CONTROL.
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That’s what Ex-Services skipper Chloe Barrett says will be the deciding factor in her side’s women’s Premier League Hockey round 13 blockbuster against Bathurst City on Saturday.
Essentially, if Ex-Services can control the tempo of the game and stop Bathurst City doing the same, the blue and golds will go a long way to securing the desired result.
“Bathurst City are very, very good at manipulating the game and other teams into playing how they want them to,” Barrett said.
“They control everything very well and they’re a good side overall, defensively especially.
“If we can stop them taking control, and take control ourselves, I think we should be okay.”
After being stripped of points early in the season Ex-Services have worked their way back into the competition top two.
Bathurst City are very, very good at manipulating the game and other teams into playing how they want them to.
- Ex-Services captain Chloe Barrett
Despite their current standing - second - the blue and golds have stuttered at times, but Barrett said taking down sides of the calibre of Bathurst City would re-confirm her side as a genuine title contenders.
“That’s definitely the case, Bathurst City are one of the best teams in the competition so beating a side like that gives you plenty of confidence,” she said.
“We need to stay composed.”
With Bathurst City’s rock-solid defence – they’ve only conceded 11 goals so far this season to boast the second best record – Barrett said Ex-Services will look to the likes of Shian Duboc and Madie Smith to inspire them to victory.
“Shian has been an absolute star for us all season, she’s been a stand-out all year and then you’ve got the likes of Madie, who is always solid,” Barrett said.
Bathurst City lost 3-0 to Lithgow Panthers last week while Ex-Services trumped Dubbo 4-3.
Those results saw Ex-Services leapfrog Bathurst City into second.
“They overtook us after last weekend’s loss, so it’s on,” Bathurst City’s Casey Bayliss said.
“But we are happy to be playing [Ex-Services] this weekend, we can slip into second again. We are not shy about it, we want second spot back – it’s that simple.”
Ex-Services host the third-placed Bathurst City side at Orange Hockey Complex, from 1.10pm.