Hockey cranks up catch-up
Premier League hockey competitions enter one-off double-headers, starting Tuesday night, as teams make up an additional round of matches due to COVID-19 delays. Canterbury and University women will open the midweek fixtures from 6.45pm, followed by a battle for fourth between their men’s sides at 8.15pm. A blockbuster night of action between heavyweights OHA and Derwent will take place on Wednesday night.
THE men’s and women’s Premier League hockey competitions enter one-off doubleheaders, starting on Tuesday night, as teams make up an additional round of matches due to COVID-19 delays.
Canterbury and University women will open the midweek fixtures from 6:45pm, followed by a battle for fourth between their men’s sides at 8:15pm.
A blockbuster night of action between heavyweights OHA and Derwent will take place on Wednesday night at the same times, before both NorthWest Graduates and DiamondBacks sides meet on Thursday.
Tuesday night’s women’s clash is the chance for the Lions and Students to register their first win of the season. The developing groups drew 1-1 last month.
Canterbury’s attacking forward Camille O’Conor has been a driving force for the Lions, in conjunction with fellow midfielder Maddy Curtis, but admits it’s been a struggle at times this season.
“It definitely has been but we’re just taking it one game at a time and trying to focus on making small improvements week to week,” O’Conor said.
“Jess Blake stepping in as coach when the season resumed has been really good for the squads and I think we have all been able to learn a lot from her.
“It was a pretty even match against them last time, so it definitely represents our best chance for some points and we just need to make the most of our opportunities upfront.”
University and Canterbury are vying for fourth position and eager to bounce back from narrow losses.
Canterbury continues to sweat on the fitness of star Sam McCulloch but should have Kurt Budgeon available, while
University will stick with goalkeeper James Shepherd.
“This is a huge game for us and the next few weeks will make or break it for us in terms of our finals chances,” University coach Ben Read said.
“We played pretty well at times on Saturday against Graduates after a big focus on defensive intensity and toughness, but the improvement needs to come in our goal scoring. Three goals in our last three games isn’t enough return to get the points we need.”