AN already fierce women's Premier League Hockey rivalry between Bathurst City and St Pat's will have added spice this Saturday afternoon with both teams intent on proving a point.
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Having been held scoreless over the first two rounds of the season before finally tasting success against Lithgow Zig Zag a fortnight ago, City player-coach Lisa Quinn wants her players to show they are finals material.
She believes a win over defending premiers St Pat's is the way to do just that.
"We are out there to prove that we are still top four material and that we can mix it with the best, play with the best and beat the better teams," Quinn said.
"This is definitely a big moment for us and I'm sure Pat's will be having a similar talk with their players.
"It's a game we are all keen to play, we are all keen to see the result and where we stand. Given the first three rounds and the situations we've been in - both losing to CYMS - I think this is a real crucial moment for both our teams."
After missing the 4-0 win over Zig Zag, striker Casey Bayliss will return, as will defenders Sarah McCusker and Ali Wilson plus midfielder Kirsten Howard.
The presence of that experienced quartet, added to the confidence boost that came with finding the mark against Zig Zag, is something Quinn feels will serve City well.
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"Scoring goals is always a nice feeling. It has the girls thinking 'You know what? We can do this, we can put them away.' They are definitely keen to put a few more away too," she said.
As for her rival mentor Jaden Ekert, the challenge he has issued his Saints is to put a horror performance against Orange CYMS behind them. They lost that match 4-0.
While Sophie Conroy, Emma White and Ella Davis will all miss the derby, Mish Somers and Amy Glenn are set to return.
"We took two steps back in that CYMS game. I wasn't there, but from what I know CYMS was the best they've been in two years and we were probably our worst," Ekert said.
"But the only way is up, we took two steps back so we've got to take five steps forward - we are out to prove a point that's for sure.
"The girls were annoyed an upset after that game in Orange, they knew they shouldn't play the way we did, but unfortunately for the next team we play, it means they will feel our wrath.
"I'm expecting big things, attitude-wise the girls know they need to bring it."
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Over the past five years City has had the better of its clashes with the Saints, winning nine of their past 12 encounters.
City has also twice held the Saints scoreless in that run.
However, the most recent meeting between the pair belonged to the Saints - a 4-1 result in July last year.
Saturday's match at Bob Roach Field starts at 1.50pm.