This country's senior men's hockey team are yet to lose a match in Glasgow, Scotland as they continue their preparations for group play at the Commonwealth Games which flicks off next week.To date the Darren Cowie-led "Stickmen" coached by Glen "Fido" Francis have played four matches, with three wins and one drawn result. The wins came gainst Groves Menzieshill (5-2), Hillhead (4-2), and Western Wildcats (9-2).A return game against Hillhead on Thursday proved more challenging, with the national team pressing for much of the game and enjoying 60 per cent ball possession overall.
The Hillhead team, re-inforced by their national players, scored from two short corners to earn an honourable draw against T&T, who were able to convert only one of their seven short corners through England-based Kwandwane Browne.T&T's first item, a field goal, was scored by Tariq Marcano, making his first senior tour, on his 18th birthday. Marcano was later hosted by the T&T officials present in a short birthday celebration.When the tournament gets going, Cowie and his teammates will be hoping to build on the historic bronze medal at the 2013 Pan American Cup, this country's first in 46 years.
However, the team is a relatively young one which was hit hard by the withdrawal of six members of the historic Pan American Cup being forced out of the team due to work commitments inclusive of the experienced vice captain Dwain Quan Chan, Christopher Scipio, Wayne Legerton, Kiel Murray, Cogie Butler and reserve goalkeeper Kwasi Emmanuel.Francis added, "Overall, I think we still have a good balance in the team with about five players making their first Commonwealth Games team and experienced players in Browne, Marcus James, Shaquille Daniel, Aidan De Gannes, Solomon Eccles, Dillet Gilkes and Akim Toussaint all included.
The local men, ranked 29th in the world, will compete in Pool B with England (5th), New Zealand (6th), Malaysia (13th) and Canada (16th) while Pool A consists of defending champions and world top ranked Australia, India (9th), South Africa (12th), Scotland (25th) and Wales (31st).
In the history of the hockey competition at the Commonwealth Games, Australia has been the dominant force, securing every title since its introduction in 1998 while its biggest challenge will come from other medal-winning nations including England, India, New Zealand and Malaysia.
The head of T&T's contingent is Dr Ian Hypolite as chef-de-mission with Diane Henderson as his assistant. Dr Terry Ali is the Head of Medical Staff and Services. Brian Lewis, the President of the T&T Commonwealth Games Association is a member of the official team delegation. Secretary General Knott is in Glasgow in charge of the Pre Games Training camp.
Men's Team & Schedule
T&T men's hockey team:
Darren Cowie (captain), Mickel Pierre, Andrey Rocke, Marcus James, Shaquille Daniel, Tariq Marcano, Stefan Mouttet, Kwandwane Browne, Ishmael Campbell, Aidan De Gannes, Solomon Eccles, Dillet Gilkes, Nicholas Grant, Michael Otis O'Connor II, Jordon Reynos, Akim Toussaint, Carlos Stephens. Technical staff: Glen "Fido" Francis (coach), Andrew Wilson (assistant coach), Kirth Davis (manager), Nicholas Baldeosingh (videographer).
Men Competition schedule:
July 24:
England vs T&T, New Zealand vs Canada, 7pm - 10.30pm
July 25:
India vs Wales, South Africa vs Scotland, 9am - 12.30pm
July 26:
New Zealand vs T&T, Malayasia vs Canada, 9am - 12.30pm
Australia vs Wales, India vs Scotland, 2pm - 5.30pm
July 27:
Canada vs T&T, Malaysia vs England, 7pm - 10.30pm
July 28:
South Africa vs Australia, Scotland vs Wales, 9am - 12.30pm
July 29:
New Zealand vs England, T&T vs Malaysia, 9am - 12.30pm
India vs Australia, Wales vs South Africa, 2pm - 5.30pm
July 31:
England vs Canada, Malaysia vs New Zealand, 9am - 12.30pm
Australia vs Scotland, South Africa vs India, 2pm - 5.30pm
August 1:
Classification: 9th-10th & 7th - 8th, 6pm - 10pm
August 2:
Classification: 5th - 6th & semifinals, 10am - 4.15pm
August 3:
Final & Third place matches: 10am - 2.30pm