READING STUMBLE INTO KO16 by Peter Colwill at the Euro Hockey League in East Grinstead

Reading reached the last sixteen.   Needing only a draw, they stumbled to a 2-1 win against St. Germain.  Jean-Baptiste Pauchet put the French club ahead in the 8^th minute and Reading had to wait until the start of the second half when Chris Cargo levelled.  Five penalty corners and a penalty stroke went begging.  Simon Mantell hit the post with the stroke as he had done earlier in open play, and Darren Cheesman twice fired wide when well placed.  In the penultimate minute Tom Carson took advantage of St. Germain’s all-out attack to score the winner.

Rot Weiss Koln’s 12-1 demolition of Wien ensured Glynhill Hotel Kelburne’s qualification.  Trailing 0-9 at half time, Wien held their half-time team talk in the centre of the pitch, most unpleasant in this weather, but something must have worked.  They lined up two minutes ahead of Rot Weiss and a much improved performance produced a 3-1 second half.

Lisnagarvey produced a wonderfully spirited and skilful performance to qualify, losing 0-3 to Bloemendaal coached by Russell Garcia.  Needing to avoid defeat by 5 goals, they held the Dutch club to 0-0 until the final quarter.  Goalkeeper John Tormey saved the first of only 3 Bloemendaal corners with his stick in the top corner.  Influential midfielder Peter MacDonnell bravely charged down Olmer Meijer’s shot at the second, but was injured in the process.  Three goals followed in his absence but his return steadied the ship.

Alastair Brogdon scored a spectacular goal for Waterloo Ducks in their 2-1 win against East Grinstead for whom Rick Gay converted a penalty corner.  Both sides had already qualified.

Qualified from Round 1.2
Pool B: KHC Dragons & Reading
Pool D:  Waterloo Ducks & East Grinstead
Pool G: Bloemendaal & Lisnagarvey
Pool H:  Rot Weiss Koln & Glynhill Hotel Kelburne

PHOTOGRAPHS OF TODAY’S MATCHES ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW AT OUR SISTER WEB SITE www.HockeyImages.co.uk,

READING LOSE BUT BRITS LOOKING GOOD by Peter Colwill at the Euro Hockey League in East Grinstead

Glynhill Hotel Kelburne have almost certainly qualified for the last sixteen by beating AHTC Wien 3-1, but Reading will need at least a draw against Saint Germain on Sunday after losing 3-4 to KHC Dragons in a match in which they led twice.  Simon Mantell scored in the second minute.  Jesse Van Minde’s equaliser was disputed by Reading for a free hit travelling straight into the circle.

Craig Peel put Reading in front just before half time, but Van Minde equalised early in the second half.  Loick Luypaert slotted a penalty corner.  Jonty Clarke blasted an equaliser before Jeffrey Thys , the Dragons’ captain, scored the winner.

Kelburne went behind in the fifth minute when Michael Bremner’s back pass was intercepted, resulting in a goal for Adam Amtmanski.  They came back playing controlled and purposeful hockey.  A long pass into the circle by Mark Ralph, their superlative central defender, was deftly turned into goal by William Marshall, another defender. 

Kelburne took the lead at the start of the second half with the best move of the match in which Chris Nelson and Ross McIntyre featured prominently before Alan Forsyth scored.  Kelburne failed to score from a series of penalty corners and were indebted to Bremner who charged down Wien’s second corner ten minutes from time.  With Wien pressing, Kelburne’s third was scored on a breakaway by John Christie.

Lisnagarvey kept their hopes of qualification alive, coming back from a 3-0 half time deficit to draw 3-3 with Lille.  Timothy Cockram converted two penalty corners with Philip Stirling scoring the other.

Waterloo Ducks’ 4-0 win against Stroitel Brest ensured both their and East Grinstead ‘s qualification.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF TODAY’S MATCHES ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEW AT OUR SISTER WEB SITE www.HockeyImages.co.uk,

Hannah MacLeod has been reunited with her Olympic bronze medal. It was posted anonymously to England Hockey. Her jacket is still missing and, although a man has been arrested, police still regard this as an ongoing enquiry.

In a statement issued by England Hockey on Hannah's behalf she said,

"I'm extremely pleased to have been reunited with my medal. It's a huge relief. I'm enormously grateful to the Metropolitan Police and in particular to DCI James Harman who has kept me informed of their investigation throughout.

"I am indebted to everyone who has tweeted about it, everyone who has got in touch and who has publicised the situation. I can't thank you enough. I think all of you played a part in encouraging whoever had my medal to return it.

"Given the huge impact the Olympic Games has had on London and the UK I always held hope that it would be returned but it's still incredible to know now I have my medal back. People understand how much these medals mean to the athletes and those in the communities who have played their part in supporting us.

"I'm conscious that the police investigation is still ongoing and that Alex Partridge's medal is yet to be returned and I urge whoever has it to return it too.

"Once again, I'd like thank everyone who has played a part."

FIREWORKS BEFORE – LITTLE SPARKLE TO START. By Peter Colwill at the EuroHockey League Round 1.2 at Saint Hill.

There were fireworks before East Grinstead's match against Stroitel Brest, the Belarussian Champions, but there was little sparkle on the pitch in the first quarter. Although the hosts secured a comfortable 5-0 victory, they had to wait until the 23^rd minute for Andy Piper, the pick of the Grinstead forwards, to put them ahead. Mark Pearn increased the lead with a thunderous drive from the top of the circle.

At the other end Jack Marfleet took the ball off the line from just underneath the bar following a penalty corner, before Glenn Kirkham and Piper, with his second goal, increased the lead, all in an eventful second quarter.

In a largely uneventful second half there were few difficulties for Grinstead and Adam Jordan added a fifth.

KHC Dragons and Saint Germain, who are in Reading's Pool played out the closest match of the day with victory going to the Belgium side only 2-1 despite their considerable dominance.

Teun de Nooijer gave a masterful display including scoring 2 goals in Bloemendaal's 7-2 demolition of Lille.

Jan Marco Montag slotted in 3 penalty corners in Rot Weiss Koln's win against Glynhill Hotel Kelburne whose consolation goal was scored by Ben Peterson.

Pool B    KHC Dragons (Bel) 2 Saint Germain HC (Fra) 1

Pool D    East Grinstead 5 SC Stroitel Brest (Blr) 0

Pool G    Lille MHC (Fra) 2 HC Bloemendaal (Ned) 7

Pool H    Glynhill Hotel Kelburne 1 KTHC Rot Weiss Koln 8

 

PICTURES FROM TODAY'S MATCHES ARE ON OUR SISTER WEB SITE AT: www.HockeyImages.co.uk.

MAN ARRESTED OVER MEDAL THEFT

The Metropolitan Police announced today that they had arrested a man in connection with the theft of Hannah MacLeod's Olympic bronze medal. However, the medal has still not been recovered.

OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDAL STOLEN DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?

HOCKEY OLYMPIAN HANNAH MACLEOD'S BRONZE STOLEN!  At a party in London following the reception at Buckingham Palace for the GB Olympians, GB rower Alex Partridge discovered that a blazer containing his London 2012 medal had been stolen. Shortly afterwards, Hannah MacLeod, a member of the GB bronze medal winning team, reported that her medal was also missing. Hannah Tweeted late last night "My medal was also stolen at the same time. Totally devestated." Later she Tweeted "I'm not after punishment. If you picked up a medal that isn't yours, pls send anonymously back to GB Hockey - Bisham Abbey."  CCTV images at the Mayfair Club captured the face of a suspect.

BEESTON’S WOMEN IN 25 GOAL WEEKEND BLITZ

There were matches in both the men's England Hockey League and the Investec Women's Cup yesterday. But the result that caught our eye was Beeston's 13-0 annihilation of Norwich City in the Cup. It was not the biggest score of yesterday's Round 2 matches – that accolade goes to Sevenoaks, who put 18 past Fareham for no reply – but it follows closely on the heals of Beeston's 12-0 win over Liverpool Sefton in Saturday's North conference match. Beeston's Sophie Robinson scored six times yesterday and three times on Saturday. We don't suppose it is a record, but it's certainly some achievement.

In addition to Beeston and Sevenoaks, Bristol Firebrands, Buckingham, Cannock, Liverpool Sefton, Clifton, Harrogate, Chelmsford, Sutton Coldfield, Bowdon Hightown, Brooklands Poynton and Bedford Town, all won their matches and progress to Round 3. Teddington, University of Birmingham and Wimbledon, had walkovers and also progress to Round 3.

In the Premier Division of the England Hockey League, Beeston continue their onward march at the top with a 7-2 win over Surbiton. Beeston have a game in hand as a result of last weekend's EuroHockey League matches, and they currently match Canterbury on 15 points, separated only be goal difference. Canterbury had a 6-1 win over Hampstead & Westminster in what was a high scoring day all round.

There were nine goals at both East Grinstead and Cannock. East Grinstead were sunk by two late goals by Loughborough Student's Andy Bull and Maxime Cerulus, and a the third goal of a hat-trick from Glenn Kirkham, scored in the dying seconds, could not save 'Grinstead from a 4-5 defeat. The other nine-goal match was at Cannock, where visitors Southgate were 5-2 behind until the last five minutes. Playing catch-up, two late goals were not enough to secure any points and Cannock emerged as 5-4 winners.

The remaining Premier Division match saw Reading go down 3-2 at Brooklands MU.

Yesterday's results see Cannock race up the table to third place, behind Beeston and Canterbury. Reading and East Grinstead both drop one place to fourth and fifth respectively. Surbiton drop two places in the bottom slot, as do Southgate into ninth.

FULL RESULTS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk. PICTURES FROM YESTERDAY'S WEST CONFERENCE MATCH BETWEEN GUILDFORD AND UNIVERSITY OF EXETER CAN BE FOUND ON OUR SISTER SITE AT www.HockeyImages.co.uk.

 

 

NO CHANGE AT TOP OF INVESTEC LEAGUE

A number of interesting results in the Premier Division of the Investec Women's Hockey League failed to bring about any shifts at the top of the table this afternoon.

The most dramatic result was the match between Leicester and Reading, where Katie Long scored a hat trick for Leicester, and new girl Nicola White, and Jo Hunter, added one apiece in their sides 5-0 win. Leicester move up one place to fifth and Reading move down one place to eighth. But otherwise the table remains fairly static.

The major loser from today's matches was Clifton, who slip from fourth to sixth after their match against leaders Canterbury. Clifton opened the scoring with a goal in their own net after only three minutes. Canterbury's own efforts saw goals from Eliza Brett, Sarah Kerly and Lisa Hapke in their 4-2 win.

This season's surprise package, Sutton Coldfield, retain their second place with a win away at Olton and West Warwicks. A seventh minute goal from Olton's Naomi James gave the home side a lead which lasted for all of 37 minutes, but two penalty corner conversions in quick succession from Vicky Woolford, and goals from Jane Sixsmith and Sarah Mills, gave Sutton a 1-4 win. Olton remain in ninth place.

Surbiton are in third place on the same points as Sutton Coldfield. Surbiton managed to score all three goals in their win over University of Birmingham. An own goal by Surbiton was all that the University were able to show in their 1-2 defeat. Slough's woes continue, as they lost 1-4 at home to Bowdon Hightown. Slough are still without a point after six matches.

In the Conferences, the top three in the East remain unchanged after today's matches, with Harleston Magpies one point ahead of Ipswich and Sevenoaks. Old Loughtonian's surrender their fourth place to Wimbledon after losing 2-0 away at Sevenoaks. Leaders in the North, Beeston are on the same points as second placed University of Durham, but this afternoon's 12-0 thrashing of Liverpool Sefton gives them an unassailable goal difference. In the West, Buckingham remains the only side in the League to have a 100% record, after a narrow 1-0 win over Swansea City.

FULL TABLES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk.

SURBITON AND SOUTHGATE RECORD THEIR FIRST WINS IN STYLE. A round-up of yesterday’s matches.

The TalkHockeyRadio team were the guests of Old Loughtonians yesterday for their pitch opening and double header against Bromley & Beckenham (more of that later), so we had to hold over our review of yesterday's matches until this morning (Sunday).

Before looking at yesterday's league results, it is worth reflecting on Beeston's incredible result against Amsterdam in yesterday's Round 1.1 EuroHockey League match in Barcelona. We checked our records and it is only the second time in the history of the League that a Dutch team has lost a Round 1 match. (The first occasion was when KHC Dragons beat Rotterdam last season).

But 45 minutes into the game, the chances of Beeston pulling off such a coup looked remote. They were 3-1 down thanks to goals from Amsterdam's Spanish stars Santi Frexia and Roc Oliva and captain Billy Bakker. Beeston's contribution to the scoresheet came from David Ames in the 27^th minute. Any hope from Beeston's second goal, scored by skipper Adam Dixon, was soon wiped out by a response from Amsterdam's penalty corner specialist Taeke Taekema, to put the score at 4-2. But Beeston clearly did not abandon hope of winning the match, and in the space of four minutes came goals from Martin Jones, David Ames and Mark Wadsley.

The 4-5 result means that Beeston top Pool A and will be seeded when the draw is made for Round 2 at Easter.

The Men's England Hockey League is looking a topsy turvy place at the moment. With only three games played yesterday due to the absence of Beeston and the re-arranged match between Reading and Canterbury (being played today), there were some surprising results from two sides that the league has not favoured so far.

The return of their internationals seems to have spurred Surbiton back into life after a worrying start to their season. They won their first match of the season yesterday, with two goals apiece from Rob Moore and Alexander Penney, plus goals from James Tindall and James Penney. The result, a 6-1 lwin over visiting Cannock, lifts Surbiton off the bottom place into eighth.

The other side to record their first win of the season was Southgate, who took apart newly promoted Brooklands MU 7-0, with the goals from Dan Shingles (3), Callum Burden, Timmy Smith (2) and Francois Pretorius. Southgate move up from ninth to seventh.

In the only other match in the men's Premiership yesterday, Hampstead & Westminster and East Grinstead drew 1-1. The result leaves no less than four clubs on seven points, with Reading in third place, followed by East Grinstead, Hampstead & Westminster and Cannock. Reading could move up into second place if they beat Canterbury this afternoon.

Also sharing points are the sides top of the table in of the Premier Division of the Investec Women's League. The surprise leaders five weeks into the season are Sutton Coldfield, who made Slough's dire season even worse with a 7-0 win at home. Vicky Woolford (2) and the evergreen Jane Sixsmith always seem to be amongst the scorers and they were joined in this match by a hat-trick from Celia Butler and a goal from Sarah Mills. The result moves Sutton Coldfield up four places, although they can be overtaken by Canterbury who will be playing Reading this afternoon in the double header at Sonning Lane.

Surbiton women had their balloon burst by Leicester yesterday, losing at home 1-2. Surbiton's visitors last weekend, Bowdon Hightown, perked up their season with at 2-1 win at home to Olton and West Warwicks. Both of Bowdon's goals came from Tina Cullen. Unfortunately, their second win of the season still leaves them in fifth place. After a promising start to the season, Clifton have gone off the boil and slip to fourth after a 2-2 draw against visiting Birmingham Uni.

As mentioned earlier, TalkHockeyRadio was at Old Loughtonians for their double header against Bromley & Beckenham. Luxborough Lane is a living example of the Olympic legacy, its blue and pink pitches a reminder that the club was chosen to host the hockey training facility for 2012. The double header was also the occasion of the club's President's Day and the 'official' opening of the new pitches. Of course, the new pitches were already in use at the end of the 2011-2012 season, but the club was looking to a post-Olympic occasion for a formal opening to make the new pitches truly their own.

The chocolate cake in the clubhouse was truly magical, but out on the pitch the rain failed to dampen what was an entertaining encounter between Old Loughts women and their visitors. The Loughts have made some interesting acquisitions during the summer, including ex-England goalkeeper Becky Duggan, and the very talented South African international Lauren Penny, poached from Slough. Bromley & Beckenham's women joined the East Conference this season, and have found the going difficult. Although they made a game effort against the home side, with their Emma Greenway scoring from a penalty corner in the third minute, the difference between the two sides eventually told, with Penny, Izzy Jones and Madeline Row all scoring for Old Loughts. The final score, 3-1, promotes them from sixth to fourth in the table, whilst Bromley & Beckenham remain rooted at the bottom of the table.

It's amazing the difference a season can make, because Bromey & Beckenham men had to play the get-out-of-gaol card via the relegation play-offs last season. Yesterday morning they stood in second place, five above Old Loughtonians in the East Conference. In what was a feisty affair, a tad too feisty on one or two occasions, Bromley & Beckenham took an early lead with a goal from Peter Dobson. Jonny Brown equalised for Old Loughts, and Adnan Zakir gave them a brief lead before James Grannell equalised for the Becks. The score remained at 2-2 for less than a minute before Stephen Roche scored for the visitors to give them a brief lead. Just before the half time whistle, James Southgate was on hand to convert a penalty corner for the Loughts, taking the teams in at the break at 3-3.

The game was eventually decided in the 17^th minute of the second half, with a penalty corner conversion from Oliver Didham. Final score 4-3 to the home side in what was a thoroughly entertaining match. The result moves Old Lougtonians up one place to sixth, whilst Bromley & Beckenham slip down to third. And did we mention the chocolate cake? It was sublime.

PICTURES OF THE DOUBLE HEADER AT OLD LOUGHTONIANS WILL APPEAR ON OUR SISTER WEB SITE AT WWW.HOCKEYIMAGES.CO.UK SOON. RESULTS AND TABLES FROM STATURDAY'S MATCHES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT WWW.TALKHOCKEYRADIO.CO.UK.

CANTERBURY CONFOUND OUR EARLY PESSIMISM. A round up of this afternoon’s league and cup matches.

Canterbury continue to confound our early season pessimism by going into second place in the Men's Premier Division after beating Surbiton 1-2 away. A James Gall goal had given Surbiton a brief lead in the 51^st minute, but Michael Farrer equalised from a penalty corner five minutes later, and Kwan Brown put the icing on Canterbury's cake with a 69^th minute goal. Surbiton find themselves in the unfamiliar territory of bottom place with one point from four games.

It was a late goal at Highfields which kept Beeston at the top of the table. Playing East Grinstead at home, Simon Egerton scored a last gasp goal from a corner – his second of the game – to beat their visitors 3-2. EG slip two places down the table to fifth. Reading found themselves travelling in the opposite direction with a useful win at home against Southgate. Southgate staged a late rally with a Callum Burden goal, but with only two minutes left on the clock they were unable to capitalise on it. Reading move up to third, whilst Southgate stay in the play-off slot.

Loughborough Students must have been full of optimism as they went into the second half of their match against Cannock, 3-1 ahead. Their day was spoilt by a Peter Jackson hat-trick, which saw the match end 3-4 in Cannock's favour. Cannock move up from fifth to fourth, whilst the Students slip from sixth to seventh. Brooklands MU, who seemed to be having a better season than expected, found themselves on the wrong end of a 1-3 scoreline at home to Hampstead & Westminster. Brooklands go from seventh to eighth, whilst the West London side move up to sixth.

In the Conferences, Wimbledon lost their 100% record in the East when they played Holcombe yesterday evening. Ironically, their 2-2 draw keeps Wimbledon in top place whilst Holcombe slip down to third. In the North, Sheffield Hallam retain their 100% record by beating Belper 5-3 this afternoon. After a hesitant start to their season, Bath Buccaneers have moved into more familiar territory in the West Conference table. A 4-2 win over Firebrands promotes them to top place.

Round 1 of the Investec Women's Cup was played the afternoon. 13 turned out to be the unlucky number for Maidstone as they went down 13-0 at the hands of Surbiton, going one better than Sutton Coldfield who beat Old Halesonians 12-0. The other matches involving Premiership clubs saw Clifton beat Gloucester City 2-1, and Birmingham University beat Stourport 1-5.

SURBITON DROP POINTS BUT RETAIN LEAD. A roundup of yesterday’s Investec Womne’s League matches

Four games into the Investec Women's League season, and a decreasing number of clubs remain on maximum points.

Amongst the casualties yesterday afternoon were table leaders, Surbiton, who were playing host to Bowdon Hightown in the Premier Division. Both clubs have been busy in the transfer market during the Summer, with the biggest coup probably going to Surbiton, who managed to recruit Olympic bronze medallist Georgie Twigg. Also joining their ranks were Sarah Haycroft and Sarah Page from Birmingham Uni, and Natalie Maclean from Slough. Bowdon have gained the very talented Abi Harper from Reading. With a number of new players on display, it was an ideal match for TalkHockeyRadio to visit.

Played in glorious sunshine, unlike the conditions when we visited Sugden Road two weeks ago, both sides provided excellent entertainment for the modest crowd. Although possession was generally shared throughout the match, Surbiton seemed to have the edge in the first half, and a 33^rd minute goal from Amy Bryant opened the scoring. Surbiton held onto their 1-0 lead until Sally Walton stepped up at a penalty corner 11 minutes into the second half to equalise for Bowdon. From that point the balance of power seemed to shift in Bowdon's favour, but the match finished 1-1.

PICTURES FROM THIS MATCH ARE ON OUR SISTER WEB SITE AT WWW.HOCKEYIMAGES.CO.UK.

Although it was Bowdon's first win of the season, and the first points that Surbiton had dropped, it makes no difference to their table positions. Surbiton remain in first place on 10 points, separated on goal difference from Canterbury. Canterbury recorded their third win of the season, after beating League Champions Leicester. Bowdon Hightown are in fifth place on five points, with Leicester in sixth, also on five points.

Among the spectators at Sugden Road was Olympic bronze medal winner Ashleigh Ball, recently of Slough. When we asked her whether we should read anything into this (and she is also a former Bowdon Hightown player) she remained tight lipped, but said that she would not be playing for Slough this season. The diaspora of players from Slough has left them weakened and after yesterday they dropped to bottom place, after being beaten 2-1 by Birmingham University, with Laura Puddle scoring their only goal. In fairness, their four defeats in four games have not been by massive margins (their goal difference is a modest -6), so perhaps there is a glimmer of hope.

In the other matches in the Premier Division, Clifton's championship ambitions took a knock when goals from Jane Sixsmith and Vicky Woolford gave Sutton Coldfield a 0-2 win. Despite the near absence of Suttton Coldfield from the transfer market during the summer, they have been the surprise package so far this season, rising from sixth to fourth on the back of yesterday's result. The other side with hopes for a championship place, Reading, also waved goodbye to three points, as a single goal from Olton & West Warwick's Mandy Gatherer, hauled the West Midlands side off the bottom place.

The North Conference table remains relatively static after yesterday's matches, although Whitley Bay & Tynemouth's 0-2 win away at Liverpool Sefton lifts them from eighth to fourth in the table. Leaders University of Durham, who beat Doncaster 0-4 away, are one of only two Investec clubs with a 100% record.

There are no changes at the top of the East Conference table, despite Harleston Magies dropping points at home with a 0-0 draw against Ipswich. Horsham closed the gap by beating struggling Bromley & Beckenham. Magpies lead the table on eight points with a goal difference of +3, with Horsham also on eight points with a goal difference of +2.

In the West Conference, Buckingham continue to dominate, with a four wins out of four, as they saw off Barnes Hounslow Ealing 0-3. Second placed Gloucester City, who had been on nine points with Buckingham , slipped back after drawing 1-1 at Swansea City.

FULL RESULTS WITH SCORERS AND TABLES ARE ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT WWW.TALKHOCKEYRADIO.CO.UK.

CANTERBURY SURPRISE CRITICS WITH A SIX GOAL WIN. A round-up of today’s matches in the national league.

Funny game hockey. Men's Premier Division Canterbury, who we were writing off last weekend, won their second match out of three this afternoon, by beating Loughborough Students 6-0. The Students had given Surbiton a bit of a roasting last week, and looked too good to get beaten by that sort of margin.
Beeston continue to hold the top spot with a 5-1 win at Hampstead & Westminster, which also gives them a useful goal difference. East Grinstead, who are playing Hampstead & Westminster, have a late start. Other results in the Premier Division all ended in draws, 1-1 between Cannock and Reading, and 4-4 between Southgate and Surbiton.
In the Premier Division of the Women's Investec Hockey League, Surbiton are top after a 2-1 win over Olton & West Warwickshire. Both goals had 'Bryant' written on them, the first from Amy Bryant and the second from Vicky. Surbiton's cause was helped by Clifton only being able to achieve a 2-2 draw at Leicester, and Canterbury drawing 3-3 at Sutton Coldfield. Clifton and Canterbury are now second the third respectively separated on goal difference. Bowdon Hightown won their first match of the season by beating University of Birmingham 4-0.
Because the Women's Premier Division match between Slough and Reading has been switched to tomorrow (Sunday), TalkHockeyRadio found itself at Havant for their Men's West Conference match against Team Bath Buccaneers. Can we quickly say that we have a certain affection for the Hampshire club, as they are very hospitable and have ambitions. But, if they play like they did this afternoon, their ambitions will be limited to surviving in the England Hockey League. Sloppy passing, and more turnovers than you'll find in a cake shop, are not the sort of things you are going to get away with against a team of Buccs' quality and they were punished accordingly. To rub salt in the wound, it was a recent export from Havant to Bath, Tim Davenport, who scored a hat-trick to top off Bath's 5-0 win. An entertaining, if a little noisy, match, but we fear for Havant's future.
The result leaves Havant at the bottom of the table, on nil points. This was Bath's second win of the season so far, and they rise to a relatively modest third place. After only three matches, nobody in the West Conference has a 100% record. The table is headed by Guildford, who could only draw 1-1 at Cheltenham, with Exeter University one point behind.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE HAVANT v TEAM BATH BUCCANEERS MATCH ARE ON OUR PICTURES WEB SITE AT www.HockeyImages.co.uk.
In the North Conference, both Belper and University of Durham have 100% records and lead the table in that order. Recently relegated Bowdon were knocked off the top spot by new boys Khalsa in a match that ended 2-2.
New boys to the East Conference, Richmond, were given a bit of a reality check by Wimbledon, who beat them 7-1. Wimbledon currently lead the table.
In the Women's Conferences, Sevenoaks lost their 100% record in the East, by losing 2-0 to Oxford Hawks. The table is now lead by Harleston Magpies, who beat the new girls from Bromley and Beckenham 1-3. That results leaves the Beccs at the bottom of the table on nil points.
Beeston are another side that lost their 100% record this afternoon. Their North Conference match at University of Durham ended 4-3 to the University and they are now top of the division.
In the West, Buckingham and Gloucester City head the table. Buckingham beat Staines 5-0, whilst Gloucester beat Barnes Hounslow Ealing by a single goal.
FULL RESULTS AND TABLES FROM THE INVESTEC WOMEN'S HOCKEY LEAGUE CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE AT www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk. There are some late starts in the Men's England Hockey League and tables and results will be available later.

STUDENTS SHOW NO LITTLE SKILL. A round-up of today’s matches in the Men’s England Hockey League

In our report of last weekend's matches we expressed doubts as to whether newly promoted Canterbury and Booklands MU have what it takes to stay in the Men's Premier Division, and this afternoon saw our worst fears come true.

Canterbury travelled to Beeston, where they were on the receiving end of a comprehensive beating. Simon Egerton found the net four times, in their 7-1 defeat. Brooklands fared slightly better at home to Cannock, losing 1-3. Brooklands, two games into the season, are wedged at the bottom of the table on zero points. Canterbury are in a more flattering seventh place, thanks to last weekend's win against the Manchester side.

The other club on zero points is Surbiton. TalkHockeyRadio was at Sugden Road to see them entertain Loughborough Students. In torrential rain Surbiton got off to an encouraging start with an eighth minute goal from Robert Schilling. But the writing was on the wall for Surbiton as the Students won penalty corner after penalty corner. Their reward came just before half time when Simon Faulkner scored from a corner just before half time. Showing no little skill, many of Loughborough's attacking moves were broken down by some ill judged passing but their reward came just before the final whistle when Faulkner found the net again from a penalty corner. Final score, 1-2 to Loughborough Students. The three points moves the Students into third place. Photographs from this match will appear on our pictures site at www.HockeyImages.co.uk soon.

The other games in the Premier Division saw a close tussle between Reading and East Grinstead, with Reading going into the second half with a 2-1 lead. Reading then suffered a four goal blitz from 'Grinstead and, despite staging a late rally with goals from Darren Cheesman and Richard Mantell, they ran out 4-5 losers. East Grinstead are in second place in the table, separated on goal difference from Beeston.

After two matches, only Wimbledon in the East Conference has a 100% record. Wimbledon played their match against Teddington yesterday, which they won 3-4. Richmond lost their opportunity to join them at the top when their match was abandoned after seven minutes due to rain.

In the North Conference there is no shortage of clubs enjoying a 100% record, with Bowdon, Sheffield Hallam, University of Durham and Belper all winning this afternoon. University of Durham's victims were newly promoted Khalsa, who they beat 1-3, leaving Khalsa with zero points.

In the West Conference, only one side has maximum points. Guildford snatched their second win of the season with a 1-4 scoreline against Whitchurch. The local derby between Havant and Fareham ended 2-6 to Fareham, which places Fareham second on four points, but leaves Havant propping up the table.

Full result and tables can be found on our main web site at www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk.

CLIFTON LEAD THE PREMIER DIVISION. A round-up of today’s matches in the Investec Women’s League.

Two games into the 2012-2013 Investec Women's Hockey League season and only three Premier Division clubs have held onto their 100% record.

Clifton lead the Premier Division on goal difference after a comprehensive 5-0 win over Olton & West Warwicks, with goals from Dawn Mitchell (2), Zoe Leach, Elizabeth Sinton and Els Mansell. New girls Surbiton managed to stay with the leaders after snatching three points with a 60^th minute winner from Abi Robinson at Sutton Coldfield. Final score there 2-3 in favour of Surbiton.

Canterbury is in third place behind Surbiton after entertaining Slough at home. Amy Turnbull scored an early goal for Slough, but Susannah Townsend, Mel Clewlow and Eliza Brett all scored for Canterbury, giving the Kent side a 3-1 win. Today's matches leave both Slough and Olton without a point.

The other two Premier Division matches ended in draws, with Katie Long's 53^rd minute goal for Leicester wiping out Bowdon Hightown's early lead, and a late goal by Faye Curran for University of Birmingham robbing Reading of their lead. Both matches ended 1-1.

Sevenoaks v St Albans is a late start, but currently they are the only two clubs in the Women's Conference East who can end the day on maximum points. Horsham could only achieve a goalless draw at Old Loughtonians, as did Harleston Magpies when they played at home to Wimbledon.

In the North Conference, Beeston lead the charge on maximum points after a comprehensive 0-7 win away at relegated Cannock. They are ahead of University of Durham on goal difference after Durham beat Loughborough Students 0-2 away.

The West Conference has three sides on maximum points. Gloucester City had a good win over debutantes Taunton Vale, scoring five for no reply. Behind them on goal difference is Buckingham, whose 2-0 win over Isca keeps them in the running, whilst Barnes Hounslow Ealing's 3-0 win over Staines puts them third in the table, but leaves Staines without a point.

Full results and tables can be found on our main web site at www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk.

 

FAULKNER RESIGNS FROM ENGLAND HOCKEY

England and Great Britain's Performance Director, David Faulkner, is to resign. The full text of the England Hockey press release is as follows:

 

Following seven and a half years of dedicated service David Faulkner has decided to leave his position as Performance Director with England Hockey and Great Britain Hockey at the end of 2012. 

David has given his all to the role since he joined England Hockey in 2005, leading the national teams through their most successful period in more than two decades.  During his time in charge, he has led England's men's and women's teams from world rankings of 11th to their current positions of fourth and under his leadership Great Britain won its first Olympic medal in 20 years this summer.

During his tenure England and Great Britain have won medals at the World Cup, European Championships, Commonwealth Games, Champions Trophies and most recently the Olympic Games. Highlights have included the England men winning the European Championships for the first time in 2009 and silver at the Champions Trophy in 2010, and the Great Britain women winning silver at the Champions Trophy and bronze at the Olympic Games in 2012. 

In addition to his role as Performance Director, David has played a hugely important role as an Executive Director of the England Hockey Board. He has been integral to many of the major decisions and successes off the pitch, including the introduction of the Single System talent development pathway, the successful hosting of the Women's Champions Trophy in 2010 and the successful bid to bring the European Championships to London's Olympic legacy facility in 2015.

Sally Munday, England Hockey Chief Executive, said "We are very disappointed to be losing David as he has provided fantastic leadership of our performance programmes but we recognise that the demands of the Performance Director role require a unique dedication in terms of time and energy.  David has put England and Great Britain Hockey ahead of everything for the last seven and a half years and I completely respect his decision to move on."

Philip Kimberley, Chairman, said "I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with David since we set out in 2005 to rebuild the reputation and results of hockey. He has played a hugely important role in our recent success on the pitch and in re-establishing our reputation off it; for that I thank him and wish him well in the future."

The recruitment process to appoint a new Performance Director will begin shortly.

2012-2013 SEASON STARTS HERE

The first day of the 2012-2013 national league season saw all teams in action, with the exception of Old Loughtonians and Richmond from the Men's Conference East. They play tomorrow (Sunday).

The Men's Premiership saw Beeston get off to a cracking start with an 2-8 win away at Cannock, with Simon Egerton scoring four of Beeston's goals. There was a high scoring match at Hampstead & Westminster too, where visiting Reading put seven past the home side for a reply of two. The score included a hat-trick of penalty corners from Richard Mantell and a goal from new boy Darren Cheesman. Surbiton got off to an encouraging start at East Grinstead, where a hat-trick from James Tindall gave them a 3-0 lead, only to lose the match 4-3.

TalkHockeyRadio was at Canterbury to see the two newly promoted sides play each other. It was difficult to separate the sides on the early exchanges but Canterbury started to take control of the match and were rewarded with goals from Liam Foster and Kwan Browne. But in the second half, Brooklands managed to get back into the game with two goals in five minutes, the first from Sam French and the second from Nick Giles. The game appeared to be slipping away from Canterbury when Devohn Teixeria converted a penalty corner, and a penalty stroke awarded shortly after was netted courtesy of the evergreen David Matthews. Final score 4-2 in Canterbury's favour.

It is difficult to judge the two newly promoted sides on this performance but we were left with the impression that both need to up their game considerably to survive against the betting sides in the division. One unusual feature of this match was the presence of retired international umpire Andy Mair assisting with the coaching!

After one match, Beeston lead the Premiership on goal difference, followed by Reading and Canterbury.

The Women's Premiership saw new girls, Surbiton, put their mark on the division with an emphatic win over Reading. Sarah Page, Chloe Strong, Natalie Bell and Bethan Jenkins were the scorers in their 4-0 win.

Slough need a bit of a health check as they have been haemorrhaging players before the season started, and the signs do not look good as they went down 1-3 at home against Clifton. Champions, Leicester, came away from Olton & West Warwicks with three points after a 1-2 win. Sutton Coldfield find themselves in the heady heights of third in the table after a 0-2 win at University of Birmingham.

FULL SCORES AND TABLES CAN BE FOUND ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE. PICTURES FROM THE MATCH BETWEEN CANTERBURY AND BROOKLANDS MU WILL APPEAR ON OUR PICTURES PAGES SOON.

NETHERLANDS WIN IN CONVINCING MANNER by Peter Colwill at the Investec London Cup

The Netherlands won the tournament in convincing fashion. Maartje Paumen converted two penalty corners in her awesomely efficient manner and there were goals from Carlien Dirkse van de Heuvel and Kelly Jonker, who finished joint leading scorer with Paumen on five.  Australia‘s consolation goal was scored by Georgia Nanscawen when they were 3-0 down.

Germany won the third placed match.  After leading 2-1 at half time they overcame a tiring South Africa in the second half.  Janine Beermann scored twice in their 6-2 victory.

Great Britain saved their best performance for last producing an assured display to beat Ireland in the fifth place match 3-0 despite being further depleted by the absence of Helen Richardson who was injured.

Hannah Macleod gave Britain a dream start scoring twice in the first 15 minutes.  The first came from a quickly taken free hit by Laura Unsworth which enabled Susie Gilbert to provide the cross for Macleod to turn in.  The second goal was another simple tap in after Chloe Rogers had created the initial incursion.

Chances abounded.  “We should have had a cricket score,” claimed Danny Kerry the GB coach who was disappointed despite the result.  Anne Panter deflected a free hit wide.  Kerry Williams shot wide and Rebecca Herbert delayed too long when well placed.  It was left to Emily Maguire to score the third 11 minutes from time with a well-struck penalty corner their only conversion of the tournament.

IT’S AN AUSTRALIA – NETHERLANDS FINAL by Peter Colwill at the Investec London Cup

Australia will play the Netherlands in Sunday's final of the Investec London Cup, which both teams reached by an unconventional route.

The Netherlands reached the final by winning the penalty shoot out which was by far the most exciting part of a dull and poorly played 2-2 draw. "We weren't at the races in the first half" said Fabian Gregory, South Africa's assistant coach. Their defence was certainly missing in the third minute allowing Kelly Jonker to collect the ball and shoot unhindered to open the scoring. Seven minutes later Maartje Paumen converted her side's only penalty corner with her usual panache.

The Dutch became complacent and the match degenerated. South Africa came back into the game and Pietie Coetzee eluded three tackles to score just before the interval. In the second half Kitty van Male hit the crossbar for the Dutch but Coetzee scored a second from South Africa's second and final penalty corner to set up the shoot out.

Australia reached the final with the comeback of the tournament. Trailing 2-0 with 18 minutes left, they scored three times including the winner from the second penalty corner in overtime.

Germany had started impressively with Maike Stockel putting them ahead in the fifth minute with a well struck reverse stick shot. A broken down penalty corner gave Eileen Hoffman the opportunity to put them further ahead in the 13^th minute of the second half.

Emily Smith started the Australian revival and when Kobie McGurk blasted the ball from the edge of the circle between Kristina Reynolds legs with five minutes left for 2-2 a penalty shoot out loomed. It was not to be. Australia's fifth penalty corner and the second in overtime was rolled towards goal and chipped in by Anna Flanagan.

GB TO PLAY FOR FIFTH PLACE by Peter Colwill at the Investec London Cup

Great Britain will play Ireland for fifth place on Sunday morning whilst Saturday's semi finals feature the Netherlands against South Africa and Germany against Australia,

Britain dominated but Germany defended dourly. Danny Kerry, the GB coach, said he was "proud of his team's exceptional performance." Chloe Rogers and Helen Richardson were immense and Laura Unsworth gave another assured performance at sweeper.

Germany struck twice within two minutes just before half time. Janine Beemann dived full length to turn the ball into an empty goal and Hannah Kruger struck the second with a first time volley from a right wing cross. GB's only success came 11 minutes from time when Hannah Macleod had the last touch on a series of chances. The six penalty corners they failed to score from highlighted the absence of Crista Cullen and Kate Walsh.

Ireland held out for 31 minutes but were overcome by the Netherlands for whom Naomi van As and Eva de Goede excelled. Emma Gray had saved two penalty corners from de Goede and a spectacular save from Caia van Maasakker but was helpless when Kelly Jonker opened the scoring. Jonker went on to complete a hat trick with the other goals coming from Marilyn Agliotti and Ellen Hoog. Ireland's best effort came from their only penalty corner, Audrey O'Flynn's flick producing a very good save by Joyce Sombroek the Dutch goalkeeper.

GRAY CELEBRATES WITH STUNNING PERFORMANCE by Peter Colwill at the Investec London Cup

Emma Gray, the Irish goalkeeper, celebrated her 50th international cap with a stunning performance to keep an Australia side, which threatened to run riot, in check, Gray saved five penalty corners but could not prevent Australia going three goals ahead in the first 20 minutes through Fiona Boyce, Emily Smith and Jodie Schulz from a penalty corner.

Ireland playing their first match under new coach Denis Pritchard, and playing without five players released for the summer, clawed their way into the game. However, they went further behind 12 minutes into the second half when Casey Eastham's shot was deflected in by a defender. A consolation goal came 15 minutes from time when Nicola Daly turned in Anna O'Flanagan's free hit.

South Africa became the first side to qualify for Saturday's semi finals despite losing a scintillating match to Germany. The first 15 minutes were all South Arica but somehow Germany survived. "We did not play well but we defended well" was how Germany coach Michael Behrmann expressed it.

In the 30^th minute Eileen Hoffman scored the only goal with a deft deflection. Thereafter it was mostly South African pressure with an occasional German counter but the equaliser did not come.

Great Britain need to beat Germany on Thursday by a two goal margin to claim the other semi final place from this group.

FULL RESULTS FROM THE TOURNAMENT ARE ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE. FOLLOW THE LINK UNDER 'QUICKLINKS'.

GREAT BRITAIN SUFFER UNEXPECTED DEFEAT by Peter Colwill at the Investec London Cup

Great Britain suffered an unexpected 3-1 defeat to South Africa in their opening match in the Investec London Cup at Chiswick. Missing both first choice central defenders (Kate Walsh and Crista Cullen), the defence was all at sea twice in the opening ten minutes.

An innocuous attack down the left deflected kindly for Sulette Damons whose open face shot from the back of the circle beat Beth Storry. The second came from a neat move from left to right which created an overlap for Bernadette Coston to finish impeccably.

Danny Kerry, GB coach, summed up South Africa's first half as "five circle penetrations three shots and two goals." Thereafter GB dominated but whether it was the slow pitch (the game was played in continuous heavy rain), the absence of a quarter of the selected Olympic squad (Sarah Thomas and Alex Danson are also out injured), or the resolute nature of South Africa's defence, there was no reward for British pressure and with 12 minutes left South Africa broke away to score through Jennifer Wilson who plays her hockey in England with the Canterbury club. With five minutes remaining GB scored at last. Helen Richardson drove down the right and her cross was swept in by Susannah Gilbert.

In the opening match in the other pool, a strangely subdued Netherlands beat Australia 2-1. Emily Smith put Australia ahead but Maartje Paumen equalised following up a Willemijn Bos penalty corner shot and scored the winner from a penalty stroke.

GB MEN FINISH OUTSIDE THE MEDALS IN MALAYSIA

Great Britain's men failed to medal as they played their final match in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia yesterday.

The tournament had brought mixed results for the GB side, with an early disappointing draw against the hosts, followed by a 3-2 win over India. The stand-out side from the tournament turned out to be Argentina, and Great Britain lost to them 2-3 in their third match.

Great Britain recorded a useful 2-1 win against the eventual champions, New Zealand, with goals from Ashley Jackson and Matt Daly, but they could only draw 1-1 against Korea after trailing for 28 minutes. Jonty Clarke was the scorer for GB. Great Britain found their winning form again when they played Pakistan. Second half goals from Harry Martin and Ashley Jackson reversed an early Pakistan lead, to enable GB to win the match 2-1.

Despite the mixed results, GB found themselves in the third/fourth place play off against India. The only score in the first half was an overtime penalty corner conversion by Ashley Jackson. But the second half was a different story. Shivendra Singh equalised after only seven minutes, and Sandeep Singh gave India a lead nine minutes later. The icing on the cake for India was a goal from Khandker Tushar, to give them a 3-1 victory.

The final, between New Zealand and Argentina, was won 1-0 by New Zealand.

AMSTERDAM SEES THE END OF AN ERA by Peter Savage in Amsterdam

Although none of the matches were exceptional when compared with a history of outstanding matches, the final day of the EuroHockey League and the Women's Club Champions Cup provided a whole day of entertaining hockey in Amsterdam yesterday

Let's look at the Club Champions Cup. I feel a special affinity for this competition, because I was in Glasgow in 2000 when 's-Hertogenbosch won what was to be the first of a remarkable run of 12 consecutive Championships. 2000 was also significant, because it saw a young Martje Goderie playing in the final, having really only been there because there was a spare seat on the coach. Barely 16 at the time, she went on to become a Dutch international and captain her club. But 2012 was not to be the 13 consecutive win. A first half goal from Laren's Kim Lammers brought an era to an end and gave Laren their first win in this competition.

In the third/fourth play off match between KHC Dragons of Belgium and Rotterdam in the EuroHockey League, umpire Nathan Stagno will be haunted for some time by the memory of blowing for a penalty stroke only to see the ball roll into the back of the KHC Dragon's net. The score was 3-3 at the time and a converted corner would have given Rotterdam the win. But the award went to the video umpire who ruled that goalkeeper Emmanuel Leroy had not tripped his opponent, and so the match went into two periods of silver goal extra time. With two minutes of play remaining, Dragon's Felix Denayer found the net and gave his side the third play – a remarkable achievement for a club with virtually no big name players.

In the final, as in the semi final, the fortunes of UHC Hamburg rested on the skills of their goalkeeper, Nicholas Jacobi, who seems to have made the skill of defending shoot out deciders all his own. Hamburg had come from behind twice against Amsterdam, and the match ended after extra time at 2-2. I spoke to Jacobi after the match about the amazing skill he has in reading his opponent in these shoot outs, and his explanation seems to be that it is all guesswork.

Images from the Sunday's matches are now on our Pictures web site at www.hockeyimages.co.uk.

HAMBURG SCRAPE A EURO FINAL PLACE by Peter Savage in Amsterdam

Belgian side KHC Dragons have earned quite a reputation for themselves in the EuroHockey League and they did all in their power to maintain that reputation as they took on the mighty UHC Hamburg in the first of then two semi finals here in Amsterdam this afternoon.

Dragons spent a considerable part of the first half in the Hamburg end of the pitch, rocking the Germans on their heals with goals from Loick Luypaert and Felix Denayer. Something must have been said to Hamburg in the changing room at half time, because they came out fighting, with 'Magic' Moritz Furste, the UHC Hamburg captain, scored withinfive minutes. Patrick Breitenstein equalised twenty minutes later from a penalty corner.

The remainder of the match saw plenty of scares at both ends of the pitch but that, and extra time, failed to produce any goals.  As is often the case with one-on-one shoot out deciders, it's the early goals that do the damage, and four attempts into the shoot out, Hamburg have one success, as against none of Dragons. So when Charles Vandeweghe's attempt - Dragons fifth of the series - failed cross to the line, that was it.  An aggregate 4-3 win to Hamburg.

The other semi final, an all-Dutch affar between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, was a much tamer match.  The two sides know each other well, but it appeared that Amsterdam knew more about Rotterdam than the other way around. Goals from Valentin Verga, Don Prins, and Teun Rohof, wrapped it up for Amsterdam with a 3-0 win and a place in tomorrows semi final.