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All the news for Monday 7 January 2019

2019 Croatia Indoor Cup (W) - Day 3
Sveti Ivan Zelina (CRO)

Results 6 January

USA v HUN (RR)     17 - 0 (8 - 0)
SVK v SLO (RR)     2 - 0 (1 - 0)
CRO v USA (RR)     3 - 8 (2 - 4)
HUN v SVK (RR)     0 - 7 (0 - 4)

Final pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Senior Indoor USWNT Crowned Croatia Cup Champions, Juniors Place Second



SVETI IVAN ZELINA, Croatia - The final day of the Croatia Cup in Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia concluded Sunday with the Senior U.S. Women's National Indoor Team finishing strong with two wins to secure first place and the Croatia Cup championship. In their first match of the day, the team defeated Hungary 17-0 before taking on host nation Croatia, where the senior squad used a strong second half to pull away to a 8-3 victory. The U-21 Indoor USWNT, whose lone loss of the tournament was to the senior squad on the first day, finished second in the standings. In their last two games, the U-21 Indoor USWNT faced the U-21 Croatia team, winning 10-2, before wrapping up the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Slovenia.

Corinne Zanolli (Newton Square, Pa.) received the Best Player of the Tournament Award and the Top Goal Scorer Award with 14 total goals throughout the tournament.
 
“Congratulations to [Corinne] on being recognized as the Best Player of the Tournament," said Jun Kentwell, Indoor USWNT Head Coach. "She played consistently well and her movement on and off the ball created a lot of problems for our opposition defenses.”

USA 17 - Hungary 0

The Indoor USWNT were pitted against Hungary in the first game of the final day. The new hockey nation had made a marked improvement with every game during the tournament. Although they employed a tight defensive zone, USA scored at regular intervals throughout the game. Zinolli scored four and Ali Campbell (Boyertown, Pa.) converted three penalty corner and a penalty stroke to lead the team. Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.) and Madison Orobono (Macungie, Pa.) scored three goals each, while Elizabeth Yeager (Rye, N.Y.), Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.) and Nathalie Friedman (Phoenix, Md.) scored one each.

U-21 USA 10 - U-21 Croatia 2

The U-21 USA team jumped out to a fast start against Croatia's U-21 squad. Mia Leonhardt (Media, Pa.), on the right of the circle, converted a square pass from Josephine Palde (Schwenksville, Pa.) to open the scoring. Croatia fought back, pressing USA's defense high, bringing a good save from goalkeeper Sierra Espeland (Fredericksburg, Va.). Rayne Wright (Bethlehem, Pa.), who had an outstanding tour, made a timely interception and sent a hard pass to Palde, who swept the ball on to Leonhardt to deflect into the net. With the game swinging from end to end, Palde scrambled a loose ball home to give USA a 3-0 lead in the sixth minute. The young Croatian team continued to work hard and press forward, who then won a penalty corner to put the host nation on the board. In the 12th minute, Leonhardt made a good interception, took the ball into the circle, and shot passed the onrushing goalkeeper to restore the three-goal lead. Croatia won another corner and converted again, this time Una Litvic shot high to make the score to 4-2 in the 14th minute. Both teams went close and both goalkeepers were called into action as the squads battled for another goal. They had to wait until the 18th minute when a well worked move from Kelly Smith (Downingtown, Pa.) to Leonhardt to Olivia Bent-Cole (Ventor, N.J.) on a penalty corner attempt gave USA a 5-2 lead which they took into the break.

An exciting second half ensued, but it took ten minutes for another breakthrough. A shot by Palde hit the post but Evelyn Murray (Virginia Beach, Va.) was on hand to push the ball home. One minute later, a five-player move ended with Leonhardt deflecting the ball into the net to extend USA's lead to 7-2. With players tiring the pace slowed as USA took full advantage and scored three more goals in the final two minutes. First, Bent-Cole set up Murray, then Smith laid on a goal for Murray. Finally, Megan Maransky (Blue Bell, Pa.) intercepted a pass, took the ball into the circle and scored the tenth goal with an accurate low shot to give USA Juniors the 10-2 victory and take the test series 3-0.
 
“This was a well played game and the score line does not reflect how well the young Croatia team played,” said head coach Jun Kentwell after the game. “We wish them the best of luck in their European Under 21 B Division Championship in two weeks.”

USA 8 - Croatia 3

In the final match of the Croatia Cup, the senior Indoor USWNT took on the host nation in front of a packed stadium. Croatia jumped out to an early lead when Ivona Makar intercepted a cross pass, took the ball to the right edge of the circle and shot into the far corner of the net past USA goalkeeper Samantha Carlino (Kennet Square, Pa.). USA patiently started to build up their structure as Croatia sat back and waited for the opportunity to break. Orobono pounced on a rebound to tie the game in the 3rd minute. Eventually, USA created a penalty corner opportunity. Campbell stepped up and buried the ball high in the net to give USA the 2-1 lead. Zanolli added another from a narrow angle to make it 3-1, but from the restart Croatia's Dora Lagancic rolled round Friedman, placing an accurate shot just inside the far goal post to narrow the score 3-2. Rose however restored USA's two-goal lead, which they took into the halftime break, when she rounded the goalkeeper and flicked the ball into the goal.
 
Orobono made a touch to a hard penetrating pass from Campbell to extend the lead in the 22nd minute. Two minutes later, Rose intercepted a pass, drew and the lifted the ball over the sliding goalkeeper. Moments later Paityn Wirth (Thompsontown, Pa.) won the ball on the left board, took the ball right, cut into the circle and fired a shot to give USA a 7-2 lead. In the 34th minute Croatia pulled one back when Dolores Peranic fired a corner shot off the underside of the bar. With pne minute remaining, and Croatia pressing forward, Zanolli broke out of defense, passed quickly to Rose who swept home from the left side of the circle for a hard fought 8-3 win, and with it, the 2019 Croatia Cup.
 
“I am pleased how this group has come together as a team," praised Kentwell. "We have a talented group of young players who have gained valuable experience here, both playing in this international event, and playing with and being lead by players who competed in the Indoor World Cup last February. I want to thank Slaven and the Croatian Hockey Federation for inviting us and giving us the opportunity to compete at both the senior and junior level. Everything has been very well organized, the facilities are excellent, and our teams have been very warmly welcomed.”

U-21 USA  3 - Slovenia 0

In the second game of the day for the junior team, Leonhardt scored in the 17th minute, Palde added a second in the 28th minute. Wright and Ryleigh Heck (Shamong, N.J.) combined for a beautiful goal in the 31st minute to help give the Junior Indoor USWNT a 3-0 win over Slovania in the final game of the Croatia Cup.
 
 “We found it difficult to create openings in the tight Slovenia defense," commented Kentwell. "We didn’t always make the best decisions. We didn’t pre-scan and tried to force the ball a little too much. Credit to Slovenia on their discipline and strong defensive play, and to their goalkeeper who made some outstanding saves.”



USFHA media release

The USA U21 and Croatia U21 teams were taking part as Invitational teams and their results were not officially recorded in the Tournament results

Ronan Gormley credited with changing attitude for men’s hockey

Former international defender on scoresheet in special challenge match

Stephen Findlater


Ronan Gormley played 256 times for Ireland, captaining the side 121 times. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
 
Irish hockey came together at Serpentine Avenue on Saturday to pay tribute to one of the true greats of the modern era, Ronan Gormley, and celebrate his incredible career.

In total, he played 256 times for Ireland, captaining the side 121 times, with former coaches Paul Revington and Dave Passmore both heralding Gormley as the key instigator in changing the attitude of the national team to an elite sporting proposition.

Around a dozen Olympians and a cast list of 22 internationals – totalling a cumulative tally of well over 1,500 caps – lined out for a special challenge match on Saturday between a Pembroke XI and an Irish XI.

Gormley struck a rare goal with two minutes to go for the Pembroke side, sneaking a shot past Nigel Henderson, drawing the biggest cheer from an enjoyable 4-3 romp for the green shirts.

For the defensive stalwart famed for his man-marking, the open nature of the tie may not have been in keeping with his gritty style but was a fine spectacle to honour a great player, followed up by a dinner for well over 100 in the compact clubhouse hall.

So often, the sport’s big names have not been given a suitable send-off on retirement. John Jermyn’s testimonial in Garryduff last summer, though, set a template and this occasion shows the value for clubs to show their respect to their heroes.

When he made his debut in 2004, the Cork-born defender joined a side ranked outside the world’s top 20. By the end – formally announced last September – the side was ninth with a first Olympic qualification achieved in over a century to go with a first ever European bronze medal in 2015.

Passmore described Gormley as “the cultural architect” among the players in changing their approach and outlook.

“When I arrived in Ireland in 2004 we felt a bit like a pub team and one lacking direction and belief,” Passmore said in his tribute to Gormley. “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.

“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.

The Irish Times

Akhimullah helps Tenaga win title despite grandmother's death

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: Akhimullah Anuar Esook handed Tenaga Nasional their maiden Alagendra Cup title today, but he was in no mood to celebrate.

The 18-year-old lost his maternal grandmother yesterday, and he rushed back from Kuala Terengganu to be with his team three hours before the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Tenaga were lucky to have beaten Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) 2-1 as the final only came to live in the last minute of the match.

Syed Safiq Syed Cholan handed Tenaga the lead off a 46th minute penalty stroke, but THT equalised two minutes later through a Rashid Baharom field goal.

And in the final minute of the match, THT received a penalty stroke when goalkeeper S. Kumar brought down Nabil Fiqri. However, Kumar made up for that sliding blunder with a save when Jang Jung Hyun flicked straight towards his gloved hand.

Tenaga immediately mounted a counter and Akhimullah nailed the winner with 30 seconds before the hooter.

The lanky lad, who also handed Malaysia the hockey 5s Olympic gold in Rio by scoring 22 goals, wiped away tears before speaking to the media. “I am happy and sad as well, because I lost my grandmother on Saturday and after her funeral, I rushed back to be with my team.

“Although it has been tiring for me, it was worth it as I managed to help my teammates win their first Alagendra Cup.”

Tenaga coach Nor Saiful Zaini said: “We missed many penalty corners (more than 10) and sitters as well, and I feared for the worst as they made the same mistakes in the semifinals.

“However, Akhimullah regained his scoring touch and now we are looking forward to challenge for more titles.”

New Straits Times

Mourning Akhimullah the hero in Tenaga’s win in final


Champions: Tenaga Nasional posing with the trophy after beating Terengganu in the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup final at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: National junior forward Muhd Akhimullah Anuar Esook was still mourning following the death of his grandmother Maznah Abu Bakar who passed away in Kuala Terengganu on Saturday.

Akhimullah, who only arrived from Kuala Terengganu at 2pm for the final of the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup, ended up as the hero for scoring the winning goal in the dying minutes of Tenaga Nasional’s 2-1 win over Terengganu at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The Star of Malaysia

Dramatic end to the Men's Jaffa Super 6s Premier Division



Hampstead and Westminster survived late onslaught from rivals East Grinstead to secure a 7-6 victory on Sunday and ensure they preserved their 100% record in the Men’s Jaffa Super 6s Premier Division.

The two sides will meet again in the semi finals at the Copper Box Arena in London on January 27 with East Grinstead hanging on to fourth spot despite the loss.

Both teams were already assured of a spot in the semi finals as they headed into the match, but they battled like their survival depended on the result.

Level at 3-3 at half time, Hampstead & Westminster scored four unanswered goals to take a 7-3 lead. But first Dominic Bowden scored to give East Grinstead some hope, before two late goals from Ashley Jackson ensured a nail-biting finish.

East Grinstead had the ball in the net and initially thought they had secured a draw, before the last goal was ruled out by officials.

That result means the two teams will meet again in the semi finals, with the winner going on to face the winner of the Surbiton versus Sevenoaks clash in the final.

East Grinstead had started their fixtures on day four with a hard-fought 4-3 win over Sevenoaks, while Hampstead were similarly victors over Sevenoaks, but by a score of 9-4.

Surbiton secured their place in the semi finals with a win and a draw on the final day of matches at Bromsgrove School. After stuttering to a 5-5 draw with Canterbury in the opening game, they went on to hammer Team Bath Buccaneers 13-5.

Holcombe missed out on a place in the semi finals and finished fifth in the table, despite winning their two games on Sunday, 7-4 against Wimbledon and 8-4 over Brooklands MU.

Team Bath Buccaneers secured their only point of the campaign with a 4-4 draw against Canterbury, while the day’s other match saw Wimbledon win 6-2 over Brooklands MU.

Reading are leading the Division One table after securing two more victories at Nottingham Trent University on Sunday. They were 5-1 winners over Loughborough Students, and 8-2 victors against Ipswich.

* For goalscorers and full competition details, including live updates click here - https://englandhockey.altiusrt.com/

England Hockey Board Media release

Bowdon Hightown to face Buckingham after thrilling Jaffa Super 6s Championship



Bowdon Hightown will face Buckingham in the semi finals of the Women's Jaffa Super 6s after a nail-biting day of hockey at Phoenix Sport Centre in Telford on Sunday.

They started their day with a 7-3 victory against second-placed East Grinstead. Sally Walton starred for Bowdon, smashing home four goals with Charlene Mason, Tina Cullen and Kayleigh Maw scoring one a piece to seal the win.

Walton also dominated proceedings in their second fixture of the day, adding another three to her tally as part of a 9-3 victory against Beeston. She has now taken her tally to 18 for the competition and will look to add more in the semi-finals.

East Grinstead secured second place in the group on goal difference. They started their day well with a 4-3 victory over Beeston. Zoe Burrell produced a good performance netting three goals as part of the win.

Slough also progressed to the semi-finals. They began their day with a narrow 3-2 victory over Holcombe before going on to repeat the same scoreline against Buckingham to book their place in the semi finals at the Copper Box Arena in London on January 27.

Buckingham are the final team to progress in to the semis as they secured fourth place on goal difference.

They produced a good performance in their first match of the day, winning 4-2 over Holcombe before going on to suffer a narrow 3-2 defeat in the final game of the day against Slough.

Leicester ran out 4-0 victors against bottom of the table Canterbury in their first game of the day. Emma Yanzi was the star of the show netting a hat-trick as part of the win.

But they then went on to suffer a 6-3 defeat at the hands of Clifton Robinsons who missed out on a spot in the semis on goal difference. Claire Thomas netted a hat-trick in the process and finishes the competition with six goals.

In Sunday’s opening match, Clifton Robinsons had started well enough with a 4-1 win over Canterbury.

Sutton Coldfield sit top of Division One after 10-4 victory over Chelmsford and a 2-1 win over Gloucester.

Harleston Magpies are second with all still to play for with another round of fixtures next weekend.

* For goalscorers and full competition details, including live updates click here - https://englandhockey.altiusrt.com

England Hockey Board Media release