AFTER a “gutting” draw with Bathurst Souths last weekend, Orange Wanderers coach Andrew Reddan said he has no doubts his players will “be up for it” on Saturday.
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Wanderers host Lithgow Zig Zag in Saturday’s men’s Premier League Hockey final round clash, and with neither side able to make the semi-finals little more than pride is on the line.
Wanderers conceded in the dying stages of last week’s game to draw with Souths, when nothing but a win would suffice.
“It was gutting. I’ve never seen guys so gutted,” Reddan said.
“But I think that is testament to how far they have come this year. Their attitude has changed, and their mindset has changed significantly.
“We saw it at training on Thursday, it was one of best sessions of the year. They want to win this game.”
With several players unavailable, Wanderers will roll out its young brigade, with Caiden Reddan, Gerry and Louis Shea and Mitch Vennard all listed to play.
“They deserve the chance to finish the season,” the Wanderers’ mentor said.
“They have all trained hard every week and it’s fitting they get to play the last game. It’s unfortunate for the guys that are away.
“We have a lot of young guys like that, even younger too, coming through. We’re in good stead for the next few years.”
Wanderers has scored two victories against Zig Zag prior to today’s game, 7-3 in round two and 4-3 in round seven.
“I think we should be okay against these guys,” Reddan said.
“We’ve won against them before. They’re like Souths, you just need to stay out of their niggle and play hockey.
“I think if we play the way we trained during the week we should be able to grab a win to finish off.”
Wanderers host Zig Zag from 1.10pm at Orange Hockey Centre on Saturday.
