Rivals chasing happy return

A FIXTURING quirk means University and Canterbury, who fought out a thrilling 1-1 draw just 11 days ago, again go head-to-head in search of a first women’s Premier League win.

Both sides left unsatisfied on that occasion, with Canterbury having led 1-0 for much of the contest before University came home strong, hitting the woodwork after the final siren.

Lions midfielder Maddy Curtis admits her side has endured a tough season and says it will need to come out firing against the Students from 1pm.

“We have been improving every week and our ability to shut North-West Grads down in the second half proved that,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we have lost Julia Ebert due to injury, however Camille O’Conor back this season has really given us some speed and drive through the midfield.

“We’ve been blown away with Jess’ (coach Jess Blake’s) new and exciting coaching style and that has helped us stay in good spirits to finish off the last five roster games.”

University star Clare Rojahn

made the move to the Students this year to bolster their defensive stocks and has not looked back.

The top four sides all meet each other, with OHA out to again beat Derwent from 2.30pm. OHA’s Julia Gunn is fresh off a hat-trick, while the midfield battle between her teammate Sarah McCambridge and Derwent’s Amelia Spence will be worth the price of admission alone.

North-West Graduates will similarly be out to stretch their winning run against DiamondBacks to three matches when they clash at 4pm.