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All the news for Monday 15 April 2019

FIH Pro League (Women) - 15 April

14 Apr 2019     NED v USA (RR)     7 - 1   HC Rotterdam, Rotterdam

Unofficial Pool standings

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

De Waard dazzles as Netherlands women thrash USA



The Netherlands women came from a goal down to storm to a 7-1 win over USA, returning to the top of the FIH Pro League standings in style in front of a full house at HC Rotterdam.

The reigning world champions produced a devastating display of attacking hockey against their American opponents, cancelling out Taylor West’s surprise opener with strikes from Player of the Match Xan de Waard (2), Kyra Fortuin (2), Yibbi Jansen, Marloes Keetels and Caia van Maasakker.

Following their 5-0 away win in the reverse fixture at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, it came as little surprise that reigning world champions the Netherlands (FIH World Ranking: 1) were heavy favourites to record a comfortable win over USA (WR:12) and claim a sixth win in seven FIH Pro League matches.

However, while the Dutch were certainly on top in the early stages, the young American team - coached by one of the Oranje’s all-time greats in Janneke Schopman - stunned both their illustrious opponents and the sell-out crowd at H.C. Rotterdam when Taylor West put the visitors ahead with a close range finish in the sixth minute.

The USA held onto their lead for seven minutes before Xan de Waard burst into the circle and found the bottom left corner of Kelsey Bing’s goal, restoring parity at the end of the first quarter.

The world champions took the score to 3-1 in the second quarter, with Kyra Fortuin producing a cool turn and shot after being picked out by Yibbi Jansen before De Waard netted her second with what was unquestionably the goal of the game, unleashing an unstoppable backhand strike from the top of the circle that ricocheted off the left post before nestling in the back of the net.

The home fans were treated to some scintillating hockey from the   world's top ranked team in third quarter, with Fortuin registering her second after a brilliant assist from Laurien Leurink before Yibbi Jansen and Marloes Keetels added their contributions to make it 6-1 going into the final quarter.

The scoring was completed by the ever-reliable Caia van Maasakker, who scored the 50th penalty corner goal, and 53rd in total, of her stellar international career.

Reflecting on the victory, Player of the Match Xan de Waard said: “It was an amazing atmosphere. Of course we got the 0-1 against, but I think it was their [USA’s] first circle entry so we were not that afraid of losing here. I guess we had faith that everything would be alright. Everyone was passing the ball and it was very fast. When we saw the first player free we passed it to them, which made the game very fast and [therefore] easier.”  


The FIH Pro League goes on a brief 10-day hiatus, with the action resuming on Wednesday 24 April when Germany’s women host Great Britain in Mönchengladbach.

FIH Pro League

14 April - Rotterdam, Netherlands

Result: Women’s Match 34
Netherlands 7, USA 1
Player of the Match: Xan de Waard (NED)

Umpires: Carolina de la Fuente (ARG), Ayanna McClean (TTO) & Marcin Grochal (POL - Video)
 
#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site

USWNT Falls to The Netherlands in Second FIH Pro League Meeting


Image Taken by FIH/Getty Images

ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands – The U.S. Women’s National Team returned to the pitch Sunday to play their second FIH Pro League match in five days. After a heartbreaking last-minute loss to Belgium last Wednesday, USA aimed to get off to a fast start against No. 1 The Netherlands at HC Rotterdam in Rotterdam. The red, white and blue were first to get on the scoreboard early in the opening quarter, but the Oranje quickly took momentum of the match, scoring seven unanswered goals to win 7-1.

The home team’s intensity was apparent from the opening whistle as USA’s defensive unit was tested in the first minute. Malou Pheninckx took a quick backhand shot on goal which forced Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas) to make a glove save. Ali Froede (Burke, Va.) was able to send the ball forward but The Netherlands swiftly blocked off any open USA players near midfield. Mounting pressure, The Netherlands gained several circle entries in the first few minutes of play but USA’s defense was up to the task. Back the other way, USA was patient in setting up their first offensive try. After Mackenzie Allessie (Mount Joy, Pa.) was turned away near the circle, Laura Hurff (Newark, Del.) passed along to Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.)  who found Anna Dessoye (Mountaintop, Pa.) in front of her defender. Dessoye then passed over to Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md.) whose initial tip was stopped by goalkeeper Josine Koning before she finished her attempt to give USA a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute. The Oranje then took the next few minutes to test their opponent’s defense once more. After Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) was able to break up the first attempt, Xan de Waard took a strike at the top of the circle, beating Bing to make it 1-1. Before the quarter ended, USA looked for the go-ahead goal once more but could not penetrate The Netherlands’ defense.

Opening the second quarter, Sharkey looked for Allessie near the top of the circle but were intercepted. Back the other way, Kyra Fortuin found herself inside USA’s circle, who then took a shot that went off a defenders foot, giving The Netherlands the first penalty corner of the game in the 18th minute. After fending off the attempt, the Oranje continued to threaten outside the circle. Seconds later, Yibbi Jansen found Fortuin who took a backhand shot that hit the post to give her team the 2-1 advantage. USA patiently waited to progress after the reset as Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) and Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.) worked the ball back and forth. Near midfield, The Netherlands intercepted USA on a pass attempt, and after a free hit was awarded, de Waard converted on a field goal just inches inside the circle to extend The Netherlands lead to 3-1. The trend continued to the end of the half as USA was consistently picked off on clear attempts and offensive tries.

Both teams showed higher intensity to open the third quarter but played out in similar fashion. After a clear by Magadan was intercepted, the Oranje took advantage of an unsettled USA defense to get their second penalty corner of the match. Looking for her third goal, de Waard took the shot but Bing made the save and rebound save. In the 35th minute, Margot van Geffen scored for The Netherlands off a cross but USA asked for a video referral, arguing Alyssa Manley (Lititz, Pa.) was pushed prior to the goal. The referral confirmed this, awarding USA a free hit. Later the Oranje found the goal once more as Bing came out to challenge an undefended Fortuin. Now down 4-1, USA looked to counter attack but a misplayed ball by Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.) near midfield gave the opposition another scoring chance. Laurien Leurink took a backhand shot that was stopped by Bing before USA cleared. Moments later another penalty corner try would set up The Netherlands' fifth goal off a drag flick by Jansen in the 41st minute. With time winding down, after an initial shot by Ireen van dem Assem made Gonzales lose her stick, Marloes Keetels took advantage and scored as both teams hesitated waiting for a penalty corner to be called. The score stood 6-1 heading into the final quarter, where The Netherlands maintained control and did not allow USA a moment to clear or set up offensively. In the 56th minute on another penalty corner, Caia van Maasakker scored after the successful trap to give the team a 7-1 lead before the final buzzer sounded.

 “If you just look at the scoreboard it was a rough game for us but I do think we had some bright spots,” said Sharkey in a post-game interview. “We are a very young team so we are just focusing on ourselves, learning and growing each game. It’s great experience to play against the number one team in the world. You can't hide anything and they really point out your weaknesses. We are going to take what we can from this game and learn from it.”

"I think there were some moments from when we had the ball we had some really good passing connections,” added Sharkey. “But in a game like this against this team you have to be on every single moment to make it count.

Following the match, de Waard was named Player of the Match.

Today's match also marked a career milestone as Hoffman earned her 50th international cap.

The USWNT’s FIH Pro League road trip continues on Saturday, April 27, in London when they take on No. 2 Great Britain at 9:00 a.m. ET.

 #FIHProLeague

USFHA media release

Rot-Weiss’s Henning relishing another showdown with some of the “best on this planet”


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

“If you play the EHL, you want to battle with the best club teams and the best players on this planet.”

Rot-Weiss Köln coach André Henning says that while his side knows SV Kampong (April 18, 19.30h (CET)) very well, he is thrilled once again to be pitting his wits against one of the other main contenders for the EHL crown in the KO16.

It is the fourth successive season the two sides have met and the fifth time in six years. So far, Kampong have won three of those four meetings but the last time the two clubs met in Eindhoven, Rot-Weiss were successful en route to their maiden victory.

“Not the worst omen!” says Henning. “First of all it's always a pleasure and honour to face Kampong, one of the best teams in the world with great athletes and an outstanding coach.

“It already feels like playing against a German team because we don’t have to introduce our players to any of theirs! Both teams know each other very well but it's still a challenging preparation to find the winning details.”

Some may have thought “not again” when they saw this match-up but Henning says this is exactly the kind of game you want in the EHL>

“You don't have the right mentality if you come to the EHL and just want to get the easiest draw. If you play the EHL, you want to battle with the best club teams and the best players on this planet.

“We wanted the biggest possible challenge, we got the biggest challenge, fair enough. I played Kampong three times, one once, lost twice - I was happy about the draw to get the chance for the equaliser. And for my team, I have the feeling, that we really need the best opponents to get pushed to our limit.”

The German side – regular season winners in 2018 – have a star-studded side once again including Christopher Rühr, Mats and Tom Grambusch, Timur Oruz, Johannes Grosse, Jonas Gomoll, Marco Miltkau, Victor Aly and Thies Ole Prinz on their squad list.

Henning says they have had some injury issues but feels they will be cleared by the time the Kampong game comes around.

“In the last weeks, some players were struggling with injuries due to the high competition load from the FIH Pro League. But we are totally focused on a good preparation for the EHL and we have been able to give slightly injured players a rest. At the moment, all my players are fit and we are able to come with our best team to Eindhoven.”

With Easter later this year, they also have more Bundesliga games under their belt to build to the EHL than previous years. Results have been a little mixed, beating Harvestehuder THC (7-2) and Mannheimer HC (4-3) but losing to UHC Hamburg (4-2) and Berliner HC (3-2) but they look comfortable in the top two in the table

“We see the Bundesliga games as a kind of preparation so results were not that important for us, we focused on development. We had poor performances which helped us to gain knowledge about what we have to improve. And we had great games like against Mannheim or Harvestehuder which showed us how to play our best team hockey.

“We had seven games in the German League, which is a lot for us and indeed it did help a lot. But we had to play two matches each weekend, we haven’t had any time to bring the international players in to get a high athletic level.

“But, under these circumstances, I'm pretty happy with the preparation and proud that we don't have any big injuries, my staff and my team are doing a great job.

“For me personally the EHL is the best and most important competition. There are so many great teams which are able to win the trophy. I always enjoy the fantastic atmosphere in the stadium.

“As a coach this year's tournament format is very special with four games in five days for the FINAL4 participants. We need the perfect tactical strategy but the mental focus game by game as well. I like that a lot.”

** To get your tickets for the EHL KO16, go to www.ehlhockey.tv/tickets

Euro Hockey League media release

Saint Ger hitting form at the right time for passionate Egara rematch


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Saint Germain head into EHL week in top shape following their 5-3 win over fierce Parisian rivals Racing Club de France, maintaining their two-point gap over CA Montrouge.

And Kevin Mercurio says it was the perfect preparation game to lead into their game with Club Egara in the KO16 on April 18 (12.45 CET).

“We are currently leading the championships but the most important thing for this season is still ahead of us with the Euro Hockey League and the playoffs,” he told the EHL website

“The Racing Club de France match was important for our rhythm, tactics in offence and defence and out corners being the key words before heading to Eindhoven. It's an exciting week!”

William-Ike Jeammot scored twice against Racing, adding to efforts from Martin Genestet, Stijn Gabriel and Blaise Rogeau.

They have had a few issues this term with crucial defenders Tom Genestet and Frederic Gohlke suffering injuries but they are back in the fold now for their big rematch against Egara after two passionate meetings in recent years.

“I am confident they will be operational, they are competitors. We will all be at full strength and highly motivated for this competition.”

“Again Club Egara ... we have already played them twice in two different situations. The first time was in 2015 at Bloemendaal KO16, we had a good collective performance [1-1] before losing in a shoot out [5-4]. The second time was in 2017 in ROUND1 in Barcelona, they were at home, We were super good in defence and the team produced an incredible match, winning 6-4.

“It was one of my best memories in the EHL, eliminating the Spanish team at home was really amazing. It was super tight as a match, with plenty of opportunities on both sides; we could have lost the game but the luck turned in our favour.

“We got a stroke one minute from the end. It was crazy beautiful and our supporters were behind us all along; our " twelfth man".”

Since then, the side has seen Hugo Genestet and Arthur Thieffry move on to the Belgian league while Matthias Dierckens has taken over as head coach from Charles Verrier.

“This is a new team led by a new coach and new tactics; I hope we will give a good image of St Germain in this KO16 in Eindhoven. We will give everything to achieve another good performance against Egara which seems to me stronger than last season.

“We are outsiders for this duel but we are all very motivated and will play this game at 100%. We have started to analyze Egara and reckon they are very strong in the counterattack and from corners.

“We will have to make a new collective defensive performance and take our opportunities to impose ourselves again.”

But the hope is to continue French hockey’s good form of late with a club reaching the KO8 for the past two years, backing up their national team’s World Cup quarter-final performance.

“We had a great season last year; we had a favourable draw to play the Irish Three Rocks Rovers, it was a very difficult match physically and tactically in the KO16 in Rotterdam before playing the exceptional team of Bloemendaal.

“We finished the season with a superb title in France. Six players from St Germain participated in the World Cup in India in Bhubaneswar and only four will play this KO16 next Thursday [Tom Genestet, François Goyet, Blaise Rogeau and Kévin Mercurio].

“It was an exceptional experience ... the French team is greatly progressing after its wonderful World Cup and the French Federation have provided new means in terms of preparation with more sport camps, more training and new staff at the head of this team.”

** To get your tickets for the EHL KO16, go to www.ehlhockey.tv/tickets

Euro Hockey League media release

New Champions of English Men's Hockey League are Hampstead & Westminster


Hampstead & Westminster's men celebrate in the Men's Hockey League Finals

Hampstead & Westminster won the Men's Hockey League Finals after a super game saw them defeat reigning champions Surbiton 3-1.

Hampstead were always in the ascendancy but had to fight very hard for the victory, especially in a pulsating final quarter.

Matthew Guise-Brown scored twice for H&W, and when Tom Sorsby netted for Surbiton with eight minutes to go it was very much game on. With Surbiton employing a kicking back, Sam French scored in the final minute to spark wild celebrations.

Match report
The game started at a frantic pace, with both sides putting their best foot forward in search of an early advantage.

Right at the end of the third quarter, it was Hampstead who wrestled the advantage thanks to Matthew Guise-Brown's corner.

Into the second quarter, Surbiton's Brendan Creed thought he had equalised following a great corner routine, only to be denied by the umpire's whistle.

Almost immediately, a corner at the other end saw Guise-Brown double his side's advantage, and that couple of minutes proved pivotal.

Tom Sorsby almost netted for Surbiton before Chris Cargo had an effort well saved at the other end.

Into the last ten minutes and Surbiton registered a goal thanks to Sorsby after a long pass, and soon removed their goalkeeper in search of an equaliser.

Unfortunately for them though, it did of course leave them open to the counter, and a long pass from Kwan Browne allowed Sam French to seal the win for his team.

England Hockey Board Media release

Surbiton earn sixth straight Investec English Women's Hockey League title



Surbiton earned a sixth straight Investec Women's Hockey League title by defeating Holcombe 1-0 at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Giselle Ansley's penalty stroke in the first half proved to be decisive in a tight affair, with Holcombe more than putting up a fight, having finished top of the league in the regular season.

But Surbiton's extra guile and defensive resilience on the day proved decisive, and they held firm to extend a quite amazing run of six titles in a row.

Full report
With eight minutes gone, it looked certain that Surbiton's Hannah Martin had scored, only for it to bounce back off the upright and away to safety.

That was the closest either side came to a goal in the first quarter, and the next notable effort saw Sabbie Heesh save a Holcombe penalty corner on 16 minutes, allowing Erica Sanders to counter attack dangerously, only for Holcs to again defend stoically.

Their resistance was finally broken on 24 minutes when Martin was brought down after a charging run into the D. Ansley, stroke taker for both club and country, despatched it low to her left, giving Rose Thomas no chance.

The second half saw both sides enjoy decent spells of possession, but it was tense and tight, resulting in few meaningful chances at either end. Georgie Twigg very nearly turned home a penalty corner to make it 2-0 but it ended up just wide, and when Heesh made a good save on 55, it was the closest Holcombe came to an equaliser.

Holcombe had played a full part in the game and on another day may well have taken a result. However Surbiton's experience in these finals, and their quality when it mattered, proved decisive.

England Hockey Board Media release

Old Georgians and University of Exeter to play in English men's Premier Division


Old Georgians celebrate scoring in the Men's Hockey League

Old Georgians and University of Exeter secured places in the Premier Division after securing thrilling wins at the Men's Hockey League Play Offs.

Old Georgians were already in a strong position with two wins from two, and put on an emphatic performance to defeat Havant 7-1.

Meanwhile, Exeter produced a fantastic comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Bowdon 3-2 and ensure they remain in the top flight for 2019/20.

Report: Old Georgians 8-1 Havant
In a dominant display, Old Georgians made it three wins from three in the Play Offs and earned promotion into the Men's Hockey League Premier Division.

It was only 2-0 at half time as Havant put up stiff resistance, Sam Ward on target before skipper Thomas Doran scored with a brilliant touch from James Albery's pass into the D.

James Tindall scored another good goal to make it 3-0 soon after half time, but Havant again put up a fight as Matt Cox scored from a corner.

However Old Georgians then began to find the net with alarming regularity, first Mathew Ming, then Tindall again and Tom Watson making it six.

Into the final minute, with Havant understandably downbeat, Dan Shingles scored his first of the season with a penalty stroke, and lastly Doran got a second to seal the win.

With a wealth of experience in their side, OGs were certainly a force to be reckoned with in the Play Offs, and wil look forward to the top flight with some enthusiasm.

University of Exeter 3-2 Bowdon
Exeter's students put in a superb performance to come from two goals down against Bowdon and retain their spot in the top flight of the Men's Hockey League.

Bowdon came into the game without a win in their previous two Play Off matches, but it certainly did not affect their confidence early on, and Ben White scored from a penalty corner to give thm an 11th minute lead.

Seven minutes later and it was 2-0, James Vallely scoring to give Exeter a mountain to climb.

Crucially though, James Carson pulled one back before half time, and almost straight after the interval George Carson drew the scores level.

Then on 44 minutes, Tom Brooks scored with a super diving finish to secure the victory and ensure it was Exeter who maintained their position in the nation's elite.

England Hockey Board Media release

Hampstead and Loughborough both promoted to Investec Women's Premier Division


Hampstead & Westminster's women celebrate in the Investec Women's Hockey League

Hamsptead & Westminster and Loughborough Students have both been promoted to the Investec Women's Hockey League Premier Division.

Kate Richardson-Walsh's Hampstead put seven past Stourport to finish top of the group of four teams, while Loughborough joined them after a top drawer 3-0 win against Slough.

Slough went into the final round of games top of the league, but unfortunately finshed in third on goal difference after a dramatic day's play at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Hampstead & Westminster 7-1 Stourport
Needing a win to put themselves in the hunt from promotion, Hampstead started well against a Stourport side and three goals in the first 26 minutes certainly gave them an excellent cushion. Melanie Wilkinson scored twice from corners on 9 and 20 minutes, before Jasmine Clark added a third.

Right on half time though Lorna Mackenzie pulled a goal back and made it 3-1 going into half time.

At the interval, Hampstead were third in the table so knew they needed more goals to secure promotion. Thankfully from their perspective the goals kept coming, with Emily Maguire on target on 38 and 49 minutes, before Lauren Turner scored on the hour and Kate McCaw made it 7-1 right on full time.

The scoreline prompted great celebrations from a side who conceded only 8 goals all season in their conference, yet on this occasion it was their attacking prowess that took them into the top flight.

Loughborough Students 3-0 Slough
With Slough top of the table before play began, Loughborough knew they needed a positive result to have any chance of making the top two.

The students played very well throughout, and more than deserved their lead on 32 minutes through Jen Park's penalty corner.

They continued to press for more goals in the second half, and backed by a lively crowd they were a regular threat to Asha Tranquille-Day's goal.

On 46 minutes they pressure told as Lucy Millington made it 2-0, then on the hour Hannah Grieve found the net to make promotion all but certain.

It was tough going for Slough, and it was hard not to be sympathetic after the came into the day top of the league but missed out. Loughborough however fully deserved the win, and join Hampstead in the Investec women's top flight for 2019/10.

England Hockey Board Media release

England Hockey Championship finals: Hampstead & Westminster’s day to savour

By The Hockey Paper


Hampstead & Westminster won the men’s league title PIC: H&W/Instagram

What a history-making weekend for Hampstead & Westminster.

On Saturday, the club marked 125 years since coming into existence. On Sunday, the women won promotion to the top flight for the first time – galloping to the feat thanks to a 7-1 victory over Stourport – before the men beat Surbiton 3-1 in a thrilling Championship finale.

A Matt Guise-Brown penalty corner double put the north Londoners 2-0 up before Tom Sorsby’s goal eight minutes from time, after sustained Surbiton pressure, lit up a thrilling denouement.

But with Surbiton taking off Harry Gibson, Mark Pearn’s side were left short at the back and Sam French scored to seal the celebrations of a first title success.

Surbiton women did atone for the men’s disappointment after edging to their sixth successive title following a 1-0 victory over Holcombe.

Surbiton were indebted to Giselle Ansley for a first-half penalty stroke in a final short of entertainment but tightly fought between the two best sides in the league.

Victory by Brett Garrard’s side saw them secure a Euro Hockey League berth when women join the men for the first time next season.

https://cdn.thehockeypaper.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Surbiton-goal-Ansley.jpg

Meanwhile, Hampstead & Westminster Ladies, co-coached by Kate Richardson-Walsh and Sarah Kelleher, marched towards the top flight as Stourport ran out of steam.

An Emily Maguire and Melanie Wilkinson double each left H&W celebrating, knowing that they had to win by five goals to be sure of their status.

Beaten once in the season, their ambitions to reach the Premier Division were only realised in the second-half of the final matches, with rivals Loughborough and Slough still in the mix. Their fitness proved too good against Stourport in a 7-1 win.

Loughborough’s superb win over Slough saw the Students also promoted, to go alongside their Conference North title, BUCS gold and midweek title success.

In the men’s promotion matches, Old Georgians put Havant to the sword by an 8-1 scoreline to win through to the top flight for the first time.

Old Georgians’ James Tindall said afterwards that the club now wants to challenge the likes of Surbiton as the leading club in the south, in terms of infrastructure.

The Hockey Paper will provide full coverage and reaction of the Championship finales in the next issue.

The Hockey Paper

Hampstead & Westminster the new English champions



Hampstead & Westminster won the Men's Hockey League Finals after a super game saw them defeat reigning champions Surbiton - who are bound for the EHL this week - 3-1.

Hampstead were always in the ascendancy but had to fight very hard for the victory, especially in a pulsating final quarter.

Matthew Guise-Brown scored twice for H&W, and when Tom Sorsby netted for Surbiton with eight minutes to go it was very much game on. With Surbiton employing a kicking back, Sam French scored in the final minute to spark wild celebrations.

The game started at a frantic pace, with both sides putting their best foot forward in search of an early advantage.

Right at the end of the third quarter, it was Hampstead who wrestled the advantage thanks to Matthew Guise-Brown's corner.

Into the second quarter, Surbiton's Brendan Creed thought he had equalised following a great corner routine, only to be denied by the umpire's whistle.

Almost immediately, a corner at the other end saw Guise-Brown double his side's advantage, and that couple of minutes proved pivotal.

Tom Sorsby almost netted for Surbiton before Chris Cargo had an effort well saved at the other end.

Into the last ten minutes and Surbiton registered a goal thanks to Sorsby after a long pass, and soon removed their goalkeeper in search of an equaliser.

Unfortunately for them though, it did of course leave them open to the counter, and a long pass from Kwan Browne allowed Sam French to seal the win for his team.

Euro Hockey League media release

Men's Irish Hockey Trophy Finals

Stephen Findlater



A blistering first half performance from Waterford saw the Deise club win ther first national title since the 1922 Irish Senior Cup, completing a remarkable turnaround in fortunes.

The club was in the lowest tier of Munster hockey six years ago but their commitment to their youth section paid dividends with a fresh-faced side winning out against NICS 3-1 at Grange Road.

The vast majority of their side were winning their second All-Ireland title of the season having helped Newtown School to the Schoolboys Championships last October.

Irish Under-21 panelist Ben Johnson whipped home a drag-flick from their third penalty corner in a rousing opening. Harry McCarthy, another in that Under-21 squad, doubled the lead with a powerful tomahawk for a 2-0 lead and they were well clear by half-time when Johnson fired home another rasping corner.

They came mostly from a deep-lying defensive plan, using their pace and accuracy on the counter-attack to sting their more experienced opponents.

From there, Waterford lived dangerously at times and they were indebted to a brilliant Alistair Shute save just before half-time from Aaron Gill to keep the gap at three into the break.

Shute also brilliantly saved a double chance – following a good advantage by umpire Noel McBride – as NICS upped the ante in the second half. Gill was the focal point of the attack with his strong skills and he thudded some shots into the goalkeeper.

Johnson was superb, though, for Waterford with his glorious ball control in midfield and strength in the tackle helping to lift the siege on numerous occasions.

He also almost made it four but Sam Hamill saved brilliantly from another corner flick. The Belfast side’s pressure eventually told when David Whittington slotted home on the reverse with 13 minutes to go to raise a few chants from their crowd of “we are going to win 4-3”.

But Shute continued to be immense between the posts as Michael Johnston and Peter Humphreys went close.

Johnson went inches from tacking on another once NICS had pulled their goalkeeper but they did not need it as they were in dreamland with their 3-1 win.

Irish Hockey Trophy Final

NICS 1 (D Wittington) Waterford 3 (B Johnson 2, H McCarthy)

NICS: M Bennett, R Cowden, M Trimble, T Priestley, D Robb, R Anderson, S Armstrong, A Hagen, M Johnson, D Bradley, M Vincent, J Anderson, P Humphreys, R Shiels, D Whittington, A Gill, S Hamill

Waterford: A Shute, I Johnson, E McInerney, I Balding, D Gahan, D Quinn, H McCarthy, C Wagenaar, B Rouhana, B Johnson, S O’Neill, P Cooke, S Johnson, D Twomey, N Quinn, R Treacy, B McInerney

Irish Hockey Association media release

Women's Irish Hockey Trophy Finals

Stephen Findlater



Cork C of I produced a remarkable second half comeback to win the women’s Irish Hocket Trophy for the third time, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Greenfields 4-2 at Serpentine Avenue.

In truth, they were the stand-out side in the final, winning 13 penalty corners which they eventually made tell. It was a similar story in the semi-final when they trailed to NUIG before running out 2-1 winners.

The tie, indeed, looked to be one-way traffic in the opening stages as they ran up four penalty corners in the first four minutes but nothing would stick for them in a frustrating spell.

Then, out of the blue, Greenfields forged an attack through Rebecca Gilligan with the ball worked through to Alacoque McGovern alone around the p-spot. She took her time before shooting through the defences of Sarah Wrixon for a seventh minute lead.

Again, C of I went forward with purpose with Hannah Honner a livewire bursting down the right flank with Hollie Moffett and Mel Ryan driving things on.

Sarah Dunleavy and Aine Collins performed heroics at the back to stymie the waves of attacks and they once again took their chance when it came in the 23rd minute.

This time, Charlotte Elliott got off a shot that Sarah Wrixon got down brilliantly to deny but Meabh Holden followed up on her reverse to slide in for 2-0.

Things got worse for the Cork side when Holly Sweetnam was shown a yellow before half-time and a couple more attacking corners went awry.

Their frustrations continued in the early stages of the second half with Moffett and the influential Nicola Kerr planting shots into the chest of Sinead Collins.

Moffett’s deflected corner shot hit the front of the post but their breakthrough eventually did come when Kerr crossed and Honner scrambled home the ball, 2-1 with 24 minutes to go.

It released the floodgates and they were level with 14 minutes to go when they went the direct route from corner number 11, Kay Gaffney smashing home, skipping their usual array of switches.

Honner then gave them the lead with less than 10 minutes to go, a superbly worked corner move with a touch in front of Sinead Collins.

Greenfields almost sent the tie to shoot-out when Aine Collins cracked a shot off the crossbar but the game was killed off when Kirsty Coombes tore through the centre of the field and slipped home the fourth goal.

Women’s Irish Hockey Trophy final

Cork C of I 4 (H Honner 2, K Gaffney, K Coombes) Greenfields 2 (A McGovern, M Holden)

Cork C of I: S Wrixon, H Sweetnam, N Kerr, C Sexton, R Kingston, O Crowley, A Roberts, A O’Mahony, J Coyne, E O’Hara, H Moffett, S Baker, H Honner, K Coombes, M Ryan, K Gaffney, J Barry, L McHugh

Greenfields: S Collins, S Dunleavy, K Dunleavy, R Gilligan, A McGovern, C Moore, T Garrett, S Tierney, J Anderson, A Finnerty, E O’Connor, C Elliott, A Hennessy, M Holden, Z O’Toole, A Collins, S Burke, J Langan

Umpires: C Brophy, R Christie

Irish Hockey Association media release

Men’s Irish Junior Cup Final

Stephen Findlater



Four first half goals saw Three Rock Rovers win their first Irish Junior Cup title since 1998, the one trophy that has eluded their second string for the past five years.

They had fallen to two final defeats in that time but they got off to a flying start in their decider at Grange Road against Instonians and held firm in the second half.

Peter Blakeney’s early shot led to a corner which he dragged home himself, continuing his run of goals in major finals having previously netted in EY Champions Trophy and Irish Senior Cup final victories.

Inst were holding most of the ball during this time but Rovers were ruthless on the break and scored with virtually every one of their meaningful attacks.

One became two via teenager Luke Adams as turnover ball was quickly turned into a shooting opportunity which he duly roofed by Finlay Marney.

The third was also a beautiful team goal with Ali Empey laying the ball into the path Dave Storey who was barreling forward on the overlap down the right. He slapped a first time cross to Evan Jennings who deflected in for 3-0.

Shane Madeley was credited with the fourth when he cut in from the left side of the circle. Inst stood off long enough for him to line up a reverse which was intended as cross but took a big boot off a defender for the fourth.

The second half saw Instonians carry more threat and they did draw a number of saves from Shane O’Brien with Stuart McNeice orchestrating much of their attacks.

Ross McKnight got one back from a corner with over 20 minutes to go but they could not find enough openings to go with their good play as experienced heads like Garry Ringwood and Alan Bothwell added this medal to their extensive hauls.

Men’s Irish Junior Cup Final

Three Rock Rovers II 4 (P Blakeney, L Adams, E Jennings, S Madeley) Instonians II 1 (R McKnight)

Three Rock Rovers: S O’Brien, A Bothwell, S Ryder, G Ringwood, B McCrea, M Walker, D Storey, L Adams, L McSharry, P McConnell, C Adair, H Lynch, A Empey, P Blakeney, E Jennings, S Madeley, D Shirley, L Campion

Instonians: F Marney, T Hogg, D Ramsay, J Oakman, D Wright, S McNeice, J Watson, B Young, W Carey, R Clarke, R McKnight, J Palmer, R McConaghie, H McNellis, J Burden, B Rose, P Marshall, M McCord

Umpires: L Chapman, A Gray

Irish Hockey Association media release

Women’s Irish Junior Cup Final

Stephen Findlater



A Sarah Patton-inspired UCD won their second women’s Irish Junior Cup title as they ended Railway Union’s long-winning streak in the competition with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Grange Road.

The sweeper was the driving force throughout, breaking up Railway attacks while setting in motion forward movement with her driving runs out of defence.

It helped lay the base for goals from captain Kate Hennessy and Sophie Twomey nicking goals to build a 2-0 lead before Railway stormed back but could not quite eke out an equaliser.

UCD started on the front foot, winning a trio of penalty corners in the first five minute, testing Riona Norton each time with Sophie Thomas testing her at each turn.

Railway fought back, Kate Orr’s drag-flicks drawing the best from Laura Gunning as did Patricia Friend-Pereira at the left post.

The lead was taken in the 25th minute when Patton stormed all the way down the right baseline and picked out the waiting Hennessy on the back stick, leaving her with a simple chance to push in.

Sarah Young went close to a second before the break as UCD finished the half in the ascendancy. There was little time to rest on their laurels, though, as Zara Delany was bounding forth at every opportunity.

Orr dragged another corner inches wide as Railway came more into it in the second half with Sophia Cole through the middle.

But UCD moved further clear in the 43rd minute when a corner switch back to the injector made its way in, Twomey looping a soft shot on her reverse off a defender and just about over the line. Railway called for danger from the first effort on goal but it was allowed to stand.

Railway set about a comeback in good style with Delany planting a shot at Gunning while en exchange between Orr, Cole and Friend-Pereira led to another save.

Patton cleared one from the goalmouth in one heart-stopping moment before Railway got their lifeline with 12 minutes to go. Isobel Joyce kept calm when a corner went awry, finding Dolan whose shot squeezed through Gunning’s defences.

They threw everything into the last 10 minutes, winning two more corners after they took out their goalkeeper, but they could not find a way through and UCD added a  second IJC crown to their 2014 success.

Women’s Irish Junior Cup Final

UCD II 2 (K Hennessy, S Twomey) Railway Union II 1 (E Dolan)

UCD: L Gunning, C Cope, C Feeney, K Hennessy, S Patton, E Reid, S Thomas, S Twomey, E Young, S Young, N Heisterkamp

Subs: E Burke, N Carraher, J Clarke, R McAuley, A O’Brien, R Dowling, J Meates

Railway Union: R Norton, I Joyce, Z Delany, K Orr, J McDonnell, C Coyne, J Long, M Reidy, M Lamb, S Cole, E Dolan

Subs: A Naughton, P Friend-Pereira, S McCready, A Griffin, K Sullivan, N Williams, A Russell

Irish Hockey Association media release

WA Gold & Victoria Crowned Under-15’s Australian Champions

Ben Somerford



Western Australia Gold and Victoria have taken out the Under-15’s Australian Championships boys’ and girls’ titles respectively after winning Sunday’s grand finals at the Macarthur Regional Hockey Complex in Narellan.

WA Gold edged past hosts New South Wales State 2-1 in a thrilling decider, with Brodie Hiskins scoring a 58th minute winner, after Tyler McCann had equalised five minutes earlier.

In the girls’ gold medal match, Victoria got past WA Gold in the dreaded shootout, winning 5-4 after a goalless draw, with Shauna Mitchell converting the decisive attempt in sudden death.

In a dramatic shootout both sides converted three attempts before going to sudden death, although WA Gold missed a chance to claim the gold medal with their final attempt as Victoria keeper Dominique Blatherwick denied captain Caitlin Mundy.

Jemma Ryan, Elyssa Melville, Eliza O’Neil and Maddison Fenwick traded shootout goals for both sides, before Mitchell scored for Victoria and Blatherwick thwarted Jaya Scafidi to secure the victory.

In the boys’ decider, Hiskins’ late winner came after an entertaining contest, where WA Gold took a 24th minute lead thanks to Samuel Le Dain.

WA Gold held on to that lead until McCann levelled for the hosts in the 53rd minute, with the match appearing destined for a shootout too, until Hiskins’ dramatic intervention.

Meanwhile, NSW State claimed the girls’ bronze medal with a 2-0 victory over Queensland Maroon, while Queensland Maroon got past South Australia 2-1 in the boys’ bronze medal match.

Queensland Maroon’s Bailey Charlesworth finished as the boys’ top scorer with nine goals.

Tasmania’s Maddison Brooks, who also won the girls’ Player of the Championships, finished female top scorer with eight goals.

WA and NT shared the girls' Play The Whistle award, while NSW claimed the boys' Play The Whistle award.

All results and match information is available on Hockey Australia’s Twitter page along with www.hockeyaustralia.altiusrt.com.

Hockey Australia once again thanks Destination NSW and Hockey NSW for their support in making this event possible as well as Metropolitan South West Hockey and the Camden Council.

Hockey Australia media release

India coaches' behaviour reaffirms why VR needed in Series Finals

The last 7 paras strengthen reason why VR is needed in Series, after what happened in the 5th Test Mas v India women.

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Hockey Confederation competition manager Brian Fernandez Friday confirmed that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is treating their video referral appeal as an urgent matter.

The FIH held a meeting Friday, and will let the MHC know in a day or two.

"It's an urgent matter and the FIH are holding a meeting today (yesterday) and will let us know early. We at the MHC strongly believe that as hosts, we need video referral for the Series," said Brian.

The controversy cropped up when the FIH denied Malaysia the right to use video umpiring for the FIH Series Finals which will be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on April 26-May 4.

 In a brief statement FIH competitions committee secretary Martyn Gallivan said: "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 has therefore decided that the Video Umpire will not be provided at any of the FIH Series Final."

A video referral will not only benefit the hosts, but all teams.

"Lets say another teams calls for a referral and then scores a goal against Malaysia, it works for every team and not only the hosts.

"It was a requirement in the bid paper, and we followed it to the dot and have arranged for the facilities.

"To tell us now that we can't use it because other countries can't have the same set-up is injustice to MHC.

"The last Test match between Malaysia and India (women) is a clear example on why we need video umpiring.

"India claimed the ball hit a leg after the hooter and so there should not be a penalty corner. But the umpires saw otherwise. Video umpiring could have solved the problem and India would not have to walk out without defending the penalty corner," said Brian.

It was an FIH recognised Test but still, hosts Malaysia let India off the hook by not pressing the umpires and Technical Desk to penalise India for not defending the penalty corner.

Instead, an accommodating Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj called out his charges after a prolonged standoff, as a gracious host.

India coach Sjoerd Marijne also used vulgar words during the standoff, but still, Dharmaraj and the Technical Bench let him go off the hook.

For the record, it was Malaysia 0 and India 1, when Dharmaraj's charges won a penalty corner seconds before the hooter.

A video referral might have drawn the game, but nobody will know the real outcome now: "And this could happen in the Series Open if the FIH do not allow the use of Video Umpire," said Brian.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey