Welcome to the Fieldhockey.com Archives

Daily Hockey news updated @ 10:00 GMT

News for 23 February 2020

All the news for Sunday 23 February 2020

2020 FIH Pro League (Men) - 23 February

21 Feb 2020    IND v AUS (RR)     3 - 4
22 Feb 2020    IND v AUS (RR)     2 - 2 (3 - 1 SO)

Live streaming and full game replay on https://fih.live (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool Standings

Rank Team Played Wins SO Win Draws SO Loss Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Difference Points
1 Belgium 6 4 1 0 0 1 19 11 8 14
2 Netherlands 6 2 2 0 1 1 17 17 0 11
3 Australia 6 2 1 0 2 1 19 16 3 10
4 India 6 2 2 0 0 2 17 15 2 10
5 Spain 8 2 0 0 1 5 19 27 -8 7
6 Germany 2 1 1 0 0 0 7 3 4 5
7 Argentina 4 1 0 0 2 1 12 9 3 5
8 Great Britain 4 1 0 0 2 1 9 10 -1 5
9 New Zealand 6 1 1 0 0 4 8 19 -11 5

FIH Match Centre



India claim bonus point with shoot-out triumph over Australia



India men produced a near-perfect shoot-out performance to steal a bonus point in Match 2 of their double-header against Australia, with the hosts emerging 3-1 winners in the one-on-ones after regular time finished 2-2 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The result leaves the two teams locked together on ten points, with third-placed Australia ahead of fourth-placed India in the standings by virtue of a superior goal difference.

Australia – deserving 4-3 winners against India in Match 1 on Friday (21 February) – opened the scoring midway through the second quarter thanks to Trent Mitton’s powerful slap-shot that somehow squeezed between India goalkeeper Krishan Pathak and his near post. However, the home favourites turned the match on its head with two penalty corner goals in three minutes, with Rupinder Singh and Harmanpreet Singh putting India 2-1 up at half time before Australia’s Aran Zalewski levelled matters early in the fourth quarter.

The shoot-out was dominated by India, with Harmanpreet Singh, Vivek Prasad and Lalit Upadhyay all scoring and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh conceding just once as the host nation claimed two points from a possible three. With ten unconverted penalty corners, two disallowed goals and a missed penalty stroke, Australia will feel that they had every opportunity to secure all three points. However, it was a greatly improved performance from India, who certainly deserved a share of the spoils.

"I think our guys did a really good job”, said India defender Harmanpreet Singh, who was named Player of the Match. “In yesterday's match we made lots of mistakes, but we had a meeting to decide what we would do in the next match and how we could improve ourselves, and today we did good."

Australia captain Eddie Ockenden said: "It's always exciting being here, and I think we are very lucky to be able to come to India and play in this kind of stadium with these kinds of fans. India are always a great opponent. We are trying to learn a lot about ourselves, and these two games have been very beneficial for us. Playing two games against quality opposition also makes us a lot better."

More information on this match can be found on our live reporting page by clicking here.

The FIH Hockey Pro League continues next weekend when New Zealand’s men and women entertain the national teams of Argentina in Christchurch. To see the complete match schedule, click here.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  

FIH Hockey Pro League 

Saturday 22 February 2020 – Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (IND)

Men’s result: India 2 Australia 2 – India win 3-1 after Shoot-Out (Match 2 of 2)
Player of the Match: Harmanpreet Singh (IND)
Umpires: Coen van Bunge (NED), Rawi Anbananthan (MAS) & Simon Taylor (NZL - video)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site



Kookaburras edged out by India in penalty shootout



The Kookaburras have gone down to India 3-1 in a penalty shootout following an entertaining FIH Pro League match in Bhubaneswar tonight.

Scores were locked 2-2 at full time before India prevailed in the shootout, the result enough for the Kookaburras to jump above India into third place on the FIH Pro League standings after their 4-3 win 24 hours earlier.

The Kookaburras thought they had broken the deadlock in the 8th minute through Lachlan Sharp, only for the video referee to adjudge obstruction to India goalkeeper Sreejesh Parattu.

Scores remained level heading into the second quarter until Trent Mitton came up with a precise finish after fine build up play from Matt Dawson to put the Kookaburras in front.

But their lead was short lived as Rupinder Singh brought India level two minutes later before Harmanpreet Singh made it 2-1 to the home side courtesy of another penalty corner.

Coming into the third quarter, Jeremy Hayward had a drag flick ruled out by an umpire referral, and Tim Brand struck a shot just wide of the post as the Kookaburras searched for an equaliser without luck.

But a minute into the final quarter Aran Zalewski restored parity with a cracking strike to set up a tense finale.

Both sides had half chances to clinch the win but the full time siren would send the game into penalties.

Unfortunately for the Kookaburras, the Indians managed to keep cool heads in the shootout and claim the win 3-1.

The Kookaburras will now return to Perth to prepare for the visit of Argentina on 6/7 March.

Match Details
India 2 (R.Singh 25’, H.Singh 27’)
Kookaburras 2 (Mitton 23’, Zalewski 46’)
India win 3-1 on penalties
@ Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar

Kookaburras: 1.Lachlan Sharp, 4.Jake Harvie, 6.Matthew Dawson, 7.Nathan Ephraums, 9.Jacob Anderson, 10.Josh Beltz, 11.Eddie Ockenden (c), 12.Jake Whetton, 16.Tim Howard, 17.Aran Zalewski, 18.Kurt Lovett, 23.Daniel Beale, 24.Tyler Lovell (gk), 25.Trent Mitton, 26.Dylan Wotherspoon, 29.Tim Brand, 32.Jeremy Hayward
Unused Substitute: 30.Andrew Charter (gk)

India: 3.Rupinder Singh, 4.Jarmanpreet Singh, 6.Surender Kumar, 7.Manpreet Singh (c), 8.Hardik Singh, 10.Simranjeet  Singh, 12.Krishan Pathak (gk), 14.Lalit Upadhyay, 16.Sreejesh Parattu (gk), 26.Birendra Lakra, 30.Amit Rohidas, 31.Ramandeep Singh, 32.Vivek Prasad, 69.Raj Kumar Pal, 71.Gursahibjit Singh

Hockey Australia media release



India exude big-match temperament, correct mistakes from last match to beat Australia in shoot-out

Sundeep Misra


Rupinder Pal Singh celebrates after scoring against Australia. Image: @TheHockeyIndia

Battling a myriad of issues from Friday’s 2-3 loss to Australia — from consistency to wayward finishing and a lack of structure in key moments of the game, India came up with answers, if not all, but enough to take the battle to reigning Pro League Champions Australia who battled back from a 1-2 deficit to draw the match in regulation time. In the shoot-out, India made it look easy, as they sashayed past a bumbling Australian side to win 3-1.

Technically, according to Pro League rules, the outcome remains a draw; the shoot-out win gives India a bonus point. However, the result leaves the two teams locked together on ten points, with third-placed Australia ahead of fourth-placed India in the standings by virtue of a superior goal difference.

India made four changes bringing in Jarmanpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Chinglensana Singh and Ramandeep Singh. It was clear that by inducting Nilakanta and Chinglensana, Indian coach Graham Reid was shoring up the midfield which in the first game of the double-header tended to break-up, leaving gaping holes which Australia had easily exploited with four field goals.

Before the 2nd game, Reid said India needed a better start and also had to come out and finish the job. The Indian coach would have been happy with the second part of his wish list. It was, however, Australia that sprang off the starting blocks with a penalty corner in the first 30 seconds of the game. Two penalty corners followed a little later when Rupinder Pal Singh’s aerial shot was picked off by an Australian midfielder and the resultant PCs were saved by Sreejesh. Australia scored off the third but Sreejesh went for a referral asking for an obstruction which was given by the video umpire. India then went onto lose their referral when the 4th PC was awarded to Australia. Sreejesh brought off another save. But India now had to play three quarters without the advantage of a referral.

With India’s energy levels better than Friday’s match, they had their first clear look at the Aussie goal in the 2nd Quarter. Amit Rohidas had moved up into the Aussie half and his cross zipped into the striking circle where Jarmanpreet with an open goal in front, saw his hurried swipe go over and wide.

For Australia, Aran Zalewski was as smooth as skill. He again held the midfield, received the ball well and distributed it to almost every corner of the turf. Zalewski, yet again proved what a good midfielder brings to modern hockey — vision and a sense of balance that keeps the defenders and forwards functioning sleekly and fluently. After misfiring on their 5th PC, Australia had the lead in the 23rd minute when Krishan Pathak lost his sense of focus.

It was a huge blooper and for a goalkeeper looking to fill in the 2nd slot for the Tokyo Olympics, question marks would surely be raised. Nathan Ephraums had sent a through ball to Trent Mitton. Confronted with three defenders on the left side, Mitton didn’t have any choice but to hit towards Pathak in goal, hoping for a rebound. To his utter joy, he saw the ball squeeze itself between the post and Pathak’s left pad — the space was just about enough for a hockey ball. It was a terrible error and in a knock-out game, the difference between victory and defeat. Later, Australia blew up their 6th PC.

India rebounded strongly, pressing hard and in one of the sorties between Vivek Prasad and Simranjeet, India earned their 1st PC in the 25th minute. Rupinder Pal’s low flick, almost skimming the turf went through Aussie goalkeeper Lovell Tyler’s pads. India had the equaliser 1-1.

Two minutes later, India had the lead. Vivek, once again, in the thick of things, this time in tandem with Hardik Singh got India their second PC. Harmanpreet’s flick hit a defender’s leg and off the 3rd PC, Harmanpreet flicked home. India had the lead for the first time in two matches. All the three goals had come in the 2nd quarter. India scored from two out of three PCs while Australia had none out of six.

Australia stung by India taking the lead came hard in the 3rd quarter but failed off the seventh and eight PC. Finally, they had a stroke. Tim Brand waited for Sreejesh to commit to his right. But the ball sent to the left, hit the post and went out. Nothing was working for Australia. The Indian defending on the PCs was good but Australia’s innovation and ‘selling a dummy’ to the defender was amateurish.

Buoyed by the lead, India were pressing in the midfield. The defenders were running on the lines, sending balls to the flanks. The holding off the ball was much better. The structures at the back, centre and front were tight. Hardik was having a good game and one of his passes found Ramandeep who with a good angle, look on the goal, blew it over. At the end of Q3, India led 2-1. The fans settled in for a frenetic Q4.

The equaliser came within 32 seconds of the 4th quarter. It was a Jake Whetton pass, weighted and on target. Zalewski, unmarked in the circle only had to deflect it past Pathak, who had come out for the 4th quarter. The ball hit Pathak’s glove and went in. It was a one-touch goal. But the Indian defence could have done better by converging on Zalewski, rather than giving him the space.

With an entire quarter remaining, India killed the pace of the game and held possession. They rotated the ball, keeping it away from the Aussies. Without the ball, Australia quickly became frustrated. It showed as their well-drilled movements on the field fell apart. Vivek, Nilakanta and Hardik now swept in playing some good midfield hockey. With three minutes left, Vivek overlapping into the striking circle missed with a reverse hit. A Ramandeep through found Nilakanta whose hard-reverse shot was saved by Tyler. India were trying to close the match out in regulation time.

With eleven seconds to go, Australia got their 9th PC. The Kalinga went quiet. Matt Dawson took a swipe and the ball deflected off the stick off Rohidas. The Aussies appealed for a retake arguing that the ball had been raised dangerously. The video umpire ruled it out as the match went into the shoot-out.

India brought in Sreejesh while Australia stayed with Lovell Tyler. Australia had first strike and Daniel Beale was fouled by Sreejesh and the resultant referral gave Australia a stroke which was converted by Matt Dawson. Australia led 1-0. Harmanpreet Singh made it look ridiculously easy as he tapped past Tyler to tie it at 1-1. Brand was next and Sreejesh inadvertently held him from the waist giving away a second stroke which Beale sent wide. Vivek, swayed left and right before sending the ball into goal as India led 2-1. Nathan was up next. But Sreejesh picked out the ball tapping it away. Lalit Upadhyay made it 3-1, converting easily. And when Jake Harvie, deprived twice, sent the ball over the line, the hooter had already gone. Time was up on Harvie and the Australian team.

India scored on many aspects. But the big one was temperament. Even before the match, the key was to select a line-up that would attack and probe the weaknesses in the Australian side. Reid did that well by picking a strong midfield. Zalewski was neutralised when Hardik, Vivek, Nilakanta and Chinglensana managed the centre. Manpreet, more of a roving player, could then move around and overlap.

Former Indian captain (1994 World Cup) and midfielder Jude Felix explained it down to one word — “Energy.” “They had the energy today,” Jude said. “All of them were chasing. For me it was an awesome performance.”

Though critical of the goals that were conceded by the Indians, Jude said it would do a world of good for any goalkeeper to see the former Great Britain goalkeeper Ian Taylor’s videos. “Goalkeeper’s saves are not because of what you train on the pitch,” explained Jude. “It is always the anticipation and what the opponent must be thinking is what makes you bring off great saves. All Pathak had to do was hold the post. It’s a clear lack of focus.”

Praising the midfielders, Jude said they were good because "they received and passed." The former Indian captain did feel that at times India was caught at the back with "less numbers (players). But that’s because you are ball watching,” Jude said. “The moment you stop moving, filling in the gaps, in a split second, it’s over. That’s how the second goal was scored by Australia. We stalled and they scored.”

India now play on 25th April against Germany in Berlin, the first of their away Pro League games. It’s also the start of the leg where Graham Reid has to find his men for Tokyo; the players who eventually will play the role.

Firstpost



India drew Australia and collect bonus point

s2h Team



Vastly improved India halted Australia but failed to post an outright win in the repeat match of the home phase. Goalie PR Sreejesh presented a picture of confidence in the shoot out after the score stood 2-2 in the regulation time.

The repeat encounter between two global giants of field hockey, India and Australia, produced exciting stuff in the later part of second quarter. Three beautifual goals were struck in the space of five minutes. Its Trent mitton who broke the deadlock after the barren first quarter. His grounder from right side of the circle found the cage despite Krishan Pathak was covering the dreaded acute angle space between him and the right post. Some way it was a soft goal.

Rupinder Pal Singh scored off first penalty corner that Simranjeet earned in the 25th minute. Within a Minute hardworking Hardik got India another penalty corner. Harmanpreet Singh, who was declared Man of the Match in the end, took it only to see his drag hitting the charger. He did not make any mistake in the resultant penalty corner, much to the delight of the crowd.

However, the feature of the match is how Indians could see off as many as nine Australian penalty corners. Much credit goes to first rusher Amit Rohidoss and Harmanpreet Singh. Midway through first quarter, the field umpire's goal did not survive captain Manpreet Singh's referral. Having survived the scare, India thereafter saw in PR Sreejesh a saviour. He was credited for blank scoreboard in the first quarter despite India was at the receiving end of the visitors all through in this spell. Referral again came to India's rescue in the very first minute after the lemon break. However, in a close attack umpire Anbunathan was firm in his decision to point out the dreaded spot. However, Tom Brand pushed the stroke wide to the right post. Big relief for Indian crowd.

Seconds from the start of fourth quarter, Aran Zeleswki stunned Krishan Pathak with a ground sweep from left side of the circle. Second time in a row, this Indian goalie conceded a goal in what looked like a one to one situation. This goal stood the test of remainder of the times.

India of course survived a scare when eleven seconds from the final play time, Australia got its 9th penalty corner. Indian defence saw it off easily.

In the shoot out Sreejesh conceded twice penalty stroke but one was sent wide. Besides, he stopped another one. Whereas Lalit Upadhyay, Harmanpreet Singh and Vivek Prasad scored. India thus got a bonus point.

India now has ten points much like Australia after six matches and is placed at fourth.

Stick2Hockey.com



Sreejesh the hero as India wins shootout 3-1

P.R. Sreejesh saved a penalty stroke and kept out two Australian attempts in the shootout as India earned a bonus point after regulation time ended 2-2 on Saturday.


P.R. Sreejesh's (centre) outstanding goalkeeping helped India win the shootout against Australia after 2002 Champions Trophy. Credit: Biswaranjan Rout

Razor-sharp reflexes and a dash of luck helped Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh on Saturday earn India's first penalty-shootout win against Australia in 18 years.

Following a 2-2 end to the regulation time in the FIH Pro League second leg, Sreejesh was penalised for his fouls on Daniel Beale and Tim Brand with penalty strokes in the shootout. Matt Dawson stepped up for the first spot flick which sneaked through the gap between Sreejesh's stick and pads but got a timber of his stick to save Daniel Beale's second penalty stroke.

For India, Harmanpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad converted their chances alongside Lalit Upadhyay and waited with bated breath as Jake Harvie ran in from 23 metres. Sreejesh poked the ball out of Harvie's reach to delay his rebound shot by a second as the hooter went off before the ball crossed the goalline.

With the 3-1 shootout win, India took two points from a possible three and is fourth in the Pro League table after going level on 10 points with Australia, which is third position on superior goal difference.

Earlier in the match, India kept out four penalty corners in the first quarter to make up for its lacklustre defending in the first leg. However, the host went behind in the 23rd minute when Trent Mitton made room on the right and beat Krishan Bahadur Pathak at the far post.

India hit back immediately through its first penalty corner of the evening when Rupinder Pal Singh smashed through keeper Tyler Lovell's legs in the 25th minute. The host made it two from two corners in the 27th minute when Harmanpreet Singh's dragflick took a deflection off an Australian stick to go into the back of the net.

After failing to convert three more penalty corners, Australia missed a golden opportunity to equalise when Tim Brand crashed a 33rd-minute penalty stroke into the goalpost. The Kookaburras went level in the 46th minute when skipper Aran Zalewski deflected Craig Whetton's midfield pass into the Indian goal.

Sportstar



India beat Australia 3-1 in shoot-out after no winner in regulation time


India beat Australia 3-1 in a shoot-out in the FIH Pro League 2020 after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Image: Hockey India

Bhubaneswar: India bounced back in style to beat title holders Australia 3-1 via a shoot-out in the second match of the two-leg FIH Pro League match on Saturday.

Both the teams were locked 2-2 at the end of regulation time at the Kalinga Stadium.

India converted two penalty corners through Rupinder Pal Singh (25th minute) and Harmanpreet Singh (27th), while Trent Mitton (23rd) and skipper Aran Zalewski (46th) were the scorers for Australia in the regulation 60 minutes.

India had lost 3-4 to the visitors in the first game on Friday.

By virtue of this win, India earned two points from the game while Australia pocketed one.

Both India and Australia have 10 points from six games but the Kookaburras are a rung above the Manpreet Singh-led side at third spot in the standings on goal difference.

In the shoot-out, Harmanpreet, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Lalit Upadhyay scored for India, while only Daniel Beale found the net for the visitors.

Australia made a positive start, earning a penalty corner inside the opening 30 seconds of the match, but Jeremy Hayward's flick was saved by India goalkeeper P R Sreejesh.

After that it was all India with the hosts pinning the Kookaburras deep in their own territory but failing to create clear-cut opportunities.

In the eighth minute Australia secured back-to-back penalty corners, the second

of which was converted by Lachlan Sharp with a rebound, but the goal was ruled out after India called for video referral for obstruction on goalkeeper Sreejesh.

The Kookaburras won another penalty corner in the 12th minute but Sreejesh once again came to India's rescue by denying Hayward.

Three minutes into the second quarter, Jarmanpreet Singh missed a glorious chance to put India ahead, slapping his first-time shot just wide of the left post after he was picked out by Amit Rohidas' searching cross from the right.

Seconds later, the Indians defended a fifth Australian penalty corner.

Mitton broke the deadlock for Australia in the 23rd minute after beating second- choice India goalkeeper Krishan Pathak at his near-post with a powerful slap-shot.

Australia earned their sixth penalty corner soon but failed to convert. Five minutes from half time, Rupinder equalised for the hosts, converting a penalty corner with a low drag-flick that went through the legs of Australia goalkeeper Tyler Lovell.

Two minutes later, Harmanpreet converted another set piece to hand India a 2-1 lead going into the halfway stage.

Two minutes into the second half, Australia secured two penalty corners in succession, but Hayward's shot on goal from the second chance was disallowed.

A minute later Tim Brand missed a penalty stroke for Australia.

In the 43rd minute, Ramandeep Singh fired high and wide of the rival goal.

Australia drew level soon when an unmarked Zalewski scored from a field effort.

Two minutes from the final hooter, Vivek was denied by Tim Howard with a brilliant tackle.

In the final minute, Australia got a golden chance to seal the match in the form of a penalty corner, but Matt Dawson's slap-shot was brilliantly blocked by an onrushing Rohidas.

Firstpost



Test matches RSA v GER (M) - 1st Test
Wits, Johannesburg (RSA)

22 Feb 2020     RSA v GER.  2 - 11
23 Feb 2020 15:00     RSA v GER
27 Feb 2020 17:00     RSA v GER
29 Feb 2020 11:00     RSA v GER

Live stream and replays on ShoottSA facebook page

FIH Match Centre



U-16 and U-21 USWNT Pick Up Wins Over Canada on Day 1


Images Taken by Myda Clark and Jen Szukics

CHULA VISTA, Calif. - Following the U.S. Rise Women's National Team's six-game series against Canada's U-18 squad last weekend, the U-16 and U-21 USWNT were eager to take to the pitch against their respective Canadian counterparts Friday afternoon at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. The U-16 USWNT began the day with five goals in the second quarter and ultimately finished with an 11-2 victory over Canada's U-16 team, while the U-21 USWNT followed up with a strong second half performance to win 5-1 over Canada's U-21 squad.

U-16 USWNT 11 - 2 U-16 Canada

With the realignment of age groups in 2019, the new-look U-16 USWNT team got their first taste of junior international competition. Canada started the game in ascendency as they jumped out to a two-goal lead inside the first 10 minutes off of two well executed field goals. USA managed to get themselves back in the contest on the stroke of quarter time thanks to Maci Bradford (Delmar, Del.) on a penalty corner attempt. Bradford, the injector, was in the right place at the right time as the initial effort found its way to her on the baseline where she calmly applied the finishing touches.

In the second frame, USA came out firing on all cylinders and tallied five goals over the next 15 minutes to go into halftime up 6-2. Melea Weber (Macungie, Pa.) bagged her first of the afternoon in the 18th minute with a sharp rebound after the initial shot smashed off the goal post. Seconds later, Hope Haynes (Katy, Texas) kick started her hat trick outing with a one-touch finish from around the penalty spot after a nice counter attack. Brenna Bough (Whitney Point, N.Y.) got in on the action in the 22nd minute on a similar, well taken one-touch goal, after the ball was fed to her from the baseline. One minute later, Isabella Bianco (Berlin, N.J.) made it 5-2 on a quick reaction rebound finish on the far goal post. Haynes added her second just before the half with a backhand strike from a broken penalty corner routine that found its way to the bottom right corner.

Alaina McVeigh (Lansdale, Pa.) added to USA's score in the third quarter after Canada found their way back into the game and forced the red, white and blue onto the back foot at times. McVeigh’s goal was a solo effort after she picked the ball up oat midfield and proceeded to outpace Canada's defensive unit before rounding the advancing goalkeeper to fire it home. USA added four more goals in the final quarter. First, Haynes scored her third of the day in the 46th minute thanks to a sharp backhand over the Canada goalkeeper's shoulder on the near post. Kelsey Reviello (Colonial Beach, Va.) then got on the scoresheet one minute later when she finished off a quick counter attack. Danielle Mendez-Trendler (Reisterstown, Md.) snaffled a penalty corner rebound and found the bottom corner before Weber grabbed her second goal with three minutes remaining, again off the rebound after some nice work down the left hand side of the field.

“Overall it went well," said Mendez-Trendler. "We had a slow start but then we ended really strong as we started to play with higher pressure and intensity which has been a key focus for this U-16 training camp."

“We were trying to adapt to playing together and initially we dribbled too much and turned the ball over," added Haynes. "In the second, third and fourth quarters we made a lot more passes, we were less selfish and we worked as a team."

U-21 USWNT 5 - 1 U-21 Canada

The U-21 USWNT team got series against Canada underway with a well fought win. The game started in a remarkably similar manner to the preceding U-16 USWNT game as Canada pressed into an early lead through a well taken rebound chance after a hard ball into the circle. It would take until the 19th into the second quarter for the USA to level things as Erica Cooper (Louisville, Ky.) took a long range rebound chance after some good work from Kathryn Peterson (San Diego, Calif.) and Paityn Wirth (Thompsontown, Pa.). The teams would remain locked 1-1 at halftime as both goalkeepers were called into action and produced some solid saves.

In the second half USA started to pick up the pace. A pair of Skyler Caron (Hampton, N.H.) goals off penalty corners, the first a sweep, the second a slip flick, helped open up a two-goal lead. In the final quarter USA added on to their lead in quick succession. The team's fourth score of the day was a back-to-front effort which saw Leah Crouse (Virginia Beach, Va.) use her speed through the heart of the field and eventually latch on to a rebound chance close to the goal, where she lifted the ball over the goalkeeper. Charlotte de Vries (Wayne, Pa.) rounded out the scoring after some good pressing work from the forward line. Picking the ball up on the 25-yard line, de Vries beat her lone defender before she struck from the top of the circle on a backhand that went off the underside of the bar.

"It was very exciting to get out on the pitch with the team for the first time at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center," said Lindsey Dickinson (Glen, Pa.). "Canada’s counter attack and high energy challenged us to improve our connections and attacking creativity. Our team did a good job adapting to the play in the second half by adjusting our press and pushing the tempo to generate more scoring opportunities."

"As the first game together, we focused on starting to grow our connections on the field as new teammates by demanding a forward, aggressive mentality," said Brooke DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.). "From there, we worked on being adaptable and taking each quarter of play with tactics to improve on."

The U.S. U-16 and U-21 Women's National Teams return to action Saturday afternoon at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., respectively. These games will not be live streamed. This event is open to the public and admission is free.

Saturday, February 22        U-16 USWNT vs. U-16 Canada    1:00 p.m. PT
                                           U-21 USWNT vs. U-21 Canada    3:00 p.m. PT

Sunday, February 23        U-16 USWNT vs. U-16 Canada    1:00 p.m. PT
                                         U-21 USWNT vs. U-21 Canada    3:00 p.m. PT

USFHA media release



Promotion secured as Wanderers go for indoor gold in Europe



Dundee Wanderers secured promotion in women`s EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge 1 with another two victories on day two of the tournament.

On the domestic front Edinburgh University defeated Kelburne in the rescheduled second round tie in the men`s Scottish Cup while Grange`s tie at Titwood was beaten by the weather.

DUNDEE WANDERERS 5-3 SWANSEA (WALES)

The contest was dominated by two examples of lethal finishing, Emily Dark got four for the Taysiders while Swansea`s Livvy Hoskins scored a hat-trick.

Wanderers` 5-3 victory means that they finished top of Pool B with full points, and also take the five points forward into the promotion pool.

It was Swansea who took the early initiative when Hoskins converted a penalty corner.

Wanderers looked frustrated against a rather physical Welsh outfit, but in overtime at the end of the first quarter they were awarded their second penalty corner, the ball was switched left and Amy Snelle swept it into the net for the equaliser.

The second quarter had everything, five goals, two hat-tricks, a couple of sin bin visits and a missed penalty.

Wanderers were awarded another penalty corner in the first minute, Dark did a little shuffle and sent a low flick into the net for a 2-1 lead.

The Dundonians could have added to their slender lead, Nina Becker squandered a golden chance by putting her effort wide, then Dark hit the post with her spot effort. To add to Wanderers` frustration Hoskins scored twice to give Swansea a 3-2 advantage.

But inside the final minute Dark struck twice, the Tayside striker found the net with a shot from the top of the circle, then at a penalty corner the same player scored with a powerful direct shot to complete her hat-trick and give her side a narrow 4-3 lead.

The second half was a tame affair in comparison, but six minutes into the third quarter Dark found the Welsh net again with another low flick at a penalty corner.

Further chances fell to the Scots as the half went on – but no further goals were forthcoming. At the other end keeper Iona Colquhoun produced a good save at a Welsh set piece.

With no further goals Wanderers played out the remainder of the contest for a deserved 5-3 victory.

DUNDEE WANDERERS 8-2 KUTAISI  (GEORGIA)

Dundee Wanderers secured promotion in some style at the EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge 1 in Porto with a crushing 8-2 win over Kutaisi from Georgia.

Wanderers lead Irish side Railway Union by three points, and although both are promoted, tomorrow`s tussle will be for the gold medal.

But it was not always plain sailing as the Georgians led 2-1 at half-time.

Vikki Bunce put the Taysiders ahead when she fired home through a ruck of players, but almost immediately Polina Volkhova levelled.

Two minutes later Llona Rehina put Kutaisi ahead at a penalty corner, and that is how it stood at the interval.

Early in the second half Jessica Ross waltzed past two Georgian defenders and fired the ball into the net for the equaliser.

And just before the end of the third quarter a cross from the right was diverted into the net by Emily Dark to put the Scots ahead for the first time.

The final quarter was a procession of goals for Wanderers, it started with a spot conversion by Dark inside the first minute.

Dark then completed her fourth hat-trick in as many games when she fired home a low flick at a penalty corner.

Bunce then entered the goal scoring scenario, firstly she found the net at the second attempt for 6-2, then completed her own hat-trick with a direct shot at a penalty corner for Wanderers` seventh.

The icing on the cake came in the final minute when Ross took the ball into the circle and fired a low shot home to complete the scoring.

SCOTTISH CUP

Edinburgh University advanced into the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup with a 5-4 win over Kelburne at Glasgow Green.

The students were two up at the interval through a deflection by David Mawhinney and a tap in by Guy Rowson.

Edinburgh looked in command when they advanced the score to 5-2 in the second half, Ian Moodie, Nathan Liggett and Robbie Croll from the spot were on target.

In a tousy finish Kelburne brought the score back to 5-4 but the students were able to hang on to take the tie. Kelburne`s scorers were Johnny Christie (2), Michael Nicol and Iain Scholefield.

Grange`s tie with Clydesdale fell victim of torrential sleet at Titwood.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



UniKL give electrifying show to win TNB Cup

By Jugjet Singh


The UniKL team celebrating after winning the TNB Cup.

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) achieved a hard-earned Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) treble when they beat Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) 2-1 in the TNB Cup final today.

UniKL, who had earlier won the Charity Shield and League title, completed the domination in front of a packed gallery at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Nabil Fiqri had earlier given hope to THT with a 13th minute penalty corner rebound goal.

But UniKL came alive in the fourth quarter. Faid Farhadh Shah injected the fightback with a 48th minute goal, while Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin sealed the winner right after the restart.

“The management had set a target to win the League as well as the TNB Cup. Even though it was a tough match, in the end we achieved it in a blaze of glory.

“Credit to THT for playing at such a high intensity level,” said UniKL coach Arul Selvaraj.

It was the first treble for UniKL, who made their MHL debut in 2011.

New Straits Times



UniKL score two quick goals to win the TNB Cup

By T. AVINESHWARAN


Simply spectacular: UniKL players celebrating after beating defending champions Terengganu during the TNB Cup final yesterday. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: In just a matter of seconds, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) turned what looked like a lost TNB Cup final match into a glorious victory, completing their total dominance in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

The Charity Shield and League champions completed the treble for the first time since taking part in the league in 2011 with a 2-1 win over defending champions Terengganu.

Coach Arul Selvaraj’s side were dominant throughout the match but needed a fourth-quarter comeback to seal the precious 2-1 win against Terengganu.

UniKL looked to be the better side with numerous penalty corners and chances but all went to waste until the third quarter.

Instead, it was Terengganu who drew first blood in the 13th minute when a brilliant set-piece play off a penalty corner was converted by Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor. The UniKL defenders were expecting the league’s top scorer Jang Jong-hyun to go for his customary drag flick but instead, he fooled them with a brilliant pass to the unmarked Nabil.

After a pep talk from coach Arul Selvaraj at halftime, UniKL turned up the heat and could have scored in the 32nd minute but Govers’ shot was brilliantly stopped by Hafizuddin.

Things got a little heated in the 42nd minute when Jong-hyun attempted a dangerous play on UniKL’s Mohd Najmi Farizal Jazlan and the South Korean was given a yellow card.

The first few minutes of the fourth quarter certainly belonged to Terengganu goalkeeper Mohd Hafizuddin Othman who pulled off numerous saves to deny the resurgent UniKL.

UniKL earned penalty corner after penalty corner but the Terengganu defenders and Hafizuddin stood resolutely in the way.

However, his hard work was undone in the 48th minute when Mohd Faid Farhadh Mohd Shah scored UniKL’s equaliser after receiving a brilliant pass from Najmi

Seconds later, UniKL shot into the lead through Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin who he capitalised on a goalmouth melee and that goal proved to be the match winner for UniKL.

Meanwhile, in the third and fourth placing match, Tenaga Nasional thrashed Maybank 5-2 at the National Hockey Stadium.

Also, PKS-Uniten were proclaimed the Women’s TNB Cup champions after beating league champions Hockademy 2-1. Police Blue Warriors finished third after beating Terengganu 2-1.

The Star of Malaysia



23 apply for job of Malaysian national women’s coach

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 23 coaches – 11 locals and 12 foreigners – have applied for the job as national women’s hockey coach.

This is the biggest ever number of candidates to have applied for the job.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said they would name the coach by March 15.

“A selection committee headed by our deputy president (men) Jadadish Chandran, deputy president (women) Datuk Prof S. Shamala and former international Datuk Seri S. Shanmuganathan will check the details of the candidates who applied for the job.

“They will shortlist the candidates for the post.

“I have also received calls from a few foreign coaches who are interested in the job but, for now, they are committed to their respective teams for the Tokyo Olympics,” said Subahan after chairing the MHC executive board meeting at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Subahan said that the National Sports Council (NSC) have set a very high target for the national women team. They want them to be ranked No. 1 in Asia in the next few years.

“The national women’s team is currently ranked fifth in Asia and with the hiring of the new coach, we want the team to be ranked third in Asia. But NSC want our team to be ranked top in Asia,” said Subahan.

K. Dharmaraj was the national woman coach until his contract ended last December. However, he has decided not to re-apply for the job.

Subahan said they would also focus more on five-a-side hockey and indoor hockey as they believe Malaysia have a good chance to win medals in the two events.

“We will allocate funds for these two events with the hope of doing well in tournaments,” said Subahan.

Malaysia created history in the Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina by winning their first gold in the five-a-side tournament in 2018.

The Star of Malaysia



Kenya to host hockey Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

By AGNES MAKHANDIA


Kenya Hockey Union President Nahashon Randiek arrives at the City Park Stadium on August 10, 2019. PHOTO | FILE |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya will host the men and women’s North East region qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations set for May 11-17 at the Sikh Union Hockey Stadium in Nairobi.

The men's team will face Burundi, Libya, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Seychelles where the top two nations will proceed to the next year’s Cup of Nations.

The ladies will battle favourites Egypt, Burundi, Libya, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda for the two slots.

Kenya Hockey Union deputy match and fixture secretary, Moses Majiwa, said it was an honour for the country to host the inaugural event.

“This is one of the kind. While it might be a walk in the park for the men’s competition, the ladies will have to rise to occasion with the presence of Egypt. But all in all we hope that both teams will qualify for the event and then we will see what happens from there,” said the official.

“The new development by the Africa Hockey Federation to have nations participate within their regions is good for the sport's development. Kenya has in the recent times performed poorly during the Cup of Nations due to team’s poor preparations. We are therefore reaching out to the government to support these teams to have proper preparations including playing international friendly matches prior to event.”

Both the men and women's teams finished last during the 2019 Nations Cup that was held in Egypt. Egypt won the men’s version while South Africa won the ladies title.

North-West region has Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo while Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe form the Central–South region.

The top two teams in each categories from the three regions will then join the top two ranked countries to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The overall winner will book a ticket to the 2022/23 World Cup while the runners up will participate in the World Cup qualifier.

Daily Nation



Masters hockey ‘not just for old men and women’

By Bill Tomkins



Australian Masters Hockey has seen continued growth since inception of a national intrastate competition in 1980.

The competition has continued to grow with the introduction of over 75s in 2016, while over the same period the “younger” age group numbers had begun to decline.

In the mid 1990’s there were four divisions of over 40s with every Australian state represented. By 2010 that had dwindled to one division of six teams. The principle cause was the decreased longevity of players in top grade open hockey, with older players retiring early in their 30s. The transition from first grade hockey to Masters covered too many years. By the time ex-first grade players were eligible for the over 40s age group they had “retired”.

Between 2007 and 2010 there was an unofficial interstate rivalry competition between New South Wales and Queensland. The games were organised by a few friends in their mid-30s as a get together to reminisce and play some good hockey. This became the foundation for the growth of the over 35s competition. However, it was not an easy task, with many questioning the need.

The initial years saw the competition still falling outside Masters Hockey and the annual competition was increased initially to include Barbarian sides, where players from other states were approached to play. In 2011 the over 35s were included in the National Championships. Since then the competition has continued to grow with the standard of hockey improving every year.

Each year at the National Championships, international teams are selected for each age group to represent Australia. The over -35 team quickly established an expected high standard, which has continued today.

In 2018 the over 35s were included for the first time in the Masters World Cup, Barcelona to play six other countries.

The team selected had nine months of concentrated training with the tyranny of Australian distance meant they only had had one training weekend where all players were able to attend.


The 2020 Masters World Cups are set to be competitive affairs

The international tour commenced with a week-long training camp in Holland which culminated in playing an invitational Oranj-Rood side, which included current Dutch International Mink van der Weerden.

The 2018 World Cup level was a very high standard with games played at high speed and with great passion. England and Australia played in the gold medal match with Australia prevailing 1-0 in a very tight match.

Bill Tomkins is a former Australian over-35s coach and led the Kookaburras to World Cup gold in 2018

The Hockey Paper features Masters hockey in every edition. Subscribe in print or in digital format.

The Hockey Paper



Dutch player slammed for mocking Argentinian fan



World hockey has launched an investigation following a social media gaffe by Dutch hockey player Renée van Laarhoven.

The Dutch player responded to a photo an Argentinian fan had posted online asking for the shirt of her boyfriend, Dutch player Sander de Wijn, at the recent Pro League clash.

The Kampong player called the fan a “fat troll”, adding: “It would have been better if a skinny Argentine woman had this.”

De Wijn apologised for the matter and said that the message from Van Laarhoven had been intended as a private message to him.

The FIH said: “Respect is one of the core values ​​of our sport and must always be present.”


Renee van Laarhoven plays for Kampong PIC:World Sport Pics

The fan subsequently received support from the hockey world, with Argentinian Majo Granatto writing on social media: “No one deserves to be attacked in this way.”

The Dutch hockey federation had previously stated that it was “distancing themselves” from the message following the furore.

“The Dutch teams love the atmosphere in Argentina and all Argentinian fans. We look forward to playing many more matches for this audience,” it said on Twitter.

Subscribe to our print or digital edition for the bigger picture in 2020. Discounts with our partners and major savings on our digital product for global readers. Find out which subscription suits you best. Sign up now!

The Hockey Paper

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