Desperate to right the Ships

OHA’s James Thomas hasn’t gone as far as to say tonight’s 6pm match against Canterbury is a must win but the men’s Premier League Hockey ladder suggests there may be little wriggle room for the Ships.

Isaac Bridley and Alex Moir return for OHA but Sam Keating is absent, as Thomas called this week a “mini final”.

“This weekend is a huge game for the context of our season, especially coming off a disappointing loss last week,” Thomas said. “We know our best can match it with anyone, but we are fast running out of time to be able to fit all our pieces together.”

“I think since the loss of Sam McCulloch, we match up well against Canterbury through the middle and if we play well, they may lack the ability to break lines, especially against Oli Smith, Nick Leslie and Joe Murphy.”

The recent form of Smith has been a positive for the Ships in recent weeks and Thomas believes the key has been his time on the park and being injury free.

“We have all seen how he is able to take over a finals campaign when he is fit and healthy, so we are hoping he continues to stay out of trouble,” Thomas said.

In a round of big matches, defending champion Derwent must rebound from its shock 1-0 loss to DiamondBacks without some key personnel for its clash with third-placed University at 4.30pm.

“Angus Boulton is a big out for them, but we’re also missing Sam Payne and Jonno Hodgson this week, plus Keenan Johnson and Lachie Murfet,” University skipper Joe Scott said.

Fresh off their first Premier League victory in 23 matches, DiamondBacks will be keen to show it was no fluke and will present a tough assignment for fourth-placed North-West Graduates from 3pm.