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News for 06 May 2019

All the news for Monday 6 May 2019


Australia Convincingly Claims Seventh Consecutive Trans Tasman Masters

Ben Somerford



Australia have convincingly claimed their seventh straight Trans Tasman Masters Challenge Country Championship after winning 13 of the 14 divisions against New Zealand on the Gold Coast this week.

The Trans Tasman Masters Challenge wrapped up at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre on Saturday, with the final match in eight divisions played to complete the Masters Challenge.

Australia won all eight of Saturday’s series deciders, although the four men’s divisions had already been won after back-to-back wins earlier in the week in the best-of-three series.

The winners of six divisions were determined after deciders on Friday to seal an unassailable lead, with Australia convincingly triumphing overall with Saturday’s clean sweep.

The triumph seals Australia eighth Country Championship in the 10th edition of the Masters Challenge, which was first played in 2000.

The Trans Tasman Masters Challenge grew from 12 divisions in 2017 to 14 divisions in 2019, representing the competition’s largest ever participation.

Australian teams (seven male and seven female) and New Zealand teams (seven male and seven female) competed in seven age divisions: Over 35, Over 40, Over 45, Over 50, Over 55, Over 60 and Over 65 across both genders.

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.

The biennial international Masters Hockey tournament is another legacy event from last year’s Commonwealth Games utilising the facilities where the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos claimed goal and silver medals respectively just over 12 months ago.

Head to www.hockeyaustralia.altiusrt.com for all the results and statistics from the Trans Tasman Masters Challenge.

Hockey Australia media release



Shanmuganathan says hockey players lack basic skills



KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian national hockey players have a lot of catching up to do based on their performances at the just concluded FIH Series Finals.

This was the observation made by former national coach Datuk Seri N. Shanmuganathan (pic) who said the players lacked basic skills and made the same mistakes over and over again.

“We should have won the final against Canada but we blew it due to the mistakes in defence and poor finishing. I am unhappy with the errors they made in matches,” said Shanmuganathan, who has featured in three Olympics and three World Cups.

Malaysia squandered two penalty strokes and failed to convert five penalty corners in the final before going down 3-2.

He added the defenders are not using the right technique to tackle their opponents as they love to do it on the run, which makes it more difficult to get the ball.

“The defenders are also slow in clearing the ball from the semi-circle and they gave away penalty corners easily,” he said.

“In the group match against China, the opponents scored three penalty corners goals because we had poor skills in stopping the penalty corner attempts.

“They never seemed to learn from their mistakes as it was the same case in the final match against Canada, where they conceded two penalty corner goals in the space of two minutes,” said Shanmu­ga­nathan.

“It is going to be tough to win matches if Malaysia concede more than two goals in a match. Malaysia need to beef up their strength in defence if they harbour any hopes of qualifying for next year’s Tokyo Olympics,” said Shanmuganathan, who was the captain of the Malaysia team who finished fourth in the 1975 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

“The other disappointing fact is that the forwards are not able to find their target to score despite creating a lot of chances in a match. They love to take the ball to their left side before using reverse stick hit to score goals.

“I don’t agree to it as there is no angle to score. Instead they should use a snap shot at goal as the ball might bounce off the goalkeeper pads before other players could dash in to score.

He said national coach Roelant Oltmans should look into all these factors and hope they will be better prepared for the playoff matches in October to qualify for the Olympics.

The Star of Malaysia



Entertainment continues in day 2 of EH Champs



The second day of the Men’s and Investec Women’s Championship Finals produced another exhilarating day of action at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

The day began with Deeside Ramblers defeating Khalsa 4-2 in a shootout following a 3-3 regular-time draw in the Men’s Over 40s T2 Final.

Though Deeside took an early lead through Ali Ghazanfar, Mewa Hayer and Dharminder Singh fired back to send Khalsa into the lead at half-time.

Ibrar Latiff put the sides level just minutes into the second-half, and while Surinder Singh pulled one back for Khalsa, Ghazanfar completed his brace to restore parity and take the game to a shootout.

Despite going 1-0 down at the start of the shootout, Deeside once-again produced a comeback, scoring four in a row to seal a 4-2 victory.


Deeside

Surbiton 2s followed that up with a 4-1 victory over Repton in the Men’s T2 Final after a strong second-half showing.

Having taken a slender 1-0 lead into the break through David Bartram’s field goal, Surbiton doubled their lead shortly after the restart with Finn Cooper rifling a shot in.

Though Repton got one back as Simon Claris struck from a penalty corner, Surbiton ensured they would lift the trophy with Liam Doidge converting a penalty stroke before Bartram completed his brace to seal a 4-1 victory. 


Surbiton T2 EH Champs

Over on Pitch 2, Herne Bay came out on top in the Men’s O40s T3 Final with a 3-1 victory over Broxbourne.

Broxbourne made the perfect start to the game, Duncan Cogdell opening the scoring with only two minutes on the clock.

However, Herne Bay responded emphatically with Simon Newman-Collins scoring either side of Adam Stevens’ field-goal to secure the silverware.


Herne Bay

A tight, high intensity match between Canterbury and Bowdon created an entertaining game for the Pitch 1 crowd as the team from Greater Manchester took a 4-3 victory in the Men’s T1 Final.

Bowdon looked strong as they went into the half-time break two goals to the good following strikes from Elliot and Ben White.

Canterbury didn’t quit without a fight, dragging the scores back to just a one goal deficit on three occasions.

However, Bowdon’s victory was secured in the second-half as Ben White completed his hattrick with Canterbury’s two goals in the final ten minutes proving to be in vain.


Bowdon EH Champs

The Investec Women’s T1 Final produced another gripping contest with Clifton Robinsons defeating Hampstead & Westminster in a shootout following a 2-2 regular-time draw.

Clifton looked favourites to take the title when Claire Thomas and Aileen Davis put them two goals to the good.

However, Hampstead & Westminster fought doggedly, and second-half strikes from Melanie Wilkinson and Amy Askew levelled the game up to send it to a shootout.

But the resurgence was to end there as Clifton proved clinical in the shootout, emerging 3-1 victors with Davis netting the winner.


Clifton EH Champs

It was to be consecutive matches decided via a shootout as Lichfield and Bristol & West tied 1-1 on Pitch 2 in the Men’s O50s T3 Final.

Lindsay Cumberbatch gave Bristol & West the lead on the brink of half-time, but Paul Campbell replied to send the game to a shootout.

In a tense conclusion to the match where both teams struggled to find a way past the opposition’s ‘keeper, Lichfield came out on top, Richard Thursfield converting the decisive attempt for a 2-1 shootout win.


Lichfield O50s

Loughborough Students 2nd XI put in a strong performance to defeat Guildford 3-1 in the Investec Women’s T2 Final.

Eliza Wheeler gave Guildford the lead with less than 20 minutes on the clock, but Loughborough found a way back into the game with three unanswered goals courtesy of Lyndsey White, Maddie Scullion and Yazi Chahal.


Loughborough T2 EH Champs

In the final match of the day, Isca defeated the City of York 4-1 in the Men’s O50s T2 Final in what was a well-battled encouter.

Gary Nash gave the City of York an advantage as he swept home from a penalty corner, but goals from Gordon Opie and Richard Purchase either side of half-time as well as late strikes from Mike McEwan and Jon Mutter meant Isca would lift the trophy.

The action continues at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Monday 6 May as the EH Champs reaches its conclusion – tickets can be purchased HERE


Isca EH Champs

England Hockey Board Media release



Rovers winning streak continues with third successive EY Champs Trophy



Three Rock Rovers claimed a third successive Irish EY Champions Trophy as they warded off regular season champions Lisnagarvey, continuing their incredible run of wins in one-off matches.

Men’s EY Champions Trophy final
Three Rock Rovers 2 (L Madeley, J Mullins) Lisnagarvey 0
Three Rock Rovers claimed a third successive EY Champions Trophy as they warded off regular season champions Lisnagarvey, continuing their incredible run of wins in one-off matches.

Across the Mills Cup, Neville Cup, Irish Senior Cup and Champions Trophy, they now have 28 successive wins in knock-out matches, en route to amassing 12 titles indoors and outdoors since 2017 with the chance to add one more next week.

“It was a scrappy performance but we came out on top [which is the main thing],” Three Rock coach Niall Denham said after his side became the first club to win out of province since the competition took on this format.

“We controlled it nicely; maybe we gave them a little bit too much space at times early on and did not stick exactly to the plan but the guys defended really hard. To get a clean sheet in the final, you give yourself a massive chance to win it.

“It’s the maturity in the side. A couple of years ago, we didn’t know our ceiling with these guys or how high we could go. It’s lovely to see what we can do, that we can control a game like that now which maybe we couldn’t a few years ago. That’s a great thing.”

Lisnagarvey, though, can take a decent amount from this tie to suggest they will cause plenty of problems in the Irish Senior Cup decider at Grange Road next Saturday.

They had plenty of the game at Havelock Park with Matthew Nelson electric in the first half. They might have broken the deadlock when he broke through down the left only to be met by a sliding Jamie Carr while his brother Daniel was instrumental in winning a couple of corners.

Luke Madeley – the Jimmy O’Connor Player of the Tournament winner – saved the second of those off the line. Troy Chambers fired in a shot that Carr saved into the stanchion outside the goal which some thought had nested into the top corner.

It proved a mirror opposite of their semi-final when every shot turned to gold but this time, Rovers, hung tough and gradually began to put the brakes on their tempo with Daragh Walsh’s influence rising.

And when their corner chances started to come, Madeley delivered with a powerful flick in the 29th minute for a 1-0 half-time lead. James Milliken denied both Walsh and Mitch Darling from extending the lead but the killer blow came with 15 minutes to go.


Three Rock Rovers Jody Hosking lifts the EY Champions Trophy. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Ben Walker got underneath a long overhead which Garvey were pinged for encroaching on. It gave him the space to run at the D and while he might have slipped the ball earlier, the ball broke in the tackle to John Mullins who swung first time to batter home.

From there, Garvey largely came up against a brick wall with Ravin Nair and Harry MacMahon making several key tackles while Carr cleaned up anything that got through.

Kevin Mullins had a third goal disallowed for a stick-shield before flicking over Milliken. Old hands Darling and Jody Hosking played out time and the top prize was theirs once more, bringing with it the number one European berth with Lisnagarvey taking the second seed for 2019/20.

The sides will meet again in a week’s time in the Irish Senior Cup final at Grange Road at 3.45pm on Saturday.

“It is a little surreal because the Champions Trophy is usually the end of the season but we will celebrate this and then dust ourselves down and focus on next week!” Denham added.

Lisnagarvey: J Milliken, J Lorimer, J Bell, B Nelson, M McNellis, J Corry, D Nelson, P McKibbin, A Edgar, M Nelson, T Chambers
Subs: J Lynch, A Williamson, H Morris, R Arneill, C Chambers, O Kidd, F Carnduff

Three Rock Rovers: J Carr, R Nair, R Canning, M Darling, L Madeley, D Walsh, H Morris, J Hosking, M English, A Flynn, H MacMahon
Subs: D Kane, C Empey, J Mullins, B Walker, K Mullins, S O’Brien

Umpires: K Cholewa, R Abbott

The Hook



Pegasus snatch EY Champions Trophy title from Loreto’s graps


Pegasus celebrate their victory. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Pegasus backed up their Irish EY Hockey League victory with a dramatic shoot-out win over Loreto to win the EY Champions Trophy for the first time.

Women’s EY Champions Trophy final
Loreto 1 (S O’Brien) Pegasus 1 (A Speers), Pegasus win shoot-out 4-2
Pegasus backed up their EY Hockey League victory with a dramatic shoot-out win over Loreto to win the EY Champions Trophy for the first time.

It was something of a steal as they rolled with the punches for long periods against a fired up Loreto side who dominated for the most part.

And it looked like the laurels would be heading back to Beaufort from Banbridge’s Havelock Park when Siofra O’Brien finally broke the deadlock with under five minutes to go.

But Pegasus summoned a brilliant last few minutes to win a penalty corner which Shirley McCay slapped into the path of Alex Speers to lift into the goal-netting to make it 1-1.

And they carried that emotional momentum into the shoot-out, scoring four out of five efforts while goalkeeper Megan Todd kept out a couple for a 4-2 victory.

Pegasus skipper Michelle Harvey summed it up, saying: “We definitely endured a lot of pressure in the first half but absolutely amazing to get back into it and keep fighting all the way to the end. We always knew we had it in us to get the draw at least today and then have a good shot in the shoot-out.

“At that point, we just wanted to give everything we had. We got this far, won the league and so it was one last effort!”

Pegs almost got off to the perfect start when Lucy McKee drew a block from Liz Murphy inside the first minute. That was to be as good as it got for the Ulster side for the guts of an hour in an attacking sense as Pegs stayed compact to try and control the Loreto raids.

Nicci Daly was denied by the post from a snap-shot just before the end of the first quarter and fired another good effort wide moments after that break.

Sarah Torrans caused all sorts of problems in the second half, her first break drawing Todd – en route to goalkeeper of the tournament – off her line to make an excellent sliding save.

A minute later, Torrans rounded the goalkeeper but could not beat Pamela Glass on the line. It was a fine intervention from the defender playing in her last game before retirement, the last remaining player from the 2002 World Cup team.

Todd made another sparkling save to keep out Sarah Evans from Daly’s pass as Pegasus clung on until the 67th minute when O’Brien finally made the breakthrough.

Pegasus responded instantly and quickly drew a save from Murphy and then won a penalty corner – their second of the game – which McCay and Speers combined to score.


Megan Todd keeps out Nicci Daly. Pic: Adrian Boehm

The shoot-out saw Loreto take the early advantage with goals from Christina Hamill and Mia Jennings while McCay was blocked by Murphy. But Loreto were not to score again while Pegasus did not miss.

It was not without some fraught moments as Michelle Harvey miscued her first shot but grasped her second attempt. Kate Gourley made it 3-2 and Taite Doherty completed the job in the final round.

As for the shoot-out, Harvey paid tribute to her goalkeeper while also taking a deep breath of relief after her heart-stopping

“Megan has been a legend for us this season, keeping us in so many games. It was her time to shine and we knew she would be able to do it. Mine was intentional to keep everyone on their toes! I knew I had time to slot it in!”

The victory means Pegasus will represent Ireland in the new EHL Women’s competition in 2020 at Easter in the top tier of European club competition. Loreto will contest the EuroHockey Trophy.

“It’s awesome to be back in Europe next season. We already had a spot which took a little pressure off but we wanted to win this to and give an opportunity to play in the new top flight EHL Women,” Harvey concluded.

Loreto: L Murphy, A Meeke, S Evans, G McLoughlin, C Sherin, S Twomey, C Hamill, H Matthews, S Clarke, N Daly
Subs: K Crotty, H Mulcahy, S O’Brien, M Jennings, S Torrans, G Donald, A Taaffe, A Carragher

Pegasus: M Todd, R Maguire, T Doherty, M Harvey, L McKee, A Speers, G Irwin, S McCay, K Gourley, K McDonald, S Thompson
Subs: C Hart, C Harvey, K Miller, C McKane, P Glass, J Reid

Umpires: C Metchette, J Beamish

The Hook



McLoughlin’s masterclass keeps Muckross up in the EYHL



Ellie McLoughlin produced a shoot-out masterclass to preserve Muckross’s place in the women’s EY Hockey League for a second season as they saw off Queen’s in the promotion/relegation playoff.

Women’s EY Hockey League Promotion/Relegation playoff
Muckross 1 (E Mathews) Queen’s 1 (J McMaster), Muckross win shoot-out 1-0
Ellie McLoughlin produced a shoot-out masterclass to preserve Muckross’s place in the women’s EY Hockey League for a second season as they saw off Queen’s in the promotion/relegation playoff.

It was something of a steal from a tie packed with nerves with so much on the line for both sides, something which Muckross coach Sarah Scott admitted following the tie.

Her side were on the back foot for the first half, falling behind to a classy piece of work from Jessica McMaster while they had to ride out eight penalty corners before the big break.

But they fought back in the second half and got a lifeline from a fortuitous Emma Mathews’ touch and they went on to win the tightest of shoot-outs 1-0.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game at all and we were totally shell-shocked by the occasion,” Scott said afterwards.

“But in the third and fourth quarter, we got more of a grip on the game and had a bit more of an impact. I’m just so happy for the players; they got beaten up this year and I am delighted we get another opportunity at this level.”

They did so with one of the youngest line-ups around with Sophie Barnwell the eldest team member at just 22.

“We had nine teenagers, three of them are 20. Psychologically, the near losses in the league really ended up standing to us today. No matter what we have been through, we have coped with anything that has been thrown at us and it has been a credit to us. There is so much talent in this side.”

Like a week ago in the EYHL2 final against Catholic Institute, Queen’s started brilliantly and won five corners in the first ten minutes with McMaster and Tori Hastings driving things.

They deservedly went in front in the second quarter when McMaster picked up play 35 metres out, raced by a few tackles and proceeded to shoot home on her reverse for 1-0.

And they might well have had a few more but for some saves at close quarters from McLoughlin to deny Emily McStea and a Hastings’ drag.

Out of nothing, Muckross were level a minute into the second half when a couple of loose balls across the face of goal from Queen’s gave Emma Mathews the chance to nick in and touch by Sarah McCabe.

It gave them a visible lift and their defensive triangle of Caroline Mathews, Sarah McAuley and Lisa Mulcahy played a key role. Queen’s fluidity was stymied and Muckross started to find more chances.

They earned a couple of corners while Yasmin Pratt got in around the back to cause problems but no winner accrued for either side.

For Queen’s, it meant revisiting the format that was their downfall a week ago against Insta and they will have further nightmares over this shoot-out. Pratt scored in the first round while the students saw each of their efforts run out of time, go over, hit the post and then succumb to McLoughlin’s raiding stick.

It meant just the single goal was needed and Muckross had their place in the top tier safe for another season.

Muckross: E McLoughlin, C Mathews, Y Pratt, L Mulcahy, R Cuddy, J Holland, G Keane, N Gowing, S McAuley, S O’Loughlin, E Mathews, L Hanlon, S Barnwell, K Fitzgerald, S Cannon, E Dawson, E Fitzgerald, S Cunningham

Queen’s: S McCabe, K Ferguson, E Gregson, J McMaster, C Whiteside, M Bowyer, T Hastings, A Jebb, E McStea, R Quinn, J Morrow, E Getty, E Kernohan, K Aston, A Boland, B Ravey, M McKenna, J Morrow, S Murnaghan

The Hook



Scottish Cup Victory for Edinburgh University to secure the double


Women’s Scottish Cup Final – Edinburgh University v Dundee Wanderers – photo by Duncan Gray

Edinburgh University won the Women’s Scottish Cup at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre with an excellent 3-0 victory over Dundee Wanderers.

Glasgow University; Orkney; and Clydesdale Western 4s all lifted trophies in an excellent day of cup final hockey.

Women’s Scottish Cup Final – Edinburgh University 3-0 Dundee Wanderers

Edinburgh University won the Scottish Cup in convincing fashion with a 3-0 win over Dundee Wanderers.

Ellie Hutcheson grabbed a brace while Ella Watt also found the net for the University side as they secured an emphatic league and cup double.

Dundee put up an admirable fight as they looked to win the competition for the first time in their history, but they were unable to keep up with a rampant Edinburgh side.

The champions opened the scoring just five minutes into the game, Hutcheson scoring her first of the afternoon.

They started to increasingly dominate the final as the first half wore on. Wanderers were affording them too much time on the ball and were themselves occasionally sloppy in possession.

Nevertheless Dundee Wanderers did pose a threat, with star player Charlotte Watson making a number of dangerous runs to help keep them alive on the counter-attack.

Edinburgh University were rewarded for their dominance though shortly before half-time, Hutcheson scoring again to give them a comfortably 2-0 lead heading into the interval.

Wanderers threatened through a penalty corner just after play resumed, and appeared to show some resilience as they fought to get back into the game.

But any hopes they had of a comeback were soon deflated as Watt scored the University side’s third goal of the afternoon, all but sealing the game and the cup for her side.

The league winners were comfortable for the rest of the game, and never really looked like relinquishing their lead.

They continued to push forward for a fourth, and looked well-organised at the back whenever Dundee posed a threat of their own.

Ultimately they saw out the game, and were able to demonstrate why they were crowned league champions. They will no doubt be the side to beat once next season kicks off.

Women’s Scottish Plate Final – Glasgow University 4-0 Kelburne

After triumph at the Grand Finals Glasgow University added the Women’s Scottish Plate to their end of season success. It was a 4-0 victory to avenge last season’s defeat in the final and lift some silverware.

Glasgow University took an early lead when they tore forward at great pace and Imogen Bryce did well to get a shot away, which found its way through the goalkeeper and trickling over the line. 1-0.

It was an even contest with both sides playing some decent hockey. Glasgow University edged the play but Kelburne always looked a threat.

Glasgow University scored their second goal with seven minutes remaining; a slick break forward was finished off by Heather Croll for 2-0.

Kelburne were under lots of pressure as Glasgow University went hunting for a third before half time.

It was a good start to the second half with Glasgow University again looking positive in possession.

As the game reached a conclusion Glasgow University added a third with a well taken flick to make it 3-0.

Corrie Grant added a fourth right at the end to scoop the ball over the goalkeeper at the second attempt.


Women’s Scottish Plate Final – Glasgow University v Kelburne – photo by Duncan Gray

Women’s District Cup Final 10-1 Orkney v Ellon

Orkney retained the District Cup in resounding fashion with a dominant 10-1 win over Ellon.

The defending champions took an early lead courtesy of Charlotte Bruce and looked impressive in the early stages.

But last year’s District Plate winners Ellon looked unwilling to go down without a fight initially, and struck back against the run of play, Jenni Urquhart making it 1-1 after some lax defending from the islanders.

The goal buoyed Orkney to hit back soon afterwards though. Playmaker Inga Kemp had provided the assist for the first goal, and was on-hand to help again as Bruce scored her second of the game.

And Bruce had three before long, Kemp this time assisting her from a penalty corner. Any hope for Ellon appeared to be fading with less than a quarter of the game having been played.

Hannah Cromarty and Claire Irvine soon got in on the act, making it 5-1 for the champions elect before half-time.

While Ellon managed to stem the tide for a while after the break, their resolve was soon smashed.

A familiar pairing were soon in-sync again, Kemp assisting Bruce for her fourth goal of the game to make it 6-1.

The rest of the game was mostly a one-sided attack from Orkney, who scored another four goals to make it 10-1.

Ellon had shown some resilience at points and gave their all until the end, but the Aberdeenshire side were ultimately unable to keep up with an on-fire Orkney side determined to show their quality on the grand stage.


Women’s District Cup Final – Orkney v Ellon – photo by Duncan Gray
 
Women’s District Plate Final – Clydesdale Western 4s 2-0 Glasgow Academicals

It was a Women’s District Plate victory for Clydesdale Western 4s to open the action for the day; a 2-0 win sees the plate head to Titwood.

Clydesdale Western 4s opened the scoring from a penalty corner routine. Wendy Justice had the initial effort but the Accies weren’t able to clear the danger and Cath Sterling pounced to score.

Despite being a goal behind Glasgow Academicals were well in the game. It was a great contest with both sides playing good hockey.

The second half got off to a great start with both sides fully settled into the contest. Glasgow Academicals were attacking well in wide areas and Clydesdale Western 4s were a real threat at penalty corners.

A terrific move down the right Clydesdale Western 4s set up Stirling to finish well and bag her second of the contest. 2-0.

A late surge by Glasgow Academicals was well managed by Clydesdale Western 4s and they held on to lift the Plate at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.


Women’s District Plate Final – Clydesdale Western 4s v Glasgow Academicals – photo by Duncan Gray

Scottish Hockey Union media release



7-0! Butali hand Strathmore Gladiators crushing defeat

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

Champions Butali Sugar Warriors dismantled hapless Strathmore Gladiators as Kenya Police ended Western Jaguars fairy-tale run in a weekend of exciting men’s hockey Premier League matches.

Francis Kariuki and George Mutira scored a brace each to spur Butali Sugar to a comprehensive 7-0 victory against former champions Strathmore University Gladiators at the City Park Stadium on Sunday.

Moses Ademba, Constance Wakhura and Calvins Kanu also nailed the ball past Boniface Muna in the Gladiators goal to finish it off and hand Butali their third consecutive win.

“We didn’t expect it to be this easy but it’s our game pattern that worked well for us,” said Butali Sugar’s coach Dennis Owoka.

“We pressed upwards to cut off their midfield as we deployed three players inside their circle and two outside.”

Owoka said the victory sends a message to their opponent as they prepare to meet United States International University in their next outing.

“We simply didn’t show up and the boys will surely learn through the hard way,” said Strathmore’s coach Meshak Senge.

“Ï really can’t blame the rookies in the team since our major problem is confidence.”

On Saturday, Western Jaguars’ unbeaten run came to an end when they squandered a 3-0 lead that came within the first 20 minutes to lose to former champions Kenya Police 5-3 at Eregi Teachers College.

Conrad Wafula startled visiting Police when he sunk a hat-trick in quick succession in the 14th, 15th and 20th minutes.

Then Robert Masibo would drill a brace in the 25th and 29th minutes, with skipper Oliver Echenje sinking in between in the 25th minute to level and lead Police's thrilling comeback.

The Patrick Mugambi coached Police would silence the young Jaguars side further when Samson Kibirir and Samuel Wokila scored in 33rd and 39th minutes respectively to put away the duel.

Daily Nation



Kenya Police win at last

By Elizabeth Mburugu


Western Jaguar’s Kelvin Machinji (left) and Parkroad’s Collins Omachi

Former Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League champions, Kenya Police, survived an early scare to beat Western Jaguars 5-3 and end their winless run.

Trailing their hosts by three goals by the 20th minute, the law enforcers staged a brilliant comeback scoring two goals in the second quarter and three in the third to snatch the victory away in Kakamega. Their victory subjected Jaguars to their first loss of the season.

Police, on the other hand, had struggled in their opening two matches, playing to a 1-1 draw against Nairobi Sikh Union and losing 2-1 to champions Butali Warriors. A happy Police captain Oliver Echenje said they hope to improve in subsequent matches.

“We have not been at our best since the season began, but I’m glad we finally got it right and bagged maximum points. We had a poor start, however,  we have more matches to play and if we work harder we are still strong challengers for the trophy,” Echenje said.

Conrad Wafula’s quick goals in the first and second quarter gave Jaguars a comfortable 3-0 lead. Wafula was too good for the Police defence firing twice past goalkeeper Martin Agesa in the 14th and 15th minutes to give Jaguars a 2-0 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Wafula added his third five minutes into the second quarter.

Nonetheless, the three goals served as a wakeup call for the 2017 champions, who intensified their hunt for goals. They took charge of the game and their efforts paid off when Robert Masibo pulled one back in the 25th minute. Skipper Echenje made it two, seconds later with Masibo restoring parity just before half-time.

Having leveled the score, Police were more rejuvenated in the third quarter surging forward in a quest to break the tie.

Samson Kibirir put them in the lead in the 33rd minute after outwitting the opponents’ defence to slot in past Jaguars goalie Paul Navangi. There was no looking back for Police as Samuel Wokila gave them a 5-3 lead in the 39th minute. Jaguars effort to breach the Police defence bore no fruit as they defended their lead in the fourth quarter to carry the day.

At City Park, 2012 winners Nairobi Sikh Union were held to a barren draw by Parklands in another men’s Premier League encounter.

The Standard Digital



Pakistan Hockey Federation's Shahbaz Senior says he didn't resign

Abu Bakar Bilal


Shahbaz Senior said he came to know about his resignation through the media

Shahbaz Ahmed Senior, the ostensible secretary general of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), on Sunday denied reports that he had resigned from his post a day after PHF President Khalid Sajjad Khokhar shared the news.

Khokhar had, in a video message, announced accepting the PHF secretary general's resignation and the nomination of Asif Bajwa, former Olympian and PHF secretary, as Shahbaz's replacement.

He said that Shahbaz had resigned because he was unable to give enough time to the PHF due to his "assignment with Pakistan International Airlines". Bajwa is to take charge of the office on Monday.

Shahbaz Senior expressed astonishment over the reports, saying that he had learnt about his resignation through the media.

"I haven't issued any resignation," he said in a video message today. "Reports about my resignation are circulating on TV channels and newspapers but I don't know anything about it."

Shahbaz had turned in his resignation in December last year as well after Pakistan’s dismal show at the Hockey World Cup in India where they finished 11th.

In his resignation letter, he had cited the government's alleged apathy towards hockey and said that there was no infrastructure for the national sport in the country. He had further said that the PHF had no asset or a system in place for the generation of funds. The PHF had then turned down his resignation.

Dawn



Pakistan hockey needs merit and unity to regain lost glory

I will request all past greats to join hands and play their significant role in regaining lost hockey glory

Mohsin Ali



ISLAMABAD   -   Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) newly-appointed secretary Olympian Asif Bajwa has vowed to take Pakistan hockey back to respectability and ensure no mudslinging from the federation.

Asif Bajwa, who had worked as secretary previously from 2008 and 2013, expressed these views during his interview with The Nation before taking the office at the PHF in Lahore. “When I left in 2013, Pakistan hockey was occupying 7th place and I took Pakistan hockey team to 5th in FIH rankings.

“During my tenure, Pakistan won the prestigious Asian Games hockey gold in 2010, we won three titles out of four in Asian Champions Trophy. I had played for national team from 1990 to 1997, represented green shirts in Olympics, World Cup, Champions Trophy, Asian Games and in all major tournaments and had the honour of winning loads of title for the country,” Bajwa said.

He said: “I have decided to take over the secretary slot with three challenges in mind as I want to streamline hockey affairs in the country, introduce structural changes from top to bottom, to ensure hockey players and Olympians on same page with no controversial statement against each other and to give respect to each and every former great.

“Let me assure you all that I will meet each and every former great to guarantee him that he is very important to the federation. Pakistan hockey is at its lowest ebb and we can’t afford to play musical chairs and further blame on each other. I will request all past greats to join hands and play their significant role in regaining lost hockey glory,” he added.

The new PHF secretary said: “I assure you all that modern system will be introduced in Pakistan hockey, complete revamp will be witnessed in next few days and genuine talent will be unearthed. Pakistan is blessed with immense amount of raw talent but the only need is to find and groom it so that it may earn laurels for the country.

“Pakistan hockey need drastic changes and work for it betterment. I will fully activate academies and will visit each and every major city to remain physically present and give youngsters a sense that their efforts are fully monitored and they will be provided opportunities by the federation. The only way and criteria of representing the green shirts is merit, which will help players and country in the best possible manner,” he added.

He said: “I will work on enhancing the pool of players and also bring back former players, who were ignored in the past. I will visit them and request them to join hands for the cause of hockey. We need sincere efforts, accountability and right person for right job to get desired results. There is also a dire need to improve standard of hockey grounds, as without ensuring proper playing fields, we can’t produce desired results.

“I will soon meet PHF President Khalid Sajjad Khokhar to devise plans how to generate funds as we don’t want to fully depend on government for financial assistance. I am also hopeful that Prime Minister Imran Khan will spare some time to meet PHF officials as we want to show him that we are capable of reviving the fortunes of hockey, but we need all-out support of government and former greats to retain past hockey glory,” Bajwa concluded.

The Nation

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