HOCKEY
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University's Heath Ogilvie believes a tactical change in defence has helped contribute to the Students’ high-scoring start to the season.
After several key squad changes in the off-season, the 2013 runners-up have accumulated 30 goals in the opening four rounds, including a 10-1 drubbing of Dapto before the Easter break.
Ogilvie put it down to the Students’ high-pressing defensive line, which has moved them back level on top of the table with defending premiers Albion Park.
‘‘We have been really just focusing on putting the other team under more pressure coming out of the backs to create more opportunities up front,’’ Ogilvie said.
‘‘We are playing a bit of a high-pressure game which seems to be working with the amount of goals we are scoring.
‘‘But at the same time, if they can get through it we could concede a few goals as well.’’
While the change in tactics has been successful so far, Ogilvie maintained there was still plenty of time to continue improving as the season went on.
‘‘We’ve got 20 weeks to get it right before finals,’’ Ogilvie said.
‘‘At the beginning we just kind of relied on our bigger names but because of having more younger guys we had to change the way we play a bit.’’
The Students meet Robertson in round five, who are coming off a tight 6-4 loss to top-four rivals Wests.
‘‘Robertson are always tough.
‘‘They are a quick team and are always prone to get you on the counter attack, Ogilvie said.
‘‘It will be hard to play our style against them. They don’t play as structured as most teams they just make a turnover and hit you on the counter really quick.
‘‘We will have to try and nullify a few of their speedy guys up front.’’