Asia

By Eddie dos Passos/Singapore Hockey Federation

After a two week layoff, teams try to get back into their playing groove with a realistic target of inching ever closer to the play-off segment of the Premiership.

This weekend is no exception with teams jockeying for positions ahead of another three week layoff before league action resumes on June 11, then it will be another two rounds of play with the confirmed top four teams vying for the Premiership crown.

One team aiming to do well and cement their place in the history books are Singapore Cricket Club, currently in third place and certain, if they can maintain their form, to finish in the top four. But how quickly and determined they get back into winning ways is another question.

Captain and SCC goalkeeper Christopher De Souza is confident his charges will not only get them through to the play-offs but also improve along the way despite the short hiatus.

“A lot of the juniors keep in shape by either playing school matches, or attending national training. As for the seniors, we try to do a bit of fitness in the evenings after work. But we enjoy the times when we can train as a team - that's when the coach (Kevin Nunis) can really work with us.

Add that they have no serious injuries and/or suspensions to contend with, SCC are raring to go, only thing stopping them will be Jansenites (second from the bottom), whom they edged out 3-2 in their first league meeting and are in need of a win to keep their play-off hopes alive.

“Jansenites are a good side. They have experience and fitness. We wish them well for the game,” said De Souza.

One telling factor that will certainly affect SCC and the rest of the league is the form or how fit they can all still be with the on-off league schedule. But as De Souza explains, for his side at least, it won’t pose a problem.

“Fitness is a player's own prerogative. Everyone is expected to be able to last the full two halves,” he said.

While on the mental side, his team knows what is expected from each player.

“We enjoy playing hockey - it's a sport for us and it's also where our friends meet and catch up. But when on the pitch, SCC are focused on its task,” he said.

Another intriguing clash on today’s fixture will pit second placed Chenab Hockey Club against fourth placed Ceylon Sports Club (CSC), who are still in with a chance to finish in the top four.

It is a must win encounter for CSC as they hold a slender three point margin over chasing Jansenites and bottom placed Police Sports Association and any let up will otherwise forfeit any hopes of staying in the top four.

Police face league leaders and defending champions Singapore Recreation Club in the other fixture of the day. The last time these two sides met, ended in a SRC 5-0 thumping.

League schedule at Delta Sports Complex today:

1. Chenab Hockey Club vs Ceylon Sports Club, 16.30

2. Singapore Recreation Club vs Police Sports Association, 18.00

3. Jansenites vs Singapore Cricket Club, 19.30.

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