Lions and Students to put fourth finals claims

THE finals fate of University and Canterbury headlines today’s men’s Premier League action as fourth position goes on the line at 2.45pm.

The Students currently occupy a top-four finals spot on 12 points, with the Lions just two points adrift heading into the final round.

University forward Paul Ancher feels his side have strung together a nice run of form without a huge amount of luck and are well positioned to beat Canterbury.

“They have shown that they’re a well-balanced team who don’t solely rely on Sam McCulloch, with strengths both forward and back,” Ancher said. “They pushed NorthWest Grads last week and probably deserved more out of that game, so we’re under no illusions that it’s going to take our best hockey to get the result we’re after.”

The two sides faced off just 11 days ago, with University emerging narrow 3-2 winners thanks to Will Mollross’ brace, before the striker broke his hand in a sickening collision last weekend.

“We’ve lost Will Mollross for the season but should regain Tom Wylie who will give us experience and has the ability to excel in multiple positions,” Ancher said.

Derwent face off against OHA at 1.15pm in the John Harris Cup and Ancher expects his former club to overpower the Ships. Should the match end in a draw, NorthWest Graduates can put a mortgage on the minor premiership with victory over DiamondBacks at 4:15pm.

The match looms as Ollie Arnold and Jai Walker-Kidd’s big opportunity to score a big haul and enhance their leading goalscorer credentials.