Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

All the news for Friday 2 August 2019

Pan Am Games 2019 (Men) - Day 5
Lima (PER)

Results

1 Aug 2019    MEX v PER (Pool B)     8 - 2
1 Aug 2019     USA v CAN (Pool B)     0 - 4
1 Aug 2019    CHI v CUB (Pool A)         4 - 0
1 Aug 2019     TTO v ARG (Pool A)     0 - 6

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Canada, Argentina on track to top pools, Mexico and Chile earn first wins on Day 4

Ali Baggott


MEX v PER. Photo: Yan Huckendubler

On Day 4 of the Pan American Games, Peru scored their first two goals of the tournament despite losing out to Mexico by 8-2. Canada blanked USA 4-0 in an exciting battle of North America. The Chileans faced a gritty Cuban side but were able to over come them with a four-goal shutout.

MEN Pool B: Mexico vs. Peru (8-2)

Paco Aguilar and Luis Villegas each scored twice for Mexico who beat Peru 8-2. Despite the loss the home team was able to score their first goals of the tournament thanks to Rodrigo Diaz Espinosa and Johannes Valakivi.

Read more…

MEN Pool B: USA vs. Canada (0-4)

The World No. 10-ranked Canadians toppled USA 4-0 in a physical and paced game. Gordie Johnston’s pair of flicks opened the scoring for Canada, while good finishes from each of Mark Pearson and James Kirkpatrick added to the David Carter shutout.

Read more…

MEN Pool A: Chile vs. Cuba (4-0)

Chile scored one goal in each quarter to earn their first win of the games. Two penalty corner goals from Nicolas Renz and a goal from each of Sven Richter and Fernando Renz put the Chileans in good spot for a Top 2 placing in Pool A with the 4-0 win over Cuba.

Read more...

MEN Pool A: Trinidad & Tobago vs. Argentina (0-6)

Six different scorers got on the board as Argentina picked up their second win of pool-play after eliminating Trinidad and Tobago 6-0.

Read more...

Men’s pool-play matches conclude on August 3 with Chile vs. Trinidad & Tobago (10:00), Mexico vs. USA (12:00), Argentina vs. Cuba (14:00) and Canada vs. Peru (16:00). Game times are local to Lima, Peru (-5 GTM). Follow the Pan American Hockey Federation on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @panamhockey and online at panamhockey.org for the latest information.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

Canada defeats North American rival USA 4-0

A 4-0 win over USA positions Canada to lock up Pool B on Saturday

By Ali Baggott


Photo: Yan Huckendubler

The World No. 10-ranked Canadians toppled USA 4-0 in a physical and paced game. Gordie Johnston’s pair of flicks opened the scoring for Canada, while good finishes from each of Mark Pearson and James Kirkpatrick added to the David Carter shutout.

It was inevitable that the level of pace and physicality would start right from the start in the battle of North America. The USA forwards took aggressive positioning on the experienced Canadian back line that patiently moved the ball. Pearson was the offensive spark for Canada as he picked up a pass just inside the 25 and moved his way in to the circle before being held up and earning Canada’s first corner. Canadian skipper Scott Tupper’s first attempt was blocked by the foot of USA’s Kei Kaeppeler and Canada switched it up on their second take. Johnston flicked glove side high to give Canada the 1-0 lead. The USA struggled to gain Canada’s circle despite some flashes of crafty ball movement through veteran Pat Harris and the support of Mohan Gandhi behind him.

In the 11th minute Brenden Bissett let a back-hand ripper go and a big save from USA keeper Jonathan Klages kept the Canadians at bay. The bouncing rebound allowed Canada to earn their second penalty corner and Johnston tallied in identical fashion to his first goal. A determined USA side earned their first penalty corner in the 18th minute but Kei Kaeppeler’s flick didn’t’ get enough power and Tupper was able to make the clear with ease. The game

Brandon Pereira sparked Canada’s third goal opportunity after he smashed a quick hit on his back hand to the USA stroke mark. USA defender Tom Barratt deflected the ball in to his own goalkeeper and while the two were tangled allowed Pearson to bury the ball in to the open goal. It remained 3-0 for Canada at half time.

USA had two penalty corner chances to start the third quarter but Aki Kaeppeler’s flick couldn’t beat Carter in goal for Canada. In the 38th goal Canada scored the picture-perfect free play goal. Jamie Wallace picked up a ball in the circle and selflessly paced the ball wide for a diving James Kirkpatrick to deflect with one hand for a 4-0 Canada lead.

The USA had a series of corners to start the fourth quarter but Aki Kaeppeler again couldn’t beat Carter or the speed of Bissett charging out. The Americans had a good free play chance in the 50th minute when Deegan Huisman drew Carter out of his goal along the baseline. The bouncing pass across the empty cage went off the sideline untouched.

At the final whistle the Americans had two more corner chances but once again fell short from set pieces to leave the game in the hands of Canada 4-0.

With the win Canada look on pace to top Pool B with just winless Peru left to play in pool-play. USA will battle Mexico for the second spot in the pool.


Photo: Yan Huckendubler

Field Hockey Canada media release

USMNT Slips to Second in Pool Following Loss to Canada at Pan American Games


Image Taken by Mark Palczewski

LIMA, Peru - In their second game of the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, the No. 24 U.S. Men’s National Team took on No. 10 Canada at the Villa Maria del Triunfo complex. With both teams undefeated in pool play and producing strong performances heading into this match-up, the game was bound to be a hard-fought battle. Although USA saw plenty of chances to convert, Canada came out on top scoring four goals as the red, white and blue dropped to second in Pool B Standings.

The first quarter opened with Canada using their backfield to move the ball into USA’s defensive end. Four minutes in, Mark Pearson earned the first penalty corner of the game for Canada, which resulted in a goal as Gordon Johnston sent a drag flick high into the left corner. Canada did not relent, putting lots of pressure on USA as they looked to counter. USA brought the same pressure, double-teaming the ball on each Canada possession. Further into the period, Brenden Bissett entered the USA circle but his shot was saved by USA goalkeeper Jonathan Klages (Berlin, Germany). With four minutes remaining in the frame, Canada recreated their first goal as Johnston put another drag off a penalty corner away. USA trailed 0-2 when the buzzer sounded.

Two minutes into the second quarter Canada extended their lead. A hard hit into the circle from Brandon Pereira was redirected toward goal before Keegan Pereira and Pearson put it in to make it 0-3. A minute later, USA looked to answer as they were awarded their first penalty corner. Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) attempted to drag the shot, but Canada's flyer got in the way. At the 22nd minute mark, a hard Canada ball was sent into the circle from the right corner. Mohan Gandhi (Ventura, Calif.) made the stop that sparked USA's offense, but the play was quickly turned over. The red, white and blue continued to amp up the pressure, cornering the Canada offenders as they tried to keep possession. Fighting until time ticked away, Pat Harris (Moorpark, Calif.) drove to the right and sent a back foot ball toward the circle but it was deflected high over the end line. The half concluded with USA trailing, 0-3.

USA wasted no time working the ball toward their attacking end at the start of the third quarter. Kei Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) earned what became a sequence of three consecutive penalty corners for USA. Canada’s defense and goalkeeper David Carter turned away each attempt that was taken by A. Kaeppler. A few minutes later, Deegan Huisman (Almere, The Netherlands) and Johnny Orozco (Ventura, Calif.) teamed up against Carter, but a Canada defender recovered just in time. Orozco got a second chance shot that was deflected high and went uncalled. Despite the pressure from USA, Canada notched another goal in the 38th minute as quick passing went to Jamie Wallace who sent reverse pass to James Kirkpatrick who dove for the tip to make it 0-4. Shortly following, Johnston's drag on Canada’s third penalty corner was stopped high by Klages as well as the two follow up attempts.

To begin the final quarter of action, USA was awarded two penalty corners within a few seconds of each other. The first, a slip drag by K. Kaeppeler, was defended well by Canada, but USA regained possession quickly and earned another chance. The second, this time taken by A. Kaeppeler, was blocked by Carter and cleared out by the defense. Two minutes later, the seventh penalty corner for USA was disrupted by a miscue, and the ball was sent over the end line. USA  continued to threaten with under 10 minutes in the match. A backfield transfer ball found Michael Barminski (Ventura, Calif.) on the left side. He sent a backhand cross in and as K. Kaeppeler dove, Carter stepped to make the clear. USA continued to fight and earned two penalty corners called as time ran out. The first resulted in a second as Sean Cicchi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) took the sweep that hit a foot. The following was taken again by Cicchi with the rebound popping off of a defender’s stick. Paul Singh (Simi Valley, Calif.) was unable to collect with the ball in the air, and the match concluded with a score of USA 0, Canada 4.

In their final pool match of the 2019 Pan American Games, the U.S. Men's National Team will face No. 32 Mexico on Saturday, August 3 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Tomorrow, the U.S. Women's National Team will take on hosts Peru at 1:00 p.m. ET.

USFHA media release

Pan Am Games 2019 (Women) - Day 5
Lima (PER)

Fixtures (GMT -5)

2 Aug 2019 10:00     URU v CAN (Pool A)
2 Aug 2019 12:00     USA v PER (Pool B)
2 Aug 2019 14:00     ARG v CUB (Pool A)
2 Aug 2019 16:00     MEX v CHI (Pool B)

NB. No live streaming until the Semi-final stages

Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

FIH Match Centre

Live From Lima: Scouting Report - USWNT vs. Peru



As a lead up to today’s Pan American Games (PAG) match-up, here are a few details you’ll want to know before the starting whistle.

Game Day: Friday, August 2, 2019

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Opponent: Peru

FIH World Ranking: 38

2018 South American Games Finish: 7

Current Pan American Games Record: 0-0-2

Last Time USA Played Opponent: As the home country, Peru automatically gained a spot in the Pan American Games from their host status, but the USWNT has never played them. The team most recently placed seventh in the 2018 South American Games in Cochabamba, Bolivia. At that event, the fell in their opening match 0-21 to No. 3 Argentina, and finished the tournament with two losses in pool play before losing their final game 1-4 to Paraguay.

What You Need to Know: No. 38 Peru faced No. 15 Chile in their first pool game of the 2019 Pan American Games. Chile dominated, scoring 13 goals across the course of the game, while Peru did not get on the scoreboard. Their second game against No. 30 Mexico resulted in the host’s second loss of the tournament. Mexico scored four times that went unanswered by Peru. The hosts will look to pick up their first win of the tournament against the USWNT and stay in playoff contention in front of a home crowd.

Peru Roster:
#            Name     Caps
1           Chiara Conetta (GK)      54
2           Camila Levaggi      8
3           Solange Alonso      7
4           Geraldine Quino      28
5           Claudia Ardiles      38
6           Maria Jose Fermi (C)      33
7           Marina Montes      10
8           Nicole Cueva      13
9           Yurandi Quino      25
10           Marianella Alvarez      33
11           Camila Mendez      27
12           Ana Palomino (GK)      14
13           Maria Jimenez      3
14           Malen Moccagatta      20
15           Victoria Montes      10
16           Daniela Ramirez      14
                   
            Head Coach: Patricio Martinez
            Assistant Coach: Jorge Querejeta & Josefina Navarrete
            Manager: Jimena Portocarrero

USFHA media release

Kenya hockey teams seek funds to compete at Africa Olympic qualifiers

NAIROBI -- Kenya risk facing a ban from International Hockey Federation, should it forfeit their slot to compete at the Africa Olympic qualification tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Kenya Hockey Union chairman Nahashon Randiek says they are unable to secure financial support to the team in South Africa and the government has been reluctant to pay for the team.

Eight countries including Kenya, hosts South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Namibia, Ghana, Egypt and Botswana will be competing in the tournament, which will occur on Aug. 12-18.

The qualifiers will mark the fourth edition of the African qualification tournament for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the winner of the tournament will represent the continent in next year's Olympics Games.

"We risk missing out because of budgetary constraints. The organizers are keen to have Kenya on board, and African Hockey Federation (AfHF) has been making calls and demands to petition us to confirm our participation," said Randiek on Thursday in Nairobi.

"However, we have no money for the trip and we hope the government will come in and bail us out," added Randiek.

Kenya is entering two teams, the women's and men's, with a budget of over 7 million Kenyan shillings (70,000 U.S. dollars).

Kenya last competed at the Olympics back in 1980, but poor development structures, lack of funding and dearth in talent has contributed to the failure of the team on the global stage.

However, Randiek is hopeful that they will be able to turn the tide and secure qualification for at least one team at the Tokyo Games.

Kenya had planned to have a week-long training camp in South Africa prior to the competition, but Randiek says the window is closing in fast without any commitment from the government.

"We keep changing dates because we cannot go to camp if we do not have money. It would have been better if we arrived at the camp a week earlier so that we can settle. We have had meetings with the ministry on Monday and we are still in talks, we are hopeful that by the end of this week we now be able to confirm our attendance for the Olympic qualifiers," he added.

#RoadtoTokyo

Xinhua

EuroHockey Championship II (Men) 2019 - Day 5
Cambrai, France

Fixtures (GMT +2)

2 Aug 2019 10:15     UKR v BLR (Pool C)
2 Aug 2019 12:30     ITA v CZE (Pool C)
2 Aug 2019 14:45     RUS v POL (Semi Final 1)
2 Aug 2019 17:00     FRA v AUT (Semi Final 2)

Live streaming via http://www.eurohockey.org

Pool C Standings

FIH Match Centre

EuroHockey Championship III (Men) 2019 - Day 5
Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Fixtures (GMT +2)

2 Aug 2019 09:00     LTU v MLT (Pool C)
2 Aug 2019 11:15     TUR v SVK (Pool C)
2 Aug 2019 15:45     SUI v POR (Semi Final 1)
2 Aug 2019 18:00     CRO v GIB (Semi Final 2)

Pool C Standings

FIH Match Centre

EuroHockey Championship III (Women) 2019 - Day 5
Lipovci, Slovenia

Fixtures (GMT +2)

2 Aug 2019 12:30     SLO v SVK (Pool C)
2 Aug 2019 14:45     FRA v SUI (Semi Final 1)
2 Aug 2019 17:00     LTU v CRO (Semi Final 2)

Pool C Standings

FIH Match Centre

Beatson Cancer Charity announced as Scottish Hockey’s charity for Women’s EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow



Beatson Cancer Charity will be Scottish Hockey’s charity partner for Women’s EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow. Scotland internationalists Kaz Cuthbert; Emily Dark; Charlotte Watson; and Becky Ward joined Scottish Hockey’s mascot Hamish the Hockey Hippo as they welcomed Bella Beatson, mascot of Beatson Cancer Charity, to announce the partnership.

Scotland women’s Captain Kaz Cuthbert presented a cheque for £918 – made up of donations by hockey fans at the recent Scottish Cup Final and Grand Finals events in Glasgow. Beatson Cancer Charity was also previously named as the Official Charity of Scottish Hockey’s Super Series event in 2018.

There will be a strong and fun-filled Beatson presence at Women’s EuroHockey Championship II and spectators will have the opportunity to learn more about Beatson Cancer Charity, and if they wish to show more support, spectators can donate to the charity collection buckets onsite.

Bella Beatson will lead an army of Beatson volunteers as they support the event that will see 20 international hockey matches played at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre on 4-10 August.

Beatson Cancer Charity has also arranged for a special on-pitch performance by Rock Choir on the opening day before the Scotland v Ukraine match.

Scottish Hockey CEO, David Sweetman, said, “I’m proud to support Beatson Cancer Charity through an excellent and high-profile international tournament in Glasgow. Their volunteers will add a lot of fun and support for the event and give people a good chance to learn more about a wonderful charity that has made a massive difference to patients in the West of Scotland.

“It is a pleasure to have the charity on board once again, and we’ll look forward to a fantastic week of women’s international hockey.”

Joyce Ross, Beatson Cancer Charity’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “Beatson Cancer Charity is delighted be named as Scottish Hockey’s charity partner for Women’s EuroHockey Championship II taking place right here in Glasgow.

“We are incredibly grateful to Scottish Hockey for their fantastic support and commitment, which allows us to continue supporting patients and families facing cancer across the west of Scotland.”

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Four Nations Series - Day 1
Spain

ENG v IRL     3 - 3
ESP v MAS     2 - 4

Late Gleghorne Strike Sees England Draw Exciting Four Nations Opener


Mark Gleghorne

Mark Gleghorne struck in the final minute to ensure England began their Invitational Four Nations series in Spain with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Ireland.

The defender – playing his first international game since Great Britain’s exciting 6-5 victory over Spain back in January – scored his 46th combined international goal to clinch a point for his side.

Will Calnan and Sam Ward – making his England return having missed last year’s World Cup with injury – also found themselves on the scoresheet as England twice came from behind in the opening game of a tournament designed to act as a warm up for this year’s EuroHockey Championships.

Elsewhere Adam Dixon captained England for the first time, Tom Sorsby made his England debut and Ashley Jackson also pulled on the Three Lions for the first time since the 2015 Euros.

Having beaten Ireland on their way to a fourth-placed finish at the 2018 Hockey Men’s World Cup, England found themselves two goals behind after just 17 minutes courtesy of Benjamin Walker and Shane O’Donoghue.

Calnan reduced the arrears just four minutes later with his third goal in four international appearances as England – who recently moved up to sixth in the world rankings – hit back after the slow start.

They then took control in the second half but couldn’t find an equaliser until Ward’s ninth goal of 2019 in the 51st minute, only for Daragh Walsh to put Ireland back ahead just moments later.

But Gleghorne popped up to score against Ireland yet again, having also done so in the 4-2 win at the World Cup, and guarantee a point for both teams after a hard fought encounter.

After the game, Dixon said: “We knew to expect a hard, physical battle and that’s what we faced in the first half.

“But we found our way into the game in the third quarter, dominating long spells of possession before converting circle entries into corners, allowing Sam Ward to equalise.”

Men’s Head Coach Danny Kerry added: “We were very rusty and disjointed in the first half but that’s why we’re here.

“Tom Sorsby did well in a new role, especially given his age and that it was his England debut.

“We are pleased with aspects of our play that we’ve been working on and will continue to grow the breadth of our game.”

England next face hosts Spain at 7pm tomorrow night before concluding their campaign against Malaysia at 9am on Sunday 4 August (both times BST).

England 3 (1)
Calnan (20’, FG), Ward (51’, PC), Gleghorne (60’, FG)

Ireland 3 (2)
Walker (5’, FG), O’Donoghue (17’, FG), Walsh (52’, FG)

England Starting XI: Pinner, Ames, Weir, Martin, Griffiths, Ward, Gleghorne, Roper, Dixon (C), Condon, Calnan
England Subs (Used): Jackson, Sloan, Hoare, Ansell, Gall, Sorsby
England Subs (Unused): Gibson, Willars, Waller, Wallace

England Hockey Board Media release

Four Nations: Late Mark Gleghorne goal earns England a point against Ireland


Gleghorne's late strike was his 46th combined international goal

Mark Gleghorne salvaged a late point for England as they drew 3-3 with Ireland in their Four Nations opener.

Ireland went two goals ahead within 20 minutes through Ben Walker and Shane O'Donoghue but Will Calnan and Sam Ward brought England level.

Daragh Walsh put Ireland back in front immediately but Gleghorne - playing his first international game since January - struck back in the dying seconds.

"We were very rusty and disjointed in the first half," said Danny Kerry.

The England head coach added: "That's why we're here.

"We are pleased with aspects of our play that we've been working on and will continue to grow the breadth of our game."

The Four Nations, taking place in Spain, acts as a warm-up tournament for the EuroHockey Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, later this month.

England face Spain on Friday before concluding the tournament against Malaysia on Sunday.

BBC Sport

Gurjit: Beating Australia will boost our confidence ahead of Olympic qualifiers

Indian women's hockey team dragflicker Gurjit Kaur is hopeful of a victory against world no 2 Australia at the upcoming Olympic test event.


Dragflicker Gurjit Kaur (Center) has scored 11 of the 29 goals India has scored at the FIH Series Finals in Hiroshima. (File Photo)   -  AFP

Pulling off a victory against the world No.2 Australia will help boost our confidence ahead of the Olympics qualifiers, feels Indian women’s hockey player Gurjit Kaur.

The Indian women’s team, currently ranked 10th in the FIH Rankings, will face tough challenges against the likes of Australia, China (11th) and hosts Japan (14th) at the Olympic test event, scheduled to begin in Tokyo on August 17.

The tournament will give the Indian team a chance to work on a few aspects of its game before the all-important Olympic Qualifiers in October/ November.

“It will be a big confidence boost for us if we do well against Australia. In the past six months, we have done very well against teams like Japan, China, Spain and Ireland but a win against Australia will put us in good stead ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers,” Gurjit said.

India’s lone dragflicker, Gurjit, who returned for the FIH Women’s Series Finals in Hiroshima after recovering from a back injury, played a key role in India’s triumph in the competition in June.

The 23-year-old said the team environment is great and the players are upbeat about their game.

“Since we are backed by good preparations -- thanks to the special camps held for defenders and goalkeepers, the team environment before the Olympic Test Event is great and we are upbeat and confident.

“In the past few weeks, we have worked on quite a few aspects of our game so we can do well against teams like Australia, China and Japan.”

The highest goal scorer of the FIH Women’s Series Finals, Gurjit will be one of the most important players at the Olympic test event. Even though she is the only dragflicker in the team, she doesn’t see it as extra pressure and looks at the position as her responsibility.

“Dragflicking is a responsibility for me like everyone else has their own responsibilities. Some players have to attack for a goal, some players have to defend, that way, my responsibility is to ensure we score through PCs, which I work on.

“The exposure I have got over the past two years has only helped me grow in the team and improve my skills as a dragflicker,” she said.

Gurjit also disclosed that she didn’t have a deep understanding of dragflicking when she joined the Indian team.

“I practiced and learnt dragflicking well after joining the Indian team then I got my chances and thereafter my confidence increased,” she said.

Sportstar

Both Wapda teams enter Noor Khan Hockey semis

Mohsin Ali

KARACHI - Wapda Whites edged Pakistan Army 5-4 in the 65th Muhammad Noor Khan National Hockey Championship 2019 quarterfinal here at Abdul Sattar Edhi National Hockey Stadium on Thursday.

It was highly respectable crowd present at the venue right from the very first quarterfinal, which started at 9am. Army dominated the first quarter and could have scored two or three goals, but poor finishing in front of goal denied them of scoring early goals, which cost them dearly in the end, as Wapda Whites emerged as winners.

Adnan Anwar was hero for the winners, as he not only scored two goals, but was also involved in assisting in other three goals. Wapda Whites took 2-1 lead by the end of the second quarter, but Army bounced back in style, thanks mainly to two-star Awais Zahid to square the things. It was a nail-biting encounter, which went right down to the wire.

Just when it seemed things were heading towards extra time, Rana Waheed scored the winner in the dying moments of the match. Besides Adnan’s two goals, Shahjee Ahmed, Adnan Babar and Rana Waheed scored a goal each for Wapda Whites while for Army, Awais scored a brace and Abdul Zabbar and Amjed Ali scored a goal each.

In the second quarterfinal, Abu Bakar was the hero, as NBP edged Navy 1-0 to land a place in the semifinals. Both the sides fought gallantly and there was nothing to separate both till the magic moment came when Abu Bakar from nowhere stunned Navy players as he scored a wonderful solo goal, which was enough to seal the fate of Navy.

In the third quarterfinal, Wapda beat PIA 3-2. Both the teams were not only evenly balanced, but also had the services of national players. Wapda started the first quarter well and soon had 1-0 lead, thanks to Sami Ullah, but PIA bounced back in style. Shahzaib was the unsung hero, as he scored both goals for PIA, if he had any kind of support from other players, he could have turn the situation of the match into PIA’s favor.  It was 1-1 after the end of the first 15 minutes and the score remained the same after the second quarter. The third quarter saw Wapda taking lead from player of the match Haleem Usman, who scored two goals, his first goal gave Wapda 2-1 lead, but Shahzaib again level the match as he scored a superb field goal, but Haleem had last laugh for Wapda, as he scored the winner from short corner.

In the fourth and last quarterfinal, three-star Mubahsir Ali helped SSGC crush Army Whites 5-0. Mubashir played wonderful hockey and showed glimpses of some of the past greats. He scored the first goal in the 10th minute, second in 24th minute while completed hat trick in the 34th minute. The goal-scoring never ended as Ghazanffar and Abbas Haider put more misery on Army Whites, as they both scored a goal apiece to help SSGC grab a place in the semi-finals.  Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar has changed the fixtures as a private sports channel will broadcast final live on Monday August 5, while semifinals will be played on August 4 (Sunday). Wapda Whites will take on NBP on Sunday in the first semifinal at 2:00pm, while Wapda will face SSGC in 2nd semifinal on the same day at 4:30pm.

Army, KRL enter National Challenge Cup semis; KRL defeat Pakistan Police

Pakistan Army and KRL entered the semifinals of the 28th PFF National Challenge Football Cup after recording victories against their respective rivals here at Tehmas Khan Football Stadium on Thursday.

Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy gave each other a tough fight and there were so many inroads but none of the team could able to score any goal despite some good goal scoring chances. Both Army and Navy played well but most of the time the ball was confined to mid-field. Although there were occasion moves as well yet they failed to utilize these goal-fetching moves. After the goal-less first-half, the two teams played a draw in the second half as well and thus both were awarded extra-time.

Army did not lost their temperament and withheld position of ball by making some good attacking moves even after passing through 100m play. Army got the lead in the 102 minute of the match when Ansar Abbas Junior got a free ball in front of the goal-mouth from Muhammad Israr and did nothing wrong in dispatching it into the net with a perfect head-in conversion. It was a superb goal scored by Ansar who came acrobatically and head-in a fine goal.

When Army took the lead, Navy also kept up pressure to level the tally and they got a chance but the attempt of Irfan wide from the goal-post. It was in the 113 minute when Zill Husnain Junior doubled the lead through field attempt. Ansar and Zill exchanges the ball in front of the goal-post and Ansar gave a free ball to Zill who scored the second goal. Thus Army moved to the semi-finals with a vital victory over Navy.

In the last quarter-final, PPL champion KRL defeated Pakistan Police 6-1. Thanks to center striker Umar, who slammed in the second hat-trick of the championship by scoring three consecutive goals in the first minute, 44th minute and 53rd minute.

Right from the outset of the match, KRL was dominated and did not give much chance to Police to strike back. They have position of the ball and with excellent and flair distribution of short-passes KRL recorded 6-1 victory. When KRL took the lead in the first minute, Police tied the tally in the 40th minute through center striker Yousaf on the field attempt but then KRL dominated and scored five moves goals.

Apart from Umair three goals, Imran in the 59th minute, Zaid Umar in the 77th minute and Zeshan Siddiq in the 80th minute scored one goal each to make the tally 6-1.

Regional Head of National Bank Waseem Ahmad, AD Youth Arshad Hussain graced the occasion as guests. Senior Vice President Pakistan Football Federation Zahir Ali Shah, Organizing Secretary Basit Kamal, officials and large number of spectators were also present.

The Nation

All Guns Blazing for CTM Premier Hockey League Finals Weekend


Original image- Marcel Sigg - Run Ride Dive

After 30 matches in the preliminary stages, the South African 2019 CTM Premier Hockey League has reached its semi-final stages. At the end of Sunday’s action, we said goodbye to four of the teams and a total of 8 remain across the Men’s and Women’s competition. On Sunday afternoon just two of these sides will be left to celebrate the title as champions of the 2019 CTM Premier Hockey League

Women

There will be a new champion in the women’s tournament as defending champions the Blyde River Bunters failed to make the knock out stages for the first time in PHL history. Looking to profit from their absence is the table topping Wineland Wings. The team, coached by Ryan Pillay, won four out of five games on their way to cementing top spot. They will be looking to the all-time PHL top goal scorer Sylvia van Jaarsveldt to keep banging in the goals while the form of Jessica Lardant and Jade Mayne has been pivotal to their run to the top. The Wings will be taking on the Namaqualand Daisies who produced a wonderful display to secure a semi-final spot in the last group game of the tournament.

The Daisies are the South African U21 side and will be incredibly happy with their performances to be in the final four. The will also be buoyed by the fact that they are the undefeated in this year’s tournament against all the final four. Mishka Ellis has been a revelation in goal while Thati Segoale, Jean-Leigh du Toit and Lezaan Jansen van Vuuren have all enhanced their reputations. Bianca Wood has been the undoubted star though, the south African capped striker netting the goal of the weekend with pure individual brilliance on Saturday.  Their group encounter ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Madikwe Rangers have twice made the final, but they will be looking to go a step further this year. Kristen Paton has been a driving force of the team consistently creating opportunities for the forward players to take advantage of. Lisa Deetlefs has continued to prove dangerous at penalty corners while Nomnikelo Veto has shown her danger in front of goal. The Rangers will take on the Orange River Rafters, the only team in the final four to have lifted the trophy before having won the title in 2017. Sulette Damons has scored the goals while the creativity has come from Charne Maddocks, Ongi Mali, Donna Small and Dirkie Chamberlain, playing in a deeper role than normal. In the group stage the Rafters won 2-1.

Men

The Men’s Tournament brings the two most successful franchises along with the 2019 juggernaut that is the Mapungubwe Mambas. The Mambas became only the second team in history to win every group game following the Cavemen in 2017 and will hope to emulate that side in picking up the crown.

The front trio of Tevin Kok, Wade Dollman and Mustapha Cassiem has produced some breathtaking hockey and some sensational goals. Owen Mvimbi has shown his astute leadership skills as the captain in a team that has an arsenal that includes Ryan Julius, Matt Brown, Ross Goncalves and Tommy Hammond. Based on what we have seen in PHL 2019 its going to take an incredible effort for someone to stop them.

That challenge will go to the Garden Route Gazelles in the semi-final. The Gazelles were the last team to make the semi-finals and join the Mambas as two teams who have never made a final. Having lost 3-2 in the group stages, the Gazelles coach Ashlin Freddy will be up with a massive task to get one over his good friend Lungile Tsolekile. If the Gazelles are to knock out the Mambas, they will need Connor Beauchamp to be at his best at penalty corner time, while in Taine Paton and Dan Sibbald they have arguably two of South Africa’s most explosive midfielders. The experience of Keenan Horne, Jonty Robinson and Lance Louw may be pivotal in deciding this match.

The other semi-final will feature the two teams to have won the Premier Hockey League. The defending champions Drakensberg Dragons will be hoping to up the ante this weekend. They feature a host of explosive strikers in Richard Pautz, Bili Ntuli, Miguel da Graca and Ignatius Malgraff and have one of SA Hockey’s favourite players, Jethro Eustice, as their skipper. The match will also feature a showdown between the two South African Hockey goalkeepers from the World Cup with Gowan Jones (Dragons) taking on Rassie Pieterse (Cavemen).

The Cavemen, who won the first two tournaments, are a very different team from the past but they still have the wily Mark Sanders in charge. Centre to their prospects will be the combinations between Cameron Mackay, Brynn Cleak and Dayaan Cassiem who troubled the Dragons in their previous meeting, while Keegan Hezlett is in some fine goal scoring form. They produced a classic 3-2 group stage game and have previously met in the final and the semi-final. It is the most played fixture in PHL history, and a classic awaits!

CTM Premier Hockey League – 02 August 2019

12:00 – (W-SF1) – Madikwe Rangers vs. Orange River Rafters
14:00 – (M-SF1) – Drakensberg Dragons vs. Maropeng Cavemen
16:00 – (W-SF2) – Wineland Wings vs. Namaqualand Daisies
18:00 – (M-SF2) – Mapungubwe Mambas vs. Garden Route Gazelles

CTM Premier Hockey League – 03 August 2019

10:00 – Women’s Bronze Medal Match
12:00 – Men’s Bronze Medal Match
14:00 – Women’s Final
16:00 – Men’s Final

SA Hockey Association media release

Tapping into West Africa's potential



Over the past few years Tap West Africa has been an on-going success story for hockey development in West Africa. Through the Targeted Assistance Programme (TAP), coaches, umpires and officials have been trained in the skills necessary to run hockey successfully in their country. Some great collaboration has been seen between the FIH, the African Hockey Federation, UK Sport, England Hockey and the various local national associations involved.

The latest TAP West Africa venture took place in Abuja, Nigeria and comprised a series of courses aimed at umpires, coaches and hockey developers. With more than 60 candidates signed up for six courses, the future development of hockey in the west African nation looks promising. The course covered four areas essential to running a successful hockey programme: coaching, umpiring, officiating and development.

The Hockey Developer Course was run by Brett Holland, an FIH Academy Educator who currently coaches Loughborough University women’s team in the UK and Ginny Ross, Vice President of the African Hockey Federation and an experienced FIH Academy Educator. This course aims to teach people involved in hockey how to successfully develop hockey locally, from running events and tournaments, to develop strategic plans for grass roots, school and club hockey.

The Level One and Level Two umpiring courses was headed by FIH Academy Educators Ediga Agbo, Umpire Manager from the African Hockey Federation and David Elworthy, who is England Hockey’s Officiating Relationship Manager.

Ginny Ross led the Level One coaching course, which aims to give participants the ability to start coaching in schools, colleges and clubs, while Holland ran the Level Two coaching course, which develops those coaching skills to a higher level. With 28 people on the Level One course and a further seven candidates on the Level Two course, these were very lively sessions.

A Level One Technical Officials course was run by Frank Olti-Mensah, who has been busy in the past year as FIH Pro league Technical Officer, as well as a FIH Academy Educator.

All the courses comprised classroom and practical learning, with demonstrations, lectures and peer-group sessions. There was then a coming together of the various groups as the Level Two coaches ran some training sessions with the Level One candidates as their subjects. Feedback on the session were given by the trainee hockey developers. Candidates from the umpiring course officiated in the games that were run as part of the session.

One of the course candidates on the umpiring course, Abubakar Sadieeq took to social media to say: ‘Thank you FIH, England Hockey, Nigeria Hockey, AfHF and our educator team, I congratulate all my colleagues.”

And Marcus Izang added: “Thank you for impacting us with more hockey knowledge."

Speaking about the success of the courses, Ginny Ross added: "The number of participants,their enthusiasm to learn more about hockey and the fun they had was amazing. It made the entire course race by. “Now we need to make sure we keep extending the programme and its benefits to other areas within the region so that hockey can continue to grow across this part of Africa."

#Hockey4Life

FIH site