POINTS are at a premium when Kinross-CYMS and Confederates go head-to-head today at the Orange Hockey Complex.
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The two Orange-based women's Premier League Hockey clubs have been battlers over the initial nine rounds of the 2014 competition, but by virtue of the closeness of this year's ladder, both are mathematical chances of making the top five.
With Kinross-CYMS earning four points so far and Feds just the two, both face an up-hill battle to track down current fifth-place occupiers Lithgow Zig Zag (18 points).
And to do so, maximum points today is crucial.
"Without a doubt," Kinross-CYMS coach Pete Shea said, with nine rounds remaining ensuring 36 points are still up for grabs for each side leading into the semi-finals.
"We need to ensure we keep getting points and this is certainly an opportunity to do that."
Aiding his side's bid for a potentially momentum-building win, Kinross-CYMS welcome back Ellen Van Hoek, Chloe Barrett, Madie Smith, Em Piper and Annabelle Probert for today's hit-out with Confederates.
"Unfortunately for Feds, that's probably not what they want to hear," Shea added.
It was a scenario posed to Feds mentor Mark Pengilly yesterday by the Central Western Daily, and a full-strength opposition is exactly what the red and blues are expecting.
"I thought that'd be the case," Pengilly said.
"I thought they might have all of their girls back this week.
"I think we can expect the girls to lift though. We had a talk about it during the week and the girls are keen to do well.
“We've been strong in defence the last couple of weeks. If we can keep that up then the girls up front can find the back of the net."
In other round 10 women's PLH games today, Zig Zag will travel to Bathurst to face City, St Pat's tackle Panthers in Lithgow, and the Dubbo Blue Jays battle United in Parkes. Kinross-CYMS and Feds clash at 1.10pm.