Derwent is confident

University buoyed by fighting spirit in a close call

THERE is no need to check the weather bureau’s forecast because it is certain to be raining goals in the men’ s hockey Preliminary Final between Derwent and University from 1.30pm on Saturday.

University qualified after upstaging OHA in a thrilling penalty shootout, after the match ended 6-6 at the final siren, with the Students twice trailing by two goals.

It must now overcome defending champions Derwent for the right to meet North-West Graduates in next week’ s Premier League grand final.

Derwent has held the upper hand in its contests this season, registering 5-2, 8-1 and 5-1 wins .“Last week was a huge result to come back from two goals down twice shows immense character from the group,” University forward Paul Ancher said.

“This group seems to find another gear in the post season, and we’ve shown that to be the case this year .”

Derwent may have given up a 2-0 advantage to fall 3-2 to Graduates, but looked imposing.

“We were happy with how we started last week’ s game with lots of scoring opportunities, but naturally disappointed that we weren’ t able to capitalise on our chances ,” Derwent midfielder Henry Curtis said.

“We have identified some things we plan on tweaking and the score line has favoured us in every game against University this season, so we go into this game confident we’ ll win if we play the right way.” The match will be live streamed to Mercury subscribers on its website from 1.30 pm on Saturday, followed by the women’ s Preliminary Final between North-West Graduates and Diamond Backs from 3.30 pm