Edwards to return and give OHA a huge boost
THE return of a 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner appears set to fire fifth-placed OHA back into men’s Premier League title contention.
Jeremy Edwards has returned to his home state after his contract as playing-coach of Hawthorn Hockey Club ended with the Victorian statewide league hockey season cancelled recently.
Edwards will complete his self-isolation before linking back up with the OHA men’s squad on Thursday night for training.
Still just 28 years old, Edwards earned 62 caps for the Kookaburras from 2013-2018 and is a five-time premiership player with the Ships.
“Having Jez (Edwards) back is a huge bonus for the team with his world-class experience and creative play will definitely create more chances upfront for us,” OHA forward Sam McCambridge said.
“I’d say he’ll fit into the midfield with his distribution skills, possibly allowing Oliver Smith to play upfront at times which will be good.
“Jez will also give the younger guys around him confidence in their own ability and skills, as he’s played at the highest level, the skill set he brings is of the highest quality.
“He also knows how to be successful, where to put the ball for us to run on to, and he has one of the best tomahawk hits going around.”
OHA currently sit in fifth position on six points, but are just a game adrift of secondplaced Derwent.
McCambridge also operates as OHA’s women’s Premier League coach in a family double act with sister and key midfielder Sarah.
The Ships avenged last year’s 5-4 grand final loss to Derwent with a thumping 7-0 win, brought about by a fivegoal second quarter.
“The women are still buzzing after Saturday’s game, but are fully focused on the main goal which is finals,” McCambridge said. “We’ve really focused on fitness and basics and its starting to show in our game play and everyone is playing their role for the team.”
New signing Belle Kruimink has been a revelation since crossing from North-West Graduates in search of more game time.
“Belle is so calm and confident which makes her the perfect fit alongside Jean Flanagan at the back,” McCambridge said.