Grads up against bogey

UNBEATEN North- West Graduates face bogey side University in the pick of Round 5 men’s Premier League hockey action.

The Bulldogs lose Kieron Arthur after their exciting come-from-behind 5-4 win over Derwent last week but regain Harry van der Woude.

The Bulldogs last season relied heavily on penalty corner flicker Jai Walker-Kidd, but the Tassie Tiger representative only netted his first goal of the season on the weekend.

“Having other goal scorers has been a major focus for us this season,” coach Stephen McMullen said.

University coach Paul Ancher has made two changes for the 1.30pm game, with Ed Pascoe and Jonno Hodgson returning.

“We’ll be looking to be more aggressive than we were last week and will have to reduce our turnovers if we’re going to give ourselves a chance,” Ancher said.

Derwent is likely to be without Vaughn Bowen and Tom Broadby for its 3pm match with DiamondBacks, giving opportunities to Trav Cresswell and Liam Grundy.

OHA will be without James Thomas and Sam Keating for its 4.30pm clash with Canterbury, which is buoyed after a big win over DiamondBacks last week.

With the Greater Northern League on hiatus, the Lions are expected to field some new faces to strengthen their side in pursuit of an upset.