Students face serious test against Derwent
UNIVERSITY and Derwent will lock horns at 8pm tonight in the next instalment of their modern-day rivalry to open Round 3 of the men’s Premier League hockey season.
The Students came from a goal down to clinch an elimination final victory against the Strikers last season.
After back-to-back victories to open the new season, Derwent presents the Students’ first serious test and coach Paul Ancher believes his side is much fitter than last year.
“Our fitness has definitely improved after a really solid pre-season and that’s helped us get through our first two scrappy encounters and we’ll need more polish this week,” Ancher said.
“Our playing styles complement each other which makes for a great spectacle as we’re often very evenly matches.”
Ancher has been forced to make two changes with keeper Jayden Pearson and Aaron Kitchener unavailable, creating opportunities for James Shepherd and Tyler McDonald.
Derwent has healthy competition for spots with Tom Broadby returning and Sam Porteous-Smith set to debut, with some difficult selection conversations to be had.
Unbeaten North-West Graduates meet Canterbury at 3pm tomorrow with the Bulldogs’ backline strengthened by the return of Robbie Chapman.
And OHA can bounce back from their 3-0 loss to Graduates with victory against a plucky DiamondBacks at 4.30pm. The Maroons regain Jo Vuister and Richard Shelverton.