SEASON START: Linda Wilson finds a gap in the St Pat’s defence. Orange Ex-Services’ starts its campaign against Bathrst City today in Bathurst.
A ROUND one clash against your bogey side isn’t the ideal way to begin any premiership hunt, and Orange Ex-Services coach Rob Laffin concedes his side may find today’s clash against Bathurst City a little tougher than most.
Ex-Services have had a limited pre-season, with preparation for the 2013 women’s Premier League Hockey campaign starting at the beginning of March for the Orange-based club.
Laffin felt as though this season was starting a lot sooner than past campaigns, and as a result pre-season training has been “pretty laid back.”
Whether that’s going to help or hinder Ex-Services’ start to the year, only time will tell.
“We had a training run (Thursday) night and it was just flat,” Laffin said ahead of his side’s first game of the year in Bathurst against Bathurst City, runners-up last year following an extra-time loss to Lithgow Panthers.
“The general comment amongst the girls was it’s just so early. The girls only finished touch football a fortnight ago and cricket is still going.
“There’s 18 rounds, it’s going to be tough. If we win (today), then that’s a bonus but we’re just looking to play some simple hockey.”
Still, Laffin was hoping for a big year for his side.
They’ll be without Jenny Berzins and Kylie Watts, however, welcome back Shian Duboc for the upcoming winter.
Finishing the 2012 regular season in fourth then going down to Bathurst Souths 2-0 in the women’s PLH minor semi-final, Ex-Services is looking to again play a part in this year’s post-season, albeit a bigger one than that of 12 months ago.
“For us, last year we made the semi-finals. That’d be a pass mark again. That’s where we need to be,” Laffin said.
“We need to consolidate our position there and then hopefully kick on.
“Any coach will tell you that, though.”
Ex-Services tackle Bathurst City in the opening round of the 2013 women’s PLH competition in Bathurst from 3.20pm today.