Derwent’s next on Super Sam’s hit list
PREMIERSHIP coach Nathan Fitzpatrick has labelled Canterbury’s Sam McCulloch the best player in the men’s Premier League, ahead of Derwent’s clash with the Lions from 2.30pm.
Both sides had comfortable victories last weekend, with McCulloch earning best-afield honours and scoring a hat-trick past Tassie Tigers goalkeeper Grant Woodcock.
“We had a great restart — albeit our intensity dropped away during the third quarter — but overall, it was a strong performance across all lines for us,” Fitzpatrick said.
“Canterbury like to run at the opposition defence with pace, so naturally we will be looking at some ways to counteract that as it allows them to score quickly.
“They have arguably the best player in the competition in Sam McCulloch, so it’ll be important to ensure we minimise his ability to impact the contest.”
North-West Graduates looked unplayable in bursts in their 4-0 sweep of OHA last weekend, but youngster Harvey Bessell is racing the clock to recover from a sprained ankle.
Jai Walker-Kidd has started the season emphatically, registering five goals from two matches and relishing opportunities to get into field-goal scoring positions.
Graduates face University at 4pm and will look to make Students playing-coach Ben Read more accountable while also playing a more attacking brand.
OHA also emerged from last weekend with Oliver Smith nursing a sore knee, while youngster Pat McDevitt could be in line for a debut after impressing on the training track.
Ships coach Nick Leslie will be conscious of DiamondBacks’ strong defensive structure and hoping six-time Premier League leading goalscorer Sam McCambridge can get going after being blanked last time out.
DiamondBacks youngsters Josh Hine, Milo Gee and George Oliver are all progressing well with their development and look more assured at Premier League level with every outing.