GRYPHON x ART x DC COLLABORATION x PART 5

Staff designer DC was let loose to create a GRYPHON ART SERIES for the coming Champions Trophy. The resulting collaboration is some of the coolest stuff we’ve seen in a while. Special note is that these are not computer generated images, they are all hand drawn by DC which makes ‘em all the more unique.

Selected GRYPHON ART SERIES will be made available in A3 size posters and will be given away at the 2009 Men’s Champions Trophy in Melbourne, Australia, which is on as we write. Rounding out the series with our final poster in this collaboration here on G-Life is DC’s take on Fi Johnson.

PART 5 highlights the phenomenal Fi Johnson, who is part of the backbone of the emerging Hockeyroos line-up. She is a girl with a heart the size of Pharlap’s and pushes the boundaries every time she represents. Here she is in action with the latest 2010 GRYPHON TABOO BLUE STEEL.

Download the Wallpaper: Art Series Wallpaper - Fi Johnson (116)

3-Nations Game 2, Australia v Malaysia

Kookaburras 11 Malaysia 3 (9-1 half time) Goals Australia – Abbott 1m FG, Ciriello 5m PC, Dwyer 6m FG/ 34m FG, Knowles 17m PC, Ford 22m FG/ 33m FG, Orchard 24m/ FG 66m FG, Hammond 30m FG, Schubert 59m PS, Malaysia – Saari 15m FG, Mohamad Nor 52m FG, Hanafi 68m PC

The Kookaburras have made amends for their recent 1-0 shock loss to Malaysia, defeating them 11-3 tonight in Canberra.

The best possible start was made by the Kookaburras, with prolific striker Des Abbott opening the goal scoring account only 30 seconds into the match.

This was an ominous sign for Malaysia, with the Kookaburras showing no mercy and upcoming star Chris Ciriello extending the Kookaburras lead from a penalty corner only minutes later.

When two time world player of the year Jamie Dwyer scored immediately after, the game appeared almost over with over 70 minutes of play still remaining, the Kookaburras simply outclassing the visitors.

This was reinforced throughout the first half, with Mark Knowles, Simon Orchard and Rob Hammond scoring goals while Dwyer added his second just prior to half time, with Russell Ford also scoring two first half goals to set up a 9-1 half time lead.

In complete contrast to the fast paced first half, the goal-fest didn’t quite continue after half time, with the first goal not coming until the 52 minute mark, going to Malaysia.

Despite having the game already won the Kookaburras continued to work hard, with striker Grant Schubert scoring at the 59 minute mark while Orchard scored his second goal at the 66 minute mark.

Despite conceding a late goal with only two minutes remaining, nothing could dampen the performance of the Kookaburras as they prepare for their next game against Canada tomorrow evening in Canberra.

England’s Gemma on CT09

From our perspective we were using the Champions Trophy as the main preparation for our European Nations Cup in August. This was for many reasons, the squad has changed massively from the one that finished 6th at the Beijing Olympics, it has been injected with a lot of youth and talent, but a long with this comes inexperience and little exposure to this top flight hockey. A good few of the squad only made their senior debut in the October of 08 against Germany. So although every player deserved their place, the Champions Trophy was seen as an opportunity to give these the much needed experience of senior international hockey, so as to arm them for the more important tournament of the year. We were also in the fortunate position as to not be pressured by our
finishing position as we are hosting the competition next year so our place is already guaranteed. This did not make the performances at the Champions Trophy any less important, we went in with the aim of making continual improvement and instilling/creating tactics that are necessary to compete with these top teams.

The Champions Trophy was created in order that the top teams are competing with each other, in that it is viewed at the top 6 teams in the world at that time. We were included due to our finishing position at the last Olympics, even though our current World Ranking is 8th. This meant this
tournament was always going to be a testing and difficult endeavour, but it was one we relished. Viewing and discussing the tournament through our preparation we knew it was unlikely we would have a high finish, but we had teams we knew we could target and we have clear development aims. Looking over our results we most obviously started well, but in all fairness the scores do not reflect the games, we competed and fought hard in each and every game (apart from the last one), testing and asking questions of these dominating teams in world hockey. The young players learnt very good, but hard lessons, in that top level hockey is harsh and the margins are very small. One mistake up front can mean a goal is conceded 10 seconds later. It showed
us that if much needed improvements can be made in corners and increased contact time can be gained to work on the areas we know we need to, then we are not far behind and can emerge our self into the top six and stay there.

It was also an honour to play against some of the best womens players in hockey, the likes of  Naomi Van As and Luciana Aymar were at times mesmorising and give you something to aspire to be and learn from. In all the Champions Trophy was the learning experience we all hoped for and small steps in the right direction were made. We know that we don’t want to finish 6th again and where we hope to be in the future.

Did I mention it was held in Sydney, Australia at the Olympic venue? Which only gave it an added aura and gave us drive for our 2012 Olympic campaign and podium finish we crave. Not to mention be able to see some famous sights, such as Darling Harbour, Sydney bridge and opera house, Manley Beach and Taronga zoo (pictures can be seen). We know how lucky we are to travel the world, playing the sport we love in amazing venues, and rest assured England and GB hockey wants to start not only taking these opportunities but relishing them and performing at them. So, rest assured we have massive aspirations and our sights are most definitely set high!

Gemma

Introducing DC – Photographer | Designer

Daniel “DC” Carson has a background in architecture and photography. He is also a very accomplished designer whom has found his way into the hockey world. DC produces some of the best actions shots that you’ll see in the sport and his folio includes the 2008 Men’s Champions Trophy, 2008 Olympics as well as the recent 2009 Women’s Champions Trophy in Sydney. He’s also the man who created our latest Gryphon website and the majority of our current artworks and designs. He has an eye for detail and fine art and this reflects in both his shots and designs. When he’s not shooting or designing, you’ll find DC pursuing his passion for motor-sport, basketball and hockey.

If you like any images seen here throughout the Women’s Champions Trophy, or are looking for something in particular from the tournament, then check out our staff photographer | designer’s website for some truly amazing shots. When on his site, ensure you also checkout the “Sydney Sky” sunset shots from the Sydney Olympic Park last week, and you’ll then understand why we give this guy big wraps. “DC” travels the world following the major hockey tournaments and catalogues them brilliantly on his site,www.dotdxf.com/gallery2/main.php

His next assignments are the European Championships in Amsterdam, then the Women’s Junior World Cup in Boston. If you see DC around any of the tournaments then be sure to say hello and have a chat as he’s super approachable. Stay tuned for more pic’s and post’s from DC as his globe trotting adventures and tweets continue.

Your Thoughts – 2009 CTT | New Rules

With the completion of another Champions Trophy, the women’s game looks to be evolving once again with some exciting hockey played over the two weeks. The new rules were put on display for the first time in a Major, and we’d like your thoughts on how they have impacted on the game we love.

AUTO-PLAY
The new auto-play rule has been embraced and highlighted the speed that the game can be played at. It has meant that the girls are fitter and faster and now need to think differently with and without the ball. Running angles has never been more important from stoppages and those that do it well dominate the midfield and eliminate swarming defences and presses.

ATTACKING 25 FREE HITS
The jury is out on this rule. Its interpretation is varied and although having a positive impact in the reduction of dangerous balls into the circle, it has also meant that fewer balls reach the critical zone in and around the circle. Where circle free-hits were anticipated in the past (is it going to result in a corner, a goal, a deflection, some great defending) they are now slow, congested and in some opinions, a blight on the game. An alternative view-point is that teams must now reinvent their tactics and sharpen their ability to get the ball into the critical zone through slicker passing, better skills, and perhaps the most exciting development, 3D skills on the circle’s edge to beat the defensive line. Where this has been the domain of the Argies and Spanish in the past, more teams and individuals are getting better at lifting and moving the ball several times in the air to eliminate low, mobile defences. Watch this space as this could be the start of something big in World Hockey.

THE VERDICT
Well, we have our opinions, so what are yours? Let us know by commenting below as the greatest innovators in World Hockey are the players themselves at all levels, and its important that your voice is heard…

Champion’s Trophy 2009 FINAL

It’s come. It’s gone. Whistles have been blown. Goals have been scored. Players have smiled. Players have laughed. Players have cried.  This has been the Champion’s Trophy of 2009.

Congratulations to Argentina, the new Champion’s Trophy Champion.

Congratulations to Australia, for playing exceptional hockey throughout the whole tournament, including taking the final to penalty strokes.

Congratulations to Holland for taking the bronze in a convincing display over Germany, 5 – 2.

The final game was a fitting end to the tournament. Intense. Fast. Top Hockey (as the Dutch say). It passed in the blink of an eye and was a clear even match. Both teams were brilliant and both deserve to be at the top of the world.

A big shout out to the Gryphon girls that played in the Gold medal match, you have played exceptionally well and all of us at Gryphon (HQ and players) are more than proud to be associated with your efforts.

Argentina (Gold) – S. Garcia, M. Russo, A.Gulla, C,Rebecchi | Australia (Silver) – F.Johnson, S.O’connor, E.Hurtz, H,Langham

Champion’s Trophy 2009 Day 6

The last of the round play happened today out at Homebush in Sydney. There were three games, but really only one game that everyone wanted to watch. The finals line-up revolved around the result of the Holland v Australia game.

Holland are the current Olympic Champions, and the Aussies came fifth in Beijing. On that alone the teams looks worlds apart, but the Aussies are fielding a much younger team here at a home stadium.

The winner was assured a place in the Final Gold medal match. A draw would open the door for Germany if they beat Argentina by 4 goals, otherwise Holland will advance.  The playoff for 5th and 6th was already decided to be England and China, who played earlier in the day, with China winning 4 -1.  They will do the same again first up tomorrow.

So, how’d the big match go? Live up to expectations?

Yes…

Both sides knew what was on the line. Neither was going to play defensive and have to rely on a come-back especially as their future could be determined with a win. The Hockeyroos jumped out of the block, and with 2 minutes played a deflection from Emily Hurtz was pushed over the line by Casey Eastham and Australia was ahead.  Barely 5 minutes later Holland push forward hard and win a PC which Paumen cooly slotted in. The rest of the half was good quality hockey from both sides but no more goals.

The second half was much the same as each wanted that breakthrough goal, and each team looked likely to score as the other.   In the 43rd minute the unthinkable happened for the Dutch. Megan Rivers drove hard to the goal on a break and Schopman impeded her drive to the goal and a Penalty Stroke was awarded. Arrold made sure of the score and Australia was up 2-1.  Holland pushed very hard and won numerous Penalty Corners but the Australian defense held strong, enough to win.

In the final game (where the result didn’t make any difference) was 0 – 0 Argentina and Germany, which looked more like a training drill.

So the finals shape up with Argentina  v Australia for the Gold.   Germany play Holland for the Bronze.  China play England again for 5th and 6th.  It all happens tomorrow, so stay tuned!

The Sydney Sky

On my way to the Olympic Hockey stadium last night, it was hard to miss that the sky was on fire. It was like a layer cake of cream and sponge that had been set alight. The aura from this amazing display span beautiful pinks and purples which reflected off nearby Olympic buildings.

Some of the photos can be seen in the G-Photo Gallery.

Champion’s Trophy 2009 Day 5

Well, is it getting exciting here in Sydney?  Silly question!  Two games tonight and the results very much meant something in the way of shaping the finals. What it did achieve was to open the competition and setup some excellent games on Saturday. All teams are now equal on games and it’s tight on the table.

ARG (10), HOL (8), AUS (7), GER (6), CHN (1), ENG (1)

1/ Holland needed to win to give them a close to certain chance to play in the final match against the likely Argentina. They came out with authority and displayed their ability to attack, move the ball well and break lines. During the second half they held a 2-1 lead with 15 minutes to play, but Argentina looked always dangerous on the ball, but they scored the equaliser the same way they scored their first, by PC. The final result was a great match with a 2 all draw. Effectively assuring Argentina a Final berth, but opening the door for either Germany or Australia to jump Holland and play in the Final as well.

Gryphon players: ARGENTINA – S.Garcia, C. Rebecchi, A.Gulla, M.Russo.

2/  Australia knew the equation created from the Holland/Argentina game. It was simple. Win. And the more you win by the better.  England had not won yet but drew to Holland in the first game and took the first goal against Argentina. Tonight was a different story, Australia brought their “A” game and much as you can, dominated the game. They took 2 goals into the half-time break.  The English captain, Kate Walsh (Gryphon girl) had to leave the arena after a knock to the face opened up a considerable gash. Amazingly she came back in the second half to continue the fixture.

Australia’s Sarah O’Connor (and Gryphon girl) was exceptionally solid in the back half making a crucial tackle during a PC to diffuse an English variation.  Fi Johnson (Gryphon girl) distributed well through the middle and helped create another two goals in the second half including a well placed strike by Hope Munro. AUSTRALIA 4, ENGLAND 0

Gryphon Players: – AUSTRALIA – E. Hurtz, S. O’Connor, F. Johnson |  ENGLAND – K. Walsh (Capt), C. Strong, L. Unsworth, G. Dorrington

What does this mean?  With the points so tight in the middle of the table either Australia, Holland or Germany can make the Final and play Argentina. The amazing situation has arisen where the Hockeyroos play the Orange on Saturday as a part of the regular matches and if either team win they are certain to go through. A draw will allow Holland the Final berth providing Germany do not beat Argentina.

Champion’s Trophy 2009 Day 4

15th of July, 2009 is the forth day of play in the Samsung Champion’s Trophy. Two games played and finally two predictable results.

1/ Germany V China. This game brought out an attacking and aggressive style of hockey from both teams. Neither had a win notched up in their column and tonight was the chance to bury the other in terms of tournament rankings. Just as China had previously, their push forward happened less often than their opponents but were clinical in front of goal, scoring twice. Germany worked hard and pushed all game long and were at one stage 2 goals to 1 down. Once they scored the equaliser it took less than a minute to score their third with 4 minutes to go. That was enough and the team was thrilled with the result. Their coach ran onto the field and hugged the players, the team’s first win in four games.  GERMANY 3, CHINA 2

2/ The slick and thrilling Argentina being unbeaten, played England who themselves had not won a game yet. It should have been one sided, but no one told the English. Five minutes into the game the English scored. They had the Leonas all over the place and found a way past their forward press.  Both teams played intense and fast hockey until a fantastic goal by Soledad Garcia (Gryphon) tied up the game.  It wasn’t long until a brilliant strike by young forward Carla Rebecchi (Gryphon) put the Leonas ahead going into the second half. The rest of game was mainly played in England’s attacking zone but were unable to break another goal. Argentina pushed forward on breaks but their third came from a top right corner PC.    ARGENTINA 3, ENGLAND 1

Gryphon players: ARGENTINA – S.Garcia (goal), C. Rebecchi (goal), A.Gulla, M.Russo.  ENGLAND – K.Walsh (capt), C.Strong, G.Darrington

Next Page »