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News for 20 May 2018

All the news for Sunday 20 May 2018


Women's Donghae Asian Champions Trophy 2018 - Final day
Donghae City (KOR)

CHN v MAS (3rd/4th Place)     2 - 0
IND v KOR (Final)     0 - 1

Final placings

1. Korea
2. India
3. China
4. Malaysia
5. Japan

FIH Match Centre



Hockey girls hold S Korea to a draw


Lalremsiami (centre) celebrates with teammates. HI

Young forward Lalremsiami’s equaliser earned India a 1-1 draw against South Korea in the last round-robin match at the fifth Asian Champions Trophy women’s hockey tournament today.

With the draw, the Indian team led by defender Sunita Lakra go into the final tomorrow as the table-toppers. They remain unbeaten in the tournament, having won against Japan (4-1), China (3-1) and Malaysia (3-2).

Despite South Korea’s attacking game from the start, India managed to win the first penalty corner of the match in the fourth minute, but dragflicker Gurjit Kaur’s attempt was thwarted by the goalkeeper. Subsequently, though India made forays into the striking circle, breaking Korea’s defence was an uphill task.

Breakthrough

World No. 9 South Korea were the first to get a breakthrough when they forced an error to win a short corner in the opening minute of the second quarter. Seul Ki Cheon was brilliant with her dragflick as she struck the ball to the right corner of the goal, making it almost impossible for the Indian goalkeeper Savita to make a save.

After a barren third quarter, an infringement while attempting to defend a shot on goal by a Korean attacker led India to concede a penalty corner at the start of the fourth quarter. Korea tried an ambitious variation but could not score.

Immediately after that, Lalremsiami helped India win a penalty corner. Gurjit’s dragflick rebounded off the goalkeeper’s pads, but Lalremsiami was quick to pick the ball and flick it into the goal to equalise scores at 1-1.

In the 54th minute, Korea won another penalty corner but goalkeeper Swati was splendid with her save. Though both the teams upped their ante, they could not score thereafter.

The two teams will face each other again in the final clash tomorrow.

The Tribune



Indian women's hockey team hold South Korea to 1-1 draw


India v/s South Korea , Twitter @TheHockeyIndia

The Indian women's hockey team held hosts Korea to a 1-1 draw in the fourth round-robin match of the 5th Women's Asian Champions Trophy at the Sunrise Stadium on Saturday.

With this draw, the Indian team, led by defender Sunita Lakra, go into the final on Sunday as the table toppers.

Earlier in the tournament, India had defeated Japan (4-1), China (3-1) and Malaysia (3-2).

Despite Korea's high press right from the start of the match, India managed to win the first penalty corner of the match in the fourth minute. But drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur's flick was padded away by the Korean goalkeeper. Though

India made forays into the striking circle, breaking Korea's defence was an uphill task.

Korea, meanwhile, were the first to make a breakthrough when they forced an error to win a penalty corner in the opening minute of the second quarter. Seul Ki Cheon was brilliant with her drag-flick as she struck the ball to the right corner of the post almost making it impossible for India goalkeeper Savita to save.

The following minutes was tense as Korea played out their defensive best to keep India from scoring.

After no goals by either teams in the third quarter, an infringement while attempting to defend a shot on goal by Korean attacker led to India concede a penalty corner at the start of the fourth quarter.

An ambitious variation by Korea however didn't help score the goal as it was off the mark. Almost immediately, forward Lalremsiami helped India win a penalty corner. While Gurjit's flick rebounded off goalkeeper pads, Lalremsiami was quick to pick up the ball and make a diving effort to flick it into the goal post equalizing the score to 1-1.

The hard-fought action heated by in the final quarter with both teams hunting for a lead. In the 54th minute, Korea won another penalty corner but goalkeeper Swati was splendid in her effort to block the goal. Though both teams upped their ante in attack, they could not muster a goal with the match ending in a stalemate.

Daily News & Analysis



Dharmaraj's charges meet China for bronze

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian women's hockey team will play China for bronze in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Donghae, South Korea, Sunday.

This is a repeat of the 2013 ACT in Kakamigahara, Japan, and back then Malaysia beat China 3-1 to finish third.

However in Korea, Malaysia lost to China 3-1 in the pool match, but that is not going to stop coach K. Dharmaraj's women from dreaming big again.

Malaysia are ranked 22nd in the world while China eighth, while in Asia its China number two and Malaysia number five.

And in Asia, Malaysia are the only active hockey nation which did not qualify for the women's World Cup -- while China, India, South Korea and Japan will be playing in England on July 21-Aug 5.

"All my players have shown strong commitment in the ACT and even though the rest of the teams are higher ranked than us in Asia as well as in the world, we still gave them a fright or two.

"And in the battle for bronze, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We played China in the pool and know what t expect from them. It will be a tough game which can go either way," said Dharmaraj.

He has been coaching the women's team for more than two years and his charges have shown tremendous improvement.

In Donghae, Malaysia beat Japan 3-2 and lost narrowly to India (3-2) and South Korea (3-1).

"The young players which I included for the ACT have shown potential, and I believe will be assets in the near future."

Dharmaraj took a brave stand to select 18-year-olds Nur Maizatulhanim Syafi and Nor Asfarina Isahyifika for the ACT after both impressed him in the recent Asian Hockey 5s Youth Olympics Qualifier in Bangkok, Thailand.

And they repaid his faith, by blending in well with the seniors in Donghae.

South Korea and India will play for the gold.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey



Aussies overcome Vantage Black Sticks


Photo: www.photosport.nz

Australia’s Hockeyroos have come away with a 4-1 result over the Vantage Black Sticks Women at the Pioneer Energy Women’s Tri Nations in Cromwell.

Australia came out firing in a rematch of last month’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games final, opening the scoring in just the second minute through a Jodie Kenny penalty corner flick.

The Kiwis knuckled down after the goal and equalised in the eighth minute when Olivia Merry put a shot into the back of the net.

The Hockeyroos grabbed the lead again through a Brooke Peris penalty corner strike to carry a 2-1 lead into the halftime break.

Momentum went Australia’s way in the second half with goals from Lily Brazel (41’) and Kalindi Commerford (57’) sealing the result.

Vantage Black Sticks head coach for the series Sean Dancer said it was a disappointing performance.

“We showed a lack of composure early on which led to cards and ultimately put more pressure on us. Overall it was a disappointing first half performance with Australia dominating,” he said.

“The second half saw us connect much better and create some good opportunities but we were unable to score.

“We’ll use tomorrow to refocus and prepare well for the next two games knowing we need to come out and play better.”

Australia and Japan face off at 6:30pm tomorrow while the Kiwis have a rest day ahead of their next clash against Japan at 6:30pm on Tuesday night.

The Pioneer Energy Women’s Tri Nations is proudly supported by presenting partner Pioneer Energy and the Central Otago District Council.

Odds for games at the Tri Nations are available at www.tab.co.nz along with a special promotion. Simply download the TAB app, set up a new account, deposit $20 using the promo code 'HOCKEY' and TAB will boost your account with a further $20 as well as give $20 to Hockey New Zealand.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS 1: (Olivia Merry)
AUSTRALIA 4: (Jodie Kenny, Brooke Peris, Lily Brazel, Kalindi Commerford)
Halftime: Australia 2-1

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Hockeyroos Open Tri Nations With Impressive Win

Ben Somerford


Jodie Kenny opened the scoring in the second minute

The Hockeyroos have commenced the 2018 Tri Nations series with a strong 4-1 win over hosts New Zealand in Cromwell on Sunday.

Jodie Kenny, Brooke Peris, Lily Brazel and Kalindi Commerford scored the goals as Australia claimed a small piece of revenge for last month’s Commonwealth Games gold medal match defeat to the Black Sticks.

Kenny opened the scoring early but New Zealand leveled through Olivia Merry in the first quarter.

Peris restored Australia’s lead in the second term and the Hockeyroos raced away with the win in defender Edwina Bone’s 150th game, with goals in both the third and fourth quarters.

Australia are top of the standings while New Zealand are third after also losing to Japan 2-1 on Saturday.

Kenny, playing her 197th game for Australia, put the Hockeyroos ahead in the second minute from a penalty corner, but Merry equalized in the eighth minute.

Australia reclaimed the lead just before half-time through Peris.

Merry was yellow carded early in the third but Australia couldn’t capitalize until Brazel scored her maiden international goal in the 41st minute.

Commerford, in just her 10th international game, put the icing on the cake with the final goal in the 57th minute.

Australia are next in action on Monday against Japan from 4.30pm AEST.

New Zealand 1 (Merry 8’)
Australia 4 (Kenny 2’, Peris 27’, Brazel 41’, Commerford 57’)

Hockey Australia media release



Black Sticks women hammered 4-1 by Australia in gold medal rematch


Australia celebrate one of their four goals in their comfortable win over New Zealand. CLARE TOIA-BAILEY/PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand's Commonwealth Games women's hockey gold medallists thudded back to earth, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Australia to continue their winless start to the Tri-Nations tournament in Cromwell.

A day after conceding a late winner to Japan, who beat them 2-1, the Black Sticks were no match for the team they beat 4-1 in the Gold Coast gold medal match last month.

It started promisingly for New Zealand when Olivia Merry scored inside the first 10 minutes to lock it up 1-1 after Australia's Jodie Kenny opened the scoring from a penalty corner.


Black Stick Anita McLaren and Australia's Renee Taylor during their Tri-Nations match in Cromwell. CLARE TOIA-BAILEY/PHOTOSPORT

But Australia gradually took control, scoring in each of the next three quarters via Brooke Peris, Lily Brazel and Kalindi Commerford at the Central Otago Sports Club.

Black Sticks head coach Sean Dancer - standing in for Mark Hager for the tournament - was unimpressed.

"We showed a lack of composure early on which led to cards and ultimately put more pressure on us. Overall it was a disappointing first half performance with Australia dominating," Dancer said.

"The second half saw us connect much better and create some good opportunities but we were unable to score."

The Black Sticks are without five players from their Commonwealth Games victory: Stacey Michelsen, Sam Charlton, Liz Thompson and Amy Robinson all injured and Pippa Hayward retired.


Ella Gunson in control for New Zealand but they struggled to crack Australia's defence in a 4-1 defeat. CLARE TOIA-BAILEY/PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand get another chance to make amends as they meet Japan on Tuesday and Australia on Wednesday before the tournament playoffs, as they build up to the World Cup in London in July.

Stuff



New Zealand women's hockey team seeks bigger prize than Commonwealth Games gold

IAN ANDERSON


Rose Keddell of New Zealand is congratulated by her team-mates after scoring their second goal during the women's gold medal match against Australia. GETTY IMAGES

Mark Hager and the Black Sticks are hoping Commonwealth Games gold won't be their brightest reward this year.

The New Zealand women's hockey team, which began a Tri-Nations series against Australia and Japan in Cromwell on Saturday, wants further success on a bigger scale.

"The World Cup has been the biggest target," coach Hager said of the tournament starting in England in July.

A comprehensive 4-1 win over hosts Australia in the Games gold medal match in April has raised expectations and Hager believes the timing works well.

READ MORE: Five changes for Black Sticks

"What's happened in the past is we've normally had the World Cup first then the Comm Games," Hager said.

"We've normally peaked for the Comm Games and not the World Cup.


Stacey Michelsen celebrates the winning shootout goal in the semifinal against England. GETTY IMAGES

"There's a little more time in between too - we've usually had a Comm Games and then a World Cup a month later, this time we've got a good couple of months to build up some momentum."

Prior to the World Cup, NZ will play build-up matches in Germany against Holland, Argentina and Germany - ranked one, three and six in the world, with the Black Sticks ranked fourth.

"It'll either be a good wake-up call for us or ... it'll identify and test some of our weaknesses."

Hager said the Tri-Nations tournament - which sees assistant coach Sean Dancer assuming the reins from Hager - gives them a good chance to test and blood some players.

"We're looking at everyone in our squad as a possible for the World Cup, so it's quite exciting.

"We want to try some people in different positions, we want to try a few different tactics. Both these teams we're playing against are in our World Cup pool - we play Belgium, Japan and Aussie.

"So there will be a bit of cat-and-mouse from all of us. Aussie made six changes from the Commonwealth Games, while Japan have split their team in two - they're currently playing in an Asian Champions Trophy, so their team will probably be different from one we'll see at the World Cup."

The decisive moment in New Zealand's triumphant Gold Coast campaign came when they defeated England in a shootout - after enduring a string of agonising defeats in sudden-death moments at major tournaments.


Tarryn Davey is one of the side's young talents. GETTY IMAGES

​Hager said it brought a sense of relief.

"That we were finally able to get over that hurdle of a shootout - particularly in a tough game and against that quality of opposition in particular. Maddy Hinch, their goalkeeper is rated as No 1 in the world, so to do well against her obviously gave us the confidence.

"We'd won some little tournaments along the way, but we'd never cracked I suppose a big one. We'd been in a couple of World League finals, Olympics where we didn't quite get over the hurdle of the semifinals and then last year in the World League we got over a quarterfinal, a semifinal and then in the end the Dutch were just too good for us in the final.

"So to get over that hurdle I suppose shows we are moving in the right direction.

"Sometimes it's a numbers game - we were due to win one eventually and it came at the right time."

​Hager praised the depth of talent in the squad; something the coaching staff is trying to bolster further during the current series.

"What I think we did well is that we didn't have a weak player - everyone contributed," he said.

"But every individual player knows they can get better, just with their basic skill level, how we play, the structure we want to play.

"We're still a relatively young team - we've got some good experienced players but there's a lot of players (Frances Davies, Tarryn Davey, Lulu Tuilotolava) we've brought in that are inexperienced and we can grow some more depth in the group."

AT A GLANCE

Black Stick women's squad: Goalkeepers: Grace O'Hanlon, Sally Rutherford. Defenders: Frances Davies, Kim Tanner, Rose Keddell, Steph Dickins, Ella Gunson, Brooke Neal. Midfielders: Anita McLaren, Shiloh Gloyn, Lulu Tuilotolava, Tarryn Davey. Attackers: Maddy Doar, Sam Harrison, Kelsey Smith, Michaela Curtis, Kirsten Pearce, Olivia Merry.        

Stuff



Green Machine Beat Germany 2-1



Germany started today’s match a lot brighter than yesterday and held onto possession for much of the opening minutes. Niklas Bruns was the first to test David Fitzgerald in the Irish goal but the Monkstown keeper was up to the challenge of the reverse shot sent his way. The first penalty corner of the game fell to Germany and Niklas Bosserhoff’s drag flick looked destined for the bottom corner but Lee Cole, earning his 50thcap today, cleared the shot off the line. Timm Herzbruch’s goal came from a pacey break by the German’s and he fired a reverse into the far corner; Fitzgerald got a glove to it but the ball bobbled over the line despite Paul Gleghorne’s best diving efforts.

2 goals in the opening 90 seconds of the second half changed the look of the game. Jeremy Duncan bulldozed his way down the left side and sent a ball across goal which Shane O’Donoghue deflected past Mark Appel. Moments later Matthew Nelson doubled his sides tally as he shot past Appel following a good pass from Conor Harte. But the German’s upped the pressure and at one stage all 11 Irish men were back defending in their own 25. Fitzgerald was on hand to keep the lead intact as he made a strong glove save from Niklas Wellen’s close range shot. Germany were searching for the equalizer and opted to pull Appel in favour of a kicking back. 2 PC’s in the dying moments could have spoiled the party for the Green Machine but Jonny Bell made a superb save on the line from Christoper Ruhr’s reverse strike.

Ireland 2 (O’Donoghue, Nelson)
Germany 1 (Herzbruch)

Starting: J Bell (Captain), M Bell, C Cargo, M Nelson, S O’Donoghue, M Darling, D Fitzgerald, D Walsh, C Harte, J Duncan, L Cole

Subs: J Carr, J Jackson, A Sothern, K Shimmins, O Magee, M Robson, P Gleghorne

Irish Hockey Association media release



Stunning second salvo sees Ireland beat world number fives


Coach Craig Fulton made some key tactical changes. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Two stunning goals in the first three minutes of the second half saw Ireland beat Germany 2-1 at Serpentine Avenue, taking the laurels from their two-game series with the world number five side into the bargain.

Coach Craig Fulton said afterwards he was much more concerned with testing facets of play than the overall result but did admit it was “great for sure” to win against the Olympic bronze medalists.

Developing some alternative strategies, however, was very much the aim of the game for this week with switches between man-to-man and zonal systems.

“We are in a different phase, trying out new tactics and in a position to do it outside of competition-mode like the last year or 14 months and this is a good starting point.

“Honestly, I am not too worried about the result but we looked at this weekend as eight quarters with different objectives in each of them to try and nail them.

“We didn’t do it all but that’s nice and give us something to work on. It’s been a really long league season; to come in, train and then go into back-to-back games against Germany was a good performance.”

The Honamas started in thunderous fashion with an aggressive high press. Johannes Grosse drew an excellent strong boot from David Fitzgerald while Lee Cole – on his 50th cap – did well to volley away a drag-flick off the line.

Hannes Muller also tipped a chance inches wide before Timm Herzbruch made the breakthrough with a powerful reverse, finishing off a three on two break in the 14th minute.

The second quarter was much tighter with Ireland getting on the ball far more and causing more problems. Teo Hinrichs’ overlaps down the right did see Germany get in behind the defence a couple of times but nothing came of the subsequent crosses.

Ireland did not have a single shot in the first half but within three minutes of the restart, they found themselves 2-1 in front courtesy of two very classy pieces of work.

Jeremy Duncan got to the baseline to deliver a cross for Shane O’Donoghue to tip in to tie things up 45 seconds in; it was his third time scoring in wins over Germany.

Two minutes later, some excellent ball retention ended with an incisive pass from Conor Harte to Matthew Nelson in the circle.

With back to goal, he quickly unleashed a reverse that beat Mark Appel all ends up. Germany got back into a possession-based groove but they found slim pickings in and around the circle.

Niklas Wellen’s rising shot was palmed away by Fitzgerald and, as time wore on, it was the green machine that probably should have killed the game off.

Tobias Walter came in for the last 15 minutes and denied Alan Sothern from a baseline shot after Mitch Darling’s drive while O’Donoghue’s flip at goal was head-butted to safety.

It almost proved costly as Dieter Linnekogel forced a glove save from Fitzgerald while Germany won a corner on the final whistle. Jonny Bell spectacularly volleyed off the line though Bruce Bale would probably have ruled out the effort had he missed due to a combination of Christopher Ruhr’s back-stick and dangeously high shot.

“We struggled in the first half; they put on a good press in the man to man phase,” Fulton reflected. “We didn’t hold the ball and couldn’t get it out but we settled at half-time and rethought the process. It was all us then for five minutes and yielded us those two goals so lots of positives.”

A feature of the weekend was the goalkeeping performances of Jamie Carr and Fitzgerald in the absence of David Harte.

Fulton said his goalkeeing coach deserves much of the credit, adding that Mark Ingram is also on form: “In Mr Nigel Henderson, we probably have our best kept secret. We have four top quality goalkeepers; Jamie had a stormer on Friday, Fitzy was great after a long while away.”

Indeed, he was one of three players who were in Rio along with John Jackson and Mitch Darling who returned this week. For Jackson, he has become a father while Darling will get married this summer as life moves on apace.

“A lot has happened after the Olympics and it’s a big block of time to get your life back on track. And then to make even more time for your hockey, it’s indicative of them and they still want to be part of this team which is a major positive and we reap the benefits.”

Men’s international test match
Ireland 2 (S O’Donoghue, M Nelson)
Germany 1 (T Herzbruch)

Ireland: D Fitzgerald, J Bell, M Bell, C Cargo, M Nelson, S O’Donoghue, M Darling, D Walsh, C Harte, J Duncan, L Cole
Subs: J Jackson, A Sothern, K Shimmins, O Magee, M Robson, P Gleghorne, J Carr

Germany: M Appel, M Haner, J Meyer, N Wellen, T Herzbruch, D Linnekogel, F Weinke, C Ruhr, B Furk, A Boeckel, M Rothlander
Subs: M Kapaun, H Muller, T Hinrichs, N Bosserhoff, J Grosse, N Bruns, T Walter

The Hook



Monkstown fightback gives theirs and Irish hopes huge boost in Euro Trophy


Monkstown following their 3-2 win over Lille. Pic: gpfoto.ie

Monkstown gave theirs – and Irish hockey’s – hopes of avoiding relegation to the third tier of women’s European club competition a massive boost as they came from behind to beat France’s Lille.

They trailed early on but a thunderbolt from Sadhbh Hoban-Logan in the second half kick-started an excellent last half hour for a deserved win.

The French side started well and went 1-0 in front from a cleverly worked corner move, Hye Lyoung Han getting a touch up and over Liz Murphy. Another corner was blocked out soon after but Town started to get more into it toward the end of the first quarter.

The over-lapping Rosie Carrigan won a corner which turned into a second from which Natalie Esteves slapped into the stick-side corner for 1-1.

The second quarter was rugged with some robust challenges and close chances. Elysee Lecas fired inches wide while Lily Lloyd’s good skills were not matched by a finish as she chipped over the bar on the backhand.

Monkstown went in front for the first time five minutes into the second half when Sadhbh Hoban-Logan scored an absolute peach, a 70-metre counter-attack that ended with a rasping shot from the right edge of the circle.

Laetitia Canon levelled within a few minutes from another clever corner move, worked back to the injector to touch home.

But Monkstown restored their advantage in the 43rd minute via a Rosie Carrigan stroke. It was contentiously awarded with the angled shot – from a left switch – looking to be heading wide when it hit the foot which was deemed to have stopped a certain goal.

Town defended the final quarter particularly well with Esteves key at the back as they did not concede a further corner nor shot of note.

“We’re over the moon,” said coach Gareth Watkins afterwards. “We said before the start that we know we have had a tough season but this format means that if you get a win from any of your three games in the group stage or even a point, you can battle and so this is huge.”

The bottom side in each group will be relegated and so, barring a shock Lille win over Russian side Krylatskoye and a swing in goal difference, Monkstown are in great shape to avoid bottom spot in the group.

Prior to this weekend, that was the realistic target given the turnover of players. Some of the panel have been with the side since Monkstown played in Division 7, Rachel Diggin has risen from the fifth team at the start of last term and numerous others have stepped up, too, in different ways.

“There was that big change over the summer and we did find ourselves scrambling last summer. To be fair, the girls have come together really well as a group.

“We knew it would be a tough start but that we could get better and learn. It was a steep learning curve, especially for those stepping up for the first time.

“For the last six or eight weeks, we were there or thereabouts. The girls yesterday were disappointed with the performance but it was a big step up today.”

Colliers International Women’s EuroHockey Club Trophy
Monkstown 3 (N Esteves, S Hoban-Logan, R Carrigan)
Lille 2 (H-L Han, L Canon)

The Hook



Mixed bag for Scots teams in club Euros day 2

Grange men clocked up their first victory of the weekend in Vienna on the second day of European club hockey tournaments, but Edinburgh University women were held to a 1-1 draw  and Clydesdale Western were defeated at Peffermill.

Braxgata HC 4-0 Clydesdale Western

A lighting start by Braxgata HC with saw four goals in the first quarter, and three in the first five minutes, as Clydesdale Western lost their second game of Women’s Club Challenge I at Peffermill.

The early opening goal for the Belgian side Braxgata came when the ball was slammed high into the net by Barbara Nelen after a swift move from the right.

It quickly went to 2-0 when a slick break down the left saw the ball switched to the far post by Julie Halsberghe for an easy tap in.

The game was five minutes old when it went to 3-0 with another tap in at the far post, this time by Silke Steenackers, to extend the lead.

It went to 4-0 just before the end of the first quarter. A great initial save by Jessica Buchanan still couldn’t stop the Belgians and it was tapped home from close range by Halsberghe for her second.

The second quarter saw Western battle back into the contest and create an opportunity for Lexi Sabatelli but they were unable to penetrate the Belgian defence.

A great double save by Buchanan kept the Belgians at bay early in the second half, before another double save in the final quarter.

The game was won in the first quarter and it ended 4-0 in the sun at Peffermill.

Grange 4-0 Poznan

Grange men made up for their opening day defeat of Men’s EuroHockey Club Trophy with a blistering 4-0 win over Poznan in Vienna.

Despite a good start by Grange it was the Poles who nearly took the lead in seven minutes, but an excellent save by Nathan Docherty kept the score level. At the end of the opening quarter Frank Ryan was denied by a good save after a run at the baseline.

Grange opened the scoring just before half time and it was Michael McKenzie who provided the strike when he flicked the rebound at a penalty corner over the advancing goalkeeper.

The second goal for Grange came shortly after half time and it was Ryan who fired a low strike to the keeper’s left for the goal.

Up the other end of the pitch and Docherty produced two saves in a row from penalty corner routines to keep Grange in the driving seat.

The game was sealed when Callum Milne made it 3-0 in the final quarter before Calum McKenzie scored a fourth for Grange right before full time.
 
Swansea 1-1 Edinburgh University

Edinburgh University was held to a 1-1 draw against Swansea to round off day 2 of Women’s Club Challenge I in Peffermill.

It was a close opening to the contest and the opening goal nearly went the way of Swansea but the Edinburgh students were alert and survived two penalty corners.

The students then tested the Swansea keeper with a couple of penalty corners of their own, prompting low saves by Anna Lugg-Morris to deny them the lead.

As the quarter continued University took control and peppered the Swansea goal with a succession of shots on target.

They came especially close when a move down the right saw the ball zipped across goal but Ellie Hutcheson couldn’t connect to bag the goal.

A deserved goal soon arrived just before half time and it was scored by the captain, Zara Malseed to the delight of her team mates.

The delight was short lived as Swansea equalised right away, the ball bounced around in the D and was finished at the far post by Livvy Hoskins.

The third quarter was a tight affair with neither side getting a grip of the contest or creating any chances of note.

As the match neared a conclusion it was Edinburgh University pressing for a winner. They nearly got it when Sam Judge’s penalty corner fell nicely for Hanna McKie, but her effort looped over the bar.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



And the Winners of the England Hockey Awards 2018 are ..


Kettering Club of the Year 2018

Saturday 19th May clubs across the country came together to celebrate the incredible work they have been up to create a nation where hockey matters.
The big winner of the night was Kettering Hockey club claiming Notts Sport Club of the Year.

The Winners

Men’s Senior Performance Player – Phil Roper
Men’s Junior Performance Player – Jack Waller
Investec Senior Performance Player – Laura Unsworth
Investec Junior Performance Player – Tess Howard

Howden Men’s Team of the Year - Ashmoor 1st XI

It has been a remarkable season for the Devon based team who, formed in 2003, have worked its way up from the bottom tier of league hockey. The team have won the Championship division, and in doing so have been promoted to the top tier of the regional outdoor league the first time in their history. Their achievements have been done with almost entirely home grown, nurtured and developed talent! The first team players have also strongly represented the values and ethos of Ashmoor as a welcoming and inclusive family orientated community hockey club catering for all abilities and ages.

Investec Women’s Team of the Year - Pendle Forest 1st XI

The team has gone through the season without a loss and won back to back promotions. They have a full range of ages in the team proving it is worth giving youth the chance to shine. The team are a superb set role models to the juniors. The club has grown from strength to strength since its inception, and has recently developed a working partnership with a community college. The use their astro-turf has enabled the club to run junior training sessions with over 50 members starting from seven years upwards. There is a real family atmosphere throughout the club, socialising off the pitch as well as playing together on it. 

MJ Events Unsung Club Hero Jen Clark – Wick Hockey Club

Jen lives and breathes the game with her whole social calendar revolving around hockey! Jen has helped create a wealth of memories for Wick players but what she finds most rewarding is seeing players develop their skills and confidence on the pitch. She understands the limits of the club and the need to move players on to bigger and better clubs where talent can be developed further. Alongside all this, Jen is a great friend to all, both on and off the pitch and over the years she has supported everyone through life’s highs and lows. Wick is a wonderful hockey family that is largely down to its beating heart – Jen. Because of her, the future of Wick is looking bright!

Coach of the Year Matt Parker – Ilkeston HC

Matt has volunteered as a coach at Ilkeston HC for the last three years. His support, skills and knowledge have helped the club and its members thrive in recent years. Matt has a great ability to put people at ease and pitch his coaching activities well with our mixed ability group we often have, which has been invaluable. His calm and respectful nature towards adults returning to hockey at our back to hockey sessions has worked well and as a result Matt managed to retain people and then progress them through into the team training sessions. Over the season Matt has taken time to also coach players on an individual basis too.

Lifetime Achievement

Mike Ward

He has played for 3 different hockey teams and was a member and is a Vice-President of Bournemouth Hockey Club (1965 to present). Fixture Secretary for 25 years and Secretary for 15 years and a former SCHUA umpire and currently Hampshire HUA assessor and coach (1978 to present). Co-founder and first Secretary, then Chairman of the Men's South Hockey League for 47 years (1971 to present), being the first and still largest hockey league in the country of some 650 teams. Hampshire Men’s League Secretary for 47 years (1971 to present)  and President of Hampshire Men's County Hockey Association and currently Chairman of Hampshire County HA, for 42 years (1976 to present). Only member serving throughout the ten-year existence of the HA/AEWHA joint/merger committee and co-writer of the English Hockey Association (EHA) constitution (1987-1997). Member of England Hockey Constitutional Committee and affiliations working group (2004 to present).

Judith Nicholson

Looking through the hockey archives, Judith’s name is first mentioned in 1974, when she was one of 16 founder members of Welton Ladies Hockey Club, which went on to become the most successful ladies club in the Hull area. She was chair of that club from 1976 to 1985 and again from 1987 to 1989. Judith has been involved with the North Hockey Association, holding offices such as Vice President, President and Secretary. In recent years, despite fighting cancer and crippling arthritis that has necessitated two knee replacements; she has continued to work with senior hockey but has now become fully involved in the development of Junior hockey in the area. Judith works tirelessly for hockey and without her determination and commitment, many hockey players would not have got the opportunities to play and be successful in their chosen sport.

Official of the Year - Lee Barron

This year Lee has done everything there is in umpiring terms, from regional under 12’s to World Cup Finals. This started with the League Finals and Play Offs in April where Lee again umpired one of the semi finals and the final relegation game. Lee didn’t have much of a summer off this year as in June he headed to Namibia for the African Cup & Indoor World Cup Qualifier. As part of umpire development in the North, Lee is an active umpire coach and mentor for many of the Norths young and up and coming umpires. This year Lee will also hopefully have completed his Level 3 Umpire Coaching Award. He became one of only two male umpires to officiate in a second World Cup Final (Indoors) at a noisy Berlin.

Vitality Rising Star - Eleanor Godwin

Eleanor is now 18, and has been a Leicester hockey club member since she was 10. She is a well-liked and respected player, coach and friend. She has been an intrinsic part of the development and success of the new Club Junior Academy. She has taken the role as U14 coach with bundles of enthusiasm, and shows a natural coaching ability. Eleanor has her EH Sessional Coach award, the Safeguarding Certification and is also a Level 1 Assessed Umpire. Eleanor makes an effort to get to know every player and is extremely approachable and kind. Eleanor’s modest and unassuming nature, combined with a great sense of humour, make her an asset to the sport.

Innovation - Scarborough HC (for beach hockey)

Beach hockey is relaxed way to play hockey, it has no charge and is open to everyone to join with great exposure to the general public. On really hot days there were a lot of sand castles left to dribble around; getting tackled by a sand castle is a new experience that everyone should try. Passersby’s have been joining in with games and the Beach Big Dribble, sometimes the umpire has taken the dog lead so that the owners can have a run out! Even the local Police Officers have joined in! This has been great raising the profile of hockey and/or their club beach hockey can be for anyone.

Vitality Hockey Maker of the Year - Bev Barstow

Bev repeatedly gives up a phenomenal amount of time to train young generations in ball patrol; with so many applications for the Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup she has been travelling all over the country to undertake sessions with potential candidates and to review their skill set giving up both her weekends and evenings. Our Ball Patrol is seen one of the best in the world where other events aspire to, the FIH use her training plans to give to other events to use. A lot of her work is very behind the scenes, she even assisted from the UK in training ball patrol for the Olympics in Rio.

Well done to all nominees, it has been an incredible night celebrating all your hard work.

England Hockey Board Media release



Rajinder named HI president

He is currently the treasurer of Hockey Jammu & Kashmir


Rajinder Singh. 

Rajinder Singh was on Saturday named president of Hockey India (HI), following Mariamma Koshy’s resignation from the post.

Rajinder, a senior vice-president of HI, was earlier the treasurer of the national body and currently serves as the treasurer of Hockey Jammu & Kashmir.

“We are happy to name Mr. Rajinder Singh as the President of Hockey India from 19 May 2018 following the resignation of Ms. Mariamma Koshy.

‘Best wishes’

“We wish Mr. Rajinder Singh the best in this new role,” said the secretary-general of Hockey India Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad.

Koshy was appointed as the president in November 2016 following Narinder Batra’s decision to step down after being elected as the President of International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The Hindu



FIH Visibility Project gives hockey a bright future


Lighting is crucial not only for those on the field, but also for TV production Photo: FIH/Getty Images

When it comes to the delivery of major international hockey events, the need for a perfectly lit field of play is not optional - it is essential, and not just for the players.

World class TV production and distribution is one of the five key initiatives of the Hockey Revolution, which aims to the global status and popularity of the sport as part of our ambition to make hockey ‘a global game that inspires future generations’.

While advances broadcast technology means hockey is now televised to a standard previously unachievable, without good lighting the sport would be both metaphorically and figuratively in the dark. Thanks to the FIH’s Hockey Visibility Project, which has investigated all aspects of ball visibility on TV including lighting, turf and ball colours, the future is very bright indeed.

"The recent research done by the FIH Quality Programme in cooperation with the broadcasters and lighting companies will help to ensure that the requirements for lighting at our events will be as high as possible for years to come.”
Andy Oram, FIH TV and Broadcast Director

The Hockey Visibility Project, a central component of the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf, has been working closely with broadcasters and sports lighting companies to determine the best lighting and hockey turf colours that will allow the sport to maximise the quality of TV coverage at its events. At a time when the profile of the sport is growing faster than at any time in its long history, it is vital research that will ensure hockey can be televised in the best way possible.

The conclusions of the research - which was undertaken with the assistance of pioneering British sports broadcaster BT Sport and Polytan, FIH’s Official Hockey Turf Supplier for the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018, Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 and 2020 Olympic Games, have been factored into two FIH Facilities Guidance documents. These include the Sports lighting for broadcasting 11 a-side hockey, outdoors and  Televising hockey - recommended turf colours, both of which are available to download at www.fih.ch/facilities.

"The broadcasting and production standards of international hockey has moved into a completely new world in recent years with content being consumed across multiple platforms. Hockey is an incredibly fast paced and highly athletic game therefore our production principles and facility standards must evolve to keep up with the game today”, said FIH TV and Broadcast Director Andy Oram, who oversees the delivery of the TV production and content for the Federation. “With visionary production partners such as BT Sport they have allowed us to capture and see the game in a whole new way. The introduction of Ultra High Definition coverage utilising Super Slow and Ultra Motion cameras has brought the game to life on screen and raised the standards of how we should produce FIH events globally.”

He continued: “With the introduction of the Hockey Pro League and the new Event Portfolio, the recent research done by the FIH Quality Programme in cooperation with the broadcasters and lighting companies will help to ensure that the requirements for lighting at our events will be as high as possible for years to come.”

FIH site

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