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News for 14 April 2019

All the news for Sunday 14 April 2019


2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - 14 April

13 Apr 2019    NED v ESP (RR)     4 - 0
13 Apr 2019     ARG v NZL (RR)     4 - 3

Unofficial Pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
2 Australia 7 5 0 1 1 22 15 7 16 76.2
1 Belgium 5 3 1 1 0 21 12 9 12 80.0
4 Argentina* 8 4 0 0 3 18 21 -3 13 54.2
3 Great Britain 4 3 0 0 1 17 10 7 9 75.0
6 Netherlands 6 2 1 1 2 19 16 3 9 50.0
5 Germany* 5 2 0 1 1 10 9 1 8 53.3
7 Spain 9 0 4 0 5 23 34 -11 8 29.6
8 New Zealand 8 0 0 2 6 18 31 -13 2 8.3

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


FIH Match Centre



2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - 14 April

13 Apr 2019     ARG v NZL (RR)     3 - 1
14 Apr 2019 16:00 (GMT +2)     NED v USA (RR)     HC Rotterdam, Rotterdam

Unofficial Pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Argentina 10 7 2 0 1 20 9 11 25 83.3
2 Netherlands 6 5 0 0 1 16 3 13 15 83.3
4 Australia 8 4 1 0 3 14 12 2 14 58.3
3 Belgium 6 4 0 1 1 10 6 4 13 72.2
6 New Zealand 10 4 0 0 6 18 19 -1 12 40.0
8 China 10 2 0 1 7 14 26 -12 7 23.3
5 Germany 4 1 0 2 1 8 7 1 5 41.7
7 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



Netherlands men power past Spain while Argentina’s men and women both defeat New Zealand



The Netherlands men and Argentina's women and men all recorded home wins on Match Day 33 of the FIH Pro League, with Spain and the national teams of New Zealand suffering defeats on their travels.


In the men’s competition, the Netherlands thrilled the home fans with a 4-0 victory over Spain in Rotterdam, avenging the shoot-out defeat they suffered in the reverse fixture earlier this year in Valencia. Spain were outstanding in the first half, but goals from Roel Bovendeert, Mirco Pruijser, Lars Balk and Arjen Lodewijks ensured a Dutch win. The Netherlands ended the day sitting sixth in the standings having claimed 50 percent of the available points, with Argentina’s men climbing to fourth place thanks to a narrow 4-3 success over New Zealand in Rosario.

Also in Rosario, Argentina’s women continued their remarkable winning streak by beating New Zealand 3-1. It was a sixth consecutive FIH Pro League victory for Las Leonas, who have now beaten the Black Sticks twice in this competition. Argentina  move level with Netherlands at the top of the standings, having claimed 83.3 percent of the available points to date.

The day’s play began with a fascinating fixture at a packed H.C. Rotterdam, as the Netherlands men (FIH World Ranking: 3) faced Spain (WR:9), a side that were dismantled 7-3 by world champions Belgium in Brussels earlier this week. Despite that heavy defeat, it was Spain’s Red Sticks who had the better chances in the opening two quarters, with the exceptional Enrique Gonzalez forcing two important saves from Dutch shot-stopper Sam van der Ven. The Oranje - who were defeated by Germany 1-0 in their last FIH Pro League encounter, just over one month ago - were well below their best, but came close to opening the scoring in the moments before half time when Bob de Voogd tested Spain goalkeeper Quico Cortes before Thierry Brinkman had a goal ruled out due to back stick.

The Netherlands exploded out of the blocks in the third quarter, scoring two unanswered goals to settle nerves of the partisan crowd. Roel Bovendeert fired into an unguarded net after Spain failed to deal with a dangerous pass into the circle, with the advantage being doubled by a rocket strike from Mirco Pruijser, rattling the Spanish backboard with unerring accuracy and incredible power.

A victory for the Netherlands was confirmed with another two goals in the final quarter, with Lars Balk volleying home a penalty corner rebound ahead of a first international goal for Arjen Lodewijks, firing in a backhand strike from the top of the circle to seal a 4-0 triumph.

Reflecting on the game, Player of the Match Mirco Pruijser said: “It was a great atmosphere. We were a bit lazy at the start of the game, I think. But in the second half we put up the energy level and you could see what happened, we created more chances. We are very satisfied, 4-0 at home is always good.”
 
The FIH Pro League action immediately switched from Rotterdam to the Argentinean city of Rosario, where the hosts welcomed the national teams of New Zealand. The women’s teams were the first to take to the field, with Las Leonas (WR:3) dominating the visiting Black Sticks (WR:6) throughout the opening period. New Zealand improved in the second period and silenced home fans when team captain Stacey Michelsen scored from close range after Olivia Merry saw two penalty corner efforts blocked. However, the Argentinean supporters crammed into the Estadio Mundialista were soon back on their feet when Agostina Alonso’s speculative cross-shot somehow found its way into the New Zealand goal, restoring parity ahead of half time.

Argentina’s Maria Granatto had the best chance of the third quarter, gliding past New Zealand goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon and firing towards an unguarded net only for Black Sticks defender Frances Davies to dive at full stretch to produce a miraculous goal-line clearance. However, Argentina got the win that their hard work deserved with two goals in the final quarter. Julieta Jankunas scored the best goal of the game, firing into the top left corner with a superb backhand strike before Eugenia Trinchinetti sealed all three points with a driving run and slap-shot.

“Three wins [for Argentina in Rosario] is very important”, said Player of the Match Trinchinetti after the game. “We are not thinking about 'the final four', the team has to grow and play better every game. We have to train a lot and today we have to celebrate because it is very important to win and to be here in Rosario with our families.”

It took less than two minutes for the opening goal to arrive in the men’s match between Argentina (WR:4) and New Zealand (WR:8), with the hosts opening up an early advantage from 37-year-old striker Matias Paredes, who pounced after two saves from Black Sticks shot-stopper Richard Joyce. A penalty stroke from Maico Casella coupled with Martin Ferreiro’s cool finish put the home favourites 3-0 up before goals either side of the quarter time break from Sam Lane saw New Zealand take the score to 3-2. New Zealand were in the ascendency, but it was Argentina made it 4-2 just before half time when Joyce was caught out of position, with Frederico Fernandez firing home.

New Zealand pulled a goal back in the final quarter when George Muir found the roof of the Argentina net, but the home side held on to take the win.

“We played really bad last week [5-1 defeat at home against Great Britain], so we really needed this win”, said Player of the Match Matias Paredes. “We are happy, but we still need to continue improving. We are not playing good. Today we won, but we need to train more and create our team again.”

The FIH Pro League action continues on Sunday 14 April as the Netherlands women face USA in Rotterdam.

FIH Pro League

13 April - Rotterdam, Netherlands

Result: Men’s Match 25
Netherlands 4, Spain 0
Player of the Match: Mirco Pruijser (NED)

Umpires: Diego Barbas (ARG), Marcin Grochal (POL) & Ayanna McClean (TTO - Video)

13 April - Rosario, Argentina

Result: Women’s Match 33
Argentina 3, New Zealand 1
Player of the Match: Eugenia Trinchinetti (ARG)

Umpires: Aleisha Neumann (AUS), Sarah Wilson (SCO) & Sean Rapaport (RSA - Video)


Result: Men’s Match 26
Argentina 4, New Zealand 3
Player of the Match: Matias Paredes (ARG)

Umpires: Ben Goentgen (GER), Sean Rapaport (RSA) & Sarah Wilson (SCO - Video)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



First quarter surge proves too much for Vantage Black Sticks against Argentina



Argentina has stunned the Vantage Black Sticks in the first quarter of the match with a 3-goal opening period that put them in the ascendency in the battle between the fourth ranked Argentina and 8thranked Kiwis. Needing to get a win today to secure their first win of the FIH Pro League the New Zealand team looked shocked as Argentina capatalised on their early defensive lapses. The Black Sticks worked hard to get themselves back into the match but ultimately came up short in a 4-3 loss to the Argentinian Men.

Sam Lane commented after the match “It was a good comeback from the team, unfortunately we put ourselves in to bigger hole at the start of the match. We came back in the second quarter and played to our strengths, but we weren’t able to get enough to get back into the contest”.

Argentina couldn’t have started the match any better when the Black Sticks were unable to clear the ball out of the circle and Argentina striker Matias Paredes jumped on the loose ball and flicked it past the New Zealand goalkeeper Richard Joyce.

Argentina increased their lead midway through the first quarter when a penalty corner drag flick struck Shea McAleese’s body which resulted in a penalty stroke. Maico Casella calmly stepped up to the spot and flicked the ball into the side netting.

The nightmare first quarter got even worse for the Kiwi side when loose marking in the New Zealand defensive circle left Martin Ferreiro open and he slotted his shot into the goal.

The Black Sticks managed to get one back at the end of the first quarter when Sam Lane’s shot on goal took a deflection off an Argentina players shinguard sending the shot around the Los Leones goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi.

Sam Lane got his second goal of the game when his low hard drag flick found its way under Vivaldi’s stick and put the Black Sticks Men rite back into the match.

Argentina continued the scoring frenzy with their fourth goal of the match when Joyce was unable to get back in the goal in time to save Frederico Fernandez shot. This set up what was looking like another mountain that the Black Sticks were going to have to climb in the second half if they were any chance of securing their first victory.

The third quarter was a much calmer as neither side was able to to trouble the scorers. As the quarter wound down Argentina started to take control, however the Black Sticks defence was up to what Argentina threw at them in that quarter.

Desperate to get themselves back into the contest the New Zealand Men managed to get George Muir into space in the circle. His forehand shot motored into the net past Vivaldi setting up a tense final 10 minutes for the Los Leones Men.

With four minutes to go and needing to get the equalising goal the Kiwi side pulled George Enersen to give them an extra field player and a hopeful overlap on the field. Unfortunately for the New Zealand team it was a little too late as they fell to Argentina 4-3.

New Zealand return home now to prepare for their Anzac Day match on April 25 at North Harbour, when they will take on Australia in their final home match of the FIH Pro League.

Vantage Black Sticks 3 (Sam Lane 15, 22 min, George Muir 47 min)

Argentina 4 (Matias Paredes 2 min, Maico Casella 9 min, Martin Ferreiro 15 min, Frederico Fernandez 27 min)

HT 2-4

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Argentina use final quarter blitz to seal win over Black Sticks Women



Argentina has used a final quarter goal scoring blitz to beat the Vantage Black Sticks Women and secure three points in their FIH Pro League battle in Rosario this morning (NZT). Entering the final quarter tied at 1-1 Argentina outclassed their opposition with two incredibly well constructed goals to secure the 3-1 win. The New Zealand side struggled to connect throughout the match as the long passes they continued to try were constantly being picked off by the Argentina defence. 

Stacey Michelsen commented after the match “It was a tough game; we started really well and had some good early chances. Argentina built into the match and finished the game strongly. We gave their strikers too much space and they managed to capatalise on that”.

The Vantage Black Sticks Women began the match confidently as they spread the ball across the field and looked to stretch the Argentinian defence. As the quarter wore on Grace O’Hanlon was called upon to make some important and difficult saves, while being  supported by some outstanding cover defence.

The first quarter for the Kiwi Women was a much more well-rounded performance than the last time these two sides met in Auckland when the Argentina team came out on top 3-0.

New Zealands  first real scoring opportunity came when off a penalty corner Olivia Merry swept the ball back to Stacey Michelson, the injector, only for the ball to sail agonisingly past Michelsen’s stick and not into the back of the goal.

The Vantage Black Sticks did score the opening goal of the match in the 26th minute when Michelsen found herself on the end of a loose ball after a charged down first shot. Michelsen then flicked the ball into the back of the net , past the desperate dive of Belen Succi in goal

However, the Las Leonas struck back late in the half after a terrific reverse stick shot rocketed home past New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Roberts, who had replaced O’Hanlon

In the final moments of the third quarter Argentina found themselves with a one on one against O’Hanlon. The Argentina striker was unable to get a powerful shot off and this resulted in Frances Davies scrambling and hitting the ball wide of the goal before it trickled over the goal line.

The Las Leonas couldn’t have asked for a better start to the final quarter when Julieta Jankunas managed to find separation in the Black Sticks circle and powered a stunning shot into the top of the net to put Argentina up 2-1.

Moments later Argentina extended their lead when Eugenia Trinchinetti caught O’Hanlon off guard and swept the ball into the far corner of the goal. The third goal was the final nail in the coffin as Argentina came away comfortable winners 3-1.

New Zealand return home now to prepare for their Anzac Day match on April 25 at North Harbour, when they will take on Australia in their final home match of the FIH Pro League.

Vantage Black Sticks Women 1 (Stacey Michelsen 26 min)

Argentina 3 (Agostina Alonso 29 min, Julieta Jankunas 48 min, Eugenia Trinchinetti 52 min).

HT: 1-1.

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Late Argentina blitz breaks down Black Sticks women in hockey international


Stacey Michelsen competes with Julieta Jankunas of Argentna in Rosario. Marcelo Endelli

Argentina went on a final quarter goal scoring blitz to beat the Black Sticks women and secure three points in the FIH Pro League hockey in Rosario on Sunday (NZT).

Entering the final quarter tied at 1-1 Argentina scored two well-constructed goals to secure a 3-1 win, while the New Zealand men also went down 4-3 at the same venue.

New Zealand's women struggled to connect throughout the match as the long passes they continued to try were constantly being picked off by the Argentina defence. 
 
Goal scorer Stacey Michelsen said the Argentine strikers got too much space.


Tessa Jopp on the ball in the 1-3 loss to Argentina. MARCELO ENDELLI/GETTY

"It was a tough game; we started really well and had some good early chances. Argentina built into the match and finished the game strongly. We gave their strikers too much space and they managed to capitalise on that."
 
New Zealand began confidently as they looked to stretch the Argentinian defence. As the quarter wore on Grace O'Hanlon was called upon to make some important and difficult saves, while being  supported by some outstanding cover defence.
 
The first quarter the last time these two sides met - in Auckland - Argentina came out on top 3-0.
 

Julieta Jankunas of Argentina celebrates with teammates after giving Argentina the lead. MARCELO ENDELLI/GETTY

New Zealand's first real scoring opportunity came when off a penalty corner Olivia Merry swept the ball agonisingly past Michelsen's stick, not into the back of the goal.
 
The Black Sticks scored the opening goal in the 26th minute when Michelsen found herself on the end of a loose ball after a charged down first shot.

Michelsen flicked the ball into the back of the net, past the desperate dive of Belen Succi in goal.
 
Argentina struck back late in the half after a terrific reverse stick shot rocketed home past New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Roberts, who had replaced O'Hanlon.
 

Stacey Michelsen celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal against Argentina. MARCELO ENDELLI/GETTY

In the final moments of the third quarter Argentina got a one-on-one against O'Hanlon to score, Julieta Jankunas then powered a stunning shot into the top of the net to put Argentina up 2-1.
 
Moments later Argentina extended their lead when Eugenia Trinchinetti caught O'Hanlon off guard and swept the ball into the far corner of the goal.
 
New Zealand return home now to prepare for their Anzac Day match on April 25 at North Harbour, when they will take on Australia in their final home match of the league.

Meanwhile the New Zealand men are still chasing their first Pro League victory of the season after a 4-3 defeat to Argentina.

The Black Sticks never recovered from a three-goal opening period from their hosts.

Despite a Sam Lane first half double New Zealand trailed 4-2 at halftime, and a George Muir goal narrowed the gap to one before they ran out of time.

Lane said: "It was a good comeback from the team, unfortunately we put ourselves in too big a hole at the start of the match. We came back in the second quarter and played to our strengths, but we weren't able to get enough to get back into the contest".

AT A GLANCE

FIH Pro League in Rosario:

Women:
 
Argentina 3 (Agostina Alonso, Julieta Jankunas, Eugenia Trinchinetti) Black Sticks 1 (Stacey Michelsen). HT: 1-1.

Men:

Argentina 4 (Matias Paredes, Maico Casella, Martin Ferreiro, Frederico Fernandez) Black Sticks 3 (Sam Lane 2, George Muir). HT: 4-2.

Stuff



SPAR South Africa squad to play Botswana and Zimbabwe



The SPAR South Africa squad to play in a historic series against Botswana and Zimbabwe has today been announced. The series will be Botswana’s first venture into International Indoor Hockey and aligns with South Africa’s continued development of the game in Southern Africa.

SPAR South Africa will play 2 test matches against Botswana and 5 against Zimbabwe at Danville Park Girls School, the unofficial home of SPAR South Africa. While development is a key focus for the South African management team, an eye will be slowly glancing towards the World Cup Qualifying that will take place in 2020.

Convenor of selectors Greg White was happy with the depth of talent available at the Indoor IPT in Pietermaritzburg, offering the selectors a superb challenge:

“We had 14 teams playing in Pietermaritzburg, the most ever and it led to some great discussion in the selections. There are a few players coming back from injury or unavailability and we are excited to see how the team gels together. The depth of players is improving, and we are in a really good position!”

From the side that took part in the record-breaking European Tour Zimi Shange, Cheree Greyvenstein, Jessica O’Connor, Tegan Fourie, Jamie Southgate, Amy Greaves and Edith Molikoe retain their places. Cindy Hack will also continue to lead the team.

Celia Evans and Kara Botes, who both were part of the victorious Croatian Cup adventure in 2018, are both recalled, while Alex Kavanagh and Robyn Johnson will get to add to their caps after highly impressive IPT performances.

The management team will feature the same three that led the team to Europe. Lennie Botha will lead the team for the 80th time in the first test and will be joined by Robyn Morgan as Team Manager and Brighty Mashaba as the Video Analyst. Botha will also be formally be joined by assistant coach AJ Spieringshoek for his first official cap for SPAR South Africa.

TEST SERIES SCHEDULE

Wednesday 28 May 2019 – 10:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe
Wednesday 28 May 2019 – 18:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe
Thursday 30 May 2019 – 10:00 – South Africa vs. Botswana
Thursday 30 May 2019 – 18:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe
Friday 31 May 2019 – 10:00 – South Africa vs. Botswana
Friday 31 May 2019 – 18:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe
Saturday 1 June 2019 – 17:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe

SPAR SOUTH AFRICA TEST SQUAD

NO, PLAYER, PROVINCE
1, Kara Botes, Southern Gauteng
2, Celia Evans, Northern Blues
3, Tegan Fourie, SPAR KZN Raiders
4, Amy Greaves, KZN Inland
5, Cheree Greyvenstein (GK), SPAR KZN Raiders
6, Cindy Hack (c) SPAR KZN Raiders
7, Robyn Johnson, Southern Gauteng
8, Alexandra Kavanagh, Southern Gauteng
9, Edith Molikoe, KZN Inland
10, Jessica O’Connor, SPAR KZN Raiders
11, Zimi Shanger, SPAR KZN Raiders
12, Jamie Southgater, Western Province     

TEAM MANAGEMENT

Coach, Lennie Botha
Assistant Coach, AJ Spieringshoek
Video, Brighty Mashaba
Manager, Robyn Morgan

SA Hockey Association media release



Surbiton and Hampstead & Westminster into Sunday’s English Men’s Final



Surbiton and Hampstead & Westminster will meet in Sunday’s final after coming out on top in their semi-final matches.

Surbiton booked their place in Sunday’s final with a 2-1 victory over East Grinstead in a gripping encounter whilst Hampstead & Westminster defeated Beeston with another 2-1 scoreline.



The Men’s League Finals roared into life right from the start with Alan Forsyth nearly on the scoresheet with less than a minute played as Surbiton made a quick start to the match.

After Luke Taylor’s drag flick was superbly saved, East Grinstead grew into the game and looked threatening on the counter.

Surbiton had been the more dangerous side and goals from James Royce and Luke Taylor, both from penalty corners gifted them a 2-0 lead going into half-time.

In a very competitive second-half, Liam Ansell fired one back for East Grinstead with a well worked field goal to close the scores.

East Grinstead battled hard in search of an equaliser but, despite a succession of penalty corners, were unable to find a way through.



Hampstead & Westminster followed that up with another entertaining clash as a stunning Will Calnan strike saw them past Beeston.

In what was a hotly contested first-half that finished goalless, despite a number of chances being created by both sides, it was another exciting battle at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

A well worked field goal was finished by Rupert Shipperley to give Hampstead & Westminster the lead before Beeston struck back just one minute later through Joe Sharp as both sides continued to match each other.

However, a moment of magic was to be the difference as Calnan hammered home with a wonderful strike inside the last ten minutes to send Hampstead & Westminster into Sunday’s final to face Surbiton.



England Hockey Board Media release



Holcombe & Surbiton to meet in Investec English Women’s League Final



Holcombe and Surbiton will face each other in Sunday’s Investec Women’s League Final after coming out on top in their semi-final matches.

Holcombe secured their place in the Final with a crushing 6-0 victory over Buckingham whilst Surbiton defeated East Grinstead 4-1.



The first match of the Investec Women’s semi-finals saw the league leaders, Holcombe, progress after comfortably defeating Buckingham 6-0.

Holcombe took the lead inside the first fifteen minutes with Candice Manuel slotting home from a penalty corner for the only goal in the first-half.

Both sides were well in the match and created numerous dangerous chances on the offense.

With just under forty minutes on the clock Buckingham countered superbly but with only the keeper to beat were denied by a crucial Rose Thomas save.

It was to prove a costly miss with a flurry of goals following immediately after in Holcombe’s favour.

A minute after Thomas’ save, Dirkie Chamberlain scored with a sublime finish before Sofia Viarengo and Philippa Lewis joined the act for a 4-0 lead as Holcombe plundered in three goals in two minutes.

The goals kept of coming as Leah Wilkinson and Heather McEwan netted impressively as Holcombe put Buckingham to the sword on their way to the final.



Surbiton will be aiming for a sixth consecutive Investec Women’s League Championship title after they recorded a 4-1 victory over East Grinstead in their semi-final match.

Starting the game strongly, Surbiton took the lead with just over 20 minutes on the clock through Izzy Petter with a stunning finish.

Erica Sanders doubled their lead with another good strike just five minutes later as Surbiton looked to be in control going into the break 2-0 up.

East Grinstead worked their way back into the match in the second-half as the league’s top scorer, Sophie Bray, slotted home immediately after the restart.

The momentum was in East Grinstead’s favour and the scores could have been level shortly after Bray’s strike, but Ellie Rayer fired her shot narrowly wide with only the keeper to beat.

An important save followed from Sabbie Heesh to deny Bray from getting another, a save that would prove pivotal.

Surbiton got back on the offense and notched a quick double as Sanders bagged her brace and Alice Sharp also got on the scoresheet to secure a 4-1 victory.



England Hockey Board Media release



University of Exeter and Old Georgians pick up English Men’s Play-Off wins



The University of Exeter got Saturday’s Men’s Play-Off Round Two action underway with a 4-2 victory over Havant as Old Georgians also claimed victory over Bowdon.

Despite having a goal disallowed, the University of Exeter led 2-0 at half-time thanks to strikes from Dan Jackson and James Thomas in what was a strong showing to start the day.

It was much of the same in the second-half, James Carson scoring from a penalty corner shortly after the restart as the University of Exeter looked to pick up their first win of the Play-Offs having lost to Old Georgians in Round One.

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Havant started to mount a comeback, scoring two goals in quick succession through Michael Deller-Merricks and Atiq Arshad.

However, it wasn’t to be enough as the University of Exeter were able to seal a win and move level on point with Havant, who picked up three points in Round One against Bowdon.



Old Georgians were clinical in-front of goal as they secured their second win of the Men’s Play-Offs to take a step closer to promotion.

Sam Ward opened the scoring in the third minute, and despite Bowdon replying just two minutes later, went into the half-time break 4-1 to the good with Nick Burns and Matthew Ming also netting as Ward bagged a brace.

Bowdon started the second-half on the attack with Ben White quickly finding the net from a penalty corner before scoring another shortly after to put his side within touching distance.

Old Georgians quickly responded as Ward secured his hattrick before Nick Cooper added another immediately after for a 6-3 lead with less than ten minutes remaining to ensure they are in pole position for promotion.

Going into Sunday’s all-important final round of matches, Old Georgians lead the way on six points with the University of Exeter and Havant sat on three points whilst Bowdon are the only side to have failed to pick up a point.



England Hockey Board Media release



ROUND-UP: Investec English Women’s Play-Offs



Slough began Saturday’s Investec Women’s Play-Off Round Two action with a 5-1 victory over Stourport whilst Hampstead & Westminster defeated the University of Loughborough 1-0.



After going into the half-time break 1-0 up thanks to Lucy Wood, Slough emphatically earned their second win of the Investec Women’s Play-Offs.

Bethan Merriman had brought Stourport level just two minutes after the break from a penalty corner, but Slough responded quickly.

Three goals inside five minutes from Dilly Newton, Imogen Brown and Lizzie Totten gave Slough a dominant lead as they looked to assure their passage to the Investec Women’s Premier League.

Emma O’Nien capped off the scoring with a very late goal for a 5-1 win to put them in a strong position for promotion.



Nothing could separate the University of Loughborough and Hampstead & Westminster for much of the second Investec Women’s Play-Off match.

Level at 0-0 for the large majority of the game, both sides struggled to put away their chances.

Resolute defending was a feature of the match as both sides fought doggedly to pick up the all-important three points.

However, with just a matter of minutes remaining Lucy Hyams sealed an important win for Hampstead & Westminster from a penalty corner sparking jubilant celebrations.

Saturday’s Round Two results mean Slough are on top with six points, the University of Loughborough and Hampstead & Westminster have three whilst Stourport are yet to pick up a point.



England Hockey Board Media release



Amazing action and big wins at Scottish Grand Finals 2019



A tremendous day of hockey saw some big performances and big wins at the Grand Finals in Glasgow. Western Wildcats made club history by winning the women’s final, in their first ever appearance, and qualified for Europe for the first time in the club’s history. Grange men were victorious in the men’s Grand Final, avenging previous defeats to Grove Menzieshill. Menawhile Glasgow University and Watsonians avoided relegation and will compete in National League 1 next season.
 
Women’s Grand Final – Clydesdale Western 0-2 Western Wildcats

It was a historic day for Western Wildcats women as they defeated Clydesdale Western 2-0 in the Grand Finals and qualified for Europe for the first time in their history.

It was an even opening to the contest. Long passes by Kaz Cuthbert for Western Wildcats were cutting through the Clydesdale Western defence, but didn’t lead to anything in the early stages.

Up the other end of the pitch and a Fran Lonergan penalty corner for Clydesdale Western was well defended and cleared.


Women’s Grand Final – Clydesdale Western v Western Wildcats – photo by Duncan Gray

Then in a swift Western Wildcats break, the deadlock was broken. Heather Aitken ran through on goal and slipped the ball under Jess Buchanan in goal to make it 1-0 to Western Wildcats.

It was a half that saw Western Wildcats edge the play and put in an excellent performance. Buchanan in goal for Clydesdale Western made a number of good saves to keep the score at 1-0. 

In the second half the game tore from end to end in the early stages but it was Wildcats who struck next. A well-executed penalty corner saw Kate Holmes fizz a pass for Megan Cox to deflect the ball into the roof of the net for 2-0.

Western Wildcats were looking really strong and took the game to their opponents. Aitken nearly scored her second after she took in another defence splitting pass and ran into the Clydesdale Western D, but her powerful shot zipped just past the post.

Emma McGregor had a great chance to pull one back for Clydesdale Western but her reverse shot looped wide of the mark.

Western Wildcats just seemed to improve the longer the game went on and looked comfortable as they ran out winners in their first Grand Final, and qualified for Europe for the first time in their history.

16:00 – Men’s Grand Final – Grange 4-0 Grove Menzieshill

An exceptional performance by Grange saw them victorious in the Men’s Grand Final at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

It was a quick as a flash early strike that separated the sides in the early stages as Grange took an early lead. The ball was fizzed across goal and Frank Ryan was waiting at the far post to finish clinically. 1-0.

As the contest continued it was a tight affair with neither side creating any clear chances for a strike. The majority of the play was down the centre of the pitch and both teams cancelling each other out.


Photo by Mark Pugh

Grange then doubled their advantage through a very composed finish. Dylan Bean absolutely smashed the ball against the back board to make it 2-0, and comfortable for Grange.

The second goal saw Grange move firmly into their stride. Some excellent last gasp Grove Menzieshill tackling denied James Nairn and Duncan Riddell as Grange pressed for a third before half time.

An excellent save by Paul Martin on the line denied Dan Coultas from a penalty corner that was arrowing towards the top left corner. Then right before half time Grove Menzieshill’s Aiden McQuade was denied at a penalty corner by a low save. 

Into the second half and right after the restart Grange hit Grove Menzieshill with a third goal. An attack down the left saw Alan Johnston come close before the ball fell kindly for John McCluskey to finish. 3-0.

Grove Menzieshill fashioned a good opportunity from a penalty corner by Cameron Golden but he was denied by a solid save.

As the game crept to a conclusion Grove Menzieshill went to kicking back as they went searching for goal. They couldn’t make the pressure count and it was Grange who would score again. McCluskey bagged a second goal on a quick break and he rolled the ball unchallenged into the empty goal for 4-0.

It was a big win and a big performance for Grange who lifted another trophy with Grand Finals success.

Women’s relegation/promotion match – Glasgow University 4-1 ESM

Glasgow University retained their Women’s National League 1 status with a great 4-1 victory over ESM at the Grand Finals in Glasgow.

It was a scrappy opening to the contest with both sides looking nervy with so much at stake. The game’s first opportunity came from a quick ESM break but the Glasgow University defence was quick and resolute to defend well.


Photo by Mark Pugh

As the first half progressed Glasgow University started to pressurise the ESM defence. Vikki Hanson in goal for ESM made a number of excellent saves to keep her side in the contest. Many from open play before a great double stop from a penalty corner.

It was early in the second half that Glasgow University opened the scoring. A powerful and composed finish saw the ball slam against the back board to make it 1-0.

Connie Lathe scored the second for Glasgow University with a lovely finish. From a tight angle she lifted the ball over the diving goalkeeper into the far corner of the net for 2-0. 

It went to 3-0 for Glasgow University when Lucy Jamieson scored to put the game out of reach.

ESM bagged a well-earned goal as the match neared a conclusion with a close-range finish by Sophie Spedding. She popped up at the far post to tap the ball home for 3-1. 

A lovely low finish across the goalkeeper by Glasgow University’s Laura Murray completed the scoring to make it 4-1 right before full time to seal the victory, and retain Glasgow University’s place in National League 1. 

Men’s relegation/promotion match – Watsonians 3-0 Dunfermline Carnegie

A big 3-0 for Watsonians saw them retain their position in Men’s National League 1 for next season.

There was an early goal for Watsonians to settle their nerves in the National League 1 side. It was an excellent strike on the turn by Fraser Heigh in the D to convert the early strike for 1-0. 


Men’s relegation/promotion match – Watsonians v Dunfermline Carnegie – Photo by Duncan Gray

Carnegie came close to bagging a quick equaliser through a couple of penalty corner opportunities, but one was well blocked and the other zipped just wide.

It was a physical contest as the game continued. Watsonians had a little more cutting edge about their play but Carnegie were battling hard and crashing some dangerous passes into the D. 

Watsonians created a great opportunity as half time approached but were unable to force the ball home from close range.

Watsonians nearly scored a second early in the second half but a tremendous diving block by a defender on the line prevented the goal.

It went to 2-0 when Heigh bagged his second of the contest with a lovely reverse shot into the roof of the net to put his team into a comfortable lead.

It was very nearly a hat trick for Heigh just moments later when he was sent running through on goal but a good block by the goalkeeper denied him.

A big penalty corner that battered off the back board saw Danny Cain score a third for Watsonians with eleven minutes remaining.

Carnegie charged forward to try and pull one back it the day belonged to Watsonians and they’ll play in Men’s National League 1 next season.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



MHC impose quality control

By Jugjet Singh


Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee manager, Brian Fernandez, said that it was decided after last season’s Junior Hockey League (JHL) post-mortem, that only 14 teams will play next season and there will no longer be a second division to maintain quality among teams.

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s about quality, not quantity.

With this in mind, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have decided to reduce the number of teams in the Junior Hockey League (JHL).

For this season, there will be only 14 teams in one division. Last year, there were 30 teams: 10 in Division One and 20 in Division Two.

But a post-mortem of the 2018 season concluded that the JHL needs to focus on improving quality.

“It was decided after the 2018 JHL post-mortem that only 14 teams will play in the next season and there will no longer be a second division to maintain quality among teams,” said MHC competitions committee manager Brian Fernandez earlier today (Saturday).

“We (MHC) don’t want teams to say midseason, that they no longer have funds to continue or even hire buses to ferry players.”

The new ruling will see last season's top-eight teams from Division One and top-two from Division Two as automatic qualifiers.

“Four more teams will be decided in a playoff. Let’s say there are eight other teams who register to play, they will play in a playoff to decide which four qualify to make it 14.

“We no longer want to see double digit scores like last season where ill prepared teams also registered to play and got hammered,” said Brian.

The eight automatic qualifiers form Division One are SSTMI Thunderbolts, Anderson Thunderbolts, SSP Thunderbolts, UniKL-Johor HA, BJSS Thunderbolts, PJCC Tigers, SSTMI, and SMS Resilient.

Malacca Warriors and MSSPP-PSHA from Penang will make up the 10 from Division Two — while the rest will play in a knockout.

The JHL is slated to start on June 14 and end on August 3.

New Straits Times



Kenyan School Games: St Anthony's, Misikhu win hockey crowns

By BRIAN YONGA

St Anthony's Boys Kitale and St Cecelia Girls Misikhu were on Saturday crowned the boys' and girls' hockey champions as the Brookside National Secondary School Term One Games came to a close at Shanzu Teachers Training College, Mombasa.

St Anthony's edged out arch-rivals and record 12 time winners, Friends Schools Kamusinga 1-0 on post-match penalties after the sides played out to a 2-2 draw in normal time.

The girls' final saw Misikhu score a last-gasp winner to beat St John's Kaloleni 2-1 to reclaim the title they lost last year.

In handball, newcomers St Joseph's Kirandich from Rift Valley dethroned champions Moi Girls' Kamusinga 17-13 in the final as St Luke's Kimilili Boys retained the boys' crown after seeing off debutantes Mbooni Boys 35-21.

Daisy Chemtai led Kirandich with five goals, with Valerine Chepkirui adding another four to complete a memorable achievement for the first-timers. Naomi Wafula top-scored for Kamusinga with four goals but it was not enough to help them claim a record sixth title.

"This is quite an achievement. Our first time at these games, this is what dreams are made of and ours have come true today," said a delighted Kirandich coach Kefah Nyauandi.

"Kamusinga are great side, but today we showed them that we are queens of sport and they need to go back to the drawing board," the coach added.

In the boys' final, Douglas Wekesa and Joseph Wafula scored nine goals apiece for Kimilili, who are now 10-time champions of the sport. Mbooni, coached by former Kimilili Boys coach, Gerald Juma had lost to their opponents also in the group stage.

"This was our first time at the nationals and we have given a good account of ourselves. Inexperience played a part in our loss but we have learnt a lot and will come back stronger next year," Juma said.

In hockey, the boys' final proved to be dramatic as expected with post-match penalties ultimately deciding the winner.

Both teams were not clinical in the shootout with St Anthony's managing the only goal courtesy of Matthias Gularire to give their side their third straight crown.

"This was a tough match and you can see the winner had to be decided on penalties. We were resilient and in the end our training on penalties helped us," said St Anthony's coach Kelvin Lugalia.

In the girls' final, a brace from Rachel Kamala including the 59th minute winner saw Misikhu triumph over Kaloleni. Everline Kasichana had levelled for the home side.

In the playoffs, Nyamira Girls and Meru School won the girls' and boys' matches to seal their spot in the East African Games set for Arusha, Tanzania in August.

Daily Nation

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