Donovan loss a big blow for Maroons

FRESH from their opening win of the season, DiamondBacks will hope to keep the momentum going against defending champion NorthWest Graduates when they meet at 4.30pm today.

But the Maroons have been dealt a selection blow with last week’s matchwinner Emily Donovan struck down with an ankle injury.

Coach Rowan Bridley admits that North-West is a “gun team” but says that his team meets it in good form.

“North-West Grads and OHA would have to be the flag favourites and we will need to be at our best to match them this week,” Bridley said.

Graduates will give Brigit Ikin time to prove her fitness and coach Chris Hazelwood is conscious that DiamondBacks pose a threat.

Hazelwood moved quickly to quash theories that Argentinian import Camila Diaz Guzman was struggling to adapt to the Premier League.

“Camila is fitting in nicely and has played in our firstgrade team to help adjust to how we play,” Hazelwood said.

“This week she will play Premier League only and this will help us gauge how she is progressing.”

Canterbury opens the round against University at 1.30pm chasing an upset victory with the side bolstered by the return of Hannah Richardson in recent weeks.

The Students will unveil debutant Miranda Grant, who is on summer break from studying in New Jersey in the US.

The 3pm match pits highflying OHA against a Derwent side that welcomes back four regulars from last week’s defeat. In come Eliza Westland, Molly Haas, Claudia Mathewson and Claire Saltmarsh for the Strikers, while skipper Jess Tremayne will miss out.