Bid to break Uni grip

NORTH- WEST Graduates face hoodoo side University in the men’s Premier League topfour clash at 3pm, looking to consolidate a top-two position.

A narrow loss in Round 2 was followed by a 2-2 draw in Round 7, leaving Graduates coach Stephen McMullen keen to see his side atone for a sloppy final quarter last time.

“Uni outplayed us in the first game and we let ourselves down in the last quarter of the last match to let them back into it,” McMullen said.

“We need to ensure that we have good cover defence for their breaks and to play it right out and not let Uni back in.”

McMullen also paused to reflect on his player of the season, singling out three stars including one of his own and one from the Students.

“Three come to mind immediately, Jack Welch [DiamondBacks], Ben Read [Uni] and Jai Walker-Kidd [NWG].”

“All three have been in strong goal-scoring form, but they have had direct influence on results so far through individual acts. Others include Vaughn Bowen [Derwent] and Sam McCambridge [OHA].”

University coach Paul Ancher agreed somewhat with McMullen’s assessment, selecting Bowen and his skipper Read.

“Bowen’s ability to have a significant impact on matches in crunch moments has been impressive to watch, while Read’s influence over proceedings and ability to control tempo is second to none,” Ancher said.

Canterbury has replaced goalkeeper Gareth Auker with understudy Lachlan Oakford for its clash with ladder leader OHA at 1.30pm.

DiamondBacks regain Richard Shelverton at the expense of Thomas Bax and Finn Bailey for their match against Derwent at 4.30pm.