Graduates stand in way of OHA’s fairytale year
OHA is just one step away from a true Cinderella sporting story just 12 months after securing the women’s Premier League wooden spoon.
The club will go to bed tonight dreaming of a famous double — with their men’s side set to start favourites against University at 4pm — if they can overcome minor premiers North-West Graduates from 2pm.
In a closely run season, the Ships’ elevation from easybeats to premiership fancy was confirmed after they inflicted Graduates’ first loss of the season in the semi-final.
But Graduates are gunning for a third consecutive title, with their previous two flags ironically coming after defeat at the semi-final stage.
Their Premier League peers are evenly split in trying to forecast a victor, but unanimously tipped a one-goal margin for either side.
DiamondBacks’ Emily Donovan and Phillida Bridley and Derwent’s Sarah Robinson are all siding with OHA to win by a 2-1 scoreline.
“I think if Sarah McCambridge through midfield and Nellie Paynter up front come to play, OHA will be too hard to control with their speed and skill,” Donovan tipped.
Bridley added: “I think OHA will win, with Julia Gunn, Sofie McLeod, McCambridge and Paynter all playing exceptionally well lately.”
Canterbury pair Maddy Curtis and Hannah Richardson are tipping a North-West Graduates three-peat.
“I’m tipping a 3-2 win for North-West as their finals experience and ability of their skilled goalscorers Sofi Viarengo and Ash Arthur will be enough to get them across the line,” Curtis predicted.
Richardson said: “I think it will be a very tight, low-scoring game, which could possibly go to extra-time like the semifinal where North-West’s defence and experience will be too good and they’ll win 2-1.”
Derwent’s Eliza Westland saw the power of North-West’s first half in a 3-1 preliminary final loss last week and expects Graduates to emerge victorious.
“It will be close, but they have been the stronger side all year with a strong defensive unit and also the ability to score quick goals,” Westland said.
With Hockey Tasmania moving all lower-grade grand finals to tomorrow for the first time, a record crowd is predicted before the women’s grand final pushes back at 2pm, with the men’s final from 4pm.