WHEN Souths and Bathurst City meet in a women’s Premier League Hockey derby it doesn’t matter where either side sits on the ladder, you know it’s going to be a special game.
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Bathurst City may be fighting for the minor premiership and Souths are out of the finals picture but that only counts for so much when derby bragging rights are up for grabs.
Souths had the edge in the first meeting between the clubs this season before City hit back in the second half to take a 3-1 win.
Souths captain Ali Stanford said her side always enjoy the build up to a Bathurst derby.
“It’s always a good game to play in. The intensity always goes up that extra bit for a derby,” she said.
“City are a very good team and know how to link up well. We have to keep them out of the circle. Bec Bosianek is very dangerous there, and one player we have to keep an eye on.”
Last round’s 7-0 loss to Lithgow Panthers was a tough performance from a two blues squad down on personnel.
It’s a tough task coming up against the competition’s top two teams in back-to-back matches but Stanford said her team can take a lot away from the Panthers game.
“We started the match with only 11 players, with a few who were late. One of those was our goalie so we really needed to defend well,” she said.
“It was a really good effort playing with a kicking back, and we’ve spoken a lot about our defence from that game. Our communication was really good and everyone stepped up to the plate.
“We’ve got a few players returning for this game because we’ll have a lot of our regular squad out. Kate Stanford and Jas Hennessey will be in for us this week.”
Souths are aiming to avoid a fourth straight Premier League defeat.
City go into Saturday’s game at Cooke Hockey Complex with a red hot Panthers side just two points adrift.
Coach Lisa Quinn expects a fired up two blues side.
“Souths always bring their best when they play against us. They’re an unpredictable team,” she said.
“Souths play to their structure quite well and are always tough to play.
“There’s always that strong rivalry between City and Souths as well.
“I don’t feel like going off what happened in their last game that you can read a lot into that score.
“Brooke McFadden and Jess Hotham are both out but we’ve got the strength to fill in the gaps they’re leaving.”
City’s aim this week will be getting off the mark strongly.
Quinn’s side found just one goal before half-time in their latest game against wooden spooners Lithgow Zig Zag.
The Bathurst women found their stride after the break to find the back of the Lithgow net four more times.
“Once we find that second goal we seem to lift our spirits and that gives us the momentum,” Quinn said.
“Our fitness and speed generally breaks through after some time. We’re like little steam train engines that just keep on going, no matter what. Fitness is a strength of ours and we play to it.”
This will be the penultimate home match for both teams.
Souths and City meet for the second time this Saturday at 2.30pm at Cooke Hockey Complex.