Teammates become coach rivals

DERWENT Premier League teammates Josh Mardell and Keegan Popowski will go up against one another as coaches on opposing benches in the women’s preliminary final, starting at 3.30pm on Saturday.

The Mardell-led North West Graduates are sweating on the availability of Lucy Alexander after she had a head knock in their 1-3 loss to minor premier OHA in the semi-final.

In contrast, Popowski’s Derwent stormed past DiamondBacks 3-2 in the elimination final and has maintained strong form since beating Graduates 5-2 on August 21.

Strikers Beth Dobbie and Molly Haas both scored doubles in that big win, but Graduates can take solace from their two victories over their rivals previously this season.

Ash Arthur has found the net three times in their past two encounters and looms as the key player, particularly with her ability to convert penalty corners.

“We are confident with our plans versus Derwent,’’ Mardell said. “We made too many mistakes last time against them and that reflected in the score, but we have addressed the issues.

“The girls are very good at motivating each other for the games, which makes my job much easier. I’m confident they will be ready to go on Saturday and give it absolutely everything.”

There is also plenty of confidence in the opposition camp, because Derwent has won its past three matches with an aggregate scoreline of 14-4.

“We’re excited to come up against North West Graduates this weekend,’’ Popowski said. “They are a tough battle and, despite them edging us this season, we’ve always enjoyed the games.

“I think I’m more nervous than any of the girls as they’ve all seemed really focused at training throughout the week and they’re hitting their strides at the right time of the season.”

He said striker Claire Saltmarsh, who scored seven goals in the opening three matches of the season, is back to full fitness and highly motivated to have an impact.