Services’ Kimmy Hill is pursued by Olympians’ Alice Arnott during a recent match-up. Their sides both have important semi-final battles tomorrow, although Olympians will be without Arnott. Photo: Barry Smith 220712BSB11
FRESH from his European adventure and winning Masters World Cup bronze, Andrew Davy is hoping his Services side can win through to the Tamworth women’s competition grand final tomorrow.
They and Flames resume their customary major semi-final battle with the winner moving straight through to the decider.
Davy hasn’t seen too much of Services’ recent games. He’s been away with the Australian Over 45 men.
They finished third after losing in a penalty shoot-out to Germany in their semi-final, and then beating New Zealand 4-1 to pick up the bronze.
“It was a great experience, and hard hockey,” Davy said.
That’s what tomorrow will be – hard hockey.
Either side is capable of beating the other on any given day as they’ve shown throughout the season.
Davy said Flames would probably come out in front of them over their games, despite Servies claiming the minor premiership.
“They’re strong right across the paddock, as are we,” he said.
“It’s a game that will come down to the team that takes its chances.”
The mifdield will play a big part in creating those chances and Davy expects that will be where the game is won or lost.
Both sides have strong midfields and have the ability to really dictate a game.
“A lot of it will come down to our ability to control the ball and dominate possession,” Davy said.
And whether they can get their press working.
When it has, it has been a big advantage for them.
They’ve got a lot of turnovers from it.
Flames’ form has been a bit up and down this season.
But after a couple of lacklustre efforts, they put things together pretty well last weekend.
“The girls are looking forward to it,” coach Adam Straub said.
“It will be a good challenge against Servies.”
It’s no secret what they have to do to win.
“We’ve got to be smarter with the ball and take our opportunities when they arise,” Straub said.
That has been a bit of a problem at times, with their attack too often breaking down in their attacking 25.
Straub said they’ve focused a lot on their attack, and working on holding the ball rather than just hitting it, and forcing short corners.
They haven’t done that enough, and built enough pressure.
If they can control that and the midfield that will go a long way to winning it for them.
“We also need to make sure we’re first to the ball and nice tight marking,” Straub said.
“If they have time and room to move in the middle of the field they’ll beat us.”
They match up at 3pm following the minor semi-final between Waratahs and Telstra Store Olympians.
The final round men’s games will also be played tomorrow.