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News for 05 January 2019

All the news for Saturday 5 January 2019


2019 Croatia Indoor Cup (W) - Day 1
Sveti Ivan Zelina (CRO)

Results 4 January

CRO v SLO (RR)     4 - 4 (1 - 1)
CRO v SVK (RR)     7 - 0 (2 - 0)
SLO v HUN (RR)     6 - 2 (2 - 1)

Pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Croatia 2 1 1 0 11 4 7 4
2 Slovenia 2 1 1 0 10 6 4 4
3 United States 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Hungary 1 0 0 1 2 6 -4 0
5 Slovakia 1 0 0 1 0 7 -7 0


The USA and Croatia U-21 Teams are taking part as invitational teams and their results are therefore not officially recorded

FIH Match Centre



Senior Indoor USWNT Sit at Top of Pool After Day 1 of Croatia Cup



SVETI IVAN ZELINA, Croatia - January 4, 2019 - In the opening day of the Croatia Cup in Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia, both the Junior and Senior U.S. Women's National Indoor Teams had solid showings. The opening match saw the teams go head to head where the senior side prevailed. The U-21 Indoor USWNT responded in their second game against Hungary by tallying an impressive 16 goals while conceding none. The Indoor USWNT's final game was a bit of a struggle as they were put under a lot of pressure from Croatia's U-21 team but they prevailed for the win.

U-21 USA 16 - Hungary 0

The young U.S. U-21 Women's Natioal Indoor Team made a fast start against their opponents from Hungary, who only arrived the morning of after a long drive from Budapest, by scoring two goals through Mia Leonhardt (Media, Pa.) and Evelyn Murray (Virginia Beach, Va.) in the first minute. Murray converted a penalty corner in the sixth minute and Macy Szukics (Malvern, Pa.) added another penalty corner goal and a field goal in the ninth and tenth minutes. Szukics scored two more deflections from penetrating passes in six minutes later to give USA a 7-0 lead. Olivia Bent-Cole (Ventnor, N.J.) then scored a hat trick inside 90 seconds as USA continued to play fast open indoor hockey. As time ran out in the first half Megan Maransky (Blue Bell, Pa.) send a hard pass the full length of the court that Szukics swept in from the baseline to make it 11-0.

After a quick goal from Leonhardt from the restart, Hungary's defense tightened forcing USA to move the ball around and create openings with quick passes. Leonhardt scored two more from interceptions midway through the half, Murray added her third from another Leonhardt steal, and Szukics converted a penalty corner to round out the scoring.

“I was pleased with how our young team played this afternoon," commented Kentwell. "They showed good vision and nice passing combinations, also the ability to take on and eliminate defenders."

USA 9 - U-21 Croatia 1

Croatia’s U-21 team maintained a very strong press throughout the game, not allowing USA to settle and forcing errors and turnover passes. When the Indoor USWNT was able to make quick early passes, they were able to break down Croatia’s defense, but too often they held the ball for too long and allowed their opponent to close the passing lanes and make strong tackles.

Ali Campbell (Boyertown, Pa.) converted the first USA penalty corner, in the third minute, finishing the rebound from her initial shot. Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.), growing in confidence, intercepted a pass, beat two defenders and shot into the far corner to give USA a 2-0 lead in the eighth minute. Five minutes later Corinne Zanolli (Newtown Square, Pa.) stole the ball and fired a quick shot past the Croatia goalkeeper Katarina Filipovic. Almost from the restart Maddie Orobono (Macungie, Pa.) found Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.) on the post with a penetrating pass to extent the lead to 4-0. Two minutes later Rose added her second.

As the seconds ticked down Nathalie Friedman (Phoenix, Md.) took a quick free hit to Elizabeth Yeager (Rye, N.Y.) who found Zanolli with a first-time pass. Zanolli sped around the U-21 Croatia goalkeeper to give USA a hard earned 6-0 half time lead.

Croatia’s U-21 team came out for the second half with the same determination and their persistence paid off immediately with a quick pass and shot to reduce the USA lead. Croatia forced USA goalkeeper Skye Joegriner (Gaithersburg, Md.) to make two good saves as they continued to pressure USA’s defense. It took until the 32nd minute for USA to breakthrough again. Sessa showed some nice skill to beat two defenders and laid off a fine pass for Rose to finish. Two minutes later, Campbell send a strong pass into the circle for Orobono to deflect neatly to give USA an 8-1 lead. A minute later Paityn Wirth (Thompsontown, Pa.) finished off another excellent run and pass from Zanolli to give USA a hard earned 9-1 victory over the talented young Croatia U-21 side.

“This young team gave us a strong test today," said Kentwell. "They put us under a lot of pressure. We need to learn to play with more patience and poise and not force passes. The shoreline does not reflect how well the Croatia team played.”

The U.S. Women's National Indoor Team was honored with the presence of the U.S. Ambassador and his family for this game.

The Croatia Cup continues tomorrow with both teams have two games. The Indoor USWNT will take on Slovakia at 5:50 a.m. ET and Slovenia at 10:40 a.m. ET. The U-21 Indoor USWNT will match-up against Croatia at 7:00 a.m. ET and Slovakia at 11:50 a.m. ET. The remainder of the tournament will not be live streamed on USA Field Hockey's Facebook page per the request of the FIH.

For all information regarding the Croatia Cup including the full schedule, rosters and more, check out the event page by clicking here.

USFHA media release

The USA and Croatia U-21 Teams are taking part as invitational teams and their results are therefore not officially recorded



Kookaburras Excited For Revolutionary FIH Pro League

Ben Somerford



Australia coach Colin Batch says the Kookaburras are looking forward to the new FIH Pro League which launches this month and says it’ll be revolutionary for Hockey.

The Pro League commences on Saturday 19 January when Spain hosts Belgium in Valencia, before Australia’s campaign gets underway in Melbourne against the Netherlands on Saturday 2 February.

The Kookaburras will be out for revenge against the third-ranked Dutch following their heartbreaking semi-final shootout defeat at last month’s World Cup.

The new FIH Pro League sees nine of the world’s best teams face off in the world’s first global home-and-away sporting league.

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will play eight matches each in Melbourne, Hobart, Perth and Sydney in February and March, before overseas matches all over the globe in April-June, before the finals in the Netherlands in late June. All matches will be broadcast on FOX SPORTS in Australia.

The FIH Pro League has effectively replaced the Champions Trophy and World League as an entertainment product which will provide – for the first time ever – a regular calendar of must-see events played in packed stadia across the world and throughout the year.

“Pro League is going to be very demanding for everyone,” Batch said.

“It’s a new phase of the hockey life. There’s a lot of travelling involved with that.

“But we look forward to it. It’ll be a different way of experiencing hockey, as it’s a matter of travelling, playing a game and then moving on which is different to tournament play.

“It’s very different but very exciting. We want to do well with that. We see that as the major part of our first six months next year.”

The 2019 calendar year will also see the Kookaburras aim to secure 2020 Olympic qualification at the Oceania Cup which will take place in September in Rockhampton.

If Australia fail to win the Oceania Cup, there will be Olympic qualifiers in late October and early November.

The Kookaburras return to training on Monday 14 January following their end-of-season break.

Tickets for the new FIH Pro League are available now via www.ticketbooth.com.au or this link.

Hockey Australia media release



Hockeyroos Pumped For FIH Pro League Entertainment

Ben Somerford



Australia coach Paul Gaudoin says the Hockeyroos are excited about the new FIH Pro League which launches this month, identifying the unique thrill of big one-off matches.

The Pro League commences on Saturday 19 January when Spain hosts Belgium in the men’s competition, before Australia’s campaign gets underway in Melbourne against the Netherlands on Saturday 2 February.

The third-ranked Hockeyroos will be out for revenge against world number one Netherlands, after their Champions Trophy final defeat in November and World Cup semi-final loss in August.

The new FIH Pro League sees nine of the world’s best teams face off in the world’s first global home-and-away sporting league.

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will play eight matches each in Melbourne, Hobart, Perth and Sydney in February and March, before overseas matches all over the globe in April-June, before the finals in the Netherlands in late June. All matches will be broadcast on FOX SPORTS in Australia.

The FIH Pro League has effectively replaced the Champions Trophy and World League as an entertainment product which will provide – for the first time ever – a regular calendar of must-see events played in packed stadia across the world and throughout the year.

“It’s an exciting time with Pro League,” Gaudoin said.

“We’re not too sure what’s going to happen.

“We know it’s exciting. We’re looking forward to these big one-off matches, starting in Melbourne against Holland.

“We’re really excited about that and the one-off opportunities and the home-and-away series which is quite different to what we’re used to with championship formats.”

Gaudoin’s Hockeyroos rose from fifth to third in the world during 2018, but finishing as runners-up at both the Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy and fourth at the World Cup.

He said taking on the world’s best teams regularly would hold them in good stead ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with the dream of gold.

“We want to play the best teams in the world to gauge where we’re at,” the former Kookaburras said.

“You don’t get any better than Holland (to start), so we know more matches against quality teams is what we need in our preparation towards Tokyo.”

The 2019 calendar year will also see the Hockeyroos aim to secure 2020 Olympic qualification at the Oceania Cup which will take place in September in Rockhampton.

If Australia fail to win the Oceania Cup, there will be Olympic qualifiers in late October and early November.

The Hockeyroos return to training on Monday 14 January following their end-of-season break.

Tickets for the new FIH Pro League are available now via www.ticketbooth.com.au or this link.

Hockey Australia media release



PHF appoints Saeed Khan as manager and head coach for FIH Pro League

Abdul Ghaffar


Photo courtesy of Pakhockey.org

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Friday appointed two-time World Cup winner Saeed Khan as the manager and head coach of the national men's team for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League.

The team's first match of the FIH Pro League is scheduled for February 2 against Argentina.

Khan, who was appointed by PHF president retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, was a member of Pakistan's World Cup winning team in 1978 and 1982.

Previously, he has also served in other coaching assignments with the country's national team including in 1994, when the team won the World Cup and Champions Trophy.
Article continues after ad

His last assignment was as the head coach of the women's team for the Asian Games qualifiers in Thailand in January 2018.

In Oct 2017, Khan was accused of harassment and assault by a former goalkeeper for the women's national hockey team Syeda Sadia. He had rejected Sadia's allegations as "baseless", claiming that she was trying to "create a scandal" because she was dropped from the team.

Dawn



Match To Celebrate Gormleys Career To Take Place In Pembroke



One of Ireland’s greatest players of all time is to play one last game in the green jersey with Ronan Gormley’s career set to be celebrated on January 5.

A special match between an Ireland select team and a Pembroke selection will take place at Serpentine Avenue at 3pm on the day, offering a great occasion for the Irish hockey public to pay tribute to a true great.

He retired from international hockey earlier this year following 13 years in the Irish setup earlier in 2018 having played 256 times for Ireland, captaining the side 121 times.

Gormley was part of the first Irish team to medal at the European Championships in 2015 as well as playing at the Rio Olympics in 2016 among many highlights.

For the celebration, an array of Gormley’s teammates from throughout his playing career will turn out for one last time and all are welcome for what promises to be a fitting send.

The list includes players from All-Ireland winning days at Pembroke and history-making days with the Green Machine as well as his illustrious club career on the continent which saw him win an EHL silver medal with Madrid’s Club de Campo.

The game will involve both current and past Irish internationals who are all looking forward to a fun yet competitive day out.

The game will be played at 3pm on January 5 at Pembroke Wanderers, Serpentine Avenue and all are welcome.

The organisers are encouraging kids to bring sticks as they will be welcome on the pitch at half-time and face painting and a bouncy castle will make this a great family occasion.

Irish Hockey Association media release



Irish hockey to pay tribute to Gormley with special celebration match


©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

Irish hockey will pay tribute to Ronan Gormley on Saturday afternoon with a special challenge match between a Pembroke Wanderers all-star team against an Ireland selection.

It follows his retirement last September after 13 years in the Irish setup having played 256 times for Ireland, captaining the side 121 times.

Gormley was part of the first Irish team to medal at the European Championships in 2015 as well as playing at the Rio Olympics in 2016 among many highlights.

Former coach Dave Passmore describing him as a “cultural architect” for the team as Ireland rose from outside the world’s top 20 to reachin ninth in the world in 2016.

“I remember people laughing at me when I said we had the potential to be a top 12 team,” Passmore said of the influence Gormley and his generation had.

“I am sure many of the older players still felt that so it was the younger guys like Ronan, David Harte and co that we needed to take on board the standards, attention to detail and through hard work, build the confidence that we could break the mould.

“Ronan has been integral in the development and progress of the Irish team from the 25th ranking when he was first brought into the squad, to then winning the bronze and qualifying for Rio.”

Gormley played a couple of seasons in the Euro Hockey League, lining out in the inaugural season with his club Pembroke before winning a silver medal with Club de Campo.

Euro Hockey League media release



Cultural architect Gormley hailed for key role in Ireland’s rise


Ronan Gormley celebrates a goal with Eugene Magee, Alan Sothern, Mikie Watt and John Jermyn in 2008. Pic: Adrian Boehm

Dave Passmore has described Ronan Gormley as one of the “cultural architects” of the Irish men’s rise to the top table in world hockey.

His incredible career is set to be celebrated on Saturday with a special challenge match at Serpentine Avenue (3pm) between a Pembroke selection and an Irish selection.

It follows his retirement last year after 13 years in the Irish setup having played 256 times for Ireland, captaining the side 121 times.

Gormley was part of the first Irish team to medal at the European Championships in 2015 as well as playing at the Rio Olympics in 2016 among many highlights.

During that time, he was widely credited as the driving force in changing the way the Irish team approached the international game with former coach Passmore saying he was a key driver of change from the outset.

“When I took over Ronan was captain of the U21s and playing left midfield,” he told The Hook. “Believe it or not, physically he was quite a slight character but that changed quickly once we got a formal gym program going at UCD in 2005.

“It was clear when he trained that Ronan was an all-out competitor but went about things quietly and seemed to be taking it all in from all around him.

“We lacked depth in our back line at that time so, along with Iain Lewers, I felt we needed to develop both as defenders and even from that early age you could see Ronan was going to be uncompromising in his man-to-man defending which quickly became his trademark.”

He missed the 2005 Euros to an ankle injury but Passmore said he used that disappointment to spur his development, improving his hands and elimination skills to make him an ideal wide defender.

“Ronan was never a player who used to shout at training or in the dressing rooms but quickly became a ‘cultural architect’ within the team as to the quality and intensity that we would aim for at training.

“That reflected his determination to make the team at the start and the determination to be successful thereafter. When he did speak, it was always in a calculated and controlled manner and he had the respect off the dressing room from an early age.

The 2007 Euros in Manchester was a formative one. He took on a key role at the back when Jason Black and Tim Lewis were both unavailable with Passmore describing his performance against the Dutch and Spanish side at their peak as “phenomenal”.

“He was uncompromising in the way he marked, playing on the edge of legal and numerous forwards left the pitch frustrated by this unknown young fella!

“He was good in attack too, always keen to join the attack from deep positions. From there he just kept on developing, adding an aerial and long pass to his game so he could start to play in the centre field also.”

More than his playing ability, though, the coach points to Gormley’s influence in changing the approach of Irish hockey teams to embrace elite sport and breakdown self-imposed boundaries.

“When I arrived in Ireland in 2004 we felt a bit like a pub team and one lacking direction and belief,” Passmore continued. “We needed good young role models who would push the existing group of players (and eventually push them out), drive the standards required to progress on the international stage.


Gormley in action against the Netherlands in 2016. Pic: Adrian Boehm

“At that time it would have appeared as though it was a pointless task being in the gym two mornings a week before 7am and training regionally twice a week as there wasn’t the opportunity of world competition that there is now.

“I remember people laughing at me when I said we had the potential to be a top 12 team and I am sure many of the older players still felt that so it was the younger guys like Ronan, David Harte and co that we needed to take on board the standards, attention to detail and through hard work, build the confidence that we could break the mould.

“We lost some very good players on the way who found the change hard but the younger generation had a tremendous amount of self belief, character and energy.

“Ronan has been integral in the development and progress of the Irish team from the 25th ranking when he was first brought into the squad, to then winning the bronze and qualifying for Rio.

“Similarly the success at Pembroke during those years was in no small part to the standards he brought and expected at training. When Ronan spoke people listened and in the player centred environment we tried to create at that time his voice started to come to the fore.

“But for me it was always his actions that stood out most and that was critical that we had those types of leaders if we were going to break the mould. He was the type of character that was always looking for an edge over his competitors and looking outside to see what else he could do to improve.”

** The celebration game will be played at 3pm on Saturday, January 5 at Pembroke Wanderers, Serpentine Avenue and all are welcome.

The organisers are encouraging kids to bring sticks as they will be welcome on the pitch at half-time and face painting and a bouncy castle will make this a great family occasion.

The Hook



Tenaga pack too much power for UniKL

By Jugjet Singh


(File pix) Tenaga Nasional coach Nor Saiful Zaini mentioned promising Akhimullah Anuar Esook and Noor Firdaus Rosdi as among those who were not up to the mark. Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: In an eight-minute blitz, Tenaga Nasional zapped Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) 3-0 to advance to the Alagendra Cup final tomorrow.

In the other semi-final, Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) beat Maybank 4-1.

Tenaga, who received a bye o the semi-finals as the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League, has only seven teams, missed too many sitters, and coach Nor Saiful Zaini was not too happy about it.

The Tenaga goals were scored by Syed Safiq Cholan (24th), Azrai Aizad (26th) and Firhan Ashaari (32nd).

At the other end, the THT goals were scored by Jang Jong Hyun (fourth), Sufi Ismat (eighth), Pablo Javier (19th) and Nabil Fiqri (50th).

Maybank’s consolation goal was scored by Amirullah Zainol in the 23rd minute.

“We played in patches (yesterday) and I’m not too happy with that.

“There were times when we were brilliant, and at times we looked lost.

“I gave my young players a chance to prove their worth, but they failed to take the opportunity to shine.”

Nor Saiful mentioned promising Akhimullah Anuar Esook and Noor Firdaus Rosdi as among those who were not up to the mark.

“Akhimullah and Firdaus played well below their capabilities and I hope they carry more weight in the final,” said Nor Saiful.

UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj, who only had 14 players for the semi-finals as his foreign legion have yet to arrive, gave credit to Tenaga.

“With 10 World Cup players (national players) in Tenaga they had the upper hand against us as we only had 14. And I could not substitute seven players, who played the full game, and in such a fast paced match, surely we could not match Tenaga.

“But then, we will use the Alagendra Cup ‘practice matches’ as preparation to win at least one trophy in the MHL this season,” said Arul.

THT coach I. Vikneswaran was elated with his team’s performance.

“Now that we are a step away from the title, I believe we have the players to make an impact.

“It would not be easy playing against a team who have 10 national players, but we take it as a challenge,” said Vikneswaran.

New Straits Times



Tenaga surge past UniKL to set up final clash with Terengganu

By Aftar Singh


Good job: UniKL goalkeeper Adrian Andy Albert saved the shot by Tenaga’s Muhammad Amirol Aideed Mohd Arshad during the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup semi-finals yesterday. — CHAN TAK KONG / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional scored three goals in an eight-minute blitz to beat last year's overall champions Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) for a place in the final of the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup.

Tenaga powered by 10 national players dominated the match from the start but had to wait until the 24th minutes to take a lead through defender Syed Mohamad Syafiq Syed Cholan when his drag flick sailed past goalkeeper Adrian Andy Albert off a penalty corner.

Tenaga continued to pile on the pressure and doubled the score two minutes later through Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal in the 26th minute.

UniKL were further punished for a defensive error six minutes later as national forward Firhan Ashari collected a loose ball before he beat a defender to score past keeper Albert.

It’s Tenaga’s second appearance in the Cup final. They lost to Sapura 2-1 in the final in 2016.

Under-strength UniKL could not match the pace of Tenaga because they only had 14 players available as five of their foreign players are only expected to arrive next week.

Tenaga coach Nor Saiful Zaini was pleased with the scoreline but not with their performance.

“We played well in patches and wasted a number of one-to-one chances to score goals in the match,” said Nor Saiful.

“Few of our younger players like Muhd Akhimullah (Anuar Esook) and Muhd Noor Firdaus Rosdi failed to score although they had the chances but we’re happy to reach our second final.”

UniKL coach A. Arulselvaraj said it was hard to play with just 14 players.

“We had our chances in the first quarter but muffed it. We also failed to make good use of the three penalty corners we had,” said Arulselvaraj.

“Tenaga keeper S. Kumar was in top form and it was not easy to score against him.”

In the other semi-final, Terengganu sealed a place in the final with a 4-1 win over Maybank, with goals from South Korean Jang Jong-hyun (4th), Muhamad Sufi Ismat (8th), Pablo Javier Travisan of Argentina (19th) and Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor (50th).

Amirullah Zainol netted the solitary goal for the Tigers in the 23rd minute.

The Star of Malaysia



Indoor fever takes hold as 49 teams contest 117 games this weekend


Glenanne’s indoor side need a win over Bray to advance to the semis. Pic: Adrian Boehm

From Antrim to Kinsale, the club indoor hockey season resumes at all levels across the island this weekend with five sports halls hosting 117 matches involving 49 teams and around 600 players involved.

In Leinster, the men’s competition continues on Saturday with reigning national champions Three Rock Rovers making their first appearance on the boards this season when they play Railway Union II.

It is the sole game in Pool A this weekend with the group completed on January 12. Pembroke and YMCA await then with six points each to their name following walkovers received courtesy of Bray’s withdrawal.

Pool B plays to a conclusion with Railway Union and Kilkenny currently occupying the top two spots with two wins from two. Glenanne and Corinthian wait in the wings, making Kilkenny against the Glens in the opening game a potentially crucial showdown at 12.10pm.

On Sunday, the women’s group stages come to a conclusion. Newbridge make their entry in Pool A, playing all three of their games against UCD, Railway and Muckross while there is a key game between Muckross and Railway at 12.40pm.

Pool B has two games left with a win for Glenanne in the first against Bray assuring they progress to the last four. North Kildare and Three Rock face off in the other tie with the winner going through to the semis, too.

The Munster indoor league makes its first appearance on the agenda since the mid-1980s with three men’s teams and six women’s teams taking part in Kinsale.

The men’s competition features Ashton, Limerick and Waterford in a series of round-robin games with the winner earning the right to represent Munster in the National Indoor Trophy.

The women’s event features two groups of three with four clubs represented. Group A has Ashton A, Belvedere B and Waterford while Group B has Ashton B, Cork C of I and Belvedere A taking part. The winners of the groups will contest the final.

In Ulster, the BDO NI Youth Series at U-15 and U-18 Boys and Girls continue. In Leinster, under the watchful eye of Adrian Henchy, the Portrane HC/LHA U-14 Indoor Trophy gets underway with a girls’ Cup and Plate (sponsored by the McCann family) added to the long standing Tommy O’Sullivan Boys Trophy.

With Ireland entering the EuroHockey Indoor Championships for 2020 there is a lot to look forward to as the code continues grows at both youth and adult level.

Outdoors, Ireland’s women jetted out to Chile this week as part of their warm-weather training camp with four games starting against their hosts on January 12, 13, 15 and 16.

Club action is in the preliminary round of the Jacqui Potter Cup.

Saturday 5th January 2019
Men
Munster Division 1: Cork Harlequins v Cork C of I B, 1pm, Farmers’ Cross
Munster Indoor League (all at Saile, Kinsale): Ashton v Limerick, 10.15am; Limerick v Waterford, 12pm; Waterford v Ashton, 1.30pm; Limerick v Ashton, 3.15pm; Waterford v Limerick, 4.30pm; Waterford v Ashton, 5.45pm
Leinster Indoor League (all at St Columba’s): Kilkenny v Glenanne, 12.10pm; Corinthian v Railway Union, 12.50pm; Kilkenny v Railway Union, 1.30pm; Glenanne v Corinthian, 2.10pm; Three Rock Rovers v Railway Union B, 2.50pm

Women
Leinster Jacqui Potter Cup: Dublin North v Glenanne, 10.30am, NSC; Our Lady’s v Avoca, 12pm, Terenure; Old Alex II v Clontarf, 1.15pm, Milltown; Monkstown v Pembroke II, 2pm, ALD Merrion Fleet Arena; North Kildare v Monkstown II, 4.30pm, The Maws; Muckross II v Loreto II, 4.30pm, Muckross Park

Sunday 6th January 2019
Women
Leinster Indoor League (all at St Columba’s): Railway Union v Newbridge, 11.20am; Muckross v Railway Union, 12.40pm; Newbridge v UCD, 1.20pm; Muckross v Newbridge, 2pm; Glenanne v Bray, 2.40pm; Three Rock Rovers v North Kildare, 3.20pm

The Hook



Big weekend in Scottish women’s Indoor National League 1



Dundee Wanderers will look to finish the league part of women`s indoor National League 1 in pole position. On Sunday the Taysiders will hope to see off bottom side Grange in their first outing, then Edinburgh University may be a difficult hurdle in their second match.

The former champions have been relatively consistent, they have won all their games except two dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Hillhead.

Even without youthful strikers Emily Dark and Charlotte Watson last time out Wanderers still managed convincing victories over Watsonians and Tayside neighbours Grove Menzieshill.  In their absence the likes of Ruth Blaikie, Millie Skidmore and the evergreen Vikki Bunce stepped up to the mark.

The jostle for the other top four spots is between Western, Hillhead and Grove Menzieshill who have an extra game this weekend. Only a single point separate the three sides.

The race for second spot should be resolved when Western, only a single point ahead, take on Grove Menzieshill in their opening game, with the runners-up spot likely to go to the victors. Western`s other game is against Watsonians who occupy a mid-table spot.

Grove Menzieshill, on the other hand, have their opening match against unbeaten Hillhead who have already taken points off both Wanderers and Western on the opening day of the competition – three points are certainly not guaranteed here.

The Glasgow club seemed to be on draw sequence until last weekend when they scored comfortable wins over bottom sides Grange and Edinburgh CALA. Their win ethic has come from the lethal finishing of Katie Fleming along with Wendy and Louise Andrews.

In the lower reaches of the division it looks as if Edinburgh University and Watsonians will jockey for fifth and sixth place. Grange and Edinburgh CALA share bottom spot with no points from five games, one or both will break their points duck as the sides face each other towards the end of Sunday`s session.

In the end the competition moves on to the two pool stage with the top two sides in each group advancing to semi-finals.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Hockey Legend Balbir Singh Sr. set to be discharged from hospital

Chandigarh: Triple Olympic Gold medal winning hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr. in all likelihood will be discharged from hospital after being admitted for the past three months following bronchial pneumonia.

The legend celebrated his 95th birthday on December 31 in a private ward of Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) where is recuperating following his illness

On October 2, Singh was admitted to PGIMER after he complained of breathing difficulty.

Immediately after being admitted, the legendary centre- forward was treated at the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) of the PGI Hospital and over the past couple of weeks, his condition improved, hospital sources said.

Over the next few days, the doctors will assess his health and if his condition remains stable and shows further improvement, he is likely to be sent home, they said on Friday.

While sharing a Facebook post from his hospital bed when he turned 95, the iconic player wrote, "It's 90 days today that I am in PGI, Chandigarh. L~ike the rest of my life where everything has been pre-destined, I celebrate my 95th birthday with the lovely and very caring staff - who have now become my second family!"

"Manziley chi Ziddi hain, Rastey thi Zidddi hain, par kya Karoon main-Honsley bhi to mere ziddi hain"

"With your best wishes and prayers - see you all soon at home! Wish all my friends and family across the globe a very happy and prosperous New Year! God Bless," wrote Balbir Sr. in his post

The Times of India



Susan Ahrens appointed interim CEO for Field Hockey Canada

The Field Hockey Board of Directors would like to announce Dr. Susan Ahrens as the interim CEO of Field Hockey Canada. Susan is currently the Director of Hockey Development and has agreed to step up to provide staff leadership while the search to fill the position on a permanent basis continues.

A former international player and coach with success in club and provincial sport environments in various roles, Susan has led our development during her time at Field Hockey Canada and is ideally placed to lead our organization through this transitional period. Working with the board of directors, she will continue her strategic leadership and Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) member engagement to ensure Field Hockey Canada is optimally positioned for success in 2019 and beyond.

The Board of Directors would like to thank Ian Baggott for his work and is delighted in facilitating Ian’s return to the board where we return to full strength and will continue to drive forward to create a stronger community and stronger sport.

Field Hockey Canada media release

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