Premier League Round 3 – Match of the Round Preview

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Round 3 – Match of the Round Preview

Adelaide University Hockey Club v Grange Royals Hockey Club

Preview by Bevan Jones

Premier League Women

The 6th placed Adelaide University take on 8th placed Grange Royals, in this week’s Women’s Match of the Round. 

Adelaide University had an impressive 3-1 victory against Forestville in round one, and in round two they went down 3-0 to last year’s Premiers, Seacliff. 

Adelaide University Coach, Darren Neimke, said his team was looking for a better performance this week. 

“Last week's game against Seacliff was a tough one, but we've learned from it and are ready to bounce back this week,” Neimke said. 

“We know what we need to work on, and we're confident in our abilities to execute our game plan. 

“Consistency is key for us, and we're focused on meeting our high standards every week.  

“We're approaching this game with the same level of intensity and preparation as we do for all games.” 

Grange Royals are yet to get a win in 2023 which makes this week’s game very intriguing. They lost in round one 4-0 to Seacliff and last week was a tough day at the office where they went down 9-0 against Port Adelaide. 

Grange Royals Coach, Mark Dedman, said with a couple of key additions to his side this week he expected the game to be a close encounter. 

“Grange Royals are preparing for another tight battle with Adelaide Uni.  

“Our last few encounters have been a tight encounter with only one goal separating the teams. 

“Grange will be bolstered with the return of Abbey Mitton (ACL) and Caitlin Abbott (overseas work)” 

A couple of good ins for Grange will make this a good contest and the Royals will be desperate to get their first win on the board for this year. 

Adelaide University to win 3-2.

Premier League Men

In a bottom of the ladder battle between 7th placed Grange and 8th placed Adelaide University, this should be a very interesting tussle with both teams desperate for their first win of 2023. 

In their two games so far, Adelaide University have lost both and Grange have had a draw and one loss. 

Grange had a tough one first up against Seacliff going down 7-0, but put up a much better performance in round two against last year’s Premiers Port Adelaide with the game finishing 1-1. 

Grange Royals Coach, Ben Edwards, said he was hoping they would bring this same intensity to the game against Adelaide University. 

“It's going to be critical for the team to harness the same level of intensity and hunger for the contest that was shown against Port on the weekend,” Edwards said. 

“Staying disciplined with our defensive and attacking structures will provide the foundation we need to get the points.  

“Adelaide Uni scored against Seacliff on the weekend, so we are expecting a battle for the win.” 

It’s been a tough start for Adelaide University with a 4-1 loss to Forestville in round one and a 5-1 loss to one of the premiership contenders, Seacliff in round two. 

Adelaide University Coach, Max Bail, said maintaining structure and discipline was the key to winning against Grange. 

“Grange are a very good side with a lot of focus on their four key players that control their midfield,” Bail said. 

“This is where the game will be won or lost for us. 

“If we can play a disciplined, structured game it will go a long way to us getting our first W of the year.” 

This should be a great contest but I am tipping Grange to win 2-1.

This weekend’s Matches of the Round are LIVE on LiveHockey - https://livehockey.com.au
Women @ 2:00pm | Men @ 3:30pm