ORANGE Wanderers have one big Spanish obstacle in Saturday’s men’s Premier League Hockey clash against Bathurst Souths – Edu Garriga Viudes.
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Garriga Viudes has scored six goals in two games since linking with Souths – including five in the side’s 22-0 rout of Bathust City a fortnight ago - and has transformed their attacking play.
“He’s a drag-flicker I hear and he’s pretty handy. We’ll need to work hard to try and stop him,” Wanderers player-coach Keiran Gentles said.
“He’s obviously made a difference but Souths have been one of the benchmark teams in the competition I think this year.
“They had a massive pre-season from what I’m told and have all their guys fully committed, you’ll win games when that happens.
“We’re just going out looking to work for each other and play some good hockey. We’ve still got a few troops out so it’ll be tough.”
The Orange side will be boosted by Gentles’ return from a heel injury, which will slightly offset the fact Michael Dillon, James Shakeshaft, Darryn Marjoram and Matt Johnson will all miss the game through injury.
“It was a very frustrating three or four weeks for me watching from the sideline so it’s nice to be back, and to be back when we play Souths,” Gentles said.
“There’s always a bit of fire in these games.”
Souths coach Ray Winwood-Smith gave the improving Wanderers plenty of praise in the lead up to the game, suggesting it’ll be one the toughest his side faces.
“Orange in Orange I would put down as one of our more dangerous games,” he said.
“Like us, they are battling for a top four spot so we’re not underestimating them at all.
“They probably have been a bit inconsistent this season but now is the time to step up, if you make a mistake you can’t make up for it.
“They need to be producing their best hockey and so do we.”
Wanderers host Souths at Orange Hockey Complex from 2.35pm.