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All the news for Sunday 21 July 2019

Men's Indoor Asia Cup Chonburi 2019 - Day 5, 6 and 7
Chonburi (THA)

Results

19 Jul 2019     TPE v UZB (Pool B)     2 - 7 (1 - 5)
19 Jul 2019     IRI v PHI (Pool A)         18 - 2 (9 - 1)
19 Jul 2019     KAZ v SGP (Pool B)     5 - 2 (1 - 2)
19 Jul 2019     THA v MAS (Pool A)     1 - 2 (0 - 1)

20 Jul 2019     PHI v NEP (9/10th)         0 - 3 (0 - 1)
20 Jul 2019     BAN v TPE (7/8th)         9 - 0 (5 - 0)
20 Jul 2019     IRI v UZB (SF)             9 - 1 (4 - 1)
20 Jul 2019     KAZ v MAS (SF)         4 - 3 (1 - 2)

21 Jul 2019     THA v SGP (5/6th)         4 - 0 (3 - 0)

Fixtures (GMT +7)

21 Jul 2019 15:30     UZB v MAS (3rd / 4th)
21 Jul 2019 18:30     IRI v KAZ (Final)

Final Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Women's Indoor Asia Cup Chonburi 2019 - Day 5, 6 and 7
Chonburi (THA)

Results

19 Jul 2019     IRI v UZB (Pool A)         1 - 4 (0 - 3)
19 Jul 2019     KAZ v PHI (Pool A)         10 - 0 (4 - 0)
19 Jul 2019     THA v SGP (Pool B)     1 - 0 (0 - 0)

20 Jul 2019     PHI v SGP (7/9th)         1 - 1 (0 - 1) (2 - 3 SO)
20 Jul 2019     KAZ v MAS (SF)         2 - 1 (1 - 0)
20 Jul 2019     THA v UZB (SF)         5 - 3 (2 - 2)

21 Jul 2019     NEP v SGP (7/8th)         2 - 1 (1 - 0)
21 Jul 2019     IRI v TPE (5/6th)         1 - 2 (0 - 1)
21 Jul 2019     MAS v UZB (3rd / 4th)     1 - 1 (0 - 0) (0 - 1 SO)

FInal (GMT +7)

21 Jul 2019 17:00     KAZ v THA (Final)       

Final Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

M'sia squanders two-goal lead, loses 4-3 to Kazakhstan in indoor hockey semis

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia paid the price for poor defending in the second half and were beaten 4-3 by Kazakhstan in the semi-finals of the men's Indoor Asia Cup hockey tournament in Chonburi, Thailand today (July 20).

With the defeat, Malaysia's hope of qualifying for the Indoor World Cup in 2021 is all over.

Malaysia will face Uzbekistan in the play-off for the bronze medal on Sunday (July 21), while Kazakhstan will face seven-time champions Iran in the final.

The champion will qualify for the 2021 World Cup.

Asian powerhouse Iran trounced hapless Uzbekistan 9-1 in the other semi-finals match.

Against Kazakhstan, Malaysia started off well by taking a 3-1 lead in the first 22 minutes of the match.

In fact, Malaysia were two goals ahead within five minutes with Muhd Aminudin Mohd Zain and Mohd Shafiq Yaacob scoring in the fourth and fifth minutes respectively.

But Kazakhstan managed to narrow the deficit in the 16th minute through Yermek Tashkeyev.

Malaysia, four times runners-up, managed to increase the lead again to 3-1 via Mohd Firdaus Omar in the 22nd minute.

Kazakhstan never gave up, though, and they stormed back to hammer in three goals in the space of seven minutes.

Skipper Daulet Urmanov scored a brace in the 27th and 30th minute, and Tashkeyev was the hero for netting the winning goal in the 34th minute.

The Star of Malaysia

No, no – Yahya’s charges won’t be going to Indoor World Cup Hockey

By Aftar Singh



KUALA LUMPUR: Our women’s hopes of featuring in the 2021 Indoor World Cup Hockey is over.

Yahya Atan’s (pic) players went down to defending champions Kazakhstan 2-1 in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup in Chonburi, Thailand, yesterday.

Kazakhstan started well by taking a 2-0 lead with goals from skipper Natalya Gataulina in the sixth minute before Vera Domashneva doubled the score in the 22nd minute.

Malaysia scored their consolation goal through skipper Ellya Syahirah Ellias in the 32nd minute.

Kazakhstan, who are gunning for their sixth consecutive title, will face hosts Thailand in the final. Thailand beat Uzbekistan 5-3 in the other semi-final.

Only the champions will book their World Cup ticket. The venue and dates for the event have yet to be decided.

In the group matches, Malaysia finished runners-up to Thailand with two wins and a defeat.

They outplayed Singapore (4-0), lost to Thailand (2-1) before beating Taiwan 2-0.

Yahya said the players found it tough to come back from two goals down yesterday.

“Overall, I’m happy with their performance as they gave their best in every match. I want them to fight hard again in the third placing playoff against Uzbekistan tomorrow (today),” said Yahya.

Malaysia are also using the tournament as preparation for the Philippine SEA Games from Nov 30-Dec 11.

The Star of Malaysia

GB suffer second narrow loss to Japan as Unsworth wins 250th cap



Laura Unsworth played her 250th combined international match today as Great Britain’s women suffered a second loss to Japan in Hiroshima.

After beating GB 2-1 on Monday, a single Kana Nomura goal from a penalty corner was enough to secure another narrow victory for Japan.

Head Coach Mark Hager made several changes to the team that played the first test, with Amy Tennant, Giselle Ansley, Jo Hunter, Lizzie Neal and Izzy Petter all featuring in the game.

Laura Unsworth was named captain as she brought up yet another milestone in her illustrious career, having also played her 100th match for Great Britain earlier this year in the FIH Pro League.

Since making her international debut back in 2008 Unsworth has won a host of medals for both England and Great Britain, including Olympic gold and bronze as well as the 2015 EuroHockey title.

Shona McCallin also started the game as she continues her comeback to international hockey after 17 months out through injury.

Ahead of the game, she said: “It’s been a long journey for me to get back but I’m super chuffed to be back playing for GB – 17 months is a long time to be out.

“A lot of thanks must go to the support staff, medical staff, EIS for all their hard work behind the scenes to get me back and to everyone else that has supported, guided and believed in me over the rehab period.

“It’s been great to get out on the pitch to find my feet again. The intensity of international hockey is a lot higher than what I’ve been used to so it’s been good to knock out the cobwebs and get back into the swing of things.

“I’ve really, really enjoyed being back in the fold and being out for so long has really made me appreciate every moment being back out on the pitch so I will take that forward and appreciate every moment I have with the England and GB teams moving forward.”

Japan 1 (1)
Nomura (21’, PC)

Great Britain 0 (0)

GB Starting XI: Tennant, Unsworth (C), Martin, Townsend, Howard, Ansley, Pearne-Webb, Neal, McCallin, Owsley, Petter
Subs (Used): Robertson, Defroand, Hunter, Burge, Balsdon
Subs (Unused): Hinch, Evans, Toman, Jones, Watson, Costello

This was the final fixture of six – four uncapped and two capped – for the women having spent two weeks in Hiroshima as part of a trip to experience playing in the extreme heat and humidity of Japan in the lead up to potentially featuring at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

They will now separate back into their Home Nations squads in the build up to this summer’s EuroHockey Championships. Scotland are hosting the women’s EuroHockey Championship II between 4-10 August and will be hoping to use the home advantage to secure promotion back to the top tier. Wales will also be hoping for the same result at that tournament.

England’s women then compete in the EuroHockey Championships in Belgium between 17-25 August knowing that if they emerge victorious then Great Britain’s women will have a guaranteed spot at Tokyo 2020.

If not Great Britain could then qualify for next year’s Olympics – starting on 25 July – through an Olympic qualifier to be held in late October/early November.

Great Britain Hockey media release

Great Britain women lose to Japan as Laura Unsworth plays 250th international


Laura Unsworth dribbling the ball for Great Britain. Unsworth now has 110 GB caps and 140 for England

Captain Laura Unsworth's 250th international ended in a second defeat of the week as Great Britain's women lost 1-0 to Japan in Hiroshima via a Kana Nomura goal from a penalty corner.

They lost Monday's first Test 2-1 to the same opponents.

Unsworth, 31, made her international debut in 2008 and has won Olympic gold and bronze medals with Team GB and the 2015 EuroHockey title with England.

She now has 140 caps for England and 110 for Great Britain.

The match was the final fixture of six in a two-week trip to Japan intended to help the team acclimatise for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

England's women head to Belgium for next month's EuroHockey Championships and can guarantee Olympic qualification for Rio champions Great Britain with victory.

BBC Sport

Defeat in Barcelona for Scotland men



Scotland men were beaten 4-0 by Spain in Barcelona as the Blue Sticks continue preparations for the Belfius EuroHockey Championship in Antwerp. The Scots ended up two players’ short going into the match and put in a good performance despite the result and circumstances.

The damage was done in the second quarter when Spain surged into a 3-0 lead. Alvaro Iglesias scored a deflection at the far post before Marc Bolto made it 2-0 when he stole in front of a defender to glance the ball into the net. A tremendous penalty corner finish by Pau Quemada made it 3-0 at half time.

Scotland had a strong second half and had chances to get on the score sheet. The Blue Sticks won six short corners in the contest, created some opportunities to score, and had a penalty claim turned down.

A sprightly Spanish counter attack in the fourth made it 4-0, which was how the match finished in the heat of Barcelona.

Scotland men’s Head Coach Derek Forsyth said, “It was a really difficult match to play with two players down in this kind of temperature, but the boys’ did really well despite this. They put in a lot of effort. We had lots of pressure and played better than we did last week against Austria.

“We had opportunities but lacked a bit of composure to convert them, however to create good chances against Spain is pleasing. There’s things to work on but today is a lot more positive than the score suggests.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

EuroHockey Junior Championship Men 2019 - Day 6
Valencia, Spain

Results

20 Jul 2019     POL v AUT (Pool C)     3 - 2
20 Jul 2019     BEL v FRA (Pool C)         3 - 1
20 Jul 2019     ESP v GER (SF 1)         0 - 3
20 Jul 2019     NED v ENG (SF 2)         3 - 4

Fixtures (GMT +2)

21 Jul 2019 11:15     BEL v AUT (Pool C)
21 Jul 2019 13:30     FRA v POL (Pool C)
21 Jul 2019 15:00     ESP v NED (3rd/4th Place)
21 Jul 2019 19:30     GER v ENG (Final)

FIH Match Centre

U21s men into Junior EuroHockey Championship final


Photo credit - Sandy Rushmere

England’s U21s men’s side will face Germany in the Junior EuroHockey Championship final on Sunday 21 July at 6:30pm BST after defeating the Netherlands 4-3 in their semi-final clash.

Despite falling behind within the opening two minutes of the game, England responded well as they settled and grew into the game, keeping the Dutch at bay after the early setback before creating pressure of their own.

Having held good territory for lengthy spells of the first quarter, England made the break through from a penalty corner as Edward Way fired a powerful driven shot under the ‘keeper against the backboard to level the scores at 1-1.

The team started the second quarter in a similar ilk with their build up play causing problems for the Dutch defence. The pressure resulted in another goal five minutes after the restart as Thomas Russell’s fierce strike gave the ‘keeper no chance as England took the lead.

The Dutch replied though and were only denied an equaliser by a stunning save from Oliver Payne’s outstretched right foot from a shot otherwise destined for the bottom corner of the goal.

But the Netherlands weren’t to be held for long as they levelled the match at 2-2 going into half-time with a clinical reverse stick shot.

Nothing could separate the sides in the third quarter with a frantic final 15 minutes eventually deciding the match.

England were the side who took the advantage, Duncan Scott deflecting the ball in at the back post with just over ten minutes remaining. The game looked settled when Gareth Griffiths remained cool in front of goal when the ‘keeper had been withdrawn to put England 4-2 to the good with only three minutes remaining.

Though the Dutch did find one of their own immediately after from a penalty corner, England held on and did enough to see the game out and progress to the next round with an entertaining 4-3 victory.

Having taken down Spain 3-0 in their semi-final, Germany will be the opposition waiting for England in Sunday’s final.

England Hockey Board Media release

EuroHockey Junior Championship Women 2019 - Day 6
Valencia, Spain

Results

20 Jul 2019     BLR v FRA                 0 - 1
20 Jul 2019     NED v BEL (Semi-Final 1)     3 - 1
20 Jul 2019     GER v ESP (Semi-Final 2)     1 - 1 (1 - 3 SO)

21 Jul 2019     IRL v FRA (7th/8th Place)     5 - 1
21 Jul 2019     RUS v ENG (5th/6th Place)     2 - 2 (3 - 2 SO)

Fixtures (GMT +2)

21 Jul 2019 11:15     BEL v GER (3rd/4th Place)
21 Jul 2019 17:15     NED v ESP (Final)

FIH Match Centre

EuroHockey Junior Championship II (Men) 2019 - Final day
Plzeň Litice, Czech Republic

Results

19 Jul 2019 10:15     BLR v ITA (Pool C)             0 - 2
19 Jul 2019 12:30     CZE v POR (Pool C)         5 - 5
19 Jul 2019 14:45     IRL v SCO (Semi Final 1)     0 - 1
19 Jul 2019 17:00     RUS v TUR (Semi Final 2)     5 - 4

20 Jul 2019 09:15     BLR v POR (Pool C)         13 - 2
20 Jul 2019 11:30     ITA v CZE (Pool C)             5 - 0
20 Jul 2019 13:45     IRL v TUR (3rd/4th Place)     4 - 1
20 Jul 2019 16:00     SCO v RUS (Final)             9 - 0

Pool Standings

Pool C

FIH Match Centre

Gold for phenomenal Scotland U21 men with 9-0 Euros final win over Russia



An exceptional performance by Scotland U21 Men saw them beat Russia 9-0 in the final to win gold at U21 Men’s EuroHockey Championship II. The Scots had already secured promotion to A-Division but won the competition in style in an absolutely dominant final performance.

Scotland took the lead early in the final when Hamish Roberts converted with a good strike to make it 1-0. A slick attack from the left was finished well by Roberts from close range to put Scotland ahead.

Russia were quickly on the attack after the opener and an excellent diving save by Martin Rose at the top left corner kept the Russians from an immediate equaliser.

Then another excellent double save by Rose at the end of the quarter kept Scotland’s lead intact.

The second quarter was a battle with both sides fighting for every ball. There were no clear opportunities for either team.

It was in the third quarter where Scotland began to enjoy themselves. They made it 2-0 when Struan Walker scored with a strike early in Q3. A good finish low past the goalkeeper from a rebound.

Then Scotland went 3-0 up, this time Jamie Golden with a drag flick into the bottom right corner.

Jack Jamieson made it 4-0 with a close range finish before Scotland went 5-0 up through another Golden flick, this time into the top bag from a penalty corner.

Another goal made it 6-0 at the end of Q3, Robbie Croll found the net with a penalty corner.

Golden scored a hat-trick to make it 7-0 with another lovely penalty corner in Q4 before David Nairn got his name on the score sheet with a few minutes to go for 8-0.

Scotland’s ninth goal came right at the end for Andy McConnell on the buzzer. Penalty corner into the net to give Scotland an incredible victory, and a well-deserved gold medal.

Scotland U21 Men’s Head Coach Graham Moodie said, “I’m so delighted for the boys, they were relentless today. We ended up running away with it, 9-0 probably wasn’t a fair reflection of the game, but they were absolutely on it today. It was the perfect storm, they earned it and are worthy champions.

“I’d also like to give some credit to Scott Sutherland, who has been working on our corner attack, and Gavin Sommerville who is our corner defence coach. Their work really came to fruition today. It’s a great day for Scottish Hockey.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Sarratt strokes book-end bronze medal win while U-18s tie with eventual champs


The Irish U-21 men with their bronze medals.

After the pain of missing out on promotion, Ireland’s Under-21 men had the consolation of a bronze medal as they struck three times in the last 10 minutes to beat Turkey 4-1.

They went in front in the ninth minute from the penalty spot as Conor Empey’s drag-flick rebounded onto a Turkish body on the goal line.

The greens – who were without the suspended Alex Tinney – drew a number of good saves from the Turkish goalkeeper Necip Cilkiz but the second quarter saw the opposition put in a more aggressive press and they did not let Denis Pritchard’s side have it their own way.

Indeed, some turnovers in the Irish half led to a couple of corners, one of which was switched left to Muslum Elagoz who whipped in a flick for 1-1.

It remained that way into half-time in spite of a mad scramble in the circle and a subsequent set of corners.

The third quarter remained tight with both goalkeepers making important interventions before Ireland eventually killed off the game with two goals around the 50 minute mark.

Callum Robson got one from play before Ali Empey finished off a penalty corner move to the right post. Sarratt got his sixth goal of the tournament from a stroke with one second showing on the scoreboard.

Men’s EuroHockey Junior Championships II (Plzen Litice)

Third place playoff: Ireland 4 (G Sarratt 2, C Robson, A Empey) Turkey 1 (M Elagoz)

The Irish Under-21 women found out their seventh place playoff opponents for Sunday morning, a rematch with France after the French beat Belarus 1-0.

In the Volvo 6 Nations, Eindhoven proved a storm-swept venue with buckets of rain severe enough to wash out the Irish under-16 boys contest with Spain with the score at 5-0 down.

It meant Ireland finished in fifth place in the competition with their opening win over Poland earning their points.

The Under-18 boys, though, produced what was the highlight of the week when they drew 2-2 with champions Spain with Lisnagarvey duo Troy Chambers and Ollie Kidd on the mark.

Ireland led twice with Ryan Spencer winning a corner which Chambers scored for 1-0. Kidd made it 2-1 before the Spaniards got back on terms. It was Ireland’s first point of the tournament.

The Under-18 girls lost 2-0 after a hard fought tie against the Spaniards while the Under-16s lost 6-0.

Men

EuroHockey Junior Championships II (Plzen Litice)

Third place playoff: Ireland 4 (G Sarratt 2, C Robson, A Empey) Turkey 1 (M Elagoz)

Volvo 6 Nations

Under-18: Ireland 2 (T Chambers, O Kidd) Spain 2

Under-16: Ireland 0 Spain – game abandoned due to heavy rain

Women

EuroHockey Junior Championship, seventh place playoff (Valencia)

Sunday, seventh place playoff: Ireland v France, 8am

Volvo 6 Nations

Under-18: Ireland 0 Spain 2

Under-16: Ireland 0 Spain 6

The Hook

EuroHockey Junior Championship II (Women) 2019 - Final Day
Alanya, Turkey

Results

19 Jul 2019      POL v AUT (Pool C)         4 - 3
19 Jul 2019     TUR v CZE (Pool C)         2 - 8
19 Jul 2019     UKR v SCO (Semi Final 1)     1 - 4
19 Jul 2019     WAL v ITA (Semi Final 2)     4 - 4 (1 - 2 SO)

20 Jul 2019     TUR v AUT (Pool C)         4 - 5
20 Jul 2019     CZE v POL (Pool C)         2 - 2
20 Jul 2019     UKR v WAL (3rd/4th Place)     1 - 3
20 Jul 2019     SCO v ITA (Final)             4 - 1

Pool Standings

Pool C

FIH Match Centre

Scotland U21 Women beat Italy to win Gold in Alanya



Scotland U21 Women won gold at U21 Women’s EuroHockey Championship II in Alanya, Turkey, after a sensational 4-1 victory over Italy in the final. The Scots had gone 1-0 down in the match but turned on the style to run out winners and claim the gold medal. 12 players in the team won U18 Girls’ EuroHockey Championship II last year.

Scotland were dominating possession in the early stages and looked comfortable in the match.

There was nearly an early goal for the Scots when a nice ball slipped into the D saw a turning shot slide past the left post.

Italy then took the lead from a penalty corner. It was struck well by Candela Carosso to put Scotland 1-0 behind.

Scotland continued to play good hockey and their efforts were rewarded by an equaliser. Cat Booth found the net with a penalty corner to make it 1-1 and bring Scotland onto a level pegging.

Scotland had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the third quarter when a nice pass through the Italian defence found Georgia Jones with just the goalkeeper to beat, but her shot skimmed the post on its way past and Italy survived.

Jones again was involved as Scotland tried to break the Italian defence down, this time she prompted a good save by the goalkeeper to deny her the goal.

The Scots were pummelling the Italian goal with shots and it looked as if there could only be one winner.

They finally took the lead when Lunjika Nyirenda scored in the fourth quarter with a close range finish to make it 2-1 to Scotland.

Ruth Blaikie made it 3-1 for Scotland soon after. Good running into the D by Scotland found Blaikie in the right place at the right time to roll the ball home for a third goal.

Then to add extra sparkle to the victory it went 4-1 with Nyirenda scoring again when she slipped the ball past the goalkeeper to seal the victory.

The Scots had already secured promotion to A-Division, now they’ve secured a gold medal to go with it.

Scotland U21 Women’s Head Coach Neil Menzies said, “It’s been a good day all round! I’m so happy for the players, they played so well and deserved to win the tournament. It’s a great group we have here. They have a remarkable ability to keep to the plan but also find adjustments to what the opposition is doing. Their attitude is tremendous, even with a minute to go and leading 4-1 they were still working hard for each other and doing all the right things. The group is very together, and it’s very promising for the future.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

EuroHockey Junior Championship III (Men) 2019 - Day 3
Vilnius, Lithuania

Results

18 Jul 2019     WAL v LTU (Pool A)     6 - 1
19 Jul 2019      UKR v WAL (Pool A)     2 - 5
20 Jul 2019     LTU v UKR (Pool A)     0 - 7

Final (GMT +2)

21 Jul 2019 12:00     WAL v UKR (Final)    

FIH Match Centre

Dramatic draw for England U18 Boys


Action from England U18 Boys at the Six Nations Tournament. Credit: gpfoto.ie

Two goals conceded in the final minute saw England Under-18 Boys draw 2-2 with Belgium in the final match of the Six Nations Tournament in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on Saturday.

Two goals from Alex Pendle had put England ahead, but their rivals applied a lot of late pressure and clawed back to salvage a draw, with the final goal coming with three seconds left on the clock.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t hang on for a win in the last game,” said Head Coach Jody Paul. “But the boys have proved their ability and shown they have worked hard in this cycle, and we’re happy with what we’ve achieved.”

Pendle’s first goal came after ten minutes when, after England attacked down the right side, the ball was crossed into the D where he lifted the ball over the goalkeeper.

A short break because of a thunder storm did little to take the sting out of England’s attack, and they doubled their lead on 49 minutes when Pendle found himself one on one with the goalkeeper and slotted underneath.

England defended well for much of the remainder of the game, but a Belgian goal from a penalty corner on 59 minutes and a field goal with three seconds left ensured the honours were even.

England U18 Boys 2 (1)
Belgium U18 Boys 2 (0)

England Hockey Board Media release

Draw marks end of England U18s tournament


Action from England U18 Girls at the Six Nations Tournament. Credit: gpfoto.ie

Trailing at half time, England Under-18 Girls hit back to draw 1-1 with Belgium in their final match of the Six Nations Tournament in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on Saturday.

A strong performance from the team saw them hit back to secure a draw and ensure they ended the tournament with two wins, two draws and just one narrow defeat to Germany.

Belgium took the lead in the eighth minute from open play, but England stuck to their task well and finally pulled back level in the third quarter.

Maddie Axford put in a great through ball for Emily Guckian to smash home a spectacular reverse stick shot on 41 minutes and level up the scores.

England went in search of a winner but there were no further goals from either side and the spoils were shared.

Head Coach Sarah Kelleher said: “The girls played some great hockey, particularly in the second half. To come back and get an equaliser and then go after another goal to win it showed real character.

“When Belgium took their keeper off for the last few minutes we worked hard to hold on to the draw and defender really well. It was a good end to the Six Nations Tournament, and we’re pleased to have come third and learned a lot.”

England U18 Girls 1 (0)
Belgium U18 Girls 1 (1)

England Hockey Board Media release

Hockey national team for Championship announced

By Stephen Ignacio

The Gibraltar Hockey national squad that is to play in next weekend’s international tournament was announced this weekend.

The final squad who will participate in next week’s Championships was revealed yesterday to the players.

Officials of Gibraltar Hockey said ‘The quality and high standard of our local players made this decision a very complicated one for the Team Coach Christian Zammit as the dedication and discipline shown by all its players has been remarkable. The top calibre of the dropped players is a reflection of the high standard of hockey we get to enjoy locally.

‘Congratulations to the 18 selected players who will represent Gibraltar at the EuroHockey Championships III from 28th July to 3rd August 2019.’

The squad is as follows:-

Joseph Borg (GK)
Malcolm Head (GK)
Craig Bonnici
Jorgen Haveland
Carl Ramagge
Kayron Stagno
Lee Ramagge
Julian Lopez
Shane Ramagge
Karl Lima
Gareth Henwood
Kyle Clinton
Thomas Silva
Robert Guilling
Julian Valarino
Ian Rodriguez
Eric Casciaro
Julian Hernandez

Gibraltar Chronicle

Oltmans gives the raw a chance to roar on European tour



KUALA LUMPUR: It’s time to step up to the plate for two rookie hockey players during the playing tour of Europe.

National coach Roelant Oltmans said that goalkeeper Adrian Albert (pic) and forward Muhd Firdaus Rosdi are talented but lacking in experience.

“I’m happy with their commitment in training in the past six weeks. I think they are ready for the tour.

“I’m confident Albert will perform well between the posts,” said the Dutch coach.

Seasoned campaigner S. Kumar, who has been out of action since March due to a hamstring injury, will be the first-choice custodian for the tour.

Twenty players will leave for Europe today for the three-week tour.

Oltmans said that he is pleased with Firdaus’ determination.

“He’s a skilful player and has the potential to be a top forward for Malaysia. I’m also impressed with his attitude, I’m very curious to see what he can do against the top European teams,” added Oltmans.

He also revealed that a few juniors - Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook, Muhd Arif Syafie Ishak and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal - have shown progress during tournaments and hopes they will keep shining during the tour.

“It’s a great opportunity for the boys to play against top European teams like world champions Belgium, Holland, Germany, England, Spain and Ireland,” said Oltmans.

“We’re using these matches to see what we need to improve on our game. We know that we will lose more than we will win.

“The most important thing is that we want the players to give their best in the nine matches to close the gap on the Europeans.

“The matches will also help to build up their confidence. I think at the end of the tour, I’m optimistic they will put up a strong challenge at the Olympic Games playoff matches in October.”

The Star of Malaysia

Another team unable to clip the Wings


Photo by Marcel Sigg, Run, Ride, Dive

The Wineland Wings continued their flight to glory, while the Dragons and Gazelles served up an all-time CTM Premier Hockey League classic. The Namaqualand Daisies earned a shock victory while the Maropeng Cavemen blew a bonus point opportunity. The Blyde River Bunters also saw their tournament hopes all but disappear after three consecutive defeats.

The day started with the Blyde River Bunters desperately looking to earn their way back into the tournament after two defeats in a row. They also wanted to produce a better performance than the game yesterday as they opened things up against the Orange River Rafters.

It took only four minutes for the Rafters to open the scoring when Dirkie Chamberlain effected a turnover in the middle of the park, drove into the Bunters circle and squared for Simone Gouws who finished on the dive. Chamberlain again set up a massive opportunity, but the ball somehow evaded the dive of Ongi Mali.

With 6 minutes left Marcelle Keet pulled off the Bunters keeper and captain Phumelela Mbande. The moved appeared to pay dividends as Celia Evans finished after a cross from Cloe de Souza in the final minute of the game, however on the umpire’s referral the cross was ruled to have been dangerous. It was heart breaking for the Bunters who’s hopes of defending the title are hanging on by a thread.

If that was not enough drama for you, the second game of the day took the drama up to Greys Anatomy levels. Ryan Crowe reacted first after a shot had struck the post and his tomahawk finish found its way into the bottom corner establishing a 1-0 lead for the defending champions. That lead lasted until the 44th minute when Brandon James fired in a low penalty corner to make it 1-1 for the Garden Route Gazelles.

The game ratcheted up a gear, however, in the final quarter as a stunning six goals were scored in the 15-minute period. Jethro Eustice was given a yellow card and Connor Beauchamp immediately made the Gazelles numerical advantage count. It wasn’t to count for long as Bili Ntuli showed remarkable speed in thought and in play to punish a Gazelles error and level the game 2-2. With six minutes remaining the Gazelles took the lead again though as Brandon James attempt was blocked but a diving Berne Burger finished the rebound off with style.

Again, to the despair of coach Ashlin Freddy, the Gazelles were not able to hold onto the lead and Pierre Botma pulled it level again. A brilliant run by South African International Dan Sibbald created space though and for the third time in the game the Gazelles led. This time Hans Neethling diverting the ball home to the dismay of keeper Gowan Jones.

But the biggest drama would save itself for the last seconds of the game. The Dragons found Miguel da Graca and the man who has played in every PHL final made it count. The ball crossed the line with exactly 2 seconds left on the goal to send the game to a shootout which was easily won by the Dragons. This was undoubtedly the game of the tournament so far.

As the temperature in Johannesburg continued to drop, the teams did not seem to receive the memo and the Namaqualand Daisies were looking to get their first win of the 2019 campaign. The first half was defined by two moments. The first was the goal by Ashley Thomas, finishing from less than a metre and the second was a superb save by Mishka Ellis to deny Kristen Paton.

Ellis was at it again in the second half with a wonderful save to deny Nomnikelo Veto. When Ellis was finally beaten by Hildah Dukudu, she was fortunate that the shot was off target. Ashleigh Thomas then capitalised with a real poacher’s effort.

As the Daisies would have started dreaming of the victory they were stunned as first Ashleigh Datnow and then Toni Marks scored to pull the scores level. Kristen Paton, a former Daisies captain, weaved a sensational run to set up Toni Marks goal.

But once again the drama was saved until the final minute as the Daisies wonder girl striker Bianca Wood weaved her own net of magic and rounded the keeper to finish into an empty goal sensationally. What a game of hockey!

With the goals already flying in today they continued in the next game as the Maropeng Cavemen romped first but then stuttered their way to a massive 5-3 win over the Golden Gate Gladiators. Early work from Dayaan Cassiem set up Mark Chong but he was denied by a good save. Keegan Hezlett did make it 1-0 from a penalty stroke after Clinton Panther had produced a trademark run but was professionally fouled. 1-0 it remained at the half time break.


Photo by Marcel Sigg, Run, Ride, Dive

The Gladiators pulled level early in the second half firing past Rassie Pieterse through Idris Abdulla, but parity was not kept for long. The penalty corner was put away superbly again by Craig Wiid and very quickly after that it was 3—1 thanks to a cool finish by Cameron Mackay. The best was yet to come as Gerald Mpopo blasted a goal into the top right corner that was still rising as it hit the back of the net. Dayaan Cassiem then set it up for Hezlett who scored his second and made it 5-1. The Cavemen were happy to be in a winning position with their hands on a bonus point.

But the Gladiators played the party poopers as they netted through Angelo Walstroom and then a very late one by Tumi Ramphele to deny the Cavemen the much-wanted bonus point. 5-3 the final score.

The last game of the day was played at the same time as the Springboks were playing Australia, but that did not stop the supporters or players from producing an entertaining end to the day. The St. Lucia Lakers and the Wineland Wings were both undefeated ahead of this game. Lisa Hawker had the first big chance of the game for the Lakers, but they found themselves trailing when Jade Mayne supplied goal machine Sylvia van Jaarsveldt for the deft finish.

They made it 2-0 in the second quarter for the when Dunell van Taak won the turnover, moved it on to Stephanie Botha who produced a pass as good as any goal to find Tarryn Glasby wide open. Glasby waited perfectly before finishing for the Wings.

The Lakers fought back and were rewarded with a third quarter goal by Lilian du Plessis from the penalty corner. With 2 minutes remaining they won another penalty corner and Tegan Fourie fired away a fantastic shot, but it was well saved by Sisanda Magazwa in goals for the Lakers. 2-1 the final score and the Wineland Wings are virtually assured of a place in the final four.

CTM Premier Hockey League – 20 July Results

10:00 – (W) – Orange River Rafters 1-0 Blyde River Bunters
12:00 – (M) – Drakensberg Dragons *4-4 Garden Route Gazelles
14:00 – (W) – Namaqualand Daisies 3-2 Madikwe Rangers
16:00 – (M) – Golden Gate Gladiators 3-5 Maropeng Cavemen
18:00 – (W) – St. Lucia Lakers 1-2 Wineland Wings

CTM Premier Hockey League – 21 July Fixtures

08:00 – (M) – Golden Gate Gladiators vs. Garden Route Gazelles
10:00 – (M) – Mapungubwe Mambas vs. Addo Elephants
12:00 – (W) – Orange River Rafters vs. St. Lucia Lakers
14:00 – (W) – Namaqualand Daisies vs. Wineland Wings
16:00 – (M) – Drakensberg Dragons vs. Maropeng Cavemen

SA Hockey Association media release

Khokhar expects sizeable sponsorship for National Hockey C’ship

KARACHI: The 65th Air Marshal Noor Khan National Hockey Championship will commence here at Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium from Tuesday.

As many as 20 teams divided in four groups will be vying for the title.

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Brig (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar said that details regarding the prize money and other incentives will be announced in the coming days.

“We will decide about the cash prizes and other incentives in next couple of days,” he said.

“We are expecting sizable sponsorship from the private sector. We are trying to conduct the tournament in a befitting manner,” he added.

Meanwhile, teams continue to reach the city to feature in the championship. Navy, Mari Petroleum Limited, SSGC, NBP, PIA, Punjab and Sindh squads have arrived, while the remaining outfits will arrive on Sunday (today).

The News International

Simba Union unveil Dashmesh Hockey Stadium

By VICTOR OTIENO   


Kenyan hockey legend Avtar Singh Sohal (left) and Manminder Singh Jandu inspecting the newly constructed modern stadium at Sikh Union Club in Nairobi on July 19, 2019. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Hockey teams in Nairobi will have a different experience moving forward after a new Artificial turf pitch was unveiled at the 90-year-old Sikh Union Club (Simba Union Club) on Friday.

The new structure, which was unveiled on Friday by the club's officials among them Kenyan hockey legend Avtar Singh Sohal, has been named Dashmesh Hockey Stadium.

It cost close to Sh50 million and the officials said they are not done yet as they intend to carry-out more improvement on it, which include building stands for spectators.

The now Dashmesh Hockey Stadium was established at around 1935 where several top hockey players among them legend Sohal - a four-time Olympian - were nurtured.

Simba Union is the first club in Kenya to upgrade their hockey pitch with an Astroturf and the club’s Trustee, Manminder Singh Jandu, termed the development a "milestone achievement."

He said it is the first step towards restoring the club's and Kenya's lost glory in the game of hockey, as it will go a long way in developing future players.

"The game of hockey keeps improving and this is one of the way of promoting Kenyan hockey to world class level where it was before," said Jandu, adding they intend to work with county governments to improve on hockey facilities countrywide.

To maximise on the use of the stadium, the club has since established an academy, where young players will see their skills horned, before joining different clubs, which may also land them a place in the national team.

According to the officials, local clubs playing in different leagues and learning institutions will be allowed to hosts matches at the stadium, but at a fee yet to be agreed on.

Sikh Union Club has moved to announce the installation of the Astroturf with a hockey tournament involving clubs from Kenya, Tanzania and India.

The weeklong event dubbed Astroturf Launch Tournament will involve both men’s and women’s categories starting on Sunday.

Plans are underway to make it an annual tournament.

Daily Nation