Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 09 February 2019

All the news for Saturday 9 February 2019


2019 FIH Pro League (Men) - 9 February

Weekend fixtures

8 Feb 2019     NZL v GBR (RR)     2 - 6  
10 Feb 2019 15:00 (GMT +11)    AUS v GER (RR)

Unofficial Pool Standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Belgium 4 2 1 1 0 14 9 5 9 75.0
2 Great Britain 2 2 0 0 0 12 7 5 6 100.0
3 Netherlands 2 1 1 0 0 9 8 1 5 83.3
4 Spain 2 0 1 0 1 7 8 -1 2 33.3
5 Australia 2 0 0 1 1 6 9 -3 1 16.7
6 New Zealand 3 0 0 1 2 9 14 -5 1 11.1
7 Germany 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
8 Argentina 1 0 0 0 1 2 4 -2 0 0.0

The FIH inexplicably and confusingly use a system, not used in any other sports League in the World, of making the percentage more important than point until the end of the League when they will revert to points. Fieldhockey.com prefers to use the conventional Points and so the Unofficial Pool Standings on this site are reflected in this manner.

FIH Match Centre



2019 FIH Pro League (Women) - 9 February

Weekend Fixtures

8 Feb 2019     NZL v GBR (RR)     5 - 1
9 Feb 2019     AUS v CHN (RR)     4 - 3   
10 Feb 2019 17:00 (GMT +11)    AUS v GER (RR)

Unofficial pool standings

Rank Team Played Wins Win Draws Loss Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points Percent
1 Australia 3 2 0 0 1 6 5 1 6 66.7
2 Belgium 3 2 0 0 1 3 3 0 6 66.7
3 Argentina 2 1 1 0 0 4 2 2 5 83.3
4 Netherlands 2 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 3 50.0
5 New Zealand 3 1 0 0 2 5 3 2 3 33.3
6 United States 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 33.3
7 Germany 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
8 China 1 0 0 0 1 3 4 -1 0 0.0
9 Great Britain 1 0 0 0 1 1 5 -4 0 0.0

The FIH inexplicably and confusingly use a system, not used in any other sports League in the World, of making the percentage more important than point until the end of the League when they will revert to points. Fieldhockey.com prefers to use the conventional Points and so the Unofficial Pool Standings on this site are reflected in this manner.

FIH Match Centre



Williams stars as Hockeyroos beat China in seven goal thriller



Mariah Williams produced a Player of the Match performance as Australia’s Hockeyroos overcame stern resistance to defeat China 4-3 in a pulsating FIH Pro League game at the Tasmania Hockey Centre in Hobart.

Twenty-three-year-old attacker Williams, who recently returned to the international fold after a two year absence through injury, was the star of the show against the Asian giants, scoring one and creating another as her team claimed a second win from three matches to move into second place in the FIH Pro League standings.

Australia (FIH World Ranking: 3) came into their meeting with FIH Pro League debutants China (WR:10) looking to bounce back from last weekend’s surprising home defeat at the hands of lower ranked Belgium, a result which had followed a brilliant victory over world champions the Netherlands in their first fixture. However, they would have to do it without talismanic defender Jodie Kenny, with Head Coach Paul Gaudoin stating in the pre-match broadcast interview that a slight quad muscle injury was enough to rule the 31-year-old penalty corner expert out of the contest.

The match was evenly contested from start to finish, with the visitors making a lively start before Williams opened the scoring two minutes before the end of the first quarter with a penalty corner deflection.

China levelled things up midway through the second quarter thanks Zhong Jiaqi’s cracking finish on the turn, firing into the bottom corner following a perfect pass from Yong Jing.

The two sides traded blows in the minutes before the half time break, with Rosie Malone’s close range strike being cancelled out almost immediately by Dan Wen’s unerringly accurate push-shot that cannoned into the goal via the post to leave the match evenly balanced at 2-2.

An entertaining but score-less third quarter was followed by result defining fourth period. An early yellow card to China defender Sun Xiao reduced the visitors to ten players for five minutes, allowing Australia to take full advantage of the situation by scoring twice against their numerically disadvantaged opponents. A defensive error was ruthlessly punished by a first time strike from Grace Stewart before Williams was allowed to run unchallenged through the China midfield to create a simple tap-in for Savannah Fitzpatrick.

Sun’s return to the field combined with a yellow card for Australia’s Kaitlin Nobbs resulted in a momentum shift, with China pulling a goal back thanks to a superb touch from Yong Jing with four minutes remaining. However, a yellow card to Zhang Jinrong handed the initiative back to the Hockeyroos, who controlled the final minutes to claim all three points.

“I’m thrilled”, said Player of the Match Mariah Williams immediately after the contest. “It’s only my third international match in the last two years, so I’m very stoked and happy to get Player of the Match. We are really happy with that result, and we need to come out tomorrow and have another good result [against Germany].”

China captain Cui Qiuxia said: “We played very well in the first quarter, and we had a lot of penalty corners but we were missing the chances. Congratulations to Australia who won the game, and I hope our team can win the our next game [against New Zealand in Christchurch on 17 February]”.

The FIH Pro League action in Hobart continues on Sunday 10 February as the Hockeyroos and the Kookaburras face the national teams of Germany.

FIH Pro League - Match Day 9 (Hobart, Australia)

9 February 2019

Result: Women’s Match 8
Australia 4, China 3
Player of the Match: Mariah Williams (AUS)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



Hockeyroos Break China In Seven-Goal Thriller

Alexie Beovich



The Hockeyroos have beaten China 4-3 in an FIH Pro League thriller at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre in Hobart on Saturday evening.

Goals to Player of the Match Mariah Williams, Rosie Malone, Grace Stewart and Savannah Fitzpatrick were enough to secure Australia’s second victory for the tournament in front of an enthusiastic Hobart crowd.

The victory pushes the Hockeyroos to the top of the FIH Pro League standings for the time being, Australia plays again on Sunday when they take on Germany in Hobart.

Despite the loss, China will be buoyed by the performances of Jiaqi Zhong, Dan Wen and Yong Jing, all of whom were able to hit the scoreboard.

Australia was without co-captain Jodie Kenny due to a quad injury sustained in training throughout the week but bridged the defensive gap with standout performances from Lily Brazel and Maddison Fitzpatrick.

After missing an extended period of time due to injury, Williams scored her first international goal since the Rio Olympics by way of deflection from an Australian penalty corner in the 13th minute of the match.

A flurry of goals late in the second quarter kept fans on the edge of their seats.

China started the chain of scores in the 25th minute when Zhong Jiaqi gained possession off of a deflection in the attacking circle and smashed a strong shot past Australian goalkeeper Ashlee Wells.

Malone was the next to score in the 28th minute, finding some open space after a shot from Stewart was turned away and nailing the backboard with ease.

Dan Wen tied things up in the dying seconds of the half when she ran the ball inside the attacking circle and beat Wells with some impressive stick work.

The Hockeyroos’ breakthrough came as a result of China’s Sun Xiao was sent off with a yellow card in the 47th minute.

Stewart was the first to take advantage, she found herself one-on-one with the keeper off an assist from Maddison Fitzpatrick and rocketed one into the net.

Just two minutes later the Hockeyroos extended their lead again when Williams found Savannah Fitzpatrick from the top of the attacking circle for the deflection goal.

A fortuitious goal from Yong Jing in the 56th minute wasn’t enough and China couldn’t prevet defeat in their first match of the FIH Pro League

The Hockeyroos will now turn their attention to Germany ahead of Sunday’s clash in Hobart.

Australia 4 (Williams 4', Malone 28', Stewart 48', S. Fitzpatrick 50')
China 3 (Zhong Jiaqi 25', Dan Wen 29', Yong Jing 56')

Hockey Australia media release



Great Britain in high-scoring evening of mixed fortunes

By The Hockey Paper



Great Britain endured mixed fortunes in their FIH Pro League double header clash against New Zealand on Friday night.

Adam Dixon’s first game as captain saw the men earn an emphatic 6-2 win as the women team were thumped 5-1 in Christchurch.

Sam Ward netted the competition’s first hat-trick, there were two goals for Phil Roper while Dixon also netted to make it a day to remember.

It was their second six-goal win after winning their first game 6-5 against Spain last month and a marked turnaround from their final two matches at the World Cup where they shipped 14 goals.

Dixon said: “It’s been a great start to the competition. With a bit more time between games now we can take each match at full steam and peak for each weekend with our approach and tactics. It’s paid off for us so far.

“Winning breeds a winning mentality, this tournament allows us to come with a different approach and it’s very exciting.”

Meanwhile, the women endured a chastening defeat which saw new coach Mark Hager oversee the team for the first time against a side he coached for nearly 10 years and led to Commonwealth gold last year.

Giselle Ansley scored the Olympic champion’s only goal courtesy of a penalty stroke, but after early possession advantage from the hosts an Olivia Merry hat-trick and plenty of turnover ball cut GB apart in a match which saw Loughborough’s Lizzie Neal make her debut.

Great Britain captain Hollie Pearne-Webb said: “We are kind of starting afresh at the moment, so this is our baseline. The only way is up, hopefully.”

Great Britain will now travel to Perth for another double header clash against Australia next Saturday.

The Hockey Paper



Great Britain lose 5-1 to New Zealand in Mark Hager's first game


GB coach Mark Hager greets New Zealand hockey players following their win

Coach Mark Hager lost his first game in charge of Great Britain women against former side New Zealand.

The Black Sticks won 5-1 in the FIH Pro League in Christchurch.

Australian Hager, 54, left the Black Sticks after 10 years to take charge of the Olympic champions last month.

He is awaiting the outcome of an investigation into his leadership while New Zealand coach following accusations of bullying.

Olivia Merry scored a hat-trick for New Zealand, while Giselle Ansley netted for Britain.

GB face Australia at 09:30 GMT on 16 February in Perth in their second game.

Earlier on Friday, GB men went top of the table with a 6-2 win over New Zealand as Sam Ward scored a hat-trick in Adam Dixon's first match as captain.

Britain, who beat Spain 6-5 in their opening game, play Australia in Perth on 16 February (15:30 GMT).

The competition serves as a qualifier for the 2020 Olympics and 2022 World Cup, with nine teams competing in the round-robin tournament in home and away matches between January and June.

BBC Sport



India A women's team suffer 0-1 defeat against France A side


India A women's hockey lose to France A side, Hockey India Twitter handle

The India A women's hockey team suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of France A side in the first match in Lucknow on Friday.

In a match which could have gone either way, it was France's Ines Lardeur who scored the only goal of the match in the 37th minute through a penalty corner conversion.

Both sides got sufficient opportunities to score but their defences were solid throughout the match, not allowing the forwards to convert their chances on multiple occasions.

India A women's team, consisting of players from the India Development Core Group and a few youngsters who have recently represented the India senior team, found it difficult to produce a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

On the other hand, France A women's side utilised their opportunity in the 37th minute when they were awarded a penalty corner. Lardeur produced a calm finish to give her team an important lead in the match.

The home side, led by captain Salima Tete and vice-captain Lalremsiami, tried to make inroads into the French defence but could not find an equaliser as the visitors protected their one-goal lead to register the win.

The second match will be played on February 10 at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Daily News & Analysis



Shahbaz to “try his best” to help PHF stave off FIH sanctions

LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Olympian Shahbaz Senior has vowed to do his best to avoid any kind of sanctions of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Pakistan in the wake of its failure of not fielding the national team in the newly-introduced FIH Pro League due to the financial crisis.

Talking to journalists after regaining charge as PHF secretary, as PHF President Khalid Sajjad Khokhar did not accept his resignation, Shahbaz said: “As I am a member of the FIH Competition Committee and Executive Board, I will try my best to avoid the sanctions. Pakistan has a great contribution in the world of hockey so, hopefully, we will escape any penalties for not entering the team.”

Shahbaz resigned as PHF secretary after Pakistan’s dismal show at last year’s World Cup in India where they finished 11th. During this period, Ayaz Mahmood was appointed as associate secretary and Ikhlaq Usmani was made acting secretary. Usmani decided not to send the team to Argentina on the first leg of the Pro League.

He said had the federal government released the sanctioned grant of Rs200 million of the PHF during the interim government in June last year, the Pakistan team would have been participating in the ongoing Pro League.

He said that with the limited funds in PHF’s accounts, it was not possible to spend any money on the national team’s participation in the Pro League.

Shahbaz also lashed out at former Olympians for unnecessarily criticising the PHF over the use of funds. He said the Olympians should wait for the audited report of PHF funds. He said though the Olympians were frequently saying the PHF received Rs540 million, they never spoke of the fact that the national team also had 27 tours in this period.

Shahbaz also criticised media for only criticising him for the decline in the performance of the national team and there was not a single word against the roles of players and coaches.

He regretted that the fitness level of Pakistani players was not up to international standards.

Shahbaz said all the previous selection committees headed by Hasan Sardar, Tahir Zaman and Khwaja Junaid did the team’s selection on their own, and he had never interfered in their matters.

He proposed that the PHF would have no objection if the federal government directly made all arrangements of the tours of the national team on its own and just release some portion of the funds to the federation to run the offices.

He said the much-awaited meeting of the PHF Congress would be held in the current month alongside the National Under-19 championship, which was being held in Islamabad.

He said at least Rs 2.5 million was required to hold the meeting of the Congress.

Dawn



Shahbaz lambastes those trying to defame country

Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD  -   Pakistan Hockey Federation Secretary Olympian Shahbaz Senior lashes out at certain lobby, who were occupying different posts in federation and now trying to bring bad name for country by issuing highly negative statements just t gain personal benefits.

Shahbaz expressed these views while talking exclusively to The Nation on Friday he further said, “These things won’t help these sick-minded people, instead bring bad name for not only country but for Pakistan hockey, we are fighting for the national cause, not for personal interests, whoever is heading the federation government must not only fully back the elected federation, but also provide funds, due to highly neglected attitude of government and Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Minister Dr Fahmida Mirza, we had to face lot of difficulties in fulfilling our international commitments, these uncertain conditions led to poor results, as players and officials can’t focus on field performances.”

He further said, “PHF President Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar had met with IPC Secretary Akbar Durrani in this regard and informed him about the entire situation and hazards being faced by the federation, resignation of office-bearers is not the solution, Akbar Durrani not only listen to our problems, but he also assured all out help and said, he will request Minister for provision of funds to federation, we are highly grateful to IPC Secretary, as he is a gentleman and understand the importance of national game, unlike of past secretary Jameel Ahmed, who kept on sitting on our written requests and Pakistan had to face FIH ban as we fail to participate in pro-league, I request IPC Minister to take stern action against Jameel, as his mistake costs hockey and country dearly .”

Shahbaz further said, “We are working with full dedication and leaving no stone unturned to take Pakistan hockey back to old glory days heights, few certain minded people are using media platform to serve their vested interests and levelling baseless allegations against me and President, which had no ground reality, I and President had never said a single word against anyone, as we believe in dignity and not in personal attacks, Olympians must not spread false and baseless things, they must play positive role and help federation in national cause, lying in the media and sending negativity will serve no purpose to them, but increase more miseries, Olympians backing will not only help them restore their respect among masses, but also enhance their reputation, it is matter of grave displeasure that these Olympians are same, who enjoyed two years of taking perks and privileges from the federation and they had done nothing for hockey, we didn’t send them home on personal liking or disliking, the decision was made purely on their poor performances, as they fail to complete the assigned tasks.”

He further said, “I always tried my level best to ensure Pakistan hockey enjoy respect and grace world over, we needed Rs 20 million for Argentina tour to take part in pro-league, funds absence was the reason behind, federation fail to send team, but we had for months writing to government and IPC and PSB, had IPC former secretary Jameel Ahmed performed his duties accordingly, today situation would have been different, I am trying my level best to ensure FIH doesn’t ban and impose fine on national hockey team, as secretary, Olympian and Executive member of FIH I will raise my voice at every forum in this regard, 11 international players are ready to come to play in Pakistan due to our sincere efforts, but we don’t have funds nor resources, if government or sponsors are ready to bear expenditures of international players, they will come and play in Pakistan, until and unless government provide funds, hockey can’t move forward, we demand government to construct 4 hockey centres at major cities so we could work on grassroots level and provide national team fresh blood, we will prefer U-21 youth for hockey league.

 our players doesn’t have jobs, federation doesn’t have funds, if government step forward and help federation, I can assure Pakistan hockey will be back on its feet very soon, Shahbaz concluded.

The Nation



Inverleith get off to dramatic start at indoor Euros in Oslo



INVERLEITH 7-1 SK SENKVICE

A hat-trick by Aedan McCrossan was the foundation of Inverleith`s 7-1 victory over Slovakian side SK Senkvice in the opening pool match at the indoor European Club Challenge 1 in Oslo.

It took the Scots only six minutes to open their account and McCrossan was the provider from open play. Inverleith virtually secured the contest by the interval, Stuart Hatton doubled the tally before McCrossan again found the target for a three goal lead.

Early in the second half McCrossan was given some time out in the sin bin but the scoring nonetheless continued, Ewen Mackie added a fourth and that was quickly followed by a spot conversion from Patrick Christie.  A minute later McCrossan completed his hat-trick, and then the game went quiet.

In the closing minutes Lubos Misovic scored a consolation for the Slovakians, but the Edinburgh side were not finished as Paul Taylor made it seven at a penalty corner.

Inverleith manager Allan Dick said: “A good win with good control of the game against an experienced side – a good platform to build from.”

INVERLEITH 4-6 AD LOUSADA

Despite a dramatic battle with AD Lousada Inverleith were unfortunately not able to build on their earlier victory.

Patrick Christie gave the Scots an early lead with a spin and shot into the bottom corner, but four goals in as many minutes propelled Lousada into a 4-1 half-time lead, Ricardo Teixeira (2), Bruno Santos and Jose Santos were on target.

The comeback looked in full swing in the second half with penalty corner strikes by Stephen Dick and Ewen Mackie but Lousada`s Joao Santos scuppered that with five minutes left for a 5-3 advantage.

There were late strikes from Mackie again and Teixeira for his hat-trick to propel the Portuguese to the top of the pool.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



East Grinstead in EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy action this weekend



East Grinstead are playing in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy tournament this weekend in Sveti Ivan Zelina, Croatia, having qualified as Jaffa Super 6s winners in 2018.

This is the second tier of European competition and East Grinstead are looking for a top two finish which would put them back in the top flight in 2020 as they will again be our representatives having won the 2019 Jaffa Super 6s final last month.
 
You can see fixtures, results and standings on the competition management system by clicking here.

The games are being streamed here.

England Hockey Board Media release



Thunderbolts zap THT

By Jugjet Singh

KUALA LUMPUR: TNB Thunderbolts served a surprise in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) Premier Division by edging Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) 2-1 at the Tun Razak Stadium here today.

It was Thunderbolts’ first win of the season after seven matches.

Thunderbolts netted through Hazzim Amin (28th minute) and Aminudin Zain (51st) while South Korean Jung Man Jae responded for the defending champions in the 41st minute.

The defeat is a huge shock as THT have six foreign signings and six national players while Thunderbolts comprise mainly Tengku Mahkota Ismail Sports School students.

With the win, Thunderbolts move from the bottom to sixth with four points.

"My boys produced their best hockey today. I hope the momentum will continue in the remaining matches.

“They were struggling in the previous matches as they did not have the confidence.

"And now that they have tasted victory against one of the top teams in the MHL, I believe the momentum will continue," said Thunderbolts coach M. Kaliswaran yesterday.

In the first round, THT thrashed Thunderbolts 4-0.

THT coach I. Vikneswaran said: "Yes, we lost to schoolboys, and it is not a joke. My players failed to play their game.

"The fact is we lost to a school team and that is not acceptable in my book,” he said.

RESULTS: UniKL 11 UiTM 0, TNB Thunderbolts 2 Terengganu HT 1, NurInsafi 1 Tenaga Nasional 6.

New Straits Times



TNB Thunderbolt stun defending champs Terengganu

By Aftar Singh


No you don’t: Terengganu’s Mohd Fitri Saari (right)vying for the ball with TNB Thunderbolt’s Muhd Shafiq Hassan during the Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division match at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium yesterday. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: TNB Thun­derbolt are the least experienced team but they created the biggest upset in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

The team consisting players with an average age of 19 stunned last year’s league champions Tereng­ganu 2-1 at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium yesterday to record their first win in seven matches in the league.

With their best-ever win, Thunderbolt are in fifth spot with four points but Terengganu’s hope of winning the league title is all over with their third defeat yesterday.

Terengganu have themselves to blame for the shock defeat as they wasted seven penalty corners in the match.

Thunderbolt, who lost to Terengganu 4-0 in the first-round match in Kuala Terengganu, surprised their opponents by taking the lead through Muhd Hazzim Amin Hafidz from close range in the 28th minute.

Terengganu pushed their forwards in search of goals and equalised in the 41st minute when South Korean Jang Jong-hyun’s through pass was well deflected into goal by fellow countryman Jung Man-jae.

The hero for Thunderbolt was defender Muhd Aminuddin Mohd Zain, who scored the winning goal off a penalty corner in the 51st minute.

Thunderbolt team manager M. Kaliswaran heaped praise on his team for going the extra mile.

“My boys were not intimidated by playing against the more experienced Terengganu. They stuck to the game plan to register this biggest upset,” said Kaliswaran.

“The win is a big boost for my players as we are only playing in the Premier Division for the second year. The win will spur us to play much better in the remaining four matches.”

Terengganu coach I. Vicknes­waran was disappointed with his players’ attitude and character in the match.

“Nothing went right for us in the match. We’ve to pull our socks up in our remaining matches,” said an annoyed Vickneswaran.

Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), meanwhile, registered the biggest win in the league by thrashing Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) 11-0 at the Tengku Abdullah Hockey Stadium in Bangi.

UniKL top the standings with 22 points from seven wins and a draw.

The Star of Malaysia



Hockey fraternity lend helping hand to Norazmi



KUALA LUMPUR: A friend in need is a friend indeed.

This was evident as help from the hockey fraternity poured in for technical official Norazmi Safar (pic), who was involved in a car accident in Jeli, Kelantan, last month after officiating a match in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

A total of RM23,604 were collected by friends and officials over the last four days to help Norazmi pay his hospital bills.

The army officer from Taiping underwent two surgeries after breaking his hip and calf bone, and his medical expenses came to RM25,000.

His car is also beyond repair following the head-on collision.

Norazmi thanked everyone for helping him pay his medical bills.

“I am truly touched, and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart,” said Norazmi, who now has enough funds to pay his hospital bills.

He is still admitted at the USM Hospital in Kubang Kerian, but will be transferred to a hospital in Taiping when his condition gets better.

It will take Norazmi about six to eight months to recover from the injuries.

The Star of Malaysia

Fieldhockey.com uses cookies to assist with navigating between pages. Please leave the site if you disagree with this policy.
Copyright remains with the credited source or author