10th RSC 9's - KLHC ON THE DOUBLE

This year’s edition of the 10th RSC Hockey 9’s held on the 16th & 17th July 2011 at the Bukit Kiara Sports Annexe saw KL Hockey Club walking away with both the coveted George Koshy RSC Hockey 9’s challenge trophies. Whilst the men’s team won the main cup competition at their second attempt, the Ladies grabbed the Ladies category cup event on their maiden appearance. The 10h edition tournament attracted a total number of 30 teams, 24 men’s and 6 ladies. This year’s competition also saw the return of the Ladies tournament. Due to a lack of teams there was no competition for Ladies last year. The tournament saw the addition of several first timers to the competition, among them being Sentul Sports & Cutural Club, Synergy Hockey Club, Victoria Institution Old Boys Association, ISCI ladies from Indonesia, Tornadoes Singapore Hockey Club (Ladies) and KL Hockey Club Ladies. Special mention must also be made of foreign team participation, they being, the ever present Singapore Cricket Club, Tornadoes Vietnam Hockey, Bakerites Singapore and ISCI Indonesia.

The weather was kind and fine with a cloudy spread and the participants were full of enthusiasm to display their skills what with the foreign flavour present. Since the weather was kind to the participants, the first day’s competition went on without a hitch and by mid noon the teams were seen planning strategies for the next day. This could be so that they could avoid the power-house teams in the next round and concentrate in the other categories up for grabs. Upon completion of the first round, the teams were then categorized into the various categories :- the top two from each group advancing to the main Cup Competition, the next two falling into the Plate competition and the bottom two in the groups going into the Bowl competition.

At the end of the 1st round competition which was on Sunday morning, the following men’s teams qualified for a shot at the coveted George Koshy Trophy. They were defending champions UNIKL, KL Hockey Club, Sapura Hockey Club, ISCI, Vietnam Tornadoes, RSC Hounds, and newcomers Sentul and VIOBA. It must be pointed out here that for the team of oldies from RSC, progress to the main competition has been the norm as time and again and with age against them they still have it in them to be in the main cup competition, and that in its state is an achievement of sorts. Whilst the focus was on the younger Dogs to qualify, the Hounds somehow always upset the odds. This team led by Bobby Ho is made up of veterans Alex Voon, Azman, Simon See, Narendran, Winsan (though not in age) Jay Ooi, James Andrew, Siva and the energetic Jonathan.

The second round matches pitted some exciting matches in all categories as teams that saved their efforts earlier were seen “pumped up” to perform in the upcoming matches. This was due to the fact that it was a knock out stage and they wanted to progress as far as they could. Some teams also had it in them to hold out for a draw and deliver at the penalty shoot out stage. Call it strategy or tragedy but this definitely was the plan for some. Such fine tacticians …………
At the end of 2 days competition and when the dust had settled, newcomers KL Hockey Club emerged champions in the Men’s Cup competition when they beat another newcomer, Sentul Hockey Club 2-0 in the finals. On the way to the finals, KLHC had earlier dethroned defending champions, UNIKL, in the q-finals 1-0 and in the semi finals they eliminated 2008 champions Sapura Hockey Club. The path to the finals for KLHA was a tough one and they definitely did show their prowess and caliber to be worthy champions.

In the Men’s Plate category, the final was an all SJAA affair when SJAA Seniors beat SJAA Juniors 1-0 in the final. Observers say that the Golden goal scored by Baldwin, was actually a miscue, because the goalkeeper had dived in an attempt to parry the ball. But somehow some turf of grass popped up from the ground and the goalkeeper was conned into making an unwarranted save. This resulted in the ball trickling under his body and into goal. So much for this fine skill, Baldwin !!!. In the Bowl Competition, last years winners, Bakerites were dethroned by Shell IT in the finals. In the Ladies category, the title was won by another first timer when KL Hockey Club Ladies triumphed over RSC by 2-0.

At the prize giving ceremony, the organizing chairman, Oommen then congratulated all the winners and reminded all participating teams to look out for next years tournament. He also thanked the donor, Mr George Koshy, for his donation of cash awards to both winners of the Men’s and Ladies event. Also present during the prize giving were club President, Mr Ronald Quay, Vice President Ms Julie Hoh, Sports Chairman Mr Seeni and other prominient former internationals Yg Bhg Dato Yogeswaran, Dato Sri Shan, Ow Soon Kooi, K Balasingam and S Balasingam. The sponsors, Carlsberg Malaysia, and CIMB were also present. The event ended with a photo shoot of the organizing committee and the distinguished guests.

The night before, during the tournament dinner function, the organizing Chairman Oommen Koshy thanked all the participating teams for taking time off to participate in this tournament. He specially thanked the foreign teams who had made it a point to pen the RSC Hockey 9’s dates in their calendar and were always a feature here. He was especially impressed that this year saw many newcomers being added to the list. He then thanked the main sponsors of the RSC 9’s, Carlsberg Malaysia and CIMB for the RSC Junior Hockey and also the other sponsors such as Milo, UFL fitness, TOPS, Inter Movers, Backyard, Prodigy for their generosity and sponsorship in making the RSC Hockey 9’s and RSC Junior Hockey a success.. The Club V-President, Ms Julie Hoh was on hand to give out souvenirs to all participating teams and the main sponsors, Carlsberg. Following that the guests were then entertained to some showtime and the DJ for the night kept all present entertained to some enthralling music and the people danced the night away.

GRASS HOCKEY AT KIARA

This is scheduled for 6th August and 20th August at the Bukit Kiara Sports Annexe.

Time 5.30p.m.

We plan to conduct a coaching activity for interested kids (members children and open to others). Following that we will play a friendly game either amongst ourselves or with an invited team.

Members interested please inform the convenor if you are bring children for the coaching activity.

For those interested to play in the game, please bring your yellow/black jersey.

HASH AND HOCKEY SECTION CONDUCT HOCKEY INITIATIVE.

On Saturday June 4th 2011 at the Bukit Kiara sports annex, about 40 children from the HASH section and members of the club were given an introduction to hockey by the hockey section members. The idea to conduct this for kids under 12 years was mooted by the HASH section and after discussion and planning by the 2 sports section convenors, the Hockey section agreed to conduct this as a section initiative and development programme. As a run up to this session, the Hash section kids earlier had a junior run in the vicinity of Bukit Kiara/Taman Tun

After the initial briefing, the children, were divided into four groups for the respective coaches to teach them the drills. They were taught the basics on how to hold the hockey stick, stance for hitting, pushing and stopping, hitting technique, stopping the ball, dragging and running with the ball, and dribbling. It was observed that although the kids were first timers, there were a few who had it in them to take up the sport seriously. All that is needed now is constant practice, proper training and right guidance.

The children were eager beavers and when the hockey sticks were brought out for them, they were seen scrambling for the hockey sticks. As for some of the younger kids, since they were smaller and shorter, and not to be outdone, they brought along their own junior hockey sticks. One such interested kid was Aaron. Though only 4, he was seen running around with the junior hockey stick under the arm and wanting to do the drill over and over again. There was this incident when he went off for a drink and returned to find his coach nowhere around. He then went looking for his coach (Simon See) and called him back to teach him the drill again. It was as if he was saying “ I am back and you be with me!!! “ But poor Aaron, for all his chagrin and efforts, he had to end up with a swollen lip, no thanks to a minor incident which resulted when he was accidentally hit on the lips. Then there were 2 boys (sons of Siva). So long as their father was there they were not interested. Once Siva went off, they were seen doing the drills with gusto. So Siva next time, please leave them on their own….!!! There was another kid, Gareth Davies, who caught the eye with his ability to do the drills easily. He looks a natural and has cool composure when with the ball. Definitely a prospect.

On the other side of the pitch, were a group of girls being taught the basics like dragging and running with the ball. This group was under the guidance of former national players Stephen Van Huizen and Colin Sta Maria. From the looks of it there was fun in this activity because as the drills went on, some excited mothers of the kids also joined in to get a feel of it. Yet in a further section of the field were a group of children (9-12 years) learning the basics from St. John Davies and Sambu, also ex-national players. Here, they were taught the basic drills on pushing and learning how to tackle. From around the pitch we could hear the clatter of hockey sticks clashing and this showed that this activity was in high tempo and was definitely a robust activity and the kids loved it. To make it safe, control is the key word and the coaches definitely did enforce the rule.

And as the mood of the participants were coming to a low, the organizers decided to end the sessions. The whole activity ended at about 6.30p.m with the children having a group photograph with the hockey section members and coaches. The children were then feted to some food and most, if not all, left feeling satisfied that such a programme was initiated. Among the hockey section members present were James Sia (Convenor), Terence R, Simon See, Sambu, Colin Sta Maria, Stephen Van Huizen, St John Davies, Oommen, Ramesh, Siva, Siew Heng, James Andrew and Aiman. The section wishes to thank them for their support and assistance in conducting this initiative.

The hockey section would also like to thank the Hash section convenor K Ganesan and Junior Hash Tillia Thong for initiating the programme and working with the hockey section committee to see this through.

It is really heartening to see our former ex-Olympians such as Stephen Van Huizen, Colin Sta Maria and Sambu plus the likes of ex-internationals St John Davies and Teh Siew Heng making efforts to come to programmes like this and teach the young children. If the thought of being coached by an ex-Olympian or ex-international does not ruffle their feathers and give them pride then the children should at least savour the time spent with these “stars” because the number of Olympians is dwindling. It is on these efforts that a seed is planted and from this a future star may be born. The hockey section is blessed that they have so many ex-Olympians and ex-internationals in their ranks and it is truly refreshing to note that these players willingly and freely give back to hockey what they have acquired over their playing years. The efforts of the others who helped support the cast are also not to be overlooked.


Terence Rajasingham.

RSC tie-up with CIMB Community Link for Hockey Development at Karak

In a bid to help promote and develop hockey for school children, the Royal Selangor Club hockey section conducted a community hockey development programme for 3 tamil schools in Karak last Saturday 21st May 2011. The programme, a tie-up between RSC hockey section and CIMB Community Link, sees young school going kids (U-12) being taught the basics of the game of hockey. The initiator, Rotary Club Bentong approached CIMB Community Link for funding to conduct a development programme of this nature and since RSC hockey section had conducted a similar programme with Jerantut District for the last 2 years, CIMB approved the funding with RSC being the benefactors. The RSC team looking into development is spearheaded by YB Dato’R Yogeswaran as advisor and the team members are Dato Poon Foook Loke, Colin Sta Maria, and M A Sambu. This is one of the development projects that RSC hockey section is undertaking aside from the Junior Hockey tournament and visit to Jerantut and Lumut/Pangkor.

There were about 70 school children who attended this programme. Also present were teachers from the schools. The chief coach, Colin Sta Maria briefed the assigned coaches the activity to be carried out and then divided them into four groups. The four basic activities were hitting and stopping, pushing, dribbling and tackling. These coaches then first explained to the teachers the activity which was to be done and followed up by demonstrating and explaining to the children the activity and the techniques to execute. After that was done it was the turn of the children to carry out the activity. Under the watchful eyes of the coaches, the children went about executing the activity with enthusiasm and thrill. The children were rotated from one activity to another until they had completed all four activities. The aspiring goalkeepers were also given some tips on shot stopping and positioning by our goalkeepers, James Sia and Vicky Cone. The two hour coaching programme ended with the children being given a mini game amongst themselves. Although the children were first timers to this sport, it can be said from observation that there is definitely some natural talent to be nurtured here.

YB Dato’ M Davendran, ADUN Kawasan Sabai, then officially launched the event by pledging his support of events of this nature. In his speech he thanked CIMB for coming forward to sponsor the event and programme and Rotary Club Bentong for initiating it. He also thanked RSC for conducting programmes of this nature and hoped that RSC will return to monitor the progress of this initiative. He appreciated the efforts put in by the RSC members who travelled to conduct this programme. YB Dato’ M Davendran also said that these children were fortunate because among the coaches present were ex-Olympians Dato’ Poon Fook Loke as advisor here, chief coach Colin Sta Maria, current national coach advisor Stephen van Huizen and M A Sambu. He said that it was truly an honour that these greats are giving back to hockey in this way and Karak was proud to be associated with this programme as this was the first time that such an initiative was conducted here. In conclusion, he hoped that this was the first step towards Karak producing talented hockey players for the country. Among the club members that travelled were convenor James Sia, Terence, Bobby Ho, Simon See, Jay Ooi, Teh Siew Heng and Yap Siew Bee, who all assisted in the coaching activity.


Terence R.

JUNE HAPPENINGS !

1)INTRODUCTION TO HOCKEY

This program is scheduled to take place this Saturday June 4, 2011 at 5.30pm with the Hash Section at RSC Kiara Sports Annex. This is for boys and girls below the age of 12. We expect about 30 children from the Hash Section. Children of RSC members are welcome to join in the program.


2)GRASS HOCKEY – Sat June 11th 2011 – 5.30p.m

We have booked the Kiara pitch for grass hockey on this day. We will be playing against SJAA.Those interested to have a game on grass, please be there next Saturday.

3.STADIUM TUN RAZAK BOOKINGS

Please note that Stadium Tun Razak will be closed for renovation from June 5 - 20, 2011.
We have only 4 sessions for the month i.e. 21, 23, 28 & 30 June, 2011 only.

4.FAREWELL TO OUR "IMPORTS"

The above farewell for Richard Peden and Stuart Mayo will be held on Tuesday 7th June 2011 at 7.30p.m. The venue is the “regular” Chinese restaurant in Jalan Gasing ( next to La Salle PJ School). Those wishing to bring “ your bottles” please feel free to do so.

5.15th PSC INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY FEST 2011 – June 25th 2011

We will be participating in the above tournament scheduled for June 25, 2011. Those available and interested in making the trip, please revert soonest to Simon See.

RSC vs KL Bar on Grass (16th April)

Kindly note that there is a game arranged vs KL Bar at our Kiara Annexe field on the 16th April, Saturday evening at 5.30pm. Hopefully it will start off our weekly Saturday grass hockey for the coming weeks. As our yearly RSC 9's is also just round the corner (July) it will be good to get some practice match on grass.

Date : 16th April 2011
Day : Saturday
Time : 5.30 pm
Venue : Kiara Annexe
RSC vs KL Bar

NEW SECTION COMMITTEE 2011

After our AGM, which was held on Monday 28th March at the Kiara Annexe, below are the list of our Hockey Section Committee for the year 2011. Congratulations on your appointment.

CONVENOR : JAMES SIA
SECRETARY : TERENCE RAJASINGHAM
TREASURER ; SIMON SEE
COMMITTEE : COLIN STA MARIA
COMMITTEE : BOBBY HO
AUDIT : K. MOHAN
AUDIT : M.A. SAMBU

Let us give our fullest cooperation and assistance to the committee and in return we hope that the ones elected will carry out their each individual task and duty with pride, honour and transparency. Here's to a fruitful and exciting year ahead.

KLHA DIV 3 Final : RSC 4 Kg. Pandan Sikhs 3

The KLHA Div 3 finals played at the Pantai Hockey Stadium between RSC and Kampung Pandan Sikhs was an entertaining one which kept the crowd on their feet throughout the entire match. RSC after losing last year’s final to Klang side, Goodwood was determined to go one better and managed to get an early lead when I. Vickneswaran scored from the top of the D after receiving a defence splitting pass from Dharmaraj. Instead of building on the lead, the RSC defence allowed Kampung Pandan Sikhs to draw level through a scrappy goal off a goalmouth melee. That was the early sign that both teams wanted to win the title badly and that the team which had the stronger mentality would have the advantage. RSC again produced a brilliant piece of play that saw Aiman putting the final touch to put RSC in the lead once again. Then, off their second penalty corner Kampung Pandan Sikhs again managed to equalize when they worked a neat set-piece to outwit the RSC defence. The game was level 2-2 at halftime and the crowd was enjoying every minute of the match. During the breather, M.A. Sambu gave some good pointers to the players and decided to change tactics. Within minutes of the restart, the Kampung Pandan boys took the lead for the first time through a field goal. It was now left to be seen if RSC had the mentality to staged a fightback and fought back they did. With 12 minutes remaining on the clock, veteran campaigner Jay Ooi got RSC level when his shot from the left hand side sounded the board. There was a feeling that it would take a special moment from a special player to come up with the winning goal and Prabu did exactly that with a brilliant solo run from the right which took him past 3 defenders and his reverse stick hit shook the net. With calls from the sidelines saying there was only 90 seconds left remaining, RSC kept possession of the ball and held out for a thrilling and memorable win. Congratulations to the team for being crowned KLHA Division 3 Champions !

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS !!!

RSC put up a spirited and fighting display to defeat Kampung Pandan Sikhs 4-3 in the recent KLHA Division 3 final at the Pantai Hockey Stadium. Our boys improved on last years campaign after losing last years final to Klang side Goodwood. It was a thrilling final with lots of goals and action at both ends of the pitch. Full report in the coming days.

One Step Away From Final

Our mens hockey team have qualified for the semi-finals of the KLHA Division 3 League after a consistent performance in all their league matches which saw them remain unbeaten. They completed their league fixture yesterday with a 1-1 draw with Taylors College, a result which enabled the college boys to pip Sunday Lads to the other semi-final ticket. The semi-final will take place on Wednesday, 16th February at the Pantai Hockey Stadium starting at 7.00pm. With the teams confidence riding high, a repeat of last years feat where we also qualified for the finals, looks bright.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

The Committee would like to take this opportunity to wish all members " Gong Xi Fa Chai " and hope that the year of the Rabbit will bring more luck and prosperity to all. Take note that there will be NO STADIUM BOOKINGS on the 1st & 3rd February due to the festive celebrations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

1) Sarawak Hockey Association will be organizing a 360 Veteran 9 A Side Tournament.
This tournament will be held from 18th to 20th February 2011. Invitation has been sent to all States, Singapore, Brunei and 1 team from Australia to participate in this tournament which is limited to only 12 teams. It will be base on 1st come 1st serve basis.
RSC Hockey Section is planning to send a team. Those interested to play please respond soonest possible and a booking fee will be collected.


2) The Hockey Section is planning a trip to Teluk Intan and Pangkor. If we have enough numbers, we will arrange a game with the Lumut Navy boys or Ipoh 30-50s to be played at Manjung.

Tentatively, the program will be as follows:

April 29, 2011 ( Friday )
- Depart from RSC Kiara at 9am
- Lunch in Kuala Selangor
- Stay overnight in Teluk Intan
April 30, 2011 ( Saturday )
- Hockey game in Manjung at 4pm
- After game, proceed to Lumut, Pangkor.
May 1 2011 ( Sunday )
- Relax in Pangkor
May 2 2011 ( Monday )
- Leave Pangkor after lunch.
- Dinner at Sekincha
- Home sweet home

Those interested kindly inform Section Convenor James Sia soonest possible.

RSC 50's Hockey Fest in Pics