Big test for Students

University looks to spark season

IT would be fair to say that the opening month of the men’s Premier League hockey season hasn’t gone according to plan for 2020 grand finalists University.

The Students fell to a shock 2-1 loss to DiamondBacks in round four, leaving them without a point from the opening four matches.

They next face ladderleaders Derwent from noon tomorrow, but the Strikers have been a happy hunting ground for University in previous seasons. University claimed Derwent’s scalp in the 2017, 2018 and 2020 finals series and Saturday’s contest will also provide somewhat of a demonstration of the Strikers premiership credentials.

Unsurprisingly, the year Derwent regularly had University’s measure — in 2019 — they went on to lift the premiership cup.

“It was a disappointing loss for us against DiamondBacks. We just didn’t put the ball in the net, which has been a problem for us so far this season,” University player-coach Ben Read said.

“We have chosen to look at the positives from the game and one of those is the number of quality chances we created, and we are confident if we can keep creating chances like that, then the going in soon.”

Read has called up Henry Larkin, Matt Eaton, Sam Payne and Aaron Kitchener for the match, while Derwent may look to include star defender Ewan Vickery for the first time this season.

North-West Graduates and OHA will meet for the first time this season from 8pm tonight, with both sides ball will start still chasing form.

Graduates looked assured for the first quarter last week before falling away, while OHA struggled to fire on all cylinders in a 3-1 loss to Canterbury.

The return of midfielder Jo Murphy from suspension will bolster the Ships.

Canterbury can complete the opening round inside the top two with victory against DiamondBacks from 4.30pm, who may welcome back a host of underage state rep players. their most consistent