Premier League Round 10 – Match of the Round Preview

Published Thu 08 Jun 2023

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Round 10 – Match of the Round Preview

Grange Royals Hockey Club v Adelaide University Hockey Club

Preview by Bevan Jones

Premier League Women

This Thursday night at MATE Stadium is a big game for the 4th placed Adelaide University with a 5-4 record as they look to consolidate a spot in this year’s finals. They take on 8th placed Grange Royals who are desperate to get a win having lost all their eight games so far this season.

These two teams have already met once this season in round three and on that occasion, it was Adelaide University who got the win 2-0.

In their last matches, Adelaide University went down 6-1 to Seacliff at the Seacliff Hockey Club and the Royals lost 6-0 in their last game against the Adelaide Hockey Club at MATE Stadium.

Adelaide University Coach, Darren Neimke, said consistency was the key for his side going forward.

“We're expecting a close game against Grange and we're working hard on our game and looking for continued improvement this week,” Neimke explained.

“We're in pretty good shape heading into the middle of the season, but we need to be more consistent and show that we can control games for longer periods.”

Grange Coach, Mark Dedman, is hoping his team can put a similar performance to round three.

“Our Round 3 match against Uni was a good even contest despite going down 0-2. We held them scoreless for three quarters of the game and held good possession in attack,” Dedman said.

“Grange will need to improve in converting their attacking opportunities into goals.”

Both sides will be looking for better performances after disappointing losses in their last outings, but there is too much on the line for Adelaide University. Adelaide University to win 4-1.

Premier League Men

Bottom of the table Adelaide University with a 0-9 record will be seeking revenge and desperate for a win when they take on the 6th placed Grange Royals this Thursday night who have three wins, two draws and four losses in a must win game if they are to play finals in 2023.

When the sides last met in round three it was Grange with a big 7-1 win and Adelaide University Coach Max Bail said there were some things they needed to change if they were going to win their first game of the season.

“Last time we came up against Grange we let their midfield dictate the speed of the game which is something we will be looking to correct this time around.

“Grange were also able to convert their chances where we couldn’t, and scoreboard pressure is a huge thing in sport so we will be looking to convert early opportunities and look to get the game on our terms.”

There were contrasting results for both teams in their round nine games, Grange went down in a tight one 4-3 against Port Adelaide and Adelaide University went down 7-1 against Seacliff.

Grange came close to a win last week over Port Adelaide so if they can play with a similar intensity against Adelaide University then they should bounce back with a win. Grange to win 5-1.