WC2010 x HERE IT IS x ATTARD

World Cup 2010… here it is.

The Hockeyroos tour started with a rather long trip, from Perth Australia, across the country to Sydney, over the ditch to NZ, around the world to Santiago, over the Andes to Buenos Aires and then a 4 hour bumpy bus ride to Rosario, but we made it and we are stoked to be here.

We have spent the last week in Rosario getting used to the time difference, settling in at the hotel, practicing and playing on the turf and adjusting to the typical Argentine late nights and long sleep ins!

We have played a couple of practice matches in this time, one v South Africa and one v Argentina. The match v Argentina was a lot of fun, hockey wise and in general. We were able to experience the crowd and amazing atmosphere that the Argie locals can produce but also get up to the fast pace and skilful hockey we expect to meet with most of the teams during the World Cup. As a whole we are well prepared for the tournament and are looking forward to facing some strong competition.

The vibe in Rosario is pretty special and it was kicked off with the opening ceremony a few nights ago. We arrived, fashionably late to the ceremony with all of the other teams there and a crowd of around 4000. We were given a warm welcome by the city and the hockey world with some traditional Argentine dances followed by an awesome fireworks display.

The games then began. We were the last game of the first round and faced a frenetic Japan side. We started off a little slow with a fair few debutants, but as the game went on we found our straps and came together well. It was a tough game where we missed a few of our opportunities but came away with a 2-1 win and 3 points on the board.

It is a rest day today and we have enjoyed a sleep in and a little bit of down time. We will do some research on India this evening and prepare for the match tomorrow. Game on!

xo T.

Photos: Daniel Carson | DCIMAGES.ORG

EUROPA U21 MENS CUP x VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS PT1

FOR VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS, SCROLL DOWN!

The Men’s U21 European Cup is currently underway in Siemianowice Slaskie, Poland. It is a week long competition where the best of Europe fight it out for the bi-annual title of Euro Champions.

There are a heap of talented young Gryphon guns representing all nations in this tournament, with many making waves and putting in staring performances.

Pool A consists of Belgium, England, Spain and France while the makeup of Pool B includes Netherlands, Germany, Russia and hosts Poland.

At the completion of the pool stage, here are the current standings

Ranking Pool A:

Team	No.Matches	GF	GA	GD	Points	Ranking
Belgium	3	11	8	3	7	1
England	3	10	7	3	6	2
Spain	3	4	8	-4	2	3
France	3	5	7	-2	1	4

Ranking Pool B:

Team	No.Matches	GF	GA	GD	Points	Ranking
Netherlands	3	8	5	3	9	1
Germany	3	16	9	7	6	2
Russia	3	9	13	-4	1	3
Poland	3	4	10	-6	1	4

Thursday (today) is a rest day with the Semi’s to be played on Friday and the Finals on Saturday. Semi Final 1 has England up agains the Netherlands and Semi Final 2 see’s Belgium play Germany. This tournament is a major scouting ground for the senior national teams plus the big European clubs so expect the players to be putting it all on the line in these titanic European clashes.

We have sourced the available highlights from the round matches for your viewing pleasure below. Now sit back and relax as the best youth in Europe go head to head.

DAY 1 WRAP

GERMANY v RUSSIA

GERMANY v NETHERLANDS

SPAIN v ENGLAND

BELGIUM v SPAIN

BELGIUM V FRANCE

FRANCE v ENGLAND

HOLLAND v POLAND

MARK PATERSON x CALL UP

Mark Paterson is on his way to the CT10 in Monchengladbach. The live wire journeyman has been called into the dominant Kookaburras outfit after his great mate Matthew Butturini tore his hamstring during a squad training last week.

Pato’s story is one of perseverance after the midfielder made his senior team debut in February of 2009, only to lose his place in the 2010 Australian Senior Squad the following year. He has made the most of the recent AHL to impress selectors as a direct in for the injured Butturini. Although there is no questioning that his on-field pedigree will hold him in good stead for his european major tournament debut, we are unsure if his d-floor moves will be as well received in Germany. Only the after party will tell.

THE UPS AND DOWNS

Hello all.

Firstly let me say, it’s pretty darn hot here in Malaysia.  It was to be expected and after a week of training things are starting to feel a little better.

So, why the title you ask?  The ups and downs.  Well it’s had just that to start off with in the first week and will unfold through this blog.  This tour and team is vastly different to that that went to the world cup just a few months ago.  Only 4 from the world cup team.  The main reason for that is most of the senior guys are over playing in Holland.  Therefore, I have the opportunity to see the next wave of Kookaburras push for selection.  It’s great to see that Australian hockey has such amazing depth that we can pretty much pull in a whole new team and still be competitive with the rest of the world.

Four guys made their debuts in the game vs Egypt on Friday night.  Gryphons own Trent Mitton(WA),  Malcolm Kemp(Vic), Tim Bates(Qld) and Tim Deavin(Tas) all played important roles in the 4-0 win.  Like these four, this will be a match that I will also remember.  A game that I was handed the captains band and ask to lead my country for the first time on the field.  I have done it many times before with club and state teams but never for the Kookaburras.  While I know the bulk of the side is currently away, it’s an honour and something I take great pride in.  It’s an opportunity given to me which I’ve always wanted to do but thought would never happen.

While things were all good something had to put a dampener on the night.  This is the down.  My groin decided again it had had too much just before half time, tightening up and becoming too sore to continue.  Frustrating considering I had felt the best for along time all week physically and on the opposite side that had been plaguing me for the early part of the year.  While the signs are good that I’ll be able to play later on in the week, having to hand the band over and not be able to lead the team for the rest of the match was a great disappointment.  Still, like always, I plan to keep my head up and do all I can to get back on the pitch.  Determined to get another opportunity to lead my country on the field playing the game I love.

Tonight I’ll be watching from the stands as the boys take on Malaysia.  The crowd will probably tip 5000 and will again be a new experience for the young guys.  I have no doubt they’ll be fine and there’s also opportunity for someone else to have the feeling of leading their country.

Till next time,

Shuby

CHILD DOMINANT IN ROTTERDAM v LAREN x VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

This weeks highlights are of Rotterdam against Laren. Both teams are fighting for a place in the top four of the league.

Gryphon’s Simon Child was a stand out in his teams drawn tie with Laren in the Rabo Hoofdklasse. The New Zealand Olympian was the main focal point up front for the team in green.

Enjoy the highlights courtesy of NOS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTES x HOOFDKLASSE x HAMMOND

The Rabo Hoofdklasse is back underway with the completion of Round 14 last weekend. The resumption of competition welcomes the return of the Worlds elite to The Netherlands following a long lay period due to the 2010 Mens World Cup.

Gryphon’s own Rob Hammond has hit the ground running receiving maximum votes in hockey.nl’s annual Speler van het Jaar awards(Player of the Year Awards) for round 14. His team, Oranje Zwart of Eindhoven, demolished SCHC 6-1 on Sunday. SCHC has only amassed 7 draws and no victories thus far in the competition and are fighting relegation. Here is the excerpt from their site:

Speler van het Jaar:

Rob Hammond heerste en verdeelde bij Oranje Zwart. De kersverse wereldkampioen speelde een hoofdrol in de 6-1 zege van de Brabanders op SCHC en is daardoor speler van de week.

Speler van de week:
10- Rob Hammond- Oranje Zwart
Het Australische blok graniet maakt van OZ een kanshebber op de play-offs.

7- Jaap Stockmann- Bloemendaal
Was de enige die echt scherp was bij Bloemendaal.

5- Jong-Ho Seo- Laren
Ook buiten de cirkel was de Larense wonderkoreaan een plaag voor de Amsterdamse defensie.

4- Timme Hoyng- Pinoké
Was weer helemaal heel en scoorde twee keer. En dat overkomt de ex-international maar zelden.

3- Jamie Dwyer- Bloemendaal
Zijn steekpass die de derde treffer inleidde, was er een voor fijnproevers.

Talent van de week:
Derk van Essen- Hurley
Rots in de branding bij de promovendus. Was zelfs ‘fantastisch’ volgens ploeggenoot Steven Ebbers.

Coach van de week:
Roelant Oltmans- Laren
Eindelijk is Laren waar het al tijden wil zijn. Op de vierde plaats.

“Player of the Year”

Australian granite block returns, Rob Hammond ruled and divided by Oranje Zwart. The fresh world cup champion played a leading role in the 6-1 victory of the Brabant at SCHC and therefore player of the week.

Player of the Week: Votes: 10 – Rob Hammond – Orange Black. The Australian block of granite makes OZ a likely candidate to play offs. 7 – Jaap Stockmann – Bloemendaal Was the only one who was really fierce in Bloemendaal. 5 – Young-Ho Seo – Laren. Outside the circle was Laren wonder and Korean a nightmare for the Amsterdam defense. 4 – Timme Hoyng – Pinoke. Was again a complete performance throughout and scored twice. And that happens rarely for the former international. 3 – Jamie Dwyer – Bloemendaal. His cross pass that initiated the third goal, that was a delight. Talent of the week: Derk van Essen-Hurley Stood out. Was also fantastic, teammate Steven Ebbers. Coach of the Week: Roelant Oltmans-Laren, Laren is finally where it wants to be. In fourth place.

Keep an eye out here for more shout outs to Gryphon’s top players in Holland as the season continues, the players keep doing what they do best and voting heats up.

GRYPHON STICKS x FAKE v REAL

Recently there has been talk in magazines and online forums about fake/counterfeit sticks hitting the market. Gryphon sticks are not left out of this vicious area for concern.

Currently there are not many fake sticks that we have encountered on the market BUT the ones we have found are easily noticed and avoided. ALL of the fake sticks are sold over the internet directly from website coming mainly from Pakistan. Add the ease of selling through Ebay and these sticks can be bought anywhere in the world.

The problem with fake sticks are many. You are not getting what you pay for and that principle is very sound. You are being cheated. The sticks under the fake skins are usually a very very cheap stick (in many cases a bottom end stick from a different brand and factory which has been painted over the top with Gryphon like artwork) and will not perform at all like a genuine Gryphon.  The moulds are different and if you are after a Pro Mould you will be missing out. If the stick has a fault, there is no place for you to get this checked or fixed, so no warranty.

How can you tell if you get a real stick before you buy?

1/ Buy from a reputable store. Check they have a real phone number, address and email and sell more than just a handful of products. A store in the same country as yours is a good indicator of an Authorised Gryphon reseller.

2/ If the price is cheap, it’s too good to be true.  While yes sellers can discount but brand new sticks selling well under any main retailer’s price is a good indicator the stick may not be real.

3/ The Gryphons on the market that have been copied are mainly the PRO Tour and PRO Blue Steel, our flag-ship models. Be weary of buying these online especially unless you know the seller or has been recommended to you.

If you have purchased a stick and feel it may not be real we have created  a guide to help you try and identify what you have purchased.

STICK IDENTIFIER PDF Gryphon Fake Stick Guide (313)

We hope that this will help in getting you the right product that you pay for and want.

UPDATE:

We now have a list of known retailers of fake Sticks which will be updated here.

GRYPHON x CT x FHE STALL

Here’s the world’s first preview of the new 2010 range Gryphon Sticks.

BUT if you are in Melbourne for Champion’s Trophy you can do more than just preview them.

Gryphon and F-H-E.com (retailer) in Australia have partnered up for Champion’s Trophy in Melbourne to have a Stall in the complex for the duration of the event. On hand will be the first chance in the world to see in the carbon composite the real deal for 2010.  Not only will you be able to pick up, look and feel the new ranges (as well as the 2010 bags), you’ll be able to purchase them right there and then. It will be the first place in the world that will have the new range of sticks for sale and we thought it was fitting at a home tournament.

Also on offer are a limited edition range of clothing including an F-H-E.com and the Gryphon Taboo series 100% recycled ECO cap. These ltd. Ed. clothing products can be seen on F-H-E.com now as well as at the stall.

So if you are around, please come and see the guys from Gryphon and F-H-E.com and check out the new gear. We’ve been told that there will be amazing run-out specials on the 2009 Gryphon (including the Tour) equipment at this stall as well, so don’t miss the chance for a great bargain.

DUTCH TEAM LIST x CTT09

The Netherlands have announced their team to contest the 2009 Champions Trophy in Melboure, Australia, from the 28th November to 6th December.

It looks like their coach, Michel van den Heuvel, has decided to trial some youth players whom stood out at this year Junior World Cup at the expense of some of their more experienced regulars. The likes of Ronny Brouwer, Timme Hoyng, Geert-Jan Derikx and Gus Vogels have been omitted along with fresh stars and Gryphon’s Lucas Judge, Constantijn Jonker and Nick Meijer.

Judge had a break through 2008-09 season and his speed, power and finishing will be greatly missed in the Dutch strike line, however with time remaining before the 2010 WC, expect to see him working tirelessly to regain his position over the Dutch off-season.

Wouter Jolie, a recent headline re-signing to Gryphon, is looking to make a position in defence his own at this CT. His powerful passing and willingness to search forward make him one to watch. Using a Taboo Blue Steel, Jolie’s hitting has been clocked in excess of 140 kph and makes him one of the most powerful hitters in World Hockey. In combinations with Takema’s 70 yd aerial’s, Jolie’s penetration with hard-struck ground balls make the Dutch back-line a difficult one to pressurise and their corner battery one of the most lethal in World Hockey.

So the team list for the 2009 Men’s Champions Trophy is as follows:

Amsterdam

Taeke Taekema 202 caps

Billy Bakker 0 caps

Floris Evers 175 caps

Rob Reckers 192 caps

Valentin Verga 0 caps

Bloemendaal

Jaap Stockmann (GK) 20 caps

Wouter Jolie 60 caps

Tim Jenniskens 3 caps

Teun de Nooijer (C) 406 caps

Laurence Docherty 70 caps

Den Bosch

Robbert Kemperman 22 caps

Kampong Klaas Vermeulen 7 caps

OZ

Mark Jenniskens (GK) 10 caps

Marcel Balkestein 35 caps

Rotterdam

Robert van der Horst 133 caps

Jeroen Hertzberger 54 caps

SCHC

Roderick Weusthof 115 caps

Rogier Hofman 62 caps

There are still tickets available to the CT in Melbourne. Check out www.ticketmaster.com.au but they are selling out fast! This is a great opportunity to see the best 6 nations in the world go head to head down under! Gryphon will have a cool set-up at the event so be sure to check it out.

Photos: Daniel Carson | dcimages.org

GRYPHON x ART x DC COLLABORATION x PART 1

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. The 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. We will be previewing one of these every week right here on G-Life in the lead up to the Champs Trophy.

To kick it off, PART 1 is DC’s take on standout Australian Midfielder and Olympic Gold Medalist Rob Hammond.

Download the wallpaper: Art Series Wallpaper - Rob Hammond (116)

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