the fire-breathing force they once were. I have a golden rule – never bet against an Irish team so there might be an upset in the air!

On day 2 (Thursday) we have another full four-match day and another golden rule - which states that whenever Kampong and Rot Weiss Koln are in the same draw they must be drawn to play each other!

That, at least, is how it seems. I feel sorry for the two clubs but not for the tournament or we fans because these two always bring the best out of each other.

St Germain against Club Egara – in the battle of the striped shirts - will be a passionate affair and another which could go either way. Who fancies a stripey shoot-out? Do not adjust your sets!

The Friday will see the KO16 vanquished playing off for ranking positions which this year have more importance placed on them as next year we reduce the pool down to 20 teams with the KO16 in October looking to qualify just four teams! That will be brutal stuff.

Then on Saturday we start a three-day test which sees KO8, followed by the semis on Sunday and the medal games on schedule on Easter Monday. Our athletes are incredible to even begin to contemplate that and we applaud them.

And I applaud you. For supporting this event throughout its 12-year history. You and the players and officials have made it what it is. The Best Club Hockey tournament in the World.

Next year will be different - but in a good way. A chance again to demonstrate that hockey belongs to everybody and that we are all, whatever our standing in the game, Equally Amazing!

Enjoy the hockey - I certainly intend to.

Euro Hockey League media release

English League Finals Preview: Surbiton v East Grinstead



Surbiton and East Grinstead go head to head in the semi-final stage of both the Men’s and Investec Women’s League Finals in two matches that look set to thrill the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre crowd. Ahead of the games, we take a look at the sides.

Don’t miss out on a weekend packed full of hockey action with tickets for the League Finals currently available - purchase yours now by clicking HERE. 



Investec Women’s League Finals:

Surbiton

The second match of the Investec Women’s League Finals will be fought out between Surbiton and East Grinstead at 5:45pm.

Surbiton’s women will be on the hunt for a phenomenal sixth successive Investec Women’s Hockey League Championships title this weekend but will see a strong East Grinstead stand in their way in their semi-final match.

Surbiton have been a rock at the back, conceding a league low of 12 goals, as they finished with the best goal difference of +25 and have found form at the right time with only one defeat in their last seven matches.

The last time these two sides met Surbiton were the ones to take the spoils, claiming a 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Georgie Twigg, Olivia Chilton and Jenna Woolven after Sophie Bray had opened the scoring for East Grinstead.

Twigg and Woolven finished as Surbiton’s top goal-scorers on 7, with the latter averaging more than a goal per game as Surbiton look as strong as ever going into this year’s Investec League Finals.



East Grinstead

East Grinstead were beaten in the semi-finals at last year’s event by Holcombe and will be pushing to advance further this time around.

Sophie Bray, who joined East Grinstead from Surbiton, has been in frightening form this season, scoring a joint league high of 18 goals and will certainly be one to watch on Saturday.

Finishing the campaign in superb form with five wins from their final six games, East Grinstead amassed more field goals than any other side with 28, and have looked lethal in recent weeks.

Having been victorious at this year’s Jaffa Super 6s competition, this East Grinstead side know how to win, and will be hungry to claim a first ever league title.



Men’s League Finals:

The first match of the Men’s League Finals will see the league leaders, Surbiton, face East Grinstead to commence Saturday’s semi-final action at 11am.

Surbiton

Having won consecutive League Finals in spectacular style, both times via a shootout after drawing 3-3 in regular time, Surbiton will be hoping to repeat their heroics and make it three in a row.

The league’s top scorers with a whopping 76 (29 more than any other side) – 25 of which came from the stick of Scotland and GB international Alan Forsyth – Surbiton have been an entertaining side to watch through the year.

Arjan Drayton-Chana scored a late winner to see Surbiton past East Grinstead in February when the sides last met in the league for a 2-1 home win.

Dominating the league with 15 wins and only one loss, registering eight wins on the bounce, Surbiton haven’t lost a league game in 2019 and will look to keep that red-hot form going through the League Finals. 



East Grinstead

After failing to make it to last year’s League Finals, East Grinstead will be eager to impress when they tackle Surbiton at this year’s event, after securing a top four finish on the last game of the season in a must-win match.

East Grinstead only just clinched their spot at League Finals by goal-difference, after finishing level on 27 points with Reading. Their end of 2018 form proved vitally important as they went unbeaten from the end of October until the Christmas break, before only recording three wins after the turn of the year.

Only Hampstead & Westminster were able to score more than East Grinstead's 14 goals from Penalty Corners as the side showed their strength from set-pieces.

These two sides battled one another in the latest Jaffa Super 6s final, in which a stunning Ashley Jackson goal won the game for East Grinstead in a tense shootout, a result EG will take confidence from going into Saturday’s League Finals clash.



England Hockey Board Media release

Corinthian on the victory march as plenty of EYHL relegation permutations remain



Such is the leeway on goal difference, it would be truly remarkable is Corinthian’s tie with Dublin University is not a procession to the Leinster Division One crown.

A win or draw seals it; lose and it requires a 15-goal swing to go against the reds to offer UCD a chance of the steal of the century.

It comes off the back of seven wins in a row in Leinster and no losses since UCD in early December, ensuring at the very least they will be in EYHL2 next season. UCD, for their part of the bargain, are down in Kilkenny.

Railway Union will be interested in that result with a loss for the students opening up the chance of moving into second spot, ensuring them the backstop of EYHL2 next term.

Portrane need a result to avoid bottom spot; Dublin North can potentially overtake them with a win over Rathgar who have lost eight in succession.

How meaningful 10th place is likely to be rubber-stamped in the summer but no obvious candidate for promotion is currently in place. Clontarf play Avoca in pretty much a dead rubber.

In the national division, Pembroke re-energised their hopes of an EY Champions Trophy spot last week with their big 5-2 win over Banbridge. If they can repeat the trick, it would give them a fighting chance on the closing day of the season.

For Bann, a win would secure their place at the playoffs on home turf.

Three Rock Rovers host Cookstown who are back in a spot of bother following Cork C of I’s recent run of two wins from their last three games.

Rovers won a week ago 3-0 in Steelweld Park to keep alive an outside chance of winning the title and a win here would have them within a point of Lisnagarvey, albeit with a game extra played.

Looking on with interest with be Cork C of I, hoping for Rovers to win on a big scoreline to give them a chance of moving above the Tyrone side on goal difference.

With C of I playing Three Rock on the final day of the season, the Cork club’s coach Denis Pritchard reflected on the situation: “It will probably boil down to who does best against Three Rock and that is the interesting prospect.

“We put ourselves in a position where we have a chance. We are relying on other teams but we do have a chance.

“We’ve are probably in a position we shouldn’t really be in. The squad was always light in terms of numbers and we had injuries early on and we didn’t really calculate the impact of those for later on in the season. We dropped points in three home games which should have yielded nine points.”

They have had some important figures return of late which has aided their cause.

“Simon Wolfe had a freak accident, standing on a hedge trimmer and cut part of his Achilles tendon last August.

“He didn’t come back until February and has made an impact. Philip Smith is back after a long-time and is exceptionally fit for a man of his age. He has played his part in organisation and leadership and pure doggedness.”

In the other national finals, holders Ballynahinch take on Limerick in the Irish Hockey Challenge on Saturday while Three Rock Rovers II face Instonians II in Sunday’s Irish Junior Cup at Grange Road.

Men’s weekend fixtures:
EY Hockey League: Banbridge v Pembroke Wanderers, Havelock Park, 2.45pm; Three Rock Rovers v Cookstown, Grange Road, 3.30pm

Irish Hockey Challenge Final: Ballynahinch v Limerick, Serpentine Avenue, 2.45pm

Leinster Division 1: Clontarf v Avoca, Mount Temple, 2pm; Dublin North v Rathgar, ALSAA, 2pm; Dublin University v Corinthian, Santry Avenue, 2pm; Kilkenny v UCD, Kilkenny College, 2pm; Portrane v Railway Union, Donabate LC, 2pm

Munster Division 1: Catholic Institute v UCC, Rosbrien, 2pm

Sunday 14th April 2019
Irish Junior Cup Final: Three Rock Rovers II v Instonians II, Grange Road, 4pm
Irish Hockey Trophy Final: NICS v Waterford, 3pm, Grange Road, 3pm

The Hook

Muckross off the bottom with remarkable win over UCD



At the third time of asking, Muckross produced a remarkable performance to beat UCD 2-1, lifting them off the bottom of the table and a possible escape from automatic relegation.

First time out, fog saw the game cancelled at 3-1 in the first half; the second meeting fell victim of torrential rain at 1-1 but Wednesday night at Whitechurch Park was the Donnybrook side’s moment to savour.

Niamh Carey gave the students an early lead from Hannah McLoughlin’s exquisite long backhand pass, a fine angled shot into the left corner.

Muckross equalised quickly after Katie Fitzgerald chased a ball seemingly bound for the endline. She recovered it and laid back to Rachel Cuddy whose cross fell kindly for Sophie Barnwell to crack home from mid-circle.

And they were in dreamland when Yasmin Pratt picked up Laura Hanlon’s blast from the right sideline, weaving into space and flicking home.

It was all UCD in the second half but Ellie McLoughlin was in inspired form while Michelle Carey’s shot hit the crossbar as Muckross heroically held on to a 2-1 win. The result lifts them above Ards with one game remaining.

Sarah Scott said their season is finally falling into shape: “This group were like rabbits in a headlight at the start of the season but as each game has gone on, we have been unlucky with some results and coming out on the wrong end of them.

“I am just really thrilled this group has put themselves in a position to potentially grab a playoff.”

On Thursday, Pembroke moved back into the top four with a 2-0 win over Railway Union who were left to rue a series of wasted chances in the first half.

It was another refix that went against the initial weather-affected tie with their first meeting snowed off with the score at 3-0 to Railway.

The Park Avenue side had consistent pressure in the second quarter with Zara Delany going close twice with Pembroke on the back foot, particularly when Eanna Horan was shown a yellow card.

Pembroke, though, were much stronger in the second half and hit the outside of the post via KJ Marshall before going ahead from a cracking reverse from Anouk de Jong.

Sinead Loughran applied a great deflection to a corner move and they stayed two clear until the end. It moves them back into fourth place and ahead of Cork Harlequins with one game to go.

“It’s where we want to be; it hasn’t been plain sailing but it’s a real testament to how hard the side has worked for the last three or four weeks. We have had five or six injuries at a time – we had five missing again tonight – and we really dug in.

“There were a few nervy moments so we had to defend the way we did to keep the clean sheet. It showed there’s something there that we badly want.”

On the women’s side, there are no league matches in the EYHL with the focus on the national cups. UCD II meet Railway Union II in the Irish Junior Cup final; Cork C of I meet Greenfields in the Irish Trophy and Dromore take on Clonmel in the Challenge decider.

Women’s EY Hockey League
Wednesday: UCD 1 (N Carey) Muckross 2 (S Barnwell, Y Pratt)
Thursday: Railway Union 0 Pembroke 2 (A de Jong, S Loughran)

Fixtures (Saturday unless stated)
Irish Hockey Trophy Final: Cork Church of Ireland v Greenfields, Serpentine Avenue 4.45pm
Irish Hockey Challenge final: Dromore v Clonmel, Serpentine Avenue, 12.45pm
Irish Junior Cup Final (Sunday): UCD II v Railway Union II, Grange Road 2pm

Munster Division 1: Catholic Institute v UCC, Rosbrien, 12pm

The Hook