My name’s Kate Walsh and I am the current England and Great Britain hockey captain. Having just recovered from winning a bronze medal at the Champion’s Trophy in Nottingham, England women’s highest ever finish, I am getting ready for the team’s final preparation phase before the World Cup.
The Great Britain team have all re-located to the Marlow area, South East England, to enable us to train together more frequently. At Bisham Abbey we have the support and expertise of the English Institute of Sport and we get to train alongside budding Olympians from many other sports.
In the next few weeks we have some practice games against USA and a couple of weeks of training at Bisham before we head out to Rosario, Argentina. The team are really looking forward to going out to Argentina where we are always greeted with such warmth and the fanatical crowds are amazing!
Argentina defeated The Netherlands 4-2 in Nottingham to win the Samsung FIH Champions Trophy for the third year in succession, and it was the Gryphon Girls of Carla Rebecchi, Soledad Garcia, Alejendra Gulla and Marine Russo who dominated proceedings on the day of days. Between these 4 Las Leonas stars, they make up for 769 international caps of experience and form part of a superior group of players on the World Hockey circuit.
Gryphon’s Carla Rebecchi netted one of her teams four goals with the Netherlands hitting two from the field. It was a fantastic afternoon for Las Leonas who will be hoping to take their sensational form into the World Cup, which begins next month in the Argentinean city of Rosario. Earlier in the day, England claimed the Bronze Medal with a 2-1 win over Germany, while New Zealand defeated China 4-3 to finish in fifth place. For the superstitious, Argentina have won every Champions Trophy match in which Carla has scored, 7 in total.
Soledad Garcia was dangerous throughout the match. She extended herself in her traditional role of centre striker finding herself deep in defence when her team needed composure the most. The solid paring of Alejendra Gulla and Marine Russo also ensured the ship was steadied as the spirited Dutch fought back from a 3-1 deficit in the first half to have Las Leonas under pressure when they netted their second for the match.
In the end it was a day for the flicking power of Argentine Noel Barrionuevo who netted 3 from the top, the last Argentine to score a hat-trick was her compatriot, Gryphon’s own Alejandra Gulla in the 2008 final against Germany.
The tournament will be remembered for a number of landmark moments, including a record 75 goals scored, including the 1000th in women’s Champions Trophy history.
Final Standings
1: ARGENTINA 2: The Netherlands
3: England
4: Germany
5: New Zealand
6: China
Match review: Final 1-2 Netherlands – Argentina 2-4 (Sunday 18 July)
> The six goals scored in the final brought this year’s total on 75, a record high in Samsung FIH Champions Trophy history.
> Argentina won their third consecutive Samsung FIH Champions Trophy and their fourth in total after previously having won in 2001, 2008 and 2009.
> They are the second nation to win at least three Champions Trophies in a row. Australia won five in a row from 1991 until 1999.
> They became the first team to win the CT despite not winning their first two matches of the edition.
> Argentina are now 3-2 against Holland in finals of major tournaments. They have won the 2001 and 2010 CT and the 2002 World Cup, whilst Netherlands have won the 1974 World Cup and the 2007 CT.
> Gryphon’s Marine Russo won their fourth Gold medal.
> Holland played in their ninth CT final, one short of Australia’s record of ten.
> After having won the last three CT finals they played in, the Dutch have lost a final for the first time since 2001.
> Netherlands equalled Australia with most CT matches played, 99.
> Holland have now scored 200 goals in CT history.
> Noel Barrionuevo scored a hat-trick and became top scorer of this year’s CT with a record equalling eight goals. Lim Kye-Sook (KOR) also scored eight goals in 1987.
> The last player to score a hat-trick was her compatriot Alejandra Gulla in the 2008 final against Germany.
> She scored in six consecutive CT matches, equalling the record set by Jackie Pereira in 1987-1989.
> Barrionuevo has scored a record 19 PC goals in total.
> She equalled Alejandra Gulla as Argentina’s CT top scorer with 19 goals.
> Only two players have scored more CT goals, Nadine Ernsting-Krienke (GER, 22) and Jackie Pereira (AUS, 21)
> Gryphon’s Carla Rebecchi scored her seventh CT goal and her third against Holland. Argentina have won all seven matches in which she scored.
As we walked through the gates with the sun shining (well sort of shining), everything was looking up for a great day of hockey. Both the Womens Champions Trophy and the Mens 4 Nations were played today, and the games certainly didn’t disappoint. Game 1 had Germany up against the Netherlands. Wasted opportunities for both teams up front early were proving costly as both teams could have taken a lead into half time. The Netherlands took a 1-0 lead early in the second half and held on to book a place in tomorrow’s Champions Trophy final.
The hosts were up next against New Zealand, and they had the opportunity to guarantee a place in the final with a win. Before this tournament a fifth place is the best finish for an English side, so a place in the final was an incredibly good achievement if they could manage to get there. Unfortunately they were not able to get over the line and a 2-2 draw with New Zealand was the final result. As the game came to a close the English girls look devastated as they realised they now had to wait to see the result of the final match. For the NZ girls, its the first points of the competition and they look rather pleased!
Argentina have been hitting some form late in the tournament and a win against China would have seen them leap frog England and go into the final after a slow start at the beginning of the week. From the get go the Argentinian girls looked the better side an managed to get a 3-1 lead. However China fought back to level the game 3-3 with only minutes to play. A draw in this match would have seen England still make the final, and as the crowd started was certainly getting involved. It was the umpires that were feeling the pressure now. Against the run of play the Argentinian girls managed to get a corner with only 10 seconds left in the match. As they converted it, the crowd was left deflated knowing that the hosts would be playing for the bronze medal tomorrow. A fantastic turnaround from a poor start for Argentina.
Tomorrows final has Argentina against the Netherlands.
The Mens 4 Nations finals were also played today. In game one Japan played New Zealand. In a game of contrasting style that showed the class of the two teams when they fire. As Japan controlled the match early it was the NZ boys that played the better hockey overall. A 4-2 win for them was a great way to finish the tournament with a couple of big months of competition ahead.
The final was always going to be a fantastic match with Great Britain up against Germany. It was a frantic start to the match with end to end hockey showing just how fast and skilful the two teams are. But surprisingly and to the crowds delight it was Great Britain who looked better early. They took a 2-0 lead into the half time break, and were controlling the match. But the German fightback was mounted and before long the lead had disappeared. At full time we were locked 2-2. As extra time got under way GB had a great chance to steal the match early. But the missed chance was costly as Germany went up the other end and were awarded a PC. As they converted it, it was another crushing blow for the boys and crowd here in Nottingham. A huge shout out to James Tindall who had a fantastic tournament for Great Britain and managed 5 goals in 3 matches.
Our attention is now firmly on the WCT finals tomorrow. Stay tuned for all of the latest.
Todays action was always going to be worth watching with a number of teams playing for positions ahead of the weekends action in the Womens CT. Game 1 saw Germany face up against New Zealand. And while the NZ girls have been looking good for periods of the tournament, this match was certainly one of two halves. Germany looked the more polished of the two as they piled on the pressure in the first half to lead 3-0 at half time. However the NZ coach Mark Hager must have had a few inspirational words to say at half time, as NZ came out a different side. Constant pressure by the forwards and precision passing by the defensive unit had them dominate periods of the half and managed to put in two goals. Unfortunately Germany managed a couple more and so the score line reflected a comfortable win. However a very good second half should have the NZ girls holding their heads up for the future.
Game 2 had the hosts up against China. England have looked impressive this tournament and needed a win to guarantee they would be playing for a medal come the weekend. However the Chinese did the attacking early and were 1-0 up at half time. The second half had the English finding space out wide and looked much more assertive on the ball. Two second half goals gave them the lead, however poor discipline for the Chinese saw them playing with reduced numbers for a large period of the second half and this proved to be very costly. England on route for a medal at this stage with a 2-1 win. Gryphon’s Laura Unsworth stopped off after the match to have a few words and pick out her next weapon she will hopefully be carving with at the World Cup.
The third and final match of the day was the one to be watching. Argentina have been very hot and cold so far this tournament, while the Netherlands have looked solid all around the field. However form was not going to pick the winner in this match. A much improved Argentinian team dominated much of the game and lead for the majority. And a 4-2 win was reflective of the match. A special highlight that had the crowd standing, (thats right, we had people in the stands today), was from two Gryphon stars. A reverse stick pass from Soledad Garcia to Carla Rebecchi was impressive enough, however Rebecchi then let rip with an almighty reverse stick shot that thundered into the side board to consolidate Argentinas lead.
The stage is now set for a great weekend ahead. All we need now is more than 15 minutes without rain!
While the Girls rested the weary legs the Mens 4 Nations tournament continued today. Everything was in place for a sensational game 1 with Germany facing Great Britain. As we waited for the crowds to come through the turnstiles for the game, it didn’t take long to realise that this would not be happening. So as the match got closer the real action was most definitely in the Gryphon stall. Our man on the field James Tindall was rested for the match after taking a nasty blow to the hand and face in the previous game. So as to be expected the kids would rather walk around, talk, get a signature and get advice from the gun forward than watch there home team suffer a 3-2 defeat.
Don’t worry though folks, Tinds will be back in action in the next match so it will be well worth the effort to get down and see the boys take on New Zealand.
Match 2 had NZ take on Japan that was played in front of a capacity crowd for a cubicle. Once again the weather was the main player during the 70 minutes with the second half being suspended due to a passing storm. Once the game got back underway Japan managed to hang on 4-3 after scoring the first 4 goals.
Tomorrow sees the Women back in action, with day 4 of competition. Let’s hope we can manage a day without the rain and wind, and see a return to the glorious weather that greeted us at the start of the tournament.
Okay folks, so I can now safely say the two days of sunshine at the beginning of this tournament was officially the extent of summer in England. We have now gone back to drizzle and grey. This has had a significant effect on the crowds at the tournament so far with even the hosts in England not having the ability to fill the stands in Nottingham. Here is hoping that we can have a break from the rain leading up to the business end of the tournament, and the fans come on down to watch both the mens and womens matches that are being played.
Game 1 on Day 3 in the Women’s CT10 had Argentina up against a spirited New Zealand outfit that has showed plenty of potential so far, however today they met a class side. Argentina started a little slowly however the second half was nothing but the baby blue. Constant pressure and possession had them running over the NZ girls with the score 4-0 as the final whistle was blown. Gryphon’s Carla Rebecchi had a great match up front while Agustina Soledad Garcia dominated the midfield.
Game 2 received a brief relief from the rain and wind as England took to the field against the WCT heavyweights in Germany. However the English girls once again proved that they are going to be a force at the World Cup with a sensational 2-1 victory. The girls looked impressive today and had all the answers for the German tactics. Kate Walsh was brilliant down back as she led the defence to thwart the quick and skilful german forwards. It looked as though Germany had taken the early lead when scores were locked at 0-0 through a well worked PC, only to have the English refer the goal to the Video Umpire, claiming that both of the injectors feet were in the field of play when the ball was injected. It was picky, however rules are rules, the injector must have one foot over the baseline and the goals was not allowed.
The final match had the Netherlands locking horns with China and looking to consolidate their top position in the Champions Trophy. From the get go the Dutch had the upper hand in the match, however they struggled to finish off in the attacking circle. It took two penalty corner conversions to get them on the board, and they did enough to hold off a fast finishing Chinese side for a 2-1 win.
Tomorrow sees another rest day for the women but the men are back out there with Great Britain up against Germany, and New Zealand versus Japan.
Cheers, Smithy (oh, standings at the end of day 3 are below)
After two glorious days of sunshine in Nottingham the start of the Mens Four Nations tournament was met with wind / rain and a serious lack of people! The tournament which is being contested between Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand and Japan is being played on the rest days of the Womens Champions Trophy.
Germany and NZ met first in the days play with the German team looking dangerous for the majority of the match. They came away with a 3-1 win that seemed a fair scoreline. NZ were resting a few key players, and throughout the match it showed with the German’s looking the better side.
Great Britain were then tipped to have a convincing win against Japan in match 2. GB started strongly and were piling on the pressure. After leading 4-1 it looked to be a very lop sided affair, and a large score was looming. However the second half saw the GB boys take the foot off the pedal and Japan took the advantage. They came back to level at 4 all in a sensational second half that was dominated by Penalty corners.
GB then managed to kick back into action and put another two goals in to finish up winning 6-4. Gryphon’s James Tindall put two in for GB and looked in great form in preparation for the Champions Trophy later this month. Tomorrow sees the WCT back in action. Let’s hope the weather takes a turn for the better and the people make there way down to the event.
Well the glorious sunny weather England is renowned for has greeted us once again at the Womens Champions Trophy for day 2 of competition. After a fairly modest crowd on the opening day the weather has brought a few more punters through the gates today after England’s fantastic start to the tournament.
Day 2 action at Nottingham see’s China bounce back from its day 1 loss with a win over New Zealand, Holland too strong for England and Germany and Argentina sharing the points.
No matter the result from the Argentina and Germany game, the Argentinian Gryphon girls were more than happy to come over to the Gryphon Stall to spend some time with us after the match. The girls although disappointed with the result have the focus well and truly on the World Cup that will be played in front of their home crowd next month in Rosario. And yes for the Argy fans out there hopefully the girls will be back on Sunday afternoon after the end of the tournament to have a few quiet drinks with us at the Gryphon Stall.
Game 2 saw England up against a determined and clinical Netherlands side that showed they are going to be the danger team both here and in the World Cup coming up. A 3-0 result to the dutch was a fair scoreline and left a dejected crowd to head to the beer tent to get the prime seats for some other match that was apparently happening in South Africa.
Unfortunately this so called sports event pulled the remaining crowd and left an empty shell for the final match between China and New Zealand. China stepped up from Day 1 with a classy performance against New Zealand for a 3-0 win. A disappointing result considering NZ put together a great outing in game one.
For all the Australian fans out there that are still not happy the Aussie Girls are missing from this event, then don’t worry because we still have some spring chickens running around the field. The Australian Womens Masters are in Nottingham this week playing a series against Scotland and England. Unfortunately game one has seen a 4-0 loss to England, however I am sure they will be turning that score around after nearly all members of the team have now upgraded to include the Gryphon G Mitt gloves in their playing attire for game 2!
Until next time, I am off to have a Guinness and some ribs.
Smithy.
Match review: New Zealand – China 1-3 (Sunday 11 July 2010)
> China beat New Zealand to collect their first win of the 2010 Samsung FIH Champions Trophy.
> This was New Zealand’s fifth CT defeat in a row. They have not won any of their last 14 CT matches.
> They have not kept a clean sheet in the last six CT matches.
> China’s last eight CT goals have all been field goals.
Match review: England – Netherlands 0-3 (Sunday 11 Jul 2010)
> Netherlands secured their second win of the 2010 Samsung FIH Champions Trophy beating England 3-0.
> The Dutch will top the table after the second match round as they are the only team with two wins.
> Netherlands have now two of their CT matches against England, drawing once and losing one time.
> Holland have not lost any of their last six competitive matches against England, since losing 1-0 at the 2003 CT.
> The Dutch beat England 5-0 in their previous competitive encounter at the EuroHockey Nations Championships in 2009.
> England lost their 14th CT match, equal to Great Britain’s total number of CT defeats between 1987 and 1997.
> Holland have scored at least three goals in each of their last three CT matches. The last time they achieved this was in 2007.
Match review: Germany – Argentina 2-2 (Sunday 11 Jul 2010)
> This was the second draw in a row between Germany and Argentina at the Samsung FIH Champions Trophy after a 0-0 in 2009.
> Germany’s last CT win over Argentina came exactly four years ago on 11 July 2006 at Amstelveen 2006 (3-1).
> Argentina have not won their first two CT matches. The last time they failed to win their first two matches was in 2000.
In Match 1 we saw the fourth ranked team in the world in Germany up against the Silver medalists from Beijing, China. In a fast and furious opening match China looked dangerous and opened the scoring with a sensational reverse stick shot that was sent rocketing into the corner of the Germans goal. However this looked like it woke the German team up and they started to pile on the pressure in the first half that saw China concede and as we went to half time it remained 1 all. The second half was another close affair with both teams going blow for blow. China looked very dangerous, however Germany got the upper hand as they went ahead 2-1 aganisnt the run of play. This seemed to signal the end for the Chinese as the pressure applied before the goal deserted them and Germany took home the win in game 1.
Match 2 of the day had the 2009 Champion Trophy winners Argentina up against the home side England. Many were predicating that the Argentinian women would run over the top of the English side, with a very strong midfield that seems to run all day. However the young English side came out with all guns blazing. They looked determined to win and put the pressure on the Argentinian defence from the first whistle. Two first half goals saw the English side go in to half time looking the dominant team with a well deserved 2-0 lead. The second half had the Argentinian girls getting fired up with a few interesting umpiring decisions, however they stuck to plan and continued to push forward. They broke through the English defence to get on the score board, but time was always against them. England held on for the first upset of the WCT beating Argentina 2-1. Watch the video below to hear English Captain and Gryphon’s own Kate Walsh’s thoughts on the win.
The final match of the day had the Netherlands, current Olympic champions, up against New Zealand. In yet another surprising match New Zealand were the team dominating possession in the early part of the match and continued to look dangerous up front. New Zealand had a couple of very decent chances to get on the board however the dutch defence stood strong and at half time the score remained nil all. The second half once against didn’t follow the script as New Zealand took the lead early in the half with a well executed penalty corner. Unfortunately though that was the start of the end for the NZ girls as they simply ran out of legs, and the dutch stepped up a gear to put in three second half goals. The final score may have been 3-1, however New Zealand can take a lot away from this game and are certainly a danger team for the remainder of the tournament.
Netherlands
England
Argentina
Germany
China
NewZealand
