HOCKEY
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ORANGE Ex-Services co-coach Mitch Kennewell says his side can’t afford to take a struggling Bathurst St Pat’s side lightly ahead of today’s women’s Premier League Hockey gala day at Parkes.
All four of today’s women’s games will be played at the McGlynn Sporting Complex from 10.30am when Bathurst Souths takes on hosts United, and Kennewell believes when 1.30pm rolls around and Servies line-up against St Pat’s, complacency won’t be an issue for the Orange outfit.
“We’ve spoken about that, and we know we can’t afford to be complacent,” Kennewell said, St Pat’s only chalking up their second win of the season last weekend, knocking off Feds 3-1.
“We’ve struggled against St Pat’s, most Bathurst sides actually, in the past and these are the games we need to win.”
Especially considering how tight the 2015 competition is.
Just one win separates first and fifth, with Lithgow Panthers (22), Bathurst City (22), Bathurst Souths (20), Parkes (20) and Ex-Services (18) occupying spots one through five in the race for finals places in 2015.
Having already had two byes this season, the Orange club holds an extra game in hand over the rest of the top five, and Kennewell said today’s gala day will give Ex-Services their best chance yet to scope out the rest of this year’s contenders.
“I’d like to make a day of it and see a couple of games,” he said.
“Hopefully we can hang around and celebrate with a beer after our game ... hopefully,” he laughed.
“We’re at full strength though and the girls have been playing well, so hopefully we can come away with another win.”
Ellen Van Hoek returns for the blue and golds ahead of today’s game, with the Dutch defender a massive inclusion for a side hoping to press for a top three spot at the end of this round.
In the other women’s games in Parkes, Souths take on Parkes (10.30am), Panthers play Dubbo Blue Jays (12pm) and City clashes with Confederates from 3pm.
Feds coach Mark Pengilly said his side would have to match City's speed.
"And if we can put a few more goals away as well we'll be in with a chance," he said.
