News for 14 March 2020
All the news for Saturday 14 March 2020
FIH Hockey Pro League put on hold until 15 April
Following the latest information and recommendations from the World Health Organization and the decisions taken by a number of governments and local authorities around the world regarding the current COVID-19 outbreak, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and all participating National Associations (NAs) have decided to put all FIH Hockey Pro League matches currently scheduled until 15 April on hold, with immediate effect.
Furthermore, FIH and the 11 NAs concerned have agreed on the following principles:
The 2020 FIH Hockey Pro League is maintained
No matches will be played after the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
Depending on the evolution of the situation and the decisions of the public authorities, every match which can be organized between late April and before the Olympics, shall be played
FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “Together with the National Associations involved, I think we’ve taken the appropriate decision in order to enable teams to play important high-level matches later in the season – especially considering their preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – if the situation improves, while supporting the measures taken globally to avoid spreading of COVID-19. In the meantime, we will keep on monitoring the global evolution of the situation closely, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the decisions of the public authorities.”
Official FIH Pro League Site
SA Hockey Statement | Durban Hockey Series cancelled
The South African Hockey Association announce with regret that the upcoming International hockey series in Durban featuring Ireland, Japan, China, Great Britain and South Africa has been cancelled as part of the preventative measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision was made after discussions between the various national associations who decided that a cancellation of the series would be in the best interest of all teams involved.
“Although the wonderful KwaZulu Natal hockey supporters will be disappointed that the series will no longer go ahead, we know they will be understanding of the decision.” Said Marissa Langeni, CEO of SA Hockey, “With the global situation remaining fluid, travel restrictions being announced on a daily basis, teams cannot be assured of returning home timeously and that uncertainty along with the sensitivity of possible exposure to the virus means that this was the best option for all parties involved.”
The series was to run from 19 March to the 03 April at Riverside Hockey club in Durban North with 17 matches being played. For the South African Women it will be a period of rest and work behind the scenes while the world fights together against the pandemic.
SA Hockey Association media release
Irish Women no Longer to Travel to South Africa
Having monitored the situation over the previous weeks and given the escalation of measures being taken here in Ireland to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Hockey Ireland Irish Senior Women’s team management has taken the decision to cancel the women’s upcoming trip to South Africa.
The squad had originally been scheduled to travel to South Africa for warm-up matches against South Africa, England, and China early next week for a block of warm weather training and exposure to match play in conditions similar to those expected in Tokyo later this summer.
The squad will no longer be travelling to South Africa and will therefore fall under the Hockey Ireland COVID-19 policy guidelines which were issued to the Hockey Ireland community last night.
Commenting on the decision Hockey Ireland Performance Director, Adam Grainger, said: “After a robust and productive conversation with players and staff today, management have decided to cancel the Senior Women's upcoming trip to Durban.
While it could be argued that the performance benefits still outweigh the risks of traveling to Durban, the concern expressed by players and staff combined with 'Coronavirus unknowns' made the decision to cancel this travel the best solution.
This decision was not taken lightly, and Hockey Ireland would like to thank the squad for their patience on this matter. We will now review and seek to amend the programme plan for the squad for the next few weeks.”
Irish Hockey Association media release
JHL likely to be postponed
By Jugjet Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) will make a concrete stand on the Junior Hockey League (JHL) tomorrow.
And it’s highly likely that the tournament, slated for March 25, will be postponed to a later date due to Covid-19.
A total of 24 boys’ teams have confirmed their entries — 10 in Division One and 14 in Division Two (two groups).
MHC have yet to announce the number of entries for the girls’ competition.
“MHC had a meeting with the National Sports Council (on Friday) and we will decide on what to do with the JHL tomorrow. We will be getting feedback from the Education Ministry because it is an under-21 league and all are students,” said MHC competitions committee chairman Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh.
The NSC have given the MHC the greenlight to hold the JHL, but there should not be more than 200 fans for each game.
“However, the ministry has sent out a circular stating that all activities involving students must be stopped for the month of March.
“The Sports Commissioner's Office has also sent out a similar circular.
“And since all the players are students, we need to get clarification before making a statement.”
New Straits Times
Update on COVID-19
Scottish Hockey has taken the decision to suspend all domestic hockey from 00:01 on 14 March 2020 until further notice. Friendly matches and training sessions are at the club’s discretion.
Following consultation with clubs, and in light of facilities closure and teams self-isolating, the decision has been made in the interests of the health and safety of players, match officials, and staff.
In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Hockey Wales update on the Corona Virus (Covid-19)
As elsewhere in society, the Coronavirus is impacting the current and future activities of Hockey Wales. Below details our position in relation to community hockey, international fixtures and the Hockey Wales offices.
Domestic, Club and Community Hockey
Both club and community hockey will continue to take place unless advised otherwise by government. However, with the ever-changing situation, we advise that you liaise with your club and respective leagues if you are unsure if the game is going to take place.
Hockey Wales will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and provide updates when appropriate.
We would encourage all players to follow the widely available guidance from Public Health Wales with regards to people maintaining good hygiene to avoid spreading of the Covid-19 virus.
In a hockey context, we would advise clubs and hockey venues to ensure washing facilities have appropriate provision of hygiene products and urge players to follow the Public Health Wales guidance in environments where they are in close proximity to others.
If any players, officials or coaches are feeling unwell, please follow the government’s advice to self-isolate and therefore do not take part in hockey-related activities. We also recommend that any players and officials who may consider themselves vulnerable to the virus should assess if it is sensible to participate in hockey activity at this time.
All players and officials are responsible for their own safety equipment (goalkeeping kit, facemasks, mouth guards, whistles, shin pads etc) and we would encourage everyone to ensure they are clean and not shared amongst team-mates.
Instead of the traditional handshake at the start and end of the game, we are encouraging players to tap sticks. We have spoken to the WHUA regarding their Officials and it was agreed that a simple thanks of appreciation is more appropriate at this current time.
Club Cup Finals (Seniors and Youth)
Hockey Wales is continuing to monitor government advice in relation to the hosting of events. At this juncture, there are no changes to the advertised programme and Cup Finals will be going ahead as planned.
Hockey Wales School Competitions
Due to the number of schools who have made the decision not to attend events of this nature, all schools’ competitions are postponed until further notice.
We will work with everyone involved to make every effort to rearrange the fixtures after the Easter break, but this will depend on the ever-changing situation and guidance. More details will follow over the coming weeks.
Walking Hockey
All Walking Hockey sessions and the Festival planned for the 21 March 2020 are cancelled until further notice.
NAGS International - Scotland (April 2020)
Scottish Hockey and Hockey Wales have agreed that the upcoming National Age Grade Test Series in Glasgow will not go ahead at this time.
Senior Men’s International – Germany (April 2020)
Following discussions with the German Hockey Federation the Senior Men’s International planned for the Easter weekend has been cancelled.
Hockey Wales Offices
All staff have been advised to work from home and to make sensible decisions in relation to face to face meetings.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
GB International teams' tour to South Africa
The GB men’s and women’s squads were both due to travel to South Africa for warm weather training camps (with match play for the women) as part of their Tokyo preparations. After due consideration, it has been concluded that this is not in the best interest of players and staff, and they will not be travelling.
FIH Hockey Pro League & England Hockey domestic Finals
England Hockey is continuing to monitor government advice in relation to the hosting of events. At this juncture, there are no changes to the advertised programme. They will keep participants, ticket buyers and other stakeholders informed if this position changes.
World Masters Hockey
WMH Executive Board have posted a statement on their social media platforms detailing the latest update around the upcoming World Cups, this can be found on their Facebook page.
Hockey Wales media release
How coronavirus has affected hockey
Bloemendaal-Hdm players fist pump PIC: World Sport Pics / KOEN SUYK
Great Britain players will be available to play the final round of national league matches this weekend. It follows the decision by GB Hockey to cancel the men’s and women’s warm weather training trip to South Africa, which was scheduled to depart on Saturday, over the coronavirus outbreak.
“After due consideration, it has been concluded that this is not in the best interest of players and staff, and they will not be travelling,” an England Hockey statement said.
The decision is a boost for the domestic game, which will see its biggest stars become available for the league denouement.
An edict sent out by England Hockey also clarified that community hockey would still be played, while its big AGM on Tuesday will also go ahead.
EH is urging all players to follow guidance of public health “with regards to people maintaining good hygiene to avoid spreading of the Covid-19 virus.”
EH is also encouraging players not to share safety equipment amongst team-mates.
As first highlighted by The Hockey Paper a week ago, EH has now picked up on our tweet linking to a Dutch club which has ditched the traditional handshake and is encouraging players to tap sticks. The national governing body is urging players to do the same.
After a fast moving day on Thursday, an Irish Hockey Board meeting saw the postponement of all hockey activity until March 29.
All rugby, hockey and GAA in Ireland has been suspended until the end of the month in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Irish schools hockey finals and St Patrick’s Day Cup finals have also been cancelled. It falls in line with Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s announcement that all outdoor mass gatherings exceeding 500 people should be cancelled.
Ireland women’s training camp in South Africa was also cancelled on Friday, with the squad set to leave for Durban on Monday.
The EHL FINAL8 Men and Women and the U14 events have also been put ‘on hold’. The event was due to be held in Amsterdam between April 9-13. The EuroHockey Club Trophy Women, due to take place in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain, was also put on hold.
Dutch hockey has already cancelled all its league games and training until April 1, while club houses will also close, while the Royal Belgian Hockey Association has also suspended all hockey and training until March 31, as has all hockey in France.
The Germany v Belgium Pro League matches on March 19 and 26 in Monchengladbach and Hamburg will be played behind closed doors. With GB’s home legs beginning in May, there is currently no change to its Pro League matches.
Meanwhile, Field Hockey Canada has postponed its Hall of Fame reception scheduled for March 28.
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The Hockey Paper
Billy Jawanda revels in new life with England hockey over 60s
By Richard Bright
Billy Jawanda sports another international gold after a trailblazing year
When Balkar ‘Billy’ Jawanda and the England over-60s squad travelled to the Grand Masters European Cup last June, it took some getting used to.
“There were the over 65s, 70s and 75s and there we were being called ‘the youngsters’,” jokes Jawanda, 60.
It was a trailblazing year for England two summers ago on the Grand Masters circuit. At the European Cup England won four gold — 60+ (men), 70+ (men), 60+ (women) and 65+ (women) — to usurp the Dutch. To top it off, the over-60s side gleaned three title victories last summer.
“It’s great to be personally involved with all these lads, when I mean lads, the over 60s,” says Jawanda.
Jawanda has been playing Masters hockey since England won the over-40s World Cup in Utrecht. He captained the over-50s and says the scene is “hard work but a lot of fun”.
Overall, it was a stellar year for Jawanda, winning four team titles and a regional silver at Masters level. After a trophy-hogging year with England, Jawanda will be looking for World Cup over-60s success, if picked, after the squad lost to Holland in the last final after dominating the game.
Jawanda said that it was the talk of the dressing room before the match before the European final, with the Dutch again the opponents. “There were scores to settle,” says Jawanda, as England came out on top.
Jawanda came to England in 1979 following a strong career with the senior Punjab under-21 squad. He played for Kings Heath Pickwick and a lengthy career in the Midlands Premier Division and coaching across Wolverhampton.
His masters career at club level has seen him win titles with Barford Tigers and, this season, with Warwickshire and Worcestershire’s over-60s in the Championship finals at Lee Valley
Billy’s son, Harry, was a promising England junior before making a decision over full-time work or to continue with hockey. And now it’s left to Billy to put on the cherished red and white.
“If you haven’t seen it [Masters] people think it’s old fogies walking around but it’s far from that,” he admits.
“It’s so amazing seeing older people who are fit and playing top level. It’s an amazing experience pulling on the England shirt and feels so much different.”
England Stars
– Chris Ruler played England for under-21s and played several times for England before injury. Plays club hockey at Bromley and Beckenham.
– Richard Organ played England indoor and coached the England indoor ladies team for several years. Regarded as the best forward in the world for over 60s and plays at East Grinstead.
– Captain Mark Precious won bronze with GB at the 1984 Olympics and dominates midfield in the over-60s category.
The Hockey Paper is committed to covering regular Masters coverage.
This originally featured in a previous Hockey Paper print edition. Don’t miss out. Subscribe in print or in digital format.
The Hockey Paper
Indoor IPT 2020 | Fantastic final fours will fight for gold on Saturday
Image - Chris Murphy Photography
After three days of action in KwaZulu Natal, there are four teams left to fight for honours across the three tournaments.
Men’s Tournament – Ashton College – Ballito
Southern Gauteng and Western Province entertained a capacity crowd in Ballito as they produced an outstanding top of the table clash on Friday. Having led 2-0 through skipper Chad Futcher and an in-form Rusten Abrahams, Southerns would have felt satisfied with their progress so far. But the defending champions are a good side and turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead. The goals came thanks to a wonderful piece of invention by Dayaan Cassiem, a fantastic reactionary finish by Aiden Tun and a cool calm and collected finish by Mustapha Cassiem.
Marvin Simons would make it 3-2 before Mustapha finished a second after a beautiful pass by his brother to make it 4-3. Just seconds after the restart it was 4-4 as Rusten Abrahams showed his own Cassiem-like skills, but a late Southerns error allowed the younger Cassiem to net a hat-trick and seal the win for the defending champions.
Joining the two juggernauts in the final is the KZN Raiders who convincing in victories against Mynahs and Inland to seal top spot and they were joined there by WP Peninsula, winning the unofficial award as best “B” team in the country. Pens secured their spot with a 4-2 victory over the KZN Robins
Semi-Finals
Western Province vs. WP Peninsula
Southern Gauteng vs. KZN Raiders
Women’s A Section – Danville Park Girls School – Durban North
Of the four quarter finals the biggest “shock” that presented itself was when the KZN Mynahs overcame the KZN Inland side 5-3 in the second quarter final. Mynahs built their victory off the back of a great start with Cailynn den Bakker netting a hat-trick. Despite a hat-trick from Nadia Stella (Jones) they could not get into it allowing KZN Mynahs to be the only “B” side in the semi-finals.
Southern Gauteng were pushed all the way to keep their title defense alive by Mpumalanga. Tamlyn Kock continued her fine form to be the star and win the battle, but it was Mpumalanga who continued to win the hearts of the crowd in Danville. Western Province and SPAR KZN Raiders both professionally saw off their Quarter Final opponents to secure their spot in the final four on Saturday.
Semi-Finals
Western Province vs. KZN Mynahs
SPAR KZN Raiders vs. Southern Gauteng
Women’s B Section – Danville Park Girls School – Durban North
Eastern Province and Free State both overturned the favourites tags by overcoming KZN Robins and Eastern Gauteng respectively to keep alive their promotion claims, while North West and Southern Gauteng Witsies both performed with the form that has seen them both considered the favourites for the B Section title.
Semi Finals
North West vs. Eastern Province
Free State vs. SG Witsies
SA Hockey Association media release
PREVIEWS: England Men's Hockey League
Rivals Wimbledon and Surbiton do battle in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Sunday, with visitors Wimbledon targeting home advantage for the play-offs.
Already assured of a place in the top four, Wimbledon want to leapfrog Hampstead & Westminster into second spot and give themselves the best chance of success in this month’s play-offs.
Both teams have been in great form, with Surbiton having won three of their last five matches while Wimbledon have won four.
“Home advantage is important; you want to play on a top quality surface, and it would be great to have home support,” said Wimbledon’s hockey director Simon Organ.
“Our focus this season was to make the play-offs, but now we are there we want to be successful! You want to finish as high you possible can.”
Hampstead & Westminster will want to retain second spot with a win at home against Beeston, while fourth-placed Old Georgians look to beat bottom of the table Reading and maintain their form going into the post-season.
Reading will want to upset Old Georgians’ rhythm though, with a victory meaning they could climb away from relegation danger depending on other results.
Reading have been ever-present in the top flight, winning the Premier Division six times. But it has been eight years since they last won the title, and their stay in the top flight could end this weekend.
Second bottom Brooklands MU – who Reading beat last weekend – are hosting East Grinstead, while the University of Exeter are also not safe from the drop and go to Holcombe in search of a win.
Leaders University of Durham face third-placed Cardiff & Met in the Men’s Division One North on Saturday, with the Welsh side needing a big win to maintain their slim hopes of the title.
Meanwhile, second-placed Bowdon host City of Peterborough on Sunday.
And in the Men’s Division One South Oxted could wrap up the title if they win at Southgate on Sunday. Second-placed Sevenoaks go to Teddington needing a win to maintain their title hopes, while Teddington could climb away from relegation danger if they win.
* Premier Division - An additional game between the losing men’s semi-finalists is now scheduled for 5 April at 1000 hrs. This is to cover the eventuality if England will have three places in the Euro Hockey League in 2020-21 which is dependent on Surbiton’s and other nations’ teams’ placings in the competition.
* Harborne have been deducted one point for fielding an unregistered player in their rearranged Conference West game at Isca on 22 February which they lost 1-0.
FIXTURES
Men’s Hockey League (Sat, 14 March 2020):
Men’s Division One North
Cardiff & Met v Univ of Durham 12:30
Univ of Nottingham v Sheffield Hallam 15:30
Men’s Division One South
Oxford Hawks v Canterbury 18:00
Men’s Conference West
Harborne v Old Cranleighans 16:30
Men’s Conference North
Deeside Ramblers v Timperley 12:00
Wakefield v Didsbury Northern 16:30
Men’s Hockey League (Sun, 15 March 2020):
Men’s Premier Division
Brooklands MU v East Grinstead 14:00
Hampstead & Westminster v Beeston 14:00
Holcombe v Univ of Exeter 14:00
Old Georgians v Reading 14:00
Surbiton v Wimbledon 14:00
Men’s Division One North
Univ of Birmingham v Olton & West Warwicks 12:30
Loughborough Students v Leeds 14:00
Bowdon v City of Peterborough 14:30
Men’s Division One South
Brighton & Hove v Team Bath Buccaneers 13:00
Teddington v Sevenoaks 13:30
Havant v Fareham 14:30
Southgate v Oxted 14:30
Men’s Conference East
London Edwardians v Cambridge City 12:30
Spencer v Bedford 13:30
Old Loughtonians v Chichester 14:00
St Albans v Bromley & Beckenham 14:00
Wapping v Harleston Magpies 14:00
Men’s Conference West
Isca v Cheltenham 12:00
Khalsa Leamington v Ashmoor 12:30
Richmond v Univ of Bristol 13:30
Cardiff University v Univ of Exeter 2s 14:30
Men’s Conference North
Barford Tigers v Belper 13:00
Lichfield v Preston 13:30
Doncaster v Alderley Edge 14:00
England Hockey Board Media release
PREVIEWS: Investec England Women's Hockey League
Relegation-threatened Loughborough Students and Holcombe are preparing to face each other on the last day of the regular season in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.
Defeat could cast either side into the relegation play-offs, while for Holcombe a big win could be enough to scrape into the top four and the title play-offs.
The two sides drew 1-1 when they met earlier in the season. But a run of three losses for Loughborough Students may give the edge to Holcombe, who have not lost their last two matches.
“There is everything still to play for and to a greater extent it's in our hands,” said Loughborough Students’ Head Coach Brett Holland. “We know the strengths of Holcombe but are happy to be playing at home knowing that this is our cup final.
“We've learnt so much this season as a group and with the extra pressure on results currently it will allow us to learn even more. There are certainly no easy games in the Premier League, it's relentless. The league table could be moving and shaking regularly from 2pm on Saturday.”
“Our overarching aim of the season was to be competitive in all matches,” added Holland. “We feel we're achieving this, getting results against most teams over the season, and sitting in the top half of the table for most of the season.
“But we look back and know we've missed opportunities to pick up more points; often having more possession, more chances and playing some really nice hockey to not come away with the win often enough.”
Elsewhere, the University of Birmingham host Buckingham knowing they need a win to be assured of safety, while Beeston could also face relegation play-offs if they lose at Hampstead & Westminster.
Currently third, Hampstead could go second and secure home advantage for the play-offs if they win and East Grinstead lose to top of the table Surbiton.
And in the day’s other top-flight match Clifton Robinsons host relegated Bowdon Hightown and could also make it into the top four if other results go their way.
Second-placed Swansea host third-placed University of Durham in the Investec Division One North, with both sides desperate for points to keep their title hopes alive.
Leicester City are currently top of the table and go to Brooklands-Poynton. If they win and Swansea City lose, the title goes to the Midlands side. If both win, the division will be decided on the last day of the regular season.
At the other end of the table Belper and Leeds are desperate for victory this weekend to avoid the drop. Currently bottom, Leeds host Ben Rhydding, while Belper are at home against Gloucester City.
And in the Investec Division One South champions Wimbledon host Cambridge City looking to maintain their 100% league record this season. At the other end of the table Isca go to Slough desperate for points in their battle to avoid the drop.
* The Oxford University versus Team Bath Buccaneers game that was postponed on 15 February has been awarded to Bath as a 3-0 win due to Oxford being unable to fulfill the replayed fixture in line with league regulations
FIXTURES
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Sat, 14 March 2020):
Investec Premier Division
Clifton Robinsons v Bowdon Hightown 14:00 (at Golden Hill)
East Grinstead v Surbiton 14:00
Hampstead & Westminster v Beeston 14:00
Loughborough Students v Holcombe 14:00
Univ of Birmingham v Buckingham 14:00
Investec Division One North
Swansea v Univ of Durham 10:30
Brooklands-Poynton v Leicester City 11:45
Olton & West Warwicks v Stourport 12:00
Belper v Gloucester City 13:30
Leeds v Ben Rhydding 14:00
Investec Division One South
Slough v Isca 12:15
Harleston Magpies v Reading 13:30
Canterbury v Trojans 14:00
Wimbledon v Cambridge City 15:45
Sevenoaks v St Albans 17:00
Investec Conference East
Barnes v Horsham 12:00
Ipswich v Wimbledon 2s 12:00
Bromley & Beckenham v Broxbourne 12:30
Bedford v Canterbury 2s 13:30
Chelmsford v Southgate 15:00
Investec Conference North
Pendle Forest v Sutton Coldfield 12:00
Univ of Nottingham v Timperley 13:00
Beeston 2s v Fylde 14:00
Cannock v Alderley Edge 14:00
Wakefield v Doncaster 14:00
Investec Conference West
Oxford Hawks v Exe 12:00
Univ of Birmingham 2s v Cheltenham 12:15
Oxford University v Clifton Robinsons 2s 12:30
Team Bath Buccaneers v Basingstoke 12:30
Univ of Bristol v Surbiton 2s 13:15
England Hockey Board Media release
Old Georgians and Reading set for spicy league encounter
Old Georgians have reached first league play-offs: PIC: England Hockey/Simon Parker
Their survival task already hard enough, Reading will face up to seven former players in a high-octane grudge match against Old Georgians on Sunday as they fight to stay in the Men’s Hockey Premier Division.
Basement club Reading need to win to have any chance of staying up in the top flight, with Brooklands MU and Exeter also relegation threatened.
Meanwhile, Old Georgians will finish third with a win if Wimbledon lose against league champions Surbiton.
Old Georgians coach Mike Hughes, himself a former Reading coach, said: “There is still a lot to play for and not to have dead rubbers which allows us to prepare for the play-offs. We are in a position to keep getting better.”
It will be the second week in a row where OG’s have come up against a former club, with several players moving on from Exeter, the club they beat 5-2.
Hughes will be able to call upon 21 fit players for the first time this season, with Tom Carson rested.
“It has been a spicy week in training,” said Hughes. “There are a lot of players desperate for play-off places but also to play [against Reading]. I haven’t needed to motivate them this week.”
Reading have spent 27 seasons in the top flight, winning the Premier Division six times.
Second bottom Brooklands MU – who Reading beat last weekend – are hosting East Grinstead, while the University of Exeter are also not safe from the drop and go to Holcombe in search of a win.
Meanwhile in the Investec Women’s Premier Division, there are plenty of permutations.
Relegation-threatened Loughborough Students and Holcombe are preparing to face each other on the last day of the regular season on Saturday.
Defeat could cast either side into the relegation play-offs, while for Holcombe a big win could be enough to scrape into the top four and the title play-offs.
University of Birmingham host Buckingham, needing a win to be assured of safety, while Beeston could also face relegation play-offs if they lose at Hampstead & Westminster.
Currently third, Hampstead could go second and secure home advantage for the play-offs if they win and East Grinstead lose to top of the table Surbiton.
With limited top flight sport in the UK due to the coronavirus outbreak, there is every reason to support hockey’s Premier Divisions. Both men’s and women’s divisions will start at 2pm.
Investec Women’s Premier Division (Saturday):
Clifton Robinsons v Bowdon Hightown 14:00 (at Golden Hill)
East Grinstead v Surbiton 14:00
Hampstead & Westminster v Beeston 14:00
Loughborough Students v Holcombe 14:00
Univ of Birmingham v Buckingham 14:00
Men’s Premier Division (Sunday):
Brooklands MU v East Grinstead 14:00
Hampstead & Westminster v Beeston 14:00
Holcombe v Univ of Exeter 14:00
Old Georgians v Reading 14:00
Surbiton v Wimbledon 14:00
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The Hockey Paper
A Family Affair at Lydney HC
In the Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire sits Lydney HC. A relatively small club with only 3 teams but with a thriving junior section. On Saturday 22 Feb 2020 Lydney HC hosted Teign HC in a game that could go down in history.
Lydney HC Ladies first XI, for the first time ever, had 4 sets of sisters in the team (9 out of a squad of 13!) plus welcoming back player Jo Lewis from concussion and the Lydney team were buoyant before the game. The first half saw Lydneys Lucy Pugh, Meghan Duncan and Amy Biddle all score taking them into the lead.
Teign came back out fighting in the second half and scored an outstanding goal which shocked Lydney back into attack again. Gemma Baber-Williams used her silky skills to score a well-earned 6th goal for Lydney however Teign fought back and scored again. The match finished with Amy Biddle putting a 7th on the board for Lydney.
Sister power was the theme of the day with everyone giving their all to get the win.
England Hockey Board Media release
Fastest Half Marathon wearing Goalkeeping Kit
On Sunday 15 March 2020 Ian Martin sets out to beat the current Guinness world record for the Fastest Half Marathon wearing Field Hockey Goalkeeping Kit whilst raising money for charity.
Ian has been an avid fundraiser for the Bath Rugby Foundation for several years as well as being a hockey player himself. In 2018 Ian was accepted to run in the 2018 London Marathon, officially the hottest on record. This re-sparked his love for running and again in 2018, after an evening of selling raffle tickets for the Bath Rugby Foundation, he was inspired to complete the 2018 Bath Half Marathon in a Rugby ball.
After successfully completing the event Ian decided that 2020 was the year, he would take on another challenge.
Ian took up Hockey many years ago whilst undertaking the physical section of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. He started as a defender and after his team Goalkeeper went down injured, he found himself between the posts. Today, he plays for Clifton Robinson's but has moved to the wing trying to score goals rather than keeping them out!
Ian has been lucky enough to gain several sponsors for his challenge. OBO agreed to sponsor and provide the kit, the Hockey Centre for the design and printing of the goalkeeping smock and Angela for agreeing to pace me on race day and being an independent witness.
Ian’s new Kit arrived and on 22nd Feb 2020 Ian stepped out onto Bath Rugby pitch at half time of the Bath v Harlequins game to help raise awareness for the cause. 
On 23 and 29 Feb he took the kit for a spin, and not even on a hockey pitch. Ian and Angela (UK Athletics Qualified Running Coach and independent witness) went for a 2.5 mile run to start his practice for the marathon. 
To find out more about Ians journey head over to his website.
England Hockey Board Media release
Scottish Senior Schools Cup 2020 delivers tremendous action and trophy winning performances
The Senior Boys’ Cup final served up an absolute cracker in the day’s main event and it was Loretto School who took the trophy home after a close 2-1 win over Stewart’s Melville College.
Earlier in the day Renfrewshire was victorious in the Aspire Girls’ Cup final with a competitive 1-0 win over Perth Schools’. Glasgow Academy emerged victorious after a 2-1 win over Robert Gordon’s College in a super Senior Girls’ Plate final.
The Senior Boys’ Plate saw Bellahouston/GSOS defeat Glenalmond College 5-2 in an exciting final. George Heriot’s School beat George Watson’s college in an exciting Senior Girls’ Bowl final at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.
Senior Boys Cup | Stewart’s Melville College 1-2 Loretto School
The Senior Boys’ Cup final served up an absolute cracker and it was Loretto School who took the trophy home after a close 2-1 win over Stewart’s Melville College.
The atmosphere was electric as the match got underway and it was a very even start to the contest.
Cameron Sword looked composed in the middle of the pitch for Loretto while Jamie Croll looked the part for Stewart’s Melville College.
While both sides probed no clear opportunities presented themselves.
The game’s first opportunity went to Stewart’s Melville and a fizzed low penalty corner strike was cleared off the line at speed.
Henry Thomas for Loretto was denied a goal when his instinctive shot was well saved and the danger cleared.
Loretto threatened with a couple of penalty corners late in the first half but couldn’t find the net to capitalise.
Then Loretto opened the scoring with a sublime Charlie Jack drag flick into the left corner. 1-0.
Straight away, Stewart Melville’s Jamie Croll was denied twice when his drag flick was well saved at the left bottom corner, and then the bottom right.
Then came the equaliser, a flick for Stewart’s Melville College was dispatched into the bottom left corner by Cameron Ede – 1-1. The keeper got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out and the scores were level.
A short time later another flick was awarded to Stewart’s Melville College and this time Ede was denied by a tremendous save at the bottom left corner.
Loretto then went 2-1 ahead with another Charlie Jack drag flick, a carbon copy of his first, rifled into the bottom corner with four minutes to play.
A late Stewart’s Melville College push couldn’t find another equaliser and Loretto held on to be crowned champions in Glasgow.
Loretto School – photo by Mark Pugh
Aspire Girls Cup | Perth Schools 0-1 Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire was victorious in the Aspire Girls’ Cup final with a competitive 1-0 win over Perth Schools’.
The game got off to a great start and it was Renfrewshire who took the lead. A lovely solo run from Morven McEwan into the circle saw her roll the ball into goal to make it Perth 0-1 Renfrewshire.
Soon after a missed penalty corner from Renfrewshire came close to a second before Perth Schools tore forward forcing the Renfrewshire keeper to make an excellent save to keep them in the lead.
With two minutes to go in the first half another chance fell for Renfrewshire Schools – one-on-one with the keeper, excellent save and defender clears.
The start of the second half saw Perth Schools’ start strong with lots of possession in the opposition 22.
An error from a Perth defender through a misplaced pass across the D saw the ball land on a Renfrewshire stick, and forced the keeper into another great save.
Perth Schools began piling on the pressure as the match progressed and prompted some good goalkeeping and defending to keep Perth out. It couldn’t change the result and Renfrewshire took the victory in a great win.
Renfrewshire. Photo by Mark Pugh
Aspire Boys Cup | Grove Academy 0-4 Perth Schools
A 4-0 victory saw Perth Schools crowned Aspire Boys’ Cup champions in a tremendous victory.
Perth Schools started strong taking the game to Grove Academy from the first whistle.
A strong ball in to the circle saw a narrow miss in front of goal as Perth searched for the opener.
They came close again with a flick at the top of D that crashed off the post. It led to another penalty corner for Perth in quick succession, this time the keeper came too far off his line and the ball was chipped into the net. 1-0.
The penalty corners kept coming for Perth Schools and one effort zipped low past the bottom left post in another near miss.
Perthshire very nearly doubled their lead after a slick attack down the right found the forward line charging right in front of goal, but they all failed to make a solid connection and the ball evaded the post.
The second goal did come soon enough and the ball was rattled home with a low shot into the bottom left corner for 2-0.
It went to 3-0 just before half time with a wicked low shot into the bottom right corner.
Keir Robb almost pulled one back for Grove Academy but he couldn’t connect after a lovely near post run.
Robb again came close after twisting and turning in the D but his powerful shot rattled the crossbar and bounced clear.
Perth Schools added another with a few minutes remaining and it came through a far post tap-in after a quick attack down the right.
13 March 2020 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Senior Schools’ Cup Finals – Aspire Boys Cup – Grove Academy v Perth Schools – photo by Duncan Gray
Senior Girls Plate | Robert Gordon’s College 1-2 Glasgow Academy
Glasgow Academy emerged victorious after a 2-1 win over Robert Gordon’s College in a super Senior Girls’ Plate final.
Glasgow Academy started the contest on the front foot attacking down the right and creating openings.
It was Glasgow Academy who took the lead when Ava Smith opened the scoring with a delightful strike on the reverse stick into the top corner. 1-0.
The longer the game went on the more Robert Gordon’s came into the contest. A slick penalty corner exchange was zipped low against the back board by Katy McLeod to make it 1-1.
McLead was denied another with a power penalty corner effort from the top of the D by a solid diving save.
Up the other end of the pitch and Glasgow Academy’s Aisha Saini was denied a goal by a great diving save low to the left.
Saini wouldn’t be denied for long and added her name to the score sheet with a goal through the goalkeeper’s legs for 2-1.
13 March 2020 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Senior Schools’ Cup Finals – Glasgow Academy – photo by Duncan Gray
Senior Boys Plate | Bellahouston/GSOS 5-2 Glenalmond College
The Senior Boys’ Plate saw Bellahouston/GSOS defeat Glenalmond College 5-2 in an exciting final.
The first minute brought the first goal of the contest and it went to Bellahouston/GSOS from a well-executed penalty corner routine.
There was nearly another soon after when Cameron Moran pounced on an opportunity after a defensive lapse but found the goalkeeper equal to the high and powerful effort.
A double save denied Bellahouston/GSOS again as they went pressing for another goal – the second was from point-blank range with the goal beckoning.
Then a Euan Cowan drag flick whizzed past the top right corner from a Bellahouston penalty corner.
Then Glenalmond struck right before half time when Cameron McNeil’s clinical finish into the bottom left corner to equalise. 1-1.
Scott Menzies deflected a lovely penalty corner routine into the net to make it 2-1 to Bellahouston/GSOS right after the restart.
Moments later Ethan Robertson made it 3-1 when he prodded the ball home from close range.
A flick was awarded to Bellahouston/GSOS and Cowan dispatched it into the bottom right corner for 4-1.
Almost immediately Cameron Moran thundered a low shot against the backboard to make it 5-1.
Toby Adamson very nearly pulled one back for Glenalmond when he got on the end of a blasted pass across the face of the goal, but ball went just wide.
With a couple of minutes left to play a sensational volley strike by Josh Davey nearly burst the net as Glenalmond pulled it back to 5-2.
Photo by Mark Pugh
Senior Girls’ Bowl | George Heriot’s School 2-1 George Watson’s College
George Heriot’s School beat George Watson’s college in an exciting Senior Girls’ Bowl final at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.
George Watson’s started strong with lots of early possession, and came close to opening the scoring with a couple of penalty corner efforts.
Some strong midfield play saw a dangerous Watson’s break but Maddie Boyes in goal for Heriot’s made a bold run and cleared from the edge of the D.
Heriot’s first break into the opposition D saw them go one-on-one with keeper but an excellent save kept it goalless.
Heriot’s found their stride with lots of possession in the opposition 22’ and created some close shots on goal.
The first pass to start second half saw Watson’s break into the D and beautiful strike brought the first goal of the game. 1-0.
The contest tore from end-to-end play and some lovely play down the left wing resulted in a pass and lovely stick-work in the D for Heriots to level the score. 1-1
There were nine minutes left on the clock when Heriot’s were awarded a penalty corner, and the resulting strike from the top of the D found the net to make it 2-1.
The final minutes were very well contested but Heriot’s held on to win 2- 1.
13 March 2020 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Senior Schools’ Cup Finals – Senior Girls Bowl – George Heriot’s School v George Watson’s College – photo by Duncan Gray
Senior Boys Cup | Stewart’s Melville College 1-2 Loretto School
Aspire Girls Cup | Perth Schools 0-1 Renfrewshire
Aspire Boys Cup | Grove Academy 0-4 Perth Schools
Senior Girls Bowl | George Heriot’s School 2-1 George Watson’s College
Senior Boys Bowl | Strathallan v Hutchesons’ Grammar School POSTPONED
Senior Girls Cup | Strathallan v Mary Erskine School POSTPONED
Senior Girls Plate | Robert Gordon’s College 1-2 Glasgow Academy
Senior Boys Plate | Bellahouston/GSOS 5-2 Glenalmond College
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Technological takeover
Whether you are coach, player or official, the two major, related, developments in team sports such as hockey over the past few years have been in the areas of communication and video analysis.
Communication is at the heart of hockey, whatever your role within it. As a coach, you are constantly seeking ways to communicate more effectively with your players. As a player, you want a connection with your teammates; and, as an official, you want to ensure you are communicating effectively with your umpiring colleague on the other side of the pitch.
Through the medium of video playback, learning also improves. Players, coaches and officials can reflect upon their performances. As a coach, did they get their message across? As an umpire, they can see the impact of their own behaviour or body language in certain situations; a captain can assess how effectively they made their point to team mates.
Coach Logic is a popular video analysis platform among hockey clubs and nations. Co-founder Mark Cairns says: “When we first set out, five years ago, we were looking at ways to make players smarter. It was a case of using video as a key learning asset in achieving that. Rather than the coach just saying what the players were not good at, the video helped players understand what they were doing, why they were doing it and how they could make decisions to improve their game.”
The practice of coaches sending video clips to players, or umpire managers sending clips to umpires also suits today’s mobile lifestyle. The clips can be viewed on mobile devices while traveling or relaxing at home. Players no longer have to be in a side room at the training ground watching a video with all their team mates. Interaction via comment boxes allow for a deeper engagement with the learning process.
One aspiring hockey coach who places learning through video analysis at the heart of his coaching is Jamie Culnane. A graduate of the European Hockey Federation’s Top Coach Programme, Culnane is now a member of the England Hockey coaching staff, working with the U18 boys national squad.
When it comes to working with elite players, Culnane takes a collaborative approach. Question and answer sessions with athletes figure heavily and he seeks input from all the coaching team when charting the best way forward.
For Culnane, the coaching “sweet spot” is to meet individual need in a group setting. “As a coach I like to really challenge what is right for the individual and how that marries up with team/programme goals.”
But, he adds, being the facilitator for player development also means striking a fine balance between supporting the athlete and allowing them to development their own independence and self-sufficiency. 
This is where video feedback plays its part. Culnane is a skilled analyst. It is an area of expertise he feels every coach should consider developing for the benefit of the teams they work with. “A few years ago I set out to teach myself to be an analyst as a tool to help me add value to programmes. It has opened doors for me.
“We use an online portal every week and it is the athletes who drive the engagement. In reality, just like being out on the pitch, the process should be open enough for the athletes to get what they need from it. Some of our guys will sit and watch the whole game, some watch their own clips and some watch key team moments. I don’t think this is a level of engagement you would get with a team meeting.”
Coach Logic also provides the video platform used by FIH umpires. Uruguay’s Frederico Garcia was one of a team of umpires working at the FIH Series Finals in Malaysia in 2019. Speaking about the training and support he receives as an international umpire, Garcia says: “One feature of umpiring preparation that is relatively new is the uptake of technology. Before a contest the umpires will study video clips that highlight certain points within a game or umpiring points that they have been instructed to concentrate upon.”
Groups of umpires communicate via WhatsApp or Facebook pages, where they swap information and debate the finer points of decision-making. Again, the ability to share clips and give opinions on the action is a vital part of the umpires’ development. “Hockey is very subjective,” says Garcia. “The way we interpret action on the pitch can vary from one umpire to another – it is very healthy to be able to debate with our peers.”
Certainly the use of video clips is an area that is developing apace. As Mark Cairns points out: “There has been a lot of work and subsequent improvement in nutrition, psychology and strength and conditioning. Sometimes the need to connect all of that to the game is forgotten. Saturday’s match is when the players and coaches make the decisions; unless there is a real understanding of the game then real improvement won’t happen. Video feedback is a vital tool in developing a deeper level of understanding of the game and your role within it.”
FIH site