Greater Northern League: Round 5 Preview

Round 5 of the Greater Northern League promises an exciting weekend of hockey, highlighted by a top-of-the-table clash in the Men’s competition and a blockbuster first-versus-second matchup in the Women’s competition.

In the Men’s competition, West Devonport will be full of confidence after a 2–1 win over Launceston City last round, but face a tough challenge against a well-rested Queechy Penguins side coming off the bye.

The City Marians will be aiming to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Tamar Churinga, despite Kurt Budgeon’s four-goal haul in an eventual 6–4 loss.

At 2:00pm, it’s first versus third as Smithton and Burnie Baptist meet in a huge contest. Both sides will be chasing another win after impressive starts to the season. Burnie Baptist secured top spot with victory over local rivals South Burnie last week, while Smithton produced a dominant 9–2 win over the City Marians, with Blake House running riot to score seven goals.

Finally, Launceston City take on South Burnie, with both sides looking to respond after defeats last week and get back on the winners list. South Burnie fell 1–0 in the Grand Final rematch, while City were edged out 2–1 by West Devonport.

In the women’s competition, Tamar Churinga will be looking for their first win of the season, facing off against City Marians, who have triumphed in 3 of their 4 matches to sit in third place. After coming off a 3-2 win last week over Marians, South Launceston now face Smithton, who are still searching for their first points of the season.

A bumper match between second-placed Launceston City and ladder leader South Burnie promises to be a quality contest. Both teams have only lost 1 game, and the winner can secure their spot at the top of the table.

West Devonport will be looking to get their first points on the board, but it won't be easy against the defending premier Queechy Penguins. The Penguins are yet to taste defeat, but only sit in fourth place with 2 wins and 2 draws on the season. 

The headline clash of the weekend will be taking place at Aurora Energy Northern Hockey Centre, where Launceston City and South Burnie meet in a top-of-the-table clash. South Burnie held the Penguins to a 1-1 draw last weekend,whilst City come into the match following a 3-1 win over West Devonport. 

Women

Sat 16 May

City Marians vs Tamar Churinga, 12:30pm, McKenna Park

Smithton vs South Launceston,12:30pm, Smithton

Launceston City vs South Burnie, 12:30pm, Aurora Energy Northern Hockey Centre 2

Queechy Penguins vs West Devonport, 12:30pm, Aurora Energy Northern Hockey Centre 1

Men

Sat 16 May

Queechy Penguins vs West Devonport, 12:30pm, Northern Hockey Centre 1

City Marians vs Tamar Churinga, 2:00pm, McKenna Park

Smithton vs Burnie Baptist, 2:00pm, Smithton

Launceston City vs South Burnie, 2:00pm, Northern Hockey Centre 2