Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

All the news for Saturday 4 May 2019

FIH Men's Series Finals Kuala Lumpur 2019 - Day 8
Kuala Lumpur (MAS)

Semi-final results
ITA v CAN (SF)     1 - 3
AUT v MAS (SF)     1 - 3

Finals 4 May (GMT +8)
17:50     AUT v ITA (3 / 4)
20:05     MAS v CAN (Final)

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

Final standings

5. Wales
6. China
7. Brazil
8. Belarus

FIH Match Centre

Oltmans' men subdue Austria in ill-tempered match

By Jugjet Singh


Malaysia’s Marhan Jalil (second from left) celebrates scoring against Austria in the semi-final of the FIH Series Finals in Bukit Jalil today. BERNAMA pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia booked a hard-fought date with Canada in the FIH Series Finals final when they beat Austria 3-1 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

In the earlier semi-finals, Canada had beaten Italy 3-1 as well.

Both the top ranked teams in Kuala Lumpur made a comeback into the tournament after having to go through the play-offs, and Malaysia hold a slight edge over the Canadians, whom they beat twice in the recent Azlan Shah Cup.

The win was marred by a last second scuffle when Firhan Ashaari pushed an Austria player and it almost led to a punch-up with coach Roelant Oltmans and team manager Stephen van Huizen getting into the pushing and shoving as well.

But in the end, the tension was defused, and the 3,000-odd crowd went home a happy lot.

Austria turned out to be the best defensive team of the tournament, as before the Malaysia match, they had conceded only one goal in three matches — against Canada.

Faizal Saari delivered in the 11th minute, but the goal was cancelled by Leon Thornblom in the 32nd minute.

And after many missed chances, Marhan Jalil (55th) and Meor Azuan Hassan (58th) managed to prise open the Fort Knox of Austrian defence.

When asked about the near end of the match fracas, Malaysia coach Roelant Oltmans said: “It was due to frustration, and we went in to cool matters, nothing more.”

And how does he feel about meeting Canada? “We have played them twice this year and both teams know each other well. But I believe it will not be the same style as the Azlan Shah Cup, as I expect a different approach (from Canada) in the final.”

Canada coach Gregg Clark was optimistic that they will win the third time around.

“We came here to win the title, and we had expected to play Malaysia in the final. Even though both teams took the harder route (cross-over), I still believe we will win the third encounter this year.”

For the record, Malaysia beat Canada 3-2 in the pool and 4-2 for the Azaln Shah Cup bronze.

New Straits Times

Canada halt Italy's gallant run

By Jugjet Singh


Canada’s Brandon Bissett (left) is chased by Italy’s Juan Ortega (right) and Julien Dallons during their FIH Series Finals semi-final clash at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil earlier today (Friday). (EPA PIC)

KUALA LUMPUR: Canada finally burst Italy’s bubble when they won 3-1 in the semi-finals of the FIH Series Finals at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil earlier today (Friday).

It was Italy’s first defeat in the tournament, but they were bundled out of the next round of the Tokyo Olympic Qualifier in October/November because of their low ranking.

Due to their ranking, Italy needed to play in the final here to qualify for the next round.

In the beginning, it looked like the Italians were heading towards another giant kiling feat when Pietro Lago scored against the World no 10 side in the 28th minute.

But Canada were unperturbed and remained cool in their build-up, and goals from Sukhi Panesar in the 32nd minute signalled the fight-back, which was completed by Gordon Johnston (43rd) and Oliver Scholfield (60th).

Canada took the scenic route to the final, but it was worth the trip.

“Yes we took the longer route, but in the end, sometimes it makes all the difference as we kept playing as a team like we did against Italy.

“We were down initially, but it did not bother us at all and at the breaks, we kept discusing on how to improve in the match and there was no panic at all,” said Canada skipper Scott Tupper.

Canada coach Gregg Clark felt the long three-day break for automatic semi-finalists could have made the difference.

“Even in the recent World Cup (in Bhubaneswar), teams which made the semi-finals early and had a long break ended up on the wrong side of the tournament.

“So, this could have happened to Italy as well,” said Clark.

Italy coach Roberto Da Gai was peeved with the cards his men received.

There were two players warming the bench in the 31-35th minutes.

“It’s not good, not good at all when you have two players out at the same time,” said Da Gai.

Juan Montone received a two minute suspension in the 31st minute, while it was a 10 minute rest for Thomas Keenan who was shown the yellow in the 35th minute.

That, and a long rest period, probably brought an end to their gallant campaign.

New Straits Times

Canada come from behind to end Italy’s great adventure

By Aftar Singh


All systems go: Canada’s Gordon Johnston (left) taking a shot at the Italian goal at the FIH Series Finals at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — FAIHAN GHANI / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Canada fought back from a goal down to thump Italy 3-1 to reach the final of the FIH Series Finals.

World No. 10 Canada dominated the match from the whistle by earning three penalty corners against the 32nd ranked Italy in the first 19 minutes of play at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday but all came to naught.

Instead it was Italy who took the lead in the 28th minute from their second penalty corner when Francois Sior’s hit from the top of the semi-circle was deflected into goal by Pietro Lago.

But their joy was short-lived as Canada equalised four minutes later through Sukhi Panesar.

In the 35th minute, Italy were down to nine men as Juan Montone was given a green card for an infringement while Thomas Keenan was flashed the yellow card by umpire Dave Dowdall of England for a rough tackle.

Canada seized the advantage by earning four penalty corners in a row and they took the lead in the 43rd minute when Gordon Johnston’s low drag flick sailed past goalkeeper Francesco Padovani.

Italy fought hard to look for the equaliser but Canada sealed the match with Oliver Scholfield scoring in the last minute (60th) with a reverse-stick effort.

Italy coach Roberto Da Gai was disappointed with his players’ performance.

“It’s hard to play when we were down to nine players. I’m also disappointed that the souvenir book states that Italy are ranked 37th in the world and we play in third-tier tournaments in Europe.

“We’re ranked world No. 32 and we played in the third-tier tournament two years ago. I have a good set of players and I want the media to stop calling us pizza boys. We’re not pizza boys,” said the annoyed Da Gai yesterday.

Canada assistant coach Gregg Clark said that they are happy to come back from a goal down to beat Italy to reach the final.

“We made good use of our chances. For us, playing Malaysia or Austria in the final does not matter,” said Clark.

The Star of Malaysia

Canada advances to championship match with 3-1 semifinals win over Italy

Three-goal second half leads Canada to semis victory over tournament-surprise Italy



Canada, the tenth ranked team in the world; vs Italy, the 32nd ranked team at the world: The winner, an automatic berth in the next leg of Olympic qualification. It didn’t take long for Canada to assert their dominance and show their experience, carrying most of the possession and earning the first PC of the game. Late in the first half, Italy pushed back with a flurry of chances of their own, earning a pair of penalty corners. David Carter made two stellar saves on the first PC effort, but Italy capitalized on the second one, breaking the deadlock and taking a 1-0 lead into the second half.

Canada answered back in the third quarter as Gordon Johnston entered the circle and played the ball on net. Sukhi Panesar was in the right place at the right time to bang the ball into the open net off a deflection his way, tying the game at one goal apiece. Canada pressed for more at the end of the third quarter, earning four penalty corner chances and finally Johnston rifled a rocket past the Italian keeper to give Canada their first lead of the game.

Being one quarter away from a spot in the finals and an automatic place in the final leg of Olympic qualification, Canada continued to apply the pressure. They were forced to play a man down with Johnston out with a green card, but they weathered the storm and pressed back. Playing smart defensively and taking calculated attacking opportunities, Canada kept the ball largely in the Italian zone in the final 10 minutes of the game. Canada limited Italy’s final push and denied the chance for any late-game drama. Oliver Scholfield added a late marker for Canada to clinch the game and the berth in the tournament final.

Man of the match and Canadian captain, Scott Tupper said he is proud of how the team kept their composure despite being down a goal heading into the second half.

“We were playing pretty well and dictating the game,” he said. “It was nice to see us remain calm and know we had a lot of game left. We just needed to execute a bit better in the offensive end and keep our heads.” Tupper added that the team is excited to be in the championship match tomorrow no matter who the opponent is. “We just have to make sure we do our recovery well and prepare ourselves. Should be a lot of fun to play a final in this stadium.”

With the win, Canada will face Malaysia tomorrow night in prime time in the championship match of the 2019 FIH Hockey Series Finals Malaysia. A game against Malaysia in the capital: expect the atmosphere to be electric and the stands to be full.

Field Hockey Canada media release

2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - 4 May

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

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

FIH Match Centre

2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - 4 May

3 May 2019     GBR v CHN (RR)     1 - 2     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)

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

China claim impressive away victory over Great Britain in London



China recorded a fine FIH Pro League victory on the road on Friday, getting the better of hosts Great Britain at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre.


All of the goals came in the third quarter of the match, with Great Britain’s Giselle Ansley netting a penalty corner to cancel out Ou Zixia’s deflected opener before Peng Yang scored what proved to be the winner with a superb penalty corner deflection in the 44th minute.

It was China’s third win of the FIH Pro League and sees them remain in eighth position but they have improved their points percentage to 27.8, closing the gap on seventh placed Great Britain - who have 29.2 percent - in the process.

There were chances for both sides in two very even opening two quarters, but neither side could make the most of their opportunities. Great Britain (WR:2) - who claimed a bonus point in the reverse fixture in Changzhou thanks to a shoot-out victory - largely dominated the second quarter, but China (WR:10) were organised in defence and soak up the pressure throughout.

The game burst into life in the third quarter, with Great Britain’s Tessa Howard stinging the hands of China goalkeeper Ye Jiao in the opening seconds of a frenetic period. China took the lead rather fortuitously when Ou Zixia’s attempted pass from the right was kicked into her own net by the back-tracking Anna Toman, but Giselle Ansley soon levelled with a low penalty corner effort that clipped the pads of Ye before finding the bottom right corner. However, China restored their lead before the end of the period, with Peng Yang scoring a brilliant penalty corner deflection to give the visitors a lead going into the final period.

Great Britain put the visitors under great pressure in the fourth quarter but could not get the breakthrough, with China’s defence showing full commitment to claim all three points from the contest.

“It’s hugely disappointing result”, said Laura Unsworth, a player who made her 100th appearance for Great Britain in this match. “In the last few matches we have taken great strides forward, and we need to keep working and training and I think it will come together.”

The FIH Pro League action continues on Saturday (4 May) when Great Britain men take on Spain in London before Argentina’s men and women take on the national teams of Australia in Buenos Aires.

FIH Pro League

3 May - London, England

Result: Women’s Match 41
Great Britain 1, China 2
Player of the Match: Peng Yang (CHN)
Umpires: Celine Martin-Schmets (BEL), Alison Keogh (IRL) & Sean Rapaport (RSA)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site

Britain's women fall to defeat at home to China in latest FIHPL fixture


Great Britain's women face China in the FIH Pro League

Great Britain's women were beaten by a resilient China side in their latest FIH Pro League match in London.

On a night when Laura Unsworth earned her 100th GB cap, it was the visitors who took their third win in the league, all the game's goals coming in the second half.

Giselle Ansley got Britain's goal with a well-taken penalty corner, but efforts from Zixia Ou and Yang Peng proved decisive as China earned all three points.

Britain moved down to eighth in the table after this result, and have two weeks to prepare for their next London fixtures against Argentina and Belgium on 18 and 19 May.



Full report
Britain started brightly on home turf, and after a couple of good circle entries, it was Sarah Robertson who first stung the goalkeeper's palms, seeing a rasping effort on the reverse well saved by Jiao Ye.

Moments later though Yang Peng went on a darting run for the visitors, Nicki Cochrane well placed to save in the GB goal. And then moments later Cochrane was again required to make an important stop at the back post as China closed in.

As the first quarter came to its close, Robertson again looked to beat Ye on the reverse but the 'keeper saved well.

Into the second period and both sides had periods of decent possession; China disappointed not to capitalise on a good opportunity as Jinrong Zhang swung and missed.

Within seconds of the restart, Britain came close to the opener; Tess Howard crashing a cracking effort into the crossbar. But it was China who took the advantage. With Laura Unsworth off the pitch for a green card, Zixia Ou smashed in a cross that Anna Toman could only touch into her own goal under pressure at the back post.

Britain soon found a way back into the game and - like in the first home match six days ago - it was Giselle Ansley who hit the target from a penalty corner.

The game continued to ebb and flow, and this time it was Peng who scored from a corner; expertly deflecting past Cochrane.

With time ticking away, GB dispensed with the services of their goalkeeper, and despite sustained possession they were unable to find a way through a resolute defence.

China took a third win so far in the league, and having beaten New Zealand and Germany already this was a key scalp for the visitors; Britain unable to convert possession into goals.

Next for Mark Hager's side is Argentina in a sold-out double header, followed by Belgium the following day on Sunday 19 May.

Great Britain 1
Ansley (41', PC)

China 2
Ou (35', FG); Peng (44', PC)

GBR: Cochrane (GK), Ansley, Pearne-Webb (C), Unsworth, Costello, Toman, Balsdon, Defroand, Howard, Robertson, Petty, Rayer, Sanders, Evans, Owsley, Malzer, Martin
Unused: Tennant (GK)

Great Britain Hockey media release

Great Britain lose on home soil against China


Olympic gold medallist Giselle Ansley scored GB's only goal

Great Britain fell to a 2-1 defeat by China in the second of their home FIH Pro League games in London.

After a goalless first half, China took the lead as Zixia Ou's effort from a penalty corner deflected in off GB's Anna Toman.

Giselle Ansley equalised for GB with a fine drag flick but Peng Yang won the game for China three minutes later.

"It's disappointing to come away with a loss," Laura Unsworth, who won her 100th GB cap, told BT Sport.

"There were times when we were shifting the ball and looked good, but they took their chances.

"We weren't good enough and didn't put away our chances.

"The last few matches, we have taken great strides. We need to keep working and I think it will come together."

GB head coach Mark Hager told BT Sport: "We've got to be better all around the park.

"We've got to play as a group. At the moment we're not playing smart enough hockey.

"We've got to be more ruthless."

The Olympic champions - who are now seventh in the FIH Pro League standings - next face Argentina on 18 May and Belgium on 19 May with both fixtures taking place in London.

In the inaugural FIH Pro League season, eight men's and nine women's teams play home and away fixtures, with the top four in each league progressing to the Grand Final stage.

The top four teams also earn a place in the two-legged Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers, but Great Britain are seventh out of nine in the women's standings.

BBC Sport

Upcoming Internationals for Ireland Senior Men's Squad



Ireland Senior Men’s team will take on USA and France over a number of matches between the end of May and beginning of June.

The Men’s team will play the USA on

    Friday May 24th at 19:00, &
    Sunday May 26th at 12:00

in Pembroke Hockey Club, 27A Serpentine Ave, Dublin 4.

They will play France on

    Tuesday June 4th at 19:00, &
    Thursday June 6th at 12:00

In Lisnagarvey, Comber Road Hillsborough Co. Down.

These will be the last international matches the Men’s team will play prior to their FIH Series Finals which take place in Le Touquet between the 15th and 23rd of June. Speaking on the games, Hockey Ireland Performance Director, Adam Grainger, said, “Hosting international matches in Ireland has become increasingly difficult recently, and Hockey Ireland Senior Men are therefore delighted to play both USA and France in Dublin and Belfast respectively. As our Senior Men return home from their respective clubs, these matches will provide much needed preparation for June’s World Series in Le Touquet. We encourage the hockey community to come out and support the players for what should be an exciting and rewarding summer of hockey”.

Tickets will be available at the gate for each of these matches.

More information on the Men’s FIH Series Finals in Le Touquet can be found at: //ticketingfihseriesfinal.fr/en/

Irish Hockey Association media release

Green Army match preparations curtailed as Canada withdraw from series


Ali Meeke in action against Canada last summer. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Ireland’s preparations for the first stage of the women’s 2020 Olympic qualifying process have received a set back, writes John Flack, with news that Canada will now not be travelling for four internationals which were due to take place shortly before the tournament gets underway next month.

The north Americans have pulled out of the trip because of financial constraints and, as a consequence, Ireland will now have no senior internationals in the build-up to the Banbridge showpiece, scheduled for June 8-16.

Instead, the hosts will play India Under 21s in Dublin on May 28 along with games against boys and girls national under-age teams at Havelock Park.

Fortunately, by sheer coincidence, the Indians will be in Ireland preparing for the U21 Four Nations tournament in Dublin.

However, the situation is far from ideal as Ireland have not played a full scale international since March when they travelled to Murcia for three games against Spain and two against India.

In total, the World Cup silver medallists have played just nine internationals since their unprecedented achievement in London last August.

Ireland, now eighth in the world, are the top-ranked side and would be among the favourites to land one of the top two finishing spots at the Banbridge tournament as they are up against lower ranked opposition.

Team manager Arlene Boyles said: “It’s extremely disappointing that Canada have had to withdraw, especially at such short notice.”

“We did try to find senior international opposition but were unsuccessful because of the time-frame and the fact that most teams we would have wanted are involved in their own Olympic qualifying events.

“At least we have the India game, along with matches against Ulster and Ireland U-18 boys and Ireland’s U-21 women which will help.”

Ireland also have a practice match against Korea, who are in the other group, pencilled in for the tournament venue on Wednesday June 5 – three days before the tournament hits off.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s men, who are preparing for their Olympic qualifier in Le Touquet later next month, will now play their French hosts at Lisnagarvey in the build up on June 4 and 6 after the games were switched from Dublin.

The Hook

2019-20 Junior and Senior U.S. Women’s National Indoor Teams Named



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following two different tryout weekends, U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team Head Coach Jun Kentwell and coaching staff are pleased to name the 2019-20 junior and senior squads.

“I am very pleased to see a much stronger depth of ability throughout the indoor program this year,” commented Kentwell. “We have some very talented young players in each of our squads who will be vying for places on our 2020 Indoor Pan American Cup team. They will be led by some very experienced players who will set the standard throughout our training sessions and show our young players what is expected at the international level.”

Seven players who competed in the 2018 Indoor Hockey World Cup in Berlin, Germany are returning to the senior women’s squad along with several young players who made their mark at the 2019 Croatia Cup at the beginning of the year. This year’s team is strengthened by the addition of some talented experienced players new to the indoor program.

2019-20 U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team:
Kelsey Briddell (Wilton, N.Y.), Ali Campbell (Lancaster, Pa.), Samantha Carlino (Lewisburg, Pa.), Sierra Espeland (Fredericksburg, Va.), Noelle Frost (Glenwood, Md.), Allyson Fuller (Philadelphia, Pa.), Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.), Kellie Joyce (South Pomfret, Vt.), Kelly Marks (Huntington, NY.), Anarose McDonough (Kennett Square, Pa.), Hannah Prince (Gorham, Maine), Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.), Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.), Kasey Tapman (Pasadena, Md.), Carissa Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.), Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.), Paityn Wirth (Thompsontown, Pa.), Rayne Wright (Bethlehem, Pa.), Elizabeth Yeager (Rye, N.Y.), Corinne Zanolli (Newtown, Pa.)

2019-20 U.S. Women’s National Indoor Development Team:
Shelby Bumgarner (Pasadena, Md.), Lora Clarke (Shaker Heights, Ohio), Colleen Conway (Franklin Lakes, N.J.), Lauren Delgado (East Earl, Pa.), Pyper Friedman (Phoenix, Md.), Ryleigh Heck (Berlin, N.J.), Meghen Hengerer (Bedminster, N.J.), Annika Herbine (Macungie, Pa.), Skye Joegriner (Gaithersburg, Md.), Ella Kaufman (Queenstown, Md.), Julianne Kopec (West Long, N.J.), Mia Leonhardt (Media, Pa.), Megan Maransky (Blue Bell, Pa.), Josephine Paide (Schwenksville, Pa.), Meghan Plank (Glen Mills, Pa.), Gery Schnarrs (Camp Hill, Pa.), Esha Shah (Ellicott City, Md.), Kelly Smith (Dowingtown, Pa.), Macy Szukics (Malvern, Pa.), Lauren Wadas (Annville, Pa.)

2019-20 Junior U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team:
Olivia Bent-Cole (Ventnor, N.J.), Julia Bressler (Leesport, Pa.), Abigail Burnett (Zionsville, Pa.), Kennedy Cligett (Warrington, Pa.), Logan Clouser (Bethlehem, Pa.), Natalie Freeman (Ellicott City, Md.), Mia Garber (Lyndell, Pa.), Emily Graeff (Phoenixville, Pa.), Margaret Jancerak (Denville, N.J.), Paige Kieft (Newtown, Pa.), Maggie Kondrath (Dowingtown, Pa.), Morgan McMenamin (Lafayette Hill, Pa.), Alaina McVeigh (Lansdale, Pa.), Daniela Mendez-Trend (Reistertown, Md.), Caroline Nemec (Darien, Conn.), Madison Orsi (Dowingtown, Pa.), Abigail Taylor (Cary, N.C.), Maya Walker (Greenwich, Conn.), Melea Weber (Macungie, Pa.), Gia Whalen (Paoli, Pa.)

In the position of assistant coach of the Indoor USWNT is Brett Clay. Leading the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Development Team is Katie Gerzabek and Lunda Comiskey. The Junior Indoor USWNT will be coached by Sarah Dawson, Ahmed Elmaghraby and Ralph Goodwin.

The focus of the coming year is to continue the progress made over the past two years and retain the Indoor Pan American Cup title, which will be held in March 2020 in Pennsylvania, and qualify again for the 2021 FIH Women’s Indoor World Cup. Training weekends will be held each month from April through December on dates which will not conflict with the outdoor USWNT Olympic Pipeline.

The U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team will participate in indoor international tournaments in Europe in December and the beginning of January in preparation for the 2020 Indoor Pan American Cup.

“This is a very important year. We are going to have to build on the growth and development we have made over the past three years to continue to hold the USA flag high,” added Kentwell.

The Junior and Senior U.S. Men’s National Indoor Teams will be named following a goalkeeper tryout this weekend.

USFHA media release

Polo win Spanish Honor Division to earn EHL return for 2019/20



Real Club de Polo won the Spanish men’s Honor Division on Wednesday afternoon with a 2-0 win away to Jolaseta to ensure they will qualify for next season’s Euro Hockey League.

It meant they stayed a point clear of Atletic Terrassa on the final day of the season after their title rivals saw off Club Egara 4-3 on a thrilling end to the campaign with three sides covered by only a point going into the final round of matches.

RC Polo got their 13th victory of the season after beating a competitive RC Jolaseta at home. It took a long time to breakdown the hosts but Borja Llorens finally gave Polo some breathing room three minutes before half-time from a corner.

And they made extra sure with 11 minutes to go, ending any uncertainty when Salvador Armenteras got the clinching goal. It means a double for Polo following their Copa del Rey success while they also reached the EHL FINAL4.

They now look forward to their national quarter-finals and a game against RS Tenis to start off the knock-out series.

Atletic finished the campaign one point back following their 4-3 win over Egara, coming back from 3-1 down to nick the victory. Pep Romeu, Lluis Mercade and Vincenc Ruiz had Egara flying high at 3-1 early in the second half but goals from Marc Bolto, Oriol Peremiquel and Pol Parrilla changed the game.

Atleti go on to play FC Barcelona in their quarter-final while Egara have a derby against CD Terrassa. Junior FC meet Club de Campo in their quarter-final match-up.

With Spain’s quota of EHL tickets reduced from three to two spots next year, the overall winner of the playoffs will have a direct ticket to the EHL FINAL4. Should Polo win, the second ticket for the EHL – for the KO16 in Barcelona next October – will go to the final’s runner-up.

Euro Hockey League media release

Miltkau and Nelen bound for La Gantoise next season



Marco Miltkau will be an eye-catching addition to La Gantoise’s attacking options next season as the makes the switch from Rot-Weiss Koln to the Belgian league.

Miltkau has won the EHL with both Rot-Weiss and UHC Hamburg and is the second highest all-time scorer in the elite club competition, just one behind HC Rotterdam’s Jeroen Hertzberger.

"It is with pride that we welcome him here, he has a lot of class!" said La Gantoise coach Pascal Kina of his signing.

With Rot-Weiss, his club currently sit second in the German league behind Uhlenhorst Mulheim whom they play on Saturday afternoon on home turf, a crucial tie on the second last weekend of the regular season. A day later, they come up against Crefelder HTC.

In Hamburg, there is a huge fight between Polo Club, UHC and Harvestehuder THC for playoff places with Polo facing the other two back-to-back. Mannheimer HC will hope to pin down their playoff place with wins over Blau-Weiss Berlin and Berliner HC.

Elsewhere for La Gantoise, they have also announced the return of Barbara Nelen to the club.

"At the age of five, I started playing hockey in La Gantoise; for the last four seasons I’ve had a great time at Brax, and now that I'm back in Ghent, I decided to complete the circle. But before that, I must now be ambitious for the finals," wrote Nelen on his Instagram account.

Nelen, 27, is triple winner of the Golden Stick award in Belgium and took part in the London Olympics. She has also worn the colours of the KHC Dragons and Oranje Zwart.

Euro Hockey League media release

Home advantage a huge factor for men’s EY Champs Trophy at Banbridge

By John Flack


Banbridge’s Drew Carlisle and TRR’s Mitch Darling. Pic: Adrian Boehm

When you are hosting a party, the last thing you want is to have to leave early while the rest of the guests enjoy themselves and that’s the case with Banbridge this weekend as they prepare for the Irish Champions Trophy event at Havelock Park.

Bann face Three Rock Rovers in the semi-finals on Saturday and, should they win a tough encounter, they will play either Lisnagarvey or Glenanne in the decider on Sunday.

Home advantage has been a massive factor since the introduction of the Champions Trophy; now in its fourth season – no club from outside the host province has reached the final of the competition.

Garvey, winners in 2016, have already earned a place in Europe next season by lifting the regulation season title and a second spot will be on offer for the final four tournament victors.

“We are looking forward playing in the finals weekend especially at our own ground.,” said Bann coach Mark Tumilty.

“I think Banbridge HC have shown over recent years we are the best in the country at hosting these events, so it gives our players an added incentive to reach the final on Sunday.

“But Three Rock will be a very difficult game; they have been very good in peaking for the club championships over the last number of years and I am sure this year will be no different.

“They have a good squad with some real quality in Daragh Walsh, Luke Madeley, Jody Hosking and Mitch Darling.

“We will have to produce our best performance of the season if we are to reach the final. I have confidence in the players that they can produce that performance on Saturday.”

Rovers come into the tie off a reasonably restful week after their Euro Hockey League exploits when they pushed KHC Dragons close for three quarters. David Kane served game one of a two-game suspension in their Cork C of I tie last weekend when Walsh was unavailable due to an exam along with a number of other players.

Three Rock won at Havelock Park the last time the sides met this season, an emotional 4-3 result in February. It started a run of 12 successive wins and Rovers have not lost in Irish club competition in 14 outings after a slow start to the campaign.

For the other semi, Garvey captain James Corry, who successfully battled against cancer a year ago, is looking forward to a hard-fought tournament, starting with the Glenanne semi.

“All the games will be very close this weekend. There hasn’t been much between any of the teams so far this season,” he said.

“Glennane will be very difficult to beat as they know how to get the job done so we will have to be at our very best to stand a chance.

“All focus is on the game on Saturday. We have taken one game at a time this season and that won’t change leading into this weekend.

“The squad is very young and will learn a huge amount in the next few weeks so it will be great for their development no matter what the outcome is.

“I am just delighted to have the opportunity to captain this squad as the May 8, 2018 was the day I got the all-clear from testicular cancer.


Glenanne’s Cedric Jakobi and Lisnagarvey’s Matthew Nelson. Pic: Adrian Boehm

“Now, one year on, we have won the league and are at the playoffs weekend with the Irish Cup final to come next week.”
For the Glens, they suffered a nasty drop in form since the start of March with just one win and two draws in their last eight games, including losses to each of this weekend’s opposition.

Indeed, they fell to Garvey twice back-to-back – 3-1 in the Irish Senior Cup, 5-1 in the league – to suggest they go in as marked underdogs.

In St Columba’s on Sunday, meanwhile, the last remaining place in next season’s men’s EY Hockey League will be confirmed when Cork C of I face UCD in the relegation/promotion playoff.

Denis Pritchard’s side found form in the last month to win seven out 12 points and escape automatic relegation in dramatic style, earning this playoff.

UCD, though, will be hard beaten, playing a high-pace and confrontational style of hockey that makes for a feisty tie. The speed of Mark Samuel down the right is a crucial outlet while David Nolan and Jazze Henry have plenty of quality.

They will need to be wary not to concede corners with John Jermyn about and Jonny Bruton will be a fiery presence.

** All EY Champions Trophy games will be live-streamed via EuroHockeyTV.org over the weekend

Men’s fixtures:
Saturday, May 4th
EY Champions Trophy semi-finals (both at Havelock Park, Banbridge): Lisnagarvey v Glenanne, 3pm; Three Rock Rovers v Banbridge, 5pm

Sunday, May 5th
EY Champions Trophy final: Lisnagarvey/Glenanne v Three Rock Rovers/Banbridge, Havelock Park, 4.45pm
EY IHL Promotion/Relegation play-off: Cork C of I v UCD, Whitechurch Park, 4.45pm

The Hook

UCD and Loreto hope to continue Leinster control of women’s Champs Trophy as Pegs plan without McCay


UCD’s Orla Patton taking on Loreto’s Sarah Torrans and Niamh Small last year. Pic: Adrian Boehm

UCD and Loreto will both be hoping to be the side to continue Leinster clubs’ dominance in the women’s Irish EY Champions Trophy with the title remaining in the province since its inauguration in 2016 with Pegasus and Cork Harlequins looking to break that run.

The duo meet at the semi-final stage for the second successive season following Loreto’s stunning late run a year ago to win the national crown.

Such was their outsider status, coach Paul Fitzpatrick had a holiday booked for the finals weekend with their playoff chances looking remote before a late season charge.

This year, they have looked a shoo-in for the final four for a long-time and star defender Hannah Matthews admits it has been a very different preparation phase.

Indeed, they played some great stuff in Amsterdam in the EuroHockey Club Cup to give them an elevated level of competition at just the right time.

“The run-up to this year’s final four weekend has been totally different for us!” she told The Hook. “Last year we were able to take a lot of momentum into the semi-final. This year the timing of Euros was ideal for us it gave us an opportunity to step up and was key in maintaining focus.

“The Euros has really given the squad a boost in confidence. We competed against some of the best players in the world and played great hockey at times especially in the Hamburg game. It has reinforced that we have quality from 1-18 in our squad and we are all capable of adding value to the team and playing good hockey.”

The World Cup silver medalist added that it does change the perspective, particularly as last year’s run was marked by minimal expectations from outside their own panel.

‘I think as an outsider looking in there would definitely be more expectation on us. However, we expect a lot from ourselves and last year was no different. A couple of results didn’t go our way at the beginning of our season, we were relatively inexperienced as a whole but I think we knew that by the end of the season if we could just make top four we could win it.”

They face a UCD side who will be without Lena Tice and Irish Under-21 international Abbie Russell, continuing a frustrating trend for coach Miles Warren.

He says his side’s motto has simply been “to play the cards we have been dealt” as their injury woes continue and he may have just 16 players to work with for the weekend.

The students finished the regular season in third place but have beaten all of their Champions Trophy rivals this season and have a good record against their Dublin rivals.

And there is a sense of trying to exact revenge on Loreto from last year’s meeting at the exact same stage of the competition.

Then, UCD were heavy favourites; this year, the roles are reversed and while Warren knows this, he says his panel can nick a place in Sunday’s final.

“All the games between the two teams have been extremely tight over the last couple of years. They would be favourites since they ended higher than us in the league and they have just gained great experience in Holland playing the top club sides in Europe. Having said that, we have played them three times this season and we won one and drew the other two.

“For us, our objective at the start of the year was to get to the finals weekend, we have done that and now we believe it’s anyone’s game and with the quality we have throughout our squad we feel we can win any game on the day. We look forward to Saturday and I’m sure it will be another high-class match between the two teams.”

In the earlier semi, Pegasus have been dealt a major blow to their chances of lifting the Champions Trophy as they will be without Shirley McCay for their semi-final with Cork Harlequins.

Ireland’s most capped sportswoman has been hit with a two-match ban after accumulating three yellow cards and, having sat out Saturday’s game with Belfast Harlequins, she will complete the sanction against their Cork namesakes.

Pegasus feel aggrieved about the circumstances of the 31-year-old’s suspension but have had an appeal against it turned down by Hockey Ireland.

The club has no issue with the ban itself but are annoyed that it only came into force 11 weeks after McCay received the third yellow card on January 26 in an Irish Senior Cup game with Pembroke in Dublin.

However, the umpire failed to report the card within the stipulated 48 hours time-frame and the disciplinary hearing was therefore delayed.

In fact there were nine EY IHL games following McCay’s third yellow card during which the ban could have been served and now McCay and Pegasus must pay the penalty.


Pegasus’s Shirley McCay lines up a shot against Cork Harlequins in last year’s semi-final. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Hockey Ireland’s Appeal Tribunal upheld the two-match suspension as they “did not consider there were grounds for appeal because the late submission of the report did not constitute any breach of a rule of regulation” albeit it acknowledged the case highlighted a flaw in procedures and returned the appeal fee to Pegasus.

However, that is of no consolation to the club, who now must do without the 278-times capped McCay for the Cork game.

Pegasus chairperson Michelle Rainey said to John Flack: “Despite the fact that we feel the original sanction of a two-match suspension may seem harsh, we totally appreciate that the accrual of three yellow cards evokes the need for disciplinary action and we did not appeal the sanction itself, merely the timing of it.

“What we remain disappointed by is the apparent lack of appreciation in the correspondence that the timing of the suspension arguably is to be served during a game that has much higher stakes than one during the earlier stages of the EYHL simply because of inconsistency in current procedures.”

So Pegasus are resigned to being without their most influential player for the semi-final with a Cork side that ironically won the corresponding Irish Cup semi-final last month when McCay was unavailable due to an Irish training session.

However, they are already guaranteed a place in Europe’s second tier next year irrespective of how they perform this weekend, having won the IHL regulation season title.

Pegasus captain Michelle Harvey said: “Obviously, it’s going to be even tougher without Shirley and while it’s nice to have the fall back of knowing we’re already in Europe, we would love to take part in the top flight competition and pit ourselves against the best sides.”

Cork Harlequins snuck into the final four playoffs on the final day of the regular season with a narrow 2-1 win over now-relegated Ards.

It gives them a chance of emulating their semi-final success of 12 months ago when they knocked out Pegasus but, much more than so last year, they go in as serious underdogs.

Indeed, given the fresh faces in the Quins’ line-up, it has been a remarkable effort to remain in the top four with Roisin Upton, Nicola Kerr, Emma Buckley and Naomi Carroll no longer around from the last term.

But their schoolgirls have stepped up brilliantly while Lorna Bateman and Becky Maye have shared the goalkeeping duties following Buckley’s move to Brussels.

Alex O’Grady, Emma Barber and Michelle Barry have stepped up as real leaders with World Cup star Yvonne O’Byrne driving them on but Cliodhna Sargent’s injury absence will be a massive loss on this stage.

Meanwhile, Queen’s University have one final chance to join the EY Hockey League as they prepare to take on Muckross for the last remaining spot on Sunday at Havelock Park.

The students fell short of succeeding at the first attempt when they lost to Catholic Institute on penalties in Sunday’s IHL 2 final, having been 2-0 and 3-2 up in the game itself.

Queen’s coach Simon Bell said: “I was absolutely gutted for the girls – we thought we had done enough to win it and it will be tough to get them lifted again for Sunday but we will give it a go.”

Women’s weekend fixtures
Saturday, May 4th

EY Champions Trophy semi-finals (both at Havelock Park, Banbridge): Pegasus v Cork Harlequins, 10.30am; Loreto v UCD, 12.30pm

Sunday, May 5th
EY Champions Trophy final: Pegasus/Cork Harlequins v Loreto/UCD, Havelock Park, 3pm
EYHL Promotion/Relegation play-off: Muckross v Queen’s, Havelock Park, 11.30am

The Hook

Scottish Cup Finals promises action-packed weekend


Men’s Grand Final – Grange v Grove Menzieshill – photo by Duncan Gray

This weekend`s Scottish Cup Finals brings the curtain down on this season`s domestic campaign, on Saturday Grange take on Grove Menzieshill in the men`s competition while the following day sees the women`s ultimate stage with Edinburgh University playing Dundee Wanderers.

Grange are in search of the treble – the league and European play-offs are already in the bag – retaining the cup would complete the set.

The champions have been in devastating form recently. They completed the league campaign with only one defeat – ironically at the hands of the Taysiders in the final encounter – but took revenge in the final of the European play-off with a resounding 4-0 victory over the Dundonians.

In last weekend`s semi-final the Edinburgh side gave Western Wildcats an 8-3 defeat in a powerful display of attacking hockey. Grange do not rely on one or two lethal strikers, instead the goals flow from several members of the squad which makes it difficult to defend against.

Grove Menzieshill will always have confidence however. They certainly had a tough afternoon in the European play-offs and had a challenging time in the recent EuroHockey League, but this is their last chance to take some silverware from this season. Grove Menzieshill will be more than ready to take to the pitch for the Scottish Cup Final and disrupt Grange’s treble party plans.

The hope might be that the Tayside defence can keep Grange from scoring early goals, leaving the likes of Jamie and Cammie Golden, Albert Rowling, or Aidan McQuade from penalty corners, to bang in the goals. There will be top players in show from both sides and another classic final is promised.

The women`s Scottish Cup final could be a close affair, certainly champions Edinburgh University will be viewed by many as favourites, but Wanderers have finished the season in impressive form. And they have strikers in Heather Elder, Emily Dark and Charlotte Watson who can convert chances in the circle.

In contrast, Edinburgh University battled to overcome Watsonians in last weekend`s semi-final, certainly they won 2-0 in the end but it should have been much more considering all the second half pressure.

League results show how close the contests have been between the sides, the opening game in September on Tayside ended in a goalless draw. The return in Edinburgh also ended square, Amy Brodie and Hanna McKie were on target for the students while a double from Vikki Bunce was the reply.

Certainly Edinburgh University have dominated the domestic scene over the past five years or so, but recently Wildcats have exposed some frailties, culminating in their 1-0 victory in the European play-offs – so can Wanderers follow this up on Sunday?


Edinburgh University v Clydesdale Western – photo by Duncan Gray

Scottish Plate; District Cup & Plate; Reserve Cup & Plate

The weekend is jam-packed full of cup final action with the Scottish Plate; District Cup and Plate; and Reserve Cup and Plate finals all taking place over the weekend.

On Saturday Highland and Dunfermline Carnegie will compete in the men’s Scottish Plate final. Dunfermline Carnegie return to the Glasgow National Hockey Centre after their recent Grand Finals appearance, missing out on promotion to National League 1. Highland of National League 3 are the opponents and will also be looking to take the opportunity to get their hands on some end-of-season silverware.

Kelburne 2s and Grange 2s are set to battle out the Men’s District Cup Final while Glasgow University 2s will take on Hillhead 2s in the Men’s District Plate final.

The Men’s Reserve Cup is an all Grange affair as the 3s take on the 4s on Pitch 1, while on Pitch 2 Western Wildcats 3s and Kelburne 4s play out the Reserve Plate final.

Sunday will see defending champions Orkney take to the pitch in the Women’s District Cup final as they face Ellon. In last season’s final Orkney ran out 4-0 winners against Edinburgh University 4s, while Ellon will look to replicate their District Plate win last season with victory in the Cup.

Glasgow University will take on Kelburne in the Scottish Plate final in what promises to be an excellent final, and Clydesdale Western 4s will take on Glasgow Academicals in the District Plate final to get the day’s action underway.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Scotland U16 and U18 matches against England

Scotland U16 & U18 girls and Scotland U16 Boys will play England this weekend with matches being held at Uddingston; Titwood and Lilieshall. The games are a great opportunity for the age group squads to go toe-to-toe with England and promise to be exciting contests.

Scotland U18 Girls will take to the pitch at Uddingston at 4pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday for two big games against England.

Scotland U16 Girls will also play at 4pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday with their matches being played at Titwood.

Also playing this weekend are Scotland U16 Boys’ who will travel to Lillieshall for their matches to be played at 5:45pm on Saturday and 11:30sm on Sunday.

Thank you to Clydesdale and Uddingston hockey clubs for their hosting and support for these matches.

Scotland U18 Girls squads

Game 1 – Saturday 4pm Uddingston
Player     Club
Aisha Saini     Western Wildcats
Amber Murray     Watsonians
Amy Salmon     Inverleith
Bronwyn Shields     Clydesdale Western
Cailin Hart     Watsonians
Charlotte Simmers     GHK
Eve Pearson     Watsonians
Faith Joubert     Watsonians
Grace Drummond     Inverleith
Jenn Tait     Granite City Wanderers
Jess Buchanan     Clydesdale Western
Kirsten Cannon     Western Wildcats
Lucy Smith     Grove Menzieshill
Lucy Williamson     GHK
Michaela McCarthy     Dundee Wanderers
Rhiannon Carr     Grove Menzieshill
Ruth Blaikie     Dundee Wanderers
Sophie Hinds     Inverleith

Game 2 – Sunday 11am Uddingston
Aisha Saini     Western Wildcats
Anna Hoolaghan     Clydesdale Western
Bronwyn Shields     Clydesdale Western
Cailin Hart     Watsonians
Charlotte Simmers     GHK
Ellie MacKenzie     Watsonians
Emma Fraser     Grange
Eve Pearson     Watsonians
Faith Joubert     Watsonians
Georgia Jones     Watsonians
Hannah Miller     Fjordhus Reivers
Holly Walder     Surbiton
Jess Buchanan     Clydesdale Western
Katie Swanson     Inverleith
Kirsten Cannon     Western Wildcats
Lucy Smith     Grove Menzieshill
Lucy Williamson     GHK
Rachel Strachan     Grove Menzieshill

U16 Girls- same times but at Titwood

Molly Byers – Fjordhus Reivers
Ava Findlay – Grange
Nicola Fletcher – Hillhead
Niamh Green – Western Wildcats
Olivia Henderson – Edinburgh Hockey Club
Olivia Hogg – Fjordhus Reivers
Zara Kennedy – GHK
Anna McWilliams – Uddingston
Jessica Mitchell – Clydesdale Western
Molly Morris – Inverleith HC
Ellie Rutherford – Edinburgh Hockey Club
Eilidh Seedhouse – Granite City Wanderers
Ava Smith – GHK
Jessica Thain – Edinburgh Hockey Club
Jennifer Veitch – Edinburgh Hockey Club
Ava Yip – Edinburgh Hockey Club
Georgie Yuille – Grange
Neave Halliday – Hillhead

U16 boys- Lillieshall

Adam Mackenzie – Western Wildcats
Alastair Douglas – Highland HC
Calum Douglas – Highland HC
Cameron Ede – Grange Hockey
Cameron Moran – Western Wildcats
Charlie Gates – Grange
Charlie Jack – Inverleith
Daniel Pearson – Dunfermline Carnegie
David Macrae (c) – Grange
Euan Menzies – Hillhead
Finn Donnelly – Perthshire HC
Jamie Croll – Grange
Joel Davenport – Grange
Jude Boslem – Hillhead
Matthew Hughson – Grange
Ollie Wilson – Perthshire
Peter Caughey – Grange
Samuel Knight – Grove Menzieshill

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Giant killers Jaguars stalk former champions Police

By AYUMBA AYODI


Kenya Police captain Oliver Echenje (left) vies for the ball with Butali's Karis Tristin during their Kenya Hockey Union Men's Premier League match at City Park, Nairobi on April 20, 2019. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |  NATON MEDIA GROUP

Giant killers Western Jaguars face yet another acid test when they host former champion Kenya Police in Kakamega on Saturday in a men’s hockey Premier League match.

Also in action are Parklands and defending champion Butali Sugar, who face limping Nairobi Simba and Strathmore Gladiators today and tomorrow respectively at the City Park Stadium.

Jaguars are enjoying perhaps one of their best ever start to the season, having claimed three stunning victories that at one time saw them scale to the top of the Premier League before Wazalendo dislodged them on better goal difference.

Jaguars stunned both former champions Nairobi Simba and Parklands 2-1 and 3-2 respectively to scale to the top with nine points from a clean run in three outings.

Jaguars had launched their campaign strongly on March 30, shocking former champions Strathmore Gladiators 2-0.

Wazalendo and Jaguars tie at the top with nine points each but Wazalendo enjoy better goal difference.

Nairobi Simba (8), Kenya Police (9) and Strathmore (10) occupy the last three places in the 10-team league. Police, who suffered a 2-1 loss to Butali Sugar Warriors on April 20, will be seeking to reinvent themselves with victory against Jaguars, who are always a tough nut to crack at home.

The battle between Jaguars and Police has always been tight in the past two. Jaguars won 1-0 in 2017 with Police exerting revenge 1-0 last year. “Jaguars bring out their best game especially at home,” said Police coach Patrick Mugambi.

Police drew 1-1 with Nairobi Simba before losing to Butali Sugar 2-1 in their second outing.

Wazalendo, Western Jaguars and Butali remain the only unbeaten teams this season with Wazalendo yet to concede a goal in their three outings.

Strathmore, who are placed at the bottom, having lost three matches and drawn once, will be looking for a breakthrough in Butali.

“We are not taking chances and we won’t allow them to end their winless run with us,” said Butali Sugar Warriors coach Dennis Owoka.

Butali beat Strathmore in both legs 3-0 and 5-0 on their way to league victory last season.

At the same time, Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) intends to introduce a Masters League for men in August, in the second half of the 2019 season.

Deputy match and fixture secretary Moses Majiwa disclosed that the league will be open to players who are 40 years old and above.

FIXTURES
Saturday: Men’s Premier League: Western Jaguars v Kenya Police (3pm, Kakamega), Nairobi Sikh Union v Parklands (6pm, City Park); Men’s Super League: Kimathi University v Mvita (2pm, City Park), KU v Bungoma Farmers (4pm, City Park); Men’s National League: UoE v UoN (3pm, Eldoret)

Sunday: Men’s Premier League: Strathmore v Butali (5pm, City Park); Men’s Super League: Mvita v Bungoma Farmers (9am, City Park), 100 Bay Club v UoN (10am, Kisumu), Wazalendo Masters v KCAU (11am, City Park), KU v Nakuru (1pm) City Park; Women’s Premier League: JKUAT v KU (3pm) City Park

Daily Nation

Maties beat reigning champions Tuks 2-0 in opening round of Varsity Hockey

By Michael Owen



It was revenge for Maties in a repeat of the 2017 final as the Maroon Machine beat Tuks 2-0 on Friday afternoon in Cape Town, South Africa.

The opening match of Varsity Hockey between Maties and Tuks got underway on Friday afternoon as UCT hosted the tournament for their first time.

A hard-fought first half saw Maties and Tuks remain locked at a 0-0 stalemate. Tuks missed out on two short corner opportunities, while Maties were also not able to convert. However, they kept the pressure on the Tuks defence.

Maties seemed to have the upper hand in the first half with their mammoth through-balls and sneaky interceptions. Tuks, however, responded with absolute composure, not shy to play with the ball in their own D.

It was Lee-Ann Louwrens for Maties who opened the scoring with her two-point field goal in the third quarter. This would ultimately be the difference between the sides as Maties kick off their campaign with a victory.

Tuks will be looking to play less in their own D and spread the ball earlier if they are to make more opportunities.

FNB Player of the Match: Lee-Ann Louwrens
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Kristen Block
MTN Connecter Award: Sandisiwe Tabata

Scores (Note: Field Goals count as 2)
Maties: 2
Goals: Lee-Ann Louwrens

Tuks: 0

Teams
Maties: Kristen Block 3, Simone van der Colff 13, Paige Phillips (C) 8 , Sandisiwe Tabata 1 , Stephanie Botha 4, Lenta Cullinan 10, Fran Darkoh 20, Tammy Minnaar 6, Zola Nompuku 12 , Monique Bartsch 11, Lida Kotze 7, Jamie Southgate 2, Amaarah Hendricks 18, Lee-Ann Louwrens 5, Angela Welman 23 , Lara Stevens 24, Caitlin Odendaal 22 , Aimee Pote 9

Tuks: Megan Anderson (C)5, Aimée Anticevich 11, Thandokazi Chithi 17, Jean-Leigh du Toit 16, Natalie Esteves 15, Kaylin Fourie 10, Maxine Hannan 8, Anemé Jacobs 18, Lerato Mahole 14, Marizen Marais (VC) 7, Maikemisetso Marokoane 4, Jessica-Lee Redfern 21, Micaela Roos 20, Alexis Steyn 1, Demi Tait 23, Ashleigh Thomas 6, Mase Thotse 19, Onthatile Zulu 3

Varsity Sports media release

Kovsies edge UJ in sudden death encounter

By Michael Owen


Louw Antonet of Kovsies scores during Kovsies v UJ at UCT on 3 May

60 minutes of play was not enough as Kovsies and UJ squared out to a 1-1 draw at fulltime. The match proceeded to showdowns where both teams drew once again, 3-3. It was Kovsies who put the final nail in the coffin with a 2-1 lead over UJ in sudden death.

The game between these two competitive sides got underway with a brilliant defence by UJ who survived five consecutive short corners early in the first half.

It was only a matter of time before UJ succumbed to the barrage of short corners by Kovsies. In the 23rd minute, Kovises’ Antonet Louw slotted the first goal of the game with a perfect flick to take hold of a 1-0 lead.

UJ were looking to capitalise on their use of the power play in the third quarter in order to narrow their 1-0 gap. Each team receives one power play per match. When they do so, two of their opposition players must leave the field and any goals scored by the team who called for the power play are doubled. 

UJ could not have asked for a better start to the final quarter as Jivanka Kruger slapped in a goal during an Orange Army short corner to equalise, the scores at 1-1.

UJ had the opportunity to clinch a last minute 2-1 win when they were awarded a short corner, but it was not to be.

Since Varsity Hockey does not settle for draws, the match went down to showdowns. Each team selects five of their players to do one-on-ones with the opposition keeper in which they receive 8 seconds to score a goal. The match was locked at 3-3 during showdowns when the referees then called for sudden death, where Kovsies edged UJ 2-1.

FNB Player of the Match: Olin Heraldine
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Nadia Mattana
MTN Connect Award: Phia Gerber

Scores (Note: Field Goals count as 2)
UJ: 1
Goals: Jivanka Kruger
Kovsies: 1
Goals: Antonet Louw

Teams
UJ: Nadia Mattana 1, Paula Rebelo 23, Jivanka Kruger 10, Phia Gerber 7, Lethabo Nkoe 16, Dinisha Coopoosamy 2, Tanika Schram 11, Celine Da Silva 3, Kristen Paton 8, Zeena Martin 4, Demi Harmse 13, Kelly Hewitt 18, Lisa Hawker, Gabriella Terblanche 14, Kaylim Bowers 15, Tenika Kriel 12, Thato May 5, Pauline Jacobs 6.

Kovsies: Wiane Grobler 1, Chane Hartel 2, Mikayla Clasasen 4, Anke Badenhorst 5, Casey Jean Botha 6, Shindré-Lee Simmons 7, Esté Van Schalkwyk 8, Nadia Van Staden 9, Antonet Louw 10, Michelle Ngoetjane 11, Olin Heraldine 12, Lizanne Jacobs 13, Rafilwe Ralikontsane 15, Mielanka Van Schalkwyk 16, Nela Mbedu 17, Simoné Gouws 18, Fracces Louw 20, Kia-Leigh Erasmus 23,

Varsity Sports media release

NWU cruise past Madibaz in their opening Varsity Hockey fixture

By Michael Owen


McLaren Jacolene of NWU during NWU v Madibaz at UCT on 3 May

The North-West University put six goals past Madibaz in their opening fixture to move to the top of the Varsity Hockey log on Friday at UCT Hares astro.

Scores remained unsettled at 0-0 after the first quarter saw a feisty encounter between these two physical sides with a green card being dished out in the opening moments of the match.

NWU were not going to allow 30 minutes go by without anything on the scoreboard which is why Chanté Ferreira slotted an impressive back-stick shot for her two-point field goal in the closing minutes of the first half.

Early into the second half Kanyisa Gwata made no mistake for Madibaz to equalise on the scoreboard in a brilliant team performance of passing and running hockey that originated in their own half.

Kelsey Minnaar showed her strength on two occasions to beat the goalie with her accurate shooting to put NWU into a 6-2 lead.

Madibaz would be disappointed to not create many chances in the second half after having a competitive first half.

The match saw an unusual amount of running and both teams would have been relieved to hear the final hooter.

FNB Player of the Match: Charné Maddocks
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Kerryn Frost
MTN Connect Award: Caitlin Gouws

Scores (Note: Field Goals count as 2)
Madibaz: 2
Goals: Kanyisa Gwata

NWU: 6
Goals: Chanté Ferreira, Kelsey Minnaar (2)

Teams
Madibaz: Kerryn Frost 1, Emma Fraser, 12 Hannah Knott-Craig 3, Lara Cunningham 5, Caitlin Van Goeverden 16, Britany Reddy 11, Staci Edwards 6, Kanyisa Gwata 8, Zhanique Sissing 18, Shaneal Fernandez 10, Awuraama Asmah-Andoh 15, Caitlin Brooks 17, Cassidy Holmes 21, Shae O’Reilly 20, Caitlin Gouws 7,  Emma Hobson 22, Sinead Walsh 9, Tumishang Shirinde 24

NWU: Caitlin Grant 1, Mischka Ellis 2, Jessica de Bruyn-Smith 5, Kirsty Adams 6, Miecke Flemming 7, Mia Barnard 8, Adelaide Siddell 9, Meeghan Klomp 10, Kelsey Minnaar 11, Charné Maddocks 12, Carli Pretorius 13, Courtney Du Preez 15, Candice Silent 16, Chanté Ferreira 17, Saré Launscher 19, Jacolene McLaren 22, Kutlwano Moshugi 23, Christa Ramasimong 24,

Varsity Sports media release

UCT spoil home crowd with 5-1 victory over Wits

By Michael Owen



The final match of day one of Varsity Hockey saw hosts UCT show off in front of their home crowd with a 5-1 win over Wits in the rain.

UCT captain Andrea Leader capitalised on an awarded penalty flick in the 20th minute to put the host team in a 1-0 lead over Wits.

With the tricky rainy conditions at play, taking hold of the ball became increasingly difficult as both sides missed out on opportunities throughout the game to slot the ball into the back of the net.

But the rain was not enough to deter both UCT and Wits from showing their skill on the night in front a packed crowd. Nicole Koenig for UCT got the home crowd rearing as she racked a blinder into the back post, increasing their lead to 3-0.

Wits were not to miss out as they showed their hand with Nolwazi Zondi’s bullet shot! This seemed to only encourage UCT to play better as Modjadjl Maake responded with the final blow of the day, resting the match 5-1 in favour of UCT.

FNB Player of the Match: Megan Pryce-Lewis
Mugg & Bean Star Saver: Nolwazi Zondi
MTN Connect Award: Nicole Koenig

Scores (Note: Field Goals count as 2)
UCT: 5
Goals: Andrea Leader, Nicole Koenig, Modjadjl Maake

Wits: 1
Goals: Nolwazi Zondi

Teams
UCT: Nope Serage 1, Rosi Church 3, Gillian Hermanus 4, Jess Hutchinson 6, Andrea Leader 7, Michelle Winter 8, Nicole Koenig 9, Chelsea Manoek 10, Clem Goldig 11, Francesca Vercellotti 12, Moletlo Somo 13, Michelle Tullus 14, Megan Pryce-Lewis 16, Courtney Wheeler 17, Modjadjl Maake 20, Candice Ewing 21, Cameron Beckett 24, Aaliyah Dollie 28,

Wits: Tamsin Copeland, Michelle Dykman, Nolwazi Ngubane, Imogen Bangert, Lezaan Jansen van Vuuren, Angelique Pieterse, Nomnikelo Veto, Ashleigh Readhead, Mandisa Sigudla, Nompilo Thenjwayo, Ashleigh Datnow, Danielle Quin, Nolwazi Zondi, Erin Haupt, Lisa Bone, Johnson Storme, Rethabile Tsebiso, Sisipho Magwaza,

Varsity Sports media release