EXPERIENCE and structure through the penalty corners will be the key to the Blue Jays ending their losing streak when they host Zig Zag in the women's Premier League Hockey (PLH) on Saturday.
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The side would be without three key players, including captain Emma Corcoran who broke her nose playing hockey on Tuesday night, but defender (and Emma's mother) Kate Corcoran said the girls still believed they could come away with the win.
"You can't underestimate any of the premier league sides. They all have their strengths," Corcoran said.
"They're quite a young side so we'll definitely be under the pump with their speed and fitness.
"We have actually brought in two players, Prue Rutherford and Amy Davis, which will give us a bit more experience through the defence and midfield, allowing us to free up a few more players in the attacking line."
The side would also boast a great forward line with Alex Waters, Phoebe Bloinke Hollier, Brittany Sheen and Siobhan Pearce.
The side is yet to win a game in 2016 and has suffered significant losses to Bathurst St Pats (6-0), Bathurst Souths (6-1) and Lithgow Panthers (6-0).
But Corcoran said a number of players had transitioned in and out of the club since last year, meaning the side was focusing on gelling and developing their younger players.
And in the absence of their captain, the Blue Jays will be looking for some leadership through Kendall McDonaugh and Courtney Hogan.
"We lost some major players from our squad last year," Corcoran said.
"We've got some young girls coming through who are really lifting to the challenge... give them a few more years in Premier League and they're going to be some of the leading forwards in Dubbo.
"We're looking for a win, we're hoping to get some points on the ladder this weekend which I think we can do."