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All the news for Friday 3 May 2019

FIH Men's Series Finals Kuala Lumpur 2019 - Day 7
Kuala Lumpur (MAS)

Results 2 May

BLR v BRA (7 / 8)     3 - 4
CHN v WAL (5 / 6)     2 - 3

Semi-Finals - 3 May (GMT +8)

17:50     ITA v CAN (SF)
20:05     AUT v MAS (SF)

4 May 2019 17:50     Loser CAN/ITA v Loser AUT/MAS (3 / 4)
4 May 2019 20:05     Winner CAN/ITA v Winner AUT/MAS (Final)

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

FIH Match Centre

Italians’ job get tougher in semis but they won’t stop believing

KUALA LUMPUR: Italy have proven to be a revelation at the FIH Series Finals.

The world No. 32 and the lowest ranked team in the tournament have won all three of their group matches and will be hoping to add another scalp in the semi-finals.

They face world No. 10 Canada at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

In the group matches, they upset world No. 14 China (2-1), beat No. 27 Brazil (3-0) and stunned world No. 13 Malaysia (4-2).

Coach Roberto Da Gai, although happy with their achievements, has warned the players that the semis is a different ball game.

“It’s a David vs Goliath match. We’re the lowest ranked team and we’ll be playing against the favourites and the highest ranked team,” said Da Gai.

“Canada are a strong team with experienced players. They showed this against China when they came back three times before winning the penalty shootout.

“My boys have to keep believing in themselves. We have come this far and there’s nothing to lose.”

Italy will be banking on Julian Montone and skipper Agustin Munez, who have three goals each, to take them to an unexpected final.

Canada coach Paul Bundy admitted that he doesn’t know much about the Italians.

“I believe we last played them four years ago. But they have now turned out to be a major threat here. They’ve been playing extremely well, especially in the win over Malaysia. My players are experienced, they know how to deal with them. They always deliver when it matters most.”

In their last encounter in 2015, Canada won 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the World League Round Two in the United States.

The Star of Malaysia

In awe of Austria

By AftarSingh


Got it!: Brazil goalkeeper Rodrigo Faustino makes a save during the seventh placing playoff match against Belarus at the FIH Series Finals in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian hockey players, who have been told to win the tournament, have been far from impressive in the FIH Series Finals.

And coach Roelant Oltmans’ men will be under tremendous pressure to get the better of Austria in the semi-finals at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

Malaysia, the world No. 13, were stunned by No. 32 Italy 4-2 in the group match on Monday. They scraped through to the semis with a 2-1 win over Wales 2-1 on Wednesday.

Austria, meanwhile, are the reigning world indoor champions and they have a solid team that can also play field hockey.

In their three group matches, they only conceded one goal and scored eight. Austria outplayed Belarus (5-0), lost to Canada (1-2) and beat Wales (2-0).

The world No. 19 are powered by nine indoor hockey players and they will certainly be a handful for Malaysia’s shaky defence.

Malaysia, led by Muhd Sukri Abdul Mutalib, have conceded nine goals in four matches.

Oltmans said that lower ranked teams have stepped up their game in the tournament.

“Most teams have now adopted a different style to their game. And Austria now have a solid defence. To concede just one goal in three matches is really impressive,” said Oltmans.

Forward Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil said the boys are bracing for their toughest match yet.

“They are very solid at the back, so it will be tough for us to penetrate and score. But nothing is impossible.

“We have to rise to the occasion and live up to our billing as the second highest ranked team in the tournament,” said Tengku Ahmad, who has scored three goals thus far.

Austria coach Tomas Szmidt said they have high respect for their opponents.

“They play a fast attacking game and are also good at penalty corners. And they have home-ground advantage,” said Szmidt.

Malaysia played Austria twice in 2009.

Malaysia won 3-2 at the Champions Challenge Two tournament in Dublin, Ireland.

In the last meeting, they drew 2-2 at the World Cup qualifier in Invercargill, New Zealand.

The Star of Malaysia

2019 FIH Pro League - Weekend fixtures

2019 FIH Pro League (Men)

4 May 2019 12:00 (GMT +1)    GBR v ESP (RR)     Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London    
4 May 2019 18:30 (GMT - 3)    ARG v AUS (RR)     Cenard, Buenos Aires

2019 FIH Pro League (Women)

3 May 2019 19:30 (GMT +1)    GBR v CHN (RR)     Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London    
4 May 2019 16:00 (GMT -3)    ARG v AUS (RR)     Cenard, Buenos Aires

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

FIH Match Centre

FIH Pro League Preview: Great Britain v China



Great Britain’s women return to Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Friday 3 May (7:30pm pushback) to face China in what looks set to be another gripping FIH Pro League match

Great Britain dramatically defeated China in a shootout following a 2-2 regular-time draw in the reverse fixture, and with both sides currently level on points heading into the match it’s sure to be an important game.

Ahead of the match we took a look at both the sides and how they’ve fared so far in the FIH Pro League:

Great Britain eager to impress home crowd

Having thrilled a crowd of more than 4,000 home spectators in their last match against the USA with a shootout victory, Great Britain will be hoping to pick up a first FIH Pro League regular-time win at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

In what was an attacking display from the GB side who repeatedly came close, the game was to finish 1-1 before heroics in goal from Amy Tennant and strikes from Tess Howard and Anna Toman sealed a shootout win.



Four changes have been made to the team that faced the USA last time out with Sarah Robertson, Ellie Rayer, Emily Defroand and Nicki Cochrane replacing Sarah Jones, Lizzie Neal, Sabbie Heesh and Jo Hunter.

Should she feature against China, Laura Unsworth would join a select few in picking up a 100th Great Britain cap. Since making her debut in October 2008, Unsworth has been a mainstay in the team, picking up medals at both the 2012 London Olympics (bronze) and 2016 Rio Olympics (2016) across a hugely successful international career.

On the other end of the spectrum, 18-year-old Alex Malzer impressed in her debut match last week when she became the first GB player born in the 2000’s to feature internationally, and keeps her place in the squad.

Great Britain have racked up seven points from seven games so far in the FIH Pro League and victory over the USA would see the side climb above New Zealand in the table on win percentage.

Only Belgium (6) have played fewer matches than Great Britain (7) who take on Argentina and Belgium in consecutive days (18 & 19 May) at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre as the FIH Pro League action hots up.



China chasing first away win

With only two victories from 11 matches putting the team eighth with seven points, it’s not been the FIH Pro League campaign China would have been hoping for.

Despite only winning two of their opening five home games, China proved a tough opponent for the Netherlands and Argentina who only scraped by with a one goal victory.

But with more than half of the competition now played and without a win since March, China’s only victories coming at home against Germany (2-1) and New Zealand (5-3), the Chinese side need to find some form outside of Changzhou.

April was a tough month for the Chinese team. After facing Belgium (4-1), the Netherlands (6-0) and Germany (4-1) in consecutive away matches, China conceded 14 goals and only scored two, as the search goes on for a first away victory.

Following Friday’s match against Great Britain, China will only have to travel to face the USA before concluding their FIH Pro League campaign with three home games against Belgium, Australia and the American side as they seek a strong finish.

Last time these two sides met, hockey was treated to an incredible shootout goal from Chinese player Mengling Zhong, will we be treated to another display of incredible skill on Friday evening?

Don’t miss the action and secure your tickets for Friday’s FIH Pro League meeting between Great Britain’s women and China in what’s building up to be an exciting evening of hockey – get your tickets HERE

Great Britain Hockey media release

FIH Pro League Preview: Great Britain v Spain



Great Britain’s men visit Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre for the first time in the FIH Pro League when Spain come to London on Saturday 4 May, pushback 12pm – tickets are available HERE.

The last time these sides met, a contender for match of the competition was played out as Great Britain came from 4-1 down to triumph 6-5 in Valencia in what was a goal-fest filled with breath-taking hockey.

With anticipation and excitement building around GB’s first men’s home match, we’ve previewed the teams ahead of what promises to be an entertaining fixture, especially if the last encounter is anything to go by:

Great Britain’s men hoping for perfect start at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre

Having begun their FIH Pro League campaign with five away matches, Saturday’s match will provide a first opportunity for Great Britain’s men to get a runout in-front of a home crowd at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Despite travelling the world in the opening months of the FIH Pro League, Great Britain have strung together a series of strong performances, returning to London with four wins from five matches.

Great Britain’s most recent match saw the side claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Germany in Moenchengladbach, with both sides defending fiercely through the game.



Though Great Britain currently sit top on win percentage after collecting 12 points from five games, they would have to win all of their next three matches to remain above an impressive Australian side that have 19 points from eight games. With a tough run of fixtures coming up, including two matches against 2018 World Cup winners and number one world ranked side Belgium within their next four matches, maintaining this current form will be no easy feat.

Three changes have been made from the team that defeated Germany last time out with Will Calnan, James Gall and Luke Taylor coming in for Liam Ansell, Michael Hoare and Henry Weir.

After heroically making a last minute save both in Great Britain’s last match and in the reverse fixture against Spain, ‘keeper George Pinner is in line to make his 50th GB cap should he feature in Saturday’s game.

Spain looking to turn draws into wins

It’s been tough going for Spain in the FIH Pro League, though they have notably managed to hold the Netherlands and Belgium to a draw, the Spanish side are yet to record a victory in the competition.

No team has drawn as many games as Spain (4) with the side having developed something of a reputation as an unbeatable team when it comes to shootouts after claiming the bonus point in every one of their tied matches.

With nine matches played (the joint most with New Zealand), Spain currently sit seventh in the table with eight points and victory over Great Britain would see them move above Germany in the FIH Pro League table.



Spain have been one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the competition so far, their tally of 23 goals for and 34 against means their matches average just over six goals a game.

Spain will be looking to improve on their current away record which has seen them only pick up a draw against New Zealand having been beaten by Australia, Argentina, Belgium and the Netherlands.

A noteworthy threat Great Britain will need to be wary of is striker Pau Quemada, who leads the way in the top scorers list with seven goals from seven games.

Don’t miss Great Britain’s men’s first FIH Pro League home match and secure your tickets for Saturday’s Spain game at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre by clicking HERE.

Great Britain Hockey media release

"Dream Come True" For Peris Ahead Of 150th Hockeyroos Cap

Ben Somerford



Darwin product Brooke Peris says bringing up her 150th cap for the Hockeyroos this weekend is a “dream come true” and something she never thought would happen.

Peris, who is the cousin of ex-Hockeyroo and 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medallist Nova Peris, debuted for Australia in April 2013 against Korea Republic in Perth.

She will bring up the milestone against Argentina on Sunday morning (AEST) in the FIH Pro League.

“I always wanted to play hockey as a little girl,” Peris said ahead of her 150th cap.

“All your dreams do come true. I’ve got a great group of girls to take that milestone with. I’m super happy.”

Peris has been an integral part of the Hockeyroos over the past few years and proved durable since her debut.

She was part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medal winning side barely 12 months after her debut. Peris was part of the 2016 Rio Olympics team, where she brought up her 100th cap.

She’s also won two Champions Trophy silver medals (2014 and 2018), a Commonwealth Games silver medal (2018), three Oceania Cups (2013, 2015 and 2017) and scored a decisive penalty in last year’s World Cup quarter-final shootout against Argentina.

“I’m super excited. I never thought I’d get to 150,” she said.

“I just can’t wait to get out there and play with my team.”

Peris is only 26 and no thoughts of slowing up, with the exclusive 200-game milestone within her sights. Only 22 Australia women have reached 200 games for the Hockeyroos.

“I’ll stop when the body tells me to,” Peris said.

“I love this group and want to stay with this group for as long as I can.

“I wish nothing but the best for my team.

“Hopefully I get to be successful with them. I love every second with the girls.”

The Hockeyroos’ match against Argentina will be televised live on FOX SPORTS 505 and streamed on Kayo Sports at 5am AEST.

Sunday 5 May – CeNARD, Buenos Aires
Argentina v Hockeyroos – 5am AEST
Argentina v Kookaburras – 7:30am AEST

Hockeyroos 18-member team:
Athlete (Hometown, State)
Kristina Bates (Port Melbourne, VIC)
Edwina Bone (Orange, NSW) *Plays for ACT
Lily Brazel (Sydney, NSW) *Plays for VIC
Emily Chalker (Crookwell, NSW)
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA)
Kalindi Commerford (Ulladulla, NSW) *Plays for ACT
Madison Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Savannah Fitzpatrick (Cabarita Beach, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Kate Jenner (Tamworth, NSW)
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC)
Ambrosia Malone (Burleigh, QLD)
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW)
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT)
Michaela Spano (Adelaide, SA)
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW)
Sophie Taylor (Melbourne, VIC)
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC)
Georgia Wilson (Mahogany Creek, WA)

Kookaburras 18-member team:
Athlete (Hometown, State)
Jacob Anderson (Mackay, QLD)
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Joshua Beltz (Hobart, TAS)
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT)
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Tim Howard (Wakerley, QLD)
Aaron Kleinschmidt (Melbourne, VIC)
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW)
Lachlan Sharp (Lithgow, NSW)
Josh Simmonds (Melbourne, VIC)
Corey Weyer (Biggera Waters, QLD)
Jacob Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA)

Hockey Australia media release

Deciders Galore At Trans Tasman Masters Challenge

Dean Lomax



All six of Friday’s matches at the 2019 Trans Tasman Masters Challenge will be divisional deciders as the competitions heats up on the Gold Coast.

At 11am the 55+ men play on Pitch 1 and will be wanting a good score to win their series, while the 60+ women aim to win their series over on Pitch 2, a win or a draw will do it.

At 1pm the 60+ men will be hoping to capture their game one form to take their series while the 55+ women will be hoping to take their form from game 2 into today's match.

And the final set of fixtures at 3pm today sees the 65+ men looking for another good score line like their 4-2 win in game one. Finally on Pitch 2 the 65+ women will be hoping for a win to seal their series.

Meanwhile for Saturday’s final fixtures, Australia’s 35+ men, 40+ men, 45+ men and 50+ men have already won their series with 2-0 leads, putting the hosts in a great position take out the Country Championship.

However there will be deciders in all the women’s matches on Saturday, with the 40+ and 50+ series both at 1-1.

Australia’s 35+ and 45+ women’s teams have won on match and drawn the other against New Zealand, so they’re well placed too.

Hockey Australia agreed to a significant partnership with the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), and the City of Gold Coast to host the Trans-Tasman Masters Hockey Challenge on the Gold Coast and thanks them for their support.

Head to www.hockeyaustralia.altiusrt.com to follow all the results and ladders from the Trans-Tasman Masters Challenge.

For more details click here.

Hockey Australia media release

Irish EY Champions Trophy Finals to take place this weekend, Banbridge



The top four teams from the EY Hockey League will compete in a knock-out tournament in Banbridge Hockey Club over two days this weekend for the title of EY Champion's Trophy Winners. The semi-finals will take place on Saturday 4th of May, with the finals scheduled to take place on Sunday the 5th.

Saturday will get under way with the two Women’s semi-finals. Pegasus HC take on Cork Harlequins at 10:30AM to start the day, followed by Loreto v UCD at 12:30PM. The afternoon will see the Men’s teams take the pitch with Lisnagarvey taking on Glennane at 3:00PM, and Three Rock Rovers playing Banbridge at 5:00PM.

Sunday will also see Muckross HC v Queens at 11:30AM in the play-off for the 9th place EYHL spot. A win for Muckross will see them hold their EYHL spot, while Queens will hope to better them and move up from EYHL2.

The EY Champions Trophy Women’s final will commence at 2:30pm, with the men taking to the pitch at 4:45pm.

Location: Banbridge Hockey Club, Havelock Park, Lurgan Rd, Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 4LU

Parking: Car parking is limited at Havelock Park and there will be no reserved parking. An over flow facility is provided at Banbridge Academy, approximately 200m from Havelock Park, on the approach to the club if travelling from the town or past it if travelling from the opposite direction and will be signposted.  The overflow car park will be locked at 7.30pm each evening.

Players/officials/ Spectators should build in a transfer time of 10/15 minutes if parking at the Academy grounds.

Irish Hockey Association media release

Hard nut to crack for Tuks women’s hockey team in their first Varsity Hockey game


Tuks women's hockey vice-captain, Marizen Marais, in action. Photo: Supplied

The Tuks women’s hockey team will start the defence of their South African Varsity Hockey title this coming weekend in Cape Town when taking on Maties.

The match is a repeat of the 2017 Varsity-final. By beating Maties at the time, 1-0 Tuks made history by becoming the first women’s team of the university to win a Varsity Tournament.

Since then Tuks has been dominant.  It would seem as if coach Inky Zondi is blessed by having the “Midas touch”.  Apart from winning the Varsity Tournament, Tuks has also won the USSA’s twice in succession.

However, vice-captain Marizen Marais firmly believes in letting bygones be bygones.

“As a team, we are in a rebuilding phase. At the moment we got more youngsters playing for us than seniors. It means we are not even thinking about defending any title — our only goal from Friday is to play to the best of our abilities in every game. Then we shall see what happens. Hopefully, we shall qualify for the semi-finals,” said Marais at a recent team training session.

She has no hesitation in saying that Zondi, who is also the assistant coach for the South African women’s team, is one of the game’s best strategists.

“What truly sets Inky apart from any other coach is his people skills. He has got the knack to get each one of us to believe in our abilities. When you listen to him, talk you can’t but help to want to play for him and the team,” Marais explained.

She plays midfielder for the Proteas as well as Tuks and views her most significant challenge to remain cool-headed for the duration of any game.

“Whenever I get the ball, I got to think as to where and whom I am going to pass it on. My role is all about creating opportunities,” said Marais.

Having the 2017 victorious captain, Natalie Esteves, back playing for Tuks is going to be a definite asset. She is considered to be one of the best drag-flick players. It is to be assumed that she has managed to finetune her skills to even greater perfection having played for some time in Ireland and Belgium.

According to Marais, the unique Varsity Tournament rules could genuinely impact on the outcome of any game. One of the most significant rule changes in Varsity hockey is the “power play” where two of a team’s players are benched for three minutes. During that time a team is also only allowed to have six players within the 25-metre line defending.

The rest of the Tuks fixtures for the weekend are UJ (4 May), UCT (5 May) and Pukke (6 May).

Pretoria East Rekord

Positive Madibaz gear up for hockey challenge

 
Caitlin Gouws will have an important role to play when Madibaz take part in the opening weekend of the Varsity Cup women’s hockey competition in Cape Town starting on Friday. Photo: Supplied

The Madibaz women’s hockey team are ready to adopt a positive approach when they compete in South Africa's Varsity Hockey tournament, starting in Cape Town tomorrow.

As the event alternates with the men’s edition, the Nelson Mandela University squad have only four members with Varsity Cup experience from 2017.

Coach Andrew Beynon said they were under no illusions about the task ahead, but they had been working hard and were focused on being the best they could be.

“We have seven first years in our squad, but a strong finish at the 2018 USSA [University Sport South Africa] tournament has given the group confidence to believe in the Madibaz ladies’ principles and that work ethic and commitment pays off in the end,” he said.

“There is a strong sense of unity in the squad and an open-mindedness about what lies ahead.

“We know as a squad that, on paper, we face an uphill battle, but this group is incredibly positive and up for the fight.”

Beynon said their preparations had begun in February when a large squad was assembled.

“The players have been excellent in their attitude towards training and the focus for Madibaz is to build a culture where we value hard work and always remain positive.

“We have set a goal of making sure we improve in every performance and we will not be looking too far ahead. In a tournament like this it’s best to take it one game at a time.”

He added that the Varsity Hockey tournament was a wonderful chance for the country’s up-and-coming talent to show what they could do.

“You do not get a much better chance than this for these young ladies to showcase their skills on a national level while still being a student.

“It’s the gateway to the future and a good Varsity Hockey performance will mean a lot to the players and the university.”

The first leg of the tournament will be played at the UCT astro from tomorrow until Monday.

This will be the first time in the competition’s history that UCT will be hosting the tournament.

The second leg will take place at the North-West University astro in Potchefstroom from May 10 to 13. The final is scheduled for May 20.

Defending champions University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) will have their sights set on claiming back-to-back titles after also winning the USSA title last year.

Fullstop Communications Media Release for Nelson Mandela University Hockey

Gripping final day at Notts Sports Boys Schools Championships 2019


Notts Sport Boys School Championships 2019 - Winning goal

It has been a busy few days at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre with the Notts Sports Boys Schools Championships 2019, today, it hosted the U16s and U18s Finals Tier 1, 2 and 3. Each game was filled with exciting and gripping hockey. Some matches ended in lots of goals some ended with just 1, but what a day to end England's Notts Sports Boys Schools Championships 2019.

 The first matches of the day were the Under 16 Tier 2 Championships. Ashby School took on Taunton School for 3rd and RGS Guildford fought Trinity college for the plate.

Both matches ended in a shootout (what a way to start the day) seeing Trinity College take the top spot, RGS Guildford take silver, Taunton School take bronze and Ashby finishing 4th.

Goal Scorers for Trinity School were Nathan Slack x2 and Theo Flanagan. Goal scorers for RGS Guildford were Christian Moody, Henry Turrell 6th and Will Lawson 4th.

Trinity College 3(4) V RGS Guildford 3

The next set of matches were the Under 18 T3 lads, Eastbourne College were up against Altrincham Grammar for gold and Magdalen College School v Forest School for bronze.
Atrincham scored first with a goal from Nat Khan. Harry Whittaker scored second then Eastbourne pulled their keeper with 7.51 to go, an unlucky mistake by Eastbourne led Altrincham to a penalty corner. Nikash Henshaw drag flicked it past the step in keeper/kicking back. The score sheet came to a close with a final penalty corner goal from Altrinchams Ben Nicholson. Eastbourne never gave up and there were some fantastic saves from both teams but with just a couple of minutes to go Mazerelo made and incredible save to make the final score Altrincham Grammar 4, Eastbourne 0 and Altrincham took home Gold.

Magdalen College School were first on the score sheet against Forest School but they were raring to go in the 2nd half when Aman Bassi popped one passed the keeper, his goal was followed up by 2 more from his team scored by Freddie Britt and Liam Dolden. Magdalen college schools Louis Masse managed to get a 5th and final goal of the game passed the Forest School Keeper making the final score Forest School 3, Magdalen College 2.

The second set of under 16 matches kicked off just after 1pm seeing Repton v Dean Close for gold and St Lawrence College and Portsmouth Grammer fight it out for bronze.

Dean Close battled Repton to the end but fell short with the Final score finishing Repton 3, Dean close 0. Goal scorers were Owen Lloyd, Zach Brough and Michael Ainger.

The battle for bronze was a goal filled game with 6. Rory Buckridge scoring 2, Edward Charlton and Oliver Jameson scoring for Portsmouth and Ben Young getting the double for St Lawrence leaving the final score at Portsmouth Grammar 4, St Lawrence College 2.

The under 18 Tier 1 final and bronze was an intense set of games. Reeds and Whitgift battled in the wet for the cup and Dean Close went up against Norwich school for bronze. Dean Close got the first 4 goals from Toby Culling, Jacob Payton x2 and Ellis Robson but Norwich’s Rai Raunag snuck one past the keeper. Dean Closes Ellis Robson ended the scoring for the match making the final score Dean Close 5, Norwich 1. The action didn’t stop there, the cup battle was a fight to the end. The game was back and forth with crowds roaring for each team. Each team had numerous shots and amazing saves from their keepers. Reeds were awarded a penalty corner with less than a minute to go. The whistle blew, Reeds sent their whole team up to the line, a drag flick from Marcus Jones sealed the deal for Reeds School and a 1-0 win.

The last 2 matches of the day saw a very wet start with Merchant Taylors and St George's College battle for bronze and Charterhouse vs Bedford School for the last cup of the day... The Notts Sport Boys U18 Schools Tier 2 Championship Finals 2019.

The day ended as it began, both games going to a shoot out. St George's college Jamie Martin scored 1st for the bronze battle, followed by an equalizer for Merchant Taylors Karan Sofat. In the second half Merchant Taylors suck into the lead with a goal from Louis Davies but Jamie Martin scored his second of the game for St George's College. The shoot out went all the way to 8 shots but St Georges College came out on top and took bronze.

The last match of the day and the competition was Charterhouse V Bedford and it was thrilling. Charterhouse's Raphael Boulanger scored in the first half from a penalty corner, but, Charlie Axford equalized for Bedford School in the 2nd half with a cracking goal. The game ended 1-1 and went to a shoot out. Both teams made a fantastic effort but Charterhouse came on top crowning them U18 Tier 2 Champions.

England Hockey Board Media release