RISKING IT FOR REWARD
Ships set to recall injured pair for grand final against minor premier Derwent
OHA appears set to run the gauntlet in today’s men’s hockey grand final against minor premier Derwent, rushing two stars back from injury.
The Ships came from two early goals down to defeat the Strikers in last fortnight’s semi-final in a penalty shootout and are likely to risk Oliver Smith and Kurt Budgeon to improve their chances of a 12th Premier League title.
Standing in their way is Derwent, which survived to defeat Canterbury in sudden-death penalties last weekend after finishing the regular season with an imposing 14-point margin.
Led by defender Josh Mardell, Vaughn Bowen and Angus Boulton, the Strikers held a 3-1 head-to-head record against OHA before their second-half fade-out in the semi-final.
That performance seems to have been excused by the punters, with a weight of support falling in behind Derwent to claim its 16th title.
“I think Derwent will start well and get out to an early two-goal lead, before OHA comes back to finish it at 3-3,” Tassie Tigers coach Stephen McMullen said.
“A big in for OHA is if Oliver Smith plays, but I think Derwent will sneak home in one-on-ones, after I feel the game will be controlled by each defence.”
Similarly, University coach Ben Read is tipping Derwent on penalties, while North West’s James Bourke (5-2), University’s James Dick (4-3), DiamondBacks’ Angus Yeates (3-1) and Canterbury’s Sam McCulloch (4-3) opted for the Strikers.
“If OHA want to repeat their previous win, they’re going to need a big game out of Joe Murphy to create opportunities,” Yeates said.
Read tipped Derwent to start well. “But as long as OHA don’t let them get away before half-time, then I think this will be extremely close,” he said. “It’s going to be a battle of tactics versus hard running and I’m looking forward to it, with the goalkeeper battle to be massive and how much influence each sweeper can have.”
DiamondBacks goalkeeper Grant Woodcock went the other way, predicting OHA to reign supreme 3-2.
“I reckon OHA have a good shot this year after finishing the season strong with some key players really playing well,’’ he said. “I think Derwent sometimes lack that team support, but if they were to really come together then I reckon it will be a very close and exciting game.”
The men’s grand final starts at 3.15pm, following the women’s decider between OHA and Derwent from 1.30pm.