Top four ready for finals preview
THIS weekend’s round of men’s Premier League matches will tell much about the premiership race, with the defending champions in second place facing fourth-placed University at 3pm.
The Ships have lost midfielder Nick Leslie to a hamstring injury and forward Sam McCambridge hopes they can regain their early season form.
“We are in a good position sitting second on the ladder but need to regain the form that got us there,” McCambridge said.
“We are looking to bounce back this week after a few lessthan-impressive performances.”
The Students’ recent results also suggest their season has faltered. After claiming 10 points in the opening round University has claimed just six points in their past seven matches.
Coach Paul Ancher regains Aaron Kitchener this week at the expense of Eddie Pascoe, and Ancher is hoping to steady his own ship.
“There isn’t much margin for error in this competition. We’ve been slightly off our game and been punished so we’ll be looking to put in a far more accountable performance this week after last week’s blip,” Ancher said.
“In seasons past you could carve in stone the top two and top four at this stage but this year every team still has an opportunity to make their mark.”
Ladder leaders North-West Graduates welcome back Benji Austin for their 4.30pm clash with third-placed Derwent and coach Stephen McMullen knows the pressure will come for his side.
“Our key takeaway from Derwent matches this season is that they are an obvious contender and we will meet them again in September,” he said.
The Strikers gain Elliott Flassman, but experienced pair Stuart Webb and Paddy Ward are still working their way back into selection contention.
DiamondBacks and Canterbury arguably have their last roll of the dice to make finals when the bottom two sides meet at 1.30pm.
The Lions may well start favourites with Gareth Auker, Sam McCulloch and Oliver Lane all returning, while DiamondBacks are without Jo Vuister and Doug Shepherd.
“Picking up an extra two points last week would have been handy for us and that draw makes the challenge of making finals a little more difficult, but we have confidence that we can do enough,” Canterbury coach Will Lawler said.