Omissions fire up Southern United

Southern United players who missed out on Canterbury representative squads have every intention of showing selectors what their missing in the Canterbury Premier League semi final today.

Despite finishing level on points with President’s Shield winners Harewood, Southern feel aggrieved with just three players named in the National Hockey League and senior Canterbury squads.

‘‘It’s devastating,’’ said Southern United coach Shane Maddaford. ‘‘We’ve been the benchmark for so much of the year, to only have three players in those teams is kind of disheartening. But the boys, it’s fired them up even more.’’

He said he had no idea why some of his players had been overlooked, and felt selectors hadn’t taken into account the consistency of his players over the season.

‘‘Some of the players they’ve picked are new to the teams as well. Ben Owers, who was in the Beavers last year and made the national tournament team from the Beavers, didn’t even get selected.’’

Maddaford admitted that by finishing second on goal difference in the league, his young team had exceeded their own expectations this season, and are surprised to find themselves favourites in their semi final against CarltonRedcliffs.

Having beaten them once, as well as lost against them in the 2015 season, Southern know that much depends on which CarltonRedcliffs team turns up. With George Enerson and Willy Davidson back from Black Sticks duty, they won’t be an easy opponent.

‘‘A semi final is a semi final. They can fire up and they can beat anyone, as they’ve proven this year. It should be a good game.’’

In the other semifinal Harewood take on HSOB-Burnside, and HSOB coach Mark Beatson is expecting a high standard at Marist Park.

‘‘Both teams have a high number of quality players and each include a good mix of Canterbury Cavalier and Beavers players,’’ said Beatson.

‘‘It should be a quality match and if we can execute our game plan, stay focused and take our opportunities, we’ve got every chance of winning.’’

The first match will be the women’s semi final between HSOB-Burnside and Avon at 12.05pm, followed by Harewood against HSOB-Burnside’s men.

The second women’s semi final between Harewood and Carlton Redcliffs is at 3.05pm with the Carlton Redcliffs men going up against Southern United in the final match at 4.35pm.