News for 10 March 2020
All the news for Tuesday 10 March 2020
Vantage Black Sticks tour to Europe postponed amidst Covid-19 outbreak
With the Covid-19 virus continuing to escalate across Europe, Hockey New Zealand has decided to postpone a trip by the Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women’s teams to play FIH Pro League games in the Netherlands and Germany.
Hockey New Zealand Chief Executive Ian Francis said the organisation had consulted with medical advisors, High Performance Sport New Zealand, other hockey nations and the teams themselves as it worked towards the decision.
“We have been closely monitoring the situation in Europe, and after the latest updates from the Ministry of Health and TravelSafe, our teams’ Medical Directors have determined that the risk is too great for our players and management to travel safely at this stage,” said Ian Francis Chief Executive of Hockey New Zealand.
The FIH has recently postponed matches in China, while Hockey Australia over the weekend have announced they are suspending all international travel until further notice.
FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “Our reaction is no different to what we have expressed when Hockey Australia took a similar decision, and we do understand Hockey New Zealand’s stance. Together with all participating National Associations, we will look at every available option to play this year’s FIH Hockey Pro League matches, while monitoring the global evolution of the situation closely, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and placing the health of all stakeholders involved as priority. Therefore, in line with our previous decisions for matches involving China and Australia, we’ve decided to put the planned matches of New Zealand in the Netherlands and Germany on hold.”
The Vantage Black Sticks Women were due to fly out on Wednesday ahead of their opening fixture against the Netherlands on 19 March, while the men were scheduled to fly out on Friday ahead of their matches against the Netherlands and Germany.
Hockey New Zealand’s High-Performance Director Paul MacKinnon commented “The decision to not send the teams for the European Pro League matches has not been taken lightly, however we must prioritise the health and safety of our athletes, staff and their families. In doing this, we concluded that the health and logistical risks for a touring party of over 50 people have become too great to manage safely and effectively”.
“While the games against these top European sides were an essential part of the Olympic build-up, we have already begun working on alternative plans to ensure that our teams have the best possible preparation for Tokyo.
Hockey New Zealand will decide at a later date around the FIH Hockey Pro League matches in late May where the Black Sticks are scheduled to play Australia and India.
Hockey New Zealand Media release
New Zealand matches in the Netherlands and Germany put on hold
Due to the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, Hockey New Zealand have decided to postpone a trip by their Men and Women’s teams to play FIH Hockey Pro League matches in the Netherlands and Germany initially scheduled in March.
FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “Our reaction is no different to what we have expressed when Hockey Australia took a similar decision, and we do understand Hockey New Zealand’s stance. Together with all participating National Associations, we will look at every available option to play this year’s FIH Hockey Pro League matches, while monitoring the global evolution of the situation closely, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and placing the health of all stakeholders involved as priority. Therefore, in line with our previous decisions for matches involving China and Australia, we’ve decided to put the planned matches of New Zealand in the Netherlands and Germany on hold.”
Official FIH Pro League Site
Hockey New Zealand postpone Black Sticks games in Europe over coronavirus fears
Gemma McCaw and the other players in the women's Black Sticks teams were supposed to be flying to Europe on Wednesday. PHOTOSPORT
Hockey New Zealand has postponed the men's and women's Black Sticks' FIH Pro League games in Netherlands and Germany because of the escalated spread of the coronavirus in Europe.
Hockey New Zealand CEO Ian Francis said the organisation had consulted with medical advisors, High Performance Sport New Zealand, other hockey nations and the teams as it worked towards the decision.
"We have been closely monitoring the situation in Europe, and after the latest updates from the Ministry of Health and TravelSafe, our teams' medical directors have determined that the risk is too great for our players and management to travel safely at this stage," Francis said.
The Black Sticks teams were consulted for their views on whether they should go to Europe. PHOTOSPORT
The FIH, the sport's governing body, has recently postponed matches in China, while Hockey Australia over the weekend have announced they are suspending all international travel until further notice.
"Our reaction is no different to what we have expressed when Hockey Australia took a similar decision, and we do understand Hockey New Zealand's stance," FIH CEO Thierry Weil said.
"Together with all participating National Associations, we will look at every available option to play this year's FIH Hockey Pro League matches, while monitoring the global evolution of the situation closely, following the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and placing the health of all stakeholders involved as priority.
"Therefore, in line with our previous decisions for matches involving China and Australia, we've decided to put the planned matches of New Zealand in the Netherlands and Germany on hold."
The Black Sticks Women were due to fly out on Wednesday ahead of their opening fixture against the Netherlands on March 19, while the men were scheduled to fly out on Friday for their matches against the Netherlands and Germany.
"The decision to not send the teams for the European Pro League matches has not been taken lightly, however we must prioritise the health and safety of our athletes, staff and their families," Hockey New Zealand high performance director Paul MacKinnon said.
"In doing this, we concluded that the health and logistical risks for a touring party of over 50 people have become too great to manage safely and effectively.
"While the games against these top European sides were an essential part of the Olympic build-up, we have already begun working on alternative plans to ensure that our teams have the best possible preparation for Tokyo."
Hockey New Zealand will decide at a later date around the FIH Hockey Pro League matches in late May where the Black Sticks are scheduled to play Australia and India.
Stuff
EHL – Corona Virus (COVID-19) Statement
The EHL is closely monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19 and will take the advice of the WHO (World Health Organisation) and RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, The Netherlands) regarding it.
Based on the current status, we are still continuing to plan the tournament.
Please note that in the event of cancellation/postponement, due to a directive from the RIVM, full refunds will be arranged for entry tickets purchased.
The health and safety of hockey players, officials, volunteers and fans are of paramount importance to the EHL, so in the meantime, we recommend that everyone pays extra attention to basic hygiene and refers to the advice of the WHO:
The most important measures that people can take to prevent the coronavirus (COVID-19) from spreading are very simple. These measures apply to all viruses that can cause the flu and colds.
Wash your hands regularly
Cough and sneeze in the inside of your elbow
Use paper tissue tissues
** For more information, click here for the WHO website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Euro Hockey League media release
No Italian job for Selvaraju
By Jugjet Singh
S. Selvaraju received a phone call which made him do a U-turn.
FORMER national player S. Selvaraju was on his way on Sunday to KLIA to play in the Italian League when he received a phone call which made him do a U-turn.
The call was from the deputy president of the Pistoia club in the Tuscany district, warning him that the Covid-19 outbreak is now at plague level in Italy.
Azri Hassan, who was also supposed to play in Division Two of the Italian League, had already arrived in Kuala Lumpur from Penang two days ago and was supposed to travel with Selvaraju. He also decided to call off his Italian trip.
“I was on the way to the airport when I received a call from the deputy president of my club, informing me that the Covid-19 situation has reached a dangerous level and the league in Italy, as well as all sporting activities there, have come to a halt.
“I was told to make a choice, travel to Italy and wait for the virus epidemic to cool down until the league resumes or cancel my plans.
“I made a U-turn at the KLIA as I decided not to take a gamble.”
Selvaraju last played for Malaysia in a World Cup qualifier in 2009 in Invercargill, New Zealand, after which he was sidelined due to internal bickering.
But the episode did little to demoralise him as it made Selvaraju stronger as he played in more than 10 foreign leagues.
Among the leagues that he saw action in are Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany (three times), Italy, Hong Kong and Thailand.
After his storied adventures, Selvaraju decided to stay put in Italy, where he received his licence to coach after getting a FIH level three coaching certificate from the Italian Hockey Federation.
The Tuscany district, where Selvaraju’s club is located, has reported 66 cases so far, but the Italian government has placed 16 million people, a quarter of its population, under lockdown.
“My Italian friends have informed me that people have been told to stay indoors, and there is hardly any movements on the streets,” said Selvaraju, who recently coached the HockAdemy team to sixth place in the Malaysia Hockey League.
According to reports, the Lombardy region, including the city of Milan, has been quarantined, as have other cities, including Venice, Parma and Modena.
“The league was supposed to start on March 25, and the possible new date is said to be about a month from now. But it all depends on the Covid-19 situation.
“I took a decision to stay at home with my family while waiting for good news from Italy,” added Selvaraju.
There has been more than 360 Covid-19-related deaths in Italy so far, with 7,375 infections.
New Straits Times
Hockey India joins World Masters Hockey
To promote Masters Hockey around the world, WMH will be working towards opening up opportunities for players and officials from various countries.
HI has appointed former India captain R.P. Singh as the convener of Hockey India Masters Committee. (File Photo) - K.Murali Kumar
Hockey India (HI) on Monday joined 38 other national associations as a member of the World Masters Hockey (WMH).
To carry out the responsibilities and oversee the activities, HI has appointed former India captain R.P. Singh as the convener of Hockey India Masters Committee and Harbinder Singh as the chairman of the committee.
B.P. Govinda, Jagbir Singh, A.B. Subbaiah, Surinder Kaur and M. Renuka Lakshmi have been appointed as members of the committee.
The WMH is the sole Masters entity recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and responsible for organising international masters hockey globally.
In order to continue the growth of Masters Hockey around the world, WMH will be working towards opening up opportunities for players and officials from various countries to continue to participate in hockey throughout their lives.
HI President Mushtaque Ahmad said, “This is a great initiative that will help provide opportunities for all age groups and both genders to continue their passion for hockey and remain active in the sport.
“Aligned with the projects undertaken by WMH, Hockey India will plan events that will boost the participation of Masters Hockey and we will encourage all our past players to pick up the stick again and perhaps even urge new players to pick up the sport no matter how old they are.”
Sportstar
Plenty of goals in the Scottish Cup quarter finals
Photo: Andy Lovat
The Scottish Cup quarter-finals provided no real shocks but plenty of goals in both the men`s and women`s competitions.
The women`s game of the day was at Tipperlinn where Western Wildcats progressed to the next round in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw in normal time against Watsonians.
The home side went two up through Ellie MacKenzie who scored twice inside five minutes as Watsonians dominated proceedings. But just before the interval Wildcats clawed their way back into the match with a penalty corner conversion from Catriona Booth.
While Watsonians continued to remain in control of the tie, with five minutes left a goalmouth scramble resulted in a penalty and Booth levelled from the spot.
Wildcats won the shoot-out 3-2 with successful strikes from Booth, Ales Stewart and Aisha Saini while Heather Tait and Ailsa Small replied for Watsonians.
In the University challenge Edinburgh showed no mercy to Stirling and emerged 11-1 ahead. Ella Watt scored a hat-trick and there were two goals each for Amy Brodie, Jika Nyirenda and Hanna McKie
In the other ties Grove Menzieshill saw off Fjordhus Reivers 4-2, Lucy Smith scored twice while set pieces from Katie Stott and Sam Sangster accounted for the others. In the all-second division encounter Uddingston emerged 4-1 winners over Erskine Stewarts Melville.
In the men`s cup the Hillhead v Western Wildcats was a repeat of weekend`s league encounter, but this time the Auchenhowie side emerged 2-1 victors to progress to the semi-finals.
A big result again looked on the cards when Graeme Campbell fired a shot into the roof of the net to give Hillhead a one goal lead at the interval.
But this time the Wildcats roared back, Adam MacKenzie sent a penalty corner effort into the net on the fourth rebound attempt. The winner also came from a set piece, Andrew McConnell`s initial shot was blocked and the same player followed up to send his shot into the bottom corner.
No such tight issues for the other Premiership sides, holders Grange put eight past second division St Andrews University. A double from Josh McRae followed by Alan Johnston and Dan Coultas at a penalty corner gave Grange a four goal lead at the interval.
Another four followed in the second half through Matthew Hughson, Duncan Riddell and a double of spot conversions from Coultas for his hat-trick.
Grove Menzieshill beat Perthshire 11-2, Jamie Golden scored five while Albert Rowling got four, Mike Robertson got both Perthshire`s replies.
Edinburgh University went up to Aberdeen and came away with a 6-1 win over Gordonians. Jack Jamieson was top scorer with three while Kevin Wong, Guy Rowson and Scott Sutherland got the others.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
South African 2020 Indoor IPT
Cindy Hack on the charge in an international game against Ireland, Hack will be leading her KZN Raiders team for the ninth time at the upcoming 2020 Indoor Hockey Inter-Provincial Tournament. Pic by Andrew Swarts
Top indoor teams from around the country will be descending to the Danville Park Girls’ High School’s Indoor Centre this week for the 2020 Indoor Hockey Inter-Provincial Tournament.
The tournament tips off on Wednesday and concludes this Saturday. The women’s tournament has two sections, the A section with eight teams in it, including the SPAR KZN Raiders and the KZN Mynahs and eight teams in the B section including the KZN Robins.
12 players have been announced to represent the Raiders, who finished second overall in last year’s tournament. Led by Cindy Hack, they are Durban North resident’s Cheree Greyvenstein; Danielle De Oliveria; Jessica Lardant; Jessica O’Connor and Jenna Durmick, with Chardinay Penniston and Tatum Kroutz from La Lucia. From Morningside Zimisele Shange and making up the 12 are Hillcrest players Kelly Reed, and Tegan and Cerian Fourie.
Raiders have been put in Pool A for the first part of the event where they will meet the KZN Inland team, the Northern Blues and Mpumalanga. In Pool B are the KZN Mynahs, defending champions Southern Gauteng, Western Province and Western Province Pens.
Tipping off the tournament on Wednesday, the Raiders will take on Mpumalanga in their only game of the day. On Thursday they will have two games, meeting the KZN Inland team first and after a two game break, will wrap up their day having a run at the Northern Blues.
The action continues on Friday for the Raiders with the cross-pool play-offs followed by the positional games on Saturday. Hack and her team will be keen to improve on their second from last year, in their hunt for the trophy this year.
Leading up to the tournament, Captain Hack enthused, “Everyone is really excited for IPT. I have captained this team for 9 years and KZN is definitely going through a rebuilding stage as for the first time in a while there will be a few young girls making their debuts for the SPAR KZN Raiders. The build up has been really good and the girls are gelling well together. There is a nice mix between youth and experience.”
Continuing, she stated, “Our team goal is obviously to make the final. It is a World Cup selection IPT so the girls have a lot to play for, and everyone is just really excited for IPT to start, and we all really looking forward to it.”
To catch the action, head down to Danville Park High School’s Indoor Centre for the first game on Wednesday at 1pm
Publicity Matters media release for SA 2020 Indoor IPT
SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - Durban North Regional
Crawford La Lucia’s goalkeeper Georgia Saunders dives for the solid shot delivered by Our Lady of Fatima’s Paige Horn’s in the penalty shoot out of the finals of the Durban North Regionals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Ashton International College in Ballito on Sunday 8 March. Pic by Val Adamson
Reclaiming the title, Our Lady of Fatima were victorious for the fourth time in the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge at Ashton International College on Sunday 8 March.
In a scorcher of a game, Fatima met Crawford La Lucia in the regional final, their second meeting of the day. In the previous encounter the result went Crawford’s way with a 1 nil victory but in the main game of the day, Fatima dug deep and after a tough encounter were triumphant.
A valiant attempt as Crawford La Lucia’s Alison Beck tries to tackle Our Lady of Fatima’s Sarah Bright during the final of the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place on Sunday at Ashton International College. Pic by Val Adamson
In a fast, flowing game, Crawford La Lucia managed to open their account with a sterling charge in from Laiken Brisset with just over 5 minutes left to play. Brisset wasted no time as she entered the top of the circle and quickly rocketed in her attempt that flew past the keeper. Fatima didn’t let the late score get to them, and pushed hard at the Crawford defence. Their perseverance paid off as Emma Loftstedt found some space in a last gasp surge with just over 90 seconds left of play. She skilfully chipped the ball in, levelling the score at 1 all.
As the time ran out, 3 players from each side lined up for the deciding penalty shoot out. First to go was the 2019 defending champs, Crawford La Lucia – Alison Beck set off. Charging down Beck’s attempt was the young keeper Hannah Donkin, who deflected the ball out of reach. Fatima’s Caitlin Cotterell made a dash goal-wards, steering right and slotting in her shot neatly. In the second round, both Teneal Moriarty from Crawford and Paige Horn from Fatima veered right as they got into the circle and knocked in their strokes. The scoreboard was now 3-2 to Fatima. Brisset set off for the final round, weaving in both directions as she charged towards the goals but Donkin paid attention to the fancy footwork and stifled Brisset’s chance to keep Crawford in the game.
In the bronze medal game, Danville Park Girls’ High met the surprise dynamite package from Curro Mount Richmore. In their first appearance at the Durban North Regional, Curro held strong as Danville pounded down to the Curro goals with five Danville penalty corners being defended by the newcomers. With only a handful of minutes left, a shock shot hit the post and landed in free space in the circle. An alert Tayla Jansen pounced on the opportunity and netted her teams first and only goal, earning a third for Danville.
In the first semi-final, Crawford La Lucia took on Curro Mount Richmore and dominated the game, winning the game 4 nil. In the second semi-final, Danville – who had topped the pool log took on Fatima. Fatima managed to edge ahead with a run down the left, running along the baseline and finding the back of the box in the only goal in their semi. Both teams played superbly with some fierce duels mid-field seeing loads of long passes, plenty of turn-overs and not a lot of chances on either end of the field.
Umpire of the Day went to Danville Park High School’s Christy Gilmour.
Fatima is the third team to have a run at the Grand Finals in the tenth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. In their three previous Grand Finals appearances, they have earned a respectable fifth place in 2011, 2017 and 2018. They join newcomers Hoërskool Pionier from the Northern KZN Regional and the only team with a 100% record at the epic conclusion of this tournament, Durban Girls’ College will be representing the Durban Central Regional. Next weekend two teams will earn their spots representing the Pietermaritzburg Central and Northern Regionals.
Publicity Matters media release for SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge
SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Pietermaritzburg Central and Northern Regionals
Ready to defend their titles, Epworth School’s Tayla-Jade Weiss; Kelsey Johnson and Yasmin De Meyer and St Anne’s College’s Lusanda Mtshali, Erin Armstrong and Sarah Church take to the turf for the Pietermaritzburg Central and Northern Regionals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that takes place this Saturday at St Anne’s College. Pic by Val Adamson
St Anne’s College plays host to the upcoming SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge this coming weekend, whereby both the Pietermaritzburg Central and Northern Regionals will be played on their two astro turfs.
With home turf advantage, host school St Anne’s College will hope that they can continue their dominance in the Pietermaritzburg Northern Regional. They will take on Howick High School, Treverton, Grace College, Voortrekker High School and The Wykeham Collegiate. The games will all be 25 minutes one way running time.
Across the way defending champions, Epworth School will be keen to take their third title in the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional. They will meet Alexander High, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School, St John’s D.S.G., Maritzburg Christian School and Carter High School. The games will be 20 minutes one way running time.
Both regionals will have a round robin format. The Pietermaritzburg Northern’s top two teams will face each other on in their regional final at 2.40pm. Ten minutes later the top two teams will take to their turf to duel it out for the honours in the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional.
Only two teams have represented the northern region of Pietermaritzburg at the Grand Finals. St Anne’s have raised the trophy eight times and The Wykeham Collegiate had their name engraved on the trophy in 2012. Three teams have travelled to Durban in July. Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High dominated the area for six times, with St John’s winning once, and Epworth hunting their third title this weekend.
Both tournaments will award 4 points for a win, a draw with goals will earn 2 points and a goalless draw only 1 point. A loss will be logged as zero points for the losing team.
The two teams to win will join three teams that have already earned a spot at the Grand Finals that will take place in July at St Marys DSG. The first team to secure a spot is newcomers from Vryheid, Hoërskool Pionier from the Northern KZN Regional. Second team that will make an appearance at the Grand Finals for a tenth time is Durban Girls’ College representing the Durban Central Regional. The third team, back again after a year’s gap is Our Lady of Fatima from the Durban North Regional.
Publicity Matters media release for SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge
Sports join forces to create innovative new Gen 2 playing surface
Governing bodies from across the world of sport have joined forces to create an innovative new playing surface that can be used for hockey, netball, tennis, small-sided football, futsal, lacrosse and more besides.
England Hockey, the FIH, EHF, England Netball, the ITF and the LTA have partnered with Notts Sport to create a true multi-sport surface known as Gen 2. The surface is sustainable, which is crucial for long-term success and access to funding.
The concept was designed to provide facilities - including schools - with a dynamic synthetic surface for multiple sports which reduces the amount of space required and utilises grounds to their full potential.
Rich Beer, England Hockey's Development Director said, "We are hugely excited about the possibilities that Gen 2 brings to hockey and all of the other sports involved.
"With constant pressure on pitches and courts in so many sports, the ability to create truly multi-purpose facilities can be a game-changer for clubs and schools. Having the ability to offer a range of sports to NGB approved standards makes Gen 2 a great choice."
Many sports governing bodies now provide guidance and in many cases performance and quality standards for the surfaces on which their sports are played. This new concept takes these into consideration including the performance and quality standards.
Gen 2 is a versatile surface that ensure sports do not need compromise on playing experience. This surface will be a sand-dressed synthetic turf with a compatible shock pad.
All the technical aspects of Gen 2 can be found in this document.
England Hockey Board Media release