Unbeaten Ships aim to raise bar further in clash against Derwent
A MOUTH-watering clash between the Premier League’s giants OHA and Derwent headlines the women’s hockey action today.
OHA remain unbeaten in 2022, after claiming the 2020 and 2021 titles, and will be looking to step up another gear with Nellie Paynter returning to the side.
The Ships saw off a challenge from North-West Graduates in their Cup semi-final, but will be missing Maddy Murphy and Taylor Brooks against the Strikers.
“You definitely don’t want to peak too early before finals, but I think that if you are consistent all season and then really raise the bar the last few weeks, you give yourselves the best change in finals,” OHA coach Sam McCambridge said.
“This Saturday, we are expecting a hard fight with Derwent, who are getting better each week with Matt Turner in charge. We will be looking to use our speed and skill to attack their defence and put scoreboard pressure on early in the game.”
Derwent’s Turner has a full-strength squad at his disposal, with Molly Haas and Emma O’Grady big positives in recent weeks.
The match will also be former Hockeyroo Amelia Spence’s first run against OHA, with stars Lou Maddock, Sophie Rockefeller and Lauren Canning in support.
“Molly is quickly regaining her touch after a long injury break and youngsters like Emma are starting to display real confidence at this level,” Turner said.
“OHA really bring the pressure and we’ve been focusing on trying to match that and also responding to pressure situations with clear heads.”
In other action, North-West Graduates will face fifthplaced Canterbury from 10.30am, while DiamondBacks will hope to consolidate their finals sport against University from noon.