It’s all about scoreboard pressure as Lions step up for Brownlow Cup
Canterbury Hockey Club has its sights set on some silverware, with the Brownlow Cup an annual trophy determined on aggregate against DiamondBacks Hockey Club.
The Lions women sit fifth on the women’s Premier League ladder and today’s contest represents a terrific chance to get recognition for their development under new coach Tom Beard.
Canterbury will be banking on their men’s side giving them a headstart with victory first up, before the women play the more fancied DiamondBacks women from noon.
“The team is motivated by the additional Brownlow Cup honours this weekend,” Lions defender Blair Beard acknowledged. “The men have been playing well so it is time for our women to step up and contribute to the aggregate award.
“The key for us is scoreboard pressure and we’ve been working hard on our goalscoring at training.”
In addition to the Brownlow Cup, the best player will be awarded the Vanessa McDonald Medal, in honour of the DiamondBacks coach and exHockeyroo.
“I was lucky enough to play alongside Vanessa at Canterbury in 2008-2009 and she was a big role model for me as a fellow defender, so it’s a privilege to play for the medal named in her honour,” Beard said.
The Lions are likely to be without Prue Dougan, Felicity Wilson-Haffenden and Zayna Jackson.
Taylor Brooks will be a welcomed return to OHA as it looks to rebound from its first loss since August 2021 quickly against University from 3pm.
“The girls are hungry for redemption after their average performance last weekend. The mid-season lull has come and gone and we’re ready to get back on the winners’ list,” OHA coach Sam McCambridge warned.
Second-placed North-West Graduates meet nearest rival Derwent from 6pm, with both sides entering the clash off the back of consecutive comfortable wins.
The Bulldogs’ forward line has been firing, led by Ash Arthur, while Derwent has risen a level with Amelia Spence, Molly Haas and Sophie Rockefeller returning in recent weeks.