THE Dubbo Blue Jays make the daunting trip to Parkes today but they will be boosted by the knowledge the home side are without two of their stars.
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The Blue Jays, who are expected to be missing some key players of their own today, face the so-far undefeated Parkes United today.
United won their opening two matches of this season's Premier League Hockey before enjoying the bye last week, while Dubbo have begun their season with two wins and a draw.
As two of the leading teams in the competition up to this point, the match is shaping as an important one but both sides have been struck by player unavailability.
With the absence of the three players, Sarah Melhuish, Niamh Dixon and Lee Hodge, Parkes coach Aaron Huppatz knew his side faced a real challenge.
"We will need to be 100% on our game this weekend if we want to defeat Dubbo," he said.
"So far they have been the real improvers in this year's competition.
"They proved themselves with great results against Bathurst City and St Pats which is no easy feat.
"We have not had the best preparation with a poor turnout at training this week.
"This must improve if we want to be a top five team this year."
Dubbo coach Craig Johnston also wants his team to be a top five side this season and a match against another of last seasons' finalists will give him another indication of how his side is travelling early in 2015.
The speed up front and commitment in defence was a real standout during the 2-1 win over Bathurst City last week and Johnston will be keen to see more of that today.
Brief signs of intricate passing were also seen last week and Johnston admitted that's something he wants to see more of in the middle of the pitch.
Today's match at Parkes' is at 1.20pm.
