Uni set for big finals tune-up

AFTER locking up a finals spot with a big win last week, a resurgent University will finalise its September preparations with a tough lead-in.

The Students end the men’s hockey Premier League regular season with three matches against the top three sides— perfect preparation, according to skipper Ben Read.

“We are looking forward to a hot contest this weekend against the flag favourites Derwent,” Read said. “We’ve finally come into a bit of form over the last few weeks and we will be looking to continue to build on that in the final three roster games of the season. All those games are against teams above us on the ladder, which is a bonus preparation-wise.”

University thumped DiamondBacks 7-0 last time out and claimed their first big scalp with a 4-1 defeat of NorthWest Graduates in Round 15.

“James Dick is in top nick for us up front and we’ll be looking to him to create scoring opportunities as well as Josh Brooks and the in-form Will Mollross,” Read said.

“From Derwent, we’ll be sure to keep an eye on guys like Travis Cresswell, Adam Clifford and Josh Mardell and it’s an important one to win for both sides in terms of building momentum towards finals.”

Derwent has claimed the honours in their three encounters this season to 2-1, 4-2 and 3-1 scorelines, but University famously claimed their scalp in last year’s elimination final.

The Strikers could regain skipper Vaughn Bowen, Angus Boulton, Stuart Webb and Ewan Vickery for the 3pm match.

North-West Graduates regain defender Jai Walker-Kidd but are without coach Stephen McMullen for their 4.30pm clash with Canterbury.

The Lions were spiteful in last week’s 8-2 loss to Derwent, receiving six send-offs and will need to let their stickwork do the talking this time out.

OHA was stunned by Graduates 6-3 last week but holds the faintest grip on top spot and can ill afford to drop points to DiamondBacks at 6pm.