News for 05 October 2019
All the news for Saturday 5 October 2019
Toman's maiden goal completes impressive comeback as GB win Test series
Great Britain scored twice in the final five minutes as they produce a fine comeback to draw their third and final Test with India and secure a 1-0 series victory.
Anna Toman smashed in her first international goal with the final play of the game to ensure her side remained unbeaten after Lizzie Neal had reduced the deficit shortly before in GB’s final capped game before their FIH Olympic Qualifiers on 2-3 November.
Having won the previous fixture 3-1 on Wednesday, Great Britain started the game on the front foot and were awarded two early corners. However, it was the visitors who took the lead in the eighth minute as they profited from a swift counter-attacking move, with Navjot Kaur tapping the ball in from close range after a good pass.
Great Britain had further corners in the first half but were unable to find a way past Savita in goal as the ‘keeper denied both Giselle Ansley and Grace Balsdon before half-time.
They continued on the offensive in the third quarter, Susannah Townsend coming close in the opening moments before
Charlotte Watson’s sliding attempt just evaded the goal.
Both sides created further good chances in front of goal as the visitors fired wide from a penalty corner before Watson’s cross across the face of goal was just out of the reach of Sarah Robertson at the back post.
However it was the visitors who scored next and extended their lead early in the final quarter as Gurjit Kaur produced a fine drag flick.
GB rallied well though and conjured numerous chances in retaliation as Robertson, Townsend and Watson all tested Savita in goal.
Neal finally managed to find a way past the Indian ‘keeper in the 55th minute with a tidy finish from close range after the ball found her in the circle following good wide play from Robertson.
Toman then found the perfect moment to score her first international goal as Great Britain won a corner in the dying moments, with the defender making no mistake from the top of the circle in overtime.
Finishing the Test series with two draws and a victory, Great Britain’s women now have just under a month left to ready themselves to face Chile at the Olympic Qualifiers on November 2 and 3 to seal a place at Tokyo 2020.
Great Britain 2
Neal (55’, PC)
Toman (60+’, PC)
India 2
N. Kaur (8', FG)
G. Kaur (48', PC)
Starting XI: Unsworth, Evans, Toman, Martin, Townsend, Robertson, Rayer, Ansley, Pearne-Webb, McCallin, Heesh (GK)
Subs: Tennant (GK), Petty, Howard, Neal, Balsdon, Watson, Wilkinson
Great Britain Hockey media release
India hold Great Britain to 2-2 draw in last tour match
The match also marked goalkeeper Savita’s 200th appearance for the country.
Gurjit Kaur celebrates with her team-mates after scoring a goal. (File Photo) - AFP
Goals by Navjot Kaur and Gurjit Kaur helped the Indian women’s hockey team hold host Great Britain to a 2-2 draw in the last match of the Tour to England held here on Friday.
The last match saw Navjot (8th minute) give her side an early lead while Gurjit (48th) converted a penalty corner to give India a 2-0 lead before Great Britain’s Elizabeth Neal (55th) and Anna Toman (60th) scored twice in the last few minutes to earn themselves a draw.
India thus ended the tour with yet another draw against a relatively stronger Great Britain side, performing exceptionally well during the five matches as they won one, drew three and lost one.
After having lost for the first time during the tour in its previous match, the Indian team started the match on an attacking note, and pushed the host back into their own half, creating a host of opportunities inside the opening 10 minutes.
The constant pressure on Great Britain’s defence meant that India managed to find the breakthrough in the eighth minute as forward Navjot slotted past home team goalkeeper Sabbie Heesh to hand her side a 1-0 lead.
The first quarter belonged to India as it had a couple of more chances to extend its lead, but could not convert the penalty corners.
However, the second quarter saw a tussle between the two sides, which was dominated by Great Britain who earned themselves as many as three penalty corners before the half-time break.
But, Indian goalkeeper Savita made some impressive saves to deny the host. Both the teams had similar chances in the third quarter, but it was India who dominated the possession.
However, some resolute defending by the experienced British backline meant that the visitor was denied on multiple occasions.
Amy Tennant, who had replaced Heesh at half-time, was called into action by Gurjit in the 40th minute, but produced a fine save to deny the visitor.
It was only in the 48th minute of the match that India finally managed to extend its lead as Gurjit found the back of the net from a penalty corner.
With less than six minutes to go on the clock, Great Britain was awarded another penalty corner, and this time it was Elizabeth who converted from the spot to pull a goal back in the 55th minute.
It was a nervous last five minutes for the Indian team, and after keeping the host at bay on multiple occasions, the Indian defence was finally caught off guard in added time.
Great Britain was awarded a penalty corner, and Anna Toman converted the chance to earn her team a 2-2 draw.
The match also marked goalkeeper Savita’s 200th appearance for the country.
Sportstar
Pak Development Squad outsmart Oman 4-0
LAHORE - Pakistan Development Squad displayed excellent hockey skills and techniques to outsmart Oman hockey team 4-0 in the third match of the four-match test series at Johar Town Hockey Stadium here on Friday.
With this success, the home side takes 2-0 lead in the series, whose fourth match will be played today (Saturday) at Sheikhupura Hockey Stadium under lights. In the opener, Pakistan team outshone Oman 7-0 while the visiting side held the hosts to 4-4 in the second tie. Oman team is on a preparatory tour of Pakistan ahead of its participation in the Asia Confederation Cup, to be played from October 14 in Bangladesh. The Confederation Cup is the qualifying round for the Asia Hockey Cup.
Pak development squad is a pool of promising young players and its team management led by Pakistan team’s chief coach and former Olympian, Khawaja Muhammad Junaid, is testing different sets of players at specialised position to shortlist talented players for their selection in the national senior team.
Compared to its previous match performance, the home side performed to a higher level to keep the visiting side under persistent pressure throughout the match. It was collective efforts and well-organised moves, which helped the hosts dominate the entire match. Amjad Ali Khan, Hammad Anjum, Rana Abdul Waheed and Rana Suhail - all contributed with one goal each in their team’s 4-0 thrashing win. Pakistan Development Squad stamped their authority right from the word go as they converted a penalty corner beautifully in the 4th minute through Amjad Ali Khan to take 1-0 lead. After that the local players launched a series of attack on the visiting team’s goal, but their good defense denied the home side of scoring more goals as the first quarter ended with Pak Squad having 1-0 lead.
The second quarter proved to be a dull affair as both the sides kept on struggling in scoring a goal but they failed to convert in the single goal in second quarter. The home side entered the third quarter with better game planning and aggressive approach, which paid dividend and provided them healthy 3-0 lead. First they doubled their lead in the 34th minute through a field goal by Hammad Anjum and then they converted another field goal through Rana Abdul Waheed to complete the hat-trick of goals.
The fourth and last quarter was also dominated by Pak Development Squad as they added one more in the total tally to win the match by 4-0. The last goal was slammed in by Rana Suhail, who fired in a field goal in the 50th minute.
“It was a good game but my team failed to demonstrate what was expected from it after previous game which ended in a 4-4 draw,” said Oman team head coach, former Pakistan captain and Olympian, Tahir Zaman after the match. He said still one math is yet to be played and his side will go all out to strike a win.
Pak development squad manager Rana Zaheer expressed his delight over his team’s win and expressed the hope that it will show consistency by winning the next and last game to win the series.
The Nation
Korea ready to go toe to toe with New Zealand for ticket to Tokyo
Continuing our series of video interviews with the teams that will participate in the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers, Korea (FIH World Ranking:16) captain Lee Namyong looks ahead to his team’s all-important two-match clash with New Zealand (WR:9), with a place at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on the line. The crucial matches will take place at the Taranaki Hockey Club in New Zealand on 2/3 November 2019, with timings to be confirmed in the coming weeks. A transcription of the interview can be found below.
What can the fans expect to see from your team in the FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers?
Lee Namyong: We want to go to the Olympics but New Zealand are a very good team so we will have to match them. But we are really determined because we really want to represent Korea at the Olympics.
The FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers will be taking place very soon. How is your team preparing for these hugely important matches?
Lee Namyong: All the players are working very hard to get ready for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers.
What are your thoughts about your opponent in the FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers and how is your squad feeling about these matches?
Lee Namyong: I think the New Zeland has a very good squad. They have the choice of many good players. But we will prepare to cope with that, so that we [are in the best position to] win the match.
Finally, what would qualifying for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 mean to you and your team?
Lee Namyong: I am the Korea captain so if we get to go to the Olympics, captaining your team at an Olympic Games is a proud moment and a great opportunity.
Each qualifier consists of two back-to-back matches which will be played in the same venue. The winners of these FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers will qualify for the 2020 Olympic hockey tournaments which will be staged in Japan’s capital city from 25 July to 7 August next year and involve 12 Men’s and 12 Women’s teams.
#Tokyo2020
#RoadToTokyo
#GiftOfHockey
FIH site
FIH Olympic Qualifier: How the USWNT Got Here
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The days are ticking down until the No. 13 U.S. Women’s National Team's last chance to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. They are set to match-up against No. 9 India in the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier from November 1 to 2. As the team prepares state-side for the two-game series at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India, the red, white and blue’s Road to Tokyo has been in progress for more than two years.
The USWNT’s first step in the Olympic Qualifying process goes back to 2017 at the women’s Pan American Cup in Lancaster, Pa. After claiming the bronze medal in the international event, USA qualified for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, along with Canada and Argentina. On the line in Lima was a direct qualification to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games for the nation that claimed the gold medal. USA entered the continental championship on full drive as back-to-back defending champions in the 2011 and 2015 editions. In 2019, USA finished first in Pool B with a 3-0-0 record and outscored their opposition 17 to 2, setting up a meeting with Cuba in the quarterfinals. In that match-up, seven different USWNT athletes registered goals en route to a 9-0 victory.
USA faced North American foe Canada in the semifinals and the Wolfpack pushed out to an early lead off a successful penalty corner conversion in the 10th minute. Canada produced another goal shortly into the third quarter and snuffed out a late-first half momentum surge by USA as Canada claimed a 2-0 victory. The loss sent USA to the bronze medal game, where despite a win over Chile, derailed USA’s hope of directly qualifying for Tokyo with a first place finish in Lima.
This left USA with one more possible chance to punch their ticket to the Olympic Games: win the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier. As one of the top-ranked nations, USA was one of 14 women’s teams that did not directly qualify for Tokyo and were drawn to play in a two-game series against another squad. Based on FIH World Rankings following all continental championships, USA was placed in a pot of away teams alongside Belgium, Canada and Korea. They were drawn against host nations China, Ireland, India and Spain.
From here, the procedure is simple: the team with the highest aggregated goal score at the end of two, 60-minute matches will have their Olympic dreams fulfilled, while the loser goes home to wait another four years.
With an extensive history the past few years between the two sides, USA and India are preparing for one of the biggest contests in recent memory. The two teams will play on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 to see who qualifies for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. All FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers can be live streamed on fih.live.
USFHA media release
Big wins today for Mannheimer HC, Hampstead & Westminster, Dinamo Kazan and Surbiton!
©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics
Match 1: Mannheimer HC v CA Montrouge 6-0
A dominant performance, led by their captain and MVP Danny Nguyen, saw Mannheimer put six past a young Montrouge side, making their return to the EHL stage after several years away.
Ace flicker Gonzalo Peillat broke down the French side’s defences from their fourth penalty corner after 11 minutes with a low bullet….
Read more
Match 2: HGC v Hampstead and Westminster 1-2
It was billed as a tough draw as England’s champions Hampstead and Westminster faced previous EHL winners HGC and the game did not disappoint!
A close encounter of the hockey kind and one which will be remembered as a superb debut in EHL by Hampstead and Westminster….
Read more
Match 3: Dinamo Kazan v Saint Germain HC 4-2
Dinamo Kazan won their first-ever knock-out match in the EHL in their 13th season in the world’s premier club competition as they beat Saint Germain 4-2 in the KO16.
The Russian side won back their national title last week and they carried that momentum into this tie in Barcelona, taking a 2-0 lead into half-time and they held on despite some late Saint Ger pressure.
Read more
Match 4: Surbiton HC v Real Club de Polo 5-2
Alan Forsyth’s outstanding double and a double from Luke Taylor saw Surbiton run up a superb 5-2 win over hometown side Real Club de Polo to reach the KO8 at the Pau Negre Stadium.
The final game of the day started as the sun started to set and was hanging low over the stadium and we were treated to a pulsating game from both sides in a brilliant match-up, a fitting end to the first day of the world’s best club hockey competition.
Read more
Tomorrow’s games:
Time Teams Title
09:45 GRANGE – THREEROCK KO16
11:45 MONTROUGE – HGC Ranking match
12:00 ROTWKOLN – BEERSCHOT KO16
14:15 HERAKLES – ARMINEN KO16
16:15 SAINTGERMAIN – POLO Ranking match
16:30 KAMPONG – MINSK KO16
Euro Hockey League media release
Hampstead & Westminster and Surbiton boost English hockey chances at EHL
Hampstead celebrate in first European clash PIC: ©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics
English hockey was handed a huge shot in the arm on Friday when Hampstead & Westminster and Surbiton produced brilliant opening wins at the EHL in Barcelona.
Domestic champions H&W produced their first ever European victory with a battling 2-1 win over Dutch side HGC, while Surbiton surged to a 5-2 win over hosts Real Club de Polo.
Matt Guise-Brown, predictably, started the ball rolling with an incisive penalty corner flick against HGC and Richard Smith delighted the Londoners with another strike in the second-half.
A Seve van Ass rebound reply with four minutes left gave Hampstead some nervy moments late on, but they held on to set up a clash on Sunday against German side Mannheimer. The winner will progress to the Final 8 at Easter.
Surbiton, who have scored almost at will in the English Premier Division this season (23 goals in three games), took their rampant form to Spain and put in a full-throttle performance against Polo.
Alan Forsyth led from the front with a fine hat-trick, starting and finishing a fine display as Mark Pearn’s side progressed to face Dinamo Kazan, who beat Saint Germain 4-2.
Luke Taylor also bagged a brace as Surbiton managed to steal some breathing space in the second-half after Polo kept the game in the balance as they twice responded to the visitors’ clincial circle penetration.
The only worries came with injury concerns to Brendan Creed and Dave Beckett.
Less online. More in print. Subscribe now
The Hockey Paper
Three Rock hoping for maiden Irish knock-out win in the EHL
Ali Haughton in action against Three Rock Rovers in Barcelona last October. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics
Three Rock Rovers have one of the best chances possible of ending Ireland’s wait for a knock-out win in the Euro Hockey League, club hockey’s biggest competition.
They face Scotland’s Grange in the KO16 on Saturday morning (8.45am, Irish time – live stream available on www.eurohockeytv.org), the friendliest of possible draws for both sides in the reformatted competition.
In the past, Irish clubs have performed well in the group stages, Rovers themselves topping their pool last year.
The EHL switches to a fully knock-out format this term, meaning Rovers – or indeed their Scottish rivals – can potentially break new ground to reach Sunday’s KO8.
After a chastening opening league loss to UCD, the mood is high in the camp following last weekend’s 5-2 away win over Banbridge.
“It was a massive confidence boost before next weekend,” said coach Elun Hack. “The team is buzzing after that, and it will hopefully stand us in good stead for Barcelona!”
He can call on a full strength panel including Ali Haughton who is delighted to be back in blue and brown.
A year ago, he lined out for Racing Club de France against his home club, losing 6-0. He did redeem himself when he played a key role in denying Spain’s Junior FC a similarly large win which ultimately sent Rovers though.
“It was more than just trying to help Rovers but, it was for our own sake, to show some pride… but there was a photo that went around from the club president with me kissing the Rovers crest after that Junior game!
“When I saw the lads winning in the EHL, it started sinking in that I wanted to be back here and playing. After four seasons away, it is going to be great.”
Haughton had been hoping to line out against former Monkstown man Frank Ryan but he has retired from Grange’s line-up along with Todd Mills and Cammy Fraser. There is Irish representation in their line-up, however, with former Fingal man Marcus O’Brien and ex-Ashton School/Cork C of I player Steve Swanton in their panel.
At home, the focus is on the Irish Senior Cup first round. Bandon meet Railway Union for the third time in the past 12 months; the Dubliners won their last meeting in west Cork 2-0 while the other tie was a 2-2 tie at Park Avenue.
Jody Hosking celebrates a goal in the EHL last Easter against KHC Dragons. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics
But a bumper 9-1 win over Ashton in the league suggests big confidence with Calum Crowley slotting back in nicely while Fionn O’Leary and David Smith make for an exciting attacking line-up.
Railway have won two from two in Leinster with ex-hockey and cricket international Kenny Carroll their key figure along with Canadian Under-21 star Michael MacKenzie.
Up the road, Cork Harlequins’ task is to take down EY newcomers Corinthian who have added Olympian Peter Caruth – who scored for Ireland in midweek – to their ranks as player-coach.
Quins won the title in 2012 and a decent contingent from that vintage are still around like Jason Black, Dave Egner, Richie Gash and John Hobbs trying to guide through the next generation. Julian Dale will be a key figure in doing some damage.
The only all-EYHL tie on the agenda is the meeting of UCD against Annadale with the Belfield hosts looking to add to their two wins from two to date. The Ulster side, meanwhile, are off the back of a chastening 10-1 defeat.
Monkstown face a tester against Instonians at Shaw’s Bridge with the Ulster side winning 8-0 against Ballynahinch and then pushing Banbridge all the way in the Kirk Cup to date.
Dublin University’s date with Mossley is another meeting between two sides from the regional leagues.
Men’s weekend fixtures (Saturday unless stated)
Euro Hockey League: Three Rock Rovers v Grange (Scotland), Pau Negre Stadium Barcelona, 8.45am (Irish time)
Irish Senior Cup – Round 1: Bandon v Railway Union, Bandon GS, 1.30pm; Cork Harlequins v Corinthian, Farmers’ Cross, 2.30pm; Dublin University v Mossley, Santry Avenue, 1.30pm; Instonians v Monkstown, Shaw’s Bridge, 2.30pm; UCD v Annadale, Belfield, 4.15pm
Irish Hockey Trophy – Round 1: Bangor v CI, Bangor Aurora, 4.30pm; Rathgar v North Down, The High School, 2.15pm
Munster Division One: UCC v Ashton, Mardyke, 2pm; Waterford v Catholic Institute, Newtown, 2.15pm
The Hook
Big guns’ panels tested to the full in Irish Senior Cup round two
Loreto’s Caitlin Sherin. Pic: Adrian Boehm
The last 16 of the women’s Irish Senior Cup will see some of the big guns’ resources stretched to the limit as the absence of international stars will see plenty of juggling of the deck.
None more so than at Grange Road where Loreto – while they await completion of their new pitch – host Belfast Harlequins with both coping with absent stars.
From the Beaufort side, Ali Meeke, Nicci Daly, Hannah Matthews and Liz Murphy may well be restricted while Beth and Serena Barr and Lizzie Colvin are in the same boat from Quins.
The Dubliners coped well last season without their big names with Caitlin Sherin, Christina Hamill and Siofra O’Brien taking on the responsibilities. Nonetheless, being so early in the campaign, it makes things very difficult to call.
Old Alex do have a game under their belt, a 6-2 win over Glenanne, ahead of their second round game against Railway Union – who will be shy the services of Sarah Hawkshaw but may welcome back Emma Smyth after a year out.
Muckross will have to wait to have Anna O’Flanagan line out in club colours and they face a strong challenge from UCD for whom Hannah McLoughlin and Niamh Carey showed they have lots of quality still around in their 7-4 win over Catholic Institute.
Monkstown host Corinthian in their second home match in four days having drawn 1-1 in midweek against Glenanne at the ALD Merrion Fleet Arena.
Town struggled to break through a half-court press from a robust Glenanne who were tireless in their work-rate around midfield.
It took a Monkstown goal from a corner from Rachel Moore to break the deadlock in the second half but this acted as a spur to get the Glens into action.
Great play up front from Hannah Delaney, Lisa Walsh, Paula Fitzpatrick and Clare Shillington created problems for Monkstown throughout the game, and won the short corner that Kate O’Connor buried in the bottom corner.
Monkstown came very close at the end when they camped out in the Glens 25 and won a string of corners, but some solid defending from the Glens kept the sides level. Sonja Rynhart impressed on her Division 1 debut; with her pace and skill, she will be an asset to the Glens for the season.
“It was a cold night, particularly for us getting started, but a good point,” said Glenanne co-coach Brad Venter. “The girls worked hard for it and Monkstown will be challenging for the title and EYHL2 so I am proud of them.
Old Alex’s Freya McDermott netted twice last weekend. Pic: Adrian Boehm
“I was saying to the girls, though, we shouldn’t be waiting to go a goal down to respond. Hats off to them for going straight out and doing just that and then almost stealing it after that.
“The Irish Senior Cup tie did sharpen us, playing an Old Alex side in the EYHL; it sets a good example, get the eye in, the pace up and had us mentally sharp.
They are next in action in midweek against Clontarf. For Monkstown, their coach Simon Lowry expressed his frustration with the outcome.
“We eventually broke them down and then got a little bit frantic and maybe didn’t manage the situation as well as we would have liked. We did create a lot of opportunities, won a lot of corners, but just didn’t execute how we expect of ourselves.”
Cork C of I are returning to the competition following their Irish Trophy win last spring and, bolstered by Holly Lehane (from UCC) and Kate Burke (Ashton), UCC is exactly the kind of opponent they will target if they are to raise their level further. Two Kay Gaffney goals were key in their strong 2-1 win over Bandon last week.
For UCC, star signing Caoimhe Perdue currently has a finger injury but they did start in confident fashion with a 2-0 win over Ashton with key forward Christina Dring among the goals again.
They hold the province’s hopes in the competition. Munster’s two EY Hockey League sides – Harlequins and Catholic Institute – bowed out at the first hurdle last week, leaving both in a vacuum for the next month. They have no league or cup fixtures scheduled now until November 9th once the Olympic qualifiers are complete.
With the local league already in full gear, finding challenge matches without having to travel will be tricky.
Pegasus will have to cope without the likes of Steph Quinn, Kate McConnell and Kate Gourley this season while Shirley McCay is on international duty so their trip to Ballymoney will be a big test of their panel.
Pembroke impressed in their 5-1 first round win over Cork Harlequins last weekend. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Trinity host Banbridge, looking to build on their 2-0 win over Avoca last weekend – a 50th game unbeaten in the Leinster league division one.
Pembroke’s big 5-1 win over Cork Harlequins suggests they will have too much in the tank for Ulster Elks
Leinster Division One: Monkstown 1 (R Moore) Glenanne 1 (K O’Connor)
Women’s weekend fixtures
Irish Senior Cup – Round 2: Ballymoney v Pegasus, Joey Dunlop LC, 1pm; Cork C of I v UCC, Garryduff, 2.30pm; Old Alex v Railway Union, Milltown, 2pm; Loreto v Belfast Harlequins, Grange Road, 3.30pm; Monkstown v Corinthian, ALD Merrion Fleet Arena, 2.30pm; Muckross v UCD, Muckross Park, 3.15pm; Trinity v Banbridge, Santry Avenue, 3.30pm; Ulster Elks v Pembroke, Jordanstown, 2.30pm
The Hook
Charging Jaguars seek Police, Wazalendo scalps
By AGNES MAKHANDIA
USIU's John Kabuu (right) dribbles the ball past Wycliff Usagi of Wazalendo during their Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League match at City Park Stadium in Nairobi on August 3, 2019. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Western Jaguars will be seeking to move into third place when they take on former champions Kenya Police and Wazalendo in the Kenya Hockey Union men's Premier League at the City Park Stadium in their tour of Nairobi this weekend.
Jaguars coach Mike Malungu is aware of the enormous task ahead but believes he has enough arsenal at his disposal to see off the two giants.
Second-placed Wazalendo, who have 26 points from 13 matches, will also be seeking revenge against the visitors after losing the first leg tie 2-0 away in Kakamega.
Police, champions in 2017, are fourth with 18 points from 11 matches one point ahead of Jaguars. Champions and league leaders Butali Sugar Warriors have 33 points from 13 matches but are not in action this weekend.
INJURY BOOST
Third-placed Greensharks, who have amassed 20points from 13 matches, are also not in action.
Malungu said they are in the capital to collect six points and close gap on the teams above them.
“I’m glad Robinson Otekete and Paul Nabangi (injuries) and Ronald Wafula (suspension) are available for selection. The three have not featured in the last three matches and we hope their presence will be an added advantage to the team," he told Nation Sport.
"The fact that Police are former champions and Wazalendo are having a good run this season so far is a statement that it will not be a walk in the park,” observed the tactician.
“We last played at the City Park in August and playing on the artificial turf has always been a challenge for us but we are ready and we hope to win the two ties as that will put us in a better position going forward.”
On Sunday, United States International University battle Parklands in the men’s premier league
In the women’s premier League, Kenyatta University will be seeking their second win of the season when they play Amira Sailors before Vikings welcome Mombasa Sports Club in the women’s super league.
KU are second from bottom with three points from 10 matches, while their opponents are fifth with 14 points from 10 matches.
In the men’s super league, KU take on Wazalendo Masters as Kenya College of Accountancy University travel to Kisumu to play Kisumu Youngsters.
Multi Media University take on Nakuru in the men’s Super League on Sunday.
FIXTURES
Saturday
Men’s Premier League: Wazalendo v Western Jaguars(City Park Stadium, 6pm)
Women’s Premier League: Kenyatta University v Amira Sailors (City Park Stadium,12pm)
Men’s Super League: Youngster v KCAU (Kisumu, 3pm)
Men’s Super League: Kenyatta University v Wazalendo Masters (City Park Stadium, 4pm)
Women’s Super League: Vikings v Mombasa Sports Club (City Park Stadium, 11am)
Sunday
Men’s Premier League: Police v Jaguars (City Park Stadium, 9pm)
Men’s Premier League: USIU v Parklands (City Park Stadium, 5pm)
Women’s Premier League: KU v JKUAT (City Park Stadium, 3pm)
Men’s Super League: MMU v Nakuru (City Park Stadium, 1pm)
Women’s Premier League: TUK v MSC (City Park Stadium, 11am)
Daily Nation
Malaysia coach raises bar for SOJC
By Jugjet Singh
Nor Saiful Zaini.
FROM a mediocre performance to a podium show. That is what coach Nor Saiful Zaini wants from the hockey team for hockey’s Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC).
The tournamennet will be held at the Taman Daya Stadium on Oct 12-19 with champions Australia leading the cast.
Malaysia will be up against Britain, India, Japan and New Zealand in the only junior international invitational tournament in the world sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation.
‘I have named 20 players and 18 will be finalised just before the team managers meeting. The extra two are precaution against injury.
‘I believe this team are much better than the one who ended up fifth (among six teams) last year. In fact, we will be chasing for a podium finish this time around,” said triple Olympian Nor Saiful.
Malaysia will play in the Junior Asia Cup, a qualifier for the Junior World Cup in Bangladesh next year, and those playing in the SOJC will be the core of the team.
‘We have two juniors playing with the senior side right now, and they will be back with us for the Asia Cup.
And from this SOJC side, only two players will not be eligible (age) for the qualifier and that itself is good news,’ said Nor Saiful.
THE TEAM - Goalkeepers: Hamiz Ahir, Che Shahrul Azmi Che Saupi.
Defenders:Nur Asyraf Ishak, Sulaiman Abdul Razak, Fahmi Khalid, Hafiz Zauri, Amirul Hamizan Azhar, Syarman Mat Tee, Arif Syafie Ishak.
Midfielders: Iskandar Fareez Shah, Hafizi Zainudin, Nasrul Shahkhir Sadikul, Shello Silverius, Izham Azhar.
Strikers:Akhimullah Anuar Esook, Shafiq Hassan, Muhibuddin Moharam, Amirul Haniff Mamat, Adam Aiman Mamat, Muhajir Abdu Rauf.
New Straits Times
Shello to steer Malaysia at SOJC
By Jugjet Singh
Shello Silverius poses with his motorcycle after a press conference for the Sultan of Johor Cup at the the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. NSTP/OWEE AH CHUN
SHELLO Silverius became the first Sabah hockey player to be named as skipper of the Malaysian team for the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) on Oct 12-19 at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.
The stylish skipper, who will be competing in his third SOJC, rode a 250cc superbike to yesterday’s press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
The 20-year-old Shello is expected to play a key role in Malaysia’s attempt to qualify for the Junior World Cup next year in Bangladesh.
‘It is a great honour to represent Malaysia as captain in my third SOJC, and this time it will be special as I will also be the first from Sabah to wear the armband,’ said Shello yesterday.
No player from Sabah has led the nation, in junior or senior hockey for international assignments.
Shello, who has played in four Razak Cups, was also instrumental in taking Johor to the Division One final recently.
Fast and predatory in the semi-circle, Shello has also tasted another first, leading Sabah to the Malaysia Games gold last year.
Shello will not be the only hockey ace from the Land Below the Wind for the SOJC though
Izham Azhar and Muhajir Abdu Rauf, who are also from Sabah, will keep him company in Johor Baru.
‘All three of us were spotted during the Malaysia Games last year, and now we will be representing the country in the SOJC. It's definitely a big leap in our career.
‘If we do well, we have a chance to play in the Junior World Cup qualifiers as well,’said Shello.
What does he do when not playing or training: ‘Ride my bike, of course. I rode up Cameron Highlands recently, and it was a super experience,’ said the speed demon, on and off the pitch.
New Straits Times
Hello there – Shello the first East Malaysian to captain national junior team
By AFTAR SINGH
Proud: Shello Silverius (left) hopes to inspire more youngsters in Sabah to play hockey.
KUALA LUMPUR: Hockey player Shello Silverius has made Sabah proud.
The 20-year-old, who marshalls the midfield, is the first player from East Malaysia to be named as captain of the national junior team.
The Keningau-born player will lead Malaysia for the six-nation Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru from Oct 12-19.
Shello, who started playing hockey at the age of 10, is honoured to wear the armband.
“This is special ... I come from a rural area where very few play hockey,” said Shello, who is featuring for the third consecutive time in the tournament,” he said.
“It also feels nice that all my hard work in training is paying off.
“My selection as the skipper is a boost for hockey in Sabah. I hope it will encourage more players from my district and state to take up this sport,” said Shello, who captained Sabah en route to winning their first-ever Malaysia Games (Sukma) title in Ipoh last year.
Shello said being the skipper comes with bigger responsibilities.
“Last year, we finished fifth but this time, as a captain, my job is to help Malaysia finish on the podium,” he said.
“We have reliable national players like forward Mohd Akhimullah (Anuar Esook) and defender Muhd Arif (Syafie Ishak) to give our opponents a run for the money,” said Shello.
Malaysia will play a friendly match against Britain on Oct 10 before they open their campaign against world junior champions India on Oct 12.
Malaysia’s other matches are against Australia on Oct 13, New Zealand (Oct 15), Britain (Oct 16) and Japan (Oct 18). The final and playoff matches will be on Oct 19.
Shello said the Johor meet would be a good preparation for the Junior Asia Cup from June 4-14 next year in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which is the qualifying tournament for the 2021 Junior World Cup.
“I want to help Malaysia finish on the podium in Dhaka to qualify for the Junior World Cup,” said Shello, who played for Tenaga Nasional in the Malaysia Hockey League (MJHL).
The Star of Malaysia
College field hockey: No. 1 North Carolina defeats in-state rival No. 2 Duke 1-0
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In a battle of the nation's top two teams and each other's biggest rivals, top-ranked North Carolina shut out No. 2 Duke Friday in an Atlantic Coast Conference field hockey battle at Karen Shelton Stadium. The Tar Heels stayed undefeated on the season, moving to 10-0 (3-0 ACC), while the Blue Devils fell to 8-2 (0-2).
"That was as close as you can get to a national championship in the regular season – one vs two, your crosstown rival," UNC coach Karen Shelton said. "It was an awesome performance by our team and a gritty win."
After a scoreless first quarter in which UNC outshot Duke 4-1, the Tar Heels broke through in the second period. Senior Marissa Creatore, a Carolina fan since moving to Chapel Hill in second grade and deciding then to root for UNC against Duke, scored the gamewinner in the 25th minute of play.
"It was a really unselfish pass to me, right in front of the goal," Creatore said. "It was kind of an open net. For a second I was like, 'Don't miss, you have a wide open goal!' That's what you live for, what you practice. It was an incredible sequence of passes that led to a goal."
She put the finishing touch on a play that started on the other end of the field and illustrated the Tar Heels' goals of teamwork and productive passing. Defender Romea Riccardo sent the ball up the right side to midfielder Feline Guenther, who passed it ahead to forward Catherine Hayden in the middle of the field.
Hayden sent it back to the right side and sophomore Hannah Griggs. Griggs carried the ball into the circle then, when Duke keeper Sammi Steele went out to challenge, sent the ball across to Creatore, who was sprinting into the circle. Creatore slapped it in to put the Tar Heels up 1-0.
"I thought the first goal was really important," Shelton said. "Hannah had a great assist to Reese [Creatore] in a fast-break counterattack. It was an awesome and important goal for us. And that's pretty cool when you can go from end to end like that."
After getting off just one shot in the third quarter, the Tar Heels got a second goal 57 seconds into the fourth quarter, on the second of back-to-back penalty corners.
Sophomore Erin Matson scored the goal, assisted by sophomore Abby Pitcairn on the insert and freshman Madison Orobono on the stop.
The shutout win was UNC's third in a row. The Tar Heels have allowed just eight goals all season and only two over their past seven games.
"I particularly like the way we defended, especially in the second half," Shelton said. "It was still a close game. We've been working on our individual defense and we were able to not give up too many penalty corners."
The Blue Devils drew three corners, two in the third quarter and one in the fourth. The Tar Heels finished with eight, including seven in the fourth quarter.
Junior goalkeeper Amanda Hendry, the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Week, made four saves. Orobono logged her second defensive save of the season to help keep Duke off the board.
The Tar Heels played in front of a crowd of more than 900 that filled the stands at Shelton Stadium. "We had a great Carolina crowd that helped us, there's no question," Shelton said. "It gives us energy. That's why you train so hard, to have these kinds of matchups in front of your home crowd."
Alas, the Tar Heels won't see their home crowd again for more than two weeks. Next up is a trip to New York for back-to-back games against Syracuse (Oct. 13) and Albany (Oct. 14). Then UNC plays at Wake Forest on Oct. 18 before finally returning to Chapel Hill to host Liberty on Oct. 20.
NCAA