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All the news for Saturday 10 February 2018

Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 (Men) - Day 3
Berlin (GER)

Results

21:30     AUS - BEL     QF     4 - 2 (2 - 0)
20:00     GER - SUI     QF     3 - 0 (2 - 0)
18:30     AUT - POL     QF     2 - 1 (0 - 0)
17:00     IRI - CZE     QF     2 - 2 (1 - 2) (2 - 1 SO)
12:05     CZE - POL     Pool A     3 - 3 (2 - 2)
11:50     GER - TTO     Pool A     10 - 2 (3 - 1)
10:55     AUT - SUI     Pool B     2 - 2 (1 - 1)
10:40     AUS - KAZ     Pool A     6 - 1 (3 - 0)
09:45     RSA - BEL     Pool B     2 - 8 (1 - 4)
09:30     IRI - RUS     Pool B     4 - 3 (1 - 2)

Final Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

Upcoming Saturday 10 February 2018 (GMT+1)

10:30     KAZ - RSA     11th/12th Place
12:00     TTO - RUS     9th/10th Place
16:30     GER - IRI     Semi Final
18:00     AUS - AUT     Semi Final

FIH Match Centre

Belgium and Australia over-turn the rankings to qualify at 5th Men's Indoor World Cup quarter-finals


Iran celebrate win over Russia. Pic credit Frank Uiljenbroek/WSP

The quarter-finalists for the 5th Men's Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 have been revealed after a thrilling last round of pool matches.

Going into the third day, there was all to play for as the standings in both pools were so close. Host nation Germany sealed their place at the top of Pool A with a 10-2 win over Trinidad & Tobago (WR:18). The team ranked number one in the FIH Hero World Rankings scored a highly impressive 44 goals in five pool games, conceding just 11.

Australia continued to impress at this event as they sealed their place in the quarter-finals with a comprehensive 6-1 win over Kazakhstan. Six goals, six different scorers is indicative of the team-centred approach of the Australian side and the result means the team from Oceania finished second in Pool A, ahead of two higher ranked teams.

The Czech Republic (WR:6) held onto their third position in Pool A thanks to a fighting 3-3 draw with Poland (WR:5). The final match of the pool round was a gritty affair with both teams chasing a higher finish, thus avoiding the top placed teams from Pool B.

Trinidad & Tobago have brought their own style and a vociferous following to this competition but finished out of the quarter-final places, with one win and one draw to their name. Kazakhstan finished bottom of Pool A after suffering five losses.

In Pool B, Iran (WR:7) finished their pool matches unbeaten after they defeated Russia (WR:4) 4-3. However, in an extremely tight pool, Austria (WR:2) held onto top spot by virtue of goal difference after they drew with a Swiss (WR:8) team who arrived at the Max-Schmeling-Halle determined to put some poor performances behind them.

The Red Lions of Belgium (WR:16) turned their early tournament form around with a strong display against South Africa (WR:12). Speaking after the game, which they won 8-2, Tom Boon said: "At the start of the competition we were not playing our best and we sometimes lacked fight but in our last two games we really picked it up and we are so happy to have qualified for the quarter-finals."

These results mean Russia and South Africa miss out on quarter-final qualification. While South Africa have been outplayed at this level of competition, for Russia the failure to qualify is heart-breaking as they came to the event with high hopes. Two wins put the Russian team in the mix until the final day of pool play but they fell at the final hurdle as Iran were just more fluid in attack and clinical in front of goal.

Final pool placings (1-4 qualify for quarter-finals)
Pool A
1. Germany
2. Australia
3. Czech Republic
4. Poland
5. Trinidad and Tobago
6. Kazakhstan

Pool B
1. Austria
2. Iran
3. Belgium
4. Switzerland
5. Russia
6. South Africa

Men's Results Day Three
Pool A
Australia 6, Kazakhstan 1.
Germany 10, Trinidad and Tobago 2.
Czech Republic 3, Poland 3.

Pool B
Iran 4, Russia 3.
South Africa 2, Belgium 8.
Austria 2, Switzerland 2.

Quarter-final match schedule - Friday 9th February 2018 (All times CET - Central European Time)

1700: Iran v Czech Republic
1830: Austria v Poland
2000: Germany v Switzerland
2130: Australia v Belgium

#IHWC2018

FIH site

Iran, Austria, Germany and Australia prepare for semi-finals at 5th Men's Indoor World Cup


Australia beat Belgium in six goal thriller. Pic credit: Frank Uiljenbroek/WSP

The quarter-finals offered up four matches that showcased this exhilarating game in all its various styles of play. Flamboyant and speedy; disciplined and defensive; dynamic and courageous; it was all there for the spectators at the Max-Schmeling-Halle to savour.

At the end of the day's action, the final four to contest the 5th Men's Indoor World Cup are: Iran, Austria, Germany and Australia. For the Australia team this will be a debut performance at the semi-final stage of the Indoor Hockey World Cup.

The beauty of this competition is its global nature with three continents represented in the semi-finals, which take place on Saturday 10th February.

Iran 2, Czech Republic 2. Iran win 2-1 on shoot-out

It took a shoot-out to separate Iran (WR:7) and Czech Republic (WR:6) as the two teams tested each other for 40 non-stop minutes of hockey action. That it all came down to a gladiatorial one-on-one shoot-out just added to the drama in the Max-Schmeling-Halle.

The winning shoot-out attempt was scored by Iran's Abbas Ardoei, as first Lukas Plochy and then Martin Seeman were unable to score for Czech Republic.

During the match itself, the action had flowed from end-to-end, with heroics from both teams. The first goal came from a Czech Republic penalty corner. Captain Martin Hanus was on hand to slip the ball home after the first shot rebounded from the 'keeper's pads. This was followed seconds later by a goal from Tomas Jahoda, after a deceptive cross from David Vacek left him in the centre of the circle with just an empty net in which to score.

With just a minute before the break, Iran reduced the deficit when a swift interchange of passes led to a penalty corner. Reza Norouzzadeh made no mistake as he fired home past Pavel Hraba in the Czech goal.

In the second half, Iran continued to push and Navid Taherirad found himself with three clear-cut scoring opportunities within seconds of each other. Hraba and his defence breathed a collective sigh of relief as the tall striker's fierce shots flew just wide.

It was almost inevitable that the pressure would lead to a goal and it was the blistering penalty corner from the stick of Norouzzadeh which produced the equaliser.

As the clock counted down, the pace, if anything, increased. Neither side however, could find the breakthrough and it took shoot-out to produce the winner.

Austria 2, Poland 1.

Where the opening quarter-final was fast and furious, this encounter between Austria (WR:2) and Poland (WR:5) was a cagey game of cat and mouse.

As Austria's captain and scorer of the winning goal Michael Korper, said: "Defence was the most important part of our game. If we get that right, then we knew we could build from there."

The second half started in much the same style. Both teams worked hard to keep possession but attacking opportunities were few. This changed in the 24th minute when Sebastian Eitenberger pounced on a loose ball and slotted it into the goal to give the higher ranked team the lead.

Poland were dragged back into the game through the sheer determination of Krystian Makowski. The burly forward won a penalty corner and then fired home through the legs of Mateus Szmczyk in the Austrian goal.

The killing blow came from Korper. Having missed a number of penalty corners, Korper was in the mood to score and after robbing the Polish defence of possession, Korper took the ball wide into the circle and then shot past the 'keeper with unerring accuracy.

"I hadn't scored today [in the earlier match]," said Korper. "So I desperately wanted to score this time. I had come close in the first half but that one felt good."

Germany 3, Switzerland 0.

There was a hint of nervous tension among the German (WR:1) team as they took to the field for their quarter-final encounter with Switzerland (WR:8). It might have been the vociferous crowd or the fact that they were missing the services of the excellent Mats Grambusch, who was reported as suffering an ankle injury, but the first few minutes saw German players making errors and Switzerland very much on the front foot.

Switzerland were the first to press the opposition's 'keeper but after eight minutes of uncharacteristically harried play, the German goal machine started to roll. Marco Miltkau found the net to put his side ahead after good attacking play by Dan Nguyen created space and wrong footed Lars Kleikemper in the Swiss goal.

The second German goal came from the slickest of passing moves. The ball was swept from one end of the pitch to the other and Martin Haner was on hand to deflect it past Kleikemper into the corner of the goal.

Switzerland started the stronger in the second half, with Florian Feller coming close to scoring. His shot eluded the outstretched foot of Tobias Walter but scraped past the post to safety. Having negotiated the spell of pressure, Germany began to wear down the Swiss with some probing passes that were eventually rewarded with a penalty corner. Christopher Ruhr needed no second invitation and the ball flew into the roof to give his side a 3-0 cushion.

The last action of the game saw Ruhr nearly double his tally as he made a tremendous run the length of the pitch before his vicious shot struck the post and bounced to safety.

Speaking after the game Fabian Pehlke praised both his own team and the opposition. "The Swiss made us work very hard and we had to be patient. But it was great to play in front of such a crowd. The enclosed space of an indoor arena such as this makes for a very special atmosphere."

Australia 4, Belgium 2.

This match, between the two lowest ranked teams among the eight quarter-finalists, was always going to be a cracker. In the early phase however, it looked to be one-way traffic as Australia (WR:14) rushed to a 2-0 lead as, firstly Jack Hayes and then Jake Sherren, found a way past Jeremy Gucassoff in the Belgium goal.

Australia have impressed throughout this competition with their route one style of attacking play but an equal willingness to get back and defend with energy. It was a style that Belgium (WR:16) found hard to contend with in the opening minutes of play. When the Red Lions did break into the Australia circle they found Benjamin Rennie alert and agile as he palmed away aerial attempts from Cedric Charlier and Gaetan Dykmans.

Belgium knew they would need something special to get back into the game and that came from the stick of Tom De Groote. His penalty corner drag flick rocketed into the top of the Australia goal and a new sense of energy began to take hold of the Belgium team.

With 11 minutes left on the clock, this fascinating encounter changed direction again as Jack Hayes scored his second goal and Australia's third. Hayes found himself with just the keeper to beat, which he duly did.

There were more twists in the story yet. With three minutes to play, Belgium came back and made it 3-2 as Tanguy Zimmer added his name to the score-sheet.

Throwing everything into the victory, Belgium removed their 'keeper. Australia got a break and somehow James Knee managed to dive and, with his body fully horizontal, he got a stick on the end of a pass to deflect it into the Belgium empty goal.

Game over and Australia through to the semi-finals.

Men's Results Quarter-finals

Iran 2, Czech Republic 2. Iran win 2-1 shoot-out
Austria 2, Poland 1.
Germany 3, Switzerland 0.
Australia 4, Belgium 2.

Semi-final match schedule - Saturday 10th February 2018 (All times CET - Central European Time)
1630: Germany v Iran
1800: Australia v Austria

#IHWC2018

FIH site

Korper sends Austria through to semis with Germany, Iran and Australia


©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics

Austria and Germany both advanced to the World Cup semi-finals alongside Iran and Australia at the Max-Schmeiling-Halle in Berlin following their quarter-final victories.

Micahel Korper scored a glorious winner for the European champion Austrians to earn a 2-1 win over Poland in a cagey last eight game.

"Defence was the most important part of our game. If we get that right, then we knew we could build from there," Korper said afterwards.

The first half was scoreless. That changed in the 24th minute when Sebastian Eitenberger pounced on a loose ball looped in a shot. Poland were dragged back into the game through the sheer determination of Krystian Makowski from a penalty corner which he won himself.

But Korper had the final say: "I hadn't scored today [in the earlier match] so I desperately wanted to score this time. I had come close in the first half but that one felt good."

Germany had a 3-0 win over Switzerland to stamp their final four ticket. There was a hint of nervous tension among the German team as they took to the field without Mats Grambusch.

But eight minutes in, Marco Miltkau found the net to put his side ahead after good attacking play by Dan Nguyen created space and wrong-footed Lars Kleikemper in the Swiss goal.

The second German goal came from the slickest of passing moves. The ball was swept from one end of the pitch to the other and Martin Haner was on hand to deflect it past Kleikemper into the corner of the goal. Christopher Ruhr completed the win.

Speaking after the game Fabian Pehlke praised both his own team and the opposition. "The Swiss made us work very hard and we had to be patient. But it was great to play in front of such a crowd. The enclosed space of an indoor arena such as this makes for a very special atmosphere."

Belgium could not find the form of the Euros and were undone 4-2 by Australia in their quarter-final. Iran, meanwhile, had the most emotional victory of the lot when they beat the Czech Republic in a shoot-out after a 2-2 draw in normal time.

On Saturday, Germany will play Iran at 4.30pm (CET) while Australia face Austria at 6pm in the second final four encounter with the arena already sold out.

All games are available to stream live on Youtube on the FIH channel.

Euro Hockey League media release

Australia Makes History At Indoor Hockey World Cup

Ben Somerford



Australia made history on day three of the 2018 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Berlin after qualifying for the men’s semi-finals for the first time ever.

After finishing second in Pool A, the Aussies toppled Belgium 4-2 in the quarter-finals to clinch their berth in the final four where they’ll face Austria at 4am AEDT on Sunday.

Australia’s women also progressed to the quarter-finals on day three, finishing third in Pool B after an impressive 2-2 draw with hosts Germany.

The side will next face Belarus in the quarter-finals from 8pm AEDT on Saturday.

Men’s Side

Australia continued to impress early on day three and sealed their place in the quarter-finals with a comprehensive 6-1 win over Kazakhstan in their final pool game.

Six goals and six different scorers was indicative of the team-centred approach of the Australian side and the result clinched Australia’s spot in the quarter-finals against Belgium later on day three.

Against Belgium, it looked to be one-way traffic early on as Australia rushed to a 2-0 lead as, firstly Jack Hayes and then Jake Sherren, found a way past Jeremy Gucassoff in the Belgium goal.

Australia have impressed throughout this competition with their route one style of attacking play but an equal willingness to get back and defend with energy. It was a style that Belgium found hard to contend with in the opening minutes of play.

When the Red Lions did break into the Australia circle they found Benjamin Rennie alert and agile as he palmed away aerial attempts from Cedric Charlier and Gaetan Dykmans.

Belgium knew they would need something special to get back into the game and that came from the stick of Tom De Groote. His penalty corner drag flick rocketed into the top of the Australia goal and a new sense of energy began to take hold of the Belgium team.

With 11 minutes left on the clock, this fascinating encounter changed direction again as Jack Hayes scored his second goal and Australia's third. Hayes found himself with just the keeper to beat, which he duly did.

There were more twists in the story yet. With three minutes to play, Belgium came back and made it 3-2 as Tanguy Zimmer added his name to the score-sheet.

Throwing everything into the victory, Belgium removed their 'keeper. Australia got a break and somehow James Knee managed to dive and, with his body fully horizontal, he got a stick on the end of a pass to deflect it into the Belgium empty goal. Game over and Australia through to the semi-finals.

Women’s Side

Australia held Pool B winners Germany to a surprise 2-2 draw. The Aussies fought back from 2-0 down to earn an impressive point against the European champions.

Viktoria Huse and Anne Schröder established a 2-0 advantage for the home favourites, but two goals in the final four minutes from Tegan Boucher and Lauren Austin denied Germany what would have been a fifth successive victory at this year’s championships.

Australia next faces Austria for a spot in the final four.

To watch Australia compete at the Indoor Hockey World Cup you can live stream matches through the FIH Youtube Channel.

Hockey Australia media release

Calypso Stickmen face Russia for 9th spot

Nigel Simon


T&T’s midfield/forward Mickell Pierre, left, challenges for the ball against a German player during yesterday Fifth FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup match in Berlin, Germany at the Max-Schmeling-Halle. T&T lost 10-2.

T&T senior men’s indoor hockey squad will be hoping to end their participation at the Fifth FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup on a high when they face Russia in the play-off for ninth spot at the 7,000 seater Max-Schmeling-Halle from 7am today.

This after the Raphael Govia-coached T&T team ended in fifth spot in their six-team Pool A round-robin series after a 10-2 loss at the hands of three-time champions and host country Germany in their final round-robin match at the same venue yesterday to end with a 1-4 record and three points, ahead of pointless Kazakhstan.

For the Germans, who led 3-1 at the half-time interval, Christopher Ruhr was the main scorer with four goals in the second-half, 25th, 31st, 31st, and 35th minutes.

The duo of Marco Miltkau (2nd & 8th) and Fabian Pehlke (19th & 40th) added two goals each while Martin Swicker (22nd) and Tobias Hauke (26th) got one each.

Australian-based forward Akim Toussaint who netted a hat-trick in the win over Kazakhstan was on target again for T&T in the 11th minute while fellow forward, Mickell Pierre got the second item in the 35th.

Ten years ago on debut in the second edition of the tournament held in Vienna, Austria, the T&T men’s team ended in the 12th and final spot after losing to South Africa 4-2 in their playoff encounter.

The T&T squad were also beaten by Germany (9-2), Russia (9-2), Switzerland (6-1), Australia (5-1) and Czech Republic (6-1) back then in their group matches.

This time around, the national team captained by Solomon Eccles went under to Czech Republic (7-2), Poland (11-5), and Australia (7-6) before registering a first ever victory at the event, 6-4 over Kazakhstan on Thursday.

The Russians, meanwhile had wins over South Africa (5-0) and Belgium (5-4) while losing to Switzerland (3-1), Australia (8-4) and Ireland 4-3, in their final Pool B match to end with six points and a 2-3 record.

Today in the other matches, winless Kazakhstan and South Africa meet for 11th spot from 5.30am while in the main draw semifinals from 11.30am, Germany tackles Ireland followed by Australia against Austria for places in tomorrow's final and third place matches.

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS

Pool A
Australia 6 bt Kazakhstan 1
Germany 10 bt T&T 2
Czech Republic 3 draw Poland 3
Pool B
Ireland 4 bt Russia 3
Belgium 8 bt South Africa 2
Austria 2 draw Switzerland 2
Final Group standings
Pool A
Teams P W D L F A Pts
Germany 5 5 0 0 44 11 15
Australia 5 3 1 1 21 19 10
Czech Republic 5 2 2 1 26 16 8
Poland 5 2 1 2 31 22 7
T&T 5 1 0 4 21 39 3
Kazakhstan 5 0 0 5 11 47 0
Pool B
Austria 5 3 2 0 26 14 11
Ireland 5 3 2 0 21 13 11
Belgium 5 2 1 2 19 17 7
Switzerland 5 2 1 2 9 11 7
Russia 5 2 0 3 18 19 6
South Africa 5 0 0 5 9 28 0
Yesterday’s quarter-finals
Czech Republic 2 draw Ireland 2 – Ireland
won 2-1 on penalty-strokes shoot-out
Austria 2 bt Poland 1
Germany 3 bt Switzerland 0
Australia 4 bt Belgium 2
Remaining fixtures—Today
11th - 12th play-off: Kazakhstan vs South
Africa, 5.30am
Ninth - Tenth play-off: T&T vs Russia, 7am
Semifinal 1: Germany vs Ireland, 11.30am
Semifinal 2: Australia vs Austria, 1pm
Tomorrow—Third place play-off: 7am
Final, 10am.

The Trinidad Guardian

Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 (Women) - Day 3
Berlin (GER)

Results

15:35     BLR - POL     Pool A     2 - 1 (1 - 1)
15:20     GER - AUS     Pool B     2 - 2 (1 - 0)
14:25     KAZ - SUI     Pool A     0 - 4 (0 - 1)
14:10     NAM - RUS     Pool B     5 - 5 (2 - 1)
13:15     UKR - CZE     Pool B     2 - 1 (1 - 0)
13:00     NED - USA     Pool A     8 - 4 (3 - 2)

Final Pool Standings

Pool A

Pool B

Upcoming Saturday 10 February 2018 (GMT+1)

10:00     BLR - AUS     QF
11:30     UKR - SUI     QF
13:00     GER - POL     QF
13:30     KAZ - RUS     11th/12th Place
14:30     NED - CZE     QF
15:00     USA - NAM     9th/10th Place
19:30     -     Semi Final
21:00     -     Semi Final

FIH Match Centre

One game at a time for reigning champions Netherlands


Netherlands women's Head Coach Marieke Dijkstra is aiming for back to back triumphs Photo: FIH/WSP

Defending women's champions Netherlands arrived in Berlin on the back of two months of training and practice matches, which included picking up the silver medals at the 2018 EuroHockey Indoor Championships.

Head Coach Marieke Dijkstra is pleased with the way things have gone so far. The national hockey association, the KNHB, has been fully supportive of the Netherlands team’s indoor ambitions and the experienced coach, who is herself an Indoor World Cup gold medallist, says she has been working with a squad that is full of talent and ability.

"We are not as experienced as we were a couple of years ago so while, of course we are aiming for the highest, we see everything as a process.”
Marieke Dijkstra, Netherlands Women Indoor Head Coach

The depth of ability in the squad has allowed the Head Coach to put out a team with five changes from the EuroHockey Championship side and this, she says, will give her side a new dynamic.

“We have a squad of 17 very good players and we wanted to give as many as possible the chance to experience a big tournament. This has to be a developmental process, so we have a mix of young, new players and more experienced ones. Seven of the squad will have played in both the EuroHockey Championships and the World Cup, while five will play in one or the other.

“This is an unusual year as you don’t normally have an European championship and a World Cup within three weeks. We spent the first few weeks preparing for the Europeans and now we have turned our attention to the World Cup.”

As a player who has been to every Indoor World Cup, either as a player or, until now, an assistant coach, Dijkstra knows the pressure her players will be under, particularly as they have a title to defend. Her calm approach is simply to take one game at a time.

“On Wednesday we started with zero points against Switzerland. We actually lost to them at the EuroHockey Championships, so this was a chance to put that right. During the tournament we will focus on one game at a time. We will not be looking ahead and putting pressure on the team. We are not as experienced as we were a couple of years ago so while, of course we are aiming for the highest, we see everything as a process.”

In the lead-up to the Indoor World cup, the Netherlands played several matches against top Under-18 boys teams and also test matches against Australia, Ukraine and Namibia. Dijkstra is struck by the difference in style of the teams from outside Europe.

“They are much more physical than us. Not in a bad way, in a very different way.

“But you will also see a lot of teams play a very similar style, a lot of teams don’t put pressure on the ball, they sit back half way up the pitch and defend strongly. The skills of all the teams are very good though.”

When asked which teams might be successful, Dijkstra said there were many teams who could do well. She said the quarter-finals were all important as so much rested on that one game. “I am curious about Russia,” she added. “They were relegated from the EuroHockey Championships but they still played very well, they could do well.”

Fans can follow all the matches from the main hall in Berlin via a free live-stream on FIH YouTube.

#IHWC2018

FIH site

Quarter-finalists confirmed at 5th Women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018


Ukraine set up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland after defeating Czech Republic on Friday. Credit: FIH / World Sport Pics

Berlin, Germany: Following an exciting final round of pool matches at the Max-Schmeling-Halle on Friday (9 February), the line-up for the quarter-finals of the 5th Women’s Indoor Hockey World Cup 2018 is now known.

From Pool A, table-toppers the Netherlands (FIH Hero Indoor World Ranking:1) are joined in the quarter-finals by second placed Belarus (WR:5), third placed Switzerland (WR:19) and Poland (WR:4), who finished fourth. Germany were the clear winners of Pool B, with Ukraine (WR:7), Australia (WR:8) and Czech Republic (WR:3) finishing second, third and fourth respectively.

The cross-over quarter-finals will take place on Saturday 10th February, with Belarus versus Australia getting underway at 1000 Central European Time, followed by Ukraine taking on Switzerland at 1130. Germany and Poland go head-to-head at 1300 before Netherlands play Czech Republic at 1430.

In Pool A, Netherlands made it five wins from five matches with an 8-4 victory over USA (WR:20) thanks in part to a hat-trick from Donja Zwinkels. The result left the Americans just outside the quarter-final qualification positions due to their inferior goal difference to Poland, meaning that USA were relying on the Poles to slip up in their later match against Belarus. While Poland finished on the wrong end of a 2-1 score-line against the impressive Belarusians, their effect on the goal-difference was not enough to give USA a place in the quarter-finals.

Switzerland claimed a third place finish in Pool A thanks to their third win in succession, overpowering bottom-of-the-table Kazakhstan (WR:12) 4-0 thanks to goals from Karin Bugmann, Alexandra Wälti, Stephanie Wälti and Tamara Trösch.

"We set ourselves the goal of reaching the quarter-finals but that is not always easy as you have to win the matches to do it”, said Switzerland’s Julia Stühlinger after the match. “We are pleased to do it and also that we avoid Germany in the quarter-finals.”

The opening Pool B match of the day saw Czech Republic fall to a 2-1 defeat against Ukraine, with captain Yana Vorushylo and Oksana Ponomarenko scoring the goals that left the Czechs in real danger of missing the quarter-finals. A win for Namibia (WR:14)  against bottom of the table Russia (WR:17) would have been enough for them to leapfrog Czech Republic into fourth position. Although the Namibians lead for long periods of the match, Russia always remained within touching distance and eventually secured a 5-5 draw, with Svetlana Eroshina’s late strike breaking Namibian hearts.

"I’m disappointed as there was some energy lacking in our team today, so the result is quite tough to take”, said Namibia captain Magreth Mengo immediately after the match. “I’m proud of the team but because I believed so much that we could do it and the disappointment is now hitting me.”

Pool B winners Germany were held to a surprise 2-2 draw by Australia, who fought back from 2-0 down to earn an impressive point against the European champions. Viktoria Huse and Anne Schröder established a 2-0 advantage for the home favourites, but two goals in the final four minutes from Tegan Boucher and Lauren Austin denied Germany what would have been a fifth successive victory at this year’s championships.

Final pool placings (1-4 qualify for quarter-finals)

Pool A
1. Netherlands
2. Belarus
3. Switzerland
4. Poland
5. USA
6. Kazakhstan

Pool B
1. Germany
2. Ukraine
3. Australia
4. Czech Republic
5. Namibia
6. Russia


Women’s Results Day Three

Pool A

Netherlands 8, USA 4.

Kazakhstan 0, Switzerland 4.

Belarus 2, Poland 1. 

Pool B
Ukraine 2, Czech Republic 1.
Namibia 5, Russia 5.
Germany 2, Australia 2.

Quarter-final match schedule - Saturday 10th February 2018 (All times CET - Central European Time)

1000: Belarus v Australia
1130: Ukraine v Switzerland
1300: Germany v Poland
1430: Netherlands v Czech Republic

#IHWC2018

FIH site

Defending Champions and Top World Ranked The Netherlands Defeat Indoor USWNT in Final Pool Match at Indoor Hockey World Cup


Image Courtesy of Yan Huckendubler

BERLIN, Germany – With the outcome of final pool placements at the women's Indoor Hockey World Cup on the line in this match, the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team knew they had to have a good collective defensive showing against the defending indoor champions and FIH Hero Indoor World Ranked No. 1 The Netherlands. USA was only trailing by one at the half, The Netherlands produced a series of three unanswered goals to defeat USA, 8-4.

USA opened the game with possession, but it didn’t take long for The Netherlands to gain control and tally a goal as Marijn Veen quickly make it 0-1. The Oranje’s attacking threat came fast recording a few more chances on frame. In the 7th minute, the ball trickled through Samantha Carlino’s (Kennett Square, Pa.) legs and a USA defender was unable to clear it as Donja Zwinkels touched it in extending the lead to 0-2. USA didn’t let the lead obstruct their work ethic as they started to produce positive looks on goal. Mary Beth Barham (Fairfax, Va.) was a spark off the intercepts as she used her speed multiple times to get by The Netherlands’ defenders.

USA started to gain more forward momentum which ignited an exciting end just before halftime. With just 3.5 minutes to go, Ali Campbell (Boyertown, Pa.) found a wide-open Corinne Zanolli (Newtown Square, Pa.) who turned around The Netherlands’ goalkeeper to make it 1-2. Within the same minute, the Oranje equalized when Zwinkel scored her second of the game and a minute following, USA cut the goal margin again. A deep pick up translated to a solo run by Barham who took it baseline and beat the goalkeeper to make the halftime USA 2, Netherlands 3.

Similar to the first, USA started the second half with possession but the Oranje applied a high pressure ultimately turning control the other way. In the 22nd minute, The Netherlands were successful off a penalty corner when Lieke van Wijk sent a drag into the net. This would be followed by two more unanswered field goals netted by Noor de Baat and Zwinkels, her third of the match.

The Netherlands’ continued to show why they have reach every Indoor Hockey World Cup final since 2003 with their superb passing precision around USA’s defenders. Able to regroup, Campbell sent a long ball into the circle that was perfectly deflected off Barham’s stick to make it 3-6. A five-minute period came when neither team score but Carlino and the USA displayed great defensive work as she came up big with a shoulder save and Campbell made a goalmouth save.

Similar to how the first half ended, a spell of three goals in the final minute made for a very interesting finish. First, The Netherlands’ Veen tallied her second she collected, spun and tucked it to the net. With 34 seconds on the clock, Kiki van Wijk converted on a rebound off Carlino. Lastly on the restart and with 15 seconds left, Zanolli drove the right sideline, beat her defender and added one back as the final score stood, USA 4, The Netherlands 8.

The U.S. Women's National Indoor Team will play in the 9th/10th place game tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. ET against No. 14 Namibia. Although not live streamed as it is being played on Court 2, follow @USAFieldHockey on Twitter for updates.

USFHA media release

Hockeyroos Take Series Lead With 4-1 Victory

Ben Somerford



The Hockeyroos have taken the lead in the five-match series against China PR after a 4-1 victory at Guildford Grammar Turf on Friday night.

Australia continued the theme of first-half goals in the series, racing to a 3-0 lead in the second quarter.

Kathryn Slattery scored two goals inside the opening six minutes to give Australia a 2-0 lead and they never looked back.

Hockeyroos skipper Emily Smith added a third in the 26th minute, before China pulled one back before half-time through Luo.

China pressed in the second half but Gabi Nance settled the contest with a calm finish in the 54th minute.

The two sides will meet again in the final game of the series, which Australia leads 2-1 with one draw, on Saturday at Guildford Grammar Turf from 6pm WST/9pm AEDT.

Emily Smith fired an early warning shot with an effort saved by China goalkeeper Li Dongxiao inside the first minute, before the Hockeyroos took a fifth minute lead.

After a penalty corner broke down, Eddie Bone, in her third game back after a six-month knee injury, shot goalward with Slattery deflecting it home.

Sixty seconds later, Grace Stewart shot low across goal, allowing Slattery to divert home from a central position for 2-0.

Savannah Fitzpatrick fired over twice in the quick succession as Australia mounted the pressure, whilst restricting China’s opportunities on goal.

After a slow start to the second quarter, Australia captain Smith added a third in the 26th minute, deflecting home Fitzpatrick’s diagonal ball.

Nance shot wide twice before China pulled a goal back when Luo powered home into the back of the net from a cutback on the stroke of half-time.

Stewart had a chance to restore Australia’s three-goal buffer in the third quarter when she swooped on an errant pass but Li pulled off a diving save.

Emily Hurtz also tested Li while Fitzpatrick missed a golden opportunity from close range before the final break.

Nance settled the contest in the 54th minute with a cool finish after more good work from Slattery in the lead-up.

Hurtz almost added a fifth but Li made an excellent point-blank save to ensure it remained 4-1 at full-time.

Australia 4 (Slattery 5’, 6’, Smith 26’, Nance 54’)
China 1 (Luo 33’)

Hockey Australia media release

Hinch and Vanasch emerge from behind their masks


England and Great Britain's Maddie Hinch is looking forward to the year ahead Photo: FIH/Getty

Both England and Great Britain’s Maddie Hinch and Belgium’s Vincent Vanasch are iconic members of their teams and they have been able to use the spotlight they have found themselves under to good effect.

Since the Rio Olympics, Hinch says the media and fan attention has given her a means of showcasing just what it takes to be a goalkeeper. She said: “People have been shocked by the level of athleticism and dedication it takes to play at the very top.”

And the interest has meant more youngsters have been asking to try out in goal, traditionally a position that was always hard to fill.

“There has been a massive upsurge in the amount of people wanting to put the pads on,” says Hinch. “It used to be the case that schools or clubs would find it hard to get someone to play in goal, but now I get regular messages about how teachers and coaches are struggling to find enough GK kit to supply the demand.”

For Hinch, this is a case of deja vu, she was voted Goalkeeper of the Year in 2016 as well. The unassuming goalkeeper says winning the award a second time has “overwhelmed” her, as has people’s reactions. “I quite often find myself getting recognised in the street, in shops, on trains and it still, and always will, feel so surreal and humbling when that happens. I think to myself, ‘well, if people can recognise me, the one who wears a mask most of the time, then they will definitely recognise the rest of girls.’”

For Vanasch, the award is symptomatic of just how far the Belgium team has come in the past few years. “When we look back at where Belgium has come from, it is quite incredible. I could never have imagined that I would pick up this award 10 years ago, but the team has just moved on incredibly.”

A silver medal at the Rabobank EuroHockey Championships and a gold medal at the Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Johannesburg were just two of the standout competitions for Belgium this year. Vanasch says, with a hint of mischievousness, that the best moment was a 5-0 win over close rivals Netherlands in the first game of the EuroHockey Championships.

While both ‘keepers are happy to celebrate their award right now, they are firmly focused on the year ahead. “We have a huge year ahead of ourselves as an English squad,” says Hinch. “It starts with the Commonwealth Games in April and is quickly followed by a home World Cup in July. As a squad we will be doing our utmost to make sure we head into both of those tournaments ready to perform at our very best and the World Cup in London is such a mouth watering prospect off the back of Rio. We have the chance reignite the excitement in the UK surrounding hockey and the thought of potentially medalling in front of a sell-out home crowd is just ridiculously exciting."

For the Belgium ‘keeper, the aim is simple. “I want to win the World Cup in India and I will be working hard to be at my best for that event.”

#HockeyStarsAwards

FIH site

Green Machine Squad For Azlan Shah Cup Announced



Following on from their second place finish at a 5 Nations tournament in Spain the Green Machine have now firmly set their sights on the upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. They will travel to Malaysia to face some of the world’s best teams in the form of Argentina, Australia, England, India and Malaysia. The tournament will run from March 3rd till 10th in Ipoh, Perak and with the world’s top two teams in attendance it will surely prove invaluable experience for the men in green.

Australia are riding high as they recently reclaimed the number 1 spot in the world and secured an impressive 6-1 victory over the Netherlands in a Perth match series. Alongside Australia, Argentina and India finished 2017 off in style as they rounded out the top 3 places at the World League Finals in India.

Head coach Craig Fulton said “This is a fantastic invite and a really important tournament for us as we will play four teams in the top eight. We will also play an ever improving Malaysian team at home in a packed stadium which is always a good experience for us and our Irish players to learn from and to deal with.

We also have the challenge of getting used to the heat, different kinds of food and the travel aspect of competition eight months out from the World Cup”.

Fulton continued “The squad selected for the Azlan Shah Cup has a strong blend of youth and experience. We are working hard as a squad on the back of our trip to Malaga to get a prepared as possible for this fantastic opportunity to play and test ourselves against some of the top teams in world hockey right now. We have our own ambitious objectives we want to achieves to it sets up an exciting challenge for us all”. 

Squad:

Jamie Carr- Three Rock Rovers
Mark Ingram- Pembroke
Lee Cole- Royal Oree
Jonny Bell- Lisnagarvey
Paul Gleghorne- Lisnagarvey
Sam O’Connor- Glenanne
Matthew Bell- Crefeld THC
Stuart Loughrey- Readin
Michael Robson- Lisnagarvey
Shane O’Donoghue- Glenanne
Chris Cargo- Hampstead & Westminster
Sean Murray- Lisnagarvey
Stephen Cole- Monkstown
Eugene Magee- Banbridge
Peter Caruth- Annadale
Julian Dale- Cork Church of Ireland
Johnny McKee- Banbridge
Alan Sothern- Pembroke

Ireland Schedule (all times listed are local):

March 3rd at 20:30 Ireland vs Malaysia
March 4th at 18:00 Ireland vs Argentina
March 6th 16:00 Ireland vs England
March 7th 16:05 Ireland vs Australia
March 9th 18:05 Ireland vs Indi a
March 10th Final Placing Matches

Irish Hockey Association media release

Dale and O’Connor get call for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup ahead of C of I-Glens showdown


Glenanne’s Sam O’Connor. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Cork C of I’s Julian Dale and Glenanne’s Sam O’Connor have received the biggest call-ups of their international careers, earning a place in the Irish men’s squad to play in the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia.

Dale has nine caps with O’Connnor on seven but neither will have experienced anything of this magnitude to date. It follows Dale’s pair of goals against Scotland – his first international strikes – to nudge coach Craig Fulton for this inclusion while O’Connor showed up well in defence and has been in great form in the EY Hockey League.

The trip runs from March 3 to 10 and is one of the key preparation dates for the Green Machine in 2018 for November’s World Cup.

Ireland will play the Malaysian hosts in the opening game before facing Olympic gold medalists Argentina, England, world number one side Australia and India.

It is the first time Ireland have been invited to the prestigious competition which Australia, India and Malaysia are using as a fine-tuning build-up for the Commonwealth Games.

Head coach Craig Fulton said “This is a fantastic invite and a really important tournament for us as we will play four teams in the top eight. We will also play an ever improving Malaysian team at home in a packed stadium which is always a good experience for us and our Irish players to learn from and to deal with.

“We also have the challenge of getting used to the heat, different kinds of food and the travel aspect of competition eight months out from the World Cup.

“We are working hard as a squad on the back of our trip to Malaga to get a prepared as possible for this fantastic opportunity to play and test ourselves against some of the top teams in world hockey right now. We have our own ambitious objectives we want to achieves to it sets up an exciting challenge for us all.”

Dale is the sole Munster man in the Irish side with Conor and David Harte both on club duty with their professional clubs in Belgium and the Netherlands, respectively. Along with O’Connor, he is one of just two players who have not played a major international tournament while there are 14 of the European Championship squad involved.

Eugene Magee, Ireland’s most capped player, makes his comeback to the squad following an ankle injury that ruled him out of most of the pre-Christmas schedule.

On the home front, Friday night’s back-match between Banbridge and Lisnagarvey has been postponed yet again due to a frozen pitch, leaving Garvey on just eight games played with three to make up on the sides above them.

With four Garvey men in the Irish senior squad for Malaysia, where they will fit in all the back-matches will be a tricky job for their match secretary.

Cork C of I’s men belatedly play their first game of 2018, lining out against Glenanne on Saturday. It was originally scheduled for Sunday but, with cold weather forecast once again, they hope to beat the frost with the change of day.


Cork C of I’s Julian Dale. Pic: Adrian Boehm

C of I have already seen their away date in Co Tyrone against Cookstown scuppered by the weather while their Irish Senior Cup quarter-final date with Three Rock Rovers has also gone on the long finger.

As such, there is a danger of Neil Welch’s side going in under-cooked against leaders Glenanne who have wins in the league and the Leinster Senior Cup under their belt since the turn of the year.

Bann will hope they can get the go-ahead for their Sunday game against Railway Union but the forecast does not look great wth temperatures of between 0 and 2 degrees predicted.

The other three Sunday games have slightly better chances with Pembroke hosting Cookstown, Garvey going to Monkstown and Annadale at Three Rock though there are likely to be plenty of calls between the clubs to make sure they get the go-ahead.

Men’s EY Hockey League
Friday: Banbridge v Lisnagarvey, postponed due to frost
Saturday: Glenanne v Cork C of I, 3.30pm, St Andrews College
Sunday: Banbridge v Railway Union, 2.30pm, Havelock Park; Monkstown v Lisnagarvey, 4pm, The Merrion Fleet Arena; Pembroke Wanderers v Cookstown, 2.30pm, Serpentine Ave; Three Rock Rovers v Annadale, 2pm, Grange Road.

Ireland squad for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (March 3-10, 2018, Ipoh, Malaysia): Jamie Carr (Three Rock Rovers), Mark Ingram (Pembroke), Lee Cole (Royal Oree), Jonny Bell (Lisnagarvey), Paul Gleghorne (Lisnagarvey), Sam O’Connor (Glenanne), Matthew Bell (Crefeld THC), Stuart Loughrey (Reading), Michael Robson (Lisnagarvey), Shane O’Donoghue (Glenanne), Chris Cargo (Hampstead & Westminster), Sean Murray (Lisnagarvey), Stephen Cole (Monkstown), Eugene Magee (Banbridge), Peter Caruth (Annadale), Julian Dale (Cork C of I), Johnny McKee (Banbridge), Alan Sothern (Pembroke)

Fixtures: schedule (all times listed are local):
March 3: Ireland vs Malaysia, 8.30pm
March 4: Ireland vs Argentina, 6pm
March 6: Ireland vs England, 4pm
March 7: Ireland vs Australia, 4.05pm
March 9: Ireland vs India, 6.05pm
March 10: classification matches

The Hook

HI names 33 players for national camp ahead of CWG, Azlan Shah

NEW DELHI: Hockey India on Friday named a 33-member core probables list for a national camp ahead of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Commonwealth Games - the first two major events of what is going to be a gruelling season.

After an impressive outing in New Zealand where the Indian men's team tested its younger players, with four of them making their international debut, and even tasting victories against Japan, hosts New Zealand as well as World No.3 Belgium, the team will return to the national camp, starting Sunday, at the Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru.

It is a crucial year for the men's team with major events lined up starting with the prestigious 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018 between March 3 to March 10 followed by the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games starting April 4.

While the Asian Games in August will be a litmus test where the team will look to defend its gold medal in order to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games and retain the status of being Asia No.1.

The year will also see the team play against top nations at the FIH Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands and at the World Cup in Bhubaneswar.

While the next two weeks for chief coach Sjoerd Marijne will be about evaluating the team's performance in New Zealand, he also needs to ensure his men are mentally fresh and ready to embrace the challenge.

"The next two weeks will not just be about evaluating our performance in New Zealand but also to implement the changes to improve really fast.

"We have short time to ready the 18 players for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup but with a two-week break, I can expect the players to come back fresh and hungry for the ball," said Marijne.

Emphasising on the need to stay focused on improving their game, Marijne said, "I don't want the team to be busy with the things we cannot control such as outside pressure of winning.

"I want them to go match-by-match, tournament-by- tournament and embrace the challenge of playing big events. I need them to not just be physically at their 100 per cent but also mentally and for that we will work with players individually."

At the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, the team will play World. No 1 Australia, World No.2 Argentina as well as England, who are grouped with India at the Commonwealth Games.

About playing these world-class teams, Marijne said, "It will be another opportunity to gauge how close we are coming to the best teams in the world.

"We just did well against World No.3 in both New Zealand and the Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar, now we play World No.1 and World. No.2 which will be yet another chance to gain knowledge about their different playing styles."

Core Group:

Goalkeepers: Akash Anil Chikte, Suraj Karkera, PR Sreejesh, Krishan B Pathak

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Rupinderpal Singh, Birendra Lakra, Surender Kumar, Gurinder Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Sardar Singh

Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh, SK Uthappa, Sumit, Kothajit Singh, Satbir Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Simranjeet Singh, Harjeet Singh

Forwards: SV Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Armaan Qureshi, Affan Yousuf, Talwinder Singh, Sumit Kumar.

The Times of India

UniKL have two solid reasons to fight for TNB Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) hockey team have two compelling reasons to go all out to win the TNB Cup for the first time.

UniKL are highly motivated as they’re the first hockey club in Malaysia to have their own stadium – the Tengku Abdullah Hockey Stadium in Bangi.

And the players are also set to be rewarded handsomely if they land their first title in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) today.

UniKL president and chief executive officer, Prof Datuk Dr Mazliham Su’ud said UniKL’s policy was to duly reward the staff if targets were met.

“And the same applies to the hockey team,” said Mazliham.

He said UniKL were also committed to the team and the development of the game and they had justified their noble efforts with the setting up of their own stadium.

“UniKL are committed to their main objective of providing a platform for aspiring athletes to expose their talents at the highest level.

“This will create a bigger talent pool for the nation,” said Mazliham.

The Tengku Abdulah Hockey Stadium will be fully operational in April.

Besides the artificial pitch, the other facilities at the venue are the LED scoreboard, grandstand terrace, clubhouse, office premise, gymnasium, executive offices (for VIPs), changing rooms, meeting rooms, video rooms, medical room, press room, cold bath and sauna and Wall of Fame.

Mazliham said the venue would be used for future MHL matches besides being the team’s training ground.

“We also intend to hold coaching clinics for different age groups, develop a structured development programme for university students.”

UniKL will also offer academic programmes for budding athletes (starting with hockey, football and rugby) by the beginning of 2019 with the objective of preparing these young athletes for a career in sports and beyond.


The Star of Malaysia

Underdogs UniKL out to turn the tables on KLHC

By Aftar Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: An explosive affair is assured as KL Hockey Club (KLHC) and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) square off in the TNB Cup final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

Their roles ahead of the showdown could not be more different. KLHC, who have already won the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup and the Charity Shield, are the clear favourites.

UniKL, playing in only their first final since making their debut in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) in 2011, will start as the underdogs.

That lesser label, however, only makes UniKL more determined to defy the odds.

UniKL defender Baljit Singh Charun said he would bank on his experience to inspire his team to end their title drought.

The Kuala Lumpur-born Baljit helped Tenaga Nasional win the overall title three times in 2004, 2007 and 2009 before he joined UniKL in 2012.

“We know the odds are against us. KLHC are more experienced when it comes to finals. They also have calibre players in every department,” said Baljit, who was UniKL captain from 2012 to 2015.

“But we vow to give our best as nothing is impossible. We must rise to the occasion and play our hearts out.

“We’ve a good mix of local and foreign players too. We showed our credentials against KLHC by coming back from a three-goal deficit to hold them to a 3-3 draw in the Premier Division match.

“We just need to keep believing in ourselves that we can do it,” added Baljit, who was named the MHL’s best player in 2009.

UniKL can also count on Dutchman Jeroen Hertzberger, who has scored 12 goals so far (five field and seven from penalty corners), to give KLHC a hard time.

KLHC coach Chiow Chuan is bracing for a tough encounter with the university side.

“Our one main concern is our penalty corner conversion rate. We earned 12 penalty corners against Tenaga in the semi-final return leg but we converted just two.

“We’re under no pressure to win the final despite being the favourites.

“We’ve beaten UniKL twice in the league but it will be foolish to take them lightly as they have a great team with some exceptional players,” he added.

KLHC, powered by seven national players and six foreigners, have won the TNB Cup five times in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.



The Star of Malaysia

Golden Stick chase takes centre stage

By BRIAN YONGA


Kenya Police striker Amos Barkibir (left) vies for the ball with Joseph Ochido of Western Jaguars during a past match. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

With the Kenya Hockey Union men and women’s Premier League winners known and the relegated teams also confirmed, focus will be on the race for golden stick on the penultimate weekend of the 2017/2018 season.

Eight matches are on the cards this weekend with the focus on who will bag the top scorer’s accolade.

In the men’s Premier League, Strathmore University Gladiators forward Festus Onyango leads the race with 20 goals, two ahead of Kenya Police hitman Amos Barkbir, whose 18 goals have fired his side to their first title since 2013.

Sikh Union Nairobi’s Davis Wanangwe has shrugged off injury to bag 16 goals with Allan Odongo of Parklands and Chris Wokila of Greensharks following with 14 and 13 goals respectively. The top three scorers have the opportunity to add to their tallies with their respective teams playing their final matches this weekend.

MWANGI, OMAIDO IN TIGHT RACE

The women’s golden stick race is between Telkom’s Jackline Mwangi (25 goals) and her teammate Audrey Omaido 22 goals.

Outgoing men’s Premier League champions Gladiators take on Parkroad Badgers at 4pm on Saturday at City Park Stadium, with Police facing arch-rivals Butali Sugar Warriors on Sunday at the same venue.

Onyango has been the only bright spot to what has been a disappointing season for the Gladiators.

After winning the league title last season, Gladiators struggled to replicate the same form this term and are placed eighth. Onyango admits they faltered due to inexperience in the squad but wants to bag the top scorer's award.

“I want to win the award not just for me but for the entire team who have helped create the goals for me. It will be some sort of consolation to a bad season,” the Maseno School old-boy said.

Barkibir has certainly been the revelation of the season as his goals have helped fire Police to an impressive campaign, reclaiming the title after five barren years.

The soft-spoken lad has also been tipped to win the Most Valuable Player accolade after a glorious season that also saw him debut for the national team at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

With talismanic striker Moses Cheplaiti approaching the twilight of his career, Barkibir, 22, is ready to lead Police to more glory.

“I have learnt a lot from the senior players in the squad and it is because of them that I have chipped in with those goals. It is all down to team work,” Barkibir said.

Kenya Police clinched the title on January 13 after a 6-1 win over Kenyatta University Vultures and will be coronated next Sunday when the season comes to a close.

FIXTURES (All matches at City Park Stadium unless stated)

Saturday

National Men: MSC v Gorilla – 3pm (Mombasa), Multimedia v UON – 6pm
Premier Women: UON v KU Titans – 2pm
Premier Men: Sikh Union v TUK- 4pm, Strathmore v Parkroad – 4.30pm

Sunday

Premier Men: Kenya Police v Butali – 2pm
National Men: Mombasa West v Gorilla – 9am (Mombasa)
Premier Women: MSC v Vikings – 10.30am (Mombasa)

Daily Nation

Celebrating the Life of Hall of Fame Member Adele Boyd



USA Field Hockey celebrates the life of Adele Boyd, an individual with a contagious smile, bigger heart and field hockey enthusiast whose life work continues to resonate across the sport today. Adele, a member of USA Field Hockey's 1988 Hall of Fame class, passed away on January 27, 2018. We would like to extend our condolences and thoughts to Adele's family.

Boyd was a member of the U.S. Women's National Team from 1961-67. Beyond her athletic ability, she served as a national umpire, coach, officer and team selector. Her dedication to the game and athletics in general also earned mention and honor in the Ursinus College Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.

Content Courtesy of Bonnie Cook, Philadelphia Inquirer

Adele Pack Boyd, 85, of Plymouth Meeting, a gifted athlete and much-loved college coach, teacher and mentor, passed away Saturday, January 27, of complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at Abington Hospital.

A native of Glenside, Pa., Boyd graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1949 and Ursinus College in 1953, and earned a master’s degree in education from Temple University.

In 1954, she was hired by Cheltenham High School, where she taught English and physical education and coached the women’s field hockey, basketball and lacrosse teams.

In 1967, Boyd joined the faculty at Ursinus College as a professor of exercise and sport science. Five years later, she took over from Eleanor Snell as the field hockey head coach, beginning a 17-year run that included 16 winning seasons. Boyd stayed at the Collegeville-based school for 34 years.

Boyd guided the Lady Bears to three consecutive second-place finishes in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) national championship during the late 1970s. Her 1983 hockey squad won the Eastern College Athletic Conference title. Her teams were ranked among the top 20 in the nation, according to weekly AIAW rankings.

“Adele was one of the special women who have led Ursinus in so many ways,” said Laura Moliken, Ursinus College Director of Athletics. “Her contributions have been selfless; she will forever be a part of the great legacy and tradition of women’s sports here. I am grateful to have known Adele and to call her a friend.”

As a young woman, Boyd played field hockey, lacrosse, tennis and squash, but she was a standout in field hockey and tennis.

She was a member of the Philadelphia Association Team in field hockey from 1953 to 1967. She played on the U.S. Women's National Team from 1959 to 1967, and was captain.

A serious tennis player, she won the women’s singles and doubles championships many times at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, where she was a member for 56 years. She defeated much younger opponents. “She was brilliant strategically. She played tennis like it was geometry. She just knew the angles,” said her friend Della J. Micah.

Later, she was a national umpire in both field hockey and lacrosse.

Boyd believed in expanding the world of her field hockey players. She took them to New Zealand, The Netherlands, Britain, Canada and Ireland.

“I tried to make sure we went beyond Perkiomen or beyond Pottstown," said Boyd, in a 2016 interview conducted by Ursinus College. "We went abroad. Opening the doors to people and seeing what the world had to offer was neat. I’m most proud of all the people who went through the program with me.”

Candi Parry, a former field hockey player at Ursinus College who coached field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse at the college level, said Boyd was the right combination of athletic know-how and people skills.

“She was an athlete herself and the complete package as a coach," mentioned Parry. "That’s rare. She knew when to nudge someone and when to back off. She came to our weddings. She was everything you would want as your kid’s coach.”

Former student Debbie Ryan said Boyd was a “fantastic” field hockey coach. “She was one of those people that were able to inspire someone to do so much more than they thought they could," continued Ryan. "There wasn’t one person that didn’t love Adele. She knew the players – what they liked and didn’t like. She was extremely fair, and someone who could bring out the best in you and knew how to handle you.”

Ryan went on to have a career as a women’s basketball coach at the University of Virginia. “Adele inspired me to be who I was as a women’s basketball coach,” said Ryan. “My experience at Ursinus was so positive.”

In 1993, Boyd received the Heritage Award, given by the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in recognition of her contributions to the growth of women’s athletics.

An inaugural member of the USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame, she also is enshrined in the Ursinus College Hall of Fame for Athletes, Cheltenham High School Hall of Fame and Philadelphia Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Boyd retired in 2001 as a professor emeritus and associate director of athletics at Ursinus College. In retirement, she traveled widely and volunteered at the William Jeanes Memorial Library in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., and the Conshohocken Free Library.

In addition to her friend Micah, she is survived by a cousin, Dr. Robert Parsons Sr.

A celebration of life will be held at noon Sunday, May 20, at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, 415 W. Willow Grove Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118. Burial is private.

USFHA media release