DOWN TO THE WIRE
THE race for top spot in the Cairns Hockey A-grade women’s competition is set to go down to the wire after nothing split the top two teams in Round 14.
Souths and Brothers played out a scoreless draw on Saturday night, keeping Brothers on top of the ladder on goal difference.
The match was far from dour as play went back-andforth and both teams missed opportunities to take the lead.
Brothers coach Terry Brodin said it was a “close tangle” with their main adversary, as neither team was able to assert their dominance in midfield.
He said it, and players missing, meant his side did not take advantage of their chances.
“I think we were lacking a better player up there we normally would have,” Brodin said.
Brothers also lost Phoebe Nasser midway through the first half due to injury, which could keep her out next week.
Brodin said he was confident with a full complement of players, Brothers would finish on top.
“We’ve got four games to go and I think we’ve got the systems in place and I have trust in the players they can do it, and when we do that, we’re hard to beat,” he said.
Saints are nipping at the heels of both side and could yet shock them both, sitting just three points behind after their 3-1 win against Stingers.
Saints celebrated a 5-2 win against Stingers in the men’s competition, which puts the two teams level on points.
Saints vice-captain Dan Ginnaw said it was all to play for with a finals spot now up for grabs. Depth in their squad could also lead to some selection headaches and the Australian Country defender said it was likely senior players and coaches would need to address young players in the squad about “where they stand” in the top squad.
“I think we’ll probably sit down, have a chat and tell them not to worry about finals and just keep sticking to the job they’re doing,” he said.
Souths look set to finish minor premiers, pulling out a five points gap to Brothers after a 1-0 win. Brothers play Saints and Stingers take on Souths this weekend.