The Maitland Rams will play three games in the next 11 days with one goal in mind – winning.
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The Rams must win all three remaining matches in the Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League to give themselves any chance of keeping their premiership hopes alive.
The boys in black and white, on the edge of the top four, start their charge home tonight in Newcastle against second-placed Souths, then meet competition front runners Norths in Maitland on Sunday, before a potential season-deciding final-round clash with fourth-placed semi-final challengers The Entrance on the Central Coast on August 31.
“We have one goal and that is to win all three,” Rams player-coach Nathan Baker said.
A slow start to the season has been countered by an unbeaten run of five, putting the Rams back in the picture for play-offs.
The streak began on July 13 with a 3-2 victory against The Entrance, was followed by a 1-all draw with University and has culminated in consecutive conquests of Tigers (6-2), third-placed Gosford (3-1) and Wests (5-2).
But despite the good form, which has coincided with the return of key brothers Peter and Ben Urquhart, the Rams still aren’t guaranteed a finals berth if they reign supreme in their next three fixtures.
The Rams are in sixth spot and four points, or two wins, outside the semi-final positions.
It means the Rams (14 points) must win and rely on results going their way, especially those involving University (16) and The Entrance (18) just above them on the ladder.
Baker knows the reality of the situation and the fact an inferior goal difference doesn’t help but the striker holds onto a glimmer of hope.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be enough but we can only do what we can do and control what we can control,” he said.
“We are relying on other results but you just never know ... we will have to wait and see.”
The Rams will more than likely play without Peter Urquhart tonight and Sunday with NSW trials currently being held in Sydney.
Urquhart, also playing with Sydney club the Norwest Strikers, made his debut with the state side at last year’s Australian Hockey Championships and wants to retain his position for the 2014 tournament.
The Rams tackle Souths at Newcastle International Hockey Centre tonight at 7pm while Sunday’s match-up against Norths will be played at Maitland Hockey Centre at 3pm on Sunday.