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News for 14 December 2019

All the news for Saturday 14 December 2019


Men's Junior AHF Cup 2019 - Day 8
Muscat (OMA)

13 Dec 2019     SRI v HKG (7/9th)     4 - 2
13 Dec 2019     CHN v TPE (SF)     4 - 2
13 Dec 2019     OMA v UZB (SF)     7 - 1

Final Pool standings

Pool A

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 China 4 4 0 0 17 2 15 12
2 Uzbekistan 4 2 1 1 7 9 -2 7
3 Thailand 4 1 1 2 6 9 -3 4
4 Iran 4 1 1 2 5 8 -3 4
5 Sri Lanka 4 0 1 3 7 14 -7 1

Pool B

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Oman 3 3 0 0 15 2 13 9
2 Chinese Taipei 3 2 0 1 7 5 2 6
3 Singapore 3 1 0 2 8 6 2 3
4 Hong Kong China 3 0 0 3 0 17 -17 0

FIH Match Centre



FIH unveils new World Ranking system for 2020



Lausanne, Switzerland: Following 12 months of painstaking research, analysis and testing, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to reveal details of the new FIH World Ranking system that will be employed from 1 January 2020.

The fresh approach – which has been approved by the FIH Executive Board – sees a switch from the existing tournament-based World Rankings to a more dynamic, match-based system, one which is designed to increase opportunities for all National Associations to gain rankings points and also provide a better reflection of current performance.

The outgoing FIH World Ranking system has served the sport since 2003, being originally devised to allocate teams into pools at tournaments. The old model operated well on various levels, ranking the top teams who participated in FIH and Continental events with a good level of accuracy whilst also allowing those nations to earn ranking points two to three times per year.

However, the numerous restrictions of the tournament-based system – including the limited opportunities for lower-ranked teams to earn points, the degree of subjectivity required to determine the relative strengths of the five continents in order to calculate continental ranking points, and the fact that over 60 percent of international hockey matches had no ranking points on offer – have provided an ever-strengthening case for a change of approach.

The new match-based World Ranking system involves an exchange of points between the two teams competing in each FIH-sanctioned match played. In short, the number of points exchanged depends on a trio of factors: the result of the match, the relative ranking of the teams and the importance of the match. As well as the aforementioned increased opportunities to earn points, the new model removes much of the subjectivity surrounding continental weighting by creating a system which is fair to all, whilst also encouraging the playing of international matches.

The decision to introduce a new World Ranking system comes at the end of a year-long trial period. Using every official international match played since the end of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, a working model of the new system was created, allowing for constant monitoring, assessment and adjustment throughout 2019. The results of the test phase indicated that the new system was more dynamic and immediately reflective of current form than the existing World Ranking system and was subsequently approved by the FIH Executive Board. 

The introduction of the new system for calculating the FIH World Rankings will not affect the current placements – each nation will start 2020 in the same ranking position and with the same number of ranking points that they finished with in 2019.

The model explained

  •     Based on the Elo rating system, which is used as the basis of many other sports ranking systems
  •     When two nations play against each other, a number of ranking points are exchanged between them
  •     In every match, the number of points gained by one team is exactly matched by the number of points lost by the other
  •     Teams will win more points for beating teams ranked above them, and therefore teams will lose more points for losing to a team ranked below them
  •     Teams will win less points for beating teams ranked below them, and therefore teams will lose less points for losing to a team ranked above them
  •     If a draw occurs, the lower ranked team will gain a small number of points and the higher ranked team will lose the same number of points
  •     The number of points exchanged is dependent on the result of the match (win, lose, shootout win/loss or draw), the importance of the match (part of a major tournament, or a test series for example), and the relative difference in ranking points between the teams before the match

Speaking about the decision, FIH Sport and Development Director Jon Wyatt said: “As a sport, we are continually looking to innovate and provide opportunities for our member Nations. This new match-based ranking system will reflect current performance of all nations far more accurately than the previous system, and provide the chance for nations to demonstrate to their players, fans, media and funding bodies where they stand within the world of hockey and how they can move up the ranking.

“As with any new system launch and the introduction of change, it will take some time for everyone to adjust, and we will continually monitor the rankings to ensure it is accurate and fair to all. We’re excited about the new element that it will bring to every international match, with teams and fans being able to see the effects of the result immediately on the rankings of the teams involved.”

More details about the new FIH World Ranking system, including the formula used in the algorithm, weightings of matches and a Frequently Asked Questions document, can be found at the below link, which will also be where the new system will be published from 1 January 2020. 

http://www.fih.ch/rankings/outdoor/

FIH site



New world ranking system from next month

A NEW world ranking system for hockey, designed to increase opportunities for all teams to gain points, will be used from Jan 1.

The fresh approach — which has been approved by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) executive board — sees a switch from the existing tournament-based world rankings to a more dynamic match-based system.

The outgoing ranking system. introduced in 2003, was devised to allocate teams into pools at tournaments.

The old model operated well on various levels, ranking the top teams who participated in FIH and continental events allowing those nations to earn ranking points two to three times per year.

However, the restrictions of the tournament-based system — including the limited opportunities for lower-ranked teams to earn points, the degree of subjectivity required to determine the relative strengths of the five continents in order to calculate continental ranking points, and the fact that over 60 per cent of international matches had no ranking points on offer — provided an ever-strengthening case for a change of approach.

The new match-based system involves an exchange of points between the two teams competing in each FIH-sanctioned match played.

The number of points exchanged depends on a trio of factors — the result of the match, the relative ranking of the teams and the importance of the match.

FIH sport and development director Jon Wyatt said: “This new match-based ranking system will reflect current performance of all nations far more accurately than the previous system, and provide the chance for nations to demonstrate to their players, fans, media and funding bodies where they stand within the world of hockey and how they can move up the ranking.

“As with any new system launch and the introduction of change, it will take some time for everyone to adjust, and we will continually monitor the rankings to ensure it is accurate and fair to all.”

New Straits Times



PAHF announces 2019 Pan American Elite Teams

Kwan Browne and Scott Tupper selected a record sixth time


Silvina d'ELIA (ARG) and Kwan Browne (TTO) - Honorary Captains, 2019 PAHF Elite Teams (Photo: Yan Huckendubler)

The Pan American Hockey Federation is pleased to announce the 2019 Pan American Elite Teams.

Since 2007, Pan American Elite Teams have been named every two years to recognize the top players in Pan American competitions. Since 2017, separate Indoor Elite teams are also named.

Hockey specialists present at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, were consulted for the selection of this year’s Elite Teams.

The 2019 Men's Pan American Elite Team is led by Trinidadian veteran Kwandwane BROWNE, selected a remarquable sixth time to the PAHF Elite Team, a record he shares with Canadian defender Scott TUPPER. Browne played in Lima the last matches of a long and illustrious international career. He was on the first PAHF Elite Team back in 2009 and only missed making the 2015 Elite squad due to injury.

At the other end of the spectrum, six players make their first appearance on the Elite roster, including Lima local hero Fabrizio CORNO, Captain of the Peruvian Team at the Pan American Games.

Pan American Cup finalists Argentina and Canada have the strongest representation with five and four players respectively. The achievements of the USA and Chile, semi-finalists in Lancaster, are rewarded with the nomination of two and three players respectively.

Altogether, the 2019 Men’s Pan American Elite Team is made up of players from six different countries: Argentina (5), Canada (4), Chile (3), USA (2), Trinidad & Tobago (1) and Peru (1). The average age is 30.3 years old.

The 2019 Women's Pan American Elite Team is headed by Argentinian stalwart Silvina d'ELIA, who was outstanding anchoring her team in the key matches in Lima, scoring two goals in the Final. She is surrounded on the Elite Squad by four teammates, Agustina ALBERTARRIO , Julieta JANKUNAS, Rosario LUCHETTI and Carla REBECCHI.

Chilean Camilla CARAM is the only player appearing for the fifth time on the Elite roster, while her teammate Claudia SCHÜLER is chosen for the forth time as goal-keeper (following 2009, 2013 and 2017). Canadian striker Brienne STAIRS is also making her forth Elite appearance.

Pan American Cup finalists Argentina and Canada dominated the voting, with five players selected for Argentina and four for Canada, while semi-finalists USA and Chile are recognized with the selection of two and three players respectively.

Altogether, five countries are represented on the 2019 Women’s Pan American Elite Team: Argentina (5), Canada (4), Chile (3), USA (2) and Uruguay (2). The average age is 27.4 years old.

2019 Pan American Elite Teams
Men   Women

Juan AMOROSO

CHI

 

Agustina ALBERTARRIO

ARG

Kwan BROWNE [C]

TTO

 

Camila CARAM

CHI

Maico CASELLA

ARG

 

Rachel DONOHOE

CAN

Fabrizio CORNO

PER

 

Silvina d'ELIA [C]

ARG

Pat HARRIS

USA

 

Julieta JANKUNAS

ARG

Adrian HENRIQUEZ (GK)

CHI

 

Rosario LUCHETTI

ARG

Pedro IBARRA

ARG

 

Erin MATSON

USA

Gordon JOHNSTON

CAN

 

Sara McMANUS

CAN

Aki KAEPPELER

USA

 

Carla REBECCHI

ARG

Juan LOPEZ

ARG

 

Claudia SCHULER (GK)

CHI

Agustin MAZZILLI

ARG

 

Kathleen SHARKEY

USA

Mark PEARSON

CAN

 

Natalie SOURISSEAU

CAN

Keegan PEREIRA

CAN

 

Brienne STAIRS

CAN

Matias REY

ARG

 

Manuela URROZ

CHI

Martin RODRIGUEZ

CHI

 

Teresa VIANA

URU

Scott TUPPER

CAN

 

Manuela VILAR

URU

For more information on the PAHF competitions and programs, please visit the Pan American Hockey Federation web site at  www.panamhockey.org

The Pan American Field Hockey Federation is recognized by the FIH as the governing continental federation for all field hockey in the Pan American region. There are 30 member Nations of the PAHF.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release



Four USA Athletes Named to PAHF's 2019 Pan American Elite Teams


Images Taken by Mark Palczewski

The Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) is pleased to announce the 2019 Pan American Elite Teams.

Since 2007, Pan American Elite Teams have been named every two years to recognize the top players in Pan American competitions. Since 2017, separate Indoor Elite Teams are also named.

Field hockey specialists present at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru were consulted for the selection of this year’s Elite Teams.

The 2019 Men's Pan American Elite Team is led by Trinidad and Tobago veteran Kwandwane Browne, selected a remarkable sixth time to the PAHF Elite Team, a record he shares with Canada defender Scott Tupper. Browne played in Lima the last matches of a long and illustrious international career. He was on the first PAHF Elite Team back in 2009 and only missed making the 2015 Elite squad due to injury.

At the other end of the spectrum, six players make their first appearance on the Elite roster, including Lima local hero Fabrizio Corno, captain of the Peru team at the Pan American Games.

Pan American Cup finalists Argentina and Canada have the strongest representation with five and four players respectively. The achievements of USA and Chile, semifinalists in Lancaster, Pa., are rewarded with the nomination of two and three players respectively.

Altogether, the 2019 Men’s Pan American Elite Team is made up of players from six different countries: Argentina (5), Canada (4), Chile (3), USA (2), Trinidad & Tobago (1) and Peru (1). The average age is 30.3 years old.

The 2019 Women's Pan American Elite Team is headed by Argentinian stalwart Silvina D'Elia, who was outstanding anchoring her team in key matches in Lima, scoring two goals in the final. She is surrounded on the Elite Squad by four teammates, Agustina Albertarrio, Julieta Jankunas, Rosario Luchetti,  and Carla Rebecchi.

Chile's Camilla Caram is the only player appearing for the fifth time on the Elite roster, while her teammate Claudia Schuler is chosen for the fourth time as goalkeeper (2009, 2013 and 2017). Canada striker Brienne Stairs is also making her fourth Elite appearance.

Pan American Cup finalists Argentina and Canada dominated the voting, with five players selected for Argentina and four for Canada, while semifinalists USA and Chile are recognized with the selection of two and three players respectively.

Altogether, five countries are represented on the 2019 Women’s Pan American Elite Team: Argentina (5), Canada (4), Chile (3), USA (2) and Uruguay (2). The average age is 27.4 years old.

 

 

2019 Pan American Elite Team
Women's
 Agustina ALBERTARRIO ARG
Camila CARAM CHI
Rachel DONOHOE CAN
Silvina d'ELIA (c) ARG
Julieta JANKUNAS ARG
Rosario LUCHETTI ARG
Erin MATSON USA
Sara McMANUS CAN
Carla REBECCHI  ARG
Claudia SCHULER (GK) CHI
Kathleen SHARKEY USA
Natalie SOURISSEAU CAN
Brienne STAIRS CAN
Manuela URROZ CHI
Teresa VIANA URU
Manuela VILA URU
2019 Pan American Elite Team
 Men's 
 Juan AMOROSO CHI
Kwan BROWNE (C) TTO
Maico CASELLA ARG
Fabrizio CORNO PER
Pat HARRIS USA
 Adrian HENRIQUEZ (GK) CHI
Pedro IBARRA ARG
Gordon JOHNSTON CAN
Aki KAEPPELER USA
Juan LOPEZ ARG
Agustin MAZZILLI ARG
Mark PEARSON CAN
Keegan PEREIRA CAN
Matias REY ARG
Martin RODRIGUEZ CHI
Scott TUPPER CAN

USFHA media release



Australia star Nobbs determined to ‘even the score’ against the Netherlands



The FIH Hockey Pro League second season gets underway in January 2020 after a hugely successful first edition. We caught up with the coaches and players from the participating teams as they prepare for the new look FIH Hockey Pro League season to get underway. In the following interview, Australia women’s midfielder Kaitlin Nobbs – daughter of former Australian internationals Michael Nobbs and Lee Capes, the latter an Olympic gold medallist from Seoul 1988 – looks ahead to the forthcoming season.

Australia (FIH World Ranking: 2) finished the 2019 FIH Hockey Pro League season in second position, suffering a shoot-out defeat to the Netherlands in the Grand Final. Their 2020 campaign starts with a home fixture against Belgium (WR:12) on 25 January 2020.

What did the side learn from the first season of the FIH Hockey Pro League?
Kaitlin Nobbs: “I think we learned a lot from last season. We learned a lot about the travel requirements of it and the competition we’ll be facing, so next year it’s all about beating Holland again and winning!”

What are your thoughts on the new FIH Hockey Pro League format that will be introduced in the second season?
Kaitlin Nobbs: “I think it is a little bit less travel, but we get to face every team again so that will be quite good, and just making the most of every game we get to play.”

Which fixture are you most looking forward to?
Kaitlin Nobbs: “Holland again, because of the last game [the Grand Final defeat] and it would be good to even the score.”

What was your #MyProLeagueMoment from the first season?
Kaitlin Nobbs: “In the Grand Final I converted a [penalty] stroke and also [scored] my shoot-out. I was quite proud of myself for that.”

What message have you got for the fans to get them along to watch the matches in the second season?
Kaitlin Nobbs: “Just get down, come support us. We are going to be playing all around Australia so hopefully you’ll be able to come to at least one game to cheer us on.”

#FIHProLeague
#HockeyInvites

Official FIH Pro League Site



Irish Women's Indoor play South Africa as European Prep.



The Irish Women's Indoor team competed in 6 test matches over in South Africa, for the first time since 1990, in preparation for their return to competing on the EuroHockey Championships in January 2020. The opening game saw Orla Fox with the first goal for Ireland in Durban finalizing in a 2-1 defeat. The second game in Durban saw Orla Patton scoring the goal for Ireland but unfortunately South Africa came back in the last quarter to take the win.

The second part of the tour took place in Cape Town with a fantastic atmosphere where the event joined with the Pro Series Indoor nationals. The next four games saw South Africa besting Ireland in each meeting, however Ireland still managed to put away a couple of goals from Amy Benson and Sophie Barnwell.

These matches were vital preparation for the Indoor Europeans which take place in early 2020.

Irish Hockey Association media release



South Africa trip will stand to Ireland as Euros comes into focus


Ireland line up before their sixth test against South Africa. Picture: Andrew Swarts/PSI

Irish women’s indoor coach Dave Passmore says in spite of six losses to home hosts, the tour to South Africa will stand Ireland in good stead for their return to EuroHockey Championship action next month.

After two 2-1 losses in Durban, South Africa kicked things up a notch in Cape Town on a faster, plastic pitch with a run of bigger scorelines in front of a boisterous crowd in the thousands – 5-0, 6-1, 4-2 and 6-2.

Nonetheless, getting a feel for international hockey after a 29 year hiatus has been invaluable, making it slightly less of a step into the unknown.

“I was laughing with their manager,” Passmore told The Hook. “They had 560 caps in their side and we had 0. They played about 30 matches this year as a group with a core of players.

“They are used to indoor, know each other exceptionally well and when they stepped it up, we took a lot of time to adjust. We struggled with things like the noise of the crowd because we don’t know each other and are not used to played with each other.

“Clearly they were the better team. I am not always sure the scores fully reflected the games but, really, the whole tour was about gaining experience and getting players pitch time before we go into the C division.”

Those will be Ireland’s last practice matches – other than against youth and schoolboy teams – before heading to Slovakia in the new year for the Euros.

While he would have preferred a few more games against other international sides, he does not view it as a massive disadvantage with most other nations in the same boat.

He is wary, however, it will be a tough competition. Slovakia are top seeds with Slovenia and Portugal the only other sides with world rankings with Denmark, Finland and Spain also making their Euro bows.

“I can’t seem to find any video of other nations so I don’t think it is unusual within our circles not to play many internationals. So to get six games under our belt couldn’t be more ideal.

“You look at the C division and people will say the teams aren’t any good. Well, they are not very good from an outdoor perspective but for teams like Denmark, they only really play indoors.

“No one will be easy. South Africa beat Switzerland in a series 4-0 and the Swiss are ranked eighth in the world. So these games should stand us in good stead in January.”

As for being part of the Pro Series Indoor spectacle in Cape Town, Passmore says it will be something he and the players will never forget.


Ireland’s Tori Hastings takes on South Africa’s Cindy Hack. Picture: Andrew Swarts/PSI

“The whole experience was amazing. The way they run PSI over there in Cape Town! 250 indoor teams playing in 15 different venues; they came in groups to watch us so there was 2,000 there at a time. That’s unique and being indoors gives that extra atmosphere.

“We really struggled to get used to the plastic pitch which is why the first two games were that bit tighter on a wooden pitch. It was super-quick, like lightning, which played into their hands. They were quicker than us anyway. If it was super slow, it might give us a false sense of security.

“Our group were fantastic – we changed two players every game, nobody sat out twice and they really came together. At the Europeans, we have six matches in three days so this will stand to us. The 12 may not come from that 14 and we do have another trial on January 5 and we will select after that date.”

The Hook



Ghanaian hockey side in Kenya for friendlies

By AGNES MAKHANDIA


Edmond Makona (foreground) of Kenya Police shields the ball from Wazalendo's Kennedy Munialo during their Kenya Hockey Union men Premier League match at City Park Stadium, Nairobi on December 1, 2019. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Visiting Ghana Hockey Association League men's champions Exchequers will start their series of test matches with a tie against Sikh Union at the Sikh Union Club on Saturday at 4pm.

The West Africans arrived in the country on Thursday and are scheduled to play against other Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier leagues sides among them Wazalendo, Parkroad, Greensharks as well as the national team.

The Ghanaian side, which boasts of two internationals in Elikem Akaba (Belgium) and John Botsio (Italy) will then take on Greensharks on Sunday 3pm, before they crosswords with national team on Monday at 4pm.

League runners up Wazalendo will then welcome Exchequers on Wednesday at 3pm. The visitors will then play Parkroad on Thursday (4pm), before they wrap up the week-long tour with another tie against the national team on Friday 3pm.

Exchequers coach Richmond Attipoe said they chose to play friendly matches with Kenyan sides because of the high standards they pose.

HOCKEY FARM

The former international said the friendlies are a perfect build up ahead of the new season where they will be seeking to retain their title.

“As much we are here for the friendlies, we just want to have fun and enjoy ourselves, but at the same time, perfect our playing departments. Kenya clubs and more so the national team play well and if we can learn a thing or two, then we will leave this place better then we came,” said Attipoe.

Attipoe said they look forward to have such arrangements in future, hinting at inviting the East Africans to Ghana next year.

Kenya Hockey Union Deputy Match and Fixtures Secretary Moses Majiwa welcomed the presence of the Ghanaian club, saying such arrangements is what will make African events more competitive and the sport to grow.

“Exchequers are their country's defending champions and that means they are a good side. As much as they are here to learn from us, our clubs and the national team will also benefit from them.

But it’s sad that the facility at the City Park Stadium is fast wearing out and in future we might not be able to host international events and no wonder all the friendly matches are being staged at Sikh Union,” said Majiwa.

He added: “If only the government and private companies could step in and help renovate or even build a new turf it will go a long way."

The friendly arrangement was between KHU in conjunction with Hockey Farm. Meanwhile, the 2019 KHU season comes to end this weekend at the City Park Stadium.

In the women’s Super league, leaders DFG Wolverines have a date with Multimedia University on Sunday with the team's coach Gordon Odwuor saying they will be out to finish league on a high.

Wolverines alongside Oranje Leonas will play in the top tier next season. A win against the students will see Wolverines finish the league with 32 points, while Leonas have 29 points .

FIXTURES -(All matches at City Park Stadium)

Saturday

Women's Super League: UON v Nakuru (2pm), MMU v Vikings(4pm)

Men's Super League : MMU v Youngsters (6pm)

Sunday

Men's Super League: Wazalendo Masters v Youngsters (1pm), Parkroad v MMU(5pm)

Women's Super League: Wolverines v MMU(3pm)

Daily Nation



Huge derby dates close the curtain on first half of women’s EYHL campaign


Cork Harlequins’ Michelle Barry is exam-tied. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Derbies galore conclude the pre-Christmas schedule in the women’s EY Hockey League with six games on the agenda, all hoping to avoid any frost-related issues.

Both Ca big EY Hockey League showdown at Rosbrien on Saturday (12pm) as Munster experiences its first top tier showdown for three years.

For Quins coach Darren Collins says he is unlikely to risk World Cup silver medalist Yvonne O’Byrne for the tie due to an ongoing foot injury.

Rather than parachute her in for this tie, he is hopeful she will return along with Cliodhna Sargent – after her ACL recuperation – in February at full throttle when the league returns for its second phase.

Their hopes are further hampered by Under-21 international Michelle Barry being exam-tied, placing further responsibility on Rebecca Barry and Emma Barber to drive them on.

For Insta, meanwhile, a recent x-ray on Roisin Upton’s broken wrist showed it had not fully healed and as so Dave Passmore says she will add to the serious talent on the sidelines.

It means both clubs will rely heavily on youngsters. Collins deployed seven schoolgirls in the side that pushed Old Alex close last Saturday with transition year student Lauren Cripps outstanding in midfield with Leah O’Shea leading the forward line.

While he hails the kids for stepping up superbly this term, it has seen Quins miss that vital bit of experience in close ties against Muckross and Pegasus.

“They are very young, very talented but, at this level, any mistakes get punished,” Collins said, reflecting particularly on leaders Pegasus nicking a winner with four minutes to go.

The older girls have really tried to instill leadership within them. They have trained really well; we haven’t the win yet but are really close.

“Other than Pembroke, every other game we had chances; we are knocking on the door and need a little bit of luck to go our way. We hope that, with our full squad, in the second half of the season we will start climbing up the table

As for the threat Institute pose, he says it is imperative they limit the amount of ball that goes to Naomi Carroll whose close skills have been sharpened by six indoor international games in the past 10 days.

For the Limerick hosts, meanwhile, Passmore is reporting a clean bill of health other than Upton for a double weekend with Loreto also visiting on Sunday.

He is keen for his side not to get too caught up in the derby element of the contest.


Catholic Institute’s Laura Foley. Pic: Adrian Boehm

“The key thing is we play it as another game, not as Munster rivals. We don’t really change the way we play – we are just trying to get better at what we are trying to do. We do play some great attacking stuff but have been a bit leaky at the back which we need to solve.”

Top plays bottom at Deramore Park where Pegasus are the visitors against Belfast Harlequins with the former looking to maintain control of the Christmas number one spot.

Chasers Loreto begin their double-weekend at home against Railway Union before hitting the road on Sunday to go to Limerick. Second place Pembroke come up against Muckross with Anna O’Flanagan back available after missing last weekend.

UCD’s game is switched to Sunday when they will be up against Old Alex; Orla Patton could return for the students after her spell in South Africa on indoor duty.

Leinster Division One has a full round of action to conclude the first half of the season. Monkstown continue to bubble along with a 4-0 midweek win over North Kildare their fifth in succession, scoring plenty of goals in the process.

They go to Glenanne who they drew with at home in game one, marking this out as a potentially well-matched battle. The Glens will need a result to close the gap on the top three.

Avoca will hope to get their game with Trinity played; their frustrating campaign saw a midweek catch-up date against Clontarf pulled for a second time, this time for frost.

Corinthian are looking to end the first half of the season with a 16th win from 17 games when they meet bottom side North Kildare at The Maws. Rathgar host Genesis and Clontarf play Naas.

On the men’s side, UCD face Annadale in a refix from a month ago, postponed due to a bout of the mumps on campus. The students welcome Ali Empey to their line-up, switching from Three Rock in midweek to join up with his older brother.

His last game for Rovers before the move was to help them beat Pembroke 4-2 in the Mills Cup quarter-final, Harry Lynch and Mark English both scoring twice.


Railway Union goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe. Pic: Adrian Boehm

In men’s Leinster Division One, it’s a huge day in the title chase as Clontarf’s perfect record meets Railway’s perfect record in Mount Temple. Third plays fourth at Newpark with Avoca meeting Portrane who sit a point above them.

Rathgar go to the national sports campus to take on in-form Dublin North while Dublin University host Bray and Weston take on Kilkenny.

Saturday 14th December 2019

Men

EYHL: UCD v Annadale, Belfield, 3.30pm   

Leinster Division 1: Avoca v Portrane, Newpark, 1pm; Clontarf v Railway Union, Mount Temple, 12.30pm; Dublin North v Rathgar, National Sports Campus, 12pm; Dublin University v Bray, Santry Avenue, 11am; Weston v Kilkenny, Griffeen Valley Park, 12.45pm

Munster Division 1: Cork C of I v Waterford, Garryduff, 2.30pm; Cork Harlequins v Ashton, Farmers’ Cross, 2.30pm; UCC v Bandon, Mardyke, 2pm

Women

EYHL: Belfast Harlequins v Pegasus, Deramore Park, 2.30pm; Catholic Institute v Cork Harlequins, Rosbrien, 12pm; Loreto v Railway Union, Beaufort, 2.30pm; Pembroke Wanderers v Muckross, Serpentine Avenue, 2.30pm

Leinster Division 1

Wednesday: Monkstown 4 (C Byrne 2, A Barnwell, E Kealy)

Postponed: Clontarf v Avoca

Saturday: Avoca v Trinity, Sion Hill, 2.30pm; Clontarf v Naas, Mount Temple, 2pm; Glenanne v Monkstown, St. Andrews, 2pm; North Kildare v Corinthian, The Maws, 12pm; Rathgar v Genesis, The High School, 12.30pm

Sunday 15th December 2019

Women

EYHL: Catholic Institute v Loreto, Rosbrien, 1.30pm; UCD v Old Alexandra, Belfield, 1.30pm

Leinster Indoor League (all at St Columba’s College): Railway Union B v Old Alexandra, 11.10am; Loreto v Mount Temple, 11.50am; Portrane v Glenanne, 12.30pm; Muckross v Railway Union B, 1.10pm; Glenanne v Railway Union, 1.50pm; Portrane v Avoca, 2.30pm; North Kildare v Bray, 3.10pm; Loreto v Avoca, 3.50pm; Portrane v Railway Union, 4.30pm

The Hook



Exciting weekend of Scottish Indoor National Leagues ahead with all to play for at the top.



The Tayside monopoly of the indoor game has raised its head again with Grove Menzieshill (men) and Dundee Wanderers (women) in pole position after one round of matches…but will this weekend`s fixtures change or confirm this trend?

Menzieshill last won the men`s indoor title back at the start of 2017, but the Taysiders seem to have the bit between their teeth at the start of this season`s campaign. It is, of course, early doors but the Dundonians share top spot with Inverleith after the first round.

Menzieshill will certainly give substance to their early showing by taking nine points from Saturday`s three outings against Grange, co-leaders Inverleith, and finally Uddingston.

It is the Inverleith clash that will attract the most interest on Saturday. Apart from Western Wildcats` triumph last season, the two sides captured five titles each over the previous decade – so history would suggest little between the teams.

Menzieshill have lethal finishers who have already shown off their skills – the likes of Jamie Golden, Albert Rowling, Keir Robb and Olly James. It looks as if Menzieshill are ahead on that front with 13 goals to Inverleith`s eight – but that might be too simplistic.

Last weekend Inverleith triumphed in tricky outings against Grange and Dundee Wanderers.

Coach Stuart Neave reflected: “Yes, I am always happy to win. Having said that we had a couple of difficult matches and some good spells of play, so pleased to obtain full points.”

Without specifically mentioning the Menzieshill clash, Neave said: “Also last Saturday`s results showed that no team in the league can be taken for granted, and so we will be preparing, as we always do, for the challenge of a three game day this Saturday.”

The day starts with Dunfermline Carnegie, the side that shocked the Wildcats, then the big one against Menzieshill, and finishing off against Clydesdale.

So what of the Wildcats… a bit off colour last Saturday! After giving Uddingston a seven goal win, the champions succumbed to Menzieshill and then surprisingly to Dunfermline Carnegie.

Certainly the format allows clubs to recover their position after a couple of reversals, but Vishal Marwaha`s pack will need to take full points from their encounters with Clydesdale and Dundee Wanderers to get back into contention.

So what future lies for the other sides in the division? After only two or three games there are four sides on three points – Wildcats, Uddingston, Dunfermline and Dundee Wanderers – while Grange and Clydesdale have a single point after their 3-3 draw.

Perhaps Saturday`s results will clarify the situation a little.

However, even after only a few games some players are emerging as potential match winners – the likes of Andrew Doyle (Dunfermline), Bobby Ralph (Dundee Wanderers), Josh Cairns (Uddingston) – all made their presence felt in front of goal.

The women`s first division table has a blockage at the top – Dundee Wanderers,. Clydesdale Western, Watsonians and Inverleith all share six points.

After Sunday`s confrontations some of the log jam will be teased out as some of the four play each other.

Champions eight times in the last ten years, who can look past Wanderers, especially as they rattled in 18 goals in their two outings so far.

And who is going to halt the lethal finishing of Amy Snell, Emily Dark and the veteran Vikki Bunce?

It is unlikely Hillhead or Edinburgh University will do that, but Clydesdale have the talent to make a stab at it. Jen Eadie, Bronwyn Shields and Millie Steiger could all cause the Wanderers` defence some anxious moments. Further, Clydesdale will have Scotland`s under-21 player-of -the-year Jess Buchanan between the posts.

Could be a tough day for the Titwood-based outfit, as well as Wanderers they take on high-flying Inverleith in the third outing for both clubs.

So far, Inverleith have been the shock troops of the competition, last weekend the Edinburgh side swept aside both Grove and Hillhead, with Sarah Jamieson in particularly good form rattling in five goals.

Although Watsonians found Wanderers hard going, Keith Smith`s side went on to beat Edinburgh University and Grange.

Smith said: “We were pretty rusty today, but guess that`s to be expected after just a couple of training sessions, we started each game slowly but improved second half each time.

In fact, rustiness may have been a feature of the performance of most sides on view.

At the other end of the table Grange, Hillhead, and perhaps surprisingly Grove, are pointless. That is bound to change as Grange and Hillhead clash in the middle of the day.

Ella Watt and Sophie Pettegree scored all Edinburgh University`s goals so far as the students sit on three points. On Sunday they have a three game session against Grove, Inverleith and finally Dundee Wanderers – there should be some points on offer there.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Katie Mullan: Ireland captain awarded Honorary Fellowship by Northern Regional College


Katie Mullan reached 100 caps for Ireland by the age of 22

Katie Mullan, captain of the Ireland women's hockey team, has received an Honorary Fellowship from Northern Regional College.

Mullan's team became the first Irish women's side to qualify for an Olympics after defeating Canada in a dramatic shootout in November.

The 25-year-old led Ireland to a silver medal at the World Cup last year.

"It's a real honour and I hope that it may inspire young women to get involved in sport," said Mullan.

As well as her success on the international stage, the Coleraine native recently returned to her local hockey club in Ballymoney as a coach.

"Northern Regional College values equality and endeavours to promote women in sport, of which Katie is a strong advocate," said Professor Terri Scott, Principal and Chief Executive of the College.

"She is a fantastic role model and her achievements in sport are truly outstanding.

"Katie's determination and drive are something to be admired and we wish the Ireland Women's hockey team all the very best at the Olympic Games next year."

BBC Sport



Award-winning hockey mum at BBC SPOTY this weekend


Marcia Gurney-Champion of Spencer Hockey Club

This Sunday 15 December, Marcia Gurney-Champion of Spencer Hockey Club will represent our sport at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.

Marcia has already won BBC London's Sport Unsung Hero award, and is now aiming for the national award at Sunday's showpiece event in Aberdeen.

Her BBC London award recognises people who have made an amazing contribution to community sport in the capital.

Marcia runs Spencer Junior Hockey Club, with more than 550 players on its books. She has been integral in introducing free hockey coaching to local children who did not previously have the chance to play our sport. Then with a team of volunteers she co-founded Spencer Lynx, an outreach programme made up of 50 children from nearby state schools.

The youngsters are having a lot of fun and receiving top-quality coaching, helped in no small part by the fact that Marcia persuaded Great Britain Hockey player, and fellow Streatham resident, Rhys Smith, to get involved with the programme.

Rhys loved sport from an early age, which motivated him to apply for a bursary and sports scholarship to attend a secondary school in Croydon. There he was introduced to hockey, which was his springboard into professional sport. Marcia knew that Rhys would be the perfect inspirational figure for the Lynx members, and getting him involved has really put the icing on the cake.

Originally from Guyana, Marcia’s parents moved to Lambeth when she was four years old, and she has lived in the area ever since. Speaking about her award, she told the Sutton & Croydon Guardian, "It is all very surreal and still a bit unbelievable to think that this little old sports fanatic will be heading off to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards! But I am just a cog in this huge Spencer Juniors machine, so thank you to everyone else who has done what they do, to make this moment possible."

Junior Club Chairman, Tony Matharu added, "When I set up Spencer Juniors in 2002, with Lesley Gairns, there were insufficient children within any age group of either gender to have any attempt at a game. No-one could have imagined the speed and scale of growth of the junior membership and the size of the task Marcia now faces to keep it all going. I am particularly proud and grateful that she has managed to maintain the Spencer ethos of inclusivity and that, despite the continued focus on enjoyment and participation, the Club continually achieves County and now even National player recognition."

England Hockey Board Media release

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