North-West to use finals excitement as fuel for clash against OHA

HOCKEY FINALS LIVE STREAMS

OHA is primed for the women’s Premier League hockey finals series, having capped its preparation with a resounding 5-1 defeat of nearest rivals NorthWest Graduates last week.

But the Graduates have shaken that result off quickly, with coach Josh Mardell emphatically stating that “the last 20 games no longer count”.

“All our focus is on Saturday,” Mardell said. “We will have our strongest team and we really need to take our chances in the attacking circle and defend with more purpose. Finals is always an exciting time of year, and we need to use that excitement to fuel our game this weekend.”

OHA will have the added boost of regaining utility Hannah Richards. Player-coach Sarah McCambridge was keen to stress the quality of the two sides.

“We’re very excited to have the match-up again this week against North-West,” McCambridge said.

“I think it’s going to be a real showcase of skill and determination. There are some high-quality players who have had a lot of finals experience, and this will be the difference on the day. It is a must-see game.”

The head-to-head record between the pair shows OHA will enter the 2.15pm as firm favourites, with a 4-0 record, having increased their winning margin through the season. Consecutive 2-1 victories were followed by 3-1 and 5-1 wins.

The women’s elimination final is a rematch of last year, where DiamondBacks overcame a 14-4 shot disadvantage to defeat Derwent 2-1.

The Strikers enter the 12.30pm clash with momentum, having claimed two wins and two draws against DiamondBacks during the regular season and having won they past two matches by strong margins.

The midfield battle between Amelia Spence and Eliza Westland (Derwent) against Philly Bridley and Emily Donovan (DiamondBacks) will be crucial. Women’s Premier League hockey:

DER v DBS 12.30pm, OHA v NWG 2.15pm.