Asia

By Eddie dos Passos/Singapore Hockey Federation

Theresians walk into Delta Sports Complex this afternoon fully aware that no compromises can be made if they are to defend their Women’s Premier League crown against title chasers Singapore Recreation Club.

Having advanced to today’s final has been a rocky road for the championship holders, after underdogs Singapore Cricket Club held their own in last week’s semi-final clash before their defense collapsed in the final stages to hand a 2-1 win to Theresians.

Then there was Theresians final two league games, where having remained unbeaten for the better part of the season, saw the champions stumble and lose both games, a 4-2 defeat to Singapore Recreation Club and then crashing out 2-1 to Police Sports Association.

But Theresians are made of sterner stuff and can be expected to take up the challenge in what promises to be another titillating match between these two sides if their last encounter is any indication.

Serene Tan, Theresians captain has her hands full in finding a way to halt SRC as they battle erratic form and absentee players as she rates her chances.

“It’s difficult to tell. Really depends on which team rise to the occasion on the day itself. We are missing a few key players in defense. However, we have faith in our younger defenders and are certain they will meet the challenge,” Tan said.

With an eye to returning to their more comfortable domineering ways, Tan admitted the side needed ‘stability’ if they wanted to come out on top.

“We had experimented with various formations and strategies the last couple of games with mixed results. We hope to achieve some stability this game,” she said. “We will just have to play hard and focus on the task ahead.”

SRC have shown they can be a thorn in Theresians side when they showed the defending champions the exit only three weeks ago in regular season.

Then, SRC snatched an early 2-0 lead, allowed Theresians back into the game to draw 2-2 but a late penalty flick turned the tide as SRC left Delta on a 4-2 winning note.

SRC captain Priscilla Koh has promised Theresians they will play more of the same type of frustrating game when the two sides last met to bottle down the midfield in a close tactical game.

“Our strategy remains the same. That is to close them early once they get possession of the ball. Cut off their passes to their key players,” said Koh.

Looking at her side’s chances to take the crown from their opponents, Koh felt they were on an equal footing with Theresians but that external factors would also play a role in deciding an outcome.

“Both teams have an equal chance to win the match. I guess it all depends on that day itself. External factors such as the weather and umpires will also affect the game! And of course luck plays a part too,” Koh said.

SRC are treating this game no differently than their previous meeting with Theresians although the one-off affair will certainly put a sharpen edge to the final.

“We treat this game as just another match in the league although I must say the weight age this time around is definitely much more!,” she admitted.

Koh conceded that the key was “Confidence, composure and teamwork” if they are to succeed in breaking Theresians hold on the league title.

SRC might be missing Steff Chan who has a partially torn ligament at the ankle, Koh has promised a suspension-free side to face off Theresians.

A SRC win will put the club in the driving seat as their men’s team face Singapore Cricket Club in the men’s final at 7pm, also at Delta.

Schedule today at Delta Sports Complex:

Women’s Premier League final:

Singapore Recreation Club vs Theresians, 17.00

Men’s Premier League final:

Singapore Recreation Club vs Singapore Cricket Club, 19.00

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