Ships to strike
OHA is setting sail in pursuit of its 29th women’s Premier League hockey title on Saturday and the Ships are red-hot favourites. But standing in their way is Derwent, whose namesake has becalmed many a ship over the years. The Strikers are also in strong form and will provide OHA a stern test in what is expected to be an exhilarating finale to the 2021 season.
THE state’s most successful women’s side will be out to extend their record and cap a highly successful Premier League hockey season with victory against Derwent in Saturday’s grand final from 1.30pm.
OHA hold a record 28 women’s senior titles, fourteen clear of nearest rivals University, and the 2021 season has been arguably one of the finest of them all.
The Ships claimed the minor premiership with just two losses in their 20 matches and an imposing goal difference of + 58.
Their performances mean there are plenty of backers, with Premier League stars Hannah Richardson, Blair Beard, Grace Calvert and Philly Bridley all tipping OHA to go back-to-back, albeit the latter in a shootout.
“I’m predicting OHA 4-2 due to being the better team, their depth across lines, more consistency, their talented goalkeeper and multiple goal scorers,” Beard said.
“I’ll tip OHA 5-3 as they are quick on the counter-attack and link up well together,” Calvert added.
Alternatively, Derwent have ridden a wave of momentum to rise from third on the ladder and claim four consecutive wins to book their spot in today’s big dance.
Tassie Tigers women’s head coach Luke Doerner is sitting on the fence, predicting the match to end 3-3 in normal time and go directly to a penalty shootout.
“OHA have a great mix of youth and experience and probably a bit more depth in their squad as result, while Derwent have some really exciting young players and now having the addition of Amelia Spence, who brings that added experience and helps create opportunities for them moving forward,” Doerner said. “I am really looking forward to the match and seeing who is going to step up on the big occasion.”
University star Clare Rojahn feels like Derwent have timed their run to perfection and can haul in their sixth title with a 2-1 win. “They (Derwent) have been my pick since pre-season and have been creating a huge amount of circle entries all year,” Rojahn noted. “It’s been great to see them find the net in the last round, and I’ll also predict some big battles in midfield with Spence, M Brooks, Westland, McCambridge, Haas, Canning and McLeod all key influencers.”
OHA enter the grand final with a 3-1 head-to-head record against Derwent this season, with the match live streamed exclusively for Mercury subscribers via its website.