The critical hour is arriving for Lithgow Panthers’ men’s and women’s Premier League Hockey sides, they’re both gearing up to host their respective grand finals this weekend.
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Both teams are in good stead with their full squad on hand, as well as solid results against their grand final opponents this season.
Panthers women will meet Bathurst City for the second time in the final rounds of the 2017 Premier League.
They’re hoping for a repeat of the major semi-final, in which they secured a 2-1 win over the Bathurst heavyweights to progress straight through to the big dance.
Panthers want to keep their dominance over City going too, this time last year Bathurst City was denied the crown by Lithgow.
City’s form against the Panthers has been undeniably strong this year but Lisa Quinn, the Bathurst side’s coach, still publicly named Panthers as “the team to beat”. And City did – once.
City took down Panthers 4-1 in May, then tied 3-3 the second time round.
But Panthers are confident.
“We know we can beat them. As long as we play to our game and don’t let them control it,” coach Cheryn Van Veen said.
“They do play a similar game to us, although they play a lot more through the mid-field. We’re going to stick to our game, it’s been working for us.”
Panthers welcome back their NSW Country stars in Amelia Leard, Jess Luchetti, Courtney Hogan and Clare Bosman.
But, in a cruel blow Abby Wilson – regularly recognised as this region’s best player – hasn’t qualified for the finals.
“We definitely want to get a win at home and a double win with the men would be excellent. It’s going to be a big day,” Van Veen said.
Panthers men are also looking for a repeat grand final win against Bathurst Souths, after their successful home-ground performance in 2016.
We definitely want to get a win at home and a double win with the men would be excellent.
- Panthers coach Cheryn Van Veen
“All the guys are pretty excited. They are raring to go,” Dave Marshall, the men’s coach, said.
For the first time this year, Panthers will have their full squad on hand.
“(Orange’s) Nic Milne will be back as well as Brandon Horner. Nathan Mitchell will be playing after six weeks off due to a hamstring injury,” Marshall explained.
“We’re just concentrating on the way we normally play. Keeping the ball nice and short and supporting the ball carrier as much as we can. And making the most of those chances when we get them.”
The women’s game starts at 1.30pm, before the men’s at 3pm.
