DiamondBacks zero in on trophy

RIDING high after conquering North-West Graduates last weekend, DiamondBacks will be searching for silverware when they face University for the Don Smith Trophy at 1.30pm today.

Played since 2008 in memory of a giant of Tasmanian Hockey, Don Smith, the Maroons will hope to defend the award they won with a best afield display from Giselle Fernandez last season.

“Playing for the Don Smith trophy will certainly provide finals like pressure, as both sides will want to honour his memory by playing a top quality game of hockey,” DiamondBacks goalkeeper Jessica Stevens said.

“Personally, I think it is really important to have these trophy games throughout the season as they create an opportunity for juniors to learn about the players who came before them and to learn what made them great.”

DiamondBacks will be without Tasmanian U21 pair Madison Clark and Lucy Cooper for the clash, with the Students missing Lily Bushby.

While Canterbury is out of the running this season, they still have a huge opportunity for an upset against NorthWest Graduates from 4.30pm, with the Bulldogs feeling the pressure of being one match from top spot and another from third position.

The Lions gain Sarah Gray, Molly Davey and Chloe White with young pair Emma Kirrane and Georgia Bennett singled out for praise from veteran Hannah Richardson.

OHA will face Derwent in a potential grand final preview from 10.30am.

Both sides have been hit by absentees from the National U21 championships.

After drawing 0-0 against powerhouse New South Wales, Tasmania’s U21 women next face Western Australia from 7pm tonight in Perth.