Rivals look to future as season ends early

THE curtain will go down on Canterbury and University’s women’s Premier League hockey seasons today, but both clubs are vowing to return bigger and better next season.

Though Derwent and OHA are fighting to claim the minor premiership on the final day, North-West Graduates and DiamondBacks are safely locked away in the top four.

“Even though we didn’t make finals, as with University, I think both teams now need to look to the future and be thinking on how we can best make our teams successful next year,” Canterbury skipper Hannah Richardson said.

“At Canterbury this year we have had the opportunity to play many juniors which is a great positive for the club.

“Players that will be key for our team next year are Issy Sharman who is such a versatile player and someone who is always fit and fast, while Chloe Abel, Lucy Munt and Nellie Gillespie all got a taste this year. It’s important to take the field this weekend and have the belief that you are going to win and finish the season on a high.

“The young players have really benefited from significant game time at the top level and have already set their sights on the level of work required over pre-season to see more reward next year,” University’s Grace Irwin added.

Canterbury will face Derwent at 6pm for the WellsGuest Cup, an aggregate award with the men’s clash, while University face NorthWest Graduates at 3pm.

OHA and DiamondBacks from 4.30pm represents the only all-top four clash and Richardson believes both sides will go deep in the finals.

“From recent form I think DiamondBacks will likely beat North-West in the elimination final and it will be a close fought out battle between Derwent and OHA, but OHA’s experience will help get them over the line,” Richardson said.