Getting into Ship shape condition

AFTER moving into the top four with victory last weekend, OHA is out to maintain its finals spot when it faces ladder leaders North-West Graduates at 2.30pm.

Former Kookaburras defender Jeremy Edwards returned for their crucial 3-1 defeat of Canterbury and the Ships instantly looked a more confident and composed side.

Attacking midfielder Oliver Smith has been managing a swollen knee in the opening rounds but looked close to his best against the Lions.

“I’ve had a slow start to the season with a couple of niggles, so I’m looking to keep building my form and getting some fitness back into the legs,” Smith said. “I love playing as an attacking midfielder and to also have the licence to play upfront when needed.

“It’s also great to have Jez (Edwards) back because he has the ability to lift everyone around him in trainings and games.”

But OHA runs into a Graduates side that was wasteful in front of goal in its 3-3 draw with Derwent last weekend and will be looking to getting back to its clinical self.

“Grads have looked dangerous all year and deserve to be top of the ladder, whereas it’s taken us a couple of games to get going this year. But we’re aiming to keep building and peak at the business end of the season,” Smith said. “I’m confident our penalty corners will improve, which will go a long way in helping us win these sorts of games.”

Derwent defeated University 5-2 last time out and a similar result would see them consolidate second position.

Strikers forward Angus Boulton has scored in five of six matches this season, including two against the Students, while University’s Ben Read’s scoring run was brought to a halt last weekend; both loom as danger men.

Canterbury must overcome a resurgent DiamondBacks from 4pm to keep pace with the front four teams, but the Snakes will have grown a leg off the back of their first win.