RIVALS UNITE IN CANCER FIGHT
THE women’s hockey Premier League will show its support for one of its favourite daughters, as clubs come together to raise funds for cancer research for the Mother’s Day round.
University Hockey Club star defender Alexandra Cullen (nee Irwin) was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 years of age and has shared that, on the day of her diagnosis, there were 55 Australians diagnosed with breast cancer and eight who lost their lives to it.
Cullen’s club will open the round against Canterbury from 10.30am, with both sides desperately seeking the points to stay in contact with the runaway top four sides.
Both sides earned four penalty corner opportunities last time out, but it was the Lions’ ability to convert twice that set the teams apart.
Second-placed NorthWest Graduates will be seeking redemption for their round-three 0-1 loss to fourth-placed DiamondBacks when they meet from 3pm, in the Mercury’s livestreamed match.
DiamondBacks midfielder Philly Bridley said star forward Emily Donovan was battling a hamstring strain and it would likely be a game-day decision whether she plays.
“Their main strengths are Loui Jacobson, who is still one of the best defenders I know, and we have to keep an eye on Ash Arthur and Grace Calvert through their midfield and their recent addition, Zayna Jackson,” Bridley said.
“I think I can personally look to be more attacking and take the game on at times a bit more.”
Calvert has five goals from the opening seven matches, but admits she is yet to reach the heights of previous seasons as she commutes from studying in Launceston.
“I haven’t had the best start to the season, so hopefully [during] semester break I can dedicate some more time to my hockey and fitness,” Calvert said.
“We have picked up Kelsey Lewis, who has settled into the team after time in New Zealand and Victoria and has been excellent for us so far. I have also been really impressed with young talent Zayna Jackson.”
OHA can extend its unbeaten streak to eight matches, but the Ships must first see off the freescoring Derwent from 4.30pm, with the match sure to contain plenty of celebratory moments.