Lions roar into team full of guns

CANTERBURY’S Ian McHugh is captain of the inaugural Mercury Premier League Team of the Year, joining teammate Sam McCulloch as the Lions roared back as a men’s hockey force in 2021.

Minor premiers Derwent and runners-up OHA both have three selections, recognising regular seasons that saw them achieve positive goal differences of 49 and 31 goals respectively.

The duo found the back of the net more than 70 times, almost 50 per cent greater than their rivals, while the Strikers’ outstanding defensive record was led by full back Josh Mardell.

Few could argue that Mardell isn’t a warm favourite to clinch his second League best and fairest gong after taking his game to new heights.

Mardell is joined in deep defence by OHA’s standout player James Thomas, who amassed 20 goals, either from penalty corners or the penalty spot, while being the Ships’ defensive linchpin.

In front of the full back pairing is OHA goalkeeper Henry Chambers, whose outstanding consistency was rewarded with selection to play against the Kookaburras in their final pre-Olympic hit out in July.

Chambers stood out amid a rich crop of goalkeepers, including DiamondBacks’ Grant Woodcock, Canterbury’s Max Larkin and Derwent’s Magnus McCausland.

The half back positions fell to University’s

Tyler McDonald and McHugh, with the latter handed the captain’s armband in recognition for his distinguished career and character.

McDonald is the youngest selected player, rising rapidly this season and contributing five penalty corner goals.

North-West Graduates Jai WalkerKidd, Derwent’s Ewan Vickery and University’s Ben Read can all consider themselves unlucky to be squeezed out of a versatile back four.

The midfield trio oozes class and big-game experience, with Derwent’s Vaughn Bowen flanked by Graduates pairing James Bourke and Gobind Gill.

Bourke assumes the vice-captaincy and his selection is a no-brainer based on his consistent form, while Bowen and Gill are rewarded for their ability to drive attacking opportunities and break games open.

Youngsters Joe Murphy, Oli Smith (both OHA), Ashby Bingham (Uni) and Oliver Pritchard (DBS) all entered the conversation, but it’s difficult to make a case as strong as the trio ahead of them.

The forward line combined to score nearly 50 goals between them, with Derwent’s Angus Boulton and OHA’s Sam McCambridge tussling for the mantle of competition leading forward.

McCulloch edged out Derwent veteran Paul Ancher for the final spot to complete a star-studded line-up that would likely prove equal to any in the country.