News for 30 May 2019
All the news for Thursday 30 May 2019
2019 FIH Pro League today
Men
30 May 2019 13:30 (GMT +2) BEL v GBR (RR) Wilrijkse Plein Antwerp, Antwerp
Women
30 May 2019 15:30 (GMT +2) BEL v GBR (RR) Wilrijkse Plein Antwerp, Antwerp
Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)
FIH Match Centre
Great Britain set for late surge in FIH Pro League
Sarah Evans could be said to be mirroring Great Britain’s performance in the FIH Pro League. From a tentative start, she has blossomed into her role within the team and, against Argentina and then Belgium, she was one of the stars of the team. In fact, Evans was awarded Player of the Match for her performance against Argentina, a match that ended 1-1 but for which Las Leonas won the bonus point on shoot-out.
“For us, so far, the FIH Pro League has been about us adjusting to [Head Coach] Mark Hager’s style of hockey and him getting to know us as a squad,” says the vivacious midfielder. “Mark wants us to play with a lot of attacking freedom and with a lot of pace, whilst also maintaining our defensive strength. We had struggled to get the balance of the two to start with but we feel a lot more stable structurally, which then gives us the platform to then attack.”
But she adds, as well as adapting to the demands of the new head coach, the squad has also had to adapt to the significant differences between one-off Pro League matches and the challenge of tournament hockey.
“We’ve been so used to preparing for tournaments and being robust enough to maintain high performance levels through tough tournaments so this has been very different for us,” she says. “But it is a new challenge that we’ve enjoyed. It means that we can really scout the opposition and prepare for each game individually.”
When it comes to mental preparation, Evans says the approach is very process goal driven, and whether it is a tournament situation or a FIH Pro League match, that doesn’t change.
As the team approaches the ‘business end’ of the Pro League, where Great Britain must keep winning their remaining league games to stay in with a chance of making the top four, Evans says: “It’s still a similar approach as we want to win every game we play in. Like I said before we will stay focused on our processes and prepare for each game as well as we can.”
Great Britain women have four home matches left to play. Evans and her teammates have been swept away by the enthusiastic support of the fans in the Lee Valley Stadium. “They [the crowds] have been amazing and definitely help give us that extra boost in the games there. They have been the best crowds in my opinion in the whole Pro League. To have a full stadium for the games is fantastic and great to see the fan base for the sport in our country growing.”
And the fan's loyal support is being repaid as Great Britain are recovering from a poor start to the new competition. “Both of the games over the weekend [Argentina and Belgium] were great strides forwards for us as a squad,” says Evans. “We were very disciplined in both the Argentina and Belgium games and it felt like things really came together. We felt we have been getting better throughout the Pro League and now that is starting to be reflected in our results. It’s important that we continue this momentum, building on these good performances and deliver in the coming games.”
And with two away fixtures in the next few days against an up and coming Belgium and then the world number one side, the Netherlands, Great Britain seem to have hit form at a good moment. There is a monumental hockey hill for Hager, Evans and the Great Britain squad to climb in order to achieve a top four finish but, recent showings suggest this is a team on an upward trajectory.
#FIHProLeague
Official FIH Pro League Site
Kookaburras Team Named For Final FIH Pro League Leg
Ben Somerford
Hockey Australia today announces the 18-member Kookaburras team for the upcoming European legas the 2019 FIH Pro League heads towards finals.
The Kookaburras face five matches in two weeks to round out of the FIH Pro League, plus potentially two more matches in the finals to be played in the Netherlands in late June.
Australia currently sits second in the men’s FIH Pro League standings, ahead of the June matches against Great Britain (9 June), Spain (13 June), Germany (16 June), Belgium (19 June) and the Netherlands (22 June).
The Kookaburras are narrowly behind world champions Belgium on points percentage on the standings, with the further upcoming opponents Netherlands and Great Britain in third and fourth respectively.
The selectors have made several changes from the team which recorded back-to-back wins against New Zealand and Argentina, before a 2-0 Test series victory against India which extended the Kookaburras’ winning run to nine consecutive matches.
Experienced pair Eddie Ockenden and Matthew Swann return after being unavailable for the Pacific leg, while Trent Mitton (finger) and Dylan Wotherspoon (hamstring) are selected after overcoming injuries sustained against New Zealand on Anzac Day. Tim Brand is also added.
Jacob Anderson, Joshua Beltz, Aaron Kleinschmidt, Josh Simmonds and Corey Weyer make way from the side which faced Argentina in Australia’s last FIH Pro League match for the returning quintet.
Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said: “We’ve made a few changes again. We’re looking forward to the European tour. We think we’ll learn a lot playing the European teams, starting with Great Britain.
“We’ve got Eddie Ockenden and Matt Swann coming back into the group. Both of them were unavailable for the Argentina and New Zealand games, so it’s great to see them back in.
“Trent and Dylan are both fully fit and have been training well over the past few weeks so they come back in.”
Ockenden’s selection means he’s likely to bring up his 350th cap for the Kookaburras during the European leg.
The Australian to previously reach the mark is Kookaburras legend Jamie Dwyer who retired on 365 caps. Ockenden currently has 347 caps.
“We think he’s still got some more years in front of him,” Batch said. “His adaptability to play quite a number of positions has been outstanding.
“He still has that enthusiasm to play for the Kookaburras as he did when he first started. He has been outstanding over a long period of time. We congratulate him ahead of his 350th.”
Given the Kookaburras’ winning streak and current position on the FIH Pro League standings, the side is well placed to push to win the title but Batch said they weren’t getting ahead of themselves.
“We’ve got a few games to go,” he said. “Finals are in the distance.
“We want to play well in the five games we’ve got. It looks as though we’ll be in finals but you never know so we’re not looking too far in advance other than the GB match.
“We back up then for Spain. It’s about learning as much as we can about ourselves but also what the current trends are in Europe.”
The team will fly out of Perth for London on Tuesday 4 June. The matches will be televised live by Kayo Sports and on FOX SPORTS.
FIH Pro League matches:
Great Britain v Kookaburras – Sunday 10 June 11pm AEST
Spain v Kookaburras – Friday 14 June 3am AEST
Germany v Kookaburras – Sunday 16 June 10pm AEST
Belgium v Kookaburras – Thursday 20 June 4:30am AEST
Netherlands v Kookaburras – Saturday 22 June 11pm AEST
Semi-Finals – Friday 28 June
Finals – Sunday 30 June
Kookaburras 18-member team:
Athlete (Hometown, State)
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD)
Tim Brand (Chatswood, NSW)
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT)
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW)
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW)
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW)
Jake Harvie (Dardanup, WA)
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT)
Tim Howard (Wakerley, QLD)
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA)
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA)
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS)
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW)
Lachlan Sharp (Lithgow, NSW)
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD)
Jacob Whetton (Brisbane, QLD)
Dylan Wotherspoon (Murwillumbah, NSW) *Plays for QLD
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA)
Hockey Australia media release
Ashley Jackson Returning To International Hockey
Ashley Jackson Rio 2016
Great Britain Hockey are delighted to announce the return of all-time leading scorer and three-time Olympian Ashley Jackson to international hockey.
One of the most talented players to have lined up for Great Britain and England, Jackson has made 234 combined international appearances, scoring 133 goals. He has twice been named in the FIH World All Stars Team of the Year and is also a former FIH World Young Player of the Year.
Having made his international debut aged just 19, Jackson has featured at three Olympic Games and helped Great Britain to fourth place at London 2012, their best performance in a quarter of a century. He was also part of the England side that won a historic European gold in 2009 and won bronze with them at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
He has also had plenty of success in club hockey too, playing a major part in the continued dominance of the Jaffa Super 6s trophy while also playing a key role for Ranchi Rhinos as they won the inaugural Hockey India League back in 2013. During his time away he has also featured for the Basingstoke Bison ice hockey team.
Jackson will be back in training with the GB squad in the coming weeks after returning home from a successful season in the Netherlands playing for HGC, while he also featured for Old Georgians. He will be in contention for selection for our final two FIH Pro League matches of the season against the Netherlands and New Zealand.
Ahead of his return, Jackson said: "I am excited to be back and to continue my hockey on the international stage. I'd like to thank everyone at HGC that has made this possible for me. I'd also like to thank Danny [Kerry] for inspiring and motivating me, I can't wait to get back with the group and enjoy my hockey at the highest level once again."
Men’s Head Coach Danny Kerry said: “We’re looking forward to having Ash’s experience, knowledge and skills within the programme. His inclusion further increases the depth within our squad and we look forward to working with him over the coming months ahead.”
Performance Director Ed Barney added: “We’re embarking on an exciting phase of the programme over the coming months with the FIH Pro League, EuroHockey Championships and Olympic Qualifiers. Having maintained open communication channels since Rio, it’s fantastic that Ashley is rejoining the programme, excited and ambitious about what he and the programme can achieve over the summer and into 2020.”
Ashley Jackson Rio 2016
Jackson's return comes at an exciting time for men's hockey in Great Britain, with the international side currently sitting fourth in the FIH Pro League table and hoping to qualify for the Grand Final in The Netherlands at the end of June.
His return will offer yet another option for Danny Kerry to pick from as he continues to use his wider squad, with 27 players having already featured in the league as preparations continue towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifier which will be held towards the end of this year.
GB have particularly sparkled in attack during the FIH Pro League so far, scoring 21 times in total, and Jackson's abilities both from open play and set pieces will only add to their threat going forward.
Jackson could make his first appearance since Rio 2016 when the men's team team play the Netherlands at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Friday 14 June.
Great Britain Hockey media release
Ashley Jackson returns to GB hockey fold
By Richard Bright
Ashley Jackson is GB’s leading scorer with 133 goals PIC: Christopher Lee
Ashley Jackson, regarded as one of Britain’s finest hockey players, has been “inspired and motivated” to return to the international fold ahead of Tokyo 2020.
Jackson, 32 in August, left the central programme after Rio 2016 and could make his debut back next month against the Netherlands, the country where he has renewed his love for the sport.
The road back to GB colours looked a long shot two years ago as he took up stints playing ice hockey with Invicta Dynamos and Basingstoke Bison.
But when Paul van Ass signed up the Englishman to play for HGC, Jackson’s form in the Hoofdklasse sparked coach Danny Kerry to keep in touch with GB’s leading scorer.
The Hockey Paper reported last month how Jackson had been invited to Bisham Abbey to train with the men’s squad and he has clearly seen enough to attempt to help GB qualify for Tokyo which would usher in a fourth Olympics after making his debut as a 19-year-old.
Jackson said: “I am excited to be back and to continue my hockey on the international stage. I’d like to thank everyone at HGC that has made this possible for me.
“I’d also like to thank Danny [Kerry] for inspiring and motivating me, I can’t wait to get back with the group and enjoy my hockey at the highest level once again.”
Jackson could also rejoin Old Georgians, with requirements stating that GB players must play domestically, after a short stint playing with the Surrey club last season.
Kerry said: “We’re looking forward to having Ash’s experience, knowledge and skills within the programme. His inclusion further increases the depth within our squad and we look forward to working with him over the coming months ahead.”
GB currently lie fourth in the FIH Pro League table with qualification for the Grand Final in The Netherlands at the end of June still in the offing.
Jackson will be available for the last two matches, starting with the Dutch on June 14 and the Black Sticks at the Stoop on June 23.
His precision at penalty corners will be vital for GB in the coming months as Kerry dissects where to play Jackson.
In a recent set of tweets, Jackson has stated how he has found his hockey mojo once more, while also stating that he had been “written off” individually.
Goals for HGC, the fact that he remains one of the world’s best players and has now returned to Great Britain will all be heartening news for all hockey fans.
Even more so after nearly 70 per cent of Hockey Paper readers believed that they would never see Jackson back in a GB shirt!
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The Hockey Paper
2019 3 Nations Tournament ITA v MAS v ESP - Day 4
Rome (ITA)
26 May 2019 ESP v MAS (RR) 5 - 1
27 May 2019 ESP v ITA (RR) 2 - 1
28 May 2019 MAS v ITA (RR) 1 - 1
29 May 2019 MAS v ESP (RR) 2 - 4
30 May 2019 17:30 (GMT +2) ITA v ESP (RR)
31 May 2019 15:30 (GMT +2) ITA v MAS (RR)
Pool Standings
| Rank | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 9 |
| 2 | Italy | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| 3 | Malaysia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 1 |
Malaysians rise in Rome
By Jugjet Singh
The Malaysian women’s hockey team in Rome.
KUALA LUMPUR: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And that’s what the Malaysian women’s team did yesterday.
The Italians got a goal, the Malaysians did the same thing, got a goal, as their Tri-Nation match in Rome ended in a 1-1 draw.
It was a result that the Malaysians would be proud of. They had, after all, pulled off a stunning draw with World No 17 Italy.
The Malaysians’ performance was quite remarkable, as they had shrugged off a 5-1 loss to Spain earlier, to regain their poise.
Yesterday, Nur Amirah Zulkifli, who had scored against Spain earlier, breached the Italian defence in the 44th minute for a field goal.
Italy equalised after a penalty corner was turned into a penalty stroke. Giuliana Ruggieri scored from the spot in the 52nd minute.
In their previous meeting in 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia held Italy 2-2 and then won the shootout 2-1 to reach the final of the World League Round Two.
“It was good progress as we never gave them many opportunities, while we had six chances to score via field attempts and won seven penalty corners,” said national women’s coach K. Dharmaraj.
“The Italians scored off a penalty stroke after my defenders had played well to deny them any field and penalty corner goals.”
And Dharmaraj plans to stop World No 7 Spain when they meet again today. “We need to win this match for a big boost in our Series Finals campaign.”
After playing four matches in the Tri-Nation, two each against Italy and Spain, Malaysia will travel to Scotland for more friendlies before heading for Northern Ireland for the Series Finals in Banbridge on June 8-16.
In the pre-Olympic Qualifier in Banbridge, World No 22 Malaysia are in Group A with Ireland (World No 8), Czech Republic (19th) and Singapore (35th). In Group B are South Korea (11th), Scotland (18th), Ukraine (26th) and France (30th).
Malaysia must finish in the top three in the group and play in a cross-over for a shot at the semi-finals. Because of their low world ranking, Malaysia must end the tournament as finalists if they are to qualify for the final round of the Olympic Qualifier in November.
New Straits Times
Goals – an issue of deep concern for Kirandeep
By Aftar Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Fifteen-year-old national women’s hockey player Kirandeep Kaur (pic) has a huge appetite for goals. But frustratingly, her finishing has not matched her hunger to sound the board.
She made her debut for the national team in the Hockey Series in Singapore last June and scored a goal in the final to help Malaysia outplay Thailand 6-0 to win the tournament.
But since then, Kirandeep has found it hard to get on the scoresheet in tournaments.
The Form Four SMK Bukit Bandaraya student is among 20 players who went on a playing tour in Europe in preparation for the FIH Series Final in Dublin, Ireland, from June 8-16.
Kirandeep, who featured in the Asian Games in Jakarta last year, said she needs to start scoring goals in friendly matches if she hopes to be selected for the tournament in Dublin.
“I’m not too happy about my scoring ability in matches and I’ve only scored one goal in the three tournaments I played in last year.
“My aim is to play in the FIH Series in Dublin, which is the qualifying tournament for next year’s Tokyo Olympics,” said Kirandeep.
Besides scoring goals in friendly matches, Kirandeep added she would also face a strong challenge from other young forwards like Nur Maizatulhanim Syafi Syeik Fuad, Nur Amirah Shakirah Zulkifli and Siti Zulaikha Husain for spots in the team for Dublin.
“I’ve featured in the first round of the FIH Series in Singapore and I also want to continue playing for the country in the second round in Dublin.”
Coach K. Dharmaraj will name the final squad of 18 for the tournament in Dublin after the friendly matches next week.
Eight teams will feature in Dublin and Malaysia are drawn in Group A with Ireland, the Czech Republic and Singapore while Group B comprises South Korea, Ukraine, Scotland and France.
Malaysia need a top-two finish in the tournament to feature in the next round to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
In a three-nation tournament in Rome, Italy, Malaysia were outclassed 5-1 by Spain last Sunday.
Nur Amirah scored Malaysia’s solitary goal. In the second match against Italy on Tuesday, Malaysia drew 1-1 with Nur Amirah also on target.
The Star of Malaysia
2019 Indoor Test matches series RSA v BOT v ZIM - Day 2
Durban (RSA)
Fixtures (GMT +2)
28 May 2019 RSA v ZIM 7 - 0 (3 - 0)
29 May 2019 ZIM v BOT 17 - 0 (7 - 0)
29 May 2019 RSA v ZIM 14 - 1 (5 - 1)
30 May 2019 10:00 RSA v BOT
30 May 2019 18:00 RSA v ZIM
31 May 2019 10:00 RSA v BOT
31 May 2019 18:00 RSA v ZIM
1 Jun 2019 10:00 ZIM v BOT
1 Jun 2019 17:00 RSA v ZIM
FIH Match Centre
2019 Test matches RSA v NAM (Men)
Randburg (RSA)
27 May 2019 RSA v NAM 4 - 0
28 May 2019 RSA v NAM 5 - 0
30 May 2019 19:00 (GMT +2) RSA v NAM
Live stream https://www.facebook.com/ShoOTTSA/ (No commentary)
FIH Match Centre
Rani to helm team for FIH Series finals
Rani Rampal.
Hockey India on Wednesday named an 18-member Indian team, led by Rani Rampal, for the upcoming FIH Women’s Series Finals starting in Hiroshima on June 15.
Grouped in Pool A along with Poland, Uruguay and Fiji, India will begin its campaign on the opening day against Uruguay, while Pool B features 18th Asian Games Gold Medallist Japan, Chile, Russia and Mexico.
“We have a good balanced team with youth and experienced players. We have had good preparations,” said chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Savita (vice-captain), Rajani Etimarpu; Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Nisha, Gurjit Kaur, Salima Tete, Sunita Lakra.
Midfielders: Monika, Nikki Pradhan, Lilima Minz, Neha Goyal, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam. Forwards: Rani (Captain), Vandana Katariya, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Jyoti.
The Hindu
Hockey captain Leah Wilkinson to become Wales' most capped sportsperson
Leah Wilkinson Credit: Hockey Wales
Hockey captain Leah Wilkinson is about to become Wales' most capped sportsperson this weekend in a three-match series against France in Cardiff.
If selected, Wilkinson will overtake Paul Edwards’ record of 157 appearances on Saturday, in the second test.
I’m looking forward to the series and hopefully being in the position to break Paul’s record. Hockey is my passion and I’ll be forever grateful for all the brilliant memories playing for Wales.
– Leah Wilkinson, Wales hockey captain
If selected, Wales captain Leah Wilkinson will win her record-breaking 158th cap against France on Saturday. Credit: Hockey Wales
With 156 appearances so far, Wilkinson has already surpassed the records of other sports players including netball's Helen Weston, footballer Jess Fishlock and rugby player Gethin Jenkins.
- 111 appearances by most-capped netball player Helen Weston
- 116 appearances by most-capped footballer Jess Fishlock
- 129 appearances by most-capped rugby player Gethin Jenkins
Wales’ three-match series versus France will prepare the team for this summer’s FIH World League matches in June and the EuroHockey Championships in August. Credit: Hockey Wales
Wales are preparing for a round of fixtures in the FIH World League and the European Hockey Championships later this summer.
The first test will be played on Friday 31 May, with pushback at 6.00pm, while the second gets underway at 5.00pm on Saturday. The final test takes place at 11.00am on Sunday.
ITV News
Music Fun and Sun Highlighted 2019 Big Apple Memorial Six-a-Side
After a wet spring the 2019 Big Apple Memorial Six-a-Side tournament could not have asked for a more perfect weekend with the sun shining bright, blue skies and a slight chill in the air for a field hockey event. Sixty teams representing clubs from as far as Jamaica and up and down the east coast participated in the annual USA Field Hockey Sanctioned Event held at the Aviator Sports & Recreation Complex in Brooklyn, N.Y. over Memorial Day weekend.
2019 Big Apple Memorial Six-a-Side Finals Results:
| Division | Matchup |
Score | |
| U-14 Girls | Jersey Intensity FH | Field Hockey Club of CT | 2 - 0 |
| U-16 Girls | Rapid Fire Elite | Hudson Valley FHC | 2 - 0 |
| U-19 Girls | East End FHC | Hudson Valley FHC | 2 - 1 |
| Adult Women | BAHC (Golden Apples) | SNF Puerto Rico | 1 - 0 |
Congratulations to all of this year's winners!
In 2019 Big Apple Hockey (BAHF) partnered with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., a non-profit organization focused on transforming the lives of children from rural Kenya through the power of sports. BAHF also partners annually with Kim and Sandy Scott in support of their tasty bake sale with all proceeds going to benefit the children of St. Jude’s Hospital.
Thank you to each and every one of you who supported these two wonderful and life changing causes!
The Big Apple Memorial Six-a-Side tournament is held every year to honor the memory of those field hockey heroes who are no longer with us and have contributed to field hockey on the east coast in their own way and are truly missed by their family and friends.
BAHF would like to give a special thanks to the technical and umpiring staff who all worked tirelessly and volunteered their time and expertise to make the Big Apple Memorial Six-a-Side another success year. Your generous support is greatly appreciated!
Thank you to all participating clubs for your continued support and looking forward to seeing you in 2020. Have a great summer!
USFHA media release