2009 Euro’s Men’s Bronze Medal Match Highlights

Holland destroy Spain in a one sided affair to round out the EK’s with Bronze.

Euro Champs (EK) – 26th August

Today the men found out who goes to the finals and has instant qualification to the 2010 World Cup.

England dominated a down on form Belgium with 8 goals to 2.  Belgium looked fantastic coming into the EC this year, but today the English squashed that form in spectacular fashion propelling them to them to the top of the pools.  Even Germany’s 3 goals 1 win over Austria wasn’t enough to stop the English juggernaught.   So from this pool the top teams are England and Germany.

In the later games Spain just went through the motions to top their pool by defeating Poland 6 goals to 1.  The Spanish played a younger list in obvious preparation for the finals coming up.

As always, the headliner game features the host (Holland), this time playing France.  The French with a win would have a chance to go to the finals, but it was not to be. TT’s 200th game will stay in his mind when we converted every corner he had and propelled the Dutch to a 6 goals to 0 final score. Holland will sit 2nd in the pool and plays England in the finals. Spain will play Germany in the gold medal rematch from Beijing.

Tomorrow the women start their finals with England playing Germany, and Holland to play Spain.

Gryphon is at Euro Champs

Yep.  Seriously we are here (there).  Right in the thick of Europe’s largest tournament this year, Gryphon has teamed up with Brabo to bring you a product stand.   So while there watching some of the best players in the world battle it out (especially those with a Gryphon stick in their hands), come in and see what the best are using on the international scene. The stand is inside the main food court, well pretty much just as you enter the venue, turn right. Can’t miss us.

So what does this mean?

Just incase you’ve missed it.  Gryphon Hockey is back on the map in Holland proper.  So if you’ve missed us, no longer a need to pine (actually our top sticks are composite these days).  We even have a product website for the .NL people – www.gryphonhockey.nl

Euro Champs (EK) 2009 – 24th August

Today is a Men’s only day. The Women’s side of the Euro Champs had a rest day so all the Men’s teams battled it out.

France notched their first win of the tournament holding onto a thriller against Poland.  Gryphon Striker Jean Jean, from Lyon, was the difference with his goal putting France that crucial one goal ahead and getting the win.

England battled hard against Germany in a game which produced eight goals, with a final score of 4 all. James Tindall was again a standout for the England side as well as Moore.

Belgium went in their encounter with Austria knowing they needed a big win for goal difference.  Their intensity was high from the first whistle and showed a lot of energy producing a mountain of chances.  In the end their goals came towards the latter parts of the game with a 3 to 0 scoreline.

The headliner was the Olympic Silver medalists, Spain, versus the hosts in Holland.  The Dutch were in great form from their 9 goal win and were amped up. Obviously not as amped up as the Spanish who took a very early lead from a PS.   Tempers flared further in the first when an errant foot (yes they can go their own way) hit Take’ on his head which almost ended in an onfield brawl.   In a game that had sun, rain and then a beautiful sunset, the hosts couldn’t get on the board. Spain worked hard and with their third goal coming from an amazing reverse from the edge of the D put themselves at the pointy end of the tables.  Spain 3, Holland 0.

Euro Champs 2009 (EK) – 23rd August

Another full day of action here in Amstelveen, and now all teams have played at least one game.

Highlights include England’s (men) “out of the blocks start” to bang on the drums that they are here for real this year, beating Austria 5 goals to 0. Gryphon Gun up front, James Tindall (Gryphon Tour), was instrumental in the difference between the sides. He setup not only his goals but others to put the game out reach of the Austrians, not only on the scoreboard but mentally and physically.

Another highlight came from England’s Women’s team who faced the red hot Holland. This game may not have had the hype of others but what it lacked it made up with intensity.  One of the hardest fought games I have seen was not made justice of by the 5 to 0 scoreline to Holland.  Both teams took this game by the horns and played a strong and physical game. The toll was felt from players from both sides coming to ground or off the field.  The most intriguing comes from the English GK. She was hit heavily a few plays in a row (making some great saves) but was award a controversial Penalty Stroke against in another incident that left her in serious pain. With no backup goalie she had to face Paumen’s wrath from the spot but was unable to move, just standing in the goals motionless. Paumen barely missed her shoulder with the Stroke further stoking the fire between the teams. Instantly England played a kicking-fullback until a field player could suit up.

The final game of the day saw the improving Belgium play Germany. Last EK Belgium knocked Germany out of 3rd spot making them have to the hard way round to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.  Today was payback as Germany won 3 goals to 2, with almost all goals against the flow of play which heavily leaned towards the Belgium team.

Euro Champs 2009 (EK) – 22nd August

It seems like world level Hockey never stops. Somewhere in the world, someone’s playing top hockey. So where are we now? Sydney and Boston are now in the past for many teams, but for some there is redemption.  For those women’s teams that played in Sydney and are in the Euro Hockey Federation (EHF), they can replay any mis-fortunes and atone.  I’m talking about the HUGE European Championships.  This year they are being held in Amstelveen, Holland.  The place that knows how to do a tournament.

What makes this tournament unique outside of the Olympics and Comm games is that it runs two of the highest level tournaments for men and women at the same time, eight teams in each.

Men: Holland, Germany, England, Spain, Poland, France, Belgium, Austria

Women: Holland, Germany, England, Spain, Russia, Azerbiajain, Scotland, Ireland

Day one has already been showcasing six games.

Scotland 1 – Spain 3 (w) | Germany 7 – Ireland 0 (w) | Holland 10 – Azerbiajan 0 (w) | Holland 9 – Poland 0 (m) | England 4 – Russia 0 (w) | Spain 3 – France 0 (m)

The hosts Holland played both Mens and Womens today. One thing that stands out above anything else is the crowd and venue. For the Dutch games today (day one) the venue was a sellout. Nine thousand people packed into the stadium, pretty much all wearing Orange, all focussed on the pitch. (I will add some crowd photos to the gallery).  To stand on that pitch is an awesome intensity which only the Dutch can fully appreciate in their home crowd.  This is intense.  This is entertainment. This is Hockey!

Introducing Fergus Kavanagh

Welcome to Fergy Kavanagh, the latest of our top players come contributors. Fergy has played with the National Team of Australia since 2007 and won bronze in the 2008 Olympics and Gold in the 2008 Champions Trophy. Hailing from the West, he divides his time between the Kookaburras and studying a Double Degree in Marine Engineering and Commerce.

Fergy is a talent. A revelation. He is an integral part of arguably the best midfield unit in World Hockey. So for a guy who is so young and has so much on his plate, we thought it time to shed some light on this guy and see how it all balances out…

So, Fergy, What has it been like travelling the globe with the Kookaburras for the past 3 years?

Nothing short of awesome really! The opportunities I have been given playing with the Kookaburras, especially the Olympics last year have been amazing. Playing sport at an elite level and being able to share it with 20 other guys is very enjoyable, and also very hard work.

Ric Charlesworth and Graham Reid have recently taken over the reigns of the Australian Team, how have you found them as coaches and blokes?

I grew up in WA so was aware of the reputation that Ric had not only in the hockey community but also in Australia as a sportsman, politician, and doctor…It was pretty daunting at first. Graham  was kinda the same, as I used to watch him play for Vic Park when I was young. But they are both very nice guys and understand the game brilliantly.

What’s it like behind the scenes with your National Team? Is it all business or do you get some time to decompress and chill with the boys?

On tour and during heavy training loads in perth, it can get really intense. Not just with physical trainings but with meetings, selection issues, injuries. So we find time to chill. Either the coffee brigade takes charge, or indoor cricket and footy!! But recently technology has taken over with iPhone games being all the rage. I must say I would make a very good flight controller, or racing car driver if I didnt play hockey.

Being an international hockey player you must spend some time on the couch between games and training, what is your favourite armchair sport?

With the Ashes being played at the moment, I’d have to say cricket. But I love watching NBA too.

And speaking of behind the scenes, who of your team-mates rates as the one most likely for some entertainment?

Well I roomed with George Bazley recently on tour and he is most likely to laugh at his own jokes… despite no one else laughing. Liam DeYoung is always good for a story, but the class clown is definitely Des Abbott. People think this guy is a mild, well mannered young man. But really he never shuts up, he is cheeky, and always up to something.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

Bevan George was a big influence because of the way he played, but also his attitude and easy-going nature. My brother was also a big influence.

You competed in the 2008 Olympics and performed really well having played less than 50 internationals. How did you come to find yourself in the midfield with one of the very best teams in the World at such a young age, only 15 months after your debut as a defender?

12 months prior to the Olympics I would not have believed I would play in Beijing. At the start of the Olympic year, I was just hoping to get named in the Olympic squad. However as the year went on, I was playing well and realised I had a chance to make the Olympic team. The whole olympic experience was crazy, and playing at that level and experiencing the competitiveness, the National pride, is something I will never forget.

Outside of hockey, you study a double degree in Marine Engineering and Commerce. Why did you chose this field, where do you want to go with it, and how do you balance your international career with your studies?

At school I was good and maths and science so decided I would try engineering with some business as well. It has worked out great, and I really enjoy my course. Hopefully in the future I can travel with my degree. Balancing between studies and sport can be very challenging at times, but also very rewarding. They compliment each other well, with both being a relief from the other. Uni is very good if I have to go away, and I often have to sit deferred exams or hand in assignments early. The coaches are also very good and give me time if I need to do extra work, they understand the position well.

Finally, what is the best advice you’ve ever received in life?

Don’t worry about the things you can’t change, and do something about the things you can!

JWC – The Champions

Two weeks of competition. Seven games for the finalists. High temperatures. Hot, dry, humid, rain and cold.  We’ve had it all here in Boston.

It has finally come to an end, and we now know who the 2009 Women’s Junior World Champions are in Hockey.

Holland out-gun Argentina with 3 goals to 0 in the gold medal match. The Argentina captain, Victoria Zuloaga and her forward team-mate Martina Cavallero both represented Gryphon in this match.

It may not have been up to standards of some other matches. Who can top winning with one minute to go in golden goals to win a place in the final?   Only a similar feat in the final itself could be as amazing.

The Bronze was won by Korea over England (2 – 1) and Australia beat Germany (5 -2) for 5th place.

Gryphon would like to have a massive shout out to the girls in our family that played in this tournament.  We are proud of you for making the team and the commitment to see such a grueling task through.

JWC – The Gryphon Girls – Photos in Motion

A small montage video of some of the Gryphon Girls in action at the Junior World Cup.  We thought you may enjoy.

Some players include: Martina Cavallero, Victoria Zuloaga, Emily Hurtz, Jade Warrender, Heather Langham, Bianca Greenshields, Kate Jenner, Jill Dwyer, Pia Grambusch, Celine Wilde, Bridget Blackwood, Stacey Michelson, Katie Glynn, Julia Cass and Celia Evans.

JWC 2009 – The Finalists

So, there we have it. The Women’s Junior World Cup here in Boston is now ready for the gold medal match.

Holland today cruised to victory over Korea, 5 goals to 0 in a beautiful display of hockey.

Argentina did it the hard way over England, winning with one minute remaining in extra time to score the golden goal.

Sunday: Holland V Argentina.

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