Premier League Round 8 – Match of the Round Preview

Published Fri 26 May 2023

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Round 8 – Match of the Round Preview

Adelaide University Hockey Club v North East Hockey Club

Breakthrough Mental Health Round

Preview by Bevan Jones

Premier League Women

The 3rd placed Adelaide University Hockey Club with a 4-3 record will be looking to bounce back after a narrow loss in round seven, when they host the 6th placed North East for Breakthrough Mental Health Round.

North East have a 3-4 record and are coming off a big 5-0 win against Forestville.

Adelaide University went down 2-1 against Adelaide Hockey Club last Tuesday evening and Coach Darren Neimke said they were looking forward to hosting North East as part of a very important round for the club.

“Hosting the Breakthrough Round for the Mental Health Research Foundation is a great privilege,” Neimke said.

“It's the third year our club has supported this cause through our relationship with the Adelaide University and something we value greatly.

“I'm sure we've all been exposed to the impact of mental health issues so it's important that we come together as a hockey community to support such an important cause.

“We're coming off a physical and, at times, emotional encounter against Adelaide on Tuesday but we're aware of the importance of this game against North East so we moved quickly to focus on Sunday's game.”

North East Coach Holly Evans said they would be looking forward to a physical game against Adelaide University but would take some confidence into the game after the 5-0 victory against Forestville.

“We are up for the challenge, we want to show the competition that we are a threat and to do that we have to beat aggressive teams like Adelaide Uni and focus on moving the ball well with good speed and counter their strengths,” Evans said.

“I still think we have a lot to build on from the Forestville game and we want to show that we can finish well, and I think we have a lot more potential still to show and we want to keep building.”

This should be an enthralling contest, but I am tipping Adelaide University to win 3-2.

Premier League Men

Their ladder positions would suggest a one-sided contest, but funny things happen in hockey, and the 3rd placed North East can’t afford to underestimate the 8th placed Adelaide University who will be desperate to win their first game of the season.

North East have won three games, lost two and drawn two and are coming off a 2-2 draw with Forestville last Tuesday night whilst Adelaide University went down 4-0 last Wednesday night against the Adelaide Hockey Club.

Adelaide University Coach Max Bail said it was not only special to host Breakthrough Mental Health Round, but also recognise the importance of building awareness around mental health.

“It’s a big game for us but more than just the match, Breakthrough Mental Health Round, is a cause that we have supported for a number of years, it’s a great honour for the club to host it,” Bail said.

“Mental health is not just important for the club but important for everyone, sport can be such a relief for everyone and being outdoors and with groups of people can increase people’s mental wellbeing.

“It affects everyone and so being able to support a cause that affects so many people is the biggest thing.

“Unfortunately, the year hasn’t gone to plan, not registering a point yet but we’ve shown some signs over the last few weeks, and we’re not far away from cracking those first points for the year.

“A few small lapses here and there are costing us at crucial times.

“North East has a lot of young and fast skilful guys and some older heads at the back, so we need to make sure that we stick to what works for us.”

North East Coach, Jordan Glover, said North East Men are eyeing off a good display against a dangerous Uni outfit.

“We have prepared thoroughly and will be eager to compete for four quarters.

“A solid team performance will set us up for success towards the middle of the season.”

Adelaide University will put up a decent fight, but I think North East have too much on the line and will win this one comfortably. North East 4-1.

Show your support by donating to the below fundraising links, and support our Premier League Clubs who are supporting the Breakthrough Community Round -

ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY HOCKEY CLUB

FORESTVILLE HOCKEY CLUB