OHA banks on Chambers ahead of Junior World Cup camp

OHA coach Nick Leslie hopes star goalkeeper Henry Chambers, fresh from being named in Australia’s Junior World Cup hockey squad, can play in Saturday’s topof-the-table men’s Premier League clash with Derwent.

Chambers and University’s Josh Brooks will assemble on the Gold Coast on Sunday for the Burras for a training camp in the lead-up to the Junior World Cup in November.

“His selection does not affect his availability to play for us,” Leslie said.

“I am very happy for Henry. He has worked very hard to put himself in this position, so he is more than deserving of a chance to represent his country.

“If he keeps working the way he is, then I have no doubt he can make it all the way to the top.”

OHA will regain Kurt Budgeon and Sam Keating to face the ladder-leading Strikers. The game will be live-streamed through the Mercury from 1.30pm.

Derwent coach Nathan Fitzpatrick is excited to test his squad against the Ships, who were undermanned last time.

With the announcement of Stephen McMullen as new Tassie Tigers men’s head coach, Fitzpatrick would also like to see more Derwent players involved in the Hockey One program.

“Ideally, all of them,’’ Fitzpatrick said. “It sounds a little silly, but the more players that are pushing for Hockey One means our competition will improve as a result.

“If I had to identify players, it would be surnames like McCausland, McCarthy, Mardell, Vickery, Boulton and Bowen.”

Derwent will don pink socks for its annual fundraiser to support Breast Cancer Network Australia.

In other action, North-West Graduates face DiamondBacks from noon, before Canterbury will be trying to see off University from 6pm.