A TOP four spot will be the aim for Dalefield in the Wellington premier division men's hockey competition in 2006.
That's the word from new coach Craig Nielsen who sees no reason why they should not be competitive in the six-team series.
"We'll have enough talent in the squad to make the
top four and that's what our objective has to be," he said. "It's a big ask but it is achievable and we'll be going for it."
Nielsen is unsure of the entire make-up of his squad with some players still to confirm their availability but he expects the bulk of it to come from last year's line-up.
"Right now we probably have about 12 players who have indicated they will be available so we're still looking around in that respect," he said. "Another three or four are possibles and hopefully they will come on board."
Good news is that national age group player and Wellington senior rep Daniel Juno is among the definite starters despite the fact he is now based in the Manawatu.
And also heartening is the gain of a Manawatu under-18 rep in Willie Cobham, who will play in the halves. One of the missing could be a stalwart of the Dalefield team over many years, Michael Hicks, who has hinted at retirement but whose services will be sought by Nielsen, particularly in the early stages of the competition, while combinations are still being developed.
Nielsen, who helped bring the Fielding club side from third division through to first division in the Manawatu competition., is hopeful of organising two warm-up games for his side before the competition proper gets under way on April 1.
He said the emphasis there would be on playing the structured style of hockey which would be necessary for success at premier division level.
"Getting structure into the game is so important. You can't do without it," he said.
ends.
