Shipsbolsteredfor must-winOHAconfrontation
UNIVERSITY has regained northern-based pair Lachie Murfet and C-Jay Denman to bolster its attack for the massive Premier League men’s game against fifthplaced OHA.
The Ships are stinging from a 6-1 defeat to Derwent last weekend and have slipped four points adrift of the top four, making Saturday’s 4.30pm clash a must-win to rekindle their hopes.
“It’s a huge game for us this weekend,’’ University coach Ben Read said. “We aren’t shying away from that fact. Everyone in the squad is fully aware of what it means and that a win will set us up potentially for the rest of the season.
“OHA are a strong side and we are fully aware of the goal threat that they pose through McCambridge, Smith and Joe Murphy, and we’re also aware we have a losing record against them this year, so we are keen to remedy that.”
Fourth-placed North-West Graduates will face defending champion Derwent from 1.30pm without star Alistair White, due to health and safety protocols.
White is a big omission for the Bulldogs, having scored six penalty corner goals this season, but Beau Cornelius returns.
“Our big focus is the rebound that Derwent gets from their defence,’’ White said. “They have the best back four in the competition and their ability to win the ball and rebound is a big avenue of goals for them.’’
The Strikers regain Vaughn Bowen, but his inclusion comes at the expense of Angus Boulton, with coach Nick Tremayne suggesting Hugh Flassman is still a few weeks away.
With Tassie Tigers Hockey One fixtures being announced during the week, Tremayne also hopes several of his squad are in the selection mix for the first round against Brisbane Blaze on September 30.
“I think we have multiple players who would thrive in the Hockey One format and I would love to see Ewan Vickery, Ruben Hoey, Tommy Broadby, Magnus McCausland, Linden McCarthy all add their names to the mix.”
Canterbury and DiamondBacks open the Brownlow Cup from 10.30am.