ST Pat’s is ready for a fight on Saturday afternoon, the defending champions of the men’s Premier League Hockey competition knowing defeat against Lithgow Zig Zag means season over.
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Having finishing the regular season in third, the Saints will host Saturday’s minor semi-final.
Saints co-captain Jaden Ekert feels playing at Bob Roach Field is an advantage for his side in a match which will eliminate one side from the title race.
"Playing at home is a massive advantage, all of our supporters will be there and you don't have to travel,” Ekert said.
"The guys understand that if they lose then that's it, they know they've got to win this weekend and after that, well anything can happen.”
In their previous meetings this season, one resulted in a 3-all draw and the other a 4-3 win to the Saints. It highlights how close the two sides are and Ekert is taking nothing for granted.
"That experience of being there before does help. The guys understand what the situation is all about, but Zig Zag have players who have been in finals before and are vastly experienced as well,” he said.
"When it comes to finals everyone wants to win, but you have got to have that real will to win as well, everyone needs to be switched on.”
Saturday’s match at Bob Roach Field will commence at 1.50pm.