Greater Northern Hockey’s top end of the table should all be confident this week with the top five playing the bottom five.
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Smithton hosts Launceston City with again not their strongest side on the park, but the return of Nigel Kingston will strengthen their defence.
The Saints’ mid-field was solid last week with Kade Woodrage and Jason House stepping up with last week’s elevation.
They are mindful of the fact that a loss here will end their finals aspirations.
Launceston City is an unknown factor travelling but is capable of upsetting the home team on any given day with keeper Pinner on his game.
Queechy Penguins play the Subbies at home in what should be a close-fought contest.
The Qs will be missing Sam Rossetto and Stuart Withington out with injuries, but plenty of depth within the club should have them on track, with Tom Moir, Matt Franklin and Derrick Heathorn controlling the back.
The Subbies are solid scrappers with a full playing list and strong performances from Daniel Hinds, Callum Dubeld, Mark Wicks and Sam Phillips will worry the Q’s defence.
South Launceston hosts the ever-strong City Marians.
Both sides are more than capable of inflicting major damage on any given day, and this game will require strong control across the board to inflict a loss for either side.
The Suns had a narrow loss on the road last week to the Hawks, making the journey from here to finals a must all.
Kurt Budgeon, Lachie Elliott and Mark Lockwood up front can be dangerous if they get clean possession but should be in the mix.
The Bloods’ defence Craig McCarthy and Simon Vandenberg are solid in front of keeper Dave Townsend with plenty of pace to counter attack quickly.
Liam Grundy and the speedy Will Gates will give the Suns plenty to ponder if let loose.
Burnie Baptist meets Tamar Churinga in what should be a win for the Baptist boys.
Baptist sits second on the ladder after last week’s result, with the corner barrage firing and field goals to match.
Tyler Wolfe and Ben Reid are regulars on the score sheet with more to come from the youngsters this week.
Tamar’s style has improved with a more aggressive attack than previous seasons with Rohan John, Rohan Foon and Justin Ockerby the impetus in the forward forays.
Team Leader Robert Partridge and sidekick Brad Burston find themselves under plenty of pressure but control the defence well.
South Burnie and West Devonport meet in Devonport for what should be a consolidating win for the current third-on-the-ladder Hawks.
The Dragons logged their first win for the season last week with coach Fred Bessell ecstatic for the new comers and high in praise for their efforts.