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News for 21 October 2018

All the news for Sunday 21 October 2018


Men's Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018 - Day 3
Muscat (OMA)



Results 20 October

KOR v JPN (RR)     0 - 2
PAK v IND (RR)     1 - 3

Fixtures 21 October (GMT +4)

21:10     IND v JPN (RR)

Pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 India 2 2 0 0 14 1 13 6
2 Malaysia 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
3 Pakistan 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
4 Japan 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3
5 Korea 2 0 0 2 1 5 -4 0
6 Oman 2 0 0 2 1 14 -13 0

FIH Match Centre



Japan get into winning form with 2-0 triumph over South Korea

The Reigning Asian Games Champions register  their first victory at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018



MUSCAT: Asian Games gold medallists Japan got into winning form with a 2-0 victory over South Korea in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex here on Saturday.

Recovering from their three-goal loss to Malaysia in the tournament opener on Thursday, Japan’s goals came through penalty corner conversion by Shota Yamada in the 18th minute and an open field strike by Wataru Matsumoto in the 51st. Yamada was adjudged Hero Player of the Match.

Japan dominated the proceedings but faltered in adding to Yamada’s goal due to mistakes upfront. Japan’s captain, Genki Mitani said his team should have converted the chances into more goals. “We’re happy with the victory, but should have scored more goals,” said Mitani, who was pleased by the performance of his young players.

“Our young players may have erred in fully executing the game-plan but they gave a fine display,” he said.

Siegfried Aikman, Japan’s coach, expressed satisfaction in the manner the boys went all out looking for goals until the end. “We were stepping up all the time and kept playing an attacking game,” Aikman said. “The youngsters may have made some errors in their enthusiasm, but they played an enterprising game, maintained focus and created chances.”

“We were so much stronger that we should have scored more goals,” he added.

Asian Hockey Federation media release



Defending champions India rally from early deficit to defeat Pakistan 3-1

World No.5 India register their second successive win at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018


Neutral World Panel umpire Peter Wright awarding Pakistan their goal.

MUSCAT: Title holders India rallied after conceding a goal in the opening minute to defeat Pakistan 3-1 in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 in a fast encounter showcasing sub-continental hockey at the Sltan Qaboos Sports Complex here today.

Goals from captain Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh scored in open play to clinch India victory after Pakistan’s opening-minute strike by Muhammad Irfan Jr. on a penalty corner.

A capacity crowd was treated to an exhibition of clean attacking attacking hockey at its best in the showpiece preliminary league contest of the six-nation event.

Pakistan took the lead in the opening minute when Muhammad Irfan Jr. picked up a penalty corner rebound from goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh’s pads and scored with a deft flick into the goal’s left corner.

India went all out into the attack, forcing two penalty corners in the fourth minute and made a couple of forays into the rival circle, but Pakistan’s defenders kept them at bay.

Skipper Manpreet Singh restored parity for India in the 24th minute with a fine solo run down the centre as he dribbled past three defenders to flick the ball into the right corner, wide of goalkeeper Imran Butt’s reach.

Mandeep Singh put India ahead in the 31st minute by shrugging off his marker to create space in the circle and placing the ball in the goal’s left corner.

Young striker Dilpreet Singh increased the lead to 3-1 in the 42nd minute. Charging in from the right flank, Dilpreet fired a shot that was blocked by Pakistan’s custodian, but the striker picked up the rebound and swept the ball into the goal.

Asian Hockey Federation media release



India defeat Pakistan 3-1 in Asian Champions Trophy


Asian Championship Trophy , Hockey India

India convincingly defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat on Saturday.

While it were Pakistan who earned an early lead of 1-0 before India made it 2-1 just before the third quarter ended.

In the first quarter, a sloppy defensive work from the Indians from the goalmouth gave Pakistan their only goal this match. Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh made the initial save with his feet from the PC but he got helpless with the deflection, which is skillfully done by Irfan.

India equalised when there were only five minutes left in the second quarter. India’s Manpreet Singh powered past three Pakistan defenders like anything and rifled the ball to the bottom corner. There was a touch from a Pakistani player that carried the ball, but Manpreet ensured it was a goal.

India’s second goal was scored by Mandeep Singh in the third quarter before Dilpreet made it third for India in the same quarter.

Daily News & Analysis



India beat Pakistan 3-1 at Asian Champions Trophy to claim second win


Indian Men's Hockey Team , Twitter @TheHockeyIndia

India continued its dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan with a 3-1 win at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday.

Although the Indian side got off to a shaky start, crucial goals from captain Manpreet Singh, forward player Mandeep Singh and forward Dilpreet Singh helped India register their second consecutive victory in the ongoing tournament.

In the first quarter, Pakistan stunned the Indians by taking the lead as early as in the opening minute of the match through Muhammad Irfan Junior's strike. Goalkeeper Sreejesh had made the initial save with his feet from the PC but he could not stop the shot from the deflection.

Pakistan led 1-0 after first quarter. However, India equalised with only five minutes left in the second quarter.

Skipper Manpreet Singh drew parity for India as he powered past three Pakistan defenders and rifled the ball to the bottom corner. The teams went into the half-time break locked at 1-1.

India' second goal came minutes afrer the break as they took the lead in the 33rd minute through a field strike from Mandeep Singh. Mandeep maintained possession of the ball long enough to flick it backwards and help it seamlessly roll into the net.

The Indians extended their lead to 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute. halfback Lalit Upadhyay managed to make a fine pass to Dilpreet, which the latter meticulously converted for his fourth goal in the tournament so far.

Thereafter, the Indians defended in numbers as Pakistani forwards failed to breach the rival backline. It was India's second consecutive win in the tournament after having thrashed hosts Oman 11-0 in their opener.

India had defeated Pakistan 4-0 in the final edition of the Champions Trophy earlier in the year before registering a close 2-1 win over the arch-rivals in the Jakarta Asian Games.

India will next face Japan on Sunday while Pakistan will play against Oman on Monday.

India had won the inaugural edition in 2011, whereas Pakistan won the 2012 and 2013 editions by defeating India and Japan, respectively, before India won the 2016 edition by beating Pakistan in the final match.

Daily News & Analysis



India outpace Pakistan 3-1 in ACT


Manpreet Singh scored the first goal for India. AHF

India recovered from an early jolt to beat Pakistan 3-1 in their second Asian Champions Trophy match here today.

Manpreet Singh justified being given the captain's armband with an exceptional performance, worthy of the Man of the Match award. With India failing to find the equaliser, Manpreet brought his side back with a dogged run past three Pakistan players and a quick wrong-footed finish from the top of the circle.

Striker Mandeep Singh then provided another piece of magic as he broke the deadlock with a cheeky flick past the goalkeeper, despite having his back towards the goal. Dilpreet Singh then scored his fourth goal in two matches, the teenager finishing off a move started by his idol Akashdeep Singh.

The Tribune



India beat Pakistan 3-1 at Asian Champions Trophy hockey

India continued its dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan with a 3-1 win to register their second consecutive win at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Saturday.

India had defeated Pakistan 4-0 in the final edition of the Champions Trophy earlier in the year before registering a close 2-1 win over the arch-rivals in the Jakarta Asian Games.

But it was Pakistan who stunned the Indians by taking the lead as early as in the opening minute of the match through Muhammad Irfan Junior’s strike.

India, however, came back into the match in the second quarter when skipper Manpreet Singh (24th minute) drew parity for his side as both the teams went into the breather locked at 1-1.

India took the lead in the 33rd minute through a field strike from Mandeep Singh. The Indians extended their lead to 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute.

Thereafter, the Indians defended in numbers as Pakistani forwards failed to breach the rival backline. It was India’s second consecutive win in the tournament after having thrashed hosts Oman 11-0 in their opener.

Pakistan had defeated South Korea 3-1 in their opening match on Friday.

India will next face Japan tomorrow while Pakistan will play against Oman on Monday.

The Hindu



India beat Pakistan 3-1, extend winning streak against rivals to 11

Captain Manpreet Singh (24th), forward Mandeep Singh (31st) and Dilpreet Singh (42nd) scored


Manpreet Singh. Photo Credit: AP

India made a stupendous comeback after being a goal down as they beat Pakistan 3-1 in the 5th Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament to stretch their unbeaten streak against their arch-rivals to 11 games.

Captain Manpreet Singh (24th), forward Mandeep Singh (31st) and Dilpreet Singh (42nd) scored for the winners with the Indian captain’s impressive performance earning him ‘Man of the Match’ award on Saturday night.

India dominated the proceedings despite Muhammad Irfan Jr’s first minute strike that put Pakistan ahead.

Ranked fifth in the world, India went into the match with a 10-match unbeaten streak against Pakistan but it was the World No. 13 side, who started in good rhythm.

It was a quick start for the Pakistanis as they won a penalty corner in the first minute and managed to score through Irfan Jr, who was the quickest to react after Indian custodian PR Sreejesh had made a save off the PC execution.

The goal came as a setback for the Indian team but they did manage to regain control in the next few minutes, keeping possession and trying to make inroads in the Pakistani defence through darting runs down the flanks.

It was a tactic that worked as they earned a couple of penalty corners. But the Pakistani defence held on in the opening quarter to take their one-goal advantage into the two-minute break.

India tried to look for the equaliser in the second quarter but struggled inside striking circle.

But it was a moment of magic from skipper Manpreet, which saw India finally get their equaliser as the midfielder showcased individual brilliance to score in the 24th minute.

Manpreet won possession just inside Pakistan’s half, making a marauding run into the striking circle and weaving past three defenders in the process to finish the move all by himself as he stroked the ball into the far-post to revive India’s spirits.

Both the teams had a couple of chances in the closing stages of the second period, but neither could manage to convert as the teams went into the half-time break level at 1-1.

In the third quarter, it was Mandeep Singh’s turn to get his name on the score-sheet and give his team a 2-1 lead.

A turnover in the 31st minute saw Akashdeep Singh make a defence splitting run into the striking circle and pass the ball to fellow striker Mandeep, who had his back towards Pakistani goal but flicked the ball between his own legs as Pakistani goalkeeper Imran Butt had no chance.

India had a good third quarter as they denied their arch-rivals in making many circle entries and then extended their lead to two-goals as Dilpreet Singh scored his fourth of the tournament to put India 3-1 ahead.

The crucial goal came in the 42nd minute as India attacked their opponents through a quick counter-attack which was led by Akashdeep, who raced past Pakistani midfielders and then found Lalit Upadhyay on the right flank.

Lalit then moved forward towards the baseline and struck a hard low shot towards goal, which was padded by Imran Butt into the path of Dilpreet Singh, who calmly slotted home.

The Indian team maintained their high pressure play in the last quarter as they looked to win the ball back as soon as they lost possession and won the 50-50 battles to make sure that Pakistan could not have chances to make their way into the match.

Young goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, who replaced Sreejesh playing his 200th game, made a good interception in the last few minutes to help India maintain their stronghold on the match.

India had chances of their own as goal-scorers Mandeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh had opportunities to extend India’s lead even further, but neither could manage to score again.

India will play Japan on Sunday evening.

The Hindu



India outclass Pakistan in Asian Champions Trophy

ISLAMABAD - India simply outclassed Pakistan 3-1 in an Asian Hockey Champions Trophy match currently underway in Oman on Saturday.

It was the second game for both sides with Pakistan coming victorious over South Korea 3-1 in their match while India thrashing Oman 11-0.

Pakistan drew the first blood and maintained their supremacy over their arch-rivals. It was M Irfan Junior who pushed the ball into the net on a rebound from a penalty corner in the opening minute of the first quarter.

The second quarter helped India bounce back as captain Manpreet Singh equalised with a neat strike and Pakistan players going complacent. Manpreet's goal was soon followed by a smooth manoeuvre by Mandeep Singh, which ensured India a comfortable 2-1 lead.

The third goal came from Dilpreet Singh's stick in the third quarter of the game, precisely the 42nd minute.

The Pakistan team tried to counter-attack but the Indian defence, which seemed quite weak in the first quarter, pulled up its socks to deny its opponents any chance to bounce back.

India, who are currently no. 5 in the world rankings, next face Japan on October 21. Pakistan next meet Oman on October 22.

India are currently vying for their third Asian Champions Trophy title, winning the inaugural 2011 and the last 2016 edition. Pakistan also have won the title twice, in 2012 and 2013. South Korea is the only team to have won the tournament thrice. The Asian Hockey Champions Trophy will end on October 28.

The Nation



Oman’s hockey players have potential to stand up against top sides, says coach Tahir Zaman

Hero Asian Champions Trophy is a great opportunity for the Omani players to show their competitive spirit feels the former Pakistan Skipper


Hero Player of the match - Al Noufali Fahad.jpg

Musca: Oman’s hockey team is relishing the opportunity to play against top sides on home turf during the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018, says coach Tahir Zaman.

“Oman’s players have the potential to stand up against top sides. They just need to keep focus and mentally brace for the challenge,” says Zaman, a former Pakistan captain. Oman gave Asian Games silver medallists Malaysia a tough contest on Friday night, keeping the score level 1-1 before defensive lapses conceded two goals in the last quarter.

Zaman asserts that Oman’s 1-3 loss to Malaysia came after giving the higher ranked rivals a stiff challenge. “The boys kept their heads high even after conceding the goals and that has the making of tough sportsmen,” said Zaman.

Zaman said the ongoing Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 has provided Oman’s team a fantastic opportunity to compete so many leading international teams in front of Oman’s hockey fraternity.  “For the first time in their life, these boys are playing teams like India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea in one tournament. This is a great opportunity and will be a huge morale booster if we can stay competitive,” said Zaman. “The target is to show to that these players are not here to pass time, that we are enjoying our game and we mean business.”

“This is a big moment for hockey in Oman and the players know that have to showcase their mettle,” said Zaman, pleased to see his team quickly regroup after losing the opening game against India by 11 goals the previous day.

“The challenge is first this team to keep playing competitively. I was pleased to see them play like that within 24 hours of the big loss against India,” he said. “The boys had promised me that they will learn from their mistakes and not lose momentum when things get tough in the middle.”

“Players need to take hockey more seriously. They are doing a lot already, taking time off from work and studies to get together to practice,” said Zaman, whose team comprises entirely of amateur players.

After two tough games on successive days, the Omani players will get some rest before they return for the next preliminary league match against former champions Pakistan on Monday.

Asian Hockey Federation media release



Tahir: Oman need to focus and brace for the task

s2h team



Musca: During his playing career, Tahir Zaman, a contemporary of Shahbaz Sr, helped Pakistan rip apart most rivals. The sharp shooter of goals, who can be a flesh in the thron of any defence, is now on a different mission of guiding Oman men's hockey team to a higher ranking than it is now. Oman team now is in big Asian company, with hosting of Asian Champions Trophy.

Expectedly, the Oman’s hockey team is relishing the opportunity to play against top sides on home turf during the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018, says coach Tahir Zaman.

“Oman’s players have the potential to stand up against top sides. They just need to keep focus and mentally brace for the challenge,” says Zaman, a former Pakistan captain. Oman gave Asian Games silver medallists Malaysia a tough contest on Friday night, keeping the score level 1-1 before defensive lapses conceded two goals in the last quarter.

Zaman asserts that Oman’s 1-3 loss to Malaysia came after giving the higher ranked rivals a stiff challenge. “The boys kept their heads high even after conceding the goals and that has the making of tough sportsmen,” said Zaman.

Zaman said the ongoing Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 has provided Oman’s team a fantastic opportunity to compete so many leading international teams in front of Oman’s hockey fraternity. “For the first time in their life, these boys are playing teams like India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea in one tournament. This is a great opportunity and will be a huge morale booster if we can stay competitive,” said Zaman. “The target is to show to that these players are not here to pass time, that we are enjoying our game and we mean business.”

“This is a big moment for hockey in Oman and the players know that have to showcase their mettle,” said Zaman, pleased to see his team quickly regroup after losing the opening game against India by 11 goals the previous day.

“The challenge is first this team to keep playing competitively. I was pleased to see them play like that within 24 hours of the big loss against India,” he said. “The boys had promised me that they will learn from their mistakes and not lose momentum when things get tough in the middle.”

“Players need to take hockey more seriously. They are doing a lot already, taking time off from work and studies to get together to practice,” said Zaman, whose team comprises entirely of amateur players.

After two tough games on successive days, the Omani players will get some rest before they return for the next preliminary league match against former champions Pakistan on Monday.

Stick2Hockey.com



Malaysian hockey team get the stick from Oltmans for inconsistency

By Aftar Singh



KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team have been inconsistent after two matches in the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat, Oman.

In the first match on Thursday, coach Roelant Oltmans’ side played well to beat Asian Games gold medallists Japan 3-0 at the Sultan Qaboos Sport Complex.

But in the second match, Malaysia played below par and struggled to beat a lower-ranked Oman 3-1 on Friday.

The Malaysian forwards, led by Faizal Saari (pic), were not sharp in their attack and failed to make good use of the two penalty corners they earned in the first two quarters against Oman.

Oman goalkeeper Fahad Al Noufali played well to make a number of excellent saves and was named the man of the match.

The tournament in Oman is the first assignment for the 64-year-old Dutch coach. Oltmans was hired on Oct 1 to help Malaysia qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In the match against Oman, Malaysia, ranked 12th in the world, took the lead through Mohd Firhan Ashaari’s close-range effort in the 26th minute.

But Oman, ranked 33rd in the world, equalised in the 34th minute through Rashad Al Fazari off a penalty stroke.

It was the first goal for Oman in two matches as they were thrashed 0-11 by defending champions India in the opening match on Thursday.

Malaysia came back strongly in the last quarter to score two goals in the space of two minutes.

Malaysia regained the lead off a superb reverse-stick goal by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil in the 46th minute.

And two minutes later, Faizal scored off a field goal to give Malaysia full points.

It was Faizal’s third goal in two matches.

Oltmans said his players were sloppy in the match.

“Structure wise, we played quite a good game. But we were not sharp enough in attacking and the off-the-ball movement was too slow.

“We have two rest days, so the first day the focus is on recovery and the second day is to sharpen them up.

“It’s always nice to score more goals but you can also win matches if you don’t concede goals.

“Normally you win 95% of your matches when you score three goals. That’s what we did,” said Oltmans.

Malaysia have two days rest before they take on South Korea on Monday. South Korea went down 1-3 to Pakistan in their first match on Friday.

The Star of Malaysia



Ric Charlesworth on 2018 Hockey World Cup: Home advantage makes a difference, but in India it can be a disadvantage

Amit Banerjee


File image of Ric Charlesworth. Reuters

New Delhi: India are set to host the 12th edition of the Men's Hockey World Cup at Bhubaneswar in the months of November and December this year, and the home advantage factor is one of the many reasons the Indians are being tagged as favourites ahead of the event.

However, if former Australia international and coach Ric Charlesworth is to be believed, the home factor can sometimes add extra pressure on the players if the tournament happens to be hosted in a country like India, which can then have a negative impact on the results as well.

"Home advantage makes a difference everywhere. But, the other side is that sometimes in India it can be a disadvantage, because there will be huge expectations on the Indian team. Things going okay, yes, but it can go either way. But you can say, on balance, it’s an advantage," Charlesworth said in an interaction with Firstpost on the sidelines of the Royal Stag Barrel Select Perfect Strokes event in New Delhi.

India are currently participating in the Asian Champions Trophy in Oman, where they have defeated the home side (11-0) as well as arch-rivals Pakistan (3-1) in the two matches that they've played so far, and are set to play Japan on Sunday. Their last outing saw the Harendra Singh-coached side suffer a shock penalties defeat to Malaysia in the semi-finals of the Asian Games event in August, before they eventually settled for bronze with a win over Pakistan in the play-off.

"We went there looking for Pakistan to play India in the final. And what happened instead? Japan played Malaysia. And both of those teams were playing well, confident, winning easily. This is always a formula for disaster (being over-confident)… That’s not to say you’re anxious that day, but you have to be aware of that, and that can make a huge difference," added Charlesworth, who also served as a technical advisor to both the Indian men's and women's teams.

Former World Cup winners and Olympic champions India and Pakistan have over the years lost their grip on the sport, with teams such as Australia, Netherlands and Germany dominating in the last two decades. When talking about the styles of play in the subcontinent versus that in the West, Charlesworth felt that the game in the current era is largely undifferentiated.

"When I grew up, all my coaches were from the subcontinent, and we learnt from them. They were the innovators of the game. This was in the 1960s and 1970s. We built what we call a ‘Hybrid Game’ — it’s not a European game, it’s not an Asian game, it’s somewhere in between.

"As the worlds changed, and we became more and more globalised, the game of hockey everywhere is undifferentiated in some ways. I don’t think the Asian style is such. What you do have though, the Asian players, especially the ones in India, they are different in physique and character in some ways.

"So they bring different things to what is essentially is an undifferentiated game. You have very nimble players who can turn quickly, terrific ball skills. You also have big powerful guys now, you know. So, I think, you have to be yourself, but the game is undifferentiated wherever you play," said Charlesworth.

On some of the weaknesses that the Indian men's team has shown in recent years, especially on the penalty corners, Charlesworth felt that the team was making progress as far as the larger picture is concerned, and that taking one or two bad tournaments into account to arrive at a judgement would not be right.

"In any tournament, that can happen. But if you look over the numbers, when the numbers are larger, then I think they’re making progress. They have good corner takers. Their corner defence is better than what it was. But in any tournament, you can have bad results. So you have to look at the bigger picture than just one tournament."

Firstpost



India’s Asian Games performance an aberration: Charlesworth



Former Australia coach Ric Charlesworth believes the Indian men’s hockey team’s performance at the Asian Games, where they finished third, was an aberration. Charlesworth, who had a short stint in India as the technical director, added that constant chopping and changing of coaches has played a part in India failing to win big medals.

Excerpts:

Were you surprised at how India performed at the Asian Games?

We were all surprised at the result but it is only an example of what you learn. If you get overconfident it is at your own peril. If you win so easily then you need to be aware that somebody will be coming for you and if anybody is motivated and tactically aware and then they make it hard for you to play and so in a low scoring game it becomes difficult to win and India had that experience there. But it is an aberration as their form in recent times has been pretty good.

Do you think changing coaches so frequently helps a side like India?

Don’t think it is a good idea. You only have to look at the record of Terry Walsh and Roelant Oltmans to say that they have done a good job and they have created an environment where you have a good team. But I think there are sometimes too many changes and that they are not necessarily good. When I came here a decade ago, I said it was a 10-year project and you need consistency and reliability, you need to make some appointments and stick with those.

You’ve said that during the last Champions Trophy, India played better than Australia in the final but still lost. Where do you think the Indians have improved?

If you look all round the pitch, they have confident players who believe in themselves and who are more aware then they were. They know the international players only have two arms and two legs and they are capable of beating them. And India has dexterous players who are skillful. Mentally I think they have become tougher so all of those things add up to a much more consistent team.

But India as a team is still making elementary mistakes; the semifinal loss against Malaysia is an example.

People get nervous when they are leading. In my book I wrote ‘you never defend a lead you try and score another goal’. The first rule of sports psychology is that you focus on the process and not on the outcome. So that’s a lesson they have to learn. You look at the final of the Asian Games, Malaysia were leading by three goals at one stage and they ended up losing. So it happened to them even though they did it to India. It is a reality of sport.

The Tribune



2018 Test Matches: NZL v CAN (M) - 4th Test
Auckland (NZL)

NZL v CAN     2 - 3

Canada win the 4 Test series 2 - 1 with the 2nd Test drawn

FIH Match Centre



Vantage Black Sticks Men suffer 3-2 loss to Canada



The Vantage Black Sticks Men suffered a 3-2 loss to Canada in the deciding game of the BDO Hockey Series this afternoon at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga, Auckland.

The first quarter was full of opportunities for New Zealand with two penalty corners and multiple shots on goal. In the seventh minute of play Dominic Newman found the back of the net for his second goal of the series to give the Vantage Black Sticks a 1-0 lead.

The second quarter saw a couple of shots for both teams but neither were successful, sending the Vantage Black Sticks men into the sheds with a 1-0 lead at the half.

Canada got out to a quick start at the beginning of the third quarter with a shot from Brenden Bissett finding the back of the net to tie the game, 1-1.

New Zealand earned a penalty corner early on in the fourth quarter which ended in Cory Bennett firing a shot into the top corner of the goal to regain the lead for the Vantage Black Sticks (2-1).

Canada responded to the goal in the 55th minute of the game after Oliver Scholfield got past the Vantage Black Sticks defense to tie the game for the second time (2-2). Canada hadn’t finished though. Soon after Scholfield’s goal, Canada found themselves with a penalty corner. After some shuffling in front of the goal, Gordon Johnston converted the penalty corner in the 57th minute of play to give Canada the lead for the first time in the game (3-2).

As the clock dwindled down, the Vantage Black Sticks pulled the keeper to make more opportunities but time wasn’t on their side. The game ended with Canada taking the 3-2 win and securing the BDO Hockey Series victory.

"We actually started pretty well and I thought we had a fair run," said Head Coach Darren Smith. "Canada they hung in their and scored to equalize. Then again I thought we had a really good passage to take the lead 2-1. We were slack through the period where they took a 2-2 and a 3-2 lead. It's a disappointing way to end but we just have to take what comes to us."

"The European guys come home this week so that will be good and we'll look forward to having those guys back into the training environment. Whenever you get a chance to play it's a good opportunity to try and polish things up. There was a fair amount of untidy things that we did and other things that were pretty good. We just need to have a look and see where we can do better."

Next up for the Vantage Black Sticks is the 2018 Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India beginning at the end of November with their first game on November 29th against France. The world cup team will be announced on November 1st.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS: 2 (Dominic Newman 1, Cory Bennett 1)
CANADA: 3 (Brenden Bissett 1, Oliver Scholfield 1, Gordon Johnston 1)

HALFTIME: Vantage Black Sticks 1, Canada 0

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Black Sticks men suffer series defeat to Canada in final World Cup shakedown


The Canada charge is on, as Brendan Bissett levels the scores against New Zealand. ALISHA LOVRICH/PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand will go into next month's men's Hockey World Cup off the back of a home series defeat to Canada.

Despite goals to Dominic Newman and Cory Bennett giving them the lead, the Black Sticks lost 3-2 to Canada in game four in Auckland on Sunday as the visitors clinched the series 2-1.

New Zealand are ranked ninth in the world to Canada's 11th.


Cory Bennett of the Black Sticks celebrates their second goal against Canada. ALISHA LOVRICH/PHOTOSPORT

It wasn't the Black Sticks' best preparation for the Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India, starting on November 29, although they were without some overseas-based players.

"The European guys come home this week so that will be good and we'll look forward to having those guys back into the training environment," coach Darren Smith said.


Dominic Newman of the Black Sticks is in the clear in the fourth test against Canada in Auckland. ALISHA LOVRICH/PHOTOSPORT

"Whenever you get a chance to play it's a good opportunity to try and polish things up. There was a fair amount of untidy things that we did and other things that were pretty good."

After a 3-0 victory and 0-0 draw in the first two matches, the Black Sticks were in the box seat but suffered a 2-1 defeat on Saturday before another loss in the decider at Lloyd Elsmore Park.

They led 1-0 at halftime after Newman's seventh minute goal in an opening quarter full of opportunities for the hosts.

Canada stormed back in the third quarter with Brenden Bissett levelling the scores, before Bennett gave the hosts the lead again from a penalty corner.

Two goals in three minutes saw Canada clinch it, with Gordon Johnston's penalty corner finishing the job for the visitors with three minutes remaining.

"We were slack through the period where they took a 2-2 and a 3-2 lead. It's a disappointing way to end but we just have to take what comes to us," Smith said.

The Black Sticks men name their World Cup squad on November 1.

AT A GLANCE

Canada 3 (Brenden Bissett, Oliver Scholfield, Gordon Johnston) New Zealand 2 (Dominic Newman, Cory Bennett). HT: 0-1.

Series: Canada won 2-1

Stuff



NZ Black Sticks Women's coach to attend National Māori hockey tournament

By Mere McLean

At the National Māori hockey tournament in Rotorua, Black Sticks coach Mark Hager will be in attendance for the finals.

Māori Hockey, chairman Kahu Ripia says that this is the first time someone of this stature will attend the finals set to take place tomorrow.

The spotlight is on the top Māori hockey players from around the country.

“The NZ women’s black sticks coach he will be here this afternoon, he’s always wanted to come and everybody knows he’s coming, he just wanted to see, how come all of these Māori players are not being acknowledged,” says Ripia.

This tournament has been running for 26 years but having someone like Mark Hager coming here shows our youth what is possible.

“All these young kids they are aware that he is coming and I’ve said to them ‘Kāua e whakamā’ just give it heaps”.

Twenty-five teams representing the eight Māori regions of NZ are playing.

Despite the female players knowing the coach of the Women’s Black Sticks will be here its business as usual for the Aotea Women’s A team winning after a goal shoot out with Te Tairāwhiti.

Saffy Cribb, captain of Aotea Women’s says “we have got a really young team it was really good to play experience players like we did we have really grown since the begging of this weekend so it was really good to see us step up.”

Waiariki A men’s team won against Auckland last night, tonight they play Te Tai Tokerau who won this tournament last year.

Mokonuiarangi Haerehuka-Rangitauira of the Waiariki Men’s team says, “The main goal is to make the finals - that is the pinnacle of this tournament.”

The tournament ends after tomorrow's finals.

Māori TV



Four AHL Quarter-Final Match-ups Decided On Busy Saturday

Ben Somerford



Four Australian Hockey League (AHL) quarter-final match-ups have been confirmed following a busy Saturday with six matches played in Round Three in Canberra, Brisbane and Perth.

The AHL Finals will be played on the Gold Coast from 25-28 October, with the quarter-finals commencing on Thursday.

In the men’s competition, the Tassie Tigers’ 5-1 win over the Queensland Blades at Brisbane’s State Hockey Centre means they top Pool A and will play NT Stingers in the quarters.

The Stingers were beaten 10-3 by the WA Thundersticks at the Perth Hockey Stadium, with the result confirming WA will play NSW Waratahs in the quarters.

The NSW Waratahs were beaten 3-1 by the Canberra Lakers at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra.

Sunday’s match between reigning champions Victoria Vikings and SA Hotshots will determine whom the Blades and Lakers meet in the quarters.

In the women’s competition, the Queensland Scorchers’ ruthless 15-0 victory in Brisbane over the Tassie Van Demons confirmed top spot in Pool A and a quarter-final meeting with NT Pearls.

The NT Pearls went down 5-1 to the WA Diamonds in Perth, securing WA third spot in the pool and NT fourth.

WA will play the NSW Arrows in the quarter-finals, after NSW lost 2-0 to the Canberra Strikers in a weather-affected match.

Sunday’s match between reigning champions Victoria Vipers and SA Suns will decide whom the Strikers and Van Demons meet.

Quarter-final game times will be confirmed at the conclusion of Round Three on Sunday evening.

Head to www.hockeyaustralia.altiusrt.com for more details.

Canberra Strikers 2 (Middleton 28' PP) NSW Arrows 0, Canberra

The NSW Arrows have slipped into second spot in Pool A ahead of the quarter-finals after a weather-affected 2-0 loss to the Canberra Strikers at the National Hockey Centre.

The Strikers win, though, wasn't enough to claim second spot, after Queensland won 15-0 later in the day to leapfrog both sides.

Saturday afternoon’s match was delayed 30 minutes following lightning and storms in Canberra before the hosts piled on the pressure with a series of penalty corners.

Eventually they broke through during their PumpPlay late in the first-half, when English recruit Beckie Middleton deflected home on the slide, with the goal worth double.

NSW mustered plenty of attacking threats but were unable to penetrate before the conditions worsened again with five minutes to play.

Play was suspended and eventually the match was called off, with Canberra declared 2-0 winners.

Canberra Lakers 3 (Turner 10', 10', Shepherd 34') NSW Waratahs 1 (Hayes 11'), Canberra

 The NSW Waratahs have finished the pool stage in bottom spot after a 3-1 loss away to the Canberra Lakers at the National Hockey Centre on Saturday afternoon.

The Waratahs came close early from a short corner, before Glenn Turner opened the scoring for the hosts with a 10th minute field goal.

The former Kookaburra stepped up and wrong-footed NSW keeper Ash Thomas from the resultant conversion it make it 2-0.

NSW pulled one back a minute later when Jack Hayes fired in a rocket from a penalty corner.

The Waratahs kept up the pressure but couldn’t capitalise, before Canberra’s Lewis Shepherd made it 3-1 with a field goal in the 34th minute, although he shot wide from the conversion.

Both keepers made good saves down each end in the third period, with the Waratahs having the better of the chances but being unable to capitalise as it ended 3-1.

WA Diamonds 5 (Squibb 40’, 40’, 56’ PP, Slattery 43’) NT Pearls 1 (Martin-Brown 8’), Perth

The WA Diamonds have claimed third spot in their pool and will face the NSW Arrows in Thursday’s quarter-finals after a 5-1 win over the NT Pearls at Perth Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

Penny Squibb accumulated four of WA’s goals, while Hockeyroo Kathryn Slattery grabbed the other after the struggling Pearls had taken a shock half-time lead.

After an early chance to Pearls’ Jacqueline Graf, Jessica Martin-Brown poked home at the far post to give the visitors an eighth minute lead, although WA keeper Aleisha Power saved from the field goal conversion attempt to keep it 1-0.

Sienna Archer almost levelled for WA with a diving deflection in the 24th minute but the visitors maintained their lead until the long interval.

WA came out of the blocks after half-time with renewed finesse in attack, winning a 40th minute penalty stroke which Squibb slotted past NT keeper Elizabeth Duguid.

Great Southern product Squibb followed up with an audacious lob from the field goal conversion to put WA ahead.

Slattery deflected home from a 43rd minute penalty corner to add to the Diamonds’ lead.

Squibb put the icing on the cake, which she fired past Duguid with a 56th minute drag flick from a  penalty corner during WA’s PumpPlay, meaning the goal was worth double.

NT’s Hockeyroo Brooke Peris forced Power into a good reflex save in the 57th minute but WA preserved their 5-1 lead.

Queensland Scorchers 15 (Kershaw 3’, 3’, Malone 10’, 10’, 27’ PP, 27’, 46’, 46’, Greiner 23’, 23’, Kenny 28’ PP, 28’, Holzberger 39’) Tassie Van Demons 0, Brisbane

The Queensland Scorchers have sealed top spot in their pool, condemning the Tassie Van Demons to bottom spot after an emphatic 15-0 thrashing at Brisbane’s State Hockey Centre on Saturday night.

Queensland were ruthless throughout the contest, needing a six-goal win to claim top spot, but they didn’t relent.

Hockeyroos Steph Kershaw and Rosie Malone both scored and took their conversions to make it 4-0 at quarter-time.

Rebecca Greiner netted a field goal and the subsequent conversion to make it 6-0 in the 23rd minute, before the hosts took their PumpPlay late in the second period.

And they capitalised on their PumpPlay as Gold Coast product Malone netted a converted field goal, while Jodie Kenny fired home a penalty stroke and the conversion to make it 12-0 at the main break.

Jordyn Holzberger added another in the 39th minute from a penalty corner, before Malone capped a prolific night with another field goal and conversion.

WA Thundersticks 10 (Green 14’, Rasmussen 15’, 15’, Gavranich 24’, 24’, Robertson 43’, 43’, Gabriel 48’, 59’, 59’) NT Stingers 3 (Hullick 30’, Argent 32’, McDonald 54’), Perth

The WA Thundersticks have sealed top spot in Pool B and a quarter-final date with the NSW Waratahs after thrashing the NT Stingers 10-3 at Perth Hockey Stadium on Saturday night.

The Thundersticks completed a perfect pool stage with three wins from three games with the strong victory over the Stingers, who finished bottom of the pool with three losses and will now play Tasmania in their quarter-final.

Jason Gabriel top scored with three goals for WA, who started slowly before first-quarter goals from Coby Green and the impressive Alec Rasmussen, who also took his conversion, made it 3-0.

Dane Gavranich’s baseline run led to the fourth goal in the 24th minute before a classy conversion.

The Stingers replied on the stroke of half-time, during WA’s PumpPlay, with Jamie Hullick scoring from close range from a penalty corner.

The visitors grabbed another shortly after the break to keep the contest alive, with Matthew Argent powering home at the second attempt from a short corner.

WA responded 10 minutes later when Daniel Robertson capped a fine move with an angled finish plus a conversion to make it 7-2.

Gabriel took over from there, slotting powerfully on the turn in the 48th minute before his conversion attempt hit the roof of the net.

Isaac McDonald grabbed another consolation for NT although Ben Rennie saved well from his conversion attempt.

Gabriel added another field goal and conversion in the 59th minute to make it double figures for the hosts.

Queensland Blades 1 (Douglas 13’) Tassie Tigers 5 (Arthur 30’ Smith 53’, McCambridge 60’ PP, 60’), Brisbane

The Tassie Tigers have set themselves up perfectly for an assault on the AHL title after a 5-1 win away to the Queensland Blades in Brisbane on Saturday night sealed top spot in Pool A.

The Tigers knew heading into the game that a draw would be enough to seal top spot and the contest was level at 1-1 until the 53rd minute, before a late burst from the visitors.

Justin Douglas had put the Blades ahead in the 13th minute but his conversion attempt was saved by Tassie keeper Grant Woodcock.

The save was crucial with Kieron Arthur levelling right on half-time with a trademark drag flick.

Scores remained level until newcomer Oliver Smith put the Tigers ahead in the 53rd minute, although Blades keeper Cade Banditt thwarted his conversion to keep it 2-1.

Tasmania took their PumpPlay in the final five minutes, with their goals worth double, and they capitalised when top scorer Sam McCambridge netted in the 60th minute, before converting.

Head to www.hockeyaustralia.altiusrt.com for more details.

Hockey Australia media release



ROUND-UP: English Men's Hockey League

A hat-trick from Ed Horler helped Wimbledon secure their first league victory of the season with a 5-2 win over Sevenoaks in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.

Horler struck in the eighth minute, shortly after Gordon McIntyre’s opener, to help his side to a 2-0 lead at half time.

Chris Barker pulled one back for Sevenoaks, but Horley found the met from penalty corners on 49 and 55 minutes, while Chad Conlon’s 56th minute field goal put them 5-1 ahead.

Andrew Oxburgh scored for Sevenoaks in the 64th minute, but the damage had been done.

East Grinstead scored the only goal of the match at Holcombe, with Simon Faulkner finding the net shortly before half time.

Last season’s champions Surbiton were 6-2 winners over Reading with Ben Boon scoring twice and others coming from Arjan Drayton Chana, Scott Evans, Alan Forsyth and James Royce.

New leaders Hampstead and Westminster ran out 5-0 winners from their clash at the University of Exeter, with Matt Guise Brown scoring twice and others coming from Toby Roche, Chris Cargo and Rupert Shipperley.

And Beeston battled to a 3-2 win at Brooklands MU with Nick Park, Elliot Hibell and Richard Lawrence scoring their goals.

Men’s Conference East

Southgate produced a good performance at Old Loughtonians winning 6-1 in the Men’s Conference East on Saturday.

Alex Williams got Southgate off to a fast start scoring from open play in the second minute before Timmy Smyth added a second two minutes later.

Williams got his second of the day in the 10th minute and John Sterlini made in 4-0 after 20 minutes.

Rory Coltham gave Old Loughtonians some hope in the 25th minute finishing off a penalty stroke, but Sam Mee and Timmy Smyth scored added a goal each in the closing minutes to secure victory for Southgate.

Elsewhere, City of Peterborough and Cambridge City played out a 4-4 draw which saw four goals scored in the final ten minutes, and Brighton and Canterbury also had to share the spoils with their game ending 2-2.

Old Georgians secured a 3-1 home victory against Oxted and Teddington were 4-2 winners at Richmond.

Men’s Conference West

Team Bath Buccaneers remain unbeaten after winning 6-2 at home against the University of Bristol in the Men’s Conference West.

Two goals each from Stuart Rushmere, Scott Rawlings and Tim Nurse helped them secure their first win of the season after three draws.

Elsewhere, the University of Birmingham went to the top of the Conference West table with a 5-2 win over Oxford Hawks with goals coming from Adam Harriman, Eddie Way (2), Edward Whitworth and Tom Poustie.

Chichester were 5-4 winners in their home game against Olton & West Warwicks. Alex Pendle scored twice for the hosts, while others came from Ollie Baxter, Alex Messenger and Andrew Sharshott.

Cardiff & Met were 3-1 winners over visitors Isca, while Havant won 2-1 against Fareham.

Men’s Conference North

Bowdon battled to a 6-1 win at Preston to make it four matches unbeaten in this season’ Men’s Conference North.

Oliver Stoddart scored twice, while other goals for the in-form visitors came from Richie Dawson-Smith, Matt Steventon, Archie Phillips and Ben White.

The University of Nottingham and Loughborough Students shared the spoils in their match, which finished 4-4.

It was tied at 1-1 at half time, and with a minute to go it was 3-3 before Sean Cicchi scored for Nottingham followed by Fergus Gibson for Loughborough seconds later.

Elsewhere, Sheffield Hallam and the University of Durham drew 3-3, Doncaster were 3-1 winners over Belper, and Leeds were 7-0 winners over Alderley Edge with Dave Swarbrick and Harry Lankfer both scoring hat-tricks.

RESULTS

Men’s Hockey League

Premier Division: Brooklands 2, Beeston 3; Holcombe 0, East Grinstead 1; Surbiton 6, Reading 2; University of Exeter 0, Hampstead & Westminster 5; Wimbledon 5, Sevenoaks 2.

Conference East: Brighton & Hove 2, Canterbury 2; City of Peterborough 4, Cambridge City 4; Old Georgians 3, Oxted 1; Old Loughtonians 1, Southgate 6; Richmond 2, Teddington 4.

Conference North: Doncaster 3, Belper 1; Leeds 7 Alderley Edge 0; Preston 1, Bowdon 6; Sheffield Hallam 3, University of Durham 3; University of Nottingham 4, Loughborough Students 4.

Conference West: Cardiff & Met 3, Isca 1; Chichester 5, Olton & West Warwicks 4; Havant 2, Fareham 1; Team Bath Buccaneers 6, University of Bristol 2; University of Birmingham 5, Oxford Hawks 2.

England Hockey Board Media release



Irish Hockey League: Annadale edge Cookstown in Ulster derby


Peter Caruth struck late for Annadale in their narrow win over Cookstown on Saturday

Annadale defeated Cookstown 4-3 in another explosive Ulster derby in the Men's Irish Hockey League.

Just two weeks after Lisnagarvey edged Banbridge 5-4, the other two Ulster sides put on another fine show with Annadale finding a later winner.

Lisnagarvey moved back into the top four with a 3-2 win at Dublin YMCA.

In the Women's IHL Pegasus maintained their 100% start to the season as they came from behind to defeat Railway Union 3-1.

It was a tremendous end-to-end game as Annadale and Cookstown battled it out with the visitors taking the lead on three occasions with well worked goals.

Timothy Sloan's deflection from a penalty corner opened the scoring and Ryan Millar and Michael Kerr finished off excellent build-up work.

However, every time they went in front, Annadale pegged them back with Peter Caruth scoring from a penalty corner before turning provider for David Tremlett and Ryan Burgess struck home the equaliser from another penalty corner.

Caruth clinches victory

It was player-coach Caruth who secured a vital win for the home side when he was the right man on the spot to slot home the winning goal with five minutes remaining.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Moore preserved the victory with a last-minute save from a Cookstown corner, the final stop of a number of big saves he made throughout the game.

With leaders Banbridge not playing until Sunday it gave Three Rock Rovers the opportunity to join them at the top of the table but they lost 1-0 to Glenanne, who moved above them and into second place, a point off the lead.

After losing heavily to Three Rock in their last game, Lisnagarvey moved into the top four with a 3-2 win at Dublin YMCA. Daniel Nelson scored twice with Troy Chambers grabbing the other for the Ulster side.

Elsewhere, Pembroke beat Cork C of I 3-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Keith O'Hare.

In the women's IHL Shirley McCay equalised for Pegasus from a penalty corner with Kate Gourley and Michelle Harvey scoring the other goals as the Belfast side made it four wins out of four.

Loreto remain second, three points behind, after a comfortable 5-0 victory over an Ards side who even at this stage of the season are struggling, with only a point from four games and without scoring a goal.

Even without injured international Zoe Wilson, Belfast Harlequins moved up to fourth place with a 2-0 home win over Muckross with Gemma Frazer and captain Rachel Johnston on the scoresheet.

In the other games there were away wins for Pembroke and UCD over Cork Harlequins and Old Alex respectively.

Results - Saturday 20 October

Women's Irish Hockey League

Belfast Harlequins 2-0 Muckross
Cork Harlequins 1-2 Pembroke
Loreto 5-0 Ards
Railway Union 1-3 Pegasus
Old Alex 0-1 UCD

Men's Irish Hockey League

Annadale 4-3 Cookstown
Dublin YMCA 2-3 Lisnagarvey
Pembroke 3-2 Cork C of I
Three Rock Rovers 0-1 Glenanne

BBC Sport



The Scottish National League 1 twists and turns continue


Edinburgh University v Grange – photo by Duncan Gray

Once again this season`s National League 1 has provided twists and turns, in the men`s league it is Grove Menzieshill who have taken over pole position on goal difference from Edinburgh University, although the Taysiders still have games in hand. Wildcats are still top of the women`s table despite going down to champions Edinburgh University, although now only on goal difference from Dundee Wanderers.

Cameron Golden, fresh from goalscoring exploits for Great Britain under-21s in Malaysia, showed off his lethal touches at Titwood with a hat-trick which was the catalyst in Grove Menzieshill`s 4-0 win over National League 1 leaders Clydesdale.

Albert Rowling added the other goal which propelled the Taysider to the top of the division, and still with a game in hand.

Edinburgh University slipped into second spot after seeing off Western Wildcats 2-1 at Auchenhowie. Fraser Moran put the home side ahead at the interval but strikes by David Mawhinney and Ian Moodie secured the points for the students.

Grange had the chance to take over pole position but in the end they were frustrated by Uddingston who secured a fighting 3-3 draw at Fettes.

It looked promising for the champions when they went into a two goal lead in only ten minutes, Aussie Dylan Bean pounced on a loose ball in the circle for the opener, then Jacob Tweedie finished off a move started by Robbie Shepherdson.

Brad Hughes pulled one back for the visitors but John McCluskey finished good play down the right to restore Grange`s two goal lead. But just before the interval sloppy defending allowed Jonjo Lavin to score for 3-2.

Although Grange had a couple of chances in the second half it was Uddingston`s Jacky Tran who found the net for a final 3-3 draw.

Kelburne finally got off the foot of the table with a 4-2 victory over Hillhead at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre. The evergreen Johnny Christie scored twice while Jack McKenzie and Peter Baldwin were also on target.

Watsonians gained their first victory of the season with a convincing 4-1 win over bottom side Gordonians. The Edinburgh side moved into a four goal lead through two penalty corner conversions by Tomas Gonzalez and further strikes by Fraser Heigh and Fraser McCurdy, John Hamilton finally got a consolation for the Aberdonians.


Photo by Dave Reid

Champions Edinburgh University have moved ominously up the women`s National League 1 table after seeing off leaders Wildcats 1-0 at Auchenhowie. Ella Watt was the only scorer and the students will overtake Wildcats at the top if they beat bottom side Grange in today`s catch-up fixture.

There was further frustration for second placed Dundee Wanderers who were held to a 1-1 draw by Watsonians.

Although Wanderers dominated proceedings the game remained goalless until Nikki Stobie gave the Edinburgh side the lead with eight minutes left. But a big result was prevented with a powerful shot into the roof of the net from Wanderers` Charlotte Watson for a share of the spoils.

Watsonians coach Keith Smith said: “They definitely had the better of the scoring chances overall but we executed our game plan really well and made life really tough for them – it took a moment of individual brilliance to grab a point.”

Clydesdale Western moved up a place with a 3-1 win over Grove Menzieshill, the former`s scorers were Lexi Sabatelli, Emma McGregor and Heather Howie while Lucy Smith was again on target for the Taysiders.

Hillhead moved off the bottom rung with a well-earned 3-0 win over neighbours GHK. Hillhead were a goal in front by the interval with a sweep shot from Katie Fleming. The three points were consolidated in the second half with further strikes by Chloe Hardie and Shona Oliphant.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Harvard extends win streak to 10 in top 10 Ivy League battle with Princeton


Harvard Field Hockey. Harvard Athletics

PRINCETON, N.J. — Three goals off penalty corners and a stellar defensive performance across the board helped No. 9 Harvard field hockey (13-1, 5-0 Ivy League) to a 3-1 win over No. 3 Princeton (11-4, 4-1 Ivy League) on Saturday afternoon.

Harvard's program-record 10th straight win was one of the biggest in program history for the Crimson, keyed by first-year goalkeeper Ellie Shahbo, who made four saves to earn the victory. 

Juniors Bente van Vlijmen and Casey Allen scored first half goals off penalty corners, and sophomore Tessel Huibregtsen added a second half goal for the Crimson, which now controls its own fate for an Ivy League title and NCAA tournament automatic bid.

The Crimson seized momentum of the game early on, as van Vlijmen fired a rocket off the bottom board just 5:46 into the contest to put Harvard up 1-0.

Midway through the first half, Harvard capitalized once again off a penalty corner, as Allen found the ball on a scramble in front the net and poked a shot past goalkeeper Grace Bayless at 19:37 to make it 2-0 heading into the half.

Any chance of a Tiger comeback was put to rest at 44:45 of the second half, when Huibregtsen put a rebound in off another penalty corner.

Princeton scored at 66:03 to cut the Crimson lead to 3-1, but that is as close as they would get.

Harvard highlights:

    For the second straight game, Huibregtsen (goal, assist) had a multi-point outing. Huibregtsen has a career-high 14 points (five goals, four assists) on the year.
    Van Vlijmen matched a career high with her 11th goal of the season, and now leads the Ivy League in scoring with 27 points (11 goals, five assists).
    Shahbo has won seven straight starts (UMass, Yale, Maine, Penn, BU, Cornell, Princeton), allowing just three goals in that span.

Game notes:

    Harvard has won 20 of its last 21 Ivy League contests, and two of the last three meetings against Princeton.
    Harvard earned its first win over a Top-5 opponent in the Tjerk van Herwaarden era.
    Harvard extended its school record winning streak to 10 games, the second longest streak in the nation.

NCAA

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