A high-scoring encounter with Queechy brought upon a loss but positive signs emerged and the fourth-placed Suns sit a win behind West Devonport on the table.

West's stars will be looking to fend off the Suns challenge and maintain their second position on the ladder.

A Northern derby stands in the way of QUEECHY PENGUINS keeping their hold on the minor premiership as they face Launceston City-Tamar Churinga.

Undefeated since round one, the Penguins have been dangerous up forward and their upcoming clash has the potential to be no different.

The emerging Tigers have shown positive signs with slight lapses costing their chances and they will need to be on their game Saturday.

Last year's grand finalists CITY MARIANS are slowly and scarily building on their form and next in their path is Smithton.

With four wins to their name so far, Marians overcame a South Burnie threat last week while Smithton's improvement has been a shining light so far this season and could pose an issue for the Marians defence.

Lastly, SOUTH BURNIE host Devonport under lights at McKenna Park in a game that could have the Hawks sitting in the top four.

With fourth-placed South Launceston facing a challenge, a win for the Hawks would have them leap-frog the Suns and sit in finals contention.

Devonport had a tough run-in with West last weekend and look to rebound with a competitive showing.

As men's competition leader Burnie Baptist have the week off, SOUTH LAUNCESTON lead an ensemble of teams looking to play catch-up as they travel to West Devonport.

Scoring 43 goals compared to West's two so far this season, South will have their hosts' defence under immense pressure throughout the contest and goalkeeper Zac King will need to be on his game.

CITY MARIANS are battling neck-and-neck with Launceston City for fourth place and a win over Smithton could have them in the box seat.

Sitting a point behind the Northern outfit, Marians have picked up three wins with their opponents, Smithton sitting on one so far, finding the back of the net 10 times.

RELATED HOCKEY STORIES

Only losing games to the two sides above them so far, QUEECHY PENGUINS look to keep that record intact as they face the fourth-placed Launceston City in a Northern derby with plenty on the line for both sides.

Penguins fell to premiership favourites Burnie Baptist in their last round and will be hungry to get back on the winners list as City's Beau Cornelius and Josh Demarco have shown their team-mates how it's done alongside the ever-solid David Reid in goals.

Two sides evenly poised on seven ladder points apiece, SOUTH BURNIE and Devonport have their respective seasons to play for in this round nine clash.

Picking up two wins and a draw each, only score difference separates the two with the hosts, South Burnie sitting in sixth position.

Stuart Bowles leads South Burnie's scoring with Devonport's being shared around through regulars Callum Dubbeld and Ben Loone.