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All the news for Tuesday 4 June 2019

2019 FIH Pro League - 4 June

2019 FIH Pro League (Men)

4 Jun 2019 20:00 (GMT +2)     NED v NZL (RR)     HC Oranje-Rood, Eindhoven

2019 FIH Pro League (Women)

4 Jun 2019 17:30 (GMT +2)     NED v GER (RR)     HC Oranje-Rood, Eindhoven

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

FIH Match Centre

Great Britain's hopes of reaching Pro League final four slipping away after Holland defeat

Rod Gilmour


Marijn Veen scored for Holland in their 2-0 win over Great Britain Credit: Getty Images

One year after the Rio 2016 women's hockey final, Holland, the perennial world No 1 side, had labelled the gold medallists as "Angstgegner England" – effectively, the team they feared the most.

Anxieties were put to bed at the 2017 Eurohockey Championships, when the Dutch beat England in the semi-finals and lifted the trophy, and then last summer when Alyson Annan's side won the World Cup in London with ease.

A 2-0 victory over Great Britain on Saturday in Eindhoven handed Holland their eighth win of nine in the Pro League and left Mark Hager's side languishing in seventh.

GB's hopes of reaching the Pro League final four later this month are diminishing with every match. So too is their world No 2 ranking. And according to Hockey.nl, the vibrant national governing body website which leaves editorial to a communications agency, Britain may be Olympic champions but are "no longer among the top five sides in the world".

In Rio, Annan was pictured in a state of shock as she sat motionless in the dugout following GB's shock shoot-out win. On Saturday, she told Dutch reporters: "Everything we do is dominated by the [Tokyo] Games."

Against Great Britain she was able to field her strongest side since the World Cup - in Holland, clubs have a stranglehold over the national side - as they reconvened last Thursday.


Ireen van den Assem in action over the win Credit: Getty Images

Tellingly, she employed a new pressing system with only two days to perfect the tactic, which her players then wanted to adopt early in the first quarter.

Second quarter goals from Frédérique Matla and Marijn Veen proved enough for Holland. Annan said: "We want to put the same pressure on the ball, but with less walking, so that we have more energy for the attack. That requires some extra thinking from the ladies.

"For me as a coach it is great that a year before the Games we have a new system with which we can alternate. That was a big win for us."

For GB, finals' aspirations rest on fourth-placed Belgium slipping up in the run-in and Hager's side beating Germany, Australia, Holland and New Zealand, all of which are at home.

Captain Hollie Pearne-Webb said: "The performance was 100 per cent better than when we played Belgium on Thursday [a 4-1 defeat], which is a massive positive. But, we made two mistakes and they cost us. At the top level we've got to cut them out."

Testing times for GB

A recent collision in training and subsequent ligament damage is likely to see Ellie Rayer miss the end of the Pro League campaign. If she was to be fit for Thursday's match against Germany, she would have played having taken a sports technology exam in the morning as she closes in on graduating from Loughborough University.

"It's mad really," she said. "I sat an A-level on the morning of a Test camp against Germany at under-21 level. That was absolute chaos but the things you do."

Lily Owsley, who missed the Dutch defeat through injury, and Tess Howard are also due to sit exams this month, while Pearne-Webb's accountancy exams have been ever frequent this year.

"The Pro League has been so brilliant as you have top flight matches," added Rayer. "Having exams is a great switch off from hockey. It's a great focus and you get some balance but, that being said, it is quite stressful."

The Telegraph

Teams arrive, and Speak their minds

s2h Team

Bhubaneswar city which aims to be the Sports Capital Odisha, is once again ready to host a major international tournament: The FIH Series Finals. With days to go for the tournament, the teams have started arriving in the city. Stick2hockey caught up with the participating teams to find out about their mood, preparedness, tasks and challenges.

Graham Reid, Coach, India – “The tour to Australia has helped me in understanding the team better. We know the areas we need to improve. The camp in Bhubaneswar has helped us in improving our skills. The team is also balanced and we hope for a good show in the tournament.

Maciej Janiszewski, Poland - The pool is challenging with India being a part of it. But, we know we have to be in the top-two to qualify for the next round. So, we will definitely look to perform better. Denis Scshipachev, Captain, Russia - Our first match is against India and we are looking forward for it. A good performance against India will give us more confidence in the tournament. We have participated in camps in Russia and Europe and will give our best in the tournament.



Ajai Dhadwal, Captain, USA - We played a few matches against club teams and then went to Ireland. So, the preparation is good. The team is ready and confident. The tournament is important for Olympic qualification and we will take one match at a time and try to qualify for the next round. We have to stay grounded.

Rinat Mamatkazin, Coach, Uzbekistan – We had preparatory camp in Uzbekistan and we played friendly matches against Pakistan for almost a month. Now, our team is ready for FIH series finals.

Teams start arriving in Bhubaneswar for FIH series As the countdown for the FIH Men’s Series Finals Bhubaneswar begin, the participating teams have begun to arrive in the city. The India team, which also conducted its national camp in Bhubaneswar, were the firsts to arrive followed by Russia, Poland, USA and Uzbekistan.

While India, Russia, Poland, Uzbekistan are placed in Pool A; Pool B has Japan, Mexico, South Africa and United States.



While all the teams of Pool A are in the city and have begun their practice session at Kalinga Stadium; three teams – Japan, Mexico and South Africa will be arriving in the next two days.

India is the top-ranked team in the tournament with World Ranking 5, followed by South Africa (16), Japan (18), Poland (21), Russia (22), United States (25), Mexico (39) and Uzbekistan (43).

Stick2Hockey.com

India cannot take its place in final for granted

K. Arumugam

At World No. 5, India tower over the rest of the field at the FIH Series Finals in Bhubaneswar, starting on Thursday. Placed in Pool A, the hosts have Poland (ranked 21), Russia (23) and Uzbekistan (55) for company. Pool B comprises South Africa, no strangers to the Kalinga Stadium, at No. 16, Japan (No. 18), USA (26) and Mexico (39). One things sure for India is that it cannot take its place in the final for granted if the recent past history.

The eight-nation event serves as a qualifier for the Olympic qualifiers later this year. But if India assume that finishing among the top two to secure a place in the qualifiers means just turning up on the pitch, they do so at their own peril.

Malaysia, hosts of the first FIH Series Finals, huffed and puffed before making the final to secure a spot in the qualifiers but not after crashing to a humiliating 2-4 defeat to rank outsiders Italy in the league match and eking out a 4-4 draw against China.

A slip-up in the pool, potentially against Poland who historically have been no pushovers, will compel India to play the cross-overs, where realistically they would play the USA who will have their adrenaline pumping in a bid to make a quantum leap on a global stage.



Even if India top Pool A, their opponents in the semifinals are most likely to be either Japan or South Africa. The Japanese have qualified automatically for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as hosts but made it a point of doing so by merit with a sensational Asian Games gold medal victory in Jakarta last year.

South Africa, African champions seven times in a row, are competitive on the global stage even if their 16th and last place at the World Cup may not quite support that claim.

A 0-5 defeat against the hosts in the World Cup may be the right motivation, in a queer sort of way, for South Africa to pull off something special should the teams meet again.

Manpreet Singh (below), the ebullient midfielder leads an Indian side which enjoys the solidity of veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, sound defender Surender Kumar and the combative Harmanpreet Singh whose drag-flicking prowess makes him a player to fear.

India, who achieved a creditable sixth spot at a memorable World Cup in December last year, are not short of firepower up front with Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh, returning from a long injury lay-off, likely scourges of goalkeepers in the tournament that concludes on June 15.



Graham Reid, who took over as head coach in April, hopes that the tour of Australia, his country, would have helped in the eventual aim to achieve more circle entries, sharpen finishing and ward off tough tackling and stifling marking.

His team, suffered two heavy defeats (0-4 and 2-5) Down Under but apart from lessons learned, the former Kookaburras star midfielder/defender was reportedly upbeat with the return of Ramandeep and the choice of three drag-flickers in the side – Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas complementing Harmanpreet.

On Thursday, India open against Russia who beat higher ranked Scotland in Lousada, Portugal, to book a ticket to Bhubaneswar.

The Russians have a clutch of talented players including Laroslav Loginov, Pavel Golubev and the young Marat Khairullin, a forward with the scoring touch.

Poland come next on Friday in a key clash. The Poles ran up 32 goals with reply in the FIH Series Open at home in Gniezno where the eastern Europeans revealed a solid defence and sharp-shooting ability in which Dominik Kotulski and penalty corner specialist Pawel Bratkowski sparkled.

Uzbekistan, the lowest-ranked team, may serve as cannon-fodder for India backed by vociferous thousands in the stands, but the Central Asians, who impressed in the FIH Series Open in Lahore, Pakistan, would do well to raise their stocks a notch a two with the experience in the cauldron.

In Pool B, South Africa field familiar stalwarts such as captain Austin Smith, Tim Drummond, Jethro Eustice and goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse. Ngobile Ntuli and Ryan Julius boost the African champions with a touch of youth.

Japan coached by Dutchman Siegfried Aikman (middle photo) are a regimented unit with probably enduring the least pressure after qualifying as hosts. But Tokyo looms and Japan know that they cannot take their foot off the pedal. They found incredible motivation to fight back from a 2-5 deficit to draw 6-6 with Malaysia and win on in a shootout to claim the Asian Games gold and a place in the final here is surely the benchmark for satisfaction for Aikman’s super-fit team.

Should Japan finish among the top two, the third placed team will not automatically qualify for the Olympic qualifiers. The world rankings after the completion of all continental championships will reveal whether the third-place finishers secure a spot in the seven play-offs that constitute the qualifiers.

USA and Mexico emerge from the Americas, labouring in the shadow of big boys Argentina (playing in the FIH Pro League) and Canada (who won in Kuala Lumpur beating Malaysia in the FIH Series Open finals).

They drew 5-5 against each other but USA secured top spot on goal difference in Salamanca, Mexico. The US, with two of its players playing club hockey in Europe, are a speedy attacking team with steady build-ups, coached by Dutchman Rutger Wiese.

Mexico have three players with more than 100 caps and head coach Pol Moreno will be blooding four. The great big bonus for the Central Americans would be playing in the spiritual home of the sport even as they nurture aspirations to make the top echelons of the sport in the Americas now occupied by Argentina, Canada, USA and Chile.

Four continental champions will qualify directly (Japan, Asian Games champions have freed up a spot) to join the hosts in Tokyo.

A third FIH Series Finals will be held in Le Touquet, France, later this month to produce two more qualifiers (six in all) who will join the top four of the FIH Pro League plus four more from the world rankings of teams not qualified from any other route in seven head-to-head double-leg clashes to complete the field at next year’s Olympics.

Stick2Hockey.com

Fit-again Ramandeep Singh says hunger to wear India colours again kept him strong


File image of Ramandeep Singh. AFP

Bhubaneswar: The hunger to wear the India colours again kept me motivated and strong, says striker Ramandeep Singh, who is making a comeback to the national hockey team after recovering from a career-threatening injury that kept him in the sidelines for nearly a year.

Ramandeep has been recalled to the Indian team for the FIH Hockey Series Finals, to be played in Bhubaneswar from 6 to 15 June, after recovering from a full thickness condral fracture-injury in the centre of his right knee.

He had sustained the injury during India's match against Pakistan at the FIH Men's Champions Trophy in June last year.

India's opening match against Russia on Thursday will mark exactly 348 days since Ramandeep last wore the national jersey.

"I think what really kept me strong through this entire period was my hunger to wear the India jersey again. I just did not want to give up on this desire and kept working on gaining full match fitness," said Ramadeep.

"Now that I have been selected and have with me the newly launched India jersey, it reinstates my belief and confidence. I am really excited to play for India again, I have literally counted days for this moment and I will do my best for the team which stood by me during my struggle over the past year."

While India went on to win the silver medal in the Champions Trophy, Ramandeep Singh was forced to return home for an immediate surgery.

"When I got my MRI done in the Netherlands, the doctor told me I won't be able to play for the next two years. It came as a real shock to me," recalled the striker.

"It was only when I consulted the doctor in Bengaluru, I was told I can return to action in six months. My injury was of a rare kind as the cartilage and the bone in my ACL suffered an 8mm fracture," explained Ramadeep, who has 124 international caps to his credit.

While the next six months were a battle for Ramandeep both physically and emotionally, he recalled how his teammates supported him during the ordeal.

"I remember being in my room at the SAI Centre Bengaluru, not allowed to walk for three weeks. My teammates would bring breakfast, lunch and dinner to my room from the canteen," he said.

"To be dependent on someone for basics was emotionally very challenging but the entire team and the support staff were always there to lift my spirits and motivate me. I had not disclosed about my injury to my family until I could start walking."

The injury kept Ramandeep out of the team for the Jakarta Asian Games as well as the men's World Cup in Bhubaneswar last year.

Ramadeep returned to action in the ninth Hockey India Senior Men's National Championship, turning out for his home state Punjab.

But a stress fracture in his ankle sustained during the Nationals further delayed Ramandeep's comeback in the national squad.

"My aim was to recover for the men's World Cup but when that didn't happen, I aimed at playing the Nationals to gain match fitness. The entire period was frustrating because when the whole team was away for tournaments, I would work alone on my rehab with the help of the Hockey India support staff," he said.

"When India won matches, I felt happy for the team and when they lost, I felt helpless and wondered if I could have made the slightest of a difference.

Firstpost

FIH Hockey Series Finals: How can India qualify for the 2020 Olympics

India's men's and women's teams will need to reach the finals at Bhubaneswar and Hiroshima, respectively to play the Olympic Qualifiers in November, 2019.

Samarnath Soory


Getty Images

The FIH Series Finals will be India men's and women's hockey teams' first step towards qualifying for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The men's team will hope to win the competition taking place at home in Bhubaneswar from June 6-15, while the women's team will travel to Hiroshima, Japan with an aim to reach the final on June 23. After both the teams missed out on the gold medal at the Asian Games 2018, they will now have to take the long road to Tokyo 2020. The FIH Series Finals will serve as the first step.

Qualification process for 2020 Tokyo Olympics

How many teams play at the Olympics ?

- 12 (1 for the host, 5 for the champions of Asia, Africa, PanAmerica, Europe and Oceania, 6 for the teams coming through Olympic Qualifiers)

How many places are taken?

- 1 (Both the men's and women's teams of Japan won the 2018 Asian Games besides being guaranteed a place as the host nation. This has freed up space for one more team.)

How many are currently available?

- 7 (Since, four other spots for the continental championships will be decided as follows: Pan America Games - July 26-August 11, Africa Championship - August 12-18, EuroChampionship - August 16-25,  Oceania - September 1-8)

What does India need to do to qualify?

- India will go through a two-step process to play in the Olympics. Both the men's and women's team must reach the final of the FIH Series Finals in Bhubaneswar and Hiroshima to play in the Olympic Qualifiers in October and November. Both the men's and women's teams are the favorites to win the Series Finals.

What if Indian teams fail to reach the final at Bhubaneswar and Hiroshima?

- This is dependent on the world rankings which will be updated in September, 2019. Six top teams from the three Series Finals will reach the Olympic Qualifiers. They will have four top teams from the ongoing FIH Pro League waiting for them. If any of the above ten teams win their respective continental championships, then India should be the next top-ranked team to get another shot at the Olympics. For example, if Argentina, ranked fourth in men's rankings, finishes top of the FIH Pro League and also wins the Pan America Games in August, then India, ranked fifth, will play in the Olympic Qualifiers. Indian women's team, currently ninth in the rankings, will look to improve its ranking by the end of September to be in contention for the Olympic Qualifiers.

What will be the format at the Olympic Qualifiers?

- Fourteen teams (6 top teams from FIH Series Finals + 4 top teams from FIH Pro League + 4 top-ranked teams which have not played in either tournaments) will feature in the Olympic Qualifiers where each team plays one other team over two legs and will have to outscore its opponent on aggregate to earn a berth at the Olympics.

Schedule for Men's Series Finals, Bhubaneswar (Timings in IST)

June 6, Thursday - Pool A - India vs Russia - 7pm
June 7, Friday - Pool A - India vs Poland - 7pm
June 10, Monday - Pool A - India vs Uzbekistan - 7pm

June 12, Wednesday

- Cross-over 1 (C1) - 2nd Pool A vs 3rd Pool B - 5pm
- Cross-over 2 (C2) - 2nd Pool B vs 2nd Pool A - 7.15pm
- For 7th/8th place - 4th Pool A vs 4th Pool B - 8.45pm

June 14, Friday

- Semifinal 1 - 1st Pool A vs Winner of C2  - 5pm
- Semifinal 2 - 1st Pool B vs Winner of C1 - 7.15pm
- For 5th/6th place - Loser of C1 vs Lose or C2 - 8.45pm

June 15, Saturday

- Final - 7.15pm
- 3rd//4th place match - 5 pm

Schedule for Women's Series Finals, Hiroshima (Timings in IST)

June 15, Saturday - Pool A - India vs Uruguay - 2.30pm
June 16, Sunday - Pool A - India vs Poland - 2.30pm
June 18, Tuesday - Pool A - India vs Fiji - 10.30am

June 20, Thursday

- Cross-over 1 (C1) - 2nd Pool A vs 3rd Pool B - 12.15pm
- Cross-over 2 (C2) - 2nd Pool B vs 2nd Pool A - 2.30pm

June 21, Friday

- For 7th/8th place - 4th Pool A vs 4th Pool B - 12.15pm
- For 5th/6th place - Loser of C1 vs Lose or C2 - 2.30pm

June 22, Saturday

- Semifinal 1 - 1st Pool A vs Winner of C2  - 12.15pm
- Semifinal 2 - 1st Pool B vs Winner of C1 - 2.30pm

June 23, Sunday

- Final - 2.30 pm
- 3rd//4th place match - 12.15pm

Sportstar

‘Focus on limiting changes to hockey,’ says FIH’s CEO Thierry Weil

Change is the only constant in international hockey, a sport that sees such frequent tinkering in its rules and tournament formats that even its ardent fans find it hard to keep up.

B Shrikant



Change is the only constant in international hockey, a sport that sees such frequent tinkering in its rules and tournament formats that even its ardent fans find it hard to keep up.

For example, the qualifying programme for the Olympic Games has been changed four times in the last three decades.

In the Olympics, the host country, five continental champions and six qualifiers make the 12-team field, and though the continental championships remain intact, the qualifying event has been changed regularly—a single tournament gave way to three events of eight teams each (till 2012), which was replaced by the Hockey World League, which in turn gave way to the Pro League and FIH (international hockey federation) Series (Open and Finals).

The Pro League currently involves eight top teams playing each other on home and away basis while the other competition involves a series of FIH Series Open events followed by three 8-team Finals.

However, even as eight teams—India, Japan, South Africa, Poland, Russia, Uzbekistan, USA and Mexico—get ready for the second event in the FIH Series Finals in Bhubaneswar, which will be held from June 6-15, comes the news that the event will be discontinued from next year.

Similarly, the FIH has dumped the Champions Trophy, and reworked rules nearly every year as the game has metamorphosed from a match of two halves to one involving four quarters of 15 minutes each.

So, why does the FIH introduce so many changes, unlike sports like football and tennis, whose basic structure has remained the same?

Hindustan Times put this question to Thierry Weil, FIH’s chief executive officer and he agreed that there have been too many changes.

As far as the FIH Series is concerned, Weil blamed financial burdens for scrapping the tournament.

“The FIH Series involves teams that are not in the Pro League, provide them a chance to qualify for the Olympics,” he said. But participating in these events is a big financial burden on these teams. Also, we found out that there was a conflict with the activities of the continental federations which were also conducting similar tournaments. I agree that changes have come too frequently but many of them were necessary, like ‘no offside’ because it was not conducive to the fast-pace of hockey. When I took over as CEO (in April 2018), I have asked them to limit these changes. My focus has been on standardising the calendar and evolving the Pro League,” Weil said.

Meanwhile, the game will continue to see some big changes in the next few years.

Pro League 2 in the offing

The FIH is planning to launch a second division of Pro League, tentatively named Pro League 2, which will involve teams ranked between 9 to 20 and introduce promotions and relegations.

“It’s one of the ideas we are working on,” Weil said. “Recently, we have introduced a two-year home and away system which will reduce by half the travel in the current format.”

The FIH is likely to roll out the second division from next year.

Big investments

Weil said the FIH has made significant investments in introducing a new ranking system from January 2020, and a new synthetic turf which reduces dependence on water. The roll out of a new match-based ranking system will also promote bilateral series involving top teams.

“Each match will become important as it will involve some points. All matches recognised by FIH will contribute towards the ranking of the team,” he said.

Introduction of a new turf before 2024 is the most ambitious project that FIH has taken up, as water scarcity is a growing reality that impedes the widespread adoption of the current astroturf, especially in countries like India.

“Currently we are in investment mode and have made big investments in the rankings system, new turf and promotion of Pro League,” Weil said.

Hindustan Times

Kalinga gets the healing touch

Arena to be ready for Hockey Series Finals

Uthra Ganesan


Fani effect: Damaged glass panes inside the Kalinga Stadium after the passing of Cyclone Fani. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Indian men’s hockey team will take its first step towards qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics when it faces Russia in its opening game of the FIH Hockey Series Finals in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

But, even as the squad sweats it out in searing heat and humidity, the Odisha government is working overtime to ensure it lives up to the standards set in the past.

Damage

With Cyclone Fani causing extensive damage across the State, the Kalinga Stadium was no exception with both the turf and the infrastructure facing the impact.

The sports department has, however, ensured the tournament would go ahead and has almost completed repair and renovation.

“The hockey turf was torn at a few places.

“The stadium infrastructure also suffered peripheral damage like broken glass panes, floodlights, gallery chairs, etc,” sports director Vineel Krishna told The Hindu.

Despite distress relief taking priority, along with Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, there had been talk of shifting the competition.

To its credit, the Odisha government has managed to address the issues, despite all the pressure, in record time.

What made it more difficult was the fact that the stadium was used as a base camp for relief activities and shelter for people during Fani, leaving less time for restoration.

“Arrangements were made to provide relief. The complex was also a base for air-dropping relief material and a control room for distribution. Even the control room for restoration of power supply was inside the stadium. The athletics stadium roof was blown away,” Sports Secretary Vishal K. Dev said.

The efforts are visible. The stands, galleries and dressing rooms are all back in use and the turf has seen the Indian team practice without any serious concerns.

Almost done

“Currently, beautification of the stadium is underway and is expected to be completed in a couple of days. The Indian team is already training and is satisfied with the infrastructure,” Krishna added.

Even as India steps in as the highest-ranked team and a favourite to win, the team would be hoping to match up to the staff's efforts.

The Hindu

BBC SPORT NI to stream live Ireland Women’s matches at the FIH Hockey Series

The quest for a women's place at the Olympic Games for the first time ever begins for Ireland with the eight-nation tournament. All of Ireland’s games will be streamed live on the BBC Sport NI website.

The Ireland Women’s Hockey team captured the public’s imagination with their exploits last summer, as they upset the formbook and confounded all predictions by reaching the World Cup final in London.

Now, their return to competitive action will be shown live by BBC Sport NI as Banbridge Hockey club hosts the FIH Hockey Series from June 8-16.

The quest for a place at the Olympic Games for the first time ever begins for Ireland with the eight-nation tournament. All of Ireland’s games will be streamed live on the BBC Sport NI website.

The team’s first match in the tournament is against Malaysia on Saturday 8th June at 3pm. They then take on the Czech Republic on Sunday 9 June at 3pm, before completing the group stage with a game against Singapore at 2pm on Tuesday 11 June. The tournament’s semi-final stage and final are on Saturday 15 June and Sunday 16 June respectively.

Nigel Ringland and Simon Mason will be joined in the commentary booth by former Irish international Alex Speers, current Belfast Harlequins player Jenna Watt and Olympic gold medallist Stephen Martin.

Eddie Doyle, BBC NI Head of Content Production, said: “The world cup heroics of captain Katie Mullan and her side were the feelgood sports story of last summer. Now the serious business of qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time ever begins with this tournament – and we’re delighted to show all of Ireland’s games live on the BBC Sport NI website.”

The Hook

Ayeisha McFerran chases Olympic Hockey Dream with Ireland


Ireland's Ayeisha McFerran

Larne woman Ayeisha McFerran says it’s time for Ireland to forget about past glories as the players shift their focus to pursuing their Olympic dream.

McFerran was voted goalkeeper-of-the-tournament at last year’s World Cup when Ireland captured the hearts of the nation by lifting the silver medals.

They went into the tournament ranked 16th in the world and after their heroics in London soared eight places up the list.

However, McFerran insists the fact that Ireland tore up the form book suggests others could do the same in the FIH Hockey series tournament which starts at Banbridge Hockey Club on Saturday.

Ireland should canter into the final of the pre-Olympic event without breaking much sweat.

If they can do that, they will book a place in the last stage of qualifying for Tokyo 2020.

The hosts are up against Malaysia (ranked 22nd in the world), Czech Republic (19th) and Singapore (35th) in the first phase and will be hot favourites to come out on top.

In the other group, Korea (11th) should overcome lower-ranked Scotland, Ukraine and France and go on to meet Ireland in the big decider on June 16.

McFerran said: “We’ve had to put aside all the hype of last year although we always knew we could do something special.”

“We’re a very talented group of girls and we definitely have the confidence and the belief that we can do something special again and qualify for Tokyo.

“But I also think we proved last year that anything can happen on any given day, so we will be going out and treating every opponent with respect.

“It’s about us performing to the level we know we can and if we can do that we will succeed in the tournament but if we don’t show up then things might not go the way we want.”

McFerran, one of seven Ulster players in the squad, expects the opening two games to be the toughest, based on past experience.

Ireland did beat Malaysia 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier in the heat of Kuala Lumpur two years ago and were 3-1 winners over the Czechs at the last European Championship in Amsterdam in 2017.

McFerran added: “Malaysia are a very good side and coming from that Asian hockey culture, they are very skilful and very quick.”

“They have been training full-time since January so it will be a very tough game for us and we are expect it will be the same against Czech Republic.

“World rankings mean nothing as we proved at the World Cup and all three group games are going to be difficult but we are ready for the challenge.”

Saturday’s FIH Hockey series programme: Pool A: Ireland v Malaysia (3pm); Czech Republic v Singapore (5pm); Pool B: Korea v Ukraine (11am); Scotland v France (1pm).

Larne Times

4 Nations Junior Women Invitational Tournament (Dublin)
Dublin

31 May 2019 16:30     IND v CAN (RR)     2 - 0
31 May 2019 18:30     IRL v SCO (RR)     2 - 0
1 Jun 2019 16:30     SCO v CAN (RR)     0 - 1
1 Jun 2019 18:30     IRL v IND (RR)     1 - 2
3 Jun 2019 13:30     IND v SCO (RR)     2 - 1
3 Jun 2019 15:30     IRL v CAN (RR)     1 - 1
4 Jun 2019 13:30     CAN v SCO (3rd / 4th)
4 Jun 2019 15:45     IND v IRL (Final)

Final Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Barry goal puts Ireland on course for U21 final as senior men face France


Ireland co-captain Michelle Barry. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Michelle Barry’s single goal proved just about enough to see the Irish Under-21 women through to the final of the Cantor Fitzgerald Under-21 Four Nations tournament.

Ireland required a draw or better to advance from their tie against Canada and went ahead via the Cork Harlequins woman’s fifth minute touch to a low Hannah McLoughlin push.

“I actually can’t believe it!” Barry said afterwards of her goal. “We went out to put in our best game; we needed to win and had the right mindset, pushing really hard in the first half. We dropped off a little bit and thankfully we got over the line.

“We had loads of good opportunities in that first half, maybe unlucky a little bit with the final pass or not getting a corner. We could have been a bit more clinical so hopefully for tomorrow we can do that.”

From there, Dave Passmore’s side had the best of things in the first half but were forced to withstand plenty of pressure in the second half, culminating in an Anna Costanzo goal four minutes from time.

But – with UCC goalkeeper Hannah Humphries making some key saves – they held on for the 1-1 draw which sets up a rematch with India on this afternoon at 3.45pm in Pembroke Wanderers.

It is all part of the side’s build-up to the EuroHockey Junior Championships with Barry adding the mix of styles offers plenty of interesting challenges.

“We are used to having Scotland and Wales come over but to have Canada and India especially, it’s a totally different game to what we are used to playing against so it’s a great opportunity to learn and test our tactics to compete against them.”

The Irish men, meanwhile, continue their FIH Series Finals preparations when they meet France on this evening at Lisnagarvey’s Comber Road at 7pm.

David Harte comes back into the panel in place of Mark Ingram as one of the goalkeeping options while coach Alexander Cox will be on the sidelines having missed the recent series win over USA.

Their campaign begins on June 15th, a week after the Irish women start their tournament in Banbridge.

All of their matches have now been confirmed to be broadcast live on the BBC website for the duration of the competition, beginning with a contest against Malaysia before they meet the Czech Republic and Singapore in the group stages.

Monday, June 3rd
Cantor Fitzgerald Women’s Under-21 Four Nations: Ireland 1 (M Barry) Canada 1 (A Costanzo); India 2 Scotland 1
Standings: 1. India 9pts (+4) 2. Ireland 4pts (+1) 3. Canada 4pts (-1) 4. Scotland 0pts (-4)

Tuesday, June 4th
Men
Senior international: Ireland vs France, Lisnagarvey, 7pm

Cantor Fitzgerald Women’s Under-21 Four Nations (both at Serpentine Avenue)
Final: Ireland v India, 3.45pm
Third place playoff: Scotland v Canada, 1.30pm

The Hook

Scotland U21 Women in narrow defeat to India



Scotland U21 women were beaten 2-1 by India in an excellent contest at the U21 Four Nations in Ireland. It was an impressive performance by the Scots and shows good strides forward in each match of the tournament.

It was an even opening quarter to the contest with both sides winning one penalty corner each, but unable to fashion other clear goal chances in the quarter

It was a similar story in the second quarter with the half ending 0-0 although India probably had more opportunities with two penalty corners.

It was the second half where the game started to open up for opportunities and it was India who went 1-0 up early in the third quarter through Mumtaz Khan. Two Scotland players were drawn to the ball, leaving them light at the back, and India used the space to get behind and score from close range.

Scotland’s reaction to going a goal behind was good; they were well disciplined in response and were also able to take the game to India.

They got their reward when they won the ball in the middle of the pitch, and Ruth Blaikie lifted a delightful push pass into the D for Margery Justice, who slapped the ball first time into the corner of the net. It was a delightful and controlled finish after some excellent build-up play to make it 1-1.

Both Blaikie and Justice had excellent games for Scotland as did Eve Pearson and Ellie Wilson.

As the match neared a conclusion India went ahead thanks to Gagandeep Kaur who struck a sensational drag flick low to the left that left the goalkeeper with absolutely no chance at all.

Scotland U21 Women’s Head Coach Neil Menzies said, “It was a really good game and a much better performance from us than previous matches. We played a different system, and we played it well, and this combined with a really good attitude to the game gave us a good performance.

“We denied India opportunities to play, and created good chances of our own – we were much more threatening than in previous games. It’s really good for us to play A Division teams, and also be close to them, which will prepare us well for B Division later in the summer.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Matias Rey extends his stay at Polo into a 15th season


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Matías Rey has extended his stay at Real Club de Polo in Barcelona for a 15th season the Argentine defender confirmed he will be in situ for the 2019/20 season.

The Olympic champion in 2016 is a coach at Polo's hockey school and a marquee player with the team since his arrival in 2005, aged just 20, and he is looking forward to defending the Spanish regular season title and the Copa del Rey.

"This year I had personal projects in Argentina, but I preferred to continue for another year," said the Argentine international of the decision.

After seven years with Carlos García as coach, Rey is aware that "this season will be different. It has been a very nice cycle in which the team has learned a lot under Carlos. We are looking ahead to next season and we will give everything to continue adding titles."

Polo reached the EHL FINAL4 in Eindhoven and they will play in the KO16 next October in their hometown from October 4-6.

Euro Hockey League media release

2019-20 EHL structure announced


Surbiton earn Investec Women's Hockey League title

The new structure for the England Hockey Leagues (EHL) for the 2019/2020 season has been announced.

The previous format saw ten teams make up the Premier Division in both the Men's and Investec Women's Hockey League, with a further 30 sides spread across the North, East and West Conferences underneath them.

However this year a new Division One structure has been added in between the two tiers, with 20 teams split across North and South leagues.

That means there are now 120 teams who will be involved in the EHL - the previous format saw just 40.

Furthermore clubs' 2nd XIs are now also eligible to compete in the EHL.

Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division
Beeston
Bowdon Hightown
Buckingham
Clifton Robinsons
East Grinstead
Hampstead & Westminster
Holcombe
Loughborough University
Surbiton
University of Birmingham

Investec Women’s Hockey League Division One North
Belper
Ben Rhydding
Brooklands Poynton
Gloucester City
Leeds
Leicester
Olton & West Warwicks
Stourport
Swansea
University of Durham

Investec Women’s Hockey League Division One South
Canterbury
Cambridge City
Harleston Magpies
Isca & University of Exeter
Reading
Sevenoaks
Slough
St Albans
Trojans
Wimbledon

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East
Barnes
Bedford
Bromley & Beckenham
Broxbourne
Canterbury 2s
Chelmsford
Horsham
Ipswich
Southgate
Wimbledon 2s

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference North
Alderley Edge
Beeston 2s
Cannock
Doncaster
Fylde
Pendle Forest
Sutton Coldfield
Timperley
University of Nottingham
Wakefield

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference West
Basingstoke
Cheltenham
Clifton Robinsons 2s
Exe
Oxford Hawks
Oxford University
Surbiton 2s
Team Bath Buccaneers
University of Birmingham 2s
University of Bristol

************************************************

Men’s Hockey League Premier Division
Beeston
Brooklands Manchester University
East Grinstead
Hampstead & Westminster
Holcombe
Old Georgians
Reading
Surbiton
University of Exeter
Wimbledon

Men’s Hockey League Division One North
Bowdon
Cardiff & Met
City of Peterborough
Leeds
Loughborough University
Olton & West Warwicks
Sheffield Hallam
University of Birmingham
University of Durham
University of Nottingham

Men’s Hockey League Division One South
Brighton & Hove
Canterbury
Oxford Hawks
Oxted
Fareham
Havant
Sevenoaks
Southgate
Team Bath Buccaneers
Teddington

Men’s Hockey League Conference East
Bedford
Bromley & Beckenham
Cambridge City
Chichester
Harleston Magpies
London Edwardians
Old Loughtonians
Spencer
St Albans
Wapping

Men’s Hockey League Conference North
Alderley Edge
Barford Tigers
Belper
Deeside Ramblers
Didsbury Northern
Doncaster
Lichfield
Preston
Timperley
Wakefield

Men’s Hockey League Conference West
Ashmoor
Cardiff University
Cheltenham
Harborne
Isca
Khalsa (Leamington)
Old Cranleighans
Richmond
University of Bristol
University of Exeter 2s

See the above plotted on a map by clicking here.

England Hockey Board Media release

Changes explained to England Hockey Leagues 2019-20


Hampstead & Westminster's men celebrate in the Men's Hockey League Finals

England Hockey is announcing a number of key changes to the England Hockey Men’s League and Investec Women’s Hockey League for 2019-20.

Over the past few months the England Hockey Elite Domestic Game Panel (EDG Panel) has been discussing improvements that can be made to the leagues. The Panel is a group of club representatives that were selected by clubs participating in the league chaired by Andy Tapley, a member-elected England Hockey Board member.

The Elite Domestic Game Panel was chosen via a vote of England Hockey League clubs in September 2018, it includes representatives from the following clubs. Brooklands MU, Bowdon, Canterbury, Clifton Robinsons, East Grinstead, Hampstead and Westminster, Holcombe, Loughborough University, Reading and Team Bath Buccaneers.

The panel was set up to ensure that clubs and England Hockey work closely to promote the success of elite clubs, working on mutual aims to ensure that there is an alignment to create long-term systemic success for both England Hockey and English clubs. This group is the primary consultative body that England Hockey uses to engage effectively with the clubs playing at the highest levels domestically.

Aside to discussing a long-term vision for domestic hockey the group has identified some immediate changes for next season. The first set of which are announced below, with more improvements to follow.

The most significant changes are as follows:

•    For the 2019-20 season the Premier Division will play 12 games before Christmas and 6 after with the intent of allowing more club availability for international players.
•    League semi-finals will be held at home club venues and the Finals Day at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
•    The number of non-EU players a club can register will increase from 2 to 3.
•    Changes have been made to simplify relegation and promotion arrangements at the end of 2019-20. For consistency in all divisions the 9th placed team will have a chance to stay in their league.

A number of other smaller changes have also been made relating to the minimum player age and second team regulations. Detailed changes are available in our Appendix - please click here to read in full.

Further work is being undertaken on the approach to the new FIH rules and the wider communications surrounding the league, these will be announced soon.

England Hockey Board Media release

2022-2023 FIH World Cups: Executive Board to announce hosts in November



After having received a request from several bidding countries to delay the decision on the 2022-2023 FIH World Cups hosts – originally planned for June – in order to give them more time to finalise the governmental guarantees, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has decided to postpone the announcement of the hosts to the Executive Board meeting scheduled on 8-9 November 2019.

Governmental guarantees are essential for the staging of FIH events, which explains why this decision was taken.

As announced in February, FIH has received the following bids:

For the preferred time window 1-17 July 2022:
- Germany: Men’s or Women’s World Cup
- Malaysia: Men’s World Cup
- Spain: Men’s World Cup

For the preferred time window 13-29 January 2023:
- Australia: Women’s World Cup
- India: Men’s or Women’s World Cup
- New Zealand: Women’s World Cup

The last FIH World Cups were successfully held last year in London (Women’s) and Bhubaneswar (Men’s).

#FIHWorldCups

FIH site