News for 03 July 2019
All the news for Wednesday 3 July 2019
Hockey team are on the rise, says Oltmans
KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s hockey team coach Roelant Oltmans is confident that Malaysia will climb up a few more rungs in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) world rankings.
As at the end of June, the Malaysian Tigers squad moved up a spot to world No. 12 with 1,173 points after earning 400 points from finishing second in the FIH Series Finals in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia are now only 20 points adrift of 11th placed Ireland (1,193) and 152 points behind Canada in 10th (1,325) and Oltmans believes his side will go up the rankings when FIH add the continental points in September after the conclusion of all the events.
Malaysia are set to add another 585 points as the 2018 Asian Games silver medallists.
“If we had won the (FIH Series Finals) final against Canada, we would have been further up. But it’s always good to move forward, to encourage the players. I’m sure after all the continental championships, we will move up again.
“We are not so far behind Ireland and I think we will get more continental points than Ireland, unless they create a big surprise in the European championships. Our ultimate aim is to get into world’s top eight, so we are still a bit away but not too far anymore,” Oltmans said after a training session at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium.
In the latest rankings released Australia overtook Belgium for the top spot, followed by Holland and Argentina in third and fourth places respectively, while Asian giants, India are in fifth.
Meanwhile, Oltmans hoped that former Australian legend Michael McCann would help his strikers increase their conversion rate during his one-week stint with the team starting today.
“We had discussed together what do we really want to get out of McCann this week and I think we are going to work out a very good programme.”
The Star of Malaysia
Lots learned from Germany test for NAGS boys
England’s U16 and U18 NAGS boys faced their German counterparts over the weekend in a two game test series held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.
U16 Boys:
Game 1
England 4 - 4 Germany (1 - 0 HT)
Whitmore 7’ PC
Collinson 43’ FG
Wootton 59’ PC
Penrose 60’ PC
Germany 37’ FG, 45’ FG, 49’ FG, 56’ FG
In the first match, England took the lead mid-way through the first quarter as Will Whitmore flicked England ahead in what was a fast-paced opening half.
Germany found an equaliser as England were unable to clear their lines. Ben Collinson then restored England’s advantage with a fine solo goal, finishing calmly over the German goalkeeper from a tight angle on the baseline, though Germany restored parity just a couple of minutes later.
In the final quarter, with the game becoming increasingly stretched, Germany scored two open play goals despite some fine initial saves from Matthew Whiteside to take a 4-2 advantage.
With less than five minutes to play, England took off their goalkeeper for an extra field player and fought back. It was to pay dividends as both Fergus Wootton and Rory Penrose found the back of the net from penalty corners to ensure the game would finish a draw with the final goal coming with just 17 seconds left on the clock to seal a dramatic conclusion to the opening match.
NAGS U16 Boys v GER
Game 2
England 3 - 5 Germany (1 - 1 HT)
Shelton 27’ PC
Buckeridge 39’ PC
Wilcher 56’ PC
Germany 29’ FG, 32’ FG, 36’ FG, 53’ FG, 60’ FG (EG)
The second match of the Test Series was another eight-goal thriller between the two teams, this time with Germany coming out on top in a similarly close game.
Again, England were first on the scoresheet as Ollie Shelton profited from a penalty corner but Germany quickly responded with three goals inside ten minutes as they converted their pressure into goals.
Rory Buckeridge closed the scores at 3-2 just minutes after the Germans got their third, however, Germany refused to let their lead slip as they found another in the final quarter.
Once again England elected to withdraw their goalkeeper for another outfield player, which paid quick dividends as Lewis Wilcher converted from a penalty corner.
England continued to press to find the late equalising goal for a second day in a row but finally fell victim to the risk with Germany creating a turnover in the England half to score into an empty net to add some gloss to the scoreline.
Thoughts from Mark Bateman, England U16 Boys Head Coach: “The games against Germany allowed us to experience playing with a lead, playing from behind and managing a game against a high standard opponent.
“At times we performed really well in all of these scenarios which was really encouraging and there were also situations where we can still make big improvements in our decisions both individually and as a team. The performances give us a strong base for our next games against Belgium next week.”
NAGS U16s Boys v GER
U18 Boys:
Game 1
England 2 - 4 Germany (HT 0-1)
Alex Pendle 19' FG
Conor Williamson 48' PC
Germany 13' FG, 34' PC, 36' PC, 37' FG
England worked hard to stay in the game after Germany had taken an early lead and managed to string together a good series of passes which released Alex Pendle into the circle where he drove the ball hard and low past the German goalkeeper to level the scores.
Germany came out hard and fast in the second-half, scoring three quick goals without answer through some aggressive pressing and a couple of steals high up the pitch. As the final quarter got underway England managed to regroup and eventually managed to earn a penalty corner which was well finished by Conor Williamson.
Game 2
England 1 - 6 Germany (HT 1-1)
Alex Pendle 18' FG
Germany 6' FG, 34' PC, 37' FG, 47' PS, 49' FG, 54' FG
In game two of the test series, both sides were determined to work hard for the victory and this showed in the level of work put in by the teams. At half-time honours were even after Alex Pendle scored his second of the weekend to peg back an early German lead.
Unfortunately, in the second-half Germany proved too strong and although England tried various things to get back in the game, the German's clinical finishing saw them cruise to victory.
Thoughts from the Head Coach: “This weekend was always going to be tough and although we were successful in many areas there is still some technical aspects for us to improve on. The early part of our game is all that we expect but unfortunately we need to work on our strategies for when we fall behind. We will assess and regroup and keep moving forward as we develop.”
NAGS U16s Boys v GER
England Hockey Board Media release
Experience gained for NAGS girls from Germany trip
England’s U16s & U18s NAGS teams visited Germany over the weekend for a three game test series, read the reports on how the sides got on:
Girls U16s
Game 1
England 2 - Germany 2
O'Malley-Kumar 10' FG, Morris Adams 43' FG
Germany 60' PC
Though Germany initially took the lead, Grace O‘Malley-Kumar levelled it up with a decisive deflection from a Claudia Swain pass across the D. England then took the lead courtesy of Ericka Morris Adams with a far post deflection.
However, Germany fought back and converted from a penalty corner in the last minute to secure a draw.
Game 2
England 1 - Germany 2
O'Malley-Kumar 48' FG
Germany 41' PC, 54' FG
The first-half was a cagey affair with neither side able to make the breakthrough, both teams making errors which neither were able to capitalise upon.
O‘Malley-Kumar scored her second of the tournament when she calmly knocked the ball past the goalkeeper after a good through ball from Beth Alexander.
Germany replied in kind with some devastating set pieces, scoring twice from penalty corners in the second-half to snatch a victory.
NAGS U16s Girls v GER
Game 3
England 1 - Germany 1
Claudia Swain 50’ PC
Germany 18’ FG
England started the game slowly and Germany profited from this in the second quarter as they took the lead.
England then picked up the pace of the game and played some good passing hockey in the final quarter and were rewarded with a deflection goal by Claudia Swain from a penalty corner to secure a draw in the final match.
Head Coach John Bell gave his thoughts on the series: “The first game showed some real development in tactical awareness with the players exhibiting a desire to problem solve on the field during play.
“The girls were technically under par in the final game with a slight naivety in game management. Tough conditions for both teams, but the most pleasing part of the game was application of individual and unit play defence.”
Girls U18
Game 1
Germany 5 - 1 England (2 - 0 HT)
Lottie Summers 46' FG
Germany 3’ PC, 21' FG, 41' FG, 56' PC, 59' PC
Despite the soaring temperatures, Germany started with a high intensity and were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty corner which they converted to take the lead after less than five minutes of play. Germany maintained their pressure and doubled their lead going into the half time break.
After the interval, England were able to match Germany and honours were shared in the third quarter with both sides scoring. Lottie Summers converted for England after a lovely piece of play from Millie Attwell. The final quarter saw Germany convert two late goals, despite England’s resilient defending, to add to the final score.
Game 2
Germany 6 - 1 England (1- 0 HT)
Maddie Axford 32' FG
Germany 13' PC, 42' PC, 47' FG, 56' FG, 57' FG, 60' FG
With the mercury rising above 40 degrees, the decision was taken to introduce additional water breaks and extend the scheduled breaks.
England started on the front foot and were disappointed not to be rewarded for their efforts. Against the balance of play, Germany managed to win and covert a penalty corner late in the first-quarter in a low-scoring opening half.
The start of the second-half saw England beginning the half as they started the game, but this time were rewarded with a goal after a fantastic finish by Maddy Axford on the volley.
Unfortunately, despite England’s good form, Germany won and converted another penalty corner, giving them the one goal advantage going into the final quarter time break. With the hot weather taking its toll on the England team, Germany were able to seal the win with a flurry of late goals. 
NAGS U18s Girls v GER
Game 3
Germany 6 - 3 England (1- 1 HT)
Flo Fletcher 15' FG, Darcy Bourne 40' PS, Maddie Axford 60' PC
Germany 17' FG, 32' FG, 35' PC, 44' FG, 51' PC, 53' PC
The final match of the series saw England start on the front foot with Flo Fletcher putting the England team in front with a hard run up the pitch and a well-executed backhand.
Germany responded swiftly at the start of the second quarter, scoring early to send the teams into half-time on even ground.
Starting the third quarter with 11 outfield players, Germany scored two quick goals to take the score line to 3-1. England managed to get a goal back through Darcy Bourne's penalty stroke, but again Germany responded well with another goal to take a 4-2 lead going into the last quarter.
The goals kept flowing in the final period with Germany scoring another two goals and England converting a penalty corner on the final whistle through Maddie Axford.
Thoughts from the Head Coach: “The German test series was an excellent development opportunity for players taking their understanding of WITTW (What it takes to win) End in Mind principle to another level.
“We competed well for large parts of the games, executing our game plan and playing with intensity, and were very much in the game with close score lines at half-time. The challenge now is to maintain this focus and intensity across the full match and better manage critical phases of the game.
“It was pleasing to see the improvement in performance across the three games and our positivity going forward, particularly in the last game, result in outcomes and goals. Lots of great learning to build on going into our series this coming weekend against Belgium and the upcoming 6 Nations in Holland.”
England Hockey Board Media release
Schoolgirl’s Hockey Challenge victory
Lungelo Manqele(right), captain of Wartburg Kirchdorf School, in action at the Inland Regional of the SPAR Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge earlier this year. photo: supplied
THE captain of the Wartburg Kirchdorf School First X1 Hockey team, Lungelo Manqele, will lead her team as the current Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional champs onto the astro in the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Durban, South Africa on July 20 and July 21.
The Grade 11 centre link started playing hockey in Grade 2 at Wartburg Kirchdorf.
“Most of the girls, I think, started playing in Grade 1 and after seeing their pictures in the year book, I wanted to take part too,” she recalls.
“The thing I enjoy most about hockey is how it’s an adrenaline sport and it’s unpredictable, so this forces you to think fast but also think smart and work with your team.”
Besides hockey, Lungelo also plays soccer and does long jump and 100m sprint in athletics.
“I’m also interested in running — I ran the annual Wartburg MTB Classic for the third time this year and I ran the Durban SPAR Women’s Challenge (10km) for the first time this year.”
Lungelo played in the team that attended the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge in 2017.
“I remember how we were coming last on the first day then, after a few honest words of encouragement from our coach, we managed to take seventh place the next day. It was crystal clear proof of how powerful one’s change of mindset can be — regardless the skill and talent,” said Lungelo of the event.
This scenario says so much about the significant guidance she has been given.
“All the advice I’ve received basically sums up to the fact that one is confined by the limits they create themselves and you will never really know unless you try — so you’ve got to try whole-heartedly and never give up.”
It’s no wonder then that her sports role model is Ongeziwe Mali, who “at a young age (18) has already achieved something as immense as representing South Africa at the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup”.
“I would like to encourage young people to do sports,” she said, adding that playing hockey has taught her so much when it comes to committing to her fellow players and leading a team while also growing individually.
“I am grateful to my family for the support, and to my coach for all the faith she has in my team and I. I am really proud to be their captain and to share a field with them.”
Lungelo sports half colours for academics, a merit certificate for hockey, and a merit certificate for athletics. In 2015, while in Grade 7, she received the prestigious Good Fellowship Award at her school.
While her sights are set on studying a BCom Accounting at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Lungelo also finds time to listen to music, jog, read, write a bit of poetry and spend time with family and friends.
This steadfast young lady said she lives by the words “God doesn’t give you anything you cannot handle — everything happens for a reason,” she says. “I believe that verse from Colossians 23 verse 3: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Wartburg Kirchdorf School joins nine other teams from KZN at the Grand finals
News24