News for 11 July 2021
All the news for Sunday 11 July 2021
2021 Test match POL v LTU (M) - 11 July
Walcz (POL)
10 Jul 2021 POL v LTU 9 - 0
2021 Test match POL v LTU (W)
10 Jul 2021 POL v LTU 8 - 0
FIH Match Centre
2021 Test match UKR v LTU (M) - 11 July
Walcz (POL)
Times GMT +2
11 Jul 2021 10:00 UKR v LTU
2021 Test match UKR v LTU (W)
11 Jul 2021 12:00 UKR v LTU
FIH Match Centre
GB&I 4-Nations day one bring great games for Scotland U19 boys and girls
Scotland U19 boys clocked up a superb 4-1 victory over England while a clinical opening quarter saw England win over Scotland U19 girls with a 2-0 success.
The two excellent contests at Peffermill kicked started the new GB&I 4Nations tournament, with the teams set to meet again tomorrow for day two of the round of matches.
Scotland U19 boys 4-1 England U19 boys
A sensational performance by Scotland U19 boys saw them beat England 4-1 at Peffermill in the GB&I 4-Nations.
It was a fast and frantic opening to the contest with both sides clearly putting maximum effort in. The game’s first penalty corner went to England after a driving run across the baseline, but Scotland defended it well on the goal line.
Then Scotland sent Charlie Jack surging forward on a counter attack but his shot fizzed just wide of the left post.
Early in the second quarter Jack was the catalyst again when he launched a pass across the face of the English goal, but the Scots were denied as Scotland went on the hunt for goals.
Some delightful skills by Daniel Pearson saw Scotland charge at goal again, but the Scots were crowded out at the vital moment.
Scotland looked good in possession and kept England on the back foot throughout the quarter. A couple of penalty corner opportunities passed them by but the longer the game went on, the more the game was played around the English D.
Towards the end of the half Alex Wilson went on a sensational run into the England D and picked out Jacob Tweedie with a great cutback, but Tweedie’s effort scooped over the bar.
10 July 2021 at Peffermill, Edinburgh. Four Nations under 19 Hockey Tournament – Scotland v England boys – photo by Duncan Gray
Early in the third quarter Scotland took a deserved lead when Matthew Hughson slammed a powerful low strike against the back board to make it 1-0.
Then Scotland went 2-0 ahead. Charlie Jack popped up at the far post with the finish after a sensational run by Pearson to create the chance.
Scotland nearly scored a third when Hughson did superbly well to control a difficult ball, but his quick-fire shot on the turn zipped just wide.
In the final quarter Scotland extended their lead on a swift counter attack when Hughson slipped the ball past the keeper to Tweedie, who slotted it into the empty goal to make it 3-0.
Then the impressive Pearson tore down the England baseline but his pass across goal couldn’t find a Scottish stick for a fourth goal.
Sam Knight made it 4-0 for Scotland with a superb finish high into the net, before England broke forward and pulled one back through a Joe Cotton finish from close range. 4-1.
Scotland U19 girls 0-2 England U19 girls
England U19 girls came out as the winners in the opening match against Scotland in the GB&I 4-Nations in Peffermill.
The early pressure in the contest came from England but the Scotland defence stood strong in the opening stages.
The pressure told however, and it was England who took the lead when a close range finish from Kirsty Harris slammed against the back board for 1-0.
Scotland settled into the game after the opening goal and began to probe the English D. A much higher press allowed the Scots to fire passes into the circle but England defended well and kept them at bay.
As the opening quarter reached a close an England counter attack saw the visitors bag a second. Jess Buchanan was out quickly to block the first effort but the rebound was slotted home by Chloe Plumb to make it 2-0.
Scotland’s high press saw them control the second quarter with Faith Joubert and Lucy Smith making an impact on the contest.
Despite the promising pressure from the Scots they were unable to fashion any clear opportunities to have a shot on goal.
As the quarter came to a close England managed to win back-to-back penalty corners but Buchanan in goal was Scotland was equal to the efforts.
Photo by David McCarthy
Both teams emerged for the second half with purpose but found their efforts cancelling each other out. The defending of both teams was resolute and did a solid job of reducing circle entries.
A tremendous save by Buchanan right at the end of the quarter stopped a third goal for England. The goal looked all but certain then the keeper managed to scoop the ball off the end of an English stick right on the goal line.
England won their fourth penalty corner in the final quarter but like the three before it the Scotland defence was solid and cleared the danger.
Scotland went all out attack as the quarter progressed and some excellent pressure forced a last gasp clearance by the goalkeeper as the Scots looked to force the ball over the line.
A short time later the Scots earned a penalty corner but the routine saw the final effort from Ava Smith go wide of the mark.
Scottish Hockey Union media release
'My World Cup medal was stolen': Irish hockey star Ayeisha McFerran
"I normally overthink little things when I'm lying in bed, like what time I have to be up or whether I have to get to Dublin and have everything packed."
Martha Brennan
Ayeisha McFerran is an ambassador for Red Bull, sponsors of the Irish Women's hockey team. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
As hockey star Ayeisha McFerran gears up to head to Tokyo with the Irish women’s field hockey team this month, she’s found herself without a prized possession.
"My apartment got burgled recently so I've been dealing with that. They stole all of my electronics and my mum's jewellery that I had and my own jewellery is gone as well,” the Co Antrim native says.
“But the big thing was my World Cup medal... A few tears were shed that week."
Ayeisha’s apartment is in Holland, and she is waiting for Dutch police for more information on what happened. The 25-year-old moved to Utrecht after graduating from the University of Louisville in the US and is currently home to train for the Olympics.
"I'm not much of a home bird. I finished up in America and the league in Holland is really good so I said 'why not' and have been there for over two years now. It's similar to Ireland but different. The Dutch have their own way of doing things and are more direct. I really like it over there,” she says.
Leading up to Tokyo, her schedule at the moment is intense. "I'm up and down to Dublin like a yoyo. It's mad. But once we get on the plane and get away then we'll have a bit more structure and control because there won't be any outside factors. There's just a lot going on at the minute, so it's trying to manage everything and stay in one piece,” the goalkeeper says.
"We got our gear recently which is very exciting. It gives people something to watch and get excited about as well. That's what I'm most looking forward to. Everyone has just been trying to survive and get through the last year so it'll be nice to have something to look forward to for people and a bit of a buzz again."
What shape are you in?
I would say I'm quite fit at the minute and in one piece, so I'm ready to go to the Olympics.
What are your healthiest eating habits?
The structure I have around my eating. I tend to do well whenever I have my food structured around my training and know when I'm going to eat. I think that really serves me instead of winging it throughout the day.
What are your guiltiest pleasures?
Anything with chocolate. I absolutely love chocolate and I tell everyone that I eat my little bit for my soul. My favourite at the minute is mint Aero but you can't beat Dairy Milk.
What would keep you awake at night?
Trying to make sure I'm organised for the next day. I normally overthink little things when I'm lying in bed, like what time I have to be up or whether I have to get to Dublin and have everything packed.
How do you relax?
I love just lounging and watching television or being in the kitchen cooking or baking. Just doing things where I don't have to think too much.
Who are your sporting heroes?
Jessica Ennis. I grew up always wanting to be her and admiring how she handles herself. What she did in athletics and coming back after having a child and being at the top of her game was amazing.
What's your favourite smell?
The apple-cinnamon candles that come out at Christmas.
When was the last time you cried?
When my apartment got burgled.
What traits do you least like in others?
People who are always late stress me out. I also really don't like people who are not loyal or honest. That's a big thing for me.
What traits do you least like about yourself?
I can be quite nitpicky. I like things my way.
Do you pray?
No, I don't.
What would cheer up your day?
Being with someone who can make me laugh. I have quite a silly, dry, sense of humour. If I'm having a bad day and someone can make me laugh it'll change my mood.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
I've been to some nice places and have been lucky in that hockey has taken me all over but Hawke's Bay New Zealand is my favourite. We were there for a tournament. It's like Ireland on steroids, it's just so pretty and so relaxed.
The Irish Examiner
Results & Reports As EH Champs Reaches Its Conclusion
It was an enthralling day of EH Champs Finals action at Nottingham Hockey Centre as 16 Adults and Masters matches came to a conclusion.
East Grinstead women lead way at England Hockey Championship Finals
EH Championship Finals action took place at Nottingham Hockey Centre PIC: Will Palmer / England Hockey
Four goals from Sophie Bray led East Grinstead to a 5-3 win over Clifton Robinsons in the Women’s Championship final on Saturday.
East Grinstead’s win was the standout performance in the EH Championship Finals action at Nottingham Hockey Centre.
Bray completed a hat-trick in the first half while Autumn Bowdon gave EG an authoritative 4-1 lead at the break.
An Abi Porter double briefly kept Clifton in the game but when Bray notched her fourth, the trophy was heading to Sussex.
In the men’s Championship final, Oxted overcame Bowdon to take the trophy with a 3-2 victory.
Oscar Loft, Chris Porter and Ryan Kavanagh proved enough although a double from Simon Egerton for Bowdon kept the game tight.
There was joy for Bowdon in the women’s over-45s when Bowdon beat St Albans 3-0 in a shoot-out.
The men’s over-40 Championships saw Khalsa Leamington beat Hampstead & Westminster 3-2, while in the men’s over-50, Reading beat City of York 5-0.
Norwich City came out victors in the Mixed Champ final with a 3-1 triumph over Olton & West Warwickshire.
In the women’s over 35, Bedford side triumphed over Taunton Vale 2-1.
SIGN UP for The Hockey Paper’s returning newsletter: Promotions, exclusives and our best coverage
The Hockey Paper
Kada Stars win male title at Nigerian National Hockey Super League
Kada Stars hockey team of Kaduna on Saturday in Abuja defeated Police Machine 3-0 to amass 12 points and win the male title at the 2021 National Super League.
Both teams will however represent Nigeria at the Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) in September at Malawi.
In the female category of the Super League, Delta Queens and Plateau Queens will also represent Nigeria at the ACCC.
In their final match of the competition on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Kada Stars’ victory ensured they finished with 12 points after four wins and a loss.
They scored 17 goals and conceded four en route playing five matches, for a goals difference of +13.
Police Machine were second with 11 points from five matches, after scoring eight goals and conceding four for a goals difference of +4 from three wins and two draws.
Niger Flickers of Minna finished third with 10 points from five matches, after three wins, one draw and a loss, with nine goals scored and three conceded.
Yobe Desert Rollers of Damaturu ended in fourth place after gathering seven points only, from two wins, one draw and two losses, after scoring six goals and conceding eight.
Delta Force of Asaba were fifth with three points only from one win and four losses, after scoring five goals and conceding 16.
Stallions of Lagos brought up the rear in the six-team league, after securing no point in five losses from five games, and after scoring two goals and conceding 12.
Speaking on his team’s performance, the coach of Kada Stars, Ndana Baba, said he was happy his team won the 2021 championship.
“The Police Machine players were stronger than my players and were more experienced in the sport because my players are young and new in the game.
“But we came here to win the league, and I thank God that he gave us victory. We are grateful for this success.
“My players were slow due to the fact they are younger and the Police Machine are more advanced, but we won.
“But we will try our best to get the necessary things done and by God’s grace we hope to be better in Malawi in September,” he said.
Speaking also, the captain of Kada Stars, Kish Victor, urged the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) and their owners to do the necessary things to ensure success in Malawi.
“We are going to Malawi this year, and we pray that the Kaduna State Government should do something earlier so that we can be well prepared and have a good result at the championship,” he said.
A total of 12 teams participated in the Super league, with six male teams and six female teams.
The NHF organised The annual tournament which started on July 3 and ended on Saturday.
The tournament is aimed at enhancing the sport’s development in the country and serves as an avenue to select the country’s representatives to the Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) in Malawi in September.(NAN)
Vanguard
MHC to decide on JHL's age-limit rule on July 25
By Jugjet Singh
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee will hold an online meeting on July 25, and it looks like Nor Saiful Zaini's request might just see the light of day. - NSTP file pic
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) competitions committee will hold an online meeting on July 25, and it looks like Nor Saiful Zaini's request might just see the light of day.
The MHC had proposed an Under-21 Junior Hockey League (JHL) this season instead of an Under-19 event as many 'overage' players missed out on the Covid-19 postponed Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) and the Malaysia Games.
But Tenaga Nasional development coach Nor Saiful Zaini made a request on Thursday to include a quota system whereby only a certain number of Under-21 players should be allowed per team.
This is to develop junior players as Malaysia will be hosting the 2023 Junior World Cup (JWC).
Only the current under-19 players will be eligible for the 2023 edition of the JWC.
"When we came out with the Under-21 idea, it was because many players in that age-group had missed out on playing in the MHL and the Malaysia Games.
"But we know that we should start developing under-19 players for the JWC. Our initial proposal will be fine-tuned when the competitions committee meet on July 25.
"We might cap it to four, five or six Under-21 players per team," said MHC competitions committee chairman Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh.
The MHC hope to organise the Razak Cup on Nov 10-20 and the JHL (for boys and girls) on Nov 26-Jan 2.
Former national skipper Nor Saiful Zaini is the main man in Tenaga Nasional who coordinates five JHL teams.
The five are defending double champions Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School, Bukit Jalil Sports School, Anderson School, Temerloh Sports School and SM Kuala Selangor.
The MHC will also discuss on July 25 how best to hold the JHL as it involves schoolchildren.
"We will also discuss the venues for the JHL and the Razak Cup and how best to organise both tournaments. Whether both tournaments will be closed door or open events to spectators will depend on the Covid-19 situation in the country by the end of the year," he added.
New Straits Times
Hockey volunteers create definitive Great Britain caps numbers
Cap in hand: Hockey Museum has completed huge project PIC: Worldsportpics
Great Britain Olympian Richard Leman says that today’s current players should cherish their cap numbers just like New Zealand’s All Black heritage.
Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, The Hockey Museum has been able to finish a huge volunteer-led project, by logging nearly 1,000 matches played by Great Britain’s men and women and identifying all 581 players to have so far worn the shirt in an official international fixture.
The statistical project took five years to complete as the Museum created a definitive record of GB matches that would allow caps to be awarded and individual player numbers to be calculated.
“We are all part of the same history and heritage,” said Leman. “It is like New Zealand rugby … with the shirt that you wear and who has worn the shirt before you.
“The stories that you have, it is unique.
“People have put a heck of a lot of work in as unpaid volunteers and to come up with a list of names is a great achievement.”
The project will continue as the focus now turns on to the Home Nations, a much bigger undertaking seeing as they have played a lot more international hockey.
“Everyone involved should be hugely proud of their efforts to bring this work together for the good of the sport,” said Great Britain Hockey’s Chief Operating Officer Nick Pink.
Story of the hockey cap
The phrase “Winning a cap” for playing sport, usually associated with representing one’s country, is generally more abstract than real. When a player finishes their career it will often be said that they won a given number of caps, however more accurately, this figure is appearances and the THE player will only ever have received one cap to commemorate their first appearance. This depends on the sport but in hockey the actual presentation of caps has been extremely occasional over the past 100 years, certainly since WW2.
Prior to WW1, though caps were quite widely presented in hockey, not only for international appearances but at Divisional, Club and School levels. At The Hockey Museum we have a number of photographs of caps at these levels although, sadly, few have survived the ravages of time.
It is generally accepted that “Caps” originated at Rugby School in 1839 and were worn by players as identification kit. It enabled fellow team players to distinguish each other in a scrummage and not get mercilessly hacked down by their own team-mates.
It does beg the question as to how the players maintained their caps on their heads in such a rough situation! Caps became extensively used in the public schools and universities and soon became the presentation of choice at international level.
In rugby, caps were awarded at the first ever international match in 1871 between Scotland and England and, in football, caps were first awarded in 1886. In hockey, we know that the Irish began issuing caps to players in 1895 and we believe these to be the first in our sport, although England followed soon after.
At The Hockey Museum we are very fortunate to have a volunteer cap specialist in Elton Riches. His own collection is mainly rugby caps but, when he heard of our interest in the topic, he offered to help us. Through his investigations he realised that one of his collection that he thought was a rugby cap is in fact a Welsh hockey cap from 1906. He made the discovery during reference to publications in our library, proving that green Welsh caps are for hockey.
Our other illustration is the Scottish hockey cap awarded in 1911 to Dr John Cattanach who was a double international, representing his country at both hockey and shinty. He went to war as a medic and died at Gallipoli. His story will be featured in Hockey’s Military Stories.
The search for more hockey caps
When Riches and The Hockey Museum decided to work together to find out information about honours caps being issued in hockey, it was always going to be a long mission.
On a research mission at the Hockey Museum library, Elton located a black and white photograph in a publication from 1898 showing the Welsh men’s hockey team wearing honours caps. The caps appeared very similar to those awarded in rugby. Elton had a similar cap in his collection which was green and had previously been advised by the Welsh Rugby Union that there was no record of a green cap ever being issued by them.
Welsh cap from 1906
And so the work began. Starting with the initials inside the cap “WEJ”, the library’s match statistics resources led us to W.E Jones. With assistance from Hockey Wales further information about him came to light. Rev William Edwyn Jones won his first cap on 10 Feb 1906 and final cap on 8 March 1913. He played for Christ College Brecon and Aberavon and Llandudno clubs.
Further collaboration identified that, contrary to accepted belief, the early Welsh teams did indeed have green as a prominent colour in the early years.
SIGN UP for The Hockey Paper’s returning newsletter: Promotions, exclusives and our best coverage
The Hockey Paper
Hockey Australia launches RAP Reference Group
Coinciding with NAIDOC Week, Hockey Australia (HA) is proud to announce the formation of a Reference Group to develop its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The Reference Group will also provide input into the various programs Hockey Australia is undertaking to support Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people.
Among the unique blend of people in the RAP Reference Group are importantly several proud Indigenous former and current hockey players.
They include former Hockeyroo and Australia’s first Indigenous Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris and her daughter Destiny. Nova helped to establish the Australian Olympic Committee’s RAP, while Destiny has recently developed a RAP for the university she is studying at in New South Wales.
Former Kookaburra Des Abbott plus current Indigenous Hockeyroos duo Mariah Williams and Brooke Peris are also in the Reference Group.
The other members are Suzanne Henderson (Hockey Victoria GM - Game Development), Tyler Lovell (Kookaburras goalkeeper and HA Commercial Partnerships Manager), Michael Johnston (HA GM - Strategy & Game Development), Kate Jenner (current Hockeyroo), Julie McNeil & Jess Fatowna (Cairns Hockey Aspire to be Deadly), Emilie Hall (Hockey ACT Participation & Inclusion Coordinator) and Gina Archer.
“Excitingly, in a week where we celebrate Australia’s first peoples, their achievements and contribution to our history, society and identity as a country, Hockey Australia is in a position to reconvene its RAP and bring together this Reference Group,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier, who will also be part of the Reference Group until he finishes on 8 August.
“Our Pilbara Community Hockey Program continues to deliver amazing results, we have recently announced a new social inclusion program in the Western Australian Goldfields region, and our partnership with the Aspire to be Deadly Program in Cairns continues to grow.”
“Some small but symbolic changes are also happening, including an Acknowledgment of Country at the beginning of all Hockey Australia meetings and all of our National Championships acknowledging traditional owners in the event title.”
The Aspire to be Deadly Program has been running since 2015 with the aim of empowering Indigenous young women and girls, family, friends and community to live well, learn well and lead well.
The program is seen as a benchmark in what can be done in regards to action and support of Indigenous people.
It is something Aspire to be Deadly General Manager Julie McNeil is proud of and she looks forward to bringing this knowledge and experience to the RAP Reference Group.
“The Aspire to be Deadly team believes the acknowledgement and celebration of First Nations culture is of paramount importance as we work towards reconciliation and understanding, and we are excited to introduce Jess Fatnowna to this group who will bring a youthful perspective to the conversations,” said McNeil.
The Hockey Australia RAP Reference Group will meet regularly to progress the RAP and discuss other future initiatives.
Hockey Australia is proud to acknowledge and promote NAIDOC Week, which celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The NAIDOC 2021 theme is Heal Country. More information on NAIDOC Week.
Hockey Australia media release