Player drain a blow for Lions

CANTERBURY has been hit by player unavailability ahead of tonight’s 6.30pm clash with flag favourite North-West Graduates.

Lions coach Dan Mills must have been pulling his hair out in anticipation for this week, with Kacee Ponting, Camille O’Conor, Molly Rasmussen and Maddy Curtis all involved with the Tasmanian under-21 side in Wollongong.

To compound their loss, skipper Hannah Richardson has stepped aside after announcing her pregnancy, but Mills hopes there may be a silver lining.

“We’re all really pleased for Hannah and Marcus, but having said that I wish they could have waited another couple of months,” Mills said.

“But on a serious note, clearly Hannah is a big loss both as a player and leader, however we feel we have good depth within the squad to be able to adjust.”

Graduates continues to build momentum and have the luxury of recalling Brigit Ikin, Ruby Brothers and Emily Harvey to their winning side.

Elsewhere, University and Derwent meet at 1.30pm tomorrow with either side having an opportunity to put down a mortgage on the fourth finals position.

Without key players Maddy Hinton and Eliza Westland respectively, both sides will look to their depth to pull them across the line.

OHA hopes to upset DiamondBacks in their vital clash at noon.