Premier League Hockey: St Pat's secure finals place following round's cancellation

On one hand the Saints have secured their place in the finals thanks to their clash against Souths not going ahead but it robbed them of the chance to finish as minor premiers.

Perhaps more importantly, it took away match time for Pat's ahead of an important point of the season.

Saints coach Ben Weal said it's always disappointing to lose the chance to play a derby clash against Souths - which has now happened two matches in a row.

"They were really looking forward to that game. It's probably the biggest rivalry in Bathurst hockey so it's a game they're always excited for. At the end of the day, what can you do?" Weal said.

"That's two years in a row now that they've lost this game with Souths, at a time when they've probably had the upper hand on them too."

The result means that Pat's will be the only Bathurst side to reach the finals series, with the washed out round leaving Souths and Bathurst City unable to reach the top four.

Pat's still have a lot to play for next Saturday against City.

A win in the last round can put the Saints within to victories of the title and almost guarantee them a major semi-final place.

Weal said the top two finish has been on the Saints' radar for a long time and they won't want to give that away at the last possible moment.

"We're on equal points with Feds but better on for and against, so if we can win well then we'll hold onto second place. That's what we have to do, just look ahead to next week and give ourselves the best preparation possible," Weal said.

"Hopefully we'll maintain second position and look towards finals. But the focus is looking at beating City and paying attention to the things that we can control."