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All the news for Saturday 7 March 2020

2020 FIH Pro League (Men) - 6 March

6 Mar 2020     AUS v ARG (RR)     3 - 3 (Shootout 1/4 - 3/3)
7 Mar 2020 18:30 (GMT +8)     AUS v ARG (RR)     Perth Hockey Stadium, Perth

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

Pool Standings

FIH Match Centre

2020 FIH Pro League (Women) - 6 March

6 Mar 2020    AUS v ARG (RR)     0 - 2
7 Mar 2020 16:00 (GMT +8)     AUS v ARG (RR)     Perth Hockey Stadium, Perth

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

Pool Standings

USA v NED (26.01.2020) worth double points because of the match cancelled on 24.01.2020
AUS v GBR (01.02.2020) worth double points because of the match cancelled on 02.02.2020

FIH Match Centre

Argentina enjoy fine away day against Australia in Perth



Friday 6 March proved to be a great day for the men’s and women’s national hockey teams of Argentina, who both recorded positive away results against Australia in the FIH Hockey Pro League in Perth, Western Australia. Argentina's women were 2-0 winners against the Hockeyroos, while the men fought back from a 2-0 deficit before eventually winning a bonus point in a shoot-out against the Kookaburras after a highly entertaining game finished in a 3-3 draw. 

Argentina's women's victory over the hosts helped them move up to second in the FIH Hockey Pro League standings, with Julieta Jankunas and Agustina Gorzelany scoring the goals to send Las Leonas level on 14 points with New Zealand but with a superior goal difference. Defeat for Australia leaves them sitting in fourth position on nine points.

The Pan American champions opened the scoring a minute before the end of the first quarter thanks to Jankunas's superb backhand strike, with Gorzelany sealing victory early in the fourth quarter when she rattled the backboard with a low penalty corner drag-flick. Australia had numerous chances of their own, particularly during the third quarter, which they dominated from start to finish. However, Argentina were resilient in defence and clinical in front of goal, something they will aim to repeat when they face the Hockeyroos for a second time on Saturday (7 March).

"I'm very happy to get the three points back to Argentina", said Argentina's Jankunas, who was named Player of the Match. "We have to wait until tomorrow because that will be a difficult match too, but I'm very happy to be the player of the match."

Australia captain Jodie Kenny said: "It was a disappointing loss for us. We weren't physical enough and we didn't finish up front. Disappointing, and there is going to be a lot to learn from that game, but we have to do that really quickly as we come out against them tomorrow."

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

In the men's match, reigning Olympic champions Argentina claimed two points from a possible three against the Kookaburras, battling to a 3-3 draw before stealing the bonus point by comprehensively winning the shoot-out. The result sees Argentina climb up to fourth in the FIH Pro League standings, while Australia's point from the draw has helped them mote into second position, level on 11 points with the Netherlands but with a superior goal difference.

A cracking contest saw the home favourites establish a 2-0 lead inside eight minutes thanks to a deflected penalty corner from Jeremy Hayward and a cool open play finish from Tom Wickham. However, Los Leones turned the match on its head as goals from Martin Ferreiro and penalty corner ace Jose Tolini, who netted his seventh of the season to become the outright top scorer in this year's Pro League, levelled matters before Lucas Martinez scored a sensational backhand strike to put the Pan American champions into a 3-2 lead going into the final quarter. A brilliant deflection from Jack Welsh tied the match at 3-3 and triggered a shoot-out that the Argentines dominated, with goalkeeper Emiliano Bosso stepping off the bench to replace veteran shot-stopper Juan Vivaldi and deny Joshua Simmonds, Tom Wickham and Matthew Swann as Los Leones triumphed 3-1 in the one-on-ones.

"Australia is a very tough team", said Argentina's Martin Ferreiro, who was named Player of the Match. "Argentina is getting preparation for the Olympics, and Australia is in our zone [pool in Tokyo]. It was a very tough game and we did our best."

Australia defender Matthew Swann said: "We started off very well but let them get back into the game and let them get in front. We were able to come back in the fourth [quarter], but unfortunately, we couldn't come away with the win. Something we really need to work on is shoot-outs. It is becoming prevalent in today's game, and we need to be better in that area so we can come away with [bonus point] wins rather than draws and losses."

It was also a special day for Australia's Eddie Ockenden, who played his 365th international match to draw level with Jamie Dwyer as the most capped Kookaburra athlete of all time. All being well, Ockenden will surpass Dwyer's record on Saturday.

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

To celebrate Indigenous sporting heritage, both the Hockeyroos and the Kookaburras are wearing a specially designed kit, The Seven Sisters and the Emu in the Sky, this weekend. The designer is none other than double Olympian – in hockey and sprinting – Nova Peris, cousin of current Hockeyroo Brooke. Nova won gold with Australia in the 1996 Olympic Games and then swapped to track to represent her country in the 2000 Games in Sydney. More information about this story can be found by clicking here.

The FIH Hockey Pro League continues on Saturday 7 March with the second meetings between the national teams of Australia and Argentina in Perth. 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 

Friday 6 March 2020 – Perth Hockey Stadium, Perth (AUS)

Women’s result: Australia 0, Argentina 2 (Match 1 of 2)
Player of the Match: Julieta Jankunas (ARG)
Umpires: Amber Church (NZL), Kelly Hudson (NZL) and Peter Wright (RSA - video)

Men’s result: Australia 3, Argentina 3 – 1-3 After Shoot-Out (Match 2 of 2)
Player of the Match: Martin Ferreiro (ARG)
Umpires: Gareth Greenfield (NZL), Peter Wright (RSA) and Kelly Hudson (NZL - video)

#FIHProLeague

Official FIH Pro League Site

Argentina earn double success in Australian FIH Hockey Pro League matches

By Mike Rowbottom


Argentina's women have moved up to second in the FIH Hockey Pro League after a 2-0 win in Australia ©Getty Images

Argentina’s men’s and women’s hockey teams earned positive results in the first of their two scheduled International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Pro League matches in Australia.

Argentina’s women beat Australia 2-0 to move up to second in the league, while the men came from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 before winning a second point by taking the penalty shoot-out 3-1.

The two sets of teams will meet again tomorrow at the same venue - the Perth Hockey Stadium.

Julieta Jankunas and Agustina Gorzelany scored the goals to earn the Pan-American champions a win that moved them level on 14 points with New Zealand but with a superior goal difference.

The Netherlands lead the women's section on 15 points.

Defeat for Australia leaves them sitting in fourth position on nine points.

"I'm very happy to get the three points back to Argentina," said Jankunas, who was named player of the match.

"We have to wait until tomorrow because that will be a difficult match too, but I'm very happy to be the player of the match."

Australia’s captain Jodie Kenny said: "It was a disappointing loss for us.

“We weren't physical enough and we didn't finish up front.

“Disappointing, and there is going to be a lot to learn from that game, but we have to do that really quickly as we come out against them tomorrow."

In the men's match, reigning Olympic champions Argentina claimed two points from a possible three against the Kookaburras, battling to a 3-3 draw before stealing the bonus point by comprehensively winning the shoot-out.

The result sees Argentina climb up to fourth in the FIH Pro League standings, while Australia's point from the draw has helped them move into second position, level on 11 points with the Netherlands but with a superior goal difference.

In the men’s match the home team took a 2-0 lead through a deflected penalty corner from Jeremy Hayward and a cool open play finish from Tom Wickham.

However, Los Leones turned the match on its head as goals from Martin Ferreiro and penalty corner specialist Jose Tolini, who netted his seventh of the season to become the outright top scorer in this year's Pro League, levelled the score before Lucas Martinez scored with a superb backhand shot to put the Pan-American champions into a 3-2 lead going into the final quarter.

A deflected effort from Jack Welsh tied the match at 3-3 and triggered a shoot-out that the Argentinians dominated, with goalkeeper Emiliano Bosso stepping off the bench to replace veteran shot-stopper Juan Vivaldi and deny Joshua Simmonds, Tom Wickham and Matthew Swann to secure a 3-1 win.

"Australia is a very tough team", said Argentina's Martin Ferreiro, who was named player of the match.

"Argentina is getting preparation for the Olympics, and Australia is in our zone [pool in Tokyo].

“It was a very tough game and we did our best."

Australia defender Matthew Swann said: "We started off very well but let them get back into the game and let them get in front.

“We were able to come back in the fourth [quarter], but unfortunately, we couldn't come away with the win.

“Something we really need to work on is shoot-outs.”

Inside the Games

Kookaburras draw with Argentina but miss out on bonus point


Matthew Swann dives for the ball

A goal from substitute Jack Welch eight minutes from full time has seen the Kookaburras earn a 3-3 draw in a thrilling FIH Pro League clash against Olympic Champions Argentina in Perth on Friday night.

With all drawn matches in the FIH Pro League going to a penalty shootout, Argentina prevailed 3-1 in the shootout decider to gain an additional bonus point from the contest.

In Eddie Ockenden’s record equalling 365th Kookaburras appearance, it was fellow Tasmanian Welch marking his first international cap since suffering a stress fracture in his back last April with the crucial equaliser.

The Kookaburras, sporting a special Indigenous playing strip, stormed out of the blocks with two goals in the opening ten minutes.

Jeremy Hayward scored a powerful penalty corner drag flick that benefitted from a big deflection in the 4th minute before Tom Wickham struck to double the hosts advantage just minutes later.

But the Kookaburras’ advantage was swiftly halved when a first timed strike from Martin Ferreiro found the bottom right corner.

Argentinian penalty corner specialist Jose Tolini netted his seventh goal of this Pro League campaign to level the scores at 2-2.

The non-stop end to end action continued after half time and after Tolini struck the woodwork with another effort in the 35th minute, the strong crowd didn’t have to wait long for another moment of brilliance.

A stunning reverse stick strike from Lucas Martinez into the roof of the net from a tight angle capped off a world class attacking move from the South Americans to put them in front.

The Kookaburras were made to be patient as they went in search of an equaliser, enjoying large periods of possession and winning the circle entry count 26-14, before Welch took his chance with aplomb.


Jack Welch celebrates.

Having only entered the match after three quarter time, Welch grabbed a crucial touch to guide Matthew Swann’s crash ball into the top left corner of the net.

In the shootout, Flynn Ogilvie opened the Kookaburras account, but it mattered little as Wickham, Josh Simmonds and Swann all had their efforts well saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Bosso, while in turn the visitors clinically dispatched their three efforts.

“I thought we started off very well, then let them get back in the game and let them get in front,” said Swann post match.

“We were able to come back in the fourth quarter but unfortunately we couldn’t come away with the win.”

“Something we need to work on is shootouts, because it’s becoming prevalent in today’s game so we need to be better in that area so that we can come away with the win rather than draws and losses.”

Having missed the recent FIH Pro League matches against India, Swann said he was looking forward to lining up alongside Ockenden when he breaks the Kookaburras games record in Match 2.

“I’m stoked I can be out there tomorrow with Eddie when he makes his milestone game tomorrow,” said Swann.

The two sides return at 6pm local time (9pm AEDT), with the match broadcast LIVE on Kayo and Fox Sports. There will also be LIVE Twitter coverage on the official Kookaburras Twitter account.

Match Details
Kookaburras 3 (Hayward 4’, Wickham 8’, Welch 52’)
Argentina 3 (Ferreiro 11’, Tolini 20’, Martinez 39’)
Argentina gain an additional bonus point after winning penalty shootout 3-1
@ Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

Kookaburras: 1.Lachlan Sharp, 3.Corey Weyer, 4.Jake Harvie, 5.Tom Wickham, 6.Matthew Dawson, 7.Nathan Ephraums, 11.Eddie Ockenden, 15.Josh Simmonds, 17.Aran Zalewski (c), 20.Matthew Swann, 21.Jack Welch, 22.Flynn Ogilvie, 23.Daniel Beale, 24.Tyler Lovell (gk), 26.Dylan Wotherspoon, 29.Tim Brand, 32.Jeremy Hayward
Unused Substitutes: 30.Andrew Charter (gk)

Argentina: 1.Juan Vivaldi (gk), 3.Emiliano Bosso (gk), 4.Juan Catan, 5.Pedro Ibarra (c), 7.Nicolas Keenan, 9.Maico Casella, 12.Lucas Vila, 13.Jose Tolini, 15.Tomas Domene, 16.Ignacio Ortiz, 17.Juan Lopez, 18.Federico Monja, 19.Tomas Bettaglio, 23.Lucas Martinez, 24.Nicolas Cicileo, 28.Federico Fernandez, 30.Augustin Bugallo, 32.Martin Ferreiro
Unused Substitute: 30.Andrew Charter (gk)

Hockey Australia media release

No joy for Hockeyroos as Argentina clinch Match 1


Steph Kershaw in control

The Hockeyroos have suffered their first loss of their 2020 FIH Pro League campaign after falling 2-0 to world number three ranked Argentina at Perth Hockey Stadium tonight.

With the Hockeyroos proudly parading a special Indigenous playing kit to celebrate the contribution of past and present Indigenous players, it was the Argentineans that made the most of the occasion, scoring in the 14th and 48th minute to wrap up the three points.

After handing a debut to Karri Somerville and receiving strong displays from forwards Steph Kershaw and Mariah Williams, the Hockeyroos were not able to capitalise on their 21 circle entries and seven penalty corner opportunities.

“It was a disappointing loss tonight. We just weren’t physical enough and we didn’t finish up front,” Hockeyroos captain Jodie Kenny said post-match.

“It’s disappointing but we’ll have a lot to learn from that game and the thing is, we’ve got to do that really quickly because we come out again tomorrow (Saturday).”

After starting in aggressive fashion, Argentina took the lead through Julieta Jankunas’ unstoppable tomahawk strike that thundered beyond Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch’s near post.

The Hockeyroos created two set piece opportunities to end the first quarter, but the visitors continued to attack and Lynch was called to jump off her line and make a diving block to deny Micaela Retegui after 27 minutes.

The second term ended in the same vein as the first, with the Hockeyroos unable to breach the defences of Argentina goalkeeper Christina Cosentino.

Ashlee Wells replaced Lynch in goal at half time and the home side took control in the third quarter as the visitors were reduced to ten players, with Cosentino’s outstretched left boot turning one effort from Grace Stewart round the post to save the Pan American champions.

The Argentinians’ disciplined defensive display ultimately thwarted the Hockeyroos, with the result sealed when Agustina Gorzelany buried a low penalty corner flick in the final quarter.

In game number 50, Kalindi Commerford had a late effort well saved before sending the rebound slapshot wide.

Despite the defeat, the Hockeyroos remain in fourth position on the Pro League table with nine points and will be out to reverse the result on Saturday night from 4pm local time (7pm AEDT).

The match will also be LIVE on Kayo, while there will also be LIVE Twitter coverage on the official Hockeyroos Twitter account.

Match Details
Hockeyroos 0
Argentina 2 (Jankunas 14’, Gorzelany 48’)
@ Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

Hockeyroos: 1.Sophie Taylor, 4.Amy Lawton, 5.Ashlee Wells (gk), 7.Jodie Kenny (c), 9.Lily Brazel, 11.Karri McMahon, 13.Edwina Bone, 14.Stephanie Kershaw, 15.Kaitlin Nobbs, 16.Gabi Nance, 18.Jane Claxton, 20.Karri Somerville, 21.Renee Taylor, 23.Kalindi Commerford, 24.Mariah Williams, 27.Rachael Lynch (gk), 30.Grace Stewart, 31.Laura Barden

Argentina: 2.Sofia Toccalino, 3.Agustina Gorzelany, 5.Agostina Alonso, 7.Giselle Kanevsky (c), 9.Priscila Jardel, 13.Cristina Cosentino (gk), 15.Maria Granatto, 18.Victoria Sauze, 19.Agustina Albertarrio, 21.Victoria Granatto, 22.Eugenia Trinchinetti, 23.Micaela Retegui, 28.Julieta Jankunas, 29.Victoria Miranda, 32.Valentina Costa, 38.Maria Cerundolo, 40.Maria Forcherio
Unused Substitute: 36.Mariana Scandura (gk)

Hockey Australia media release

Stats Speak: 73 players across the globe played 300+International matches

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal,India)

Triple Olympian Eddie Ockenden is among all-time great players with 12 Gold medals in his kitty. The Tasmanian player made his debut against South Korea in June 2006 Azlan Shah Cup. Since then Ockenden has played 366 matches. Today(March 7,2020) he surpassed his countryman Jaime Dwyer’s record of 365 caps.Across the globe, 57 men players of 13 countries and 16 women players of 7countries have played 300+ International matches. Stats are:

 FIeldhockey.com

Rupert Shipperley joins GB programme full-time in lead up to Tokyo 2020


Rupert Shipperley

After making his Great Britain debut earlier this year, Rupert Shipperley has been offered a full-time place in the men’s programme in the lead up our next FIH Hockey Pro League games and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The Hampstead & Westminster athlete had been training with the team in the latter part of 2019 before being called up to the squad for the first time  and featuring in all four FIH Hockey Pro League games against Australia and New Zealand last month.

He scored on his debut against the Kookaburras and impressed to the extent that Danny Kerry and his coaching team have decided to bring him into the fold ahead of a crucial six months.

The Welsh international said: “Originally Danny said he’d speak to me when we got back from the tour so I knew there was a decision coming – whether it would be a good one or not I wasn’t sure. But I felt like I played well out in Australia and New Zealand so I was fairly confident. I was relieved and happy when I got the call!

“That was my trial. I felt like I trained and played well out there. It’s obviously one of those subjective decisions but luckily I was on the right side of it.

“I was a little bit nervous, it was a bit like getting my first cap for Wales. It reminded me of those emotions. Scoring on debut is always nice – I was absolutely shattered at the time though, hence the celebration where I just stood still!"

Shipperley becomes the fourth Welsh player to be part of the central programme based at Bisham Abbey, joining Jacob Draper in the men’s team and Sarah Jones and Leah Wilkinson in the women’s.

Speaking about the decision to offer a full-time contract to the former teacher, Kerry said: “I am delighted for Rupert in his selection to this GB squad. We have been tracking him for some time in his play for club, with Wales and then through an extended period of assessment within the GB programme.

“Rupert brings good game intelligence, a fantastic work ethic and athleticism and a competitive edge on the pitch. His inclusion further increases the depth in our squad as we prepare for the FIH Hockey Pro League and Tokyo Olympic Games and we look forward to working with Rupert.”

Shipperley will be next hoping to be in action for GB’s men in their next FIH Hockey Pro League games away to The Netherlands on 28-29 April before the league returns to London on 2-3 May when the men face India and the women take on China.

That is the first of four big double header weekends taking place in London this year, with GB Hockey returning to Harlequins’ Twickenham Stoop to take on Argentina on 16-17 May.

Great Britain Hockey media release

Coronavirus: Tours cancelled or not, training to go on in full swing

Faced with tour cancellations because of coronavirus outbreak, the players have stuck to their training programmes to prepare as best they can.

Ashwin Achal


The men’s team is set to play FIH Pro League matches in England, Spain, Argentina and Germany. It remains to be seen if these tours go on as per schedule.   -  Biswaranjan Rout

The coronavirus outbreak, which has forced the cancellation of several sports events around the world, has affected the preparation plans of the Indian hockey teams in this crucial Olympic year.

The women's team tour to China, scheduled to be held from March 14 to 25, was cancelled due to concerns over the virus. The women’s Asian Champions Trophy to be held in South Korea in June could also be hit. A tour of Netherlands and Germany next month could be the only chance for the women to gain match-fitness ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

The men’s team, on the other hand, is set to play FIH Pro League matches in England, Spain, Argentina and Germany. It remains to be seen if these tours go on as per schedule.

Faced with circumstances beyond their control, the players have stuck to their training programmes to prepare as best they can. “We would ideally like to play many official matches before the Olympics, but we can’t do anything about the coronavirus problem. The tour to Netherlands and Germany - we hope it happens. We will just keep training hard," India women’s coach Sjoerd Marijne said here on Friday.

“The Asian Champions Trophy is too far away to worry about now, but yes, we understand that it could be cancelled. For now, we will assume that it is on and carry on with our training. We have to adapt to the situation. There’s no point in complaining," Marijne added.

The Indian men’s team coach Graham Reid echoed Marijne’s sentiments, stating that it is business as usual. “We're trying to stay on top of what is happening. We’re training as though everything will go on as normal,” Reid said.

Asked if he had concerns about travelling abroad for the FIH Pro League, Reid said, “Unless the FIH, World Health Organisation or the Indian Government tells us otherwise, we will assume that our tours are on. We have to be guided by experts. That said, you don’t want to be caught in a situation where you cannot return to your own country. That is a concern,” Reid said.

General health guidelines — avoiding handshakes, washing hands regularly and so on — are in place to keep the players free from illnesses.

“I don’t shake hands anyway,” Marijne said, before folding his hands to end the media interaction with a ‘Namaste’.

Sportstar

SA Hockey “suspends hand-shaking” due to Corona Virus fears



The South African Hockey Association like many South Africans and certainly global communities is concerned about the global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. Whilst South Africa has not had any confirmed cases in the early days of the initial outbreak this is no longer the case. We are part of a global community and our lives continue to intersect with the world on a daily basis via sport, travel, business, tourism and the like.

In the interest of a sport specific precaution SA Hockey would like to further advise that pre- match and post-match hand shaking will no longer be required until further notice.

“Teams are still encouraged to show true sportsmanship and teams are still to acknowledge the competing team and match officials and to wish them well before their game. As such we encourage them to consider rather an elbow bump, foot tap and/or stick tap.” Said Marissa Langeni, CEO of SA Hockey.

Some precautionary measures include, but are not limited to:

    Shaking of hands should be suspended to reduce spread risk.
    When coughing, cough within the elbow or a tissue (dispose of the tissue in the correct manner).
    Wash hands frequently with soap and water or utilise waterless hand washes often especially after contact with individuals.
    When handling public space materials (trolleys at airports and public spaces etc), it is advisable to, if possible, use disinfectant wipes on these items also to reduce risk.
    Limit direct contact with individuals by handshaking, hugging as much as one can.

SA Hockey Association media release

PREVIEWS: Men's Hockey League



Top flight stalwarts Reading face relegation rivals Brooklands MU on Sunday, knowing that anything but a win will mean the end of their stay in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division.

Currently bottom of the table with just one league win all season, it’s the final roll of the dice for the Sonning Lane outfit.

But with Brooklands MU also having a tough season with 12 defeats from their 16 games, Reading have more than a fighting chance of remaining in the Premier Division.

“It is difficult to underestimate the importance of the fixture to the team,” said Reading’s team manager Tim Hamilton. “With a proud history boasting numerous league titles and regular EHL qualification, our current plight is a long way from where we aspire to be.

“We remain the only English side to have won an EHL medal, and our ambition is to repeat that feat, as such Premier Division survival is a crucial step.

“The squad are acutely aware that we have run out of road and we have absolutely no margin for error. Win this week and we progress to next week with an opportunity to continue the fight, lose and we are relegated.”

Elsewhere Hampstead & Westminster host East Grinstead as they bid to hold on to second spot and retain home advantage for the play-offs. East Grinstead need points to ensure they stay out of the fight to avoid the drop. Third-placed Wimbledon are just two points behind and could go second if they can beat visitors Holcombe.

Old Georgians secured their play-off spot with two wins last weekend, and they could still claim second place and home advantage if Wimbledon and Hampstead & Westminster slip up over their last two regular season matches.

Georgians go to the University of Exeter for their penultimate regular season match on Sunday. But they won’t have an easy ride against a side who are fighting the drop and have won two of their four league matches this year.

And in the weekend’s other Premier Division clash leaders Surbiton go to Beeston.

The University of Durham and Bowdon are level on points at the top of the Division One North table, with Durham edging the lead on goal difference.

They host the University of Nottingham this Sunday, while Bowdon are also at home, against Loughborough Students.

At the other end of the table bottom club Leeds are at home against Olton & West Warwicks as they desperately try to avoid the drop, while second-bottom Sheffield Hallam are looking to ease their relegation worries as they host the University of Birmingham on Saturday evening.

Leaders Oxted play host to bottom of the table Fareham on Sunday in Division One South, while second-placed Sevenoaks play Oxford Hawks on Saturday as they try to maintain the pressure on Oxted. If Sevenoaks and third placed Southgate, who travel to Canterbury, fail to win, Oxted will go into the game knowing three points would secure the title.

EHL PLAY-OFFS AND PROMOTION AND RELEGATION 2019-20

League Finals

The top four teams in the EHL Premier Divisions play off to be league champions. Semis - 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd. The winning semi-finalists qualify for the final.

The team finishing top of the Division at the end of the regular season take England’s second place in the following season’s Euro Hockey League, the winners of the final are league champions and take England’s top place. If this is the same team then the losers of the final take the second European place.

As requested by teams the semi-finals this season are at home club venues. Men’s semis are on 29 March, Women’s semis are on 4 April in order to ensure Great Britain internationals are available for their clubs.

The finals are on 5 April at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

1200 hrs – Men’s final
1430 hrs – Women’s final

Promotion & Relegation – Premier Division and Division 1 North & Division 1 South

The team finishing 10th in the Premier Division is relegated.

The winners of Division 1 North & Division 1 South play off in a one-off match on 29 March at a neutral venue, Nottingham Hockey Centre. The winners of this match are promoted to the Premier Division.

The losers of this game play against the team finishing 9th in the Premier Division over two matches, home and away, with the winners on the aggregate score earning/retaining a Premier Division place.

5 April – Losers of Division 1 North & Division 1 South play off v 9th Premier Division – Match 1
18 April – 9th Premier Division v Losers of Division 1 North & Division 1 South play off – Match 2

FIXTURES

Men’s Hockey League (Sat, 7 March 2020):

Division One North
Sheffield Hallam v Univ of Birmingham 18:30

Division One South
Sevenoaks v Oxford Hawks 17:00
Canterbury v Southgate 18:00

Conference East
London Edwardians v Wapping 12:00
Bromley & Beckenham v Chichester 14:00
St Albans v Old Loughtonians 18:30

Conference North
Lichfield v Deeside Ramblers 13:30
Wakefield v Timperley 16:30

Men’s Hockey League (Sun, 8 March 2020):

Premier Division
Beeston v Surbiton 14:00
East Grinstead v Hampstead & Westminster 14:00
Reading v Brooklands MU 14:00
Univ of Exeter v Old Georgians 14:00
Wimbledon v Holcombe 14:30

Division One North
City of Peterborough v Cardiff & Met 14:00
Univ of Durham v Univ of Nottingham 14:00
Bowdon v Loughborough Students 14:30
Leeds v Olton & West Warwicks 14:30

Division One South
Team Bath Buccaneers v Teddington 13:00
Havant v Brighton & Hove 14:00
Oxted v Fareham 14:00

Conference East
Spencer v Cambridge City 13:30
Bedford v Harleston Magpies 14:00

Conference West
Univ of Exeter 2XI v Old Cranleighans 12:00
Cheltenham v Khalsa Leamington 12:40
Ashmoor v Cardiff University 13:00
Richmond v Harborne 13:30
Univ of Bristol v Isca 14:00

Conference North
Barford Tigers v Didsbury Northern 13:00
Alderley Edge v Belper 14:00
Preston v Doncaster 14:00

England Hockey Board Media release

PREVIEWS: Investec Women's Hockey League



Relegation-threatened Holcombe and University of Birmingham face each other this Saturday in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division, two of five teams who could mathematically still go down via the play-offs if they finish 9th in the table.

Hosts Holcombe are one of four teams – including the University of Birmingham – on 17 points, plus Beeston on 18 points, who are still not safe from the drop as the regular season heads towards a dramatic conclusion.

“Every single game this season has been important to us, I see that each week in training and on game day,” said Julie Garbett, Holcombe’s team manager. “The ladies give their all and sometimes it goes our way and sometimes it doesn't.

“When it doesn’t we reflect and learn and Birmingham is equally as important as all the other matches. With two matches left we are going to play with as much pride as we always have and hopefully finish on a high.

“Birmingham beat us when we played them at their club, but I honestly don't think they are even thinking about that, it's each match as it comes.”

Clifton Robinsons are one of the other teams on 17 points and they face a tough trip to leaders Surbiton, while Loughborough Students go to relegated Bowdon Hightown in search of safety.

Elsewhere fourth-placed Buckingham entertain Hampstead & Westminster knowing that a win will secure their place in the play-offs. If they slip up and Beeston beat East Grinstead, the fate of the fourth and final play-off spot will go down to the final week of the regular season.

But having dropped to third last weekend after defeat to Surbiton, Hampstead will be going all out to retake second spot and secure home advantage in the play-offs.

Wimbledon could wrap up the Investec Division One South title this weekend if they win at second-placed Reading on Saturday.

At the other end of the Division One South table it’s the final roll of the dice for bottom of the table St Albans who must win against Slough and hope ninth-placed Isca lose to Canterbury if they are to keep alive their hopes of avoiding relegation.

And in the Investec Division One North table it’s close at the bottom with Belper and Leeds level on eight points and still in with a chance of surviving the drop depending on other results.

Leeds go to Gloucester City on Saturday, while Belper head to Brooklands-Poynton.

At the top of the Division One North table leaders Leicester host Olton & West Warwicks, while second-placed Swansea go to Stourport. With Leicester holding a five point advantage if they win and Swansea do not then they will take the title.

EHL PLAY-OFFS AND PROMOTION AND RELEGATION 2019-20

League Finals

The top four teams in the EHL Premier Divisions play off to be league champions. Semis - 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd. The winning semi-finalists qualify for the final.

The team finishing top of the Division at the end of the regular season take England’s second place in the following season’s European Club Championships the winners of the final are league champions and take England’s top place. If this is the same team then the losers of the final take the second European place.

As requested by teams the semi-finals this season are at home club venues. Men’s semis are on 29 March, Women’s semis are on 4 April in order to ensure Great Britain internationals are available for their clubs.

The finals are on 5 April at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

1200 hrs – Men’s final
1430 hrs – Women’s final

Promotion & Relegation – Premier Division and Division 1 North & Division 1 South

The team finishing 10th in the Premier Division is relegated.

The winners of Division 1 North & Division 1 South play off in a one-off match on 29 March at a neutral venue, Nottingham Hockey Centre. The winners of this match are promoted to the Premier Division.

The losers of this game play against the team finishing 9th in the Premier Division over two matches, home and away, with the winners on the aggregate score earning/retaining a Premier Division place.

5 April – Losers of Division 1 North & Division 1 South play off v 9th Premier Division – Match 1
18 April – 9th Premier Division v Losers of Division 1 North & Division 1 South play off – Match 2

FIXTURES

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Sat, 7 March 2020):

Investec Premier Division
Buckingham v Hampstead & Westminster 12:00
Surbiton v Clifton Robinsons 12:00
Holcombe v Univ of Birmingham 13:30
Bowdon Hightown v Loughborough Students 13:45
Beeston v East Grinstead 16:00

Investec Division One North
Brooklands-Poynton v Belper 11:45
Univ of Durham v Ben Rhydding 12:00
Gloucester City v Leeds 13:00
Leicester City v Olton & West Warwicks 14:30
Stourport v Swansea 14:30

Investec Division One South
Isca v Canterbury 12:00
Trojans v Sevenoaks 12:00
St Albans v Slough 13:00
Cambridge City v Harleston Magpies 14:30
Reading v Wimbledon 16:30

Investec Conference East
Canterbury 2XI v Ipswich 14:00
Horsham v Bromley & Beckenham 14:00
Southgate v Bedford 14:00
Broxbourne v Barnes 14:30
Wimbledon 2XI v Chelmsford 14:30

Investec Conference North
Fylde v Cannock 11:30
Doncaster v Pendle Forest 12:00
Sutton Coldfield v Univ of Nottingham 12:30
Alderley Edge v Beeston 2XI 14:00
Wakefield v Timperley 14:00

Investec Conference West
Cheltenham v Basingstoke 12:30
Exe v Univ of Bristol 12:30
Univ of Birmingham v Team Bath Buccaneers 12:30
Surbiton 2XI v Clifton Robinsons 2XI 14:00
Oxford University v Oxford Hawks 14:30

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Sun, 8 March 2020):

Investec Division One North
Ben Rhydding v Stourport 12:30

England Hockey Board Media release

Reading face crunch weekend in battle for Premier hockey survival

By The Hockey Paper


Reading Hockey Club aiming to stave off relegation PIC: Reading HC

Reading HC are hoping for a bumper #watchyour1s crowd to lift the club as the men set themselves for a crucial Premier Division weekend. Only this time it’s a survival one.

In the penultimate round of league fixtures, bottom side Reading are four points behind second bottom Brooklands Manchester University and face their basement rivals at Sonning Lane for a 2pm Sunday pushback with nothing less than a win the focus of attention.

Since the inception of the National League, Reading have been ever-present – six-time winners, and seven-time runners up – and last won in the 2011/12 season, but relegation is all too rare. Yet, with one win in 16 this term, Reading still hold lofty ambitions of making it back to the top and playing in Europe, making Sunday’s match an extra dose of pressure.

Tim Hamilton, Reading’s Performance Squads manager, told The Hockey Paper: “It is difficult to underestimate the importance of the fixture to the team and to the club. With a proud history boasting numerous league titles and regular EHL qualification, our current plight is a long way from where we aspire to be. We remain the only English side to have won an EHL medal, and our ambition is to repeat that feat in the near future.

“As such Premier League survival is a crucial step. The squad are acutely aware that we have run out of road and we have absolutely no margin for error.”

Reading will have 10 colts matches, an under-18s Cup quarter-final and an over-60s Cup semi-final against Indian Gymkhana and are expecting a “raucous atmosphere” against Brooklands.

Reading lost several key players to rival clubs pre-season which made for a difficult season for Jason Lee’s and Danny Newcombe’s side.

“Losing key talents over recent seasons has undoubtedly made for a challenging season, but we still have a fantastic, tight-knit squad that have the capability to compete with the best in the league,” added Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Hampstead & Westminster, Wimbledon and Old Georgians are still jockeying for final play-off places. There are four points between the three clubs, with H&W holding the keys to a home play-off berth alongside Surbiton, who qualified at Christmas.

In the Investec Women’s Premier Division, it is incredibly tight at the bottom, with four clubs on 17 points (Uni of Birmingham, Clifton, Holcombe and Loughborough) who are all in relegation play-off territory, with Beeston one point ahead. Just to underline the tight cluster, Beeston are also in contention for a play-off berth, although Buckingham hold the cards with two matches remaining.

Don’t miss our Alex Danson special in our March print issue. Sign up now!

The Hockey Paper

Champions Blazers renew hostilities with Spartans

By AGNES MAKHANDIA


USIU-A Spartans forward Rhoda Kuira (left) dribbles past Lakers' Aurelia Opondo (right) and Linet Barasa (centre) during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match on October 12, 2019 at City Park Stadium, Nairobi. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Record holders Blazers, formerly Telkom, begin their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League title defence Sunday with a crunch tie against rivals United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

This will be the highlight of this weekend's matches as the 2020 season enters its second week. Spartans finished second to Blazers last season and both clubs will represent the country during this year's Africa Cup for Club Championship set for November 3 to December 5 in Blantyre, Malawi.

Blazers, who are chasing a record extending 23rd league crown, won both fixtures last season- 2-1 in the first leg, before handing the students a 4-0 thrashing to complete the double in the return leg.

Blazers official Jos Openda said, “Its new season but our mantra to defend the title hasn’t changed. Once again we will give a good account ourselves as we train our eyes on the Clubs Championship later in the year."

While the odds will favour Blazers if their previous results are anything to go by, USIU-A coach Willis Okeyo remains optimistic ahead of the 5pm clash.

“We want to perform better. We have in recent years dreamt of stopping Blazers' dominance, but we have fallen short. I hope this year will be different. Blazers are a good side, but we are equally up to the task,” said Okeyo.

The university side have bolstered their defence with the signing of Redempta Walabala and Phanice Eka.

Strathmore University's Scorpions, who finished third last season, also begin their campaign on Sunday against newcomers Dutch Flower Group (DFG) Wolverines in another women’s Premier league clash set for 3pm at the same venue.

Wolverines, alongside Oranje Leonas, earned promotion to the top tier last season from the Super League after finishing in the top two positions.

Reached for comment, Strathmore coach Meshack Senge said, “We have the depth and pedigree to turn around the last year’s performance.

“This season, we have a good squad and I’m optimistic of a good performance. As much as our opponents (Wolverines) are new in the top tier, they are not minnows. Most of the players in that squad have played in the Premier League and they know what to do and are therefore not push overs.

We will give our all and hopefully start the league on a winning note," Senge said.

FIXTURES (All matches at City Park Stadium)

Saturday

Super League

Men

KCA-U v Nakuru Men (2pm)
JKUAT v Kenyatta University (4pm)
MMU v Wazalendo Masters (6pm)

Women

Multimedia University v Nakuru (12noon)

National League

Men

UoN v Nairobi Chapel (2pm)

Sunday

Premier League

Women

Strathmore University v DFG Wolverines (3pm)
Blazers v USIU-A (5pm)

Super League

Men

JKUAT v KU (1pm)

Women

Daystar University v MMU (9am)
Technical University of Kenya v University of Nairobi (11am)

Daily Nation

Beaulieu Hockey Academy score a spot in Gauteng Cup semi-finals


Beaulieu and Tuks have advanced to the semi-final as both teams have not lost a match in the Gauteng Cup. Photos: Khomotso Makgabutlane

BEAULIEU – Stalemate between Tuks and Beaulieu means both team still advance to the semi-finals at Randburg Astro in Johannesburg

A two-all draw saw the senior men of the Beaulieu Hockey Academy place second in the Gauteng Cup after their match against the University of Pretoria (Tuks) on 29 February.

The match was set to be an interesting affair with the home side (Tuks) placed first on the log after two wins, and Beaulieu in second place with a win and a draw next to their name.


Armand Scorgie scores the first goal for the Beaulieu side in their match against Tuks. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Beaulieu coach, Allistar Fredericks was correct when he said, ‘this match will definitely be a cracker’ while his team were warming up.

The first chukka started with a penalty corner being awarded to Beaulieu two minutes in. Armand Scorgie secured the early lead for his team. Fredricks screamed at his players to get into different positions as the first 12 minutes of the match showed incredible intensity from both sides. With one minute left, another penalty was awarded to Beaulieu, but the attempt was short-lived as it was cleared.


A Beaulieu player goes to play the ball. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Continuing into chukka number two, the heavy pressure and concentration could be felt by spectators but the chukka went goalless.

Half-time came and went, and spectators were ready for an enthralling second half. It came from Tuks player Trevor de Lora in the form of a field goal to equalise the scoreboard. Another two minutes into the third chukka, Beaulieu was awarded another short corner.


Beaulieu back, Fizo Mazibuko takes lone control of the ball during the Gaueng Cup match against Tuks. Photo: Khomoso Makgabulane

Due to three different faults, the short corner was taken three times, but this did not bother the scorers as each team still had one goal each. The chukka ended quickly, with either side still in search of a goal to get ahead.

The final chukka began, and a short corner was awarded to Beaulieu three minutes in but they weren’t able to take the lead.


Sanele Mchunu of Beaulieu plays his ball past two Tuks players.

With more green cards and slight injury in the chukka, things were getting heated fast on the cold and grey morning in Pretoria.

Things heated up even more when Tuks managed to gain a lead after scoring a short corner with minutes left. Tuks’ Guy Morgan found the back of the net to put Tuks up 2–1.

Another final minute thriller came in the form of a short corner as it looked like the writing was on the wall for the Beaulieu team. Beaulieu set up for a short corner with 57 seconds left.


Coach of Beaulieu, Allistar Fredericks, reacts after his team missed a chance a goal. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Once again, the experienced Julian Hykes came through for his team, scoring to equalise the game.

At the end of the match, Hykes said, “It was a good game. We had chances, they had chances. So we played okay since they’re a very good side.”


Tuks and Beaulieu players after the two-all draw. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

With Tuks winning one more match than Beaulieu, they stay at the top of the log. Both Pool B teams advance to the semi-finals to take place at Randburg Astro in Johannesburg.

Old Albanians and Crusaders from Pool A also advancing to the semi-finals.

Fourways Review

Scottish Junior Schools Cup 2020 delivers action and great goals



A fantastic final saw St George’s School crowned Junior Girls’ Cup champions after a 1-0 win over George Heriot’s School; while a sensational performance and victory by Fettes College saw them win the Junior Boys’ Cup with a 9-0 victory over Strathallan.

High School of Glasgow won the Junior Girls’ Plate with a 6-0 win over Selkirk at the Junior Schools’ Cup Finals 2020. An excellent performance by Merchiston Castle saw them win the Junior Boys’ Plate with a 5-1 win over Stewart’s Melville College.

Edinburgh Academy took home the Junior Girls’ Bowl with a 3-0 victory over Fettes College in a very close and competitive match.

Junior Girls’ Cup – George Heriot’s School 0-1 St George’s School

A fantastic final saw St George’s School crowned Junior Girls’ Cup champions after a 1-0 win over George Heriot’s School.

A tremendous atmosphere sent both sides into this contest to give it their all, and the game roared from end-to-end from the first whistle.

The longer the first half progressed St George’s School began to edge the play. Sofia Rambukkana came close with a low shot that fizzed just past the post.

In the closing minutes of the first half pressure from George Heriots put pressure on St George’s and found the defence resolute to deal with the danger.

St George’s began to apply pressure early in the second half and Ariadna Aso came so close to opening the scoring with an improvised effort, twisting in mid-air and slamming the ball into the ground, but her effort bounced just wide of the post.

Olivia Mason was next to come close for St George’s but her low shot slipped just wide of the mark.

The opening goal eventually arrived when a sensational run and strike by Kate Bole opened the scoring to make it 1-0 St George’s School with nine minutes to play.

It was a tense close to the contest but St George’s School held out to win the trophy in a great final.


6 March 2020 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Junior Schools’ Cup Finals – Junior Girls’ Cup | George Heriot’s v St George’s School – photo by Duncan Gray

Junior Boys’ Cup – Fettes College 9-0 Strathallan

A sensational performance and victory by Fettes College saw them win the Junior Boys’ Cup with a 9-0 win over Strathallan.

Fettes College took an early lead after a blistering start. The ball broke up the pitch at pace and it was switched to the far post to be tapped home for 1-0.

It didn’t take long for a second goal. Xavax Cordero made it 2-0 for Fettes with a powerful low shot thundering against the backboard.

In the blink of an eye there was a third; Oscar Tomlyn quickly made it 3-0 with a close range finish.

As the half progressed Strathallan began creating some opportunities and found a solid goalkeeping performance by Vinjero Mhango.

Fettes put down the Strathallan uprising as the half reached a conclusion as Ramsay Macleod made it 4-0 with a clinical finish.

The second half was close and the match zipped from end-to-end. It would be Fettes to score next however. Marcus Pike went on a lovely solo run and launched a reverse shot into the bottom right corner for 5-0.

Matthew Hughson struck from a penalty corner to make it 6-0 to Fettes College eleven minutes into the second half.

A couple of quick-fire goals in the closing stages made it 8-0 to Fettes before a sublime finish by Cordero made it 9-0 at the end.


6 March 2020 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Junior Schools’ Cup Finals – Junior Boys’ Cup | Fettes College v Strathallan – photo by Duncan Gray

Junior Girls’ Plate – Selkirk High School 0-6 High School of Glasgow

High School of Glasgow won the Junior Girls’ Plate with a 6-0 win over Selkirk at the Junior Schools’ Cup Finals 2020.

It was a great start to the match for High School of Glasgow when Keira Davidson slipped a low shot into the net for 1-0, and an early lead.

The response from Selkirk was good and they came close from a penalty corner routine, Lily Byers almost found the net arriving at the post after injecting.

It was the side from Glasgow who would score next; Davidson scored again to double High School of Glasgow’s lead with a strike from close range. 2-0.

An excellent save by Selkirk’s Erica Stevenson denied a third for High School of Glasgow, she stopped Eilidh Hill low to her left to pad clear.

Anna McCallum made it 3-0 just before half time with a tap-in after a well-worked move up the pitch from High School of Glasgow.

Selkirk made a good start to the second half but it was High School of Glasgow who struck next when a wicked deflection at a penalty corner found the net for 4-0.

Kirsty Wicklow scored a fifth for High School of Glasgow with a lovely finish high into the Selkirk net 5-0.

Selkirk enjoyed a spell of good pressure in search of a goal. Aela Thomson showed good composure for Selkirk in the Glasgow D but her powerful shot was well saved.

Davidson completed her hat-trick with three minutes to play when she made it 6-0 with another close range finish in a crowded D.


6 March 2020 at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow Green. Scottish Hockey Junior Schools’ Cup Finals – Junior Girls’ Plate | Selkirk High School v High School of Glasgow – Photo by Duncan Gray

Junior Boys’ Plate – Merchiston Castle 5-1 Stewart’s Melville College

An excellent performance by Merchiston Castle saw them win the Junior Boys’ Plate with a 5-1 win over Stewart’s Melville College.

The game got off to a ferocious start and it was Merchiston Castle who took an early lead with a powerful strike by Glen Crawford in a crowded D.

The Merchiston Castle cavalcade continued as the half progressed and Jamie McCarlie rattled the post from the top of the D.

Then Merchiston’s Freddie Jack made it 2-0 with a nice finish from close range.

Stewart’s Melville College came back into the contest and Hamish Murray sent a lovely drag flick towards the roof of the net but it was well saved under the crossbar.

The left post took a bettering again as Merchiston went hunting for another goal, before an outstanding follow up save cleared the danger.

Right after the restart Merchiston made it 3-0 with a lovely solo run and finish but then Stewart’s Melville instantly pulled one back to make it 3-1.

Crawford struck again for Merchiston from a powerful penalty corner low against the backboard to make it 4-1.

Todd Bargeton made it 5-1 when he forced the ball home at a penalty corner routine that saw the ball bounce frantically in the D.

A penalty stroke was awarded to Merchiston but a sensational save by Ben Burton denied Crawford another goal. It would be the final real chance of the game and it was Merchiston who took the trophy with an excellent win.


Photo by Mark Pugh

Junior Girls’ Bowl – Edinburgh Academy 3-0 Fettes College

Edinburgh Academy took home the Junior Girls’ Bowl with a 3-0 victory over Fettes College in a very close and competitive match.

It was a very tight opening to the contest with neither side giving much away.

Eventually the opening goal arrived. Edinburgh Academy took the lead at the midway point in the opening half after a penalty corner routine was turned into the net by a defender.

The half progressed and there was very little to separate the sides, only the vital goal by Edinburgh Academy, which they held until the break.

After the restart the contest continued to be tight. The longer the second half went on, however, Edinburgh Academy seemed to edge closer to extending their lead.

The ball ended up in the Fettes net after a succession of corners but the goal was ruled out.

The goal would come soon enough and Edinburgh Academy doubled their lead when Jennifer Lane squeezed the ball home at the near post to make it 2-0.

Edinburgh Academy put the game to bed with five minutes remaining when a penalty corner strike took a big deflection and ended up in the net for 3-0.

A good effort by Marissa Maclean almost pulled one back for Fettes but the keeper saved well to deny the goal. In the end Edinburgh Academy held on for the win and were victorious in a great final.


Photo by Mark Pugh

Junior Schools’ Cup Finals – Friday 6 March 2020

11:00 | Junior Girls’ Plate | Selkirk High School 0-6 High School of Glasgow
12:15 | Junior Boys’ Plate | Merchiston Castle 5-1 Stewart’s Melville College
13:30 | Junior Girls’ Bowl | Edinburgh Academy 3-0 Fettes College
14:45 | Junior Boys’ Cup | Fettes College 9-0 Strathallan
16:00 | Junior Girls’ Cup | George Heriot’s 0-1 St George’s School

Scottish Hockey Union media release

All things equal when it comes to umpiring



International Women's Day gives the global hockey community the perfect opportunity to showcase and celebrate some of the great work being carried out by women across the world. Many of the women celebrated during our week-long recognition of achievements have become leaders within our sport and are the driving forces behind change, progress and development.

Whether it is having the vision to provide leadership experience opportunities through  coaching hockey or whether it is developing the skills to lead a national team, these are all instances where the hockey community is demonstrating yet again, its huge and uncompromising approach to equality in all aspects of life.

New Zealand’s Sam Charlton was one of the Black Sticks women’s squad that played in the first top tier intentional match to be umpired by male and female umpires. It was a historic moment in the sport’s history but, says the Black Sticks striker, once the moment, involving South Africa’s Wanri Venter and Australia’s Steve Rogers, had been celebrated, it was business as usual on the pitch.

How did you feel knowing you were involved in a historic moment when the first mixed gender umpiring team officiated at an top-tier international match?
Samantha Charlton: “It’s really exciting and I think the FIH has done a really good job in ensuring that men’s and women’s hockey is on an equal playing field. It’s pretty cool to know our sport is pretty progressive in making sure that happens in all elements of the game.

Did you feel any differently about the umpiring team for this match? Did you behave any differently on the pitch in any interactions you had with the umpires?
Samantha Charlton: “No not at all. You barely notice. It may be an umpire that you’ve never had before and sometimes you learn umpire styles so you know what works with them and what doesn’t so you get to know that person in the first few minutes and learn what you can get away with and what you can’t. The interactions were all pretty similar, it was much of a muchness.”

Is this something you feel could work in all international matches? Can you explain your answer?
Samantha Charlton: “As more men umpire female games and more females umpire men’s games, it will start to become more normal. Obviously the men’s and women’s games are slightly different and maybe interpreted slightly differently across different games but as it becomes more normal it will become easier for male and female umpires to flow through all facets of those games.

Hockey is a sport that is pushing to be as equal as it can be in all aspects of the game. Why do you think it is proving so successful at this?
Samantha Charlton: “It has been happening for years. FIH has never promoted one gender over the other. Male and female hockey has been celebrated in a really big way which is super cool. I think a lot of other sports can take a lot from that and are trying to strive to achieve that as well. But we have been really lucky. Female hockey has been pushed just as hard as men’s hockey and those women’s finals are just as exciting as the men’s and that is a real special thing to be a part of that doesn’t happen across all sports.

#IWD2020
#EachForEqual

FIH site

Hockey offers hope in Afghanistan



International Women's Day gives the global hockey community the perfect opportunity to showcase and celebrate some of the great work being carried out by women across the world. Many of the women celebrated during our week-long recognition of achievements have become leaders within our sport and are the driving forces behind change, progress and development.

Whether it is having the vision to provide leadership experience opportunities through  coaching hockey or whether it is developing the skills to lead a national team, these are all instances where the hockey community is demonstrating yet again, its huge and uncompromising approach to equality in all aspects of life.

Day five - Asia

Life is tough for girls and women in Afghanistan whether it is accessing education, finding training and work or participating in sport.

In the following extract, the Afghanistan Hockey Federation tells the story of the captain of the national women's team, Khadijah Achakzai, outlining the hope within the Afghan hockey community that one day Afghanistan will be competing on the international stage.

“Khadija Achakzai toils day and night at the hockey training grounds in Afghanistan. She is the hope and the idol for many of her female peers in Afghanistan, where due to the current circumstances, it is very tough for women to even attend school or university, let alone take part in a sport such as hockey.

“However, Khadija is one of the very few examples in the country which take the form of the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. She is fully committed to the sport of hockey and takes it upon herself as a mission to push other Afghani women to not give up hope and take up activities such as hockey for their personal growth.

“Khadija started her hockey journey at a very young age, when she was in class nine. It was a bit too much for her at first, but she remained committed with an iron resolve. In time, the skills needed to play hockey started coming to her naturally and it transformed from an interest into a passion, which she pursued vehemently.

“Over the course of her sporting career, Khadija has amassed an impressive collection of appreciation letters and awards from various organisations, including the National Olympic Committee and the Peace Association of Afghanistan among notable others.

“With International Women’s Day upon us, Khadija’s story is an inspirational one for women across the globe. Despite all the odds, she is pursuing her passion and urges her fellow countrywomen to do the same. She is a true role model for young girls all across the globe and we can only wish her the best of luck in her career as a hockey athlete.”

Picking up on the narrative, Taimoor Waqar, speaking on behalf of the Asian Hockey Federation, says: The AHF is compassionate towards the difficult situation faced by the women in Afghanistan on a daily basis. We are working very closely with Afghanistan Hockey Federation towards the development of women’s hockey in Afghanistan. Our aim is to empower women like Khadija Achakzai who aspire to rise above their circumstances and face the challenges head on.

“With the help of her and Afghanistan Hockey Federation, we our focusing on Youth Development Programmes for Women in Afghanistan at school level. We are very happy with the progress that has been made and we are working very hard to provide a platform for the determined and devoted women of Afghanistan. Yes, it is only just a start, but with such steps we may see the Afghanistan national women’s team participating in international tournaments in the future.

#IWD2020
#EachForEqual

FIH site

Green Army Sponsors Host Star-Studded Lunch for IWD2020



Official Hockey Ireland sponsors, SoftCo and Park Developments, and official partner, Saba restaurants, hosted an International Women’s Day lunch to celebrate the Irish Senior Women’s Hockey Team and spotlight their incredible journey on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.

The Irish Women’s Hockey team, and management attended the event, as well as the sponsors and their clients and some of Ireland’s top influencers. The team who are busy preparing for the upcoming Olympics in Tokyo this summer were delighted to take a break from their busy training schedule to enjoy a celebratory lunch in their partner’s restaurant, Saba, with their sponsors SoftCo and Park Developments, who have built an incredible support network around the team.

The lunch was accompanied by a Q&A hosted by sports journalist and television presenter, Evanne Ni Chuilinn. Evanne interviewed four time Olympian, Olive Loughnane, Sport Ireland Institute Head Performance Psychologist, Kate Kirby and Irish Women’s Hockey Head Coach, Sean Dancer. They discussed the team’s preparation for Tokyo 2020, what they can expect of the Olympic experience and the importance of having a winning mentality and resilience heading over to the Games.

Speaking at the event, Olive Loughnane (OLY) said: “The Olympics is the absolute pinnacle for high performance athletes who get to represent their country on the biggest stage of them all. There is nothing that can fully prepare you for the actual Olympic experience itself, it is truly special and unique and will be a dream come true to this group. My advice would be to just enjoy every minute of it and be present. These women have made a huge amount of sacrifices to be where they are today and it was a real privilege to be invited here to share my own experiences.”

The Q&A was followed by a panel discussion from members of the team who gave an insight into their preparation and training schedule as they get ready to travel to South Africa for warm-up matches against South Africa, England and China. There was a great sense of optimism and belief in the room as the team and staff reiterated their goal of going for gold at the Olympics.

Irish Women’s coach Sean Dancer said: “I would like to thank SoftCo, Park Developments and Saba for their continued support of this incredible team and our journey. Their support has been fundamental to our Olympic preparations and without it our current training programme would not be what it is. It is great to have the opportunity to all get together today and celebrate the journey we have all been on and the memories this incredible group of women have given us as they continue to push the boundaries and inspire those around them to chase their dreams.”

Irish Hockey Association media release