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All the news for Monday 3 June 2019

2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - 3 June

2 Jun 2019     BEL v GER (RR)     4 - 4 (3 - 4 SO)     Wilrijkse Plein Antwerp, Antwerp    
2 Jun 2019     NED v GBR (RR)     1 - 3    HC Oranje-Rood, Eindhoven

Unofficial Pool Standings

* A cancelled match contributes 1 point to each team's results that is not shown in the tables as a cancelled match
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

Germany tame Red Lions while Great Britain beat Netherlands in the heat of Eindhoven



It was a good day for Germany in their double header against Belgium as the men drew with the world number one team, beating them on shoot-out and then the women beat Belgium with a dominant 4-0 display. The results keep both German teams in contention for a place in the men's and women's FIH Pro League Grand Finals at the end of the month. Conversely, the result sees Belgium men slip off the top of the FIH Pro League table, leaving Australia in the number one spot.

Much earlier, in a busy day of FIH Pro League action, Australia women performed a remarkable comeback after they turned over a deficit to beat China 3-2 and move to third in the FIH Pro League table.

The fourth match of the day saw Great Britain men put their recent double defeats at the hands of Belgium behind them to record a 3-1 win over Netherlands. That result puts Great Britain in third place in the league, while the Netherlands slip to fifth place, behind Argentina.

Belgium v Germany

The German men's team could have been forgiven for thinking they had consigned Belgium (WR:1) to a first FIH Pro League defeat. With seven minutes of the match to go, Germany (WR:6) were leading 4-2 and their defence was on fine form. But Belgium have enormous powers of self-belief and resilience and the resulting draw, which saw Germany win the shoot-out bonus point, was a fair reflection of a game between two magnificently competitive teams.

“We know how good Belgium are,” said German Head Coach Stefan Kermas ahead of the game. “We saw how they played against Great Britain. But we will find our own style and play our way. Not all our squad are available today [through injury] but this is about building a squad for not just today but for the challenges ahead.”

His team answered him in some style as they tamed the Red Lions’ star-studded attack force and showed their own immense fire power as they consigned Belgium to a third draw in the FIH Pro league.

As befits the world number one side, Belgium got off to a bright start, threatening the German circle from the first whistle. But it was Germany who made the first mark on the scoreboard in the eighth minute as Tom Grambusch fired home a penalty corner to give his side the lead.

In response Belgium set up their high press and for the remainder of the quarter Germany were forced to defend as Belgium threw everything into the attack. Mathias Muller stepped in with some crucial tackles and goalkeeper Victor Aly was called upon to make some point blank saves, but Germany withheld the storm.

Germany continued to build momentum in the second quarter and created some good chances but it was Belgium who scored next. The equaliser came from Tanguy Cosyns after a deft pass from captain Thomas Briels played him through for a one-on-one with Aly.

Belgium’s second goal was pure class. Tom Boon showed great 3D skills to make his way into the German circle and his pass found Gougnard who was able to pick his spot to put the ball past Aly.

A series of four penalty corners at the end of the half offered Germany a chance to equalise. Vanasch was up to the challenge and saved the first three but finally the wall was breached and Grambusch claimed his second goal to bring the teams equal going into the break.

The third quarter had a simmering quality to it. The teams probed away at each other but both defensive units were in top form. It needed a moment of magic to unlock the match and that was provided by Player of the Match Florian Fuchs who weaved his way through the Belgium defence before laying the ball off to Wellen, who made no mistake as he launched the ball into the roof of the net.

The next goal was a demonstration of fast, one touch passing. Marco Miltkau was on hand to slap the ball home after a series of quick movements to work the ball up the pitch.

From attack to defence, Germany were on form in the third quarter. Aly pulled off a great double save as first Nicolas de Kerpel and then John-John Dohmen attempted to get their team back into the game.

And so to the last 15 minutes of this intriguing and oh-so entertaining fixture. With seven minutes left Cosyns scored his second: he latched onto a cross and his touch guided the ball into the corner of Aly’s goal.

The script writers then added the perfect touch to the play that was unfolding before us. Alexander Hendrickx, playing in his 100th game for Belgium, scored a rasping penalty corner to bring the scores level with five minutes left to play.

A frenetic last minute saw both teams pushing for the win but a thrilling match finished 4-4, a fitting end to supreme efforts from two magnificently competitive teams.

The classy performances continued in the shoot-out. Belgium looked to be on their way to victory as Briels, Victor Wegnez and Cosyns scored but saves from Aly brought Germany back into the contest and Johannes Grosse was on hand to score the winning shoot-out goal.

Netherlands v Great Britain

An open, free-flowing first quarter saw both teams creating openings. The first penalty corner was won by David Condon, whose surging run drew the foul. Phil Roper’s shot was chased down and the subsequent foul gave Great Britain (WR:7) a second chance from the top of the circle. This time Pirmin Blaak in the Netherlands (WR:3) goal cleared confidently.

Great Britain continued to exploit the right-hand side of the pitch and a great run by Will Calnan was topped by a fantastic shot that left Blaak unable to respond.

The lead was short-lived as, just two minutes later, Mink van der Weerden put the first Netherland’s penalty corner straight into the roof of the Great Britain net, out of reach of Harry Gibson in goal.

The second quarter was equally open. Condon had a great chance to extend his side’s lead but his shot flew wide. At the other end, Gibson was called upon to deal with two more Netherlands’ penalty corners, and with Henry Weir doing a great job chasing down the first shot, the score-sheet remained equal.

“We need to tidy a few things up going into this second half. We are making some changes to our approach,” said Great Britain’s Head Coach Danny Kerry. His counterpart, Max Caldas said that he was looking for his team to clear up some of the “sloppy” mistakes that had crept into the Netherlands’ play.

The third quarter was a bit of a physical and mental grind as both teams tried to deal with the heat and intensity of the game. It was Great Britain whose persistence paid off when Sam Ward scored in the dying seconds of the quarter – a typically instinctive goal that came as the result of a lovely piece of team passing play.

That goal acted as a spur to Great Britain as they came out for the fourth quarter. The sound of the whistle had barely ended when Player of the Match Jack Wallace slipped the ball to Chris Griffiths, who stepped into the Dutch circle and smashed the ball home to extend his side’s lead to 3-1.

As the quarter closed down, Kerry’s men showed a lot of experience as they managed the game and quelled any sign of a Dutch revival.

That said, with less than two minutes remaining, the Netherlands won two successive penalty corners. Once again, Weir charged van der Weerden’s fierce shot down and the danger passed.

The result, a fifth win, sees Great Britain more back up the FIH Pro League table into third place ahead of Argentina and Netherlands.

Speaking after the game, Great Britian's Jack Wallace said: “It was incredible playing in Holland, a great atmosphere, great crowds. We came in on the back of two tough matches against Belgium. Today we were composed in defence, but we kept moving the ball quickly and they couldn’t get near us. We had some things to learn from earlier games, and I think we did that today.”

Women's matches:

China v Australia

China (FIH World Ranking: 10) were made to pay as they failed to make the most of their scoring opportunities. While the host nation dominated possession and had numerous chances to score, it was Australia (WR:3) who emerged as 3-2 winners, courtesy of three goals scored in the final 16 minutes of the game.

The result means Australia remain very much in the race for a place at the Grand Final at the end of June. China, with one game remaining, are in eighth position, ahead of USA.

China took the lead in the opening quarter of the match. The lower ranked team had been putting Australia under a lot of pressure and a cross from Xi Xiayun found Chen Yi, who was able to tip the ball smartly past Rachael Lynch in the Australia goal.

The game really opened up in the second quarter as both teams showed their intent to push forwards. Rebecca Greiner went on a lung-busting run that split the China defence and Jane Claxton was unlucky not to get on the end of the subsequent pass. As the quarter counted down, the home team were very much in the driving seat. Captain Peng Yang thought she had scored a second but it was ruled out on referral.

The third quarter saw much of the same. Australia were working hard to create chances but China had got momentum and always seemed one step ahead. However, with just seconds left in the quarter, China were made to rue not making more of their pressure when Player of the Match Maddie Fitzpatrick was able to send home a scorching penalty corner to level the score.

Australia came into the final quarter with renewed energy, knowing that a win was crucial in their bid to reach the Grand Final. Head Coach Paul Gaudoin asked his players for more and Savannah Fitzpatrick responded with a fantastic backhand shot that Emily Chalker was able to touch into the goal past Ye Jiao.

Rosie Malone extended Australia’s lead when she shot home after a goal mouth scramble and the Hockeyroos felt they had done enough to secure the win. China however, had other ideas and with two minutes on the clock, they removed their keeper and pressed forwards.

The action paid off as Xu Wengyu found the back of the net after Jocelyn Bartram in the Australia goal had made two saves but had been unable to clear her lines.

Unfortunately for China, it was just not enough and Australia finished 3-2 winners.

“Today was hard," said Maddie Fitzpatrick. "China came out and put it to us. We stuck together and stuck to the game plan and ground it out. We need to look at our defence but overall we are pretty pleased with the outcome.”

Belgium v Germany

Germany women got off to a cracking start against Belgium as Player of the Match Charlotte Stapenhorst proved yet again why she is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. First she latched onto a ball that had been played into the circle, deflecting it into the goal. This was followed with a piece of audacious skill: Stapenhorst bounced the ball on her stick as she ran past the despairing Belgium defenders and then coolly flicked the ball past Aisling D’Hooghe in the Belgium goal.

The intense German pressure continued in the second quarter. Nike Lorenz sent in a fierce penalty corner shot, which D’Hooghe saved but failed to clear. The Belgium keeper then showed her superb athleticism to bounce up and deny Elisa Grave the rebound.

The third quarter saw Belgium coming back into the game. The Red Panthers were now enjoying far more possession, with Ambre Ballenghien and Sophie-Anne Weyns both looking much sharper as they ran at the German defence. However, that progress was halted in its tracks as an overturned ball led to a penalty corner. Rebecca Grote made no mistake as she tucked the ball home to give her team a 3-0 lead.

A last moment of brilliance came from Stapenhorst as she once again bobbled the ball on her stick, showing her amazing 3D skills. With the ball mid-air, she struck it sweetly and it flew goal bound to give Stapenhorst her third goal.

Emilie Sinia nearly scored a consolation goal but Julia Sonntag pulled off a fabulous save to keep a clean sheet.

The result gives Germany their sixth win in the FIH Pro League, bringing them to within one point of Belgium in the table.

“We scored early and that makes for a good feeling," said Stapenhorst. "We defended really well. We learnt a lot from the Argentina game where we conceded late in the game. We have some travelling now – against Netherlands and Great Britain – and we will take all we are learning with us. This was a great team win.”

Barbara Nelen, captain of Belgium was generous in her assessment: “Germany played a really good game and we were a bit off today. We found ourselves chasing the ball. We must be smarter in our press. But today, we have to acknowledge that Germany played a very good game.”

The hockey action just keeps coming throughout June. The next matches in the women's competition sees the Netherlands host European neighbours Germany in Eindhoven on 17:30 CET on Tuesday 4 June. That match is followed by an encounter between Netherlands men and New Zealand at 20:00 CET. 

FIH Pro League
Sunday 2 June

Result: Women’s Match 52

Changzhou, China
China 2, Australia 3
Player of the Match: Maddie Fitzpatrick (AUS)
Umpires: Karen Bennett (NZL), Emi Yamada(JPN) and Kelly Hudson (NZL - video)

Result: Women’s Match 53

Antwerp, Belgium
Belgium 0, Germany 4 

Player of the Match: Charlotte Stapenhorst (GER)
Umpires: Sarah Wilson (SCO), Carolina de la Fuentes (ARG) and Dan Barstow (ENG - Video)

Result: Men's Match 36

Antwerp, Belgium
Belgium 4, Germany 4 (Germany win shoot-out)
Player of the Match: Florian Fuchs (GER)
Umpires: Dan Barstow (ENG), Martin Maddens (SCO) and Sarah Wilson (SCO - video)

Result: Men's Match 37

Eindhoven, Netherlands
Netherlands 1, Great Britain 3
Player of the Match: Jack Wallace (GBR)
Umpires: Jacob Mejzlik (CZE), Ben Goentgen (GER) and Laurine Delforge (BEL - Video).

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site

GB men defeat Dutch to go third



Great Britain’s men jumped from fifth to third in the FIH Pro League with an impressive 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in Eindhoven as Michael Hoare won his 150th international cap.

Both sides got on the scoresheet inside the opening 15 minutes in what was a high intensity first-half with chances aplenty, Will Calnan striking first for Great Britain before Mink van der Weerden replied immediately after.

But goals from Sam Ward and Chris Griffiths within a minute of each other, separated by the break before the final quarter, were enough to earn the three points for a Great Britain side looking to secure a top four finish.



Full report

Great Britain started off on the front foot, Zach Wallace testing Pirmin Blaak in goal before a series of penalty corners were well defended by the Dutch side.

Their early dominance was made to tell as Calnan superbly slotted the ball past the keeper at the near post with a well struck reverse stick shot from a tight angle.

Just two minutes later and the Netherlands replied with one of their own, van der Weerden stroking the ball high into the net from a corner.

After an enthralling first-quarter, the next period started with the same attacking impetuous as David Condon came close only to be denied by a solid save.

Harry Gibson produced some important saves of his own, impressively preventing the hosts from taking the lead with a crucial right footed save from a drag flick.

Both sides were creating chances, Ward had a crack at goal but could only find the side netting as Great Britain enjoyed a good period of possession.

With only a few minutes remaining of an action packed first-half, Wallace brilliantly flashed the ball across the face of goal, however Chris Griffiths could only shoot wide from close range.

Bjorn Kellerman had the final clear-cut chance of the half but blazed over when through on goal.

The Dutch then wasted another clear chance in the following quarter, Mirco Pruijser striking the inside of the post when he looked certain to score with only George Pinner in goal to beat.

Ward wasn’t to miss when presented with an open net though as he slid the ball home after Adam Dixon rolled the ball into the D from the byline as Great Britain regained the lead with a stunning team goal.

The lead was extended in the first minute of the final-quarter, Griffiths firing an unstoppable rocket into the top corner with a reverse stick shot to put GB 3-1 up.



After going two goals to the good, Great Britain looked assured for the remainder of the match, though the Dutch had two penalty corners in the final couple of minutes, GB never looked in danger of losing their lead and will go into Thursday’s home clash against Germany full of confidence.

After winning his 150th international cap, Michael Hoare commented: “I thought it was a really good performance today in warm conditions that were pretty tough for both teams. We started the game really well and they then came back into it.

“We really controlled the second half though, some of the lads in the second half individually were class. Defensively we were excellent today which was a real focus following the Belgium game.

“I’m absolutely delighted to get my 150th cap today. It’s been a difficult couple of years being in and out with injury. But I feel I’m getting back to close to my best now.”

Netherlands 1
Van Der Weerden (12' PC)

Great Britain 3
Calnan (10’ FG)
Ward (45’ FG)
Griffiths (46’ FG)

Great Britain: Pinner (GK), Gibson (GK), Ames, Weir, Martin, Griffiths, Sloan, Hoare, Ward, Roper, Dixon, Creed, Condon, Waller, Gall, Sorsby, Calnan, Wallace.

The Netherlands will be looking for revenge when they come to Lee Valley on Friday night 14th June! Tickets are still available to cheer Great Britain on from £22.50 adults and £7.50 – get yours HERE

Great Britain Hockey media release

Great Britain's men beat Dutch to keep top-four hopes alive


Great Britain celebrate their win over the Dutch in Eindhoven

Great Britain moved back into the top four of the men's FIH Pro League table with an impressive 3-1 win over European champions the Netherlands.

Will Calnan gave Britain the lead with a great effort before Mink van der Weerden levelled with a clever flick into the top corner.

Samuel Ward put the home side back in front when he finished off a good move.

And East Grinstead player Chris Griffiths made sure of the win with a superb strike.

Britain are now third with five wins from 10 games. Their next match is against Germany on Thursday, with three more home fixtures - against Australia, the Netherlands and New Zealand - to follow.

The top four from the group will progress to the semi-finals, which take place on 28 June in Amsterdam.

BBC Sport

Hockeyroos Overcome Slow Start to Defeat China

Mitch Wynd



The Hockeyroos overcame a sluggish start to defeat China 3-2 and move into third place on the FIH Pro League standings on Sunday in Changzhou, China.

Trailing by a goal at half time, a trio of second half goals ensured that the three points would be going the way of the visitors.

The result sees Australia move into third place on the standings with twenty-four points from twelve matches, overtaking Belgium.

China started the match with a series of attacking forays, and it wasn't long until Chen Yi opened the scoring with a delicate tap past goalkeeper Rachael Lynch.

Australia were on the back foot for much of the play leading into half time, with only a handful of chances generated but not converted.

Jocelyn Bartram made a crucial save in the 21st minute to deny the hosts a second goal, reaching high and to her left to make the save.

The hosts led the way in all the major stats at the half time break: Shots (9-2), circle entries (17-5), and penalty corners (4-1).

Australia won a series of penalty corners in the third quarter, and after two unsuccessful attempts, Maddy Fitzpatrick was able to fire in the equalising goal in the last minute before three-quarter time.

Emily Chalker scored in the 49th minute with a touch on the line from a Savannah Fitzpatrick shot which was fired past the goalkeeper Peng Yang.

That goal further lifted the spirits of the Australians, who all of a sudden had turned the tables and were making the attacking runs.

Another penalty corner went China's way in the 54th minute, but the unsuccessful attempt was quickly turned into a goal at the other end by Rosie Malone who pounced on a loose ball directly in front of the goalkeeper.

Xu Wenyu converted a late penalty corner with just over a minute to play, setting up a tense finish.

However, the Australians were able to safely negotiate the remaining seconds and secure the victory.

Coach Paul Gaudoin said that while it wasn't the start they were after, he was pleased with the comeback.

"It was a very difficult match in pretty tough conditions here in China," he said post-match.

"Credit to the girls, they fought back in the second half, created some chances, started to get some belief and were able to manage a win which was pleasing."

He pointed out that improvement would be needed once the European leg starts on Sunday.

"We know we're going to need to be better against Great Britain in London in a week's time - but it's great to fight and grind out a win."

The Hockeyroos' next match is against Great Britain in London on Sunday 9 June.

China 2 (Chen 14', Xu 59')
Australia 3 (M Fitzpatrick 45', Chalker 49', Malone 56')

Hockey Australia media release

Black Sticks Men look to defy history against the Netherlands

Vantage Black Sticks Men vs Netherlands Men. Wednesday 4th June at 06:00am (NZ time). Coverage is on Spark Sport.



The Black Sticks Men and the Netherlands have played 8 times since 2013. While the New Zealand Men have managed to secure three ties during this time period the Netherlands have come away winners on the 5 other occasions. The Netherlands hold a comfortable 23 to 10 goal margin. The Black Sticks will be looking to defy history and put together a complete and comprehensive performance to stun the Netherlands Men on their home turf.

The match will see Marcus Child bring up a significant milestone in his career as he lines up to make his 150thappearance for the Vantage Black Sticks. Watch out for the combination between Child and Nic Woods in the midfield as they look to put the New Zealand Men on the front foot in the match.

Darren Smith commented ahead of the tour “This is going to be a demanding and exciting tour for the team against high quality opposition to challenge us”.

Key Matchup

Billy Bakker the Netherlands captain and frequently in the discussion as one of the best players in the world. Bakker controls the game for his team from the middle of the field and the Netherlands will often play as well as he takes them. Bakker never seems rushed on the ball and is an elite defender.

Hugo Inglis returns for the Vantage Black Sticks Men, while Inglis hasn’t played since the early rounds of the FIH Pro League the team will be excited about the opportunities that he is going to create in the attacking third of the field. Inglis is still the leading goal scorer for the New Zealand Men having scored four goals in the three matches he has so far played.

*One to be omitted

Hockey New Zealand Media release

Wales 0-3 France

By Chloe Dell


Wales prepare to launch an attack against France

Wales' series with France was preparation for the FIH Series Finals and the EuroHockey Championship

Wales lost the final game of their three-Test series with France, who recovered some pride in Cardiff on Sunday after 3-1 and 2-1 defeats.

The home side, captained by Sian French on her 100th cap, showed signs of fatigue after the weekend's previous two wins that clinched the series 2-1.

France took the lead through Guusje van Bolhuis from a penalty corner.

Delfinia Gaspari doubled the visitors' lead in the third quarter, with Clelia Deroo's goal sealing the win.

Wales started well at Sophia Gardens, with their first real chance coming from a good ball into the circle from Wales' most capped sportsperson Leah Wilkinson, making her 159th appearance for her country.

But Sophie Robinson was unable to find the deflection to open the scoring and as the first quarter progressed France started to dominate, working the Welsh defence hard using long balls down the sidelines.

France made the most of their counter-attacks, only needing a few touches to get into the area and test Wales goalkeeper Rose Thomas.

The visitors eventually manage to capitalise on their chances with a goal from a penalty corner, a slap hit into the corner by Van Bolhuis.

Into the third quarter France were on top once more, breaking through to score their second of the game from Gaspari.

Wales continued to push forward in search of a goal with some nice movement in the area, but a diving chance by Izzy Webb was well saved.

In the 53rd minute Wales took off Thomas to allow for 11 outfield players but the bold move backfired, as Deroo scored into an open goal to make it 3-0 to France.

But Wales will be content with a 2-1 series win as they prepare for the FIH Series Finals in Valencia and the EuroHockey Championship in Glasgow.

Wales defender Leah Wilkinson told BBC Sport Wales:

"Something just didn't click today, we were a bit lethargic, a little bit tired, and therefore weren't sensible with the ball. Once you start running a lot it's because you're chasing the play. It's a vicious cycle of giving the ball away and running and we weren't able to ever get control of the game.

"Because we weren't quite communicating, because people were tired, we were leaving big channels open and they were able to execute those long balls which meant all we did was to turn round and run back all the time."

Wales squad:

Beth Bingham, Caro Hulme, Danni Jordan, Ella Jackson (GK), Eloise Laity, Emily Rowlands, Hannah Cozens, Izzie Howell, Izzy Webb, Jessica Roe, Jo Westwood, Julie Whiting, Leah Wilkinson (C), Megan Lewis-Williams, Natasha Marke-Jones, Phoebe Richards, Rose Thomas (GK), Sarah Jones, Sian French (VC), Sophie Robinson, Xenna Hughes.

BBC Sport

Wrapping up the SPAR Indoor Series



The SPAR Indoor Series came to a crescendo on Saturday night as the final games played out. In the final test a Cindy Hack inspired performance led SPAR South Africa to a 6-0 win over Zimbabwe in front of a capacity crowd at Danville Girls School.

The Sports 24 Seven broadcast team were asked to elect the goalkeeper of the tournament and the player of the tournament. For the keeper it was awarded to Emerging South Africa's Nepo Serage. The Player of the tournament went to Cindy Hack for her 22 goals, while Tegan Fourie and Kara Botes were mentioned specifically for standout series.

In a slightly different wrap up, we thought we would thanks some key stakeholders who helped a fantastic week take place!

Thank you to our hosts Danville Park Girls School in Durban North and St. Johns College for being absolutely fantastic venues for the game of indoor hockey. Thank you to our technical tables, our umpires and all officials that ensured everything took place consistently and well! Special thanks also to the clubs and players that featured in exhibition matches and to coaches that took time to share their knowledge with Botswana. Thank you to our Medics, security and team management for the roles they played and to Chris Murphy Photography for the wonderful photos.

Thank you to Botswana Men and Women for adding some great value to the tournament and to Zimbabwe for being as passionate about indoor hockey as us. Thank you to Sports 24 Seven and Rayder Media for providing the live streaming and commentary. You can go back and watch the matches on Sports 24 Seven Facebook page.

Alongside all of these a special thank you must go to SPAR. Their continued sponsorship and support of Women's Indoor Hockey in South Africa is unrivaled in the sport and we are grateful to have you in the SA Hockey family.

More match reports from the series are available on the South African Hockey Association website.

SA Hockey Association media release