The Mazda Maulers headed into the opening weekend of the women’s John Davis Motor Superleague as undisputed, pre-competition title favourites.
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They didn’t deliver on the day, winning one of four games to sit in last place heading in Sunday’s second round.
Granted, the side only sits one point behind fourth and just three points behind first, so by no means is the deficit impossible to rein in.
When you consider the side features the likes of Eva Reith-Snare, Sarah Barrett and Georgie Watson, it’s as likely the Maulers struggled to gel as anything.
It will be tough though, considering the side will be without skipper Ellen Van Hoek.
“The Maulers just didn’t really get their game together in that first round,” Superleague coordinator Scott Baker said.
“Ellen is out for this round and that will hurt the Maulers but she’ll be replaced by Confederates Premier League Hockey ace Millah Allcorn.”
The Volvo Vikings also have forced changes leading into Sunday’s second round too.
Ellen (Van Hoek) is out for this round and that will hurt the Maulers but she’ll be replaced by Confederates Premier League Hockey ace Millah Allcorn.
- Superleague coordinator Scott Baker
The Vikings, sitting fourth, will be without skipper and former Australian representative Madie Smith and also Ex-Services striker Jade Williams.
While those two leave a huge hole in the pink and golds’ line-up, the inclusion of talented duo Rachel Goodlock and Rachel Hinds will go a long way to filling it.
The Claire Goodall-led Suzuki Strikers, a side which featured in three shoot-outs in round one and leads the competition by a point, will be looking to build on its round one performance and solidify its status as title favourite.
In the men’s competition,
the Nic Milne-led JDM Jokers are enjoying outright first after the opening set of games, the battle for the minor placings is a fierce one.
The Volvo Vikings, Mazda Maulers and Renault Royals are locked in a three-way fight for second, with two wins and two losses apiece.
The Royals will be without Michael Dillon and James Shakeshaft this weekend, replaced by the brothers Shea – Louis and Gerry.
But the side with the most on the line is undeniably the reigning champions, and last-placed, Suzuki Strikers.
If Alex Said’s side wants to keep its dream of back-to-back titles alive, winning is the only option in Sunday’s fixtures.
Considering they boast just one win, with a loss or two on Sunday the Strikers would risk losing touch with the top sides completely.
Round one kicks off at 10am on Sunday, with round and important information to be given out from 9.45am, but before that former Wanderers star Daryl Kennewell will hold a goalkeeping clinic.
There will be a clinic revolving around attacking play too, both clinics start at 8.30am.