Major battle in even comp

UNIVERSITY and Derwent are building their consistency after both claimed the scalp of Canterbury in the opening two women’s Premier League hockey rounds.

The pair enter today’s 6.30pm clash in second and fourth position respectively, separated by just one point.

Derwent coach Torin Bester is without experienced pair Bernadette Colrain and Claire Saltmash, but can recall young talent Ruby Bayley.

“It’s looking like the competition is going to be very even so these types of games are very important and I have every bit of confidence in the squad that they can do the job,” Bester said. “Consecutive wins and the confidence that would come from that are great for building momentum.”

Derwent’s Molly Haas has been leading a young forward line for the Strikers and scored two goals in last week’s 3-2 win over the Lions, but Bester said his expectations were still high.

“Clearly our forward line is full of quick and young players but, in saying that, they have just as much responsibility to put reverse pressure on because we want to work as one defensive unit.”

University will field an unchanged line-up tonight, with coach Vanessa McDonald focusing on integrating her off-season additions into their playing style and structures.

McDonald is confident that star forward Cath Webster will soon be hitting the scoreboard and benefiting from their improved understanding.

“The group is getting us to how each other play and we had a more consistent performance against DiamondBacks last week,” McDonald said.

OHA meets DiamondBacks at 3pm tomorrow in a fixture that could showcase just exactly where both playing squads are at.

North-West Graduates will unveil Argentinian import Camilla Diaz Guzman against Canterbury at 4.30pm.