ColraingivehischanceasStrikers’cupdefencereaches pointyend
MEN’s Premier Hockey League ladder leader Derwent headlines a huge quarter-final day against University as the State Club Cup takes the spotlight on Saturday around the state.
The Strikers are back in action seeking to defend last year’s cup title but will have to progress without Angus Boulton and Tom Broadby.
Their absence will open the door for Hugh Flassman and Sam Colrain and the latter was singled out by coach Nick Tremayne for his improved performances.
“Sam Colrain has been really impressive fitting into our structures and will get an increased opportunity this weekend in the midfield,”
Tremayne said. “He is very coachable and his strength on the ball and possession retention have really improved.”
University has traditionally had an uncanny knack of causing upsets in knockout games and Tremayne is cautious of the fight the Strikers could face.
“We know state cup games are always more applicable given their knockout nature,” he said.
“Uni have really impressed me with their work ethic, we will tweak a few things from our last meeting with them in order to hopefully get the game more on our terms.”
The Students will hope to regain inspirational player-coach Ben Read, who missed last weekend’s Premier League game due to illness.
DiamondBacks will field arguably their oldest and most experience line up, with a number of underage Tasmanian representatives absent, when they face OHA from 10.30am on Saturday.
The Ships earned an important victory against University last weekend to resurrect their Premier League season and will be hoping to continue that positive momentum with safe progress to the semi-finals.
The remaining quarter-finals will be in Burnie where Greater Northern League premier Burnie Baptist face North-West Graduates from 1pm.
Canterbury will also be aiming for a sweet trip back from the Midlands Highway with victory against host South Burnie from 2.30pm.