Return of young guns

THE Premier League welcomes back Tasmania’s under-21 representatives and returns with a bang tonight as heavyweights OHA and North-West Graduates clash in a blockbuster double-header.

The men start at 6.30pm with Graduates out to reverse a 5-0 thumping at the hands of OHA last time out. Having beaten OHA comfortably in their opening two encounters, Graduates coach Stephen McMullen felt they went away from the plan in that loss.

“We suffered significant injuries during that game and our response to that was to deviate from the game plan,” McMullen said.

“This week we get Gobind Gill, Harvey Bessell, James Bourke and Dan Harper back so we’ll extend our bench to ensure the under-21s are getting sufficient breaks because we have secured a top two spot now, so finals are our next focus.”

OHA coach Nick Leslie checked with support staff before recalling five under-21 regulars but is without James Thomas, who has a leg injury.

“Our last game against North-West was really positive because we moved the ball well and were clinical in the attacking circle, while limiting their forwards’ effectiveness,” Leslie said.

In the women’s clash from 8pm, OHA will be strengthened by six returnees against Graduates.

“They’ll will slot back in as normal for what is a big game for us to hold top spot and hopefully gain a better goal difference than Derwent,” OHA coach Sarah McCambridge said.

North-West Graduates have lost Louisa Jacobson and Chloe Cooper, but Argentinian recruit Agostina Galimberti returns.